OFN November 9, 2020

YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE • PRODUCTION SALE

A Passion For Farming NOVEMBER 9, 2020 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 13 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Whitnee Wallace is working to make her dream of her own farm a reality

Born to Farm

Bryce and Bailey Gregory’s dedication and hard work pay off with quality showstock

Got Twins?

Twins can cause added stress to the mother and producer

Making an Impact Third-generation cattle producer Madison Woody earns the 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture USA crown

rumor mill

Arkansas FFA member elected to national office: Anna Mathis, an agricultural communication major at the University of Arkansas, was elected national secretary during the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, which was held virtually. The Harrison, Ark., native also served as the Arkansas FFA Association President.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Hog handbook published: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has published a new handbook about dealing with problem feral hogs. The Arkansas Feral Hog Handbook was created to provide a brief overview of feral hog issues as well as provide information resources available to landowners. Feral hogs are a non-native, invasive species that present a significant risk to human and livestock health, agriculture, and natural resources, according to the department. In Arkansas, damage from feral hogs is estimated at $19 million annually. Copies can be requested by emailing lori.scott-nakai@arkansas.gov. An online version is available through the department’s website, agriculture.arkansas.gov.

U of A scientist awarded grant: A team led by Tommy Butts, extension weed scientist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will be exploring new ways to manage herbicide-resistant weeds in row rice and traditional flooded field production, thanks to a $324,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, or NIFA, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Working with Butts on the project are Jason Norsworthy, Division of Agriculture weed scientist; Jason Bond, research and extension weed scientist at Mississippi State; Jarrod Hardke, extension rice agronomist for the Division of Agriculture; Tom Barber, extension weed scientist for the Division of Agriculture; and Bobby Golden, extension rice and soil fertility agronomist for Mississippi State.

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

VOL. 14, NO. 13

JUST A THOUGHT

School garden projects honored: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas recently announced the winners of the 2020 Arkansas Grown School Garden Contest. Best Harvest Partnership School Garden and a $500 award went to the Fayetteville Public Schools, Fayetteville (Washington County). West Arkansas Child Development Inc., Alma (Crawford County) received $1,000 and was named the Best Overall School Garden. The Champion of Sustaining School Garden and $1,000 was awarded to Carolyn Lewis Elementary, Conway (Faulkner County). The contest was available to public and private K-12 schools, early care facilities and alternative learning environments. Awardees were schools that had a school garden open during the 2019-2020 school year or planned to start a garden in the 2020-2021 school year.

Grant announced: Miller Pecan Company LLC, in Afton, Okla., has received a grant from the USDA Rural Development in the amount of $240,000 to expand the market of native pecans. Miller Pecan is one of the only producers in the U.S., that handles pecans from planting through marketing. This expansion will assist them in entering a new market of local native pecans and will increase their brand awareness.

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Jerry Crownover – Pumpkin everything season

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Jody Harris – Pandemic changes

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Julie Turner-Crawford – Building youth for the future

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Siblings work to raise champions 8 Dax DeLozier is building a future 10 Family-owned fish business began in the 1940s

10 12

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Eye on Agribusiness features George Junior High Ag Program

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Madison Woody represents Oklahoma ag

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Town & Country spotlights Ray Holson

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Whitnee Wallace has a passion for farming

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College student feels a connection to the cattle industry

20

Youth in Ag highlights Casey Burden

FARM HELP 21 Increasing income

22 Tips to improve your grade 23 Looking to cut costs?

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Start with your herd

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Twin can be problematic for some producers

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Are you making a profit?

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

just a

thought

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PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

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What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Eric Tietze Publisher

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

I

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting

e f i L elpmiS si

’m probably one of the few people in the world who absolutely detests the taste and/or aroma of pumpkin spice. I always have. Needless to say, my taste buds and olfactory sensory neurons are abused every year, revonworC yrreJ yB during this period to post-Thanksgiving.

It seems that every café, restaurant and fast-food joint is adding the pumpkin spice flavor to every single item on Jerry Crownover is their menu. You can select from pumpkin spice coffee, a farmer and former pumpkin spice ice cream, pumpkin spice soda pop and professor of Agriculture pumpkin spice _________ (fill in the blank). Last week, I Education at Missouri even saw a display in the local convenience store for pumpState University. He is a kin spice-flavored beer. No thank you to all the above. native of Baxter County, I can remember the time when an old girlfriend’s mother Arkansas, and an invited me over to have supper with them for an evening, author and professional about this time of year. It was a wonderful spread of food speaker. To contact Jerry, and everything I ate was delicious, until she brought out go to ozarksfn.com and dessert, and it was…you guessed it…pumpkin pie. I realclick on ‘Contact Us.’ ly wanted to make a good impression (the girl was really pretty), so I eagerly accepted the treat and fought the gag reflex with all my might, somehow managing to get it all down. I raved about it the rest of the evening in a scene that was certainly deserving of an Oscar nomination. All I can say is, thank goodness the pumpkin taste was diluted by a 3-inch layer of whipped cream.

Even though I despise the taste of pumpkin, I used to love growing them. As a kid, the pumpkin business was one of the few ways I had, to earn spending money that I could call my own. Once the cornfield was hoed and my dad had cultivated it for the last time (this was long before anyone in our area used herbicides to control weeds), my older sister and I would take pumpkin seeds that were saved from last year’s crop, and carefully plant a multitude of “hills” amongst the rows of corn. By the time the corn was ready to harvest, there was always a bumper crop of bright orange, future jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pies.

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About the Cover Whitnee Wallace wants to have her own farming operation. See more on page 16.

Photo by Amber Parham Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Got a Great Freshly Holiday Recipe? Picked

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o you find yourself just trying to “make the most” of situations during this strange time in our country?

I feel like I am on edge just waiting for Jody Harris is a freelance someone to stand up and say, “all right now, communications specialist, this is what we’re going to do moving forward.” I have gardener, ranch wife and grown weary of the cancel-culture emerging around us. I mother of four. She and am anxious because it feels like we are all in a constant her family raise Angus beef state of flux. Will the change in seasons affect our current cattle and other critters on environment? The election? The holidays? I have no idea their northwest Arkansas but if you have the answers, please share them with me. ranch. She is a graduate In the meantime, I am carting my kids to school and activiof Missouri State University. ties. I love watching each of them do what they have deemed To contact Jody, go to their “thing.” We have had the great privilege of watching our ozarksfn.com and click on freshman daughter’s dance team win first in a competition.

‘Contact Us.’ Our seventh grader has finished several cross-country races this season. Our oldest son has raced a sprint car on two different tracks out of state. Our youngest son is perfecting his baseball swing in the recreational fall season.

We have enjoyed services at our church (obviously under new routines and restrictions). Things are a little bit normal around here but really, they are not. I really have a deep desire to wake up from the pandemic and see things go back to the way they were. I know many people do.

One thing that has not changed one bit is cold weather chores. Our cattle, horses and chickens are hungry. We are out feeding and watering daily. We have recently had an outbreak of pinkeye in our small cattle herd. We had to separate several of the animals affected by the disease into a separate pasture. We have a couple of heifers who are worse than others.

They are penned up for treatment and a special feed regimen. They are isolated in the hopes that they recover and gain some weight to get turned out with the rest of their herd.

Our chickens have decided to molt. The hens are only laying one or two eggs a day. They are also eating a lot more. Bulking up for the winter days ahead. They are not looking very pretty at the moment. But again, this too shall pass.

Our children have made it through the first nine weeks of school in this ever-changing environment. I am proud of how they have each handled their new restrictions at school. I have watched each of them power through activities in a new way. They have embraced the technology used for learning this year. Everything is different, there is a lot missing from their routine, but they have each handled it with grace.

I realize there are many people in our community who are still isolated at home waiting for the pandemic’s passing. This breaks my heart. We are reaching out to people as best we can. As we come upon the 2020 version of the holiday season, I am thankful for my family and friends.

As we wait out molting chickens, pinkeye-ridden cattle, and a world-wide pandemic, please know our family is praying hard, dear neighbor.

PO Box 1514 Lebanon, MO 65536 editor@ozarksfn.com

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Did You Know?

The turkey industry in Arkansas employs as many as 4,154 people across the state and generates an additional 7,857 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries.

– Source, Arkansas Farm Bureau

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

just a thought

Across the Fence

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ranklin D. Roosevelt once said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build the youth for the future.”

Eighty years later, that statement – made by the Julie Turner-Crawford 32nd U.S. president in his 1940 address to the is a native of Dallas University of Pennsylvania – continues to ring true. We County, Mo., where she don’t know what the future holds, but we can help shape grew up on her family’s those who will live it. farm. She is a graduate Farm kids, in my opinion, are built for the future. They of Missouri State learn responsibility and accountability early in life, and University. To contact they also understand what it means to work for something.

Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 Those are attributes for success as an adult. or by email at editor@ Some of their peers are not faced with the same “to-doozarksfn.com. list” farm kids have. For a town kid, mowing the yard may be the big chore of the day, and they may have to feed the dog or cat. Meanwhile, his/her friend, the farm kid, has acres of hay to cut and livestock to feed and care for. Then, if there is still daylight, they may have to mow the yard. I want to clarify that not all “town teens” live on Easy Street. Many non-farm kids have responsibilities and jobs that require them to be mentally and physically on the ball. They, like farm kids, are learning life lessons, just in a different way.

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Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page We are seeing a new wave in agriculture today of young people who have no farming backgrounds looking at agriculture as a career choice. They are fascinated by the science of agriculture and are becoming great advocates of the industry. They are working to show other young people how agriculture impacts them each day. Those hope-to-be farmers and agriculturalists are taking the initiative to venture down a path untraveled by their friends and family.

How can we help build young people who will be at the helm of the industry? It can be as simple as giving a little time. Be a mentor to a young person who is interested in agriculture.

Take time to teach your children or grandchildren about life on the farm. You don’t have to paint a pretty picture of lush green fields and fat cows, either. Life on the farm isn’t always easy, and if young people aren’t prepared for the “downs” on the farm, they won’t know how to deal with those times, nor will they appreciate the ups. Teach them money doesn’t grow on trees, and there’s a difference between needs and wants.

Show support by becoming a supporter of your local youth programs. I’m a member of

my local FFA alumni group, sit on my county Extension council, and I try to help out my local fair board when I can. Some ask why I do these things when I have no children involved, but I have lots of kids. They might not be “my kids,” but I’m Aunt Julie to 10 who are, have been, or who will be involved in those groups. I’m also Bonus Nanna to an FFA member, his little brother, and his little brother or sister who will arrive this spring, so I’ve got several years ahead yet for my kids.

In this issue of OFN, we’re honoring a few of the youth dedicated to the ag industry in the Ozarks. We even have some ag royalty. These kids are great examples of young people who are building their own future.

Thankfully, they have a lot of support from others around them.

As you peruse the pages, think about how you can help shape the future of agricultural practitioners. After all, they’re our future as well.

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My sister and I would gather them, by hand, and load up the old four-wheel, corn wagon and haul them to the local general stores that dotted the area. The proprietors would pay us 5 to 10 cents per pumpkin (depending on size) as long as we promised to come back and haul off all the unsold ones after the first hard freeze. One year in particular provided an unusually large crop for, not only us, but evidently every other farmer in the area, and we were left with a wagon full of unsold pumpkins. Dad suggested that I feed two of them, each day, to the pair of butcher hogs we were growing out, to provide the winter’s meat supply, as a way to keep them from going to waste. As he requested, I hauled two giant

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

pumpkins, in my little red wagon, about 500 yards up the dry branch to the hog pen, every day, until the supply was exhausted. Butchering time for the two hogs coincided with the last of the pumpkins being fed.

At butchering time, everyone that helped in the process (family, friends and neighbors) always looked forward to Mom frying up a big meal of fresh pork tenderloin, before everyone went home. It was always a great feast and no one looked forward to it more than me.

That year, though, I had to pass on the pork tenderloin after the first bite. It was probably just in my feeble mind, but I could have sworn that the usually delicious treat had an all-too-familiar taste of… pumpkin spice.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

r Parham

Photos by Ambe

meet your

neighbors

Born to Farm ry Bailey Grego

By Amber Parham

Br yce

Grego

ry

Bryce and Bailey Gregory’s dedication and hard work pay off with quality show stock Bryce, 12, and Bailey, 9, Gregory may be young but their dedication to producing top-quality show stock and compassion for animals is evident from the moment you meet them.

Son and daughter of Jared and Heidi Gregory, Ozark High School agriculture education teacher, Bryce and Bailey agree that they would like to be veterinarians someday because they love working with animals.

They have spent all of their lives on their grandma’s and parents’ farms so participating in farm work comes naturally to them as they share chores, taking care and loving on bottle calves, chicks, guinea fowl, barn cats and their two dogs, as well as investing hundreds of hours into their show animals.

“My favorite thing about farming is that I like animals. I like smart animals, like dogs. It always seems like they are thinking,” Cattle, he said, are his favorite livestock to raise. “I like watching them grow.”

They are both in their second season of showing cattle. Bailey said she loves farming because she likes all the fresh air, going out and working and being outside.

The Gregorys specialize in showing Boer

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goats in the market classes. Bryce said one of ing them on the treadmill to keep them at the most important things to look for when an optimum weight and looking their best. purchasing show stock is good bone structure Although the local fairs do not have weight because that’s not something you can change. requirements, their wethers must weigh 50 He also said feeding is very important and pounds to be shown at the Arkansas State they keep their goats on a very strict diet. He Fair. outlined his feeding schedule that consists of “My Uncle Levi [Halmes] is our fitter,” two feedings a day of about a pound each.

Bryce said, explaining that fitting is when “We feed them at 6:30 in the morning a goat’s hair is clipped and brushed to make and 6:30 at night, every day,” Bryce said. the goat look it’s best at shows.

Bailey added that there were three main For the 2020 show season, Bryce raised a things to look for when purchasing a show Charolais-cross heifer and Bailey, a puregoat: “Good bone structure, their back feet bred Brahman heifer, which they took to to be straight and that they aren’t super the North and South Franklin County Fairs. skinny, but not fat.” She also said it is im- Brushing the cattle is an important part of portant to get information on the type and their chores, to make the hair grow longer for amount of feed from the seller, have clean the haired breeds and to keep short haired fresh shavings and a pen with room for the breeds slick and shiny. “I showed a Hereford goat to move around in but that they can- last year,” she said. “She had to be brushed not get out of. out because of her hair. Her name was HolBryce explained the desired ly. I could ride on her she was so bone structure in more detail. sweet.” She said that she hopes Ozark, Ark. “You want the rack to be square to try showing lambs next. and the ribs to be round,” he said.

After show season, their does During show season, both work are sent back into the breeding with their goats every night in program on their uncle’s neighbortheir show barn. They alternate ing farm and the wethers are sent to nights of brushing and exercismarket.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Bailey said she plans on keeping this year’s heifer to start her own herd.

In previous years, the two have participated in the 4-H broiler chain.

“I have had exceptional luck with broilers,” Bryce said. I’ve been grand champion with my broilers at the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair in Fort Smith.

Although both said they could never eat their goats, Bryce didn’t hesitate when asked what happens to the chickens after the show.

“We eat ‘em,” he said with a grin. “And they taste good.”

He said raising broilers is a process, because they check the birds every few hours to make sure they are awake and eating and drinking.

In the summer, Bryce helps in the hayfield. His job, he said, depends on if they are round or square baling.

“I drive the truck when they are round baling; I am on the trailer trying to catch and stack when we are square baling.” Although Bailey doesn’t help with haying yet, she is still there with the family, riding in the truck.

Bryce and Bailey are members of the Franklin County Country Kids 4-H Club.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

meet your neighbors

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FFA members have a plan.

They’re taught this in both course work and life lessons; short-term goals, long-term goals and immediate goals.

Dax DeLozier of Adair, Okla., FFA has a plan and is financing the way with a few jobs. One of them is a dealership for B-5 Enterprises Show Supplies.

“Tanner Taylor, who is now State FFA President, had it before,” Dax said. “He asked if I wanted to take this over. He started doing it with products from several companies like Weaver and Outback, and then he got hooked up with B-5.”

B-5 is owned by the father/son team of Monty and Brady Womack and is headquartered in Morris, Okla.

It offers products from a number of companies, including their own. B-5

stocks a trailer with supplies and Dax takes it to livestock shows and events where he sets up to offer products.

“As a matter of fact, I have two trailers now,” Dax said. “I have all this stuff on site, but if anyone makes a special order or wants something I don’t have in the trailer, I will meet someone (from the company) with it at a truck stop or somewhere and get it delivered.”

“I get 10 percent of everything I sell,” Dax said. “If we are set up somewhere like Tulsa State Fair, I get paid by the hour to man the booth.”

Everything to supAdair, Okla. plement feed, fit and show sheep and goats is offered by B-5, and many items for cattle and hogs.

“I have grooming products, halters, blan-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

kets and anything else for sheep and goats, and electrolytes for all species,” Dax said.

Dax has all sizes of clippers and any kind of blades to groom any species, as well as blowers and fans. Possibly the most important service is clipper repair and blade sharpening.

Dax, 16, is in his junior year in high school.

He comes from a Mayes County agriculture and FFA legacy, which includes his grandfather Dennis DeLozier, who taught agriculture at Adair for 32 years. His dad Devin DeLozier is currently one of the Adair agriculture teachers, a position he’s held for 24 years. His mother Becky DeLozier is the high school principal, but she also holds an agriculture education degree.

Dax has a variety of ag-replated projects, including showing cattle and hogs. He works for his grandpa as part of his Supervised Agriculture Experience Program, which earned a third-place honor at the state level last year in Beef Placement.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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Dennis runs 200 momma cows and Dax said being out of school for COVID worked out just right to do the spring work.

“He usually has a hired hand to help,” Dax said. “But this year with me horseback and Dade on his four-wheeler, we got them all up and worked and he didn’t even have to use his hired hand.” Dade is Dax’s 13-year-old brother. Dax also has a 9-year-old brother named Dacen.

Dax said Dennis took full advantage of quarantine with cattle work, haying and “we built a lot of fence,” Dax said.

“My family runs 100 cows,” Dax added. “We sell about 20 young bulls a year.”

The family has concentrated on Angus blood, but bought a Charolais bull this year to breed Charolais Composites.

“And we always keep a Hereford bull around,” Dax said. “Herefords is what they raised when Dad was a kid.”

The family cattle herd is another job, and anyone would think two jobs would fill Dax’s time, but for the last year he has worked for Dr. Clint Gardner at Pryor Vet Clinic, a large-animal practice with five veterinarians on staff.

Dax said Dr. Gardner focuses on treating cattle, and Dax is getting good experience for his long-term goal, attending vet school. He wants to run for a state FFA office, and if he is successful, Dax plans to attend a junior college on a judging team scholarship for horses or livestock – because he is also a member of both those teams.

Devin is the horse coach and Dax was the high individual at the Buckskin World Horse Show in Tulsa in July. Although he is a successful horse judge, Adair’s other teacher, Shane Johnson, is the livestock coach and he recruited Dax to his team.

“He said because I show cattle and hogs, I should be judging them. He has helped me develop my eye (for judging livestock),” Dax said.

That is a mild understatement. Dax was the high-point individual at the Tulsa State Fair contest in 2018 and eighth high individual at the state contest. He was third-high individual at the American Royal, where his team placed second. He will be judging on both teams this year. Dax also holds the office of sentinel in his FFA chapter.

The whole family is goal setters, and no grass grows under their feet. They’ve recently purchased the American Farmer’s and Ranchers Insurance Agency in Pryor, Okla., and it’s being run by a former Adair FFA member, Abby Hendrickson.

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NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

9

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Fishing For Generations

By Terry Ropp

I.F. Anderson Farms began on 800 acres in 1949 The process begins with brood stock, which are in special facilities with mats for laying When considering a Farm Family of the Year, mental images of categgs. Those mats are removed at least once a day when the eggs are collected and put in a tle, chickens and pigs or row crops quickly come to mind.

Last year’s Lonoke County Farm Family of the year shatters that stereotype and is the hatchery tank for three days before being moved to the nursery ponds. The nursery ponds are largest fish bait farm in the country. The Andersons went on to win 2019’s Eastern Cen- densely populated which deters growth until the fry (newly-hatched fish) are transferred to tral District Farm Family of the Year, thus representing Arkansas in the 2020 Southeast- the growth ponds in planned amounts for sale.

“I graduated from college in 1990 and returned to work at the farm and helped ern Farmer of the Year competition. refine our processes,” Jamie said.

Andy (I.F.) Anderson ran a bait route with wild-caught baitfish. He disThe first change was to build the first mass-produced Golden Shincovered baitfish in the Lonoke area were especially hardy. Then, in er hatchery. As competition for the retail market became crowd1949, he and his father W.L. decided to buy 800 acres across the ed with profit margins lowering, Jamie perfected a baitfish air road. The mostly wooded land contained a rice field with levees delivery system for the retail market, but increasingly more that made transitioning to a fish pond practical. I.F. Anderson importantly, the direct-to-consumer market. The idea of Farms now has 3,300 pond acres in which they raise severthe consumer buying large amounts of baitfish may seem al types of baitfish, including the popular Golden Shiner, strange, but many avid fishermen buy baitfish once a black and pink flathead minnows, goldfish and the popyear and place them in tanks for storage as they use ular black salty. The black salty goes through a develthem throughout the year. Some farmers purchase opment process that makes it salt-water resistant and large quantities they then place in ponds as food for therefore perfect for both fresh and saltwater fishing. bass and other fish they have stocked for their own The fishing industry boomed after World War II recreational fishing. when the Army Corps of Engineers helped the U.S. I. F. Anderson Farms helped develop the induseconomy adjust to the influx of returning soldiers by try’s best management practices. Much like the building dams and levees. At one time, therefore, the chicken industry, the baitfish industry requires farm had 7,500 pond acres, but has since become more high-level biosecurity. One practice, which also modernized and efficient. The workforce ranges from conserves groundwater, is reusing farm water by 25 to 48 employees according to seasonal needs. putting it through a filtration system over and over Like many traditional farms, the Anderson farm is a again. An important advantage is that the closed watrue family business. Andy’s son, Neal, is president of the ter system prevents waterborne diseases from entering, company with grandson Jamie serving as a vice president therefore protects the fry. Another best practice is steriland upper farm manager, and granddaughter Katie serving as izing nets, seines and tanks in addition to also rotationally a vice president and corporate legal counsel. sterilizing ponds. The ponds are drained as much as possible Family farm heritage is taken seriously, with Jamie hoping and then sterilized using safe and legal chemicals which dilute his sons will choose to become part of the business as well. Famiand dissipate as the ponds are refilled. ly youngsters traditionally have begun on the farm when they reach Jamie sees the customer-direct market becoming an increasingly image 12 and Jamie’s boys are rapidly approaching the magic number.

Submitted Photos portant part of their market profile. Competition in the retail industry is highly The key to the baitfish industry is having product available year-round and being able to reasonably predict how many baitfish to have at optimum size throughout competitive with a very low margin. Providing individuals with far more reasonably priced the year. Since spawning season is up to six weeks in the spring when temperatures range baitfish with a process that avoids the middlemen creates an advantage both for the profrom 68 to 85 degrees, maturation has to be managed. Just to make things interesting, ducer and the consumer.

“The industry has changed much since my great-grandfather and grandfather began this the prime fishing season and therefore their main selling season is in the spring when the farm. Seeing what the next 71 years brings will be interesting, to say the least,” Jamie said. next year’s crop is in the process of being born.

10

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Mary Francis George Junior High Ag

MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR PACKAGE

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By Terry Ropp

$

Location: Springdale, Ark. Teacher: Eric Smith History: The Springdale School District

started its agriculture programming at the high school level, and later added agriculture classes to junior high school course offerings.

“While no ag classes are available at the middle schools, students in the East Initiative computer class have completed many agriculturally-related group projects, such as teaching urban students and parents how to manage a container garden,” teacher Eric Smith, a 20-year Marine Corps vet, explained. “As it Submitted Photo stands now, junior highs offer two introductory classes as electives, which prepares those students interested in agriculture for the more specific and diverse high school curriculums.”

Programming: “I teach two agriculture classes,” Eric explained. “One is Introduction to World Agriculture for eighth graders. This class focuses on population growth and how that relates to agriculture. Because there are fewer and often smaller farms but with more people to feed, agriculture must achieve higher yields per acre to feed the world. One highly instructive activity is using donuts cut into small pieces which are then divided out among certain countries such as the United States, China and Third World countries according to their population and access to resources. Survey of Agriculture is for ninth graders and includes information on FFA, ag careers, and broad introductions to animal science, breeds of livestock and plant sciences including soil science and how soil components affect production. We also look at ag mechanics, which includes basic woodworking and learning how to use tools, such as a bandsaw and table saw, with a few additional students introduced to welding.

“The purpose of this course is for students to identify areas of interest and to gain important prior knowledge before entering the diverse agriculture curriculum at the high school level.

One of the biggest challenges is that George Junior High is very urban with students only knowing about buying food in grocery stores. I try to encourage students to compete at the Washington County Fair, pointing out that competing is not only with animals and that they can compete in areas such as floral design and woodworking.”

Future: “Population in our area is growing very quickly and with that comes the possibil-

ity of me teaching ag full-time at some time in the future. At one time, the district may have considered purchasing an off-site farm for more hands-on exposure but the logistics would have been difficult. I would like to see a set up here at George for small animals such as rabbits in order to increase student interest in pursuing agriculture classes at the high school.”

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11

meet your neighbors

Making an Impact

By Jordan Robertson

Third-generation cattle producer Madison Woody earns the 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture USA crown “I want to be a role model for other womMadison Woody, a 19-year-old from Norfork, Ark., and daughter en,” Madison said. “I want to teach others of Derak and Trisha Woody, is no knowledge of agriculture, seeing as it has been my life and forever will be. And I hope stranger to agriculture.

Her life has revolved around farming to positively impact people along the way.”

Madison has big plans for her 2021 Oklasince birth, considering her family has homa Miss Agriculture USA title. She hopes been raising cattle for three generations.

A sophomore enrolled at Oklahoma to aid small businesses and farmers that curState University, Madison is majoring rently work and live in small communities.

“While many large operations make up in pre-veterinary medicine. She was also named 2021 Oklahoma Miss Agriculture the majority of the U.S. production, small farms build and steady the economy.”

USA in June.

The Miss Agriculture USA pageant is Madison commented. “Just like the movement to support small businesses, a nonprofit program that promy movement is to promote motes confidence, improves Norfork, Ark. not only small businesses, but social speaking skills and helps all farmers. I am an AGvocate women network in the agriculfor Agriculture.” tural field. Showcasing agriculAs Madison works to positiveture and being a role model is ly impact the agricultural world, what drove Madison to comanother crown awaits her. She will pete for the coveted crown.

12

Submitted Photos

compete to become the national Miss Agriculture USA winner in June 2021.

During high school, FFA was a second home to Madison. She showed lambs and cattle and during the Baxter County and Arkansas State fairs, she took home the prize of grand champion heifer. Madison’s agriculture interests include agriculture research, commercial sheep and cattle, ag business management and market lambs.

“Agriculture has always been a big aspect of my life, and gaining the experience in FFA was a game changer for my career path.” Madison shared. “I wasn’t going to do any activities while I was in FFA, but my teacher suggested I try one. I started off with broiler projects then progressed to a whole new world of agriculture. At the end of my high school career, I had a lot of experience under my belt.”

In 2018, Madison won the Arkansas State FFA Sheep Producer and Top Leader of Agricultural Research. Last year (2019) also a big year for Madison. She was named the Arkansas State FFA Top Diversified Livestock Producer and the Arkansas State FFA Silver Ranking Sheep Producer.

For the past four years, Madison has worked part-time as an intern at Baxter Country Animal Hospital, which is

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

owned by Drs. James Snodgrass and Sarah Shedenhelm.

“I have worked for Dr. Snodgrass for quite some time. I received my vet tech certification through Texas A&M with his help.” Madison said. “I am so blessed to work with him and gain the knowledge I’ll need for the future. And the experience under his supervision will come in handy for my career.”

Madison’s dream career is to become a large-animal veterinarian. She also plans to return to Norfork, Ark., in order to serve farmers.

“Agriculture is everywhere. From food to medicine, we are always surrounded by different aspects of agriculture. I grew up in a small town. And I’ve seen firsthand how farmers suffer because veterinarians aren’t available for large animals.” Madison said. “I know it can also be a struggle to afford, much less find, a vet for farming needs. I had to deal with this issue when I was in FFA.” From FFA to holding a crown that could garner a lot of change within the world for farmers, Madison is set on seeing a different world in the future. She is on a mission to educate others, while also creating an easier and more accessible way for farmers to get the resources that they need.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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By Terry Ropp

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Family: Wife Carrie (also pictured), and children Camden, Carson, Abi, Robert and Sara

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Hometown: Fayetteville, Ark. In Town: “I am an industrial millwright foreman for Multi-Craft in Springdale, Ark., a broad-spectrum construction, fabrication and industrial equipment installation company. I have worked as a millwright foreman for many years and began with this company four years ago. I help by installing equipment for businesses making anything from baby wipes to beverages and manage a crew of two to 10 depending on the size of the job. I travel frequently. I appreciate meeting a lot of different people and companies with no two days ever being the same. My wife Carrie is in accounts receivable for Tyson and has worked there for 15 years because she appreciates the chance to work with numbers.”

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Submitted Photo

In the Country: “We have 15 acres and now raise only sheep. When we began 10 years ago, our oldest children were in FFA and preferred goats while Abi, who was only 5 at the time, preferred sheep. The solution was to raise both. Our current sheep herd is 10 crossbred ewes bred by a crossbred ram we raised after outsource breeding his mother. We continue outsource breeding some of the ewes and are just starting with AI. We had tried with goats, but are doing much better with sheep. While Abi shows some of our sheep, we also sell others as show lambs for 4-H and FFA members. In order for the lambs to match the showing season, I breed from September through November with the lambs being born in March.

We follow a solid health protocol and am still learning. The most important thing I have learned is improving the genetics through AI and outsourcing not only improved the quality of the sheep but also diversified the bloodlines. Lambs typically stay with their mothers unless something unusual happens. They are fed creep feed when ready. The ewes, however, receive a custom mix I designed with the help of Curran Feed Store. We just finished showing at the Washington County Fair where Abi won Grand Champion Commercial Ewe and Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb. Abi’s goal is to win Grand Champion Market Lamb before she graduates from high school.”

Future: “Holson Farm is all about our children. Raising animals has provided a good environment and good experiences for our children. When the little ones get older, they will decide whether or not they want to show; and if they do, we will raise what species they’re interested in.

Should they not be interested, we will still continue to provide show animals to area youngsters.”

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

GARAGES

6321 E. Farm Road 104 • Strafford, MO 2929 E. Blaine • Springfield, MO

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

(417) 864-8511 TOLL FREE (800) 884-2856 springfieldtrailer.com

13

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 10/25/20 to 10/31/20)

beef

cattle

Bucks/Billies - Selection 2-3: 170.00-185.00.

Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 175.00-235.00.

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat

10/22/20

Receipts: 801 Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Compared to last sale, supply was moderate and demand † Ash Flat Livestock 65.00-85.00 was strong. Bidding was active with new buyers and Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 11/1/20 Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 10/24/20 † Benton County Sale Barn 70.00-84.00 active internet trading. Slaughter sheep traded 15.00 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Receipts: 1,370 Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Not Reported* higher with several lots of quality lambs. Feeder goats Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Compared to last month, hair slaughter lambs traded † Cleburne County 47.00-84.00 traded 11.00 higher, while slaughter goats traded 5.00 Steers: 100.00-106.00 ; wtd. avg. price 103.80. up to 25.00 higher with a moderate supply and good † County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff higher. Supply included: 54% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs 67.00 Heifers: 101.00-106.00; wtd. avg. price 104.54. demand.

Feeder goats traded mostly 15.00 higher with Decatur Livestock Auction (7% Wooled & Shorn, 81% Hair Breeds, 1% Ewes, 7% 60.00-85.00* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice some fancy lighter weights trading as much as 40.00 Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Hair Ewes, 4% Hair Bucks); 2% Replacement Sheep/ Not Reported* Steers: 162.00-162.00; wtd. avg. price 162.00. higher.

Demand was strong on the quality lots, with a Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 10% Feeder Goats (100% No Sale - Weather* Farmers Regional Sale Barn Heifers: 162.00-162.00; wtd. avg. price 162.00. moderate supply.

Slaughter goats traded 30.00 higher.

Fort Smith Stockyards Kids); 33% Slaughter Goats (73% Kids, 21% Nannies/ 55.00-87.00* Replacement goats traded strong to 10.00 higher. Supply Does, 4% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wethers); 2% Replacement Four State Stockyards Not Reported* included: 35% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (7% Wooled Goats (53% Nannies/Does, 47% Bucks/Billies).

I-40 Livestock - Ozark 74.00-79.00 † & Shorn, 84% Hair Breeds, 5% Hair Ewes, 4% Hair Joplin Regional Stockyards Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: 63.00-110.00 † Bucks); 9% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (4% Ewes, 93% Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 130.00-177.51.

Mid-State Stockyards Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat 10/27/20 85.00* Hair Ewes, 4% Hair Bucks); 14% Feeder Goats (100% Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 220.00-255.00.

North Arkansas Livestock 64.00-84.00 † Receipts: 829 Kids); 39% Slaughter Goats (91% Kids, 3% Nannies/ Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 172.50-220.00.

OKC West - El Reno 57.00-82.00 † Compared to last month, hair slaughter lambs traded Does, 4% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wethers); 3% Replacement Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 137.50-160.00.

47.50-70.00 † Ouachita Livestock up to 25.00 higher. Hair ewes traded steady on a large Goats (100% Nannies/Does).

Ewes - Good 2-3: 105.00.

Ozarks Regional Stockyards 60.00-96.00 † supply. Over two-thirds of the sale consisted of slaughter Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 60.00.

Stilwell Livestock Auction No Sale - Weather* sheep. Feeder goats traded steady to 5.00 lower, with Wooled & Shorn Choice and Prime 1-3: 237.50-265.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 115.00-150.00.

Tulsa Livestock Auction 75.00-89.00 † slaughter goats trading 40.00 lower on a small supply.

Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 135.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 85.00-128.00.

Welch Stockyards 70.00-88.00* Demand was good with a large attendance, supply was Wooled & Shorn - Good 1-2: 85.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2: 105.00-155.00. moderate. Supply included: 76% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 215.00-270.00.

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 (2% Wooled & Shorn, 80% Hair Breeds, 16% Hair Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Breeds - Choice and 1-3: 155.00-240.00.

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 145.00-160.00.

Ewes, 3% Hair Bucks); 4% Replacement Sheep/Lambs Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 87.50-115.00.

Feeder Goats: (100% Hair Ewes); 7% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); Hair Bucks - 1-2: 90.00-130.00.

Kids - Selection 1: 285.00-340.00.

12% Slaughter Goats (87% Kids, 5% Nannies/Does, 8% Hair Bucks - 2-3: 80.00-90.00.

Kids - Selection 2: 242.50-282.50.

(Week of 10/25/20 to 10/31/20) Bucks/Billies); 2% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/ Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Slaughter Goats: Does) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 28.00-58.00 † Ewes - Medium and Large 1-2 (Per Family): 170.00.

Kids - Selection 1: 260.00-300.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn Choice 1-3: † Ash Flat Livestock Hair Ewes Small and Medium 1-2 (Per Family): 28.00-60.00 Kids - Selection 2: 225.00-280.00.

172.50.

Benton County Sale Barn 31.00-58.00 † 170.00-255.00.

Kids - Selection 3: 195.00-210.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 235.00-285.00.

Not Reported* Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Hair Bucks - Small and Medium 1-2 (Per Head): 155.00- Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 130.00-195.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 200.00-230.00.

Cleburne County Livestock 23.00-56.00 † 165.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 110.00-120.00.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 147.50-205.00.

36.00 † County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff Feeder Goats: Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 152.50-200.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 95.00-135.00.

Decatur Livestock Auction 35.00-65.00* Kids - Selection 1: 295.00-430.00.

Wethers - Selection 1: 255.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 75.00-97.50.

Not Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Kids - Selection 2: 225.00-295.00.

Wethers - Selection 2: 202.50-210.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2: 90.00-125.00.

Farmers Regional Sale Barn No Sale - Weather* Kids - Selection 3: 190.00.

Replacement Goats: Hair Bucks - 2-3: 70.00-90.00.

Slaughter Goats: 20.00-57.00* Fort Smith Stockyards Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 200.00-260.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Four State Stockyards Kids - Selection 1: 242.50-325.00.

Not Reported* Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 230.00-237.50.

Hair Ewes - Medium and Large 1-2: 185.00.

I-40 Livestock - Ozark Kids - Selection 2: 220.00-285.00.

18.00-56.00 † Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 140.00-172.50.

Joplin Regional Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 140.00-225.00.

12.50-70.00 † Feeder Goats: Mid-State Stockyards Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 185.00-230.00.

68.00* Kids - Selection 2: 265.00-287.50.

North Arkansas Livestock Wethers - Selection 1: 230.00.

30.00-59.00 † Kids Selection 3: 180.00. † Replacement Goats: 29.00-69.00 OKC West - El Reno Slaughter Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 375.00.

Ouachita Livestock Auction 22.00-55.00 † Kids Selection 1: 242.50-295.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (Per Head): 185.00-200.00. † Ozarks Regional 14.00-67.00 Kids Selection 2: 210.00-265.00.

Stilwell Livestock Auction No Sale - Weather* Kids - Selection 3: 200.00-222.50.

Tulsa Livestock Auction 33.00-63.00 † Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 160.00-170.00.

Welch Stockyards 40.00-61.00* Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 190.00-195.00.

64.00-85.00 †

sheep &

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs.

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

Heifers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs.

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

14 14

64

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 10/27/20 633

Ash Flat Livestock✝

84

stocker & feeder

104

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 10/28/20 46

Decatur Livestock*

---------

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 10/26/20 419

10/27/20 405

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* ---------

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* ---------

-----

St-5 Higher

-----

-----

-----

-----

-----

---------------------

151.00 ----120.00-131.00 116.00-123.00 115.00

140.00-157.00 130.00-135.00 -------------

140.00-165.00 130.00-145.00 125.00-145.00 130.00-135.00 120.00-123.00

---------------------

125.00-160.00 120.00-151.00 115.00-141.00 113.00-131.80 -----

---------------------

145.00-154.00 111.00-137.00 122.00 100.00-122.00 112.00-118.00

--------116.00-130.00 ---------

135.00-145.00 125.00-135.00 125.00-130.00 115.00-125.00 100.00-120.00

---------------------

---------------------

---------------------

121.00-136.00 114.00-133.00 110.00-127.00 107.00-113.00 110.00

120.00-125.00 121.00 114.00 ---------

120.00-130.00 115.00-127.00 112.00-122.00 115.00-121.00 90.00-118.00

---------------------

117.00-155.00 109.00-138.00 100.00-122.00 95.00-116.00 -----

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

10/30/20 524

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 10/29/20 151

St-5 Lower

Uneven

-----

140.00 110.00-155.50 120.00-136.00 103.00-123.00 115.00

145.00-149.00 125.00-174.00 120.00-130.00 120.00 100.00-115.00

154.00 136.00 119.00-129.00 123.00 -----

130.00-142.50 110.00-144.00 107.00-140.00 100.00-132.50 99.00

133.00-172.00 129.00-142.00 115.00-130.00 100.00-116.00 110.00

--------106.00-127.00 ---------

105.00-135.00 101.00-128.00 110.00-134.00 104.00-111.00 106.00

123.00-145.00 110.00-127.00 100.00-115.00 95.00-105.00 80.00-103.00

124.00-127.00 110.00-125.00 105.00-111.00 ---------

-------------------------------------------------------------

Cheese: Barrels closed $2.7825. The weekly a (+0.1315) and blocks, Fluid Milk/Cream: Mi pockets, is steady to hi States. Many regions h annual seasonal milk p upwards. Manufacturer on hand for processing cheesemakers say their sufficient, and the call quiet. Spot milk prices I demand is higher as e active. Bottling deman among the container s continue clearing into nonfat dry milk produc of year-end butter need are more readily availa but tighter in the East.

1.30-1.45 in the East, 1 1.05-1.28 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF C POUND BUTTERFA Midwest - $1.8733 - $2

avg. g

Soybean 16 12

10.82

10.8

8

6.12

6.0

4.31

4.2

le hevil

Hele

4 0 Blyt

prices

Fort Smith Four State Stockyards* Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 10/26/20 ----1,260 -----

NOT REPORTED

300-400 lbs.

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

44

NO SALE - WEATHER

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

24

NOT REPORTED

4

NONE REPORTED

0

cows

NOT REPORTED

slaughter

goats

National Dairy Market at a G

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 10/29/20 160

Joplin Mid-State Regional Stockyards* Stockyards✝ 10/26/20 10/26/20 373 2,741

-----

Uneven

St-5 Lower

-----

---------------------

147.50-162.50 132.50-145.00 119.00-136.00 124.00-128.00 115.00

160.00 136.00-158.00 122.00-141.00 118.00-138.00 131.00-137.00

110.00-160.00 110.00-150.00 115.00-135.00 100.00-130.00 100.00-115.00

---------------------

--------103.00-132.00 111.00-122.00 100.00-107.00

----145.00 120.00 100.00 -----

---------------------

---------------------

127.50-140.00 105.00-128.00 105.00-115.00 107.00-111.00 90.00

----120.00-134.00 115.00-129.00 105.00-124.00 116.00-125.00

100.00-140.00 100.00-130.00 100.00-126.00 95.00-114.00 90.00-103.00

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

Ozarks FarmFarm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com Ozarks & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

8

6.12

4.31

le hevil

6.04

4.20

na

Hele

4.33

4.18

e

Elain

eola

Osc

k

Roc

0

St-5 Lower

-----

St-8 Lower

---------------------

147.50-162.50 132.50-145.00 119.00-136.00 124.00-128.00 115.00

160.00 136.00-158.00 122.00-141.00 118.00-138.00 131.00-137.00

110.00-160.00 110.00-150.00 115.00-135.00 100.00-130.00 100.00-115.00

175.00 127.00-140.00 126.00-128.00 110.00-127.00 121.00

---------------------

--------103.00-132.00 111.00-122.00 100.00-107.00

----145.00 120.00 100.00 -----

---------------------

140.00 128.00-134.00 114.00-123.00 105.00-115.00 108.00

---------------------

127.50-140.00 105.00-128.00 105.00-115.00 107.00-111.00 90.00

----120.00-134.00 115.00-129.00 105.00-124.00 116.00-125.00

100.00-140.00 100.00-130.00 100.00-126.00 95.00-114.00 90.00-103.00

120.00-125.00 114.00-117.00 110.00-113.00 90.00 -----

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

250

130.05 130.00

1500

147.64

131.67 122.54

---------------------

121.00-125.00 115.00-122.00 111.00-121.00 100.00-108.00 -----

130.00-136.00 115.00-132.50 106.00-127.00 108.00-122.50 116.00

123.87 127.51 133.92

147.24

132.01

112.21

131.71

111.26 112.00

139.85

117.95

124.06

None Reported †

--------125.00-130.00 122.00 -----

119.91

144.11

No Sale - Weather *

134.00-138.00 121.00-133.00 114.00-121.50 99.00-103.00 92.00-102.00

2250

Stilwell Livestock Auction* ---------

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 10/26/20 2,276

Welch Stockyards*

-----

-----

-----

132.33 124.68 129.00 127.56

125.98 120.00 109.37 116.34 115.65

119.63

113.79

125.93

126.83

148.12

10/27/20 588

---------------------

145.00-174.00 149.00-161.00 124.00-144.50 119.00-129.50 101.00-124.50

140.00-167.00 130.00-148.00 120.00-139.00 115.00-134.00 120.00-147.75

---------------------

129.00-146.00 128.00-147.00 110.00-127.00 97.50-116.50 -----

140.00-151.00 120.00-138.00 110.00-125.00 100.00-115.00 70.00-90.00

---------------------

115.50-129.00 110.50-127.50 98.00-115.00 96.00-109.00 -----

120.00-130.00 110.00-128.00 90.00-115.00 90.00-116.00 91.00-127.50

125.48

139.30

108.32

121.65

116.71

125.00 **

** 126.67

110.00

134.30 116.65 122.03 *

* 112.73 114.00 *

120.00

118.46

*

122.93

102.67

125.84

The&Ozarks Most•Read Farm Newspaper Ozarks Farm Neighbor www.ozarksfn.com

118.99 114.00

137.03

600.00-735.00 †

---------------------

133.26 116.00

134.00

None Reported † 800.00-1500.00 †

1750

131.50 119.47

135.50

None Reported *

162.50-185.00 137.00-162.50 122.50-156.00 119.00-136.00 135.00

118.39 116.97

141.00

600.00-1150.00 † 1125.00-1200.00 †

141.00 127.00-132.00 115.00-130.00 116.00-123.00 107.50-117.50

132.74

132.28

425.00-800.00 †

---------------------

130.82

141.00

1350.00 *

Uneven

124.21 120.86

130.00

Not Reported * No Sale - Weather *

2-12 Lower

116.15

152.62

600.00-1200.00 *

-----

115.88

147.11

2000

Not Reported *

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 10/27/20 1,338

123.40

134.72

None Reported †

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 10/27/20 252

130.88

Week of 10/4/20

152.24 135.45

139.37

820.00-1050.00 †

1250

131.22 129.58

143.03

610.00-1350.00 †

750

121.50

Week of 10/11/20

pairs

117.13

150.00

835.00-1200.00 †

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ ---------

NO SALE - WEATHER

NOT REPORTED

Uneven

650.00-900.00 † 410.00-1300.00 † 650.00-1200.00 * 700.00-1000.00 † 625.00-1025.00 †

1000

Ash Flat Cleburne El Reno Green Forest Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs West Plains Tulsa

138.00

Not Reported * None Reported †

Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Ozarks Regional Stockyards Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction

4.03

Welch Stockyards

Joplin Mid-State N. Ark. Regional Stockyards* Livestock Stockyards✝ Green Forest✝ 10/26/20 10/26/20 10/28/20 373 2,741 424

500

heifers 550-600 LBS.

137.00

Not Reported *

700.00-960.00 *

Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional

prices

Not Reported * No Sale - Weather * None Reported *

275.00-1200.00 † No Sale - Weather * 650.00-900.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn 460.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn

10.42

Little

Ash Flat Cleburne El Reno Green Forest Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs West Plains Tulsa

(Week of 10/25/20 to 10/31/20)

6.13

6.09

steers 550-600 LBS.

480.00-800.00 † 750.00 † 500.00-1140.00*

890.00 †

cow/calf

Corn

10.96

10.74

Nov. 19 Dec. 19 Jan. 20 Feb. 20 Mar. 20 Apr. 20 May 20 June 20 July 20 Aug. 20 Sept. 20 Oct. 20

Not Reported *

Week of 10/18/20

12

10.80

$80

835.00-1025.00 †

Week of 10/25/20

10.82

Blyt

-----

0

16

0

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 10/29/20 160

OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyards Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

Daily Report 11/2/20 Soft Wheat

$120

575.00-1000.00 †

Week of 10/4/20

10/30/20

avg. grain prices

4

Four State * Stockyards Exeter, Mo* ---------

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyard I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest

Cheese: Barrels closed at $2.5300 and 40# blocks at $2.7825. The weekly average for barrels is $2.4755 (+0.1315) and blocks, $2.7745 (+0.0215).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production, except for a few pockets, is steady to higher across much of the United States. Many regions have reached the bottom of the annual seasonal milk production cycle and are turning upwards. Manufacturers report having plenty of milk on hand for processing needs. In the Central U.S., cheesemakers say their contractually procured milk is sufficient, and the call for additional spot loads of milk is quiet. Spot milk prices are unchanged from last week. Class I demand is higher as eggnog production is becoming more active. Bottling demand is steady, but with more variations among the container sizes. Condensed skim milk volumes continue clearing into seasonal ice cream production and nonfat dry milk production. Cream demand is strong ahead of year-end butter needs and Class II processing. Supplies are more readily available in the West and Central regions, but tighter in the East. Cream multiples for all Classes are 1.30-1.45 in the East, 1.21-1.38 in the Central region and 1.05-1.28 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $1.8733 - $2.0196.

Soybeans

600.00-1025.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

$160

Prices reported per cwt

Week of 10/11/20

National Dairy Market at a Glance

cows

(Week of 10/25/20 to 10/31/20)

Week of 10/18/20

eipts: 801 pared to last sale, supply was moderate and demand strong. Bidding was active with new buyers and ve internet trading. Slaughter sheep traded 15.00 er with several lots of quality lambs. Feeder goats ed 11.00 higher, while slaughter goats traded 5.00 er. Supply included: 54% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs Wooled & Shorn, 81% Hair Breeds, 1% Ewes, 7% Ewes, 4% Hair Bucks); 2% Replacement Sheep/ bs (100% Hair Ewes); 10% Feeder Goats (100% ); 33% Slaughter Goats (73% Kids, 21% Nannies/ s, 4% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wethers); 2% Replacement ts (53% Nannies/Does, 47% Bucks/Billies). ghter Sheep/Lambs: led & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 130.00-177.51.

Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 220.00-255.00.

Breeds - Choice 1-3: 172.50-220.00.

Breeds - Good 1-2: 137.50-160.00. s - Good 2-3: 105.00. s - Utility and Good 1-3: 60.00.

Ewes - Good 2-3: 115.00-150.00.

Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 85.00-128.00.

Bucks - 1-2: 105.00-155.00. acement Sheep/Lambs: Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 145.00-160.00. er Goats: - Selection 1: 285.00-340.00.

- Selection 2: 242.50-282.50. ghter Goats: - Selection 1: 260.00-300.00.

- Selection 2: 225.00-280.00.

- Selection 3: 195.00-210.00. nies/Does - Selection 1-2: 130.00-195.00. nies/Does - Selection 3: 110.00-120.00. ks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 152.50-200.00. hers - Selection 1: 255.00. hers - Selection 2: 202.50-210.00. acement Goats: nies/Does - Selection 1-2: 200.00-260.00. ks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 230.00-237.50.

replacement

dairy sales

10/22/20

NO SALE - WEATHER

ond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat

$200

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 10/25/20

sales reports

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

141.17 90

112 134 156 178 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

120.22 200

Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

80

99 118 137 156 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

175

Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

15 15

meet your neighbors

A Passion For Farming

By Amber Parham

Whitnee Wallace is working to make her dream of her own farm a reality In addition to sheep, the family also has a Whitnee Wallace leaned forward and her eyes lit up with enthusiasm small goat herd.

“We use the goats mainly to clear up brush as she started to talk about her love of farming. “I may take a few business class- that the sheep don’t get and we have a few es,” she said when asked about plans for col- dairy goats that I milk. I leave the kids on lege. “But no matter what, I will always farm.” so that we don’t have to milk all the time,” She said she plans to start work at the U.S. Whitnee said. “We drink the milk or we use Postal Service to support her love for farming. it for bottle feeding the lambs.”

She also said another benefit to raising “It’s good hours, good benefits and that will give me the time to pursue my career in sheep rather than goats is that they lamb agriculture. I just love everything about it,” two times per year.

“We leave the rams in year-round, they Whitnee said.

Seven years ago, her family traded a horse just seem to do better,” she said.

During summer, the ewes are out on sumfor a registered Dorper ram, they liked him so much they decided to purchase 30 Katadin mer grasses. In winter, they feed hay and ewes. Whitnee started improving her herd protein tubs. After lambing season, they through breeding and has started adding get cubes. After weaning, the lambs get fed new Dorper genetics in the last two years. creep feed until they are taken to sale.

Lambs are marketed locally and at the She prefers Dorper sheep because they are hardier, heavier and retain fat better – a trait sheep and goat sale in Harrison. Their target weight group is 70 to 80 pounds. that is in demand for market lambs.

“We usually take a load three times a year.

Whitnee laughed as she recalled a breedIf we have good grass in the summer, we will ing ewe she showed.

“I had to take her off pasture so she would hold the lambs over from the spring,” Whitlose enough weight for me to show her,” nee explained. “Prices of lamb are usually higher in the fall because of the holidays. she said.

Whitnee now runs her own market lamb If we want to try a new sale, we will look operation on her family’s farm north of online and take a few to see how they do.”

Animal health protocals are carefully folOzark, Ark. She currently has a herd of 13 Dorper-cross ewes and several goats. lowed.

“We deworm roughly every three months.

She won Reserve Grand Champion of the 2019 Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair for We worm when the sheep need it, not on a schedule,” Whitnee explained. the Dorper breed.

“This year we have started vaccinating “I like the haired sheep so that we don’t have to shear them,” Whitnee said. “As I for corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis understand it, wool prices aren’t very good, (also known as CL) once a year. This year we are also planning on starting a so with the amount of work that 7-way shot. goes into it, it just isn’t worth Judsonia, Ark. Fencing for sheep and goats it. Haired sheep usually bring in can be a bit of an issue, but more at market.”

Whitnee and her family have a She explained that haired system in place that works well.” sheep produce better meat prod“We use the same fencing all over. ucts because they don’t retain as It’s Stay-Tuff 3-inch net wire. We’ve much lanolin and are heavier.

16

Whitnee Wallace has raised sheep for several years. She has her own market lamb operation.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Photo by Amber Parham

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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used regular 5-inch net wire before but it didn’t last well, predators could get in pretty easily, and the goats would get their head stuck in it. We have referenced all of our pens in the past two years. We run two strands of barbed wire on top and one on the bottom about and an inch off the ground.”

In addition to predator fencing, the Wallaces have guardian dogs and put the sheep and goats up at night to reduce losses from coyotes and other predators.

She has recenlty gotten into the cattle business as well.

“In January 2019, a local farmer had a bottle calf that she wanted to give it to a 4-Her. So she heard about me and I got him. This was my first experience with any kind of cattle. Dad helped me find a LimFlex heifer and I was able to show them this year at the Arkansas Youth Expo in Fayetteville.”

Whitnee placed second in her class with her heifer.

She intends to keep that heifer to start her own cattle herd. Since she doesn’t currently have a bull, she will breed her using AI and looks forward to learning more about the process.

Whitnee served three terms as Franklin County 4-H president and is currently serving a term as county treasurer and State 4-H ambassador. She is very active in 4-H as a member of the Mountaineers, Shooting Sports, Vet Science and Teen Leaders Clubs.

Berryville • 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

550849z

meet your neighbors

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

17

meet your neighbors Submitted Photos

Connected to Cattle

By Terry Ropp

U of A student Zach Andrews has been in the cattle industry since he was a young man Zach Andrews is pursuing a tri- black baldies are the results of a registered ple ag major at the University of Angus clean up bull.

One of Zach’s earliest memories is his first Arkansas. His majors are agribusiness, agricultural communication and agricul- show at the Ouachita County Fair with a heifer named Premium. As he was walking into tural leadership.

He plans to graduate in May 2022 and the ring for a showmanship competition for then pursue an MBA either at U of A or youngsters from 4 to 7 years old, a judge asked Texas A&M. At the present time, he hopes him how long he had been showing. Without to work for an agricultural corporation in missing a beat, the 4-year-old proudly promanagement or marketing, even though claimed he had been showing for seven years, a numerical error that he has his foot solidhas become a favorite ly anchored on his family joke. Nonethefamily’s 200 acre less, he won that first farm, Andrews Catshow, a foreshadowing tle Company. of the life he would “My older brothlater choose. The heifer Wade and I have er became a valuable been given the opand productive cow portunity and rewho produced calves sponsibility of choosuntil she was sold in ing the direction for 2014. the farm because it “She was a good will be ours one day,” animal and I appreciZach said. “Wade ated her but was not and I appreciate the terribly upset when opportunity we have she was sold because been given.” she was not a pet like Zach’s grandfather, Dixie, my blue heelBob Tolley, started er,” Zach said. “I was raising Herefords in raised on a farm and the 1970s under the clearly understood name Tolley Polled the difference beHerefords. When tween a commodity Zach’s mother Jeanand a pet.” nie was a young girl, Then, in seventh grade, Zach was asBob offered her a choice of showing Angus or Hereford calves. She promptly chose signed a career project. He chose being a herdsman for a cattle ranch. The the Herefords because she project became pivotal in his liked their white faces. The life because the work he put farm is now a registered HereFayetteville, Ark. into that project confirmed for ford breeding operation, selling him that his interest in agriculbulls to commercial farmers, ture would be lifelong. As a youngheifers as breeding stock and ster, Zach was constantly working black baldies, which fulfills a with the show calves. In addition to local replacement need. The

18

Zach Andrews raises Hereford cattle and is a triple major at the University of Arkansas.

acquiring the kind of work ethic essential in agriculture, Zach also discovered the importance of creative resourcefulness.

The farm had no cool rooms or other special show animal resources. However, Zach worked hard to compensate in developing a significant contender. One example was working with hair three times a day to produce the same results as a cool room.

In addition to selling through private treaty, the family has a long history with the Magnolia Hereford Association and its annual consignment sale in February. Bob has been on the board for 40 years and that sale is still a significant marketing tool.

One of the most important things Zach learned came from his grandfather. Bob always emphasized raising and selling a calf with honesty because both business and personal reputations depend upon full disclosure of calf details. Producing and honestly selling cattle that fulfill a farmer’s needs creates a solid market with many repeat customers. Consequently, culling is an extremely important process for the farm.

The farm has both fall and spring breeding seasons in order to meet diverse needs. Bulls are developed for the February sale and are not quite 2 years old. The first culling takes place at weaning when a calf is 6 months old, looking for calves that do not meet breeding standards. The process is then re-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

peated when a bull calf is a yearling. Culling after that takes place only when weight or composition do not meet breeding standards, though that is rare and usually caused by an unexpected circumstance. Zach maintains that heifers reveal their suitability pretty quickly. Cows are culled for not producing enough milk or a good calf.

“Mommas get a second chance and sometimes surprise us which means we save the valuable cow,” Zach said.

The farm stands firmly behind Multimin 90 as an invaluable supplement. Zach explained that one spring they decided to try an experiment and not use it. The result was weaning weights 25 or more pounds lighter with conformation not developing as well.

“We tested it on our herd and that product gives the calves an extra boost. Consequently, we use it at weaning and again as they mature,” Zach explained.

Zach recently completed a 12-week internship with the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association in Little Rock. Zach was highly involved in a program launched to provide relief funding for farmers and ranchers. He also had much responsibility for an edition of the Arkansas Cattle Business magazine.

“That experience reminded me of the lesson I learned long ago: never quit challenging myself and using creativity to produce the highest quality work in whatever I do.”

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

19

Love agriculture and rural life, and have a knack for writing?

Then you might enjoy being a contributor to Ozarks Farm & Neighbor!

OFN is currently seeking freelance feature writers.

Experience in agriculture preferred, but not required. Some photography skills needed.

Freelancers should have excellent organizational and time management skills, the ability to produce news stories following AP style and a strong initiative. Must be able to meet deadlines and follow through with projects.

Freelancers are required to travel to farms to conduct interviews and take pictures.

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Casey Burden

By Terry Ropp

Photo by Terry Ropp

Age: 17 Parents: John and Julie Burden Hometown: Summers, Ark. FFA chapter: Lincoln FFA Advisor: Sarah Hale What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“I really like working with animals because they have taught me responsibility and help me advocate for all of agriculture. Besides, they keep us kids out of trouble.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

“My mom is the most influential because she’s always there for me whether I need help with school projects or FFA or 4-H. Sometimes she helps me or she finds someone else to help. This has been especially important this year since I’ve missed a lot of school in order to attend school sponsored agricultural activities.

She also helps me with some of the paperwork for the events that I need to attend.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture?

“I get up at 6 a.m., and feed the show steers. After school I catch our show calves by halter to feed, water and work with them. The calves are for both me and my brother Caden to show. My project for 4-H is collecting data as I work at my grandpa’s with the hay and garden. For FFA, I became part of the judging team and judge horses in order to help Lincoln develop a team, which has placed in the top five in every event so far this year. I also compete in parliamentary procedure.”

Awards: “In FFA, I won the Star Greenhand for my chapter by being on the judging team, entering a leadership contest and having a Supervised Agricultural Experience which was raising registered Angus heifers and bulls. In 4-H, I won state for the record book for my hay and acreage records.”

What are your future plans?

Please submit a current resume and writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com

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“I want to attend Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College because I want to continue horse judging and plan to transfer to the University of Arkansas for a degree in ag leadership or ag communication.”

What is the most important thing you have learned about agriculture?

“I’ve learned how to advocate for agriculture because the public needs to understand that our goals and methods are substantial practices and that we can’t survive in agriculture if we don’t take good care of the land, animals and crops.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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Bank in Nixa, Mo. with It’s readily accepted by most in the production agriculnearly 25 years of ture industry that crossbreeding can be very beneficial banking experience. He and lead to enhanced economic returns, whether that be and his family operate a weight, yield, disease resistance or so many other positive beef farm showing and attributes. This is known as heterosis and, generally, it’s a selling registered cattle. good thing. Since we live in the heart of cattle country, I will mostly refer to the beef industry, but remember that the underlying process of crossbreeding works with most species of plant and animal.

It doesn’t matter if you’re raising or selling beef, lamb, goat, poultry or forages, the effect of utilizing a crossbreeding program can increase output by as much as 25 percent. When margins are tight, prices low and inputs high, the added value from crossbreeding can mean the difference between making a profit or leaving potential income unrealized. By no means is a crossbreeding program the answer for every issue facing producers, but it can be a useful tool when implemented with purpose and direction.

In a true crossbreeding system, the continued use of any one breed on commercial or purebred cattle will quickly result in the loss of heterosis and the anticipated complementary breed effect. By definition, a complementary breed effect matches the strength of one breed to offset the weaknesses of another. While this is desirable, also keep in mind that it’s important to maintain purebred lines as a foundation for a well-conceived crossbreeding program.

A real-life example that occurs in cattle herds throughout Southwest Missouri is the consistent use of a single purebred breed of bulls on commercially crossed cows. This works very well for the first or second generation, but as heifers are retained and added to the herd the producer reduces the benefits of crossbreeding and the complementary effect that results.

So why would an agricultural lender be concerned about discussing crossbreeding programs?

Hopefully, the lender and producer value the relationship they have forged and are able to openly discuss options, opportunities and future decisions affecting the agricultural enterprise both from a profitability and a sustainability standpoint. Continued growth, taking advantage of additional management practices to enhance your operation, and realizing financial success in the business venture should be some of the priorities for both. After all, a good lender and customer relationship means both parties have a vested interest in being profitable and meeting future goals.

As we quickly approach the fall breeding season, now is a great time to start investing in a well-managed, thought-out crossbreeding program. If you are looking at replacing or upgrading your bull, ram or buck, take some time to look at what areas of improvement would benefit your operation the most.

Breed associations offer detailed genetic information that make selection much easier and offer accuracies that help take some of the guesswork out of the process of purchasing a sire. Buy quality and look for those genetic improvements that complement your bottom line. Don’t be afraid to ask for opinions from others, do your research and remember that half of all future production will be influenced by your decisions today.

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Aiming for Prime

By Klaire Howerton

Genetics, management and extended feeding time can improve grades Prime beef grades can bring top dollar in the beef market, and producers may want to consider structuring their breeding, nutrition and management programs to hit prime grades, if possible.

Producers working towards prime will need to be patient and consistent.

“There are a number of factors that must align to consistently produce cattle that meet the standards of prime quality grade carcasses,” Andy McCorkill, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, explained.

“Obviously, the cattle must possess the genetic qualities required to lay in intramuscular fat, commonly called marbling,” he explained. “Genetics make up 40 to 50 percent of the quality grade puzzle so selecting breeding stock that have the potential to increase quality grade is an important factor to consider.”

Although there are individuals that shine within every breed for carcass quality, when looking at breed averages, British breeds, such as Angus and Hereford, tend to be more likely to meet prime quality goals than the Continental breeds, McCorkill said.

Checking records will also help a producer make decisions to help herds reach prime.

Looking at breeding animals with high accuracy levels of top level EPDs in the carcass traits will help producers improve the quality grade of the cattle they are raising.

Besides genetic potential, McCorkill explained management and nutrition must be looked at to ensure the genetics a producer has bred into their cattle is used to maximum benefit.

“That piece of the puzzle begins prior to the calf crop ever hitting the ground, by taking care of the cow herd from a nutritional standpoint. Fetal programing research has shown that prenatal nutrition has a significant impact on the ability of the subsequent calf crop to reach even choice quality grades,” he said. “Reducing stress levels on the calf at all phases of production is critical to increasing quality grades. Anytime the animal is stressed, it is probably pulling energy reserves off the body, sacrificing marbling or at least keeping additional intramuscular fat from developing.”

McCorkill explained that keeping and feeding cattle for longer can be another significant tool to utilize to increase marbling scores.

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What is the biggest obstacle young farmers/ ranchers face?

22

“The biggest issue is initial input costs and input costs in general.”

“We saw this firsthand with the steers in the Missouri Steer Feedout earlier this year,” he said. “Due to COVID-19 plant shutdowns, the steers were unable to be slaughtered and had roughly six weeks more on feed than they would have under normal conditions.

We had more high choice and prime carcasses this time than in years past because of it.”

It is a balance, however. Longer feeding periods and increased quality grades can be detrimental to yield grade due to the amount of exterior fat on the carcass.

“In recent years, discounts for yield grade 4 and 5 cattle haven’t been too steep in relation to quality grade premiums, often making it enticing to feed longer and improve quality grade. I would caution weighing the added value of premiums against the added costs of additional days on feed and see that it makes economic sense,” McCorkill advised.

With the additional workload, producers might wonder if consistently achieving prime grades is an attainable goal.

“With time, management and a little luck, catching quality grade premiums is possible,” McCorkill said. “I would encourage producers to do their homework, select a cattle feeder who has a track record of producing high-quality carcasses if you’re interested in feeding cattle and improving carcass quality. You must first make sure all your ducks are in a row at home with health and nutritional management in the cow herd, as well as the calf crop. Selecting breeding stock that have the potential to improve carcass quality is also imperative.”

Not everyone will be able to meet prime grade standards.

“We should all consider it a challenge to improve carcass quality for the sake of the beef industry,” McCorkill said.

“Young farmers and ranchers have to face the increase in value/cost of land as well as the cost of feed and animals not appropriately increasing as well.”

Logen Gipson Sequoyah County, Okla.

“Getting started in farming is never easy, but the biggest obstacle for new farmers is the financing to get started.”

Hailey Robinson Washington County. Ark

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Debby Taylor Pope County, Ark.

“Obviously finances are an issue, but so is practical knowledge because many young farmers think they know enough but are not prepared for reality.”

Levi Sortomme Lonoke County. Ark.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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By Klaire Howerton

Ag business expert says cattle producers should start by evaluating their herd Heading into winter, working to lower production costs is a wise choice for cattle producers around the Ozarks. A little preparation now can save a lot of headaches later.

The recent dry spell is an appropriate reason for herd evaluation and thorough culling decisions.

“Heading into winter, most of Southwest Missouri is either in drought, or abnormally dry. Producers need to think about how they are going to cost effectively get their animals through the coming winter,” Wesley Tucker, field specialist in agricultural business with the University of Missouri Extension, explained. “This should start with a long, hard

ment strategy to lower production costs. This will help producers make the most cost effective choice on what to purchase ahead of time, instead of waiting until it is an emergency and making a hasty choice without evaluation.

“Can additional forage be purchased, and if so, is it cost effective to do so or can grain be fed cheaper? It is also important to utilize what grass they may have left as effectively as possible. Strip grazing improves the grazing efficiency tremendously. It’s a long time till spring, we need to stretch our limited resources as far as possible,” Tucker said.

Cultivating an adaptable mindset can help producers make appropriate choices to lower production costs.

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“All too often we limit our farm’s ability to adjust and adapt because we lock ourselves into a certain mindset.”

– Wesley Tucker look at the animals they currently have. Preg checks should be performed, and any animals not pulling their weight should be immediately culled.”

COVID-19 has contributed to changes in cull cow prices. Tucker explained that cull cow prices have been stronger than normal this year because of greater demand for ground beef.

“As consumers ate more meals at home which they prepared themselves, they used more hamburger,” he said. Tucker advised producers to take advantage of the current market before prices tumble.

Taking stock of available feed resources and what is needed for winter is another manageNOVEMBER 9, 2020

Tucker advised producers to adjust their systems to promote better flexibility.

“Grazing the maximum number of cows each year leads to shortages every few years as we are plagued with drought. However, by reducing the number of full-time mouths to feed and augmenting the operation with a stocker enterprise, gives more flexibility and allows the operation to adjust to both dry and flush years,” he explained. “Also, every operation should have disposable animals on hand that can be marketed when the first signs of drought begin to appear. All too often we limit our farm’s ability to adjust and adapt because we lock ourselves into a certain mindset.”

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By Klaire Howerton

Twins can cause added stress to the mother and producer While twins are not overly common in the cattle world, it does happen. It can be exciting to have a “two for one” situation, but it can also be a little more work for both the producer and the cow.

“Twin calves are relatively uncommon. Estimates of somewhere between .5 percent and 2 percent of births each year come as twins.

That calculates out to being about a 1 in 50 to 1 in 200 chance of having twins,” Andy McCorkill, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, explained.

Conditions such as improved cow body condition between calving and breeding can increase the likelihood of multiple ovulations and resulting twins, he said, and breeds noted for higher fertility have also been reported to have higher rates of twinning.

Twin calves, in some situations, can drain the cow and result in less than efficient calves, McCorkill said.

“It is often said that one good calf is better than two poor ones, and many times that is the case,” he explained. “Twins are more likely to experience calving difficulty. It will be harder on the cow, raising multiple calves instead of just one, and it can take its toll on her getting bred back in a timely manner.”

There are cases, however, where an exceptional cow can raise twins without issue, and breed back without trouble.

“Provided both calves survive until weaning, that cow will likely have a greater weaning weight in the combined calves than any single birth will, which makes the hassle worth it in some instances,” McCorkill said.

For cows that struggle to rear twins, producers might need to be prepared for bottle feeding, as well as keeping in mind additional feed requirements for the cow, regardless of how well she maintains twins.

“If the cow appears to be accepting both calves, and raising them both on her own, I would tend to let her,” McCorkill said. “On the other hand, if she or one of the calves appears to be suffering, it is probably a good idea to pull one, or both, of the calves off and raise on the bottle or a nurse cow. Even if she is raising both calve without issue, you may find the need to wean the calves early to keep her in acceptable condition to breed back for the next calving season. Available feed resources should be considered. The additional milk requirement will add 10 to 15 percent to the cow’s overall energy requirements.”

Record keeping is imperative for all aspects of an operation, but if a cow gives birth to twins, producers should be certain to take notes.

These records will aid in making appropriate culling decisions – especially if the set of twins is a bull and a heifer.

“Heifers born twin to a bull should be suspected of being a freemartin, a case that results in the heifer being born without a complete reproductive tract,” McCorkill explained. “This occurs in about 90 percent of cases of bull/heifer twins as a result of mixing of embryonic fluids and their hormones between the two calves.”

The twin bull can also have reduced fertility. Producers might consider culling both twins.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

farm help

Tracking Profits

By Klaire Howerton

Why should producers track income and expenses?

Profit tracking is imperative to the success of a producer’s operation.

Tracking the numbers can feel like a Herculean task but trying a few simple tips can go a long way towards improving the farm’s bottom line.

Take Notes: Profit tracking will require record keeping, so producers should be prepared to take notes.

There is no one-size-fits-all record keeping system. Every producer should experiment to find what meets their needs.

“For some people, a computer makes record keeping easier, for others, a computer just makes it more complicated. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned ledger book if you are accustomed to using it. Whichever system you are most comfortable with, make the best of it,” Wesley Tucker, field specialist in agricultural business, said.

Create a Balance Sheet: No one likes income taxes, but producers can use the data from doing taxes to their advantage, Tucker said.

“Everyone has to file their income taxes each year, but just because someone else made you do this very negative task, don’t let that stop you from using your records to find out how your business is truly doing,” he explained. “One simple step added to those tax records, can tell you a lot about your business. If you will take the time to do a beginning balance sheet each year, then an ending balance sheet, combining these with your Schedule F tax form can tell you a tremendous amount about how your farm business is performing.

“Simple calculations using different lines from each form (once again these can be computer spreadsheets or paper forms) will reveal many things about your profitability, liquidity, solvency, repayment capacity and financial efficiency.”

Use the Data: Once a producer has profit tracking data in hand, it is important to put it to good use. Make changes and improvements where necessary and build on what is already profitable.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Steps to Better Farm Bookkeeping

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Separate Checking Accounts Keep your personal transactions and your farm transactions separate. Commingling business and personal funds is a bad idea. Once a week or twice a month, pay yourself a draw from the farm to the personal account.

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Separate Lines of Credit Similar to item one, maintain a separate line of credit for each profit center on your farm. If you have sizeable row crop and livestock operations, for example, it can be difficult to figure out which operation is profitable or cash flow positive. Maybe one side of your farm is borrowing from the other.

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Balance Early and Often Log into your accounting software regularly, every few days, to make sure your bank balance jives with your books. Enter checks as you write them and receipts as you deposit them. Reconcile your checking accounts every month when the bank makes the statement available.

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ozarks’

calendar

Online Courses and Programs • Arkansas Center for Farm and Food – contact Benton County Extension Office

for more information – go.ozarksfn.com/e2m • Beekeeping Basics Podcasts – contact Benton County Extension Office for

more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/xof • Poultry Waste Management Course – Online via Zoom – Oct. 8 through Dec. 8 – to

register or for more information call 918-696-2253 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/nq8 • Southern Fruitcast Podcast – contact Benton County Extension Office for

more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/g8d November 2020 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, 14 Diabetes Online Course – 12 p.m. – register anytime between now

and Dec. 14th – call Pamela at 479-968-7098 to register 10,17,24 Pesticide Applicator Training – 11 a.m. – Madison County Extension Office,

Huntsville, Ark. – pre-registration required, – 479-738-6826 13 Pesticide Applicator Training – 10 a.m. – Searcy, Ark. – contact the White

County Extension Office for more information at 501-268-5394 15 Know Your Round Bale Weight and Forage Quality – weighing is free,

forage analysis is $15 per sample – 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Williams Tractor,

Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 or rhorn@uaex.edu 16 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Cost: $20, can be paid at the door

– Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – pre-registration

required, space limited, MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND – 870-425-2335 16-20 Know Your Round Bale Weight and Forage Quality – weighing is free, forage

analysis is $15 per sample – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Washington County Extension

Service, 2536 N. McConnell Road, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 or rhorn@uaex.edu

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17,19 Pesticide Applicator Training – Nov. 17 starts at 1:30 p.m., Nov. 19 starts at

6 p.m. – limited to 9 producers – Cattlemens Building, Berryville, Ark. – call

870-423-2958 to RSVP 19 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2:30-4:40 p.m. – Greenbrier Event Center,

Greenbrier, Ark. – pre-registration required, limited to 30 people – Cost: $20

– contact the Faulkner County Extension Office to register at 501-329-8344 or rbeard@uaex.edu 21 Know Your Round Bale Weight and Forage Quality – weighing is free,

forage analysis is $15 per sample – 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – P&K Equipment,

Tontitown, Ark. – 479-444-1755 or rhorn@uaex.edu 24 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – First National Bank Community

Center, Paris, Ark. – pre-registration required, limited to 35 people – 479-963-2360 December 2020 2 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Searcy, Ark. – contact the White

County Extension Office for more information at 501-268-5394 7 Pesticide Applicator Training – 5:30 p.m. – Boone County Fairgrounds,

Harrison, Ark. – limited to 30 people – contact the Boone County Extension

Office to register at 870-741-6168 8 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Boone County Fairgrounds, Harrison,

Ark. – limited to 30 people – contact the Boone County Extension Office to

register at 870-741-6168 January 2021 5 Master Gardner Course – 10 weeks, Tuesdays, 3:30-7:30 p.m. – Pryor, Okla. –

call 918-825-3241 to register

auction block

November 2020 14 24th Annual Show-Me Plus Gelbvieh & Balancer Sale – noon – Springfield

Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 660-635-1433 – 573-690-3813 14 Four State Shorthorn Association Sale – noon – TS White’s Equine Center,

Diamond, Mo. – 816-465-0777 14 Oklahoma Bull Sale – McAlester Union Stockyards, McAlester, Okla. –

573-881-1876 – 859-338-0170 14 Show-Me Reds Fall Sale – 1 p.m. – Kirksville, Mo. – 417-327-7870 14 Smith Registered Angus Ranch Production Sale – 1 p.m. – at the Ranch, Berryville,

Ark. – 870-423-3269 or 870-480-6406 20 Show-Me-Select Bred Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102

20 Wienk Charolais Legends of Fall Bull Sale – Arcadia Stockyard, Arcadia, Fl. –

605-860-0505 – 605-203-0137 – 605-203-1082 21 Sydenstricker Genetics 42nd Annual Production Sale – Mexico, Mo. – 573-581-1225 23 Green Springs Performance Tested Bull & Angus Female Sale – Nevada, Mo. – 417-448-7416 December 2020 5 Wright Charolais 10th Annual Female Sale – Kearney, Mo. – 816-776-3512 11 FB5K Cattle Complete & Total Dispersal Sale – 6 p.m. – Joplin Regional

Stockyards, Joplin Mo. – 850-212-1457 – 417-627-2537

COMMUNITY EVENT AND PRODUCTION SALE LISTINGS!!!

Contact Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Today and Get your Community Event and/or Production Sale Listed in our Calendar or Auction Block FREE OF CHARGE.

1.866.532.1960 • editor@ozarksfn.com

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NOVEMBER 9, 2020

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MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR

CHEVY • 877.203.6897 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 NISSAN • 888.202.2709 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 FORD • 417.952.2992 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856 CDJR • 417-708-5746 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856

Check Out More Of Our Inventory at WoodMotor.com NOVEMBER 9, 2020 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com