Address

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772

Phone

(580) 623-5195

Hagen Puentes

hagen.puentes@okstate.edu

Social Media

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Blaine County OSU Extension

Ag News

July 2026 Edition

A herd of black cows in a field of yellow-gold grass. Green trees and blue sky highlight the background.

Playing Offense Against Foot Rot

Dana Zook, NW OK Area Extension Livestock Specialist

We have rolled into the time of year where foot rot can become more common. Dr. John Gillimam, OSU College of Vet Med’s Ambulatory Veterinarian recently summarized Foot rot for educators and I thought it was too timely not to share.

Understanding the causes of foot rot, the signs, and some management to prevent can help animal caretakers play offense against this bacterium.

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Mark Turner, OSU Extension wildlife specialist, discusses how the latest New World screwworm is affecting wildlife, including practical tips for monitoring wildlife and recognizing the early signs of infestations. New World screwworms are NOT currently present in Oklahoma. As the situation evolves, updates will be posted to the following webpage.

New World Screwworm Effects on Wildlife

Mark Turner, OSU Extension wildlife specialist, discusses how the latest New World screwworm is affecting wildlife, including practical tips for monitoring wildlife and recognizing the early signs of infestations.

New World screwworms are NOT currently present in Oklahoma. Watch the video for more information on how hunters can help identify screwworm in local wildlife.

Can smaller cows produce high-performing calves?

In this edition of Cow-Calf Corner, Mark Johnson, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, shares a story that illustrates how smaller cows can ultimately produce calves that perform at a high level.

Learn why cow size does not tell the whole story when evaluating potential calf performance, and hear Johnson’s perspective on the relationship between cow size and calf performance.

State Fair Alfalfa Hay Show Entries

Oklahoma State Fair Alfalfa Hay Show Entries are to be submitted to the Blaine County Extension office no later than Wednesday, August 12, no exceptions. Just a reminder that exhibitors do not have to compete in a county hay show to exhibit in the Oklahoma State Fair Alfalfa Hay Show.

The three-bale exhibit must be in place in the OEH 3 Building by 3pm, Wednesday, September 16. Judging will be on Thursday, September 17.

Intro to Entomology Event Introduces the Fascinating World of Insects

On Tuesday, July 7th, youth from across Blaine County gathered at the Blaine County Fairgrounds for our Introduction to Entomology program.

Led by Cleveland County OSU Ag/4-H Educator, Billie Ann Jervis, and

hosted by Blaine County's own Hagen Puentes, participants explored the

fascinating world of insects through interactive learning and up-close

encounters. We loved seeing young minds engaged in science,

agriculture, and discovery. Check out a few snapshots from the day and

see our future entomologists in action!

Youth participants observe a tarantula and insect specimens during a hands-on 4-H science activity, exploring wildlife and learning about entomology and animal science.

Youth and adults participate in a hands-on 4-H science activity, examining insect specimens and learning about entomology through an interactive educational demonstration.

Participants attend a 4-H entomology workshop, learning about insects and their importance through an educational presentation and discussion.

An educator presents an insect specimen during a 4-H entomology workshop while youth and adults participate in an interactive science learning experience.

What's all the buzz? The importance of a pollinator-friendly landscape

Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist

Plant it and they will come. Each spring and fall, millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the United States. Just like humans when they travel, the butterflies need to stop for a snack and a rest along the way. Gardeners across Oklahoma can help with the migration by planting plants that attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

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Flyer promoting the Blaine County Fair at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Watonga, Oklahoma. The headline reads “BLAINE COUNTY FAIR” with the dates August 27-29, 2026 displayed prominently. Event activities listed include exhibits for 4-H, FFA, OHCE, and open classes; a pie baking contest and cake auction; a livestock judging contest; livestock shows featuring rabbits, poultry, swine, beef cattle, goats, and sheep; and a tractor driving contest. Contact information for the Blaine County OSU Extension Center is provided for entry and general information. Decorative elements include a red and orange geometric pattern along the right side and silhouettes of livestock animals, including cattle, sheep, poultry, and swine, at the bottom. A speech bubble above the livestock silhouettes reads, “Better get a mooove on!”

To view a copy of the 2026 Fair Book, click here

Promotional graphic announcing free commercial booth space for the Blaine County Fair 2026. The graphic encourages businesses and organizations to reserve booth space by scanning a QR code or visiting the provided Microsoft Forms registration link. A red and orange decorative pattern runs along the right side of the image.

Want to connect with fairgoers and promote your business or organization? We still have a few free commercial booth spaces available for the 2026 Blaine County Fair but spots are filling up fast! This is a great opportunity to engage with the community, share information, and showcase what you have to offer. Reserve your booth today before all spaces are filled! Scan the QR code provided or simply call our office and reserve one over the phone!

Calling all elementary teachers, homeschool groups, 4-H clubs, and FFA chapters!

Oklahoma CattleWomen and Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom are teaming up to provide a FREE ag book to read during "Read an Accurate Ag Book" week September 8-11!

This exciting initiative will help place accurate agriculture books in communities across all 77 Oklahoma counties while promoting agricultural literacy for young readers.

Eligible groups below can also register to be considered for Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom's "Bushel of Books" giveaway!

Elementary classrooms

Homeschool groups

4-H clubs

FFA chapters

If you know of a group in Blaine County that would benefit from this opportunity, please share this information and help spread the word!

Contact Amy McKinney: 304-549-2490

mckinney4mcattleco@gmail.com

Flyer for "Read an Accurate Ag Book Week," presented by Oklahoma CattleWomen and Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom. The event runs September 8-11, 2026, with a goal of placing 30 accurate agriculture books across Oklahoma. Contact Amy McKinney, VP of Beef Education, at 304-549-2490 or mckinney4mcattleco@gmail.com. Schools, homeschool groups, and classrooms can register to receive a free agriculture book from Oklahoma CattleWomen and be entered for a chance to win a bushel of books from Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom. Decorative book illustrations appear along the top and bottom of the flyer.

Through Your Lens Photo Winner - July 2026

Showcasing our July 2026 winner of the monthly Blaine County "Through Your Lens" photo contest. Photo "Double Rainbow" by Becky Hood taken east of Watonga, OK.

A wide rural landscape features a barn, fencing, grassy fields, and a gravel road under a colorful evening sky. A large rainbow spans nearly the entire width of the image, reaching from one horizon to the other. Shades of orange, pink, purple, and blue fill the sky, highlighting the countryside scene after a rain shower.

An orange and white clock and calendar icon

Dates to Remember:

August 10-15: You Make the Difference Tour

August 27-29: Blaine County Free Fair

September 7: Labor Day, Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

September 17-27: Oklahoma State Fair

September 30: Watonga Lions Club Circus at the Fairgrounds

October 1-11: Tulsa State Fair

October 9-10: Watonga Cheese Festival

October 12: Columbus Day, Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

Legal Disclosures

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Hagen Puentes at (580) 623-5195 or hagen.puentes@okstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

OSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify Employer.

Blaine County OSU Extension

Courthouse Basement

212 N Weigle Ave.

Watonga, OK 73772

(580) 623-5195