Economics
Many farm inputs are rising in cost but none more rapidly than fertilizer. Prudent study should be given to the decision to fertilize. A must with today's prices is to soil test and know the nutrient levels in the soil so an accurate determination can be made of what is lacking. Few, if any, livestock enterprises will pay for applying phosphorous fertilizer at today's prices. An evaluation and adjustment of stocking rates may be the best choice.

Soil and Crop
Fertilizer prices have made the hay production enterprise less profitable. Calculate what it costs you to produce the hay.

Suburban Ag
Safety is a major concern on the farm and ranch. Do not allow extra riders on equipment unless it has a place specifically for extra riders. Add an entry into your cell phone called ICE (In Case of Emergency). If you are injured, this allows the first responders to quickly contact family or a friend.

Horticulture
Time to start scouting for pecan nut case bearer. Spray after eggs have hatched or damage starts to occur. Continue to spray young pecan trees with Zinc to maximize growth.

Wildlife and Fisheries
Now is the time of year when people start thinking about fishing and the health of their ponds. To learn more about the fishery, keep records of your catch. If possible, record the species, length and weight of the fish you catch. This information will help improve management decisions.

Forage
Prioritize grazing this spring on your bermudagrass pastures that have high amounts of ryegrass to avoid a decline in the bermudagrass stand.

Livestock
The main focus in beef cattle herds this time of year is the breeding season, and rightfully so. Every common measure of cow/calf production or return starts with conception rate. You must do all you can to enhance conception. The primary factor affecting conception rate is nutrition. Cows should be in a body condition score (BCS) 5.0 to 5.5 during breeding, and be on a positive plane of nutrition for the foreseeable future. When things are right, you can expect over 90 percent of the cows exposed to conceive in a 60-75 day breeding season.

Conception rate is critical to the success of a cow-calf enterprise.

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Purchasing a Farm/Ranch
Things to know before spending money on purchasing your dream place in the country.

Basic Agriculture Information
Looking for information or just want to review your knowledge of agriculture?

Fertilizer Forecast 2008 - Prices Still Climbing! by David Annis
6 ratings:
Some expert observers of the fertilizer market have estimated that there may be another 20 percent increase in price by spring 2008.

Is Fertilizer Too High to Buy? by Dan Childs and Jagadeesh Mosali and David Annis
18 ratings:
As we write this in mid-2008, fertilizer prices have reached all-time highs. How did we get to these price levels and how does an agricultural producer make sound economic decisions in this environment?

Legumes - More Valuable Now Than Ever by James Rogers
11 ratings:
An increasingly common question asked by cooperators is "How many cows can I run if I don't fertilize anything"? Legumes can provide an alternative to nitrogen fertilization, but they require a much higher degree of management.

Improving Native Pecan Groves by Charles Rohla
6 ratings:
Mother Nature has blessed several landowners in Oklahoma and Texas with a potential income enterprise. Native pecans are found along the rivers, streams and creeks in both states. On average, 35 million pounds of native pecans are harvested from both states.

Getting the Most From Your Heifers by Clay Wright
7 ratings:
Many livestock producers reduced cow numbers in 2006 because of the drought and were hesitant to restock early in 2007. The abundant rainfall last summer, however, cleansed memories and renewed optimism, and we began to add back numbers later in the year in the form of heifers.

Wildfires
Helpful information pertaining to wildfires.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
For those looking for new places to enjoy the great outdoors, the NF-3 service region offers ample opportunities.