Presentation to offer fundamentals of rain barrels

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Anyone interested in learning about rain barrels in the home landscape can do so at an upcoming Fundamentals for Rain Barrels presentation in April. “Rainwater harvesting is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly practice for consumers,” said Qing Luo, Oklahoma State University associate professor and OSU Extension landscape architecture specialist. “It’s a great way to conserve water, which can cut down on your utility bill. It also can help reduce the demand…

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Not all insects are a threat in the garden

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – When gardeners see insects in the garden, they often fear these multi-legged creatures will chew and chomp their way through the landscape and leave a trail of destruction in their wake. While there are some insects capable of such damage in a garden – including aphids, cutworms and caterpillars – many insects are actually beneficial and are found anywhere from below the soil surface to the tree canopy,…

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When the budget is tight, beef is still an option

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – The price of beef has skyrocketed since 2020, and consumers are looking for ways to trim their grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. “From the beginning of the pandemic to the fourth quarter of 2021, choice box beef, which is equivalent to a carcass level price, is up 28.5%,” said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist. “Even when you compare prices from the initial pandemic shutdown when meat…

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Stop before you lop – a quick guide to winter pruning

By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – To prune or not to prune? That is the question. When Oklahoma experiences warmer weather in the winter months, homeowners may want to take advantage of the milder temperatures and get a head start pruning trees and shrubs in the landscape. The purpose of pruning is to maintain the intended purpose of the plants in the landscape, improve plant appearance and protect people and property. For security purposes,…

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Beetle saliva shows potential to create a natural antibiotic

By Alisa Boswell-Gore By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University scientists are excited about a brown goo secreted by a rare beetle. Why all the excitement over bug saliva? Because it could lead to the creation of a natural antibiotic and meat preservative, according to Wyatt Hoback, associate professor in the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. American burying beetles seek out small animal carcasses and work together to bury it in…

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Winter is a great time for garden planning

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Although the landscape may be bleak in the winter, now is the time for gardeners – those with established green thumbs and those who are just starting out – to get started on their gardening plans for the upcoming growing season. Oklahoma State University Extension offers a variety of gardening information online, but there’s one publication that is especially helpful to gardeners - especially novice gardeners. The Oklahoma Garden Planning Guide is chocked…

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Biosecurity survey to benefit cow-calf production

By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – A survey to be administered by Oklahoma State University researchers has the potential to improve production within the cow-calf industry. In a joint effort with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, OSU faculty and Extension specialists will distribute a survey to learn about the biosecurity practices of cow-calf producers. The survey, funded by a $128,375 National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program grant,…

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Organic or GMO? Experts explain food lingo

By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – As Oklahomans start a new year with new nutrition goals and eating habits, they’re faced with an overwhelming amount of industry diet terms and food lingo. Experts from the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at Oklahoma State University clarified some of the most common references. Organic The difference between conventional (non-organic) and organic food involves how it is grown and manufactured. While both foods follow regulations and guidelines to…

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Extend the life of a Christmas tree after the holidays

By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma families looking for a fun activity after the holidays should look no further than the fresh-cut Christmas tree in their living room. The tree came into the home from nature and now, after the sound of jingle bells fade away, it can be returned to nature. “Once the ornaments and lights have been removed, consider using the fresh-cut tree to help the wildlife in your…

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