OFN April 26, 2021 by Eric Tietze

FARM HEALTH & INSURANCE ISSUE

APRIL 26, 2021 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 3 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Producing Calves Through Science Big Branch-Cooper Cattle sees AI and ET as value-added processes

Creating Opportunities Brothers Conner and Dalton Palarino want young exhibitors to have the chance to hit the ring

It’s a Scorcher! How to stay safe when working in the heat

Breeding for Top-Quality Animals Bacon Cattle and Sheep breed for show-quality Herefords and club lambs

rumor mill

Oklahoma to issue permits: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has obtained a master depredation permit through the USDA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and is now offering sub-permits to Oklahoma residents free of charge to dispose of black vultures attacking their livestock. The ODAFF statewide depredation permit allows livestock producers an opportunity to apply for a livestock protection depredation sub-permit – allowing five legal “takes” of black vultures at no charge to the livestock owner. “Oklahoma will serve as a pilot state for the new black vulture depredation program through USFWS,” said Scott Alls, Wildlife Division Director for Oklahoma. “We are excited about this partnership and hope this will be the first step in solving this issue.” Go to go.ozarksfn. com/toa for more information.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

APRIL 26, 2021

VOL. 15, NO. 3

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

Tick and chigger season

Hall of Fame date announced: The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame has announced Aug. 20 as a target date for the induction ceremony for its next class of inductees. The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock. The six-person class was announced in January, though at that time the AAHoF’s board of directors chose to forego its traditional early March induction ceremony to allow time to further evaluate health guidelines, vaccination rates and public health trends surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jody Harris – A mother’s instinct

Julie Turner-Crawford – Hitting the mall

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 The Feather family is working to pass down their farm

Farmers market to be renamed: Arkansas State University will rename its farmer’s market the Judd Hill Farmer’s Market after the Judd Hill Foundation will provide about $2.4 million for an expansion, which will be built adjacent to the current space. The existing space will be doubled by the addition of a second building that adds indoor spaces, classroom facilities and other amenities to expand the operations of the farmers mark. “We are very appreciative of the support from the Judd Hill Foundation and the leadership of former Board of Trustees member Mike Gibson in this highly impactful plan,” Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said. The new facility will extend the ability of the operation to sell more weekends of the year, as well as provide the opportunity for student-based products, educational outreach and other agribusiness entrepreneurial projects to have a home on the A-State University Farm, helping to fulfill its agricultural teaching and research role for the college. Invasive species warning: An invasive species of worm has been spotted in the Ozarks. “Jumping worms” (Amynthas spp) thrash wildly when handled, are 4-to 8-inches long, move quickly like a snake and can shed their tails when threatened. Originally come from Asia, they were officially found in the Midwest by the University of Wisconsin in 2013. Researchers have been tracking their movements since then. The worms cause damage to plant roots, deplete nutrients and alter the water-holding capacity of the soil. Plants become more susceptible to pests, drought and disease. The worms have been spotted in Midwestern states, including Missouri and Oklahoma. Those who find the worms are being told to kill them.

10 12

Millions of years in the making

Town & Country features Hannah Walker

Craig and Debbie Bacon breed for quality animals Eye on Agribusiness highlights Adrian Farm Supply

The Diamond A Ranch raises registered cattle and commercial sheep

Leaning on science for quality calves

Brothers work to give young people show-worthy pigs

Youth in Agriculture spotlights MaKenzie Bartlett

FARM HEALTH & INSURANCE 21 Lessening the impact with insurance

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

22 23 24 25

Beat the heat this summer Are you protecting your risk? Misconceptions about COVID Schedule your screenings APRIL 26, 2021

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 Publisher

Life Is Simple By Jerry Crownover

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting

e f i L elpmiS si

Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Amanda Newell, Production Sales

reaking news – tick and chigger season is here!” Believe it or not, this was an actual news story on my local TV news station last week. I kept waiting for their revnext onwbombshell, orC yrreJ yB “News alert – the sun is expected to rise in the east tomorrow morning!” Jerry Crownover is Those of us who live out in rural areas don’t have to rely a farmer and former on astute, investigative journalists to provide that informaprofessor of Agriculture tion to us. We know, and I know more keenly than most. Education at Missouri For as long as I can remember, I have been a critter magState University. He is a net when it comes to the disgusting, pint-sized pests. As a native of Baxter County, child, I could walk, side-by-side, with my father, through Arkansas, and an woods and meadows, which would result in Dad having author and professional nary a single tick on himself, while I would have enough speaker. To contact Jerry, on me to replenish the planet in case a nuclear disaster go to ozarksfn.com and ever wiped out the population. In late February of this click on ‘Contact Us.’ year, just a week after we had experienced sub-zero temperatures and 10 inches of snow, I was walking through the woods in search of a cow, and lo and behold, I felt something on my leg, just above boot high, and guess what? Why me? I always blamed my ability to attract the varmints on my naturally, sweet disposition, but way too many people have disputed that idea throughout the rest of my life, so I guess I’ll have to get rid of that argument, and make up something else. When it was blackberry-picking time in my youth, I would get covered with the critters, to the point Mom would have to smear bacon grease all over my wounds to keep me from clawing my legs into tiny pieces. I can also remember my parents soaking rags in kerosene, and tying them around my ankles in an effort to keep the tiny biters at bay. It didn’t work. Throughout my life, I’ve tried every spray and powder available to mankind to keep from getting ticks. I’ve attached fly tags to the pull-strap of my boots, soaked my pant-legs in de-lousing liquid, and purposely spilled cattle dewormer all over myself (don’t try this at “

Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Jessica Allan, Marcus Creasy, Cheryl Kepes, Rose Green-Flores, Sonya Kullmann and Brandon Riddle.

About the Cover Craig and Debbie Bacon strive to breed highquality Herefords and club lambs. See more on page 8. Submitted photo Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

T If you sell meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, eggs or any other farm to table products, be sure your farm is listed on FromTheFarmToYou.com The listing is completely free. Just visit FromTheFarmToYou.com and click on “Submit Your Farm” at the top of the page.

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he grass is finally green enough in our fields to stop feeding our cows hay. My husband had to be out of town this past weekend and we opened gates and turned cattle out into greener pastures. Jody Harris is a freelance I hope spring weather is finally here to stay. We communications specialist, are all tired of winter chores. gardener, ranch wife and We have moved on to the fun stuff – spring flower and mother of four. She and vegetable planting. As we were cleaning out our garden her family raise Angus beef beds, we discovered a little bird had built her nest inside cattle and other critters on the cabinet in my greenhouse. She built a beautiful nest, their northwest Arkansas and it looks like we are waiting for three eggs to hatch. We ranch. She is a graduate check on her daily to see if anything has progressed. of Missouri State University. Our 9-year-old son poked his head in at her a little too To contact Jody, go to closely one afternoon. She flew out after him and scared ozarksfn.com and click on him to death. He came running out of the greenhouse like ‘Contact Us.’ his pants were on fire. I had a good laugh at his expense. I had to explain to him that he had probably scared her. She took off flying because she thought he might be trying to hurt her. We have begun to call her Gloria and she and her soon-to-hatch babies are a part of the Harris family now. My husband was down at the garden helping me till each one of our raised beds. He stepped into the greenhouse and walked out with Gloria’s nest in his hand. We were all horrified! “What are you doing with that?” I asked. He explained he was just trying to clean up inside the greenhouse. “There are eggs in there!” I told him. He quickly put Gloria’s nest back in the cabinet. The look on his face told me he thought I was crazy. I am crazy, but my crazy saved Gloria a lot of heartbreak that day. I think a mother’s instinct is strong. We all want what we think is best for our own children. We lift other mothers (bovine, birds, humans) up when we know they are struggling. My heart aches for the things that make our momma cows sad. I hate the sound of them bellering back-and-forth at one another when we separate weanling calves from the mommas. I have been spotted cheering for a cow calving and having trouble. I know words of encouragement help us, why not cows? I already admitted I am crazy. Right now, I am cheering for two women in our community who are running for our local school board in Fayetteville, Ark. They are women who want what is best for students, parents and teachers in our district. They are individuals who understand we need to focus on the basics of academia right now. This past year has been tough on everyone involved in the education system. These two ladies are brave for stepping up to be part of the election process. My hope is for them to win their races and make decisions that get our district back in the number one seat in Arkansas. I might be just putting up yard signs and helping with social media, but I am also covering these two in my prayers. We mothers must stick together. Happy Mother’s Day, neighbor!

Tomatoes are the largest vegetable crop in Arkansas, producing 3 million pounds a year. — Source, Aghires.com

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APRIL 26, 2021

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’m not a shopper, so online buying has been great for me, even before the pandemic. When I do have to physically go to a store, I try to be in-and-out. If a store doesn’t have what I’m looking for, I’m out of Julie Turner-Crawford there: I’m not going to browse around. I have done is a native of Dallas all of my Christmas shopping in one day, during my lunch County, Mo., where she hour. Before I go in, I have a game plan, and I stick to it – no grew up on her family’s need to vary from the path. farm. She is a graduate Bill and I recently had to make a trip to Springfield, Mo., of Missouri State and while we were there, I thought I would run by a store University. To contact at the mall to pick one thing; another one of my in-and-out Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 trips. That was my first mistake. or by email at editor@ It had been years since I have been inside this mall, and ozarksfn.com. the last time I was there was a quick trip with my sister-inlaw, who knew where she was going. Surely it wouldn’t be that hard to find one store in the mall. That was my second mistake. We parked the truck near an entrance I thought would be close to the store I wanted. Even if it wasn’t right at the door, how far could it be? There aren’t that many stores in the mall, right? I asked Bill if he was going to come with me. He laughed, tilted his seat back, and put his hat over his face for a bit of nap. “I’m going to stay right here,” he said. “Take your time.” As I made my way through the entrance, I remembered why I never go there. There were people everywhere, and I instantly felt like a fish out of water.

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I had been roaming the building for an hour, and I was done, finished and was over it. I didn’t need what I thought I needed enough to stay there any longer. As I tried to retrace my steps, I figured Bill would be worried about me because I am never in a store that long. He left his cell phone at home, so I couldn’t call him. I was on my own, lost in a strange land. Finally, things started to look a little more familiar, and I saw a glowing “EXIT” sign. As I walked out the door and felt the sunshine hit my face, I knew I was free, free from that place. As I looked across the parking lot, I realized something very important – this is not where I parked. Dang it. Mistake number six. I finally made it to the truck and was not in the best of humor. “Did you find what you were looking for?” Bill asked. “No, I couldn’t even find the store,” I replied. “Did you ask someone for directions?” he said, to which I replied yes. “I saw people walking around with sacks from that store. Did you ask them where it was?” “I didn’t see anyone with those bags,” I replied. Bill shook his head and said, “Jules, your first mistake was not going online…”

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3

3001 N Grant • Springfield, MO 65803 417-833-2660 • www.fourstatefarmshow.com

I found a map, but nowhere did the words “You are here” appear. I located the store I was looking for and started to make my way there. This is when mistake number three occurred. I walked for what seemed like miles. Corridors shot to the left and right, in front of and behind me. I was lost, yet surrounded by people. I figured I would ask someone for directions. That’s where my fourth mistake happened. I asked a woman and her daughter if they knew where this store was. At first they said no, then they asked me if I knew where another store was. If I went to that store, the store I was looking for was on the other side. It would be easier, they said, to go all the way through the store because once I made it to the other entrance, it would be down the hall and to the right. Mistake number five. I found the store they mentioned and began to make my way through it. There was apparently a big sale going on because it was packed. Finally, after walking through women’s wear, men’s clothes, household goods and kid’s clearance, I found the other entrance/exit. I walked out, made a right, just as the mother and daughter told me to do, thinking I would soon reach my original destination. If you’re keeping track, that’s mistake number six. I kept walking and walking, and walking, but there was no sign of the store. There wasn’t even any sign of it on the signs hanging from the ceiling. I asked someone for directions, only to be told, again, that I was going the wrong way, again.

home), all to no avail. How I’ve lived for almost 69 years without contracting Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever or any host of other tick-borne diseases is a miracle in itself, but I’ve just learned to live with it. I should add that the news story about tick and chigger season had a rather interesting twist. Evidently, the state entomologists want to learn more about the ticks that we’re getting around my neck of the woods, and

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

instructed people who MIGHT get ticks, to pick them off, put them in a small plastic bag, and mail them to a certain laboratory. The local health department would even provide the baggie, free of charge, to help them with their research. I plan on going by my local health department tomorrow and request a container to send in my ticks. A 5-gallon bucket should be about right. APRIL 26, 2021

meet your

neighbors

Submitted Photo

Passing it Down By Terry Ropp

The Feather family is working to pass down their family farming legacy to future generation Feather Farms was started by Floyd began precision grading (leveling) which and Jeanette Feather after they re- is done using lasers or GPS. That system turned to Arkansas from a venture recycles 85 percent of the water used on to Chicago, where Floyd realized the farm through a tailwater recovery sysworking in a factory did not suit him. tem that picks up and pumps water back When they returned, they found a farm into one of four reservoirs. Before installaonly 2 miles from the farm where Floyd was tion, 100 percent of the water for the farm raised. Today, Floyd’s son Keith and grand- was groundwater. Now 65 to 75 percent of son Jacob are partners on what has grown to the farm’s crop water is surface water that be 1,200 productive acres with another 200 is reused. The water runs between the rows in the corn and soybean fields, and floods in timberland. Son Koby works for Gym Masters, a com- the rice fields. “In today’s world, irrigation is a necessity pany Keith is part owner of that builds and resurfaces gymnasium floors, and Jacob, for a crop farmer,” Keith explained. “We who is in partnership with Keith, works added acreage through the years and now on their crop farm. Keith and Tammy have have 20 miles of underground pipe which two granddaughters and two grandsons, saves water loss from evaporation, runoff with the grandsons living in a house on and absorption where water is not needed. the farm and always eager to be out in the We are lucky in Arkansas because we have water and not every place does.” fields. Another important advantage of having Keith was a teenager when he figured out that whenever he learned to operate a new an irrigation system is different crops have piece of equipment, using that equipment be- different water needs at different times. Obviously, water control is critically important. came part of his responsibilities on the farm. After learning how to run a combine when Although Mother Nature is always an unhe was 15, he was expected to be operat- controllable factor, irrigation allows greater ing the combine every minute he wasn’t in control and profitability. Keith clearly reschool during harvest time. One time, Floyd members his father explaining that irrigaand Keith, along with a nearby neighbor tion was a two-edged sword because corn and son, were working together to harvest and soybeans need good drainage but also soybeans all night long. The only difference need water when the land dries up during was Keith had to go to school the next morn- summer months. “Putting in an irrigation system, even a liting, but the other young man did not. Keith learned his work ethic from his father and tle at a time when affordable, is an expensive saw the importance of passing it down to his operation,” Keith said. “But my dad taught me that livestock and crop production have children. Feather Farms produces soybeans, field one thing in common: you can’t starve it and corn and rice, with a 70-acre pecan tree make a profit.” Previously, the order of planting grove needing another five was corn, rice and then soybeans. years of growth before producThis year, however, Keith and ing nuts. Griffithville, Ark. Jacob are planning soybeans first The heart of the Feathers’ opbecause they seem more productive eration is an expansive irrigawhen planted earlier. According to tion system that started in the Keith, an important part of any agri1980s when Keith was 20 and cultural operation is paying attention working with his father. They APRIL 26, 2021

Keith Feather is the second generation of the Feather family to run Feather Farms. The third and fourth generation is also involved in the soybean, corn and rice farm.

to everything that’s going on, continually refining and/or altering processes according to changing conditions whether those conditions are weather, hybrid alterations, or new technologies. Fertilizing for the three crops requires different patterns. Soybeans are fertilized at planting, with the fields being fertilized again after harvest, using chicken litter from neighbors. Corn and rice receive some fertilizer during spring planting, with other applications in the middle of the season and as needed. Because of the levees and flooding in rice fields, fertilizer is applied by plane. Herbicides require different procedures as well. Rice fields are sprayed by plane right before flooding, then the floodwater will maintain control the of weeds. Soybeans and corn receive herbicide application

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

through ground spraying. Both pre- and post-emergence spray is applied, with additional applications as needed. Technology has changed in crop production. One of the most important is the development of modern, closed tractors. While comfort is important, health benefits from not having to breathe dust, greater safety features and GPS guidance have been an important boon to the crop industry. Just as in livestock, the development of better and more productive varieties has caused average yields to increase. “An important alteration in herbicide technology is that modern varieties have an improved resistance to the chemicals that kill the weeds. State yield averages have improved helping us feed a world with an exploding population,” Keith said.

meet your neighbors

Submitted Photos

Breeding for Top-Quality Animals

Craig and Debbie Bacon of Bacon Cattle and Sheep strive to breed the best of both species.

By Terry Ropp

Bacon Cattle and Sheep breed for show-quality Herefords and club lambs While both Craig and Debbie Bacon came from production agriculture families in Missouri, their backgrounds were different and had significant impact on how their cattle and sheep operations evolved. The couple met at the University of Missouri. Craig was raised at a dairy farm and showed Herefords. Debbie was raised on a registered Angus, swine and row crop farm. Professors predicted the couple would raise black baldies. That didn’t happen. Craig was familiar with Herefords and deeply influenced by his ag teacher Gregg Alsup, as well as good friends Dr. Burl and Reba Pfander. Consequently, Bacon Cattle and Sheep raise registered Herefords and commercial club lambs, along with some Dorset ewes. However, most ewes are heavi-

ly-influenced Hampshire crosses with Route Creations. Cassie has two children all ewes bred by Hampshire rams. The while Amanda and her husband Kirk Boecker have recently gifted Craig and Debbie a new sheep are mostly Debbie’s area. “Craig won about the cattle because grandson named Oliver. Son-in-law Kirk is his opinion was stronger than the profes- an integral part of Bacon Cattle and Sheep, sors’ and even mine,” Debbie bantered working full time on the operation with a good-naturedly. “However, we have 30 focus on managing the cow herd, while also acres devoted to sheep, something our assisting with the sheep portion of the operation. daughter Amanda particularly enjoys.” Debbie remembers the pride she felt in the Craig and Debbie have three children, two of which work at Simmons where responsibility of steering a tractor while her Craig is senior vice president of Techni- 12-year-old brother Terry chucked square cal Service. Son Justin works as a senior bales of hay from the carryall. When done, Terry climbed back onto the tracfood technologist while their tor and took over. Because Debyoungest daughter Amanda manages the regulatory team Siloam Spring, Ark. bie’s father Delmar worked off the farm, Terry was in charge at that at Simmons. Their oldest young age and quickly made Debdaughter Cassie lives in Canbie his “right-hand man.” ada along with her husband “That gave me confidence although I and have their own livestock didn’t find out until years later that my marketing business, Rural Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

mom often complained to my brother that I was always working on the farm and not helping her in the house,” Debbie confided. “I also remember the loving and wonderful time I spent with my dad walking and checking cows. The combination lit my fire and made me decide to stay in agriculture.” Predictably, the couple started out in Missouri but soon moved to Tennessee for graduate school. After a short stint in Madison, Wis., they moved to Arkansas and established their farming enterprise. The Bacons relocated to Siloam Springs, Ark., in order to purchase more land and expand their herds. While the lay of the land was appealing, the fact that it was available at the right time, in one parcel and located on Highway 16 made their current acreage a wise choice. All Hereford breeding stock is registered,, with the Bacon cattle operation producing numerous state and national champions. APRIL 26, 2021

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then provides important statistical feedback used in future breeding pair selections. Space is the biggest issue in club lamb production hopefully solved by a larger sheep barn in the future. The Bacons maintain 85 ewes bred by three rams. The top 10 percent of the ewes serve as donors and are flushed before being bred. Unlike most sheep operations, the Bacons AI all females, mostly with their own semen but also with some purchased from other breeders. If a ewe does not produce a good lamb, she is then brought into service as a recipient ewe and is bred using embryos produced from their flock. Lambs nurse naturally and begin eating creep feed when about two weeks old. Then the lambs are weaned at 8 weeks when the ewes are moved to pasture, while the lambs stay in the barn until May when temperature fluctuations even out. “What I especially enjoy is watching the local kids buy our lambs beginning when the lambs are 8 weeks old,” Debbie said. “It’s such a joy seeing both the kids and the lambs grow and learn although seeing them win is naturally a huge deal.” Part of keeping the operation profitable is raising hay, with 95 acres set aside for hay production. Hay field and pasture composition are fescue and Bermudagrass, with naturally occurring white clover. The operation’s production meets all herd needs except for lactating ewes which need and receive purchased alfalfa. Soil is tested annually, with specific fertilization balance determined by the results. A weed control program is utilized in the farm operation. “Our children loved the farm and showing, and we are looking forward to introducing little Oliver to the farm and livestock and perhaps, one day, showing some of our animals as our children did. This is going to be fun,” Debbie exclaimed.

T SMIT R O

The Bacons run 125 mature females and retain some heifers, but sell most at weaning, as yearlings, or as bred heifers. Females are sold at Hereford Association-sponsored state and national sales in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Outside females are occasionally purchased to prevent “breeding into a corner.” Bull calves are occasionally sold as young as 12 months, though semen testing is not yet possible but typically at 15 to 19 months. New female records are analyzed first to determine if they come from a line of good mothers with quality udders and high fertility rates. Bulls are initially analyzed by the quality of their dams so they will pass on the all-important maternal traits, along with good fertility rates and stoutness in terms of muscle and bone, with sound feet and legs. Once production criteria are met, the Bacons begin to sort perspective purchases by phenotype so calves will be competitive in the show ring. Thick, straight hair is a current show preference, as are straight lines and what Debbie calls an attractive front. Females are synchronized for breeding. While commercial Angus females receive embryo transplants, mostly embryos from the Bacon herd, the remainder are bred by AI with only a few bred from outside semen. Then, if the AI doesn’t take with one try, the Bacon bulls take over. One of the keys to their operation is that their bulls provide high-quality semen sold nationwide so the term “cleanup bull” seems inadequate. While the goal is to have all the cattle produced at Bacon Cattle and Sheep of the quality to utilize in their herd or someone else’s, there are always those calves that do not meet the criteria. The Bacons retain ownership of those calves and send them to a feedlot in Kansas, which

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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.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

A Natural Wonder The Natural Bridge has been millions of years in the making

By Julie Turner-Crawford Nestled in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks region is a formation that has been millions of years in the making, a formation that continues to leave visitors in awe. The Natural Bridge of Arkansas, located north of Clinton, Ark., is a 100-feet long natural limestone bridge that owner Jim Smith says has been carved out by eons of erosion from the Little Johnny Creek, now-small wet weather creek. The privately-owned bridge and surrounding property was developed for tourism by the Johnson family, the previous owners, and has been drawing visitors since the late 1960s. Jim and Marcia Smith purchased the property in 2013 and continue to share the history of the bridge, as well as the history of the Ozarks.

The Quapaw Indians made use of the bridge for centuries, using it as a thoroughfare and seeking shelter under the adjoining overhangs. “The old-timers said there were a lot of arti-

facts down there in the early days,” Jim said. “Early settlers used it for logging,” he added. “Timber was big in Arkansas back in those days, and most of the logs were used for barrels. A little town north of us called Leslie

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Submitted Photos

had a huge barrel factory, so most of Central Arkansas was logged, and a lot of it went to make stave barrels, and railroad ties were big then too. The bridge was a handy way to get timber out of this little holler down here. They ran mules and oxen across it.” The area and bridge also have a more notorious history, serving as a hide-out for outlaws. One of the more infamous fugitives seeking shelter at the Natural Bridge is rumored to have been Belle Starr, who was known for her affiliation with the James-Younger gang and other bandits of the day. Today, a winding paved road takes visitors to the Natural Bridge of Arkansas. Jim said it’s not an ideal road for larger vehicles, but there is an area where visitors can drop trailers, then proceed to the check-in. APRIL 26, 2021

ozarks roots Once on-site, the bridge formation is just a short walk away. “There are two little lookouts,” Jim explained. “One is just out the backdoor, 50 to 75 yards down a path, and the other path is below the bridge.” Visitors are not allowed to walk on the bridge because there is no fall protection in place. “It is pretty neat to see what nature has carved out,” Jim said. In addition to the Natural Bridge, the site is also home to two cabins from the 1800s. “These hand-huned cabins were pretty common in the Ozarks back in the homesteading days,” Jim said. The first is a cabin from 1871 and serves as the attraction entrance. “We know a little history about it,” Jim said. “It came from Morganton, which is south of Clinton, and it belonged to the Neal family. It’s a little gift shop, and it has all sorts of early things all over the walls. People will come in and want to leave something. A lot of it has a little story behind it. A lot of people pass through and will send stuff back or bring it back. It might be a piece of quartz or be like the guy who mailed us a goat’s foot with a whip on it that belonged to his grandfather in the 1800s. He wanted to leave it here, and it’s kind of neat. One guy brought in a railroad spike in honor of this dad. They used to hunt for railroad spikes along the old railroad beds, and he brought us the last spike they found together before his dad passed. It’s just little things like that people do. We’re small, so we can’t handle

APRIL 26, 2021

anything really big, but if it’s a period item, we will just put it on the wall, and that’s where it stays.” The history of the 1880s cabin isn’t clear, but it holds countless treasures. “It’s filled with a lot of early stuff, anything from hand-cranked washing machines and hand tools,” Jim shared. There is also a still room and other treasures for visitors to discover in the cabin. Guests can also take in a covered wagon display. For some families, the Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a family tradition. “We have people who come with their children, and they came with their parents when they were kids,” John said. “They try to get pictures in the same spot.” The COVID pandemic altered a portion of the 2020 season for the Smiths and the Natural Bridge of Arkansas, but the 2021 season has been busy thus far. The attraction is open from mid-March through mid-November. “It’s like anything in the Ozarks; it runs with other stuff going on or with the seasons. Spring break time is busy, and then it slows some until the summer months. We get a lot of Texas and Louisiana folks who are heading to Branson, Mo.,” Jim said. Visitors to the Natural Bridge of Arkansas, Jim said, say the bridge and the Ozarks scenery are worth the stop as they travel through the state. “A lot of people are pretty in awe of it,” Jim said. “Especially when they are from flat country. People fall in love with the scenery in general.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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Adrian Farm Supply n Owner: Bob Adrian n Location: Tahlequah, Okla. History: “I was born and spent my early years in Minnesota. My 13-year-old brother David died from polio in 1958. My parents, Dave and Evelyn Adrian, decided to move to Oklahoma when an opportunity arose for my father to manage a Go Yo Mission dairy and hog farm in Oklahoma. He did so for a couple of years but the fit wasn’t good and led to buying a farm in Tahlequah and developing a cattle/feedlot operation. In Minnesota, he bought corn and old transportation equipment. He refurbished and sold that equipment first as a sideline. Later, sales of everything from feed grinders to grain drills became the only business. My dad was a master welder and fabricator and built one of the first hydraulic end loaders. In 1980, he decided to retire from farming and built new equipment sales facilities. When my father and I went into business, I promised he could work at the shop as long as he wanted, which he did for many years.” Products and Services: “We sell both new and used equipment. Land in the local area is very rough and farm sizes are on the smaller side. I offer what best fits their needs. We sell two Branson tractors from 25 to 58 horsepower. Bush Hog and Land Pride are two available brands of ground maintenance equipment, tillers and lawn mowers, while Bushwacker provides rotary cutters from 5 to 21 feet. Boomless Willie Sprayers work well on our rough ground, with Stony Point providing caddies to facilitate using mowers on a smaller tractor. Because haying is important here, we offer Krone products including mowers and tedders from 7 to 21 feet. While mowers and tedders are kept in stock, other equipment is ordered and was typically delivered in two to three weeks. Unfortunately, COVID has made that time frame unpredictable. Many of our customers need or want refurbished machinery. We provide a variety with lots of life left in them and have even sold early Ford tractors from the 1940s. Assortments of equipment have gone to Mexico and once a Haiti mission group took equipment to assist farmers who knew nothing about mechanization. Most of my seven employees are involved with repair, refurbishment and replacement parts.” Business Philosophy and Future: “I won’t sell what I can’t repair, and God put me here to help everyone as much as I can. Customer service is more than a smile. It means being honest and aboveboard while knowing people and their individual needs in order to help them make the best decisions for themselves. While we are doing a brisk business, my business is a dying breed because not many are willing to take the time and effort to make a business like this work. Not surprisingly, big business is squeezing out many places like mine.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 26, 2021

town &

country The voice of the

in the field and in the office

Submitted Photo

Hannah Walker By Terry Ropp

n Family: Husband Cody, and children Claire and Charlie n Hometown: Henderson, Ark. In Town: “My husband Cody and I have town lives centered around our careers. Cody and I got married right out of high school and went to college together at Arkansas Tech University. In 2016, I graduated with an ag business degree, while Cody earned an electrical engineering degree and later earning a master electrician license. I began my career as a bank teller and am now a loan assistant at Anstaff Bank in Mountain Home, Ark. Cody is an electrical engineer for the Little Rock Corps of Engineers.” In the Country: “Both Cody and I were raised on cattle farms. The family land totals 930 acres. My father and local high school ag teacher Lyn Cotter works all but 300 acres. The 25 acres around our home in Henderson has multiple uses during the year. It is not only a calving and weaning area but also a bull pen and hospital center, in addition to being grazing land for our jumping mules. We lease another 115 acres from my grandparents, Max and Velma Cotter, as our main grazing area. That land, perhaps soon to become an official century farm, has been in the family for 180 years and retains the home of my great-great-grandma Doxie. Cody and I run herd of 35 mixed mommas bred by a registered Red Angus bull. Calves are born in the spring and fall. The calves are weaned at 6 months and fed a grain ration of soy hulls, corn and distillers gain we purchase by the ton from Foster’s Feed in Bakersfield Mo., only minutes from our home. We then grain calves for 30 days to knock the freshness off of them as become accustomed to grain and people. The calves are then sold at the nearby Ozark Regional Stockyards. The cattle are worked four times a year, with calves receiving Vita-Charge as part of our health protocol. Our 4-year-old daughter Claire started showing bottle calves when only 2 and now has two miniature Hereford bulls for this year’s season. Her younger brother Charlie, who is not yet 2, loves anything cow. We look forward to growing our herd as large and as fast as we can. A deep commitment and love of farming is in our blood, in our hearts and growing in our children.” APRIL 26, 2021

Ozarks www.radiospringfield.com

LOOKING FOR FREELANCE WRITERS Counties In Arkansas: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington, White and Yell Counties In Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Le Flore, Mayes, Muskogee, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah and Wagoner Experience in agriculture preferred, but not required. Some photography skills needed. Freelancers should have excellent organizational and time management skills, the ability to produce feature stories following AP style and the guidelines of OFN. Freelancers should have a strong initiative, be able to meet deadlines and follow through with projects. Please send writing samples and a resume to julie@ozarksfn.com.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

cattle

Ft. Collins: wooled and shorn 70-80 lbs 290.00-335.00; 80-90 lbs 280.00-340.00; 95 lbs 280.00. hair 40-50 lbs Arkansas Cattle Auction 285.00-290.00; 50-60 lbs 285.00-295.00, few 305.00. † Ash Flat Livestock Kalona: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 287.50-315.00; 72.50-91.50 Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle † 50-60 lbs 285.00-327.50; 60-70 lbs 293.00-321.00; 70-80 Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) lbs 295.00-320.00; 80-90 lbs 297.50-322.50; 90-100 lbs Cattlemen’s Livestock 55.00-102.50* Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice † 282.50-305.00. hair 40-50 lbs 292.50-300.00; 50-60 lbs Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs 86.00-96.00 Steers: 120.00-126.00 ; wtd. avg. price 122.71. 307.50-317.50; 60-70 lbs 302.50-310.00; 70-80 lbs 287.50County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff 89.00-90.00 † Heifers: 118.00-125.00; wtd. avg. price 121.64. 305.00; 82 lbs 290.00. Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice National Sheep Summary 4/16/21 South Dakota: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 265.00-365.00; Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita None Reported* Steers: 194.00-195.00; wtd. avg. price 194.54. 50-60 lbs 260.00-325.00; 60-70 lbs 265.00-295.00; 70-80 60.00-96.00* Farmers Regional Sale Barn Compared to last week slaughter lambs mostly steady to Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. lbs 255.00-277.50; 80-90 lbs 247.50-270.00; 90-100 lbs Fort Smith Stockyards 55.00-104.00* 15.00 higher, except at San Angelo, TX 20.00-30.00 245.00-260.00. Four State Stockyards 69.00-110.00* lower; slaughter ewes steady to 20.00 lower; feeder Billings: no test. I-40 Livestock - Ozark 65.00-92.00 † lambs not well tested. At San Angelo, TX 9142 head Missouri: hair 40-60 lbs 270.00-285.00; 60-70 lbs 272.50Joplin Regional Stockyards sold. No sales in Equity Cooperative Auction. Western 69.00-109.00 † 275.00; 78 lbs 255.00; 80-90 lbs 235.00-265.00. wooled Mid-State Stockyards Video Auction sold 5045 lambs, 600 replacement ewes 92.00* Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 4/8/21 North Arkansas Livestock and 10 rams. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder and shorn 40-50 lbs 275.00-282.50; 50-60 lbs 275.0054.00-94.00 † 285.00; 60-75 lbs 270.00-285.00; 80 lbs 250.00; 92 lbs Receipts: 750 lambs were not tested. 4,864 lamb carcasses traded OKC West - El Reno 79.00-97.00 † 225.00. Nice early spring weather greeted a large crowd for this with no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per 76.00-105.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Western Video: April sale. Compared to the last sale, slaughter lambs hundred weight (CWT) unless specified. Ozarks Regional Stockyards 71.00-103.00 † OR: 1540 head 90-95 lbs 209.00-215.00 for May/June traded 30.00-60.00 higher. Slaughter ewes traded Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3: Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported* 10.00 - 25.00 higher. Not enough replacement sheep San Angelo: wooled and shorn 115-185 lbs 154.00-196.00. delivery. 940 head 95 lbs 200.00-204.00 for June delivery. Tulsa Livestock Auction 87.00-103.00 † for a market comparison. Kid feeder goats traded steady New Holland, PA: wooled and shorn 105-140 lbs 200.00- AZ: 800 head 120-125 lbs 235.00-240.00 for current Welch Stockyards 80.00-119.00* delivery. to 25.00 higher. Slaughter nannies traded up to 20.00 295.00. Slaughter Ewes: 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 higher. Replacement goats were in demand as many new Ft. Collins, CO: wooled and shorn 130-140 lbs 265.00San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 buyers as well as internet buyers were very active. Not 280.00. (fleshy) 98.00-124.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium enough replacement goats at the last sale for a compari- South Dakota: wooled and shorn 105-145 lbs 200.00flesh) 130.00-148.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 110.00-128.00; son. Supply was moderate with very good demand. Supply 225.00; 150-170 lbs 185.00-198.00. included: 69% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (13% Wooled & Kalona, IA: wooled and shorn 105-140 lbs 190.00-287.50; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 100.00-110.00; Cull 1 (Week of 4/11/21 to 4/17/21) 96.00-100.00. Shorn, 67% Hair Breeds, 11% Ewes, 7% Hair Ewes, 150-155 lbs 145.00-155.00. Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 49.00-74.00 † New Holland: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 1% Bucks, 1% Hair Bucks); 1% Replacement Sheep/ Billings, MT: wooled and shorn 160-190 lbs no test. 45.00-67.50 † Ash Flat Livestock (fleshy) 70.00-142.00, hair 80.00-160.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 17% Feeder Goats (100% Missouri: wooled and shorn 105-150 lbs no test. 44.00-67.00 † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs no test. Kids); 8% Slaughter Goats (6% Kids, 80% Nannies/ Equity Coop: no sales. Cattlemen’s Livestock 20.00-72.00* 2 Ft. Collins: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 72.50; Good 2-3 Does, 14% Bucks/Billies); 6% Replacement Goats (83% Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: Cleburne County Livestock Auction 30.00-71.00 † (fleshy) 80.00-105.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test. Nannies/Does, 17% Bucks/Billies). San Angelo: hair 40-60 lbs 270.00-302.00; 60-70 lbs 20.00-68.00 † County Line Sale - Ratclifff Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: 268.00-300.00; 70-80 lbs 260.00-296.00; 80-90 lbs 260.00- South Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 85.00-105.00; Good Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 260.00-325.00. 288.00, few 292.00-295.00; 90-110 lbs 250.00-270.00, few 2-3 (fleshy) 84.00-112.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 72.50-110.00; None Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 275.00-315.00. 282.00-293.00. wooled and shorn 40-60 lbs 278.00-308.00; Cull 1 35.00-79.00. Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale 34.00-70.00* Kalona: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 265.00-282.50. 60-70 lbs 272.00-310.00; 70-80 lbs 266.00-298.00; 80-90 20.00-77.00* Fort Smith Stockyards 92.50-120.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 87.50Ewes - Good 2-3: 140.00-185.00. lbs 262.00-287.00; 90-105 lbs 256.00-258.00. 11.00-71.00* 1 Four State Stockyards 110.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 87.50-90.00. Ewes Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-135.00. New Holland: wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 345.00-350.00; I-40 Livestock - Ozark 25.00-69.50 † 2 Billings: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) Hair Ewes Good 2-3: 140.00-200.00. 50-60 lbs 320.00-357.00, few 370.00-385.00; 60-70 lbs Joplin Regional 17.50-81.00 † Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-135.00. 335.00-355.00; 70-80 lbs 310.00-355.00; 80-90 lbs 315.00- no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. Mid-State Stockyards 72.00* Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 100.00. 355.00; 90-100 lbs 295.00-315.00, few 342.00-355.00. hair Missouri: Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good 1-3 North Arkansas Livestock 20.00-66.50 † (medium flesh) 85.00-120.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very Bucks - 1-2: 117.50-125.00. 40-50 lbs 310.00-335.00; 50-60 lbs 300.00-340.00; 60-70 † 448.00-90.00 OKC West - El Reno thin) no test. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 160.00-210.00. lbs 295.00-340.00; 70-80 lbs 320.00-332.00; 80-90 lbs † 50.00-72.00 Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Direct Trading: No sales. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: 300.00-340.00; 90-100 lbs 290.00-346.00. † Ozarks Regional Stockyards 20.00-77.00 Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 245.00-287.50. Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported* Feeder Goats: Tulsa Livestock Auction 50.00-80.00 † Kids - Selection 1: 400.00-580.00. Welch Stockyards 50.00-78.00* Kids - Selection 2: 320.00-405.00. Kids - Selection 3: 280.00. (Week of 4/11/21 to 4/17/21)

beef

60.00-97.00 †

sheep &

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.

14 14

cows

stocker & feeder

104

4/14/21 759

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 4/12/21 420

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 4/14/21 140

St-10 Lower

St-3 Lower

St-15 Higher

Uneven

192.00 155.00-174.00 130.00-167.00 121.00-151.00 125.00-149.00

175.00-189.00 165.00-185.00 146.00-170.00 125.00-159.00 125.00-136.00

141.00-189.00 140.00-188.00 137.00-167.00 114.00-156.00 -----

174.00-209.00 160.00-200.00 157.00-166.00 137.00-147.00 -----

171.00-183.00 160.00-170.00 140.00-159.00 136.00 134.00-142.00

170.00-197.50 165.00-181.00 130.00-162.50 125.00-136.00 124.00

158.00 145.00-163.00 139.00-154.00 ----110.00

175.00-192.00 155.00-179.00 130.00-157.00 112.00-144.00 -----

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

177.00-200.00 150.00-185.00 142.00-157.00 130.00-138.00 116.00-125.00

------------135.00-139.00 110.00

148.00-205.00 120.00-159.00 120.00-144.00 121.00-133.00 120.00-123.00

144.00-154.00 130.00-143.50 120.00-142.00 110.00-130.00 122.50

136.00-168.00 130.00-154.00 125.00-141.00 110.00-133.00 114.00-125.00

125.00-171.00 120.00-153.00 113.00-142.50 95.00-132.00 80.00-120.00

143.00-168.00 130.00-160.00 114.00-146.00 118.00-134.00 124.00

140.00-160.00 135.00-158.00 144.00-151.00 113.00-121.00 123.00

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

4/16/21 684

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 4/15/21 1,729

Uneven

178.00-215.00 157.50-206.00 145.00-175.00 136.00-150.00 125.00-135.00

NONE REPORTED

goats

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 4/13/21 945

Ash Flat Livestock✝

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 4/14/21 -----

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 4/16/21 256

-----

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

181.00-182.00 172.00-181.00 160.00--172.00 ---------

162.00-185.00 145.00-170.00 141.00-161.00 117.00-142.00 107.00-134.00

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

152.00-158.00 144.00-152.00 134.00-144.00 ---------

Decatur Livestock*

NOT REPORTED

slaughter

Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 435.00-445.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 175.00-245.00. 4/18/21 Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 135.00-185.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 195.00-285.00. Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 255.00-315.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 280.00-440.00.

Cheese: B $1.7800. T (+0.1190) Fluid Milk milk outpu other area temperatu market pa books. In C slowed. Fo sprung to demands c the upper higher, fro continues Western e Midwest, b multiples a Midwest, a SPOT PR BUTTERF - $2.3946

So 24 18 12 6 0 Blyt

prices

Fort Smith Four State Stockyards* Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 4/12/21 4/13/21 1,797 1,761

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 4/15/21 850

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 4/12/21 6,257

2-8 Higher

Uneven

St-5 Higher

125.00-221.00 120.00-195.00 115.00-175.00 109.00-165.00 107.00-152.00

184.00-207.00 183.00-203.00 177.00-187.00 150.00-166.50 138.00-144.00

170.00-210.00 157.50-180.00 146.00-170.00 133.00-154.00 124.00-137.00

192.00-207.50 177.50-195.00 161.00-182.00 147.00-170.00 137.00-152.00

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

176.00-197.00 172.00-192.00 152.00-166.00 131.00-158.00 112.00-128.00

--------135.00-155.00 127.00-139.00 110.00-123.00

187.00 170.00-185.00 158.00-167.00 145.00-164.00 -----

138.00-156.00 136.00-161.00 108.00-134.00 124.00-128.00 -----

117.00-180.00 109.00-166.00 103.00-152.00 100.00-136.00 -----

140.00-159.00 139.00-159.00 147.00-156.00 124.50-136.50 115.00-127.00

142.50-175.00 140.00-161.00 120.00-147.00 120.00-137.00 107.00-131.00

155.00-176.00 150.00-166.00 137.00-159.00 131.00-153.00 125.00-140.10

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

National Dai

APRIL 26, 2021

Mi Stoc

4 1

150 110 115 100 100

100 100 100 95. 90.

No sales.

Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale

Sorghum

24 18 13.09

13.04

13.09

14.60

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

12 6.24

6.20

6.24

5.51

5.46

0 Blyt

hevil

6.20

Hele

Elain

5.45

eola

Osc

6.00

Roc

prices

Higher

-207.00 -203.00 -187.00 -166.50 -144.00

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 4/15/21 850

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 4/12/21 6,257

Mid-State Stockyards*

Uneven

St-5 Higher

170.00-210.00 157.50-180.00 146.00-170.00 133.00-154.00 124.00-137.00

192.00-207.50 177.50-195.00 161.00-182.00 147.00-170.00 137.00-152.00

250

4/12/21 1,157

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 4/13/21 3,081

-----

Uneven

185.00-204.00 174.00-193.00 151.00-182.00 145.00-154.00 137.00-148.00

194.00-208.00 166.00-199.00 167.00-178.00 150.00-171.50 134.00-150.50

187.00-202.00 173.00-189.00 161.00-164.00 139.00 122.00

186.00-197.50 180.00-192.50 165.00-178.50 152.50-169.00 -----

-197.00 -192.00 -166.00 -158.00 -128.00

--------135.00-155.00 127.00-139.00 110.00-123.00

187.00 170.00-185.00 158.00-167.00 145.00-164.00 -----

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

178.00-197.00 158.00-188.00 144.00-170.00 123.00-145.00 119.00-132.00

174.00-192.50 -----------------

182.00-195.00 164.00-187.00 136.00-155.00 125.00-137.00 119.00-126.00

----180.00-181.00 152.50-161.00 ---------

-159.00 -159.00 -156.00 -136.50 -127.00

142.50-175.00 140.00-161.00 120.00-147.00 120.00-137.00 107.00-131.00

155.00-176.00 150.00-166.00 137.00-159.00 131.00-153.00 125.00-140.10

100.00-175.00 100.00-155.00 100.00-145.00 95.00-136.00 90.00-127.00

155.00-170.00 139.50-163.00 134.00-149.00 130.00-136.00 113.00-127.00

----149.00-169.00 142.00-154.00 132.00-144.50 126.00-144.50

149.00-170.00 138.00-151.00 124.00-137.00 124.00-130.00 119.00

165.00-177.50 154.00-165.00 143.00-155.00 140.00-145.00 134.00-136.00

APRIL 26, 2021

Week of 3/21/21

128.00 145.67 136.80

155.01

800.00-1650.00 † None Reported † Not Reported * None Reported *

168.26 148.67 159.25 149.00

850.00-1075.00 *

143.32 132.49 136.01 135.29

127.04

152.47

1100.00-1810.00 * 1025.00-1450.00 *

130.83

152.68

148.98

166.71

1750

146.01

170.51

None Reported *

132.67

168.00

144.29

171.41

138.49

161.16

2250

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 4/12/21 3,123

Welch Stockyards*

-----

4-9 Higher

-----

192.00-229.00 179.00-202.50 171.00-182.00 155.00-170.50 125.50-141.50

140.51

151.33

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

127.00

165.86

None Reported †

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 4/13/21 244

142.61 138.12

153.06

500.00-1550.00 † Not Reported * 1000.00-1350.00 †

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 4/13/21 8,114

131.80

139.41

1175.00 *

1250

135.51 128.42

163.47

950.00-1650.00 †

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest✝ 4/14/21 1,157

150.00-210.00 110.00-185.00 115.00-170.00 100.00-146.00 100.00-125.00

2100

660.00-900.00 †

750

130.67

162.54

700.00-1650.00 † 700.00-1575.00 †

Welch Stockyards

141.91 132.60

156.61

700.00-1435.00 †

900.00 †

138.95 136.66

149.00

340.00-1000.00 † 725.00-1900.00 †

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

6.02

Little

pairs

129.59

Week of 3/28/21

Corn

153.89 152.25

680.00-1190.00 *

1600

123.82

155.04 165.10

168.61 148.96 157.11 157.50

134.49 132.44 129.91 132.90

165.19

146.21

165.87

160.00-190.00 160.00-180.00 154.00-184.00 140.00-171.00 120.00-150.00

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

174.00-184.00 169.50-180.00 153.00-168.00 150.00-154.00 -----

158.00-172.00 140.00-163.00 134.00-159.00 115.00-131.00 90.00-124.00

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

163.00-179.00 153.00-169.50 140.00-152.50 125.50-145.00 122.00-133.50

150.00-165.00 142.00-160.00 132.00-150.00 128.00-138.00 120.00-137.50

147.17

168.98

130.00

151.22

135.48

157.00

143.20

170.50 159.62 165.62 * 156.99 153.66

137.04 143.81 126.63 131.19 * 134.00

149.59

133.31

160.42 174.58

Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper OzarksThe Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

145.57 134.65

162.59

4/12/21 1,457

Feb. 21 Mar. 21

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

155.50

140.00

Jan. 21

heifers 550-600 LBS.

150.24

650.00-1200.00 * 475.00-1175.00 † 800.00-1375.00 † 545.00-1100.00 † 200.00-1450.00 † Not Reported * 600.00-1150.00 †

1100

Oct. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 20

154.00

890.00-1200.00 * 400.00-1175.00 † 550.00-1300.00 †

(Week of 4/11/21 to 4/17/21)

Daily Report 4/19/21

Soft Wheat

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

None Reported * None Reported *

600

July 20 Aug. 20 Sept. 20

steers 550-600 LBS.

Not Reported* None Reported *

cow/calf

avg. grain prices Soybeans

Apr. 20 May 20 June 20

1375.00 * 670.00-1190.00 † 975.00 †

Week of 4/4/21

od 3-4 (very fleshy) 72.50; Good 2-3 05.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test. Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 85.00-105.00; Good 0-112.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 72.50-110.00; 00. -4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) tility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 87.50-2 (thin) 87.50-90.00. -4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) -2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test. 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility and Good 1-3 85.00-120.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very

$80

785.00 †

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

100

$120

675.00-1225.00 † 450.00-1000.00 †

Week of 3/21/21

4/16/21

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.6900 and 40# blocks at $1.7800. The weekly average for barrels is $1.7025 (+0.1190) and blocks, $1.7890 (-0.0105). Fluid Milk/Cream: In areas of the country, spring flush milk output volumes are beginning, while reports from other areas already point to its peaks end. Warmer temperatures in Florida and parts of the Southwest have market participants noting peak milk output is in the books. In California, the rate of increasing output has slowed. Food service demand across the dairy sector has sprung to life in recent weeks. Class I/balancing milk demands continue to steadily increase. Cheese makers in the upper Midwest reported spot milk prices shifted slightly higher, from $5 to $1 under Class. Cream availability continues to slowly tighten in the Midwest and East, while Western end users are holding to steady pricing. In the Midwest, butter churners are selling off cream. Spot cream multiples are 1.3150 to 1.40 in the East, 1.28 to 1.34 in the Midwest, and 1.05 to 1.28 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.3946 - $2.4683.

Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 42.00, hair 80.00-160.00; Utility 1-2 (thin)

State yards er, Mo* 3/21 761

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards - Exeter I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

Week of 4/11/21

od 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 24.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium 8.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 110.00-128.00; 1-2 (very thin) 100.00-110.00; Cull 1

National Dairy Market at a Glance

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

$160

Prices reported perper cwtcwt Prices reported per cwt Prices reported

Week of 3/28/21

90-95 lbs 209.00-215.00 for May/June ad 95 lbs 200.00-204.00 for June delivery. 20-125 lbs 235.00-240.00 for current

dairy sales

cows

(Week of 4/11/21 to 4/17/21)

$200

Week of 4/4/21

0-60 lbs 270.00-285.00; 60-70 lbs 272.5055.00; 80-90 lbs 235.00-265.00. wooled lbs 275.00-282.50; 50-60 lbs 275.00s 270.00-285.00; 80 lbs 250.00; 92 lbs

replacement

NOT REPORTED

led and shorn 70-80 lbs 290.00-335.00; -340.00; 95 lbs 280.00. hair 40-50 lbs 50-60 lbs 285.00-295.00, few 305.00. and shorn 40-50 lbs 287.50-315.00; -327.50; 60-70 lbs 293.00-321.00; 70-80 0; 80-90 lbs 297.50-322.50; 90-100 lbs hair 40-50 lbs 292.50-300.00; 50-60 lbs 60-70 lbs 302.50-310.00; 70-80 lbs 287.5090.00. wooled and shorn 40-50 lbs 265.00-365.00; -325.00; 60-70 lbs 265.00-295.00; 70-80 0; 80-90 lbs 247.50-270.00; 90-100 lbs

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 4/11/21

les reports

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

145.54 145.58

170.70 100

125 150 175 200 225 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather

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

113 131 149 167 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

185

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

15 15

meet your neighbors Photos by Terry Ropp

Herman Ahrens likes the Brahman breed for their growth an low maintenance. He calls his sheep operation a hobby.

Managing Two Species By Terry Ropp

The Diamond A Ranch is home to registered and commercial cattle, as well as a sheep flock Herman and Kathy Ahrens live on the Diamond A Ranch in Lamar, Ark. Herman comes from a Texas family were Brahmans, sheep and goats were common. Herman’s father Arnold used a Brahman bull to raise commercial cattle, which deeply influenced his son. The Brahmans made sense because they are more heat tolerant and have some natural resistance to worms and flies. When Herman was growing up, the family did not show. Later when his younger brother Paul grew older, they did. Herman purchased a young Brahman bull calf to show. While showing it at the Johnson County Fair, he met Kathy who later became his wife. She worked as an LPN in a nearby hospital and eventually retired as an industrial nurse.

The couple has raised three well-edu- noon on Saturdays. The consequences of cated children. Their oldest son Chad, his work schedule is that he must manage is manager of a hotel in Conway while. both time and organization carefully in orOlder daughter Chelsea is a small rumi- der to meet the demands of his ranch as nant expert for the Extension Service and well as his job. younger daughter Crystal works in Baton Early on, Herman planned to have 50 Rouge. La., while finishing her PhD. She Brahmans, with 25 registered head of works remotely for the American Meat breeding stock and the other 25 bred by Federation as an education specialist. Her- a Hereford bull to produce F1 tigerstriped man and Kathy’s children were raised on cattle. After the drought in the 1980s, the family farm, and the original purpose however, he changed his goals and feels his of the sheep herd was to provide animals current herds best meet his life. The ranch for the children to show. The couple has a supports a 25-head cow herd of registered new granddaughter named Ellie Ann they Brahmans bred by a registered Brahman are eagerly awaiting to introduce to the bull, a 30-head herd of Sim/Angus/Brahfamily farm. man cross females bred by a registered Even though Herman worked at the I-40 Angus bull, and a hobby show herd of 25 Livestock Auction in Ozark, Ark., on sale Suffolk/Hampshire ewes, with many sold days for 10 years, he changed for showing. directions and has worked for “Learning how to best to manLamar, Ark. the Johnson County Co-Op for age a registered herd requires 20 years, where his detailed agtime and investment because ricultural knowledge is of great you can buy three good commeruse. However, the workdays cial cows for the same cost as one run from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., registered cow,” Herman explained. in addition to working until “That makes in difficult for someone Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

like me who doesn’t have a boatload of money or a family herd to develop from.” The last bull Herman purchased came from a sale in Georgia in 2019. Owner of Infinity Cattle Service Chris Shivers helped Herman select the best bull in his price range from a group of 70 bulls, with confirmation and disposition being his primary priorities. He retains replacement heifers and immediately culls any high-headed animals. “Brahmans tend to be a one-man breed so that genetic tendencies towards high headedness can be compensated by my relationship with stock,” Herman explained. “Nonetheless, I have to be careful, especially when the mommas get their babies.” Because of time constraints and the fact that shows occur year-round, Herman keeps his bull with his Brahman females so that show calves of any age are available for customers. He has developed repeat customers. “The show world is always changing but Brahmans add frame and muscle, as well as growth efficiency so they are again popular with cattlemen,” Herman explained. While both cattle herds receive the same health protocols, he does feed the show stock his 14-percent protein and 4-percent fat ration longer. People typically buy bulls at 15 months or older when they are ready to go to work, while heifers are frequently sold after weaning so new owners can prepare them for the show ring. Last year, one of his heifers won supreme heifer at a show. Commercial calves are sold at the I-40 Livestock Auction in Ozark The auction is close and has a market that does well for Herman. Calves are weaned at 7 months and sold having received two rounds of shots. Culling females from both herds is by age, health issues or producing poor quality calves while proven females allowed to miss one cycle before being culled. “Our biggest health concern is flies and worms,” Herman said. The cattle are wormed twice a year with added support coming from a pour on wormer and summer mineral containing added fly control.” Once 50 strong when Herman and Kathy’s children were young and showing, the sheep herd is now more of a hobby, with half of the lambs sold as show animals. The other half of the lambs are sold at auction in either Diamond, Mo., or Salem, Ark., the closest good markets with a few sold as meat animals. Herman believes APRIL 26, 2021

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sheep makes sense for younger children to show because caring for and learning to show is easier and safer with them. “While parasites have always been a problem was sheep, foot rot has become more prevalent in the last 20 years and harder to control,” Herman said. “Fortunately, most of my land is hilly with plenty of high ground.” Sheep run with the cows. According to Herman, the sheep like weeds and therefore help with weed control, while the cattle like grass so that the different ruminants partner up well. Another advantage of the sheep herd is that sheep are easier to handle and less time-consuming. Lambs are born from mid-January to March 1 and are fed a 14-percent protein and 4-percent fat ration as well. One consideration, however, is that sheep cannot tolerate copper especially in their minerals. Consequently, Herman places sheep mineral through the creep gate and the sheep seemed to naturally select it over cattle mineral. “You never know,” Herman commented. “Perhaps Ellie Ann will want to show sheep.”

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

meet your neighbors

Producing Calves Through Science By Terry Ropp

Big Branch-Cooper Cattle sees AI and ET as value-added processes Brent and Tracy Cooper attended Arkansas Tech at the same time but did not meet there. Rather, they met at the Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith right before Brent’s senior year when he was “chasing the rodeo road.” After the couple married in 1991, Brent decided he needed a “real” job. Therefore, Brent worked for Briggs Ranches in Poteau, Okla., from 1995 until 2000, before switching to the Parker Red Angus Ranch in Mansfield, Ark., from 2000 to 2005. Next he worked for Big Branch Breeders Service beginning in 2005 until he purchased the business in 2020 and changed the name to Big Branch-Cooper Cattle , where Brent managed a 500-head herd of Red Angus. In 1992, Brent began helping out his in-laws, Judy and Terry Duboise, becoming heavily involved in 2005. In 2012, Brent went to Russia right near the Ukrainian border with 16 other AI specialists to artificially inseminate 42,000 Angus heifers. At the time, a Russian group was buying old collective farms and filling them with U.S. and Australian cattle. “American breeders are slow to adopt innovation and technology. Brazilian breeders, for example, uses five times more AI than we d, but they use our semen because we have currently better meat quality,” Brent explained. “At first, their meat was simply cheaper, but now is not only cheaper but with better quality than before. If we want to stay on top, we need to be more open to change.” The Duboise ranch runs a larger Red Angus/Simmental herd with Brent now becoming part of the decision-making process. One of his first contributions was helping the ranch to transition from an old Simmental herd because the nationwide preference for large calves had led to calves being too large for the butchering facilities. Another important contribution was the ranch moving from natural to breeding all females by AI first and then using high-quality cleanup bulls. They raise their own bulls and replacement heifers with genetic diversi-

Brent and Tracy Cooper utilize AI and ET to improve their cattle herd.

Submitted Photo

ty coming from outside semen. Further, only “Getting a good price is not as much about heifers produced by AI are retained to pro- where you sell as what you sell,” Brent said. mote AI conception rates. Weaned calves are taken to one location An important value-adding process, a for at least 45 to 60 days of backgrounding result of the dropping market for previous- depending upon the market. While cows ly culled cows, is using them as recips for receive a small amount of grain in winter other producers who pay a fee for implant- to maintain optimum health, calves are ing an embryo and raising the calve until fed a 14-percent protein and 4-percent weaning at 205 days. fat commodity blend to produce muscle “I consider steers a byproduct while my rather than fat. Health protocols maintain father-in-law sees heifers as byproducts,” high standards, including vaccinations, Brent said. “However, our differing view- medicated mineral, and rotating products points make no difference because we both and distribution methods of fly control. want to produce calves using the most upAnother important component of the to-date technology and science.” ranch system is producing high-quality pasPerspective outside semen donors need ture and hay on dual-purpose land. Dependgenotype testing to improve EPD accu- ing on the timing of last cutting of hay, fields racy. When Brent purchases cut last are drilled with ryegrass semen, the purchase is typiand cereal rye for winter grazing. cally for 200 to 300 units. The “I’d love to overseed with cloHackett, Ark. goal is calf uniformity because ver, but I need a better handle on a uniform group sells for more the weeds first,” Brent explained. money. Calves are typically The lion’s share of Brent’s insold through video sales, off come comes from Big Branch-Coothe ranch or in Oklahoma City. per Cattle. The company offers seOzarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

men sales, liquid nitrogen tank services and custom artificial as well as herd reproduction consultation. Two employees handle most of the work, with Brent traveling all over the state as needed, including performing AI on 2,500 to 3,000 females, with Tracy handling the books and records. “AI is not a magic bullet and doesn’t fix anything,” Brent said. “Successful AI is part of a comprehensive program that touches all parts of the production system. It also takes several years to see the kind of results people hope for.” Brent views the Red Angus/Simmental herd as a research herd and will recommend nothing that he has not successfully with that herd, including new technologies and science. According to Brent, not many semen companies are also in cattle production. Producing replacement heifers and bulls, maintaining high-quality feed and hay, as well as health protocols are essential elements for success. The result of the Big Branch-Cooper Cattle system is that an initial AI success rate of 50 percent with heifers and 55 to 60 percent with cows, in line with the national averages, increased to 74 percent in 2020. Brent and Tracy are busy people and wear many hats. Tracy taught math for 20 years and has been a counselor at Hackett High School for seven. Jonathan and Mackenzie are Brent and Tracy’s children. While a vet in the family naturally saves money, Jonathan and his wife Mary adding a very new member to the family named Jocelyn is even more important. Mackenzie will soon graduate from law school and marry Harrison Sears. Brent clearly remembers sitting in the back while his grandfather Delorn harvested square bales and thinking in his young mind that harvesting all day would be a great job. He also remembers raking hay when he was 7 or so with important instructions to turn the key off if he thought he was going to get into trouble. “Of course,” Brent said, “I would like a safer experience for my granddaughter, but I’d love for her to feel the same sense of wonder and satisfaction I did as a child.” APRIL 26, 2021

meet your neighbors

Creating Opportunities By Terry Ropp

Brothers Conner and Dalton Palarino want young exhibitors to have the chance to hit the ring Connor Palarino’s father Danny always had a few help expand their Oklahoma market, while perhaps adding other cattle, and Connor was really into sports when he areas. The Palarinos sold all of their show pigs in their first year of business, a much better result than they anticipated. was young, playing both basketball and baseball. Connor believes most people don’t understand the time and care However, Connor’s grandfather, Lonnie Mack Tolbert, had always welded at the fairgrounds and wanted Connor and his brother Dal- needed to raise quality show pigs. Nutrition is an important part of ton to show. One day Connor and his grandfather struck up a deal. that care. The Palarinos have established a good health protocol, If Connor cleaned the lean-to workshop, he would take the boys to with particular attention paid to PRRS virus, a reproductive and Oklahoma to buy their first set of three show pigs. Connor was 9 respiratory illness prevented through vaccination. “The coronavirus hasn’t had as much an impact on us as it has on years old at the time and jumped at the chance. They took the trip and bought two cross gilts, one blue butt and one belted, as well as others,” Connor said. “One show gets canceled, and two or three a purebred Duroc. Dalton wasn’t much interested and didn’t want more pop up. The National Western was canceled, but then the anything to do with the pigs, but in time Dalton did show because, Stockman’s Showcase in Chickasha, Okla., popped up and offered like many brothers, he and Conner did everything together. As another show venue.” Overhead has to be kept in control in these early stages. The brothadults, the brothers recently started a show pig operation. ers sold a large trailer and recently Last year, their first year, the bought a six-pen trailer that, acbrothers had four litters. They cording to Connor, “beats what now have 10 sows. For a few we had in our homemade trailer.” years, Connor attended the UniThe sows currently remain outversity of Arkansas in Fayetteside until the new business can ville. Then he hurt his Achilles afford to build a barn. Connor tendon, forcing him to stay at and Dalton both work off the home. farm, with Connor working at “I just didn’t go back and the Farmers Co-Op in Ozark and now the coronavirus has made Dalton teaching financial literacy returning a bit of a problem,” and coaching basketball at Pea Connor explained. Ridge Junior High. The brothers breed by AI, with Dalton’s distance from the Connor doing all the breeding, a family farm eliminates him skill learned from watching his from helping on daily chores, grandfather and County Extenthough he comes over most sion Agent Cindy Ham, who weekends. In addition, brothers has since moved to a different talk all of the time, planning location. Using AI, a Duroc sow Submitted Photo and making decisions together. has recently been bred to a regTheir father is still raising comistered Duroc boar. The brothers decided to buy pigs from a successful producer and take his advice on mercial calves and has a herd of 20 females bred by an Angus-influenced bull. Connor and Dalton have the beginnings of a cow/calf which boar’s semen to use. “AI makes a lot of sense because Arkansas Youth Expo and Arkan- operation and plan to use Danny’s bull. At his last birthday, Connor sas’ showing season are in the fall, while Oklahoma’s major showing received four 18-month-old open heifers, and Dalton’s father-in-law season is in the spring,” Connor said. “AI allows us to control the gave them five Angus-cross heifers. While their focus currently is on show pigs, both brothers love and enjoy working in agribreeding cycles better. Piglets are born in late February culture and are just getting started. and early March and sold 8 weeks after that, so they will Judsonia, Ark. “Our current goal right now is to give kids an opporbe ready to show in the fall. We’re also planning on havtunity we didn’t have,” Dalton explained. “I learned ing one litter for the Oklahoma market.” through experience and watching others that to be sucThe biggest challenge for the Palarino brothers is decessful, you have to work hard and grind it out. Having veloping a market. Their marketing strategy is geared toshow pigs for those kids will provide them with that kind of ward finding a return customer base. The Palarino brothopportunity and experience.” ers believe broader exposure with online marketing will APRIL 26, 2021

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MaKenzie Bartlett

Submitted Photo

By Terry Ropp

n Parents: Michelle Bartlett and the late Mitchell Bartlett n Age: 17 n FFA chapter: Pottsville FFA n Advisor: Casey Beavers What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“The livestock side. I’ve been raised on our small family farm, Meadowbrook Farm and around cattle and horses all my life. My loving the livestock side of agriculture the best is probably no surprise.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

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“My mother is definitely the most influential. She sets examples for me every day and in every way. She guides and helps me prepare the cattle for show and market, and horses for rodeo competition. She educates me on the use of proper nutrition and care of the land and animals so both stay in prime shape. She also teaches me about life and learning to dance in the rain. She is a single mom doing a great job.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture?

“Last year I was the secretary for my FFA chapter. I am president of the Pope County 4-H Livestock Club, Pope County 4-H Officer at Large, a member of the National Cattleman’s Association, and Arkansas State Fair Rodeo Queen 2020. Care and management of my horses and cattle are the priority when I get home from school or work, as well as anything that needs to be done on the farm. I work at Dale Burgess Quarter Horses exercising, breaking and training the young horses to prepare in preparation for barrel racing.”

What are some of your agricultural memories?

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When I was 5, I went to pick up my first heifer and orphan named Beauty. She was a real fireball and trampled me when I was loading her in the trailer. However, she went on to become the Pope County Fair Grand Champion Heifer so her high spirits paid off. She what sparked my interest in showing and raising cattle. Not that long ago, Cowboy, one of the colts I am working with, got his front feet caught in a corral panel. I tried calming him down as he kicked me in the head through the panel. I got him out safely, while I came out with a gash on the side of my face and a black eye. We were both fine now and developed a little trust in each other.”

Awards: “Probably the most important award is the 2020 Arkansas State Fair Rodeo Queen, a unique opportunity to excite youth across the state about the variety of opportunities in agriculture. Also, I was awarded a four-year scholarship. I have won many county fair reserve grand and grand champion commercial heifer classes, and in 2018, Marshall, the only steer I ever showed, won reserve champion steer first time out and was grand champion steer at the Pope County Fair in 2019. Additionally, I have won many high-point awards in horse shows, rodeoing including barrel racing, as well as showing cattle Cattle showing, and being a rodeo queen with prizes including money, buckles, saddles, grooming equipment, tack and most of all friendships.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 26, 2021

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An Investment By Jessica Allan

don’t know about everyone else, but I’m glad to see spring finally make an appearance. These nice days have me itching to get out in my garden, but I am patiently – OK impatiently – waiting until after our Jessica Allan is an final frost. Those of us who grew up in Southwest agricultural lender Missouri know that some things are certain: Taxes, death, and commercial and a freak cold snap in April or May. While we can’t relationship manager control any of these, we can help lessen the impact of one at Guaranty Bank in of them on our farms. Carthage and It may not be anyone’s favorite topic, but death is an Neosho, Mo. A unfortunate certainty of life. While we’re still in the land resident of Jasper of the living, there is something we can do to soften the County, she is also blow on our families, farms, and businesses, and that’s to involved in raising make an investment in life insurance. cattle on her family’s A good friend and personal financial advisor once told farm in Newton me life insurance is not an expense – it’s an investment. County and is an It’s peace of mind. It’s knowing your loved ones are cared active alum of the for when you’re gone and ensuring that life can go on for Crowder College your family and your businesses when you’re not there to Aggie Club. She may make things happen. It really stuck with me. be reached at Life insurance can be difficult to talk about, but it’s a topjallan@gbankmo.com. ic that I address fairly frequently with my customers. Many see life insurance as wasteful because they themselves will never see the benefit of it. Others say it’s too expensive or think the process to obtain a policy is too much of a hassle. But as an investment in the future, it can be pretty useful. So how much life insurance do you need? The answer is, of course, completely up to you. Some are comfortable with just enough to cover funeral expenses. Or they just want to be able to leave a little something extra for their kids. But what if you are the primary breadwinner of your household? Then it becomes a matter of what would be needed to replace your income and for how long you think your family will need that income stream. Are you the primary caregiver for young children? How much would it cost your partner to hire someone else to help care for those children? The answers will help you arrive at an appropriate policy. What if you’re a business owner with a debt load? Some banks, and even some loan programs, require a life insurance policy be assigned to the debt as a precaution in case the primary owner passes away suddenly, typically in the amount of the debt. Even if a lender does not require it, the question should be asked, do you want to leave that debt for your family and business to contend with after you’re gone? Obviously, these questions only scratch the surface. Continued discussion with family, business partners, lenders, and other advisors can help you determine what you truly need. After all, those of us who are helping you along your business journey want to help you ensure that your legacy is protected regardless of what life throws at you.

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health & insurance

It’s a Scorcher! By Rose Green-Flores

How to stay safe when working in the heat Farm work is tough, and it doesn’t stop for the weather. Farmworkers are frequently exposed to temperature extremes and, as a result, are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than the general population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmworkers die from heatstroke at a rate nearly 20 times greater than do other U.S. civilian workers. “Farm work is labor-intensive, so the body can overheat even in milder temperatures,” said Ryan Rogers, MPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant at Lake Regional Express Care – Lebanon. “Because it is hard to avoid working during the heat of the day, farmworkers need to learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and the easy steps they can take to prevent serious consequences.”

Heatstroke can occur even if someone has not experienced other heat-related illnesses. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the body can reach temperatures of 104 degrees or higher. Heatstroke can cause organ failure or death and should always be considered a medical emergency. “For heat exhaustion and heatstroke, get out of the heat and into a cool or shaded area,” Rogers said. “Remove any extra clothing. If available, use cool towels or ice packs to help lower your body temperature. Slowly drink water, but not alcoholic, caffeinated or sugary beverages. If you suspect heatstroke, call 911, and wet down the entire body. If possible, lie down and elevate your legs.”

The Dangers of Heat-Related Illnesses

Staying hydrated is key to preventing heat-related illnesses. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water because thirst can be one of the first indicators of dehydration. Instead, when working out in the sun, drink one cup of water every 15 minutes. Keep a large insulated cooler of ice water nearby so you don’t have to delay your work progress. To keep cool and stay protected from the sun’s rays, wear light-colored and breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Long sleeves offer more protection from scratches and sun damage. Avoid anything too loose that might get caught on machinery or branches. Wide-brimmed hats offer better protection than ball caps, and a moistened bandana can help keep you cool. “Although it can be tempting to skip a break to get more work done, breaks in a shaded or cool environment are important to avoid overheating,” Rogers said. “Also, some people are not as acclimated to working in hot weather or simply overheat quicker than others. Ease into working outside, building your way up to a full-time day. And it is OK if you need more water or shaded breaks.” Rose Green-Flores is a Public Relations specialist with Lake Regional Hospital.

Heat-related illnesses, which include heatstroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps, are the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, making the body no longer able to cool itself efficiently. Many people experience heat cramps first, which usually includes heavy sweating, fatigue, thirst and muscle cramps. Heat cramps should never be ignored because they can quickly progress to heat exhaustion. Heat cramps can involve any muscle group but usually affect the calves, arms, abdomen or back. If you experience heat cramps, drink a sports beverage that contains electrolytes, and do not resume any strenuous activity for several hours. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke occur when your body’s temperature rises to an unsafe level. “Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, fatigue, rapid pulse, nausea and excessive sweating,” Rogers said. “Heatstroke has similar symptoms as heat exhaustion but a significant difference is altered mental status and the presence of hot, flushed skin.”

what do you say? Why is it important to understand your farm insurance policies?

“If you don’t understand the coverage you have, you may miss part of a payout you deserve when something happens.” Randy West Washington County, Ark.

“It’s important to make sure you have the equipment insured to protect against an unexpected loss.”

Tips for Working in the Heat

“You always have to examine your policies in case something is not insured or is over or under insured, both of which have happened to me in the last year.”

Billy Wayne Tripp White County, Ark.

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“You have to know what you have so you can make changes as your operation and the industry change.” Herman Ahrens Johnson County, Ark. APRIL 26, 2021

farm health & insurance

Protecting Your Risk By Marcus Creasy

Feeder calf producers should be aware of changes in Livestock Rick Protection insurance With the rough seas of the cattle industry not indicating calmer times ahead, wouldn’t it be nice to find something a producer can use to help offset the drops in the cattle market? Livestock Risk Protection is a federally-reinsured livestock product that provides single peril risk protection against the decline in prices over the insurance period a producer selects. Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is an insurance product administered by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) arm of USDA. The focus of this article will be to talk about some of the changes for 2021 in the LRP-Feeder Cattle piece of the program. LRP-Feeder cattle encompasses the calf side of our industry and is now available to producers in all 50 states. The LRP-Feeder Cattle coverage provides an indemnity payment in the event the Feeder Cattle Index falls below the Coverage Price a producer selects for a date in the future. Feeder cattle can be insured from 100 pounds up to 900 pounds in varying categories across steers and heifers. With the changes made for the RY 2021, calves can even be insured before birth. In addition to the unborn calf category change, RMA made some significant expansion in the subsidy available for producers that utilize LRP: n 35 percent subsidy for 95-100 percent Coverage Level n 40 percent subsidy for 90-94.99 percent Coverage Level n 45 percent subsidy for 85-89.99 percent Coverage Level n 50 percent subsidy for 80-4.99 percent Coverage Level n 55 percent subsidy for 70-79.99 percent Coverage Level The livestock ownership requirement made a drastic change as well. In the past, for a producer to be eligible for an indemnity they must keep ownership of the calves through the last 30 days of the APRIL 26, 2021

insurance period. Sometimes this would put a strain on a producer that found an excellent opportunity to market those animals just before the insurance was to end. The new requirement has been extended to 60 days back from the end date of insurance. That means a producer with an end date of Dec. 1 could sell their calves as early as Oct. 1 and still be eligible for an indemnity if the insurance would pay due to a loss in the feeder cattle index on Dec. 1. For producers that have used the coverage in the past, you may remember having to write the check for premium at the start coverage. RMA made a change for RY 2021 that allows the insurance provider to bill the coverage after the end of the endorsement period. This might allow the producer to be able to calculate the premium in their price floor when looking at coverage and not have to front the money. With rates, dates, and endorsement lengths changing daily, it is highly recommended for an interested cattle producer to start the conversation of LRP with their crop insurance agent ASAP. Values of Coverage Price will vary each day depending on how active the Feeder Cattle Index has been. There could be a scenario where the offers of coverage may not be available for a period of time. For more information on what LRP does and what it might cost a producer to purchase the insurance, contact your favorite licensed and trained crop insurance agent, or find one on the Risk Management Agency website. Marcus Creasy is an independent insurance agent focusing on coverage related to cattle and crop producers. He co-owns Adams & Creasy Insurance Agency, Inc. in north Central Arkansas. In his spare time, Marcus donates his money to his commercial cattle operation and enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys on the farm.

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The Myths and Facts By Brandon Riddle

There are many misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccination When it comes to knowing everything there is to know about the COVID-19 vaccines, it is important to separate the myths from facts. Let’s review these common myths to clear up any misinformation you may have heard: MYTH: The vaccines’ development was rushed and is not safe. FACT: The speed of the vaccines’ availability did not compromise vaccine development. The same scientific oversight was maintained throughout the entire process to ensure safe and effective vaccines for the public. MYTH: The vaccines’ chemical makeup is unsafe and will change your DNA. FACT: The COVID-19 vaccines do not change DNA or interact with your DNA. Instead, the two options currently available – mRNA and viral vector vaccines – deliver harmless instructions to trigger an immune response to COVID-19 through different safe processes. MYTH: The vaccines will give you COVID-19. FACT: None of the authorized vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. However, the vaccines may cause temporary side effects similar to mild COVID-19 symptoms.

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MYTH: The vaccines are not needed if I already had COVID-19. FACT: Individuals who have had COVID-19 should still be vaccinated. The length and amount of protection from antibodies after infection is unclear. Similar to other viruses, reinfection with COVID-19 is possible and has been reported. MYTH: The vaccines cause severe side effects. FACT: For most, the vaccines cause mild side

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effects such as pain at the site of injection, fatigue, muscle pain, chills, headache, fever and nausea that resolve in a few days. It is very rare for someone to have a severe reaction. MYTH: The vaccines cause infertility in women. FACT: There is no evidence of any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines, causing infertility. Available data show that there should not be a concern with fertility. MYTH: The vaccines are not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. FACT: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that the COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to breastfeeding women similar to non-breastfeeding women, and should not be withheld from pregnant women. MYTH: The vaccines will cause an allergic reaction. FACT: Only a very small percentage (1.9 to 2.2 percent) of individuals had an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccines, and serious allergic reactions occur in less than 0.001 percent of vaccine recipients. MYTH: The vaccines are not available for individuals with weakened immune systems or autoimmune conditions. FACT: Individuals with weakened immune systems or autoimmune conditions may receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines currently available, though these individuals should first consult their physician. MYTH: The vaccines are not safe for all racial or ethnic groups. FACT: While it is true that African Americans and people of Asian ancestry were underrepresented in the trials, there is no evidence suggesting racial or ethnic minorities may experience different or worse side effects. Brandon Riddle is a community specalist at Baptist Health in Little Rock, Ark. APRIL 26, 2021

farm health & insurance

Time to Schedule Cancer Screenings From Mercy Hospital

Cancer deaths expected to increase due to reduced crucial screenings during the pandemic Let’s face it. No one really looks forward to annual screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. And with many of us staying home during the past year, a lot of us never scheduled those crucial screenings. “We saw our number of colonoscopies dip substantially,” said Dr. Kyle Ward, general surgeon at Mercy Hospital Lebanon. “And unfortunately, we worry that will mean a rise

condition like irritable bowel syndrome, they may want to begin testing you earlier. “I’m not going to pretend that colonoscopies are fun,” Dr. Ward said. “But we know that when we find colorectal cancer early – before it has a chance to spread – the fiveyear survival rate is about 90 percent. And that statistic is for when a polyp has developed into cancer. If we remove them as soon as we detect them, many never will become

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Source: American Cancer Society in cancer diagnoses in the next few years.” In fact, the U.S. National Cancer Institute has announced it’s expecting the country to see 10,000 excess deaths from colon and breast cancer alone in the next 10 years, due to the pandemic. “Don’t wait any longer,” Dr. Ward said. “The sooner we can find the cancer, the more treatable it is.” The American Cancer Society recommends most people risk begin getting annual colorectal screening tests at age 45, but check with your doctor. Depending on your family history, whether you’re a smoker or have a APRIL 26, 2021

cancerous. All that piece of mind is worth a little discomfort.” While there’s no way to completely prevent cancer, Dr. Ward said a few tweaks in your lifestyle can go a long way toward improving your overall health. “It’s always a good idea to eat your fruits and vegetables, get moving and stop smoking. Start by making small changes and work your way up to bigger goals.” And, if you don’t have a primary care provider, now is an ideal time to establish care. You may be surprised how quickly you can be seen. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSES • Agronomy 101 – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/yz1– for questions call 405-744-4357 • Arkansas Center for Farm and Food – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information – go.ozarksfn.com/e2m • Backyard Chickens – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 30 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/db0 – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Beekeeping Basics Podcasts – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/xof • Introduction to Horses – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 60 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/m7y – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Introduction to Prescribed Fire – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/30m – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Selling Home Bakery Items – What You Need to Know – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $100 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/z2e – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Southern Fruitcast Podcast – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/g8d • Understanding Food Labeling Regulations – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $600 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/hv1 – for questions call 405-744-4357 MAY 2021 1 Master Gardener Plant Giveaway – 8:30 a.m.-noon – Judge Claude Dill Office Complex, 2319 Hwy 110 West, Heber Springs, Ark. – 501-362-2524 1 Low Cost Rabies Clinic – $1 for each rabies vaccination will be donated to Marion County 4-H Programs – for more information contact the Marion County Extension Office at 870-449-6349 or www.uaex.edu/marion 8 Big D Ranch’s Field Day Selecting Genetics for Today & Tomorrow – Big D Ranch, 173 Miller Lane, Center Ridge, Ark. – RSVP by April 30th – 501-208-6120 or bigdranch@att.net 13 Beginning Farmer Class – Farmscaping, Native Plants and Pollinators & Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/ 20 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Brush Control Methods/Effects of Summer Burning on Forage Quality – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774

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APRIL 2021 30 Express Ranches Grasstime Sale – Yukon, Okla. – 405-464-2455 MAY 2021 1 Coyote Hills Ranch Annual Production Sale – Coyote Hills Ranch, Chattanooga, Okla. – 402-350-3447 or 515-229-5227 7 Next Generation Sale of 2021 Glendenning’s J Bar J Annual Production Sale – Sand Spring Resort, Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 8 Mead Farms Female Production Sale – Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, Mo. – 573-302-7011 8 Mississippi Charolais Association Pride of Dixie Sale – Hinds Community College, Raymond, Mississippi – 281-761-5952 10 6th Annual “Meating Demand” Bull Sale – at the ranch near Ashland, Kan. – 620-635-2156

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46th Annual Four State Farm Show – Robert W. Plaster Center, 1701 S. Homer St., Pittsburg, Kan. – lance@ozarkempirefair.com

JUNE 2021 17 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Rotational Grazing/Watering Systems – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 25-26 Ottawa County Jackpot – June 25, Swine Jackpot – June 26, Sheep & Goat Jackpot – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 or 918-848-0635 – extension.okstate.edu/ottawa JULY 2021 15 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Stockpiling Fall Forages/Economics of Pasture Fertility – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 18 Beginning Farmer Class – Season Extension Part 1, Farm School Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/ 30-31 2021 ACA Annual Convention & Trade Show – Hot Springs, Ark. AUGUST 2021 15 Beginning Farmer Class – Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/ 19 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Establishment & Management of Cool Season Grasses and Legumes – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 21-28 Sebastian County Fair – Sebastian County Fairgrounds, Greenwood, Ark. – 479-484-7737 SEPTEMBER 2021 16 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Forage Supplementation/Forage Production and Calving Season – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 16-20 Rogers County Fair – Rogers County Fairgrounds, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 19 Beginning Farmer Class – When to Hire a Lawyer & Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/

15 Smoky Mountain Classic Limousin & Lim-Flex Sale – Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, Tenn. – 402-350-3447 or 256-962-0256 21 Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 22 The Great American Pie Sale – Laclede County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 22 Spur Ranch Back to Grass Female Sale – at the farm, Vinita, Okla. – 918-256-5850 or 918-244-2118 JUNE 2021 12 Wallen Prairie Ranch Production Sale – Lockwood, Mo. – 417-808-0296

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Hostetler Litter Service

BARTON COUNTY IMPLEMENT New and Used FARM tires & wheels 100 plus used tires 200 plus wheels

Selling New Firestone Tires 606 West 12th • Lamar, MO Jack Purinton 417-682-1903

Sell Your Farm Equipment or Livestock with an Ad in Our Classified Section! Be Sure to Ask About Our Discount Rates!

Don’t Delay! Call Today!

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960 • ads@ozarksfn.com APRIL 26, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

WELCOME TO

GREAT DEALS, GREAT SERVICE! WE ARE OPEN AT ALL LOCATIONS!

Wood Motor Company is constantly working and sanitizing to ensure a safe environment. WITH OUTSTANDING INCENTIVES, NOW IS THE TIME TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR OR TRUCK. So for a safe, sanitized sales experience come, call, email or text.

WE’LL DELIVER TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS! — WOOD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR CUSTOMERS FOR RECORD SALES MONTHS AT BOTH LOCATIONS! — MISSOURI ARKANSAS

We’ve got Heavy Duty Trucks Ready to upfit to your specific needs with several brands of Cab and Chassis models to choose from! With More Arriving Soon!

WE HAVE USED CARS & TRUC KS AVAILABLE!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE @ WOODMOTOR.COM • UPDATED DAILY WITH THE BEST DEALS ON USED CARS AND TRUCKS

BEST TRAILER BRANDS!

GOOSENECK & BIG TEX TRAILERS BRAND DEALER FOR OVER 30 YEARS! DON’T WAIT! ORDER YOUR NEW TRAILER TODAY! Contact Mark at mhansaw@woodmotor.com or 888-466-3332 Aluminum Custom Hauler (A-Bed) *Financing Available!

A SOLID NAME YOU CAN TRUST Check Out More Of Our Inventory at WoodMotor.com

WOOD WOOD WOOD WOOD

MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR

CHEVY • 870.741.8211 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 NISSAN • 870.741.8211 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 FORD • 417.815.7044 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856 CDJR • 417.815.7156 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856

INTRODUCING WOOD MOTOR COMPANY POWERSPORTS

Your Premier Powersports Dealer

824 N Main Street Harrison • AR 72601

870-741-9500

woodpowersports.com

OFN April 26, 2021

Articles inside

Schedule your screenings

Misconceptions about COVID

Are you protecting your risk?

Leaning on science for quality calves

Brothers work to give young people show-worthy pigs

The Diamond A Ranch raises registered cattle and commercial sheep

Beat the heat this summer

The Feather family is working to pass down their farm

Craig and Debbie Bacon breed for quality animals

Millions of years in the making