By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – When at home during stormy weather, Oklahomans understand all too well the importance of paying attention to news media updates and the family plan to head to a safe location when tornado sirens sound. Knowing what to do on the road is a different matter, however. Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist, said drivers cannot outrun danger. “Seeking a safe place to shelter…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – While many people are doing their part by social distancing in an effort to remain healthy and protect the community, there are others looking to make a quick buck. Those fraudulent marketers are popping up and promoting various products that claim to help prevent or treat COVID-19, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist. “Fraudulent COVID-19 products can come in many varieties, including dietary supplements…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Researchers from Oklahoma State University are partnering with university scientists and researchers in two other states on a project using fire and mixed animal species to graze in an effort to enhance livestock production and more sustainable rangelands. Enhancing Livestock Production from Rangelands in the Great Plains is a research project funded through a five-year, $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of…
Cow-calf producers may find two-stage weaning process useful By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Cattle producers with fall-calving herds who are contemplating upcoming weaning choices have several options to reduce animal stress. “Many people eat a lot when they are stressed, but calves tend to do the opposite,” said Earl H. Ward, Oklahoma State University Extension area livestock specialist for northeastern Oklahoma. “This can lead to health concerns such as depressed immune systems…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,”…
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…