latest
An earthquake reported early Thursday morning centered near the town of Carney, which is approximately 45 miles northwest of Seminole, was felt in Seminole County and the surrounding area, according to reports that continued to come in during the day.
Read moreMany transitions have taken place in the agricultural industry over the last several decades. The widespread adoption of various technologies over the last 20-plus years has helped farmers streamline their operations, making their farms more efficient and less wasteful as a result. In addition, many farmers have embraced sustainable farming, which is a relatively recent approach to agriculture. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, sustainable agriculture is a complex, multi-faceted concept. Sustainable agriculture intends to contribute to a robust economy by making farms profitable. Farmers who embrace sustainable agriculture also aim to have a positive effect on the environment and their surrounding ecosystems. That's accomplished by embracing strategies that focus on building and maintaining healthy soil, managing water wisely, minimizing pollution, and promoting biodiversity. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that sustainable agriculture encompasses a wide range of production practices, including some associated with conventional farming and some linked to organic farming. As a result, sustainable farming should not be mistaken for organic farming, or vice versa. However, the UCS notes there's a strong likelihood that certified organic produce at local grocery stores are byproducts of farms that embrace sustainable agriculture.
Read moreContainer gardening is a great way to enjoy growing plants and vegetables if you have limited space, but it is also can be a good addition to a traditional garden. Growing herbs on your porch can provide quick access to the perfect fresh spice for your evening meal or breakfast omelet. Hanging basket containers give you the versatility to place beautiful flowers anywhere, and can also be used for planting herbs or tomatoes. Container gardening can be an enjoyable addition to any home – regardless of the space you have – but there are some basic considerations that you should keep in mind as you plan your spring planting.
Read moreThe first year I grew sweet potatoes, I knew I’d hit the jackpot. Sweet potatoes are not only super easy to grow, but a small area is all you need to fill a year’s supply of this sweet delight. My own small, 4-feet-by-12-feet raised bed provides our family with 75 to 100 pounds of this versatile root crop — enough to make all the baked and roasted sweet potatoes, sweet potato pies, sweet potato soup, and any other creation that tempts our tastebuds for an entire year. And best of all, you only need two or three potatoes to get a perennial supply started on your homestead. Sweet potatoes or yams?
Read morePeople look for new ways to go green every day. They embrace things like solar energy panels that have become more affordable over the years and cars that operate on alternative fuels.
Read moreThe tomato….it is the king of the vegetable garden. It is something we eat year round, but when we eat one fresh from the garden each year, we are reminded that what we have been eating all winter just isn’t the same.
Read moreWhether you’re start- ing from scratch on previ- ously uncultivated land, or taking on the restoration of conventionally cultivated fields, establishing a new pasture begins with soil preparation. Begin with a soil test before planting a pasture. A traditional soil test measures pH, phosphate, and potassium availability in soil, and is a good place to start. Many other soil tests are available too, such as those for micronutrients. The more information you have about the soil, the better the decisions you can make. If you have cropland that’s been tilled and received only commercial fertilizer in the past, a transitional soil test may be all you need. If the land has been no-tilled or cover-cropped, received manure or compost applications, or been in pasture for many years previously, there may be organic forms of nutrients that won’t show up on conventional soil tests. In this case, a Haney test or similar test that predicts nutrient release from organic sources may be useful.
Read more
The Oklahoma State Ferguson College of Agriculture presented scholarships to more than 150 continuing students at the annual Ferguson College of Agriculture Scholarships and Awards Banquet on March 30.
Read more