Volume 01 | October 2018
Your Agriculture & Horticulture
News & Updates
Fall Armyworms Wreak Havoc
Rain has been falling across parts of Pottawatomie County, and while that is typically a good thing for agricultural operations this time of year, the rainfall has signaled the importance of checking for the presence of fall armyworms.
To scout for fall armyworms, examine turf or seedling wheat plants from eight locations measuring 1 square foot each. Examine turf along the field margin as well as in the interior since armyworms often move in from road ditches and nearby weedy areas. Look for “window paned” leaves and count all sizes of larvae.

Twig Girdler Beetles

Have you been finding lots of small twigs littering your lawn or pastures? Twig Girdler beetles are very busy in our pecan, elm, hickory and some fruit trees. They will very neatly chew through the twigs and small branches. You do not need to spray, but should dispose of the fallen twigs. They lay eggs and the larvae stage feed on dead wood in the spring. There is only one generation a year, so by cleaning up the fallen twigs, you interrupt the life cycle and reduce population.

What is coming up in Pottawatomie County?
Putting Your Garden to Bed
Winterizing tips for your garden and evaluating this season growing season.
Join us as we work with Linda Dawson & Carla Smith on fall and winter money-saving gardening tips and more.
Located at Tecumseh Public Library
Tuesday, October 16th 6-7
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course, October 22nd
A great local opportunity for vegetable and fruit producers and vendors:
  • Introduction to Produce Safety
  • Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
  • Soil Amendments
  • Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
  • Agricultural Water (Part I: Production Water; Part II: Post-harvest Water)
  • Post-harvest Handling and Sanitation
  • How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
Pottawatomie Co. Master Cattlemen Course
Beginning November 6th

The objective of this program is to enhance the profitability of beef operations and the quality of life of beef cattle producers by equipping them with vital information on all aspects of beef production, business planning, risk management and marketing.
Master Gardener Course
Beginning January 3rd

Master Gardener Volunteers are experienced gardeners who want to learn more about growing plants. They receive extensive training through the Cooperative Extension Service.
What is coming up around the State?
Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Program
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is funding a program to help collect and properly dispose of unwanted pesticides that homeowners, farmers, ranchers, commercial applicators, or dealers may have.
OSU Small Flock Poultry Expo
Interest in backyard poultry production has been growing markedly in recent years, but it is important to know and follow the correct ways to raise and sell chickens to ensure the well-being of people, the birds and the environment in which the chickens are raised.
Beef Industry Conference, Thursday October 18th Link to Additional Resources
Pecan Harvest Field Days, Thursday October 18th Link to Additional Resources
OQBN Program Information & Sale Dates
OK-Fire Fall 2018 Training Workshops Link to Additional Resources
Global Horticulture, Thursday November 8th Link to Additional Resource
OK Turf Conference November 27- 28 Link to Additional Resources
Have you ever done a soil test?
Yes
No, it is not worth the $10.
No, because I don't know how.
Have you ever done a test (forage analysis) on your hay?
Yes
No, it is not worth the cost.
No, I don't know how.
Average Fertilizer Prices
Urea (46-0-0)..........$435/ton
DAP (18-46-0).........$550/ton
Pot Ash (0-0-60).....$395/ton
These prices are based on an average of three different bulk fertilizer dealers.
Grass Hay Pricing
Central Oklahoma: Good quality Bermuda grass in 4 X 6 through 5 X 6 bales
mostly 110.00-140.00 per ton. Good quality mixed grass hay 4 X 5 and 5 X 5
bales 40.00-50.00 per bale. Mixed grass 80.00-90.00 per ton, mostly 85.00.
Western Oklahoma: Good quality mixed grass round bales 90.00-110.00 per
ton. Mixed grass 5 X 5 1/2 to 5 X 6 bales 60.00-70.00 per bale.
Eastern Oklahoma: Mixed grass hay in 4 x 5 bales 40.00-50.00 per bale.