Ag News and Views: September 2000

September, 2000 Table of Contents
News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
New Demand for Beef Creates a Niche for New Products by Laura Robbins
For the first time in twenty years, we have seen an increase in beef demand, as measured by a combination of increased beef consumption and consumer spending. New product development helps revitalize beef demand in the long run.

Forage
Cause and Effect by Charles Griffith
Agricultural producers are confronted with persistent production problems that cost much time and money. We often attack symptoms and never get to the nitty-gritty of the land resource management that's causing the problem.

Livestock
Using Goats for Vegetation Management by Brian Bull
Many cattle producers spend a large amount of money each year to control undesired plants. Enter goats.

Plant of the Month
Big Bluestem by Russell Stevens

Soils
Saving for a Rainy Day by Rob Self
We can't control the amount or timing of rain. But, by managing the land, we can capture as much as possible to grow grass and recharge ground water when it does rain.

Wildlife
Ten Years of Prescribed Fire on a Cross Timbers Woodland Community by Russell Stevens
Prescribed fire is often recommended as a tool to open up or thin woody vegetation typical of the Cross Timbers. More open timber may increase plant diversity for wildlife and forage for cattle. This article presents the results of ten years of prescribed fire on woody vegetation.