OFN January 16, 2023

Developing a System

Couple decided their retirement goal was organic agriculture

Determined to Succeed

Quinten and Janeé Parker began carving out their farm four years ago

The Gift of Farming

Jason and Tori Greene were gifted the start of their herd as a wedding present

First conference set: The Arkansas Grown program, administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, will partner with several Arkansas agricultural associations and organizations to host the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo on Jan. 25 to 28, in Little Rock. The four-day event will be held at the Embassy Suites in West Little Rock. For more information, go to arkansasgrown.org/arkansas-grown-conference-expo/.

Farm family honored: William, Robert & Barry Stobaugh and Stobaugh Brothers Farm of Atkins, Ark., in Conway County, were among district winners honored at the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Awards luncheon. Now in its 75th year, the program is one of the longest-running farm family recognition programs of its type in the United States.

OSU student honored: Roy Grant was recently selected as the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture Outstanding Graduate for the fall 2022 semester. An agribusiness major from Muskogee, Okla., he is the son of Ryan and Rebecca Grant. Grant represented the Ferguson College of Agriculture by wearing an orange cap and gown as the college gonfalon carrier at commencement ceremonies in Stillwater on Dec. 17.

Local food for schools program begins: Some Oklahoma school districts now have the opportunity to increase the purchase local foods for school meal programs. The Local Food for Schools Program is designed to help school districts partner with local farmers and ranchers to give students more access to nutritious foods unique to the area they live. “The Local Food for Schools Program will provide tremendous opportunities for Oklahoma schools to increase nutritious local food options for students,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “The program not only increases markets for farmers and ranchers across the state, it also provides an opportunity for students to learn more about where their food comes from. There is no question that nutritious food options and local food options in our school lunchrooms will benefit both health and educational outcomes.” Schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program to be eligible to apply for LFS. Each district will be eligible for up to $5,000 until May 1. After that date, each district is eligible to apply for another $5,000 as many times as they like if previous funds have been spent and documented properly. For more information, contact Brady Womack at Brady.Womack@ag.ok.gov.

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor?

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

JUST A THOUGHT

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

just a thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960 479-846-1002 • Fax: 479-846-1003

E-mail: editor@ozarksfn.com Eric Tietze

Publisher

Administrative

Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting Advertising

Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Amanda Newell, Production Sales Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation

Editorial

Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist

Production Amanda Newell, Production

Contributors

Jerry Crownover is a farmer and former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University. He is a native of Baxter County, Arkansas, and an author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

Evidently, I’m one of the very few people left on earth, who writes a check as payment for most every monetary transaction I perform. My wife thinks I must be stuck somewhere in the 19th century, and I can detect a not-sosubtle, snicker from either of my sons anytime I pull out the checkbook. And, yes, I can also hear the mumbling and sighs from the line of people behind me at the checkout line, in every store where I do business. Once upon a time, I did attempt to possess and use a debit card, but I would, invariably, forget to record the transaction in my bank book. My entire family knows that this little, obsessive behavior requires me to know my exact bank balance at any given moment, thus, that particular card was destroyed during the second month of having it. I do utilize a credit card in the rare circumstances where checks are refused, but that is usually the last time I do business with that entity. Checks have always provided me with the satisfaction of knowing exactly where and how my money was spent…until a few months ago.

At the end of each month, my bank snail mails a summary of my account, along with a photocopy of every check I’ve written over the last 30 days, allowing me to reconcile their records with mine. For the particular month in question, I realized that there was one check that had not cleared my account. The check was for $27 and I had recorded it in my records, as having been made out to “The Post Man.” For the life of me, I could not remember what this check was for, nor who “The Post Man” was. Coincidentally, the line immediately after that check was an entry to the U.S. Postal Service. Was that “The Post Man,” also?

Brooke Bradford, Cole Plafcan, Danae Ranck, Terry Ropp, Noralee Townsend, Sheila Stogsdill and Marissa Snider

About the Cover

Gary Tucker and his wife Sue Clemons began exploring farming after the purchase of farmraised pork. See more on page 8.

Photo by Terry Ropp

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., 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Larry Morton 918-930-0374

Larry Sutton 918-261-7704 www.proenergyfeeds.com

just a thought

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

Ihave declared the year 2023 one of decluttering and reorganizing. With a family of six people in our household, it is easy to accumulate things in the shop and garage if we are not careful. Our children are growing like weeds. They are still outgrowing shoes and jeans every year. As they have gotten older, they have tried out new sports and games and abandoned old ones. I am a firm believer in passing usable items on to the next user. We love to share hand-me-downs.

This process started way up inside an attic space where I was looking for some cardboard bank boxes to put 2022 files into. Every year I attempt to get a jumpstart on tax preparation by clearing out the previous year’s files for the farm and our businesses.

Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

When I was up in the attic, I got a little bit nervous about spiders. A couple of weeks before Christmas, I had a strange insect bite-like bump pop up on my back. After a couple of days of scary swelling, I had the nurse at my allergist’s office look at it, I was already there for an appointment. I left thinking it might be a spider bite, but she was not sure. As a precaution she sent me home with a prescription for some cream and antibiotics. I was on high alert for anything creepy or crawly up in the attic.

I did not encounter any vicious arachnids. I discovered we had tax accounting records well over seven years old. At that point, I knew what I needed to do. I went through each file box and took out everything from 2016 and older. I organized all the files we needed to keep by date and made an orderly system out of it.

My husband was busy downstairs answering work emails. I had a huge smile on my face and my clothes were dusty. I told him to come upstairs. I had a surprise for him. I think he realized it was not necessarily a fun surprise. We got up to the top of the staircase and his eyes bugged out. We had kept a lot of old records for too long. He asked what I wanted to do with them. It was supposed to rain that day so I said I thought we may as well burn them. There was no way I was going to shred all that stuff. There were boxes dating back to 1997.

Our sons went and got the Kubota RTV and backed it up the driveway. We loaded all the boxes. They thought it was great fun to add to this fire and make it bigger. Unfortunately, it started pouring rain in this process. My husband was worried it wasn’t going to burn all the way and we would have papers flying around all over the pasture. The fire continued and we put off the rest of the boxes for another day. We all retreated to the house soaking wet.

After that, we decided it was a job that really needed to be done and made a list of all the other things on the farm and in our household that we should reorganize in the new year.

I do not know how long this resolution will last but I hope to keep our busy family mindful of clutter and sharing things outgrown with our friends and neighbors.

Happy New Year, neighbor.

just a thought

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

The official start of winter came roaring into the Ozarks, didn’t it? It was a bitter blast just in time for Christmas.

I bundled up as much as possible when I went outside, but it was still cold. I forgot my scarf for around my face as the wind blew a gale at -30 degrees once. Only once. I hung the scarf on the same hook as my bibs after that. Burrr!

While I love a roaring fire on cold winter days, I hate the mess. I’m not someone who can’t live in a house with dust, but I like to try and keep things somewhat orderly – most of the time. The amount of wood we used during the cold snap made a big mess, so I broke out my trusty old vacuum to

— Continued on Next Page

DESSERT

OREO CRUST

don’t have your Farm Hand Ag Resource

handy, you can still find the information you need on your phone, computer or tablet.

Julie Turner-Crawford is a native of Dallas County, Mo., where she grew up on her family’s farm. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Julie, call 1-866532-1960 or by email at editor@ozarksfn.com.

Chocolate Cheese Cake

• 4 Tbsp butter, melted

• 25 Oreos

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan with foil to prevent leaks. Crush cookies until pulverized to fine crumbs. Combine cookie crumbs and melted butter and stir until crumbs are moistened. Pour into springform pan and press evenly over the bottom and partially up the sides of the pan.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

• 10 ounces dark chocolate

• 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 1/3 C granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2/3 C sour cream, room temperature preferred

• 4 large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten

Chop chocolate bars into small pieces and place in a medium-sized bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir well. Microwave again for 15 seconds and stir again, repeat until chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract and beat on low-speed until combined. Add cooled chocolate (should not feel warm to the touch, but not so cool it is becoming solid). Drizzle chocolate into the batter and beat on low speed until well-combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just mixed after each addition. Do not over-mix or the cheesecake may crack. Spread cheesecake batter evenly over prepared cookie crust. Place pan on cookie sheet and bake at 325 degrees for 70 to 75 minutes or until cheesecake springs back to the touch if lightly touched. Allow cheesecake to cool to room temperature, and then transfer to refrigerator and chill at least six hours. Remove from springform pan before serving.

Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers. Mail them to: PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

just a thought

Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page

eliminate the smaller debris – and promptly killed it. Poor old girl. She was a good one, but like many other mechanical things in this world, it eventually has to be replaced. I’ve wanted one of those fancy new robot vacuums for awhile, but it might not be ideal for us. I can see it sucking up something it shouldn’t, getting hung up under the couch or me tripping over it in the middle of the night. Plus, my trusty 95-pound canine companion might not like something moving around while she tries to nap; it would be an expensive chew toy. New technology and products are all around us. We just have to figure out what we can use to help in day-to-day operations. A new robot vacuum isn’t ideal for us, but one rated for heavy-duty cleaning with a few attachments will work well. Every generation has some form of advancement that has changed how they operate. In the late 1920s, hybrid seed corn came on the scene, leading the way to many other improvements in production Think about how the first round baler in the 1970s and the first bale bed in the 1980s changed how we harvest and feed hay.

According to published reports, agriculture will see more development in artificial intelligence, drones, robots and satellite technology in 2023. What would your grandparents have thought if they were told farmers would one day use things like robotic milking systems, drones or autonomous tractors? I’m sure their minds

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

For the entire next month, I tried to remember if I had bought a post, or posts, or stamps or anything from a man named Post, or the post office. Nothing, connected to posts or snail mail, jogged my memory.

When the next month’s bank statement arrived, the check-in question had, in fact, cleared my account, but I had put nothing in the memo line and, since the photocopy only shows the front side of the check, there was nothing to offer me

would have instantly flashed to the sci-fi movie Buck Rogers.

In 2023, I challenge every farmer and rancher to look a new technology. It doesn’t have to be a new state-of-the-art tractor and baler; it could be moving your calving records from the little spiral notebook on the dashboard of your feeding truck to a smartphone or tablet.

Consider a new bookkeeping system; I’m sure your tax person would appreciate that as well. The upcoming tax season is the last for my current tax guy, as he is retiring, so I think I would like to upgrade at least one of our computers and investigate new accounting software. I work with computers nearly every day, but I am far from an expert or an IT specialist, so I’m sure there will be some bumps in the road. However, I’m sure I will get it figured out.

Learning one technology may open the door to other forms of change that can help your operation become more efficient, or just save you a little time. There will be learning curves involved, but think of the sense of accomplishment you will get when you master a new task.

You’re never too old to learn something new, and if you start the new year with a new goal, you have a whole year to learn it.

any additional hint: only the check for $27, made out to “The Post Man.”

Last week, as I quickly grabbed my box of fence repair items, to fix a breach in the fence, around my bale yard, I dropped a new, unopened bag of fence tighteners on the floor of the shop. Attached to that plastic bag was the company’s business card. I had purchased these tighteners at a farm show, back in October, and printed on the business card was, “Thanks for your purchase. The Post Man.”

meet your neighbors The Gift of Farming

By Noralee Townsend

Jason and Tori Greene were gifted the start of their herd as a wedding present

Most producers start their cattle herd by buying from other producers, production sales and sale barns. For this family, their cowcalf operation started as a gift.

The Greene family owns a cow/calf operation of crossbred cattle in central Arkansas overlooking Greers Ferry Lake. They also raise hay for their operation and sell the hay commercially.

When Jason and Tori Greene got married in 1999, they started the farm. They did not cattle, as Tori’s dad gifted them their first herd. They did not buy cows until a few years ago, as they traded cattle with nearby family.

“We started building our herd around six or seven years ago,” Tori said.

They are very strategic with

their herd as they keep all of the heifers out of their calf crop and sell the bull calves. They make a profit off the bulls.

Tori said the most unique part of their farm is their variety of mixed breeds.

“One day my goal is to buy a red Hereford bull,” Tori said with a laugh as she wants to have Hereford crosses.

They have multiple farms throughout Tumbling Shoals, Ida and Heber Springs.

“We started getting into the hay business about four years ago,” Greene said.

They have two pieces of each piece of equipment including cutters, tetters, rakes and balers.

They fertilize their fields with local chicken litter. They like to help local producers.

Jason and his father Charlie started selling the hay commercially. They cut hay at all the farms

they own. They also help their older neighbors out when hay season arrives.

“We do a lot for the older folks that can’t do as much,” Tori said. “After we finish baling, we split thirds with them.”

By the end of September, they baled around 1,900 bales of hay this year.

With many producers facing hardship with the 2022 drought, the Greene family decided to post hay for sale on Facebook. A producer from a state away reached out, and drove for two days with a semi to pick up hay.

The producer who bought the hay contacted eight people selling hay and Tori was the only one to reply to them.

Tori said it was a humbling experience because they were blessed to be able to bale that much hay in the middle of a drought and in the end help a fellow producer.

As their farm started as a gift, the Greene family wants to help people as much as possible. They are real people wanting to help out other producers. The agriculture industry is not easy but it’s families like the Greene family that help keep the agriculture community strong.

“We started out extremely small and just grew ourselves more and more,” Tori said. “Hopefully one day our kids will be able to have their own herds.”

Tumbling Shoals , Ark.

Submitted Photos

meet your neighbors Developing a System

By Terry Ropp

Couple decided their retirement goal was organic agriculture

For Gary Tucker and Sue Clemons, the concept of owning a farm began after Sue purchased heritage pork. The rich flavor reminded her of pork before the mass production era — when pigs were raised as omnivores rather than herbivores.

After determining their retirement goal was agricultural and focused on improv-

first,” Gary, who is a retired Wells Fargo financial planner. “We quickly learned farm work is never done.”

Gary and Sue, a retired clinical psychologist, had several criteria for the land. It needed some pasture acreage, access to water and good roads to town, a view and isolation from poultry operations and housing developments.

ing the vitality of the farm as well as their own nutritional health, they wanted to purchase land five to six years before retiring in order to complete infrastructure work before beginning their new life.

“Our first unrealistic idea was completing the infrastructure

West Fork, Ark.

A year later, the couple, who will celebrate 40 years of marriage in April, purchased 150 acres in rural West Fork, Ark. The big challenge was both were “townies” with minimal exposure to agriculture.

The couple first contacted the heritage pork company and soon be-

Gary Tucker and his wife Sue Clemons purchased a farm in rural West Fork, Ark., to become farmers after their retirement. Today they offer customers organically-raised beef, chicken and eggs.

Photo by Terry Ropp

meet your neighbors

came aware of local growers. Next, they toured to learn as much about organic agriculture as they could, which included a three-day workshop from organic expert Joel Salatin in West Virginia, as well as visiting a cattle farm in Virginia and a pre-Civil War Hereford farm in central Missouri. They wanted to develop an integrated system to fit their property and improve the soil through careful animal usage thereby improving animal quality through the nutrition from healthier soil and grasses.

“The most important thing we learned came from Joel Salatin,” Sue said. “He explained that the animals needed to be raised with respect and dignity and with a deep awareness of the uniqueness of each species.”

“That means we raise animals rather than impersonal protein units,” Gary added.

Clemtuck Farm had originally been several separate parcels but previously combined into one. Though rural water is the primary water source, the land has one spring-fed pond, as well as two others that are used infrequently. The original 35 acres of open pasture is in the process of being augmented by another 35 under development, but with trees to provide shade while allowing sunlight to reach the grass.

“We produce non-certified organic foods: pasture-raised and finished beef, chicken and eggs,” Gary said. “We sell to our customer base on the Interstate 49 corridor by word-of-mouth and through on our website.”

Farm production includes an annual sales of 1,250 Cornish Cross chickens raised during a nine-month period. After three weeks in a brooder house, each batch of 250 chicks is divided into groups of 50 housed in floorless shelters moved by hand daily to a new 10-by-12 foot patch of grass, where they eat what bugs they can catch, and organic feed. The process leaves behind a newly-fertilized patch for stronger future grass growth.

Eggs come from 120 Red Sex Linked, free-range layers whose egg flavor is enhanced by bugs, seeds and grass in addition to their own ration of organic feed. Each night they return to two hen-houses-on-wheels, a converted camper and repurposed hay wagon. Despite three Pyr-

enees guard dogs, those hens who stray too far sometimes don’t return. Because the layers are free range, their roosts are moved weekly to allow the footprint from the previous week to recover.

Each chicken species has a different organic feeding ration from the same producer in Moran, Kan. The layers require less energy and therefore have a lower protein ration, while the meat birds have a higher protein ration since building muscle requires more protein. Gary prefers taking five, six-hour trips a year to purchase feed rather than going anyplace else because that business will sack the rations separately in 50-pound bags. Although his organic ration costs twice as much as the non-GMO ration, the advantages are something he and his customers are willing to pay for.

characteristics as well as a higher fertility rate and some natural fly resistance, bull into the herd. They also purchased three heifers from same herd. The resulting smaller frame allows for more efficient land usage so the cattle use a more confined grazing area and are moved at least daily and sometimes twice a day, except during winter, a system that promotes natural blade and root growth. During the previous winter, however, the cattle stayed in one pasture where they were fed locally-purchased hay.

A hoped for but nonetheless surprising result of wintering the cattle in one pasture and supplementing by rolling out 150 bales of hay not only improved soil nutrition but also the flavor of the meat, something noticed without solicitation by customers. The cattle do not consume all the hay, and compress some into the soil while also adding manure. Further, hay contains some seeds with the land containing other dormant ones. Many seeds sprouted that next spring so that pasture now has traces of Johnsongrass, plantain, bluestem, Bahia, purple top and crabgrass, something Ron and Anne strongly suggest for grass-fed and finished herds. They are hopeful the trend will continue to expose more species this coming spring.

“Flies continue to be a problem,” Gary explained. “We handle the issue by repurposing old 5-foot tanks and covering the outsides with fly paper that we change out as frequently as twice a day during peak fly season.

Clemtuck’s original organic cattle herd came from Ron Morrow and Anne Wells, locally-based experts who have been developing an exclusively grassraised and finished herd longer than anyone in the area. Clemtuck Farm, therefore, has a mixed breed herd made up of predominantly Red Angus females bred by a South Poll bull — a four-way cross of Hereford, Senepol, Gelbvieh for milk production and Barzona for hardiness and adaptability. The South Poll influence provides good disposition and tenderness to the off spring.

The current herd at Clemtuck has 15 cows. Wanting a smaller frame and more aggressive grazers, they have incorporated a half Beefmaster and half Mashona, an African breed that contributes those

Clemtuck Farm is not seeking to expand its business, but rather to continue to improve the quality of their products. To that end, future plans include the previously mentioned pasture expansion, as well as continuing to use the unrolling hayed technique on different pastures each winter. They are also planning to add pigs to the farm for personal use.

“We are doing what we want for us, for the lifestyle we want to live and for the people we want to serve” Gary explained. “Our daughter Kristina and her husband live in the Boston area with our grandson Julian. They are total urbanites and have chosen their lifestyle just as we have chosen ours.”

Photo by Terry Ropp

ozarks roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

The Evolution of the Cookie Cutter

By Sheila Stogsdill

Joplin, Mo., is home to the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum

Collectors Club is to share information with others who are also interested in cookie cutters and cookie-related subjects,” Kay said.

“You can trace the history of our wonderful country with cookie cookers. Original cutters were in the shapes of farm animals and eagles – then they progressed to card suits – like diamonds and spades – because it was their pastime to pay cards.”

Aluminum cutters were popular in the 1920s, she said.

“People were ecstatic to have aluminum cutters,” Kay explained. “The cutters had a red knob.”

Cookie cutters evolved to a plastic material in the 1940s with an interior

“This allowed a mother to make cookies without decorating them,” Kay said.

Hallmark cookie cutters were popular in the 1960s, followed by collection pieces like “Elf on a Shelf”, “Peanuts”, and “Star Wars.”

The National Cookie Cutter Museum has many display cases, each containing a collection of different cookie cutters. Some of those display advertising cutters, tinsmith’s cutters and cutters from many countries, she said.

The museum is housed in the Joplin History and Mining Museum.

The club is working with the Joplin Tourism Center to raise money for the community’s 150th anniversary by selling specially made Iris Cookie Cutter, she said.

A “Paint Your Own Iris Cookie” event

Photos by Sheila Stogsdill

ozarks roots

was held where children were allowed to decorate Joplin Iris cookies.

A free plastic cookie cutter is given to any visitor, especially school children, scout troupes, or anyone who desires a cookie cutter who visits the museum, Kay said.

The National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum hosts a growing archive of cookie-cutter-related materials, newsletters, advertising offers and other items of interest to collectors in the cookie-cutter field.

The museum is supported by the Cookie Cutter Collectors Club.

“We research, record and share data regarding the history of cookie cutters,” Johnson said. “We also share new things related to cookies, cookie decorating, and baking.”

The group gets together to show and swap cookies and cookie cutters, she said.

“For many collectors, a cookie cutter collection starts small, maybe with cutters that mom or grandma bring out for the holidays,” Johnson said.

Kay, a retired teacher often used cookie cutters in her math classes.

“When the students would accomplish certain tasks we would use the cookie cutter on a slice of cheese for a snack,” Johnson said.

There are several regional cookie-cutter collectors’ groups across the country.

Every two years a three-day convention is held and the group published a quarterly newsletter. The 2023 convention is slated for June 7-9 in New Orleans. The 2021 convention, “Mermaids and Mariners”, was held in Virginia Beach, Va., and more than 20 attendees joined virtually via Zoom.

Presentations were made by tinsmiths, cookie decorators, specialty bakers and cookie artist Julia Usher.

“Each year we sponsor an exclusive Cookie Cutter Week cutter that is available to members for purchase,” Johnson said.

The Joplin History and Mining Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $5.

The museum is located at 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave.

Berryville

Flippin

• 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

• 9095 Hwy. 62 East 870-453-4400

Green Forest • 181 West Main 870-438-5184

Harrison • 502 Hwy 62/65 N. 870-741-0855

Huntsville • 304 Labarge Ave. 479-738-6814

Imboden • 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-2644

Jasper • 402 E. Court Street 870-446-5381

Salem • 115 Mill Street 870-895-3249

Siloam Springs • 1629 East Main 479-524-3511

Yellville • 801 Hwy. 62 West 870-449-4966

eye on agri-business

meeting the needs of farmers

K&A Ranch

By Julie Turner-Crawford

HISTORY:

Keeten and Ashley Jones began offering specialized equine services through K&A Ranch last year after Ashley completed her certification as an equine sports massage therapist. Keeton is a graduate of the farrier program at Northwest Technical Institute and has worked as a certified farrier for five years. In addition to her equine certification, Ashley also holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.

SERVICES:

By working as a team, Keeten and Ashley can evaluate a horse and give it the best possible care.

“We wanted to use the business as a way to offer clients a team and something a little different,” Ashley explained. “It’s another set of eyes on a horse.”

Keeten offers all farrier services, including basic horseshoeing, corrective trimming and shoeing, and therapeutic shoeing.

“He does it all,” Ashley said of Keeten’s services. “He has several reining horses on his books, barrel horses and other clients.”

Ashley provides massage therapy, kinesiology taping and red-light therapy.

“Every time we go out, nine times out of 10 we are together. We make sure whatever gait analysis or posture analysis we do, we do it together so we can look at every part of the horse and every part be accounted for before we decide what to do.”

Ashley said their clients, as well as the horses they treat, are appreciative of the services provided by K&A Ranch. Ashley added they work with horses and clients individually, based on the needs of the horse.

“We have some great clients and they really listen to us, taking into account our expertise,” Ashley said. “They have been very receptive to what we offer. It’s also been a lot of fun.”

The couple also has a poultry operation, but they make time for their equine clients, seeing an average of 20 to 30 horses a month. In addition to their regular clients, they continue to accept new clients.

FUTURE

Brittany

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Brittany Coffee Parker is the owner of BC Parker Co., which specializes in western weddings and country lifestyle photography.

“I had my first photoshoot in December 2009; I was a sophomore in high school,” Brittany said. “This is all I have ever done. I just photographed my 150th wedding in December.”

Parker

Brittany has shot sessions in 14 states and Mexico. She has been contracted to shoot professional rough stock rodeo events and to work with the Miss Rodeo America Pageant. Brittany published a coffee table book in 2017 featuring 14 short stories and photos of farming and ranching families in the four-state areas. She also offers prints, specialized photo cards, stationery and stickers.

IN THE COUNTRY:

Brittany got her first set of show pigs in the ninth grade. She also worked at her dad and stepmom’s feed store in Gravette, Ark., on weekend and in the summer.

“I paid for my feed by working at the feed store,” she said. “I knew being involved in ag is what I wanted to do. I missed volleyball practice for an FFA leadership event. The coach asked me what we did, and I told him we listened to speakers and networked. He said, ‘You missed practice for that?’ I told him ag would take me places in life that volleyball never would. Even then I knew ag was my passion and I wanted it to be a part of my life.”

Brittany and her husband Justin have a small cow/calf operation, which they operate with a neighbor.

“She’s coming to the end of her career, and we’re just starting ours and trying to grow our herd, so it’s been great to help each other and collaborate on a few things,” Brittany explained. “It’s been a huge blessing for us and without her, there would be things we couldn’t do.”

Brittany and Justin finish hogs twice a year, as well as a couple of steers, and process a couple of animals for ground beef for family and friends.

“I take a lot of pride in being able to feed our friends and family,” Brittany said. “The last few years, I have gardened as well, so being able to share that produce with friends and family is very special and not something everyone can do. It’s a lot of work, but it’s something that I’m very passionate about.”

FUTURE PLANS:

“My ultimate dream would be to have a storefront, like an old fashioned mercantile where we can sell our beef and pork, as well as canned goods, local eggs, and have local bakers bring in items,” Brittany said. “I want it all to be affordable. The county we live in has a high poverty level, so lots of people need access to EBT and food stamps. My dream is to have a store that will accept those programs so everyone has the option of home-grown food.”

Hometown: Welch, Okla. Family: Husband, Justin Parker

Submitted Photo

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

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

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1

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

slaughter cows

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 1/3/23 777

162.50-215.00 144.00-240.00 145.00-230.00 132.50-174.00 163.00-170.00

Ash Flat Livestock✝ 1/6/23

1,571

187.50-245.00 180.00-255.00 161.00-229.00 159.00-186.00 142.50-175.00

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 1/5/23

2,545 2-15 Higher

219.00-253.00 209.00-249.00 190.00-219.00 155.00-211.00 150.00-179.00

market sales reports

beef cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 1/8/23

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn)

Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice

Steers: 153.00-160.50; wtd. avg. price 158.15. Heifers: 156.50-160.00; wtd. avg. price 157.96.

Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice

Steers: 248.00-255.00; wtd. avg. price 253.41. Heifers: 252.00-255.00; wtd. avg. price 252.88.

sheep & goats

Receipts: 685

A large crowd was on hand to start the new year at TS White Sheep & Goat sale. Many new buyers were in attendance. Compared to the last sale, (12-15-2022), feeder lambs traded steady to 10.00 lower. Slaughter lambs traded steady to 8.00 higher. In the goat portion of the sale feeder kid goats traded steady to 7.00 higher with slaughter kid goats trading 7.00-10.00 higher. Slaughter nannies traded 8.00-13.00 higher. Supply was moderate with very good demand. Supply included: 7% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 25% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (8% Wooled & Shorn, 79% Hair Breeds, 7% Hair Ewes, 2% Bucks, 5% Hair Bucks); 6% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (92% Hair Ewes, 8% Families); 26% Feeder Goats (71% Kids, 29% Wether Kids); 36% Slaughter Goats (31% Kids, 50% Nannies/Does, 10% Bucks/Billies, 1% Wethers, 8% Wether Kids); 1% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/Does).

Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 290.00-310.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 215.00.

Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 150.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 245.00-292.50.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 192.50-245.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 110.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00.

Bucks 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 100.00-127.50.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 145.00-245.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 240.00-270.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 320.00-360.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 235.00-310.00.

Cleburne County Livestock*

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 165.00-200.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 365.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 310.00-315.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 297.50-330.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 225.00-305.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 135.00-200.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00-260.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 222.50. Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 327.50-347.50. Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 290.00.

Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 225.00-255.00.

National Sheep Summary 1/6/23 Compared to last week no good comparisons due to the holidays. At San Angelo, TX 3,031 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. Western Video sold 1530 feeder lambs in Idaho, 575 Replacement ewes and 300 slaughter ewes in California. In direct trading 550 slaughter lambs sold and slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 2,598 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3: San Angelo: wooled and shorn 130-160 lbs 120.00-140.00. New Holland, PA: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs no report. Ft. Collins, CO: wooled and shorn 115-145 lbs 165.00-180.00; 155-165 lbs 165.00-167.50.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 110-150 lbs 130.00-137.00. Kalona, IA: wooled and shorn 125-145 lbs 160.00-185.00; 159 lbs 150.00.

Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 100-145 lbs no test. Missouri: wooled and shorn 125-130 lbs no test. Equity Coop: no sales.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 310.00-349.00, few 351.00-355.00; 60-70 lbs 265.00-310.50, few 320.00-345.00; 70-80 lbs 250.00295.00; 80-90 lbs 227.00-260.00; 90-100 lbs 200.00-236.00. wooled and shorn 69 lbs 270.00; 70-80 lbs 231.00-240.00; 80-90 lbs 220.00-251.00; 90-105 lbs 202.00-250.00. New Holland: no report.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 61 lbs 200.00; 75 lbs 195.00; 88 lbs 197.50; 90-100 lbs 155.00-195.00. hair 69 lbs 230.00; 75 lbs 225.00; 90-100 lbs 197.50-205.00. Kalona: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 305.00-360.00; 50-60 lbs 295.00-315.00, few 330.00-375.00; 60-70 lbs 260.00-300.00; 70-80 lbs 295.00-305.00; 80-90 lbs 210.00-250.00, few 280.00; 90-100 lbs 170.00-220.00. hair 50-60 lbs 305.00-355.00; 60-70 lbs 290.00-350.00; 70-80 lbs 230.00-240.00; 90-100 lbs 190.00-217.50.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 270.00-290.00; 70-80 lbs 235.00-245.00; 80-90 lbs 195.00-220.00; 90-100 lbs 180.00-188.00. hair 50 lbs 245.00; 60-70 lbs 190.00-245.00; 94 lbs 185.00.

Billings: no test.

Missouri: hair 50-60 lbs 277.50-292.50; 60-70 lbs 257.50290.00; 70-80 lbs 245.00-252.50; 83 lbs 250.00. hair 78 lbs 215.00.

Slaughter Ewes:

San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 110.00, hair 98.00-111.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 112.00-123.00, hair 116.00-131.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 93.00-106.00, hair 90.00-114.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) no test; Cull 1 52.00-60.00.

New Holland: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no report; Utility 1-2 (thin) no report; Cull 1 no test.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 97.50-102.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 70.00-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 61.00-65.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 42.00-91.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 59.00-75.00; Cull 1 11.00-30.00.

Kalona: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 110.00-120.00, hair 90.00-110.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 85.00-97.50; Utility 1-2 no test.

Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

Missouri: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) hair 110.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) hair 85.00.

Western Video: CA: 300: Utility 1-2 82.50 for current delivery.

Direct Trading: TX: 550: Choice and Prime 1-2 90 lbs wooled 195.00 for current delivery.

Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2: San Angelo: 61 lbs 225.00. hair 30-40 lbs 320.00-340.00; 4050 lbs 337.50-340.00; 50-60 lbs 330.00-350.00.

Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: 40 lbs 189.00, few 300.00; 50-60 lbs 177.00183.00, few 345.00; 60-70 lbs 186.00-190.00; 70-80 lbs 179.00; 80-90 lbs 162.00-176.00; 93 lbs 155.00; 102 lbs 149.00; 122 lbs 137.00. hair 47 lbs 300.00; 70-80 lbs 187.00-189.00.

Kalona: no test.

Billings: no test. Missouri: hair 30-40 lbs 300.00-310.00; 51 lbs 290.00. Western Video: ID: 1530: 87 lbs 160.00; 93 lbs 163.00-166.00 all for current delivery.

stocker & feeder prices

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* Decatur Livestock*

Fort Smith Stockyards*

Replacement

San Angelo: hair 70-100 lbs 137.00-168.00/cwt.

Ft. Collins: South Dakota: 200.00/head; 175.00-195.00/

Cheese: Barrels The weekly blocks, $2.0013 Fluid Milk/Cream: in all regions. East and the and spurred temperatures as many areas saw below winter storm, Extreme rain cow comfort, days of intense to $10 discounts light across and in demand 0.92-1.20 in 1.26 in the SPOT PRICES

BUTTERFAT, - $2.7132 -

Heifers, Med. & Lg. 1

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

172.50 150.00-172.50 142.50-170.00 160.00

170.00-177.00 120.00-200.00 148.00-161.00 137.50-159.00 145.00

175.00-202.50 172.50-221.00 157.50-205.00 141.00-162.50 140.00-161.00

140.00-219.00 151.00-189.00 150.00-197.00 147.50-172.00 142.50-153.00

210.00 195.00-225.00 175.00-199.00 160.00-174.00 156.00

180.00-211.00 174.00-209.00 157.00-208.00 147.00-170.00 155.00-164.00

170.00-235.00 165.00-225.00 160.00-223.00 160.00-192.00 157.00-175.00 150.00-195.00 150.00-187.00 140.00-179.00 140.00-178.00 130.00-163.00

100.00-213.00 152.00-217.00 112.00-203.00 120.00-178.00 110.00-150.00 137.00-185.00 125.00-179.00 124.00-164.00 105.00-161.00 131.00-154.00

NOT REPORTED

190.00-221.00 186.00-214.00 182.00-211.00 176.00-198.00 162.00-176.00

I-40 LivestockOzark✝ 1/5/23 1,179 5-20 Higher

190.00-225.00 182.50-210.00 182.50-207.00 170.00-190.00 155.00-164.00

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 1/2/23 10,017 4-11 Higher

221.00-235.00 215.00-237.50 194.00-228.50 178.00-203.50 177.00-191.50

Mid-State Stockyards*

160.00-202.00 153.00-183.00 140.00-168.00 130.00-157.00

148.00-178.00 160.00-186.00 154.00-181.00 152.00-171.50 150.00-167.50

183.00-192.00 160.00-181.00 148.00-172.50 142.50-147.00

180.00-212.50 175.00-200.00 161.00-185.00 157.50-172.00 135.00-162.50

202.50 161.00 182.00-192.00 179.00-208.00 172.00-190.00 167.00-180.00 164.00-168.00

152.00-228.00 111.00-180.00 115.00-184.00 100.00-120.00 100.00-154.00 108.00-180.00 100.00-175.00 100.00-169.00 95.00-173.00 90.00-132.00

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 1/5/23

wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 270.00-290.00; 235.00-245.00; 80-90 lbs 195.00-220.00; 90-100 lbs hair 50 lbs 245.00; 60-70 lbs 190.00-245.00;

50-60 lbs 277.50-292.50; 60-70 lbs 257.50245.00-252.50; 83 lbs 250.00. hair 78 lbs

Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 hair 98.00-111.00; Utility and Good 1-3 112.00-123.00, hair 116.00-131.00; Utility 1-2 93.00-106.00, hair 90.00-114.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 test; Cull 1 52.00-60.00.

Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 report; Utility 1-2 (thin) no report; Cull 1 no test. 3-4 (very fleshy) 97.50-102.50; Good 2-3 70.00-95.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 61.00-65.00; Good 42.00-91.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 59.00-75.00; Cull 1

3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) hair 90.00-110.00; Utility and Good 1-3 85.00-97.50; Utility 1-2 no test.

3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) no (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) hair 110.00; 1-2 (very thin) hair 85.00.

1-2 82.50 for current delivery.

and Prime 1-2 90 lbs wooled 195.00 for

Medium and Large 1-2: lbs 225.00. hair 30-40 lbs 320.00-340.00; 40337.50-340.00; 50-60 lbs 330.00-350.00. test. lbs 189.00, few 300.00; 50-60 lbs 177.00345.00; 60-70 lbs 186.00-190.00; 70-80 lbs 179.00; 162.00-176.00; 93 lbs 155.00; 102 lbs 149.00; 122 lbs lbs 300.00; 70-80 lbs 187.00-189.00.

30-40 lbs 300.00-310.00; 51 lbs 290.00. 160.00; 93 lbs 163.00-166.00 all for current

Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2: San Angelo: hair ewe lambs 64 lbs 327.00/cwt; yearling hair 70-100 lbs 189.00-200.00/cwt; mixed age hair 95-135 lbs 137.00-168.00/cwt. Ft. Collins: no test.

South Dakota: ewe lambs 76 lbs 185.00/cwt; yearlings 200.00/head; young 205.00-285.00/head; middle age 175.00-195.00/ head.

dairy sales

Dairy Market at a Glance 1/6/23

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.7250 and 40# blocks at $2.0550. The weekly average for barrels is $1.7263 (-0.1325) and blocks, $2.0013 (-0.1500).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production is steady to higher in all regions. Overall Class I sales have increased in the East and the Midwest, as schools reopened this week and spurred an increase in orders. Unseasonably cold temperatures in Florida may have affected milk output, as many areas in the north and central parts of the state saw below freezing temperatures. In the wake of the harsh winter storm, cow comfort has improved in the Midwest. Extreme rain accumulation in California has impacted cow comfort, with forecasters anticipating another five days of intense storms. The Midwest continues to see up to $10 discounts on Class III milk loads. Class II demand is light across all regions. Condensed skim is readily available and in demand in all regions. F.O.B. cream multiples are 0.92-1.20 in the East, 1.00-1.22 in the Midwest, and 0.901.26 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.7132 - $2.9036.

Cleburne County Livestock Auction

Four State Stockyards - Exeter, Mo.

Mid-State Stockyards

OKC West - El Reno 1250.00-1500.00

Ouachita Livestock Auction

Vinita Stockyards

Welch Stockyards 840.00-1280.00

cow/calf pairs

(Week of 1/1/23 to 1/7/23)

Cattlemen’s Livestock

County Line Sale - Ratcliff None Reported †

Joplin Regional Stockyards

I-40 LivestockOzark✝ 1/5/23 1,179 Higher

190.00-225.00 182.50-210.00 182.50-207.00 170.00-190.00 155.00-164.00

183.00-192.00 160.00-181.00 148.00-172.50 142.50-147.00

180.00-212.50 175.00-200.00 161.00-185.00 157.50-172.00 135.00-162.50

Mid-State Stockyards* 1/2/23 246 Steady

152.00-228.00 111.00-180.00 115.00-184.00 100.00-120.00 100.00-154.00

N. Ark. LivestockGreen Forest✝ 1/4/23 1,301 2-20 Higher

215.00-236.00 200.00-236.00 175.00-210.00 171.00-186.00 170.00-175.00

192.00-219.00 173.00-215.00 159.50-193.00 153.00-159.00 154.00

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 1/3/23

8,347 St-15 Higher

232.50-275.00 220.00-272.50 201.00-239.00 174.00-211.00 170.00-193.00

247.50-255.00 200.00-227.50 188.00-200.00

108.00-180.00 100.00-175.00 100.00-169.00 95.00-173.00 90.00-132.00

170.00-194.00 165.00-193.00 144.00-179.00 148.00-158.00 141.00

✝

207.50-232.00 180.00-222.50 175.00-190.00 163.00-202.00 160.00-174.00

Stilwell Livestock Auction None Reported *

Ozarks Regional Stockyards Tulsa Livestock Auction No Sale - Holiday †

Ozarks RegionalWest Plains✝ 1/3/23

5,155 3-15 Higher

215.00-230.00 205.00-229.00 192.50-229.00 178.50-201.00 169.00-185.00

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 1/4/23 692 7-20 Higher

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝

197.00 164.00 165.00

175.00-192.50 170.00-190.00 165.00-178.00 165.00-175.00 162.50-169.00

220.00-249.00 214.00-230.00 186.00-213.00 175.00-188.00 154.00-179.00 170.00-248.00 175.00-190.00 159.00-183.00 154.00-170.00 127.00-166.00

NOT REPORTED

Welch Stockyards* 1/3/23 1,401

210.00-247.00 200.00-230.00 190.00-216.00 160.00-189.00 160.00-179.00

180.00-210.00 160.00-207.00 140.00-180.00 140.00-160.00 120.00-136.00

170.00-182.00 160.00-185.00 150.00-175.00 150.00-171.25 145.00-171.00

Ouachita LivestockOla

Vinita Stockyards*

National

meet your neighbors Determined to Succeed

By Noralee Townsend

Quinten and Janeé Parker began carving out their farm four years ago

Ranchers have always been pioneers in finding new ways to improve production agriculture. Some challenges young farmers and ranchers face today are unique. Young producers are committed to agriculture in traditional and nontraditional ways. Quinten and Janeé Parker grew up in the cattle industry, but started their own opera-

tion from scratch.

Fayetteville, Ark.

Janeé and Quinten own a small stocker operation in Centerton, Ark. They buy and sell calves from the sale barn and feed them out at their farm. They usually have about 60 head at the farm.

When the Parker family isn’t working their jobs off the farm, they drive 30 minutes to take care of their cattle at their property in

Submitted Photo

Maysville, Ark.

They bought their farm a little over four years ago, but it was not operational.

“We’ve had to do a lot of improvements with the fences, pens, gates and working facilities,” Janeé said. “We’ve built it piece by piece over time.”

The land was not productive as it had weeds and the fences were in bad shape. There were no working facilities to help treat cattle.

“We have gotten a lot of knowledge and guidance from both of our parents who have gone through that and taught us how to do those things,” Janeé said. “Agriculture was destined to be in my blood.”

Janeé’s roots run deep in the cattle industry as she grew up as a third-generation rancher. Additionally, she gained valuable experience by showing through 4-H.

“We love cattle as the animal itself but also being a part of producing and being a part of the food industry by providing quality beef for our family as well as raising cattle so that the end consumer can also get quality beef as well,” Parker said.

They enjoy playing a small role in the supply chain for food, even though they don’t sell directly to the market.

“We support agriculture advocacy through Farm Bureau and helping with 4-H programs,” Janeé said. “All are important efforts to help the next generation in learning about cattle and advocacy about agriculture, especially in Northwest Arkansas.”

Janeé explained keeping people connected to where their food comes from and showing that farmers care about their animals is important to the agricultural industry.

“We just try to be a positive influence in the community so that people trust our food system is safe and farmers care and that we take good care of our cattle,” she said.

Producers face many challenges day in and day out. Parker explained as a producer she has to be OK with things not looking the greatest.

“Our biggest challenges are time, money and weather,” Janeé, who is also a food safety specialist, said with a laugh.

One of the daily challenges they face is being unable to be on the farm. They make improvements to the land to make it easier on themselves.

“Each year we try something new and improve pastures, whether that’s planting crabgrass that will come back every year and then planting rye and just watching the stewardship of the land,” Janeé said.

Janeé enjoys watching the land come together piece by piece as they want to live on their farm one day.

“It’s pretty cool to watch from where it started to where it is today,” Janeé said.

“Our long-term goal is that we are not trying to do everything overnight and be the best immediately, but we are making small improvements over time so that hopefully in the four years that we’ve had it

can see major im-

Janeé said. “I hope it will

even better in the next four years

be more productive and produce good quality beef.”

The Parker family is a new breed of producers who can’t be on the farm every day but still make it their lifestyle and advocate every chance they get.

you

provements,”

look

and

“

“Our long-term goal is that we are not trying to do everything overnight and be the best immediately, but we are making small improvements over time so that hopefully in the four years that we’ve had it you can see major improvements. I hope it will look even better in the next four years and be more productive and produce good quality beef.”

— Janeé Parker

youth in agriculture

tomorrow’s ag leaders

Paden

By Marissa Snider

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I’ve been showing cattle for about four years. I show at the fair and sometimes we go to Texas and show.”

Paden’s family operates a 1,200-head Brangus beef cattle ranch in Gentry, Ark.,called Schwerin Beef.

“My papa started the ranch about 40 years ago and now me, my dad, my mom and my brother help. I have a lot of chores to do to take care of show cattle.”

What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture?

“I love fair week because it’s a chance to see my friends and show my cattle,” he said, adding that seeing hard work pay off in the show ring, and at the fair with the Pasture to Plate auction fills him with pride.

What are your future plans?

“I’m definitely going to work on the ranch. I love it,” he said. “I also want to be a diesel mechanic. His dad Kaleb Smith, is a mechanic, and Paden was quick to talk about all the things he fixes around the farm.

What is the best advice about agriculture you have received from adults?

“Watch out for the health of the animals. Steers are mostly what we sell to the feedlot so that’s how we make money. This year we had a big ‘ole drought. That means we didn’t have a lot of water in our ponds for our steers and it was really hot. Sometimes cattle die and that hurts our business so we try to do everything we can to keep the cattle healthy.”

Paden said his parents and grandparents help him understand the relationship between these animals and the business-side of ranching.

“Sometimes I worry about the cows, but mostly I don’t have to because I’m a kid,” he said.

Advice from the ofn

ag-visors

the professionals

A Business Relationship

By Cole Plafcan

The winter months provide farmers and ranchers plenty of time to ponder their next steps. As we approach the 2023 farming year, farmers and ranchers are looking ahead with uncertainty yet again. The political landscape will continue to influence the day-to-day as well as out-comes in 2023; therefore, we all must take that into account as we begin to plan for the upcoming year. In addition, the 2023 Farm Bill debates have been underway but we have yet to see any significant proposals. I suspect this process to pick up some steam after the first of the year. This, too, could have positive or negative effects on operations in 2023 and beyond, depending on the out-come. As of late, interest rates and continued inflationary risks pressure producers and pose margin concerns for the coming year.

In my previous article on Farm Finance in July 2022, I wrote about communicating with your lender. With the uncertain and volatile times ahead, effective communication with your lender just makes good business sense. Keeping lenders aware and involved in what is going on in-side your operation will pay dividends down the road. I recommend at least two intentional visits during the year, either in the office or field, to discuss how the year is shaping up. This is just a minimum. Now that the crop is out, I recommend going over your numbers with your lender to officially see how the year ended and formally discuss plans for the upcoming year. The earlier this process is started, the better off everyone is, as it allows time for options, if necessary.

Cole Plafcan is senior vice president, director of Agricultural Lending within Simmons Bank’s Community Banking group. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Cole Plafcan and are not endorsed by, and do not necessarily reflect the views of, Simmons Bank.

Simmons Bank does not provide tax, ac-counting or legal advice.

ion back. This exercise will assist them in evaluating and taking a hard look at their overall management practices of the operation so they can determine how to efficiently reduce overall production costs to be sustainable and profitable in these volatile times.

The winter planning process for farmers and ranchers is a critical season to take a good and honest look at their business and make any necessary changes for the upcoming year. One thing many managers forget during this process is to include others within the operation for their input. These need to be key members of the team who will provide honest, reasonable, and valuable input that can be put to work. When including others in the decision making, they begin to see ownership in those decisions; therefore the efforts are seen in the output and management abilities of those individuals.

As the 2022 farm year is now in the books and we look to start another year, the planning process really starts to come together as harvest finishes and the first quarter begins. Farmers and ranchers reflect on what went well, and what didn’t go as well from the previous year, as well as apply the lessons learned from prior years to draw up the perfect plan for the upcoming year. This will hope-fully lead to a successful and profitable year as possible. In every direction you turn for forward-looking data concerning the ag economy, analysts say farmers and ranchers can expect more of the same but with possibly more volatility than in years past. With that kind of outlook or crystal ball, so to speak, it is imperative to take the time and really peel the on-

These changes can involve a variety of things, from equipment purchases to labor enhancements to changes in overall sizing of the operation, just to name a few. It also allows time to put into place some goals for the upcoming year that should help directionally challenge management and others within the operation throughout the year. Sharing this information with your lender will also be helpful in strengthening that relationship as well as utilizing him or her as a trusted advisor. Your lender can also share in the accountability piece and help you track financial growth, as well as assist with any adjustments that may need to be made with the overall plan. From a lender’s perspective, this can be very rewarding as they become a valuable part of the operation and get to see the operation grow and prosper knowing that they had a hand in that success.

Farm Finance is not “rocket science” but it is specialized, and it is based heavily on relationships. Understanding that and the perspective your lender has will be key to weathering those financial storms that have the potential to creep up along the way. Being proactive and communicating effectively with your lender will enhance the relationship as well as assist in bridging the gaps when adversity hits the operation. The earlier a lender knows about a certain situation and the more he or she knows about that situation, the better he or she can help craft a solution for those issues.

Looking forward to a successful and bountiful 2023.

farm products

What’s new in 2023

Case Vestrum Series Tractors

The Case offers farmers and ranchers power, maneuverability and premium cab comfort in a compact design, the all-new Vestrum® series. With 100 or 130 hp models, the series is powered by a 4-cylinder engine, delivering more low speed torque and engine responsiveness. The powerful engine, paired with the innovative CVXDrive transmission or ActiveDrive 8 transmission guarantees unparalleled power and superior ride quality. The Automatic Productivity Management (APM), ensures the perfect fusion of engine and transmission, giving you a fuel-efficient machine. The 4.5 liter engine has 16 valves for better gas exchange and its 600-hour service interval means the tractor spends less time in the service bay and reduces total cost of ownership. Two transmission styles available.

2023 Coose 6x16

Wrangler Bumper Pull Livestock / Stock

Combo Trailer

This Coose 6’.8”x16’ Wrangler Bumper Pull Livestock features a 10,000 pounds of GVWR, 36-inch escape door, stacked five-slat sides with ¼-inch space at fender, an all pipe center gate, a fully cleated rubber floor with 1-inche spacing, an all-pipe butterfly rear grate with slam lathes, and LED lights. Would make a great trailer to pull to livestock shows this summer, or for the stockman looking for durable bumper hitch trailer.

John Deere 4 Series 4066M Heavy Duty Compact Utility Tractor

This 65.9 hp tractor features a factory-installed 440R Quick Park™ Loader Mounting System, a turbocharged diesel engine, eHydrostatic transmission, standard mid and rear hydraulics, and a Category 1 and 2 three-point hitch. This open-station tractor has cruise control, and a 73-inch wheelbase. While a powerful, the 4066M can also get into spaces some other tractors can’t, like poultry barns for clean out, and is powerful in the pasture. Offers wrap around lighting to let the operator see where they’re going, and to let others see where the tractor is. All lighting and markings comply with ASAE S279. The John Deere 4 Series also offers more than 50 implements and 100 attachments.

RANGER XP 1000 NorthStar Trail Boss

Trail Boss is engineered with best-in-class capability to help you take on the toughest tasks. Trail Boss raises the bar with a ProStar engine that cranks out 82 HP and class-leading towing, payload and box capacity. The Trail Boss features arched A-Arms and 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain tires that provide 14 inches of ground clearance. Drive productivity with the in-dash USB port and 12V cargo box power to run sprayers and other accessories. A new rear facing LED work light delivers enhanced lighting in the cargo box area for low light conditions, while LED headlights provide a bold, refined look for those early morning and late night tasks. Plus, premium seats deliver allday comfort for the longest work days. With a 2,500-pound towing capacity, this 82 hp

New Holland Pull Type Rotary Cutters

Cut thick grass and weeds, or shred stalks and brush with ease. Add a 770 or 780 Series pull-type rotary cutter to your 60 to 210 hp tractor equipped with a 540-rpm PTO, and you’ve got an all-purpose workhorse to take on your toughest jobs. Plus, the flex-wing design provides easy transport between fields and down narrow roads. Updraft blades provide clean, even cutting, and a choice of two models featuring 120-inch rigid or 180-inch flex-wing cutting widths make short work of large areas and tough conditions. Standard features such as protective deck rings and a rear safety chain keep equipment secure, wing-lift hydraulics for easy transport, and jackstand and hitch swivel clevis for easy hookup make the workday easier.

farm products

Kubota M6S Utility Tractor

The Kubota M6S Utility Tractor offers 114.0 hp durability and easy of operation. Kubota’s bevel gear front axle has always been a leader in tight turning and excellent clearance under the tractor. This holds true with the bevel gear axle on the M6S-111 4WD models, as well. With 55 degrees of turning angle and almost 17 inches of ground clearance, the M6S-111 is ready to tackle the tight confines of a barnyard or tall windrows in a hay field. With the 16-speed Swing-Shift or 32-speed Swing-Shift Plus transmissions, producers can find the right gear. The Kubota exclusive Swing-Shift transmission offers eight or 16 speeds in both high and low ranges, eliminating the need to change ranges while working in the field or traveling down the road.

farm help

Making farming a little easier

Genetic Improvement in Sheep and Goats

By Brooke Bradford

AI and ET are still not widely used in small ruminant production

Over the last five years, artificial insemination and embryo transfer have changed the genetic future of sheep and goats. While the practice has rapidly increased the rate of genetic improvement, it is not a standard practice across the industry, and each producer should consider the potential advantages and costs of their individual approach.

“Because of the available genetic pool over the last five years, sheep and goats have not only improved, but the number of really good animals has increased,” said Brian Kutz, assistant teaching professor of animal science and livestock judging team coach at the University of Arkansas.

Historically when breeding sheep and goats, producers were limited in genetic evolution to the animals they had at home. If a producer wanted a specific quality in their offspring, they had to purchase a male and a female that had that quality to have a chance of breeding the quality into their herd.

Producers’ only option for improving genetic quality in their herd was the old-fashion process of picking a female sheep or goat from their barn with the best qualities and breeding it with a male sheep or goat from their barn with the best qualities. Today that is no longer the case.

“The advantage of AI and embryo transfer is that producers can now utilize genetics from all over and can replicate the mating process with embryo transfer,” said Kutz. “Producers are not limited to just one or two purchased sires any longer.”

The process of artificially inseminating and transferring embryos is different for sheep and goats than for cattle or hogs. Kutz described how the reproductive tract in small ruminants is not conducive to artificial insemination. Their reproductive tract requires artificial insemination to be done surgically for sheep and goats.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, embryo transfers in small ruminants

“GPS allowing for better placement of seed and fertilizer.”

Tina LuAnn Hart Washington County, Ark.

are a fraction of those recorded for cattle. Between commercial and market factors limiting the production of embryos and the cost of the surgical process, AI and embryo transfer isn’t accessible to all sheep and goat producers.

While AI and embryo transfer speed up the improvement of genetics, it comes at a high cost due to the complexity of the surgical process. The cost of the process can reach as high as $350 per ewe/doe depending on semen costs.

The University of Oregon Extension Service Veterinarian Charles Estill compared the pros and cons of artificial insemination of goats with consideration to the inputs and outputs of the process and its subsequent results.

Estill recognized that an advantage of the process is that it reduces or eliminates the need for maintaining bucks in a herd. No bucks mean reduced input costs and output of resources like time, space and energy. He also noted the increase in the rate of genetic improvement, reduction of disease transmission, and easy transport of genetics.

Some of the disadvantages Dr. Estill listed were the high costs of equipment and increased skilled labor required for the process. Due to the relative newness of the process, he added, there is a lack of standard protocol for packaging and quality control.

If a producer is considering trying artificial insemination, they should look for does that are in good health, are good mothers, are disease free, have a BCS of 2.5 to 3 and should have tailored nutrition that is improved for two to five weeks pre-breeding.

It is important to note that AI success can depend on many variables, including fresh vs. frozen semen, number and timing of insemination, insemination method, quality and quantity of semen, semen handling practices and management of animals’ pre-insemination.

“Technology separates the old from the new, so the older farmer has a hard time reaching out to the younger person who wants their product.”

Tammi Bell Mayes County, Okla.

“It’s helped organize things, and definitely allowed for the tracking of statistics and things like that.”

Brandon James Crawford County, Ark.

“Not you can buy and sell cows, heifers or steers on the internet, which you couldn’t do 30 years ago.”

Kathy Barnes Cherokee County, Okla.

How has technology changed agriculture in the last 100 years?

what do you say?

farm help

Keeping Young Animals Warm

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Make preparations for newborns before more winter weather hits

The most recent blast of bitter cold weather cause many livestock producers to scramble to keep newborn animals warm, and winter has just begun. Building a calf or lamb warming area is an important aspect of livestock management, especially during the colder months. Without proper care, young animals can become chilled, leading to reduced growth and increased susceptibility to illness. Fortunately, there are steps producers can take to ensure their calves and lambs stay warm and healthy.

According to the University of Missouri Extension, the first step in building a calf or lamb warming area is to determine the size of the area needed. This will depend on the number of animals being housed and the size of the individual animals. For calves, a general rule of thumb is to provide at least 10- to 12-square-feet of space per animal. For lambs, this can be reduced to 8-to 10-square feet per animal. Once the size of the warming area has been determined, the next step is to choose a location. The MU Extension recommends placing the warming area in a

be located near a water source and have access to pasture or hay for feeding.

When it comes to construction, there are a few options to consider.

One option is to build a simple, open-air structure using materials such as wood or metal panels. This type of structure can be inexpensive to build, but may not provide as much protection from the elements as a more solid structure. Another option is to build a fully-enclosed structure, such as a calf or lamb barn. While this type of structure will provide more protection from the elements, it may be more expensive to build and maintain.

Producers can also fashion shelters by recycling plastic totes or barrels. Cut a hole as an entrance and a smaller hole for ventilation, then adding bedding materials such as straw or wood shavings to provide insulation and keep the animals warm. It’s also a good idea to add a heat source, such as a heat lamp or heating pad to help keep the shelter warm. The University of Arkansas recommends maintaining a temperature of at least 50 degrees inside the shelter. Producers are cautioned make sure the lamp is securely connected to something that won’t easily tip, blow, or fall over.

The University of Missouri Extension also recommends using bedding materials such as straw or wood shavings to provide insulation and keep the animals warm. It’s also important to consider the needs of the animals when designing and building the warming area. The University of Arkansas recommends providing plenty of space for the animals to move around and stretch their legs, as well as providing access to clean, fresh water at all times. Providing a feeding area, either inside the warming area or nearby, is also important for the animals’ health and well-being. Overall, building a calf or lamb warming area is an important aspect of livestock

farm help

Considering Poultry Production?

By Danae Ranck

Adding another income stream to the farming operation has benefits

Commercial poultry production provides opportunities for growers to operate their own operations while being contracted with a company to invest, expand and benefit from.

“Being a poultry grower will allow you to stay on the farm and be an independent contractor,” said Cliff Fitchpatrick, Tyson Live Operation Manager in Springdale, Ark.

Commercial poultry production looks similar for companies like Tyson, George’s, The Happy Egg Co. and Perdue in Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri.

Growers operate houses for pullets, breeder hens or broilers.

“[Growers] provide the housing, labor and utilities, and the company provides baby chicks, feed, and catching and hauling birds back to the plant,” said Fitchpatrick.

Different companies have slightly different contracts and are not always looking to expand their operations. They also differ in the number of birds, pay structure, and cost of building houses. When they are looking to expand, companies need growers within a certain distance of their plants.

To become a grower, producers must already have existing poultry houses or have room to build. The land needs to be secluded and distant from neighbors. Growers also need to have an agricultural background, not necessarily with poultry, but an understanding of the agriculture industry.

“It is a stable and steady business; it is very detailed down to very small degrees because of the number of birds,” said Fitchpatrick. Each company has an application system and a different process for becoming a poultry grower. According to different company websites, they are looking for hard working individuals who will be dedicated to taking care of their flocks and doing their best to produce the best quality bird and egg.

Many current growers are family farms who are working together to raise poultry.

Many have also been in this operation for many years, but it is a growing production.

Flitchpatrick said poultry production is different from raising crops or cattle because of the small details. However, poultry production fits in well with those other operations.

Current poultry producer, Darrell Ranck said, “growing chickens fits in well with my dairy production because it is not necessarily a timed schedule.”

Ranck operates two pullet houses along with his family dairy farm. He said he is thankful he decided to invest in poultry production. It was a large investment, but it paid off.

“Within the last five years, we would not have financially been able to continue without the chickens,” Ranck said.

A contracted business allows for some security in changing markets. It is a stable and competitive operation with room for growth and a strong foreseeable future.

Flitchpatrick said the best thing to do when considering poultry production is to visit an existing operation. Ask how much time they are investing and what their financial situation looks like.

Time and financial investments will look different depending on the size of the operation and the type of birds.

“Everyone has their own reasons for why it fits into their operation and whether they need it or not. But the same general principles apply to all producers no matter where they are located or who they grow for or what specific bird they are growing,” Ranck said.

“If you are a grower, you need to look at the long term. You aren’t going to get rich quick,” Flitchpatrick said.

Flitchpatrick emphasized the importance of learning about the production before you enter it. It is a big investment, and it is important to know what you are getting yourself into before making commitments and signing a contract.

1/19 Public Tack Auction – Puxico, Mo. • Sandy Smith Auction Company

1/21 Estate Auction – Dexter, Mo. • Dees Auction Management

2/8 Equipment Online Auction – bidding starts Jan. 18th at 6 p.m., bidding closes Feb. 8th at 10 a.m. – bigiron. com • Big Iron Auctions

1/21 Auto Repair Shop Auction

Auctions by Larry R. Williams

Rogers, Ark.

1/21 Dr. Charles Ledbetter Estate Auction – Harrison, Ark.

Double Diamond Auction

1/21 Furniture, Tires & Appliances Auction – Harrison, Ark. • Graham and Olsen Auctions

1/23 Decorley, Watson Living Estate Auction – Springdale, Ark.

Auctions by Larry R. Williams

1/28 Real Estate Auction – Green Forest, Ark.

Williams Auction Service

1/21 Cartwright Down Sizing Auction – Mountain View, Ark. • Swa ord Realty & Auction

2/25 Lynnette Files Living Trust Auction – Heber Springs, Ark. • Frank Orr Auctions

ONLINE & OUTSIDE AREA

— AUCTIONS —

1/18 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes Jan. 18th at 10 a.m. – bigiron. com • Big Iron Auctions

1/18 Montgomery County Real Estate Auction – Rhineland, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 660-3275890, wheelerauctions.com • See Our Ad on Page 5

1/19 Dan Jessen Retirement Auction –bidding closes Jan. 19th at 10 a.m. –bigiron.com • Big Iron Auctions

1/19 McConnell Farms Absolute Auction – Oklahoma City, Okla. • Dakil Auctioneers, Inc.

1/22 Gun & Coin Auction – Cha ee, Mo. • Brucker Auction Service

1/25 Equipment Online Auction – bidding closes Jan. 25th at 10 a.m. – bigiron. com • Big Iron Auctions

1/27 Absolute Land Auction – Aurora, Mo. • Essick Auction & Realty

1/27 Real Estate & Estate Auction – Oklahoma City, Okla. • Dakil Auctioneers, Inc.

1/28 Annual January Consignment Auction – Paris, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 660-3275890, wheelerauctions.com • See Our Ad on Page 5

1/28 Estate Auction – Cabot, Ark. • Robert King Auctions

1/30 Online Only Land Auction with River Frontage – Davis, Okla. • Garrett Auctions

2/1 Equipment Online Auction – bidding closes Feb. 1st at 10 a.m. – bigiron. com • Big Iron Auctions

2/9 Online Only Farm Toy Auction –Lonoke, Ark. • Robert King Auctions

2/9 St. Clair County Real Estate Auction – Lowry City, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 660-3275890, wheelerauctions.com • See Our Ad on Page 5

2/11 Storment Estate Auction – Benton, Ark. • Howell Auction Service, LLC

2/15 Callaway County Real Estate Auction – Mokane, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 660-3275890, wheelerauctions.com • See Our Ad on Page 5

2/15 Equipment Online Auction – bidding starts Jan. 25th at 6 p.m., bidding closes Feb. 15th at 10 a.m. – bigiron. com • Big Iron Auctions

2/16 Pike County Real Estate Auction – Bowling Green, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 660-3275890, wheelerauctions.com • See Our Ad on Page 5

January 2023

19 Private Pesticide Applicator Training – 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Le Flore County Extension Office, Poteau, Okla. – for more information or to register call 918-647-8231

23-4/3 Oklahoma Tri-County Master Gardener Program (Craig, Delaware, & Ottawa Counties) – every Monday from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cost: $100, includes manual – for more information or to register contact Haleigh at 918-542-1688 or Brooke at 918-253-4332

24-3/28 Mayes County Master Gardener Classes – Tuesdays, 4-8 p.m. – Cost: $120 –Mayes County Event Center, Fairgrounds, Old Highway 20 East, Pryor, Okla. – for more information call Michael at 918-825-3241

24 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Jeral Hampton Meeting Place, Booneville, Ark. – 479-963-2360

25 Private Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Cost: $20 – Washington County Extension Office, 2536 N. McConnell Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. –to register call 479-444-1755

26 Clover 101: 4-H Club and Project Fair – 5-7 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, 2536 N. McConnell Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. – free event and open to anyone interested in learning about the 4-H youth development program – for questions call 479-444-1755

26 River Valley Soybean Production Meeting – 8:30 a.m.-noon – Fairgrounds, Morrilton, Ark. – for more information call 501-354-9618

28 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Arvest Bank Community Room, Gravette, Ark. – Cost: $20 – call 479-271-1060 to register

ozarks’ auction block

February 2023

4 Loonan Stock Farm 48th Anniversary Production Sale – at the farm, Corning, Iowa – 641-322-3921

7 Hoover Angus Annual Production Sale – Hoover Angus Sale Facility, Shannon City, Iowa – 641-344-7684 or 641-344-3234

18 Gilbert Cattle Company 2nd Annual Production Sale – Oldfield, Mo. –417-860-6500 or 417-224-6296

25 Galaxy Beef Production Sale – Macon, Mo. – 816-244-4462 or 660-254-1337

25 66th Anniversary Missouri Angus Breeders’ Futurity Sale – Columbia, Mo. – 805-234-7191

25 Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale – Kingsville Livestock Auction, Kingsville, Mo. – 877-486-1160

March 2023

4 Hilltop Farms Annual Bull and Female Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-842-3225 or 417-529-0081

4 Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull Sale – Hope Livestock Auction, Hope, Ark. – 877-486-1160

4 Mead Farms Bull Sale – at the farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 or 573-302-7011

4 Satterfield Charolais & Angus Annual Bull Sale – at the farm, Evening Shade, Ark. – 501-944-9274 or 870-499-7151

11 Sampson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale – Kirksville, Mo. – 660-216-2207 or 660-216-1522

11 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Female Sale – Wheeler Livestock Auction, Osceola, Mo. – 877-486-1160

February 2023

2 Private Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Cost: $20 – Fulton County Fairgrounds, Salem, Ark. – for more information call 870-895-3301

9 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – call 870-425-2335 to register

9 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Newton County Extension Office, Jasper, Ark. – 870-446-2240

11 Beekeeping Class – 9 a.m. – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – call 870-425-2335

15-17 Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show – bad weather rescheduling dates are Feb. 22-24 – Sallisaw, Okla. – for more information contact the Sequoyah County OSU Extension Office at 918-775-4838

16-20 Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show – Community Building, Tahlequah, Okla. – 918-456-6163

20 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – White County Extension Office, 2400 Landing Road, Searcy, Ark. – for more information or to register call 501-268-5394

21 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Bogle Family Public Services Building, 1204 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, Ark. – Cost: $20 – call 479-271-1060 to register

23 Homesteading Workshop – 6-8 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344

28 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – First National Bank Community Center, Paris, Ark. – 479-963-2360

15 Valley Oak Angus Production Sale – Oak Grove, Mo. – 816-229-8115 or 816-365-5930

18 Bradley Cattle Bull and Female Sale – Springfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457 or 765-376-8784

18 Brinkley Angus Ranch 21st Annual Production Sale – Green City, Mo. –660-265-5565

18 East Central Missouri Angus Association Spring Sale – Cuba, Mo. – 417-224-6296

19 Briarwood Angus Annual Quality Bull & Female Sale – at the farm, Butler, Mo. – 660-679-3459 or 660-679-3395

25 Arkansas Bull Sale 8th Annual Bull & Female Sale – Heber Springs, Ark. –205-270-0999

25 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 877-486-1160

25 Worthington Angus 8th Annual Spring Production Sale – at the farm, Dadeville, Mo. – 417-844-2601

April 2023

3 Brockmere Farms Inc. Production Sale – New Cambria, Mo. – 660-258-2901 or 660-258-3011

29 Aschermann Charolais and Akaushi 36th Edition Production Sale – at the ranch, Carthage, Mo. – 417-793-2855

May 2023

13 Mead Farms Female Sale – at the farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 or 573-302-7011

BALANCER

Rumfelt Farms

Phillipsburg, Mo. 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.com BRANGUS

Horsehead Ranch

Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

GELBVIEH

Rumfelt Farms

Phillipsburg, Mo. 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.com

HEREFORD

Laze D Herefords & Bakerville Cattle Co. Jerico Springs, Mo. 417-398-0019 lazedherefords@hotmail.com

LIMOUSIN

Glendenning J Bar J Lebanon, Mo. 417-588-6121 417-664-0913 417-664-1186 jack@jbarjlimousin.com www.jbarjlimousin.com

RED ANGUS

Watkins Cattle Company Harrison, Ark. 870-741-9795 870-688-1232 watkinscattleco@ windstream.net

ULTRABLACK

Horsehead Ranch Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

be able to meet deadlines and follow through with projects.