Upper Wash*ta Conservation District

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

U.S. CATTLE REPORT 🚨 USDA Confirms First New World Screwworm Case in the United States 🚨

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, marking the first confirmed U.S. case. The larvae were found in the calf's umbilical area, and no additional cases have been detected to date. New World screwworm is a serious pest whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing risks to livestock, pets, wildlife, and, in rare cases, humans.

In response, USDA and Texas animal health officials have activated their NWS Response Playbook and are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate the pest. Measures include establishing a 20-kilometer quarantine zone around the detection site, increasing surveillance and trapping efforts, deploying additional sterile screwworm flies, implementing wildlife monitoring programs, and forming a unified incident command team. USDA emphasized that the U.S. food supply remains safe, as screwworm does not infest meat products and any affected animals would be identified during federal meat inspection. Officials also urged livestock producers and pet owners in the region to monitor animals closely for signs of infestation and report any suspected cases immediately.

05/18/2026

The speaker lineup for the fourth annual Crossroads Conference is out now!

Farmers and ranchers, get ready to connect and learn from your colleagues as we intersect at the crossroads of production.

"Crossroads" features multiple tracks delivering practical information on soil health approaches for Oklahoma and Southern Plains croppers, ranchers, and urban and small-farm food producers, regardless of scale.

Register below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-crossroads-conference-tickets-1988500855588?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/18/2026

Conservation planning: it’s a clear roadmap for long-term stewardship.

Visit us now to start planning. Find you nearest office: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/contact

04/23/2026

🚜 FREE Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Event – April 30

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is hosting a FREE Unwanted Pesticide Disposal Event on April 30, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Roger Mills County Fairgrounds (300 Fair Barn Rd., Cheyenne, OK).

This is a great opportunity for:
• Homeowners
• Farmers & ranchers
• Commercial applicators
• Pesticide dealers

Bring in pesticides that are unusable, outdated, or no longer needed—at no cost for the first 2,000 lbs per participant!

✅ No pre‑registration needed for homeowners, farmers, ranchers, or applicators.

Dealers are encouraged to pre‑register due to potential large quantities.

Participants are responsible for transporting their own pesticides.

Helpful transport tips and additional information are available through the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program at the link below.

Let’s work together to keep our homes, farms, and communities safe!

https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/pesticide-safety-education/unwanted-pesticide-disposal-program?fbclid=IwY2xjawRAtNVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETExd3Y3aTBGUG53VktBNXhVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtSoWnApWAIUwXPcWOAr4wMTL1WvVxr5zGQtUdofhYUZA5yI_EOYpuZXGcac_aem_wEn-JBJxWJP-TxOf2as0ow

04/23/2026

There's an app for that 💁🏼‍♀️

04/21/2026

Taking applications until close of business on May 1st.

Check the comments for more info!

04/21/2026

This one can be marked "complete!" ✅

Once the gate is closed, and the water rises, we will post a true "after" photo.

We're thankful these state funds came open to allow for this front slope repair. It had been needed for some time.

04/17/2026

It isn't often we have the opportunity within our county to get rid of unwanted pesticides. These events are usually a decent drive from us, so don't miss out on this one!

More info in the comments.

04/16/2026