July 2011

Dewey County OSU Extension Center Box 188, Taloga, Ok 73667

580-328-5351 or 5375

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs

to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Oklahoma Drought Region Expanding Rapidly Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor confirms that the drought area in Oklahoma is expanding rap-

idly. Over 48 percent of the state is included in the severe or worse (D2-D4) drought rat-

ing. Most dramatic of all is the jump in the percentage of the state in the worst drought category

(D4 or Exceptional) from 10.32 to 32.55 percent. The percentage of the state in the worst two

categories (D3-D4) increased from 33.53 percent to 41.22 percent. The drought region is con-

fined to the middle and western areas of the state with the eastern third holding on to decent

moisture conditions. However, in the last 30 days the majority of the state has received no more

than 20-40 percent of normal precipitation and the drought boundary is moving back to the east.

Rains in late April and early May provided some relief, particularly in the middle part of the

state, and appeared to be moving the drought boundary farther west. Though the La Niña ef-

fects appeared to be weakening at that time, improved moisture conditions in the middle part of

the state proved to be no match for recent hot and windy conditions as shown by the current ex-

pansion in drought ratings. Producers face not only the continuing lack of production due to

drought but also the threat of fires that may wipe out existing hay and forage stocks.

Across the region extreme drought effects are increasingly evident. Weekly range and pasture

condition ratings in Oklahoma and Texas showed 63 percent in the poor and very poor cate-

gory. Drought conditions are expanding rapidly in the southeast as well with the percent of

poor and very poor conditions increasing from less than 10 percent at the beginning of May to

over 33 percent the last two weeks. USDA reported that hay stocks in both Oklahoma and

Texas on May 1 were above the previous five year average. However, these hay stocks are

likely being exhausted rapidly and hay production will be sharply lower than average this

year. Limited forage will be a threat through next winter even if drought conditions ease late in

the growing season.

The lack of forage this spring has increasing impacts on the cattle industry. Since April 1, beef

cow slaughter in federal region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas) is

125 percent of the same period last year. This increase in region accounts for the 6 percent in-

crease in entire country for the same period. Beef cow slaughter in the remainder of the country

is down nearly one percent during this same period. Continued drought conditions in the south-

ern plains and expanding drought conditions in the southeast have the potential to result in sig-

nificant additional beef cow culling in coming weeks.

Livestock Drinking Water Quality

by Gene Parker, DVM, Oklahoma State University Area Food Animal Quality and Health Specialist

Summer has arrived. There are many areas of Oklahoma that did not get enough runoff water to

adequately fill the stock ponds. Many producers will be forced to move cattle looking for forage and wa-

ter. When drought causes a great reduction in surface water available in farm ponds, the issue of quality

becomes nearly as important as quantity of water available.

Water is the one most important nutrient required by livestock! Decreased intake can adversely

affect health, reproduction, and growth. Excessive salinity (salt) in livestock drinking water can upset the

animals’ water balance and cause death. Unsafe levels of salt and toxins depend on the age of the animal,

its stage of production, and the amount of water consumed each day. Water consumption is dependent on

many factors, water intake for dry beef cows is around 1-1.5 gallons per 100 pounds of body weight and

this estimate can double for cows nursing calves.

Oklahoma has many potential sources for run-off pond water contamination.

• Soil minerals and salt leaching from the ground.

• Oilfield drilling sites and saltwater disposal wells.

• Agriculture application of nitrate and sulfate fertilizer.

• Animal manure and human waste control systems.

Suggested uses of livestock water containing different levels of contaminants are listed be-

low: (remember 1ppm = 1mg/liter of water)

Nitrates: 100 ppm or less should not harm livestock. 100-300 ppm should not harm livestock by itself,

but beware of additive effects when animals are exposed to or grazing foodstuffs containing increased lev-

els of nitrates (sudan, haygrazer, and johnsongrass).

Sulfates: Water levels of 2000-2500 ppm and sulfate levels in foodstuffs allowing the animal to attain a

level of 4000 ppm or greater; can be associated with a neurological disease in cattle causing blindness.

Total Salts:

Less than 1000 ppm: These waters have a relatively low level of salinity and should present no

serious burden to livestock.

1000-2999 ppm: These waters should be satisfactory for all classes of livestock. They may cause

temporary and mild diarrhea in livestock not accustomed to them, but should not affect their health

or performance.

3000-4999 ppm: These waters should be satisfactory for livestock, although they might very pos-

sibly cause mild diarrhea or be refused at first by animals not accustomed to them.

5000-6999 ppm: These waters can be used with reasonable safety for dairy and beef cattle, sheep,

pigs, and horses. It may be well to avoid the use of waters approaching the higher levels for preg-

nant and lactating animals.

7000-10,000 ppm: These waters are unfit for pigs. Considerable risk may exist in using them for

pregnant and lactating livestock. In general, their use should be avoided, although older animals

may subsist on them for long periods of time under conditions of maintenance and low stress.

Greater than 10,000 ppm: The risk of these high salinity waters are so great that they cannot be

recommended for use under any conditions.

A routine water analysis performed at a lab with the help of your county extension educator or

local practicing veterinarian, can be very helpful and cost very little. This would take all the guess- work

out of trying to decide which animals would be safe to drink the water and which pastures might be able

to be grazed? As ponds start drying up the concentration of salt and toxic ions begins to increase in

them. Do the young calves in the group have a mild diarrhea due to salty water or coccidiosis? Do the

distiller by-product feeds (which can be high in sulfur) have the potential to cause blindness if creep fed to

my calves? Are pregnant cows at risk while grazing sudan forage and drinking water possibly containing

nitrates? All these questions might be answered by a simple, routine livestock water analysis.

Horticulture Tips July 2011

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Oklahoma State University

GARDEN TIPS FOR JULY! David Hillock

Vegetable Garden

• Make fall vegetable garden plantings in late July. Fact Sheet HLA-6009 gives planting

recommendations.

Lawn

• Brown patch disease of cool-season grasses can be a problem. (HLA-6420)

• Meet water requirements of turfgrasses. (HLA-6420)

• Fertilization of warm-season grasses can continue if water is present for growth. (HLA-6420)

• Vegetative establishment of warm-season grasses should be completed by the end of July to

ensure the least risk of winter kill. (HLA-6419)

• Mowing heights for cool-season turf grasses should be at 3 inches during hot, dry summer

months. Gradually raise mowing height of bermudagrass lawns from 1½ to 2 inches.

• Sharpen or replace mower blades as needed. Shredded leaf blades are an invitation to disease

and allow more stress on the grass.

Tree and Shrub

• Control bermudagrass around trees and shrubs with Poast, Fusilade or Glyphosate herbicides.

Follow directions closely to avoid harming desirable plants.

Fruits

• Continue insect combat and control in the orchard, garden, and landscape. (EPP-7306,

EPP‑7313, EPP-7319)

• Check pesticide labels for “stop” spraying recommendations prior to harvest.

• Harvest fruit from the orchard early in the morning and refrigerate as soon as possible.

Flowers

• Divide and replant crowded Hybrid iris (Bearded Iris) after flowering until August.

General Landscape

• Water plants deeply and early in the morning. Most plants need approximately 1 to 2½ inches

of water per week.

• Providing birdbaths, shelter and food will help turn your landscape into a backyard wildlife

habitat.

• Insect identification is important so you don’t get rid of the “Good Guys.” (EPP-7307)

• The hotter and drier it gets, the larger the spider mite populations!

• Expect some leaf fall, a normal reaction to drought. Water young plantings well.

• Have you visited The Botanic Garden at OSU in Stillwater for a group tour?

. Be aware that some plants may need more water than others during the summer. Here are some ways that

you can save water in the yard while maintaining a healthy l

landscape.

Saving Water in the Yard During July Courtney Sidwell and Justin Quetone Moss

Don’t be discouraged if the heat is beating your plants this July. There are several actions you can

take in your landscape that will keep your plants looking good despite the lack of rain and high tem-

peratures. Keeping an eye on your plants and giving them a little TLC when needed will help to

avoid these problems. Be aware that some plants may need more water than others during the sum-

mer. Here are some ways that you can save water in the yard while maintaining a healthy landscape.

• Mow the lawn at the highest recommended height. Bermudagrass can be mowed at

1‑2 inches and tall fescue lawns can be mowed at 3 inches during the summer.

• Use a mulching mower blade and leave grass clippings on the lawn.

• Keep the mower blades sharp. Dull blades tear the grass as opposed to giving it a clean

cut.

• Avoid fertilizing cool-season grasses such as tall fescue in the summer.

• Aerate the lawn when needed. Aerating is the process of taking small plugs out of the

ground to increase oxygen flow, soil drainage, and nutrient intake. When the soil is

healthier and can breathe, the water that is given to the turf can soak in better, an

decreases wasted water due to runoff. An aerator machine can be rented from a farm

equipment store. There are several types of aerators, but the best one to use is a core

aerator because the spikes on the machine are hollow as opposed to solid spike aerators.

• Use automatic pop-up irrigation sprinklers with a rain gauge. The rain gauge will tell the

system to shut off when it has rained recently, avoiding excess watering. Pop-up sprin-

klers also avoid the need to manually move the sprinkler around the yard, saving labor

and time. They also go back into the ground so that the mower can easily go over them

and foot traffic can easily walk across them.

• Avoid watering when it has rained in the past 24 hours or it is going to rain in the next

24 hours. Always check the weather forecast and avoid unnecessary irrigation events.

• Water early in the morning. Watering late at night can increase disease problems that

happen when water sits on the leaves overnight. Watering during the heat of the day can

lead to water loss through evaporation.

•

If you have flower beds or beds with shrubs, trees, annuals, perennials, and/or groundcover, here are

some tips to save water.

• Use drip irrigation. Drip irrigation saves 80% more water than sprinklers. Drip

irrigation slowly releases water into the soil, or drips on the soil. Slow water release

allows the plant time to soak up all the water, eliminating runoff. Drip irrigation also

releases water at the base of the plant, avoiding unneeded water on the leaves. Drip

irrigation systems do have to be checked regularly for clogs or salt accumulation.

Clogging can prevent water from reaching the full length of the irrigation line, and

excess salt can kill the plants.

• Water plants at the base. Water where the plant meets the soil to avoid wasted water on

the leaves. The plant needs water in the roots, not in the leaves.

• Mix compost into the soil. Amending the soil with compost in flower beds will add nu-

trients to the soil and help the soil retain moisture, reducing the need to water.

• Add a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch to flower beds. This will help retain moisture, reducing

the need to water, will help maintain constant soil temperatures for the plants, and reduce

weed growth. Pine mulch is best recommended because of its organic ability to break

down into the soil, and for its dark color that absorbs the light as opposed to reflecting the

light back on to the plant. Light colored mulches reflect light back on to the plant, which

can sunburn the plant and also cause it to need more water.

• Pull weeds when they are young. Weeds compete with bedding plants for water. Elimi-

nating them when they are young will save water in bedding areas.

• When planting plants, group them together in the landscape according to water needs.

Plants that require a lot of water should be placed with other plants that require a lot of

water, and vice versa. This tactic reduces wasted water, disease problems, and dead

plants. When plants are randomly placed together and they receive the same amount of

water, the plants that need very little water may get fungal and disease problems because

they are receiving too much water, and/or the plants that need a lot of water may die be-

cause they are not getting enough water.

• Choose plants that can take the heat and naturally save water. There are many trees,

shrubs, annuals, perennials, groundcover, and grasses that are drought tolerant in Okla-

homa.

• Water in the morning. Watering late at night can increase disease problems that happen

when water sits on the leaves overnight. Watering during the heat of the day can lead to

water loss through evaporation.

• Water infrequently and deeply. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can

be harmful to plants by reducing available oxygen in the soil.

• Check the soil to see if it is dry. Instead of watering on a schedule, check the soil to see if

it needs to be watered. Check at a 3-inch depth, and if it’s dry, it’s time to water. This

can be done with your finger or with a trowel or shovel.

• Place plants that need a lot of water in places that tend to naturally collect a lot of water.

Pay attention to areas in your yard that collect more water than others, and plant the plants

that need more water in those areas.

Wondering what to do with Damaged Crapemyrtles and other Shrubs? David Hillock

We continue to get questions from the public regarding plants damaged this past winter.

Plants such as crapemyrtle, photinia, and some of the hollies have been the plants most talked about,

especially the crapemyrtles. By this time you should be able to tell what is alive and what is not.

Some plants have surprised us and have done much better than I anticipated; others have not fared so

well. Due to the heat we are currently experiencing, I would not recommend any drastic pruning at

this time. However, it is okay to remove any dead wood. Remove dead limbs or branches back to

live wood avoiding damage to any new shoots if possible.

Next year, late winter/early spring, you can do any shaping or training necessary to encourage

your plants to return to their original splendor. Crapemyrtles that were once large, multi-trunked

shrubs or small trees will need time, patience, and tender loving care to help them return to what they

once were. As time goes on, select the healthiest of about five new shoots to become your new

trunks and thin out the rest. For training and pruning tips of trees and shrubs see OSU Fact Sheets

HLA-6415 Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees and HLA-6409 Pruning Ornamental

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines.

Heat Stress

David Hillock

With the brutal temperatures remaining over 100 degrees many landscape plants are really struggling.

Trying to keep them properly hydrated can be a challenge. A general rule for watering is to apply about

1 to 2 inches per week per application. This generally moistens the soil to at least a 6 inch depth, encour-

aging deeper root growth. However, with the intense heat, and depending on other factors such as the

age of the plant, soil type, exposure to wind and sun, and the water needs of the plant(s), watering may

need to be more frequent. The key though, is to water deeply when you do water and try to avoid fre-

quent shallow irrigation that results in shallow roots more susceptible to stress.

Rigging up a shade structure to protect a plant or a small group of plants from the hot afternoon sun may

be helpful for newly installed plants.

With all that said, be careful not to over water. Over watering tends to be a problem when it is very hot

and dry and will result in root loss and thus the same symptoms of water stress - wilt. If plants are wilt-

ing when you water them, and they remain wilted or don’t respond by perking up within a few hours,

then it is possible they are receiving too much water. Poke around in the soil near the plant to see how

wet the soil is several inches down. If it is real wet stop watering.

Another frequently asked question when it is hot like this is, “Why are my cottonwoods or river birches

dropping leaves even when it seems adequate water is being applied?” This is called cladoptosis (or

kladoptosis), the dropping of leaves or twigs under conditions of stress. Cladoptosis is a natural defense

mechanism of plants under drought or other stress conditions. The leaves may turn yellow before drop-

ping, mimicking fall conditions. Many deciduous species will drop leaves under stress, but the condition

is most commonly seen in birches, cottonwoods, and willows. Over watering, under watering, excessive

heat, or root damage may all cause leaves to drop.

Nitrate Toxicity After a Drought-easing Rain

Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist

Oklahoma summers often bring “high pressure domes” that cause 100+ degree days and no rain. The

resulting heat stress can cause nitrate accumulation in summer annual forage crops. Producers are very

cautious about cutting or grazing the drought-stressed forages and for good reason. However, when the

first drought-easing thunderstorm comes along, cattlemen are anxious to cut the forage or turn in the cat-

tle on the field that has just received rain.

This practice can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. As the plant starts to grow and turn green

once again, the nitrate uptake is accelerated. Plant enzymes (such as nitrate reductase) are still not pre-

sent in great enough quantities or active enough to convert the nitrate to plant proteins. Therefore the

plant nitrate concentrations become even greater in the first few days after the first rain.

Producers should exercise caution and test forages before cutting or grazing shortly after a drought-

easing shower. Some of the greatest concentrations of nitrate in forages will be recorded at this

time. Usually by 7 – 10 days after a “good” rain, plant metabolism returns to normal and nitrate accumu-

lations begin to decrease. Be sure to test the forage before cutting and storing a large quantity of poten-

tially poisonous hay.

SEVENTH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA - KANSAS

WINTER CANOLA CONFERENCES JULY 19th 2011 Hoover Building, Garfield County Fairgrounds, Enid, Oklahoma

JULY 20th 2011 McMahon Centennial Complex, Cameron University, Lawton,

Oklahoma 3.5 CCA CEUs

DOOR PRIZES TO BE GIVEN AWAY BY SPONSORS / There is no charge for registration, food, or drinks.

8:00 Registration, Coffee and Doughnuts – Sponsored by ADM

8:20 Welcome and Introductions – Roger Gribble (OSU) and Leon Fischer (Cameron University)

8:25 Canola vs. Wheat Prices – Kim Anderson (OSU Ag. Economist, Enid) and Monte Johnson (ADM,

Lawton)

8:35 Soil Preparation and Planting – Mark Boyles (OSU Canola Specialist)

8:50 Canola Varieties – Chad Godsey (OSU Cropping Systems) and Mike Stamm (KSU Canola Breeder)

9:10 Insects / Diseases / Weeds – Tom Royer, Sarah Donelson, Kris Giles (OSU Entomologists), John

Damicone (OSU Plant Pathologist) and Mark Boyles (OSU Canola Specialist)

9:40 WinField Solutions, Answer Plot Update – Jay Bjerke (WinField Solutions/Croplan Genetics)

9:50 Johnston Enterprises Update – Van Schuermann (W.B. Johnston Grain Company)

10:00 Oklahoma Oilseed Commission and Great Plains Canola Association Updates

10:10 Break / Visit Sponsors Booths

- Refreshments Sponsored by Livingston Machinery Co. and Johnston Enterprises

10:35 Canola Crop Insurance Update – Phil Hamilton, Risk Management Specialist (USDA – RMA)

10:50 Fertilizing Canola – Brian Arnall and Hailin Zhang (OSU Soil Scientists)

11:10 Economics of Wheat and Canola Rotations – Eric DeVuyst and Francis Epplin (OSU Ag. Econo-

mists)

11:25 Harvesting Options – Heath Sanders (PCOM) and Josh Bushong (OSU Canola Extension)

11:45 Grower Panel Discussion – Josh Bushong (OSU) at Enid and Todd Baughman (TAMU) at Lawton

12:15 Lunch is Sponsored by Monsanto at Enid and PCOM at Lawton

- Drawing for Industry Sponsored Door Prizes – Joe Armstrong (OSU Ext. Weed Scientist)

1:00 Oklahoma Oilseed Commission (OOC) Meeting – Brent Rendel, Chairman- Enid only

2:00 Great Plains Canola Association (GPCA) Meeting – Jeff Scott, President- Enid only

PLEASE THANK THESE SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND DOOR PRIZES

ADM, American Farmers and Ranchers, Bayer CropScience, Bunge, Croplan Ge-

netics, Great Plains Canola Association, Johnston Enterprises, Livingston Ma-

chinery Co., MacDon, Monsanto/DeKalb, Oklahoma Oilseed Commission, Pro-

ducers Cooperative Oil Mill, Syngenta, and Western Equipment.

As Summer Heats Up, So Do Water Toxicity Issues By Dave Sparks D.V.M., Oklahoma State University Food Animal Quality and Health Extension Specialist,

(Edited in 2011 by Glenn Selk)

The 2011 Fourth of July Holiday brought warnings for humans about “Blue-green algae” in one of

the large Oklahoma lakes used for recreation. Blue-green algae has often been a concern to livestock pro-

ducers in late summer in Oklahoma. With the June heat wave that has caused water temperatures to warm

sooner than usual, cattle producers need to now be aware of the potential problem. Blue-green algae in

dirty and drying ponds and flood overflow areas can cause fatal toxicity in all domestic animals that drink

from these ponds.

The culprit is not really an algae and may not even be blue-green. The problem is caused by a

group of organisms known as cyanobacteria, or bacteria with photosynthesis capability. The colors range

from blue to bright green but may also be red or purple. Often these organisms will show up like a paint

scum on the surface of the water.

When these organisms are present in small to moderate numbers they don’t present a prob-

lem. When the pond “blooms”, however, they create toxins. Blooms occur when the right conditions are

met, including warm water temperatures and the presence of large quantities of nutrients, especially nitro-

gen and phosphorous. Water temperature goes up as water volume goes down, due to consumption and

dehydration. Water temperature also rises as air temperatures go up. Water temperature goes up much

quicker and higher in shallow, stagnant sources. Water temperature goes up higher in bodies of water that

have bare ground around them than in ponds that have grass and weeds up to the water. Nutrient levels in

ponds rise due to fertilizer or manure run-off. Cattle spend more time standing in ponds as the air tem-

perature increases. When cattle are allowed into the water, their urination and defecation contribute as a

major source of nitrogen and phosphorous. Cattle grazing fescue pastures in the summer may also spend

more time in the water because the endophyte on the fescue causes the cattle’s body temperature to rise

above normal. The result from the higher temperature and nutrient availability is that the pond blooms and

the water goes from relatively clear to looking like green paint in just a few days due to the production of

millions of bacterial bodies.

There are two toxins produced. The first is a neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system

and causes very rapid death to the animal. Dead cattle are often found lying at or near the pond where

they drank. Deaths can occur in large numbers if the concentration of toxin is high. The second toxin is a

hepatotoxin, or toxin that attacks the liver. This results in slower death and signs include jaundice and

severe sun-burning. It is not as common as the sudden death syndrome. Once the animals have con-

sumed the toxic water, there is no treatment. Often the wind pushes the organisms and the resulting tox-

ins across the pond where they become concentrated. An early warning sign is the presence of dead mice,

snakes, or other small animals on the downwind side of the pond.

When you have a suspicious water source you should collect a sample of water, preferable from

the downwind side. If it looks clear there is very little chance of a toxicity problem. Only a relatively few

organisms found in water cause toxicity, so if your sample is colored or murky, it should be sent to a vet-

erinary diagnostic laboratory for examination. Your veterinarian or county extension educator can help

you submit the sample. If in doubt, keep livestock away from the pond until you have an answer.

In the past ponds have been treated with copper sulfate to kill the organisms. This practice is,

however, somewhat controversial. Livestock must be kept from treated ponds for two weeks because the

chemical can also be toxic, and in this time usually the bloom is over and the water is safe anyway. Some

toxicologists feel that when the bloom is killed by chemicals, more toxins are released. If sampling re-

veals that your pond is a potential danger, consider keeping all livestock off for two weeks and then retest-

ing. The guidance of your local veterinarian is the best help in planning a course of action.

In summary blue-green algae may be a problem when ponds bloom. There is no treatment for poi-

soned animals. The problem can be at least partially prevented by avoiding fertilizer run-off, keeping ani-

mals out of ponds, submitting samples of questionable water, and providing alternative water sources

when ponds are blooming.

The Dewey County OSU Extension Agriculture Newsletter is published quarterly

by the Dewey County Extension Office. It is for educational purposes and no

endorsement is implied.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible

persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap,

and is an equal opporutnity employer.

Dewey County OSU Extension Center Editor:

111 S. Sexton

Taloga, OK 73667

(580) 328-5351

http://countyext.okstate.edu/dewey/ Mike Weber

Extension Educator Ag/4-H

Dewey County

The Dewey County OSU Extension Center has moved to its new location. We

are now located at the fairgrounds in Taloga, OK. 111 S Sexton

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Oklahoma State University

Dewey County Cooperative Extension Service

PO Box 188

Taloga, OK 73667-0188