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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NEXRAD radar used to predict bird collisions

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are familiar with tornado warnings, but what about bird warnings? New research conducted by Oklahoma State University scientists and published in the “Journal of Applied Ecology” indicates weather radars are effective tools for not only predicting weather but also bird collisions.  As many as 1 billion birds die each year from colliding with windows or buildings, but the casualties are not those of pigeons or other invasive species most commonly found…

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Getting an orphan foal to nurse an immediate need

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – An orphan foal still needs another mare or a person to provide milk and care, especially during the first vital days of life.  “The most immediate need for foals orphaned at birth is getting the animal colostrum within 24 hours after birth,” said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine specialist. “Since antibody transfer normally occurs when a foal nurses on its dam’s colostrum, another source must be found.” …

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Cattle producers should know signs of foot rot in livestock

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Excessive rain is a signal for cattle producers to keep an eye out for lameness in their animals, the first sign of foot rot.  Foot rot is a painful condition that can become chronic if treatment is not provided, allowing for other aspects of the animal’s health to be affected as well, said Dr. Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian and food animal quality and health specialist. To…

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Preparation helps foaling go smoother for both mares and horse managers

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horse owners who take a few steps to prepare for foaling can promote a smoother birthing process for their broodmares, according to Oklahoma State University Extension recommendations.  “A foaling mare should be as relaxed as possible and settled into a routine – stalled at night and turned out during the day, weather permitting,” said Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist with the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “Nighttime…

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Free environmental law enforcement training available April 1

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – A Sunday drive down the backroads of Oklahoma to enjoy the countryside can be a relaxing adventure – at least until the route crosses an unsightly, illegal and dangerous dumpsite. To help reclaim the rural environment, Oklahoma State University Extension is joining forces with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development to host the Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training Seminar. The free event will take place…

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