Perennial hay fields are normally used for many years, and a poor start and declining grass stand may have a negative impact for years to come. The goal for most producers is to have a thick, vigorous start of an adapted, productive forage variety. There are literally thousands of acres that have been planted in Coastal Bermudagrass and other type of warm season forages over the last couple of decades. Keeping these stands healthy and thick has been a challenge to say the least, considering the cost of fertilizer and other imputs over the last couple of years.

When considering the economics of hay production, it is important to realize that a large proportion of the expenses involved are fixed costs. These are costs that will be essentially the same regardless of other factors. This provides incentive for striving for both high yield and quality. If a producer is going to spend the time and resources in producing hay, it is sensible to make it an efficient operation.

One of the negative side effects of decreased fertilizer application is the invasion of weeds, both grassy and broadleaf, in fields and pastures. Broadleaf herbicides have been available and used for many years but when it comes to grassburs our options for control have been extremely limited.

Grassbur (field sandbur, sandbur, etc.) is a toublesome, nasty grass weed species that affects desirable grass forage quantity and quality. Although young plants are often utilized as a grazing forage, when in the advanced stages of seed production this plant produces seed capsules that can penetrate tissues of animals causing pain and sometimes infection. More importantly, it has a very negative effect on hay quality and substantially reduces forage value.

The Texas Department of Agriculture has issued a Crisis Exemption that authorizes the use of Pastora Herbicide (Nicosulfuron +Metsulfuron) to control sandburs in Bermudagrass pastures and hay fields in Texas. This product is a restricted use pesticide that should be applied when the sandbur is less than 1.5 inches tall and actively growing. There are no grazing or haying restrictions for Pastora for livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, goats and other animals when the herbicide is used as directed.

I know it's hard to believe, but summer is approaching, and it's time for pet owners to prepare for flea and tick season. Recent rainfalls combined with increasing temperatures have given fleas and ticks and optimal environment for reproduction. It is important to begin flea treatment as early as possible. A good place to start is with a flea comb and good bath for your pet. Soap acts as a light insecticide and reduces the need for stronger chemicals. Adult fleas and eggs can be controlled with medication from a veterinarian in the form of a pill or a chemical treatment applied to the back of the animal. A fenced yard can help control infestations by preventing pets from being exposed to new flea and tick populations. Yards can also be treated with granulated insecticides. It is also important to clean or dispose of pet bedding material on a regular basis, as well as keep animal loafing areas clean. Keeping lawns mowed can decrease pest problems. Short grass does not provide as much shade and moisture for small insects like fleas and ticks. Aerosol foggers and liquid sprays, in addition to thorough cleaning, can help control fleas and ticks indoors.

(Rick Hirsch is the Henderson County Extension Agent - Agriculture for Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Visit our web page at http:// henderson-co.tamu.edu.)