May, 2006 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Fertilizer Economics 101: Can You Afford to Fertilize? by Dan Childs
As the current cattle cycle enters its second year, the outlook for cattle prices is in direct contrast to the outlook for energy costs. The higher costs/lower revenue squeeze will emphasize the need for efficient use of all inputs - especially fuel and fertilizer.

Forage
Sericea Lespedeza – The 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' of Plants? by James Rogers
Sericea lespedeza is a native of eastern Asia and can trace its roots in the United States back to 1896, when it was first planted by the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station.

Horticulture
Consider Pecan Management Decisions Over Coming Months by Charles Rohla
This has the potential to be a heavy pecan crop year, if the drought has not hurt things too badly. To ensure a good crop, many management decisions need to be considered over the next few months, including proper fertilization and insect and disease control.

Livestock
Is It Time to 'Ramp Up' Your Cattle Management? by Clay Wright
These recommendations help commercial cow-calf producers make better decisions internally and produce a more consistent, desirable product.

President
What Goes Around, Comes Around by Mike Cawley
The federal government is interested in finding alternative sources of fuel to reduce the United States' dependence on imported oil. The Noble Foundation today is widely recognized as an institution in a unique position to contribute to switchgrass research and its development into a viable energy crop.

Soils
To Combat Effects of Drought on Bermudagrass, Fertility and Weed Control are Key by Jeff Ball
Weed control is going to be critical this spring following the drought. Bermudagrass has suffered greatly since last fall, and, with its lack of vigor, weeds will be competitive this spring.

Wildlife
Technology is Working For Wildlife by Steven Smith
Have you ever wondered how wildlife biologists know some of the information they do? These questions and many more have been addressed using radiotelemetry, a powerful tool wildlife biologists began using in the 1970s.