OFN June 15, 2020 by Eric Tietze

DAIRTYH MONUE ISS

Catering to Raw Milk Lovers

JUNE 15, 2020 • 24 PAGES

VOLUME 14, NUMBER 6 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Milk and Honey Hill Farm moves toward Jersey cows and A2/A2 production

Farm to Fork at MooShine Ridge

The Jepsen family offers milk from dairy goats and the dual-purpose Dexter

Crossbreeding in Dairy Cattle Mixing dairy breeds may reduce feed costs

Dairy Embraces Technology

Wick Dairy utilizes evolving robotic milking system on their 375-cow dairy

rumor mill

New Website Available: Ozarks Farm & Neighbor has launched a new website to connect producers to consumers. There is no charge to be added to the website. It is open to producers in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas! www.fromthefarmtoyou.com. Check it out and add your information! Live animals can be listed, but only those meant for slaughter. No breeding animal listings will be accepted.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

JUNE 15, 2020

COVID assistance program enrollment underway: The USDA is accepting applications through Aug. 28 for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5 percent or greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions and face additional significant market costs. Go to www.farmers.gov/cfap for more information. Griffin named as a finalist: Julie Griffin a member of the Logan 4-H Club in Benton County, Ark., has been named a finalist for the Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame. Griffin has been named a Teen Star and a State Ambassador, she has also served as a Dairy Ambassador for the 4-H program. She has many Ozark District & State O-Rama wins under her belt in the categories of FCS Skill-a-thon, Food Fair and Consumer Economics. Julie was named a State Record Book Winner in 2018 for Dairy. She is also a member of the Siloam Springs FFA. She was the 2019 Arkansas Star Farmer and a member of the 2019-2020 state officer team. Seniors awarded scholarships: Courtney Jinkens of Rogers County, Okla., and Jaden Brunnemer of Payne County, Okla., are two of eight high school seniors to be awarded the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors pursuing a degree in agriculture at an Oklahoma-accredited institution of higher education. U of A student receives award: Minerva Dorantes, a doctoral student in crop, soil and environmental sciences at the University of Arkansas, is one of 100 doctoral students in the U.S. and Canada selected to receive a $15,000 Scholar Award from the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic educational organization dedicated to supporting high-achieving women pursuing doctoral degrees. She was sponsored by Chapter BH of Fayetteville. Ward to lead ag organization: Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward was elected president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA) for 2020-21 during its annual conference held virtually on June 1. SASDA consists of the commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

OzarksFarm @OzarksFarm

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

VOL. 14, NO. 6

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

No shame in a “C”

Jody Harris – Skirting the rules

Julie Turner-Crawford – Celebrating Dairy Month

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 The Jepsen family provide fresh-from-the-farm milk, other products

8 14

Agriculture is both a career and a way of life for the Hales

Eye on Agribusiness features L&K Farms

A childhood passion turns into a museum

Town & Country spotlights Dana and Donna Samples

The Ballards operate a diverse farm

Wick Dairy utilizes a robotic milking system

Youth in Agriculture salutes Marley Anderson

FARM HELP 18 Should you diversify? 19 Native warm-season

grasses have benefits

Know a Good Rumor?

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

Breeding for improved quality

Considering a dairy cross?

JUNE 15, 2020

just a

thought

PO Box 1514, Lebanon, MO 65536

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

What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?

Eric Tietze

Life Is Simple

Publisher

Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting

e f i L elpmiS si

Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Amanda Newell, Production Sales Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation

By Jerry Crownover

ast week, for the first time in 30 years, revodivision…with nworC yrreJ yB I had to perform long a pencil and paper. It took me a while, but I did get the correct answer (I Jerry Crownover is checked my work when I returned a farmer and former home and found my phone). professor of Agriculture Everyone has access to an electronic calcuEducation at Missouri lator these days. Whether it’s a promotional State University. He is a give-away from the local seed dealer or feed native of Baxter County, store, a $1.99 special at the local discount Arkansas, and an store, or the one that is on almost every cell author and professional phone in America; none of us have to be bothspeaker. To contact Jerry, ered with ciphering on the back of a piece of go to ozarksfn.com and junk mail, anymore. I’m surprised teachers can click on ‘Contact Us.’ still make students learn their times tables and, of course, show their work. Anyone younger than 50 probably assumes the pocket calculator has been around forever, but, I can assure them, they have not. When I entered college in 1970, no one had a little “math machine,” but I did notice that all the math and engineering majors had a little holster on their belts that contained something called a “slide rule.” One engineer on our dorm floor attempted to show me how to use one, once. After an hour-long demonstration, I decided working the long math was less complicated than using his contraption, and continued with that philosophy for two more years. As a junior, I was enrolled in an animal nutrition course that should have been titled Advanced Algebra for Aggies. It was kicking my rear, grade-wise, and my grade point average was already in need of help. The math was do-able for me, it just required huge amounts of my time, that was already consumed by working 30 hours a week at a job, my other classes and any hope of a social life. Luckily, I picked up

Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Jessica Allan, Klaire Howerton, Kathy Parker and Terry Ropp

About the Cover Aidan Ballard and his family offer farm-fresh milk from their Jersey cattle, as well as other food items. See more on page 14. Submitted photo. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

Its Time to Bale Some Hay!

Are You Ready?

Poly, Sisal, or Netwrap the Farmers Coop Professionals can get you set up and ready to go.

— Continued on Page 6

T SMIT R O

Serving Arkansas & Oklahoma

OWNERS FIELD Sam Chandler • 918-696-6029 REPRESENTATIVES Scottie Smith • 918-696-0793 Carl Quinton • 479-856-5500 Budge Herbert • 918-658-4781 Dax Tyler • 479-461-3678

Sale Every Monday

FORT SMITH STOCKYARDS

CKYAR US Hwy 64 Moffet, Okla.

JUNE 15, 2020

On Farm appraisals • Early drop off pens with 50 grass traps, water, and plenty of shade • Hauling available • Convenient Location • Family Owned & Operated

Barn

918-875-3131

Bailer Tw

Herbiconides

ine

Square Poly • Sis or Round al and Balin• Netwrap g Wire

• Cimarr • PasturAll • Grazon P+D • Remedy

Coweta, OK 918-486-5322

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

AVAILABL EH

ERE

Stilwell, OK 918-696-3191

www.farmerscoop.biz

Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

FINANCING AVAILABLE

HORSE BARNS WORK SHOPS

GARAGES

HAY BARNS

“We Custom Build To Fit Your Needs” BradfordBuildings.com • 877-303-3737

Purebred Corral Odglen Farms

Red Angus Bulls & Heifers

Angus Bulls

Bentonville, Arkanas

479-273-3030

Easy Fleshing • Fescue Tolerant • Calving Ease 1764 Countryside Rd. • Harrison, AR 72601 870-688-1231 • 870-741-9795 watkinscattleco@windstream.net 6/15/20

8/17/20 12/29/14

TRIPLE COVERAGE FOR ONLY

$21 PER ISSUE!* Featured In 3 Locations: ✔ Purebred Corral Display Ad ✔ Classifieds Seedstock Directory ✔ Online Seedstock Directory * Must feature your ad a mininum of 19 issues.

Rocking A Ranch Angus Bulls for Sale Bred for low birth weight, high docility and growth 870-480-7651 cell 870-423-3567 home parthurrockinga@hotmail.com 7/6/20

SIMANGUS, BALANCER BULLS

Registered Lim-Flex Bulls, Cows, & Replacement 479-361-2407 Heifers mobile For Sale 479-200-2677

7/27/20

Ultra Black & Brangus Bulls $2,000 • Heifers $1,250 DISCOUNTS

for VETERANS! Gentle, Top Quality, Delivery Available

www.HorseheadRanch.net

918-695-2357

4/5/21

Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales

Harriman Santa Fe (Bob)

Horned Herefords, Charolais, Angus, Brangus & Balancer Bulls For Sale

660-492-2504

Cell: 501-940-0299 Email: kgcagle@windstream.net

EPDs from the Top 1%

bharriman39@hotmail.com www.bhsf.us • Montrose, MO

Keith Cagle

8/19/20 8/5/19

7/6/20

Call Today To Reserve Your Space! Toll Free 1-866-532-1960

just a thought

Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

here is so much uncertainty in our world right now it makes me feel anxious. We have moved through two seasons in this time of quarantine and social distancing. Our family is ready to Jody Harris is a freelance get out and start living in our community again. communications specialist, Our kids drug out last year’s warm-weather gardener, ranch wife and mother of four. She and clothes as the days have gotten warmer. They her family raise Angus beef have been eating what often feels like five meals cattle and other critters on a day. They have hit growth spurts. Last summer’s their northwest Arkansas shorts were way too short for my preference. ranch. She is a graduate I loaded up my children and took them into of Missouri State University. town to look for some summer clothes. As we To contact Jody, go to stepped into one of local department stores, ozarksfn.com and click on the first thing everyone needed to do was use ‘Contact Us.’ the restroom. We stopped so everyone could take care of their business before shopping. We browsed the aisles in the boys’ and girls’ section. A person working at the store stopped me with my cart to inform me their dressing rooms were not available. I could not hide my facial expression. First, I would not have loaded up ALL four kids to go into a store if I had known this information. Second, I had just let all four of them use the PUBLIC restroom in said store with no consequences. I responded with, “Are you serious? We can use the bathroom here (and it obviously wasn’t getting wiped down after each use), but we cannot use a dressing room?” She told me I was correct. Puzzled, I continued shopping. My kids are short and skinny and the reason I traipsed through the store with them was so we could make sure everything fit. I let myself stew about this dilemma before formulating my solution. I really didn’t want to drive all the way back home to try stuff on only to return half of it later. I got in a check out line. We had to wait for one of the cashiers to come open it up. I was not about to plow through the self-check-out kiosk mostly on the principle that I did not work there. I bought every single thing in my cart. The friendly cashier sacked it all up for us. I then proceeded to take my kids back into the public restroom at the store and let them try on the clothes we had picked out together. What did not fit, they chucked over the stall door and I made a neat pile. Gross. I know. When we finished this ridiculous exercise, I took the items that did not fit them back through the customer service counter and returned them. I felt like all logic was lost with the store’s management practices but they were not my rules to make. I am a firm believer in providing excellent customer service and I found some in the best way I knew how that day. And my kids now have clothes that fit. I want to see businesses opening back up and prospering this summer. I want our grocery store shelves to be filled with all the dairy, vegetable and meat products we all love. I’m praying for our fellow farmers and businesspeople. I’m also ready to have choices back. Choose to go out, choose to stay home. Choose to wear masks or choose not to. Most of all, I’m hopeful we will all choose to love our neighbors. I know I love each of you, neighbors.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 15, 2020

just a thought

FREE DELIVERY WHEN YOU BUY ONLINE

Across the Fence By Julie Turner-Crawford

t’s June and that means it’s Dairy Month. Time to tip our hats to all the dairy producers in the Ozarks and around the country. Dairy is only a small portion of the farmJulie Turner-Crawford ing landscape these days, but dairy farmers, is a native of Dallas and their cows, are a vital part of the agricultural County, Mo., where she industry, contributing millions of dollars to the grew up on her family’s economy. They are also on the front line of the farm. She is a graduate production of nature’s most perfect food. of Missouri State Think about all of the great things that come from University. To contact milk and its components, such as cheese, ice cream, Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 butter, sour cream and yogurt. Try getting those or by email at editor@ from an almond or some other kind of nut. I don’t ozarksfn.com. think it would taste the same. We also can’t forget my all-time favorite dairy product – chocolate milk. A big glass of chocolate milk just makes your belly smile. I “boycotted” milk for a while as a kid. Our old Jersey milk cow got into green onions. The smell made my stomach turn. Mom had to buy milk from the store for me. Even after the onions were gone and the smell disappeared from the milk, I couldn’t drink the raw milk for long, long time. Even today, the smell of a strong onion makes me nauseous. We also can’t forget our dairy goat producers. There’s a high demand for those products, including milk, cheese and soap. It’s also impressive to see how much milk a goat can produce in her lifetime. A longtime friend, Bonnie, has both cows and goats, and she has a pretty good customer list for her raw milk from both species. She likes showing the cheeses she makes on social media, and they look amazing.

Z700 SERIES ZERO TURN MOWERS

300 off

1- 6 S E R I E S C O M PA C T UTILITY TRACTORS

S 24 0 L AW N TRACTOR

200 off

90 DAYS No Payments, No Interest

• 23-25 engine HP

• Two side-by-side forward and reverse pedals

• Standard 4-wheel drive

• 8-10mph maximum forward speed

• Wide, welcoming operator station

• Up to 72in Drive-over mower decks

• 8-gallon fuel capacity

• Cool and comfortable 15-in. open, high-back seat

• Adjustable Seat and Three-Position Foot Platform

• Powerful V-Twin Engine

• Quik-Park™ easy-attach loader and iMatch™ Quick Hitch compatibility

Legendary Products. Extraordinary Service.

Find your local Heritage Tractor location or request a quote at HeritageTractor.com

1Valid until 7/6/2020. $100 off the purchase of a new Z300 Series ZTrak Zero-Turn Mower, $200 off the purchase of a new S240 Lawn Tractor, and $300 off the purchase of a new Z700 Series ZTrak ZeroTurn Mower available in the U.S. at participating dealers. Dollars off will be deducted from the purchase price. Some restrictions apply, see your John Deere dealer for details. 2Valid until 7/6/2020. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial, for consumer use only. Down payment may be required. Average down payment is 10%. $17.24 per month for every $1,000 financed. No payments, no interest for 90 days, followed by 0% APR for 58 months only. Taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Available at participating U.S. dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. Offer available on new equipment only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars.

— Continued on Next Page

Desserts

Oat Cookies Submitted by: Barbara Groskopf, Hartman, Ark.

Ingredients:

• 1 C butter • 1 C powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 1/2 C flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1 C quick oatmeal • Chocolate shot (chocolate sprinkles)

Directions: Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Combine flour with baking soda and oats. Combine flour mixture and butter mixture with a mixer. Shape into 1 1/2-inch rolls. Roll into chocolate shot, pressing well. Wrap in waxed paper. Chill at least four hours. Slice thin with a sharp knife. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 325 degrees for about 15 minutes or until lightly brown. 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

JUNE 15, 2020

THE LENDER WHO

finances all types of agriculture. From large, traditional farms to small operations that sell direct to consumer, we finance it all. Call today and find out why Farm Credit is the expert for financing all types of agriculture.

800-444-3276

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

myaglender.com

Mac’s

VET SUPPLY

Animal Health Supplies

Delivered To Your Door!

Open Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm Call In Your Order Today & You’ll Receive It Tomorrow!

COMING SOON! just a thought The Ozarks’ ONLY Ag Resource Directory

Continued from Previous Page NEW ISSUE COMING SOON

SPRING SPECIALS WORMERS Agrimectin Pour-On, 5.0 Liter Cydectin, 5.0 Liter IMPLANTS Cydectiin, 10.0 Liter Synovex Cart Dectomax, 500 ml. Ralgro Eprinex 5.0 liter Noromectin, 500 ml. ANTIBIOTICS Noromectin, 1000 ml. Agrimycin 200, 500 ml. Safeguard Dewormer Noromycin 300, 500 ml. VACCINES One-Shot, 10 Dose Ultrabac 7 Som, 50 Dose Bovi-Shield 5

Springﬁeld Livestock Marketing Center, Exit 70 I-44 & Hwy. MM

417-863-8446 1-888-360-9588

The Farm Hand directory is mailed directly to farm families across northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, PLUS it will be available online at AgResourceDirectory.com. The Farm Hand contains listings of ag-businesses & the products or services they provide.

Call Today to Reserve Your Ad Space! FARM

HAND

1-866-532-1960 ads@ozarksfn.com

MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR PACKAGE

Package Includes: • Massey Ferguson 1723e Tractor with loader • 14' trailer with ramp • 4' brush hog • 4' box blade

17,46900

MIDWEST EQUIPMENT Sales Service & Parts

Bentonville, AR Green Forest, AR Harrison, AR 1400 W. I Street 1000 W. Main Street 505 E. Stephenson 479-367-2180 870-438-4328 870-743-1110 Call today for a no-obligation demonstration at your home! Financing Available!

Across the Fence If you think about it, milk is what helps tie everything together in a meal or snack. Even if you aren’t a “milk drinker,” dairy is still a part of your diet. For example, 50 billion cheeseburgers are consumed annually in the U.S. The cheese atop those burgers isn’t the only dairy product; milk and butter are part of the bun-making process. If you have kids, it’s likely mac and cheese is a staple at your house. And there would be no biscuits and gravy in the morning without milk either. Without milk, we wouldn’t have many of the foods we enjoy today. Baked goods, pasta, chocolate, fancy coffee, salad dressings, white sauces and even some cold cuts contain milk or another dairy product. Milk just makes the world go round. Perhaps my favorite thing about the dairy industry is the people. For many longtime dairy producers, it’s the only life they have ever known or wanted, and they are dedicated to their trade. They’re in the barn for several hours a day, then there are animals to feed, fieldwork to be done and other chores. Some have to take outside jobs to try and make ends meet on top of their farming chores. It makes for a long day.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3 a free flier on campus, that said Mr. J.C. Penny had a newly arrived shipment of something called a portable, pocketsized, battery-operated, electronic calculator that could add, subtract, multiply and divide at the push of a button, for only $69.95. That was a lot of money in 1972 (my rent was $60/month), but I needed a “B” in the nutrition class in the worst way and my current grade was a “C” (a very low C). I used two week’s pay to purchase the gadget, which operated on four AAA batteries. Keep in mind that the digital display was not LCD, but rather, lighted numbers that could drain the batteries after about one hour of use. My nutrition class was 50 minutes long,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Dairy producers also seem to be the biggest targets of animal rights groups. False claims of abuse and cruelty, and “undercover investigations” make headlines, but the farmer spending their days and nights with their animals to ensure their health and wellbeing are few and far between. I’m so proud that we can dedicate a few pages of Ozarks Farm & Neighbor as our little way to salute the dairy industry. Without our nation’s dairy farmers, we would miss a whole lot more than milk. **** Ozarks Farm & Neighbor has launched a new product to connect producers with consumers. Our new website fromthefarmtoyou.com offers producers the opportunity to list farm products they directly sell to consumers, such as milk, eggs produce and meat. There is no cost to add your listing to the site, and it is open to producers across the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The listing is also open to producers who wish to sell live animals intended for slaughter. We’re still in the early stages of the website, but we are excited to see where we go from here.

so by the end of each class, the lighted numbers began to flicker and fade. When finals week rolled around, I precisely figured that I needed an “A” on the final to bring my grade for the course up to a low “B,” but now I had the secret weapon I needed. As the final test was handed out by the professor, I whipped out my pocket calculator, turned it on, and the numbers lit up as bright red as the comb on a nutritionally balanced leghorn rooster. I began punching numbers. Half way through the two-hour exam, the numbers began to dim, so I began to dig in my pocket for new batteries. At that point, my face faded to match the pale display on the calculator, when I realized the new batteries were still lying on the desk by my front door. A grade of “C” is nothing for which to be ashamed. JUNE 15, 2020

meet your

neighbors

Farm to Fork at MooShine Ridge By Kathy Parker

The Jepsen family offers milk from dairy goats and the dual-purpose Dexter Kimberly and Kevin Jepsen offer a wide variety of commodities at their home store just off Highway 82 in Langley, Okla. The Jepsens call their operation MooShine Ridge. Starting with raw milk, the Jepsens have branched out to offer raw cow’s milk, goat milk, cheese, eggs, chicken, beef, pork and duck all packaged and ready for sale. In addition to good food, Kimberly makes goat milk soap and bath bombs. Kevin had problems drinking milk, so Kimberly wanted to find an alternative. Many people who can’t tolerate cow’s milk can drink goat’s milk, but Kimberly also learned cow’s milk is not all alike. “It’s the protein structure in milk,” Kimberly said. “Most Holsteins have A1 protein structure. Our Dexter cows have A2 protein which is easier to digest. Dexter milk has a smaller molecule size.” Kimberly thinks Kevin’s ability to drink Dexter milk may be breed specific as he has tried other A2 cows milk which upset his stomach. “I sought out a dairy breed that produced A2 milk,” Kimberly said. “But I also chose Dexters for their temperament.” Dexters originated in Ireland as a triple purpose breed: milk, meat and draft. They are a relatively small breed. Dexters are voracious foragers and will eat blackberry leaves, weeds and bottom leaves from tree branches. Kimberly pointed out the difference between clear pasture and tangled woods where the cows have grazed. Registered Dexters can be red, black or dun. The J e p s e n s butcher steers when they weigh around 1,000 pounds. “I have a cow I’ve been milking for almost a year straight right now JUNE 15, 2020

because we changed from fall to spring calving,” Kimberly said. Calves are left on the cows Kimberly milks. In fact, she has one cow that is much easier to milk if the calf is nursing at the same time. Raw milk can be sold on the farm if it’s sold from the same building where the cows are milked or from the producer’s home kitchen. That’s why the farm store is attached to the milk barn. The goats Kimberly milks are Nubians. Goat milk is very high butterfat at 5 percent. Goat milk is also sold, as well as cheese made from both cow and goat milk. “We save (goat) colostrum and we have people come who have orphaned kittens and puppies to raise on goat milk,” Kimberly said. She gets a gallon of goat milk each day from milking until the kids are weaned, then she gets two gallons a day. Right now, Kimberly is milking three cows. The milk is sold in half-gallon jars. She’s getting about six gallons a day from those three cows, even with one on the down side of her lactation. Cows are dried off eight weeks before calving. Jepsens have changed from fall to spring calving because they believe both cows and calves do better on new spring grass. Dexter replacement bulls are raised on the farm and steers are fed and finished on grass, butchered locally and sold by whole, half, quarter or packaged to be sold by the pound in the farm store. Dexter meat is dark red with a high degree of marbling. Langley, Okla. MooShine Ridge also raises KuneKune pigs for pork sold in the store. The native New Zealand

Kevin Jepsen and his family operate a farm store that offers fresh-from-the-farm products.

Submitted Photo

breed is smaller than commercial hog breeds and produces darker meat with marbling. The pigs are totally raised on pasture. KuneKunes are a grazing breed with short upturned snouts making them less prone to rooting. KuneKunes have no desire to roam and will not test most any kind of fencing. The meat is gaining popularity with chefs in the U.S. “I am a city girl, but my husband was raised on a commercial hog farm. We’ve been married nearly 20 years and there were only two things he ever told me we’d never have, hogs and black bean burgers. He said hogs stink and you can never get it off. These pigs don’t stink because they are outside. And nobody wants a black bean burger,” Kimberly said. “We tried some other breeds but they were kinda grumpy,” Kevin said. KuneKunes are friendly and no danger to their pigs. “It’s funny cause the pigs nurse while the sow is standing up. The sow will be walking along grazing and the pigs are nursing. When she’s had enough she just lays down flat on her belly.” The pigs are butchered at 200 pounds, which produces about 85 pounds of meat. “I think KuneKune actually means little fatty,” Kimberly said. She renders lard, which is sold in the farm

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

store. “It’s good to cook with,” Kimberly said. “No oily after taste.” The dairy cows are fed wheat fodder Kimberly grows in trays. She has a room to grow fodder she describes as a giant shower. Temperature and humidity are kept at 70. First the wheat seed is soaked around 12 hours until it germinates. Then the seeds are spread in trays set on metal racks. “A $14 bag of seed makes about 280 pounds of fodder,” Kimberly said. The trays are sprayed with water twice a day. There is a drain in the middle of the sloped floor. A lactating cow is fed 140 pounds of fodder each day. Jepsens begin feeding fodder Oct. 15 and stop around April 15. “Before we built this room, I grew the fodder in our spare shower for two years,” Kimberly said. In less than two weeks the high quality wheat grass fodder is ready to feed. The Jepsens raise Muscovy ducks. The meat is leaner than other ducks and Kimberly said it tastes a lot like roast beef. Eggs from Americana hens are for sale in the store. They are mostly green but sometimes brown. Cheese is made at least once a week along with some cheese spreads. With the virus scare, many farmers markets are not operating, so the store has organic produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays now, grown by another local farm.

meet your neighbors

Always Teaching Agriculture By Terry Ropp

Agriculture instructors Clint and Sarah Hale raise show pigs for their children and other youth Clint and Sarah Hale are both from farming families, and have careers in agriculture eduction. Clint has taught 16 years, the last 13 in Prairie Grove, Ark., while Sarah is in her 11th year and teaches in Lincoln. The Hale’s 20-acre farm, located between the two towns, is where they currently raise two children and show pigs. Clint and Sarah have consciously developed their lives around agriculture. Their two children, Claire, 6, and Gus, 3, are well steeped in agriculture because their family life also revolves around agriculture. Years ago, Clint and Sarah selected their property because it contained both the house and land, and had easy access to the rest of Northwest Arkansas without having to cross major highways to get to work. The previous owners maintained 30 horses on the 20 acres using electric fence, and the land was in rough shape, filled with weeds. The solution to the brush control problem was to begin with Boer goats. The added benefit was that raising the goats provided both Clint and Sarah with hands-on experience with small ruminants, something they believed was essential for their teaching careers. An additional problem was the electric fence was not as successful with the goats as it had been with the horses. Over time, the couple installed perimeter net fencing and use the electric fences to divide the land into five smaller pastures that were used on a rotational basis to help combat small ruminant worm issues. The market goats were sold in Centerton or Leach, Okla. Once the land was cleared, the goats did not thrive on grazing and the worm problem demanded a transition. The couple switched to foundation Quar-

Submitted Photo

Clint and Sarah Hale are both high school ag teachers. The couple, pictured with their children Claire and Gus, also raise show pigs.

ter horses used for pleasure, show pigs understand raising livestock from fertiland Australian Shepherds. The horses ization to fork,” Sarah added. came from Sarah’s father Bill Heuer in Because of that belief, the Hales raise Harrison, where he and his son raise registered Chester White show pigs. and sell Quarter horses and The breed is known for good beef cattle. maternal traits in addition “I’ve been told there are 24 to a good carcass that proLincoln, Ark. hours in a day and I use them duces highly marketable all,” said Clint. “Pigs are our meat. Some of the show pigs family and parenting time.” are retained for the children to “We believe it’s important show and then finished for marfor our children to see and ket. The USDA-inspected meat Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

is sold by Sarah’s uncle, Terry, at Fuller Seed and Supply in Popular Grove, Ark. “Our financial goal for our pigs is for them to pay their own way and for our showing,” Clint explained. “We sell show pigs outside of our area, especially in Benton County and Oklahoma, and make money through competitions and meat sales.” The farm currently maintains four sows and Eddie, a 750-pound boar who serves as both a teaser and breeder. Because the Hales are raising show pigs, controlled breeding time is essential. They occasionally use Matrix to time heat cycles. Piglets are needed for the summer showing season, where Gus competes in piglet showmanship in the Arkansas Junior Swine Series with a pig he picks out himself. Claire shows in AJSS jackpots, the Washington County Fair and the breed show at the Arkansas State Fair. To give Claire more opportunities to show, the Hales also purchase registered show pigs of other breeds. The Hales closely work with the Lincoln Farmers Co-Op and an MFA salesrep to meet the goals of their program, whether for breeding or showing. The goal is to feed as economically as possible while still getting the desired results. Ag teachers are very busy people who work year-round with their students. Summer includes home visits and much of the show season. Nonetheless, they don’t view their job as primarily teaching students how to farm. As Clint nodded in agreement, Sarah said, “What we really focus on is why people farm and use the practices they do. Less than 2 percent of the population is in production farming, but one out of four people in Arkansas is employed by an agriculturally-related job. We try to help our students prepare for a possible agriculturally related career and to be knowledgeable consumers.” JUNE 15, 2020

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

G OOSENECK TRAILERS L T •F •D T IVESTOCK RAILERS

LATBEDS

UMP RAILERS

FRYE FARMS • SENECA, MO • 417-438-0146

L&K Farms By Terry Ropp

Submitted Photo

Owners: Keith and Leeanna Baer Location: Summer, Ark. History: “At the time we bought the company, my wife Leeanna and I were in the dairy business and decided to go into the hauling business so producers, including us, had a way to get their milk to the plants,” Keith Baer, owner of L&K Farms said. “In 2001, I bought the business from Keith Pearson. We purchased the routes and territory as well as two trucks. Though through time milk hauling has changed with companies going with whoever is cheapest. Over the years, I bought out all of the milk haulers in the area. We continue hauling milk though we closed our dairy 12 years ago due to dropping milk prices. At the time we purchased the business, Keith (Pearson) was hauling for Kraft Foods. Then Kraft quit buying farm milk and we hauled milk for another company before that company was absorbed by DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) about eight years ago. Our oldest son Joe came back to help and works the routes with four other specialized milk haulers; we deeply appreciate. I hope to return to work after I recover from a recent heart attack. The thing I like best about the business is visiting with the producers while the milk is loading. Nonetheless, when I’m driving between stops, I think about all the things I should be doing on the farm, where we now raise commercial beef.” How the Process Works: “Hauling milk is a seven-day-a-week business with payment based upon the hundredweight. I normally deliver to the Highland Dairy in Fayetteville though I occasionally go to Fort Smith or Springfield, Mo. We have seven routes with 25 dairies in various locations covering a large area, including Locust Grove and Tahlequah in Oklahoma and Maysville, Bentonville and Evansville in Arkansas. We now pick up from fewer dairies but traveling significantly more territory than when we started. In the beginning we had 27 dairies in a 10-mile radius, but dairies closed due to dropping milk prices and producers finding easier ways to make money. Depending upon the route, the trucks leave the farm between 4 and 8 a.m., with a typical day lasting 10 to 12 hours. Most of the small dairies are about an hour apart from barn to barn. Our largest dairy produces 52,000 pounds of milk every other day.” Philosophy and Future: “This business is no different than any other.

It’s important to be honest, fair and kind. Because the dairy industry is in flux, the future is far from certain but I’m hoping that my son will one day take over for me.” JUNE 15, 2020

Wholesale Seed Division

CALL YOUR ORDER IN FOR EASY DOCK PICKUP!

417-725-3512 • 1-800-648-7379 Wt. Lbs.

Total Germ.

$ Lb.

GRAINS

50 SOYBEANS - LAREDO, Hay Type 50 SOYBEANS, 3’ Tall-Harvest R-Ready® Willcross WXR7484

Bag Lb.

Wt. Lbs.

36.45 29.95

50 50 50 50

50 SOYBEANS, 4’ Tall-Forage

29.95

R-Ready® Willcross WXR7488 50 SOYBEANS, R-Ready™, Stratton Game Changer 41 SPRING HERITAGE MIX, Stratton 140K SOYBEANS, R-Ready® Lewis 473RR2 140K SOYBEANS, Eagle Brand R-Ready®, Big Fellow 140K SOYBEANS, R-Ready® Eagle Gamekeeper

48.50 46.88 42.00 73.84 83.84

SUDAN / MILLET

50 SAFE “T” GRAZE, BEST SELLER

Sudan, Piper Cross = Low Prussic Acid 50 PEARL MILLET, Hybrid 50 GERMAN MILLET, Strain R

.69 1.38 1.28

Total Germ.

$ Lb.

SORGHUMS

HYB. FORAGE SORGHUN, GW-400 BMR 1.44 HYB. BRACHYTIC FORAGE SORGUM 1.88 MILO, Grain Sorghum, 85 Day, Safened 2.18 1.16 .96 WILD BIRD GRAIN MILO,

LESPEDEZA

Cow/Horse

“A Non-Bloating Legume” Summer Annual, Spring Planting

50 KOREAN, Innoc., Non Coated 90% 1.64 50 KOBE, Upright Growth, Hay Type Not Available 50 SERICEA, Scariﬁed, No Sell to KS, CO Feb 3.96 50 50 50 50 50 50

WARM SEASON

WRANGLER BERMUDA, 50% Coated 6.18 CHEROKEE BERMUDA, Huilled 90% Pure 7.76 TEFF GRASS, Coated, Corvallis 1.88 2.42 TEFF GRASS, Raw CRABGRASS - RED RIVER 4.86 SUNN HEMP 1.68 CAUCASIAN BLUESTEM Not Available

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

Safe T Graze Sudan is the Summer Solution for Hay & Pasture! Low Prussic Acid! SAVE YOUR SEED SAMPLE

SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE

510 W Mt Vernon, Nixa, MO 65714

nixahardware.com

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

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Welcome to Ruland Junction By Terry Ropp

A love of toy trains has resulted in the formation of a one-of-a-kind museum Wayne Ruland was 4 years old when his father Edward, an avid toy train collector, gave him a beautiful blue, black, yellow and red wooden train handmade by one of his father’s friends. Wayne treasured that train and kept it in excellent condition, even when in later years other children played with it resulting in minor damage. That train is now an honored member of Wayne’s collection. Edward grew up in New Jersey, which is where his children were raised as well. As a child of 8 he began making his own trains by scouring for metal behind factories, buying only wheels and motors. His trains were distinctive, common and simple. Wayne and his brother Gary were fascinated by everything that moved. The collections grew, and the boys continually pestered their father to make a collection home in the basement, which he did. Then people found out. “Firemen, the garbageman, friends and neighbors used to stop by to see the trains,

bringing their own favorites,” Wayne said. “We explained we couldn’t afford to buy the trains but would give them a good home, and most gave us their trains.” At 27, Wayne married the love of his life, Susan. After marrying, the couple stayed in Wisconsin for a short, then they moved to Heber Springs, Ark. The second part of the story is Wayne’s lifelong fight against arthritis. The problem first came to light when he was in the fourth grade and hurt his ankle. The family soon discovered young Wayne had juvenile arthritis. He has been through 21 surgeries and declared disabled while still young man. Wayne turned this lifelong problem into an opportunity to reach out to everyone, especially to children. The idea for the museum came after the death of Edward and Gary when the three collections were combined. Wayne received a small inheritance from his father, which he and Susan decided to use to create the Ruland Junction Toy Train

Submitted Photos

Museum. The museum was not intended for large crowds but for more intimate interactions. After the two-story outer shell was constructed, Wayne proceeded to form the interior and finish his museum building. The building looks like a train depot, platform and all. Wayne also built easy access stairs for himself and those who came to visit. Next came the most important decision: the intent of the museum displays. Wayne decided to combine four purposes in one package of real train memorabilia and multiple toy train layouts. The museum is the result of 90 years of family collecting. The first purpose is to serve as an attraction to all toy train hobbyists. Kids to oldsters love to wander through the exhibits, viewing toy trains, including Wayne’s original blue, black, yellow and red train and a metro line The second purpose is to instill in all children the belief if they want something, they can do it; and the more often they do, the better they get. Wayne uses his tours to instill a belief in themselves in the form of a fever that will never go away. The third purpose is to provide a snapshot not only of the history of trains but also of our nation’s history. The four fully functional layouts include churches, houses, gazebos and public buildings, as well as trees and park benches. People are seen working, walking the streets and celebrating holidays like Christmas. Scenes represent particular eras so the total effect is like a patchwork quilt of American history.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Three other layouts are still being refined and will add to the quilt. The fourth, and perhaps the most important purpose of the museum, is to serve as a venue for special needs children, especially those with autism. Wayne wants the museum to help connect those children with themselves and others while gaining self-respect through working on and contributing to the displays. When Daniel Hipp was 17, he knew only family and church because his autism hindered interaction with others. According to Daniel, his first visit changed his life forever. He always loved trains and found his “element” in Wayne’s museum. Daniel builds structures, organizes the complex layouts, and is the museum’s trainmaster. He has been with Wayne for eight years. He understands the museum is an opportunity to be like others just by being himself. He even serves as a tour guide instead of hiding from people as he did when he first arrived. A youth named Kaleb spent innumerable days at the museum. At first, he made crossing signs and told Wayne that Wayne was his best friend because he paid attention to him. The very next day Kaleb designed, built and painted a cardboard house that included a garage and windows and even a chimney. A third autistic young man named Adam Jenkins from Fort Smith designed and built Wayne’s website. “We sell nothing because this museum is all about people helping people,” Wayne said. JUNE 15, 2020

town &

country Photo by Terry Ropp

in the field and in the office

Dana and Donna Samples

504 R-SERIES BALERS MEET PRODUCT NEEDS

% Financing

By Terry Ropp

Family: Sons Joe Don, Charles, Taylor; daughter Alicia Axton; and six grandchildren Tyler, Quinton, Ally, Carlie, Braden and Lee In Town: “My wife Donna and I grew up in Huntsville, both in the country although Donna’s family didn’t raise livestock,” Dana Sample said. “We are deeply tied to Huntsville and Madison County and strive to return all the community has given us through our careers, churches, and various organizations. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, I started my educational career as a middle school social studies teacher, and served as principal and eventually superintendent. Moving from that position in 2005, I became the transportation director for the Springdale School District. Donna attended Arkansas Tech with a degree in sociology and has been with the Department of Human Services for 45 years. As DHS county administrator she has oversight of all assistance programs. We raised four children who now have given us six grandchildren.”

for 60 Months

GRAY BROTHERS EQUIPMENT FT. SMITH, AR 2900 Wheeler Ave.

JUNE 15, 2020

POTEAU, OK 28377 US Hwy 59

479-646-7369 918-647-8000 Whether You Need a Stationary Chute or a Mobile System We have Big Selections to Choose From! Arrowquip Model 8600 Manual Cattle Squeeze Chute Great for smaller cattle operations.

In the Country: “Throughout our lives together, Donna and I have been flashlight farmers. Challenging careers demanded we downsize in the 1990s.We run a cow/calf operation with 40 heavily Angus-influenced cows bred by registered Angus bulls on 140 acres. A large advantage in downsizing has resulted in better land to cattle ratio. Consequently, we do a better job as grass farmers. Our herd is grass fed, though we do feed grain to replacement heifers and to the bulls for recovery after breeding season in addition to using protein tubs and magnesium supplements year-round. Soil quality is paramount in quality calf production. We lime every seven years, use commercial fertilizer in the spring and last fall spread turkey litter. We purchase the little hay that we need. Spraying for weeds is critical, perhaps even more so than fertilizing. In addition to broadcast spraying, we spot spray for buck brush and wild roses. Over the years, we have evolved to fall calving, striving for uniformity in weight when we turn them over to local Harrison sale barn representative Rick Cartmell. Calves are tagged and castrated within two days of birth. Cattle are worked twice a year with veterinarian Chris France from the Huntsville Veterinary Clinic administering vaccines. The decision to cease hay production on the 40-acre Bermuda field three years ago and graze it instead from May through October has been a game changer, resulting in increased body conditions of the herd and high percentage fertility rates.” Future: “While we love our busy and diversified lives, retirement will soon allow us to focus more heavily on grandchildren and raising cattle. A future project may be installing more cross fencing in order to develop a rotational grazing system.”

Special Hay Season Pricing!

More Than Just A Feed Store

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

Portable Arrowquip Model 8608

1-800-364-0933 • 918-341-0933 721 W. 6th St. Claremore, OK www.stillwatermilingcompany.com Mon.-Fri. 8-6 • Sat. 8-5

slaughter

market sales repo

bulls

(Week of 5/31/20 to 6/6/20) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock

59.00-97.00 † 50.00-92.50 †

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

80.00-105.00 † 76.00-105.00* 74.00-86.00 † 88.00-90.00 † 75.00-110.00* None Reported*

cattle

Kids - Selection 2: 265.00-277.50. Kids - Selection 2-3: 235.00-265.00. Kids - Selection 3: 150.00-222.50. Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 6/7/20 Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 122.50-215.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 2-3: 120.00-185.00. 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 212.50-215.00. Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2: 165.00-235.00. Steers: 105.00-118.00; wtd. avg. price 112.20. Bucks/Billies - Selection 2-3: 150.00-200.00. Heifers: 105.00-118.00 ; wtd. avg. price 113.05. Bucks/Billies - Selection 3: 145.00. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Wethers - Selection 1-2: 260.00-275.00. Steers: 175.00-175.00 ; wtd. avg. price 175.00. Wethers - Selection 3: 175.00-205.00. Heifers: None Reported; wtd. avg. price None Reported. Replacement Goats: Families - Selection 2-3 w/<20 lbs kid: 62.50-105.00.

beef

Kids - Selection 1-2: 230.00-295.00. Kids - Selection 2-3: 245.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 170.00-180.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 150.00-242.50. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 125.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 202.50-212.50. Wethers - Selection 1: 305.00. Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards Sheep/Goat

5/23/

Receipts: 1,484 Compared to last month, slaughter lambs traded 30.0 30.00-108.00* 40.00 lower while slaughter goats traded 40.00-50.00 47.50-95.00* lower. Demand was good on a heavy supply of slaught 70.50-112.00* lambs and a moderate supply of slaughter goats. The Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Sheep/Goat 5/26/20 70.00-101.50 † offering included several large drafts of hair lambs as w 69.00-111.50 † as more than the usual number of wool lambs. Supply Total Receipts: 708 102.00* included: 1% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lamb Compared to last month, lighter weight lambs sold a bit None Reported † 65% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (6% Wooled & Shorn, weaker while heavier lambs were steady to firm. Ewes † 75.50-107.00 OKC West - El Reno 80% Hair Breeds, 1% Ewes, 9% Hair Ewes, 3% Hair and all classes of goats sold mostly steady. Supply was 66.00-90.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction moderate to good with many high quality lambs and goats Bucks); 17% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (99% Hair Ozarks Regional Stockyards 68.00-114.00 † in the offering. Demand was very good. Supply included: Ewes, 1% Families); 1% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); Stilwell Livestock Auction 80.00-94.00* 68% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (2% Wooled & Shorn, 81% 12% Slaughter Goats (91% Kids, 7% Nannies/Does, Tulsa Livestock Auction 88.00-114.00 † Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 12% Hair Ewes, 0% Bucks, 3% Bucks/Billies); 3% Replacement Goats (71% Nannies Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 6/4/20 Welch Stockyards 90.00-113.00* Hair Bucks); 9% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Does, 29% Families). Receipts: 1,255 Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Ewes); 3% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 21% Slaughter 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 Supply included: 57% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (19% Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2: 200.00-225.00. Goats (62% Kids, 24% Nannies/Does, 10% Bucks/BilWooled & Shorn, 68% Hair Breeds, 8% Ewes, 5% Hair lies, 4% Wethers). Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Ewes); 22% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 20% Slaughter Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3: 155.00-180 Goats (43% Kids, 34% Nannies/Does, 15% Bucks/ Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 150.00-215.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1: 190.00. Billies, 9% Wethers); 1% Replacement Goats (100% (Week of 5/31/20 to 6/6/20) Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 120.00-185.00. Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3: 200.00. Families). Hair Breeds - Good 2-3: 175.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3: 132.50-205.00. Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy 35.00-67.00 † Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Ewes - Good 2-3: 80.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 155.00-185.00. Ash Flat Livestock 35.00-68.00 † 3 Wooled & Shorn Choice and Prime 1-3: 117.50-170.00. Ewes - Utility 1-2: 72.50. Hair Breeds - Good 1-3: 120.00-140.00. Benton County Sale Barn 34.00-70.00 † Wooled & Shorn Choice 1-3: 95.00-160.00. Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Hair Ewes - Good 2-3: 85.00-135.00. 52.00-70.00* 5 Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 107.50. † Wooled & Shorn Good 1-2: 125.00. Cleburne County Live Hair Ewes - Utility 1-2: 60.00-110.00. 25.00-66.00 Ewes - Cull and Utility 2-3: 60.00. † Hair Breeds Choice and Prime 1-3: 160.00-180.00. Hair Ewes - Cull 1: 55.00. 4 40.00-67.00 Hair Ewes Good 1-3: 97.50-120.00. County Line Sale - Ratcliff Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3: 130.00-170.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 70.00-195.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 65.00-97.50. Decatur Livestock Auction 55.00-70.00* Hair Breeds - Good 1-2: 105.00-145.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-3: 97.50. None Reported* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3: 72.50-90.00. Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 85.00-180.00. Bucks 1-2: 130.00. Farmers Regional Sale 25.00-65.00* Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2: 40.00-67.50. Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 2: 50.00-85.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2: 140.00. 23.00-74.00* 2 Fort Smith Stockyards Ewes - Cull 1-2: 40.00-45.00. Families - Small and Medium 1-2 w/<20 lbs lamb: Hair Bucks - 1-3: 147.50. Four State Stockyards 31.00-77.00* Hair Ewes Good 2-3: 105.00-145.00. 190.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: I-40 Livestock - Ozark 44.00-69.00 † 4 Hair Ewes Utility and Good 1-3: 75.00-130.00. Feeder Goats: Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1: 230.00. Joplin Regional 17.50-78.00 † Hair Ewes Cull and Utility 1-2: 50.00-70.00. Kids - Selection 2: 235.00-270.00. Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2: 102.50-130.00. Mid-State Stockyards 72.00* Feeder Goats: Slaughter Goats: † Feeder Goats: North Arkansas Livestock Auction - Green Forest None Reported Kids - Selection 1: 280.00-380.00. Kids - Selection 1: 265.00-340.00. Kids - Selection 1: 290.00-300.00. 34.00-81.00 † OKC West - El Reno Kids - Selection 1-2: 265.00-295.00. Kids - Selection 1-2: 265.00-275.00. Kids - Selection 1-2: 180.00-270.00. Ouachita Livestock Auctionn 25.00-65.00 † Kids - Selection 2: 240.00-280.00. Kids - Selection 2: 215.00-265.00. Kids - Selection 2: 235.00. Ozarks Regional 25.00-80.00 † Kids - Selection 2-3: 250.00-275.00. Kids - Selection 2-3: 200.00. Stilwell Livestock Auction 47.00-69.00* 4 Kids - Selection 3: 155.00-250.00. Slaughter Goats: Tulsa Livestock Auction 38.00-77.00 † Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1: 255.00-320.00. Welch Stockyards 48.00-79.00* Kids - Selection 1: 290.00-315.00. Kids Selection 1-2: 280.00-295.00. 0 10 30 50 70 90 110 Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Reg Fort Smith Stockyards Four State Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock Auction - Green Forest

slaughter

dairy cattle NONE REPORTED sheep & goats

cows

stocker & feeder

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

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

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

12 12

Uneven

St-3 Higher

St-5 Higher

154.00-162.00 144.00-151.00 130.00-150.00 121.00-139.00 120.00-130.00

160.00-175.00 140.00-164.00 142.00-165.00 141.00-150.00 135.00-147.00

140.00-170.00 135.00-163.00 123.00-159.00 113.00-139.00 110.00-126.00

156.00-170.00 142.50-157.50 130.00-140.00 115.00-128.00 105.00-109.00

145.00-162.00 140.00-145.00 120.00-140.00 120.00-125.00 -----

148.00-177.00 140.00-159.00 120.00-149.00 118.00-134.00 108.00-125.00

138.00-168.00 125.00-145.00 119.00-137.50 108.00-123.00 110.00-123.00

140.00 120.00-135.00 120.00-130.00 113.00-120.00 -----

137.00-164.00 125.00-152.00 120.00-135.00 118.00-127.00 118.00-121.00

Ash Flat Livestock✝

6/2/20 937

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* 6/3/20 1,117

Farmers Regional Sale Barn* 6/5/20 266

Uneven

Steady

-----

168.00-175.00 145.00-160.00 138.00-147.00 120.00-140.00 -----

145.00-161.00 142.00-158.00 135.00-141.00 127.00 115.00-127.00

145.00-186.00 135.00-167.00 130.00-159.00 125.00-145.00 113.00-135.00

172.00-178.00 154.00-172.00 148.00-154.00 ---------

150.00-185.00 130.00-155.00 85.00-150.00 117.00-130.00 108.00

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

135.00-177.50 128.00-159.00 120.00-143.00 110.00-130.00 114.00

----133.00-145.00 124.00-135.00 113.00-115.00 -----

140.00-176.00 130.00-157.00 120.00-147.00 117.00-130.00 110.00-125.00

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

110.00-154.00 115.00-145.00 109.00-136.00 108.00-127.00 107.00-115.00

140.00-148.00 128.00-145.00 116.00-133.00 118.00 111.00-117.00

130.00-136.00 130.00-139.00 120.00-127.00 100.00-121.00 110.00

125.00-155.00 122.00-140.00 118.00-134.00 110.00-128.00 100.00-123.00

145.00-154.00 138.00-145.00 128.00-138.00 ---------

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

6/5/20 546

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs✝ 6/4/20 1,646

St-6 Higher

-----

162.50-202.50 144.00-165.50 136.00-160.00 120.00-141.25 123.00-130.00

NONE REPORTED

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1

County Line Sale Ratcliff✝ 6/3/20 239

Decatur Livestock*

6/3/20 1,105

Cleburne County Livestock✝ 6/1/20 201

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy✝ 6/2/20 1,257

prices

Fort Smith Four State Stockyards* Stockyards Exeter, Mo* 6/1/20 6/2/20 2,426 2,341

I-40 Livestock Ozark✝ 6/4/20 512

Jop Reg Stock 6/1 10,

St-8 Higher

Uneven

St-5 H

142.00-180.00 134.00-168.00 123.00-163.50 119.00-151.00

155.00-180.00 147.00-171.00 136.50-165.00 129.00-156.50 124.00-145.00

159.00-183.00 140.00-157.00 135.00-148.00 116.00-134.50 112.00

173.00 157.00 142.00 138.00 124.00

150.00 154.00 127.00-133.00 64.00-110.00 90.00-100.00

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

121.00-157.00 131.85-155.00 130.00-140.00 120.00-130.00 110.00

----125.00-130.00 119.00-141.00 106.00-128.00 100.00-126.00

157.00 158.00 133.00 125.00 --

140.00-165.00 116.00-140.00 65.00-127.00 106.00-120.00 95.00-117.00

123.00-157.00 119.00-146.00 105.00-149.00 95.00-123.50 -----

134.00-168.00 130.00-152.00 128.00-145.00 116.00-132.10 100.00-117.50

141.00-149.00 130.00-143.00 118.00-133.00 110.00-123.00 116.00

150.00 132.00 120.00 121.00 111.00

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

JUNE 15, 2020

reports

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

Soybeans

0. 5.00. 0.

I-40 estock Ozark✝ 6/4/20 512

Uneven

9.00-183.00 0.00-157.00 5.00-148.00 6.00-134.50 112.00

8.87

----5.00-130.00 9.00-141.00 6.00-128.00 0.00-126.00

5.24

5.19

ille thev

Bly

a elen

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

5.26

5.30

5.05

3.18

laine

ceola

Little

k Roc

St-5 Higher

250

1750

127.72 132.82

** 129.00 133.17

141.00

2250

Uneven

St-3 Higher

Steady

2-6 Lower

-----

160.00-181.00 143.50-161.00 132.00-145.00 115.00-132.50 109.00-120.50

123.92

154.64

St-3 Higher

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

** 142.00 133.54 136.46

140.00-159.00 140.00-159.00 120.00-136.00 110.00-124.00 90.00-121.00

150.00-166.00 132.00-162.00 120.00-147.00 121.00-142.00 111.00-132.00

JUNE 15, 2020

120.00-172.00 108.00-144.00 95.00-144.00 95.00-124.00 90.00-113.00

137.00-156.00 132.00-147.00 114.00-137.00 115.00-132.00 111.25-116.00

147.50-152.00 140.00-150.00 118.50-136.00 116.00-133.50 113.25-129.00

132.00-140.00 128.00-145.00 108.00-134.00 110.00-120.00 100.00-115.50

150.00-155.00 140.00-150.00 127.50-153.00 120.00-137.00 115.00-125.00

134.00-151.50 126.50-149.00 117.50-129.00 101.00-121.00 94.00-109.00

150.00-161.00 136.00-148.00 125.00-136.00 115.00-127.00 109.00-119.00

140.00-164.00 140.00-153.00 130.00-145.50 115.00-135.00 110.00-123.60

TheOzarks’ Ozarks Most Farm Newspaper The MostRead Read Farm Newspaper

120.20 124.73 124.58 126.62

142.83 148.31

131.69

150.24

133.39

139.92

121.66

139.00

121.50 132.50

153.08

125.93

144.38 158.71 142.91 * 136.41

123.39 120.00 126.80

147.57

131.23

153.53 121 152 183 214 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

135.60 124.04

125.35

140.50

119.23

144.62

6/2/20 2,373 150.00-178.00 150.00-176.00 140.00-168.00 125.00-147.00 115.00-135.00

125.00

148.12

1.00-149.00 0.00-143.00 8.00-133.00 0.00-123.00 116.00

125.38

132.00

St-4 Higher

152.50-165.00 150.00-167.00 148.00-149.00 ---------

120.34

121.86

-----

163.00-165.00 146.00-158.00 130.00-146.00 123.00-134.00 109.00-116.00

131.86 130.00

135.68 120.88

157.10

6/1/20 580

182.50-200.00 -----------------

154.39

146.16

Welch Stockyards*

----144.00-147.00 122.00-137.00 115.50-125.00 112.50-116.00

131.06 124.72

141.84

Tulsa Livestock Auction✝ 6/1/20 3,686 171.00-184.00 158.00-169.00 145.00-159.00 132.50-145.00 125.50-141.50

126.03

138.22

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 6/3/20 700

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

124.00

136.29

700.00-1375.00 † 925.00-1385.00 * 1025.00-1425.00 †

159.00-176.00 148.50-168.00 132.00-155.50 122.50-135.00 104.00-128.35

128.92

146.96

None Reported †

179.00-191.00 157.00-173.00 141.00-165.00 140.00-153.00 125.00-139.00

127.72

152.11

Ozarks Regional West Plains✝ 6/2/20 4,462

169.00-184.00 151.00-165.00 135.00-166.00 121.50-139.00 124.00-131.00

122.98 121.02

134.09

None Reported * None Reported † 900.00-1325.00 † 485.00-1100.00 †

1250

141.58 140.00

132.47

775.00-1500.00 †

750

129.08 126.70

155.12

Ouachita Livestock Ola✝ 6/2/20 633

175.00-192.50 167.50-180.00 146.00-161.00 130.00-156.00 125.00-146.00

143.00

133.96 120.23

146.16

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.✝ 6/2/20 10,392

164.00-178.00 138.00-164.00 139.00-159.50 133.50-146.00 126.00-140.25

140.14

2000

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest✝ 6/3/20 2,209

125.00-190.00 130.00-171.00 115.00-162.00 110.00-152.00 100.00-125.00

154.79

575.00-1675.00 * 980.00-1440.00 *

Welch Stockyards

124.31

115.65

850.00 †

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

Mid-State Stockyards*

157.00-177.50 158.00-165.00 133.00-148.00 125.00-133.00 -----

Sorghum 8.55

3.41

Joplin Regional Stockyards✝ 6/1/20 10,295 173.00-200.00 157.00-185.00 142.00-165.00 138.00-156.00 124.00-145.00

Corn

132.45

151.09

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy None Reported † Ash Flat Livestock 1125.00-1150.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 800.00-1600.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction None Reported * Cleburne County Livestock Auction 810.00-935.00 † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 700.00 † Decatur Livestock Auction 910.00-1300.00 * Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita None Reported * Farmers Regional Sale Barn 700.00-1300.00 *

12 9

ces

Soft Wheat

pairs

* 114.00

None Reported *

1500

Apr. 20 May 20

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

151.16

850.00-1185.00 * 650.00-1250.00 †

Mar. 20

heifers 550-600 LBS.

145.08

375.00-1150.00 †

1000

Jan. 20 Feb. 20

(Week of 5/31/20 to 6/6/20)

Daily Report 6/9/20

1-2: 85.00-180.00. 2: 50.00-85.00. 2 w/<20 lbs lamb:

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

585.00-875.00 †

500

Oct. 19 Nov. 19 Dec. 19

steers 550-600 LBS.

700.00-1280.00 †

cow/calf

avg. grain prices

5.00. 10.00.

July 19 Aug. 19 Sept. 19

Week of 5/10/20

Cheese: Barrels closed at $2.3600 and 40# blocks at $2.5525. The weekly average for barrels is $2.2705 (+.3236) and blocks, $2.4975 (+.4050). Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk production is generally flat to declining in the country. While supplies are steady to lower at most places, in the mountain states of Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, milk loads are readily available to buyers. Discounted loads of milk are trading at $4 under Class IV in the mountain states. Class I sales are steady to trending lower, whereas Class II demands are increasing. In the Northeast and Midwest, there have been growing requests from Class III. Cream supplies are diminishing across the nation. Ice cream makers are taking on more loads to meet their growing production needs. Cream m 1-2: 200.00-225.00. multiples for all Classes are 1.40-1.65 in the East, 1.30-1.50 in the Midwest, and 1.15-1.30 in the West. Condensed skim sales are up Prime 1-3: 155.00-180.00. in the East, but steady in the West. There is a shortage of supplies in 1-3: 150.00-215.00. the East. 0-185.00. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND . BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.1786 - $2.4029.

June 19

Week of 5/17/20

6/5/20

$80

Week of 5/24/20

dairy sales

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$120

650.00-1110.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock 700.00-910.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 725.00-1150.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 1125.00 * † Cleburne County Livestock Auction 650.00-720.00 County Line Sale - Ratcliff 65.00-69.00 † Prices reported per cwt Decatur Livestock Auction 650.00-1275.00* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita None Reported * Farmers Regional Sale Barn 440.00-1200.00 * Fort Smith Stockyards 500.00-1100.00 * Four State Stockyards 750.00-1050.00 * I-40 Livestock - Ozark 775.00-1000.00 † Joplin Regional Stockyards 600.00-1375.00 † Mid-State Stockyards 650.00-1200.00 * North Arkansas Livestock Auction - Green Forest None Reported †

Week of 5/31/20

ter lambs traded 30.00ts traded 40.00-50.00 eavy supply of slaughter slaughter goats. The rafts of hair lambs as well of wool lambs. Supply mbs (100% Hair Lambs); % Wooled & Shorn, % Hair Ewes, 3% Hair p/Lambs (99% Hair r Goats (100% Kids); s, 7% Nannies/Does, 2% t Goats (71% Nannies/

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

Week of 5/10/20

5/23/20

$160

(Week of 5/31/20 to 6/6/20)

Week of 5/17/20

Sheep/Goat

cows

550-600 lb. steers

$200

Week of 5/24/20

.00-180.00. 50.00-242.50. 5.00. 50-212.50.

replacement

Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 210.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 140.00-155.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1: 200.00-210.00. Replacement Goats: Nannies/Does - Selection 1: 260.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2: 190.00-210.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 2: 80.00-130.00. Families - Selection 2 w/20-40 lbs kid: 195.00.

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 5/31/20

.00.

✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported

134.21 245

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

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

200

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

13 13

meet your neighbors

Clint Ballard and his family offer raw milk from their Jersey cows, as well as other farm products.

Catering to Raw Milk Lovers By Terry Ropp

Milk and Honey Hill Farm moves toward Jersey cows and A2/A2 production Clint and Joy Ballard own Milk than being homeschooled, the children and Honey Hill Farm on 40 acres attended two different schools, which in the community of New Blaine, required Joy driving three hours per day. Ark. They run a small-scale, diverse fam- Further, Clint didn’t want the family to ily farm producing raw cow milk, honey, continue milking in addition to all the other chores involved with the family’s eggs, pork, firewood and more. Clint grew up on a cow/calf operation. dual mission of promoting income secuAs a youngster, his job was to milk their rity through diversity and creating better single Guernsey cow while his brothers food security for themselves and their customers. The result was suspending the worked with beef cattle. Joy was raised in town until she was 5. raw milk part of their income. Bottle calves were purchased, with one Then she and her entire family went to Papua New Guinea where her parents highly-productive cow needing to nurse served as missionaries. The family re- four calves in order to accommodate her turned to the United States when she milk production. Clint is now moving was 13. the dairy herd toward The couple purA2/A2 genetics using chased land in 2016 AI and a Jersey cleanand began milking in up bull. Recently the 2017. An important first heifer born and consideration in everyraised on the farm had thing they do is Clint her first calf. When the serving as a Special calf was born. Forces medic in the The couple selected Army National Guard. Jersey rather than the After having served Guernsey from Clint’s on active duty for 10 childhood as their years, Clint joined the milking breed. Of National Guard and course, a prime considwill soon be retiring eration for a raw milk after 21 years. During dairy is the higher fat that time, Clint was content, which is up to deployed to eight different countries while Joy and their five chil- 6.8 percent for Jerseys as opposed to 5 dren – Aidan (15), Lily (13), Grace (10), percent with Guernseys, and a little less Gabriel (8) and Serenity (5) – maintained than 4 percent with Holsteins. “I felt Jerseys made more sense for us the farm during his sporadic absences. because they have a smaller Everything changed last frame and are more docile; year when Clint was dein addition to being good ployed for six months to New Blaine, Ark grazers in Arkansas’s hotter Africa. The six-month declimate,” Clint said. ployment required major An equally important considadjustments, especially in eration centers around milk proterms of the children’s edutein gene markers. The huge macation and the dairy. Rather

Submitted Photos

jority of milking cattle have a mixture of A1/A2 genes with only a small percentage having A2/A2 genes. Research suggests A2/A2 milk may be easier to digest, perhaps most important for those who are lactose intolerant. In Arkansas, farms such as the Ballard’s, can sell up to 500 gallons of raw milk off the farm and they usually produce about 300 gallons with any extra going to make personal use yogurt and butter. Most dairy customers drink and cook with the milk and are within 30 miles. Nearby Subiaco is home to Subiaco Academy (a boarding school). Parents, who come from as far away as Louisiana, Texas, Fort Smith or Little Rock, will occasionally buy several gallons at a time when visiting their children. Other dairy customers are artisan cheesemakers. While at this point Milk and Honey Hill Farm has no production contracts, the cheesemaking market is important. Customers include Hispanic families who often make queso fresco, an unaged, semisoft cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor and a moist and creamy texture that complements Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. Joy has taught butter

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

and cheesemaking in the past, and looks forward to doing so when family life returns to normal with Clint’s return. The Ballard’s currently have five Jersey cows and retain heifers so they can expand their milk production. Because Clint prefers calving to coincide with green up, two-thirds are born in the spring and one-third in the fall. Larger spring calving lowers annual feed costs with a 10 percent protein five-way blend from their local coop used during milking. Extra bottle calves are fed out for personal meat consumption and sold to cover winter hay expenses. The NRCS has helped ease the burden of start-up capital for key infrastructure on the farm such as water lines, stock waterer, tree thinning and electric fencing. The farm uses rotational grazing organized around a centrally located frostfree waterer with paddocks radiating out and defined by high tensile electric fencing. Silvo-pasture is the blending of forestry and grazing. Tree density is managed to provide sufficient sunlight to reach the pasture. In turn the grazing animals prune and deposit fertilizer for the trees which will produce high quality Pine and hardwood saw logs in 15 JUNE 15, 2020

JUNE 15, 2020

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

You Get Spring-Ready! WE HAVE A VARIETY OF SPRING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Yellville • 801 Hwy. 62 West 870-449-4966 Flippin • 9095 Hwy. 62 East 870-435-4400

WE HAVE A VARIETY OF SPRING PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

Huntsville • 304 Labarge St. 479-738-6814 Green Forest • 181 West Main 870-438-5184 Harrison • 502 Hwy 62/65 N. 870-741-0855 Siloam Springs • 1629 East Main

To learn more about our productsTo and locations, 479-524-3511 learn more about ourOUR products and locations, LEARN MORE ABOUT PRODUCTS visit www.powellfeedstores.com

visit www.powellfeedstores.com AND LOCATIONS BY VISITING

Be sure like our Powell Be sure to like our Powell Feed &toMilling Co. Feed Inc.& WWW.POWELLFEEDSTORES.COM Millingnew Co. Inc. Facebook page to to keeplike our Powell Feed & Milling Co. Inc. Facebook page to keep up with products, specials, Be sure up with new products, specials, coupons, giveaways, and MUCH MORE! page to keep up with new products, specials, Facebook

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS AND LOCATIONS BY VISITING WWW.POWELLFEEDSTORES.COM 502 Hwy 62-65 N. 181 W. Main St. 870-741-9084 870-438-5184

coupons, giveaways, and MUCH MORE!

Huntsville Berryville www.powellfeedstores.com www.powellfeedstores.com 1312 E. 9th St. 1629 E. Main 9095 Hwy. 62 E. 304 Labarge Ave. 344 Hwy. 21 N. 870-425-5530 870-453-4400 870-423-4245 Harrison 479-524-3511 Green Forest Mtn. 479-738-6814 Home Siloam Springs

Imboden • 5564 Hwy 63 East 870-869-264

Be sure Lincoln to like coupons, our Powell Feed & Milling Co. Inc. Facebook page to keep Imboden giveaways, and MUCH MORE! with coupons, giveaways, and MUCH MORE! 700 new W. Hwyproducts, 62 5564531595z Hwyspecials, 63 East

Yellville 801 Hwy. 62up W. 870-449-4966 Flippin

Huntsville Berryville Yellville Imboden Harrison Green Forest Siloamof Springs Flippin Huntsville Berryville Yellville Imboden Proud Supporter of Future Generations Ag Business through the Future 801Farmers ofLincoln America 502 Hwy 62-65 N. 62-65 181 W. St.W. Main 1312St. E. 9th St.1629 E. 1629 Labarge 344Hwy. Hwy.2121N.N. 801 Hwy. 62 62 W. W. 700 Hwy 502 Hwy N.Main181 MainE. Main 90959095 Hwy.Hwy. 62 E.62 E.304304 Labarge Ave.Ave. 344 Hwy. 5564W. Hwy 6362 East5564 Hwy 63 East 479-824-3291

870-869-2644

870-741-9084 870-438-5184 870-425-5530479-524-3511 479-524-3511 870-453-4400 870-453-4400 479-738-6814 479-738-6814 870-741-9084 870-438-5184

870-423-4245 870-423-4245

870-449-4966 870-449-4966

479-824-3291 870-869-2644

550849z

years as well as firewood and mulch from the cull trees. Pastures have been improved through added clover to increase protein content and are comprised mainly of Bermuda with some warm season native grasses. The land is seeded with annual rye grass for winter forage. A second part of the Ballard operation is three dozen chickens with guinea hens serving as an early warning system for predatory eagles. While the family consumes some of the daily three dozen eggs, they also sell eggs to neighbors and milk customers. “The folks who come to buy milk, are often very appreciative of being able to buy their eggs, honey and other things here as well,” Clint explained. “The eggs are just another part of our effort to provide food security by having another option besides the grocery store.” Echoing the diversity of subsistence farms of the past, the Ballards raise pork. They have two Boston Mountain sows that produce two litters a year and run with the boar on 2 wooded acres. Diet is supplemented with waste milk and the same co-op ration in order to keep them accustomed to human handling. An average litter is 10 piglets, half of which are sold at weaning to those who want to raise their own pork. The other half is grown out for slaughter by customers or sold piecemeal after USDA-certified processing. Six or seven years ago Clint started a honey operation with two hives. He now has 14, most of which came from splitting the hives in the spring though he did capture a few swarms. “We are happy with the size of our farm and are simply looking to be more efficient and productive, perhaps adding a commercial kitchen as part of our community food security mission,” explained Clint. Then Joy added, “This is truly a family operation where our children enjoy a good day’s work and learn something that cannot be taught by videogames. Aiden, our oldest, may play computer games for perhaps an hour a day when the workload allows, but he is constantly saying how much he misses working with his dad and the conversations they have together.”

You Get Spring-Ready! Your Powell Location is Here to Help

550849z

meet your neighbors

870-869-2644

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

Clifty

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

Elmer Robertson C - 479-466-0904

Kevin Logan H - 870-545-3637 C - 870-423-7708

Troy Cline H - 479-665-2934 C - 479-738-7746

Kingston

Restaurant on Premises

“We Know Cattle, and we Know the Markets” Kirk Powell (870) 654-2205 and Ron Wallace (870) 654-6369 Community Owned and Operated with Consistency, Uniformity, and Convenience • Online Auctions with bidding • Professional staff • Hay and Water pens and services • On Farm Appraisals • Cattle sorted by size, • Free Parking weight, type • Hauling and Delivery • Receiving day before and day of

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

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

meet your neighbors

Dairy Embraces Technology By Terry Ropp

Wick Dairy utilizes evolving robotic milking system on their 375-cow dairy Dominic Wick and his family immigrated to America from Switzerland when he was 4. He was raised on a Stilwell, Okla., dairy farm while his wife Doylena was also raised on another in central Arkansas. Doylena was well acquainted with the 24/7 demands of the dairy and told herself she would never marry a dairyman, but she did. Doylena met Dominic while she was working at Wick’s Dairy feeding baby calves. Dominic graduated in 2014 from Oklahoma State University with a bachelors’ in plant and soil sciences and a minor in animal science. “My education did not revolutionize our dairy, but it did provide me with tools and information to make incremental changes in terms of soil fertility, land quality and grazing rotation,” Dominic said. Wick’s Dairy runs on nearly 1,000 acres with 375 milking cows and 10 employees, three of which are family. Middle sister Denise manages the robotics and breeding heifers, while Dominic’s mother Heidy manages the calf barn and office, with Dominic being the general manager. In 2018, Wick’s Dairy had a labor problem. Having been aware of the robotic milking systems through advertisements in dairy magazines and an open house tour of a robotic dairy a few years earlier, their labor issue nudged them to investigate the system in detail. After touring the first robotic dairy in Oklahoma, Dominic contacted John King at Seneca Dairy Supply in Missouri. “A critically important part of running a robotic-based dairy is reliable and speedy technical support,” Dominic

said. “You have to look at different dealers and talk to other robotic owners to find the best dealership for you because the dealer offers the first line of technical assistance. John King had exactly the product and service I needed.” Wick’s Dairy’s system includes six Lely A4 robotic milking stations, with 55 cows per station being ideal. Each cow

robots, it took us about six months to reach a profitable return, though we are still fine tuning,” Dominic said. One of the challenges is figuring out the best genetics and nutrition for the greatest quantity and quality of milk using the robotic system. The Wicks’ cows are currently all Holstein, but Dominic began AI’ing replacement heifers with sexed

Submitted Photos

has a transponder which relays information to the Lely T4C software program. The software keeps track of everything from production per milking, which determines how much feed she gets during the next visit, to each cow’s activity level and rumination time. The system also diverts milk to buckets or the drain due to antibiotics or colostrum. It even refuses a cow who tries to return to the robot too soon in order to get more grain. “After training the cows to the

Jersey semen. Jersey genetics will provide more butter fat and protein in the milk as part of improving herd genetics. Mature cows are exclusively AI’d with regular Jersey semen up to three times, after which they are bred with Angus semen to produce commercial beef calves. Bull calves are castrated at six months and raised to 500 to 700 Stilwell, Okla. pounds, then sold. “Everything is about the cows with genetics being only one com-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

ponent,” Dominic explained. “The cow has to be happy, healthy and comfortable. The cows’ environmental needs have to be met and adjustments are ongoing.” Wick’s Dairy mixes their own feed, buying raw ingredients such as corn and soybean meal. “Feed rations are developed in conjunction with our nutritionist, Dr. Gene Gengelbach from Agri-King in conjunction with Lely recommendations.” When changing to milking robots, they decreased the protein and energy content of their current feed and put it towards the feed the cows receive at the robot. This feed is mixed and pelletized, and then fed to the cows while they are being milked. Land is used for three purposes: pasture for breeding heifers and dry cows, hay ground, and cropland for corn, wheat, alfalfa and sorghum. Land is soil tested and fertilized with cow manure. The 100 acres of alfalfa ground is fertilized with potash, as needed. The 300 acres set aside for raising corn for silage is double cropped with wheat and fertilized with cow manure, potash, and nitrogen fertilizer (UAN). Pastures are mostly fescue, Bermudagrass, Johnsongrass, ryegrass and brome, and are spot sprayed for thistles, while corn is sprayed twice with two different herbicides. Dairy health protocols are another component of the successful operation and involve multiple rounds of herd vaccinations. “I’m really happy with the Lely robotic system,” Dominic said. “The more units you buy the lower the cost due to maximizing external equipment like air compressors and central control units that run two robots each. We look forward to the future.” JUNE 15, 2020

agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders

Photo by Terry Ropp

youth in

PRO-ENERGY FEEDS, INC.

THE FEEDS WITH THE NATURAL ADVANTAGE

Organic Dewormer and Garlic for Fly and Tick Control Can Be Added

We find that sale barn calves like these get a great start with our calf feeds. Balanced nutrition & great palatability bring them to the feeder. Extra probiotics enhances digestibility, improves appetite & helps build a strong natural immune system. Ask your dealer about them! If you don’t know a dealer, give us a call!

Larry Morton 918-930-0374 or Larry Sutton 918-261-7704 www.proenergyfeeds.com DEALERSHIPS AVAILABLE IN PARTS OF ARKANSAS AND MISSOURI

Marley Anderson

Free Portable Corral Use for Customers • Hauling Available • Covered Pens

Decatur

Livestock Auction Inc.

By Terry Ropp

Serving the Tri-State Area

Parent: Bryan Anderson Hometown: Batesville, Ark. FFA Chapter: Southside FFA Advisor: Monica Swint

On Farm Appraisal Receiving: Mon.: 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sale: Tues., 12 p.m. Owners: Chris Buffer 479-531-2962 Shawn Sperry 479-957-1387

479-752-8499 • Hwy. 59 South • Decatur, AR

What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“Like many ag kids, my favorite part is showing. Last year, I showed a LimFlex bull and this year I’m showing a SimAngus heifer. One of the reasons showing is important is because it helps other kids understand all the hard work that goes into raising and training a show animal is worth it. I won fifth overall bull and grand champion more times than I can count with that bull.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

“Although my grandmother, Shirley Martin, has passed, she was and continues to be, through her memory, a wonderful role model. She was strong and independent but also totally dependable and never let me down. When my parents were divorcing, she was there to pick me up and help me deal with reality. Striving to be like her is the best memorial I can give.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture?

“During the school year, I get up at and feed all of my 32-head herd and my two horses, Red and Sunny. On weekends, I work with the animals I’m going to show. Whenever the herd is worked, I take whatever spot needs filling.”

Fro tothe Farm your family

What are some of your agricultural memories?

“When I was 5, I started bottle feeding my first calf every two hours. I was amazed at how much time it took and how much work it was, especially how eager and forceful the calf was.”

What are your future plans?

“I want to become an ag teacher because I love all aspects of agriculture, including welding and gardening – not just the animals. Teaching will allow me to still work in all those areas in addition to keeping an active role in our ranch.” JUNE 15, 2020

Fro the Farm

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

Come See Us at the Farmers Coop for All your Range and Pasture Chemical Needs

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Diversifying Production By Jessica Allan

We proudly stock Corteva Agriscience Products at 16 locations in the River Valley, NW Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.

31 Years Strong 1989-2020

We go the extra mile.

1-866-479-7870

Owned & Operated By Farmers Working to Help the American Farmer

FREE estimates by the friendliest people in town

Standard Sizes Available TODAY Custom Designs available Per request

Call for a Free Quote!

• All Steel Structures • Bolt Together • Engineered Buildings

www.MarathonMetal.com sales@MarathonMetal.com

t’s no secret our economy has nearly come to a screeching halt as both small and large businesses shut down or altered hours because people were asked to stay home. Jessica Allan is an Things are starting to slowly open back agricultural lender and up, but there are two industries that were not commercial relationable to halt any operation – finance and agriship manager at Guarculture. After all, people need to eat and they anty Bank in Neosho, need access to their money, regardless of what Mo. A resident of Jasis going on in the world. per County, Mo., she is I am fortunate to be involved in both indusalso involved in raising tries. On the bank side, we made some changes cattle on her family’s to comply with the new rules – limiting lobby farm in Newton County access at all of our banking centers, encouraging and is an active alum those who could to work from home, highlightof the Crowder Coling our mobile products and so much more. lege Aggie Club. She But in agriculture, especially the production may be reached at side, there’s no changing the operation. Unlike jallan@gbankmo.com. manufacturing and other industries, production-based agriculture is based in biology, which means the crops and animals keep growing no matter how much you need them to stop. The rub comes when it’s time to turn those crops and animals into products for the consumer. As many have discovered, there is bottleneck in that transformation process. These facilities have the capability to shut down when needed, but the production farmer is left holding with bag with products that keep on getting bigger. This isn’t news to our farmers and ranchers, but it is does bring up the point that it’s times like these that make us consider our operations and how we can weather these times. For many farmers that I am in contact with, diversification is clearly a key component to survival. Just like a retirement advisor will recommend multiple options for your portfolio, farm diversification will help minimize risk when things get dicey. The truth is, however, that farm diversification tends to remain focused around production. Crops are raised next to calves, poultry farms are operated alongside a clean out business, a dairy farmer will also sell seed and chemicals. Part of this is due to entry barriers such as financial or physical capabilities, while some of it is due to just lack of time to develop a new business. But maybe now is an opportunity for production farmers to consider expanding up instead of getting out. Local farmers markets are busier than ever. Small processing plants are working overtime and are booked out until 2021. Roadside stands, U-pick farms, and other similar on-farm selling points are gaining more interest. Groups are being formed to put the public in direct contact with production farms and local processors. With a visible shortage on supermarket shelves, the public is taking more notice of where their food comes from. There are a lot of obstacles between the farmer and the customer, but the current economic crisis could certainly break some of these barriers. Anything is possible with the ingenuity and toughness of the American farmer and rancher.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 15, 2020

farm

help

Making farming a little easier

Adding Grass By Klaire Howerton

Native warm-season grasses can add diversity, stainability and productivity The Ozarks is primarily fescue country, but as producers seek new ways to diversify their farms in a sustainable and productive manner, developing stands of native warm-season grasses is worth the time and investment. Tim Schnakenberg, field specialist in agronomy with the University of Missouri Extension, and one of eight specialists with the NRCS Plus MU Grasslands Project, has a deep appreciation for native grasses and what they can bring to the pasture. “My interest has been native grasses for a long time,” he said. “They were here before fescue, and they are well adapted.” His work with the Grasslands Project includes six different demonstrations of Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem and Indiangrass on farms around the Ozarks, where he collaborates with producers to help establish and manage stands. The first step towards developing a successful stand of native warm-season grasses, Schnakenberg explained, is to cultivate a different management mindset. “You can’t treat these grasses like fescue,” he said. “They need different management to keep them in the stand, and they won’t tolerate the abuse that fescue will.”

what do you say? How does animal nutrition relate to milk quality?

JUNE 15, 2020

There is a rather substantial financial investment to buy seed, as well as a time investment. Grasses like Big and Little Bluestem and Indiangrass take time to develop, so patience is required. Producers will need to research their varieties and learn when to turn livestock in and how to cut hay from native stands. Planting these grasses will also require different types of equipment. The seed is light and fluffy, Schnakenberg explained, and a notill drill must be adjusted for native seed. Mixing materials, such as corn chops or pelletized lime, in with the seed can help it flow more easily through a drill. Seed can also be broadcasted, provided there is adequate soil contact. Once the seed is in the ground, Schnakenberg said weed control is essential. He recommended a pre- and post-emergence application of the herbicide Imazapick. It can be used safely with Big and Little Bluestem, and Indiangrass. It is critical that producers not overgraze their stands once the management phase begins. Schnakenberg said a general rule is to not let these varieties be grazed below 8 inches, and native grasses generally do well in a management intensive grazing system. With such different requirements and strategies than traditional fescue, pro-

“Any cow in a high stress situation such as providing milk for a calf needs good nutrition to maintain good milk production.” James Shearer Logan County, Ark.

ducers might ask “is it worth it?” Fortunately, the pros tend to outweigh the cons when it comes to established native stands. One of the best things about native warm season grasses, Schnakenberg said, is their efficiency of using fertilizer and nutrients. This efficiency means fewer inputs are needed; extension experts generally recommend 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year – half of the amount often required for other forages. Native grasses also thrive in soils that other grasses will not, such as acidic soils. Wildlife are drawn to native grasses and adding these forages to the field can help create quail and other critter habitat. Established native warm season stands are highly productive for pasture and hay, and may also help reduce heat stress in cattle and help them keep weight on in summer months. Reagan Bluel, field specialist in dairy with MU Extension, explained warm-season grasses offer cows a forage with higher digestibility. Hot cows may go off feed, but warm-season grasses can help them utilize what they do eat more efficiently. The addition of these grasses will also reduce the amount of “hot” fescue a cow is eating, which has the potential to lessen the risk of heat stress.

“Good milk quality is a combination of breeding, with the bull being very important, care and nutrition. You need all three.”

Yet another appealing aspect of native warm-season grass is drought resistant. These bunch grasses have a deep root system and are hardy in dry conditions. Schnakenberg noted during the 2018 drought, producers who had established native stands for hay were still able to harvest high tonnage. To add a productive layer of diversity to the farm, Schnakenberg highly recommended that producers consider adding 20 to 30 percent of warm-season grasses, even if they are not necessarily native. The time, effort and investment can pay off. One participant in the Grasslands Project started out with a 10acre plot of Big and Little Bluestem, and Indiangrass. He was so impressed with the results that he planted an additional 25-acres. If producers want to give going native a try, Schnakenberg recommended starting small (5 to 10 acres) and experimenting. “Ask questions before you do it,” he advised. Visiting with local agronomists and NRCS specialists can help get producers the answers and information they need for establishing successful native warm season stands.

“Good nutrition increases milk production, and the more milk the momma produces, the better and faster the baby grows to a better weaning weight.”

Delene McCloy Carroll County, Ark.

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

Sean Wright Sebastian County, Ark.

“Good nutrition not only increases the quality the milk but also the quantity.” Ouida Cossey Searcy County, Ark.

farm help

Breeding a Quality Dairy Animal

IMPROVING GENETICS

The primary goal of most dairy producers it to maximize the profitability of their herd. One way to achieve this goal is to have genetically-superior animal. As an important part of a profitable herd, genetic changes is permanent and accumulates over time. By Klaire Howerton

The promotion of high-quality genetics improves herds for years to come When a producer breeds their livestock, they should ideally be striving to produce the highest quality animal possible. While each operation will have varying goals and desires, most can agree that a quality animal will have correct conformation for the chosen breed (or at least be conformationally sound for health and ease of movement if crossbred), have an appropriate temperament and produce a large amount of milk. Long-term promotion of good genetics in the herd can ensure that nearly all the animals on that operation will be high quality. For dairy cattle, utilizing artificial insemination (AI) can drastically improve genetics. Reagan Bluel, field specialist in dairy with the University of Missouri Extension, explained many AI companies provide a service where they will evaluate a producer’s herd

and study pedigrees to select the most efficient sire match. AI comes highly recommended by Bluel and she advised producers to reach out to their area Extension professionals for information. When breeding for quality, it is important to know what you are working with, Bluel said. Genomic testing will give a producer incredibly beneficial data to make decisions. “This will allow you to amplify your impact,” Bluel explained. Using the information from genomic testing, a strategy to promote the best quality animals is to breed the best of the herd with two services of AI to sexed semen, the middle quality animals with one service of sexed semen, and breed the bottom quality animals to a beef bull. “This way you’ll be less tempted to keep her offspring,” Bluel said. She explained using sexed semen will produce more heifers in the herd and will

help balance out the lower-end cows. Bluel also advised that producers be mindful of how many heifers they retain. “Ask yourself, do I need this many heifers?” she said. A more cost-effective strategy is to select a smaller calf crop of high-quality heifers, and feed and develop them well, as opposed to spreading resources for a larger calf crop of mixed quality. For dairy goats, some of the same breeding strategies can be utilized to produce high-quality kids. AI is an option for goats, although many producers opt for natural cover. Pedigrees, especially on the sire, will give important details about milk production. Dairy goat shows are a way for producers to see and compare a lot of quality animals in one place to aid them in their breeding considerations.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Genetic change is dependent on four major factors: 1. Accuracy of Selection refers to a breeder to select animals that a truly are genetically superior for a given trait, and is dependent on evaluation techniques, phenotypes and heritability. 2. Selection Intensity is dependent on the proportion and quality of animals kept as breeding stock for the next generation. The more intense the selection, the more superior a group of animals is compared to the overall population. 3. Genetic Variation indicates the relative differences among animals that are controlled by genetic factors. It’s a function of the heritability of a trait. Genetic variation can be greatly influenced by things such and inbreeding, outcrossing or crossbreeding. 4. Generation interval is the average age of a parent with the offspring are born. — Source, Holstein Foundation

JUNE 15, 2020

farm help

Crossbreeding in Dairy Cattle By Klaire Howerton

PROMOTE HOME COOKING

Mixing dairy breeds may reduce feed costs Crossbred dairy cattle are common in the dairy world due to hybrid vigor. This can be an effective breeding strategy but must be managed thoughtfully to maintain a productive and profitable herd. Before crossbreeding, Reagan Bluel, field specialist in dairy with the University of Missouri Extension, advised that producers “identify what their market is.” Once that step has been taken, dairy farmers can create a herd that compliments their market. For some, this may be continuing with purebred cows. If there is no justifiable reason to crossbreed, it is a strategy best left alone. If there is an identifiable reason to do so, crossbreeding can make positive change. There are a number of dairy breeds producers can select from to crossbreed, but Holstein/Jersey crosses are the most common. They are a productive cross, and there can be a market for Jersey and Jersey-influenced steers. Holstein and Brown Swiss is another popular breed mix. The hybrid vigor in crossbred dairy animals may increase milk components, or at the least create more efficiency in achieving the same amount. A fouryear trial at the University of Minnesota showed crossbred dairy cows produced the same amount of butterfat and protein as purebred Holstein cows, but with 2

pounds less of feed per day on a dry matter basis. Bluel noted crossbred cows tend to have smaller frames but can complement a grazing dairy operation well due to less dry matter intake required for production. It is possible for a crossbred herd to reduce a producer’s feed costs. When crossbreeding, it’s important to keep herd goals in mind for long term success. “Having records is so critically important,” Bluel said. “Once you have an F1 cross, who do you breed her to?” Good records will allow producers to retain the best of their crossbred heifers, make breeding choices to ensure herd health, and market their culls in a productive manner. Crossbreeding can help reduce inbreeding, but that only goes so far. Records can keep producers from falling into breeding too closely and creating health and infertility issues. A producer’s crossbreeding program can be amplified in a positive way by selecting a good quality sire from a reputable purebred dairy, or through artificial insemination. Crossbred dairy cattle still need to be quality dairy cattle. Simply mixing and matching on a whim is not a sustainable strategy. Producers interested in crossbreeding might consider visiting dairy cattle shows to research breeds and develop an eye for useful traits that will benefit their program.

UP 400

According to the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) the number of crossbred dairy cattle is up 400 percent over the past decade. In light of this, they intend to add crossbreds to their genomic evaluations to accommodate this rising group of animals.

Send in your recipes to share with our readers! There is no limit. Send in as many recipes as you would like and look for them to appear in future issues of Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. The recipes will also be featured online on our website at ozarksfn.com.

One side sheeted. One gable sheeted materials.

50x100x18 Roof only Materials

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.

INSTALLATION AVAILABLE Call for pricing due to rising cost of steel.

P.O. Box 1514 Lebanon, MO 65536 417-532-4721 FAX editor@ozarksfn.com

– Source, American Dairymen JUNE 15, 2020

50x100x16

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

All American Steel Buildings Pole Barns • Commercial Buildings Agricultural Buildings • Shops Custom I-Beam Construction

Toll Free: 1-888-364-9527 Office: 417-671-8015 Fax: 417-671-8018 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm 12760 St. Hwy 76 • Cassville, MO 65625 www.superiormetalsalesinc.com sales@superiormetalsalesinc.com

Benton County Sale Barn, Inc.

Over 25 Years of Serving the Tri-State Area

Great Service, Low Rates!

Listen Friday a.m. KURM 790 Sale Barn Report!

SALE EVERY THURSDAY

11 A.M.

Covered Pens Easy Unloading Cattle Received Wednesday & Thursday Comfortable Seating with Good Views of Sales Arena Hauling Available Business Manager : Cody Vaughn 479-790-3432 Ofﬁce Manager: Cammy Whorton 479-524-2371 ext. 1 Field Representatives: Joe Simpson 918-207-7123 Travis Snyder 918-575-1133 Kevin Ruddick 479-790-9272 Cary Bartholomew 479-409-0133 Mitch Bartholomew 479-263-9302 Doug Isaacs 918-696-1558

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

The voice of the

Ozarks www.radiospringﬁeld.com

ozarks’ farm

calendar

June 2020 Ottawa County Farmers Market – Every Thursday – 4-7 p.m. – Behind All Saints Episcopal Church, 225 B St. NW, Miami, Okla. – 918-332-4365 26-27 Jackpot Show – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 July 2020 20-25 Fulton County Fair – Fulton County Fairgrounds (Salem Civic Center), Salem, Ark. – www.fultoncountyfair.org August 2020 1 North Franklin County Fair – North Franklin County Fairgrounds, Ozark, Ark. – facebook.com/North-Franklin-County-Fair-326684807662/ 17-23 Johnson County Fair – Johnson County Fairgrounds, 1586 W. Oakland Street, Clarksville, Ark. – www.thejohnsoncountyfair.org or facebook.com/jocofair/ 22-29 Carroll County Fair – Carroll County Fairgrounds and Indoor Arena, Berryville, Ark. – facebook.com/carrollcountyarfair 23-30 Newton County Fair and Rodeo, Inc. – Newton County Fairgrounds, Jasper, Ark. – www.thenewtoncountyfair.com 25-29 Washington County Fair – Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville, Ark. – facebook.com/mywashingtoncountyfair/ or www. mywashcofair.com 27-29 Wagoner County Fair – Wagoner County Fairgrounds, 30058 E. 147th Street South, Coweta, Okla. – facebook.com/Wagoner-County-Fair-562836720503008/ 29 Van Buren County Fair Queen Pageants – Fairgrounds, Clinton, Ark. – vanburencountyfair.org September 2020 1-5 Marion County Fair & Livestock Show – Marion County Fairgrounds, Summit, Ark. – marioncountyarfair.org 2-5 Madison County Fair – Madison County Fairgrounds, Huntsville, Ark. – facebook.com/Madison-County-Fair-Arkansas-402001673697103/ or www.madisoncountyarfair.com – 479-789-4005 7-12 Van Buren County Fair – Fairgrounds, Clinton, Arkansas – vanburencountyfair.org 8-12 Conway County Fair – Morrilton City Park, 100 City Park Drive, Morrilton, Ark. – facebook.com/conwaycountyfair or www.conwaycountyfair.com 9-14 Mayes County Fair – Mayes County Fairgrounds, Pryor, Okla. – mayescountyfair.com or facebook.com/mayescountyfair/ 11-15 Logan County Fair – 122 Airport Industrial Road, Paris, Ark. – facebook.com/LCF.Paris.AR/ 12 Van Buren County Rodeo Queen Pageant – Fairgrounds, Clinton, Ark. – vanburencountyfair.org 14-19 White County Fair – White County Fairgrounds, Searcy, Ark. – www.whitecountyfairgrounds.org 14-19 Crawford County Fair – Kirksey Park, 274 Kirksey Parkway, Mulberry, Ark. – www.thecrawfordcountyfair.com 15-19 Boone County Fair – Northwest Arkansas District Fairgrounds, Harrison, Ark. – boonecountyfairar@gmail.com 15-19 Baxter County Fair – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – 870-425-6828 15-21 Rogers County Fair – Rogers County Fairgrounds, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 22-26 Faulkner County Fair – Conway Exposition and Fairgrounds, 2505 East Oak Street, Conway, Ark. – www.faulknercountyfair.net

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 15, 2020

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory

ANGUS Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Rocking A Ranch - Berryville, Ark. - 870-480-7651 870-423-3567 parthurrockinga@hotmail.com Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com BALANCERS Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com BRANGUS Horsehead Ranch - Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com CHAROLAIS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com GELBVIEH Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 HEREFORDS Rose Bud Bull Development & Sales - Rose Bud, Ark. 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com LIM-FLEX Glen Odglen - Springdale, Ark. 479-200-2677 - 479-361-2407 RED ANGUS Watkins Cattle Company Harrison, AR - 870-741-9795 – 870-688-1232 – watkinscattleco@windstream.net SIM ANGUS Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 ULTRA BLACK Horsehead Ranch - Talala, Okla. 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net

Reach More Than

24,000 Readers

Who Are Primarily Livestock Producers, By Placing Your Ad In the Purebred Corral, Call Today!

532-1960

1-866-

JUNE 15, 2020

Farm Equipment

Vets

Prairie Phoenix Cattle Oiler

The Flies Won’t Know What Hit Them! Strongest, Simplest, Cheapest

417-286-3540 cell 774-696-2344

6/15/20

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

Machinery

479-267-2685

SELL YOUR LIVESTOCK HERE!

Farmington, AR

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

Heavy Duty Spike Hay Beds

Website Call for Price!

Atlas Steel Now Carries

With Beds In Stock

650 ESH RD. • VINITA, OK atlassteelproducts.com

877-289-7835 / 918-256-6232

6/15/20

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE! ozarksfn.com

Connecting Buyers and Borrowers with a Quality Bank

Ken W. Knies

479-426-9518 kenknies1@gmail.com “Your First Call for Ag Financing”

Poultry Litter Fertilizer Application Service Available • Application Rate 1-2 Tons Per Acre • GPS Guidance Green Forest, AR hostetlerlitter@emypeople.net

Since 1986 No Sunday Calls “Get More Out of Your Pasture” Louis Hostetler 870-438-4209 Cell: 870-423-8083

Trade Website Design For Fresh Beef If You’re Looking For A Website For Your Farm, Here’s Your Chance. I’m Looking To Do Some Trading For Fresh Beef. Turn-Key Package Includes: • Full Website Design • 1 Year of Hosting • 1 Year of Domain Name Registration

Hostetler 417-322-4711 Litter Service The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

CATTLE PIGS POULTRY SHEEP OR GOAT HORSES Contact us today about placing a classified ad. Be sure to ask about our discount rates.

ads@ozarksfn.com

1-866-532-1960

WELCOME TO

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

WE ARE OPEN AT ALL LOCATIONS!

WE’LL DELIVER TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS! MISSOURI ARKANSAS

Super Duty 2020 Ford F250 XLT aded 6.7L Diesel Lo

2020 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Cummin s Diesels DewEze Hay Bed Ready!

ckage, 2020 3500 HD Work Truck Pa n iso All d Durmax Diesel, an Transmission

We have a Large Selection of Heavy Duty Trucks Ready to Upﬁt to Your Speciﬁc Needs with Several Cab and Chassis Models to Choose From and More Arriving Soon!

— WOOD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR A RECORD MONTH AT BOTH LOCATIONS! —

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE DAILY, WE JUST ADDED 70 USED CARS AND TRUCKS WITH MORE ON THE WAY

JUST IN 3 K 24’ GOOSENEC TR AILER! E! CALL FOR PRIC

Wood Motor Company has been a Gooseneck Brand dealer for over 30 years, we stock the trailers that you want to buy and We will not be under sold on a Gooseneck brand livestock trailer – Period! Email or Call Mark Hanshaw with your Specs for a Quote! mhanshaw@woodmotor.com or 870-715-9177 Financing Available!

A SOLID NAME YOU CAN TRUST

WOOD MOTOR CHEVY • 877.203.6897 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 WOOD MOTOR NISSAN • 888.202.2709 • 600 US-62, HARRISON, AR 72601 WOOD MOTOR FORD • 417.952.2992 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856 WOOD MOTOR CDJR • 417-708-5746 • 94 HIGHWAY 00, JANE, MO 64856

Check Out More Of Our Inventory at WoodMotor.com JUNE 15, 2020 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

OFN June 15, 2020

Articles inside

Breeding for improved quality

Native warm-season grasses have benefits

Youth in Agriculture salutes Marley Anderson

The Ballards operate a diverse farm

Wick Dairy utilizes a robotic milking system

A childhood passion turns into a museum

Agriculture is both a career and a way of life for the Hales

Eye on Agribusiness features L&K Farms

The Jepsen family provide fresh-from-the-farm milk, other products

Julie Turner-Crawford – Celebrating Dairy Month

Jerry Crownover – No shame in a “C