December, 2008 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Improve Time Management on Your Cow-Calf Operation by Jeri Donnell
In tough economic times, many people become overwhelmed with things they have little control over such as high prices for feed, fuel and fertilizer. Although those things are important, perhaps it is time to focus your attention on things you can influence, such as operational efficiency and time management.

Horticulture
Pear Harvest by Dooly Barlow
Autumn always reminds me of a particular childhood experience. It was a cold, crisp evening with a full moon - just enough light to see where you're going without a flashlight. The temperature was typical for nights during the fall and an indication that winter would soon follow.

Livestock
Adding value to the calf crop by Clay Wright
To many producers, adding value means implementing management practices to maximize the price received for their calves on sale day. Some practices simply avoid discounts: dehorning; castration; breeding-in adequate frame and muscling; and managing away from extremes of body condition at sale time.

Research
Shaping the Cross Timbers with Fire and Grazing by John Guretzky
Recently, our agricultural research team has been asked to provide talks during tours of our Oswalt Road Ranch. The Noble Foundation took full control of the property in 2000. The ranch is a valuable piece of property because of its unique natural beauty and potential to support livestock production and wildlife habitat.

Soils
Is Fertilizer Worth the Cost? by James Locke
With continued high costs, producers are asking if it is worth applying fertilizer. To borrow a line from our economist friends, "it depends."

Wildlife
Did You See Many Bucks This Fall? by Russell Stevens
Among deer hunters, this is a common question each year. Answers range from subtle facts to outright hyperbole. The commonality is that most deer hunters dream of taking a big buck home or at least seeing several bucks that they can pass and allow to grow larger.