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The sky is not falling, but more challenging times are ahead.

Forage365 brings to bear all of the Noble Research Institute's expertise in genetic research, plant breeding, economics and agriculture with the express purpose of doing what is considered improbable reducing the need to feed hay.

The lack of rain, high temperatures, grasshoppers and armyworms had an enormous detrimental effect on any kind of forage and crop production. Many drought management strategies were discussed throughout the summer in an effort for cattlemen to maintain livestock numbers. One of the strategies implemented on the Noble Research Institute Red River Demonstration and Research Farm was to early wean the spring born calves on one of the cowherds.

Spring is the season when most begin thinking about controlling weeds and other pests. Producers who choose to control pests with chemicals are faced with deciding whether to hire a commercial custom applicator or to self-apply pesticides to their own property or crops.

Agriculture, by its very nature, is a volatile business. Many producers worry about how long high prices can be sustained. Fear of falling prices, combined with high input costs, seems to have risk management on everyone's mind, but few individuals are comfortable with the details.

In response to limited information about the economic potential of grazing novel versus toxic tall fescue, a collaborative study between the Noble Research Institute and the University of Arkansas was conducted.

Since recent droughts have caused a lack of available forage in many areas, the incentive to retain heifers and purchase cows has been very low. Cattle inventory has declined to levels not seen since the 1930s and 1940s, and the value of heifer calves has risen to all-time record highs.

Myriah Johnson, Ph.D., joins the Noble Research Institute as an agricultural economics consultant.