Ag News & Views: February 2009 Table of Contents

February, 2009 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Managing Fuel Prices by Dustin Oswald
Three major inputs have a direct impact on the bottom line of an agricultural operation: feed, fertilizer and fuel. All three of these inputs experienced a decrease in price in late 2008 and early 2009, but the drastic decrease in the price of fuel will be the focus of this article.

Livestock
Residual Feed Intake and Profitability by Deke Alkire
Most cattlemen have felt the impact of rising input costs over recent years. Although prices moderated or fell at the end of 2008, perhaps one of the most noticeable increases last year was feed prices. Who is Dating Your Cows? by David Annis
As we head towards spring, we are thinking about bulls. Purchasing a bull for your herd is just like hiring a new employee. Ever wondered about the bull you've hired?

Pasture and Range
Wanting more "green" early in spring? by Hugh Aljoe
It is February and many of us are anxiously waiting for spring, especially if we've been feeding hay for awhile.

Research
Avoid Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle During Drought by Jagadeesh Mosali
Plant roots absorb nitrogen from the soil, much of it in the form of nitrate, and convert it into proteins in the leaves for plant growth.

Suburban Agriculture

Wildlife
Controlling Eastern Red-cedar, a Common Noxious Weed by Steven Smith
Eastern Red-cedar trees have become more abundant in many fencerows and pastures. This now very common tree was once limited to rocky bluffs, deep canyons and other areas where fire did not historically occur.