Soil tests can be made in several ways; some are better than others. Fully as important as the methods, however, is how well fertilizer recommendations based on soil-test results are related to actual crop responses in the field.

Economic analyses of crop response to fertilizer, together with the degree to which other good management practices are used, make it possible to show more than one profitable fertilizer rate for soil samples tested.

The federal, state and county governments all have recognized the need for rural roads and considerable outlays are made each year for building and maintaining them. How are these roads administered? How are they financed?

Though they don't replace good management, slotted floors can reduce labor needs for raising hogs in confinement. A number of different kinds of design and construction are being used; here's an up-to-date report on them.