OFN April 3, 2023

Wine, Cider and Steak

Tall Grass Lake and Orchard plan to cater to a variety of tastes

A Renewed Love of Cattle

As a kid, Greg Anderson did not like farming, but he did like cattle

Building on the Essentials

Couple ventured into registered Beefmasters six years ago

Efficiency and Sustainability

Recommendations to benefit farming operations

rumor mill

Scholarship for future veterinarians: A piece of legislation in the Arkansas Senate hopes to recruit veterinarians to the rural parts of the state. Senate Bill 476 would create a fund in the Arkansas Department of Agriculture that would fund a scholarship for students training to become veterinarians. The scholarship recipient would be required to begin in-state employment within a year of graduation and work for at least two years in Arkansas. The bill was before the Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development Committee on March 28 with a “do pass” recommendation.

Anderson to head organization: Stone County, Ark., native John Anderson, head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, has been tapped be president the Southern Agriculture Economics Association. His term will begin in 2024.

Turner selected: Ross Turner of the Oologah FFA has been selected by the Oklahoma FFA Foundation to participate in the 2023 Leadership Intern Program. The intern program is designed to provide high school FFA members with the unique opportunity to observe first-hand the development and management techniques used to construct and facilitate the Oklahoma FFA Convention experience. Participants develop a profile of their FFA leadership program in an application form, and those applications are then judged by a statewide panel from the Foundation Board of Directors.

Application period open for grant funding: Arkansas farmers markets can apply for funding to better serve their communities through the eighth annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas to promote and fund the program that is meant to build awareness for farmers’ markets and their vendors, according to a press release from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture provided more than $9,000 in grants to 23 Arkansas farmers markets through the partnership with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas in 2022. Applications are due April 28, or until funds are no longer available. Applications and additional information can be found at go.ozarksfn.com/ngw

Bill would abolish ag bards: A bill that would abolish several state boards under the Department of Agriculture and consolidate those responsibilities among a handful of other boards or the department itself is heading to the Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee. Senate Bill 403 was recently debated in the Senate, but was referred to the Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development Committee amendment, after previously passing unanimously through the committee on March 14.

Know a Good Rumor?

Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper APRIL 10, 2023 | VOL. 17, NO. 2

JUST A THOUGHT

3 Jerry Crownover –Making a living with cows

4 Jody Harris – No place like home

7

5 Julie Turner-Crawford –Farming dreams, big and small

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Tall Grass Orchard and Lake offers visitors of look at farm life and farm-fresh beef

8 Greg Anderson has returned to cattle production

8 10

10 A garden filled with color for all to enjoy

12 Eye on Agribusiness features Happy Cow Feed and Ranch

13 Town & Country highlights Melissa Eaton

16 Couple builds on the essentials of Beefmasters

18 Youth in Agriculture highlights Emma Evans

FARM HELP

19 Stopping financial exploitation

20 The basics to start a backyard flock

22 Tips to improve efficiency and sustainability on your farm

23 The care and breeding of heifers

24 Reducing compaction for soil health

just a thought

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

My father was always a little skeptical of the advice offered by highly educated people (his only son, included). I suppose that fact was due to Dad’s complete lack of formal education, for he grew up in the early years of the last century, when a strong back and willingness to work, was much more appreciated than a beautiful mind.

I was the first child of my generation, from either side of my lineage, to attend college. Even though I knew my dad was proud of that fact, he would often remind me that, “book learnin’ is fine, but real life doesn’t always play out like the book says it should.” Amen.

Jerry Crownover is a farmer and former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University. He is a native of Baxter County, Arkansas, and an author and professional speaker. Jerry’s daily exploits on the farm are now viewable on YouTube at “lifeissimple678”. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

I can remember coming home from college during the Christmas break of my freshman year. Eager to impress my parents with what I was learning, I made some suggestions to my father, concerning our farm and how I thought it could be made more profitable, according to my favorite professor. Of course, all of these suggestions cost money and Dad did not like parting with his hard-earned money, unless the likelihood of that new expense making money was in the neighborhood of 95 to 100 percent.

“How many cows does that professor run?” My father quizzed.

“Actually, I don’t think he owns any cows,” I replied. “But he has a Ph.D. in animal science from a really prestigious university.”

Dad didn’t know or care, what a Ph.D. was, but he made it abundantly clear to me that if I ever encountered a professor who had made his living from cows, he might be

— Continued on Page 6

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Erin Harvey, Cheryl Kepes, Marissa Snider and Terry Ropp

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., 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Time for an upgrade?

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

Spring break is a long-standing tradition in Arkansas. Some families head south to the beach for warmer weather.

Not us, we pack up and head west into the mountains. This year we traveled to Winter Park, Colo., with a couple of other families. One of the families in our group was traveling slower than usual because they were hauling a horse trailer with them. They planned to stop on the way home and pick up a horse near Colorado Springs. This made it easier to pack some “extra” stuff for the trip – much to my husband’s dismay. We finally stopped for the evening in Hays, Kan. It was hilarious watching the faces of onlookers as we rolled in with that horse trailer and a pile of children. They probably wondered if there was an animal in there or more children. We checked in and got a good night’s rest before the remainder of the trek.

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

We roosted the teenagers and hit the road again the next morning. Once we made it to Denver, it was not much further. We checked into the house. One family made their famous lasagna and put it in the oven. We are a frugal bunch. We plan everything ahead and pack what we are going to need for the week –including meals. Everyone got settled into their room and unpacked for the busy day ahead. The house smelled wonderful. We ate dinner together and got to bed early. As I plugged in my phone charger behind the night stand of our room, I noticed mouse droppings on the floor behind the furniture. Gross. We live on a farm and rodents are occasionally something we deal with. I hated the idea of this at a vacation home. The following morning, I went upstairs. I was enjoying coffee in the living room area and noticed a box of Girl Scout cookies had been destroyed on the floor near the fireplace. When my husband came in the room, I told him about the droppings and showed him the cookie box. It had to be a giant rat. My eyes were burning, and I was stuffed up because I am allergic to rodents. We called maintenance and they graciously brought a live trap to catch the mystery guest.

We went skiing and had a great time. When we returned, the trap was set. Our boys were enjoying the hot tub and a mother fox walked up nearby and was watching to see if they would throw a snack to her out in the snow. It was a beautiful backdrop at the end of a great day.

The next morning, we had company in the live trap. It was the biggest, fattest field mouse with the longest tail I had ever seen. The maintenance folks got a good chuckle when they picked it up. Meanwhile my allergies were getting worse. I felt fine away from the house but when we came back I was a snotty stuffed up mess. The reservations staff graciously offered our large party another home for the remainder of our vacation. It was a beautiful home nearby in Tabernash. I am sure the neighborhood had no idea what to think when our crew rolled in with a horse trailer and a bunch of kids. You can take the rednecks off the farm and into the mountains. We always take a little redneck with us, wherever we go.

It was a great trip and memories were made. We returned a week later to Arkansas. We enjoyed a weekend of sunshine and garden preparation. Wherever we travel – it is always good to come back home, neighbor.

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Irecently spoke to someone who is brand new to the farming industry.

They want to grow row crops, raise cattle, sheep and goats, and have some horses. They have some goats, and asked where to plant corn and beans, when to plant, how much corn and beans to plant, if they should raise pigs and so on. My head was spinning just a bit with all the questions and I couldn’t get a word in edgewise, but it was great to see the enthusiasm. I finally asked how many acres they had … about 15 or 20. I could see the disappointment when I told them they may be limited in what they could do.

“I guess I shouldn’t have bought a farm when I don’t know anything about a farm,” they said.

— Continued on Next Page

MAIN DISH

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

Classic Meatloaf

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 C dried bread crumbs

• 1/2 C diced yellow onion

• 1/2 C milk

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 2 Tbsp ketchup

• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried parsley leaves

• 3 /4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Topping:

• 1/4 C ketchup

• 2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 2 Tbsp ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Use hands to mix ingredients together until well combined. Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan and pat the meat down into an even layer. In a small bowl, add 1/4 C ketchup, brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine. Pour the sauce on top of the meatloaf and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes. Let the meatloaf set for 8 to 10 minutes before serving to cool or it may fall apart.

POLE BARNS

Covering All of Arkansas & Oklahoma

just a thought

Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page

I pointed out there are still many things they can do with their land, but they need to learn how to use it efficiently. I explained I was not the person to advise them on accomplishing their goals, and they seemed a little happier when I offered some informational and educational recourses.

One of my “big farming dreams” is to grow a record-setting pumpkin. I want to grow one of those pumpkins that takes a forklift to load onto a trailer. Why is this a goal? I have no clue. We didn’t grow pumpkins when I was a kid, and I don’t have much of a green thumb, but I’ve wanted to do it, much to the amusement of many of my friends and family.

I have room to grow one of these monsters, but is it an efficient use of my time and resources?

First, I would have to fence off a portion of the pasture and put in a gate to get an area big enough with eight hours of direct sun. In the fall, I would have to build a 10-by-10 bed for each plant I want to attempt to grow and fill the beds with cow manure compost and soil.

Seeds from a world champion to grow my spectacular squash are upwards of $100 or more each, so those must be handled carefully and started a month before the project-

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

interested in what that professor had to say. Maybe.

I couldn’t help but dredge up these memories last week as I attended a market outlook meeting with a very learned academic in the field of economics. His computerized PowerPoint presentation was extremely impressive, and the gentleman was obviously very competent in his area of expertise. Backed up by facts, figures and data that spanned 50 years, he concluded those of us in the beef cattle business were going to, “make more money in the next two

ed last freeze. Once planted, there are the daily soil checks, weekly fertilizing, weeding, and trying to keep the cats and other critters away from the pricey sprout.

To top it off, to get a big one, you have to pick just one bloom to nurture, keep the vines trimmed to a certain length, make sure the growing pumpkin doesn’t get too hot or too cold, move the pumpkin while it’s growing, put a canopy over it at some point, and too many other chores for one pumpkin. I guess the front pasture will remain pasture, and my dreams of growing a 2,000-pound pumpkin will go to the back burner. The task isn’t off the table but might be a “retirement” job.

Farmers and ranchers can have big dreams on a small piece of land or bigger dreams on a bigger spread, but they have to know how to do it in a way that works. It might take some modification to the original plan to make the dream come true, but it will happen in time, and dreams are worth the wait.

years that you will be able to spend.”

Plainly, he was trying to interject a little humor to make his point, that all the data concerning beef supply and demand would suggest that our business will perform extremely well for the next 12 to 24 months. That was welcome news to the entire group of cattlemen who were gathered that night. I, too, was elated to hear what the experienced educator was saying, but, the words that kept echoing through my head, were, “I wonder how many cows this guy owns, and I also wonder if he’s ever had to make a living from cows?”

meet your neighbors Wine, Cider and Steak

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Tall Grass Lake and Orchard plans to cater to a variety of taste

Agriculture is nothing new to Ken Egnor.

The Vinita, Okla., native’s parents, Sam and Sandy Egnor, were dairy farmers. The couple was a team, with Sandy taking over milking and raising two kids when Sam broke his back. As time went on, Sam and Sandy, however, made a few changes.

“I can remember being in kindergarten and being out there milking with him. The dairy business was seven days a week, and all work, but it was a great childhood,” Ken recalled. “In 1990, it transitioned to beef cattle. The beef cattle were a lot easier and not as demanding, but it still had its challenges. Dad was the one who got us all started in this.”

Just as Sam and Sandy did more than 30 years ago, Ken and his fiance Melissa have changed the operation and are finding their niche. They recently rebranded their endeavors from Big Cabin Ranch to Tall Grass Lake and Orchard and offer guests a look at life on the farm.

“We’re tapping into agritourism,” Ken explained of the little over 200-acre farm, some of which is part of Ken’s parents’ farm.

Those seeking a getaway can select a spacious cabin or “rough it” by pitching a tent. Guests have access to raised-on-the-farm beef while at Tall Grass and can purchase additional USDA-inspected beef to take home.

“We want people to have the whole experience on the farm and experience the beef,” Ken explained.

Tall Grass is restructuring its cattle operation, selling out the cow/calf pairs, but there are plans to bring stockers and feeders

back to produce the operation’s, all-natural craft beef.

“We have a demand for our beef,” Ken said, adding they had about 60 momma cows. “In the future, we are just going to have steers. Having the cow/calf pairs is a lot of extra stress, and I would say the profits are better by eliminating the cow/ calf operation and going with stockers.”

The cattle pastures are now leased, but plans are to reintroduce a few head for beef sales, then fully utilize the fields in four years, focusing on producing individual cuts for on-farm and online sales.

“We don’t want to overcrowd it, but we do want to maximize it,” Ken said.

Diversifying the land and exploring different outlets, Ken and Melissa feel, is the best use of their property.

“We’re located in a very good spot, just off the Will Rogers Turnpike, and Route 66 and Highway 69 converge there,” Ken explained. “We have those tourists traveling through on multiple routes. They might book a one-night stay, and they would rather do that on the farm than a Motel 6, and they love it.

“We are also able to offer them our farm products while they are there. When they book, you tell them, ‘Hey, we have steaks and beef from right here on the farm,’ and they love it.”

Ken added a night at Tall Grass may be the first and only farm experience for some guests, so they strive to offer them the best experience possible.

Visitors can glimpse the farming way of life while enjoying the great outdoors, including a fully-stocked 5-acre lake, other activities

and amenities.

The lake serves as a source of irrigation for the property.

“You get the pre-fertilizer with the fish,” Ken said. “We also have the manure from the cattle that can be used for the vines and trees. We aren’t into permaculture, but we are planning to eventually do hydropower off the dam of the lake, which goes with my real job, which is working for a power company.”

In addition to the farm, Ken and Melissa have also started a cidery in nearby Chouteau, Okla., and an orchard that joins the Tallgrass Lake property and vineyard with 100 Arkansas Black apple trees, Gold Rush, Gala, Yellow Delicious and Cabernet Sauvignon vines.

Ken is in a grape management course through Oklahoma State University, and they hope to brand and label their own wine.

“The ultimate goal is to make cider and wine, but that’s five years down the road,” Ken said. “The Arkansas Black apples are very popular, and a lot of chefs like them. They are great cider and cooking apples.”

They hope to market a “wine, cider and steak experience.”

“The products complement each other,” Ken said.

The orchard and vineyard are just another aspect of the agritourism market the couple plans to tap into.

“It’s another major highway intersection, and it’s in an Amish community,” Ken explained. “It’s also near another orchard, so it’s strategically located to raw fruit from other farms and processed there. We hope, once those doors are open, it will be a food hub.”

Ken and Melissa have recycled a container into a cabin/wine-tasting room for guests.

Other species of livestock may be introduced at Tall Grass Lake and Orchard, but there are no set plans.

“Maybe some hogs because we love barbecue,” Ken said. “Maybe some pastured chickens.”

Ken joked Melissa is “just along for the ride” but added they make a good team. Melissa said she also has plans for the farm.

“We make a joke about us being Green Acres because I’m from the city,” Melissa said. “I’m begging him for a couple of Highlands cows. I just think they are so pretty. He says we can do one, but we will need two because she will need a friend.”

Ken said there were breaks from the farm between college and moving from the area, but it was always a part of him.

“I didn’t abandon it like some kids do,” Ken said. “For some, when Dad dies, they sell it, cash in, and go to the beach or the city. That wasn’t my cup of tea. I wanted to keep his legacy alive, grow it, and hopefully pass it down to my kids.”

Vinita, Okla.

Submitted Photos

meet your neighbors A Renewed Love of Cattle

By Terry Ropp

As a kid, Greg Anderson did not like farming, but he did like cattle

Greg Anderson of Springdale, Ark., was raised in southern Minnesota on a corn and soybean farm blessed with rich, black soil.

The farm also had a variety of animals, including cattle, pigs, chickens, geese and ducks.

As a boy, Greg hated farming and saw himself as free child labor. He drove a tractor at 7, a cultivator at 9, and a planter at 12. He was responsible for feeding the animals twice a day, while getting used to the fact they were “harvested,” which doesn’t even begin to cover how he felt about the dreaded garden.

“I never did like farming much, but the cattle side of it spoke to me,” Greg said. “After graduating from high school, the only logical thing for me to do was start my own farm. However, I chose to add 200 head of feeder cattle to the 350

acres of row crops I grew on land I rented.”

During those early years, Greg became interested in what it took to help an animal reach its full potential. Then the financial crisis of the 1980s hit, and, at 25, he sold his farm due to very high-interest rates and paid the off the bank.

Springdale, Ark.

That loss set the stage for the lifetime of studying and learning about cattle as a secondary career. Greg went to college to study animal science. He delved deeper into the insight that potential existed in each animal influenced by many factors, including husbandry and the science of growth. His long-range agricultural goal was to pursue his interest in the Gelbvieh breed because it is one of the dual-purpose breeds (draft and beef) he learned about during college, and because it is a heritage breed he wanted to preserve. Developed

in the 1850s, Gelbvieh is one of the oldest German cattle breeds.

After college, Greg worked for Sontegard Foods, a wholesaler of shell eggs and powdered, liquid and frozen egg products. Greg worked in several states before coming to Northwest Arkansas about 20 years ago, where he is now the plant manager.

Greg’s Arkansas venture began with the purchase of a small 24-acre farm just outside of Springdale. That purchase was the first step in buying adjacent properties as they came up for sale through the years. He now has 200 acres purchased in eight separate pieces. The key to his plan was a flat 20-acre piece sold to someone else.

“Not much later, the new land owner was forced to sell, and I got an unforeseen Christmas present,” Greg said.

Another part of his venture was becoming a member of what he affectionately calls his “Northwest Arkansas

Greg Anderson opted for Gelbvieh cattle after learning about the breed in college.

Photo by Terry Ropp

meet your neighbors

Lb./Acre

COVER CROPS

50 SPRING PEA,

grazing group.” The group informally shares observations and methods and is an information “gold mine.”

Greg’s Gelbvieh herd started with three purebred bred cows, later supplemented by bred heifers. He bought his cattle from several locations and maintains a herd of 30 to 40 breeding females, using line breeding to refine his health and conformation genetics.

“Line breeding is not a favored method in the cattle industry, and you need a fair number of animals to begin, so you have a broad enough genetic base to work with,” Greg explained. “I cull and sell all calves that don’t meet my standards. I raise all of my own replacements to protect my evolving genetics and cull only when an animal is no longer productive, usually due to feet or reproduction issues.”

One of Greg’s greatest pleasures is watching someone drive by his cattle, and back up to take pictures.

Greg began his cow/calf career with selected calving seasons but wanted better results. Spring calving seemed to result in serious calf scours and subsequent deaths from digestive systems insufficiently developed to handle fescue pastures. He then began running his main breeding bull with mature cows year-round, resulting in healthier calves and few losses. Another, smaller-framed, farm-raised bull breeds first-time heifers.

“Mother Nature does a pretty good job if you leave her alone, and it’s my job to carefully observe what goes on so I can take advantage of the opportunities and conditions she provides,” Greg said. One important example of using observations is Greg’s intermittent rotational grazing/fertilizing system. The cattle are accustomed to moving from pasture to pasture in a specific pattern. When they need fresh grass, they cluster at the gate to the next pasture. Greg fertilizes the pastures the herd rotates from with sludge/ semi-solids from his septic business and eggshells from the “egg-breaking” plant to add lime. Amounts are determined by

annual soil testing mandated by his ownership of the septic business.

An advantage to Greg’s rotational system is that it allows fertilizing materials ample time to be absorbed naturally. The resulting forage nutritional value is so high his cattle need little hay during the winter. Some winters, he feeds no hay, and this last winter, the herd required fewer than 20 bales. Much of his land is characterized by hills and gullies, so during the severe cold streak this winter, the cattle sheltered in a gully with fresh running water that is naturally ground-filtered due to an unusual land formation. No ice breaking was necessary, only a daily ration of hay. Because Greg sees erosion as unnecessary destruction of good land, Greg terraces wherever needed to control water flow so stormwater is helpful rather than harmful.

Another of Greg’s observations was that the cattle did not eat free-choice mineral throughout the year but, seasonally. To compensate, Greg feeds corn chops mixed with mineral year-round, significantly reducing parasite, hoof and potential reproductive problems. The result is that during those times when cattle choose less or no mineral, they still receive some through the corn chop mix.

About 15 years ago, Greg eliminated annual vaccinations because he observed the strength of his herd’s health. His cattle herd is not isolated due to contiguous neighboring cattle, which points to herd health as the most likely reason for the success of the vaccination-free protocol.

As for the future, Greg is looking toward further developing his farm as a high-end agritourism destination, complete with housing. The goal is to serve the community as an agriculture ambassador through intensive access to nature and agriculture in a safe and fun environment. His entrepreneurial nature is not from thinking outside the box but rather ignoring it. He is creative, productive and eager to share with those who yearn for something other than concrete.

Cert., Inoc., Not Coated

50 CIMARRON VL500, 20# 3.78

Cert., Inoc., Not Coated

50 GENUITY, Roundup Ready® 25# 8.62

L442RR Coated

*Less than Full Bags, add 20¢ per lb.

GRAINS

48 GOLIATH OAT, Hay Type/Tall/Later 96# 21.96 +$1/bag mix

48 HAYDEN OAT, Grain 96# 21.84

50 SOYBEANS - ROUNDUP READY® 50# 32.90

Willcross WXR7878, 3.5’ Tall

50 SOYBEANS - LAREDO 50# 44.86

Very Tall Forage Type

50 SOYBEANS - ENLIST® E3 WILLCROSS 50# 48.90

2, 4-D, Liberty, Roundup

50 SOYBEANS 50# 53.30

Extend Flex 4812 Roundup, Liberty, Dicamba

80K CORN, Roundup Ready® Lewis RB110 20K 186.86

80K CORN, Roundup Ready® Silage R1315VT2P 20K 234.84

SUDAN/MILLET

50 SAFE “T” GRAZE SUDAN 50# 0.72

Photo by Terry Ropp

ozarks roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

In Bloom In Bloom

By Pan Willard Lamb

Tulsa Botanic Garden offers more than just plants

Tulsa Botanic Garden is an evolving public garden located on 170 acres northwest of downtown Tulsa. The Botanic Garden has developed 60 acres of the property into gardens and facilities surrounding the property’s 7-acre lake. The remaining 110 acres conserve native flora and fauna of Cross Timbers forest and prairie. Tulsa Botanic Garden is a dynamic public garden home to an ever-changing collection of plants, art and architecture. Year-round plantings provide colorful blooms from spring through fall. There are six main areas in the garden. The Children’s Discovery Garden contains almost 2 acres featuring a fantastical garden environment. The garden offers experience-based learning opportu-

nities for children and families. The 20-foot hand-sculpted Spring Giant is the guardian of the Children’s Discovery Garden.

The Children’s Discovery Garden showcases native Oklahoma species, including leopard frogs, map turtles, raccoons and green sunfish. Sculptures by local artists complement the garden. The Education Wagon covers tree anatomy and can be adapted for students in PreK-3 to adults. Seasonal Scavenger hunts are available at the Botanic Garden’s front desk. The Treefort can be used as an outdoor classroom.

The A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces display 8,000 permanent plants, including trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, roses and perennials set in terraced

beds. The peak of the terraced gardens offers a unique view of downtown Tulsa.

Just west of the top of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Floral Terraces is the Persimmon Grove. The Persimmon Grove opens into the garden’s 110 acres of year-round natural beauty.

The unique Cross Timbers ecoregion offers native flora and fauna where the tallgrass prairies from the west meet the eastern deciduous forest. The convergence of these two habitats contains wildflowers, migrating birds, butterflies and majestic grasses.

Some of the oldest plantings surround the Botanic Garden’s 7-acre lake and may be seen by following the Lakeside Promenade. The Lakeside Promenade

displays those plants in a succession of unique planting beds.

Follow the Sarah G. Allison Lake Trail to visit the Tandy Floral Terraces and the Lakeside Promenade.

Two gardens are under construction.

Groundbreaking for the Bumgarner Lotus Pool began in February 2022 and is scheduled for completion this year. It will contain a new Art Deco bridge which will allow visitors a short walk to admire aquatic lilies, iris and lotus. The Stanford Family Liberty Garden, also started in February 2022, and is expected to be completed this year, is a ceremonial civic space. With an elegant garden setting in the center of the Tulsa Botanic Garden, this space is designed to offer a place to celebrate and

share patriotism as a unifying force for the diverse citizenry of the United States. Learning opportunities at the Botanic Garden are available for adults and children. Adult workshops, classes and plant walks, which cover a wide range of topics, are suited for beginners to even the most seasoned gardeners. Thirty- to 60-minute monthly walking tours are given in March through June and again in September through November. Hands-on programs and activities for kids and families are available throughout the year. Visitors can

welcome at the garden. Pre-K through college students can experience the garden through hands-on learning.

Events are offered throughout the year and may be found on the Botanic Garden calendar available online. Classes and workshops range from story times to how to infuse cocktails with botanicals.

Annual festivals at the Botanic Garden begin with a celebration of spring. Lasting for four to eight weeks, the celebration showcases the largest spring bulb display in the state of Oklahoma, with 200,000

Scarecrows In the Garden, Boo-tanical, Botanic Garden of Lights and the Botanic Garden annual fundraiser Beaujolais are some of the other annual events at the Botanic Garden.

The garden provides a wonderful backdrop for private, corporate or nonprofit events. The Mabee Grange offers an inviting venue for groups with distinctive architecture, unique lighting, a large event space and covered patio on one side of the building. Spectacular views make the Botanic Garden perfect

ozarks roots

Plant sales are available at multiple times during the year. Plants for sale can include some of the newest and rarest varieties of houseplants, annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and bulbs.

When visiting, guests are reminded to bring a hat and sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes and to dress for the weather. Picnic tables in the Great Lawn behind the Visitors Center are perfect for a picnic lunch. Be sure to check the Botanic Garden website for open hours, admission prices, guidelines for guest

agri-business

Happy Cow Feed

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Owner: Doris Hill

Location: Welch, Okla.

History: Happy Cow Feed owner Doris Hill sold liquid cattle feed from her home for many years, but when the opportunity arose, she moved the business into town when a former feed store in Welch, Okla., came up for sale.

“I did the liquid feed for eight, nine years, and would always get calls asking if I had pig feed, cow feed, and such and such,” Doris said. “When this [building] came up for sale, I kind of jumped on it.”

Products and Services: Happy Cow Feed moved into Welch in April 2009, and has been offering farmers and ranchers a variety of products since that time. If it’s not on the shelves, Doris can get it.

“I can get anything,” she said. “You can’t keep everything you can possibly have, but I an normally get it in a few days.”

A wide selection of feed for livestock and pets, however, is always on hand.

“We try have feed for all of your animal critters,” Doris said. “It’s from horse feed, chicken feed, rabbit feed, cattle feed, goat feed; just about anything. We also carry hay and straw.” Bagged and bulk feed is available, with the bulk being a cattle mix from Stillwater Milling Company.

“I have a 30-ton tank, and my goal as always been to have part ground feed and part cubes, but the ground feed has just went over so well that I stuck with it.”

Happy Cow continues to offer the foundation of the business with liquid feeds and lick tubs from Crystalyx, Ragland and many others. Salt and mineral are also available. Doris also offers animal health supplies, hardware, panels and gates, hay rings, concrete feed bunks, season items and many other products in stock.

“Business has been really good for us; I feel blessed,” Doris said, adding that her husband Mark, sons Dustin and Dylan, daughter Crystal, employee Dennis Dalton help keep things moving. Her two grandkids also help out a couple of days a week.

Business Philosophy: “We try to make sure every customer his happy, and we treat them the best we can; every customer is important,” Doris said.

Future Plans: Doris would like to offer delivery of liquid feed, possibly as early as next year.

“I’d like to expand my horse tack, because this is horse country, in addition to cattle country,” Doris said. “I’d also like to add onto the store because my showroom isn’t very big.”

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By Terry Ropp

FAMILY:

Uncle Gene Still; and cousin John Smith

HOMETOWN:

West Fork, Ark.

In Town: “I have taught second grade in Elkins for 14 years and hope to retire from there, then move to the farm. My favorite part of teaching those light bulb moments when I can see that the students ‘get it.’

“My cousin, John Smith, is a farm foreman for a cattle farm owned by Terri McNaughton. We both live with our 87-year-old uncle at his farm in West Fork.”

In the Country: “Uncle Gene Still owns the land that houses Tenx Farms. It is a 200acre commercial cow/calf operation featuring Angus/Braunvieh cattle. The Braunvieh influence puts more frame on the smaller Angus carcass. We maintain a herd size of 42 mommas with two bulls who run with the herd all of the time. We rotate through pastures as needed and set aside a few acres for hay production. The grasses are mostly fescue and Bermuda with rye for colder weather. We produce about a third to half what we need and purchase the rest locally if possible. We maintain cattle health by vaccinating twice a year, in the spring and fall, and providing salt and all-purpose mineral year-round in order to keep input costs down. The cattle have pond and spring water that is supplemented with rural water when necessary. Because black is so favored in the market, we not only sell calves at the sale barn, but have also developed a farm-to-table market that is typically booked two to three months ahead. Farm-to-table customers care less about the color of the calf and more about how it is raised and is a natural fit into our operation.”

Future: “An idea for the future is looking toward better land usage by adding sheep or goats. We may even add pork though we plan on keeping our cattle herd genetics as it is because our current system and marketing work well. The land is beautiful and will be a perfect place to retire.”

slaughter bulls

slaughter cows

sheep & goats

Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 225.00285.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prim 1-3 (per cwt): 237.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 213.00271.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 180.00-230.00.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 123.00-132.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 70.00-126.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 100.00-122.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 123.00138.00.

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 135.00280.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 260.00.

Hair Bucks - Small and Medium 1-2 9 (per cwt): 195.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 325.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 225.00-302.50.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 142.50-222.50.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 292.50-362.50.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 220.00-282.50.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 150.00-175.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 90.00-155.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 147.00-220.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00.

Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 187.50-325.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 235.00-400.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 200.00250.00.

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 3/25/23

Receipts: 2,508

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 250.00353.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 155.00190.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 175.00305.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 175.00-275.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 100.00-115.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per unit): 100.00-140.00.

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

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

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-3 (per unit): 100.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 80.00-144.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 120.00300.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 180.00-430.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/20-40 lbs lamb (per unit): 120.00-420.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 346.00-520.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 250.00-315.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 305.00-430.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 260.00-340.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 185.00-250.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-200.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-230.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 200.00-277.50.

Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 280.00.

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 170.00-310.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 160.00375.00.

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 3/16/23

Receipts: 937

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 210.00465.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 265.00287.50.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 205.00-247.50.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-200.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 130.00-170.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 105.00120.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-110.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 90.00-130.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00190.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 190.00-460.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 325.00-400.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 230.00-305.00.

Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 325.00-375.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 290.00-375.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 205.00-320.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 192.50-200.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 135.00-165.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 195.00-210.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00-265.00.

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00-395.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per cwt): 235.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 260.00390.00.

Fluid Milk/Cream: higher throughout and overflowing for some processors transportation their output lighter in have time Bottling demand and Pacific prepare for the Midwest breaks are some areas Cheesemakers III milk from contacts higher end weeks. Downtime Midwest availability. the West, In the Midwest, multiples hearing offers unusual as within the inventories tightness. 1.32 in the - 1.22 in the SPOT PRICES POUND

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.8075 and 40# blocks at $1.8500. The weekly average for barrels is $1.9000 (-0.0535) and blocks, $1.9685 (-0.0605).

(per

Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 105.00and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-110.00. (per cwt): 90.00-130.00.

Sheep/Lambs:

Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per 190.00-460.00.

1 (per cwt): 325.00-400.00.

2 (per cwt): 230.00-305.00.

Selection 1 (per cwt): 325.00-375.00.

1 (per cwt): 290.00-375.00.

2 (per cwt): 205.00-320.00.

3 (per cwt): 192.50-200.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 135.00-165.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 195.00-210.00.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00-265.00.

Goats:

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 160.00-395.00.

Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per cwt): 235.00.

Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 260.00closed at $1.8075 and 40# blocks at weekly average for barrels is $1.9000 blocks, $1.9685 (-0.0605).

dairy sales

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk output is steady or trending higher throughout much of the country. Flooding and overflowing rivers are creating challenges for some dairy farmers in California. Some dairy processors in the state report flooding has caused transportation delays and power outages, reducing their output capabilities. Class I demand is steady to lighter in California as some educational institutions have time off in the coming weeks for spring break. Bottling demand has also softened in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest as purchasers in those areas prepare for upcoming spring breaks. Contacts in the Midwest report educational institutions’ spring breaks are contributing to dips in Class I demand in some areas but say overall bottling orders are steady. Cheesemakers in the Midwest are obtaining Class III milk from $11 to $3 under Class price, though contacts report more volume is moving near the higher end of the range for the first time in several weeks. Downtime at drying operations in the East and Midwest is contributing to increased condensed skim availability. Condensed skim availability is mixed in the West, while cream remains available in the region. In the Midwest, cream is becoming more available, and multiples moved lower this week. Some contacts report hearing offers for cream from the Eastern region; this is unusual as Midwestern contacts typically obtain cream within the region or from the West. In the East cream inventories vary, with some stakeholders reporting tightness. Cream multiplies for all Classes are 1.151.32 in the East, 1.20 - 1.28 in the Midwest, and 1.00 - 1.22 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.9725 - $3.0438.

cow/calf pairs

meet your neighbors

Building on the Essentials

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Marilynn Teague and Jimmie Chastain ventured into registered Beefmasters six years ago

Nestled in the Ozarks is a small, almost forgotten cemetery –“Pickel Cemetery.”

A small tributary near the cemetery, which dates back to the Civic War area, is dubbed Pickle Creek by the owners of the land in which it crosses. When they began looking for a catchy name for their budding registered cattle operation, they looked no further than their farm.

Pickle Creek Beefmasters began about six years ago near Dunnegan, Mo. Marilynn Teague and Jimmie Chastain raised Angus and Charolais-influenced cattle for several years, but when Marilynn graduated nursing school, she wanted to reward herself by purchasing registered cattle. Jimmie’s family has been on the Chastain Ranch since 1939, and Pickle Creek Beefmasters is a part of the operation.

“We we liked big butts,” Marilynn said of the Beefmaster breed.

The couple started their endeavor with Beefmaster bulls added to the commercial herd and eventually added a registered heifer. Since then, their registered herd has grown to about 50 primarily red Beefmasters, and the couple is actively involved in six state, regional and national Beefmaster organizations. Both have held or hold leadership positions in those organizations. Marilynn is currently on the board of the Arkansas Beefmaster Breeders Association, and Jimmie serves in a leadership role in the Central States Beefmaster Breeders Association.

The six essential traits outlined by breed founder Tom Lasater — weight, conformation, milk production, fertility, hardiness and disposition — drew the couple to Beefmasters. The breed was developed from Hereford, Shorthorn and Brahman cattle.

“We collected cattle from 10 states to start our breeding herd,” Jimmie said.

“We aren’t buying $40,000 heifers, but we get some top-of-the-line genetics.”

Once they began adding Beefmaster females to their herd, Marilynn said they incorporated an AI program to build their genetic profile. They typically AI heifers and rotate between AI and natural service.

The majority of the Pickle Creek Beefmasters-Chastain Ranch herd is spring

year to see if we can compete in another feed test in Texas. Those had to be January calves, and we usually have February calves.

“When you enter the feed tests and the yearling futurities, you want them to be as early in the window as you can so they will be bigger. I had a great bull, and it should be the number one bull, but there were two bulls bigger.”

they had the top bull at an Arkansas sale last year. The number of bulls in a test or included in a futurity and the number each breeder may enter is determined by each breed association.

This year, Marilynn and Jimmie are also entering heifer futurities.

Participating in feed tests and futurities is a marketing tool, but the couple would rather sell animals directly from the farm.

“We like the competition and seeing how our bulls measure up, but you can’t have 10 number one bulls,” Jimmie said.

Marilynn and Jimmie are selective when evaluating their bulls, and both commercial and registered bulls must meet specific standards, including eye appeal and structure, to remain possible herd sires. Any bull not meeting the criteria is castrated. The couple also scans each animal to obtain a ribeye size and intramuscular fat.

“They have to be tame,” Marilynn added. “Most of the time, I work them by myself. We start looking at them right before weaning to see how they are growing, how they are developing.”

Marilynn and Jimmie have retained most of their females to build their registered herd. Percentage females or heifers born into their commercial herd are sold as replacement heifers.

calving, with a few stragglers in the fall.

“We like the spring calves because that coincides with the sales,” Jimmie said. “We have spring sales, and those calves need to be a year old for the futurities; it just works out better. Some production sales cater to earlier-than-spring calving, so we bred some this

Marilynn explained bulls in feed tests are typically kept on grass for two to three months, then put on feed.

“They look at the daily rate of gain on grass, then on feed, then an overall order is set by a group of judges,” she said. Bulls raised by Marilynn and Jimmie have competed in three bull sales so far, and

“We have sold more heifers this year than we ever have,” Jimmie said. “Right now, we have a Beefmaster bull with the commercial herd. Last spring, I sold my last Charolais bull. I still sell a certain amount of Charolais bulls, and I will probably put a Charolais bull back in with those Charolais cows. If not, we will keep a Beefmaster with them.”

Utilizing a Beefmaster bull on a commercial herd, Marilynn said, produces heavier calves for those looking the terminal market.

Females retained in the Pickle Creek Beefmaster-Chastain Ranch operation,

Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford

Jimmy Chastain and Marilynn Teague have raised Beefmaster cattle for six years, adding the operation to a Red Angus and Charolais-influenced commercial herd.

or any females brought in as breeding stock, must meet Marilynn and Jimmie’s high standards.

“They have to have that eye appeal and docility,” Marilynn said. “They have to come from good mommas, and we always pelvic score them. Getting that pelvic measurement has really helped us improve. We also watch birthweights. When a calf hits the ground, you can tell if they are going to be a rock star or a dud. When we go to a sale, I get a catalog, he gets and catalog, and I build a spreadsheet.”

Jimmie said Marilynn looks at numbers and he evaluates the appearance, but they are usually on the same page.

“More times than not, we will come up with the same cows,” Jimmie said. “They might not be in the same order, but our top eight out of 10 will be the same.”

Heifers enter the Pickle Creek-Chastain Ranch breeding program at about 14 to 15 months of age.

“Most Beefmaster breeders want heifers that will calve by the time they are 2,” Marilynn added.

Because they want animals that stick to the six essentials of the Beefmaster breed, Marilynn and Jimmie will not keep a heifer that does not breed on the first breeding cycle, and those animals will not be sold as replacement animals.

Jimmie added that the Lasaters had a philosophy that any cow that could not raise a calf – be it her fault or the fault of Mother Nature – the cow was culled.

“They are supposed to be disease resistant, really resilient and raise a calve in some of the toughest environments, so if she doesn’t wean a calf, she is gone,” Jimmie said.

In the commercial herd, which is about 110 head, Jimmie said their heifer customers appreciate the quality of the Beefmaster-cross heifers.

“I had a load to go Kansas last week,” he said. “I even have a market for the crossbred bulls.”

Cows receive few inputs, other than minerals, grass and hay, which they produce on the farm or is grown locally. The herds will receive an occasional treat of feed. Marilynn said heavily fed cattle tend to develop feet and fertility issues.

Initially, Marilynn and Jimmie leaned more toward a moderate frame, wide-bodied animal, which is more in line with the foundation breeding of Beefmasters. As the years went on and the breed evolved, a larger-framed Beefmaster developed, and the couple added a little more frame. They do not strictly follow either line but instead found a good mix.

“We want to raise the type of cattle people want,” Jimmie said. “We could chase that bigger frame and only buy those big cows and spend a ton of money feeding them, so we are going to do our thing.”

Calves are weaned at around 205 days and occasionally receive creep feed, usually a low-grade commodity feed, prior to weaning. As they grow, they remain on a commodity mix. Cattle going to sales or futurities receive a higher-quality show ration the last 30 or 40 days to “slick them up.”

In addition to seedstock, Marilynn and Jimmie have a beef program, selling whole, halves and quarters. They processed close to 30 head last year, but they may reduce that number this year because of feed and processing costs.

Marilynn and Jimmie plan to continue building their registered herd, and maintain their commercial herd, which provides a steady income stream.

“I am really happy about how far we have come and with our cattle, and with Beefmasters,” Marilynn said, adding that they plan to continue to seek out genetic lines that work well for them in the Ozarks.”

Emma Evans

By Marissa Snider

Age: 14

Hometown: Gentry, Ark.

County: Benton

Parent: Laura Evans

Sibling: Weston Evans

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I am a proud member of Gentry FFA and the Logan 4-H Club. I’ve been active in 4-H for nine years and counting. In 4-H, I participate on the livestock judging team and the meat judging team. It provides a really great opportunity for me to learn more about the cattle that we raise from a different perspective. My family owns a cattle farm in Highfill, Ark., and I am part of that every day as well.”

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

“My favorite part of living on a farm is the opportunity to be a part of something that brings people together. Farm life comes with a community of neighbors, friends, and family that are all bonded through learning new things and the experiences of life on the farm. I also really enjoy teaching people about agriculture.”

What are your future plans?

“When I graduate high school, I plan to attend college and become an animal nutritionist. I’ve grown up on a cattle farm. I love it and I don’t see any reason to leave that behind when I grow up.”

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

“My parents have also encouraged me to work hard and stick it out. Sometimes chores on the farm are not fun at all. Sometimes the animals are difficult, and sometimes I would rather be with my friends, but growing up on a farm has taught me that we’re all a part of something that is bigger.”

Awards: “I have been really fortunate to see the work that I put in pay off. I’ve probably received too many awards to count, but a couple significant awards that come to mind include the Star Discovery Award for FFA and the Grand Champion Pasture to Plate Steer for Benton County.”

Advice from

the ofn ag-visors the professionals StopExploitationFinancial

By Erin Harvey

One of the biggest growing problems our state and country faces is financial exploitation. As a banker, this subject comes up unfortunately more than I would like. I’m hoping this article will help provide some tips and resources so we can all come together to stop it.

Financial exploitation has been called “the crime of the 21st century” and occurs when there is an illegal use of a vulnerable adult’s resources for another person’s gain. The vulnerable adult is at least 60 years old or disabled and between 18 and 59. He or she is tricked or coerced into handing over money to a son, daughter, relative or stranger.

Financial exploitation is the third most frequent type of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Chances are good that if an elderly or disabled person is being exploited financially, he or she is being victimized in other ways, too. Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services serves as the Adult Protective Services agency for the elderly and disabled and is mandated to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Adult children victimize their parents in 60.4 percent of substantiated financial exploitation cases investigated by state adult protective services agencies. The primary reasons include the easy access adult children have to their mother or father or other elderly relatives, as well as the love parents have for their children – a love which can function to lower the potential victims’ suspicions and defenses. Grandchildren and other relatives also victimize their elderly loved ones in 19 percent of financial exploitation cases, followed by friends and neighbors at 8.7 percent Those who commit the crime tend to be young or middle-aged: almost one-half are less than age 40, while almost 40 percent are between ages 41 and 59. Interestingly, an adult child will victimize a parent even if the parent is of humble means. Why? Access to the victim matters even more than the victim’s wealth. And it’s the victim’s vulnerability as well as close proximity to the exploiter, that makes him or her an easy target. Experts believe that for every case of adult abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported. If you suspect an elderly or disabled person is being exploited financially, call the Department of Heath and Senior Services hotline (1-800-392-0210 ) or visit health mo.gov/safety/abuse. Provide as much identifying information as possible when making the call, such as: names, addresses, and daytime phone numbers of the alleged victim and perpetrator, any witnesses, information regarding the victim’s age or disability, and your daytime phone number. A thorough explanation of what happened, include the nature and date(s) of the incident, if law enforcement is involved, and any other information that may help the investigation.

A scam may be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline (1-800392-8222) or at ago.mo.gov/app/consumercomplaint. The purpose of the hotline is to investigate alleged violations of the State consumer fraud law, and pursue legal proceedings to protect Missourians from illegal advertising and sales practices.

Making farming a little easier

From Chicks to Chickens

By Cheryl Kepes

The basics of caring for a backyard flock

Sweet little chicks find a way to make it into many people’s hearts and homes this time of year. Once the soft, feathered babes are a part of the family, there are important steps to take to make sure the chicks grow into healthy, productive chickens.

Regulate Body Temperature

Chicks are not able to control their body temperature from the time they hatch until they reach six to eight weeks old. “It’s not until they have their full adult feathers that they can regulate their body temperature on their own,”

Tatijana Fisher, PhD, Missouri poultry

what do you say?

What is a practice you follow to make your farming operation more efficient?

specialist and Lincoln University assistant professor, said.

Therefore, during that time period the chicks need supplemental heat. Many people choose to set up a heat lamp in the brood pen to help the chicks stay warm. The chicks require the additional warmth even in the summer months. However, poultry experts also advise taking precautions to prevent the chicks from overheating. “When you are setting up a pen, make sure you are setting up an area where they can get away from the heat lamp. Have a warm end and then a cooler end,” Fisher advised.

“We have commercial genetics that work for us, but not all of the calves are black so we have added a farm-to-table market that books a couple of months out, with customers who don’t care about hide color but how they are raised.”

Melissa Eaton Washington County, Ark.

Feed Options

At each stage of their life cycle chickens need feed formulated for their particular life stage. For example, chickens starting to lay eggs require a layer feed which contains additional calcium for the development of eggshells and less protein because the chickens are no longer growing. “You can feed them some table scraps and things like that but that’s never going to be their whole diet,” Fisher explained. This holds true for free-range chickens as well. “Even during the height of summer when there are the most bugs, grass and the most everything. You still want

“We both work and raise a family, so time is precious. We sell by private treaty over the internet, which mostly avoids all the time and effort of trips to the sale barn.”

Dorie Davenport Benton County, Ark.

to provide them with seed,” Fisher said. “You may see that they eat a little bit less feed because they are able to pick up a little bit of their diet from free-ranging.” A rule of thumb for the amount of feed needed is two pounds of feed, per week, per hen. Poultry specialists encourage people to place the chicken seed in some sort of feeder. Spreading the seed on the ground creates waste and increases the risk of parasite exposure.

Water Access

Chickens need constant access to water. When the animals are chicks, particular attention should be made

“We have a family operation including meat sales and are part of the Arkansas Beef Quality Assurance Program, which promotes our out of state sales though certified best practice standards.”

Jo Beth Evans Madison County, Ark.

“I hate weeds and concentrate on one species a year and dig them out or spray and get rid of all of the plants and move to another weed the next year. After a few years, the weeds are a minimal problem at very little expense.”

Earl Rowe Washington County, Ark.

to ensure the chicks don’t drown in their water bowl. Poultry specialists recommend purchasing something made especially for chicks or using a very small, shallow dish filled with rocks. Chicks can easily drown if they cannot get out of the water dish. They can also freeze if they get wet. Another option is using nipple waterers for chicks and adult birds. The nipple waterers provide a consistent, clean water source. Chicks will need to be trained to use these type of waterers.

Roosts and Nest Boxes

Once the chicks become hens, they will need roosts and nest boxes. The roosts should be placed higher than the nest boxes so the chickens don’t sleep in the nest boxes. Nest boxes should be brought out when the hens reach five-months of age, in order for the hens to get used to the nest boxes prior to starting to lay eggs.

Some folks prefer to make nest boxes for their chickens, others choose to purchase them. “If you are buying one, I recommend purchasing one with the roll out feature, so the eggs roll into a container that the hens can’t get to. That makes collection easier, keeps your eggs cleaner, and reduces the likelihood that hens will eat eggs,” Fisher said. Typically, backyard flocks require one nest box for every four to five chickens. A nest box is not needed for every bird. However, if there are only four or five chickens, set up two nest boxes simply to give them an option.

Coops

When building a coop, it’s advised to use hardware cloth instead of chicken wire. Chicken wire is less expensive, but many predators can easily break through chicken wire. “Use chicken wire to protect your garden from your birds, don’t use chicken wire to protect your birds from the world,” Fisher stated.

Biosecurity

Poultry specialists emphasize the importance taking preventative measures to keep disease away from flocks. Implementing biosecurity measures will go a long way to keep flocks protected from illnesses.

Efficiency and Sustainability

By Cheryl Kepes

Recommendations to benefit farming operations

Whether working with pastureland, woodland, cropland or a garden, implementing a few simple practices can help an operation run more efficiently and sustainably. Some of the recommendations come with minimal out-ofpocket costs to producers.

Know the Soil

The recommendation for producers to utilize soil tests likely doesn’t come as new information to most farmers. However, producers may not have considered the practice as a way to make their operation more sustainable and efficient.

If farmers are applying fertilizers without a soil test, then there is a chance they are over applying the fertilizer or under applying it. “If you are over applying you can be causing some environmental issues downstream in regard to water quality on lakes, streams and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico or you are not applying enough and your place is not living up to its full potential,” Nathan Bilke, district conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, said.

Experts recommend producers test their pastures an average of every two years because the nutrient levels will vary over time. A soil test in the Ozarks many times reveals the soil has an acidic pH. “Our soils are in general acidic. You wouldn’t think they would be with all the limestone and calcium but that’s how soil dynamics work,” Bilke stated. Applying ag lime to pastures will help neutralize the pH.

Another factor to consider is when pH is low in the soil it can inhibit nutrients already contained in the soil profile. “If your pH is low all the nutrients that are

banked are locked up and not available to the plant. So, that’s why neutralizing that pH will allow that soil to release those nutrients to the plant roots,” Bilke explained.

According to Bilke, there are instances in which producers continue to apply fertilizer year after year without getting a soil test. They hope the fertilizer application will cause their grass to grow but they see little or no results. Bilke says many times this is due to the low pH in the soil binding the nutrients. Lime will help neutralize the pH, thus creating a pathway for the uptake of nutrients into the plant.

Livestock – Forage Balance

Finding the proper stock density can help an operation become more profitable and sustainable. A livestock – forage balance creates an environment to assist a farm in difficult times. When the stock density is out of balance the operation may be running at a less efficient rate. A too high stock rate forces producers to buy more inputs in the way of feed and hay to get their herds through summer and winter months. When the stock density is out of balance it can be more difficult to survive a drought and other environmental stressors.

The proper stock density varies from one operation to another and depends on multiple factors. The local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and county extension offices all have staff available to help producers determine optimal stock density for their operations.

Rotation is Key

Whether its crops, garden plot vegetables, or livestock there is value in

rotation. Rotation benefits the soil and breaks pest and disease cycles. Additionally, rotational grazing can bring benefits to livestock producers. “If you are wanting to be sustainable, efficient and increase your profit margin rotational grazing in some form is what you need to shoot for,” Bilke stated.

Rotational grazing is achieved through proper water distribution and fence layout. District conservationists encourage producers to install water and fencing systems that are flexible. Due to market fluctuations, family dynamics or other factors having a flexible system creates easier adaptability.

Additionally, utilizing cover crops in an operation protects the soil, adds nutrients to the soil and creates weed suppression. “Cover crops are a really important thing to inject into your operation whether it is a garden or a commercial cropping operation,” Bilke added. Cover crops utilized in a livestock operation provide additional forage and protect soil.

Get a Plan

Farmers managing acres of woodland for nut crops, recreation, tree harvesting or other uses have the opportunity to receive expert advice on how to best care for their woodland. Forestry management experts will assess the woodland and develop a plan. The plan outlines what steps are needed to make the woodland healthier. This is a service provided at little or no cost by the Missouri Department of Conservation, NRCS or SWCD programs. Additionally, keep in mind most every county has an office with agricultural experts who are available to give technical advice specific to the region and to offer cost-share programs.

Heifer Development

By Cheryl Kepes

Management practices for the care and breeding of heifers

Last spring’s heifer calves are fast approaching their first breeding season. As producers work to develop and manage replacement females there are a few things to keep in mind. First, growing heifers from calf to cow takes time, money, and discipline. “Heifer development is expensive and sets the stage for the rest of the cow’s lifetime production,” Paul Beck, Ph.D., extension beef cattle nutritionist with Oklahoma State University, said.

In addition, proper heifer development is important in maintaining the genetics of a herd. “Do not cut corners, it will lead to a long depressing calving season,” Beck added. “Developing your own replacements is also not for everyone, if you do not have the right genetics or the right facilities, you are better off buying replacements from others that do.”

Fertility in Genetics

Producers planning to raise replacements should focus on utilizing the genetics of heifer calves born first in their calving season. “Older heifers, those born earlier in the calving season, are associated with higher fertility, because heifers that breed early in the breeding season are more fertile and will calve early in their first calving season and then tend to breed and calve early in subsequent years,” Beck explained. The genetics for fertility are passed on to their offspring.

Monitor Body Condition

Producers raising replacement females should monitor the heifer’s body condition closely. The heifers need to be developed to gain bodyweight without putting on too much condition. “The rule of thumb I prefer is we want to breed heifers at 65 percent of their mature bodyweight and calve when they reach 75 percent of their bodyweight,” Beck said.

“Heifers that are born early in the calving season are usually bigger at weaning and performance does not have to be as high to reach these benchmarks.”

Additionally, livestock extension specialists recommend producers calve heifers in a body condition score of six. Calving requires significant energy and thin heifers may wear out before the calving process is complete. A proper body condition also benefits the female post-calving. Producers should keep in mind that the repair of the reproduction tract and continued growth are important for rebreeding, so thin heifers are harder to get back into shape before rebreeding.

Utilize Visual Appraisal

Though there are now genetic tools that producers can utilize to help them select the heifers that will make the best cows, livestock extension specialists say nothing replaces visual appraisal for selecting the right type of female that will fit in the cowherd and remain functional. “Feet and legs and teat shape and placement are seemingly small details but are important for longevity of the cow,” Beck stated.

Consider Environment

Another factor producers may want to keep in mind when choosing replacement heifers is the location of the cattle operation. Females that fit well in one environment with its forages and weather patterns, may not thrive somewhere else. “When selecting replacement heifers, mature size and milk production are tied to forage intake and nutrient requirements,” Beck added. “Consider the environment your ranch is in when selecting replacements for cows in your herd.”

Vet Check

Scheduling a visit from the herd veterinarian to check heifers’ pelvic areas and determine reproductive tract scores

(RTS) provides producers with additional information on a heifer’s breeding and calving ability. Experts recommend heifers be checked prior to breeding to ensure they are developing and have an adequate pelvic area.

Additionally, producers can utilize RTS prior to breeding to assess fertility and cycling activity. “Heifers with low scores (RTS 1 or 2) are less likely to be cycling before the breeding season and are thus not likely to breed early in the season and are more likely to remain open,” Beck explained.

e voice of the Ozarks

Reducing Soil Compaction

By Cheryl Kepes

Reaping the benefits of better soil

Soil compaction may create problems for producers in areas on their properties they may not have considered. A compacted area prevents water from infiltrating the soil thus causing stress to trees and plants, creating muddy spots prone to cause foot rot, and decreasing the lifespan of ponds. However, there are ways to reduce soil compaction and minimize its impact.

Control Woodland Access

Livestock appreciate grazing in wooded pasture especially in the heat of the summer. But allowing heavy-hooved animals, such as cattle and horses, to continuously graze the area can compact the soil near tree roots. “What happens with compaction is all the voids and aerobic pathways through the soil profile are being compacted down so now when it rains water just runs off and it doesn’t infiltrate very well,” Nathan Bilke, district conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, said. “Then the trees get stressed because they don’t get very much water.” The compacted soil causes the tree to suffer and makes them more prone to disease.

problems near water sources. For example, fence cattle out of the pond while giving them limited access to the water. Hoof action around the pond bank can compact the soil and cause soil to wash into the pond. This will reduce the pond’s storage capacity and life expectancy. “If you don’t have water, you don’t have anything,” Bilke stated.

Additionally, compaction problems can occur near waterers. The waterers are a drawing point for livestock causing compaction areas around the water tank or automatic waterer which can turn into mudholes. District conservationists recommend implementing heavy use area protection measures in these situations. Installing geotextile fabric and gravel around the area can reduce problems.

PastureStrategiesManagement

Minimizing the impact of compaction throughout pastures can be achieved through the combination of several management practices. “A lot of things work together to offset the issue of compaction. So, having good forage resources and water distributed across the landscape is important and that will help,” Bilke explained.

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This can be particularly frustrating for producers planning to utilize their wooded area to cultivate nut crops or to harvest timber. District conservationists recommend allowing livestock to graze in the woodland parts of property, but to limit the access. One way to limit the access is to fence off the wooded area with a permanent or temporary fence. Then, the animals can occasionally graze in the woods at the producer’s discretion.

Monitor Water Sources

In the same token, controlling livestock access to water will reduce compaction

During severe weather conditions, such as a drought or extremely muddy conditions, consider choosing a single paddock instead of letting cattle roam throughout the pastures.

“When the soil is muddy or the weather isn’t right and you don’t want to cause issues across the place for a long period of time, put them in a paddock you don’t mind sacrificing that you can rehab later,” Bilke advised. When the stressful time has passed, producers have to rehab only part of their pasture instead of all of it.

— ZONE B AUCTIONS —

4/8 Estate Auction – McAlester, Okla. • Chillie’s Auction Service

4/22 Farm Equipment and Real Estate Auction – Branch, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

4/29 Estate & Real Estate Auction – Cedarville, Ark. • Contrail Auction Service

4/29 J&H Spring Consignment Auction –Warner, Okla. • J&H Equipment Auction

4/29 Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

– Mountainburg, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

— ZONE C AUCTIONS —

4/8 NWA Equipment Consignment Auction –Fayetteville, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

4/8 Vernon E. Smith Estate Auction –Harrison, Ark. • Bailey Auction Service

4/10 Roach, Suttles, Living Estate Auction –Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R. Williams

4/11 Robert Engle Estate Auction – Huntsville, Ark. • Arkansas Professional Auctioneers

4/15 Cabin & 80 +/- Acres Public Auction –Pettigrew, Ark. • Reading Auction Service

4/15 Equipment and Farm Supplies Auction –Fayetteville, Ark. • Price Auction Marketing

4/15 Estate Cabinet Shop & Farm Auction

– Rogers, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R. Williams

4/15 Storment Estate Auction – Benton, Ark. • Howell Auction Service LLC

4/16 Pete Hill Moving Estate Auction – Gentry, Ark. • Dwayne Craig Auction Service

4/17, 24 Mary Radtke Living Estate Auction

– Springdale, Ark. • Auctions by Larry R. Williams

4/22 334 + Acres with 3 Ponds & 5,631 sq. ft. Custom Built Home Ranch Auction –Lincoln, Ark. • Auction Management Group

4/29 Estate Firearm, Gold & Silver Coin Auction

– Sulphur Springs, Ark. • Barber Auctions

4/29 Spring Equipment Auction – Harrison, Ark. • Horton Auction Company

4/15

4/16

4/19 Equipment Online Auction – bidding closes April 19th at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

4/20 Darby Farms Retirement Online Auction

– bidding closes April 20th at 10 a.m. –bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

4/20 Public Tack Auction – Puxico, Mo. • Sandy Smith Auction Company

4/22 Oil Capital Collectibles Spring Auction –Kellyville, Okla. • Oil Capital Collectibles

4/26 Callaway County Real Estate Auction –Mokane, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

4/28-29 Two Day Farm & Ranch Equipment Auction – Fletcher, Okla. • Bridges

Auction & Sales Company

4/29 Absolute Moniteau County Real Estate & Personal Property Auction – California, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate

4/29 Double Estate and Consignments Auction –Glenwood, Ark. • McGrew Auction Service

4/29 Retirement Auction – Jonesboro, Ark. • Auctions and More

5/13 Farm Machinery Consignment Auction –Bloom eld, Mo. • Jacob Goodin Auction Service

ozarks’ calendar

April 2023

11 Apple Grafting Workshop – 1 p.m. – Cost: $10 per person – Boone County Farm Bureau Office, Harrison, Ark. – to register call 870-741-6168

13 Feeding Livestock for Butcher Free Short Course – 6 p.m. – Marion County Fairgrounds, Summit, Ark. – for questions or to register call 870-449-6349 or bsee@uada.edu

13 Raising Chickens for Beginners – 2-4 p.m. – Cost: $5 per person – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344

13-15 Sequoyah County Quilt Show – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, Sallisaw, Okla. – 918-775-4838

14 Taking Your Chicken and Egg Production to the Next Level – 2-4 p.m. –Cost: $5 per person – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. –501-329-8344

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

15 Best Care Training – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – UACCM Workforce Training Center, Morrilton, Ark. – register by calling 479-968-7098

15 Cleburne County 4-H Foundation Fishing Team Bass Tournament – Devils Fork Park, Greers Ferry Lake, Ark. – for more information contact the Cleburne County Extension Office, Heber Springs, Ark. – 501-362-2524

18 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6:30 p.m. – Jeral L. Hampton Meeting Place, Booneville, Ark. – 479-963-2360

18, 20, 22 Madison County Rabies Clinic – for more information contact the Madison County MU Extension Office at 479-738-6826

19, 20 Serv Safe Class – Russellville, Ark. – for more information call 479-968-7098

20 Backyard Poultry – 6 p.m. – Cost: $5 – Boone County Farm Bureau, 110 Industrial Park Road, Harrison, Ark. – call 870-741-6168 to register – seating limited

ozarks’ auction block

April 2023

11 Sydenstricker Genetics 18th Annual SydGen Influence Sale – New Cambria Livestock, New Cambria, Mo. – 573-581-5900 or 573-473-9202

14 Waddle Farm Performance Bull Sale – Kirksville Livestock Market, Kirksville, Mo. – 585-208-0349 or 585-208-0322

15 Belle Point Ranch Pathway to Opportunity Sale – Lavaca, Ark. – 479-782-5579 or 989-965-6363 or 989-798-8223

15 Four States Classic Spring Turnout Replacement Female Sale – Hope Livestock Facility, Hope, Ark. – 870-703-4345 or 870-904-6671

15 Heart of America Gelbvieh Showcase and Elite Online Female Sale – 417-664-6936 or 573-280-4633 – www.heartofamericagelbvieh.com

15 McBee Cattle Company Spring Selection Day Sale – at the ranch, Fayette, Mo. –573-228-2517

15 Missouri Charolais Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. –

15 New Day Genetics Spring Bull Sale – Cunningham Livestock, Salem, Mo. – Cunningham Livestock, Salem, Mo. – 406-581-7835 or 256-590-2487

15 The Power Performance Pedigree Registered Angus Sale – Mountain Grove, Mo. – 417-293-8002

20-21 Flint Hills Third Annual Spring Sale – NextGen Cattle Company, Paxico, Kan. – 785-213-1753 or 785-580-6883

22 East Central Missouri Angus Association Spring Sale – Interstate Regional Livestock, Cuba, Mo. – 417-224-6296

22 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Spring Sale – Ozarks Regional Stockyards, West Plains, Mo. – 205-270-0999

22 Kiko Goat Sale – Sequoyah County Fairgrounds, Sallisaw, Okla. – for more information call 918-775-4838

22 4-H Miss Clover Pageant – Berryville Performing Arts Center, Berryville, Ark. – for more information contact the Carroll County Extension Office at 870-423-2958

25 Apple Grafting Workshop – 10 a.m. – West Side First Baptist Church, Greers Ferry, Ark. – Cost: $10 per person – limited to 30 people – to register call 501-362-2524

27 East Central Pesticide Conference – 8:30 a.m.-3 :30p.m. – Cost: $20 – Cherokee County Extension Office, Tahlequah, Okla. –register by April 20 –918-456-6163

27 Pesticide Applicator Training – Cherokee County Community Center, Tahlequah, Okla. – to register call 918-456-6163

29 Cleburne County Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale – 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – 725 South 4th Street, Heber Springs, Ark. – for more information call 501-362-2524

29 Small Ruminants Field Day – 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – USDA-ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, 6883 South State Highway 23, Booneville, Ark. – Cost: Free – register by April 24, limited seating – call 479-271-1060 or 479-675-2787

May 2023

2 2023 Soil Health Workshop Series Part 2 – 3-6 p.m. – University of Arkansas Food Science Department, 2650 N. Young Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. – Cost: $10 per workshop – register at bit.ly/nwa-soil-trainings

2 Poultry Waste Management Course – 6-8 p.m. – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jay, Okla. – for more information call 918-253-4332

3 Poultry Waste Management Course – 9 a.m. – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jay, Okla. – must RSVP – call 918-253-4332

22 Missouri Red Angus Association Show-Me Reds Bull & Female Sale –Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-327-7870

22 Thomas Farms Spring Production Sale – Damascus, Ark. – 501-745-8728

28 Express Ranches Annual Grass Time Sale – at the ranch, Yukon, Okla. –405-350-0044

29 Aschermann Akaushi 36th Edition Sale – at the ranch, Carthage, Mo. –417-793-2855

29 18th Annual Great American Pie Limousin & LimFlex Bull & Female Sale –Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447

29 Wienk Charolais 54th Annual Bull Sale – at the ranch, Lake Preston, SD –605-860-0505 or 605-203-0137

May 2023

6 Heartland Highland Cattle Association 12th Annual Spring Highland Cattle Auction – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. –417-345-0575 or 309-251-5832

6 Soaring Eagle of the Ozarks Female Sale – Soaring Eagle Sale Facility, Springfield, Mo. – 417-839-1200

7 JD Bellis Family Herefords Three Generations Raising No Excuse Herefords Production Sale – at the Farm, Aurora, Mo. – 417-466-8679

12 GDD Angus & Combined Forces Female Sale – Kingsville, Mo. – 423-426-2986 or 816-500-2362

13 Mead Farms Female & Bull Production Sale – Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 or 573-302-7011

19 Show Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-276-3313

Talala, Okla.

918-695-2357

HorseheadRanch.net

LIMOUSIN

Glendenning J Bar J

Lebanon, Mo.

417-588-6121

417-664-0913

417-664-1186

jack@jbarjlimousin.com

jbarjlimousin.com

RED ANGUS

Watkins Cattle Company

Harrison, Ark.

870-741-9795

870-688-1232

watkinscattleco@ windstream.net

ULTRABLACK

Horsehead

Talala, Okla.

918-695-2357

HorseheadRanch.net

Farm EquipmEnt Community

Invitation to Comment on a Proposed Wireless Telecommunications Facility

Interested persons are invited to comment on the tower and antennae placement and related equipment shelters at the wireless telecommunications facility proposed to be constructed at:

N 35 57’ 56.54”/W 94 26’ 35.84”, Sec. 24-T15N-R33W, 11149

S. Old Cincinnati Rd., Lincoln, Washington County, Oklahoma, with respect to impacts on historic properties located at or near this facility, if any. The facility will consist of a 346’ SST. Comments regarding potential effects to historic properties should be submitted within 30 days of the date of this notice by mail to: White Buffalo Environmental, Inc. 7707 East 111th St., Suite 101 Tulsa, OK 74133 or by calling (918) 660-0999

Questions about this facility or this notice may also be directed to that address or phone number. This notice is provided in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

4/10/23