Oklahoma wheat harvest moved forward at a slow pace over the 4th of July weekend, with rain showers hitting several parts of the Panhandle, Northern, and Northeast Oklahoma at different times. There is a region in the Goodwell, Guymon and Hooker area that is still working on irrigated wheat production that has been delayed due …
Tag: oklahoma
Jun 16
Oklahoma Braces for Elevated Humidity Following Record Wet Start to June
Oklahoma, a state often associated with scorching, dry summers, is experiencing an unusual start to June, marked by persistent rainfall, mild temperatures, and a notable absence of the typical dry heat. This “un-Okie” trend, as State Climatologist Gary McManus humorously puts it, is setting the stage for a potentially uncomfortable shift as humidity is poised …
Jun 03
Oklahoma Braces for More Rain, Severe Weather, and “Life-Threatening Flash Flooding”
Oklahoma is bracing for another round of severe weather, with State Climatologist Gary McManus issuing a dire warning about the potential for “life-threatening flash flooding” across the state. The forecast calls for 4-7 inches of rain, with higher local amounts, impacting areas that have already experienced significant rainfall over the past two months. “Now I …
May 23
Oklahoma Cotton Producers Show Optimism Amidst Planting Progress
Oklahoma’s cotton planting season is in full swing, with irrigated acres nearing completion and producers embracing a resilient outlook despite ongoing challenges. Jenny Dudak, OSU Extension Cotton Specialist, highlights the positive progress and offers key advice for growers navigating the current conditions. “We are actually in Fort Cobb at the OSU Research Station,” Dudak shared, …
May 21
OSU Wheat Breeding Program Delivers Significant Economic Impact to Oklahoma
A recent visit to Lahoma Wheat Field Day saw Farm Director KC Sheperd speaking with Dayton Lambert of Oklahoma State University (OSU) about a comprehensive impact analysis conducted on the university’s wheat breeding program. This extensive project aimed to quantify the program’s contributions to the Oklahoma economy and wheat producers. “We took some publicly available …
May 13
Oklahoma Weather: From Record Rains to Summer Heat with State Climatologist Gary McManus
Farm Director KC Sheperd recently spoke with State Climatologist Gary McManus about the recent dramatic weather shifts in Oklahoma, from record-breaking rainfall to the looming summer heat. McManus provided an insightful look at the state’s current conditions and what Oklahomans can expect in the coming months. “Well, it’s certainly been quiet recently, for the last …
Apr 21
Weekend Rains Bring Drought Relief and Devastating Flooding to Oklahoma
Oklahoma experienced a weekend of significant rainfall that has provided much-needed relief to drought-stricken areas, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus. However, this welcome moisture came with a harsh reality familiar to Oklahomans: severe weather, including deadly flooding and several tornadoes. “The rain over the weekend has certainly helped with the drought, obviously,” McManus stated, …
Apr 02
Diving into Ag Tech: Oklahoma State’s EPOS Camp Promises a Cutting-Edge Experience
A unique opportunity is on the horizon for young agricultural enthusiasts: the EPOS (Episode Ag Experience) technology in agriculture camp at Oklahoma State University. Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Matt Oakes, the driving force behind this initiative, about how this camp is bringing a fresh perspective to agricultural education. “This is an EPOS Ag …
Mar 25
Drought Intensifies in Oklahoma as Rainfall Deficit Deepens
Oklahoma is experiencing a severe dry spell, with drought conditions intensifying across much of the state. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, the situation is becoming increasingly dire, marked by a prolonged lack of significant rainfall. “The last time Medford received at least a quarter-inch of rain (or melted snow/ice) in a single day was …
Mar 19
Clearing the Smoke: Oklahoma Experts Clarify Prescribed Burns vs. Wildfires
Recent fire dangers across Oklahoma have sparked confusion and misinformation about prescribed burns, leading experts to clarify the critical differences between controlled burns and wildfires. Trey Lam of Oklahoma Conservation and John Weir, an OSU extension specialist, addressed these concerns with Farm Director KC Sheperd, emphasizing the importance of responsible land management. Distinguishing Prescribed Burns …