Garvin County OSU Extension Service

Garvin County OSU Extension Service OSU Cooperative Extension provides research-based resources (many free) you can use to improve your home, workplace and community.

This office's programs and services are specifically designed to solve the problems Garvin County residents face. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Heather Hanneman at 405-238-6681/[email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event. Oklahoma State University, as an equal oppor

tunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, s*x, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.

NEW WORLD SCREWWORM UPDATEThe joint Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA team confirmed three new cases of NWS Sunday...
06/22/2026

NEW WORLD SCREWWORM UPDATE

The joint Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA team confirmed three new cases of NWS Sunday. Two cases were cattle in Edwards County, which already had confirmed cases. One sheep was confirmed to be infested in Crockett County. I don’t think finding additional cases surprised anyone who is somewhat knowledgeable about NWS. I think it’s good in that it proves they are doing surveillance and that the surveillance is working.

Veterinarians, producers, private citizens, and OSU Extension Educators are doing a good job reporting potential cases to ODAFF. If NWS does make it to Oklahoma, the sooner we find it, the better our chances of eliminating it before it spreads.

Here is a link to USDA’s website where you can get a lot of information and can see the dashboard with the list of cases and where they’re located:
Confirmed Detections of New World Screwworm | APHIS
https://shorturl.at/lQSXk

Here is a link to TAHC’s website with a map of the infested zones. You can put an address in and find out if it’s in an infested or adjacent surveillance zone:
Interactive Map of NWS Zones
https://shorturl.at/28iHW

Our NWS information page is here:
New World Screwworm – ODAFF
https://shorturl.at/Upwj8

For veterinarians submitting samples to OADDL, please go to this page:
Submission Forms | Oklahoma State University: https://shorturl.at/ibmq6
Print UPS or FedEx shipping labels. OADDL will then be able to bill ODAFF for the shipping and ID. Please ship samples ASAP. It’s best to put the maggots in almost boiling water (~200o F) for a few seconds prior to putting them in 70% alcohol to ship them.

For non-veterinarians, please contact your OSU Extension office. They have submission kits and know how to package and ship samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab at OSU.

The QR code below is a good way of reporting as well. It opens up a survey with a map that can be used to pinpoint where the sample was taken, contact information of the owner or reporter, and a way to attach photos to help “triage” the samples.

One advantage we have now over the people who were fighting this in the 20th century is our smart phones. Good photos can often be used to “triage” samples to determine if shipping them to the lab is acceptable, or if we need to have someone drive them there for more rapid diagnosis.

05/21/2026

Save this post! 📌 Be sure to mark your calendars with all the important deadlines for the 2026 at the !

Protecting the herd: OSU Extension tips for managing ticks and flies around cattle this summer.By Dean RuhlSTILLWATER, O...
05/05/2026

Protecting the herd: OSU Extension tips for managing ticks and flies around cattle this summer.
By Dean Ruhl

STILLWATER, Okla. – As Oklahoma enters the spring months, Dr. Jonathan Cammack, Oklahoma State University State Extension Specialist for livestock entomology and parasitology, offers tips for handling ticks and flies around cattle.

Asian longhorned ticks

Asian longhorned ticks were first documented in the state in 2024, with confirmed cases in Craig and Mayes Counties. With ticks present in bordering states like Arkansas and Missouri, producers in the northeast corner of Oklahoma should remain vigilant.

“Sequoyah County up to Ottawa County, that range of six to eight counties in that corner of the state is where producers should be looking,” Cammack said.

But what’s so concerning about these ticks? There are several reasons, Cammack said. Asian longhorned ticks are a non-native species, meaning Oklahoma doesn’t necessarily have natural control options present in its environment.

This species also reproduces as*xually through parthenogenesis, meaning females can lay eggs without the added challenge of finding a mate. This allows tick populations to explode quickly, and in states with established populations, thousands of Asian longhorned ticks can be present on a single animal.

“For this time of year, this is when we expect to see that nymphal stage that’s been hiding in the leaf litter,” Cammack said. “They start to come out, be active and look for a host animal to feed on.”

There are plenty of treatment options available. Products labeled for tick control are effective against this species. Based on published research, Cammack recommends treating animals in the spring as the most effective time. As producers prepare cattle for pasture, using a synthetic pyrethroid and spraying it onto the animal where ticks are visible is effective.

“As long as you’ve got a pyrethroid or some other product labeled for managing ticks in general, what we’ve seen from laboratory studies is that they are effective for Asian longhorned ticks,” Cammack said.

Horn flies

As the weather continues to warm up into the summer months, horn flies will also become a problem for cattle across the state. As Cammack explains, the southeast portion of Oklahoma is the first to begin dealing with the flies, which slowly start moving north throughout the summer.

Horn fly season usually peaks in July and August. One of the best things producers can do right now is provide animals with a feed-through insect growth regulator, which is readily available at any local feed store.

“Get a mineral block or mineral tub that’s got some sort of insect growth regulator in it,” Cammack said. “That way, the cattle are going to consume that mineral and that pesticide product is going to pass through the digestive tract and end up in the manure.”

When horn flies do arrive and lay eggs in the manure, the pesticide present in it will kill the larvae, Cammack explained.

Insecticide ear tags are another effective way to deal with horn flies. The trick is applying them at the proper time of year, Cammack explained.

“Everyone wants to do it during spring break when they’ve got the extra help that might be home from school,” he said. “That’s typically a little too early. Most ear tags are going to give about 3-4 months of control, depending on how hot it is.”

Ideally, producers should wait until the end of May or the beginning of June to maximize the benefits of the ear tags and align with the peak season.

For more area-specific recommendations for livestock pest management, Cammack said to reach out to your local county OSU Extension office.

“The Ag educator in each county is going to have great recommendations for what works in that local environment,” he said.

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.



MEDIA CONTACT: Dean Ruhl | Office of Communications & Marketing, OSU Agriculture | 405-744-9152 | [email protected]

# # #

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, s*x, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.

Join the Garvin County OSU Extension Service on May 4th for Cowboys, Coffee, & Community!From 10am to Noon, have a great...
04/29/2026

Join the Garvin County OSU Extension Service on May 4th for Cowboys, Coffee, & Community!

From 10am to Noon, have a great cup of joe and meet your local Extension staff. Find out more about how Extension serves in your community, in addition to being a resource for our local agricultural producers and schools county-wide. This is what "Education Everywhere for Everyone" is all about.

Located at the Garvin County Courthouse Rotunda and Featuring 7 Shooter Coffee. Come back at 3:30pm for a photo opportunity with a very Special Guest! Sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau🤠

Oklahoma Gardening #5243White-Tailed Deer in the Garden: Expert Tips to Protect Your LandscapeEver wonder why deer targ...
04/28/2026

Oklahoma Gardening #5243

White-Tailed Deer in the Garden: Expert Tips to Protect Your Landscape

Ever wonder why deer target your prize flowers but ignore the grass? Join us and wildlife biologist Mark Turner to learn the science behind deer behavior and how to keep your garden from becoming an overnight buffet!

Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ixFKiZ2658

Airdate (04/25/26) #5243

Join us for Oklahoma Gardening on OETA
Saturdays 11:00 am and Sundays 3:00 pm

To find out more information about show topics as well as recipes, articles, videos, fact sheets and other resources, including the directory of local Extension offices, be sure to visit our website. http://oklahomagardening.okstate.edu/

04/27/2026

Join the Garvin County OHCE Thursday, May 21st at 10AM, at the Nora Sparks Warren Library in Pauls Valley. May's Leader Lesson: Self-Guided Meditation to Relax for Better Blood Pressure, taught by Oklahoma County Educators Danyelle Kuss and Lisa Hamblin.

Learn quick and easy ways to relax for your peace of mind and to lower your blood pressure. Self-guided meditation, deep breathing, and stretching can be done anytime and anywhere.

*Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Heather Hanneman at 405-238-6681/[email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event. OSU is an AA/EEO/E-Verify Employer.

This week, SUNUP features an encore of the most popular segments from the past few weeks.Dave Lalman, OSU Extension beef...
04/23/2026

This week, SUNUP features an encore of the most popular segments from the past few weeks.

Dave Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, takes SUNUP behind the scenes at the Soil Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory with lab coordinator Kendal Henderson.

Oklahoma Agriculture Starts at SUNUP!

Weekly Statewide Broadcast: Saturday at 7:30 a.m. & Sunday at 6 a.m. on OETA (PBS)
Stream Anytime: YouTube.com/SUNUPtv

Garden Tips for Mid- to Late AprilTrees and Shrubs:*Proper watering of newly planted trees and shrubs often means the di...
04/17/2026

Garden Tips for Mid- to Late April

Trees and Shrubs:

*Proper watering of newly planted trees and shrubs often means the difference between success and replacement.
*Remove any winter-damaged branches or plants that have not begun to grow. Prune spring flowering plants as soon as they are finished blooming. (HLA-6404, HLA-6409)
*Control of powdery mildew disease can be done with early detection and regular treatment. Many new plant cultivars are resistant. (EPP-7617)
*Fungicides for leaf spot diseases of ornamentals can be applied.
*Diplodia tip blight fungicide applications should be applied at bud break.

Flower Beds:

*Most bedding plants, summer flowering bulbs, and annual flower seeds can be planted after danger of frost. This happens around mid-April in most of Oklahoma. Hold off on mulching these crops until spring rains subside and soil temperatures are in the low to mid 60s.
*Harden off transplants outside in partial protection from sun and wind prior to planting.
*Lace bugs, aphids, spider mites, bagworms, etc. can start popping up in the landscape during the later part of April. Keep a close eye on all plants and use mechanical, cultural, and biological control options first.
*Let spring flowering bulb foliage (daffodil, tulip, etc.) remain as long as possible before removing it.
*Pinch back leggy annuals to encourage branching and fuller growth.
*Water newly planted annuals frequently until established, then transition to deeper, less frequent water.
*Be alert for both insect pests and predators. Some pests can be handpicked without using a pesticide. Do not spray if predators such as lady beetles are present. Spray only when there are too few predators to be effective.
*Nutsedge plants can become visible during this month but wait until May for treatment.

Vegetables:

*Transition from cool-season crops to warm-season crops as temperatures rise.
*Cucurbit crops and okra can be planted towards the end of April.
*Cover cucurbit crops with a floating row cover to keep out insect pests. Remove during bloom time to allow for insect pollination.
*Apply fertilizer according to soil test results.
Incorporate compost or other organic matter into vegetable garden beds for improved soil health.
*Pay close attention to the forecast and look for potential late freezes.
*Plant vegetable crops in successive plantings to ensure a steady supply of produce rather than harvesting all at once.
*Watch for cutworm damage and add flea beetle scouting to your list of activities in the vegetables garden.

Lawn and Turf:

*Warm-season grass lawns, such as Bermudagrass, zoysiagrass or, in southern Oklahoma, St. Augustinegrass, can be established beginning in mid-April from sprigs, plugs or sod. (HLA-6419)
*Fertilizer programs can begin for warm season grasses in April. The following recommendations are to achieve optimum performance and appearance of commonly grown species in Oklahoma.
- Zoysiagrass: 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

- Buffalograss: 2 - 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

- Buffalograss/grama mixes: 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

- Bermudagrass: 4-6 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

- Centipedegrass: 2 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

- St. Augustinegrass: 3-6 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year

*When using quick release forms of fertilizer, use one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application; water in nitrate fertilizers. (HLA-6420)
*Mowing of warm-season lawns can begin now (HLA-6420). Cutting height for Bermuda and zoysia should be 1 to 1½ inches high, and buffalograss 1 ½ to 3 inches high.
*Damage from Spring Dead Spot Disease (SDS) becomes visible in bermudagrass (EPP-7665). Perform practices that promote grass recovery. Do not spray fungicides at this time for SDS control.
*Grub damage can be visible in lawns at this time. Check for the presence of grubs before ever applying any insecticide treatments. Apply appropriate soil insecticide if white grubs are a problem (EPP-7306). Water product into soil.

Fruit and Nuts:

*Don’t spray insecticides during fruit tree bloom or pollination may be affected. Disease sprays can continue according to schedule and label directions. (EPP-7319)
*Control cedar-apple rust. When the orange jelly galls are visible on juniper (cedar), following a rain, begin treating apple and crabapple trees with a fungicide. Treat hawthorns accordingly. (EPP-7319, EPP-7611)
*Fire blight bacterial disease can be controlled at this time. Plant disease-resistant varieties to avoid diseases.
*Continue spray schedules for disease prone fruit and pine trees.

General:

*Hummingbirds arrive in Oklahoma in early April. Get your feeders ready using 1-part sugar to 4-parts water. Do not use red food coloring.
*Keep the bird feeder filled during the summer and help control insects at the same time.
*Schedule a group tour of the OKG Studio Gardens in Stillwater between the first of May and late October!
*Clean out the water garden and prepare for season. Divide and repot water garden plants.
*Begin feeding fish when water temperatures are over 50 F.

ODAFF has three Unwanted Pesticides coming up at the end of April in Sallisaw, Chandler, and Cheyenne. April 28: Sequoy...
04/17/2026

ODAFF has three Unwanted Pesticides coming up at the end of April in Sallisaw, Chandler, and Cheyenne.

April 28: Sequoyah County Fairgrounds
464101 E 1070 Road, Sallisaw, OK 74955

April 29: Lincoln County Fairgrounds
1023 W. 15th, Chandler, OK 74834

April 30: Roger Mills County Fairgrounds
300 Fair Barn Rd. Cheyenne, OK 73628

The collections will run from 8 am to 1 pm at all locations.

Please take advantage of this opportunity if needed, or pass this information along to anyone that could use this program funded by ODAFF.

The next collections will occur sometime in the Fall of 2026.

The Garvin County Courthouse and Extension Offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday, on April 3rd.
03/31/2026

The Garvin County Courthouse and Extension Offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday, on April 3rd.

Address

201 W Grant Rm 7 Courthouse
Pauls Valley, OK
73075

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14052386681

Website

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