September, 2008 Table of Contents News & Views Archive Issues

Economics
Profit Potential in Wheat for Grain by Eddie Funderburg and Dustin Oswald
Since it looks like wheat may be $8 per bushel at harvest in 2009, many producers are considering planting it strictly for grain. This can be profitable in some situations with good management, cost control and high yields. Unfortunately, costs have increased at a very fast pace and have diminished profit margins.

Horticulture
Small Acreage, Major Planning by Charles Rohla
Several questions must be addressed before a landowner can make the decision of what enterprise will be most profitable and best suited for their land. Both feasibility and owner preference must be determined before a plan can start to take shape.

Livestock
Interesting Times for Cattle Economics by Robert Wells
There is an old Chinese curse that says, "May you live in interesting times." The current era in the livestock industry is about as interesting as most of us can stand. I believe we are in the midst of a paradigm shift. The cattle industry of tomorrow will almost certainly look different than it has in recent years.

Pasture and Range
Plan for Success with Legumes by Hugh Aljoe
"Just because something can be done does not necessarily mean it should be done" might apply if you are considering planting legumes this fall. September is the time to plant alfalfa and the time to plant clovers comes soon after. Are you really prepared or should you actually be preparing for next year?

Soils/Division Director
Probability of Obtaining Expected Results by Wadell Altom
When purchasing an agricultural production input or implementing some other management practice, how often do you ask about the probability of obtaining the expected response?

Wildlife
Fall 2008 Meetings For Wildlife Enthusiasts by Steven Smith
One of the most important attributes of a good natural resource manager is that they never stop learning. Being involved in research and demonstration projects and attending educational events such as seminars, workshops and field days help keep us up-to-date on wildlife and fisheries management knowledge.