editor's blog
By OSU Extension Services
The battle with false chinch bugs in canola may be over, but these pests thrive in drought conditions and are not above targeting additional crops, such as those raised by Oklahoma sorghum and soybean growers.
These insects typically feed on plants in the mustard and beet family, but when their preferred foods dry up because of plant maturity or having been sprayed with a burndown before planting in no-till operations, the pests leave in search of other tasty treats.
By Tracy Steffenson
I absolutely hate the fact that we've become a country where all that matters is "me" and "now." America was once a country where people worked together to form a society which looked out for each other while pulling their own weights, like ants; instead we have become a society of individuals, a society of wolves.
By OSU Extension Services
Ongoing drought conditions in the southern Great Plains states make it increasingly likely the rebuilding of the United States’ cow herd will take four years or more.
For the year to date, beef cow slaughter decreased 4.4 percent nationally while beef cow slaughter in Region 6, which closely corresponds to the drought area, increased 11.7 percent.
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Blood donors aren’t the only ones who “feel strong” when they donate with Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI). Patients who rely on blood from local donors also feel strong knowing blood is available, if needed.
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The Oklahoma City Zoo has, once again, joined OBI this summer by providing a voucher, good for two tickets to the Oklahoma City Zoo, for each donor.
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By OSU Extension Services
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Many Oklahomans are now faced with a massive cleanup job as several tornados recently ripped through the state. The storms left much destruction in their wakes, including houses, cars and trees.
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Property owners are now forced to bust out the chainsaw and begin carving away.
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However, proper preparation is necessary to ensure that the chainsaw does not mistake an arm or leg for a fallen tree. Not just the preparation of the saw is important, but also personal preparation of the saw handler.
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By Beth Pike, OSU Extension Office
When the storm sirens are sounding, there are just a few precious moments available to get your family to safety. This is not the time to be looking for car keys, locating important papers or gathering up emergency supplies.
“When those sirens go off, time is limited. The people of Joplin, Missouri, had about a 20-minute notice before a twister wiped out a big chunk of their city,” says Gina Peek. “Don’t waste that time looking for things. It’s a much better idea to be prepared ahead of time.”
By Tracy Steffenson
In the USA we celebrate Flag Day on June 14th, and what better way to remember the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777 than to talk about proper flag etiquette. There are certain guidelines for the use, display, and disposal of the American flag. Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette and that section of law is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Here are some of the general guidelines from the Flag Code.
• The flag should be displayed on all Government buildings.
By OSU Extension Service
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For many children, flavored milk is a popular choice. However, flavored milk has come under fire lately as being a cause of childhood obesity and some schools are considering dropping the option of flavored milk.
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Deana Hildebrand, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist, said flavored milk offers the same unique nutrient package of nine essential nutrients as unflavored or white milk.
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BY OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL
There are 4 classes for drivers licenses which the State of Oklahoma issue. How does a driver now which class of license is needed to operate a motor vehicle? The answers can be found by looking at the state laws.
BY TRACY STEFFENSON
While we all prepare to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 30, 2011 a friend of mine, Verne Jackson, passed on some interesting information. And I was surprised when I read it and realized I didn’t know it.
This is something that I feel every American should know. We have all heard the haunting song “Taps” that is commonly played at soldier’s funerals. It is the song that gives us chills and can bring a tear to your eye with only a few notes.
