Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources - Archive

Pittsburg County 4-H’er makes holiday special for thousands
Fifteen-year-old Reed Marcum has been spearheading an annual toy giveaway for four years, with 2020 being the biggest yet.

On-the-ranch herd health programs support healthy cattle markets
Bovine Respiratory Disease generates an estimated $800 million to $900 million annually in economic losses within the U.S. cattle industry.

Scours management begins well in advance of spring calving
Having discussions about scours management with a large animal veterinarian now will save time, energy and dollars later, and it improves overall animal welfare.

FAPC impacts food industry during a year of uncertainty
The year 2020 has been one of uncertainty, and there is no doubt the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the food industry. From temporarily closing of manufacturing plants to food product shortages, changes have been seen on a global scale. However, the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center continued to support innovation and growth of food and agricultural businesses throughout Oklahoma in 2020, providing a total economic impact of more than $6 million.

Cover crops offer potential grazing benefit for cattle operations
Producers who did not plant cover crops earlier this year should be making plans to maximize their grazing resources in 2021 by speaking with their Oklahoma State University Extension county agricultural educator.

Advisory board continues to support OSU food and ag
For the second time this year, the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center’s advisory board met online to discuss projects, programs and opportunities of the center.

Mesonet offers management tools to help producers promote cattle comfort
Blasts of cold winter weather interspersed with almost spring-like temperatures this time of year can be particularly stressful to cattle health and conditioning.

Keep food safety in mind when preparing holiday meals
The Christmas season is here, and many will be gathering around the dinner table enjoying their favorite holiday meals. The Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center wants to make sure families keep food safety tips in mind when preparing those holiday meals.

FAPC predicts top food trends for 2021
It’s been a long 365 days filled with uncertainty and change. The one constant, however, was a continued love for both food and cooking across the nation. Oklahoma State University's Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center predicts the top food trends for 2021.

Farm to You exhibit testing virtual pilot program
The exhibit is helping youngsters learn where their food comes from, nutrition, proper hygiene, physical activity and more.

Edwards Recognized for Completion of Food Systems Leadership Institute
A leader among leaders, Jeff Edwards, professor and head of the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, recently completed the Food Systems Leadership Institute.

Options still exist for Oklahoma pesticide applicators needing 2020 continuing education units
Many of the scheduled meetings and conferences that typically provide CEU credit were cancelled this year because of the coronavirus.

Yard work for the birds? Procrastination has its benefits
Leaves and limbs in the landscape provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Oklahoma Gardening TV show receives environmental award
Oklahoma Gardening television show recognized by Keep Oklahoma Beautiful.

Oklahoma State’s TAPS program lets farmers test drive new irrigation technologies
The TAPS program provides an expanded research framework where irrigation management treatments are based on producer experiences as well as those of scientists.

The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program and Oklahoma Farm Bureau have launched a safety course to help children and families learn how to minimize risks associated with ATVs.

Watch out for cattle eating oak leaves and acorns
The problem can be largely avoided by ensuring cattle have access to good grazing and supplemental feed.

Dine in to celebrate family and consumer sciences
National FCS organization promotes Dine in Day on Dec. 3.

Wheat pasture valuable forage resource when managed properly
Livestock should not be turned out onto wheat pasture until the plants are about six inches tall and have become well-rooted.