The annual Early Spring Roundup program, presented by the Carter, Jefferson, Love, and Marshall County OSU Extension offices, and hosted by the Red River Livestock Auction, is just around the corner. For those who are unfamiliar, the program consists of three sessions, held on successive Monday evenings, with nightly door prizes and a Grand Prize drawing for a Lincoln 225 Welder/Generator. To be eligible for the Grand Prize drawing, you must attend all three sessions.
The program agenda is as follows:
6 pm Monday, Jan. 29
Meal sponsored by Stillwater Milling Co.
Supplementing/Substituting Limited Wheat Pasture Availability; David Lalman, OSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
Techniques for the Judicious Use of Antibiotics; Dr. Elizabeth Geidt, OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
6 pmMonday, Feb. 5
Meal sponsored by Oklahoma Ag Credit
Oklahoma Fencing Laws; Shannon Ferrell, Assoc. Prof. for Agricultural Law, OSU Ag. Econ. Dept.
Clostridial Diseases: ID, Prevention, and Treatment; Barry Whitworth, DVM, OSU Extension Area Food/Animal Quality & Health Specialist
Farm Service Agency Updates; Ila Anderson, Carter/Love FSA Executive Directo
Coral and Facility Design; Chris Stansberry, Station Superintendent, OSU Beef Cattle Research Range
NRCS Updates; Warren Sanders, Love/Carter NRCS District Conservationist
Grand Prize Drawing
Registration is $25/person, which covers all three sessions. If you register prior to the first session, we have a special “Early Bird” drawing for a Stihl MS170 chainsaw, donated by Petit Machinery, 3-100 dose packs of Synovex C implants donated by Zoetis Animal Health, and a Brute ice chest donated by Multi-Min 90!
We appreciate our gracious Sponsors and their support, which includes MultiMin USA,
McKay Ag Services, Oklahoma Ag Credit, American Nation Bank, First United Bank of Madill, First Bank & Trust Company, Carter County Cattlemen’s Association, Red River Valley Rural Electric Association, Love/Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association, Love County Farm Bureau – Sam Barrick, Agent, and the First National Bank & Trust Company of Ardmore
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
To help prepare items to enter into the fair, we will provide the following workshops – Please call by 3 p.m. the day before to allow us time to make certain we have enough supplies available.
Workshops:
Thursday, July 18 – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Poster Art and Expressive Arts
Friday, July 19 – 9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Hand sewing project and Expressive Art
Jefferson County 4-H Kids Cooking in the Kitchen: Canning Workshop – make plum jelly on Thursday, August 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon. Class is limited to 8 – call to reserve your spot by 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 30.
Workshops will be held at the Jefferson County OSU Extension Office. 580-228-2332
Jefferson County Free Fair is scheduled for September 4-7 (Wednesday – Saturday), 2019. Our county fair is open to all ages! Fun activities include – Ice Cream Contest, Jefferson County Best Pie Maker contest, Jefferson County OHCE Quilt Turning, and other activities are in planning stages. Open classes offer opportunities to your variety of projects, hobbies, crafts and more.
All eligible 4-H entries will be given the opportunity to be entered and taken to the Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Jefferson County will follow the state fair information for 4-H classes. For 4-H entry projects ideas, go to 4h.okstate.edu/events-and –activities/state-events. Contact Tara Brown at 580-228-2332 for additional information.
Riddle: I am full of keys, but can’t open any door. What am I?
The Jefferson County OHCE will meet Tuesday, November 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Waurika Sr. Citizens Center.Come to eat lunch with us, stay and listen to our program “Repurposed Jars” presented by Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development.OHCE is open to any person who wishes to join.Melicia McFadden is our president and Deborah Farrar is our treasurer.
Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based program that focuses on improving functional ability, such as balance and physical function, to reduce fall-related risks and frequency.
The series of slow continuous movements of Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance help those participating reduce stress, increase balance and flexibility as well as learn relaxation to improve their overall mind, body, and spirit. Tai chi: Moving for Better Balance is for people at all levels of mobility and can be done while sitting. Tara Brown recently received her certification through the Injury Prevention Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health to teach this program.
The class is held at 9:30 a.m. Mondays through November 19th (and longer if requested), at the Ringling Community Building.We have begun a Thursday evening class from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. also at the Ringling Community Building. There is no cost to participate; come to join us!
Co-Parenting for Resilience:Divorce or separation is not an easy or favorable decision, especially when minor children are in the home.A class is available for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home.My next class is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Pre-registration is required. Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.This class is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through a divorce or separation.
Holiday Cooking under Pressure was presented by Tara Brown, Extension Educator for Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development Wednesday, November 7 at the Ringling Community Building.Tara spoke on the “fairly new” concept of cooking with Electric Pressure Cookers. There are several models from Instant Pot to Crock Pot to Power Pressure and more; each with the concept of using one pot to cook with pressure (like the Pressure cookers we use for the top of the stove) to slow cooking all in one pot. Tara prepared Beef Stroganoff in one cooker and Cinnamon Apple Slices in another.Sample tastings and recipes were provided to the group of 16.
Keep your pets safe during winter weather.
For pets that spend a good deal of time romping in the backyard or lounging in a patch of sunshine on the deck, the arrival of winter may be a rude awakening and cause of concern for safety.
Before Oklahoma experiences a deep freeze, pet owners need to make sure their pets are well-cared for when the temperature begins to fall, said Dr. Paul DeMars, associate professor in Community Practice at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University.
“As pretty and soft as your pet’s fur is, it isn’t necessarily the perfect insulator, especially when the temperatures are extreme or when the fur gets wet,” DeMars said. “Compare it to being outside wearing a t-shirt when it’s below freezing. Your pet’s toes, nose and ears are especially susceptible to winter weather, too.”
If you suspect your pet has frostbite, cover the animal with warm towels. Gently pat dry the affected area and contact your veterinarian.
While winter weather can be hard on any pet, very young animals, as well as older dogs and cats, should not be kept outdoors. DeMars said these young pets simply do not have the fat, metabolism or the full fur coat they need to stay warm.
The best option for pet safety during the winter is to keep them indoors. If your pet lives outside fulltime, it is imperative to provide adequate shelter from the elements. A covered enclosure with blankets or clean hay/straw/cedar shavings is a must. Another option is a heated floor mat. Check with your local pet store to see what is available.
Tara Brown at the Ringling Community Center talking about cooking under pressure. She is explaining the use of electric pressure cookers.
“Try to face the opening of the shelter away from the wind. Also, if it rains and the bedding gets wet, replace it with dry bedding,” DeMars said. “Wet bedding can grow bacteria and mold, which are not healthy for your pet.”
It is no secret exercise is good for both humans and their pets. For those who enjoy a nice walk with your pet, sidewalks and walking trails are likely to have been salted if there is ice or snow on the ground. While this is beneficial for humans to help keep them from slipping and sliding, salt can cause irritation on an animal’s foot pads.
Not only is the weather a concern for your pet, but the chances of exposing your pet to life-threatening chemicals also increases. Leaky radiators can leave pools of antifreeze in your driveway and is both a winter and summer issue. Although the sweet taste of antifreeze is appealing to your pet, it can be deadly, even in very small doses.
“Antifreeze is highly toxic and absorbs quickly into your pet’s system. The kidneys are the most affected organs and can shut down completely within 12 to 24 hours in cats and 36 to 72 hours in dogs,” DeMars said.
Tara Brown, Extension Educator for Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development.
Another outdoor danger is animals who seek protection from the winter weather in dangerous places. Before starting and moving your vehicle, check under the hood and in the wheel wells to ensure there are no animals hiding.
Because it takes a few more calories to keep warm in the winter, your pet may need a little extra food. For pets who stay outside, make sure the water in their water bowls is not frozen.
“Winter weather will mean your pets require a little extra care to ensure their safety,” DeMars said.
Clover Trivia: What is Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom?
Answer: Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom (OAITC) is the popular school enrichment program whose purpose is to help familiarize school children and teachers with the food and fiber industry.
Ringling 4-H Thursday, October 24, an informative meeting was held for parents interested in enrolling their children in 4-H. Volunteer leader, Parilyn Hairod, reported that a tentative schedule for meeting will be: Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) will meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays and 4-H members (ages 8 and in the 3rd grade and older) will meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays. This will continue until the groups have been better established and ready for upcoming 4-H events. 4-H is a wonderful program to help teach our youth leadership and other responsibilities – it is more than showing livestock. What are the interests of our youth? There is a program for their interest
• Photography, Cooking, Sewing, Arts, Shooting Sports, Recycle/Refurbish, Wildlife, and more! Look for the 4-H Float at the Ringling Christmas Parade. Waurika’s Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 14. Thank you, Parilyn Hairod for becoming a 4-H Adult Volunteer!
Upcoming Jefferson County 4-H Events:
• Cupcake Wars: 11 a.m. Saturday, November 9 at Jefferson County OSU Extension office. Contact Tara Brown for details.
• 4-H Kids Cooking in the Kitchen: 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 26 at Jefferson County OSU Extension office.
• Jefferson County 4-H Teen Leaders: 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 26 also at Jefferson County OSU Extension office.
• Jefferson County Communications Contest: 1 p.m. Saturday, December 18 at Jefferson County OSU Extension Office.
Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development, provided the Tuesday, April 24 After School Program for Ringling Elementary After School participants.23 Elementary students, 2 adults and 5 teen helpers enjoyed making their own Fruit and Cheese Kabobs as a Nutrition Education and Snack.Most were excited and enthused to cut the fruit and cheese into smaller pieces to put on their pretzel sticks and dip into a Yogurt with cinnamon Fruit dip and eat; although there were a few that were not as excited to try some of the fruits.
Ringling girls and their kabobs.
Fruits included Gala Apple, Seedless grapes, fresh strawberries, banana and canned Pineapple tidbits in 100% natural pineapple juice. Mild Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack cheese were the cheeses available; the Fruit dip was made with Vanilla Yogurt sprinkled with Cinnamon and stirred to make a Cinnamon Vanilla Yogurt Fruit Dip.
The students learned to properly wash their hands prior to handling their foods; they also learned how to properly hold a Plastic Knife so they could cut their fruit pieces.Mrs. Brown also discussed various nutrients in the fruit and cheese. Each participant received a bookmark “Veggie Challenge – Fruit Challenge” and Mrs. Brown challenged all to try different fruits and vegetables.
Thank you Ringling Elementary School for allowing Tara Brown an opportunity to provide a program to your students!
JEFFERSON COUNTY FREE FAIR Has been scheduled for Thursday, August 23 – noon Saturday, August 25.Indoor entries are due by 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 22.Baked items needing refrigeration may be brought in by 8 a.m. Thursday, August 23 morning – judging will take place Thursday, August 23.Bring your creativity in crafts, arts, baked items, canned items, dehydrated foods, refurbished clothing or furniture, photography, Vintage items, Quilts, home grown fruits and vegetables, etc.A fair book will be available prior to August.There will be a Pet Show, Best Pie Maker and Best Cookie Jar contests!Come join the fun! Co-Parenting for Resilence: Divorce or separation is not an easy or favorable decision, especially when minor children are in the home.A class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home.My next class is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, 2018 (there will be no class in July). Pre-registration is required. Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.This class is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through a divorce or separation. Jefferson County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service through Oklahoma State University offers researched-based programs and information.Call 580-228-2332 or come to 802 East D’ Street (Jefferson County Fairgrounds and visit with Leland McDaniel, Extension Educator, Agriculture/ 4/H Youth Development and Tara Brown, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development for questions you may have relating to Agriculture and/or Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H. A Tai Chi class has been scheduled for 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Monday, July 30 and Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.There is no cost but please register on the Oklahoma State Health Department website http://falls.health.ok.gov and fill out and submit the enrollment form located on the right side of the page under related topics.Upon completion of the 2-day class, participants will be qualified to lead Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance classes and teach classes in their communities.
Jefferson County Jr. Livestock Show will be Wednesday, February 28 – Saturday, March 3, 2018. On Thursday, March 1, Sheep and Goats will weigh in at 10 a.m.; the Sheep Show will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the Goat Show. Hogs will weigh in 8 a.m. Friday, March 2 with the Hog Show beginning at 3 p.m. The Cattle will weigh in Saturday March 3 at 9 a.m. and begin showing at 10 a.m. The Premium banquet will be 6 p.m. Saturday, March 3.
Come support 4-H and FFA Exhibitors. Concession will be open Thursday and Friday.
Jefferson County OSU Extension office for additional information
Bright Nights at the Science Museum, February 16-17, 2018
Registration Due: February 1, 2018
Price: $45 per participant
$25 per Chaperone
Theme: Star Wars
State 4-H Ambassador Applications
2018 State 4-H Ambassador applications are available and can be found on the 4-H Ambassador website. Applications must be postmarked by March 15th.
2018 Special Clovers Camp
Blast Off to Better Health, Special Clovers Camp will be held March 24 and 25th. The camp is open to 4-H members (8-17 years of age) with special needs. Campers will enjoy a full 4-H camp experience, complete with team-building exercises, outdoor activities, crafts and more!
4-H members (14-18 years of age) can also serve as a Clover Buddy to mentor campers. Clover Buddies will also receive via conference call training prior to the camp.
Registration materials will be available February 1. Cost of the camp will be $15. The camp is supported through the Walmart Healthy Living grant.
Jefferson County OHCE met Tuesday, January 16 in the Waurika Sr. Citizens Center. The business meeting including planning of the Pie Sale which will be Thursday, March 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Jr. Livestock Show. After the business meeting, Tara Brown, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development presented a short lesson on Finance 101- Budgeting. Tara is available to teach the Check and Balance curriculum which includes other financial topics. Call 580-228-2332.
Our February meeting will be Tuesday, February 20 at 12 noon at the Waurika Sr. Citizens Center. Brenda Gandy-Jones, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development, CED for Stephens County will present the lesson on “Caregiving 101”. Our March meeting will be Tuesday and Wednesday (March 20 and 21) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day; Pamela Varner, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development, CED for Cotton County will lead us making “Crazy Quilt Jacket”. Contact Tara Brown for additional information.
Co-Parenting for Resilience: Divorce or separation is not an easy or favorable decision, especially when minor children are in the home. A class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home, is available monthly or as scheduled. Our next class is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Pre-registration is required. Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information. This class is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through a divorce or separation.
How can you protect yourself from getting the flu?
1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. …
Jefferson County OHCE (Oklahoma Home and Community Education) meet the 3rd Tuesdays in the Waurika Sr. Citizens Center unless otherwise noted. Tara Brown, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development presented a “Slow Cooker Meals” program on Tuesday, April 17.The program included Slow Cooker recipes for Zucchini Bread, Scalloped Potatoes and No-Frill Potato Soup.Tara prepared and served Cinnamon apples which she had prepared in a slow cooker. The next meeting will be May 15 at 12 noon at Waurika Sr. Citizens’ Center.Dr. Lynn Null, Extension Educator, FCS/4-H Youth Development, CED Comanche County will present “10 Minutes to the Table”.Membership to OHCE is open to any individual. Contact Tara Brown for additional information.
Upcoming lessons:Tuesday, June 19: “Home Invasion/Self Defense”
Co-Parenting for Resilience:Divorce or separation is not an easy or favorable decision, especially when minor children are in the home.A class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home is available monthly. Our next class is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Pre-registration is required. Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.This class is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through a divorce or separation.
Open House:Jefferson County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services staff is scheduled for Friday, May 18 from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.Come meet your County Extension staff who are ready and willing to assist you with your questions concerning livestock, soil, forage, Food and Nutrition and more! Information is available on our website oces.okstate.edu/Jefferson and on our Facebook pages JeffersonCounty Fourh and JeffersonCounty Osu Extension.
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. Any person who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.
Save More at the Store
The smartest shoppers know that saving money is more than luck. When shopping for groceries, it’s about having a game plan and making smart decisions about what to put in your cart.
1. Ask for advice. Grocery stores, ethnic markets, dollar stores, retail supercenters, and wholesale clubs can offer good deals. Ask friends and family where they shop and find their best bargains!
2. Eat before you shop. Grocery shopping hungry can lead to impulse buying and unhealthy food choices.
3. Read the sales flyer. Sales flyers are usually released mid-week and can be found at the store’s entrance, in the newspaper, or on their website.
4. Use coupons – but only for items that you know you’ll use. If you don’t need an item right away, save the coupon and see if it goes on sale. For more on couponing, check out Save More at the Grocery Store.
5. Look up and down for savings. Stores often stock the priciest items at eye level. You can save big by looking at the upper and lower shelves too.
6. Check for store brands. Most stores offer their own brand of products that often cost less than name brands.
7. Grab from the back. Stores typically stock shelves from back to front, placing the newest items behind the older ones. Reach in the back for the freshest items especially in the produce, dairy, and meat aisles.
8. Ask for a rain check. If a sale item has run out, ask the store for a rain check. This allows you to pay the sale price after the item is restocked.
9. Join your store’s loyalty program. Most stores offer a free loyalty program. Get special offers and discounts that non-members do not.
10. Think outside the store. Farmers markets and farm stands can be great options for picking up fresh produce at a discount. Check the National Farmers Market Directory for locations near you.
STILLWATER, Okla. (May 21, 2018) – Federally mandated dicamba training is now available via video at Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county offices.
Producers and applicators who have not yet completed the required training can view the material on video at any of the state’s 77 county Extension offices.
While there is one video per county office, multiple people may watch at the same time.
The video, approximately one hour long, also is available in Spanish. There is no charge for the training.
To receive credit for completing the video training, applicators must fill out the sign-in sheet at the county office. The sign-in sheet will be forwarded to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, which will provide a new license. Noncertified applicators will receive a certificate.
Anyone planning to use specific dicamba herbicides labelled for the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop SystemTM for soybeans and cotton must complete federally mandated and ODAFF approved dicamba training before spraying these products this year.
“It doesn’t matter if someone is a certified applicator or driving the application equipment, they must be trained,” said Todd Baughman, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension summer crop weed specialist. “Even if someone completed training last year, they’re still required to go through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry approved training this year.”
The mandatory training covers the new regulations, including how to work with these herbicides, which are now restricted-use products with extensive recordkeeping requirements, and best management practices for applying the herbicides.
Recently introduced to Oklahoma, the Xtend cropping system for cotton and soybeans allows over-the-top application of dicamba herbicides, which traditionally had not been the case until this newest technology was developed.
With that technology, three specific herbicides – XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan – were developed for this use that are lower volatility than the other dicamba products currently on the market.
While regulations went into effect last year with the introduction of the technology, issues with drift in several states led the Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturers to develop new regulations for 2018.
For more information about dicamba training, contact the nearest county Extension office. A directory of county Extension offices is available at countyext2.okstate.edu/.
4-H Day Camps will be held during June and July.They will be held at the OSU Extension office and times will vary according to the activity.
Thursday, June 14:9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Sewing Projects: Microwave Pot Holders
Tuesday, June 19:9 a.m. -11:00 a.m. – Poster Art and Canvas Art
Friday, June 29:9 a.m. -11:30 a.m. –Shabby Flower Pots (paint project) & Poster Art
• Registration is due at least two (2) days prior to the class to allow us time to make certain we have adequate amount of supplies available.
• Sewing project is limited to six students – you may bring your own sewing machine; we have 4 available here in our office.
4-H Culinary:Wednesday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.Registration is due by 3 p.m. Monday, June 24 to allow time to purchase food.We will be making Hot Ham and Cheese, Hot Ham and Turkey sandwiches and Rice Krispie Treats for our lunch!
Class size will be limited to 12 members.
Jefferson County OHCE group will meet Tuesday, June 19 at 12 noon at the Waurika Sr. Citizens Center.The lesson will be on “Home Invasions/Self Defense”
Co-Parenting for Resilence: Divorce or separation is not an easy or favorable decision, especially when minor children are in the home.A class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home is available monthly. Our next class is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018. Pre-registration is required. Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.This class is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through a divorce or separation.
4-H Has Talent Show will be Saturday, September 29 beginning at 2 p.m. at Ryan High School.Our 4-H clubs are getting busy! Watch for upcoming events and come support Jefferson County 4-H.
