A IndustryinLifetimethe Dale Steinhoff has owned livestock markets in Missouri and NebraskaPreparing Fall and Winter Pastures Planting and stockpiling during a drought Taking a Chance Couple planned to expand their own produce operation, but ended up with a growing business Building A Quality Wagyu Herd Ozark Valley Beef offers top-quality beef from their growing operation PAGES36•202215,AUGUST WWW.OZARKSFN.COM•17NUMBER24,VOLUME PRODUCTION SALE • LIVESTOCK MARKETS • FARM FINANCE
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com2 The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper AUGUST 15, 2022 | VOL. 24, NO. 17 131087 JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover – It always rains 4 Julie Turner-Crawford –The woes of a dry summer MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 Couple take a chance to grow their business 8 Dale Steinhoff has spent his life around livestock markets 10 A big treasure in a small town 12 Eye on Agribusiness spotlights Texas County Stockyards, LLC 13 Ozark Valley Beef grows its beef operation 15 Town & Country features Lindsey Sagel 24 What started as a home project became a business 25 Youth in highlightsAgricultureIanKurtz FARM FINANCE 16 The good times, and the bad 20 Fighting the bear 21 Keep the communication flowing 22 Tips to remember about your finances FARM HELP 26 Rates and borrowing 27 Can you benefit from early weaning? 28 A look at the future hay market 29 The impact of the drought and economy on cattle prices 30 Preparing pastures for fall and winter Haden nominated to board: Mark Haden of Rogersville, Mo., has been selected as a candidate for the 2023 North American Limousin Foundation Board of Directors by the nominating committee. The term to the board would be for three years. Haden is the co-owner of Buck Ridge Cattle Company. Applications being accepted: The Missouri Cattlemen’s Foundation is accepting applications for MCF Scholarships. Applications may be printed by going to www.mocattle.com. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Oct. 15. Grant funding announced: The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the Urban Agriculture Matching Grant Program. The department will award grants of up to $10,000 for reimbursement of expenses associated with urban agriculture. Eligible projects include urban agricultural projects, which may include introducing a new crop or product to an area, expanding the use of an agricultural product, or adding value to agricultural products. Projects that demonstrate an economic benefit and potential for sustainable revenue generation and job creation will be given priority. Projects must reside in urbanized areas, as designated by the Missouri Census Data Center. Springfield, Mo., is among the designated areas. For a grant application or more information, visit the department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
Heifers awarded: The Hickory County Cattlemen’s Association recently awarded two heifers to the winners of the Cornerstone Heifer Program, which was established in 2018 by Ernest Brauch and Kevin Piper to help provide recipients with a “cornerstone heifer” in which to build their herd. Kenzi Cheek was the winner of the heifer for grades seven through nine, and Skylar Garrison was awarded the heifer for grades 10 through 12. The heifers were purchased from Shannon and Shelly Rains, and Kenny and Sheila Hicks mill Lebanon, MO 65536; 417-532-4721;or
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Students attend academy: Twenty-eight Missouri high school seniors recently completed the eighth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) FFA Academy in Jefferson City, Mo. The three-day academy is designed to inform and empower agriculture students to effectively engage in issues impacting Missouri farmers. It was sponsored by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council. Those from the Ozarks in attendance were: Hannah Fehring, Neosho; Trevor Johnson, West Plains; Caleb Simpson, Bolivar; Mary Warden, Bolivar; and Lily Weber, Lamar
rumor
Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Frank Farmer, Editorial Page Editor Emeritus Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors
Amanda Newell, Classified Sales Circulation Eric Tietze, Circulation Editorial
The pastures are brown, ponds are going dry, leaves are falling from trees, and people who depend on the land for a living are in moods that are bordering on clinical depression. Four months ago, I was repairing fences that had been destroyed by a flooding creek that flows beside my south farm. Now, that same creek is barely trickling, and even an old, fat man can jump across wherever I want. Such has always been the life of a farmer — too wet, too dry, too hot, too cold, too cheap and too expensive. Extremes in weather and markets are part of life, and we either learn to adapt and move on, or find a different way to make a living. But drought, such as we are experiencing presently, has allowed me to make a couple of observations … As my wife and I were sitting on the back porch watching the cows and calves as they came by the yard fence, she commented that hardly any flies were on their backs or faces. I observed that as well and assumed they had perished because of either dehydration or heat stroke. We also have a new puppy that is about 4 months old. This morning, as we got our first meager sprinkle in a long, long time, the puppy seemed in a trance as he sat on the porch and watched the raindrops falling to the ground. At first, I was worried that maybe he was having a seizure or some other medical disorder until I realized that this was
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., 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 3 Toll Free: 417-532-19601-866-532-1960•Fax:417-532-4721 PO Box 1319, Lebanon, MO 65536 E-mail: editor@ozarksfn.com
SimpleLifeis
Eric Tietze President/Publisher
Pete Boaz Vice President Administrative Amanda Newell, Marketing Manager Eric Tietze, Accounting Advertising Amanda Newell, Display & Production Sales
ByJerryCrownover Jerry Crownover farms in Lawrence County. He is a former professor of Agriculture Education at Missouri State University, and is an author and professional speaker. To contact Jerry, go to ozarksfn.com and click on ‘Contact Us.’
Brian Drane, Sheila Harris, Cheryl Kepes, Ken Knies, Michael LaPlant, Kim Light, Eileen Manella, Janet Warford-Perry, Jason Whitesell and Manndi Wilkins About the Cover Dale Steinhoff bought his first livestock market in the early 1970s. See more on page 8. Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford
What’s On Your Mind, Ozarks?just a thought Continued on Page 5 Life SimpleIs
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By Jerry Crownover On the rocky hillsides where I attempt to farm, the old saying is that we are always only two weeks away from a drought. Well, those two weeks came and went a couple of months ago, so it was no sur prise when the U.S. drought monitor placed my county in the “extreme drought” category this past week.
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TheAcrossFence
By Julie Turner-Crawford
Thankfully we’ve had some cooler days and rain in some areas, but it has come too late for many folks, and the hot weather has returned. Around our place, we haven’t
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com4
just a thought
Julie Turner-Crawford is a native of Dallas County, Mo., where she grew up on her family’s farm. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. To contact Julie, call 1-866532-1960 or by email editor@ozarksfn.com.at
Bill and I made a couple of evening trips last week, each taking us about an hour and a half away from home. As we drove, the conversation was mainly about the weather and speculation if there had maybe been a little more rain there than at the house. There were no lush, green fields; they were all brown. Corn and bean fields looked rough, too.
In a bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Add butter and milk; do not over mix. Drop tablespoons of the batter on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. • 2 C flour • 3 Tbsp sugar • 1/2 tsp cream or tarter • 3/4 C milk (room temperature) • 4 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 C butter — Continued Next
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he weather has been very, very depressing this summer. It’s been so hot and dry that our typically beautiful Ozarks landscape is somewhat desolate. The only green left around our place are the weeds growing around the shop step; everything else is a crispy brown. I’m sure every one else’s places are about the same. Then there’s the heat, that miserable heat. As long as there’s some air moving, I can usually get a long OK in the heat, but it’s been like a confection oven this summer. I told Bill one recent evening that you know it’s hot when the Jersey is wading into the pond to cool off. Then there are the ants that have invaded my kitchen. When it gets hot and dry, those little pests start searching for water and seem to find their way to my house. I’ve thrown anything and everything at them this year, but I think they are only multi plying. My “natural” attempts to rid the pesky creatures from my kitchen have failed, and I have been forced to take a chemical approach. I don’t like doing that in the kitchen, but Bill has learned in recent weeks that there will be very little cooking done during this time and to put nothing on the counters. I might have a handle on them now, but I will not claim victory just yet because I have thought that before.
T
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Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers. Mail them to: PO Box 1319, Lebanon, MO 65536; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com
Homemade Biscuits
Submitted By: “A Faithful Missouri Reader”
Continued from Previous Page
A group of the regulars were gathered at the local feed/general store last week, grumbling about the severe drought situation. As I arrived and joined the group, and without giving any consideration to how stupid I sounded, I rhetorically asked, “Do you think it’ll ever rain again?”
Across the Fence Life Is Simple
A wise old farmer once told me I could take a soil test and then apply all the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous it called for at a small fortune (a large for tune this year) and add enough ag lime to correct the pH, and proceed to apply all the chemical weed control, insecticides and fungicides available. Still, all these prescribed benefits won’t amount to a tin ker’s damn if I don’t get enough rain.
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 5
Continued from Page 3 just the first time he’d ever experienced the phenomenon of rain.
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One of the older gentlemen in the small group, who had obviously been taking in all of the whining, looked out over the top of his glasses and said, “It always has.” had enough rain to settle the dust since June. We did get a downpour over the weekend, but it was short-lived. The water situation for some livestock owners is becoming dire. The recent Drought Monitor index said conditions are just about right for wells to start going dry. Water sources like ponds and creeks are drying up. My dad said he might have to start hauling water to his cows on one farm that has always had a spring creek that provided enough water. It’s down to what he described as a “few mud holes.” One of our neighbors said they have only one pond that has water, and it is getting dry.Hay production this year is iffy. Some say they are just a little lighter than last year, other say their crop is much less. Either way, it’s not looking good when you are already starting to feed your winter supply. Add a short crop to sky-high production costs, and what hay there is out there is going to be very expensive. Low livestock prices are always a con cern, but we are sure to see a roller-coaster in the coming weeks. The Ozarks aren’t the only part of the nation experiencing dry conditions and extreme temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, 43 percent of the U.S. and 51 percent of the lower 48 states are in a drought. So far, 229 million acres of crops in the U.S. are experiencing dryManyconditions.producers are worried about what will happen next and how they will make it through. Farming is hard work, but when you have years like this, it makes things a little trickier. As the late Dusty Richards said for many years in the pages of OFN, all we need’s more rain.
just a thought
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com6 Put Some Extra PROFIT In Your Production Sale 1-866-532-1960 ads@ozarksfn.com Reach Your Potential Buyers With The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper MO ISSUE Ad Space Deadline September 5 August 19 September 26 ..................... September 9 October 17 September 30 AR/OK ISSUE Ad Space Deadline August 22 August 5 September 12 .......................... August 26 October 3 September 16 October 24 ................................ October 7 Ask About Our Social Media Promotions! Labette CherokeeCrawfordNeosho Bar Bateston Benton Camden Dent Henry McDonald Maries Miller Morgan Oregon St Clair Shannon Vernon CedarBarry ChristianDallas Douglas Greene Howell J awrence Ozark Polk Taney TexasWright Newton Hickory OttawaMaCraigyesCherokee Muskogee Sequoyah LatimerHaskel Adair Delaware Scott Perry Yell FaulknerLoganSebastian Conway CleburneWhitePope Crawford JohnsonFranklin Van Buren Independence SearcyNewton Stone Washington Izard Madison Sharp Carroll Boone FultonBentonNowataWagonerRogersOkmulgeeTulsaMcIntoshPittsburg PhelpsLacledePulaski Le Flore 40 y e Ba h is awr Tanald y wton eeneBooee Ba ton M Cedar Dallas uglas Oza k Wrigh wa gton Be ette CCrawfo Ben Vern C a g ayes rokee h Adair De VancyBu Ston IzFult edePu 4 RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE FOR YOUR PRODUCTION SALE TODAY! Mailed primarily to farm families and producers in 61 counties and reaches an estimated 38,000 readers across the Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri Ozarks.
7Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022 Cassville, Mo. meet your neighbors
Taking a Chance
Couple planned to expand their own produce operation, but ended up with a growing business
By Sheila Harris There’s a new gathering place in Cassville, Mo., for those with green thumbs and for those who would like to acquire them: Harvick Farms, located just south of Cassville on Highway 76. Joseph and Lainey Harvick, of Eagle Rock, acquired the garden center in Jan uary through circumstances that surprised them. “We needed another greenhouse for our garden at home, where we grow some lavender,” said Lainey Harvick. “We passed by the vacant greenhouses (the former home of ‘For the Birds’ Garden Center), and, on impulse, we stopped by and asked the owner if he’d be willing to sell us one of them. He told us no, but that he would sell us the entire garden center (which included six greenhouses). The Harvicks thought about it for a bit, but time was of the essence if they were going to rehabilitate the center in time for a spring opening. “We signed a contract in January,” Lainey explained. “Now we’re giving it everything we’ve got.”
Photo by Sheila Harris
The future class schedule is still evolv ing, the Harvicks said. “The nice thing about community education is that when we have local business owners come in and teach a class, we can promote other local businesses along with our own,” Lainey said. That spirit of community is what the Harvicks have in mind for Harvick Farms. “We participated in the city of Exeter’s annual Arbor Day tree-planting event,” Lainey said. “We plan to work with the Cassville FFA chapter for their annual fall mum sale.”
After replacing overhead canopies and clean-up work outside and on the inside of the houses, the Harvicks opened their new garden center on March 26. The community’s response was over whelming, and the support from the community continues. “We’ve had a lot of people tell us they’re sure glad to see this place re-opening,” Lainey said. Because Lainey, an R.N., works remotely for Mayo Clinic by day, Joseph runs the garden center on weekdays. “I leave some business de cisions to Lainey, though,” he admitted.TheHarvicks
– who moved to the area with sons Samuel (8) and Alex (4) from Fort Worth, Texas, four years ago – are passionate about community education. “We envision Harvick Farms as a place where people can gather to learn about different aspects of gardening and related activities,” Lainey said. They are making that vision a reali ty. Taught by local gardeners, business owners and extension agents, classes began in April with Landscaping 101. “We only had four people show up for the first class,” Lainey said, “Attendance for the second class jumped up to 19.”
In addition to classes, Harvick Farms offers trees, shrubs, veg gie and flower plants, custom hanging baskets, decorative pots, potting soil and mulch. Raised garden beds – another of Joseph’s projects – have been constructed in one greenhouse in the center. There, one of each variety of vegetable plant sold will be planted in a type of test garden. “We’ll see what varieties we like best and decide what we want to offer next year,” Lainey said.
Bee-keeping, seed-starting and vegetable gardening classes followed in April andAccordingMay. to Lainey, the feedback from the community has been enlightening.“We’re learning what people are interested in,” she said. “We have people ask ing for classes on skills related to home steading, so we’re going to plan a canning class and one about the disease process in crops. Later, we hope to offer classes in trellis-making and growing lavender.”
meet your neighbors
Dale Steinhoff has owned livestock markets in Missouri and Nebraska
By Julie Turner-Crawford
El Springs,DoradoMo.
8 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
Dale started holding his own sales at a young age, selling pies at fundrais ers when he was just in the third or fourth grade.
“I have just always enjoyed auctioneering,” Dale said. After high school, Dale obtained an associates degree in veterinary technology, with plans to head to Kansas State to become a veterinarian, but Uncle Sam came calling first. In 1969, his number was called for the draft during the Vietnam War. Dale joined the Navy, serving four years as a submarine sailor, but he always had plans to get back to what he loved most – selling livestock. Dale Steinhoff, left, is the owner of El Dorado son-in-lawinandLivestockSpringsMarket,thesalebarnLockwood,Mo.HIs worksMaltsberger,Markright,withDale.
“About three months before I got out of the service, a sale barn came up for sale in Syracuse, Neb., and my grandpa had built it,” Dale recalled. “They two guys who had it, one had died, and the other one was in the hospital, and I bought it. I had it three or four years before a firebug burned me out, taking out a feed store and a Ford dealership. The city wouldn’t let me rebuild in the city limits. Another guy in Palmyra, Neb., said he had some land he would sell me, cheap, so I built a barnDalethere.built the Southeast Nebraska Livestock Auction and had his first sale in 1980. After running the business for decades, Dale came to Mis souri, but remained in the livestock marketing business.
“I turned (the Nebraska barn) over to my youngest son Brad,” Dale recalled. “Then my oldest son said he wanted a sale barn, so I bought one Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford
A Lifetime in the Industry
Dale Steinhoff’s family has been involved in the livestock marketing industry for generations. His father, Ralph Steinhoff, was a cattle buyer and part owner in a barn, and his grandfather, Henry Steinhoff, owned livestock markets.
Since coming to the Ozarks, Dale has seen an uptick in the sheep and goat markets, which has long been a strong market in“I’veNebraska.made most of my living selling sheep,” he said. “Here it’s haired sheep, but up in Nebraska, it was wooled sheep. There’s starting to be more haired sheep up there, too, because wool isn’t worth what it used to be, and you can’t find anyone to shear them. Here, the most dollars that are traded are in sheep and goat sales.” He added the market for sheep and goats fluctuates, with higher sales coming closer to specific holidays, and the season. Most of the sheep and goat buyers come from outside the area. Other livestock classes are purchased by local“Folksproducers.canbuy animals here and know they are local,” Dale said, adding that many 160 Missouri earlier than wheat Produces a much Higher Forage Yield than Wheat, commom Rye, or Ryegrass
Trucking is available, with the job going to Dale and his son-in-law Mark Maltsberger.
Wholesale Seed Division Corner of Hwy.
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 9
Photo by Julie Turner-Crawford
• Planting depth: 1-1/2” - 2” of his customers want only a few head for their own use. The livestock market industry isn’t the only thing that runs deep in the Steinhoff family tree. Dale grew up on a horned Hereford ranch in Nebraska and still owns a farm there. “We had about 1,000 acres and ran 200 momma cows,” Dale recalled. “I stacked a lot of loose hay. We still have 250 acres up there and farm it from ditch to ditch.”
About four years ago, Dale planned to team up with a longtime friend to purchase the Lockwood Sale Barn, but after his partner experienced sudden and debilitating health issues, Dale bought the auction on his own. “I never backed out on a deal,” Dale said. “We wanted to have a sheep and goat sale and holding yards there; we thought it would be a good combination. Now, we go down there once a month and have a sale. Sales are on the first Saturday of each month. We run mostly sheep and goats but get some cattle.”
• Higher protein test than wheat
meet your neighbors in Butler, Mo. When that didn’t work out, I came down to run it. Brad’s still running the one in Nebraska today.” In 2008, Dale made an offer on the thenclosed El Dorado Springs Livestock Market. “The bank wanted the barn in Nevada tied in with it, but I didn’t want that barn,” Dale said. “I’ve been running it since then.”
Animals sold at both barns are vet checked prior to sale. “We want healthy animals to come through,” Dale said, adding that El Dorado Springs Livestock Market always has feed and water pens available and can hold cattle for prior to sale day. “We treat them like our own when they come in and take care of them.”
Dale said believes the sale originally began in about Wednesdays1980.are the weekly sale at El Dorado Springs Livestock Market, with cattle and hog sales the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, and the third Saturday of each month is the sheep and goat sale. “I stay busy; busy enough for my age,” Dale said, adding that he’s in his 70s. “But I enjoy what I do.”
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“It’s just customer service,” said. “A bigger barn would have to hire an employee and have a truck and trailer. Here, we use our own stuff.”
He added that Mark is a tremendous asset to him and the barn. “He came down here from Nebraska and didn’t know what a cow was,” Dale said of Mark. “But he does everything here now, auctioneering and everything. He does a re ally good Livestockjob.”sales dot the Ozarks, but Dale said what makes his sales a little different are they are community sales, selling everything from equipment to cattle, poultry to goats, and sheep to pigs. “We also have those miscellaneous sales,” Dale said. “As long as it’s legal, we will sell it. Most of my customers are smaller guys, and we try to cater to them.”
Dale has no plans of retiring; his customers, after all, depend on him. “My customers are the best; I have some very good customers,” he said. “Most of them are honest folks, people who say things and they mean it. We want to keep our money local. I want to keep doing this until the day I die. I enjoy what I do. The sale barn industry has been my bread and butter.”
& 14 Nixa,
the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home
10 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com ozarks roots
On a winding, curvy, country highway in Southwest Missouri, which leads to a small town, seemingly lost in a historic period of yester-year, named Golden City, you will see a lighted red sign for a small cafe named Cooky’s, the nickname of its orig inal owner. Cooky and his wife, Ellen, opened this small town treasure in 1942. A picture of the hard-working couple can be found hanging on the wall as you first walk through the front door. Cooky himself used to arrive to the kitchen at 3 a.m. to begin his cooking regime. With no electric dishwashers, all dishes were cleaned by hand, by Cooky and his wifeTheEllen.historic restaurant has floated through several hands over the years, which is chronicled the napkin dispensers on the wooden tabletops throughout the restaurant. The current owners are Willie and Holy Stefan of Lockwood,Mo., who took over in July 2022 from the Eldred family, who owned Cooky’s for three generations.“Cooky’s is a mom and pop restaurant known for pies and friendly service,” 27year employee Shawnda McDonald said, adding that her customers are like family. Waneta Knight, of Webb City, Mo., is the niece of the original owners. “I remem ber my Aunt Ellen could wait the whole restaurant by herself. She was feisty, to say theWanetaleast.” told a story about a well-to-do customer who did not want to wait in the long line snaking out the front door. He blatantly said to Ellen, after demanding a table without standing in line: “Do you know who I am?” Her response: “I know exactly who you are and you will wait your turn like everyone else,” she is rumored to haveAnothersaid. instance Waneta recalled was a particular lady unable to make up her mind when perusing the extended menu. Ellen, walked away as the lady yelled: “Hey! You didn’t get my order!” Ellen con fidently responded, “I didn’t think you wanted anything because I have been here for a long time and you could not make up yourThemind.”restaurant has always been busy, full of loyal patrons, and holding the same first come, first served mentality for 80 years. In modern days, walking into the streetside single-level restaurant, there is a trans parent pie buffet, showcasing gooseberry, Dutch apple, cherry and fresh pecan pies, just to name few. Customers can also order a whole pie.
By Manndi Wilkins Submitted Photos
Cooky’s has been serving up home cooking since 1942
A Small Town Treasure
11Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022 ozarks roots
Submitted Photos ChurchCowboyEveryThursdayNightat Josh839-3610Ford Tonto Kelly838-4638KisseeCrain376-2878839-0613Steve788-2240224-5047Hawk Jake225-8929Ford Dairy Sale Sale starts at 11 a.m. every 2nd & 4th Tues. Stock Cow & Bull Sale Starts 9 a.m. Every Monday Feeder Cattle Sale Starts 7 a.m. Every Wednesday Visit Us Online At SpringfieldLivestockMarketingCenter.com Exit 70 • I-44 & Hwy. MM, Approx. 3 Mi. W. of Springfield & 1 Mi. E of James River Hwy. facebook.com/SpringfieldLivestockMarketingCenter Mark Calendars!Your 417.869.9500 To Better Serve You, Now Holding Two Special Dairy Sales Per Month, 2nd & 4th Tuesday of Each Month Tye316-3435Stokes Special Cow Sale Saturday • August 20th • 4 p.m. Special Dairy Sale Tuesday • August 23rd Reg. Feeder & Holstein Steer Special Wednesday • August 24th Specializing In SW Mo. Farms & Ranches! “A Cattleman Who Knows Real Estate” BRIGHTON - 3 to 6 Acre residential lots, paved roads, underground electric ...................... ............................... STARTING AT $45,000 WILLARD - 10 Acre residential lots between Willard & Ash Grove off Hwy 160, great views, live water, more land available .................. ............................. STARTING AT $145,000 ASH GROVE - Hwy MM, 60 Ac., This great property offers new fencing, mostly open pastures, pond, road frontage, Lawrence County ......... .............................................. $255,000 EVERTON - 45 Ac. Dade 177. Great panoramic views, mostly open, scattered trees, pond, road frontage on 2 sides. $292,500 HALFWAY - 445th Rd., 9 Ac., 6 BR home, horse barn, 10,000 sq. ft. shop & office, 3 phase power ...................................... $425,000 EVERTON - 80 Ac. Dade 77. Mostly open, scattered walnuts, fenced, gently rolling. .......... .............................................. $440,000 MARIONVILLE - 10 Ac Hwy 413. Recently remodeled home, 40 x 60 shop, 40 x 80 hay barn and detached garage.................... $470,000 MILLER - Lawrence 2022, 97 Ac., Awesome recreation & hunting property, open & wooden ground, 38x36 new building w/concrete floors, really nice ................................ $625,000 BOLIVAR - 325th Road, 202 Ac., This 202 +/- acre property is located north of Bolivar & adjacent to Pomme de Terre Lake, great hunting, livestock or recreation ground... $649,000 EVERTON - 130 Ac. Dade 117. 1.4 miles of road frontage on three sides, open, fences, well, pond, pipe corals, great views. $715,000 LOCKWOOD - 160 Ac CR 41. Open and level pasture ground just north of Lockwood, fenced, rural water. ............................... $720,000 SQUIRES - CR 955, 264 Ac., Beautiful farm situated in a valley south of Ava, 3 BR home, shop, garage, equipment shed, livestock barn, ponds, creek. Don’t miss this one! ... tomkisseerealestate.com$750,000 417.882.5531LOCKWOOD-138AcCR72.Roadfrontageon 2 sides, mostly all tillable, great Location ......... ............................................... $759,000 GREENFIELD - Dade 125, 181 Ac., Great grass farm, new fencing & waterers, multiple pastures, new pipe corral, ponds, Nice! .. $724,000 LAMAR - 160 Ac Hwy 160 & 100th Ln. Nice open farm, Fenced and live water, Tillable acres.$800,000.... PIERCE CITY - Unicorn Rd., 122 Ac., Updated & operating dairy farm, 75 cow pre-stall, double 4 herringbone, hay barns, shop, calf barn, 3 BR home, cropland ........................... $825,000 REPUBLIC - Hwy PP, 44 Ac., Great agritourism business opportunity, berry farm & family fun park, new high fence, irrigation system, multiple varieties of berries, state-of-the-art operation, too much to list............. $849,000 EVERTON - 186 Ac. Dade 184. Fenced and crossfenced, well, several ponds, barn, shed, one mile of road frontage. Very Nice! $1,018,350 MT. VERNON - 27 Ac. Hwy M, World Class Equestrian and Event Center, 135x200 indoor arena, 110 event stalls, 80x120 training indoor arena w/58 training stalls, full service restaurant, RV hookups & so much more ...........................................pipetomcountry,ExceptionalNORWOOD..............................................&timber,setupGAINESVILLEw/linecommoditytillableFORDLANDpipe/corral,pastureousEVERTONNICEequipment/hayfarm,LEBANON.........................................................$1,350,000-414Ac.JustoffHwy64,greatgrassover200acresofbottomground,home,building,fence&crossfence,.....................................$1,904,400-522Ac.,Dade184,allcontigu-w/roadfrontagethroughout,greatopenw/viewsallaround,14ponds,2barns,reallynice.............$2,583,900-TallGrassRd.,392Ac.,Greatfarmland60x320ft.feedingbarn,shop,barn,beautifulhome,severaltrapsbunks$3,200,000-1,753Ac.HwyN,Greatgrassfarm&readytogo,750Ac.open,1,000Ac.4BRhome,commoditybarn,equipmentlivestockbarns,greatwater&fencing.........$4,999,000-2,590Ac.Hwy76CR137,cattleranchinheartofcow/calfmostlyopenw/fence,3acresofbot-ground,manybuildings,30plusponds&water,2nicehomes,toomuchtolist....$7,888,200SOLDSOLDUNDER CONTRACT Feeder Wean-Vac Special Sale Wednesday • August 17th SOLD ADJOINING PROPERTIES STOCKTON - Hwy B, 153 Ac. This beautiful 153 ac. Has it all! Bottom ground, scattered woods and upground w/nice highway frontage, some sites, cattle-tights fence, Cedar Creek flowing through entire property. Don’t miss! ..................................... $688,500 STOCKTON - Hwy B, 250 Ac. Really nice, mostly open property for livestock & hay production, upland & bottom ground, pipe corrals, well, Cedar Creek flowing through entire property $1,125,000 Special Dairy Sale Tuesday • September 13th Feeder Wean-Vac Special Sale Wednesday • September 7th UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT
The old-fashioned orange booths and Formica tabletops lead to the historic atmosphere, which hasn’t really changed all that much in 80 years. Cooky’s has a massive array of unique and well-appreci ated meals in which to choose. The only difficulty lies in choosing which savory meal to order. Fried chicken fresh from the skillet, fried liver and gizzards, tender to the fork brisket, the largest homemade biscuits imaginable, topped with a heavy layer of fresh sausage gravy, and a number of other delightful dinners destined to shock the taste buds and excite even the pickiestNestledpalate.upon each wall are black and white pictures from the era in which the restaurant was born, colorful canvases of historic and modern-day Presidents, as well as a vibrant window of stained glass that is sure to have a semblance of histor ical meaning to the lifeline restaurant of this small-town’s hidden gem. Waneta said the original restaurant had no prices on the menu; it was a surprise how much the bill would be. Today’s menu does list the prices, but it’s typically a case of more bang for your buck compared to the larger city restaurants. Once a visitor samples the magic of Cooky’s, they may never again bypass Golden City without stopping in for a taste of historic nostalgia, topped with a dollop of fresh vanilla ice cream, and surrounded by local strangers, who may just become familiar old friends.
Chanil does a great deal of social media marketing for Texas County Stockyards, giving as much detail as possible about the horses consigned in and effort to find the best new owner possible. “Sometimes horse sales have a bad reputation, but we have more people who come buy a horse and take it home to ride or as a pet than we do anything else,” she said.
l Location: Mo.Summersville,
Owners: Mitch JustinandJamesChantilHughes,Richards,RichardsRichards
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com12 eye on agri-business meeting the needs of farmers Texas Stockyards,CountyLLC
By Julie Turner-Crawford
Services: Texas County Stockyards holds monthly tack and horse and small and caged animal sales. The monthly horse sale is held on the first Friday of each month, and the small and caged animal sale is held on the second Friday.
l
History: Texas County Stockyards, LLC., has been in business in Summersville, Mo., since the 1950s. In April, Mitch Hughes, Chantil Richards, her husband James and son Justin took over the sale. Chantil and Mitch worked for the previous owners, and Mitch leased the small animal sale before taking over the facility.
“Mitch has been around sale barns his whole life,” Chantil said. “Our families have been good friends for several years, so when the opportunity came, we bought it. It is a family business for us with my husband James and son Justin, and our daughter Caitlyn helps out too. Mitch’s kids (Colton and Tucker Hughes) are here too; they were basically raised in a sale barn.”
An on-site vet is available for Coggins testing, and hauling and holding facilities are available before sale day. In addition to the regular sales, the new owners will hold their first special gaited horse sale on Aug. 20 and a consignment sale on Aug. 27. To serve the horse owners in the area, even those not selling during the gaited sale, Chantil said Texas County Stockyards will have an equine dentist on-site, as well as a farrier.
“Those are services we want to provide to the community,” Chantil said, adding that the barn’s location near trail rides and other horse-related venues makes it ideal to offer those services in one location.”
Future plans: Chantil said the gaited sale is the first of other specialty sales planned, with hopes of special stock horse sales, continued gaited sales, and a Christmas tack sale. She also said she is working with the Amish community in the area to gauge if there is interest in starting an Amish-made products auction in the future. “We would like to have some kind of a sale here once a week,” Chantil said. “We are all very passionate about the sale and working together to make it successful.”Submitted
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13Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022
Springs,Edgar Mo.
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WagyuQualityAHerd
Jeremiah Harris is the third generation to raise cattle on his paternal grandfather’s original homestead. While Jeremiah and his wife Amy love working cattle on the same land as his forefathers did, the couple do things a little differently. They raise Wagyu, a Japanese breed of cattle for sale from farm-t- table and do so in a method that is more environmentally friendly than previous generations. When the opportunity presented itself in 2007, Jeremiah and Amy bought his grandfather’s 600-acre farm. Next, they concentrated on buying roughly 700 acres of land that originally belonged to the Harris family but had been sold off through the years. After securing the needed pasture land, Jeremiah began five years ago raising 104 Wagyu beef at Ozark Valley Beef Co., choosing that breed after much research. Its health benefits were attractive. Wagyu has the lowest saturated fat content and cholesterol content, as well as being higher in omega monounsaturated fatty acid of any beef in the world. Wagyu also digests better than other beef.
Ozark Valley Beef offers top-quality beef from their growing operation By Janet Warford-Perry Amy said the taste is unique in that as the fat melts during cooking, it leaves the meat with a buttery flavor. Jeremiah compares the taste to that of a homegrown tomato which is much more flavorful than its store bought counterpart. Last August, after working two jobs meant spending less and less time with his wife and three daughters, Jeremiah made the decision to give up construction work altogether. He decided to con centrate full time on the job he loves to do most, raising Wagyu beef. He currently has built a herd of 400 Wagyu containing 250 to 300 momma cows. Jeremiah said he has been keep ing heifers back, concentrating on ge netics to a point where he will one day sell full blood Wagyu. That process isn’t quick; it takes about 51 months to complete the cycle. It takes roughly 22 months to raise a calf from birth to processing. That’s 10 to 12 months longer to feed Wagyu than other breeds. Wagyu grows at a rate of approximately 2 pounds a day. The 120 percent grain-finish process is accomplished without the meat con taining growth hormones or steroids. Currently under construction is a finishing barn. Jeremiah said it will serve as a place to finish out the last 300 pounds. He will also be able to uti lize the waste dropped in the finishing barn as fertilizer, to spread it through out the pasture and eliminate the need to purchase fertilizer. The cost to purchase fertilizer is about $140 per cow/ calf pair per season, so Jeremiah likes to lower that cost whenever possible.
Harris family members own a hay farm so Jeremiah utilizes those ser vices when needed. Generally, it’s around January before his herd will need hay. In another effort to reduce purchasing fertilizer and hay, Jeremiah uses rota tional grazing. Every single day the herd is moved from one pasture to another. Moving the cattle is easy because once the fence is opened to the next pasture, the cattle naturally follow the farm ATV or truck right on in so they can get the grass that may be greener on the other side. This method is easy enough that Amy or any one person can move the herd should the need arise. Rotational grazing also provides the opportunity for a daily check on the herd. A cow lagging behind or acting odd could be ill. It’s a way to keep a close eye on sickness and doctor a cow at the Jeremiahonset.gives credit to the Soil and Water District as well as the Nation al Resource Conservation Service for helping him garner grant funding for watering and fencing. After finding the application process a smooth one, he encourages other farmers to set aside fears of seeking grant funding. The ultimate goal is to use the best possible resources to raise cattle that are healthy and stress free. Zimmer man Meats plant in Salem, is where Jeremiah takes the meat for processing. The Wagyu is graded there on a USDA scale of Prime rated 1-12, with 1 the lowest and 12 the highest. A marbling range of 6-8 on a Better Marbling Score (rated 1 to 9-plus) is the Submitted Photo
meet your neighbors — Continued on Next Page Building
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meet your neighbors Building a Quality Wagyu Herd Continued from Previous Page range Jeremiah’s Wagyu herd scores, It’s a number several local restaurants, including Carnivores, Sybill’s and O’Doggy’s, depend on to know they’re purchasing quality Wagyu beef from Ozark Valley Beef Co. to serve quite a few customers. The herd supplies farm to table route sales of boxed Wagyu beef delivered ev ery Wednesday down the Interstate 44 corridor. Towns include St. James to St. Robert. Customers order online for the Wednesday delivery or they can pick up the meat at Ozark Beef Farms in Edgar Springs.OnSaturdays, the Harris family sells meat at the Osage Beach Farmers Market. Many customers buy one steak there to try it out, then order online and have it delivered the following Saturday at the market. Or meat can be ordered online and shipped directly to the customers’ door step. The Harris’ farm is USDA certified to ship boxed meat all over the conti nental United States. The only thing left to complete the commercial sales goal is for Jeremiah to find one more restaurant needing qual ity Wagyu for burgers delivered on a weeklyJeremiahbasis.would like to expand his herd by another 100 to 150 but an uncertain financial future nationwide keeps him hesitant to make any expansions in the foreseeable future. “Will people be able to buy beef?” Jeremiah pondered, adding, “It’s just too risky to expand right now.” Not that there isn’t plenty to do with outAmyexpansion.doubles as a nurse in labor and delivery at Phelps Health, plus plays a vital role in farm marketing. She takes care of the website, as well as posts on Facebook, Instagram and other social media.Until herd expansion can be con sidered economically feasible, Jeremi ah continues to work the family farm through tough economic times just as his forefathers did.
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AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com14
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l Family: Husband, Devin; adult children Klayton Sagel of North Dakota and Hailey Sagel of Florida
Lindsey said horses are her “zen.” “I got out and it’s just relaxing; it’s therapeutic,” she said. “Nothing can calm a person or comport them like going out to the barn and being in their presence. There’s nothing like being there for the birth of a colt. You’re there and seeing this thing you have waited on for almost a year, and being a part of that is just amazing. I’ve seen hogs being born, calves, puppies, but you will never forget your first time watching a colt being born.”
In Town: Lindsey Sagel is an associate with the Bolivar, Mo., Walmart Supercenter. “I really like interacting with people,” she said. In the Country: Lindsey grew up in Colorado, and at the age of 15, she got her first horse. “It was a Thoroughbred/Arabian cross gelding; why too much horse for my first horse,” she said. “After I sold him, I got a little Leopard Appaloosa mare that I had for about 10 years, and I raised my first colt from her. We bred several mares to some worldclass studs in Colorado.” Lindsey and her family relocated to Missouri for several years, raising horses and cattle in rural Laclede County, before taking up residence in Florida, where they lived for six years. After relocating to Florida, Lindsey’s love for horses continued, and she purchased and rescued horses for pleasure and trail rides. After six years in the Peninsula State, Lindsey and Devin returned to Missouri in February, bringing her horses back to the Ozarks. She currently has a rescue Thor oughbred mare, whose great-grandsire is Secretariat, a Quarter Horse-cross mare and a gelding rescued from a kill pen in Texas with lines that go to Dash for Cash. “I tried breeding in Florida, but my mares just wouldn’t talk to the stud,” she said. “They are trail horses now, but I would love to get back into breeding. I’d love to have my own stud and several broodmares, and raise babies that grow up to be champions, trail horses or companion animals for kids.”
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 15 town & countryin the field and in the office MID STOCKYARDSMISSOURI For Farm Visits, Market Updates, or Trucking ZACH COX 417-777-1320 or DAN ROMINE 573-578-4939 Barn: 417-532-9292 17505 Route 66, Exit 123 off I-44 • Phillipsburg, MO 65722 We Appreciate Your Business! Call REGULAR SALE EVERY THURSDAY 11AM Competitive Buyers! Competitive Commission! Competitive Market! Visit Our Website at midmostockyards.comWatchourweeklysaleeveryThursdayinreal-timeatdvauction.comSPECIALCOWSALESaturday,August13th6:00p.m. HeritageTractor.com LOT FOR A LITTLE PACKAGE 1023E TractorCompact + Loader & Mower OZARK PACKAGE 3032E TractorCompact + Loader & Rotary CutterCOMPARENOWPTOQUIK-KNECTSYSTEM MAKE ATTACHING REAR IMPLEMENTS QUICK AND EASY RENTAL RETURNS 5E SERIES LOW HOURS + 2.75% FINANC ING for 60 months DARE TO COMPARE Our Customersspent 2,000$ less on their compact tractorswith us vs. other brands THE PRICE WILL SURPRISE YOU
By Julie Turner-Crawford Bolivar, Mo.
Lindsey Sagel
Submitted Photo
l Hometown:
Put the pencil to the paper. While Mother Nature makes it difficult to project the exact annual revenues and expenses, crop projec tions and fall harvest cash flow projections are useful tools that should be prepared annually regardless of commodity environment. Crop projections will not only help identify the best crop mix and monthly cash flow shortfall but will also provide some clarity by establishing a break-even price, which is extremely important given the run-up in inputs. Fall harvest cash flow projections should be prepared prior to harvest as this provides an overview of cash inflows and outflows to help determine if any shortfalls might exist during harvest. In the event a potential shortfall, this is a great time to sit down with your banker to establish a game plan to work through that shortfall. Once the year-end financials are finalized, it is important to compare the actual results to the projections as this can help identify expenses that need to be more of a focus for the upcoming crop year.
The Good Times and the Bad Tips to help farmers By Michael LaPlant FARM FINANCE
Here are four helpful tips that can used to help navigate through these unique times.
All inputs used in row crop production have experienced varying degrees of upward price pressure. The war in Ukraine has amplified the concerns around the affordability and availability of fertilizer. The big question is how long the prices will stay elevated.
Farmers are acutely conscious of the cyclical returns in agriculture. Factors beyond their control can swing prices too much or too little. U.S. row crop producers are currently experiencing the positive side of the price swing; however, rising input prices continue to create headwinds that make it even more important for farmers to remain prudent.
A written marketing plan is crucial as it helps you make sound decisions and creates accountability. Avoid the wait-and-see approach. Marketing plans should be ongoing and adjusted to fit the farm size and market conditions. In a bull market, it’s easy to get complacent when marketing grain, and a lot easier to hit singles and doubles than homeruns. One approach is the scale-up method where you contract a small percentage of the crop at the point of profitability during the spring and continue selling as the market moves higher. This allows the farmer to take some downside risk off the table while leaving enough chips to capitalize on the potential for market upside. Once the crops have been planted, the focus will be on yields, which could create additional marketing opportunities. However, with any market it is important to be aware of the downside risks on the uncon tracted grain. A few options to mitigate those risks include put options and minimum price contracts. As always, it is recommended that the farmers consult with an expert to better understand various hedging options.
AUGUST 15, 2022
2 Use crop projections as a cash flow tool
3Focus on your grain marketing strategy
One option farmers should consider for 2023, if not already completed in 2022, is deep soil testing prior to planting. With minimal options to mitigate the increase in input prices, deep soil testing is gaining more and more attention as it will help determine the most appropriate type and rate of fertilizer needed, which could improve the bottom line depending on the amount of residual in the soil.As farmers are aware, the ag industry is always changing and price fluctuations will continue to create tailwinds and headwinds for their financial bottom line. By ensuring you have a strong banking relationship, crop projections, marketing plans and strategic soil fertility management, you’ll be able to navigate through the good and bad times.
1Strengthen your banking relationship
Michael LaPlant is the vice president of agribusiness at UMB Bank.
A strong banking relationship is arguably one of the most im portant business relationships a farmer should have regardless of the size of the operation. These relationships tend to be put on the backburner during stronger years, but it is as equally as important to keep the communication lines open during the good times. Good communication is key to any banking relationship, but even more so in the ag industry due to its cyclical nature. Be proactive when it comes to financial concerns. An established bank with in-depth knowledge of agriculture should be well-positioned to guide farmers through the good and bad times, but this type of guidance can only be provided if the lender is informed.
4Soil fertility management
www.myfcsfinancial.com Some invest in acreage, he’s investing in heritage. a Fixed rates up to 30 years a Service from online to on-the-farm a Work with a team of experts who understand your needs a As a member of our cooperative, you are eligible for patronage payments Agricultural Real Estate Loans We know that if it’s worth having then it’s worth working for. Many say it but we live it. We are your neighbors who grew up in small towns. These experiences give us a real understanding of agriculture and what it takes to build a farm for the next WWW.MYFCSFINANCIAL.COMgeneration. 1.800.444.3276 Find an FCS Financial office near you: Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com18 18 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com market sales reports slaughter bulls (Week of 7/31/22 to 8/6/22) Springfield Livestock Marketing Center Kingsville Livestock Auction South Central Regional Stockyards - Vienna MO-KAN Livestock Auction - Butler Douglas County Livestock Auction - Ava Buffalo Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyards Interstate Regional Stockyards - Cuba 94.00-111.50 † Joplin Regional Stockyards 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 72.00-96.50 † Mid Missouri Stockyards Wright County Livestock Not Reported* Four State Stockyards 87.50-121.00 † Gainesville Livestock Auction 90.00-113.00 † 35.00-126.00* 95.00-112.50*92.50-119.0097.00-120.00† † 77.00-120.0089.00-116.50† † 70.00-124.0084.00-112.00** KingsvilleSpringfieldLivestock Auction MO-KAN Livestock - Butler Douglas County Live Buffalo Livestock Market Ozarks InterstateRegionalRegional Stockyards Joplin Regional 30 50 70 90 110 130 Mid Missouri Stockyards slaughter cows (Week of 7/31/22 to 8/6/22) 65.00-90.5042.00-98.50† 48.50-89.5055.00-98.00*†* 10 56.50-95.0060.00-96.00*† Wright County Livestock Auction Gainesville Livestock Auction Four State Stockyards South Central Regional Stockyards 70.00-89.00*49.00-89.5043.00-99.00† † 68.00-95.0034.00-97.00† † 30.00-87.50 † Not Reported* cow/calf pairs (Week of 7/31/22 to 8/6/22) Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 1050.00-1525.00 † Kingsville Livestock Auction None Reported † South Central Regional Stockyards - Vienna MO-KAN Livestock Auction - Butler Douglas County Livestock Auction Buffalo Livestock Market Interstate Regional Stockyards - Cuba None Reported † Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid Missouri Stockyards 0 200 700 1200 1700 2200 875.00-1550.00 † None Reported † 1200.00-1600.00*NoneReported † 785.00-1000.00 † Four State Stockyards - Exeter None Reported* Wright County Livestock Auction Not Reported*1125.00-1690.00 † None Reported* Gainesville Livestock Auction 1250.00* Ozarks Regional Stockyards replacement cows (Week of 7/31/22 to 8/6/22) Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 800.00-1300.00 † Kingsville Livestock Auction 75.00-84.00 † South Central Regional Stockyards - Vienna MO-KAN Livestock Auction - Butler Douglas County Livestock Auction - Ava Buffalo Livestock Market Interstate Regional Stockyards - Cuba 875.00-1310.00 † Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid Missouri Stockyards 050550 1050 1550 2050 600.00-1200.00 † 900.00-1125.00None† Reported † 1000.00-1250.00* Four State Stockyards - Exeter 1000.00-1175.00* Prices reported per cwt Wright County Livestock Auction Not Reported* None Reported † 850.00-1635.00800.00-1325.00*†Gainesville Livestock Auction 775.00-1160.00* Ozarks Regional Stockyards ✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported 5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo, Nm, Mn) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 135.00-147.50; wtd. avg. price 142.51. Heifers: 135.00-147.00; wtd. avg. price 139.68. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 226.00-228.00; wtd. avg. price 226.93. Heifers: 228.00-228.00; wtd. avg. price 228.00. Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle 8/7/22 beef cattle DailyWesternWesternNationalNational(includingBarrows cattleinanyandwhichonseemstosomeMostsoakthe Mo. 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. ReceiptsNational higher.Early AllAll(FormulaTotalVolume 208.00-222.00200.00-219.00194.00-216.00179.00-201.00171.00195.00167.50-180.00162.50-182.00155.00-163.00154.00-162.00146.00-152.00 DouglasAvaCounty† 8/4/22 937 St-6 Higher 180.00-185.50200.00224.00161.50-170.50160.00141.00169.50-187.00153.00-165.00165.00-171.00 LivestockMo-KanButler† 8/4/22 392 Steady 194.50-204.00193.00-218.00199.00183.50-198.50195.00172.00-180.00163.50-183.00 InterstateCubaRegional† 8/2/22 1,449 St-4 Higher 207.50-225.00195.00-220.00194.00-212.00182.00-207.00170.00-185.00190.00164.00180.00-202.50173.00-182.00167.00-177.50163.00-178.00159.00-170.00 StockyardsRegionalJoplin† 8/1/22 7,386 Uneven 187.50-206.00187.00-209.50218.00-228.75220.00196.00-219.50163.50-184.85211.00180.25-189.00157.25175.00-195.00170.50-188.00160.25-180.00170.00-173.50 KingsvilleLivestockAuction 8/2/22 1,761 Firm-8 LivestockBuffaloAuction* 190.00-207.50198.00-221.00178.00-195.00171.00-195.00148.00-168.00160.00-216.00160.00-192.00159.00-171.00144.00-161.00130.00-142.00170.00-197.50165.00-194.00155.00-176.00152.00-169.00140.00-152.00 8/6/22 1,122 St-2 Higher Four Stockyards*State 205.00-238.00197.00-211.00180.00-197.50175.00-189.00161.00-174.50156.00-219.00152.00-209.00150.00-189.00146.00-170.00137.00-157.50152.00-182.00150.00-182.00147.00-180.00145.00-167.50143.00-155.00 8/2/22 1,332 3-5 Higher sheep & goats Diamond, Mo. • TS White Sheep/Goat 8/4/22 stocker & feeder prices dairy & fed cattle National Dairy Market 8/5/22 Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.7925 and 40# blocks at $1.7850. The weekly average for barrels is $1.8190 (-0.1045) and blocks, $1.8270 (-0.0970). Fluid Milk/Cream: Milk flows are seasonally trending lower across most regions of the United States. Aside from a few pockets in the country, combinations of high temperatures, high humidity, and drought are pressing milk volumes lower. While milk production is traversing the seasonal summer slowdown, Class I sales are picking up. The re-start of school terms has prompted school districts to begin placing orders with bottlers. The upswing of milk bottling has caused some milk loads to bypass manufacturing operations. Milk volumes are in good balance with processing needs with some spot loads available. Milk that is not needed in the region can find a home elsewhere in the region or in neighboring states. Condensed skim supplies are tightening but are still able to cover contracted needs. Demand for cream has picked up while supplies have tightened. Cream multiples are as high as 1.55 in the Midwest and East. Cream multiples for all Classes are 1.40 - 1.55 in the East, 1.25 - 1.55 in the Midwest, and 1.10 - 1.41 in the West. SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM: $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT, F.O.B., producing plants, Midwestern U.S. - $4.0917 - $4.5958. GainesvilleLivestockAuction* 170.00-203.00180.00-215.00180.00-210.00185.00-210.00150.00-175.00160.00-178.00155.00-183.00150.00-174.00145.00-158.50130.00-144.00 8/1/22 839 Receipts: 730 Compared to the last sale lambs under 50 lbs. traded steady to 10.00 higher, with heavier weights trading 20.00-30.00 lower. Slaughter ewes traded 10.00-20.00 lower. In the goat portion of the sale feeder kid goats traded 10.00-25.00 higher. Slaughter kid goats traded 5.00-15.00 higher. Slaughter nannies traded 10.00-25.00 higher. Supply was moderate with good demand. Supply included: 16% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 43% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (5% Wooled & Shorn, 68% Hair Breeds, 13% Ewes, 10% Hair Ewes, 2% Bucks, 3% Hair Bucks); 2% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 14% Feeder Goats (97% Kids, 3% Wether Kids); 25% Slaughter Goats (22% Kids, 48% Nannies/Does, 4% Bucks/Billies, 5% Wethers, 21% Wether Kids).
WethersBucks/BilliesNannies/DoesKidsKidsSlaughter
Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 225.00345.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 235.00. Wooled & Shorn - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 90.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 210.00250.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 180.00-217.50. Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 102.50. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 70.00-80.00. Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 70.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 155.00-165.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 80.00-125.00. Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-125.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 87.50-160.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per unit): 250.00. Feeder Goat: Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 280.00-345.00. Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 235.00-277.50. Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 130.00-185.00. Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 277.00. Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 285.00-335.00. Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 217.50-270.00. Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 165.00. Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat 7/26/22 Receipts: 868 A large crowd was on hand for this July sale at Buffalo Livestock Market. At 6:00 pm sale time, the temperature was 101. Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 30.00-40.00 lower. Slaughter ewes traded 25.00-35.00 higher. No recent comparison for replacement sheep. In the goat portion of the sale feeder kid goats traded 50.0065.00 lower with slaughter kid goats trading 25.00-30.00 lower. Supply was moderate with very good demand. Supply included: 10% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Lambs); 55% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (5% Wooled & Shorn, 60% Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 29% Hair Ewes, 1% Bucks, 3% Hair Bucks); 16% Replacement Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair Ewes); 8% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 11% Slaughter Goats (56% Kids, 18% Nannies/Does, 11% Bucks/Billies, 15% Wethers). Feeder Sheep/Lambs: Hair Lambs - Medium and Large 1-2 (per cwt): 220.00300.00. Slaughter Sheep/Lambs: Wooled & Shorn - Choice 1-3(per cwt): 130.00. Wooled & Shorn - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 106.00. Hair Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 203.00255.00. Hair Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 145.00-190.00. Hair Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 139.00. Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 77.00. Hair Ewes - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 140.00-160.00. Hair Ewes - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 85.00-130.00. Hair Ewes - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 70.00. Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 68.00. Hair Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-130.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: Hair Ewes - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 165.00200.00. Feeder Goats: Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 280.00-335.00. Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 207.50-260.00. Kids - Selection 3 (per cwt): 165.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-230.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-210.00. Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 175.00-242.50. Wether Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 250.00-277.50. Wether Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 215.00-267.50.
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 19 19The Ozark’s Most Read Farm Newspaper market sales reports ✝ USDA Reported * Independently Reported 155173 191209 227245 Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs. * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather 194.42 215.56 184.84187.18190.00194.06194.55197.91203.51199.78193.93192.02200.17196.74188.58203.50195.20195.01195.71197.92198.31200.20200.89 * 199.81 * 195.90201.98215.51199.91202.04207.16 steers 550-600 LBS. 7/24/22ofWeek7/31/22ofWeek7/17/22ofWeek7/10/22ofWeek Ava Butler Cuba Joplin Kingsville Springfield Vienna West Plains 120138 156174 192210 Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs. * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale - Weather 160.49 183.23 151.65160.73166.20166.27174.62169.59163.30152.50176.40164.59179.45152.86 * 158.31163.28168.03177.75171.74170.28160.22177.43166.23160.14165.00167.64172.03175.16166.82169.31168.81 heifers 550-600 LBS. 7/24/22ofWeek7/31/22ofWeek7/17/22ofWeek7/10/22ofWeek Ava Butler Cuba Joplin Kingsville Springfield Vienna West Plains avg. grain pricesWeek Ended 8/5/22 Soybeans Soft Wheat Corn Sorghum* * Price per cwt 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 16.23 7.67 15.13 15.69 15.00 15.04 7.94 5.91 7.44 7.226.93 7.98 (Sor(Sorghum ghum 6.75 6.40 (Sorghum) 5.93 7.13 6.46 7.34 $252$100$138$176$214Aug.20Sept.20Oct.20Nov.20Dec.20 Jan21 Feb21Mar21 Apr21 May21June21 July21Aug21Sept.21 Oct.21 24 Month Avg. - 550-600 lb. steers Nov21Dec.21Jan.22Feb.22Mar.22Apr.22 May22June22July22 Barrows and Gilts Purchased Swine (including Packer Sold) National Head Count: 6,085 National Price Range: 114.00-133.00. Western Cornbelt Wtd Avg Price: 119.99. Western Cornbelt 5 Day Rolling Avg: 123.93. Daily Direct Hog Report 8/8/22 hay & grain markets Most areas in the southern half of the state are finally seeing some much needed rain. Although it will take a fair amount to soak in, replenish the soil, and end the drought, often it seems the first rain is the hardest to get. Areas that were just on the break of moderate to severe quickly greened back up which was a very welcome site, but it will take a lot more time and moisture for many of the severe to extreme areas to see any change. Hay movement has been good as cattle farmers in the drought areas have been trying to hold on to as many cattle as possible. Finding hay locally however has been Mo. Weekly Hay Summary 8/5/22 hog markets National Direct Delivered Feeder Pig Report 8/5/22 Receipts This Week: 86,819 Early weaned pigs and all feeder pigs 1.00 per head higher. Demand moderate for moderate offerings. Volume By State Or Province Of Origin: Missouri 5.9% Total Composite Weighted Average Receipts and Price (Formula and Cash): All Early Weaned Pigs: 77,839 head, wtd. avg. 44.53. All Feeder Pigs: 8,980 head, wtd. avg. 66.05. 207.50-225.00195.00-220.00194.00-212.00182.00-207.00170.00-185.00190.00164.00180.00-202.50173.00-182.00167.00-177.50163.00-178.00159.00-170.00 StockyardsRegionalJoplin† 8/1/22 7,386 Uneven 187.50-206.00187.00-209.50218.00-228.75220.00196.00-219.50163.50-184.85211.00180.25-189.00157.25175.00-195.00170.50-188.00160.25-180.00170.00-173.50 KingsvilleLivestockAuction† 8/2/22 1,761 Firm-8 Higher 206.00-220.00198.00-215.00193.50-207.00174.00-201.00158.50-173.50202.00-211.00192.50-216.00173.00-185.00160.00-173.00155.00-176.00150.00-175.00145.00-162.00 MarketingSpringfieldLivestock† 8/3/22 1,476 2-10 Higher 201.00-206.50192.00-207.50187.00-193.75176.50-185.50189.00180.25-187.00164.50-185.00161.00-167.00 CentralViennaSouth† 8/3/22 647 Uneven 159.00-168.00169.00-180.00198.00-218.00202.50-211.00205.00176.00-195.00166.00-173.10185.00165.00-179.00163.00-178.00153.50-161.00 WestRegionalOzarksPlains† 8/2/22 2,870 St-10 Higher 200.00-235.00190.00-220.00185.00-211.00172.00-205.00158.00-175.00165.00-190.00160.00-184.00154.00-181.00150.00-172.00146.00-163.00 Stockyards*MissouriMid 8/4/22 1,460 St-10 Higher Livestock*CountyWright feeder prices GainesvilleLivestockAuction* 170.00-203.00180.00-215.00180.00-210.00185.00-210.00150.00-175.00160.00-178.00155.00-183.00150.00-174.00145.00-158.50130.00-144.00 8/1/22 839 tough and trucking cost to get hay brought in haven’t been cheap either, if trucks could even be found to haul it. Hay prices are steady to firm, supplies are moderate, and demand is moderate to good. Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory visit http://mda.mo.gov/abd/haydirectory/ . For listings of hay: http://agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/ Alfalfa - Supreme (Ask/Per Ton): Medium Square 3x3: 225.00-275.00. Alfalfa - Supreme (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 8.00-12.00. Alfalfa - Premium (Ask/Per Ton): Medium Square 3x3: 175.00-225.00. Alfalfa - Good (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 120.00-180.00. Alfalfa - Good (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-9.00. Alfalfa - Fair (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 100.00-125.00. Alfalfa/Grass Mix - Good/Premium (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-9.00. Mixed Grass - Good/Premium (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 100.00-150.00. Mixed Grass - Fair/Good (Ask/Per Ton): Large Round: 75.00-125.00. Mixed Grass - Fair/Good (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 5.00-7.00. Mixed Grass - Fair (Ask/Per Bale): Large Round: 45.0075.00. Straw: Wheat (Ask/Per Bale): Small Square: 4.00-7.00.
Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-230.00. Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 150.00-210.00. Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 175.00-242.50. Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 250.00-277.50. Kids - Selection 2 (per cwt): 215.00-267.50.
REPORTEDNOT
Slaughter Goats: Kids - Selection 1 (per cwt): 301.00-320.00. Kids - Selection 2 (pet cwt): 182.50-260.00. Nannies/Does - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 120.00-175.00.
Bucks/Billies - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 140.00-185.00. Wethers - Selection 1-2 (per cwt): 152.50-211.00.
• Buffalo Livestock Market Sheep/Goat 7/26/22 868 crowd was on hand for this July sale at Buffalo Market. At 6:00 pm sale time, the temperature Compared to last month slaughter lambs traded 30.00-40.00 lower. Slaughter ewes traded 25.00-35.00 recent comparison for replacement sheep. In portion of the sale feeder kid goats traded 50.00lower with slaughter kid goats trading 25.00-30.00 Supply was moderate with very good demand. included: 10% Feeder Sheep/Lambs (100% Hair 55% Slaughter Sheep/Lambs (5% Wooled & 60% Hair Breeds, 2% Ewes, 29% Hair Ewes, 1% Hair Bucks); 16% Replacement Sheep/Lambs Hair Ewes); 8% Feeder Goats (100% Kids); 11% Goats (56% Kids, 18% Nannies/Does, 11% Bucks/Billies, 15% Wethers). LambsSheep/Lambs:-Medium and Large 1-2 (per cwt): 220.00Sheep/Lambs:Shorn-Choice 1-3(per cwt): 130.00. Shorn - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 106.00. Breeds - Choice and Prime 1-3 (per cwt): 203.00Breeds - Choice 1-3 (per cwt): 145.00-190.00. Breeds - Good 1-2 (per cwt): 139.00. Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 77.00. - Good 2-3 (per cwt): 140.00-160.00. - Utility and Good 1-3 (per cwt): 85.00-130.00. - Cull and Utility 1-2 (per cwt): 70.00. (per cwt): 68.00. Bucks - 1-2 (per cwt): 85.00-130.00. Replacement Sheep/Lambs: - Small and Medium 1-2 (per cwt): 165.00SelectionGoats: 1 (per cwt): 280.00-335.00. Selection 2 (per cwt): 207.50-260.00. Selection 3 (per cwt): 165.00.
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com20
Shop for Money: Just like shopping for a new truck, think about a similar approach regard ing the cost of borrowing. Lenders tend to reward prudence and higher levels of creditworthiness. The internet is a great source of interest rate information and the specific conditions that apply. (see websites below)
Think About As the economy changes producers are encouraged to keep a few things in mind By Ken Knies There’s more to know when considering rates and money costs in our current economic environment. Here’s some things to think about: Debt as a Tool: Use borrowed funds for the “needs” of your business and personal lives. Debt (and the associated interest cost) can be a prudent and justifiable ex pense when used appropriately. Howev er, be judicious when placing wants over needs when debt is involved. Planning Pays Off: As you consider debt for business needs, thinking ahead can re ward you. The time you take to plan and research that tractor or baler (price and finance cost) beforehand can help you make the most cost-effective decision.
Source of Money: There are many options. Some include dealer or captive financing, banks, credit unions, Farm Credit and FSA. Trade or Sell? In this environment, selling good used vehicles or equipment can be a great option. Are Rates Too High? If we keep things in perspective, this is still an attractive rate environment. I remember 10 percent being a natural threshold or benchmark for “high rates” for a long time. Bottom line, if it is tru ly a need or a replacement necessity and you can justify the cost or payment, the rate is only one factor in a solid business decision. It’s All Relative: We’ve all become accustomed to interest rates being considered “low.” Home mortgage rates below 3.00 percent have closed in recent times. We’ll need to become comfortable and more knowledgeable in this increasing rate environment. Lately, the inflation rate on virtu ally all goods and many services is a more significant concern than the cost of money. Keep in mind that our providers and sellers are also dealing with higher rates and costs. Have a great rest of 2022, and remem ber, we’re all in this together. Ken W. Knies is an agricultural and rural consultant, and owner of Ag Strategies, LLC. He may be reached at (479) 426-9518.
833.875.2492 / gbankmo.com Ozarks farmers face unique challenges, and Guaranty Bank offers the support that local ranchers and growers need. We have a variety of loans tailored specifically to local agribusinesses, including financing for: • Farm Purchase or Expansion • Vehicles & Machinery • Livestock & Crops • Operational Credit Lines Our experienced loan advisors are committed to supporting area business, including the agricultural backbone of our region. We’ll work with you to find flexible financing options that fit your farm and its financial needs—both for today and tomorrow. Call or connect with our team online for more on our agribusiness loan options. ARE YOU IN BUSINESS?A Growing
Rate Considerations: Is the rate negotiable? Can I change my rate later without refinancing costs? Is there a prepayment penalty, and what are the particulars? How is my good credit rating helping my rate? If your spouse’s credit is better, consider them as the loan applicant. Years ago, my wife and I borrowed from a credit union for our vehicle purchases. We utilized automated withholding and paid the vehicles off. Afterward, we continued with the withdrawals and built accounts that allowed us to purchase future vehicles with less debt.
farm finance Things to
A Term Consideration: It’s usually prudent to pay down loan principal as quickly as what’s reasonable for your circumstances. If you can, without any pre-pay costs, make sure any additional funds are applied to loan principal. Another option to consider when borrowing is to go long/pay short. If allowable, this option provides for taking out as long a loan term as possible with the intention to pay it off earlier than scheduled. This takes discipline. However, it gives you comfortable payment options when times are tight and earlier payoff options when possible. Benefits of Debt: If the item being financed is tax deductible, you’re ahead of the game. Is it depreciable? Check with your accountant or CPA – you may be surprised at what’s allowable for a business-related debt. Will this purchase enhance efficiency or save time for your operation? Buy New or Used? Often, a new business purchase can be cost justified if the dealer can subsidize your interest rate.
CPAs and tax professionals are a critical part of your financial team that should always be consulted before making critical financial decisions. For example, farmers often have an unpleasant tax surprise because of herd liquidations or selling off other assets. Before that final decision is made, the farmer should always consult their tax teammate to determine the implications of their financial decisions. University extension offices and govern ment agencies can be valuable teammates for keeping current on available programs to help support the farming operation. Often this advice and recommendations are without cost to the farmer. Other important people to consider contacting are your feed and fertilizer suppliers. They can often be a source of valuable information on how to reduce costs without sacrificing too much production. Likewise, for the beef producers, visit candidly with sale barns or feed lots where you market your livestock. For example, does it make sense to sell 500-pound calves just off the cows or retain and sell the calf as a 900- to 1,000-pound animal? They can help you analyze the feed costs and determine the true profitability of retaining those calves. Insurance professionals are also im portant financial teammates to consult with when making decisions. Insurance experts can advise on crop insurance and discuss lesser-known products like rainfall insurance and insurance to support beef price fluctuations. Often, when cash flow is negatively impacted, farmers neglect to retain essential insurance coverages, both property and life. Not properly insuring your assets or life impacts your family and lenders. Other examples of financial teammates are realtors and implement dealers. Sup pose the time comes to liquidate or partial ly liquidate your farm assets. In that case, both entities should be able to give you a reliable and realistic evaluation of the potential value of your farm operation.
By Kim Light As we have passed the midpoint of 2022, uncertainty is the only thing that is certain when it comes to the financial world. Dif fering views believe we are already in a recession and other opinions are that a recession is unlikely given the low unemployment level and positive consumer spending indicators. Obviously, uncer tainty is prevalent in agriculture as well. Farmers in Southwest Missouri are battling high input costs in fuel, feed, and fertilizer. This, coupled with a rapidly expanding drought area, creates concerns for profitability and sustainability in our ag community. Many farmers have counted on herd size for cash flow and are now reducing herds because of the lack of pasture and the cost/availability of hay. Farmers who relied on crops have been hit by the double whammy of high-input costs and the weather influence of a too wet spring and too dry summer. One thing that is certain for farmers is the need to communicate with everyone who is committed to their farming operation’s success. Success and survival in farming depend on a team of specialists you know and trust. The most critical first contact is your family and those reliant on your farm’s profitability. Challenging decisions may need to be made about expense control and even decisions about off-farm employment or liquidating the operation. Unfortunately, farmers tend to withhold information and concerns from the people that are most impacted by fluc tuating farm income. Second in line behind family should be your lenders. Lenders do not want you to have financial difficulties. Bankers are willing to listen to your concerns and often suggest how to restructure debt or whether you should consider selling some assets. If you have a banker who is unwilling to listen, you should finance find another. You may not always like what they suggest to you. Still, often, they have experienced similar situa tions with other customers and can pro vide beneficial insight into how your farm can survive.
of “America’s Best Banks” by Forbes Magazine www.centralbank.net | 417-881-3100 MEMBER FDIC Ozark Farm and Neighbor Finance_2022 Forbes.indd 1 8/9/2022 9:03:20 AM
Ranked
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21Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022
Farmers, remember you do not have to feel isolated. It is hard to be an expert in everything associated with farming, and numerous teammates are available to advise on navigating challenging times in our ag economy. Kim Light is the president and CEO of Heritage Bank of the Ozarks. He may be reached at (417) 532-BANK. as one
Team Work in an Uncertain Economy
Communication is critical during these tough times
Don’t do it alone: A financial advisor can help you revise your financial approach and offer investment insights. A financial advisor can continue to help you stay on track after markets recover as your priorities may change. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 is an unmanaged index generally representative of the U.S. Stock Market and cannot be investment in directly. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against a risk; it is a method used to help manage portfolio volatility. There is no guarantee that companies that can issue dividends will declare, continue to pay, or increase dividends.
Reset Your Perspective: Markets have bounced back no matter how negative they were during a bear market. If you remain disciplined in a negative market, you may be able to avoid com mon difficulties. The longer you stay invested, the higher chances you will achieve your goals.
A bear market can be stressful, so seek expert help By Brian Drane
Rebalance Your Portfolio: During a bear market, your equities can appreciate or depreciate faster than your bond or cash holdings which makes your portfolio out of alignment. This is an opportunity for you to consider if imbalances have occurred. For example, if equities make up a large part of your investments, you may consider selling stocks and moving that money into cash equivalents or bonds during this time. If you do this, keep in mind stocks on average lose 36% of their value during a bear market. On bear markets, Brian Drane, LPL Financial Advisor says, “I’ve reminded my clients to remember their time horizon. As most bear markets historically have, its possible this may look like a little blip in the future. I also recommend rebalancing or adding to their portfolio at this time to take advantage of the ‘on sale’ prices. We never know where the bottom is, but history tells us that we are close.”
As Sir Isaac Newton said, “What goes up must come down” and unfortunately that also applies to the stock market. However, just because we know this to be true doesn’t make watching your portfolio fall any easier. The silver lining is the knowledge that this isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last, and we have past experi ence to guide us through this current bear market. What is a bear market?
There have been more than 14 bear markets in the S&P 500 since 1926 and on average, they last less than one year. There are steps you can take to hedge against a down market and avoid making costly emotion-driven mistakes.
A bear market is when a long lasting drop in investments occurs, usually be fore or after the economy moves into recession. During this time, investors watch economic signals such as hiring, wages, inflation and interest rates. If they see the economy shrinking, investors predict corporate profits to decline. As a result, they sell stocks. A bear market can mean unemployment rates will increase and a tougher economy is in the near future.
22 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com farm finance
Brian Drane is a CFR vice president at Central Bank/Central Trust.
Avoid making emotion-based decisions: When the market drops, and you watch your investment portfolio decrease in value, it can be tempting to pull out and put everything into cash. By selling when the market has drasti cally fallen, you’re at risk of permanent loss of capital. During an unknowing time, it is important to focus on your time in the market and not marketing timing. Reassess your long-term goals and risk tolerance: During a bear market, it may be easy to forget how stressful it can be when your assets decrease in value. Think about your future, if you are soon to be retired, it could be smart to not take risks. Usually, the higher the amount of stocks in your portfolio, the riskier it may be because you’re less diversified through other kinds of assets that may experience less volatile price swings. It is important to diversify your portfolio during a bear market. If you are invested in a mix of winners and losers, it helps decrease your portfolio’s overall losses. Continue your systematic investment contributions: Using the dollar-cost averaging strategy is a great way to make sure you are investing con sistently. Making regular contributions to your portfolio can offer you efficiency when the market is down. If you invest a fixed amount of money regularly, it is likely you will be able to purchase eq uities at a more affordable price. You might be lucky enough to see the shares rise in value when the market rebounds. By using the dollar-cost averaging strate gy, it can help you avoid putting all your money into a stock at its high. During a bear market, focus on potential gains. Find Strategic Investment Op portunities: There are many invest ment opportunities during a market downfall. Look at the sectors that perform well during negative markets. Consider consumer staples, healthcare, utilities, companies with higher-quality businesses, and higher-quality stocks paying dividends. Another thing to consider is accounts that are overseen from an outside party for the owner’s benefit, known as a fiduciary account. When the markets are down, profes sionally managed funds could possibly outperform passively managed funds.
NEIGHBORS SERVING NEIGHBORS YOUR AGRICULTURE BANKING TEAM • Fixed rate farm land loans • Machinery & equipment loans • Livestock loans • Farm lines of credit LEBANON • CAMDENTON • PLATO www.HeritageBankOzarks.com
aCombatingBearMarket
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24 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com Rolla, Mo. meet your neighbors
Submitted
About eight years ago, Randy began researching growing microgreens for his own consumption as a hobby. He re searched the process and read works pub lished by Jewel Solomon. He also watched YouTube videos produced by Curtis Stone that concentrate on intensive farming of microgreens in a small plot urban setting. In the early years, Randy wanted to homestead a hobby farm so he began raising some chickens along with vegetables. When it came time to butcher chickens, he realized meat production just wasn’t his thing. That fell off the radar of his long range plans. Randy made the decision to eat as much plant-based as possible. Randy hasn’t given up the great taste of cheese so he still consumes it for protein. A tasty source of protein comes in the form of the mushrooms Randy grows. He produces lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi and oyster mushrooms. Not only are mushrooms edible, some provide energy, mental focus and a brain fog lift. “The older I get the better I eat,” Randy said. He also noticed plantbased eating left him feeling generally better and more energetic. Customers have told him they also feel a difference within a couple of weeks of eating microgreens, which are 40 percent more nutrient dense than most vegetables.Thefour microgreens Randy grows are sunflower, pea, broccoli and radish. He also raises a salad mix of spring greens, baby root vegetables and some herbs as well. While he was still hobby farming, about six years ago, Randy started selling the surplus from his microgreen farming at the Downtown Farmer’s Market in Rolla. From April to Octo ber he sells microgreens, salad mix and plant based healing tinctures. The same greens are grown in stages so that a new group is ready to harvest each Thursday. Cutting, washing and packaging the greens has become an intensive all day job. Randy enlists the help of his girlfriend, daughter and other volunteers to help. A group called the Rainbow Fami ly of Living Light, a 50-year-old group that travels the country gathering, visits Harmony Farms to help with harvest in exchange for learning how to grow microgreens. The group routinely gathers at national parks, perform volunteer cleanup to spread the message of peace and love around the world. The volunteers to harvest make it easier for Randy to deliver microgreens so customers set up for delivery can receive orders at their doorstep each Friday. Delivery evolved with the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Randy and his sister owned a cab company which dwindled to nothing because people were staying home, too afraid of catching the virus to ride in a cab. Randy decided to offer his products via home delivery and the concept took off. It caught on so well that Randy gave up the taxi business and has concentrated home delivery full time. “More people are health conscious after COVID,” Randy said. On Saturday, produce is sold at the farmer’s market. The remainder of the week is spent tending to plants, making compost and ordering supplies such as pillowcase size bags of seeds. Everything is grown or ganically, with no chemicals. Photo
Randy Ferrell began his microgreens operation for his own health, but soon expanded By Janet Warford-Perry As he neared middle age, Randy Ferrell thought he probably should start eating healthier if he wanted a chance at an active lifestyle in his elder years. An ache here, upset stomach, a pain there, and feeling a little sluggish were all things Randy sought to cure. Coupled with years of a stress-filled life living on the bustling south side of St. Louis, the move to a farm in Rolla af forded enough space to explore growing healthier foods.
NewFindsFarmsHarmonyaMarket
By Eileen Manella
Awards: First place in showmanship for showing cattle in West Plains at Heart of the Ozarks Fair in 2016. In 2019, first place for Best in Show in Doniphan at the Ripley County
l Age: 15
If you sell meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, eggs or any other farm to table products, be sure your farm is listed on FromTheFarmToYou.com
What is your involve-ment in agriculture?
Ian Kurtz
l
l 4-H Club: Rockin Ranchers
“I grew up on our family farm. mainly feed hay for our cattle herd while Dad’s at work. We buy hay, store it and when it gets cold and the grass dies down, we put hay out for the cattle as a supplement to grazing. I help castrate and tag the calves when they are born. I started helping with that five or six years ago. I help work the cows and vaccinate them.”
What is the best advice about agriculture you have received? His father told him: “Keep your cool. If you’re panicked the animal will react the same.”
The listing is completely free. Just visit FromTheFarmToYou.com and click on “Submit Your Farm” at the top of the page. www.FromTheFarmToYou.com
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 25 youth in agriculture tomorrow’s ag leaders
What are your future plans? “I want to professionally fish on tournament trails or be an AI tech and artificially inseminate animals.”
What is your favorite part of living on a farm? “I find the whole farming thing very peaceful. I’ve always just been drawn to it.”
Parents: Michelle and Jamie Kurtz l Siblings: Kelby (11) and Aida (1)
Fair.Submitted Photo Fro the Farm to your family Fro the Farm
l Hometown: Pomona, Mo.
l Club Leader: Michelle Kurtz
Advice from ag-visors the professionals Rates and Borrowing
The current Prime Rate of 5.50 percent ob viously seems high at this very moment as we have been spoiled with low rates over the last number of years (i.e., 3.25 percent Prime Rate in early 2020) but by looking at the overall landscape, the current rate is still moderately priced. Now, none of us have a crystal ball to gaze into to know what things will look like by the end of year and especially not in the next three to five years. All we know is that we have experienced rising rate environments before and will see increases and decreases in loan rates going forward. A longtime friend of mine and now coworker, Gregg Bailey, and I were fortunate enough in the last year to take part in some radio in terviews. We discussed the impact that rates, operating costs, and revenues have on the family farm business. We always came back to the im portance of having a great relationship with our bor rowers and vice versa.
As I sit here this morning with the news of the Prime Rate increasing once again, I feel as though this would be a good time to discuss the elephant in the room, rates, and the costs of borrowing money. This reminds me of all of the conver sations we have been having lately with our customers when it comes to what their rates are currently, where we think they are going to be, and in some situa tions keeping customers from having a knee jerk reaction when it comes to rates on agricultural and commercial loans as well as home construction and mortgage loans. With rates being exceptionally low for an extended period over the last few years, there are some customers that have never dealt with this sort of rate increase. Rates and loan costs obviously influence the overall outcome of customers borrowing money for the future success of their family farm business. As difficult as 2022 has been to watch the Prime Rate increase so rapidly, it is important to note just what this rate has done historically and point out that our current rates are still reasonably priced.
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I mention this history, not to scare folks with the high end of the spectrum, but more to educate borrowers on where we have been and to appreciate where we are.
By Jason A. Whitesell
The Prime Rate is used by commercial banks as a basis for the interest they charge customers for their loans including consumer, commercial, agricultural, and home loans. Data on the JP Morgan Chase website has a chart that tracks the Prime Rate back to 1983. To put things in perspective, the Prime Rate was 13.00 percent in 1984. I remember when my parents built a new home in 1989 and their construction loan rate was 12.00 percent. Obviously that rate is hard to understand now, but at the time that was just the going rate. When I started in banking in late April 2001, Prime had been as high as 9.00 percent in January 2001, however that year it had 10 decreases in a row and dropped to 4.75 percent by December 2001. That was a volatile year with rates decreasing in favor of our borrowers, however most folks saw their rates on deposits dropping as well. By 2006, Prime had increased all the way back to 8.25 perJason A. Whitesell is the vice officercommercialpresident/bankingofGuarantyBank.HecanbereachedatJWhitesell@gbankmo.com Horse
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thanisrate“With“thevolatileraisingmarketwearein,therenomoremomentoustimerightnowtomakesurethosebankingrelationshipsarestrong.”
With the volatile raising rate market we are in, there is no more momentous time than right now to make sure those banking relationships are strong. Every year we re quest updated financial statements and income informa tion. I know folks feel as though we are always asking for this information, however this is so vitally important to have current information at our fingertips so we can spot any potential concerns before it is a problem for our cus tomers and as well as the bank. Staying on top of our customers’ financial information and their operations will greatly improve the success of the banking relationship between both parties and will help to maintain a successful farm business.
cent. From 2007 to 2015, Prime had 10 consecutive decreases and made it to, at the time, an all-time low of 3.50 percent. In the last 7 years, Prime has never been higher than 5.50 percent with many increases and decreases during this time.
26 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
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Early weaning is particularly beneficial during times when pastures and forages cannot meet a cow herd’s nutritional requirements. “Thin calving cows, due primarily to milk production, have a difficult time rebreeding,” Bruce Peverley, Nowata and Craig County Extension Educator with Oklahoma State University, explained. “By early weaning we remove the nutritional demands of lactation (12 to 20 percent of dietary energy) from the cow.” By removing the calf sooner, the cow has an easier time improving her body con dition and therefore increases her probability of rebreeding. “Early weaning can initiate post-partum estrus and improve pregnancy rates,” Peverley added. A dry cow requires significantly less nutritional inputs compared to a lactating cow. “A dry 1,200-pound cow only requires 61 percent of the TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) and 53 percent of the crude protein of a similar 1,200-pound cow in early lactation,” Peverley explained.
• Utilize a cocciostat at the start of the early weaning period.
• Limit 20 calves per pen during the early critical days of weaning and observe them to make sure they are eating and drinking.
mium,asaleweofthe“Improvingqualitythecattlehavefortobringbetterpre-andreinvesting back into the operation.” Jarrod Grayson Phelps County, Mo. “I
The benefits for producers By Cheryl Kepes
Calves 2 months old or younger function as pre-ruminants. At this stage of life calves need milk and small amounts of forage. However, calves that are weaned at 60 days of age or older do not need milk replacer. The calves at this age are old enough to consume dry feed. However, they will require a highly palatable, specially designed diet as well as intensive management. As calves grow to 3 to 4 months of age, they have a functional rumen and can consume significant amounts of forage.
What is a step you have taken to improve your farm finances? what do you say?
“The best thing we’ve done is start ing erythingbecauseQuickBooksusingev-iseasier to manage and is all in one place.” Anna EarlyBuckley-SchoelzelBarryCounty,Mo.Weaning
“With fertilizer costs this year, we decided to cut back on muchhowwe fertilized by half. We spent the same amount of money, but just fertilized less.”
• Ensure fresh water is always available.
Early Weaned Calves Needs
• Other issues to look for include respiratory problems (dust may need to be controlled) and ration sorting which can lead to founder and scouring.
Imyvestedandfeeddowncutoncosts,Irein-infields.hadmysoil analyzed, brought up to standard, reseeded and fertilized.” Gary Pearson McDonald County, Mo.
Making farming a little easier
• Vaccinate, castrate and dehorn calves prior to weaning to lower health risks and increase calf growth.
Research indicates early weaning has increased conception rates on thin first calf heifers from 50 percent to 97 percent and shortened days to first estrus by 17 days.
farm help
• Creep feed prior to weaning for a smoother transition to feed bunks.
According to Oklahoma State University researchers, calf performance can be expected to average 1.75 pounds per day from 8 weeks of age to 205 days of age. Once calves reach and average weight of 250 to 300 pounds, then they can be moved to pasture with a supplement program. Though early weaning may not fit into every operation, it does give cattle producers an option when forages are limited.
Conception Rates of First Calf Heifers
“A study with mature cows in moderate conditions at weaning had 100 percent of the early wean cows rebred compared to 81 percent of the cows that raised calves,” Peverley stated. “Many of the cows cycled within three days of early weaning.”
27Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022
in Cattle
Peverley recommends the following management practices if a producer is consid ering early weaning.
Due to economic pressures and challenging weather conditions some beef cattle producers may consider weaning their calves early. Livestock specialists state there are benefits to early weaning especially during times when many cattle operations are dealing with a depleted forage base. Benefits for Momma Cows
• Utilize a starter ration that is highly palatable and contains 20 percent crude protein. (Go to ozarkfn.com and click on this story for sample starter ration options.)
• During the first few days of weaning, provide feed two to three times per day to encourage intake.
The goal is to start the early weaned calves on a high energy, high protein ration and to gradually move to a grower type ration as the calves’ total intake increases.
• After 10 to 14 days of the starter ration 1, move calves to a larger pen and switch to ration 2. Stay with ration 2 for six weeks, then utilize ration 3 until calves reach normal weaning age of 7 months.
• Keep calves on starter ration until consumption reaches 4 to 5 pounds a day. This should be achieved in 10 to 14 days.
Erin Thompson Wright County, Mo.
Most farmers in the Ozarks have only been able to get one cutting in their hay fields so far this season. Which means supply is tight and there won’t be much hay for sale. Many of the producers who have hay are holding on to it for their own needs. For producers looking to buy hay, the prices are a pretty penny higher than last year. “If someone can find some for sale, 4-feet-by-5-feet round bales will be north of $50 per bale and probably closer to $75,” Brad Runsick, Baxter County, Ark., extension agent, said. Hay Supply Runsick recently conducted an online survey to gather information about the current hay supply. He received more than 300 responses to his survey. Many producers responded they do not have enough hay to carry their herds through the winter. “Most of those folks have less than two-thirds of their total winter hay need,” Runsick shared. “Half of those are producers already feeding hay now, and most of the rest expect to be by the end of September.”
The lack of rain coupled with an increasing cost in fertilizer and fuel continues to put the price of hay on an upward trajectory. Economic pres sures are tough enough for farmers these days. Unfortunately, the forecast for hay prices isn’t too encouraging. Hay Prices
Potential Pitfalls
Extension specialists remind producers that nitrate concentration levels are preserved in dry baled forage. The nitrate does not leave if the forage is dry baled. Therefore, experts recommend taking precautions when baling hay during drought conditions. “If forage must be baled, leave 10 to 12 inches of stubble to avoid baling the most toxic part of the plant,” Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension,Producersadvised.should use caution when entering silo pits because forages with high levels of nitrate can emit toxic gases. Ex perts recommend not using the baled forage to feed livestock or for bedding if the nitrate levels of the baled forage are higher than 1.5 percent concentration. However, Scheidt adds ensiled forages can reduce nitrate levels by 20 to 50 percent. In addition, forages with prussic acid will breakdown to manageable levels when harvested. “Dry baling or ensiling forages is an effective way to reduce prus sic acid,” Scheidt explained. “If dry baling, sample forage before feeding until prussic acid is no longer detected.”
Price, supply and potential pitfalls
Forage and livestock specialists want to remind producers of the dangers to animals that stem from drought conditions. During long stretches without rain many warm season annuals stop growing, how ever the grasses continue to take up nitrogen through the soil. This can lead to toxic levels of nitrates and prussic acid in the forage. Both of which can be extremely harmful, even deadly to livestock. Some of the grasses most commonly as sociated with toxic levels of nitrate and prussic acid buildup include sorghum-Sudan hybrids, forage sorghum, Sudan grass, Johnson grass and corn. Nitrates accumulate in the lower portion of the stem in warm season grasses. Extension agronomists state that small grains, millet, soybean, oats, alfalfa, Bermudagrass and tall fescue can all develop elevated levels of nitrate in their tissue. Many extension offices offer a nitrate presence test for pro ducers to check the nitrate levels in their forages. Dry Baling in Drought Conditions
farm help Future MarketsHay
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AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com28
By Cheryl Kepes
farm help Current and Future Cattle Prices
Flooding the Market Now: The selling of large numbers of cattle now, creates a tighter supply in the months to come. This impacts current market prices and can affect prices this fall.“As large numbers (of cattle) are marketed sooner than normal, they flood the market and cause prices to drop,” Tucker explained. “However, once those animals make their way through the system, it can cause shortag es in the future which can often lead to higher prices.”Dueto the fact the drought has been impacting producers to the west before it reached this part of the country, feedlots have already been dealing with larger inventories, Tucker added.
Far-Reaching Impact on Cow Herds: Whether or not drought conditions ease starting this fall, producers will continue to feel the stress on their operations. Agricultural economists say if enough rain falls, then producers should hopefully be able to make it through this crisis. However, if the drought persists through fall and into spring – the outlook is bleak. “If we do not have improvement this fall in time to get a flush of fall regrowth, then we are in real trouble,” Tucker said. “With limited hay supplies and high-priced feed, many producers will be forced to sell their herds.”
Mi $37,900 2016
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 29
The impact of drought and economic pressures
$37,800 2018
Mi $28,900 2015 Ram
By Cheryl Kepes
Surviving the Tough Times: Agricul tural economists encourage producers to develop a long-term drought management plan in order to be prepared for difficult times in the future. The plan may include reducing the operation’s number of per manent momma cows. Tucker suggests producers build more flexibility into their operation by adding disposable animals to their farm. “Dispos able animals can have wheels put under them when it begins to turn dry,” Tucker said. “Instead of running 50 cows, choose to run 40 cows and background all your calves to heavier weights.” According to agricultural economists, the market has been rewarding producers who raise calves to heavier weights. billgrantford.com - Xlt, 3.3 Liter, White, 13,045 Mi Ford Supercrew 4x4 - Xl Fx4, 3.5 Liter Ecoboost, White, 35,179 Ford F150 4x4 S/C - Xlt, 2.7 Liter Ecoboost, White, 67,281 1500 4x4 Clubcab - Big Horn, 5.7 Liter, Blue, 135,124 Mi
Fall Market Outlook: Many factors are in fluencing large numbers of beef cattle to be sent to slaughter. It’s difficult for many producers to find a way to be profitable during a drought and amid ever-increasing input costs. Therefore, rather than grow their herds many producers are cutting back. In addition to an increasing number of slaughter cattle, large numbers of heifers are going to feedlots instead of being kept as replacements. “The nationwide beef herd is con tracting at a brisk pace,” Tucker explained. “If this continues, eventually the reduced numbers will lead to improving prices.”
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The cattle market tends to be a bit of a roller coaster these days. And this market is one ride most producers prefer not to be on. Drought conditions and high input prices are affecting cattle prices across the country. “The drought has been impacting states to our west for a number of years. Unfortunately, this year it has finally made its way to us,” Wesley Tucker, agricultural economist with the University of Missouri Extension, said. Impact of the Drought on Prices: The market in this part of the country has held steady until recently. Tucker states the strong demand for beef this year has helped prices hold up. However, the impact of the drought is now taking a toll. “In recent weeks as larger and larger numbers of cows are finding their way to local sale barns, prices have begun to suffer,” Tucker explained. Tucker added that as producers face dete riorating forage conditions and high-priced hay; many are having to sell their cows. In addition, calves are being marketed at younger ages and lighter weights.
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Stockpiling Benefits
When deciding whether to plant an nuals or stockpile, forage specialists recommend evaluating the condition of the fields. If the pastures are in bad shape, planting annuals is a better op tion. If there is still a decent forage base, stockpiling may be the better choice.
Scheidt recommends producers be careful not to overgraze or mow low when making hay. She suggests following the “one-third rule” or the “take half leave half rule,” whichever works best for the operation.
Preparing Fall and Winter Pastures
Stockpiling serves as an effective tool to offset a dry summer. This requires a producer to keep cattle off a field, allow it to grow and then put cattle on it later in the year to graze. Forage specialists say in order for stockpiling to be successful the pasture must be grazed or clipped close. In addition, the field needs approximately 50 units of nitrogen for it to accumulate enough dry matter growth to make a difference. “That may mean that a farmer has to feed a little hay now in order to not have to feed as much later,” Brad Runsick, Baxter County, Ark., extension agent, said. When to Stockpile
Forage specialists recommend starting to stockpile Bermudagrass the first of August and fescue the first of September. “Not only does it mean less hay feeding in November through January, but that stockpile quality will often far exceed that of what’s in a round bale,” RunsickRunsickstated.recommends letting cattle start to graze stockpiled Bermudagrass around mid-October and stockpiled fes cue around Thanksgiving. If producers put up hot wire to encourage strip grazing, then they will see additional benefits. This allows the grazing season to be extended further into winter.
30 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com farm help
Planting Annuals
Spending time and money to plant annuals can be a bit risky. There is no guarantee of plentiful rain on the horizon. If the drought extends deep into fall, all the effort could be fruitless. However, experts point out if producers take no action, then they will certainly have nothing to reap. “It’s a gamble, but if nothing is done, you can guarantee that there won’t be fall and winter pastures,” Runsick said. “Seed and fertilizer costs have risen, of course, but the alter native is possibly selling off a cow herd.”
Planting and stockpiling during a drought
Drought conditions this summer have producers analyzing what steps they should take to prepare their pastures for fall and winter. Due to the absence of any significant rainfall, producers may need to take a different approach to pasture management compared to years past. Forage specialists recommend several man agement practices to help fill the gaps caused by the drought.
Area agronomists recommend producers keep in mind fescue pastures may be dormant and not dead. Therefore, pro ducers should be cautious when considering whether to inter seed a winter annual.“Ifwe are in a drought, winter annuals may not come up well either and if they do, it could crowd out fescue that’s trying to come back,” Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, advised. Experts state during drought condi tions, producers may need to implement different pasture management strategies.
If producers want to plant summer annuals such as pearl millet, sorghum-Sudan, corn or browntop millet, they should plant in late-August to be grazed in October. For oats, brassicas (fall only), cereal rye, wheat and ryegrass producers should plant according to when they will need the annuals for grazing. If they are targeting fall grazing, seed needs to be in the ground no later than September 10. However, if producers want the annuals for spring grazing, they should delay seeding until mid-October. “If (and it may be a big “if”) there is much grass left in the field, some light tillage or, if in Bermudagrass, even a light rate of glyphosate will help yields of the annu als,” Runsick added. “It won’t hurt the underlying grass enough to matter as it’s either burned up from the drought or going dormant.”
17 Drought Recovery Meeting – 8:30-11:45 a.m. – Sac River Cowboy Church, 2328 N Farm Road 101, Springfield, Mo. – to register call 417-357-6812 or visit bit.ly/springfielddrought
13-15
p.m. –registration is $175 per person and $90 for additional person sharing materials – register by Aug. 29 – call 417-682-3579 to register or for questions 13 Morning in the Garden Gardening Series – Using Herbs – 10 a.m. – Taney County MU Extension Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden, 122 Felkins Avenue, Forsyth, Mo. – No registration required – for more information call 417-546-4431 or email taneyco@missouri.edu 13-27 Women Managing Equine, Business Management for Equine Professionals – Online via Zoom, Tuesdays 6:30-9 p.m. – Cost: $45 – for more information contact Katie at neunercm@missouri.edu or 660-584-3658 – register online at go.ozarksfn.com/efl 14-16 2022 Grazing School – Houston, Mo. – contact Texas County Extension Center at 417-967-4545 18 September Days – Lockwood, Mo. – www.lockwoodseptemberdays.com 19-21 2022 State Women In Ag Conference “Get Your Shine On” – Branson, Mo. – mowomeninag@gmail.com
31-11/12 Missouri Master Naturalist – Meramec Hills Chapter – Rolla Technical Institute, Rolla, Mo. – Cost: $110 – for more information contact Sarah at 573-458-6260 or havenss@missouri.edu – register online at Beef Production 6:30-8:30 p.m. Warsaw Ambulance District Building, 1206 Medic Drive, Warsaw, Mo. 660-827-0591 schmitze@missouri.edu 660-827-0591 Jasper County Grazing School – Alba Christian Church Annex, Alba, Mo. 9 a.m.-4
31Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.comAUGUST 15, 2022 ozarks’ calendar UPCOMING PROGRAMS Aug.-Sept. Laclede County Master Gardener Training Course – Lebanon, Mo. –for more information call the Laclede County Extension Office at 417-532-7126 CURRENT PROGRAMS Now Open Enrollment for Heroes to Hives program – for more information and free registration visit www.heroestohives.com Now Weekly Garden Hour – Wednesday, noon – Online – to register visit ipm.missouri.edu/townHalls Twice a Month Forage & Livestock Hour – Second & fourth Thursday of the month, noon – Online – visit https://ipm.missouri.edu/townhalls/ Now-Sept. 10 Jasper County 4-H Day of Service – goal is to send 50 care packages to deployed service members – donations can be dropped off at Jasper County Extension Office in Carthage, Mo.; VFW 534 in Joplin, Mo.; Webb City VFW/American Legion in Webb City, Mo.; Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in Carthage, Mo. and Midwest Ag Supply in Carthage, Mo. – for questions call 417-358-2158 August 2022 15 Barn Quilt Class – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cost: $45 – Hillside Christian Church, 769 Hillside Loop, Marshfield, Mo. – Class Size is Limited – 417-859-2044 15-16 Serv Safe Food Protection Management – 8 a.m.-noon – Cost: $125 – Phelps County Extension Center, Rolla, Mo. – for questions call 573-458-6256 – to register visit go.ozarksfn.com/koe
25 Drought Program – Gainesville Livestock Auction, Gainesville, Mo. – call the Ozark County Extension Office for more information at 417-679-3525 25 Home Food Preservation, Water Bath Salsa Canning – 5:30-8:30 p.m. – Cost: $20 – St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 730 Fleenor Road, Cuba, Mo. – to register visit go.ozarksfn.com/lep 26-27 MU Extension Council Half Beef Raffle – drawing at Crane Broiler Festival, Crane, Mo. – Tickets are $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets – tickets can be purchased at the Stone County Extension Office – call 417-357-6812 for more information 27 Hearing Safety Booth at Lamar Tractor Show – Lamar, Mo. – for more information contact the Barton County Extension Office at 417-682-3579
17 Drought Recovery Meeting – 2-5:15 p.m. – MU Southwest Research Extension and Education Center, 14548 Hwy H, Mt. Vernon, Mo. – to register call 417-357-6812 or visit bit.ly/mtvernondrought
22 Forage and Livestock Management Strategies following a Drought –12:30 -5 p.m. – Vernon County Fairgrounds, Centennial Hall, 1488 East Ashland Street, Nevada, Mo. – program is free, but registration is required by Aug. 19 – to register visit tinyurl.com/mrecpk4p or call 417-448-2560 – for questions contact Patrick at davismp@missouri.edu or 417-276-3313
17 Barn Quilt Class – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cost: $45 – Hickory County Extension Meeting Room, 18715 Cedar Street, Hermitage, Mo. – to register call 417-745-6767
17 Drought Recovery Meeting – 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Crowder College Ag Building, Neosho, Mo. – to register call 417-455-9500 or 417-223-4775
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23 Barn Quilt Class – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cost: $45 – Hickory County Extension Meeting Room, 18715 Cedar Street, Hermitage, Mo. – to register call 417-745-6767
17 Japanese Maples Garden Program – 10 a.m. – Kimberling Area Library Community Room, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, Mo. – No registration required – for more information visit mgozarks.org
–program is free and open to everyone –
21 Preserving and Using Herbs Garden Program – 10 a.m. – Kimberling Area Library Community Room, 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, Mo. – No registration required – for more information visit mgozarks.org
or pettisco@missouri.edu – for more information
– to register
23-28 Lamar Free Fair 2022 – Constitution Square, Downtown Lamar, Mo. –417-689-3579 or 417-850-2033 or beckycostley@hotmail.com –www.bartoncounty.com/fair
or
go.ozarksfn.com/s9x September 2022 6 Artificial Insemination Programs for
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18-9/8 2022 Fall Gardening Webinar Series – Thursdays, Online via Zoom – Cost: $30 – for more information contact Debi at 636-797-5391 or KellyD@missouri.edu – register online at go.ozarksfn.com/3ka 19 Drought Recovery Meeting – 12:30-4:15 p.m. – MU Extension Office, 186-D N. Adams Street, Lebanon, Mo. – to register call 417-532-7126 or email ShaverJ@missouri.edu
24 Master Gardener Fall Garden Workshop “Light Up Your Fall” – Cost: $25 per person – New Testament Christian Church, Reed Springs, Mo. – register by Sept. 17 – for more information call Stone County Extension at 417-357-6812 or visit mgozarks.com/events 27-29 Grazing School – Strafford, Mo. – for more information 417-468-4176 ext. 3 or jody.lawson@swcd.mo.gov 28-11/2 Diabetes Self-Management – Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. – Kimberling Area Library, 45 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City, Mo. – to register call 417-357-6812 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/h9l 28-10/4 Missouri Good Neighbor Week 2022 – Springfield, Mo. – for more information contact David at 417-881-8909 or burtond@missouri.edu or visit go.ozarksfn.com/8y3
16 Home Food Preservation (Sweet Spreads) – 6-8 p.m. – Moreau Meat Market, 5007 Buffalo Road, Jefferson City, Mo. – Cost: $20 – to register or for more information call 573-634-2824 or visit go.ozarksfn.com/mn7
15 Bradley Cattle Bull Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457
15 Angell-Thomas Charolais Fall Sale – Paris, Mo. – 573-682-7348
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1 Journagan Ranch Genetically Yours 31st Anniversary Sale – Darr Ag Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-838-1482
12 Valley
15 Byergo Angus Fall Production Sale – Savannah, Mo. – 816-261-7150, 816-261-5198 or 816-294-2225
farm, Mexico, Mo. – 573-581-1225 or 573-473-9202 21 Green Springs Bull Test – Nevada, Mo. – 417-448-7416 26 Galaxy Beef Production Sale – at the farm, Macon, Mo. – 816-244-4462 December 2022 3 Heartland Highland Cattle Association 6th Annual Fall Highland Auction – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-345-0575 3 Ridder Farms Family Values Female Sale & Annual Bull Sale – at the farm, Hermann, Mo. – 573-680-4692 or 573-280-5795 10 Shepherd Charolais 2nd Annual Female Sale – Cow Palace, Anita, Iowa –515-321-6870 or 402-880-5179 17 Bradley Cattle Bred Heifer Sale – Springfield Livestock Marketing Center, Springfield, Mo. – 417-848-3457 If you have an upcoming production sale you would like to feature in our auction block, contact us today! 1-866-532-1960 or amanda@ozarksfn.com
12 Thomas
16 FHCC 10th Annual Family Values Sale – at the farm, Fulton, Mo. – 608-279-3172 or 703-587-9959
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15 Gerloff Farms 15th Annual Bull Fest & Female Sale – Bland, Mo. – 573-823-7477
8 Leachman Cattle of Colorado Ozark Fall Sale – Ozark, Ark. – 970-568-3983
Production
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11 Checkerhill Angus Ladies with Style Online Sale – 417-855-9461, 417-274-8696 or 417-274-1630
19 Sydenstricker
15 3C Cattle Company Fall Production Sale – Carrollton, Mo. – 660-542-1234
1 Jac’s Ranch Production Sale – Bentonville, Ark. – 479-273-3030
15 Byergo Beef Genetics Private Treaty Bull Sale – Nevada, Mo. – 816-390-2426
Okla. –918-409-6068 29 Plyler & Son Get the Brand Volume 7 Bull Sale – Southern Arkansas University, Story Arena, Magnolia, Ark. – 870-703-1394 29 Wall Street Cattle Company Fall Production Sale – Lebanon, Mo. –417-288-4444 29 Ward Brothers Livestock Production Sale – at the farm, Plattsburg, Mo. –816-261-0891 or 816-261-7238 30 P Bar S Ranch Proof of Progress Annual Production Sale – at the Ranch, Sand Springs, Okla. – 615-330-2735 November 2022 4 Meyer Cattle Fall Sale – Bowling Green, Mo. – 573-808-0624 or 573-694-1622 5 Henke Farms Fall Female Sale – Salisbury, Mo. – 660-676-6233 5 Seedstock Plus Red Reward Fall Bull & Female Sale – Wheeler Livestock, Osceola, Mo. – 1-877-486-1160 5 Worthington Angus 4th Annual Fall Bull & Commercial Female Sale – at the farm, Dadeville, Mo. – 417-844-2601 5 Wright Charolais
&
44th Annual Production
8 East Central Missouri Angus Association Production Sale – Cuba, Mo. –940-531-1851
17 Hinkle’s Prime Cut Angus 7th Annual Fall Production Sale – at the farm, Nevada, Mo. – 417-944-2219 or 417-448-4127
12 Valley Oaks Fall Bull & Commercial Female Sale – Chilhowee, Mo. –573-280-2351
15 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Fall Production Sale – West Plains, Mo. –940-531-1851
32 AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com ozarks’ auction block August 2022 19 Genetic Allies Sale – Garber, Iowa – 816-244-4462 19-20 The Big Event at Express Ranches – Yukon, Okla. – 405-350-0044 20-21 Seedstock Plus Fall Bred Heifer On-line Sale – DVAuction.com – 1-877-486-1160 September 2022 2 IMS Cattle Female Sale – at the farm, Gibson City, Ill. – 816-244-4462 6 Wright Charolais Online Fall Bred Heifer Sale – ckonlinesales.com –816-529-2190 12 Lenape Limousin Inaugural Online Sale – Limousin365.com – 615-330-2735 17 Wild Indian Acres & Friends Female Sale – at the ranch, De Soto, Mo. –636-586-2299 or 636-236-0306 24 Flint Hills Fall Classic Annual Production Sale – NextGen Cattle Company, Paxico, Kan. – 785-560-4444 24 Satterfield Charolais & Angus 11th Annual Female Sale – at the farm, Evening Shade, Ark. – 501-944-9274 or 870-499-7151 26 Wienk Charolais Pursuit of Excellence Female Sale – Lake Preston, SD –605-860-0505 or 605-203-0137 October 2022 1 Bradley Cattle & Hankins Farm Fall Colors Sale – Hankins Farms Sale Facility, Republic, Mo. – 417-848-3457 or 417-861-2316
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15 Aschermann Charolais & Akaushi 35th Edition Production Sale – at the ranch, Carthage, Mo. – 417-358-7879
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22 Mead Farms 80th Annual Fall Production Sale – at the Mead Sale Headquarters, Versailles, Mo. – 573-302-7011 or 573-216-0210 1st Annual Missouri Angus Ladies of Autumn Sale – Wall Street Cattle Company Sale Facility, Lebanon, Mo. – 940-531-1851 Southwest Missouri Performance Tested Bull Sale – Springfield, Mo. –417-293-8002 Cattlemen’s Preferred Sale – Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction, Harrison, Ark. – 205-270-0999 Fox Hollow Farms Fall Production Sale – at the ranch, Hulbert, Fall Event Sale – Kearney, Mo. – 816-776-3512 Matriarch’s the Midwest Sale at the ranch, Bowdle, SD – 605-281-1259 or 605-281-1564 Farms Limousin Limflex Sale – Leslie, Ark. –501-745-8484 or 501-757-1088 Oaks Angus Female Sale – Oak Grove, Mo. –573-280-2351 Genetics Sale – at the
Female
Fall Registered
7 Smith Valley Angus Annual Production Sale – Salem, Mo. – 573-729-2910 or 573-247-7165
15 Seedstock Plus Fall Bull & Female Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 1-877-486-1160
22 Linhart Limousin 13th Annual Fall Harvest Sale – at the farm, Leon, Iowa – 402-350-3447, 615-330-2735 or 256-962-0256
8 Big D Ranch’s Building For Your Tomorrow Annual Production Sale – at the farm, Center Ridge, Ark. – 501-208-6119
of
7 Sandmeier Charolais
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AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 33 List your auction for free. Call or email Amanda today at 417-532-1960 or amanda@ozarksfn.com BartonBates Benton Camden Dent Henry McDonald Maries Miller Morgan Oregon St. Clair Shannon Vernon Barr Cedary Christian Dade Dallas Douglas Greene Howell Jasper Lawrence Ozark Polk Taney TexasWright Newton Hickory Phelps Pulaski Laclede Webster 44 A St CedarCla C y awrence 4 B nledeMillerPulase D s TeHowxas 9/24 Miller County Real Estate & Personal Property Auction – Eldon, Mo. • Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate 10/1 Gun Auction – Doolittle, Mo. • J&J Sales LLC — ZONE C AUCTIONS — 8/16 Furniture, Guns, Knives, Fishing and More Auction – Kirbyville, Mo. • Mt Country Auctions 8/20 Estate Auction – Aurora, Mo. • Stump ’s Realty & Auction Service, Inc. 8/20 Estate of Ralph Kozler Real Estate & Estate Auction – Reeds Spring, Mo. • Foster Auction & Appraisal Service 8/20 Lou and Mary Wagoner Personal Property Auction – Rogersville, Mo. • McKnight Auction Service & Realty, LLC 8/20-21 Two Day Commercial Real Estate & Antiques – Reeds Spring, Mo. • Coon Ridge Auction Company 8/21 Private Collection of Over 60 Ri es, Hand Guns & Related Items Auction – Spring eld, Mo. • Bob Kollmeier Auctions 8/27 Estate of Bud & Dusty Martin Real Estate Auction – Ozark, Mo. • Glenworth Auction & Realty, 417-767-4345, glenworth.com • See Our Ad on Page 35 8/27 Living Estate Auction for Mr. & Mrs. Denny Olsen – Granby, Mo. • Circle L Auction Service 8/27 Ozark LED and Electrical Liquidation –Spring eld, Mo. • Easterly Auction Company 8/27 Public Auction – Golden, Mo. • Stump ’s Realty & Auction Service, Inc. 8/27 Real Estate, Auto Body Tools, Pickup, Trailer, Guns, Etc. Auction – Branson West, Mo.
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SeedstockCattlemen’sDirectory1-866-532-1960 8/15/22 WARM 417-214-0419GRASSSEASONSEED&HAY (Caucasian Bluestem Available) Horse Quality Hay, Also Great for New Calves. Small Square Bales. 5/15/23 Hay/SEEd For SalE land SErvicES GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR LAND! CALL (417) 860- 4036 hufftlandservices.com DOZER WORK 8/15/22 livEStock - cattlE BULLS FOR RENT Farm Raised: AngusGelbvieh - Charolais & Others - No Sundays Please! Call Chris, Chad, or Steve Glenn Walnut Grove, MO 417-838-8690 • 417-844-9416 11/7/22 Limousin Bulls, Open & Bred Heifers, Blacks & Reds Will 417-350-9810 417-214-4567 Double J Ranch 4/3/23 TradeFreshDesignWebsiteForBeef If You’re Looking For A Website For Your Farm, Here’s Your Chance. I’m Looking To Do Some Trading For Fresh Beef. Turn-KeyIncludes:Package • Full Website Design • 1 Year of Hosting • 1 Year of Domain Name Registration 417-322-4711 macHinEry 8/15/22 SALESRUSCHAMACHINERYL.L.C. Verona,417-498-6571Mo.•16251Lawrence2220 3 mi. west of Aurora, MO 65769 between Bus. 60 & U.S. 60 Haybuster, Krone trailEr rEpair ✔ Trailer Repair (Farm) ✔ Wiring ✔ Mig, Tig, Aluminum & Steel Welding ✔ Supplies Available R&A Farm LLC Lebanon, MO 417-664-5954 9/26/22 www.christiancountyvet.com417-743-22878748StateHwy14West,Clever,MO 1/9/23 Darren Loula, DVM Sarah Ryan, DVM Hunter Wallace, DVM Katie Loula, DVM Cherie Gregory, DVM Julie Clonts, DVM Christian Service,VeterinaryCountyLLC Large & Small Animal Vet Clinic vEtS Cross Timbers, Mo. • www.crawfordauctionservice.com417-998-6629Sam417-328-9137Chase417-399-1904Chance417-298-1751MARYPETERSENJOSEPHINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION Buffalo, Mo. AugustSaturday,20th9:30a.m. Real Estate Sells at Noon Tools & Household Items HICKORY COUNTY REALAUCTIONESTATE Hermitage, Mo. Wednesday,August24th10:00a.m. 65 +/- Acres Unimproved Hunting, Recreation Land LABOR CONSIGNMENTMACHINERYDAYAUCTION Warsaw, Mo. SeptemberMonday,5th9:00a.m. FEEDER CALF SALE Every Tuesday 10 a.m. Slaughter cows to follow BRED COWS/PAIRS Every Tuesday 6 p.m. 417-835-3000 “Where we work hard, so you can get the most out of your hard work.” Storage Containers & Trailers Ground Level Containers 20’, 40’, 45’ & 48’ Available • Sale or Lease We AreYourValue!Best 1-866-999-0736 • BestValueMobileStorage.com 100 Bales of 4x5.5 Prairie Grass Mixed Hay Average weight 900-1000 lbs Located at Phelps, Mo. $85 per Bale • Delivery Extra 417-693-3720 CHECK ADDITIONALWEBSITEOUROUTFORSTORIES&CONTENTozarksfn.comBOOK YOUR AD TODAY! ads@ozarksfn.com
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8/15/22 ANGUS Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457 brucembradley@hotmail.comDarrah Land & CattleMountain Grove, MO417-926-9300 www.DarrahLandCattle.comDouble H Ranch - Ava, MO816-896-4600 Mead Farms - Barnett, MO573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855 Pitts Angus Farms - Hermitage, MO417-399-3131 www.pittsangusfarms.com-
CHAROLAIS Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457 brucembradley@hotmail.comMead Farms - Barnett, MO573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855 GELBVIEH Hilltop Farms - Asbury, MO417-842-3225 - 417-529-0081 - 417-529-7556 Rumfelt Farms - Phillipsburg, MO - 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.com-
LIMOUSIN Glendenning J Bar J RanchLebanon, MO - 417-588-6121 - 417-664-0913 - 417-664-1186 - jack@jbarjlimousin.comwww.jbarjlimousin.com
BALANCERS B/F Cattle Company - Butler, MO660-492-2808 Hilltop Farms - Asbury, MO417-842-3225 - 417-529-0081 - 417-529-7556 Rumfelt Farms - Phillipsburg, MO - 417-664-6936 brumfelt7556@gmail.comBRANGUS Horsehead Ranch - Talala, Okla. - 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net-
HEREFORDS Jim D. Bellis - Aurora, MO417-678-5467 - 417-466-8679 Journagan Ranch - Mtn. Grove, MO - 417-838-1482 Mead Farms - Barnett, MO573-216-0210 - 573-280-6855
Pinegar Limousin - Springfield, MO - 1-877-PINEGAR RED ANGUS Bradley Cattle - Marshfield, MO417-848-3457 brucembradley@hotmail.comDunseth Farm - Halfway, MO417-445-2256 Watkins Cattle CompanyHarrison, AR - 870-741-9795 – 870-688-1232 watkinscattleco@windstream.net–SALERS Dunseth Farm - Halfway, MO417-445-2256 HorseheadULTRABLACKRanch - Talala, Okla. - 918-695-2357 www.HorseheadRanch.net-
Minor Limousin - Strafford, MO 417-576-6364 - 443-605-6127 - www.minorlimousin.com
AUGUST 15, 2022 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 35 Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Dade County Serving Farm Families Since 1892 Call Today 417-232-4593 810 Main St., Lockwood, MO 65682 • Email: sherri@dadecountyinsurance.com If you are thinking about having an auction, just give me a call and I will be happy to meet with you. Glen Auctioneer/RealtorYutzy 417-767-4345 www.glenworth.com WE SPECIALIZE IN A LL TYPES OF A UCTIONS: Farm • Construction • Estate • Antique • Real Estate • Commercial • LiquidationsBusiness 8/15/22 GLENWORTHAUCTION&REALTY Graber Metal Sales Roofing • Siding •Trim • Insulation Overhead Doors • Windows, Etc,… Serving the Metal Building Industry 8327 Lawrence County Ave. LaRussell, MO 64848 417-246-5335 800-246-5335 BARTON COUNTY IMPLEMENT New & Used FARM tires, wheels & hubs 100 plus used tires 200 plus wheels 606 West 12th • Lamar, MO Jack Purinton 417-682-1903 Selling FirestoneNewTires Please submit a current resume and writing samples to julie@ozarksfn.com For questions, call 1-866-532-1960 Love agriculture and rural life, and have a knack for writing? Then you might enjoy being a contributor to Ozarks Farm & Neighbor! OFN is seeking FREELANCE FEATURE WRITERS Experience in agriculture preferred, but not required. Some photography skills needed. Freelancers should have excellent organizational and time management skills, the ability to produce news stories following AP style and a strong initiative. Must be able to meet deadlines and follow through with projects. Freelancers are required to travel to farms to conduct interviews and take pictures.
It’s worth it. We realize feed is a significant investment. We also know the right feed can make a significant difference on your farm. At MFA, you’ll find feeds that fit every type of cattle operation. Each of our signature brands—Cattle Charge, Full Throttle, Cadence, and Ricochet Mineral— has its place and purpose, but they are all formulated to bring your herd nutritional value, overall feed efficiency and solid gains. MFA’s branded feeds are also available with Shield Technology to boost immunity and health without the use of antibiotics. The benefits of Shield are research-tested and farmer-approved. Let MFA help you find the feed that’s right for your cattle. You have nothing to lose. Your herd has everything to gain. We have a feed that works on your farm.
AUGUST 15, 2022Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com36
Ash Grove - 417-751-2433 MFA Agri Services Aurora - 417-678-3244 Coop Assn. #86 Bolivar - 417-326-5231
MFA Agri Services Fair Grove - 417-759-2525 MFA Farm & Home Golden City - 417-537-4711
MFA Agri Services Lamar - 417-682-5300 MFA Agri Services Lebanon - 417-532-3174
MFA Farmers Produce EX #139 Lockwood - 417-232-4516 MFA Agri Services Lowry City - 417-644-2218 MFA Agri Services Marshfield - 417-468-2115 MFA Agri Services Mt. Vernon - 417-466-3752 MFA Agri Services Ozark - 417-581-3523 MFA Agri Services Stockton - 417-276-5111 MFA Farmers Exchange Urbana - 417-993-4622
MFA Agri Services Buffalo - 417-345-2121 MFA Farm & Home Cassville - 417-847-3115
MFA Farm & Home Weaubleau - 417-428-3336 MFA Agri Services MFA FEEDS
Contact your MFA Agri Services for additional information, or call 573-876-5244. www.mfa-inc.com
