Ag News and Views: October 2004

October, 2004 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Use Technology Now to Benefit Your Operation by Steve Swigert
While the computer’s use as a financial record-keeping tool will continue to be my emphasis, there are other opportunities for the use of the computer, particularly through the Internet.

Forage
Project Could Help Reduce Drought’s Impact on Producers by Matt Mattox
Drought is a dirty word around these parts. A project between the Noble Foundation and Texas A&M University hopes to help regional producers with a system to forecast probable forage growth conditions up to 90 days in the future.

Horticulture
Hoop House Strawberry Trial: Same Song, Second Verse by Steve Upson
In May 2004, we concluded the second year of the Noble Foundation’s hoop house strawberry trial, the objective of which is to evaluate the performance of commercial strawberry varieties grown in the growth-enhancing environment of a hoop house.

Livestock
Review Pasture, Corral Handling Basics by Ryan Reuter
Keep these tips in mind when handling cattle in the pasture and corrals.

Research
Forage Variety Production Notes: Bermudagrass, Alfalfa and Cool-Season Perennial Grass Evaluations by Jerry Baker
This report includes a production update for 2004 of two current bermudagrass variety trials on the Ardmore Headquarters Farm.

Soils
What Is a Soil Test Worth to You? by Jim Johnson
There are two ways to measure the value of a soil test — one way is to look at the cost of lost production from inefficient fertilizer use, and another is to look at potential cost savings if over-fertilization is stopped.

Wildlife
Proper Care of Venison is Necessary for Excellent-Quality Meat by Mike Porter
All venison is not equal. Venison can be consistently excellent table fare, or, with poor handling and preparation, can be about the quality of a boot sole.