Ofn dummy 1 11 16 by Eric Tietze

Starting from Scratch JANUARY 11, 2016 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 16 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

The Nalls purchased a dairy farm, 45 Jersey cows in 2010 with a goal in mind

‘It Has Never Been Easy’ Family continues a tradition of farming that was established 165 years ago

An Animal Menagerie Couple raises a variety of livestock at their Marion County, Ark., homestead

Feed, Supplem New Prodents, & Techno ucts logy Issue

There’s an App For That Tools to help farmers are just a computer click or smart phone tap away

JANUARY 11, 2016

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

rumor mill

Farm honored by Arkansas Department of Labor: Bates Mountain Farm, a farm complex in Washington County, Ark., owned by Cobb-Vantress, has won a Seven-Year Accumulative Safety Award presented by the Arkansas Department of Labor. The farm has 53 employees [team members] that have all achieved seven years without a day lost from work due to a workrelated injury or illness between September 2008 and September 2015. Additionally, there are 14 Cobb farm, hatchery and feed mill locations in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina that have gone four years with no lost time injuries and five of those have at least seven years with NLT. The Siloam Springs, Ark., feed mill has achieved 11 years with NLT. Report says farm has no “significant impact” to waterway: A report by two federal agencies say there is no significant impact to the Buffalo National River from a nearby hog farm. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Sunday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration cited current data and restrictions of C&H Hog Farms’ permit as reasons why the farm would have no significant impact on the surrounding natural area. The farm along Big Creek near Mount Judea is about 7 miles from where the creek flows into the river. It’s permitted to have 2,500 sows and 4,000 piglets and has been criticized by nearby residents and environmental groups about the perceived risk of pollution from hog waste. A federal judge ordered the assessment after a 2012 report was found to be incomplete. Student tapped for 2015 okPORK Youth Leadership Camp: Rhett Pursley, a student at Locust Grove High School in Locust Grove, Okla., is among the students selected for the okPORK Youth Leadership Camp. Students selected for the camp will spend June 15-19 learning about the pork industry, including production, sales and career opportunities. The camp begins in Stillwater, and includes sessions in Ames, Hennessey, Guymon, Woodward and Oklahoma City. Camp participants will learn all phases of the industry from breeding sows to selling pork chops. Participants will also complete a live animal evaluation and actually harvest and process the hogs they evaluate. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor begins email notification: Ozarks Farm & Neighbor has launched an email update service, offering information about upcoming issues, agriculture-related news and events, as well as educational information that producers will find useful for their operation. To sign up for the free email notification, go to join.ozarksfn.com and fill out the online form. Scan Me Or Visit ozarksfn.com OzarksFarm

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JANUARY 11, 2016

VOL. 9, NO. 16

JUST A THOUGHT

7 10 12

3 4 5

Jerry Crownover – Do I know you? Jody Harris – A look back at Christmas Julie Turner-Crawford – 2016 predictions

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Jim and Cynde Watson raise

a variety of livestock at their Marion County, Ark., homestead

University of Arkansas professor spearheads meat science research

IRWP, historic Cave Springs, Ark., join forces for holiday celebration

Eye on Agribusiness features Carson Farm Supply

Family starts a dairy farm from scratch with a goal in mind

13 17

Town & Country spotlights Heath Nelson

Youth in Agriculture spotlights Chris Tarkington

Couple continues the tradition of family farming that was established 165 years ago

FARM HELP 19 What to know if you get audited 20 There’s an app for that: Tools to help out on the farm are just a click or a tap away

24 25

Managing forages this winter Seeing the warning signs of illness, injury in your livestock

17 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

just a

thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

e f i L elpmiS si

acial Recognition Disorder – it’s real – and I have it. revonworC yrreJ yB My wife has suspected my affliction for several years, because we could be Jerry Crownover is watching a movie starring some famous a farmer and former actor or actress that everyone in the world knows professor of Agriculture and, depending on their hair style or costume, I Education at Missouri wouldn’t recognize them. State University. He is a For a few years, I’m sure she simply thought I native of Baxter County, was stupid, but has now come to realize I have Arkansas, and an a legitimate reason for being unable to readily author and professional identify people that I should know. speaker. To contact Jerry, Until a couple of years ago, I always thought go to ozarksfn.com and the diagnosis was merely more psycho-mumboclick on ‘Contact Us.’ jumbo. It was at that point, when I was attending a funeral, I was spoken to by someone I didn’t recognize. His voice, however, was familiar and I soon realized I was talking to someone that I see every day of the year and have coffee with every morning. Because it was the first time I had ever seen him without his hat, and in surroundings where I didn’t expect to see him, his face did not even ring a bell in my brain. Sorry, Ron. A few months later, I was eating at a restaurant when an attractive lady came over and started talking to me as if she had known me for a lifetime. I’m sure I looked panicked as my mind raced with thoughts of…Is she an old girlfriend? Was she a student from long ago? Do I owe her money? Finally, and awkwardly, she stated, “You don’t know who I am, do you?” I was so embarrassed to admit that I did not, and I was even more embarrassed when she told me who she was and I realized that I had known both her and her husband for more than 20 years and considered them good friends. But, because we were — Continued on Page 6

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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., 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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015 has come and gone! I think this past December was our busiest – EVER. Jody Harris is a freelance Piano recitals, Christmas programs, ugly communications specialist, sweater parties and a stream of out-ofgardener, ranch wife and town company filled our holidays. It’s a mother of four. She and miracle we got our animals fed and the laundry done. her family raise Angus beef We still have Santa Claus believers in our cattle and other critters on house. As our children have grown, it’s gotten a their northwest Arkansas little trickier keeping the joy and spirit of Saint ranch. She is a graduate Nicholas alive. I’ve had to stay one step ahead of of Missouri State University. them in my hiding spots and creatively answerTo contact Jody, go to ing their never-ending questions. ozarksfn.com and click on Our 6-year-old son had the funniest questions this ‘Contact Us.’ year. One afternoon he told me he was pretty sure Santa was a farmer. When I asked him why, he said this, “He must love animals, Mom. He has reindeer and he has to feed them hay. He would need a tractor to feed the hay. He probably loves all animals. He probably has pigs, horses, goats and chickens. I mean if he has reindeer, he must have other animals too.” I went on to ask what kind of tractor he thought Santa had. “Definitely a John Deere, Mom. It’s green and green is a Christmas color.” This year he was adamantly asking Santa Claus to bring him a drill. He informed us that he didn’t just want a toy drill. He wanted a REAL drill, like the ones his dad uses. He spent time with one of his older sisters crafting a letter to old St. Nick outlining the want and need behind his Christmas wish. He was careful to behave this last month and when he got out of line he was quick to get back in step so he wouldn’t end up on the dreaded naughty list. He even had a supervised “practice session” using some of his dad’s tools to help fix some things to prove that he was ready to take care of and use “big boy” tools. He asked me every day from Thanksgiving until Dec. 23 if it was Christmas yet. When I said it wasn’t, he’d ask me how many more days. Even though it was a busy month for our family, it seemed never-ending to this anxious child. Finally on Christmas Eve these sweet children of mine participated in the re-telling of the first Christmas story at our church service. Our oldest daughter was the Star Angel and led the wise men to the place where baby Jesus resided. Our youngest daughter was part of the throng of golden angels that sang joyfully. Our oldest farmer-loving son was aptly cast in the role of a shepherd looking after the many little animals in the pageant. Finally, our youngest son was a little white sheep herded into the manger scene. It was a proud parent moment watching them participate in the story behind the true meaning of Christmas. When the service was over, our oldest son was all smiles because he knew a family party was in store at our home and the next day was one he’d been anticipating for weeks – CHRISTMAS! On Christmas he was up at 5:45 a.m., and creeped around to see if Santa had come. He woke me up to let me know what he’d discovered. We made coffee and breakfast together before I let him wake his siblings and his dad. The wait was over – our family gathered together and he jumped for joy that “Santa” had fulfilled his Christmas wish. We were touched by his reaction to his gift. His deepest desire is to use it to help his dad and I with whatever we might need around this place. As you craft your resolutions for 2016, spread a little joy and help others in the 2016. Happy New Year, neighbor!

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

just a thought

Across the Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

he New Year has dawned and we are now in 2016. I don’t know about you, but it will take me weeks to remember to write “2016” on checks. I stopped making New Years resoluJulie Turner-Crawford tions a long time ago, but I always hope to make is a native of Dallas better health choices, make contact with old County, Mo., where she grew up on her family’s friends and spend more time with family. Some farm. She is a graduate years it has worked out well, but not always. of Missouri State What does 2016 hold for agriculture and our University. To contact family farms? Since I don’t have a magical crystal Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 ball, I can’t say, but I’m sure it will have its ups or by email at editor@ and downs. ozarksfn.com. We will either have wet weather or a drought, or a combination of the two; we will have great cattle prices or they will bottom out (again); we’ll have bumper crops or lower-thanexpected yields. Farming is a roll of the dice and all we can do is hope that we don’t shoot craps. Unfortunately, the USDA is predicting that farm income will continue to decline in 2016, and production expenses are expected to increase. While it might appear that farmers are starting off the year with bad news, predictions are just that and predictions don’t always come true. In 1916, Charlie Chaplin said “cinema is nothing more than a fad” and that people would prefer live theater over films. Tell that to Disney. The latest installment of the Star Wars trilogy raked in more than $528 million during its opening weekend. Sorry Charlie. However, I can predict that will be my first and last reference to anything Star Wars-related in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. Then there was the whole Y2K thing in 1999 when the world waited for the “Millennium Bug” to shut down life as we knew it at midnight on Jan. 1, 2000 when all of the computers would stop working because they would be unable to compute the year 2000. At 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2000, a lot of people were disappointed that the lights didn’t go out and that there wasn’t anarchy in the streets. — Continued on Next Page

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Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page

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Let’s also not forget that, according to the Mayan calendar, the world was set to end on Dec. 21, 2012. Last time I checked, the world is still turning. My point is that there is no way to say what is going to happen as the days go by, but we have to remain optimistic and do the very best we can to keep agriculture alive and growing. After all, the world is depending on us to help provide not only food, but biofuels, plastics, cosmetics, tires and countless other products that have animal and grain components. While I can’t predict the future, I do expect that agriculture will continue to come under fire by animal rights groups, as well as from those who believe that farmers are purposely contaminating the soil and water with harmful chemicals in order to cultivate genetically modified foods. I’m sure I’m not alone in my expectations. I also expect that we will see more and more producers striving to provide products to specific markets in an effort to adapt to our world today. We might not like it, but the market for free-range chickens, grass-finished beef and grazing

pigs is here to stay, and it is a very valuable market for producers right here in the Ozarks. While we might think that the odds are against agriculture today, we can’t simply throw our hands up in the air and say we give up because of the predictions. If that were the case, no hay would ever get mowed when the weatherman predicted a slight chance of rain. Farming, just like life, is a game of chance and it is very unpredictable, but just remember that we are a pretty resilient segment of the world’s population and it takes more than a few naysayers to get us down. May the force be with you in 2016… OK, that is the last reference to Star Wars this year – maybe.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 away from where I normally see her, and the encounter was unexpected, my mind drew a blank. Sorry, Theresa. Last week, while attending a livestock auction, a young man came over and said, “Hi, Jerry. How’ve you been?” I tried to fake it but, once again, I didn’t have the slightest clue to whom I was talking. Sensing my confusion, he introduced himself and I was once more, redfaced. I have known him and his parents forever, ever since he was a youngster in 4-H with my sons. Sorry, Keith. When I returned from the sale and told my wife about, yet, another failure-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

to-know situation, she commented, “I know you have a problem, but I can’t understand how you are unable to recognize a human face, yet with at least a 100 cows that are all black, you can identify each and every one from a quarter-mile away.” “Well,” I answered, “they call it Facial Recognition Disorder, not Cow Recognition Disorder. I’d be in a heck of a predicament if I couldn’t identify my own cows.” Then, after noticing Judy had gone to the salon and gotten a haircut, while I was at the auction, I added, “And just who are you?”

JANUARY 11, 2016

An Animal Menagerie

meet your

neighbors Jim and Cynde Watson raise a variety of animals, as well as climate-controled crops at their Bruno, Ark., farm.

By Pam Fortner

Couple raises a variety of livestock at their Marion County, Ark., homestead The modern definition of homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of foodstuffs and being as free from outside sources as possible. Modern homesteaders usually raise crops and animals that are hardy, usually heritage breeds of animals and heirloom-type crops. Jim and Cynde Watson have just such a homestead farm in Bruno, Ark. After retiring four years ago from northern Missouri, the couple relocated to their 40-acre farm in Marion County. Neither Cynde nor Jim was raised with an extensive agriPhoto by Pam and Jack Fortner cultural background, but both wanted to try homesteading. They read and did lots The chickens lay better during the winter months than most breeds. The eggs are of research, talked to people and began to form a plan. They wanted animals that could graze and forage on pasture and in the woods, be hardy and easy to maintain. a tannish-white with sturdy shells. The Icelandic chickens love picking through and The Watsons have selected Dexter cattle, St. Croix sheep, rabbits and Icelandic chickens. turning over a compost pile, but that means that they also love pecking through a “We started with the St. Croix sheep, then we looked into KuneKune pigs,” Cynde garden. Unfortunately, they’ll take the good with the bad. Jim said that while the Icelandic chickens are common in Iceland, they’re unique said. “We have raised some litters and we enjoyed that. But the paperwork – all of to Arkansas. It can be a little pricey to get a flock started. the registration process – was a lot of work.” To round out their animal potpourri, the Watsons have a couple of rabbits. Cynde adds that the KuneKune pigs originally came from New Zealand and the “Rabbits truly are the best thing to raise for a homestead because they raise up realMaori people raised them in their villages around their children, thus conditioning ly fast and we can find plenty of things to feed them year-round,” Cynde said. “If we them to be friendly and gentle with people. However, all the paperwork that was necessary to keep the breed registered was can’t go get pellets, we can still find enough food. We get lots of meat from them.” The most amazing thing on the Watsons’ homestead is their fodder house. Inside this just too much. Jim and Cynde decided to discontinue with the KuneKune pigs and climate-controlled space, they can grow wheat for their cattle and sheep. Starting with switch to St. Croix sheep, which originated in the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix. “They’re a hair sheep, considered a heritage breed,” Cynde said. “They’re so love- wheat seed soaked overnight in water, the Watsons spread the seed in troughs. In six days the wheat has produced a complete root system and has grown about 6 inches in height. able. Their babies are so darling and they’re such good mothers.” Then Jim and Cynde harvest their wheat and use it as animal feed. Jim said their vet is amazed at the lack of worms and parasites in the St. The Watsons do have solar panels, but they don’t for provide all their Croix sheep. They’re extremely disease resistant. Bruno, Ark. electrical needs. However, they have created a homestead where they can Adding to the Watsons’ international menagerie of animals are their Icebe almost self-sustaining. Their animals provide any meat they might need, landic chickens. Cynde explains that they’re an ancient breed and are conand in a pinch both the Dexter cattle and the St. Croix sheep can be milked. sidered a barnyard chicken. In the summer Jim and Cynde grow a garden and freeze-dry bags and bags “They’re as common as dirt in Iceland,” Jim explained. “They’re nothing of fruits and veggies. “If someone turned off the electricity tomorrow, we special. That’s why there’s 40 million different colors and combinations, could survive,” Jim said. everything from white to black to speckled and everything in between.”

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The Cutting Edge By Terry Ropp

University of Arkansas professor is spearheading meat science research

Photo by Terry Ropp

Dr. Jason Apple has two passions: teaching and research. His grandmother told him that being a good teacher requires a passion for the subject matter and compassion for students. He has both in abundance as evidenced by numerous students entering his office with a variety of requests, all of which he gave his full, friendly attention during and interview with Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “What motivated me no longer motivates today’s students, and as a teacher you must change with the times or become irrelDr. Jason Apple defines evant,” he said. meat science as the study Jason Apple is a of animal-based foods. professor of meat science and muscle biology at the Dewhich his myriad of ideas pass before partment of Animal Science at the Uni- funding is sought. Anything can spark versity of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. an idea. Dr. Apple sites one instance in He defined meat science as the study of which an answer to a “real life” quesanimal-based foods from gate to plate, tion on an exam gave birth to a research with the main focus on the end product. project on how to prevent cold toughBecause of his broader perspective, he ening in goat meat by suspending the looks out for both the producer and the carcass differently, the type of project he consumer as much as possible because was diligently seeking for an undergradthe meat industry can only profit if ev- uate research project. Though similar erything is properly aligned. investigations had been done Admitting he can neither in beef and lamb, none had sing nor even draw a stick Fayetteville, Ark. been done in goats. figure, Dr. Apple maintains Lincoln University in Jefthat designing research is ferson City, Mo., provided 28 nonetheless an art. His regoats for the initial experiment. search partner Dr. Janael After harvest, goat carcasses were Yancey, is the filter through hung traditionally by the Achilles

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

meet your neighbors tendon, suspended from the pelvic bone with front and hind legs tied together and or suspended traditionally with the addition of a strategic cut between the 12th and 13th vertebrae. Suspension of the carcass from the pelvic bone produced more tender meat, while the strategic cut did not in this first experiment. A later experiment added weight for more stretch and bubble wrap to reduce rapid cooling and muscle contraction with that experimentation ongoing. More importantly, however, is that this is an example of how meat science can also benefit small producers who may process their own animals for sale to customers. One example of the importance of the consumer is reflected in Dr. Apple’s particular attention to color. “We buy with our eyes,” he said. Recently a research project is focusing on 20-percent fat raw ground beef that was predominantly made with trimmings from the round and that was too light in color. Bull meat was added due to its deeper red coloring, but the pH level was too high and looked raw when cooked, even though the temperature was correct. The research goal is to retain the bull meat but change the color through the addition of other consumer accepted ingredients that will raise no health concerns. One of the more important findings of Dr. Apple’s research is that meticulous care of young animals is essential in producing profitable consumer acceptable animals in the feed yard. “The goal is to maintain a high lifetime energy level by supporting the animal when it’s very young as well as during its stocker and feed yard life,” he said. What this means for producers is that early worming and quality feeding combined with other health protocols produce the most profitable animals. Weaning causes stress and young calves often do not take in sufficient energy (feed) to maintain that essential, high level. High-quality meat for customers requires maintaining a high lifetime energy level. The problem is, when money becomes tight, producers often decrease those elements which produce the most money, which can mean lower quality feed and reduced energy. JANUARY 11, 2016

Recent research in replacing soybean meal with food-grade, synthetic amino acids in the feed of pigs can reduce excess nitrogen excretion in urine. This change may help both animal energy needs and the environment. The research is indicating that all amino acids may be essential and that those considered nonessential provide crucial contributions to pig weight gains along with the “essential” ones. Dr. Apple found that supplementing these reduced protein diets with specific amino acids actually increased marbling and fat quality which benefits both domestic and foreign consumers. Like so many people involved in animal agriculture, Dr. Apple is frustrated by the consumers’ misunderstanding of some issues. One example is the need to use “food grade additives” rather than synthetic to allay fears. Another is consumers not realizing that growth-promoting hormones (and antibiotics) have not been part of poultry feeding regimens for a very long time. Obviously, the use of antibiotics is the most humane way to help with disease, especially with animal welfare being a top priority for Dr. Apple. “A recent survey found 80 percent of consumers still believe growth hormones are still used in poultry production,” Dr. Apple said. A final area of consumer misunderstanding is the relationship between the foods we eat and the health consequences. “As our consumption of meat has decreased, our intake of carbohydrates and vegetable oils has increased at the same rate as our waistbands and obesity rates,” Dr. Apple said. “God has a sense of humor. When I was young I wanted to be a ruminant nutritionist and said I would never be involved in research, but eventually research caught my attention and became my passion with about half of my research being nutrition-based.”

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50 ALSIKE, Perennial 90% 2.68 50 WHITE CLOVER, “Nitro” 3.96 3.76 25 WHITE CLOVER, Durana ASK Coated, 65% Purity 50 SWEET, Yellow Blossom 88% 1.79 1.59 50 ARROWLEAF, Yuchi 2.42 Winter Annual, 99% Purity 50 CRIMSON, Winter Annual 90% 1.28 1.08 50 BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL, Leo Jan. 2.96

ALFALFAS 60 COMMON SENSE, Inoc.

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OTHER CLOVERS 50 LADINO, “JUMBO”

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Nixa, Missouri

SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

nixahardware.com Nixa Hardware Company warrants to the extent of the purchase price that seeds sold are as described on the container within recognized tolerances. Seller gives no other or further warranty expressed or implied. Prices/Germination subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Your Ag Chemicals Headquarters No license req’d to buy 2,4-D or GrazonNext!

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Learning & Celebrating By Pam and Terry Lamb

IRWP, city of Cave Springs, Ark. join forces for a holiday celebration The Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) and the city of Cave Springs, Ark., partnered recently to bring residents and visitors Santa Cause Fun Walk. Admission was a canned food item or $10 gift for a girl or boy to benefit Camp Alliance Military Families. Starting in the morning, participants could attend guided walks through the IRWP Sanctuary trails or explore the trails at their own pace. In the afternoon, participants could get a free picture with Santa provided by the city of Cave Springs, create nature inspired Christmas tree ornaments and visit with artists from the Illinois River Salon at the IRWP Watershed Learning Center. Families could also view Christmas-themed films at the Cave Springs Community Center. Nelson Hardware gave hayrides. Downtown Cave Springs lit their Christmas decorations that evening. “We certainly wanted people to know about the Learning Center and the Watershed Sanctuary here in Cave Springs,” Dr. Delia Haak of the IRWP said. “We thought we would have a day of activities for kids to come and hike the trails, come in and do some art and nature decorations for Christmas.” The Illinois River Salon featured 75 paintings from their 2015 exhibitions. The Watershed Learning Center provides art and nature inspired projects through a grant from the Wingate Charitable Foundation. “Christmas ornaments are made out of tree cookies, little round shapes made from wood kids can decorate. Even though we are having fun, the maps and other exhibits we have at the Nature Center give us a chance to educate and inform people who are curious about our exhibits,” Haak added. Incorporated in 1910, Cave Springs, Ark., acquired its name from two caves and the springs flowing from them. The spring emits 6 million gallons of water per day at a constant temperature of 54 degrees. The caves and springs are home to many bats, contains the largest known population of the rare and threatened Ozark cavefish and rare plants, including Ozark trillium. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission bought nearly 60 acres, including the caves, in 1985 to protect the grey bats, cavefish and plants. After Arkansas became a state in 1836 and Cave Springs’ first grist mill was constructed, people began to populate the area. A second grist mill was constructed and was one of the few grist mills to operate continuously throughout the Civil War.

The Kansas City and Memphis Railroad built a line through the area in 1906. The area was named Cannon until a new post office with the name Cave Springs was established in 1908. The Cave Springs Bank was founded the same year. A hotel, barbershop, blacksmith shop, and several stores quickly followed. The city was incorporated in 1910. The Shores Warehouse, now on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1911. A sorghum mill was built in 1920 and operated until the Great Depression. W. M. Bartlett acquired property in Cave Springs containing a 6-acre lake around the time Cave Springs was incorporated and replaced the earthen dam with a concrete structure, also installing dressing rooms for swimmers. In 1947, E. L. Keith purchased the property and made further improvements to the dam and lake, including a skating rink, a restaurant and a trout hatchery. The lake was renamed for him and is still called Lake Keith. During the 1950s, the city laid pipes from the caves to provide water to its residents. Because of the area’s natural beauty, Cave Springs was known more for its recreational appeal rather than its role in industry or agriculture. Cave Springs sits at the urban headwaters of the Illinois River. The Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have a master plan to restore the lake to be a place where families can gather once Photo by Pam Lamb again. The IRWP was established ten years ago to bring funding agencies and organizations together with local landowners and community stakeholders in an effort to improve and protect water quality in the Illinois River Watershed. The IRWP headquarters, Learning Center and Water Sanctuary is just downstream and by Lake Keith. The IRWP uses education, outreach, water quality monitoring, conservation and restoration projects to accomplish its goals. The IRWP’s education and outreach programs involve a music program, after school program including art and nature camps for kids; an urban workshop for educators; a rain garden academy and annual conference. An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission grant paid for the new outdoor classroom pavilion, new control gate and boat launch. The IRWP and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission have developed a master plan to restore the lake to be a place where families and nature lovers can gather once again. The transformation of the lake will include outdoor facilities designed by award winning architects and feature outdoor learning facilities, trails and a fishing boardwalk.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Carson Farm Supply Owners: Rick Carson (pictured) and David Partlow Location: Alma, Ark. History: The Teague and Wofford families began a feed store in 1948 as a sideline to their large-scale produce farm from which they shipped both fruits and vegetables. They sold what became a farm supply store in 1989 to David Partlow and Rick Carson, with Mary Teague remaining. “At the time, David was the manager at their downtown location while I was working for an oil company. We moved to our current, larger and more general public assessable location three years later and expanding again four years ago by adding both warehouse space and increasing the square footage of our show room. David’s son, John, now helps manage the store and our four employees,” Rick said. Products and Services: Feed is an important part of sales profile, especially since a large part of the Carson Farm Supply customer base is smaller farmers with diverse needs. “We sell packaged livestock feed from ADM, Nutrena and Big V for cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and rabbits, as well as wildlife. The big lines in our dog and cat foods are Diamond, Taste of the Wild and Nutrena. Vet and pet supplies including vaccines, fly sprays, antibiotics, wound treatments and wormers are also available. We are one of the few remaining bulk vegetable garden seed retailers along with pasture seeds.” Weed control chemicals and fertilizers as well as spreaders, sprayers, water hoses and nozzles are available to round out support for the seed business. Carson Farm Supply carries Stafix and Patriot fence chargers and accessories, Big Smith overalls, Muck boots and Walls insulated clothing, in addition to a large selection of gloves with double palm fencing gloves being an important addition. “We are proud to be a Platinum Case Knife dealer with a wide selection including hunting and pocket knives,” Rick said. Philosophy and future: Rick said they understand having personal relations with customers leads to trust. “We train our employees to be personable, knowledgeable and helpful. Trust is also gained by only offering products we believe perform exactly as advertised. Farm supply technology and products are constantly improving so we are always on the lookout for new products that will enhance every aspect of our business and our customers’ operations,” Rick said. Story and Photo By Terry Ropp JANUARY 11, 2016

Put Some Extra

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The quickest way to increase the profit at your sale is to have more buyers bidding. The best way to get more buyers is to tell them to come.

Reach Your Potential Buyers With The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper. More than 24,000 copies are mailed primarily to farm families and producers in 60 counties across the Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma Ozarks. Research indicates you will reach more than an estimated 58,000 readers when you run your sale ad in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor.

You Need The Cattlemen’s Sweet Spot Arkansas/Oklahoma Production Sale Issues February 1, February 22, March 14, April 4

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Starting from Scratch By Terry Ropp

Brett and Andrea Nall purchased a dairy farm, 45 Jersey cows in 2010 with a goal in mind High school sweethearts Brett and Andrea Nall married soon after high school and graduated from Arkansas Tech University. One goal was for Brett to be able to farm full time, even though they had to start from scratch. For a number of years they lived on a small 13-acre farm in Spring Valley, Ark., where they raised a small commercial cattle herd and hors-

ing position in Gravette, Ark. They purchased the farm six months after the owner had retired his dairy herd. Brett is methodical and thoughtful. After investigating different breeds, Brett settled on Jerseys because they produce more milk per pound of body weight, have higher protein and butterfat content and require less acreage per cow. They also reproduce easily and tolerate Ozarks weather well.

Quality Feeds and Suplements Farmers Coop can help you maintain weight gains made this summer. Ask one of our Farmers Coop professionals to help you with your livestock feeding program.

Brett Nall, pictured with son Clayton, and his family milk a herd of Jersey cattle near Colcord, Okla.

Coweta, OK 918-486-5322

Stilwell, OK 918-696-3191

www.farmerscoop.biz

Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

es. Brett had already learned “cow stuff” like AI and was a farrier for 15 years while Andrea taught school. The couple saved money, and in 2008 began hunting for an operating farm. Early on they discarded the idea of raising chickens because the investment was too high. Two years later they found a 90-acre dairy farm in Colcord, Okla., close enough to the state line for Andrea to obtain a teach-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Photo by Terry Ropp

“I put a pencil to it and figured out that I could make more money with Jerseys through Central Federal Milk Order, which pays by components such as butterfat and protein,” Brett said. In 2010, Brett and Andrea bought a herd of 45 Jerseys in Kentucky for their new farm, a work in progress. Brett used portable fencing for several years in his intensive rotational Colcord, Okla. grazing program, but now has 17 fields with high — Continued on Page 16 JANUARY 11, 2016

town &

country

in the field and in the office

COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE Today's farmers and ranchers have more challenges than ever

Heath Nelson

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In Town: “I own Nelson Feed Store in Gentry, Ark. We were in business in our Elm Springs location for two years. We decided to move to Gentry and closed the Elm Springs store. We have been in business here in Gentry for two years now. Our current location in Gentry has provided feed service since 1946. Nelson Feed Store is a full service feed store with an extensive line of whatever a cattle or local farmer may need. “I was an electrician for seven years before I bought this store. We started traveling with the electrician business and I am a home-body just like most of the people around here. We were on the road for three months. Traveling was just not what I wanted to do. My son plays ball and I was gone all summer. I came home, bought the Elm Springs store and went from there. I bought the feed store so I could be back with my family, have a farm life and be closer to home. No more big towns.” Country Life: “We have a farm between Elm Springs and Cave Springs, Ark. We run 45 momma cows. We have a mix of Black Angus, Beefmaster and a few Charolais. We have two bulls, one is a Simangus and the other is Hereford. We cut and bale our own hay. I’ve been running cows for 20 years. I did rodeo for a while, but not anymore. My son, Aidan, has his own cattle. He started with one cow and now he has eight. Aidan is starting to excel in sports too. I lettered in every sport in school and Aidan seems to be following in my footsteps and I wanted to be here for him while he plays sports.” Future: “I want to be here running the feed store for the next 30 years. I’d like to make this a family business and pass it on to my boy. I want to build him a future here and at home on the farm.”

Story and Photo By Pam Lamb JANUARY 11, 2016

Contact one of our loan officers today to learn how Arvest can help.

arvest.com/agloans

Member FDIC

What’s Happening

at OFN? Farm Finance, Animal Health and Production Sale Issue, February 1st Ad Space Reservation Deadline: January 15th

What’s inside?

This issue will contain the latest information on animal health and tips on farm finance.

Deadlines are approaching quickly, call today to place your ad and reach more than 24,000 readers!

PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753 • ofn@ozarksfn.com

1-866-532-1960 • ozarksfn.com

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

market sales reports

bulls

127.00. Missouri: no test. Equity Elec: no sales. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1: Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 240.00-264.00, few 272.00; 60-70 lbs 222.00-236.00, few 242.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-228.00; 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) 80-90 lbs 198.00-216.00; 90-100 lbs 178.00-182.00. Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Pennsylvania: 40-50 lbs 320-385.00; 50-60 lbs 300.00Steers: 124.50-135.50; wtd. avg. price 133.23. 355.00; 60-70 lbs 260.00-325.00; 70-80 lbs 255.00; 90-110 Heifers: 125.00-136.00; wtd. avg. price 133.38. lbs 185.00-225.00. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Kalona, IA: 50-55 lbs 242.50-245.00; 60-70 lbs 210.00Steers: 200.00-214.00; wtd. avg. price 211.26. 225.00; 70-75 lbs 205.00-210.00; 80-85 lbs 185.00-197.50. Heifers: 199.00-212.00; wtd. avg. price 211.22. Ft. Collins: no test. Missouri: 45-70 lbs 200.00-222.50. Virginia: 30-60 lbs 150.00-210.00; 60-90 lbs 150.00217.50; 90-110 lbs 185.00-210.00. Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 12/15/15 South Dakota: 70-80 lbs 157.00-167.00; 85 lbs 150.00; 95 Receipts: 415 lbs 137.00. The demand was good. The supply was light and included Billings, MT: no test. two herd dispersals. There were near 07 percent springer National Sheep Summary 12/18/15 Direct Trading: (lambs fob with 3-4 percent shrink or heifers, 11 percent bred heifers, 30 percent open heifers, 04 equivalent) percent fresh cows, 11 percent milking cows, 06 percent bred Weekly Trends: Compared to last week heavy slaughter 3900: Slaughter Lambs shorn and wooled 132-165 lbs and springer cows, and 18 percent baby calves. The balance lambs were steady to 8.00 lower; light slaughter lambs 125.00-158.10 (wtd avg 143.46). were steady to 20.00 higher, except at San Angelo, TX 160 was steers, bulls and slaughter cows. Prices reported are on a where they were steady to 10.00 lower. Slaughter ewes Slaughter Ewes: per head basis and for Holsteins unless noted otherwise. San Angelo: Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good were steady. No comparison on feeder lambs. At San Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 1-3 (medium flesh) 78.00-93.00, high-yielding 96.00Angelo, TX 4400 head sold in a one day sale. No sales 1750.00-2075.00, Jerseys 1500.00-1775.00, Approved 106.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 70.00-74.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 in Equity Electronic Auction. In direct trading slaughter 1350.00-1600.00, Jerseys 1325.00-1475.00, crossbreds (very thin) 62.00; Cull 1 (extremely thin) 50.00. ewes and feeder lambs were not tested. 3900 head of 1250.00-1850.00, Medium crossbreds 1050.00-1175.00. Pennsylvania: Good 2-3 (fleshy) 75.00-127.00; Utility 1-2 negotiated sales of slaughter lambs were 2.00-3.00 Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1500.0070.00-85.00; Cull 1 no test. lower. 10,700 head of formula sales under 55 lbs were 1875.00, ind Jersey 1675.00, crossbreds 1600.00-1850.00, Ft. Collins: Good 3-5 (very fleshy) no test; Good not well tested; 55-65 lbs were 2.00-4.00 higher; 65-95 Approved ind Jersey 1550.00, few crossbreds 1425.002-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 lbs were 1.00-4.00 lower and over 95 lbs had no recent 1475.00, Medium 1200.00-1325.00, few Jerseys 1000.00(extremely thin) no test. comparison. 4,228 carcasses sold with 45 lbs and down 1125.00, crossbreds 1025.00-1150.00, Common 800.00Billings, MT: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 50.00; Good 2-3 29.90 higher; 45-65 lbs 1.77-3.96 higher and 65 lbs and 1050.00, few Jerseys 725.00-875.00. (fleshy) 57.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 61.00-70.00; Cull 1 up 1.46-3.22 lower. All sheep sold per hundred weight Heifers bred one to three months: Approved 1525.0050.00-67.00. (CWT) unless otherwise specified. 1625.00, Medium ind Jersey 1300.00, Common 690.00So Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 64.00; Good 2-3 Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: 975.00, few Jerseys 750.00-850.00, Crossbreds 400.00(fleshy) 75.00-82.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 66.00; Cull 1 62.00. San Angelo: shorn and wooled 115-170 lbs 128.00-144.00. 750.00. Missouri: Good 2-3 70.00-86.00. VA: wooled 90-110 lbs 170.00; 110-130 lbs 165.00; 130Open Heifers: Approved 150-300 lbs pkg 2, 270 lbs Virginia: Good 2-4 85.00-117.50; Utility 1-2 70.00-99.00; 160 lbs 135.00-192.50. 630.00, crossbreds 250.00-380.00, 300-398 lbs 600.00Cull 1 42.50-65.00. PA: shorn and wooled 110-130 lbs 170.00-190.00; 130-150 690.00, Jerseys 740.00-980.00, crossbreds 460.00-790.00, Kalona: Good 2-3 72.50-87.00; Utility and Good 1-3 lbs 150.00-170.00; 150-200 lbs 140.00-160.00. 410-475 lbs 720.00- 940.00,ind Jersey 425 lbs 890.00, 50.00; Utility 1-2 70.00-77.50; Cull 1 55.00. Ft.Collins, CO: no test. crossbreds 610.00-690.00, 539-600 lbs 900.00-1020.00, Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2: South Dakota: shorn 150 lbs 125.00; wooled 120-160 lbs 605-695 lbs ind 1100.00, ind crossbred 1040.00, 710-775 San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 228.00-232.00; 60-70 lbs 205.00120.50-124.00. lbs 1020.00-1060.00, ind crossbred 1060.00. 214.00; 70-80 lbs 180.00-190.00; 85-90 lbs 160.00-168.00; Billings, MT: no test. Medium: ind 240 lbs 320.00, 325-345 lbs 280.00-480.00, 103 lbs 149.00. Kalona, IA: wooled 100-140 lbs 127.50-132.00; 165 lbs ind crossbred 440.00, 485-490 lbs 430.00-550.00. Virginia: no test. Replacement Cows: Fresh Cows: Supreme 1650.001850.00, ind 2225.00, Approved 1500.00-1600.00, Medium 1250.00-1475.00, Common 900.00-1030.00.

65.00-93.00 † Not Reported † 85.00-100.00*

Not Reported † Not Reported † Not Reported* 75.00-100.00 † 72.50-102.00 †

OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Ozarks Regional Stockyardss Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock

sheep &

Not Reported † 77.00-102.00 † Not Reported* 67.00-100.00 †

100

slaughter

120

140

cows

(Week of 12/13/15 to 12/19/15) Arkansas Cattle Auction

50.00-68.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock

50.00-76.00 † Not Reported* 52.00-69.50 †

Barry County Regional Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock

60.00-80.00* 50.00-69.00 † Not Reported † 65.00-85.00* Not Reported*

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Ark

52.00-75.00 † Not Reported † Not Reported † Not Reported † Not Reported* 30.00-79.00 † 54.00-76.00 † Not Reported † 45.00-76.00 †

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

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

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

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 12/15/15

Ash Flat Livestock

571 Uneven

St-10 Higher

185.00-212.50 162.50-188.50 143.00-170.00 138.00-145.00 135.00-140.00

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

----155.00-175.00 122.50-160.00 116.00-132.00 ----160.00-180.00 150.00-175.00 128.00-175.00 128.00-147.50 140.00-155.00

110

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 12/17/15

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

12/18/15

Barry Co. Regional Stockyards* -----

12/16/15

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 12/14/15

617

-----

578

1050

327

-----

Uneven

St-15 Higher

Uneven

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

207.00-227.00 187.00-213.00 150.00-189.00 144.00-153.00 129.00-130.00

187.00-222.50 178.00-202.50 160.00-181.00 139.00-159.00 133.00-141.00

185.00-200.00 161.00-185.00 140.00-160.00 135.00-143.00 128.00-130.00

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

200.00-219.00 177.00-209.00 144.00-174.00 130.00-152.00 118.00-123.00

173.00-205.00 179.00-192.50 142.00-174.00 139.00-146.00 120.00-135.00

----143.00-170.00 157.00 128.00-137.00 -----

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

149.00-172.00 147.00-155.00 124.00-161.00 120.00-146.00 -----

143.00-170.00 139.00-159.00 131.00-147.00 120.00-140.00 122.00-130.00

160.00-175.00 137.00-161.00 130.00-145.00 130.00-132.00 130.00

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

goats

stocker & feeder

130

127 5(3257('

Not Reported* † 3 30.00-70.00

121( 5(3257('

dairy cattle

Nati

beef

Not Reported* 80.00-94.00 † 74.00-98.00*

Not Reported* 87.00-98.00 † Not Reported †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

cattle

Ft. Bill 178 90149 123 Kal

County Line Sale Ratcliff -----

Decatur Livestock*

-----

845

-----

Steady

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

200.00-245.00 185.00-210.00 175.00-184.00 147.00-158.00 125.00-146.00

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

185.00-210.00 150.00-169.00 138.00-154.00 128.00-139.00 92.00-105.00

12/15/15

Farmer’s & Farmers Ranchers Livestock Vinita, Okla.* Springdale ----12/18/15 -----

619

-----

3-22 Higher

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

210.00-245.00 177.50-214.00 155.00-187.50 142.00-161.00 138.00-145.00

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

202.50-212.50 169.00-210.00 150.00-179.00 137.00-153.00 127.00-131.00

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

157.50-197.50 139.00-180.00 133.00-154.00 126.00-145.00 119.00-130.00

Ft. Smith Livestock ---------

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

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

Joplin Regiona Stockyard 12/14/15

-----

6500

-----

5-15 Lowe

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

182.50-212.0 162.00-196.0 135.00-186.0 133.00-160.0 132.00-148.0

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

----159.00-202.0 147.50-177.0 137.50-147.0 -----

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

161.00-173.0 124.00-172.0 132.50-147.0 123.00-144.0 130.00-144.0

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Che $1.5 and Flui Cal outp the New prod term milk the nex still Dem SPO POU Mid

prices 127 5(3257('

Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Cleburne County County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

Milking Cows: Supreme few 1675.00-1850.00, Approved few 1500.00, ind Jersey 1425.00, Medium 1275.00-1425.00, Jerseys 1150.00-1350.00, Common 875.00-1200.00, few Jerseys 800.00-900.00. 1/3/16 Springer Cows: Supreme few 1700.00, ind Jersey 1725.00, Approved 1525.00-1575.00, Medium 1350.00-1425.00, ind Jersey 1200.00. Bred Cows: Approved few 1525.00-1650.00, Medium ind Jersey 1225.00, Common ind 1100.00, few Jerseys 800950.00, few crossbreds 610.00-700.00. Baby Calves: Holstein heifers pkg 4 large 290.00, small 70.00-190.00, Holstein bulls 115.00-160.00, small 60.00100.00, Jersey heifers few 200.00-250.00, crossbred heifers few 110.00-200.00, crossbred bulls 90.00-170.00, beef cross bulls ind 250.00.

127 5(3257('

Arkansas Cattle

69.00-94.00 † 79.00-91.00 †

127 5(3257('

(Week of 12/13/15 to 12/19/15)

127 5(3257('

slaughter

JANUARY 11, 2016

925.00-1400.00 † Not Reported* 1000.00-1550.00 †

$150.0

Not Reported †

Ash Flat El Reno Ft. Smith Green Forest Heber Springs Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs Springdale Tulsa West Plains

1400.00-2000.00* Not Reported* 1250.00-1725.00 † Not Reported †

4.74

3.72

3.63

3.70

n Hele

Elain

Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

8.46 5.95 4.37

Mid-State Stockyards North Ark OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction

3.30

eo Osc

usta

Aug

Joplin Regional Stockyards 12/14/15

-----

6500

-----

5-15 Lower

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

182.50-212.00 162.00-196.00 135.00-186.00 133.00-160.00 132.00-148.00

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

----159.00-202.00 147.50-177.00 137.50-147.00 -----

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

161.00-173.00 124.00-172.00 132.50-147.00 123.00-144.00 130.00-144.00

Mid-State Stockyards*

JANUARY 11, 2016

-----

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 12/16/15

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 12/16/15

-----

960

3108

-----

Uneven

2-5 Lower

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

200.00-215.00 170.00-182.00 142.00-173.00 139.00-165.00 125.00-142.00

217.50-272.50 194.00-216.00 193.00-201.00 147.00-164.00 135.00-151.50

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

200.00 162.00-166.00 130.00-163.00 137.00-147.00 127.00-132.00

195.00-200.00 187.50 160.00-180.00 125.00-149.50 140.00

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

151.00-175.00 143.00-160.00 132.00-154.00 120.00-138.00 124.00

185.00-248.00 170.00-191.00 137.00-165.00 136.00-159.00 131.00-145.50

1000

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. -----

** **

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

197.50-217.50 185.00-215.00 157.00-186.00 140.00-162.00 141.00-151.00

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

227.50 194.00 139.00-153.00 128.00-138.00 -----

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

157.50-183.00 145.00-170.00 137.00-152.50 132.00-140.0 131.00-141.00

** 141.94 133.85 133.50

157.69 171.98

168.78

165.83

144.74

149.18

** 137.42

165.04 144.44

134.77

159.72 ** ** **

139.94 ** ** **

149.94

134.55

157.99

132.16 144.67

164.12 *

3000

* *

161.23

None Reported †

1921

** **

152.31

600.00-2150.00 †

Uneven

145.82

157.89

Not Reported*

-----

Week of 12/6/15

None Reported † Not Reported †

-----

145.92

165.39

Not Reported * 900.00-2500.00 †

Ozarks Regional West Plains 12/15/15

134.23

167.07 151.00

Not Reported †

2000

154.87 **

Not Reported † Not Reported †

4000

5000

Stilwell Livestock Auction* -----

Tulsa Livestock Auction 12/14/15

127 5(3257('

eville lyth

4.94

5.02 4.89

8.90

127 5(3257('

8.85

127 5(3257('

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

ices

ith ck

8.89

Week of 12/13/15

avg. grain prices

Ash Flat El Reno Ft. Smith Green Forest Heber Springs Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs Springdale Tulsa West Plains

180.73

pairs

Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15

heifers 550-600 LBS.

***

*** 176.33 *** *** ***

***

Week of 12/20/15

cow/calf

July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15

Not Reported † Not Reported † Not Reported *

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.5300 and 40# blocks at $1.5075. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4875(+.0575) Mid-State Stockyards and blocks, $1.4544 (+.0406). North Ark 675.00-2475.00 † Fluid Milk: Farm level milk production is higher in 1000.00-2200.00 † OKC West - El Reno California, Arizona, Florida, and the Northeast region. Milk Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Not Reported † output is steady in the other regions of the country. Between 750.00-2200.00 † Ozarks Regional fob with 3-4 percent shrink or the last weekend and early this week, winter storms affected Not Reported * Stilwell Livestock Auction New Mexico and the Central states. Because of this, some 1035.00-1425.00 † Tulsa Livestock Auction shorn and wooled 132-165 lbs producers anticipate a reduction of milking cows in the short 143.46). term. Balancing plants have been very busy clearing heavy 250 750 1250 1750 2250 2750 milk volumes. Bottled milk orders are mixed throughout (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good the country as schools in some states are reopening during 00-93.00, high-yielding 96.00next week, but will still closed in others. Cream supplies are n) 70.00-74.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 still increasing and are clearing into butter churn facilities. 1 (extremely thin) 50.00. Demand for cream is light. 3 (fleshy) 75.00-127.00; Utility 1-2 SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER (Week of 12/13/15 to 12/19/15) test. POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper very fleshy) no test; Good Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy None Reported † Midwest - $1.8298-2.2771. lity 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 Ash Flat Livestock 1770.00 † t. Barry County Regional Not Reported* 4 (very fleshy) 50.00; Good 2-3 Benton County Sale Barn None Reported † -2 (thin) 61.00-70.00; Cull 1 Cattlemen’s Livestock 1500.00-3050.00 * Week Ended 1/5/16 Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs None Reported † Soybeans Soft Wheat Corn Sorghum very fleshy) 64.00; Good 2-3 County Line Sale - Ratcliff Not Reported † 20 tility 1-2 (thin) 66.00; Cull 1 62.00. Decatur Livestock 1800.00-2500.00* .00-86.00. Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Not Reported * 16 00-117.50; Utility 1-2 70.00-99.00; Farmers Livestock 1325.00-1675.00 †

0-87.00; Utility and Good 1-3 -77.50; Cull 1 55.00. m and Large 1-2: 228.00-232.00; 60-70 lbs 205.000-190.00; 85-90 lbs 160.00-168.00;

Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Mar. 15 Apr. 15 May 15 June 15

steers 550-600 LBS.

1200.00-2550.00 * 900.00-1625.00 †

Week of 12/6/15

12/31/15

$182.5

146.50 *** *** ***

***

-----

1477

-----

***

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

219.00-227.00 196.00 -----150.50-155.00 136.00-141.00

***

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

195.00-198.00 174.00-191.00 172.00-174.00 ----110.00-124.00

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

180.00-191.00 --------156.00 -----

*** *** *** *** ***

Week of 12/27/15

Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Live County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

Week of 12/13/15

0.00-222.50. .00-210.00; 60-90 lbs 150.0000-210.00. bs 157.00-167.00; 85 lbs 150.00; 95

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$215.0

Prices reported per cwt

800.00-1325.00 †

Arkansas Cattle

dairy sales

242.50-245.00; 60-70 lbs 210.000-210.00; 80-85 lbs 185.00-197.50.

cows

(Week of 12/13/15 to 12/19/15)

550-600 lb. steers

$247.5

Week of 12/20/15

ice and Prime 1: 240.00-264.00, few 272.00; 60-70 242.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-228.00; 0; 90-100 lbs 178.00-182.00. s 320-385.00; 50-60 lbs 300.000-325.00; 70-80 lbs 255.00; 90-110

replacement

Ft. Collins: no test. Billings: 50-60 lbs 170.00-171.00; 60-70 lbs 160.00178.00; 70-80 lbs 160.00-171.00; 80-90 lbs 153.00-161.00; 90-100 lbs 145.50-161.00; 100-110 lbs 135.00-145.00, few 149.00-149.50; 110-115 lbs 133.00-143.00; 120-130 lbs 123.00-130.00. Kalona: 90 lbs 157.50.

12 Month Avg. -

$280.0

Week of 12/27/15

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

*** *** *** *** ***

***

135

152 169 186 203 220 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Holiday

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

Serving More Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma Serving MoreThan Than24,000 24,000Readers Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

125

142 159 176 193 210 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Holiday

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

15 15

meet your neighbors Starting from Scratch Continued from Page 12 tensile wire. Fortunately, because Jerseys are smaller, fencing does not need to be as high as it does with Holsteins. Brett rotates his cows every three milkings, having learned higher grass produces more milk at a lower feed cost, though he does use grain as a supplement. Another reno-

vation project was restructuring the milking parlor to fit the smaller cows. This included narrowing the milking stations, as well as shortening them by shimming the outside wall with boards. “I already knew how to take care of cows, but milk cows have special needs I was totally unfamiliar with,” Brett recalled. “Without help from a lot of people, including my neighbors and my

partners, I wouldn’t have been able to make it.” One tip he received from Jolly Wiseman was placing hay in the shade because the cows seek shade and will therefore eat. Very early on, after buying a Jersey bull from the David Boyer family because he liked the bull’s bloodlines, Brett entered into a contract with the Webbers Falls,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Okla., family for a breeding program using bulls from the Boyer farm. The Boyer family want to keep their registered herd’s bloodlines active and send lactating cows to Brett’s to be milked. Brett then sends his heifers back to the Boyer’s for breeding, and the Boyers have the option to purchase heifers from the Nalls. Brett also sells the bull calves on the commercial market. The creative partnership allows both parties to focus on their preferred aspects of the dairy industry. While Bret understands the advantages of seasonal dairies, he prefers a yearround operation in order to even out cash flow and to allow a cow or heifer to miss a season before being culled. Still unsatisfied with potential income fluctuations, Brett is beginning to diversify his operation by adding a commercial cow/ calf component. He had a Limousin bull which he bred to some Jersey cows. He retained 15 of the heifers for the beginning of his commercial herd. That cross is now being bred to an Angus bull, with those cattle being moved to two fields reserved for the commercial herd. While Brett has used AI, he cut to 25 percent last year and will probably only do so with special cows to help develop his commercial herd. “AI is a good way to improve bloodlines quickly, but it is more labor-intensive so I will use it sparingly for now,” Brett said. One way Brett was able to fulfill he and Andrea’s desire for him to be a full-time farmer in order to spend more time with his family was by scheduling milkings at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. He is, therefore, able to help coach his sons. Clayton, 9, who participates in peewee football while Tanner, 16, competes in rodeo roping. “I like taking care of the animals by feeding the dogs and horses and helping to feed the cows,” Clayton said. In addition to helping out on the farm, Tanner practices roping with their cattle and was named the ACRA Rookie Heeler of the Year. “It’s great having my dad help me out with my horses and team roping practice even though he works the farm all day,” he said.

JANUARY 11, 2016

meet your neighbors

‘It Has Never Been Easy’ By Terry Ropp

“

Couple continues the tradition of family farming that was established 165 years ago Earl and Othenia (Hughes) Burkes operate a 364-acre farm 11 miles south of Huntsville, Ark., on War Eagle Creek, most of which has been in Othenia’s family for 165 years. They live on and also operate another 340-acre farm just north of Huntsville, Ark. The Arkansas Agricultural Department presented a Century Farm plaque certifying continuous family ownership of the south farm back to 1845. Othenia’s great-grandfather’s will, as recorded in the original abstract of title, contained many interesting bequeaths such as “a mower and hay rake to JB Hughes” and to Everett Tassey “one horse, my watch and chain, and all the books in my personal library at the time of my death, as well as forgiveness of any debts owed to me at that time.” Othenia was a widowed mother of four young children when she asked her sister, Naomi, to drive her into Huntsville to pick up some aspirin for one of her children with a cold. On that hurried trip into town, Othenia met Earl Burkes, the man that would become her future husband. The couple eventually married and had three additional children they began to raise on their farm north of Huntsville. “The place was pretty much a jungle when we bought it in 1963. I always had an off the farm job which meant that weekends and holidays were packed with farm work,” Earl said. “The kids and I always did as much as possible on the farm while Earl worked days at Coca-Cola through the week,” Othenia added. In addition to Earl’s job, the family relied on income from beef cattle and later broiler production to ensure survival of the farm. The couple built four broiler houses in the late 1970s when comprehensive facility use capitalized on combination broiler/ Cornish hen production with half of the chicks in each house sold as Cornish so the rest had room to continue growing to JANUARY 11, 2016

broiler size. The chicken litter from the broilers provided a boost to cattle operations by providing a nitrogen rich fertilizer for the grazing land. The couple sold the broiler operation in 1998 when the construction of the north loop of US Highway 412 around Huntsville dissected the farm. In regard to the cattle operation, Earl said he got a little help from an old friend. “Early on I got some of the best advice I have ever received from an old Hunts-

“Like many older farmers, we got into the exotic cattle breed fad by trying Salers, Santa Gertrudis and others before settling on Charolais and Black Angus crosses for vigor and because of their size and adaptability to Arkansas rugged terrain and fluctuating climate,” Earl said. Remnants of this “rainbow herd” still remain though the majority is now Charolais/Black Angus. When downsizing, momma cows are culled according to temperament, calf Photo by Terry Ropp

Earl and Othenia (Hughes) Burkes own a farm that has been in Othenia’s family since 1845.

ville cattleman named Buck Vaughn who production, size and color rather than told me the secret to being successful in just age. Bulls run with the herd year the beef cattle business was to buy pro- round, and calves are weaned and sold duction cattle when the market looked at regular intervals. The herd is grass the worst and to reduce or thin your herd fed and supplemented with vitamins, when the market looked the minerals (usually a magnesium best,” Earl recalled. “I have salt combination) as well as always tried to follow that range cubes and grass hay in Huntsville, Ark. advice with good result.” the winter season. The couple have tried variA hobby that evolved into a ous breeds in their cattle oprevenue stream for the farm was eration before finding what Earl’s knack for buying and selling they liked. mules. Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

It has never been easy, but with sheer determination, strength in family, good neighbors, and some luck, we are fortunate to be able to pass this farming legacy to the next generation. – Earl Hughes He frequently purchased quality mules across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, then transported them to the northwest Rockies for sale to the US Forest Service and area trail guides for use as pack and riding animals. Before long, Earl had a good reputation of supplying sturdy, good natured mules for use in the rugged wilderness areas of Montana, Idaho and Washington. The venture resulted in the transfer of more than 200 mules for this purpose. More recently, the family operates a red dirt mining operation near Huntsville. The north farm, now directly in the growth path for the newly annexed portion of Huntsville along the US 412 corridor, will eventually succumb to the commercial and residential development that is encompassing the area. The south farm, however, has been placed into a family trust for its preservation and continuance. With this kind of adaptability and innovation, one can see how the family has been able to maintain the ownership and operation of a heritage farm for so many years. “It has never been easy, but with sheer determination, strength in family, good neighbors, and some luck, we are fortunate to be able to pass this farming legacy to the next generation,” Earl said.

At Stillwater Milling Company we carry several different brands of nutritional tubs to help you keep the pounds on your cattle during the harsh winter months when hay alone just isn’t enough. Come see us for all your livestock needs!

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Chris Tarkington Age: 15 Parents: Steven and Mona Tarkington Hometown: Beebe, Ark. FFA Chapter: Beebe FFA Advisor: Troy Weatherley What is your favorite aspect of agriculture? “We buy four (goat) kids every spring, two of which are my sister’s. I really love learning how to take care of the animals and buying the things they need. I also enjoy training them for showing. I teach them to brace correctly so they show muscle and how to walk in the ring.

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What is your current involvement in agriculture, including your daily routine? “During the school year, I’m up at 6 a.m. to feed the goats. I then pick the feed back up to regulate their food intake so they build muscle rather than fat. Part of the process of raising the show goats also means keeping them in a pen and muzzled so they do not eat grass because grass does not build muscle. This year I might also compete in parliamentary procedure and perhaps livestock judging or meat evaluation later. My mom had some agricultural background, and we really don’t plan on expanding our agricultural activities. Before moving here when I was 8, we lived in a Little Rock (Ark.) to be closer to family and I never was in 4-H because we were town people at heart. Joining FFA changed everything.” Who is the most influential person in your life? “My youth pastor, Virginia Brown from the First United Methodist Church in Beebe, sets an example for how faith should work, and I want to be like her. My sister is three years older. She wants to become a veterinarian, took and is still taking classes in high school and introduced me to agriculture and goats.”

702 Weir Road, Russellville

479-968-3795

www.russellvillekubota.com www.kubota.com

Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

What are your future plans? “I’m rather divided at the moment. I may want to be a vet or I may pursue a career in engineering and attend the University of Arkansas. If I decide to be a vet, I’ll have to go out-of-state, perhaps to Louisiana State University. I like engineering because my dad and I build and design things together. We recently made a shooting bench.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Agriculture Law

By John Alan Cohan

Changes in supply and demand for he U.S. House of Reprethe particular animals can run the pricsentatives is considering a es up or down. The weather impacts on resolution to impeach IRS profits as well, with drought, flood, heat Commissioner John Koskispells and blizzards that can result in nen for violation of the feed cost increases, reduced availability public trust, failing to comply with of grazing pasture, or there can be uncongressionally issued subpoenas, expected casualties or illnesses. Casualand misleading the public over IRS ties and diseases can affect long range practices of targeting conservative efforts to rebuild markets. groups in audits. Health considerations can affect profThe last time Congress tried to reits. For instance, reaction to England’s move a public official via impeach“mad cow disease” hit the cattle market ment was in 1876, when Secretary of John Alan Cohan is a quickly and hard for a short period of War William Belknap was impeached lawyer who has served time. Diseases and illnesses can affect on allegations he had helped himself the farming, ranching long range efforts to rebuild markets. to war funds. He resigned under presand horse industries since The audit guide recognizes that if sure from President Grant. 1981. To contact John Alan undesirable market conditions begin Internal Revenue Service agents Cohan, go to ozarksfn.com to appear, this may trigger the need to are often viewed with disdain by and click on ‘Contact Us.’ sell breeding stock and then later acpeople subjected to audits, especially quire fresh stock from further breedin the horse industry because agents frequently do not understand the intricacies of breeding or direct purchases. The IRS guide also asks revenue agents to watch out ing, racing or showing. When conducting audits of horse ventures, revenue for taxpayers who conduct more than one activity, and to agents usually rely on an IRS tax audit guide pertaining take into consideration the “material participation test.” The manual states that if a taxpayer is engaged in a to this field. The guide is loaded with “gotcha” questions and preju- full time occupation outside of the horse activity, that dicial commentary. For example, the guide states: “Many raises a question of how the taxpayer has sufficient time of the taxpayers who potentially fall under the provi- in which to “materially” participate in the activity. If the IRS finds that you are not materially participatsions of IRC section 183 with respect to horse and cattle activities have been involved in such activities during ing, it could deny you the right to deduct losses against their youth. These taxpayers have grown up on farms or outside income. If you are audited, it is helpful if you can show that had close relatives who operated farms. Other taxpayyou are either making a profit in the activity or that ers had unfulfilled childhood aspirations to be involved with such activities, but circumstances prevented par- you are in the middle of a profitable year. Sometimes it can be important to have an expert witness ticipation. As adults, these taxpayers have achieved the prepare a report explaining how external circumstances financial wherewithal which permits participation.” Farming is a lifestyle that takes tremendous dedica- contributed to losses, or to discuss the quality of pedigrees tion and focus. All aspects of a farmer’s life are cen- and businesslike methods demonstrated by the taxpayer. It is usually prudent to have an experienced taxpayer tered on the animal and therefore nearly all aspects of a farmer’s life can be easily considered to be financially representative handle the audit on your behalf. The related to the business. Customarily revenue agents main consideration in any audit concerning horses find personal expenses in insurance, gasoline, interest, or other farming activity is whether the taxpayer has taxes, utilities and repairs itemized along with other or- an honest intention of engaging in the activity with a view towards making a profit, rather than as a hobby. dinary and necessary farming expenses. This is shown by objective as well as subjective eviRevenue agents need to understand that the horse industry is dynamic, and that various elements in the dence. Many of my clients have been successful in economy may dramatically tilt a taxpayer’s activity to- withstanding IRS scrutiny because they have made it a point to get professional legal guidance early on. ward profit or loss. JANUARY 11, 2016

If you are audited in connection with your farm activity your auditor will be looking for the following red flag situations: 1 Sales of animals through atypical sources. 2 Bartering that may account for some sales; swapping of equipment or services for breeding stock. 3 Use of multiple bank accounts with reliance on the bank records for reporting purposes. The IRS thinks this lends itself to misreporting due to exclusion of some records. Revenue agents also watch for transfers to or from savings, money market and investment accounts. 4 Lack of a business plan. 5 Personal expenses deducted as farm expenses. This is the most common form of misreporting among farmers and ranchers. 6 Inability to document how much time was devoted to the activity and whether the taxpayer was an active participant. 7 Incomplete or disorganized records.

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

There’s an App For That By Gary Digiuseppe

Tools to help farmers are just a computer click or smart phone tap away

In today’s agriculture, a wide array of production help – from crop budgets, to input measurements, to market prices, to weather forecasts – is as nearby as a button on your phone or home computer. Companies, Extension Services, government agencies and others have been rolling out computer applications or programs, or apps, as fast as they can develop them. Some of them are free; others carry a fee, so be sure to examine the fine print before you sign up. But which one is the best for your operation? An app developed by the University of Missouri, ThermalAid, pulls in live weather data to help determine if livestock are affected by heat stress. It’s part of a larger effort by the school to provide educational and practical information about how heat affects both livestock and people.

what do you say? What new product or technology do you plan to incorporate on your farm in 2016?

Cattle Market Mobile provides the most recent auction yard prices from more than 250 locations; it also has a “Calf Calculator” that estimates the value of your calf, and a gestation calculator that produces an estimated calving date. Producers can use the American Angus Association’s Angus Mobile App to get herd data, enter new records, search for registered herds and records, and get information on upcoming sales and recent shows. Ranch Manager tracks cattle ID, pedigree, pasture location, and tracks cattle movements; it also has an Historical Data segment that produces a complete view of your cattle operation currently, and for every year entered. There is a charge for this software, which is available for either desktop or mobile via cloud. For poultry growers, a recently released University of Georgia app called CHKMINVENT, which calculates

“As soon as we can, we are going to develop a new website for a total operation including cattle, auctioneering and equipment.”

Brian Palmer Ottawa County, Okla.

“I am trying a new molasses tub supplement called Fescue +15, which contains 15 percent protein and is from Missouri Livestock Supplement.” Craig Thompson Madison County, Ark.

how much houses should be ventilated during cold weather. Producers enter the outside temperature, the amount of water the chickens consume, the temperature inside the house and the size of the fans; CHKMINVENT tells them how long to run the fans in order to remove excess moisture and keep the birds comfortable. For crop producers, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has introduced a Crop Enterprise Budgets app that allows budgets to be calculated from an iOS device anywhere. Growers can use it to evaluate the expected costs and returns for their upcoming crops on their iPhone, iPad or iPod; they can also adjust the app for variable conditions like soil types or production practices. And another app from University of Missouri Extension, ID Weeds, helps the user identify more than 400 plant species found in fields, pastures, lawns or aquatic areas. There’s also an Android version of this app, as there is for many of the other apps listed here. Also from the University of Arkansas, Hort Plants is available, which is a database with pictures of many landscaping plants common in the mid-South like trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, ornamentals, annuals and perennials. Horticultural information accompanies each entry. In addition to forecasting the weather, New Holland Agriculture’s Farming Weather Forecast and Services app that includes such features as estimated evapotranspiration, accumulated growing degree days and an almanac compares current conditions with the average. From Oklahoma State University and Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Research Associate John Weir, comes a new app that can assist with prescribed fires. RxBurn Tracker has unique ghost image capabilities that let the user match photos of the site before and after in order to observe and document the regrowth of vegetation following a burn; it also lets the landowner record information like the burn date, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction. The above mentioned apps are just scratching the surface, and there are more farming apps on the horizon.

“I am going to try some new feeds for my racehorses in order to get better growth and conditioning.”

Roy Bradley Washington County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“I am going to use a new mineral supplement called AMPT because it is biologically more available than what I am currently using.” Rick Carson Crawford County, Ark. JANUARY 11, 2016

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farm

products

Coming to a Farm Near You in

2016

A look at new technology and products that are rolling out this year

Kubota’s X1140

Kubota’s X1140 received several upgrades for 2016. The convertible machine can now be changed from two to four seats more quickly. Conversion takes three simple steps: repositioning the sides of the bed, repositioning the cargo bed, and then moving the protective screen and bench seat. A newly designed ROPS makes loading from the side easier when the RTV is in the two-seat configuration. A fifth pole has been added in the rear middle of the frame to ensure the same high level of ROPS performance. In addition, the X1140 now has independent rear suspension, 10% more legroom in the backseat, and a 20 percent larger radiator.

New Optum tractor series delivers heavy-duty, year-round performance

From the iconic Farmall® series to the new Optum tractor, Case IH now offers producers four tractor series designed with the right mix of power, efficiency and versatility for any hay and forage task. A multipurpose workhorse, the Optum series features the necessary horsepower for high-volume hay and forage operations, plus enough muscle for larger tillage tools and planters. With PTO horsepower ranging from 240 to 270 hp, the tractor series delivers big-iron power, performance and comfort — plus outstanding features and technology, including the fuel-saving Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

TruSet tillage control

John Deere introduced TruSet, eliminating manual adjustments and improving tillage performance. Using TruSet, with the push of a button, operators can adjust the depth settings for their disks, rippers and closing disks using the GreenStar 3 2630 display.

Roll-Belt Series Round Balers TM

New Holland announces in-cab density control and variable core adjustments in select model year 2016 Roll-Belt Series Round Balers. This technology allows operators to change the density pressure setting using the monitor inside the tractor cab for easier operator interface and convenience. Additionally, independent density values can be achieved in the bale core and outer bale. Customers that desire to have a lower density core for easy feeding and movement, or to allow the bale to “breathe” in high-moisture conditions can achieve two separate density values for the core and outer bale. If customers choose to store outside hay longer than normal due to plentiful supply then choose a higher outer bale density to increase water shedding ability.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

farm products Boomer™ 37/41/47 Compact Tractors

New Holland’s Boomer™ 37/41/47 compact tractors (37 – 47 horsepower) are now available with a factory-installed cab for all-weather comfort and convenience. The spacious, climatecontrolled cab provides heat for coldweather comfort and air-conditioning when operating in hot, humid weather. Side and rear-opening windows provide natural ventilation in less harsh climates. Convenience continues inside the cab, with an adjustable cloth seat with easy movement and adjustable arm rests, left and right hand doors, front work lights, and an interior dome light, among other features..

Expanded line of John Deere 6R Series tractors

The 6R tractor here is a mid-frame model, the 6145R. There are also small-frame and large-frame models available. The expanded lineup offers additional horsepower, cab and control options and more performance features.

Galyean Livestock Trailers

GoBob is proud to announce our new line of steel gooseneck livestock trailers – Galyean Stock Trailers! Galyean Equipment has been manufacturing heavy haul Agricultural and Oilfield products since 1981. They apply their engineering and modern manufacturing practices in a state of the art facility to develop these new line steel gooseneck livestock trailers. Galyean utilizes the same high tensile plate steel that is used in the manufacture of it’s severe service off road tanker trailers to produce a stronger frame that is the backbone of the livestock trailer. This CNC formed “Z” pan has a higher vertical web for additional strength unlike any other trailer on the market. The unique “tee post” tubing design at the rear of the trailer, along with the wrapped tubing bumper adds more structural strength to the rear of the trailer. Welds are produced with a higher end quality gas and wire that is specifically found in certified vessel shops, applied by experienced certified welders.

JANUARY 11, 2016

Kubota Versatile Tractor Loader Backhoes

Kubota is rolling out two new Tier 4 Final tractor loader backhoes (TLB) – the L47 and M62. The L47 will replace the L39 and L45, and the M62 takes the place of the M59. Both machines will be classified as compact TLBs, yet the M62 will offer a reach and dig depth of 14 feet. “Normally for a 14-foot reach, you have to move out of the compact line into a standard machine,” explains Tyler Pittson with Kubota.” So you go from a 12-foot-reach machine worth around $50,000 to $100,000 or more to get a 14-foot reach.” The M62 will provide the additional reach at a more affordable price.

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

Know What’s Coming,

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Managing Winter Forages By Gary Digiuseppe

Experts say hay quality might be poor, warn against over grazing pastures

• A brief look at the coming issue. • Additional content not in the print edition. • Information about upcoming agricultural events in the Ozarks.

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farm help

Mother Nature didn’t cooperate this year, and winter pastures will be limited in the Ozarks. Dry weather in September and October was the culprit, Dr. John Jennings, University of Arkansas Extension Forage Agronomist, told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “Our stockpiled Bermudagrass is very, very short; fall fescue growth is very, very short, and a lot of our winter annuals such as ryegrass and wheat and other small grains that got planted in September actually didn’t come up till late October when we started getting some rain,” Jennings said. Many producers started feeding stored hay in December, a long time before pastures will start up again in the spring. There’s plenty of hay, according to University of Missouri Forage Agronomist Tim Schnakenberg, but the quality is lacking. “A lot of moisture and a lot of rain during the summer, the hay harvest season, has led to difficulty getting it put up right and getting it dry, so there are probably some molds and mildews,” Schnakenberg told OFN, adding the delayed cuttings also led to more mature growths and reduced nutritional value. He said it costs between 80 cents to $1.30 per day to feed stored hay to a cow, compared to 45 cents for stockpiled fescue. To stretch out supplies, Schnakenberg recommended rationing out stockpiled fescue. “To me, strip grazing is an ideal way to manage that stockpiled fescue,” he said. “Gradually ration it to them, a little at a time, on a daily basis or even every two to three days; you can move those cows until it’s all gone.” If producers did get early growth on small grains like wheat or rye, they’re able to graze them now. Schnakenberg said cows are usually turned in when the growths get

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

to 8- to 10- inches tall, and are taken off before it gets down to 4 inches. “You want to be careful not to graze it too hard, and the same rule would apply once it comes back in the spring,” he said. Another grazing alternative is forage brassicas like turnips, but the season for these crops usually ends when it gets cold. Schankenberg said, “They can come back in the spring and plant more with a spring seeding, but typically around here the fall seeding is done in August. It’s not widespread, but there are a few people who like to put brassicas in; the problem is, they graze them fairly quickly, and then they’re gone.” Jennings said in many cases the small grains were planted to fields with volunteer ryegrass that comes up naturally. “If they’ll keep livestock off those and put a little bit of nitrogen fertilizer on there, they might be able to start limit-grazing those by February if this mild winter continues,” he said. “They can graze their winter annual pasture 1-2 days a week; they’ll continue to feed hay, but that winter annual pasture will help balance out the quality of their hay crop and help maintain the cattle in good body condition.” Even if it takes until March for the small grains to grow, that still saves 30 days of hay feeding. 40 units of nitrogen will help those fields grow, albeit slowly, in the warmer weather. Stockpiled forage finally saw some growth with November rains, but was further reduced by some heavy frosts in late fall. Jennings suggested producers extend supplies by rotational grazing. “If they strip graze and allocate it out in 2-3 day allotments, it will last longer,” he said. “They can double the number of grazing days by doing that, and then defer grazing on their winter annuals until they can accumulate some decent growth. That might be later this winter, and they’ll limit graze that out using electric fencewire.” JANUARY 11, 2016

farm help

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By Gary Digiuseppe

you even see an out-and-out limp,” Ward noted. “Feet are the first thing to look at and can be treated fairly easily, whether it’s trimming or with antibiotic for a wound or for foot rot.” The next step to take when an animal isn’t eating is to get up close to look for nasal or eye discharge. That is likely a sign of respiratory disease, and the animal needs to be separated out from the herd for treatment. Another potential cause of poor eating is infestation by lice; symptoms are rubbing on posts, animals licking each other, and spots of fur loss. “Often times by the time outward signs of a disease outbreak are seen, the damage has been done,” University of Missouri Extension Regional Livestock Specialist Andy McCorkill said. “Diseases that affect breeding and reproductive efficiency, such as trichomoniasis, are often undetectable until the disease has run its course. With trichomoniasis there aren’t any outward signs, and it will often go undetected until a preg check shows a number of short bred or open cows or the next calving season when the calves are strung out or don’t come at all.” When illness has been detected in the herd, whether or not to call the veterinarian depends on the producer’s comfort level and experience. “Those who are newer to the business and don’t have a lot of knowledge or experience

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Seeing the Signs If a cows not with the other cows, it may be because she’s sick or hurt. “You’re really going to notice them being off by themselves because the cattle gather together to eat, and they’re not eating,” Dr. Heidi Ward, University of Arkansas Extension veterinarian, told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “If the cattle are just out open grazing it’s a little bit harder to detect, but in wintertime it can be easier because usually at some point you’re going to have to get out the hay to feed them, and they all come and congregate to that hay. Then you’ll notice the outliers that aren’t as interested, and you say, ‘Hmm, maybe I need to go take a closer look at them.’” They could be put off their feed by illness, or by injury. With a wet winter thought to be on the way, Ward said it’s especially important to observe for lameness and foot rot. The problem can be diagnosed using the Step-Up Locomotion Scoring System, which was developed by Zinpro Corporation in cooperation with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University. “The system is a scale from 0 to 3,” Ward said. “It’s based on head movement and the length of stride, so it can be observed from fairly far away.” If a cow’s head bobs as she walks and her stride shortens, she may have a foot problem; if her head droops and the stride is still shorter, the problem may be acute. “You can detect that before

’ Mac s Keeping Your Herd

should probably get a vet or trusted advisor involved pretty quickly if they have concerns about health issues,” McCorkill said. A vet should definitely be called if the problem is widespread, or if there’s been death loss. Herd health records may help narrow down the pool of potential illnesses, but McCorkill said, “It is however important to realize that vaccines are not always 100 percent effective. Most problems arise from human error such as vaccine storage practices, vaccinating at the wrong time or when animals are stressed, and lack of proper booster vaccinations but it is not a guarantee that your animals won’t get sick. That said, it is advisable to keep record of vaccination at treatment records for your own use, marketing purposes, and liability issues, too.”

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Whether on the floor of the Missouri Senate, working for the USDA, or hosting the Farm & Ranch Report, Morris Westfall cares about the people of the Ozarks. Ag Production and political news and views for the farm and ranch. Join Morris Westfall for the Farm & Ranch Report.

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ozarks’ farm

calendar

January 2016 14 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – 870-425-2335 for more info 15 Row Crop Production Meeting – 9 a.m. – Searcy, Ark. – 501-268-5394 16 Pesticide Applicator Training – Noon – Arvest Bank, Gravette, Ark. – 479-271-1060 19 Pumpkin Producers Meeting – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 19 Preparing Your Lawn and Garden for Spring – Speaker: Janet Carson – Ozark, Ark. – 479-667-3720 19 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – UACCM Auditorium, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 19 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Pope County Extension Center, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 19 Pesticide Applicator Training – 9 a.m. – North Franklin County Extension Office, Ozark, Ark. – 479-667-3720 21 Pesticide Applicator Training – Madison County Extension Office, Huntsville, Ark. – 479-738-6826 22 Arkansas Farmers Market State Meeting – Little Rock, Ark. 25, 2/1,8 Beekeeping Class – Northwest Technical Institute, Springdale, Ark. – 479-444-1755 25 Pesticide Applicator Training – 5:30 p.m. – Crawford County Extension Office, Van Buren, Ark. – 479-474-5286 26 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Fulton County Fairgrounds, Salem, Ark. – 870-895-3301 28 Annual Fruit and Vegetable Producers Meeting – 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 28 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – William Carl Garner Vistor Center, Heber Springs, Ark. – 501-362-2524 28 River Valley Soybean Production Meeting – 8:30 a.m. – Multi-Purpose Building, Conway County Fairgrounds, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 30 Pesticide Applicator Training – 9 a.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 30 Beaver Watershed Alliance Forest Management Workshop – call 479-750-8007 for more info February 2016 1 Back to the Farm: Farm Business Management – 6-8 p.m., No cost to register or attend – Pope County Extension Office, 105 W B Street, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 2 Back to the Farm: Farm Business Management – 6-8 p.m., No cost to register or attend – Whitaker Arena, 1335 W. Knapp Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 2, 4 ABIP Arkansas Beef Herd Improvement Workshop – 6 p.m. – Pope County Extension Office, 105 West B Street, Russellville, Ark. – call 479-968-7098 to pre-register 3-3/2 Master Gardener Training – Wednesdays – Ozark, Ark. – pre-registration is required – 479-667-3720 8 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Bald Knob School Cafeteria, Bald Knob, Ark. – 501-268-5394 8 Back to the Farm: Specialty Crop Production: From Farm to Fork – 6-8 p.m., No cost to register or attend – Pope County Extension Office, 105 W B Street, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 9 Back to the Farm: Specialty Crop Production: From Farm to Fork – 6-8 p.m., No cost to register or attend – Whitaker Arena, 1335 W. Knapp Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755

ozarks’

auction block

February 2016 9 Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Vac-45 Sale – McAlester Stockyards, McAlester, Okla. – 918-423-2834 26 Cow Camp Ranch Bull Sale – Lost Springs, Kan. – 785-965-7168 27 Spur Ranch Spring Sale – Vinita, Okla. – 918-256-2493 27 Red Alliance Performance Tested Red Angus Auction – Brazos County Exposition Complex, Bryan, TX – 641-919-1077 27 Feedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale – Kingsville Livestock Market, Kingsville, Mo. – 877-486-1160 27 LonelyValley Keeping Kind Annual Bull Sale – Preston, Neb. – 402-350-3447 27-28 Missouri Angus Futurity Sale – Columbia, Mo. – 573-694-6152 March 2016 1 Jindra Angus 16th Annual Production Sale – Creighton Livestock Market, Creighton, NE – 402-920-3171 4 Express Ranches Angus and Hereford Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Yukon, Okla. – 405-350-0044 5 Judd Ranch 38th Annual Gelbvieh Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Pomona, Kan. – 800-743-0026 5 Linhart Limousin Inaugural Bull Sale – Leon, IA – 402-350-3447 5 Mead Farms Angus, Charolais and Hereford Bull Sale – at the Farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 7 Flying H Genetics 36th Annual Roughage “N” Ready Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Arapahoe, Neb. – 308-493-5411 8 Bar Arrow Cattle Company 26th Annual Production Sale – at the Ranch, Philliipsburg, Kan. – 785-543-5177 12 2016 Genetic Power Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 334-695-1371 12 Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale – Marshall Junction, Mo. – 660-895-5008 12 Bachman Redstock Red Angus, Gelbvieh and Balancer Sale – Litton Ag Center, Chillicothe Mo. – 660-247-1112 12 Hall-Coyote Hills Ranch Annual Bull Sale – Chattanooga, Okla. – 580-597-3006 12 Jac’s Ranch Annual Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-366-1759 12 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Sale – West Plains, Mo. – 417-842-5570 12 Valley Oaks Angus Open House & Private Treaty Sale – Oak Grove, Mo. – 816-229-8115 12 Cattleman’s Kind Saler Production Sale – at the Farm, Billings, Mo. – 417-744-2025 12 Red Alliance Performance Tested Red Angus Genetics Genetics Sale – Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, Shawnee, Okla. – 641-919-1077 14 Central States Beefmaster Heart of Central States Sale – Locust Grove, Okla. – 918-456-1199 19 Circle A Ranch Secret to Success Sale – at the Ranch, Iberia, MO – 573-280-5308 19 Texoma Beefmaster Sale – McAlester, Okla. – 254-541-4643 19 Pinegar Limousine Herdbuilder XVll Sale – Springfield, Mo. – 417-833-2688 19 Flying H Genetics 17th Annual Growing on Grass Bull Sale – at the Farm, Butler, Mo. – 303-842-9071 20 Magness Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Miami, Okla. – 402-350-3447 20 NE Arkansas Angus Assn. Spring Sale – Charlotte, Ark. – 662-837-4904 20 Briarwood Angus Farm Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Butler, Mo. – 660-679-3459 26 Worthington Angus First Annual Production Sale – at the Farm, Dadeville, Mo. – 417-844-2601

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory

Hudspeth Farms

Angus

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Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3030 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com

Balancers

Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660492-2504

Brangus

Hatfield Brangus Bentonville, Ark. - 479273-3921 - 479-531-2605 Rose Bud Feeders - 501940-0299 - www. rosebudfeeders.com Townsend Brangus - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-9400299 - 501-556-2046

Charolais

Rose Bud Feeders - 501940-0299 - www. rosebudfeeders.com

Gelbvieh

Triple D Farms Mountain Home, Ark. 870-481-5603

Herefords

Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. - 580-9224911 - 580-334-7842 mossherefords.com

Sim Angus

Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660492-2504

Simmental

Lazy U Ranch - Haskell, Okla. - 918-693-9420

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DESIGNED FOR ECONOMY ENGINEERED FOR STRENGTH 12425 Collins Road Gentry, AR 72734

OUR 65th YEAR

Hwy. 69 South Pryor, Oklahoma 918-825-2044 chuppimplement company.com

Interested in writing for Ozarks Farm & Neighbor? OFN is looking for freelance writers in the following counties in Arkansas: Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Newton, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, White and Yell In Oklahoma: Craig, Le Flore, Mayes and Ottawa

Call Today for Details!

866-532-1960

Wanted

RECENT TRADES

CHAROLAIS, SIMMENTAL & RED ANGUS BULLS Greg Hudspeth • St. Joe, Ark.

Trade Website Design For Fresh Beef

Vets

Machinery

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

CLEAR SPAN STEEL BUILDING TRUSSES

(479) 736-8581 (800) 228-9221

www.adamstruss.com 1/11/16

JANUARY 11, 2016

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

THE TRUCK SPECIALISTS! We know what you want ... Big Selection + Low Prices!

We’re farmers, too! We know what farmers want, and we keep the most popular models in stock at the lowest prices you’ll find in North Arkansas! Family owned and operated for over 43 years!

Absolute Top Dollar offered on all trades!

See why we are the area’s #1 Truck Volume Dealer!

We’re BIG on Heavy Duty Trucks!

600 Highway 62-65 Harrison � 870-741-8211

WoodMotor.com

North Arkansas’ Volume Dealer! FINANCING AVAILABLE!

Call Mark Hanshaw: 870-715-9177 (cell) 870-741-8211

We stock the trailers farmers use most! Whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler trailer or one of the big boys, you’ll find it at Wood Motor Co. We’ll NEVER be undersold! Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 11, 2016