OFN November 30, 2020

Country Christmas Inside • Farm Machinery Issue

In the Business of Christmas NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • 40 PAGES

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 14 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

The Lollis Family has been growing holiday cheer since the 1970s

A Cattleman at Heart MIke Earwood has a full-time job, serves as his town’s mayor and as a fireman, but he is happiest on the farm

Extending the Life of Equipment Protecting your investment through routine maintenance

Taking an Opportunity Sortomme Family Farms began after Levi Sortomme spent 15 years in the military

rumor mill

Family honored by NEO: Officials at NEO announced the Jurgensmeyer family as the recipient of this year’s Award of Merit. Traditionally recognized in coordination with Northeast Oklahoma A&M Football Homecoming, NEO is planning to recognize this year’s honorees during a spring 2021 ceremony. The Jurgensmeyer family has been a constant supporter of NEO through their family-owned businesses, JM Farms, Miami Industrial Supply and Service Solutions, Inc. After being tasked with managing all of Ralston Purina company’s mushroom farms east of the Mississippi River, Virgil Jurgensmeyer, and his business partner, Darrell McLain, started JM Farms in 1979. The Jurgensmeyer family coordinated with the NEO Agriculture Department to donate land upon which to build an NEO greenhouse. Additionally, JM Farms managers established the Marge Jurgensmeyer Memorial Scholarship in 2015.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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7

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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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

Jerry Crownover – Some things are meant to last

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Jody Harris – Cheaters never win

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Julie Turner-Crawford – Thankful for farmers

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Cattleman also serves his community

Survey to gauge interest in organics: Researchers are surveying farmers across the Mid-South through Dec. 31 regarding their interest in organic crop production. The survey is being conducted jointly by Winrock International and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The survey may be found at https://bit.ly/35zHKXe. The link will be live until end of business on Dec. 31. The researchers are seeking responses from active producers of row, fruit, vegetable and field crops, including hay and forage, as well as livestock owners in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

Pork Council awards funds: The Oklahoma Pork Council recently awarded $500 to Warner (Okla.) Elementary teacher Bobbie Hummingbird through Oklahoma’s Ag in the Classroom program to provide teachers with grant money to purchase supplies needed to teach Ag in the Classroom curriculum. Hummingbird’s project focused on foods and nutrition, starting with foods traditionally served at Thanksgiving. Students compared how traditional Thanksgiving foods relate to the history, culture and agricultural crops in Oklahoma. This project plans to provide students with correct agricultural facts through the purchase of agriculturally-correct library books.

VOL. 14, NO. 14

JUST A THOUGHT

Conference moves to online format: The Arkansas Crop Protection Conference scheduled online for Dec. 1-2 will be held online, and will feature 22 presentations geared toward growers, consultants and other industry representatives. The annual conference offers insights into managing weed, insect and disease pests in Arkansas crops For crop consultants, the conference carries six continuing education credits. There is no cost to participate in the conference. Go to https://go.ozarksfn.com/2fs to register and for more information.

Scholarship announced: Oklahoma State University and Northeastern Oklahoma Agriculture and Mechanical College are collaborating to provide four Native American students with scholarships to complete dual undergraduate degrees in plant and soil sciences and entomology. The collaborative scholarship effort is being funded by a $289,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture as part of its New Beginning for Tribal Students program, which makes competitive grants available to provide support specifically targeted for students of America’s tribal nations.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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Kenny Palmer began working on tractors at a young age

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The Lollis family has been in the Christmas business for generations

Eye on Agribusiness features Zena Suri Alpacas

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Town & Country spotlights Hailey Robinson

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Veteran Levi Sortomme found opportunities in farming

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Wayne Olles is sold on Beefmaster Youth In Ag features Allee Grace Duvall

FARM HELP 21 Getting ready for tax season

22 Wooded areas and pastures 23 Maintaining farm vehicles

24 Investing in your investment

25 Preparing for winter NOVEMBER 30, 2020

just a

thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

F

e f i L elpmiS si

— Continued on Page 6

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or most of the last century, and all of this one, Hollywood and the tabloids have presented an image of love stories, courtships and marriages.

Storybook romances and weddings have revonw orCled yrrefar J yB too many of us to believe the illusion that someone must spend tens of thousands of dollars on the perfect wedding… that will begin the perfect marriage… and evJerry Crownover is eryone will live perfectly and happily ever after. We forget a farmer and former that many of these picture-perfect couples never make it professor of Agriculture to celebrate their 10th, or fifth, or sometimes, even their Education at Missouri first anniversary. Last Friday, my wife and I attended a State University. He is a wedding that took place in the real world. native of Baxter County, At noon, a few people gathered at one of my neighbor’s Arkansas, and an homes, to witness the marriage of his grandson to his fiauthor and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, ancé. Expecting the wedding to take place at Grandpa’s go to ozarksfn.com and house, I was a bit surprised when the groom instructed all click on ‘Contact Us.’ of us to return to our vehicles and follow the lead car to a cow pasture, just south of his granddad’s house.

Someone had to open the gate (and close it after the last car entered) to allow us to drive to the most level spot on the hillside. There, the young bride and groom stood hand-in-hand, ready to proceed with the ceremony. With cows in the background, lying down and contentedly chewing their cuds, I thought about how lovely and peaceful the wedding pictures would be, except there was no wedding photographer – only friends and relatives happily taking pictures and videos with their cell phones.

The groom was not wearing a fancy tuxedo and the bride was not adorned in a fancy, lacy dress with a 20- foot train behind her. There was no best man, nor bridesmaid, nor ring-bearer, nor flower girl, only the genuineness of the couple tearfully reciting their vows, making all of us feel like this marriage was more likely to last than anything Hollywood could present.

To remind me of just how real this wedding had been, as I walked toward the newlyweds, to offer my congratulations, Judy grabbed my arm and pointed down to my boots. Sure enough,

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Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Erin Harvey, Klaire Howerton, Jordan Robertson and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Wilber “Buddy” Lollis, 87, of Rudy, Ark., purchased 117 acres in the 1970s that has transitioned into a Christmas tree farm. Read more on page 10.

Photo by Terry Ropp Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

D

uring the spring of 1995, I was a senior in high school. I grew up in a small Missouri town with a high school class of less than 100 people.

When you go to a small high school, one of Jody Harris is a freelance the benefits is being afforded more opportucommunications specialist, nities to participate in an array of extracurricular activigardener, ranch wife and ties. Between playing trombone in the band, acting in the mother of four. She and spring play and spring FFA contests, I was missing days of her family raise Angus beef school off and on throughout the last semester. cattle and other critters on When students miss class, they miss valuable instruction, and their northwest Arkansas it is often hard to keep up. I was no exception. I was struggling ranch. She is a graduate to keep up in a vocational class in computer programming. It of Missouri State University. has been so long ago; I cannot even remember the name of the To contact Jody, go to class. I do remember the teacher, Mrs. White. ozarksfn.com and click on I got behind in her class and felt hopeless that I would not be ‘Contact Us.’ able to catch up. I turned to a friend in my class and asked her if she would “loan” me her floppy disk and let me copy it to mine to get myself caught up. Mrs. White was no dummy. She caught on relatively quickly and stopped subtly at my computer during class one day and let me know under no uncertain circumstances that she knew I was cheating and that I’d receive an F in her class for the quarter. That was not even the worst of it. My friend, who had given me her disk to copy was failed in the class as well.

I was mortified. I was the president of my FFA chapter, section leader in band and the student body president. People had high expectations for my behavior and the example I should have been setting.

I had to do the walk of shame down to the vocational director’s office and confess what I had done. I owned it but I was so ashamed of myself. I am 43-years-old and I still blush when I think about that invaluable and excruciating life lesson.

As much as I hate admitting to this humiliating moment from my days as a student, it shaped my attitude toward lying and cheating today. We had a saying in our family when it came to board games, sports and school, “cheaters never win, and winners never cheat.” I will preach this to my own offspring until they are well into their forties.

My children are invested in their grades and extracurricular activities. They are excited when they receive a straight A report card or a winning place. We are proud of them but must constantly remind each child that it is about having fun and what they learn along the way. I would rather have my child bring home a grade card full of Cs and Ds knowing they had put forth a mighty effort of doing their own work. On the ball field, racetrack or in the show ring, we expect our children to emphasize good sportsmanship above any first-place ribbon or trophy.

Since cheating is a hot topic after the recent election in our great country, I thought it was probably a good time to call myself out for one of my own sins before slinging smut toward anyone else. It is not whether we win or lose in this great country, it is how well we play our game, neighbor.

Did You Know?

Arkansas has 10 commodities that rank in the top 10 nationally: No. 1 in Rice • No. 2 in Broilers • No. 3 in Cotton No. 3 in Cottonseed • No. 3 in Catfish • No. 4 in Turkeys No. 8 in Grain Sorghum • No. 8 in Eggs • No. 10 in Soybeans No.10 in Pecans

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

— Source, Beef2live.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

just a thought

Celebrating 30 years of Serving the Tri-State Area.

Across the Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

B

ill and I didn’t hit the road this year for Thanksgiving because of the pandemic, so the day was a little different, but as festive as possible. There was food, football and naps involved. We missed Julie Turner-Crawford not seeing family, but we would rather be safe is a native of Dallas than sorry with this COVID-19 virus.

County, Mo., where she The pandemic might change how I celebrated Thanksgrew up on her family’s giving, but it doesn’t mean I am any less thankful. In 2020, farm. She is a graduate my family has continued to grow with new babies, and of Missouri State there will be yet another one in early 2021. That means the University. To contact Christmas list keeps growing, but that’s OK. I’m hopeful we Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 will get to spend a little time with all of the kids for Christor by email at editor@ mas, but it’s a wait-and-see game at this point. ozarksfn.com.

I’m thankful for that cantankerous husband of mine. We drive each other up the wall most days, give each other a hard time and get snippy with one another, but at the end of the day, he still calls me Babe and I still call him Honey. He’s rough around the edges, but he’s a softy.

— Continued on Next Page

Desserts

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Directions: Mix the ingredients for the filling, only mix in enough of the Eagle brand dessert maker to thin the batter to make it easy to spread. It should not be runny. When mixed, set aside. To make the crust, mix the flour and salt, then cut in the shortening. Add just enough cool water to mix. Take a portion of the dough and roll out on a floured surface as you would a pie crust. Spread the filling/batter equally over the dough within an inch of the edge. Roll up and seal the edges. Place on a cookie sheet.

Repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake at 375 degrees until the rolls start to brown, remove, cool and cut in desired lengths. Note: I like to brush the top of the rolls with melted butter.

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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I’m thankful my dad is still getting around and doing what he wants to do. I get upset with his stubbornness, but I guess he’s entitled to it. Unlike some families, the pandemic allows me to see him a little more. He comes over for supper every other Sunday, and I think he’s thankful I have conquered some of my cooking “issues.” However, at least one Sunday meal consisted of a bucket of extra crispy chicken made with 11 herbs and spices. I regret nothing; it was delicious, and clean up was a breeze.

I’m thankful for the farmers who make life a little easier for us every day, not just on Thanksgiving. Think about how many farmers are needed to provide consumers with a single meal. For example, there’s typically a dairy farmer (milk, butter, cream or other dairy products), a livestock producer (beef, pork, lamb or chevon/goat), a grain farmer (wheat, corn, soybeans, canola, sunflower or wheat), a produce/fruit/citrus grower (oranges, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, cranberries, etc.) and poultry producer (eggs, chicken and turkey) involved. You might

not know their faces or their names, but they, and their farms, are a part of your daily routine. They might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but farmers and ranchers of all types are unsung heroes and keep the world fed and clothed.

As you look around your Thanksgiving table this year, be thankful you are a part of an industry that has persevered and evolved since 10,000 BC with the onset of the Agricultural Revolution. I can’t think of a single city person who can say that about their career choice.

We here at Ozarks Farm & Neighbor hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3

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this turned out to be the first wedding I have ever attended, where I had stepped in a fresh cow pie at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Hard-working, rural folks aren’t usually portrayed as passionate and romantic people. And, truly, most of us have difficulty, in publicly expressing affection and other touchy-feely emotions, even though this wedding proved otherwise. As both the bride and groom whispered, “I love you,” to each other

as they embraced, I couldn’t help but think of a recent story I heard about another neighbor.

The elderly couple have been married for… well…forever, and the wife, late one evening, while obviously in a rather pensive mood, quietly stated to her husband of many years, “Honey, you never tell me that you love me anymore.”

Thoughtfully, he replied, “I told you that I loved you on the day we got married. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”

OKLAHOMA AG FACTS

4 Oklahoma ranks second in the nation in the production of winter

wheat, fifth in the production of pecans, first in the production of rye, fifth in the production of grain sorghum, sixth in peanuts, 22nd in peaches and 15th in watermelons.

4 Oklahoma ranks fifth in the nation in cattle and calf production, 10th in hogs production and 26th in broiler production.

4 Oklahoma beef cattle, hogs and sheep produce 3.22 billion pounds of meat per year.

4 Oklahoma poultry produce 933 million eggs per year.

— Source, Beef2live.com

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

meet your

neighbors

A Cattleman at Heart

By Larry Burchfield

MIke Earwood has a full-time job, serves as his town’s mayor and as a fireman, but he is happiest on the farm In 1987, Mike Earwood was young and single. He was working at Clarridge Products in Harrison and now is a supervisor of the prefab department.

At the same time, he purchased 40 acres in between where he lived and where he worked, later adding another 43. While Mike learned to love the cattle industry from his uncles, his father Herman, a fulltime truck driver, gave Mike a piece of advice he took to heart.

“My dad suggested not to get too big too fast and, as I built my herd, never to purchase more cows than I could afford to lose,” Mike said. “Consequently, I purchased only two or three bred heifers at a time until I was able to save heifers as replacements or for herd expansion.”

Mike never kept a calf from a purchased bred heifer until she produced her second calf. He always wondered why anyone would sell what appeared to be a good heifer. He simply evaluated her second calf to ensure good traits were passed on and she successfully bred back.

Mike met his future wife Shawnette in 1991 at a church fall festival. Shawnette is a registered sonographer and x-ray technologist. The Earwoods have two daughters, Cayanne and Makensey, as well as a grandson Houston who loves the cows.

Mike believes in supporting community.

He has been a volunteer fireman for more than 30 years and now serves as a captain.

He also is the mayor of Western Grove, Ark., and has been so since 2010. He learned about giving back to community from his father who also served as mayor for many years. Needless to say, between his job, his cattle and his dedication to the community, time management is his biggest challenge Because the market favors black cattle, Mike’s 32 cows with 10 bred replacements are Angus-based and either black or red.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Submitted Photo

Mike Earwood, pictured with his wife Shawnette, has been in the cattle business since the 1980s.

Even though Mike runs the breeding feThey are bred by two Gelbvieh bulls who males with the bulls year-round, the herd subsequently throw red or black calves.

“I tried two calving seasons, but that tends to be mostly naturally synchronized. didn’t work out well with my schedule,” When Mike is ready to breed young heifMike explained. “However, running the ers, they receive a shot of Lutalynse to help bulls with the females allows me to breed synchronize them with the other females. back a cow that has lost a calf more quick- However, that shot will also cause any ly, which will then decide whether or not bred heifer to abort so he is very careful to I need to cull her. I will also cull a cow make sure the heifers are not already pregif her teats are too big, and make sucking nant. In order to prevent line breeding, he changes bulls every three to four years and difficult, or if her feet go bad.”

Mike has one outstanding cow, now 17, keeps track of genetics and other importwho has produced 17 good calves. Mike ant dat, such as birthing date and weight kept some of her heifers which his daughters and weaning weight, in a small notebook he carries with him. showed at the Newton County Mike uses a strong vaccinaFair, winning grand champion Western Grove, tion protocol on the entire heifer many times over.

Ark. herd. Additionally, he offers “I will never sell her,” Mike free choice mineral year-round asserted. “I don’t know how she and uses protein tubs in the spring survived all those calves, but she to ensure his herd has plenty of has definitely earned the right to magnesium. pass away peacefully on the farm.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Calves are weaned at approximately 7 months, with steers weighing 600 pounds and heifers about 500. Because the herds are fairly well synchronized, Mike weans calves right before taking them to Morris Cattle Company. He has sold there for a long time and especially appreciates that they work Saturdays, thereby preventing Mike from having to take a day off work to sell calves.

Mike prefers calves being born in November and October because they reach weaning before the summer heat. Consequently, he sells calves before the market makes its typical fall drop due to the market being flooded with calves at that time. Further, if the market is lower than he’s comfortable with and his grass is good, he will sometimes retain calves a bit longer until the market reaches a more comfortable price point.

Mike feels he has as many cattle as his land can comfortably support and therefore almost always buys his hay. Purchasing hay also saves both time and the cost of expensive equipment.

The land is fertilized with chicken litter in February and broadcast sprayed with a mixture of Grazon P plus D and Remedy in March or April, depending upon when the land greens up. He also has a sprayer hooked up to the back of his 4-wheeler allowing him to spot spray as he checks his herd.

When Mike retires, he is looking forward to he and Shawnette traveling.

A true cattleman at heart, Mike confided, “I don’t want to travel too much because there is nothing better than finding a new calf, something I don’t want to miss.”

7

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Kenny Palmer’s interest in tractors began when he was only 7

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This story really begins with the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It was a time of severe droughts and terrible dust storms that killed people, livestock and crops with Oklahoma being one of the states most affected.

Farmer Milt Palmer and his family were forced by the economic disaster to move to Miami, Okla. Milt purchased 13 acres and a wooden cabin so small the door opened out.

Not afraid of hard work, he instilled that

ethic in his children, Kenny and Chester, so that the farm survived and slowly grew.

Truth was Milt loved to farm but hated working on equipment or paying somebody else to do so. When Kenny was 7, a man came to fix their tractor.

“My dad told me to watch and learn so I could do it the next time,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

and I did. In fact, I watched and learned it many times, which became the foundation for everything I learned later about all kinds of equipment and repair,” Kenny said.

Miami, Okla.

When Kenny was 14, his father’s tractor was getting old. Milt needed a new one but couldn’t afford it.

Kenny and his brother NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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Chester had been going with their father to look at tractors since they were toddlers so they knew and understood the process. They got money together and went to see Wilbur Panel, who knew the young men and took them seriously. Wilbur liked and respected the family and consequently sold the boys a tractor for two-thirds of the regular price. They wanted to have a tractor for their father to use, though they retained ownership.

Around the same time, Kenny really liked sports and wanted to play football for his school’s team. Milt told him that was just fine but the cattle always came first. This meant Kenny was always late to practice or sometimes didn’t make it at all. His coach was not at all sympathetic. The Wyandotte superintendent of schools at the time, Willis Shell, understood Kenny’s plight and liked the plucky youngster. After finding Kenny in detention for being late to practice, the superintendent pulled Kenny out of detention and set him down near his coach’s office while he and the coach had a “discussion.”

Kenny, now 75, smiled, shook his head and said, “Coach hated it, but had to cut me slack and play me because that’s what the superintendent demanded.”

When in high school, Kenny also worked for neighboring farmers and was especially appreciated for his ability to repair equipment. Later, he worked with a construction company and began accumulating universal use and repair knowledge that grew even more when he joined the Marines and became a Seabee. During his time in Vietnam, he helped build bridges and load Fat Albert, a large cargo plane that could hold three school buses deep and two across.

The Air Force needed construction for airfields and the Seabees needed transportation so working together made sense. Subsequently, Kenny taught military members how to use and repair equipment for 20 years while in the reserves.

Early on, Kenny and his future wife Shirley met in Miami. Shirley followed a path similar to Kenny’s and served as a Navy nurse, including during Desert Storm where she was one of the oldest nurses. During that deployment, Shirley was injured and was discharged.

Through the years Kenny has traveled across country, but “no further west than California” to go to shows, always keeping an eye out for a good buy on an old tractor, especially those that couldn’t run. One benefit of his traveling to California was being able to find and send supply parts for tractor enthusiasts there. Kenny appreciates all brands and has approximately 20 Moline Minneapolis tractors with eight still in use in addition to others brands including Farmalls, John Deeres and Fords. His collection of used heavy equipment is just as large.

An important highlight of Kenny’s collection is a terracing plow originally built for managing future water flow to ponds during the Dust Bowl. It consists of a plowshare with an auger behind it. The plowshare carves a furrow with the auger distributing the dirt away from furrow. A local man had one in serious disrepair. Kenny wanted the plow for many years. The first owner gave it to someone else who began restoring it and then passed. His widow called Kenny and said he could have the plow because that’s what her husband wanted. Kenny went to see her and asked what she wanted for it. She said all she wanted was money for the new tires her husband had purchased but never put on the plow.

“Most people don’t even know what that plow is for, and I only know of mine and one other,” Kenny said. “They are extremely rare.”

Ten years ago, Kenny joined a tractor club called Farm Echoes of Yesteryear Branch 123. He had many friends who belonged and were also traveling and showing their tractors. The club has 35 members with groups from six to 20 attending fairs in Miami, as well as Columbus and Pittsburgh, Kan. While the group is getting older, the youngest member is 22 with other members bringing their children and grandchildren as a way of solidifying the future of the club.

Kenny has always been a very busy man. To this day, he raises commercial cattle and travels to shows and sales. He fixes equipment, restores tractors, installs fiberoptics, hauls rock and lays asphalt. However, he always had time for his children. When his sons were toddlers, he piled them in the truck cab and went searching back lots for tractors to fix and sell or trade.

Those trips made an impact with equipment becoming the family business. Oldest son Jason and twins Lewis and Larry each have a service truck and are following in their father’s footsteps. Kenny also has three granddaughters and six grandsons, with grandson Brian taking over Kenny’s cattle operation when Kenny became ill last fall.

“I am blessed and vey appreciative of my family and the life I live,” Kenny said. “I need to get back to fixing a Moline Minneapolis U 9952 so I can show it. I am always behind in restoration.”

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9

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Wilber “Buddy” Lollis, right, started Lollis Chirstmas Tree Farm as a retirement income source. Today it is a family operation with his son Wade, left, and others.

In the Business of Christmas

By Terry Ropp

The Lollis Family has been growing holiday cheer since the 1970s

Many families make selecting a holiday tree from a Christmas tree farm an annual excursion. Most, however, don’t realize the labor intensity involved in growing and creating trees in that perfect shape.

While working as a meat market manager for a local grocery store, Wilber “Buddy” Lollis, now 87, of Rudy, Ark., decided he wanted a supplementary retirement income. In 1973, he purchased 117 acres in the Rudy area with 100 acres of unimproved land. Two friends from the forestry department, Ben Taylor and Paul McAllister, suggested a Christmas tree farm. Then the Lollis family went to work clearing most of the land themselves but having someone else doze and even out the land. Next, the forest department came out to teach him how to plant and maintain the trees.

During that first year, 5,000 trees were planted.

“The hardest part was waiting five years for the trees to have enough maturity to sell,” Wilber’s son Wade said.

10

In order to see what would work best, they experimented with different varieties. Virginia Pine turned out to be the best option because many of the other pines and firs were high altitude species that did not do well in the Arkansas environment.

“As mature trees, the Virginia Pine wants to be 40-feet tall and 20-feet wide and requires year-round maintenance to achieve the treasured Christmas tree shape,” Wilber explained.

Then 20 years ago, Wilber and his wife Connie saw the hybrid Leland Cypress while traveling to see family in Louisiana. The Leyland Cypress is a cross of cedar and Cypress that grows vigorously and is immune to the tip moth that plagues Virginia Pines. They also produce no pollen, thus benefiting those who suffer from allergies. Because the trees grew very well in Arkansas, the Lollis family have another variety choice at their farm, with the Leyland Cypress now accounting for 10 percent of the farm’s 9,000 trees.

The pines are allowed to grow to 18 feet before they are culled. Beyond 18 feet they become hard to trim and easily suffer wind damage. Some of the culled trees and local

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

ozarks roots cedars are used for handmade Christmas wreaths, which have become very popular over the years.

Various cities and towns use the pines in municipal buildings and grounds. The city of Roland buys one every year to place in their its nearby municipal park. Van Buren County Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual fundraising event at the Crawford County Courthouse featuring 20 trees purchased from the farm for a decorating contest.

Lollis Christmas Tree Farm has an annual cycle that begins in February when they usually plant up to 2,000 new seedlings. The farm is not irrigated, and once 3,500 trees had to be replaced after a three-year drought. The trees are also not fertilized to control grass growth in between the trees and in the lanes between rows since those areas need to be continually mowed to provide access for maintenance. Starting in May, the Virginia Pines are sprayed for tip moths.

A long trimming cycle also begins in early May and runs through October. The trees are hand and machine-trimmed with a saje trimmer. The saje trimmer’s motor is carried on a backpack connected to a boom that goes above and over the workers’ heads. Connected to the boom is a large, 8-foot hedge trimmer making the apparatus a hefty 39 pounds.

“By the end of the day, that trimmer feels more like 100 pounds,” Wade confessed with Wilber adding, “We learned the most efficient way to trim is to take a half step with the left foot and a full step with the right foot as you circle the tree.”

The annual maintenance cycle ends with a last tree spraying. The trees are sprayed with a colorant to enhance the green color because all evergreens naturally lose color intensity during winter.

Lollis Christmas Tree Farm opens the weekend before Thanksgiving for pre-selecting a tree and officially opens Thanksgiving Day, continuing until Dec. 22 with hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The farm has no wholesale outlet but rather allows customers to select fresh trees to take home that day or after the tree is cut by farm employees. Customers are given a 10-foot measuring pole marked in 1-foot intervals because trees look smaller in the field than in the living room.

The pole also helps ensure customers select a tree in their price range.

Great-grandson Channing, only 7 at the time, noticed money changing hands and wanted to be part of it. He suggested selling rather than giving away candy canes. Not wanting to change that tradition but wanting to encourage his entrepreneurial spirit, the farm first tried selling bundles of mistletoe and fresh greens. Then they came up with the idea of selling Christmas ornaments made from a slice of a native cedar tree stump.

The 3-inch wood disc is varnished and then decorated with colorful shapes such as snowmen and candy canes with a different variety of selections each year. Now 11, Channing looks forward to making and selling the ornaments.

Of course, much of the farm’s business is from repeat customers which includes individuals, couples and families. Often whole families participate in a multi-generational outing, such as happily selecting a perfect tree for grandma.

“Years ago, one family came and brought their new baby daughter,” Wade explained. “They have come every year and that baby has grown and graduated from college. She is now married and starting her own family but has never missed a season. Ours is a family business and some families always take a picture with my dad so those photographs have become a tradition for us as well as them.”

Terry Ropp Photos by

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

11

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History: “We purchased our land in 2005 because we were looking for something for our retirement, but did not live on it until 2009 when I left radio broadcasting. I now teach American government and speech at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M,” Tom Callan explained. “We chose Oklahoma because it is a beautiful area with affordable land. The land we purchased was totally unimproved, and we had much to do before we could bring any alpacas to it.

“Then, in 2010, we started with a herd of 17 alpacas we purchased from a ranch in Utah with more males than females to allow for breeding and herd expansion. We were up to 69 animals at one point, but discovered a reasonable herd size for us is around 50. We chose Suri alpacas, who are about as common as there are left-handed people, because their coats have a luster that almost glows. Our initial goal was to breed and sell the babies, which are called crias, but after a couple of years we opened the store to sell alpaca goods, such as clothing and yarns. Our first retail location was in Grove but didn’t get enough foot traffic, so we decided in 2015 that we would bring the store back home. My wife pointed out she loved the soft and sweet animals but spent her days away from them, which took away her favorite part of the whole operation. The new plan works well because people are so attracted to and curious about alpacas.”

Products and Services: “One of the ways we increased traffic was to join the Oklahoma Agri-tourism Association. We charge no entry fee and give guided tours where people can feed and pet the animals by hand. Most donate money or buy goods. We have a large variety of products that use alpaca fiber,” Tom said. “These include hats, scarves, gloves, socks, alpaca -related toys, and very soft and beautiful rugs in addition to our fantastic yarns.

Some goods are made here, some are attained through trading, and still others are purchased from other producers. Many of our items specify which animal the fiber came from, something people find very appealing.

Philosophy and Future: “One long-term goal is to make almost everything from our own animals. Our philosophy is to let everyone interact with the animals while keeping our business model intact,” Tom said. “One of the ways we keep costs down is paying as we go. We also harvest our own hay which alpacas eat year-round. And sell the excess hay since our 78 acres can produce much more than our alpacas can eat. Finally, we store our harvested fiber in a small building and sell just before shearing season in April because the mills are less busy and prices may be more reasonable when less fiber is being submitted. The result is that we get our fiber returned to us in a timely matter so we can work year-round on production.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Hailey Robinson

Submitted Photo

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By Terry Ropp

1-866-532-1960

Family: Husband Aaron, and children Collin (8) and Scarlet (3).

Hometown: Farmington, Ark. In Town: “After I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in biology, I worked at Tyson for two years as a microbiologist. Then I decided to become a teacher so I could spend more time with our son Collin. We could have a family and I could be at home more. I subsequently earned a master’s at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and have taught advanced placement science at Farmington High School for seven years. I am also on the board of Trout Unlimited Chapter 514 in Northwest Arkansas. The Coronavirus led to me being the only teacher in the state permitted to grow trout from eggs to maturity from our home for classroom projects. I am also an ARTeacher fellow at the University of Arkansas as part of the effort to integrate art into non-art classrooms. My husband Aaron worked as a program manager for different construction companies before starting his own company, White River Contractors, four years ago in Fayetteville. He is also a member of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and active in Trout Unlimited as well.”

In the Country: “Our hobby farm, Dinky Creek Farm, is located on 2 acres in the middle of my grandparents’ farm in Farmington. At this point, the farm is all about our children and the environment we want them raised in. Collin shows dairy calves we get from Wisconsin every year. We trade them back for a new set of calves after typically attending six shows a year. We all were especially fond of Rosie, an Ayrshire calf, who is now on another farm and pregnant. Collin daily feeds and brushes the calves, as well as training with them to lead. One huge benefit of showing is Collin enjoying talking to people about the calves and the things the calves like and do. We also raise goats, one meat goat and a handful of dairy goats, with the intention of one day showing them as well. Collin helps with everything. The goats are fed oats and sunflower seeds along with sweet feed when being milked and especially appreciate licorice flavored treats and watermelon. Finally, Collin has his own business and savings account with money coming from selling eggs from our 20 dual purpose chickens. We have Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Barred Rocks and Wheatons. The eggs, delivered twice a week, are sold to friends, neighbors and relatives with us occasionally using the flock for meat for ourselves. A big advantage with Aaron being a contractor is his ability to build and maintain the structures and fencing necessary for keeping our animals safe.”

Future: “Of course, we would like to expand someday with an additional 50 for starters.

While we want to raise cattle, we are unsure whether we would prefer dairy or beef. Showing at the Arkansas State Fair introduced us to mini cattle. They are very popular, especially with hobby farmers who sometimes raise them for meat because of limited land and a better profit per pound though they often want them as pets. We are considering many breeds such as Herefords, Highlanders, Pandas and Jerseys.”

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

13

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

cattle

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 70-80 lbs 185.00-192.50; 80-90 lbs 185.00-187.50. hair 40-50 lbs 222.50-280.00; 60-70 lbs 215.00-257.50; 70-80 lbs 192.00-200.00; 80-90 Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy † lbs 185.00-192.50; 90-100 lbs 175.00-185.00.

Ash Flat Livestock 70.00-80.00 Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle † Missouri: no test.

None Reported Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) South Dakota: wooled and shorn 57 lbs 255.00; 62 lbs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 50.00-85.50* Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice 240.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-225.00; 80-90 lbs 176.00-228.00; Cleburne County Livestock Auction 46.00-83.00 † Steers: 105.00 - 111.00 ; wtd. avg. price 109.34.

National Sheep Summary 11/20/20 90-100 lbs 177.50-210.00.

County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff 65.00 † Heifers: 107.00 - 110.00; wtd. avg. price 109.67.

Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 80-90 lbs 184.00-194.00; Decatur Livestock Auction Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to Not Reported* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice 90-100 lbs 174.00-177.00. hair 91 lbs 179.00.

11.00 higher. Slaughter ewes steady to 15.00 higher.

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita None Reported* Steers: 172.00 - 172.00 ; wtd. avg. price 172.00.

Direct Trading: (lambs fob with 3- percent shrink or Feeder lambs 7.00-12.00 higher. At San Angelo, Farmers Regional Sale Barn 60.00-86.00* Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. equivalent): Slaughter Lambs wooled and shorn 140-162 TX 6897 sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 340 Fort Smith Stockyards 55.00-83.00* lbs - (wtd avg ). slaughter lambs in North Dakota. In direct trading Four State Stockyards 33.00-80.00* slaughter ewes and feeder lambs were not tested. 2,702 Slaughter Ewes: I-40 Livestock - Ozark 40.00-80.00 † San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 lamb carcasses sold with all weights no trend due to Joplin Regional Stockyards 64.00-100.00 † confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) (fleshy) 80.00-98.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 11/5/20 Mid-State Stockyards 85.00* unless otherwise specified. ****Due to the Thanksgiving 94.00-116.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 80.00-94.00, hair 100.00North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest 59.00-84.00 † Receipts: 858 103.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 64.00-79.00; Cull 56.00-82.00 † OKC West - El Reno Compared to the last sale, slaughter sheep traded 30.00 holiday this report will not be issued next week.***** 1 (extremely thin) 50.00-60.00.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: 59.00-60.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction higher. Slaughter ewes traded 10.00 lower. Feeder San Angelo: wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 170.00-184.00. Pennsylvania: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 Ozarks Regional Stockyards 61.00-95.00 † goats traded 5.00 to 8.00 higher while slaughter goats (fleshy) 90.00-135.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 60.00-92.00; Cull PA: wooled and shorn 100-120 lbs 205.00-225.00. traded 10.00 higher. Supply was moderate with good Stilwell Livestock Auction 64.00-79.00* 1 no test.

Ft.Collins, CO: wooled and shorn 100-135 lbs 142.50demand and active internet buying. Supply included: Tulsa Livestock Auction 76.00-96.00 † Ft. Collins: Good 3-5 (very fleshy) 72.50-80.00; Good 2-3 177.50.

61% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (3% Wooled & Shorn, 64% Welch Stockyards 70.00-90.00* (fleshy) 61.00-87.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test.

Hair Breeds, 6% Ewes, 22% Hair Ewes, 2% Bucks, 3% South Dakota: wooled and shorn 105-150 lbs 126.00Billings, MT: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 65.00; Good 2-3 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Hair Bucks); 5% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (9% Ewes, 166.00; 150-170 lbs 160.00-164.00. (fleshy) 64.00-70.00, hair 88.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 64.0091% Hair Ewes); 5% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 24% Kalona, IA: wooled and shorn 100-150 lbs 171.00-205.00; 76.00; Cull 1 63.00-73.00.

150-175 lbs 169.00-175.00.

Slaughter Goats (86% Kids, 10% Nannies/Does, 4% So Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 71.00-85.00; Good 2-3 Bucks/Billies); 5% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/ Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 110-125 lbs 161.00(fleshy) 67.50-85.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 57.50-86.50; Cull 171.00.

(Week of 11/15/20 to 11/21/20) Does).

1 50.00-85.00.

Missouri: wooled and shorn 105-150 lbs no test.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: † Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 28.00-56.00 Missouri: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 Equity Coop: wooled and shorn 145 lbs 155.75.

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 130.00Ash Flat Livestock 20.00-53.00 † (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) no Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: 190.00.

None Reported † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 290.00-320.00, few 320.00Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 247.50-275.00.

Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 35.00-59.00* 330.00; 60-70 lbs 284.00-302.00, few 310.00-324.00; 70-80 Kalona: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 195.00-237.50.

Cleburne County Livestock 26.00-52.00 † 82.00-93.00, hair 95.00-117.50; Utility and Good 1-3 lbs 242.00-278.00; 80-90 lbs 220.00-245.00, few 262.00Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 145.00-175.00.

25.00-48.00 † 2 County Line Sale Barn 275.00; 90-110 lbs 180.00-210.00, few 224.00. wooled and (medium flesh) 80.00-81.00, hair 82.00-83.00; Utility 1-2 Ewes - Good 2-3: 75.00-85.00.

Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* (thin) no test. shorn 40-60 lbs 300.00-305.00; 60-70 lbs 284.00-296.00; Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 117.50-127.50.

None Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita 70-80 lbs 244.00-275.00; 82 lbs 226.00; 90-100 lbs 190.00- Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2: Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 95.00-110.00.

Farmers Regional Sale Barn 28.00-54.00* San Angelo: no test.

198.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 65.00-85.00.

20.00-77.00* 2 Fort Smith Stockyards Ft. Collins: 69 lbs 210.00.

Pennsylvania: wooled and shorn 54 lbs 385.00; 61 lbs Bucks 1-2: 120.00-165.00.

Four State 10.00-55.00* Kalona: no test.

330.00; 70-80 lbs 255.00-270.00; 80-90 lbs 235.00-257.00; Hair Bucks 1-2: 100.00-155.00.

I-40 Livestock - Ozark 40.00-56.00 † So. Dakota: 44 lbs 217.00; 50-60 lbs 230.00-240.00; 60-70 90-100 lbs 220.00-235.00. hair 40-60 lbs 300.00-340.00; Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Joplin Regional 17.50-69.00 † lbs 220.00-236.00; 70-80 lbs 201.50-220.00; 80-90 lbs 60-70 lbs 285.00-292.00; 70-80 lbs 260.00-280.00; 80-90 Ewes Medium and Large 1-2: 115.00.

Mid-State Stockyards 68.00* 188.00-207.00; 90-100 166.00-175.00; 110 lbs 151.00. lbs 240.00.257.00.

Hair Ewes Small and Medium 1-2: 125.00-170.00. † North Arkansas Livestock 30.00-53.00 Billings: 80-90 lbs 180.00-204.00; 90-100 lbs 168.00Kalona, IA: wooled and shorn 60-70 lbs 257.50-265.00; Feeder Goats: † 23.00-58.00 OKC West - El Reno 70-80 lbs 220.00-232.50; 80-90 lbs 200.00-230.00; 90-100 180.00; 100-110 lbs 166.00-176.00; 130 lbs 155.00.

Kids Selection 1: 310.00-320.00.

Ouachita Livestock Auction 29.00-54.00 † lbs 202.00-227.50. hair 40-50 lbs 265.00-275.00; 50-60 lbs Missouri: no test.

Kids - Selection 2: 265.00-295.00.

Ozarks Regional 10.00-65.00 † 262.50-277.50; 60-70 lbs 265.00-272.50; 70-80 lbs 234.00Slaughter Goats: Stilwell Livestock Auction 33.00-58.00* 3 240.00; 80-90 lbs 212.50-230.00; 90-100 lbs 171.00-190.00.

Kids Selection 1: 275.00-305.00. † Tulsa Livestock Auction 335.00-60.00 Kids - Selection 2: 210.00-290.00.

Welch Stockyards 40.00-64.00* 4 Kids - Selection 3: 165.00-235.00.

(Week of 11/15/20 to 11/21/20)

beef

45.00-75.00 †

sheep &

4

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

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

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

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

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

400-500 lbs.

500-600 lbs.

600-700 lbs.

700-800 lbs.

14 14

24

cows

44

64

84

stocker & feeder

104

11/18/20 2,811

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 11/16/20 317

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 11/18/20 174

Uneven

St-3 Higher

Uneven

2-8 Higher

167.00-174.00 143.00-163.00 136.00-152.00 110.00-138.00 -----

179.00-209.00 157.00-187.00 139.00-165.00 125.00-146.00 -----

135.00-190.00 125.00-165.00 125.00-163.00 110.00-138.00 110.00-136.00

145.00-173.00 140.00-163.00 140.00-152.00 132.00 -----

145.00-161.00 139.00-153.00 134.00-140.00 136.00 -----

140.00-172.50 132.00-155.00 127.00-150.00 112.00-128.00 110.00

160.00-182.50 121.00-149.00 115.00-141.00 110.00-115.00 100.00

173.00-197.00 150.00-183.00 129.00-154.00 115.00-130.00 105.00

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

139.00-150.00 129.00-157.00 119.00-137.00 106.00-126.00 110.00

--------120.00-127.00 109.00-110.00 105.00-116.00

120.00-161.00 110.00-141.00 115.00-140.00 115.00-122.00 -----

----110.00-136.00 110.00-133.00 109.00-121.00 108.00

143.00-174.00 131.00-164.00 119.00-138.00 110.00-130.00 -----

120.00-155.00 110.00-152.00 105.00-135.00 90.00-134.00 90.00-131.00

133.00-145.00 124.00-140.00 110.00-129.00 121.00 -----

130.00-148.00 126.00-139.00 120.00-129.00 112.00-120.00 -----

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

11/20/20 971

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 11/19/20 3,880

St-12 Higher

-----

150.00-190.00 140.00-171.00 120.00-166.00 124.00-137.00 120.00-127.00

NONE REPORTED

0

goats

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 11/17/20 1,074

Ash Flat Livestock✝

National Dairy Market at a G

Cheese: Barrels closed a The weekly average for b $1.7145 (-0.4360).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk higher across most of the production are noted in in the mountain states, a NASS milk production States, during October, o 2.5 percent from Octobe to previous years at this t school milk sales during intakes are sufficient for expect heavier milk supp the upcoming holiday w and receiving healthy m market is in balance. Ice increase in cream interes Cream supplies are mixe location and willingness multiples, for all classes, in the Midwest, and 1.05 SPOT PRICES OF CL BUTTERFAT F.O.B. p $1.8199 - $1.9202.

avg. g

Soybean 16 12.02

11.9

8

6.15

6.1

4

4.59

4.5

12

0 Blyt

le hevil

Hele

prices

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 11/18/20 -----

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 11/20/20 416

-----

-----

-----

-----

Steady

Uneven

St-6 Higher

-----

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

170.00-190.00 154.00-170.00 136.00-154.00 ---------

126.00-160.00 129.00-158.00 122.00-139.00 107.00-129.00 80.00-118.00

125.00-190.00 120.00-180.00 115.00-155.00 113.00-139.00 -----

185.00-209.50 160.00-178.00 140.00-158.00 135.00-145.50 134.00-141.00

150.00-180.00 140.00-171.50 130.00-145.00 127.00-141.00 -----

165.00-208.00 151.00-185.00 135.00-165.00 131.00-155.10 127.00-150.00

110.00-170.00 110.00-160.00 115.00-145.00 100.00-140.00 100.00-125.00

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

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

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

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

150.00-173.00 135.00-153.00 130.00-142.00 118.00-127.00 -----

--------118.00-139.00 111.00-129.00 115.00-119.00

----141.00 140.00-142.00 126.00-130.00 -----

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

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

142.00-148.00 135.00-142.00 134.00-135.00 ---------

119.00-150.00 109.00-127.00 106.00-117.00 100.00-118.00 100.00

117.00-170.00 109.00-151.00 100.00-139.00 95.00-128.50 -----

140.00-171.00 130.00-150.50 120.00-138.00 120.00-130.75 118.00-133.00

135.00-153.00 125.00-151.00 110.00-127.00 114.00-126.00 106.00-115.00

140.00-168.00 134.00-154.00 125.00-143.00 117.00-137.75 123.50-133.50

100.00-150.00 100.00-140.00 100.00-136.00 95.00-124.00 90.00-113.00

Decatur Livestock*

NOT REPORTED

slaughter

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 137.50-147.50.

Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 115.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 145.00-195.00.

11/22/20 Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 200.00-230.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 2-3: 150.00-192.50.

Fort Smith Four State Stockyards* Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 11/16/20 11/17/20 2,737 2,699

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 11/19/20 1,100

Joplin Mid-State Regional Stockyards* Stockyards✝ 11/17/20 11/16/20 362 9,010

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

dairy sales

8

6.15

6.10

6.07

4

4.59

4.55

4.52

0 Blyt

le hevil

na

Hele

e

Elain

6.09 4.56

eola

Osc

11.72

185.00-209.50 160.00-178.00 140.00-158.00 135.00-145.50 134.00-141.00 150.00-173.00 135.00-153.00 130.00-142.00 118.00-127.00 -----

Uneven 150.00-180.00 140.00-171.50 130.00-145.00 127.00-141.00 ------------118.00-139.00 111.00-129.00 115.00-119.00

St-6 Higher 165.00-208.00 151.00-185.00 135.00-165.00 131.00-155.10 127.00-150.00 ----141.00 140.00-142.00 126.00-130.00 -----

110.00-170.00 110.00-160.00 115.00-145.00 100.00-140.00 100.00-125.00 ---------------------

Uneven 166.00-186.00 153.00-181.00 138.00-153.00 125.00-140.00 125.00-135.00 154.00-177.00 136.00-164.00 125.00-145.50 117.00-128.00 114.00-124.00

pairs

1500

k

Roc

250

122.03 *

118.46 * 102.67 120.22

140.38

128.21 121.91

148.46 None Reported †

1300.00 *

None Reported † None Reported † Not Reported * None Reported * 1075.00 *

131.48 130.10 125.00

124.34

147.27

127.78

148.06

**

**

122.41

137.80

133.87

154.76

None Reported †

2250

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 11/16/20 5,314

Welch Stockyards*

2-4 Higher

St-13 Higher

Uneven

St-22 Higher

4-7 Lower

-----

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

123.34 119.88

140.87

194.00-209.00 179.00-195.00 149.00-166.50 131.00-145.50 124.00-138.50 160.00-177.00 167.00-179.00 132.00-146.50 114.50-125.00 105.00-116.50

126.76

144.73 128.37 136.26 130.50

143.19

150.00-190.00 150.00-172.00 140.00-160.00 120.00-145.00 100.00-139.00 140.00-187.00 140.00-165.00 115.00-136.00 100.00-129.00 90.00-118.00

135.00-153.00 125.00-151.00 110.00-127.00 114.00-126.00 106.00-115.00

140.00-168.00 134.00-154.00 125.00-143.00 117.00-137.75 123.50-133.50

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

100.00-150.00 100.00-140.00 100.00-136.00 95.00-124.00 90.00-113.00

140.00-153.00 129.00-150.00 125.00-133.00 113.00-129.50 113.00-120.00

151.00-177.50 136.00-160.00 127.00-157.00 120.00-140.50 114.00-133.75

145.00 127.00-146.00 126.00-141.00 109.00-123.00 103.00-110.00

140.00-151.00 130.00-152.00 125.00-143.00 125.00-131.00 123.00-132.00

139.00-156.00 140.00-158.50 122.00-145.00 113.00-128.00 100.00-125.00

140.00-150.50 136.50-149.50 126.00-137.00 113.00-126.50 110.50-123.00

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

140.00-163.00 115.00-161.00 110.00-138.00 100.00-135.00 100.00-133.00

118.23 115.11

120.86 130.11

161.07

11/17/20 2,568

132.04 120.10

125.81

134.72

132.86

150.55

143.46

120.49

140.00

120.01 137.99

154.70

129.66

143.82 146.61 133.81 136.70 136.58

122.00

129.92 131.60

148.69 112 134 156 178 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

117.09

128.14

144.85

90

134.52 132.11

123.05

140.44 153.77

140.00-171.00 130.00-150.50 120.00-138.00 120.00-130.75 118.00-133.00

116.56 107.97

139.27

785.00-1010.00 †

1750

132.93 118.52

134.87

None Reported *

650.00-1450.00 † 875.00-1325.00 *

190.00-204.00 151.00-192.00 144.85-159.50 126.00-141.50 122.00-136.50

122.03

143.62

None Reported *

None Reported †

1250

122.00

140.50

None Reported *

----136.00-144.00 128.00-135.00 127.00-137.00 -----

114.00 *

129.50

950.00-980.00 †

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 11/18/20 1,232

161.00-183.00 147.00-162.00 130.00-147.00 106.00-121.50 100.00-111.00

112.73

141.17

735.00-1260.00 † 700.00-950.00 †

170.00-185.00 155.00-172.00 143.00-163.00 132.00-150.00 130.00-138.00

*

125.84

2000

700.00-1600.00 †

750

Week of 10/25/20

Week of 10/25/20

116.65

122.93

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 11/17/20 5,082

170.00-180.00 168.00-186.00 130.00-151.00 123.00-127.00 125.00

134.30

120.00

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 11/17/20 354 ----149.00-162.00 127.00-147.00 120.50-129.00 114.00-119.00

110.00

126.67

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 11/17/20 11,788 185.00-213.00 166.00-200.00 143.00-175.00 133.00-151.00 122.00-144.00

116.71 **

**

650.00-1200.00 * 550.00-985.00 †

1000

108.32

125.00

1150.00 †

Welch Stockyards

-----

None Reported * 600.00-1475.00 † 500.00-1500.00 †

500

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

121.65

1225.00 *

610.00-1185.00 *

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

4.27

0

Joplin Mid-State N. Ark. Regional Stockyards* Livestock Stockyards✝ Green Forest✝ 11/17/20 11/16/20 11/18/20 362 9,010 1,368

350.00-740.00 *

650.00-1300.00 † 50.00-59.00 † Prices reported per cwt 275.00-1175.00 † 625.00-1075.00 * 700.00-1075.00 †

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

5.77

Little

None Reported *

heifers 550-600 LBS.

Week of 11/1/20

12

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

Not Reported*

Week of 11/8/20

Corn 11.98

steers 550-600 LBS.

560.00-830.00 † 40.00-48.00 † Prices reported per cwt

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock 300.00-500.00 † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn

16 11.92

Nov. 19 Dec. 19 Jan. 20 Feb. 20 Mar. 20 Apr. 20 May 20 June 20 July 20 Aug. 20 Sept. 20 Oct. 20

(Week of 11/15/20 to 11/21/20)

Daily Report 11/23/20

11.98

$80

None Reported † 925.00 *

cow/calf

avg. grain prices 12.02

450.00-850.00 †

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

0

$120

500.00-1125.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyard I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

11/20/20

Soft Wheat

$160

Week of 11/15/20

Steady

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 11/19/20 1,100

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4225 and 40# blocks at $1.6450.

The weekly average for barrels is $1.4045 (-0.5985) and blocks, $1.7145 (-0.4360).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production is trending seasonally higher across most of the country. Significant gains in milk production are noted in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho and Utah in the mountain states, and the Midwest region. The latest NASS milk production report shows that in the 24 major States, during October, output totaled 17.7 billion pounds, up 2.5 percent from October 2019. Class I sales pale in comparison to previous years at this time, resulting from limited to lighter school milk sales during the pandemic. Processorsí milk supply intakes are sufficient for holiday production needs, while some expect heavier milk supplies to move into production over the upcoming holiday week. Eggnog operations are active and receiving healthy milk/cream loads. The condensed skim market is in balance. Ice cream producers showed a marginal increase in cream interest in the Central and East regions.

Cream supplies are mixed. Contrasting availability reflects location and willingness to pay shipping costs. F.O.B. cream multiples, for all classes, range 1.23-1.45 in the East, 1.18-1.28 in the Midwest, and 1.05-1.26 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest $1.8199 - $1.9202.

Soybeans

cows

(Week of 11/15/20 to 11/21/20)

Week of 11/1/20

National Dairy Market at a Glance

prices

Four State * Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 11/17/20 2,699

replacement

550-600 lb. steers

$200

Week of 11/8/20

Collins: wooled and shorn 70-80 lbs 185.00-192.50; 0 lbs 185.00-187.50. hair 40-50 lbs 222.50-280.00; 0 lbs 215.00-257.50; 70-80 lbs 192.00-200.00; 80-90 85.00-192.50; 90-100 lbs 175.00-185.00. ouri: no test. h Dakota: wooled and shorn 57 lbs 255.00; 62 lbs 00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-225.00; 80-90 lbs 176.00-228.00; 00 lbs 177.50-210.00. ngs, MT: wooled and shorn 80-90 lbs 184.00-194.00; 00 lbs 174.00-177.00. hair 91 lbs 179.00. ct Trading: (lambs fob with 3- percent shrink or valent): Slaughter Lambs wooled and shorn 140-162 (wtd avg ). ghter Ewes: Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 hy) 80.00-98.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 0-116.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 80.00-94.00, hair 100.0000; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 64.00-79.00; Cull xtremely thin) 50.00-60.00. nsylvania: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 hy) 90.00-135.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 60.00-92.00; Cull test.

Collins: Good 3-5 (very fleshy) 72.50-80.00; Good 2-3 hy) 61.00-87.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test. ngs, MT: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 65.00; Good 2-3 hy) 64.00-70.00, hair 88.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 64.000; Cull 1 63.00-73.00.

Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 71.00-85.00; Good 2-3 hy) 67.50-85.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 57.50-86.50; Cull .00-85.00. ouri: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 hy) no test; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) no Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. na: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 0-93.00, hair 95.00-117.50; Utility and Good 1-3 dium flesh) 80.00-81.00, hair 82.00-83.00; Utility 1-2 n) no test. er Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2: Angelo: no test.

Collins: 69 lbs 210.00. na: no test.

Dakota: 44 lbs 217.00; 50-60 lbs 230.00-240.00; 60-70 20.00-236.00; 70-80 lbs 201.50-220.00; 80-90 lbs 00-207.00; 90-100 166.00-175.00; 110 lbs 151.00. ngs: 80-90 lbs 180.00-204.00; 90-100 lbs 168.0000; 100-110 lbs 166.00-176.00; 130 lbs 155.00. ouri: no test.

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 11/15/20

sales reports

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

200

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

80

99 118 137 156 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

175

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

15 15

meet your neighbors

Submitted Photos

Taking an Opportunity

By Larry Burchfield

Sortomme Family Farms began after Levi Sortomme spent 15 years in the military Levi Sortomme of Ward, Ark., a result of the pride they take in excellence grew up in a family of veterans. in all they do,” Levi explained. “While in His father James served in the Arizona the military, failure drives us but success from Air National Guard, with his grandfa- hard work and planning empowers us. Agrither James having served in the Navy culture is so very similar to military service and his step-grandfather Lyndon “Dutch” in that failures breed ingenuity and successes breed pride. As an agriculturalist the tangiVrooman in the Marines.

Although Levi’s father never attempted ble success of any operation is paid in multo persuade him into a military career, he titudes when one observes the acres of baled often spoke passionately of his own mili- harvest at the end of the day or the survival of a struggling calf after an enduring sleepless tary experience and upbringing.

As a child, Levi never thought he would night. Building and operating our farm with my wife and children is a joy and tradijoin the military but rather pursue a cation I expect to continue to build reer in information technology upon long after retirement.” and programming. Then as Levi and Brianna have his adult life took an unknown each other for expected twist, he folnearly 20 years with lowed the desire for a both having been change to be proud raised in producof, and joined the tion agriculture.

Air Force remainThen another one ing on active duty of those twists of for 15 years and life brought them took advantage of back together as she the opportunity to helped care for three explore more than of Levi’s children and 50 countries. The time her own daughter. The away from agriculture couple recently celebrated and his family’s substantial their first anniversary. They Arizona cattle ranch and adown 40 acres and lease another 360 ditional dairy goat farm made him realize how suited he was for agriculture. as hay ground. Sortomme Family Farms beHe switched gears once again and joined gan as a forage farm, with Levi and Brianna the Arkansas Air National Guard with the taking a chance and appropriating retire154th Training Squadron where he works ment funds to purchase farmland and equipment outright to forego the typical as a C-130 H loadmaster flight agriculturist’s banker burden. instructor in addition to buildNow, after even just two years ing his and Brianna’s full-time in operation much of the hay is farming operation in preparation Ward, Ark. sold before it hits the ground. Adfor his military retirement in the ditionally, resourceful farm managenext five years. ment stores enough forage for their “Veterans have enormous agriown cattle and goat operation. cultural potential which is largely

16

Levi Sortomme and his family operate Sortomme Family Farms, which has multiple operations.

Levi maintains that the secret to success in agriculture is to start small and let the small mistakes and successes allow for learning and growth. He says those entering the industry often have had experience as a youngster or knowledge from books.

However, real life always brings about unexpected changes and challenges that force practical growth; and if new farmers start small, they grow without a devastating cost. An example is the Nigerian Dwarf goat herd which started out with eight does and two bucks. Last year seven of the does died from unknown causes.

Driven to succeed, Levi and Brianna plan to rebuild the herd again with the intention of selling meat, as well as cheese, with dairy and cheese-making familiar to Levi from his parents’ goat operation.

The Sortomme Family operation is in its infancy. Last year Levi bought two heifers from the St. Joseph Center in Little Rock

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

and another two from veteran Nathan Whatley at WW Farm and Cattle Company in the Mullberry area.

“Knowing who you buy from is very important and makes visual selection more a matter of making sure the animals have a healthy appearance with no visual genetic defect. The goats we purchased came from someone I didn’t know well who was downsizing, which may partially explain their unexpected deaths,” Levi surmised.

The pureblood Angus heifers will not be bred until they are 24 months old to minimize birthing issues, which means they have another year to go before breeding. Then Lady Luck smiled. Nathan was looking for a temporary location for a breeding bull to allow recovery to breeding weight and agreed to loan the bull to Sortomme Family Farms. The heifers will be ready to breed about the time the bull should be back to breeding weight.

Levi and Brianna’s goal is to build a herd of 40 NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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cows and to sell high quality, grain and grassfed, fresh beef on the hoof.

“My wife brings a lot to the table,” Levi said. “She worked full time as a vet tech many years before coming to Arkansas where her veterinary expertise is valuable.

She is a military spouse and full-time farmer as well as bookkeeper, sales manager social media coordinator.”

Because of Levi’s strong belief that the military and agriculture are a natural pairing, he joined the Farmer Veteran Coalition, founded by Michael O’Gorman in 2007. Levi and Brianna were part of the driving forces behind the founding of Arkansas’ chapter, Arkansas Farmer Veteran Coalition which is the most recent addition to the coalition.

The organization also operates under the label Arkansas Homegrown by Heroes in the media. Regardless of how natural the pairing of military and agriculture is, entering the industry has numerous challenges, often compounded by personal challenges especially transitional difficulties including PTSD. The chapter took over a year to organize and is composed of a board with both Levi and Brianna being board members, as well as a diverse group of advisors with direct access to legislators and a wide range of assistance. Easy access to people knowledgeable about information sources including grants and programming is through a website or Facebook using “Arkansas Farmer Veteran Coalition” as a search term.

“Valuable help is here,” Levi said. “All you have to do to get started is reach out because all of us are waiting for you.”

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17

meet your neighbors Submitted Photo

Starting Slow

By Terry Ropp

When Wayne Olles’ parents reduced their herd size, they helped Wayne start his own operation Wayne Olles was born and raised in Bigelow, Ark., on a small farm that was farmed by grandparents, then his parents.

After high school, Wayne attended college for five semesters before deciding he was “smart enough” and was unsure what direction he wanted to take.

Consequently Wayne’s soon-to-be wife Bobbie joined the Air Force and they left Arkansas a few years. In 1993, the couple returned to the Natural State, whereupon Wayne enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard. The couple then used the G.I. Bill to finish their degrees at the University of Central Arkansas and American Military University. Bobbie became a junior high school math teacher for 16 years before working for the Arkansas Department of Education in licensure, while Wayne earned a degree in military management and is a maintenance manager for the Arkansas National Guard.

When the couple moved back, Wayne’s parents, Leon and Laura, provided a place for Wayne and Bobbie to live. In return, Wayne helped his father with a 55-head commercial cattle herd, especially during the haying season and when the cattle needed to be worked.

Later Leon decided to downsize and gave Wayne and Bobbie 10 cows to start their own herd. Now Wayne and Bobbie use the Olles family land for a Beefmaster and Beefmaster-cross herd of 40 females bred by a registered Beefmaster bull. Because both Wayne and Bobbie work full time, the bull remains with the females yearround and calves are marketed in groups weighing 550 to 700 pounds.

“I really like the Beefmaster breed because of its docility and heterosis,” Wayne

18

Wayne Olles has a mix of registered and commercial Beefmaster cattle.

said. “You won’t find any wild cows here it was very high in protein and total digestsince they are off to the sale barn as soon ible nutrients. The farm has since added a as they are identified. I sell most of my commercial pig operation to have another calves as commercial beef or commercial source of meat for the farmers market. breeding stock, therefore I don’t register “I really enjoy the farmers market because many. Commercial buyers don’t care about people ask questions and I like explaining papers. On the other hand, I do have a few what we do. The added benefit is develregistered females and will register any of oping better educated consumers,” Wayne their calves with exceptional potential.” explained. “They learn that my animals Wayne retains 10 to 15 percent of the heif- are pasture raised and supplemented with ers as replacements and three to four steers spent brewers grain and now know exactly serving as a source for USDA processed what that means.” meat sold at the Conway Farmers’ Market, The pig operation is small but productive held at the Antioch Baptist Church’s park- with three Hereford/Red Wattle cross sows ing lot on Amity Road on Saturdays. and a purebred Red Wattle boar. Wayne The herd is raised on 80 acres around the likes the heritage Red Wattle breed beOlles Farms homestead, with the remaining cause it is docile and produces tender nearby 65 acres used as hay ground. Due to meat. Breeding is spread out so pigs are alWayne and Bobbie’s busy schedules, pas- ways available for processing and markettures and hay ground, consisting mostly of ing. Each sow has at least two litters per Bahia and Bermuda grasses, are fertilized year that reach processing weight in seven only as needed and are typically spot sprayed months. The pigs are pastured in paddocks for weeds, especially for horsenettle. or “pig tractors” which are moved every Recently Wayne came upon couple of days so they always a unique opportunity. A brewhave fresh grass. In addition, ery in North Little Rock, Ark., pigs receive the lion’s share of Bigelow, Ark. Flyway Brewing, needed a the spent brewers’ grain, with a farmer to pick up their spent small amount going to the cattle. brewers grain. Wayne was able “None of this would be possible to start picking up their grain. without my wife who helps feed evHe had it tested and discovered ery afternoon as well as moving pig Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

tractors and our personal laying hens,” Wayne said. “She’s with me every step of the way.”

Using the G.I. Bill was a critical crossroad in their lives. Of course, the Veterans Association has programs to help all veterans such as the G.I. Bill that helped Wayne and Bobbie get their degrees. However, less well-known programs are designed to help veterans become farmers, even if they have no background in agriculture. Farming allows veterans to be their own bosses, a quality that helps transitioning to civilian life.

Most of the programs are connected to the USDA with the Agricultural Innovation Agenda as an example. The goal is to increase America’s production by 40 percent while decreasing its footprint by 50 percent by 2050. This is to be accomplished using veterans with their diverse experiences and strong work ethic in conjunction with cutting edge technologies and practices. Student farms provide hands-on training that can result in sustainable farming certification or a two year associate degree though other programs have four year options as well. The Armed to Farm program provides training through conferences, two day workshops and weeklong training events.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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Age: 13 Hometown: Hattieville, Ark.

What is your involvement in agriculture?

Oregon

“Our farm consists of 50 mixed breed cows, two black Angus bulls, 30 steers, 10 horses (geldings, mares and colts). Plus, we have three dogs, three cats and Cinnamon Queen chickens. My dad participates in roping events, so all of our horses are cow bred and trained for roping. We love to trail ride and check cattle on our horses.”

Fult Fulton

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“I love spending time with the animals. They get to know you and love you. My animals always ‘perk up’ when they see me coming to the barn. I love to check the cows to see if there are any new babies. My favorite is vaccinating the cows, though.”

What are your future plans?

“Being raised on the farm has shaped me into who I am today – a hardworking, responsible, animal-loving country girl. My dream is to go to college to become a small animal vet, and I want to own my own clinic and farm. I will definitely have lots of animals and love every one of them.”

What’s the best advice about agriculture you have received?

“My parents have always encouraged me to be active on the farm. There were days that were cold or rainy and I didn’t want to do my farm chores, but I always had a great feeling when I would push and go ahead and do it. Never give up – the animals depend on us.”

What advice would you give to other young people who want to be involved in agriculture?

“Living on a farm has taught me responsibility and how to care for animals, not only when they are well, but also when they are sick. Life lessons happen daily on the farm, and I learn something new every day. It’s a lot of hard work, but worth it.”

www.ozarksfn.com • 1-866-532-1960

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Awards: “I began showing Poultry Chain in 4-H when I was in kindergarten, and I showed for five years. I also showed Quarter Horses and mini ponies in 4-H. I won several awards with my horses, such as lead-in class, walk/trot class and also placed in the queen’s contest. I participated in sewing, cooking, BBQ and 4-H speech contests.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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I

t seems like just yesterday I was writing my column kicking off the new year with tips on how to update financial statements and budgets. Fast forward, we are now heading into the holiday season with all the Erin Harvey is a CRCM, hustle and bustle upon us. As you know, the year Vice President at 2020 has been anything but “normal” and I cringe thinkCommunity ing about it, but the next big hurdle we tackle in addition National Bank & Trust to gift giving is… tax season. I’m sure you are thinking in Lamar, Mo. She why worry about taxes now? can be reached at Don’t wait until the last minute; 2020 taxes could be erin.harvey@ tricky. Generally, you will have your expenses and incommunitynational.net come, but this year we also have various forms of government payments from federal aid such as Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. This fall may be one of the more crucial years to meet with your tax adviser early and often to review your cash flow and tax situation. I highly recommend scheduling a time to review your cash flow needs, including principal and interest owed on debt through the end of the year, and calculate the tax consequences of selling grain and livestock before year end. Year-end tax planning is one of the most valuable exercises to go through. It’s also important to remember, what works for one operation might not work for yours, so you have to decide what is best for you. By planning now, you can take advantage of strategies to hopefully lower your tax bill far in advance of filing.

When necessary, include your lender in these conversations, too. Good ag lenders understand the tax game and may be able to help with a short-term operating loan extension, allowing you to prepay some input costs before year end. Lenders may also help calculate capital debt repayment requirements for the next year or determine how much cash you need on hand to meet your current debt obligations. This will allow you to sell what you need to sell and carry over what you can to the next year. Ag lenders want to know that you have a certain level of financial understanding to operate and run your farm. Being able to have the conversations about your farm’s financials gives lenders the confidence in your ability to run a successful farm business. Also, talk about your financial goals. Are more cattle or acres in your future?

Another area I urge customers to dive into is their insurance policies and coverage. Sit down with your insurance agent and make sure all the changes in your balance sheet are reflected. Did you trade tractors? Did you build a new barn? Are they covered? Are your life insurance policies enough to cover all of your debt and provide for your dependent’s future?

Also, verify your beneficiaries on bank accounts to ensure correctness. Taking the time to review these small things can help alleviate risk in the future.

On a final note as we head into the holiday season, I urge each of you to share the positivity in our industry. There is so much to be excited about when it comes to the future of agriculture. The more we focus on the positive bright future of the industry, the more we progress.

I urge each of you to speak up and tell your story of how great farming is for raising a family, sustaining your community, and feeding the world.

I’d like to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

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farm

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Making farming

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Silvopasture in the Ozarks

By Klaire Howerton

Cattle producers can make timber work in their operation The Ozarks features a great deal of wooded land and when utilized more productive stands of timber to develop that producers can then harvest and sell for thoughtfully, timbered pastures (also known as silvopasture) can make a profit.

If the trees in a producer’s silvopasture system produce nuts, this can provide an addia beneficial addition to livestock grazing and management programs, tional source of nutrition for livestock. Hogs are especially keen to utilize acorns, walallowing producers to get the most out of every square inch of land.

Trees and wooded areas are necessary year-round simply as shade and windbreaks, El- nuts, hickory nuts and so on.

There are some things to watch for don Cole, livestock field specialist for when utilizing silvopasture. Some types the University of Missouri Extension, of trees can create health issues if the explained. Wooded pastures can be uticonditions are right. Wilted wild cherry lized as winter areas for livestock, but if leaves, oaks, buckeye and some locusts calving, Cole suggested producers concan produce toxins. Cole said poisoning sider how easily they could get to a cow is typically rare, but is possible. Producor calf that needed help in a forested area ers will want to identify the types of before placing livestock there. trees within their pastures to be aware With some management and planThe deliberate integration of trees and grazing of any potential issues. ning, wooded areas can be more than livestock operations on the same land. These Dirk Philipp, associate professor of anjust shelter, They can also grow grass, as systems are intensively managed for both forest imal science for the University of Arwell as provide additional sources of forkansas System Division of Agriculture, age, and even create added income off products and forage, providing both short- and said the best thing producers who are of the land in the form of timber sales. long-term income sources. considering silvopasture can do is apTo create effective silvopasture, proproach it with realistic expectations and ducers need to manage both the livea small-scale mindset. stock and the trees.

“Establishing silvopastures of any kind Trees will need to be thinned enough to permit sunlight to reach the ground for grass growth, and livestock will need to be will take an investment in time and money,” Philipp said. “Part of the costs can be offset rotated frequently through silvopasture areas to avoid damage to the trees. While the with timber sales from thinning, but it is certainly best to have a budget in mind. Forage, management is twofold, the symbiotic relationship between the animals and the trees is if established in silvopastures, may not be nearly as productive as in open, dedicated pasvery efficient. If the trees are thinned enough to let grass grow and animals are rotated ture areas. Forestland is forestland for a reason, so establishing common forages may take regularly, the livestock will clear and eat the underbrush, as well as the grass, allowing some dedication and creativity.”

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What do you look for in a tractor?

22

“I first look for a New Holland and then for versatility so I need fewer pieces of equipment.”

“I look for affordability so I prefer used tractors in excellent condition.”

Bob Spears Washington County

“I want to go to a good dealership that will stand behind their product and buy a tractor that will hold up and hold its value.”

Wayne Olles Perry County, Ark.

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Zach Andrews Ouachita County, Ark.

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Optimizing Farm Vehicle Performance

By Klaire Howerton

Maintenance on farm vehicles is often overlooked A farm truck is often one of the most valuable pieces of equipment a producer has at their disposal.

Many farm trucks are used daily and are an integral part of chores. Despite their importance, sometimes maintenance on these vehicles falls by the wayside. When caring for livestock daily, it is easy to forget that trucks need care sometimes too.

Following a few tips can make a farm truck’s performance improve and keep it on the road longer.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Producers will want to pay attention to the mileage or hours on their vehicle to know when maintenance is required. Newer truck models have warning and indicator lights to alert the user of repairs or servicing needs.

If a farm vehicle has warranties of any kind, routine maintenance will reduce the risk of invalidating warranties, which can make a big difference if a part wears out or breaks and needs replaced.

Winterizing Vehicles

While maintenance and servicing are important year round, Mark Hanshaw, truck and trailer sales associate with Wood Motor Company, explained these tasks are especially important heading into winter as producers fire up hay trucks to feed their stock.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

“Make sure it is ready to go before you need it,” he advised.

Hanshaw encouraged producers to check over the electrical systems, replace all filters, check battery cables for corrosion, check the air pressure on the tires and ensure appropriate fluid levels.

Radiators should be checked, and on older vehicles, Hanshaw recommended flushing as part of winter servicing. He also noted that rodent damage on vehicles has been a notable issue within the past couple of years. Producers will want to do a very thorough check under the hood for signs of mice, rats, and squirrels and perhaps, Hanshaw suggested, recruit a couple of barn cats.

Check Things Over

Outside of routine maintenance, a quick once-over of a farm truck a few times a week can help catch small issues before they create larger ones. Pay attention to the lights on the dash, walk around the vehicle and observe the tires, pop the hood and look for any leaks or cracks.

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Farm trucks are typically quite tough, but just because they can do something does not mean they should. If it is an option to avoid driving over an exceedingly rough area, or if a trailer load can be made a little lighter, do so.

Being gentler with a vehicle when possible will make it hold up better for when it is not.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

23

farm help

Extending the Life of Equipment

By Klaire Howerton

Protecting your investment through routine maintenance Farm equipment such as tractors, plows, sprayers and other machinery represent a large but necessary financial investment. It is in a producer’s best interest to keep this equipment running smoothly and safely for as long as possible.

The first step towards extending the life of farm machinery is to understand how it works. This is where owner and operator manuals can come in handy. Even if a producer is familiar with machinery, purchasing an updated model of a tractor or other piece of equipment can present new options and challenges. Taking time to peruse the manual can help identify potential pitfalls before they happen.

Routine maintenance is what keeps farm equipment going strong.

Most tractors require maintenance per number of hours in use. The manual will indicate what type of maintenance needs carried out when for components such as electrical systems, filters, tires, fluids, etc.

Keeping a record of the maintenance performed will not only keep a producer organized, but will also come in handy if the piece of equipment is ever sold or in the event that a warranty needs cashed in on a part.

Farm equipment, especially tractors, require a great deal of lubricant to run properly.

Producers will want to ensure they are using the right type of grease or oil on the right component; again, the manual will provide this information. Establishing a regular lubrication schedule will help keep equipment out in the field where it belongs instead of in the shop.

Mark Hanshaw, truck and trailer sales associate with Wood Motor Company, explained there are several diesel fuel additives on the market that have a lubricant component.

This can be helpful to run through the tank if a producer is using newer diesel fuel containing less sulfur.

Whatever product a producer opts to use, Hanshaw said fuel additives “are always money well invested.”

The quality of fuel used will impact the longevity of equipment, so make sure it’s good.

Hanshaw advised producers to purchase high-quality diesel fuel from well-know and reputable fuel stations for their valuable equipment.

Keeping farm equipment under cover will help extend its life. This will prevent unnecessary wear and tear from being exposed to the elements, which can cause premature rust and other issues. Having a rodent management plan to keep them out of the shop can prevent costly damage to expensive equipment.

Winterizing equipment will keep it going through the hardest months of the year. This can be accomplished by making any needed repairs, replacing filters, running fuel treatment through the tank and even purchasing a heater core for a diesel engine block.

For equipment such as sprayers, producers will want to clean and flush the system before placing it under cover for the winter.

EXTENDING FARM MACHINERY LIFE 1. CHECK OIL Check your vehicle’s manual to see how often the oil needs to be changed. If it needs changing, be sure to replace with an oil that adheres to manufacturer specifications. If you are changing the oil it is also worth changing the filter too. As once it gets full, it will start bypassing unfiltered oil directly back into the mix and could cause engine damage.

2. DON’T FORGET THE AIR FILTERS An engine’s air filter prevents small particles from getting inside and damaging internal components. Air filters can get clogged with dust, making it harder for the engine to breath, which is necessary to keep it running.

24

3. TOP OFF HYDRAULICS It is imperative to ensure tractors and other equipment have the correct hydraulic oil at a suitable level. Failure to do so puts pressure on pumps and can lead to costly contamination-related damage.

4. CARE AND MAINTENANCE While your farm machinery is in the workshop it’s worth taking the opportunity to clean off the grime, grease moving parts and check antifreeze/coolant levels.

— Source, The Witham blog

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

farm help

50x100x16

Preparing for the Cold

By Klaire Howerton

Save time in the bitter cold by prepping now for Old Man Winter’s arrival As cold weather approaches, producers can save themselves a headache down the road by making some winter preparations ahead of time.

Set Up Shelter and Windbreaks

Fortunately for producers in the Ozarks, it is rarely necessary to worry about shelter requirements.

“Farm animals, in general, are pretty well equipped to cope with winter-time conditions in south Missouri,” Eldon Cole, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, explained. “The exceptions are when it drops below 20 degrees with wind and/or wet weather. Of course, the most vulnerable are newborns. We walk a fine line on providing protection for the young or maybe overdoing it by putting them in a shed where ventilation is compromised.”

Livestock such as dairy goats and swine like a well-ventilated barn or shed, but for stock like beef cattle and some breeds of sheep, outdoor windbreaks work well. Cole recommended placing animals in pastures with natural windbreaks, such as a line of cedar trees or sloped land, to the north or northwest.

A man-made windbreak can be constructed out of round bales in pastures with no natural features, or to compliment them.

Be Prepared for Chilled Calves

If producers are calving this time of year, it pays to have a plan of action for coming across a chilled calf. Cole explained there are NOVEMBER 30, 2020

several ways to warm up a badly chilled calf. A common method is placing the calf in a heated pickup cab, if the producer can get the calf away from the cow safely. Bringing the calf inside the farmhouse for a bit can also help warm them up. Keeping old towels or blankets on hand will help warm the calf and keep everything as clean as possible. A gentle bath with warm water is another method to perk up chilled calves. Some producers might want to consider purchasing a commercial calf warmer, but they aren’t cheap.

Cole advised producers who opt to purchase one recognize that one heater could potentially cost the value of a weaned calf.

Evaluate Feed Resources

It is a good practice to take stock of all available feed resources before the temperatures drop. “Due to the poor fall growing season, more forage will be required on the tail end of the winter. Consider stretching the hay or haylage with various higher energy feeds like corn, soyhulls, distillers, corn gluten feed or even some alfalfa hay,” Cole said. Having a plan to maintain or move feeding areas is also wise to cut down on mud and its accompanying health and management problems.

Consider Producer Comfort and Convenience

Producers need to take extra care in the winter as well. Replacing worn coats and coveralls and taking stock of gloves, warm socks, etc., will help keep out the cold during chores.

Cole also recommended producers consider their own comfort and convenience when it comes to the location of livestock’s winter quarters, especially if they are calving.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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Love agriculture and rural life, and have a knack for writing?

Then you might enjoy being a contributor to Ozarks Farm & Neighbor!

OFN is currently seeking freelance feature writers.

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.

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Office for more information – go.ozarksfn.com/e2m • Beekeeping Basics Podcasts – contact Benton County Extension Office for

more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/xof • Poultry Waste Management Course – Online via Zoom – Oct. 8 through Dec. 8 – to

register or for more information call 918-696-2253 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/nq8 • Southern Fruitcast Podcast – contact Benton County Extension Office for

more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/g8d December 2020 2 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Searcy, Ark. – contact the White

County Extension Office for more information at 501-268-5394 5 4-H Sponsored Craft Fair – Madison County Fairgrounds, Huntsville, Ark. –

for more information call 479-738-6826 7 Pesticide Applicator Training – 5:30 p.m. – Boone County Fairgrounds, Harrison,

Ark. – limited to 30 people – contact the Boone County Extension Office to register

at 870-741-6168 7, 14 Diabetes Online Course – noon – register anytime between now and Dec. 14

– call Pamela at 479-968-7098 to register 8 Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Boone County Fairgrounds, Harrison, Ark.

– limited to 30 people – contact the Boone County Extension Office to register at 870-741-6168 10 Pesticide Applicator Training – two classes available at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Limit

to nine people per class – Cost: $20 – Fulton County Fairgrounds, Salem, Ark. –

pre-registration is required to attend – call 870-895-3301 January 2021 5 Master Gardner Course – 10 weeks, Tuesdays, 3:30-7:30 p.m. – Pryor, Okla. –

call 918-825-3241 to register February 2021 1 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – White County Extension Office, Searcy,

Ark. – 501-268-5394 March 2021 18 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – White County Extension Office, Searcy,

Ark. – 501-268-5394

ozarks’

auction block

December 2020 5 Wright Charolais 10th Annual Female Sale – Kearney, Mo. – 816-776-3512 10 Smithey Farms Complete Herd Dispersal – 11 a.m. – Lebanon, Mo. – 563-387-0035 11 FB5K Cattle Complete & Total Dispersal Sale – 6 p.m. – Joplin Regional

Stockyards, Joplin Mo. – 850-212-1457 – 417-627-2537

Please submit a current resume and writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com

26

COMMUNITY EVENT AND PRODUCTION SALE LISTINGS!!!

Contact Ozarks Farm & Neighbor Today and Get your Community Event and/or Production Sale Listed in our Calendar or Auction Block FREE OF CHARGE. 1.866.532.1960 • editor@ozarksfn.com

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory

Farm Equipment

Edwards Limousin Ranch

Reg. Black Bulls & Heifers Cameron, Okla.

ANGUS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com

918-654-3546 or 479-414-8324

1/11/21

BALANCERS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com

Vets

BRANGUS Horsehead Ranch Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

479-267-2685 Farmington, AR

CHAROLAIS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com

cvsvet.com 30 years of serving both farm and family.

Get Spotted With Color

HEREFORDS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com RED ANGUS Watkins Cattle Company Harrison, AR 870-741-9795 – 870-688-1232 – watkinscattleco@ windstream.net ULTRABLACK Horsehead Ranch Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

Reach More Than

24,000 Readers

Who Are Primarily Livestock Producers,

By Placing Your Ad In the Purebred Corral, Call Today!

532-1960

1-866-

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

Livestock - Cattle

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!

ozarksfn.com

Call Today To Add Color To Your Classified Ad!

866-532-1960

Website

Trade Website Design For Fresh Beef

Connecting Buyers and Borrowers with a Quality Bank

Ken W. Knies

479-426-9518 kenknies1@gmail.com

“A Passion for Agriculture”

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

If You’re Looking For A Website For Your Farm, Here’s Your Chance.

I’m Looking To Do Some Trading For Fresh Beef.

Turn-Key Package Includes Full Website Design, 1 Year of Hosting and 1 Year of Domain Name Registration.

417-322-4711

Green Forest, AR hostetlerlitter@emypeople.net

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

Hostetler Litter Service

BARTON COUNTY IMPLEMENT New and Used FARM tires & wheels 100 plus used tires 200 plus wheels

Selling New Firestone Tires 606 West 12th • Lamar, MO Jack Purinton 417-682-1903

TFN

Sell Your Farm Equipment or Livestock with an Ad in Our Classified Section!

Be Sure to Ask About Our Rate Discounts!

Don’t Delay! Call Today!

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960 ads@ozarksfn.com Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

27

WELCOME TO

WE ARE OPEN AT ALL LOCATIONS !

Wood Motor Company is constantly working and sanitizing to ensure a safe environment. WITH OUTSTANDING INCENTIVES, NOW IS THE TIME TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR OR TRUCK. So for a safe, sanitized sales experience come, call, email or text.

WE’LL DELIVER TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS! — WOOD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR CUSTOMERS FOR RECORD SALES MONTHS AT BOTH LOCATIONS! — MISSOURI ARKANSAS

We’ve got 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!

WE HAVE USED CARS & TRUC KS AVAILABLE!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE @ WOODMOTOR.COM • UPDATED DAILY WITH THE BEST DEALS ON USED CARS AND TRUCKS

Wood Motor Company has been a Gooseneck Brand dealer for over 30 years, we stock the trailers that you want to buy and We will not be under sold on a Gooseneck brand livestock trailer – Period!

Email or Call Mark Hanshaw with your Specs for a Quote! mhanshaw@woodmotor.com or 870-715-9177 Financing Available!

JUST IN (3) 24’ GOOSENECK TRAILER! CALL FOR PRICE!

A SOLID NAME YOU CAN TRUST Check Out More Of Our Inventory at WoodMotor.com

WOOD WOOD WOOD WOOD

MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR

CHEVY • 877.203.6897 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 NISSAN • 888.202.2709 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 FORD • 417.952.2992 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856 CDJR • 417-708-5746 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856

INTRODUCING WOOD MOTOR COMPANY POWERSPORTS

Your Premier Powersports Dealer

824 N Main Street • Harrison • AR 72601

870-741-9500