Predicted Rainfall Levels Pulled Back from Levels Being Hoped For on Tuesday 

During the day on Tuesday- there was still an expectation that we could see significant rainfall across a lot of the state of Oklahoma- Associate State Climatologist Gary McManus was saying that much of Oklahoma will get from one to three inches of rain over the next few days. Click here for the maps he was working off of middle of yesterday.

However, reality may be a lot less generous than that- with most of the northern half of the state likely to get a half inch or less.   Drizzle and fog and light rain will be the rule today- heavier rainfall could still roll in from Texas later in the afternoon and Wednesday evening as this weather system lifts north from old Mexico.  


Regarding this storm system- Alan Crone with the News on 6 in Tulsa writes in his Wednesday morning blog- "Our main upper level system is located well south of the state this morning.  Consequently, only scattered showers will be possible this morning through midday before higher rain chances approach the area this afternoon and tonight.  Some locations may remain dry until late this afternoon.  High temperatures will move into the mid-50s along with gusty northeast winds in the 10 to 25 mph range.  The main upper level low appears to be slowing down slightly this morning but should pick up movement by this evening and clear the area tomorrow midday to early afternoon.  This means our rain chances will be highest tonight through midday Thursday.   Rainfall amounts across northern OK will be relatively light with .50 to near 1 inch in some spots.  Higher totals will be common across the Red River Valley and across the state of Texas."

Click here for the latest graphic that shows rainfall for the next twenty four hours or so.

Latest Oklahoma Wheat and Canola Pictures Show Crops in Desperate Need for Moisture 

We snapped a few pictures of both the 2013 winter wheat and winter canola crops on Tuesday- ahead of what we thought was going to be a fairly substantial rain event for these fields in central Oklahoma, located in northeastern Canadian County.  However, the rain amounts have been scaled back- and while these fields and others like them scattered around the state will slurp up anything Mother Nature delivers- the jury is still clearly out as to how much benefit will result.

To see our pictures from yesterday- click here for the winter wheat shots which include some pics from a couple of fields that we have followed both earlier in this growing cycle as well as for the 2012 crop as well.  Our wheat photos are a part of our WheatWatch2013 efforts, sponsored by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission.

As for the canola shots- we spotted this field we have pictures for- just off state highway 3 in Canadian County as well- click here for the shots- and you can clearly tell that while the stand is not terrible- these plants look pretty beat up and vulnerable as we wait for rainfall and the resumption of the growing season in a matter of just a few weeks.  

NCGA President Calls on Every Farmer to Take Concrete Action in 2013

Recently, Off the Cob (an audio news interview distributed by the National Corn Growers Association) spoke with NCGA President Pam Johnson on her outlook for corn growers in the new year. Emphasizing the importance of grassroots action, Johnson called on farmers across the country to push for a new, five-year farm bill that protects crop insurance programs.

"When I think about 2013, I immediately think about how critical it is to get a farm bill passed that goes beyond just an extension," said Johnson. "We were disappointed that we could not get a farm bill through the House, up for debate and passed in 2012. We start this new year ready and willing to go back to the table with our commodity group partners and get what needs to be done done."

Johnson urged farmers to, "Get your cell phone out and enter the number for the Capitol switchboard," she stated. "It is 202-224-3121. This will put your directly through to the office of your state's representation. Then, just explain to the person on the other end of the line, who will be an important staffer, the story of your farm. Talk about what it was like for you in 2012 and why the farm bill is important to you.

"When you are doing this, do not forget that crop insurance is going to be on the table in debates over the next five-year farm bill," she explained. "If crop insurance was important to you, your farm business and your family this past year, you need to explain why and tell your own personal story."

You can read more of Pam Johnson's comments by clicking here.

Northwest Oklahoma Educational Series Focuses on Sorghum Production, Marketing Opportunities

The Northwest Oklahoma Grain Sorghum Educational Program Series is designed to provide information to producers regarding both production and marketing opportunities for grain sorghum. The 2013 program series will be offered in 11 counties during the week of January 28th through February 1.

Production information will be offered by Dr. Brian Arnall, OCES Soil and Nutrient Management Specialist, Rick Kochenower, OCES NW Area Agronomist and Roger Don Gribble, OCES NW Area Agronomist. Arnall will focus on nitrogen use efficiency and grain sorghum nutrient needs in dry weather conditions. Rick Kochenower plans to address climate effects on grain sorghum yields. Gribble will review management strategies for tough to control weeds in grain sorghum production.

Dr, Rodney Jones, OCES NW Farm Management Specialist, will review the use of Crop Insurance in grain sorghum and using it as a marketing tool. Sue Ann Claudon, United Sorghum Producers Checkoff Program, will present highlights of the sorghum check program and direction of the grain sorghum industry.

Click here for a flyer on our webpage with more information and dates, times, and locations of all 11 programs. 

Monsanto's Integrated Yield Pipeline Advances 18 Projects In Multiple Research Areas

Monsanto's annual research and development update highlighted record project advancement across the company's breeding, biotechnology, and improved agronomics platforms, all aimed at sustainably maximizing farmer productivity while conserving resources like water and land.

Through integrated research in breeding, biotechnology, and new technology areas such as Integrated Farming Systems and agricultural biologicals, Monsanto is focused on offering farmers the best possible system of products to optimize the performance of their crops each growing season. This systems approach focuses on delivering multiple solutions for farmers to combat the challenges they face, using fewer inputs, while ensuring the solutions work together to maximize total yield potential.

"In this record year for our pipeline, we added next-generation agronomic trait solutions, advanced our work in the unique space of yield and stress with the launch of Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids, advanced breeding projects that combat yield-reducing pests and diseases, and also added projects in our newest area, agricultural biologicals," said Robb Fraley, Ph.D., Monsanto chief technology officer. "With our diverse and expanding pipeline of solutions, we'll be able to deliver additional innovations to meet the needs of our customers in a sustainable way."

Click here to read more about Monsanto's latest research in everything from corn, cotton, and wheat to broccoli.

 

Glenn Selk Reviews Re-warming Methods for Cold-stressed Newborn Calves

With calving season underway and many weeks of cold weather still ahead, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist Glenn Selk examines the literature on the best way to assist cold-stressed calves.

Last winter was one of the mildest winters in recent history and so far this winter, most of Oklahoma has escaped any sub-zero temperatures. Nonetheless, before the spring calving season is over, there is a chance that some calves will be born in very cold winter temperatures. Newborn calves that are not found for several hours after birth and have been exposed to extremely cold temperatures may become hypothermic or very cold stressed.

Years ago an Oklahoma rancher called to tell of the success he had noticed in using a warm water bath to revive new born calves that had been severely cold stressed. A quick check of the scientific data on that subject bears out his observation.   

Canadian animal scientists compared methods of reviving hypothermic or cold stressed baby calves. Heat production and rectal temperature were measured in 19 newborn calves during hypothermia (cold stress) and recovery when four different means of assistance were provided. Hypothermia of 86 degrees F rectal temperature was induced by immersion in cold water. Calves were re-warmed in a 68 to 77 degrees F air environment where thermal assistance was provided by added thermal insulation or by supplemental heat from infrared lamps. Other calves were re-warmed by immersion in warm water (100 degrees F), with or without a 40cc drench of 20% ethanol in water. Normal rectal temperatures before cold stress were 103 degrees F. The time required to regain normal body temperature from a rectal temperature of 86 degrees F was longer for calves with added insulation and those exposed to heat lamps than for the calves in the warm water and warm water plus ethanol treatments (90 and 92 minutes versus 59 and 63 minutes, respectively).   

Click here for more from Glenn Selk.