Ofn dummy 12 29 14 by Eric Tietze

Life Long Cooperation DECEMBER 29, 2014 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 8, NUMBER 15 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Farm programs have allowed Larry and Deloris Wells to work their farm more efficiently

Putting on the Pounds Hybird vigor and pasture management increase gains on Jimmy Brown’s farm

Farm Programs Issue

Is Your Forage Crop Covered? A look at what crop insurance options are available for your farm

Know NRCS, Know EQIP 3 farm programs that might work for you

DECEMBER 29, 2014

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

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Oklahoma Auctioneer Wins World Championship Qualifier: Justin Dodson, of Welch, Okla., was named Champion at the 2015 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) Midwestern Regional Qualifying Event. A WLAC-contest veteran, Dodson has competed 12 times. Local Food, Local Places: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will work in partnership with three Arkansas communities in an effort to make locally grown produce more locally available under a new federal initiative. The White House Rural Council announced that North Little Rock, Flippin and Osceola, Ark., were among 26 communities nationwide that will receive technical assistance in integrating various local food systems into viable economic models through its Local Foods, Local Places initiative. Scholarship Available for Students Interested in Plant Science: The application period for the $1,000 Janet B. Carson Scholarship for Arkansas high school graduates has opened and the deadline to apply is March 10. The scholarship applies to the 2014-15 academic year and will be awarded to an Arkansas high school graduate who will attend an Arkansas college or university. Preference will be given to a resident who is pursuing a post-secondary degree in a plant science related field, including but not limited to horticulture, botany, agronomy, forestry, plant science, turf management and landscape architecture or design. The application can be downloaded from the Cooperative Extension Service website. Oklahomans Raise Money for All American Beef Battalion: The All American Beef Battalion received its largest donation in the organization’s history in Oklahoma City. For the fifth straight year a special calf auction was held at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. All American Beef Battalion Founder Bill Broady of Ashland, Kan., watched as Oklahomans raised $61,078. “It’s phenomenal, its the largest amount ever raised in any single function for us,” Broady said. Over the last five years – the support of the National Livestock Credit Corporation, affiliated companies and cattlemen have helped feed thousands of military personnel a ribeye steak as they come home from being deployed overseas. The 2015 calf was donated by 3C Cattle Feeders and the Clyde Runyan family of Mill Creek, Okla. Broady said 100 percent of the money raised goes toward the mission of showing appreciation and respect for the Armed Forces Military Service members.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

DECEMBER 29, 2014

VOL. 8, NO. 15

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover – Wishing you a Merry Christmas

Dusty Richards – Remembering great cowboys

Lynzee Glass – Women farm managers gather

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Bill Hoffman continues to learn about farming by attending classes offered through the Extension

12 18

The Bruno-Lincoln FFA Chapter remembered

Eye on Agribusiness features Mountain View Meats

To make decisions about genetics Jimmy Brown consults his meticulous records

Town and Country features Alex Bryan Girdner

Jack and Tammy Simmons adjust to raising chickens

Youth in Agriculture spotlights Kylee Sigmon

Larry Wells shares his experiences using farm programs

FARM HELP 23 Facts and myths about farm programs 24 Does forage crop insurance fit your needs?

Scan Me Or Visit ozarksfn.com OzarksFarm

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20 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

A look at three programs under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program

DECEMBER 29, 2014

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PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

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What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Sandra Coffman

Life Is Simple

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

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hroughout the year there are a lot of days to which I look forward, reveven onwthough orC yrrone eJ yB of my good friends recently reminded me that, at my age, I should look forward to Jerry Crownover is any day I can get out of bed. a farmer and former For example, I eagerly anticipate the first new professor of Agriculture calf born each February because that signals the Education at Missouri start of an exciting time here on the farm: cows State University. He is a calving almost every day, making sure mother native of Baxter County, and baby are fine, tagging the little ones, and Arkansas, and an even helping the few momma cows that need author and professional a little assistance. I also look forward to the last speaker. To contact Jerry, one to be born, hopefully sometime in April, but, go to ozarksfn.com and more often than not, sometime in August. click on ‘Contact Us.’ I also relish the day when I climb into the tractor to begin mowing the first cutting of hay every spring, because that, too, is the signal for a new season and all of the optimism that accompanies it. Within a couple of months, however, I look just as forward to baling the last bale and putting the equipment away until the next year. Of course, I am always apprehensive when I sell the calf crop in the late fall. After all, it’s the only payday I have for an entire year and you would think that day would be the one that stands out from all others, but it’s not. No, the time that I savor more than any other is Christmas Day, and more specifically, Christmas morning. You see, for more than 30 years, that has been my happiest time because our family always gathers on Christmas Eve to enjoy each other’s company, partake of an immense amount of delicious snacks, watch a movie together (the same movie every year), and open presents. It makes for a tiring evening, but has always been a wonderful time.

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

Administrative Eric Tietze, Vice-President Operations Kathy Myers, Marketing Manager Sandra Coffman, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Kathy Myers, Production Sales Circulation Stan Coffman, Circulation Editorial Lynzee Glass, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Dusty Richards, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Marcus Creasy, Gary Digiuseppe, Jack and Pam Fortner, Klaire Howerton, Pam and Terry Lamb, Terry Ropp, Adam Wolfe About the Cover Larry Wells knows that staying current in the cattle industry will lead to success. Read more on page 8. Photo by Marcus Creasy 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., 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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All We Need’s More Rain By Dusty Richards

Western novelist Dusty

Richards and his wife ell the first week in December Pat live on Beaver Lake means Stetson hats show up in northwest Arkansas. in Vegas for the Professional To contact Dusty, go to Rodeo Cowboys Association’s ozarksfn.com and click on conference and prequel to the ‘Contact Us.’ Wrangler Finals Rodeo. Pat and I have been to Vegas several times before for this meeting and went with several fellow board members from the Rodeo of the Ozarks this year. I had been to the rodeo itself many times before so I watched the first performance at South Point Hotel on the screen. Let me tell you something, if you can ever go, find some tickets and go to at least one performance in Thomas and Mack Auditorium, the shrine for the Finals on the University of Nevada’s campus. The electricity and excitement of the crowd really is heart warming. A cab driver told us, and they knew all about Vegas, that they are building or are going to build an arena on the Strip to host the rodeo as part of the new deal after Florida originally out bid them. It’s been 30 years since Las Vegas stole the rodeo away from Oklahoma City. They tried hosting the NFR in Los Angeles and Dallas but no one came. In early 1970s a great man in rodeo proposed they take it to Oklahoma City. The other night I re-watched C J Coop, the rodeo movie made in 1971. They showed scenes from that performance. It was not a sellout, which was obvious for a man who can count empty seats at a rodeo but then State Senator Clem McSpadden and his partner Stanley Draper at the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce went to work. They and the rodeo announcers sold folks on going to the gate buster of them all, the National Finals Rodeo. We took a busload from Springdale and went for years. Vegas must have seen the sold-out crowd in Oklahoma City and put up the high bid. It is hard to believe but it has been out there for 30 years now. They almost lost it to Florida but better heads prevailed out there. They are scrambling to keep up with the stiff competition from other states that allow gaming. A great cowboy had a saying in an interview I had with him. It was about the change in the rodeo cowboys’ lives after the National Finals went skyward. He said, “Clem McSpadden made golfers out of us guys, we were bums before that.” I knew what he meant. In 1976, roper and steer wrestler, Tom Ferguson was the first cowboy to make $100,000. Great athletes made that much in events at Vegas this past month. Many folks can recall when Clem announced at Springdale. He served his state in the State Senate and was even elected to Congress. But he told me he hated Washington D.C., so badly he came home after that one term. Ran for Governor and lost. But take nothing away from the nephew of Will Rogers; he was a leader for the sport of rodeo and its advancements. I thought it was so nice to see Harry Vold, long time stock contractor who you saw for years ride out on his black horse at Ft Smith’s Old Fort Day’s rodeo, open the show that first night. It was the 30th anniversary of the PRCA being in Vegas. I spoke to Harry afterwards and I asked him how old he was? “I’m 90 years old,” he said. Well to all the old devils, hats off, the kids are doing fine in the big pen in Las Vegas. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, Dusty Richards

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DECEMBER 29, 2014

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’ve recently had the privilege to join 15 other farmwomen in attending Annie’s Project, a risk management educational course for women, hosted by the Webster County UniLynzee Glass graduated versity of Missouri Extension office. from Missouri State For those of you that may not know what AnUniversity with a nie’s Project is, I’ll briefly discuss its background degree in Agricultural as described by the University of Missouri. AnCommunications in 2008. nette Fleck grew up in a small town in northern She grew up on a family Illinois. She married a farmer and spent her lifefarm in Dallas County, Mo. time learning how to be an involved partner on To contact Lynzee call the farm. Through it all Annie kept records. She 1-866-532-1960 or email knew deadlines, reporting requirements and tax editor@ozarksfn.com. issues. She did the little management jobs that supported big management decisions. She kept the farm business running, she kept the family running, and she kept her marriage running. In 2009, Annie’s daughter, Ruth, started Annie’s Project to share Annie’s experiences with farmwomen living and working in a complex business. To date, Annie’s Project has been taught in 34 states. The six-week course is designed for farmwomen who have a passion for business and who want to be involved on the farm. Some of the topics that will be covered include business plans, retirement and estate planning, insurance, risk management and much more. — Continued on Next Page

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just a thought Keepin’ it Country Continued from Previous Page I signed up for the course in hopes of learning some information I can share with our readers. In the future you may see some articles that cover the topics discussed during the 18-hour course. At the time of writing this column I’ve only attended two classes but have been extremely impressed so far. I have to recognize Dr. Gordon Carriker, agricultural business specialist and Bob Schulteis, natural resource engineering specialist, for coordinating the class. These two gentlemen have dedicated a lot of time and put in a lot of effort into teaching

this class and I am grateful to be able to learn from their expertise. If you are a woman farm manager reading this column who is interested in attending Annie’s Project I highly recommend it. The easiest way to inquire about a class near you is to contact your local University Extension Center. Best wishes,

Life is Simple Continued from Page 3 On Christmas morning, I awake long before everyone else and get on my way to feed all the cows. With the coffee shop closed that day, I get an earlier start than the other 364 days of the year and find things in that perfect state of quiet and peace. I’m comforted by knowing that my children are safe under my roof again, even if it’s just for a couple of days. I’m also content to know that my wife is happy, as evidenced by her singing along with the Christmas music that was playing when I left the house as she begins to prepare the huge holiday meal. Now, it’s just me and the cows – with no hurried schedule or list of things to be done by days end, because it’s Christmas!

I take a leisurely pace as I arrive at each farm and unroll hay for the awaiting cows. Even they seem calmer with the absence of passing cars and normal noises. I usually give them a little extra and even find myself talking to them as I walk around the creatures. It’s truly a peaceful and enjoyable task and, for that one morning, I can quietly reflect upon the past years, and more fully appreciate the wonderful life I have had. So, here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas. I hope that everyone can find their own peace, joy and contentment this holiday season.

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cows. Upon seeing the mixed group, Bill told her, “One thing about it, you’re not prejudice. You have everything from a Jersey bull calf to a part Brahma cow.” Jodi responded, “If an animal had pretty eyelashes, I bought it.” Bill ended up selling most of that original herd keeping only some of the Brangus heifers. Photo by Terry Ropp Then Bill bought 40 calves and began his herd in earnest. He started with Brangus heifers and a Black Limousin bull with lighter birth weights. He found the legs of calves to be too long which meant pulling too many calves. That was when he switched to Angus bulls and found the calves grew off about as well up to 1,000 pounds as with the Limousin bull. Bill now maintains one registered Angus bull for every 25 breeding-aged heifers and momma cows. His mommas are generally Brangus, Limousin and Angus crosses. He raises his own replacements but buys registered Angus bulls as needed. He raises both fall and spring calves and currently sells his calves right after weaning. Bill said, “I’m not getting any younger so working them is getting harder even with the help of one full-time employee on the farm. Besides, I’m not sure the expense of hiring a vet to administer shots pays off. I also band my calves even though Poteau, Okla. my dad cut them because that process is easier too.” When Bill bought the original lake

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Bill and Jodi Hoffman needed $20 to get married when they were 18 and 16, respectively. Bill had $19.75 and Jodi contributed $.25. They then hid out for three days so the marriage couldn’t be annulled returning home a proudly married couple. According to Bill, Bill’s dad gave them $100, or they might have starved that first year. Bill started working construction at the same company as his father flagging traffic on the highway. Tired of living paycheck to paycheck, Jodi got her beautician’s license and then supported Bill while he went to college at the U of A. Then Bill was offered a position at the construction company that paid as well as if he had completed his degree. He took the job and ended up owning JOB Construction. Nearly 56 years later the couple and their family are thriving with a 600acre farm north of Poteau, Okla., and the construction company. Bill said, “My dad worked all his life to keep a farm going by being a foreman in a construction company and trading cattle. When we got married, we didn’t know squat about farming, didn’t want to just get by and really didn’t get around to farming until 1993.” The couple started their farming life with a 13-acre property that served as more of a feedlot. Following a tip from one of Bill’s construction employees, Jodi found a Spanish-style house on a private lake surrounded by 285 acres. She got the house. Once Bill went on an elk-hunting trip to Colorado. While his dad was gone, 30-year-old son Billy bought a cutting horse. Jodi and Billy then went to a livestock sale to buy cattle for Billy to practice with. They came back with 22 calves and two

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Bill Hoffman participated in a farm program that assisted him financially with fertilizer, lime and sprigs.

acreage, much of it was overgrown and needed to be cleared and put back into production. He decided to try a farm program which would pay for 50 percent of the fertilizer, lime and sprigs. He used chicken litter and Bermuda sprigs. The process worked so well that he continued using it as he bought more acreage through the years even though funding was not available. Bill said, “I liked the results and did everything the same way from then on.” For financial, as well as environmental reasons, Bill hays different patches of land to keep the weeds down in fields comprised of Fescue, white clover and Bermuda. Bill never quits learning and is constantly attending Extension classes from Oklahoma State University to improve his knowledge, methodology and productivity. Recently, Bill took advantage of another government drought program that helped compensate for losses when he was forced to cull because of lack of water. Even though his acreage has the lake, access to the Poteau River, and numerous ponds, the drought took a heavy toll. At one time the farm supported 160 momma cows, but the drought forced culling. The herd is recovering and is now back up to 145 mommas.

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Life Long Cooperation “That lane. That’s what I’m most proud of lately.” Larry and Deloris Wells of Drasco, Ark., began their herd building journey just a little over 43 years ago when they purchased the ground that lane divides, “We bought the place in November of 1971 from my uncle. He was in the broiler business and his health was forcing him to retire.” The Wells began with 55 cows and bulls and a modest 237 acres, with only 22 acres of that cleared for producing hay. It was an uphill battle from there, “There were no cross fences. We just started clearing and used the wood for the broiler houses at the time. We began with some commercial cattle and fescue grass.” Ozarks Farm & Neighbor journeyed down to Cleburne County to visit with the Wells about the programs they have Photos by Marcus Creasy “We started looking at endophyte-free fesbeen involved in over the last 40 years, “Our first cooperative program cue and clover mixtures for our pastures. was with Soil Conservation. We started The cattle really love that mixture.” The Wells family has worked with many building ponds around here for more water. In the late 1990’s as the broiler opera- different groups and organizations to find tion went out, we started working again improvements in their operation, “Another with Soil Conservation, now NRCS, to program we worked on was with Extension (University of Arkansas Cooptest our soils and plant more erative Extension Service) for forages to improve our place.” a clover seeding demonstraThe Wells’ started looking tion. We planted some strips into how better management Drasco, Ark. of pure clover in our pasture and and seed mixtures could help compared that to another area improve the grazing capabiliwith just a standard seeding rate of ties of their place for long term clover to see if the grazing and gains success in the cattle business,

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were improved.” The clover planting helped Larry and Deloris see the grazing and growing patterns of the clover and just how they could use it to improve their forage plan across the operation. With over 500 acres in their current operation, Larry and Deloris have seen changes made in their field grazing, “We’ve worked with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) to add some water tanks and fences. The cross fencing has allowed us to graze better and the water tanks help us get water where we needed it.” Larry has definitely made use of electric fencing on his operation. From the bottom of the draw to the top of the hill his house resides on is quite a climb, “That lane really helped us move cattle from pasture to pasture. We really like the high tensile wire fence. We are able to use two electric wires to create the lane and can move cattle from over there to right up here by the house. We used to have to move from one field to the next and spend time pushing the cattle through the fields to get where we needed them. Now they move a lot easier. “We sent a few steers through the Extension Steer Feedout program a few years ago. That really helped us in determining our genetics and what we had to breed for.” Larry and Deloris utilized the U of A Cooperative Extension Service and their Steer Feedout program to feed and process the data from their calf crop, “We collected the data from the processed calves and made changes that have helped guide us in heifer development and bull selection.” Deloris added, “Plus, Larry would always find a reason to run out there and check the calves. We were back and forth quite a bit.” They found the Steer Feedout program DECEMBER 29, 2014

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very useful in improving their bottom line and their genetics. The latest project Larry and Deloris have been involved in is an ongoing demonstration of native warm-season grasses, “Our latest project is a cooperation with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, University of Tennessee, Arkansas Grazing Lands Coalition and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. We planted 10 acres of warm-season native grass to determine the establishment rates and costs and see how the grazing is.” The mixture of grasses contained Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indiangrass and Eastern Gamagrass. Larry hopes that the combination can help extend grazing when the weather gets drier, “The drought of 2012 really made me think about native grasses. We just hope we don’t have anything that excessive again.” Larry and Deloris offered some final thoughts on working with agencies and Universities, “It’s a changing world out there. We’ve taken bus tours with Extension and Arkansas Cattlemen’s all over. You have to stay current. Learn from your fellow producer. He’s made mistakes and can tell you about them. Never stop learning.”

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ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Photos by Jack and Pam Fortner

West of the Mississippi

By Jack and Pam Fortner

Students and community members are still affected by the Bruno-Lincoln FFA Chapter 92 years after it was established Following World War I the U.S. Congress passed the SmithHughes National Vocational Education Act. The act provided federal funds to train men and women “who have entered upon or who are preparing to enter upon the work of the farm.” The funds provided federal aid to states for the purpose of providing vocational education in agriculture, industrial trades and in home economics. The small community of Bruno, Ark., realized its need for a vocational school. A farmer’s union had been established, but they soon realized a general lack of skill in many service areas. People were needed to write up contracts, keep records and prepare budgets. Women worked in local canneries, but needed an upgrade in skills and educational level. The community decided to establish a vocational high school using funds from the Smith-Hughes Act. According to a presentation given by Dr. Loyde H. Hudson at a Bruno High School Reunion in 2005, Bruno secured land, built a school and applied to the state Smith-Hughes Act authority for a teacher. Jim Ewart, a recent graduate of

Historic Swimming Pool, Submitted Photo

the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., was hired. He came to Bruno in 1922 and stayed for 40 years. Ewart first established the BrunoLincoln Aggie Club in January of 1923. The vocational-agricultural boys had already begun building their own shop on the school’s property. They went into the woods and cut logs, hauled them to a nearby sawmill, and then built the shop with the lumber and a lot of local rocks. It was the first agricultural shop in the state. They also built a recreational spring-fed swimming pool out back. The students learned basic carpentry and masonry skills. Mr. Ewart was an innovative man. Dr. Hudson writes, “He brought many firsts to the school and community…the first gymnasium for indoor basketball and tennis, the first stage for the production of student plays, the first FFA Chapter in the region, the annual Fall Fair and the Father-Son Banquet…Jim Ewart started the practice of placing the names of seniors on a concrete walk…” In 1928, the Aggie Club evolved into the Bruno-Lincoln FFA Chapter. So this small school in rural Arkansas became the first

Current Swimming Pool

Louie Pannell

town west of the Mississippi to have an FFA chapter. Each year the FFA chapter has held a banquet. Louie Pannell, a teacher at the Bruno School from 1959 to 1973, has collected many of the banquet programs over the years. Louie was one of Ewart’s students. He said that it was because of Ewart’s influence on his life that caused him to go to college and become a teacher. Many of the successful ranchers, business people and local citizens in the area benefitted from the Bruno FFA program. Louie remembers that the Ag building became quite a meeting place for the student body at the Bruno school. During lunch the students would go to the Ag building and read the newspaper and listen to the radio.

Certificate of Appreciation, 1924

One of their favorite programs was “Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.” Although a new Bruno School has been built, the original rock building of the Bruno FFA still stands in old downtown Bruno. Privately owned, it is respectfully maintained by Royce Jones. The old swimming pool is still there, just not currently in use. Royce intends to preserve this building for future generations. It is a testimony to how things used to be – when students contributed sweat equity in their futures. If only the rocks could talk.

Royce Jones, Current Building Owner

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

FFA Mementos

DECEMBER 29, 2014

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Mountain View Meats Location: Stilwell, Okla. Owner: Mike Phelps (Pictured with daughter, Courtney Talbot) History: Mike Phelps of Mountain View Meats in Stilwell, Okla., comes from a long line of family members in the meat packing industry. Mike’s father opened Mountain View Meats in 1973 eventually offering custom processing in 1974. “We started selling hot links and smoked sausage six or eight years later,” Mike said. “We are strictly going with the products we make. We are up to about 50,000 pounds a week of product now.” Products: Mountain View Meats produces boneless and bone in hams, Arkansas bacon, smoked pork loin and five different kinds of links. “Every year we like to come up with a new one. Our hot link is the most popular and the biggest seller. We sell to retail chains, restaurants, concessions and we also do private label,” Mike added. “We are a full service sausage kitchen,” Courtney Talbot, Mike’s daughter and the third generation in the business said. “We are the only ones that make the Mountain View Hot Link. Our family came up with the recipe 40 years ago. You are able to find them in just about any grocery store in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri,” she added. “We have only been retail for six years since Courtney came to work for us. So we are new to retail customers under the Mountain View name,” Mike said.

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Quality: “They are beef and pork only. We believe in quality,” Mike said. “Every batch is sampled by an employee. If there is a problem, we want to know it then,” Mike said. Philosophy: “Our goal is to keep a Christ like attitude and focus. We want to keep growing, create more job opportunities here in Stilwell, and grow the Phelps family legacy with the Mountain View brand,” Courtney said. “We had a guy in Florida call that had two guys from Oklahoma work in his franchise. He has 140 barbeque places in Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgia. He calls us up out of the blue asking for one of our products. We send them samples and a year later, we are sending a truck load,” Mike said. “A lot of it is word of mouth. The product speaks for itself,” Courtney said. “Our products are kind of like a best kept secret right now. We are trying to get them to be a household name,” Mike said. Story and Photo By Pam and Terry Lamb

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meet your neighbors

Putting on the Pounds By Terry Ropp

Through hybrid vigor Jimmy and Janelle Brown increase the average weaning weight of their herd

Merry Christmas!

Like so many farmers in Arkansas, Jimmy and Janelle Brown of Natural Dam, Ark., live on a generational farm, in this case five generations. They own and lease just under 1,000 acres and run a full-time commercial cattle operation. Jimmy said,

Jimmy believes the secret to their success was raising predominantly Brahman bulls using crossbred cows. Through experimentation, the couple learned that Charolais and Hereford were the preferred momma crosses because a Brahman and Angus mix seemed

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Jimmy and Janelle Brown experiement with getting a cream colored, white-faced calf by crossing a one-quarter Brahman and three-quarter Hereford with a Charolais bull.

“For us, having land off the highway is as important as having better land.” Jimmy loved rodeoing, but when he got hurt and could no longer compete, to produce temperament issues. When the couple started raising bucking bulls changing over to an exclusively comin addition to their small commercial mercial herd, the Brahman, Charolais herd. They also ran a local rodeo where and Hereford cross produced larger, kids could practice their skills. The better growing calves that weighed as Browns sold their bucking bull opera- much as 150 pounds more at weaning than traditional commercial tion to Rafter H Ranch afcattle, due in part to the rich ter 16 years of raising highmilk the mix produced. The quality bulls; five of those calves usually weigh at least were selected for national Natural Dam, Ark. 100 pounds at birth (topping and premier competitions. out last year at 134 pounds), One named Chocolate Chip was successfully ridden only three times in eight years. — Continued on Page 17

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 29, 2014

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Purebred Corral Townsend Brangus

Alex Bryan Girdner Family: Alex Bryan Girdner lives in Stilwell, Okla., with his wife, Kristy, and their daughter, Kamry and son on the way, Gauge. In Town: “I previously worked at an air-conditioning business in Fort Smith, Ark., but have worked at Morrow Heating and Air-conditioning in Prairie Grove, Ark., for the last seven months. It’s a good place to work with a family oriented atmosphere. The owner, Jeremy Hunt, goes out of his way to help me and my family while paying detailed attention to customers’ individual needs as well as doing large jobs efficiently. The company was formed when a larger company went out of business and presented both a need for a local replacement and qualified workers looking for employment.” In the Country: “I inherited 300 acres in Stilwell, Okla., eight months ago that I own jointly with my brother. We have 24 calves, eight of which are heifers and 16 steers as well as a Santa Gertrudis bull that belongs to our uncle. We are planning to change to a Black Angus bull because black sells well and holds up better during market fluctuations. We sell calves at 400 to 650 pounds and usually after weaning though occasionally we will sell before weaning depending on the market. We give the calves a round of shots before selling. Fortunately for us, deworming is not an issue so rather than deworming the entire herd routinely, we only deal with problems individually as needed. We have both creek and pond water.” Future Plans: “Our ranch has been in the family for three generations with the fourth in the very early stages. The town job allows me to keep the family tradition of ranching, and I would love to someday follow in the footsteps of those before me and be a full-time rancher. Though that future is a long ways away, I have plenty of time to get there. I want my children raised in the country so they understand the circle of life better, what illness and death are but also the joy of birth and the value of hard work. In the short-term, my brother and I would like to institute rotational grazing and increase our hay productivity by clearing overgrown pasture.”

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

DECEMBER 29, 2014

Brangus Bulls

Bentonville, AR 3/3/14 2/9/15

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5/4/15

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market sale

steers 550-600 LBS.

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

slaughter

***

(Week of 12/14/14 to 12/20/14)

***

Week of 11/23/14

112.00-118.50 † 118.00-130.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Cleburne County Livestock Clinton Livestock

** *** 278.56 *** ** *** *** 281.81 264.00

108.00-145.00 † 120.00-134.50 † 110.00-118.00 †

284.33 286.30

280.31

Week of 11/30/14

287.61

108.00-122.00 † 100.00-143.00 † 120.00-138.00* 99.00-137.50 †

110

130

slaughter

274.12

Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing

119.00-137.50 † 117.00-144.50 †

258.49

150

170

cows

(Week of 12/14/14 to 12/20/14)

284.68 285.00

Arkansas Cattle Auction

83.00-117.00 † 8 † 7 75.00-115.00 83.00-116.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock

265.57

Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Clinton Livestock

272.19 276.15 281.88

85.00-122.00* 84.00-117.00 † Not Reported* 8 82.00-105.00 † Not Reported*

County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

277.15

291.19 279.74 277.64 251.73

87.00-124.00 † 87.50-116.00 † 85.00-127.00 †

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

273.19 274.99 266.20 289.00

250.82

103.00-129.00* 81.00-120.00 † 89.00-111.00 † 80.00-117.00 † 8 85.00-122.00 † Not Reported* 87.00-116.00 †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdalee Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock Joplin Regional Stockyards Mo-Ark - Exeter North Arkansas Livestock

249.50

95.00-130.00* 86.00-127.00 †

100

120

1300.00. Milking Cows: Supreme few 1825.00-1875.00, ind Brown Swiss 1925.00, ind crossbred 1875.00, Approved 12/21/14 1530.00-1650.00, few Jerseys 1500.00-1600.00, Medium few 1425.00-1475.00, few crossbreds 1500.00-1550.00, Common few crossbreds 1050.00-1300.00. Springer Cows: Supreme ind 1925.00, Approved ind 1760.00, few crossbreds 1625.00-1725.00, Medium few 1400.00-1450.00. Bred Cows: Approved few crossbreds 1600.00-1775.00, Medium 1375.00-1450.00, Common few Jerseys 885.001375.00, few crossbreds 1380.00-1390.00. Baby Calves: Holstein heifers scarce, Holstein bulls 360.00-460.00, small few 270.00, Crossbred heifers-ind 250.00, Crossbred bulls 380.00-480.00.

dairy cattle

116.00-146.00 † Not Reported*

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

259.96

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 155.00-161.00; wtd. avg. price 158.93. Heifers: 155.00-161.00; wtd. avg. price 159.85. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 248.00-252.00; wtd. avg. price 250.54. Heifers: 249.00-252.00; wtd. avg. price 250.50.

Not Reported* 117.00-142.00*

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mo-Ark - Exeter North Arkansas Livestock

256.01

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

110.00-142.50* 107.00-126.00 † Not Reported* None Reported †

County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

***

beef

110.00-129.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction, LLC

290.00

Week of 12/7/14

bulls

140

12/16/2014

Receipts: 765 The demand was good and the supply heavy. There were 05 percent springer heifers, 10 percent bred heifers, 40 percent open heifers, 05 percent fresh heifers and cows, 03 percent milking cows, 04 percent bred and springer cows, and 04 percent baby calves. The balance was steers, bulls and slaughter cows. Several milking cows 190 and bred heifers sold by the pound. Prices reported on a per head basis and for Holsteins unless noted otherwise. Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 2000.00-2425.00, Approved 1650.00-1900.00, few crossbreds 1500.00-1525.00, Medium few 1300.00-1400.00, ind crossbred 1425.00, Common few 1075.00-1225.00. Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1875.002135.00, ind Jersey 1800.00, Approved 1600.00-1800.00, ind Jersey 1775.00, ind crossbred 1575.00, Medium 1250.00-1500.00, crossbreds 1300.00-1400.00, Common 900.00-1125.00. Heifers bred one to three months: Supreme ind 1660.00, ind crossbred 1700.00, Approved 1400.00-1575.00, Medium 1350.00-1375.00, few crossbreds 1350.00-1400.00, Common 800.00-1200.00. Open Heifers: Approved Lot of 10 head 290 lbs 600.00, Jerseys 230-250 lbs 460.00-470.00, 331-400 lbs 635.00685.00, 403-480 lbs 570.00- 760.00, few crossbreds 530.00-740.00, 524-585 lbs 750.00- 970.00, few crossbreds 680.00-720.00, 604-694 lbs 850.00-1000.00, lot of 9 head 658 lbs 1060.00, crossbreds 800.00-840.00, 760-785 lbs 950.00-1050.00, lot of 8 head 722 lbs 1090.00, lot of 12 crossbreds 701 lbs 1010.00, 810-885 lbs 1010.00-1300.00, 922-997 lbs 1280.00-1390.00, 1002-1038 lbs 1385.001410.00, Medium and Common Open Heifers were scarce. Replacement Cows: Fresh Cows: Supreme 1975.002100.00, Approved 1600.00-1825.00, Medium 1475.001530.00, Common 1200.00-1325.00, crossbreds 710.00-

160

259.52 255.69 265.26 272.79

257.47

Week of 12/14/14

256.03

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

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

268.03 245.71 *

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1

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

245.65 * 244.24 260.48

Heifers, Med. & Lg. 1

253.73 200

224 248 272 296 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

320

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

14 14

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

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

12/19/14

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 12/18/14

12/17/14

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 12/15/14

755

458

305

1185

288

6-20 Lower

St-15 Lower

13-43 Lower

St-30 Lower

7-10 Lower

290.00-335.00 260.00-292.50 235.00-261.00 ---------

300.00-326.00 275.00-322.50 252.00-265.00 ----210.00-220.00

309.00-365.00 --------220.00 -----

270.00-328.00 250.00-310.00 230.00-280.00 205.00-235.00 195.00-213.00

292.50-350.00 270.00-300.00 ----225.00-236.00 -----

----235.00-270.00 220.00-245.00 215.00-226.00 -----

--------240.00-264.00 ---------

284.00 270.00-279.00 229.50-255.00 219.50 204.00

260.00-300.00 250.00-290.00 220.00-260.00 195.00-217.00 166.00-196.00

--------232.00-248.00 200.00-224.00 -----

255.00-307.50 237.50-267.50 218.00-241.00 203.00-230.00 -----

------------205.00-212.50 -----

284.00-301.00 240.00-268.00 222.00-238.00 ---------

240.00-296.00 220.00-265.00 200.00-248.00 195.00-225.00 180.00-204.00

270.00-350.00 248.00-340.00 ----207.00-260.00 -----

Diamond, Mo • TS Whit

goats

Highlandville, Mo • CRS Sale’s Company Sheep & Goat

12/18/14

Receipts: 243 The supply was light demand good. The supply included 4 percent slaughter and feeder lambs; 9 percent slaughter ewes; 7 replacement ewes and bucks; 48 percent kid goats; 25 percent slaughter nannies and billies; 7 percent replacement nannies and billies. All prices per hundred weight unless noted otherwise. Sheep: Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 hair 40-50 lbs 200.00-205.00; 50-60 lbs 190.00-220.00; 70-90 lbs 180.00-225.00. Slaughter Ewes: Utility and Good wooled one package 155 lbs 80.00; hair 75-130 lbs 65.00-90.00. Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2: wooled one package 157 lbs 85.00; hair 115-130 lbs few 105.00-120.00 cwt with some packages at 105.00-135.00 per head. Slaughter Bucks: wooled one package 195 lbs 160.00 cwt. Goats: Slaughter Classes: Kids Selection: 1 40-50 lbs 255.00-260.00; 50-60 lbs 240.00-250.00; Selection 1-2 60-70 lbs 220.00-240.00; 70-80 lbs 210.00-225.00; 80-90 lbs 180.00-215.00; 90-100 lbs 185.00-205.00; Selection 2 40-50 lbs 200.00-212.50; 50-60 lbs 210.00-215.00. Doe/Nannies: Selection 1 100-135 lbs 110.00-130.00; Selection 2 50-93 lbs 130.00-150.00; young nannies 60-90 lbs 155.00-175.00; Selection 3 50-120 lbs 95.00-130.00. Billies: Selection 1-2 145-165 lbs 145.00-167.50; Selection 3 75-155 lbs 115.00-145.00. Replacement: Nannies: Selection 1 103-155 lbs 130.00-

Clinton Livestock Auction* -----

County Line Sale Ratcliff 12/17/14

-----

140

-----

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

315.00-330.00 302.50-310.00 250.00 ---------

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

----287.50 235.00 232.50 -----

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

266.00 244.00-247.50 -------------

Decatur Livestock* -----

Farmer’s & Farmers Ranchers Livestock Vinita, Okla.* Springdale 12/17/14 12/19/14

Ft. S Live

12/

-----

580

570

-----

2-4 Lower

2-19 Lower

5-10

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

321.00-343.00 283.00-321.00 248.00-283.00 225.00-248.00 -----

350.00-377.50 295.00-337.00 234.00-289.00 225.00-241.00 215.00-224.00

312.5 285.0 255.0 25 216.0

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

318.00-330.00 269.00-312.50 227.50-268.00 227.00-234.00 192.00-208.00

29 274.0 255.0 23 205.0

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

285.00-317.00 244.00-285.00 228.00-244.00 203.00-228.00 -----

285.00-325.00 255.00-292.50 217.00-247.00 207.00-221.00 -----

298.0 270.0 229.0 215.0 -

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Receipts: 1470 Supply was heavy D percent slaughter an ewes and bucks; 6 p percent kid goats; 12 3 percent replaceme hundred weight unle Sheep: Slaughter La non-traditional few 6 157 lbs 160.00-165.0 lbs 210.00-240.00; 60 215.00; 80-90 lbs 182 Feeder/Stocker Lam few 150.00. Slaughter Ewes: Uti 90.00-105.00. Slaughter Bucks: M few 85.00; hair 100-2 Replacement Ewes: 75.00-115.00. Goats: Slaughter Cl 245.00; 60-70 lbs 230 80-100 lbs 202.50-21 1-2 40-50 lbs 225.00 227.50; 60-70 lbs 195 lbs 170.00-200.00; Se 60-70 lbs 185.00-220 145.00-150.00. Does/Nannies: Selec Selection 2 75-130 lb 100.00-127.50. Billies: Selection 1-2 72-125 lbs 125.00-14 Replacement Nann 140.00; Selection 3 D Pairs: few Selection Billies: Selection 1 2 Stocker/Feeder Kids tion 3 20-30 lbs 155 40-50 lbs 150.00-180

stocker & feeder

127 5(3257('

262.57

Ash Flat Livestock

127 5(3257('

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 12/16/14

sheep &

140.00; Selection 2 Billies: Selection 1 Feeder/Stocker kid 30-40 lbs 195.00-23 165.00; Selection 3

DECEMBER 29, 2014

ket sales reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

replacement

avg. grain prices

prices 12/15/14

580

570

410

550

3731

-4 Lower

2-19 Lower

5-10 Lower

7-15 Lower

5-20 Lower

1.00-343.00 3.00-321.00 8.00-283.00 5.00-248.00 -----

350.00-377.50 295.00-337.00 234.00-289.00 225.00-241.00 215.00-224.00

312.50-350.00 285.00-313.00 255.00-276.00 255.00 216.00-225.00

305.00-347.50 286.00-302.50 260.00-267.50 226.00-232.00 -----

325.00-345.00 284.00-345.00 250.00-287.50 229.00-258.00 206.00-227.00

5.00-317.00 4.00-285.00 8.00-244.00 3.00-228.00 -----

318.00-330.00 269.00-312.50 227.50-268.00 227.00-234.00 192.00-208.00 285.00-325.00 255.00-292.50 217.00-247.00 207.00-221.00 -----

298.00 274.00-296.00 255.00-265.00 239.00 205.00-215.00 298.00-322.00 270.00-302.50 229.00-268.00 215.00-243.00 -----

DECEMBER 29, 2014

----270.00-283.00 252.00-258.00 221.00-223.00 ----290.00-300.00 261.00-302.50 220.00-247.00 ---------

† 10 1000.00-2250.00

Ash Flat Benton County Sale Cattlemen’s Cleburne County Clinton County

1550.00-2700.00 †

Week of 11/23/14

1150.00-2850.00 * 1550.00-2950.00 † Not Reported * 910.00-1250.00 †

County Line Decatur Livestock Market Farmer’s & Ranchers Farmers Livestock Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock Joplin Regional Mo-Ark - Exeter North Arkansas

Not Reported* 1750.00-2400.00 * 1250.00-3075.00 † 1375.00-2000.00 †

*** 238.27 *** *** ** 227.07 ***

1025.00-2600.00 † 1300.00-2450.00 † Not Reported*

*** 262.43

1300.00-2725.00 † 1300.00-2800.00 †

OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestockk Ozarks Regional Stilwell Livestock Tulsa Livestock

238.56

1100.00-2750.00 † 1200.00-2600.00 † 1500.00-2400.00 * 1500.00-2550.00 †

1000

2000

3000

cow/calf

230.28 265.49

4000

5000

pairs

(Week of 12/14/14 to 12/20/14) Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock

1450.00-1800.00 †

243.45 253.00 262.52 242.50 232.92 236.70 233.78 265.04 244.61

2000.00-2800.00 * 2075.00-3500.00 † 2 1450.00-2000.00 †

Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Mo-Ark - Exeter North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction

1000

238.10 239.82

1475.00-2585.00 † None Reported † 1350.00-2600.00 * 1850.00-3000.00 † Not Reported * None Reported † Not Reported*

Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Cleburne County Livestock Clinton Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock

261.65

2000

* 257.02

1600.00-2750.00 †

1000.00-3100.00 † Not Reported* 2850.00-3550.00 † 2500.00-2800.00 † 2425.00-2900.00 †

238.34

1400.00-3150.00 † 2000.00-3125.00 * 2525.00-2900.00 †

3000

4000

235.19 235.93 259.51 * 240.00

5000

242.07 236.42

I-40 Livestock Ozark 12/18/14

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

Ft. Smith Livestock

Arkansas Cattle

236.61

Joplin Regional Stockyards 12/15/14

Mo-Ark Exeter, Mo.*

355.00 310.00-320.00 239.00-275.00 208.00 180.00-215.00 270.00-300.00 232.50-272.00 222.00-240.00 200.00-231.00 195.00-204.00

-----

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 12/17/14

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 12/17/14

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 12/19/14

Ozarks Regional West Plains 12/16/14

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 12/17/14

Tulsa Livestock Auction. 12/15/14

-----

555

4356

475

1691

1046

2270

-----

8-46 Lower

10-20 Lower

Steady

15-30 Lower

Lower

7-9 Lower

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

----268.00-285.00 255.00-278.00 ----210.00-212.50

375.00 271.00-350.00 242.00-296.00 220.00-236.00 205.00-223.50

306.00-341.00 281.00-296.00 243.00-265.00 218.00 205.00-210.00

308.00-345.00 292.50-322.50 248.00-267.50 228.00-255.00 195.00-222.50

280.00-330.00 260.00-300.00 225.00-274.00 215.00-228.00 200.00-215.00

346.00-363.00 299.00-331.00 258.00-296.50 224.00-241.00 215.00-226.75

127 5(3257('

rmer’s & Farmers anchers Livestock ta, Okla.* Springdale 2/17/14 12/19/14

***

1375.00-2350.00 †

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

278.00-303.00 240.00-275.00 233.00-260.00 214.50 --------242.00-255.00 222.00-257.00 ---------

312.50 293.00-295.00 ------------241.00-345.00 240.00-297.50 242.00-246.00 204.00-227.50 201.00-216.00

299.00-302.00 270.00-289.00 240.00 218.00-220.00 199.00 294.00-316.00 255.00-293.00 230.00-235.00 ----200.00

270.00-285.00 255.00-300.00 235.00-245.00 --------275.00-310.00 250.00-275.00 210.00-257.50 240.00 205.00-217.00

260.00-320.00 240.00-285.00 215.00-260.00 200.00-220.00 180.00-210.00 260.00-320.00 240.00-290.00 215.00-255.00 190.00-225.00 180.00-220.00

310.00-320.00 287.00-331.00 243.00-276.00 205.00-238.00 198.00-208.00 296.00-311.00 273.00-290.00 234.00-275.00 210.00-231.00 200.00-218.00

Serving More Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma Serving MoreThan Than24,000 24,000Readers Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

264.05 260.98

* 246.00 231.81 225.38 Week of 12/14/14

feeder

***

(Week of 12/14/14 to 12/20/14)

Week of 11/30/14

goats

cows

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

Week of 12/7/14

dairy sales

140.00; Selection 2 90-95 lbs 145.00-165.00. 875.00, ind Billies: Selection 1 few 125-140 lbs 160.00. 5.00, Approved Feeder/Stocker kids: Selection 2 20-30 lbs 155.00-275.00; 600.00, Medium 30-40 lbs 195.00-230.00; Selection 2-3 18-30 lbs 150.00National Dairy Market at a Glance 12/19/14 00.00-1550.00, 165.00; Selection 3 30-50 lbs 153.50-185.00. Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.5500 and 40# blocks at 00. Diamond, Mo • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale 12/4/14 $1.6100. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5760 Approved ind (+.0745) and blocks, $1.6075 (+.0195). Receipts: 1470 0, Medium few Fluid Milk: Farm milk production trends are variable Supply was heavy Demand good. The supply included 29 throughout the country. Across the southern tier of states, percent slaughter and feeder lambs; 5 percent slaughter 600.00-1775.00, ewes and bucks; 6 percent replacement ewes and bucks; 45 milk production is rebounding from the seasonal low point. w Jerseys 885.00Florida posted no spot milk load imports this week, compared percent kid goats; 12 percent slaughter nannies and billies; 0. to 90 loads imported during the same week last year. Within 3 percent replacement nannies and billies. All prices per Holstein bulls the Northeast and Northwest, milk production is rebuilding, hundred weight unless noted otherwise. bred heifers-ind but North Central dairy operators note on farm production Sheep: Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 wooled non-traditional few 60-80 lbs 165.00-190.00;traditional 100- is edging downward. Processors’ milk supplies are quickly building in the second half of this week in most areas of the 157 lbs 160.00-165.00; hair 40-50 lbs 185.00-230.00; 50-60 lbs 210.00-240.00; 60-70 lbs 205.00-240.00; 70-80 lbs 190.00- country. This is mostly from significant declines in fluid and manufacturing milk demand, as forthcoming school closings 215.00; 80-90 lbs 182.50-185.00; 90-145 lbs 130.00-170.00. & Goat 12/18/14 Feeder/Stocker Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 hair 30-40 lbs and manufacturing shutdowns push milk volumes back to suppliers. Balancing plant operators are weighing the capacity few 150.00. to handle the resulting intakes, with expectations of milk he supply included Slaughter Ewes: Utility and Good 1-3 hair 113-122 lbs volumes increasing for the next two weeks. Across the regions, 9 percent slaugh- 90.00-105.00. 0 Slaughter Bucks: Medium and Large 1-2 wooled 135-155 lbs the drop in fluid demand has raised production for many ks; 48 percent processing operations. few 85.00; hair 100-205 lbs 82.50-100.00. s and billies; 7 SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER Replacement Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 hair 98-198 lbs es. All prices per POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper 75.00-115.00. e. Goats: Slaughter Classes: Kids Selection: 1 50-60 lbs 225.00- Midwest - $2.3788-2.5539. Prime 2-3 hair 245.00; 60-70 lbs 230.00-250.00; 70-80 lbs 227.50-250.00; 00-220.00; 70-90 80-100 lbs 202.50-215.00; 100-105 lbs few 175.00; Selection 1-2 40-50 lbs 225.00-240.00; Selection 2 50-60 lbs 185.00led one package 227.50; 60-70 lbs 195.00-232.50; 70-80 175.00-215.00; 80-90 00. lbs 170.00-200.00; Selection 3 50-60 lbs 175.00-225.00; 1-2: wooled one few 105.00-120.00 60-70 lbs 185.00-220.00; 70-90 lbs 155.00-185.00; 90-100 lbs Week Ended 12/22/14 145.00-150.00. 00 per head. Soybeans Soft Wheat Corn Sorghum 195 lbs 160.00 cwt. Does/Nannies: Selection 1 130-162 lbs 100.00-115.00; 20 Selection 2 75-130 lbs 95.00-135.00; Selection 3 72-150 lbs on: 1 40-50 lbs 100.00-127.50. ; Selection 1-2 16 Billies: Selection 1-2 105-150 lbs 120.00-142.50; Selection 3 00-225.00; 80-90 10.73 10.73 72-125 lbs 125.00-145.00. 10.43 10.34 05.00; Selection 2 12 10.73 Replacement Nannies: Selection 1-2 102-135 lbs 130.0000-215.00. 7.71 8.69 6.41 8 6.36 7.35 110.00-130.00; Se- 140.00; Selection 3 Dairy 68-120 lbs 120.00-125.00 cwt. 6.41 6.25 6.04 Pairs: few Selection 1-2 75.00-175.00 per head. ng nannies 60-90 4 4.24 Billies: Selection 1 200.00-275.00 per head. 4.12 3.97 4.02 bs 95.00-130.00. 3.62 Stocker/Feeder Kids: Selection 2 20-40 210.00240.00; Selec0 0-167.50; Seleca e ff la ta tion 3 20-30 lbs 155.00-170.00; 30-40 lbs 185.00-190.00; eville Helen Elain Osceo Augus Pine Blu lyth B 40-50 lbs 150.00-180.00. 3-155 lbs 130.00-

heifers 550-600 LBS.

* 227.86 * 222.86 * 221.61 223.50 224.29 234.75 217.33

195

212 229 246 263 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

280

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

15 15

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2011 JD 7230 Premium, 1802 hrs., 24 spd. AQ, 3 dlx. hyd., 420/80R46 w/ duals, air seat, dlx. exhaust, inst. seat, pano. doors, elec. mirrors, hyd. susp. cab, radar, quick hitch, ext. warranty.............. $85,000

2013 JD 6125M, 54 hrs., 24 spd. PQ, 2hyd., 480/70R38, 30 gal. hyd. pump, air seat, mirrors.................................. $82,500

2014 JD 7210R, 129 hrs., 20 spd. CQ PLUS, 4hyd., 480/80R46 w/duals, JD Link, 118” axle, 1150 MFWD, dlx. cab, 540E/1000/1000E PTO, dual beam radar... .....................................................$160,000

2013 JD 6125M w/KMW 1660 ldr., 122 hrs., 24 spd. PQ, 2hyd., 480/70R38, 30 gal. hyd. pump, air seat, mirrors................ ...................................................... $95,000

2013 JD 6115R w/JD H340 ldr., 253 hrs., PQ, 2hyd., 460/85R38, Premium cab, panoramic doors, mirrors............ $88,500

2011 JD 7130 Premium w/740 ldr., 1400 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 14.9R46, grapple bucket, panoramic doors, air seat, dlx. exhaust, Greenstar rdy................................ $84,500

2013 JD 5093E w/ loader, 588 hrs., 2hyd., 16.9x30................... $46,500.00

w.a.c.

2013 JD 6140M w/JD H340 ldr., 18 hrs., 24 spd. PQ, 2hyd., 460/85R38, 30 gal. hyd. pump, air seat, mirrors, HV bucket, ... ....................................................... $98,500

2012 JD 7200R, 1195 hrs, PQ, 3hyd., 480/80R46 w/duals, JD Link, 118” axle, 1150 MFWD, dlx. cab, dlx. radio, work lt. pkg., mirrors, frt. fenders, full coverage rear fenders, 450lb. whl. wts....... $122,000

2012 JD 6125R, 1,587 hrs., 24 speed, AQ, 2 elec. hyd., 460/85R38, premium cab, panoramic doors, 3 speed............. ................................................. $81,500

2011 JD 6430 Premium w/640 ldr, 1770 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 18.4R38, mirrors, frt. fenders,air seat, dlx. exhaust........$73,500

2013 JD 6150R, 250 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 420/80R46, A/T ready, prem. radio, 110” axle................................................$95,000

2011 JD 6330 w/KMW 1440 ldr., 3939 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 18.4R38, air seat, ext. warr., ‘til 6/5/2016 or 5000 hrs.,..$50,000

2013 JD 6115M w/JD H340 ldr., grapple bucket, 833 hrs., PQ, 2hyd., 460/85R38, 30 gal. hyd. pump, mirrors, multicoupler, air seat.................$84,000

2010 JD 7130 Premium w/740 ldr., 2696 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 14.9R46, Greenstar rdy., 96” axle, air seat, dlx. exhaust,..... $75,000

2013 JD 6115R w/JD H340ldr., 867 hrs., PQ, 2 hyd., 460/85R38, premium cab, panoramic doors, mirrors.............$88,500

2013 JD 5101E, 212 hrs., pwr. reverser, 2hyd., 18.4x30..........................$43,500

2011 JD 6330, 3352 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 18.4R38, air seat, ext. warr. ‘til 6/5/2016 or 5000 hrs....................................$42,500

2013 JD 1023E w/JD D120 ldr., 6 hrs., hydro., quick hitch,...................$12,500

2011 JD 7230 Premium w/ JD 741 ldr., 1500 hrs., PQ, 3hyd., 420/80R46, panoramic doors, 110” axle, air seat, dlx. exhaust, ......................................... $97,000

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 29, 2014

meet your neighbors Putting on the Pounds Continued from Page 12 twice the size of typical black ones. Not surprisingly, there is a trade-off: larger calves mean birthing issues. However, those issues are a matter of course for the Browns who successfully pulled 31 calves last year and who have a special chute for helping a momma who is having difficulties. To ensure animal health, Jimmy and Janelle visually check all mommas during calving season every two hours. Jimmy grinned and said, “It seems like we sleep with them.” When the Browns transitioned to a solely commercial cattle herd, they had a few fullblood Brahman mommas and bought additional heifers. They have since grown their herd to 95 mommas and 20 replacement heifers from that original stock. The herd is serviced by four bulls, three Charolais and one Hereford. While they have raised a few of their own bulls, they keep meticulous, hand-written records to prevent genetic issues such as poorly growing calves. The Browns are currently experimenting to get a cream colored, white-faced calf using a momma that is one-quarter Brahman and three-quarter Hereford with a Charolais bull. Calves are sold at weaning at about six months. A replacement heifer is administered a brucellosis vaccination, which lasts throughout her reproductive years. Jimmy explained that at one time Arkansas cattle were downgraded due to brucellosis issues and that the government developed and provides this important vaccine which must be administered before a heifer is 1-year-old. While bulls receive grain, mommas and calves receive no grain and therefore require top-quality hay and pasture. The Browns ensure this by raising hay and caring for pastures themselves. One of their practices is not totally drying hay before harvesting. Janelle said, “The hay needs some green on it. That way you get all of the seed which has higher protein content and which then comes up again the next year.” The Browns prefer Big Red Clover because they get more cuttings than with White. Jimmy added, “We also have a natural clover called Yellow Hop that will reseed if you cut it at the right time. To prevent intestinal issues with the DECEMBER 29, 2014

calves, the Browns alternate Red Clover laden hay with pasture. The Browns only fertilize with cattle litter. Jimmy said, “Last year we got 45 round bales on 6.2 acres just from cow litter.” Finally the Browns will no-till drill to aerate the soil if reseeding becomes necessary. Feral hogs are a serious problem in the area that the Browns deal with systematically and efficiently. If a field has been

rooted up by hogs, the Browns turn the cows on it who subsequently smooth out the ruts as they consume hay bales rolled out on the afflicted land. Later the Browns drag tires over the ground to break up the cow manure and finished the smoothing process. The Browns are passionate about what they do and hope to light a fire in their grandchildren for perfection, profitability

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

and hard work. Their son, Tim, and his wife, Carol, have two children, Hannah and Kaylor, while their daughter, Nancy, and husband, Doug, have three children, Hunter and twins, Sarah and Emily.

meet your neighbors

Twice the Livestock, Twice the Payoff

N O S U C FO M R A F R YOU

By Terry Ropp

By adding chickens to their livestock operation Jack and Tammy Simmons hope to become more independent

The Arvest Corporate Credit Card provides your farm business with year-end account summaries that break down your spending into relevant categories, including: • Fuel

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Jack and Tammy Simmons own and lease over 1,000 acres outside of Stilwell, Okla., on which they run a cow/calf operation and a brand new four-house Tyson chicken farm. Currently the Simmons’ have 230 momma cows and 10 Charolais bulls. Jack explained that the commercial cattle operation began with Beefmaster bulls because he believes they cross bet-

and are usually sold at the Joplin Regional Stockyards where his brother is a field representative. Jack said, “I’ve always been treated well there and they charge a flat fee commission, which I prefer.” Jack’s current goal is not to increase the size of the herd but improve genetics through culling and buying high-quality bulls and cows to supplement replacement heifers.

ter with F1s and Tiger Stripes and Angus cows producing calves with better frame and growth rate which, in turn, produces more pounds at weaning. Jack works the calves when they are babies – castrating, vaccinating and deworming. He usually sells the calves right at weaning though he will wait if the market isn’t good enough. At sale time the calves weigh 500 to 700 pounds

Jack explained that the biggest challenge for him as well as most farmers is the weather. When the weather is dry and in the fall Jack supplements with liquid feed. Jack also hays 150 acres of bermuda/fescue containing naturally Stilwell, Okla. occurring clovers and a 20-acre alfalfa field for higher protein hay. Jack said, “I keep alfalfa hay for bad weather

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

DECEMBER 29, 2014

meet your neighbors

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Jack and Tammy Simmons keep their birds for 49 days growing them to 6.25 to 6.50 pounds. or early spring before the grass is mature enough because cows chase the green grass and then have intestinal stress.” Fields are fertilized with 32 percent liquid fertilizer at the end of April or first of May. He sprays in the spring for weeds, sometimes at the same time as the fertilizer. Occasionally, he will spot spray for thistles and for brush control in late summer. Not long ago Tammy had the opportunity to choose between having an off-thefarm job or working on the farm. Coming from a family of chicken growers in California, she opted to stay at home and raise chickens knowing what she was getting into. The couple built four houses and is on their fourth flock of broilers. The computer system is elaborate with alarms for low water pressure, maximum feed time, feed bin control, air pressure and vent control for fresh air and temperature control which adjusts to the birds age. Tyson prefers an average weight of 6.25 to 6.50 pounds. The Simmons’ had an above average weight with their first flock averaging 7.75 pounds because pickup was put off for two days and because the houses had new bedding and equipment. Advantage of their farm’s location is that it is isolated from other chicken farms providing a huge health advantage for their chickens. Tammy said, “We keep the birds for 49 days DECEMBER 29, 2014

with the first and last weeks being the most difficult.” The first week is timeconsuming because of equipment adjustment while the last is difficult because the birds are so large and difficult to walk through. Currently, dead chickens are incinerated but the couple is building a stacking shed which layers litter and dead chickens. They prefer to use dried shavings for bedding and have bait traps outside to support the bug spraying before every flock arrives. The 13 to 14 days between litters are busy ones. When the chickens are mature, a six-man crew, who take 5 to 6 hours per house, catches them by hand. Then the litter is windrowed into three rows which sit for three days before being turned over to sit for another three or four days. Next the litter is re-spread and large litter clumps removed. Finally, the houses are set up for baby chicks. The couple admits that their goal is to get out of debt so Jack can purchase windrowing and de-caking equipment. Jack says, “We want to be more independent and more equipment will help us get there.” Jack is also active in the community serving on the Adair Farm Bureau, Adair Fair and Christie Community boards as well as being a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Associations.

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Age: 17 Parents: Lisa and Mike Sigmon Hometown: Berryville, Ark. FFA Chapter: Berryville FFA FFA Advisor: Kendra Woodlee Favorite Aspect of Ag: “What I really like best is promoting and advocating the beef industry. I have pursued this through competitions. The American Junior Simmental Association is far broader than simply showing cattle but has educational contests such as cattleman quiz, livestock judging, sales talk and public speaking. At the awards banquet in July, I won the high overall intermediate exhibitor in my age division which had about 150 competitors. The cowbell that I won for that competition is probably my favorite possession. I also won 2015 Arkansas Beef Ambassador and will be the representative all next year.

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Current Involvement in Ag: “I show cattle and help with whole herd care which includes vaccinating, feeding, haying, and regular maintenance such as brush hogging. I also work with rationing feeds and choosing sires for AI. If using a herd sire, we choose for calving ease for smaller heifers. We show animals, however we pick individuals sires for individual cows based upon what each cow needs and the bull semen in our semen tank.” Favorite Ag Memory: “In 2012 at the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo., I won Grand Champion Simmental Heifer in the Junior Show. Two years of hard work really paid off and made me want to work all the harder.” Future Plans: “I have already applied to Oklahoma State and the University of Arkansas and hope to have a double major in agri-business and ag communications. Eventually I would like to have my own large ranch, be married, have kids and be a stay-at-home mom so I can also work on the ranch.” Story and Photo By Terry Ropp DECEMBER 29, 2014

the ofn

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Farm Finance

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By Adam Wolfe

s a farmer, do you know when your tax return is actually due? Is it April 15 like everyone else? March 1 because Adam Wolfe, CPA farmers have “special rules”? October is the Partner & Tax 15 when your extension is up? This Director of Bobby topic can be confusing, and while you can always lisMedlin, CPA. Adam ten to your tax professionals and file when they tell has worked at the you, it’s good to have an understanding of why a cerfirm’s Lake Ozark tain rule applies to you. Let’s take some time to build branch since 2010. that understanding. First, recognize that the un-extended due date for individual income tax returns is always April 15, and any other date discussed as a deadline most likely pertains to the due date of an income tax payment, and not an income tax return – because you might be required to send tax payments several times throughout the year, rather than once, when you file your return. These periodic payments are called estimated tax payments, and the law requires you to make them if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current year and your withholdings are less than either 90 percent of your current-year tax or 100 percent of your previous-year tax (whichever number is smaller). If you are required to make estimated tax payments, you’ll need to make them on a quarterly basis with due dates of April 15, June 15, and September 15, as well as

Taking advantage of this special allowance for farmers can help you keep cash in your pocket throughout the year and avoid unnecessary penalties at year-end. January 15 of the following year. If you don’t make these payments on time, or if you fail to make them at all, you could be subject to a penalty. If you meet certain safeharbors, or if you can be classified as a farmer, you can avoid the penalty. If you are an individual taxpayer with two-thirds (or more) of your gross income derived from farming or fishing, you are exempt from the estimated tax payment rules described above. Instead, you have one estimated tax payment deadline – and if you pay tax by January 15, in an amount equal to either 2/3 of your current-year tax or 100 percent of your previous-year tax, then you have met your requirements and you are not exposed to any penalties. Alternatively, if you file your tax return by March 1 and pay all the tax due, at that time, you are not required to have made any estimated tax payments at all, and you are not penalized. The percentages and thresholds for paying estimated tax can be confusing and should not be a farmer’s focus (you can hire a tax professional for that). What should be the focus is that if you don’t wish to pay your taxes quarterly, you need keep your accounting records current, so an estimate of your tax can be calculated and paid before January 15, or so your tax return can be filed promptly before March 1. Taking advantage of this special allowance for farmers can help you keep cash in your pocket throughout the year and avoid unnecessary penalties at year-end. DECEMBER 29, 2014

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farm

help

Making farming a little easier

Coffee Shop Misconceptions By Lynzee Glass

3 4 5

5 Farm Program Misconceptions Farm programs are designed to assist farmers but often farmers have many reservations about participating in these programs. Here are a few clarifications to common farm program misconceptions as explained by Myron Hartzell, Natural Resources Conservation Service grassland specialist in Dallas County, Mo.

I don’t want the government to know what I’m doing on my farm.

• When producers participate in farm programs the institution providing the program will need proof that you are entitled or have the proper ownership to establish the program. This could lead to the misconception that the government will know too much about your farm. • There are differences between each program and not every one is federally based. Here is the breakdown: the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are branches of the USDA. So programs available through the NRCS and FSA are federally funded. Other agencies receive funding through state taxes including Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

There are too many hoops to jump through.

• Each farm program will require paperwork, which can seem like a lot of work but when you think about the monetary or technical assistance involved, this paperwork is necessary. Program officials need to be sure you qualify for the program. The program may also call for additional on-farm requirements for example fencing.

what do you say? Would you consider participating in a farm program?

DECEMBER 29, 2014

“No, I would not use a government program because intelligent farming means observation with flexible responses, and the programs are rigid and restrictive.” Todd Weyl Washington County, Ark.

I’ll have to let everyone use my farm.

• Another misconception is that once you establish a farm program you must let the public have access to your land or that program. Participating in farm programs doesn’t mean the right of trespass. Once a program is established follow up visits may take place. These visits are to ensure that the producer is holding up their end of the bargain and to ensure that public dollars are being spent how they are suppose to.

Not everyone is treated the same way.

• A lot of times neighboring farms will participate in different programs that have the same result. How you will have to accommodate your farm will depend on what program is available and your eligibility.

I don’t want the government telling me what I can plant on my farm.

• Some farm programs are designed for more than one reason. Some are designed to assist the industry by balancing commodity production. In order to balance this production some programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pay producers to plant acreage in a certain crop. What crop is planted is determined on a nationwide scale to help with commodity balance. The best way to decide if a program will work on your farm is to contact your local USDA Service Center. For contact information to your local USDA Service Center turn to page 25.

“I have used a government cell-grazing program for 18 years so my cattle don’t pick up as many parasites and I get more grazing production per acre.”

“I believe in government programs and use them extensively because they increase my efficiency. Just recently I used the EQIP program to convert old, overgrown ground into productive pasture.”

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“Yes, I use a drought program because it helps during a drought which was critical during the last drought.” Earl Cross Boone County, Ark.

farm help Whether on the floor of the Missouri Senate, working for the USDA, or hosting the Farm & Ranch Report, Morris Westfall cares about the people of the Ozarks.

Is Your Forage Crop Covered? By Gary Digiuseppe

Ag Production and political news and views for the farm and ranch.

Tips for understanding what insurance options are available for your forage

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Forage producers have gone in the last few years from no insurance options to several. Producers who lose a significant share of their forage but have not paid for either of the newer insurance alternatives are eligible for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. It was in the 2008 Farm Bill, ran out of money in October 2011, and was reauthorized retroactively in the 2014 Farm Bill. Eligibility is determined based on how long the farmer’s county was in a drought as determined by USDA’s weekly “Drought Monitor,” and how severe the conditions were. The payments are determined by a fixed payment rate for each year; for instance, for 2014 they’re $52.56 per head of breeding stock and $39.42 for calves. But there are two additional programs. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program is available to growers of many crops, including forage. At the Arkansas Forage and Grassland Council’s Fall Conference in Conway, JJ Jones, southeast area ag economist for the Oklahoma State University Extension Service, explained how the program works. Producers become eligible for NAP by paying $250 per crop per county – “It doesn’t matter if you have 1-acre or 2,000 acres, it’s $250,” said Jones – to a maximum of $750 per county; after the first three crops, additional crops in that county are covered for free. “If you’re a large producer, NAP insurance as far as a per-acre cost basis is going to be the cheapest one you have,” he said. The maximum premium for all of a producer’s crops in all counties is $1,875. The fee can be waived if a producer meets the criteria for a limited resource farmer; Jones said, “If you make less than $100,000 a year off your farm and you fall under the poverty level for a household of four – in Oklahoma, that’s $23,000 – your insurance is paid for.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

NAP covers the loss of forage greater than 50 percent of expected production, based on FSA yield and reported acreage histories. Jones said that information is a must; “If you don’t have any numbers they’re going to use averages, probably county averages, and they’re probably not going to use your farm,” he said. Payment is based on 55 percent of average market price for the specific forage. There’s a March 15 signup deadline at your county Farm Service Agency office. Producers had to have purchased insurance to qualify for the above-referenced disaster assistance in the past, but that’s no longer the case. 2015 signup has already concluded for the other insurance program available to forage growers, which is known as Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Crop Insurance and is offered through private insurers and USDA’s Risk Management Agency. The deadline is November the previous year. PRF claims are determined with the Rainfall Index; it uses data from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which has mapped out the country in grids of roughly 5 square miles. When the producer determines in which grid his hayfield or pasture is based, he determines which 2-month index intervals (January-February, March-April, etc.) he wants to base coverage on. Finally, he selects the value of coverage, a figure between 60-150 percent, and how to divide his insurable acreage between the selected 2-month index intervals. No one interval can have more than 60 percent of the total insurable acres. There is a grid locator and links to decision making tools at the website http://maps.agforceusa.com/prf/ri. Stacy Hambelton, ag business specialist at the University of Missouri Extension Ozark County office, said producers have a choice of coverage levels. “There will be an average that is calculated, and then you — Continued on Page 26 DECEMBER 29, 2014

farm help

Know NRCS, Know EQIP By Klaire Howerton

The NRCS finds ways to help both farmers and the environment through EQIP The Natural Resource Conservation Service has always had a clear mission, “We’re here to help people help their land,” stated Curt McDaniel, Assistant State Conservationist for the Missouri NRCS. “Our conservation working lands programs allow us to provide the necessary technical and supporting financial assistance to agricultural producers to help protect and improve our natural resources for sustainability of healthy, productive environments,” said Arkansas NRCS State Public Affairs Specialist Reginald Jackson and other Arkansas NRCS staff. The NRCS accomplishes this in a number of ways, such as education, funding, training and through programs like the new Environmental Quality Incentives Program, also known as EQIP.

What is EQIP?

EQIP is a voluntary, nationwide program that supports agriculture producers who

wish to make a positive impact on the environment through their farming practices with the help of a number of initiatives. The NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to producers who have been selected through an application process. Applications that have been submitted are reviewed to determine which requested projects would have the largest positive impact on the environment. McDaniel said these programs and initiatives are “aimed at producers who have environmental needs with livestock, landscape and headquarters.”

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On-Farm Energy Initiative

This initiative focuses on how producers can save energy on the farm. Through a farm assessment, followed by a development of an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also classified as an on-farm energy audit, the NRCS will help — Continued on Next Page

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farm help Know NRCS, Know EQIP Continued from Previous Page the producer (who can have anything from a poultry house to a dairy to a row crop operation) look closely at areas where energy improvements can be made to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Applications of these audits can include switching to LED lighting in buildings, increasing insulation for heating and air efficiency, creating proper ventilation in livestock housing and utilizing cover crops. “We can reduce energy to put out nutrients through vegetative methods,” said McDaniel. Not only does the practice of planting cover crops decrease the amount of energy used to make multiple passes with machinery across a field to spread fertilizer or to till, it also dramatically improves the quality of the soil, and its organic matter.

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This initiative is geared towards helping growers who raise produce for commercial or educational purposes extend their growing season. “There is more environmental benefit by allowing them to grow longer,” McDaniel said. He noted that better soil health, increased organic matter, better nutrient cycling, and taking advantage of the sunlight are all benefits of using a high tunnel. Curtis Millsap, a grower from Springfield, Mo., who received an EQIP High Tunnel grant from the NRCS, said “We produce vegetables year-round with nothing but solar heat. I think that is a

great thing for the environment.” The use of high tunnels to grow fresh food that is accessible to communities is a great matter of importance not just to the NRCS, but one that extends all the way to the White House where, Curt McDaniel noted, the President encourages people to know their farmers and their food, and the First Lady encourages gardening on a national scale.

Organic Initiative

The goal of the NRCS with the Organic Initiative is to assist producers who are transitioning to organic certification, or to assist previously organic growers with improving their certification. The NRCS looks for opportunities to help producers to improve upon organic practices such as mulching for weed control, providing pollinator habitats, and planting beneficial crops that can aid in pest control and nutrient distribution. Through the Organic Initiative, the NRCS will provide “federal dollars to support sound conservation practices and to help with the cost of implementing the prescribed practices,” said Jackson and other Arkansas NRCS staff.

Apply for EQIP

The best way to apply for an EQIP initiative grant is to visit your local USDA Service Center. Visiting with staff knowledgeable to your area, and presenting your environmental concerns is a good way to decide which program might work for you. Then you can apply online or in person for an EQIP grant that will help not only yourself, but the world around you as well.

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buy coverage at 70 percent of that normal up to 90 percent, and the premiums vary depending upon the amount of insurance that you have,” he told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. There’s also a productivity factor; he noted, “If you were growing alfalfa, you would find significantly more dollars involved in it than you would in typical fescue in the area, so you may want to run up that production factor depending upon the value of the crop.” When rainfall totals fall below your level of coverage, you get a check. How-

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ever, Hambelton said he’d heard from very few producers about it, even after the 2012 drought. In addition to lack of knowledge about the policy, he cited its cost. “I’ve run some local numbers, and depending upon which month it was we could look at $20-40 premium per acre,” he said. The most likely producers to sign up, he believes, are those who are carrying a heavy debt load and don’t believe they could absorb a loss.

DECEMBER 29, 2014

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