Ofn dummy 4 30 18 by Eric Tietze

Building & Construction Issue • Sheep & Goat Issue

Feeding the Market APRIL 30, 2018 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 12, NUMBER 3 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Larry Searles focuses his time on raising fat lambs for holiday feasts

APRIL 30, 2018

Building a Family Farm Couple reclaim 80 acres to build a poultry and beef cattle operation

Small Ruminant Nutrition

From Border Collies to Sheep Loyd and Juanita Daniels produce registered White Dorpers

Sheep and goats have different nutritional needs

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

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Oklahoma student awarded scholarship: Kaylyn Branen, a Collinsville (Okla.) High School senior, has been awarded a $1,000 college scholarship from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. The scholarship is presented to high school seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture at an accredited Oklahoma institute of higher learning. After graduating in May, Branen plans to study animal science and agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University. She is one of nine seniors to be awarded the scholarship.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

APRIL 30, 2018

Outstanding teacher named: The Arkansas Farm Bureau has named Angela Jones, a 10th-grade English teacher at Greenwood High School in Sebastian County, Ark., the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 2018 Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher. Jones worked agricultural concepts into all of her year-long curriculum which included the students in her English II classes reading and writing about the classic “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, along with Ruta Septeys’ New York Times bestseller “Between Shades of Gray,” and agriculture-themed articles from magazines, including Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Front Porch. Wildfire relief fund started: The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation (OCF) has started a fund to help cattlemen who have been affected by on-going wildfires in that state. One hundred percent of donations will be distributed to ranchers who have been affected by the fires. Those who wish to make donations may make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, with “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73148. To donate online, visit www.okcattlemen.org.

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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

VOL. 12, NO. 3

JUST A THOUGHT

Sale barn joins anti-hunger campaign: The County Line Sale Barn has joined with the Hunger Relief Alliance, the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association and Farmers Feeding the World to provide onepound packages of ground beef to help feed the hungry. The sale barn has agreed to provide five cents for every cow they sell to the programs. The barn sells between 10,000 and 12,000 head of cattle a year. The project was brought to the attention of sale barn owners by John Paul Pendergrass, a cattleman living in the Peter Pender area north of the sale barn, according to Ron Koch, one of the sale barn owners. Arvest named among top ag banks: Arvest Bank has announced that it is ranked 29th in the American Bankers Association’s Top 100 Ag Banks by Dollar Volume list. “Arvest is a proud supporter of our local farm economy and our ranking reflects that,” Roger Holroyd, Arvest Bank President in Siloam Springs, Ark., said. Arvest had more than $491 million in farmland loan volume and more than $129 million in farm loan volume, as of Dec. 31. Arvest’s $620 million-plus in total farm loan volume is the highest of any Arkansas-based bank.

Jerry Crownover – The more things change, the more they are the same

Jody Harris – Weather in the Ozarks

Julie Turner-Crawford – Real food

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Loyd and Juanita Daniels focus on what works for their operation

10 16

Larry Searles feeds the feeder lamb market

The Post family has been in the wine business since 1879

Eye on Agribusiness features Mahindra of Oklahoma

Town & Country highlights Mike Mayfield

Young couple builds their farming operation from the ground up

The cattle industry is all part of the plan for the Armstrongs

Youth in Agriculture spotlights Tate Salmon

FARM HELP 21 Being honest with your lender 22 Sheep and goats have different nutritional needs

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Know what you need now and in the future before building

24 25

Will your fence do the job? Keeping livestock healthy while on the road APRIL 30, 2018

just a

thought

PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

479-846-1002 • Fax: 479-846-1003 E-mail: Member: editor@ozarksfn.com

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Sandra Coffman President

Life Is Simple

Administrative Eric Tietze, Vice-President Operations Kathy Myers, Marketing Manager Sandra Coffman, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Kathy Myers, Production Sales Circulation Stan Coffman, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production

e f i L elpmiS si

By Jerry Crownover

n the average month, I’ll receive close to vonworC newsyrreJ yB two-dozen, farm-relatedremagazines, papers, or other publications. I subscribe to a few of them, some are sent from the Jerry Crownover is companies with which I do business, and a farmer and former many are complimentary because they print my professor of Agriculture column…but, I read all of them. Education at Missouri Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed State University. He is a that almost every issue will have at least one arnative of Baxter County, ticle devoted to a farmer who has developed a Arkansas, and an niche market for their product. From organically author and professional grown…to all-natural…to humanely raised, speaker. To contact Jerry, these producers have found a group of customers go to ozarksfn.com and who are willing to pay extra for the foods they click on ‘Contact Us.’ think match their wants and desires. Whether it is grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork or free-range chickens, I respect the individualism and independence of these farmers and admire their business savvy in finding ways to create a specialized market to maintain profitability. Last week, I spent 12 hours driving to an out-of-state speaking engagement. Coupled with 12 more hours alone in my truck for the return trip, I had a lot of time to think. Do I have a niche? Basically, I raise beef cattle the same way my father did, which was, pretty much, the same was his father did. My cows calve in early spring and we castrate, vaccinate and brand in late spring. The calves suckle their mother most of the summer, while both graze on grass and I sell them at a livestock auction barn in the fall before the yearly cycle begins again. I don’t get rich, but most years I earn enough to stay in business…and I love what I do. Oh, sure, I’ve adopted easier ways to do things than my predecessors; I have bigger tractors, fancier trucks and nicer cattle handling equipment, all to make it

Contributors Larry Burchfield, Brooke Calton, Katy Daily, Kristyn Richner, Terry Ropp and Eric Neher

About the Cover Larry Searles purchases young lambs and feeds them to market weight. He also sells some bred ewes, but does not lamb any ewes himself. See more on page 8. Photo by Terry Ropp Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

aybe my memory is failing, but I think this is the coldest Arkansas spring I have experienced. April is supposed to be the month we enjoy watching the bulbs we Jody Harris is a freelance planted in the fall come awake. I have barely gotcommunications specialist, ten a snapshot of flowers in bloom before they’ve gardener, ranch wife and been decimated by frost, ice and snow. mother of four. She and This past month I helped take two groups of her family raise Angus beef Girl Scouts out to Huntsville to “camp.” Because cattle and other critters on spring is typically wet, we reserved the indoor their northwest Arkansas chalet with the prospect of an outdoor campfire ranch. She is a graduate in the evenings while we were there. of Missouri State University. The first weekend my co-leader and I took a To contact Jody, go to group of fourth-grade girls out to the camp for the ozarksfn.com and click on first time. I had forewarned the parents to pack ‘Contact Us.’ warm things in bedrolls and backpacks. When we arrived, the girls were excited for their first official troop campout. Due to the unseasonable cold temperatures, we opted for an indoor campfire. As the evening progressed, we kept checking the thermostat in the chalet and it didn’t seem to be kicking on. By morning, the beautiful campground was covered in a dusting of snow. The girls were elated until they realized indoors it was so cold they could see their breath. After checking the propane tank, the pilot light wouldn’t fire up, we opted to go home earlier than we had planned. It was an experience they’ll all remember. The following weekend, I knew the heat situation had not been addressed as we prepared to take a group of sixth-grade girls on their annual spring campout. I had studied the forecast and the weather, again it was going to be unseasonably cold. I called in a favor to a friend who has a reputable HVAC business to see about fixing the furnace at the camp chalet. Upon inspection of the unit it was determined the gas valve wasn’t working properly. It couldn’t be fixed that evening. So again, I built an indoor fire and we started working on our first project of the trip. We had not gotten too far into the project and we received a tornado alert near the camp area. We knew potential weather was predicted so we had already done a “take shelter” drill. Once we realized a rotation was spotted nearby we loaded the girls up and took shelter in the basement of another camp building. Even though they are preteens, some of them were scared. Fortunately, they are all still young enough to be easily distracted by a basement full of ping pong and foosball. The bad weather passed, and we were able to continue as planned. The following day a group of Girl Scout alumnae taught this preteen crew about woodworking. It was amazing watching these ladies pass on their carpentry skills to a younger generation. The girls created bluebird house habitats to be placed throughout the camp. They enjoyed a campfire in the evening as we celebrated their accomplishments for the year. The temperature had dropped significantly, and we set up several space heaters for the evening. Thankfully, the girls had worked hard all day and were tired. As we packed up on our final day, snowflakes started flurrying out of the sky. It was another memorable trip. Arkansas is one of the few states I’ve ever lived in where its citizens can experience three seasons in one single day. April has brought frost, ice and snow. I’m certainly looking forward to the May flowers, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

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ome of you might remember your mom or grandma picking up ice milk instead of ice cream at the store. It was supposed to be “healthier.” It was like they were Julie Turner-Crawford trying to con us into thinking ice milk is a native of Dallas was just as good as ice cream. County, Mo., where she It had a “gritty” texture and just didn’t go down grew up on her family’s as smooth as ice cream; tasting instead like chips farm. She is a graduate of ice with a little flavoring mixed in. It was actuof Missouri State ally forbidden in the Turner home when I was a kid. University. To contact While ice milk was still a dairy product, kind of, it Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 was labeled as ice milk, because it wasn’t ice cream. or by email at editor@ Missouri lawmakers are now considering a pair of ozarksfn.com. bills – HB 2607 in the House of Representatives and SB 977 in the Senate – that would prohibit the misrepresentation of products being labeled as meat that are not derived from harvested production livestock. If passed, Missouri would be the first state to address the fake meat issue with legislation. The target of the legislation is so-called clean meat, which is basically a product created in a lab to be similar, and supposedly healthier, than meat from animals. That’s a science experiment, not meat. Funny, those who claim meat, poultry and dairy products are unhealthy and filled with chemicals, hormones and antibiotics that will harm you are the first ones in line for a product created in a test tube or petri dish. They push for limited ingredient, natural food products, yet want a product that’s created in a lab to have the appearance of a natural product. Opponents of the bills are crying foul, claiming lawmakers spearheading the legislative moves are involved with “big ag,” because of contributions to their campaigns. Those “big donations” were $300 or less. Others are claiming consumers are smart enough to know the difference, making the legislation unnecessary. Today’s consumers don’t understand many things about agriculture — Continued on Next Page

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Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers. Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

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Continued from Previous Page and food production, but that’s a topic of discussion for another time. PETA has even become involved by issuing a press release chastising the killing of animals for human consumption and questioning the definition and use of the word “harvest.” The organization claims that, according to the 1828 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word harvest applies “exclusively to apples, corn and other crops, which are packed full of fiber and free of saturated animal fat and cholesterol, unlike animal parts, the consumption of which is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.” I’m sure that’s verbatim from the dictionary and not embellished or twisted in any way to fit the PETA agenda. This is nothing more than a marketing plan to con consumers into thinking these products are healthier. For those who feel a lab-created slab of beef will never find its way to store shelves, think again. There’s been some big money invested in research into clean meat, and it just might surprise you to

find out what companies have the loosest purse strings – Tyson and Cargill. Published reports indicate that both companies have stakes in clean meat companies. Tyson wants to create “a venture capital fund focused on investing in companies to sustainably feed the world’s growing population.” And Cargill claims it wants to give consumers who want meat a more sustainable option. The companies have made billions thanks to animal agriculture and now they are trying to tap into the “non meat” for yet another revenue stream. A shrewd business move, but will it cause the hand that feeds them to bite back? Real meat from real animals, real eggs from real chickens and real milk from real cows is on my menu. And sorry Mom, the ice milk is still out.

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Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 easier on me and the animals, but it’s still the same basic operation. Through the years, I’ve tried lots of different approaches to producing steaks and hamburgers. I’ve dabbled in synchronized artificial insemination, embryo transfer, newer breeds of cattle, and staggered calving times. I’ve tried creep-feeding, weaning and pre-conditioning, different types of vaccines and minerals, every method of fly control available, and contract marketing. My cattle have sampled every brand and kind of feed, medicine, de-wormer, and mineral supplement in the world and yet, all these years later, I find myself raising cattle much like we did 60 years ago.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

The breeds represented in my cow herd and bull battery represent the same three breeds that dominated the beef industry a 100 years earlier. They eat grass in the summer and hay in the winter and only get grain, in the form of range cubes, to bait them into the corral when I need to catch one. My cows have numbered ear tags instead of a metal number dangling from a neck chain, and a few still have nicknames like “Short-Ears.” “BlackEyes” or “Short-tail.” But…it’s still the same basic operation, so do I have a niche? I think I do. “Sustainable Beef: Just like Grandpa’s.”

APRIL 30, 2018

meet your

neighbors

From Border Collies to Sheep By Larry Burchfield

Loyd and Juanita Daniels produce registered White Dorpers Transitioning into the sheep business for livestock producers is not Loyd Daniels, pictured, uncommon. and his wife, Juanita, say a The transition for Loyd and Juanita registered flock is the best Daniels of Clover Leaf Farm in El Paso, choice for their operation. Ark., was different, one from Border Collies to sheep. “We raised Border Collies for several years,” Juanita explained. “But we came to a point where we decided we needed to have a hobby that generated some income. After a lot of research, we settled on White Dorper sheep.” The Daniels have not regretted that decision. “They were a meat sheep and easier to raise,” Juanita added. “We had started off with Barbados and then we went to a right now and we are going to divide wool/hair cross. We actually got them to those up to 12 paddocks,” Juanita said. “In the summer, after we wean, most of train our Border Collies.” The Dorper sheep breed was developed the animals are in one flock, except our in South Africa in the 1930s by the South ewe lambs and rams.” For the most recent lamb crop, Jaunita African Department of Agriculture. The breed was a result of crossing a horned Dor- said they introduced rams in August set with Blackheaded Persian sheep. Two 2017, and began lambing on Jan. 13. She said they exposed ewes in groups varieties of Dorpers were created: the blackof 10, which allowed her to lamb in headed Dorper and the White Dorper. Juanita said they opted for the White Dor- manageable groups. While Dorper ewes can breed at 4 to 6 pers because of their sale value. She added that she also discovered that the white months of age, the Daniels prefer to allow their ewes to mature a little longer. sheep had a much better temperament. “We want them to be a year to a year and The Clover Leaf herd currently runs on about 60 head of White Dorpers on a half old,” Juanita said. Lambs are weaned at about 3 to 4 months 50 acres. The sheep flock has the majority of the farm, but there are 14 acres of of age, and the health of the ewes is moniwooded land that the couple uses as a tored closely while they are nursing. Lactating ewes are fed a comwildlife conservation area. mercial 16-percent ration Clover Leaf farm utilizes a daily, and lambs are offered a rotational grazing system for El Paso, Ark. creep feed. their flock and are enrolled in “Most of the time, they are the Natural Resource Conseron grass, but that commercial vation Service Environmental ration helps the ewes stay in good Quality Incentives Program. condition and helps the lambs “We have seven paddocks APRIL 30, 2018

Photo by Larry Burchfield

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grow,” Juanita explained. “In the summer months, our adult ewes are totally on pasture.” The Daniels monitor parasites through the FAMACHA method, which is monitoring animals for parasite infection by checking the color of the inner eyelids and comparing it to a defined color chart. “With the pasture rotation and really monitoring them every two weeks, we don’t seem to have any problems,” Juanita said. Sheep are marketed twice yearly at registered sales in Oklahoma and eastern Tennessee. The registered sales means a huge difference in income for the farm. “If you marketed the sheep at local auctions, you might get $150 per head,” Juanita said. “In the registered sales, you can expect $500 per head. Naturally, we stick with the registered sales.” The couple will retain some of their lambs for their own breeding program, based on the needs of their own breeding program. In the future, Juanita said they hope to expand their flock and be come more aggressive in pasture management and their rotational grazing system.

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meet your neighbors

Feeding the Market By Terry Ropp

Larry Searles focuses his time on raising fat lambs for holiday feasts Larry Searles grew up in Wann, Oklahoma, graduated from Lenapah High School and later from Oklahoma State with a degree in agriculture education. Larry’s father Clyde had 90 acres and ran a few cows and up to 300 wool sheep while also working at a foundry. His mother Joanne taught school. Larry was active in both 4-H and FFA and showed sheep and hogs.

Photo by Terry Ropp

Sale Day Phone:

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One similarity between Larry and his father is that Larry’s three children – Lakin, Lexi and Brody – also showed hogs and sheep at the local county and state fairs. Further, grandsons Edward (5) and Eli (2) each already have a set a sheep with the younget, John, only 3 months old, probably soon to follow their lead. In addition, Larry’s wife Brenda works off the farm just as his mother did, but is an import

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Larry Searles hopes to build another feedlot for sheep or goats, and is always working to improve his current facilities.

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Larry followed in his father’s footsteps, specialist for Zebco rather than a teacher. but traded the foundry for auctioneering Larry uses order buyers to purchase and wool sheep for the currently more thin feeder lambs and a few ewes. popular hair sheep. “I look for health around the face and Another difference is that Larry runs a eyes, and want to make sure they are not stocker operation on 50 acres in Chou- too thin or too weak. I don’t want much teau, Okla., rather than a breeding herd. of a death lost so I don’t take that much “A number of years ago I seriously of a gamble,” explained Larry. injured my shoulLast year, Larry der when a horse sold 150 ewes rangChouteau, Okla. fell on me,” Larry ing from 1 to 5 said. “I decided to years old that were increase my aucthen bred to Dortioneering and transition to hair per bucks. Larry sheep since the shearing is so prefers the Dorpor much less.” breed for breeding

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

meet your neighbors because the breed is muscular and grows faster. The ewes are sold with lambs at side or as bred ewes, which is verified by an ultrasound test. He also sold 450 fat lambs. Feeder lambs are purchased at 30 to 60 pounds and sold fat at 60 to 90 pounds, depending upon the initial weight. Larry typically puts at least 30 pounds on each lamb, depending upon the market and the ebb and flow caused by holidays. Larry’s business revolves around the holidays of Ramadan, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. This means lambs must be purchased at specific times so they are finished for each of those holidays. In addition, customers have different preferences, especially in terms of size depending upon the holiday. For example, bigger ram lambs are the preference for Ramadan while smaller lambs of either sex are preferred for Easter and Christmas. Contrary to popular belief, hair sheep are sheared. Larry shears most of his sheep, especially before Ramadan, so they are smooth and buyers can judge the quality of the animal. “In my heyday, I could shear 100 to 125 sheep per day, five days a week. It is physically exhausting, but, in spite of my shoulder injury, I can still outwork many young people.” Larry went on to explain that he used to use a shearing machine but replacing it is not cost-efficient since he doesn’t shear that much anymore. Now he uses three sets of Shear Masters instead. Larry believes the biggest challenge in raising sheep is health issues caused by weather changes. Though summer parasites are always an issue, issues also arise from cold, wet weather like the 8 to 9 inches of rain that fell in three days in late February. He had bought some wool lambs called old crops, lambs that are older. He later sheared them and discovered they were doing well, but, according to Larry, the heavy rain in February will prevent normal weight gain for three weeks so they won’t be ready in time. Another recent issue occurred when an insufficient number of lambs was available a few months ago. Even though Larry had “tinkered” with goats before, he decided to buy 50 goats as a new operation APRIL 30, 2018

for him. He prefers sheep because they take only 60 to 75 days to fatten while goats take 75 to 100 days. Although goats eat less of the cottonseed and corn ration Larry uses, he makes more money by the quicker turnaround of the sheep. The more lots he can sell in a year, the more money he makes. Sheep and goats also require slightly different care. Three differences are particularly important. One is that they require different black leg vaccines with the goats needing Covexin 8 while the sheep can use the more standard BarVac 7, which can also be used for cattle. The second difference is that Larry castrates billies because of temperament issues while sheep need to remain intact because some customers use all parts. Finally, goats need to be in a dry lot because fresh grass makes them wormy. Consequently and in addition to the same ration, the goats have free choice Bermuda hay supplemented by a half pound of alfalfa while the sheep can be turned in with the cows in pastures with abundant lespedeza and clover. He fertilizes pastures with 30-11-11 fertilizer and uses as much as his predetermined budget allows. Because his pastures are well-established with few weeds and because he wants to preserve the Lespedeza and clover, he only spot sprays for the occasional thistle. Predators, mostly coyotes, can be a problem so he maintains guard dogs: four Great Pyrenees/Anatolians. He has ordered an additional pair of Great Pyrenees/Anatolians and is paying a premium to have them partially trained by 7 months of age so they will know enough to leave lambs alone. Another predator deterrence is the use of panels rather than wire fencing. Brenda and Larry have created a magical place for their rurally-raised family. One of the delights for the grandchildren are the variety of fowl: geese, ducks, chickens, guineas and a few turkeys. As if working off the farm, running the goat and sheep business and taking care of the birds isn’t an enough, this spring the couple will breed their 18 black Angus-cross females to Larry’s Angus bull or to another Angus bull in which he has half interest.

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50 WRANGLER BERMUDA, 50% Coated, April 6.28 50 CHEROKEE BERMUDA, Hulled, 99% Pure 7.96 50 TEFF GRASS, Coated Corvallis 1.88 50 CRABGRASS, Red River 4.96 50 BERMUDA, Hulled/Not Coated 7.55 7.35 50 BERMUDA, Unhulled 5.55 5.35

LESPEDEZA

50 KOREAN, Inoc/Not Coated

90% 1.28

50 50 50 50

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50 SILO MAX DWARF “BMR” 2.16 1.96 50 BALE ALL HYB. FORAGE 1.22 50 ROX ORANGE CANE, 60% Germ 1.28 0.88 50 WACONIA, For Molasses 1.59 1.39 50 MILO, 95 & 115 Day 1.82 1.62 50 WILD BIRD GRAIN MILO, Non-Hybrid 0.98 0.88

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50 ARID, Drought Tolerant 90% 2.96 50 ARID “DR”, Drought/Disease Resist. 90% 3.12 50 POTOMAC, Disease Resistant 90% 2.92 50 HULLED ORCHARD, VNS 85% 3.10 50 FAST PASTURE MIX 90% 1.78

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GRAINS

64 HAYMASTER OAT

Forage / Tall, 2 BU/Bag

Grain-Type, 2 BU/Bag

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Bag

9.85 19.70

64 HORSEPOWER OAT 9.85 19.70 50 SOYBEANS - LAREDO Hay Type 36.45 50 SOYBEANS 29.95

50 KY-31 90% 1.39 50 KY-31 / ORCHARD MIX 90% 1.36 50 KY-32, Cert. & Endophyte Free 90% 1.79 50 FAST PASTURE MIX, Cattle/Horses 90% 1.78

nixahardware.com

Bag Lb.

ALFALFAS

60 COMMON SENSE, Inoc.

90% 1.79

510 W Mt Vernon Nixa, MO 65714

Total Germ.

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50 SOYBEANS R-Ready® Lewis 42.00 50 SOYBEANS Liberty Link® Willcross 44.90 140K SOYBEANS 73.84

R-Ready® Eagle Brand “Big Fellow”

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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.

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

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Photos by Terry Ropp

By Terry Ropp

The Post family has been making wine in Arkansas since 1879 Winemaking began many thousands of years ago with most being family operations. Much seems shrouded in old-world traditions. Examples include using wooden tanks for fermenting, natural cork as the preferred sealer and specially shaped glass bottles. Many wineries were slow to take advantage of new technologies such as stainless-steel tanks, metal twist caps and bag-in-box wines. Post Familie Winery uses these new technologies and more, resulting in greatly improved wine quality. The Jacob Post family emigrated from the southwest portion of Germany and entered America through Ellis Island in 1872. By 1879 the family had settled in Altus, Ark., and began making wine, which then turned into a thriving business. Several factors promoted the family’s success. When Jacob and Mary Post arrived, Jacob was an educated horticulturalist. In fact, the first three generations

of Jacob, Joseph and James, in that order, were formally educated horticulturalists. Another significant factor is that these Posts were Roman Catholic. They arrived with the Benedictine monks of Subiaco who provided a formal education. There was community support for the church’s encouragement for large families and many of the Posts had very large families, one source of labor for the vineyards and winery. Today 15 to 20 relatives are active with the business and enjoy the rural setting and quality of life the family wine business provides. “Family heritage and participation foster teamwork and pride in completing each task well which leads to ever increasing product quality,” Andrew, this generation’s head winemaker, said. Jacob selected Altus for two reasons. The area was at the end of the Iron Mountain Railroad spur, thereby providing transportation to produce mar-

kets and the land looked like home with a climate conducive to fruit crops. Jacob settled at the time when people raised and made almost everything they needed. Setting aside 8 acres for grapes was part of that process. The Post Familie Vineyards now produces 12 varieties of grapes, including the currently popular Muscadines in addition to heritage varieties from Jacob Post’s time. Varieties include Delaware and Cynthiana, also known as Norton. The hilltop vineyards were officially declared the Altus American Viticultural Area in 1984 by the United States Congress. A critical and recent factor promoting the winery’s success is that Mathew Post and his children embraced new technologies and began to cater to new customer preferences including bottled

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

juice and muscadine wines. The wine industry has recognized Mathew’s expertise by presenting him with its highest award: Supreme Knight of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine. Recent improvements include a sixlayer filtering system which filters down to the cellular level and a nitrogen-filled bottling machine, which prevents oxidation and preserves wine quality. Post Familie’s winemaker is using oak fans rather than oak barrels to provide the necessary tannins. Huge stainless steel tanks are sterilized, rather than merely sanitized, and are complete with temperature control. That temperature control allows for the yeast process to be slowed so the wine matures at a rate optimum for flavor and stabilizes wine storage before bottling.

APRIL 30, 2018

ozarks roots

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A crucial factor in the Post Familie Winery’s success has been the distribution network. After prohibition, James Mathew Post, (Mathew’s father) was instrumental in drafting Arkansas’s broader wine distribution regulations, which allow for the sale of wine across state lines to distributors who then sell it to retailers. Post Familie wines are available in four adjoining states. Demand exceeds what the 200-acre, 250,000 plant farm can produce, so the winery purchases grapes both locally and from other premium grape producing states such as California, Washington and Michigan. Post Familie Winery bottles almost 50 different labels rather than the typical six to eight for smaller wineries. Families with long and carefully documented histories are full of stories. A favorite in the Mathew Post family is when his great-grandmother Katherine Post was arrested for selling wine at her restaurant/speakeasy during Prohibition. The arrest came after an election when a shirt-tail relative was replaced by a new sheriff, who made his first order of business to arrest this mother of 12. She was later pardoned from the federal offense by President Herbert Hoover at the request of the Arkansas governor because of the public outcry. When her concerned family wrote to her while she was in prison, she replied that they shouldn’t worry because she was having a good vacation. The Post Familie Vineyards and Winery promotes its belief in education by providing a visitors’ hospitality center, which offers daily tours in addition to wine tasting, a retail area and farm-totable restaurant headed by granddaughter and chef Terése Post. The Trellis Room at Post Winery is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the lunch with limited seating and reservations suggested. “As a family and through the years we have decided to do one thing and do it very well: producing and selling premium wine and grape juices,” Joseph, the winery’s distribution manager, said.

Berryville 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

Huntsville 304 Labarge St. 479-738-6814

Siloam Springs 1629 East Main 479-524-3511

Lincoln 700 W. Hwy 62 479-824-3291

Imboden 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-2644

Lincoln Imboden 700 W. Hwy 62 5564 Hwy 63 East 479-824-3291 870-869-2644

NORTH ARKANSAS LIVESTOCK AUCTION, INC. Call 870-438-6915 For Sale Information & For Special Sales For on Farm Appraisal or Hauling Contact One of the Following:

Berryville

Clifty

Kevin (Short) Williams H - 870-423-3099 C - 870-423-8444

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Kingston

“We Know Cattle, and we Know the Markets” Kirk Powell (870) 654-2205 and Ron Wallace (870) 654-6369 Community Owned and Operated with Consistency, Uniformity, and Convenience • Online Auctions with bidding • Hay and Water pens • On Farm Appraisals • Free Parking • Hauling and Delivery

• Professional staff and services • Cattle sorted by size, weight, type • Receiving day before and day of

Auctions on Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Special auctions to be announced. 304 West Main Street • Green Forest, AR 72638 Office (870) 438-6915 • Fax (870) 438-5223 www.northarkansaslivestock.com

APRIL 30, 2018

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eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Mahindra of Oklahoma Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Owners: Jason and Sandy Blake Location: Poteau, Okla. Manager: Erin Glinski (pictured) History: Mahindra of Oklahoma is a new business but the owners are not new to the game. “They come from a very successful RV business by the name of Jamatt RV Sales. They started in 2003 and in 2015 built a new location,” manager Erin Glincki said. The large organization known as Camping World bought Jamatt in March 2017. The owners, Jason and Sandy Blake, knew an RV dealer in Texas who was also a Mahindra dealer. He suggested they look into becoming a tractor dealer. Jason researched and decided to contact the Mahindra rep for the region because they were in a great market for a Mahindra dealership. “We opened for business June 8, 2017, and haven’t regretted it for a second. I worked for Jason and Sandy for six years as a sales manager in the RV industry and came over here as a partner and general manager,” Erin said. Products and Services: The dealership sells Mahindra

tractors from 20 horsepower lawn type tractors to 125 horsepower tractors suitable for haying. “Our best seller has been the 26 horsepower because it’s highly versatile and affordable,” Erin said. Another popular item is the Mahindra UTV which is made and assembled in the USA. “Last but not least, we carry American-made Spartan zero turn lawn mowers for the smaller jobs,” Erin said. “We carry a variety of implements and attachments, including bush hogs (Mahindra and Rhino), tillers, box blades, hay forks, pallet forks, landscape rakes, land levelers and also Vicon hay mowers. We carry a full line of parts, filters and fluids. We also have a certified diesel mechanic that does our repairs and services.”

3870 Highway 412 East, Siloam Springs, AR • 479-524-2371 www.bentoncountysalebarn.com

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Mike Mayfield Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Family: Wife, Ashley Mayfield Hometown: Wyandotte, Okla.

Bulls for Sale

In Town: Mike Mayfield has taught agriculture for 15 years with 10 years at Quapaw, Okla., and the last five years in Wyandotte. “Because mine is a one-man department, I teach everything and have a Carrying On the Legacy of 12-month contract so I can work with students on projects over Faith, Family and Home Hard (870)Work 423-3269 Brock (870) 480-6406 the summer,” Mike said. “What I like best is my relationship Smith Registered Angus Ranch with students which naturally develops over the extendHome: (870) 423-3269 • Brock: (870)Sara 480-6406 (870) 423-7905 ed times we spent together including the classroom, Sara: (870) 423-7905 smithregisteredangus@gmail.com advising, FFA and extensive traveling. My wife, Address: 99 Cr 5015 Berryville AR, 72616 Address: 99 Cr 5015 • Berryville AR, 72616 Ashley, also teaches in Wyandotte, but as a middle school English teacher with this besmithregisteredangus@gmail.com ing her seventh year.”

www.smithregisteredangus.com Smith Registered Angus Ranch

In the Country: “Right now,

we have 40 family acres on which we have a diversified livestock operation. This includes a 15-head herd of mostly black commercial cows in a cow/calf enterprise. I own one commercial Angus bull, which I matched to my cow herd with the intention of increasing weaning weight. I have a spring calving season and usually sell at weaning. We also raise show pigs for 4-H and FFA projects and showing. The biggest challenge is having piglets. “Our commercial Boer goats are also for raising show animals. We play close attention to worms and deworming schedules so the issue has had little or no impact. Because cows graze and goats browse, they share pasture. “This multi-species farm is the result of me having had show pigs as a kid and the fact that the land was good for cattle. Then, as a teacher, I saw that some of my students wanted to show goats so I decided to raise some to learn more about them so I could be a good mentor for those students though I occasionally sell a kid or two if a student needs one.”

Future: “I plan to have the livestock as a retirement project. To that end I am currently building a multipurpose barn to house pigs after weaning and for cattle that need temporary isolation as well as using a certain section for equipment storage. As far as animals go, we are pretty close to land capacity and I don’t plan on expanding acreage anytime soon. Retirement is a ways away and we will figure out more of what we want to do later.” APRIL 30, 2018

www.SmithRegisteredAngus.com We would like to thank everyone that shops at Farmers COOP and Noah’s Pet & Wild Bird. We appreciate your business.

Fish Truck Schedule

Garden Plants & Seed

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

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 3/25/18 to 3/31/18) Arkansas Cattle Auction

65.00-87.50 †

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

60.00-99.00 † Not Reported* 72.00-98.00 † 84.00-96.00*

slaughter

100

120

cows

(Week of 4/15/18 to 4/21/18) Arkansas Cattle Auction

37.00-65.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auctionn Cleburne County Livestock County Line Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmer’s Stockyards Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

30.00-60.00 † 35.00-65.00 † 40.00-62.00* 52.00-62.00 † 22.00-60.00 † Not Reported* None Reported* 35.00-63.50 † 31.00-65.00 † 32.00-67.00 † 38.00-63.50 † 40.00-60.00* 36.00-64.00 † 3 46.50-73.00 †

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

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

Heifers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

14 14

37.00-63.00 † 40.00-73.00 † Not Reported*

4/19/18

40.00-85.00 †

National Sheep Summary

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 4/17/18 701

Ash Flat Livestock

100

stocker & feeder

120

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

4/20/18 745

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 4/19/18 1,780

1-6 Higher

5-10 Higher

182.00-207.50 170.00-189.00 152.00-172.00 ------------157.50-173.00 135.00-167.00 131.00-144.00 118.00-132.00 160.00-183.00 135.00-167.00 134.00-151.00 129.00-138.00 122.00-136.00

4/18/18 1,319

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 4/16/18 219

County Line Sale Ratcliff 4/18/18 208

St-8 Higher

Uneven

6-12 Higher

St-8 Higher

181.00-210.00 165.00-180.00 168.00 ---------

180.00-199.00 171.00-195.00 154.00-174.00 143.00-154.00 135.00-150.00

158.00-197.00 152.00-180.00 143.00-168.00 137.00-153.00 118.00-142.50

180.00-198.00 170.00-187.00 162.00-171.00 ---------

180.00-194.00 171.00-195.00 161.00-168.00 139.00-159.00 153.00

------------141.00 -----

180.00-196.00 160.00-184.00 140.00-164.00 130.00-141.00 -----

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

160.00-184.00 162.00-174.00 142.00-161.00 133.00-145.00 127.00-133.00

--------150.00-167.00 141.00 -----

----158.00-160.00 150.00 ---------

150.00-176.00 141.00-168.00 134.00-160.00 129.00-149.00 115.00

142.00-174.00 138.00-161.00 125.00-153.00 108.00-136.50 102.00-128.00

163.00-172.00 145.00-163.00 138.00-152.00 130.00-138.50 128.00

161.00-171.00 148.00-162.50 137.00-149.00 129.00-143.00 -----

Decatur Livestock*

4/20/18

Compared to last week slaughter lambs were 10.00-20.00 lower, instances 20.00-40.00 lower. Slaughter ewes were weak to 5.00 lower, instances 10.00-20.00 lower. Feeder lambs weak in light test. At San Angelo, TX 6808 head sold. Equity Electronic Auction sold 1200 slaughter lambs in California. In direct trading slaughter ewes and feeder lambs not tested. 3100 head of negotiated sales of slaughter lambs were steady to 1.00 lower. 2,653 lamb carcasses sold with all weights no trend due to confidentiality. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) unless otherwise specified. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: San Angelo: shorn and wooled 110-155 lbs 120.00-134.00, few 138.00-142.00. VA: wooled 90-110 lbs 188.00. PA: shorn and wooled 90-110 lbs 270.00-285.00; 110-130 lbs 232.00-275.00; 130-150 lbs 215.00-240.00; 150-200 lbs 190.00-225.00. Ft.Collins, CO: wooled 145-175 lbs 130.00-160.00. South Dakota: shorn and wooled 140-155 lbs 141.00-143.00. Kalona, IA: no test. Billings, MT: no test. Missouri: no test. Equity Elec: shorn 145-165 lbs 143.50. Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2: San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 208.00-226.00; 60-70 lbs 196.00222.00; 70-80 lbs 194.00-202.00, few 207.00-210.00; 80-90 lbs 190.00-202.00; 90-110 lbs 180.00-196.00, few 199.00. Pennsylvania: 40-50 lbs 265.00-287.00; 50-60 lbs 260.00280.00, few 280.00-295.00; 60-70 lbs 255.00-275.00, few 280.00-290.00; 70-80 lbs 245.00-275.00, few 275.00-285.00; 80-90 lbs 245.00-272.00, few 270.00-290.00. Kalona, IA: 40-50 lbs 222.50-250.00; 50-60 lbs 220.00-235.00; 60-70 lbs 220.00-235.00; 70-80 lbs 225.00-234.00; 80-90 lbs 224.00-236.00. Ft. Collins: 40-60 lbs 220.00-250.00; 60-80 lbs 230.00-240.00; 80-90 lbs 235.00-255.00; 100-105 lbs 230.00-232.50. Missouri: 60-70 lbs 230.00-240.00; 70-105 lbs 200.00-225.00. Virginia: 30-60 lbs 237.50-240.00; 60-80 lbs 221.00-250.00; 80-110 lbs 189.00-213.00. South Dakota: 90-100 lbs 143.00-145.00. Billings, MT: 70-80 lbs 182.00-185.00; 80-90 lbs 177.50178.00; 107 lbs 161.00. Direct Trading: (lambs fob with 3-4 percent shrink or equivalent) 3100: Slaughter Lambs shorn and wooled 134-159 lbs 135.00158.84 (wtd avg 148.82).

50.00-73.00*

121( 5(3257('

goats

Receipts: 936 Supply was good and demand was good. Replacement ewe markets were steady, kid goat markets were up 10-30 cents with the remainder of the markets trending down 10-35 cents. Supply was made up of about 23 percent kid goats, 23 percent Does and Bucks, 23 percent lambs, and 17 percent ewes and rams. All prices are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise. SHEEP: Feeder Lambs, mostly hair: Medium and Large 1-2 31-55 lbs Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards 4/12/18 200.00-235.00. Slaughter Lambs, mostly hair: Prime 3-4 60-70 lbs 230.00Receipts: 206 At this month’s special dairy sale at the Producers Auc- 240.00; 60-105 lbs 200.00-225.00; 105 lbs 185.00-190.00. tion Yard, demand was good on a moderate supply. The Choice 1-3 65-85 lbs 160.00-185.00; 100-105 lbs 140.00supply consisted of 5 percent Springer Heifers, 10 percent 155.00. Bred Heifers, 11 percent Open Heifers, 5 percent Fresh Replacement Hair Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 83-150 lbs and Milking Cows, 1 percent Bred Cows and 25 percent 100.00-125.00. Several Families, mostly hair ewes with single or twin lambs: baby calves. The balance was made up of weigh cows 140 and beef animals. All quotes are on a per head basis for 65.00-85.00 Per Head. Slaughter Ewes: Holsteins unless noted otherwise. Wool: Choice 2-3 98-119 lbs 55.00-80.00; 149-160 lbs 50.00Springer Heifers Bred Seven to Nine Months: Supreme 67.50. 1200.00-1290.00, Approved Individual 875.00, Medium Hair: Good and Choice 1-3 85-120 lbs 50.00-85.00. Individual 700.00. Replacement Hair Rams: Single White Dorper 125 lbs 145.00. Heifers Bred Four to Six Months: Supreme 1035.00Slaughter Rams, mostly hair: Choice 2-3 120-220 lbs 65.001125.00, Medium Individual 700.00, Crossbreds 625.0090.00. 760.00, Common Individual 525.00. GOATS: Heifers Bred One to Three Months: Medium Individual Feeder kids: Several bottle babies: 660.00, Common 235.00-330.00. Open heifers: Approved 200-300 lbs 210.00-250.00, Indi- Dairy babies: 17.00-24.00 Per Head. vidual Crossbred 235.00 Pair Jerseys 240.00, Individual 490 Boer/Boer cross babies: 27.00-50.00 Per Head. Selection 1 30-35 lbs 290.00-335.00. Selection 2 35-40 lbs 250.00-280.00. lbs 525.00, Individual 795 lbs 630.00, Medium Individual Selection 3 20-37 lbs 200.00-235.00. 590 lbs 400.00, Pair 663 lbs 510.00, 700-800 lbs 425.00Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 40-70 lbs 325.00-352.50; 70-75 lbs 525.00. 300.00-315.00; 115-125 lbs 160.00-185.00. Selection 2 43-58 Fresh Milking Heifers and Cows: Approved Individual lbs 280.00-290.00; 85-115 lbs 165.00-185.00. Crossbred 1000.00, Medium 800.00-925.00, Common Replacement Does: Few Families 65.00-95.00 Per Head; One Individual 575.00. Family 145.00 Per head. Selection 1 110-155 lbs 105.00Bred and Springer Cows: Medium Individual 775.00, 120.00. Selection 2 68-85 lbs 130.00-160.00. Jerseys 625.00-680.00. Slaughter Does: Selection 2 65-150 lbs 100.00-125.00. SelecBaby Calves: Holstein Heifers 135.00-190.00, Holstein Bulls 95.00-180.00, Jersey Heifers 3 hd 150.00, Jersey Bulls tion 3 60-150 lbs 75.00-100.00. Replacement Bucks: Selection 1 390.00 Per Head; 160-170 lbs 30.00-40.00, Crossbred Heifers 85.00-150.00, Crossbred Bulls 40.00-140.00, Beef Cross Heifers 240.00-250.00, Beef 120.00-137.50. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 2 70-145 lbs 105.00-120.00. SelecCross Bulls 160.00-275.00. tion 3 55-92 lbs 60.00-92.50.

Slau San 64.0 Util 60.0 Pen (fles no t Ft. (fles (ext

Nati

Che The $1.6 Flu stea patt milk cow Mid that in e nee Nat dem crea sum in t SPO BU $2.7

prices

Farmer’s Stockyards Springdale 4/20/18 536

Fort Smith Stockyards

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 4/18/18 426

Joplin Regional Stockyards 4/16/18 5,734

Mi Stoc

4/16/18 1,429

I-40 Livestock Ozark 4/19/18 1,070

-----

St-10 Higher

Uneven

St-

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

195.00-205.00 179.00-195.00 162.00-179.00 ---------

184.00-206.00 171.00-188.00 154.00-159.00 141.00-146.00 -----

179.00-202.00 168.00-200.00 160.00-179.00 143.00-159.00 130.00-144.00

184.00-209.00 167.00-187.00 151.00-164.50 146.00-150.00 145.00

177.00-202.00 170.00-190.00 152.00-177.00 142.00-167.00 142.00-154.00

170 158 140 133 125

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

177.00-185.00 158.00-180.00 141.00-158.00 130.00-139.00 124.00-125.00

--------140.00-165.00 147.00-159.00 124.00-135.00

--------147.50-167.50 128.00-157.00 125.00-135.00

----157.00-180.00 150.00-159.00 138.00-145.00 117.00

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

175.00-179.00 157.00-175.00 138.00-157.00 ---------

155.00-162.00 142.50-158.00 129.00-143.00 123.00-130.00 -----

163.00-183.00 145.00-174.00 135.00-153.00 120.00-160.00 117.00-140.00

157.50-185.00 140.00-175.00 139.00-154.00 135.00-142.00 128.00-133.50

161.00-169.00 142.00-166.00 139.00-153.00 137.00-149.00 134.00-136.00

127 5(3257('

sheep &

Diamond, Mo. • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale

dairy cattle

69.00-87.50 †

Welch Stockyards

4/22/18

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 115.00-126.00; wtd. avg. price 121.73. Heifers: 119.00-125.00; wtd. avg. price 122.69. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 190.00-195.00; wtd. avg. price 193.91. Heifers: 185.00-195.00; wtd. avg. price 192.12.

61.00-88.50 † 65.00-81.00 † 67.00-95.00 † 70.00-88.00* 69.00-95.50 † 65.00-95.00 †

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

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

64.00-92.00 † 72.00-90.50* 84.00 † 70.00-84.00 † Not Reported* None Reported* 71.00-84.50 †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmer’s Stockyards Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

beef

72.00-89.00 †

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

APRIL 30, 2018

155 140 130 123 115

ob with 3-4 percent shrink or

horn and wooled 134-159 lbs 135.00-

6 3

ices

I-40 estock Ozark 4/19/18 1,070

4.93

0 Blyt

3.99

le hevil

Soft Wheat

Corn

10.26

10.28

4.99

4.92

3.89

Hele

10.07

4.96

Elain

Mid-State Stockyards* 4/16/18 496

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 4/18/18 1,185

Uneven

St-5 Higher

4.00-209.00 7.00-187.00 1.00-164.50 6.00-150.00 145.00

177.00-202.00 170.00-190.00 152.00-177.00 142.00-167.00 142.00-154.00

--------7.50-167.50 8.00-157.00 5.00-135.00

7.50-185.00 0.00-175.00 9.00-154.00 5.00-142.00 8.00-133.50

3.66

eola

Osc

Little

Roc

1500

2000

2500

pairs

1-13 Higher

St-5 Higher

170.00-205.00 158.00-185.00 140.00-172.00 133.00-160.00 125.00-141.00

190.00-216.00 170.00-197.00 145.00-176.00 140.50-153.50 140.00-150.00

192.50-197.50 197.50-210.00 164.00-188.00 145.00-167.00 135.50-154.00

170.00-187.00 160.00-180.00 162.00-170.00 140.00-159.00 134.00-140.00

189.00-202.00 178.00-195.00 169.00-185.00 151.00-160.00 140.00-145.00

----157.00-180.00 150.00-159.00 138.00-145.00 117.00

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

189.00-194.00 168.00-180.00 149.00-165.00 131.00-148.00 127.00-136.00

----173.00-181.00 158.00 ---------

--------136.00-158.00 125.00-135.00 113.00-121.00

167.00-185.00 159.00-177.00 145.00-165.00 144.00-147.00 135.00

161.00-169.00 142.00-166.00 139.00-153.00 137.00-149.00 134.00-136.00

155.00-172.00 140.00-159.00 130.00-147.00 123.00-140.00 115.00-125.00

160.00-178.00 148.00-170.00 137.00-155.00 127.50-143.50 122.00-130.00

175.00 150.00-167.50 136.00-156.00 133.00-148.50 121.00-136.00

148.00-173.00 144.00-159.00 132.00-153.00 128.00-136.00 116.00-130.00

162.00-173.00 150.00-170.00 142.50-160.00 128.00-146.50 128.00-135.50

153.00 135.50 133.28

153.97 *

125.00 161.00 144.98 164.73 141.00

144.49 135.14 132.95 133.75 132.55

148.58

136.39

156.03

130.94

166.00 148.16

135.96

166.94

139.18

149.19

167.03 **

** 141.27

164.27

975.00-1125.00 †

Uneven

149.08

169.32

1000.00-1235.00 † 975.00-1050.00 † 800.00-1375.00 † Not Reported *

St-7 Higher

146.84

177.52

164.97

740.00-1900.00 † 1050.00-1700.00 † 925.00-1400.00 † 850.00-1475.00 * 925.00-1850.00 †

12,830

175.50

Not Reported * None Reported * 1050.00-1250.00 †

1500

131.08

1950.00 *

1000

132.37 * *

None Reported †

500

149.38 138.00

149.59 *

1110.00-1175.00 † 1000.00 †

Welch Stockyards

Week of 3/25/18

147.26 146.00

900.00-1600.00 †

Ozarks Regional West Plains 4/17/18 2,786

4/17/18-4/18/18

148.76

400.00-1280.00 †

Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita

* 132.00

1000.00-1575.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livee Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff

153.46 147.77

162.60

(Week of 4/15/18 to 4/21/18)

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 4/20/18 378

APRIL 30, 2018

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.

150.00

760.00-1310.00 *

cow/calf

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

815.00-1135.00 †

131.93

149.22

2000

2500

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

Tulsa Livestock Auction 4/16/18 2,234

Welch Stockyards*

-----

Uneven

-----

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

175.50-200.00 169.50-181.00 154.00-170.00 140.00-156.00 126.00-143.00

185.00-201.00 165.00-188.00 160.00-187.50 140.00-167.50 130.00-144.00

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

169.00-188.00 152.00-169.00 137.50-164.00 127.00-156.00 115.50-131.00

160.00-193.00 150.00-175.00 135.00-156.00 125.00-139.50 115.00-126.00

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

156.00-168.00 147.00-165.00 136.00-150.00 124.50-145.00 115.00-129.50

155.00-173.00 150.00-171.00 140.00-158.00 130.00-148.50 115.00-128.00

164.38 ** 170.49 149.47

149.34 ** 145.08 142.67

167.05

137.54

136.43

138.74 165.55

4/17/18 1,535

139.68 148.48

177.73

* 169.91

152.20

164.78

142.45

165.82

140.30

162.64 163.50 164.04 161.21 165.74 161.71

143.75 143.03

131.21

160.14

140.61

174.39

148.69 245

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

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

149.10 136.12

143.87

154.67

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

142.24

140.19

157.65

110

Feb. 18 Mar. 18

heifers 550-600 LBS.

161.51

400.00-1350.00 † Not Reported *

1000

Jan. 18

161.65

665.00-1200.00 †

500

Oct. 17 Nov. 17 Dec. 17

470.00-1475.00 † 625.00-1275.00 † 500.00-1450.00 † 750.00-1225.00 * 700.00-1225.00 † 750.00-1350.00 †

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

4.74

3.96

Joplin Regional Stockyards 4/16/18 5,734

Uneven

Sorghum

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

Not Reported* None Reported * 520.00-1150.00 †

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

July 17 Aug. 17 Sept. 17

steers 550-600 LBS.

800.00-1100.00 †

Farmer’s Stockyards Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

Week Ended 4/24/18

Soybeans

Apr. 17 May 17 June 17

Week of 4/1/18

avg. grain prices

$80

Week of 4/1/18

0.00-250.00; 60-80 lbs 230.00-240.00; 100-105 lbs 230.00-232.50. 00-240.00; 70-105 lbs 200.00-225.00. 0-240.00; 60-80 lbs 221.00-250.00; 0. bs 143.00-145.00. 82.00-185.00; 80-90 lbs 177.50-

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.5000 and 40# blocks at $1.6025. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4815(+.0110) and blocks, $1.6205 (-.0010). Fluid Milk: Across the country, farm milk production is generally steady to higher following the typical seasonal spring flush patterns. Nevertheless, in the Southwest region and Arizona, milk intakes are down due to the warm weather that is affecting 0 cow comfort. Some minor hauling delays were reported in the Midwest and Northeast regions due to an unseasonal blizzard that affected some shipping routes. Bottled/fluid milk sales vary in each region of the country, depending on the immediate needs from retailers, food service, and educational institutions. Nationwide, condensed skim processing is active with fair/good demands from some Class II processors. Meanwhile, several ice cream makers are pulling more cream volumes ahead of the summer season. Cream multiples for all Classes range 1.15-1.26 in the East, 1.16-1.26 in the Midwest, and 1.03-1.24 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest $2.7714 - $2.9010.

$120

450.00-1100.00 † 610.00-1225.00 † 1450.00 *

Week of 4/8/18

165 lbs 143.50. e and Prime 1-2: 08.00-226.00; 60-70 lbs 196.00202.00, few 207.00-210.00; 80-90 lbs s 180.00-196.00, few 199.00. 265.00-287.00; 50-60 lbs 260.000; 60-70 lbs 255.00-275.00, few 245.00-275.00, few 275.00-285.00; few 270.00-290.00. 2.50-250.00; 50-60 lbs 220.00-235.00; 70-80 lbs 225.00-234.00; 80-90 lbs

4/20/18

$160

PricesPrices reported per cwt Prices reported per Prices reported reported per percwt cwtcwt

Week of 4/15/18

145-175 lbs 130.00-160.00. d wooled 140-155 lbs 141.00-143.00.

dairy sales

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$200

700.00-1175.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Live Benton County Sale Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Salee 500.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmer’s Stock Fort Smith I-40 Livestock Joplin Regional Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

127 5(3257('

88.00. 0-110 lbs 270.00-285.00; 110-130 50 lbs 215.00-240.00; 150-200 lbs

cows

(Week of 4/15/18 to 4/21/18)

550-600 lb. steers

Week of 4/8/18

replacement

Slaughter Ewes: San Angelo: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) no test; Good 2-3 (fleshy) laughter lambs were 10.00-20.00 64.00-75.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 76.00-85.00; 40.00 lower. Slaughter ewes were Utility 1-2 (thin) 65.00-75.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) ances 10.00-20.00 lower. Feeder 60.00-65.00; Cull 1 (extremely thin) 20.00-59.00. At San Angelo, TX 6808 head Pennsylvania: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 50.00-100.00; Good 2-3 Auction sold 1200 slaughter lambs in (fleshy) 72.00-135.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 75.00-120.00; Cull 1 ding slaughter ewes and feeder lambs no test. negotiated sales of slaughter lambs Ft. Collins: Good 3-5 (very fleshy) 77.50-88.50; Good 2-3 er. 2,653 lamb carcasses sold with (fleshy) 80.00-92.50; Utility 1-2 (thin) 55.00-57.50; Cull 1 to confidentiality. All sheep sold per (extremely thin) no test. unless otherwise specified. e and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: wooled 110-155 lbs 120.00-134.00, few 4/20/18

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 4/15/18

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

200

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

15 15

meet your neighbors

Photos by Terry Ropp

Clay Wilson and Maggie Thompson purchased their farm last year and have built it from the ground up.

Building a Family Farm By Terry Ropp

Couple reclaim 80 acres to build a poultry and beef cattle operation Clay Wilson and Maggie Thompson are to be married in June. Clay is planning on being a full-time farmer while Maggie is hoping to keep her position at Powell Feed in Huntsville, Ark., perhaps joining Clay full-time later on. In preparation for their marriage, the couple purchased 80 acres near Marble, Ark., last fall. The site was suitable for both a cow/calf operation and for the construction of two poultry breeder houses, which require an east-west orientation. In addition, the chicken house area had room for a shop with stalls for their horses. The only drawback to the site was an insufficient and appropriate water supply for the chicken houses. They solve the issue by drilling a 2,200-foot well. The breeder houses are a natural choice for the couple. Their grandparents had laying hens and breeders so both Clay and Maggie are familiar with the processes and amount of work involved. “We are lucky enough to have Tyson signs from our grandparents that we now use as memorabilia decoration in our new home,” Maggie added. Soon after the September purchase,

Clay and Maggie hired friend Travis Ev- bull Walker who is, therefore, very acans to do the substantial prep groundwork customed to Clay. for the chicken houses and shop. The When Walker is not in service, he work took three months and included stays at Clay’s dad’s, where the ladies building up the site for the houses, as well keep him happy; a good arrangement for as constructing a road appropriate for everyone. The couple also brought a few semi access both to and around the site. pet goats, four ranching horses and two “When you have someone you know mammoth donkeys for predator control and trust, you know the work will be to their new home. The area has the done with the same attention to detail universally present coyotes and a reputyou would pay,” Clay explained. ed mountain lion. Then in December, Reliable Poultry The interior of the laying area is made began the concrete work, which took of plywood and curtains, while the colonly a couple of days. Next came stand- lection area is comprised of white metal ing wooden trusses, followed by a metal walls, as well as gathering tables which roof. Maggie explained that she chose a bring the eggs from the nests inside the natural color to blend in with the envi- chicken house by conveyor belt to the ronment, even though the houses are inside of the collection area. The colnot generally visible. lection room houses the computer sysDecember also ended up being the per- tem as well as an egg cooler where the fect time to bring their cattle eggs are stored until pickup and various other animals to time. Equipment such as Marble, Ark. the new site. They had just chain feeders, rooster feedsold their last calf crop which ers and water lines were inmeant the 30 Angus-influstalled along with nests and enced mommas would have slats. Electricians and plumbers time to adjust before spring hooked up various systems. One calving. Clay bottle-fed their example is LED lighting which Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the feeding time being as soon as the lights come on in the morning. The purpose is to have the hens spend the rest of the day laying eggs which they do all throughout the day. Water, however, is free-choice all day long and mixed with electrolytes. The newly laid eggs roll onto a belt that delivers them to the collection room at one end of each house where they are placed in cartons. Another important system involves setting up plumbing for the cool cells, which runs water 75 feet on the side of each house to a tank where that water is cooled before recycling. No heat is necessary because the birds arrived when 20 weeks old so they already possess natural cold protection. The last system to be installed is the computer system, which is set and put online allowing for adjustments even if Clay and Maggie are away from home. Each house holds 13,300 laying hens and 1,300 roosters with one 10-month production cycle per year and two months out for cleaning and maintenance. The first flock of roosters arrived APRIL 30, 2018

meet your neighbors April 10 to give the males time to adjust to the rooster feeders and the hens arrived April 19. The hen feeders have a blockage for combs which prevents the roosters from accessing hen feeders though the feed for both is the same. Eggs are placed in flats and put on a cart. The production cycle starts slowly at twice per day, peaks to three times per day finally slowing to twice a day again as the birds are ready to retire from production. Interestingly, the roosters are less active and productive as the production season progresses. In order to promote competition and productivity new roosters also called spikes are placed in the flocks intermittently. “We are close to finishing construction though weather has been an issue,” Clay said. “We have had several rain delays, once up to a week, because of the amount of rain and because of the lower location. Our wedding, however, will have no delay.”

LAND & LOT FINANCING TO FIT YOUR NEEDS If you’re looking to buy land, whether developed or undeveloped, Arvest can help with up to 100% financing* backed by our local, personalized service. To learn more about our financing options, contact us today. *Financing is available for qualified customers based on income and credit qualifications. To achieve 100% financing, borrower must have 38% debt-to-income ratio, maximum payment-to-income ratio of 20% and 680-739 FICO score for up to $150,000 or 740 FICO score or better for up to $250,000. Appraisal required. Amount financed based on purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower.

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Member FDIC APRIL 30, 2018

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

meet your neighbors

All Part of the Plan By Terry Ropp

The cattle business is part of the ‘retirement’ strategy for the Armstrongs Darrell Armstrong is the third generation in the tire business and when his son Derek was headed off to college, Derek’s mother Jeanie told him he could do anything he wanted, except the tire business. Derek attended Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., and then graduated from Arkansas Tech with a business degree. He played baseball through college and during his senior year he interned with Tyson. While home on a break during his senior year, he ran into a local banking executive and while discussing baseball, the executive asked if he was interested in a banking career. Nearly 12 years later, Derek is senior vice president of agricultural lending for Legacy National Bank in Springdale, Ark. Another generations long tradition in the Armstrong family is raising cattle. Derek and Darrell work together managing a registered Red Angus operation. “It’s fun working together, but sometimes he zigs when I zag,” Derek said with a smile. Darrell stepped in and said, “Fortunately, we always end up at the same place.” Darrell credits his father who taught him about work ethic, a trait he instilled in his children. Darrell switched from Hereford to Red Angus in 2000 due to their calm disposition, solid color face, heat tolerance and mothering ability. As proof, the Armstrongs cite cows that will nurse multiple calves and are calm enough to allow easy ear tagging and weighing after birth, steps that are critical for a registered operation. “They have even licked my ear while I work on their newborns,” Derek said. The Armstrong’s operation focuses on selling bulls to commercial breeders, but they do sell some heifers. Derek and Darrell’s standards are high, resulting in culling roughly 50 percent of their bull calves. The bulls are developed at home until yearlings. Then the top 25

percent are sent to the Red Alliance bull test, which extensively test data such as average daily gain, weight per day of age, and carcass data scans. Those qualifying for the program are sold in their annual sale. This allows the very best bulls the opportunity to capture premium prices. “The future of our herd is improving the females based on performance,” Derek said.

of the cows and 100 percent of the heifers came into heat as planned. AI conception rates range from 65 to 75 percent, with one natural service bull to complete the breeding process. That bull was bought according to his genetics, EPDs and performance in comparison to that of his contemporaries. The Armstrongs also prefer fall calving because the calves have time to dePhoto by Terry Ropp

Derek Armstrong, pictured with his wife Kelsey, and sons Ayden and Tate, both have full-time jobs away from the farm, but they are dedicated to the cattle industry.

“Our customers get paid by the pound, so we need to produce bulls that have a higher probability of siring calves that weigh more at weaning.” The Armstrongs utalize AI and synchronized breeding cycles. Last year, 84 percent

Rogers, Ark.

velop before facing cold winter weather and because bulls are then 18 months old when sold at the Red Alliance sale. Culling criteria for animals is strict and improving. They are culled first by soundness and temperament, then by performance, which

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

includes weaning and yearling weights. “I believe one of the most important technological advances has been in the availability of quick access to information on genetics and performance. EPDs and other data help, but actual performance provides the best standard,” Derek explained. Armstrong Red Angus has experimented with flushing embryos in their top two proven cows and implanting the embryos in commercial cows. The results convinced Derek and it was the beginning step in a successful ET program and developing a premium recipient cow herd. Through the years, Darrell’s role has shifted. Kelsey, Derek’s wife, who is a kindergarten teacher in Springdale, is considered by Darrell to be their best herdsman. Consequently, Darrell often manages his two grandsons, Ayden (6) and Tate (4), so Kelsey and Derek can work the herd. “Kelsey is the daughter of a respected local cattleman and knows how to handle cattle.,” Derek said. Kelsey is no stranger to hard work either and is a National Board Certified Teacher. “Our agricultural life is a small business, not a hobby,” Derek said. “It is part of our long-term financial goals towards retirement, but it is work that can involve time spent with my family. We are busy people, but ‘working’ by checking cows with my sons and wife can be the most rewarding ‘work’ I do.” Derek also said that his father never pressured him into following his passions, and he follows that same example with his sons. “My dad played college football, I chose baseball,” Derek said. “While our boys enjoy being around the farm, hunting, fishing, and are showing an interest in athletics, we do not want to pressure them into following our passions. They will be free to pursue whatever they desire.” APRIL 30, 2018

APRIL 30, 2018

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Age: 17 Parents: Bruce and Nicki Salmon Hometown: Harrison, Ark. FFA Chapter: Valley Springs FFA Advisor: Tim Moore What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“I really enjoy all of the farm activities including baling hay, welding and raising the calves.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

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“Papa Jim Young taught me life lessons such as farm management and patience. Last summer, we got a new baler that kept slipping and I got mad. He told me I needed more patience and to take my time. Then he tried and got kind of frustrated too. Regardless, I learned he was right.”

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I basically take care of my show calves in the evening and working with them to prepare them for the State Fair Spring show. I also help on the family farm with the Angus/Hereford crosses we raise. One of the most important things I have learned is that the calves tend to reflect your state of mind. If you are upset, your calf is upset. If you are calm, it will be calm.”

Awards: “I won Overall Commercial Grand Champion Heifer at the Arkansas State Fair twice, Grand Champion English, Overall Champion Showmanship at the Arkansas State Fair, Grand Champion Maine Anjou Heifer Arkansas State Fair, Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Heifer at the Arkansas State Fair, Overall Supreme Heifer five years at our county fair, Grand Champion Prospect Steer 4 years at our county fair and Overall Supreme Heifer for three years at Northwest Arkansas District Fair.” What are your future plans?

Coweta, OK 918-486-5322

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“I plan to attend Arkansas State University in Beebe and receive my associate degree, then transfer to Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. After finishing college, I would like to continue to add to my degrees by attending Tulsa Welding Academy and hopefully work on the pipelines for a few years before returning home to get a job as an ag teacher.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

Communication is Key

the professionals

payment will be made and if you have a plan out of the gate. If you know this information, your lender is much more apt to wait for their payment. • DON’T make promises you can’t keep to buy yourself more time. Your lender might fall for it once, but they won’t again. Most loan officers have to report to their supervisor and if they make a promise based on what you said, and you don’t fulfill that promise, By Kathy Daily they are less likely to stick their neck out for you again. • DO send partial payments. Your lender will see that you are ost farmers and ranchers pride themselves on alworking to bring your loan current. ways paying their debts on time. Making late pay• DON’T say the check is in the mail if it isn’t. ments is not something most people take lightly. • DO make a point to touch base with your loan officer weekWhen you are forced to make your payment late, Kathy Daily is the ly while your payment is delinquent to ensure them that you are there is more at stake than just your reputation Senior Vice President working on your plan to get them current. and pride. Those late payments will undoubtedly cost you more in of First Financial Bank’s • DO get wiring instructions so that your payment is there as the form of late fees or a higher interest rate. However, no matter Farm and Ranch Diviquickly as possible. what you do, there will be a time that it will happen to you, and sion. She has been an • DO keep notes on what you promised, because you can bet that with the prices that we are seeing, this may be the year. agricultural lender for your lender is keeping notes. Here are a few do’s and don’ts if you find yourself short on funds: over 25 years. • DO look for ways to prevent this from recurring and tell your • DON’T stick your head in the sand and hope it goes away. lender what steps you are taking for the future. • DO let your lender know what is going on ahead of time. If The real point to remember here is to keep your lender informed and don’t wait for there is a way to work with you, most lenders will try to help you find a solution, them to initiate the conversation. Address the problem head on and tell them your especially if you’ve always paid on time. plan, and don’t make promises you can’t keep. Your lending relationship is one of • DON’T put it off or wait for the lender to call you and ask why you are late. • DO look for alternative ways to make your payment. Are there FSA disaster the most important relationships in your farm operation. Just like your relationship with your spouse, if you don’t communicate, there will be problems. The worst time funds available? • DO have a plan when you call your lender. Your lender will want to know when the for lender relationship problems is when times are tough.

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Small Ruminant Nutrition By Kristyn Richner

Sheep and goats have different nutritional needs Sheep and goats can both be classified as small ruminants. Live- ppm in the diet. Copper at 30 ppm is toxic to sheep when they are on this feed for stock classified as a ruminant must have adequate roughage in their diet to ensure prolonged periods of time.” It’s also important to pay attention to molybdenum in relation to Copper. the rumen continues to function properly. “Molybdenum interferes with copper and changes the requirements,” said Redden. Roughage is defined as any feed ingredient that has a high concentration of fiber This is why it is crucial to be cautious with supplementing your small ruminant that breaks down slowly. While both sheep and goats have a common physiology, nutrition. Most supplements are high in are docile and suited for either hobby grains or feed-byproducts. Many times farm use or commercial production, they these items don’t have a correct mineral do have different feed requirements that profile, so they must be corrected for this. need to be managed appropriately. Most supplements have minerals addAs a general rule, sheep are classified as ed to balance out the feed ingredients. intermediate grazers. Intermediate grazers • Sheep (Ovis aries) have 54 chromosomes, while goats (Capra aegagrus Supplements or grains should be fed with prefer a variety of high-quality grass, weeds hircus) have 60. While sheep and goats will occasionally mate, fertile sheepcaution because they can cause rapid and they browse. While goats are browsers goat hybrids are rare. Hybrids made in the laboratory are called chimeras. shifts in the rumen bacteria, which can and tend to eat a large variety within their • Goats are naturally curious and independent, while sheep tend to be more lead to major digestive issues. diet, including, grass, weeds, and leaves from distant and aloof. It’s also important to pay attention to woody plants, goats are able to eat things • Sheep have a stronger flocking instinct and become very agitated if they parasites. Round worms are a major probthat sheep (and cattle) cannot, like cedar. are separated from the rest of the flock.    lem for both sheep and goats. When considering feedstuffs, total mixed • Sheep have an upper lip that is divided by a distinct philtrum (groove). “Round worms feed on their (sheep rations should be formulated for the corThe goat does not.  and goats) blood and can cause them to rect species at the appropriate life stage. For • Male goats have glands beneath their tail. Sheep have face or tear glands become anemic, ultimately leading to example, a young growing animal vs. an beneath their eyes and foot or scent glands between the toes. Male goats death,” explained Redden. adult maintenance animal vs. an adult late develop a distinct odor as they grow in sexual maturity. The odor is very strong Managing round worms can be a very gestation or lactation animal will all require during the rut. Sexually mature rams have much less of an odor, if they have complex process and may require a varidifferent feed rations. While most feedstuffs an odor at all. ety of methods to control. Deworming, contain basic, general nutrition, additional pasture rotation, refugia, genetic selecsupplementation may be required and spetion, body condition and breeding season are critical aspects and require consistent cific nutrients should be watched very closely. A very critical nutrient to pay attention to, in sheep specifically, is copper. Copper practice and attention in sheep and goat management. While small ruminant nutrition may involve a watchful eye, ultimately, they toxicity is the primary feed related disease that differs among species, but is espeare easily manageable animals. Producers with questions regarding feed rations or cially pertinent in sheep. “Sheep need copper at 10 ppm in the diet,” explained Reid Redden, Sheep and small ruminant production, should reach out to their local livestock specialist or Goat Specialist with Texas A&M University. “Goats and cattle need copper at 30 feed professional.

Sheep vs. Goats What’s the difference?

what do you say? What is most important to you when building a barn or other farm structure?

“I want a new barn with corrals around it, and what is most important to me is that it is more confined and therefore easier to use than the set up I have now.” Neal Hodges Boone County, Ark.

“I want to build a barn big enough to plan for growth while making sure it meets all my needs in terms of construction specifics.”

“I want a concrete floor and a door tall enough to accommodate a semi because you never know what you will buy and it is cheaper to do this on the front end when you build.”

“The now most important thing to me is to build for further growth and flexibility of use because you never know what you know what you may need in the future.”

Jay Carter Crawford County, Ark.

Dean Estep Benton County, Ark.

Brock Smith Carroll County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

farm help

Building From the Ground Up By Eric Neher

Current and future wants and needs should be addressed before breaking ground on a facility With so many options of barns out there for the many different types of livestock it is important to know what kind of facilities are a need for a profitable venture; especially if starting from the ground up. A good starting point is to know what you should consider before building. Natural Resource Engineer with the University of Missouri Extension Robert Schultheis said it’s crucial to decide what plans are for now for the operation, and what goals are 10 or 20 years down the road. Producers should ask themselves if the facility, house both feed and livestock? Is there room for growth? Producers should decide if they will be using the structure to store equipment and if it will also double as a shop. All of this should be considered before the building of the facility. Schultheis recommends acquiring an aerial map of the property first. Be sure to draft plans account for the topography of the land in relation to the possible water hazards that it might have, such as flood threats or even lack of water. Strategic placement of gates and access, as well as livestock and machinery movement, can also be plotted out during this process. Producers are also encouraged to make sure they have unfettered travel ways

to help with flow, as well as save time. From this vantage point, the placement of fencing can be considered as well. An aerial view will provide a good chance for producers to plan future pasture rotation for the incoming livestock. Obviously, the type of livestock must be considered. For those producers who are planning on raising goats, it’s important to remember that goats are less tolerant of wet and cold conditions than cattle and sheep. It’s wise to build them a dry place out of the wind to seek shelter. A kidding, lambing or calving area should be considered during the initial planning stage before the actual build. For dairy producers, cow comfort is a concern. Before building a free stall facility, producers should consider if each cow will have enough space to roam and lay down with ease, and take into consideration if the number of cows housed in the facility will increase as more animals freshen or if they choose to expand their milking herd. Dairy producers might want to consider a compost bedded or a pack barn. According to Schultheis, a compost barn offers a good alternative to the traditional free-stall barn, and the bedding can be removed and used as a natural fertilizer. Many producers prefer to have their work facilities inside of their livestock

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APRIL 30, 2018

structure, which is a great idea as long as there is room. Covered or inclosed working facilities are something that should be designed during the initial planning stage. Producers are cautioned to make sure the facility is well lit to prevent the balking of animals going through the system, which also makes it safer for the producers. Be sure before investing in a facility that livestock and producer needs are addressed. The right and wrong choices made in the design portion of the project will certainly impact the payoff, or lack thereof, in the long run.

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farm help

Are All Fences the Same? By Eric Neher

When containing livestock, producers have options but there must be visual and physical barriers

Physical Barriers

FAdvantages

• If properly constructed, a physical fence requires low maintenance, has a long life span, and is able to withstand severe weather and seasonal conditions. • Physical barriers can be aesthetic in appearance while providing protection to the animal and holding up against possible damage by the animal. These fences will also reduce the potential liability of property damage or personal injury caused by animals.

FDisadvantages • Physical fencing can be more expensive than other types of fencing and often require more labor for construction. They are difficult to relocate, and when damaged they take more time to repair.

Psychological Barriers

FAdvantages

• Electric fences can be considerably less expensive than physical fences, are easier to construct, and relocate. • Electric fencing is more adaptable to rugged terrain. It can further provide effectiveness when used in combination with physical fences acting as a further barrier from impacts from the animals. Electric fencing is also highly advantageous in prohibiting predators.

FDisadvantages • Electric fencing usually requires more maintenance than physical fences. However, with a proper gauge of hi tensile wire, the use of compression springs allowing the fence to endure impacts, and well constructed corners and supports; an electric fence can be as low maintenance and last as long as a physical fence.

— Source, UMass Extension Crops, Dairy, Livestock & Equine Program

When it comes to fencing, it’s very important to determine what will work best for the species of livestock the operation has, or what it plans to have. Fencing choices seem to be endless, with everything from woven mesh to standard cattle panels, and wooden slats to electric wire, but what’s the best choice? While most people are familiar with fencing options for cattle, what is the best type of fencing for other species of livestock? The most important thing producers can remember is that fences should be a physical and/or a visual deterrent for animals.

Horses

A good choice for horses, according to both Mark Green, lead research conservationist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service in Springfield, Mo., and Robert Schultheis, who is the natural resource engineering specialist with the University of Missouri Extension Center, is an electric fence. A good hot wire will work great, but producers should train animals as to what it is. Green recommends creating a lot trap; a place where it is safe for when the horse gets the initial “bite.” If they learn what the hot wire will do, they should avoid it once they are out in the pasture. Another thing producers might consider is making sure the fence is marked in order to make it more visible. There are other fence systems for horses that work as well. Producers can use a smooth wire in order to avoid barbed and the possible injuries that could arise. A cautionary point made by Green is to make sure to avoid laying out pastures where a horse can get cornered by another horse. Also be sure there is plenty of feed or grass in the pasture as this is why animals reach through the fence.

Sheep and goats

For goats, Schultheis suggested using a welded wire fence system or a five-strand tensile fence at least 4-feet high (5-feet high for bucks or rams). Fencing for sheep or goats must be strong because they have a tendency to lean on it. Keep in mind that goats will try to get out of anything and producers might have to place an overhang wire at the top of the fence towards the inside. It may also be a good idea to use electric or even a barbed wire. Sheep and goats are much more clever than one may think, so it is also a good idea to use snap hooks on the gates as they are able to unlatch other types of hardware. For those who prefer to go with a hot wire system, Green recommends using at least three lines for goats and four for sheep.

Swine

With their rooting nature, many producers have concerns over the containment of pasture swine. Schultheis recommends using a strong woven wire fencing, with a strand of barbed wire along the bottom for a good perimeter. Green believes that a good hot wire is sufficient enough to keep wandering swine contained. Producers are reminding that no fence is a guarantee and animals can, and will, escape, so make sure that fences are inspected often and any needed repairs are made immediately.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018

farm help

Raising a Champion By Brooke Clanton

Ensure good health by knowing your animal and remaining alert Show animal health is important during the year to produce a winner in the end. In the midst of show season, keeping the animal healthy is every good showman’s priority. Good husbandry is the start to a great show season, according to Scott Hoyle, private practice veterinarian and show dad. “A healthier environment produces a healthier animal,” said Hoyle. “It’s a combination of clean shavings, clean water and a good appetite.” Before show season begins, every showman should consider the habitat in which the animal is living. Changing the shavings promotes good air quality and removes bacteria and viruses that could compromise the animal’s health. According to Hoyle, breathing low-quality air increases the likelihood of respiratory infection. A clean water supply is also important to keep the animal hydrated to help prevent illness. “If I wouldn’t drink the water, the animal won’t drink it,” said Hoyle. He encourages his exhibitors to clean and sanitize water buckets daily to remove germs and bacteria. Bleach and water is the best way to ensure all pathogens are eliminated before refilling with fresh, clean water, he said. Animal appetite can also reveal symptoms of poor health or illness if monitored appropriately. Karen Reynolds, owner of Pin Oak Club Lambs in Greenbrier, Ark., said showmen should pay close attention when feeding because changes in animal health are often subtle. “They aren’t always visibly ill,” said Reynolds. “If they aren’t eating, there is an issue.” When feeding, owners should stay and monitor how much and how fast the animal eats. Irregularity in an animal’s appetite could flag an issue of internal health. APRIL 30, 2018

Being alert and aware of the animal is key to a successful show season, said Reynolds. Evaluating the animal every day, multiple times a day, is the best way to learn the animal’s norms. Changes in the animal’s activity, eating habits, water intake and interaction with others are signs to watch for. If an animal does become ill, it should not be taken to shows until it recovers, because it would present a health risk to all the other animals there, said Hoyle. “Never put a sick animal in the trailer,” said Hoyle. “Do not show it until it is completely well. If your animal is showing symptoms of illness, quarantine it in a separate area of the barn away from all the other animals. Then treat the animal appropriately according to the illness.” At livestock shows, being aware of surroundings and strategically penning animals at the show is key, said Reynolds. If sick animals are in the neighboring pen, exhibitors should try to avoid placing tack or animals near that pen. The show staff will normally check for external symptoms such as fungus, running nose and watery eyes, and a veterinarian should be at each show to periodically monitor the overall quality of health in the barn. After the show, animals’ health should be monitored closely. Using blankets and anti-fungal sprays and maintaining good air quality helps fight off any bacteria or virus contracted at the show. “Preparing to go and protection is important,” said Reynolds. “But having the mind frame to monitor and defend on the backend is just as vital.” “It’s a learning process on how to keep them healthy,” said Hoyle. Making sure they are going to the show healthy and coming home healthy is a showman’s job. “If they aren’t healthy they won’t perform their best,” said Reynolds.

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ozarks’ farm

calendar

April 2018 30, 5/7,5/14 Beekeeping Short Course – free of charge – must register, limited space available – Pope County Extension Office, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 May 2018 1 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Benton County Extension Office, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-271-1060 1 Benton County Farm Family Media Day – Gentry, Ark. – contact the Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 1 Arkansas Produce Safety Workshop – 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – University of Arkansas Fruit Research Station, 1749 State Hwy 818, Clarksville, Ark. – registration is required – aperez@uaex.edu or 501-671-2228 3 Private Pesticide Applicator Training – 5 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 4 Youth Fishing Derby – 4:30 p.m. – 894 Toad Creek Road, Leslie, Ark. – 870-448-3981 5 Low Cost Rabies Clinic – 9 a.m. – $10 each animal – Fairview Fire Department, Fairview, Ark. – 870-449-6349 5 Low Cost Rabies Clinic – 10:30 a.m. – $10 each animal – Flippin High School, Flippin, Ark. – 870-449-6349 5 Master Gardeners Plant Sale – 8 a.m.-noon – Pope County Fairgrounds, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 8 Beekeeping Workshop – 9 a.m. – North Franklin County Extension Office, Ozark, Ark. – 479-667-3720 8 4-H Workshop – Livestock and Forestry Experiment Station, Batesville, Ark. – 870-493-7432 12 Strawberry Festival – On the square, Stilwell, Okla. – 918-696-2253 14-16 72th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference – Fayetteville, Ark. – http://agrilife.org/spfcic/ 18-20 NE District Horse Show – River Bend Arena, Inola, Okla. – 22 Arkansas Produce Safety Workshop – 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – Marion County Fairgrounds Community Building, 513 East Seawell Avenue, Summit, Ark. – aperez@uaex.edu or 501-671-2228 26 Annual Cherokee County Turtle Race – 10-10:30 a.m., last minute adoptions – Featured Race 11:00 a.m. – Town Branch, Okla. – 918-456-6163

ozarks’

auction block

May 2018 12 Thomas Farms Limousin Sale – at the Farm, Leslie, Ark. – 501-745-8728 12 Heart of Central States Beefmaster Sale – Locust Grove, Okla. – 918-456-1199 12 Mead Farms Female Production Sale – Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, Mo. – 573-216-0210 12 Midwest Regional Spring Braunvieh Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-327-4643 18 Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 19 Missouri Kansas-Arkansas-Oklahoma Aberdeen Angus Sale – I-40 Livestock Auction, Ozark Ark. – 816-532-0811 June 2018 29-30 10th Annual South Poll Grass Cattle Assoc. Field Day and Auction – Wilber Farms, Bonnets Mill, Mo. – 256-996-3142

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory

Angus Rose Bud Feeders - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Balancers Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. - 870-426-4469 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Brangus Hatfield Brangus - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3921 479-531-2605 Jackson Double J - Gentry, Ark. - 479-659-4200 www.doublejbrangus.com Rose Bud Feeders - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com TRO-GIN Brangus Ranch Booneville, Ark. 479-675-4420 Charolais Rose Bud Feeders - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Gelbvieh Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. - 870426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company - Judsonia, Ark. - 501-278-7614 Herefords Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. 580-922-4911 - 580-334-7842 - mossherefords.com Rose Bud Feeders - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Red Angus Cooper Ranch - Romance, Ark. 501-556-5263 Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504

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If you eat, sleep, breathe, live and love farming then

Hostetler Litter Service

is for you!

Selling Cattle, Hay, Tractors or Anything Else Farm Related? There’s No Better Way To Reach Cattlemen In The Ozarks!

The Cattlemen’s Sweetspot Reaches More Than 58,000 Readers in 60 Counties! 2015 NEW HOLLAND ROLL-BELT 450 ROUND BALER, 4 x 5, 1.8M Pickup, Twine Only, Super Clean One Owner Unit, We Sold This Unit New. Auto Wrap, Auto Tie, Bale Kicker, Monitor, PTO: 540, Twine ........$19,500

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

479-267-2685 Farmington, AR

cvsvet.com 30 years of serving both farm and family.

PROMOTE HOME COOKING 2015 NEW HOLLAND T4.105, 2WD, Cab, H & A, 12x12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, New Holland 640TL Loader..........................$42,500

Send in your favorite family recipe to share with our readers.

julie@ozarksfn.com 1996 CASE IH 3220, MFWD, 8 x 8 Transmission With Shuttle, Case IH 2250 Loader, Canopy. ............$17,500

1-866-532-1960 ozarksfn.com

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

The Original • Manufacturing Steel Trusses for 50 Years Quality at a Competitive Price

FREE Customized Materials Bid

2015 JOHN DEERE 4066M, 12 x 12 Transmission With Shuttle, MFWD, John Deere D170 Loader, Super Clean, Low Hour, One Owner, This Unit Is Like New., The Rotary Cutter Is Not Included. ................................$35,500

BARN & SHOP KITS

2501 Shiloh Dr. • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-8284

www.williamstractor.com 4/30/18

APRIL 30, 2018

I am enclosing: ❏ $17.00 - 1 Year ❏ $30.50 - 2 Years ❏ $43.00 - 3 Years ❏ I am now receiving the paper ❏ I do not receive the paper now

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

Add $7 per year for orders outside AR, OK, MO NAME __________________________________ PHONE ______________

DESIGNED FOR ECONOMY ENGINEERED FOR STRENGTH 12425 Collins Road Gentry, AR 72734

Williams Tractor

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

CLEAR SPAN STEEL BUILDING TRUSSES

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EMAIL ____________________________________________________ ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ CITY ____________________ STATE ______ ZIP ____________________

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

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

www.adamstruss.com 4/30/18

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

THE TRUCK SPECIALISTS! We know what you want ... Big Selection + Low Prices!

NEW NEW 70492 2017 LT Crew Cab, Blue, 70606 2017 WT Single Cab, P80318 2015 LT Crew Cab Srw, 1-Ton, Duramax White, Drw, 1-Ton, Duramax White - $52,500.00

F80197 F350 Single wheel T-70572 Drop down feed 1-Ton 6.7L Power Stroke, Fully doors, Mat package $7,300 serviced, Ready to go- $43,500 or $148 per month W.A.C

T-70573 Aluminum Roundup AL Aluminum floor mat package $15,300 or $268 per month W.A.C

T-70642 Drop down feed doors, Mat package $10,900 or $221 per month W.A.C

Absolute Top Dollar offered on all trades!

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P80214 2015 LTZ Crew Cab Silver, Duramax, Single Rear Wheel 1-Ton - $47,500.00

2018 F80201 F250 6.7L Power Stroke, Fully serviced, Ready Cab and Chassis Single wheel to go - $43,500 1-Ton LT 6.0L Gas 2 to choose from #80313 #80314 $44,175 Rebates and Incentives change daily call for best price.

T-70899 Last of the 17’s 24x68 Metal Top, Rubber floor, Full escape - Torsion axles & MORE for $11,900

See why we are the area’s

Check Out More Of Our Inventory at WoodMotor.com We Keep Several Trucks Outfitted with the DewEze Truck Beds In Stock!

1 Truck Volume Dealer!

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Financing Available!

Arkansas’ No. 1 Gooseneck Dealer

600 Highway 62-65 • Harrison, AR Call Mark Hanshaw 870-715-9177

870-741-8211 • WoodMotor.com Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 30, 2018