December 3, 2019 Issue, Page 5 of 10

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Agriculture Tuesday, December 3, 2019 (i The Elk City News, Elk City, Oklahoma Page 5 Winter Protection of . . Broadleaf Evergreens A group of plants that Boxwoods seem to be or out. upon the type of plants used; often experience winter more susceptible to winter The container chosen is up media should drain well, but damage are the broadleaf damage. Boxwoods placed hold adequate moisture and to the taste of the individu- evergreens such as hollies in sites exposed to winter al, but there are some basic should not be very fertile. and boxwood. Water loss winds tend to experience considerations. A container Fertile soil will encourage can cause severe damage to more damage. Provide wind needs to have enough room rapid growth. Fast-draining broadleaf evergreens dur- protection for plants in ex- for the plants it will contain, media contains sand, perlite ing winter when high winds posed situations by creating as well as the media to sup- and other ingredients that or temporary warm weather a simple wind break. Use port those plants. Drainage expedite drainage to prevent causes a plant to give off an snow fences or stretch bur- holes are another key fac- cactus and other succulents unusually high amount of lap between stakes or over a tor. Do not use a layer of from sitting in water for too moisture. lattice frame set next to the gravel at the bottom of the When this water loss oc- boxwood. Or you can stick pot for drainage; a layer of long. curs at times when the pine boughs in the ground gravel will actually hinder When designing the dish ground is frozen, roots can- around plants to form a wind water movement away from garden, keep in mind that not take up moisture to re- break. When planting box- roots. The composition of plants in groups of odd Brooklyn Bailey of Hydro shows off her numbers (three, five, etc.) place lost water. The result woods, it is best to avoid ex- the container needs to be champion shorthorn at the 38th Annual Okla- is a browning or burning of posed, windy sites. are often perceived as more considered—plastic pots get homa National Junior Heifer Show Nov. 23 in the foliage. Large boxwoods and oth- brittle outdoors in the sun, aesthetically pleasing. Many Elk City. The event was held in the Elk City Various management er evergreens prone to ice and outdoor clay pots need people choose to make dish Convention Center Complex. Staff photo by practices may help to pre- damage may be protected by more frequent watering, for gardens similar to floral ar- Don Munsch. vent winter damage. Make wrapping the outer branches example. Succulents don’t rangements, with a “thriller” sure the plants enter the dor- with strong nylon cord. Tie need as deep a dish as other (tall plant in the middle), a mant season in a healthy and the cord securely to a low plants, since they can toler- “filler” (bushy plants that Send us your vigorous condition with ad- branch, pressing the boughs ate shallow rooting. fill voids in the pot) and a equate soil moisture. Check upwards and inward; wrap Plants used in dish gar- “spiller” (trailing plants that to see that the center of the cord in an upward spiral dens generally stay small or hang over the side). Others around the bush, having are slow growing. It is es- like to use plants to make plant is free of dead leaves Santa Letters! cords 8 to 10 inches apart. sential to select plants with miniature scenes, complete and other debris. And be sure to continue watering dur- Have cord tight enough to similar watering and light with miniature hardscaping ing the dry winter months. prevent breakage from ex- needs for a successful dish or figurines, to portray fairy Monitor weather conditions cess weight of snow or ice, garden. Planting a succulent, gardens, jungle environ- and water during extended but not tight enough to ex- which needs a fast-draining ments, or model parks. Dish Santa Letters will be published dry periods or about one to clude air circulation around soil to avoid overwatering, gardens give free rein to cre- two times per month. Water the plant. together with a nerve plant, December 20th. To be only when air temperatures Dish Gardens which likes moist soil and ativity once the basic plant needs are met. are above 40 degrees F. Ap- Dish gardens are a type thrives in high humidity, considered for publication, ply water at midday so it will of container garden, usually is going to create a diffi- For more information on please send them in by have time to soak in before made with shallow, open cult maintenance situation creating dish gardens see our possible freezing at night. dishes or bowls and with at best. Plants with similar fact sheet HLA-6451 Dish December 12 to Mulch the plant with wood multiple plants in one con- growing conditions have Gardens chips to reduce water loss tainer. The plants may be the best chance at creating For more information con- [email protected] or to 109 from the soil. Mulch also of the same or different spe- a pleasant, low-maintenance tact Greg Hartman Beck- protects the plant by pre- cies. Often, plants are cho- dish garden. ham/Washita County Exten- W. Broadway, Elk City, OK 73644. venting rapid temperature sen to add color or texture The media chosen for the sion office at 580-928-2139 changes at the soil surface. to a space, whether indoors pot will vary, depending or 580-832-3356. Cattle industry focus on animal health begins at the ranch The U.S. beef and cattle cow over the same period. that average feedlot death apparent that improvements tant before cattle are market- genetic identification of dis- industry has increased pro- However, animal health loss has nearly doubled from in animal health must begin ed. Cattle arriving at stocker ease susceptibility; to im- duction and productivity in is one area that has actu- 0.82 percent in 1995-1996 at the cow-calf level. There and feedlot operations are proved economic incentives many respects in the past ally gotten worse in the past to 1.60 percent in the most are several reasons for this. already subjected to patho- for better coordination of several decades. Total beef 25 years, with respiratory recent 24 months. Respira- It is known that the inci- gen exposure and the stress animal health management production in 2020 is pro- disease the biggest health tory disease is a significant dence and virulence of BRD of commingling and ship- across multiple production jected at a record 27.3 bil- problem in the beef indus- source of animal morbidity is increased by the stressors ping which compromise the sectors. Improved animal lion pounds. Cattle carcass try. Bovine Respiratory and mortality at the stocker involved in cattle produc- ability of vaccines to support health management not only weights have increased an Disease (BRD) causes 70-80 and cow-calf levels as well. tion especially weaning, animal health at that point. increases ranch returns but average of 5 pounds per year percent of feedlot morbidity BRD causes the most eco- commingling and shipping Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus increases value to the entire for the past 25 years. Beef and 40-50 percent of feedlot nomic losses at the stocker/ cattle. While shipping and (BVDv) is one component industry. production per cow has in- mortality. Feedlot survey backgrounding and feedlot commingling cattle are un- of BRD and, though it oc- For more information con- creased over 100 pounds per data from Kansas shows levels but it is increasingly avoidable, there are several curs with low incidence in tact Greg Hartman Beck- things cow-calf producers cow-calf operations, causes ham/Washita County Ex- can do to increase the odds significant reproductive and tension at 580-928-2139 or Brighten your pup’s holiday stay healthy to perform well of persistently infected (PI) that animals are healthy and in later production stages. pre-weaning losses when it occurs and is the source 580-832-3356. Oklahoma State Univer- sity, in compliance with Title with Pete’s Treats Preconditioning programs add value to cattle and the feeder cattle that contribute to BRD impacts in stocker Vi and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Or- value is consistently reflect- and feedlot operations. der 11246 as amended, Title (STILLWATER, Oklaho- orange treats benefits Pete’s the all-natural, preservative- ed in premiums for certified Castration, dehorning and ma, Noy. 25, 2019) — Dog Pet Posse, OSU’s pet therapy free recipe. preconditioned calves in deworming are all important IX of the Education Amend- owners looking for a new program that was established “Dogs love peanut but- sold under programs such as prior to marketing. Research ments of 1972, Americans tasty treat option to offer in 2013 to enhance physical ter, so that was a natural the Oklahoma Quality beef shows that males marketed with Disabilities Act of “man’s best friend” this hol- and emotional health among choice,” she said. “The in- 1990, and other federal laws Network (OQBN). Weaning as bulls are three times more iday season are in luck now students, faculty, staff and gredients are just wonderful is arguably the most impor- likely to get sick in stocker and regulations, does not that Oklahoma State Univer- campus guests. and healthy for the dogs.” tant component of precondi- and feedlot operations and discriminate on the basis of sity has announced Pete’s The partnership also pro- The treats are made with tioning and preconditioning have reduced performance, race, color, national origin, Treats. vides jobs for adults with human-grade _ ingredients protocols routinely call for due to both the stress of cas- sex, age, religion, disability, OSU First Cowgirl Ann developmental disabilities and packaged in environ- a minimum of 45 days of tration at heavier weights or status as a veteran in any Hargis, co-founder of Pete’s who bake and package the mentally friendly 100 per- weaning prior to marketing and also because lack of of its policies, practices or Pet Posse, always wanted product at 4RPUPS in Enid. cent compostable/recyclable calves. Anecdotal indica- castration is likely an indica- procedures. This includes the university to have its “It’s been a great partner- tions are that 45 days is be- tor of inadequate prior calf but is not limited to admis- ‘own dog treat and thanks to ship so far,” said Brorsen, material. students coming a bare minimum with health management, For sions, employment, _finan- Engineering a partnership with alumnus host of Animal Planet’s “My 60 or more days of weaning this reason, bull calves are cial aid, and educational created the treat cutters at Travis Brorsen, now it does. Big Fat Pet Makeover.” preferred by buyers strug- currently discounted roughly services. References within Pete’s Treats are available “When people buy these dog OSU’s ENDEAVOR lab, gling with the continuing seven percent at auction. this publication to any spe- at the OSU University Store, treats they’re providing ... and President Burns Hargis’ health challenges of cattle. Lifetime animal health cific commercial product, the Boren Veterinary Medi- their pets with a treat that is mother, Rosalie Hargis, who Calves noted as unweaned management is increasingly process, or service by trade cal Hospital, Three Dog way healthier than any treat passed away in 2011, funded are currently discounted four recognized as a significant name, trademark, service Bakery or at TravisBrorsen. they can buy ina store.” the entire project through an to over five percent in Okla- challenge for the beef cattle mark, manufacturer, or oth- com. Orders placed by Dec. Registered dietitian nutri- endowment. homa auctions. industry with implications erwise does not constitute or 15 are expected to be filled tionist Elizabeth Lohrman, To learn more about Complete vaccinations, ranging from fetal program- imply endorsement by Okla- before the holidays. who is also a Pete’s Pet Pos- the Pete’s Pet Posse, visit including two rounds of re- ming that impacts lifetime homa Cooperative Exten- A portion of sales of the se owner/handler, created pettherapy.okstate.edu. spiratory vaccine, are impor- health and productivity; to sion Service. Have a photo or story to tell? Reach out to us at [email protected]