OFN February 6, 2023

An BreedEvolving

Bill and Angie Hewat are getting on the ”ground level” of Speckle Park cattle

The Once Reluctant Rancher

Ben Tate started a path to become a petroleum engineer, but soon returned to the family ranch

Goats for College

College senior Walker Anttila continued his love for livestock to help pay tuition

Learn as much as you can about farm finance options

rumor mill

Grant to fund robot study: Researchers from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have received a $1 million grant to research and develop robots to assist in poultry processing. The project’s principal investigator is Dongyi Wang , assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering. The four-year project aims to develop a robotic system to hang raw chicken, one of the few steps in modern poultry processing that’s not automated and requires human workers, according to a press release.

Scholarship applications being accepted: The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee is now accepting applications for its annual $1,000 scholarship for nine high school seniors and one Collegiate Farm Bureau member pursing an agriculture degree. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 24. Both the YF&R high school scholarship application and the Collegiate Farm Bureau scholarship application can be found on the form at okfarmbureau.org/applications. For more information, contact OKFB Assistant Director of Public Policy and Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Zac Swartz at (405) 523-2300.

Arthur elected to leadership role: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur was recently elected vice president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. “I am honored to be chosen to serve as NASDA’s ice President, and I thank the NASDA Board of Directors for considering me for this position. I welcome the opportunity to partner with state departments of Agriculture from across the United States to strengthen and promote our nation’s most vital industry,” Arthur stated in a press release.

Judgment handed down: Oklahoma won its lawsuit against Arkansas poultry producers over pollution of the Illinois River, which flows between the two states. The ruling comes 17 years and seven months after then-Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson filed the case. The trial before U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell ended on Sept. 24, 2009. Oklahoma “determined that hundreds of thousands of tons of poultry manure produced by the defendants’ chickens and turkeys are dumped on Illinois River Watershed land each year,” the ruling reads. Oklahoma officials also found a significant cause of the excess phosphorus in watersheds is the result of spreading of bedding from the defendants’ poultry on land. The case involves 11 named defendants, including Tyson Foods Inc. and Cargill Inc. The parties have until March 17 to meet and attempt to reach a settlement as to the remedies to be sought in this lawsuit, the ruling states.

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 | VOL. 16, NO. 17

JUST A THOUGHT

3 Jerry Crownover –The secret to X,Y and Z

4 Jody Harris –A love for civics

7

5 Julie Turner-Crawford –Changes coming

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 College student raises goats to help pay tuition

8 Ben Tate wasn’t sure he wanted to be a rancher

9 Eye on Agribusiness spotlights T&T Farm Supply

8

10 An anniversary gift z becomes a Route 66 icon

11 Town and County features Nicole Jowers

17 Bill and Angie Hewat continue to expand their Speckle Park operation

19 Youth in Agriculture highlights Haylee Silzell

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

9 17

FARM FINANCE

12 Learn about your financing options

13 Saving for your health

16 Understanding the types of debt

FARM HELP

20 Health tips from Dr. Tim O’Neill

21 Controlling disease outbreaks

22 Antibiotic changes coming

23 Cow condition can impact colostrum

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

just a thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

Throughout all of my years as a student, I’ve always found it essential to understand why I needed to learn the subject matter. If teachers could explain why it was important for me to learn what they were teaching, and how it was going to help my future, I could usually pay attention and absorb the material easily. If not, I was likely to be daydreaming.

Luckily, just about all of my teachers in my small, rural community, did a little farming on the side, and appreciated that almost everything I understood – and wanted to understand – related to agriculture. If they could tap into that, they had me.

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.’

During my elementary years, I enjoyed the subject of arithmetic. Figuring up how much a calf was worth, based on the price per pound, was a challenge I gladly accepted. I could readily see the importance of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division (even long division), in what I had already decided would be my career. Unfortunately, high school rolled around and my previous success in arithmetic led me to be placed in something called algebra. X, Y and Z instead of numbers made no sense to me, nor could I see how it would ever benefit my success as a farmer.

Mr. Bruffett was my algebra teacher and an ace educator. After only a couple of weeks, he could sense that I was not only struggling with the subject matter, but that I had absolutely zero interest. Mr. Bruffett finally asked me to stay after class.

“How are your calves doing this fall?”

Happy to talk about anything besides algebra, I replied that they were growing pretty good, but that I was thinking about increasing the protein of their ration to try and

— Continued on Page 6

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

479-846-1002 • Fax: 479-846-1003

E-mail: editor@ozarksfn.com

Eric Tietze

Publisher Administrative

Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting Advertising

Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales

Amanda Newell, Production Sales Circulation

Eric Tietze, Circulation

Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production

Amanda Newell, Production Contributors

Kathy Daily, Tina Luann Hart, Emily Kampeter, Michael Kinney, Cheryl Kepes, Ken Knies, Dr. Tim O’Neill, Danielle Thompson, Marissa Snider and Sheila Stogsbill About the Cover Bill and Angie Hewat began with commercial cattle, but have moved toward a registered Speckle Park herd. See more on page 17. Submitted photo Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

Igrew up in rural Missouri. Politics are a favorite subject in most small towns and ours was no different. After all, politics and government have an effect every aspect of life. One of my favorite classes in high school was civics. The teacher our class had was very strict. She was a very serious person and often called students out for talking to one another or giggling in class. I was not an exception to that. Despite her impression of how studious I was or was no – I was fascinated by the subject matter in her class. In grade school, we studied Missouri history. We learned about the state motto, flower and also about the three branches of state government. I have always been fascinated with politics and elections. I had an opportunity to attend a 4-H-sponsored event in Jefferson City at the capitol when I was still in school. The groups were split into two tracks – judicial and legislative. I was in the judicial group. We learned all about Missouri’s judiciary process and had an opportunity to hold a mock trial. Each of us playing different roles – attorneys, clients and a judge. I cannot remember all the details of what we learned that week, but it was a memorable experience as a young person. Being at the state capitol made civics come to life.

After the most recent general election, Arkansans have some new representation in all branches of our state government. The spotlight is on the state legislature which has recently convened in its regular session for the 94th General Assembly. As most people know, we have a part-time legislature in Arkansas. It convenes on the second Monday in January of each odd-numbered year. The even number years are a fiscal session only. Since the legislative session started, I have been to the capitol for a couple meetings and events. No matter how many times I visit, I still get that overwhelming feeling I had as a young 4-H member. The “People’s House” in Little Rock is a beautiful building. The work being done inside of it is important. I think it is worth paying attention to and have invested a lot of time following bills through the legislative process. Some days it is overwhelming trying to read through as many as I can.

There are only a few bills filed that are sitting in the House and Senate agriculture, forestry and economic committees at the time of writing this. Senate Bill 5 (SB5) is a proposed amendment to telehealth and telemedicine in the practice of veterinary medicine to mirror the Telemedicine Act. The bill appears to simply add some language to an existing law. There are two House Bills in committee. HB1033 involves hunting and fishing license fees for minor (residing out-of-state) children of Arkansas residents. HB1182 is proposed to provide clarity regarding the certification of a veterinary technician specialist and their prescription authority. I am sure there will be more to come in the weeks ahead. There is a lot going on in our state capitol and I think it is worth paying attention to. Nothing gets my radar to stand up more than a potential law that could affect small businesses, education or taxation. I do not know where my high school civics teacher, Mrs. Clark, ended up retiring to. I am sure she would love to know that one of the “babbling magpies” from the class of 1995 was putting her voice and civic knowledge to good use. The legislative session is short, so I hope you have an opportunity to visit with your district legislators throughout the process. I know I will, neighbor.

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Ready or not, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s new antibiotic guidelines will go into effect in June. This means no more over-the-counter antibiotics for our animals.

In 2017, OTC antibiotics used in animal feed and drinking water required a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). The few remaining antibiotic injectables, boluses and intra-mammary tubes available over the counter will soon require a prescription as well.

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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.

By June 11, labels for Cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine, gentamicin, lincomycin, oxytetracy-cline, penicillin G procaine and benzathine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine and tylosin will be required to state: “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.” This means all animal owners will need a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) to access antibiotics, including medications for animals not meant for human consumption,

— Continued on Next Page

MAIN DISH

Potato and Cheddar Soup

• 1/4 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 1/2 C water

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

• 1/4 C chopped chives or scallion tops, for serving (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but 2 Tbsp of the bacon fat, or add enough cooking oil to make up the amount. Reduce the heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are clear (about 5 minutes). Stir in the potatoes, water and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender. Remove half the soup from the pan and puree in a food processor. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher. Return the puree to the pan. Over low heat, add the cheese and stir until melted. Remove the pan from the heat. Add more salt if needed. Serve with the bacon and chives.

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

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Purebred Corral

just a thought

Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page

such as horses and pets. Producers don’t have to purchase the antibiotics from their vet, but they will have to present that prescription wherever they purchase it. The changes will cause many of our area stores to stop carrying the products, including mastitis treatments. Some antiparasiticides, injectable and oral nutritional supplements, oral pro/prebiotics and topical non-antibiotic treatments will not be affected and will remain available OTC.

The other day, I told someone I have a bottle of pen G at home in the fridge with maybe 5 ml pulled from it, and I would be offering it to the highest bidder in June. It may have been a joke, but the pending regulation change is no laughing matter.

Why more regulations on antibiotic use in livestock? Because of supposed “superbugs” that are resistant to antibiotics. I’m skeptical of the claim that these “bugs” have taken over, at least in part, because of antibiotic use in food animals.

Humans and their pets in the U.S., according to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, use at least 10 times more antibiotics a year than what is used for food-producing animals when adjusted for weight.

That bottle of pen G I have – I bought it to treat a sick cat. I couldn’t get her into a vet, so it was the only thing I could do to help her quickly.

It’s inhumane to allow animals, be it an old barn cat or an animal meant for human consumption, to suffer if they con-

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

get them to gain a little faster. He inquired about what ingredients I was using in my feed, and I informed him that corn and cottonseed meal were the two main ones. “You know,” he began, “you could let X equal the protein content of corn, and Y be the same for the cottonseed meal, and solve for Z as the percent protein of the total ration; that way, you could play around with it, and find out which ratio works best, and at the cheapest price.”

Son-of-a-gun!

tract a disease that can be treated or even prevented with antibiotics.

Only a very, very small number of animals tested at harvest are found to have antibiotic residue. Carcasses testing positive for antibiotic residue are discarded and do not fall into the food chain. If a livestock owner has more than one antibiotic residue violation in a 12-month period, they are subject to being placed on a public “Violator List.” That can mean those owners might not be able to find a place to process their animals.

Producers who market their animal products as all-natural and antibiotic free will pull an animal from their meat program and treat it if it falls ill. They might retain it for their family’s consumption, sell it at a local sale barn, or if they do sell it for meat, they disclose the animal was treated with an antibiotic but was not processed until the withdrawal time passed. They understand the need to treat an ill animal.

If you don’t have a VCPR, it’s time to get one established with a veterinarian. Having a relationship with your veterinarian is key to keeping your livestock healthy, and every livestock producer should have a vet they can contact when needed.

If you wait to establish a VCPR, don’t expect to get any antibiotics after June 11 without one. Getting it now and establishing that relationship can genuinely mean the difference between life or death.

A couple of years later, my agriculture teacher was looking over my shoulder, as I made out my schedule for the following year. “You’re going to need to take typing if you’re planning on going to college.” I jokingly replied that only prospective secretaries needed to take typing (this was about 30 years before computers) and I was going to study agriculture.

“Enroll in the typing course.”

I did. It turned out to be one of the most valuable courses I have ever taken. I don’t like to brag, but at 65 words per minute, with no mistakes, I would have been an exceptional secretary.

By Marissa Snider

College senior Walker Anttila continues is love for livestock to help pay tuition

Walker Anttila is a senior at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He’s studying animal science with the hope of becoming an agriculture professor.

Born and raised in Montana, Walker has been raising livestock in one way or another since he was 8 years old. At a time when most kids are catching lightning bugs or playing t-ball, Walker, now 22, was bringing home his first 4-H show pig.

Walker wasn’t born into an agriculture legacy. He listened intently to the stories his father John would tell of days past when he raised pigs, and Walker would imagine himself working hard to produce a good animal.

As luck would have it, he wouldn’t be dreaming too long. Walker’s mother Samantha was a teacher and always en-

meet your neighbors

Goats for College

goat production operation based on sound genetics that will grow to full production on his family’s new Missouri farm just in time for graduation.

Walker has around 15 head of Boer goats for breeding, and partners with fellow breeders around the country in other animals. He also plans to add 15 does to the breeding program.

“I use different bucks from around the country, which each have their different purposes,” Walker explained. “We set up breeding for May/June and have them kidding in October/November.”

This year’s breeding program will also include AI for the first time.

Most of the offspring are destined to see the show ring as Walker sells the kids for local 4-H and FFA projects.

couraging him to take advantage of new opportunities.

Through 4-H and FFA, Walker raised pigs, cattle, goats and sheep. By high school, he knew he had found his place in agriculture.

“I fell in love with ag,” Walker said. “I fell in love with raising animals and promoting agriculture.”

Walker’s mother is an Ozarks native, growing up in Batesville, Ark., so when he had the chance to apply to University of Arkansas, the choice was easy.

“It just feels like home,” Walker said. “It was between here and Nebraska. When I toured here, it just felt like home. I wanted to be down south, in the Ozarks are, so it felt like the right choice for me.”

In between classes, Walker is raising a herd of Boer goats to help pay for his college education. Luckily, he was able to house his does at his livestock judging coach’s farm.

Walker’s main goal is to develop a breeding program utilizing genetics to select

show ring phenotypes, balanced with meat production genotypes. After being involved in not only goat production, but cattle, sheep and hogs. Walker felt breeding high-quality goats was the path the wanted to follow.

“Goats have always been the species that I’ve been the most passionate about,” he said. “It might not the most popular species out there, but I have had the passion to promote an industry not always seen.”

He added meat goat production is actually gaining in popularity.

“I’ve seen the industry grown,” Walker said. “Just the amount of them and the quality has grown to a great number. It’s been amazing to watch it grow, and it’s been an awesome opperunityt to be a part of it. No, goats aren’t the most highly seen animal, but you have to look at the benefactories, like how many you can run per acre and how many kids they have per year.”

Walker is connecting science to the real world of agriculture, building the beginnings of a show

“I look for a lot of different things; I feel like it’s kind of a moving target,” Walker explained. “We look for muscle, we look for structure, the look. In the show industry, we don’t always want the most muscle; we’re looking for show ring appeal. We want muscle, content, and the style and structure that will help young exhibitors in the show ring.”

The program Walker is building now will provide foundation breeding stock for Ozarks Show Goats in Crane, Mo. His parents have moved the property and the family is working to make improvements to the facilities, recently completing a new barn.

“We’re expanding as much as we can with our resources,” Walker said. “We’re looking to buy more does this spring and breed everything AI.”

While he is finishing up at the U of A, Walker has already secured a position as the livestock judging coach at the University of Arkansas-Rich Mountain.

With the new career, Walker said he can promote the goat industry with 4-H and FFA members, and keep up with industry trends.

“With the position, I’m going to travel the country year round and going to these national shows,” he said. “I will be able to see what judges are looking for, or what producers want. I am going to be able to stay on top of it. You always have to keep up with what’s changing in the industry.”

Fayetteville, Ark.

Photo by Marissa Snider

Walker Antilla is working with his family to build a Boer goat operation for both show and production animals.

meet your neighbors The Once Reluctant Rancher

By Michael Kinney

Ben Tate wasn’t sure he was cut out for the family business. Despite the fact ranching had been in the Tate blood stretching back to before Oklahoma was even a state, he thought he would be parting ways when he got “old enough.”

Yet, when Ben actually got to the fork in the road, he took the path that led him straight back to raising cattle on his family’s land at Tate Ranch.

“I don’t really know if I had any set expectations,” Ben said. “I’ve grown up around it my whole life, so I kind of knew the deal. It’s seven days a week, but I’m really happy. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

The Tate Ranch stretches back to 1885 in Western Kansas. That’s where the family first began to homestead and where Ben Tate was born.

But in 2005, when Ben was 11, the Tates moved to Oklahoma.

“We retained some farm ground, but we had a big finishing/feed yard out there, farm ground and ranches,” Ben said. “We sold the feed yard and sold all the ranches and just kept some of the farm ground.”

Ben said once his family got to Oklahoma, they realized they wanted to make it their permanent home.

“A couple of years prior, in like 2003, there was a pretty bad drought and I think for the first time ever we had to ship cows off the ranch and we ended up leasing a ranch up here in Vinita and shipped our cows out here,” Ben said. “So my dad was driving back and forth every week or two to check on the cows out here and just really kind of fell in love with this area. He realized what the land values were versus how much grass actually grows around here and thought it was a good business idea to move out here. So they did.”

Unfortunately, three years later, Ben’s dad, Bret, passed away. Because Ben was still a teenager, his grandfather, who still owned the ranch, brought in a manager until Ben was old enough to take over. But when it was time to go to college, Ben chose to major in petroleum engineering at the University of Oklahoma. Even though Ben would have been the sixth generation of Tates to run the ranch, he said neither his father nor grandfather tried to pressure him.

“They wanted me to do whatever I wanted to do,” Ben said.

No one else in the Tate family was involved with the ranch, so with Ben deciding to be an engineer, the future of the ranch was uncertain. Two years into his engineering studies, however, Ben discovered it was not the path he wanted to be on.

“After high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was good at math and science so I figured engineering was a good route for that,” Ben said. “Petroleum engineering is what I was in and at the time that was a really high-paying job guaranteed out college. So it sounded like a good idea and I really enjoyed the classes, but about halfway through my sophomore year, I just realized

what my life was going to be like as an engineer and working in a big office and I just thought I would enjoy ranching a lot more than that. Whether I made as much money or not whatever, but I just wanted to go back and carry on the legacy of the ranch.”

Ben transferred to Oklahoma State where he got a degree in agricultural business. He then went to Texas Christian University for ranch management.

When Tate returned to Welch, he worked under the manager for a few years until he felt ready to step up and take full control of the operations around 2019.

The Tate Ranch has grown to more than 10,000 acres.

“All the farm ground, we don’t operate ourselves. We lease all that out so we don’t have all that equipment. We’re pretty much just focused on the cattle,” Ben said. “We do cow/calves, we have a backgrounding yard. We also finish cattle in the feed yard and run yearlings out on the grass. So, a little bit of everything.”

While Ben said they are not all-natural when it comes to feeding, they are NHTC (Non-Hormone Treated Cattle) BeefCare certified with IMI Global.

Ben guided the ranch during some unprecedented and unpredictable times that came along with COVID. Now, it is the inflation and rising costs of seemingly everything that he is having to deal with.

“Obviously all of our expenses are significantly higher this year,” Ben said. “The drought we had last year set us back on everything. We had to reduce and we sold about half of our spring herd because of the drought. We ran out of grass and water and couldn’t get enough hay and feed to take care of them.”

Yet Ben is optimistic about the trajectory of the ranch during the next few years.

“I think our national cow numbers are down,” he said. “The demand for beef is higher than ever and our supply should be down because of the drought in the last two years. So the prices should continue to get better. Whether it’s going to keep up with our rising expenses, I don’t know, but it’ll help.”

Ben is looking at ways to grow bigger and make sure the Tate Ranch is a place in the future.

Welch, Okla.

“I’m always looking to pick up new leases or whatever and try anything,” Ben said. “We might kind of try a few different crops to put up for sale in the feed yard. I’d like to expand our finishing cattle operation. Our capacity in the feed yard is only about 6,000 and we normally don’t utilize all of that. So I’d like to ramp that up and start feeding some more cattle, potentially start taking in some other cattle for just custom feeding to keep our pens full. So just keep growing and expanding as we can.”

Ben Tate started a path to become a petroleum engineer, but soon returned to the family ranch

Ben Tate took over his family ranch in 2019.

Submitted photo

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By Julie Turner-Crawford

HISTORY: T&T Farm Supply opened in October 2021.

“In that area, cattle is about all there is,” co-owner Chance Tucker explained. “I have grown up in that area, and my dad had a business that built overhead grain bins. Everything we’ve ever done has been agriculture-related, so we just thought there was a need for a store in the community. We talked about it for a few years and thought it was time to give it a try.”

PRODUCTS & SERVICES: T&T Farm Supply is a dealer for A&M Feeds from the Stillwater Milling Company, offering bagged feed for livestock.

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Livestock feed is 95 percent of the business at T&T Farm Supply, but customers can also pick up basic farm-supply items, such as bolts, oil, vet supplies and some miscellaneous hardware.

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Customers can also find MaxActive tubs, livestock minerals, overhead bins, regionally-sourced pecans from Miller Pecans, hay, cooking pellets, and many other products. Beef from the Tucker farm can also be found in the store’s inventory.

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ALFALFA

60 COMMON SENSE, 3-Way Blend 20# 3.68

Haygrazer, Cimarron 400 & 500, Inoc., Not Coated

50 HAYGRAZER, Cert., Inoc./Not Coated 20# 3.78

50 CIMARRON VL400, 20# 3.78

Cert., Inoc., Not Coated

50 CIMARRON VL500, 20# 3.78

Cert., Inoc., Not Coated

50 GENUITY, Roundup Ready® 25# 8.62

L442RR Coated

*Less than Full Bags, add

50 KY-31, Certified & Endophyte-Free 24# 1.84

ONLY $6 PER ACRE DIFFERENCE

50 KY-32, Certified & Endophyte-Free 24# 1.96

50 KY-31, 24# 1.58

50 KY-31 & 9% ORCHARD GRASS MIX, 24# 1.63

50 FAST PASTURE MIX, Cattle/Horse 30-35# 1.96

66% Endophyte-Free KY-31 Fescue, 14% Hulled Orchard Grass, 18% Best-For Plus Ryegrass & 2% Timothy

25 MAX Q II TEXOMA, Friendly Endophyte 24# ASK

25 BAR OPTIMA E34, Friendly Endophyte 24# ASK

25 ESTANCIA, Friendly Endophyte 24# ASK

ORCHARD GRASS

Add a Legume Add a Legume

50 ARID “DR” 15# 2.68

Disease + Drought Resistant

50 POTOMAC/RED CLOVER MIX, 20# 2.68 75%/25%

50 POTOMAC, Disease Resistant 15# 2.48

50 FAST PASTURE MIX 30-35# 1.96

No Cover Needed, 66% Endophyte-Free KY-31 Fescue, 14% Hulled Orchard Grass, 18% Best-For Plus Ryegrass & 2% Timothy

FIELD GRASSES

50 ANDES, Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass 24# 0.78

50 MARSHALL, Annual Ryegrass 24# 0.78

Not a Tetraploid

50 BEST-FOR PLUS, 24# 1.48

Tetraploid Intermediate Ryegrass

50 BROME-SMOOTH, Southern 20# 4.28

“The High Protein Grass.” Sow with Alfalfa!

50 TIMOTHY, Horse Approved 12# 2.26

A Whale of a Time at the Blue Whale

By Sheila Stogsdill

From Quapaw to Depew, eastern Oklahoma has many favorite Route 66 stops along the famed Mother Road. One of those stops is the Blue Whale in Catoosa, Okla.

Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta.

Zelta collected whale figurines, so it just made sense to Hugh to gift her a handmade 80-foot-long whale for their 34th wedding anniversary.

The materials cost less than $3,000 to build the 15-foot-tall whale. Originally, the pond surrounding the massive structure, was spring fed and intended only for family use. However, as many locals began to come to enjoy its waters, Davis brought in tons of sand, built picnic tables, hired life guards and opened it to the public.

The Blue Whale and its pond was a swimming hole for years, but recently there are signs prohibiting swimming, but picnics are encouraged and feeding the turtles is a bygone fun activity for the children – and sometimes grandparents.

The inside width of the Blue Whale measures 10-foot – just the right size for a group of children climbing to the top to look out the portals on the side of the Blue Whale’s face or slide down the slide coming from its gill.

Originally calling it Nature’s Acres, Davis continued to add to the roadside stop until it included The Fun and Swim Blue Whale and the A.K. (Animal Reptile Kingdom). The attraction also featured Hugh’s brother-inlaw, Indian Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt, a full blooded Acoma Indian, who was famous in his own right for his Indian paintings and silversmith craftman ship. Chief Wolf-Robe Hunt once ran the Arrowood Trading post across the highway from the Blue Whale attraction.

The Blue Whale closed in 1988 due to the Hugh’s declining health. In 1995, five years after Hugh’s death, three local Chamber of Commerce presidents, Dean Miller, Dr. Bob Shoup and Lon Godwin worked to restore the Blue Whale.

In 2002, the Blue Whale had a major facelift, with renovations to the restrooms, fence and grounds.

Zelta Davis died in 2001 and their daughter, Dee Dee Belt and her husband, Dick, and their family managed the Blue Whale grounds. On April 1, 2020, the Blue Whale was purchased by Catoosa city leaders. The Blue Whale is a Trip Advisory favorite with four out of five stars and is located at 2680 State Highway 66. For more information call (918) 232-5098.

Route 66 icon began as an anniversary gift to the builder’s wife

Photo by Sheila Stogsdill

Nicole Jowers

By Julie Turner-Crawford

IN TOWN: The majority of Nicole Jowers’ professional career has involved public relations, sales and marketing. Nicole has worked in the private and public sectors, even owning her own PR and marketing business for a while. She said her favorite role was working win the long-term, geriatrics, psychological and hospice care.

“The elderly have always been my sweet spot. I spent more time with my grandparents growing up than I did my parents, so that was my comfort zone.”

Hometown: Gravette, Ark.

Family: Husband Greg; sons Austin (25) and Ayden (17); daughter AveryFaith; two grandchildren

IN THE COUNTRY: Nicole grew up in Louisiana, where her paternal grandfather managed the Louisiana State University Hill Research Station. She trailed along with her grandparents and learned about dairy cattle, forages, land management and crops. On the maternal side, her grandparents raised cattle and a large garden each year for decades, which provided enough to support five families until he passed seven years ago. Nicole said the time with her grandfather taught her to be more self-sufficient when it comes to food. She added her first job was to keep the mule from eating the tops of the corn stocks when working with her grandfather.

Today, Nicole and her family work to provide their family with food farm-raised food, including meat from their livestock and produce from their garden, and have a little fun at the same time.

“I grew up showing beef cattle,” Nicole said. “I went to college on a show team scholarship, I was the Simmental Association Queen, so I’ve always been into showing livestock and farming. When Ayden started showing, it just made sense to continue with that. What steers he shows, we turn around and process for our use. We’re going to eat one anyway, so why not have that one?”

Explaining the circle of showing and that animal coming back to the family as meat to a young Ayden, she said, was difficult, but he understood from an early age.”

She added that by using the show steers for their family, they are also confident in the quality of the meat and know how the animal was cared for prior to processing.

Nicole’s goals are different from some producers, but she said she’s raising more than livestock and other foods.

“I’m not here to win the banners or take our livestock to national competitions,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about raising children who learn responsibility and compassion for animals, and an understanding of the industry. It’s more about them than it is that ribbon or those prized tomatoes; it’s about keeping them grounded. So many kids their age, so many adults, do not know what’s involved in ag. To me, it’s bringing them back to the basics, giving them, as much as I can, a taste of how I grew up in the 1970s and 80s and understanding that. I don’t think 100 percent self-sufficient, but I like not being worried about going to the grocery store.”

55

FARM FINANCE

Where Do I Begin?

By Kathy Daily

Learn as much as you can about farm finance options

Maybe you were raised on a farm and always knew one day you would follow in your father’s footsteps, or maybe you grew up in the city or suburbs and longed for a life in the country. Either way, your goal in life is to feed our growing population. So you might ask, “Where do I begin?”

One of the first things you need to do is experience farming firsthand. If you grew up on a farm you might be thinking, “How much more hands-on experience do I need?”

More than likely, you already have a good skill set on the production side of operating a farm, but now it’s time to develop your skills on the management side.

A good start would be to rent some farmland from a family member or a neighbor. This will give you experience in budgeting, bookkeeping, purchasing inputs, managing employees, and marketing your crop. Most lenders want you to have a couple of years of experience in operating a farm before they will finance your first farm purchase. These developing years will allow you to purchase some equipment unless you are lucky enough to work out an agreement with a family member or neighbor where you can exchange labor for their equipment. Once you have management experience, your next step may be to purchase your first farmland.

If you have already reached this point, you may have been told you need a bigger down payment than you can possibly afford. By taking advantage of the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Beginning Farmer Loan Program, your first farm purchase may not be as difficult as you thought.

Your lending institution, along with FSA’s Beginning Farmer Program, could offer some financing options including the Down Payment Program and the 50/50

Joint Financing Program. With the down payment program, you would place a certain amount down, usually 5 percent with 45/50 Joint Financing between FSA and your lending institution. With the 50/50 Joint Financing Program, there is no down payment and the loan is financed jointly through the FSA and your financial institution. Loan availability is subject to borrower meeting eligibility and credit guidelines.

To qualify for these programs, you will need to decide if you would like to apply as an individual or as an entity.

If you decide to apply as an entity, all members must be related by either blood or marriage and all must be considered beginning farmers. To be considered a beginning farmer, an applicant must not have operated a farm for more than will 10 years. The applicant must have at least three years’ experience on the business side of the farm and sustainably participate in the operation. The property being purchased must not be greater than 30 percent of the average size farm in the county. Applicants must also meet loan eligibility requirements and credit guidelines.

If you are interested in one of these loans, find a FSA Preferred Lender. Utilizing a Preferred Lender for your loan means a faster loan approval! These lenders are also very familiar and knowledgeable on FSA loans and can help you choose one that is right for you. You can find a list of Preferred Lenders by calling your local FSA office.

Kathy Daily is the Managing Director of First Financial Bank’s Farm and Ranch Division. Mrs. Daily has been an agricultural lender for over 25 years.

Saving for Your Health

By Emily Kampeter

Health savings accounts connect and wealth

Good health is vital to living a happy and successful life. Even more reason to save for it like you’ve done for a new home, car, or child’s education. A Health Savings Account (HSA) can help you earmark funds for future healthcare expenses. The account has no required minimum distributions and provides a triple-tax advantage like no other retirement option:

1. Contributions are 100 percent tax deductible or pre-tax through payroll deductions

erage and $7,300 for family coverage. The 2023 IRS contribution limits for HSAs are $3,850 for self-only coverage and $7,750 for family coverage. If you’re over age 55, you can make a catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 annually.

If you really want the most tax-efficient option available, consider contributing the maximum amount each year and not using personal funds to pay for current healthcare expenses. This allows your HSA funds to compound for long-term growth that you’ll likely need in the future.

According to Fidelity, an average retired couple age 65 in 2022 may need approximately $315,000 saved (after tax) to cover healthcare expenses in retirement. This estimate includes out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare but does not include expenses related to over-the-counter medications, most dental services, and long-term care.

Once you have your healthcare nest egg and you’re ready to retire, you have several options when spending HSA funds. Prior to age 65, you can use HSA funds to pay premiums for an employer-sponsored plan under COBRA or while receiving unemployment compensation. You can also use your HSA to pay for tax-qualified long-term care insurance.

After age 65, you can use funds to pay for Medicare deductibles and copayments, including Part B and D premiums, just not Medicare supplement (Medigap) premiums.

slaughter bulls

slaughter cows

sheep & goats

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 1/28/23

Receipts: 1,467

A standing room only crowd was on hand for this late January Sheep and Goat sale at Norwood Producers Auction Yards. Compared to the last sale 2 weeks ago feeder lambs traded steady. Slaughter lambs traded 8.00-15.00 lower. In the goat portion of the sale slaughter kid goats traded 9.00-12.00 lower. Not enough feeder kids goats for a market comparison. High prices for hay brought an increased number of sheep and goats to auction. Supply was heavy with moderate demand. Supply included: 7% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 48% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (91% Hair Breeds, 9% Hair Ewes); 10% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (63% Hair Ewes, 37% Families); 3% Feeder Goats (92% Kids, 8% Wether Kids); 29% Slaughter Goats (86% Kids, 9% Nannies/Does, 3% Bucks/ Billies, 2% Wether Kids); 3% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/Does).

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 270.00290.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 225.00290.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 185.00-240.00.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 127.50.

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

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per unit): 93.00-132.50.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 290.00.

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 135.00190.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 160.00-390.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 300.00-340.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 222.50-285.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 130.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 250.00-310.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 205.00-275.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-170.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 100.00-125.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00-180.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 200.00.

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 165.00-225.00.

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat 1/24/23

Receipts: 434

First Sheep and Goat sale at Buffalo Livestock this year. No recent market comparison. Heavy snow at sale time with 5” to 10” on the way, supply was light. Demand was good on the higher quality offering. Supply included: 3%

Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 46% Slaughter

Sheep/Lambs (81% Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 15% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); 3% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 10% Feeder Goats (93% Kids, 7% Wether Kids); 37% Slaughter Goats (59% Kids, 22% Nannies/Does, 16% Bucks/Billies, 3% Wethers).

Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 220.00237.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 175.00268.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 175.00-227.50.

Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 91.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 142.50.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 102.00122.50.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 107.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 225.00-283.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 150.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 150.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 271.00-288.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 247.00-263.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 110.00-180.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 147.50-175.00.

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

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 1/19/23

Receipts: 895

Compared to the last sale feeder lambs traded 9.00-15.00 lower. Slaughter lambs traded 16.00-23.00 lower. In the goat portion of the sale feeder kid goats traded steady to 15.00 higher. Not enough slaughter kid goats for a market comparison. Slaughter nannies traded 22.00-36.00 lower. Internet purchasing was very active. Supply was moderate with very good demand. Supply included: 7% Feeder Sheep/ Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 41% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (2% Wooled & Shorn, 59% Hair Breeds, 38% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); 6% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (19% Hair Ewes, 81% Families); 25% Feeder Goats (67% Kids, 33% Wether Kids); 15% Slaughter Goats (20% Kids, 67% Nannies/Does, 5% Bucks/Billies, 8% Wether Kids); 6% Replacement Goats (88% Nannies/Does, 13% Families).

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 270.00300.00.

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 2 (per cwt): 180.00-200.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 115.00130.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 220.00-310.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 200.00-230.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 120.00-145.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 85.00-120.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 75.00-87.50.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 135.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-190.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 160.00-255.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 315.00-365.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 230.00-300.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 155.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 305.00-320.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 235.00-255.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 140.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 235.00-262.50.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 105.00-175.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 165.00-187.50.

Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 292.50.

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

Replacement Nannies/Does

Families300.00.

NOT REPORTED

Cheese: Barrels The weekly blocks, $1.9630

Fluid Milk/Cream: increasing steady to light stakeholders of the multiple year will be. to bring ice growing concern. been reported throughout Processing a boost with throughout term for Class Class prices cream volumes country. In of the range. the bottom are 1.10 - 1.24 1.00 - 1.20

SPOT PRICES

BUTTERFAT, - $2.8533 -

TS White Sheep/Goat 1/19/23

last sale feeder lambs traded 9.00-15.00 lambs traded 16.00-23.00 lower. In the the sale feeder kid goats traded steady to enough slaughter kid goats for a market Slaughter nannies traded 22.00-36.00 lower. purchasing was very active. Supply was moderate demand. Supply included: 7% Feeder Sheep/ Hair Lambs); 41% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (2% 59% Hair Breeds, 38% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Replacement Sheep/Lambs (19% Hair Ewes, 81% Feeder Goats (67% Kids, 33% Wether Kids); Goats (20% Kids, 67% Nannies/Does, 5% Wether Kids); 6% Replacement Goats (88% 13% Families).

Sheep/Lambs:

Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 270.00-

Small and Medium 2 (per cwt): 180.00-200.00.

Sheep/Lambs:

- Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 115.00-

Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 220.00-310.00.

Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 200.00-230.00.

2-3 (per cwt): 120.00-145.00.

Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 85.00-120.00. and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 75.00-87.50. (per cwt): 135.00.

Sheep/Lambs: and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-190.00. and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per

dairy sales

National Dairy Market at a Glance 1/27/23

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.5525 and 40# blocks at $1.9600. The weekly average for barrels is $1.6100 (-0.0481) and blocks, $1.9630 (+0.0061).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Except for milk production levels increasing slightly in Pennsylvania, milk production is steady to light throughout the country. In California, some stakeholders note not being sure yet what the full impact of the multiple heavy rainfalls the state received so far this year will be. An expected early next week storm forecasted to bring ice with it to some parts of the Midwest is a growing concern. Some hauling obstacles and delays have been reported in the Northeast. Milk volumes are available throughout the country for processors to work through. Processing of some local milk supplies in Florida may get a boost with news of a plant expansion. Demand is mixed throughout the Class uses, with expected gains in the near term for Class II demand. Some spot load sales at below Class prices were reported by some stakeholders. Plentiful cream volumes are readily available throughout most the country. In the East, cream multiplies increased at the top of the range. In the Midwest cream multiples increased at the bottom of the range. Cream multiplies for all Classes are 1.10 - 1.24 in the East, 1.05 - 1.24 in the Midwest, and 1.00 - 1.20 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.8533 - $2.9240.

cow/calf pairs

1-9 Higher

Vinita Stockyards*

farm finance Interest Rates and More

By Ken Knies

Understanding types of debt

“I’m making way too much money?” asked no farmer ever. In this economy, we’re all dealing with increasing costs.

With expenses increasing at every level, understanding and managing interest cost is critical to our future success in agriculture. It’s important to recognize debt as a tool. However, considering the higher cost of other people’s money, it should be used as judiciously as possible. The double whammy we’re facing is inflation and increasing rates. Debt can be viewed as leverage to pay for production inputs, purchasing hard assets like equipment and durable assets like real estate. It’s tempting and sometimes necessary to opt for a longer payback or loan term to offset the increase in loan payments. Be mindful that you want your loan payoff to be sooner than the life of that asset. Operating credit for seed, feed, fertilizer, supplies and other short-term needs should be paid within a year. Tractors, implements, vehicles and other farm equipment should be financed for a period not to exceed 84 months or seven years. Farm and other real estate are considered durable assets and warrant a longer-term financing period. Here again, the lifespan of the income producing assets on the land (or facilities) may limit the loan term to their remaining useful life or RUL. One effective way to manage and reduce interest cost is to pre-pay on loan principal whenever possible. Absent a pre-pay penalty, most lenders will allow you to add additional funds to your regular payment and/or make a special principal payment when additional funds become available. Consider the sale of one more calf or a tax refund as money that can be applied to your loan. Apply the extra funds to the credit or loan with the highest interest rate. Keep a record of principal paydown. The net effect is a reduction in the effective rate you’re paying on that specific debt. Under current conditions, it really pays to

shop for credit. Your good credit can still be rewarded as evidenced through your credit bureau ratings and your past business relationships. Ask your bank, credit union or lender about ways to qualify for a lower rate.

You can offset some rate shock by taking advantage of higher rate options on your money. Sources like bankrate.com, Money magazine and other published financial sources can list the best money market rates for your savings.

The cost of debt, like any other discipline requires on-going management. There will be a time again in the future where rates become more competitive. By maintaining your good credit, you’ll be able to negotiate better rates when that time comes. Consider involving a trusted associate in large purchase decisions involving debt. Outside perspectives matter.

Good Service is Good Business

On a different note, I’d like to touch on the benefits of providing excellent customer service. From the perspective of the end-user or buyer, and from the service provider, quality customer service seems to be a dying art form. It doesn’t have to be that way.

It’s my view that truly exemplary customer service pays dividends for everyone involved. Alternatively, poor service is clearly a detriment to everyone. We’ve all experienced both sides of this issue. It truly is a win-win when an elevated level of service is provided. There are multiple benefits:

• Positive word of mouth prevails

• We enjoy sharing quality experiences

• The provider feels good about doing a job well done

• This generates repeat business

• Tips and gratuity are higher

• Great service providers get promoted Life is too short to endure poor levels of service. We may do it once, but given other options, that person or business will not see us again. Afterall, we can vote with our pocketbook.

meet your neighbors

An Evolving Breed

By Tina Luann Hart

Bill and Angie Hewat are getting in on the”ground level” of Speckle Park cattle

Speckle Park cattle are a breed of cattle most people have never heard of, let alone seen. The novelty of the breed was part of what drew Bill and Angie Hewat to them.

The Hewats were looking for an entry into a new breed with commercial potential when they happened across Speckle Park. Producing seedstock for a new breed was the most practical way to make significant impact on the breed, especially since they own a small farm.

In November 2020, they purchased three heifers at an auction in Nevada, Mo., and that began their journey to becoming one of a growing number of Speckle Park producers in the United States.

Speckle Park were developed in Saskatchewan, Canada around 1953 by crossbreeding stock of the British Aberdeen Angus, Shorthorn and White Park breeds; the spotted or speckled pattern for which it is named was derived from a single bull with the color-pointed markings of the British White Park. In 1983, the Canadian Speckle Park Association was formed and in 1993 Speckle Park was declared an “evolving breed.” On July 6, 2006, the Minister for Agriculture in Canada announced that Speckle Park was a “distinct, pure breed” and they are the only cattle breed to be developed in Saskatchewan.

Speckle Park is one of the fastest growing breeds and is quickly gaining popularity around the world. They are very adaptable and thrive in extreme climates; from cold Canadian winters to brutally hot Australian summers. Along with their ability to adapt, they

are very efficient in converting feed to gain and have remarkably high carcass ratings. The cows are excellent mothers and easy calvers, they have great udder placement, teat size and are good milkers. The newborns calves are vigorous and grow off quickly. They require minimal maintenance, are easy keepers and very gentle. These traits combined with “eye appeal” are some of the reasons this breed is quickly becoming popular. It was not long after purchasing the original heifers that the Hewats knew they wanted more. They purchased another 15 head of heifers and in two short years they have grown their herd into one of the largest Speckle Park herds in the United States.

Currently, the herd includes 45 head cow/calf pairs and six bulls, as well as some commercial, non-Speckle Park cows.

The farm is 60 acres of mixed grasses and because of intensive grazing, pasture management can be difficult. Aside from grass and hay, supplemental grain, mineral, sulfur, and cobalt is provided year-round.

Typical cow/calf herd health programs are implemented and include rotational worming programs and vaccination programs that promote overall and reproductive health. They have found that selenium and vitamin E administration (BoSe) in newborn calves is beneficial. Antibiotics are used sparingly and are only utilized when warranted.

— Continued on Next Page

Goshen, Ark.

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

meet your neighbors

An Evolving Breed

Continued from Previous Page

Bill is a founding member of the American Speckle Park Association, which was established in 2021.

“One of the big advantages to producing Speckle Park is being able to get in on a breed at the ground level,” Bill said.

“Each family would make a different choice as to what they believe the advantages of growing Speckle Park would be, but for us, the point where we are in our lives right now, it is exciting to be in on the ground level of a new breed,” Angie said. “There is not another breed out there right now that can say that.”

Showing and promoting the breed is the priority of the Hewats, along with developing seed stock for other producers.

“Ultimately, one day I would like to pass it along to our grandchildren,” Bill said. “With agriculture, there is nothing better you can do for your kids than to put them into an environment where they know where their food comes from and where we teach them that there are other things that depend upon us.”

The first Speckle Park show in the United States was held in January at the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Okla. It was also the first national sale in the U.S., with 31 head. The Hewats had a successful run, taking second-place junior female, first-place open female, open female yearling heifer, reserve grand champion and yearling bull reserve champion.

There was a big interest in Speckle Park at the show and it was also well represented by delegates from the Canadian Speckle Park Association.

“The Canadians believe so much in this breed and they want to see it succeed in other places,” Angie said.

The Hewat’s first-place open female, BRF Phoenix, was sold at the National sale and will soon be on her way to her new home in New Hampshire, and the other two heifers are due to drop calves very soon.

The Hewats’ breeding program is currently natural cover, but they plan to add AI and embryo transfer. They prefer to have calves in January-March because of the show circuit.

Eventually, they would like to have a grassfed farm-to-table operation but right now their focus is on building a seed stock program and promoting the Speckle Park breed.

By Julie Turner-Crawford

• Age: 17

• Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark.

• Parents: Tom and Leann Silzel

• Sibling: Maggie Silzell

• FFA chapter: Mountain Home FFA

• Advisors: Josh Baker and Carson White

What is your involvement in agriculture? “I have been a part of agriculture my whole life. My family has owned and operated a beef cattle farm since before I was born. I have spent most of my childhood and teenage years helping my dad with anything from feeding cows, pulling calves, administering medicine, hauling hay, weaning calves and so much more. I recently attended an artificial insemination class with my dad, where I learned how to AI cattle so we can use this practice on our farm. This all began the foundation for my love of agriculture. I am a member of the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association (AJCA), where I serve as the board treasurer. I also am a member of the Mountain Home FFA, where I also serve as the club treasurer. Showing cattle is also one of my favorite hobbies.”

What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture/ living on a farm? “Watching how consistency and hard work payoff. Whenever we pick a set of replacement heifers to keep and grow into cows, it takes awhile to get them to the cow phase. It is rewarding to see after months of feeding them daily and caring for them, they grow from small heifer calves into cows that become a part of the herd.”

What are your future plans? “My ambition for the future is to graduate from Mountain Home High School and then attend the University of Arkansas. After I obtain my bachelor’s in animal science, I will pursue a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. I also want to continue throughout my life farming and owning cattle of my own.”

Awards: Farmington FFA Cattle Clash Supreme Heifer; AJCA Spring Fling Supreme Heifer; Crowley’s Ridge Classic Supreme and Reserve Supreme Heifer; AJCA High Point Supreme Heifer; AJCA High-Point Angus Heifer; AJCA High-Point Simmental Heifer; Arkansas State Fair Spring Show Reserve Supreme Heifer; Arkansas State Fair Grand Champion Simmental Heifer; Baxter County Supreme Heifer; Arkansas State Fair Grand Champion Senior English Showman; and Arkansas Youth Expo Reserve Champion Senior Showman.

the ofn ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

The Udder Side

By Dr. Tim E. O’Neill

The weather is cold one day and then we are in the 60s and 70s the next. This is getting a lot of people and animals sick with respiratory problems. It really helps vaccinating animals properly and feeding proper nutrition. For vaccines, I recommend Blackleg 7-way, Pinkeye, IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Lepto, Pasteurella Multocida, and Manheim Hemolytica. Some of these can be given only once, but most are given twice, two to four weeks apart. Generally, calves should all be vaccinated for these prior to weaning, with a booster at weaning. This will allow your calves not to be stressed. Stressed calves at weaning may not respond to all of these vaccines, and that is why we only booster what is needed at that time. Then this time of the year they are protected. I have had very good luck doing this for clients. We hardly ever have to treat any or at least the few we treat respond the first injection and are over the sickness.

For the few babies that are being born right now, the best thing for them is to get more than 1 gallon of quality colostrum with in the first 18 hours of life. And just as a side note I have had a client who milks just a few cows, leave the babies on the cows for the first two weeks. When they started milking them after that, they noticed that the calves were drinking up to 2 gallons of milk daily. Yes, these were Jerseys and Holsteins in a show string. These calves grew like weeds and never got sick. This is what I say about nutrition.

Nutrition is very important and costly, but, well fed cattle do better on the scales and have a lot less sickness. They have the macro and micronutrients that will allow their immune systems to work at its full capacity. You cannot stop them from being exposed, but you can give them all the warriors to help them fight off the insults attacking them in the environment.

A lot of people have old hay. This can be used to bed them down out of the wind. My dad and I used to put either old hay or straw out for bedding this time of the year. We would put it in the draws on the north and west sides so the wind could blow over the top of them and not directly on them. If we had any trees (in western Kansas), we would put in on the east and south side of the trees to help block the wind. Cattle can handle a very cold temperature if they are well fed, dry and out of the wind. And not to leave out our small animals, general rule of thumb is if you are cold they are cold. Bring them inside.

Now to help in the environment, ever notice how deep the mud and manure get around hay rings, feeders, water troughs and other places? We can help that out by putting down a light layer of granulated lime in those areas. For this I do not recommend ag lime for it is too powdery and can and will affect their mucous membranes. Making the areas look like they got a skiff of snow with granulated lime will kill a lot of bugs in that dirt. In the dairies up north, it has been known to cut foot rot, mastitis and pneumonia. Also, if those water troughs are filthy when we get a warm day drain them and clean them out. Clean fresh water is the No. 1 nutritional ingredient, period.

Stay warm and healthy!

Dr. Tim E. O’Neill, DVM, owns Country Veterinary Service in Farmington, Ark. To contact Tim go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

Making farming a little easier

farm help

Preventing Disease Outbreaks

By Cheryl Kepes

Following protocols and being vigilant about animal health are key factors

A disease outbreak in a herd or flock can be devastating on many fronts – economically, emotionally and environmentally. Producers who implement biosecurity measures, act quickly at signs of trouble and know what to look for can help protect their animals from transmittable diseases.

Biosecurity: First and foremost, livestock experts recommend following biosecurity protocols. “According to experts, one of the best disease prevention methods that we have is biosecurity,” Barry Whitworth, DVM, specialist with the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension, explained. There are several pillars to biosecurity including sanitation, isolation, and traffic control. Sanitation requires keeping feed troughs, water sources and water troughs clean. As well as making sure manure doesn’t pile up. Dr. Sarah Reinkemeyer, DVM and epidemiologist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, recommends producers also utilize a change of shoes or foot baths as they travel onto and off the farm. “Designate clothing and shoes for farm use; ensuring that you are not wearing clothes and footwear on your farm that were used at another farm,” Reinkemeyer advised.

Isolation: Experts recommend producers purchase livestock from a reliable single source when possible. Additionally, producers will want to make sure they know the animal’s vaccination status, deworming schedule, and if it’s been tested routinely for disease. “Another good step would be to have a quarantine pen or containment area for all new purchased additions for at least 30 days,” Reinkemeyer said. “This way you can observe the new animals for any disease that could arise and impact your herd.” Following isolation practices also applies to animals already within the herd. If an animal is sick, then remove it from the rest of the herd for treatment and recovery. “If you have a sick animal in your herd, you should isolate that animal from the herd because that animal is most likely shedding some type of pathogen that’s making it sick, so you should isolate that animal until it’s well and keep it out of the herd,” Whitworth stated.

Traffic Control: Another way to protect animals from transmittable diseases is to regulate who is visiting the farm. “This means monitoring who enters the

what do you say?

What do you maintain the health of your livestock?

“I work closely with my veterinarian and make sure my cattle have all of the vaccinations they need.”

Bill Sossamon Franklin County, Ark.

areas where animals are,” Whitworth explained. “You basically control who enters your property and who doesn’t, because you don’t know where they’ve been, and you don’t know what pathogens they might have on them that they could give to your animals.”

Nutrition, Vaccination and Testing: In addition to following biosecurity measures, meeting animals’ nutritional needs, utilizing vaccinations, and testing for disease will help keep transmittable diseases at bay. Livestock specialists recommend maintaining animals in a good body condition which in turn gives them fuel to retain a healthy immune system. Vaccinating for diseases also provides protection. This includes vaccinating cattle for all respiratory and reproduction diseases.

Livestock specialists recommend testing and culling as a method to reduce disease in a herd or flock.

“When we think of cattle and something like Johnes disease, we should test and positive cattle should be sent to slaughter because they are shedding that bacteria in their fecal material and it’s contaminating the premises of where you are,” Whitworth advised. “So, testing and finding animals that are positive for certain diseases and eliminating them from your herd is another way to prevent transmittable diseases.”

Observation: Keeping a close eye on the herd or flock will alert producers to the first signs of trouble.

When producers observe an increase in mortality or sick and diseased animals, that’s a red flag a transmittable disease could be spreading through their operation. Diseases to watch out for vary from species to species and operation to operation. However, producers should be aware of some of the more prevalent diseases. In chicken flocks, avian influenza, Marek’s disease and Mycoplasma are all devastating diseases. In cattle, producers will want to look out for Trichomoniasis. This means ensuring that all bulls 18 months of age or older test negative prior to movement to the farm. Other diseases include Johnes, anaplasmosis and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). In sheep and goats be on the lookout for Ovine Progressive Pneumonia (OPP), Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis (CAE), Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) and Johnes.

“Making sure they have all of the proper vaccinations and keeping a good mineral all year.”

Robert Halpain Cherokee County, Okla.

“It’s a combination of things; plenty of grass, plenty of feed, constant monitoring and a good vaccination program.”

Sheldon Vinson Washington County, Ark.

“With the weather the way it is now, a good quality hay with high protein and minerals. Also, a good health program is important.”

Michael Lee Faulkner County, Ark.

farm help

Medicine Changes on the Way

By Cheryl Kepes

Antibiotic regulation changes coming this year

The Food and Drug Administration unveiled a directive 10 years ago outlining a gradual transition of animal over-the-counter medicines to availability by prescription only. By June 2023, antibiotics and many other medicines will no longer be available on the shelves at feed stores or farm supply businesses. Producers will need to get a prescription from their veterinarians for the products. Medicines such as LA-200, LA300, penicillin, sulfur boluses and mastitis tubes will all require prescriptions for purchase. The fast-approaching deadline means producers may want to start preparing now for the change that is in store.

VET-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP: Livestock experts recommend producers establish a veterinarian client patient relationship if they do not already have one in place. “This will allow their veterinarian the ability to write a prescription or provide them with the antibiotics needed,” Sarah Reinkemeyer, DVM and epidemiologist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, explained. The stipulations regarding telemedicine temporarily put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic expires in February.

A proper veterinarian client relationship is not one solely established over the phone. “It’s important to understand you can’t just pick up the phone with a veterinarian you don’t know and expect that they’re going to sell you an antibiotic,” Barry Whitworth, DVM, specialist with the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension, explained. “That’s not a proper veterinary client relationship and I think some people think that’s all it takes.”

The specific definition of a veterinarian client patient relationship is dictated by each state. However, the overall regulations are similar from state to state. “The only way you’re going to have an acceptable relationship with the veterinarian is for that veterinarian to know who you are and to be on your farm enough to know how you

do things. They have to have a good general understanding of the animals that are there, how you raise them, and what you’re trying to do with them,” Whitworth said.

Additionally, Whitworth encourages producers to keep in mind veterinarians can get into serious trouble including getting their license suspended or incurring fines if they don’t follow the rules. “It’s a pretty significant thing for veterinarians if things go the wrong way,” Whitworth added. “I know people sometimes say, ‘Why don’t they just write me this prescription?’” The reason is they could face serious consequences for violating regulations.

BE PATIENT: Though in the works for quite some time, the final shift of over-thecounter medicines to by prescription only will also be a change for veterinarians. Therefore, producers should keep that in mind and be patient with their local veterinarians. “This was an FDA regulation and is new to the veterinarians as well as the producers. Work closely with your veterinarian during this transition,” Reinkemeyer said.

BE PROACTIVE: Now is a good time for producers to take inventory of the over-thecounter medicines they use to treat animals. In addition, producers should initiate a conversation with their veterinarian to determine what steps they need to take to ensure they have those products on hand or are able to get them when needed.

For those producers who already have a good relationship established with their veterinarian the change will have far less impact. “The people who don’t routinely utilize a veterinarian, they’re going to be the ones that are probably going to be shocked when they go down to the local co-op or feed store and there’s no antibiotics on the shelf anymore or in the refrigerator,” Whitworth said. If producers establish a veterinarian client patient relationship, inventory their medicines, and talk with their veterinarian about the upcoming changes, then the transition should be much easier.

Improving Colostrum Quality

By Cheryl Kepes

Cow condition will impact colostrum production

Colostrum plays a critical role in the health of calves. It sets the stage for a calf’s development and provides protection from some illnesses. “Most of the research will indicate the cow passes immunity to the calf through colostrum,” Andy McCorkill, University of Missouri Extension Field Specialist in Livestock, said. “A lot of that comes down to ensuring the cow can produce adequate colostrum to begin with.”

Cow Condition

According to livestock extension specialists the most important management strategy for making sure a cow produces quality colostrum is keeping her in adequate flesh. “The biggest hurdle to overcome with good colostrum starts with the body condition of the cow,” McCorkill explained.

If the momma cow is healthy, then she is more likely to produce colostrum in ample quantity and quality. “For the most part, making sure that the cow is in good shape nutritionally is the best insurance policy that you have toward getting her to take good care of the calf,” McCorkill said. One measure of proper condition is the body condition score (BCS) of the cow at calving. Livestock extension specialists recommend a cow’s BCS at calving should be between a five and six or even a low seven. “That’s where we like to see them, so they are in their ideal shape to take care of themselves and be able to pass that immunity onto the calf,” McCorkill added.

Nutritional Balance

Getting the cow to her right body condition takes a balanced approach to nutrition. Though many times producers focus

on protein, experts recommend producers also pay attention to the energy in the rations they are feeding their cows. “Protein is the one that is always on everyone’s mind, but energy is where we tend to be the most lacking a lot of times in ration, particularly in a year like this where what forage we have is limited and poor-quality,” McCorkill explained.

The energy in rations can be measured in Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). McCorkill recommends producers consider setting a target percentage for energy their cattle are getting in the ration. He suggests 55 percent for cows in mid-gestation, 60 percent for cows in late gestation, and 65 percent for cows in the peak of their lactation. “That’s a little bit oversimplified. If you feed them that way, they may be a little bit fleshy,” McCorkill stated. “But that’s a simple estimate and target to shoot for.”

McCorkill added if producers aim for those percentages their cows will keep their flesh, and if the cows have a little more condition, then so be it. “I look at that extra flesh on a cow, within reason, as being God’s gift of a way for the cow to store energy for leaner times,” McCorkill said.

Supplement with Minerals

In addition, giving cows access to minerals may help to boost the quality of a cow’s colostrum. Each producer will need to determine where the imbalances are within their own operation and choose the appropriate minerals to supplement their cow herd. “You don’t have to spend a lot on a mineral supplement to get the job done, but it is a good idea to have mineral out all the time,” McCorkill said.

February 2023

9 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – call 870-425-2335 to register

9 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Newton County Extension Office, Jasper, Ark. – 870-446-2240

11 Beekeeping Class – 9 a.m. – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – call 870-425-2335

15-17 Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show – bad weather rescheduling dates are Feb. 22-24 – Sallisaw, Okla. – for more information contact the Sequoyah County OSU Extension Office at 918-775-4838

16-20 Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show – Community Building, Tahlequah, Okla. – 918-456-6163

20 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

21 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Bogle Family Public Services Building, 1204 SW 14th Street, Bentonville, Ark. – Cost: $20 – call 479-271-1060 to register

23 Homesteading Workshop – 6-8 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344

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

March 2023

2-4/6 Northwest Arkansas Quilt Workshop – 8:30 a.m., Thursdays (no workshop on March 9) – Free event – L.E. “Gene” Durand Center, Harrison, Ark. – for more information call 870-741-6168

2 Tri County Production Meeting – Fulton County Fairground, Salem, Ark. – 870-895-3301

2 Twin Lakes Beef and Forage Conference – 5:30 p.m. – Cotter High School, Cotter, Ark. – for more information call 870-425-2335

9 Homesteader Series: Curing and Processing Meat – 6 p.m. – Boone County Farm Bureau, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168

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

18 Baxter County Master Gardener Spring Seminar – United Methodist Church, Mountain Home, Ark. – for more information call 870-425-2335

April 2023

15 Ag Trade Show – Poteau, Okla. – for more information contact the Le Flore County Extension Office at 918-647-8231

20 Backyard Birds Class – 6 p.m. – Boone County Farm Bureau, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168

May 2023

18

Mudisible Gardening and Herbs – 6 p.m. – Boone County Farm Bureau, Harrison, Ark. – for more information call 870-741-6168

— ZONE A AUCTIONS —

2/10 Paul Wallace Estate Auction – Welch, Okla. • Lester Miller Auctions

— ZONE B AUCTIONS

—

3/4 Consignment Auction – Van Buren, Ark.

• Faucher Auction & Realty

3/18 Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

– Branch, Ark. • Reading Auction Services

— ZONE C AUCTIONS

—

2/6 Living Estate Auction – Springdale, Ark.

• Auctions by Larry R. Williams

2/10 February G.O.A.T. Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions

2/11 Auction – Huntsville, Ark. • Cornett

Auctions

2/11 Estate Auction of the late Charles McGarrah – Gentry, Ark. • K&D Davis

Auctions LLC

2/13 Living Estate Auction – Springdale, Ark.

• Auctions by Larry R. Williams

2/18 Estate of Walter G “Sonny” Craig Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Dwayne Craig Auction Service

2/19 Multiple Estate Auction – Gravette, Ark.

• Dwayne Craig Auction Service

2/25 Rogers Antique & Collectible Auction –Rogers, Ark. • Barber Auctions

3/25 Retired Air Force O cer’s Antique Estate Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions

ZONE D AUCTIONS —

2/18 Absolute Real Estate & Personal Property Auction – Batesville, Ark. • Ronnie Gay Auctions

2/18 Larry Hemphill Auction – Heber Springs, Ark. • Frank Orr Auctions

2/25 Lynnette Files Living Trust Auction –Heber Springs, Ark. • Frank Orr Auctions

ONLINE & OUTSIDE AREA — AUCTIONS —

2/7 Farm Living Estate Online-Only Auction –Cherry Valley, Ark. • Witcher Auctions LLC

2/8 Equipment Online Auction – bidding closes Feb. 8th at 10 a.m.

2/9

2/11

2/11

2/15

2/15

2/16 Home Depot Returns Online Auction –Lonoke, Ark. • Wooley Auctioneers

2/16 Pike County Real Estate Auction –Bowling Green, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

2/16-17 Huge Two-Day Open Farm & Heavy Equipment Auction – Wynne, Ark. • Witcher Auctions LLC

2/18 36th Annual FFA Pocahontas Farm Auction – Pocahontas, Ark. • Phillips Auction Company

2/18 Guns, Tools, Antiques, Tools and More Auction – Harrisburg, Ark. • Auctions and More

2/18 Outstanding Estate Auction – Murfreesboro, Ark. • McGrew Auction Service

2/22 Equipment Online Auction – bidding closes Feb. 22nd at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

2/24 Audrain County Real Estate Auction –Centralia, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

2/25 Rinehart Farms Equipment Auction –Purdin, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

3/1 Equipment Online Auction – bidding starts 2/8 at 6 p.m., bidding closes 3/1 at 10 a.m. –bigiron.com • Big Iron Auctions

3/2 Live Equipment Auction – Jonesboro, Ark. • Witcher Auctions

ozarks’ auction block

February 2023

11 Conley Cattle & Penner Ranch Annual Angus Bull Sale – Ada, Okla. –405-464-2455 or 405-747-4683

11 Crooked Creek Angus Production Sale – Clarinda Livestock Auction, Iowa – 660-853-9430 or 816-244-4462

11 14th Annual Genetic Power Gelbvieh and Balancer Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 334-695-1371

11 J&N Ranch Black Herefords 38th Annual Production Sale – at the ranch, Leavenworth, Kan. – 913-727-6446

13 Iowa Beef Expo 59th Annual Charolais Sale – Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, Iowa – 281-761-5952

13 NextGen Cattle Company Elite Genetics Online Sale – ckonlinesales.com –765-376-8784 or 785-213-1753

16 Rom’n Limousin Where Class Meats Carcass Online Bull Sale –www.L365Auctions.com – 402-350-3447

18 Byergo Angus Production Sale – Savannah, Mo. – 816-261-7150, 816-261-5198 or 816-294-2225

18 Gilbert Cattle Company 2nd Annual Production Sale – Oldfield, Mo. –417-860-6500 or 417-224-6296

18 GV Limousin 42nd Annual Production Sale – Anderson County Community Building, Garnett, Kan. – 785-448-8027 or 785-448-4310

18 64th Annual Magnolia Hereford Association Sale – SAU Story Arena, Magnolia, Ark. – 870-818-7067

e voice of the Ozarks

24 Jamison Herefords Total Performance Bull Sale – Jamison Ranch Sale Center, Quinter, Kan. – 785-299-0441

25 Galaxy Beef Production Sale – Macon, Mo. – 816-244-4462 or 660-254-1337

25 66th Anniversary Missouri Angus Breeders’ Futurity Sale – Columbia, Mo. – 805-234-7191

25 Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale – Kingsville Livestock Auction, Kingsville, Mo. – 877-486-1160

March 2023

3 Express Ranches Spring Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Yukon, Okla. – 405-350-0044

4 Hilltop Farms Annual Bull and Female Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-842-3225 or 417-529-0081

4 Judd Ranch 45th Gelbvieh, Balancer & Red Angus Bull Sale – at the ranch, Pomona, Kan. – 1-800-743-0026

4 Linhart Limousin Business Done Right Bull Sale – at the farm, Leon, Iowa – 641-340-1306 or 641-414-5060

4 Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull Sale – Hope Livestock Auction, Hope, Ark. – 877-486-1160

4 Mead Farms Bull Sale – at the farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 or 573-302-7011

4 Peterson Farms Charolais Bull Sale – Mountain Grove, Mo. – 417-926-5336

4 Satterfield Charolais & Angus Annual Bull Sale – at the farm, Evening Shade, Ark. – 501-944-9274 or 870-499-7151

6 Buck Ridge Cattle Company Inaugural Production Sale – at the farm, Seymour, Mo. – 417-838-6109 or 417-689-4233

10 Wall Street Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale – Lebanon, Mo. – 417-288-4444

11 Coyote Hills Ranch Bull Sale – at the ranch, Chattanooga, Okla. – 402-350-3447 or 580-597-3006

11 Flickerwood Angus 9th Annual Production Sale – Jackson, Mo. – 573-382-1064 or 573-225-8583

11 May-Way Farms Annual Production Sale – Baldwin City, Kan. – 785-594-3125

11 Nipp Charolais Annual Spring Bull Sale – Wilson, Okla. – 580-513-3555

11 Sampson Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale – Kirksville, Mo. – 660-216-2207 or 660-216-1522

11 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Female Sale – Wheeler Livestock Auction, Osceola, Mo. – 877-486-1160

11 Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks Bull Sale – SEO Sale Facility, Springfield, Mo. –805-234-7191 or 417-839-1200

11 Wright Charolais 16th Annual Charolais Bull Sale – Wright Sale Facility, Kearney, Mo. – 816-776-3512

15 Valley Oak Angus Production Sale – Oak Grove, Mo. – 816-229-8115 or 816-365-5930

16 Henke Farms Bull Sale – at the Farm, Salisbury, Mo. – 660-676-6233 or 816-244-4462

17 Marshall & Fenner Farms 14th Annual Performance-Tested Bull & Female Production Sale – Boonville, Mo. – 660-641-4522 or 406-833-0117

18 Bradley Cattle Bull and Female Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457 or 765-376-8784

18 Brinkley Angus Ranch 21st Annual Production Sale – Green City Livestock Market, Green City, Mo. – 660-265-5565

18

Falling Timber Farm 14th Annual Bull & Female Sale – at the farm, Marthasville, Mo. – 636-358-4161

18 Full Circle Cattle Company 3rd Annual Bull Sale – Dodge City, Kan. –620-260-6815

18 Musgrave Angus Production Sale – at the farm, Griggsville, Ill – 217-242-3135 or 217-242-1160

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