A Little Bit Country
Land Rental Rates - Tree of the Week
The North Dakota Field Office of USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service conducts an annual survey of farmers and ranchers to obtain average rental rates and the value of rental land in their localities. Tree of the Week - Bur Oak.
Time to Make Hay - Underground Mystery
Over the years I often have heard people my senior say “When it is time to make hay one must make hay.” Such is the case with this spring’s crop seeding. Last week I concentrated my writing on the techniques of planting a tree. This week I want to share some thoughts on site selection because sometimes we choose planting areas which provides little hope for survival.
No! $10 For A $100 Tree
Keeping trees alive and healthy involves a lot of knowledge and effort – knowledge of what to do (or not to do) and the effort of following through with proper tree-care techniques. One of the most important things involved in tree health is ensuring that trees are planted properly.
2012 Herbicide Update - Growth Regulators Reduce Fruit Production - Black Knot on Cherry Trees
The 2012 North Dakota Weed Control Guide lists several new herbicides for weed control in small grains. Fruit on trees adds color and interest to the home landscape. However, when mature the fruit can be messy and adds to the maintenance of the yard. Many trees of the Prunus species are susceptible to a fungal disease called black knot. This includes chokecherry and plum.
Know Rules for Herbicide Carryover
Herbicides have become a very important tool in almost every corner of raw food production. Without them, weeds would grow out of control, production would be severely impaired, precious top soil would be lost to wind and or water erosion and the cost to feed a family would be higher than it is today.
MGEX Offers Marketing Information - Update to County Comprehensive Plan
Joe Victor, Business Development Specialist with the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX) and DTN will conduct two informative webinars that will address market outlook for spring wheat and durum along with weather forecasts for the spring wheat growing areas of the U.S. and Canada. The Williams County Commission and its staff are in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The plan is about managing orderly growth needed for the present energy boom and protecting the values of its citizens who have lived a lifetime in Williams County and for those who want to make the community their home.
Rotating Herbicides Urged - Mosquito Control Program
Our weed control researchers at NDSU keep reminding county extension agents of the growing threats of weed resistance to commonly used herbicides. Fran Bosch, Director the Williston Vector Control District 1, recently announced that the District is offering a voluntary control program to townships.
US Beef Industry Regains Net Export Status
In the last ten years, beef and cattle trade between the United States and foreign countries has become increasingly complex with respect to economic and political factors. The U.S. exports just not meat, but also many non-meat items as well as live animals.
Beef Cow Numbers Continue Decline and A.I. Synchronization Protocols
Record high prices for retail beef, feeder cattle, the feds, culls and breeding stock have one thing in common – tight supplies. The recent report on the beef inventory in the Unites States shows a two percent decrease from last year’s numbers and is the lowest January 1 inventory of all cattle and calves since 1952. North Dakota is not immune to the national trend. For many beef producers, the 2012 calving season will soon be here. It is an exciting time of the year but also a time which can be very stressful as everyone realizes that calf mortality is important to year-end profitability. For those who incorporate artificial insemination, I want to draw attention to some great information about protocols for synchronization of estrus and ovulation.
Wheat Show Proclaimed a Success and Healthy Soil
The 59th National Hard Spring Wheat Show is history. Being heavily involved, along with over 20 other farm producers, agri-businesses, and NDSU Co-workers, I may be a bit biased in proclaiming the event a total success starting with the Bread Fair which focused on teaching area 5th grade students how to make bread. All of the educational sessions during the Wheat Show were well attended but Jim Hoorman of Ohio State University served to captivate the audience with his presentations on soil health. He started by telling us healthy and sick soils each have things in common.
Canola Representative Sought & Fewer Certified Seed Growers
Canola growers in Williams County are being urged to participate in the election of a county representative for the North Dakota Oilseed Council. All canola growers who have a definite interest in the membership of the Council are encouraged to participate in the election at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 16 in the Conference Room of the Williams County Courthouse. Over time there are changes which occur that we really do not recognize until maybe it is too late. I think one such change for crop producers is a lack of certified seed growers. This may not be a problem on a statewide basis but for northwest North Dakota, I find myself frequently referring growers to seed sources far beyond our region.
Youth Horse Group, Project Safe Send and Mountrail Durum
In one of my columns early last summer I mentioned there was an effort by some parents to organize a 4-H youth group which would focus its studies and activities around horses. I am happy to report such a group has been formally organized. Each summer I call attention to project Safe Send, a program whereby the North Dakota Department of Agriculture travels across the state to collect unusable pesticides. This past July one of the twelve stops was Williston. The 2011 Research Report contains performance data of all the crops and their varieties grown in this region. Because durum is the number one crop in acreage for this area, I am always interested in how the varieties compare in yields.
North Dakota Wheat Has Huge Economic Power
In its 2010-2011 Annual Report to Producers, the North Dakota Wheat Commission states that wheat producers can take pride in knowing the wheat industry continues to be one of the largest economic contributors to the North Dakota economy, agricultural or otherwise, accounting for nearly one third of all farm and ranch marketings. The direct cash value of the North Dakota wheat and durum crop is nearly $2.4 billion, which generates an additional $4.8 billion in commercial activity for a total positive economic impact of nearly $7.2 billion in state economy.
Bright Outlook for Beef Markets
With cattle prices at record levels, producers question the market’s longevity. Prior to the BSE, (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, commonly known as mad-cow disease), scare in 2003 or even the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, cattlemen could establish their production and marketing decisions based on a 10 year cycle.
Bigger Cars Still Cost More to Operate
Except for housing, most families spend more on transportation than on any other expense category. Consumers prefer the latest technologies and multi-year warranties of new cars, but the vast majority does not buy new cars. The reason is simple. Used cars are considerably cheaper to own and operate than new cars.
Articles - January through December 2011
Warren's Column - "A Little Bit Country" for January 2011 through December 2011
