OFN May 15, 2023

Building

Josh Menzies and Menzies

Company produce seedstock and backgrounds calves

Happy Days

Nate and Brittany Gellman follow a methodical and scientific approach at their farm

Building FinishingaFacility

Actions to take prior to breaking ground

Quality Females for the Future

Ryan and Holly Shoffner want highly-fertile and maternal females

rumor mill

Interim dean announced: Missouri State University has announced that Dr. Melissa Bledsoe will be the interim dean of the Darr College of Agriculture. She replaces the current interim dean Dr. Ken Brown, who has accepted the chief academic strategy officer position in the provost’s office. Bledsoe is currently serving as the college’s interim associate dean and will begin her new post on July 1.

Bill advances: A bill that would prohibit any further foreign ownership of Missouri land was passed in the Senate on April 17. The Senate amended a bill from the House to add an emergency clause and expand the definition of what is included as a foreign business. The bill also requires a 30-day notice to the Department of Agriculture in cases of transfers involving land that is already owned by a foreign entity. Current law limits foreign ownership of Missouri land to 1 percent of the total acreage. The vote was 31-3 in favor. The bill now moves back to the House, which can pass it as is and send it to the governor or request a conference committee to hash out any changes.

Hawkins honored: Missouri Farm Bureau President and St. Clair County, Mo., farmer Garrett Hawkins was recently honored by the Missouri State University Alumni Association with the Bears of Excellence Award. Hawkins is a 2002 grad of the university.

Interns sought: The Missouri Pork Association is seeking applicants for its internship program. The program involves off-campus training to develop personal, organizational and public relations skills, and experience. To apply, interns must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and completed at least two years (four semesters) of college courses, demonstrated maturity and sincerity towards the program, and be deemed acceptable by both MPA and the cooperating college. For more information or to apply, visit go.ozarksfn.com/0qk

Nelson sentenced: A farmer from Missouri received a prison term for a $215,000 cattle fraud operation that resulted in the deaths of two men from Wisconsin. Garland Nelson was found guilty of cattle fraud and given a sentence of 32 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole and a fine of $261,000 in April. In October 2022, Nelson pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nelson also admitted guilt last year to killing Justin and Nicholas Diemel after they met him at his Missouri farm to pay off a debt of $200,000 in 2009. For their slayings, he received two life sentences in prison.

JUST A THOUGHT

3 Jerry Crownover –Cleaning fish

4 Julie Turner-Crawford –Celebrating the industry

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Lifelong cattleman Josh Glendenning wears many hats

8 Couple focus their Angus operation on quality female production

10 A fairy tale awaits near Fordland, Mo.

12 Eye on Agribusiness spotlights East 32 Meat Processing

13 Menzies Cattle Company has several operations in one

14 Town & Country features Marla Moreland

18 Happy Critters Farm & Orchard began in 2018

20 Youth in Agriculture highlights Kiley Evans

FARM HELP

22 The highs and lows

24 Cull open heifers or feed them?

25 Shedding and cattle health

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor?

Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 1319, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721;or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

26 Animal health and spring pastures

27 Plan before breaking ground

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

My first job away from the farm happened during the last couple of months of my senior year in high school. Along with four other boys in my class, we agreed to work at a local resort, where every cent of our salary would go directly to the school to pay for our senior trip to Washington, D.C. Since most of us couldn’t afford the trip without this option, it was a good deal. This particular resort was well-known as a premier destination for fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, and many Midwestern businesses would, as a perk, send some of their employees there for a few days of food, fun and fishing. The resort charged a fee for all the fish that were caught, but since the companies were paying the bill, the fisherman would catch huge numbers of fish each day and bring them back to the main lodge, where the resort employees would clean, process and freeze the fish.

SPRING SPECIALS

Jerry Crownover farms in Lawrence County. He is a former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University, and is an author and professional speaker. Jerry’s daily exploits on the farm are now viewable on YouTube at “lifeissimple678”.

To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’

Every Saturday and Sunday in March and April of that year, my friends and I would clean hundreds of fish during our eight- to 10-hour days. I can remember how raw my thumbs and fingers would be from scraping, gutting and deboning those fish. The feeling would barely re turn to my hands before the next weekend would come along. But, the desire to attend that week-long bus trip kept us going back.

That was 50-some years ago, but the resort is still there and more beautiful than ever. As a little getaway after a long winter of feeding cattle and spring calving, I took my wife there this past weekend for a little rest and relaxation. As we drove along the entrance to the resort, I could see that the river was full of fishermen in hip-waders, flexing their wrists with fly rods.

— Continued on Page 5

Across The Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

May is my favorite time of year. Kids are getting out of school, and county fair season will soon be in full swing, and we all know how much I love fairs. May is also Beef Month, which makes this time of year even better.

I fire up the grill or smoker even when it’s snowing or raining, but there’s something about eating a burger or steak on the porch or deck on a warm spring day that makes it all taste so much better.

The cattle industry is enormous in the Ozarks, and our cattle farmers and ranchers attribute millions to our local economies. The Livestock Marketing Association recently released the findings of its economic impact study that proves the point.

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

The case livestock auction market in the study was in a rural Missouri town with a population of less than 5,000, much like many of our hometowns, selling all classes of cattle in a weekly sale. The study of an average, fixed-facility livestock auction market revealed the

— Continued on Next Page

Creamy Ground Beef Pasta

• 3 to 4 C uncooked pasta shells

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 jar (12 ounces) salsa

• 1 block (8 ounces)

cream cheese, cubed

• 1/2 C beef stock

• 1/2 C grated or shredded cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella or other)

Cook the pasta shells according to the package directions; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with black pepper over medium heat. Remove the excess grease from the cooked meat, then stir in the salsa and cream cheese. Simmer until the sauce is well combined, adding beef stock progressively. Add cheese and stir constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth; add more beef stock, if necessary. Gently add cooked pasta and continue cooking on medium-low to allow pasta to soak up a little of the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and top with fresh chopped parsley and more cheese, if desired.

just a thought

Across the Fence

Continued from Previous Page

market provides approximately $2 million in total value-added dollars to its local community, up from the $1 million identified in the 2017 report.

The report noted the “market studied provides 17 jobs, generating $888,000 in labor income to the community’s economy. Additionally, the market contributes $447,000 in local taxes and $108,000 in federal taxes. Of the total value-added number, contributions were also made by the on-site café, which further provides labor income, state, local and federal taxes.”

That’s just one aspect of the cattle industry. Think about sales at your local feed stores, the jobs there, taxes collected, and the money put back into the community.

In 2022, the USDA estimated cattle production would represent about 17 percent of the $462 billion total cash receipts for agricultural commodities, not including the dairy industry. The North American Meat Institute estimates the beef industry contributes $894 billion to the U.S. economy and, through its production and distribution linkages, impacts firms in all 440 sectors of the U.S. economy, directly and indirectly providing 5.9 million jobs in the U.S. Not bad for a bunch of farmers and ranchers.

Estimates for the global vegan food market are much lower. Vegan markets are predicted to reach just $31.4 billion by 2026, according to the vegan publication VegWorld

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

After we checked into our room, I made my way to the main lodge, in need of some snacks. The lady at the front desk informed me that there was a vending machine “way in the back of the building, right across from the fish cleaners.”

“I think I can find it.”

Arriving at the vending machine, I realized that I didn’t have any change. In the adjoining area, three young men were working feverishly, sorting and cleaning dozens of stringers. I interrupted them to

If the vegans want to take over what the world eats, they better find something better than tofu or lab-created-want-to-be beef.

Rising cattle hasn’t been easy the last couple of years, thanks to rising production costs – like feed and fertilizer – and dry weather conditions. Still, the industry continues to be critical for the nation’s economy.

Beef is also a staple on many tables. Globally, according to Beef2live.com, the world consumed more than 130 billion (yes, billion with a B) pounds of beef in 2020. The U.S. is the largest beef consumer, with 21 percent of the market with more than 27 billion pounds. It just shows beef is what’s for dinner in many homes.

I challenge you to find a way to promote the beef industry, or agriculture in general, in your hometown this Beef Month. If your county Farm Bureau or Cattlemen’s Association isn’t planning something, maybe you can put a little bug in their ears to find a way to do something next year.

If we don’t promote ourselves, no one will do it for us, and there’s no better advocate for an industry than those involved; be your own cheerleader.

ask if anyone had change for a 20. One young man (probably the youngest of the three) eagerly volunteered to help me and quickly produced my needed change.

I thanked him, and added. “You know, 53 years ago, I worked at that same table, cleaning fish for the people who were staying here then.”

“Wow,” he replied. “I didn’t even know this place was around back then. Did you have fun, working here?”

“I cleaned fish.”

meet your neighbors Many Hats

By Laura L. Valenti

Josh Glendenning’s agriculture connection doesn’t stop at his family farm

Laclede County, Mo., native Josh Glendenning is a busy man.

In addition to working as a feed rep at a local company, he raises registered Limousin cattle on his family farm in partnership with his father, and is in the early stages of his own AI and embryo transfer business.

Josh grew up on his family’s 300-acre farm as did his dad, Jack D. Glendenning, and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in animal science.

He and Jack D., raise 250 registered Limousin and LimFlex cattle on their farm, as did his grandfather, Jack. Cattle run over 1,000 acres of owned and rented land in Laclede and Dallas counties.

“We raise breeding heifers and bulls, and market feeder calves. We’re also working on growing a freezer beef business.”

The Glendennings sell bulls and heifers by private treaty and consign cattle and genetics to state and regional sales, including Missouri Limousin Breeders Association sales. Josh is currently the secretary of the state association and president of the Heart of Missouri Limousin Breeders Association.

“Our feeder cattle will go into our personal feedlot to be sold as freezer beef and be marketed through the sale barn,” Josh explained. “They sell there on the Purina Plus wean/vac program, a feed and vaccination

program that we can use to promote our calves as value added.

“We also supply all of the hamburger used at the Gravel Bar & Grill at Sand Spring Resort, our family’s restaurant at Bennett Spring.”

Josh started working in AI in college.

“When I was at Mizzou, I got to be part of an internship my junior year that had us traveling all around the country with Select Sires,” he said. “After graduation, I started AIing cows for neighboring farms. Last year, I did 1,000 head of cattle for different producers in Laclede, Wright and Pulaski coun-

Meanwhile, Josh attended embryo transfer school last fall and has also started doing the procedure for local producers.

“I’ve always had a passion for cattle, and I love the genetics, like matching up pedigrees to breed the best animal possible,” he added. “We use EPDs strictly as a tool to help select bulls. We use them to narrow down between a couple of bulls, but when we select bulls from our herd, we look more at pedigrees, phenotype – the physical make-up of the animal – disposition, growth and the performance of the individual as opposed to using a bull strictly because he has EPDs in the top 1 percent for whatever trait.”

Josh is also able to do some crossover between his various professional pursuits.

“In raising our own cattle on a feed program, I can talk to and show producers

how a particular feed program is going to work, put on weight at a certain rate, etc. I can show them on paper, but I even take them to our farm and show them exactly what I’m talking about. I work in this but also use it myself,” he said.

“I never saw myself in sales, but I am technically a salesperson. I serve more as a consultant to all the farms I work with. Much of my time is spent traveling around the area, working with producers and making feed recommendations to help them improve their herds, flocks, etc. I will get a call from a horse customer that has several horses in bad condition. Part of what I do is make a recommendation to help improve the condition of the horses. We can do a feed trial with them to track how much those horses change over a 60-day span. I also track performance data points with cattle producers.

We can put a set of calves a producer weans on a feed trial for three weeks and will track how much those calves gain over that period.”

Josh and his wife, Kayla (Peters), an ER nurse at Mercy, and their three sons, Easton (5), Hudson (3) and Bode (1), live on their family farm.

“Oh, those boys are all about the farm,” Josh added. “They are right in the middle of feeding, all of it. Easton showed a pig at the county fair this past year, and I bought two show pigs recently, getting ready for next year. The boys just love ‘em.”

Like so many growing up in a rural community, Josh was sure he wanted to move elsewhere after college but found his way back home.

“I went to Iowa right after college graduation and worked for a major meat producer. I hated it,” he said. “I came home after three months.”

Josh Glendenning, pictured with his wife Kayla, and sons Easton, Hudson and Bode, raises cattle with his family near Lebanon, Mo.

Photos by Laura L. Valenti

meet your neighbors Quality Females for the Future

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Ryan and Holly Shoffner want highly-fertile and highly-maternal females

The cattle industry is nothing new to Ryan and Holly Shoffner.

Ryan’s family raised cattle in the Camden County, Mo., area, and Holly’s family raised Angus and Maine Anjou in Arkansas.

The couple, who met as students at the University of Missouri-Columbia, are now working to build their own herd and reputation.

“I worked for Cargill out of college and lived in west central Illinois,” Ryan said.

“We moved back to (Holly’s) hometown

in Northwest Arkansas, but we wanted to have our own farm.”

The couple left Arkansas and returned to Missouri. The move to their Montreal farm allowed the couple to start their cattle operation.

Ryan described the farm as “pretty run down,” over hayed and needed some TLC. It took some time before they could run cattle, but by 2021, Shoffner Cattle Company was in business.

They have carved out a pad-

dock system for a 20-acre rotational grazing system, including the dozing of about 15 acres of wooded areas, with hopes to reclaim more land. They also acquired property across the road from their home that is cut for hay once a year, followed by strip grazing. In all, they have a total of 70 acres.

In addition to fencing and waterers, Ryan and Holly worked to improve soil fertility and no-tilled fescue and orchardgrass into the paddocks. They have also frost seeded clover.

When selecting a breed for their operation, the Shoffners opted for a breed they were familiar with.

“Angus is a good foundation, and you can breed anything to it to get what you want,” Holly said. “They are also highly marketable and have that good foundation.”

Shoffner Cattle Company currently runs 25 females and focuses production on high-quality females that are

highly fertile, structurally sound and have eye appeal.

“You have to select good cattle, and you can’t go just with EPDs,” Ryan said. “Cows have to do their job first.”

Possessing the desired maternal traits is crucial for the Shoffners. They have an exclusively AI breeding program.

“We’re asking a lot from our cows from a maternal standpoint,” Ryan explained. “Not having bulls presents a set of challenges. Fertility is a big deal on our farm, and to get it done time after time without a clean-up bull, we need them to be highly maternal. We are also focusing on what a cow should look like, that phenotypical structure. Is she going to have the longevity we are going to require? We can’t be culling cattle out after just five years.”

Ryan and Holly added EPDs do have a place in their herd, but it’s not the main breeding factor.

“We want good EPDs for carcass merit, calving ease, and maternal traits, but we

Montreal, Mo.

meet your neighbors

don’t want those traits if it doesn’t match the cow,” Ryan said. “We don’t want cattle with bad feet that you have to trim feet every year. We want a cow first and the quality that comes with those EPDs. We don’t want quality on paper and not see the quality in the pasture. You have to spend a lot of time with your cattle to see which one looks the best.”

Ryan credited Holly’s dad, Keith Bremer of Centerton, Ark., for his “eye” for quality females.

The Shoffners are not planning to get into the bull business and utilize sexed semen to get more heifers on the ground.

“There are a lot of producers who raise quality bulls and have a lot more head than we do,” Ryan said. “The larger facility you have, the more space you have to keep bulls. We don’t have the space to do that. Our focus is raising bred replacement heifers for seedstock or commercial producers.” A total AI breeding program can be time-consuming, but when breeding for high-fertility females, the program works for the Shoffners.

Using sexed semen, Ryan explained, is also a marketing tool for their female-only operation because they offer females carrying females.

Another maternal trait the couple monitor is calf weaning weights.

“If a cow isn’t going to wean off a calf that can be bred in 14 months, she doesn’t have much room here,” Ryan said.

The next step in the breeding program is to look into embryo transfer. However,

they plan only to flush females that have demonstrated the maternal traits they desire and are proven females.

Shoffner Cattle Company recently consigned bred heifers to the East Central Missouri Angus Association’s Spring Sale. Being a new consigner, Ryan and Holly said they wanted the quality to be its best and for the animals to look their best. When a long-time Angus breeder complimented them on their cattle, the couple said it was worth their efforts.

“The ultimate goal is to have a product, and I don’t think we’re far away, that will come with some name recognition,” Ryan said. “I want to have a product people will recognize as high-quality. If people know we have the quality they demand, I think that’s what the cow sales are all about.”

As for the future, the couple hopes to grow and expand.

Holly would like to increase their farm to about 200 acres and expand the cattle herd.

“If you have 10 head of a cow, you might as well have 50,” Ryan said. “At that point, we would still implement the tools and technology we have, but we might have to implement a clean-up bull with a herd that size. My dream has always been to have a large ranch and do that, but it’s hard to do that just starting out.”

“I remind him that we are starting from scratch and doing this on our own,” Holly said. “We get help and opinions, but this is truly ours.”

2, 4-D, Liberty, Roundup

SUDAN/MILLET

Lb./Acre

50 SAFE “T” GRAZE SUDAN 50# 0.72

Piper Cross=Low Prussic Acid

50 SAFE “T” GRAZE SUDAN

48.90

50 SOYBEANS 50# 53.30

Extend Flex 4812 Roundup, Liberty, Dicamba

80K CORN, Roundup Ready® Lewis RB108VT2 20K 196.50

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

Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford

Ryan and Holly Shoffner, pictures with sons Rhett and Jack, focus on raising highly maternal Angus females.

There’s a Castle... In Fordland, Mo.

By Ruth Hunter

Chateau Charmant began as a labor of love, but is now a part of the community

Nestled in a serene corner of Christian County, Mo., surrounded by lush hills and towering trees, lies a breathtaking castle straight out of a fairy tale: Chateau Charmant. Approaching the castle, can be much like a fairy tale, as guests cross over a babbling stream and navigating winding switchbacks that led to the castle perched atop a majestic group of hills.

As the castle comes into view, it is like a scene fit for Cinderella, Snow White, or Rapunzel, with awe-inspiring architecture and enchanting presence.

The story behind Chateau Charmant is as remarkable as the castle itself, and it all started with a couple who shared a passion for castles.

Robert and Bonnie Palmer, an adventurous duo who had spent their early years in Europe, fell in love with castles during their separate travels. Robert had explored the grand castles of Scotland, while Bonnie had been captivated by the charming castles of France. They immersed themselves in the history, lore and architecture of these majestic structures, even making sketches of the castles they visited. Robert is a skilled builder, and Bonnie has a

background in the airline industry. Fate brought them together in California, and they eventually bought a piece of land in Missouri.

During one of Robert’s scouting trips in Missouri, he sent Bonnie a sketch of a castle with a simple message scrawled at the bottom: “I want to build you a castle.”

Initially, Bonnie hesitated, concerned about what people might think, but soon she realized, “Why not?”

In 2003, Robert, Bonnie, and their daughter Brittany embarked on an extraordinary journey to build their own 13th century French chateau. They lived in a trailer on the property while they tirelessly worked on the castle. It took five years to complete this labor of love.

It was an impressive feat, with Bonnie recounting how they operated heavy machinery and their 15-year-old daughter Brittany played a pivotal role in their

efforts, even operating machinery to put some arches in place. They also enlisted the help of Amish craftsmen to build the exquisite wooden arches that adorn the castle, meticulously crafting them without nails or screws to ensure authenticity. Robert even created his own forms for the ornamental sculptures that grace the castle walls.

Chateau Charmant boasts a grand main room that serves as a venue for events such as balls, weddings and mystery dinner theaters. The castle also features rooms designed to accommodate bridal parties during weddings, as well as suites that can be rented as a bed-and-breakfast.

Robert and Bonnie live in a section of the castle where they have their own apartment. They are constructing an outdoor stage where they plan to host a musical production of Rapunzel, for which Bonnie has written the play and enlisted a music student from Missouri State University to score the music. The castle grounds also include a tower near the outdoor theater and a life-sized checkerboard, adding to the whimsical charm of the palace.

Bonnie is also an accomplished painter, and has adorned much of the castle’s in-

Photos by Ruth Hunter

ozarks roots

terior with her own paintings, including reproductions of masterpieces and her original artwork. She painted reproduction of the two young princes, Edward the V and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York, who disappeared after being sent to the heavily guarded royal lodgings in the Tower of London. Bonnie passionately shared the story of their fate, the cutthroat reason they were killed and how their remains were discovered in the 1990s. Queen Elizabeth did not grant permission to test the DNA for confirmation, although there is speculation King Charles III may have a different perspective on the matter.

The castle is preparing for a Great Imposter Masquerade Ball to benefit the Greene County Library. Adults and children can attend and are invited to dress up as their favorite storybook characters. Chateau Charmant has opened its doors for many non-profit events, making it a valuable asset to the region.

They have provided educational experiences for public school classes, offering a wealth of historical and architectural information. Students are assigned castle jobs, in order to immerse them in the historical experience. They also get to see a trebuchet launch, which is a machine used in medieval siege warfare for hurling large stones or other missiles. Bonnie can expertly describe the names and functions of different parts of the architecture as ascended the battlements, providing insights into their protective design during that period.

Photo by Ruth Hunter

eye

on

agri-business

meeting the needs of farmers

By Laura L. Valenti

Owners: Colby and Stacy Cox

Location: Lebanon, Mo.

History: “This is our second year,” Stacy Cox, one of the owners of East Highway 32 Processing outside Lebanon, said. “It’s turned out to be a little more than we expected, but not in a bad way. It’s grown fast, but we are working to verify appointments so we can get people’s livestock in on time. My husband, Colby, has been in the cattle business all his life. He had a sale barn at Licking and a feedlot in Ozark. I was a nurse in clinics in Branson and Springfield. This was an opportunity that came along, and with the pandemic, and we were ready to do something new and different.

“We have four children, two grown and out of the house, a son who just graduated whose been away at school this year and is now home for the summer, and a 17-yearold daughter who is a student at Lebanon this year.

“The previous owners, the Detherage family, were ready to retire, and we were lucky enough to be able to apprentice with them to learn how to run the business. That has helped to make a much smoother transition.”

Products and Services: “We are a custom meat processing facility and also have a retail store front. We offer different cuts of beef and pork, as well as appetizers, and side dish items, such as potatoes and vegetables, jams, jellies, desserts, sauces and seasonings.

“We are a farmer-first facility, meaning we are here for the farmers, and we do beef before we do deer or other wild game. We will certainly do game animals, but we see ourselves as an extension of the farm. It is just as important to us to put out a good product, a good service as it is to the farmer to do the same.

“We have a very good crew, some of whom were with the Detherages, plus a couple of new ones, and they are all hard workers. For now, we plan to continue with what we’re doing. In the future, we’d like to get USDA certified and expand so that we could have grilled or smoked meats ready for quick pick-up meals for the weekend.

“Right now, we provide meat processing services, and with our retail store, I feel like in our own way, we get to be a part of family gatherings, barbecues, and helping to make good memories for our customers and their families.”

Photo by Laura L. Valenti

Building a Better Herd

By Brenda Brinkley

Josh Menzies and Menzies Cattle Company produce seedstock and backgrounds calves

Menzies Cattle Company is a family business located near Elkland, Mo., in Webster County.

Owned and operated by Josh Menzies, it is a cattle operation serving a wide variety of livestock needs. His wife, Mindy, does a lot of the paperwork. Their daughter, Halle, (17) also helps with paperwork. Their son, Kyler (18), works every day on the farm.

“They each have their own cattle herd and want to be involved in this after school when they graduate,” Josh said. They have a seedstock business and also sell bulls by private treaty.

Additionally, Menzies Cattle Company graze a number of stocker calves. Josh buys calves weighing 500 to 600 pounds.

“We’ll turn them out on grass and sell them at about 900 pounds,” he explained. “It is backgrounding, but they’re called stockers.”

Josh grew up on a small farm in Webster County.

“I went to work for Pete Luzaich when I was 15,” he said. That’s how he got started in the cattle business.

Aside from the stocker cattle, Josh raises cow/calf pairs.

“We have registered cattle that we’re deriving seedstock, using as a seedstock base to have bulls and females to sell,” he explained.

He is running around 200 cow/calf pairs of registered Angus and Herefords. On the seedstock side of his operation, they’re all registered.

His favorite breed is “whatever makes the most money,” Josh joked. “But probably the Herefords. They’re docile. They can go out and survive in any environment,” he said.

“The reason we started raising our own seedstock is because we were buying bulls from out of state; Montana and South Dakota,” Josh said. “While they had really good genetics, they had to come to Missouri and be introduced to fescue and they had to get those cows bred in the heat of the summertime. We ended up with a lot of bulls that had feet problems and wanted to stand in the pond and couldn’t handle the fescue and the humidity.”

Josh started raising his own seedstock to make Angus and Hereford bulls with the qualities he wants.

“Not put too much flesh on them,” he said. He feeds a high-roughage diet while getting them ready to sell. “We still get the advantage of having those genetics that they have in the north, but we sort through the cattle that can handle the fescue and handle the humidity and the rocks and the summers of the Ozarks. We take

it upon ourselves to get that product ready for our customers, so they don’t have to deal with a bull standing in the pond from June to September.”

The bulls Josh is selling are typically 18 to 24 months old.

“We feel having a little age on the cattle makes for a better product. It makes for a tougher bull that can go out and work all summer for our customers,” he said.

Josh feeds his cattle predominately grass. “We call it the FFA diet; fescue and fresh air,” he said. “We don’t over graze, so we usually don’t have to feed hay until January.”

Josh has bought from North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming., but now has a predominately closed herd.

“We still buy a few select females or a few select bulls, but we AI everything,” he said. “We’ve got enough replacements now, so we don’t have to buy too many for the seedstock.”

For Josh, having Hereford and Angus is “a no-brainer.”

Elkland, Mo.

“If a person has a black Angus herd, they need to have a Hereford bull on it,” he said. “Most people don’t have just straight Herefords, but if they do, they need to have an Angus bull on it because you’re getting that heterosis. If you’re not taking advantage

of heterosis, you’re missing a lot of free money.”

Utilizing that practice, Josh plans to have 150 black baldie and Hereford commercial females to sell this fall. They will be bred to a low-birthweight Angus bull.

For Josh, a good cow is one that will go out and raise a good calf on fescue.

“She has to have a good temperament and she has to breed back every year,” he explained. “Longevity is a big thing in profitability, because people really figure the depreciation value on a cow on a per year basis.”

Josh believes that is something the Hereford breed really brings to the table; whether it’s a black baldie or a straight Hereford.

“The longevity is there, because of the maternal qualities of a Hereford,” he said.

Submitted Photos

MID MISSOURI STOCKYARDS

town & country in the field and in the office

Marla Moreland

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Hometown: Halfway, Mo.

Family:

Husband Bob Moreland; son John-Austin Shepard and his wife Katie

In Town: Marla Moreland, a native of Halfway, Mo., has been Realtor since 2004. In 2015, Marla and her husband Bob opened More-Land Realty. Marla is the Broker, and upon his retirement as president of Commerce Bank in Bolivar, Mo., in 2020, Bob joined Marla at the realty company as an agent.

In the Country: Bob and Marla live on 160 acres near Halfway, Mo. Marla grew up on a “hobby farm.”

Their Calf Across the Creek Cattle Company is home to a cow/calf operation. Marla said Bob is the “actual farmer,” and she likes to ride along with him to check for new calves in the spring. She also raises any orphaned calves, and her favorite cow, Cinnamon, which she raised from a bottle.

“She will never leave our farm,” Marla said. “She still comes running across a field if I call her name.”

Bob might be the cattleman, but Marla has her own “herd.”

“We have horses, miniature donkeys, and Pygmy goats,” Marla said. “The goats and the miniature donkeys are all me. Bob asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I asked if I could have anything I wanted, and he said yes. I told him I wanted miniature donkeys. Bob’s the farmer, and I’m his sidekick.

“My goat pen is my happy place where I can decompress from my real job as a Real Estate Broker.”

Marla said they will adding chickens back to the farm, once things slow down for them a bit.

Marla and Bob have their town jobs, but they love their farming way of life.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Marla said. “We love our farm and the country life, and we love our animals. We also love the people we interact with, the fellow cattlemen.”

Bob is the president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, and as he became more involved, Marla did as well. To get more ladies involved, Marla began recruiting ladies for the Polk County Cattlewomen organization, which is an auxiliary of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association focused on beef promotion, education and community involvement in Polk County. The organization sponsors the county Beef Queen and is active in Bolivar’s annual Missouri Beef Days event.

“It was to have more fellowship with the ladies, and we all have something in common,” Marla, who serves as the Polk County Cattlewomen Representative, explained.

Submitted Photo

slaughter cows

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 197.50215.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 175.00-225.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 130.00-187.50.

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

Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 75.00-110.00.

Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 120.00-130.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 80.00-117.50.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 50.00-80.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 125.00-135.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

slaughter bulls

Kids - Selection 1 (per

dairy & fed cattle

National Dairy Market 4/14/23

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.5300 and 40# blocks at $1.6125. The weekly average for barrels is $1.5570 (+0.0220) and blocks, $1.6625 (-0.0080).

Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk output is mixed from region to region, and in some regions, it is mixed from one area to the next. Melting snowpacks and cresting rivers in parts of the West and Midwest have created concerns in areas for crop planting/harvest, transportation delays, and milk output. Bottling orders holding steady in areas where schools are in session through the month, but in areas where schools let out in the upcoming weeks, school milk orders have begun to ebb. Cheesemakers in the Midwest are busy taking on ample amounts of extra spot milk. Condensed skim is readily accessible. Cream continues to move into the churn at a clip, while ice cream and cream cheese producers are a little more subdued regarding ordering in the past week. F.O.B. cream multiples for All Classes range 1.20-1.35 in the East; 1.21-1.30 in the Midwest; and 1.00-1.30 in the West.

replacement cows

cow/calf pairs

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 140.00-152.50.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 320.00-425.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 195.00-310.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 150.00-200.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 325.00-385.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 265.00-315.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 95.00-180.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 125.00-240.00.

Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 145.00-170.00.

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 200.00-260.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 210.00480.00.

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat 4/25/23

Receipts: 654

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 205.00-257.50.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 217.50223.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 179.00-237.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 100.00-209.00.

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 4/22/23

Receipts: 1,928

Feeder Sheep/Lambs:

Lambs - Medium and Large 1-2 (per cwt): 240.00.

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 240.00-275.00.

Slaughter Sheep/Lambs:

Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 225.00250.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 210.00-265.00.

Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 185.00-235.00.

Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 50.00.

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

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

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

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per unit): 100.00-125.00. Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 55.00.

Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 100.00-140.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 125.00-195.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 230.00-525.00.

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/20-40 lbs lamb (per unit): 150.00-450.00.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.9913 - $3.1109.

sheep & goats

White Sheep/Goat 5/4/23

Receipts: 1,045

Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Lambs - Medium and Large 1-2 (per cwt): 155.00-205.00.

Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 180.00-240.00.

Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 117.00.

Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 68.00-90.00.

Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 40.00-60.00.

Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 70.00-100.00.

Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 60.00-70.00.

Bucks 1-2 (per cwt): 80.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 177.50-210.00.

Feeder Goats:

Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/40-60 lbs lamb (per unit): 260.00-350.00.

Feeder Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 330.00-405.00.

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 230.00-300.00.

Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 170.00.

Slaughter Goats:

Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 320.00-410.00.

Selection 1 (per cwt): 324.00-410.00.

Selection 2 (per cwt): 202.50-307.50.

Selection 3 (per cwt): 100.00-187.50.

Goats: Selection 1 (per cwt): 290.00-297.50.

Selection 2 (per cwt): 200.00-270.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 112.00-162.50.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 187.50.

Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 140.00-177.00.

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 222.50.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 140.00-210.00. Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 85.00-220.00.

Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat 4/22/23

1,928

Sheep/Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 (per cwt): 240.00.

Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 240.00-275.00.

Sheep/Lambs:

Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 225.00-

Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 210.00-265.00.

Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 185.00-235.00. and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 50.00. and Utility 1-2 (per unit): 100.00.

Good 2-3 (per cwt): 130.00.

Good 2-3 (per unit): 130.00.

Utility and Good 1-3 (per unit): 100.00-125.00. (per cwt): 55.00.

Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 100.00-140.00.

Replacement Sheep/Lambs:

Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 125.00-195.00.

Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb (per unit): 230.00-525.00.

Small and Medium 1-2 w/20-40 lbs lamb (per unit): 150.00-450.00.

Small and Medium 1-2 w/40-60 lbs lamb (per unit): 260.00-350.00.

Goats: Selection 1 (per cwt): 330.00-405.00.

Selection 2 (per cwt): 230.00-300.00.

Selection 3 (per cwt): 170.00.

Goats: Selection 1 (per cwt): 320.00-410.00.

Avg. - 550-600 lb. steers

Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 210.00-280.00.

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-130.00.

Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 165.00-235.00.

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

Replacement Goats:

Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per unit): 150.00-385.00.

Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid (per unit): 300.00.

hog markets

National Direct Delivered Feeder Pig Report 5/5/23

Receipts This Week: 97,185

Early weaned pigs steady. All feeder pigs lower on light supplies. Demand moderate for moderate offerings.

Volume By State Or Province Of Origin: Missouri 5.3%

Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash):

All Early Weaned Pigs: 91,685 head, wtd. avg. 22.05.

All Feeder Pigs: 5,500 head, wtd. avg. 53.49.

Daily Direct Hog Report 5/5/23

Barrows and Gilts Purchased Swine (including Packer Sold)

National Head Count: 3,415

National Price Range: 64.00-77.00.

Western Cornbelt Wtd Avg Price: 74.38.

Western Cornbelt 5 Day Rolling Avg: 75.13 .

hay & grain markets

Mo. Weekly Hay Summary 5/5/23

It is said that April showers bring May flowers but April showers were few and far in between. Nearly 55 percent of the state is showing on the latest drought monitor and many in the areas that aren’t listed would argue someone needs to come visit them because it is dry. This is far from where anyone wants to be and a very concerning start to the year. There has been some guys cutting and wrapping some hay now trying their best to restock supplies. Grasses like fescue and orchard grass that should be cut in the next month or

feeder prices

so and make up most of the states hay stocks are just short and not growing much if at all. Everyone knows the situation in MO can pull a 180 in the blink of an eye and that is what everyone is hoping for because the optimism that was present in early March is fading fast. The supply of hay is light, demand is light to moderate and prices are steady. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory visit http://mda.mo.gov/abd/haydirectory/ for listings of hay http://agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/

Alfalfa - Supreme (Ask/Per Ton): Medium Square 3x3: 250.00-300.00.

Alfalfa - Supreme (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 10.00-15.00.

Alfalfa - Premium (Ask/Per Ton): Medium Square 3x3: 180.00-250.00.

Alfalfa - Good (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 150.00-180.00.

Alfalfa - Good (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-9.00.

Alfalfa - Fair (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 125.00-150.00.

Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Good/Premium (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-9.00.

Mixed Grass - Good/Premium (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 125.00-175.00.

Mixed Grass - Fair/Good (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 100.00-150.00.

Mixed Grass - Fair/Good (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-8.00.

Mixed Grass - Fair (Ask/Per Bale): Large Round: 50.00100.00.

Corn Stalk (Ask/Per Bale): Round: 35.00-55.00.

Straw: Wheat (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 4.00-7.00.

avg. grain prices

meet your neighbors Happy Days at Happy Critters Farm

By Eileen J. Manella

Nate and Brittany Gellman follow a methodical and scientific approach at their farm

Nate and Brittany Gellman shared a vision of raising crops and animals through permaculture practices.

Their common interests led to the establishment of Happy Critters Farm & Orchard, LLC. Together with their daughter Emily, the Gellmans moved to Mountain Grove, Mo., in Douglas County in 2018.

“I had an eye on this part of the country for a long time. If you want to farm, there’s a reasonable amount of precipitation,” Nate said. He also liked the affordability of the land, wanting space to sustainably raise cattle with frequent rotation. They got enough land for their herd, currently consisting of 12 Red Devons and South Polls, and to plant an orchard with a variety of trees such as apples and pears.

Brittany, who studied molecular biology and home-schooled 12-year-old Emily, said she liked the home-schooling freedoms in Missouri and “wanted to come to a state with more freedom minded individuals.” In the beginning, while Nate was on the road for work, Brittany homeschooled and handled a lot of the farming on her own.

“Having him gone was a trial,” she said. “It was a big struggle for her to try and deal with all of my ambitions,” Nate said. He was traveling for work as a pipeline rehab NDE (non-destructive evaluation) technician. “I did that for a little over 10 years. I’m still supporting that, but now I have an opportunity to work from home.

I do QAQC (quality assurance quality control) review of field reports, support technician training, and assist management in various ways. It’s only been in the last year that I’ve been able to be home.”

Brittany said her education helped with “the systems thinking, being methodical and the scientific method.” Permaculture and regenerative farming drew her inter-

est even more after becoming a mother and looking into pharmaceuticals when her daughter had digestive issues as an infant. Brittany has learned quite a bit since they started farming. “If you’re watching the grass and watching the cows, really, that’s how you learn the most.”

“I wasn’t looking for a specific breed. I was looking for a grass-fed genetic. Then it came down to finding seedstock as local

and there, but to have them on green, cool-season stockpile through the whole winter.”

Getting the land in shape has been their mission.

“We’re already seeing some improvements in our pasture. It doesn’t happen fast, but over time it really starts to compound in how much difference it makes,” Nate said. They focused on having diver-

hay, it was certified organic. I get the best that I can. It’s different every year,” said Nate. Brittany is equally committed to their natural methods. “I think that what we’re doing is the best for the planet and the people; for our health and the cows. For the piece of land that we are on, it’s an honorable thing. It may not be as profitable, though.”

“We want to continue to improve our genetics because every piece of land is different. Over five or 10 years, they are going to be epigenetically adapting to how we graze them,” Nate said.

The cattle have sea salt and kelp for minerals, which Nate said is “the most well-rounded.” They don’t use AI but have a bull and are linebreeding their herd.

“I’m trying to raise a grass-finished product, and at the same time, we’re trying to improve the genetics, and we’re small,” he explained.

as possible,” Nate said of their cattle. The Red Devons came from a local farm.

“There’s no grain. We’re all grass,” he explained.

“With the whole regenerative style and rotational grazing, the long-term goal is to get to a point where we have such good conditions that we can just supplement a little bit of hay here

sity in their fields without spraying or using chemicals. Brittany said Nate moves the cattle every one to three days, “so they aren’t part of that parasitic life cycle. They’re eating off of new, fresh ground.”

“The biggest compromise I make is in the hay. I do my best to source stuff that hasn’t been sprayed or fertilized. The first year we fed

“We want to get to a place where we can have the cows on fresh grass as much of the year as possible. I’m going to keep it [the herd] at about 14 total. That’s where I plan my top end, four mommas and then all their calves coming up and maybe replace the mommas here and there. I’m not going to look at going past that until I feel like we really have the soil and the pasture built up. We don’t want to over-impact our land. It doesn’t help the cows or the pasture. It really starts with the soil.”

Beef customers can select a whole or a half for their freezer from the Happy Critters website (happycrittersfarm.com). The Little Farm Store in Seymour, Mo., carries individual cuts of Happy Critters Farm & Orchard, LLC beef. Customers may order through the Little Farm Store website (littlefarmstore.com), and delivery is available in some areas.

A dream of raising animals and crops brought Nate and Brittany Gellman, and their daughter Emily to the Ozarks.

Photo by Eileen J. Manella

meet your neighbors

In addition to improving pastures and developing their cattle herd, the Gellmans have worked to create an orchard. They put in a pond that is connected to a swale system, with concentric semicircles that catch rainwater, helping to sustainably keep the trees and plants going. Water can also come from the pond through an underground pipe system that’s gravity fed. It also supplies tire tanks for livestock. Nate’s long-term goal is to have apple and pear trees in production within three to four years. They also planted other trees such as peach, plum, pawpaw and persimmon.

“We’ll have a pole shelter, a farm store out there to be able to sell our meat when people are here to pick,” Nate said. Last year they had a variety of vegetables and fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, Nanking cherries, quince, cranberry, mayhaw, sour cherries and asparagus, to name some.

“I have a separate set of interests than he does. I envision this being more of an agritourism destination with educational classes expanding into mushrooms or herbs or a nursery. There are just so many different avenues that we can take that it’s really going to be dialing down our personal interests and what we’re passionate about next and able to take on and have the time for,” Brittany said of the future. They have chickens and a smaller garden where they are experimenting with growing different vegetables.

The farm is about 100 acres, with 30 of it in pastureland for the time being. Looking toward the future, Nate said, “I did want to look at other enterprises. Someday, I want to do forest run hogs.”

They are also interested in ducks and geese.

One area of the orchard is planted with ornamental flowers and pollinator-friendly plants, including milkweed and herbs such as lovage and marshmallow.

“The intent was to make it more about a relaxing space to come hang out, bring your kids, they can play on the little treehouse,” Brittany added. “People just need a space where they can relax and be in nature, an immersive, relaxing experience.”

ADJOINING PROPERTIES

STOCKTON - STOCKTON - Hwy B, 153 Ac. This beautiful 153 ac. Has it all! Bottom ground, scattered woods and upground w/nice highway frontage, some sites, cattle-tights fence, Cedar Creek flowing through entire property. Don’t miss! ..................................... $688,500

STOCKTON - STOCKTON - Hwy B, 250 Ac. Really nice, mostly open property for livestock & hay production, upland & bottom ground, pipe corrals, well, Cedar Creek flowing through entire property $1,125,000

BRIGHTON - BRIGHTON - 3 to 6 Acre residential lots, paved roads, underground electric ...................... ............................... STARTING AT $40,000

ASH GROVE - ASH GROVE - Lawrence 1218, 12 Ac., Beautiful building site, open views, mature walnut trees, easy access to I-44 at Halltown ......... .............................................. $149,900

STRAFFORD - STRAFFORD - FR 112, 6 Ac., Popular area, wooded, paved frontage, Great building sites .............................................. $149,900

MT. VERNON - MT. VERNON - 40 Ac., Law. 2160, Nice and open 40 ares with good grass Southwest of Mt. Vernon, great building sites. $239,500

WILLARD - WILLARD - WFR 76, 18 Ac. Mostly open, Scattered trees, Live Water, Willard Schools, More land available. ........................... $249,900

AURORA - AURORA - Lawrence 1200 1+/- acre Quaint 3 BR/2 BA home located South of Mt. Vernon. Large 2-car garage, outbuilding, beautiful setting. Views overlooking Honey Creek. .......... $259,900

EVERTON - EVERTON - 45 Ac. Dade 177. Great panoramic views, mostly open, scattered trees, pond, road frontage on 2 sides................ $292,500

BOIS D’ARC - BOIS D’ARC - Farm Road 144, 37 Ac., Convenient to Springfield, beautiful rolling ground & mostly open property, great building sites ..... $325,000

EVERTON - EVERTON - 80 Ac. Dade 77. Mostly open, scattered walnuts, fenced, gently rolling. .......... .............................................. $440,000

BOLIVAR - BOLIVAR - 325th Road, 202 Ac., This 202 +/- acre property is located north of Bolivar & adjacent to Pomme de Terre Lake, great hunting, livestock or recreation ground... $649,000

tomkisseerealestate.com

EVERTON - 130 Ac. Dade 117. 1.4 miles of road frontage on three sides, open, fences, well, pond, pipe corals, great views. $715,000

LOCKWOOD - LOCKWOOD - 160 Ac CR 41. Open and level pasture ground just north of Lockwood, fenced, rural water. ............................... $720,000

LOCKWOOD - LOCKWOOD - 138 Ac CR 72. Road frontage on 2 sides, mostly all tillable $759,000

MILLER - MILLER - 120 Ac. Hwy 97, Nice open farm, tillable acres, nice livestock barns, home, great location .................................... $785,000

ALDRICH - ALDRICH - 237 Ac., Hwy 215, Really nice property overlooking Stockton Lake, mostly open, ponds, cattle tight fencing, road frontage on 3 sides ...................................... $832,000

EVERTON - 186 Ac. Dade 184. Fenced and crossfenced, well, several ponds, barn, shed, one mile of road frontage. Very Nice! .... $1,018,350

WENTWORTH - WENTWORTH - Law. 2145, 37 Ac., Located just off I-44, 2 - 50x600 tunnel barns, 2 - 42x300 ft. conventional turkey barns, 2 BR home, 60x100 red iron equipment barn ............... $1,200,000

BOLIVAR - BOLIVAR - Hwy 83, 385 Ac., Hunters Paradise, mostly wooded, hwy frontage, deer & turkey, beautiful building sites ................ $1,540,000

MOUNTAIN GROVE - MOUNTAIN GROVE - 140 Ac. CR 76-149, Beautiful property lying South of Mountain Grove, 6,350 sq. ft. home is exquisite custom built w/ imported cypress, 40x60 insulated shop, 2 BR cabin, too much to list............... $1,750,000

MT. VERNON - MT. VERNON - 445 Ac., Law. 2170, Great cattle ranch w/mostly open & some tillable ground, new fences, red iron barn, 3 wells .. $2,500,000

EVERTON - EVERTON - 522 Ac., Dade 184, all contiguous w/road frontage throughout, great open pasture w/views all around, 14 ponds, 2 barns, pipe/corral, really nice ............. $2,583,900

GAINESVILLE - GAINESVILLE - 1,753 Ac. Hwy N, Great grass farm setup & ready to go, 750 Ac. open, 1,000 Ac. timber, 4 BR home, commodity barn, equipment & livestock barns, great water & fencing ......... .............................................. $4,999,000

NORWOOD - NORWOOD - 2,590 Ac. Hwy 76 CR 137, Exceptional cattle ranch in heart of cow/calf country, mostly open w/fence, 3 acres of bottom ground, many buildings, 30 plus ponds & pipe water, 2 nice homes, too much to list .... ........................................... $7,888,200

417.882.5531

ST. CLAIR COUNTY LAND AUCTION

ag leaders

Kiley Evans

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Age: 15

Hometown: Galena, Mo.

Parents: Chad and Tennessa Evans

FFA Chapter: Galena FFA

Chapter Advisor: Tiffany Kauffman

What is your involvement in agriculture?

“I am currently involved in the Galena FFA Chapter. For the 2023-2024 school year I will be serving as the chapter president. I am also the Area 12 Chaplain. My Supervised Agriculture Experience is poultry production. I started out by incubating and hatching three laying hens and a rooster. In the past year, I have incubated several more and also invested in more chicks. I have now grown my flock to 22 laying hens and one rooster. I also raise and sell chicks to members in my community.”

What is your favorite part of being involved in agriculture?

“The vast amount of people I get to socialize with and meet. I enjoy getting to see all the different people that come from different backgrounds than myself. It’s truly amazing to see how just one broad community of people can unite and work together the way the agriculture indus-

What are your future plans?

“After I graduate high school, I plan to attend Crowder College for two years and attend their veterinary technician program. After my time at Crowder, I want to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia for my undergraduate degree. After undergrad, I plan to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Veterinary Medicine School. I want to eventually become a large animal veterinarian and open my own veterinary clinic/animal rescue.”

Star Greenhand (2021), Chapter Participant of the 2023 Missouri Agribusiness Academy and finalist in the 2023 Soybean Inno-

The following are results for Ozarks FFA Chapters from the 95th Annual

Missouri State FFA Convention

held April 20-21, in Columbia, Mo.

— STATE OFFICERS —

Owen Neely of Lockwood ............................ First Vice President

Maggie Stark of Adrian Vice President

Lilly Weber of Lamar .................................................. Vice President

Jaden Kultgen of Mount Vernon Vice President

Caleb Simpson of Bolivar....................................... Vice President

Gabriel Todd of Norwood ....................................... Vice President

Isabella Hamner of Camdenton ...................... Vice President

— STATE STAR AWARD WINNERS —

State Star in Agriscience .............................................. Ayren Rapp, Northeast Vernon County

— STATE PROFICIENCY WINNERS —

• Agriculture Sales-Placement ........................ Allison Steffen, Marshfield

• Agriscience Research-Integrated Systems ...... Clara Smith, Pleasant Hope

• Dairy Production-Entrepreneurship Whitney Yerina, Phillipsburg

• Dairy Production-Placement Treasure Clark, Seneca

• Equine Science-Placement ............................... Alexis Mullins, St. James

• Swine Production Entrepreneurship ........ Mason Forkner, Nevada

— TOP CHAPTER AWARDS —

Aurora, Carthage, Mount Vernon, Galena, West Plains, Neosho, Seneca and El Dorado Springs

— LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENTS — (State Champions)

• Creed Speaking..................................Gabi Thompson, Forsyth

— CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS — (State Champions)

• Dairy Cattle Evaluation MOUNTAIN GROVE (Payton Harker*, Zoey Criner, Landry Golden and Sam Peterson)

• Dairy Foods ............................................................................... FAIR PLAY (Caleb Henderson*, Katie Clark, Annah McGaha and Chloe Bruce)

• Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management AURORA (Kyrstin Gold, Lexie Burch, Karina Lopez and Marisol Castillo)

• Forestry ..........................................................................................FORSYTH (Peyton Lyerla”, Nick Guy, Rolly Fisher and Morgan Brown)

• Horse Evaluation NEVEDA (Mariska Buehler*, Esmeralda Franklin, Ariana Franklin and Bryson Morrison)

• Livestock Evaluation ................ MARSHFIELD (Jackson Dill*)

• Nursery/Landscaping ........................................................... SKYLINE (Quincy Hodges*, Lily Poynter, Ada Mabary and Colton Whitney)

• Poultry Evaluation NEOSHO (Brayden Selgeby*, Aiden Long, Caleb Loncarich Maelyn Wright)

* Notes first-place individual in the competition

— OTHER AWARDS —

• Raymond D. Hagan Scholarship .................... Jadyn Lower, Weaubleau

• New Chapters .................................................... Blue Eye & Laquey

• 2023 Missouri Teach Ag FFA Fall Public Speaking Contest ...................................................................... Calli Augusta, Mount Vernon

HONORARY STATE DEGREES —

Ashley Brown, Bolivar

Adam McGee Ph.D., Ash Grove

For a complete listing of awards from the 2023 Missouri FFA Convention, go to convention.missouriffa.org

the ofn ag-visors the

Advice from

professionals

Managing the Highs and Lows

By John Cowan

As an agricultural lender and a smallscale beef cattle producer, I continually work to gain knowledge on updated production and management practices and marketing opportunities. How do we minimize costs and maximize profits each year, while balancing herd health and body condition, along with being good stewards of the land and resources?

Whether you are financing breeding stock, borrowing for stockers and operating capital or simply operating out of cash, effectively managing the financial aspect of the operation through the ebbs and flows of the cattle market has become a focus for sustainability.

Experienced producers are aware of cattle cycles, either successfully navigating them or managing to get by. For new producers, understanding the cycle is key to growth through the expansion and contraction of the livestock market. This expansion and contraction cycle typically span a period from seven to 12 years, where changes in cattle inventories affect prices based upon the supply and demand of beef.

When prices are high or rising, producers typically will hold or purchase additional heifers and retain producing cows beyond their normal culling age, leading to herd expansions. These decisions capitalize on additional production availability and future revenues while prices remain strong. Over time, growth in production results in increases in cattle population, cattle on feed and marketings; giving way to a decline in prices due to over-supply – or the start of a contraction.

Conversely, as production levels rise during the expansion period and supplies exceed timely demand, prices fall, and producers tend to market additional heifers and cows due to concerns of future profitability. The move towards liquidation is referred to as the contraction period. These additional liquidations, over time, complete the cycle of supply, demand and resulting price fluctuations.

The full cycle typically transpires over several years due to the time required for production and marketing to the applicable supply/demand points. However, mini cycles may also occur on a local or regional basis due to extreme weather events such as drought, which affect available grazing and/or feed costs.

Producers who understand and manage the cyclical nature of the beef cattle industry are typically able to position the operation for continued, healthy growth; allowing for additional leased or purchased acreage and increased herd size. Proper financial position starts with analyzing the needs of the business in both the expansion and contraction periods of the cycle.

During expansion, when inventories are increasing and corresponding market prices and values rise, the cycle becomes easier to manage. With strong calf prices, the operation can market calves normally, liquidate unproductive breeding stock in favor of retaining heifers, and purchase bred heifers to improve the annual revenues and overall age of the herd. Additional livestock purchases, and in some cases equipment upgrades, provide for future revenues as well as management of future depreciation costs through proper tax planning.

It is in periods of contraction where prior planning can pay dividends. As prices retreat, production revenues decline, and producers liquidate non-producing cows and heifers in an effort to cover essential fixed and variable costs. While a single year may be mitigated to a break-even scenario in contraction, future periods can suffer from reduced production and sales due to smaller herd sizes.

Producers who purchase cattle annually, either for summer grazing or winter carry, must prepare for periods when a mini cycle occurs or when expansion converts to contraction and prices fall. In these scenarios, price volatility occurs when prices decline from purchase to sale without some type of forward contracting or hedge positions.

Operations positioned to sustain through the “bad years” are those that proactively manage the financial aspect in the “good years” through:

• Building cash reserves to improve liquidity

• Boosting equity in assets through cash purchases or accelerated debt repayment

• Mitigating costs with forward priced inputs or bulk purchase agreements, and/or

• Enacting a well-implemented marketing plan to provide for premium pricing in subsequent years.

Each business operation is different, be it size, location, or ownership structure. Whether your goal is to expand herd size, maximize profits or position the operation for transition to future generations; understanding the beef cycle and how it impacts your operation’s overall finances is key to weathering the expansion and contraction of cattle markets. As you navigate the cycle, building a team of trusted advisors, through neighbors, family or an experienced agricultural lender can als0o aid in making profitability a priority through strategic planning.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of John Cowan and are not endorsed by, and do not necessarily reflect the views of, Simmons Bank. Simmons Bank does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice.

John Cowan is the Senior Vice President of Simmons Bank

farm help

Making farming a little easier

Cull or Feed Out?

By Cheryl Kepes

Options to consider for open heifers

For whatever reason, and there can be many, some replacement heifer candidates simply fail to measure up to the rest. This leaves producers with a decision to make in regard to that heifer’s future.

Should she be culled and sent to the sale barn? Fed out and marketed as farm-raised beef? Held over and sent to a feedlot?

“There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and every option should be weighed on the basis of finances, experience, and the additional land base and resources that are needed to come to the right decision,” Andy McCorkill, University of Missouri Extension Field Specialist in Livestock, said.

Farm-raised Beef

In recent years the demand for farmraised beef has increased and remained steady.

“The struggles that COVID brought opened a lot of consumers’ eyes to issues and a desire for a more secure option for feeding the family,” McCorkill explained. “Beef was one of the first things to run out of supply in grocery stores, and the influx to locally sourced beef as a better option began.”

what do you say?

If price and supply availability were not a concern, what construction project would you like to undertake on your farm?

Livestock extension specialists state open heifers can be a good place to start for producers wanting to develop a direct-to-consumer beef marketing system.

“They are typically close enough being of size and finish that it doesn’t take much feed to have them ready for harvest, hence a low-cost option to make opportunity out of a bad circumstance,” McCorkill said.

To determine whether this is a cost-effective option producers will want to compare the costs associated with finishing out a beef to the selling price. High input costs, beef processing fees and marketing costs, if selling retail cuts, are all factors to consider.

There is time, money and resources involved in carrying the heifers, marketing them, and running a separate enterprise within the farm. There isn’t a clear answer for every operation.

“I would say heifers that will sell below market value, whether it be because she’s open or any other problem, provide the most opportunity to increase value and stand the most chance of making money,” McCorkill shared. “It is a tough decision right now; the market is strong for feeder cattle and slaughter cows; however, inputs are also high.”

“An 80by-100 shop and a 100by-300 hay/ machine barn.”

Hold Over for Feedlot

Typically, sending cattle to a feedlot is an option reserved for larger cattle operations. Most feedlot operators want enough cattle to fill a pot truck and a pen in the feedlot. If this is an option producers want to pursue, then several producers with similar herd genetics and management styles may want to pool a group of calves together. Some feedlots will allow heifers and steers to be comingled in the same pen.

Another option to explore is working with seedstock producers who offer marketing help or buyback programs for their customers’ calf crop. Additionally, livestock extension specialists recommend adding low-cost weight gains and days of age to calves as a way to add value to them.

“Understanding and being able to calculate the difference between value of gain and cost of gain is important in making a decision on whether or not to add weight to any set of calves,” McCorkill stated. “There are some good

“It would be a shop/ machinery shed with heated floors in the shop. I’d want it to be about 150 feet long and 80 feed wide.”

Clint Hetherington Stone County, Mo.

Mick Cooley Jasper County, Mo.

spreadsheets available online to help with calculating expenses and potential profits for running stockers.”

Evaluate Heifer Crop in Stages

Due to the ever-increasing costs to develop an animal, McCorkill encourages producers to look over their heifer crop at several points in the animal’s development. This allows producers to identify early in the process the females that are not going to make replacements. Thus, giving producers more time to decide what the right marketing move is regarding the heifers.

Times to evaluate the heifer crop include at or shortly after weaning, in the weeks leading up to breeding season (when a pre-breeding exam is conducted) and at a 90-day preg check. During these stages the heifer can be evaluated and analyzed to determine if she will make a good replacement female for the herd. If she doesn’t meet the producer’s criteria at any stage of the process, it’s time to decide on an alternative marketing strategy for that heifer.

“Another shop shed. It would be nice to have it 70 feet deep, 500 feet long. It would be a machine shed for 300 foot of it, a bay for the spray trailers and sprayers, a work bay and a wash bay to keep the equipment clean.”

Wyatt Cox Bates County, Mo.

“The first thing that comes to mind is a top-of-theline calving barn for January calving.”

Mark Moriondo Lawrence County, Mo.

Winter Coat Shedding

By Cheryl Kepes

The impact shedding has on cattle health and profitability

As happy as producers are to ditch their own winter coats as warmer weather arrives, they may be even more excited when their cattle shed their heavy, hairy coats prior to the onset of hot, humid days. Cattle in this part of the country that continue to hold on to all or part of their winter coats into spring and summer, can face health and production issues. Thus, impacting a producer’s profitability.

SHEDDING TIMING

Though it varies from animal to animal, for the most part, cattle will start shedding from front to back and from their topline to their belly. According to University of Missouri Extension specialists, the last places an animal sheds is its lower quarter above its hock and its underline. Multiple factors come into play to determine when an animal will shed its cold season coat. “Weather, age, nutritional status and genetics impact when cattle will shed off their winter hair,” Elizabeth MacConnell Picking, Field Specialist in Livestock with University of Missouri Extension, explained. In some cows, no shedding or slow shedding can be a red flag that the animal has a health issue. “Older cows, as well as thin and sick cattle, may shed their hair more slowly in the spring,” MacConnell Picking added.

HEALTH IMPACTS

Regardless of their current health status, as the blazing days of summer approach, animals that keep their winter hair or are slow to lose it, incur higher amounts of heat stress compared to their earlier shedding counterparts. And the lower an animal’s heat stress, the higher its production.

“Reducing heat stress, especially when grazing endophyte infected tall fescue, can help to improve milk production and average daily gain and weaning weights on calves,” MacConnell Picking said.

GENETICS ROLE

Genetics play a role in when and how much an animal sheds its winter coat in the spring. “Hair shedding does have a genetic component and hair shedding EPDs are starting to become available for producers to use when selecting sires,” MacConnell Picking stated. Producers may want to consider utilizing the hair shedding EPD as another factor when identifying potential herd sires or replacement females. However, not all breed associations currently offer a hair shedding EPD for their animals.

CULLING CONSIDERATIONS

If producers choose to consider hair shedding as a factor in culling, then they may want to implement hair shedding scores for the animals in their operation. “Hair shedding scores can be a useful tool for selecting replacements and making culling decisions,” MacConnell Picking said. Hair shedding scores consist of a scoring system of one to five, with one being a slick summer coat and five being a full winter coat. “Like body condition scoring, hair shedding scores can be somewhat subjective, so it is best to have a single person on the farm score all cattle,” MacConnell Picking explained. “May is a great time to record hair shedding scores,” she added. For more detailed specifics about how to implement a hair shedding scoring system producers can reach out to their local university extension livestock specialist.

NEW TRUCKS

Preventing Grass Tetany

By Cheryl Kepes

Strategies to keep cattle healthy on new, lush spring forage

Finally, green grass has erupted from the ground-filling pastures, producing a stage prime for spring grazing. It seems like the moment livestock producers have been waiting for has arrived. Yet, with the emergence of lush spring grass comes the possibility of grass tetany in cattle herds.

Causes: Livestock extension specialists point to diluted mineral contents in pastures, particularly low levels of magnesium (Mg), as the root cause of grass tetany in cattle. The reduced levels of magnesium in forages may occur for a variety of reasons, including poor soil conditions or nutrient relationships within the plant that result in a magnesium-deficient forage.

PRE-OWNED TRUCKS

Poor magnesium content in forages leads to magnesium deficiencies in some animals. The lack of adequate amounts of magnesium can cause grass tetany in cattle. Some animals are more susceptible to grass tetany than others. “Grass tetany is more prevalent in older cows, due to a reduced absorption of magnesium in the rumen, and in cows in early lactation,” Earl Ward, NE Area Livestock Specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension, said.

Older cows and cows nursing calves under the age of 4 months have a reduced ability to pull magnesium from their bones. Therefore, those sets of cows should be more closely monitored for signs of grass tetany.

Impact and Treatment: The initial signs of grass tetany, sometimes referred to as “grass staggers,” are salivation, excitability and an uncoordinated gait.

“Animals with grass tetany need to be handled extremely carefully because the more excited they get, the worse the condition gets,” Ward explained. “That’s why many of them go down in the chute.” Without intervention, grass tetany can progress to convulsions, coma, and death. If an animal dies due to grass tetany, typically, there will be signs of

thrashing near its body.

If caught during its early stages, animals with grass tetany can be treated. Producers should remove the sick animal from the pasture and increase the magnesium in its blood through injections. Livestock extension experts state the USDA recommends injecting subcutaneously a 200 ml dose of a 50 percent solution of magnesium sulfate.

“Another method is to give an intravenous injection of calcium-magnesium gluconate,” Ward added. “However, this injection requires the animal to be calm and preferably sedated because it must be given slowly to avoid putting the animal into cardiac arrest.”

Prevention: Grass tetany can be prevented through several management practices. One way to decrease the chance of grass tetany is waiting until the forage is more mature before allowing cattle to graze it. When grasses reach 6 inches of growth the forages contain higher magnesium levels. Though for many producers this is an unlikely strategy due to the pressing need for grazing pasture for their animals.

Therefore, a more viable prevention measure is providing a magnesium supplement for the herd. Livestock specialists recommend mixing Magnesium oxide (MgO) with salt and feeding it at a 75 percent salt to 25 percent magnesium oxide ratio. Additionally, there are commercial minerals that contain a “high” magnesium content to help the cow herd increase its magnesium intake. Another option is providing additional magnesium through the water supply. However, magnesium oxide is insoluble in water. Other alternates are magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate which are all soluble options that can be used in the water supply.

If the problem stems from improper mineral levels in the soil, then a soil test can reveal what nutrients are lacking. With that information in hand, producers can then take steps to manage for low magnesium.

Building FinishingaFacility

By Cheryl Kepes

Actions to take prior to breaking ground

The more planning that takes place before starting construction of a feeding facility, such as a finishing floor, barn, or feedlot, the better the project will progress. No perfect plan eliminates hiccups along the way, but taking certain steps before breaking ground can pave a smoother path toward success.

Determine Size: First, determine how many animals will be fed at the finishing facility. The number of hogs, cattle, chickens or other livestock a producer plans to manage will be the guiding factor in what size to build the facility. General standards for square footage are needed depending on the type of livestock and the nature of the operation. Additionally, the size of the operation impacts the regulations the operation must follow during construction. Small hobby farms don’t fall under the same rules and regulations as larger, full-time operations.

Consult Regulations: Prior to breaking ground, experts stress it is essential for producers to check with local jurisdictions to ensure they are following the requirements and applying for permits if needed. The regulations and permits required depend on the size of the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) or the size of the Animal Feeding Operation (AFO). However, even if the operation falls below the number of animals required for more stringent permitting and ordinances, producers may want to consider implementing the requirements into their construction plan. “It’s still a good idea to follow the regulations as close as you can because if there is ever an issue, you can say I did my due diligence to try and prevent that,” Jim Crawford, University of Missouri Extension Field Specialist in Agricultural Engineering, said. “Even though you are not required to follow the regulations if you are small if there is a problem, you are still just as liable,” Crawford added.

Location: Producers will want to consider several factors when determining a location for their finishing facility. “The first thing you want to think about in regard to the location is where is it going to be sited in relationship to a residence because regardless of how much work you do, there is a possibility of an odor issue,” Crawford stated.

Other considerations related to location include the proximity to utilities, water supply and other infrastructure. Additionally, producers who plan to rely on agri-businesses to deliver feed or hay should keep in mind the roads must consistently be in good enough condition for trucks to make deliveries. Though remote locations work well from an odor standpoint, if the roads aren’t bladed in the winter when it snows, or they get too soft in heavy rains, then it may not be a good location for the operation.

Another important aspect of choosing a location has to do with where the facility will be in relation to water sources such as creeks, rivers and streams. Setbacks from water sources vary depending on the type of operation. The requirements and definition of water sources change from time to time, so producers need to make sure they are seeking the most updated information.

Look Ahead: While making current plans go ahead and chart out plans for future expansion as well. Preparing for possible expansion 10 to 20 years down the road can save time and money in the long run. “Yes, it is extra money upfront, but building prices are not going to get any cheaper,” Crawford explained. “And it is less expensive to build initially than to try to come back and add on and make it all work.”

Producers may choose to build only what they need now but then plan for the additional facilities in the future. Creating an overall long-range plan will help producers ensure their future building projects move forward with fewer complications.

ozarks’ calendar

May 2023

15 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Dallas County Alumni Building, Buffalo, Mo. – to register call 417-345-7551 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/az5

15 High Tunnel Workshop & Tour – Victory Freewill Baptist, Alton, Mo. – cost: $15 – for questions 573-243-3581 – register online at go.ozarksfn.com/9dm

16 “Morning in the Garden” Gardening Series “Japanese Maples” – Free class – 10 a.m. – Forsyth, Mo. – 417-546-4431 or taneyco@missouri.edu

16-18 Missouri Tomato School – to register visit muext.us/MoTomatoSchool2023

17 Preserving and Using Herbs – 10 a.m. – free to attend, no registration required – Kimberling City, Mo. – for more information visit mgozarks.com

18 Barn Quilt Class – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Former Dollar General Building, 22126 US Hwy 54, Hermitage, Mo. – to register call 417-745-6767

18-6/15 Extension Garden Steward – Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m. – Online via Zoom –Cost: $99 – register online at go.ozarksfn.com/9lf

19-21 48th Annual Four State Farm Show – Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan. – 620-423-2355 or 417-833-2660

19 Preparing for Farm Succession Planning – 6-8:30 p.m. – Cost: Free – Phelps County Courthouse Multipurpose Room, 200 N. Main, Rolla, Mo. – to register call 573-438-2671 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/yq4

20 Sheep and Goat Clinic – Lawrence County Youth Fairgrounds, Freistatt, Mo. – 417-466-3102

20 Spring Native Plant Sale – 8 a.m.-noon – Rolla Farmers Market, Rolla, Mo.

e voice of the

Ozarks

22 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – 6:30-8:30 p.m. –Polk County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, Bolivar, Mo. – to register call 417-326-4916 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/2hq

23 Salsa Gardening-Part 1, Let’s Get Growing – 10:30 a.m. – Taneyhills Community Library, Branson, Mo. – free class and open to everyone – for more information visit mgozarks.com

24-26 Dairy Cow Camp – Freistatt, Mo. – for more information call 417-847-3161

25 Application Deadline for Pre-college Summer Institute/Camp – STEM education camp for students interest in digital agriculture technology, data science, robotics and machine learning – Free camp with all accommodation and meals provided for selected participants – June 24-July 2 or July 8-16 Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo. – for more information contact Dr. Sougata Bardhan, 573-681-5249 or BardhanS@lincolnu.edu – apply online at tinyurl.com/NSCLU

25 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – First Baptist Church, Osceola, Mo. – to register call 417-646-2419 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/lmv

27 Home Food Preservation - Sweet Spreads – 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Cost: $20 – King Jack Park, 106 E. Tracy Street, Webb City, Mo. – for questions call 417-455-9500 or stewarted@missouri.edu

27 MO All-Breeds Dairy Heifer Show – Lawrence County Youth Fairgrounds, Freistatt, Mo. – 417-466-3102

30 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – Online via Zoom – to register call 417-745-6767 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/ulo

June 2023

1 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – 6:30-8:30 p.m. –Old Dollar General Store, Hermitage, Mo. – to register call 417-745-6767 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/vkl

1-3 Lawrence County Youth Fair – Lawrence County Youth Fairgrounds, Freistatt, Mo. – 417-466-3102

3 Feeder Calf Marketing Field Day – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Bradley Bull Development Farm, 972 Rolling Meadows Lane, Marshfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457

5-6 4-H FFA Youth Show and Sale – Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds, West Plains, Mo. – 417-256-2391

5 Cool Season and Warm Season Forage Options for Pastures – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Webster County MU Extension Office, Marshfield, Mo. – to register call 417-849-2044 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/8sc

5-8 MU Ag Lenders School – MU Campus, Columbia, Mo. – for more information and to register visit cvent.me/40bDal – registration deadline is May 15

6 300 Days Grazing System Workshop – 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – University of Central Missouri’s Prussing Farm, Warrensburg, Mo. – register by May 31 – 816-380-8460 or 660-827-0591

6-8 Newton County Grazing School – Neosho, Mo. – to register 417-451-1007 ext. 3 or tracy.white@swcd.mo.gov

— ZONE A AUCTIONS —

5/16 Earl T. Miller Retirement Auction –Windsor, Mo. • Martin Auctions

5/20 Absolute Real Estate & Equipment Auction – El Dorado Springs, Mo. • Town & Country Auctions

5/20 Benton County Sheri s Auction –

Warsaw, Mo. • Johnson Auction Service

5/20 Rodney Lowrance Public Auction –Pleasant Hope, Mo. • Bruce & Le’AN

Auction & Appraisal LLC

5/21 William & Carolyn Tompkins Estate Auction – Bolivar, Mo. • Bruce & Le’AN

Auction & Appraisal LLC

5/24 Robert Cowden & Candy Hartman Estate Auction – Bolivar, Mo. • Crawford Auction Service, 417-998-6629, crawfordauctionservice.com • See Our Ad on Page 30

5/27 Danny & Marsha Jones Public Auction –Wheatland, Mo. • Bruce Auction Company

5/27 Farrel & Carol Montgomery Estate Auction – Stockton, Mo. • Bruce & Le’AN Auction & Appraisal LLC

5/27 Robert Summers Estate Auction –Brighton, Mo. • Crawford Auction Service, 417-998-6629, crawfordauctionservice. com • See Our Ad on Page 30

5/31 Cli & Martha Nall Estate Auction –Warsaw, Mo. • Crawford Auction Service, 417-998-6629, crawfordauctionservice. com • See Our Ad on Page 30

6/3 Guns, Tractor, Tools, Furniture & More Auction – Stockton, Mo. • Melton

Auction & Realty Co., LLC

6/3,10 Sherry Gibson Estate Auction – Osceola, Mo. • Crawford Auction Service, 417998-6629, crawfordauctionservice.com • See Our Ad on Page 30

6/5 St. Clair County Land Auction – Lowry City, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 816-797-5450, wheelerauctions.com

• See Our Ad on Page 20

— ZONE B AUCTIONS —

5/20 Farm Auction – St. James, Mo. • Lorts Auction Service

5/20 Robert & Kay Plummer Estate Auction –Lebanon, Mo. • Crawford Auction Service, 417-998-6629, crawfordauctionservice. com

• See Our Ad on Page 30

5/20 Zimmerman Farm & Equipment Auction

– Florence, Mo. • Dick Hutchison Auction and Real Estate LLC

5/25 Bryant Auction Weekly Auction – Osage Beach, Mo. • Bryant Auction Service LLC

5/29 Mike Brown Public Auction – Mora, Mo.

• Johnson Auction Service

6/3 Gun Auction – Doolittle, Mo. • J&J Sales LLC

6/10 Claude & Jean Hickey Real Estate & Estate Auction – Richland, Mo. • Glenworth Auction & Realty, 417-767-4345, glenworth.com

• See Our Ad on Page 31

ZONE C AUCTIONS —

5/20 Estate of Dennis Doss Auction – Verona, Mo.

• Stump ’s Realty & Auction Service, Inc.

5/20 Estate of W. Elmer Bailey Auction – Nixa, Mo. • Bob Kollmeier Auctions

5/20 Henry L and Ruby Yoder Public Auction

– Mt. Vernon, Mo. • Martin Auctions

5/20 Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

– Spring eld, Mo. • ree Creeks Auction

5/27 Karla Walker & the late Richard Walker Estate Auction – Stra ord, Mo. • Chadwell Auctions LLC

5/28 Guns and Fishing Lures Auction –Spring eld, Mo. • Easterly Auction Company

5/29 Annual Memorial Day Antique Auction

– Branson, Mo. • Coon Ridge Auction Company

6/3 e late Bob & Jean Dunehew Real Estate & Estate Auction – Cape Fair, Mo. • Essick Auction & Realty

6/3 Real Estate & Personal Property Auction

– Spring eld, Mo. • Cheyney Auction Company LLC

6/22 Lawrence County Real Estate Auction –Miller, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, 636-795-4552, wheelerauctions. com

• See Our Ad on Page 20

— ZONE D AUCTIONS —

5/20 Beasley Estate Tractors, Guns & More Auction – Gainesville, Mo. • Eric King Auctions

5/27 Schwartz Consignment Auction –Licking, Mo. • Martin Auctions

6/3 Tony & Joyce Lootens Estate Auction –Macomb, Mo. • Chadwell Auctions LLC

ONLINE & OUTSIDE AREA — AUCTIONS —

5/16 Online Consignment Auction – Odessa, Mo. • Oldham Auction Inc.

5/17 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes May 17th at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

5/20 Zaccagnini Ranch Auction – Pleasant Hill, Mo. • Wheeler Murphy Auction Company

5/23 JP’s Consignment Auction – Harviell, Mo. • JP’s Auction Service

5/24 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes May 24th at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

5/25 Becker Family Farms Retirement Online Auction – bidding closes May 25th at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

5/31 Online Equipment Auction – bidding closes May 31st at 10 a.m. – bigiron.com

• Big Iron Auctions

6/3 Farm Equipment & Personal Property Auction – Cairo, Mo. • Scotty’s Auction Service

6/3 Jack & Jean Eaton Estate Auction –Holden, Mo. • Johnson Auction Service

6/24 Sellmeyer Farms Huge Farm Liquidation Auction – Afton, Okla. • B A Rigby & Associates

— ANGUS —

Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457brucembradley@hotmail.com

Double H Ranch - Ava, MO816-896-4600

Mead Farms - Barnett, MO573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855

Menzies Cattle CompanyMarshfield, MO - 417-425-5659 - jmenzies79@gmail.com

Pitts Angus Farms - Hermitage, MO417-399-3131www.pittsangusfarms.com

— BALANCERS —

B/F Cattle Company - Butler, MO660-492-2808

Hilltop Farms - Asbury, MO -

417-842-3225 - 417-529-0081 - 417-529-7556

— BRANGUS —

Horsehead Ranch - Talala, Okla. - 918-695-2357 -

www.HorseheadRanch.net

— CHAROLAIS —

Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457brucembradley@hotmail.com

Mead Farms - Barnett, MO -

573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855

— GELBVIEH —

Hilltop Farms - Asbury, MO417-842-3225 - 417-529-0081 - 417-529-7556

— HEREFORDS —

Jim D. Bellis - Aurora, MO -

417-678-5467 - 417-466-8679

Journagan Ranch - Mtn. Grove, MO - 417-838-1482

Mead Farms - Barnett, MO -

573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855

Menzies Cattle CompanyMarshfield, MO - 417-425-5659 - jmenzies79@gmail.com

— LIMOUSIN —

Glendenning J Bar J RanchLebanon, MO - 417-588-6121

- 417-664-0913 - 417-664-1186

- jack@jbarjlimousin.comwww.jbarjlimousin.com

Minor Limousin - Strafford, MO

417-576-6364 - 443-605-6127www.minorlimousin.com

— RED ANGUS —

Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457brucembradley@hotmail.com

Dunseth Farm - Halfway, MO417-445-2256

Watkins Cattle CompanyHarrison, AR - 870-741-9795 –870-688-1232 –watkinscattleco@windstream.net

— SALERS —

Dunseth Farm - Halfway, MO417-445-2256

— ULTRABLACK

Thank you, dairy farmers.

June is dairy month, a time to honor this long-held tradition in MFA’s trade territory and recognize the contributions of our hardworking dairy farmers.

Dairy farmers, stop by your MFA Agri Services Center or local affiliate and ask about MFA feeds with Shield Technology. Shield uses unique ingredients to boost rumen function and animal health. The results will speak for themselves.

See what MFA Shield Technology can do for your herd. Contact your MFA Agri Services or affiliate location for more information, or call (573) 876-5244.

Whole farm perspective. Whole farm value.

Ash Grove - 417-751-2433

MFA Agri Services

Aurora - 417-678-3244

Coop Assn. #86

Bolivar - 417-326-5231

Farmers Exchange

Buffalo - 417-345-2121

Farmers Exchange

Cassville - 417-847-3115

MFA Agri Services

Fair Grove - 417-759-2525

Farmers Exchange

Golden City - 417-537-4711

MFA Agri Services

Lamar - 417-682-5300

MFA Agri Services

Lebanon - 417-532-3174

MFA Farmers Produce EX #139

Lowry City - 417-644-2218

Farmers Exchange

Marshfield - 417-468-2115

MFA Agri Services

Mt. Vernon - 417-466-3752

MFA Agri Services

Ozark - 417-581-3523

MFA Agri Services

Stockton - 417-276-5111

Farmers Exchange

Urbana - 417-993-4622

Farmers Exchange

Weaubleau - 417-428-3336

Farmers Exchange