At present, we must expect out 1956 weather to be an average of that of the past 50 to 60 years. Some day we may have reliable seasonal or annual forecasts. But right now, even the Weather Bureau 30-day outlook is helpful only in pointing out major trends for rather large areas- one or more states.

Faced with rising costs and relatively low farm prices, it's important this year to consider all possible cost economies. Whether your operations are your own or custom hired, think about combining some operations- doing two or even more jobs at one time. Example: preparing a seedbed by pulling several implements in tandem. Other possibilities include laying out fields to take advantage of long rows and contour rather than up-and-down-hill operation.

Plant diseases aren't new. They've been causing losses to crops since the earliest records of man. Crop losses and food shortages from rusts, blights, blasts, and mildews are recorded in the Old Testament and in the historic and religious writings of the early Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.

The livestock disease situation in Iowa is better than ever before in the state's history. But, with the tremendous movement of livestock, constant alertness is needed. Here's what to watch for during 1956.

What are the prospects for a pest epidemic on our field crops in 1956? We can't predict pest outbreaks for sure- a lot depends on the weather next spring. But here are some possibilities and things to watch.