MANAGEMENT...
Smoke Modeling Tool Could
Benefit Grassland Managers
The goal of the management plan is to curb smoke during prescribed burns.
Prescribed burning in the Flint Hills has significant economic benefits to grassland managers, but can also potentially cause air quality problems at times. This is especially troublesome for large metropolitan areas such as Kansas City and Wichita because so many people are affected.
New modeling tools and decision support systems being developed at Kansas State University (K-State) could help reduce the potential for air quality problems while still allowing for timely prescribed burning of the Flint Hills, said Carol Blocksome, K-State Research and Extension range management researcher. Read more.
Ron Torell with his wife, Jackie
Cow Camp Chatter
Consider your herd's energy needs this winter
Historically, man has been known to spend much of his summer preparing and storing food and firewood for the long winter ahead. Today, many in the livestock industry essentially do the same thing. They spend a good deal of the summer harvesting hay and then pitching it off during the winter.
The late Ferris Brough of Clover Valley, Nev., once explained: "After the severe winter of 1948-49, many ranchers began putting up hay. We would count the haystacks in late fall and divide them by the number of days we anticipated the winter feeding period being. This is how we balanced the ration for our cows. Our objectives were to keep animals alive."
Now, due to a differing economic climate, we need more than survival of our livestock through the winter. We need production in the form of a live calf plus breed-back the following spring. Read more.
Increase Continues in Number of Farmers,
Lenders Using Debt Mediation
Lingering effects of low livestock prices, high feed costs and a lagging economy are evident in annual report.
Even though farm prices rebounded during 2010, the lingering effects of low livestock prices, high feed costs and a lagging economy are evident in the University of Minnesota (U of M) Extension Farmer-Lender Mediation Program's annual report.
For the third straight year, activity in the program showed increases during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2010, according to Richard Senese, Extension associate dean for community vitality and public engagement.
"Farmers and their lenders continue to rely on the program to help them work together to renegotiate, restructure or resolve their debts," Senese said. "Farmer-lender mediation gives farm operations the chance to stay in business until better times." Read more.
Enhance Risk Management Strategies
Through Tax Planning
Tax law changes to discuss with your income tax professional.
As 2010 quickly comes to a close, many farm managers have been asking what tax law changes might affect them as they plan for meetings with income tax professionals.
This article provides a quick rundown of changes farm managers should pay close attention to this year. Remember, income tax planning issues can be complicated. Consult with a tax professional to evaluate plans for individual farm operations. Read more.
Expanded Tax Options
Give Farmers More Flexibility
A larger Section 179 expensing deduction, additional depreciation asset qualifications and other deductions are available for those who qualify.
New and expanded tax incentives for farmers and small businesses provide more flexibility in tax management this year, says Purdue Extension agricultural economist George Patrick.
The "Creating Small Business Jobs Act of 2010" offers a larger Section 179 expensing deduction of up to $500,000 for tax years 2010 and 2011.
"Section 179 allows a taxpayer to deduct or expense part or all of the cost of an asset in the year of purchase, rather than depreciating the cost over several years," Patrick said. "The Section 179 deduction is typically limited by the amount of qualifying assets acquired or the taxable income of the taxpayer, but it provides great flexibility in managing taxes." Read more.
Kris Ringwall
Beef Talk
Simple bull talk
The Dickinson Research Extension Center recently decreased the center's bull population. The average bull age at the center at turnout has been 3 years of age. Seldom would a bull more than 5 years of age be turned out to breed.
As a result, the 10 remaining bulls are two Lowline and eight Red Angus bulls. They will average 3 years of age at turnout next spring. Every time the bull pen is evaluated, one cannot help being concerned about refilling. Read more.
New Products
Industry affiliates provide a wide array of products and services to assist you on the farm and ranch. Here's an assortment of new products to hit the market recently.
• Skid-steer and track loaders
• Grade control system and box for ag water management
• Portable plasma cutting system
• Equipment & apparel catalog available
Angus Advisor
Click here for December herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.
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