Address

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772


Phone

(580) 623-5195


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Blaine County OSU Extension

 

Ag News

September 2026 Edition

 
A brown cow stands looking at the camera with its face partly in shadows

Research shows severe temperatures in the southeast impact cattle production


Taylor Yount, OSU Ag Communications


Reduced rainfall and weeks of hot, even record-breaking temperatures are decreasing forage production and the nutritional quality of forage for cattle, potentially impacting their health and production. 

Video thumbnail of Ashley Faris from OSU. The words 'Pasture Mealybug', SUNUP, are in orange.

Pasture mealybug: The new pasture threat to watch


Pasture mealybug is an emerging threat to pasture and hay production, with recent reports in Dallas County, Texas. In this video, Ashleigh Faris, OSU Extension cropping systems entomologist, discusses what Oklahoma producers should know about pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) and why now is the time to scout pastures.

What are Bred Heifers Worth?

A New Tool Helps Cattle Producers Calculate Value

U

Mark Johnson, OSU Extension beef cattle breeding specialist, discusses the market value of bred heifers and how producers can better evaluate that value when making herd management and purchasing decisions.

Blaine County Fair Sees Growth, Community Spirit, and Excitement for the Future

The 2026 Blaine County Fair, held August 28-29, brought together families, exhibitors, vendors, and community members for two days of fun, friendly competition, and celebration. This year's fair saw a noticeable increase in attendance and participation, demonstrating that the Blaine County Fair continues to be a valued tradition and an important showcase of local talent and community pride.


One of the highlights of this year's fair was the tremendous growth in exhibit entries. Through fair workshops offered earlier in the year and increased promotion throughout the county, more residents than ever chose to share their talents and creativity through exhibits. From crafts and photography to agriculture and 4-H/FFA projects, the exhibit halls were filled with an impressive display of skills and accomplishments.


Blaine County 4-H members were especially successful this year, with 38 exhibits earning the opportunity to advance to the Oklahoma State Fair. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our local youth and the support they receive from their families, volunteers, and club leaders throughout the year.


The fairgrounds were also buzzing with activity thanks to the participation of 20 commercial booth vendors, offering visitors opportunities to shop, learn about local businesses and organizations, and connect with community resources. Food vendors helped keep fairgoers fueled with delicious treats throughout the event, including favorites from Brews with Drews, Okie Dokie Teas & Treats, Sipn' Treats, and Shaved Ice on Wheels and Concessions.


Families enjoyed plenty of entertainment as well. Leslie McElroy of Fancy Faces Face Painting delighted children with colorful and creative face-painting designs, transforming young fairgoers in creative imagination. Live entertainment was also a big draw with singers Ashley Crews, Sharon Cochran, and Katie Ballew.


The increased participation and enthusiasm seen throughout this year's fair have organizers excited about what's ahead. Planning has already begun for next year, and several new family-friendly activities are being explored, including a possible eating contest, a Little Tikes bicycle obstacle course, a pet parade, and other interactive attractions designed to make the fair even more memorable.


The success of the Blaine County Fair is driven by community involvement. Every exhibit entered, booth reserved, volunteer hour given, and family that attends helps strengthen and grow this longstanding tradition. As participation continues to increase, so does the opportunity to create an even bigger and better event for everyone.


The Blaine County Fair Board would like to thank all exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, entertainers, and attendees who contributed to this year's success. We are excited to build on this momentum and invite everyone to join us again next year as we work toward making the 2027 Blaine County Fair the best one yet.



Mark your calendars now, start planning your exhibits, and help us continue growing this great community tradition!


Group photo of ten youth standing together in a livestock show arena with a dirt floor and concrete bleachers in the background. Several participants are wearing 4-H and FFA shirts, jeans, boots, and western attire, including one youth wearing a white cowboy hat. Two younger children stand in the front row while the others are gathered behind them. The group is posed along the arena rail for a commemorative photo during the Blaine County Fair.
Ashley Crews sings live on the Blaine County Fair Foley Building stage August 28th
Vendor booth for Okie Dokie Teas & Treats at the Blaine County Fair. A vendor stands behind a display table under a canopy tent, with packaged snack products arranged in wooden crates. A sign in the center advertises smoked crackers, and a large banner across the front of the table displays the Okie Dokie Teas & Treats logo and branding. A QR code payment sign is visible on the right side of the booth, with a metal building and grassy fairgrounds area in the background.
Katie Ballew sings live on the Blaine County Fair Foley Building stage August 29th
Livestock show winners pose in a show arena at the Blaine County Fair alongside two Boer goats. Four youth exhibitors and one adult stand behind the animals, while two exhibitors hold large award signs reading "2026 Reserve Supreme Champion Breeding Doe" and "2026 Supreme Champion Breeding Doe." The photo was taken inside the livestock barn, with show pens and arena fencing visible in the background.
Sharon Cochran sings live on the Blaine County Fair Foley Building stage August 28th

For Livestock Judging Contest results, click here

For Livestock Show results, click here

For Poultry results, click here

For Exhibit results, click here

Graphic from Blaine County Extension announcing a Labor Day office closure. The design features red, white, and blue patriotic colors with decorative stars and stripes along the bottom. Text reads: "Blaine County Extension Will Be Closed for Labor Day, Monday, September 7th. We will return to normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th." The announcement is displayed on a light gray background with large blue lettering and red script accents.

We Appreciate Your Patience


Blaine County OSU Extension is open and here to serve you, but we are currently operating with one staff member. This means there may be times when the office is temporarily unattended or responses take a little longer than normal.

Please know we are doing everything we can to assist our clients and connect them with the resources they need. We are grateful for the support of our Interim County Director, Bryan Kennedy, out of Kingfisher County. We also have Extension educators and specialists across Oklahoma who are helping us continue to provide services during this transition.


Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of OSU Extension in Blaine County.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community!

Save the Date and Say Cheese!


The Watonga Cheese Festival returns October 9-10, 2026, celebrating 50 years of cheese, community, and tradition. Mark your calendars now and start getting excited for a weekend of hometown fun!


And for all the bakers, cooks, and food enthusiasts out there... the ever-popular Food Contest will be back as part of the celebration! More details on contest categories, rules, and entry information will be coming soon.



Stay tuned and start thinking about what delicious creations you might enter!


Promotional flyer for the Watonga Cheese Festival celebrating its 50th anniversary with the theme “Still Sharp After 50 Years” (1976-2026). The design features images of the Watonga water tower, a wedge of cheese, and historic downtown buildings in gold and navy colors. Event dates are listed as Friday, October 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The flyer highlights festival activities including vendors, kids' activities, a petting zoo, pedal tractor pull, inflatables, junior firefighters obstacle course, cheese tasting line, entertainment, cheese food contest, art show, quilt show, 5K Great Rat Race, and a parade. It also promotes the Plains Collective Art Festival featuring fashion shows, discussion panels, native art exhibitions and vendors, food demonstrations, a fry bread contest, native demonstration dancers, and a Sunday pow-wow at Watonga Legion Park.  A banner at the bottom reads, “Join us for a weekend of tradition, culture, art, and community!” and includes contact information for volunteering and additional festival details.

It's Too Hot to Think About Christmas...

Or is it?

Yep, summer has been like an unwanted houseguest, but December magic is already on the horizon!


Join us for the 2026 Blaine County OHCE Holiday Bazaar & Santa's Village on December 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds.


Christmas shopping

Kids' craft workshops

Christmas story time

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Local crafters and vendors


Want to be a vendor? Booth spaces are available for $30.

Application & payment deadline: November 13th


Vendor applications available through the QR code on the flyer below, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/nNJ2EYrgiQ, or apply in person at the Blaine County OSU Extension Office


Payments must be made in-office or mailed.

No online payments accepted!



Let's trade the summer heat for Christmas cheer and make this year's Holiday Bazaar one to remember!

Promotional flyer for the 2026 Blaine County OHCE Holiday Bazaar and Santa’s Village. The festive design features red and green holiday colors, hanging Christmas ornaments, snowflakes, a snowman, and a reindeer illustration. The event is scheduled for December 5, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Foley Building, Blaine County Fairgrounds.  The flyer highlights Santa’s Village activities, including craft workshops for children, Christmas story time, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It also advertises a craft show and invites crafters and vendors to reserve an 8-by-6-foot booth space for $30. Contact information and a QR code for booth registration are included. The bottom of the flyer notes that vendor applications are available through the Blaine County OSU Extension Office and that applications are due by November 13th.

Through Your Lens Photo Winner - August 2026


Showcasing our August 2026 winner of the monthly Blaine County "Through Your Lens" photo contest. Photo by Victor Hood, taken East of Watonga, OK.

Colorful sunset over a rural Oklahoma landscape east of Watonga. The sun sits low on the horizon, casting orange and gold light across a small pond and surrounding fields. Tall green grass fills the foreground, while leafy tree branches frame the left side of the image. Streaks of pink, orange, and blue clouds stretch across the evening sky, reflecting the warm sunset colors over the open countryside.
An orange and white clock and calendar icon

Dates to Remember:

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

November 11: Veteran's Day - Blaine County Courthouse and

Extension Office Closed

November 13: Vendor/Crafter Applications Due for Holiday Bazaar

November 26-27: Thanksgiving Holidays - Blaine County Courthouse and

Extension Office Closed

December 5: Holiday Bazaar & Santa's Village at the Foley Building

December 24-25: Christmas Holidays - 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 the Blaine County Extension Office at (580) 623-5195 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


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