Ofn dummy 1 15 18 by Eric Tietze

New Products & Technology Issue

JANUARY 15, 2018 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 11, NUMBER 16 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Childhood Dreams

Bill Mullen had great ambitions as a youngster, including owning his own cattle ranch

JANUARY 15, 2018

Only the Best Across the Creek Farm’s owners say controlling feed allows them to raise the best animals possible

Supplements Promote Growth

Like Father, Like Son

Ryan Pace is a military pilot and officer, but he’s always been a cattleman at heart

Proper supplement use maintains desired weight gain for winter calves

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

rumor mill

Couple injured in crash: Former Ozarks Farm & Neighbor columnist Dusty Richards and his wife Pat were injured in a serious motor vehicle crash on Dec. 19, 2017, near their home in Springdale, Ark. The couple remains hospitalized and are making slow improvements. Cards of well wishes for Dusty and Pat may be sent to Dusty and Pat Richards, P.O. Box 6460, Springdale, Ark. 72766

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

JANUARY 15, 2018

Scholarships awarded: The Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association has announced the winners of its annual scholarships. Jessika Calhoon of Farmington, Ark., received an $800 award; Brenna Cannon of Mountain Home, Ark., received an $800 award; Austin Cook of Greenbrier, Ark., received a $1,300 scholarship; Allyson Morlan of Fayetteville, Ark., was awarded an $800 scholarship; Brooke Pigeon of Siloam Springs, Ark., was awarded an $800 scholarship; McKenzie Piker of Bald Knob, Ark., received an $800 award; Laykyn Rainbolt of Marshall, Ark., received a $1,300 award; Kaylyn Sutherland of Drasco, Ark., received $800 award; and Jacob Tapley of Greenbrier, Ark., received a $1,300 scholarship. Board sticks with ban: Arkansas Plant Board regulators stuck with a proposal on Jan. 3, 2018, to prohibit sprayings of dicamba-based herbicides from April 16 to Oct. 31, despite a lawsuit over the plan by manufacturer Monsanto Co. Other farm states, including Minnesota, Missouri and North Dakota, have imposed new limits on dicamba sprayings for 2018 in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the crop damage last year.

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor? Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

VOL. 11, NO. 16

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

NEO students top national contest: The Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) Equine Judging Team was recently named champions of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Horse Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Okla. Along with the championship team, a second NEO team also earned fourth place. Several students had standout performances and NEO swept the top three spots, with sophomore Tanner Robertson (Ozark, Mo.) earning high individual overall, freshman Ashley McLaughlin (Pella, Iowa) earning reserve high individual overall, freshman Kayla Burns (Molalla, Ore.) earning third overall, freshman Abby Hays (Claremore, Okla.) earning seventh overall, and freshman Hannah Jenkins (Ozark, Mo.) earning tenth overall. Photo contest: The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is hosting a photo contest. All photos must be submitted by March 31. The photographer must be a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma CattleWomen or the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Photographers may submit one image per category.The top three photos for each category will be selected by the photo contest selection committee. To submit a photo and view complete contest guidelines, visit www. okcattlemen.org/oca-photo-contest.

Working cows with Judy

4 Jody Harris – A new year on the farm

5 Julie Turner-Crawford –

The evolution of agriculture

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Ryan Pace follows in the

footsteps of his father as a pilot and a cattleman

8 Across the Creek Farm focuses on feeding

9 John Christ optimizes production

10 Museum celebrates Tulsa’s artistic past

12 Eye on Agribusiness features Bixby Farm And Ranch Supplies

13 Town & Country highlights Billy Bob Webb

16 Bill Mullen is following his

childhood dreams

18 Family overcomes a difficult start to build their farm

20 Youth in Agriculture

spotlights Johnny Conner

FARM HELP 21 How are your customer service skills?

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

22 Supplements promote growth in livestock

23 Is DE a viable supplement? JANUARY 15, 2018

just a

thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

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Life Is Simple

e f i L elpmiS si

By Jerry Crownover

n old friend recently sent me a picture of the present revonhis wowife rC ygave rreJ yB him for Christmas this year. It was a sweatshirt with a picture of a couple of calves on the front, accompanied Jerry Crownover is by the words, “Sorry for what I said when we were a farmer and former professor of Agriculture working cattle.” Education at Missouri Bud said it worked great because he now just State University. He is a had to point at his shirt instead of spending time native of Baxter County, apologizing to his wife any time they were workArkansas, and an ing together and cattle were involved. So... I author and professional guess I’m not the only one. speaker. To contact Jerry, Shortly after Judy and I first married, we lived go to ozarksfn.com and on a few acres just outside of town and we were click on ‘Contact Us.’ raising calves for some extra income, and to help pacify my farming itch. My wife had never lived on a farm nor been around livestock, so the day one of the calves got through the fence and out onto the road, she thought she was being helpful when she ran along behind the calf when I was trying to drive it the opposite direction. I could have sworn that I was cursing in a low, quiet voice, but evidently the wind carried it just right for her to hear, and understand every word. “Don’t you ever talk to me like that again,” she bellowed, as she stormed by me on her way back to the house. A couple of years later, we had moved out to the farm, where we still live, and were running several cow/calf pairs. Judy had never worked with me while processing cattle through a chute, so she was eager to show me that she could do anything I could. Again, with her lack of experience, I was a bit skeptical, but I figured having a nurse along while vaccinating and castrating could be a good thing. The first animal in the chute was a heifer calf, so I drew the proper dosage of vaccine into a disposable syringe and showed her where and how to inject it into the — Continued on Page 6

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Administrative Eric Tietze, Vice-President Operations Kathy Myers, Marketing Manager Sandra Coffman, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Kathy Myers, Production Sales Circulation Stan Coffman, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Larry Burchfield, Ken Knies, Tyler Proctor, Kristyn Richner, Terry Ropp and Isabele Whitehead.

About the Cover Growing up, Bill Mullen wanted to be a pro baseball player, a singer and a cattleman. Today Bill is a singing cattle rancher in Arkansas. Read more on page 16. Photo by Terry Ropp

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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., 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

he New Year on this farm was kicked off with a night of fun with friends and neighbors at our home. We spent the evening playing games and eating some delicious Arkansas beef. Jody Harris is a freelance It was no surprise to us – as the temperatures communications specialist, dropped below freezing, our momma cows also gardener, ranch wife and began dropping calves right and left. mother of four. She and On New Year’s Eve, my husband made his her family raise Angus beef rounds feeding hay and checking on our matercattle and other critters on nity fields. I was at home making sure we didn’t their northwest Arkansas overcook that evening’s meal of prime rib. He ranch. She is a graduate called to tell me he was on his way back home of Missouri State University. with a calf, it didn’t look like it’d survive the To contact Jody, go to night in the cold. ozarksfn.com and click on Our garage was quickly converted to a nursery ‘Contact Us.’ barn complete with blankets, a heater and onlookers. He pumped the calf full of colostrum and we hoped for the best. The outcome wasn’t favorable and we lost the calf before the night was over. The kids were sad and we were disappointed but as all of you know, that’s life on the farm. New Year’s Day was colder than the day before. We hustled around to get chores finished and kept the fire stoked at the house. We loaded up on more firewood because the forecast wasn’t promising any heat waves for the week. We headed back to the farm and checked cattle...a few more calves were born. As we warmed up in the house that afternoon, we contemplated all of our responsibilities for the upcoming year. I am married to someone who is accustomed to having many “irons in the fire” at all times. I’ve had to stay one step ahead of him to keep our farm, family and other businesses organized. Every year, we talk about things we could change and things we could downsize or divest of. The idea of downsizing our cattle operation seemed plausible that afternoon after we’d broken ice and finished chores in the freezing cold. We talked about how we might start to downsize the herd. We discussed ways we could gain more efficiency around leasing fewer acres and consolidating pastures. Then we took a nap and forgot all about the conversation. The next day, my husband stopped to do chores on his way home from work. Another calf had been born and he wasn’t sure if it was nursing or not. He came back to the house to get me. We found the cow and calf in the field. My husband picked up the calf and the momma cow followed. We caught the cow in the head chute. My husband checked her udder and she definitely had milk. We moved the truck over so we could warm up and watch to see if the calf would nurse. I told him I thought the calf had already nursed but we put them up in a warm barn together just to keep an eye on them. We didn’t want to lose any more of our calf crop fighting this nasty weather. I’m home today, pulling together all of our business records to get organized for 2017 tax preparations. Cleaning out files and basically getting myself organized. We toasted the New Year and ate our black-eyed peas; we are ready for whatever 2018 brings our way. Here’s to more efficiency and organization in 2018. Cheers, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018

just a thought

Across the Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

’m kind of a history buff. No, I can’t recite exact dates of every historical event, but I know the “biggies,” like July 4, 1776; Dec. 7, 1941; Nov. 22, 1963; and Sept. 11, 2001. Julie Turner-Crawford I like the history of old things, buildings is a native of Dallas and communities. I like old things such as butter County, Mo., where she churns, coffee grinders and I love certain vintage grew up on her family’s art glass. I have the coolest eggbeater that was patfarm. She is a graduate ented about a hundred years ago, as well as some of Missouri State other gadgets. And to me, a little rust just adds to University. To contact the character of each and every item. Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 I enjoy watching old documentaries and I can or by email at editor@ spend hours going through old photos, even if I ozarksfn.com. don’t know any of the people pictured. We have an old Shapleigh’s Keen Kutter catalog from the 1920s or 30s. It’s huge and filled with just about anything one would need to build a barn or house, cut down a tree, cook a meal or get a close shave. It’s fascinating to go through the tattered pages and see at how things have changed. I can just see folks standing at a counter at an old store somewhere, browsing through the catalog and placing their order with the storekeeper. They would count down the days until their order arrived, and with no such thing as a tracking number, I’m sure there were plenty of things that never arrived at the correct destination. While some might call the previous decades a “simpler time,” farming wasn’t really so simple. People sometimes simply worked themselves into an early grave. Less than 100 years ago, many folks in the Ozarks were still plowing fields with teams of horses or mules, milking cows by hand, and most chores were backbreaking work. Decades ago, family farms were literally intended to feed a family – then came World War I. Historical information states that during the war, American farmers increased their production to almost entirely sustain the Allied effort, showing the importance of a strong agricultural economy. — Continued on Next Page

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President Woodrow Wilson appointed Herbert Hoover to head up the Food Administration, and Hoover introduced many measures, including rationing and surplus purchasing, to help keep farmer’s in business because he understood the impact of farming during the war. City folks were also encouraged to do their part by planting their own gardens, dubbed Victory Gardens, to have backyard chickens and to even raise a few sheep so their wool could be used to make uniforms. The White House also got into the farming movement when President Wilson and his family, wanting to be a model American family helping the war effort, brought sheep to the lawn of the White House. Farmers today are still the hardest working people on the planet and there have been tremendous advancements in technology here in the U.S. that have advanced agriculture. I don’t think our forefathers ever imagined self-driving tractors, robotic milking systems, drones, planting by GPS or farming apps on a smart phone.

The advancements in livestock production and genetics are impressive as well. Artificial insemination was just a whisper in Europe a century ago, but now we have genetic testing for animals, embryo transferring, sexed semen, estrus detectors and devices you can place on a heifer or cow’s tail that will call or text you to let you know that animal is about to calve. The last 20 years have been called a “pioneering time in agriculture precision agriculture” by many in the field with the introduction of new technology and agriculture practices. Thanks to these advances, an American farmer produces enough food to feed about 155 people. Not bad, not bad at all. It’s exciting to see what might be on the horizon for agriculture in the next 20, 30 or even 100 years. So here’s to 2018! May it be one of our best years ever.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 critter. As we captured a second heifer, Judy asked me where to find a new syringe and I told her to use the same one we just used on the last calf. Then, her nurse’s training kicked in. “You can’t use the same needle on another calf,” she exclaimed. “You’ll cause an infection!” I assured her that it would be all right because I had been doing this for 30 years, with no problems. “It’s not like we’re working in a sterile environment,” I added. A bit perturbed, she asked, “Well, when do you change needles?” “When that one gets dull,” I answered. In retrospect, I should have changed the Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

tone of my voice, but she stayed... for another calf. The next calf in was a little bull that needed an extra procedure beyond the shot of vaccine. I showed my wife how to apply the “tail hold” that would render the animal almost motionless while I performed the procedure. She just nodded that she understood. I began, but was immediately kicked in the head. When I regained my composure, I shook my head a little and stared straight at her. What I meant to say, was, “Honey, I think you need to hold the tail tighter,” but what came out, was, “@#$%, hold the &%$# tail tighter!!!” JANUARY 15, 2018

meet your

neighbors

Like Father, Like Son By Larry Burchfield

Ryan Pace is a military pilot and officer, but he’s always been a cattleman at heart The front porch is the perfect place to visit with Ryan Pace in northern White County, Ark., overlooking his farm and cattle as they graze. It is that “laid-back, easy feeling” of a guy who loves raising cattle and is dedicated managing his natural resources and maximizing his philosophy of sustainable agriculture. But Ryan’s life is divided into two very separate worlds. While life on the farm maybe laidback, Ryan’s off-farm life is anything

Children’s Hospital’s Angel One medflight services. “I am a fifth-generation cattle farmer,” Ryan said. “There was never any doubt in my mind I wanted to raise cattle. There is nothing like it. I really believe in the sustainable farming and grass fed approach. It just makes more sense to me.” The Paces have a 160-acre cattle farm in northern White County, Ark., where they grow grass-fed Angus beef cows. As one might expect, making prepaPhoto courtesy of Ryan Pace

Ryan Pace and his family raise cattle at their Wholly Cow farm. Pictured, from left, are Ryan’s wife Trish, son Reed, Ryan, daughter Layne and son Luke.

but laid-back. Ryan is a Brigade Com- rations for a year-long deployment is mander in the Arkansas Air National not easy, especially for a cattle farmer. Guard, flying Blackhawk helicopters. In Ryan’s case, the major farm related He returned home in May from his sec- question was what to do with the cattle. ond tour of duty in Middle East, where Ryan decided to have all of his cattle processed before his deployhe was deployed for a year. ment to take that responsiWhile Ryan considers himbility off of his wife Tish and self a Blackhawk pilot, he Judsonia, Ark. their three teenage children. has flown Apache AH64 “We talked about it before attack choppers and ChiI left and felt it was the best nooks. Ryan’s “other” flying thing do,” Ryan explained. “Tish job resumes this summer as and the kids have active lives off chopper pilot for Arkansas JANUARY 15, 2018

the farm. So, we processed all our beef with the plans to rebuild the herd once I returned. That’s what I’m doing now.” Raising cattle is not the only profession passed down from the previous Pace generation. Ryan’s father was also a helicopter pilot in the Missouri Air National Guard and the father-son chopper team actually flew together briefly in the Missouri Air Guard. “As a kid growing up in Missouri, everything my dad did was so interesting. I mean helicopter pilot, state trooper, cattle farmer. That’s what I wanted to do,” Ryan said. The farm consists of 80 acres owned, and 80 acres rented from a neighbor. The pastures are seeded with a good mixed of warm and cool weather grasses and a good legume base of white clover. Fertilization is maintained using precise application of chicken litter. Ryan is a big believer in using every natural resource he can. With the help of long-time friend Steve Elliot, barns, corrals and fence posts have been built using timber from the farm. The barn is a throw-back to the old days of barnbuilding using wooden pegs and timber joist, not a single nail in the barn. When needed, timber that had been saved from Ryan’s grandfather’s barn from the 1920s was used to complete the barn. Ryan is very active in encouraging and assisting veterans in getting into farming. He is involved with Arkansas “Arm to Farm” Program and the National Center for Appropriate Technology. “It’s no secret, nobody comes back from deployment the same person (as they left),” Ryan reflected. “Some handle it differently and better than others. Bottom line, farming is good therapy. Getting your hands dirty, working with animals, being close to nature. It’s the best therapy one can get. It certainly helps me, and I want to help as many veterans as I can make the adjustment to coming back home.”

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meet your neighbors

Only the Best

Photo courtesy of Terrell Spencer

By Terry Ropp

Across the Creek Farm’s owners say controlling feed allows them to raise the best animals possible Farmers have long under- who tell us the last bird that tasted this stood the importance of quality good was killed by grandma before Sunday feed in producing high-quality dinner. That’s quite a compliment.” The Spencer’s raise chickens from late meats. Terrell “Spence” and Carla Spencer of West Fork, Ark., began a pas- February through Christmas, but do not ture poultry operation, called Across the raise birds during the heart of winter, Creek Farm in 2008 with 30 hens and giving their flocks, pasture and family a are constantly researching and refining break. They also produce holiday season their operation with a significant em- broad-breasted white turkeys and, as of phasis on management and feed quality. this year, a French breed meat duck. Through trial and lots of errors, the The business has blossomed over the years to provide around 15,000 broilers to farm’s chicken shelters have underwholesale and retail customers in Wash- gone modifications in order to allow ington and Benton counties. The Spencers movement and access to sunlight and daily move three large 20-foot-by-40-foot fresh pasture while minimizing predamovable houses and 30 10-foot-by-12-foot tion from coyotes, raccoons and hawks. smaller custom poultry houses for their op- These newer shelters still promote overerations, in addition to managing a farrow- all health due to clean living conditions finish hog operation and a small meat goat and constant movement but minimize herd. Their pasture raised meats are sold predator issues. The adaptations also to restaurants and grocery stores in North- help to keep flocks separate and enable west Arkansas, as well as at the Fayette- better pasture management. As with any poultry operation, biville Farmers Market. During the growing season, the farm re- osecurity is essential to prevent crossceives 15 to 24 tons of Hiland Naturals contamination issues. The Spencer chilnon-GMO feed every two to three weeks, dren, Simeon (9), Silas (7) and Gwen with feed being tested regularly for 90 types (4), do not show animals in local fairs of pesticides. One reason for using Hiland and the family avoids visiting other Naturals is that the Spencers wanted their farms to avoid those issues. “The commercial poultry industry refeed grown as locally as possible. Their feed soybeans are roasted rather ally began in America and moved to than solvent treated, a process that can indoor systems to solve problems with leave chemical residue. The roasted soy- efficiency, predators and disease. You beans also creates a full-fat bean with a have to understand why animals moved nuttier flavor that grows a tastier bird. indoors if you’re going to raise them profThe Spencers also use fish meal instead itably outdoors, or you’ll end up with the of synthetic protein sources, creating an- same problems they faced decades ago. other layer of poultry flavor. Equally im- Daily rotation using the movable housportant is the nutrition the chickens re- es provides a cleaner environment and ceive from daily rotational grazing, which eliminates the need for antibiotics and coccidostats. Poultry are no provides grass, legumes and different than people. If they insects, a significant portion live clean, they stay healthy. of their diet. West Fork, Ark. One particular hard nut to “Controlling feed at this crack, however, is labor but level allows us to custom raise we’re getting better,” Terrell said. birds of the highest quality Another aspect of the Spencer and outstanding flavor,” Terpoultry business is a working relarell said. “We get old timers

Terrell “Spence” Spencer and his family operate Across the Creek Farm in West Fork, Ark. At their farming operation, they focus on providing high-quality, organic feed for their animals.

tionship with B & R Processing in Winslow, Ark., a USDA processing plant. The farm partnered with B & R to put in an inspected air-chilled poultry line. Taking over their processing allows Across the Creek to really focus on their quality. The hog operation consists of four sows and two boars, and produces two litters per sow a year. The pigs are also fed a nonGMO custom ration for pigs. Like the chickens, access to forest and pasture provides a significant dietary component, especially fall acorns and lush spring grasses. “Here in the Ozarks, our roots are in raising hogs outdoors,” Spence said. “Hogs would be marked and turned loose to forage in the hollers and fatten up off the land. In the fall they’d call the hogs down from the hills with a little corn and a Pig Sooie. We have fences and give feed, but we call the hogs everyday here on the farm, not just on game day.” The Spencer method of farming not only raises superior quality meats but also actively improves the land. Terrell and Carla bought their first 37 acres in West Fork in 2007 after Terrell returned from a yearlong combat tour in Iraq and nine years of service in the Army. The soil was poor and highly eroded and the land rocky and steep. Suffering from PTSD, Terrell handcleared his land and began raising chickens

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

for therapeutic purposes. Several years later, the farm got access to another 20 acres just south of Fayetteville from a local land trust. Their farming practices have significantly improved land quality. The light and frequent applications of chicken manure promoted an explosion of pasture density and diversity. Pastures now have significant amounts of Orchard and Johnson grasses, as well as both red and white clovers with some Bluestem starting to appear. In addition, daily chicken rotation means the land is given sufficient time for growth and recovery with manure decomposition taking place usually within one week. “Too much of a good thing like high nutrient content can cause problems,” Terrell explained. “We are looking toward soon producing high quality square bale hay because haying will allow us to remove excess nutrients off farm while still allowing sufficient time for re-growth for the chickens.” As a result of his military experiences, Terrell is an active mentor in veteran/agriculture programs. He serves as a board member for the Farmer Veteran Coalition which promotes veterans in farming. Terrell is also President of the American Pastured Poultry Production Association (APPPA), a national organization of hundreds of commercial farms whose purpose is to promote pasture poultry production. JANUARY 15, 2018

meet your neighbors

Improving With Management By Terry Ropp

John and Deanna Christ may have fewer acres, but they are able to keep their herd the same size Some people are gifted with the ability to see the trees and the forest simultaneously and then make adjustments to the system for optimum productivity. John Christ of Bixby, Okla., is one of these people. John and Deanna Christ work far more than full-time hours at Christ Construction in Tulsa, Okla. They build custom residential homes and small commercial buildings, as well as handling remodels. They are general contractors with John in charge of the exterior and Deanna in charge of the interior and the books. John and Deanna had lived in Tahlequah, Okla., on a 500-acre farm where John raised registered black Angus breeding stock with 50 mommas as a base. The drive to Tulsa eventually proved too timeconsuming, so the couple sold that farm in 2009 and bought a 50-acre spread in Bixby, adjacent to Tulsa. The significant point is that John is raising almost the same number of cattle as profitably and perhaps even more because of continual genetic and systemic improvements, but on one-fifth of the land. Part of the new equation for his Bixby ranch was selection for flatter and more productive land. Like much of the area, alfalfa was raised there at one time. Understanding the nutritional value of alfalfa because of his dairy experience, John this year added alfalfa seed to his annual fall broadcast program of ryegrass and clover to support his Bermuda, ryegrass, crabgrass and Ladino clover pastures. “I am a grass farmer, and legumes are important,” John said. “The advantage to alfalfa is that it has a larger nodule and a deeper underground root system than clover making it more heat resistant. Adding alfalfa will improve the nutritional value of my pastures. We have forgotten nature had a recipe so the land was originally full of different plants that peaked at different times making food available year-round for animals.” JANUARY 15, 2018

Keeping the recipe concept in mind, John added honeybee hives to his system in order to take advantage of the natural relationship among plants, cattle and bees. He soon observed his clover flourishing rather than merely surviving. Additional benefits from his beehive program are being able to sell honey and eliminating most of his pesticide overhead. The Bixby pastures are well developed so he only needs to spray for

lostrum a cow produces comes from what she eats, and if the source is local grasses, she provides her calf with the exact protection it needs for where it’s being raised,” John said. John’s intended market is the commercial breeder who wants 15 to 30 more pounds out of his calves in order to receive a larger sale check. The key is, of course, genetics. John has been helping with AI since he raised his first tail at the age of 4 because his

John Christ may have downsized his farm, but he has kept his base herd at about 50 head. He says his stock is, “round, sound and low to the ground.”

Photo by Terry Ropp

Carolina horsenettle every three years father was on the cutting edge of that new and pulls weeds during his daily walk to technology in the 1950s. He remembers check land and cattle. chasing semen that was kept on dry ice and John uses rotational grazing with his dropped from an airplane with three tiny pasture divided into six 3 to 13 acre pad- parachutes. He chased the drifting packdocks on which he supports four regis- age across the fields so he could bring the tered black Angus small container back herds: fall calvers, to his father. He also Bixby, Okla. spring calvers, has fond memories of fall and spring heifers and bulls. purchasing his first Since John has insufficient land heifer with money to raise his own hay, he buys lohe earned by mowcally. ing yards and work“I buy my hay locally because the coing for his grandServing More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

father. John emptied his piggy bank and bought a registered Holstein, with which he won state champion. John performs an AI and ET program so he can combine the old genetics from bulls like Emulator, Traveler and Rito who bring hardiness, good legs and feet, and a gentle temperament with the new genetics which provides higher meat quality in greater amounts. John’s genetic combination preference circles back to the local grasses and hay. Because of the old genetics, his seed stock does not require premium hay, grass or grain. His cattle thrive on what commercial producers use which is an important factor in meeting the needs of his clientele. Facilities are another part of John’s systemic approach. When he first bought the Bixby land, John piped water to the fence lines of his paddocks. The farm already had a good working system for someone who needed to work by himself. His work area has a good squeeze chute built in a tight circle with the cattle entering and exiting at the same spot. “I have very little time I can devote to the cattle, and John’s Australian Shepherd Bingo saved our marriage because John can do everything by himself,” Deanna said with a laugh. Ten minutes later, when Deanna was off to the airport to pick up a family member, John said exactly the same thing. John and Deanna met while in college in Bismarck, N.D., married and have six children and eight grandchildren. Both believe farming provides invaluable educational opportunities in terms of knowledge and experiment thereby eliminating fear of animals and misunderstandings of how agriculture works. As in the construction business, John takes care of the exterior education and Deanna the interior by teaching cooking and canning. “John and I may have insanely busy lives but saving time for family is always a priority,” Deanna said.

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Photos by Terry Ropp

Tulsa’s

Little

Secret By Terry Ropp

Museum celebrates the city’s unique artistic history Tulsa’s earliest roots go back to the Indian relocation in the early 1800s. The railroads entered the picture in the 1880s, followed by what may be the most historically significant occurrence in the area: the discovery of oil. Soon after that discovery, Oklahoma became a state. Then in the 1920s, Tulsa, Okla., was known as the “Oil Capital of the World.” With oil comes money and with money comes breathtaking architecture and decorative arts What was originally called “style moderne” was renamed in the 1960s as Art Deco. It was an architectural and artistic influence that permeated jewelry as well as everyday items such as toasters and ashtrays, and privacy screens. The movement infused Western Europe and the United States and embodied a sleek elegance denoting sophistication. One of distinguishing characteristics of Art Deco was its purposeful design modification of everyday objects into something artistic and available to more than just the wealthy. Common features of design included greyhounds, long and elegant ladies, Egyptian motifs, and the use of materials such as chrome and glass in geometric, rhythmic and abstract design. What Art Deco has to do with Tulsa is that as the oil money came in and buildings and decorative arts came into demand, Art Deco was frequently the style of choice. One of the financial kingpins of this era was Waite Phillips who built, among many other structures, two business complexes: Philcade and Philtower. The buildings were connected by an 80-foot tunnel under 5th Street, built ostensibly to facilitate moving freight between the buildings but rumored

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

to ease Waite’s fear of being kidnapped by gangsters while going from his offices in Philtower to his residence in Philcade. The fear was not unreasonable because similar kidnappings had happened in other cities at the time. The Philcade building has remained a premier example of Art Deco architecture, design and art and is home to the Tulsa Art Deco Museum. The museum is unique in that the displays are behind large lobby windows. The museum is serviced by reception area and gift shop hosted by volunteers and a knowledgeable museum coordinator named Erin Owen. The president and founder of the museum is William Franklin. While the museum is not one of those with innumerable display halls that soon blend together and blur perspective, this quaint museum is eye-catching and colorful but nonetheless comprehensive. The museum is relatively new having been in existence only five years, so is still growing. Eventually they would like to secure a larger space to better fulfill its mission in Tulsa. However, the building itself is a huge attraction representing the style magnificently. First initially conceived as a six story building, the Philcade Building eventually rose to 13 stories with a 4,000 square-foot penthouse residence added later. Floors three through 13 devoted to office spaces. Terra-cotta is the façade for the first story, mezzanine and second-story and is accented by stylized animals and plants. The main entrances are flanked by Egyptian columns reaching to the second floor and capped by a horizontal terra-cotta beam with Waite’s JANUARY 15, 2018

ozarks roots

Berryville 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

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initials accented by curving vines and flowers and fruits. The roofline also contains an Egyptian motif. 870-449-4966 870-425-5530 The lobby is breathtaking, with one glance in any direction exemplifying and clearly communicating what Art Deco Harrison Flippin means. Marble, goldleaf, arched and col9095 Hwy. 62 East 502 Hwy 62/65 N. orful designs our embellished by elaborate bronze chandeliers. 870-741-0855 870-435-4400 Other Art Deco pendants help augment light so that the entire lobby is delicious eye candy. Siloam Springs Huntsville It is here in the lobby that numer304 Labarge St. 1629 East Main ous large window displays and explana479-738-6814 479-524-3511 AT ALL OF OUR tory material are available for free public viewing. Chrome, glass and goldleaf comLOCATIONS pete for attention with vintage clothing Lincoln Imboden and art objects. 700 W. Hwy 62 5564 Hwy 63 East Tulsa features sophisticated medical 479-824-3291 870-869-2644 facilities as well as an excellent stockyard. If you ever have an extra couple of hours, this little gem will fit the bill. Holiday Island Berryville ACE “This museum is unique because it is #2 Park Drive 1107 South Main in the middle of a thriving downtown 479-253-0000 870-423-2096 area,” Erin said. “Instead of being a one stop destination, a visit can be combined Harrison Mtn. Home Flippin Berryville Lincoln Holiday Island 1312 E. 9th St. 9095 Hwy. 62 E. 344 Hwy. 21 N. 700 W. Hwy 62 #2 Park Drive with an architecture tour, shopping 502 at Hwy 62-65 N. 870-741-9084 870-425-5530 870-453-4400 870-423-4245 479-824-3291 479-253-0000 unique locally owned shops, and other Green Forest Siloam Springs Huntsville Yellville Imboden Berryville ACE exciting downtown attractions.” 181 W. Main St. 1629 E. Main 304 Labarge Ave. 801 Hwy. 62 W. 5564 Hwy 63 East 1107 South Main 479-524-3511 870-423-2096 The museum is free with the displays870-438-5184 Call 870-438-6915 For479-738-6814 Sale Information 870-449-4966 & For Special Sales870-869-2644 open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday For on Farm Appraisal or Hauling Contact One of the Following: through Saturday. Museum store hours are generally Tuesday, Wednesday and Berryville Clifty Kirk Powell (870) 654-2205 and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Kevin (Short) Williams Elmer Robertson Ron Wallace (870) 654-6369 Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 H - 870-423-3099 C - 479-466-0904 p.m., though it is always wise to check Community Owned and Operated with C - 870-423-8444 the Internet because of volunteer help Kingston Consistency, Uniformity, and Convenience and time conflicts. Kevin Logan Troy Cline • Online Auctions with bidding • Professional staff The museum also holds a bi-annual H - 870-545-3637 H - 479-665-2934 • Hay and Water pens and services Deco Ball, which will be held in SeptemC - 870-423-7708 C - 479-738-7746 • On Farm Appraisals • Cattle sorted by size, ber 2018. Other unique events are offered • Free Parking weight, type throughout the year and announced on • Hauling and Delivery • Receiving day before Restaurant Facebook and the museum’s website. and day of on Premises By the way, save room for some wonderful crêpes or gelato at Mod’s Coffee and Crêpes whether seeking a meal or snack. The quaint little restaurant simply adds another delightful aspect to a wonderful experience in the Philcade building.

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JANUARY 15, 2018

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Location: Bixby, Ark.

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History: “Our feed and supply business began a few blocks from here in 1987 when I rented a building,” owner Stan Cowan explained. “However, I soon saw the advantage of owning my own, larger facility so in 1990 I purchased 2 acres and built two adjoining structures, one for retail and another for feed storage. I expanded the storage facility in 2005 and now have a total of 10,000 square feet. Justin Kindley was my manager for 16 years when he unexpectedly passed. My daughter, Jessica Combs, who has always worked here on and off, stepped in as manager in 2010 as has remained in that position since then. The industry has changed since I began. One change is the influx of big box agricultural stores which has severely hurt small, privately owned ones. Another change is that women are our customers more and more often. Finally, old and full-time farmers are retiring with no one taking their place. One result is an increased number of smaller, hobby farmers who work off the farm to support their hobby.” Products and Services: “The largest portion of our business is selling bagged food for pets and livestock. The greatest portion of our sales come from horse owners who need feed, supplements and assessories. Our sales of livestock feed for cattle, goats and sheep is for show feed which meets the needs of young people in 4-H and FFA who show at the county and state fairs. Every year we sell over 20,000 square bales of Bermuda and alfalfa hay, as well as straw with Bermuda being the most popular purchase. We also carry 50-pound bags of chicken feed and wild bird seed and to standard vet supplies. We offer a wide variety of supplements, including minerals in granular form. One of our most unusual customers is the Oklahoma Aquarium who orders shark vitamin tablets from us. Finally, we carry commercial fertilizer and both residential and agricultural herbicides.” Philosophy and future: “In a business like ours, we know our customers well, many of which we not only know their names but the names of their children and sometimes even their pets. Part of what makes us successful is that we have quick access to items we do not carry in inventory so we can meet the needs of whatever our customers require. I hope this will become a three generation business.”

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JANUARY 15, 2018

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Billy Bob Webb Story By Terry Ropp

Family: Wife, Kim Webb; and daughters Taylor (21) and Kailee (13) Hometown: Lowell, Ark. Town Life: “I have been an attorney for almost 22 years and received my law degree from the University of Arkansas. My first job as a deputy prosecutor in Benton County, Ark., greatly influenced me which has led me to my own law firm in downtown Springdale, Ark., where I concentrate on criminal defense and have another lawyer working with me in other areas. My wife Kim has been an elementary school teacher for 23 years and is now teaching pre-k at Parsons Hills in Springdale. We have two daughters: Taylor who is attending the University of Arkansas and who recently switched from agriculture communications to elementary education, and 13-year-old Kailee who plays volleyball for Sonora Middle School, shows livestock and wants to compete in barrels. Country Life: “Even though our address is in Lowell, we live in the country

on a 150 acre family owned farm and lease 220 acres on the Crawford County line. I have always had a truly mixed cow/calf operation and added goats from 2012 until 2015 for showing. We gave up on the goats because we simply didn’t have enough time to properly keep up with their care, especially in terms of parasites and purple mint. Recently I decided to change the focus of my operation and sold my mixed herd while cattle prices were high in order to purchase fewer highly Angus-influenced mommas and a Black Hereford bull. My goal is to achieve a 60 momma herd and sell show animals. The Black Hereford has the benefits of retaining the black coloring while adding the marbling and body structure of the Hereford breed. The demand for the Black Hereford-influenced calves far exceeds the supply. In addition, people now seem to use the Internet to find specialty animals like these, and I want to meet that need. However, the change is a work in progress that will take time with future market demands and industry advancements being totally unpredictable.

Future: “Building a herd like this takes time and patience. I hope to reach my

goal of 60 mommas in five to eight years through strict culling, more particular health protocols and constantly bettering my genetics. I have always loved cattle and I plan on working with my cattle as long as I am able. The plan is to have more time to devote to my farm in the coming years but only time will tell.”

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slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 12/31/17 to 1/6/18) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

No Sale - Holiday † 65.50-78.00 † 62.00-94.00 † Not Reported* No Sale - Holiday † No Sale - Holiday*

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

slaughter

100

cows

(Week of 12/31/17 to 1/6/18) Arkansas Cattle Auction

40.00-58.00 † Ash Flat Livee 20.00-56.00 † Benton County Sale 34.00-67.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auctionn 40.00-58.00* Cleburne County Livestock - Heber Springs No Sale - Holiday † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 39.00-61.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Not Reported* Farmers Livestock 40.00-62.00 † Fort Smith Stockyards No Sale - Holiday † I-40 Livestock 30.00-64.00 † Joplin Regional 36.00-63.00 † Mid-State Stockyards No Sale - Holiday* North Arkansas Livestock 40.00-58.50 † No Sale - Holiday †

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

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 1/2/18 127

Ash Flat Livestock

100

stocker & feeder

120

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

1/5/18 505

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 1/4/18 1,765

County Line Sale Ratcliff 1/3/18 93

Decatur Livestock*

1/3/18 267

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs ---------

-----

St-8 Higher

-----

----170.00-171.00 -------------

181.00 165.00-176.00 151.00-168.00 145.00-154.00 143.00

191.00-216.00 186.00-210.00 153.00-190.00 149.00-164.00 142.00-148.00

158.00-186.00 148.00-169.00 140.00-162.00 137.00-150.00 132.00-143.50

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

190.00 157.00-174.00 150.00-164.00 ---------

Farmers Livestock Springdale 1/5/18 369

Fort Smith Stockyards

---------

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

-----

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

189.00 165.00-192.00 145.00-167.00 140.00-163.00 -----

----147.00-156.00 -------------

--------157.00-161.00 ---------

192.00-207.00 176.00-201.00 153.00-175.00 136.00-151.00 133.00

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

--------135.00 ----132.00

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

----162.00-175.00 147.00-163.00 142.00-150.00 125.00-129.00

139.00-149.00 120.00-144.00 -------------

176.00 -----------------

151.00-173.00 148.00-170.00 140.00-153.00 134.00-145.00 123.00-137.00

133.00-154.00 135.00-145.00 130.00-140.00 127.00-137.00 120.00-134.00

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

135.00-160.00 135.00-146.00 130.00-137.00 130.00-139.00 -----

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

158.00-160.00 149.00-164.00 134.00-152.00 ---------

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

1/4/18

---------

I-40 Livestock Ozark 1/4/18 389

Joplin Regional Stockyards 1/2/18 5,844

-----

St-6 Higher

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

170.00-204.00 159.00-187.00 149.00-173.00 140.00-153.00 143.00-146.00

----185.00-212.00 163.00-189.00 150.00-168.00 149.00-154.00

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

--------142.00-155.00 137.00-143.00 137.00-143.00

----175.00 171.00 145.00 -----

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

134.00-150.00 130.00-145.00 133.00-143.00 132.00-138.00 136.00

162.50-173.00 151.00-168.00 142.00-161.00 140.00-146.50 137.00-146.00

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Nati

Che The $1.5 Flu the up t con are tho con and are Spo che regi wee con F.O Mid SPO BU $2.4

prices

12 6$/( +2/,'$<

300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

127 5(3257('

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

goats

Receipts: 561 Supply was good and demand was good. There were plenty of seats in the house but the action held steady all night. Lamb markets were 20.00 to 30.00 higher. While the remainder of the markets held mostly steady compared to last sale. Supply was made up of about 43 percent kid goats, 5 percent Does and Bucks, 40 percent lambs, and 9 percent ewes and rams. All prices are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise. SHEEP: Feeder Lambs, mostly hair: Medium and large 1-2 38-55 lbs 240.00-262.50. Medium and large 2-3 39-55 lbs 220.00235.00. Slaughter Lambs, mostly hair: Choice and Prime 2-4 60-70 lbs 235.00-255.00; 73-84 lbs 200.00-225.00; 88-99 lbs 165.00-195.00; 103-110 lbs 145.00-170.00; 122-125 lbs 120.00-130.00. Choice 2-3 63-65 lbs 205.00-225.00. Several Families of wool Ewes with lambs: Small Medium 2-3 57.50 Per Head. Replacement Ewes, Few: several Fancy young Cheviots 71 lbs 230.00. Medium and Large 1-2 125-128 lbs 105.00112.50. Slaughter Ewes: Utility and Good 1-3 80-185 lbs 67.5087.50. Replacement Hair Rams: One young Dorper 120 lbs 140.00. Slaughter Rams: 160-185 lbs 70.00-100.00. GOATS: Feeder kids: Selection 2 32-40 lbs 225.00-245.00. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 40-77 lbs 252.50-270.00; 90-120 lbs 170.00-180.00. Selection 2 42-73 lbs 220.00250.00; 75-98 lbs 160.00-190.00. Selection 3 45-52 lbs 150.00-190.00. Replacement Does: Selection 1-2 70-88 lbs 160.00170.00; 90-140 lbs 125.00-155.00. Slaughter Does: Selection 2-3 70-85 lbs 140.00-165.00. Replacement Bucks: Selection 1 210 lbs 350.00 Per Head. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 2 90-165 lbs 100.00-140.00.

No Sale - Holiday*

127 5(3257('

12/14/17

sheep & Diamond • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale

Not Reported* No Sale - Holiday †

121( 5(3257('

33.50-58.50 † 35.00-76.00 †

dairy cattle

Norwood • Producers Auction Yards

Receipts: 240 At this month’s special dairy sale at the Producers Auction Yard, demand was good on a moderate supply. The Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 12/19/17 supply consisted of 15 percent Springer Heifers, 7 percent Receipts: 352 The supply was light and demand was moderate. There Bred Heifers, 11 percent Open Heifers, 8 percent Fresh were 06 percent springer heifers, 13 percent bred heifers, and Milking Cows, 4 percent Bred Cows and 20 percent baby calves. The balance was made up of weigh cows 32 percent open heifers, 08 percent fresh and milking cows, 03 percent bred and springer cows and 06 percent and beef animals. All quotes are on a per head basis for baby calves. The balance was steers, bulls and slaughter Holsteins unless noted otherwise. Springer Heifers Bred Seven to Nine Months: Supreme cows. Prices reported are on a per head basis and for 1250.00-1300.00, Approved 1000.00-1225.00, Medium Holsteins unless noted otherwise. 120 775.00-800.00, Common Pair 700.00, Individual Crossbred Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 640.00. ind 1270.00, ind crossbred 1225.00, Approved 1000.001175.00, few crossbreds 1075.00-1125.00, Medium 900.00- Heifers Bred Four to Six Months: Approved 975.00935.00, ind crossbred 975.00, Common 675.00-725.00, ind 1000.00, Medium 775.00-850.00, Crossbred 680.00-725.00, Common 450.00-550.00, Crossbred 425.00-625.00, Jerseys crossbred 520.00. 310.00-500.00. Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1200.00Open heifers: Approved 200-300 lbs 230.00-250.00, Cross1250.00, ind crossbred 1200.00, Approved 1000.00bred 230.00-285.00, Medium 300-400 lbs Pair Crossbred 1150.00, crossbreds 950.00-1100.00, Medium 825.00250.00, 400-500 lbs Pair Crossbred 280.00, 700-800 lbs Pair 900.00, few Jerseys 885.00-850.00, ind crossbred 900.00, Common 570.00-775.00, ind Jersey 600.00, few crossbreds 600.00, Individual Jersey 625.00. Fresh Milking Heifers and Cows: Approved 1000.00570.00-760.00. Heifers bred one to three months: Approved ind 1000.00, 1150.00, Medium 775.00-1000.00, Individual Crossbred 900.00, Common Individual 550.00, Individual Crossbred Medium ind Jersey 750.00, ind crossbred 550.00. 400.00. Open Heifers: Approved: 198-268 lbs few 150.00, ind Bred and Springer Cows: Medium 800.00-985.00, IndiJersey 300.00, 345-365 lbs 310.00-340.00, 405-500 lbs 450.00-530.00, ind Jersey 400.00, crossbreds 400.00-465.00, vidual Crossbred 750.00, Jerseys 710.00-750.00, Common 505-580 lbs 570.00-620.00, ind Jersey 560.00, 615-698 lbs Individual Jersey 560.00. Baby Calves: Holstein Heifers Large Individual 155.00, 570.00-680.00, ind Jersey 670.00, few crossbreds 510.00, Small 50.00-70.00, Holstein Bulls Large 75.00-110.00, 749-775 lbs few Jerseys 720.00-740.00. Small 40.00-60.00, Jersey Bulls 45.00-55.00, Crossbred Medium: 525 lbs ind crossbred 350.00, 650-685 lbs ind Heifers 85.00-150.00, Crossbred Bulls 70.00-120.00, Beef 430.00, ind Jersey 590.00, 710-735 lbs ind 600.00, ind Cross Heifers Pair 125.00, Beef Cross Bulls 115.00-170.00. crossbred 460.00. Replacement Cows: Fresh and Milking Cows and Heifers:

12 6$/( +2/,'$<

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 121.00-124.50; wtd. avg. price 121.91. Heifers: 120.00-125.00; wtd. avg. price 121.99. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 192.00-196.00; wtd. avg. price 194.07. Heifers: 193.00-196.00; wtd. avg. price 194.39.

68.00-86.50 † Not Reported* Not Reported* 69.00-73.00 † No Sale - Holiday † 60.00-82.00 † 64.00-88.00 † No Sale - Holiday* 70.00-75.00 †

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

68.00-97.00 † 65.00-80.00* No Sale - Holiday †

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

beef

77.00-79.00 † 57.50-76.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock - Heber Springs County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

Supreme 1375.00-1500.00, Approved 1125.00-1325.00, Jerseys 900.00-935.00, Medium ind 925.00, few Jerseys 775.00-825.00, few crossbreds 825.00-1025.00, Common 1/7/18 few 585.00-700.00. Springer Cows: few Approved Jerseys 1000.00-1025.00. Bred Cows: Medium ind 850.00, few Jerseys 850.00870.00. Baby Calves: Holstein heifers 110.00-180.00, Holstein bulls 80.00-130.00, Jersey bulls 55.00-60.00, crossbred heifers ind 85.00, crossbred bulls 55.00-130.00, beef cross bulls 145.00-180.00.

JANUARY 15, 2018

Mi Stoc

y and Good 1-3 80-185 lbs 67.50-

1000

1500

cow/calf

pairs

ction 2 90-165 lbs 100.00-140.00.

9.70

Soft Wheat

Corn

9.74

9.75

Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

9.54

9 6

4.68

5.52

4.63

3.59

eville

Hele

Elain

3.61

h Blyt

4.70

4.38

3.64

3.39

eola

Osc

Little

Roc

ices

Joplin Regional Stockyards 1/2/18 5,844

Mid-State Stockyards*

-----

St-6 Higher

----175.00 171.00 145.00 -----

4.00-150.00 0.00-145.00 3.00-143.00 2.00-138.00 136.00

162.50-173.00 151.00-168.00 142.00-161.00 140.00-146.50 137.00-146.00

---------

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 1/3/18 102

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 1/3/18 3,157

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 1/5/18 321

Ozarks Regional West Plains 1/2/18 1,332

-----

St-5 Higher

12 6$/( +2/,'$<

I-40 estock Ozark 1/4/18 389

1000

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

----171.50-172.00 164.00-168.00 ---------

----181.00-184.00 162.00-176.00 155.50-169.50 147.50-158.00

174.00-199.00 157.00-174.00 152.00-161.00 140.00-147.00 134.00

192.00 178.00-180.00 165.00-167.00 148.00-168.00 -----

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

173.00-176.00 162.00-172.00 164.00 ---------

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

--------137.00-155.00 131.00-144.00 -----

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

162.00 142.00-155.00 136.00 ----127.00

173.00 154.00-163.00 142.00-145.00 143.00-143.50 139.50-142.00

145.00-165.00 139.00-155.00 133.00-146.00 132.00-138.50 -----

----145.00-165.00 139.00-154.00 142.50-147.00 138.50

JANUARY 15, 2018

162.58 146.18

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

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

141.82 142.86

*** *** 130.40

***

*** 153.65 166.20

*** *** ***

129.61 142.76 *** *** ***

128.06

***

*** 159.80

135.98 144.69

165.36

No Sale - Holiday †

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

145.35

152.93

1000.00-1175.00 † Not Reported *

-----

134.15 126.21

135.26

***

No Sale - Holiday † 850.00-1350.00 †

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

139.73 133.06

130.97

***

825.00-1300.00 † No Sale - Holiday * None Reported †

1500

Week of 12/10/17

168.79 158.09

166.36

No Sale - Holiday †

500

133.91 131.21

158.30

1075.00 †

Welch Stockyards

156.34 152.61

149.77

No Sale - Holiday †

Mid-State Stockyard North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyard Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction

146.25 132.27

159.04

Not Reported * Not Reported * 1025.00-1500.00 †

Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita

Sorghum

144.47

Week of 12/17/17

lection 1-2 70-88 lbs 160.0000-155.00. ion 2-3 70-85 lbs 140.00-165.00. election 1 210 lbs 350.00 Per

Week Ended 1/9/18

Soybeans

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

150.85

2500

2000

2500

Tulsa Livestock Auction ----------

Welch Stockyards*

------

-----

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

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

***

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

***

*** ***

***

156.25

142.00

168.89 ***

*** 150.13

136.00

*** 168.46 152.00 154.88 153.39

*** 147.39 137.27 135.96 * *

* 162.42

144.50 135.75

151.61 ***

***

145.38

165.60 100

Oct. 17 Nov. 17 Dec. 17

heifers 550-600 LBS.

174.00

Week of 12/24/17

avg. grain prices

July 17 Aug. 17 Sept. 17

151.00

Week of 12/31/17

2 32-40 lbs 225.00-245.00. on 1 40-77 lbs 252.50-270.00; 00. Selection 2 42-73 lbs 220.000-190.00. Selection 3 45-52 lbs

--------2.00-155.00 7.00-143.00 7.00-143.00

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

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy None Reported † Ash Flat Livestock 750.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 885.00-1110.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock 800.00-1275.00 * Cleburne County Livestock - Heber Springs No Sale - Holiday † County Line Sale - Ratcliff None Reported †

85 lbs 70.00-100.00.

----185.00-212.00 163.00-189.00 150.00-168.00 149.00-154.00

steers 550-600 LBS.

(Week of 12/31/17 to 1/6/18)

ms: One young Dorper 120 lbs

0.00-204.00 9.00-187.00 9.00-173.00 0.00-153.00 3.00-146.00

2000

Jan. 17 Feb. 17 Mar. 17 Apr. 17 May 17 June 17

Week of 12/17/17

500

$80

Week of 12/24/17

1/5/18

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.3900 and 40# blocks at $1.4950. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4038 (-.0318) and blocks, emand was good. There were $1.5056 (-.0100). ouse but the action held steady Fluid Milk: Milk output is generally steady throughout most of ts were 20.00 to 30.00 higher. the country. Midwestern and Eastern freezing temperatures have, f the markets held mostly steady up to this point, had little effect on production. That being said, Supply was made up of about 43 rcent Does and Bucks, 40 percent contacts point out that single digit and subzero temperatures are creating some havoc with hauling milk and cream in wes and rams. All prices are per those regions. Adding to that, general logistical problems are ) unless noted otherwise. continuing into 2018, including dwindling trucker availability and electronic logging issues. Across the country, milk supplies hair: Medium and large 1-2 38-55 ium and large 2-3 39-55 lbs 220.00- are beginning to find their way into bottling as schools reopen. Spot milk into cheese production is still available. Midwestern cheesemakers report spot milk as low as $6 under Class. In all ly hair: Choice and Prime 2-4 regions, cream prices gained traction following the holiday 0; 73-84 lbs 200.00-225.00; 88-99 110 lbs 145.00-170.00; 122-125 lbs weeks. However, cream remains plentiful, and some contacts are concerned that the post-holiday price bounce may be short lived. 2-3 63-65 lbs 205.00-225.00. ol Ewes with lambs: Small Medium F.O.B. cream multiples are 1.00-1.15 in the East, 1.10-1.20 in the Midwest, and 1.00-1.17 in the West. 0 SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND w: several Fancy young Cheviots and Large 1-2 125-128 lbs 105.00- BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest $2.4166-2.6363.

$120

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 69.00-75.00 † Prices reported per cwt Ash Flat Livestock 725.00-1200.00 † Benton County 550.00-1110.00 † Cattlemen’s Live 600.00-1060.00* Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs No Sale - Holiday † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 900.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Not Reported * Farmers Livestock 560.00-1320.00 † Fort Smith Stockyards No Sale - Holiday † I-40 Livestock - Ozark 800.00-890.00 † Joplin Regional 500.00-1625.00 † Mid-State Stockyards No Sale - Holiday * North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † No Sale - Holiday † OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock 605.00-990.00 † Ozarks Reg 400.00-1300.00 † Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported * Tulsa Livestock Auction No Sale - Holiday † Welch Stockyards No Sale - Holiday *

Week of 12/10/17

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$160

PricesPrices reported per cwt Prices reported reported per percwt cwt

12 6$/( +2/,'$<

1/4/18

dairy sales

$200

12 6$/( +2/,'$<

and Goat Sale

goats

cows

(Week of 12/31/17 to 1/6/18)

127 5(3257('

eep &

replacement

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 12/31/17

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

125 150 175 200 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

225

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

100 125 150 175 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

200

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

15 15

meet your neighbors

Photo by Terry Ropp

Bill Mullen is a third-generation cattleman. He said it took several years to build his ranch, and that he and his wife, Teresa, saved cans of nickels for many years.

Childhood Dreams By Terry Ropp

Bill Mullen had great ambitions as a youngster, including owning is own cattle ranch By the time he was 8 years old, Bill Mullen of Maysville, Ark., had already been driving a blue, 4-speed Chevy pickup equipped with a hand throttle in “granny” for four years. Bill drove in a semicircle while his father Willard checked cattle and pitched hay out the back. At the same age, he also knew the three things he wanted to be: a professional baseball player, a country music singer and a cattle ranch owner. “The baseball goal ended at the American Legion in Bentonville, but the other two became the driving forces in my life,” Bill said with a laugh. Bill is the third generation of cattlemen/ musician in his family. Grandfather Phil played the fiddle and raised Hereford’s while Willard played the steel guitar, and carried on the Hereford tradition. Bill started showing Herefords calves out of his dad’s cows as a youngster and added singing to his guitar playing, though he elected to chase the market and experiment with crossbreeding rather than raising purebred Herefords. Not surprisingly, his cattle have a strong Hereford genetic component. While father and son may have chosen different breeding patterns, both stayed staunch cattlemen and professional musicians, often performing together. According to Bill, “they were tight” and shared their lives fully, so much so that

they played together in Bill’s first band, to this particular ranch. One was the terOzark Country Boys, and his last, Bill rain. The land has no rocks, no hills and Mullen and the Southern Pride Band. no timber, something not very common Willard played his whole life with a gig in Northwest Arkansas. Another was scheduled the night he passed at age 79. the layout. The pastures are separated by The cattle business is not easy and a fenced channel that allows easy access demands thriftiness, passion, dedica- to every pasture. Further, water from the tion and a willingness to spend years in ranch’s well was already piped to many of developing a self-sustaining business. the pastures. In addition, the ranch conIn Bill’s case, the quest began with 20 tained a good corral area and outbuildings. acres purchased in the 1970s with subThe first cattle Bill and Teresa raised were sequent buying and selling until he was with Limousin and Charolais bulls. The able to purchase 300 acres in Maysville cross produced yellow cross calves which on which runs a cow/calf operation with were highly marketable at the time and 120 momma cows. During those years are now making a strong comeback. Curand afterwards, until 2007 Bill worked rently Bill has Brangus and Hereford bulls a variety of jobs, including selling real he breeds to mostly crossbred black cows estate and automobiles. though a few from the old Charolais line “I could never have done any of this remain. Bill believes that one of the most without my wife Teresa who was my critical factors in selecting bulls is finding a high school sweetheart,” Bill said. “She quality and trustworthy breeder who undernow works in the jewelry billing de- stands the needs and desires of each specific partment for Walmart having worked customer though eye appeal is the buyer’s for them for 30 years, driving 60 miles responsibility. He buys his Brangus bulls round-trip every day and then coming from Jim Singleton from Maysville and his home and helping me. Herefords from Vernon Schmiegelow from “Building this ranch was a long process, Gravette. The bulls produce high-quality and we had to save cans of calves, which means raising nickels to get there. I didn’t Maysville, Ark. his own replacement heifers have my first air-conditioned makes sense for Bill. Consetractor until I was 60 simply quently, Bill replaces his bulls because I couldn’t afford it. often in order to keep the bloodStill today the business is far lines clean. from easy.” Bill believes in people. Though Several features attracted Bill far away, Bill sells his cattle at JopOzarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

lin Reginal Stockyards in Carthage, Mo., because another country singer, Dwayne Bowman from Missouri, had heard of Bill and came to look at his cattle, suggesting he might want to sell at the Diamond Sale Barn, which he did, making another friend named Fred Gates, who moved onto JRS when the Diamond sale closed. “I told Fred it was a long way to go but I’d give it a try since they had so many buyers. I did and have done well there ever since,” Bill said. Bill has both spring and fall calves, which he weans at 7 months when he works the entire herd following a vaccine and pour on wormer protocol. He feeds minerals to the entire herd and 16 percent grain to his replacement heifers for 120 days. Bill has a large pasture rotational system with eight pastures to support three herds: a smaller herd of first-calf heifers and his two main herds. Pastures are 90 percent fescue and Bermuda with some clover. Sixty acres are set aside for hay and are the only acres to be fertilized with either chicken litter when available or commercial fertilizers. Rather than spraying for weeds, he brush hogs where and when needed, especially adjusting the height so he can knock off the tops of the fescue. He believes brush hogging is just hours in the saddle. “Music fills my soul but can’t pay the bills. Music and cattle give me a good life and they are equally important,” Bill said. JANUARY 15, 2018

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*For commercial use only. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. See your participating New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate or term. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good through March 31, 2018, at participating New Holland dealers in the United States. CNH Industrial Capital America LLC standard terms and conditions will apply. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. © 2018 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Agriculture are trademarks registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. New Holland Construction is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

meet your neighbors

Perseverance and Hard Work By Larry Burchfield

Family overcomes a rough start to build their farming operation in White County, Ark. The Shooks have a rather unique system for delivering hay to their farm supply Larry Shook of McRae, Ark., knew he wanted to be a farmer. In 1980, with some help from his dad Stanly, Shook found 800 acres to rent and started in row stores. The hay is purchased in enclosed trailers and delivered to the store. When crop farming with soybeans. Of course, 1980 will go down as one of the worst droughts in the store sells out, another trailer is delivered and swapped out. This drastically history and Shook harvested a whopping 2 bushels of soybeans per acre. Needless to say it reduces labor, increases efficiency, and provides additional storage for hay and straw. Six large storage barns are located on the farm with a total capacity of approxiwas a very discouraging start, but Larry didn’t give up. He was determined to work harder to pay for the losses and used 1980 as a building block to fulfill his dream of being a farmer. mately 90,000 square bales, 1,000 large square bales and 400 round bales. Irrigation has played a major part in the Shook’s success. With the drought of 1980 “What a year to start farming,” Larry recalled. “I was sure discouraged, but I wasn’t still etched in their minds, the Shooks have concentrated on developing sound irabout to give up my first year farming. I hung in there and glad I did.” rigation practices to irrigate as many acres as possible. Thirty-seven years later, that determination has paid off. “It is absolutely necessary to have irrigation,” Belinda said. “We currently have The farm family includes daughter Martie Shook Benton and her husband Rick. 600 acres of irrigated land. That The Bentons live and work off Photo by Larry Burchfield takes a lot of weather variables the farm, but their four chilout of the picture.” dren love to spend time on the Being content with “status farm and enjoy the outdoors. quo” of the operation has nevMatt Shook is the youngest er been a virtue of any of the of the two siblings and is very Shook family. They are coninvolved in the farm operation. stantly working to improve the Matt’s main focus is the family’s operation. Regular soil samcattle operation and mowing dupling helps them increase soil ties around the farm. Matt and fertility. Increased irrigation efhis wife, Lauren Kemp Shook ficiency and better water manalso work with the family busiagement is also a top priority. ness, Total Erosion Control in Another major element of McRae. TEC provides hay (and the farm is labor retention. equipment) from the Shook Larry is a captain with the farm for highway, construction North Little Rock Fire Deand industrial sites to be used partment and Belinda, his for erosion control. Lauren also wife, is superintendent of the handles the bookkeeping for Beebe School District, so they both operations and oversees the are required to spend time Shook Farm social network. away from the farm. Farm duShook Farms is a diverse ties then fall on the other fam1,690-acre operation with apily members, Matt, Larry’s dad proximately half of the acres Stanley, two full-time farmbeing owned and half being hands and four to five partrented. Bermuda grass hay is the The Larry Shook family farm more than 1,600 acres, where they operate a time hands during hay season main crop for Shook farms, with cow/calf operation, grow wheat, corn silage, soybeans and hay. and a part-time mechanic. 440 acres of that being irrigated. Every member of the family is The Shooks also farm 325 acres involved in community activities. The farm has donated hay for every occasion, includof wheat (for straw), 80 acres of corn silage, and 80 acres of soybeans. There is 200 acres in CRP and another 350 acres of pasture for the 160 head of ing schools, churches, area parades, rodeos, and a host of festivals. Most family members have been actively involved with FFA chapters throughout the county and cow/calf operation. participate in fundraisers for the Sunshine School, a school for special needs Shook Farms has built a strong reputation for quality Bermuda grass hay children in Searcy, Ark. which is mainly square bales. The hay is sold to several local ranches, numerMcRae, Ark. It’s been 37 years since Larry Shook’s trial by fire when he began farmous feed lots, the Little Rock Zoo, landscaping businesses in the fall, Oaking. He and Belinda have been married for 35 of those years and have seen lawn thoroughbred farms, and even to cattle producers in the Mid-west. Shook Farms through some hard times. Being selected as the 2017 Farm “We have one producer who comes down from Iowa once a year for a large Family of the Year is a testament to their perseverance, love for farming and truck load of hay,” Larry explained. “He heard about us several years ago and was family values. Congratulations! really needing hay. He liked our product and has been a customer ever since.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018

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youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Johnny Conner Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Age: 14 Parents: Clint and Kayse Conner Hometown: Coweta, Okla, How did you get started with 4-H? “When I was in third grade, I wanted to start showing hogs. Joining 4-H was the best way for me to do that. I was very nervous at first because it was something new. Now I really like it because it keeps me busy and I have made many good friends.

Why do you like showing and how has it changed over the years?

“I really like showing because I get out of school, have fun and hopefully win. However, I never name my pigs though my Chi steer Tatar, who I will show for the first time this year, was named by somebody else. I started showing pigs with a cross and a Yorkshire my first year. I was nervous and wanted to win everything but only got second or third place and quickly saw I needed to work on control and movement, especially around corners. Now I’ve been doing this for five years. We have crosses and Hampshire because those breeds tend to show well. We also have Berks. Berk show pigs have to be selected carefully in terms of potential body build and stability, but you can do really well. My last Berk barrow won reserve breed, breed and grand. I travel and show a lot to jackpots. I show from January to March and again in the fall and early winter.”

What is your farm like?

“We have eight momma cows and 11 sows that we breed by AI so we don’t have to keep a boar. AI also allows us to control when the piglets are born. Our last round produced 62 piglets. Those pigs we don’t keep for showing or feeding out for ourselves, we sell privately for others to feed out or show.”

What do you do to help out on the farm?

“My dad and I do almost everything together. My favorite part is haying when I get to drive and use all of the equipment. Haying doesn’t seem like work, but repairing fences and taking care of the animals is, but I like the results. I also practice working with Tatar and my show pigs daily in preparation for showing.”

What are your future plans?

“Right now I want to be a crop duster because I really like airplanes. We have a friend who flies a four-seater, and he and I go a lot of places including tractor shows. Having a job that combines agriculture and planes would be great.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Customer Service

Serving the Tri-State Area

On Farm Appraisal Receiving: Mon.: 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sale: Tues., 12 p.m. Owners: Chris Buffer 479-531-2962 Shawn Sperry 479-957-1387

479-752-8499 • Hwy. 59 South • Decatur, AR

t’s a title, a phase and a statement. Customer Service (CS) evokes a different image to us depending on our current conditions and environment. There are many angles and ways to address this important subject. Ken W. Knies is an However, as we approach customer service, the agricultural and rural name itself should command our attention. consultant. He has a CS is a topic that receives a lot of attention at bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the the corporate level. Many classes, webinars and University of Arkansas training sessions are offered to employees tied and a master’s of busidirectly to enhancing our customer interactions. ness administration Why? Why do we focus untold millions of hours from Webster Univerand dollars to this intangible discipline? sity in St. Louis, Mo. I’d suggest that CS remains the single most important and memorable part of any humanbusiness transaction. Whether in business, a phone call or a one-on-one visit, the interaction is critical to either a successful or a poor personal experience. I once attended a large marketing conference in Louisville, Ky. The presenter for a particular segment shared a concept worth remembering: He started by saying: “The customer is always (pause...) then the audience commented “The customer is always right.” No, he replied “but the customer is always… The customer.” We’ve all been to a restaurant only to be seemingly dissed, ignored or received slow service by the wait staff. This is a classic example of poor customer service. Actually, CS presents itself in all kinds of ways. Think about it this way. In business, you’re either on the serving or receiving end of CS through: • Direct retail (in-store) activity • Phone calls • E-mail, texts • Social media • Human interaction Here’s a great website regarding the ten commandments of CS by Susan Friedman: https://www.thebalance.com/ten-commandments-of-great-customer-service CS never goes out of style. In this area of social media, it may seem were like moving through life electronically. This reduction in human interaction further increases the importance of our communication when it’s a “live” one-to-one activity. I contend that our customer will often chose the service or company not necessarily because of price, size or even being viewed as the best. Many times, the purchase decision is based on the level of personal CS being offered. It’s about being present and recognizing that at this moment, the most important thing is the person we’re working with – right now. If you’re really interested in the greatest competitive advantage available, focus on exemplary CS. It’s about doing the right thing - right now. We all know what happens when we experience poor CS. We generally tell several others. This multiplier effect is a killer for business. Alternatively, great service will also be shared with friends and associates. That positive referral or testimonial is great for business. It’s been said that everyone is a salesperson. If true, it also follows that we’re all in the Customer Service business as well. The first contact someone new has with you creates a lasting impression – make it a great one. JANUARY 15, 2018

Decatur

Livestock Auction Inc.

By Ken Knies

Free Portable Corral Use for Customers • Hauling Available • Covered Pens

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farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

Supplements Promote Growth By Tyler Proctor

Proper supplement use maintains desired weight gains for winter calves Calves require the right balance of water, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to maintain wellness and produce optimum weight gains throughout the winter. Inadequate amounts of minerals and vitamins in hay and forage make it important to use supplements during winter calf feeding. According to a University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture fact sheet, some forages naturally contain all necessary vitamins and minerals; however, it is more common for forage diets to be insufficient in vitamin A and one or more minerals. Finding the right balance of nutrients and right supplements for a herd’s ration is something experienced cow calf operation owners like Derek Armstrong in Rogers, Ark., are familiar with. Armstrong said he tries to use supplements that will benefit calves in more ways than one, helping balance the deficiencies in winter forage. “We look for supplements that will provide both minerals and vitamins,” Armstrong said. Knowing the nutrient levels that are already available for the calf will help producers avoid buying unnecessary supplements, which could be costly. Armstrong said knowing the vitamin and mineral content of the water and forage available to his calves is important so he can make decisions about purchasing supplements. “Our water and forage have been tested so we can know the nutrient levels that are available without supplements,” Armstrong said. Sourcing forage for winter feeding from a reliable supplier is also a practice Armstrong follows, ensuring the hay has an adequate nutrient supply to minimize the amounts of supplements needed for the herd.

what do you say? Why are supplements important in livestock production?

“Supplements replace minerals not available in the ground anymore because land is used so intensively.” Christy Clark Logan County, Ark.

“First we look for quality, from a consistent source,” he said. “Then we look for a good deal at the best location.” Armstrong said he prefers to take a scientific approach to selecting supplements. “This past year we did a mineral trial with a Benton County extension agent,” he said, “measuring consumption rates for three different minerals.” The trial helped Armstrong choose the most economical supplement for his calves. Once the nutrient needs are identified, it is important to make the supplement choice that best fits the operation’s needs. Feeding minerals free-choice in a loose, fixed form is a common method of supplementation. “Loose mix is our choice because it is easy and we always have a salt block available,” Armstrong said. At the bare minimum, a salt block should always be available for the herd to supplement sodium. There are different varieties and colors of blocks but Armstrong said the plain white block should provides all the sodium his calves need. Measuring the success of mineral and vitamin supplementation on health and daily gain is also important in order to understand the economic impacts it has on the operation. Poor coat heal, runny noses and watery eyes are all signs Armstrong looks for to determine if his calves are lacking in minerals or vitamins. “We measure the success of our supplements through coat quality and heard health,” he said. “Unhealthy calves are easy indicators of mineral and vitamin deficiencies.”

“We use loose mineral supplements because they not only help with overall health but also promote breeding back at a particular time.”

“Supplements are critical in keeping cattle healthy and strong.”

Kim Hogan Franklin County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Fred Fricht Madison County, Ark.

“Like people, cattle need vitamins and minerals and supplements apply what they don’t get from their normal feed and grazing.” Dwain Parsons Washington County, Ark. JANUARY 15, 2018

farm help

To DE or Not to DE By Isabel Whitehead

Is diatomaceous earth suitable for use in livestock operations? Finding reliable scientific sources about supplements is important. Using diatomaceous earth in livestock production is popular among some producers. Although the practice of supplementing with diatomaceous earth (DE) is common, scientific research consistently shows DE is ineffective as a standalone treatment. Anecdotally, the product is an impressive jack of all trades. However, in practice, there are many variables to account for before jumping on the DE bandwagon. Livestock producers have a strong local research and extension network to turn to when deciding whether to incorporate new practices such as using DE as a feed supplement or as a natural insecticide. Examining potential benefits and current research is vital when separating hype from fact. What is DE slated to do, and is it a viable supplement? The substance itself is unique, due to its abrasive and absorbent qualities. DE is made up of diatoms, or aquatic microorganisms comprised of silicone dioxide. The inert dust is harvested from sediments found at the bottom of oceans, lakes and rivers around the globe. Tiered grades are available for purchase. Food grade DE is recommended for human and animal consumption. Because the dust is so fine, consumers are encouraged to wear protective respiratory equipment when applying DE, even when using food grade versions. DE is slated to control internal and external parasites when used in place of, or in conjunction with, other parasite management practices. DE is also marketed as a natural insecticide, anti-caking agent, filtration and pelleting aid. There is debate over the benefits of DE, which are hard to pinpoint. Considering the myriad of variables at play on an average farm or ranch, identifying beneficial practices becomes a challenge for producers. Use of the supplement also varies among domestic species. Local livestock and poultry experts weigh in on the topic.

Small Ruminants

In small ruminants, the powder is approved as a feed supplement, if the correct grade and ratio is used. Producers may sprinkle the powder around feed, directly mix it into the feed as a dewormer or dust it along animals’ backs to control parasites. Linda Coffey, agricultural specialist for the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s sustainable agriculture assistance program called ATTRA, explained that she has heard of the practice of using DE in livestock production, but she encouraged beginners to remember that no practice is a cure-all. “I can’t think of a single practice in agriculture that stands alone. If you are managing a farm and only focusing on one thing, whether that’s animal health, selection or pasture management, it’s not going to work. You have to look at the whole picture,” said Coffey. “One of the problems with research is that you can’t look at everything holistically, you have to look at one thing at a time.” Coffey pointed out that using DE as an insecticide is not backed by research and that beginner or seasoned producers, can benefit from a healthy dose of skepticism. The main tennets of DE use are that the abrasive and drying qualities will affect larval growth. However, the concept is unproven. “In controlled studies, it doesn’t lower fecal egg counts as a dewormer,” said Coffey. “It’s speculated that it’s going to be in the manure, and when the eggs hatch, maybe it will damage the larvae. It is speculated that over time it could lower the population.” Sorting out cause and effect is difficult because of the variation between species, seasons, management practices and so forth. Based on experience with producers, JANUARY 15, 2018

Coffey noticed that the most successful producers employ a broad range of techniques that, as a whole, contribute to animals’ well-being. “Working with producers, a lot of times, they are good observers and managers. DE may be an accidental, extra thing,” said Coffey. “The reality is that it may not be the variable that is making a change. When scientists try to control it and only measure DE as a variable, they don’t see results.” So how do producers decide for themselves when a practice is widely touted and so loosely supported by science? Coffey recommends small scale producers set up their own informal experiments and plug into their local community. “Get out on other people’s farms, ask questions and find a local mentor,” Coffey urged. “Local mentors will be more familiar with your market, weather and your situation. For a beginning producer, go to local meetings and be alert for someone who seems to know what they are doing, have done it for a while and are willing to teach. That person is a gold mine.” In addition to local Extension services, growers can access tip sheets for management practices on the livestock page of the ATTRA website (www.attra.ncat.org). Coffey recommended “Managing Internal Parasites in Goats and Sheep” and “Managing Internal Parasites: Success Stories” as a starting point. Coffey also suggested the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control as an online resource.

Poultry

Mites, fleas, lice and other external parasites, in chickens, may gather around a hen’s vent. Small producers often use diatomaceous earth to control these external parasites. DE is touted as a parasite management method, but confusion surrounds how the product actually affects parasites. Susan Watkins, distinguished professor of poultry science at the University of Arkansas, said there do appear to be anecdotal benefits to using DE as a natural insecticide, although internal benefits are limited. “Using DE as a dust bath seems to have benefits,” said Watkins. “You do have the potential to also control mealworms and bugs in the feed by sprinkling a little bit into the feed.” When mixing DE into feed or dust baths, the properties create an inhospitable environment for parasites. Watkins said the DE itself does not kill external parasites directly, but rather, indirectly. “The diatomaceous earth flour is hydrophilic, so it actually dries the bugs out. If it comes in contact with them, it pulls away their body fluids,” said Watkins. Experimenting with various techniques, ratios and products can allow producers to determine what works best for their flock. Additionally, DE may have some competition with sulfur, which is also readily available at local supply stores. “As a dust bath, [DE] can be very effective, but not as effective as sulfur,” said Watkins. Backyard producers can create a dust bath for their chickens using a 1:1 ratio of DE and sand. Poultry growers should note that DE’s main strength is its ability to absorb. Watkins specified that DE is most effective when it is dry. “If the DE becomes wet, it will regain its properties upon drying out,” said Watkins. Watkins recommends using food grade DE flour for the health of the flock.

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

farm

products

Coming to a Farm Near You in

2018

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

John Deer 5M Tractors

Meet the new 5M Series. Refined from grill to drawbar – the new 5M Series lineup is built to give you more power with less fuel consumption, while meeting new Final Tier 4 emissions requirements. You’ll also enjoy a new level of comfort, convenience, and control. With 4 models ranging from 75 to 115 horsepower, you’re sure to find one that fits your jobs. From the dependable PowerTech™ diesel engine to the premium sound system, you’ll love everything that makes this new lineup the best we’ve ever made. Built in Augusta, Ga., these tractors are built to perform, built to last.

Featherlite’s Model 8271

Featherlite’s Model 8271 gooseneck stock trailer features an expanded carrying capacity, similar to that of its semi stock trailers, yet has the exceptional maneuverability of a gooseneck. Its capacity for larger payloads can save farmers time and money. The stock trailer, with an all-aluminum subframe, is equipped with triple axles, internal rear ramp behind the axles and two center gates with sliders. Specs include lengths of 32, 36 and 40 feet; 8-foot width; aluminum floor; and triple 8K axles.

ABSORB PLUS™

Brookside Agra introduces new ABSORB PLUS™, an all-natural, multi-purpose drying agent that provides sustained suppression and elimination of ammonia, moisture and odors in animal production and housing facilities. Composed of 80 percent hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate and a 20 percent mineral mix of iron, zinc and copper, the product contains no phosphorus and it poses no health threats to animals or humans. ABSORB PLUS is ideal for use in the following areas: swine and poultry housing, calf units, dairy loafing houses, animal bedding, dog kennels, livestock trucks and trailers and horse stables. ABSORB PLUS may also be used for dry foot baths, as a drying agent for piglets, in whole grain storage bins, at livestock exhibitions and more.

Caterpillar Unveils First UTV

Simple work efficiency defines the first utility vehicle (UTV) from Caterpillar. Starting with a blank design slate, the company developed gas-powered CUV82 and diesel-powered CUV102D models. The CUV82 is powered by a 0.8-liter three-cylinder gas engine delivering 50 hp, while a 1-liter three-cylinder diesel engine delivers 25 hp for the CUV102D. The diesel model can reach 25 mph, while the gas model tops out at 45 mph, with an optional 25-mph limiter.

*Information presented here is provided by the respective companies.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018

farm products Kubota’s Grand L60 Series

Kubota’s Grand L60 Series is the ultimate package for outstanding performance and maximum operator comfort in the 37-62 HP tractor segment. Premium in design and powerful in performance, the Grand L60 Series is equipped with high quality Kubota engines and transmissions. Whether you’re mowing, landscaping or needing front-mounted implements, Kubota has the versatility capabilities to match your needs. All of this is backed up with Kubota’s reputation for quality and durability, so you can maximize your productivity.

KUHN Round Balers

KUHN is offering a new generation of round balers. The VB 3100 series offers a wide range of variable chamber round balers to match individual needs. The wide cam-track pick-up unit on all VB balers provides maximum ground adaption during baling. The pendulum capabilities of the cam-track unit keep the pick-up wheels in constant contact with the field surface providing more stability in all swaths. With KUHN’s patented INTEGRAL ROTOR technology, an enormous throughput capacity is guaranteed at all times and you have a choice of several intake units: the OPTIFLOW open throat unit or OPTIFEED INTEGRAL ROTOR unit when cutting of the crop is not required or OC cutting units, available with both 14 and 23 knives. The premium models also have GROUP SELECTION and DROPFLOOR technology.

New Holland’s newest baler

Get the most out of every season with the round baler that delivers higher capacity, the industry’s widest pickups and the highest bale density – the Roll-Belt™ 560 baler. Thanks to new pickups, better windrow feeding and new belt choices, this reliable, restyled 5-foot by 6-baler delivers a 20 percent capacity increase, a 20 percent belt strength increase and a 20 percent increase in belt drive force performance compared to previous model BR7090. Monitor and control the balemaking process with the Bale Command™ II Plus (twine and net, twine only, or net only) system or the Bale Command™ II (twine only) system. Or, go ISOBUS with the IntelliView™ III color touchscreen monitor, or the IntelliView™ IV that’s available through parts. Bale fill sensors on the side of the bale chamber use a new, more durable heat-treated arm. Sensor readouts are displayed as bar graphs on the monitor.

Vermeer

Vermeer improved the standard design for disc mowers with innovations that produce high cutting performance while reducing maintenance needs. Each one features a bishaft design with each disc self-contained and pre-packed with its own set of gears, bearings and lubricants to increase operating life. Add in heavier cutting discs, super-sized skid shoes and other features, and you’ve got a disc mower that gets the job done.

*Information presented here is provided by the respective companies.

JANUARY 15, 2018

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

ozarks’ farm

calendar

January 2018 16 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Jeral Hampton Meeting Place, Booneville, Ark. – 479-963-2360 or 479-675-2787 17 KOMA Cattle Conference – Washington County Fairgrounds, Dewey, Okla. 18 Moving Plants from Greenhouse to Outdoors – 1 p.m. – Eureka Springs Community Center, Eureka Springs, Ark. – 870-423-2958 18 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 22 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Carroll Electric, Huntsville, Ark. – 479-738-6826 22 OSU Ag Tax and Estate Planning – 6-8 p.m., dinner included – R.S.V.P. by Jan. 18 – Jay, Okla. – 918-253-4332 23,25 Master Beekeeper Course – 6-8 p.m. – Cost: $75 – Benton County Extension Office, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-271-1060 for registration 23 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – UACCM Auditorium, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 23 Young Cattlemens Series of Carroll County – Harrison, Ark. – 870-423-2958 25 River Valley Row Crop Production Meeting – 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Conway County Fairgrounds, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 or 501-329-8344 25 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Carl Garner Vistors Center, Heber Spring, Ark. – 501-362-2524 27 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Cost: $10 – Arvest Bank, Gravette, Ark. – 479-271-1060 27 Young Cattlemens Series of Carroll County – Eureka Springs, Ark. – 870-423-2958 February 2018 1 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – $10 fee at the door – Marion County Fairgrounds, Yellville, Ark. – 870-449-6349 3 4-H and FFA Youth County Livestock Show – Claremore Expo Center, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 3 Beekeeping 101 – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Carroll Electric Community Room, Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-2958

ozarks’

auction block

February 2018 17 Genetic Blend Bull Sale – Joplin, Mo. – 471-830-8180 17 Byergo Angus Farm Production Sale – at the Farm, Savanna, Mo. – 816-261-7132 17 Magnolia Hereford Association Polled and Horned Production Sale – Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, Ark. – 870-451-3624 24 Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale – Kingsville, Mo. – 877-486-1160 24 27th Annual Oklahoma Gelbvieh Sooner Select Sale – McAllister, Okla. – 918-629-9382 24 Red Bud Farms Inaugural PT Bull Sale – Red Bud Farms, Ben Lomond, Ark. – 780-648-5389 25 Missouri Angus Futurity Sale – Columbia, Mo. – 734-260-8635 March 2018 3 Mead Farms PT Bull Sale – at the Farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 3 Peterson Charolais Farms 25th annual Bull Sale – at the Farm, Mountain Grove, Mo. – 417-926-5336 3 Satterfield Charolais & Angus Bull Sale – at the Farm, Evening Shade, Ark. – 501-944-9274 3 Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull Sale – Hope, Ark. – 877-486-1160

6-3/13 Annie’s Project – for Women in Agriculture – Tuesday nights at 5 p.m. – Harrison, Ark. – 870-423-2958 8 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Bald Knob School Cafeteria, Bald Knob, Ark. – 501-268-5394 12 Livestock Shortcourse – Beef Quality Assurance and RFID – 6:30 p.m. – Decatur Livestock Auction, Decatur, Ark. – 479-271-1060 12 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 14 River Valley Beef Conference – registration starts at 8:30 a.m. – $20 per person – steak lunch will be provided – Hughes Center, Russellville, Ark. – 479-474-5286 15 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Cost: $10 – Benton County Extension Office, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-271-1060 16 Forage Weed Production Meeting and Pesticide Applicator Training – 1:30 p.m. – Cornerstone Bank, Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-2958 17-18 Open Horse Show – Claremore Expo Center, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 20 Young Cattlemens Series of Carroll County – Eureka Springs, Ark. – 870-423-2958 21-23 Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show – Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, Sallisaw, Okla. – 918-775-4838 21-3/21 Master Gardener Training – each Wednesday – Searcy, Ark. – deadline to register Feb. 2 – 501-268-5394 22-26 Spring Livestock Show – Cherokee County Fairgrounds, Tahlequah, Okla. – 918-456-6163 24 Beginning Beekeepers Course – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – First Service Bank Community Room, Clinton, Ark. – space is limited – pre-register at 501-745-7117 26 Livestock Shortcourse – Making Cattle Healthy and Weeds Dead – 6:30 p.m. – Benton County Sale Barn, Siloam Springs, Ark. – 479-271-1060 27 Forage Workshop – 8 a.m.-noon, lunch provided – First National Bank Community Room, Paris, Ark. – 479-474-5286 28-3/3 Delaware County Spring Livestock Show – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jay, Okla. – 918-253-4332

3 10 10 10 10 11 11 16 17 17 17 24

Four State Classic Spring Turn-Out – Hope, Ark. – 870-703-4345 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Spring Sale – West Plains, Mo. – 417-855-9461 Hall-Coyote Hills Ranch Annual Bull Sale – Chattanooga, Okla. – 580-597-3006 J Bar M Gelbvieh & J&K Genetic Power Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-632-4925 Prime Choice Spring Classic hosted by Valley Oaks Angus – Kingsville Livestock, Kingsville, Mo. – 816-229-8115 Gleonda-Garton Legacy of Performance – Springfield, Mo. – 734-260-8635 Glendenning J Bar J Limousin and Graven Land & Cattle Bull Sale – Lebanon, Mo. – 417-588-9083 THM Land & Cattle Angus Bull Sale – Vienna, Mo. – 816-244-4462 Aschermann Charolais 26th Edition Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Carthage, Mo. – 417-358-7879 Pinegar Limousine Herdbuilder X1X1V Sale – Springfield, Mo. – 417-732-1871 Circle A Ranch Production Sale – at the Ranch, Iberia, Mo. – 573-443-0006 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Joplin, Mo. – 877-486-1160

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory Angus 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Windy Acres Cattle - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-412-4939 Balancers Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. - 870-426-4469 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Brangus 4G Brangus - Gravette, Ark. 479-640-0282 Hatfield Brangus - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3921 479-531-2605 Jackson Double J - Gentry, Ark. - 479-659-4200 www.doublejbrangus.com Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com TRO-GIN Brangus Ranch Booneville, Ark. 479-675-4420 Charolais Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com Gelbvieh Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. - 501-278-7614 Triple D Farms Mountain Home, Ark. 870-481-5603 Herefords Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. - 580-922-4911 - 580-3347842 - mossherefords.com Red Angus Cooper Ranch - Romance, Ark. 501-556-5263 Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504

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Poultry Litter Fertilizer Application Service Available • Application Rate 1-2 Tons Per Acre • GPS Guidance Green Forest, AR hostetlerlitter@emypeople.net

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Hostetler Litter Service

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2011 NH T4030, Cab, A/C, 16 x 16 Transmission With Mechanical Shuttle, MFWD, Brand New New Holland 815TL Loader ..........$29,500

• ‘11 NH BR7090, net .............. .................................. $17,500 • ‘08 NH 7070, net..... $19,999

USED HAY TOOLS • Vermeer R23 hyd. rake .$4,999 • ‘14 Frontier DM1270, 3 pt. disc mower ......................... $5,999 • ‘12 Krone EC320, 3 pt. mower .................................... $8,499 • 348 JD sq. baler ......... $9,995 • ‘10 NH 7060, net ...... $16,500 • New Fella tedders ....... $7,750

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Williams Tractor

2501 Shiloh Dr. • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-8284

www.williamstractor.com 1/15/18

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If You’re Looking For A Website For Your Farm, Here’s Your Chance. I’m Looking To Do Some Trading For Fresh Beef. Turn-Key Package Includes Full Website Design, 1 Year of Hosting and 1 Year of Domain Name Registration.

417-322-4711 TFN

Family Owned & Operated Since 1944

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Look us up on the web ! www.simmonsplantfarm.com 11542 N. Hwy 71, Mountainburg, Ark. 72946 1/15/18

JANUARY 15, 2018

Machinery

BULLS FOR SALE! RECENT TRADE-INs

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Machinery

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Call for a Free Catalog

479-369-2345

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

We Keep Several Trucks Outfitted with the DewEze Truck Beds In Stock!

We’re

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600 Highway 62-65 • Harrison, AR

870-741-8211 • WoodMotor.com Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JANUARY 15, 2018