Ofn dummy 10 2 17 by Eric Tietze

Fall Breed issue • farmfest issue • production sale issue

Creating a Future with Cattle OCTOBER 2, 2017 • 36 PAGES

VOLUME 11, NUMBER 11 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Shiloh Shores uses lands granted to his great-grandfather to build his cattle operation

OCTOBER 2, 2017

A Natural Cycle

The Birth of a Farm

Hopping Land and Livestock Co., finds managed grazing a good fit for their large sheep operation

A desire to build a farm prompted a former banker to trade his suits for jeans

Should She Get a Second Chance? If a heifer doesn’t breed the first time, producers should take all factors into consideration before trying again Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

rumor mill

FFA members named finalists: FFA members from the Oklahoma Ozarks have been named national finalists for 2017 Agriculture Proficiency Awards. Only four national finalists are selected in each of the 47 proficiency categories. Members from the region include: Josh Ray Arnold of the Adair FFA Chapter, Agriculture Mechanics Design and Fabrication-Entrepreneurship/Placement; Guess Leonard of the Sequoyah FFA Chapter, Agriculture Sales-Entrepreneurship; Kaylee Brunker of the Perkins Tryon FFA Chapter, Diversified Livestock-Entrepreneurship/Placement; Sadie Brown of the LaFlore FFA, Forest Management and Products-Entrepreneurship/Placement; and Kohl Murray of the Perkins Tryon FFA, Grain Production-Placement. The winners will be announced at the annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., later this month. Late fair supporter honored: Longtime fair supporter and lifelong resident of Faulkner County, Ark., Velma Spradlin was chosen Grand Marshal posthumously of the annual country fair parade in Conway, Ark. For more than a quarter of a century, Spradlin assisted with checking in and organization of the fair parade’s horse entries, and was an avid supporter of the fair. Her family led the parade in her honor. New plant opens: A multimillion-dollar meat processing plant in northeast Oklahoma was celebrated on Sept. 7 as the nation’s first meat processing plant owned and operated by an American Indian tribe. “Make room for some bison in your fridges and freezers,” Quapaw Tribe Chairman John Berrey said to a crowd of more than 250 people at a grand opening ceremony for the 25,000-square-foot, $5 million Quapaw, Okla., Processing Plant. The plant employs nine workers and includes a test kitchen, food-safety laboratory and training classroom. Agricultural programs at Oklahoma State University, Northeastern Oklahoma State, University of Arkansas and Missouri State University are all working and bringing ideas together, he said. FFA Chapter serves up school-raised beef: The Danville FFA Chapter in Yell County, Ark., recently served burgers to their fellow Danville students from their own FFA-raised beef as part of the Arkansas Farm to School Program. A two-year project in the making, the Danville school district is the first public school in the state of Arkansas to bring beef to the Farm to School program, a government program that encourages schools to buy local food. Grant awarded: The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a $2.45 million research grant to University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture scientists working to develop disease resistance in spinach. The grant – totaling $2,447,432 – was awarded through the USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

OzarksFarm

@OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor? Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 1319, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

OCTOBER 2, 2017

VOL. 11, NO. 11

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

Standing Guard

Jody Harris – Good neighbors and not-so-good fences

Julie Turner-Crawford – Keeping an eye on the weather

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Jimmy Dickerson works to

increase his herd numbers

14 16

Hopping Land and Livestock Co., carefully manages its grazing program An almost-forgotten piece of Arkansas history

Eye on Agribusiness features OSU Extension

Shiloh Shores follows members of his family in the cattle business

From a banker to a farmer, David Mitchell has followed his own path

Town & Country spotlights Shane Donahue

What started as a hobby farm for horses quickly became much more

Youth in Agriculture features Kamryn Sanders

FARM HELP 25 What’s in a name? 26 Understanding withdrawal periods

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Should she get a second chance?

Is fall calving right for your operation?

What will your winter feed needs be?

Fall is a good time to test soils OCTOBER 2, 2017

just a

thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

25th Edition

Bull Sale

Life Is Simple

e f i L elpmiS si

Selling 70 Bulls

Including Mellow Yellow Hybrids

By Jerry Crownover

PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

ong before livestock guard dogs were in vogue, to protect farmreanimals vonworfrom C yrrthe eJ yB predators that roamed the woods around our farms, and years before llamas beJerry Crownover is came fashionable as a deterrent for the a farmer and former same – there was Pete. professor of Agriculture Pete was a gelded donkey that was acquired by Education at Missouri my father sometime around the mid-1960s. At State University. He is a that time, my father and I had started purchasing native of Baxter County, weaned, lightweight calves from northern LouiArkansas, and an siana. The calves were usually around 6 months author and professional old, but would only weigh about 250 pounds and speaker. To contact Jerry, looked as if they had only eaten swamp grass and go to ozarksfn.com and poor quality gumbo for their entire life. They click on ‘Contact Us.’ would thrive on Midwestern grass and grain, and we were making pretty good money on their gain – if we could keep them alive. Packs of dogs, coyotes and coyote-dog crosses were wreaking havoc on our calves, and Dad had heard that donkeys were natural enemies of the varmints. A friend of a friend had told him about a donkey for sale only a few miles from our farm. The seller said that Pete would not only keep the wild critters away, but was broke to a harness as well. We hauled him home that day. The weeks before Pete joined our little farmstead, the morning ritual was to find the calves that had escaped the night before, repair the fences that the calves had stampeded through, and treat the cuts and gashes on the injured calves. Occasionally, we’d even have to bury a dead calf that hadn’t been able to elude the worst of the attacks. Once Pete arrived on the scene, however, it was as if we had hired our own range detective. Every now and then, we’d even find a coyote that had assumed room temperature and sported a perfect imprint of one of Pete’s hind hooves. As chief fence-fixer, I was certain Pete was the greatest investment we’d ever made.

Saturday, October 21, 2017 1 p.m. Central At the Ranch • Carthage, Mo.

Visit our website for video’s and sale catalog. VIEW/BID LIVE ONLINE:

www.LiveAuctions.tv

Larry & Peggy Aschermann Carthage, Missouri (417) 793-2855 cell • (417) 358-7879 e-mail: hayhook@gmail.com

www.aschermanncharolais.com

ckyar US Hwy 64 Moffet, Okla.

OCTOBER 2, 2017

On Farm appraisals • Early drop off pens with 50 grass traps, water, and plenty of shade • Hauling available • Convenient Location • Family Owned & Operated

Barn

918-875-3131

President

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 Jessica Allan, Meghan Anderson, Larry Burchfield, Stephanie Handley Cannon, Kristyn Richner and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Shiloh Shores and his wife Cassie are teachers, but they also have a growing cattle operation. See more on page 14. 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., 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

• MFWD • 9F/3R TSS transmission • Open station

5-YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY†

SALE PRICE

Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma

Sale Every Monday

Sandra Coffman

5055E UTILITY TRACTOR

Fort Smith Stockyards

Owners Field Sam Chandler • 918-696-6029 Representatives Scottie Smith • 918-696-0793 Carl Quinton • 479-856-5500 Budge Herbert • 918-658-4781 Dax Tyler • 479-461-3678

479-846-1002 • Fax: 479-846-1003 E-mail: Member: editor@ozarksfn.com

Tough fall chores demand tougher equipment.

— Continued on Page 6

t Smit r o

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

MSRP

$30,474

0% FOR 60 MONTHS²

Monthly Payment of $365/mo.

Request a quote or start a chat at

LarsonJD.com

ANDERSON.........................(417) 436-3333 FREISTATT .......................... (417) 235-7279 HARRISON ..........................(870) 741-4915

$23,865

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU. JEFFERSON CITY ..............(573) 455-2353 LEBANON............................(417) 532-2011 NIXA.................................... (417) 724-2226

ROGERSVILLE ....................(417) 881-2677 ROLLA................................. (573) 368-2011 WEST PLAINS.....................(417) 256-7127

(1)Offer ends 10/31/17. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Revolving Plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For Consumer Use only. 10% down payment required. Monthly payments are based on an amount financed of $23,865 at 0% APR. The quoted payment of $365 per month will create an total of payments for the transaction of $23,865 and a repayment period of 60 months if only the minimum required payment is made. Taxes, AUTHORIZED DEALER estimated freight, setup and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Other special rates and terms may be available, including installment financing. Available at participating dealers. (2)Offer ends 10/31/17. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial, for commercial use only. Some restrictions may apply; other special rates and terms may be available. Offer is available only on new equipment and only at participating United States dealers. See dealer for details. †All 5E Series Utility Tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere Dealer come standard with a 5-year/2,000 hour (whichever comes first) Powertrain Warranty. See the Limited Warranty for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment at dealer for details. LFL4X40814OFM-4C

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

Fall Pasture Preparation Cool weather grasses can keep your livestock weight gains high through the cooler fall season.

Talk to a Farmers Coop professional to make the most out of your fall pastures.

Coweta, OK 918-486-5322

Stilwell, OK 918-696-3191

www.farmerscoop.biz

• Whea • Rye t • Passe • Clove rel Plus r

Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

FINANCING THE RURAL ARKANSAS LIFESTYLE.

� Large farms � Small farms � Livestock

� Homes in the country � Operating expenses � Vehicles and more!

just a thought

Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

here is nothing quite as alarming (or embarrassing) as getting a call from your neighbor at three o’clock in the morning because your cattle are out in their yard. We got that call just last week and I’m Jody Harris is a freelance pretty sure we now owe everyone on our little communications specialist, county road some huge favors. gardener, ranch wife and We have our cattle herd divided between two mother of four. She and farms. The momma cows are at a place we lease her family raise Angus beef with a herd bull and the heifers have their own cattle and other critters on bull over here by our home place. their northwest Arkansas There has to be a farmer’s proverb about when ranch. She is a graduate the grass starts turning brown, cattle will ineviof Missouri State University. tably find a hole in his/her fence. If there isn’t, To contact Jody, go to there should be. ozarksfn.com and click on We haven’t had any rain for several weeks and ‘Contact Us.’ we’ve begun to feed hay. Anytime it gets like this, our cattle seem to find a way out of the pasture. The afternoon of my husband’s birthday barbecue, everyone was late. It wasn’t like our friends to be late so I checked my phone. I had several missed calls and text messages. They were all backed up on the road because our cattle were out. By the time my husband made it up to the top of the hill, these weekend cowboys and cowgirls had gotten our heifers back where they belonged. The fences were checked and temporarily mended and all was right with the world – for the time being. He had already started working on some new fence to rotate our cattle over to another field with more grass but it wasn’t quite finished. No one attending the birthday barbecue thought a fence building party sounded like fun. So we shot skeet and watched the kids play instead. The fence still wasn’t finished. Later that week, the early-morning phone call came because our cattle were out again and this time they’d made it up the road into someone else’s yard. The neighborhood dogs created quite a scuffle. My husband bolted into action as he threw on some clothes and revved up the RTV to herd them back in. I covered my head and pretended to be asleep. By the time he got them in and made it back home he was ready to have a big conversation about it. I kept pretending to be asleep. He eventually got the hint. This past weekend, my husband, neighbor and some farm hands helped him finish the new fence. It’s beautiful. The gates were hung on Sunday and after a whole lot of labor pounding posts and stretching wire, it was finished. He turned our cattle loose in the new field. They seem to be content. Who says good fences don’t make good, neighbors?

CHECK OUT OUR NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE

ozarksfn.com

myaglender.com 800-444-3276

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

just a thought

Across the Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

other Nature can be a wicked, wicked woman. Farmers and ranchers are really getting hammered this year, and Julie Turner-Crawford the hits just keep coming. Acis a native of Dallas cording to information from the National CenCounty, Mo., where she ters For Environmental Information, there have grew up on her family’s been nearly a dozen weather and climate disaster farm. She is a graduate events (not including Hurricanes Harvey and of Missouri State Irma, or wildfires) in 2017 where damages have University. To contact totaled at least a billion dollars. Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 It’s very helpless feeling seeing what you have or by email at editor@ worked so hard for all your life under water, ozarksfn.com. blown away or just simply gone. Farmers and ranchers can rebuild, but it’s never the same, and the landscape is forever altered. Working at weekly and daily newspapers for many years, I was one of the people chasing the storms, camera and notebook in hand. I followed a dozer into a rural area in 2003 after a deadly tornado ripped a path from Cedar County to Camden County. It was my first up close look at the aftermath of a tornado. I’ve driven into areas that were under evacuation orders, thinking the whole time I had completely lost my mind, but I had a job to do. In 2008, storm clouds were brewing overhead and I heard a call come across the scanner for help in a nearby community – my hometown. A street had been leveled by a tornado – the street my grandmother lived on. Luckily, Grandma was OK and was pulled from what was left of her home by neighbors. — Continued on Next Page

side dishes

Parmesan Pasta Salad

Submitted by: “The Cook at the Spur Cross Ranch” Prior, Okla. 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 pound spaghetti, broken into pieces 2 chopped tomatoes 1 chopped green bell pepper 1 small can chopped black olives 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp black pepper 1 bottle creamy Parmesan dressing 1/4 C shredded or grated Parmesan cheese 1 diced onion

Cook spaghetti to al dente stage in water with olive oil. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Mix tomatoes, pepper and onion with spaghetti. Add olives, then stir in dressing and cheese. Add oregano, salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. If it is too dry, add a bit more dressing before serving.

Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe 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

OCTOBER 2, 2017

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

just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page

Benton County Sale Barn, Inc.

Over 25 Years of Serving the Tri-State Area

Great Service, Low Rates!

Listen Friday a.m. KURM 790 Sale Barn Report!

Sale Every Thursday

12 p.m.

aCovered Pens aEasy Unloading a Cattle Received Wednesday & Thursday a Comfortable Seating with Good Views of Sales Arena aHauling Available Business Manager : Cody Vaughn 479-790-3432 Office Manager: Cammy Whorton 479-524-2371 ext. 1 Field Representatives: Joe Simpson 918-207-7123 Travis Snyder 918-575-1133 Kevin Ruddick 479-790-9272 Cary Bartholomew 479-409-0133 Mitch Bartholomew 479-263-9302 Doug Isaacs 918-696-1558

3870 Highway 412 East, Siloam Springs, AR • 479-524-2371 www.bentoncountysalebarn.com

A year later, I again heard the scanner call for help. This time it was at my older brother’s. Damage wasn’t extensive at his place, however, houses across the road were destroyed and life was lost. Then there was the tornado outbreak in February 2012. I was in the hospital with my husband in the early morning hours when everything broke loose. The Weather Channel had reports of destruction in my hometown, and the tornados were still on the ground. I didn’t know if my family was OK or if I even had a house to go back to. We made it through unscathed, but others were not so lucky. The storm I will never forget happened over the Memorial Day weekend. I went out with my dad and two of the Wee Turners for a day on the wagon. The weather had said there was a chance for storms later in the day, but we figured we would be done in plenty of time, so we hitched up Dad’s team and rolled out. As the afternoon wore on, clouds began to move in, bringing a little relief from the sun. The clouds, however, turned ominous and our breeze turned into high winds. Soon, Bill called asking where we were. I told him were just a couple of miles from

the house. There was a bit of panic in his voice. “They’ve spotted tornados…” he said just as the phone went dead. It was as if all Hades broke loose. Blowing rain, tree limbs and leaves flying; I said a little prayer as I put my niece, Morgan, on the floor of the wagon and held her down. I could barely see the wagon in front of us because of the rain, but I kept looking at Dad’s team to make sure they still had all eight hooves on the ground, and making sure Dad and Brylie, my nephew, were still in their seats. As it began to move out, we decided it was time to call it a day and headed back to our starting location. Once again, we were lucky. As farmers and ranchers, we can only hope for the best and expect the worst when it comes to the weather. Hopefully, with a little more luck, Mother Nature will see how bruised and battered parts of our world are and say we’ve had enough. Meanwhile, friends and neighbors, keep an eye on the sky and a prayer on your lips.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 My father was also excited that Pete was harness broke, since a year earlier we had lost Old Buck, a draft horse that my parents had owned for 30 years, and had been half of a team of horses, that Dad had farmed with for several years, before the purchase of his first tractor in 1952. Old Buck had stayed on, in his retirement, as the plow horse for our huge garden. After his death, Dad had used the tractor for garden plowing that one summer and had not liked it. Dad was glad that Pete would take over the next spring. After keeping our animals safe from wild animals all winter, that next garden season Dad eagerly harnessed the donkey and hitched him to the plow. Pete didn’t throw a fit, go crazy or get

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

mean – he just stood. Dad was patient for a while, then, the yelling ensued. After the yelling failed, the cursing started. When the cursing subsided, more verbal abuse was hurled and, still, Pete stood as motionless as a donkey yard ornament. Finally, I was summoned to try to lead the stubborn equine and that, too, failed, as Pete remained steadfast for at least two more hours. Unharnessed, Pete led easily back to the pasture where he joined the Cajun calves, seemingly knowing that THAT was his job, and his ONLY job. He continued his duty, with perfection, for the remainder of his days on this earth, and Dad eventually traded Pete’s harness for a good, used garden tiller. OCTOBER 2, 2017

meet your

neighbors

Determined to Grow By Larry Burchfield

Jimmy Dickerson hopes to expand his land ownership and his herd numbers Jimmy Dickerson of Clarksville, tion with three bulls, and a half dozen Ark., does not consider raising horses. “I was raised around horses in Arizocattle a boyhood dream. His father raised cattle, but that was not na,” Debra said. “I have a passion for ridJimmy’s first priority in life. His parents ing. Fortunately, we have enough land were also in the grocery business and that’s to ride. Riding horses allows us to be what Jimmy spent most of his life learning. outdoors and check our herd.” The Dickersons work off the farm, Jimmy It was not until he was in his 30s that he for the Arkansas Highway Department, and became interested in cattle farming. “I can tell you everything about running Debra is the owner of her own bakery, The a grocery store,” Jimmy said. “It wasn’t Cake House in Clarksville, Ark. However, until my wife Debra and I met that I re- it is part of the long-range plans to someday ally became serious about cattle. It was be able to farm full time. The ultimate goal for Jimmy and Debra is to own 1,000 acres our dream to pursue a life of farming.” While Jimmy still considers his knowl- and have a 300-head cattle herd. Currently, the Dickersons hire their hay edge of cattle farming a work in progress, he has been successful enough to catch cutting and baling done. They hope to be the eye of his peers in Johnson County. He able to purchase their own hay equipment and Debra, along with their two sons, were soon to handle the hay themselves. In the last five years, they have increased their selected as the Farm Family of the Year. “It really was an honor to be chosen herd by 25 percent and purchased 53 acres in the last three years. as Farm Family of the Year,” “We are always looking for Jimmy said. “I don’t conland adjoining or close to sider our farm out of the or- Clarksville, Ark. us to buy,” Jimmy explained. dinary. We just work hard at “Land doesn’t turnover much being good farmers and good in this area. But we keep trying stewards of our land.” to put our plan together.” The Dickersons currently Close attention is paid to conrun a 78-head cow/calf operaPhotos by Larry Burchfield

OCTOBER 2, 2017

50x100x16

One side sheeted. One gable sheeted materials.

50x100x18 Roof only Materials

Jimmy Dickenson, pictured with his wife Debra, runs a cow/calf operation near Clarksville, Ark.

servation stewardship. Everything from feed bags, boxes and containers are recycled whenever possible. Pastures are seeded annually and fertilized when necessary. Jimmy recently replaced all wooden fence post with metal post and new fencing. Cattle are rotated to different pastures on a regular basis to protect the ponds from erosion and pollution. While cattle farming has presented some opportunities to Jimmy, it has also presented a couple of major challenges. The 2012 drought caused some real hardships and forced the Dickersons to purchase expensive hay from out of state. “The drought was tough,” Jimmy reflected. “We had to take out a loan to buy the hay. It was expensive, but the other option was to sell off the herd. We sure didn’t want to do that.” In the last year, army worms and pink eye have caused issues on the farm, but the Dickersons are resilient and determined to keep their dream for expansion alive.

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

40x50x12

enclosed w/3” reinforced vinyl back insulation. 1- walk thru door, 2-10x10 openings, 26 ga. 40 year painted metal. All red iron frame. Materials.

Installation Available Call for pricing due to rising cost of steel. All American Steel Buildings Pole Barns • Commercial Buildings Agricultural Buildings • Shops Custom I-Beam Construction

Toll Free: 1-888-364-9527 Office: 417-671-8015 Fax: 417-671-8018 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm 12760 St. Hwy 76 • Cassville, MO 65625 www.superiormetalsalesinc.com sales@superiormetalsalesinc.com

Find the Optimum Genetic Solution to fit your needs!

Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale October 21, 2017 * 12 noon Joplin Regional Stockyards Carthage, MO

A Natural Cycle By Stephanie Handley Cannon

Hopping Land and Livestock Co., finds managed grazing a good fit for their large sheep operation

Selling 250 Angus, Gelbvieh & Balancer Bulls! All strong-age - 18 month old bulls! DNA tested for Genomic EPDs, coat color and polled status! Guaranteed Sight-Unseen Purchasing!

Free Trucking!

Bid & Buy at:

meet your neighbors

DVAuction

Broadcasting Real-Time Auctions

To view on-line catalogs and videos: www.seedstockplus.com For Catalogs call toll free: 877-486-1160 or email: john@seedstockplus.com

If you were to take a drive near Porter, Okla., “The Peach Capital of the World,” you just might spy something a bit out of the Oklahoma ordinary grazing in the fields outside of town. Sheep, 500 sheep to be exact, owned and cared for by the brothers Joe and Hoss Hopping, co-owners or Hopping Land and Livestock Co., call the pastures home. However, the sheep are not the usually thought of wooly sheep people think of,

and it’s a part that they have down to a fine science. Working hard to breed their flock for parasite resistance and livability, with a consistently superior bloodline containing half Katahdin, a quarter Dorper and a quarter Florida Native. No outside influences are ever introduced, and all replacement ewes and rams for the flock, come from the flock. All replacement animals are carefully selected. Long time advocates of Tom Lasater, one Photo by Stephanie Handley Cannon

P&K IS NEW TO TOWN

& WE’VE BROUGHT SOME GREAT DEALS WITH US!

GET UP

OFF 0 $ 4,00

Hair sheep are a large portion of the Hopping Land and Livestock Co., in Porter, Okla. Brothers Joe and Hoss Hopping own and operate the nearly 750-acre operation.

RS TRACTO

TS LEMEN ILITY IES UTOF 2 OR MORE IMP R E S E 5 SE URCHA HE P

WITH T

& SO MUCH MORE! AROUND HERE, JOHN DEERE STARTS WITH P&K.

FIND EVEN MORE GREAT DEALS ONLINE:

PKEQUIPMENT.COM

VISIT OUR NEWEST NORTHWEST ARKANSAS LOCATION:

907 W HENRI DE TONTI BLVD. SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS (479)306-4020 | SPRINGDALE@PKEQUIPMENT.COM

Offer expires 10/27/17. Discount includes maximum retail bonus and implement bonus available on 5E Series Tractors. Total discount dependent on model, as amounts vary. $4,000 offer valid on 5065E/5075E Series Tractors; includes $3,500 retail bonus and $500 implement bonus. Qualifying implements must be John Deere or Frontier branded. Discounts are stackable with 0% financing. Subject to approved credit with John Deere Financial. Price and model availability may vary. Residency & other restrictions apply. Other offers available. See P&K for details.

these are hair sheep, bred not for their wooly backs but for their meat. “The meat tastes a lot like a good steak.” Joe Hopping, the younger of the two brothers said. Contrary to their wool-clad relatives, the hair sheep have a less “greasy” or lanolin tasting meat, making them better for slaughter and consumption. The flock of light brown and tan animals, with the occasional dark patchy coat thrown in, might easily be confused as goats to someone just passing by on the road. The herd of hair sheep have been a part of the Hopping operation for 18 years

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

of the founders of the Beefmaster breed and a succesful cattleman in Texas, Philosophy of Cattle Raising, the brothers apply the same philosophy to their sheep business. The closed flock regularly undergoes stringent culling, where non-productive animals, ewes 8 to 10 years old that can no longer produce lambs and ewes that fail to produce and raise a lamb successfully are removed, along with any aniPorter, Okla. mals requiring extra care, no exceptions. With the help of MIG (Management Intensive Grazing) they keep the fields OCTOBER 2, 2017

meet your neighbors lush with Bermudagrass, fescue and whatever native grasses volunteer themselves into the mix. The brothers keep the browsing sheep fat and happy, rotating them in 10 to 20 acres pastures, sectioned off by electric wires to make them easily changeable over the nearly 750 acres of land that the flock calls home, alongside the herd of approximately 150 head of stocker cattle owned by the brothers. The rotation of pasture land allows the sheep to better follow their natural instinct to travel and find new forage, as well as keeping down on the parasites they would be able to ingest if they were more stagnant in their forage range. Another major benefit of the MIG is that it allows the brothers to successfully care for the sheep with less hands-on effort, which also means less stress to the animals as well as reducing the amount of supplemental feed and hay required by the animals. “We only feed hay if the winter is bad, lots of snow or ice, otherwise they do fine without.” Joe explained. “When we do give hay, the dogs are happy to see it, They curl up in it and go right to sleep. The sheep would rather have the weeds.” The dogs he referred to were, of course, the guardians of the herd, seven of them, made up of Komondors and Anatolian Shepherds. The dogs live and breed in the pasture with their sheep companions, making sure the sheep are never

alone to fall prey to the many coyotes or occasional stray dogs that also call the area home. In the rare instances when the sheep do need a feed supplement, they’re given a mixture of soy hull pellets and corn gluten. When the sheep need to be gathered, moved or for occasional maintenance, the job is handled by different types of dogs, a combination of Border Collie and Kelpie herding dogs, are used to round up the sheep and assist in penning them. The productive, once a year lamb crop yields an average of one lamb from a first-time mother and two from a mature ewe, not to mention the occasional set of triplets, so the baby boom significantly raises the head count of the flock. However, a set of triplets can be more of a nuisance than the blessing it might be perceived. The weaker of the the lambs is most often pushed away by the stronger two and resorts to stealing milk from a more immature, first-time ewe that doesn’t know enough to deny its advances and therefore lets it steal nourishment from her, and so it becomes a detriment to her own lamb. With a 35-day lambing period, beginning in early May, the lambs are taken right off their mothers and are ready for sale in time for the holiday season, in the fall or early winter, when the majority of lamb meat is consumed in America and the cycle of nature starts all over again.

Wholesale Seed Division

417-725-3512 • 1-800-648-7379

Wt. Lbs.

HORSE BARNS WORK SHOPS

GARAGES

HAY BARNS

“We Custom Build To Fit Your Needs” BradfordBuildings.com • 877-303-3737

OCTOBER 2, 2017

$ Lb.

Bag Lb.

RED CLOVERS

60 GAINER III MIX,

90% 2.06

Inoc., Not Coated, 80% Red, 12.5% Ladino, 5.5% Alsike

Inoc., Not Coated, 87% Red Clover, 12.5% Ladino

60 GAINER II MIX

90% 1.98

60 KENSTAR

90% 1.88

Forage, Inoc., Not Coated, Equivalent to $1.50 Coated Seed 50 MEDIUM RED, Raw 90% 1.76 50 MARATHON, Cert., Innoc, Not Coated 2.43

OTHER CLOVERS

50 LADINO, “JUMBO”

90% 3.94 3.74

Inoc., Not Coated, Giant Leaf, Excellent, Re-Growth

Inoc., Not Coated ALSIKE, Perennial WHITE CLOVER, “Nitro” SWEET, Yellow Blossom ARROWLEAF, Yuchi Winter Annual, 99% Purity CRIMSON, Winter Annual BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL, Leo

50 LADINO “ROYAL” 50 50 50 50 50 50

90% 3.68 3.48 90% 2.74 2.54 90% 3.68 3.48 88% 1.66 1.46 2.62 2.42 90% 1.43 1.23 86% 3.85 3.65

ALFALFAS

60 COMMON SENSE

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 48

90% 3.64 3.34

Inoc., Not Coated GENUITY, Roundup Ready®, L446RR, Coated 7.68 VERNAL, Cert, Winter Hardy 90% 3.48 3.28 HAYGRAZER, Inoc., Not Coated 3.72 CIMARRON, VL400, Inoc., Not Coated 3.72

GRAINS

COLDGRAZER RYE, Strain Cross WHEAT, Forage Maxx TRITICALE, 348 BOB OATS, Winter Oat BARLEY, Winter

WINTER PEA, Austrian HAIRY VETCH, Winter Legume TURNIPS, Purple Top TURNIPS, 7-Top

Wt. Lbs.

Total Germ.

FESCUE

50 KY-31, Cert. & “Fungus Free”

Only $10.00 Per Acre Difference!

12.85 11.85 14.65 16.85 13.85 Bag:

.59 .79 1.88 1.68 1.62 1.39 1.82 1.58

Your Ag Chemicals Headquarters

Bag Lb.

90% 1.68

50 KY-31 86% 1.28 50 KY-32, Fungus Free, Cert. 90% 1.68 50 FAST PASTURE MIX, Cattle/Horses 90% 1.68

Hulled Orchard Grass, Fungus-Free KY-31 Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass & Timothy 25 ESTANCIA, Friendly Endo/Ark. ASK 25 BAR OPTIMA E34, Soft Leaf ASK 25 MAX Q II Texoma, Friendly Endo ASK

ORCHARD GRASS

Add A Legume!

50 50 50 50

ARID, Drought Tolerant 90% 2.96 Hulled Orchard grass VNS 90% 2.98 POTOMAC, Disease Resistant 90% 2.84 FAST PASTURE MIX 90% 1.68

Hulled Orchard Grass, Fungus-Free KY-31 Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass & Timothy

FIELD GRASSES

50 ABUNDANT 92%

.73

Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass 50 BROME, “Southland” 85% 2.64 “The high protein grass.” Sow with alfalfa! 50 TIMOTHY, For horses 90% .96

50 50 50 50

BEST-FOR PLUS 92% 1.08 PERSISTER, Improved Matua 2.18 REED CANARY, Chiefton 4.84 RED TOP, Limited 6.58

DEER PLOT

60 DEER PLOT MIX

GRAIN ADDITIVES 50 50 50 50

Financing Available

Total Germ.

Bulk Lb.

1.36 1.16

1 BAG PLANTS 1/2 ACRE: Coldgrazer Rye, Bag Lb. Winter Oat, Alfalfa, Clover, Turnips, Radish, Chicory

50 WINTER ANNUAL DEER MIX

29.88 bg

1 BAG PLANTS 1/2 ACRE: Coldgrazer Rye, Winter Oat, Triticale, Forage Maxx Wheat, Winter Pea, Clover, Turnips, Rape 60 ALFALFA, Common Sense 3.64 3.34

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 25

JUMBO LADINO CLOVER 3.94 3.74 BUCKWHEAT, (Apr-Aug) 1.17 .97 PEAS, Winter .79 .59 RAPE, Brassica Canola 1.30 1.10 RADISH, Daikon 1.58 1.29 TURNIPS, Purple Top 1.62 1.39 TURNIPS, 7-Top 1.82 1.58 SUGAR BEETS 6.86 6.46 CHICORY, “6 Point” Perennial 4.92 4.72

No license req’d to buy 2,4-D or GrazonNext!

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

SAVE YOUR SEED SAMPLE

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

SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Play Ball!

Photo by Terry Ropp

By Terry Ropp

In the wake of the Great Depression, a short-lived professional baseball league launches in Arkansas

A deeply-rooted part of American culture is a love of team sports. Before basketball, even before football, there was baseball. Sunday meant going to church and then watching local teams vie against each other with small hometown crowds every bit as passionate as the massive ones today. Baseball’s long heritage gave baseball the nickname “King of Sports,” as opposed to thoroughbred racing’s the “Sport of Kings.” However, Fayetteville’s J.P. Hogan, an expert on the history of Arkansas baseball, prefers calling baseball the “National Pastime.” Further, large events like revolutions and wars cram the pages of history books. While these are indeed important and need to be recognized and understood in hopes of preventing future repetitions, the flavor of the day to day culture is often ignored. The 1930s and the Great Depression affected every family in the United States, and baseball was one of the few things to cheer about. Unbeknownst to most is the existence of a Depression Era Class D professional baseball league launched in the Arkansas Ozarks 1934, which then spread to include nearby parts of Missouri and finally financially collapsed mid-season 1940. First called the Arkansas State League, the new league was comprised of four teams: the Fayetteville Educators because of the University of Arkansas being located there; the Bentonville Officeholders, presumably in deference to the town’s political leadership; the Rogers Apple Knockers, playing off a local term for “hicks” which was soon changed to the Rustlers; and the Siloam Springs Buffaloes.

If not for the efforts of J.B. Hogan, this sepia-toned image of history would have drifted into complete obscurity. A Thump on the head by a ball as a youngster served only to fuel a desire to succeed and began J.B.’s love of baseball and later of sports biographies. His favorite was that of Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig, who was found to have had every finger in his hand broken during his playing career, was J.B.’s personal symbol of integrity and courage. J.B.’s late brother-in-law and his sister, Kirby and Martha Hogan Estes, saved a local historical summary of the league which melded with J.B.’s lifelong love of baseball and culminated in a 20-year quest to produce a book, Angels in the Ozarks, commemorating that remarkable time in Arkansas/Missouri history. Branch Rickey, posthumously inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame for off the field contributions to the sport, is credited with creating the minor league farm system still used today. Branch saw the opportunity to develop potential major league players using this while a vice president for the St. Louis Cardinals. At that time, Arkansas was Cardinal territory because the St. Louis team was the professional team furthest west and closest to the local area. The Arkansas State League itself was arguably the smallest minor league that ever existed. By 1936, when teams from Missouri had been added, the name was changed to the Arkansas-Missouri League. “The distance from a class D team to playing professional ball is huge, but several players emerged from the Arkansas/ Missouri league did just that,” J.B. said. Among them was Rogers’ stand out “Tom” Walker Cooper, who rose to the

major leagues where, along with his brother Mort became Cardinals in one of those rare brother pitcher/catcher combos. Fayetteville batboy Sherman Lawler never played on the local team, but became a star catcher with the Chicago White Sox. Another Fayetteville favorite, although he never made it to the majors, was Fred Hawn who became highly successful Cardinal scout for 27 years. Some stories from the old league are significant. For example, president of the Siloam Springs club, Robert Henry,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

intervened when a game against the all African-American Muskogee team went late. The then prevalent Sundowner’s Law would have become a serious issue. To prevent any harm, Robert arranged for overnight accommodations for the Muskogee players at the local high school gym. One of the ways to best understand the innocence and simplicity of the times is to look at the evolution of the name of the Fayetteville Educators. Deciding after the first year that the name didn’t OCTOBER 2, 2017

ozarks roots portray the image they wanted, the club held a name contest as they had when the name educators had been chosen in 1934. The winning entry in 1935 was “Bears” submitted by Kenneth Brooks, who won a season pass. The new name stuck for only two years when the financially stressed club purchased two sets of hand-me-down uniforms with “Angels” meticulously sewn to the uniforms. Instead of removing “Angels” patch and substituting “Bears,” the club “grew wings” and changed its name to “Angels” for the remainder of its existence. Also recognizing a public image impression issue, the 1934 Bentonville Officeholders became the Mustangs in 1936, a symbol they felt much more appropriate for the sport and for them. Another characteristic of the era was sharing gloves. In the 1860s players began experimenting with gloves for protection and resembled those used by brakeman on the railroad. Reputedly, a buckskin mitten used by Cincinnati Red Stocking’s catcher Doug Allison when he injured his hand in 1870 was among the first. According to baseball historian John Thorn, using a glove was thought to be unmanly since cricket players didn’t use them though common sense won out in the long run. During the 1930s teams often shared gloves and left the gloves on the field for their opposing counterpart. “My impression from the research is that the league’s ball fields were not well cared for with dirt infields and overgrown outfields,” J.B. said. Because fencing was not mandatory and homerun territory was erratic, this may have been the Golden Era of the in-thepark homerun because sometimes the ball could not be found in the tall grass. Reflecting on the historical significance of the short-lived professional minor league, “The legacy of the league is really nonexistent,” J.B. explained. “At the time, however, local ball helped hold communities together, and the minor league system led to huge improvements in the quality of the players and the game.”

OCTOBER 2, 2017

McCurry Trailers A n d

E q u i p m e n t ,

I n c .

Before You Buy, Check With Us!

Visit Us At Farmfest Oct. 6th-8th

Our Lot Is Only 2.5 Miles Away & Will Be Open For You To

Take Home Your Trailer During Farmfest!

Your Authorized Dealer For:

BULLDOG TRAILERS

Hay Express Trailers • Hayhound Hay Trailers • O.K. Corrals

2645 W. Kearney, Springfield, MO

PJ Trailers Available For Order

I-49/Hwy 71 Next to Heritage Tractor, Adrian, MO

417-862-4797 816-297-8888 Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

“Your Livestock Equipment Headquarters Since 1961” For-Most Cattle Handling Equipment

Hydraulic Chutes

Manual Chutes

SPI Livestock Waterers

Waterer

LEGEND SERIES BUMPERS & Grille Guards

Speedrite Electric Fence

Crowding Tubs & Alleys

Tru-Test Livestock Scales

Chargers

Calf Tables

Chute & Alley Scales Electronic ID Compatability

Management Tools

Poliwire, Tread-Ins & Insulators

We carry much more than what is listed here, please give us a call: Boonville, Mo 800-530-5158 • www.zeitlow.com

OUR 65th YEAR The New Rhino Flex-Wing has been Unleashed!

Our Flex-Wing cutters are designed for perfomance, reliabilty and value. With seven models to choose from and 50 years experience, we know how to make them durable enough for any use.

Flex Wing Gearbox

Features & Benefits:

• Unique blade pan carrier - strong and durable stump jumper (patent pending) • New gearbox design - more torque with the same horsepower • Pivot hitch - unique locking clevis device for ease of hooking up • Smooth dome deck - less clutter, easy to clean with larger cutting chamber • Independent suspension - simple, no moving parts • Safety cover - quick access for easy maintenance

Hwy. 69 South, Pryor, OK • 918-825-2044 www.chuppimplementcompany.com See our Ad in Names & Numbers

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

OSU Cooperative Extension Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Ozark Fall Farmfest October 6-8 Springfield, Mo.

Blade Pan Carrier

eye on

Location: Tulsa, Okla. Business: Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service Interviewee: Clinton Laflin, livestock production specialist Mission: “Oklahoma State University has had an Extension office for many years with 4-H serving American youth for over 100 years. I have been working for Extension for two years and am one of three full-time 4-H educators in a department with a total of nine educators. We are involved in diverse areas ranging from horticulture to livestock to family consumer sciences,” Clinton Laflin said. “The 4-H program and Extension is in all 77 Oklahoma counties with 4-H and in every state in the union, as well as Canada and Africa. Our mission is to teach our youth life skills in preparation for a meaningful and successful life and to broaden our youth population and programming to reflect an ever changing world. Without 4-H, my own life would’ve been very different. I have a mild type of cerebral palsy that affects my physical capacity only. Nonetheless cerebral palsy prevented me from competing in sports, but 4-H fulfilled my need to compete. “I grew up and am still part of the fifth generation Laflin Ranch near Olsburg, Kan. Through 4-H, I showed livestock and competed in livestock judging and public speaking. At Extension, we strive to take whatever a child enjoys doing, whether that child is urban or rural, and further develop that enjoyment by putting a 4-H project with it.” Programming: “Programming is always evolving and today ranges from traditional programs like showing livestock and exhibiting produce to include areas such as fabrics, fashion and robotics. Last year our office had youth in 36 different events on the local, state and national levels. With my colleagues, I plan events or help other committees. My focus areas are planning livestock shows, county fairs and summer camps. Last year we held our 11th annual Kids, Kows and More, which targets urban youngsters from second through fifth grade, many with no previous agriculture exposure. Another part of my responsibility is teaching livestock animal science, including where food comes from, what the products are produced and the relevant biological systems of the various animals: swine, goats (both meat and dairy) rabbits, poultry, cattle, and sheep. We also have a sheep shearing demonstration. Some programming involves more traditional education where my colleagues and I oversee individual clubs for formal teaching in a workshop setting, sometimes with speakers or sometimes taught by us. One of my favorite parts is working one-on-one with the kiddos. I enjoy the relationships and know when my first ones graduate, my emotions will be difficult and powerful.” Future: “I plan to work with my colleagues to continue to expand the numbers of youth we reach as well as increasing the diversity of opportunities available for them. 4-H has just completed their first hundred years and is looking to face challenges in the next hundred years we cannot even define yet.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Missouri’s #1 Pathfinder Program!

MEAD FARMS Performance-Tested BULL AND FEMALE SALE Saturday • October 28, 2017 • Noon At the Mead Sale Headquarters • Versailles, MO

Every Angus Bull DNA PARENT VERIFIED with GENOMIC ENHANCED EPDS!

Mead Farms is committed to producing sound, functional cattle that will perform in every environment. “Performance-Oriented” and “By the Numbers” approach consistently producing high quality genetics in volume!

MEAD TEN SPEED Q858

9/7/16 SAV Ten Speed 3022 x Connealy Impression 4569 CED +10, BW -.3, WW +72, YW +120, Milk +16, $W +67.35, $B +154.61

MEAD RUSHMORE Q798 9/1/16

LT Rushmore 8060 x LT Blue Value 7903 CED +11.2, BW -2.9, WW +32, YW +48, Milk +15, MB +.12, RE +.32 Sale Managed By

Sale Managed By Sale Managed

RANCE LONG, INC

Call or email to request a sale book and join our mailing list!

918.510.3464 cell rlong@rancelong.com By INC www.rancelong.com

RANCE LONG 918.510.3464 cell rlong@rancelong.com www.rancelong.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Over 200 Bulls Sell!

160 Angus Bulls - plus 20 Charolais Bulls, 20 Hereford Bulls, and 15 Red Angus Bulls

Over 100 Females Sell! 20 Spring Heifer Calf Pairs 20 Spring Bred Cows 30 Fall Cow-Calf Pairs

MEAD BLACK GRANITE Q892 9/10/16 MEAD 1682 PAYWEIGHT Q990 10/3/16 Connealy Black Granite x Mead Final Choice L239 CED +10, BW +1.6, WW +71, YW +125, Milk +17, $W +68.26, $B +145.45

MEAD REDEMPTION Q719

8/20/16 Brown JYJ Redemption Y1334 x HXC Conquest 4405P CED +11, BW -2.2, WW +81, YW +131, Milk +19, MB +.65, RE +.03

Basin Payweight 1682 x SS Objective T510 0T26 CED +1, BW +3.4, WW +89, YW +149, Milk +29, $W +87.77, $B +173.15

MEAD TEN Y HOMETOWN Q849 9/6/16 NJW Hometown 10Y x DR World Class 517 CED +4.0, BW +1.5, WW +60, YW +98, Milk +31, MB +.20, RE +.47

Since 1942

MEAD FARMS

21658 Quarry Lane Barnett, MO 65011 Office (573) 302-7011 Fax (573) 348-8325 email: meadangus@yahoo.com www.meadfarms.com Alan Mead, Owner (573) 216-0210

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

The #1 D ealer in Missouri Sales $’s 2004-2017!

Go To Farmfest & Get Their Best Price

Then Call Us!

meet your neighbors

Creating a Future with Cattle By Terry Ropp

Shiloh Shores uses lands granted to his great-grandfather to build his cattle operation When someone grows up in a rural area of Oklahoma where half the people are relatives, the odds are an exposure to cattle will happen even if the immediate family doesn’t raise them. This is what happened to Shiloh Shores of Park Hill, Okla. His parents, Wayne and June Shores, never raised cattle but an older cousin named Butch Cowan did. Shiloh worked for his cousin, who eventually became his mentor and taught him a minimal hands-

and went on a picnic for their first date, perhaps an omen that Cassie’s future was going to involve the outdoors. When Shiloh finished high school, he used his savings to buy two commercial cows and a $500 bull from another cousin, which was the start of his commercial herd. While earning a wildlife/biology degree at Northeast State University in Tahlequah, Okla., Shiloh played basketball for the university when the team won the national championship in 2003. Now Shiloh is a middle school Photo by Terry Ropp

We’ll Save You Money!

We operate on low overhead and volume sales, this saves you money!

Shiloh Shores and his wife, Cassie, are educators and cattle producers.

NEW Gooseneck™ Livestock Trailers, 16’-40’ In Stock

Over 30 More

NEW Flatbed, Dump & Cargo 8’-40’ Trailers In Stock

Trade-In’s Welcome!

Frye Farms

TSrailers ,M eneca

417-438-0146 14

on system that, for Shiloh, has produced a healthy, hardy and productive herd. This is critical because Shiloh wants to leave his wife Cassie, definitely not raised as a farm girl, with as little daily maintenance as possible should something unforeseen happen to him. “My mom thinks I’m crazy and laughs because being a farm wife is not what they pictured for me, and she gets this rather dazed look on her face when I start talking about cattle,” Cassie said with a laugh. “However, I couldn’t be happier and she knows that.” Somewhat ironically, the couple met at Carter Baptist Church

teacher and coach in Stilwell, Okla., while Cassie teaches high school aged and adults at the Indian Capital Technology Center in Talequah. Cassie is definitely a partner on the ranch. Among many of her contributions is transferring Shiloh’s hand-written records into easily assessable spreadsheets she developed with her own formulas. In 2009, the couple bought 96 acres from yet another cousin, plus an additional 30 momPark Hill, Okla. ma cows to add to his small commercial herd through an FSA loan. The land was part the

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

180-acre Indian allotment given to his great grandfather, one of the Carter brothers who ended up with most of the land in the area. When Shiloh bought the land, it was heavily overgrown. He spent 40 hours brush hogging and had an amazing 22 flat tires from honey locust thorns. The flat tires were extremely time-consuming in an already over-crowded weekly schedule, and out of desperate frustration, Shiloh tried truck tires with excellent results because the steel belts cut off the thorns. Next Shiloh bulldozed a few particularly rough areas and subsequently sprayed for weeds the following three years. The only thistles on the whole plot were three on a pond bank which he quickly destroyed. He has not re-sprayed with good results as a result of large pasture rotational grazing and brush hogging. “I’m still new at this so much of what I do is experimental. I may try spot spraying a few stubborn areas instead of brush hogging to see if that’s a more efficient system here,” Shiloh said. Shiloh leases another 100 acres similar to his 96, while also keeping cattle on his father’s 70 acres, another part of his great-grandfather’s allotment. His father’s land is much gentler and easier to use because it was originally used for crops and was lightly terraced by the government to help in the relocation. Shiloh keeps most of his commercial herd on his father’s land. Shiloh was teaching and developing his commercial herd when the 2012 drought hit. At that time he was using only his original 96 acres, which had one pond and a single spring. The pond dried up and the spring was reduced to a dribble, resulting in the sale of 20 of his cows. He simply didn’t have time to haul water while teaching and couldn’t afford the skyrocketing hay prices. The couple’s plan was to buy more cattle when everything settled down. In the meantime, he started looking at Herefords as a better investment and OCTOBER 2, 2017

meet your neighbors purchased 10 registered Herefords, both polled and horned. He later purchased 10 registered heifers and another bull from Deewall Herefords in Coldwater, Kan., because of the quality of the animals and their line breeding program. Shiloh believes the Herefords offered a better chance to make money because breeding stock is more profitable and because the breed is hardy and docile qualities that fit his limited time schedule. He now has 50 females, mixed commercial and registered, bred by three registered Hereford bulls and one registered homozygous Black Hereford, which is part of his experimental breeding program. His goal is to produce the most marketable and hardiest animals with inherently strong immune systems. “At this point, I keep 100 percent of my Hereford heifers and 50 percent of the commercial ones because I’m still growing my herd to a maximum of 75 to 100,” Shiloh said. “Growing a ranch from scratch is a long, slow process, and I hope to be a full-time farmer someday in the far future.” Shiloh is at the point of developing a closed herd. His best bull, a horned Hereford, is only 2 years old and he plans to use him for many years as he experiments with line breeding. He also uses no vaccination protocol, ruthlessly culls any animal with health issues and has not pulled a calf in 10 years. An important and recent addition to his operation is the use of a liquid feed called Mix 30, developed by Agridyne in the Midwest with the apparent unexpected side benefit of excellent fly control. The flies appear to have simply disappeared and the side effect is causing a buzz. He also likes this liquid feed because it has a 10 percent fat content that limits the amount the cattle consume while keeping them healthy and satisfied. The closest dealer is 40 miles away and Shiloh is considering becoming one because of the products outstanding performance and to have a source at home. Shiloh is extremely appreciative of Butch Cowan’s mentorship and prizes two logical specific pieces of advice. The first was not to get into cattle to make money but to do it because you love it. The second was if you need money, sell a cow; and if you don’t, keep the cow and continue growing your herd. OCTOBER 2, 2017

Get All Your Fall and Winter Needs with these Brands at Powell Home and Ranch!

www.PowellFeedStores.com

NORTH ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AUCTION, INC. Call 870-438-6915 For Sale Information & For Special Sales For on Farm Appraisal or Hauling Contact One of the Following: Berryville

Clifty

Kevin (Short) Williams H - 870-423-3099 C - 870-423-8444

Elmer Robertson C - 479-466-0904

Kevin Logan H - 870-545-3637 C - 870-423-7708

Troy Cline H - 479-665-2934 C - 479-738-7746

Restaurant on Premises

Kingston

“We Know Cattle, and we Know the Markets” Kirk Powell (870) 654-2205 and Ron Wallace (870) 654-6369 Community Owned and Operated with Consistency, Uniformity, and Convenience • Online Auctions with bidding • Hay and Water pens • On Farm Appraisals • Free Parking • Hauling and Delivery

• Professional staff and services • Cattle sorted by size, weight, type • Receiving day before and day of

Auctions on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Special auctions to be announced. 304 West Main Street • Green Forest, AR 72638 Office (870) 438-6915 • Fax (870) 438-5223 www.northarkansaslivestock.com

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

Economical Weed Control Wick And Mounting Bracket For ATV • •

Mounts Easily On Most ATVs Height Adjustments On The Go

30' Cart

• Flexes To Follow Ground Contour • Height Adjust 3" To 38" • Sizes: 10', 20', 30', 46'

LOADER MOUNT Clamps To Your Loader Bucket Sizes: 6’ To 20’

See Us At Farmfest Oct. 6-8 Booth# 383 Only Kills The Weeds You Wipe Herbicide On. Simple To Use, Does Not Require Electric Or Hydraulic Lifts. IDEAL FOR CONTROLLING JOHNSONGRASS, RYE, SHATTERCANE, AND ANY WEEDS WHICH GROW TALLER THAN YOUR HAY OR CROPS!

INDIVIDUAL WICKS AVAILABLE • 6', 8', OR 10' SPEIDEL APPLICATORS: PROVEN PERFORMANCE SINCE 1978 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

meet your neighbors

The Birth of a Farm By Terry Ropp

A desire to build a farm prompted a former banker to trade his suits for jeans One of the most important dynamics in David and Kimberly Mitchell’s relationship is supporting each other’s dreams. For a number of years David worked in sales and in banking and investment for Arvest in Bella Vista, Ark., while Kimberly taught preschool fitness. David actively supported Kimberly’s dream of becoming a published novelist, and she now has a publication contract for six young adult novels. One day, David came home declaring he wanted to be a farmer, though nei-

sas to be near his family and University of Arkansas sporting events. Two days after they brought 50 acres in Lincoln, Ark., the couple discovered Kimberly was pregnant so she is now a stay-at-home mom with their infant daughter Abigayle, though she blogs through the Arkansas Women Bloggers and continues her writing. To aid cash flow, David works part-time at Across the Creek Farms in West Fork. During his crash course in farming, David came across several sources that led him to a multi-species grazing system with as little human intervention as possible.

Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association www.heartoftheozarksangus.com Because of predators, such as coyotes, David Mitchell opts to keep his animals inside a barn most nights. Photo by Terry Ropp #18798579 Cowboy Up x 6807

#18859661 Insight x Connection #18363153 Aberdeen x On Target

selling 30 Bulls & 45 Females

These exciting sire groups sell

Cowboy Up • Weigh Up • Insight • Reserve • Tour of Duty • Journey • Ten X • Generation • Discovery

Join Us for Our Banquet

Oct. 20, 7 pm

Howell County Extension Community Room sale Managed by Wes Tiemann • (816) 244-4462 • wes@mocattle.com

107th Consignment Sale

Oct. 21, 12:30 pm Ozark Regional Stockyards West Plains, MO

HOAA President Kelly Smith • (417) 855-9461

ther knew anything about farming and Extensive human contact is important, he had no idea he would end up with however, to keep the animals workable. sheep and goats. His position was fine Part of that contact will include lightly and their life was good, but the job was supplementing with sweet feed. “I love the healing of ecology that this routine, 45 minutes away, inside, and definitely not speaking to his heart. style of farming promotes,” David said. In December 2015, the couple purchased From Kimberly’s point of view, he was more than entitled to follow his dream their acreage in Lincoln. The land was ideal because it had a good house, outwith her full support. buildings, a nicely constructed While still working in the pile of rocks for goats to climb banking industry, David be- Lincoln, Ark. on, both well and rural water gan studying farming and the and sufficient pasture for small process of deciding what kind ruminants like sheep and goats. of farm he wanted to have. In addition, he was searching for — Continued on Page 20 property in Northwest Arkan-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Shane Donahue

Foglesong Charolais

Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Hometown: Winslow, Ark.

Springfield Livestock Marketing Center Springfield, Missouri

Family: Wife, Liz; infant son Sawyer In Town: “I began working for the Fayetteville Lewis Automotive Group 14 years ago as a car salesman at our used car lot in Farmington, Ark. Next I was promoted to service advisor at Lewis Ford and then credit acceptance manager five years ago. My wife Liz works as an area office manager for River Valley Primary Care, a family health clinic group. While her primary office is in Fort Smith, Ark., her job responsibility covers several facilities. We are also youth directors at the Blackburn Community Church.” In the Country: “Our family currently owns 240 acres in Winslow accumulated through purchase, family and inheritance. I grew up around cattle and showed Limousins each year during high school, keeping the cattle on my dad’s farm, which is also in Winslow. My earliest memory is when I was 5 and the cows got out because coyotes were chasing them. They tore through a fence and I remember a large number of four-wheelers and trucks chasing them for a long time before finally catching them. My current herd has 17 heavily black Limousin influenced mommas and one registered Limousin bull. Because our days are so long and raising the cattle is a sideline rather than a full-time income, the bull runs with the cows all of the time. It doesn’t take long to check 18 cows daily, and I love when I find a new calf on the ground. In order to maintain fresh pasture for our cattle and to avoid fly and worm issues, my father-in-law created five paddocks of 15 acres each. The cattle do not return to a pasture for about six months, and we drag pastures to help speed the natural decomposition process. We have a total of about 100 pasture acres with the rest being wooded. Each paddock has its own pond so water is not an issue. Though my mommas and the bull mostly graze, they are supplemented with small amounts of range cubes and a grain mix to keep and mommas’ hips strong because our bull produces large, strong calves. The grain also keeps the animals easy to approach. The calves, on the other hand, are heavily grained because we sell to individuals when the calves are a year old or save them for our own consumption. The point is all of us know the source and pre-market care of the beef we eat. Our calves are large, tame, well developed and grow out well. We perform our own veterinary services, including banding, vaccinating, tagging for genetic records and treating whenever something like pinkeye pops up.” Future: “For now the purpose of our herd is to provide stress relief as well as meat for ourselves and for our customers. In the future, however, I am considering expanding and raising a 30-50 head herd of beefalo. I believe the niche market for extra healthy protein will lead to the greater demand for this naturally low-fat meat. I would like to be ahead of the game and ready to supply meat for that demand when it occurs. Finally, Liz and I want to raise Sawyer in an agricultural life, perhaps starting a showing career with a blue butt pig the way I did.”

OCTOBER 2, 2017

October 14, 2017 11 a.m.

WC Go Long 1193 P Many of the spring calving cows in this sale will also be bred to and start calving mid-February to WC Go Long 1193 P. #35122-2013, LCOC Rio Bravo P136P x M6 Cowboy Science, bred to M&M Grid Maker 2578

Selling 245 Head #15520-2011, Southern Bravo Leader x Duke 914, bred to WC Go Long 1193

Sale Manager

Including 130 Spring Calving Bred Cows, 60 Spring Calving Bred Heifers & 55 Fall Pairs

Greg Hubert P.O. Box 100 Oakley, KS 67748 785-672-3195 (office) 785-672-7449 (cellular)

Foglesong Charolais

Andrew & Rebecca Foglesong 10830 N Camp Ellis Rd, Ipava, IL 61441, USA Phone: 309-221-1439 • E-mail: andrewfoglesong00@hotmail.com

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

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 9/17/17 to 9/23/17) Arkansas Cattle Auction

68.00-79.00 †

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

45.00-80.00 †

beef

69.00-98.00 † 65.00-82.50* 69.00-77.00 † 76.00 † 65.00-83.00* None Reported*

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

65.00-78.50 †

65.00-87.00 † 61.50-78.50 † 68.00-94.00 † 65.00-79.00* 65.00-85.00 † 78.00-101.50*

Welch Stockyards

slaughter

110

cows

(Week of 9/17/17 to 9/23/17) Arkansas Cattle Auction

41.00-58.00 †

Ash Flat Live Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Decatur Livestock Auction

25.00-60.00 † 35.00-74.00 † 45.00-59.50* 48.00-65.00 † 24.00-54.00 † 2 45.00-61.00* None Reported*

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

42.00-67.00 † 68.00-88.00 † 35.00-64.00 † 38.50-70.00 † 3 38.00-59.00* 40.00-64.50 † 41.00-62.50 † 4 34.00-57.50 † 40.00-67.00 †

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

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

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

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

18 18

48.00-60.00* 30.00-65.00 †

goats

Slaughter Does: Selection 1 62-95 lbs 170.00-195.00. Selection 2 50-112 lbs 135.00-165.00. Selection 3 48-140 lbs 105.00-130.00. Replacement Bucks: Selection 1 210.00-300.00 Per Head. Selection 2 65-105 lbs 165.00-180.00. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 2 60-215 lbs 130.00-155.00. Selection 3 70-185 lbs 100.00-130.00.

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 9/19/17 1,063

Ash Flat Livestock

St-6 Lower

100

sheep &

National Sheep Summary

stocker & feeder

120

County Line Sale Ratcliff 9/20/17 180

Decatur Livestock*

9/20/17 904

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 9/18/17 437

-----

2-9 Lower

1-7 Lower

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

178.00-197.00 157.00-177.00 143.00-165.00 142.00-150.00 140.00-146.00

158.00-188.00 140.00-167.00 135.00-155.00 130.00-147.50 125.00-143.00

144.00-164.00 141.00-157.00 128.00-149.00 111.00-131.00 115.00-123.00

177.00-184.00 168.00 140.00 ---------

179.00-193.00 153.00-179.00 140.00-160.00 134.00-145.00 115.00-128.00

137.00-160.00 133.00-155.00 124.00-137.00 120.00-129.00 115.00-120.00

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

148.00-160.00 142.00-151.00 126.00-149.00 125.00-135.00 125.00-136.00

160.00-190.00 148.00-176.00 135.00-157.00 131.00-145.00 134.00-140.00

165 Sou Bill Dir equ 240 140 9/22/17 TX

Compared to last week slaughter lambs were 10.00 to sharply lower. Slaughter ewes were steady to 10.00 lower. Feeder lambs were mostly steady to 5.00 lower. At Diamond, Mo. • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale 9/7/17 San Angelo, TX 7266 head sold. Equity Electronic Auction sold 335 slaughter lambs in North Dakota. In direct Receipts: 1,475 Supply was heavy and demand was good. Sheep markets trading slaughter ewes were not tested; no comparison on feeder lambs. 2400 head of negotiated sales of slaughter were mostly steady to 15.00 lower as were the Doe and Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards 9/14/17 lambs were steady. 2,571 lamb carcasses sold with all Buck markets but the kid markets saw a drop of about Receipts: 239 weights no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per 20.00-30.00 lower. Supply was made up of about 33 At this month’s special dairy sale at the Producers hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. percent kid goats, 15 percent Does and Bucks, and 29 Auction Yard, demand was good on a light supply. The Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: supply consisted of 5 percent Springer Heifers, 4 percent percent sheep. The barn was nearly full of buyers and San Angelo: shorn and wooled 100-145 lbs 120.00-135.00. Bred Heifers, 18 percent Open Heifers, 4 percent Fresh consigners with few empty seats to be found. All prices VA: no test. and Milking Cows, 1 percent Bred Cows and 37 percent are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise. PA: shorn and wooled 90-110 lbs 185.00-195.00; 110-130 SHEEP: baby calves. The balance was made up of weigh cows lbs 160.00-182.00; 130-150 lbs 142.00-150.00. 130 and beef animals. All quotes are on a per head basis for Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 mostly hair 32-58 lbs 200.00-215.00. Medium and Large 2 22-59 lbs 170.00- Ft.Collins, CO: wooled 110-150 lbs 144.00-155.00, few Holsteins unless noted otherwise. 162.00; 175-180 lbs 140.00-141.00. 190.00. Springer Heifers Bred Seven to Nine Months: Supreme Slaughter Lambs: Wool Choice and Prime 2-3 65-128 lbs South Dakota: shorn and wooled 120-165 lbs 137.001400.00-1570.00, Approved 1300.00-1325.00, Crossbred 141.50. 155.00-170.00; 138-175 lbs 125.00-140.00. 1050.00-1150.00. Kalona, IA: shorn 142 lbs 134.00; wooled 110-170 lbs Hair lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 60-87 lbs 180.00Heifers Bred Four to Six Months: Supreme 1375.00133.00-141.00. 207.50. Good 1-3 60-99 lbs 155.00-175.00. 1450.00, Approved Individual Jersey 975.00, Medium InBillings, MT: no test. dividual Crossbred 935.00, Common Individual Crossbred Replacement Ewes: Hair Medium and Large 1-2 100Missouri: no test. 198 lbs 130.00-155.00. Medium and Large 2 98-190 lbs 725.00. Equity Elec: shorn 150 lbs 137.25. 105.00-125.00. Heifers Bred One to Three Months: Approved Pair Replacement Wool Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 118-125 Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: Crossbred 950.00, Medium Individual 775.00 Individual San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 190.00-219.00, few 224.00-228.00; Crossbred 775.00, Common Individual Crossbred 400.00. lbs 110.00-120.00. Replacement Hair Rams: Medium and Large 1-2 85-185 60-70 lbs 180.00-204.00; 70-80 lbs 170.00-176.00; 88 lbs Open heifers: Approved 300-400 lbs Pkg 4 hd 375 lb 165.00; 90-110 lbs 150.00-164.00. Jerseys 500.00, 400-500 lbs Pkg 3 hd 435 lb Jerseys 639.00, lbs 175.00-315.00 Per head. Medium and Large 1-2 85135 lbs 185.00-205.00. Medium and Large 2-3 125-165 lbs Pennsylvania: 50-60 lbs 215.00-240.00; 60-70 lbs 180.00Pair 425 lb Shorthorns 575.00, 500-600 lbs Individual 200.00, few 212.00-240.00; 70-80 lbs 160.00-195.00; 100.00-115.00. 610.00, Individual Crossbred 620.00, Individual Jersey 80-90 lbs 150.00-190.00, few 190.00-205.00; 90-110 lbs GOATS: 670.00, 600-700 lbs Pkg 13 hd 657 lbs 840.00, Ind. 177.00-190.00. Crossbred 710.00, 700-800 lbs Pair 755 lbs 810.00, Medium Feeder kids: Selection 1 20-36 lbs 200.00-225.00. SelecKalona, IA: 60-70 lbs 167.50-175.00, few 185.00; 80-90 tion 2 25-40 lbs 174.00-195.00. Selection 3 21-37 lbs 300-400 lbs Pkg 3 hd 375 lb Crossbred 420.00, Individual lbs 151.00-152.50; 99 lbs 142.50. 130.00-150.00. Jersey 425.00, 400-500 lbs Pair Crossbred 450.00, Ind. Ft. Collins: 50 lbs 160.00; 60-70 lbs 140.00-158.00; 70-80 Shorthorn 430.00, 500-600 lbs Individual 530.00, 700-800 Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 40-73 lbs 215.00-240.00; 6490 lbs 160.00-190.00. Selection 2 40-75 lbs 180.00-205.00. lbs 135.00-153.00; 80-105 lbs 137.50-156.00. lbs Individual Crossbred 735.00. Missouri: 45-75 lbs 172.50-202.50; 80-115 lbs 140.00Selection 3 40-75 lbs 140.00-180.00. Fresh Milking Heifers and Cows: Approved Individual 175.00. 1350.00, Medium Pair Crossbred 925.00, Common 525.00- Replacement Does: Selection 1-2 65-130 lbs 120.00Virginia: 30-60 lbs 140.00-150.00; 60-90 lbs 155.00175.00.

57.00-76.00*

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

9/22/17 886

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 9/21/17 1,383

St-5 Higher

121( 5(3257('

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 106.00-110.00; wtd. avg. price 108.62. Heifers: 106.00-109.50; wtd. avg. price 108.46. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 170.00-176.00; wtd. avg. price 170.59. Heifers: 170.00-172.00; wtd. avg. price 170.61.

dairy cattle

68.00-88.00 † 55.00-80.00 † 63.00-89.00 † 70.00-88.00* 68.50-85.50 †

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

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

775.00, Crossbred 725.00-760.00. Bred and Springer Cows: Scarce. Baby Calves: Holstein Heifers Pkg 7 hd 145.00, Holstein 9/24/17 Bulls 65.00-105.00, Jersey Heifers Individual 95.00, Jersey Bulls 65.00-100.00, Crossbred Heifers 100.00-170.00, Crossbred Bulls 40.00-85.00, Beef Cross Heifers Individual 220.00, Beef Cross Bulls 140.00-210.00.

Ch $1.6 (+.0 Flu the mo low and clos ord Pro Sou into Cre As its w crea in t in t SPO PO Mid

prices

Farmers Livestock Springdale 9/22/17 700

Fort Smith Stockyards

9/19/17 996

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 9/20/17 644

9/18/17 1,905

I-40 Livestock Ozark 9/21/17 632

Joplin Regional Stockyards 9/18/17 7,155

St-4 Lower

Steady

-----

5-20 Lower

Uneven

160.00-184.00 155.00-170.00 140.00-156.00 140.00-145.00 138.00-145.00

170.00 148.50-168.00 141.00-151.00 138.00-149.00 -----

170.00-208.00 158.00-179.00 150.00-160.00 145.00-158.00 140.00-155.00

179.00-180.00 168.00-179.00 155.00-168.00 ---------

172.00-205.00 155.00-177.00 145.00-157.00 146.00 145.00

171.00-208.00 155.00-172.50 142.00-162.00 134.00-146.00 132.00-146.50

169.00-187.50 149.00-162.00 140.00-153.00 134.00-148.00 139.00

190.00-201.00 157.00-181.00 147.00-178.00 139.00-169.00 146.00-161.00

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

149.00-167.00 139.00-160.00 130.00-144.00 118.00-135.00 115.00-120.00

----131.00-135.00 130.00-137.00 129.00-133.00 120.00

164.00-201.00 147.00-167.00 142.00-150.00 133.00-146.00 120.00-128.00

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

162.00-202.00 149.00-167.00 142.00-150.00 133.00-145.00 123.00-130.00

139.00-162.00 133.00-144.00 130.00-145.50 120.00-143.00 121.50-140.00

140.00 129.00-139.00 130.00-141.00 120.00-129.00 110.00-123.00

182.50-187.00 161.00-169.00 136.00-153.00 130.00-142.00 127.00

135.00-159.00 128.00-146.00 120.00-140.00 120.00-132.00 110.00-126.50

145.00-166.00 135.00-155.00 120.00-136.00 125.00-133.00 125.00-130.00

145.00-151.00 131.00-142.00 132.00-138.00 127.00-135.00 129.50-135.50

155.00-169.00 143.00-158.00 129.00-148.50 125.00-133.00 110.00-121.00

150.00-154.00 146.00-150.00 137.00-146.00 ---------

150.00-166.00 140.00-159.00 128.00-146.00 131.00-133.00 120.00-129.00

152.00-170.00 136.00-162.00 130.00-150.00 124.00-152.00 122.00-130.00

147.00-161.00 131.00-142.50 124.00-135.00 126.00-135.00 121.00-129.00

155.00-182.50 140.00-163.00 138.00-159.50 136.00-151.00 130.00-149.00

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Nati

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Mi Stoc

170 155 144 137

144 136 128 120

lbs 134.00; wooled 110-170 lbs

lbs 137.25. ice and Prime 1-2: 190.00-219.00, few 224.00-228.00; 0; 70-80 lbs 170.00-176.00; 88 lbs 00-164.00. s 215.00-240.00; 60-70 lbs 180.00.00; 70-80 lbs 160.00-195.00; 0, few 190.00-205.00; 90-110 lbs

7.00-161.00 1.00-142.50 4.00-135.00 6.00-135.00 1.00-129.00

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

9.34

9.19

9.42

9.24

5.09

4.97

5.58 4.89

5.08

4.79

3.31

3.42

0 Blyt

3.14

le hevil

3.17

Hele

3.12

Elain

eola

Osc

Little

Roc

1000

152.51

135.10 136.93 137.22 140.07 142.49

161.73

156.40

* 147.00

163.57 156.30

2000

135.53

** 131.92

148.14 *** 150.76 149.00 148.34 ** **

** 138.33

* 166.58

152.30 139.67

150.10 **

2500

Welch Stockyards*

9/18/17 627

Tulsa Livestock Auction 9/18/17 3,052

Steady

-----

Uneven

St-6 Higher

8-14 Lower

Uneven

-----

** 154.58 162.59 144.63 148.24 145.23

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

185.00-200.00 165.00-175.00 134.00-145.00 ----116.00-125.00

177.00 152.00-169.00 136.00-149.00 125.00-133.00 -----

178.00-195.00 144.00-185.00 135.00-158.00 133.00-147.00 132.00-135.00 148.00-155.00 135.00-147.00 135.00-145.00 128.00-135.00 116.00-129.00

187.50-194.00 169.00-180.00 154.00-175.00 150.00-171.00 147.50-160.00 183.00 150.00-161.00 147.00-150.00 141.00 -----

196.00-206.00 174.00-184.00 155.00-165.00 147.00-157.00 129.00-139.00 ---------------------

190.00-210.00 165.00-199.00 160.00-170.50 147.00-165.00 136.00-151.00 190.00-200.00 159.00-178.00 139.00-156.00 130.00-149.00 120.00-131.50

160.00-181.00 145.00-160.00 140.00-156.00 140.00-151.00 110.00-133.50

144.00-170.00 136.00-149.00 128.00-142.00 120.00-134.00 -----

OCTOBER 2, 2017

148.00-170.00 140.00-154.00 130.00-144.00 128.00-135.00 128.00

160.00 140.00-163.00 146.50-155.00 135.50-154.50 135.00-151.75

139.00-155.00 136.00-154.00 128.00-139.00 122.00-134.00 120.00-133.00

167.00-175.00 145.00-154.00 138.00-151.00 140.00-148.00 135.00-168.00

156.00-166.00 143.00-153.00 140.00-150.00 126.00-136.00 120.00-130.00

151.00-162.00 140.00-154.00 137.00-148.00 135.00-155.00 125.50-144.25

160.00-181.00 140.00-156.00 140.00-162.50 135.00-151.00 130.00-141.00

132.99 138.47 ** **

** 161.49

139.87 143.49

158.65

148.67

147.23

134.69 137.35

155.36 147.64 165.88 143.14 145.60 146.04 142.64 155.44

135.45

143.87 145.37 225

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

133.13

135.93

159.38 125 150 175 200 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

147.54 130.93

135.74

148.22

100

130.19

127.22

163.98

155.00-182.50 140.00-163.00 138.00-159.50 136.00-151.00 130.00-149.00

150.29 133.62

133.41

9/19/17 1,347 175.00-200.50 160.00-175.00 150.00-170.00 155.00-164.00 145.00-160.00

136.11

148.08

Week of 9/17/17

182.50-187.00 161.00-169.00 136.00-153.00 130.00-142.00 127.00

187.00-190.00 170.00 148.00-165.00 147.00-164.50 153.25-162.50

132.26 131.84

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 9/20/17 1,962

185.00-213.00 164.00-184.00 148.00-168.00 151.00-158.00 143.00-148.50

138.30 136.96

155.81

Ozarks Regional West Plains 9/19/17 4,449

170.00-202.50 155.00-176.00 144.00-158.00 137.00-152.00 -----

***

148.06

164.14

190.00-201.00 157.00-181.00 147.00-178.00 139.00-169.00 146.00-161.00

131.54 130.00

157.75

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 9/22/17 620

Uneven

145.36

147.19 132.88

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 9/20/17 8,905

Mid-State Stockyards*

165.14 150.90

pairs

1500

138.85 129.97

148.40

148.57

None Reported †

500

148.34 135.53

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 9/20/17 1,167

Joplin Regional Stockyards 9/18/17 7,155

155.12

1100.00-2025.00 † 975.00-1150.00 † 1025.00-1450.00 † 1000.00-1610.00 * None Reported †

Welch Stockyards

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

156.30

2500

July 17 Aug. 17

heifers 550-600 LBS.

163.96

Mid-State Stockyard North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest OKC West - El Reno 1225.00-1800.00 † None Reported † Ouachita Livestock Auction 675.00-1450.00 † Ozarks Regional Stilwell Livestock Auction 1300.00-1800.00 * Tulsa Livestock Auction 1325.00-1575.00 †

Apr. 17 May 17 June 17

1180.00-1475.00 * None Reported * 1175.00-1400.00 †

Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita

Sorghum

9.40

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

Week of 9/17/17

140.00 9.00-139.00 0.00-141.00 0.00-129.00 0.00-123.00

Corn

2000

Jan. 17 Feb. 17 Mar. 17

steers 550-600 LBS.

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 1200.00-1225.00 † Ash Flat Livestock 1150.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 885.00-1710.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock 800.00-1400.00 * Cleburne County Livestock - Heber Springs None Reported † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 875.00 †

ices

9.00-187.50 9.00-162.00 0.00-153.00 4.00-148.00 139.00

Soft Wheat

1500

Oct. 16 Nov. 16 Dec. 16

(Week of 9/17/17 to 9/23/17)

Week Ended 9/26/17

Soybeans

1000

cow/calf

avg. grain prices

.00-150.00; 60-90 lbs 155.00-

Uneven

500

Sept. 16

Week of 8/27/17

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.6000 and 40# blocks at $1.6125. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5140 (+.0020) and blocks, $1.5985 (-.0255). Fluid Milk: Farm milk output is trending up in parts of the West, such as California and New Mexico. However, most of the country’s milk output ranges from steady to lower. Bottling orders are steady to increasing in the East, and haulers are starting to gain access to routes previously closed by Hurricane Irma. In much of the West, bottling orders are steady as school pipelines are being filled. 0 Processing plants in the Midwest relay that bottlers in the South and Southeast have pulled from their supplies. Milk into Eastern manufacturing is becoming hard to locate. Cream supplies are generally available across the nation. As ice cream production has slowed, more butter is finding its way into butter churning and cheese production. F.O.B. cream multiples for various uses range from 1.29 to 1.36 in the East, 1.22 to 1.30 in the Midwest, and 1.05 to 1.26 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.9573-3.1512.

167.50-175.00, few 185.00; 80-90 bs 142.50. 00; 60-70 lbs 140.00-158.00; 70-80 05 lbs 137.50-156.00. 2.50-202.50; 80-115 lbs 140.00-

I-40 estock Ozark 9/21/17 632

9/22/17

$80

Week of 9/3/17

90-110 lbs 185.00-195.00; 110-130 150 lbs 142.00-150.00. d 110-150 lbs 144.00-155.00, few 0.00-141.00. nd wooled 120-165 lbs 137.00-

$120

Prices reported per cwt

Ash Flat Livestock 550.00-1200.00 † 5 Benton County Sale Barn 800.00-1275.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock 685.00-1250.00 * Cleburne County Livestock 800.00-860.00 † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 55.00 † Prices reported per cwt Decatur Livestock Auction 930.00-1275.00* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita None Reported * Farmers Livestock - Springdale 850.00-1300.00 † Fort Smith Stockyards 650.00-1425.00 † I-40 Livestock - Ozark 650.00-1175.00 † Joplin Regional 635.00-1375.00 † Mid-State Stockyard 700.00-1375.00 * North Arkansas Livestock 800.00-1110.00 † OKC West - El Reno 810.00-1400.00 † Ouachita Livestock 690.00-1150.00 † Ozarks Regional 550.00-1400.00 † 1200.00-1510.00 * Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction 885.00-1550.00 † Welch Stockyards None Reported *

dairy sales

National Dairy Market at a Glance

700.00-1130.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction

$160

PricesPrices reported per cwt Prices reported reported per percwt cwt

Week of 9/10/17

slaughter lambs were 10.00 to er ewes were steady to 10.00 ere mostly steady to 5.00 lower. At head sold. Equity Electronic Aucr lambs in North Dakota. In direct were not tested; no comparison on ad of negotiated sales of slaughter 571 lamb carcasses sold with all o confidentiality. All sheep sold per ) unless otherwise specified. ice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: wooled 100-145 lbs 120.00-135.00.

cows

(Week of 9/17/17 to 9/23/17)

$200

Week of 8/27/17

165.00; 90-110 lbs 155.00-164.00. South Dakota: 86 lbs 141.00. Billings, MT: no test. election 1 210.00-300.00 Per Head. Direct Trading: (lambs fob with 3-4 percent shrink or 165.00-180.00. equivalent) ction 2 60-215 lbs 130.00-155.00. 2400: Slaughter Lambs shorn and wooled 126-170 lbs 100.00-130.00. 140.00-190.00 (wtd avg 167.17). 9/22/17 TX: 600: Feeder Lambs 75 lbs 155.00.

550-600 lb. steers

Week of 9/3/17

replacement

ion 1 62-95 lbs 170.00-195.00. 135.00-165.00. Selection 3 48-140

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 9/10/17

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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.

19 19

meet your neighbors The Birth of a Farm Continued from Page 16 “We were really planning on building our own home, but this all turned out for the best because starting a farm while constructing would’ve been more than we wanted to handle,” David said. While the house was move-in ready, the rest was not. In January 2017, they purchased their first livestock, 14 bred yearling sheep supported by one ram and 11 bred doelings in addition to one billy, hoping one day contain 100 animals, the number he believes his land can comfortably support. “I’m not as worried about the market side because the demand for sheep and goats far outweigh the supply,” David explained. The sheep herd consists of 14 Katahdin cross and Dorper cross yearlings to be bred by a primarily Dorper ram. The goat doelings are mixed with a Boer influence and supported by a Boer-style billy. “Boer goats are the Angus of the goat world because the dark head and white body sell the best,” David said. “Since Boars get the heaviest the fastest in terms of meat production, I plan on transitioning to Boer billies.” Since all his females are first-time mothers, they are more likely to have single births with twins more likely next year. Thus far the animals have produced eight lambs, with four or five more births expected, and eight kids, with three more births in the offing. David plans on retaining the females. “I am expecting a high number of culls and deaths in the beginning as I move toward the hardy, self-sufficient animals

I want in my herds,” he said. “Parasite resistance is especially important, and I read that the resistance is very geographically specific with 150 miles far enough away to have different parasites.” An important part of David’s parasite program is chickens. He has both laying hens and meat birds with a movable coop or chicken trailer to help with the parasitic issue. For David, the chickens are not well loved but “great on bugs.” Getting the land to work for David in the way that he wants will take time. He is planning on feeding hay this year and next, by which time he hopes both the land and the hardiness of the animals will reduce supplementing with hay to a bare minimum. One of the reasons the two species work well together is that they each prefer different plants with goats preferring to browse and sheep preferring grass and broadleaf weeds. Fencing is a high priority. The barbed wire perimeter fencing is not strong enough to hold goats and sheep, and pastures need to be rotated in order to follow David’s management plan. Consequently he uses electric polynet fencing and has one solar charger and one AC charger. He has learned that the solar charger is not really strong enough to contain the goats and sheep and the AC charger works well but has to have a long cord which is cumbersome when moving the fencing daily. Additional land through ownership or leasing may come much further down the road.

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

Decatur

Livestock Auction Inc. 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

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

See Us At Farmfest Oct. 6-8 In Front of the Arena

OCTOBER 2, 2017

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

meet your neighbors on s & r e l y l P Selling 60 registered charolais bulls

charolais bull sale Saturday, October 28, 2017 1 p.m. Story Arena Southern Arkansas University Magnolia, ARkansas

Plyler & Son

Caleb, BRIANA and HUCK Plyler

Like Us!

1748 Hempstead 7 • Hope, AR 71801 (870) 703-1394 calebplyler@hotmail.com

Catalogs mailed upon request. sale catalog and updates can be viewed at

www. P lyler A nd S on C harolais.com

Transitioning to Organic By Larry Burchfield

Robert and Tara Stainton purchased their farm to house their horses. but it quickly became much more

Photo by Larry Burchfield

While only being in the farming business for eight years, Tara and Robert Stainton have made the most of their organic farming venture. Located on the Faulkner/ White county line, the Staintons have transitioned their farmstead from a hobby of owning horses and rodeoing to a sustainable certified organic vegetable and flower garden. The transition was not 100 percent intentional, but necessitated by a need for peace and quiet. “We found out really quick living above a herd of horses does not lend itself to a quiet family life,” said Tara. “We built our ‘temporary’ living quarters over the stables and found out that was not going to work. Something had to go, it was us or the horses, so Robert and Tara Stainton, pictured with their the horses went. We still live sons Milan, 6, and Gus, 3, began their farming above the stalls by the way.” operation after they were married in 2005. The Staintons’ farm consists of 45 acres with approximately 13 of it certified for organic production. Currently, 5 of the 13 acres are plenty of room for organic certification in vegetable and flower production and all and room for future growth. The farm crops are irrigated. Crops include over a is bordered by woods on three sides and dozen vegetables, strawberries, and sweet Highway 64 on the north which gives it a good buffer from neighbors to insure corn with all being irrigated. the certification. Some of the remaining 8 “We bought the 45 acres acres certified organic acres is for our horses when we first used for free range chickens, Vilonia, Ark. married,” Robert said. “So it which are rotated across the worked out well as Tara got acres using an electric fence into organic vegetables.” and shaded layer wagon. While not all of the acres — Continued on Next Page are used, it has provided

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

meet your neighbors When the Staintons first married in 2005, Robert worked out of town a lot. Not having family close, Tara started gardening to give herself something to do. It didn’t take long for Tara to become a believer in organic gardening. Tara started selling vegetables in 2008. The hope was all along to raise their family in the farming life style, so in 2010, while pregnant with their first child, Tara quit her job and started farming full time. The farm operation has grown every year since. The farm operates under the name Rattles Garden and the Staintons have been named the 2017 Faulkner County Farm Family of the Year. Farm responsibilities are clearly divided among family members and stretched beyond Tara, Robert and their two sons, Milan and Gus. Robert works off the farm in Little Rock, Ark., as a hydrologist engineer, but when he comes home, he readily steps into his other job on the farm. Robert has built every farm structure, including the barn/living quarters. Tara takes care of the rest of the farm work and oversees the seasonal help and farm interns. Tara’s parents still live in Iowa but are very involved with the farm and make periodic trips to help with building and maintenance projects Robert doesn’t have time for. And of course, a couple of grandmas are always ready to assume babysitting responsibilities when needed. Milan and Gus are starting early with their farm duties. Milan teaches the intern how to transplant, and both boys help harvest, gather eggs and move dirt (aka play in the dirt). While certified organic by the USDA, the Staintons take their philosophy one step beyond certification. “We adhere to very strict crop rotation and cover crop schedules,” Tara explained. “This helps us slow down pest and disease problems. We can’t grow vegetables all summer and work around life cycles of problematic pests. We do that rather than spray biological pesticides. We also rotate our 150 laying hens around the farm to increase fertility and rely less on off farm inputs.” Drip irrigation is used to conserve water and insure that only the plants that need water are watered and the right amount of water is used. Vegetables and OCTOBER 2, 2017

some flowers are grown in unheated hoop houses all winter using only solar heat. The Stainton’s farm operation has three sales outlets. They sell at the Hillcrest Farmers Market in Little Rock. They also sell through their Farmshare programs which is a subscription service which has 85 members who sign up for weekly boxes of food twice a year. The

farm is also a member of the New South Cooperative. The co-op is a group of organic farmers from across the state that contracts with the Staintons to grow vegetables. Tara is board chair of the co-op, which accounts for about a third of their vegetable sales. Being a co-op member also provides a year-round outlet to move food and requires the farm

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

maintain a part-time farm hand during the winter. While small in acres, and small in number, Tara, Robert, Milan and Gus certainly make the most of their farm operation. The Stainton’s Rattle’s Garden is a prime example of sustainable organic farming and how to maximize yield and profits on a small farm.

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Kamryn Sanders Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Parents: Scotty and Shelly Sanders Hometown: Lowell, Ark. FFA Chapter: Arkansas Tech CFFA What is your favorite aspect of agriculture? “I especially like educating the public about what agriculture really is rather than all the media hype. Also I am continually amazed when you ask kids where their food comes from and they say the grocery store and have no idea of the true source.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

Traylor Shavings, Inc.

Bedding Poultry and Equine Since 1976 • Kiln Dried Pine • Pine & Hulls Mixed • Bag Shavings

• Rice Hulls • Mulch

Bob Truck or Trailer Loads We Guarantee our product as well as our Service Anywhere in the Country

1-800-316-0951

Call Scott or Leslie Traylor • John 3:16

“My high school ag teacher Chad Burkett in Springdale, Ark, was really influential because he always pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. Because of his encouragement, I went beyond what I thought I could do. During my sophomore year, I was terrified of talking to people. He pushed me to become part of the parliamentary team which has helped me in many ways. Most importantly, being able to talk to people and in front of a large crowd is essential to an educator, which I hope to be.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture, including your daily routine?

“When I went home this summer I worked at the Tractor Supply in Springdale and took care of my horse plus helped my friends exercise theirs. Because my home was in Lowell, a more urban area, my hands on experience with anything besides my horse was extremely limited. I am currently serving as an ATU Agriculture Ambassador.”

What are some of your agricultural memories?

“I’ve always loved animals. As a child I would always try to pet my neighbor’s cattle. Not surprisingly, they would run away except for one I named Oreo. He would greet me at the fence. Growing up I had dogs, cats, horses and a rabbit. My senior year, I knew I wanted to show an animal in the fair. Mr. Burkett helped me decide to show a Boer goat. I had never had a goat so it was definitely a new experience for me. I named my goat DiGi and spent countless hours with him trying to get him ready for the fair. I became very attached to him. I would lead him around trying to exercise him and he would just fall over. At first I thought I was killing him, but soon figured out that he was just lazy. I was so scared that he would fall over in the show ring but luckily he didn’t. I will never forget when my mom, who is definitely not an animal person, was helping me get DiGi show ready. I was shaving his belly and my mom started freaking out because he was eating her hair. She of course wasn’t happy about that at all!

What are your future plans?

“Right now I am attending Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Ark., majoring in agriculture education. I want to work in a multi-teacher program so we can have a more productive and better developed FFA organization with more opportunities for students in more areas. Also, being in a more rural area will allow increased interest and hands-on opportunity with animals while still maintaining universal programs such as mechanics, food science, meat judging teams and parliamentary procedure.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

What’s In A Name? By Jessica Allan

28 Years Strong 1989 - 2017

the professionals

Weekly Sale Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. starting with Calves & Yearlings, Stock Cows, Butcher Cows, then Bulls.

With the lowest commission rates in the area and the best buyers, getting you top dollar for your livestock is what we do best!

We go the extra mile. Large Enough to Serve… Small Enough to Care Hay Barns Fire Stations Horse Barns Retail Centers Pole Barns Metal Shops Churches Airplane FREE estimates Hangers by the friendliest people in town Arenas

a a a a a a a a a

an you fill in the blanks? ____, it’s what’s for dinner. Runs like a ____. Got ____? Your mind probably filled those in automatically while you Jessica Allan is an read. Why? They are short, to the agricultural lender at point, easily recognizable and define the product, Hometown Bank in making them highly successful marketing slogans. Neosho, MO. A resident They are a large part of what makes those specific of Jasper County, she All Steel Structures • Bolt Together brand and products memorable to the consumer, Engineered Buildings also is involved in raising and therefore, profitable to the owner and producer. cattle on her family’s Open Saturdays 8 a.m.-Noon So how do marketing slogans apply to the evfarm in Newton County www.MarathonMetal.com eryday producer, the farmer in the field? While sales@MarathonMetal.com and is an active alumni it isn’t necessary for every agricultural producer of the Crowder College to come up with their own slogan, marketing Aggie Club. in general does play a significant role in sales growth. How you market your product can differentiate it from other similar products in your field, thereby hopefully boosting your bottom line. So, how can we do this? Rates as low as One method is through genetics. A cattle herd’s genetics will drive what kind of calves are produced – from color to feed efficiencies to milk production to temperament. A herd manager can use his genetic pool to cater to specific consumer wants and needs. For instance, the Angus Association has done a fantastic job marketing its breed to the end consumer, driving demand on the producer side for black calves. The fast growth potential of other breeds, such as Charolais, has led to the creation of For 36 to 84-month “smoky” calves, in which the producer can achieve the perceived quality of the Angus beef with the higher growth potential of the Charolais. The same can be said for the Fixed Rate Loans dairy industry; a need for higher fat content can lead to the producer to a Jersey cow, Stop in and see us next time you need while a need to produce larger amounts of milk may lead them to a Holstein. farm equipment or would like to refinance at a better rate!! What about agricultural products that are not so easily distinguished? Many don’t see the difference between one corn seed and another. This is where utilizing different growing techniques – no till, organic, irrigation, herbicide resistant – can be used to distinguish your product. Does the local grain dealer prefer Monsanto over Pioneer products? Does your broker have a particular market which you can tailor your product to? Probably the best marketing tool a producer has is reputation. What kind of grower www.BankofGravett.com are they? Do they reinvest back into their production, or just do enough to slide by? Do Centerton Hiwasse Gravette they take care of their equipment? Do they honor promises payagbills? What doopened their 479.795.0123 479.787.7779 479.787.5251 We’ve beentomaking loans since we ﬁrst our doors in Benton County almost 120 years ago. Less than 100 years ago many 479.855.7779 local farmers were still plowing ﬁelds withDo horses. employees, neighbors, business partners have to say about them? Are theytheir honest? many of we our agare customers are banking online from their laptops. While the face of agriculture keeps changing, one thing their animals appear healthy and looked after? In ourToday, industry, all tied together *Based on a 48-month $50,000 xed rate loan; FICO remains the same: We’ve believed in it and invested in it since the day our doors opened for business. score of 720+; some restrictions may apply. from the cattle producer to the grain farmer to the banker to the equipment dealer to the farm store and beyond. A person’s reputation is fragile and can mean the difference between making or breaking it, especially in the small world of agriculture. We’ve been making ag loans since we first opened our doors in Benton County almost 120 years ago. Less than 100 years ago many local farmers were still plowing their Marketing is just another tool in the producer’s bag to help him/her achieve their fields with horses. Today, many of our ag customers are banking online from their farm goals. It encompasses not only the product being sold but the producer themlaptops. While the face of agriculture keeps changing, one thing remains the same: selves as well. We are defined by our products and our products achieve their greatest We’ve believed in it and invested in it since the day our doors opened for business. value through our best efforts.

Farm Equipment Loans

Take Advantage of Great Rates

OCTOBER 2, 2017

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

3.37% APR*

farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

Understanding Withdrawal Periods By Kristyn Richner

Following label directions helps ensure meat quality The Center for Veterinary Medicine, a branch of the Food and Drug Administration, is responsible for ensuring that animal drugs are safe, effective, and manufactured with the upmost quality. The agriculture industry and veterinary profession as a whole are trying to promote more responsible drug usage. There is a lengthy process involved with animal antibiotic approval and human safety is the key component to this. To ensure safe consumption of animal-derived products, a withdrawal period is required prior to slaughter or milk delivery. A withdrawal period reflects the minimum length of time from administration of the last dose of medication through the time that it is safe to use meat or other animal-derived products. The purpose of the withdrawal period is to safely ensure that agriculture commodities do not contain residues of pharmacologically active substances in excess of the maximum residue limit. The United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, houses a database on maximum residue limits for more than 425 pesticide and veterinary drug residue tolerances in hay, feed, grains, oilseeds, poultry, eggs, meat and dairy. This database can be accessed online and is available to all producers through the USDA website. Every federally approved drug or animal health product has a withdrawal period printed on the back of the product label or package insert. Labels may describe withdrawal specifications under “Residue Warning” near the bottom of the label. The withdrawal period may describe approved length prior to slaughter, approved uses of medication in beef, lactating, and non-lactating cattle, and many other specifications. The FDA has strict guidelines that require, by law, both producers and veterinarians to maintain records of administration verifying compliance with guidelines. A lot of research is required to develop withdrawal periods; if a drug is used at an incorrect dosage or for an off-label illness, the withdrawal period can be dramatically affected. Withdrawal periods may be extended when combinations of drugs are used due to the amount of time necessary for the product concentration level in the tissues to decrease to a safe, acceptable level. In these situations, a consult with a veterinarian would always be justified. It is important to use antibiotics for their intended purpose. There are several different variations in bacteria and they may require a

what do you say? What is the greatest benefit in a fall breeding program?

“The biggest advantage is that you wean in April or May when a bump traditionally occurs in the market.”

different class of antibiotics for treatment. If the dosage of the antibiotic is high, it may require a longer withdrawal period and giving antibiotics at a lower dose can promote resistant bacteria populations. Anytime a producer has questions regarding dosages, diseases and withdrawal times, veterinarians are there to help. Reach out to your local vet to ensure high quality production standards are achieved. Once milk has been collected from producers, each bulk milk tank is tested for antibiotic residues. Any product with residues above tolerable levels is condemned and whoever administered the product is put on a probationary period. The USDA considers this a serious matter. The same is true with carcasses for slaughter. A USDA inspector is present and randomly selects carcasses for testing of antibiotic residues. Another concern amongst both producers and consumers arises around antimicrobial resistance to medications. Antimicrobial drugs include all drugs that work against a variety of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) and antibiotics are drugs that are effective solely against bacteria. To clarify, all antibiotics are antimicrobials, but not vice versa. One of the main concerns situated around antibiotics is resistance to drugs for both humans and production livestock. The FDA has developed changes to some of its policies with regard to protecting livestock from becoming antimicrobial resistant. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria become immune to the drug used to fight them. Effective Jan. 1, livestock producers are no longer able to purchase medicated feed over-the-counter if it contains antimicrobials that are important for human health. In addition to this change, producers also cannot use antimicrobials in feed for growth promotion or feed efficiency; meaning that the use of these products with the intent of making an animal grow at a faster rate or using less food to gain weight is prohibited. The changes made by the FDA and CVM only affect the medically important antimicrobials used for human medicine. For questions regarding antimicrobial resistance, reach out to a local USDA office or veterinary practice. Medicating livestock is not a matter to take lightly and with appropriate precautions and administrative practices in place, producers can provide consumers with top-notch agriculture commodities.

“For us, a fall breeding corresponds with the spring marketing opportunity for fed cattle.”

Brent Taylor Searcy County, Ark.

“You can get out of the cold weather for calving and not have those winter calves.”

Melissa Moore Franklin County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Gary Townsend White County, Ark.

“The weather is just better when the calves come. I really like the fall the best because you don’t have to worry too much about the weather.” Richard Nelson Rogers County, Okla.

OCTOBER 2, 2017

MORE CHOICE S. MORE S AV INGS.

0% FINANCING

CASH BACK AND MORE!

During this year’s Value Bonanza sales event, there are more ways to save, including 0% FINANCING, CASH BACK AND MORE on select New Holland products. You’ll ﬁnd the best savings of the year on that New Holland tractor and equipment you’ve had your eye on. But time is not on your side—Value Bonanza ends October 31, 2017—so hurry in today or visit nhoffers.com

0% FINANCING

CASH BACK AND MORE!

2501 N Shiloh Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 www.williamstractor.com 479-442-8284

Bobcat of NW Arkansas

*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. Down payment may be required. Offers good through October 31, 2017 at participating New Holland dealers in the United States. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate or term. CNH Industrial Capital America LLC standard terms and conditions apply. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in price. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. © 2017 CNH Industrial Capital America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland Agriculture is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland Construction are trademarks in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

Williams Tractor 2501 Shiloh Dr. Fayetteville, Ark.

Williams Tractor

1207 S. Main 2737 W. Hudson Berryville, Ark. Rogers, Ark. WILLIAMS TRACTOR 2501 N Shiloh Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 www.williamstractor.com 479-442-8284

479-442-8284

479-621-6001

870-423-4226

www.williamstractor.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

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

farm help

WINTER IS COMING. FORTIFY YOUR HERD. When the cold winds blow, Ragland knows the challenge of keeping livestock healthy. That’s why we deliver a variety of high-nutrient tubs and blocks to help your herd weather the harsh, low-forage winter months. SPECIAL LIX® AND CASH COW® SUPPLEMENTS Palatable, economical ways to ensure your herd’s nutrition. Durable tubs in 125 or 200 pound sizes. MONEY-MAKER® 37% RANGE BLOCKS Rugged enough to be fed in bunks or the ground, Money-Maker blocks have the protein, vitamins and minerals your cattle need. DEER AND GAME BLOCKS Wildlife struggles in winter too, and these blocks have the protein and minerals they need to thrive.

VISIT

T O F I N D A D E A L E R N E A R Y O U , C A L L 1-888-549-8014 . raglandmills.com FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF OUR PROVEN PRODUCTS.

“Call today to see what we can do for you!”

WINSETT BARN CO.

POST FRAME SPECIALISTS • MORRIS, OK FARM & RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (800) 570-1752 • (918) 733-2059

Horse Barns, Garages, Shops, Arenas, Storage, Sheds, Etc. Pre-Fab Engineered Trusses • 29 & 26 Gauge Metals Attached w/Screws • 2x6 Wall Girts To Ensure Ultimate Stability & Safety

We are fully insured for your protection.

30x40x10 Fully Enclosed..................$10,200 30x50x10 Fully Enclosed..................$10,900 30x50x12 Enclosed w/15x50 Shed......$14,900 30x60x10 Fully Enclosed.................. $11,800 30x60x12 Enclosed w/15x60 Shed......$16,400 40x60x12 Fully Enclosed..................$15,400 40x60x12 Enclosed w/15x60 Shed......$19,300 40x80x14 Fully Enclosed.................. $19,700 40x100x14 Fully Enclosed................$23,900 50x100x14 Fully Enclosed................$34,900

ADD-ONS AVAILABLE

• 3x3 Windows (We Furnish & Install) • 10’ Sliding Door • 12’ Sliding Door • 12’ Split Sliding Door • 14’ Split Sliding Door • 16’ Split Sliding Door • 3x6 Keylock Door Prefab, White Only • 4x8 Dutch Door, We Build • Frame Out For Overhead Doors Only • Ridge Vents, We Furnish & Install

Price Includes: • 29 gauge colored-ribbed steel panel lock • One walk door • One 12’ sliding door • 5x5 Sq. CCA treated poles, treated 2x6 bottom plate • Pre-engineered trusses • One year warranty on workmanship Delivered & Fully Erected On Your Property Barn Kits Available.

Other Sizes Available! These Prices Are Fully Erected On Your Site. Prices Subject To Change.

www.winsettbarncompany.com POST FRAME BUILDINGS

Should She Get a Second Chance? By Meghan Anderson

If a heifer doesn’t breed the first time, producers should take all factors into consideration before trying again After spending nearly two years, or more, developing a replacement heifer, producers always hope to see success during the first breeding cycle, but what if she doesn’t breed? Should you give her another chance? “The old saying, ‘Cheat me once shame on you, cheat me twice shame on me,’ comes to mind or at least it was something like that,” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Agent Johnny Gunsaulis said. Many producers, especially those who are new to the livestock business, are not sure whether to give females another chance to breed if she missed the last breeding cycle. Or should firsttime heifers be allowed two cycles? “More of them will do this if they have both a spring and fall breeding season,” Gunsaulis said. “On rare occasions it might be justified, but most of the time, if the female was under the same management as all the others, had the same bull exposure, etc., but didn’t breed, she likely needs to be labeled as either lower in fertility or being a harder-doer than the rest of the herd, so why should she get another chance?” In addition, heifers need to be in good body condition, having adequate nutrition, exposed to known fertile bulls that are also in good shape, exposed to enough bulls to adequately cover the herd in the breeding season, and under a good preventive health program which includes parasite control.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“If you haven’t done the management on the herd to allow all the females to have an adequate chance at conception, then maybe it isn’t their fault,” Gunsaulis said. “Still yet, giving second chances allows animals to stay in the herd that are possibly less fertile, or less suited to the management system of the herd.” Another factor to consider is if there is an established breeding season for females. A defined breeding season gives producers a breeding date window and keeps calves born in a timely manner. “I remember an article from Burke Teichert that placed a lot of selection criteria on heifers that conceived early in the breeding season,” Gunsaulis said. “His take on it was those that breed early and calve early the first time will tend to stay in the herd longer than those that either breed later in the season or don’t breed at all. Again this assumes that you have an actual 60to 90-day calving window and animals are culled for low production.” For those who opt to keep a low or non-producing animal in their herd, they should keep in mind that the animal is costing them money each day, and not earning their keep. “If you’re just keeping cattle around the place because you like the way they look and they help keep the grass eaten down, then sure, let her ride, but if there are financial expectations on the herd, it should be remembered that calf crop percent is the single most important factor in profitability in a cow herd,” Gunsaulis said. OCTOBER 2, 2017

farm help

$295

DENTAL CENTERS

As summer begins to draw to a close, the thoughts of many farmers and ranchers turn to the fall calving season. While not everyone plans their breeding program around fall calving, it is a popular choice for numerous producers in the area. Just like anything that has to do with farming, fall calving has both pros and cons, and Ozarks Farm & Neighbor takes a look at both sides of the coin.

Fall Calving Advantages Lighter calves is usually one of the top items on the “pros” list for fall calving, which is something a producer with a round of first calf heifers might consider. “Fall-calving females tend to have lighter birth weights on their calves due to the hot weather they’ve experienced,” said University of Missouri-Extension Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole. The blood flow pattern of cows in hot weather changes to disperse heat from the body – this creates less blood flow in the cow’s inner core, and this in turn leads to a lighter calf. Another plus for fall calving is that the weather tends to be cooler for birthing – lower temperatures can bring less physical stress on the cow. Calving in the fall can also lead to decreased spread of pathogens, according to Kansas State University, late spring or fall calving offer the advantage of decreasing the contamination and buildup of pathogens that contribute to disease in the newborn calf. The decreased risk of bad weather in the late spring and fall allows producers to let cows roam to find comfortable surroundings for parturition. When cows are able to OCTOBER 2, 2017

2 Locations:

MiD-AMERiCA DENTAL & HEARiNg CENTER-HWY. 1050 W. Hayward Dr. • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712

1-800- 354-1905

MiD-AMERiCA DENTAL & HEARiNg CENTER-LOOP 558 Mt. Vernon Blvd. • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712

1-800-372-4554

Hablamos español!

The size of calves, feed requirements and weather conditions are factors producers should consider

BASIC CROWN (UNIT).....

Family Dentistry • Check Ups • Cleanings • Digital X-Rays Fillings • Partials • Bridges • CareCredit® Financing Delta Dental, MetLife, Guardian & over 200 Others Accepted

Is Fall Calving Right for Your Herd? By Klaire Howerton

$495

BASIC DENTURES (SET)...

www.MidAmericaDental.com

Dr. Hildreth & Associates are Missouri licensed General Dentists. They are not licensed in Missouri as specialists in the advertised dental specialty of Prosthetics.

Purebred Corral Rose Bud Keith Cagle TRO-GIN BRANGUS RANCH

find their own calving grounds, it will likely be a long distance from other cows and calves. The chances of spreading pathogens from one pair to another is greatly diminished when space is not restricted.

Fall Calving Disadvantages Lighter calves, can also be a disadvantage. Fall calves start out smaller than their spring counterparts, it takes them longer to get up to market weight. According to Noble Research Institute, a big potential disadvantage of fall calving is that this type of herd requires either more feed or better management than a spring calving herd. Oklahoma State University notes that supplemental feed may be needed for fall calving cows. “With fall calving, the cows will be grazing a cool season grass like fescue, wheat, rye, or strictly on hay. If feeding a low-quality forage or hay, then supplements will be needed.” Calving in the fall can have plenty of advantages for your operation, but it’s important to choose what works best for your farm. Some producers, like Chris Penner of Blackgate Beef in Vanzant, Mo., breed for both spring and fall calves. He notes that his preferred season is late spring or fall.

Troy & Virginia Bedwell HWY. 71 6.5 MI. S. OF MANSFIELD, AR

*479-675-4420*

Come By & See Our Nice Selection Of Bulls & Females For Sale

8/13/18 5/29/17

SimAngus, Balancer Bulls 18 Mo., Forage Developed, Top Quality & EPDS Harriman Santa Fe (Bob)

Montrose, MO • bharriman39@hotmail.com

660-492-2504

Bull Development & Sales Horned Herefords, Charolais, Angus & Brangus Bulls For Sale (view on website) Cell: 501-940-0299 Email: kgcagle@windstream.net

Feeders

www.rosebudfeeders.com

6/11/18 5/8/17

Bell Rule Genetics ■ Reg. Angus Bulls ■ Commercial and Registered Females Adair, Oklahoma

www.bellrule.com Dean ~ 918-698-2993 Brandon ~ 536-299-7609

Bulls and Females Available Martin Cattle Company David Martin

501-278-7614

martincattleco@windstream.net 7/23/18

Romance, AR.

501-556-5263

9/3/18

Registered Gelbvieh and Balancers Bulls and Females

FOR SALE

HODGES R ANCH

Omaha, AR home 870-426-4469 cell 870-704-9450 hodgesranch@live.com 9/3/18

10/23/17 10/23/17

12/4/17

Gelbvieh/Balancer

Red Angus Bulls for Sale COOPER RANCH

Allen Moss Herefords Moss Seed Company Registered Horned Herefords CRP Grass Seeds Rt. 2 Box 146 B • Vici, OK 73859 12 Miles of East of Vici Phone/Fax: 580-922-4911 Mobile: 580-334-7842 E-mail: amoss@vicihorizon.com mossherefords.com

10/23/17 12/29/14

Place your ad in Purebred Corral and you’ll also receive a listing in the Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory in our Classifieds section and also in the Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory on our website. Your ad is only $19 per issue!

WinDYRegistered AcreS cATTle Angus Bulls Rose Bud, AR

501-412-4939

2/26/18

H Charles S. Hatfield, DVM 479-273-3921 • 479-531-2605

Bentonville, AR 6/11/18 3/3/14 2/9/15

Angus Bulls

Bentonville, Arkanas

479-273-3030

11/13/17 12/29/14

Call Toll Free 1-866-532-1960

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

Buy

Big, Save Big! farm help

WITH STILLWATER MILLING COmpany’s

4 WAY COMMODITY MIX

159

00 per ton FOB

% Chopped Corn % Corn Gluten Pellets

More Than Just A Feed Store

(Call for Delivery Price)

% Wheat Midds Pellets % Soy Hull Pellets

1-800-364-0933 • 918-341-0933 721 W. 6th St. Claremore, OK www.stillwatermillingcompany.com Mon.-Fri. 8-6 • Sat. 8-5

Reliable Poultry Supply “OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL” Service Work Weekend & Daily Retro Fits Free Estimates

Springdale

2974 E. Emma St.

479-751-7511 Neosho

13991 Pennell Ln.

417-451-0807 Green Forest

1003 Ventura Ave.

870-438-5541 Siloam Springs 1629 E. Main St.

479-373-6590

www.reliablepoultry.com Shops, barns, stacking sheds, compost sheds, work sheds and generator sheds. Turn key projects: poultry houses, turkey breeder and broiler

Check out our new Greenwood Store! 1724 W. Center St.

479-996-1377 479-996-1378

Looking Ahead to Winter Feed Needs By Meghan Anderson

Now is the time to make sure your feeding program gives your livestock the nutrition they need Developing a feeding program for your herd can be overwhelming, without the right tools. But not all producers utalize the tools they have at their disposal to their fullest potential. As winter approaches, cattle producers should prepare for the cold by examining the changing nutritional needs of their herd, but according to Johnny Gunsaulis of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension agent, different producers take different approaches:

Some producers begin by taking a sample before the feeding season and sending it to a lab to determine the protein and energy content of their hay. Then this test result can allow the hay to be fed to the animals it is most suited for or allow the manager to make decisions about what should be fed along with the hay to either maintain condition or support desired gains.

Others begin putting out hay when grass seems to be getting low and also begin putting out a supplement, based on either a recommendation, what they fed in previous years, what seems to be the cheapest option, or what seems to be the amount to spend to ease their conscience, based on how the hay looks and then adjust this program as the animals either fatten or appear to be losing weight.

Some producers put out hay and monitor the body condition of animals, and height of the manure piles left and use this information to decide whether they need to supplement or not.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Then there are producers who simply feed what they have and hope they make it through the winter fine.

Which approach is the most beneficial for the producer? Testing they hay is the place to start in developing a feed or suplement program for the winter months. According to the University of Missouri Extension, in beef cows, body condition affects the amount and type of winter feed supplements that will be needed. Fat cows usually need only medium-quality hay and small amounts of supplement plus mineral and vitamin supplementation. Thin cows usually need high-quality hay and may also need supplements that are high in energy (+70 percent TDN), medium in protein (12 to 15 percent CP), plus mineral and vitamin supplementation. Gunsaulis said a beef cow will lose 100 or more pounds before she is obviously one body condition score lower. When checking cattle daily, it makes it hard to notice that the cattle have lost a body condition score. The cattle could slowly lose weight through the winter without the producer knowing. Once they lose one or more body condition scores, the winter is a tough time to regain that condition, Gunsaulis said. So testing the forage before feeding or supplementing will receive the best results. So like anything else, preparing ahead of time, and being educated on what the animal nutrition needs are will be the most beneficial.

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Smith RCegiSteRed AnguS , R&Anch arrying on the legaCy of faith family

hard work

Annual Production Sale . Saturday, November 11, 2017 . 1 PM North Arkansas Livestock Auction . Green Forest, AR SELLING: 60 REGIStEREd ANGuS BuLLS . 35 18-Mo-Old & Two-Year-Olds . 25 Yearlings 70 REGIStEREd ANGuS FEmALES . 45 Fall Pairs w/AI Calves . 25 Spring Bred Cows

SAR Patriot 1096 . 18751563

CED 14 . WW 70 . YW 120 . $W 78 . $B 151

Reference Sires Include: 10 sons of Connealy Comrade . 7 sons of Deer Valley Patriot . 4 sons of Quaker Hill Rampage Also selling sons of: GAR Prophet . Deer Valley All In . SS Niagara . KCF Bennett Fortress Please call for a sale catalog (870) 423-3269

For Sale Information, Contact: Ricky G. Smith . 371 CR 513 . Berryville, AR 72616 (870) 423-4666 . rgsrickygsmith@gmail.com www.SmithRegisteredAngus.com

SAR Niagara 1386 . 18863570 YW 115 . $B 130

Sale Managed By: Matt Caldwell . (913) 755-1105 . mattcaldwell75@gmail.com

Selling some of the 1st sons of the Select Sire bull SS Niagara

LAND & LOT FINANCING TO FIT YOUR NEEDS If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to buy land, whether developed or undeveloped, Arvest can help with up to 100% financing* backed by our local, personalized service. To learn more about our financing options, contact us today. *Financing is available for qualified customers based on income and credit qualifications. To achieve 100% financing, borrower must have 38% debt-to-income ratio, maximum payment-to-income ratio of 20% and 680-739 FICO score for up to $150,000 or 740 FICO score or better for up to $250,000. Appraisal required. Amount financed based on purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower.

arvest.com/agloans

Member FDIC OCTOBER 2, 2017

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

Mac s ’

VET SUPPLY

Keeping Your Herd Healthy & Efficient Best Quality Products Delivered or Shipped To Your Door at the Lowest Prices

Open Mon-Fri • 9am to 4pm Call In Your Order Today & You’ll Receive It Tomorrow!

Stop By Our Booth at FarmFest for Special Pricing! Come Check Out Our Newly Expanded Store at

Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Exit 70 I-44 & Hwy. MM

417-863-8446 • 1-888-360-9588

Farm & Ranch Report

Help us welcome our newest Ag Expert

Jamie Bellis Johansen! Jamie has been a part of the local agriculture community for all of her life. She now travels the country reporting on the world of agribusiness, animal agriculture, & precision technology.

farm help

Testing Soils By Julie Turner-Crawford

Testing for nutrient levels can improve hayfields and pastures Are your pastures lagging a little lately? Has production in hayfields dropped the last couple of years? It might be time to get to the root of the problem. Sarah Kenyon, agronomist with the University of Missouri-Extension in Howell County, Mo., said a change in how soil is managed may be in order, and the best way to get started on improving production is with a soil test. “Soil testing tells farmers what nutrients are lacking so that they can improve production and overall performance,” she said. “It really helps pinpoint the causes of poor production, but it also helps identify areas where they can potentially save money. If they don’t need to add a nutrient; that can be a savings.” Hay production, Kenyon said, is actually very hard on soil nutrients, so a drop in production would be a sign of problems. “Hay production mines nutrients,” she said. “Hayfields that have routinely been hayed for a long period of time and not had fertilizer in a few years, or have only had small amounts of fertilizer, have been mined of nutrients.” Experts recommend soil testing every three to four years. “You will need 15 to 20 samples per 20acer area,” Kenyon explained. “Soil sampling is hard work, and a lot of folks will just want to go out and do two or three core samples and call that good, but that wouldn’t be a good, accurate representation of the field. The more core samples you have, the more accurate it’s going to be. It’s important to avoid sampling around shaded areas, around feed bunks or water troughs. I know it’s hard work, but we’re sending in a little, tiny box that represents a big, big field.” Sampling in only one area of the farm will not give producers an accurate measurement of the needs of their soil. “Anytime you have a soil change, where the soil changes color or texture,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

you will have to treat those differently,” she said. “Also, if the fields have a physical separation between them, they are managed slightly different, even if they are on the same farm.” Once the lab completes a test, producers will receive the results. “The report will give a pH value of the soil, then it will also give the different nutrients that are needed in large amounts,” Kenyon explained. “Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are the most common ones.” While testing soils in the fall is common, that doesn’t mean farmers should begin applying fertilizer right away. “With nitrogen, it needs to be put on when a crop is actively growing so that the crop can take it up,” Kenyon explained. “Nitrogen is mobile, meaning if its not taken up, it’s lost. Phosphorus and potassium are stable, so they stay in the soil until the soil takes them out. They can be put down anytime of year.” Fall is a great time to work on soil acidity. “If you need to add limestone, fall and winter is the best time,” she said. “The freezing and thawing of the soil helps crush the limestone and incorporate that limestone so it neutralizes in the soil.” In the Ozarks, soils tend to be a little more acidic, so adjusting the pH will help improve forage root health. “Getting that pH to 6.0 or 6.5 is ideal for our crops,” Kenyon said. For those producers who opt to exclusively utilize manure or chicken litter as fertilizer, they may be missing some key soil nutrients. “Manure is good fertilizer and typically has high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and can really help a field that is deficient in those areas quickly, but sometimes we see deficiencies in crops that require a higher potassium; alfalfa and Bermudagrass for example. We actually recommend a test be taken of the manure material, just to get a ballpark value of the nutrients.” OCTOBER 2, 2017

ozarks’ farm

calendar

October 2017 4-15 Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign – all Tractor Supply locations 7 The Genomics Revolution Field Day – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Red Bud Farms, 255 Walker Road, Ben Lomond, Ark. – 870-648-5389, josh@redbudfarms.net – 214-683-1600, allen@redbudfarms.net 12 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – 161 East Pickens Road, Pea Ridge, Ark. – 479-271-1060 12 Arkansas Fir Traps Monthly Meeting – 6:30 p.m. – Crawford County Extension Office, Van Buren, Ark. – 479-474-5286 14 BeeKeeping Course – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Carroll Electric Buidling, Jasper, Ark. – 870-446-2240 18,25,11/1,11/8,11/15 Master Gardener Training – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Mountain Home, Ark. – pre-registeration is required by Oct. 11 – 870-425-2335 18-11/15 Master Gardener Training – Wednesdays – Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-2958 19-21 Artificial Insemination School – Twelve Stones Ranch, Decatur, Ark. – Big Branch Breeders 501-316-3536 20 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 21 Cattlemens Demo – call the Cleburne County Extension Office for more information 501-362-2524 26 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Fulton County Fairgrounds, Salem, Ark. – 870-895-3301 26 Pesticide Applicator Training – Cornerstone Bank, Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-2958 30 Winter Feed Meeting – call Carroll County Extension Office for more information 870-423-2958

ozarks’

auction block

October 2017 2 Express Ranches Sale – at the Ranch, Yukon, Okla. – 405-350-0044 2 Red Alliance Bull & Female Auction – Sulphur Springs, Texas – 641-919-1077 7 Jac’s Ranch 28th Annual Female Sale – at the Ranch, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-366-1759 7 Journagan Ranch & Missouri State University Production Sale – Darr Agriculture Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-838-1482 7 Route 66 Sim Genetics Bull & Female Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 816-390-3436 9 Parker Angus Ranch Fall Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Waukomis, Okla. – 580-313-0248 14 Big D Ranch Annual Brangus/Ultrablack Sale – Center Ridge, Ark. – 205-270-0999 14 Byergo Angus Farm Fall Sale – at the Farm, Savanna, Mo. – 816-261-7132 14 Judd Ranch 27th Annual Cow Power Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Female Sale – at the Ranch, Pomona, Kan. – 1-800-743-0026 14 Lucas Cattle Company Fall Bull & Heifer Sale – at the Farm, Cross Timbers, Mo. – 417-399-7124 14 Foglesong Charolais Production Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo – 816-766-3512 14 OHOA Beefmaster Fall Sale – Locust Grove, Okla. – 417-827-9391 14 Blackjack Angus & Guest Female Sale – Seminole, Okla. – 402-382-7678 14 Heartland Genetics Blend Sale – Perryville, Mo. – 573-270-6755 15 Heart of Missouri Limousin Association Sale – Laclede Country Fairgrounds, Lebanon, Mo. – 804-353-2220 — Continued on Next Page OCTOBER 2, 2017

BIG D RANCH BUILDING YOUR TOMORROW

ANNUAL BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK BULL SALE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 ~12:00 NOON~At the Ranch~ Center Ridge, Arkansas

~75 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls~ Plus 75 Commerical Females~ Phillip & Beth DeSalvo 173 Miller Lane Center Ridge, AR 72027

www.bigdranch.net bigdranch@att.net 501/208-6119

HUMANE BLOODLESS DRUG FREE

• Castration • Horn Removal • Treat Prolapses

DELAYED CASTRATION

CALL FOR A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU.

EARLY CASTRATION

“THE CALLICRATE WEE BANDER IS WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT.” JOHN BLEVINS, CALIFORNIA

800-858-5974

www.CallicrateBanders.com

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

ozarks’

auction block

Continued from Previous Page 15 Express Ranches Hereford Event Sale – at the Ranch, Yukon, Okla. – 405-350-0044 16 Hinkles Prime Cut Angus Fall Bull Sale – at the Farm, Nevada, Mo. – 417-944-2219 17 KW Cattle Company Spring Calving Dispersal – Fort Scott, Kan. – 620-224-7305 19 Kirkes Black Angus Ranch – Talihina, Okla. – 918-465-7830 21 Aschermann Charolais 25th Edition Bull Sale – at the Farm, Carthage, Mo. – 417-9793-2855 21 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 877-486-1160 21 Angell-Thomas Charolais Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Paris, Mo. – 573-682-7348 21 Midwest Beef Alliance Bull Sale – Marshall Junction, Mo. – 660-895-5008 21 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Fall Sale – West Plains, Mo. – 417-872-5570 21-22 Circle A Ranch Complete Dispersal of Circle A Spring Calving Angus Herd – at the Ranch, Iberia, Mo. – 573-280-5308 22 Magness Land & Cattle Fall Female Sale – Miami, Okla. – 402-350-3447 24 Three Forks Ranch Angus Bull Sale – Fort Gibson, Okla. – 918-541-0418 27 Spur Ranch Fall Sale – at the Ranch, Vinita, Okla. – 918-633-2580 28 Flying H Genetics Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Butler, Mo. – 303-842-9071 28 Mead Farms PT Bull Sale – at the Farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 28 Maple Oaks Red Angus Bull & Female Sale – Eldon, Mo. – 314-630-0332 28 Plyler & Sons Annual Charolais Bull Sale – Magnolia, Ark. – 870-703-1394 28 East Central Angus Association Fall Sale – Cuba, Mo. – 314-393-2885 28 Nipp Charolais Fall Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Overbrook, Okla. – 979-229-4472

28 McBee Cattle Company Braunvieh Selection Day Sale – at the Ranch, Fayette, Mo. – 573-228-2517 29 Lacy’s Red Angus Bull & Female Sale – Drexel, Mo. – 913-909-1912 29 P Bar S Ranch Proof of Progress Limouisin, Lim-Flex, Red Angus Sale – at the Ranch, Sand Springs, Okla. – 613-330-2735 29 Baker Angus Fall Production Sale – at the Farm, Butler, Mo. – 660-679-4403 29 4 Brands Gathering Annual Production Sale – Paragould, Ark. – 870-335-6259 30 SW Missouri Performance Tested Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo – 417-345-8330 31 B&D Herefords & Beran Brothers Angus Fall Bull Sale – Claflin, Kan. – 620-786-9703 November 2017 3-4 GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle Company – Concord, Ark. – 870-834-1976 4 Wies Limousin & Friends Sale – at the Farm, Wellsville, Mo. – 613-330-2735 4 Pitts Angus Farm Annual Bull Sale – at the farm, Hermitage, Mo. – 417-399-3131 4 New Day Genetics Production Sale – Osceola, Mo. – 660-492-2777 4 B/F Cattle Company Balancer Bull Sale – Butler, Mo. – 660-492-2808 4 Professional Beef Genetics Fall Bull Sale – Windsor Livestock Market, Windsor, Mo. – 660-492-2504 11 Smith Registered Angus Ranch Production Sale – at the Ranch, Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-4666 11 Brown Land & Cattle Company Limousin Sale – at the Farm, Diamond, Mo. – 613-330-2735

MS MORENO MMLP LUNA 27A

2/27/13 • HB/HP • 25% LF Connealy Consensus 7229 x LVLS Stella 111S BW: -1.1 WW: 75 YW: 115 MK: 23 Sells with her 9/1/17 bull calf by AUTO Grand Am 156Y.

JCL DOLLY LNLM 609D

5/4/16 • HB/HP • 75% LF Cottage Lake Border Agent x JCL June LNLM 8149A BW: 3.0 WW: 79 YW: 106 MK: 23 PE’d 7/1/17 to 8/1/17 to HUBB Bulletproof 337B, safe.

Endorsed by the Heart of Missouri Limousin Association

Featuring the Dispersal of the remaining herd of McKinney Limousin Farms SALE-DAY PHONE… 817.821.6263

SALE CONSULTANTS…

Mark Smith 515.229.5227 Bill Helton 256.962.0256

SALE MANAGEMENT… SEEDSTOCK CONSULTANTS SPECIALIZED SALES

Keith Kissee • Cell: 817.821.6263 kkseedstock@comcast.net

AUCTIONEER…

C.K. “Sonny” Booth

SALE ACCOMMODATIONS…

Sand Spring Resort • Bennett Springs 800.543.3474 • 417.532.5857 Super 8 Motel • Lebanon 417.588.2574

70 LOTS SELL

LIMOUSIN & LIM-FLEX SHOW HEIFERS - BREDS - PAIRS - BULLS

SUNDAY • OCTOBER 15 • 1 P.M. Laclede County Fairgrounds • Lebanon, Missouri

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory

Angus 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Bell Rule Genetics - Adair, Okla. 918-698-2993 - 536-299-7609 www.bellrule.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 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 - 580-334-7842 - mossherefords.com Red Angus Cooper Ranch - Romance, Ark. 501-556-5263 Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Simmental Lazy U Ranch - Haskell, Okla. 918-693-9420

Livestock - Cattle

Machinery

Registered Brangus Bulls $2,000 and Fancy Replacement Heifers $1,250

RECENT TRADE-INs

Gentle, Top Quality, Delivery Available

www.horseheadranch.net

918-695-2357

1/15/18

Machinery

2015 NH T4.105, 2WD, Cab, H & A, 12x12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, New Holland 640TL Loader, Super Nice Low Hour One Owner Unit,.....$42,500

1996 GMC Kodiak Top Kick 427 motor, Edwards canvas tarp rollover tarp, brand new, Muncie power takeoff pump, rear remote hydraulics for grain drill auger, 5 speed with 2 speed rear end, 2 hydraulic lift cylinders for hoist, great tires. Super clean truck inside and out, 162k miles.

2014 NH T4.115, Cab, H & A, 12 x 12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, 2 Rear Hydraulic Remotes, New Holland 665TL Loader ....................... $48,500

$18,000 VINITA, OK

918-256-6232

10/2/17

Vets

Machinery

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

Would you like to write for Ozarks Farm & Neighbor?

USED TRACTORS • JD 2850, 2 WD. ...........$9,500 • JD 5520, 4 WD w/Idr ..$27,500 • ‘00 TS100 NH, 2 WD, cab, w/ Idr. ................................$27,500 • ‘12 Deutz Fahr Agro Plus 77.... ......................................$17,500 • NH TS.115, cab, 4 WD, w/ldr ... ........................................$64,500

ROUND & SQUARE BALES • ‘99 JD 466, net/twine...$7,999 • ‘11 NH BR7090, net/twine .... .................................. $19,999 • ‘13 NH BR7070, net...$21,999 • ‘11 NH 7070, net..... $21,999 • ‘08 NH 7070, net..... $19,999

USED HAY TOOLS • Vassar disc mower caddy........ .................................... $2,500 • ‘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 BR7060, net .. $16,500 • New Fella tedders ..... $7,750

MISCELLANEOUS

2016 KUBOTA L4701D, MFWD, 8 x 8 Transmission With Synchro Shuttle, 1 Rear Hydraulic Remote, Kubota L765 Loader ................................... $22,000

• ‘17 Shaver HD-10 post drivers . .................................... $3,350 • ‘17 Danuser SM40 w/grapple .. .................................... $4,999 • ‘17 Danuser T3 drivers ............ .................................... $1,750

Williams Tractor

OFN is looking for freelance writers in the following counties:

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

479-267-2685

Farmington, AR countryveterinaryserviceinc.com

26 years of serving both farm and family.

Sell Your Farm Equipment with a classified ad for as low as $13.18 per issue! Call today for details!

866-532-1960

In Arkansas: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington, White and Yell In Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Le Flore, Mayes, Muskogee, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah and Wagoner

Interested writers can email writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com.

If you eat, sleep, breathe, live and love farming then is for you!

OUR 65th YEAR

2501 Shiloh Dr. • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-8284

www.williamstractor.com 10/2/17

Hwy. 69 South Pryor, Oklahoma 918-825-2044 chuppimplement company.com 10/2/17

Poultry Litter Fertilizer Application Service Available • Application Rate 1-2 Tons Per Acre • GPS Guidance

Reach More Than

24,000 Readers

Green Forest, AR hostetlerlitter@emypeople.net

Who Are Primarily Livestock Producers, By Placing Your Ad In the Purebred Corral, Call Today!

Since 1986 No Sunday Calls “Get More Out of Your Pasture” Louis Hostetler 870-438-4209 Cell: 870-423-8083

532-1960

1-866-

Hostetler Litter Service

Don’t Miss a Single Issue! Subscribe Today! I am enclosing: ❏ $16.00 - 1 Year ❏ $29.00 - 2 Years ❏ $41.00 - 3 Years ❏ I am now receiving the paper ❏ I do not receive the paper now

Add $7 per year for orders outside AR, OK, MO NAME __________________________________ PHONE ______________ EMAIL ____________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ CITY ____________________ STATE ______ ZIP ____________________

TFN

OCTOBER 2, 2017

Wanted

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

Please mail this form & your check to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

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

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

Absolute Top Dollar offered on all trades!

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

We’re BIG on Heavy Duty Trucks!

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

WoodMotor.com

North Arkansas’ Volume Dealer! FINANCING AVAILABLE!

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

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

OCTOBER 2, 2017