OFN May 17, 2021 by Eric Tietze

BUILDINGS & CONSTRUCTION ISSUE • BEEF MONTH

Generations Farming is in the Butler family DNA

MAY 17, 2021 • 28 PAGES

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

From Strawberries to Cattle

The Hamm family started with 90 acres and now has about 500

High Cotton

The Tripp family’s cotton operation continues to grow and expand

Maternal or Terminal Traits?

Producers should consider the goals for their herd when making breeding plans

rumor mill

Muskogee, Okla., native appointed to board: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed Billy Taylor to the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. Taylor grew up south of Muskogee and attended Oktaha Public Schools, where he graduated in 1976. He earned an associate degree in 1978 at Connors State College. His bachelor’s of science in agriculture was completed in 1980 at Oklahoma State University. He also is a 1991 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking of the South and a 1992 graduate of the National Commercial Lending School. Taylor began his career in finance in 1981 as an agricultural lender with the Farm Credit System. He is the CEO of Armstrong Bank, and CEO/vice chairman of Ironhorse Financial Group Inc. Applications due May 31: The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available at go.ozarksfn.com/u0d. There is no cost to apply. To qualify, the same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2021. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption. The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income. Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions. Farm families of the year announced: County families for the 74th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program have been selected. The families will be visited by a set of judges to determine eight district winners, who will be announced June 15. The state Farm Family of the Year will be announced in December at the Farm Family of the Year luncheon in North Little Rock. Families from the Arkansas Ozarks selected include: Baxter – Cody and Hannah Walker family, Henderson; Cleburne – Bill and Gail Davis, Concord; Fulton – Michael and Duana Batterton family, Viola; Marion – Heath and Emily Smith, Yellville; Searcy – Fon Cash family, Everton; White – Brandon Gordon, Bradford; Van Buren – Ronnie and Kerri Jones family, Scotland; Benton – Kaleb and Chrisie Smith, Gentry; Boone – Richard and Gina Blevins Farm, Omaha; Carroll – Fred and Mitzi Worley, Berryville; Crawford – Scott and Tanya Rogers, Alma; Franklin – Mark and Becky Campbell, Ozark; Johnson – Chris and Brooklyn Heiser, Lamar; Madison – Jack and Brook Hudgins, Huntsville; Newton – Dustin Cowell family, Mount Judea; Sebastian – Woody Hester, Hartford; Washington – Froud Farms, Springdale; Conway – Foshee Family Farms, Atkins; Faulkner – Tim and Judith Allen, Mayflower; Logan – Whitaker Farms, Booneville; and Pope – Jason and Becky Smith, Atkins.

Know a Good Rumor?

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

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

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

MAY 17, 2021

VOL. 15, NO. 4

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

7 8 10 16

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

New isn’t always better Jody Harris – Sharing the farm with others Julie Turner-Crawford – Taking it too far

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Five generations and counting 8 The Hamm family farm began

with strawberries, but is now a thriving cattle operation Women work to share history and promote the future Eye on Agribusiness features River Valley Construction Town & Country spotlights Brett Seaman Family brings a cotton gin back to the Ozarks Youth in Agriculture highlights Katy Richard

FARM HELP 20 Building a financially 21 22

stable farm

Slowing parasites Controlling flies with IGRs Are you breeding for the right traits? Before you build, have a plan

MAY 17, 2021

just a

thought

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

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

Eric Tietze Publisher

Life Is Simple

By Jerry Crownover

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting

e f i L elpmiS si

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

preading fertilizer on the pastures and hayfields is certainly a lot different today than it was in my younger days. I can remember vonw rC yrreJ yB helping my father with theretask byostanding on one end of the field with an empty feed sack, and stepping-off the spreader width with each Jerry Crownover is pass he made in order for him to have a point of refera farmer and former ence to return to. He did the same on the other end of professor of Agriculture the field by hanging a feed sack over the fence, but my Education at Missouri help allowed him to only have to dismount from the State University. He is a tractor once, instead of twice each round. native of Baxter County, Today, I have a GPS monitor inside the cab of my Arkansas, and an tractor that directs me to within a couple of inches author and professional of accuracy on a 60-foot, spreader width. I thought it speaker. To contact Jerry, was a great investment 10 years ago when fertilizer was go to ozarksfn.com and $250 per ton by preventing me from overlapping my click on ‘Contact Us.’ passes, or skipping strips by being too far apart. Now, with fertilizer costing over $600 per ton, it turns out to be a super-dooper investment. Since I’ve always been a late-adopter (someone who economists refer to, when talking about people who are too cheap to quickly jump on board of new technology) I thought my old crop-farming buddy in north Missouri cropland would be impressed with my high-tech purchase. “Do you have an auto-steer connection to your GPS?” he snidely asked. “No.” Laughingly, he stated, “Well, if you had that option, you wouldn’t even have to do anything but turn the steering wheel at the end of each pass.” “I don’t think that would be too helpful, here in the hills and hollers of the Ozarks,” I explained.

Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation

Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors

Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller, Cheryl Kepes, Chad Pittillo and Terry Ropp

About the Cover

Kreg and Erika Butler, along with their twins Kash and Kord, are dedicated to the cattle industry. Read more on page 7. Photo by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

t’s amazing how many children have no idea where their food comes from. Our schools are incorporating more of this important education in the current curriculum. Our farm is a novelty to most chilJody Harris is a freelance dren who visit. They see it as a place to come drive communications around and pet animals. The truth is our farm provides specialist, gardener, a lot of meat, eggs and vegetables every year. ranch wife and mother of Recently, I went with my daughters’ Girl Scout troop four. She and her family out to their beloved Camp NOARK for a spring camraise Angus beef cattle pout. They have a leader who creatively plans releand other critters on vant activities for their age group. She has been able their northwest Arkansas to keep the girls involved in scouting through ninth ranch. She is a graduate grade and counting. of Missouri State University. This trip, the girls were focused on what is called the To contact Jody, go to Locavore badge. They were tasked with learning about ozarksfn.com and click on where to source food from local farms, the importance ‘Contact Us.’ of local food and even learned to prepare it through a cooking competition. The day of the trip, I hopped in line at Reagan Family farms here in Fayetteville, Ark. Their fresh strawberries have a reputation of popularity in our community. If patrons do not arrive early, they may sell out while people wait in line. I was able to get a flat and some local honey for the girls to use that weekend. When we headed to the campout, I loaded my cooler with our farm fresh eggs and some beef we had recently butchered from our own herd. The girls’ leader showed up with freshly picked mint from her garden and some pickles she had canned last year. During that weekend, we took the girls to the local Huntsville, Ark., farmer’s market and the Huntsville pantry. The pantry is known for locally-sourced staples and homemade goods. The girls acquired homemade bread, cinnamon rolls and other ingredients for their foodie adventure. We were happy to patronize a few local farmers in the process of gathering their goodies. When the girls returned to the chalet at our campout, we set up workstations complete with a box of mystery ingredients. They worked mightily for about an hour chopping, cooking and baking inside the small kitchen. When they had exhausted themselves with creativity, each of the adult chaperones was presented with the opportunity to taste their concoctions. I am going to be honest here; some of the plate presentations were a little scary looking. We were brave and tasted each item with an open mind. It was impressive to watch these young culinarians put locally-sourced food into their creations. After much debate, the winner was presented with a gift card to a favorite local coffee shop in Fayetteville. Each Girl Scout walked away from the weekend knowing how to source local farm-fresh ingredients. They had confidence in themselves to prepare food that was creative and edible. I hope I can make it my mission to educate more people on the importance of farming in our community. We have a grand opportunity with this generation of children to help them appreciate local farms and shopping in their own community. As farmer’s markets open across the country, I hope you have an opportunity to patronize some of them, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MAY 17, 2021

just a thought

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olorado has done it again. First, it was the governor of the Centennial State declaring March 20 as “MeatOut Day,” and now there is a ballot initiative Julie Turner-Crawford that, if passed in 2022, will devastate the is a native of Dallas state’s livestock industry. County, Mo., where According to published reports, Initiative 16, a section she grew up on her referred to as “Wilbur’s Law,” adds livestock and fish to family’s farm. She is a the state’s animal cruelty law and redefines what congraduate of Missouri stitutes a “sexual act with an animal,” including pracState University. To tices used in breeding and animal husbandry. PAUSE contact Julie, call 1-866(Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Ex532-1960 or by email at ploitation) states “any intrusion or penetration, howeveditor@ozarksfn.com. er slight, with an object or part of a person’s body” into an animal would be a criminal act. In other words, AI would be outlawed, as would palpation, obtaining a pelvic measurement, collecting semen, castration or assisting in a difficult birth. Some veterinarians in Colorado have also voiced concerns it would be illegal to spay and neuter pets. The initiative states it wouldn’t prevent someone from “dispensing care to an animal in the interest of improving that animal’s health.” However, opponents say there’s a

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— Continued on Next Page

Ingredients: • 4 C frozen miniature tater tots • 1 pound ground beef • 1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning • 2/3 C water • 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 C shredded lettuce • 1/4 C sliced ripe olives, optional • 1/4 C taco sauce • 1/2 C sour cream

Directions: Bake tater tots according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Top tater tots with beef mixture, cheese, lettuce and, if desired, olives. Serve with taco sauce and sour cream. Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers. Mail them to: PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

MAY 17, 2021

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page misunderstanding of agricultural practices and caring for livestock. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is “looking” at the proposal. The anti-animal agriculture organization’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, said PETA is “all in favor of pointing out the sexual abuse of farmed animals, including cows who are violated during artificial insemination… piglets who are castrated while fully conscious and without pain relief; and many more.” That doesn’t surprise me. PETA likes to say farmers and ranchers as the bad guys. Yet, PETA has euthanized more than 40,000 dogs and cats since 1998, some only weeks old and only minutes after being taken to PETA’s only shelter in Virginia.

Initiative 16 also requires the slaughtering of livestock only occurs if an animal has lived a quarter of its natural lifespan. Cattle have a 20-year lifespan, so feeder calves will be oxen before being processed. That’s a lot more feed, and beef quality will be low. It will be genuinely aged before it ever hits the packer. The two designated representatives of the initiative are Alexander Sage of Broomfield, Colo., and Brent Johannes of Boulder, Colo. The duo, who have not consented to any interviews with Colorado media, allegedly have ties to “radical animal extremist” organizations and are pushing the initiative to destroy animal agriculture. They and their supporters must gather 124,632 valid voter signatures to get it on the November 2022 ballot. There’s a chance PULSE will gather enough signatures, and that spells bad news for farmers, ranchers and feedlot owners.

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There will be lots of misinformation about farming while supporters try to gather the needed signatures. Hopefully, agriculture-related organizations and groups are already working to stop the measure before it even gets to the ballot. If not, they will be behind the proverbial “eight ball.” If the measure does get on the ballot, I’m sure there will be tremendous donations from groups like PETA to promote a “yes” vote by Colorado residents. There will be some highly-paid actors with non-farming backgrounds stumping for votes, claiming cows are “raped” and “sexually tortured” to make farmers and ranchers sound like deviants. Sadly, they are trying to compare farming practices to bestiality to get some votes. What does a petition going around in Colorado have to do with farming and ranching in the Ozarks? More than you may realize. Animal-rights extremists are doing everything they can to destroy farmers and ranchers, and they will not stop at state lines. Oregon has a similar, basically identical, ballot measure seeking support. I have a sneaking suspicion we will see more and more of these pop up across the country if these measures in Colorado or Oregon get on the ballot; these are just test runs by anti-ag groups. You might be saying to yourself,

“that won’t do that here,” think again; it can and will happen one day. If passed, Initiative 16 opens the pathway to making it a crime to vaccinate an animal without sedatives, milk an animal, or house an animal in a fenced area. PETA and organizations like it could one day get their wish that all animals can roam free without human intervention. If that were to occur, not only would humans die from starvation, but so would millions of animals because of overpopulation and a slew of diseases. How organizations claiming to care about animals think this is a good idea is beyond me. Producers need to be aware of issues brewing about the industry and take a stand. Ask your local, state and federal lawmakers what they are doing to protect agriculture against anti-farm-related organizations; they all have lobbyists on the payroll. It takes a lot more than being a right-to-farm state or community to protect farmers and ranchers and their way of life. It takes someone willing to stand up, not stand in line, to protect American’s farmers and ranchers.

Life Is Simple

Continued from Page 3

“Sure it would,” he confidently replied. “Does your auto-steer recognize boulders in the field?” I argued. “No.” “Does it identify trees in your path?” “No.” “Will it avoid sinkholes?” “No.” “How about swampy, wet spots?” Sighing in exasperation, my friend replied, “No.” I rested my case. Technology does have its limitations, as I was reminded while traveling to Mississippi with my youngest son to help him find a place to live while he attended graduate school. My son is very intelligent (he takes after his mother),

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

but I don’t think he ever learned to read a map and has certainly never owned one. He has grown up with computers, smart phones and GPS navigators. As we were traveling through Memphis, Zach was intently watching the screen on his phone when he said, “Dad you need to turn right at the very next intersection.” “No, I don’t,” I responded. In panic mode, he yelled, “Yes, you do! We’ll be going the wrong way if you don’t turn NOW!” “Well, we’ll be very wet if we turn right, now,” as I pointed out his window, which overlooked the mighty Mississippi River. Good thing he didn’t have auto-steer. MAY 17, 2021

Generations

meet your

neighbors Photo by Kayla M. Hutson-Miller

By Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller

Farming is in the Butler family’s DNA

Raising cattle, planting crops in Northeast Oklahoma – it’s been a way of life for more than 100 years for members of the Butler family. Now as the fifth generation prepares to pursue careers in agriculture, the future looks promising for the family. Detmer and Mary Houck settled in what is known as the former Dodge township at the turn of the century. The Butlers, who married into the family, arrived in Oklahoma with the Trail of Tears. Kreg, Detmer’s great-grandson, and his wife Erika, along with their twin 18-year-old sons Kash and Kord, live on Kreg’s grandfather’s place in Cowskin Prairie. Marshall and Dolores Houck purchased the place in 1941. Kreg’s parents, John Elmo and Marsha Butler, live on another part of the family’s farm in the former Dodge township. Led by Kreg and John Elmo Butler, the family owns or leases 1,200 acres in Delaware County. Their operation consists of an Angus cow/calf operation, with a growing Red Angus herd, along with 500 acres used to grow wheat, milo, soybeans and corn. The family also operates a custom hay baling business. On the cattle side, the family uses performance Angus and LimFlex bulls for breeding. The operation is grass based, with some ADM protein and mineral tubs throughout the year. Kreg said they also use an “all purpose feed” grain ration MAY 17, 2021

created by Marshall which consists of a milo and corn mixture. Kreg, who’s been farming the land since he could walk, said he got his official start at the age of 5, when he raked hay using a hand-clutch operated WD45. “You’ve got to love this life,” Kreg said. “It’s not to get rich overnight, it’s a lifetime. It’s a work all day, with the paycheck few and far between. But you do it on the strength of your back and the sweat of your brow.” While Kreg works full-time on the farm, Erika works in town. She helps her sister-in-law Teresa Butler at the RX Shoppe, a local pharmacy, twice a week. Other days you can find her at the Elk River Baptist Church, serving as the church secretary. Kreg said Erika is the one who holds the family together, as the pair dream about what is to come on their land. Away from the farm, son Koal Butler and his wife Abi live in Fort Worth, Texas. Koal works in the aerospace industry, while Abi, a published author, is pursuing a nursing degree. Looking to the future Kash and Kord graduated from Grove High School in May. The young men plan to attend Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa this fall as members of the livestock judging team.

Kreg Butler, pictured with his son Kash, works full time on his family’s Oklahoma farm, which was started by his great-grandparents. The family raises cattle, as well as corn, milo, soybeans and wheat.

Kord hopes to eventually pursue a poultry science and marketing degree at Oklahoma State University, and potentially a master’s in poultry science from the University of Arkansas. He dreams of purchasing land next door to his family’s farm to own and operate a poultry operation. Kash plans to pursue an animal nutrition degree either at OSU or another school, with the goal of going into sales and marketing for a feed company. He dreams of returning to Delaware County to start a feed mill/farm store. Kash and Kord picked NOC for two reasons – scholarships for being on livestock judging teams, and because of a family connection – their grandfather John Elmo, played football and baseball for the community college. “It’s the right coach and the right program,” Kord said. “I like the things they’ve Dodge, Okla. got going on there. I want to be a part of it.” Both Kash and Kord say they want to return to the fam-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

ily farm, after watching their father and grandfather work hard to keep it going. “This is a good industry to raise a family in,” Kord said. “I want to start raising kids here, and keep rural america going.” The young men plan to use the now-retired show cattle from their FFA SAE projects for a genetics business, with the goal of creating their own show cattle breeding operation. Their individual SAE projects earned each young man the State FFA degree in April at the Oklahoma FFA Convention. Other family dreams, Kreg said, include starting a feedlot using their own grain to raise cattle for a farm to consumer direct operation. The Butlers are also considering adding a hair sheep operation for future growth. Kreg said he looks forward to the day his sons return to the farm ready to move it forward. “I told them as long as mom and I have enough to survive, I’ll step out of the way and let them take over,” Kreg said. “I was given that opportunity by my father and grandfather. When it comes time to pass the reins, I will. They’ve earned it.”

meet your neighbors Photos by Terry Ropp

By Terry Ropp

The Hamm family started with 90 acres and now has about 500 In 1958, Thomas Franklin and Darylene Joy Hamm traveled from a strawberry farm in Marshall, Ark., to a 90-acre strawberry farm in Stilwell, Okla., that was for sale near to Tom’s parents. When Tom explained he didn’t have the money to buy the farm he offered to trade his new pink and ivory Chevrolet for the land, the sellers agreed; and the Hamms put down roots. In order to support the family, Tom worked away from home in the steel construction industry and eventually became an inspector on the fuel tanks of the rocket Neil Armstrong took to the moon. The money was good, but being away from the farm and his young family was too strong a pull. As a result, he returned home, adding a dairy and pigs to the strawberries so he could afford to stay there. Darylene enjoyed taking strawberries to the annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival, and also sold eggs and garden produce. Their second son Farrell was particularly fond of the pigs, though he helped with the dairy as well. “We kept about 30 sows with six to eight giving birth at the same time,” Farrell recalled. “I really enjoyed the baby pigs running all over and the mommas all laying down at the same time to nurse. Somehow the sows knew if the wrong piglet attached and slapped it away to find the right mother, which it always did.” In the late 1980s, Tom began transitioning to a commercial beef cattle herd. He had Herefords, but wanted a higherquality bull and purchased a Brahman bull to produce F1 Tigerstripes because they had a larger frame and weighed 100 pounds more at weaning. He kept heifers and later purchased six Charolais bulls to put on the F1s, which made good calves even better. “My dad loved to tell the story about a guy at a sale barn telling him his calves wouldn’t sell as well as black ones,” Farrell recalled. “Not skipping a beat, my dad explained that the guy might be

James Hamm, left, and his father Farrell, right, run the farm originally started by Farrell’s father.

From Strawberries to Cattle

right, but at the end of the day he would have the bigger check because his calves were heavier.” Farrell now runs the farm with his son James, and the farm has grown to 500 contiguous acres, with James owning another 100 nearby. Farrell and James work together every day, with Farrell’s wife Jackie actively involved in vaccinating and other working pen chores as daughter Tara “straw bosses” and keeps an eye on her goats. The ranch maintains 150 breeding females and retains at least 10 to 15 heifers every year as replacements as cows get old, udders break down, or one becomes what Farrell calls a “welfare cow,” one who doesn’t earn her keep. A cost-saving measure is keeping only heifers who are from proven and currently productive cows. “If a cow skips a cycle or even breeds late, it’s time to get rid of her because if she did it once, she will continue doing so,” Farrell said. “We don’t want to lose the calf

development time even for a late breeder because that lateness will eventually turn into a whole cycle and a lost calf.” James credits his father for teaching him all he knows about cattle. He also pursued a backup career in heavy equipment before returning and working on the ranch, just as his father had run a couple of trucks in addition to farming before James returned. “You never know when you’re going to need a backup income,” James explained. “We keep as many different sources of income as we can. In addition to running the ranch, we haul hay for people and sell timber off our land. We then reclaim the land as pasture with pasture now being 70 percent of our acreage.” The ranch has eight mostly papered bulls: two Charolais, one Stilwell, Okla. Brahman, two Herefords, two SimAngus, and one Angus. The variety may seem random but

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

is actually tailored to meet specific goals ,with one current goal being to increase the Brahman content in calves. In the recent past, the ranch sent cattle north to Joplin or Exeter, Mo. Farrell explained that adding the Brahman back into the herd may require selling those calves further south, perhaps in Fort Smith, because Brahmans don’t handle cold well but thrive in heat. “Our Angus bull is slick-headed and is used with first time heifers,” James explained. “Herefords are put on straight blacks to create black baldies. The SimAngus bulls are black but carry red genes from the Simmentals and work well with larger cows by producing stronger, larger calves. All of that takes precise record-keeping, and we have an ear tag system that helps make everything easier because we don’t want the family tree to go straight up” Another pending change is purchasing “bawling” and possibly unworked calves for backgrounding. Those calves will be worked as soon as they arrive and kept separate from the ranch-born calves. All MAY 17, 2021

meet your neighbors

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calves will receive a mix of hominy and corn gluten pellets every day, with the same ration used for recovering bulls and during the winter as needed for total herd health. “My dad always used to say that if you have cattle and can’t afford to feed them, you don’t need them,” Farrell explained. “I’ve always believed that and try to make sure that all of them, but especially the mommas, get exactly what they need when they need it. A well-fed momma means no creep feed and a well-fed calf with a fully-developed immune system.” A complete nutrition system also means good pasture and hay. Farrell and James soil test and always fertilize whether with commercial fertilizer or a combination of commercial and chicken litter. Father and son also keep an eye out for sage grass because they believe sage grass popping up is an indicator of lime deficiency. An additional important practice is the timing for herbicide application. They want to catch the time period after the clover has seeded but before the weeds seed, especially before the thistles. The practice allows clover to survive even using an herbicide unfriendly to clover because the herbicide does not affect clover seeds. Some well-established pastures may only need spot spraying. Because all land is dual-purpose, the cattle are rotated while maintaining a sufficient grass height of 3 to 6 inches to prevent roots from being burnt and to ensure strong recovery. Land practices produce almost enough hay for their needs, though they purchase some off-ranch hay annually. The ground is also no till drilled with wheat for nutritious winter forage. Tom Hamm worked hard and believed in being honest and treating people well. Farrell and James are concerned that the sense of community prevalent during Tom’s time may be slipping away during the current social media era. “Working together means working better as in the old days,” Farrell said. “When someone’s barn burned down, neighbors came the next day to rebuild and knew they would have help when they needed it.” MAY 17, 2021

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

H g n i r a

y r o t s i

By Terry Ropp

Duo works diligently to promote community history, as well new events and ideas If every person’s story is worth the book, imagine what the story of a small town is worth. To date, the story of Marble City, Okla., is worth at least eight, large three-ring binders of old photographs and articles for sale by the local historical society. So far, more than 200 individual volumes or sets have been sold. The story also serves as an example of a deeply held belief that one person (although in this case two

people) can make positive, significant, and long-lasting changes. The first person is Mildred Taylor, vice president of the Marble City Historical Society and one of the compilers of the historical volumes. Tamara Hibbard, mayor of Marble City, is the second. Even though both are quick to say many people have made significant contributions to their town, these two women have helped sculpt the current face of a mighty little place.

The history of Marble City is part of the history of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Before statehood, a limestone quarry and a marble quarry were the only significant businesses in the area. The marble quarry had an unofficial post office and was no more than a square hole in the ground. The town itself was established in 1903 when the Cherokee Nation land occupying that section of Oklahoma was repossessed

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

by the federal government. One-square mile of land was developed into the future town of Marble City by businessmen Mildred call “speculators.” Their belief was that the quarry would spawn a significant city of 15,000 to 20,000 people. The land was divided into lots and lottery tickets were sold. In September 1903 lots were drawn for ownership. A jail was built in 1904 and, while abandoned, still stands today. Oral legend MAY 17, 2021

ozarks roots

Photos by Terry Ropp

claimed Bonnie Parker, as in Bonnie and Clyde, was captured and put in the Marble jail overnight while on her way to Fort Smith, Ark. The next morning, she was gone. Everyone assumed Clyde rescued her. Mildred, however, has found nothing to prove (or disprove) the Bonnie and Clyde story. Another oral legend is that Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd robbed the Citizens State Bank in Marble City. Floyd was only 12 years old when the bank permanently closed, so this story, while sounding exciting, has been factually debunked. Using marble from the marble quarry, Citizens State Bank was built in 1911 and serves as the Marble City Historical Society home base today. That same year, the Marble City School, a two-story, gable roofed building was built, also using marble from the quarry. The top floor was removed in 1924 when the high school students were first bussed to Sallisaw School. The flat roofed building then served as a “primer” (kindergarten) through eighth-grade school. The building was converted to a gymnasium during the 1960s, but still visible are part of the original marble foundation and the original “stage” inside. Today the building serves as a food pantry and youth center. By 1914, the original township of Marble City boasted two or three hotels, a gristmill, a sawmill, a livery stable and a dray wagon service, an old-fashioned UPS. The marble quarry did not develop as expected, and population declined. According to the Census Bureau in 1910, the population was 342 and went to its high of 344 in 1920. After the 1930 low of 168 during the Great Depression, the population varied between 200 and 300 to the 2020 level of 247. During Mildred’s era in the 1950s, the town boasted two restaurants, three grocery stores, a “beer joint” and a movie theater. For 10 cents, moviegoers would see a cartoon, a newsreel, the feature movie, and one chapter of a serial movie. Mildred remembers sitting in a packed theater for her very first movie experience of watching the Bride of Fu Manchu. An important employer was, and still is, the St. Clair limestone mining operation, located just outside the city limits. During Mildred’s childhood, mining was done by pick, shovel and dynamite and has evolved through the years into a heavy equipment venture as part of the 18-location U.S. Lime-St. Clair corporate family publicly traded on the NYSE. “Tamara is the heart of Marble City,” Mildred confided. “She organizes our events and keeps our community together.” Although Tamara Hibbard has been part of the Marble City government for 16 years, she never planned on making mayorship part of her legacy. In early 2005, Tamara attended a city council meeting to request tree removal. The council explained they had no equipment but told her that elections were coming up and MAY 17, 2021

encouraged her to consider running. She hesitantly signed a Declaration of Candidacy with the intention of possibly withdrawing. Forgetting about signing it, she got a call two months later telling her she had ran unopposed and was elected by default. Luckily, Tamara took the position seriously and was eventually elected mayor by her council peers. In addition to being the mayor, Tamara wears many hats for the small town. She is the current floodplain administrator, sewer superintendent, grant writer, and treasurer of the Marble City Festival Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from all the non-profits, churches and volunteer organizations in town to plan events, fundraisers and to share labor resources. Today’s Marble City currently contains no businesses but is comprised mostly of churches and non-profits, such as the Community Nutrition Center and volunteer fire department. The town receives no local tax revenue, other than internet sales. “We have annual events such as Spring Fling, Summer Celebration on July 4, Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade,” Tamara said. “The biggest event, however, is a fundraising effort called Marble City Mayhem. The funds from that event pay the expenses for the other town events. “Mayhem wouldn’t happen without the efforts of the townspeople and the festival committee. Marble is one big family and everyone comes together to help with events when needed. I may be the coordinator, but they are the backbone.” Marble City Mayhem evolved when a dozen fancy cars, including a Viper, pulled into town; the Tulsa car club was lost. Tamara asked what it would take to get them to return. They replied, “something fun.” She asked if an uphill speed challenge would bring them back, and they jumped at the chance. The now-annual speed challenge attracts as many as 1,500 spectators and more than 100 competitors in 14 classes. Drivers must have valid license and insurance, and pay for each run up the hill. The runs are clocked by the police chief. The “Top Speeders” in each class win a custom trophy made with marble from the Marble City quarry. Though in different classes, once an old Chevy truck out-paced a Lamborghini. Food vendors, car show, T-shirts and free kid games are available. Similar fare is available at other annual events. The Historical Society’s standing fundraiser is a monthly homemade to-go dinner, made by Mildred. Generally held the third Monday of the month, the meal comes with a choice of two entrees, two sides, hot rolls and a choice of dessert. These women prove one can make a difference or two, or even more. Marble City and its story is only one piece in the patchwork quilt of the living history of our country.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Washington County Farmers Mutual Fire I N S U R A N C E

agri-business River Valley Construction

eye on

Company

FARM • HOME • LIABILITY 2209 North Henbest Drive • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-2612

washingtonins.net SERVING THE ARKANSAS AREA SINCE 1922

meeting the needs of farmers

By Terry Ropp

Owner: Clay Choate Location: Marble City, Okla.

History: “My great-grandfather, James Choate, was a farmer in the area but my grandfather Bill traveled to California in the 1950s to work construction for my great uncle Jackie, his brother-in-law. While there, he learned how to drywall and returned home to work, so I’m a third-generation carpenter. In the fifth grade, I began working for my Uncle Waite, who had a mostly commercial drywalling and metal stud framing company. In my teens I worked in Mississippi and learned residential wood framing. Then, in 2016, I decided Photo by Terry Ropp it was time to improve my life and get out on my own. My varied construction experiences allowed me to understand the industry and gave birth to River Valley Construction, a full-service construction company. My cousin Brent Smith started building pole barns right after high school and traveled for 30 years building pole barns from South Texas to the Dakotas. Tired of traveling, he liked the idea of staying home and working with me. Located near Ten Killer, Sallisaw and Tahlequah small town of marble City. 95 percent of my business is rural and evenly split between pole barn and residential construction within 100-mile radius.”

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Products and services: “Some of the advantages of pole barns construction are that it is quick, sturdy and cost-effective, especially in terms of materials. Pole barn posts are 6-feet-by-6-feet treated 50-year timber posts spaced 10-feet apart, with typical truss size being 40 feet, though trusses can be as much as 75 to 80 feet, with length totally up to the customer. Steel is heavier and more expensive requiring a special lifting equipment. Traditional stud backspace-built barns need much more timber. Unfortunately, prices of timber are high due to COVID, and to current political tensions between Canada and the United States, a critical factor because since most timber comes from Canada. Prices have increased by as much as 200 percent. However, increased materials cost is currently balanced by very low loan interest rates. Although advertised in the beginning, most of our work is through referrals. Some pole barns, sometimes known as barndominiums, are used for businesses with half being the equipment and/or shop area and the other half being office or home space. We have subcontractors who handle all heat and air, electrical and plumbing work and offer free estimates to prospective clients. We have occasionally renovated such as the work we did in the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce building.” Future: “People always need new homes and barns so we are always busy. I have five children, including one son who may be showing an interest in carrying on the family business. My favorite part of the construction business is seeing a piece of bare land turn into a finished product.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MAY 17, 2021

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Brett Seaman By Terry Ropp

Family: Wife Deanne, son Tim and daughter Tori

Hometown: West Fork, Ark.

Photo by Terry Ropp

In Town: “I was born in Bakersfield, Calif., and met my future wife Deanne while serving in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic. When I deployed during the Gulf War, Deanne moved back to our childhood stomping grounds in Arkansas and in with my mom Gina. I am now the area manager for AT&T Construction and have worked for the company for 27 years. Deanne is a billing specialist for Ozark Dermatology. Our son Tim is a Houston FedEx manager and our daughter Tori works as a sonographer in Omaha, Neb.

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In the Country: “In 2011, we moved from a house in West Fork to 1 1/2 acres Deanna already owned outside of town. She eventually inherited more land so we now have 56 acres. Beginning when I moved back to West Fork in fifth grade, my grandfather Ted was my best friend. One of my favorite things to do as a youngster was to watch baby calves with him as they ran across the fields. After he passed, we had no cattle for six years and then started with two cows, taking them to a buddy’s for breeding. Initially, the cattle were a way of earning some extra money while our children were in school and a way of utilizing idle land. We now have 10 commercial Angus females bred year-round by a commercial Angus bull. I kept our first bull until he was 2,170 pounds because he was calm, bred heifers well and never produced a calf that had to be pulled. When change was necessary, I found a direct descendent who is turning out to be as good as his sire. I sometimes trade calves with my best friend Chris Coker, who is the local fire chief in Strickler, as a way to keep diversified genetics. I keep my calves until weaning at 400 to 450 pounds and currently sell them in Siloam Springs. The herd is grass and hay fed, but given grain when the weather is bad and once per week to keep them coming to the corral. I raise my own hay on shares with Chris who harvests it for me. To maintain pasture quality, I fertilize annually with a granule fertilizer and only spot spray for weeds like sage grass because we don’t have many.” Future: “My wife and I are approaching retirement and plan to travel for a while,

going to ruggedly remote places like Wyoming, Montana or Newfoundland where her family originated. After that I hope to build my herd and watch those baby calves run for many years.” MAY 17, 2021

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

slaughter

market sales reports

Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 370.00-480.00. Kids - Selection 2: 295.00-390.00. Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 5/9/21 Kids - Selection 3: 260.00-310.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 185.00-285.00. 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) Nannies/Does - Selection 3: 125.00-185.00. Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 190.00-310.00. Steers: 117.00-120.00 ; wtd. avg. price 118.28. Wethers - Selection 1: 310.00-370.00. Heifers: 117.00-119.00; wtd. avg. price 118.15. Wethers - Selection 3: 255.00. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Replacement Goats: Steers: 186.00-190.00; wtd. avg. price 188.49. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 280.00-360.00. Heifers: Not Reported; wtd. avg. price Not Reported. Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid: 200.00-428.00.

bulls

(Week of 5/2/21 to 5/8/21)

Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock

66.00-92.00 †

beef

Not Reported †

Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs 77.00-103.00 † 75.00-97.00* Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs 85.00 † County Line Sale Barn 59.00-67.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Not Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Regional Sale Barn Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest

84.00-94.00* 55.00-96.50*

Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

cattle

Not Reported* 61.00-99.00 † 73.00-107.00 † 95.00* 80.00-100.00 †

sheep &

goats

Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat

4/27/21

Receipts: 926 Compared to last month, slaughter lambs traded 7.00 Receipts: 1,869 - 10.00 higher. Slaughter ewes and bucks traded steady. OKC West - El Reno 70.00-100.00 † Another large crowd was on hand for this May sale. Sheep supply moderate with good demand. A limited Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola 75.50-95.00 † Many new buyers were present as well as active internet number of goats were offered, not enough receipts for Ozarks Regional Stockyards 72.00-107.00 † bidding and buying. Compared to last month, slaughter a market comparison. Goat supply light with good Stilwell Livestock Auction 74.00-99.50* lambs traded 15.00 - 22.00 lower. Slaughter ewes traded demand. Supply included: 88% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs Tulsa Livestock Auction 84.00-101.00 † steady. Feeder kid goats traded steady to 25.00 higher. (1% Wooled & Shorn, 85% Hair Breeds, 10% Hair Ewes, Welch Stockyards 85.00-100.00* Not enough receipts last month for a slaughter goat com- 1% Bucks, 2% Hair Bucks); 3% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); parison. Supply was heavy with moderate demand for 7% Slaughter Goats (55% Kids, 35% Nannies/Does, 10% 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 sheep, and very good demand for goats. Supply included: Bucks/Billies); 2% Replacement Goats (100% Nannies/ 61% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (11% Wooled & Shorn, 61% Does). Hair Breeds, 3% Ewes, 24% Hair Ewes, 2% Hair Bucks); Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: 12% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 23% Slaughter Goats Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 280.00-302.50. (Week of 5/2/21 to 5/8/21) (53% Kids, 37% Nannies/Does, 8% Bucks/Billies, 3% Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 265.00-310.00. Arkansas Cattle Auction 30.00-71.00 † Wethers); 3% Replacement Goats (61% Nannies/Does, Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 225.00-265.00. Ash Flat Livestock Not Reported † 39% Families). Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 185.00-220.00. 44.00-71.00 † Benton County Sale Barn - Siloam Springs Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 137.50-172.50. Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 43.00-73.50* 4 Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 242.50-300.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 110.00-130.00. Cleburne County Livestock 28.00-66.00 † Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 227.50-230.00. Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 105.00. 30.00-66.00 † 3 County Line Sale - Ratcliff Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 265.00-340.00. Bucks 1-2: 90.00-125.00. Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 230.00-265.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 115.00-130.00. Not Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 167.50-225.00. Feeder Goats: Farmers Regional Sale 20.00-80.00* Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 100.00-155.00. Kids - Selection 1: 395.00-420.00. 20.00-72.50* 2 Fort Smith Stockyards Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 75.00-87.50. Kids - Selection 2: 305.00-360.00. Not Reported* Four State Stockyards - Exeter Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 140.00-210.00. Kids - Selection 3: 260.00. I-40 Livestock - Ozark 35.00-67.50 † 3 Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 90.00-140.00. Slaughter Goats: Joplin Regional 16.00-74.00 † Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 90.00-97.50. Kids - Selection 1: 370.00-455.00. Mid-State Stockyards 76.00* Hair Bucks 1-2: 117.50-150.00. Kids - Selection 2: 300.00-350.00. North Arkansas Livestock 39.00-69.00 † Feeder Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 190.00-222.50. 55.00-89.00 † 5 OKC West - El Reno Kids - Selection 1: 375.00-495.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 250.00-270.00. Ouachita Livestock Auction - Ola 49.00-71.00 † 4 Kids - Selection 2: 295.00-375.00. Replacement Goats: Ozarks Regional Stockyards Kids - Selection 3: 185.00-275.00. 30.00-78.00 † Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 235.00-262.50.

slaughter

300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

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

So 24 18 12 6 0 Blyt

150.00-197.50 110.00-182.00 136.00-171.00 129.00-147.00 121.00-134.00 135.00-174.00 145.00-155.00 122.50-141.00 110.00-127.00 112.00 130.00-157.50 119.00-146.00 128.00-137.00 105.00-129.00 108.00-121.00

110

stocker & feeder

5/5/21 419

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 5/3/21 280

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 5/5/21 180

Uneven

4-7 Lower

St-9 Lower

St-7 Lower

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

176.00-203.00 152.00-176.00 134.00-159.00 133.00-140.00 124.00-125.00

115.00-169.00 108.00-157.00 115.00-145.00 110.00-139.00 -----

165.00-171.00 155.00-170.00 145.00-162.00 130.00-142.00 -----

154.00-170.00 146.00-170.00 139.00-151.00 134.00-150.00 130.00

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

158.00-180.00 137.00-170.00 129.00-150.00 117.00-133.00 119.00-121.00

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

144.00-170.00 141.00-155.00 133.00-144.00 128.00 -----

--------130.00-135.00 90.00-125.00 110.00-115.00

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

145.00-157.00 127.00-156.00 122.00-138.00 117.00-127.00 110.00

117.00-146.00 110.00-138.00 110.00-127.00 112.00-123.00 -----

130.00-157.50 124.00-148.00 120.00-137.00 110.00-135.00 -----

145.00-157.00 125.00-146.00 120.00-134.00 110.00-120.00 110.00

Ash Flat Livestock✝

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

--------

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 5/6/21 1,166

-----

---------

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* ---------

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 5/7/21 416

-----

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

153.00-162.00 139.00-155.00 131.00-147.00 117.00-135.00 101.00-120.00

125.00-184.00 120.00-180.00 115.00-161.00 109.00-143.00 107.00-130.00

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

137.00-155.00 132.00-145.00 118.00-136.00 109.00-116.00 90.00-107.00

117.00-162.00 109.00-153.00 103.00-138.00 100.00-130.00 -----

Decatur Livestock*

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

prices

Fort Smith Four State I-40 Joplin Mi Stockyards* Stockyards - Livestock Regional Stoc Exeter, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ ----5/6/21 5/3/21 5/3/21 5 ----738 4,621 820

NOT REPORTED

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1

St-9 Lower

NOT REPORTED

300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

50.00-74.00* 5

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 5/4/21 1,150 Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

National Dai

Cheese: Ba $1.7475. T (-0.0150) a Fluid Mil the count reportedly present in Northwes is slowing most of th slightly lo productio demand s with some closer to t the count availabili the West. SPOT PR POUND Midweste

38.00-72.50* 47.00-73.00 †

NOT REPORTED REPORTED NONE

5/6/21

cows

Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat

4/24/21

Receipts: 949 A standing room only crowd was on hand for this Saturday auction. Compared to the last Saturday sale in March; slaughter lambs traded 25.00-30.00 higher. Slaughter ewes traded steady. Replacement ewes were in demand as they traded 50.00 per head higher, with a package of 6 fancy ewes trading at 400.00 per head. Sheep supply was moderate with good demand. Feeder and slaughter kid goats traded steady on a limited supply. Replacement goats traded steady. Goat supply was light with good demand. Supply included: 67% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (91% Hair Breeds, 8% Hair Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 17% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (97% Hair Ewes, 3% Bucks); 3% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 8% Slaughter Goats (60% Kids, 13% Nannies/Does, 16% Bucks/Billies, 11% Wethers); 5% Replacement Goats (59% Nannies/ Does, 36% Families, 5% Bucks/Billies). Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 265.00-315.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 235.00-275.00. Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 200.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 130.00-235.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 107.00-117.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 110.00-145.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 155.00-400.00. Bucks - Small and Medium 1-2: 340.00-500.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 375.00-470.00. Kids - Selection 2: 355.00-410.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 340.00-500.00. Kids - Selection 2: 355.00-390.00. Kids - Selection 3: 280.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 180.00-230.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 240.00-267.50. Wethers - Selection 2: 290.00. Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 190.00-340.00. Families - Selection 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid: 140.00-480.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 315.00-512.00.

-----

4-10 Lower

St-2 Higher

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

157.50-182.50 130.00-167.00 131.00-155.00 116.00-149.00 120.00-130.00

185.00-192.00 175.00-182.00 164.00-173.00 151.00-164.00 142.00-144.00

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

--------127.50-144.00 120.00-131.00 106.00-116.00

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

140.00-157.50 115.00-149.00 124.00-133.00 111.00-131.00 111.00-114.00

155.00-160.00 149.00-153.00 134.50-145.00 130.00-137.00 124.00-134.00

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

MAY 17, 2021

150 110. 115. 100 100

100 100 100 95. 90

$240 $200

replacement Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

5/7/21

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.7275 and 40# blocks at $1.7475. The weekly average for barrels is $1.7960 (-0.0150) and blocks, $1.7820 (-0.0190). Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production varies across the country this week, with output in the Midwest, reportedly, at peak levels. Strong milk production is present in the Southeast, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest. In the Northeast and Florida, milk output is slowing. Class I demand is steady to strong across most of the country, contrasting with reports of slightly lower demand in New Mexico. Active cheese production schedules nationwide are keeping Class III demand steady. Condensed skim markets are steady, with some tanker/driver shortages keeping loads closer to the points of origin. Ice cream makers across the country have a strong demand for cream. Cream availability is mixed in the Midwest and tightening in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $2.2861 - $2.4468.

$120 Not Reported †

575.00-1125.00 †

$80

1300.00 * 500.00-720.00 † 1000.00 †

635.00-1035.00 *

Apr. 20 May 20 June 20 July 20 Aug. 20 Sept. 20

steers 550-600 LBS.

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

Not Reported* Not Reported * None Reported *

500.00-1175.00 † 650.00-1100.00 * 725.00-1185.00 †

600

1100

1600

14.38

14.40

7.49

7.51

6.41

6.38

ille thev

Bly

a elen

e Elain

6.39

ceola

14.14

pairs

7.27

305.00-850.00 †

250

1460.00 * 930.00-1425.00 †

Not Reported * Not Reported * 710.00-1350.00 * 1325.00 *

163.92 157.00 147.18 145.23

134.57

138.93

136.38 133.12

165.41

137.16

164.15

141.66

None Reported * 1685.00 †

1075.00 †

800.00-1400.00 †

650.00-1450.00 † 745.00-1185.00 * 1100.00-1150.00 †

1750

129.17

162.08

140.91

150.87

None Reported †

1250

120.00

139.00

2250

-----

5-11 Lower

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 5/4/21 6,016

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 5/4/21 295

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 5/4/21 1,916

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 5/5/21 495

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 5/3/21 1,967

Welch Stockyards*

166.48 148.05 149.38

130.76

128.94 130.00

2-5 Lower

1-15 Lower

St-3 Lower

2-5 Higher

St-8 Higher

-----

138.10

151.00 *

125.66

168.44

5/4/21 1,108

185.00-192.00 175.00-182.00 164.00-173.00 151.00-164.00 142.00-144.00

150.00-210.00 110.00-165.00 115.00-155.00 100.00-140.00 100.00-125.00

163.00-177.00 154.00-161.00 130.00-151.50 131.00-142.00 121.00

195.00 169.00-188.00 166.00-173.00 142.00-153.00 129.00-144.25

165.00-189.00 151.00-167.00 135.00-148.50 128.00-139.00 -----

----169.00-175.00 153.00-170.00 139.00-148.00 133.00-136.00

171.00-211.00 152.00-168.00 127.00-157.00 137.00-159.00 109.00-126.00

180.00-194.00 161.00-172.50 164.00-184.00 153.00-166.00 123.50-136.50

170.00-184.00 150.00-170.00 150.00-177.00 135.00-161.00 120.00-138.00

-----------

--------127.50-144.00 120.00-131.00 106.00-116.00

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

166.00-179.00 149.00-164.00 130.00-153.00 119.00-130.00 116.00-124.00

----160.00 -------------

163.00-181.00 140.00-154.00 126.00-142.00 116.00-125.00 110.00

157.50 150.00 ----130.00-135.00 -----

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

----146.00-158.00 135.00-148.00 130.00-140.00 -----

160.00-180.00 140.00-170.00 130.00-155.00 110.00-131.00 90.00-112.00

136.05 135.68

** 148.00

129.56

166.00

137.97 123.03

139.30 166.86 135.00 141.14 146.33

100.00-175.00 100.00-142.00 100.00-132.00 95.00-126.00 90.00-115.00

138.00-144.00 129.00-134.50 120.00-131.50 113.50-124.00 -----

152.00 140.00-167.50 137.00-146.00 123.00-138.00 119.50-126.75

134.00-154.00 125.00-144.00 122.00-135.00 118.00-125.00 100.00-118.00

153.00 139.00-153.00 130.00-138.00 124.00-140.00 -----

127.00-142.00 125.00-145.00 115.00-133.00 98.00-115.00 95.00-108.00

150.00-161.50 147.00-160.00 139.00-150.00 129.00-140.50 115.50-125.50

145.00-167.00 142.00-160.00 130.00-151.00 120.00-138.00 115.00-127.00

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

136.38 125.15 126.05 122.97 132.07

142.66 144.27

126.73 140.18

166.44

133.27

156.57

MAY 17, 2021

136.74 129.21

159.07

157.50-182.50 130.00-167.00 131.00-155.00 116.00-149.00 120.00-130.00

155.00-160.00 149.00-153.00 134.50-145.00 130.00-137.00 124.00-134.00

131.56

157.00

-----------

140.00-157.50 115.00-149.00 124.00-133.00 111.00-131.00 111.00-114.00

139.83 132.21

146.86

700.00-1275.00 † 600.00-1700.00 †

750

139.94

153.92

144.82

State I-40 Joplin Mid-State N. Ark. yards - Livestock Regional Stockyards* Livestock er, Mo* Ozark✝ Stockyards✝ Green Forest✝ --5/6/21 5/3/21 5/5/21 5/3/21 --738 4,621 350 330

NOT REPORTED

139.49

169.36

Not Reported †

Not Reported *

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

k Roc

131.00

146.27

900.00-1010.00 †

Welch Stockyards

St-2 Higher

145.58

700.00-1350.00 †

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

7.26

Little

145.54

Week of 4/18/21

Sorghum

7.27

134.00 133.31

2100

Week of 4/18/21

Daily Report 5/10/21

14.35

131.19 *

160.42

Week of 4/25/21

143.81 126.63

149.59

prices

-----------

156.99 153.66

660.00-1180.00 *

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

4-10 Lower

165.62 *

170.70

avg. grain prices Corn

143.20 137.04

174.58

100

1: 375.00-470.00. 2: 355.00-410.00.

Soft Wheat

135.48

159.62

725.00-1275.00 † 500.00-850.00 †

cow/calf

Soybeans

130.00

170.50

650.00-1350.00 * 850.00-975.00 †

Feb. 21 Mar. 21

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

157.00

(Week of 5/2/21 to 5/8/21)

1: 340.00-500.00. 2: 355.00-390.00. 3: 280.00. Selection 1-2: 180.00-230.00. Selection 1-2: 240.00-267.50. ion 2: 290.00. oats: Selection 1-2: 190.00-340.00. ion 1-2 w/<20 lbs kid: 140.00-480.00. Selection 1: 315.00-512.00.

Jan. 21

heifers 550-600 LBS.

151.22

Not Reported * 425.00-1200.00 † 585.00-1300.00 †

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

Oct. 20 Nov. 20 Dec. 20

Week of 4/25/21

National Dairy Market at a Glance

470.00-1125.00 †

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

dairy sales

$160

Prices reported per cwt Prices reported per per cwtcwt Prices reported

Week of 5/2/21

m only crowd was on hand for this n. Compared to the last Saturday sale hter lambs traded 25.00-30.00 higher. traded steady. Replacement ewes were ey traded 50.00 per head higher, with ancy ewes trading at 400.00 per head. as moderate with good demand. Feeder id goats traded steady on a limited supnt goats traded steady. Goat supply was demand. Supply included: 67% Slaughter 1% Hair Breeds, 8% Hair Ewes, 1% Hair lacement Sheep/Lambs (97% Hair Ewes, eeder Goats (100% Kids); 8% Slaughter s, 13% Nannies/Does, 16% Bucks/Billies, % Replacement Goats (59% Nannies/ lies, 5% Bucks/Billies). /Lambs: hoice and Prime 1-3: 265.00-315.00. hoice 1-3: 235.00-275.00. ood 1-2: 200.00. od 2-3: 130.00-235.00. ity and Good 1-3: 107.00-117.00. : 110.00-145.00. heep/Lambs: all and Medium 1-2: 155.00-400.00. nd Medium 1-2: 340.00-500.00.

cows

(Week of 5/2/21 to 5/8/21)

Week of 4/11/21

4/24/21

Week of 5/2/21

roducers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

Week of 4/11/21

les reports

---

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

110 129 148 167 186 205 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

108 126 144 162 180 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

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

meet your neighbors

High Cotton

50x100x16

One side sheeted. One gable sheeted materials.

50x100x18 Roof only Materials

By Terry Ropp

The Tripp family’s cotton operation continues to grow and expand

40x50x12

enclosed w/3” reinforced vinyl back insulation. 1- walk thru door, 2-10x10 openings, 26 ga. 40 year painted metal. All red iron frame. Materials.

Billy Tripp raised rice, corn and building a gin, choosing recyclable masoybeans outside of Griffithville, terials for irrigation, custom baling cotton and using all three of the commerArk., in White County. Three years ago, he decided he wanted cial parts of the cotton boll. Ray Tripp, Billy’s grandfato try something different, ther, moved to the area in something that would proJudsonia, Ark. the 1950s and purchased 125 vide greater profitability. He acres where he raised strawchose cotton, which hadn’t berries and cotton. Cotton been grown in White Counpicking machines were then in ty for more than 50 years. early development and not readiHis use of value adding to ly available, which meant all of the improve the bottom line was

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Submitted Photos

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

cotton had to be picked by hand. Billy’s father, Billy Ray, eventually bought the farm from his grandfather with the farm later passed down to Billy. Billy Wayne eventually increased the acreage to 5,000 acres and decided to go back to his cotton raising heritage. While Billy and his future wife Kim knew each other since grade school, they married later in life. Cotton was a common denominator between Kim and Billy because she had been raised by her father Elmo Ellis on a soybean and cotton farm. “You might say our marriage was a merger as well as a marriage,” Karin said with a laugh. Tripp Farms dedicated 800 acres to the new cotton crop the first year and 1,400 acres the next. Because the Tripps were Monsanto dealers through their Searcy Farm Supply store, they purchased the Monsanto Delta Pine variety of seeds. After harvesting the first crop, Billy discovered traveling 140 miles one way to the closest gin mill was a big expense, seriously cutting into the greater profit he was seeking. Consequently, he decided MAY 17, 2021

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

— Continued on Next Page MAY 17, 2021

Yellville • 801 Hwy. 62 West 870-449-4966

611460z

to build a gin on the highway side of his property, directly across from the scales previously used for grain. The location provided easy access as well as the essential scales. Billy believed the gin would be a boon to the county’s economy by minimizing transportation costs for other producers while providing well-paid, skilled jobs for community members. The third year, the Tripps raised 4,500 acres of cotton, with the last 500 dedicated to raising corn for local deer hunters. That year, 45,000 bags of corn weighing 50 pounds each were sold within a onehour radius. Their plan for a cotton gin began with groundbreaking in January 2020. However, construction was sidetracked from being ready for harvest production because of COVID. One impact was the inability to get parts when they were ready to install them. “We wanted to process our cotton which is typically harvested in late September or early October,” Billy explained. “However, members of the construction crew had family members get sick which meant they had to quarantine rather than work. Consequently, we then had to store our cotton until the gin was ready to go at the end of October ending up with 14,000 bales. Our goal for 2021 is 25,000 bales.” Another goal for the gin is to increase production hours from one shift of eight people to three shifts. A challenge, according to Billy, will be finding 24 skilled people willing to work the various shifts. Cotton fields covering 4,500 acres required additional expenses. These include the construction of a warehouse, four cotton picking machines and trucks to haul the cottonseed and cotton hulls byproducts to their store. Cattle and dairy producers use the cotton seeds to add nutrition and the hulls to add fiber to their herds’ diets. The annual cotton cycle begins in April when the land is fertilized with commercial fertilizer and beds are built by hipping the ground. The seeds are planted in May followed by applying Warrant Pre-Emerge herbicide. Tony Holder, a crop consultant and cotton

Berryville • 344 Hwy. 21 North 870-423-4245

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

meet your neighbors

11.2 MILLION

REASONS TO CHOOSE FARM CREDIT We shared $11.2 million in 2020 profits with our members. Find out why Patronage Cash is one of many reasons to choose Farm Credit financing.

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The Tripp family built a cotton gin facility in White County, Ark., after they hauled their own cotton 140 miles to the closest mill. The family broke ground in January 2020. COVID slowed the construction, but their goal for the 2021 harvest is 25,000 bales of processed cotton.

High Cotton Continued From Previous Page scout, checks the cotton fields weekly for harmful insects. When he finds any, he then informs the Tripps where spraying is needed, with pesticides being applied eight times last year. A bug called thrips sucks on a small plant and will destroy it if not eliminated by immediate spraying. Another part of the annual process is using irrigation. Recyclable poly pipes are laid along the end of the field hips. Holes are punched at each hip so gravity powered water travels where needed. Last year, the fields required 150 quarter mile long rolls with the used roles returned at the end of the growing season to the manufacturer for recycling. Cotton is fertilized again in June and harvested at the end of September or early October, with four cotton pickers each harvesting 80 to 100 acres a day. As part managing the bottom line, the Tripps also custom pick cotton for those producers who do not own a picker. Harvested cotton is placed in big, round modular bales weighing 5,000 pounds. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Those bales are then brought to the gin modulator feeder which moves the cotton through the gin. The cotton is first separated from debris and then cleaned and delivered to gin stands that separate the lint from the seed and hulls. The lint continues to the press where it is compacted into little bales about the size of a hay bale but weighing an impressive 480 pounds. The bales are then sold and sent to a warehouse in Memphis, which subsequently sells them overseas. Billy and Kim’s son Tate is a very important member of the family team. Last year he was in charge of the cotton pickers and will be again this year. He oversees the process as well as maintaining and repairing the equipment which has computerized systems. Tate was hooked into his love of machinery when he was allowed to drive a small tractor when only 4. He was put in a hay field and was so small Billy and Kim couldn’t see him though they could see his joy as he drove around and around the field. MAY 17, 2021

Submitted Photo

youth in

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Do you love agriculture and rural life, and have a knack for writing? SUE RANCE IS LTH & INSU FARM HEA

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By Terry Ropp

Age: 17 Hometown: Mountain Home, Ark. Parents: Doug and Amber Richard FFA chapter: Norfolk FFA Advisor: Lyn Cotter

ep breed ttle and She Bacon Ca rds and uality Herefo for show-q club lambs

rino Dalton Pala Conner and to have the Brothers ors ng exhibit want you hit the ring chance to

15, NUM

PAGES M 2021 • 28 APRIL 26,BER 3 • WWW.OZARKSFN.CO

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OFN is currently seeking freelance feature writers for the following counties in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Arkansas: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington, White and Yell

What is your favorite aspect of agriculture? “I prefer the livestock part

to anything else because I’ve always had an interest in animals but didn’t realize how much I could do with them until I joined FFA. I started with showing goats and really loved them. I showed goats for two years and am now showing Shorthorns.”

Who is the most influential person in your life? “My ag teacher, Mr. Cotter. He pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially when I started doing public speaking, prepared speech, creed and discussion meets. He also teaches me hands-on how to best take care of my animals to show them properly. Perhaps even more importantly he takes me to many of my competitions, even if it’s not convenient for him. I tell him where I would like to go and then he says we can make that work.” What is your current involvement in agriculture? “I am currently the vice president of our chapter and was part of the discussion meet. I’m also on the meats team, and will show two Shorthorn heifers and the steer. My daily routine includes getting up and feeding both my show animals and our chickens in the mornings and then working with the cattle in terms of showing after I do my homework. One of the most important things I have learned is the time and effort any endeavor in agriculture takes such as teaching them to lead. Mr. Cotter is there every step of the way. Awards: “Two years ago, I got first in district in creed speaking. I’ve also won reserve grand champion at the state level with red pullets and reserve grand champion market goat at the Fulton County Fair. I have also won Chapter Star Greenhand and Star Chapter Member.” MAY 17, 2021

ET s AI and Cattle see -Cooper Big Branch cesses dded pro as value-a

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Building a Stable Farm

By Chad Pittillo

farm needs more than just good soil to thrive. As an ag lender who’s had the privilege of working alongside farmers for nearly 25 years, I’ve observed again and again the importance of good infrastructure in helping farms succeed. Below, I’ve identified six infrastructure tips to help you build the most stable farming operation possible.

Chad Pittillo is Simmons Bank’s lending manager for Pine Bluff, Ark.

1. Mentality lays the foundation: Just like every successful building project begins with a solid foundation, a mentality that focuses on infrastructure lays significant groundwork for your farm’s success. Take some time to consider your operation’s current infrastructure and needs. Questions like “What do I have?”, “What do I need?”, “How do I get where I need to be”? and “What does it cost?” help cultivate a mindset for strategic growth. 2. No substitute for access: Dependable, all-weather roads in and around the farm ensure your ability to work in all conditions. These also allow you to save time and money by being able to plant, harvest, deliver crops and evaluate and manage inventory in an efficient manner. 3. Farm shops and equipment sheds pay dividends: A farm shop and equipment sheds are a must for any operation. In addition to allowing you to store tools and farm equipment, along with seed, chemical and fuel, your farm shop can also serve as an office location to meet business partners ranging from bankers and insurance agents to consultants and seed salesmen. Equipment sheds help ensure safety and good working conditions for equipment year-round, especially when it comes to valuable motorized items. The ability to maintain equipment pays off even more when you’re ready to trade in, boosting resale values. 4. On-farm grain and silo facilities go a long way: The ability to store harvested grain increases the efficiency and marketing options on your farm. First it eases logistics by allowing you to harvest earlier and faster with less dependency on local grain buyers and dryers and delivery times. Next, the cost of drying your grain is cheaper than what the dryer charges, while an on-farm grain facility can also help with grade premiums and shrinkage. The capital cost of grain bins is a long-term investment that can generate immediate returns, opening many opportunities to sale and market crops. Bins can also be used for livestock feed that can be purchased at a discount and stored for later use. 5. Irrigate, irrigate, irrigate: No one knows better than farmers that water is the key to growing anything. Your ability to create a sustainable source to irrigate crops and water cattle and poultry directly increases profitability. Don’t be afraid to invest in irrigation wells and pivots, surface water irrigation (aquifers, reservoir, ponds, streams, rivers and bayous) and underground piping to move water to different locations. 6. When it comes to land improvements, lean in: Whether you identify benefits to your farm such as fencing, leveled land for more efficient operation or the addition of solar panels, improvements like these go a long way in setting up your farm for success.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

MAY 17, 2021

farm

help

Making farming a little easier

Slowing Parasite Resistance By Cheryl Kepes

Livestock owners should develop a plan to treat animals to reduce parasites

As livestock take to spring pastures to graze on bountiful green grass, deadly parasites may be lurking nearby. Producers are facing an increasingly difficult battle against worms in their herds, due to the growing resistance the parasites are acquiring to antiparasitic drugs. In cattle, calves under 2 years of age are the most susceptible to parasites. In small ruminants (sheep and goats), the problem of anthelminthic resistance impacts animals of all ages and can be difficult to control. “Death is typically the first sign in small ruminants that you have a worm problem,” Dr. Eva Wray, with the University of Arkansas Animal Science Parasitology, said.

The Problem

Through the years, worm species have started to develop a resistance to the drugs used to wipe them out. Producers typically use anthelmintics (dewormers) to treat animals for parasitic worms. However, anthelmintics have begun to fail, in some cases on a worldwide-scale. After animals are treated with anthelmintics many of the parasitic worms die, but the surviving parasites pass resistant genes to their offspring. “So, you are al-

what do you say? How can producers educate consumers about beef?

MAY 17, 2021

ways going to have their progeny that they are putting out on pasture that will have some kind of resistance to that chemical they were exposed to,” Wray stated.

The Solution

Unfortunately, no plan will completely eradicate worms and eliminate parasite resistance. However, there are strategies producers can implement to minimize the problem. A Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) is a test used to determine if an anthelmintic is working. In order to get a fecal egg count, a fecal sample needs to be collected and analyzed. “Ideally, a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) would be used to monitor for resistance and determine which anthelmintics will be effective on a particular operation,” Dr. Craig Payne, Extension veterinarian with the University of Missouri, advised. Sample collection can be taken as livestock are moved through a chute during vaccinations or ear tagging. They can also be collected in the field. “You don’t have to sample 100 percent of your population,” Wray explained. “Twenty to 30 percent of your animals will give you a good idea of what is going on inside your animals as a whole.”

“You are what you eat. We need to teach consumers how hormones affect health and that no heavy supplementation is healthier for us.” Tim Harris Sequoyah County, Okla.

Ideally, producers collect fecal samples to be tested from specific animals. Experts say 20 to 30 percent of a herd carries 70 to 80 percent of the parasites. “If you can fecal sample regularly, you can find that 20 percent that has your worms and if you cull them, you have taken care of 80 percent of your worm problem,” Wray added. Proper dosing of anthelmintics helps combat resistance. Veterinarians advise producers to administer anthelmintics according to label dose and individual animal weight. “Deworming based on an average weight leads to underdosing in a proportion of animals which decreases efficacy and increases the risk of resistance,” Payne explained. When using pour-on anthelmintics, apply as a narrow strip extending from the withers to the tailhead. Improper application can reduce absorption and result in underdosing. If possible, identify the animal or animals with worms through a fecal egg count. “In the past, blanket treating, treating all the animals in the herd, was standard,” Wray explained. “But, because of anthelmintic resistance, that’s not really the case anymore. We want you to identify who needs a treatment based on a fecal egg count and

“We producers must stay educated and up to date so we can respond with accurate information because people often ask.”

just treat that one. You need to protect the drugs that still work by limiting exposure.” Through an FECRT the efficacy of a dewormer can be determined. If a fecal sample is collected prior to treatment and then again 14 days after treatment, producers will know whether the drug is working. Changing the brands or types of dewormers fails to impact resistance. “Rotation of anthelmintic classes does not appear to slow the emergence of resistance,” Payne stated. Other strategies include feeding condensed tannins, found in bale or pellet form, as a natural remedy. Rotational grazing is another helpful approach. Keeping cattle on pasture that is 3-inches or taller will help them avoid ingesting worms while they graze. Parasite larvae are typically located on the bottom 3 inches of plants and grass. “Current strategies being discussed to slow the development of resistance include use of refugia, the concept of leaving a proportion of the parasite population unexposed to anthelmintics, and administering multiple effective anthelmintics simultaneously,” Payne explained. This approach should only be implemented under the direction of a veterinarian.

“Consumers need to understand that the color of the hide doesn’t determine the quality of the beef, and we need to tell anyone who will listen.”

“The best education is face-to-face with other producers, explaining we love our animals and make sure they have a great life.”

James Hamm Adair County, Okla.

Brent Seaman Washington County, Ark.

Brent Cooper Sebastian County, Ark.

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Feed-Through Fly Control By Cheryl Kepes

Pros and cons of feeding an insect growth regulator

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Horn flies create a pesky and expensive problem for producers. Some estimates indicate losses due to horn flies on cattle populations in the United States top $800 million each year. The irritating insects inflict the greatest toll on momma cows and growing calves. The constant biting causes annoyance and blood loss in animals. This leads to energy loss due to fighting off the flies, decreased grazing and lower milk production. Horn flies can also be the source of the spread of summer mastitis in non-lactating mammary glands.

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One effective tool to control the horn fly population in herds is the use of feedthrough fly control. Feed-through fly control can be found in tub, block, feed additive or loose mineral form. Feed-through fly control contains a product called insect growth regulator (IGR). When an animal consumes the insect growth regulator it passes through the animal’s feces and prevents the fly larvae from developing and reaching maturity. “Depending on the active ingredient used, it may just control horn flies (Methoprene) or it may control horn, face, stable and house flies (Tetrachlorvinphos or Diflubenzuron),” Elizabeth MacConnell Picking, University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said.

When to use feed-through fly control

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Producers should start feeding a feedthrough product 30 days before the last frost in the spring and 30 days past the first frost in the fall. “When fed before flies start to emerge, a feed through fly control product can minimize flies from hatching from manure piles, reducing fly bites that make livestock uncomfortable, reduce weaning weights and cause infections like pinkeye and mastitis,” Picking explained.

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The Pros

The IGR products prevent fly maggots from maturing, therefore reducing the fly population that causes a variety of problems for livestock. In addition, feed-through fly control works well in combination with other fly control methods. “In some situations, it is beneficial in terms of using another method of control to rotate into the program, so you won’t develop insect resistance,” Dr. Kelly Loftin, University of Arkansas professor and entomologist, said. Another benefit of feed-through fly control comes with its ease of use. Producers don’t have to run cattle through a chute like they would to apply pour-ons or sprays.

The Cons

IGR fly control requires patience. If producers wait to start feeding the feed-through fly control after adult flies are present, the results will be delayed. “The key to using insect growth regulators is the producer needs to keep in mind that it has no effect on adult flies,” Loftin stated. “Producers need to have a little bit of patience and understand it is not going to be immediate.” Additionally, producers need to make sure their animals are consuming the recommended portion of the feed-through fly control each day. “If the animal is only getting a partial dose, it is not going to be that effective,” Loftin added. Another challenge includes the product’s effectiveness decreases if cattle are in close proximity to an untreated herd. “The downside of relying solely on a feed-through product for fly control occurs when neighboring farms do not use a feed-through fly control product and flies are able to migrate,” Picking stated. Picking suggests using a combination of feed-through fly control products with other control methods like sprays, pour-ons, impregnated tags, or dust baths.

MAY 17, 2021

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MAY 17, 2021

produce efficient female offspring that will need little assistance during calving is important,” Picking advised. Picking also noted selecting a bull with a higher Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) EPD ranking will help produce daughters that will need less assistance with calving. In addition, the Maternal Milk (Milk) EPD should be considered because the higher the Milk EPD, the more those daughters will produce milk for their calves. However, a top Milk EPD can be a red flag for some producers. In some cases, cows that produce a lot of milk may have higher nutrient demands which may not be suitable for all operations. Further, choosing sires with a higher Heifer Pregnancy (HP) EPD can increase the number of first-calf heifers successfully breeding back during the normal breeding season. Another EPD producers may want to look for in a herd sire is Cow Energy Value ($EN), which evaluates cow efficiency in a dollar value. Farmers may want to implement management practices specifically for breeding heifers. For example, breeding heifers earlier than the mature cow herd, gives firstcalf heifers more time to breed back after having their first calf. “Farmers should also consider using artificial insemination for heifers, which allows them to get pregnant and subsequently calve in a smaller window of time.” Picking said. When developing a breeding prograM, producers need to analyze the costs and benefits of developing their own replacements. This is especially true for a smaller producer with one to two bulls. If a producer wants to develop replacements and market calves, AI would be a recommended strategy. “Especially for smaller herds, using AI can give the producer freedom to select high growth trait EPD bulls for their feeder calf production and more maternal bulls to sire

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Producers face a difficult task when determining whether to breed their stock for maternal traits or terminal traits. When profitability is the name of the game – the breeding strategies necessary to get there are not always cut and dry. Maternal traits lean heavily on calving ease, milk and mothering ability. On the other hand, terminal traits emphasize growth and carcass characteristics. “Producers should consider their production goals to determine what traits to focus on for their breeding decisions,” Elizabeth MacConnell Picking, University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said. If the production goal is to produce feeder calves, then terminal traits would prevail. Terminal traits like weaning weight, average daily gain and carcass merit should be the focus of feeder calf operations. However, if the operation puts its emphasis on raising replacement heifers, then the focus should be breeding for maternal traits. Important maternal traits include mature weight, calving ease, docility and fertility. There are times when smaller commercial producers get caught in the middle. These are producers who are selling steers as feeder calves and also keeping heifer calves as their own replacements. They must strike a balance between producing high-growth, terminal-type calves and also raising replacement females that will eventually be efficient cows. “When considering herd sires for this scenario, there should be a balance of both maternal and terminal traits without putting too much emphasis on a single trait,” Picking added. If producers focus their operation on retaining heifers and/or selling replacement heifers they can tailor their breeding decisions to help them achieve their goals. “When retaining or selling replacement heifers, selecting a bull that will

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their future replacements,” Picking said. In addition, implementing AI improves the cowherds’ production and quality over time as the AI sired heifers are retained as replacements. Lastly, commercial producers should think about taking advantage of the benefits of hybrid vigor due to crossbreeding. Crossbred calves have improved calving rates, survival to weaning, birth weights, weaning weights, yearling weights and daily gains. Crossbred cows demonstrate improvements in calving rate, survival to weaning, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and cow longevity.

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Building a Barn

By Cheryl Kepes Building a barn may be a dream come true for many farmers, but making that dream a reality takes significant planning and preparation. Decisions on barn type, structure placement, materials used and building size are just a few of the considerations needed before construction occurs. The first piece of advice builders offer future clients has little do with the actual barn structure. “In the planning stage, you need to plan out at minimum six months ahead of time, if not a year,” Clayton Campbell, owner of Campbell Buildings and Metal Sales in Bolivar, Mo., said. Most builders are booked out months in advance. Therefore, patience and planning are key. Selecting a builder who is a licensed and insured general contractor is also recommended. “The ones that work out of their trucks can build a cheaper building; but if somebody gets injured on that job, they could wind up owning that land,” Brenda Miller, owner of NWA

Producers should plan well in advance of breaking ground Metal Buildings in Rogers, Ark., said. In addition, checking references will help ensure the company is reputable. How much a builder wants to charge for a deposit is another consideration. “I would also be very cautious with someone who wants more than 10 to 15 percent for a deposit,” Miller added. Miller advised one exception to that is if the builder wants a large deposit to purchase the wood package and the builder stores the materials on the job site until they are ready. When planning the barn, keep in mind its future use. “Probably one of the most important things to think about is what you want to use the building for in the end,” Campbell advised. “The planning is very important. Nobody wants to build something and then when it is all said and done, it is not exactly what you needed.” It is beneficial to consider the size needed for the building. Builders suggest

coming up with a rough sketch of the barn to guide the planning stages. “If they can draw it out before they call us and have a mini floor plan that is helpful,” Miller explained. “It doesn’t have to be pretty. I take napkin drawings all the time. I just need to know kind of what they want. And where they want to put things, where they want to put the windows and doors and things like that.” When farmers determine all of their intended uses for the barn, deciding what size door needed is important. Campbell explained the height of the barn depends on the size of the door or doors installed. Therefore, figuring out the size of the equipment that will be brought in and out of the barn is critical. Think about what size tractors, trucks, hay equipment, etc. will be pulled in and out of the building. Further, pinpointing a suitable location is key. Level ground in an area free of water runoff is ideal. “The most

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important, in my opinion, is you don’t want water running at your building,” Campbell stated. If a level, dry location is unavailable, then it may be necessary to take steps prior to construction to prepare the building site. Builders caution material prices are on the rise. In fact, costs for wood and metal change so rapidly budget numbers may be good for only a week at a time. The most economical barn to build is a post frame (also known as a pole barn), followed by stick frame and the most expensive is red iron. Miller’s company supplies all potential customers with a detailed list of considerations and steps to take when planning to build a barn. If a septic tank is needed, due to a restroom or living quarters constructed in the project, customers must apply for a soil morphology test. This can take months in Arkansas to complete. Miller advises her clients who need a septic system to apply right away for the soil morphology test. MAY 17, 2021

— ZONE A AUCTIONS — 5/20 Real Estate & Public Auction – Tulsa, Okla. – Chupps Auction Company and Real Estate 5/22 Public Estate Auction – Wagoner, Okla. – McKinney Auctions 5/26 Real Estate Auction – Wagoner, Okla. – Chupps Auction Company and Real Estate 5/27 Estate & Real Estate Auction – Claremore, Okla. – Chupps Auction Company and Real Estate 6/3 Trustee’s Real Estate Auction – Broken Arrow, Okla. – Mr. Ed’s Auction Company 6/8 Real Estate Auction – Bixby, Okla. – Chupps Auction Company and Real Estate

— ZONE B AUCTIONS — 5/18 Live Auction – Poteau, Okla. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/19 Live Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/20 Commercial Real Estate Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/21 Live Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/22 Farm Equipment Auction – Poteau, Okla. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/26 Real Estate Auction – Pocola, Okla. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/29 Estate Auction – Mountainburg, Ark. – Contrail Auction Service

MAY 17, 2021

6/1

Live Auction – Charleston, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 6/5 Estate & Real Estate Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. – Contrail Auction Service 6/5 Estate Auction – Poteau, Okla. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 6/9 Live Auction – Fort Smith, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 6/10 Estate Auction – Mansfield, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 6/12 Real Estate Auction – Van Buren, Ark. – Contrail Auction Service 6/12 Farm Equipment Auction – Talihina, Okla. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC

5/22 Ronald Krejci Dispersal Auction – Harrison, Ark. – Bailey Auction Service 5/22 Vaughan Estate 3-Day Auction – Hindsville, Ark. – Arkansas Professional Auctioneers 5/23 Sue Farley Estate Auction – Siloam Springs, Ark. – Dwayne Craig Auction Service 5/24 Kings River Land Auction – Huntsville, Ark. – Arkansas Professional Auctioneers 6/8 Estate Auction – Springdale, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC

— ZONE C AUCTIONS —

5/19 AuctionTime Auction – Clearfield, Iowa – Online Only – Rice Auction Company 5/25 Estate Auction – Hatfield, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC 5/25 Estate Auction – Mena, Ark. – Looper Auction & Realty II, LLC

OUTSIDE AREA — AUCTIONS —

Now-6/9 Jimmy B’s Storage Auction – Sulphur Springs, Ark. – Northwest Arkansas Online Auctions Now-5/23 Bella Vista Moving Auction – Bella Vista, Ark. – Online Auction – Northwest Arkansas Online Auctions

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SELF-PACED ONLINE COURSES • Agronomy 101 – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/yz1– for questions call 405-744-4357 • Arkansas Center for Farm and Food – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information – go.ozarksfn.com/e2m • Backyard Chickens – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 30 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/db0 – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Beekeeping Basics Podcasts – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/xof • Introduction to Horses – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 60 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/m7y – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Introduction to Prescribed Fire – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 120 days – Cost: $20 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/30m – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Selling Home Bakery Items – What You Need to Know – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $100 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/z2e – for questions call 405-744-4357 • Southern Fruitcast Podcast – contact Benton County Extension Office for more information 479-271-1060 – go.ozarksfn.com/g8d • Understanding Food Labeling Regulations – Self-Paced Course, Time Limit: 90 days – Cost: $600 – to enroll visit go.ozarksfn.com/hv1 – for questions call 405-744-4357 MAY 2021 20 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Brush Control Methods/Effects of Summer Burning on Forage Quality – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 20, 27 Pesticide Applicator Training – 11 a.m. – Madison County Extension Office, Huntsville, Ark. – for more information call 479-738-6826 21-23 46th Annual Four State Farm Show – Robert W. Plaster Center, 1701 S. Homer St., Pittsburg, Kan. – lance@ozarkempirefair.com JUNE 2021 17 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Rotational Grazing/Watering Systems – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 25-26 Ottawa County Jackpot – June 25, Swine Jackpot – June 26, Sheep & Goat Jackpot – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 or 918-848-0635 – extension.okstate.edu/ottawa JULY 2021 15 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Stockpiling Fall Forages/Economics of Pasture Fertility – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774

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Beginning Farmer Class – Season Extension Part 1, Farm School Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit go.ozarksfn.com/pna JB Massey Sheep and Goat Show Camp – Cherokee County Fairground, Tahlequah, Okla. – visit masseyshowlambcamp.com to register 2021 ACA Annual Convention & Trade Show – Hot Springs, Ark.

AUGUST 2021 15 Beginning Farmer Class – Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit go. ozarksfn.com/pna 19 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Establishment & Management of Cool Season Grasses and Legumes – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 21-28 Sebastian County Fair – Sebastian County Fairgrounds, Greenwood, Ark. – 479-484-7737 SEPTEMBER 2021 16 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Forage Supplementation/Forage Production and Calving Season – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 16-20 Rogers County Fair – Rogers County Fairgrounds, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 19 Beginning Farmer Class – When to Hire a Lawyer & Farm Tour – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit go.ozarksfn.com/pna 24-10/2 Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair – Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith, Ark. – www.arkansasoklahomafair.com OCTOBER 2021 17 Beginning Farmer Class – Season Extension Part II, Farm School – 1:30-5 p.m. – Location to be determined – Cost: $10 – for questions contact Ryan at 479-271-1060 – to register visit go.ozarksfn.com/pna 15-24 Arkansas State Fair – Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, Ark. – 501-372-8341 or www.arkansasstatefair.com November 2021 18 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Hay Storage & Feeding/Balanced Forage Systems – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774 December 2021 16 Cattlemen’s Forage College – Forage Budgeting/Stocking Rates – 6 p.m., Online via Zoom – No fee to attend – to register call 405-527-2174 or 405-321-4774

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MAY 2021 21 Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 22 The Great American Pie Sale – Laclede County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, Mo. – 402-350-3447

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Spur Ranch Back to Grass Female Sale – at the farm, Vinita, Okla. – 918-256-5850 or 918-244-2118

JUNE 2021 12 Wallen Prairie Ranch Production Sale – Lockwood, Mo. – 417-808-0296

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MAY 17, 2021

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Articles inside

Controlling flies with IGRs

Slowing parasites

Youth in Agriculture highlights Katy Richard

The Hamm family farm began with strawberries, but is now a thriving cattle operation

Julie Turner-Crawford – Taking it too far

Women work to share history and promote the future

Family brings a cotton gin back to the Ozarks

Jody Harris – Sharing the farm with others

Five generations and counting

Jerry Crownover – New isn’t always better