OFN December 5, 2022

A Great Way of

Students honored: Three Oklahoma State University seniors from the Ozarks region are among 14 Ferguson College of Agriculture students selected as Oklahoma State University Seniors of Significance for the 2022-2023 academic year by the OSU Alumni Association. The Seniors of Significance Award recognizes students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to campus and community and have brought distinction to OSU. Those honored from the Ozarks include Jerret Carpenter, natural resource ecology and management, Tulsa, Okla.; Tanner Taylor, agricultural education, Adair, Okla.; and Whitney Walker, agricultural leadership, Prairie Grove, Ark.

Malone receives research award: Trey Malone, assistant professor in the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Department for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, was recently awarded the 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Research and Communication from the Food Distribution Research Society. He was selected for his work on a Journal of Food Distribution Research article titled “The Changing Role of Fat Perceptions in Fluid Milk Labeling: Would the Dairy Industry Sell More if 2% Milk Was Called 98% Fat Free?” Malone’s co-authors and fellow award recipients include Oishi Kazi and Steven Miller from Michigan State University and Christopher Wolf from Cornell University. Malone conducts research for the experiment station, the research arm of the UA System Division of Agriculture, and teaches in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the U of A.

Reimer promoted: The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has an nounced the promotion of Mariah Reimer to the role of executive director. Reimer has served in a contract administrator position with the Cattlemen’s Foundation since February. Reimer will be leading the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation to expand and increase scholarship opportunities for rural and agricultural Oklahomans, fundraise to pro tecting the heritage of the West through disaster relief, memorials, and endowments and provide high quality educational opportunities for Oklahoma cattle producers. Reimer is originally from Wellston, Okla., holds a bachlor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University, and went on to pursue a master’s degree in administration. Reimer and her husband currently reside in Vinita, Okla., where they raise their two daughters.

Application period open: The Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program is accepting applications. The program was established to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown specialty crops. The grant program was developed using funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Program to increase production and consumption of specialty crops in schools. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. For more infor mation and the grant application, visit go.ozarksfn.com/7ga.

Know a Good Rumor?

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 OzarksFarm

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper DECEMBER 5, 2022 | VOL. 16, NO. 14

JUST A THOUGHT

Jerry Crownover –Some not-so-smart ideas

Jody Harris – A cool start

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

FARM HELP

just a thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

I’ve done some really dumb things in my lifetime, but luckily, I keep bearing witness to people who continue to make me feel good about myself.

When I was in college and spending my first semester living off-campus, there came a night when the city was hit by a minor ice storm. With every car covered in a thin sheet of ice, one of my neighbors became overly frustrated with his inability to chip the ice with a cheap, little ice scraper, so he proceeded to go back to his apartment and heat a pan of boiling water. Unfortunately, the young man had not taken his first physics course, but he did get a quick review in basic economics. The new windshield cost about $150.

Jerry Crownover is a farmer and former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University. He is a native of Baxter County, Arkansas, and an author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

Several years ago, my wife borrowed my truck to go to one of the big box stores and purchase her first bigscreen TV. She couldn’t understand why the guys at the store were laughing as they tied rope around the television to prevent it from tipping over as she brought it home. Upon arrival at home, when she attempted to open the door of the truck, she realized they had run the rope through the cab of the truck, before tying it. She called a neighbor to get her out.

I’ll also admit to a little lapse in my own judgment as I drove the truck through an open gate one day. It wasn’t until I closed the gate and fastened the lock that I realized I was on the opposite side of my truck. I quickly looked around to make sure no one saw. The bad thing is: I’ve done that more than once.

Early one morning a few years ago, a friend of mine discovered one of his cows in distress, ly ing in the middle of an open field. The animal was having calving problems and needed some

About the Cover

just a thought

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

rrrrr! The month of November started out a cold one. Within one week, we had a dusting of wet snow and a day of black ice out on the roads. I always know the bad weather is coming when I receive the text or email from our local schools announcing they are sending the kids’ personal computers or Snow Day packets home with them. Unfortunately for our chil dren, they had school on both of those days. They would not go to bed on the night before the first round of weather came in. They woke up grumpy and slow. They did take the time before heading to school to go play in the light dust in the grass knowing it would be gone by noon.

Jody Harris is a freelance communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and her family raise Angus beef cattle and other critters on their northwest Arkansas ranch. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Jody, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

This month has also brought a third teenager into the household. Our oldest son turned 13 and is like our own personal Google – he knows everything. Our youngest daughter is almost 15 and has started driving to and from school for athletic practices with an age-waiver permit. I am a nervous driver in bad weather. I am fearful of all the things that could potentially happen if I lose control on a slippery patch of ice. Usually, I just stay put at home. I did not let our new driver drive on the first day of snow this season. As I drove into town, I realized the roads were not bad at all and she could have driven just fine. Google, our oldest son, was very quick to point out my needless anxiety.

On the second day of bad weather, my younger sister and nieces were in town for the Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show. My sister went upstairs early in the morning and announced to all the kids that there was no school today. They were so mad when they realized she was just teasing them. They did, in fact, have school that day. I went out side and it was very cold, but I did not think it looked like the roads were too bad. Our daughters attend two different schools, and they are both able to drive. The youngest one packed her lunch and headed out the door first. When she finally arrived at the school parking lot, she called to say the bridge into Elkins was very slick. I asked her how she knew, and she said it was because the car had slid a little bit coming across it. I was thankful she had arrived safely and wondered how bad it really was.

Later, my sister, nieces and I took off in two cars to head up to Rogers for the show. As we crossed the bridge ourselves, there were emergency vehicles on both sides of the road. There had been a bad accident, and someone had run their vehicle through the fence on one of the pastures we lease. My eyes were bugged out as I told my sister I couldn’t believe I let our 14-year-old drive that day. My (much braver) sister kept scolding me for driving through town like an old lady. As we continued into Fayetteville and up Interstate 49, there was a wreck at nearly every overpass. I think after we sat in traffic while wrecks were cleared, she was glad I drive like an old lady in bad weather. It was cold and icy all the way up to Benton County that day.

My idea of a nice snow day includes a warm fire, hot chocolate and a good book while enjoying the country view outside the window. I don’t mind bundling up to go do chores if it is toasty and warm when I come back in. As the Christmas holiday approaches, it may be a balmy Arkansas 70-degree day. My hope is that your country Christmas will be full of peace and joy. Get your wood pile stacked because I really hope these kids get the snow day they have been praying for, neighbor.

www.ozarksfn.com

just a thought

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Ready or not, the holiday season is here. Thanksgiving is over, and now it’s onto Christmas.

Like many families, our holiday festivities include food, lots and lots of food.

My family has some great cooks and bakers, so it’s hard not to overindulge this time of year. It typically starts with a Thanksgiving lunch at my in-laws, fol lowed by a Thanksgiving dinner at my brother’s, and continues until sometime in January.

Julie Turner-Crawford is a native of Dallas County, Mo., where she grew up on her family’s farm. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Julie, call 1-866532-1960 or by email at editor@ozarksfn.com.

I might have to make another turkey before Christmas because Bill and I will be having tryptophan withdraw als by then; I love a good oven-roasted or smoked tur key. The best part of cooking a turkey are the leftovers. A sandwich made with leftover turkey is hard to beat. Once the bird was just about picked clean, my mom would sometimes make turkey and dumplings or turkey potpie; they were the best. The occasional fried potatoes cakes were great too. I made some of the other night from some leftover mashed potatoes. It had been years since I had them, and they were just as good as I remembered.

I have to brag on Bill and his developing culinary skills. I tell him I will cook whatever he wants if he tells me what he wants or lays something out from the freezer. Let’s just say there have been a lot of cereal nights at my house.

Bill can cook, and he’s become a pro with the Instant Pot. Hamburger soup, chili, ham and beans, and meatloaf are his go-to meals. I appreciate it when he has supper started or done when I get home; a benefit of his retirement.

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Brown sausage until done. Remove sau sage from pan, but retain drippings. Add butter to drippings. Over medium heat, melt butter, add celery and onions. Sauté until the onion is tender; do not brown. Stir in one-third of the bread cubes. Transfer mixture to the large bowl with sausage. Add remaining bread cubes, poultry sea soning and pepper; mix well. Bake cov ered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an 15 minutes to brown the top. Note: For extra moisture, add 1 C chicken broth before baking.

just a thought

Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page

With a list in hand one day, he asked me if we had several different spices; I was afraid to ask. He decided he was going to make lasagna all on his own. I told him it sounded great.

At the store, he looked over his list to get just the right amount of everything and insisted on getting the type of lasagna noodles you have to boil first. I was afraid this would be a disaster, but he was set on making it.

When I returned home from work the next night, there was a huge lasagna and a loaf of garlic bread in the oven. It smelled amazing, and there were no dirty dishes.

The lasagna was wonderful, and the best part was I didn’t have to make it or clean up more than the plates we used for supper. Bill nit-picked it some, but overall he was happy with his first-ever homemade lasagna. He said since he’d made it once, he was sure he could do it again. I’m good with that.

To help some of our readers with their menu choices, we have again compiled some great recipes to share. I’ve made a few of the recipes featured in this edition that are pretty good; theres others I’ll be trying as well. You can’t work on this section of

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor and not develop some cravings. We’re also featuring stories about excellent cooks in the Ozarks.

The holiday season wouldn’t be the grazing season if it weren’t for those tending animals and growing crops. From the turkey to the ham, the green bean casse role to the cranberry sauce, the custard pie to the mashed potatoes, or whatever else fills your plate, it was made possible by farmers and ranchers.

Most of you will rise and shine on Christ mas morning and start the day as you do any other day, doing chores before breakfast. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication to the industry and for working countless hours to pro vide food for our tables not only this holiday season but every day. Our world would be a very different place without you.

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3 assistance. My friend, in an effort to get more leverage, tied one end of the rope to the front feet of the yet unborn calf, and the other end around his own torso. Surprisingly, the cow could get up — and did. The ordeal cost him a broken arm and three cracked ribs.

Of course, we’ve all seen the video of the guy who is dressed from head to toe in protective gear — steel-toed boots, full face shield, shin guards, ear protection

and knee pads, all in order to use a chainsaw to cut the limb…that is supporting the ladder on which he is standing.

Last week, on his way home from work, my wife’s friend observed something almost as absurd. As he was driving on a four-lane street in the city, a motorcyclist sped past him at such a speed he could barely make out that the biker was wear ing a COVID mask — but no helmet.

meet your neighbors A Tradition and Career

By Jenna Kutz

Josie Kutz shares her love of agriculture with her students

For many family businesses, the family usually runs the 9-5 business and keeps the tradition alive for future generations. For Josie Kutz and her family, the family business keeps agriculture constant in all aspects of their lives.

Josie, a high school agricultural educator at Pea Ridge High School, grew up surrounded by agriculture and knew she wanted to pursue a career in it. Her uncle — an equine veterinarian — and her grandparents — successful cow/ calf operators — are among the reasons she is where she is today.

Some of Josie’s earliest memories are spending the weekends on her grandparents’ 80-head Brangus cattle farm, where she spent her days checking cows, putting out feed, or simply running to the co-op. It has always been a lot of hard work for her and her family.

Josie’s childhood home in Springdale, Ark., was far from a farm.

“Where I came from, my high school graduating class had 600 people in it and we were in a very populated city, and it was the very opposite of an ag school,” Josie said.

Har-Ber High School is her alma mater, and it was there that she found FFA.

Josie was active in FFA in high school and decided to join after hearing her fa ther and uncle talk about their fun ex periences with it growing up.

“Once I found FFA, I realized that was what I always needed,” said Josie. “I didn’t have many friends or a commu nity of my own… then I joined FFA and found my best friends, my community, and my passion for helping people and teaching the younger members.”

“That’s really where she became her,” said Rick Kutz, her veterinarian uncle, who played a significant role in her life.

In Pauls Valley, Okla., Rick had his vet clinic, and horses of his own that Josie and her two siblings grew up around.

Josie’s two siblings, Jenna and Jack, experienced the same family traditions and FFA stories growing up. Still, her success and determination inspired her siblings to join FFA as well.

“I definitely paved the way as the older sibling,” said Josie.

In return, Josie’s siblings inspired her to pursue her bachelor’s in agricultural education and become a high school agricultural educator.

“I really knew I wanted to pursue a career in agricultural education, especially after seeing the impact it had on my younger brother and sister,” Josie said. “I knew after watching them find their own passions, friends, and their own career paths; I had to do this for other kids.”

She currently teaches at

Pea Ridge High School and teaches various agriculture classes, along with several welding and shop classes.

“The people of Pea Ridge are some of the greatest, and that has been a huge part of my happiness over there,” said Josie. “My favorite part is the rela tionships I’ve made with students and hearing how ag and FFA have changed their lives,” said Josie.

In Pea Ridge, they know all about agriculture and family traditions sur rounding it, and Josie loves that about the area.

in the teaching industry.

“Nobody else really knows how hard it can be, especially being an ag teacher, because being an ag teacher is a whole other ballgame,” Josie said. “However, seeing how students light up when they talk about FFA and their experiences, and knowing that I have a part in it is really what makes all the hard times worth it,” Josie said.

Josie is still in her first year of teaching and is looking forward to the future of her and her students’ careers.

“I want to be there and facilitate something that will eventually become something really important and valuable for those kids, whatever that may be,” she said.

Josie is hoping to grow the FFA program in her school in all areas — county fairs, livestock shows, career development events, and leadership development events, to name a few. She hopes more students will join and see FFA isn’t the stereotypical farming.

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” Josie said. “FFA is not all about rabbits, cows and plows; it is also about public speaking, leadership, and way beyond that– it is for anyone who wants to join.”

Pea Ridge, Ark.

“Pea Ridge is the very opposite of where I grew up — it’s a small and very tight-knit ag communi ty where kids grew up with each other and are extremely close with their teachers, and it’s been a fun change,” Josie said.

Although it has been great, Josie admits there are hard days

For the Josie family, FFA is yet an other connection with each other and a lasting bond they will have forever. The family business, being agriculture, will continue to grow, with Jenna pursuing her agriculture communications degree, and Jack venturing into the aquaculture industry.

“Agriculture is the center of your world – it is what makes your clothes, lumber in your house, the leather on your boots and obviously the food you eat. So don’t forget about it, and support it in any way that you can.”

Josie Kutz is a first-year ag education instructor at Pea Ridge, Ark. She is pictured with a group of her students.

meet your neighbors Growing Up a Farm Kid

By Leah Greene

Caden Burden said the cattle industry ‘gets into your blood’

The family farm is an essential part of agriculture in the United States, with roughly 98 percent of farms being family-owned and operated. These farms also provide about 88 percent of agricultural production.

For generations, farm families have included their children in agricultural production. They are taught about the ins and outs of raising animals or growing crops and develop useful skills that will stay with them throughout their life. Aside from the educational experiences, as they grow, youth in agriculture play an essential role on the farm.

One example of how valuable it is to expose young people to the realities of farming is the Burden family. For generations, this family has been raising their children to understand the way of life.

Caden Burden, a sophomore at Lin coln (Ark.) High School, has grown up showing cattle and helping his family manage the farm.

“We background around 400 heifers a year, and we buy in the fall, then sell in the summer,” Caden said. “We buy them as 500-pounders, and we just have to take care of them and grow them big.”

The Burden family farm was dairy operation until 2007. Since then, they’ve been raising Angus crossbreeds to sell at the feedlot and have about 150 head in their cow/calf operation.

“We’ve got a lot of Angus and Brahman crosses, and Angus and Simmen tal,” Caden said.

Ever since they were old enough to start helping out, Caden and his siblings played an essential role on their farm.

“We’ll buy cows all week, and Friday I usually stay home from school, and we give a total of four shots to every calf, then ear tags and wormer,” Caden said.

There is something to get done from early in the morning until bedtime. There’s an unspoken understanding that the animals depend on Caden and his family. His parents have emphasized how the animals eat before they do.

“I wake up, usually, at 5:30, get up and feed the calf I’ve got at the house, then usually go feed horses and see if anything is wrong at my grandparents’, where all the cattle are,” said Caden. “After school, I go home, and a lot of times, I’ll hook up the trailer and pick up a second or third load at the sale barn.”

From the time he was 5 years old, animals have been familiar to him. Unlike others who may not have the privilege to experience growing up on a farm, Caden developed an under standing of what agriculture is and why it’s necessary. After high school, he plans to continue working on the farm alongside his family.

“I’ll probably branch out and do my own thing eventually, but the family farm is always going to come first,” Caden said.

His parents made a point to raise him and his siblings to understand re sponsibility and ownership. They’ve bid on their cattle, and during show season, they buy and sell to put that money back into their animals.

Lincoln, Ark.

Caden’s mother, Julie, said one of the values she has tried to instill in her children is knowing where everything comes from. There are numerous benefits that come from teaching our youth about the importance of agri culture. They will know how much the world depends on agricultural production and growth, have environmental consciousness and under stand food issues.

“Our lifestyle would be lost if we don’t teach,” Julie said. “[Our

youth] needs to know about agricul ture.”

Due to the increasing age of the average farmer, there is a possibility of family farms disappearing. The loss of these farms in America is very impact ful due to their production rate.

Families who have been operating on land for generations understand the value that comes from their children’s role in their operations. Not only is it valuable to the future of agricultural production, but it teaches them life skills that will stick with them forever.

They’ll have unique knowledge which serves a purpose.

“It gets in your blood…we don’t know any other way of life,” said Julie. “Living in town would be boring.”

The future of agriculture relies on our youth. Exposure to the farm lifestyle will allow children to have a better appreciation for food and products that come from agriculture. These priceless experiences have numerous benefits that have the most positive effects on the future.

Submitted Photo

By Julie Turner-Crawford

s Location: Yellville, Ark.

s Owner: Chris Honeymann

History: Honeymann Tractor Parts started about five years ago.

“We used to work on trucks, cars and tractors, then my building burnt, and we lost pretty much everything,” Chris Honeymann said, adding he thought salvage and sales would be a little less physically demanding for him.

Products and Services: Honeymann Tractor Parts has more than 250 salvage tractors of various makes and models.

“We also sell new parts, and used tractors and equipment, mostly older tractors,” Chris said. “We have all brands, even some stuff that we don’t know what it is. We have some neat old trucks and rare tractors.”

When a tractor or piece of equipment comes in, Honeymann Tractor evaluates it to see if it can be put back into working conditions or used for parts.

“It’s fun finding the old tractors out in the weeds,” Chris said. “Sometimes we can get them running and sell them, but we part them out if they are too far gone. It saves them from the scrapper and saves a piece of history. It saves on the world’s carbon footprint by not needing to make a new part and keeps things recycled.”

Customers can find filters, gaskets, carburetors, bolts, pumps, air hitches, clutches, brackets, springs, loaders, starters, radiators, engine parts and blocks, wheels, grilles, steering wheels, mufflers, and many other types of tractor parts. Honeymann is also a dealer for Shocker Hitch, Steiner and Sparex products. Domestic and international shipping is available. Of all their products, Chris said the best sellers are quick-attach bale spears.

“We shipped a whole tractor to the Netherlands,” Chris said. “It was a big one.”

Chris said the Muir Hill tractor, which as manufactured in England, is unpopular in the United States, but has some demand in the European market. “I am into old tractors and it was the first one I had ever seen.”

Chris said he is currently restoring a Ford Gold Demonstrator for his own collection, as well as a 350 Farmall Diesel.

Honeymann Tractor Parks works to offer their customers the best prices possible.

“We try to buy everything at a good price and then sell for a good price,” Chris said.

ozarks roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

99 Years and Counting

By Charlie Amos

Community comes together to make Christmas joyous for every child

The prairie community of Leach, Okla., in the southwest cor ner of Delaware County, has a long-standing tradition.

This November marked the 99th annual pie supper fundraiser. Since 1923, the Leach School District has partnered with farmers, ranchers and rural citizens to bring Christmas to the community’s school children. Every fall, they raise money to buy gifts given to the students during their Christmas program.

A lot of things have changed since the 1920s. In those early years, the pie sup per might provide a bag of fruit and hard candy. Last year, more than $40,000, an all-new record, was raised and went toward purchasing gifts for the school’s 150 students. In a county with 19 percent of the population at or below the poverty level, it may be the only gifts some students receive.

“It’s amazing for our little community to raise that much money for Christmas gifts; it’s not that many people, and they just raise all that money,” said Janice Pilcher, a 50-year veteran teacher.

Along with homemade pies, bidders can bid on a variety of desserts from neighboring kitchens, as well as crafts. Businesses and individuals from the sur-

rounding area donate services, tools and household items. Some desserts are leg endary and, from the right kitchen can go upwards of $150 to $200.

At the heart of it all, auctioneers donate their time and skills. It only takes two bidders to make an auction, and the auctioneers know how to work the crowd. One of those auctioneers is Clint Cunningham.

“I don’t mind donating my time for this auction as it is a great cause,” he said. “Because of the people in this area, these kids will have a wonderful Christmas. I’m just proud I can help out.”

Teachers and staff donate their time each year to work the pie supper and auction. Classes donate themed baskets that go into a silent auction. People casually walk by the tables and quickly write their bids down on clipboards, out bidding their neighbors. The gym’s con cession stand is busy selling homemade chili, chicken and dumplings and desserts, but the coffee is always free.

Weeks leading up to the pie supper, stu dents sell tickets that give area residents a chance to win prizes. The students with the most ticket sales represent the school as pie supper royalty.

“It gets pretty competitive,” said Shandi Teague, a third-year teacher and mother of this year’s princess.

There have been setbacks over the years, but the community and school have managed to overcome adversity. During COVID, they moved the pie sup per outdoors, bringing Christmas joy.

However, in 2001 the school was targeted by criminals. A previous superinten dent decided to store the presents that year in a storage facility in a neighboring town. On the day of the Christmas program, school employees went to bring the wrapped gifts to the school only to discover the gifts had been stolen, leaving only a few bikes.

“It felt like we got hit in the gut,” recalled Bonnie Wells, a former superintendent’s secretary. “Channel 2 came in and did a story, and by the end of the day, we probably had more money to buy gifts than we originally started with. A man who had never heard of us drove down from Bar tlesville and gave us a $5,000 check.”

The community, along with the kindness of strangers, came together that day to ensure the students got their Christmas gifts. An area Walmart helped fill the gift list, and a rancher with a stock trailer hauled the gifts to the school. Teachers and employees sorted and wrapped gifts right up to the time of the Christmas program.

“We grew up here, and we were part of the kids,” she said. “That’s what hurt, I think, everyone cried. But we got it all; I can remember the shirt I was wearing. We went into the gym, and everyone was dressed up, and we looked like we had been run over.”

Facing high inflation, the community came together again this year, and the Leach students will each have $200 for a Christmas wish list. Parents will help students make a list, and the teachers and

staff will fulfill those lists and wrap the presents.

They will be placed under a Christmas tree and distributed during the annual Christmas program, which is open to the community.

“The Christmas program is really a way for the students to say thank you to the community,” Bonnie said.

Next year, on the first weekend of November, will be the 100th annual Leach Pie Supper. Currently, ladies are collect ing scraps of fabric for a quilt to be auctioned. Fabric from old jerseys, uniforms, farmers’ shirts, housewives’ aprons worn thin by labor and effort have kept this tradition alive for nearly 100 years.

town &

in the field and in the office

country

Candice Schulz

By Julie Turner-Crawford

s Hometown: Bella Vista, Ark.

s Family: Children Zoe, Bozwell, Zane, Faith and Isaiah

In Town: Candice Schulz and her family operate Serendipitous Summer Farms, an organic skincare line of natural salves and balms formulated at their home-based business in Bella Vista, Ark.

Products include healing salves, shampoo/body wash, soaps and other similar items.

“I was raising small children, and I was very into any natural healing. I was into permaculture gardening and trying to find the right plants to grow my food without pesticides,” she said. “A lot of those ended up being herbs, and when I looked at their properties and found out that they were really medicinal and started using them. This was going to be a sideline, then everyone in the family started loving it, and they said, ‘You should sell this.’ So, I started a business.”

Five years later, Serendipitous Summer Farms has a strong online retail portfolio through retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com.

In the Country: Candice’s life on her small urban farm inspired her to begin her company. “Serendipitous means a happy accident, so the name kind of speaks for itself,” Candice said.

“We started our farm in 2011 with (Myotonic) goats and chickens,” Candice explained. “We are actually in town, on a half-acre lot. It’s not fancy, but we turned our landscaping plots into permaculture. We’ve never had a lot of land. We wanted it, but it got put on the back burner.”

Candice said she realized she could do want she wanted on the space she had available.

“That’s all I ever actually needed, surprisingly,” she said. “No one cared we had goats, even though we lived in town; everyone loved them. It all just meshed. I jumped out on a limb, and it just meshed. It is town living, but not.”

Candice grows the majority of the plant ingredients used in her lines at her home.

“We do supplement in the winter months or if I didn’t manage it correctly; sometimes the years are just different,” she said. “Most of it is all right here.”

Herbs grown include Comfrey, Calendula, Yarrow, Lemon Balm and Plantain.

Other products are obtained through organic suppliers and other resources.

“I like Caligula Flower, but I kill it every year,” Candice said with a laugh.

The family still breeds goats, catering to the pet market.

“They are technically meat goats, but their price is so high because of what they are, they sell higher as pets,” Candice explained. “We sell mostly to people with little urban farmettes like we have and who are doing the same thing we are.”

Submitted Photo

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.

slaughter

market sales reports

beef cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 11/27/22

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn)

Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice

Steers: 153.00-158.50 ; wtd. avg. price 156.42.

Heifers: 153.00-158.50 ; wtd. avg. price 156.43.

Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice

Steers: 244.00-247.50; wtd. avg. price 246.49.

Heifers: 244.00-244.00; wtd. avg. price 244.00.

sheep & goats

A huge crowd was on hand for this Norwood Producers Auction Yards sheep and goat sale. Compared to last month feeder lambs traded 35.00-40.00 higher. Slaughter lambs traded 54.00-73.00 higher. This sale featured several high quality replacement lots. Replacement ram lambs traded up to 500.00 per head with replacement ewes trading up to 390.00 per head. In the goat portion of the sale slaughter kid goats traded 42.00-59.00 higher. As in the sheep sale, replacement goat were in demand as young billies traded at 450.00-575.00 per head. Supply was heavy with very good demand. This was the largest sheep and goat sale ever held at Norwood. Supply included: 7% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 47% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (87% Hair Breeds, 13% Hair Ewes, 0% Hair Bucks); 20% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (99% Hair Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 2% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 18% Slaughter Goats (68% Kids, 23% Nannies/ Does, 5% Bucks/Billies, 2% Wethers, 2% Wether Kids); 7% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/Does). Receipts: 3,089

Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 275.00410.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 200.00357.50.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 125.00-300.00.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 95.00-140.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per unit): 137.50-165.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 100.00140.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per unit): 115.00140.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 100.00-110.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 105.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 135.00270.00.

Hair Bucks - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 300.00500.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 410.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 250.00-335.00.

Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 295.00-370.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 250.00-300.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 200.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 105.00-235.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 155.00-210.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00-245.00.

Bucks/Billies- Selection 1-2 (per unit): 220.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 200.00-240.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 282.50.

Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 185.00-310.00.

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Sheep/Goat 11/22/22 Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 38.0049.00 higher. Not enough other classes for a market comparison. In the goat portion of the sale slaughter kid goats traded 5.00-24.00 higher. Supply was light with good demand. Supply included: 8% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 28% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (7% Wooled & Shorn, 74% Hair Breeds, 5% Ewes, 12% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); 4% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 21% Feeder Goats (94% Kids, 6% Wether Kids); 38% Slaughter Goats (59% Kids, 26% Nannies/ Does, 5% Bucks/Billies, 10% Wethers); 1% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/Does). Receipts: 541 Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 262.50327.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 165.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 140.00-150.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 200.00300.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 180.00-194.00.

Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 70.00-72.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 130.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 84.00-100.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 60.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 122.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 162.00175.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 235.00-262.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 270.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 290.00-313.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 255.00-287.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-175.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00-230.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 225.00-260.00.

Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 210.00-220.00.

National Sheep Summary 11/18/22 Compared to last week slaughter lambs sold mostly steady to 20.00 higher. Slaughter ewes were mostly steady to 15.00 higher. Feeder lambs were steady to 23.00 higher with advance on heavy lambs. At San Angelo, TX 4,608 head sold. Equity Cooperative Auction sold 330 slaughter lambs in North Dakota. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 4,727 lamb carcasses traded with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless specified.

Cheese: Barrels $2.1500. The (-0.1873) and Fluid Milk/Cream: regions of region milk the upper the weekend Conditions in the Central milk discounts lower. In delaying some area of the mostly unchanged availability is declining demand is cream cheese, Cream multiples, 1.38, East; West.

SPOT PRICES POUND Midwestern

NOT REPORTED

stocker & feeder prices

Fort Smith Stockyards* 11/21/22 2,204

159.00-247.00 159.00-222.00 148.00-217.00 144.00-189.00 122.00-170.00

Joplin Regional

Stockyards

231.00-250.00 203.00-235.00 190.00-210.00 179.00-200.00 177.00-191.00

Mid-State Stockyards* 11/21/22

184.00-215.00 172.00-181.00

139.00-189.00 146.00-191.00 128.00-178.00 131.00-168.00 137.00-161.50

185.00 170.00-184.00 164.00-182.00 163.00-176.00 164.00-175.00

152.00-201.00 111.00-180.00 115.00-180.00 100.00-172.00 100.00-154.00 108.00-160.00 100.00-155.00 100.00-149.00 95.00-153.00 90.00-132.00

Farmers Regional

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 11/26/22

Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 200.00-

Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 180.00-194.00. and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 70.00-72.00.

Good 2-3 (per cwt): 130.00.

Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 84.00-100.00. and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 60.00. (per cwt): 122.00.

Sheep/Lambs: Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 162.00-

2 (per cwt): 235.00-262.00.

Selection 2 (per cwt): 270.00.

1 (per cwt): 290.00-313.00.

2 (per cwt): 255.00-287.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-175.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00-230.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 225.00-260.00.

Goats: Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 210.00-220.00.

Summary 11/18/22

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production across most regions of the country is steady or increasing. Eastern region milk production faced a severe snowstorm in the upper portion of the region last week through the weekend that temporarily boosted Class I sales. Conditions are shifting back to normal. Cheesemakers in the Central region are taking advantage of heavier milk discounts this week, as Class I demand edges lower. In the West region, limited tanker availability is delaying some milk deliveries in the Pacific Northwest area of the region. Meanwhile, Class I demand is mostly unchanged in the West. Condensed skim spot availability is improving. Demand for contracted loads is declining in some regions of the country. Cream demand is active as higher production of sour cream, cream cheese, and butter pull on available supplies. Cream multiples, All Classes, for the week are 1.321.38, East; 1.18 to 1.27, Central; 1.05 to 1.29 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $3.6431 - $3.7014.

Arkansas Cattle Auction

Cleburne County Livestock Auction

Decatur Livestock Auction

Farmers Regional Sale Barn

Fort Smith Stockyards

Four State Stockyards - Exeter, Mo.

I-40 Livestock - Ozark

Mid-State Stockyards

Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola

Vinita Stockyards

cow/calf

Mid-State Stockyards* 11/21/22 534

N. Ark. LivestockGreen Forest✝

Joplin Regional Stockyards

Stilwell Livestock Auction

Ozarks Regiona Tulsa Livestock Auction 950.00-1500.00 †

Livestock Auction*

152.00-201.00 111.00-180.00 115.00-180.00 100.00-172.00 100.00-154.00

108.00-160.00 100.00-155.00 100.00-149.00 95.00-153.00 90.00-132.00

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 11/21/22 3,351 4-12 Higher

207.00-222.50 200.00-214.00 185.00-208.00 177.00 174.00 165.00 157.50 164.50 152.50

NOT REPORTED NO SALEHOLIDAY NO SALEHOLIDAY NO SALEHOLIDAY

225.00-255.00 210.00-243.00 193.00-219.00 179.00-193.00 160.00-172.50

215.00-240.00 200.00-225.00 170.00-187.00 146.50-168.00

NOT

REPORTED NOT REPORTED

164.00-170.00 160.00-165.00 157.00-158.50

170.00-188.00 172.00-188.00 166.00-184.00 155.00-167.00

190.00-230.00 184.00-225.00 172.00-206.50 166.00-183.50 162.00-178.00

160.00-200.00 150.00-209.00 158.00-168.00 118.00-142.00 92.00-131.00

160.00-217.00 150.00-185.00 148.00-180.00 150.00-175.00 150.00-167.00

meet your neighbors A Great Way of Life

By Terry Ropp

Ron Aman continues to raise cattle on his family’s farm that began in 1918

John B. and Emma J. Whitaker came to Arkansas from Mississippi in 1918 and purchased 210 acres in Prairie Grove, Ark.

More than 100 years later, the land is still a part of the family and is still used for a cow/calf operation.

“It’s a blessing the land never sold during the Depression. There was a time when John and Emma’s four children signed a loan to pay the taxes,” explained John and Emma’s grandson Ron Aman, who runs the cow/ calf operation on the same land today. “The only things left from the early days are the footings from the old windmill and the little building that marks the year the farm was established.”

Ron’s parents, Dan and Fawnita, used the land in the

1980s and 1990s for a cow/calf opera tion. Dan also owned a gas station in Prairie Grove, selling tires, welding and doing repairs, property Ron’s mother still owns.

Ron worked at the station as a teenag er with his older brother Kenny while working with his parents’ cattle. His father would also custom bale hay and combine wheat and fescue for others.

“I loved Dad’s old combine and re member it was a smooth ride,” Ron reminisced. “I never minded mowing around it when we no longer used it though we did use it as a land mark for a while.”

Prairie Grove, Ark.

In the 1980s, his parents bought a mixed breed herd of 50 to 60 highly productive older cows from Carroll Rainwater near Natural Dam. Ron will never forget an early, blistering cold

winter day when he and his dad decided to put the herd in the barn.

“The cattle were not in favor of that idea and smartly ran to the woods where they handled the cold just fine,” Ron remembered. “I, however, was not. My dad was yelling, ‘get back in the truck’ because he noticed my nose was glazing over and the smile frozen on my face.”

In time, the Amans entered into a partnership with Alex and Lois Lacey in Farmington, buying and selling registered Beefmaster cattle. Eventually, Dan retired from the town business as well as the cattle business, subsequently leasing the land to others.

Ron moved on to building fence and working cattle for other local cattlemen in his spare time. He worked several offthe-farm jobs, with the current job being with Maynard, Inc. During those years, he married and had a daughter Emily who has gifted him two grandchildren.

In 2010, Ron decided to lease the farm for his own cow/calf operation and purchased most of his cattle from the man who previously leased the land. It was overgrown with invasive honey locust trees known for long and vicious thorns. Ron, with the help of family and friends, cut, pulled, piled and burned thousands of them to reclaim the land. Not surprisingly, Ron makes land care a priority. He fertilizes as needed with

chicken litter and sprays Grazon to control weeds. He applied 210 tons of ag lime this year alone.

The Aman herd is comprised of 50 Si mAngus mommas bred by Angus and SimAngus bulls that stay with the cows all year. Ron’s herd has never synced, so he sells steers and some bull calves five times a year, when he has groups that have been weaned from 60 days up to yearlings weighing 500 to 750 pounds. He likes a young herd and sells cows before they reach 10 years old and still have good value. On the other hand, heifers are primarily sold by private treaty, as are the remaining bull calves.”

The herd is worked twice a year. A quick phone call is all that is needed to round up enough help from loyal friends and Ron’s nephew, James Maynard. A dart gun primarily administers medication because he believes it is less stressful. He drives around the herd until the targeted animal looks away. He then shoots the dart with the animal not knowing where the dart came from. Ron has used cattle rubs to protect his herd from flies, but now hand sprays each animal, resulting in less pinkeye spreading through the herd.

Weaned calves are fed 4 pounds of a mix ration per day. Cows with calves by their side consume grass and hay and are provided 17 to 25 percent protein

Ron Aman has a heard of SimAngus cattle on the farm his grandpar ents started in 1918.

Photos by Terry Ropp

meet your neighbors

tubs as needed. Ron’s management pro tocols ensure that loose mineral and salt are always available. The cattle drink from two ponds and city water.

A neighbor across the road allows Ron to hay his 35 acres, with James having another 35 acres producing 400 to 500 round bales a year. As a special treat for the cattle, Ron also purchases high-quality square bales from other farmers in Prairie Grove, like Warren Napier and Stacy Luginbuel.

James used to keep his cattle at his own farm, but a huge oak tree fell on a fence corner where four pastures met, so they moved to Ron’s. Those cattle simply never returned home. Ron finds James to be a good hand, strong, and a big help with things that are hard for Ron to do. They hay together and are part ners on equipment.

“My great-grandparents would be proud of what we do with their land and of the lives we live,” Ron said. “I’m glad the farm is still in the family be cause farming is a great way of life.”

Berryville

• 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

Flippin • 9095 Hwy. 62 East 870-453-4400

Green Forest • 181 West Main 870-438-5184

Harrison • 502 Hwy 62/65 N. 870-741-0855

Huntsville • 304 Labarge Ave. 479-738-6814

Imboden • 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-2644

Jasper • 402 E. Court Street 870-446-5381

Salem • 115 Mill Street 870-895-3249

Siloam Springs • 1629 East Main 479-524-3511

Yellville • 801 Hwy. 62 West 870-449-4966

www.northarkansaslivestock.com

Photo by Terry Ropp

youth in agriculture

tomorrow’s ag leaders

Paxton Smith

By Marissa Snider

s Hometown: Gentry, Ark. s Parents: Kaleb and Chrisie Smith s Sibling: Paden Smith s 4-H Club: Logan 4-H s Club leaders: Jackie Griffin and Anna Myers

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I’ve been showing cattle for one or two years. “My brother shows more but I’m learning.”

Paxton lives on a 1,200-head Brangus cattle ranch. While his days are mostly filled with schoolwork and good old-fashioned boy fun like hunting frogs, he helps with a few chores around the farm too. He’s a Cloverbud 4-Her.

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

Paxton said tractors and his dad’s new semi for hauling cattle. He’s drawn to the mechanical side of the farm operations. Even at seven years old, his knowledge and attention to details regarding these machines is impressive.

“I’m saving up to buy my own tractor – a John Deere.”

What are your future plans?

“I’m going to work on the farm. Raising steers is what we do.”

What is the best advice about agriculture you have received from adults? Who gave you that advice?

“You have to work hard to keep the cows alive. Sometimes it’s hot when we’re raking hay and this summer we had a big drought and it was really hot.”

Paxton credits his parents for helping him learn how to take on difficult chores around the farm.

Awards: Grand Champion Brangus Heifer at the Benton County Fair

Photo by Marissa Snider

the ofn ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Preparing for Retirement

By Brad Pistole

Here are seven financial tips to help you en joy life and reduce stress as you approach retirement.

1. Get serious about your retirement: If your employer matches your 401(k) contributions, you need to take advantage and max out your contribution. Your employer’s share is “house money,” which means using their contribution as part of your 401(k) plan as an employee benefit. Many 401(k) plans allow for conversion to a guaranteed retirement income which can be used as a lifetime benefit. Ask your benefits manager to see if it is in cluded in your plan. It would help if you also planned at what age you would like to retire. If you have had a loss in investment returns in your 401(k), ask yourself how you can gain that back. Your asset allocation in your 401(k) can be changed as you get closer to retirement age. Most plans allow you to move the money as a rollover to a self-directed IRA, which provides the option of using an annuity with an “Income Rider” attached to provide desired guarantees. If you have an IRA and are not contributing annually, start this year; contributions made before April can be deducted from the previous year’s income.

Brad Pistole of Ozark, Mo., is farmer and a Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Certified Annuity Specialist®, and CEO of Trinity Insurance & Financial Services, INC.

2. If you don’t have a will, see an attorney and make one. If you have a current will make sure it is up to date.

3. Name an executor for your estate. Use caution in the selection, and make sure you have asked the executor for permission to use them. Based on the valuation of your estate and your state of residence, the use of a trust can assist the executor in their responsibilities. Ask your attorney for ideas and help. Never buy a trust from anyone other than an attorney licensed to practice law. Often life insurance is used to provide funds for any taxes or debts that may be due at your death, have a professional insurance review the policies, and make sure the ownership and beneficiary decisions are up to date.

4. Create an emergency fund. Only 28 percent of people have an emergency fund, according to a 2022 Bankrate.com survey.

5. Take a close look at your investments and review them for changes. Remember, as we get older, we have less time to make up losses in our investments.

6. Start paying down debt. Debt can be a drag on your retirement; once the debt is retired, stress becomes less, and your options for life increase.

7. Budgeting and following a monthly plan can help. There are numerous studies about budgeting; one thing is for sure, people who follow a budget have less stress. Make a budget and stick to it.

Life should be enjoyed. Use these simple financial tips as the first step to regaining financial freedom and reducing stress.

farm help

Making farming a little easier

Increasing Value

By Katherine Smith

Tactics for producers to market their product

With the increase in the availability of marketing programs for large producers in the cattle industry, there are marketing techniques that small cattle producers can use to help their animals sell better when going to the sale.

Small producers create the same quality beef as larger producers. The only difference is, smaller producers don’t have the resources and branding larger one have.

“Big cattle make big checks,” said Jus tin Angell, a co-owner at Eastern Com mission Company said. In the cattle operation, ranchers need to make a name for themselves. Start by weeding out the calves that don’t look the best and re placing them with calves that look su perior. When it comes to selling cattle, people want to know where and who they’re buying from.

“It’s all about the looks,” said Jefferson Miller. Miller, an agricultural communi cations professor at the University of Arkansas and a new beef cattle rancher, said. “People who are in the cow/calf operation already know who they’re trying to sell to and who their main target audience is.”

People are wanting cattle to look similar

when going to the sale. Have the same color calves and ones that are built similar grouped together when they go through the sale to have the most outcome.

“Do not be a member of the Bull of the Month Club. If you’re going to have three different bulls, you want them to all be the same color and same breed be cause you want your calves to look as uniform as possible,” said Angell.

According to Angell, there are seven things small producers can do to help increase the value of cattle going to the sale.

Increasing the value cattle all starts with a good vaccination program. It helps sell the calves when the auctioneer can announce the history of the calf and the health of each calf.

“Calves that have been weaned off for about 60 days and on a vaccination schedule will help the value of your cattle increase in price,” said Angell.

Another thing small producers can do to help market their cattle is market at the right time.

“Fall calving calves never hit a bad market. A calf that’s born in September that could be sold around April as the new grass starts coming up or sell the calf as a yearly will produced the highest market all year,” Angell said.

It’s also important to understand the types of operations.

“You have the cow/calf guys, who raise calves from birth to freshly weaned from their mommas. Then you have the backgrounders who buy theses calves that have been weaned and raised them to yearlings, which allows them to sell to the feedlot, and then you have the people who buy the calves from the backgrounders and finish them off on the feedlot,” he explained.

A small producer, he said, would have

calves through the fall season, and it could be valuable to keep the calves through each phase.

“You can keep the calf throughout the phases and increase your value,” he said, adding that calves should also be close in age so all calves are the same size.

Making calves bigger and older help increase the value. Keeping calves for anoth er 60 to 90 days to keep them to be around 11 to 12 months old, just a little under a year, and having them weigh about 600 to 700 pounds compared to a calf that weighs the same the short yearly with bringing around $20 to $100 more a head.

To become a successful smaller producer, farmers and ranchers need to keep the cost low and the outcome of the cattle high.

“For commercial cow/calf people, the number one factor is the fertility of the cow heard. To increase the fertility of the cow heard, you never want to keep a cow that hasn’t raised a calf,” Angell said. “Removing a cow that hasn’t been produced will help the cost of feeding down. You can’t keep something that won’t produce around because you’re just losing money.”

He also recommended finding a bull that is high in fertility.

Spilt marketing is another thing producers can do. Split marketing is selling all heifers at on time, then selling all steers. Heifers are typically sold at a lower weight than steers.

“He has to be a rancher because he has reindeer and loves animals.”

“Absolutely, because has to have a good sense of humor and he loves taking care of his reindeer.”

Ron Aman Washington County, Ark.

Danny Thomas Madison County, Ark.

“He’s a rancher because he has all of those reindeer to herd around.”

Wesley Benton White County, Ark.

“Absolutely. He wears boots and has a beard because he’s too broke to shave.”

Joan Thorne Mayes County, Okla.

Do you think Santa is a farmer/ rancher?

what do you say?

farm help Hot and Cold

By Gwenyth Schowe

Extremes in temperatures require special attention

Agriculture producers face harsh temperatures and weather yearround. These conditions can create devastating impacts on livestock operations, leading to longer-lasting effects.

Winter is a difficult time of year for all livestock producers.

Missouri cattleman Ray E. Cunio has 200 head of commercial Angus. In previous years, Cunio has raised Santa Gertrudis cattle. After many attempts to breed the calves in central Missouri, he found the breed did not have much tolerance for the cold. The calves just would not winter well, leading him to transition strictly to Angus.

Cunio experienced many losses during the winter, due to hypothermia. Recurrent illnesses, such as pneumonia or other respiratory-related issues, come with the cold weather as well. In extremely low temperatures, Cunio faced difficulty keep ing water available in his ponds.

“Ensuring livestock receive ample energy, have feed sources available, and paying attention to water are essential to avoid winter stress,” said Dr. Jeremy Pow ell, a professor and veterinarian in the department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas.

In difficult times, ranchers look to their local veterinarian to solve issues. Powell communicated the common impacts winter weather and extreme levels of heat may have on livestock.

Having done most of his work and re search within the Northwest Arkansas re gion, he listed the imperative troubles the University’s livestock face when it comes to extreme levels of heat. Powell expressed his concerns primarily with black cattle.

“Certainly, coming from the summer, and having just experienced a droughtheat stress - comes to mind,” said Powell.

Heat stress produces many concerns for livestock owners. Cattle are more likely to be found standing in the shade or stand ing in ponds in times of high temperatures. Therefore, these behaviors result in a decrease in performance, decline in

energy intake and less time spent grazing. Weight loss and reproductive issues also stem from these behaviors.

“Unfortunately, once an animal is down, it is hard to save them. The odds are not good unless you catch the illness or issue beforehand,” said Cunio.

Preparation is key in avoiding troublesome climate impacts. This comes with good planning and recordkeeping. Ad ministering vaccinations and medications, performing castrations and pregnancy checks, or seeking checkups from a local veterinarian are essential in ensur ing a good start for your livestock.

“Ensuring livestock receive ample energy, have feed sources available and paying attention to water are essential to avoid winter stress,” said Powell.

During winter months, continually mak ing repetitive trips to ponds to ensure ice is broken is crucial. It is especially critical in extreme cold temperatures to break the ice at least twice a day, said Cunio.

It is vital to ensure adequate amount of hay in comparison to the head of cattle. Keeping records of not only the amount of hay baled for the year but making note of the good quality bales and the low-qual ity bales. Low-quality bales can be used as bedding for newborn calves, who are found to be more susceptible to low tem peratures, to lay on and keep warm.

During warm months, be sure all cattle have shade. Ensuring livestock have ac cess to water at all times of day is essential as well. Powell recommends if plausible, installing misters for cattle in especially hot locations.

In times of drastic events such as flood ing or snow, have a place to move cattle. Powell stated, if plausible, to minimize cat tle being near creeks or low areas where water can collect. When storing hay, cre ate a reserve pile in case of dire need such as a blizzard or heavy snowfall.

Powell recommended contacting local Cooperative Extension Services for recommendations or questions.

farm help

Developing Bulls

By Schyler Angell

Proper nutrition and care after weaning is key

The development of herd bulls is a crucial part of having a successful cow herd. The producer is responsible for various aspects of bull development, including having strong beginning, sufficient nutrition and good genetics.

Producers should prioritize the growth and development of their bulls, because of the significant genetic impact sires have on the herd.

“The breeding herd is easily half of the cow herd,” said producer John Litton. “In numbers it’s not, but in reality, it may make up half or over half on whether or not you have a successful calf crop at harvest time”

Developing quality herd bulls starts with goal identification and a planning process. Selecting sires that complement cows and align with herd goals is essential.

“A producer needs to determine if he wants a few commodity calves to take to the sale barn once a year, or does he want to maximize his cow herd, pounds sold, and grass on his farm,” Litton said.

Not all bull calves have the potential to be developed into sires, so this selection process should begin early. Observing calves while they are still nursing will help deter mined if they need to be culled early on.

After the herd has been culled and weaned, proper nutrition should become a priority for those calves that are chosen to be kept for bulls. A lack of proper feed stuff between weaning time and yearling age can reduce and delay growth and pubertal development in bull calves.

“If you cut corners with nutrition and you don’t give them [bull calves] what they

need, it’s going to be difficult for them to reach their genetic potential and do what is expected with them” Litton said.

Utilizing EPDs is one-way producers can identify certain genetic traits, or measure the growth of the calves. Although EPDs are an excellent tool, it’s also important to gauge the success of the animal on other factors as well.

“Looking at a bull’s average daily gain is part of it. So is feed efficiency. How much feed does it take to make that gain? As far as also looking at weaning weights and confirmation of the animal, is that the bull is making a carcass that is in demand in the industry?” Litton asked.

“Most of our small producers are not super familiar with EPDs other than the EPDs for calving ease and birthweight. These producers rely on the bull supplier to help them understand EPDs for other traits,” Veterinarian Mac Wilt said. “My advice for my commercial producers would be to purchase bulls from reputable breed ers that use EPDs and genomics to produce replacement animals that show genetic improvement for the traits that the producer believes is most important to them.”

The use of EPDs and strong genetics, ear ly identification and good nutrition can be excellent methods for quality bull development. As a result, producers will be able to improve their cow herd, increase profits and make a quality product for consumers.

“They [the producers] have to look at it from an economic standpoint, and then align their goals. They have to make sure the two complement each other using goals within reason of their resource,” Litton said.

— ZONE A AUCTIONS —

12/9 Estate of Gene Morgan Auction –Chelsea, Okla. • Lester Miller Auctions

— ZONE B AUCTIONS —

12/6 Farm Equipment Auction – Booneville, Ark. • Brewer Auctions

12/10 Consignment Auction – Van Buren, Ark. • Faucher Auction & Realty

12/10 Estate & Real Estate Auction – Sallisaw, Okla. • Contrail Auction Service

1/14 Real Estate & Antique Auction – Ozark, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

— ZONE C AUCTIONS —

12/5 Living Estate Auction, Holloway, Brown – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R. Williams

12/6 Bobby D. Loughry Estate Auction –Alpena, Ark. • Bailey Auction Service

12/9 December G.O.A.T. Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions

12/10 Real Estate Auction – Springdale, Ark. • John Reddish Auctions Service

12/11 Dave & Jenny Marrs Auction –Bentonville, Ark. • Dwayne Craig Auction Service

12/12 Monday Night Auction, Gilbert, Olson – Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R. Williams

12/13 John Wheeler Estate Auction –Huntsville, Ark. • Arkansas Professional Auctioneers

12/13 Land Auction – Clarksville, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

1/13 January G.O.A.T. New Year’s Auction –Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions

— ZONE D AUCTIONS —

12/10 Smith Moving Auction – Mountain View, Ark. • Swa ord Realty & Auction

12/17 Trucks and Heavy Equipment Auction –Salesville, Ark. • Walker Auction Service

1/7 Hlavenka Moving Auction – Mountain View, Ark. • Swa ord Realty & Auction

ONLINE & OUTSIDE AREA

— AUCTIONS —

12/6 Consignment Auction – Mountain Pine, Ark. • Hot Springs Village Auctions

12/7 Online Only Auction, Guns, Ammo, Knives and More – Mabelvale, Ark.

• Hobby Auction Service & Estate Liquidation

12/10 Blackmon’s Storage Wars – El Dorado, Ark. • Blackmon’s Mini Storage

12/10 Gun and Tool Auction – Harrisburg, Ark. • Auctions and More

12/10 Auston Pasquith Estate Auction – Hot Springs, Ark. • Bob Goodman Auctions

12/13 Betty’s Farm House Antiques Auction –Pine Blu , Ark. • Ball Auction & Realty

12/13 Online Only Auction, Case Loader, Military Trailer, Welder and More –Fairmont, Okla. • Wiggins Auctioneers

12/15 Donald & Debra Ueckert Retirement Online Auction – bidding closes 12/15 at 11 a.m. – bigiron.com – Big Iron Auctions

12/15-16 Two Day Farm & Heavy Equipment Auction – Wynne, Ark. • Witcher Auctions LLC

12/16 Dealer and Farmer Machinery Consignment Auction – Carthage, IL • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

12/16 William and Sarah Cunningham Farm Auction – Southwest City, Mo. • Lester Miller Auctions

12/21 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes 12/21 at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com –Big Iron Auctions

12/22 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes 12/22 at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com –Big Iron Auctions

12/22 Whalen Farms Farm Retirement Auction

– Mexico, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

12/27 Online End of Year Equipment Auction

– bidding begins 12/6 at 6 p.m., bidding closes 12/27 at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com –Big Iron Auctions

12/28 Online End of Year Equipment Auction

– bidding begins 12/7 at 6 p.m., bidding closes 12/28 at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com –Big Iron Auctions

12/31 Real Estate & Farm Equipment Auction – Billings, Mo. • Melton Auction & Realty Co., LLC

1/1 New Years Day Antique Auction –Branson, Mo. • Coon Ridge Auction Company

1/28 Annual January Consignment Auction – Paris, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

ozarks’ calendar

December 2022

East Central Pesticide Conference – 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, Sallisaw, Okla. – for more information contact Jace at the Sequoyah County Extension Office 918-775-4022 or 918-775-4838

Private Applicator Credit Course – Miami, Okla. – for more information contact the Ottawa County Extension Office at 918-542-1688

Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – to register call 501-329-8344

Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – First National Bank Community Center, Paris, Ark. – 479-963-2360

Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – White County Extension Office, 2400 Landing Road, Searcy, Ark. – for more information or to register call 501-268-5394

Private Pesticide Applicator Training – Petit Jean Electric Building, Clinton, Ark. – call 870-448-3981 to register or for more information

Private/Commercial Pesticide Applicator Lunchtime CEU Training – noon-1 p.m. – Adair County Extension Office, Courthouse Basement, Stilwell, Okla. – must pre-register prior to meeting – 918-696-2253

February 2022

Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – White County Extension Office, 2400 Landing Road, Searcy, Ark. – for more information or to register call 501-268-5394

March 2022

16 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – White County Extension Office, 2400 Landing Road, Searcy, Ark. – for more information or to register call 501-268-5394

ozarks’

auction block

December 2022

Ridder Farms Family Values Female Sale – at the farm, Hermann, Mo. –281-761-5952 or 573-680-4692 or 573-280-5795

Heartland Highland Cattle Association 6th Annual Fall Highland Auction – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-345-0575

41st Annual Oklahoma Select Bull & Female Sale – Atoka Livestock Auction, Atoka, Okla. – 580-597-3006

Ridder Farms Family Values Female Sale & Annual Bull Sale – at the farm, Hermann, Mo. – 573-680-4692 or 573-280-5795

Shepherd Charolais 2nd Annual Female Sale – Cow Palace, Anita, Iowa –515-321-6870 or 402-880-5179

Wheeler Angus Annual Production Sale – Wheeler Angus Sale Barn, Paris, Mo. – 573-473-2508

Glendenning J Bar J Holiday Classic – L365auctions.com – 402-350-3447 or 417-588-6121 or 417-664-0913

Bradley Cattle Bred Heifer Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457 or 765-376-8784

Cattlemen’s Congress – Oklahoma City, Okla. – 405-235-0404

Magness Land & Cattle Mile-High Elite Sale – L365auctions.com – 402-350-3447 or 970-396-3584

BALANCER

Rumfelt Farms

Phillipsburg, Mo. 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.com

BRANGUS

Horsehead Ranch Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

GELBVIEH

Rumfelt Farms

Phillipsburg, Mo. 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.com

HEREFORD

Laze D Herefords & Bakerville Cattle Co. Jerico Springs, Mo. 417-398-0019 lazedherefords@hotmail.com

LIMOUSIN

Glendenning J Bar J Lebanon, Mo. 417-588-6121 417-664-0913 417-664-1186 jack@jbarjlimousin.com www.jbarjlimousin.com

RED ANGUS

Watkins Cattle Company Harrison, Ark. 870-741-9795 870-688-1232 watkinscattleco@ windstream.net

ULTRABLACK

Horsehead Ranch

Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

Country Veterinary Service

Tim E. O’Neill, DVM 479-267-2685 Farmington, AR cvsvet.com 30 years of serving both farm and family.