Air February 15 - 21, 2006

Cattleman's Day

This is Ag Outlook 2006 on 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte, Geary County, K-State Research and Extension Ag & Natural Resources Agent. It's still a couple of weeks off yet, but let's start thinking about the 93rd Annual Cattleman's Day at Weber Hall on the campus at Kansas State University. In recent years they've started charging for Cattleman's Day, but it's still worth the cost. If you pre-register by Feb 20th, the cost is $15, but if you wait and register at the door, it's $25. The program is the same format as in past years. The tradeshow and educational exhibits open up at 8 a.m., but then we need everyone in their seats by 9:55 for the morning program. As always this morning session brings in many top figures in the cattle industry across the country. This year's session will be on the still hot topic of Animal Identification systems. Four speakers will cover the subject this year. Dale Blasi KSU Animal Scientist will talk about Animail ID Technology and Effective Implementation. Ted Schroeder, KSU Ag Economist will speak on Capturing Value through tracebaility - a topic that a lot of folks are talking about. Brad White from the Vet College will talk about the value of individual animal identification. Since he's from the vet college you can imagine the approach he'll take. Jim Marsden, Regents Distinguished professor in meat science, will discuss animal ID systems from the post harvest perspective. So we've got folks looking at this from ALL angles. And in the afternoon, as always there will be breakout sessions on many topics as well as open house and tours of the various cattle research units. If you need more information about Cattleman's Day, give me a call! This has been Ag Outlook 2006 on the Talk of JC, 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte.

The Early Season View on Burning and Management

This is Ag Outlook 2006 on 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte, Geary County, K-State Research and Extension Ag & Natural Resources Agent. It's only mid February, but I don't think that's too early to be talking about this years pasture management and pasture burning. As of right now, I would not be advising burning this year. We simply do not have enough soil moisture to make me comfortable with that. Now, if in the next month we get some good rains, I would be in favor of burning, IF YOU HAVE A REASON. And that is becoming a very important point to consider - what is my reason for burning. To keep cedars under control, once every 3 to 5 years is plenty often. If it's to control other woody brush, then let's identify which species are the biggest problem because burning may not be the answer or may dictate when in the season you want to burn. If you want to improve performance of the livestock on the grass by burning, then the question I have is, what kind of animals are you putting out to grass? If you are putting out cow calf pairs, you won't see any improvement. If you are putting out yearling stockers, sure, you can see some improvement, more so on early intensive stocking. Speaking of stocking, what are your stocking rates? With a modern cow and a modern calf, I think we need to be looking at 8 to 8 ½ acres of grass per pair. That's acres of grass, not acres of pasture. There often is a difference. Acres of cedar trees or dense brush do not count as grazable acres. Landlords and tenants both need to be aware of this from stocking rates to rental rates. Waste areas and timber areas on pastures shouldn't be counted on for stocking rate and the producer shouldn't be paying full rent on them either. Remember, take care of the grass and it'll take care of you! This has been Ag Outlook 2006 on the Talk of JC, 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte.

Oats

This is Ag Outlook 2006 on 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte, Geary County, K-State Research and Extension Ag & Natural Resources Agent. I'm a firm believer that oats can still have a place in many farm's crop rotation, or even as a specialty crop for livestock feed, alternative forage or food grade oats. One of the keys to growing good oats is to get them planted early enough. My rule of thumb is that oats should be planted between Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day. And even though the ground has been dry, I wouldn't hesitate to plant oats even if you did have to dust them in. Planting rate depends on your timing. IN the ideal window that I just mentioned, aim for 2 bushels per acre and a little more if you are getting towards that March 17th date. Plant them 1 to 1½ inches deep. Starter fertilizer is very important as phosphorus is less readily taken up in those cool soils of late winter. Then top dress to get total nitrogen up around 60 pounds. Many producers have skimed on nitrogen for fear of the oats falling down, abut then complain about their low yields and their low test weights. I have a theory about oats production. We plant them with a pessimistic attitude, then skimp on inputs and wind up with exactly what we managed for - only about half a crop. Buy good seed, and if you look around you can find certified oats seed. Plant the right rate at the right time. Fertilize them adequately so they have the resources to produce a good grain crop. Don't forget about weed control. Most of our wheat herbicides are also labeled for spring seeded oats. Keep that field clean and you'll have higher yield and higher quality. And then pay as much attention to your oats harvesting as you do to your wheat harvesting. Don't get in a hurry and don't drag your heels. Oats still can have a place, if you're willing to manage them like your other crops! This has been Ag Outlook 2006 on the Talk of JC, 1420 KJCK, I'm Chuck Otte.

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