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State from Around Around the the State State State FFA FFA Conventions Conventions Draws Draws Students Students from

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Lukas LukasJohnson, Johnson,Brett BrettJohnson, Johnson,Dallas DallasCapdeville, Capdeville,Kyle KyleAlbus, Albus,Wyatt WyattPattison Pattisonand andAdvisor Advisor Patti Patti Armbrister Armbrister at at the state convenstion in Billings. the state convenstion in Billings. WYATT WYATTPATTISON PATTISON HINSDALE HINSDALECHAPTER CHAPTERREPORTER REPORTER

The TheState State(Future (FutureFarmers FarmersofofAmerican) American)FFA FFAConvention Conventionwas washeld held in in Billings Billings on on March March 25 25 -- 28. 28. Over 1,500 FFA members from around the state gathered to compete in State CDEs, ranging Over 1,500 FFA members from around the state gathered to compete in State CDEs, ranging from from mechanics mechanicstotopublic publicspeaking. speaking. Ten members Ten membersofofthe theHinsdale Hinsdalechapter, chapter,including includingSophomore SophomoreCache CacheYounkin, Younkin,competed competed in in mechanmechanics, ics,agronomy, agronomy,farm farmbusiness businessmanagement, management,star stargreenhand greenhandand andstate statecreed creedspeaking. speaking.When When they they weren’t weren’t

IfIf save both. both. time is money, money, save If time time is is money, Getting Gettingback backand andforth forthto toBillings Billingsminus minusthe thedrive drivejust justmakes makes Getting back and forth to Billings minus the drive just makes sense. Next time, hop on one of our fast, daily ﬂights sense. Next time, hop on one of our fast, daily ﬂightsand and sense. Next time, hop on one of our fast, daily flights and arrive arriverefreshed. refreshed.Enjoy Enjoythe theride. ride. arrive refreshed. Enjoy the ride. Havre Havre Havre

Glasgow Glasgow WolfPoint Point Glasgow Wolf Wolf Point Sidney Sidney Sidney

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Creed third place place winner winner and and greenhand greenhandsecond secondplace placewinner winnerMickayla MickaylaJohnson Johnsonaccepting acceptingan anaward awardatatthe the Creed third state convention in Billings. state convention in Billings. competing they went went to to various various workshops workshopspresented presentedby bypast paststate stateofficers officersand andeven evennational nationalofficers. officers. competing they Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil Three of our younger members, Elise Strommen, Chaykota Christensen and Halle Beil served on the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seserved on the courtesy corp and helped out with contests whenever needed. Our five seniors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt Pattiniors, Lukas Johnson, Brett Johnson, Dallas Capdeville, Kyle Albus and Wyatt Pattison were awarded awarded their their State State Farmer Farmer Degrees Degrees at at the the State State Degree Degree dinner dinner on on Friday Fridaynight. night. son were There were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla Johnson There were over 500 members, advisors and their families attending that dinner. Mickayla Johnson competed for star star greenhand greenhand and and received receivedsecond secondplace. place.She Shealso alsocompeted competedwith withother othercreed creedspeakers speakers competed for from around the state and received third. from around the state and received third.

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capeair.com capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR 800-CAPE-AIR *Fares subjecttoto availability and other conditions. notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed. *Fares aresubject toavailability availabilityand andother otherconditions. conditions.Fares Faresmay maychange changewithout without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed. *Fares are may change without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed.

ANDREWMCKEAN MCKEAN/ /FOR FORTHE THEHI-LINE HI-LINEFARM FARM&&RANCH RANCH ANDREW

Lih-An Yang, Merlin, Iris and Ellis Ellis McKean McKean work workon onclearing clearingout outaabeaver beaverdam damalong alongthe theLittle LittleBrazil BrazilCreek, Creek, southwest of Glasgow.

YOU’REREADING READINGHI-LINE HI-LINEFARM FARM & RANCH – THE AG MONTHLY FOR NORTHEAST & NORTH YOU’RE NORTH CENTRAL CENTRALMONTANA MONTANA

Bulls Stay Stay Steady Steady Bulls

Bullsales salesremain remainstrong strongand andthe themarket market Bull remainsatataasteady steadyhigh high//Page Page2 2 remains

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LASGOWSS TOCKYARDSS ALES,BB ULLSRR EMAININGSS TEADY GGLASGOW TOCKYARD ALES, ULLS EMAINING TEADY

BY BONNIE DAVIDSON average their 83 bulls at $6,630. particular TheThe most recent local sales were Anderson BY BONNIE DAVIDSON withwith the the average for for their 83 bulls at $6,630. ThatThat particular most recent local sales were the the Anderson BarBar Tri-TriCOURIER place on Thursday, April angle Charolais, of Malta. They a big selling THE THE COURIER bullbull salesale tooktook place on Thursday, April 16. 16. angle Charolais, out out of Malta. They hadhad a big selling top top bullbull season of the is coming a close along Woodland Farms of Hinsdale go forthatthat went $15,000. Their average $6,850, TheThe season of the bullbull is coming to atoclose along the the Hi-Hi- Woodland Farms out out of Hinsdale hadhad theirtheir top top bullbull go for went for for $15,000. Their top top ten ten average soldsold for for $6,850, Line. While early at the Glasgow Stockyards $6,750, their average selling at $5,300. Bowleswithwith an average of bulls 59 bulls sitting at $3,975. Line. While the the early salesale at the Glasgow Stockyards waswas$6,750, withwith their top top ten ten average selling at $5,300. Bowles an average out out of 59 sitting at $3,975. probably of the most attended, event, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tJ5 Red J5 Red Angus female production auction stayed Humbert Humbert Angus of Scobey at $8,500 probably oneone of the most attended, event, the the top top bullbull didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Angus bullbull andand female production auction alsoalso stayed Angus out out of Scobey soldsold theirtheir top top bullbull at $8,500 there. in Glasgow went an astoundingat aatconsistent a consistent mark, seller going $7,250andand a top 10 average of $6,050. Fossum Angus sellsell there. TheThe top top bullbull in Glasgow went for for an astounding mark, withwith the the top top seller going for for $7,250 hadhad a top 10 average of $6,050. Fossum Angus out out of of $21,000 at the Angus Ranch average selling $6,525. Registered heif-Richland Richland their at $7,500 their $21,000 at the BigBig DryDry Angus Ranch bullbull sale.sale. TheThe bullbullandand the the top top ten ten average selling for for $6,525. Registered heifsoldsold their top top bullbull at $7,500 withwith their top top fivefive went to Math Farms of Whitewater. were going an average of $2,003 commercialaverage average going $6,450. went to Math Farms out out of Whitewater. ers ers were going for for an average of $2,003 andand commercial going for for $6,450. McRae family from Jordan returned heifers were going an average of $1,922. Eayrs Angus Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few more weeks of bull sales scheduled. TheThe McRae family from Jordan returned for for the the 27th27th an- an-heifers were going for for an average of $1,922. Eayrs Angus stillstill a few more weeks of bull sales scheduled. nual sale to the Glasgow Stockyards. They also took the top returned for their 13th year for their production auction. Koenig Red Angus will have their sale on Thursday, nual sale to the Glasgow Stockyards. They also took the top returned for their 13th year for their production auction. Koenig Red Angus will have their sale on Thursday, MayMay 7, 7, year, have broken a record at theTheir Their seller went $6,250, 10 averagealong along Fahlgren Angus. Thursday, 15 all an class all class bullbull lastlast year, but but thisthis bullbull maymay have broken a record at the top top seller went for for $6,250, withwith the the top top 10 average withwith Fahlgren Angus. Thursday, MayMay 15 an local stockyard. Their 10 average in sales $12,950,going going $5,125. cattle auction keep stockyard employees busy. local stockyard. Their top top 10 average in sales waswas $12,950, for for $5,125. cattle auction willwill keep the the stockyard employees busy.

â&#x20AC;˘ Range CALVED â&#x20AC;˘ Range CALVED â&#x20AC;˘ Range RAISED â&#x20AC;˘ Range RAISED

â&#x20AC;˘ Natural BRED â&#x20AC;˘ Natural BRED â&#x20AC;˘ Natural FED â&#x20AC;˘ Natural FED

atat CourierPrinting Printing Courier Glasgow ininGlasgow

About The Cover Photo About The Cover Photo

are rounded up and heading to their during theDry Big Dry BullsBulls are rounded up and heading backback to their stallsstalls during the Big Angus on Thursday, at Glasgow the Glasgow Stockyards. - Photo Angus bull bull salesale on Thursday, AprilApril 16 at16the Stockyards. - Photo by Bonnie Davidson. by Bonnie Davidson.

MarketOutlook OutlookNot NotAsAs Market thth AULAL PRODUCTION SALE UN StrongFor ForNorthwest NorthwestAgAg N N N A 6A PRODUCTION SALE Strong â&#x20AC;˘ Range TESTED â&#x20AC;˘ Range TESTED NN XX

N Nâ&#x20AC;˘ Natural â&#x20AC;˘ Natural RED RED XX

6THURS.THURS.-MAY MAY77- -2015 2015

PM 11PM

AT AT

406-228-9306 GLASGOWSTOCKYARDS STOCKYARDS406-228-9306 GLASGOW Join for LUNCH AT NOON Join usus for LUNCH AT NOON Catered Mama Lineshack Catering Catered by by Mama Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;zOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;z Lineshack Catering

Auctioneer: WorldChampion ChampionKyleKyleShobe Shobe Auctioneer: 20102010 World

yr yr oldold

VIRGINBULLS BULLS~~3030OPEN OPENHEIFERS HEIFERS 4040 - -2 2 VIRGIN Bulls from the top 1/3 of the crop - Heifers from the heart of the herd. Bulls from the top 1/3 of the crop - Heifers from the heart of the herd.

Breeding Years for REGISTERED RED ANGUS Breeding 1818 Years for REGISTERED RED ANGUS

SIRES SIRES

SAMPLE SALEBULLS BULLS AASAMPLE ofofSALE January 24, 2015 Data January 24, 2015 Data DOB BWBWAWW AWWWRWR SIRE BULL DOB SIRE BULL #1622608 4/9/13 85 819 108 108 #1622608 4/9/13 85 819 CHEROKEE #1622605 4/19/13 79 KRPKRP CHEROKEE #1622605 4/19/13 79 809 809 106 106 EXCEL EXCEL #1622599 4/27/13 4/27/13 70 70 809 809 106 106 #1622599 #1112172 #1622595 #1622595 4/5/13 4/5/13 70 70 792 792 104 104 Reg.Reg. #1112172

Reg #1112172 Reg #1112172

KRP Cherokee Excel KRP Cherokee Excel

#1622639 4/13/13 4/13/13 77 77 802 802 102 102 KRPKRP BL BL 97079707 #1622639 #1622524 4/18/13 4/18/13 67 67 788 788 107 107 #1622524 â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOCâ&#x20AC;? #1622532 â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOCâ&#x20AC;? #1622532 4/17/13 4/17/13 67 67 772 772 105 105 #1327864 #1622641 #1622641 5/4/13 5/4/13 66 66 809 809 103 103 Reg.Reg. #1327864

#1622664 4/20/13 4/20/13 81 81 875 875 112 112 PRICE#1622664 KRPKRP HI HI PRICE #1622613 4/19/13 4/19/13 77 77 822 822 105 105 #1622613 95009500 #1622623 #1622623 3/23/13 3/23/13 80 80 801 801 102 102 #1327792#1622670 #1622670 4/23/13 4/23/13 77 77 795 795 102 102 Reg.Reg. #1327792

Reg #1384156 Reg #1384156

#1622504 4/10/13 4/10/13 74 74 831 831 105 105 KANYON #1622504 KRPKRP KANYON #1622506 4/24/13 4/24/13 65 65 828 828 105 105 #1622506 00210021 #1622513 4/4/13 4/4/13 64 64 796 796 101 101 #1622513 #1384156 #1622515 #1622515 4/7/13 4/7/13 63 63 791 791 100 100 Reg.Reg. #1384156

KRP KANYON 0021 KRP KANYON 0021

A I SIRES A I SIRES

BIEBER MAKE #1622667 4/2/13 76 BIEBER MAKE #1622667 4/2/13 76 794 794 101 101 MIMI 7249 MIMI 7249 #1622638 4/1/13 81 4/1/13 81 768 768 98 98 Reg. #663262 #1622638 Reg. #663262

CROWFOOT#1622548 #1622548 4/3/13 4/3/13 74 74 816 816 111 111 REDRED CROWFOOT OLE'S OSCAR #1622554 #1622554 4/9/13 4/9/13 68 68 804 804 109 109 OLE'S OSCAR #1060209 #1060209

Reg #1327864 Reg #1327864

KRP â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOCâ&#x20AC;? 9707 KRP BLBL â&#x20AC;&#x153;DOCâ&#x20AC;? 9707

KOENIG RANCH RED ANGUS KOENIG RANCH RED ANGUS FRANCIS ARLEY FRANCIS N NARLEY 406-429-2925 406-429-6151 .O. Box * Winnett, 59087 X X 406-429-2925 406-429-6151 P.O. PBox 86 86 * Winnett, MT MT 59087

HI-LINE FARM RANCH FOR FOR THE THE HI-LINE FARM ANDAND RANCH Markets are generally lackluster Northwest agriMarkets are generally lackluster for for Northwest agricultural industries so far in 2015. Prices dairy, wheat, cultural industries so far in 2015. Prices for for dairy, wheat, BONNIE DAVIDSON / HI-LINE & RANCH BONNIE DAVIDSON / HI-LINE FARMFARM & RANCH potatoes apples have been pressured to near breakeven potatoes andand apples have been pressured to near breakeven Young calves at Big the Dry Big Angus Dry Angus sale at Glasgow the Glasgow Stockyards on Thursday, April 16. Young calves at the sale at the Stockyards on Thursday, April 16. levels by strong supplies headwinds in global markets. levels by strong supplies andand headwinds in global markets. Export market sales have been constrained by slowdowns Export market sales have been constrained by slowdowns at at West Coast ports, increased competition a stronger West Coast ports, increased competition andand a stronger U.S.U.S. dollar. Bright spots in the Northwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural economy dollar. Bright spots in the Northwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural economy include strong cattle and beef prices, and continued growth include strong cattle and beef prices, and continued growth in in wine sales. Nursery producers seeing steady demand wine sales. Nursery producers are are alsoalso seeing steady demand product is supporting continued industry recovery. for for product thatthat is supporting continued industry recovery. DOB BW WR SIRE BULL DOB BW SIRE BULL following highlights depict general health ofAWW se-AWWWR TheThe following highlights depict the the general health of seindustries included in Northwest Farm Credit Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lectlect industries included in Northwest Farm Credit Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Knowledge Center Market Snapshots, which available Knowledge Center Market Snapshots, which are are available at northwestfcs.com/resources. at northwestfcs.com/resources. Reg #1112172 Reg #1112172 head in Montana. livestock marketing officer Marty Earnheart HI-LINE FARM RANCH lionlion head in Montana. livestock marketing officer Marty Earnheart BEEFBEEF FORFOR THE THE HI-LINE FARM ANDAND RANCH With recent decrease in herd email: mearnheart@mt.gov or call (406) cattle prices remain strong. Prices for most KRP Cherokee Excel a KRP rare opportunity to participate in With the the recent decrease in herd sizesize in invia via email: mearnheart@mt.gov or call (406) U.S.U.S. cattle andand beefbeef prices remain strong. Prices for most Cherokee Excel In aInrare opportunity to participate in Australia, the department sees an opportu444-2402 for an application. Applicants cattle classes peaked during the fourth quarter of 2014 before Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapidly expanding geneticsAustralia, the department sees an opportu- 444-2402 for an application. Applicants cattle classes peaked during the fourth quarter of 2014 before Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rapidly expanding beefbeef genetics to expand Montana genetics in themust must have a valid passport be willing experiencing a moderate correction. Prices began moving export market, Montana Department to expand Montana beefbeef genetics in the have a valid passport andand be willing experiencing a moderate correction. Prices began moving export market, the the Montana Department of ofnitynity region as producers to grow in theirto cover to cover of the travel expenses. upward again in March. Factors as competitivelyAgriculture is seeking representativesregion as producers looklook to grow in their halfhalf of the travel expenses. upward again in March. Factors suchsuch as competitivelyAgriculture is seeking twotwo representatives herds in the years ahead to increasing TheThe Montana Department of Agriculture priced alternative proteins, improved weather conditions from Montana genetics industryherds in the years ahead duedue to increasing Montana Department of Agriculture priced alternative proteins, improved weather conditions in in from the the Montana beefbeef genetics industry international demand and additional trade applied for and received funds through major cattle producing areas, and lower exports due to the to join in a trade mission to Australia in international demand and additional trade applied for and received funds through U.S.U.S. major cattle producing areas, and lower exports due to the to join in a trade mission to Australia in opportunities. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) strong dollar slowdowns at West Coast ports influenced May. opportunities. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) strong dollar andand slowdowns at West Coast ports influenced May. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is onlyfrom from both Market Access markets. Although rebuilding of the cattle begun, Australia is currently Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s herdherd sizesize is only both the the Market Access andand For-Formarkets. Although rebuilding of the cattle herdherd has has begun, Australia is currently Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second about a quarter of the United States, they eign Market Development programs. prices across all cattle classes are projected to remain high largest customer semen purchases,about a quarter of the United States, they eign Market Development programs. TheThe prices across all cattle classes are projected to remain high largest customer for for beefbeef semen purchases, expanding their international trade.awarded awarded funds departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 2015. Consumer demand is resilient even in the yet Montana has never been on a trade expanding their international beefbeef trade. funds willwill paypay for for the the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 2015. Consumer beefbeef demand is resilient even in the faceface yet Montana has never been on a trade mis-mis-are are By showcasing Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-quality marketing officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel expenses, of historically retail prices. to the country. By showcasing Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-quality beefbeefmarketing officerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel andand expenses, andand of historically highhigh retail prices. sionsion to the country. genetics, we see significant market poten-at least at least half of each of the beef genetic repâ&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an exciting opportunity to grow genetics, we see significant market potenhalf of each of the beef genetic repâ&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an exciting opportunity to grow DAIRY DAIRY tial,â&#x20AC;? said Earnheart. resentativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel expenses. USLGE is a in an important market and build on existing tial,â&#x20AC;? said Earnheart. resentativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel expenses. USLGE is a in an important market and build on existing Milk prices forecast breakeven for most of 2015. Milk prices are are forecast nearnear breakeven for most of 2015. The trip dates have yet to be finalized, not-for-profit, nationwide trade association relationships,â&#x20AC;? said Marty Earnheart, Meats The trip dates have yet to be finalized, not-for-profit, nationwide trade association relationships,â&#x20AC;? said Marty Earnheart, Meats Dairy producers weathering weaker markets strong Dairy producers are are weathering weaker markets withwith strong it will coincide 2015 Beef Aus-thatthat represents international marketing Livestock Marketing Officer. but but it will coincide withwith 2015 Beef Ausrepresents the the international marketing andand Livestock Marketing Officer. balance sheets were bolstered by exceptional profits balance sheets thatthat were bolstered by exceptional profits in in tralia from May 4 9. The exposition is interests of the dairy, beef, sheep, swine, According to a report by USDA Foreign According to a report by USDA Foreign tralia from May 4 - 9. The exposition is interests of the dairy, beef, sheep, swine, 2014. Producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profitability is unlikely to improve based 2014. Producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; profitability is unlikely to improve based on on held just once every three years and will and horse breeding industries. Agricultural Service, Australia herd size is held just once every three years and will and horse breeding industries. Agricultural Service, Australia herd size is near-term price increases. Although of growth near-term milkmilk price increases. Although the the pacepace of growth feature more 4,500 cattle from Montana Department of Agriculexpected to fall slightly to 27.6 million headfeature more thanthan 4,500 cattle from overover 30 30 TheThe Montana Department of Agriculexpected to fall slightly to 27.6 million head slowed, production product ending stocks has has slowed, U.S.U.S. milkmilk production andand product ending stocks breeds and facilitate new trade and exporttureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is protect to protect producers due to persistent drought in some regions of breeds and facilitate new trade and export mission is to producers andand Reg #1327792 due to persistent drought in some regions of continue to rise. Export sales face headwinds including Reg #1327792 continue to rise. Export sales face headwinds including opportunities. consumers, and to enhance and develop the country, with beef exports accounting opportunities. consumers, and to enhance and develop the country, with beef exports accounting discontinuation of the European Union quota system, sharp discontinuation of the European Union quota system, sharp PRICE 9500 Montana Montana genetic representativesagriculture agriculture allied industries. more KRP HIHI PRICE 9500 almost 70 percent of their production. beefbeef genetic representatives andand allied industries. ForFor more for for almost 70 KRP percent of their production. declines in Chinese imports, 12-year in the value declines in Chinese imports, andand 12-year highhigh in the value interested in participating in the Australiainformation information on the Montana Department of By comparison, the United States current interested in participating in the Australia on the Montana Department of By comparison, the United States current of the U.S. dollar. However, expected declines in feed costs of the U.S. dollar. However, expected declines in feed costs trade mission should contact meat and Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov. inventory is 95 million head with 2.55 milinventory is 95 million head with 2.55 mil- trade mission should contact meat and Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov. should push breakeven levels lower throughout year. should push breakeven levels lower throughout the the year. HAY HAY Northwest market is tepid ahead of new TheThe Northwest hayhay market is tepid ahead of new cropcrop YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE MONTHLY NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA. YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE READING HI-LINE FARM & RANCH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE AGAG MONTHLY FORFOR NORTHEAST & NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA. CONTINUED ON PAGE CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 3

SIRES SIRES MT Dept.ofofAgriculture AgricultureSeeks SeeksProducers Producers MT Dept. forAustralia AustraliaBeef BeefGenetics GeneticsTrade TradeMission Mission for

Opportunity Expand Genetics with Second Largest Customer May Opportunity toto Expand Genetics with Second Largest Customer inin May

offera full a fulllinelineofof WeWeoffer PrintingServices! Services! AgAgPrinting Sale Catalogs tt BullBull Sale Catalogs Auction Posters tt Auction Posters Letterhead & Envelopes tt Letterhead & Envelopes Livestock Record Sheets tt Livestock Record Sheets Business Cards tt Business Cards Spreadsheets tt Spreadsheets YouYou CanCan Actually Write Actually Write OnOn Even Labels Your tt Even Labels ForFor Your Pickle Jars! Really! Pickle Jars! Really!

LOWESTPRICES PRICESININ LOWEST VALLEYCOUNTY COUNTY VALLEY Stan Man CallCall Stan TheThe Man at at 406-228-9301 406-228-9301

SE "WF 4 t (MBTHPX .5 SE "WF 4 t (MBTHPX .5 WeWe putput a a little magic little magic in in everything everything wewe do!do! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re More Than A Newspaper! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re More Than A Newspaper!

The Glasgow Courier The Glasgow Courier Serving Proudly AsVoice The Voice Of Valley County Serving Proudly As The Of Valley County SinceSince 19131913

2015 10 March 2015 1010May March 2015

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LearningAbout AboutLife Lifeand andGrowing: Growing:Junior JuniorMaster MasterGardeners GardenersininTraining Training Learning

BONNIE DAVIDSON / HI-LINE & RANCH BONNIE DAVIDSON / HI-LINE FARMFARM & RANCH

Kaveshan the MSU Extension teaches about a dozen students about the soil. The two jarsthe ontable the table examples of rich soil in rich in LindaLinda Kaveshan fromfrom the MSU Extension OfficeOffice teaches about half half a dozen students about the soil. The two jars on werewere examples of soil minerals andthat soil that a little like sand. Toleft the isleft is Maddie Swindler and Reannah Hopstad looking atdifference the difference between the jars two and jars and minerals and soil was was a little moremore like sand. To the Maddie Swindler and Reannah Hopstad looking at the between the two answering questions to review the previous week. answering questions to review the previous week. week, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to learn for nine sessions. plants sections waters every week, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to learn for nine sessions. classclass thatthat she she plants littlelittle sections and and she she waters themthem every BY BONNIE DAVIDSON BY BONNIE DAVIDSON â&#x20AC;&#x153;What if your creation dies?â&#x20AC;? Madde Swindler, a student day. She also added that some of the seeds were potted. While â&#x20AC;&#x153;What if your creation dies?â&#x20AC;? Madde Swindler, a student day. She also added that some of the seeds were potted. While THE COURIER THE COURIER in class the class asked. hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fertilizing plants, weed asked. she she hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t triedtried fertilizing the the plants, she she saidsaid she she did did weed a personal experience, of give to thesein the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a personal experience, youyou kindkind of give birthbirth to these Kaveshan explained itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unfortunately a part of gardening.them. them. when the flood came, it killed explained itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unfortunately a part of gardening. SheShe alsoalso saidsaid thatthat last last yearyear when the flood came, it killed seeds,â&#x20AC;? Linda Kaveshan of MSU the MSU Extension Service Kaveshan littlelittle seeds,â&#x20AC;? Linda Kaveshan of the Extension Service the students would more plants die thena lota of lother of her vegetables. SheShe toldtold the students thatthat theythey would havehave more plants die then vegetables. a group of students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve nurtured these.â&#x20AC;? tellstells a group of students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve nurtured these.â&#x20AC;? grow during their experiences gardening, and that sometimes Alana Chalmers, oldest student in class, grow during their experiences gardening, and that sometimes Alana Chalmers, the the oldest student in class, saidsaid thatthat this this While a few of students the students thought â&#x20AC;&#x153;grossâ&#x20AC;? While a few of the thought thatthat ideaidea waswas â&#x20AC;&#x153;grossâ&#x20AC;? wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plant never thrived. already started planting some vegetables. wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t everever findfind out out whywhy the the plant never thrived. ThisThisyearyear she she had had already started planting some vegetables. SheShe trying to grow plants an experiencetheythey theythey got got the the ideaidea thatthat trying to grow plants is anis experience particular trying to focus on pests insects,saidsaid planted them indoors hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t moved classclass theythey werewere trying to focus on pests and and insects, thatthat she she had had planted them indoors and and hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t moved sometimes includes error. group of about thatthat sometimes includes trialtrial and and error. TheThe group of about halfhalfparticular but the subject varied as the curious kids kept asking questions, them outside yet because of the cold and the uncertainty of the but the subject varied as the curious kids kept asking questions, them outside yet because of the cold and the uncertainty of the a dozen junior master gardeners meeting up once a dozen junior master gardeners havehave beenbeen meeting up once a a sometimes just to be silly. Kaveshan said that this particular weather in April. So far she had started tomatoes, watermelon, sometimes just to be silly. Kaveshan said that this particular weather in April. So far she had started tomatoes, watermelon, week at the Valley County Courthouse Community Room to week at the Valley County Courthouse Community Room to much quieter normal, asthe all thepumpkins pumpkins sweet peas. timetime waswas much quieter and and calmcalm thanthan normal, as all and and sweet peas. about the plants, the soil the critters aroundclassclass learnlearn about the plants, the soil and and the critters thatthat livelive around girls listened attentively as she answered several questions. While they were given to all askkinds all kinds of random quesgirls listened attentively as she answered several questions. While they were given timetime to ask of random quesaffect the plants. of students range to 14, and and affect the plants. TheThe agesages of students range fromfrom 8 to814, Two of the students in the class had a lot more experience tions to get into the regular lesson plan, they also were able to Two of the students in the class had a lot more experience tions to get into the regular lesson plan, they also were able to a part of the class, he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t withwith onlyonly one one boyboy a part of the class, but but this this day day he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gardening, the older students in class. Kaveshan enjoy a snack. Kaveshan provides the students week gardening, bothboth the older students in class. Kaveshan had hadenjoy a snack. Kaveshan provides the students eacheach week withwith present. wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be prepping for Earth present. ThisThis classclass wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be prepping for Earth DayDay just just one onewithwith the more experienced students to class the class a little bit abouta snack a snack matches up with discussions the more experienced students talktalk to the a little bit about thatthat matches up with whatwhat theirtheir discussions are. are. TheThe experiences plants previous week discussed so oreos incorporated theirtheir experiences withwith plants and andprevious week theythey discussed soil,soil, so oreos werewere incorporated she explained growing plantsintointo the snack. As they talking about week she explained that that growing plants the snack. As they werewere talking about pestspests this this week she she a two-step process,added added some M&M to top the of topcupcakes, of cupcakes, a candy waswas kindkind of aoftwo-step process, some M&M antsants to the nextnext to a to candy being physical work watermelon. It seemed to one be one of the favorite of the one one being the the physical work of ofwatermelon. It seemed to be of the favorite partsparts of the taking of them the otherclassclass to most of students. the students. taking carecare of them and and the other to most of the being the mental figur- TheThe of class the class to help students experience partpart being the mental part,part, figurideaidea of the is toishelp students gaingain experience in in ing how out how to treat where horticulture, environmental science teach leadership ing out to treat soil,soil, where to tohorticulture, environmental science and and alsoalso teach leadership problem solving.and and skills. It was to how see how some of their discussion plantplant themthem and and problem solving. life life skills. It was easyeasy to see some of their discussion a little bitluck of luck keepsgavegave lotexamples of examples of trial error. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learned ThatThat withwith a little bit of keeps a lota of of trial and and error. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll havehave learned the plants alive. some basic skills, as well as grown terrarium the plants alive. some basic skills, as well as grown theirtheir ownown terrarium and and Parks, a student in thekeeping keeping an observation journal on what might be happening KateKate Parks, a student in the an observation journal on what might be happening class, explained in terrarium. the terrarium. class, explained thatthat she she had had en- en-in the some of vegetables her vegetables Kaveshan anyone might some basic teredtered some of her and and Kaveshan saidsaid thatthat anyone whowho might havehave some basic Highway 2 West â&#x20AC;˘ Glasgow â&#x20AC;˘ Across from Fairgrounds 440440 Highway 2 West â&#x20AC;˘ Glasgow â&#x20AC;˘ Across from thethe Fairgrounds plants previously.questions questions on how to grow anything could extension plants intointo the the fair fair previously. on how to grow anything could visitvisit the the extension 406-228-9325 â&#x20AC;˘ 406-228-4381 â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-255-1472 406-228-9325 â&#x20AC;˘ 406-228-4381 â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-255-1472 Kaveshan asked about website could information on just about Kaveshan asked her her about her herwebsite and and theythey could findfind information on just about any any plantplant Family owned by the Newton Boys! experience keepsyouyou might a question about, or how to deal pests. Family owned by the Newton Boys! experience and and howhow she she keeps might havehave a question about, or how to deal withwith pests. her plants going. She told the The website is www.msuextension.org. her plants going. She told the The website is www.msuextension.org. Rent A Car Rent A Car See Doug, Andy, Terry, Kenny or Ted! See Doug, Andy, Terry, Kenny or Ted!

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exports hampered by trade exports salessales havehave beenbeen hampered by trade restrictions slowdowns at U.S. West restrictions andand slowdowns at U.S. West CONTINUED CONTINUED FROMFROM PAGEPAGE 2 2 Coast ports. opportunities wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Coast ports. LostLost salessales opportunities wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t harvest. Despite continued drought acrossbe made harvest. Despite continued drought across be made These dynamics pressuring up. up. These dynamics are are pressuring Western U.S., a number of factors the the Western U.S., a number of factors are areprices prices nearly every major apple variety for for nearly every major apple variety likely to limit price increases likely to limit hay hay price increases this this year.year.lower. lower. While Northwest apple growers While Northwest apple growers willwill Lower prices dairies cheapeningexperience Lower milkmilk prices findfind dairies cheapening experience profit margin compression during profit margin compression during rations by taking advantage of low-costthe 2014-15 feedfeed rations by taking advantage of low-cost the 2014-15 season, the industry is financially season, the industry is financially grains alternative feeds. exporterswellwell grains and and alternative feeds. HayHay exporters positioned to work through down positioned to work through this this down reeling impact of West Coastmarket are are reeling fromfrom the the impact of West Coast market given a string of profitable crops. given a string of profitable crops. slowdowns. volume of hay exported portport slowdowns. TheThe volume of hay exported WINE/VINEYARD WINE/VINEYARD in 2014 at the lowest since 2008, TheThe in 2014 waswas at the lowest levellevel since 2008, outlook Northwest outlook for for the the Northwest winewine and and resulting a cautious approach to the resulting in aincautious approach to the mar-mar-vineyard vineyard industries is generally positive. industries is generally positive. However, expectation of acreageWarmer, ket.ket. However, the the expectation of acreage Warmer, dryer weather so in far2015 in 2015 dryer weather so far mir-mirdecreases outside Northwest continuesrorsrors decreases outside the the Northwest continues conditions in 2014. If this trend conditions seenseen in 2014. If this trend to position the region a supplier of hay to position the region as aas supplier of hay to tocontinues, continues, grape yields could be strong winewine grape yields could be strong other Western states. is likely to create other Western states. ThisThis is likely to create a aagain again following yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record this this yearyear following last last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record price in Northwest markets. price floorfloor in Northwest hay hay markets. crops. According to national statistics, crops. According to national statistics, winewine WHEAT WHEAT sales continued to increase in 2014. sales continued to increase in 2014. An An Wheat prices remain precariously closeinformal Wheat prices remain precariously close informal survey of wineries 34 wineries in Oregon survey of 34 in Oregon to growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breakeven prices. Bearish to growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; breakeven prices. Bearish mar-mar-andand Washington conducted by Northwest Washington conducted by Northwest fundamentals - including higher ket ket fundamentals - including higher thanthanFCSFCS reflects similar trends. Sales these reflects similar trends. Sales for for these expected global wheat supplies, abundantwineries expected global wheat supplies, abundant wineries increased by 7.8 percent to $107.9 increased by 7.8 percent to $107.9 supplies of corn soybeans (adding pricemillion supplies of corn and and soybeans (adding price million in during 2014. consumer in during 2014. As As consumer con-conpressure all grains), a strong dollar pressure to alltograins), and and a strong dollar thatthatfidence fidence continues to strengthen, industry continues to strengthen, industry is exacerbating already uncompetitive is exacerbating already uncompetitive U.S.U.S.experts experts expect prices increase expect finefine winewine prices willwill increase wheat prices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t support an upward pricefurther wheat prices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t support an upward price further in 2015, while demand bargain in 2015, while demand for for bargain trend in the near-term. However, profit trend in the near-term. However, profit op- op-wines wines decline. willwill decline. portunities are provided in market upswings, portunities are provided in market upswings, FOREST PRODUCTS FOREST PRODUCTS where concerns domestic foreign U.S.U.S. where concerns overover domestic and and foreign housing starts are primary the primary driver housing starts are the driver droughts, geopolitical uncertainty driveof U.S. droughts, and and geopolitical uncertainty drive of U.S. forest products markets. Housing forest products markets. Housing prices higher. prices higher. starts for single-family homes surged to the starts for single-family homes surged to the POTATOES POTATOES highest level in more six-and-a-half highest level in more thanthan six-and-a-half Fresh, market potatoes opened Fresh, openopen market potatoes opened the theyears years at the of 2014, reaching at the end end of 2014, reaching 1.081.08 mil-mil2014-15 marketing season returnslionlion 2014-15 marketing season low,low, withwith returns in total. However, seasonally adjusted in total. However, seasonally adjusted below breakeven for most producers. Currenthousing below breakeven for most producers. Current housing starts a rate of 897,000 starts fell fell to a to rate of 897,000 unitsunits in in potato prices remain growersFebruary openopen potato prices remain low,low, but but growers February 2015, the sharpest month-to-month 2015, the sharpest month-to-month are optimistic marketing season marketsdecline are optimistic late late marketing season markets decline in four years. decline largely in four years. TheThe decline waswas largely improve, prices for larger potatoesattributed willwill improve, withwith prices for larger potatoes attributed to winter weather slowed to winter weather thatthat slowed con-conprojected to increase most significantly.struction projected to increase most significantly. struction projects. Meanwhile, lumber projects. Meanwhile, lumber and and Looking ahead, Northwest potato acres Looking ahead, Northwest potato acres are arepanel panel prices dropped in the quarter prices dropped in the firstfirst quarter of of projected to remain similar to 2014 given2015 projected to remain similar to 2014 given 2015 are expected to remain through and and are expected to remain lowlow through profitable 2015 potato contracts lowerthe the profitable 2015 potato contracts and and lower second quarter. Despite a slow start, second quarter. Despite a slow start, the the prices substitute crops. However, freshhousing prices for for substitute crops. However, fresh housing market is expected to gain momenmarket is expected to gain momenpotato markets expected to remain vola-tumtum potato markets are are expected to remain volain 2015, generating increased demand in 2015, generating increased demand tile.tile. for forest products. for forest products. SUGAR BEETS SUGAR BEETS NURSERY/GREENHOUSE NURSERY/GREENHOUSE Global sugar production is expected Global sugar production is expected to to TheThe outlook nursery/greenhouse outlook for for the the nursery/greenhouse decline in 2014-15, by lower yields decline in 2014-15, led led by lower yields in inindustry industry remains positive. Spring shipremains positive. Spring shipBrazil, Thailand China. Sugar productionments Brazil, Thailand and and China. Sugar production ments for 2015 underway for 2015 are are wellwell underway and and mostmost in Brazil, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sugar exporter,producers in Brazil, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading sugar exporter, producers reporting steady demand are are reporting steady demand for for is also down as current government policyproduct. is also down as current government policy product. Tough winter weather on the Tough winter weather on the EastEast encourages ethanol, versus sugar, produc-Coast encourages ethanol, versus sugar, producCoast in Midwest the Midwest is likely to result and and in the is likely to result in in Accompanied by rising global sugarconsumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tion.tion. Accompanied by rising global sugar consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to replace damaged plants, needneed to replace damaged plants, consumption, lower production movewhile consumption, lower production willwill move while economic factors related to consumer economic factors related to consumer supply demand closer to equilibriumconfidence supply andand demand closer to equilibrium confidence consumer spending should and and consumer spending should support minor price increases. Look-havehave andand support minor price increases. Looka positive impact demand plant a positive impact demand for for plant ahead, sugar supply deficits forecastedmaterial. ing ing ahead, sugar supply deficits forecasted material. However, if adverse weather hangs However, if adverse weather hangs for the 2015-16 marketing sweeten for the 2015-16 marketing yearyear sweeten the theon through on through June, delayed plant purchases June, delayed plant purchases outlook continued price improvement.maymay outlook for for continued price improvement. consumers to spend discretionary leadlead consumers to spend discretionary Risks to forecast the forecast include rising Braziliandollars Risks to the include rising Brazilian dollars elsewhere. elsewhere. sugar production, incented by exchange sugar production, incented by exchange raterate Knowledge Knowledge Center quarterly Market SnapCenter quarterly Market Snapadvantages relatively oil prices advantages and and relatively lowlow oil prices thatthatshots shots include information onindustries. 19 industries. include information on 19 If If reduce the diversion of sugar to ethanolyouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d reduce the diversion of sugar canecane to ethanol youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d to receive these updates a regulikelike to receive these updates on aon reguproduction. production. lar basis, upreceive to receive e-newsletter lar basis, signsign up to the the e-newsletter APPLES APPLES version of Market Snapshots at northwestfcs. version of Market Snapshots at northwestfcs. Northwest is experiencing a downturncom/resources. TheThe Northwest is experiencing a downturn com/resources. available on resource the resource AlsoAlso available on the in apple markets. 2014-15, largestpages in apple markets. For For 2014-15, the the largest pages other Knowledge Center tools, are are other Knowledge Center tools, a a in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is matched cropcrop in the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history is matched withwithLand Land Value Survey regular columns Value Survey and and regular columns by by large global crops. Additionally,Dr. Dr. large U.S.U.S. andand global crops. Additionally, Dave Kohl Ed Seifried. Dave Kohl and and Dr. Dr. Ed Seifried.

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Glasgow Stockyards, Inc. Glasgow Stockyards, Inc. & Mark Nielsen, LindaLinda & Mark Nielsen, Owners Owners Iva Murch, Manager Iva Murch, Manager 263-7529 263-7529 Barnes, Manager DeanDean Barnes, Yard Yard Manager 263-1175 263-1175 Ed Hinton, Auctioneer Ed Hinton, Auctioneer 783-7285 783-7285

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Cattle auctions show hectic side of rural life in Kansas CHRIS HAXEL The Manhattan Mercury MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — It's the night before an auction, and cattle are beginning to arrive. Manhattan Commission Company already smells like livestock — it always does — but the back lot is also about to get loud. The animals disembark trailers in groups of two or three, or a dozen, or more. They're guided, or chased, directly into the vast maze of metal gates and stalls that stretches nearly 600 feet behind the auction house. Because they are cattle, they moo. And loudly. Through it all, co-owner John Cline is on the phone, struggling to overcome the din as he takes calls from buyers and sellers finalizing plans for the next day's auction. Rural life has a reputation for being unhurried, but there is no such nonchalance in Cline's step. Adorned in the cattleman's uniform of blue jeans, a collared shirt and cowboy hat, his speech and movements mirror the swift staccato song of an auctioneer — in part because that's one of his roles during the weekly Friday auction. Ask Cline "How many classes of cattle do you sell?" — and settle in for a long answer. "Well, we sell a lot of different classes," he said. "We'll sell probably seven or eight classes. We have cull cows, for example, and then you'll sell heiferettes, which is them young heifers that didn't breed so you can call them a class of cattle. Of course you sell baby calves and then you have steer calves and then stocker feeder which are smaller — steers are all steers — but you

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt

Scottish Highland Cattle In a nation chock-full of more profitable breeds of cattle, Kathy and Bob Anderson decided to take their time to produce healthy, lean meat from Scottish Highland cattle.

John Paul Schmidt jpschmidt@havredailynews.com Scottish Highland cattle are one of the oldest breeds of cattle and the oldest registered breed. Their signature long hair and horns set them apart from breeds of cattle more commonly seen along the Hi-Line and in North America. These cattle displace fat differently in their body due to their long hair which keeps them warm. This creates a leaner muscle with minimal fat marbling. The Andersons maintain that this meat is much more healthy than meat from Black Angus cattle. They pasture-feed their animals and do not vaccinate them in order to create

more organic beef. “Au natural,” Bob Anderson said. The Andersons used to raise Black Angus and then made the switch to Scottish Highland for the health benefits and because of Bob’s heritage. His great-grandfather immigrated to the United States from Scotland. In late April, they had 16 head of cattle on their relatively small spread of land north of the Milk River outside of Havre. “They’re easy to take care of,” Kathy said, listing benefits to keeping them, including the low birth weights, being able to tough out colder weather and general good health. “This beef tastes like what beef used to taste like when I was a kid.” She said that through the years, beef

n Continued on page 5

have lighter ones and you'll have heavy ones so we usually break them up into two classes, like steer calves and then stocker feeder steers. And then you do the same on heifers, so that's four classes with the steers and heifers, two of each. And then you'll have the bred cows and then cow-calf pairs. And then sometimes we'll even sell breeding bulls, too. So, you just try to do anything to get along." It's a routine Cline has perfected over the past 35 years, since he joined the Manhattan Commission Company in 1980. And, although the fundamental process of buying and selling cattle is the same, much has changed in Cline's time. "Urban growth is eating a lot of our cattle business," Cline said. "You know, houses encroach a little further north, a little further east. Not only in Manhattan, it's all towns." The auction house, which sits along Highway 24 about a mile east of Manhattan, has been open since 1954. As the city has grown, so too has the traffic. "From 4:40 to about 6 o'clock or so it's pretty thick," he said. For people pulling livestock trailers full of cattle, navigating the cars and trucks zipping along the highway's four lanes can be treacherous. Another problem with growth is that it pushes farms further away from the city. With other auction houses in Junction City, Clay Center, Salina and Emporia, distance becomes a factor, especially when gas prices are high. "We truthfully did lose customers when gas got to be $4 a gallon," Cline said. "Because, you know, it's hard to compete with close ... so that hurts you, and I don't

know what to do about that except complain. "But you just have to go visit with (farmers) and, really ... you have to solicit business," Cline said. "If you just sit there and hope they drive in the door, you're gonna lose them. You have to go see 'em and that's why my pickup's got 50,000 miles - it's only about 15 months old. And I should have twice that many miles. Because you just gotta go go go, run run run." During the auction Friday, April 10, it's the cattle that are doing most of the running. As the sale approaches, workers drive animals through the network of pens to a holding area behind the auction house. Inside, a handful of buyers laze in the stadium-style seating, their boots resting on the chairs in front of them as they await the auction's 10 a.m. start. The crowd is thin for the first several cull cows, animals that are no longer profitable and thus undesirable — a fact confirmed by their low sale prices of about $100. The auction begins with a clang, as a metal gate slides upward, connecting an outside pen with the inside pit. In rushes an old cow, bewildered as it quickly explores the metal enclosure. Two men with poles poke and prod the animal, encouraging it to turn in circles so buyers can see its whole body. After about 30 frantic seconds, anoth-

er metal gate slides upward. The animal — detecting an escape route — runs through the newly-opened tunnel and back outside. Almost simultaneously, another cow rushes in from the first gate. Over the next several hours, the process is repeated hundreds of times. Some cattle are frantic, others almost pensive — glancing upward through the pen toward the men who will determine their fate. By the end of the day, hundreds, sometimes thousands, of cattle have been bought or sold. Cline expected about $2 million to change hands on a recent Friday. The auction company receives a commission on most of the sales. Once the auction ends, buyers load their trailers with newly-purchased cattle and drive home to places as close as Wamego, and as far as Oklahoma or Nebraska. The process can last long into the night, and cleanup begins almost immediately — mud and manure is shoveled away, replaced with fresh sawdust and wood chips. But Cline is back at work, because he has five short days to round up buyers and sellers for the next auction — assuming there isn't a special sale earlier in the week. "Markets go up and markets go down," Cline said. "Every day is a different day, believe it or not. You're always at the mercy of who walks in the door."

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Scottish Highlands: The Andersons said they do not make much money off the meat they sell from their cattle n Continued from page 4 bought in grocery stores and in restaurants has changed. The cattle she and her husband raise on their land is like going back into the past before cattle were raised and finished like they are now. Jim Dumas of Big Sandy Meat Shop comes up to Havre when the Andersons’ cattle have matured and slaughters and butchers them. Each animal yields hundreds of pounds of beef, and the Andersons sell through word of mouth what meat they do not keep for themselves. Other breeds are more profitable than the Scottish Highlands. For example, a Scottish Highland takes longer to mature than a Black Angus — about 18 months — and the finish weight is lighter. The Andersons said they do not make much money off the meat they sell from the cattle they have raised. “It’s just something we enjoy doing,” Bob said. The 16 head the Andersons had were of a wide spectrum of colors — tan, white, black, bronze, yellow and other tints. They all ten-

Scottish Highlands: The average weaning weights are 360 pounds for females and 397 pounds for males.

tatively gathered to feed on a bale of hay Bob brought to the pasture. “They’re really skittish animals,” Bob said, adding that once they get to know you as the person who feeds them, they will be braver. On the other hand, they do not have the same aggression as Black Angus. The Highland cattle are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in cold, wet climates. They were first imported to North America in the 1880s and are becoming more popular because they are willing to consume pest plants as well as grass. This improves pastures and has less of a negative impact on land than other breeds.

Scottish Highland statistics According the statistics from the Highland Performance Program, the average birth weight of a female Scottish Highland is 65 pounds and the male average is 70 pounds. The average weaning weights are 360 pounds for females and 397 for males.

n Continued on page 8

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt

n Continued from page 5 The average yearling weights are 532 pounds for females and 600 for males. By comparison, the Angus Journal reported in 2010 average Angus birth weight at 92 pounds, weaning weight of 601 and yearling weight of 1,020. Around 98 percent of more than 8,000 head recorded calved unassisted. Five of those assisted required Caesarean section and 44 required a calf puller. Highland cows weigh 900 to 1,300 lbs and bulls weigh 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. As far as the meat goes, the cholesterol count in a sample of grass-fed Highland sirloin steak was 23.4 per mg/100g. By comparison, in lean red meat the cholesterol count is 77.0, 72.0 in chicken, 70.0 in venison, 50.0 in

codfish and 40.0 in buffalo, the organization says. The meat is said to have more Omega 3 type fatty acids than other breeds of cattle. Highlands have two coats of hair — a downy undercoat and a long outer coat which may reach 13 inches, according to the Canadian Highland Cattle Society. The second layer is oiled to shed rain and snow. “With the double coat of hair and thick hide, the Highland has been adapted by nature to withstand great exposure,” the CHCS says. “It is not uncommon for Highlands to shed this heavy hair coat when exposed to a hot dry climate and then grow a new one as the damp cold weather returns.”

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt A Scottish Highland cow pauses from feeding to keep an eye on visitors in its pasture.

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