Get the most out of higher cattle placement weights in feedlots

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – The rising feedlot cost of gain in the southern Great Plains should have cattle producers considering economic opportunities for operations in forage-based stocker and backgrounding programs, said Oklahoma State University Extension experts.  Cost of gain, or the expense of gaining a pound of livestock bodyweight, involves several critical factors such as feed costs, flesh condition, animal genetics, weather and cattle health. When grain prices rise and cost of gain…

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What’s in a serving? Nutrition Facts labels get an update

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently served up the first major change in 20 years to Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods and drinks. Adjustments in serving sizes, calories, percent daily values and nutrients on labels are now required by the FDA due to updated scientific information, new nutrition research and feedback from the public. These changes to the labels are intended to help consumers more effectively and…

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Squash bugs put damper on successful gardening

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardeners know that as the weather improves and temperatures rise, they’re getting closer to fresh produce such as squash, melons and cucumbers. Unfortunately, that excitement can be “squashed” when the squash bugs arrive, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “You certainly didn’t invite them into your garden, but they’ve moved in and are wreaking havoc, which can be extremely disappointing,” Hillock said. “The squash bug is…

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Producers save money, boost yields with OSU soil testing

By Gail Ellis   STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is a national leader in soil, water and forage testing. The commercial laboratory processes more than 60,000 samples a year and is accessible to the public through OSU Extension.  From cattle ranchers to urban gardeners, the state testing facility helps producers save money, increase yields and protect the environment. In Tulsa County, the OSU Extension office is a seasonal hot spot for vegetable growers and lawn care specialists seeking nutrient analysis of…

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Market recovery found among COVID-19 concerns, report finds

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – The agricultural industry has proven more resilient to pandemic disruptions than many had hoped, according to the latest market research by Oklahoma State University Extension experts. “The Oklahoma region is doing better than expected,” said Courtney Bir, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and OSU Extension specialist. “People are still concerned about travel, but they’re not so concerned about finding meat, milk, eggs and other food items at their local grocery…

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Creep feeding a good practice for raising foals

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – A nursing foal’s nutritional requirements will exceed the mare’s ability to supply nutrients to the foal through its milk a few months after birth, underscoring the need to provide access to solid foods.  Commonly called creep feeding, research indicates the practice will not only provide many of the necessary nutrients for sound bone and muscle growth, it also will lessen weaning stress, said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University…

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Land rentals reported for crops, pasture

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – The cost to rent cropland held steady through the pandemic last year while pasture rentals fell slightly overall, according to the latest studies by Oklahoma State University Extension. The biannual pair of market surveys of agricultural landowners found mixed results, said Roger Sahs, OSU Extension agricultural economist. “People reading this data might be somewhat surprised and have questions about crop commodity prices, which were dismal and disappointing in the…

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Straw bale gardening is great alternative to traditional gardening

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardening is a popular hobby for many people, but obstacles such as poor soil quality, limited space and temporary housing can frustrate even the most dedicated green thumbs. Fortunately, there is an alternative for growing flowers, herbs and vegetables, said Casey Hentges, host of the Oklahoma State University Extension television program Oklahoma Gardening. “Straw bale gardening is great for those who, for whatever reason, are unable to garden in the…

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Know the basics of poultry care, handling and the risks of Salmonella

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Baby chicks are popular gifts in the spring, but it is important to remember that even birds that look healthy can transmit Salmonella, said Oklahoma State University Extension specialists.  The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention final update on the 2020 Salmonella outbreak associated with backyard poultry indicated there were a total of 1,722 cases of Salmonella infections in people in the United States. More than 3,300 people were hospitalized with the disease…

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Oklahoma wheat crop looks good, but growers need to remain vigilant

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – The cool, wet weather of recent weeks has been favorable for the Oklahoma wheat crop, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rated as being 62% in good to excellent condition.  “In spite of extremely cold weather that hit Oklahoma in February, we didn’t see much of an impact except for those areas that didn’t have much snow cover to insulate and protect the crop,” said Amanda…

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