Ag News and Views: May 2007

May, 2007 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Horticulture
Plan Ahead When Planting Pecan by Charles Rohla
We just had our inaugural pecan-planting workshop, where attendees were able to gain knowledge about planting pecan trees. Presenters gave tips on how to plant, planting locations, tree varieties, weed management and irrigation.

Livestock
Preparing for Animal Emergencies by Robert Wells
Assembling a good first aid kit in advance of a situation can be the difference between a minor or major emergency. It really doesn't matter if you are designing a kit for horses or cattle - the basics are still the same.

Pasture and Range
Use Moisture Management Strategies to Survive Drought by James Rogers
The basis of water management is to capture as much rainfall as you can through infiltration into the soil, where it is then available for the growth of desired plants.

President's Report
The Governance of the Noble Foundation by Mike Cawley
I would like to share a few things about the ultimate governance of our organization, which is done by our Board of Trustees. Specifically, I want to discuss board composition, board commitment and board accommodation of family unity.

Research
Cross-Divisional Projects Benefit Producers and Researchers by Jon Biermacher
In 1997, the Forage Improvement Division was established at the Noble Foundation. It was challenged to start a program that focused on the development of perennial winter forages that could serve as high-quality, cost-reducing substitutes for annually produced winter forages.

Soils
Producing Quality Bermudagrass for the Horse Industry by Jeff Ball
Southern Oklahoma and north Texas have become popular locations for the horse industry, which is primarily due to the major shows hosted annually in Ft. Worth, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As a result, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality bermudagrass hay.

Wildlife
Manage Habitat for Successful Bobwhite Nesting by Steven Smith
May is when the northern bobwhite quail hatch begins, but several steps must occur first. Nest construction starts by creating a small bowl-shaped depression in the ground and covering it with last year's vegetation to form a dome.