Cimarron County OSU Extension

10/12/2026

10/10/2026

Make time to check in.

This World Mental Health Day, make time to check in with the people who make our farms, ranches and rural communities what they are. Call a neighbor, invite a friend for coffee or take a few minutes to ask how someone is doing. A simple conversation can go a long way.

OSU Extension offers resources to help individuals and families manage farm stress and find local support. Learn more at the link below.
🔗: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/farm-stress

10/08/2026

New factsheet alert! Economics of Data Centers: Considerations for Communities

This factsheet explores the anticipated economic impact of data centers for Oklahoma. It is a high-level introduction for communities navigating data center proposals, with additional fact sheets to explore specific topics to come. This fact sheet is informational only and does not indicate support for or against data centers.

Read full factsheet here: https://bit.ly/3VmnFjK

10/05/2026

10/03/2026

When Grazing Becomes Overgrazing

Planned grazing can help select when, how frequently, & how long livestock have access to forage.

Overgrazing: Grazing which reduces subsequent year productivity, or changes plant community to less desirable forage species.

Causes:
– Stocking rate exceeds pasture productivity (overstocking)
– Too many animals grazing OR
– Grazing period too long

Grazing distribution:
– Repeated heavy grazing in same location due to proximity to water or other attractants

Overgrazing rangelands can:
– Decrease plant vigor & production value
– Increase erosion risk & runoff rates
– Decrease profitability by increasing supplemental feed

Overgrazing can lead to:
– Increased wind erosion & water runoff
– Reduced infiltration & soil water holding capacity

10/03/2026

Grazing 101: The 4 Principles of Grazing Management

PART 4: Livestock Kind & Class: determines plant type most commonly consumed

Match livestock to pasture forage & terrain...

See grazing principles 1, 2 and 3 in the comments!

CATTLE
- Feeding Habits: Grazer
- Most Preferred Plant Type: Grasses
- Diet Quality Needed: Lower
- Terrain Used*: Flat (under 10% slope)
- Wildlife with Similar Feeding Habits: Elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bison, horses

SHEEP
- Feeding Habits: Intermediate
- Most Preferred Plant Type: Grasses & Broadleaves
- Diet Quality Needed: Higher
- Terrain Used: Moderate (Up to 45% slope)
- Wildlife with Similar Feeding Habits: Burros, caribou (greatest ability to change feeding habits)

GOATS
- Feeding Habits: Browser
- Most Preferred Plant Type: Shrubs & Trees
- Diet Quality Needed: Higher
- Terrain Used*: Steep (Unknown limit)
- Wildlife with Similar Feeding Habits: Pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose

*with no additional management to change distribution

Livestock kind (species) determines overall diet preferences. Livestock class (age, weight, reproductive status, production stage, etc.) determines nutrient requirements.

09/29/2026

Adoption on the rise? Cover crop use nationwide

According to the 2026 national cover crop survey, cover crop use continues to increase among farmers across the U.S. and is expected to surpass an average of 400 acres per farmer next year.

Cover crop benefits can include:
– erosion control (wind and water)
– soil improvement through organic material
– possibility of increased profit by providing another grazing opportunity or cash crop

Adoption challenges can include:
– poor planting conditions
– limited time & labor
– financial limitations

Our RegenAg project explores regenerative practices (such as cover crops) effect on soil moisture, infiltration, water quality & runoff. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4ewkBWL

09/29/2026

Now how often does Boise City lead the state in 60-day rain totals? Well, when you figure it out, let us know, because the easy answer is "not often!" And more rain is on the way thanks to Hurricane Polo. https://ticker.mesonet.org/

09/26/2026

14.42 INCHES?! 😳 The rain totals across the Texas Panhandle, the Oklahoma Panhandle and eastern New Mexico are WILD!

From Clovis to Amarillo and beyond, some locations have picked up several inches of rain over the past 7 days.🛶

I tried to include as many towns as possible. But you get the idea of where the heaviest rainfall generally fell. How much rain did YOU get at your house? ⛈️

US National Weather Service Amarillo Texas

09/24/2026

Monarch Migration

Monarchs migrate as a stair-step of multiple generations from Mexico to Canada and back.

1st Generation: northbound, April-May
2nd Generation: northbound, May-July
3rd Generation: northbound, Arrives in Canada, June-August
4th Generation: "super" generation, southbound to Mexico, August-September
5th Generation: "bonus" generation in Oklahoma, September-October

Peak Sightings in Oklahoma: Spring & Fall Migration

Report your sightings at https://journeynorth.org/

Read more about the Bonus Generation https://okiesformonarchs.org/news/bonus-monarch-generation/

Okies for Monarchs