Soil Test!  Soil Test!  Soil Test!  If you have not done so for this year, please consider obtaining a soil test now.  There is not much that can be done regarding the high cost of fertilizer, but there is much we can do regarding how efficiently we use fertilizer.  The soil test is the first step in efficient fertilizer use and improved forage production.  Samples should be collected annually for hay meadows and every 2 to 3 years for grazing pastures.  For soil forms and bags contact your… Read More →

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants combine solar energy, atmospheric CO2, and water, within green leaf tissue (chlorophyll) to produce carbohydrates. Plants use these carbohydrates as a source of energy to carry on basic metabolic processes. In short, while overly simplistic, plants can create their own food using the simple ingredients of sunlight, water, and CO2. Plants do require, however, adequate green leaf (photosynthetic tissue) in order to carry out photosynthesis. Without these four main ingredients plants cannot survive.  As managers there is not a lot we… Read More →

Bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum) is a cool-season annual, multi-branched, herbaceous plant native to Eurasia that grows from one to five feet or more in height.  It has a robust taproot and dark green leaves that are lobed and wrinkled, but sometimes have a reddish cast.  Bastard cabbage typically flowers from early spring into summer, bearing clusters of small, showy yellow flowers at the tips of its branches.  Bastard cabbage can be identified by its unusually shaped two-segmented seed capsule.  The seed capsule is stalked, with a long beak… Read More →

Parts of Texas enjoyed a fairly good spring, but since late May, there has been precious little rainfall occurring over much of the state.  A look at the most recent drought monitor map indicates about 88% of the state was in some form of drought and the long range forecast through October 31 indicates most of the state will remain under dry conditions.  If you are planning on wintering livestock, now is the time to locate and purchase any hay you will need.  Or, if you have opportunity… Read More →

Winter is the time of year private pesticide applicator license renewals typically take place.  If you are short a few hours, be sure and check with your local county extension agent or surrounding agents.  County extension agents provide a number of programs this time of year designed to help producers get some last minute hours prior to renewal.  Many of the programs are multi-county and may provide up to eight hours of CEUs necessary for license renewal.

Portions of the state have recently had some good rainfall events.  One or two good rains, however, does not end the drought.  The forecast for much of the state, with the exception of deep southeast Texas, is for continued drought through the end of March.  Some climatologists have stated the present dry cycle we are in may not end until approximately 2020.  Therefore, approach increasing the cow herd with caution.  Pastures should show good coverage and growth prior to increasing the stocking rate.  Additionally, if there is need… Read More →