AGRICULTURAL

ISSUE #1, January 2017

Harper County Extension Office

Address PO Box 180 Buffalo, OK 73834

Phone 580-735-2252

Email Darrell.mcbee@okstate.edu Araine.cash@okstate.edu

Website http://www.oces.okstate.edu/harper

Social Media Facebook: /Harper Osu Extension

In this issue

GARDEN TIPS FOR October

Tree Pruning (Cont.) 2

Prepare before you Pull 3

HCJLA Information 5

Tree Pruning

Tree Pruning

Proper pruning is important in

maintaining the health of your

tree. Trees have amazing natural

defenses that enable them to heal---

if they are pruned correctly. Cut-

ting the tree improperly creates

large wounds that leave the tree

open to disease and decay. This is a

quick introduction to proper prun-

ing. It will show you how to make

the right cut and gives some basic

guidelines for making the decision

to prune.

Branch Anatomy

Tree branches grow outward from

the main trunk of the tree (as op-

posed to a fork in the stem). When

a tree branches, it forms a branch

collar and a branch bark

ridge. These two features are very

important when it comes time to

prune.

The branch collar is a distinctive

bulge at the base of the branch,

where it connects to the trunk. It is

actually interlocking layers of cells

of the branch and the trunk, and is

the part that will heal the wound left

by pruning. The branch collar seals

off the wound, minimizing disease

and decay. Proper pruning leaves

the branch collar intact. Branch

collars vary widely from tree to

tree, and from species to spe-

cies. Some are large and very no-

ticeable, while some are much hard-

er to distinguish.

The branch bark ridge is slightly

raised bark between the branch and

the trunk that extends in a line to

each side of the trunk. When the

branch collar is difficult to identify,

the branch bark ridge can help us

decide where to make our pruning

cut. When you are pruning, never

cut behind the branch bark ridge.

Before you begin pruning, look

around at several trees to learn to

identify these two important parts

of the branch.

How to Make the Proper Cut

The branch collar should always be

left intact. Your pruning cut should

begin at the top of the branch collar

and end at the bottom. If the branch

is large enough to require a pruning

saw, it is important to first shorten

the branch to about a 6-8" stub, be-

fore making the pruning cut to pre-

vent the weight of the branch from

tearing through the branch collar.

Meetings 4

HCJLA Schedule 6

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Agricultural Newsletter

Tree Pruning (cont.)

Make your first cut about 6 inches out from the trunk on the underside of the branch, about a third of the way

through. Next, cut through the branch just outside your first cut, leaving about a six inch stub on the

tree. Now, you can safely make your pruning cut, leaving the branch collar on the trunk.

If the branch collar on your tree is flat and close to the trunk, so that it is hard to distinguish, use this method

for determining where to make your pruning cut.

Draw an imaginary line from the top of the branch collar to the place where the branch attaches to the

trunk. Then, observe the angle that the branch bark ridge makes with the imaginary line. Mirror the angle

across the imaginary line, and make your pruning cut at this angle. This will keep the branch collar intact.

Pruning: When and Where and Why

The best time to prune your tree is in late winter but before the buds begin to swell. Pruning can also be done

in

the summer well after the tree has leafed out. Avoid pruning just after the tree has leafed out because it has

just used up a lot of energy and won't be able to tackle the job of healing as well. Dying or dead branches in

the tree can and should be removed at any time.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

Do not prune your tree by cutting off a branch flush with the trunk. Although once commonly advised, this

type of cut removes the branch collar leaving a larger, oval wound. Remember, the branch collar is the tree’s

number one defense and so should always be left intact.

After pruning, it is not necessary to use a wound dressing. Wound dressings have not been shown to improve

the recovery of the tree, and in some cases do actual damage to the tree.

References:

Tree Pruning: A Worldwide Photo Guide. Shigo, Alex L. c. 1989. Shigo and Trees Assoc. Durham.

Copyright 2002 Sunshine Nursery

Clinton,OK

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Agricultural Newsletter

- Ipsum

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Educa-

tion Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age,

sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment,

financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to

handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on

gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative

Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwa-

ter, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural

Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of 000 cents per copy.

Prepare before you pull (that difficult birth) Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist

Before applying the obstetrical chains to "pull" a calf during a difficult birth, a proper analysis of the situa-

tion must be made. Wash the vulva, anus and the area in between using soap and warm water. Pulling on a

calf should only be done when the presentation and posture of the calf are normal. Normal is defined as the

"anterior presentation" with fore feet first, head resting on the limbs, and the eyes level with the knees. A

backwards calf can be delivered only when both back limbs are presented. Before chains are applied, be

certain that the cervix is completely dilated.

To properly use obstetrical chains when assisting with a difficult birth, follow the this procedure. To attach

the chain, loop it around the thin part of the leg above the fetlock. Then, make a half hitch and tighten it

below the joint and above the foot. Make certain that the chain is positioned in such a manner that is goes

over the top of the toes. In this way the pressure is applied so as to pull the sharp points of the calves

hooves away from the soft tissue of the vaginal wall. (The toes of the backwards calf will be upside-down

compared to the forward presentation).

Obtain a copy of "Calving Time Management of Beef Cows and Heifers" E-1006, an OSU Extension Circu-

lar that thoroughly discusses working with cows and heifers before and during calving season. It can be

downloaded from: http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-9389/E-1006web2014.pdf

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Agricultural Newsletter

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Educa-

tion Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age,

sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment,

financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to

handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on

gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative

Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwa-

ter, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural

Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of 000 cents per copy.

Gate Winter

Wheat Meeting When: Thursday, February 9th

12pm Lunch, (meeting to follow)

Where: Mid-West Crop Protection Bldg.

Gate, Oklahoma

Speakers:

Trent Milacek

NW Area Ag Economist

Economics of Alternative Crops

Darrell McBee

Harper County Ag Educator

Area Wheat Update

Dr. Tracey Beedy

Panhandle Area Agronomist

Sugarcane Aphid Update &

Sorghum Issues

Angus Cattle Sale:

OK&T Angus Breeders 76th Annual Sale

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm.

Harper County Fairgrounds, Buffalo, Oklahoma

Noon meal provided.

63 Bulls.

Females: 39 Open, 12 Bred, 7 Pairs.

For information and sale catalog, contact Dennie Jenkins at 580-938-1094.

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Agricultural Newsletter

The Harper County Jr. Livestock Association would like to invite you to the Harper Co. Jr. Live-stock Show Premium Supper and Premium Sale on Monday, February 13th, 2017. A meal will be served for the Premium Buyers and Exhibitors, beginning at 5:30 pm with the Trophy Presentation and Premium Sale following. This will be held at the Laverne Ag Barn in Laverne, Oklahoma.

With supporters like yourself, you have made a positive difference in the lives of 4-H and FFA students. On behalf of the Harper County Jr. Livestock Association and Harper County stu-dents, we would like to thank you for your past and present interest and support.

In order to streamline our efforts, the Laverne Livestock Association, Buffalo Livestock Associa-tion and Harper County Jr. Livestock Association are working together. Donations will now be made payable to Harper County Jr. Livestock Association (HCJLA). Should you choose to do so, you will still have the ability to earmark where you would like your donation to go. If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute to the HCJLA, please complete and return the attached form.

We appreciate your continued support for the Harper County youth!

HARPER COUNTY JR LIVESTOCK SHOW

Buyer Card

Buyer Name : _______________________________________$_____________

Address : _____________________________________________________

Exhibitor ____________________________________ $-------___________________

Exhibitor ____________________________________ $-------___________________

Exhibitor ____________________________________ $-------___________________

***GENERAL DONATION $-------___________________

BUFFALO FFA $________ LAVERNE FFA $-------________ FT. SUPPLY FFA $________

Please make checks payable to: Harper County Jr. Livestock Association (HCJLA) PO Box 180 Buffalo, OK 73834 *** General donations will be divided between Buffalo/Laverne/Fort Supply 4-H & FFA Groups. The dona-tions will be split according to percentage for each school. I.E. Buffalo has 23 Exhibitors & Laverne has 40 Ex-hibitors & Fort Supply has 3 Exhibitors. Buffalo will get 35% of the general donations, Laverne will get 60% and Fort Supply will get 5%.

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Harper County Extension Office PO Box 180 Buffalo, OK 73834

«First Name»

«Address»

«City, State, Zip»

2017 HARPER COUNTY JUNIOR LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION SHOW & PREMIUM SALE

LAVERNE, OKLAHOMA

Monday, February 13th, 2017

8:00 am - Sheep & Goat Cards Turned In

9:00 am - Sheep Show

Lambs Lead immediately following Sheep Show

Goat Show immediately following Lambs Lead

10:00 am - Hog Cards & Cattle Cards Turned In

Hog Show immediately following Goat Show

Cattle Show immediately following Hog Show

5:30 pm - Dinner

6:30 pm - Premium Sale