Ag News and Views: November 2006

November, 2006 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
What's the Value of Pregnancy Testing Beef Cows? by Jon Biermacher
There are several components to a successful cow-calf management strategy - among them should be an effective strategy for culling unproductive cows from the herd.

Horticulture
New Program Links Oklahoma Farms and Schools by Steve Upson
In case you haven't heard, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed legislation this past summer creating the Oklahoma Farm to School Program within the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). The overarching goal of the program is to link Oklahoma farms and schools, creating new marketing opportunities for farmers and alternative sources of nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables for inclusion in school meals and snacks.

Livestock
Source and Age Verification Can Add Value to Calves by Kyle Stutts
Participation in a USDA-approved QSA or PVP is strictly voluntary, but it does provide the opportunity to add value to your calves - producers should review the available programs‚ procedures/guidelines and determine which program is best for them.

Pasture and Range
Alfalfa Is 'Almost Permanent' Pasture by Hugh Aljoe
In recent years, grazing-type alfalfa varieties have been released, providing opportunities to livestock operations as a low-input, high-return forage, if managed properly; stands typically could last three to five years with good management.

Research
Drought Affects '05-'06 Variety Trials by John Guretzky
Because of last year's severely dry weather, the results of the 2005-2006 small grains forage variety test conducted at Ardmore, Okla., and Burneyville, Okla., should be reviewed with caution.

Soils
Cleaner Summer Pastures Begin in Fall by James Locke
Every summer, we are asked about controlling big weeds in pastures. But, by the time we get the question, most of the damage is done and options are limited.

Wildlife
What To Do About Deer and the Drought... by Ken Gee
The bottom line is that this drought will probably not have a long-term effect on deer populations, but it certainly has the potential to have some short-term effects.