Published: April 26, 2008 10:36 pm            

OSU Extension Notes 04-27-08

Ag News



Poultry Litter Program Scheduled for May 12th

Payne County Extension will be holding a Poultry Litter Program on May 12th, 2008, at 7:00 pm in the Community Building of the Payne County Expo Center. This workshop is open to the public and free of charge. For additional information regarding this program, please contact the Extension office at 747-8320.

Cattle on Feed Numbers Supportive

The April USDA Cattle on Feed report should further boost the stronger market tone of this week that has begun to offset the market weakness of recent weeks. Feedlot placements in March were 89 percent of a year earlier, somewhat lower than most pre-report expectations. Likewise, March feedlot marketings were higher than expected at a level just equal to last year. The combined effect of lower placements and higher marketings helped pull the April 1 on-feed inventory to a level equal to one year earlier and slightly lower than expected.

The decrease in placements has been expected and is expected to continue in April and May as supplies of yearling feeders are expected to remain tight. Placements in the Southern Plains were even less than the average with Oklahoma among the lowest at 74 percent of one year ago. Among the top feeding states only Nebraska had placements larger than last year.

“Pros” and “Cons” of One Calving Season versus Two Calving Seasons

Deciding on the use of one calving season or two calving seasons is a big first decision when producers are choosing calving seasons. Many fall calving seasons have arisen from elongated spring seasons. Two calving seasons fits best for herds with more than 80 cows. To take full advantage of the economies of scale, a ranch needs to produce at least 20 steer calves in the same season to realize the price advantage associated with increased lot size. Therefore having forty cows in each season as a minimum seems to make some sense.

Using two seasons instead of just one can reduce bull costs a great deal. Properly developed and cared-for bulls can be used in both the fall and the spring, therefore reducing the bull battery by half.

Another small advantage to having two calving seasons is the capability of taking fall-born heifers and holding them another few months to go in to the spring season and visa versa. Because of this replacement heifers are always 2 1/2 years at first calving instead of 2 years old. These heifers should be more likely to breed early in the breeding season and have slightly less calving difficulty. Research has shown that these differences are very small, therefore the cost of the other six months feed must be minimal to make this a paying proposition. A disadvantage to breeding heifers to calve at 30 months is found when “open” heifers are culled. They are too old to go the feedlot and produce high grading carcasses that are available for some international markets. Therefore, the older, open heifers will be discounted heavily when marketed after an unsuccessful attempt to get them bred.

Many producers like the dual calving seasons because of the spread of the marketing risk. Having half of the calf crop sold at two different times allows for some smoothing of the cattle cycle roller coaster ride. It is important that an adequate number of calves be born together to a make a marketable package that will not be discounted because of small lot size.

Collecting Soil Samples for Analysis

Soil tests should be a regular part of landscape planning and maintenance. When designing plantings, it is much easier to work with the existing soil conditions than to try to alter them. Knowing the pH and nutrient content of the soil will help in selecting the most appropriate plants for an area. Soil testing is also the only way that we can know exactly what type and how much fertilizer a planting requires. It is a good idea to have soils tested every two to three years.

Areas with different vegetation types need to be tested separately, because the vegetable garden and the lawn, for example, have different nutrition needs and pH requirements. Areas with drastically different soil conditions should also be tested separately.

To get started you will need a tool for collecting small samples. A soil probe is a great tool for sampling, if you have one. You can also use a shovel or even a small bulb planter. You will also need a bucket for sampling. The goal is to obtain a representative sample for each area being tested. To do this, you need to collect a number of samples from across the entire area being sampled and combine them into a single, representative sample. In a lawn, we may take as many as 15 to 20 cores.

Using a soil probe or shovel, collect a number of individual samples and mix them in a bucket. Make sure to use a clean bucket that does not have any cleansers in it. Many cleansers contain chemicals that could alter your soil test results. Collect samples to a depth of six inches. Mix these samples together and then fill a sample bag for analysis. Do not place the soil in a plastic bag before placing in the sample bag. Soil samples are dried in an oven, and plastic bags will melt and destroy the sample.

Sample bags are available at your County Extension office, where soil samples may also be submitted. The samples are sent to the OSU Soil, Water, and Forage Analytical Laboratory for testing. Tests cost $10 each, and evaluate soil pH, nitrate nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium contents. You can also request micronutrient tests as well as organic matter content and other specific tests if you have a special concern or need. Test results include fertilizer recommendations specific to the type of vegetation growing on the site (lawn or garden). Be sure to mark the proper space on the sample label indicating the type of area sampled, such as turf or garden.

Pecan Grafting Workshop Scheduled for April 29th

Payne County Extension will be holding the annual Pecan Grafting Workshop on April 29th, 2008 at 6:30 PM in Heritage Hall of the Payne County Expo Center. Local pecan growers will demonstrate several different grafts used on pecans and answer questions on grafting, pecan production, pest management, and other topics. Graftwood will be available for purchase. Free and open to the public. Call the Extension office at 747-8320 for more information.

4-H News

Bucket Calf Workshop

Anyone 7 – 12 years of age interested in participating in the bucket calf competition should attend this workshop that will be held on April 29th, 2008 at 6:30 pm in the Sales Coliseum at the Payne County Expo Center. Speakers will give presentations regarding bucket calf nutrition, health, and show ring tips. Information will be available regarding all aspects of the bucket calf program, including the 2008 rules, entry forms, journal information, and worksheet information. For additional information about this workshop and program please contact Sheila Taylor at 405-612-5301.

2008 4-H Camp

Any 4-H member from Payne County age 9-13 years old by June 3rd is encouraged to attend this fun and educational summer event that will be held at Saint’s Grove Camp from June 3rd thru June 5th. Please see our website (oces.okstate.edu/payne) for additional information and to download a copy of the registration form.

Payne County 4-H Food Show

The Payne County 4-H Food Show will be held on June 21st, at Skyline Elementary School starting at 9:30 am. Additional information can be obtained by visiting our website or contacting the Extension office at (405) 747-8320.

4-H archery shooting practice is available every Tuesday at the Payne County Fairgrounds between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For more information call Chris Harris at (405) 612-5718.

Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Payne County Cooperative Extension Educational programs and information are provided to you, in part, through the Payne County sales tax.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.