Williams County Extension
A Little Bit Country
Weekly newspaper articles addressing agriculture, horticulture, and youth issues.
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
12th Annual Mon-Dak Pulse Day
Congratulations Nicole!
