April, 2001 Table of Contents
News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
To Fertilize or Not: Is There Really Any Question? by Fred Schmedt
Since most producers need to maintain or increase production to maintain their standard of living and stay in business, decisions to cut back on nitrogen fertilizer usage are often difficult to justify.

Farm Coordinator
From the Farm by Russ Gentry
Costs of treating sick cattle have always been a concern for producers. At the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm, we have been using a relatively new implant device from Ballistic Technologies that can shoot an antibiotic bullet into cattle from fifty feet away.

Horticulture
Swap Your Thighmaster by Steve Upson
I am often guilty of considering only the commercial side of horticulture. In reality, most of the residents within the Noble Foundation's service area garden with another goal in mind: quality of life.

Livestock
Spring Clean Your Breeding Program by Evan Whitley
Spring is in the air, and hopefully green-up on native and introduced pasture is occurring and your winter forage is adequate until summer pastures are ready to graze. However, there are a few spring-cleaning issues that you may want to consider for your livestock operation.

Soils
Why are Nitrogen Prices So High? by Eddie Funderburg
Nitrogen fertilizer prices have been high for several months now. In some cases, the price has gone up 50 percent or more. Why is it increasing?

Wildlife
The Early Bird May Not Be the Bird For You by John Holman
Prospective purple martin landlords should open the houses about four weeks after the first martins are scheduled to arrive in their area. Martins initiate nesting attempts as late as June, so don't be discouraged if you don't appear to be getting early results.