Ticks and fleas are a year-round problem for pets

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Pet owners may think fleas and ticks are a seasonal issue, but experts with Oklahoma State University Extension say these pests can be a year-round problem. “Ticks and fleas are an issue for all animals, but pets in particular,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian about what type of preventative measures…

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How to transition potted plants indoors for winter

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – The seasons are changing, and gardeners are transitioning their potted plants indoors for the winter. To prevent plants from losing their leaves once inside, Oklahoma State University Extension recommends allowing them time to adjust to their new environment. David Hillock, OSU Extension horticulture specialist, said plants should be moved before night temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, plants will suffer damage if exposed for an extended amount of time. “Don’t make…

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Tips homeowners can use to prep landscapes for winter

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – As the weather cools down, homeowners are likely giving their lawnmowers a bit of a reprieve from summer activity, but don’t put that machine away for the season quite yet. Casey Hentges, host of Oklahoma State University Agriculture’s award-winning television show Oklahoma Gardening, offers some helpful tips for homeowners for preparing their lawns for winter. “There are a few things that people should be doing with their lawns and…

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Cracking the case on rural well water

By Gail Ellis  STILLWATER, Okla. – For rural residents who rely on their own wells for household use, testing is often the only line of defense in protecting families and animals from unsafe drinking water. Individual well systems that populate Oklahoma’s rural landscape can potentially run dry, become contaminated from a flood or nearby septic system, or contain harmful levels of nitrates and minerals. Oklahoma State University Extension supports research conducted by faculty and scientists at the Oklahoma…

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OSU receives $2.6 million grant to study regenerative agriculture

By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University has received more than $2.6 million to research ways to improve agricultural production while reducing environmental impacts, said Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center at Oklahoma State University. It will require a holistic approach, Wagner said. Climate, livestock grazing, crop rotation, hydrology, regional economics and more – the systems in regenerative agriculture are just too large, complex and intertwined for a simple solution. To that…

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Mobile Farmers Market helps youth learn about nutrition

By Trisha Gedon By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Students at Zion Public School in Stilwell, Oklahoma, recently set aside their traditional reading, writing and arithmetic studies for lessons on healthy eating, produce and budgeting. More than 100 students in first through third grades had an opportunity to shop at the Mobile Farmers Market set up in the school’s gymnasium, thanks to the High Obesity Prevention Program through Oklahoma State University Extension. Jessie Collins, HOP Program…

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Prepare farm and ranch equipment for winter storage

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – With colder weather just around the corner, many farmers and ranchers are preparing to store machinery for the winter. Rodents will be eyeing that same machinery for another reason – as a cozy place to shelter for a few months. “There are dozens of nooks and crannies under the hood of a piece of farm machinery that are attractive to many rodent species,” said Kevin Shelton, Oklahoma State…

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Analyze Cow Production Performance at Weaning

Identify the cow herd’s performance and see where improvements can be made with these calculations. by Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Regular and consistent performance analysis can help a cow-calf operation: 1) identify where the business has excelled, as well as opportunities for improvement; 2) make informed management decisions; and 3) formulate goals and monitor progress toward goals. Analyzing cow herd performance for only one year will not accomplish all the above. Regular…

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OSU Extension offers Halloween safety tips

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – When children dress up as their favorite superhero, princess or goblin, they likely have one thing on their mind: trick-or-treating and filling their candy container to the brim. But parents know there’s more to celebrating the holiday than choosing a costume and ringing neighborhood doorbells. Taking precautions ensures Halloween is both fun and safe, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Extension housing and consumer specialist and interim associate dean. “The…

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OSU scientists develop new test for anaplasmosis in livestock

By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University scientists have developed a screening tool for anaplasmosis in livestock, which has the potential to save producers a lot of time and money. The current industry standard for anaplasmosis detection in cattle, sheep and goats is the cELISA, a diagnostic tool that tells producers their livestock are infected with a disease. However, the test does not specifically indicate anaplasmosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through tick bites. This…

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