Horticulture
Charles Rohla, 580.224.6451, ctrohla@noble.org
The time has come to start thinking about next year’s pecan crop. Take leaf samples in early July to help determine what fertilizer to apply to the trees next year. Leaf samples are one of the most important tools that are normally overlooked in managing pecan trees. Summer is a great time to interact with other growers at the state conference meetings. The Texas Pecan Growers annual conference is being held at Mesquite, TX July 12-15. For more information go to www.tpga.org.
Livestock
Clay Wright, 580.224.6454, jcwright@noble.org
When you consider all the nutrients an animal needs, the one that is required in the greatest amounts, regardless of what class of livestock you are talking about, is water. Livestock can survive only seven days without water. As an example, a lactating cow in a normal June will need about 17.5 gallons of water each day. When an animal is taking in that much of anything, the quality and content should be monitored regularly, mainly for things like total dissolved solids, pH, sulfates, nitrates, trace minerals, microbes and chemical residues. Poor water quality can easily be the limiting factor in livestock performance.
Soils and Crops
David Annis, 580.224.6458, dcannis@noble.org
Usually, if the weeds we want to control in the pasture are flowering, it is too late to spray for control. Common weeds that we recommend spraying for in the summer are western ragweed, broomweed, bitter sneezeweed, Johnsongrass, Carolina horsenettle, silverleaf nightshade, sericea lespedeza and blackberries. If sandburs are actively growing, they may be sprayed as well. Make a list of any other weeds you have in your pastures now, so you can start making your plans to control them next spring! Read and follow the label instructions as the label is the law!
Ag Economics
Dan Childs, 580.224.6453, mdchilds@noble.org
Dairymen across the U.S. have been losing serious money in recent months. Estimates of losses are $100 per head per month. In addition to high feed costs, over supply of milk resulting in low fluid milk prices is contributing to the red ink. In an effort to rectify the oversupply situation, each producer has volunteered to be assessed a fee for several months to help pay the market difference between a cull dairy cow and one valued for milk production. In May several producers submitted bids to have their milk cows sold to reduce the oversupply of milk. These cows will start coming to town in the next few weeks. If you have beef cows that need culling, you may want to think about hauling them to market soon, before the milk cows start coming to town.
Wildlife and Fisheries
William Moseley, 580.224.6455, wamoseley@noble.org
Managing a pond for largemouth bass can be challenging sometimes. Are the majority of bass you catch under 14 inches and the few that are larger appear skinny? This is usually a symptom of overabundant bass. One way to manage this problem is when bluegill abundance is adequate, and the pond has adequate phytoplankton or submersed aquatic plants, begin removing 10 pounds per acre of bass per year that are less than 14 inches. If bass size does not increase satisfactorily, try increasing the amount of bass harvested. If you want more information on pond management, plan on attending the Noble Foundation pond management workshop on June 16, 2009.
Pasture and Range
James Rogers, 580.224.6466, jkrogers@noble.org
Traveling in North Texas this spring, I have noticed a lot of thistles popping up in pastures, roadsides and field edges. Wavyleaf, yellowspine, tall, and yellow thistles are all native species and generally do not become major problems because plant disease and beneficial insects that feed on flower heads and rosettes keep populations in check. Non-native thistles such as bull, musk, scotch, distaff, and Canada generally are not affected by disease or insects that keep native populations in check, and therefore can develop heavy infestations that result in a loss of grazing areas.
Identifying the type of thistle you have is critical in obtaining effective chemical control. The most effective control will be achieved when the thistle is in the rosette stage, prior to bolting, which for most thistles will occur in early spring. Some thistles will be in the rosette stage during the fall which emphasizes the need for correctly identifying the species of thistle you are trying to control. After bolting, but prior to seed head formation, control can still be achieved but chemical rates and costs for control will increase. If only a few plants are present, they can be cut off below the crown which will kill the plant. Mowing can prevent seed formation but timing is critical. Mowing should be done just as the head begins to bloom. If mowing is used, plants should be mowed as close to the ground as possible. If plants are beginning to flower at the time of mowing, some seed formation may still occur.
Thistles are prolific seed producers and the seed can remain viable for many years. A small problem now can easily become a huge problem in a couple of years if control measures are not taken.
References:
Integrated Management of Invasive Thistles in Oklahoma – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Publication EPP-7318
Thistles in Oklahoma and Their Identification – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Publication PSS-2776
Suburban Ag (Young, Beginning, and Small Farm/Ranch)
David Annis, 580-224-6458, dcannis@noble.org
Keep an activity log of management operations you perform on your farm and/or ranch. This can be used this winter and fall to identify areas of management you should have initiated sooner, or problems that you solved that can be used again next year. Take time to contact your local cooperative extension office in your county (it's called the Texas AgriLife extension office in Texas) and ask to be included on their email list if you have not already done so.
Trying to log in to AgExchange? Your cooperator code can be found on your Ag News and Views on the address label above your name.
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Who is Dating Your Cows?
by David Annis
4 ratings: 
As we head towards spring, we are thinking about bulls. Purchasing a bull for your herd is just like hiring a new employee. Ever wondered about the bull you've hired?
Summer Weed Control
by David Annis
10 ratings: 
Most of the weeds that are present in your pastures as we approach summer will probably be perennials plus some annuals that you missed with your initial chemical application (if there was one). The transition from spring to summer is the right time of year for brush control, as long as the weather is good.
Managing Through Tough Economic Times
by Dan Childs
8 ratings:
During a recent phone conversation with one of our more senior cooperators, I asked, "Have you lived through any more economically challenging times than now?" He answered, "No, I think these are the most challenging times I have ever experienced."
Let's Clear the Waters
by Will Moseley
10 ratings:
When trying to manage an impoundment to be a productive sport fishery, water quality is one of the most important considerations.
Getting More Out of Less
by James Rogers
12 ratings:
Getting more out of less is an attractive concept in tough economic times. In 2008, average cow costs ran around $534 per head including depreciation - averages can be deceiving.
Water Permit Basics
by Charles Rohla
10 ratings:
Who owns the water? In both Oklahoma and Texas, surface water (streams, creeks and rivers) is the property of the state. The use of this water requires a water permit. With a permit, water can be used for irrigation on a use-it or lose-it rule.
Simmer Down Your Cow Herd
by Clay Wright
11 ratings:
A trait exhibited by a cow herd or individuals within a herd that saves time and money is referred to as a "convenience trait." Examples are polledness, parasite resistance, heat tolerance and calving ease.
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