February, 2003 Table of Contents
News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Who is Going to Get the Bulk of Your Estate? by Steve Swigert
Ill-advised or misguided action — or complete inaction — may allow taxes and probate to take a large portion of your estate and allow someone else to determine how your estate is distributed.

Education
What are the Challenges for Today's Ag Producer? by Shan Ingram
Attitude and motivation rank high among the challenges faced by today's farmers and ranchers.

Forage
Is There a Niche for Eastern Gamagrass in Southern Oklahoma? by Matt Mattox
Eastern gamagrass was a component of plant communities primarily in the eastern half of Oklahoma prior to European settlement and can still be found in areas not subjected to grazing pressure. This native grass is capable of producing forage of high quantity and quality — however, lack of producer familiarity, high seed costs and necessary grazing management practices have reduced the acceptance of eastern gamagrass in this region.

Horticulture
Good Pruning Tools Make Job Easier by Dooly Barlow
Pruning chores are much more bearable when you're using high-quality loppers, hand pruners and saws.

Livestock
Sale Barn Surveys Show Trends in Premiums, Discounts by Ryan Reuter
Three sale barn surveys conducted by the Extension service in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas have attempted to determine the premiums and discounts received by feeder calves with various characteristics — and while the absolute numbers vary somewhat, trends are evident.

Soils
Don't Use Calendar Dates to Terminate Wheat Grazing by Jeff Ball
Using a calendar date to pull cattle off wheat pasture is risky because a number of variables affect jointing, including weather conditions, variety and planting date. To avoid grain yield loss, all grazing should stop at first hollow stem or "jointing."

Wildlife
Beaver Damage Preventable with Appropriate Techniques by Mike Porter
There are ways to prevent beaver damage while coexisting with beavers. Most human-beaver conflicts can be prevented with relatively permanent nonlethal techniques.