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Food plots can be used to increase visibility of deer for hunting or other purposes. Although popular, food plots do not always accomplish intended deer management goals. Several factors should be evaluated to ensure the success of food plots.

While some type of a hay feeding period is usually unavoidable, there are ways to reduce costs.

The "Oklahoma Limitation of Liability for Farming and Ranching Land Act" is designed to encourage landowners to make their farming and ranching land available for outdoor recreational purposes, and it limits the participating landowners' liability to persons entering on or using the land for such recreational purposes.

Feeding hay through the winter accounts for a large portion of the costs associated with cow-calf production, so forage management strategies to lengthen the grazing season and reduce hay consumption could be beneficial in increasing profitability.

It stands to reason that removing excess fruit before it has a chance to mature will increase the size and flavor of fruit remaining on the tree to mature.

A herd-wide health program for all classes of animals is essential for at least two reasons: first, only healthy animals can perform at their genetic potential; second, every producer is responsible for doing his or her part in generating a safe, wholesome, quality commodity for the eventual consumer.

A White-tailed Deer Seminar will be held at the Pontotoc Technology Center Auditorium at 601 West 33rd Street in Ada, Okla., from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2004, followed by an in-depth session at the Noble Research Institute's Wildlife Unit.

Most winter pasture fields are planted in late August or early September to optimize the potential for getting grazing in the fall; having a plan made beforehand can eliminate possible mistakes at planting time.

The Plant Biology, Forage Improvement and Agricultural divisions of the Noble Research Institute have recently initiated an interdivisional program to improve the forage quality and stand longevity of alfalfa in order to deliver to farmers and ranchers a novel source of high-quality forage.

An objective answer to the profit potential of cow-calf pairs purchased (or heifers retained) today can be arrived at by conducting a net present value analysis of the cost and income streams associated with owning cows for the next several years.