OFN April 5, 2021 by Eric Tietze

FARMING EFFICIENCY • PRODUCTION SALE

Doing What He Loves APRIL 5, 2021 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 2 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

The Spears operation includes as many as 1,600 stocker calves, in addition to a cow/calf herd

In His Blood

Dan Douglas continues farming on part of his family’s original 1853 homestead

Healthy Herd Protocols

Nutrition and vaccinations are critical for overall health

A Thriving Family Farm Wilson Ranch started with a cow/calf operation, but has grown to much more

rumor mill

State expands program: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is opening up its Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made branding effort to all grower and producer members. Logos of Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made are now available at no charge in members’ promotional material and on their websites, Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward said in a statement. The Agriculture Department also introduced a new membership category, Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made Supporter. It is intended for retailers, restaurants and other outfits that sell Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made products, as well as other organizations generally supportive of promoting Arkansas products. More information about the programs is available by visiting arkansasgrown.org or emailing Karen Reynolds at karen.reynolds@ agriculture.arkansas.gov.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

APRIL 5, 2021

Staying close to home

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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

Jody Harris – The arrival of spring Julie Turner-Crawford – Keep meat “in”

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Tim Harris takes a risk with Thoroughbreds

Nominations sought: The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is seeking nominations for the Cattleman of the Year award. Established in 1990, the Cattleman of the Year award is the highest honor the OCA bestows upon a member and was designed to recognize OCA members who have made significant contributions to the OCA and to the Oklahoma beef industry. The recipient of the Cattleman of the Year Award will be recognized at the Awards Banquet during the 69th Annual OCA Convention and Trade Show on July 24, 2021. Nominations are due on May 1, 2021. A nomination form can be found at go.ozarksfn.com/rg7.

Know a Good Rumor?

VOL. 15, NO. 2

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

EHV case reported: On March 11, officials at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture confirmed an 8-year-old Quarter Horse mare with EHV-related abortion. The mare’s aborted foal was found in the pasture on March 9 during morning feeding. The mare, which had been vaccinated, has shown no other clinical signs. The aborted foal’s liver was tested and indicated positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). The mare’s tests came back negative for the disease. No equines have left the property in the last six months, and the mare did not share fence lines with any other horses. Three exposed mares that were pastured with the affected mare are under 21-day quarantine without testing, and the owner is monitoring them for clinical signs.

AFB and PBS team up: Arkansas Farm Bureau and Arkansas PBS are partnering to produce community programming. The content, which will be called “Good Roots,” will focus on education initiatives, health awareness, and supporting agricultural and rural community life. Major funding for “Good Roots” is provided by Arkansas Farm Bureau. The new monthly series will explore rural community life, agribusiness and how these things are evolving through modern advances. The series’ first segment will premiere during “Arkansas Week” Friday, April 16, on Arkansas PBS and live stream at myarpbs.org/watchlive. Starting in May, the segment will air on the second Friday of each month.

The Wilson Ranch started with a few cows, but continues to grow

Virgil Talbot wanted a museum for his community

Eye on Agribusiness highlights Cannon’s Farm Center

Town & Country features Katie Swofford

Randy Spears says he is doing what he loves

Dan Douglas has farming in his blood

Youth in Agriculture spotlights Rafe Evants

FARM HELP 22 Farming efficiently 23 A healthy herd is a profitable herd 24 Are your calves hitting their milestones?

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Soil needs proper care to be productive

APRIL 5, 2021

just a

thought

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

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

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Eric Tietze Publisher

Life Is Simple By Jerry Crownover

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting

e f i L elpmiS si

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

ack and Joe (not their real names) have been the best of friends since childhood, even though they are both looking at 40 in the rearview mirror. They both farm in southern rMissouri, butyrJack evonworC reJ yB had recently found a deal online on a used tractor in Wisconsin that was exactly what he was looking for. Jerry Crownover is Thinking that he and Joe were still 20, he devised a plan a farmer and former for them to leave late Friday evening, take turns driving all professor of Agriculture night, be in Wisconsin early on Saturday morning, load the Education at Missouri tractor, and be back home by bedtime that night. State University. He is a Jack driving, they departed Missouri as soon as Joe’s son’s native of Baxter County, ballgame ended that Friday night, and headed north. About Arkansas, and an 1 a.m., Jack realized they needed to refuel the truck and author and professional started looking for the next exit. Luckily, there was an allspeaker. To contact Jerry, night truck stop at the very next one, but, being a frugal go to ozarksfn.com and farmer, Jack knew that if he drove past the trucker’s parclick on ‘Contact Us.’ adise, he would surely find a locally-owned convenience store with cheaper diesel in this small Illinois town. Sure enough, a couple miles down the road, there was a convenience store with fuel that was 10 cents cheaper. Unfortunately, it was closed. Upon doing a circle turn in the closed parking lot, a local policeman lit them up. Immediately, Jack stopped his truck and waited for the officer to walk up to their window. “Whatcha guys up to?” asked the cop as he shined his flashlight throughout the cab. Jack explained where they were headed and why they were going there. A little suspicious, the policeman asked, “What are those vials and syringes there in your console?” Joe took the lead on this question and quickly answered, “One is Draxxin and the other is Bantamine. They’re both for cattle. We’re farmers.” Joe didn’t know if the officer knew what the two drugs were, but the policeman quickly took Jack’s driver’s license and headed back to his patrol car. About three minutes later, — Continued on Page 6

T SMIT R O

Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Cheryl Kepes. Ken Knies, Kathy Parker and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Randy Spears says he enjoys his time on the farm. See more on page 16. Contributed photo Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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arlier this week I was really starting to look forward to spring garden planting. Today, I am back to shivering inside my winter coat. Spring weather, Arkansans are ready for you to be here to stay. We are Jody Harris is a freelance headed to Colorado for spring break so I guess I will communications specialist, not get too excited about warm weather quite yet. gardener, ranch wife and The spring season has been remarkably busy. I often feel mother of four. She and like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. “Oh her family raise Angus beef dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!” I really have not been cattle and other critters on late or missed anything recently, but let’s just say, our their northwest Arkansas family is always “cutting it close.” It is no comparison to ranch. She is a graduate the uncertainty we all felt last year at this time and I am of Missouri State University. thankful for that. To contact Jody, go to Our children are entering the last quarter of the school ozarksfn.com and click on year. This year has had its challenges, but it has gone bet‘Contact Us.’ ter than we anticipated. Our oldest daughter is preparing with the freshman dance team for school tryouts after spring break. She and I have been on the road a few weekends for competitive dance. We have had an opportunity to watch our younger daughter participate in some junior high track meets. She is also preparing for cheerleading tryouts this season. Our daughters must get their talents from my husband because I cannot dance or tumble. I can cheer loudly but I am a perpetual klutz. We enjoyed watching our youngest son play his first basketball season with the third grade “Bucketheads” from his school. They did not have a winning season, but they were hilarious to watch. Now, we are onto baseball season – my favorite. Our oldest son has been practicing over in Tulsa in his micro sprint race car. He is also amped up for the season. My husband and his posse are also excited about the coming season. In between this flurry of activities, my husband has managed to work our cattle, sell a crop of calves, and get set for spring calving. I love all these new babies. They are close by in fields near our house. On spring days, they are an absolute delight to watch. There is something precious about baby calves chasing each other around in a green pasture. I have had a few moments to spare and ride my own horse and enjoy a few sunny days. Somewhere amidst all the sports and dancing, I WILL find time to plant flowers and a small garden. I only have last year’s mess halfway cleaned out of my raised beds. I really think this year will be the year of simplification. I can see rhubarb popping up already. I hope the grubs did not get all my asparagus starts from last year. Maybe we will grow a few new things, or maybe not. The daffodils are blooming on the farm and the tulips are not far behind. Spring flowers are signs of warmer weather, new beginnings and hope. I hope this year we have a productive hay crop with fewer equipment breakdowns. I hope my children finish the school year with good grades and good friends. I hope we make it to see all these games, meets, races and dances this spring. I hope each of you has a Happy Easter and happy spring, dear, neighbor.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

In Arkansas, more than 3 million pounds of tomatoes, the state’s top vegetable crop, are produced annually. Peach production, Arkansas’ largest fruit crop, annually tops 10 million pounds. — Source, Arkansas Farm Bureau

APRIL 5, 2021

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Across the Fence

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griculture, just like every other industry, is not immune from politics or politicians. Don’t get me wrong, there are many great supporters of agriculture in public office, but Julie Turner-Crawford it only takes a few of those non-supporters to is a native of Dallas leave a sour taste in your mouth for that line of work. County, Mo., where she Back in February, Colorado Gov. Pete Ricketts proclaimed grew up on her family’s March 20 as MeatOut Day. What’s MeatOut Day? It befarm. She is a graduate gan in 1985 by the Farm Rights Movement to encourage of Missouri State non-vegetarians to move toward a plant-based diet. Reports University. To contact state Ricketts is not a vegetarian, but his fiancé is a vegan Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 and an animal rights advocate. or by email at editor@ There are times I have a meatless meal. It’s not, however, ozarksfn.com. because I’m want to become a vegetarian or a vegan. It’s because I forgot to lay something out, or am too tried or busy for anything other than a bowl of cereal. For the most part, however, there is meat in every meal, every day. Even if it’s just a sausage patty on a biscuit in the morning, or chicken or ham chopped up in a salad, there is meat. Ricketts was called to the carpet not only by Colorado farmers and ranchers but some of the state’s lawmakers for the move. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association urged folks to have a “Meat In” day, and others pledged to have cookouts that were “heavy on the meat protein.” When pressed, the governor’s spokesman said the office “gets hundreds of requests for proclamations throughout the year and rarely declines these non-binding ceremonial proclama-

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just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page tions that get auto-penned by the Governor.” Colorado farmers and ranchers, all Colorado residents actually, should be worried if their governor whips out the autopen without actually knowing what he’s proclaiming. I have covered a few proclamation signings over the years, mostly to honor groups, organizations or individuals, or to publicize an upcoming event. Never, however, have I attended a proclamation event where people were encouraged not to eat something. I’m not a political person. I’m not particularly eager to discuss politics, what one party is doing or what the other one isn’t doing. If someone opposes my views, it doesn’t offend me, and I won’t debate them, nor will I persuade someone to change their mind. I will, however, get on a soapbox when it comes to agriculture. Agriculture is the most scrutinized industry globally and continues to face obstacles by local, state and federal regulations. Not a year goes by without someone trying to introduce bills to control farming. The bills are typically introduced by someone with no understanding of the industry, choosing instead to believe what they have read on the internet or other propaganda, or what some lobbyist or political action committee has stumped for. Yes, there are those

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3

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four other police cars showed up, representing local, county and state authorities. The state trooper asked Jack why he didn’t have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Politely, Jack told him that, in Missouri, farmers didn’t have to have a CDL to transport livestock, produce or farm machinery. “Well, boy, you’re not in Missouri, are you? According to the GVW of your truck and trailer, you need a CDL to drive that rig in Illinois,” the trooper said. Now, more than a little worried, Jack asked, “What do we do?” Not so politely, the state trooper told Jack that he would follow him to the truck stop, where he would have to park his truck and trailer until someone showed up with a CDL to leave. He then issued Jack three separate

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

people who are paid to go solicit lawmakers for their support animal rights. One even has campaigned for the passage of the first non-human rights laws in the United States. These are very powerful groups, and more people are drawn to them because these organizations tend to pull at the heartstrings of animal lovers. They are good at claiming their efforts will stop the abuse of dogs, cats and other pets, but what many of these organizations are attempting to do is put a stop to all animal ownership. For example, PETA’s website states “in a perfect world, all animals would be free from human interference and free to live their lives the way nature intended.” In their “perfect world,” free-roaming livestock would destroy their veggie patches. If they think a fence will keep their greens safe from harm, they obviously haven’t seen hogs root around, or a determined cow, sheep or goat find or make a hole in even the best of fences. I hope our lawmakers in the Ozarks remember that animal agriculture is critical for the local, state and national economy, and what’s important to our communities – the communities they were elected to serve.

tickets, and followed him to the truck stop. For the next two hours, Jack was on the internet researching his problem, with all the gusto of someone studying for their bar exam. Joe, in the meantime, was snoozing away in the passenger’s seat. After all, it wasn’t his truck and trailer. At 3 a.m., Jack woke up Joe and told him he’d better use the restroom. “Are they letting you leave?” Joe inquired. “Well, all the cops have left, so we’re getting the hell out of Illinois.” And they did. They made it to Wisconsin by mid-morning, loaded the tractor, and headed south – via the beautiful state of Iowa. I saw them the following Tuesday, just as Jack returned from visiting his attorney, where the lawyer thought he could get him out of some of his trouble, but not all. The attorney told Jack to stay out of Illinois until he could get everything squared away with the authorities there. “Good advice, but not needed,” Jack replied, “I’m never setting foot in that state, ever again.” APRIL 5, 2021

meet your

neighbors

Taking a Risk By Terry Ropp

Tim Harris starts his own Thoroughbred breeding operation Tim Harris first worked for Walmart in the stores while in college. After school, he transferred to the home office and had different management roles, including being a buyer in merchandising, when another opportunity beckoned. “I saw the numbers of how my past experience could be applied to horse racing and breeding,” Tim said. For a year, he partnered with his father and sister in a horseracing company called Racing Divas. After the thrill of watching his horses run and do well at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla., he decided he didn’t want to pay someone else to house his horses. The thrill of competition had also captured him, especially after their first horse returned their investment and made a profit within one month. They invested that money and purchased two horses at an auction, with one of them winning the Oklahoma Stallion Stakes at Remington in Oklahoma City by the end of that same year. After that first racing season with the Divas in 2011, Tim decided to go on his own, partially because he had a vision for what he wanted to do and partially because he would rather risk his own money than be concerned about money from partners traveled through the area he now calls home and, the location of Circle Bar H. Analysis and evaluation were a major part of a skill set that fit comfortably in horse racing. “Being a breeder is analytical,” Tim explained. “A number of sources predict the success of broodmares and studs; but if it were just numbers and science, billionaires would always win and they don’t.” APRIL 5, 2021

Photos by Terry Ropp

The analytical sources are not very dif- side. Coming back on tribal land to raise ferent from the EPDs used by cattlemen horses was appealing, especially as he with the addition of grading according to a fondly remembered going to his grandfahorse’s values. One source, G1 Gold Mine, ther’s small farm in Muskogee. That farm is popular in the United States and used by had bees, chickens, a milk cow, an orchard some of the best farms in Kentucky. This and a large garden. source gives priority to stallions. Another Tim’s parents, Claude and Betty, were is the Tesio program, similar but empha- always together and encouraged a competsizing breeding females. Similar programs, itive spirit in all things, and belonging to like True Nicks, are more flexible and ana- the church was always a priority. Tim also lyze breeding pairs though it too emphasize remembers his father making a competithe stud slightly more. tion of digging potatoes which, of course, This is where Tim Harris’ skill set comes made them work all the harder and faster. into play. Particularly fond of racing females Claude taught them to be competitive but, and never owning or wanting to own a stud. in a fun, rather than ruthless way. Tim looks at all of the genetic background, This competition and encouragement including pictures, and tries to create the per- played a key role in Tim’s partnership in fectly balanced couple Racing Divas. Howevby matching the stud er, Tim went out on to the broodmare in a his own and over a Owasso, Okla. process very similar to two-year period purmatching a bull and a donor female chased 190 acres on for embryo transplants. Cherokee land where Tim was a Springdale, Ark., he typically has 25 townie with Cherokee on his father’s to 40 racehorses at Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

different stages, from 2-year-olds just getting ready to run their first races to those approaching retirement. The Oklahoma Classic Night is the most important in Oklahoma racing. Tim had one 2-year-old filly named Zapit after her mother who had been killed by lightning. Zapit won the Oklahoma Classic Night in her class and set a record at 90-1 odds, resulting in the highest payout ever at that event. “The future of Circle Bar H has to be in breeding and selling more than racing,” Tim said. This year, Tim is breeding 10 mares, with eight mares traveling out of state to be bred and two in Arkansas. Tim saves costs by taking more than one mare to the same stud. “We look forward to whatever God gives us and hopefully we will have foals by the freshman studs, Honor Code, Maximum Security and Honor AP,” Tim said. “We could never do this without my friend Terry Nickel at Endeavor Farm. We have been — Continued on Next Page

meet your neighbors Taking a Risk Continued from Previous Page partners for several years and they take great care of our mares while in Kentucky.” “Love season” is between Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day with the goal of having foals born as close as possible after Jan. 1, the official birthday of all foals. Typically, the mares with their foals travel for re-breeding 10 days after foaling and stay long enough to ensure a solid pregnancy before returning home. Tim also has a small cow/calf operation for personal and family use that may expand into a commercial operation sometime in the future. Tim openly admits he treats his horses like family and is very particular about their second careers. Because they are used to running full out, they need to be retrained for the show ring, barrel racing and jumping events. Horses close to retirement often become pleasure horses or broodmares. “My horses are important to me, and I want to know they have good futures,” Tim explained.

Every farmer and rancher knows how difficult finding good, reliable help can be. Tim has found a solution that not only works well for him but is monitored by an outside source. He hires people from the drug court which is always looking for someone who will give others a chance, that is a hand up and not a handout. The workers receive counseling until they graduate and are tested frequently. Anyone who fails a test is removed so Tim doesn’t face the difficulty of firing people while helping break an obstinate cycle for those who succeed. Of the three who have graduated, two are fulltime employees with both being groomed for management at CBH. “I learned from my father and Walmart, how to treat people right and how to listen to their ideas,” Tim said. “It’s also important to let them know they are trusted. While not everybody works out, the success of those who do enhances my own. I wish more people would try this route and find the kind of help they’re looking for.”

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Rob Wilson grew up in the country, where his folks had a large garden. He began selling produce on street corners when he was 10 and joined FFA in high school, where he developed a passion for cattle and agronomy. Rob went to dental school, as his father and grandfather had before him. While earning a degree in general dentistry in Memphis, Tenn., he met his future wife Nan at an inner-city ministry. Soon after they married in 1994, Rob became a naval officer. He believed military service was an appropriate way for him and most other males to serve the nation while also providing exWilson Ranch is home to a multi-species livestock tensive dental postgradoperation. Pictured, from left, are Joanna Wilson (15), uate training in his field. Nan and Rob Wilson, and John Wilson (12). The farm Another of Rob’s roles is supports a dairy operation, a Aberdeen Angus herd, serving as pastor for a loas well as Katahdin sheep. cal Spanish church. Though Nan was a city girl, both Rob and Nan wanted to start a farm with the intent of using 40 acres as home to a few cows and a horse. grass- and hay-fed cattle as tools to help them Then people from his church told him about raise their six children, now ranging from 12 to an 80-acre property located at the end of a country road that had both city water and 25 years of age. “Early on I knew living on a farm teaches all pasture. Wilson Ranch began with cattle, but through the years added land, as the lessons children need to sucwell as dairy and sheep herds in ceed regardless of their eventual accommodating their children’s profession, and the farm’s evoluvaried interests. tion, was and is determined by our Heber Springs, Ark. “Nan is the bookkeeper, chaufchildren’s interests,” Rob said. feur, caretaker, instructor and stewRob believes the Lord’s hand formed Wilson Ranch. Original— Continued on Page 16 ly, he and Nan were looking for

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50 ARID, Drought tolerant 90% 50 ARID / RED CLOVER MIX, 75% / 25% 50 ARID “DR” 90%

2.26 2.16 2.46

Disease + Drought Resistant

50 POTOMAC, Disease Resistant 90% 50 HULLED ORCHARD, VNS 85% 50 FAST PASTURE MIX 90%

1.84 2.64 1.69

63% Endophyte-Free KY-31 Fescue, 14% Hulled Orchard Grass, 19% Best-For Plus Ryegrass & 4% Timothy

FIELD GRASSES

HayGrazer produces an aggressive large branching root system. Inoc./Not Coated, 90% Germ.

3.06 2.86

Haygrazer,Cimarron 400 & 500, Inoc., Not Coated

50 GENUITY, Roundup Ready® L446RR Coated, 65% Pure

50 CIMARRON VL400, Cert.

0.68

Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass

$3.16 lb. $2.96 bag lb. 60 COMMON SENSE, 3-Way Blend

90%

50 ABUNDANT,

7.76

90% 3.16 2.96

Inoc., Not Coated

Your Ag Chemicals Headquarters! No license req’d to buy 2,4-D or GrazonNext!

50 MARSHALL, Annual Ryegrass

0.68

Not a Tetraploid

50 BROME, Smooth “Southland” 90%

3.86

“The high protein grass.” Sow with Alfalfa!

50 TIMOTHY, Horse Approved 50 BEST-FOR PLUS,

90% 90%

1.42 1.16

Tetraploid Intermediate Ryegrass

50 PERSISTER, Rescue grass/Improved Matua

2.18

GRAINS

Bag

50 SOYBEANS - LAREDO, Very Tall Hay Type 36.45 50 SOYBEANS, 29.95 Roundup Ready®, Willcross WXR7484, 3.5’ Tall

50 SOYBEANS,

29.95

Roundup Ready®, Willcross WXR7488, 4’ Tall

140K SOYBEANS, Roundup Ready®, Lewis 473R2 42.00 80K CORN, Roundup Ready®, Lewis RB110RR2 164.50 80K CORN, Roundup Ready®, Silage R1315 VP2 218.50

SAVE YOUR SEED SAMPLE

SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

510 W Mt Vernon, Nixa, MO 65714

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

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

ozarks

roots

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

Dreams Come True By Terry Ropp

Virgil Talbot established a library and local history museum in 1990 The small town of Colcord, Okla., is in the northeast corner of Oklahoma and very near the Missouri and Arkansas state lines. Like so many towns in Oklahoma, its birth came from settlers coming to the Indian territory. Originally, in the 1890s, the town began as the community of Row, several miles north of where Colcord is located. The community grew and included a bank, a school, a hotel and other businesses. Then, in 1905, a post office was established. Two years later, Oklahoma became a state and Row grew as restrictions on both Native Americans and settlers were lifted. Then, in the 1920s, a gravel road, which later became Oklahoma State Highway 116, was built and connected Gentry, Ark., to Kansas, Okla. The problem was that the

new road was one mile south of Row, a significant distance in those days. Charlie Burbage, a rural mail carrier, understood human nature. He owned land just south of the new road and organized almost 65 acres into a template for a town. That new community, “Little Tulsa” to the locals, became what is known today as Colcord. Not surprisingly, the shift of businesses and people to a “town” nearer the road was full of hard feelings and conflicts, the most serious, according to legend, was moving the post office from Row to Colcord in the middle of the night. In 1928, the town officially named itself Colcord in gratitude of Charles Francis Colcord, who owned a large ranch west of both towns, employed many local residents and was, therefore, important to the local econ-

omy. His civic interest even purchased the first football uniforms for the high school. Local resident Virgil Talbot (1927-1998) believed in saving history. He belonged to several historical societies and though was adopted by Cherokees, was the first non-Native American to belong to the

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Cherokee National Historical Society. His dream was to establish a library and museum with emphasis on Cherokee and local history, including materials from Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. Beginning with his ever-growing personal collection at his home on Flint Creek in

APRIL 5, 2021

ozarks roots Delaware County, Virgil opened the Talbot Library and Museum in 1990 on a donated 2-acre property in Colcord. The main library/museum building was totally constructed by volunteer labor. “Many visitors come from out-of-state, as well as locally, to use our Walkingstick Research Library because our library contains many rare materials on Cherokee and other local history and genealogy,” Donna Clark, volunteer and secretary of the museum’s Board of Trustees, said. While Talbot’s is a research library with no materials available for checkout, connecting people with the past, both personal and general, is one of their goals. Board member Teresa Allcorn remembers a few years ago, when a couple came in from out of state to research the wife’s father, a policeman in the small town of Watts, Okla., in the 1920s. She hadn’t known him as a child and was looking for any scrap of information that would connect her with him. “We happened to have an obscure book written by A. D. Lester describing daily life

APRIL 5, 2021

of Watts in the early 20s,” Teresa said. “As the woman looked through the book, she shrieked saying she had found him. Literally in tears, she read of her father and his job as the policeman. She left that day knowing more than she ever had about her father, and we were left knowing that our mission preserving bits of history is worth the effort.” The facility is rightfully proud of being totally self-supporting, which means with no federal, state or local funding. It is run by a 12-member board with members volunteering at the museum as well, taking care of the grounds, the exhibits and other organizational tasks. Donna has volunteered at the museum for 25 years, with her deep interest in genealogy and research as her initial motivation. The Talbot Bookstore, an important part of the museum’s income, contains new and used books, covering Cherokee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas history and genealogy. These books are available for purchase on their website. Additionally, The Talbot Library and

Museum has also published the T.L.&M Genealogy magazine since 1996 with two issues per year the current publication rate. “Grace Puffinbarger has been our loyal office assistant for 18 years and our only paid employee,” Donna explained. “We couldn’t have done this without her.” The research library is located in the main building, which also holds artifacts and displays, including kitchen antiques and Cherokee artifacts, such as moccasins, baskets and small handmade leather dolls. Another of the many collections is a group of saddles, including side saddles and a cavalry saddle, placed immediately in front of a large 1936 map. Other buildings with displays are the restored Springtown (Arkansas) Schoolhouse with a beautifully preserved autographed quilt collection as one of its displays; the Adair Building, which serves as an antique farm machinery shed; and a Post Office building with Colcord’s original Post Office boxes and window. The two other buildings are a blacksmith shop and a grocery store.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

In a typical year the museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guided tours available by appointment for groups including school children. Colcord annually celebrates its history on the first Saturday in June with “Old Settlers Day.” Events include a parade with floats, horseback riders and a Chamber of Commerce food venue whose offerings vary year by year. Talbot Library and Museum uses the event as a very important fundraiser by hosting a book and bake sale with hamburger dinners available as well. The Colcord Rodeo is held the same weekend and was the only event able to be held this year. Another annual fundraising event is serving as book vendors during the Cherokee Nation Annual National Holiday which normally occurs on Labor Day weekend in Tahlequah. “Working in this facility is a pleasure because history is important, and showing others bits of that history is a privilege,” Donna said.

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Photo by Terry Ropp

Cannon’s Farm Center Owner: Philip Cannon Location: Drasco, Ark. By Terry Ropp

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

Fro tothe Farm your family

Fro the Farm

www.FromTheFarmToYou.com

History: “I worked at the Skil Corporation for a number of years as a group leader over two assembly lines building power tools,” Cannon’s Farm Center owner Philip Cannon said. “I left in 2006 and began working at a local feed store. When the opportunity arose to buy a feed store in my hometown of Drasco. I purchased it and three years later, in 2010, found to be more financially feasible to move the business to my home in the country. I already had a shop building, and I converted the building to a feed store by adding a storefront and a dock. It’s still a small store, but I have it crammed full keeping me, one fulltime employee and wife Mary plenty busy.” Products and Services: “I sell mostly bagged goods with Powell products being the most prevalent though I also carry some products from Oakley, Hirsch and Nutrena. For cattle, I sell bagged feed from 7 to 14 percent protein, but also offer totes or bulk bags weighing from 1,300 to 2,000 pounds, as well as a variety of formats available for goats, sheep, horses, pigs and rabbits, in addition to Value-Pak and Diamond foods for dogs and cats. Taking care of Fido and the barn cats is important. I carry a line of vaccines for livestock, as well as annual vaccines for dogs and cats. Basic horse tack, such as bridles, halters and horseshoes has its own special corner. During show season, I carry show supplies with Mormons show feed available year-round as a way of helping 4-H and FFA kids. The more we can teach the young ones about agriculture the better advocates they will be. Another part of my business is bagged forage seeds, including grass seed such as Winter Hawk ryegrass and Kentucky 31 fescue. I support these, as well as other grasses and gardening supplies with potting soil, mulch, bagged fertilizer and garden dust as well as herbicides and insecticides. In the spring I carry bedding plants, flowers and hanging baskets. Packet seeds don’t sell well here so I offer bulk seeds that save my customers money. I have a variety of garden tools, such as rakes, garden shovels, hoes and handles, in addition to water hoses and sprinklers. Because my clientele is heavily rural, I carry equipment maintenance fluids such as oils, grease fuel treatments and hydraulic fluids. Farmers have to be a jack of all trades, so electrical and plumbing supplies are available in addition to homemade staples, such as jellies, jams, honey and molasses. We offer delivery service and will deliver one bag to whatever the customer needs. Finally, pasture and hay field spraying equipment are available for rent.” Philosophy and Future: “Of course, we do the best we can to provide whatever the customer needs, which includes custom ordering. Additionally, I will expand as needed to help my community function as efficiently as possible.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 5, 2021

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Katie Swofford

Leachman Ozark Spring Sale

35 Angus, 35 Black and Red Stabilizer Bulls Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1:00 P.M. I-40 Livestock • Ozark, AR

Also selling that day: 20 replacement Angus cows bred to Leachman bulls (contact Bruce Staton)

Hometown: Berryville, Ark.

Go online to www.leachman.com or call (970) 568-3983 for your catalog today!

By Terry Ropp

In Town: “I graduated from College of the Ozarks with an agribusiness degree. Working at the First National Bank of North Arkansas for seven years as a teller, junior appraiser and loan officer, I quickly learned how to deal with people professionally but compassionately. While I appreciated my position and colleagues, I was restless being tied to a desk. Then an opportunity arose at Berryville’s Kings River Physical Therapy owned by Wade Hill. Helping others reach their maximum physical potential is hands-on, less restrictive and completely rewarding. I love the small town atmosphere of Berryville. I know a majority of the folks who walk in our doors, and quickly get to know new faces. Nonetheless, I am grateful to the bank and the opportunities they gave me.” In the Country: “After college, I re-

UNC 1 YE ONDIT ION AR A GUA RAN L TEE

Bruce Staton (479) 675-6531 Jerrod Watson, Bull Customer Service (303) 827-1156 Garrett Rolland (785) 623-1489 Office: (970) 568-3983 • www.leachman.com

Photo by Terry Ropp

turned home and purchased 130 acres and a house from our family farm. My grandpa Paul was a major influence in my youth. I named our operation after the ‘Oak Valley’ that runs from the Hoodie schoolhouse to my own home. I was very involved in showing cattle and really liked the appearance of the Red Angus breed. I have 65 Angus and Red Angus-influenced breeding females and a Hereford bull. I always liked black baldies and they sell well in this area. My goal is a growthy calf that is part of a consistent group of calves. I have both fall and spring calving, and wean at nearly 600 pounds. The calves pretty much wean themselves using a method I’ve adapted from college and home. It is a four-week process using a creep feeder gate in a separate pasture away from the herd. They quickly become used to running in for the feed daily. Once they are all used to coming in at once, I simply close the gate behind them. They adapt quickly with little fuss. The calves are on a two-stage vaccination program and are sold at weaning to a backgrounder who lives close by, picks the calves up and weighs them on his scales. The process is easy for me, something important in my time-pressured life. Additionally, my mom Paula and I have a small herd of registered black Angus with a goal of selling registered bulls. Her help in the day-to-day chores makes my life much easier.”

ALWAYS STRIVING TO OFFER YOU THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE Parts • Service • Sales • Family Owned • Local Company

Future: “I will always have some kind of a ‘town’ job because I am a fairly social person. However, I hope someday to be able to spend the majority of my time on the farm.”

6321 E. Farm Road 104 • Strafford, MO 2929 E. Blaine • Springfield, MO APRIL 5, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

(417) 864-8511 TOLL FREE (800) 884-2856 springfieldtrailer.com

slaughter

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 3/21/21 to 3/27/21) Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock

beef

57.00-85.00 † 74.00-90.00 †

Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County County Line Sale Barn - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

3/28/21

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 114.00-117.00 ; wtd. avg. price 115.81 Heifers: 114.00-117.00; wtd. avg. price 115.58. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 183.00-183.00; wtd. avg. price 183.00. Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported.

71.00-88.00* 48.00-89.00 † None Reported † Not Reported* None Reported*

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

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

None Reported †

77.00-96.00* 55.00-99.50* 51.00-113.00* 70.00-90.00 † 62.00-102.00 † 92.00* 60.00-97.00 †

sheep &

goats

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

3/27/21

Receipts: 1,004 Perfect spring weather greeted a large crowd for this Saturday sale. Compared to the last Saturday sale in February, 65.00-105.00 † slaughter lambs traded 45.00-75.00 lower. Slaughter ewes Not Reported* traded steady to 20.00 higher. Replacement ewes traded 84.00-102.00 † 40.00-60.00 per head lower. Kid feeder and slaughter goats 75.00-98.00* Welch Stockyards traded steady. Slaughter nannies traded steady to 30.00 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 higher. Not enough replacements at the last sale for a market comparison. Supply included: 61% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (90% Hair Breeds, 7% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); 12% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (67% Hair Ewes, 33% Families); 8% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 13% Slaughter Goats (76% (Week of 3/21/21 to 3/27/21) Kids, 20% Nannies/Does, 4% Bucks/Billies); 5% Replace† Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 30.00-65.00 ment Goats (100% Nannies/Does). 20.00-61.00 † Ash Flat Livestock Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs None Reported † Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 262.50-285.00. Cattlemen’s Livestock 20.00-67.00* Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 230.00-260.00. Cleburne County Livestock Auction 47.00-72.00 † Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 130.00-185.00. 30.00-65.50 † County Line Sale - Ratcliff Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 80.00-105.00. Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Hair Bucks - 1-2: 90.00-115.00. None Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Farmers Regional Sale Barn - Springdale 41.00-68.00* Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 135.00-210.00. 20.00-69.00* Fort Smith Stockyards Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb: 140.0030.00-74.50* Four State Stockyards - Exeter 390.00. I-40 Livestock - Ozark 40.00-72.50 † 4 Feeder Goats: Joplin Regional 15.00-74.00 † Kids - Selection 1: 390.00-455.00. Mid-State Stockyards 72.00* Kids - Selection 2: 280.00-350.00. North Arkansas Livestock 20.00-67.00 † Slaughter Goats: 33.00-72.00 † OKC West - El Reno Kids - Selection 1: 385.00-480.00. † 41.50-65.00 Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola Kids - Selection 2: 310.00-377.50. † Ozarks Regional Stockyards 20.00-72.00 Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 175.00-260.00. Stilwell Livestock Auction Not Reported* Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 130.00-162.50. † Tulsa Livestock Auction 40.00-73.00 Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 205.00-220.00. Welch Stockyards 50.00-74.00* Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 165.00-400.00. 71.00-98.00 † 76.50-89.00 †

slaughter

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

3/24/21 500

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 3/22/21 438

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 3/24/21 493

St-6 Higher

St-3 Higher

St-9 Higher

Uneven

162.00-166.00 145.00-162.00 148.00-161.50 140.00-149.00 121.00-141.00

163.00-206.00 158.00-185.00 147.00-168.00 136.00-158.00 134.00-144.00

144.00-187.00 125.00-172.00 100.00-167.00 96.00-144.00 -----

164.00-202.00 130.00-184.00 146.00-172.00 ---------

169.00-197.00 152.00-183.00 140.00-167.00 138.00-160.00 120.00-136.00

150.00-190.00 124.00-174.00 134.00-151.00 120.00-133.00 105.00-115.00

155.00-167.00 140.00-165.00 137.00-153.00 131.00-135.00 116.00-118.00

157.00-206.00 140.00-173.00 135.00-156.00 114.00-140.00 115.00-119.00

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

149.00-190.00 140.00-181.00 133.00-155.00 125.00-135.00 119.00

--------145.00 125.00-143.00 -----

135.00-165.00 129.00-153.00 105.00-137.00 110.00-129.00 116.00

130.00-153.00 125.00-146.00 120.00-138.00 115.00-123.00 100.00-115.00

140.00-168.00 137.00-169.00 129.00-146.00 118.00-137.00 115.00-118.00

127.00-154.00 112.00-157.00 109.00-144.50 95.00-128.00 98.00-123.00

139.00-170.00 133.00-155.00 124.00-143.00 115.00-136.00 115.00

141.00-164.00 143.00-159.00 133.00-141.00 115.00-136.00 115.00-116.00

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 3/23/21 705

Ash Flat Livestock✝

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

3/26/21 1,356

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 3/25/21 1,748

Uneven

St-10 Higher

165.00-207.50 150.00-185.00 135.00-164.00 128.00-144.00 125.00-131.00

3/25/21

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

3/23/21

Receipts: 931 A large crowd was on hand for this March sale. Compared to last month, slaughter lambs traded 45-00 85.00 lower. Slaughter ewes and slaughter bucks traded steady. Supply of sheep was moderate with moderate demand. A limited supply of slaughter kid goats traded 35.00 higher. Supply of goats was light with good demand. Supply included: 88% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (1% Wooled & Shorn, 80% Hair Breeds, 3% Ewes, 12% Hair Ewes, 4% Hair Bucks); 4% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 7% Slaughter Goats (42% Kids, 41% Nannies/ Does, 17% Bucks/Billies). Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 210.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 262.50-270.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 220.00-260.00. Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 220.00. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 70.00-100.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 140.00-175.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00-130.00. Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 70.00-95.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 110.00-135.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 440.00-460.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 455.00-490.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 170.00-235.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 225.00-255.00.

National Dai

Cheese: B $1.7200. T (-0.0600) Fluid Milk available i West and steady in t demands a loads are m demands a for spring East region although s tightness i volumes a are 1.28 ñ 1.05-1.26 SPOT PR BUTTERF - 2.1445 -

So 24 18 12 6 0 Blyt

stocker & feeder

104

NONE REPORTED

cows

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 3/24/21 -----

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 3/26/21 228

-----

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

176.00-180.00 164.00-176.00 152.00-168.00 ---------

160.00-188.00 161.00-178.00 126.00-159.00 142.00 122.00-125.00

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

148.00-155.00 144.00-148.00 132.00-142.00 ---------

Decatur Livestock*

NOT REPORTED

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

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat

Receipts: 887 Compared to the last sale, slaughter lambs traded 40.00 - 65.00 lower. Slaughter and replacement ewes traded steady. Feeder kid goats traded steady to 20.00 lower while slaughter kids traded 20.00 - 40.00 lower. Not enough replacements at the last sale for a comparison. Supply and demand was moderate with active internet bidding and purchasing. Supply included: 66% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (9% Wooled & Shorn, 61% Hair Breeds, 3% Ewes, 25% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); 3% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Families); 12% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 17% Slaughter Goats (45% Kids, 33% Nannies/Does, 22% Bucks/Billies); 3% Replacement Goats (43% Nannies/Does, 57% Families). Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 240.00260.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 145.00-200.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 265.00-270.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 225.00-260.00. Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 205.00. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-105.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 140.00-165.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00-135.00. Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 85.00-110.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 80.00-115.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb: 170.00-420.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 405.00-510.00. Kids - Selection 2: 320.00-380.00. Kids - Selection 3: 212.50-310.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 375.00-442.50. Kids - Selection 2: 335.00-365.00. Kids - Selection 3: 260.00-262.50. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 157.50-235.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 135.00-160.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 160.00-210.00. Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 250.00-360.00. Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid: 185.00-520.00.

prices

Fort Smith Four State Stockyards* Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 3/22/21 3/23/21 1,760 2,123

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 3/25/21 676

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 3/22/21 5,898

St-5 Higher

Uneven

St-5 Higher

125.00-212.00 120.00-189.00 115.00-170.00 109.00-154.00 107.00-142.00

183.00-205.00 173.00-183.50 162.00-175.00 155.00-161.75 131.00-143.50

172.50-200.00 156.00-180.00 153.00-162.00 142.00 128.00

190.00-220.00 176.00-197.00 160.00-188.00 141.00-166.00 134.00-148.00

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

167.00-187.00 147.00-165.00 138.00-151.00 135.00-148.00 118.50

--------123.00-146.00 118.00-144.00 110.00-119.00

185.00 158.00-172.00 140.00-152.50 132.00 -----

129.00-166.00 117.00-144.00 117.00-130.00 122.00 105.00-122.00

117.00-172.00 109.00-176.00 103.00-155.00 100.00-134.00 100.00-119.00

139.00-156.00 136.00-149.00 137.00-150.00 126.00-140.85 119.00-127.00

142.50-170.00 141.00-157.50 125.00-149.00 120.00-136.00 110.00-122.00

150.00-162.50 150.00-160.00 136.00-157.50 125.00-141.00 124.00-136.00

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

APRIL 5, 2021

Mi Stoc

150 110 115 100 100

100 100 100 95. 90.

Corn

Sorghum

24 18

13.93

13.90

13.82

13.77

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

12 6.24

6.20

5.78

0 Blyt

hevil

5.53

5.69

Hele

6.24

Elain

5.67

eola

Osc

6.00

Roc

3/23/21 389

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest✝ 3/24/21 1,088

Higher

Uneven

St-5 Higher

-----

St-3 Higher

--------123.00-146.00 118.00-144.00 110.00-119.00 142.50-170.00 141.00-157.50 125.00-149.00 120.00-136.00 110.00-122.00

185.00 158.00-172.00 140.00-152.50 132.00 ----150.00-162.50 150.00-160.00 136.00-157.50 125.00-141.00 124.00-136.00

APRIL 5, 2021

150.00-210.00 110.00-185.00 115.00-170.00 100.00-146.00 100.00-125.00 --------------------100.00-175.00 100.00-155.00 100.00-145.00 95.00-136.00 90.00-127.00

182.00-199.00 170.00-193.00 148.00-175.00 137.00-154.50 132.00 178.00-182.00 154.00-181.00 140.00-160.00 133.00-146.50 116.00-129.00 141.00-162.00 136.00-154.50 133.00-146.00 125.00-134.00 117.00-120.00

250

146.47 142.69

St-4 Higher

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

141.00-161.00 138.00-155.00 129.00-143.00 121.00-137.00 -----

129.77 125.70 121.71 132.15

152.12

152.42

172.48

135.09

164.19

** 148.84

600.00-1125.00 †

127.76 137.80

163.40

925.00-1700.00 † None Reported †

133.33

149.46

1335.00 * 700.00-1270.00 † None Reported † Not Reported * None Reported * 930.00-1350.00 * 1475.00 * None Reported * 580.00-1050.00 † 700.00-1625.00 †

164.18 143.56 141.20 141.77

142.83 129.30 132.48 131.24

129.32

151.01

132.68

154.94 169.66

143.70 136.39

161.87

187.50 177.00-188.00 161.00-184.00 145.00-165.00 134.00-150.50 160.00-162.50 149.00-160.00 138.00-154.00 131.00-139.00 ----155.00-156.00 144.00-149.00 136.00-157.00 130.00-142.00 122.50-130.00

1250

1750

161.12

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 3/22/21 2,935

Welch Stockyards*

-----

3-9 Higher

-----

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

170.00-186.00 155.00-170.00 146.00-164.00 127.00-137.00 -----

140.84 132.00

149.00

2250

186.00-200.00 172.00-183.00 158.00-172.00 151.25-167.50 130.00-142.50

129.98

154.91

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

126.68

146.00

None Reported †

750

3-14 Higher

176.00-187.00 151.00-185.00 134.00-153.00 126.00-128.00 112.00-123.00

141.92 122.02

148.49

None Reported † 550.00-1500.00 † Not Reported * 1200.00-1450.00 †

-----

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

142.90 135.22 Week of 2/28/21

165.97 *

1000.00-1700.00 †

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 3/23/21 2,712

178.00-191.00 163.00-179.00 140.00-159.00 ---------

126.27

168.91

None Reported *

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 3/23/21 284

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

123.68

162.27

2100

Feb. 21 Mar. 21

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

157.44

650.00-1200.00 * 635.00-1125.00 † 800.00-975.00 † 960.00 † 175.00-1350.00 † Not Reported * 700.00-1225.00 † 710.00-1285.00 *

pairs

Jan. 21

heifers 550-600 LBS.

143.57

None Reported *

1600

Oct. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 20

600.00-1210.00 †

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ ---------

NOT REPORTED

Mid-State Stockyards*

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

880.00-1100.00 * 375.00-1100.00 † 600.00-1350.00 †

Welch Stockyards

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 3/22/21 5,898 190.00-220.00 176.00-197.00 160.00-188.00 141.00-166.00 134.00-148.00

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

5.49

Little

steers 550-600 LBS.

Not Reported* None Reported * 775.00-1275.00 *

1100

July 20 Aug. 20 Sept. 20

163.03 135.10 153.37 149.12

Week of 3/14/21

Soft Wheat

Apr. 20 May 20 June 20

Week of 3/7/21

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

Daily Report 3/30/21

Soybeans

$80

None Reported † 1260.00 * 660.00-1050.00 † 560.00-875.00 †

(Week of 3/21/21 to 3/27/21)

avg. grain prices

172.50-200.00 156.00-180.00 153.00-162.00 142.00 128.00

600

500.00-1150.00 †

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

127.31 *

129.25

167.68

3/23/21 999 180.00-202.00 160.00-178.00 145.00-170.00 130.00-149.00 121.00-140.00 158.00-178.00 138.00-159.00 120.00-141.00 100.00-130.00 90.00-115.00

143.25 135.66

166.43

123.82

154.00 150.24

129.59 138.95

155.50

136.66

155.04 165.10 140.00 153.89 152.25

140.00-163.00 128.00-150.00 128.00-147.00 120.00-131.00 115.00-134.00

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

135.51

142.61 138.12

163.47 125 150 175 200 225 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather

130.67

131.80

156.61

100

141.91 132.60

128.42

149.00

162.54

153.50-165.00 154.50-165.00 140.00-155.00 120.50-131.00 114.00-124.50

135.73 122.61

125.46

148.36 *

Week of 3/21/21

100

cow/calf

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 3/25/21 676

-156.00 -149.00 -150.00 -140.85 -127.00

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

$120

650.00-1050.00 †

Week of 2/28/21

3/26/21

State yards er, Mo* 3/21 123

-187.00 -165.00 -151.00 -148.00 8.50

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

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4625 and 40# blocks at $1.7200. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4480 (-0.0600) and blocks, $1.7130 (-0.0850). Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk supplies are stable to readily available in the U.S. There are signs of the flush in the West and in the Central regions. Class I sales are fairly steady in the East and West. In the Central, Class I demands are slightly lower this week, as additional milk loads are moving to manufacturing. Some schools pipeline demands are lower with several school systems closed for spring break. Cream is tightening in the Central and East regions. In the West, cream supply is fairly available, although some market participants are seeing a slight tightness in cream availability. Additional condensed skim volumes are moving to some operations. Cream multiples are 1.28 ñ 1.40 in the East, 1.23-1.34 in the Midwest, and 1.05-1.26 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - 2.1445 - 2.2807.

prices

-205.00 -183.50 -175.00 -161.75 -143.50

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

$160

Prices reported perper cwtcwt Prices reported per cwt Prices reported

Week of 3/7/21

1: 440.00-460.00. : 1: 455.00-490.00. Selection 1-2: 170.00-235.00. Selection 1-2: 225.00-255.00.

National Dairy Market at a Glance

cows

(Week of 3/21/21 to 3/27/21)

$200

Week of 3/14/21

as on hand for this March sale. t month, slaughter lambs traded 45-00 aughter ewes and slaughter bucks traded f sheep was moderate with moderate ed supply of slaughter kid goats traded upply of goats was light with good included: 88% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs Shorn, 80% Hair Breeds, 3% Ewes, 12% Hair Bucks); 4% Feeder Goats (100% hter Goats (42% Kids, 41% Nannies/ ks/Billies). /Lambs: n - Choice 1-3: 210.00. hoice and Prime 1-3: 262.50-270.00. hoice 1-3: 220.00-260.00. ood 1-2: 220.00. nd Good 1-3: 70.00-100.00. od 2-3: 140.00-175.00. lity and Good 1-3: 110.00-130.00. l and Utility 1-2: 70.00-95.00. 2: 110.00-135.00.

replacement

dairy sales

3/23/21

NOT REPORTED

lo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 3/21/21

les reports

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

185

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

15 15

meet your neighbors A Thriving Family Farm Continued from Page 9

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ard for the farm, as well as a pastor’s wife, church pianist and children’s and women’s Bible class teacher,” Rob explained. “While she has helped with almost everything, she prefers working behind the scenes and is indispensable and deeply appreciated.” A current major project is the development of infrastructure for a transition to a multi-species operation by land clearing and fence building. Initially, multi-species operations kept each species in separate pastures. Animals were then rotated on a set pattern to promote soil health, to limit parasite issues and to meet the animals’ differing mineral needs. Recent research, however, indicates that mixing the species can provide the same results with the convenience of moving animals to different pastures at the same time rather than moving each species separately in a set pattern. Importantly, Katahdin sheep tolerate copper, a necessary mineral for cattle but not compatible with other animals such as goats. When completed, the farm will have 275 pasture acres though the Wilson’s own an additional 150. The Wilson cattle herd is made up of heritage Aberdeen Angus, a breed originating in Scotland during the 16th century. Rob’s childhood experiences with cattle in the 1970s created an image in his mind of what an ideal Angus should look like. It was an image of the old Scottish breed. “I remember Angus being short, wide and deep,” Rob said. “Through the years genetics have been altered to create an animal with a show animal phenotype.” One day, Gerald Fry, a well-known and respected speaker, gave a lecture for church members at Rob and Nan’s house. During that lecture, Rob saw a picture of exactly what he remembered. Unfortunately, the original Aberdeen Angus breed was dying out. Rob’s goal is to save the Old World Black Cattle. He found an aging, all female herd in Rhode Island and semen stored at the University of Maryland, as well as 20 females in Scotland, with semen from the Scottish Milk Board. DNA testing was done to ensure the animals were not commercial but the original polled cattle raised in a closed herd. The Wilson’s now have 60 females bred by two bulls. “Our goal is to preserve the purity and production of the Old

World Black Cattle as a breed,” Rob said. “We want a sustainable economic and ecological system that promotes healthy land and animals for the benefit of both producers and consumers.” The first addition to the Wilson operation was the result of their oldest son wanting to milk and show dairy animals. He started with Red Devons. One day Gerald, now a friend, asked if the Wilsons would babysit a Jersey cow. She produced twice as much milk as the Red Devons and had the popular A/2-A/2 genetic marker. Then Gerald found Jersey semen in New Zealand with the same marker, and Rob used some as part of developing their now 25head dairy herd. Later, the eldest daughter was interested in sheep and introduced Katahdins to the Wilson Ranch. Katahdin’s were chosen for their gentle temperament and parasite resistance, as well as not having to be sheared. The flock started with 2 lambs, a 7-year-old ewe and a ram. Now, however, the registered herd has 60 females with plans to increase the flock to 100. “We are actively looking for a ‘Joseph’ to serve as a farm manager because we are growing and will continue to grow,” Rob said. Culls are marketed off the farm, with everything else sold on site using word-ofmouth and name recognition coming from Gerald continuing group presentations until he passed three years ago. Breeding stock includes registered bulls, rams and ewes. Semen from cattle and Katahdins is sold nationwide, with milk sold to locals. USDA-inspected cuts of grass-fed lamb and beef are available, and bred heifers will be coming soon. The family is thriving. One son is applying to dental school, while another is applying to medical school and yet another is graduating from veterinary school. The remaining children are still at home contributing in the development and attainment of their ranching and life goals. “The concept behind the farm is producing a legacy for our children. All the children have been happily involved with farming while learning the life skills and ethics Nan and I hoped for,” Rob confided. “Our end goal is to glorify the Lord with everything we do as we provide optimum food sources for our community and customers.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 5, 2021

meet your neighbors

Doing What He Loves By Terry Ropp

The Spears operation includes as many as 1,600 stocker calves, in addition to a cow/calf herd Randy Spears and his wife Dawna acquired their last 500 acres in calves in a 10- to 12-year productive lifecycle, so keeping the bulls with the mommas an unusual way. Randy’s parents had 105 acres in Farmington that was ripe for makes financial sense too,” Randy explained. The commercial herd is worked in the summer, when part of the protocol is to adurbanization. They ended up trading that land for 500 acres in part of the Weddington community, which means their home is in Benton County. Between owned and leased minister a long-range wormer and attach a fly tag, in addition to administering annual vaccines. The herd is provided with good mineral all year long, with hay and protein tubs land, Randy and Dawna farm 1,000 acres with three separate cattle herds. The smallest cattle “herd” is comprised of six dairy heifers used by their five grandchildren for support during the winter. “Cows don’t pay the bills so my commercial herd is made up of second-class citizens as show cattle. The dairy traces back to Randy’s childhood, which was heavily influenced by his father’s dairy. He remembers showing a Holstein heifer when he was 8-years-old at the and therefore receive the sorrier hay when necessary, but they are citizens and important district black and white show. Dairy ran in the family with his grandfather, A.C. Williams, nonetheless,” Randy confided. The heart of the Spears’ operareceiving a dairy cow as a wedding tion is a stocker herd of 1,400 gift from his father-in-law. Part to 1,600 animals at a time, with of what made that show memnew cattle brought in weekly orable for Randy was his grandfrom the Fort Smith, Decatur, father buying him a green hat, Stilwell, Siloam Springs or green boots and green whip. He Springdale sale barns, dependplaced third and his competiing upon the day of the week. tive nature kicked in. The arrivals, weighing 550 “The same $200 calf won to 650 pounds, are put togethjunior champion heifer at the er in groups within a week of state fair,” Randy said. “From arrival. At that time, they rethat time on, I was hooked.” ceive respiratory vaccinations, Now Randy helps his granda wormer and ear tags, in adchildren show different breeds dition to being branded. Not of dairy heifers so they don’t long thereafter, they are sorted compete against each othby size into pens with 80 calves er as often, and so they can in each pen. participate in the premium “Respiratory problems are our sale, which includes six dairy biggest issue, with death loss albreeds. Randy often wondered ways a problem in the stocker if all the work involved in his business,” Randy said. “Nonegrandchildren’s showing was theless, we do the best we can worth it. His goal was to have and work at keeping all the each one participate as much calves healthy and productive.” as possible in the daily care of The steers are fed daily with the heifers as a way of learn17 percent protein soybean siing to thrive through having Submitted Photos lage grown on the farm, as well responsibilities. Then Covid as 3 pounds of hominy mixed hit and his grandchildren didn’t with 1 pound of baking waste to meet energy needs. They also receive farm-grown hay show last year. Randy’s question was answered when his 13-year-old granddaughter Parker recently asked, that tests at 11 to 12 percent protein and gain 2 pounds per day. After 100 to 120 days, calves are taken by the semi load to Innovative Livestock Services in Kansas. This trip “Are we going to show this year? If so, we need to get going because I need to practice.” occures every other week. The second Spears cattle herd is a commercial cow/calf operation with 135 For 28 years, Randy has employed the dependable and dedicated Cervantes heavily Angus-influenced females bred by two Angus and three Charolais family. Two out of six brothers work fulltime throughout the year, with the bulls. The reason for the Charolais bulls is that feed yards, according to Randy, Fayetteville, Ark. others also being employed on the farm. Randy is deeply appreciative of their because they maintain the muscle of Angus and the growing capacity of Chacontributions to his cattle operations. Randy admits when he was young, he rolais. The bulls are kept with the cows year-round because Randy’s grandfather didn’t understand the contributions and management methods for employees. always said he never did know when he might need some money for equipment, feed or other unexpected expenses. — Continued on Next Page “A momma cow’s only commodity is a calf and she can produce an extra two APRIL 5, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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meet your neighbors Doing What He Loves Continued from Previous Page His father Bob always told him that if you’re worried about the payroll you are already broke. He also taught Randy that sometimes it’s necessary to be a cheerleader and thanking his employees for everything they do with every check he hands them lets them know how much they are appreciated. In an effort to meet more local needs, Spears Cattle Company reserves three to five slots for meat processing for those who might want to buy a 1,000-pound steer but can’t find room in the crowded schedules of today’s processors. Randy and Dawna have been married for 41 years. Randy works late often and is gone much of the time, including weekends. Dawna is understanding, something Randy deeply appreciates. Though she sometimes goes to the grandchildren’s athletic events alone, Randy is frequently with her as he is when they attend church at the Summers’ Baptist Church. “I am doubly blessed. I have a wonderful wife and a job I love which means most of the time I don’t ‘work’ because I enjoy what I do,” Randy said.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 5, 2021

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In His Blood By Terry Ropp

Submitted Photo

Dan Douglas continues farming on part of his family’s original 1853 homestead Dan Douglas of Bentonville, Ark., was raised on a through the years he has been in agriculture in different places at chicken and dairy farm. When he was a youngster, his parents, different times. Five years ago, Dan purchased 200 acres just down Max and Mabel Douglas, had a hatchery which included 60 incubators. the road from his home. Then, very recently, another farm he had After serving on the quorum court for four years, Dan served as been leasing was sold, resulting and all of his 120 commercial Anan Arkansas State Representative for eight years, where he served gus cows run on limited acreage. Dan plans on a herd of 80 females after heavy culling this spring. as chair of the House Ag, Forestry and Economic Development All of the females will be preg checked first, with any that are open Committee for six years before deciding not to run again. The years had been good ones, and Dan felt that he had accom- culled and sold. Other culling criteria include age, feet condition plished what he needed to do. However, he grew tired of the po- and disposition. “I’m too old to deal with crazy cows,” Dan commented. litical infighting and declined to run for reelection last year. He Dan runs a black baldie operation and has four registered Herefinds being able to listen to the feuding on TV a welcome relief from participating in it. One result of his political career was that ford bulls that he switches out every four years to avoid linebreedfall calving became necessary in order to prevent a conflict with ing. While in the legislature, Dan did not raise replacement heifers but rather purchased young cows as replacements. Now the Little Rock congressional sessions, which run from that he’s back home, he’s planning on raising his own mid-January to mid-April. Bentonville, Ark. replacement heifers again. “I could find help to feed and look over the cattle, The herd is worked twice a year, in spring and fall, but handling spring calving was another story,” Dan exusing a good vaccination protocol and treating for flies, plained. “I didn’t want a utility room full of struggling with mineral followed by pour on or spray as needed. The calves when I couldn’t be there.” Dan lives on 10 acres that was part of the family’s original acreage since 1853. Farming is in his blood and — Continued on Next Page APRIL 5, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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1815 N. Hwy 109 Scranton, Arkansas 72863

meet your neighbors

Phone: (479) 938-2370 • Fax: (479) 938-7359

Pre-Hay Season 3 Day Sale

In His Blood

April 8-9, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • April 10, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Continued from Previous Page

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

calves are weaned at 500 to 550 pounds when Just as the number of bushels per acre of corn they are line weaned and retained for 30 to keeps increasing through technology and 45 days before being sold. Dan times weaning science advancements, technology and sciin order to allow cows three to four months ence are going to have to be just as effective to rest before the next breeding season. at increasing livestock production. From Dan’s viewpoint, the most important Another problem with the future of agricultechnological change since he was a young- ture in general and livestock more specificalster is the round baler. The larger bales re- ly, from Dan’s point of view, is that making a duced labor costs by making feeding and profit, much less a living, is becoming more storage easier, decreasing cattle nutrition and more difficult due to rising input costs. costs, in addition to being able to raise more He cites startup capital, equipment expenscattle per acre. es, repairs, fertilizer and insurance as a few Culling to 80 cows of many profit-stealing will leave land for hay factors. meadows. Dan’s fields Dan loves taking I’m hard on are mostly fescue and his three grandchilBermuda, with little dren around the farm. the grandkids clover left after comWhile he enjoys takas they help me on bating weeds like ing them to the creek hemlock and Canathe farm. I want them where they see ducks, dian thistle with the herons and an occato be hands-on with many years of sucsional bald eagle, he cessful spraying. On something other than also wants them to the other hand, Dan understand how much a computer or cell admits thistles can’t work is involved in agbe entirely eliminatricultural production. phone. They need to ed because the seeds “I’m hard on the get their hands dirty are wind borne. He grandkids as they mixes herbicide and with the manual work help me on the farm,” fertilizer for a one apDan said. “I want that it takes to plication process, anthem to be hands-on other labor and cost produce food in order with something othsaving practice. He er than a computer to truly understand spot sprays as needed. or cell phone. They Part of Dan’s future need to get their where their food plans is overseeding hands dirty with the comes from.” with clover and ormanual work that it chard grass. takes to produce food – Dan Douglas in order to truly unDan is deeply concerned about the derstand where their future of agriculture food comes from.” and has discouraged One day, Gauge was his 15-year-old grandson Gauge from going helping Dan work cattle. Gauge was holdinto farming as a career. According to Dan, ing up the tail while Dan banded the calves. the population in 2050 is expected to be Once Gauge accidentally dropped the tail 10 billion people, which will require more and Dan got kicked in the mouth and had food than has been produced in the previous blood running down his face. Gauge asked, 8,000 years combined. Science and modern “Are you alright, Grandpa?” I told Gauge that production methods need to evolve in or- of course I was all right, and it was time to get der to meet the huge need. Dan believes the another calf because there’s work to be done,” movement toward plant-based meat does not Dan said. “Got to teach these youngsters to take into account that cattle can be raised work hard and be tough.” on marginal land that is unsuitable for crops.

“

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APRIL 5, 2021

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By Terry Ropp

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“Last year, I was vice president of my FFA chapter and this year I am president of the 4-H club. I also live on a fifth-generation farm and love working outdoors, especially with the animals. My grandparents raised chickens and turkeys for Tyson and we raise cattle. My chores include checking and fixing fences, as needed, as well as feeding the cattle when I come after school. We have a few Longhorns that occasionally get their heads stuck in gates, and I’ve become pretty good at getting them out safely. This year, I have two heifers for showing, a Maine Anjou for breed or weight category competitions and an Angus that represents what a working cow should look like. I keep a daily log on both animals as part of my 4-H project.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?

“My grandma Billie is my role model. She does most of the planning for the farm. When they raised poultry, she was always the one who talked to the bankers and straw bossed the operation. She’s on top of everything and I want to be like her.”

What are your future plans?

“I started fixing equipment when I was 8 and discovered I liked it and seemed to be pretty good at it. I also took a vocational auto mechanics class last year. Through those experiences I decided I would like to be a diesel mechanic, but I also want to raise cattle on the family ranch because I like livestock production and appreciate the quiet, open spaces.”

What is the most important thing you have learned about agriculture? “What has really come home to me is that agriculture is probably the most needed industry in the world because without it there would be no reliable food supply for anyone.”

What is the biggest challenge in the cattle industry?

“Prices vary quickly and often, so predicting when to sell at a good price is difficult. We try to watch the prices and look for stability by watching when the prices remain at an acceptable level for a week.” APRIL 5, 2021

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The Art and Practice of Efficiency By Ken Knies

y their very nature, our farmers are efficient. Ken W. Knies is an When it comes to the concept of efficiency on the agricultural and rural farm or ranch, a multitude of things may come to consultant. He holds a mind. It could be that new diesel one-ton truck bachelor’s of science or a four-wheel drive tractor. However, there are and arts from the many examples where efficiency should be considered. University of Arkansas First, let’s define efficiency. Wikipedia defines efficiency and a master’s of as “the (often measurable) ability to avoid wasting matebusiness administrarials, energy, effort, money and time in doing something tion from Webster or producing a desired result.” I love Webster Dictionary’s University in St. Louis, Kids Definition of Efficiency: “The ability to do something Mo. He formed Ag or produce something without waste.” I’m not sure I’ve Strategies, LLC as a been my most efficient during the past “Covid Year.” business unit focused Here are just a few examples of efficiency of imporon quality borrowers tance to our producers: and lenders. A cow/calf producer may focus on efficiency through their cow herd. An efficient momma cow will utilize grass and forage to produce a healthy calf each year. A larger cow will consume more forage yet may produce a larger calf. A smaller breed animal will likely offer a smaller calf while consuming less forage. The relative efficiency for a given producer may relate to what size farm he/she has in terms of available pasture or facilities. Cattle producers, whether beef or dairy, are looking to produce the highest possible weight or milk relative to the inputs needed to market their products. A poultry producer is looking to convert their feed to bird pounds or numbers of eggs. They use energy (gas and electricity), plus feed and water to provide the end product. A key measurement of a broiler or hen’s efficiency is through their feed efficiency. A crop producer is focused on many inputs to gain maximum efficiency throughout the production cycle. Timing, seed selection, fertilizer and chemical usage, machinery and uses of technology all come into play. One way to measure efficiency is via an efficiency ratio. This indicates expenses as a percentage of revenue. Essentially, this is how much an individual spends to make a dollar. The lower the ratio, the more efficient the result. Of paramount importance when considering efficiencies in our world, American farmers, ranchers and producers are the epitome of efficiency. Their very way of life dictates that they operate as efficiently as possible. They combine their inputs, resources, time, energy and technology to result in high-quality food and fiber for the rest of us to use and enjoy. Our ag producers set an excellent example of how to maximize the use of resources to gain maximum benefit. They do this while being excellent stewards of the land and our environment. I salute our farmers and ranchers as being the understated leaders in rural America. They are freedom-loving citizens, often taken for granted and under appreciated by far too many. They generally maintain a low profile yet are integral to our rural society. We utilize the results and the efficiency of our farmers, ranchers and producers’ effort every day. Think a great steak dinner or that warm wool sweater. Wow, I’m getting hungry again.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 5, 2021

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Making farming a little easier

Healthy Herd Protocols By Cheryl Kepes

Nutrition and vaccinations are critical for overall health

he warmer weather may be sparking thoughts of spring cleaning and to-do lists. ommend looking for and cleaning off any manure piles on hay or silage. In addition, use While compiling a list of spring chores, how about developing a plan to build a water sources that limit fecal and urine contamination. healthier herd? Experts agree that an unhealthy herd is an unprofitable herd. LuckiA consistent and thorough deworming program can go a long way to promoting good ly there are many ways farmers can get their herd moving on a healthier path. herd health. “The animal spends a lot of its energy on the biggest attacker it recognizes,” First, producers should evaluate their herd health protocols. Gunsaulis said. “When there is a significant worm load, a lot of the “I am all about preventative maintenance, taking care of them beimmune system is focused on that problem and the animal is more fore they have a problem,” Andy McCorkill, livestock field specialist susceptible to other diseases.” Keep an eye out for with the University of Missouri Extension, said. “An ounce of preIt is essential to follow proper deworming protocols so that animals do the toxin cycle in vention is worth a pound of cure.” not develop parasite resistance. Experts recommend following the labels KY 31 Tall fescue A good starting point is making sure a solid nutrition and mineral in order to ensure the drugs are working at their maximum efficacy. n Toxins are concentrated program is in place. “Over the last few years, the typical veterinary recommendation in the seed heads in May “We have to take care of our animals by the way that we feed them. has been to cut back on cattle to once or twice a year on deworming,” through June. Animals that look healthy are going to be more apt to be healthy,” McCorkill said. “Some veterinarians will recommend using multiple n Toxin levels will be high McCorkill added. products with different modes of action so that we completely wipe in the leaves in September Farmers can protect the health of their herd by restricting the out what parasite trouble we have each time,” McCorkill added. through early November. movement of animals coming and going from their operation. Keep Reducing stress is yet another way to maintain a healthy herd. Pron If producers can delay new animals separated from the rest of the herd until it’s established ducers can start to reduce stress by focusing on the youngest animals grazing those fields of the animals are not carrying any pathogens. in their operations. “I like to be well on the road of having the calves solid fescue during that Vaccinations also play a significant role in promoting herd health. vaccinated before I wean them, to ensure that they have that immu time, that will help on It’s never too late to start or improve on a vaccination program. nity built up especially for respiratory diseases,” McCorkill shared. animal stress. “Vaccinations on healthy animals simply gives them a better chance In addition, experts recommend castrating and dehorning calves as n Toxin levels drop to fend off disease challenges,” Johnny Gunsaulis, county extension early as possible to minimize stress. They also suggest fence line wean significantly after agent, U of A Division of Agriculture in Benton County, Ark., said. ing or calf weaners, which are put in the nose of the calf to prevent Thanksgiving. Gunsaulis added some producers may want to test for diseases such as them from nursing, to assist with the transition of weaning. Johne’s, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) and anaplasmosis. Since calves from first calf heifers don’t have the immunity that calves Wildlife can carry diseases that impact a herd from a reproductive from older cows have, producers should plan to calve their heifers separate standpoint. Livestock can pick up leptospirosis (a disease that causes abortions in cattle) from the older cows. If possible, move them to a clean field just before they start calving and and other diseases that are spread through wildlife fecal matter and urine. Experts rec- then have fields to transition them to every two to three weeks throughout the calving season.

what do you say? Why is efficiency important in agriculture operations?

APRIL 5, 2021

“Of course, the more efficient you are the more money you make. What really improved my efficiency was time management because of a phone app that holds my herd management and records so I can find what I need at real time and not have to look it up later. Saved time is money.”

“No efficiency, no profit. Being efficient is hard with the volatility in the market and because conditions such as weather and input costs constantly change.”

“Without efficiency, you can’t pinpoint where every dollar goes and identify wasteful practices that need to be refined.”

Aaron Ross Lonoke County, Okla.

Randy Williams Carroll County, Ark.

Hannah Walker Baxter County Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“Efficiency is absolutely necessary to be sustainable financially because finding the easiest and the most financially sound ways of doing things keeps us profitable.”

Keith Feather White County, Ark.

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Hitting Milestones By Cheryl Kepes

Producers should monitor calves and conditions of cows

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Just like children, calves should be achieving certain “milestones” in their development. There are actions producers can take and observations they can make in order to help their calves hit the mark. As soon as a calf is born, monitoring the amount of colostrum it gets is critical. “Within several hours, if we aren’t fairly certain they have gotten some colostrum or an ample amount; then we need to intervene and use a supplement or a replacer depending on the situation or how much or how little colostrum they got,” Andy McCorkill, livestock field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, said. Another action needed shortly after birth is making sure the calf is dried off. This is especially important in cold, snowy and wet conditions. Though momma cows will lick their babies, and in the process get them dry, in bad weather conditions it is more difficult for them to get it accomplished in a timely manner. There are some assessments producers should be making to keep track of their calf crop’s development. First, examine how they look. “Calf condition is probably the biggest indicator of calf health in the short term,” Johnny Gunsaulis, county extension agent, U of A Division of Agriculture in Benton County, Ark., stated. Other positive health indicators include a healthy hair coat and a good weaning weight. However, if a calf exhibits sunken or weepy eyes, droopy ears, has an unthrifty appearance or seems depressed, consider it a sign the calf may be sick or malnourished. A dam’s condition at calving has a direct impact on the future development of her calf. Ideally, at calving, the dam should have a body condition score between five and sevOzarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

en. Good body condition and flesh are signs the momma cow is doing well nutritionally. A healthy dam equates to a healthier calf. If a momma calves with a less than adequate body condition, she may not have the stamina to raise a calf to its potential. “If they calve in at a three or four body condition, both the quantity and quality of the colostrum are going to be reduced and that’s going to lead to the likelihood that the calf is not going to get enough milk and be sickly for the rest of its life,” McCorkill said. If the cow’s condition starts to decline too much as the calf grows, specialists suggest it’s a good idea to wean those calves a little earlier than normal. This allows the dam a chance to recover. “It takes the lactation component of her nutritional requirements out of the equation and we can often times put the gain back on the calf, cheaper and more efficiently than the cow can,” McCorkill added. Observing the dam’s condition can help producers make culling decisions as well. “Those females that lose so much weight during lactation that they fail to rebreed might need to be put on a cull prospect list, assuming we have provided adequate forage for the herd and have taken care of parasites,” Gunsaulis advised. On the other hand, if a female looks too good at the time her calf is weaned, that may be a red flag as well. “At weaning time, if the dam looks fleshy but the calf looks thin, she’s not giving of herself enough and should probably be culled,” Gunsaulis stated. Experts say these observations are easier to make if a herd is managed for a defined 45-to80-day calving season. Many important herd management practices such as vaccinations, parasite control, castration and weaning are more efficient when producers are comitted to a distinct calving season. APRIL 5, 2021

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Cultivating Healthy Soil By Cheryl Kepes

It’s never too late to improve soil One way farmers can achieve more green in their fields and in their pocket books, is to dig up some dirt – literally. Healthy soil can help farmers improve their bottom line. Experts suggest there are a variety of ways to improve soil quality. The first step to cultivating more effective soil, is a soil test. The soil test allows farmers to know exactly what they need to add in order to improve their soil quality. Once producers have the information about their soil fertility needs, they can develop a game plan. Though synthetic fertilizers are a common method to increase soil fertility, there are natural ways as well. A few options include spreading manure, planting cover crops, implementing rotational grazing and diversifying plant species. Manures are good complete fertilizers because they add micronutrients to the soil and can be economical. Manures can also help bring up low phosphorus levels. However, experts suggest testing the manure load; because the amount of available nutrients vary depending on the diet, bedding, feed and animal type. In addition, not all nutrients are available in manure the first year. “For example, only about 25 percent of nitrogen is available the first year and another 25 to 50 percent is lost through volitization,” Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, said. “Manure may not provide all the nutrients needed to produce a yield goal; therefore, additional synthetic fertilizer may be needed.” Planting cover crops serves as another avenue to improve soil health. “In a row crop situation, adding cover crops, utilizing crop rotation and using low tillage implements build organic matter over time,” Scheidt added. These practices also ward off insects, weeds and disease. APRIL 5, 2021

In addition, livestock producers can use the cover crops as winter feed. Allowing livestock to graze cover crops adds fertility and organic matter into the soil. Livestock hoof traffic aids with incorporation of dead plant material from cover crops. The main way to cultivate soil quality with forages is maintaining a good stubble height through rotational grazing. “Plants with little growth on top, also have short root growth below the ground. In order to reduce weed pressure and maintain desirable plant persistence, don’t overgraze,” Scheidt advised. Though stubble height depends on the plant species, a good rule of thumb is no shorter than 3 to 4 inches for cool season grasses and 6 to 10 inches for native warm season grasses. Experts advise implementing a rotational grazing system in order to keep livestock from staying on a pasture too long. “Avoiding grazing to the ground has extra benefits of faster regrowth and healthier plants, which outcompete weeds in a pasture setting too,” Scheidt recommended. Diversifying plant species is another way to promote healthy soil conditions. Experts suggest adding variety to pastures by adding a legume to a cool season grass or planting a paddock with a native warm season grass mix. By adding a legume to a grass pasture, farmers fix nitrogen for later use and provide a greater range of nutrients to livestock consuming it. “Native species have deep root systems which not only help with compaction, but also allows the plant to find water and nutrients deeper in the soil during drought,” Scheidt said. The good news, it’s never too late to get started on cultivating healthy soil and growing a greener bottom line.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSES • Agronomy 101 – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/yz1– for questions call 405-744-4357 • Arkansas Center for Farm and Food – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information – go.ozarksfn.com/e2m • Backyard Chickens – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 30 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/db0 – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Beekeeping Basics Podcasts – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/xof • Introduction to Horses – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 60 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/m7y – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Introduction to Prescribed Fire – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/30m – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Selling Home Bakery Items – What You Need to Know – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $100 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/z2e – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Southern Fruitcast Podcast – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/g8d • Understanding Food Labeling Regulations – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $600 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/hv1 – for questions call 405-744-4357 APRIL 6 9-10 15

2021 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Searcy County Civic Center, Marshall, Ark. – masks are required – to pre-register call 870-448-3981 Baxter County 4-H Rabies Vaccination Clinic – Friday, 2-5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-noon – 4-H receives $2 from each vaccination – show up at your local Baxter County vet clinic to participate (not available at The Vet Clinic) – for more information contact your local veterinarian clinic Cattlemen’s Forage College – Pasture Weed Control/Putting up High Quality Hay – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No Fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774

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Beginning Farmer Class – Regernerative Agriculture & Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/

MAY 2021 1 Master Gardener Plant Giveaway – 8:30 a.m.-noon – Judge Claude Dill Office Complex, 2319 Hwy 110 West, Heber Springs, Ark. – 501-362-2524 13 Beginning Farmer Class – Farmscaping, Native Plants and Pollinators & Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/ 20 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Brush Control Methods/Effects of Summer Burning on Forage Quality – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 21-23 46th Annual Four State Farm Show – Robert W. Plaster Center, 1701 S. Homer St., Pittsburg, Kan. – lance@ozarkempirefair.com JUNE 2021 17 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Rotational Grazing/Watering Systems – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 JULY 2021 15 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Stockpiling Fall Forages/Economics of Pasture Fertility – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 18 Beginning Farmer Class – Season Extension Part 1, Farm School Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit https://farmandfoodsystem.uark.edu/payments/ 30-31 2021 ACA Annual Convention & Trade Show – Hot Springs, Ark.

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5 Brockmere Farms Inc. Annual Performance-Tested Angus Bull Sale – New Cambria Livestock Auction, New Cambria, Mo. – 660-258-2901 or 660-375-2155 6 Hubert Charolais Ranch 42nd Annual Bull Sale – Oakley, Kan. – 785-672-2540 8 Pharo Cattle Company Production Sale – Springfield, Mo. – 800-311-0995 10 Ozark & Heart of America Beefmaster Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 210-648-5475 10 The Renaissance Sale XXIX – Chappell’s Sales Arena, Strafford, Mo. – 405-246-6324 11 OSU Cowboy Classic – Stillwater, Okla. – 405-464-2455 17 Belle Point Ranch Annual Angus Production Sale – Lavaca, Ark. – 989-965-6363 or 989-798-8223 17 2021 Leachman Ozark Spring Sale – I-40 Livestock, Ozark, Ark. – 970-568-3983 17 Missouri Charolais Breeders Association Spring Bull & Female Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 281-761-5952 18 P Bar S Ranch Limousin, Lim-Flex & Red Angus Proof of Progress Sale – Sand Springs, Okla. – 402-350-3447 22 Valley Girls Online Geno-Pheno Heifer Sale – www.LiveWireAuction.com – 417-569-6940

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10th Anniversary Heartland Highland Cattle Auction – Mid-Missouri Stockyard, Lebanon, Mo. – 417-733-3201 or 309-251-5832 Missouri Red Angus Association Show Me Red Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-327-7870 Wienk Charolais 52nd Annual Bull Sale – at the Ranch, Lake Preston, SD – 605-860-0505 – 605-203-0137 – 605-203-1082 Express Ranches Grasstime Sale – Yukon, Okla. – 405-464-2455

MAY 2021 7 Next Generation Sale of 2021 Glendenning’s J Bar J Annual Production Sale – Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 8 Mead Farms Female Production Sale – Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, Mo. – 573-302-7011 21 Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 22 The Great American Pie Sale – Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447 22 Spur Ranch Female Sale – Vinita, Okla. – 918-256-5850 or 918-244-2118

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 5, 2021

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Ken W. Knies

479-426-9518 kenknies1@gmail.com

“A Passion for Agriculture”

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

Don’t Delay! Call Today!

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960 • ads@ozarksfn.com APRIL 5, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

WELCOME TO

Great Deals Just In Time For Spring! WE ARE OPEN AT ALL LOCATIONS!

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

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

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

WE HAVE USED CARS & TRUC KS AVAILABLE!

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

BEST TRAILER BRANDS!

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

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

WOOD WOOD WOOD WOOD

MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR MOTOR

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

INTRODUCING WOOD MOTOR COMPANY POWERSPORTS

Your Premier Powersports Dealer

824 N Main Street Harrison • AR 72601

870-741-9500

woodpowersports.com

OFN April 5, 2021

Articles inside

Are your calves hitting their milestones?

A healthy herd is a profitable herd

Randy Spears says he is doing what he loves

Dan Douglas has farming in his blood

Farming efficiently

Virgil Talbot wanted a museum for his community