Northwest Area OSU Extension

06/09/2026

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry continues to closely monitor the confirmed cases of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico. It is important to begin extra monitoring of livestock, pets and captive wildlife for this invasive pest.

It is important to note that this does not impact food and the food supply is safe.

Have questions on animal movement restrictions? Here is what you need to know:

05/08/2026

Look out for box turtles in the road!

ONLY move them if it is safe to do so.
(Place them in the direction they were found traveling)

Ornate Box Turtle
found statewide
HABITAT: open prairies, sandy soil
FOOD: insects, plants carrion

Three-toed Box Turtle
found in eastern OK
HABITAT: woodlands, thickets
FOOD: snails, earthworms, insects, carrion, plants, fungi, fruits

Did you know...
- lifespan can be 50+ years
- survival of young is low
- very active April-June
- avoid turtles on the road

05/05/2026

Are you in NW OK and interested in Eastern Red Cedar Removal? Check out this event in Grant County later this month. Register online or call the Grant County OSU Extension office.

See live demonstrations of different cedar management practices and learn about best practices for cedar control.

05/05/2026

Interested in Eastern Red Cedar Removal? - Check out this event coming up later this month - online registration makes it easy or call the Kay County OSU Extension office.

See demonstrations of different management practices to control eastern redcedar!

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Happy ! Did you know that fire can help your allergies? Prescribed burning is the strategic application of fire by an experienced fire crew to a predetermined area for land management. By burning invasive cedars, we can minimize future pollen spread and help preserve our grasslands!

05/04/2026

Get control of your Musk Thistles with Musk Thistle Weevils! The next Weevil Roundup will be at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Pond Creek, OK on May 7th. Come gain info on weevils and then join to collect weevils to take home. Sign up by calling Emily at Grant County OSU Extension 580-395-2134.

05/02/2026

Are you interested in learning how to naturally control Musk Thistles? Consider attending the Weevil Roundup at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Pond Creek, OK on May 7th. Sign up by calling Emily at Grant County OSU Extension 580-395-2134.

04/27/2026

After this weekends storms, ag producers across the state may be dealing with storm debris. Know that storm debris in hay fields or pastures may be detrimental to grazing livestock. Large pieces are easy to see but small pieces of debris such as metal and nails can inadvertently be consumed by grazing livestock. Fiberglass is especially toxic to livestock if consumed. Seek out assistance from your local veterinarian if you suspect animals that are sick may have consumed storm debris. Also reach out to your OSU Extension office if you need any assistance following these storms. We are here to support you!
https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/04/03/managing-hay-fields-and-pastures-after-storm-damage/