October, 2007 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics/Pasture and Range
Does Conservation Farming Pay for Winter Forage Production? by Jon Biermacher and Chuck Coffey
Over the past two decades, winter forage producers have been asking researchers if conservation farming practices are more economical than conventional practices. Studies dating back to mid-1980 have sought answers to these questions.

Editor's Note
History of the Noble Foundation Agricultural Division by Scott McNeill
The Ag News and Views newsletter is marking its 25th anniversary during 2007. What was once a mailed, regional paper publication sent to a few hundred farmers and ranchers is now a trusted agricultural news source distributed to tens of thousands in print and electronic editions.

Livestock/Soils
Goats and Weed Control by Jim Johnson and Robert Wells
With costs on the rise, many landowners are seeking less expensive alternatives to mechanical or chemical weed control in pastures. One natural method to achieve this goal is to stock goats to consume unwanted brush and weeds.

Pasture and Range
Establishing Native Grass by Matt Mattox
High fertilizer prices, the aesthetics of a rangeland prairie setting versus a monoculture forage base, and advantageous government cost-share programs have led to many acres being planted to native grass or rangeland over the past five to 10 years. Fall is a good time to look further into the pros and cons of this practice to prepare for the spring growing season.

Suburban Agriculture
Staying Ahead by Pooling Resources by David Annis
Let's face it - it is difficult to justify having haying equipment when all you have is 10 acres. However, if you and your neighbors can work together, why not pool your resources? Small acreage producers, and even larger producers, can benefit from associations and cooperatives.

Wildlife
Mourning Dove Abundance Can Be Managed by Mike Porter
Mourning dove is the most abundant dove species, the most abundant game bird and one of the most abundant songbirds in southern Oklahoma and north Texas. Many people enjoy watching, feeding, photographing and hunting mourning dove. Yet, it is surprising how few landowners and land managers manage for dove.