OFN December 13, 2021 by Eric Tietze

Country Christmas • Farm Programs & Incentives

An Unlikely Endeavor Davis Freedom Farm came to be in the wake of COVID-19

From Solider to Tamworth breeder DECEMBER 13, 2021 • 40 PAGES

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 14 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Bill Wehlage is among the top producers of registered Tamworth pigs in the US

A New Line for Gray Farms Parker and Carlee Gray plan to go direct to consumers in 2022

Government-funded Farm Programs

Considerations when applying for cost-share assistance

rumor mill

OKFB recognizes farm families: The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership committee has recognized nine farm and ranch families from around the state for the 2021 OKFB WLC Farm & Ranch Family recognition program. One family was chosen from each of OKFB’s nine districts. Each 2021 Farm & Ranch Family was recognized at OKFB’s 2021 annual meeting in Norman, Okla. Families received a cash prize along with a custom sign to hang at their farm or ranch gate. From the Oklahoma Ozarks, Jared and Alisen Anderson of Miami, Okla., were selected to represent District 6. Born in Australia Jared spend much of his early life on a wheat, milo, cotton, cattle and sheep operation. After experiencing a seven-year drought, his family returned to the United States to farm and ranch in northeastern Oklahoma on part of the land he and Alisen care for today. He and Alisen – alongside their three children, Grace, Colton and Piper – today grow wheat, corn and soybeans, and also help run the family’s cattle ranch. Raised around her grandparents’ livestock and grain farm in northern Indiana, Alisen loved agriculture from an early age and had a deep desire to share it with others as an educator. Her dream became reality as she began her career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College shortly after finishing her bachelor’s degree and marrying Jared. Mere months into her job as an academic adviser, Alisen was named an agriculture instructor at the college. Interns wanted: The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is looking to help the next generation of extension agents get a running start toward a new career that’s focused on helping others. Extension, the part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is launching its first summer internship program in decades. The extension service is a unique county, state and federally funded service dedicated to technology and knowledge transfer to the public, begun in the early 1900s.The program will accept between six and nine applicants for the 2022 season, which will run from May 23 through the last week of July. The internship is paid, but housing is not provided. Students entering their senior year will be considered first among applicants, followed by juniors, sophomores and freshmen. There is not currently a closing date for applications, but interested students should apply as soon as possible. College students interested in applying to the internship program should contact the Division of Agriculture Human Resources Department at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820 or visit uada.edu/jobs. Students invited to enter contest: The Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agriculture Products Center is challenging college students across Oklahoma to compete in the David Howard Food Product Innovation Competition. Students can take on the role of a food scientist and develop a new product. The competition is set to take place March 29. To have a chance at winning the first-place grand prize of $10,000, competitors or competing teams must be currently enrolled as full-time graduate or undergraduate students. For more information, visit go.ozarksfn.com/1ju

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

DECEMBER 13, 2021

VOL. 15, NO. 14

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

7 8 10 16

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

4 5

An Ozark Mountain corner post Jody Harris – Christmas memories Julie Turner-Crawford – In the kitchen

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Producing top-quality pork 8 Kimberly Davis starts her own

poultry operation from scratch Museum goes a little deeper into biblical times Eye on Agribusiness features Clarksville Feed and Supply Town & Country highlights Justin Hayes Parker and Carlee Gray to launch a new operation in 2022 Youth in Agriculture spotlights Kaylan Hammond

FARM HELP 20 The real Real Estate market 21 How much hay is enough? 22 Considerations for cost-share

assistance programs

Things to consider before applying for grant funding The right minerals are critical for a successful livestock operation

DECEMBER 13, 2021

just a

thought

LIVESTOCK, FLATBED AND DUMP TRAILERS

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Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

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evodifferences nworC yrrein J yB ’ve always been astonished by rthe farm fence construction as I have traveled from one part of the country to another – primarily in Jerry Crownover is the establishment of the corners. a farmer and former There are post rocks on the plains of Kansas, professor of Agriculture where the absence of any trees, necessitated the pioEducation at Missouri neers to shape posts out of limestone rock, and bury State University. He is a them deep into the otherwise rockless prairie ground. native of Baxter County, In the Midwest, hedge trees were harvested from the Arkansas, and an abundant supply, and put into the soil as deep as could author and professional be dug, usually requiring braces from the corner to speaker. To contact Jerry, adjoining posts, to increase strength. In the Dakotas, go to ozarksfn.com and railroad ties seem to be the corner of choice for many click on ‘Contact Us.’ farmers and ranchers, but they, too, are generally in need of brace posts. When I was attending college in Mississippi, I was surprised to find wooden corner posts of chemically treated pine with no supporting braces, whatsoever. When I asked a native why he didn’t have braces for the corners, he laughed as he told me there was 6 feet of post above the ground…and 8 feet below the ground. There was certainly no need for braces when you’ve got them buried that deep. I recently had some new fence built down at my creek farm. The fencing company used steel pipe for the corners, driven deep into the ground with an attachment on the front end of a skid steer implement. That constant force and pounding pressure, coupled with the strength of steel pipe, allowed the fence builder to drive the posts 3 to 4 feet into the ground, even in the rocky soil of the Ozarks. Still, he had to reinforce the corners with H braces. For one stretch of fence that I had built, I simply had the builder set back a few feet from the existing interior fence. As he passed by where an old gate had been, he asked,

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

If you sell meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, eggs or any other farm to table products, be sure your farm is listed on FromTheFarmToYou.com The listing is completely free. Just visit FromTheFarmToYou.com and click on “Submit Your Farm” at the top of the page.

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hristmas is away. Does that make anyone else a little bit anxious? Just me? Well, I am doing my best to keep my head above water this year and do a little bit each day to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. I reJody Harris is a freelance communications mind myself daily that is what this hustle and bustle is all specialist, gardener, about. It keeps me plugging away at an ever-growing list ranch wife and mother of of things to do. four. She and her family This year, just like 2020, had its challenges but our famraise Angus beef cattle ily has persevered. I am so thankful for the ballgames, and other critters on track meets, races and dance competitions we were able their northwest Arkansas to attend. Watching each of my children “do their thing” ranch. She is a graduate is one of my greatest privileges of motherhood. of Missouri State University. This month, we will get to attend our FIRST in-person To contact Jody, go to choir concert at our local junior high. I am so excited to ozarksfn.com and click on see all those beautiful eighth-grade smiles. I plan to relish ‘Contact Us.’ the sounds of Christmas carols through the whole experience. If the last two years have taught me one thing, it is to find joy in all the little things we have had to miss out on. As my children have grown into their teen and preteen years, their Christmas wishes have changed significantly. The little hearts who once dreamed of dollies and Match Box cars are now considerably more interested in fashion, decorations and machinery. I miss their games of pretend and I am pretty sure we are down to one child who still believes Santa Claus stuffs his Christmas stocking. Sniffle, sniffle. I love looking through photographs of when my children were little. Christmas card photographs were and still are a challenge. This year was no different. We had the perfect opportunity to get a family photograph while attending my niece’s recent wedding. We had the perfect backdrop as they were wed on land out in the country. Everyone was unusually well-behaved while someone snapped some photos of the six of us. The next day when I went through the pictures, I was so disappointed to see that my oldest child (also known as my husband) had forgotten to take off his sunglasses. Oh well! There are perfectly staged photographs and then there is the Harris family Christmas card. We are perfectly imperfect us. Thanksgiving must come and go before I will cave in and start decorating for the Christmas holiday. This year we skipped Black Friday shopping and used the day to drag out our old faithful artificial tree and all the things we use to trim the house for the holidays. I have gotten to an age where I realized I could only do it in stages and one day at a time. The first day we decorated the house and the second day we put the tree together and decorated it. I was not sure if I had a third day in me, but I offered my youngest daughter some Christmas spending money to put the outdoor lights and decorations up. She took the bait. I adore Christmas lights but since we live in the country, we are really the only people who get to enjoy them unless we have guests. They are beautiful. One of the most precious gifts I have received this year, has been the gift of service from my family. I have needed a little extra help to keep it together and it’s the greatest gift of all. Don’t let the busyness of the season short you on all the joy of this beautiful season. Merry Christmas, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 13, 2021

just a thought

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

here’s always a lot of talk about food in the Ozarks Farm & Neighbor office. We all like good food and share our successes and failures in the kitchen, on the grill or Julie Turner-Crawford in the smoker. is a native of Dallas I wouldn’t say I’m a great cook, but I’m decent. There are County, Mo., where certain things I do pretty well with; then there are others she grew up on her well beyond my culinary skills. I have grown to accept that, family’s farm. She is a and so has Bill, but it has been through trial and error. graduate of Missouri When the pandemic first hit, I got into the bread-makState University. To ing craze. Unlike some, I did not do sourdough, but I did contact Julie, call 1-866try my hand at a couple of “Artesian” breads with some 532-1960 or by email at success. My dinner rolls came out like hockey pucks editor@ozarksfn.com. more than once, but I kept trying until I found the recipe that works best for me. There are still some failures, but not as many as there once were. I recently tried to “fancy up” a plain white cake. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great, either. Several years ago, Bill insisted on this recipe for stuffed mushrooms. It had a list of ingredients about a mile long. I tried to explain to him I had never attempted to cook anything like it, and frankly, it didn’t look very appetizing. He said it wasn’t hard, and I told him he was more than welcome to give it a shot. Finally, I relented and made whatever it was. I followed the recipe word for word, step by step, line by line and measured everything as directed. As I assembled the dish, it looked like blobs. I put it in the oven, and before long, it stunk up the whole house. I was not impressed. Bill had a look of disappointment on his face when he saw the results; it looked nothing like the recipe he printed out. “I’m sure it will taste OK,” he said. — Continued on Next Page

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Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page Well, it tasted like dirt with seasoning on it that made it taste more like dirt. Bill had to admit it was not good. The mushroom whatever went over the back fence that night, and we dined on frozen pizza. He learned that evening when I say I can’t cook something, I can’t cook it. He has also learned when I say I can cook it, it’s pretty good. When we were first married, I made a big pot of chicken and dumplings, one of my favorites in the fall and winter. He refused to eat them. Why? Because someone made some when he was a kid and he didn’t like it. Fine, more for me. He did eventually try my chicken and dumplings, and now it is one of his most-requested meals. Bill thinks he’s the king of the grill and smoker, but I am actually a much better pitmaster. I understand the importance of marinades, rubs and that the low and slow method is the best way to cook; he’s all about the flames. We hosted a pretty large gathering at the house this summer, and we had our small smoker and four grills going. I had to depend on him to man the grills while cooking other

things to get ready for the shindig. Let’s just say there were several, “Jules! Come check these!” as I was running around. Thankfully, one of his nephews stepped in to help him out, and everyone went home with a full belly. No matter which one of us does the cooking, we want to make sure everyone joining us for a meal enjoys it. In this issue of OFN, we are once again sharing recipes from our readers, and they all sound delicious. It’s no wonder Amanda and I were hungry all the time while doing this issue. We hope you enjoy these recipes and pick a few to share with your family this holiday season. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a big thank you to all of the farmers and ranchers in the Ozarks for your work to provide the food for the holiday meals we share with family and friends.

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

“What the heck is that?” as he pointed to something he’d never seen before. I informed him that it was the remnants of an, “Ozark Mountain Corner Post.” They were abundant where I grew up, but I’ll admit that I’ve only seen a half-dozen or so, up in this part of the country. The fence builder was curious as to how they worked, so I was happy to share my hillbilly intellect. In areas where the topsoil is only a few inches deep, and chert rocks litter the top of the ground in every direction, innovative farmers would stick a wooden post as deep as they could into the soil (hopefully a foot, Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

but 6 or 8 inches would work. Once the wooden post was in deep enough to stand on its own, woven wire was shaped around that post, forming a diameter of 3 to 5 feet, depending on how strong you needed that corner to be. After the woven wire was in place, and tied securely, the empty cylinder of wire was filled, completely, with rock from the surrounding area. Once it was filled with rock, you had about a ton, or more, of rock that provided the fence builder with a pretty immovable corner post. The fence builder seemed impressed, as I reminded him that necessity really is the mother of invention. DECEMBER 13, 2021

From Solider to Tamworth breeder

meet your

neighbors

By Sheila Stogsdill

Bill Wehlage is among the top producers of registered Tamworth pigs in the US

As a former U.S. Army chaplain, Bill Wehlage understands a person’s temperament or in this case an animal’s temperament is very significant and important. “Animal temperament significantly affects meat quality,” Bill said. “We lead pigs, not drive them. We talk to them; we don’t shout. We guide them but do not shove and kick them.” Owner of Bacon Acres Farm, Bill started the pig operation while still in the U.S. Army. The farmer owns no electric prods, he said. “Our goal is for the pigs only to have one bad day – their last day at the processor,” Bill said. The farm has been first in sales transfers for registered pigs for the

past six years among registered Tamworth breeders in the United States and in the top three for litter production during this time, with some years being ranked the top in the nation. Tamworth Pigs have been sold and shipped to 35 states. “I deployed to Qatar for my fifth deployment, right before my retirement, and I decided to plan a pig operation,” Bill said. Bill ordered breeding stock nine months before returning from the deployment and began the operation in the summer of 2013. Bill works with the Tamworth breed beJay, Okla. cause of its vigor and ability to endure. “Tamworths are active, therefore a leaner type of hog,”

Submitted Photos

DECEMBER 13, 2021

Tamworth pigs are the base of Bacon Acres Farm in Jay, Okla.

Bill said. “They have more marbling than commercial breeds. Tamworths are pretty busy. They do not stress easily and can endure the elements quite well. “Years ago, farmers raised hogs for the lard. After World War II, lard fell out of popularity and pigs became leaner, and lard-type breeds moved away from the main focus on swine operations.” Bacon pigs denote an animal that is best suited for cuts of meat rather than lard, he said. While Tamworth’s are a bacon type, they have more pork belly than most other pigs, Bill said. Tamworths can grow to be extremely large and long. “A great-looking Tamworth should yield around pork bellies which total 16 percent of the carcass weight,” Bill said. “These cuts produce beautiful bacon that is striated perfectly between fat and lean.” The adult pigs receive a sow gestation ration which is 16 percent protein, Bill said. Butcher hogs receive a similar allowance that meets their needs, he said. “Our original breed boar, Cletus, grew to be 1,169 pounds,” Bill said. “His heart girth was 76 inches, and his length from ear to tail joint was 74 inches.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Bacon Acres Farm uses a natural breeding program. “We want only animals whose dam and sire were naturally bred themselves to be the breeding stock we sell,” Bill said. “We run two breeding herds. Each herd has a separate bloodline boar and five to eight sows. Ideally, they will farrow twice each year, averaging 8 to 12 piglets per litter.” The total headcount on the farm ranges to more than 100, he said. “Tamworths are a very old breed, first imported into the country in the early 1800s, Bill said. “The Tamworth pigs originated in Ireland, where they were known as ‘Irish Grazers,’ being given that name since they were such wonderful foragers.” About 1812 Sir Robert Peel, being impressed with the characteristic of these hogs imported some of them to his estate at Tamworth, England, he said. “It is from this place they derived their name,” Bill said. Tamworth pigs are a pasture breed rather than a confinement’ breed, suiting them for outdoor operations. They graze, root, forage and defend their young with an impressive sense of instinct, Bill said.

meet your neighbors

An Unlikely Endeavor By Michael Kinney

Davis Freedom Farm came to be in the wake of COVID-19

Kimberley Davis wasn’t particularly fond of chickens. A more apt de- lover now when I did not have the intention of actually ever loving a chicken.” scription would be to say she didn’t think too much about them at all before 2020. It didn’t take long for Kimberley to turn from being an apathetic caregiver to noThe next thing Kimberley knew, a global pandemic had hit and she soon found ticing she was learning more and more about her new tenants. her entire world revolving around raising and caring for an animal she rarely gave “After a few weeks of sitting and making sure they are eating the right foods, a single thought to just months before. because I didn’t know what I was doing, I just needed to learn from the chickens “I’m so surprised with how quickly you can fall in love with something you just to make sure they liked the food that I got and they’re OK with the water set up,” think you are making a buck off of,” Kimberley said. “I’m very passionate about it. Kimberley said. “After a couple of hours each day for a few weeks of sitting outside Everything in my life, other than my husband and my children, actually revolves and actually watching them, I realized that chickens have characteristics and attiaround the love and care I have for the chickens.” tudes and different mind sets from each other. They are very unique; they are not Kimberley is the owner and operajust chickens.” tor of Davis Freedom Farm (davisKimberley was first spurred on freedomfarm.com) in Tahlequah, to become an entrepreneur by the Kimberley Davis did not Okla. It’s slogan is “Make Hatchidea of being what economists are like chickens, but she ing Great Again.” now calling a disruptor. That is banow breeds poultry. She, with the help of her three sically someone who isn’t happy children, raises free-range chickens with the current system and tries to and specializes in selling organic change it for the better. eggs. What Kimberley had noticed was Kimberley chose an interest to the price of eggs at grocery stores start a business she had no history was skyrocketing, which was causing or experience in. In May 2020, the problems for those in her communiCOVID-19 pandemic was ramping ty. The average price for one dozen up and she was learning the ropes eggs was $1.82 in October 2021 acof being a chicken farmer. cording to U.S. Labor Department’s “It took a lot of failures,” KimberBureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, ley said. “A lot of heartbreak. But the price was around $1.40. through all of it, we are definitely “It became like a hobby at first. making progress.” Then I just decided everyone is However, Kimberley admits, it struggling during this time, so why wasn’t exactly her idea to take on don’t I start a little tiny business such a venture. and give people affordable hatching “It was actually my mother’s eggs,” Kimberley said. “That way we idea,” Kimberley said. “She is elwon’t have to rely on outside sourcderly and she wanted something to es during COVID when we have to do to pass the time while she was stay home.” living with me while she was ill. Kimberley said it began by her Then she got too ill to physically checking out community pages on take care of them and I ended up social media. There, she saw there Submitted Photo being the caregiver of her chickens. was a need. I was not happy about it at first.” “I started seeing a lot of people in the community asking if anyKimberley was a stay-at-home mother in the pre-pandemic one had any eggs for sale, but they couldn’t a whole bunch. So years. Raising three children with her husband and running a they had like $5 to work with and asked how many eggs they Tahlequah, Okla. household was enough to fill up her days. can get with that?” Kimberley said. “I saw enough of the comThen all of a sudden, Kimberley had to take on the responsibility of caring munity posts on Facebook that I thought why don’t we just go for the six chickens her mother brought home. ahead and give these guys 30 eggs for $5? Just helping people “It was chaotic to me,” Kimberley said. “I didn’t have the time for it. I who could not afford the basic necessities.” wasn’t really interested in chickens at all. Over time, I just actually fell in From there, the Davis Freedom Farm was born. The six origlove with them and I realized how great they were. I’m definitely a chicken inal chickens grew to 150 by September 2021.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 13, 2021

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After selling 70 of her chickens, the Davis Freedom Farm is currently down to 80 and plans to keep it at that size and focus just on producing quality products. “I like to focus on the science part of breeding,” Kimberley said. “Making sure that the community does somewhat get disease-resistant animals. Because we have a lot of very common diseases that can take out entire flocks. If I see one chicken has an illness, I separate that chicken. And if it does survive, we breed it for the resistance for that disease. “ The chickens include Joe and Spitz, which produce pure Spitzhauben eggs. Kimberley also has a white rooster that carries the laced gene and seven Polish girls of different colors. This allows them to produce a variety of different colored eggs. “We cross a lot of different ones for productivity on their eggs,” Kimberley said. “Or we have certain chickens we can cross to make certain color eggs. We’ve got blue, we’ve got green, dark brown, white.” Kimberley pointed out the price for such exotic eggs would normally be something those in her community could never afford. However, she has chosen to follow the same path as one of the most successful big-box retailers in the world when it comes to pricing. “It’s really high in the market. People will pay up to $200 for a dozen blue (hatching) eggs or green eggs. So people really want that and it’s expensive,” Kimberley said. “So I’m doing the Walmart version of it. DECEMBER 13, 2021

I am not charging more than $80 for that. So we take your designer chickens, but with the Walmart price.” While the Davis Freedom Farm has expanded its services and products, Kimberley hasn’t seen the market share growth that she has hoped for yet. Despite using social media, the word hasn’t filtered beyond her community. “I’m still building up traction because we do live in the country. Plenty of people do sell their eggs, so it’s very competitive,” Kimberley said. “So I don’t have a lot of feedback on what the community thinks other than the select few people who actually know what I’m trying to do. Not everyone has Facebook here where I live. So, it’s just whoever can spread the word.” It’s only been a year and a half since Kimberley first began her chicken farm, but she said she is ready for even more. But she said it’s not something she wants for herself. “I just want people to see that I am not the typical chicken breeder that oversells eggs. We take very good care of our chickens,” Kimberley said. “There is a lot of love that goes into breeding them, raising them and getting their eggs sold to the people who can actually afford them. Get them the type of chicken they want, the most beautiful chicken that they feel that they need, the color egg they want. I’m not charging an arm and a leg. I just want to be able to share with people that you can have everything you see at a decent price.”

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ozarks

roots

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

Biblical Archaeology By Terry Ropp

The Lady Linda Byrd Smith Museum of Biblical Archaeology was established at Harding University in 2017 When most people think of archaeologists, they first think of Indiana Jones and then of digging up old bones and hunting for treasure. Little do they consider the extensive work after an object has been found. Professor Emeritus Dr. Dale W. Manor’s first career was in ministry. He then graduated from the University of Arizona with a Ph.D., in biblical archaeology which then led to his connection with the long-term Tel Beth-Shemesh Archaeological Excavation in Israel. In 1996, Dr. Manor came to teach at Harding University’s College of Bible & Ministry in Searcy, Ark., with the hope of further developing the u n i v e r s i t y ’s biblical degree, while also serving as the field director for the site in Israel. Harding’s robust degree serves as preparation for ministry and as a first step towards graduate school and possibly a Ph.D. Part of Dr. Manor’s commitment involved providing Harding University honors biblical students with as authentic an archaeological experience as possible. He and his wife Sharon constructed a dig site duplicating real excavations sites for students to excavate according to rigorous archaeological procedures. Even though Dr. Manor recently retired from teaching, he is still active in the uni-

versity. He is the club sponsor for the archaeology club he founded in 1999, and is usually involved in an annual multi-day biblical convention held at the university, a tradition for the last 98 years. The multi-day event attracts a worldwide audience and typically focuses on a book of the Bible such as this year’s topic of the Book of Daniel with additional side topics such as church relations and belief issues. Finally, he travels five or six times a year across the nation for speaking engagements. For many years, Dr. Manor’s small office was overflowing with books and papers, in addition to housing numerous artifacts and reproductions. He wanted to share his collection with others by creating a museum. Although funding was a difficult problem, the solution evolved from a friendship. Through traveling occasionally to the Holy Land with Old Testament expert Dr. Jack Lewis, a Harding alumnus named Linda Byrd Smith became friends with Dr. Manor. Now and then he lent her pieces to use in seminars. A 200-year-old Bedouin wineskin made from goatskin may have been the first. The two enthusiasts bonded, and Dr. Manor occasionally obtained items from Israel for her in addition to sometimes calling while traveling

there to see if she wanted anything. Because of her deep interest and commitment to the archaeology of the biblical world, Linda offered to finance the necessary room renovation for Dr. Manor’s museum. In appreciation, the museum was named the Lady Linda Byrd Smith Museum of Biblical Archaeology. The museum, founded in 2017, contains both a permanent collection and a temporary one rotated out every two years. Museum artifacts demonstrate extensive trade during those early years with objects found in Israel coming from lands as distant as Cyprus, Greece and Egypt. The next temporary collection is in current development and will emphasize Egyptian artifacts and reproductions. Expected to be included are Egyptian tool reproductions which are anticipated to feature a replica mallet made of acacia wood as mentioned in the Bible and a reproduction of a bow drill that would have been used to drill holes in stone and wood for everyday and ceremonial objects. On some artifacts, such drilled indentations were filled with fragrant oils such as the incense frankincense and the embalming oil myrrh, two of the three gifts from the wise men to Jesus. “The Biblical narrative is rooted in historical events,” Dr. Manor explained. “I am not using archaeology to prove

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the Bible but to help others better understand the lives and cultures of those people. My goal is for students and visitors to realize the ancients were little different from the way we are today.” Dr. Manor’s clear vision of his role as an archaeologist brings to mind the old adage that the more things change the more they stay the same. Several museum artifacts stand out as examples of both the resourcefulness and intelligence of people during biblical times. One is a pottery wine vessel with four holes drilled in the upper part of the sides. These holes were sealed with hollow pottery tubes to prevent leakage but which permitted water in a stream to flow through the tubes, thus cooling the jar’s contents. Just like us, the ancients liked chilled wine and submerged the vessel in a stream or river which allowed the cold water to chill from the top and bottom. Another resourceful artifact is a container for olive oil with a pitcher-like handle “decorated” with a small hollowed disc on top. That depression contains a hole leading to the inside of the container. The purpose of the depression was to hold a small dipping cup for access to the oil. Then the used cup would be placed in the depression so that the oil on the outside of the cup would drip back into the container. Conservation was as important then as it is now. DECEMBER 13, 2021

ozarks roots

DECEMBER 13, 2021

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Two examples of ancient intelligence are the development of a square with a plumb bob little different from today’s squares and critical for the building of the pyramids. Additionally, they used scales which served as a critical element of ancient commerce. Through the thousands of years, their basic design and uses have changed little. While ancients honoring the dead, especially the wealthy, is not surprising, one of their habits is. A prized museum possessions is an ossuary, a stone box the size of a small chest that served as a type of coffin. It housed the skull and long bones of the deceased with hip bones preserved elsewhere. Body preparation was very similar to the way Jesus was prepared for burial. A body was laid to rest on a raised stone slab and then perfumed and sprinkled with spices to compensate for the smell of decay. Next it was wrapped in linen. Then, about a year later, the linen was removed and the bones placed in an ossuary. A single box could contain bones from as many as six people. The boxes were typically stored in handcarved caves with tunnels leading deeper into the hill or mountain. These typically belonged to a wealthy, multi-generational family. However, the ancients were not above littering. Empty perfume bottles were carelessly discarded in the preparation area which accounts for the large numbers of perfume bottle artifacts from ancient times. While crucifixion is a well documented ancient execution process, only two pieces of physical evidence have been discovered so far that preserve actual evidence of crucifixions have been discovered so far. The first was discovered in Israel in 1968 in a huge 2,000-year-old Jewish cemetery over. The artifact was examined by Jerusalem’s Hebrew University Medical School and determined to be a heel bone pierced by large nail with a hooked end. The second artifact was recently discovered in Italy in 2018 and was also part of a foot. Harding’s museum contains a replica of the first carefully displayed next to an actual ossuary. The replica is placed next to a piece of timber topped with a crown of thorns. Adjacent is a carefully produced skeletal foot demonstrating what the entire foot would’ve looked like. The display is chilling and compelling.

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

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History: After spending what he described as n Location: half of his life “out west.” Terry Averitt returned to his native Arkansas in the late 1990s. Clarksville, Ark. He operated a feed and supply store in New Mexico n Owner: for many years, and in 1998, about a year after return Terry Averitt ing to the Ozarks, a little store in downtown Clarksville, Ark., Ken’s Farm & Garden, came up for sale. “Seemed like the natural thing to do,” Terry said. “Running a feed store was so familiar to me. This was kind of a fixer-upper store, so we bought it, fixed it up and set it up almost exactly like the one in New Mexico. We, of course, tweaked it for local products.” Products: Terry said Clarksville Feed and Supply is a “mom and pop” business, yet they have a little of everything. “We still a little of a lot of stuff,” he said. “We are a full-line feed store with bagged feed for all livestock, but our biggest sellers are our horse feeds and our dog food.” Clarksville Feed and Supply has recently begun offering the Big V feed line, which is manufactured in McAlester, Okla. All feed is sold in bags, and Terry said 1-ton bulk bags are available. Customers can also find boots and clothing items, basic animal health supplies, some fencing items, and more. “We aren’t a big story, so we have to make the most out of our floor space,” Terry said. “We try to cater to everyone. Lawn and garden is a big part of our business. We also have a little greenhouse.” Space might be limited for Clarksville Feed and Supply, but Terry said giving the customer what they want and need will always be a priority. “If we don’t have it, we can order it,” he said. “We do a lot of special ordering for our customers every week or so and we are happy to do it.”

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DECEMBER 13, 2021

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

In Town: “I have been teach-

ing ag at West Fork High School for 26 years. Like most ag teachers, I work 12 months a year and weekends helping students with livestock and preparing for shows etc. As the years have passed, our curriculum has become more defined by state mandates. I teach two sections of a survey of agriculture which is a ninth grade introductory class. I also teach animal science and advanced animal science, as well as ag mechanics and advanced ag mechanics. My schedule is filled out with a metals/welding class. Because I n Hometown: West Fork, Ark. am the only teacher, our district must limit the number of course n Family: Wife LaDonna, and options, and these best meet local children Darci (26) Dalton (23) needs as well as playing into my and Dayva (7) strengths. The thing I like best about teaching is students asking questions, learning from the answers and maybe even graduating in a career related to those answers. I also drive a bus before and after school.”

In The County: “My wife LaDonna and I have been married for 29 years. We own 75 acres and lease multiple pieces of ground for haying or pasture. I have a herd of 50 mostly black commercial cows bred by registered Red Angus or Angus bulls ,with a Texas Longhorn used for first-calf heifers. One advantage of a Longhorn bull is that I have never had to pull a calf from a heifer bred by one. In addition, by the time a first-calf heifer has a calf out of the Longhorn/Angus cross, the calf is three-quarters Angus with the Longhorn bloodline barely visible. Since my herd is the right size for the time I have, I retain only five heifers per year to serve as replacements. The biggest challenge facing many farmers is making a profit with feed costs being the highest input factor. As a result, I prefer calves born one month before the grass turns green. That means the cows are still eating hay when a newborn needs less milk. By the time the grass turns green, the cows are in full milk production, and the calves ready for the extra nutrition to support their growth. At two months calves are vaccinated and tagged, and bull calves knife cut. When weaned at 45 days old, they receive another round of shots and are kept for at least 45 more days before being taken to market. While I feed very little grain, grain does serve as dessert so the herd is bucket trained and easy to gather to work. Importantly, the weaned calves will follow the feed bucket into the pen and I can load them up for market in only 15 to 20 minutes.” DECEMBER 13, 2021

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slaughter

market sales reports Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

bulls

(Week of 11/28/21 to 12/4/21)

11/27/21

Receipts: 1,910 Arkansas Cattle Auction A perfect late fall day greeted a standing room only † Ash Flat Livestock None Reported Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 12/5/21 crowd for this Saturday sale at Producers Auction Yards. † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported The offering included several dispersals with a large 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 60.00-99.00* number of replacement females. Compared to last month Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice † Cleburne County Livestock slaughter lambs traded 50.00-60.00 higher. Replace62.00-89.00 Steers: 135.00-142.50 ; wtd. avg. price 140.06. † ment ewes traded up to 200.00 per head higher on County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff 70.00-75.00 Heifers: 137.00-142.50 ; wtd. avg. price 140.73. Decatur Livestock Auction quality females with very good demand. Feeder kid goats Not Reported* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice traded 55.00-80.00 higher. Slaughter kid goats traded Vinita Stockyards 75.50-85.00* Steers: 220.00-220.00 ; wtd. avg. price 220.00. 30.00-40.00 higher. Slaughter nannies traded 15.00-20.00 Farmers Regional Sale Barn 50.00-89.00* Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. higher. Supply was heavy with good to very good deFort Smith Stockyards 50.00-89.00* mand. Supply included: 39% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (0% Four State Stock 25.00-93.00* Wooled & Shorn, 76% Hair Breeds, 3% Ewes, 20% Hair I-40 Livestock - Ozark None Reported † Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 27% Replacement Sheep/Lambs Joplin Regional Stockyards 63.00-103.00 † (99% Hair Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 7% Feeder Goats (97% Mid-State Stockyards 95.00* Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 12/2/21 Kids, 3% Wether Kids); 22% Slaughter Goats (49% Kids, North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † Receipts: 968 47% Nannies/Does, 3% Bucks/Billies, 1% Wether Kids); 61.00-98.00 † OKC West - El Reno Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 30.003% Replacement Goats (91% Nannies/Does, 9% Families). Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola 54.00-91.00 † 55.00 higher, Slaughter ewes traded steady to 15.00 Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Ozarks Regional Stockyards 60.00-104.00 † higher. Feeder kid goats traded 20.00-40.00 higher. Wooled & Shorn - Good 1-2: 200.00. 62.00-95.00* Stilwell Livestock Auction Slaughter kid goats traded 30.00-40.00 higher. Slaughter Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 320.00-420.00. Tulsa Livestock Auction 72.00-93.00 † nannies traded steady. Supply moderate with good Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 265.00-325.00. Not Reported* Welch Stockyards demand. Supply included: 58% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 185.00. (13% Wooled & Shorn, 77% Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 7% Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-107.50. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Hair Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 13% Feeder Goats (92% Kids, Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 145.00-180.00. 8% Wether Kids); 29% Slaughter Goats (55% Kids, 16% Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00-142.50. Nannies/Does, 12% Bucks/Billies, 17% Wether Kids). Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 85.00-110.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Hair Bucks - 1-2: 125.00-140.00. (Week of 11/28/21 to 12/4/21) Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 255.00-292.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Arkansas Cattle 20.00-58.00 † Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 212.50. Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 165.00-425.00. Ash Flat Livestock None Reported † Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 335.00-395.00. Hair Bucks - Small and Medium 1-2: 410.00-450.00. None Reported † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 255.00-332.50. Feeder Goats: 35.00-65.00* Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 225.00-290.00. Kids - Selection 1: 355.00-435.00. 22.00-59.00 † Cleburne County Live Ewes - Good 2-3: 140.00. Kids - Selection 2: 330.00-335.00. 11.00-59.00 † County Line Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00. Kids - Selection 3: 235.00. Not Reported* Decatur Livestock Auction Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 137.50-190.00. Wether Kids - Selection 1: 390.00. 30.00-66.00* Vinita Stockyards Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 115.00-140.00. Slaughter Goats: Farmers Regional Sale Barn 37.00-64.00* Hair Bucks - 1-2: 120.00-130.00. Kids - Selection 1: 350.00-450.00. 10.00-61.00* Fort Smith Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 2: 255.00-315.00. Four State 10.00-66.50* Kids - Selection 1: 350.00-410.00. Kids - Selection 3: 235.00. I-40 Livestock - Ozark None Reported † Kids - Selection 2: 235.00-320.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 160.00-245.00. Joplin Regional Stockyards 22.50-81.00 † Kids - Selection 3: 175.00-195.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 175.00-275.00. Mid-State Stockyards 76.00* Wether Kids - Selection 1: 345.00-360.00. Wether Kids - Selection 1: 390.00. North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † Slaughter Goats: Replacement Goats: 27.00-77.00 † 2 OKC West - El Reno Kids - Selection 1: 340.00-385.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 217.50-380.00. Ouachita Livestock Auction 28.00-61.00 † Kids - Selection 2: 205.00-320.00. Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid: 240.00-420.00. 15.00-69.00 † Ozarks Regional Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 180.00-240.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 135.00-250.00. Stilwell Livestock Auction 32.00-63.00* Wether Kids - Selection 1: 350.00-375.00. Tulsa Livestock Auction 34.00-74.00 † 3 Wether Kids - Selection 2: 290.00. Welch Stockyards Not Reported* 40.00-98.00 †

beef

sheep &

slaughter

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.

110

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

11/23/21

Receipts: 668 Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 50.0055.00 higher. Slaughter ewes traded steady. In the goat portion of the sale, feeder kid goats traded 30.00-60.00 higher. Slaughter kid goats traded 20.00-30.00 higher. Not enough of other classes for a market test. Supply was moderate with very good demand. Supply included: 71% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (3% Wooled & Shorn, 83% Hair Breeds, 14% Hair Ewes); 6% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 23% Slaughter Goats (78% Kids, 15% Nannies/Does, 5% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wether Kids). Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 240.00. Wooled & Shorn - Good 1-2: 212.50. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 330.00-420.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 245.00-320.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 155.00-225.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 140.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 300.00-405.00. Kids - Selection 2: 225.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 285.00-370.00. Kids - Selection 2: 245.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 200.00-255.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 180.00-240.00. Wether Kids - Selection 1: 360.00. National Sheep Summary

National Dai

Cheese: Ba $1.8575. T is $1.5880 Fluid Milk generally higher, bu institution Some Sou milk in fro needs. Cla some proc productio Midweste available have a sta to seasona based man operation shortages, F.O.B. cre East, 1.21SPOT PR BUTTER U.S. - $2.7

12/3/21

Compared to last week slaughter lambs sold mostly sharply higher. Slaughter ewes were also sharply higher. Feeder lambs compared to two weeks ago were also sharply higher. At San Angelo, TX 4,153 head sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. Western video sold 4400 ewe lambs and 280 bred ewes in Utah. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs were not tested. 3,726 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

stocker & feeder Vinita Stockyards*

12/1/21 1,338

---------

12/1/21 -----

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 12/3/21 630

St-16 Higher

-----

3-12 Higher

St-18 Higher

-----

St-5 Higher

Uneven

St-9 Higher

177.00-191.00 158.00-177.00 133.00-170.00 134.00-160.50 132.00-149.00

190.00-221.00 170.00-222.00 158.00-188.00 152.00-165.00 142.00-159.00

160.00-2.03 150.00-176.00 145.00-171.00 140.00-157.00 138.00-150.00

169.00-194.00 160.00-180.00 144.00-171.00 140.00-143.00 144.00

164.00-175.00 146.00-168.00 144.00-170.00 150.00-158.00 130.00-151.00

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

100.00-206.00 71.00-183.00 100.00-179.00 69.00-156.00 113.00-159.00

150.00-177.00 142.00-167.00 142.00-161.00 134.00-160.00 122.00-143.00

159.00-237.00 140.00-195.00 133.00-178.00 125.00-166.00 120.00-153.00

182.00-225.00 180.00-220.00 150.00-186.00 146.00-167.00 142.00-160.00

170.00-198.00 160.00-190.00 150.00-185.00 121.00-164.00 134.00-152.00

195.00-222.00 180.00-218.00 162.00-182.00 157.00-167.00 156.00-169.00

159.00-195.00 124.00-171.00 130.00-170.00 124.00-140.00 120.00-122.00

165.00-187.00 148.00-175.00 130.00-160.00 125.00-139.00 -----

182.00-205.00 164.00-195.00 140.00-178.00 110.00-147.00 115.00-130.00

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

150.00-176.00 147.00-174.00 131.00-145.00 131.00 -----

--------126.00-140.00 125.00-141.00 -----

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

----------------103.00

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

142.00-185.00 153.00-202.50 140.00-175.00 128.00-149.00 122.00-141.00

--------139.00-160.00 124.00-140.00 126.00-132.00

200.00 186.00 -------------

136.00-170.00 120.00-160.00 110.00-150.00 110.00-140.00 121.00-128.00

145.00-158.00 125.00-165.00 121.00-147.00 122.00-140.00 120.00-132.00

140.00-164.00 141.00-166.00 130.00-157.00 133.00-145.00 135.00-137.00

130.00-154.00 125.00-161.00 125.00-152.00 125.00-144.00 120.00-141.00

139.00-156.00 140.00-157.00 123.00-148.00 126.00-136.00 -----

139.00-151.00 130.00-144.00 134.00-148.00 120.00-138.00 138.00

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

90.00-163.00 70.00-153.00 113.00-151.00 41.00-141.00 120.00-137.00

127.00-148.00 123.00-144.00 124.00-137.00 113.00-135.00 114.00-127.00

120.00-173.00 135.00-168.00 118.00-158.00 106.00-147.00 -----

124.00-163.00 126.00-165.00 122.00-163.00 125.00-157.00 128.00-152.00

131.00-165.00 133.00-162.50 120.00-155.00 120.00-145.00 135.00

160.00-184.00 147.00-185.00 144.00-161.00 146.00-162.00 144.00-155.00

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

12/3/21 1,968

4-12 Higher

1-15 Higher

160.00-205.00 150.00-182.50 130.00-184.00 137.00-158.00 111.00-145.00

Fort Smith Four State I-40 Joplin Mi Stockyards* Stockyards - Livestock Regional Stoc Exeter, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ 11/30/21 12/2/21 11/29/21 11/29/21 11 2,741 1,283 8,342 1,492

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

prices

Decatur Livestock*

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 12/2/21 3,719

Blyt

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 12/1/21 381

Ash Flat Livestock✝

So 24

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 11/29/21 392

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 11/30/21 1,042

NOT REPORTED

goats

cows

NONE REPORTED

cattle

DECEMBER 13, 2021

150. 110. 115. 100 100

100 100 100 95. 90.

$240 $200

Dec. 20

steers 550-600 LBS.

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

550

cow/calf

1050

1550

Corn

Sorghum

24 18 13.02 8.04 6.14

0 Blyt

le hevil

Hele

13.02 8.04 6.12

Elain

12.97 7.99

7.69

eola

Little

Roc

168.86

145.79 *

127.29 137.00 133.37

164.33

140.96 138.06

2050 147.14

550

None Reported †

1550

None Reported † None Reported †

Not Reported * None Reported * None Reported *

2550

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 11/29/21 3,761

Welch Stockyards*

-----

St-20 Higher

St-13 Higher

4-12 Higher

7-25 Higher

3-7 Higher

-225.00 -220.00 -186.00 -167.00 -160.00

170.00-198.00 160.00-190.00 150.00-185.00 121.00-164.00 134.00-152.00

195.00-222.00 180.00-218.00 162.00-182.00 157.00-167.00 156.00-169.00

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

175.00-220.00 172.00-213.00 155.00-183.00 147.00-166.00 149.00-159.00

207.50-242.50 177.00-242.50 167.00-196.00 140.00-177.00 155.00-169.00

180.00-200.00 163.00-186.00 150.00-178.00 137.00-156.00 137.00-155.00

191.00-210.00 184.00-203.00 168.00-186.00 159.00-170.00 157.50-159.00

194.00-210.00 182.00-216.00 163.00-200.00 149.00-165.00 145.00-156.00

197.00-224.00 181.00-204.00 174.50-194.00 151.00-174.00 135.00-154.50

-185.00 -202.50 -175.00 -149.00 -141.00

--------139.00-160.00 124.00-140.00 126.00-132.00

200.00 186.00 -------------

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

165.00-183.00 154.00-189.00 137.00-165.00 138.00-143.00 133.00-145.00

202.50-205.00 174.00-213.00 135.00-180.00 142.00-147.00 143.00

157.00-181.00 150.00-171.00 133.00-160.00 123.00-138.00 120.00-125.00

----159.00-190.00 149.00-157.00 141.00 -----

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

190.00-220.00 156.00-193.00 148.00-172.00 134.50-156.00 120.00-131.00

156.00-167.00 148.00-164.00 146.00-160.00 130.00-150.00 124.00-144.00

154.50-177.00 158.00-175.00 139.50-160.00 131.50-147.00 111.00-139.00

127.45 139.94

165.37

140.25

166.09

138.18

***

166.64 *** *** ***

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

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

*** *** ***

***

*** 143.01

169.39

---------

150.30 ***

***

164.61

NOT REPORTED

7-17 Higher

143.62 139.86

163.71

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 12/1/21 1,212

165.00-179.00 152.00-171.00 145.00-150.00 145.00-149.50 -----

151.52

147.09 125.99

146.74

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 11/30/21 3,390

-----

155.76 132.75

147.31

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 11/30/21 537

147.00-167.00 141.00-162.00 130.00-145.00 123.00-144.00 116.00-138.00

164.26 145.52

None Reported *

2050

131.51

153.21

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

1050

125.35

168.15

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 11/30/21 10,400

162.50-205.00 158.00-190.00 135.00-176.00 136.00-162.00 128.00-154.50

146.38 121.78

153.93

None Reported †

St-9 Higher

DECEMBER 13, 2021

166.22 155.00

152.00

Uneven

145.00-183.00 140.00-160.00 134.00-154.00 133.00-156.60 124.00-147.00

152.29 132.85

149.26

Higher

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

128.39 *

153.29

prices

State I-40 Joplin Mid-State N. Ark. yards - Livestock Regional Stockyards* Livestock er, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ Green Forest✝ 0/21 12/2/21 11/29/21 12/1/21 11/30/21 741 1,283 8,342 3,796 567

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

153.75

Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola None Reported † Ozarks Regional 600.00-1350.00 † Stilwell Livestock Auction 975.00-1710.00 * 700.00-825.00 † Tulsa Livestock Not Reported † Welch Stockyards

5.84

6.10

Osc

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

12.67

Oct. 21 Nov. 21

heifers 550-600 LBS.

pairs

925.00-1010.00 † Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 1450.00 * Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Vinita Stockyards Farmers Regional Sale Barn

Daily Report 12/3/21

Soft Wheat

July 21 Aug. 21 Sept. 21

Week of 11/14/21

Soybeans

Apr. 21 May 21 June 21

168.90

avg. grain prices

160.00-184.00 147.00-185.00 144.00-161.00 146.00-162.00 144.00-155.00

Feb. 21 Mar. 21

(Week of 11/28/21 to 12/4/21)

131.00-165.00 133.00-162.50 120.00-155.00 120.00-145.00 135.00

Jan. 21

166.18

12/3/21

st week slaughter lambs sold mostly Slaughter ewes were also sharply higher. mpared to two weeks ago were also At San Angelo, TX 4,153 head sold. No Cooperative Auction. Western video sold and 280 bred ewes in Utah. In direct er ewes and feeder lambs were not tested. asses traded with no trend due to consheep sold per hundred weight (CWT)

$80

Week of 11/21/21

12/3/21

$120

Week of 11/7/21

National Dairy Market at a Glance

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.6025 and 40# blocks at $1.8575. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5880 (+0.0680) and blocks, $1.8575 (no change). Fluid Milk/Cream: Farm level milk production is generally steady to increasing. Bottling sales are stable to higher, but end-of-year holiday breaks for educational institutions are expected to slow Class I demand soon. Some Southeastern handlers are bringing additional milk in from other regions to help meet manufacturing needs. Class II demand is softening in California, as some processors reportedly prepare for lighter year-end production schedules. Class III orders are strong from Midwestern cheesemakers, but milk spot loads remain available at a discount. Condensed skim markets have a stable undertone. Cream demand is steady to seasonally stronger. Availability is mixed. Creambased manufacturers, along with other dairy industry operations, continue to face challenges with staffing shortages, supply chain delays, and logistics issues. F.O.B. cream multiples for all classes are 1.35-1.48 in the East, 1.21-1.44 in the Midwest, and 1.15-1.38 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.7860 - $2.8656.

600.00-1000.00 †

None Reported † Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 1075.00 * Cleburne County Livestock Auction 630.00-1180.00 † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 55.00-100.00 † Prices reported per cwt Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Vinita Stockyards None Reported * Farmers Regional Sale Barn None Reported * Fort Smith Stockyards None Reported * Four State Stockyards - Exeter 850.00-975.00 * None Reported † I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards 710.00-1425.00 † Mid-State Stockyards 650.00-1350.00 * North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † 650.00-1500.00 † OKC West - El Reno 410.00-1100.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional 150.00-1275.00 † Stilwell Livestock Auction 735.00-1585.00 * Tulsa Livestock Auction 625.00-1000.00 † Welch Stockyards Not Reported*

142.28

130.70

153.45

139.09

157.68

157.77

173.51

144.49

167.30 166.21 150.99 155.59

Week of 11/28/21

1: 285.00-370.00. 2: 245.00. Selection 1-2: 200.00-255.00. Selection 1-2: 180.00-240.00. election 1: 360.00.

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

dairy sales

$160

Prices reported per per cwtcwt Prices reported

Week of 11/14/21

1: 300.00-405.00. 2: 225.00.

cows

(Week of 11/28/21 to 12/4/21)

Week of 11/21/21

st month slaughter lambs traded 50.00aughter ewes traded steady. In the goat le, feeder kid goats traded 30.00-60.00 er kid goats traded 20.00-30.00 higher. ther classes for a market test. Supply was ery good demand. Supply included: 71% /Lambs (3% Wooled & Shorn, 83% Hair r Ewes); 6% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); Goats (78% Kids, 15% Nannies/Does, 5% % Wether Kids). /Lambs: n - Choice and Prime 1-3: 240.00. n - Good 1-2: 212.50. hoice and Prime 1-3: 330.00-420.00. hoice 1-3: 245.00-320.00. od 2-3: 155.00-225.00. ity and Good 1-3: 140.00.

mmary

replacement

11/23/21

Week of 11/28/21

ffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

Week of 11/7/21

les reports

-163.00 -165.00 -163.00 -157.00 -152.00

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

150.83 133.67 137.89 141.22

155.84

135.45

164.05

140.13

167.56

149.22

178.95

146.66

170.23 110 130 150 170 190 210 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

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

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

meet your neighbors

A New Line for Gray Farms By Julie Turner-Crawford

Parker and Carlee Gray plan to go direct to consumers in 2022

What started as a dozen cows has transformed into a growing cow/calf operation for Parker and Carlee Gray. Gray Farm is also taking on a new venture next year by offering direct beef sales to customers. “We want to branch out and finish cattle so we can get affordable, high-quality beef directly to families, and they can know where their meat comes from,” Carlee said. The first animals in their meat program will be processed this summer, and all animals incorporated into their fledging beef program will be born, raised and finished at Gray Farms. “Everything will be from our mommas,” Carlee explained. “I think this is a great time to get into this market. Folks want to know where their meat comes from, and they can see our farm, and I can tell you which mom every calf came from. You know your beef is going to be straight from our farm.” The Gray cow/calf operation consists of about 50 commercial pairs serviced by a Black Hereford bull. Carlee and her

husband Parker have full-time, off-thefarm jobs, so Carlee said allowing the bull to remain with the cows year-round is the most practical way to manage their herd. It also allows them to sell calves three times during the year and more flexibility with their new beef program. “We will be able to spread out our calves and have calves ready (for processing) on a more regular basis, which is the goal,” Carlee said. The cowherd is primarily grass-fed, with some grain offered in the winter months to help the cows maintain their condition. Calves for the beef program and feeder calves are weaned at about 9 months. Carlee said they prefer to keep the calves reach about 1,100 to 1,200 pounds, then with cows a little longer to processed for sale. allow for better growth on “Calves are grass-fed, then Pottsville, Ark. those calves. Once calves are finished on grain,” Carlee weaned, they are backgroundsaid. “We have a custom-blend ed for a period, then sold at made locally here in Pope just under a year old. Calves County (Ark.) that we are really for the beef program will repleased with. Calves start getting a main at the farm until they little at weaning to help them trans-

fer from creep feed, but we won’t push them on grain until the last couple of months before we process them.” The Grays have an established vaccination protocol, which allows their herd to stay healthy because healthy cattle produce the best beef. — Continued on Page 18 — Continued on Next Page

Submitted Photos

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DECEMBER 13, 2021

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meet your neighbors A New Line for Gray Farms Continued from Page 16 “All cows get a Vira Shield vaccination,” Carlee said. “We want to make sure they don’t have any respiratory issues in the wintertime, and calves get a workup of vaccinations, too. Those going to beef don’t get any vaccinations close to processing. We don’t give our cattle anything unless it’s necessary. We want our cattle to be raised as naturally as possible, so if anything is medicated, we hold it back until it’s cleared.” Gray Farms is a true family operation, with not only Parker, Carlee and their children – 7-year-old Alayna, 5-year-old Callen, 3-year-old Brantley and Ramsey, who is a 1 1/2 – but other family members as well. Cattle owned by other family members run with the Gray operation, and Parker and Carlee utilize the bulls of other family members when breeding their heifers, which are mostly retained from their current cow families. “We have bought a few heifers, but if we have a momma that is really good and produces a good calf and she throws a heifer,

“

so we can see how things work, With our research, we try to make things go smoother before we go to the full herd with something new. We would love to have the opportunity to go to a grazing school or learn more from somebody; it’s just finding the time.” In the future, Carlee said she and Parker hope to build their beef clientele and, possibly, develop an on-the-farm retail store. “A lot of people can’t afford or have the room for a couple hundred pounds of beef at once,” Carlee said. “We are hoping to have enough flow so people can buy what they need and not have to buy 150 pounds at a time. I hope people like the product we produce. I’m excited to fill my own freezer a little more too. People seem interested in it, and I’m really excited; a new path is always exciting.” Carlee had limited exposure to farming growing up. She said her family had a few hogs here and there, so a cattle operation was new to her. She has, however, embraced the way of life.

I was hesitant at first, and it was kind of a culture shock at how much work goes into this, but I love it.” — Carlee Parker

Submitted Photo

we are going to keep it. We like to keep those good females in our herd,” Carlee said. The Gray children are also active in the farming operation, helping where they can. “Callen can tell you from start to finish how to do any part of the operation,” Carlee said. “He can tell you how to cut, rake and bale hay.” Family-owned land and property owned and leased by Parker and Carlee make up about 400 acres, which is used for pasture and hay. The couple has been making some pasture improvements, with the goal of establishing a rotational grazing system for their farm. “We are trying and doing a little research before we jump in with both feet,” Carlee explained. “We have a small part of our herd we try things on before going to the whole herd; I guess they are our guinea pigs. We try it with the smaller herd first

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“It was kind of a culture shock at how much work goes into this, but I love it,” she said, adding that Parker grew up around cattle. “I wouldn’t change it for anything. We have done a lot of work together to get it where we want it to be. Hopefully, one day, we will get it where one of us can be fulltime on the farm. We want to grow to where our community has a source of food they can trust and rely on, and so that our kids and grow up knowing this is what we want to do and this is what’s good for us.” Deep down, Carlee said she hopes to be the one who becomes a full-time farmer, and she would love to expand her poultry operation, offering yet another line of farmfresh products. “I like my chickens, and we have just enough chickens to give us (Parker’s) grandparents eggs,” Carlee said. “If I were able to stay home, we would have more chickens and eggs to sell.” DECEMBER 13, 2021

Submitted Photo

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Kaylan Hammond By Billie Collins

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I started my agriculture journey by raising and showing livestock, beginning when I moved here my eighth-grade year. My curriculum required me to take an agriculture class. I had never experienced anything like that. This was the beginning of my journey in agriculture. Although I found the animals and plants very interesting, it was not just the raising of them that interest me, but all the different nutritional elements that accompanied it as well.”

n Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark. n Parent: LeighAnne Hammond n Siblings: Erika, Linzay and Lauren n 4-H Club: Norfork Rebels 4-H

What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/living on a farm?

“Raising the larger livestock. This has taught me responsibility, hard work, and dedication. Getting up early every morning to feed, water, and make sure these animals are safe and healthy is hard work. That is just the start of the day, I then, get home, do my homework, and get ready to exercise, groom and feed the animals before going to bed to do the same thing the next day. It takes dedication and time to keep up with everything. Working with these animals is rewarding and challenging. It teaches you to be responsible for another living thing other than yourself. These animals depend on you to make sure they are living a healthy life. It is important to do everything in your power to avoid them getting sick and if they do, you must learn how to take care of them. Learning what kind of treatment, shots and medicine is one part and knowing when a veterinarian is required is the other part. Another part is caring for common parasites and conditions like, getting rid of ringworm, hoof rot, or warts. Grooming these animals for shows including trimming hoofs, shearing, and making sure their hair or wool is just right. It can get crazy some days; however, it is worth it.

Quality Feeds and Suplements Farmers Coop can help you maintain weight gains made this summer. Ask one of our Farmers Coop professionals to help you with your livestock feeding program.

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What are your future plans?

“I am now a freshman at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. I am majoring in animal science with a minor in animal nutrition. It is my plan to continue in agriculture as an animal nutritionist.” DECEMBER 13, 2021

Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

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The Real, Real Estate Market By Ken Knies

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The real estate market in the Ozarks available. These include quality schools and is on fire. This dynamic market is beeducation options, shopping and entertaincoming prevalent in many areas ment offerings, good transportation options around the country. and the perception of a safe quality of life. We’re all hearing stories of properties sellThese and other amenities con-tribute to ing well above asking prices and getting mulresidential demand. As a result, commercial, tiple back-up offers above the agreed-upon farm and recreational properties become sale price. This is becoming commonplace more desirable as well. throughout the area. I have personally heard Here are some recent residential market stats of or experienced real estate sales contracts in Northwest Arkansas for October 2021 Year being signed the same day. This sometimes over Year: applies not only to homes but land and oth• Active Listings were 881, down 33 percent Ken W. Knies is an er properties as well. Y/Y and 14 percent for the past month (reagricultural and Let’s look at some financial considerations duced supply = higher demand) rural consultant. He that impact this phenomenon: • The median listing price increased from holds a bachelor’s Supply vs Demand: The old saying $294K to 379K (demand, location and price of science and arts holds, “They’re not making any more of it.” inflation) from the University Land is of finite supply. We’re experiencing • The average days on the market decreased of Arkansas and a a classic marketplace where there is pent-up from 36 to 26 days, a 27 percent decrease master’s of business demand, strong cash/financial positions (higher demand) administration from and limited properties for sale. It’s a perfect • Units sold increased from 965 to 1,050, an Webster University storm for a great sellers market. This set of 8 percent bump in sales (again, increasing dein St. Louis, Mo. He scenarios applies to farms, commercial, resimand) formed Ag Strategies, dential and recreational properties. Land is Info provided on-line by Coldwell Banker – HarLLC as a business in demand. ris McHaney Faucette unit focused on Demographics: The Baby Boomer genquality borrowers eration is looking to real estate as a stable, An Upcoming Bubble?: There are sevand lenders. durable asset class to hold. Given the eneral outside factors in play that impact land during rise in the stock and investment marvalues. These include available credit from kets, capital gains can be realized and conbanks and lenders and the Federal Reserve’s verted to real estate. Real estate is a “go-to-option” right now on-going policies that are keeping interest rates at historical for interim and longer-term investors alike. Flipping homes lows. However, we should realize there is a limit to how high or other properties is another subject and outside the scope and how long this pricing trend will continue. Significant and of this article. The word gets out, and people from all over accelerated interest rate increases would immediately affect the country and beyond tend to migrate toward “desirable” demand. Also, consumer confidence is a big driver in one’s areas. Given the propensity to allow more remote and work- desire to either borrow or hold tight regarding a large purfrom-home employment options, individuals and families chase or business expansion project. find moving more attractive than ever. Many will remember the low real estate cycle during 2008 Business and Employment: In addition to three of the and 2009. Hopefully, we’ve learned lessons from that period. largest companies in their respective industries (Wal-Mart, However, history does tend to repeat itself. 1998-2000 and Tyson and JB Hunt), there are many affiliated and supporting 2002-2003 were also down markets in real estate values when businesses in our area. These companies provide thousands looking at the U.S. as a whole. of jobs and contribute to the real estate demand. Many of As we step back and view the bigger picture, let’s enjoy the these supporting companies are smaller businesses are local positive impact of our robust economy while staying cognizant and worthy of local support. They, too, are significant em- of the potential for change. Every seller needs a buyer and vice ployers. versa to maintain the thriving real estate community in this Growing Pains: Rapid increases in populations create area. Careful planning is important when maintaining and imdemand. “Hot” real estate markets are typically tied to at- proving real estate. I’ll always contend our farmers and ranchtractive, accessible locations where multiple are amenities ers are the best stewards of this great asset – the land. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 13, 2021

farm

help

Making farming a little easier

Hay Quality and Quantity By Cheryl Kepes

How much hay should producers feed their livestock?

The amount of hay a livestock operation needs to meet the nutritional demands of its animals relies on many factors. The hay quality, hay storage methods, production stage of the animal and type of supplements fed should all be considered when determining how much hay to provide.

Determining Hay Quality

Before producers can determine how much hay to feed, they need to determine the quality of their hay. The higher the quality, the less hay producers will need to provide. The most reliable way to determine the nutritional value of the hay is through a forage test. “Hay testing is really the key to putting together a winter-feeding program,” Gene Schmitz, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, said. The quality of the forage is based on two factors: protein level and percentage of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). According to Schmitz, most cool-season grass hays average around 8 percent protein, but this can vary. In terms of energy, the number to shoot for is a TDN percentage of 57 percent or higher. The levels of protein and TDN in forage are impacted by the timing of when the hay was harvested. The stage of maturity at cutting, baling and storing correlates to the nutritional content of the hay. “The closer to the boot stage (point when the seed head is just emerging) the grasses are harvested, the higher the quality,” Schmitz said. If producers are looking to improve the quality of their hay: alfalfa, red clover and legumes will generally increase forage quality. Supplementing a lesser quality grass hay with a few pounds of alfalfa can infuse more protein and energy into the dry forage.

Proper Hay Storage and Feeding Practices

Other factors play a role in hay quality as well. How the hay is stored and fed can impact its nutritional value. Experts recommend getting the hay off the ground and covered to reduce nutrient loss. If feeding in hay rings, a skirt on the bottom the bale ring helps reduce waste. There are other styles of hay feeders that can minimize loss as well. Schmitz states one of the worst-case scenarios is hay that is stored on the ground, under a tree row and fed in a bale ring that doesn’t have any skirting at the base. A combination of those factors can have a big impact on the amount of hay a pro-

what do you say? What is a misconception about farm programs? DECEMBER 13, 2021

“People think only certain people actually benefit. Anyone is welcome to apply for the programs; there are more than enough resources for all farmers and producers.”

Olivia Foster Carroll County, Ark.

ducer needs to purchase, raise or feed. “Some of those losses may be up to as much as 25 percent,” Schmitz stated.

Assessing Intake Requirements

How much hay to feed also depends on the production stage of the animal and its body condition. “In general, we look at feeding between about 1.7 to 2.25 percent of body weight that they intake,” Schmitz advised. Keep in mind the higher the quality of the hay, the less fiber that is in it, and therefore, the more the animal is going to consume. Animals that have a high level of production should be fed hay with average or above levels of protein and TDN. Animals that are getting close to calving, kidding or lambing may have a restricted capacity from a physical standpoint due to the babies growing in them. In these cases, a hay higher in quality will help the animals get the nutrients they need without having to consume large quantities of dry forage. Additionally, younger animals that have requirements for high nutrient density in their diets should get forage that is excellent in quality. Poor quality hay contains a greater amount of fiber which takes longer to digest. “Because it (high-quality hay) doesn’t have as much fiber, it doesn’t take as long to process through the digestive track and the animals can eat more and get more nutrition,” Schmitz explained.

Supplementing with Grain

If producers are feeding a more mature hay that is poorer quality, lower in energy and lower in protein, the need increases for additional sources of energy input. In these situations, livestock experts recommend supplementing with grain and grain byproducts. The amount needed to feed or supplement is based on the animal’s size, stage of production, desired level of gain and level of production. There are a few key questions to consider. Are they lactating or not? Are they thin or fat? If they are stock, then how much average daily gain should they achieve? Assessing these factors will help guide the type and amount of hay and grain fed to meet the goals of a producer’s operation. Lastly, monitoring the body condition of the livestock will help determine how much hay an animal needs to be fed. Producers can use the animal’s body condition as a gauge of whether they are getting too much or too little nutrition.

“I think the biggest misconception is that cattle producers are getting all this money for programs, but the row croppers are the ones who are really benefiting from federal programs.”

Mark Phifer White County, Ark.

“What causes misconceptions is a lack of education, and not picking up the phone and calling to find out what NRCS and FSA programs can do for you and your farm.”

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Leanna Clark Faulkner County, Ark.

“Some think there is nothing for them, there are a lot of things available. I found out there were opportunities for me, like free crop insurance, because I am considered a minority farmer.”

Gayle Schleif Washington County, Ark.

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Government-funded Farm Programs By Cheryl Kepes

Considerations when applying for cost-share assistance

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Farmers may find it overwhelming when looking for and pursuing involvement in a government cost-share program. Though the options and paperwork may seem too vast to tackle, area extension specialists encourage farmers not to get overwhelmed. Experts offer several recommendations to help make the process as smooth as possible.

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Create Farm Plan First

Before applying for involvement in any cost-share program, experts recommend creating a farm plan. This includes establishing short-term and long-term goals for the farm. “Our programs are tools, they are not the objectives; they are the tools to achieve the objectives,” Joe Massey, district conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Baxter and Marion counties, Ark., said. Additionally, the programs farmers consider should align with their farm goals. District conservationists and extension specialists encourage farmers to only apply for programs that they think will benefit their operation. “The programs are supposed to work for the farmer, not the other way around,” Massey stated.

Assess Program Expectations and Requirements

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Though cost-share programs may help producers meet their goals, the program may come with requirements that producers aren’t comfortable following. The government funding may require significant paperwork, reporting metrics or long-term follow-ups. Knowing the expectations upfront will allow producers to make a decision before too much time or energy is invested. Farmers should assess the program requirements and determine if they are willing to comply with those conditions. “I think that is an important component of any group that you are going to financially participate with; to make sure you are all pulling in the

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same direction,” Scott Clawson, Area Agriculture Economics Specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension, said. “And that you have some shared goals as far as what is being accomplished with that money.” The money received in the cost-share program could have tax ramifications. Producers should ask if the income that comes from the cost-share program is going to be taxable.

Patience, Flexibility and Perseverance

When seeking funding through cost-share programs keep in mind the importance of patience. “The first thing I tell everybody I work with is, it is a slow process; it is an annual funding cycle,” Massey explained. According to Massey, there is a lot of waiting, then more waiting and after that, even more waiting. “It will try your patience,” Massey added. However, Massey encourages producers to regularly check-in with their area agriculture representative for guidance and support throughout the process.

Benefits to Applying

Cost-share programs are a competitive process. “On an annual basis we probably get about three times as many applications as we get funded,” Massey stated. “But we tell them if you are not selected for funding this go around, we will stay after it until we do get you funding.” In addition, new initiatives become available on a regular basis. If one program isn’t a good fit, a new program that is a perfect fit may be on the horizon. Agriculture representatives say not all is lost if producers are not approved for a program. Going through the process can bring about benefits of its own. “Even if denied it is usually still a good thing for the operation to go through because it helps them to formalize their financial situation or their mission and goals for their farm or ranch,” Clawson stated. DECEMBER 13, 2021

farm help

Applying for Grants By Cheryl Kepes

Information to keep in mind when seeking grant funding The thought of applying for a grant may conjure images of piles of paperwork that need to be filled out or stacks of pages that must be read through line by line. Though seeking funding through a grant may seem daunting, breaking down the process into realistic steps can make the ordeal much more manageable.

Grant Need to Know Info

First, farmers should keep in mind there are a lot of different grant programs available. “It is important to read grants carefully and make sure that your farm qualifies for the grant before spending a lot of time writing,” Courtney Bir, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, explained. When searching for grants that will fit their operations, producers should keep in mind grants can be specific to stages of the operation or the type of farm or farmer. For example, some grants may serve a beginning farmer or rancher. In other cases, grants may target a farm focusing on organic production or underserved farmers and ranchers. Experts recommend searching for grants that align with the type of operator or operation. If producers need help, specialists at county extension offices can help guide farmers find grants that are a good fit. Additionally, before applying for a grant, it is important to look into the tax implications of that specific grant.

Information Needed to Apply

Though each grant possesses its own conditions, there are some general items most grant applications require. Grants may ask for a business plan, production records or other information specific to the applicant’s farm. It is important to carefully read the information required. Though at first glance the process may be overwhelming, stay the course. “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have all of the documentation at first,” Bir said. “There may be current extension programs that can help you.” Bir points to Oklahoma State University Extension’s farm financial planning tool as an example of a method to help producers with documentation for grants or other purposes. Many states offer similar planning tools.

Some grants require producers to submit financial statements such as beginning and ending balance sheets or other farm financial records. If that is the case, there are likely area programs in place to assist farmers in collecting and organizing the information. Complying with each requirement of the grant application is a necessity. “It is important to carefully read the submission requirements, and submit all of the documents,” Bir said. “Applications with missing requirements are likely to be immediately rejected.”

What can Grant Money be Used For?

What the grant money can be used for is specific to the grant. According to Bir, it is important for the applicant to read the grant carefully and ask questions for clarification. Additionally, if producers enter the grant search with clear goals, they will have more success finding a grant that will help them accomplish their objectives. According to Oklahoma State University economists, grant money rarely pays for capital assets such as machinery, equipment, land or breeding stock. Those type of assets are more likely to be funded by loans.

Following Through

Producers who apply for grants should only enter the process if they plan to follow through with the required documentation. Grants carry penalties for noncompliance specific to that grant. “It is important to remember there is no such thing as ‘free money,’” Bir stated. “Receiving a grant includes the expectation that you will following through with your proposal and submit the documentation or other materials as outlined in the grant.”

Keep Looking

Even if producers initially fail to find a grant that meets the needs of their operation, they should keep looking. Economists say the type and number of grants available are constantly changing, so don’t give up.

For More Information About Grant Funding, Check Out These Available Resources:

H Farm Planning and Benchmarking from OSU Extension: go.ozarksfn.com/imw H Value Added Producer Grants in Oklahoma: go.ozarksfn.com/rzb H USDA Rural Development Energy Programs: www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs

DECEMBER 13, 2021

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Feeding the Right Minerals By Cheryl Kepes

Proper supplements are critical for successful operations A laser focus on the larger things in a farming operation can sometimes be all consuming. Producers may put what seems to be less important practices on the back burner. But attention to small details can make a huge impact. For instance, selecting the right mineral supplements for livestock can bring health benefits big and small.

Selecting Minerals

Typically, livestock specialists recommend three major minerals for livestock: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Trace minerals such as zinc and copper are also important in an animal’s diet. However, experts warn shepherds to be wary of too much copper for their flocks. “For sheep, we have to be very careful because the requirements and the tolerance level where it becomes toxic is pretty close together,” Gene Schmitz, University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said. During the winter months, vitamin A is an important supplement for livestock. Though green grasses and forages have precursors to vitamin A, most winter forages and hay are deficient in the nutrient. In order to more accurately determine the type and quantity of minerals needed, experts suggest testing hay and other forages for protein and energy content. “If they are really doing it right, they need to be having their forages analyzed for nutritional value,” Alan Culham, director of operations with Katahdin Hair Sheep International, said. Culham recommends producers reach out to nutritional experts in their area to help them develop a mineral program that works best for their operation.

Recommendations if Feeding Grain

In general, nutrition experts recommend cattle producers put out an all-purpose Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

cattle mineral containing a ratio of 2 to 3 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. For sheep, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is typically 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus, but this will vary from flock to flock. However, the recommendation may differ for operations that utilize a lot of grain or grain byproducts such as corn gluten, soybean hulls or distiller grain. “Grains in general have a low level of calcium in them,” Schmitz explained. “So, the more we feed grain and grain byproducts, the more important it is for us to pay attention to the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet.” Producers may need to provide additional calcium to animals in these operations in order to correct the calcium to phosphorus ratio. According to Culham, some shepherds add bone meal or dicalcium phosphate to their rations in order to boost the calcium in their flock’s calcium intake.

How to Feed Minerals

In most cases, free choice mineral is the most convenient method of feeding mineral. Livestock experts suggest putting out mixed mineral and loose salt in separate locations. There will be times animals just crave salt and will seek it out instead of mineral. Loose mineral has other advantages to blocks of mineral. “I like loose product because over time if mineral intake gets a bit excessive, you can add in some salt and slow that up a little bit,” Schmitz shared. Another benefit to using loose mineral is the ability to mix it with feed or top dress the feed after it is poured into a trough or bunk.

DECEMBER 13, 2021

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— ZONE B AUCTIONS — 12/14 Real Estate Hwy 38 – Parks, Ark. • R.W. Williams Auction Service 12/18 Real Estate Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. • Contrail Auction Service 1/8 Estate & Real Estate Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. • Contrail Auction Service

— ZONE C AUCTIONS — 12/11, 12/13 Two Day Estate Auction – Huntsville, Ark. • Arkansas Professional Auctioneers 12/13 Living Estate Auction, Kendrick, Heinen – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R Williams 12/14 Land Auction – Clarksville, Ark. – Reading Auction Service

12/20 Living Estate Auction; Alderson, Marshall – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R Williams 12/30-12/31 Czuba, Green, Beuchner, Turpin, Bradberr Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions DECEMBER 13, 2021

— ZONE D AUCTIONS —

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12/18 Estate Auction, Real Estate & Personal Property – Harrah, Okla. • JK Parker Auction Service

12/18 Furniture, Tools, Camping, Cooking, Trailers, Public Estate Auction – Mountain Home, Ark. • Walker Auction Service 1/1 Judsonia Sale – Judsonia, Ark. • Phillips Auction and Savage

12/19 Online Auction; Firearms, ammo, knives – Enid, Okla. • Lippard Auctioneers 12/21 Wiggins Online Only Retirement Auction – Lahoma, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 12/22 Botts Auction – Enid, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 1/4 Gahr Estate – Carmen, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 1/6 Richardson Auction – Perry, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 1/8 Real Estate Auction – Geronimo, Okla. • Stallings Auction Service

— OUTSIDE AREA — AUCTIONS 12/15 Hane Estate Home – Enid, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 12/15 Online Auction; Ford Edge, Dodge Ram, Etc. – Enid, Okla. • Lippard Auctioneers, Inc. 12/16 Starks Auction – Enid, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers 12/16-12-17 Farm & Heavy Equipment Auction – Wynne, Ark. • Witcher Auctions

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Articles inside

How much hay is enough?

Things to consider before applying for grant funding

Museum goes a little deeper into biblical times

The real Real Estate market

Considerations for cost-share assistance programs

Kimberly Davis starts her own poultry operation from scratch

Producing top-quality pork