Ofn dummy 3 14 16

Feed, Fie Crops, P lds, oultry &

MARCH 14, 2016 • 36 PAGES

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Changing with the Industry

MARCH 14, 2016

Product ion Sale Issu e

George Anderson adjusts the family’s farming operations to meet changing standards

From Blue to Black The Montgomery family goes back to its roots with Black Angus

Still in the family Sloan Farms was founded in 1918

When is it time to call the vet?

Knowing the signs of trouble during calving can save your cow and calf Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

1

rumor mill

U of A poultry science students earn awards: Students of the University of Arkansas Poultry Science Department won a combined eight Certificate of Excellence awards for their research presentations and posters at the 2016 International Poultry Scientific Forum, held in conjunction with the 2016 International Production and Processing Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The students from the Fayetteville, Ark., university who were presented awards are: Sara Orlowski, Katy Tarrant, Justina Caldas Cueva, Devin Cook, Sun Xiao, Kallie Sullivan and Juan Latorre.

Queen of the Ring: Kayse Conner of Coweta, Okla., was named Celebrity Shower from among nearly one dozen local business representatives taking part in the competition.

The event was part of a fundraiser for FFA and 4-H students whose market animals did not make the sale at the Wagoner County Junior Livestock Show.

Walker to head Arkansas State Plant Board: Gov. Asa Hutchinson has appointed Terry Walker as director of the Arkansas State Plant Board, a division of the Arkansas Agriculture Department. Walker has been employed with the ASPB for 13 years and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas. Walker began his career in 1971 with the Rice Branch Experiment Station, now the Rice Research and Extension Center, in Stuttgart. He then left Arkansas to work in the private soybean research sector, serving regions of Alabama and Tennessee. He returned to Arkansas in 1984 as project leader for the Soybean and Small Grain Variety Testing at the University of Arkansas Agronomy Department.

He returned again to the private soybean industry from 1991– 1996, and then on to manage the research of a local seed company, and later managed a cotton gin. In 2002, he accepted the position as ASPB Plant Industry Division Director, and moved to ASPB assistant director in 2012.

Pell named Gates Millennium Scholar: Northeast Oklahoma agriculture education major Corey Pell was awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship. He is one of 1,000 students from around the nation presented the scholarship. The program was established to reduce financial barriers that might prevent students from achieving their academic goals. A Native American student from Chouteau, Okla., Pell also competes on the livestock judging team. Pell plans to attend Oklahoma State University after he completes his degree at NEO.

OzarksFarm

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@OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor? Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

MARCH 14, 2016

|

VOL. 10, NO. 2

JUST A THOUGHT

8

13

Jerry Crownover – Hiding the evidence Jody Harris – Spring is in the air Julie Turner-Crawford – Taking it all in

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Mike & Angie Schulte cater

to cowboys at the Rocking ‘S’

10

3 4 5

8

An Arkansas woman’s passion for the honeyberry

10

Man purchases historical home as a way to honor his family

12

Eye on Agribusiness spotlights B&R Meat Processing

13

Montgomery family goes from Blue to Black

16

Poultry, cattle are a part of the Anderson operation

17 22

Town & Country features Michelle Rieff

24

Youth in Ag spotlights Hunter Lindemann

Sloan Farms continues to be part of a family tradition

FARM HELP 25 Do you have a contingency plan?

26 Reducing death loss in calves can improve your bottom line

22

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

28 29

Do bulls gain better than steers?

30 31

When is it time to call the vet?

32

Improving soil health with forages

Soil testing is key for improved production Should you be concerned about Avian Flu?

MARCH 14, 2016

just a

thought

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By Jerry Crownover

B

’ Mac s Keeping Your Herd

ud (not his real name) is not unlike revoAs nwsoon orC yasrrehe J yB most farmers I know. purchases a new piece of equipment, he has to try it out absolutely as soon Jerry Crownover is as possible. Such was the case last a farmer and former week when the machinery dealer delivered a professor of Agriculture new, hydraulic, bale unroller for his tractor.

Education at Missouri The young farmer had been feeding in bale State University. He is a rings for the past few years, but he had recently native of Baxter County, purchased more land and more cattle, and had Arkansas, and an decided that unrolling the round bales would alauthor and professional low the cows better access to the hay. As an addspeaker. To contact Jerry, ed bonus, the young calves would have a warmer go to ozarksfn.com and and dryer place to lie during the cold of winter. click on ‘Contact Us.’ As soon as he got home from his day job, he immediately attached the implement to his tractor and was off to the bale yard, located at the other end of his quarter-mile long, fenced and manicured driveway.

The new device worked just like the salesman had described, as he squeezed the 1,200-pound bale, raised it with the flip of a lever, removed the net wrap from the bale, and proceeded to the pasture where his cattle waited. Used to gathering in a circle around the bale ring, they were a little confused as he drove past the empty ring and lowered the hydraulic arms (again, with one flip of the lever) to gently unroll the giant hay bale. The curious cows sauntered over to inspect his job and must have approved as they began to devour the leafy forage. Even the calves seemed to endorse the farmer’s new purchase, as evidenced by a few of the younger ones immediately lying on the soft, new bed.

Bud was pleased with the performance of his new tool, even though his wife had been a little reluctant about the purchase, and he took pride in watching the response of — Continued on Page 6

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Administrative Eric Tietze, Vice-President Operations Kathy Myers, Marketing Manager Sandra Coffman, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Kathy Myers, Production Sales Circulation Stan Coffman, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Jessica Bailey, Gary Digiuseppe, Katrina Hine, Klaire Howerton and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Poultry houses and beef cattle make up the landscape of the George Anderson operation.

See more on Page 16.

Photo by Terry Ropp Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2016.

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Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

E

xtra, extra, read all about it! Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow this year!

Am I really going to bank an early spring coming to Northwest Arkansas?

You betcha! I’m already contemplating Jody Harris is a freelance getting potatoes planted a little earlier this year. communications specialist, Spring calves are dropping right and left. Our gardener, ranch wife and kids are already bugging me daily about wearing mother of four. She and shorts to school. It’s been a firm no so far. her family raise Angus beef About half of our momma cows have been surcattle and other critters on rogate mothers to our neighbor’s cattle’s embryos their northwest Arkansas this year. We’ve been busy checking on them a ranch. She is a graduate few times each day. of Missouri State University.

Earlier this week a new calf dropped and its To contact Jody, go to mother needed to be called into the cattle momozarksfn.com and click on ma’s hotline. The calf was weak and wasn’t nurs‘Contact Us.’ ing well. She would run off to the hay bales and leave him behind for long spells. We continued to bottle feed him for a few days until she finally decided to grow up and take responsibility for this precious little bull. He’s thriving with her now.

Our next emergency was a first calf heifer we checked one day after church. I took one look at her and knew she wasn’t going to calve on her own. A mother just knows.

We went back to the farm and got her up in the chute. My husband sleeved her and immediately felt a tail. Then he asked me to sleeve her to see if I thought we could get it turned. I bravely did it and immediately told him it was time to call a veterinarian. I already felt like the calf was gone and there was no way that we, in our minimal calf-bearing experience, could pull it. We called in the expert and let him take it from there.

Being responsible for checking the “maternity pasture” has been a lot of fun for the kids. The calves are adorable too. The boys have even begun contemplating raising a couple of show steers. We may let the boys give it a try this year.

My husband has been busy doing excavation work around the Northwest Arkansas area on the weekends. Recently, he was working on a project at our home place. Our 6-year-old son has been obsessed with heavy equipment for as long as I can remember.

The two of them “went to work” on this little project one afternoon. Before I knew it, I received a video of the 6-year-old running the mini-excavator with a little coaching from Dad. The motherly instinct inside of me made my heart start racing. I am amazed at what my kids aren’t afraid to try. I’m equally shocked at the things my husband is brave enough to teach them. Aren’t we supposed to encourage our kids to try new things? Or do something once in a while that scares us?

Spring has nearly sprung and the mild weather has this family out and about – counting new calves, spring cleaning and venturing into new projects. Springtime is a time of new beginnings.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

just a thought

Across the Fence

10th Annual Production Sale

April 3 2016 At the Farm in Pomona, MO • Sunday at 1:00 PM (CT)

By Julie Turner-Crawford

L

ife on the farm isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t always fun, but there are times when you just can’t help but smile and soak it all in.

Julie Turner-Crawford During one of our recent warm eveis a native of Dallas nings, I found myself just looking at the cattle.

County, Mo., where she As I watched, the cows quietly grazed on the remgrew up on her family’s nants of fall grass and one of the bulls bawled in farm. She is a graduate his deepest baritone voice to let everyone know of Missouri State he was there. It’s a feeling of peace and serenity University. To contact only farmers know.

Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 Suddenly, a young black calf raced across the or by email at editor@ pasture, bawling and bucking as he darted here ozarksfn.com. and there. Within a few seconds, he was joined by several of his pasture buddies. With their tails up in the air, about a dozen of the baby bovine began making laps around their mothers and the vocal bull, stopping only to paw at the ground and head-butt one another. Some of the calves found themselves atop a mounded area, which meant a good old-fashioned game of King of the Mountain. After a few minutes, they were off again, searching for other new adventures.

Meanwhile, their mothers continued to chomp away, raising their heads only occasionally to see where their offspring had ventured to.

After watching the herd for few minutes, I felt an involuntary smile come across my face.

I’m sure there are some of you who have also watched your young calves, lambs or goat kids recently, and I’m pretty sure that same smile came across your face as they bounced about.

Z105

— Continued on Next Page

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Pour into prepared pan and let stand for five minutes, or until cool enough to handle.

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MARCH 14, 2016

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

5

just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page As the calves played, I couldn’t help but think that it was a strong sign that spring is drawing ever closer, and that our drab brown landscape would soon be filled with green. I felt myself take a little deeper breath that evening, as if I were inhaling a new season and exhaling the last of the winter air.

Farmers and ranchers are outside year round, no matter what the weather, so I think everyone begins to feel a little better in the springtime, and there is a little more spring in everyone’s step. Maybe because we aren’t so weighted down with layers of clothes because coveralls can be replaced with jackets, and you only need one pair of socks to keep your feet warm. More reasons to smile.

With the spring also comes a renewed sense of optimism for what the future holds for our family farms. We’re always hopeful production costs will go down and that the prices we receive for our products will go up. We’re optimistic

that we will have plenty of rain, but not too much, and the list can go on and on.

Will Rogers once said, “The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.”

That statement, made decades ago, still holds true today. If we weren’t optimistic, there would be no reason to keep livestock or even fire up the tractors to work the land.

While we can’t predict what the weather or the markets will be like in the weeks and months to come, we can choose to be optimistic about what the future holds.

If you need a little help trying to renew your optimism, just look at a pasture with young calves in it, or step inside your lambing or kidding barns or pastures. I’m pretty sure it won’t take long for you to remember why you are a farmer or rancher, then you will simply smile and soak it all in.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 both the cows and their calves. He even considered unrolling a second bale that afternoon, just for the fun of it, but decided that would just be a waste of good hay. He would, however, go ahead and load another one onto the unroller so it would be ready to go the next afternoon when he got home from work.

At the bale yard, he loaded a second bale and proceeded to go ahead and remove the net wrap before heading down the driveway to his machinery barn.

Bud takes meticulous care of his equipment and always keeps the tractor in the barn, protected from the elements, and plugs into electricity to make the diesel engine easier to start during the winter.

Knowing he now had a bale on the back of his tractor, he was extra-careful as he backed into the parking place, making sure he didn’t hit the wall where he normally parks. Everything was good as he plugged in the tractor, lowered the over-

6

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

head door, and headed in for supper with the family.

The next afternoon, Bud couldn’t wait to get home to use his new implement once more. Upon arrival, he raised the door, unplugged the tractor, started it, and headed down the driveway to the pasture entrance. When he stopped to open the gate, he looked back toward his house and realized that the lift had leaked down during the previous 24 hours, and he had unrolled (perfectly, I might add) about 200 yards of hay from the machinery barn to the gate.

Since putting unrolled hay back into a movable form is just about as easy as putting toothpaste back in the tube, Bud called me wanting to borrow a pitchfork and a leaf blower.

“I understand the pitchfork, but why do you need a leaf blower?” I asked.

“My wife will be home in two hours. I need to get rid of all the evidence.”

MARCH 14, 2016

meet your

neighbors

Catering to Cowboys

By Katrina Hine

Farmer, turned machinist, turned tractor parts man now creates custom tack Nine miles south of Miami, Okla. and three miles north of the Afton Voc-Tech school on Highway 69 is Rocking ‘S’ Tack.

The bright sign hints at what you can expect but when you enter the shop, you realize this may be one the friendliest places you will find in this fast-paced world.

Mike and Angie Schulte are the owners of Rocking ‘S’ Tack and it is Mike who greets you with a hearty “Hello,” as he glances up from his work repairing the blevins off an old saddle fender. “Yea, they

at the current location for 10 years. Later they would buy out a boot repair shop, add embroidery machines and a vinyl sign cutter to diversify their services.

The shop caters to whatever the horse folks or rancher might need. From the practical hard working tack to the flashy headstalls and breast collars for the more colorful rider.

A young couple comes in the shop with their newborn daughter and immediately they are admiring one of the newest arrivals. The young father swings his leg over

The shop of Rocking ‘S’ Tack is filled with items for all horsemen and horsewomen.

Photo by Katrina Hine

saddled up a mule and this snapped,” Mike said as he sets a rivet in a new leather strap.

Mike grew up just a stone’s throw away, on the 400-acre family farm where his 84-year-old father still lives. Mike has worked on the family farm; in town as a machinist and a parts man at a tractor shop but being his own boss suits him.

“I can quit when I want to and if I can’t sleep, I slip out to the shop and work for a while,” he said.

The Schulte’s bought out Horse Creek Tack near Grove, Okla., 12 years ago and have been MARCH 14, 2016

and sets down on the new saddle while Mike peaks at the little bundle in the car seat. As they leave, the couple thanks Mike for the custom-made leather diaper bag that he made for them as a gift. It is not long before another visitor comes in to pick up another item and the friendly banter begins again.

As one of eight children, Mike ofMiami, Okla. ten has siblings drop by to try their hand at one of the creative ventures.

“Sometimes one of my sisters will come

in and piddle with the embroidery machine, making hats for folks and my brother James runs the shoe sewing machine,” he adds. “I’m not a fan of computer’s so I leave that up to my sisters or Angie.”

The tack shop at times may seem like a family affair with family dropping by to work a little leather or create new products.

Mike said the majority of his work is repairs on boots, shoes, leather jackets and saddles. He points to an old worn saddle that has seen its better days.

“That one over there was won at a benefit years ago and they don’t want to part with it. I’m taking it down to the tree to fix it,” Mike explained. He even cuts leather, with a method called clicking, for the Brady’s in Anderson, Mo., who make western jewelry for their business, The Rowdy Cowgirl.

When asked how he learned the trade, he admits for the most part it has been “trial and error” but is quick to add that others such as Bill Aldinger and Larry Fonseca have been great support. While Mike claims that he is not the creative genius behind some of the beautiful tack hanging on the walls, it is clear that he does have an eye for what looks sharp.

“I had a fella call me from New York and ask me to embroidery a special patch for his wife’s UGG boots,” he continues. “I don’t know how he found us but it was important enough that he shipped them here and we made a custom patch for her UGG’s.”

He has fixed a saddle from Florida and a man from Wichita, Kan., drops things off on his way to Grand Lake. Mike seems surprised that folks will spend the extra money to send their items to his shop in Oklahoma.

Mike focuses on quality products and unique designs that will last longer than cheaper products coming from overseas.

“I can make about anything someone might want out of leather,” he nods across the room. “And the girls can embroidery just about anything.”

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A Very Different Berry

By Terry Ropp

Russian-born Arkansas woman sells honeyberries around the world Lidia Delafield was born in Russia and met her future American husband online, where they wrote two epic screenplays about the Russian Civil War. They met in Europe and married.

Lidia Delafield began working with honeyberries at just 19 years old. She is pictured with her husband Hare.

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I went back to New York with a 26-foot trailer to haul back seeds and shoes,” Hare said with a laugh.

Six years ago, Lidia and Hare moved to Prairie Grove, Ark., where they opened Berries Unlimited.

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However, days after arriving in New Australia and even Mongolia. They York, Lidia’s new husband died suddenly, have a customer base of 20,000 with and she lived with her generous in-laws many additional “you pick” sites.

At 19, Lidia discovered honeyberries, for three years.

One night Hare Delafield dialed a digit edible relatives of the honeysuckle plant. incorrectly when trying to reach his They grew wild in the cooler climate brother. Instead, he got Lidia. The two zones of 2 through 4 in Russian forests.

“I became addicted to them. were on the phone for hours They had a unique flavor and discovered they had a and made me feel stronger,” common interest and passion Prairie Grove, Ark. Lidia said. for horticulture, though he Because the berries were early, had never heard of honeyberhardy and healthful, the Soviet ries. They married soon after government officially adopted the their phone meeting. honeyberry as a production plant “When Lidia and I married,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

meet your neighbors in the late 1950s. The berry became a research topic for main stations, with one station in each Russian area or province.

The plants were developed and are now well known in Russia and in Europe, though less so in the world market.

Canadians became interested because their climate was similar to the original climate in Russia and introduced the berry to the West. With their efforts, honeyberry juice won the “New Juice of the World” award in Germany in 2013, the same year.

Lidia met her Canadian partners.

Lidia’s formal edition is in history, but most Russians are horticulturists out of necessity since they must grow much of their own food to survive.

Lidia began her horticultural studies when she was 3 by digging out her grandfathers tulip bulbs.

“One of the most important things I learned from my education was how to learn from research combined with my life experiences,” she recalled.

Lidia’s search of Russian sources led her to a significant and frequently replicated experiment that highlighted some of the honeyberry’s health properties.

“These berries are very good for you and are the only known berry to contain antioxidants that combat all four types of free radicals and promote tissue repair,” she said.

Lidia began a lifelong quest to develop the original Russian species into more than 70 hybrid species, ranging in size from 4 to 8 feet in height with flavor ranging from and combining bitter, tangy and sweet. She also enjoyed a variety of shapes and wanted fast-growing plants with prolific production and berries that were strongly attached to the branch.

Honeyberries are naturally disease and insect resistant. The differing varieties can be planted in climate zones 2 through 8, though they are most popular in zone two. Blooms can handle 15-degree temperatures, even though the leaves become burned.

Honeyberries, ranging in size from 1 to 1½ inches, are the earliest natural vitamins available and can be harvested two weeks before strawberries.

The bushes need no pruning. When a branch is broken or no longer productive, that single branch is pruned. FurMARCH 14, 2016

ther, the bush can survive for as long as 50 years, if cut back to 1 foot above ground level every 10 years.

Like most berries, honeyberries have a short shelf life when fresh, though Lidia is selecting berries with thicker skin in her research.

On the other hand, honey berries retain all of their quality when frozen.

While many people prefer sweeter varieties for eating fresh, but Lidia prefers more bitter varieties. Because bitterness is lost when the deep purple berries are cooked, they make wonderful jams and jellies when sweetened with honey, sugar, Splenda, etc.

Honeyberries are an excellent additive, adding rich color, health benefits, and a slightly different flavor profile lighter colored juices and preserves such as peach and apple. The juice also flavors a variety of other foods such as tea, oatmeal, water and even milk, not to mention producing excellent alcohol.

Though the Delafield acreage has a “you pick” section, the lion’s share of the operation is selling propagators. The organic farm has numerous certifications including blueberry Certified USDA Propagators, University Arkansas licensed blackberry propagators, Cornell and University of Maryland licensed raspberry propagators and USDA Certified Organic Honeyberry Propagators.

In addition, the farm produces almost every berry plant imaginable including elderberries and huckleberries and even lingon berries. Berries are grown in sterile soil without herbicides, pesticides or insecticides. If an insect problem arises, it is usually in the hothouse where organic soap and water are used to eliminate the issue.

While the Delafield’s are still developing their current acreage, they are considering adding more.

Currently, Hare is going to bee school and is planning to manage 30 hives for honey and pollination.

“Berry growing conditions and natural resistances allow the use of bees to dramatically increase pollination and field production,” Hare said.

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

9

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Honoring Family History

By Terry Ropp

Man purchases, refurbishes home where his grandfather practiced medicine until the 1940s The offices of the Historical Society of Newton County, Ark., are in the Bradley House Museum in Jasper with an even older dogtrot style log home from Osage, Ark., behind it.

Joseph Moss began constructing the Bradley House in 1892. Then Joseph’s widow Arminda sold the house to her son-in-law Dr. William A. Bradley not long after he married her daughter Cora in 1905.

Dr. Bradley practiced medicine in the west front room until the 1940s when he retired and moved to Harrison, Ark. The home was bought and sold several times.

Then in 1992, Dr. Bradley’s grandson, Bill Stiritz, then CEO of Ralston Purina, funded both the repurchase from the Margaret Martin family and the refurbishment.

After Bill’s mother became sick when he was a young boy, he was raised by his grandparents.

The purchase was in honor of them and his fond memories of the home. According to curator Donna Dodson, the two front rooms and flooring are original though the exterior now has steel siding installed before the society took ownership.

Dr. Bradley began practicing in 1905. An early report about Dr. Bradley explained he was trained at Atlanta Medical College in Georgia. Because he kept getting wet feet from crossing creeks when he went to visit patients who couldn’t come to see him, he switched Donna Dodson, curator of the Bradley from horse to a Ford. He hired House Museum, said some of the items a nearby young man to be housed there are on loan from local families. his driver because he never learned to drive. When someone came seeking help for a loved one, Dr. Bradley sent one of his children to run and get the driver.

A favorite story is from the early days occurred when Dr. Bradley called out to Ray Crouse for assistance by holding down a man whose finger had to be amputated since the injured man refused anything for pain. Ray dismounted, tied his horse to the gatepost, came inside and watched while Dr. Bradley made a smooth cut, cleaned and stitched up the wound.

“That man got as white as a sheet, but he didn’t move,” Ray is said to have relayed to others later.

Another occurred after two men got in a fight at a party. Although both needed

10

medical attention, the issue was apparently resolved because one of the men said, “Take him on in first because he’s hurt worse than I am.”

Even though the Bradley House contains items belonging to Dr. Bradley, including a portrait of him and one of his mother-in-law, it also serves as a repository for the historical society’s collections.

“Exhibits are either on loan from local families or have been donated,” Donna said.

These include Jasper’s first switchboard, a weaving loom, built about 1850, a butter churn, as well as a tool collection. One of the upstairs rooms is being prepared as an old school room exhibit.

Additionally, the Bradley House Museum serves as a genealogical research source and includes material from other counties and a few states.

“I remember sitting on my dad’s lap and listening to his stories of long ago and now I’m helping to pass down important stories to others,” Donna said. “At the historical society, we strive to collect and preserve, as well as to promote interest in local history and to pass on that history.”

The other building on the premises is the Chaney log house, which probably already existed on the Osage Creek in Carroll County in 1838-39 and on the Trail of Tears route.

Impressively, the logs used to build the house may have started growing about 1600. The house stood 15 logs high and is reputed to Photos by Terry Ropp have served as both a post office and a stage station. It survived the Civil War and remained close to its original condition until the 1930s when an addition was added to one end. At this time, the house was also covered with weatherboarding and interior paneling that saved the original construction.

Inhabited until the 1980s, it later was abandoned and began deteriorating. In 1989, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its existence during the settlement of Carroll County by one of the first documented settlers and being a well preserved example of Arkansas large-scale hewn log construction.

After purchase, The Chaney House was carefully deconstructed with every timber

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

ozarks roots

OZ A R K R E D RO U N D U P 2016 BULL & FEMALE SALE Springfield Livestock Marketing Center

Springfield, Missouri

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016 || SALE at 12:00pm CDT

and stone documented and numbered for accurate reconstruction. One side has the original stone chimney containing a stone clearly incised with the date 1847. While reconstruction is complete, refurbishing is continuing.

Located at 403 West Clark Street, in Jasper, Ark., the museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April through October and is only open on Tuesdays in November and December.

It is closed from January through March as part of a cost saving effort since grant monies have mostly dried up.

“We survive on membership dues, monetary donations and Museum book sales,” Donna said.

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

11

Ozark & Heart of eye on America Beefmaster Sale

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Story and Photo By Terry Topp

Owners: Earl and Scott Ridenoure (pictured); and Darrin and Eric Burnett Location: Winslow, Ark. History: B&R Meat Processing began three years ago when Earl and Scott Ridenoure, and Darrin and Eric Burnett saw a demand for a processor in their community.

“We were going to build a personal butcher shop on our farm for cattle, deer and hogs,” Scott Ridenoure explained. “We saw a need for a business to accommodate the demand for butchering deer and thought we could do a few domestic animals on the side.”

In April 2014, the processor became the only private USDA meat processing facility in the tri-county area, which has brought them a great deal of business.

If you eat, sleep, live and love farming then

I am enclosing: ❏ $16.00 - 1 Year ❏ $29.00 - 2 Years ❏ $41.00 - 3 Years

B&R Meat Processing

CITY ____________________ STATE ______ ZIP ____________________

Please mail this form & your check to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

Products and Services: While the company does have a retail licence to sell beef and pork, it is a very small percentage of their business.

Careful consideration is also give to each customer, and the animal that is processed.

“We process sheep, goats, beef, hogs, Buffalo, bear, deer, elk (which are usually brought back from hunting trips elsewhere) and wild hogs,” Scott said. “The animals are unloaded before being stunned and slaughtered. They are then chilled with a tag to keep track of the kill date and weight of each carcass with stamped USDA meats stored separately.

“We invested in some high-end machines in order to provide the best quality. We have a stainless steel, programmable smokehouse that uses hickory or apple, and produces brats, snack sticks, summer sausage, jerky, bacon and ham. Ham and bacon are injected with a sugar cure and then put in a vacuum chamber that pulls the brine evenly throughout the meat and helps provide uniform quality.”

All meat is vacuumed sealed to increase use life. No paper wrapping is offered.

Philosophy and future: Scott views himself as a “partner” with his customers.

“I keep communications open so together we know exactly what we are going to do with each animal. This is especially important because we don’t use standardize cutting methods like large companies,” he said. “We support the community and schools through Hunters for the Hungry and offering free processing to help schools raise money as well as donating to kids at the fair. We are considering opening a regional retail shop in the future to provide space for local producers as well as the general market. Local producers will have the advantage of not having to pick up meat for sale.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

meet your neighbors

From Blue to Black

By Terry Ropp

The Montgomery family goes back to its roots with Black Angus Before beginning a cattle herd 15 years ago, Keith and Karen Montgomery of Van Buren, Ark., raised horses with Keith competing in rodeos. When horses became expensive and cattle were cheap, the couple decided to switch to commercial cattle.

Keith and Karen Montgomery started raising cattle 15 years They started with Belgian Blues because Keith’s uncle was raising them and they were ago. They started their herd with Belgian Blues, but switched heavily muscled. Keith described them as looking like Holsteins with double muscling. to Black Angus because of calving issues.

Keith decided to try the breed. He thought the heavy muscling would make him Photo by Terry Ropp the most money. too rough when playing with Keith.

The family has always loved their animals.

The event was important because it solidified Paige’s decision to become a veteri“I remember one time when our daughter Paige was 9 and we were at the drivenarian. She even helped pull calves when she was 10. Paige, now a senior in movie. Keith called to say he had a 12-pound premature calf in the at Arkansas Tech University, is finishing a degree in agribusiness and is laundry room of our new house,” Karen recalled. planning to attend veterinary school at Oklahoma State University. Her The calf couldn’t get up, and Paige slept on the floor beside him feed- Van Buren, Ark. 19-year-old brother, Keith, is leaning toward career in human medicine ing him every two hours. On the fifth day, he was moved to a dog kennel and is studying to be an anesthesiologist at Fort Smith. and later to a large dog cage. He thought he was a dog and was so tame The Montgomery’s discovered the Belgian Blue bulls were too big for easy he was taken to the library for an educational program.

Baby Blue, as he was named, grew to 1,600 pounds and was used for — Continued on Next Page breeding, but at age 7 had to be castrated and soon sold because he was

MARCH 14, 2016

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

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Continued from Previous Page birthing, especially with first time heif- leased acres. Then Keith discovered he ers. The problem was so predominant had stage three lymphoma cancer. that Keith gave Karen a calf puller for “We were very fortunate to have great Christmas one year. doctors and wonderful support from fam“Even though the heads are small, ily and our church, Harmony Missionary the hindquarters of a Belgian Blue calf Baptist Church of Alma, (Ark.).” are shaped and developed like those of During an eight-month battle with a hog,” Keith explained. “We kept the the disease, the couple was forced to Blues for eight or nine years, but when sell their cattle a few at a time in order a 150-pound calf broke the hips of to pay bills. The disease has been in reits mother during birth, we decided a mission since December 2011, and the switch was in order.” couple now has seven Angus influenced The couple selected commercial Black mommas and one Angus bull.

Angus. In a sense, Keith was returning to They are in the process of rebuilding his roots because as a child he spent sum- their herd to 35 mommas and plan to mers at his grandfather’s farm in Eastern lease land again, perhaps from the same Arkansas, where his people. grandfather raised cotIn addition to reAccording to the 2012 ton and soybeans in adsuming his mainteUSDA Census of dition to a commercial nance job at the GerAgriculture, there were Black Angus herd. ber Baby Food Nestlé approximately 23,442 Keith was the oldest plant in Fort Smith, farms with 822,222 cows Ark., Keith also cusof 12 grandchildren and heifers that have and the only one to tom hays 300 acres calves in the state of stay with farming. with an International The Montgomery’s 656 tractor.

Arkansas. The average especially appreciated Karen is a highly herd size is 35 head with easy calving, combined creative woman who 80 percent of the farms with the commercially paints and has her having less than 50 popular black color own catering business head. About 97 percent and the gentle disposiwith 2,000 cakes on of the beef cattle farms tion of the bulls. Keith her Facebook page. took an AI class, not She is also a subare family owned with the intention of stitute teacher and and operated. using the process, but healthcare provider – Source, the University of Arkansas, Division rather to learn how to for a relative. of Agriculture Research and Extension preg check.

Both Keith and He culls cows when they miss two sea- Karen are strong believers in the Arkansons and has the sperm count of his bulls sas Cattlemen’s association. regularly checked, changing bulls every Keith is currently vice president of the 3 to 5 years – depending upon whether Crawford County organization, while or not he is keeping replacement heifers. Karen is the promotion/media specialist.

He prefers tight control over birthing “If you raise animals, the Association times and runs his bulls with the herd provides information, help and guest only from Feb. 28 through March 28. speakers presenting a wide variety of He sells calves at weaning at the age of topics,” Karen said. “I always encourage 6 to 8 months, with timing depending people to attend monthly meetings.” on the market.

Both Keith and Karen credit the CatCalves are sold after Paige has cas- tlemen’s Association for teaching them trated the bull calves and administered the best methods to use with their cattle vaccinations. and the county Extension Office for proBy 2011, the Montgomery herd had viding useful information about cross 55 momma cows on 20 owned and 150 fencing and rotational grazing.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

FIFTH ANNUAL BULL & FEMALE SALE

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169 Satterfield Farm Rd • Norfork, AR 72658 Loyd & Joanne Mark & Nancy Home: (870) 499-5379 Home: (870) 499-7151 Cell: (501) 944-9274 satterfield@centurytel.net www.satterfieldcharolais-angus.com

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Member FDIC MARCH 14, 2016

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

15

meet your neighbors

Changing With the Industry

By Terry Ropp

George Anderson adjusts the family farming operations to meet changing standards

George Anderson worked for both Tyson and George’s prior to starting is own farming operation.

He is in the process of building four new houses for his poultry operation.

Sometimes becoming a farmer emerges from a desire to work for yourself and a love of the outdoors. This is the case with George Anderson of Springdale, Ark. Photo by Terry Ropp He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in poultry science and worked as a field representative for Tyson and George’s for six years before he Washington, Benton and Madison counties, with land sections as far as 50 miles apart on which they raise both 7.25-pound chickens for George’s, Inc., and comdecided farming was a better choice for him.

In order to accomplish this, his wife Darla taught elementary school for eight years to mercial cattle. This in addition to a small herd of 20 goats that started out as show goats for their children but became a passionate interest of Darla’s. supply necessary financial support until they could get a firmer foundation.

The Anderson’s have 12 chicken houses with four more nearing com“At the time we were ready to start, land prices were outrageous and Springdale, Ark. pletion. One characteristic of the Anderson operation is a willingness raising chickens made more sense,” George said. to buy and sell land and/or chicken house sites. Through the years, they After Ben, now 17, and Meghan, 21, were born, Darla needed to stay have had as many as 21 houses at one time. They do whatever makes sense home with the family and help out on the farm. at the time and will buy or sell when good opportunities arise.

“I am the bookkeeper, the gopher, part-time farmhand and head cook,” Darla said.

— Continued on Page 21 The Anderson’s now have close to 1,000 owned and leased acres in

16

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Michelle Rieff

By Terry Ropp

Family: Husband, Kevin Rieff; daughter, Haley; son-in-law Darin; and granddaughter Everly.

Hometown: Vaughn, Ark. Town Life: “I have worked for the Bentonville (Ark.) Public Schools as a professional school counselor for 15 years and am currently housed at Bentonville High School waiting to move to a newly constructed Bentonville West High School in Centerton. I am also active in my community as an alderman on the Highfill City Council and have been a celebrity waiter for Relay for Life in Siloam Springs (Ark.), as well as a past president of the Helen Walton’s Children’s Center board of directors.

“My husband Kevin is a vice president at Grand Savings Bank in Decatur (Ark.), and specializes in agriculture loans.”

Country Life: “We live on 77 acres in the Vaughn (Ark.) community, where we raise both registered Angus and commercial Maine Anjou, with a 20-head herd of mommas. Kevin AIs all our cows and breeds for both spring and fall calves. Bull semen is chosen for the individual cow and from bulls currently winning competitively.

“Our oldest cow, 21 years old, was our daughter Haley’s first show heifer and is now a pet rather than a breeding animal. Cows are culled for producing insufficient milk or for possessing a difficult disposition. We raise our own hay, mostly fescue and Bermuda, and sell the surplus, which is a result of decreasing our herd size during the drought.

One interesting sight on our farm is a windmill given to us by our son-in-law’s family.

Kevin and I both volunteer for the Arkansas State Fair. Kevin is the beef department superintendent, while I am the director of the Arkansas Junior Cattlemen’s Association, a 200-member youth organization. We both are active in Angus breed associations.

Kevin is the Arkansas Angus Association secretary/treasurer. I am a past president of the American Angus Auxiliary and currently a national committee chairman.”

Present and Future: “Our town lives provide income and insurance, while our country life increases focus and allows us to have fun and freedom. Nothing feels quite as good as turning down our gravel driveway and over the three cattle guards leading to our home in the middle of the acreage with the placement allowing for even greater feelings of isolation, peace and privacy.

“I don’t ever see us increasing our acreage, but we would like to build our herd back up to 30 mommas.”

MARCH 14, 2016

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

17

market sales reports

(Week of 2/28/16 to 3/5/16) Arkansas Cattle Auction

75.00-103.00 † Not Reported* 81.00-111.00 † 90.00-105.00*

Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

90.00-110.00*

dairy cattle

Not Reported † 87.00-114.00 † 88.00-106.00* 76.00-109.00 †

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards

94.00-114.00 † Not Reported †

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

60

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 133.00-137.00; wtd. avg. price 135.68.

Heifers: 130.75-137.00; wtd. avg. price 135.38.

Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 212.00-214.00; wtd. avg. price 213.90.

Heifers: 212.00-215.00; wtd. avg. price 214.04.

92.00-103.50* 88.00-111.00 † 94.00-107.00 †

80.00-106.50 † 87.00-110.00* 80.00-114.00 †

80

100

slaughter

120

140

cows

(Week of 2/28/16 to 3/5/16)

60.00-84.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction

62.50-86.00 † Not Reported* 47.00-93.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

64.00-83.00* 55.00-83.00 † Not Reported † 85.00-103.00* 80.00-91.00*

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas

57.00-93.00 † 61.00-86.50 † Not Reported † 54.00-97.00 † 65.00-88.00* 40.00-83.50 † 62.00-89.00 † Not Reported † 53.00-90.00 †

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

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.

18 18

50

70

90

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 3/1/16

Ash Flat Livestock

817 Uneven

St-5 Higher

205.00-247.50 190.00-215.00 170.00-191.00 165.00-170.00 159.00 ----175.00-200.00 160.00-180.00 150.00-170.00 ----180.00-218.00 171.00-194.00 150.00-172.00 142.50-157.00 -----

110

Receipts: 907 Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 1660.00-2050.00, ind Jersey 1650.00, crossbreds 1600.001775.00, Approved 1200.00-1575.00, ind crossbred-1560.00, Medium 925.00-1175.00, few crossbreds 950.00-975.00, Common 750.00-875.00.

160 Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1600.001875.00, Jerseys 1450.00-1775.00, crossbreds 1625.001825.00, Approved 1200.00-1575.00, ind Jersey 1100.00, crossbreds 1200.00-1570.00, Medium 800.00-1150.00, crossbreds 1030.00-1125.00, Common few 725.00-775.00, crossbreds 540.00-850.00.

Heifers bred one to three months: Supreme 1475.001775.00, Jerseys 1550.00-1570.00, Approved 1050.001360.00, crossbreds 1425.00-1575.00, Medium few 825.00-850.00.

Open Heifers: Approved 230-300 lbs 360.00- 560.00, ind crossbred 255 lbs 380.00, 380-395 lbs few 590.00, lot of 11 Jerseys 358 lbs 1000.00, lot of 6 crossbreds 371 lbs 760.00, 481-498 lbs 750.00-800.00, few crossbreds 710.00-730.00, 530-590 lbs 830.00-890.00, few crossbreds 810.00, 614-663 lbs 870.00-990.00, ind crossbred 1140.00, Lot of 4 Bn Swiss 688 lbs 1040.00, 728-782 lbs 1160.00-1200.00.

Medium: ind 395 lb Jersey 600.00, ind 585 lb 680.00, 610670 lbs 630.00-730.00, crossbreds 740.00-900.00, 745-800 lbs 720.00-840.00.

Replacement Cows: Fresh Cows: Supreme 1675.002000.00, Approved ind 1475.00, ind crossbred 1475.00, Medium 1000.00-1275.00, crossbreds 1100.00-1190.00, Common 720.00-985.00, ind Jersey 830.00.

Milking Cows: Supreme 1525.00-1700.00, few Jerseys 1500.00-1750.00, crossbreds 1600.00-1875.00, Approved 1325.00-1425.00, crossbreds 1375.00-1675.00, Medium 1000.00-1225.00, Jerseys 925.00-1225.00, crossbreds 950.00130 1275.00, Common 625.00-975.00, few Jerseys 720.00-

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 3/3/16

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

3/4/16

Barry Co. Regional Stockyards* -----

3/2/16

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 2/29/16

715

-----

776

1322

261

-----

St-16 Higher

5-10 Higher

1-10 Higher

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

219.00-259.00 195.00-215.00 177.00-201.00 159.00-169.00 147.00-156.00

200.00-230.00 180.00-203.00 170.00-199.00 150.00-175.00 140.00-151.00

207.50-243.00 192.00-210.00 174.00-195.00 171.00-175.00 -----

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

202.00-227.00 187.00-212.00 160.00-186.00 150.00-167.00 -----

197.00-220.00 185.00-205.00 165.00-188.00 145.00-170.00 136.00-147.00

189.00-210.00 170.00-200.00 165.00-183.00 149.00-170.00 -----

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

188.00-217.00 176.00-197.00 151.00-164.00 142.00-163.00 141.00-158.00

175.00-213.00 160.00-182.00 150.00-175.00 137.00-155.00 135.00-145.00

184.00-210.00 172.00-189.00 155.00-179.00 140.00-158.00 -----

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

127 5(3257('

30

66.00-86.00* 47.00-87.00 †

121( 5(3257('

10

785.00, crossbreds 600.00-900.00.

Springer Cows: Supreme ind 1575.00, crossbreds 1600.001800.00, Approved 1300.00-1475.00, few crossbreds 1410.00-1425.00, Medium 1000.00-1250.00, Jerseys 835.003/6/16 1000.00, crossbreds 1000.00-1335.00, Common 850.00975.00, ind Jersey 900.00, few crossbreds 875.00-960.00.

Bred Cows: Supreme 1550.00-2175.00, crossbreds 1510.001675.00, Approved 1200.00-1400.00, few Jerseys 1300.001550.00, crossbreds 1275.00-1550.00, Medium 1000.001150.00, Jerseys 900.00-1000.00, crossbreds 870.00-1200.00, Common 680.00-950.00, few Jerseys 680.00-760.00, crossbreds 680.00-975.00.

Baby Calves: Holstein heifers 240.00-340.00, Holstein bulls 220.00-290.00, Jersey heifers ind 260.00, Jersey bulls 120.00370.00, crossbred heifers 260.00-370.00, crossbred bulls 240.00-350.00, small 170.00-230.00, beef cross heifers-ind 2/23/16 350.00, beef cross bulls 295.00-430.00.

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

78.00-95.00 † Not Reported †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

40

beef

87.00-107.00 †

sheep &

goats

Diamond, Mo. • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale

3/3/16

Receipts: 860 SHEEP: Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large Choice and Prime 1-2 30-37 lbs 275.00-290.00. Good 2-3 27-30 lbs 225.00240.00.

Slaughter Lambs: Wooled: Good 2-3 52-66 lbs 245.00250.00.

Hair Lambs: Choice 1-2 40-69 lbs 240.00-255.00. Good 2-3 45-80 lbs 220.00-232.50; 82-85 lbs 205.00-217.50.

Slaughter Ewes: Wooled: Utility and Good 3-4 88-175 lbs 65.00-80.00.

Hair Ewes: Choice 1-3 75-135 lbs 150.00-160.00. Good and Choice 2-3 65-135 lbs 110.00-135.00. Utility 1-2 85115 lbs 85.00-100.00. Cull 3-4 65-90 lbs 60.00-80.00.

Slaughter Hair Rams: Choice 1-2 140-180 lbs 110.00120.00. Good 2-3 140-175 lbs 75.00-90.00.

Feeder kids: Several groups of Dairy bottle babies 7.50-25.00 per head. Boer bottle babies 45.00 per head.

Selection 1 23-38 lbs 275.00-290.00. Selection 2 32-37 lbs 235.00-260.00. Selection 3 22-35 lbs 180.00-210.00.

Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 40-75 lbs 260.00-285.00; 110-120 lbs 205.00-215.00. Selection 2 40-85 lbs 235.00255.00; 80-90 lbs 200.00-230.00; 95-155 lbs 185.00190.00. Selection 3 42-65 lbs 200.00-225.00.

Families: several Boer and Boer cross does with single or

twin kids 100.00-130.00 per head. Dairy cross families 50.00-95.00 per head. Pygmy does with multiple kids at their side 50.00-70.00 per head.

Slaughter Does: Selection 1 90-145 lbs 145.00-160.00.

Selection 2 60-158 lbs 120.00-140.00. Selection 3 60-85 lbs 90.00-110.00.

Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1 72-95 lbs 170.00-190.00.

Selection 2 70-145 lbs 130.00-150.00. Selection 3 70-160 lbs 110.00-125.00.

Koshkonong, Mo. • Oregon County Goat and Sheep Market

prices

County Line Sale Ratcliff -----

Decatur Livestock*

-----

561

410

475

470

-----

St-7 Higher

Steady

4-12 Higher

-----

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

210.00-263.00 190.00-215.00 175.00-188.00 155.00-174.00 145.00-154.00

217.00-247.00 206.00-217.00 178.00-206.00 150.00-178.00 125.00-150.00

219.00-249.00 197.50-228.00 167.00-211.00 165.00-167.00 -----

207.00-246.00 196.00-215.00 170.00-190.00 166.00-169.00 -----

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

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

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

----187.00-215.00 162.00-204.00 145.00-158.00 139.00-150.00

----186.00-204.00 160.00-177.00 150.00-163.00 -----

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

185.00-215.00 178.00-192.00 170.00-180.00 148.00-155.00 130.00-145.00

186.00-226.00 186.00-194.00 156.00-194.00 156.00-160.00 125.00-160.00

195.00-235.00 168.00-203.00 148.00-183.00 140.00-146.00 135.00

204.00-209.00 180.00-184.00 160.00-164.00 149.00-150.00 -----

Farmer’s & Farmers Ranchers Livestock Vinita, Okla.* Springdale 3/2/16 3/4/16

Ft. Smith Livestock 2/29/16

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

Joplin Regiona Stockyard 2/29/16

-----

5200

-----

St-7 Highe

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

210.00-227.0 195.00-231.0 180.00-214.0 165.00-188.0 152.50-167.0

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

210.00 198.00 177.00-195.0 168.00 -----

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

180.00-191.0 168.00-186.0 157.00-182.0 143.00-163.0 141.00-147.0

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

2/6/16

Receipts: 112 GOATS: Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 45-60 lbs 275.00; 61-80 lbs 235.00. Selection 2 45-60 lbs 260.00; 61-80 lbs 210.00.

Selection 3 45-60 lbs 130.00; 61-80 lbs 115.00.

Feeder Kids: Selection 1-2 20-44 lbs 210.00.

Slaughter Does/Nannies: Selection 1-2 125.00. Selection 3 85.00. any grade yearling 175.00.

Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1-2 145.00. Selection 3 85.00. any grade pygmy 80.00.

SHEEP: Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 hair under 80 lbs 230.00-260.00; over 80 lbs 135.00.

Slaughter Ewes: Scarce Slaughter Rams: aged 80.00.

stocker & feeder 3/1/16

Nati

Che $1.5 (+.0 Flui first Nor Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market 2/23/16 milk patt Receipts: 291 to in SHEEP: Paci Feeder Lambs: Choice 2-3 25-39 lbs 220.00-237.50. the Slaughter Hair Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 38-45 lbs begi 240.00-245.00; 51-78 lbs 220.00-237.50. Good 1-2 50-83 Mid lbs 180.00-200.00. yogu Wooled Replacement Ewes: Choice 2-3 115-150 lbs ice c 70.00-80.00; 195-240 lbs 100-107.50. accu Slaughter Hair Ewes: Good and Choice 2-3 75-145 lbs tren 75.00-95.00; 116-135 lbs 85.00-92.50.

Slaughter Hair Rams: Good 1-2 138-225 lbs 72.50-95.00. SPO POU Feeder kids: Selection 1 30-38 lbs 220.00-237.50.

Mid Selection 2 23-38 lbs 195.00-215.00.

Slaughter Kids: Selection 2 40-61 lbs 226.00-240.00.

Selection 3 40-55 lbs 175.00-185.00.

Slaughter Does: Selection 1 80-150 lbs 140.00-165.00.

Selection 3 94-150 lbs 120.00-130.00.

Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1 85 lbs 185.00.

127 5(3257('

bulls

127 5(3257('

slaughter

MARCH 14, 2016

$150.0

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4600 and 40# blocks at 900.00-2100.00 * $1.5200. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4430 ction 1 72-95 lbs 170.00-190.00.

950.00-1825.00 † 130.00-150.00. Selection 3 70-160 (+.0085) and blocks, $1.4760 (+.0140).

Not Reported † Fluid Milk: Milk production is increasing during this 1400.00-2150.00* first week of March. Seasonal increases are noted in the 1125.00-1400.00* Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and the Central states. California 975.00-1500.00 † ock Market 2/23/16 milk production has been stimulated by a warm climate 1025.00-1575.00 † pattern. Advantageous weather in Arizona is contributing Not Reported † to increases in milk output, as is favorable weather in the 850.00-2000.00 † Pacific Northwest. All regions are, or have been, dealing with 2-3 25-39 lbs 220.00-237.50.

Mid-State Stockyard 850.00-1650.00 * the expected variations in fluid milk demand when schools Choice and Prime 1-2 38-45 lbs 925.00-1925.00 † North Arkansas Livestock begin spring break and then when classes resume. In the bs 220.00-237.50. Good 1-2 50-83 1300.00-1950.00 † Midwest, there has been greater interest in acquiring milk for OKC West - El Reno yogurt/dip/ice cream/frozen dessert facilities. However, some Not Reported † Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Ewes: Choice 2-3 115-150 lbs ice cream/frozen dessert manufacturers are in no hurry to 600.00-1700.00 † Ozarks Reg bs 100-107.50. accumulate inventory because they expect butterfat prices to 1400.00-1800.00 * Stilwell Livestock Auction Good and Choice 2-3 75-145 lbs trend lower.

Tulsa Livestock Auction 1125.00-1950.00 † bs 85.00-92.50.

Good 1-2 138-225 lbs 72.50-95.00. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER 650 1150 1650 2150 2650 POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper 150 1 30-38 lbs 220.00-237.50.

Midwest - $2.4312-2.5528.

95.00-215.00. on 2 40-61 lbs 226.00-240.00.

75.00-185.00. ion 1 80-150 lbs 140.00-165.00.

120.00-130.00.

(Week of 2/28/16 to 3/5/16) ction 1 85 lbs 185.00.

cow/calf

avg. grain prices

2/6/16

on 1 45-60 lbs 275.00; 61-80 lbs 60 lbs 260.00; 61-80 lbs 210.00.

30.00; 61-80 lbs 115.00.

1-2 20-44 lbs 210.00. es: Selection 1-2 125.00. Selection ing 175.00. ction 1-2 145.00. Selection 3 85.00.

Soft Wheat

Corn

Sorghum

20 16 12

ice and Prime 2-3 hair under 80 lbs lbs 135.00. e 80.00.

8 4 0 Blyt

8.97

8.97

8.95

8.96

4.82

4.87

5.90 4.82

4.77

3.73

3.73

3.71

3.71

le hevil

na

Hele

e

Elain

4.15

eola

Osc

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

usta

Aug

ices

16

6.00 5.00 0.00 9.00

4.00 7.00 3.00

9.00 4.00 4.00 0.00

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

Joplin Regional Stockyards 2/29/16

Mid-State Stockyards*

-----

-----

127 5(3257('

ith ck

450

2/29/16

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 3/2/16

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.

3/2/16

5200

403

508

12361

St-7 Higher

Uneven

Uneven

St-5 Lower

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

210.00-227.00 195.00-231.00 180.00-214.00 165.00-188.00 152.50-167.00

200.00-252.50 185.00-219.00 168.00-194.00 144.00-173.00 -----

220.00-235.00 205.00-234.00 172.00-209.50 160.00-177.50 148.00-162.00

223.00-242.00 203.00-224.00 180.00-204.00 164.00-186.00 148.50-164.75

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

210.00 198.00 177.00-195.00 168.00 -----

200.00-238.00 185.00-210.00 155.00-188.00 140.00-164.00 135.00-148.00

215.00-232.00 189.00-223.00 169.00-176.00 155.00-156.00 -----

221.00 190.00 189.00 ---------

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

180.00-191.00 168.00-186.00 157.00-182.00 143.00-163.00 141.00-147.00

182.00-210.00 170.00-189.00 155.00-174.00 138.00-159.00 -----

178.00-202.00 169.00-191.00 155.00-172.00 150.00-152.00 132.00-136.00

204.00-217.50 187.00-209.00 166.00-191.00 151.50-170.00 136.25-144.00

MARCH 14, 2016

950

1450

Apr. 15 May 15 June 15

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

Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15

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

* 165.70

177.00 143.75

175.50 183.27

157.70 157.39

164.15 184.93 162.05 180.00 **

156.33 156.52 173.00 **

173.33

169.27 152.92

186.58

149.48

177.77 *

* 154.15

184.22

*

* 180.63

164.75 *

168.24

157.74

181.08 * 181.79 180.98 173.39 172.63

* 166.67 159.30 162.61 155.97

171.13

156.03 149.83

181.27 178.19

146.71 *

*

155.54

202.24

1550.00-2150.00 †

*

*

Not Reported †

173.66

193.85

1000.00-2200.00 †

**

**

1600.00-2025.00* 1450.00-1725.00 †

157.44

182.06

2450

2950

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. -----

Ozarks Regional West Plains 3/1/16

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 3/2/16

Tulsa Livestock Auction 2/29/16

-----

2930

1377

2075

-----

Uneven

Steady

3-6 Higher

170.05 184.65

156.80

170.98 * 170.60

161.43 159.51 164.01 157.00

175.18

156.81 155.90

180.00

144.53

175.00 *

156.58 157.98

190.35

*

* 171.98

189.37

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

205.00-240.00 199.00-225.00 185.00-210.00 164.00-186.00 146.00-157.50

225.00-245.00 195.00-214.00 186.00-202.00 152.00-166.00 140.00-160.00

229.00-233.00 214.00-233.00 189.00-206.00 175.00-184.50 157.00-166.50

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

205.00-212.00 190.00-214.00 175.00-190.00 161.00-168.00 -----

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

205.00-209.00 211.00-215.50 180.00-191.00 149.00-173.50 131.00-144.00

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

180.00-225.00 172.50-190.00 156.00-176.00 150.00-166.00 138.00-155.00

200.00-219.00 170.00-193.00 155.00-172.00 140.00-164.00 150.00-166.00

221.00-232.50 180.00-195.50 160.00-179.00 141.00-156.00 129.50-143.00

*

174.84 183.06

156.25 161.75

181.28 186.55 ** ** **

191.46

**

164.39 159.11

189.46 230

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

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

**

156.77 154.57

178.02 178.15

158 176 194 212 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

164.58 **

157.88

175.63

140

Jan. 16 Feb. 16

heifers 550-600 LBS.

*

1300.00-2300.00 * 2250.00-2550.00 †

1950

July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15

steers 550-600 LBS.

pairs

None Reported † Not Reported* Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale 1175.00-2100.00 † 900.00-2925.00* Cattlemen’s 1450.00-1775.00 † Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Not Reported † Decatur Livestock Auction 1750.00-2500.00* 1425.00 * Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale 1375.00-1925.00 † 1000.00-1900.00 † Ft. Smith I-40 Livestock - Ozark Not Reported † Joplin Regional Stockyards 1250.00-2100.00 †

Week Ended 3/8/16

Soybeans

Mar. 15

1600.00-1850.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock

127 5(3257('

County Goat and Sheep Market

$182.5

Week of 2/7/16

3/4/16

1000.00-1625.00 † Not Reported* 850.00-1475.00 †

Week of 2/21/16

Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale Barnn Cattlemen’s Livestock Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional

Week of 2/14/16

1000.00-2050.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction

Week of 2/28/16

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$215.0

Prices reported per cwt

Week of 2/14/16

dairy sales

cows

(Week of 2/28/16 to 3/5/16)

Week of 2/7/16

replacement

550-600 lb. steers

$247.5

Week of 2/21/16

0 per head. Dairy cross families Pygmy does with multiple kids at per head. ion 1 90-145 lbs 145.00-160.00.

120.00-140.00. Selection 3 60-85

12 Month Avg. -

$280.0

Week of 2/28/16

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

125

142 159 176 193 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

210

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

19 19

9th Ann ual

Going

to

Grass Production Sale

Saturday, April 2, 2016 • 1:00 p.m. CST At the Ranch • 1371 27th Avenue • Canton, KS • 1/4 mile south of Canton, KS Selling...Bulls • Show Heifers • Replacement Heifer Pens • Bred Heifers

Offering Gelbvieh ,Gelford &Hereford Genetics

-15 polled 18-month-old bulls (black and red) -10 polled yearling Gelford bulls -40 polled yearling bulls (black and red) -5 fancy show heifers

-3 pens of registered Gelford yearling heifers -10 pens of open registered Gelbvieh heifers (red and black) -10 pens of open yearling Gelbvieh influenced heifers (red and black) -15 Gelbvieh-influenced first calf heifer pairs Sale will be broadcasted on

Circle S Ranch

John & Carla Shearer & Family Canton, Kansas Home 620-628-4621 John Cell 620-654-6507 Johnny Cell 620-654-6731 circle_s@hometelco.net

www.circlesgelbvieh.com

20

“Where Workin’ Cattle and Eye Appeal Come Full Circle” Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

meet your neighbors Changing With the Industry Continued from Page 16 The Anderson’s have changed their operation as the chicken industry evolved.

George’s first broiler house in 1996 contained automatic curtains, brood stoves and nipple drinkers. Remodeling was necessary in three years. Today all new chicken houses are identical, unlike their predecessors which displayed some variety.

One important example of construction changes through the years is the roof structure.

Chicken houses started with steeper, sloped roofs with timber support, to wood trusses, then to steel trusses with gentler sloping roofs and now back to wood trusses with steeper sloped roofs. The reason for the most recent change is the addition of a flat ceiling with heavy insulation between the ceiling and the roof. The addition of the drop ceiling allows for better air movement through the chicken houses because of the smaller square footage of space housing the chickens. House sides are solid with chipboard and heavy insulation as well. Technology improvements have focused on controllers which control the fans, stoves and feed, with George believing improvements are going to soon include water pressure and volume, is especially important when flushing.

Another important evolution in the chicken industry is a focus on water quality because better water means better chickens.

Looking to the future and a time when the industry may require catching all of the water from the houses, George constructed a number of ponds to meet that possible future requirement, as well as provide water for his cattle.

“The word sustainability is often misused and the agriculture industry has long known that taking care of the environment sustains the profitability and longevity of production.

“I face two especially important challenges in my chicken operation. One is keeping up with scientific advancements to fine-tune my process for producing the most

efficient bird. The more efficiently I raise my birds, the more money I make. The other challenge is finding employees who understand and are committed to the variable work cycle in the chicken industry.”

Employees must work seven days a week. The amount of work per day varies.

For example, much less time is needed after the new chicks arrive. The raising cycle is 53 days long, with two weeks of empty houses. Empty houses does not mean employees have no work, but does allow for more personal time.

Because the chicken portion of the Anderson operation has been so time intensive, the commercial cattle aspect has been slower growing.

The Anderson’s have 200 momma cows and 17 bulls, mostly Herefords. One Longhorn cross and three Corrientes are used for first-time heifers. George likes using Corrientes bulls, the breed that provides rodeo stock, because of the smaller-sized calves.

“We simply don’t have the time to pull calves, though, of course, we watch them closely,” Darla explained.

The Anderson’s have both spring and fall calves and market them as yearlings, striving for 700 pounds. George is considering selling bred heifers for the first time and returning to a Black Angus bull for those heifers in order to produce the most desirable sale animal.

The evolution of the Anderson cattle operation has included adding scales, installing cross fencing for rotational grazing and eliminating fescue so that pastures and hay fields are comprised of Bermuda, rye and winter wheat. Because George uses chicken fertilizer, all grasses and weeds will grow, which requires the use of a herbicide which, for the Anderson’s, eliminates clover.

Soil is tested every five years to ensure proper fertilization. “Over fertilizing is not cost-efficient and doesn’t help grass to grow better,” George said.”Farmers take care of the land as part of taking care of themselves.”

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Still in the Family

By Terry Ropp

Sloan Farms was founded in Oklahoma in 1918

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Sloan Farms, centered in Gore, Okla., is comprised of 2,500 leased and owned acres.

The Sloans sell seed corn and wheat, and sell soybean seed for Pioneer. Dub, his son Steve and grandson Cody work together with one full-time farmhand to produce the best corn, soybeans and wheat that they can. They also plant 25 acres of sweet corn.

“We’ve been raising sweet corn for 50 years; and if we quit, we’d probably get run out of town,” Dub said.

The Sloan family is highly community

neighbor. Rent on lease land is paid by shares,” Steve said.

Harrison Sloan left Arkansas and founded the Oklahoma farm in 1918 with 100 acres. He produced mostly cotton, corn and watermelons, with a small area set aside for truck farming. In the 1930s, during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, Harrison’s son Clifford traveled to California to learn about irrigation, hoping to prevent another drought disaster.

Clifford’s understanding of the critical importance of a dependable water supply led to the farm keeping up with techPhoto by Terry Ropp

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Three generations of the Sloan family operate Sloan Farms.

Pictured, from left, are Steve Sloan, Dub Sloan and Cody Sloan.

conscious. Dub, Steve and Cody have each served on committees or boards of one kind or another, with Dub having served on the federal land board. In addition, Cody is the fourth generation to serve on the Gore Public School Board.

Another indication of their understanding of community is their attitude towards the acreages they lease.

“Our goal is to treat lease land like our own. That’s not only good business, it’s also being a good

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

nology by moving from furrow irrigation to sprinklers that had to be moved every two hours to a 31-pivot system that now covers 70 percent of their acreage.

Clifford, Cody’s great-grandfather, carried the memory of the hard times. He believed no time should be wasted giving birth to Gore, Okla.

Clifford’s practice of starting “new projects,” such as picking potatoes on holidays and MARCH 14, 2016

meet your neighbors weekends. Another practice Clifford always followed was growing two gardens: one for family use, and one for friends and neighbors.

A favorite family story is about two ladies loading as many turnips as they could from his garden. Clifford asked what they were doing, and they explained that Mr. Sloan had said they could have as much as they wanted. Without telling them who he was, Clifford replied, “Well, in that case, let me help you.”

Though most people think crop farmers have a free winter, the truth is every month has responsibilities. January and February require fertilizing and strip-tilling corn ground prior to seeding. Also Pioneer seed arrives in bulk, boxes and bags and must be stored. Important repairs and maintenance are completed.

The Sloans begin delivering seed corn and planting corn and sweet corn in March and April, while also treating soybeans in preparation for their delivery. Young corn plants are side dressed with fertilizer and weed spray. Then wheat is harvested in June with soybeans planted on the newly harvested ground creating three crops in two years.

Sweet corn harvesting begins at the end of June, a whole process by itself.

“Sweet corn is now Cody’s responsibility,” Steve said. “I quit at midnight and let him organize vendor pickups, which start as early as 1 a.m. and continue until 6 a.m., so vendors are ready to sell as soon as their markets open.”

One family tradition is the Sloan ladies selling sweet corn to locals under a favorite tree.

Soybeans are, hopefully planted, and sprayed by July 4, which is when corn irrigation begins. Corn is harvested at 18 to 19 percent moisture in late August or early September and completed by the end of September.

“In the old days, a farmer could pick 70 bushels a day by hand where now we do 20,000,” Steve said.

Soybeans are harvested at the end of October through the end of November, with wheat planted in the harvested soybean fields. Even in December, general cleanup readies the farm for the next year.

Soybeans and wheat are no-till crops, while corn is only strip tilled, reduced tillage in furrows of 1-foot strips guided by GPS. “We only work the ground when some gets torn up because of rain or other issues,” Dub explained. “Parts of our land haven’t been tilled for 15 years and are as good or better than when we started.”

“No till requires more weed control work, but requires far less overall tractor usage,” Steve explained. “Tractors are replaced less often, a highly attractive economic advantage.”

The Sloan’s have a field day, usually in mid-July, that features planted plots of current corn varieties for customers to see.

“In truth it’s more of a social event with lots of food and conversation,” Steve said.

“I consult with my customers one-on-one about their orders and what best fits their needs, often by phone to help them take advantage of early order discounts. I won’t sell what I don’t plant and have built this business by trust.”

Steve’s belief is why they plant their show plot with only what farmers need now rather than future varieties.

Because of unseasonable and large amounts of rain last year, the wheat crop was poor.

Cody suggested this would be a perfect time to try an eight-variety display plot of wheat and beans in it, like they do for their personal farming, allowing people to see and make comparisons of growth and yield. This idea is his latest contribution to a family business he will someday run.

“My goal is to sustain what we have and build from there for our future generations,” Cody said.

Bulls Built to Last

MARCH 14, 2016

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Hunter Lindemann Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Age: 14 Parents: Douglas and Judy Lindemann Hometown: Van Buren, Ark. FFA Chapter: Cedarville FFA Advisor: Courtney Smith What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“My favorite part of agriculture is taking care of our animals. We have five horses that used to be ranch horses before we moved to Arkansas from Texas. To keep our horses at a healthy weight, we move them every day between a large pasture and a pen where we control their feed. We also have nine Angus and Belted Galloway mother cows in a hobby herd. I got to help ear tag the first calf born this season. We feed the cows cubes to keep them familiar with us so they are easy to gather together when we need to work them. We plan on using AI with the cows in the spring and getting our semen from the R A Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas. My mom used to manage my grandparents 600-cow herd and got bulls from that ranch. The bulls had excellent genetics that we want to use.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

“My dad is the most influential because he has helped me my whole life. Since we have spent so much time together, we’ve gotten close and are pretty much alike which means we like doing a lot of the same things. I really respect his ability to handle stress in unusual situations. He is a hard worker and intelligent and gets promoted because of these things. I really want to be like him.”

What is your involvement in FFA?

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“For now we are living in a rented house in Van Buren (Ark.) while we are building our house in Cedarville, which is why I am attending school there. It’s a smaller school than I was used to in Texas. I joined FFA for the leadership opportunities and for public speaking. I’m not sure whether I will do extemporaneous or prepared speech, but I’m looking forward to competing. I may also show calves.”

What is your earliest agricultural memory?

“I remember when my mom was managing my grandparent’s ranch, I helped brand calves and clip ears when I was only 4.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Contingency Measures

T

By Jessica Bailey

emperatures are almost spring like as I write this article. On my family’s farm, we’ve started keeping a closer eye on the herd as the momma cows prepare for calving season. The horses are looking shaggy as their winter coats start to shed, and each night I hear the geese coming to their rest stop at the creek on their way back north.

A couple years ago, I loved watching the geese Jessica Bailey is an come in. We had a pair that would come back agricultural lender at Hometown Bank in every year to raise their goslings. Watching them Neosho, Mo. A resident grow and change was always fun, especially when of Newton County, she they tried flying lessons around the calves. That also raises cattle on all changed almost exactly a year ago when avian her family’s farm and influenza arrive in our area. Although I still enis an active alumni of joyed their beauty, all of a sudden, I saw these the Crowder College birds as carrier of a disease that could wipe out an Aggie Club. entire operation in one fell swoop.

Last year, I wrote an article on contingency planning, mostly related to estate planning and medical emergencies. In remembering last year’s events at this time, I’d like to suggest a couple of contingency planning ideas that can apply to any operation in regards to biosecurity events.

One is an idea that I have seen going into effect more and more in our area, especially on poultry operations, and that is biosecurity prevention measures. For those in the poultry world, the majority of these are a result of last year’s scare and the integrators’ response. Although the poultry industry has worked to remain on the forefront of prevention measures, the new policies going into effect are hoped to even further that lead.

Whether it’s moving to “shower in – shower out� facilities or requiring full decontamination of transportation vehicles between farms, the poultry industry is working to do all it possibly can to prevent another disease outbreak. And that mindset has spread even to lenders such as myself, making sure we have all the permissions needed should we need to visit the farm and following all requirements stringently.

Even cattle operations have started the same measures in order to be pro-active against the current diseases we fight such as BVD, brucellosis, trich, etc., and also against the possibility of a biological threat such as foot and mouth disease being reintroduced to our industry here in the United States. Following protocols ourselves and asking visitors to our operations to do the same can only ensure that our food supply chain remains the safest in the world.

Another suggestion is to make sure that all the principals involved in your operation can openly communicate with one another now, not during or after an incident. I’m talking about making sure you have an open line of communication with your insurance agent, your integrator and your lender, and making sure they can communicate with each other as well. This does not mean that they all need to know every single detail of your operation, but they should be able at the very least to discuss the situation at hand, which will make the recovery process a lot less painful for all involved.

I always tell my customers that my motto is to help you bring your operation to its fullest potential, and that I am here to help, not hinder, your goals.

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Reducing Death Loss in Calves

By Gary Digiuseppe

Proper management of your newborns can improve your bottom line The world can be fraught with danger for a newborn calf, and that’s also a threat to your bottom line. There are a number of steps you can take in hopes of reducing death loss.

Number one, University of Missouri regional Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, is to get colostrum into the calf as soon as he’ll stand up and start nursing – usually, within 30 to 45 minutes after birth.

“That’s probably their first line of defense for reducing death losses in baby calves,” Cole said. “This involves sanitation on the part of keeping the cow’s udder clean, and not having cows that have udder problems. Some of them may only have threequarters, and may not produce enough milk for the baby calf.”

Peril also awaits the young calf around bale rings that are not well managed.

“Some of those bale rings get to be a muddy, messy hole,” Cole said, adding that the calves see the hay pulled out, and think that’s a good place to lie down. “Once in a while they get in the wrong place, and the cow will step on them.”

He urged producers to keep their hay spread, and to move bales or rings periodically so the surrounding ground does not become a muddy danger to the calves.

Scours, of course, is a major threat to young calves. There are vaccination programs for the cow that will give her more immunity to pass on to her calf as it develops. That’s another good way to reduce death loss, especially if you’ve had a calf diarrhea problem in the past.

“We had a bad outbreak of calf scours this past calving season in September and October,” Cole said. “We have to work with a veterinarian to find out what organism is the culprit in your neighborhood in any given year, or even month.”

There’s been some debate over when the best time is to follow up with vaccinations so they won’t interfere with the antibodies the calf has received from the colostrum.

Cole said they used to think the antibodies would last until 3 or 4 months of age.

what do you say?

How do you control weeds in your pastures, fields?

“I spray all year-long, depending on the weed.

Usually October and November as well as April and May I spray for thistle, early June for bitterweed and May 1 through July 1 for buckbrush before it becomes waxy, which is dependent upon weather conditions.”

Marcus Flippin Marion County, Ark.

26

“We’re not quite as concerned about the colostrum interfering with natural immunity through the vaccine,” he said. “I think that it is something to be a little bit concerned about, but 3 months of age is probably a satisfactory time to vaccinate.”

When you’re looking at protecting the calf, don’t neglect the cow.

“Cows need to be in a body condition score of 5 to 6, and heifers need to be in a BCS of 6, at calving,” Dr. Deke Alkire, planned consultation manager for the Samuel R. Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., told OFN. “That’s really going to affect the quality of their colostrum; we want to make sure they’re getting adequate protein, energy and minerals.”

While hesitant to put a number on when producers should be concerned, Alkire said 10 percent death loss is “a pretty big red flag” and could be the result of a number of factors. “It’s going to come down to proper nutrition of the dam, proper vaccination of the dam, environmental conditions, and how you manage around those to prevent that calf from getting sick. It could be an environmental factor like mud or temperature, but then it’s also going to be things like disease.”

Mud is a particularly big contributor to death loss or sickness in young calves, so mud should be decreased where cows are going to be calving as much as possible.

You can’t sterilize an outdoor facility, but if you’ve had sick animals in the pen you should remove old bedding, and make sure the pen drains well so there isn’t mud in those areas.

Also, don’t calve cows in a confined pen – it concentrates the disease.

“I think it’s a great idea to calve cows and heifers on fresh pasture that’s got some forage residual so it’s got a good ground cover,” Alkire said. “As they calve out, move the pairs to a clean pasture.

“I have a small herd of about 30 goats that I used to control thistle and brush in areas that are less assessable for brush hogging.”

Odell Ray Carroll County, Ark.

“I spray annually mid-May and brush hog later in the fall if I need to clean up.”

Steve Cook Muskogee County, Okla.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“I nozzle spray in the spring with a combination of Grazon and Remedy and then spot spray for thistles with bull nettle being my biggest issue.”

Larry Strauss Adair County, Okla.

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When is the right time to castrate a calf?

“The old comment cowboys would make is, ‘When the knife is sharp,’” Eldon Cole, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “And many add to it, ‘And you’re in the mood.’ We generally feel like early castration has a lot of advantages over a late castration, after the calf is 3 months of age. I would like to see these calves either castrated at birth, or the first time you work them, up at around 2 to 3 months of age.”

Anything later than that, he said, is problematic from a couple of standpoints.

“Bull calves, left out in the pasture with the cows and their sisters, spend a lot of time chasing cows that are coming in heat; they may run the risk of being injured by older bulls, especially if the older bulls think that they’re infringing on their territory. And, the longer a calf is left as a bull – especially if you get up over that 500-600 pound range – the beef quality grade ultimately could be compromised, as well as tenderness.”

Nevertheless, a lot of ranchers leave their male calves intact.

Cole said the ranchers believe a bull calf will weigh 50 more pounds than a steer calf at weaning, but they are ignoring the potential losses.

“Ultimately, that calf will be castrated, and at some point he is going to suffer some stress and some loss in weight gains,” he said. “The research that I generally find in the literature, over years and years of data, is when you leave them intact until they’re six-weights or heavier and then castrate them, there is more morbidity, more sickness when they hit the feedlot, and at some point some of that weight gain that they had as a calf will be lost,” in effect passing the losses along to the backgrounder or feedlot operator.

But the premise of improved gain by bulls is a myth, accord-

ing to Bryan Nichols, livestock consultant with the Samuel R. Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla.

“There’s actually some data from Oklahoma State that say that’s not true,” Nichols told OFN. “At weaning time there was no difference in weight between bulls, bulls that were banded at birth, and bulls that were banded at birth and then implanted.

So their data would suggest that, as we typically suggest, castration early on in that calf’s life is the best way to go.”

Why do producers believe otherwise?

“It would just be the fact that if the calf has testicles then he has the ability to produce testosterone, which would then increase weight,” Nichols said. But removing the stress with early castration is more important, and he pointed out, “If they have any worries about taking the testosterone away from that calf, we can give them a growth-promoting implant and definitely offset that, and reduce aggressive behavior.” Within the Noble Foundation’s herd, calves are castrated as soon as the staff sees them; however, Nichols acknowledges, “That’s a lot of work for a lot of producers,” so 2-3 months of age is more common.

Cole said last fall at a program at Joplin, people representing Market News, livestock markets and feedlots were asked.

“When do you want your male calves castrated?”

According to Cole, the answer was, “We just want it done right USDA Photo the first time; we don’t want accidents,” like a testicle withdrawn up into the belly where it has to be surgically removed.

“Some of them remarked about half the cattle they’d been getting in over the previous few weeks had all been left as bulls,” he added. “I don’t know that it would run that high, but certainly would feel that 30 to 40 percent of them might still be left as bulls.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

farm help

Don’t Forget to Test

By Gary Digiuseppe

Soil samples should be taken at the same time each year There is no bad time to take samples for a soil test.

“You can do it about any time the soil is in good enough shape to pull a sample,” Tim Schnakenberg, regional agronomist for University of Missouri Extension told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “I think it’s better to let the soil dry a bit because if it comes in wet, we’re going to have to dry it before we ship it, so that slows the process down.”

The crucial thing is to get the information in time to be able to amend the soil for the upcoming season.

But there are some times, he said, that are better than others.

“If you take your sample in the fall, usually the soil labs are not quite as busy during that time and you can get your results back.

If you need to address a serious soil fertility issue such as low pH or low phosphorus or potassium levels, you have time to be prepared for the next growing season, especially with lime,” he said. “Limestone takes six months to a year to get an adequate change made in the pH, so the earlier you start for the next growing season, the better.”

The producer can request test information on a number of soil components. Dr. John Jennings, University of Arkansas forage agronomist, said the most important data are the soil pH, and major and minor minerals like phosphorus and potassium.

“Below that, we start looking at sulfur, magnesium and zinc,” he told OFN. “Also, soil salinity and organic matter can be requested on soil tests, and that’s useful to know, too, for pasture situations. If we can build organic matter, productivity and moisture holding capacity of the soil seems to improve.”

Jennings said good samples should be taken 4 to 6 inches deep, in a zigzag pattern across the pasture, with 20 to 25 cores over 20 acres. If a larger area is to be sampled, it should be split into sections that will be managed in a like manner. He cautioned MARCH 14, 2016

not to attempt to take samples during hot, dry conditions, especially on rocky soils.

“What happens often is producers take a sample that’s too shallow; it might be only 2 inches deep, and biases the fertility of what a normal, deeper sample would be,” Jennings said.

He recommended forage producers take soil samples every two to three years, with some exceptions.

“If you’re in a really high management situation and trying to make improvements quickly you can sample yearly,” he said. “If they take off a much larger hay crop than normal they may want to sample the following year, just to make sure they haven’t pulled the fertility down too much. But generally, it doesn’t change really quickly; if they stay on that two-year track, they’re going to catch that anyway.”

Regardless of when samples are taken, it should be at the same time of year each time, because fertility varies during the year. Schnakenberg said, “The University of Illinois conducted a trial many years ago where they sampled a field in the same place every month for three years in a row, looking at fertility levels at different times of the year. They found that potassium levels were highest between March and June and lowest between between August and September, and the levels varied from 140 pounds per acre to 310 pounds, which is pretty significant.”

Producers should also look at how the field has been managed over several years. “Whether or not the field is cropped, pastured or hayed has a huge difference in fertility levels and you’ve got to factor that in,” he said.

Many Ozarks hay fields have been used for that purpose for many years, and as a result are drastically depleted of nutrients; pastures tend to be in better shape due to the recycled nutrients through the manure.

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farm help Some must-haves for a successful calving season: o Ear tags o Markers o Tagger (and a spare) o Calving book for

record-keeping o The veterinarian’s number on speed dial o Milk tuber o Pitcher to milk the cow with o Calf boost o Syringe o Scour pills o Bolus gun o Duct tape or ear muffs of some sort to pin ears down on cold nights o Calf catch o Scale and sling for weighing the calf o Calf puller and chains o Lasso o Halter o Plastic gloves o Milk replacer o A sedative of sorts for the occasional surly cow that needs milking out o Sorting sticks o Square bales for bedding and feed when the pairs are in the barn o A hot box, heater or place in the basement bath tub for cold calves o Clean towels

30

– Source, Beef Daily

When is it Time to Call the Vet?

By Gary Digiuseppe

Knowing the signs of trouble during calving can save your calf, and cow If a cow is taking too long to deliver her calf, or it appears the calf may be coming out the wrong way, don’t wait. Call your vet.

“We don’t want to have a dead calf,” Dr. Robert Wells, livestock consultant with the Samuel R. Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “We don’t want to lose a cow, and we just don’t make any money when we have calves that don’t come out unassisted in a timely fashion.”

Normally as the cow is giving birth you’ll see the calf’s nose and front two feet; the soles of the feet should be pointed down.

If any of those elements is missing, there is a much greater chance of a “malpresentation,” and that can spell trouble with the delivery.

It could be a “breach” delivery, in which the calf is presenting its hind rump first, with the legs folded underneath it. Wells said other typical calving problems include a head, or one of the legs, turned back.

“Even if the calf is presenting normally, we can have what we call a ‘hiplocking,’ where the calf has a big enough hip that it gets caught in the birth canal,” he said.

That can also happen with shoulders.

Wells said in many of these conditions, especially with a breach delivery, the cow will exhibit abdominal pressing.

“She’s really contracting, using those muscles in her abdomen trying to push that calf out, but we’re not seeing any progress,” he said. “She’s going to lay down and get up repeatedly; she may even kick at her side, turn her head and look at her belly, especially on a heifer that doesn’t have experience calving. If we don’t see anything while she’s been in Stage 1 labor for six hours or more, and she’s exhibiting the abdominal press, then it’s time to go in and see what’s going on, and also get a veterinarian to assist us if we’re not comfortable helping that female to pass that calf.”

A University of Missouri Extension publication, Assisting the Beef Cow at Calving Time, describes the three stages of calving, also called parturition. Stage 1 is preparatory, Stage 2 is fetal expulsion, and Stage 3 is expulsion of the placenta or afterbirth.

Stage 1 typically takes two to six hours as the calf rotates to an upright position, rhythmic contractions of the uterus begin and gradually become more frequent, and the cervix expands to allow the uterus and vagina to become a continuous canal.

The delivery period, Stage 2, usually takes one to two hours, but can be longer in a heifer. The cow is usually lying down, and her uterine contractions are accompanied by voluntary contractions of her abdomen and diaphragm. In a normal birth, as the calf’s nose emerges, the cow pushes her hardest to get the calf’s shoulders and chest through her pelvic girdle.

“Once the shoulders have passed, the abdominal muscles of the calf relax and its hips and hind legs extend back to permit easier passage of the hip region,” the document reads.

Finally, the calf is on the ground, and the cow ejects the placenta in Stage 3, taking anywhere form two to eight hours.

Wells said a cow will normally calve unassisted within four hours. If they don’t go through the stages in a timely fashion – if they’re in Stage 1 for more than six hours and the abdominal press hasn’t begun, for instance – there may be issues.

Similarly, if the cow is in Stage 2 for two hours but no part of the calf has emerged, “then she should be examined, and possibly helped.”

Once you call the vet, get the female up to your working facilities.

“The worst thing you can do is ask the veterinarian to deliver the calf out in the middle of a pasture,” Wells said.

“If you’re calling at night, do everything you possibly can to have plenty of light, so the veterinarian can see what he needs to do.”

You should also have clean equipment available; the vet will bring his own equipment, but it doesn’t hurt to have a backup.

USDA photo And, to reduce the likelihood of problems like this, you should improve your herd’s genetics.

“We need to do everything we can to make sure that we’re buying females from somebody who has actually got a known calving ease bull, that is documentable by a set of registration papers or DNA data,” Wells said.

In addition, keep your cow in good body condition; while some producers believe restricted nutrition in the final trimester reduces calving problems, Wells said research at Texas A & M University shows the opposite is true, and “we would actually have higher rates of dystocia and lower rates of rebreeding in a timely fashion, and reduced viability of the calf through weaning, in females that were underconditioned prior to calving.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016

farm help

Avian Flu: Should You be Concerned?

By Klaire Howerton

Biosecurity, cleanliness are the best line of defence for poultry producers If you have spent any time in the poultry industry, you know that there are a number of diseases that you have to watch out for within your flock – no matter how large or how small your poultry operation is. One of these diseases is avian influenza, or avian flu.

What is Avian Flu?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza refers to infection of birds with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but usually do not get sick.

However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.” Infected birds can pass avian flu to susceptible birds through saliva, nasal mucus and feces. Avian flu is classified into two different types of viruses: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses.

Symptoms of Avian Flu

If poultry is infected with LPAI, in many cases there are no symptoms, or only slight symptoms such as a decline in egg production or ruffled feathers. HPAI symptoms are much more serious, and can include respiratory distress, purple swellings on eyelids, wattles, legs and comb, and loose, watery stool. Both forms MARCH 14, 2016

of avian flu spread rapidly, and according to an article by Oklahoma State University, LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI, which is why they are monitored closely by the USDA.

Preventing Avian Flu

Biosecurity is the best way to prevent avian flu in your flock.

Quarantine is a very effective biosecurity measure.

Only after birds pass a quarantine period should they be added to the designated flock or pasture area.

Another solid prevention method for avian flu is making a simple disinfectant spray solution of household bleach and water for shoes, clothing and other supplies that have or could have come into contact with contaminated poultry.

Finally, proper cleaning and sanitation of facilities is also key in preventing the illness. Be sure you report any avian flu cases to your local veterinarian or USDA office.

Is Avian Flu a Threat to Your Operation?

Since avian flu was first identified in 1997, there have been sporadic outbreaks of this disease in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is not an effective treatment for poultry with HPAI. While avian flu can be spread easily from bird to bird, it is extremely rare for humans to contract the disease. The most recent case of avian flu was found in Indiana on Jan. 15, the first confirmed case since June of the previous year.

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farm help

Improving Soil Health with Forages

By Klaire Howerton

The right forages can help improve nitrogen, improve soil aeration As a farmer or a rancher, you know the importance of having healthy soil.

Taking care of your soil is critical to the success of your agricultural endeavors, and one of the best tools producers have for improving soil health is their forage.

“Forages that are on the ground give your soil the right mix of nutrients to grow more,” said Daniel Boenkamp of Hillside Bison in Mountain Grove, Mo. Understanding and properly structuring your forage program can help you achieve this on your farm.

Testing Your Soil

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To understand what needs your soil has, it’s imperative that you conduct a soil test.

“Obtaining a quality soil sample is vital for receiving accurate nutrient recommendations for your field,” said Jill Scheidt, agronomy Specialist for MU Extension.

The Extension recommends that farmers and ranchers test their soil every three to five years to see what their soil test levels are.

“Farmers should have at least one sample per field or pasture,” Jill explained.

“Ten to 20 cores of soil that are uniformly 6 to 8 inches deep, taken in a zigzag pattern across the field is recommended.”

You want to send as much soil as possible because soil labs do not test the nutrient levels of rock, grass or sticks. To gather soil samples, you’ll need a soil probe,

a bucket, plastic bags and a permanent marker to label the bagged soil samples.

The composition of your soil and what nutrients it needs, you can decide which forages you want to plant.

For example, if your soil is in need of nitrogen (this is common), pick some legumes such as clover or forage soybeans to add to your forage program; legumes have nitrogen-fixing bacteria that grow in nodules on their roots. If your soil is heavily compacted, consider planting a cruciferous root crop like forage radishes.

“Radishes and turnips can break up the soil so it’s not as hard,” said Hickory Ridge Hunting Ranch Marketing Director Joshua Jones from Lamar, Okla., “Plus they add nutrients.”

You’ll also want to consider the goals of your forage and soil health program based on the results of your soil tests – this will help you determine whether you need to select annual or perennial forages.

Understanding the Benefits

While you might not notice a change in your soil from above ground right away when you implement a solid forage program, you can be sure that there is plenty of action going on below.

By making your soil health a priority, you can ensure lasting benefits on your farm, and know that your end product will be the best it can be.

Items Needed to Gather Soil Samples

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ozarks’ farm March 2016 14 4-H Poultry Workshop – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 15 Bentonville’s National Ag Day – 1-3:30 p.m. – Rogers, Ark. – 479-271-1060 15 Pesticide Applicator Training – Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 15,22 BANGS Vacination – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 17 Little Red River Beef Cattle Conference – 11:30 a.m. – $20 registration fee

– Pruitt’s Mid-State Stockyards, Damascus, Ark. – 501-745-7117 18-20 River Valley Lawn and Garden Show – Fort Smith, Ark. – 479-484-9559 19 Tractor Supply Grand Opening – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Booneville, Ark. 21 Master Gardner’s How to Take Superb Pictures of Your Flower with Any

Camera – 7 p.m. – County Building, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 22-24 AI Class – Arkansas Tech, Russellville, Ark. – 501-316-3536 24 Baxter County Cattlemen’s Meeting – Mountain Home, Ark. – 870-425-2335 24 Producing Food Safely – Duran Center Center, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168 24 Cattle Management and Marketing Class – Yellville, Ark. – 870-449-6349 26 4-H 5K – Alma Performing Arts Center, Alma, Ark. – 479-474-5286 28 Beef Cattle Reproduction Clinic – 6 p.m. – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981

or 501-745-7117

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Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – 870-423-2958 for more information Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 Wholly Health Wellness Expo – 5-8 p.m. – Grove, Okla. – 918-253-4332 AI Class – ASU, Beebe, Ark. – 501-316-3536

April 2016 1 Spring Turn-Out Tune-Up – 2-6 p.m. – Benton County Fairgrounds,

Bentonville, Ark. – 479-271-1060 or jgunsaulis@uaex.edu 2 2016 Hero Rally – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Tahlequah Fair Grounds, Tahlequah,

Okla. – 918-456-6163 2 Best Care for Child Care Providers – 7:30 a.m. – John Paul Center, North

Arkansas College, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168 2 Gardening Through the Seasons – 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – First Presbyterian

Church, Yellville, Ark. – 870-449-6349 – deadline to register is March 25 4 Beef Cattle Reproduction Clinic – 6 p.m. – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981

or 501-745-7117

ozarks’ March 2016 18 THM Land & Cattle Angus Bull Sale – South Central Regional

Stockyards, Vienna, Mo. 573-489-3311 19 Circle A Ranch Secret to Success Sale – at the Ranch, Iberia, Mo. – 573-280-5308 19 Texoma Beefmaster Sale – McAlester, Okla. – 254-541-4643 19 Pinegar Limousin Herdbuilder XVll Sale – Springfield, Mo. – 417-833-2688 19 Flying H Genetics 17th Annual Growing on Grass Bull Sale – at the Farm,

Butler, Mo. – 303-842-9071 19 Aschermann Charolais 22nd Edition Charolais Bull Sale – at the Ranch,

Carthage, Mo. – 417-358-7879 19 The Cattlemen’s Choice Black & Red Simmental & Sim/Angus Bull Sale

– Fredonia Livestock Market, Fredonia, Kan. – 620-437-2211 19 Missouri Bison Association Spring Show & Sale – Mo-Kan Livestock, Passaic,

Mo. – 417-839-3241 19 Molitor Angus Spring Production Sale – Zenda, Kan. – 620-243-6335 19 Falling Timer Farm Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Marthasville, Mo. – 636-358-4164 19 Four State Shorthorn Assn. Spring Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing

Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-718-3579 19 Rogers Cattle Company/Lile Farms Reg Angus Bull & Female Sale – at the

Farm, Strafford, Mo. – 417-241-1302 19 NE Arkansas Angus Assn. Spring Sale – Charlotte, Ark. – 662-837-4904 20 Magness Land & Cattle Annual Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Miami, Okla. – 402-350-3447 20 April Valley Farms 19th Annual Production Sale – Saint Joseph, Mo. – 913-682-4376 20 Briarwood Angus Farm Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Butler, Mo. – 660-679-3459 21 B&D Hereford & Beran Brothers Angus Annual Bull Sale – at the Ranch,

Claflin, Kan., – 620-587-3709 26 Arkansas Bull Sale Spring Multi-Breed Bull Sale – Heber Springs, Ark. – 205-270-0999 26 Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards,

Carthage, Mo. – 877-486-1160 MARCH 14, 2016

calendar

auction block

26 Worthington Angus First Annual Production Sale – at the Farm, Dadeville,

Mo. – 417-844-2601 26 Oklahoma Gelbvieh Assn. Sooner Select Sale – McAlester Union Stockyards,

McAlester, Okla. – 405-742-0774 26 Professional Beef Genetics Bull Sale – Windsor Livestock Auction, Windsor,

Mo. – 1-888-PBG-BULL 26 Maplewood Acres Farm & Lamin Valley Farms 29th Annual Bull &

Female Sale – at the Farm, Sedalia, Mo. – 660-826-1880 or 660-620-9052 28 Hager Cattle Company Annual Bull Sale – Mandan, ND – 402-350-3447 28 Southwest Missouri Performance Tested Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock

Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-345-8330 29 KW Cattle Company 2nd Annual Angus Bull Sale – Fort Scott, Kan. – 620-224-7459 April 2016 2 Circle S Ranch 9th Annual Going to Grass Production Sale – at the

Ranch, Canton, Kan. – 620-628-4621 2 The Gathering at Shoal Creek Simmental – at the Farm, Excelsior Springs,

Mo. – 816-336-4200 2 Four State Angus Association Spring Production Sale – Springfield Livestock

Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-214-0117 2 Satterfield Charolais/Angus Bull & Female Sale – at the Farm, Evening

Shade, Ark. – 870-499-5379 2 Show-Me Classic Bull & Replacement Heifer Sale – Roth Farms, Windsor,

Mo. – 660-527-3507 2 Andras Stock Farm Red Angus Bull Sale – at the Farm, Manchester, IL. – 217-473-2355 3 C/S Cattle Company Spring Production Sale – at the Farm, Pomona, Mo.

– 417-257-7926 3 4-States Limousine Assn. Spring Sale – H2 Ranch & Cattle Co., Perkins,

Okla. – 615-330-2735 3 Missouri Spring Invitational Boer Goat Sale – Swine Pavillion, Missouri

State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, Mo. – 816-519-1668 4 Brockmere Farms Spring Production Sale – at the Farm, Brookfield, Mo. – 660-258-2901

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

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Heber Springs, AR • March 26, 2016 • 12 NOON!

60+ Bulls Registered Breeding Age Bulls

For more information regarding our Grower program contact:

JOE WHITMORE

417-246-5510 ext. 6 • joe@andrewsfs.com 3/14/16

50 Commercial Heifers Angus & Charolais X Red Angus

Luke Mobley

Auctioneer / Livestock Marketing Cell: 205-270-0999 (ARLic2291) LukeMobley.com Helping producers expand their bull market!

ArkansasBullSale.com

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

3/14/16

MARCH 14, 2016

Machinery

Wanted

Website

RECENT TRADE-INs

WANT TO BUY MILK TANKS

Check Out Our Website!

NEW HOLLAND TL90A, 2WD, Cab w/Loader, 2000 hrs ................................ $27,500 JOHN DEERE 1530, 2WD w/Loader ...................$7,750 NEW HOLLAND T5060, 4WD, Cab w/Loader, 1076 hrs. ................................$46,500 KUBOTA M7040, Cab, 4WD, Loader, 375 hrs ............... ..................................... $37,500

6/27/16

Get Spotted With Color

Call Today To Add Color To Your Classified Ad 866-532-1960

NEW HOLLAND TN70, 2WD, Loader.......... $16,750

Selling Registered, Unregistered, and Crossbred Highland Cows, Bulls, Calves & Steers Saturday, April 23, 2016 • 2:00 PM

NEW HOLLAND TN75, 4WD w/Loader ...... $16,500 MASSEY-FERGUSON 35 . ..................................$3,000

FREE Customized Materials Bid

920-397-6313

5th Annual Highland Cattle Auction

NEW HOLLAND TD5050, 4WD, Cab..................$41,000

Quality at a Competitive Price

www.ozarksfn.com

MASSEY-FERGUSON 393, Cab, 2WD, Loader ....... ................................$18,500

FORD 340B, w/Loader........... ........................................$7,500

aDams TrUss, inc.

The Original • Manufacturing Steel Trusses for 50 Years

NEW LOCATION: SW MO at Lebanon Livestock Barn off Interstate 44 at exit 123. Just a mile off exit on service road.

For more information about the sale and consignments contact: Jerry Declour 417.693.0858 • 417.369.0505 • hairycows@centurytel.net HHCA 417.345.0575 • 417.733.3201 • heartlandhighlandcattle@gmail.com www.heartlandhighlandcattleassociation.org • www.highlandcattleauction.com

BARN & SHOP KITS

24' - 60' Spans Complete Technical Support from Adams Truss

DESIGnED FOR ECOnOMY EnGInEERED FOR STREnGTH 12425 Collins Road Gentry, AR 72734

(479) 736-8581 (800) 228-9221

aDams TrUss, inc.

www.adamstruss.com

CLEAR SPAN STEEL BUILDING TRUSSES

3/14/16

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE GRILLING RECIPES WITH OUR READERS! Submit recipes by mail, fax, or email and watch for them to appear in the upcoming issues of Ozarks Farm & Neighbor.

FORD 7700, Cab..$10,000 DUETZ 5506 ......... $3,500

P.O. Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753 • 417-532-4721 FAX • julie@ozarksfn.com

FORD 6610, w/Loader ........ ................................$15,000 KIOTI LB1914, 4WD w/ Loader .......................$9,750 MASSEY-FERGUSON 175 ..................................$2,500

Williams Tractor

2501 Shiloh Dr. • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-8284

www.williamstractor.com 3/14/16

Vets

Spring Turn-Out Tune-Up

Family Owned & Operated Since 1944

We Specialize in all Types of Berry Plants

Blackberry, Grapes, Strawberry, Blueberry & Raspberry to name a few

Look us up on the web ! www.simmonsplantfarm.com 11542 N. Hwy 71, Mountainburg, Ark. 72946

479-369-2345

417-725-0055

Visit our website: missouristormshelters.com

Panic Room Tornado Shelters Community Shelters

0 for 60 months % Financing

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

479-267-2685

Farmington, AR countryveterinaryserviceinc.com

26 years of serving both farm and family.

Friday, April 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Benton County Fairgrounds 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd Bentonville, Arkansas

Call for a Free Catalog

1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3:20 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:20 p.m.

W.A.C.

no Money Down, no Payments for 60 Days!!!

Offering the nations largest selection of CERTIFIED STORM SHELTERS! WE DELIVER EVERYWHERE! Visit our showroom or call for a free brochure.

4:40 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Registration begins, vendor booths are open Horn fly control ; Get ahead of the game this year.

Dr. Justin Talley, Associate Professor – Entomology, OSU Extension Recommended vaccinations and practices for spring time animal health Andi Carlton, Animal Health Representative, Boehringer-Ingelheim Mineral programs to meet your needs and update on the new Veterinary Feed Directive; What are my options on feeding anti-biotics?

Daniel Martin, Livestock Production Specialist, Purina Break The effects of fescue on animal performance – when is it good, when is it bad, what are my options?

Johnny Gunsaulis, County Extension Agent – Staff Chair, Benton County Starting now to work toward 300 days of grazing Dr. John Jennings, Forage Specialist, University of Arkansas Extension Top tips for balage and silage production Tim Schnakenberg, Agronomy Specialist, University of Missouri Extension Dinner provided by Arvest Bank

For more information contact Johnny Gunsaulis at (479)271-1060 or jgunsaulis@ uaex.edu.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Benton County extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

3/14/16

MARCH 14, 2016

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

3/14/16

35

THE TRUCK SPECIALISTS! We know what you want ...

Big Selection + Low Prices!

We’re farmers, too! We know what farmers want, and we keep the most popular models in stock at the lowest prices you’ll find in North Arkansas!

Family owned and operated for over 43 years!

Absolute Top Dollar offered on all trades!

See why we are the area’s #1 Truck Volume Dealer!

We’re BIG on Heavy Duty Trucks!

600 Highway 62-65 Harrison � 870-741-8211

WoodMotor.com

North Arkansas’ Volume Dealer!

FINANCING AVAILABLE!

36

Call Mark Hanshaw: 870-715-9177 (cell) 870-741-8211

We stock the trailers farmers use most!

Whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler trailer or one of the big boys, you’ll find it at Wood Motor Co. We’ll NEVER be undersold!

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MARCH 14, 2016