Ag News and Views: February 2006

February, 2006 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
What to Do With the Wheat Crop? by Scott Boyd
Assuming the region has received sufficient moisture between now and February to allow a wheat crop to develop this spring, several options are available to a producer with a wheat crop – start thinking about the economics of graze-out versus harvest for grain.

Forage
Considerations to Reduce Further Effects of Drought on Your Operation by Matt Mattox
Fires in Oklahoma and Texas and record-low rainfall have caused many people who earn a living on the land to make decisions they have not faced in many years. Here are some items for producers to think about as they formulate drought-management plans

Livestock
Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Calving Season Easier by Robert Wells
For cattlemen, spring means calving season is approaching. For some, this time of the year is just another day at the office, because they have taken the necessary steps to ensure as few problems as possible. For others, this article might help reduce some potential problems.

Research

Soils
Noble Foundation Evaluates... by Jim Johnson
The Noble Foundation conducted summer annual forage small plot variety trials during the summers of 2001 through 2004 in Ardmore, Okla. Here is a discussion of those evaluations, plus an update on the evaluation of tools for cutting cedar trees.

Suburban Agriculture
Answer Key Questions Before Choosing a Water Pump System by David Annis
Every water pumping option has good and bad attributes. It will depend on your goals and requirements as to which system is the best. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a system.

Wildlife
State Programs Help Landowners Manage White-tailed Deer Populations by Mike Porter
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have programs to help land managers better manage deer habitat and deer populations. Here's an overview of each state's offering.