Oklahoma Agriculture Blog

Students need to move quickly or miss out on this summer’s most exciting outdoor adventure. The 56th Annual Oklahoma Youth Forestry & Wildlife Camp is accepting on-line applications for campers ages 13-15 years old that want to have fun in the outdoors learning about forestry, wildlife and natural resources. The week-long camp will be held June 4-9 in beautiful Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow, Oklahoma and is open to boys and girls from across the state.
“Only 50 spots are available, so we urge interested campers to sign up now,” said Camp Director Caleb Fields. “While learning about forestry and wildlife, campers will enjoy fly fishing, archery, skeet shooting and fun field trips.”
The camp is coordinated by Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. A camper fee of $175 covers all costs including lodging, meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and workshops. Partial scholarships are available on a limited basis. Applications will be accepted until May 18 and are available at www.forestry.ok.gov or by calling (405) 522-6158. The website also has additional camp information as well as photos from past camps.
Adult leaders and camp counselors are also urged to apply. Camp counselors, ages 18-22, should be mature, responsible young adults with an interest in education or outdoor careers such as forestry or wildlife. In addition to working with the younger campers and gaining valuable experience in their field, camp counselors will receive a stipend of $200 for the week. Volunteer adult leaders are also eligible to bring one camper for no charge.
By getting your kids in the woods this summer, they will not only have fun but will gain awareness and respect for the world in which they live while learning from some of the top natural resource professionals in the state. So don’t wait, apply now for this memorable outdoor experience.

Dear Oklahoma Sheep Producers:

Interest in previous years’ state-wide scrapie genotyping program has prompted the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer free genotyping to Oklahoma flocks again in 2012.  As you know, scrapie is a degenerative disease of sheep similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) of cattle.  This disease is fatal to infected sheep and economically detrimental to flocks.  Because of the movement of animals between flocks, there is potential for exposure to infected animals.  Scrapie genotyping is a DNA test that identifies the genes that control susceptibility or resistance to this disease.  Genetically susceptible animals can further be tested for infection.

 This surveillance program would accomplish two very important objectives:   Increase scrapie surveillance in high risk populations of sheep in Oklahoma.   Help producers identify the genetic makeup of their flocks, increase the selection of genetically resistant breeding animals in those flocks, and consequently help reduce the prevalence of scrapie.   As the number one club lamb producing state, Oklahoma understands how important it is to protect the sheep industry as a valued asset to om state’s economy. We encourage you to take advantage of this free service. If you are interested in participating and wish to be considered for the 2012 Oklahoma Scrapie Genotyping Program, please complete the enclosed application and submit it to:

 ODAFF – Animal Industry Services
Ann: Dr. Justin Roach
2800 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

 All applications will be reviewed, and selection for participation will based on eligibility. There is no deadline for applications; however, testing is limited and will be “first-come, first-served”.

 

 

The Forest Heritage Center Museum (FHC), located in the heart of Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was officially designated as the “Wood Art Capital of Oklahoma” in 2010. This new claim to fame authorizes the museum to bestow the title of “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” to a commendable artist in this field. FHC will open the very first juried “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit with a reception and awards presentation on Sunday, March 4 from 1-3 p.m.

The exhibit will continue through May 6 showcasing some of the most intriguing and innovative pieces of wood art selected from thirteen artists. “The objects will be diverse and should create a lot of conversation about the beautiful art forms that come from trees,” stated Doug Zook, FHC director. “We are pleased to have these talented wood artists commit to a project of this magnitude and help raise the stature of wood art in Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma artists competing for the 2012 title include: Robert Adams, Duncan; Tommy Allen, Idabel; Jerry Brownrigg, Alva; Deon Cavner, Elmore City; Hayes Copeland, Sallisaw; Ron Engel-Wilson, Idabel; Bob Hawks, Tulsa; Bill Koch, Jay; and James Wendell Mills, Sallisaw. Out-of-state artists include: Jim Christiansen, Moscow, ID; Barbara Dill, Rockville, VA; Allen Phillips, DeKalb, TX and Paul Stafford, Littleton, CO.

Quintus Herron, former FHC Board Chair and one of the original FHC founders, pointed out that from the museum’s inception in 1976 it has promoted wood art, beginning with the acquisition of the iconic Peter Toth sculpture known as the Whispering Giant in 1976, the recent addition of the Pine Maiden and the board of directors’ ongoing sponsorship of the woodturning classes at area high schools. In 1996, the Wood Art Gallery was established to showcase some of the finest works of art utilizing wood as a medium.  The Wood Art Gallery has been very well-received by museum visitors and has generated a new audience of wood collectors and art lovers who appreciate the beauty and artistry of wood.  

The “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit will be free and open to the public March 4 – May 6 at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call 580-494-6497 or email the museum at fhc@beaversbend.com. This exhibit is made possible by the Forest Heritage Center Advisory Board, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Forestry Services and members of the Forest Heritage Center Association.

In celebration of the many benefits provided by Oklahoma’s forests, Oklahoma Forestry Services, a Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, has teamed up with the USDA Forest Service and Dr. Seuss’ character, The Lorax, to “speak for the trees.”

Dr. Seuss wrote about the importance of environmental awareness in 1971. The Lorax is a parable that promotes the conservation of natural resources and warns against the perils of over-consumption. The story depicts a greedy, polluting industry, the Once-ler, cutting down all of the feather-like Truffula trees without replacing them for the future. Through new plantings and the presentation of the last Truffula seed, trees are promoted as a renewable resource, valuable to people for everything from clean air to wood products. The takeaway message is that sustainable forest management practices help strike a balance between the needs of people and the health of our forests.

“Even if you don’t live in one, the forests matter to everyone,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “Given the many threats to America’s private and public forests due to climate change, urban sprawl, pests and wildfires, we anticipate the movie will build awareness and help ensure the health and productivity of America’s forests, a goal shared by forest owners, foresters and the Lorax.”

There are over 751 million acres of forestland in America and, on average, about four million trees are planted each day. In Oklahoma, over 95 percent of our 10 million acres of forestlands are privately owned and landowners plant millions of trees each year.

“Foresters are similar to wheat farmers. They fertilize the land, work it, plant the seedlings, baby the crops and then harvest it; it’s just a longer process,” Geissler said.  “Teaching people that harvesting trees and using wood products are acceptable if done responsibly will go a long way toward changing attitudes.”

So hold onto your Truffula tufts. Dr. Seuss’ beloved book The Lorax springs into 3-D today, March 2, the day when the author would have turned 108 years old. The film will promote the inherent value of our forests and the importance of planting trees and sustainable forest management.

For the latest forestry information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov.

Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, is making ordering your trees easy. The OFS online store is open and is taking orders for trees and shrubs.

OFS has been growing tree and shrub seedlings at its nursery just south of Norman in Goldsby since 1946 and to make ordering easier, the online store lets you choose, order and pay for your trees and shrubs with the click of a mouse. The seedlings are available for pick-up or can be shipped to your home.

There are over 30 varieties of trees and shrubs available. A minimum order is 100 seedlings, in bundles of 50. Wildlife packets are also back this year and contain 100 trees with 25 each of four different species. OFS teamed up with the Department of Wildlife Conservation to offer seedling packages to help you increase the diversity of wildlife food and cover on your property.

No matter how large or small your acreage OFS foresters can assist you in planning and planting trees. To get more information or to order your seedlings visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call 800-517-3673

February is here, and it’s not too early to make Valentine’s Day plans. If you’re looking for a great restaurant, we suggest you check out one that serves Oklahoma products like Tulsa’s SMOKE. on Cherry Street. It’s Made In Oklahoma restaurant of the month.

SMOKE. on Cherry Street opened one year ago in one of Tulsa’s most historic venues with a commitment to offering Tulsa’s best “Inspired American, Locally Sourced” casual-fine dining experience. Since then, SMOKE. has been voted “Best New Restaurant 2011” and “Best Executive Chef – Erik Reynolds”. In October of last year SMOKE added renown Tulsa Chef, Michelle Donaldson, as Chef De Cuisine.

With fresh local produce, grass fed Oklahoma Beef hand cut in house every day, paintings and photography from local artists, local craft beers, a deep selection of scotches bourbons and wines, and a hermetically sealed cigar lounge – SMOKE. is proud of what Tulsa and Oklahoma has to offer the community and city, and loves bringing it to the table for Tulsans and its visitors. To learn more, visit www.smoketulsa.com.

To check out other MIO restaurants when planning your Valentine’s Day date, visit http://www.miocoalition.com/mio-restaurant-list.html.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) will host its sixth annual workshop for plasticulture farmers on Feb. 11 at the Moore Norman Technology Center, 13301 S Pennsylvania Ave. in Oklahoma City. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by workshops from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The modest $10 fee includes lunch.

Farmers who use the plasticulture method of raised-bed gardening may not farm many acres, but this year’s theme shows that they are “World Class Innovators.” Program coordinator Micah Anderson will give a brief overview of how the plasticulture program works and show slides of vegetable gardens across the state using this technology to produce bountiful crops.

Presenters will share their own innovations and demonstrate equipment and methods they use to maintain productive gardens. Innovations include a new strain of okra, a waterwheel transplanter and surrounding plants with organic clay to protect them from extreme temperatures. Practical help from soil and vegetable specialists will describe composting, soil enrichment with cover crops, irrigation strategies and pumpkins that can be grown successfully on plastic.

Awards will be presented to the best Marketer, Innovator and Farmer/Grower of the Year. Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, who farms in north central Oklahoma, will present the awards.

Anyone interested in learning more about this farming technique is welcome to attend. Please RSVP no later than Feb. 7 to Ashley Carroll at (405) 522-4330. Late registration after Feb. 7 and at the door will be $15 per person.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the newly formed Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition during a press conference at the state capitol Jan. 23. The coalition provides a funding channel for people to support the efforts of livestock producers and law enforcement agencies who are often given the task of caring for abandoned and neglected livestock.
“It’s a great example of the private sector coming together with law enforcement agencies to properly take care of animals,” Fallin said.
Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese noted last summer’s drought created a difficult situation for livestock owners and the lingering effects still impact livestock producers.
“We had the hottest and driest summer on record, creating hay shortages that continue today,” Reese said.
OLRC Spokesperson Dr. Carey Floyd said veterinarians are working closely with law enforcement agencies to handle calls on neglected and abused large animals.
“We are receiving many phone calls from people about starving animals,” said Dr. Carey Floyd, President of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. “People don’t have any hay, there is no pasture left. Some people are really struggling to properly care for the animals.”
Gov. Fallin encouraged the public to help the OLRC take care of these animals.
“This takes money so I would like to encourage Oklahomans who want to help to make a donation to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association Foundation.”
The OLRC mission is to provide emergency financial resources to local law enforcement agencies that have seized abused and neglected large animals and assure humane care of the animals. The OLRC structure allows concerned citizens to donate funds intended to assist Oklahoma law enforcement agencies with large animal neglect, abuse, and abandonment cases. Contributions will be used to provide feed and reasonable emergency care for seized animals during the initial 30-day phase of these cases.
Charter Members of the Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition are:
• Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association
• Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
• Oklahoma Farm Bureau
• Oklahoma Humane Federation
• Oklahoma Livestock Marketing Association
• Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Oklahoma State University, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
• Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association
• Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association
• Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Foundation
• Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
• American Farmers and Ranchers
• Murray State College, Veterinary Technology
• Poultry Federation of Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Pork Council
The OLRC is accepting monetary donations only. Donations may be made through the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) at www.okvma.org or send to OVMF, PO Box 14521, Oklahoma City, OK73113. Checks can be made payable to OLRC or OVMF. For more information, please call (405) 478-1002.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s true, the pictures of these vegetables picked fresh from the garden in front of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry have a lot to say. Here we’ve shown our fresh-picked produce as compared to the same vegetables from a major chain grocery store. These photos are only an indicator of the quality you get from fresh, locally grown Oklahoma produce. We encourage you to try some for yourself.