Each season brings new challenges and pest problems in crop production. One way to stay informed and effectively manage any problem is to sign up for the weekly “Crop and Pest Report.” Each issue of the report contains valuable information about insect and disease problems, pest alerts, integrated pest management strategies, pesticide updates, agronomy and fertility issues, horticulture problems, reports from the NDSU Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and a weather outlook. (Photo of scab in wheat)

In calculating rations and mixing concentrates, using weights rather than measures usually is necessary. However, in practical feeding operations, measuring the concentrates often is more convenient for the farmer or rancher.

The National Weather Service says some areas of North Dakota may see flooding this spring. Are you prepared? Being prepared will help minimize the damage if you do get flooded. Your planning should include knowing how to protect your family, property and livestock. Check your sump pump, floor drains and electric generator if you have one. (NDSU Photo)

Saline soils have salt levels high enough that crop yields begin to suffer or cropping is impractical. Several factors contribute to the development of saline soils. A high water table is a prime requirement. Recognizing how and why salts accumulate is the first step in farming profitably on land interspersed with saline soils. Preventing further encroachment of salinity and addressing remediation strategies are other steps.

(NDSU Photo)

When cattle are processed into cuts, such as sirloin steaks or filet mignon, the small pieces left over can be ground up to be sold as ground beef. Will these trimmings make a good hamburger or is it better to buy ground beef that has been ground from whole muscle? You might be surprised at the answer.

The 2013 Weed Control Guide has an easy-to-follow format that will help producers with sometimes difficult herbicide application decisions. The guide also lists other publications that are available to provide even more specific information.

The guide is based on federal and state herbicide labels, research at North Dakota Research Extension Centers and other information from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

(Saltcedar - Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Young @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database)

Liquid feeds are useful for conditioning rations, improving palatability, reducing dustiness and providing nutrients to livestock. Many liquid byproduct materials are available for use in beef cattle rations. In addition, a number of commercial liquid supplement products also are available.

(Photo courtesy Carrington REC)

Cold temperatures bring on challenges for cow-calf producers. Producers need to provide balanced rations, modify the environment to provide protection and give the cattle plenty of water. Cattle that suffer hypothermia or frostbite are more prone to other disease conditions and certainly do not perform as well as cattle that are warm, dry and out of the wind. (Photo courtesy Carrington Research Extension Center)

Selecting the crop varieties that will grow best in a particular area can make a huge impact on a producer's profitability. Each year, NDSU agricultural researchers conduct variety trials to help determine which varieties produce the best yields under a range of growing conditions. The researchers evaluate the varieties based on a number of characteristics. Using that data, producers should choose the varieties that, on average, perform the best at multiple locations near their farming operation during several years. (NDSU photo)

Detecting pregnancy in sheep early can make a big impact on a producer's bottom line. Knowing whether ewes are pregnant can help producers provide the animals with the feed they need when they need it. Producers also will know which ewes are producing more than one lamb and may need extra assistance. Sheep producers have two options for detecting pregnancy early: an ultrasound and blood testing. (Photo by Reid Redden, NDSU)