OFN April 13, 2020 by Eric Tietze

In the Beefmaster Business APRIL 13, 2020 • 24 PAGES

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 3 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Tom and Deidra Hood selected Beefmasters because of the breed’s efficiency

Continuing the Family Tradition Wesley Benton continues the Charolais operation his grandfather Jewell Spurlock started with a single heifer

Improving Pasture Efficiency Improving forages can improve the overall efficiency of a herd and help increase profits

Getting Back to Basics

ClemTuck Farms utilizes a natural approach

rumor mill

Oklahoma educator to be honored by university: Deborah (Roeber) VanOverbeke of Stillwater, Okla., will be honored at her alma mater on Oct. 2, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Alumni and Friends Reunion. She is one of four being honored and will receive the undergraduate of distinction award. As an undergraduate student at UNL, VanOverbeke was highly active and engaged in the department. She served as president of Block & Bridle for two years, was a student worker in the meat science group, and an undergraduate teaching assistant. Following graduation, VanOverbeke worked for Nebraska Cattlemen in the area of producer education and marketing of the Beef Quality Assurance and Nebraska Corn-Fed Beef programs. She went on to pursue her master’s and doctorate in meat science at Colorado State University. In 2005, she moved to Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor with a teaching/ research appointment in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. Since that time, she has been promoted to full professor. Her research focuses on quality/sensory attributes related to beef cattle management and has included recent National Beef Quality audits, research on shelf life and consumer preference and the impact of growth promotion strategies on meat quality.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

APRIL 13, 2020

Sutterfield inducted to Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame: The late Leo Sutterfield was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame on March 6. Sutterfield was a cattleman, a businessman and an advocate for his hometown of Mountain View and the rural areas of Arkansas. Sutterfield served nine years as chairman of the Arkansas Beef Council and was an Arkansas representative on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, the national administrative body for the Beef Checkoff program. Sutterfield passed away on Sept. 17, 2017. Online training: Statewide training and certification for private pesticide applicators from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is now available online to help keep farmers on schedule as the planting season approaches. The training, which is required for licensure through the Arkansas State Plant Board, is available to both experienced applicators seeking recertification and individuals seeking first-time certification. For more information, contact your local Extension, or visit www.uaex.edu Industry leader passes: A Bar Ranch founder Mike Armitage, 67, of Claremore, Okla., passed away on March 19. At the time of Armitage’s passing, he served as the president-elect of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. In past years, he served the OCA as the Northeast District Vice President, as chair of the Beef Business Committee and is a past recipient of the Cattleman of the Year award. Donations may be made in Armitage’s honor to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, Mike Armitage Memorial Internship. Donate online at okcattlemen. org/foundation. There is a spot to note who your donation is in memory of. Donations can also be mailed to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73148. Please write Mike Armitage Memorial Internship in the memo.

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VOL. 14, NO. 3

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

Pat and the thirsty raccoon

Jody Harris – Making it through

Julie Turner-Crawford – Filling the critical needs

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Couple sees the benefits of Beefmasters

8 10

After the passing of his grandfather, Wesley Benton continues his legacy

Eye on Agribusiness features Paris Veterinary Hospital

State park offers fun for the family

Town & Country spotlights Blake Stephens

Getting back to the basics of agriculture

Youth in Agriculture highlights Addie Womack

FARM HELP 17 Finances and efficiency 18 Improving pastures improves productivity

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

To increase gains, know what you are feeding your cattle

Feeding the right mixture to control flies

14 APRIL 13, 2020

just a

thought

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960 479-846-1002 • Fax: 479-846-1003 E-mail: editor@ozarksfn.com

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Eric Tietze

Life Is Simple

e f i L elpmiS si

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

By Jerry Crownover

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egardless of how long a person vonworCexperiyrreJ yB farms, they will re encounter ences that they have never seen before, sometimes with a shockJerry Crownover is ing or scary presentation. Case in a farmer and former point: my neighbor, Pat. professor of Agriculture Pat owns the local feed store, as well as runEducation at Missouri ning quite a number of cows and calves on sevState University. He is a eral different farms. He is a few years older than native of Baxter County, me and is about as laid-back and even-keeled Arkansas, and an as anyone I’ve ever met, but what happened author and professional to him last week, momentarily, dispensed his speaker. To contact Jerry, calm demeanor. go to ozarksfn.com and My friend pulled his truck up beside an upclick on ‘Contact Us.’ right, bulk feed bin, to fill a few sacks of grain, that he needed to take to another farm, to feed a few weaned calves. After filling one sack, the grain began to flow really, really slow. Given the amount of wet weather we’ve been encountering, Pat was certain the feed, inside the metal bin, had drawn enough moisture, that it had either “caked up” or was stuck to the sides of the bins. This was nothing new and he retreated to the truck, to get a large, rubber mallet that he carried for just such occasions. Slowly, while wading through the deep mud, Pat circled the feed bin while beating on the sides with his trusty rubber hammer. Convinced he had broken loose the problem, he placed another sack under the spout and opened the sliding gate, ever so gently. About a halfgallon of grain slowly trickled out, before stopping completely. Frustrated, he bent over, to see if he could discover the problem and, there, at the mouth of the bin, dangled the FOOT of some yet-to-be-determined animal. As he began to reach for the exposed extremity, in an attempt to unclog his feed source, the foot MOVED! So did Pat. Even though he’s a big man and military

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

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Amanda Newell, Production Sales Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Larry Burchfield, Trish Hollenbeck, Klaire Howerton, Ken Knies and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Tom and Deidra Hood started using a Beefmaster bull with their herd and were impressed with the results. See more on page 7. 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., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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ow are you doing? We are keeping the recent pandemic panic in perspective. I’ve never been to war. I cannot imagine the poverty of the Great Depression. I do think a toiJody Harris is a freelance let paper shortage is something that should not be communications specialist, gardener, ranch wife and keeping any of us up at night. mother of four. She and We are finishing up day 17 of self-quarantine her family raise Angus beef here on the farm. The little home school on the cattle and other critters on mountain is starting up week two of Alternative their northwest Arkansas Methods of Instruction (AMI). There were a few ranch. She is a graduate tears this morning coming off a week-long springof Missouri State University. break-at-home. I have taught my fourth grader all To contact Jody, go to about “carrying the one” and overall, we are fine. ozarksfn.com and click on There is something beautiful in every trial, if we ‘Contact Us.’ look hard enough. School is canceled, baseball and softball are canceled, as are dance classes and competitions, You know, what? I have not had to burn up the roads for the last few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching these kids do their thing, but not filling up my gas tank twice a week is a blessing. It’s been a productive quarantine, thus far. My husband leased some new ground to cut hay this year. He and some neighbors have been busying themselves clearing land to build new fences. He brought home a load of mulch for me last weekend. The kids and I pulled weeds and spread mulch most of the day Saturday. Honestly, I don’t think our flower beds have ever looked better. The trees and flowers are blooming. We had to mow the yard for the first time this season. There is natural beauty all around us. I took my horse out and walked fence rows, enjoying the natural surroundings. Probably the highlight of my week – just taking it all in. Fortunately, we have been able to run our businesses from home – utilizing technology and the phone to keep things moving. I can’t imagine being “stuck” anywhere better than this. We are planners. This is because we have a big family. The scheduled life in big families has been described by one of my friends as a delicate puzzle. We have beef in the freezer and several canned vegetables from last year’s garden. Typically, I’m always stocked up on toilet paper and essentials. A Girl Scout is always prepared. It’s been lovely to enjoy three meals a day at home as a family. Our youngest son looks forward to the “goodies” his sisters have baked each afternoon. My husband and I may or may NOT have gained the “quarantine 15.” I’m realizing daily, these kids are growing up way too fast. They are witty and interesting little people. We miss seeing friends, going to ballgames and the occasional night out in our favorite restaurant. However, I think all things happen for a good reason. You know how a farmer’s work is never done? We finally have the time to get some things checked off an ever-growing to-do list. We have found simple pleasures sticking close to home. I have no clue what your current situation is. I know many people have lost jobs. Each of us is worried about how we’ll pay bills next month. I’m praying for you. Our whole family is praying. We hope this virus is eradicated very soon. Focus on the good things each day and don’t forget to take deep breaths. Remember, there was a time when we were terrified to eat both spinach and Romaine lettuce. This too, shall pass, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 13, 2020

just a thought

Across the Fence By Julie Turner-Crawford

hings are changing in our world, and folks are facing a new “normal.” We’re also learning the meaning of the term “social distancing.” Julie Turner-Crawford COVID-19 has shaken the lives of is a native of Dallas many and caused major impacts on our econoCounty, Mo., where she my, not to mention sending some people in a grew up on her family’s tizzy for toilet paper. farm. She is a graduate Businesses, schools and other “gathering spots” of Missouri State are closed, but our nation’s farms and ranches University. To contact are still open for business. Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 The federal government and the Centers for or by email at editor@ Disease Control and Prevention have deemed ozarksfn.com. agriculture a “critical industry” during this pandemic. This is a reminder that farmers and ranchers are critical every day – even when times are good. Some producers may be thinking it’s all for not as markets take hits, and row croppers are struggling to get into their fields because of continuous rains. We have to remember consumers are counting on us. Like many of you, I’ve gone to the grocery store in recent weeks and found some things on my list out of stock. Bread was scarce, so I decided I would make my own. I had some flour, but not enough, and my yeast was old, so down the baking aisle I went, only to discover it empty. I bought frozen hot rolls instead.

Main Dish

— Continued on Next Page

Ground Beef and Cabbage Submitted by: Julie Turner-Crawford, Phillipsburg, Mo.

Ingredients: • • • • • •

1 large head cabbage, finely chopped 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 pound ground beef

Directions:

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Combine cabbage, tomatoes with juice, onion, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper in a large pot over low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer and crumble ground beef into the pot (I like to brown lightly before adding to mixture). Cover and cook until cabbage is tender and ground beef is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

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just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page There was plenty of milk in the cooler, which was on my list. There may only be two people in my household, but we’re milk drinkers, so I got two gallons, which is what we normally go through in a week. Luckily didn’t need any eggs; that area was picked clean. If I run low, I have plenty of neighbors I can purchase a couple dozen from. We have meat in the freezer, so I wasn’t looking to buy any, but I did see meat in stock. Ground beef is scarce and other cuts are expensive, making them out of the budget for some families at this time. That’s a little disheartening these days. There was one thing, however, I did not expect to be in short supply – reduced-fat peanut butter. I thought I was the only one in a three-county area who buys reduced-fat peanut butter. I guess all bets are off during a pandemic. The only peanut butter I could find was one mixed with grape jelly. Since I make enough grape jelly each summer to last us all year, I almost passed it up, but I got a jar. When I got home, Bill was ecstatic, which is very uncharacteristic for my husband.

“Get this from now on for me,” he said as he opened the jar. I guess it was a favorite when he was younger. We won’t go hungry at the Crawford place, but I admit Bill’s nagging at me to buy certain things by the case, which I have ignored all these years, makes me think twice now. As this wears on, I hope people learn to appreciate the agriculture industry a little more. I hope they see farmers and ranchers as their friends and neighbors, not the bad guys. I hope they see all of the hard work it takes to get food on the shelves by everyone involved in the process, from start to finish. The sun is trying to bust through the clouds as I write this, and I’m taking that as a sign of good things yet to come. A little sunshine always makes the gloom fade away – and dries up mud. Keep on farming and ranching, my friends. The nation is depending on you. I’m depending on you.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3

More Than Just A Feed Store

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veteran, he decided that he, at least, needed to retrieve a pair of leather gloves from his truck, before beginning the extraction. Gloved up, and ready for battle, he grabbed the unknown limb and quickly pulled. The ‘clog’ popped free like a champagne cork on New Year’s Eve, and Pat immediately slung the object about ten feet from the scene of the crime. Turning to see what kind of animal he had grabbed, Pat stared into the eyes of one very dazed and confused raccoon. “I don’t know which one of us was more surprised,” Pat recalled, but as he looked back around to the bottom of the feed

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bin, the unobstructed grain was now flowing like Niagara Falls after a big rain, and he rushed to put a sack under it. According to my neighbor, the raccoon looked like it had spent a week at an all-you-can-eat buffet, where no drinks were allowed. Luckily, Pat’s slinging had landed the varmint just a few feet away from a puddle of muddy water, where the little guy sucked up water like the suction hose on a wet vac. By the time Pat had finished sacking and loading his feed, the ‘coon was still drinking. As Mark Twin once said, “Sometimes too much drink is barely enough.” APRIL 13, 2020

meet your

neighbors

In the Beefmaster Business By Terry Ropp

Tom and Deidra Hood selected Beefmasters because of the breed’s efficiency Before Tom Hood met his wifeto-be Deidra in 1967, Tom, his brother Jeremy and his dad John, bought 180 acres about a year after moving to Arkansas from Texas. When a neighbor’s land came up for sale, they bought it for $4,000 to be paid off in four years at 8 percent interest. Then Tom went out on his own and purchased the original acreage for Hidden Hollow Beefmasters. The Illinois River Valley land was overgrown and without a place to live. Tom and Deidra – who have been married for 50 years, and have two children and six grandchildren – lived in a mobile home for a year while building their home, using lumber harvested from the overgrownland. The farm gradually expanded to 1,000 acres of both owned and leased. Tom maintains the best advice he ever received was from animal science professor Bob Kropp. Bob explained to be successful in the cattle business, producers shouldn’t raise what they want but rather what others want to buy. “We have followed that wisdom ever since we began with a small commercial herd. It was heavily influenced by Charolais, Angus and Simmental and bred by Beefmaster bulls,” Tom said. Several important steps marked their progression to raising Beefmaster breeding cattle and the importance of the Kropp’s advice. The first was that many buyers were willing to pay more for higher-quality calves and bulls. With the Beefmaster reputation for docility, milkability and hardiness as well fewer heat issues, Tom and Deidra, who served as a teacher for 25 years before becoming an intern teacher coordinator, decided to go with the Beefmaster breed. At the time they made that decision, grain was exceedingly expensive, and they discovered the Beefmaster bulls APRIL 13, 2020

were very efficient without grain, a big help getting them started. To accomplish the transition as economically as possible, Tom and Deidra used the upgrading program in addition to buying a few registered Beefmaster females. When the preference for black cattle emerged, Tom made a point of finding a high-quality black bull because he recog-

The farm now supports 90 registered polled Beefmaster breeding females and three herd sires, all of which are either black or red. The herd is a co-mingled partnership with their son Wesley. Calf production occurs on the home place. Then animal development, before being sent to the feedlot or selling as breeding stock, takes place on WesPhoto by Terry Ropp

Tom and Deidra Hood went to the Beefmaster breed after seeing how a Beefmaster bull with their commercial cattle improved their calves.

nized the market impact of the develop- ley’s farm. The quality of the Hood bulls ing preference. A third was recognizing is indicated by their being named the that buyers actively sought polled bulls. 2017 Beefmaster Breeder of the Year. “Fairly early on, we had a very sorryAn example is Tom purchasing a herd bull looking polled bull, but the fact that I named Schneider 0481 in Texas. Though could list the anithe bull seemed ormal as one to be dinary, Tom saw Tahlequah, Okla. sold drew buyers potential. The bull to the farm, even is now well-known though they endfor producing calves ed up purchasing with excellent carour better, noncass traits and high polled bulls,” Tom explained. IAF numbers. The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

Tom uses AI on 5 to 30 percent of the females, depending upon the needs of the year and if he can find the appropriate bulls to increase herd quality. In addition, embryo transplants are occasionally used to obtain calves from a particular bloodline. In order to maintain breeding standards, calves are heavily culled with the less desirable bull calves being castrated. The Hoods retain ownership of all calves until slaughter in order to gather data. That data helps determine the most productive animals and drives future breeding decisions. The data is also sent to the National Beefmaster Association database where it is incorporated into the association’s impressive EPD records. The records ensure perspective buyers they get as accurate a picture as possible of the breed’s potential, as well as that of individual animals. Data about intramuscular fat and ribeye size are especially important. When potential buyers come to the farm, they sometimes ask Tom which bull he would pick. He typically explains that he can’t make a recommendation because he doesn’t know the perspective buyer’s herd. “During college, Tom worked at a sale barn in the back,” said Deidra. “That experience gave him an insight into the inner workings of sales, something that helped us develop a good sales program.” The Hood program is geared toward selling off the farm to mom and pop operations seeking breeding stock designed for mountainous terrain. They sell bulls, open and bred heifers and occasionally a cow/calf pair. “This business takes heart,” Tom said. “You have to go in and stay in because going back and forth simply doesn’t work.”

meet your neighbors

Continuing the Family Tradition By Larry Burchfield

Wesley Benton continues the Charolais operation his grandfather Jewell Spurlock started with a single heifer Submitted photos

For years, travelers along Highway 67/167 in Judsonia, Ark., grounds some calves have passed the landmark of a large Charolais bull advertising that are sold as feeders. Wesley’s herd is split Spurlock Farms. Jewell Spurlock started his purebred Charolais cattle operation with a purebred into fall and spring heifer he bought in 1968 at the Arkansas State Fair. That heifer‘s growth and pro- calving, with a 90-day duction impressed Jewell so much he decided to go into the purebred Charolais calving window for business. Jewell passed away in June 2019 at the age of 81. However, due to his each. He explained failing health in his later years, grandson Wesley Benton stepped up and accepted the dual calving season the “play calling” for the farm in 2012 and has continued operating Spurlock Farms. allows him to have re“I was always around my grandpa’s farm,” Wesley said. “I was raised here in the placements at different community and helped grandpa almost every day. He provided a lot of guidance ages for his customers. To help his cattle and inspiration for me, even though he was in failing health the last few years. I reach and maintain still live on the farm, so it’s been a big part of my life for a long time.” Spurlock Farms is nestled along the Little Red River in the foothills of White top condition, Wesley County. The 550-acre farm provides ample pasture and hay for the 100 registered utilizes mix of minerCharolais cows and five bulls. Wesley has recently added 50 commercials cows to als and forages. “I am a very firm the operation to give it a little variety. “After running the farm for the last eight years, I felt it was time to expand and believer in nutrition I wanted to do it on my own,” Wesley said. “I certainly appreciated granddad and with a mineral plan my family having faith in me to run the farm, but I wanted to have my own cattle. for every season. I use Farmers Association So, I ventured into the commercial cow operation. “I keep my commercial herd so that I can have additional revenue to supplement in Searcy for a lot of Wesley Benton, pictured with his wife Ashton and my registered operation because the turn around is longer in the seedstock business. my guidance,” he said. daughter Ellie, operates Spurlock Farms, which “I want my cattle to I have also had a few customers request beef so I have sold some steers as well.” was started by Wesley’s grandfather. Helping Wesley manage the farm is his wife Ashton and daughter Ellie. As a grow and be healthy family farm unit, they maintain the farm’s reputation to produce quality Charolais but I rely on forage so that they can go to any program and work.” cattle that will increase their customers’ bottom line. Maximizing hay production is a major element of Wesley’s plans for the farm. To help accomplish that goal, the Bentons raised the bar to the next level by “I have about 60 acres of Tifton Bermuda and about 140 acres of Tifton/cominitiating a strong AI and embryo transfer program. “I am extremely selective about my females I flush, they have to raise the best calf mon Bermuda mix with some Dallas Bahaia in it,” he explained. “My hay ground on the place or be out of something other breeders are promoting heavily,” Wesley is tested in March every year and I follow the guidelines to produce my hay and I explained. “I believe there are way too many cows in every breed getting flushed also use chemical to keep it clean to maximize my fertilizer.” Although the Little Red River could provide ample irrigation with a relift system, that are just ordinary cows and I have done the same and just disposed of the eggs when I saw the cross didn’t work. I have four females that I either own or am in water flow can be sporadic at certain times of the year. Future plans call for a well and water guns to irrigate the prime hay acres to boost hay production. There are also adpartnership on that we flush.” ditional acres across Hwy 67/167 that provide good hay. He utilizes recip females from his commercial herd, as well the regis“We have had good hay production the last couple years because we tered herd. Judsonia, Ark. have had sufficient rain,” Wesley said. “In fact, we have had very wet “Recips from my registered cows may not have as high-powered of a springs which has delayed us some. But there are times it would be nice pedigree, but are good calf raisers,” Wesley said. in late summer to irrigate for that last hay cutting.” Herd bulls are also used for clean up. In addition to running Spurlock Farms, Wesley is a sales representative for “My main bull came from DeBruycker Charolais in Montana and my other Greenway Equipment in Kensett. Trying to balance all those duties gets hecbulls are ET calves that I have raised,” Wesley said. tic at times, but family comes first, and it all revolves around Spurlock Farms. Top-end calves are marketed as seedstock, but Spurlock Farms also back-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 13, 2020

eye on

agri-business

Decatur

meeting the needs of farmers

Paris Veterinary Hospital By Terry Ropp

Free Portable Corral Use for Customers • Hauling Available • Covered Pens

Photo by Terry Ropp

On Farm Appraisal

Livestock Auction Inc. Serving the Tri-State Area

Receiving: Mon.: 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sale: Tues., 12 p.m. Owners: Chris Buffer 479-531-2962 Shawn Sperry 479-957-1387

479-752-8499 • Hwy. 59 South • Decatur, AR

Owner: James E. Shearer, DVM Location: Paris, Ark. History: “Dr. Jake Reineccius opened this business in the 1950s. My dad was a physician, and a pediatrics and obstetrics specialist before those specialties were common. My interest, however, was agriculture. Going to school changed my perception of what I wanted to do. I thought I wanted to work in animal nutrition. Then a professor pointed out that I would be probably spending most of my time bound to a desk and lab, so I decided to become a rural veterinarian because I would be outdoors making trips to farms as well as working at the facility in town. I have been here since 1971 and am now the owner of the business. There were three veterinarian owners and it was primarily a dairy practice. This facility was one of the first to have haul-in cattle pens. Since I work alone, an important part of the indoor facility is a chute because now cows weigh a 1,000 pounds instead of being weak and wormy as they were when I started. Performing a C-section alone with a cow tied to a pole in a barn is not easy and the chute is extremely helpful. Pet care is over half of my business, although I still make trips to farms for many reasons.” Services: “Careful examination and diagnosis is the heart of the business.

That often means listening to what farmers think needs to be done while I’m already working on the problem and explaining what they ought to do. One size does not fit all. I strive to be practical and conservative as a way of better serving my clients who sometimes miss the obvious. Horses typically have lameness, colic and wound issues while small ruminants suffer from predators and parasites. Many people raise backyard chickens which often suffer from random health issues specific to that farm and time. Common cattle problems include prolapses, birthing difficulties and C-sections and herd health problems like pneumonia and anaplasmosis. I often apply the science in less than ideal conditions. One of my more recent trips involved working on a half Brahma heifer roped in the woods with a prolapsed uterus in the pouring rain. Another time I had to help deliver a calf through C-section ankle-deep in a pond. Another was a cow with horns that had curved around and grown into the animal’s head. In that case I needed to saw off part of the horn. Because I usually get only one shot at solving a problem, I try to keep everything as simple but as effective as I can.”

APRIL 13, 2020

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nixahardware.com

Nixa Hardware Company warrants to the extent of the purchase price that seeds sold are as described on the container within recognized tolerances. Seller gives no other or further warranty expressed or implied. Prices/Germination subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

ozarks

roots

Family Fun for Everyone By Terry Ropp

Former gristmill site now welcomes thousand of visitors for camping, swimming and other programs Arkansas has 52 state parks supported by a one-eighth cent sales tax, with funds generated being used for park restoration and refinement, and to provide free access. One of the smaller and more intimate parks is the 785-acre Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville, Ark. The name of the park comes from Richard Withrow, who homesteaded the site in 1832 in order to build the first gristmill in the area. The mill provided an outlet for farmers in the Huntsville, Forum and Alabam areas. The site, selected because of a spring originating in a substantial cave system, produces 54-degree water with a volume that varies greatly accord-

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

ing to the time of the year and precipitation levels. The Withrow family maintains ties with the park and routinely publishes a newsletter. In 1960, Roscoe Hobbs, a businessman and land owner in Arkansas and Missouri, donated the land to Arkansas. The state promptly passed a 1961 act that established the park with the opening in 1965. Part of the park’s attraction is being bordered by War Eagle Creek, as well as serving as a jumping off point to other attractions. Within a 30-minute drive are Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and the Buffalo River. The first trail is named Forest Trail, a 2 1/2-mile out and back relatively easy hike developed from an old logging road. Dogwood Trail is a three-quarter-mile loop especially known for wildflowers, including the Ozark white trillium, trout lilies and toothworts. Some years in the spring the dogwoods and red buds bloom at the same time, providing visitors with a shock of beautiful foliage in striking contrast to the then predominantly barren oak and hickory forest. The War Eagle Trail was recently closed for substantial repair and renovation caused by flood damage over the years and will likely remain so throughout the summer. “In spite of the closure, our overlook provides a beautiful view of War Eagle Creek. However, it is still accessible

by parking at the upper trailhead and walking an easy one-quarter mile to the viewing area,” assistant superintendent Adam Leslie explained. Other attractions include both RV hookups and primitive campsites, a swimming pool and an enclosed pavilion, as well as a seasonal interpreter from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Withrow Springs State Park has 29 full hookup sites that provide water, sewer and electricity. That area also contains restrooms and a bathhouse. Next to the RV area are 10 primitive walk-in sites with concrete walkways offering close and easy access. One is wheelchair accessible and has perimeter concrete paving. All sites are reservable up to a year in advance at the Visitor Center or online. The park’s 90,000-gallon swimming pool is a favorite family activity with a special zero entry for young children and wheelchairs. The pool has a large area for young children before dropping to a level of 9 feet which features an enclosed twisting waterslide that delight older children. Other water features are a mushroom-shaped formation with water running down the edges, in addition to a group of raised buckets that fill up only to spill water over delighted youngsters. A 1-foot deep kiddie pool provides safety as does a team of six lifeguards. The pool can be reserved for

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

private pool parties after public swimming hours and make an entertaining birthday party event. During spring, typically from March to June when the water level is high enough, kayaks and canoes are available for rent. War Eagle Creek is a Beaver Lake tributary and flows to the north, unlike most rivers such as the Mississippi that flow south. The float area is 4 1/2 miles downstream. The park offers an annual War Eagle Appreciation Day on the first Saturday in June, which involves floating on the creek and numerous educational exhibits at the pavilion, as well as a free lunch and a folk-music style band. The Fourth of July is celebrated by a bike parade. Throughout the season, the park interpreter provides hikes and educational programming with the one on park wildlife being especially popular. In addition, The Northwest Arkansas Astronomical Society offers a number of star parties throughout the year, another popular attraction. “We attract 26,000 to 28,000 visitors per year, a number that has increased dramatically since I came here in 2015,” Adam said. “I get to be outside with every day offering something different. This is a family-friendly park with everyone on the staff cheerfully helping out where needed. I have my dream job.”

APRIL 13, 2020

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Blake Stephens By Terry Ropp

Photo by Terry Ropp

Hometown: Tahlequah, Okla.

Benton County Sale Barn, Inc.

Over 25 Years of Serving the Tri-State Area

Great Service, Low Rates!

Family: Wife Kathy; daughter Sarah with granddaughter Kaitlyn (16); and son Joshua with granddaughter Annie (11) In Town: “I have been in education

for 25 years, first as an ag teacher in Texas and now as the school counselor at the Early Learning Center in Locust Grove, Okla. I serve 325 students, 3 years old through first grade. I also drive a school bus, which I really enjoy because it is another way I get to help students learn what is right, but with compassion. My wife Kathy has been the librarian at the Upper Elementary school in Locust Grove for 22 years. I have served as a deacon and am now a member of Faith Chapel in Tahlequah.”

In the Country: “My wife and I have 310 acres by the Illinois River out-

side of Tahlequah, Okla. Originally, the land was completely undeveloped. When my son was 6 or 7, I began clearing land for an electrical easement by cutting and selling the hickory and oak wood. Government programs have been helpful. I have used several, including one for quail restoration and EQUIP which helped with 5 miles of fire breaks and prescribed burns, as well as developing ponds and purchasing Ritchie freeze-proof waterers. I’m currently participating in the Conservation Stewardship Program and the Illinois River Riparian Protection Conservation Initiative. Because the land was 100 percent standing timber, I had the opportunity to develop my own pastures after it was dozed. “I chose to use three varieties of Bermuda, including SunGrazer 777 and crabgrass which has good protein content. I have 13 Corriente cows and nine replacement heifers bred by one registered Angus bull. I am a third-generation, competitive team roper and have competed in the national finals in Oklahoma for several years. Consequently, I began with Corrientes to provide cattle for roping practice. Meanwhile, I met Danny Chancellor while roping who explained to me that the market for registered Corrientes is small and shipping costs destroy profits, even though Corrientes are twice as efficient in forage and feed usage. I now use the slow growing Corrientes to raise commercial calves and breed them to a registered Angus bull for spring calving. My herd consists of 34 head of cows, calves and roping stock. I use 24-percent protein tubs year-round with free choice mineral, as well as a traditional vaccine protocol including Pinkeye Shield, blackleg and Virus Shield 6. In addition, I use Dectomax for worming, supported by Python Magnum fly tags. Finally, I sell my calves locally 5 to 6 months after weaning depending on the market.”

APRIL 13, 2020

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The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

slaughter

market sales rep

bulls

Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards I-40 Livestock Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyards Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

beef

60.00-90.00 †

dairy cattle NONE REPORTED sheep & goats

slaughter

cows

(Week of 3/29/20 to 4/4/20) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 36.00-73.00 † Ash Flat Livestock 37.00-57.00 † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 35.00-68.00* 25.00-45.00 † County Line Sale Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* None Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn 32.00-48.00* 24.00-68.00* Fort Smith Stockyards Four State 10.00-63.00* † I-40 Live 10.00-49.50 Joplin Regional 17.50-58.00 † Mid-State Stockyards 65.00* North Arkansas 12.00-59.00 † OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Live Ozarks Regional Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

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.

12 12

Not Reported* 41.00-76.50 †

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market

3/28/20

Receipts: 1,359 Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2: 185.00-215.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 215.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 170.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 180.00-230.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 140.00-205.00. Hair Breeds - Good and Choice 1-2: 100.00. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 50.00-70.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 40.00-75.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 60.00-115.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 80.00-105.00. Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 2: 55.00-70.00. Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb: 70.0085.00. Families - Small and Medium 2 w/<20 lbs lamb: 50.00-75.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 230.00-440.00. Kids - Selection 2: 185.00-230.00.

Receipts: 626 Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Medium and Large 1-2: 175.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 250.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 241.00-25 Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 225.00-260.00. Hair Breeds - Good and Choice 1-2: 220.00-24 Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 200.00-202.50. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 97.50-127.50. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 75.00-97.50 Hair Ewes - Utility 1-2: 80.00-87.50. Hair Bucks 1-2: 97.50-112.50. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Families - Medium and Large 1-2 w/20-40 lbs Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 266.00-300.00. Kids - Selection 1-2: 217.50-220.00. Kids - Selection 2: 175.00-200.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 280.00-317.50. Kids - Selection 2: 205.00-232.50. Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 150.00-160.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 177.50. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 110.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 190.00-217.50. Wethers - Selection 2: 220.00. Replacement Goats: Families - Selection 1-2 w/20-40 lbs kid: 260.0

45.00-68.00*

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 3/31/20 661

Ash Flat Livestock✝

Uneven 165.00-182.50 155.00-170.00 146.00-161.00 135.00-148.00 105.00-115.00 153.00-175.00 147.50-162.50 136.00-152.50 131.00-134.00 ----142.50-170.00 133.00-147.50 119.00-139.00 116.00-127.00 105.00

110

stocker & feeder Cattlemen’s Livestock*

4/3/20 517

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 4/2/20 2,402

St-10 Lower

NONE REPORTED

30.00-72.00 † 11.00-49.00 † 12.00-63.00 †

Receipts: 525 Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2: 265.00-285.00. Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2: 105.00-110.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 145.00-200.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 85.00-170.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 135.00-210.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 110.00-180.00. Hair Breeds - Good 2-3: 95.00-110.00. Hair Breeds - Utility and Good 1-3: 55.00. Ewes - Good 2-3: 70.00-75.00. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 40.00-55.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 55.00-110.00. Bucks - 1: 80.00-100.00. Bucks - 2-3: 65.00-75.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb: 45.0052.50. Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/20-40 lbs lamb: 65.0067.50. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1-2: 300.00.

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 4/3/20 281

Fort Smith Stockyards*

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 4/1/20 -----

-----

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

Decatur Livestock*

4/1/20 735

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 4/1/20 355

4-25 Lower

7-15 Lower

-----

150.00-168.00 140.00-157.00 140.00-151.00 118.00-139.50 -----

140.00-192.00 140.00-171.00 138.00-160.00 125.00-140.00 115.00-120.00

125.00-175.00 126.00-164.00 125.00-154.00 117.00-143.00 -----

154.00-168.00 145.00-168.00 130.00-147.00 133.00-145.50 120.00-133.00

140.00 135.00-140.00 127.00-137.00 ---------

135.00-170.00 130.00-167.00 115.00-147.00 117.00-120.00 101.00-115.00

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

--------137.00-145.00 125.00 -----

130.00-141.00 124.00-131.00 120.00-126.00 110.00 -----

135.00-152.00 110.00-152.00 116.00-136.00 113.00-120.00 102.00-111.00

120.00-150.00 126.00-150.00 105.00-129.00 ---------

135.00-151.00 128.00-138.00 125.00-132.00 113.00-123.00 106.00-112.50

price

3/30/20 828

Four State Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 3/31/20 2,002

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 4/2/20 620

J Re Stoc 3/ 6

-----

Uneven

15-25 Lower

St-

165.00-172.00 160.00-172.00 150.00-160.00 ---------

----107.00-174.00 115.00-127.00 105.00-127.00 -----

139.00-190.00 136.00-181.00 121.00-168.00 116.00-148.00 -----

167.00-197.00 158.00-174.00 154.00-168.00 135.00-155.50 117.00-138.00

152.50-171.00 140.00-166.00 124.00-140.00 111.00-119.00 100.00-112.00

165 160 150 134 122

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

--------130.00 ---------

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

161.00-163.00 146.00-160.00 128.00-145.00 ---------

----133.00-147.00 111.00-140.00 102.00-120.00 84.00-107.00

165 152

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

136.00-159.00 150.00-159.00 132.00-150.00 ---------

----136.00 104.00-121.00 84.00-105.00 -----

119.00-159.00 114.00-154.00 110.00-147.00 103.00-128.00 -----

122.00-145.00 128.50-147.00 125.00-143.00 114.00-134.00 107.00-121.00

130.00-145.00 120.00-139.00 110.00-125.50 107.00-120.00 90.00-114.00

134 134 130 117 107

NOT REPORTED

cattle

Kids - Selection 3: 160.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 290.00-330.00. Kids - Selection 1-2: 240.00-285.00. Kids - Selection 2: 120.00-240.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 150.00-155.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 100.00-135.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 135.00-137.50. Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 155.00-205.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 75.00-130.00. Families - Selection 1 w/<20 lbs kid: 85.00.

Kids - Selection 1-2: 65.00-80.00. Kids - Selection 2: 275.00. Kids - Selection 2-3: 15.00-50.00. None Reported † Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 4/6/20 Slaughter Goats: None Reported † Kids - Selection 1: 285.00-305.00. 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Kids - Selection 1-2: 225.00-280.00. 57.00-83.00* Live Basis Sales Over 80% Choice Kids - Selection 2: 255.00-265.00. 83.00-85.00 † Steers: 105.00-112.00; wtd. avg. price 110.83. Kids - Selection 2-3: 175.00. Not Reported* Heifers: 105.00-122.00 ; wtd. avg. price 110.85. Kids - Selection 3: 175.00-200.00. None Reported* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 120.00-210.00. 70.00-78.00* Steers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 120.00-145.00. 47.00-91.00* Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. Nannies/Does - Selection 2-3: 95.00-115.00. 53.50-93.50* † Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 90.00-115.00. 35.00-75.00 Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 155.00-170.00. 63.00-91.50 † Bucks/Billies - Selection 2-3: 115.00-135.00. 92.00* Wethers - Selection 1-2: 175.00-220.00. 58.00-94.00 † Wethers - Selection 2-3: 190.00. 64.00-87.00 † Wethers - Selection 3: 165.00. 45.00-65.00 † Replacement Goats: 57.00-100.00 † Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 165.00-215.00. Not Reported* Families - Selection 1 w/20-40 lbs kid: 160.00. † 83.00-96.00 Families - Selection 3 w/20-40 lbs kid: 85.00-115.00. 80.00-98.00* Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 175.00-215.00. 70 90 110 130 Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 340.00-350.00. 4/2/20

(Week of 3/29/20 to 4/4/20) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

APRIL 13, 2020

e 1-2 w/20-40 lbs lamb: 190.00.

Soybeans

Soft Wheat

Corn

cow/calf Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction

Sorghum

8.84

9 6

5.73

5.62

3 0

0-40 lbs kid: 260.00.

Blyt

le hevil

a elen

e Elain

5.58

3.57

3.22

la sceo

Little

ices Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 3/30/20 6,918

Mid-State Stockyards*

Lower

St-7 Lower

3/30/20 588

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 3/31/20 1,504

-----

Uneven

8-15 Lower

St-5 Lower

Uneven

125.00-190.00 130.00-175.00 115.00-155.00 110.00-145.00 100.00-135.00

160.00-175.00 149.00-170.00 142.00-168.00 134.50-142.50 -----

177.00 153.00-190.00 146.00-178.00 122.50-143.00 114.50-127.00

170.00-171.00 150.00-161.00 137.00-153.00 126.00 -----

170.00-187.50 161.00-185.00 147.50-168.00 136.00-152.00 129.00-134.00

---147.00 -140.00 -120.00 107.00

165.00-167.50 152.00-161.00 134.00 ---------

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

154.00-175.00 138.00-166.00 120.00-146.00 107.00-133.00 -----

170.00-200.00 157.00-160.00 136.00 118.50-120.50 -----

159.00-166.00 142.00-160.00 129.00-139.00 92.00-115.00 81.00

----142.00-163.00 -------------

APRIL 13, 2020

120.00-166.00 108.00-138.00 95.00-130.00 95.00-125.00 -----

145.00-159.00 131.00-154.00 120.00-139.00 110.00-131.00 -----

154.00-171.00 138.00-160.00 129.00-149.00 117.50-134.00 100.50-117.00

131.00-148.00 133.00-140.00 106.00-126.00 104.00 -----

147.50-167.50 135.00-149.00 128.00-143.00 122.50-139.00 115.00-126.00

109.12

119.94 *

140.06

115.00

140.00

139.49

165.00

130.74

144.35

2250

Stilwell Livestock Auction* ---------

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 3/30/20 1,757

Welch Stockyards*

-----

7-15 Higher

-----

152.18 137.00 149.32 151.00 132.00

160.00-183.00 155.00-183.00 140.00-163.00 125.00-145.00 120.00-137.00

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

155.00-165.00 150.00-174.00 137.00-149.00 111.00-135.00 -----

150.00-172.00 140.00-162.00 125.00-137.00 115.00-129.00 100.00-114.00

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

140.00-166.00 140.00-151.00 125.00-140.00 110.00-126.00 100.00-112.00

137.00

135.31 125.43

150.66

135.00

120.00

140.00

133.37

159.68

125.00

147.80

139.75

161.59 137.00 127.64 144.70 147.90

129.75

144.44 138.04

154.57 137 164 191 218 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

114.20

118.39

145.00

110

111.35

124.18

163.03

150.00-167.00 147.50-160.50 138.50-157.00 120.00-139.00 109.00-119.00

137.65

151.10

3/31/20 2,074

185.00-200.00 170.00-185.25 159.00-177.00 134.00-145.00 110.00-128.50

137.33 111.56

125.96

154.21

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

* *

140.09

600.00-1550.00 † Not Reported * 925.00-1460.00 †

1750

141.00

800.00 †

1250

124.90

135.21

None Reported *

165.00-178.00 160.00-176.00 150.00-170.00 134.00-153.50 122.00-145.00

134.00-159.00 134.00-153.00 130.00-148.00 117.00-131.00 107.00-123.00

None Reported *

* *

600.00-950.00 † 1175.00 †

-171.00 -166.00 -140.00 -119.00 -112.00

-145.00 -139.00 -125.50 -120.00 114.00

Not Reported *

135.00 135.63

750.00-1275.00 †

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 4/3/20 167

115.00 **

730.00-1530.00 * 985.00-1425.00 *

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 3/31/20 6,372

134.97 135.29

725.00-750.00 †

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest✝ 4/1/20 813

135.00 123.12

None Reported †

750

130.46

145.17

None Reported †

250

107.40

144.02

pairs

Welch Stockyards

40 tock ark✝ 2/20 20

140.02 132.00

142.19

650.00-680.00 †

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

k Roc

145.30

155.88

700.00-925.00 †

Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

138.95 **

2000

Ouachita Tulsa

163.92

1225.00 * County Line Sale - Ratcliff 650.00-850.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale 1375.00 *

8.60

5.82

1500

Ash Flat El Reno Green Forest Joplin Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs West Plains

(Week of 3/29/20 to 4/4/20)

17.50. 32.50. 150.00-160.00. 177.50. 110.00. 190.00-217.50. 0.

1000

Jan. 20 Feb. 20 Mar. 20

heifers 550-600 LBS.

159.10

700.00-1235.00 *

500

Ouachita Tulsa

450.00-950.00 † 575.00-1275.00 † 650.00-1200.00 * 485.00-885.00 † 700.00-975.00 † 700.00 † 175.00-1250.00 † Not Reported * 800.00-1375.00 †

Daily Report 4/7/20

00.00. 220.00. 00.00.

1000.00 * 490.00-1110.00 * 985.00-1425.00 *

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

avg. grain prices

Ash Flat El Reno Green Forest Joplin Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs West Plains

Week of 3/8/20

-3: 250.00. ime 1-3: 241.00-250.00. 25.00-260.00. oice 1-2: 220.00-245.00. 0.00-202.50. 0-127.50. d 1-3: 75.00-97.50. 00-87.50. 50.

steers 550-600 LBS.

Not Reported* None Reported *

Oct. 19 Nov. 19 Dec. 19

Week of 3/15/20

Large 1-2: 175.00.

Apr. 19 May 19 June 19 July 19 Aug. 19 Sept. 19

550.00 †

Week of 3/22/20

3/24/20

$80

None Reported †

1125.00 *

Week of 3/29/20

Market

County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards - Exeter, Mo. I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

$120

535.00-1000.00 † 650.00-1100.00 †

Week of 3/15/20

155.00-205.00. 75.00-130.00. 0 lbs kid: 85.00.

4/3/20

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.1375 and 40# blocks at $1.1500. The weekly average for barrels is $1.1985 (-.2140) and blocks, $1.2995 (-.4550). Fluid Milk/Cream: In most parts of the U.S., milk outputs are growing. In the Midwest, Idaho, Utah and Colorado, some loads of milk are being discarded, putting pressure on dairy farmers to reduce production wherever possible. In the Pacific Northwest, there has been an increase in overbase penalties. Generally, retail demands for milk are either steady or have declined a bit from the previous week, but food service requests are almost nonexistent. Class IV use of milk has picked up in the West. In the Midwest, cheese makers are receiving multiple unsolicited offers of milk. The condensed skim market is quiet this week in the West. Processors are looking to clear a few loads through the spot market. In the East, offers are higher than demands. The cream market is depressed and cream multiples for all Classes have declined in all the regions. They are .7000-1.0000 in the East, .8000-1.0500 in the Midwest, and .5000-1.0000 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest $1.6851 - $1.7178.

$160

reported per cwt Prices reported per PricesPrices reported percwt cwt

Week of 3/22/20

National Dairy Market at a Glance

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction

550-600 lb. steers

$200

Week of 3/8/20

dairy sales

cows

(Week of 3/29/20 to 4/4/20)

NOT REPORTED

30.00. -285.00. 40.00. 150.00-155.00. 100.00-135.00. 135.00-137.50.

replacement

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 3/29/20

s reports

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

245

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

116 137 158 179 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

200

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

13 13

Improve Hay & Pasture Yields Now is the time to talk to a Farmers Coop professional to avoid weed problems and determine your fertilizer needs.

meet your neighbors

Getting Back to Basics By Trish Hollenbeck

ClemTuck Farms utilizes a natural approach

Photo by Trish Hollenback

Coweta, OK 918-486-5322

Stilwell, OK 918-696-3191

www.farmerscoop.biz

Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

The voice of the

Ozarks www.radiospringfield.com

Gary Tucker and Sue Clemons like to do things the natural way while also running an efficient poultry farm. “We’re a small-batch pasture-based organic practice meat and egg direct-to-consumer farm,” Gary said. ClemTuck Farms located west of West Fork, Ark., went from growing 50 broilers when they began in 2017 to 1,250 birds expected this year. They keep 50 egg layers and have even ventured into raising grass-fed beef. They are members of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association and use only organic feeds. They also use USDA-inspected and animal welfare-approved processors. The chicken brooding operation involves feeding and caring for the 250 birds inside for a few weeks before moving them outside. “They don’t free range,” Gary Tucker holds one of his layers in front Gary said. “Each batch has of the “eggmobile.” He has 40 layers that a 10-by-12-foot shelter and wander his land near West Fork and use that is moved daily.” the mobile shelter. They eat grass and bugs, as well as any other critters they might find, but the bulk of their diet is organic feed. ese guard dogs to bond with chickens The 40 egg layers live inside the “egg- so they will protect them. They sleep mobile.” Their quarters and and eat by the chickens. the mobile guard doghouse Another issue with chickmove weekly. Dealing with West Fork, Ark. ens is dealing with coccidpredators is one of the issues iosis, an intestinal bug. As that has plagued the layers, he prepares the broilers for which range more freely moving outside, Gary tries to than the broilers, but Gary strengthen their guts with active and Sue raise Great Pyrenyogurt cultures.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 13, 2020

meet your neighbors Gary and Sue did not grow up on farms. Gary, originally from Little Rock, and Sue, a native of Chicago, met via the VISTA program and worked together at Arkansas Consumer Research in Little Rock. After they married, they lived on a “small semi-farm,” Gary said, just outside of Little Rock. They moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where they lived and worked in town. They soon realized they wanted to get back the countryside and the idea for traditional farming of livestock came after they started eating it. Sue ordered pork from Heritage Meats, an organization that provides a market for farmers growing heritage chickens, pigs and cattle in a traditional manner. When they ate the pork, which was from a Red Wattle pig, Gary said they were amazed at the taste. It made them want to try beef raised in a traditional manner. Sue found some grass-fed/finished beef in West Virginia and ordered it. They had a similar taste experience with the beef.

“From there, it was kind of like if we appreciate that, maybe we can grow some of this for others who may have the same appreciation for traditionally-raised animals. We kind of then went on about a year’s search for a farm,” Gary said. They also visited the beef farm in West Virginia and educated themselves about this type of farming. They also visited Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm in Virginia. “He’s probably one of the most influential farmers for those looking to do traditional farming for profit,” Gary said. Having developed some skills needed to operate a pasture-raised livestock farm, Gary and Sue eventually settled on their location near West Fork. They started with chickens because of the fast turnaround. One of their first setbacks was a fire in the horse stall they used to brood chicks. A rodent had chewed through wire. “The benefit was that we got to relocate and redesign a brooder house from scratch,” Gary said.

Gary and Sue have expanded to beef, but are just starting to build a herd, which is made up of Red and South Poll cattle as well as a Red Angus mix. The couple started out with 12 cows they bought last year from Ozark Pasture Beef. There were six calves born last year and the farm is hoping to build the herd to 35 to 40 momma cows. It takes a minimum of two years to finish a calf when the diet is solely grass. Gary moves cows daily and allows ample recovery time for grazed pastures. Whether it is cows or chickens, the ClemTuck Farm is about natural concepts and the care of the animals. “We’re traditional. We’re trying to raise animals the way our grandparents would have raised animals. We want to provide the dignity, care and respect that another life ought to have,” Gary said. Sales of eggs and poultry meat are made through word-of-mouth and the website, clemtuck.com.

If he counts his labor, Gary said, the farm is “a breakeven operation. If my time is free, then we’ve got a good profit margin.” On a more serious note, he said, “We’re close to a 1 percent, 2 percent profit margin. We’re still learning. We’re still trying to get efficiencies, economies of scale.” He said he would like to get to at least a 5 percent margin. “It would be delightful to have it be a true for-profit entity. It’s like any new business. You spend those first years trying to gut it out and get to that point where you’re making money.” The payoff now often comes in quiet or amusing moments on the farm. “The layers are a hoot. They’ll come running out to greet me,” Gary said. Aside from those benefits, he said, “We like that we can provide highquality, nutritional meat and eggs for other people who can’t do it themselves. That’s rewarding to us.”

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APRIL 13, 2020

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

21658 Quarry Lane • Barnett, MO 65011 Office (573) 302-7011 • Fax (573) 348-8325 Email: meadangus@yahoo.com Alan Mead, Owner (573) 216-0210 Jennifer Russell (573) 721-5512

www.meadfarms.com

3/18/20 12:24 PM

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Addie G OOSENECK TRAILERS Womack L T •F •D T IVESTOCK RAILERS

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UMP RAILERS

FRYE FARMS • SENECA, MO • 417-438-0146

Photo by Terry Ropp

By Terry Ropp

Parents: Russell and Stacy Womack Hometown: Russellville and Hope, Ark. Age: 19 What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“Many ag students prefer production agriculture, but I like promotion and teaching people that agriculture is more than buying food in the store. I want them to realize that real people spend their lives working to produce what they purchase and how demanding and precise that work is. I want them to understand the real story, not common misconceptions. Consequently, I am an ambassador for Arkansas University, which means I attend events to promote our university and recruit high school perspectives in addition to helping plan agricultural events at school.”

What is your background?

“Like so many kids raised on a farm, I remember bottle feeding off my front porch. The calves always were needing to be fed and it taught me the importance of responsibility because the animals depended on me, something that will help me throughout my life. Things just have to be done. We have always worked together as a family so I understand the importance of being a contributing part of a team. When I was in FFA, I showed Shorthorn heifers and once won reserve supreme Shorthorn at a state spring show.”

What are your future plans?

Everything changed when I met Charles Looney. I worked for him last just after he arrived at the Russellville campus from the University of Arkansas to work at the research center as our beef/cattle specialist. I grew up on a farm and worked there all of the time but working for him was my first real job in agriculture. He showed me how to work with adults so they will listen to new information that may be contrary to what they currently believe or perhaps in addition to their current production practices. My experience with him helped me narrow my career choices so that I am currently switching from agribusiness/animal science to agribusiness/public relations. The switch fits in nicely with my minor in social media. I want to work for an ag-based company so I stay within agriculture while being part of the huge social media marketing medium. My parents are super involved in agriculture and have many connections that may be useful when I graduate. Networking is the name of the game.” Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 13, 2020

the professionals

By Ken Knies

hen a discussion centers around the term efficiency, I immediately think of agriculture. Our farmers, ranchers and producers have grown and evolved to become highly efficient. This is born of necessity. Efficiency is the result of minimizing waste. It’s something we’re naturally inclined to strive toward in our daily efforts. The agriculture industry is a leader in this area because of the nature of production. When you’re working to produce food and fiber, that effort demands a high level of efKen W. Knies is an ficiency. Efficiency becomes a natural by-product. agricultural and rural There are efficiencies that are applicable in consultant. He holds a the area of finance as well. Like all other asbachelor’s of science pects of farming, an efficient producer will benand arts from the Uniefit through developing a streamlined financial versity of Arkansas and position relative to income and expenses. Here a master’s of business are some commonly accepted financial ratios administration from to help measure efficiency: Webster University in St. Asset Turnover Ratio: Gross Farm ReveLouis, Mo. He formed nues divided by Average Total Farm Assets – This Ag Strategies, LLC as a measures the level of efficiency used to generate business unit focused revenue. An asset turnover ratio of 60 percent or on quality borrowers higher is considered an efficient use of assets. and lenders. Operating Expense Ratio: Total Farm Operating Expenses divided by Gross Farm Revenues – This is used by many decision makers including bankers, brokers and investors to help identify expense efficiencies. Depreciation Expense Ratio: Depreciation Expense divided by Gross Farm Revenues – Recognize that these can vary greatly because of different depreciation methods used and the different types of depreciable assets used in production. Interest Expense Ratio: Total Farm Interest Expense divided by Gross Farm Revenues – Generally, if this ratio exceeds 20 percent, it is an indication the operation has an unsustainable debt load. Net Farm Income from Operations Ratio: Net Farm Income from Operations divided by Gross Farm Revenues – Producers with lower ratios in this area tend to feel stress earlier as margins tighten. This can be a measure of financial resiliency. As we consider the benefits of being efficient, let’s take note of some examples presented to us through agriculture: • Technology offers us convenience and precision, ultimately leading to being efficient. • Precision leveling, draining and contouring takes advantage of technology to gain the best uses of a plot of land. • Ag equipment has advanced to a level where we can now till, mow and harvest with maximum production benefit. We all utilize technology to enhance efficiencies. Efficiency drives us. APRIL 13, 2020

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farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

Improving Pasture Efficiency By Klaire Howerton

Improving forages can improve the overall efficiency of a herd and help increase profits When raising cattle, the efficiency of the herd is an important component. At the end of the day, efficient cattle will help improve the bottom line. Management strategies can aid producers in improving the efficiency of their herd. Pasture management is an excellent place to begin. Before making any drastic changes to the pasture management plan, it helps to fully understand what efficiency in the cattle herd means. Dr. Shane Gadberry, ruminant nutrition specialist with the University of Arkansas Extension, said in a broad definition, efficiency is the ratio of outputs to inputs. “For cow/calf producers, we could look at the ratio of total pounds weaned and its economic value as the output(s) and grazeable acres and its costs for production as inputs,” he said. Grazeable acres are fixed, he went on to say, but forage production per unit of land can vary by forage resources, grazing management, soil fertility and weather. Ideally, producers can improve cattle efficiency by improving their grazable acres.

what do you say? How has agriculturalefficiency evolved over the last 50 years?

Plant Complementary Forages

One pasture improvement that can be made to help increase efficiency is planting forages that are complementary to each other. Clover and fescue are examples of forages that may have a corresponding effect – in more ways than one. “Clovers in fescue could contribute to more total pounds of calf weaned by dilution of fescue toxin intake,” Gadberry explained. “It may also help reduce costs of production because of nitrogen fixation.” Patrick Davis, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, also highlighted the benefits of adding legumes like clover to improve a producer’s pasture. “Legumes are higher quality than grasses because of the lower stem-toleaf ratio,” he said. “This results in lower neutral detergent fiber and increased protein concentrations. This combination improves forage intake, cattle performance and profit potential.”

“Many things have improved but the most obvious in my lifetime are successfully grazing more cows per acre and greatly improved genetics.”

Sarah Hale Washington County, Ark.

Extend the Grazing Season

If producers can graze their cattle longer before introducing hay and supplemental feed in the winter, they can reduce their inputs. Ensuring a mix of forages are present in the pasture can help. “Systems that have a good balance of warm-season and cool-season forages help support a longer grazing season,” Gadberry said. “This reduces the costs associated with hay production and feeding. If you can produce the same or more total pounds weaned with fewer hay feeding days, there is an improvement in the system’s efficiency.”

Understand the Trade-offs

Like many things in agriculture, pasture and herd efficiency improvements can be a give and take. “Grazing systems often have a trade-off in animal level efficiency. This trade-off is influenced by stocking rate and forage utilization. Individual animal performance is sometimes compromised in intensive rotational grazing systems because cattle don’t have as much freedom to selectively graze,” Gadberry explained. “However,

“We raise breeding stock and retain ownership until slaughter using the data from birth through the feeding yards to make knowledgeable and productive future breeding decisions.” Deidre Hood Cherokee County, Okla.

the benefit in rotational grazing is better utilization of forages. With growing cattle, we sometimes observe continuous grazing systems producing greater individual animal average daily gain but the rotational system producing more total pounds of weight gain per acre. This is because the rotational grazing system often allows us to increase the number of cattle we are grazing and (or) graze for more total days.”

Even though a producer might be moving toward a rotational grazing system to make pasture improvements for their herd in order to achieve greater poundage per acre, it doesn’t mean they should run right out and buy more cows. “Any producer moving from continuous to rotational grazing shouldn’t increase their herd size at the same time they implement rotational grazing. Start with the rotational grazing first,” Gadberry cautioned. “This will allow the forages and soil to recover from over-grazing or intensive patch grazing in the continuous system before extra animals are added to a rotational grazing system in an improved pasture.”

“I grew up on a dairy farm. I started with hand milking, then with individual milkers, followed by pipeline milkers, which have now evolved into robotic milkers. They require far fewer hours and do not tie you down milking twice a day.” Pam Underdown

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Be Mindful of Herd Size

Carroll County, Ark.

“For me, the most important efficiency has evolved in selling cattle because technology has given me the ability to check prices within seconds anytime I want to.” Rick Horton Searcy County, Ark. APRIL 13, 2020

farm help Farm Hand Ag Resource Directory

Increasing Gains By Klaire Howerton

Knowing what you’re feeding is key to weight gain in calves Increased weaning weights are a production component that many producers in the Ozarks strive to achieve. Some strategies pay off and others, not so much. Research and record keeping are keys to tracking results and making appropriate decisions. Dr. Shane Gadberry, ruminant nutrition specialist with the University of Arkansas Extension, explained that cattle producers may want to increase weight gain of calves beyond what forage alone will support. “Unlike systems level efficiency, individual animal efficiency is usually based on the ratio of weight gain and intake. For practical purposes we talk about feed conversion ratio which is intake per unit of weight gain,” he said. When looking at feed conversion, the ratio can be total conversion or partial conversion. Total conversion, Gadberry said, is based on total intake and total weight gain, whereas partial conversion is often used in supplemental feed evaluation when looking at the additional feed required for each additional pound of gain. Both total and partial conversion can be somewhat difficult to determine with the number of operation specific grazing systems, so Gadberry highly recommended that producers dig deep and look for research that fits their individual scenario. Feed conversion will be based upon forage quality and quantity that is available, and this will in turn determine if additional inputs to try and achieve added gain are worthwhile. “In general, when forage quality is very good and forage intake is not restricted, APRIL 13, 2020

the partial feed conversion ratio for supplements will be poor,” Gadberry said. He shared an example from a recent study performed by the University of Arkansas Extension regarding creepfed calves in the spring that were on ryegrass pasture with their dams. The partial conversion ratio of that creep feed was nearly 15:1 (15 pounds of feed to one additional pound of weight gain). It wouldn’t be cost effective to try to add weight gain with creep feed in that situation because both forage quality and quantity was very good. The study also looked at scenarios where forage quality and quantity were lower. “We also fed the same type creep feed in summer during a drought year. Our creep feed conversion was closer to 4:1 in that situation because forage quality was moderate and forage availability was poor,” Gadberry said. Fescue, one of the primary forages grown in the Ozarks, can present challenges to feed conversion and weight gain. If creep fed calves are also grazing toxic endophyte infected fescue, their conversion ration can be 6-7:1. Warm season grasses during a time of limited forage availability, combined with grain, can offer a better feed conversion and better weight gain. Some producers might consider growth implants for improved weight gain or combining growth implants with supplemental feed. Gadberry said research is showing promising results in a study comparing steers grazing on toxic fescue alone to steers that have the technologies and supplements.

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Feeding for Fly Control By Klaire Howerton

Producers can reduce fly issues through feed management Flies are an almost constant nuisance in the agriculture industry. Horn flies cause an estimated $730 million production loss in cattle annually, facilitate weight loss and can reduce milk production by 4-12 percent. Face flies can contribute to pinkeye and other eye issues, and those are just two species of flies. Wherever a producer falls on the spectrum, a pest control program of some kind is essential and feed through fly control can be an efficient option. Feed through fly control works in one of two ways – either as insect growth regulators (IGR) or as larvicides. “Insect Growth Regulators have a mode of action that essentially breaks the growth cycle of fly larvae, prevent-

ing them from growing any more. S-methoprene is the most common chemical agent used as an insect growth regulator,” Andy McCorkill, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, explained. “The biggest drawback to IGR is that the chemical action is species specific, meaning that it controls only one species of fly. Smethoprene, for example, is labeled for control of horn flies, yet does nothing to aid in the control of face flies or stable flies. Larvicides act slightly differently; they lead to some sort of structural issue within the fly larvae that leads to premature death, subsequently keeping them from reproducing. Many of the common larvicides are organophosphates, similar

FLY CONTROL HORN FLY CYCLE

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to the ones used for topical spray or ear tag applications.” Feed through fly control must be used properly for it to be effective, and timing is critical. If a producer waits until flies are already amassed on the herd, they have waited too long. McCorkill explained that most feed through products are recommended to be fed a month before fly season really kicks in (right about now for the Ozarks) and approximately a month after fly season has ended. It is also important to make sure that animals are eating enough of the product. “Resistance typically is caused by exposure to less than lethal dosages over time and there have been reports of resistance to feed through organophosphates, just the same as with spray or tag application, so some rotation of active ingredients from time to time could be advisable,” he said. While properly managed feed through fly control can be a wonderful option for producers, the best pest control plan is typically an integrated system – feed through products are just one spoke on the wheel. Rotational grazing (which can interrupt the life cycle of flies and other pests/parasites) and manure management can also help reduce the fly count. “The work of feed through products is really done in the manure pile,” McCorill said. “One strategy to further combat flies in combination with feed through products is to run a drag or harrow over the pastures a few days after the first feeding date of the fly control product to break up old manure without any active ingredient in it to help reduce fly propagation.” Even if a producer is on point with their fly control, the next-door neighbors may be contributing to the problem. “Flies don’t recognize boundary fences, just host animals. If your herd is up against a neighbor’s herd that doesn’t have a fly management plan in place, then the best management in the world can’t keep the flies away,” McCorkill said. “Fortunately, horn flies don’t travel very far from their host or manure, so a relatively short separation distance is needed for them.” If possible, producers can utilize a rotational grazing system that breaks their pasture into smaller paddocks, so their herd is not constantly up against the neighbor’s herd.

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April 2020 17 Entomology (Inserts) in Vegetable Crops – Zoom Class – 10 a.m.-noon – Methods to combat common pests in vegetable crops – contact Branden Handke for more information 918-287-4170 or branden.handke@okstate.edu 20 Virtual Strawberry Field Walk – webinar on Zoom – No cost to register or participate – Tour begins at 2 p.m. CST and is scheduled to last about an hour – to register visit https://bit.ly/Strawberry-Field-Walk-Webinar. – If you are not able to view the webinar as it is broadcast, a recording of the virutal tour will be available on the Division of Agriculture’s horticulture YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzPEeCm2tCZ0yIBKA7wIsQ.

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Contact your local extension center for more information on the latest courses and events ARKANSAS 1. Baxter County, Mountain Home, Ark.....870-425-2335 2. Benton County, Bentonville, Ark............479-271-1060 3. Boone County, Harrison, Ark..................870-741-6168 4. Carroll County, Berryville, Ark................870-423-2958 5. Cleburne County, Heber Springs, Ark.....501-362-2524 6. Conway County, Morrilton, Ark..............501-354-9618 7. Crawford County, Van Buren, Ark..........479-474-5286 8. Faulkner County, Conway, Ark...............501-329-8344 9. North Franklin County, Ozark, Ark........479-667-3720 10. Fulton County, Salem, Ark....................870-895-3301 11. Johnson County, Clarksville, Ark..........479-754-2240 12. North Logan County, Paris, Ark............479-963-2360 13. South Logan County, Booneville, Ark.... 479-675-2787 14. Madison County, Huntsville, Ark..........479-738-6826 15. Marion County, Yellville, Ark................870-449-6349 16. Newton County, Jasper, Ark..................870-446-2240 17. Pope County, Russellville, Ark...............479-968-7098

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ARKANSAS 18. Searcy County, Marshall, Ark................870-448-3981 19. North Sebastian County, Barling, Ark.......479-484-7737 20. Van Buren County, Clinton, Ark..........501-745-7117 21. Washington County, Fayetteville, Ark.......479-444-1755 22. White County, Searcy, Ark....................501-268-5394 OKLAHOMA 1. Adair County, Stilwell, Okla....................918-696-2253 2. Cherokee County, Tahlequah, Okla........918-456-6163 3. Delaware County, Jay, Okla.....................918-253-4332 4. Le Flore County, Poteau, Okla.................918-647-8231 5. Mayes County, Pryor, Okla.......................918-825-3241 6. Muskogee County, Muskogee, Okla.........918-686-7200 7. Ottawa County, Miami, Okla...................918-542-1688 8. Rogers County, Claremore, Okla.............918-923-4958 9. Sequoyah County, Sallisaw, Okla.............918-775-4838 10. Wagoner County, Coweta, Okla............918-486-4589

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April 2020 14 Sydenstricker Genetics Influence Sale – at the Ranch, Mexico, Mo. – 573-473-9202 18 Bradley Cattle Company Bred Heifer Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 785-672-7449 18 East Central Missouri Angus Association Sale – Cuba, Mo. – 314-393-2885 18 Owen Brothers Cattle Company Diamond & Spurs Sim-Genetics Spring Sale – at the Farm, Bois D’ Arc, Mo. – 417-830-6252 18 New Day Genetics Ranch Ready Bull Sale – Cunningham Livestock Auction, Salem, Mo. – 903-748-7591 25 Windy Hill Charolais 23rd Annual Gateway-Getaway Production Sale – Arrowhead Sale Facility, Cedar Hill, Mo. – 314-974-5230 May 2020 8 Glendenning’s Next Generation Sale of 2020 – Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 9 Mead Farms Female Sale – at the Farm, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 15 Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 16 Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Kingsville Livestock Auction, Kingsville, Mo. – 816-380-8460 16 9th Annual Heartland Highland Cattle Auction – Mid-Missouri Stockyards, Lebanon, Mo. – 417-733-3201 30 The Great American Pie Limousin Sale – Laclede County Livestock Pavilion, Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 13, 2020

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory ANGUS Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Rocking A Ranch - Berryville, Ark. - 870-480-7651 870-423-3567 parthurrockinga@hotmail.com Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com BALANCERS Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com BRANGUS Horsehead Ranch - Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com CHAROLAIS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com GELBVIEH Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 HEREFORDS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com LIM-FLEX Glen Odglen - Springdale, Ark. 479-200-2677 - 479-361-2407 RED ANGUS Watkins Cattle Company Harrison, AR - 870-741-9795 – 870-688-1232 – watkinscattleco@windstream.net SIM ANGUS Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504

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OFN April 13, 2020

Articles inside

To increase gains, know what you are feeding your cattle

Feeding the right mixture to control flies

Improving pastures improves productivity

Finances and efficiency

Getting back to the basics of agriculture

Julie Turner-Crawford – Filling the critical needs

Youth in Agriculture highlights Addie Womack

After the passing of his grandfather, Wesley Benton continues his legacy

Jody Harris – Making it through

Jerry Crownover – Pat and the thirsty raccoon

State park offers fun for the family

Couple sees the benefits of Beefmasters