Ag News and Views: February 2000

February, 2000 Table of Contents
News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Ranching Information on the Web by Steve Swigert
It seems time is the limiting factor for most producers, whether they want to explore new ideas and try new production practices or maybe just spend more time with their family. The Web provides us with many opportunities to gather information or place orders conveniently and quickly from the comfort of our home or office.

Forage
Gone Native by Matt Mattox
The past several growing seasons have been pretty tough on many ranchers in southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. Drought has caused many of the "good" native grasses in native grass plant communities to decline or die out. Where little bluestem and indiangrass once were, three-awn (ticklegrass), tumblegrass, and silver bluestem have established, not to mention high populations of ragweed, broomweed, bitterweed, and the like.

Horticulture
Turf Management Tips by Dooly Barlow
I want to give you an idea of what needs to be done to bermudagrass turf before the growing season starts. The tools are fairly simple: fertilizer, water, aeration (maybe), and mowing. It's the timing and precision of these management practices that are critical to any grounds.

Livestock
Selecting the "Right" Bull by Billy Cook
Selecting the "right" bull can potentially contribute more to the genetic improvement and profitability of a cow-calf operation than any other management practice.

Plant of the Month
Eastern Red Cedar by Russell Stevens

Soils
Nitrogen Carry-over for Spring Production by Jerry Rogers
Early February is the time to determine whether to apply additional nitrogen for spring production of small grain forage or grain. In early winter, producers frequently ask our soil fertility specialists how much of the nitrogen applied the previous fall to small grain pastures is available for spring forage or grain production.

Wildlife
How to Conduct a Prescribed Burn by Mike Porter
Burning, grazing, and rest are generally the most powerful tools for managing local wildlife habitats. Yes, usually more powerful than planting, feeding, and tillage. It may seem simple to light a match, stock some cattle, or erect a fence, but accomplishing specific habitat management goals with these tools requires considerable study and management. Each has the potential to harm or benefit wildlife habitat.