Woods County OSU Extension

Upcoming FREE Webinar from AgriSafe

Agricultural Dust and Your Health
Thursday, July 16, 2026

12 PM - 1 PM Central Time

Reminder: Webinar Alert: Agricultural Dust and Your Health Email from AgriSafe Network Join us July 16 at 12 PM CT Upcoming FREE Webinar   Agricultural Dust and Your Health Thursday, July 16, 2026 12 PM - 1 PM Central Time   Summary: This presentation will p

🇩🇪🇲🇽 Salsa and Sauerkraut Workshop 🇲🇽🇩🇪

Choose from: July 7 in Alva
July 9 in Fairview
July 29 in Cherokee

Learn the basics of both salsa making and sauerkraut making.

There is no fee for these workshops, funds are provided through a grant.

Please let us know by June 30th if you plan to attend. Class size is limited to 12 for each location.

To RSVP for the Alva location, call 580-327-2786

New World screwworm has been confirmed in a calf in South Texas, marking the first confirmed U.S. detection in decades. Federal and state animal health officials are responding aggressively to contain the pest and prevent its spread. New World Screwworms are NOT currently present in Oklahoma (6-5-26).

In this update, Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, explains what Oklahoma livestock owners need to know about the recent detection, how New World screwworm affects cattle and other livestock, and the steps producers can take now to reduce risk and protect their operations.

Topics covered:
• What New World screwworm is and why it matters
• Current status of the Texas detection
• Livestock management and biosecurity recommendations
• Resources available to Oklahoma producers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNonrpSD5WI

Tips For Harvesting Homegrown Potatoes
Shelby Mendoza, OSU Student Farm Assistant Manager

When the foliage on potato plants begins to yellow and die back, it is a sign the potatoes are ready to be harvested. Gardeners can either allow the foliage to die back naturally or cut the foliage back early to begin the harvest process sooner. In either case, stop watering about two weeks before harvest. Allowing the soil to dry helps toughen the potato skins, which improves storage life and reduces damage during harvest.

It is important to harvest potatoes on a day when the soil is dry. Gently dig around the plants with your hands or a garden fork or shovel, taking care not to cut or bruise the potatoes. Damaged potatoes should be used first because they will not store well.

After harvest, you can gently wipe away excess soil from the potatoes, but do not wash them. Washing adds moisture which can encourage rot during storage. Allow the potatoes to air dry briefly in a shaded area with good airflow, but avoid leaving them in sunlight for extended periods, as sunlight can cause potatoes to turn green and develop solanine, a naturally occurring compound that can be toxic if consumed in large amounts.

Potatoes can be eaten immediately after harvest or cured for longer storage. To cure potatoes, place them in a dark, cool location with good airflow for about two weeks. Ideal curing temperatures are around 50-60°F with moderate humidity. During curing, small cuts and scrapes heal and the skins continue to toughen, improving storage life. After curing, gently brush off any remaining soil and store potatoes in a cool, dark, dry location. Do not wash potatoes until you are ready to use them.