Ag News and Views: July 2009 Table of Contents

July, 2009 Table of Contents News and Views Archive Issues

Economics
Remain Viable in the Cow-calf Business by Steve Swigert
Since 2008, the cattle market has made dramatic adjustments as calf and feeder cattle prices decreased and the feedlot sector experienced significant losses.

Horticulture
Rainwater: Use It or Lose It by Steve Upson
The 2008 drought forced several area municipalities and rural water districts to place restrictions on the use of water for irrigating landscape plantings and home gardens. This should concern every gardener as demand for water is only projected to increase while ground water reserves are projected to decrease.

Livestock
Low-stress Stockmanship by Ryan Reuter and Kent Shankles
A common misconception is that "low-stress" must mean "no pressure." That is absolutely false. Cattle, like all other animals, respond to appropriate application and release of pressure.

Pasture and Range
Rainfall Trends Will Affect Winter Pasture by Chuck Coffey
We saw limited moisture in the fall, no rain during the winter and late rains in April to finally kick off the spring growing season 30 to 45 days behind schedule. If rainfall were a traded commodity, volatility in the marketplace would be extremely high.

Plant Biology Division
Gene Atlas Project Looks to Identify Gene Function by Michael Udvardi
As part of our mission to benefit farmers and ranchers, the Noble Foundation works to improve vital grasses and legumes through traditional breeding and scientific research.

Soils
Nitrogen-Rich Strip Optimizes Fertilizer Application by Jim Johnson
Our typical nitrogen recommendation for wheat is 2 pounds per expected bushel of grain. Long-term data indicates that, on average, this is the correct rate. However, this average is too high a third of the time, too low a third of the time and about right the remaining third of the time.

Wildlife
Fish Pond Water Quality: As Simple as Chemistry 101 by Russell Stevens
Water quality is one of the most overlooked aspects of pond management - until it affects fish production.