Ofn dummy 6 19 17 by Eric Tietze

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Rich, Creamy Milk

JUNE 19, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ 28 PAGES

VOLUME 11, NUMBER 6 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Lois Altimus says providing proper nutrition and care to milking does makes their milk a higher quality

JUNE 19, 2017

Spring Valley Farms: Still Milking

A Family Affair Simon Brothers Dairy switched from beef cattle to dairy in 1993

Hayden and Betty Scates have been milking for more than four decades

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Arkansas student named intern: Madison Powell from Beebe, Ark., has been selected as an intern for the Arkansas Farm Bureau. Powell is studying animal science with a minor in agriculture business at the University of Arkansas. Powell is interning with the Organization and Member Programs, Public Policy and Commodity and Regulatory Affairs departments. She is the daughter of Cindy and James Powell of Beebe. Farm receives award: Wild Things Farm near Pocola, Okla., was recently recognized by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association with a RedBud Award for Outstanding Agritourism Attraction. The 90-acre farm is owned by Jim and Cathie Greene, with help in operations by their son, Ryan, and their daughter, Taylor. The farm began in 2000 with goats, horses, llamas and geese. Wild Things Farm offers a variety of produce and educational programs. The farm also offers hayrides, a corn maze and other games in the fall. The farm has pick-your-own potato, pumpkin and strawberry patches. Former U of A President dies: Former University of Arkansas President James “Jim” Martin died June 3 in Alabama. He was 84. Martin came to Arkansas in 1975 when he was hired as vice president for agriculture for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He took over as president of the university in 1980. Oklahoma man wins contest: Kevin Stacy of South Coffeyville, Okla., won the adult division of the range judging contest at the 66th National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma. One arrested in trailer and tractor thefts: Investigators with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture have recovered thousands of dollars of stolen equipment and arrested an Oklahoma City, Okla., man in connection with the thefts stretching across Oklahoma and into Texas. Investigators say Mitchell Moore, 48, has admitted to many of the thefts. So far, investigators have recovered about $70,000 worth of stolen equipment and traced back to Moore.

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The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

JUNE 19, 2017

VOL. 11, NO. 6

JUST A THOUGHT

3 4

Jerry Crownover – A ‘hairy’ situation

Julie Turner-Crawford – Celebrating National Dairy Month

Jody Harris – Teaching children manners

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Rich, creamy milk 8 Simons Brothers Dairy is a family affair

8 16 18

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Lloyd Nobel’s vision for agriculture

Eye on Agribusiness features Miller True Value Hardware

Town & Country spotlights Rex Koelsch

Hayden and Better Scates are still milking after more than 40 years

The Martins built their farming operation from scratch

Youth in Agriculture features Rylli Hammond

FARM HELP 21 Managing your credit score is important

Achieving higher milk components

Don’t forget the dry cows

Keeping cattle cool in the summer

Proper hoof care is key

JUNE 19, 2017

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Life Is Simple

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By Jerry Crownover

PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

Toll Free: 1-866-532-1960

was about 10-years-old when my father allowed me to cut hay by myself for the first revonworC yrreJ yB time. It was a field of alfalfa on the southeast corner of our creek-bottom farm and Dad had mowed a few rounds while I rode along, Jerry Crownover is as I had for hundreds of hours before, to review a farmer and former everything I should need to know. When he left professor of Agriculture me alone with the tractor and sickle-bar mower, Education at Missouri to go work on another project, I knew I was a man. State University. He is a After just a couple of solo rounds, I ran into native of Baxter County, problems as the crop began to look a little difArkansas, and an ferent with some viny, purple-flowered plants author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, that would plug the mower, requiring me to go to ozarksfn.com and back up every little bit, to unclog the mower. click on ‘Contact Us.’ At its worst, I would have to shut off the PTO and manually dig the plants out of the mower guards. At best, I could only go about 10 feet, before it would reclog. I’m pretty sure that is the first time, in my short life, that I ever cursed – and I did quite a lot of it that day, until I finally made enough rounds to escape the patch of tangled mess. I would find out later that the plant was hairy vetch and had probably washed into the field via the frequent floods that we endured in that creek-bottom field. All I know for sure is that for the next few years, we hoed, plowed, sprayed, hand-pulled and cursed those disgusting plants until the alfalfa eventually played out and we sowed it to pastureland. It would have been no match to today’s disc mowers, but it was impossible to mow with a 6-foot McCormick-Deering in 1962. We sold that farm in 1972, but I have always considered that farm to be my “home” and my home experienced the most devastating flooding in history this past spring. Last weekend, my wife and I traveled the hundred miles, to my old home, to survey some of the damages we’d been seeing and hearing about on the news. The reporters, for — Continued on Page 6

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About the Cover Lois Altimus has a small herd of Nubian dairy goats at her Franklin County, Ark., farm. See more on page 7 Photo by Chuck Mckenzie

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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., 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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here is nothing more impressive to me than good manners. From day one, we have tried to establish a pattern of saying “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” to our children. In turn, we Jody Harris is a freelance expect them to say it back to us and to others. communications specialist, Just like anything with kids, we have to constantgardener, ranch wife and ly remind them of our expectation. mother of four. She and When our children receive a gift, we expect her family raise Angus beef them to write a handwritten thank you note. This cattle and other critters on probably seems incredibly old fashioned. Writing their northwest Arkansas a note and sending it via snail mail. However, ranch. She is a graduate studies show, children who grow up writing thank of Missouri State University. you notes are more likely to be dependable at folTo contact Jody, go to lowing-through on a task in future occupations. I ozarksfn.com and click on don’t know if this note-writing research is valid. ‘Contact Us.’ According to my former food sales company boss from many years ago, it’s the gospel. We are raising four perfectly imperfect children on our farm. We probably have higher expectations than some people and that’s OK with us. Several friends have gasped when they see our entourage come through the front door. The kids are expected to unpack their lunch boxes and hand over papers and folders requiring a parent signature. Everyone does homework on their own after they get home from school. They then fan out to unload the dishwasher, bring rugs downstairs to the laundry room and feed their own animals. It’s a beautiful orchestra of small people learning big responsibility. Some days go smoothly. Some days are filled with whining, fighting and the occasional brush with disrespect. There are consequences. The ground rules for our expectations for kids – especially at school and with other adults were laid out a long time ago. Our hearts sank recently when the principal of the elementary school called to tell us of some trouble one of our children had gotten into. We were terribly disappointed. The behavior displayed in one moment on the playground was the very opposite of what we thought we’d been teaching all of our kids. We thanked the principal for her input and told her the behavior would be dealt with at home as well. When our perfectly imperfect children arrived home that day we were there, waiting to talk to the culprit of schoolyard bullying. We gave our child an opportunity to share about the day’s event but the hint of trouble never came up. Our child was shocked to learn we already knew what had taken place at school that day. A stern and disappointed talk followed from both of us. A punishment to fit the crime followed the discussion. After a paddling and picking up sticks for campfire kindling, I really think the severity set in and we hope there isn’t a repeat offense. Boundaries are made to be broken, I truly believe as awful as it feels at the time, this is how our kids learn. When I pray for my children, I always pray they’ll get caught when they mess up so we can help them correct their wrongdoing. So far that seems to be going well. Seriously, in a world lacking in boundaries, I’m always shocked when people are upset by their consequences. Families have a tough battle to fight out there. I keep repeating the same phrases and my favorite is this, “It costs nothing to be on time, have good manners and a positive attitude.” Thank you for reading, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

just a thought

Now Is The Time To Buy!

Across the Fence

By Julie Turner-Crawford

ummer is almost here in the Ozarks, and that means lots of junior livestock shows, county fairs and hot, humid days ahead. While June kicks off many summer Julie Turner-Crawford activities in our communities, it’s also is a native of Dallas the month to salute our nation’s dairy farms with County, Mo., where she National Dairy Month. grew up on her family’s National Dairy Month, according to the Interfarm. She is a graduate national Dairy Foods Association, began in 1937 of Missouri State as National Milk Month. It was created to stabiUniversity. To contact lize the demand for dairy products when producJulie, call 1-866-532-1960 tion was at a surplus, but eventually transformed or by email at editor@ into the National Dairy Month. ozarksfn.com. Just think of all the delicious and nutritious foods that come of our nation’s dairy farms. Cheese of all flavors, creamy butter and yogurt, sour cream, ice cream and other cultured foods are staples in many of our homes. We also can’t forget just how good a big cold glass of milk is, especially chocolate milk. The economy and a surplus of milk have been tough on the dairy industry the last several years, forcing more and more dairy producers to shutter their milking parlors. Some have gone into other areas of production, such as beef cattle, while others have just called it quits, leaving their land and equipment idle. Unfortunately, our nation’s hard working dairy farmers have been branded as heartless, newborn calf-killing monsters by those in the non-agriculture world. I take every opportunity I have to inform consumers, but it often falls on deaf ears. As a part of his 50-state tour, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of the social media giant Facebook, recently made a trip to a family-owned Wisconsin dairy/beef farm. Zuckerberg, — Continued on Next Page

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Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page who had never been on a dairy farm in his life, saw first hand how cows are milked and cared for. He also had his first experience feeding a bottle calf, driving a tractor and drinking raw milk (which he said was delicious). He also had his first meal of brats and cheese curds. Zuckerberg was impressed with the family farm. “The family is incredibly disciplined. Everyone works daylight to dark, seven days a week,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “When we were driving around his property, (farm owner) Jed (Gant) told me he’d rather feed the cattle than feed himself if it came down to that.” I thought since Zuckerberg was a wellknown Millennial celebrity, his initiative to actually step foot on a working dairy farm might help change the minds of those who, like him, have no idea about dairy farming, or at least make them take a second look at the industry. Well, that didn’t happen. Zuckerberg was criticized for visiting the farm because animals were “exploited” and the dairy industry was pure brutality. I could go on and on with the negative comments Zuckerberg received about the farm visit, but he (or his “people”) didn’t respond to any of the negative comments. Maybe he/they felt as if he/they weren’t educated enough to fend off the droves to vegans. Zuckerberg’s silence on the topic,

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once, hadn’t exaggerated on the extent of the disaster. We saw bridges washed out, roads destroyed, and rich bottomland soil that had been covered with upland rocks and gravel. It was sad, and I felt sorry for the present owners because we had endured countless floods when we farmed the place and I knew their pain. As we rounded the curve by the southeast corner of the old farm, I grimaced at the quarter-mile of fence that was completely washed away. Driving a little farther, I stopped the truck and yelled,

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

to me, shows that the Harvard drop out is smarter than 99 percent of the people who commented on the post. On the bright side of the dairy industry, the Ozarks is blessed to have members of the younger generation who have dreams of taking over the family dairy business, or starting one on their own. I hope they are able to make those dreams a reality. Hopefully the next generation of dairy farmers will also have a better grasp on how to deal with those who are anti-animal agriculture than I am. I try and try to clarify some of the misinformation, but after awhile I just get frustrated and tell people to get a life. Sad, but it’s the best comeback I have without reverting to asking people where their heads are, which is why I might be banned from commenting on certain websites and public forums. There was also a little good news recently from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding milk prices with the prediction of a slight upswing in prices paid per hundredweight to dairy farmers in 2018, thanks – hopefully – to a stronger global demand. I’m sure many dairy farmers in the Ozarks aren’t going to hedge their bets on the projected price increase, but they will remain hopeful.

“Well, I’ll be #$%!@*!” Shocked, and a little scarred, Judy asked, “What is it?” I pointed to an area along the road where the fence had washed away. “The flowing water of that swollen creek took out the fences, but that patch of #$%!@* hairy vetch is still there!” And it was – in the very same spot I had tried to mow 55 years ago. I’ve heard it said that if a nuclear war destroyed everything on earth, cockroaches would survive and be thriving in a mere 20 years. If that’s true, I’d bet money that they’ll crawl out from under…a hairy vetch plant. JUNE 19, 2017

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Rich, Creamy Milk By Donna McKenzie

Lois Altimus says providing proper nutrition and care to milking does makes their milk a higher quality Just west of Altus, Ark., on Pond Creek Road there’s a lush and Lois Altimus says Nubian goats neat farm called Lois’s Rockin A’s have a lot of “personality” and Farm, that is home to Lois Altimus, their milk is very rich in butterfat. and a small herd of dairy goats. Lois started with dairy goats about seven and a half years ago, and today she runs a registered Nubian herd, consisting of eight does, and she utilizes two bucks, a registered Nubian, and a threequarter Nubian and one-fourth Saanen. “I chose the Nubians because of their docile personalities and their gentleness. They live to be anywhere from 12 to 13 years old, if well cared for,” Lois said. Nubian’s may not produce a higher volume of milk, compared to other dairy goat breeds, but the milk they produce is higher reflected in the quality of the milk, so Lois in butterfat content. Lois’ goats each give about a gallon a provides the best possible. She also said well day, and they are milked only once a day. cared for animals also are better producers. “I take a lot of pride in how I take care Goats lineup at the barn door in the order they are milked, only four at a time of my girls,” she said. “When you milk, you on the podium, and they each have their have access to your goats, you see them position where they stand and place and can tell if they are in distress, wormy or whatever.” their heads in a light yoke. The philosophy seems to be working Lois then places the milk can under each one of them and milks them, by well for Lois. “I have a good clientele. I have repeat hand, as they quietly eat. When she is done they stand until she opens the yoke customers and some of them as many as around their heads they turn and go down six years,” Lois explained. The going rate the steps and out of the barn and as they for milk from the farm is $7 per gallon. Lois will sell only the freshest milk. leave she gives them an animal cookie. Lois feeds a specialty ration to her herd Milk that is over three days old is used that includes five grains, as well as alfalfa to make cheeses, including mozzarella, soft cheeses and a brick cheese. pellets. Unfortunately, Arkansas’ raw milk laws “They get a little grain when they come in the parlor to milk, but in the off sea- will not allow Lois to sell her cheeses, but she does share with her family son, when I’m not milking, and friends. they get grained more. They While there is a demand are just like dairy cattle; they for her goats’ milk, the marknow where to come and eat. Altus, Ark. ket is seasonal. Plus, they get that cookie in Bucks are left with does the end.” throughout the month of SeptemThe quality of the feed and ber, then pulled. forages provided to the herd is JUNE 19, 2017

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“I normally will stop milking around October because the girls will be pregnant by then and they usually start drying off themselves,” Lois explained. “Once they start having babies, I’ll start milking again.” Kids are left on their mothers for about two months, then weaned. Lois feels leaving the kids on their mothers helps build their immune system, and prevents other problems. “I have learned that if you bottle feed kids, CAE (Caprine Arthritic Encephalitis) can happen,” Lois said. “I also start milking every morning, two weeks after birth. I wean the babies off of the moms at about 2 months age.” Kids are sold at 3 to 4 months of age. Doelings from Lois’ herd typically sell for $300, and bucklings for about $150. Lois’ goal is to someday have 10 does, but she won’t allow just any animal on her farm. “I keep a closed herd,” Lois said. “The Nubians are very susceptible to parasites if you don’t keep their immunity up the worms will take over, and you can start to lose them very quickly. I feed them only good feed, and good hay. I also don’t feed them on the ground. I put salt mineral blocks formulated just for goats out for them also.”

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Arkansas, like most states, has experienced a dramatic decrease in the number of dairies in recent years. Similar to other farming operations, family dairies have had to look to economies of scale to survive. According to Peter Vitaliano, chief economist for the National Milk Producers Federation, the number of small familyowned dairies around the United States has been steadily dropping for years. Since 1986, every year that number has dropped by between 5 and around Frederic Simon (left) is one of three brothers 9 percent. that work with their dad Mike (right) on Simon In Arkansas, from 2006 Brothers Dairy, which was established in 1993. to 2016, the number of licensed dairies dropped from 130 to 110. However, in the same period, the number of cows in- they work in. Frederic would be considcreased from 173,000 to 196,000, and the ered the chief financial officer, Matt manaverage size farm increased from 1,331 acres ages construction projects on the farm, to 1,782 acres. and Matt oversees the crops and doubles One Arkansas dairy that stands out with mechanical duties. Mike, of course, above the statistics is the Simon Broth- is the patriarch that holds it all together, ers Dairy in Conway, Ark. The 950-acre along with Mary Joe, of course. dairy literally sits on the eastern city Simon Brothers Dairy didn’t start out limits of the Conway, Ark. as dairy. During the Great Depression, Simon Brothers Dairy is owned and Mike’s father owned a grocery store in operated by Mike Simon, his wife Mary downtown Conway. As locals began to Joe, and three of their seven sons, Fred- feel the financial pressures of the Depreseric, Matt and Jason. Mike and Mary Joe sion, some came to Mr. Simon in hopes certainly instilled the need for education he would buy their land so they could in all their children: all seven brothers move west to greener pastures. It was in have college degrees, three that time period Mr. Simon of the non-farm brothers began putting the farm tohave medical degrees (as do gether. The farm operated as Conway, Ark. two of the sisters-in-law). a beef cattle farm until 1993 Reflecting a well-organized when the Simons switched to business model, Mike and the dairy business. each one of the sons working “We have seen some challenging on the farm has specific areas times in the dairy business since we

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

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entered it 25 years ago,â&#x20AC;? Frederic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen many of our neighbors get out of the business. We have been fortunate and blessed that we had hard work, education, and family values instilled in all us by our parents and grandparents.â&#x20AC;? The Simons raise all their own feed of corn and silage for the dairy. Oats are also grown as a rotational crop and natural soil nutrient for the corn crops. There are about 200 acres of hay ground on the farm. The Simons are constantly looking for ways to improve their dairy operation. The Simons currently milk between 170 and 200 Holstein cows and being located in a low lying area, winter and spring rains contributed to extremely muddy pasture and feeding areas. With Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction savvy, six years ago the Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built a large covered freestall facility themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building that free stall livestock feeding barn was one of the best investments we could have made on the farm,â&#x20AC;? Frederic said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saved a lot of money building it ourselves, saved a lot of feed, and it is certainly less stressful on the cows. The Simons have also begun cross breeding Swedish Red bulls with their Holsteins. This is expected to boost milk quality and help improve longevity of the cows. The dairy is constantly playing host to various church and civic groups, and foreign exchange students. One recent visit JUNE 19, 2017

from some Russian farmers provided a telling anecdote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the time of the Russianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit, we had a tanker truck loading milk to take to Highland Dairy,â&#x20AC;? Frederic explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They could not understand how the system worked. It was hard for them to comprehend we had a contract for a truck to be here on certain days, at certain times, to pick up a load of milk and deliver it to a specified point. They were amazed. It certainly didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work that way in Russia.â&#x20AC;? In addition to being named Farm Family of the Year in 2007, Simon Brothers Dairy is a wealth of information and knowledge for various state and local media. The Simons are active in many community and civic activities as evidenced by Fredericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement serving on the Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, past president of the Faulkner County 4-H, and chairperson of St. Joe Parrish Capital Improvement Campaign. It appears that Simon Brothers Dairy will be in good hands for some time. According to Mike, all 13 grandkids (the fourth generation) have expressed some degree of interest in the farm operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course we are emphasizing education first,â&#x20AC;? Mike said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important. Then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see how things are going on the farm.â&#x20AC;?

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roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Passion for the Land By Katrina Hine

Lloyd Noble saw agriculture being critically important and established a foundation in honor of his father

Photos from the Noble Foundation.

The very basis for living life well can be defined by length of years, number of degrees you obtain, the amount of money you make or simply what you do with it. Farming is an occupation often taken for granted and even misunderstood. Unlike jobs with regular hours, those working the land must work irregular hours, invest significant amounts of time and money while trying to stay two-steps ahead of Mother Nature. Working in agriculture means learning everything from new GPS technology, what’s the next insect or weed threat, to maintaining a fine ecological balance, ensuring our most precious resources are safe and sound for future generations. One Oklahoma son demonstrated that how you live your life, creates ripples through generations and that simple principles reap enormous benefits. That son was Samuel Lloyd Noble.

Known as Lloyd Noble, he was born November 1896 in Indian Territory where his family had settled from New York. Moving to Ardmore, Okla., they first opened a grocery store, which was destroyed by a fire that claimed much of the town. Afterwards, they opened a hardware store, serving many of the farmers in the area. During an audio interview with his daughter, Ann Noble Brown in 2011, she recalled that when the “crops where poor… farmers would give land…to pay their hardware store bill.” Cotton became king and the crop was booming in much of Oklahoma, with Ardmore becoming the “largest inland cotton-ginning center in the world”. Nevertheless, the farming practices of the day soon eroded the soil of critical nutrients paving the way for the great disaster known as the Dust Bowl. Lloyd could be described as an independent thinker, eager to learn but not conforming

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

ozarks roots to society’s drumbeat. He was attracted to interesting people and over the course of his life would meet people of great importance and influence, yet his passion was the everyday hard-working folks on the farm. Whether he finished high school is unclear but it is known that he received a teaching certificate and taught for a couple years. He later attended college at Oklahoma University on a couple of occasions but never graduated. After serving in the Navy at the end of World War I and the death of his father when he was 21, college took a back seat to creation of an oil exploration and drilling business with a former classmate in 1921. Oil was big industry on the horizon for Oklahoma and with a loan from his mother, he jumped into the industry that would soon give him wealth to share. His gregarious and forward-thinking personality proved to be an asset in his business dealings, as well as, his core values that carried over into the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation he established to honor his father in 1945, whom he stated was the most generous person he knew. According to J. Adam Calaway, director of Communications and Public Relations, Lloyd’s business philosophy was built on two principles, “Hire the right people and capitalize on technology.” It was important to pay fair wages for an honest day’s work, something that he stood for when he served two terms on the Board of Regents for OU, advocating for better college faculty wages.

JUNE 19, 2017

Lloyd Noble (pictured) established the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in honor of his father.

His tenacious drive in business would also be reflected in his anonymous contributions to those in need, such as an employee’s medical bills. He was eager to listen to other’s ideas for improvement, especially in new technologies. Being open-minded allowed him to “drill deeper and faster than his contemporaries,” making him wildly successful when he began his own company. His love for his home state led to ventures across the political and cultural arenas, but his passion was for the land itself. Witnessing the devastation of the

Dust Bowl years while flying from oil fields to city offices, he was determined to bring about the change needed to save the land and he was just the person to do it. Lloyd loved a challenge, had the resources and embraced the opportunity to hit it head on. A man of small stature, Lloyd lived large and selflessly, developing the standard for agriculture education and research necessary to sustain the land while feeding the world. He saw land not only as a source of sustenance but a source of freedom for individuals. For-

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

mer foundation CEO, Mike Cawley recalls Lloyd’s belief about the land. “He talked about the ownership of … land, no matter [the size], as the greatest defense there was against tyranny. … Owning land is independence and independence is power. He saw agriculture as critically important, not just to food and fiber but he saw it as the bedrock to the (character) of the country.” Today, with the same determination and love for challenges, the Foundation leadership has advanced two dynamic organizations with the same focus and passion but with increased accessibility and versatility in solving future agricultural issues facing the world. The newly created Noble Research Institute, LLC. will expand its focus on research, education and consultation services. With the outside-the-box view enlisted by Lloyd Noble, the Institute will continue to cultivate relationships with top research entities in the field of agricultural research and education. The desire to give back will continue in the spirit of Lloyd’s passion for philanthropic pursuits through The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, which includes grant-making and scholarship programs. The seeds sown in 1945, just five years before his premature death at age 53, have exponentially taken root, nourished with the values of humility, selflessness, boldness, honesty, collaboration and constant improvement. But most importantly, being Noble.

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Miller True Value Hardware Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Owner: Meredith Miller Manager: Nathan Miller (pictured) Location: Harrison, Ark. History: Meredith Miller’s grandfather, Nathan Miller, started the business in 1931. “Then one of his sons, my father Joe, took over,” Meredith said. “I am the third generation owner and with my three sons (Nathan, Matthew and Jake) and my sonin-law Josh all working here; the future is secure.” The business began when Meredith’s grandfather went to Springfield, Mo. After a complicated trade with a tractor and some tack, her grandfather bought all of the tack and put it in a vacant building. “That was our location until 1960,” Meredith said. “At that point, Dad purchased land outside of town that had been abandoned by the railroads. Then in 1961, the area suffered a catastrophic flood which tore down part of that building, filled the property with 6 feet of water and almost forced us to close the doors because we had no insurance. Nevertheless we prospered and moved once more in 1976 only about 100 yards away from the railroad property, which is now our warehouse adding a new 120-foot by 200-foot sale facility. Of course, the town moved out to surround us and our customer base is now mixed rural and town people. The biggest change in our inventory is the addition of a lumberyard and increased building materials.”

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Products and Services: Nathan said, “Our rural customers especially appreciate our fencing materials which include barbed wire, field fence and both T and wooden posts. To help we also carry fencing tools such as post hole diggers and fencing pliers. We have stock tanks and ball waterers as well as round bale feeders and veterinary supplies including dewormers, both injectable and pour on, plus the regular vaccinations. We carry coop and hutch construction supplies and small engine equipment supported by our repair shop. To meet customer needs we have both commercial and residential mowers. Further, we repair the brands of small engines we sell as well as others and carry a full line of oil and hydraulic fluid and Hoses we offer a wide range of spotlights though particularly popular now are flashlights which are far more powerful than before and easier to carry than spotlights when working or checking animals in the dark. Finally, we carry a full line of building supplies including lumber, plumbing materials and electrical supplies.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Enjoy a better day on your land–all summer long.

Rex Koelsch

6-YEAR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY* ON ALL COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS

Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Family: Wife, Maria; children, Micah, April, Amy, David, Jay, Sarah and Andrea, Joy; and 23 grandchildren In Town: “My wife Marie is a registered nurse. She divides her time between private duty nursing and home health both as a visiting nurse and as an office worker. She works close to full time and adds to the farm income as we expand our dairy. In addition, we love to spend time with our family. Half of our kids and grandkids live out of state but when they come to visit, the older grandkids help with light chores and the younger ones love to ‘help’ milk the cows, feed the calves and ride on the tractor.” Country Life: “Ours is a small Jersey/Guernsey dairy that sells fresh

milk by request to friends and neighbors. We have a total of 25 animals and are currently milking eight cows. The rest are dry cows, young heifers, calves and bulls. I have both purebred Jerseys and Guernsey’s as well as Jersey/Guernsey crosses bred by two crossed bulls and a Guernsey bull. We have our cows on pasture in spring and summer, and hay in winter and use rotational grazing as much as possible. We also supplement the cows’ diet with brewers grains for protein. Cows are incredibly sensitive to sweetness and can detect as little as one-quarter of one percent, so they will seek out the most nutritious grasses first. This also makes brewer’s grain perfect for my cows since the drained grain contains all the protein and only minute quantities of carbohydrate which is sweet. My cows love it. In addition, I feed my calves, especially heifers, from older cows rather than milk replacer, which I use for bull calves only when necessary. “I wish I had listened more than I did to the old folks when I was young because they knew so much that is now mostly forgotten. An example is the usefulness of the black soldier fly. In its larval stage, the heat loving worm consumes piles of manure voraciously and leaves only 30 pounds of debris from a 100-pound pile. When the larvae mature to insect stage, they look like mud daubers and have no mouths. The benefit is that their pheromones ward off other flies. When it comes to decomposing manure a saying from a famous movie seems to fit. They said, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ Well, if you gather manure and cover it with hay, the black soldier flies will come to lay eggs.”

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(1) Offer valid on new 1023E Compact Tractor purchases made between 5/2/17 - 7/31/17. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Revolving Plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For Consumer Use only. 20% down payment required. Monthly payments are based on an amount financed of $10,405 at 0% APR. The quoted payment of $99 per month will create an estimated total of payments for the transaction of $8,324 and a repayment period of 84 months if only the minimum required payment is made. Taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Other special rates and terms may be available, including installment financing. Available at participating dealers.(2) Offer valid on new 3025E Compact Tractor purchases made between 5/2/17 - 7/31/17. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Revolving Plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For Consumer Use only. 20% down payment required. Monthly payments are based on an amount financed of $13,500 at 0% APR. The quoted payment of $129 per month will create an estimated total of payments for the transaction of $10,800 and a repayment period of 84 months if only the minimum required payment is made. Taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Other special rates and terms may be available, including installment financing. Available at participating dealers. †Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/EC. *Beginning 1/1/2016 all Compact Utility Tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere Dealer come standard with a 6 year/2000 hour (whichever comes first) Powertrain Warranty. See the Limited Warranty for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment at dealer for details. (3) $500 USD retail bonus available with purchase of any new Z500 Series Residential ZTrakTM Mower from an authorized John Deere dealer from 6/1/17 - 7/5/17. Available only at participating John Deere dealers. Retail bonus will be deducted from the purchase price. Offers available on new equipment and in the U.S. only. Prices and savings in U.S. dollars. See your John Deere dealer for further details.

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a Grade A commercial facility, including a kitchen for making cheese and a retail room for milk, cheese and other dairy products. While we are in this process, we will be inspected frequently to ensure that we are meeting all Grade A standards and we are looking forward to selling more products.” JUNE 19, 2017

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

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 6/4/17 to 6/10/17) Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock Auction

63.50-95.00 † 85.00-112.00 † 81.00-100.00* 83.00-96.00 † 97.50-98.00 † Not Reported* Not Reported* 92.00 † 79.50-102.50 † 84.00-100.50 † 78.50-115.00 † 70.00-102.00* 85.00-97.50 † 75.00-104.00 †

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

95.50-97.00 † 74.00-111.00 † 85.00-97.00* 78.00-102.00 † 94.00-112.50*

Welch Stockyards

slaughter

110

130

cows

(Week of 6/4/17 to 6/10/17)

45.00-71.50 † 45.00-78.00 † 58.00-76.00* 49.00-70.00 † 41.00-72.50 † 4 Not Reported* Not Reported*

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

58.00-73.50 † 46.00-73.00 † 44.00-75.00 † 4 50.50-84.00 † 45.00-74.00* 50.00-78.00 † 51.00-79.00 † 52.00-75.50 † 45.00-87.50 † 65.00-75.00*

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

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

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

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

14 14

42.00-82.00 †

1000.00-1150.00, Medium 800.00-985.00, Common 575.00660.00.

64.00-91.50*

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 6/6/17 1,319

Ash Flat Livestock

100

120

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

6/9/17 522

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 6/8/17 1,775

Weak-3 Lower

Uneven

172.00-195.00 163.00-179.00 152.00-171.00 147.00-158.00 --------150.00-170.00 140.00-156.00 130.00-145.00 ----152.00-175.00 140.00-162.00 125.00-151.50 133.00-147.00 139.00-142.00

6/7/17 1,166

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 6/5/17 313

County Line Sale Ratcliff 6/7/17 161

Uneven

St-10 Higher

3-12 Higher

Uneven

181.00-187.00 ----163.50 152.50 -----

190.00-227.00 167.00-193.00 162.00-175.00 150.00-164.00 149.00-160.00

170.00-192.00 168.00-190.00 155.00-171.00 145.00-160.00 138.00-151.00

180.00-210.00 172.00-189.00 160.00-182.00 155.00-160.00 -----

160.00-162.50 165.00-187.50 159.00-177.50 148.50-160.00 145.00-147.00

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

179.00-224.00 160.00-181.00 150.00-164.00 137.00-152.00 131.00-139.00

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

----160.00-180.00 148.00-163.00 143.00-152.00 -----

158.00 150.00-160.00 152.50-160.00 145.00-153.00 -----

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

159.00-173.00 153.00-167.00 143.00-160.00 132.00-147.00 -----

146.00-169.00 148.00-178.00 142.00-159.00 132.00-150.00 120.00-132.00

160.00-173.00 150.00-165.00 143.00-152.00 135.00-143.00 132.00

165.00 140.00-155.00 135.00-145.00 134.00-140.00 126.00

121( 5(3257('

dairy cattle

sheep &

40.00-73.00 † 4

Arkansas Cattle Auction

cattle

goats

Bottle Babies: Selection 1 85.00-90.00 Per Head. Selection 2 50.00-60.00 Per Head. Feeder kids: Selection 1 25-39 lbs 260.00-285.00. Selection 2 21-37 lbs 220.00-247.50. Selection 3 30-38 lbs 150.00-175.00. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 42-70 lbs 275.00-297.50. Selection 2 40-75 lbs 230.00-260.00. Selection 3 41-58 lbs 170.00-190.00. Several Families with single and twin kids Selection 2 70.00-75.00 Per Head. Replacement Does: Selection 1 130.00-160.00 Per Head; 75-85 lbs 190.00-192.50. Slaughter Does: Selection 1 78-160 lbs 145.00-167.50. Selection 2 57-128 lbs 120.00-137.50. Selection 3 58-140 lbs 90.00-115.00. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1 90-150 lbs 157.50-170.00. Selection 2 105-150 lbs 135.00-150.00. Selection 3 85-135 lbs 75.00-100.00. Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market

Decatur Livestock*

Fort Smith Stockyards

----------

Farmers Livestock Springdale 6/9/17 468

-----

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

Che wee (-.0 Flu farm exis sout is ge Wa prod Cal equ stea to in the lact volu ava inte scho are supp Acc wee We proc SPO BU $2.8

Joplin Regional Stockyards 6/5/17 9,944

Mi Stoc

6/5/17 2,029

I-40 Livestock Ozark 6/8/17 663

St-8 Higher

1-7 Higher

1-5 Lower

5-12 Higher

St-

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

185.00-215.00 165.00-193.00 160.00-174.00 146.00-164.00 -----

177.00-223.00 158.00-189.00 158.00-177.00 154.00-164.50 142.00-154.50

180.00-203.00 161.00-185.00 150.00-167.50 145.00-152.00 145.00-149.00

202.00-215.00 179.00-212.50 163.50-188.00 154.00-175.00 150.50-164.00

175 162 145 140 140

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

183.00-190.00 159.00-171.00 151.00-162.00 137.00-150.00

173.00-176.00 152.00-167.00 150.00-164.00 142.00-159.50 136.00-143.00

155.00-170.00 150.00-163.00 134.00-161.00 130.00-152.00 122.00-136.00

------------147.00 -----

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

158.00-173.00 148.50-163.00 140.00-156.00 130.00-143.50 -----

166.00-184.00 140.00-169.00 135.00-159.00 133.00-146.50 124.00-137.00

163.00-179.00 145.00-167.50 137.00-151.50 132.00-142.00 127.00-131.00

180.00-190.00 159.00-182.50 148.00-166.00 143.00-160.00 142.00-151.00

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Nati

prices

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

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

5/23/17

Receipts: 610 SHEEP: Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 37-38 lbs 160.00170.00. Slaughter Hair Lambs: Prime 2-3 52-105 lbs 180.00215.00. Choice 1-2 40-78 lbs 160.00-175.00. Good 3-4 47-64 lbs 150.00-155.00. Bred Replacement Hair Ewes: Medium and Large 2-3 97-135 lbs 120.00-150.00. Medium and Large 2-3 60-129 lbs 110.00-117.50. Slaughter Wool Ewes: Utility-Good 3-4 151-285 lbs 40.00-67.00. Slaughter Hair Ewes: Utility-Good 2-3 85-225 lbs 50.0057.50. Feeder Kids: Medium and Large 1 27-38 lbs 220.00240.00. Medium and Large 2 27-35 lbs 205.00-215.00. Medium and Large 3 22-38 lbs 145.00-170.00. Bottle Babies 27.00-39.00 Per Head. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 46-65 lbs 285.00-310.00. Selection 2 40-60 lbs 230.00-250.00; 53-113 lbs 140.00180.00. Selection 3 38-48 lbs 105.00-110.00. Slaughter Does: Selection 1 100-138 lbs 140.00-180.00. Selection 2 67-135 lbs 110.00-132.50. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1 95-160 lbs 140.00-157.50. Selection 2 110-170 lbs 130.00-135.00. Selection 3 40100 lbs 100.00-110.00.

stocker & feeder

127 5(3257('

Arkansas Cattle Auction

Heifers bred one to three months: Supreme 1060.00-1250.00, ind at 1400.00, Approved 975.00-1075.00, Medium 800.00975.00, Common few 300.00-685.00, ind crossbred 550.00. Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 6/11/17 Open Heifers: Approved: 185-300 lbs 260.00-530.00, Jerseys 280.00-490.00, crossbreds 250.00-300.00, 300-400 lbs 310.005 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) 570.00, pkg of 9 Jerseys 328 lbs 545.00, crossbreds 350.00Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice 540.00, 400-500 lbs 500.00-650.00, Jerseys 520.00-580.00, Steers: 134.00-138.00; wtd. avg. price 135.88. crossbreds 490.00-620.00, pkg of 11 crossbreds 495 lbs 650.00, Heifers: 135.00-139.00; wtd. avg. price 136.55. 500-600 lbs 660.00-790.00, crossbreds 540.00-600.00, 600-700 Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice lbs 720.00-750.00, few Jerseys 710.00-720.00, crossbreds 550.00Steers: 210.00-221.00; wtd. avg. price 218.03. 750.00, 700-800 lbs 850.00-1030.00,crossbreds 700.00-920.00. Heifers: 206.00-221.00; wtd. avg. price 216.52. Medium: 400-500 lbs ind 440 lbs 330.00, crossbreds 310.00410.00, 500-600 lbs few 440.00-460.00, few crossbreds 450.00460.00, 600-700 lbs few 490.00, 700-800 lbs few crossbreds 550.00-610.00. Norwood, Mo. • Producers Auction Yards 6/8/17 Replacement Cows: Fresh and Milking Cows: Approved 1100.00-1200.00, ind crossbred 1100.00, Medium 900.00Receipts: 129 985.00, Common 480.00-700.00, few Jerseys 460.00-625.00. Springer Heifers Bred Seven to Nine Months: Approved Springer Cows: Approved 1250.00-1275.00, Medium 825.00Individual 1100.00. 900.00, few crossbreds 835.00-1010.00, Common ind Jersey Heifers Bred Four to Six Months: Supreme Individual 725.00. 1280.00, Approved Pair 1085.00, Medium Individual 860.00, Bred Cows: Approved 1100.00-1275.00, few Jerseys 1100.00Common 520.00-675.00. 1150.00, few crossbreds 1010.00-1150.00, Medium 925.00.00Heifers Bred One to Three Months: Supreme Pair 1090.00, 150 Common Individual Shorthorn 510.00, Individual Crossbred 1075.00, Common 685.00-800.00 ind Jersey 775.00, few crossbreds 550.00-675.00. 450.00. Baby Calves: Holstein heifers 160.00-260.00, Holstein bulls Open heifers: Approved 250 lbs Individual 380.00, 395 lbs 140.00-190.00, crossbred heifers 180.00-260.00, crossbred bulls Individual 500.00, 505 lbs Individual Jersey 680.00, Medium 180.00-250.00-small 110.00-125.00. 210 lbs Individual 270.00, 380 lbs Individual 360.00, 730-785 lbs 610.00-635.00, 790 lbs Individual 775.00. Fresh Milking Heifers and Cows: Approved Individual 1300.00, Medium Pair 975.00, Individual Crossbred 810.00, Common Individual Jersey 575.00. Diamond, Mo. • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale 6/1/17 Bred and Springer Cows: Common Individual 720.00, Individual Crossbred 675.00. Receipts: 2,153 Baby Calves: Holstein Bulls Large 135.00-150.00, Small SHEEP: 80.00-105.00, Jersey Heifers Individual 140.00, Jersey Bulls Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 30-45 lbs 185.0040.00-50.00, Crossbred Heifers Individual 100.00, Crossbred 202.50. Medium and Large 2 30-39 lbs 170.00-180.00. Bulls Large 120.00-155.00, Small 70.00-85.00, Beef Cross Heif- Slaughter Wool Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 45-94 lbs ers 200.00-210.00, Beef Cross Bulls 160.00-220.00. 190.00-210.00; 100-125 lbs 150.00-145.00. Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 5/23/17 Hair lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 46-85 lbs 190.00205.00. Good 2-3 48-95 lbs 175.00-187.50. Receipts: 690 Replacement Hair Ewes: Medium and Large 1-2 106Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 148 lbs 145.00-165.00. Medium and Large 2 94-169 lbs 1210.00-1390.00, few crossbreds 1185.00-1285.00, Approved 975.00-1125.00, few Jerseys 925.00-1175.00, crossbreds 900.00- 107.00-127.50. Slaughter Wool Ewes: Utility-Good 2-3 122-192 lbs 1050.00, Medium few 800.00-935.00, Common ind Jersey 62.50-80.00. 610.00, ind crossbred 510.00. Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1210.00-1485.00, Slaughter Hair Ewes: Good 2-3 89-172 lbs 80.00-95.00. Utility 2-3 70-172 lbs 65.00-75.00. Approved 1000.00-1175.00, ind Jersey 1100.00, crossbreds

beef

87.00-102.00 †

127 5(3257('

slaughter

JUNE 19, 2017

164 148 142 130

m and Large 1-2 37-38 lbs 160.00-

: Prime 2-3 52-105 lbs 180.0078 lbs 160.00-175.00. Good 3-4 0. r Ewes: Medium and Large 2-3 00. Medium and Large 2-3 60-129 Utility-Good 3-4 151-285 lbs

Utility-Good 2-3 85-225 lbs 50.00-

and Large 1 27-38 lbs 220.00arge 2 27-35 lbs 205.00-215.00. 2-38 lbs 145.00-170.00. Bottle Head. ion 1 46-65 lbs 285.00-310.00. 30.00-250.00; 53-113 lbs 140.0048 lbs 105.00-110.00. ion 1 100-138 lbs 140.00-180.00. 110.00-132.50. ction 1 95-160 lbs 140.00-157.50. s 130.00-135.00. Selection 3 40-

Soft Wheat

Corn

9.38

4.85

5.82 4.65

4.70

Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita

3.76

3.79

eville lyth

n Hele

Elain

3.76

eola Osc

oc tle R

Lit

159.35

500

145.45 142.82 138.93 152.01 148.97

** 154.47

160.76 ** 155.37 169.33 ** ** **

140.60 148.47 ** ** **

157.92

143.69

975.00-1150.00 †

154.53

875.00-1685.00 † 900.00-1610.00 * 1125.00-1425.00 †

142.69 150.34

177.28

1125.00-1400.00 † 685.00-1050.00 † 900.00-1725.00 † 1000.00-1385.00 *

155.00

168.56

153.38

** 167.52

1135.00-1460.00 † None Reported †

2000

145.55

2500

Tulsa Livestock Auction 6/5/17 2,840

Welch Stockyards*

6/5/17 386

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 6/7/17 765

St-8 Higher

Uneven

6-8 Higher

Uneven

St-6 Higher

3-6 Higher

7-13 Higher

Steady

5-12 Higher

134.84

156.06

750.00-1600.00 †

1500

137.01 136.62

169.82

Ozarks Regional West Plains 6/6/17 4,570

-5 Lower

150.28

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 6/9/17 530

Mid-State Stockyards*

152.84

155.08

pairs

Not Reported * None Reported †

1000

139.99 149.12

167.63

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 6/6/17 9,818

Joplin Regional Stockyards 6/5/17 9,944

150.85

2500

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 6/7/17 2,191

I-40 estock Ozark 6/8/17 663

166.04

154.59

800.00-975.00 † Not Reported *

Welch Stockyards

138.09

155.95

1150.00-1575.00 † 1000.00-1510.00 † 1000.00-1850.00 * 860.00-1675.00 †

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

150.66 141.11

153.52

None Reported †

Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

4.50

910.00-1875.00 *

2000

Apr. 17 May 17

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

157.79

1000.00-1410.00 †

Mar. 17

heifers 550-600 LBS.

167.92

775.00-1500.00 † 1000.00-1350.00 *

1500

Jan. 17 Feb. 17

700.00-1085.00 * 760.00-1130.00 † 800.00-1500.00 † 555.00-1100.00 †

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

9.18

4.83

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

560.00-1350.00 † 5 850.00-975.00 † 700.00-1450.00 †

1000

Oct. 16 Nov. 16 Dec. 16

steers 550-600 LBS.

(Week of 6/4/17 to 6/10/17)

12 9.36

July 16 Aug. 16 Sept. 16

950.00-1100.00 †

cow/calf

Sorghum

June 16

760.00-1375.00 † 69.00-105.00 † Prices reported per cwt Not Reported* Not Reported *

500

Week Ended 6/13/17

Soybeans

$80

775.00-1275.00 † 800.00-1450.00 *

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

avg. grain prices

ices

146.05

153.00 ** 158.18 157.20 154.35

136.81 ** 141.72 138.06 127.79 144.90

159.59 166.23

147.65

165.97

143.21

***

6/6/17 2,061

*** 171.60

157.39

161.64

174.45

175.00-205.00 162.00-186.00 145.00-172.00 140.00-163.00 140.00-155.00

194.00-208.00 174.00-200.00 159.00-184.00 145.00-174.00 136.50-155.00

204.00-225.00 177.00-190.00 166.00-184.00 154.00-175.50 152.00-164.00

170.00-195.00 159.00-181.00 153.00-170.00 150.00-165.00 135.00-140.00

190.00-220.00 182.00-208.00 170.00-188.00 152.00-177.50 149.50-160.00

183.00-205.00 166.00-179.00 160.00-175.00 135.00-168.00 131.00-144.00

198.00-225.00 169.00-193.50 164.00-181.00 153.00-170.00 135.50-156.00

185.00-202.00 175.00-188.00 170.00-191.00 160.00-177.00 150.00-168.00

5.00-170.00 0.00-163.00 4.00-161.00 0.00-152.00 2.00-136.00

------------147.00 -----

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

180.00-194.00 158.00-180.00 139.00-156.00 128.00-150.50 125.00-136.00

--------145.00 143.00 -----

155.00 142.00-157.00 143.00-160.00 130.00-148.00 130.00-135.00

178.00 160.00-176.00 150.00-164.00 145.00-152.00 -----

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

180.00-207.00 168.00-189.00 157.50-178.00 138.00-160.00 129.00-147.00

170.00-190.00 155.00-171.00 145.00-164.00 140.00-165.00 123.00-134.50

3.00-179.00 5.00-167.50 7.00-151.50 2.00-142.00 7.00-131.00

180.00-190.00 159.00-182.50 148.00-166.00 143.00-160.00 142.00-151.00

164.00-181.00 148.00-170.00 142.00-157.00 130.00-147.00 -----

159.00-182.00 146.50-164.00 138.00-153.50 132.00-144.00 125.00-137.50

166.50 157.50-174.50 152.00-164.00 141.00-157.00 131.00-150.50

150.00-165.00 142.00-160.00 134.00-152.00 132.00-139.00 -----

192.50 154.00-172.50 146.00-163.50 139.50-149.00 140.00-142.50

157.00-175.00 148.00-161.00 137.00-152.00 132.0-143.00 -----

164.00-188.00 158.00-176.50 149.00-161.00 139.00-155.00 130.50-144.00

155.00-170.00 150.00-171.00 148.00-162.75 150.00-159.00 135.00-145.50

JUNE 19, 2017

164.02

146.58 146.80

168.34 165.38

146.20

173.83

Week of 6/4/17

202.00-215.00 179.00-212.50 163.50-188.00 154.00-175.00 150.50-164.00

Week of 6/4/17

0.00-203.00 1.00-185.00 0.00-167.50 5.00-152.00 5.00-149.00

6/9/17

Week of 5/14/17

5/23/17

825.00-1400.00 †

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

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4150 and 40# blocks at $1.6300. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4275 (-.0994) and blocks, $1.6480 (-.0801). Fluid Milk: Climate affects are impacting seasonal differences of farm milk production across the U.S. regions. Variations tend to exist within the regions as well. In the East, milk output in the southern most areas steadily falls, while moving north production is generally steady, near the peak, with light seasonal declines. Warmer weather in the Midwest has yet to deter heavy milk production, as flush level output continues. For the Western states, California notes mixed milk output, where cooler temperatures equate to heavier output than warmer areas, where outputs are steady. In New Mexico, state milk handlers are seeing steady to increasing milk production. As well, increases are realized in the Pacific Northwest, with strength in production attributed to lactating cows providing the boost. However, milk production volumes are declining in Arizona, where heat has affected available milk volumes. Class I markets mostly show waning interest as summer college/school schedules develop and limits 0 school lunch program bottling needs. Cream markets throughout are feeling slowed Class I bottling processing, as available cream supplies lessens while Class II ice cream requests strengthens. Accordingly, markets reported slightly higher multiples this week. In the East, 1.20 to 1.35; Midwest, 1.16 to 1.23; and in the West, 1.08-1.25. Butter making is steady to lower, as some butter processors elect to clear surplus cream supplies. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest $2.8029-2.9720.

$120

740.00-1350.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction

Week of 5/21/17

ock Market

National Dairy Market at a Glance

$160

PricesPrices reported per cwt Prices reported reported per percwt cwt

Week of 5/28/17

ction 1 90-150 lbs 157.50-170.00. 135.00-150.00. 75.00-100.00.

dairy sales

cows

(Week of 6/4/17 to 6/10/17)

Week of 5/14/17

on 1 42-70 lbs 275.00-297.50. 30.00-260.00. Selection 3 41-58 lbs Families with single and twin kids 0 Per Head. lection 1 130.00-160.00 Per Head; 0. ion 1 78-160 lbs 145.00-167.50. 120.00-137.50. Selection 3 58-140

replacement

$200

Week of 5/21/17

n 1 85.00-90.00 Per Head. SelecHead. 1 25-39 lbs 260.00-285.00. Selec-247.50. Selection 3 30-38 lbs

550-600 lb. steers

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 5/28/17

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

163.72 156.40 161.93 158.13

147.63 145.09

164.92 169.07

152.28

173.58 125 150 175 200 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

150.27 225

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

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

143.22 138.02 140.42

165.97

100

155.50 137.61

100 125 150 175 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

200

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

15 15

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Spring Valley Farms: Still Milking By Terry Ropp

Hayden and Betty Scates have been milking for more than four decades Tucked away in a corner east of Springdale in Spring Valley, Ark., is a Grade A dairy appropriately named Spring Valley Farms. The story of Hayden and Betty Scates begins when Betty was working next to Hayden’s mother Truley at the Wilson chicken plant. This is one of those mother knows best stories. Truley insisted that the couple meet, so Hayden

all the milking, while Christy does most of the chores with Garrett and Laramie, who works for Tyson, putting out hay and filling in where needed. The acreage is divided into six pastures, one for the dry cows, two to three for the milking cows, one for the heifers and one for their grandson’s horses. The herd consists of 70 cows in milk and, at the moment, and a registered JerPhoto by Terry Ropp

Efficient – Practical – Maternal

Grass Efficient ANGUS

Sons of: OCC Mitchell-Paxton-Moderator Dean Schneider

918-698-2993 Brandon Fix

563-299-7609 Adair, Oklahoma www.BellRule.com

Betty Scates and her husband, Hayden, began their dairy farm just days after they were married 43 years ago. They continue the operation with their grandson Laramie and daughter Christy.

took Betty out for her birthday dinner sey bull from Perkins, Okla. The herd began as Holsteins with a on Jan. 19 and married her on April 26, registered Holstein bull, but as their 43 years ago. Hayden laughed and said, “I started children, daughter Christy and son Brook, grew and were ready to show, milking on the 28th.” new breeds were introduced. Betty inherited the 94Now the herd is very mixed acre farm from her parents, Spring Valley, Ark. with mostly Jersey as well as Elvin and Leath James. Holstein, Brown Swiss and The farm has become a Milking Shorthorns. family operation with daugh“I would like to have all Jerter, Christy, and grandsons, sey because they are smaller and Laramie and Garrett, heavily therefore easier to handle as well as involved. Hayden still does Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

with a good butterfat test,” Hayden said. “Because of their size, they don’t eat as much and you can have more cows.” Betty added, “It doesn’t hurt that they have a nice temperament and are really cute.” According to Hayden, the Brown Swiss influence is important because they also have high butterfat content and the breed is hardy, which counteracts the Jerseys more delicate health. Christy explained that she believes the best dairy cow is a Jersey/Brown Swiss cross, partially because of improved hardiness and because of the difference in calf size. A typical Jersey calf is 40 pounds though a few as small as 15 have been born and thrived while a Brown Swiss calf is usually 75 pounds. That larger size is difficult to handle. “That big calf will try to climb up on you if you’re not careful,” Betty said. In order to raise the healthiest calves possible, Hayden likes to let the mommas dry off two months before calving in order to give her a rest and fresh start. Hayden is a hands-on farmer and decides when it’s time for rest by “bumping them” to feel for calf size. The Scates keep all of their calves. Heifers are retained and used as replacements, while bull calves are banded and raised for 4 to 6 months before being sold at the sale barn. Money from that sale then buys hay for the year. The Scates purchase 500 round bales of mixed hay per year because the acreage is used only for grazing and spraying for weeds is not possible with dairy with their land dragged every spring so that cow manure provides the fertilizer. The Scates use 18 percent dairy feed purchased from Evans Feed in Green Forest 60 miles away because the mill produces exactly what the Scates want. The Scates farm uses rural water because, according to Hayden, cows do better with fresh water, especially when it’s hot. JUNE 19, 2017

meet your neighbors The milk produced at the farm is sold to Dairy Farmers of America and ends up at the Hiland Dairy processing facility in Fayetteville. Hayden is appreciative of the fact that their milk truck doesn’t come until around noon so that he has an easier milking schedule than some. The cows are milked at 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Nonetheless, it is an every day, all day job like all dairies. Hayden thinks the biggest challenge in the dairy industry is operating costs. He explained that years ago they were paid $13 per hundred with feed costing $4 while now they receive $16 per hundred, but with feed cost at $13. Hayden said, “Maintaining profits is a constant battle.” This last breeding cycle, the Scates decided to start a commercial beef herd and crossed 30 Holstein cows with an Angus bull to produce their first crop of calves, which are due soon. The couple decided it was time to start a commercial herd, possibly as retirement. However, Hayden admitted that retirement just wasn’t happening because milking was in his blood he would milk until the end. Another recent addition to the Scates operation is two Hampshire sows purchased by Hayden and Betty for showing by the two youngest grandsons. The intent now is to sell some of the litters and to test whether or not that’s a profitable venture. The Scates also have 10 dairy nannies and one billy. Babies are due in June, some of which will be sold.

LOCATIONS GREEN FOREST, AR 870-438-6219

FLIPPIN, AR 870-453-4400

HUNTSVILLE, AR 479-738-6814

SILOAM SPRINGS, AR 479-524-3511

HOLIDAY ISLAND, AR 479-253-0000

HARRISON, AR 870-741-9084

BERRYVILLE, AR (Two locations) 870-423-2096 or 870-423-4245

YELLVILLE, AR 800-279-5646 MOUNTAIN HOME, AR 870-425-5530

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

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

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

JUNE 19, 2017

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

COMING SOON!

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Always Raise Good Cattle By Terry Ropp

Derwin and Rhonda Martin built their own farming operation with the purchase of 57 acres

SSUE I 7 1 0 NEW 2 ILABLE AVA 31st JULY

Young people usually begin new farms in one of two ways: they either inherit land or purchase it. Derwin and Rhoda Martin of Everton, Ark., are an example of those who start from scratch. Though Derwin didn’t inherit land, he did inherit some old family stories based on oral tradition rather than evidence. One was that an uncle way back when held the reins of Belle

help. The Martins bred the dairy cows to a Charolais bull, keeping the calves to sell for additional income. Replacement cows were purchased because of the limited land space. After Derwin and Rhoda’s parents put Rhoda through school, Rhoda taught first as an English teacher and later as a librarian. Derwin quipped, “Basically, she supported my habit.”

The directory will be mailed to more than 10,000 farm families across northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, plus it will be available online at www.AgResourceDirectory.com. The Farm Hand contains listings of ag-businesses & the products or services they provide. This directory will be used and kept by farmers in our area year-round.

Hurry Before Time Runs Out To Reserve Your Ad Space! Ad Space Deadline is Arkansas/Oklahoma Issue ~ June 21st FARM

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Derwin and Rhoda Martin switched from dairy farming to beef cattle in 1992. Today they have a herd of registered Charolais. Photo by Terry Ropp

In 1992, the couple decided to sell Starr’s horse while she robbed a bank in Harrison, Ark., with the other being their cows thereby getting out of debt that his grandparents, Frank and Stella with some extra to purchase a few cows Martin whom he called Ma and Pa, used and a Charolais bull. They also began to go to town in an old buggy where converting their dairy barn into a home Stella might have to wait all day while by using Derwin’s carpentry skills and turning the upper feed storage area into Frank saved 5 cents on a deal. In 1980, Derwin and Rhoda purchased a bedroom for their daughter Melanie 57 acres, later adding another 100 acres who showed horses in Halter and Western Pleasure classes when she 3 miles away in Marion was young but now is on her County. The couple began own working at FedEx. with a Holstein dairy which Everton, Ark. Derwin always liked the Chathey ran for 12 years. Derwin rolais and Brahman breeds and milked in the mornings and bought cows, one here and one only missed 10 mornings in there as he developed a commerall those years, but fortucial herd. He felt the combination of nately could get afternoon

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

meet your neighbors breeds produced well muscled and hardy, heat-resistant animals. One of his cows named Cookie placed fifth in the state in her class and third the next year. He had bred her by AI so that his original $1,400 purchase in 1980 turned into $5,300 for her and her three calves. His goal was and always has been to raise good cattle. Not long after Rhoda retired five years ago, the couple decided to switch to a registered polled Charolais herd in order to maximize income on their acreage. Part of Derwin’s cattle philosophy is confining or catching the head of his cattle as little as possible while being around them all of the time. Part of the results of this philosophy is that he does not worm unless an individual needs it. According to Derwin, the biggest health challenge for him is the two weeks before or after birthing because that’s when cows have issues. Derwin said, “If you want cattle to get stupid and temperamental, trap them often. It’s less stress for me and less stress for them.” Then Rhoda laughed, “I have an important job too. I am the official gate opener.” Derwin readily admits that the Charolais breed at one time had birthing issues but maintains that the right bloodlines have almost eliminated the problem while the lighter weight calves bred by the right kind of bull grow into the muscled animal the breed is best known for. He also believes it’s important to not breed a heifer too soon. “One of my favorite things is to find a new baby calf on the ground when I go out to see my cows,” Derwin said.

Because of the limited acreage, Derwin has adapted his processes to fit that acreage. He lets the land in terms of grass and hay determine the size of his herd. His land is mixed grasses, with 40 acres set aside for haying. Derwin rotates the cattle on the rest of the acreage. To prevent waste, he drags with a resourcefully made pipe and tire device as soon the cattle are moved. He then lets the grass grow to harvest later. Derwin also fertilizes with locally purchased turkey or chicken litter on a rotational basis section by section and often over seeds with ryegrass for better winter forage. Another land management practice is rolling his hay out on bare spots to reseed it. “A guy once told me that every bale of hay has $20 worth of seed; something that has worked well for me,” Derwin said. This last year Derwin purchased alfalfa hay for more protein so he could decrease the amount of grain he needed to feed. According to Derwin, the grain is 13 to 14 percent protein while good alfalfa is 18 to 20 percent. Derwin said, “Protein is protein, and cows are naturally grass eaters,” he said. Derwin also has a flock of sheep. He has been the pastor at Yardelle Chapel for 12 years to what he calls a “wonderful group of people.” “God spoke to me one night and told me he wanted me to preach. I never asked to preach anywhere. Requests came to me. If not for Jesus, I would have nothing and certainly wouldn’t be here,” Derwin said.

“

One of my favorite things is to find a new baby calf on the ground when I go out to see my cows.

“

– Derwin Martin

JUNE 19, 2017

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“I really like it all, but if I had to pick a favorite I guess it would be raising animals. Pigs are easy to train and funny while cows and goats are a little harder to train but raising animals from when their little makes them become like a best friend. Then we get to show as teammates.”

Who is the most influential person in your life? “My grandma is the hardest working person I have ever known. Together we work the whole farm by ourselves, except for a neighbor who occasionally will help us with something. It’s a really neat relationship and we are strong for each other when the hard times come.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture?

“I’m raising show animals and helping grandma on the farm. I’ve been hauling hay by truck since I was 9 or 10 and rake for her in the summer. I also drive the tractor and a backhoe. Right now, the biggest focus is feeding the baby goats, which I do after school sometimes until 1 o’clock in the morning and then I have to be a basketball practice by 7 a.m. I take over all of the feedings on the weekends.”

What is your favorite possession?

W A c

2/26/18

What is your favorite aspect of agriculture?

“My dad and I wore matching necklaces, and that necklace is priceless to me now that he’s no longer here.”

Awards: “I won Grand Champion Commercial Steer with a black and white-faced Beefmaster at the Crawford County fair last year. Three years ago, as well as last year, I also won Grand Champion Poultry Chain.” What are your future plans? “I wanted to be a veterinarian but that’s way too much school so perhaps I will be a vet technician so I can still be around the animals. I am also considering being a teacher. Regardless, I plan on going to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville or Fort Smith so I can still be close to my grandma and help out on the farm. I would also like to travel, especially to see Niagara Falls.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

the ofn

ag-visors

Advice from

the professionals

Managing Your Credit Score

By Ken Knies

here’s a tremendous amount of good (and misunderstood) information being shared as it relates to credit bureaus and credit histories. It’s important that you know and understand the factors that impact your report and your score. I will provide some clarity and information that will help. The importance of an acceptable credit bureau score is best understood by realizing how it can impact so many areas of importance to you. Employers, banks, insurance providers, credit card companies, renters/lessors, auto lenders and others use this information to make decisions that can affect you.

Several issues can affect your credit score. Their relative impact includes:

n Payment history – 35 percent n Amounts owed on credit and debt – 30 percent n Length of credit history – 15 percent n New credit – 10 percent n Types of credit used – 10 percent

Improving the score:

There are steps you can take to improve your score and creditworthiness. Corrective Ken W. Knies is an measures include: agricultural and rural n Eliminate credit cards – pay off and get rid consultant. He earned of unnecessary cards (you only need one or two) a bachelor’s degree n Reduce and pay off balances – lower balin agriculture from the Under the FICO (Fair Issac Corporation) ances help your score from the University of reporting system, scores can range from 300 n Leave old debt on your report – good Arkansas and a to 850 (the higher the better). There are three debt is good for your credit report master’s of business primary credit-reporting companies: Experian n Shop within a 30-day timeframe (for a administration from (www.experian.com), Trans Union (www.tranvehicle or a loan or mortgage). In this case, Webster University sunion.com) and Equifax (www.equifax.com) several inquiries won’t hurt your credit rating in St. Louis, Mo You have at least one free score available to or your FICO score. you annually from each of the three primary n Maintain lower credit balances – this reporting agencies. Online sites such as Credit Karma and Free keeps your Credit Utilization Ration in check Credit Report also offer information to provide your free report or free credit score. You should know what others see when they How long is bad information reported? pull your credit report. n Delinquencies remain in your credit history for seven years n Most public records remain for seven years Some general credit score ranges and defin Some bankruptcies and tax liens remain for ten years nitions: n Inquires remain on your report for two years n 800-plus reflects Exceptional creditworthiness n 740 to 799 represents a Very Good FICO score If you are denied credit due to your credit score or history, ask n 670 TO 739 represents a Good FICO score which reporting agency was used. Call the agency and request n 580 to 669 indicates a Below FICO score (below average) a copy of the report. Many lenders and decision makers will be n 579 and lower reflects a Poor FICO score and would indi- glad to discuss your report and explain ways to enhance your cate a poor credit risk score over time. (Generally, higher scores result in positive credit decisions, lower interest rates and other enhancements). Under The Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA),

Know Your Score:

Average credit scores:

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Achieving Higher Milk Components By Klaire Howerton

Quality feed and forage will help improve overall production Dairy producers, like most producers, want to be able to get the best price they can for the products they sell. While the milk market prices do fluctuate, higher prices can sometimes be gained by increasing milk components – provided the producer can keep their feed and production costs in check to make it a financially worthy endeavor. So what are milk components? Most milk marketing orders in the U.S. employ a multiple component pricing system that pays producers on the basis of milk fat, true protein and other dairy solids. This pricing method derives component values from prices for manufactured dairy products (cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey), which rise and fall with changing market conditions. As a result, milk component levels are important factors in herd management. In addition to being indicators of cow health and nutrition, component levels directly impact farm income. How should a producer feed lactating cows to achieve higher milk components? The key to getting high milk production, along with high components, is feeding a diet that’s accurately balanced for fermentable carbohydrates along with protein sources that feed the rumen microbes. To get there requires high-quality feedstuffs, aggressive reproduction management, and paying close attention to details such as feeding and milking schedules, as well as cow comfort. Dairy experts note the importance of good quality forages in a cow’s diet. Getting high butterfat tests are directly tied to highly digestible forages, effective fiber, and a properly buffered rumen environment, and blood glucose. Fermentable carbohydrates, which come primarily from the grains and by-product commodities, are fermented into fatty acids that ultimately convert to glucose in the liver. The importance of the balance between protein and amino acids is also not to be ignored. “The primary focus of protein nutrition is the rumen degradable protein (RDP) which is the nitrogen source for the rumen microbes,” John Himba, dairy nutrition

what do you say? What steps have you taken to improve milk production?

“We find that general health and good genetics is the basis of milk production. We make sure our does have quality feed, a good free choice forage, quality free choice minerals and are on a regular worming program. It also comes down to the genetics; but a well-bred goat with a nice udder can’t produce like she is supposed to if her basic needs aren’t being met.” Samantha Stanley Crawford County, Ark.

consultant for Central Connecticut Cooperative Farmers, has said. “The protein a cow needs for her systemic metabolic needs comes from the spent rumen microbes absorbed in the small intestine, along with additional rumen undegradable protein (RUP) supplied through the diet. Both milk yield and milk protein levels depend on both the percentages and levels of essential amino acids contained in the protein that’s absorbed through the small intestine. These metabolizable amino acids have their greatest positive impact on milk production when they are at levels similar to that of the cow’s tissue. The research has shown that the most limiting amino acids are lysine and methionine.” Producers should consult with a professional nutritionist to create a feed mix that supports all of these elements. According to Penn State Extension, it’s not just the feed itself that contributes to the milk components, but also the management of the feeding. Any situation that causes cows to eat abnormally or limits feed intake may affect milk components. Examples include: overcrowding at feed bunks, housing heifers with older cows in facilities at or near full capacity, feeding rations that encourage sorting, feeding infrequently in a conventional system (non-TMR), failing to push feed up or feed TMR often enough, feeding protein feeds before energy feeds and feeding grain before forage in non-TMR systems. These conditions can create slug feeding (one or two meals per day versus 10 to 15) or allow cows to eat high grain meals part of the time and high forage meals the remainder of the day. Ensure that fresh feed is available 20 hours each day, spoiled feed is removed from bunks, and shade or cooling is provided during hot weather to help maintain normal intake and normal meal patterns. With some research, management and careful budgeting, producers can achieve higher milk components without breaking the bank.

“We have really worked on improving our genetics. We are seeing production getting a little better with each generation of heifers.”

Ed Yoder Marion County, Ark.

“Our does are fed grain at every milking and it is carefully monitored based on weight. If the does are too thin we increase the grain, a little on the heavy side and we decrease the grain. Of course grain increases milk production so that is our first focus. But too much grain can cause scouring or overweight goats, which prevents breeding.” Tessa McCormick Washington County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“We grow all of our alfalfa, so I guess it raised production a little. Our Jersey milk is pretty high in nutrient levels so we like to focus more on quality than quantity.”

Stan Johnson Ottawa County, Okla. JUNE 19, 2017

farm help

Feeding Dry Cows By Klaire Howerton

Providing proper nutrition helps dry cows increase energy reserves for their next lactation When planning a feeding program for a dairy herd, it is important to recognize the difference in feeding dry cows versus feeding lactating cows. This is important not just to ensure proper nutrition for the dry cow, but also to help producers keep their feed budget in check. The right feeding program will keep a dairy herd performing at its best in the long run, whether dry or lactating, and will keep the producer’s bottom line where it should be. In order to properly feed for the dry period, producers have to understand the dry period. Restoring body energy and nutrient reserves is more efficient if accomplished during late lactation rather than during the dry period. The number of mammary secretory cells is a major factor affecting milk yield. These secretory cells normally proliferate during the later part of the dry period. The dry period is necessary, however, to allow the mammary gland to go through a normal period of involution and to ensure that the mammary cell numbers continue to proliferate normally during early lactation. A short or absent dry period greatly reduces the number of secretory cells in the mammary gland. According to dairy industry experts and Penn State University Extension, the amount of milk produced during a cow’s lactation can be influenced by the length of her dry period. Many studies have shown that cows dry for 60 days give approximately

250 pounds more milk the following lactation, compared to cows dry fewer than 40 days, which produce around 500 pounds less milk the following lactation. Dry periods longer than 60 days show only a moderate decline in milk production compared to those cows dry 60 days. The reason for keeping dry periods close to 60 days is short dry periods do not allow enough time for mammary gland involution while long dry periods result in excess body condition. Dry cows should be fed an adequate ration to keep their condition scoring between 3 and 4 on the BCS scale (with 1 being too thin and 5 being too fat). This body score on a dry cow can be achieved by feeding a relatively low energy ration that provides adequate, but not excessive, levels of protein, minerals and vitamins. Providing proper levels of these nutrients allows cows to calve with adequate, but not excessive, body fat, protein, and metabolite reserves. Once a cow freshens, she will need to rely on her energy reserves for the next six to eight weeks to achieve maximum milk production. If the dairy cow does not have these reserves, she will develop a severe negative energy balance, which will limit her peak milk production and cause excessive body weight loss. It is also recommended that a dry cow’s ration should include good quality grass hay and between 3 to 5 pounds of grain or other concentrate per head daily. The University of Missouri Extension cautions producers against over-conditioning during dry periods. Over-conditioning usually begins during the last three to four months of lactation when milk production decreases, but grain intake remains too high. Prolonged dry periods and overfeeding grain or corn silage during the dry period also may lead to overconditioned cows. An over-conditioned cow would score 4 to 5 on the BCS scale. With proper feeding, dry cows will be well conditioned and ready to go when it comes time for them to freshen.

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farm help

Keep Cows Cool is Key By Julie Turner-Crawford

Milk production typically drops in the heat of summer, but producers can cool things down Heat stress in dairy cattle is one of the leading causes of decreased production in dairy herds. According to the University of Missouri Extension, some heat stress is unavoidable, but effects can be minimized if certain management practices are followed. Steps to reduce heat stress are especially important for those operations that utilize freestall systems for their herds.

When can heat stress begin

Because cattle sweat at only 10 percent of the human rate, according to the Extension, they are more susceptible to heat stress. The ideal temperature range for dairy cattle is between 25 and 65 degrees. Once the temperature goes above 80 degrees, cattle reduce feed intake, which has a negative impact on production. At 90 degrees or above, producers can usually notice a dramatic decrease in milk production ranging from 3 to 20 percent. Humidity also plays a significant part in heat stress. There are three temperaturehumidity ranges of concern. A temperature of 100 degrees and 20 percent humidity is the range in which producers should begin serious measures to ease the stress on the cattle. Some type of cooling should be started. The danger occurs as the temperature nears 100 degrees and 50 percent humidity. The lethal range for cattle is 100 degrees and 80 percent humidity.

Reducing the temperature

Dairy cattle need mechanical means to reduce heat, such as body sprinkling, to aid in evaporation and effective air movement systems to aid in cooling.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

When the temperature reaches danger levels, add additional sources of water near the feeding area. Another way to increase water consumption is to make certain water is cool. While there are several ways to help reduce the temperature for cows, having more water available for animals is critical. Increasing air flow is another important component. MU Extension recommends that producers insure air moves freely in all sections of the barn. That can be accomplished by the installation of fans or by opening the sides the barn, if possible. If cattle are outside during the summer, producers should provide shade, be it trees or a man-made structure. Providing shade over the feeding area will also increase feed intake. Misters are another addition that can reduce heat stress. There are several items to consider when installing them. Be certain misters are over a clean, preferably concreted, area, so animals do not lay down on mud or other areas causing an increase in mastitis, and misters should not be left on continually. According to the Extension, if water is dripping from the udder, then reduce the time misters are on. If misters are placed near the feed bunk, be certain the feed does not become wet – wet feed will mold faster during hot weather. At the University of Nebraska, research was conducted to study the feeding frequency of cattle from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with and without supplemental cooling. Results showed cattle shaded and cooled by sprinklers near the feed bunks ate more often than uncooled cattle. Therefore, offering a cool, shaded area for feeding during daylight hours will increase feed intake, thereby helping to maintain production. JUNE 19, 2017

farm help

Proper Hoof Care is Critical By Julie Turner-Crawford

A lack of proper hoof care can lower production levels in dairy herds Lameness is painful and uncomfortable for animals, and result in disturbed resting, feeding and social patterns; reduced fertility; lowered milk yields; and an increased likelihood of being culled. The majority of lameness in dairy cows, however, is the result of poor hoof care and from pathogenic bacterial challenges.

Trimming

Dairy industry experts recommend dairy cows have their hooves trimmed at least once a year, but trimming several times a year is better. The hoof is designed to distribute that weight as evenly as possible, so the more hours a cow stands, the more quickly her hoof will grow. The harder and the rougher the surface a cow has to stand on will also increase hoof growth. Cows that spend many hours standing on hard concrete will grow hoof more rapidly than a cow that spends most of her time standing in a dirt lot or pasture.

Hairy heel wart

According to information from Scott Poock, associate professor and University of Missouri Veterinary Medicine State Specialist, digital dermatitis, or hairy heel warts, is a contagious superficial inflammation of the heel. Two types of lesions have been observed with this disease. In some cases, the lesions are proliferative with wartlike projections; in other cases, they are more erosive with an ulcer like appearance. “Foot hygiene is critical in dermatitis prevention and control because cows with clean feet are less likely to contract digital dermatitis. Also, reduction of highmoisture conditions is mandatory,” he has said. “This disease is contagious and can be spread from infected cattle to noninfected cattle, so take extreme care when purchasing new herd additions and ensure that JUNE 19, 2017

hoof-trimming equipment is sterilized between farms and cows.” The bacterium causing the heel wart are ubiquitous and cannot be eliminated, but the conditions that favor the establishment of heel warts can be managed. To prevent the movement of the disease, producers are encouraged to providing dry and clean walking and bedding environment, and eliminate or reduce incidence of digital dermatitis in dairy herds. Copper sulfate foot baths can also be used to reduce the appearance of heel wart.

Laminitis

Laminitis, or founder, is a disease condition of the claw and begins with a disturbance in the microcirculation of the foot that leads to inflammatory changes at the hoof soft tissue junction and results in impaired horn production and hemorrhage in the sole and hoof walls, which causes double soles, sole ulcers and abscesses. According to Poock, the classical cause of laminitis is associated with feeding high levels of carbohydrates (ground grains), which results in rapid fermentation. The faster fermentation increases the level of lactic acid in the rumen, which triggers endotoxin release along with histamine response. All of this results in disturbance in the microcirculation of the foot and produces laminitis. Endotoxemia, which often follows severe mastitis and metritis, is also associated with laminitis. The circumstances that lead to endotoxemia are often observed as acute conditions resulting in severe lameness. Grass founder is a chronic form of laminitis associated with dramatic changes in nutrition, such as from poorly palatable stored winter forage to highly palatable lush spring pasture. Spring pasture is high in protein and soluble carbohydrates, both of which are considered factors that contribute to laminitis.

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June 2017 20 Gopher/Mole Workshop – 9 a.m. – call the North Logan County Extension office for more information 479-963-2360 20 Grazing Spring Field Day – 4-8 p.m. – Searcy County Fairgrounds, Marshall, Ark. – R.S.V.P. to 870-448-3184 to sign up for supper 21-24 73rd Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks – Rodeo of the Ozarks, Springdale, Ark. – 479-756-0464 – rodeo@rodeooftheozarks.org 22 Conservation Day – registration begins at 9:30 a.m. – kids ages 5-16 – Fred Berry Conservation Education Center, Yellville, Ark. – 870-449-6349 23 Swine Jackpot – Entry Fee: $20, cash only – weight cards 8 p.m. – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 24 Swine Jackpot Entry Fee: $20, cash only – weight cards 9 a.m. – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 24 Goat and Sheep Jackpot – weight cards 6 p.m. – Entry Fee: $20, cash only – Miami Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 26-27 Food Safety Course – Cost: $140 – Marion County Extension Office, Yellville, Ark. – registration deadline June 19th 27-29 4-H Day Camp – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 26-28 2017 Arkansas Show Camp – open to both 4-H and FFA members ages 9-19 – Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 30 Food Preservation Class – 9:30 a.m. – Pope County Cooperative Extension Office, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 July 2017 1, 7 Pope County Reading Program – Pope County Library, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 11 Living Well-Free Community Educational Event by EHC – 6-7:30 p.m. – Huntsville Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, Huntsville, Ark. – 479-738-6826 11 Beginner Horse Show Clinics & Show – ages 9-19 – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cost: $20 by July 3, RSVP by noon June 30 – Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arean, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 for more information 13 4-H Goat Camp – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tahlequah, Okla. – 918-456-6163 13-14 Searcy County Livestock Registration for Searcy County Fair – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 14 AARP Safe Driving Course – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Crawford County Extension Office, Van Buren, Ark. – 479-474-5286 20-21 Babysitting Basics Class for youth ages 12-19 – 8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days – Pope County Cooperative Extension Office, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 22 Buckin’ in the Ozarks/PBR – Rodeo of the Ozarks, Springdale, Ark. – 479-756-0464 – rodeo@rodeooftheozarks.org 25 Meet the Masters – Information about joining Master Gardeners – Call Faulkner County Extension Office for more information 501-329-8344 August 2017 14 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 19-26 Ottawa County Fair – Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 26-9/2 Delaware County Free Fair – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jay, Okla. – 918-253-4332

ozarks’

auction block

September 2017 10 9th Annual Southwest Missouri Meat Goat Producers Association Production Sale – 1 p.m. – Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield, Mo. – 417-532-6056

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory Angus 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Bell Rule Genetics - Adair, Okla. 918-698-2993 - 536-299-7609 www.bellrule.com Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Windy Acres Cattle - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-412-4939 Balancers Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Brangus 4G Brangus - Gravette, Ark. 479-640-0282 Hatfield Brangus - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3921 479-531-2605 Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com TRO-GIN Brangus Ranch Booneville, Ark. 479-675-4420 Charolais Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com Gelbvieh Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. - 501-278-7614 Triple D Farms Mountain Home, Ark. 870-481-5603 Herefords Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. 580-922-4911 - 580-334-7842 - mossherefords.com Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Simmental Lazy U Ranch - Haskell, Okla. 918-693-9420

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-

Livestock - Cattle Registered Brangus Bulls $2,000 and Fancy Replacement Heifers $1,250

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918-695-2357

1/15/18

Machinery

Poultry Litter Fertilizer

Machinery

Application Service Available • Application Rate 1-2 Tons Per Acre • GPS Guidance

Heavy Duty Spike Hay Beds

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Machinery USED TRACTORS • ‘11 NH T5050, 4 WD, cab........ ......................................$36,500 • ‘12 NH T5060, 4 WD, cab, Idr . ......................................$53,500 • ‘07 NH T6010, 4 WD, cab, Idr . ......................................$44,999 • ‘09 NH T6020, 4 WD, cab, Idr . ......................................$51,999 • McCormick X10-50H, 4 WD, w/ldr. & box blade.. ... $19,999 • NH TS.115, cab, 4 WD, w/ldr ... ........................................$69,500 • Mahindra 5530, 2 WD w/ldr .... ......................................$18,500 • Kubota L3830D, 4 WD, w/ldr ... .................................. $14,500 • MF 245, 2 WD ............ $4,750 • ‘79 JD 4240, cab....... $16,500

ROUND & SQUARE BALES • ‘13 NH BR7070, net.. $21,999 • ‘11 NH 7070, net..... $21,999 • ‘08 NH 7070, net..... $19,999 • ‘10 NH 7070, new belts, net.. .................................. $20,999 • NH 658, AW, 4x6 ...... $5,999

USED HAY TOOLS • NH 575 .................... $11,500 • Krone AM 323S ........ $6,500 • New Fella tedders ..... $7,750 • NH H6750 mower ..... $6,999 • ‘04 BH 2615L.......... $10,999 • ‘02 BH 2615L............ $6,950 OUR 65th YEAR

650 ESH RD. • VINITA, OK atlassteelproducts.com

877-289-7835 / 918-256-6232

RECENT TRADE-INs

WRITERS IN THE ARKANSAS/OKLAHOMA AREA

2014 NEW HOLLAND T4.105, MFWD, Cab, H & A, Radio, 12x12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, New Holland 655TL Loader...............$52,000

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TFN

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with a classified ad for as low as $13.18 per issue! Call today for details!

866-532-1960

OFN is looking for freelance writers in or around the following counties: In Arkansas: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Cleburne, Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Fulton, Johnson, Logan, Madison, Marion, Newton, Pope, Scott, Searcy, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington, White and Yell In Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Le Flore, Mayes, Muskogee, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah and Wagoner

Interested writers can email writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com.

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

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

2015 NEW HOLLAND T4.105, 2WD, Cab, H & A, 12x12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, New Holland 640TL Loader, Super Nice Low Hour ..$42,500

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6/19/17

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www.williamstractor.com 6/19/17

Hostetler Litter Service

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6/19/17

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ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

CLEAR SPAN STEEL BUILDING TRUSSES

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

www.adamstruss.com 6/19/17

JUNE 19, 2017

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

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

We’re farmers, too! We know what farmers want, and we keep the most popular models in stock at the lowest prices you’ll find in North Arkansas! Family owned and operated for over 43 years!

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See why we are the area’s #1 Truck Volume Dealer!

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600 Highway 62-65 Harrison � 870-741-8211

WoodMotor.com

North Arkansas’ Volume Dealer! FINANCING AVAILABLE!

Call Mark Hanshaw: 870-715-9177 (cell) 870-741-8211

We stock the trailers farmers use most! Whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler trailer or one of the big boys, you’ll find it at Wood Motor Co. We’ll NEVER be undersold! Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

JUNE 19, 2017