Pasture and Range
It is currently the right time to inventory grazing days that are available from now until frost and make preparations for winter grazing and feeding. Begin pulling off native grass pastures as much as possible to allow for at least 60 days rest prior to frost. Overseeding ryegrass and legumes into introduced pastures should be completed in September if additional forage will be needed. Fall is also an excellent time to pull soil samples if your current results are at least three years old, or if you are considering overseeding, adding fertility or establishing new pasture. Inventory hay on hand and make adjustments if needed.

Horticulture
Continue monitoring for pecan weevil until shuck-split, especially after rain events. I have started to notice some stinkbug damage. Some growers have confused stinkbug damage with scab. If there is a question, cut the pecan open, if the inside has a dark brown or black color (as in picture), then this is stinkbug, not scab. Stinkbugs are very hard to monitor and control. If you have a lot of problems with stink bugs then you may benefit from planting a trap crop close to your orchard to attract the stink bugs so you will have a smaller area to spray.

Livestock
Now is a good time to review your herd health program with your veterinarian. Changes may be needed related to timing and/or products for weaning calves or processing your cows at pregnancy checking. If you haven’t already done so, sample your hay supply to take the guesswork out of supplemental feeding this fall and winter. Knowing the nutritional value will allow you to allocate different quality hay to the appropriate classes of cattle, and to optimize kinds and amounts of supplemental feeds.

Wildlife and Fisheries
During the last few farm visits we have made, prescribed burning is a topic that has been mentioned numerous times. Pastures that we have looked at for spring burns have benefited from the recent rainfall. This new growth is important to increase the fuel load for the planned burns. If possible, remove any haying or grazing pressure from areas that you plan to burn in the future. After this dry summer you will need the extra fuel to help carry the fire. The pasture can still be grazed or hayed but if brush control is a goal of the burn you may not have adequate fuel to achieve this goal.

Ag Economics
Commodity markets are very nervous causing considerable volatility in prices. Corn and soybean markets are responding to weather predictions which are impacting the value of calves. Even with higher feed prices growing calves to heavier weights appears to be profitable. In addition, unweaned calves are experiencing a larger than normal discount at auction markets. Consider weaning spring born calves and growing them to heavier weights. The market is currently paying almost double for gain compared to historical averages.

Soils and Crops
If you are planning to apply fertilizer for either winter pasture or stockpiling bermudagrass, be sure to compare prices by calculating the actual price per pound of nutrient(s). More information on calculating prices can be found at this link or by contacting your soil and crops consultant.

www.noble.org/Ag/SuburbanAgriculture/BytheNumbers/

Suburban Ag
Even though it is September, take the time to winterize your sprayer if you will not be using it again. Better to play in the water when its warm than once it gets cold! For more information on winterizing your equipment click on this link or contact your soil and crops consultant.

www.noble.org/Ag/SuburbanAgriculture/WinterizeSprayers/

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Purchasing a Farm/Ranch
Things to know before spending money on purchasing your dream place in the country.

Basic Agriculture Information
Looking for information or just want to review your knowledge of agriculture?

Is Fertilizer Too High to Buy? by Dan Childs and Jagadeesh Mosali and David Annis
19 ratings:
As we write this in mid-2008, fertilizer prices have reached all-time highs. How did we get to these price levels and how does an agricultural producer make sound economic decisions in this environment?

Legumes - More Valuable Now Than Ever by James Rogers
12 ratings:
An increasingly common question asked by cooperators is "How many cows can I run if I don't fertilize anything"? Legumes can provide an alternative to nitrogen fertilization, but they require a much higher degree of management.

Improving Native Pecan Groves by Charles Rohla
6 ratings:
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.

Small Acreage, Major Planning by Charles Rohla
4 ratings:
Several questions must be addressed before a landowner can make the decision of what enterprise will be most profitable and best suited for their land. Both feasibility and owner preference must be determined before a plan can start to take shape.

Getting the Most From Your Heifers by Clay Wright
7 ratings:
Many livestock producers reduced cow numbers in 2006 because of the drought and were hesitant to restock early in 2007. The abundant rainfall last summer, however, cleansed memories and renewed optimism, and we began to add back numbers later in the year in the form of heifers.

Creep Feeding Before Weaning by Clay Wright
4 ratings:
Historically, feeder calf prices decline as weight increases. That relationship of price to weight still exists, but it has narrowed considerably due to the high price of corn and feedlot cost of gain. Feedlots and the market are telling us to make calves heavier at home before selling them as feeder calves.

Wildfires
Helpful information pertaining to wildfires.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
For those looking for new places to enjoy the great outdoors, the NF-3 service region offers ample opportunities.