By Lauren Raley STILLWATER, Okla. – Now that fall has fallen, Oklahoma gardeners can turn to Oklahoma State University Extension for helpful tips on how to prepare for the end of the year. OSU Extension’s fall gardening fact sheet includes a wide range of vegetables that can outlast other summer crops, as well as how to prepare the soil for the next growing season. The foundation for a healthy garden is keeping crops properly watered and monitoring…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Those interested in learning more about rural renewal should make plans to attend the virtual 2020 Rural Renewal Symposium. Slated Oct. 13, the virtual symposium will feature research presentations on the latest work in rural renewal and roundtable sessions for community leaders to discuss strategies that have worked in their own communities. This symposium will engage leaders and researchers in rural renewal from Oklahoma, the United States…
Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Cull cows represent approximately 20% of the gross income of any commercial cow operation. Cull beef cows represent 10% of the beef that is consumed in the United States. Therefore, ranchers need to make certain that cow culling is done properly and profitably. Selling cull cows when they will return the most income to the rancher requires knowledge about cull cow health and body condition. Proper cow culling…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – One way to kick up the flavor a notch in the kitchen is to use fresh herbs when cooking. Although dried herbs give personality to time-honored recipes, fresh herbs typically have a bigger burst of flavor. With summer winding down, some gardeners may find themselves with an abundance of herbs they do not want to go to waste before the cold weather zaps the plants, said Barbara…
By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Scientists at Oklahoma State University are giving wheat farmers new options to plant in their fields soon, five wheat varieties that build on years of research and careful selection of the best traits. Five is a large number even for OSU, which is known for its industry-shaping genetics program and nearly annual releases. However, Brett Carver, who holds the Wheat Breeding Genetics Chair in Agriculture, said optimal conditions…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – There is nothing quite like the taste of a tomato picked fresh off the vine. But with the season quickly coming to a close, some gardeners may feel a little sad knowing that vine-fresh taste is fleeting. Fortunately, gardeners do have the ability to extend the flavor of summer just a little longer, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “We’re just now starting to feel the…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Many gardeners across the state are finding themselves with excess fresh fruits and vegetables. Although the family can consume a fair amount of the garden bounty before it spoils, canning that food is a great way to reduce waste and preserve that summer-fresh taste all year long. Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Extension food specialist, said there are several safe methods of canning food at home. “The key to…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Ongoing Oklahoma State University research into soil pH is providing insights for wheat producers looking at planting cotton in their crop rotation. Many producers already recognized that the lack of agricultural liming in traditional wheat fields could be a challenge with growing cotton, but specifics as to how different soil pH levels might affect the second crop’s performance was an unknown factor, said Brian Arnall, OSU Extension precision crop…
By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University Extension and animal medicine experts are launching a series of Thursday evening webinars to explore rural veterinary practice issues and beef sustainability. Each Zoom-based session, hosted jointly by the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Extension faculty, is approved for one hour of continuing education by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Producers as well as vets are welcome to bring their…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Students heading to college this fall soon will be packing suitcases and loading their vehicles full of mementoes and necessities for their new home away from home. The transition typically involves personal belongings that carry high monetary costs as well as emotional value, said Cindy Clampet, Oklahoma State University Extension family resource management assistant specialist. “When it comes to school supplies, renter’s insurance is just as important as a…