Ag News and Views: June 1998

June, 1998 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Questions, Answers? & Common Sense by Mark Skiles
Here we go again! Number one 500 pound steer calves are bringing $100 cwt and producers are paying $950 for quality bred heifers. Whether producers are paying too much is beside the point. These $950 bred heifers are priced on today's calf market.

Forage
Hay is for Horses by Chuck Coffey
Many people consider feeding hay to be a necessary cost in any livestock operation. But do they really know the actual cost of substituting hay for a lack or absence of forage in their pastures?

Guest Article
How is a Forage Variety Developed? by Andy Hopkins
A plant breeder's job is to develop varieties that are truly "new and improved." I hope this article will give you an idea of how this is done.

Horticulture
The Right Tree for the Job by Dooly Barlow
Tree selection is similar to tool selection for a specific job. Selecting the proper tree for the proper site is sometimes a problem.

Livestock
Improving Fertility of the Cow Herd by John Winder
Improving reproductive efficiency is not an easy task, but I cannot imagine any other area where financial rewards are greater. There is an old saying that goes something like, "A dead calf has a very poor growth rate." I think that we can extend this concept to an "un"-conceived or unborn calf.

Plant of the Month
Eastern gamagrass by Russell Stevens

Soils
Noble Foundation Agriculture Testing Services by Jerry Rogers
A representative soil sample is of great economic benefit in crop and forage production. Applying a fertilizer or soil amendment that is not needed, excessive, or not enough to reach the intended yield goal is costly.

Wildlife
Brush Sculpting by Russell Stevens
Brush sculpting is an attempt to manage brush or timber for multiple benefits (primarily livestock and wildlife) in a manner that is both environmentally and economically sound.