Ag News and Views: February 1999

February, 1999 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Ag Executive or Ex-Farmer/Rancher? by Fred Schmedt
Management consultant Peter Drucker is credited with the statement, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." The agricultural executives of tomorrow will strive to create the future of their farm/ranch businesses by tying down prices of inputs and production as far in advance as possible. The ex-farmers and ex-ranchers of tomorrow will remember how much they used to enjoy driving a tractor and feeding the cows. And they will probably remember the anxiety they felt while holding out for the highest price.

Forage
Crabgrass Seed Characteristics by R.L. Dalrymple and Bret Flatt
Crabgrass is increasingly used in planned, on purpose, forage, conservation and wildlife food systems. The initial stand may result from managing for volunteer or from planting seed of a naturalized ("native") crabgrass or the "Red River" variety.

Forage
Rotational Grazing - Get in the Ballgame by Matt Maddox
There are basically two schools of thought when it comes to grazing management: continuous grazing and rotational grazing. While there are some variations among these methods, this article will deal with basic principles of these two approaches. With either system, the forage must meet the nutritional demands of the livestock.

Livestock
Get Bull Management Problems Under Control by John Winder
We often think about the bull as the means of introducing new genetics into a beef herd. However, management of the bull (or lack of it) after purchase is often the "Achilles Heel" of cattle production. Failure to pay attention to important management practices affecting the bull often results in reduced calving rates, increased calf mortality, and loss of uniformity and marketability.

Soils
Be Smart With Your Fertilizer Dollar by Jeff Ball
Nitrogen (N) is directly related to yield. Have you ever heard this statement from your fertilizer dealer? Without any other limiting factors, as you increase the nitrogen rate you increase yields of non-legume crops.

Wildlife
Are the Sacks Stacking Up? by Ken Gee
As with many livestock producers, empty feedsacks really can start to pile up this time of year. The big question is what to do with them. Traditional recycling is an option in some places that requires a little effort, but it is worth it.