November 2020 Volume 20 Issue 10 Agriculture Beaver County Extension Office ADDRESS 111 West 2nd St. P.O. Box 339 Beaver, OK 73932 PHONE 580-625-3464 EMAIL [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] WEBSITE extension.okstate.edu/ county/beaver/beaver.html Facebook Beaver County OSU Extension

Page 2 Mineral Supplementation of Stocker Cattle on Wheat Pasture

Page 3 Crop Updates Care

Page 4 Winterizing lawn and garden systems worth the effort Mineral Supplementation of Stocker Cattle on Wheat Pasture

Britt Hicks, Ph.D., Area Extension Livestock Specialist

Grazing stocker cattle on winter wheat during the fall and winter months can provide cost-effective gains. Wheat pasture is succu- lent, palatable and nutritious. However, wheat pasture is typically low in calcium, marginal to sufficient in phosphorus and magnesi- um, and contains excess potassium for 400 to 600 lb stocker calves. It is also typically low in the trace minerals, copper and zinc. Due to these deficiencies, mineral supplementation on wheat pasture is highly recommended. Calcium is the macro-mineral of pri- mary concern in most wheat pasture-grazing situations. Two conditions which may occur with grazing of wheat pasture are wheat pasture poisoning (grass tetany) and frothy bloat. Wheat pasture poisoning is a complex metabolic disorder of cows grazing on wheat pasture. It occurs most frequently in mature cows that are in the latter stages of pregnancy or are nursing calves, and that have been grazing wheat pasture for 60 days or more. It results from a dietary deficiency of magnesium or from the presence of some factor in the diet which reduces absorption and/or utilization of magnesium. Studies have shown that high levels of potassium and/or nitrogen in the forage result in impaired magnesium up- take by the plant and/or utilization by the animal. Forage dry matter that contains less than 0.2% magnesium and more than3% potassium and 4% nitrogen (25% CP) is likely to cause grass tetany. Since wheat pasture is typically high in nitrogen and potassium, magnesium utilization is reduced. Research suggests that a potassium level of 3 to 3.5% reduces magnesium absorption by about 30 to 35%. Cows with wheat pasture poisoning have low blood concentrations of both calcium and magnesium. While a similar, tetany-like condition occurs in stocker cattle, the incidence is extremely low. Frothy bloat is a major cause of death in stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture and occurs as a result of the entrapment of gases in ruminal fluid froth and/or foam. It is generally thought that frothy bloat is caused by soluble proteins. Soluble proteins contribute to froth or foam formation in the rumen that entraps fermentation gases in the rumen. The chemical composition of wheat forage changes with environmental growing conditions, stage of wheat plant growth or maturity, fertility level, etc.; and, therefore, affects the degree or likelihood that a stable ruminal foam will be formed and bloat will occur when wheat is grazed. Oklahoma research has shown that bloat on wheat pasture is more prevalent when plants are low in dry matter and total fiber (neutral deter- gent fiber, NDF). Thus, bloat is more common when the wheat is actively growing in the fall and spring. Stockers grazing the more fibrous, less succulent wheat forage may secrete more saliva. This saliva may have an anti-foaming effect and thus reduce the inci- dence of bloat. Poloxalene is the only product labeled for bloat prevention. It reduces the surface tension of the gas-trapping froth in the rumen. The froth then forms much larger gas bubbles, permitting the normal release of gas; hence, reducing the danger of bloat. Feeding monensin can also help reduce bloat. Although monensin (Rumensin®) is not a true bloat preventive compound like poloxalene, studies have shown that it does decrease the incidence and severity of wheat pasture bloat. The perception exist in the field that a high-magnesium mineral fed to wheat pasture stockers will reduce bloat. However, there is no evidence to support the suggestion that supplemental magnesium will decrease the incidence and/or severity of bloat of stocker cattle on wheat pasture. There may be a relationship between ruminal motility (and the ability of stocker cattle to eructate gases) and the calcium status of the cattle. Research has shown that ruminal and gut motility is greatly compromised by subclinical defi- ciencies of calcium. All of the information presented above indicates that calcium is the mineral of primary concern when developing a wheat pasture mineral program. It is generally recommended that stocker calves on wheat pasture be fed a mineral containing 15 to 20% calcium. Phosphorus may be of some concern but a level of less than 5% is adequate. A low concentration of magnesium may be desirable (~2%) even though the incidence of grass tetany in stocker cattle is extremely low. Research at the USDA Southern Great Plains Range Research Station (Woodward, OK) showed that stocker cattle grazing wheat pasture fed a non-medicated mineral gained 0.51 lb/day more in the fall grazing season and 0.57 lb/day more during the spring graze-out period compared to non-supplemented cattle. In addition, OSU research at the Marshall Wheat Pasture Research Unit has shown that stockers grazing wheat pasture fed a non-medicated gained ~0.25 lb/day more than stockers not fed supplemental mineral. Adding an ionophore (monensin) to the mineral increased gains by about another 0.20 lb/day. These data illustrate that stocker calves grazing small grain pastures will respond efficiently to mineral supplements and monensin. Consider using these tools in your management program. Note: Two ionophores (monensin and lasalocid) are available for wheat pasture stocker cattle. Both, if delivered at the proper dos- age, increase weight gains of growing cattle on wheat pasture by 0.18 to 0.24 lb/day more than that of the carrier supplement and improve the economics of supplementation programs. Crop Updates Houseplant Care by David Hillock Josh Bushong, Area Extension Agronomy Specialist With cooler temperatures of fall and winter fast Wheat sowing has started to come to a halt for most in approaching our gardening interest often turns from northcentral Oklahoma. After following good to excessive plants outside to plants indoors. Success with house- moisture conditions in mid-August and minimum to no rain- plants is governed by one’s careful management of fall events through September and most of October, plant- light, temperature, , , and humidity, ing conditions were extremely dry on top. Some wheat pro- along with using the proper potting medium. ducers continued to dust in their crops despite not receiving Light – Very few plants tolerate dark corners. Most a significant rain in over a month. Thankfully moisture came require the light that would be found with- just before Halloween and grain drills started rolling again. in four to eight feet of a bright south window. Some will Dusting in a wheat crop certainly comes with a risk. If the tolerate a spot very near the window, while others will seed imbibes enough water to germinate, hopefully there is prefer less light some distance away. Too little light enough moisture near the root zone to continue growth. A can result in tall, lanky, small-leafed plants. Too much common practice to dusting in wheat is to keep the seed light can cause leafburn on sensitive species like Afri- shallow. This practice is thought to be favorable because can violet. If the room is not naturally lit, artificial lights once a significant rain event occurs the seedlings can should be used. emerge faster. On the other hand, sowing a little deeper Temperature – Most houseplants prosper in a tem- than an inch provides slightly warmer soil temperatures perature of 65°F to 75°F, but the humidity of the aver- which could also hasten emergence as well as improve win- age home is too low to suit them. A plant prospers in ter hardiness. relative humidity of about 50 to 60 percent, which is I took Canopeo readings with my smartphone in a field near more than most people like. This can be helped by Hennessey to compare emergence of two planting depths. using a humidifier or by setting the pot on a tray of This free app developed by OSU estimates green canopy moist gravel or pebbles. Do not allow the water to cover from a picture. The wheat was sown on Oct. 10th and touch the bottom of the pot, as the water would then the canopy cover readings were taken on Oct. 18th. Where be wicked into the potting medium and keep the plant the wheat was sown at about an inch and a half the stand too wet. was thicker and already developing a second leaf and the Watering – More houseplants succumb from im- wheat sown at an inch was barely at spiking. The canopy proper watering than from any other single cause. In readings were 0.86% on deeper seeded and 0.23% on the general, most houseplants need to be thoroughly wa- shallower seeded, which was over 3.5 times as much differ- tered and then allowed to nearly dry before the next ence. Lack of shallow was the issue in this irrigation. Use tepid water when watering houseplants. case. Enough water needs to be poured over the potting While driving around the region mid-October, I have noticed medium to allow water to drain freely through the drain that overall the prospects for decent fall wheat pasture were hole at every watering. If water does not drain out the fading. Early sown wheat fields seem to have decent bottom, rewater until it drains freely. Never leave a stands, but the reigns were been pulled back on growth. houseplant standing in water, as this will cause the Wheat sown late September and into early October showed roots to rot. stands that very greatly. Some stands are great, but I would Drainage – Drainage is an integral part of watering say a slight majority have a thin and uneven stand to some a plant. Do not include aggregates in the bottom, since extent. Fortunately, this scenario will have less of an impact the aggregate actually slows water’s movement for a grain-only production system. through a pot. If a decorative, drainless pot is desired, Thankfully wheat pasture has improved in November after it would be better to use a “pot within a pot” technique: receiving some moisture and temperatures staying warmer pot the plant in a container with drain holes and then than average. Ideally grazing shouldn’t be initiated until six set that into the larger, decorative pot. Never allow inches of leaf growth to allow the wheat to reach optimal fall excess water to collect in the outer pot. tonnage before dormancy. If grazing is started too early, Potting Medium – Consult your local garden center, then the wheat plants won’t produce as much fall forage greenhouse or florist for help selecting an appropriate and the potential for uprooting of plants can become more potting medium. It is important that the potting medium of an issue. has good water holding capacity yet is loose enough Research from OSU has shown that in dual-purpose wheat to promote good drainage and aeration. systems it is best to achieve at least 53% green canopy – The easiest way to fertilize your house- cover before dormancy. This can be measured with the pre- plants is while watering. Select a houseplant viously mentioned Canopeo app. Producers can seek assis- and dilute according to label directions. Houseplants tance from an OSU Extension educator to get readings if can be fertilized at every watering with a very dilute they prefer. This research also concluded that having at rate or fertilized at a slightly higher rate once every least 63% canopy cover in the spring at the time of grazing third or fourth watering. Do not fertilize as often or as termination also maximized grain yield potential. Adjusting much in the winter, in dimly lit rooms or in potting mix- stocking rates accordingly is going to be paramount this es that contain soil. year to preserve grain yield potential. For more information about growing and maintaining Luckily, insects and diseases have overwhelmingly been a houseplants see OSU Extension Fact Sheet HLA- non-issue this fall. There may have been some isolated inci- 6411 Houseplant Care. dents early in the planting season, but I haven’t heard of any recent reports. Mite transmitted viruses are still a con- cern, especially out west, and aphids could potentially be found as well. Due to the drought conditions in October, late weeds flushes have been delayed, but bromes, mustards, bindweed, and marestail should still be scouted for since fall applications can provide better herbicide efficacy. Beaver County Extension Office

PO Box 339

Beaver, OK 73931

Winterizing lawn and garden irrigation systems worth the effort Automated irrigation systems for landscaping are great tools for keeping trees, shrubs and flowers properly watered. Costly re- pairs due to seasonal freezes are good incentives for homeowners to winterize those investments, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “One problem we face in Oklahoma in the fall and winter is going through periods of warm weather where we actually need to get out and irrigate the landscape. Those with in-ground systems will have to decide whether or not to go through the winteriz- ing steps,” Hillock said. “Some winters, it really isn’t much of an issue because our freeze depth is fairly shallow, so we typically don’t experience a lot of problems.” However, if the system was installed before the current property owner, or it has had problems already, he said winterizing is a good idea. “Any moisture within the components can freeze and cause damage. When you turn them on in the springtime you may end up with geysers and flooding,” he said. “Most of the in-ground systems will have a drain valve at the lowest end of the system. When winterizing, turn off the water source, open that valve and let all the water drain out so there’s no standing water left in the pipes.” Some systems will have automatic drain valves, but for homeowners who are not familiar with their equipment, it may require poking around to determine what type of drain valves are involved. The installation company should have that information. Some irrigation and landscape companies offer services to winterize the system for clients. Hillock said this typically means pres- surizing the system with air to force all of the water out of the valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. “You can do this yourself, but I recommend having a professional come do it for you. Homeowners can inadvertently put too much air in the system, which results in damaged components,” he said. Any part of an irrigation system that is above ground and exposed to the elements should be insulated. Hillock said home im- provement stores sell wraps and other products to insulate faucets and other components. Hillock said for those who have above-ground systems such as drip irrigation or even as simple as a hose and sprinkler, go ahead and drain the water. Disconnect the hose from the faucet – especially if the faucet is connected to the house – and drain the water. If possible, store the hoses in a garden shed or garage to protect them from the elements as well. “It’s a good idea to keep the hoses on hand for the times we are experiencing warmer weather, but haven’t had any significant moisture,” he said. “Your trees and shrubs will need adequate irrigation during the winter. Be sure to drain the garden hose again before storing it in anticipation of the next freeze.” More information about winterizing an irrigation system is available on OSU Extension’s popular program Oklahoma Gardening.

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