Oklahoma Scrapie Genotyping Program

Dear Oklahoma Sheep Producers:

Interest in previous years’ state-wide scrapie genotyping program has prompted the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer free genotyping to Oklahoma flocks again in 2012.  As you know, scrapie is a degenerative disease of sheep similar to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) of cattle.  This disease is fatal to infected sheep and economically detrimental to flocks.  Because of the movement of animals between flocks, there is potential for exposure to infected animals.  Scrapie genotyping is a DNA test that identifies the genes that control susceptibility or resistance to this disease.  Genetically susceptible animals can further be tested for infection.

 This surveillance program would accomplish two very important objectives:   Increase scrapie surveillance in high risk populations of sheep in Oklahoma.   Help producers identify the genetic makeup of their flocks, increase the selection of genetically resistant breeding animals in those flocks, and consequently help reduce the prevalence of scrapie.   As the number one club lamb producing state, Oklahoma understands how important it is to protect the sheep industry as a valued asset to om state’s economy. We encourage you to take advantage of this free service. If you are interested in participating and wish to be considered for the 2012 Oklahoma Scrapie Genotyping Program, please complete the enclosed application and submit it to:

 ODAFF – Animal Industry Services
Ann: Dr. Justin Roach
2800 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

 All applications will be reviewed, and selection for participation will based on eligibility. There is no deadline for applications; however, testing is limited and will be “first-come, first-served”.

 

Those interested in the Oklahoma Scrapie Genotyping Program can download this application, fill it out and send it to:
ODAFF - Animal Industry Services
Ann: Dr. Justin Roach
2800 N Lincoln Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Remember the program is "first-come, first-served.

 

“Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” to be Chosen

The Forest Heritage Center Museum (FHC), located in the heart of Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was officially designated as the “Wood Art Capital of Oklahoma” in 2010. This new claim to fame authorizes the museum to bestow the title of “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” to a commendable artist in this field. FHC will open the very first juried “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit with a reception and awards presentation on Sunday, March 4 from 1-3 p.m.

The exhibit will continue through May 6 showcasing some of the most intriguing and innovative pieces of wood art selected from thirteen artists. “The objects will be diverse and should create a lot of conversation about the beautiful art forms that come from trees,” stated Doug Zook, FHC director. “We are pleased to have these talented wood artists commit to a project of this magnitude and help raise the stature of wood art in Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma artists competing for the 2012 title include: Robert Adams, Duncan; Tommy Allen, Idabel; Jerry Brownrigg, Alva; Deon Cavner, Elmore City; Hayes Copeland, Sallisaw; Ron Engel-Wilson, Idabel; Bob Hawks, Tulsa; Bill Koch, Jay; and James Wendell Mills, Sallisaw. Out-of-state artists include: Jim Christiansen, Moscow, ID; Barbara Dill, Rockville, VA; Allen Phillips, DeKalb, TX and Paul Stafford, Littleton, CO.

Quintus Herron, former FHC Board Chair and one of the original FHC founders, pointed out that from the museum’s inception in 1976 it has promoted wood art, beginning with the acquisition of the iconic Peter Toth sculpture known as the Whispering Giant in 1976, the recent addition of the Pine Maiden and the board of directors’ ongoing sponsorship of the woodturning classes at area high schools. In 1996, the Wood Art Gallery was established to showcase some of the finest works of art utilizing wood as a medium.  The Wood Art Gallery has been very well-received by museum visitors and has generated a new audience of wood collectors and art lovers who appreciate the beauty and artistry of wood.  

The “Master Woodworking Artist of the Year” exhibit will be free and open to the public March 4 – May 6 at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information call 580-494-6497 or email the museum at fhc@beaversbend.com. This exhibit is made possible by the Forest Heritage Center Advisory Board, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Forestry Services and members of the Forest Heritage Center Association.

Artist of the year gallery at the Forest Heritage Center Museum

A sneak peak at the gallery for Master Woodworking Artist of the Year. The collection will be on display March 4-May 6.

Oklahoma Forestry Services Speaks for the Trees

In celebration of the many benefits provided by Oklahoma’s forests, Oklahoma Forestry Services, a Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, has teamed up with the USDA Forest Service and Dr. Seuss’ character, The Lorax, to “speak for the trees.”

Dr. Seuss wrote about the importance of environmental awareness in 1971. The Lorax is a parable that promotes the conservation of natural resources and warns against the perils of over-consumption. The story depicts a greedy, polluting industry, the Once-ler, cutting down all of the feather-like Truffula trees without replacing them for the future. Through new plantings and the presentation of the last Truffula seed, trees are promoted as a renewable resource, valuable to people for everything from clean air to wood products. The takeaway message is that sustainable forest management practices help strike a balance between the needs of people and the health of our forests.

“Even if you don’t live in one, the forests matter to everyone,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “Given the many threats to America’s private and public forests due to climate change, urban sprawl, pests and wildfires, we anticipate the movie will build awareness and help ensure the health and productivity of America’s forests, a goal shared by forest owners, foresters and the Lorax.”

There are over 751 million acres of forestland in America and, on average, about four million trees are planted each day. In Oklahoma, over 95 percent of our 10 million acres of forestlands are privately owned and landowners plant millions of trees each year.

“Foresters are similar to wheat farmers. They fertilize the land, work it, plant the seedlings, baby the crops and then harvest it; it’s just a longer process,” Geissler said.  “Teaching people that harvesting trees and using wood products are acceptable if done responsibly will go a long way toward changing attitudes.”

So hold onto your Truffula tufts. Dr. Seuss’ beloved book The Lorax springs into 3-D today, March 2, the day when the author would have turned 108 years old. The film will promote the inherent value of our forests and the importance of planting trees and sustainable forest management.

For the latest forestry information, visit www.forestry.ok.gov.

The Once-ler practices irresponsible forest management by chopping down trees without replacing them in Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax".