Ag News and Views: January 2003
Are We Seeing the Return of the Bobwhite?
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has indicated an increase in late summer and early fall quail numbers. Does this signal a true increase in quail population or is it just a momentary upswing in the long decline of quail in Oklahoma?
Consider Transplant Size when Looking for Extra-Early Hoop House Tomato Yields
Many hoop house tomato growers believe that larger transplants translate into earlier yields. The Noble Research Institute conducted a study to determine if that's really the case.
Eastern Red Cedar is Public Enemy Number One
Eastern red cedar, which is native to Oklahoma, historically was controlled by fires. Since that isn't the case anymore, land that was once open prairie is covered with cedar and no longer provides grazing for livestock.
How Will Cold Fronts Affect Your Cow Herd's Energy Requirements?
In winter, keeping warm is the largest part of a cow's maintenance requirement, and her energy needs in the face of a cold weather event depend on wind chill and if the front is wet or dry.
Is Your Hay Cut Right but Baled Wrong?
Hay baled at a too-high moisture content can have decreased digestibility and significant increases in fiber concentrations and heat-damaged nitrogen.
Now's the Time to Measure Financial Progress
The end of the calendar business year is a good time to perform a financial analysis of your farm or ranch business.
Separating Facts from Error is the Key to Good Research
A well-designed experiment incorporates all possible ways of minimizing experimental error, because the ability to detect differences among treatments increases as the size of the experimental error decreases.