OFN November 22, 2021

FARM MACHINERY & TRUCKS ISSUE

A Roll of the Dice NOVEMBER 22, 2021 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 13 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

William Rucker saw the breeding and development of Wagyu beef as the future for his ranch

Back on the Farm

Gayle Schleif is now a full-time cattle producer, despite her plans to never live on a farm again

Straight from the Garden

Sycamore Bend Farm is a small operation with a big impact

Tractor Tune-Up Tips

Maintaining belts, hoses and gearing up for winter

rumor mill

Applications being accepted: The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food (CAFF) is taking applications for its Farm Apprenticeship program until Dec. 1. To apply, visit go.ozarksfn.com/gdm. The program matches apprentice areas of interest with mentor farms to provide real-world farm experience. The CAFF Farm Apprenticeship program lasts one to two seasons, depending on apprentice interests, and includes a core set of classes with curriculum topics that complement the hands-on learning. CAFF works closely with the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and the Northwest Arkansas Food Conservancy to connect new farmers with land resources where they can grow food and help get the food to market in grocery stores and restaurants.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Grant applications being accepted: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for grants to help schools start or expand farm-to-school activities. The Arkansas School Garden Grant Program is available to help schools start or expand gardens on school grounds. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. The Arkansas School Garden Grant Program will award $500 grants to 60 schools to purchase soil, specialty crop seeds and plants, and gardening equipment. The department is also launching the new Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown specialty crops.

The department will award $250 grants to 30 schools to purchase kitchen equipment and utensils, serving materials, and specialty crop seeds and plants. For more information visit go.ozarksfn.com/10n.

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

2

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

VOL. 15, NO. 13

JUST A THOUGHT

3 Jerry Crownover –

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Arkansas facility honored: The Hiland Dairy facility in Fayetteville, Ark., was among those Hiland facilities to receive a product quality award during the World Dairy Expo Dairy Products Competition and for product, plant and marketing excellence at the QCS Leadership Conference. The Fayetteville facility was awarded a Plant Assessment Excellence Award, which recognizes individual plants of member companies that achieve a formal quality and food safety audit score of 96 percent or higher through the Quality Chekd Compliance Program.

OK Farm Bureau holds annual meeting: The Oklahoma Farm Bureau recently held its 80th annual meeting, where new leaders were elected and members were honored. From the Oklahoma Ozarks, Michael Clark of Le Flore County was elected to represent District 5 on the state board of directors. Arlene LeMaster of Le Flore County was re-elected to represent District 5 on the OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee. The OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee recognized the organization’s top farming and ranching families with the District Farm and Ranch Family Recognition awards, including Jared and Alisen Anderson of Ottawa County as the District 6 award winners. County Farm Bureaus were recognized for their efforts to further agriculture and rural Oklahoma, with Cherokee, Nowata.

Rogers and Ottawa counties earning Five-Star Presidencial Awards. Muskogee and Sequoyah counties received Three-Star Awards.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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The other side of the story Jody Harris – Fundraising furry Julie Turner-Crawford – Do we really need farmers and ranchers?

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Gayle Schleif is back on the farm

8 William Rucker takes a chance

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with his cattle operation

Jasper, Ark., café has been serving customers since 1909 Eye on Agribusiness features ARTRAC Sales and Rental Town & County spotlights Walker Gragg Small farm in Eureka Springs, Ark., helps feed the community Youth in Agriculture spotlights Lila Sherman

FARM HELP 19 What is inflation?

20 Are you protecting

21 22 24

your water sources?

What to look for in a UTV Tips to tune-up your tractor Staying a step ahead of Mother Nature

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

just a

thought

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s a child, it always aggravated me when, vonwI ohad rC ybeen rreJ yB after relaying a story ofrehow wronged or mistreated at school, my mother would always say, “Well, I need to Jerry Crownover is hear the other side of the story.” a farmer and former Why couldn’t she just take MY word for what was the professor of Agriculture truth instead of requiring to hear from another party that Education at Missouri couldn’t possibly be as trustworthy as her perfect little boy?

State University. He is a Later in life, when I began to make decisions that native of Baxter County, affected all aspects of my life, I more appreciated my Arkansas, and an mother’s insistence on hearing both sides of any story, author and professional and it couldn’t have been presented any clearer than speaker. To contact Jerry, something that happened last week. go to ozarksfn.com and It was a cool, rainy day so the crowd at the feed store click on ‘Contact Us.’ was a little bigger than usual. Everyone there was a regular from about a 5-mile radius of the small, rural store, and we had reached the point of having most of the world’s problems solved when my phone rang.

Normally, as a courtesy, I would have excused myself from the group to speak in private with whoever had called, but the call was from my wife, so I simply told the group that the boss was calling and kept my seat.

We were in the process of having a bathroom remodeled and the plumber that was working that day needed an extra tool, so Judy had called to inquire as to whether I had the needed equipment. From her end of the conversation, she stated the plumber needed a large pair of channel-lock pliers. My friends could not hear her request but could clearly make out my answer, “Yeah, I’ve got a pair, but I don’t know if they’re big enough.”

Knowing I was talking to my wife, the crowd erupted with raucous laughter.

— Continued on Page 6

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About the Cover William Rucker makes the switch to American Wagyu. See more on page 8.

Submitted photo

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., 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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is the season to be fundraising! With four children in school, we get hit with quite a few fundraisers throughout the year. Most recently, our youngest daughter came home Jody Harris is a freelance very excited about a new fundraiser from communications her school’s choir program. She was thrilled with this specialist, gardener, opportunity to sell everything from magazines to gift ranch wife and mother of wrap. The fundraising chairperson had dazzled all the four. She and her family students with possibilities for endless prizes and inraise Angus beef cattle centives. As I gave the brochure a little side-eye, I was and other critters on groaning just a little bit on the inside. Meanwhile, my their northwest Arkansas daughter was ecstatic and ready to hit the sales market. ranch. She is a graduate I had to pause and listen to the pitch, and it was good. of Missouri State University.

When I was a young FFA member in high school, we To contact Jody, go to had what I thought was the greatest fundraiser ever ozarksfn.com and click on known to our little town – the annual FFA Fruit Sale.

‘Contact Us.’ If members sold enough product, they could earn a trip to the National FFA Convention. The trip to Kansas City, Mo., every year was enough motivation for me. Thankfully, as I approached friends, neighbors and teachers, many of them made fruit sale purchases to fund this amazing opportunity for our chapter. There were probably incentives that came along with the sale, but I cannot remember what they were.

As I recall the many boxes of Girl Scout cookies we have delivered with our girls, I am in awe of how generous people can be to youth organizations and schools. I am always impressed with the creativity of fundraisers. There is an FFA chapter in town that sells mums in the fall. Our local high school band puts together all the chairs at the Razorback Stadium to fund its activities. Our own FFA chapter in Fayetteville hosts a Blue & Gold meat sale. Almost every local elementary school hosts some version of a run where patrons can pledge money for laps. Most of these efforts and fun and effective.

Do I love fundraisers? Not really. But I can appreciate a young person working up the courage to come by or call me with their best sales pitch on why we should support their group. It is just one step for them to take responsibility for funding something they really want to do.

As much as I did not want to open the choir brochure, I was not about to squelch my child’s excitement. She was a highly-motivated salesperson with goals. I perused the brochure full of items and found some things that would make some Christmas gifts for the upcoming holiday season. She was thrilled with her first sale.

I think we typically think of fundraisers as this nuisance that we get bombarded with from children’s schools, teams and organizations. What I am learning is these are great opportunities for young people to find their courage and approach adults to make a big ask. I have made myself pause and listen to their pitch – whether it’s a neighbor, niece or nephew, they just want us to hear what they have to say. I love when they can articulate what the goal for their effort is and always encourage them to tell me more about it.

These little fundraising people are the future of our great country. The skills they learn along the way are going to make for some fine doctors, senators, and farmers one day. I hope you also take time to listen to their sales pitches, neighbor.

‘

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

just a thought

Across The Fence

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hile talking to a producer recently, we got way off-topic. It’s not hard to do when you like talking about farming.

Our conversation turned to why the general public doesn’t like farmers Julie Turner-Crawford and ranchers. We couldn’t answer the question, but we is a native of Dallas sure had our theories.

County, Mo., where All industries face some ridicule, but only agriculture she grew up on her has it coming from all fronts. family’s farm. She is a Agriculture must face accusations from climate change graduate of Missouri and environmental groups, those who claim meat is unState University. To healthy and causes antibiotic resistance, the anti-GMO contact Julie, call 1-866folks and my personal favorite, animal rights groups.

532-1960 or by email at It’s like farmers and ranchers can’t win for losing. editor@ozarksfn.com.

Folks who are anti-agriculture need to realize if they succeed in destroying agriculture, they also succeed in destroying humanity.

According to American University in Washington D.C., an estimated 10 million American children do not have enough food daily, and some 54 million people in the U.S. face hunger. If there were no more farmers or ranchers, those numbers would quadruple with— Continued on Next Page

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• 1/4 C Bisquick baking mix • 3 eggs • 2 tomatoes, sliced • 1 C shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease deep dish pie plate. Brown the ground beef and onion, then drain fat. Stir in seasoning. Spread mixture into pie plate, top with chilies. Beat milk, baking mix and eggs until smooth. Pour over the beef mixture. Bake for 25 minutes. Top with tomatoes and cheese.

Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheese.

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

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just a thought Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page in months. Along with mass starvation, there would be increased violence between those who have food and those who do not. It would be chaos.

What livestock might be left, with no farmers or ranchers left to care for and protect it, would quickly be taken as food, with a great deal of it likely being wasted.

With the livestock gone and there being no crop production, those who can hunt for and gather food will quickly erode those natural resources. It would be only a matter of time until most of the earth’s human and animal population is obliterated. So, will someone tell me again how much better off the world would be without farmers?

Halloween is over, but the whole scenario sounds like a horror movie staring every movie bad guy, plus a whole lot of zombies.

Those who survive might want to figure out how to raise a few animals for food.

They might make use those animals can be used for transportation as well. They will need to figure out a way to keep the animals safe from predators or would-be bandits. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a shelter of some kind for the smaller animals and do everything possible to keep all animals healthy. They might also want

to consider learning how to plant a few crops, crops that can be stored to feed themselves and those animals in the winter months. Some of the larger animals may even be able to help in the cultivating of those crops. It might not be a bad idea to figure out something that can be used to create clothing. It’s very important to remember crops and animals, just like people, need water, so people would need be very cautious about what happens near water sources; got to keep that water clean. Also, don’t put just anything on your plants to control insects or weeds; it might be dangerous for the people and the animals who consume it.

Wait. That sounds a whole lot like farming to me. Funny how that works.

Farming and ranching might not be the most popular industry, but I don’t think it would take folks very long to realize it is the only industry needed for survival.

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3 Since I was privy to both sides of the conversation, I had no idea what my buddies had found so amusing when my wife continued by requesting directions on where to find the pliers.

“Oh, I doubt if you can find them without my help,” I answered, “I’ll come on home, now, so we can get this job finished.”

Once again, the outburst of laughter could be heard for a mile or more.

Finally, I realized what only my side of the conversation must have sounded like to the group of old farmers. Red-faced, I tried to explain to them what had been going on, but their laughter would not sub-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

side enough for me to tell the other side of the phone conversation. After all, my side of the conversation made a lot better story to tell to their wives when they returned home.

I could still hear the old guys laughing as I made my way to the truck to leave.

Upon returning home, I located the pair of channel-locks and, as I suspected, they were not big enough. Surveying the situation, I suggested to the plumber that an oil-filter wrench might do the trick.

He asked, “What size you got?”

I showed him what I had.

“Yeah, I can mount ‘er with that.”

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

meet your

Submitted Photo

neighbors Jeff Muldrew and Gayle Schleif provide farm-raised beef to customers by the cut, half or whole. They have recently added Wagyu cattle to their herd.

Back on the Farm

By Tina Luann Hart

Gayle Schleif is now a full-time cattle producer, despite her plans to never live on a farm again The ability to supply a quality product to the consumer is the passion behind Hillside Beef in Elkins, Ark., and Gayle Schleif and her fiancé Jeff Muldrew are committed to that goal.

“When someone is buying our product, we want them to get exactly what they pay for,” Gayle said.

Gayle returned to the farming lifestyle after a long hiatus. She grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota and swore she would never be on a farm again. Life has a funny way of changing things.

“The most rewarding thing to me now is just being back on the farm,” she said.

Gayle met Jeff 10 and a half years ago, and because of Jeff’s ties to the state, they decided to move to northwest Arkansas. When they moved, Gayle worked a corporate job, and Jeff owns a painting and sandblasting business. They decided to buy some cattle upon moving to Arkansas, which eventually became a custom growing, butchering and retail NOVEMBER 22, 2021

sales operation. Over time, Gayle has and fall. All Hillside Beef products are antransitioned from her corporate life to tibiotic and hormone-free. being a full-time beef producer.

Cattle are pasture-fed and those seCurrently, the farm operates on 224 acres, lected for butchering are grain-fed for and they run 50 head of Angus-crossed a minimum of 100 days. Wagyu cattle cows with a Hereford bull. They are also selected for butchering are fed a custom looking at diversifying their operation, ration that includes a higher fat grain to and they have recently acquired three bred produce the finished product. Animals Wagyu cows and a 600-pound steer. The selected to be butchered are either sold on steer will be fed out, butchered, and sold lo- the hoof or sent to a USDA-approved catcally. They have incorporated this special- tle processing facility located in Arkansas. ty niche market into their operation with Hillside Beef provides various bundled the goal to provide the higher fat content beef packages for consumers. They process Wagyu beef to area restaurants. two animals per month, and the beef can Gayle said she “enjoys the mild south- be bought as a half or a whole. Custom ern winters because it is conducive to packages can be created according to what year-round calving.” The breeding pro- the consumer wants or needs. Purchase of gram at Hillside Beef consists of natural individual products is also available. cover for the conventional Gayle believes educating the herd. The Wagyu cows will be public about where their food Elkins, Ark. bred using AI. comes from is very important.

The overall health of the an“It is sad people don’t realize imals is tended to as the needs where their food comes from,” arise. Health protocols include she said. “Most people think they scheduled worming and roucan go to A store and that is where tine vaccinations in the spring their food comes from.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Therefore, to help educate the public about farm-raised food, Gayle has applied for a grant that could potentially allow her to supply her beef to public schools in Arkansas.

Local farmers markets, Facebook and word of mouth are instrumental to Hillside Beef’s marketing strategy. Gayle attends local farmers markets in the area weekly where she can sell the products to the public. Gayle credits the smalltown atmosphere of the area.“It provides small businesses plenty of opportunities,” she said.

Gayle also owns and operates a custom bakery called Cakes With A Kick, she makes 21 different cakes that she markets to adults only because they contain alcohol. She also makes many different types of cookies suitable for all ages.

Hillside Beef is located in between Elkins and Goshen, Ark., and operates an on-farm store, which is open to the public at various times on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday.

7

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William Rucker has a problem. up unless you’re making money off it beWell, not so much a problem, but cause you can’t have a full-time job and more of a concern. take that over. So you’re eventually going The 51-year-old has been working on a to have to sell it, or your kids are going to ranch where his father got him involved at have to sell it, or your grandchildren are the age of 19. going to have to sell it.”

“I want to do this because the freedom, Not wanting to see that happen, William it’s hard work. The freedom and the abil- decided to transform his ranch from raising ity to do what you want when you want and selling Angus beef to Wagyu beef. It’s a to do it with your kids and your family, go decision he believes will set up the next genhunting and go fishing, go do some work,” eration if they choose to take that path.

William said. “It’s what freedom is for us.

And it all started with a simple meal in And so I’m trying to build that to the next 2017. level for us.”

“My brother brought it and it changed evHowever, as William gets older, he is erything,” William said. “I’ve gotten pretty facing the same issue many farmers and good over the last 20 years of making steaks, ranchers around the country have had to but I’ve never tasted anything like that.” deal with. With each passing generation That one steak sent William on a deep becoming less and less interested in work- dive research into Wagyu beef. When he ing in agriculture was done, he was confields, the future of vinced Wagyu was Haskell, Okla.

William’s ranch is the future of Rucker something he thinks Ranch. about.

“We did some re“I want to have this operation search on the breed. producing enough income for two And there are some families. Mother Nature will beat you differences of course, Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

but a cow is a cow,” William said. “If you find out what makes that cow tick and what makes that breed work and how you can get that level of beef, then the rest is just logistics.”

It took a little more than a year for William to make the complete transformation into Wagyu and he formed Oklahoma Wagyu LLC. “We found two full-blooded Japanese bulls and purchased them,” William said. “And then we sorted our herd out to keep only the quality Angus mommas and got some more. We crossed that full-blooded Wagyu bull with the Angus cows and come up with a 50 percent product. We feed them on a 100 percent Wagyu regimen. So it gets the maximum out of that 50 percent genetics.”

Williams said they feed the cattle “a secret recipe designed by Wagyu experts for their three phases of growth.” They can grow up to 1,400 pounds before they are ready for the market.

When William first started raising Wagyu beef, it was a completely new frontier for him. Making a life decision like that doesn’t come without its risks if it doesn’t go right.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

meet your neighbors Despite that, William said he knew he was taking the correct path for him and his family.

“It was a considerable investment to switch over to this breed. And I actually went full time into the cattle operation, a thing like this, you can’t do part-time. I was part-time for a long time with my father when we did the Angus,” William said. “And because he was there on a full-time basis as a retiree, once he passed away in 2018, in order to keep the land in the family, we had to find a way to make a product that could finance that. And so this was the best way that we saw. And so, there were some nerves going in there. You quit your job and you got four kids.”

Even though he had a plan for Oklahoma Wagyu, everything William tried was almost like a roll of the dice on whether it was going to work or not.

“You can plan and plan and plan and the first thing that happens into your plan is you change your plan. So that goes with just about any business,” William said. “We did a significant amount of planning and then we’ve learned since. So it’s been a bit of a learning curve.”

Yet, William’s strategy has worked as well as he could hope for so far.

“Our beef was coming in. It was inconsistent last year and we figured out for the most part, the consistent part of it,” William said. “Now we’re trying to increase the genetic side of it. So it’s a learning process. There’s no static business plan that makes this work and it depends on your location. It depends on the soil you have, the hay you have, it depends on the land situation and the logistics of the land, where you have your fences and your setup. And there’s a lot of things that go into play in any farming operation, but certainly this.”

William knew the transition wouldn’t bring instant success for Oklahoma Wagyu. He said it will take four or five years before the ranch is in the black and making a profit.

“You’re getting rid of all your income-based animals and then a Wagyu calf when it hits the ground, it’s not ready for market for two years after that,” William said. “And if you miss some breeding spots and you don’t get your marketing right or you have some cattle deaths or anything can derail that to a certain extent.”

None of that took into account a global pandemic. It wasn’t something William could prepare for because, once again, it was all new ground for him.

“It’s ironic that we had this big passion and this big startup, and as soon as we were getting ready to fire everything up the pandemic hit,” William said. “But I don’t have a baseline to compare that to pre-pandemic because we weren’t selling any beef. So I would assume it affected me in some way. But then on the same thing, a lot of beef prices are going up because of the pandemic. And a lot of people were looking for healthier, faster and more reliable alternatives.”

Oklahoma Wagyu sold their first cuts of beef a year ago and sold out. New stock is coming in the final months of 2021.

“We’re only going to do 50 to 60 animals per year. I’m certain that I’ll be sold out way ahead of time,” William said. “I’ll have a certain amount that I put on the Wagyu website every month. And then the customers that are buying larger amounts, a seventh or a half or a whole animal, or even a quarter, those are increasing right now. The five animals I just took in, three of them are already sold.”

Besides the times his sons are able to help him, the running of Rucker Ranch and Oklahoma Wagyu is a one-man show. That means William has to make sure the operation runs as smoothly as possible“The calf is born here; the calf is raised here. I have to control the grass quality. I have to control the hay quality. I have to control the health of the mothers. I have to control the safety and the stress environment, make sure it’s low,” William said. “I have to control the medication. If an animal gets any kind of steroid or anything like that, he’s out of the program. So all natural. So we have to monitor all that stuff. So all the qualities based right here with my reputation, that’s probably the most valuable thing I have control of.”

William doesn’t see his ranch getting much bigger than 100 animals a year. He said that is the right size for a family-owned business to make a good living, but not get overwhelmed.

“That’s what happened with family farms all over the place, because it’s hard to make money in this business,” William said. “So we’ve found a way to add value and still have a small number of cows that’s manageable for one family. And if we can produce enough income, then you got instead of a grandson or a granddaughter or the next generation thinking, ‘Oh, I got to take care of this place now.’ Now you got kids fighting for it because they want to do it.”

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Washington County Farmers Mutual Fire I N S U R A N C E

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50 ALSIKE, Perennial, 90% Germ 2.98 2.78 50 SWEET CLOVER, Yellow Blossom, Limited 1.94 1.74 50 ARROWLEAF-YUCHI, 2.82 2.62 Winter Annual, 99% Pure

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SAVE YOUR SEED SAMPLE SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

9

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

A Slice of History

By Amanda Bradley

10

Serving up family favorites in Jasper, Ark., since 1909 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

ozarks roots Photos by Amanda Bradley

With a population of 482, the charming Ozark Mountain town of Jasper, Ark., is alive with history.

The oldest structure on the town square, built in 1874, is part of the Ozark Café.

The café itself was established in 1909 and is the second oldest business in Jasper. It’s one of the few historic landmarks in Jasper and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Ozark Café was once only a third of its current size. Owner Russ Todd explained how the building was expanded about 25 years ago when the then-owners jackhammered holes into adjoining buildings’ walls. Russ said they didn’t really know what was going to happen and the then-owners cringed as they waited to see if the old stone masonry would stabilize or come crumbling down when they began the demolition. Thankfully, it was the former rather than the latter. Now, what used to be adjoining businesses to the café are now the dining areas for the large crowds – both locals and tourists – that frequent the restaurant.

The building features original stone and rock masonry and exposed, rough sawn ceiling beams. A set of old, colorful stained-glass windows rescued from an old local church decorate one of the dining areas. In the middle room of the business, a stage is set for local musicians to play.

Although the history is fascinating that’s not what usually draws in customers — i’s the food. Large portions and unique spe-

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

cials, like the famous chocolate gravy and deep-fried burgers, attract hungry patrons and famished tourists. Plate-size cinnamon rolls with soft, whipped cream like frosting even tempt their own employees who purchase the food to take home on occasion.

Russ has been in the food business going on three decades. He does a little bit of everything in the restaurant he co-owns, including cooking. He worked in the fastfood industry after high school, then went off to serve in the Navy for seven years.

Once he returned from his service, he was reemployed thorough Hardees and worked there for more than 20 years. He purchased the Ozark Café seven years ago and has no intentions of doing anything different in the future. Russ said his café is the third largest employer in Jasper, just the school district and a local nursing home, so it has an important place in the small town’s economy.

“I enjoy pleasing people and do my best to make people happy,” Russ said His wife Jerri agreed with that.

Jerri is the café’s social bug and trail expert. She loves socializing with visitors, so that’s what she does while Russ does his restaurant magic behind the scenes.

The couple have seven children between the two of them, and Jerri said she and the family love to hike. She enjoys sharing her trail knowledge with tourists, as it’s difficult to find a lot of the good hiking locations on GPS. When customer’s come in for a meal at the café, Jerri is a built-in information guide.

Russ and Jerri co-own the café with their daughter Amanda and son-in-law Fred Lydick who live in Oklahoma, but Russ and Jerri do the on-scene work of the café, which has had its challenges since the pandemic, to say the least.

The Todds are still taking precautions during the pandemic to keep their customers and employees safe, going so far as to close down the restaurant temporarily, if needed.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

As for this year, they are just winding down from the summer rush, but it won’t be long, they said, before business ramps back up again as the mountain town is painted with the colors of autumn in its picturesque landscapes, drawing in fall tourists. Russ and Jerri love the busy season and are looking forward to offering up a bowl of chocolate gravy, a deepfried burger, trail expertise, or a slice of history to their customers.

11

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12

meeting the needs of farmers

ARTRAC Sales and Rental

By Julie Turner-Crawford

H Location: Clarksville, Ark. H Owner: Chip Uren

History: What started in 2003 as a part-time business for Chip Uren quickly turned into much more.

“I had sold another business and was looking for something to do,” Chip recalled. “I had a shop I owned in Knoxville (Ark.), and I would drive back and forth between my house and the shop. There was a guy who always had a tractor for sale in his yard, and I noticed it changed every couple of weeks. I was looking for something do and I had this place in the country, so we decided to sell tractors out of it. I really wanted a place to restore my old cars and just sell a few tractors out front, but it became much more.

Our first year we sold about 125 tractors.”

Phelps

Douglas uglas

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Be Benton

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Products and services: ARTRAC Sales and Rental offers a variety of products, and Chip said diversification in a small town is important.

“We have LS and Kioti tractors, and we have been expanding our powersport division and just picked up Artic Cat. We handle a number of brands and are involved in a number of industries. By having multiple brands, with the supply issues the way they are, it has been really helpful.”

ARTRAC Sales and Rental also offers customers items such as brush cutters, grapples, loaders, stump grinders, ag tillers, ATVs, chainsaws, utility tailers and much more.

“We probably sell more zero-turn lawn movers than any other niche product, but we are pretty well evenly divided,” Chip said.

Chip and his crew at ARTRAC Sales and Rental also offer service to all products they sell.

Another market for the company is equipment rental.

“We rent everything from sewer snakes to backhoes, exicators, skid steers, various types of saws, trenchers, scaffolding, lifts, all that kind of stuff,” Chip said. “We try to be diversified, and we might not have everything for everyone, but we have a lot of things for a lot of people.”

Business philosophy: “Overall, our philosophy has been to provide the best valued products to our customers. We don’t sell the most expensive brands, but we don’t sell the cheapest. We want to offer a good-valued product of qood quality.”

Future plans: Chip said supply chain issues have been difficult for ARTRAC Sales and Rental, as it has with many businesses, and admitted he is a little apprehensive of the future if supply lines do not open.

“We’re doing fine, but I hope we see a change in direction in several areas and see some improvements,” he said.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Walker Gragg

By Julie Turner-Crawford

H Hometown: Prairie Grove, Ark. H Family: Wife Jordyn and daughter Blythe (2)

$

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In Town: Walker Gragg is a superintendent for Kinco Constructors LLC, a position he has held for about a year.

“I’m currently building a smartfarm poultry house for the University (of Arkansas). We are a commercial construction company.”

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In the Country: Walker grew up on his family’s farm, so the cattle industry is something he knows well.

“Jordyn and I started with four heifers from my grandparents,” Walker recalled. “We just kept adding to our herd, and we have about 39 or 40 cows now. Our herd is a mixed commercial herd, and we have a Red Angus bull and a Hereford bull.”

Ideally, the Graggs prefer to have spring and fall calving seasons, but time restrictions have caused them to run the bulls with their herd yearSubmitted Photo round.

“I just wasn’t able to get everything accomplished that I wanted,” Walker said, adding a new child, a busy work schedule, as well as other farming responsibilities, limit his time.

“It’s a struggle to get everything done sometimes and still have family time when you also have a job that is 8 to 5, or in my case, 6 to 5.”

Walker and Jordyn own 60 acres of farmland and rent an additional 100. All land is utilized for grazing and hay production.

“We drill wheat in the fall and winter, so we aren’t feeding as much hay,” Walker explained. “We don’t feed any grain, unless we pull the bulls out and give them some grain to keep them happy and coming into the corral.”

Calves are weaned at about 7 months of age, and are typically sold at that time because of the availably of pasture and other resources. The couple retains only a few females for their breeding operation.

“The ones my wife thinks are pretty are the ones that usually stay,” Walker said with a laugh. “As soon as they are born, she will pick one or two. We haven’t kept any back for about two years now, again, because we just don’t have the space.”

Cattle are fully vaccinated each spring and fall, and if an animal needs treatment for illness, LA-300 or Draxxin is administered.

Future plans: “I wish I had more time for the farm,” Walker said. “I wish didn’t have to have another job. We would like to get more land, eventually. One of these day, maybe when I retire, we would like to have more cows, but what we have now is almost too much with a regular job, too. We will just stay where we are for now, but if we acquire more land, maybe we can a few more cows – one of these days.”

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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13

slaughter

market sales reports Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

bulls

(Week of 11/7/21 to 11/13/21)

10/26/21

Receipts: 771 Arkansas Cattle Auction Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 8.00† 41.00-102.50 Ash Flat Livestock Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 11/15/21 13.00 higher. Slaughter ewes traded steady. Feeder and † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported slaughter kid goats traded steady. Slaughter nannies 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction traded steady. Supply was moderate with good demand.

62.00-92.00* Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice † Cleburne County Livestock Supply included: 71% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (7% 64.00-89.00 Steers: 130.00-133.00; wtd. avg. price 131.38. † Wooled & Shorn, 76% Hair Breeds, 16% Hair Ewes, 1% County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff 79.00-82.50 Heifers: 130.00-132.00; wtd. avg. price 131.51.

Decatur Livestock Auction Hair Bucks); 10% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 19% SlaughNot Reported* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice ter Goats (57% Kids, 29% Nannies/Does, 10% Bucks/BilNot Reported* Vinita Stockyards Steers: 204.00-207.00; wtd. avg. price 206.84. lies, 3% Wether Kids).

Farmers Regional Sale Barn 60.00-85.00* Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Fort Smith Stockyards 30.00-94.00* Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 240.00-295.00.

Four State Stockyards 30.00-91.00* Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 185.00-220.00.

I-40 Livestock - Ozark None Reported † Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 285.00-335.00.

Joplin Regional Stockyards 73.00-97.00 † Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 210.00-260.00.

Mid-State Stockyards 95.00* Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 11/4/21 Hair Breeds - Good 1-3: 205.00.

North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † Receipts: 760 Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 185.00-210.00.

OKC West - El Reno 68.00-84.00 † Compared to last month, slaughter lambs traded 4.00Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00-132.50.

55.00-92.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola 15.00 higher. Slaughter ewes traded steady. Slaughter Hair Bucks - 1-2: 175.00-225.00.

Ozarks Regional Stockyards 62.00-116.00 † kid goats traded 10.00-40.00 higher. Slaughter nannies Feeder Goats: Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported* traded steady to 10.00 higher. Internet bidding was Kids - Selection 1: 310.00-340.00.

Tulsa Livestock Auction 76.00-90.00 † active. Supply moderate with good demand. Supply Kids - Selection 2: 215.00-290.00.

Welch Stockyards 80.00-100.00* included: 24% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (3% Wooled & Kids - Selection 3: 140.00.

Shorn, 75% Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 19% Hair Ewes, 2% Slaughter Goats: 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Hair Bucks); 6% Feeder Goats (79% Kids, 21% Wether Kids - Selection 1: 285.00-345.00.

Kids); 70% Slaughter Goats (40% Kids, 34% Nannies/ Kids - Selection 2: 220.00-280.00.

Does, 9% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wethers, 15% Wether Kids).

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 165.00-245.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 162.50-250.00.

(Week of 11/7/21 to 11/13/21) Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 255.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 1: 290.00. † Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 34.00-70.00 Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 170.00-215.00.

Ash Flat Livestock 20.00-73.00 † National Sheep Summary 11/12/21 Wooled & Shorn - Good 2-3: 145.00.

None Reported † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 280.00-340.00.

Compared to last week slaughter lambs sold mostly firm to 40.00-63.00* Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 245.00-275.00.

15.00 higher, instances 15.00-30.00 higher. The exception Cleburne County Livestock 28.00-62.00 † Ewes - Good 2-3: 125.00-140.00. was New Holland, PA where slaughter lambs were weak 20.00-56.00 † County Line Sale Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 130.00-172.50. to 15.00 lower. Slaughter ewes were mostly steady to 15.00 Not Reported* Decatur Livestock Auction Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-140.00. higher, except at New Holland 5.00-15.00 lower. Feeder Not Reported* Vinita Stockyards Hair Bucks - 1-2: 125.00-200.00. lambs under 70 lbs 25.00-35.00 higher, heavier weights Farmers Regional Sale Barn 38.00-73.00* Feeder Goats: weights were steady to 25.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 10.00-65.00* Fort Smith Kids - Selection 1: 310.00-465.00.

5,653 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 310 Four State 10.00-66.50* Kids - Selection 2: 265.00. slaughter lambs in South Dakota, 330 Slaughter lambs I-40 Livestock - Ozark None Reported † Kids - Selection 3: 195.00. in North Dakota and 500 feeder lambs in Wyoming. In Joplin Regional Stockyards 30.00-75.00 † Wether Kids - Selection 1: 325.00-365.00. direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs were not Mid-State Stockyards 76.00* Slaughter Goats: tested. 3,826 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † Kids - Selection 1: 320.00-375.00. confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) 28.00-75.00 † 2 OKC West - El Reno Kids - Selection 2: 225.00-280.00. unless specified.

31.00-64.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction Kids - Selection 3: 205.00.

Ozarks Regional 18.00-73.00 † Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 115.00-270.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 160.00-245.00.

Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported* Wethers - Selection 2: 265.00.

Tulsa Livestock Auction 36.00-71.00 † Wether Kids - Selection 1: 300.00-335.00.

Welch Stockyards 40.00-78.00* Wether Kids - Selection 2: 285.00.

60.00-90.00 †

beef

sheep &

slaughter

300-400 lbs.

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

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

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

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

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

14

50

70

90

110

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 11/10/21 348

Decatur Livestock*

Vinita Stockyards*

11/10/21 1,658

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 11/8/21 225

Uneven

-----

5-6 Higher

St-5 Higher

-----

160.00-189.00 145.00-173.00 130.00-165.00 130.00-151.50 126.00-147.00

180.00-212.00 170.00-196.00 155.00-179.00 143.00-152.00 156.00

150.00-185.00 140.00-185.00 135.00-164.00 130.00-152.00 130.00-147.00

153.00 ----145.00 ---------

146.00-165.00 144.00-155.00 140.00-147.00 139.00-149.00 142.00-147.00

147.50-170.00 120.00-165.00 120.00-150.00 109.00-141.00 118.00-127.00

157.00-169.00 144.00-172.00 120.00-138.00 120.00 -----

179.00-184.00 165.00-179.00 140.00-172.00 136.00-138.00 109.00

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

143.00-151.00 124.00-151.00 120.00-140.00 110.00-130.00 -----

--------120.00-143.00 120.00-129.00 110.00-117.00

110.00-150.00 120.00-147.00 111.00-140.00 123.00-138.50 100.00-128.00

130.00-143.00 120.00-134.00 120.00-139.00 118.00-135.00 124.00

146.00-160.00 140.00-158.00 134.00-152.00 130.00-135.00 110.00

125.00-156.00 120.00-145.00 120.00-138.00 115.00-135.00 110.00-136.00

142.00-159.00 101.00-147.00 116.00-136.00 120.00 -----

125.00 125.00-130.00 125.00-140.00 123.00-134.00 115.00-136.00

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 11/9/21 1,440

Ash Flat Livestock✝

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3:4 San Angelo: wooled and shorn 105-130 lbs 220.00-250.00.

New Holland, PA: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 240.00277.00, few 285.00-295.00; 150-165 lbs 200.00.

Ft. Collins, CO: wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 225.00240.00; 185 lbs 200.00.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 208.00235.50; 150-170 lbs 227.00-233.00.

Kalona, IA: wooled and shorn 100-135 lbs 222.50-275.00.

Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 100-125 lbs no test.

Missouri: wooled and shorn 100-110 lbs 235.00-250.00.

Equity Coop: wooled and shorn 145 lbs 235.25; 160 lbs 236.75.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 356.00-392.00; 60-70 lbs 352.00-370.00, few 385.00; 70-80 lbs 312.00-350.00, few 358.00; 80-90 lbs 285.00-316.00, few 322.00-330.00; 90-110 lbs 264.00-298.00, few 310.00. wooled and shorn 61 lbs 375.00; 78 lbs 316.00; 80-90 lbs 282.00-310.00; 98 lbs 265.00; 111 lbs 270.00.

New Holland: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 305.00325.00; 63 lbs 355.00; 70-80 lbs 295.00-320.00, few 330.00; 80-90 lbs 260.00-300.00, few 310.00-355.00; 90-100 lbs 257.00-295.00. hair 40-50 lbs 300.00-315.00; 50-60 lbs 335.00-375.00, few 425.00; 60-70 lbs 280.00-325.00; 70-80 lbs 285.00-315.00; 80-90 lbs 260.00-280.00, few 300.00; 90-100 lbs 245.00-275.00.

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 80-90 lbs 245.00-260.00; 90-100 lbs 235.00-242.50. hair 78 lbs 242.50; 80-90 lbs 240.00-262.50; 90-100 lbs 247.50-255.00.

Kalona: wooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 325.00-345.00; 64 lbs 322.50; 70-80 lbs 225.00-275.00, few 302.50; 80-90 lbs 280.00-297.50; 90-100 lbs 252.50-267.50. hair 40-50 lbs 297.50-320.00; 50-60 lbs 320.00-350.00; 60-70 lbs 312.50355.00; 80-90 lbs 251.00-272.50.

South Dakota: wooled and shorn 90-100 lbs 225.00245.00. hair 90-100 lbs 211.00-242.00.

Billings: no test.

Missouri: hair 50-60 lbs 325.00-340.00; 60-70 lbs 295.00310.00; 70-80 lbs 275.00-305.00; 80-90 lbs 245.00-255.00. wooled and shorn 90-100 lbs 240.00-250.00.

Slaughter Ewes: San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 120.00-130.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 136.00-165.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 120.00-133.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

stocker & feeder NOT REPORTED

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

30

NOT REPORTED

10

goats

cows

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

11/12/21 1,209

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 11/11/21 3,234

St-5 Higher

Uneven

155.00-190.00 150.00-174.00 146.00-175.00 135.00-153.00 -----

NONE REPORTED

0

cattle

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

National Dai

Cheese: Ba $1.7500. T (-0.0695) a Fluid Milk comfort/ the fall. H nation thi with the t and more output ha demand, p availabilit Midwest f over Clas Cream is tightness t and other multiples Midwest, SPOT PR BUTTER U.S. - $2.6

So 24 18 12 6 0 Blyt

h

prices

---------

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 11/12/21 631

-----

-----

-----

Steady

Uneven

St-3 Higher

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

150.00-207.00 148.00-187.00 138.00-164.00 122.00-145.00 104.00-132.00

161.00-216.00 154.00-188.00 145.00-168.00 129.00-155.00 125.00-148.00

170.00-194.00 169.00-195.00 160.00-174.00 150.00-163.00 148.00-156.00

152.50-185.00 145.00-186.00 133.00-171.50 130.00-160.00 134.00-148.00

192.50 174.00-202.50 160.00-173.00 148.00-170.00 156.00-162.50

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

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

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

160.00-184.00 140.00-161.00 138.00-159.00 121.00-143.00 112.00-135.00

--------125.00-148.00 118.00-130.00 116.00-120.00

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

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

129.00-148.00 124.00-146.00 121.00-139.00 100.00-128.00 91.00-110.00

143.00-170.00 139.00-176.00 131.00-164.00 134.00-145.00 127.00-140.00

150.00-164.00 150.00-163.00 130.00-145.00 125.00-143.50 124.00-141.35

130.00-155.00 130.00-155.00 124.00-152.00 120.50-144.00 122.00-144.00

156.00-175.00 141.00-164.00 141.00-154.00 145.00-156.00 144.00-155.25

Fort Smith Four State I-40 Joplin Mi Stockyards* Stockyards - Livestock Regional Stoc Exeter, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ 11/9/21 11/11/21 11/8/21 11/8/21 1 2,084 1,448 7,243 1,951

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

av

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

150.

110.

115.

100 100

100 100 100 95.

90.

$240 $200

cows

(Week of 11/7/21 to 11/13/21)

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

od 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 30.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium 5.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 120.00-133.00; Cull very thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

18 12.67

12

8.29

6

5.82

0 Blyt

le hevil

na

Hele

12.65

12.67

8.29

8.29

5.80

e

Elain

5.89

eola

Osc

5.47

Little

k

Roc

550

Mar. 21

Apr. 21

steers 550-600 LBS.

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

May 21 June 21

Aug. 21 Sept. 21

1050

1550

cow/calf

**

**

**

**

158.79

150.13 135.78

162.14 147.96 146.89 * **

148.19 131.62 131.63 124.30 **

149.66

129.20 142.08

2050

pairs

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

50

550

129.32 **

**

650.00-950.00 †

168.16

1100.00 † 1100.00 *

None Reported † None Reported † None Reported †

164.92 146.44 156.67

132.15 148.44 135.35 131.63

156.53

135.00

158.82

132.69

149.11

None Reported * None Reported † None Reported † None Reported * None Reported †

133.59

162.11

138.77

166.84

1100.00-1375.00 † None Reported † 500.00-1500.00 † Not Reported * 810.00-1035.00 †

145.51

**

** *

126.17

166.49

None Reported †

1550

153.52

153.14

Not Reported * Not Reported * 650.00-1150.00 * 1000.00 *

1050

138.60

144.19

(Week of 11/7/21 to 11/13/21)

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Vinita Stockyards Farmers Regional Sale Barn

2050

153.63 164.68 140.19 145.57

151.98 133.01 145.29 127.90 134.63 126.72

138.00

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 11/9/21 605

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 11/9/21 4,655

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

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 11/8/21 4,528

Welch Stockyards*

-----

2-5 Higher

-----

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

193.00-225.00 173.00-210.00 160.00-192.50 145.00-169.00 131.50-156.00

180.00-200.00 160.00-194.00 150.00-180.00 140.00-165.00 130.00-158.00

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

183.00-217.00 155.00-196.00 136.00-173.00 125.00-144.50 119.50-131.50

140.00-188.00 140.00-150.00 140.00-165.00 110.00-147.00 90.00-119.50

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

141.00-162.00 137.00-165.50 132.50-160.00 127.00-152.75 124.00-149.00

140.00-165.00 140.00-163.00 120.00-156.00 120.00-142.00 120.00-138.00

St-3 Higher

-----

Uneven

Steady

Uneven

2-8 Higher

-194.00 -195.00 -174.00 -163.00 -156.00

152.50-185.00 145.00-186.00 133.00-171.50 130.00-160.00 134.00-148.00

192.50 174.00-202.50 160.00-173.00 148.00-170.00 156.00-162.50

150.00-230.00 110.00-185.00 115.00-175.00 100.00-160.00 100.00-145.00

176.00-187.00 160.00-179.00 145.00-167.00 141.00-159.00 139.00-157.00

205.00 182.00-210.00 149.00-192.00 131.00-166.00 134.00-164.00

173.00-188.00 153.00-168.00 154.00-159.00 133.00-147.00 146.00

192.50 160.00-188.00 147.50-181.00 141.00-167.00 150.00-156.00

-184.00 0-161.00 -159.00 -143.00 -135.00

--------125.00-148.00 118.00-130.00 116.00-120.00

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

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

170.00-195.00 139.00-172.00 136.00-157.00 132.00-137.00 129.00

185.00 172.00-185.00 158.00 ---------

149.00-183.00 144.00-163.00 123.00-147.00 112.00-125.00 109.00-116.00

----145.00-159.00 146.00-154.00 ---------

-164.00 -163.00 -145.00 -143.50 0-141.35

130.00-155.00 130.00-155.00 124.00-152.00 120.50-144.00 122.00-144.00

156.00-175.00 141.00-164.00 141.00-154.00 145.00-156.00 144.00-155.25

100.00-185.00 100.00-162.00 100.00-152.00 95.00-146.00 90.00-135.00

143.00-156.00 139.00-153.00 130.00-144.00 124.00-135.00 120.00-135.00

165.00 143.00-168.50 129.00-165.00 125.00-161.00 148.50-154.00

140.00-155.00 125.00-150.00 118.00-136.50 117.00-137.00 116.00-125.00

154.00-156.00 146.00-156.00 142.50-152.50 140.00-148.50 143.00-148.00

NOT REPORTED

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 11/9/21 10,869

Uneven

Oct. 21

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

149.46

prices

State I-40 Joplin Mid-State N. Ark. yards - Livestock Regional Stockyards* Livestock er, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ Green Forest✝ 9/21 11/11/21 11/8/21 11/10/21 11/8/21 084 1,448 7,243 2,483 642

July 21

heifers 550-600 LBS.

158.04

Welch Stockyards

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Feb. 21

174.15

50

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

12.27

Jan. 21

132.36

145.53 159.65

140.76 134.82

157.19 166.18

11/9/21 1,633

140.01

128.39

153.75 *

*

152.29

168.86 132.85

153.29 166.22 155.00 145.79 *

Week of 11/7/21

0-60 lbs 325.00-340.00; 60-70 lbs 295.00s 275.00-305.00; 80-90 lbs 245.00-255.00. rn 90-100 lbs 240.00-250.00.

Nov. 20 Dec. 20

Week of 10/24/21

avg. grain prices

$80

Week of 10/31/21

11/12/21

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4975 and 40# blocks at $1.7500. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5310 (-0.0695) and blocks, $1.7455 (+0.1090).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Weather has been beneficial for cow comfort/farm milk production throughout most of the fall. However, winter weather is moving across the nation this week. Rain, and/or snow, are falling along with the temperatures from West to East at report time and more is expected throughout the weekend. Milk s: Choice and Prime 1-2: output has been strong, but with strengthening Class I r 40-60 lbs 356.00-392.00; 60-70 lbs demand, particularly when compared to last year, milk ew 385.00; 70-80 lbs 312.00-350.00, few s 285.00-316.00, few 322.00-330.00; 90-110 availability is tighter. Hence, spot milk prices in the Midwest for cheese producers ranged from $.50 to $1 0, few 310.00. wooled and shorn 61 lbs over Class. Condensed skim prices are edging higher.

6.00; 80-90 lbs 282.00-310.00; 98 lbs Cream is also tighter and some contacts expect the 70.00. tightness to continue due to increases in cream cheese, ooled and shorn 50-60 lbs 305.005.00; 70-80 lbs 295.00-320.00, few 330.00; and other seasonal favorites, production. F.O.B. cream multiples are 1.35-1.48 in the East, 1.33-1.50 in the -300.00, few 310.00-355.00; 90-100 lbs Midwest, and 1.18-1.26 in the West. air 40-50 lbs 300.00-315.00; 50-60 lbs ew 425.00; 60-70 lbs 280.00-325.00; 70-80 SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern 0; 80-90 lbs 260.00-280.00, few 300.00; U.S. - $2.6882 - $2.9220.

0-275.00. ed and shorn 80-90 lbs 245.00-260.00; 0-242.50. hair 78 lbs 242.50; 80-90 lbs 0-100 lbs 247.50-255.00. and shorn 50-60 lbs 325.00-345.00; 64 0 lbs 225.00-275.00, few 302.50; 80-90 lbs 0-100 lbs 252.50-267.50. hair 40-50 lbs 0-60 lbs 320.00-350.00; 60-70 lbs 312.50Daily Report 11/15/21 s 251.00-272.50.

Soybeans Soft Wheat Corn Sorghum wooled and shorn 90-100 lbs 225.0024 100 lbs 211.00-242.00.

$120

Week of 10/17/21

National Dairy Market at a Glance

510.00-1025.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock 700.00-725.00 † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 1125.00 * † Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs 910.00 County Line Sale - Ratcliff 520.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Vinita Stockyards Not Reported * Farmers Regional Sale Barn 600.00-1000.00 * Fort Smith Stockyards None Reported * Four State Stockyards - Exeter None Reported * None Reported † I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards 900.00-1250.00 † Mid-State Stockyards 650.00-1350.00 * North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † 850.00-1325.00 † OKC West - El Reno 510.00-840.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Ozarks Regional 200.00-1750.00 † Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported * Tulsa Livestock Auction 550.00-800.00 † Welch Stockyards 550.00-1090.00*

Week of 10/24/21

dairy sales

$160

Prices reported perper cwt Prices reported cwtcwt Prices reported per

Week of 10/17/21

replacement

Week of 11/7/21

s: Choice and Prime 2-3:4 oled and shorn 105-130 lbs 220.00-250.00.

A: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 240.0000-295.00; 150-165 lbs 200.00. wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 225.0000.00. wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 208.00lbs 227.00-233.00. oled and shorn 100-135 lbs 222.50-275.00. ooled and shorn 100-125 lbs no test. d and shorn 100-110 lbs 235.00-250.00. ooled and shorn 145 lbs 235.25; 160 lbs

Week of 10/31/21

les reports

ady

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

138.06

166.18

147.14

168.90

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

137.00

140.96

164.33

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

127.29

133.37

153.93

110 130 150 170 190 210 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather

146.38 121.78

90

110 130 150 170 190 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

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

15

meet your neighbors

Straight from the Garden

By Daniel Bereznicki

Sycamore Bend Farm is a small operation with a big impact

Sycamore Bend Farm is a market herbs and spices. Centralized in between garden owned by Andrew Schwer- the two houses is a dome-shaped hoop in and his wife, Madeleine Schwer- house with sweet potatoes. in, on the bottomland between EuPetey was harvesting rosemary along reka Springs and Berryville. one of the hoop houses. With his garStarting in 2011, Sycamore Bend Farm dening clippers, he sniped off fresh has had the support from many hands. rosemary straight from the shrubs and Petey Wesley, Roxy and Hobie are work- places it into a marked bag – ready to ing to help the farm this year. Through the be sold.

CSA – community-support agriculture – The farm takes pride in its organic subscription program and The Food Con- practices. By using regenerative methservancy of NWA, they have stayed close ods and minimal machinery, the farm’s to the community while branching out to goal is to limit pesticides and soil disturlocal restaurants and other businesses. bance by incorporating more natural Andrew learned about the farming busi- forms of agriculture. One example is ness while working on another farm: the by insect screening. The crew stretchFoundation Farm in Eureka Springs. Lat- es a long white mesh cloth over a row er, Madeleine also joined the farm. They of vegetables, protecting them from met and got married. Now, they have flea beetles and other insects. This is three children: Beulah (9), Hans (7) and a healthy alternative to harmful pestiScott (4). All the family, including the chil- cides used by most commercial farming. dren, have a hand in working SBF. Roxy has worked all season helping “It’s a garden which is big enough to with the farmers market. She seeds, be on a commercial scale. So moves compost and transwe grow everything for marplants the crops. This inEureka ket,” Adrew said. SBF is 1 cludes pruning Swiss chard Springs, Ark. acre with three hoop houses. by removing the spotted old Two elongated structured leaves from the outer edges, so hoop houses together stretch that the inner leaves can grow across the entire garden. fuller and absorb more nutrients Growing inside are various from the soil. Their vibrate red color

16

Photos by Daniel Bereznicki

stems and leafy green leaves make them easily recognizable.

Hobie was harvesting jalapeno peppers. Nearby were sweet peppers, habanero peppers and scotch bonnet peppers. Lined in straight formation, he picks off them one-by-one.

This year, SBF has been fruitful, producing a vast variety of fruits and vegetables. These include rhubarb, Japanese turnips, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and hot peppers. These are just fraction of what the farm produces.

“Boy, hot peppers, especially the shishito peppers. That’s been crazy,” Hobie said. “You wouldn’t think of it.

We’ve honestly got quite a bit more rhubarb than I thought we’d get out here.

The okra is going pretty well. Kale has been consistent and faithful.”

Sweet potatoes have also been doing well this year.

“We just done a bunch of sweet potatoes recently,” Roxy said. “That would have been something to see. There’s tons and tons of ‘em.”

With all their fresh produce and crops, SBF delivers their harvest to The Food Conservancy of NWA, which is a hub for local farmers and businesses.

“They’re kinda like a wholesale hub.

They have their distribution channels, so sometimes we have product that they want and we want to sell,” Andrew explained.

The food conservancy sells SBF produce to various markets and business.

This has given the farm better outreach and access to larger markets like Harps, Hart’s Family Center Inc, Harter House and other local restaurants.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

SBF takes advantage of the Community-supported agriculture or CSA system.

“We do a CSA. It’s a subscription service where people get boxes each week. A box of vegetables,” Andrew said. The CSA is a system that connects the farmers and consumers more closely. This gives customers more freedom to customize their orders.

Among the variety of produce, customers can pick what produce they want.

Consumers can order their “veggie box” via online.

“I put those into the computer, so that people can see what they’re supposed to be getting,” Andrew said. “They can make some switches or some changes and order more or less things. And then, they know exactly what they are getting for Saturday.”

SBF has more than 40 subscribers. They can pick up their veggie boxes at designated places around Holiday Island and Eureka Springs. SBF also delivers veggie boxes to consumers’ homes or businesses as well.

Compared to some commercial farming, SBF may seem like a minor operation, but it’s their simplicity and organic practices that separate them from their farming contemporaries. These ties to old world methods while embracing new farming techniques bring to mind what farming is all about: hard work, passion and consistency.

SBF is an all-year-round operation. The family stays close to the farm and prepares for the upcoming new seasons. They calculated these preparation months in advance. The trick is to keep up with nature.

With support from the community, such as the CSA and The Food Conservancy, SBF will be ready for a new day and a new year.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Lila Sherman

By Kaylea Hutson-Miller

H Age: 19 H Hometown: Jay, Okla.

H Parents:

a Do Yo u Have ay d i l o H t a e r G are Recipe to Sh Wi t h O u r Readers?

John and Christy Sherman H FFA Chapter: Jay FFA H Adviser: Jace Newby How / why did you join FFA?

Lo ok To day and rs u o Y it m b Su ture ppear in Fu For It To A Issues of & Neig hbor.

Ozarks Far m PO B ox 1514 65536 Lebanon, MO rksfn.co m e d itor@o za

ris tmas Co untr y C h Co okbo ok mber 13th e c e D g in m Co

“FFA has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, I was so excited when I could officially join FFA at Colcord Public Schools. I did 4-H when I was younger, but FFA was what I wanted to be in.”

What is/was your favorite part of being in FFA?

“The animals and the people. You never know who or what you’ll learn or meet in the FFA, I’ve met so many good people and made so many wonderful memories. “

Submitted Photo

What was it like to receive your American Degree?

“Due to COVID last year, the 2020 seniors missed out on a lot of lasts. Being a COVID grad myself, when I got the news I had a few mixed emotions. My first thought was finally, but then the realization hit me that this would be the last time I would ever wear my jacket. As I was sitting on the floor waiting to go behind the stage, I had a moment where I looked to where my parents and chapter sat. I was so proud of them and myself, I never would’ve made it on that stage without them.

What’s one thing FFA taught you?

“To be grateful, to help others, and to be the best person you can be.”

What is the best advice you’ve received by being in FFA?

“In my opinion, the best thing I was taught was ‘different judge, different day.’ That means just because you didn’t do good on Monday doesn’t mean that Wednesday or Friday has to be the same. Take your losses and learn from them in and out of the ring.”

What are your future plans?

“My future plans are in the wind. I have a few ideas and maybe a plan B in case those plans don’t work out. I do know that I want to help some kid set a goal and watch them achieve it just like so many people have done for me.”

How is FFA shaping your future?

“Being a livestock owner and a former showman FFA has put some goals in my head like making mini Beefmasters, along with some other things.”

18

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Perspectives

Y

By Brad Pistole

ou can almost imagine the unrestrained joy politicians felt upon reading John Maynard Keynes’ words back in the early 1920s. Finally, they had discovered an easy way to finance the government’s wild spending sprees and pork-barrel projects without raising taxes (and losing votes). Inflation gave governments a powerful yet discrete method of taxation, requiring no approval from the voters. The icing on the cake was that inflation’s consequences were much less detrimental to political careers than making unpopular budget cuts or increasing tax rates. Thus began the era of addiction to Brad Pistole of Ozark, the printing press, unrestrained deficit spending, and an Mo., is farmer and a increasingly intrusive government.

Certified Financial The “easy money” inflation genie rocketed out of the Fiduciary®, Certified bottle with the force of a cork exiting a champagne Annuity Specialist®, bottle. No amount of pressure or commonsense ecoand CEO of Trinity nomics could push it back inside. Even the Great Insurance & Financial Depression, funded partly by easy money economics, Services, INC. He may could not reverse a course of uncontrolled governbe reached at ment spending and money printing.

417-581-9222.

Inflation is one of the most misunderstood economic ideas and the source for much of the evaporation of middle-class wealth in the United States. In simple terms, inflation is a measure that determines the rate of rising prices in an economy.

Catalysts of inflation can include: increases in the costs of raw materials, wage increases, and poor fiscal management by the government.

Specific government actions are undertaken to jumpstart a lackluster economy, such as the so-called “quantitative easing” pursued by the Federal Reserve a few years ago, which also contributes significantly to rising inflation.

Sometimes referred to as the “stealth tax,” inflation is a more significant threat to your financial future than state or local income taxes. Inflation has proven to be particularly problematic for seniors who are retired. That’s because retirees live mainly off the income generated by their retirement accounts, along with Social Security. So, when money loses its purchasing power, the price of necessities increases. Such increases mean that seniors will use up their savings faster, perhaps putting themselves in the position of running out of money early in retirement.

The bottom line: Inflation is just one of the erosive factors that can undo your bestlaid retirement plans and cause you to experience stress and worry when you no longer work. Inflation may be the greatest threat of all because it is little understood and anticipated. If you have a retirement plan in place, now is an excellent time to review that plan with your advisor to ensure you have included provisions to see you through in the event of hyperinflation.

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

If you sell meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, eggs or any other farm to table products, be sure your farm is listed on FromTheFarmToYou.com

The listing is completely free.

Just visit FromTheFarmToYou.com and click on “Submit Yourto Farm” at the top of the page. your family

Fro the Farm

Fro the Farm

www.FromTheFarmToYou.com NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

19

farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

Protecting Water Sources

By Cheryl Kepes

When producers think about tackling all that needs to be fixed, managed, maintained and monitored on their farms, their water supply may fall to the bottom of the list.

Though ponds, springs and streams are valued resources, they may not be getting the routine care they need. “Water resources, ponds and streams have a vulnerability that we don’t think about,” Marley Beem, Ph.D., Associate Extension Specialist with Oklahoma State University, said.

Though a highly valued resource, water can be easily contaminated. Producers who educate themselves on proper water management, can hopefully avoid big issues in the future.

“The more we know, the better stewards we can be,” Beem stated. “And the better we will be able to protect what we have and not looking at some sort of problem that is expensive to fix or is unfixable.” Good water resource management starts with monitoring different aspects of the pond or stream.

Manage Plant Population

One of the biggest problems in ponds is excess aquatic plant growth. Aquatic biologists recommend 20 to 30 percent plant coverage in a pond. Plant coverage benefits fish and provides protection against wave erosion for windswept ponds.

However, an overabundance of aquatic

what do you say?

What is your most important piece of farming equipment?

20

Strategies to keep ponds and streams clean and safe

plants can cause problems. Experts recommend taking immediate action if plants start to take over the water source. “Once it gets to a point that a majority of the pond gets covered up, it is difficult to use herbicides or other means to correct it,” Beem stated. “So, we rather have people notice a problem is coming on, that it’s growing more than it did last year and then to seek advice.”

When treatment is necessary, pond owners need to match the identity of the plant with specific herbicides. Local extension agents and Natural Resources Conservation Service representatives are available to answer questions .

Maintain Vegetation Near Water Sources

Dams and spillways are vulnerable to erosion, and the should be inspected on a regular basis to monitor for problems. The faces of dams and spillways should have good plant cover and deep-rooted grass in order to protect against erosion.

Problems with erosion typically start in a spillway after an overflow event. Beem recommends fixing the erosion issue as soon as possible so the headcut doesn’t develop into something major.

In addition, experts state that trees on dams can be an issue. If pond owners already have trees on a dam, they may want to seek expert advice on whether

“My family.

Without them running the operation and working daily to make it all come together, the ranch wouldn’t exist.”

Martha Armitage Rogers County, Okla.

the trees can be safely removed. “Often times you can consider removing a moderately sized tree at least, if you grub out the root stump, major roots and pack it with clay soil in successive layers that are compacted,” Beem stated.

Pond owners should consider consulting with a NRCS representative or another expert to get an assessment of their particular situation. Removing large trees with deep roots can be tricky.

Also, incorporating routine maintenance to ensure the dam stays free of small trees and woody vegetation, will help keep the pond in good condition.

In regards to streams, it is important to be cautious about removing trees and woody vegetation alongside the stream.

The root systems from trees and shrubs on stream banks help prevent the soil from eroding as the water flows in the channel.

If landowners remove too much or all of the woody vegetation, then undercutting or collapsing can occur on the stream banks. “In most cases, if you live alongside a stream you need to appreciate and value those trees and shrubs and leave a good healthy width of them in place,” Beem advised. “Otherwise, you get into high cut banks collapsing, and taking away some of your land.”

“For us, it’s the tractor.

The tractor is something that gets used every single day on our ranch.”

Monitor for Signs of Beavers

Beavers burrow the entrance of their dens underwater in the side of pond dams. “Beavers tend to get those burrows up in the higher parts of the dam. It is possible you could have a collapse of a den that could lead to a failure of the dam, as water comes across the top of the dam,” Beem explained.

“Or it might intersect with some tree roots and you might have some leakage start some internal erosion that could cause a dam blow out.”

Landowners should watch for signs of beaver activity around their ponds.

Protect Groundwater

There are steps homeowners can take to ensure their groundwater stays clean.

For property owners with a well, experts recommend never storing chemicals in a wellhouse. In addition, experts recommend creating an exclusion zone around the well.

The depth of the well and the porousness of the soil dictates how far away from the well homeowners should keep from applying herbicides or other chemicals.

Scheduling maintenance of septic systems may also fend off future problems. Septic systems need to be pumped out occasionally in order to prevent solids from clogging the system’s lateral lines.

“It would be easy to say my tractor, but I think my brush hog is the most important because I do a lot of mowing.”

“My farm truck. I use it at least once a day. It’s the vehicle I use to pull my trailer, it has a bale spike and hauls feed and seed.”

Jed Bicker Conway County, Ark.

Katie Swofford Carroll County, Ark.

Monica Bagwell Craig County, Okla.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

farm help

Buying a Utility Terrain Vehicle

By Cheryl Kepes

A guide to purchasing a UTV in today’s economy Spotting a farmer driving across fields in the Ozarks in a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), is as commonplace as seeing a cowboy on horseback in the wide, open ranges of the West. UTVs have gained popularity through the years as a farmer’s sidekick to haul feed, tools and equipment as well as to meet other agricultural needs.

If producers are in the market to replace their current UTV or to add one to their operation for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping. First, decide what the UTV will be utilized for on the farm. “We need to find out what they need to use it for before we start to narrow down what they may want to buy,” Richard Mawhiney, Hobbytime Motorsports General Manager, Bolivar, Mo., explained.

Before purchasing a UTV, experts suggest conducting online research to determine which UTV is the best fit. “As always, I recommend everyone to look online and check out reviews and places like, TractorHouse.com, to see what is for sale because that is usually a good sign of what people are trying to get rid of,” Darrin Langston, S&H Farm Supply Powersports Service Writer, in Lockwood, Mo., said.

Currently, one of the biggest challenges facing consumers and dealers is product availability.

UTV dealers are extremely low on inventory. “Right now, is unprecedented times,” Mawhiney stated. “The big challenge for them and us right now, is to actually get them on a machine they may need or want.” The scarcity of inventory limits the number of models buyers have to test drive and visually inspect.

Additionally, farmers looking to purchase a UTV in 2021 for tax purposes may have a difficult time getting one quickly. It could take two months or much longer to receive an order from the manufacturer.

Langston recommends farmers, who want to get a UTV as soon as possible, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

purchase UTVS made in the United States. “If you can find one you like that is made domestically, then the supply chain issue doesn’t seem to be as bad or there is no issue at all,” Langston said.

When looking at UTVs to purchase, one of the first things to determine is the size of the machine needed. Consider what might be hauled in or pulled by the vehicle. A UTV that will be utilized for heavy duty work should be equipped with a bigger bed and towing capacity. Depending on the use, horsepower and torque can be an important consideration.

Next, decide if the UTV will be left open or enclosed. For example, will it have a roof, rear panel, windshield or doors? Not all models are configured to allow for the UTV to be properly enclosed.

Before heading to the dealer to purchase a UTV – set a budget. Similar to many pricey purchases, the cost of a UTV varies significantly based on the model, size and number of add-ons.

How fast a UTV will drive fluctuates between models. If a farmer drives the UTV between properties or farms that are several miles from one another, then the mph may be an important consideration. Some models may have a maximum speed of 25 mph, others may top out at 50 mph. A UTV that runs on diesel typically has a lower maximum mph.

If buyers plan to use the UTV on their farm, then they can catch a bit of a tax break. “A lot of people don’t realize that a UTV can be classified as an agricultural vehicle,” Mawhiney explained. “As long as you are using it for agricultural purposes it is just like a tractor. So, there is not sales tax on a UTV.” Once buyers make their purchase, experts recommend they follow a maintenance schedule for the vehicle. Proper maintenance pays off in the long run.

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417-863-8446

By Cheryl Kepes

Maintaining belts, hoses and gearing up for winter It sure can be frustrating to fireup a trusted machine like a tractor, only to have it sputter, squeak or shutdown. Farmers rely on their machinery and need the equipment to properly function whenever there is work to be done.

The type and timing of service required depends on the age of the equipment Additionally, tractors and other machinery stored outside require extra care compared to equipment housed inside a barn or shed.

Farm equipment service experts recommend routine maintenance on tractors and other machinery. “Every time before you take off you are supposed to check all your fluid levels and do a walk around inspection for safety,” Tony Herrington, Bobcat service manager with Williams Tractor, in Fayetteville, Ark., said.

Herrington recommends conducting a visual inspection of the belts, hoses and other parts of the tractor before each use. Staying ahead of any potential is-

sues can save time and money in the long run.

Belts and hoses are critical to the proper operation of tractors and other machinery. Experts suggest thoroughly checking belts and hoses at each service interval. Every time that filters and fluids are changed, the belts and hoses should get a thorough inspection.

Typically, there will be visible signs of wear on hoses. Solid rubber hoses will start to fray and crack. “Over time the rubber will start to break down and start to deteriorate slightly,” Herrington explained.

In addition, while inspecting the hoses take a close look at the point where the radiator hose connects to the radiator.

Many times, the hose can wear down at the connection point.

Equipment service specialists recommend checking belts for signs of splitting, oil soaking, cracking or fraying. If any of these conditions exist, it’s time to get the belts replaced.

Winter weather can exacerbate potential problems with machinery. Experts recom-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

mend farmers add a treatment to diesel, such as HEET, in order to protect the fuel line during cold temperatures. “Right now, is the best time to do it and they need to make sure they add it throughout winter because we are probably going to have some freezes,” Kevin Riley, S&H Farm Supply Tractor Shop Service Writer, in Lockwood, Mo., said. “I know that was a big issue we had last year.”

Riley also advises tractor owners to check the coolant levels to make sure they are where they need to be. “A lot of farmers in the summer like to put water in it and keep on going, so filling it with proper coolant will keep it from freezing,” Riley explained.

Tractors should be plugged in and heated during the cold winter months.

“Whenever you fire it up give it a good 15 to 20 minutes at 15-hundred rpms to make sure it is warmed up before you start working it,” Riley advised.

Lastly, owners should check their tractor’s fluid levels to make sure they are topped off and inspect the tractor for any leaks.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

farm help Tip 1: Oil - Whether you use your tractor on a daily basis or not, your tractor needs goods care. Perhaps an empty battery won’t be the problem when using the tractor on a daily basis, but oil can be in cold conditions. It gets thicker and stiffer, making it harder for the engine to turn over and start.

If you have a tough winter, you should consider using oil designed specifically for winter usage.

Tip 2: Moisture - In the winter period the amount of moisture in the air can give problems. It can get into an engine compartment and cause shorts, or the failure to spark. Therefore check your compartment regularly.

Tip 3: Battery and fuel - If you don’t use your machine on a daily basis the battery can let you down. You can prevent battery drain by flipping the switch and disconnecting the battery from the rest of the electrical system. It might be wise to order a spare one, especially if yours is getting old.

Another problem which can pop up are issues with the fuel if it sits weeks between uses. The easiest solution is just to start your tractor up every few days and allow it to run for some time.

Tip 4: Fluids - If you are storing your tractor it is important to check the fluids. Hydraulic fluid is particularly important to check, as it can draw in moisture during storage because of condensation.

Tip 5: Filters - Prevent clogged air filters in the spring time. Best is to do a thorough cleaning or a replacement prior to storage but a replacement prior to storage can do the trick as well.

Tip 6: Maintenance - The last and most important tip: schedule your maintenance. The winter time is the ideal period to give your tractor a solid check-up by your dealer. He is the expert, he has the right tools and knowledge and will make sure your machine is set to go once the season starts.

Good maintenance saves you money.

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Management strategies to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature

Thinking back to the frigid blast of last winter may put a chill down the spine of producers throughout the Ozarks. Though winter lurks around the corner, livestock producers can take action now to remove some of the sting of winter’s wrath.

Livestock experts state cattle should be in good body condition going into winter. In the cold months, the maintenance requirements for cattle increase. If an animal starts the winter season with a subpar body condition, it is makes it exponentially harder for the animal to meet all its maintenance requirements.

Now is the time for producers to evaluate their herds and ensure their cattle have proper fleshing going into winter. “It’s a good rule of thumb in general, whether it is a harsh winter or not,” Daniel Rivera, Ph.D., director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said. “A harsh winter would make it that much worse if she goes into it in a poor condition.”

Producers can help ease their herds through the freezing temperatures by giving their cattle access to a free choice complete mineral. The mineral mix should include macronutrients and micronutrients. Check the mix to see if it contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, cooper, zinc, selenium, cobalt and other vitamins.

In order for the free-choice complete mineral to have optimal health benefits, feed it before Mother Nature ushers in icy days.

“There has been a lot of work showing, with an animal in a completed state, that it takes 45 days for an animal’s stores to be up to where they need to be,” Rivera ex-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

plained. Therefore, put out mineral at least 45 days prior to any type of stress event.

The minerals will help cattle be better equipped to handle the harsh winter. In fact, livestock experts recommend producers offer quality mineral to their cattle year around.

But if that is not possible, it’s recommended cattle have access to a complete mineral mix before and during major changes.

When producers go to buy mineral, they should keep in mind it can cost $15 to $20 a bag. However, the upfront investment could save producers problems in the future. “The problems that you see with mineral deficiency is usually further down the road,” Rivera explained. “For example, some mineral deficiencies will manifest themselves as reproductive issues.”

Other issues can arise as well. Calves may be prone to respiratory illnesses or have poor immune responses. Cows may be slow to breed back. All issues that producers may not directly correlate to mineral deficiencies.

Lastly, livestock specialists recommend testing hay now, in order to determine what type of supplements are needed in the winter months. If livestock producers know the protein and energy content of their hay, then they are better positioned to purchase feed that will meet the nutritional requirements of the herd.

Due to the prices increasing and availability fluctuating, it might be a good idea to routinely check with a supplier on current cost and supply of feed. “At the very least, have an idea on paper as to what you can buy and what is going to be available, talk to the co-op, the feed mill, or wherever you get your feed from,” Rivera added.

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

— ZONE A AUCTIONS —

— ZONE D AUCTIONS —

11/21 Multi Estate Auction – Grove, Okla.

• Grunden-McCall Auctions

12/1 50 Cord Road, Newark, Ark. Land Auction – Newark, Ark. • Williams & Williams

— ZONE B AUCTIONS —

12/8 Agwater Inc. Complete Liquidation Auction – Dardanelle, Ark. • Wooley Auctioneers

— ZONE C AUCTIONS —

11/22 Living Estate Auction, Minor, Reynolds – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R Williams

12/4 Lakefront Real Estate & Estate Auction – Blue Eye, Mo. • Foster Auction & Appraisal Service

— OUTSIDE AREA — AUCTIONS

12/4 Brian Aylesworth Estate Auction – Russellville, Ark. • Reading Auction Service & Real Estate

11/28 Online Auction Ends 11/28, Learning Materials – Enid, Okla. • Lippard Auctioneers, Inc.

12/14 Land Auction – Clarksville, Ark. – Reading Auction Service

12/11 Davis Absolute Real Estate Auction – Galena, Mo. • Foster Auction & Appraisal Service 12/11 Five Acre Absolute Real Estate Auction – Galena, Mo. • Foster Auction & Appraisal Service

12/11 Staufer Absolute Real Estate & Estate Auction – Galena, Mo. • Foster Auction & Appraisal Service

11/30 Land Auction, Simpson – Crescent, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers

Nowata

Rogers Tulsa

A Craig

Mayes

Wagoner Okmulgee

Newton

Ottawa

McIntosh Haskel Latimer

Stone

McDonald

Delaware D

Cherokee

Muskogee

Pittsburg

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

12/4 Personal Property Estate of Floyd “Sonny” Long, Jr. – Benton, Ark. • Farnam Auction Service

11/26 Black Friday Antiques & Collectibles – Branson, Mo. • Coon Ridge Auction Co.

12/6 Living Estate Auction, Engskov, Suttles – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions

by Larry R Williams

12/13 Living Estate Auction, Kendrick, Heinen – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions

by Larry R Williams

12/4 Farm Equipment Auction – Lonoke, Ark. • Robert King Auctions

12/4 Furniture & Multi-Estate Sale – Vilonia, Ark. • Gotta Bid Auction Services

11/22 Online Only Auction, Equipment & More – Carrier, Okla. • Lippard Auctioneers, Inc.

12/4 Tim & Elaine Smith Auction – Harrison, Ark. • Bailey Auction Service

12/4 Estate of Charles/Chuck & Laura Gideon Auction – Pineville, Mo. • Dwayne Craig Auction Service

12/1 JK Oilfield Surplus Assets Auction – Quitman, Ark. • Wooley Auctioneers

11/29 Living Estate Auction, Files, Heinen – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R Williams 11/27 Estate Auction Restaurant Equipment – Harrison, Ark. • Graham and Olsen Auctions

12/2 Garfield County Land & Minerals Auction – Enid, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers

Adair

Washington

Sebastian Seba

Le Flore

B Boone

New Newton

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ozarks’

calendar

NOVEMBER 2021 22, 29 Pesticide Applicator Training – 11 a.m. – Madison County Extension Office,

Huntsville, Ark. – 479-738-6826 30 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Cost: $20 – Baxter County Fairgrounds,

Mountain Home, Ark. – for more information or to register call 870-425-2335 30 Small Ruminant Conference – Fairgrounds, Mountain View, Ark. – for more

information call 501-362-2524 DECEMBER 2021 6 Bangs Vaccination Clinic – for heifers ages 4-12 months – deadline to sign up is

Nov. 29 – call the Fulton County Extension Office at 870-895-3301 6 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – First National Bank Community

Center, Paris, Ark. – for more information call 479-963-2360 7 Grow Your Own Groceries: Composting – noon-1 p.m. – Cost: Free – Online

via Zoom – for questions contact Krista at 501-329-8344 – register online at go.ozarksfn.com/ev2 7 Pesticide Applicator Training – 5:30 p.m. – Cost: $20 – Northwest Ark District

Fairgrounds, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168 14 Livestock Show Nutrition Series – Show Prospect Management (All Species) –

free for all 4-H and FFA members and their chaperones – RSVP one week

prior to meeting – 5:30 p.m., supper will be provided – Booneville Fairgrounds,

1105 Carolan Road, Booneville, Ark. – RSVP to Sarah Enoch at

senoch@uada.edu or 479-675-2787 16 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Forage Budgeting/Stocking Rates – 6 p.m., Online

via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774

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auction block

November 2021 27 College of the Ozarks Production Sale – College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout,

Mo. – 417-342-0871

JANUARY 2022 11 Livestock Show Nutrition Series – Swine Nutrition – free for all 4-H and FFA

members and their chaperones – RSVP one week prior to meeting – 5:30 p.m.,

supper will be provided – Booneville Fairgrounds, 1105 Carolan Road,

Booneville, Ark. – RSVP to Sarah Enoch at senoch@uada.edu or 479-675-2787 25 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Jeral Hampton Meeting Place,

Booneville, Ark. – for more information call 479-963-2360 27 Pesticide Applicator Training – 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Cost: $20 – Crawford

County Extension Office, 105 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren, Ark. – for

questions contact Clyde at cfenton@uada.edu – call 479-474-5286 to register FEBRUARY 2022 8 Livestock Show Nutrition Series – Sheep & Goat Nutrition – free for all 4-H

and FFA members and their chaperones – RSVP one week prior to meeting

– 5:30 p.m., supper will be provided – Booneville Fairgrounds, 1105 Carolan

Road, Booneville, Ark. – RSVP to Sarah Enoch at senoch@uada.edu or 479-675-2787 17 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Cost: $20 – Crawford

County Extension Office, 105 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren, Ark. – for

questions contact Clyde at cfenton@uada.edu – call 479-474-5286 to register MARCH 2022 1 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – First National Bank Community

Center, Paris, Ark. – for more information call 479-963-2360 1 Tri County Forage Meeting – First National Bank Community Center,

Paris, Ark. – for more information call 479-963-2360 8 Livestock Show Nutrition Series – Cattle Nutrition – free for all 4-H and FFA

members and their chaperones – RSVP one week prior to meeting – 5:30 p.m.,

supper will be provided – Booneville Fairgrounds, 1105 Carolan Road,

Booneville, Ark. – RSVP to Sarah Enoch at senoch@uada.edu or 479-675-2787

March 2022 5 Judd Ranch 44th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale – Pomona,

Kan. – 785-566-8371

December 2021 4 Highland Cattle Auction – Parson, Kan. – www.highlandauction.com 11 Arkansas “The Sharing The Success Sale” Angus Sale – I-40 Livestock

Auction, Ozark, Ark. – 501-590-1180 11 Wheeler Angus Inaugural Production Sale – Paris, Mo. – 573-473-2508 or 573-473-8208

Upcoming Community Event or Production Sale?

Contact Us Today to See About a Free Listing in Our Calendar 1-866-532-1960 • amanda@ozarksfn.com

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NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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BRED COWS/PAIRS Every Tuesday 6 p.m.

417-835-3000 “Where we work hard, so you can get the most out of your hard work.”

Looking for freelance writers for Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Experience in agriculture preferred, but not required. Some photography skills needed. Freelancers should have excellent organizational and time management skills, the ability to produce news stories following AP style and a strong initiative. Must be able to meet deadlines and follow through with projects.

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

Please submit a current resume and writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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Wood Motor Company is constantly working and sanitizing to ensure a safe environment. So for a safe, sanitized sales experience come, call, email or text.

WITH OUTSTANDING INCENTIVES, NOW IS THE TIME TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR OR TRUCK.

WELCOME TO

WE’LL DELIVER TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS! Be Sure to Check Out our Website @ WoodMotor.com Updated Daily with the Best Deals on Available Used Cars and Trucks

A SOLID NAME YOU CAN TRUST

Heavy Duty Trucks Ready to upfit to your specific needs with several brands of Cab and Chassis models to choose from!

With More Arriving Soon!

Whatever Your Preference, We Got The Right Truck For You!

WOOD WOOD WOOD WOOD

MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR

CHEVY • 870.741.8211 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 NISSAN • 870.741.8211 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 FORD • 417.815.7044 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856 CDJR • 417.815.7156 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856

woodmotor.com

BEST TRAILER BRANDS!

GOOSENECK BRAND DEALER FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

DON’T WAIT! ORDER YOUR NEW TRAILER TODAY! Contact Mark at mhansaw@woodmotor.com • 870-715-9177 cell • 888-466-3332 office Aluminum Custom Hauler (A-Bed) *Financing Available!

WOOD MOTOR COMPANY POWERSPORTS

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Your Premier Powersports Dealer

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

824 N Main Street • Harrison • AR 72601

870-741-9500

woodpowersports.com NOVEMBER 22, 2021