“I’m comfortable with them and I think they’re comfortable with me. But you have to remember that buffalo are wild animals and they can be dangerous. I can do anything with my buffalo that the average farmer can do with cattle. I just have to do it slow and easy.” Van’s heritage played a role in his assembly of his now 20-head buffalo herd, but the necessity of a lower cholesterol diet following a heart attack a few years ago was the real determining factor. “My wife fed me chicken until I couldn’t look at any longer. Buffalo could be the meat of the future since it is lean red meat that is low in cholesterol and good for you.” “I’m a red meat guy and I know of none healthier than buffalo. Don’t get me wrong, I still love beef but I like a good buffalo steak, too.” For nearly as long as Van can remember, he has fostered thoughts of raising buffaloes. When he was just 10, Van’s oldest son, Wes, started prodding his father to get in the buffalo business.
“I don’t know how many times through the years Wes said let’s get some buffaloes. I’ve always wanted to do it.” It was – by chance – about four years ago the opportunity arose. He was driving through Stigler and passed the local sale barn and saw three buffaloes penned there. “I stopped, and asked if they were for sale.” The sale barn operator said he’d sell them for $200 apiece, and Van took him up on the offer. He and the sale barn operator thought the three were all females since they were in such rough condition. Their hair was matted with all sorts of stickers and cockle burrs. It wasn’t until he later got the animals to his ranch, feed them daily and wormed the trio that he discovered there were two heifers and one bull. “I had my start,” he remembers. “I told the guy at the sale barn if he found more reasonably priced that I wanted to buy them. The next thing I know, he’s got 50 on a semi. He let me pick the ones I wanted. I got 15 head – 14 heifers and one bull – for $220 each. So, that’s how I got started.” The addition of the buffaloes to the Byars’ 90-acre ranch overlooking Lake Eufaula added numbers to the menagerie he has assembled. Chickens, doves, homing pigeons, three dogs, cats and horses called the place home when the buffaloes arrived. He didn’t make any special accommodations for the critters.
Van Byars always keeps a “respectable distance” between himself and his buffalo. He is comfortable around them, but remembers that they indeed are “wild animals.” Those wanting to learn more about raising buffalo should call Van at 918-967-2559. Top right: A cow and calf lull near the barn, watching for the feed truck to emerge. Buffalo calves are smaller at birth than their bovine cousins, but literally “grow like weeds,” according to Van Byars. Van’s buffalo and big Pinto roam the lush pastures together in relative harmony.
8 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005
Surprisingly, only five-wire barbed wire fences stand between the buffaloes and the rest of the wooded Brooken Mountain. “As long as you take care of them and they’ve got food, they’ll stay put,” said Van. “Food, that’s the key. If they have all they want, there’s no reason for them to leave.” His herd definitely has all the food it needs. Nearly half the ranch is covered by lush, knee-deep grass that was still green in early December. His daily routine includes feeding each animal about one and a half pounds of cubes. He supplements his pasture with hay from about January 1 to March 15, and boasts that “buffalo don’t waste hay like cattle. They will clean it up.” The animals quickly make their way from the pasture to the feeding area when they hear Van fire up his Mule ATV and head for the feed truck parked in the barn. “I’m comfortable with them and I think they’re comfortable with me. But you have to remember that buffalo are wild animals and they can be dangerous. I can do anything with my buffalo that the average farmer can do with cattle. I just have to do it slow and easy.” Van’s never had a run-in with any members of his buffalo herd. He doesn’t make it a practice to loiter among the animals on foot. He uses a pickup to feed from, and always keeps a respectable distance between himself and the creatures.
His horse runs with the buffalo – and with the exception of one accidental horn to the chest at the feed trough, the big Pinto rules by regularly doling out “get out of my way kicks” at feed time. Van hopes to expand his buffalo herd to about 30 animals in the future. When he does, he’ll have to pay $500 to $600 per head at auction. He insists that one reason for the price increase is that buffalo is a healthy alternative to other meat and has found its niche in the red meat market. He is feeding a pair now that will soon go in the family freezer. There are, Van says, no special marinades or sauces needed to cook buffalo. Since buffalo meat contains little fat, it takes about half as much time to cook as beef. His family enjoys it in stews, soups, meatloaf, burgers and steaks made on the grill. While buffalo has found a niche in some meat markets, demand for buffaloes by horsemen may be playing a larger role in the steady increase in prices over the last few years. “The cutting horse people in Oklahoma like to use the yearling buffalo to train their horses,” said Van. “They will outlast a calf 50 to 1. They’ll keep on trying and can run non-stop for hours. “They’re 10 times tougher than a cow. They’re just really, really tough. They’ve had to be to survive for thousands of years.” Van has butchered buffalo to go in his freezer, and said he is amazed at the size of the animal’s heart and lungs. “Their heart is as big as a football. And their lungs are equally massive.” For Van, the sheer enjoyment of sitting on his patio and watching the buffalo graze and explore is more valuable than any money he might earn from his unique enterprise. From that vantage point, Van’s buffalo herd indeed does roam although clouds occasionally do shade the day. “This is like stepping back in time 10,000 years. “I think this is the only peace I’ve had since I was 18 years old,” says Van, who carries physical scars and unsettling memories from his service in the Viet Nam War. “Van, you’ve finally got what you wanted,” he tells himself with a sense of contentment. “I’ve ended up with everything I’ve ever wanted.”
Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005 2004 • 9
All Around
Oklahoma
Okmulgee County Farm Bureau President Larry Harvey, left, stopped to visit the Oklahoma Farm Bureau booth at the 11th annual Tulsa Farm Show. He was greeted by (from left) Field Representative Justin Grego, Safety Director Larry Pittser and Field Representative Robin Landrum. The Dec. 9-11 show welcomed thousands of visitors, with most stopping by the OFB booth to learn about safety programs and the many member benefits offered by the state’s largest farm organization. This John Deere-inspired custom made motorcycle crafted by Randy P. Kramer was a crowd favorite for the thousands visiting the Tulsa Farm Show Dec. 9-11.
10 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005
Back Pain – It pays to pay attention armers consider their backs to be irreplaceable parts of their farming operations. However, sometimes they take better care of their equipment than they do their backs. Work that frequently involves heavy lifting, prolonged sitting on farm equipment and awkward work positions creates a high risk for developing back problems. In fact, back problems are the most common medical complaint next to headaches, according to university research. It’s easier to prevent a back injury than it is to fix one. Usually the culprit is misuse of your back. Due to the nature of their work, farmers are at high risk of potential back injury. Risk factors included lifting objects heavier than 25 pounds, using awkward body posture while working and driving vehicles, such as tractors, that cause whole-body vibration for a prolonged time. According to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Safety Director Larry Pittser, you should remember the following four things before bending or lifting an object: • Get help if an object is too heavy.
F
• Move as close to the object as possible before lifting. • Bend your knees and lift with your legs gradually and slowly. • Turn your feet to change directors, and never twist your back. Also, learning the tips below on how to treat your back can save both pain and money. Back-saving tips: • Use labor-saving devices such as carts, dollies, lifts, hoists, cranes and ramps. • Add non-slip steps and handholds to machinery. • Make sure the tractor seat suspension is set correctly for your height and weight to reduce transmitted vibration. • Take advantage of automatic hitching devices and gate openers to reduce frequency of dismounting and remounting the tractor. • Avoid direct access to livestock to avoid injury. • Use an automated feed system or feed cart to keep from having to carry feedbags. • Use a combination of techniques to vary muscle usage when performing task that require standing for long periods of time.
Ag Statistics director retires arry Bloyd, director of USDA’s Oklahoma Agricultural Statistics (OAS) office in Oklahoma City retired Jan. 2. He had been director of the OAS office since January 1993. Bloyd’s career with USDA spanned 38 years, starting in Oklahoma City in June 1967 with service following in Nebraska, Iowa, Washington, D.C., Missouri and Arizona. The Aline native expressed his appreciation to the farmers and ranchers of Oklahoma. “It has been a privilege and an honor to
B
serve the agricultural industry in Oklahoma the past 12 years. The cooperation of the state’s farmers, ranchers and agribusiness leaders has been greatly appreciated.” Bloyd and his wife, Connie, will continue to reside in Edmond. His successor is Craig Flynn. He comes from Washington, D.C., where he served as head of the National Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS) Training and Career Development Office.
The ‘real deal’ in vehicle financing uying a vehicle is a big decision. Make, model, color and cost often dominate buyers’ thoughts. However, financing is one of the most important decisions facing a consumer when purchasing a vehicle. Unfortunately, it is often the most overlooked. Financing is a major component in the vehicle purchasing process. Many variables enter into the financing equation including interest rate, incentive options and the repayment term. Your interest rate will determine how much additional money will be charged to your loan amount. The rate can be derived in two different formats, a variable interest rate that changes periodically, or a fixed interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan. For vehicle loans, a fixed interest rate is typically used. Interest rates do vary from lender to lender, so shop around for the lowest possible rate when looking to finance. Another important aspect to consider when looking for your financing package is dealer incentives. Auto dealers can offer an array of incentive options to consumers when purchasing a vehicle. Aside from the factory warranty on maintenance or repair, dealers also offer incentives such as cash back, low-rate financing, or a financing deal. However, most dealerships will not offer multiple incentives on the same vehicle, so choosing the right incentive makes all the difference. Lending institutions also provide an assortment of incentives that can tailor your vehicle loan to your needs. Many companies offer low-interest financing, flexible payment schedules or easy payoff options that can give you control over your repayment amount. If you currently have a loan and your monthly payments or interest rates are too high, refinancing your loan may be a beneficial option. Refinancing allows you to drop your existing high rate auto loan to a lower interest rate or extend your term to lower your monthly payment. The term of a loan is crucial to the
B
Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005 • 11
amount of repayment per month. If the loan term is shorter, the scheduled repayment amount will be more per month. However, less interest will be accrued on the principal amount. The opposite is also true, if the loan term is longer, more interest will build on the principal amount of the loan. Repayment terms vary from lender to lender just like interest rates. Typical vehicle loans have two to six year payment terms. Receiving the best financing is definitely as important as getting the vehicle you want at the best price. Farm Bureau Bank makes your financing decision easy with the same low interest rates for new, used, and refinanced vehicles, variable terms that fit your budget and schedule, no application fees and incentives like no payments for 90
days. For current loan rates and more information about vehicle financing options from Farm Bureau Bank visit www.farmbureaubank.com or call to speak with a Personal Banker at 1-800-492-3276.
When do I need life insurance? t’s not easy to think about preparing for your death, but if you’re like millions of Americans who either have a child or are expecting one soon, it’s a conversation you need to have to protect your loved ones. Finding the right type of coverage – no matter what your financial situation is – can help give you and your family peace of mind. Many young families with stretched
I
budgets may not believe they can afford life insurance. However, experts say term life insurance may be the answer. Term life insurance generally costs less than regular life insurance in part because it only offers a death benefit for a certain amount of time, such as 5, 10 or 20 years. Policyholders can convert term insurance to permanent insurance down the road when they can afford to do so. If you can afford it, permanent life insurance – which is also called universal coverage – comes with additional benefits. It is more flexible with how long the policy goes, the coverage amounts, the amount of money you put in and the cash values of the policy. You can also consider a hybrid plan – containing both term and permanent coverage – and even variations of the two. The experts say the important part is to make sure you choose enough coverage. That’s why even if you don’t have a family, now might be a good time to consider life insurance to lock in a good rate. See the professional Farm Bureau agent at your county Farm Bureau office for your life insurance needs.
EITC helps families ast year over $530,000,000 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was claimed by low income working families in Oklahoma. “It is the single largest federal program and helped thousands of Oklahoma families make the step from poverty to financial selfsufficiency,” said Steve Halpern, senior tax specialist with the Oklahoma City Internal Revenue Service. The credit is for people who work but don’t earn high incomes. If you qualify, you could pay less federal tax or no federal tax— even get a refund. “If you have one qualifying child and earned less than $31,338, you can get EITC up to $2,604,” he said. “If you have more than one qualifying child and earned less than $35,458 you can get EITC up to $4,300. If you have no children and earned less than $12,490 you can get EITC up to $390.” Halpern said to qualify you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or did not earn enough money to require filing a tax return. “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites can help you prepare and electronically file your tax return at no charge. For more information call 1-800-829-1040,” he added.
L FINANCING THE LIFE YOU WANT. 1-866-AG LENDER 245-3633 Toll Free:
of
East Central Oklahoma
Ardmore ~ Broken Arrow ~ Durant ~ Idabel ~ Kingfisher ~ McAlester Muskogee ~ Pauls Valley ~ Poteau ~ Stillwater ~ Vinita 12 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005
FB family students can apply for FFA scholarships pplications are being accepted for the National FFA Scholarship sponsored by Dodge in association with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The scholarships, for students to pursue a two- or four-year degree in any major, are a cooperative effort among Dodge, Farm Bureau and the National FFA. A total of 50 scholarships at $1,000 each are available. The student must be an FFA member and a member of a Farm Bureau family. “We appreciate Dodge recognizing students of Farm Bureau families with these scholarships and encourage FFA member students to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Steve Anderegg, AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher chairman. The Dodge Scholarships are designed to recognize FFA members from Farm Bureau families throughout the United States for their supervised agricultural experience programs, academic achievements and other school accomplishments. Financial need will be considered and applicants must complete
A
the parent financial analysis section. The scholarships are part of the National FFA Scholarship Program, which awards over $2 million in scholarships annually to FFA members, through the sponsorship of generous corporations and individuals. Students must complete the official National FFA Scholarship Application by Feb. 15. Dodge sponsors these scholarships as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, and scholarships are presented to the winning students by Dodge dealers on behalf of the company. For more information, visit www.ffa.org under Program Information and Scholarships.
Your Side of the Fence newsletter is available free to all landowners hen it comes to managing your property, whether it be for wildlife, agriculture or both, there is certainly a lot of decisions to be made. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is providing landowners the information they need to make wise land management decisions through the Your Side of the Fence landowner newsletter.
W
Since approximately 97 percent of the land in the state is owned by private individuals, private landowners have a major impact on wildlife habitat in the state. The land practices they choose are vital in conserving habitat and wildlife resources. “We hope this newsletter will be a great resource for landowners who have an eye on the bottom line, but also realize the importance of conserving wildlife on their property,” said Blake Podhajsky, editor of the Your Side of the Fence newsletter. Each issue of Your Side of the Fence is packed with informative articles covering issues that are important to landowners, from the latest farm bill news, to pond management for fishing to controlling invasive range species. The best part is that the newsletter is absolutely free. The newsletter is produced three times a year and an archive of all previous issues can be seen by logging on to the Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/ landownernews.htm For more information about Your Side of the Fence, or to subscribe call, (405) 521-2739 or write to: Your Side of the Fence, Attn: Editor, Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005 • 13
Free replacement hunter education cards are available unters who may have misplaced their lost hunter education cards have a quick and easy solution available at wildlifedepartment.com. They can obtain a replacement card by logging onto the Department’s Web site. “I often hear a sigh of relief when I tell hunters they can just print off a replacement card for free off the internet 24-hours a day,”
H
said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. To print off a temporary card, go to the Department’s home page (wildlifedepartment.com) and click on Hunter Education. On that page click on “lost your card or need your number.” Once on the Hunter Education page, individuals can click on, “print off replacement hunter ed card.” Follow the directions by filling in the requested information; then clicking ‘submit’ and the card should appear on the screen. “Hunters can print the card out and use it
to get their licenses. It will be accepted by license vendors across the state and in other states as well. The information can also be useful if you want to request a permanent replacement card,” Meek said. If a card does not come up, the hunter can contact the Department’s Information and Education Division at (405) 521-4636, Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Department personnel will check the hunter education database to find a hunter’s certification record. Those wanting a permanent plastic replacement card can receive one for $5 (check, cash, money orders or cashiers checks accepted) by visiting the Department’s Oklahoma City headquarters or submitting a letter to: Attn: Replacement Hunter Education Card, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Letters must contain the hunter’s name as it appeared on the original card, current address, birth date and student number if known. Those who do not know their student number should provide the date and location for the course they attended. They should also include a daytime phone number so additional information can be obtained if needed.
REMEMBER-EX
s a’ ic y er o r on m Am e luti M So
Promote Rapid Mental Health TM
It’s true! Scientist have discovered 6 potent compounds found to help age related memory loss and restore mental activity without drugs or memory exercises. WHAT DOES HAVING A RAZOR SHARP MEMORY MEAN TO YOU? ! Make forgetfulness ! Never forgetting important dates, a thing of the past birthdays, anniversaries ! Ability to recall ! Remembering where you old friends names placed your car keys, etc.
They’ve Finally Done It
TM
Memory Problems Attack 67% of all Folks over 40 With age, the neurons in the brain tend to breakdown as a result of stress and other lifestyle factors. Problems in concentrating, memory recall, general confusion and fatigue begin to become a real burden in everyday activities. Routine daily tasks can become an exercise in itself.
Here’s What Satisfied Remember-Ex Users Say: I’m very happy with the results and so are my children. I’m much less forgetful and I find myself remembering so much more. V.R. Westpoint, CT
TM
Blueberry Extract - Research indicates that anthocyanosides, the bioflavonoid complex in blueberry is responsible for maintaining blood vessel health. Ginkgo Biloba Extract - One of the best cognitive enhancing compounds known to man. It was just recently approved in Germany for age related memory function. Rosemary Extract - Contains a number of flavonoid pigments which benefits capillary permeability and fragility by stimulating the circulatory system. Lemon Balm - Contains powerful flavonoids and other natural compounds that are responsible for healthy thyroid regulating actions. PLUS... 2 more potent nutrients proven to work synergistically together to combat age related memory difficulties.
1
J GOOD DEAL! Buy a 1/2 oz. Intro Price! $9.95 Add $3.95 Shipping ____________________________________________ (please print) Name _____________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City State Zip Enclosed is a
Check
My Credit Card Number is:
Money Order $_____________________
J
RX1-7.625x9.75-4C.pmd
J BEST DEAL! Buy 2 ozs. Intro Price! $34.95 Add $3.95 Shipping J BETTER DEAL! Buy 1 oz. Intro Price! $18.95 Add $3.95 Shipping
J
(Mention Promotion OA5AC) 24 Hours a Day - 7 Days a Week
M
J
Call Toll-Free:1-800-644-8327
Yes! Please send me REMEMBER-EX so I can have a razor sharp memory. Please send me the item I’ve checked below:
J
REMEMBER-EX is not yet available in stores or anywhere else. Be advised that SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED and will be shipped only to those who respond to this ad. To avoid disappointment, be sure to call or mail the easy, one-step order form today. TM
Send To: Botanic Choice® 3401 West 37th Ave., Dept. OA5AC Hobart, IN 46342
J
Being a professor, it’s important for me to be able to remember my students’ names. Remember-Ex has dramatically improved my name-face recall. Thank You.
Here’s What Makes Remember-Ex So Remarkable:
RX-1
Researchers at Botanic Choice Labs have discovered how to fuse 6 of the most potent compounds known to man into one remarkable health solution. They call it REMEMBER-EX . The breakthrough formulation PROVEN to halt age related memory loss – without drugs or memory exercises.
No A Sup w At Introd er-Low uc Offer tory
Exp___ /___Phone______________________________ Signature______________________________________ © 2004 Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
12/1/2004, 3:59 PM
Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005 • 15
Convention
Roundup
Delegates set OFB policy, elect two new state leaders “However, their elegates to consensus is that a Oklahoma Farm corresponding Bureau’s 63rd temporary tax can be annual convention set implemented. policy for the state’s Increased fuel taxes largest voluntary farm would put more organization and financial burden on installed two new state agricultural leaders Nov. 13-15 in producers, who Oklahoma City. already are Nearly 1,000 struggling to absorb representatives of the the dramatically 77 county Farm higher fuel costs of Bureau’s dealt with the past year.” policy issues varying On a related from how to improve matter, the delegates the state’s roads and instructed the bridges to problems organization to make created by the alternative fuels a burgeoning geese priority issue in 2005. population. Oklahoma, unlike An initiative already some other has been announced to agricultural states, ask state voters to does not have any increase fuel taxes in plants dedicated to November 2006 to the manufacture of improve roads and alternative fuels. bridges. The farmer and Strengthening the rancher Farm Bureau organization’s longmembers opted to have Charles Sloan of Vian and Donna VonTungeln of Calumet were standing support of the 158,000-plus elected as new directors. private property member family rights, delegates added language to policy organization devise its own plan to improve opposing the use of eminent domain for the transportation infrastructure. One obtaining private property to be sold or given alternative suggested was issuing general to another entity. obligation bonds earmarked for The delegates also lent their support to the improvements. establishment of an oversight commission “Our members recognize the need to comprised of farm and ranch stakeholders, to improve our transportation infrastructure,” be appointed by the House and Senate said OFB President Steve Kouplen. “They use Agriculture Committee Chairmen, that would the roads and bridges to market their work with the Oklahoma Water Resources commodities and take care of business just Board on a statewide water study. like other Oklahomans.
D
16 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2005
“Our members insist that facts be gathered to see how much water is available in Oklahoma and what needs Oklahomans will have in the future before our water is sold to other states,” said Kouplen. Swelling non-resident and resident geese numbers in recent years continue to take a toll on agronomic crops across Oklahoma. The convention asked that geese be removed from the migratory bird list and that an assessment of the economic damages done by the birds be made. In addition to the policy session, Farm Bureau members elected leaders to serve their organization. Tulsa County’s Mike Spradling was reelected to the district nine state director position. The Sand Springs farmer-rancher was selected to serve his second full threeyear term on the board. Sequoyah County farmer Charles Sloan was elected to the district six state director position. The post was vacant due to a resignation, and Sloan, a former state director, was the choice of delegates to fill the seat. He served the district from 1992 until 2001, when term limits forced him to retire. Calumet’s Donna VonTungeln was picked as the district three director, succeeding her late husband Henry Jo. The VonTungeln family operates a farm and ranch in Canadian County. She was elected to a three-year term. Major County’s Clara Wichert was reelected chairman of the state Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, and Mary Lou Roberts, Arcada, won her first term on the committee as district three representative. Marilynn Spence of Vinita and Phyllis Holcomb of Kellyville were re-elected to district posts on the committee. The new state YF&R Committee also was selected. Chairmen are Cyndi and Don Mackey of LeFlore County; vice chairmen are Chad and Danielle Budy of Woods County; and Burton and Audrey Harmon of Canadian County, secretary. The other district representatives on the committee include Ron and Sherri Cole of Dewey County, district one; Monte and Danielle Tucker of Beckham County, district two; Tim Bartram of Logan County, district four; Ryan and Hope Pjesky of Alfalfa County, district six; Brandon and Penny Miller of Garvin County, district eight; Ryan and Monica Wahl of Major County, district nine; and Greg and Amy Lucas of Jackson County, at large. Tim Bartram of Logan County took top honors in the annual YF&R Discussion Meet. He earned a trip to the AFBF convention and the use of a new Dodge pickup for a year.