Chute N The Bull 12/10/09

Soil testing is the basis of a sound fertilizer program; however, it is important to understand that the decisions made as a result of soil tests are only as good as the samples themselves. A little extra time spent during collection and submission can pay big dividends later. Following these five steps will help ensure you get the most from your soil samples.


Collect soil cores to the correct depth. The correct depth for soil samples depends on the nutrients being tested, sample purpose, tillage system, intended crop, laboratory request, etc. At the Noble Foundation, we recommend a 0- to 6-inch core for standard analysis plus a 6- to 12-inch core for nitrogen analysis. The laboratory we use calibrates their analysis based on a 6-inch increment. Many nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, will form layers in the soil profile and may be concentrated near the soil surface. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too shallow, results will show that there is a greater concentration of those nutrients and we may not recommend a needed fertilizer. If the sample is collected from a depth that is too deep, results will show a lower concentration of those nutrients and we may recommend unnecessary fertilizer.

Collect enough cores to make the sample representative. There is a great deal of soil variability even over relatively small areas. To get a good average for the area, we need to collect and blend enough representative cores together. The more cores included per sample, the better the sample quality. The absolute minimum is 12 to15 cores per sample.

A sample should not represent too large of an area. We tend to want to make a single sample represent an entire field no matter its size. Due to the variability in soil fertility, it is difficult to get a good average for more than 40 to 50 acres at a time even if the field appears uniform. Divide fields larger than this into smaller areas or zones that can be sampled and analyzed separately. Ideally, these zones are fertilized according to their individual needs, but it is often necessary to average the recommendation across the zones to make a single blend for the entire field.

Collect separate samples to represent different soil or topography types. Often a single field will contain significantly different types of soils or topographies. These should be sampled and analyzed separately much like the zone sampling mentioned above. Additionally, if there are trouble spots in a field that do not produce well, these should be sampled separately to help identify the cause of the problem.

Provide sample information requested on the submission form. The information on the sample submission form is needed to generate an appropriate recommendation. At a minimum, we must know what is being grown, if the crop is established and the field identification. Fertility and lime recommendations depend on the crop and whether or not it is established. The field identification is necessary to tie the sample back to the field where it was collected. Since a sample can be used for up to three years, do not rely on memory to know where it came from. Include a reasonable target yield goal along with the crop variety and percent stand for established crops. The nitrogen recommendation is based on the target yield goal. The variety and percent stand establishment can both affect the nitrogen use efficiency, which will also affect the nitrogen recommendation. Finally, include the crop and yield history along with the amount and types of fertilizers applied. If the fertilizer response for the field is significantly different than normal, that information can be used to refine the fertilizer recommendation.

The above steps require additional time and effort, but, considering the cost of fertilizers today, it is time and effort well spent. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

Chute n The Bull 12/4/09

Pick up any livestock-related publication these days and you'll probably find an article on adding value to your calf crop. Subjects might include selecting bulls to optimize desirable characteristics in your calves, preconditioning for 30-45 days, implementing age and source verification, managing shrink, presentation at marketing, targeting niche markets, etc. These and many other management practices have the potential to add to your bottom line. Consider spending some time evaluating changes you might make to your operation in the coming year.


Not all enhancements involve cutting edge technology or new market development. Sometimes just "taking care of business" can be an enhancement all by itself. For instance, one of the simplest, low-tech and often overlooked practices is getting more calves born earlier in the calving season. During the suckling phase, a calf typically gains about 2 pounds per day; so, for each additional day of age, a calf will weigh about 2 pounds more at weaning. How significant can this be?

For ease of figuring, assume an 84-day calving season, with 100 calves equally distributed in four 21-day periods. What if you were able to move your calving distribution from 25 percent in each period to 40-20-20-10? You are actually shifting 45 calves into an earlier period, making them an average of 21 days older at weaning. This means an additional 1,890 pounds of calf in the weaning pen. Most people would agree an increased saleable weight of nearly a ton is very significant!

Of course, the reality of change in your operation depends on how your calving distribution looks now. Assuming that there is room for improvement, how do you begin to shift? This is where the "taking care of business" factor comes in. You must focus on the primary aspects of management that most affect the timing of conception in your herd.

Nutrition

• To minimize the time to first estrus, the cows should have a body condition score of at least 5.5 at calving.

• Maintain a BCS 5 or better through the breeding season to minimize the number of services required for conception.

• Make sure the bulls are in at least a BCS 6 at turn-out.

Health

• Work with your veterinarian to plan and implement a preventative health program for cows and bulls, especially against reproductive diseases.

• Have a veterinarian conduct a breeding soundness examination of your bulls before the breeding season.

Management

• Observe bulls during the breeding season to ensure that they remain willing and able to service the cows.

• Rotate in fresh bulls as needed and address physical problems that may arise.

You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.blogspot.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

Texas Agrilife Extension Completes 50 hour Training

During a ceremony on Friday November 18, 2009 Judge Byron Ryder joined Tommy Neyland County Extension Agent in honoring a new group of Master Gardener Interns for the completion of their 50hr training course. This new crop of local community leaders has an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens. They are enthusiastic, willing to learn and to help others, and able to communicate with diverse groups of people. What really sets Master Gardeners apart from other home gardeners is their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through our Extension office to provide horticultural-related information to our communities. In exchange for training, participants are asked to volunteer time to our County Extension program. At least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year following the training is required to earn the title of "Texas Master Gardener." The type of service done by Master Gardeners varies according to community needs, and the abilities and interests of the Master Gardeners. Some Master Gardeners answer telephone requests for information related to gardening. Others staff plant clinics or displays in shopping malls or community centers. Master Gardeners may speak to local groups and conduct workshops. They may help establish community garden projects, work with 4-H youth, or assist their agent with news or radio releases related to gardening. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas Agrilife Extension, and The Texas A&M University System. In all volunteer work related to the program, Master Gardeners follow the research-based recommendations of Texas Agrilife Extension. Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

Pic Caption:

Texas Agrilife Extension Service Master Gardener Interns, Clara Jones, Marianne Gage, Judy Johnson, Cherlynn MacGregor, Mary Cofield, Ron Hale, Pastor Joy Richards, Cozy Taylor and CEA Tommy Neyland and Judge Byron Ryder.