Ag News and Views: May 1998

May, 1998 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
The Concept of Operating Leverage by Fred Schmedt
Like financial leverage, operating leverage magnifies results, making gains look better and losses look worse. Both operating and financial leverage increase risks because they make returns less predictable over time.

Forage
Water Quality for Livestock by Charles Griffith
A safe water supply is essential for healthy livestock and poultry. Contaminated water can affect growth, reproduction, and productivity of animals as well as safety of animal products for human consumption.

From the Director
Deer Consciousness: Texas vs. Oklahoma by Jim Schaffer
White-tailed deer management by private landowners in Texas is generally more intense than in Oklahoma. Some Texas ranchers who have well-managed herds are able to charge large fees for day hunts or season-long hunting leases. I wonder if Oklahoma landowners with acreages large enough might look at hunting for its income potential rather than a nuisance to be endured during the open season.

Horticulture
Space... the Final Frontier by Sean Maher
Space is a valuable commodity. Ranchers today have to make the most of their acreage by using tools like rotational grazing with high stock densities, retained ownership, hunting leases, or maybe taking advantage of the existing pecan trees.

Plant of the Month
Hairy Vetch

Soils
Before Planting Your Grain Sorghum by Jeff Ball
Planning and preparing a crop management plan, covering everything from hybrid selection to weed control, will lower risk while increasing overall production.

Wildlife
Prescribed Burning Glossary by Ken Gee
While prescribed burning is recognized as a valuable tool by many land managers, many are unfamiliar with the vocabulary associated with it. In an effort to rectify this situation, I would like to take this opportunity to present a glossary of some terms commonly used when describing or discussing prescribed burning.