Ag News and Views: December 1996

December, 1996 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Announcements
Cow-Calf Operators and Retained Ownership by Jim Pumphrey
The Agriculture Division has initiated a pilot program this fall to offer retained ownership to some of our small producers. Each consultation team has selected various cooperators to furnish between 5 and 25 head of fall weaned calves to be part of this pilot program.

Economics
Coping with Volatility by Fred Schmedt
To maintain profitable operations in today's volatile times all agricultural producers must remain flexible. They must delay final production decisions as they gather and assess information from throughout the world that affects the profitability of their enterprises.

Forage
Forage Production and Utilization - A Major Economic Industry for Our Region by Chuck Coffey
With 1.2 million head of cattle utilizing forages within a 100-mile radius of Ardmore, OK, there is significant potential to increase the economic returns from these forages by improving the quantity and quality of existing forages, learning how to more efficiently utilize forages, scrutinizing the cost of production of each forage enterprise, and developing alternative forage systems.

From the Director
Our Agricultural Service by Jim Schaffer
Our service area is officially within a one-hundred mile radius of Ardmore, we have interactions daily with many outside that region. We provide service to colleagues in professional positions around the country. We often visit with and give advice to folks who have an opportunity to visit us from the far reaches of the world.

Horticulture
Plant Your Shrubs and Trees Now by Dooly Barlow
The best time to plant shrubs and trees is in the fall and winter. These plants can withstand the cold and wet weather better than the dry and hot weather during unpredictable summers.

Livestock
Develop Replacement Heifers by John Winder
By now, most managers of spring-calving herds have selected their replacements. Ideally, about 50% more heifers should have been selected at weaning time than will be needed as replacements.

Soils
Your Soil Report - Where Does It Come From? by Randy Boman
Although the soil testing analytical procedures are completed by the private laboratory, all recommendations are made by Noble Foundation soil fertility specialists.

Wildlife
Is the Cost of Burning Always Monetary? by Russell Stevens
When burning costs are mentioned, fireguard establishment and labor for a burn are usually the topics of discussion. However, some argue that burning native grass pastures may have more significant costs such as decreasing plant diversity, destroying wildlife habitat, decreasing forage production or adversely affecting soil chemistry.