March, 2006 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Tax and Program Assistance for Drought and Wildfire Victims by Dan Childs
When an unexpected wildfire blazes through a property, it generally leaves behind the charred ashes of grass, trees, fences and possibly buildings. Landowners will immediately think of the loss in value the wildfire has created, but, in the eyes of the IRS, is there a deductible loss?

Education
Did You Know? New Features on the Ag Division's Web Site by Shan Ingram
So, what's new? One thing you may not be aware of is NF Ag News and Views now is available electronically instead of in the printed format.

Forage
So You Want to Rotationally Graze... by Hugh Aljoe
With the spring season approaching, pasture management issues are foremost in producers' minds. Fertility, herbicide treatments, pasture establishment and, for some, setting up a rotational grazing system are such issues.

Horticulture
Agri-tourism: Alternative Income Opportunities for Farm and Ranch Families by Steve Upson
Agri-tourism offers tremendous profit potential for Oklahoma farm and ranch families by providing an opportunity for "old aggies" to reconnect with their past and city dwellers to experience, maybe for the first time, life in the country.

Livestock
Developing Heifers Properly is Key to a Productive Cow Herd by Kyle Stutts
Due to current high cattle prices, many producers have intentions of retaining and developing heifers from their spring calf crop. Before undertaking this endeavor, consult an economist, or pencil it out yourself to determine the economic feasibility of raising your own replacement heifers.

Soils
Improve Your Bottom Line with Integrated Crop Management by James Locke
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is an approach to farming or ranching that aims to balance production factors with economic and environmental considerations.

Wildlife
Fires – Not All Are Created Equal by Ken Gee
Prescribed fire is one of the most powerful land management tools. Unfortunately, prescribed fires are often confused with wildfires or uncontrolled pasture burns, which often cause great damage. Through proper planning and control, we can use the powerful forces of fire to manipulate positive change on the landscape.