May, 2008 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Higher Costs and Lower Sales in 2008 by Steve Swigert
Since the fall of 2006, producers have experienced dramatic increases in production costs, especially grains, by-product feeds, fertilizer and fuels. Also, calf prices have seen a significant drop. The way in which producers do business may have changed forever; it has at least for the short term.

Horticulture
Improving Native Pecan Groves by Charles Rohla
Mother Nature has blessed several landowners in Oklahoma and Texas with a potential income enterprise. Native pecans are found along the rivers, streams and creeks in both states. On average, 35 million pounds of native pecans are harvested from both states.

Livestock
Are Flies Bugging Your Cattle? by Robert Wells
Flies will be abundant by the time this article hits your mailbox. I already have noticed a large number of flies on livestock. If you have not already started a fly control program for this year, you are probably already behind the curve.

Pasture and Range
Weather and Rising Prices Bring New Challenges by Chuck Coffey
The ranching industry has become an even more challenging business lately due to unpredictable weather, rising costs and cattle cycles that no longer seem to follow a typical 10- to12-year trend.

President's Report
Agricultural Division Fills A Vital Role by Mike Cawley
As president of the Noble Foundation, I am often asked: "How do the consultation and educational work of the Agricultural Division fit together with the plant science research conducted at the Noble Foundation?" My answer generally begins with the reason for the Agricultural Division.

Soils
Spray or Fertilize? by Eddie Funderburg
With higher fertilizer and herbicide prices, a common question we get involves whether you get a "bigger bang for the buck" from fertilizer or herbicides on introduced pastures. Ideally you would use both on introduced pastures that have weed problems, but input prices have made this a less than ideal world in pasture management.

Wildlife
The Largemouth Bass by Steven Smith
The largemouth bass is a member of the sunfish family. With proper management, native largemouth bass can grow to 12 pounds or more. Regardless of the stocked subspecies, available forage (baitfish) is essential to growing big, healthy bass.