July 04, 2008 11:33 am
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Wyandotte grad joins extension
STILLWATER, Okla. — Brian Arnall, a graduate of Wyandotte High School, has completed his doctoral studies at Oklahoma State University.
He has been named an OSU precision nutrient management extension specialist at Stillwater. Much of his work will be showing farmers how to use new technology to measure fertilizer needs in their grain fields.
Cyanide an issue for cattlemen
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — Johnson Grass and wild cherry leaves each have cyanide that an be deadly to cattle, said Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension specialist. The same compound is in Sudan grass, sorghum-Sudan crosses, peach and elderberry plants, he aid.
“Conditions of both the plant and animal have to be just right for death losses,” he said.
Risks are up when plants get heavy amounts of nitrate fertilizer, after herbicide treatment and drought.
Cattle appear to be more susceptible to cyanide or prussic acid poisoning than sheep, he said.
Extension centers in Missouri do not test forages or leaves to determine the extent of the risk.
“I recommend when turning cattle into a pasture containing significant amounts of Johnson Grass that you initially turn in a couple of head. If there’s likely to be a problem you’ll know it in 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure you know how to contact a veterinarian immediately if the sentinel animals go down. Immediate treatment can save them” he said.
Generally, immature Johnson Grass and sorghum-Sudan plants are more of a threat.
Most wild cherry risks come when cattle have access to large amounts of leaves following a storm. Once wilting leaves are dry, the poison risk is minimal, he said.
Heavy rains deplete nitrogen
LAMAR, Mo. — Heavy rains hitting corn fields increase the potential for nitrogen loss, said Jay Chism, University of Missouri Extension agronomist at Lamar.
Farmers facing nitrogen loss are also pressed for time because wet fields have delayed planting and other work.
Peter Scharf, a soil agronomist at the University of Missouri, has developed a Nitrogen Loss Score Sheet to help producers assess nitrogen loss and make decisions about nitrogen application rates.
His system consists of three factors: Fertilizer management, soil type and wetness.
Farmers can get a copy of the score sheet by calling Barton County Extension at (417) 682-3579 or from Website http://extension.missouri.edu/Barton.
Storm victims can get help
SALINA, Kan. — Individuals and communities in portions of Kansas that sustained damages from tornadoes or flooding may be eligible for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
NRCS administers the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to respond to emergencies caused by natural disasters, said Eric B. Banks, an NRCS conservationist in Kansas.
Recovery efforts include things such as clearing debris-clogged stream channels or stabilizing streambanks. Most support is available for projects that benefit more than one property owner.
Federal funds can cover up to 75 percent of the construction costs.
Details can be obtained at county NRCS offices.
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