The Noble Foundation's Agricultural Division specialists frequently encounter producers who need specialized work done — bermudagrass sprigging, pecan harvesting, haying, cedar clearing, etc.

"Due to economics, many producers can't justify owning the equipment needed for these tasks," said Jim Johnson, a soil and crops specialist with the Foundation.

Many times, the specialists can direct producers to a service provider who does the custom work. However, this is not always the case, and producers are left not knowing where to find someone who does the needed work.

"To help solve this problem, the Agricultural Division is providing the Custom Hire Listings, a new, free, online listing for agriculture service providers and potential customers," Johnson said. "The Custom Hire Listings allow individuals or businesses to post services they provide so farm and ranch operators can locate the services they need."

The service, at http://www.noble.org/WebApps/WebListings/CustomHire/Index.aspx is set up for easy use. To create a listing, users must complete a one-time registration and then make their listing by answering a few simple questions. Anyone can view listings without registering. The listings include:

• sprigging,
• haying,
• pecan harvest,
• tillage,
• planting,
• custom harvesting,
• day work,
• wildlife management,
• dozing,
• fertilizer application,
• other services.

In addition to the Custom Hire Listings, the Agricultural Division has two other online listing services:

• eCattleLog
  http://www.noble.org/Ag/Cattlelog/Index.asp
• Hunting and Recreational Lease Registry
  http://www.noble.org/WebApps/WebListings/WildLifeLease/Index.aspx

For more information, call the Foundation's Ag Helpline at (580) 224-6500.

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; providing grants to non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.