Cow-calf producers should record multiple births in their herds

By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Cow-calf producers need to keep recordkeeping and genetic drift in mind when cattle births result in twins that are a heifer calf and a bull calf. “This condition – called freemartinism – causes infertility in most of the female cattle born twin to a male,” said Dana Zook, Oklahoma State University Extension area livestock specialist for northwestern Oklahoma. “Freemartinism is recognized as one of the most severe…

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Immune system tips offered

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – While medical researchers worldwide race to develop a cure for COVID-19, people can work to strengthen their immune systems and stay as healthy as possible, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist. A few easy and practical habits might make a big difference in the long run – emotionally as well as physically. “The immune system is actually made up of a network of cells,…

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OSU to celebrate meat sciences at annual event

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is celebrating 100 years of meat science during the annual Animal Sciences Weekend in early April. The weekend will kick off with a scholarship banquet April 3 at the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development and run through April 5 with the Cowboy Classic production sale at the Purebred Beef Center. Highlights will include tours of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural…

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Learn more about soil health and composting at free workshop

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Those interested in soil health and composting should mark their calendars for March 10 and attend the Community Soil Health and Compost Workshop. This event will feature industry specialists and experts who will provide the latest, research-based information on these topics. The workshop is free and open to the public. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Great Plains Technology center, 4500…

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Oklahoma Irrigation Conference slated March 3 in Altus

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Agriculture producers looking for information about increasing water-use efficiency should make plans to attend the Oklahoma Irrigation Conference slated March 3 in Altus, Oklahoma. Saleh Taghvaeian, Oklahoma State University Extension water resource specialist, said attendees will receive the latest research-based information on many topics related to irrigation. “It’s important for producers to make informed decisions when it comes to water. Water is an important and much-needed resource,”…

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OSU receives $3.1 million research grant to improve sorghum data and savings

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. — A recent $3.1 million grant awarded to Oklahoma State University to study greenhouse gas emissions is expected to help sorghum farmers save money and improve the industry’s sustainable field management practices. The three-state research project approved under the SMARTFARM program of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is headed by Gopal Kakani, professor of crops, energy and climate in the OSU Department of…

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OSU set to host free backyard fruit tree workshop

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Do you have an interest in growing fruit trees in your landscape? Do you already have a few trees, but you would like more information to enhance your production efforts? If so, mark your calendar for Feb. 15 and attend the Backyard Fruit Tree Workshop hosted by Oklahoma State University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. This informative workshop will take place from 1 p.m. to 4…

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Nighttime Feeding, Daytime Calving

No matter when you calve your spring-calving herd, it is a good reminder to change the feeding schedule for part, if not all, of the spring-calving cow herd. It is generally accepted that adequate supervision at calving has a significant effect on reducing calf mortality. Saving every calf is always important to the bottom line, but takes on additional urgency when profit margins are narrow. On most ranching operations, supervision of the first-calf…

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Deicing methods can be harmful to plants and hardscapes

Oklahoma is no stranger to cold and ice. When the temperature drops and leaves a layer of ice on everything, getting from one place to the next can pose a hazard. This is the time of year when public safety is a high priority. In order for roads and sidewalks to be safe for motorists and pedestrians, the use of deicing compounds is a must. While these deicing compounds make it safer for…

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It could be time for some new (food safety) traditions

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – The holiday season is upon us and in full swing. Menus are being planned and long standing family favorite recipes will likely grace the table as family and friends gather to celebrate. This time of year can be nostalgic for some old family holiday traditions. While some of these traditions are perfectly fine, it may be time to change things up just a bit in an effort…

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