Noble News and Views: March 2018

A replacement heifer represents the most costly improvement in a herd's genetics. Since reproductive traits are lowly heritable, cattle producers must manage within the environment.

Pecan phylloxera is an insect that can cause significant damage if ignored or treated incorrectly in pecan orchards.

The income statement is a summary of revenue and expenses over a period of time, and the cash flow statement contains all cash flows. Together, they provide powerful knowledge for an operation.

Soil testing offers information that can lead to more informed decision-making and ultimately greater productivity and profitability. Sample in early spring for summer crops and in the summer for fall and winter crops.

Producers should have contingency plans in place to make decision-making easier as drought conditions worsen.

Scientists are gaining a better understanding of soil microbes and how they could help control cotton root rot in alfalfa.

Researchers at the Noble Research Institute are taking a novel approach by investigating small peptides as a way to potentially help improve plant stress tolerance.

Nitrogen fertilizers are necessary but also costly. Researchers are looking into ways to improve plants' natural abilities to efficiently use nitrogen.