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One of the most damaging diseases in pecans is pecan scab, caused by the fungus Fusicladium effusum. It infects actively growing tissue, such as stems, leaves and nut shucks, when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity is above 90 percent.

As we manage the cow herd into the fall and through the winter, our primary focus should be on health and nutrition. These two areas of management determine reproductive performance, which is the number one factor that affects profitability.

As if to add insult to injury, drought conditions make weed control even more challenging and important than usual. Weeds compete for light, nutrients, space and, most importantly during a drought, water.

With the drought-induced import of vast quantities of hay into Oklahoma and Texas from neighboring states and beyond, there is a risk that invasive weeds will be brought in with that hay.

Erosion typically starts small and increases over time. Here are some strategies using natural materials to reduce actively eroding gullies.

Most ranchers are aware that greenbrier can be a problem in pastures and rangeland, and is hard to control. There are various ideas on how to control greenbrier.

Fire creep in the context of prescribed burning can be defined as unnoticed smoldering of plant material that is thought to be extinguished. The buildup of thatch along the fireline can cause fire to "creep" across the firebreak, which can result in an escaped fire.

June is usually the best month to control blackberries in pastures and rangeland in the Southern Great Plains.

Trapping probably is the most effective feral hog control technique available to most land managers.

I've had more calls on sandbur control in 2014 than I can ever remember. While it is obviously too late to do anything about them this year, plans can be made for next year.