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The Meteorologist Rancher AUGUST 8, 2016 • 32 PAGES

VOLUME 10, NUMBER 9 • WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

Travis Meyer continues his family’s tradition in the cattle industry

AUGUST 8, 2016

Realizing a Dream Gary Davis started in the livestock market industry for more than a decade

Preserving, Promoting a Legacy

Livesto ck Mar & Farm k Financets e Issue

‘We Know We Can Grow Corn’ Family farm expands with the purchase of farm supply business

The Cherokee Heritage Center has been sharing the past for more than 50 years

Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

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rumor mill

Arkansas team wins grassland evaluation contest: The Cleburne County 4-H from Arkansas recently won first place in the Mid-America Grassland Evaluation Contest in Springfield, Mo. The team earned a total of 1,075 points out of 1,200 possible. Team member Stephen Wilson was the 4-H high-point individual and tied for overall high individual against FFA competitors. Other Cleburne County team members rounded out the top four in the competition. Rachel Wilson was second, followed

by Luke Wilson in third and Kathryn Bechdoldt in fourth. Other teams from the Arkansas Ozarks competed in the contest. The Madison County team was fifth-place high point team, and teams from Van Buren and White counties also competed.

Oklahoma school district suspends fundraiser: The Muskogee (Okla.) School district has announced that organizations may not sell bulk sausage for fundraising because the company that supplies the sausage, Blue & Gold Sausage Co., has lent its support to the “Right to Farm” ballot initiative (State Question 777) on its packaging. Blue & Gold Sausage sells products exclusively to schools, youth groups and other nonprofit organizations. The Jones, Okla., company has since announced that it would no longer package its products with the label.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

AUGUST 8, 2016 | VOL. 10, NO. 9

JUST A THOUGHT

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Searcy, Ark., man reappointed to board: Joey Lowery of Searcy, Ark., was recently reappointed

by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Catfish Promotion Board. His term expires on June 30, 2018.

Teen wins Soybean Science Challenge: Landon Medlock, 14, recently won the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge Award at the 2016 Northwest Arkansas Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The Alma, Ark., high school student won a cash award of $300. His science project tested the strength of Eddy currents in various materials such as a PVC, copper, aluminum and stainless steel tubes. Medlock believes his experiment can be adapted to test the effect of different types of magnetism on plant growth, specifically soybeans.

OzarksFarm

2

@OzarksFarm

Know a Good Rumor? Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

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Jerry Crownover – The end to a promising career

4 5

Jody Harris – A hard goodbye Julie Turner-Crawford – The heart of a farmer

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

7 Gary Davis is realizing his dream of owning a livestock market

8 10

Tripp Farms expands its operation

11

Eye on Agribusiness features The Trailer Store

12 20

Town & Country spotlights Mark Hanshaw

22

Tommy Lowe started his own cattle operation when he was just 20

Center gives the public a look at the life of the Cherokee tribe

Travis Meyer knows a little more than just the weather

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24 Youth in Agriculture features Trey Noblin FARM FINANCE 13 Keeping on top of records 14 Tips to know about scorecard lending 15 Understanding FCS 18 How much is your operation worth?

FARM HELP 25 Dr. Tim O’Neill talks small ruminants 26 An energy audit can save you money on the farm

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27

28 29

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Considerations landowners should take prior to renting their land How many bulls do you need?

Financial help available for new, beginning farmers AUGUST 8, 2016

just a

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By Jerry Crownover

M

’ Mac s Keeping Your Herd

any of you will remember that vonworC ygave rreJ yB my wife, forreChristmas, me one of those new-fangled drones to use around the farm Jerry Crownover farms and make my life easier. in Lawrence County. He I admit that the flying camera was fun to use, is a former professor of and it did come in handy for a variety of uses. For Agriculture Education at instance, I was able to fly over a heavily woodMissouri State University, ed area and locate a missing cow and her new and is an author and baby... while inciting a stampede of the rest of the professional speaker. herd to the other end of the farm. I also used the To contact Jerry, go to drone to find a hole in the fence of a remote area, ozarksfn.com and click while causing the cattle to create another hole on ‘Contact Us.’ somewhere else. On another occasion, I used the drone to check for damage along the creek while it was flooded... and spooked a few of the cows into said creek. But, it was fun.

A couple of weeks ago, one of my neighbors stopped by to see if I and my drone could come over and try to locate something his son had lost. He calculated that the lost item was in the top of a tree in some heavy woods east of his house. I told him I would be happy to help him and retrieved my drone from its storage place. But, when I tried to start it, the display screen informed me that I needed to download the latest firmware and install it before the drone would fly. My anxious neighbor wanted to know how long it would take to be airworthy.

“Well, someone that is good with computers could probably do this in about 30 minutes,” I replied. “You better come back next week.”

Sure enough, it took me a few evenings on the Internet to successfully download the updates and install them into the miniature flying computer, but I was sure everything was, in NASA language, a GO. The afternoon before the neighbor wanted me to show up to find his lost merchandise, — Continued on Page 6

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Administrative Eric Tietze, Vice-President Operations Kathy Myers, Marketing Manager Sandra Coffman, Accounting Advertising Pete Boaz, Display & Classified Sales Kathy Myers, Production Sales Circulation Stan Coffman, Circulation Editorial Julie Turner-Crawford, Managing Editor Jerry Crownover, Columnist Jody Harris, Columnist Production Amanda Newell, Production Contributors Larry Burchfield, Norm Clayborn, Katrina Hine, Klaire Howerton, David Janish, Paul Koenig, Pam and Terry Lamb, Bob Moreland, Dr. Tom O’Neill, Terry Ropp and Adam Wolfe

About the Cover Travis Meyer has spent more than 30 years forecasting weather in Oklahoma. He also has a cattle operation near Jenks, Okla. See more on page 20.

Photo by Pam and Terry Lamb 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., 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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just a thought

Freshly Picked

By Jody Harris

H

ard work is a dirty phrase to many in our generation, even dirtier for the next.

Working was never optional in our families. Our parents and grandparJody Harris is a freelance ents are/were hardworking people. They passed communications specialist, their heritage onto us. My mom would repeatedly gardener, ranch wife and say to us, “A job worth doing, is worth doing well.” mother of four. She and Frankly, it drove me NUTS when she said it. her family raise Angus beef Little did I realize, she was repeating something cattle and other critters on her dad had said to her growing up. As a mother their northwest Arkansas of four, I appreciate the diligence she and Dad ranch. She is a graduate showed as they trained us up to be productive. I of Missouri State University. find myself saying the same thing to my own kids.

To contact Jody, go to Our family’s toil started with my Grandpa Earl ozarksfn.com and click on Loutsch. His German parents settled on a farm in ‘Contact Us.’ northwest Iowa over 100 years ago. My grandfather was born in the farm house that still stands today. As a young boy, he lost his father. He helped his mother continue to farm – living and thriving. He later married and purchased the farm from his mother.

Over the next several decades, nine more children were raised. Even after his “retirement” he spent many days at the farm during planting and harvest. He told me (with a wink) recently he’d moved into more of a management position. His company vehicle was a little old farm truck he drove. His free advice and sense of humor are going to be dearly missed.

We buried my grandfather last month. Saying goodbye to him has been difficult for all of us.

Our family is grateful for times we have had to listen to him tell stories about the farm, raising livestock and children. He worked hard, but loved to play cards, visiting with neighbors and teasing all of us grandkids. He enjoyed hearing stories about the grandkids playing ball or showing horses. He was a great listener, the definition of what it means to be a family man.

Not all of my cousins ended up on a farm. Most don’t even live in the country. We all share a love for our grandfather and his life’s labor. I am thankful to be able to look at the next generation and see his love and care of the soil, tractors, horses, pigs and an intense game of cards.

No family can tear through a bushel of sweet corn like ours can. No one could raise it like my Grandpa could.

Some of my most cherished memories of him remain on the northwest Iowa Century farm. A first ride on a John Deere tractor. A first horse ride. A first litter of pigs being born (much to his dismay). Baptisms, birthdays, holidays, graduations and weddings celebrated with his legacy of hard work in the backdrop.

He wasn’t into fancy cars or clothes. He always donned a mesh cap when he was out and about – usually a freebie from a local feed store or bank.

As we rejoiced for his eternal life in heaven, we read Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a right time for everything: A time to be born, a time to die; A time to plant; A time to harvest.”

Grandpa had 90 years of time to plant seeds of wisdom that have flowed down through the generations. This farmer’s life was a job well done. I plan to enjoy everything I’ve been given just a little more and make the most of my time.

How and with whom will you spend your time, neighbor?

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

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ouldn’t it be nice if everyone had the heart of a farmer?”

That phrase was posted recently on a social media page I Julie Turner-Crawford follow, and I started wondering is a native of Dallas how our world might be different if everyone did County, Mo., where she have the heart of a farmer. grew up on her family’s Here are some of the things I think would be farm. She is a graduate different: of Missouri State If everyone had the heart of a farmer, there would University. To contact much more compassion. Farmers are among the Julie, call 1-866-532-1960 most compassionate people in the world and you or by email at editor@ can see that compassion in how they care for ozarksfn.com. their animals. If an animal is sick or hurt, the majority of farmers do everything they can to treat the animal in hopes of a full recovery. On that same note, farmers don’t like to see animals in pain and opt for a humane end to the suffering if recovery isn’t possible.

If everyone had the heart of a farmer, there would be less hunger. Why? Because everyone would have the desire to get their hands a little dirty and work the soil in hopes to see something grow. We would see more people learning how to provide for themselves and helping out those in need with excess produce, eggs and other items, which goes back to having compassion.

If everyone had the heart of a farmer, we’d see more young people working to achieve goals. Young people would know that things in life aren’t guaranteed and that they need to depend on themselves and their own abilities more than others.

— Continued on Next Page

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Know a Good Recipe? Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers. Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

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just a thought Across the Fence Continued from Previous Page If everyone had the heart of a farmer, everyone would know his or her neighbors.

They would know when a neighbor needed a hand fixing fence after a storm, rounding up stray cattle, helping them work on a piece of broken machinery, or simply a kind word. Why would they do that? Because they know their neighbor would do the same for them.

If everyone had the heart of a farmer, we would be a much healthier society. A little hard work never hurt anyone, but there are generations of people who have never done any physical labor, other than maybe mowing their yards, so a day of farm labor might be the most exercise they have ever gotten.

If everyone had the heart of a farmer, there would be a lot less road rage. Why? Because you would probably know the driver who is going way too slow or the guy who didn’t use his signal when he turned. After all, you know that “Jim” drives at a snail’s pace because he isn’t in a big hurry to get anywhere, and that “Bob” has cattle down that road and he goes to check them every day, so you knew there was a pretty good chance that he was going to turn.

If everyone had the heart of a farmer, farmers would be celebrated for their contributions. There would be no anti-agriculture movement, no organizations calling for farm animals to be “liberated” from their “barbaric confinement,” because everyone would understand how farms really work, and the contribution farmers make to the world with goods, services and jobs.

Farmers would be allowed to be farmers.

Agriculture is a difficult industry to be in these days, leaving some farmers wondering if it is worth the price to stay on the farm. Fortunately, some of those questioning their way of life have held fast and remained, holding on to hope that things will be better. Some people may say that takes a lot of spunk, confidence or optimism to be a farmer, but I think it shows a lot of heart – the heart of a farmer.

Life Is Simple Continued from Page 3

6

Judy reminded me, “You better take the drone for a practice flight just to make sure it flies correctly before the neighbor shows up and you’re embarrassed again.”

I knew she was right, but I had just put in a harder-than-usual day of work and was ready to take a shower, eat supper, and assume a reclined position.

“Okay,” I dejectedly answered, “I’ll get it.”

Since Judy was sitting on the patio, beside the pool, I took a seat beside her to operate the controls of the aircraft. I placed the drone in the grass, a few feet from the both of us and once the drone had warmed up and alerted me that it was safe to fly, I proceeded to lift off and fly toward the eastern end of our home farm... scaring the cattle once again as I flew over them. Everything about the Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

small helicopter worked to perfection and I was now completely satisfied that the updates were successful.

As I returned the drone toward home, I made the pilot’s decision to land it right beside my comfortable patio chair, so I wouldn’t have to retrieve it from the lawn after landing. I landed it perfectly beside my chair just like I knew I could, but when I went to perform the procedure to turn off the propellers, the drone tipped onto its side and accelerated... straight into the deep end of our swimming pool.

In shock, I watched it slowly drift to the bottom, while my fully-clothed wife jumped into the water to retrieve it.

Drones are not water resistant. My career as a pilot lasted almost seven months.

AUGUST 8, 2016

meet your

neighbors

Preserving a Legacy

By Katrina Hine

Gary Davis continues the tradition established by Carl Greenhaw On the edge of the Ozarks, the rolling hills begin to stretch out into lush green pastures, rightly known as “Oklahoma’s Green Country.” For area cattlemen, the Tahlequah Stockyards, has been a mainstay for upwards of 60 years.

Gary Davis has owned the Tahlequah Stockyards business for the last 11 years, the first five years with former business partner Bob Barnes.

His dream to run a livestock sale can be traced back to childhood days when he and his siblings would play sale barn in the

man; kind, true to his word, a hard worker, a successful rancher and businessman.

“We need more of those kind of men,” Gary reflected. “A handshake was his seal and like gold. Everyone looked up to Carl.

When they called me to be a pallbearer for Carl’s funeral, that meant the world to me.”

His real dream was realized when the opportunity to buy the sales portion of the business through Bob’s discussions with the Greenhaw family.

“When I got the opportunity to take this barn over, it was a dream come true for me,” Gary said.

Gary Davis, owner of the Tahlequah Stockyards, is also a cattleman himself, raising mostly Brahman.

Photo by Katrina Hine

Gary and his wife, Renda, have two old family hay barn, just a half mile down the road from the facility he now leases. sons, Rhett, the oldest, and Reese, who The livestock auction was run for decades just began classes at Oklahoma State

by Carl Greenhaw and family until Carl University and hopes to be a veterinarian.

Reese also assists with the livestock sale and his wife, Olivia, passed away.

“I can probably count on both hands on Saturdays and helps with the family the number of times I have missed a sale cattle operation.

Rhett works at at this barn while Greenleaf Nursgrowing up,” Gary Tahlequah, Okla. ery and does plant recalled. propagation for He still gets misty each upcoming eyed recalling the season. Rhett and man who he describes as his hero. his wife, Andrea, To him, Carl Greenhaw epitohave a 2-year-old mized the character of a true cattleAUGUST 8, 2016

son, Rhylee.

“I asked Rhylee if he wanted a couple Holstein calves a couple weeks ago and he said, ‘No!’ but I dropped them off at their place and he’s having a ball with them now,” Gary said with a smile.

Gary said the main issue for the livestock industry is fewer younger people. He notes his customers are mostly in their 50s; even his steadiest employees are middle age.

“Cattle ranchers are almost a dying breed,” he said.

The average producer has about 20 head of cows and Gary guesses that most have an outside job because agriculture often is not enough to support a family these days.

Their busiest time is in the fall when the spring calves start coming off. They also sell a few goats and horses during their Saturday sales. From time to time, they will offer a special sale as the need arises.

He advertises his sales in the local papers and has ventured into the world of the Internet with the help of his auctioneer, Joe Hopping, who is the techsavvy one at the barn. The café located in the sale barn, is open on Fridays and Saturdays, and is still the meeting place for some of the old-timers.

“These benches out here will be full of people every Saturday,” Gary said. “But Bob and I were talking the other day and we realized that we are those old-timers we talk about.”

Despite the decrease of family-owned ranches, interest from the younger generation and the roller coaster livestock market, Gary holds out hope that the Tahlequah Stockyards will continue the legacy he envisioned so many years ago as he ran his pretend livestock auction in the family hay barn.

He sees a promising future as he passes on his love and admiration for the cattle industry to his sons and grandson with the same values he strives to model from his hero, Carl Greenhaw.

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meet your neighbors Photos by Larry Burchfield

‘We Know We Can Grow Corn’

By Larry Burchfield

Family continues to grow at Tripp Farms

Billy W. Tripp won the 2015 Arkansas State Yield Contest by producing 343 bushels of corn per acre.

insurance. The drought of 2012 and the collapse of the cattle market gave the Tripps cause to exit the cattle market.

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At the time, the Tripps farmed a vaness venture presented itself to riety of row crops, raised cattle and opTripp Farms of Griffithville, Ark. The owners of Searcy Farm Supply in erated a large agriculture flying service.

Searcy, Ark., were considering getting Searcy Farm Supply provided another out of the business and the partners of piece of the puzzle to become a full-serTripp Farms LLC, jumped at the oppor- vice integrated farm supplier.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

meet your neighbors a premium over the cash market. With the markets like they are now, we need every penny we can get.”

Although the farm operation has changed over the last few years, the Tripps have continued to purchase neighboring acreage, while letting go of rented land. The entire farm operation lies in one contiguous block, which lends itself to more efficient farming, especially water management.

The addition of a 100,000-bushel grain bin in the summer of 2015 gives the farm a total storage capacity of 220,000 bushels, which is a big advantage in marketing and storing crops at harvest. The continued expansion of Tripp Farms is two-fold: economies of scale for more efficient productions, and expansion to make room for the Tripps’

tomers,” according to store manager Kim Tripp. “We are involved in farm decisions every day and while each farm is different, we compare notes with our customers to see what works and what doesn’t.”

When it comes to corn, the Tripps must be doing something right. After placing second in 2014, Billy W. Tripp won the Arkansas State yield contest with per acre yield of 343 bushels with Dekalb DKC67-72 variety.

“I knew we had some good corn last year,” Billy said. “It has been tough the last couple springs trying to get planted with the cool wet weather. But we hit some good growing weather later on and the corn really came on.”

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house and fertilizer personnel, each employee understands the business and the priority to take care of the customer.

“Our people know most of our customers by name,” Kim said.” They greet them by name when they enter the store and wish them a great day on the way out.

Customer service is a natural for our people and it shows. They do a great job for us.”

The Tripps are also avid hunters, which is evident by the trophy mounts found on the walls of their business. Being hunters themselves, they cater to other hunters with items such as deer corn, food plot supplies and feeders.

Billy W. and Kim have a 585-acre tract of land that is reserved exclusively for the conservation and food plot management of whitetail deer and other game.

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14-year old son Tate, who will continue the Tripp Farms legacy.

Every acre is irrigated with either flood irrigation or center pivots. The farm also has an extensive tail-water recovery system to allow the farm to catch water from irrigation or rainfall and store it in several reservoirs for recycling. Even with 10-plus inches of rain over last winter, Tripp Farms was able to capture most of that water, pump up their reservoirs, and are now using that water to irrigate their crops. As mentioned by Billy W., corn requires a lot of fertilizer. The natural fertilizer is provided by dozens of new broiler houses, which have been built in the Griffithville, Okla., area in the last couple of years. They also use commercial fertilizer.

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ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home Photos Submitted by The Cherokee Heritage Center

Preserving, Promoting a Legacy

By Pam and Terry Lamb

The Cherokee Heritage Center has been sharing the past for more than 50 years The Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Okla., is the premier cultural Center for Cherokee tribal history, culture and art. Established in 1963 by the Board of Trustees of the Cherokee National Historical Society in order to preserve and promote Cherokee culture, the center is located on the grounds of the Cherokee Female Seminary, one of the first institutions of higher learning for women west of the Mississippi. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated by the National Park Service as the interpretive site for the western terminus of the Trail Of Tears for the Cherokees and other tribes forcibly removed to Oklahoma during the 1800s.

CHC provides educational programs, reconstructed historic villages, exhibits and research in the legacy of the Cherokee people.

“The Cherokee Heritage Center holds such a special place in the hearts of all who visit, and we work hard to ensure we are providing an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for our guests,” said Candessa Tehee, executive director for CHC. “Our goal is to help visitors better understand

10

the rich history of the Cherokee people with the hope they may form a connection and feel empowered to share our story.”

The center is the repository for the Cherokee National Archives, the Nation’s foremost collection of historic tribal related documents and artifacts, cataloging the history of the Cherokee people from the 1700s through present day.

The center’s 1710 Cherokee Village, Diligwa, provides guests with authentic Cherokee life and history during the 1700s. Diligwa is a name derivative of Tellico, a village in the east that was once the principal Cherokee town and is now underwater. Tellico was the Cherokee Nation capital and center of commerce.

It was often referred to as the “wild rice place” and became synonymous with a native grain that grew in the flat open spaces of east Tennessee. Many believe when the Cherokees first arrived in Indian Territory, the native grasses that grew in the open spaces around the foothills of the Ozarks reminded them of the grassy open areas of Tellico. They called their new home Di li gwa, Tah-le-quah or Teh-li-co, “the open place where the grass grows.”

Diligwa features 19 wattle and daub structures, seven interpretive stations and a detailed historic landscape set on four acres of land adjacent to the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors witness daily life as they are guided through the interpretive stations, where crafts are demonstrated, stories are told, and Cherokee life ways are explained. The village includes eight residential sites, each with a Cherokee summer house and winter house, a corn crib, a “kitchen garden” and additional landscaping. Two recreation areas, featuring a marble and stickball field, showcase Cherokee games that are still played today.

The center’s Trail of Tears Exhibit, developed in conjunction with the National Parks Service, explores the forced removal of Native American tribes from their indigenous territory to the “Indian Territory” in present day Oklahoma. The exhibit is staged in six galleries. Each gallery, through documentation and artifacts, concentrates on specific aspects of Cherokee history and culture. The Pre-Removal gallery displays Cherokee life before the Trail of Tears. The Court Battles display focuses on the events and legal issues leading up to the forced re-

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

moval. Prisoners With No Crime shows Native Americans imprisoned in stockades before being forced on the Trail of Tears. Many Tribes, Many Trails illustrates the different paths taken by Native American tribes on their forced removal. Removal shows the events and geographical route along the Trail of Tears. Starting Over focuses on the rebuilding of Cherokee Nation from scratch in Oklahoma and focuses on Cherokee Nation’s ability to adapt, thrive and excel.

Adams Corner Rural Village is a selfguided tour of buildings representing Cherokee life in the 1890s. The Adams Corner General Store offers old-fashioned products and shows how important the full-service merchandise operation was to people far from railroads and cities. A traditional log cabin, the storekeeper’s house and the weaver’s cottage show visitors examples of residences. Additionally, there is the oneroom Swimmer School House, the New Hope Church and a smokehouse. Visitors can also see a garden, a well and a water pump. Adjacent to the village is Nofire Farms, with livestock from the era including a horse descended from Old Tassel’s herd that came over on the Trail of Tears.

AUGUST 8, 2016

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KUBOTA SALES EVENT

The Trailer Store

By Terry Ropp

Owners: Big Tex Trailer World Location: Atkins, Ark. Business: The Trailer Store Store Manager: Brandon Oakley (pictured)

The deals are in overdrive on all new Kubota M5 Series deluxe utility tractors!

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History: Chris and Penny Oakley, no relation to store manager Brandon Oak-

ley, began the business in 1991 with an 800 square-foot retail sales office and two service bays facility on seven acres. In 2001 they added a retail show room, one more service bay and a wash bay.

“One repercussion of the downturn of the economy in 2008 was many trailer companies and manufacturers going out of business partially because many of recreational lenders quit loaning money on big horse trailers for two years,” Brandon said. “We, however, survived.

Then, in August 2013 the Oakley’s sold the business to Big Tex Trailer World Inc., and became one of more than 50 retail locations nationwide.”

Products and Services: They sell a large variety of trailers from some of

the top leading manufacturers along with parts and accessories. Big Tex Trailers offers utility trailers, from small four wheelers trailers to heavy equipment trailers for hauling dozers. “We are what most people would call a one stop shop when it comes to service completing small jobs such as rewiring a plug up to building living quarters in a horse trailer.,” Brandon said. “We service trailer brakes and bearings and can do welding repair on aluminum and steel. We make every effort to meet emergency needs when someone pulls in. Our three mechanics have an extensive background with a total of 50 years experience in mechanical repair with two being ASE certified.”

Philosophy and future: “My personal motto is from Henry Ford who said, ‘Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.’ You only get one chance at a first impression and my grandfather who sold retail hardware said it was important to always make the customers feel they are right even if they’re not. The trailer business is a relationship business and we pride ourselves on standing behind what we do, and the products we sell. We hope to see our customers again for parts, service or another trailer. We also try to keep our finger on the pulse of the economy and consumer trends so we always have what people want when they want and plan to continue to do so for many years.”

AUGUST 8, 2016

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is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer 479-646-7369 918-647-8000 charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest

ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, 90503;forsubject to months credit approval.

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Example: 60-month monthly installment repayment term more information. inventory Optional equipment may be shown. © AKubota Tractor Corporation, 2016. at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 9/30/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016.

Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

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Cattle Sales ~ Every Wednesday

Mark Hanshaw

Sheep and Goat Sales ~ Third Friday of Each Month

By Terry Ropp

Family: Wife, Lora Hanshaw; and daughter Lexi Baker, who will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall.

Town Life: “I have worked for Wood Motor Company in Harrison, Ark., for 35 years. I rarely work with a customer who comes in the door anymore, but rather with repeat customers who have bought as many as 20 vehicles over time, sometimes down to the fourth generation and sometimes all to the same person.

“Technology has really changed the business, and I sometimes sell to people I’ve never even met, which is good for the company while still allowing me to provide really good customer service and tailoring vehicles to their preferences. Another part of my job is attending a wide variety of activities and helping with dealer sponsorship of charitable organizations.”

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12

Country Life: “We live on 230 acres we own and lease north of Harrison and outside of Alpena, Ark. We have a medium-sized purebred Angus herd. Laura’s family had Black Angus for 40 years and in 2007 we bought half of her mom’s herd, which had been a closed herd for 40 years. We sell bulls by private treaty and are working towards a herd of mommas from 3 to 10 years old. The country side of our life would not function without Lora because she does the paperwork and helps with the cows while maintaining her job, which requires a lot of travel. She is really good at tagging calves. I am also highly involved with the Roundup Club, a nonprofit organization. I am the Harrison Roundup Club Rodeo Chairman with the Harrison rodeo being PRCA sanctioned. The club also sponsors play days once a month and trail rides though the rodeo is the source of the organization’s revenue.”

Together and future: “I am really fortunate because I have a very flexible work schedule. My job keeps me in touch with people in the cattle business, which helps the country part of my life, and the country part of my life brings in customers for vehicles and trailers. Another advantage is because I’m so involved with our customer base, I am learning about their operations and learning new things I can use with mine. At this point we raise some of our hay and buy some, but I am considering moving toward only purchasing hay because of time constraints which in turn will be cost-effective for me after you consider time and money spent fertilizing, spraying and paying someone to harvest.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

FARM FINANCE Keeping on Top of Records

By Adam Wolfe

A summary of income, expenses will help evaluate growth If your farm is more than just a hobby, you’ve probably been educated on the importance of record keeping. To prepare your income tax return, your tax professional will need a summary of income and expense; to evaluate the growth of your operation over a period of years, you will need accurate financial reports; and to plan for the transition of your farm to the next generation, you need reliable information to show your heirs what’s at stake.

For some of you, this may mean your receipts and invoices go in a shoebox all year, which you deliver to the accountant’s office, and voila! Those records are transformed into a tax return. For others, you may have an important member of the farm operation learn accounting, or you may hire a bookkeeper or a CPA to keep your books.

All the methods above represent different forms of something called an accounting system, which is an undeniable requirement of a successful operation. And while the size and capacity of your operation certainly factor into what kind of accounting system you need, certain elements can produce much more valuable and reliable information, while others can remove a great tool from an owner’s tool-belt (I’m talking to you, Mr. and Mrs. Shoebox). Let’s discuss some of the key elements in an effective accounting system.

First, timeliness. Even if you have perfect financial data, it’s useless if it isn’t up-to-date. Knowing how healthy your body was a year ago really doesn’t help you diagnose how you’re doing today.

Second, accuracy. Timely financial information can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial surprises, but if the information you’re relying on is wrong, do you think it will help you make the right decisions?

Third, accessibility. Accurate and timely information allows you to use your financial data to the greatest degree, but if that data resides in an acAUGUST 8, 2016

countant’s office or on a desktop computer somewhere out of reach, you can’t get your hands on the information when you need it. Cloud-based accounting systems offer affordable access to financial data, 24 hours a day.

Fourth, priorities. The right accounting system for your operation will deliver the right information to the right person, and it will allow each person involved to fill the right role.

Fifth, relevance. If your accounting system feeds you mounds of information that you can’t use, or don’t know what to do with – it’s not the right system. You need the right information, and you need to become an educated user of that information.

Sixth, cost-effectiveness. The size and cost of your farm equipment is reflective of what’s appropriate for your farm operation, and your accounting system should be, as well.

Finally, repeatability. It’s simply not enough to check all the boxes on this list two months in a row, and then fall short for the next three. Timely, accurate financial information that is accessible when you need it and reflective of the priorities you’ve identified for your operation – that’s what you must have from an accounting system, every single day. The system must also provide information that is relevant to the decisions you face and the opportunities available to you, and it must provide value that exceeds its cost.

An over-arching goal of most farms and businesses is to find the “sweet spot” where there’s great peace between workload and profits. Not every operation finds it, but among those that do, a common characteristic is a well-designed and smooth-running accounting system. Apply these principles to the design of yours, and maybe you’ll find your sweet spot, too.

Adam Wolfe, CPA is the Partner & Tax Director of Bobby Medlin, CPA and works in the firm’s Lake Ozark branch. Adam has worked at the firm’s Lake Ozark branch since 2010.

Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

13

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Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed.

0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 7/31/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www. kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.

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0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 7/31/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.

14

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© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016

Knowing the Score

By Norm Clayborn

Everything you need to know about scorecard lending Many lending organizations are moving to a score-based system of approving or declining certain loan requests. The scorecard process awards points for certain aspects of the loan application and deducts points for others; combining to form a score that will be compared against the standards set by the lending institution to form a decision.

The scorecard system has numerous advantages and minimal disadvantages.

For some, scoring loans may be compared to running cattle through a chute. While that may first seem like a bad thing, let’s consider it. When you’re working cattle and roping, tying, and handling each head individually you have increased input costs, possible operator error and, most importantly, more time involved. Instead, say you gather the cattle, put them in the corral and establish a process of working your stock that fits your operation and allows you to cut down on costs, as well as the time spent on each animal. All the while still devoting time to each one and simultaneously making your operation more efficient. This is the exact thought process that is leading many lenders to a score-based system for certain loan types and dollar amounts.

While each organization can modify or create a scoring system that suits their needs, most are similar. Basically, the idea is to consider and weigh the variables that define the amount of risk the lender faces with that particular loan request. The factors scored continually evolve to better suit the always-changing lending environment.

Some of the potential parameters that can influence a score: • FICO score (various factors relating to credit history) • years involved in operation • previous experience with lender • loan-to-actual-value of collateral ratios • owner’s equity/ current ratio

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Since the scorecard system works to put a value on the risk associated with a loan, FICO scores and credit history are the most common factors used. This might include a point value that decreases as your credit score decreases, because perceived credit risk increases with lower credit scores. Another credit history factor could be the amount of revolving credit that an individual has.

For example, a credit card that is nearly maxed out. A farming operation that has been functioning for years may garner additional points while a start-up will receive fewer, or none. Previous experience with the lender may also lead to the addition or subtraction of points, depending on the experience. All of these things, and more, make up an applicant’s total score.

As with any loan approval process, the best thing a borrower can do is ensure they maintain a strong FICO score and prepare themselves to accurately detail their financial position to the lender. Be prepared to articulate your loan purpose and need, as well as available collateral.

While not every loan is scored, a substantial number of lending institutions are moving toward this system. Scored loans save time and a scoring system allows a lender to gather needed information and provide their prospective customer with an answer much more quickly than alternative systems. Scoring loans also decreases the lender’s costs which should result in fewer fees charged to borrowers.

The scorecard process is a win for both borrowers and lenders and should not be feared. Lending institutions are able to provide more consistent and accurate service and the efficiency of the loan process saves both parties time and money.

Norm Clayborn is a credit analyst with Farm Credit of Western Arkansas AUGUST 8, 2016

farm finance

Understanding FCS

By David Janish

FCS offers financial services to farmers, rural communities FCS Financial, an association of the Farm Credit System, entered its 100th year of financial support to the Ozarks’ rural communities and agriculture; a year that culminated on July 17, exactly 100 years after President Woodrow W. Wilson signed the law authorizing Farm Credit’s original charter.

Perhaps more remarkable than our longevity is the fact that, over the course of a century, the average person may still not fully understand who we are or what we do. People hear “FCS Financial” or “Farm Credit” and they may assume we provide financial services, insurance or have something to do with government. If that’s been our story through our 99th year, we want to do our part to ensure that FCS Financial and Farm Credit begin the second century by telling “the rest of the story.”

The Farm Credit System dates back to the early 1900s, when farmers had difficulty obtaining financing. The U.S. Congress saw a need for steady, reliable, competitively priced credit to preserve what they thought was an important part of the economic sector: rural America.

Congress created a unique charter within the financial services industry with that mission in mind. Since then, Farm Credit has been a consistent and reliable option for rural and agricultural financing.

FCS Financial quite simply provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural communities. We do not accept deposits or offer a vast array of products. Our charter is much narrower and sector specific than traditional lending institutions. This is our unique niche, and we like it. With a staff – most of whom reside right here in the communities we serve – that is highly experienced in lending and in agriculture, we spend our days serving our neighbors. It doesn’t get better than that.

We are not a government agency and are not taxpayer supported; we are a cooperaAUGUST 8, 2016

tive that is privately owned by the people who borrow from us. Our cooperative structure means profits are distributed to our borrowers – that is, the farmers, landowners and agribusinesses who own us.

Some people wonder why credit needs to be designed specifically to serve farming communities. It has a lot to do with providing stability in an industry that faces unique challenges, and one that is so critical to the health, safety and economy of our country.

Agriculture is an increasingly capital-intensive business. The cost of land, equipment, feed, seed and fertilizer has grown astronomically over the last 20 years. The cost of that capital is a critical factor in the farming business model. Furthermore, by its very nature agriculture is unpredictable – any number of world events can spell calamity for a season’s crop production.

Farming is vital to this nation, and yet has so many uncontrollable variables. Our business model ensures there’s an ongoing source of financing available in good times and when times get rough, to keep rural America strong and prosperous.

There’s also reliability. By design, our market footprint is very narrow – we serve agriculture and rural communities, and we do it continuously and conscientiously.

Fortunately for farmers and ranchers in our area, FCS Financial reached its centennial stronger than ever. We have a healthy amount of capital. We are a streamlined and efficient organization.

We are also responding to the needs of the next generation – young, beginning farmers who will be the backbone of tomorrow’s rural communities – while continuing to serve established farmers.

Agriculture touches every life every day. And as the financial engine that keeps American agriculture running, FCS Financial and Farm Credit will continue to be there to help our rural communities keep pace.

David Janish the CEO of FCS Financial.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU TODAY, AND TOMORROW. Farm Credit has been financing rural America for 100 years, and we aren’t going anywhere. We understand agriculture and the rural lifestyle. We’re proud to help you realize your dreams of farming, raising livestock, buying a home in the country or simply purchasing land to build on later. We’re here for you today, and tomorrow.

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15

market sales reports

(Week of 7/24/16 to 7/30/16) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Ash Flat Livestock Barry County Regional Stockyards Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

85.00-108.50 †

90

slaughter

110

130

cows

(Week of 7/24/16 to 7/30/16) Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

54.00-76.00 †

Ash Flat Livestock

50.00-76.00 † 53.00-80.00* 40.00-89.00 †

Barry County Regional Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

66.00-87.00* 63.00-74.00 † 60.00-74.50 † Not Reported* 75.00-97.00* 66.00-86.50 † 30.00-78.00 † Not Reported † 52.00-90.00 † 40.00-82.00* 59.00-83.50 †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest

64.00-84.00 †

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

20

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.

16 16

61.00-80.00 † 59.00-87.50 † 72.00-84.00* 59.00-88.50 †

40

60

80

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy 7/26/16

Ash Flat Livestock

381 4-8 Higher 155.00-190.00 140.00-165.00 136.00-145.00 126.00-137.00 125.00-131.00 145.00-160.00 134.00-152.50 126.00-140.00 120.00-133.00 ----130.00-155.00 128.00-146.00 127.00-138.00 125.00-132.00 -----

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 114.00-118.00; wtd. avg. price 116.58.

Heifers: 116.00-117.50; wtd. avg. price 116.73.

Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 183.00-188.00; wtd. avg. price 186.06.

Heifers: 185.00-187.00; wtd. avg. price 186.09.

dairy cattle

San Angelo: shorn and wooled 100-135 lbs 130.00-138.00; 150-155 lbs 126.00.

VA: wooled 90-110 lbs 174.00; 110-130 lbs 168.00.

PA: shorn and wooled 110-130 lbs 195.00-210.00; 130-150 lbs 182.00-192.00.

Ft.Collins, CO: no test.

South Dakota: shorn and wooled 110-165 lbs 164.00-168.00.

Billings, MT: no test.

Kalona, IA: shorn 100-145 lbs 152.00-158.00; wooled 110-145 lbs 152.00-159.00.

Missouri: no test.

Equity Elec: shorn 145 lbs 167.25.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 1: San Angelo: 40-60 lbs 202.00-220.00; 60-70 lbs 178.00-192.00, few 206.00-210.00; 70-80 lbs 160.00-170.00; 80-90 lbs 145.00158.00; 90-110 lbs 140.00-152.00, few 156.00.

Pennsylvania: 50-60 lbs 215.00; 60-70 lbs 207.00-242.00; 8090 lbs 195.00-220.00; 90-110 lbs 197.00-214.00.

Kalona, IA: 50-60 lbs 170.00-182.50; 60-70 lbs 160.00-177.50; 70-90 lbs 161.00-170.50; 90-110 lbs 152.50-160.00.

Ft. Collins: 74 lbs 200.00; 80-90 lbs 192.00-195.00; 90-105 lbs 180.00-190.00.

Missouri: 55-60 lbs 210.00-212.50; 60-75 lbs 170.00-177.50; 80-90 lbs 145.00-158.00.

Virginia: 30-60 lbs 157.50-181.00; 60-90 lbs 157.50-180.00.

South Dakota: no test.

Billings, MT: no test.

Direct Trading: (lambs fob with 3-4 percent shrink or equivalent) 5000: Slaughter Lambs shorn and wooled 117-203 lbs 141.00175.00 (wtd avg 164.50).

CA: 1000: Feeder Lambs 95-105 lbs 165.00.

Slaughter Ewes: San Angelo: Good 2-3 (fleshy) 53.00-61.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 60.00-72.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 50.00-60.00; Cull and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 44.0055.00; Cull 1 (extremely thin) 20.00-38.00.

Pennsylvania: Good 2-3 (fleshy) 77.00-100.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 50.00-75.00.

Ft. Collins: Good 3-5 (very fleshy) 70.00-77.50; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 80.00-85.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 50.00-55.00; Cull 1 (extremely thin) 37.00-40.00.

Billings, MT: Good 2-3 (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no test; Cull 1 no test.

So Dakota: Good 3-4 (very fleshy) 61.00-68.00; Good 2-3 (fleshy) 51.00-51.00; Utility and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 47.00; Utility 1-2 (thin) 39.00-45.00; Cull 1 31.00.

Missouri: Good 2-3 125.00-140.00.

Virginia: Good 2-4 87.00-111.00; Utility 1-2 87.00.

stocker & feeder

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 7/28/16

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

7/29/16

Barry Co. Regional Stockyards* 7/30/16

632

300

828

Decatur Livestock*

7/27/16

County Line Sale Ratcliff 7/27/16

672

152

185

-----

270

327

St-5 Higher

5-25 Higher

515

1-10 Higher

4-9 Higher

2-4 Higher

St-11 Higher

-----

Higher

1-15 Higher

St-7 Higher

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

150.00-163.00 149.00-171.00 140.00-154.00 139.00-145.00 127.00-137.00

177.00-180.00 151.00-179.00 140.00-151.00 136.00-145.00 131.00-136.00

139.00-162.00 140.00-158.00 132.00-156.00 124.00-149.00 116.00-138.00

157.50-197.50 145.00-165.00 ----127.50-135.00 -----

160.00-173.00 152.00 132.00-140.00 129.00-138.50 127.00-127.50

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

164.00-168.00 157.00-164.00 140.00-157.00 133.00-140.00 133.00-136.00

177.00-185.00 143.00-175.00 140.00-148.00 136.00 -----

165.00-170.00 165.00 137.00-148.00 133.00-139.00 133.00-141.25

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

----135.00 130.00-132.00 118.00-120.00 107.00-115.00

171.00-181.00 145.00-159.00 130.00-146.00 129.00-138.00 -----

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

----127.50-147.50 122.50-137.50 115.00-127.50 110.00-117.50

----142.00 130.00-142.00 131.00 120.00-122.00

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

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

----148.00-168.00 134.00-147.00 128.00-134.00 114.00-119.00

----135.00-144.00 130.00-137.00 126.00-136.00 -----

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

135.00-144.00 134.00-150.00 134.00-140.00 130.00-135.00 -----

146.00-179.00 134.00-149.00 120.00-135.00 124.00-131.00 120.00-127.00

130.00-160.00 130.00-146.00 128.00-141.00 120.00-136.00 -----

147.50-160.00 135.00-150.00 122.50-135.00 117.50-123.00 -----

140.00-145.00 140.00 124.00-136.00 128.00-136.50 123.50-125.00

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

141.00 141.00 137.00-141.00 128.00-137.00 119.00-128.00

138.00-145.00 129.00-147.00 120.00-133.00 ---------

141.00-148.00 135.50-140.00 129.00-137.00 128.00-134.00 129.00-130.00

-----

Farmer’s & Farmers Ranchers Livestock Vinita, Okla.* Springdale 7/27/16 7/29/16

Ft. Smith Livestock 7/25/16

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

Nati

Che $1.7 (+.0 Flu prod con Mo bott seas incr bott of w into con ice mul in t SPO PO Mid

Joplin Regional Stockyards 7/25/16

-----

1172

-----

St-3 Higher

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

190.00 151.00-165.00 145.00-156.00 133.00-156.50 134.00-140.00

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

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

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

146.00-154.00 147.00-155.00 129.00-142.00 129.00-137.00 130.00-132.00

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

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

Kal 72.5 Fee San Virg

prices

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 7/25/16

121( 5(3257('

0

7/26/16

120

59.00-87.50 † 95.00-104.00*

70

goats

100

87.00-108.00 † 78.00-102.50 †

88.00-105.00*

50

sheep & Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market

68.00-95.00*

99.00-103.50* 85.00-108.00 † 85.00-105.00 † Not Reported † 87.00-114.50 † 80.00-100.00* 83.00-107.00 †

Welch Stockyards

7/31/16

Receipts: 550 Supply was good and demand was good with a standing room only crowd on hand. Markets were slightly lower across the board compared to last month. The supply made up of 33 percent slaughter and feeder Lambs, 6 percent ewes and rams, 41 percent kid goats, and 18 percent does and bucks. All prices are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise.

SHEEP: Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2 34-54 lbs 200.00212.50. Medium and Large 2 30-55 lbs 140.00-155.00.

Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing Center 7/14/16 Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 57-59 lbs 210.00212.50; 61-73 lbs 170.00-177.50; 82-89 lbs 145.00-158.00.

Receipts: 191 At this month’s special dairy sale at the Producers Auction Utility 1-2 53-78 lbs 155.00-170.00.

Yard, demand was good on a light supply. The supply con- Slaughter Hair Ewes: Good 1-3 116-135 lbs 125.00-140.00. sisted of 6 percent Springer Heifers, 9 percent Bred Heifers, Slaughter Hair Rams: Good 2-3 120-170 lbs 105.00-145.00.

Feeder kids: Selection 1 25-39 lbs 200.00-215.00. Selection 17 percent Open Heifers, 6 percent Fresh and Milking 2 25-35 lbs 170.00-195.00.

Cows, 6 percent Bred Cows and 13 percent baby calves.

The balance was made up of weigh cows and beef animals. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 45-70 lbs 215.00-230.00; 75-85 All quotes are on a per head basis for Holsteins unless noted lbs 180.00-200.00. Selection 2 55-65 lbs 195.00-212.50.

150 otherwise.

Selection 3 44-70 lbs 160.00-180.00.

Slaughter Does: Selection 1 69-90 lbs 170.00-180.00. SelecSpringer Heifers Bred Seven to Nine Months: Supreme tion 2 75-170 120.00-140.00.

1350.00-1450.00, Approved Individual 1200.00, Crossbreds 1075.00-1235.00, Individual Jersey 1235.00, Medium Cross- Replacement bucks: Selection 2 190.00-228.00 per head.

Slaughter Bucks: Selection 2 80-105 lbs 125.00-135.00. breds 875.00-975.00.

Heifers Bred Four to Six Months: Supreme 1350.00Koshkonong, Mo. • Oregon County Goat and Sheep Market 7/29/16 1525.00, Medium 1000.00-1075.00, Common 710.00-725.00.

Compared to last week slaughter lambs were very uneven, Heifers Bred One to Three Months: Supreme 1350.002.00-20.00 lower at New Holland, PA and Ft. Collins, CO 1375.00, Approved 1225.00-1275.00. and steady to 5.00 higher at San Angelo, TX and Sioux Open heifers: Approved 500-600 lbs Pkg 10 hd 565 lbs Falls, SD. Slaughter ewes were steady to 10.00 lower, 650.00, 600-700 lbs Individual 684 lbs 700.00, Medium except firm to 5.00 higher at San Angelo. Feeder lambs were 400-500 lbs Pkg 4 hd 484 lbs 600.00, 500-600 lbs Individual steady to 5.00 lower. At San Angelo, TX 5107 head sold.

475.00, Crossbreds 410.00-530.00, 600-700 lbs Individual Equity Electronic Auction sold 341 slaughter lambs in North 525.00, 700-800 lbs Individual 770.00, Pkg 3 hd 912 lbs Dakota. In direct trading slaughter ewes were not tested and 870.00. no comparison on feeder lambs. 5,000 head of negotiated Fresh Milking Heifers and Cows: Approved Individual sales of slaughter lambs were steady to 3.00 lower. 9200 1275.00, Individual Crossbred 1150.00, Medium 975.00head of formula sales had no trend due to confidentiality.

1025.00, Individual Crossbred 975.00, Common Crossbred 4,222 lamb carcasses sold with 45 lbs and down 4.45 lower; 750.00-835.00.

Bred and Springer Cows: Supreme Individual 1450.00, Ap- 45-75 lbs no trend due to confidentiality; 75 lbs and up proved 1050.00-1175.00, Medium 800.00-850.00, Crossbred 8.10-8.30 higher. All sheep sold per hundred weight (CWT) 825.00-875.00, Common Crossbred 650.00-660.00, Individual unless otherwise specified.

Slaughter Lambs: Choice and Prime 2-3 90-160 lbs: Jersey 575.00.

Baby Calves: Holstein Bulls Large 150.00-210.00, Small 50.00-100.00, Jersey Bulls Small 30.00-55.00, Crossbred Bulls Large 150.00-160.00, Small 55.00-60.00, Beef Cross Heifers 200.00-210.00, Beef Cross Bulls 140.00-180.00.

88.00 † 85.50-87.00 † Not Reported*

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

cattle

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

90.00-97.00* 93.00-108.00 † 84.00-102.00*

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Ft. Smith Livestock I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest

30

beef

83.00-100.00 † 75.00-92.50 †

127 5(3257('

bulls

127 5(3257('

slaughter

AUGUST 8, 2016

es reports

0-181.00; 60-90 lbs 157.50-180.00.

ob with 3-4 percent shrink or

horn and wooled 117-203 lbs 141.00-

s 95-105 lbs 165.00. ngelo: Good 2-3 (fleshy) 53.00-61.00; edium flesh) 60.00-72.00; Utility 1-2 and Utility 1-2 (very thin) 44.00thin) 20.00-38.00. (fleshy) 77.00-100.00; Utility 1-2

ery fleshy) 70.00-77.50; Good 2-3 lity 1-2 (thin) 50.00-55.00; Cull 1 0.00. (fleshy) no test; Utility 1-2 (thin) no

ery fleshy) 61.00-68.00; Good 2-3 lity and Good 1-3 (medium flesh) 39.00-45.00; Cull 1 31.00.

00-140.00.

0-111.00; Utility 1-2 87.00.

Corn

Sorghum

20 16 12

10.24

8 3.90

4

3.43

0 Blyt

le hevil

na

Hele

10.03 5.07

4.54

3.81 3.39

e

Elain

3.34

eola

Osc

usta

Aug

ices

0 0 0 0 0

Week of 7/3/16

** **

** 129.78 **

**

**

***

*** 140.85

* 147.80 132.26 127.49

141.39 135.09

1000.00-1475.00*

960.00-1675.00 † 1525.00-1675.00* None Reported †

2250

126.30

152.32 143.04 145.39 134.84

140.58 124.63 133.46 126.22 126.18

135.06

131.09

143.58 145.70

123.37 131.21

148.91 155.73

139.31

*

*

*

145.00

132.29

139.00

127.65

146.36

None Reported †

1750

**

147.74

None Reported † Decatur Livestock Auction Not Reported* 1025.00 * Farmer’s & Ranchers Farmers Livestock - Springdale 1325.00 † Ft. Smith Live 735.00-1130.00 † I-40 Livestock - Ozark Not Reported † Joplin Regional Stockyards 1300.00-1650.00 † 900.00-1650.00 * Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock - Green Forest None Reported † 1575.00 † OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction None Reported † 1150.00-2000.00 † Ozarks Regional Stockyard Stilwell Livestock Auction 1200.00-1700.00 * Tulsa Livestock Auction 1350.00-1725.00 †

1250

*** **

164.50

2750

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 7/26/16

Tulsa Livestock Auction 7/25/16

Welch Stockyards*

7/25/16

Ozarks Regional West Plains 7/26/16

1172

326

517

7500

505

2539

475

1408

710

St-3 Higher

5-15 Higher

St-5 Higher

1-5 Higher

2-7 Higher

2-7 Higher

2-8 Higher

St-5 Higher

Higher

-----

**

*

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 7/29/16

-----

***

138.64 149.76 134.50 136.77 140.50

126.24 138.02 125.49 124.52 122.02

132.67

122.57 121.52

139.00

123.60

135.75

129.49

143.06

7/27/16

150.71

137.25

*

* 146.85

151.84

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

190.00 151.00-165.00 145.00-156.00 133.00-156.50 134.00-140.00

165.00-186.00 160.00-172.00 135.00-158.00 120.00-150.00 120.00-138.00

177.00-189.00 148.00-165.00 142.50-152.00 135.00-147.00 128.00-137.00

----183.00-189.00 139.50-170.00 143.00-157.00 141.00-153.80

157.00-180.00 149.00-166.00 132.00-144.00 125.00-141.00 120.00-133.00

----152.00-165.00 154.00-164.00 140.00-156.00 136.00-149.00

170.00-195.00 140.00-178.00 135.00-157.00 115.00-143.00 116.00-129.00

176.00-195.00 159.00-180.00 140.00-152.50 130.00-144.50 125.00-140.00

160.00-184.00 155.00-178.50 145.00-161.00 140.00-156.00 132.75-148.75

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

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

150.00-170.00 140.00-157.00 125.00-142.00 108.00-129.00 100.00-116.00

156.00-187.00 143.00-157.00 138.00-146.00 123.00-134.00 127.00

----156.00 130.00-140.50 136.50 -----

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

150.00 150.00-157.00 140.00-142.00 129.00-134.00 -----

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

165.00 146.00-160.00 130.00-152.50 118.00-144.50 114.00-124.00

----145.00-165.00 130.00-144.00 120.00-134.00 110.00-120.00

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

146.00-154.00 147.00-155.00 129.00-142.00 129.00-137.00 130.00-132.00

160.00-175.00 133.00-154.00 120.00-138.00 112.00-130.00 -----

152.00-160.00 135.00-147.00 128.00-139.00 125.00-132.00 126.00-129.00

155.00 152.00-155.00 131.00-148.00 133.00-149.00 133.50-144.50

142.00-150.50 130.00-144.00 126.00-137.00 114.00-126.00 100.00-119.00

145.00-153.00 137.50-145.00 135.00-149.00 134.00-143.50 128.50-137.60

147.00-177.00 127.00-142.00 120.00-139.00 118.00-137.00 106.00-120.00

137.00-169.00 130.00-143.00 129.50-141.50 125.00-139.50 115.00-140.00

148.00-164.00 145.00-157.50 135.00-148.50 132.00-142.00 125.00-132.00

132.16

139.16

131.72

145.79 *

126.34 Week of 7/24/16

0 0 0

pairs

OKC West - El Reno, Okla.

7/27/16

Mid-State Stockyards*

**

***

153.62

Week of 7/24/16

0 0 5

2550

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 8/27/16

Joplin Regional Stockyards 7/25/16

***

1250.00-1500.00 †

Barry County Regional Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff

750

*** **

1050.00-1300.00 †

Arkansas Cattle Auction Ash Flat Livestock

250

** **

**

(Week of 7/24/16 to 7/30/16)

Welch Stockyards

I-40 Livestock Ozark -----

127 5(3257('

0

2050

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

**

***

May 16 June 16 July 16

heifers 550-600 LBS.

137.60

960.00-1435.00 *

1550

Feb. 16 Mar. 16 Apr. 16

**

1000.00-1385.00 * 1100.00-1600.00 †

cow/calf

Week Ended 8/2/16

Soft Wheat

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

900.00-1125.00 † 700.00-1450.00 †

1050

Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15 Jan. 16

steers 550-600 LBS.

900.00-1175.00 † None Reported †

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

avg. grain prices Soybeans

Aug. 15 Sept. 15

700.00-1450.00 *

Mid-State Stockyard North Arkansas Livestock

550

$120

Week of 7/10/16

00-212.50; 60-75 lbs 170.00-177.50;

7/29/16

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.7750 and 40# blocks at $1.7325. The weekly average for barrels is $1.7750 (+.0180) and blocks, $1.7195 (+.0400).

Fluid Milk: In most regions of the country, farm milk production is trending lower as temperature and humidity continue raising. However, the Pacific Northwest and Mountain regions are having milk yields gains. Nationwide, bottled milk sales to grocery stores and food service are seasonally lower as demand for popular summer drinks is increasing. Processors are anticipating improvements on bottled milk orders as K-12 schools are reopening in a couple of weeks. Considerable volumes of condensed skim are moving into ice cream and NDM manufacturing. Cream supplies continue tightening across the country. Cream demands from 50 ice cream/frozen desserts makers remain strong. This week, multiples for all classes range 1.28-1.35 in the East, 1.18-1.36 in the Central region, and 1.13-1.28 in the West.

SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest - $2.7069-3.1198.

Ash Flat Livestock 850.00-1400.00 † Barry County Reg 600.00-1600.00* Benton County Sale Barn 835.00-1260.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock 800.00-1225.00 * Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs 74.00-120.00 † Prices reported per cwt County Line Sale - Ratcliff None Reported † Not Reported* Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita 75.00-97.00 * Prices reported per cwt Farmers Livestock - Springdale 1000.00-1150.00 † Ft. Smith Livestock 860.00-1400.00 † I-40 Livestock - Ozark Not Reported † 985.00-1600.00 † Joplin Regional Stockyards

Week of 7/17/16

National Dairy Market at a Glance

bs 167.25. ce and Prime 1: 02.00-220.00; 60-70 lbs 178.00-192.00, 0 lbs 160.00-170.00; 80-90 lbs 145.000-152.00, few 156.00.

215.00; 60-70 lbs 207.00-242.00; 80110 lbs 197.00-214.00.

0.00-182.50; 60-70 lbs 160.00-177.50; 90-110 lbs 152.50-160.00.

0; 80-90 lbs 192.00-195.00; 90-105 lbs

$160

70.00-89.00 † Prices reported per cwt

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

Week of 7/3/16

45 lbs 152.00-158.00; wooled 110-145

$200

(Week of 7/24/16 to 7/30/16)

dairy sales

d wooled 110-165 lbs 164.00-168.00.

cows

550-600 lb. steers

$240

Week of 7/10/16

74.00; 110-130 lbs 168.00.

10-130 lbs 195.00-210.00; 130-150 lbs

replacement

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Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1-2: San Angelo: 60-100 lbs 176.00-186.00.

Virginia: no test.

12 Month Avg. -

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Week of 7/17/16

wooled 100-135 lbs 130.00-138.00;

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

152.64 136.00 ** 134.95 142.04 140.66

134.25 142.61

157.72 132 144 156 168 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

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Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

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120

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Put Some Extra

Profit In Your Production Sale

farm finance

How Much is it Worth?

By Bob Moreland

Knowing the true value of your operation will help in several ways

Reach Your Potential Buyers With The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper.

More than 24,000 copies are mailed primarily to farm families and producers in 60 counties across the Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma Ozarks. Research indicates you will reach more than an estimated 58,000 readers when you run your sale ad in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor.

Arkansas/Oklahoma Production Sale Issues August 29, September 19, October 10, October 31

Missouri Production Sale Issues August 22, September 12, October 3, October 24

The Ozarks’ Most Read Farm Newspaper

1-866-532-1960 18

If you own a farm or a small business, you probably know better than anyone how much time and money you have invested in building it.

But all that sweat and financial equity does not necessarily reflect what your operation is actually worth.

It could be worth much more than what you’ve invested. It could be worth less.

The only way to know for sure is to sell it. After all, the TRUE VALUE of your business or farm is exactly what a buyer is willing to pay for it.

And that dollar amount hinges on all sorts of factors both inside and outside of your control, from the strength of the current economy, to the geographic market you operate in and the dynamics of the industry you serve.

The good news is, there are several ways to get an objective ballpark estimate.

Compare to others on the market

When sellers are trying to determine the asking price, they often look to see what similarly sized homes in their neighborhood are selling for. The same theory works when you are selling a farm.

A variety of resources – from eBay and Craigslist, to professional business brokers – can provide helpful insights on the asking and selling prices of businesses in your industry and area.

Of course, no two operations are alike.

But resources like these provide a starting point for comparing your business’ products, services and financial results with those of other companies, and can help you gauge your business’ present value.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Use valuation calculators

A quick online search can lead you to a variety of specialty calculators and other tools you can use to develop a rough estimate of your farm’s value.

Commerce Bank, for example, has a free business valuation calculator available in its online Small Business Resource Center at https://www.commercebank.com/smallbusiness/business-resource-center/calculators/.

Calculators like this ask for simple information about your business: your assets, liabilities, net profit and goodwill, for example, and often include instructions on how to compute them.

After plugging in your numbers, you’ll get an estimate of what your business could be worth to a prospective buyer.

Apply a multiplier

Want to fine-tune your estimate even more? Consider calculating your farm’s value using a multiplier Think of a multiplier as a measurement of risk. The higher the multiplier, the less risk your business presents to buyers and the more they will likely be willing to pay.

With this approach, you multiply a specific financial metric, such as revenue or cash flow, by a certain multiplier to calculate business value.

The trick is to identify the appropriate multiplier for your market and type of business. A number of references are available to help you choose the multiplier for your specific location and industry.

According to BizBuySell, an online listing of businesses for sale, the national AUGUST 8, 2016

farm finance average sales price for a small business is 0.6 times revenue.

In other words, an “average” small business with $500,000 in annual revenues would sell for about $300,000 using this multiplier.

Perhaps you would like to value your business based on cash flow – your annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), including your income and benefits. In that case, BizBuySell says to expect an average multiplier of 2.4. Using this valuation method, a business would need cash flow of approximately $125,000 to yield a $300,000 sale price.

Get a formal appraisal

There is, of course, no such thing as an “average” operation.

Your equipment may be older or newer than average. Demand for your products and services may be trending upward, or downward. Still, it may not be a bad idea to talk to a professional business broker or appraiser that specializes in your industry.

Not only do these professionals bring an understanding of current market dynamics and industry multipliers, they also offer objectivity and insights that lead to more accurate evaluation of what your business is worth – and what you might do to increase its value before a sale.

Even if you have no current interest in selling your farm, it’s a good idea to monitor its current value. This is especially true if you expect it to fund all or part of your retirement someday.

It can also come in handy if you want to sell a portion of your ownership to family members or employees. The more you know, the better you can plan your future.

Bob Moreland is the president of Commerce Bank Bolivar (Mo.)

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Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

19

meet your neighbors Weekly Sale Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. starting with Calves & Yearlings, Stock Cows, Butcher Cows, then Bulls.

With the lowest commission rates in the area and the best buyers, getting you top dollar for your livestock is what we do!

Unleash Your Potential!

Don’t bark up the wrong tree by advertising somewhere that doesn’t even reach farmers. By advertising your cattle, old farm equipment or whatever else you’re needing to sell, in Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, your ad will be directly mailed to more than 10,000 livestocktax payers in 32 counties across the Arkansas and Oklahoma Ozarks.

PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753

866-532-1960

www.ozarksfn.com

20

The Meteorologist Rancher

By Pam and Terry Lamb

Travis Meyer continues his family’s tradition in the cattle industry “That was KTUL Channel 8, Don Woods’s station,” Travis Many Oklahomans have turned to Travis Meyer for the last 34 years to find out about Oklahoma weather. said. “When he retired, they gave me a chance to take over. I Travis was born and raised in Nebraska, growing up on a worked for them for 23 years.”

When the Channel 6 meteorologist retired, the general manfarm and ranch that has been in his family for 130 years.

“We weren’t the first ones to settle the land there but, we ager turned to Travis. Looking for a new challenge and the were second,” Travis said. “My parents are still there and have chance to work for local owners, Travis jumped at the chance.

Outside of television, Travis has returned to his farm boy roots. willed it to my brother. I know God doesn’t make more land “To me the peaceful surrounding of the ranch is a necessity,” so I don’t want to ever see it leave the family.”

Travis’ parents are in their mid 80s and still operate the farm Travis said.

He has a 50-acre ranch between Jenks and Glenpool, Okla., with help from his brother and Travis, when he can get away.

Travis’ mother was a rural school teacher in a one room school. that he bought 20 years ago.

Travis leases acreage from neighbors and currently is working When they replaced the blackboards and she brought one home 270 acres, raising cattle and producing hay. Travis has cut back for Travis as a Christmas present. He was 5.

“I made the state map of Nebraska. I started filling in the temper- his operation a bit and is down to 30 head, 10 Hereford and 20 Angus. Travis preatures and pretendfers Angus/Hereford ing I was a weather crosses because they man,” Travis reTravis Meyer may be known in sell well. called. He would Oklahoma as a meteorologist, Travis’ father gave eventually go to but he also raises Angus and him some of his Anmeteorology school Hereford cattle at his ranch. gus cattle descended at the University of from his uncle’s herd Kansas, the closest and Travis feels they place he could find are a family legacy. so he could help his “I have pure Heredad on the farm in ford so, I like to keep the summer. the Hereford heifers “As soon as school for retention or I sell was out, I booked them to some of my it straight back five friends,” he said. hours to central NeTravis puts a Herbraska and started eford bull on his farming dust to Photo by Pam and Terry Lamb Angus cattle and an dawn. Then I would wait until the last minute to go back to school,” Travis remem- Angus bull on his Hereford cattle to get his preferred cross. Travis bered. “In the fall, I would go back for a week for the corn harvest.” prefers to calve in the fall because there is less severe weather.

“I can’t really watch spring calves real close because of my After graduation, Travis sold Red Wing boots during the day and worked for a private weather consulting company in To- job,” he added.

Travis is trying to recover from making a breeding mistake peka, Kan., at night.

“They needed a meteorologist to forecast winds and temper- and having two bad bulls in a row.

“That really messed me up,” he said. “Right now, I am kind atures for construction projects and clients like Kansas City of split. I have some spring and fall calves.”

Power and Light.”

Travis has two grown daughters Anna, 28, and Leah, 24.

Travis ended up in front of the camera for two days when everyAnna is also the mother of his first grandbody else came down with the flu. A few child, Hadley. He also has two sons Aston, weeks later, his boss offered everyone an Jenks, Okla.

14, and Crosby, 13, he is trying to teach to opportunity, as a friend in the Tulsa marappreciate the ranch. ket was trying to fill a job as a television “Getting the boys to understand work meteorologist. Travis applied for the job. isn’t bad, especially if you are growing The station manager was unsure of hiring Travis, but something and making something hapthe owner wanted to give Travis a chance because he pen. To me that is a blessing.” was a farm boy.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

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Gates • Chutes Feeders Serving More Than 34,000 Readers•Across Southwest Missouri

meet your neighbors Tommy Lowe has a herd of commercial cattle, as well as a group of Charolais heifers, which he plans to breed to a Charolais bull this fall.

A Self-Made Cattleman

By Terry Ropp

Tommy Lowe started his own cattle operation at the age of 20 In the Reichert community, in LeFlore County, Okla., is a ranch in transition with an eye to a Charolais breeding operation as a second career after retirement.

Tommy Lowe has worked at the Jim Hamilton Correctional Center for 18 years and is looking to retire in two or three more. His wife Jill, on the other hand, is an administrative coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Education and monitors the food programs of 43 schools and 23 day care centers. The couple met through social media and went Rhino riding with several other couples as a first date. They have four children and moved to where Jill’s family was located so their children could be around their grandparents. The youngest, Haylie Burns, is still in college in Poteau, Okla.

The Lowes own and lease 270 acres, on which they run 70 commercial momma cows and Black Angus bulls, in addition to a foundation herd of 10 registered Charolais heifers and a registered Charolais bull.

22

Photo by Terry Lamb

“No one in my family raised and sold cattle, though my father Luther did raise production pigs and most of what we ate,” Tommy said. “We had an extensive personal garden that I swear would grow rocks. I did clean them out but by next spring had a whole new crop. Nothing has changed because I fight rocks here too.”

Unlike his father, Tommy loved cattle and began raising Reichert, Okla. them at 20, eventually purchasing land and cattle and paying for both through calf sales before moving to Reichert.

Last year was pivotal in the Lowe commercial cattle operation. Some mommas were aging and prices were good so

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

meet your neighbors Tommy sold 20 pairs and 70 calves and the pastures are clean and safe,” he said. investing in his starter Charolais herd.

Tommy soil tests every two years, fer“Things never happen when you want tilizing with chicken litter. He controls them to,” Tommy said. weeds by broadcast spraying both spring He had gone with some friends to look and fall with briars a continual issue. His at Charolais bulls with no intention of pastures are mostly Bermuda and mixed buying one. He saw one he really liked clover with clover reseeding scheduled and found out it was sold. A few weeks to take place next fall. later, but months before he was ready to Tommy uses ponds as his water source purchase one, the owner called and told and added two more with the help of the Tommy that the bull was available. Tom- Conservation Service. my bought it anyway and is happy he did.

“I added cross fencing and needed Tommy prefers spring calves and sells more ponds. All the paperwork makes them at 7 months of age at the LeFlore you scratch your head, but it was worth County Livestock Auction in Wister, it,” he said.

Okla., after working Tommy has a side them, which including venture: raising bees. administering all vaciHe has had up to nations.

60 hives but simply “I prefer long range doesn’t have the time wormers because I to care for them. He have found them to be now has only 12, highly effective in adwhich he raises on dition to saving labor shares with a neighand being more ecobor who cares for nomical in the long them, probably until run,” Tommy said.

Tommy retires.

He grazes his cattle A queen lays 1,500 as much as possible, to 2,000 eggs per though he hays a bit day to keep up with and buys alfalfa hay the hive population in Spiro, Okla., to since a worker bee use in winter when lives only for 28 days. needed. He uses freeA new hive can be – Tommy Lowe choice minerals with started from an existthe summer mixture ing one by removing being heavily laden three or four frames with fly control. He and placing those in also uses 17 percent protein bulk feed a new hive box. Tommy develops new in creep feeders for calves and to help queens by introducing royal jelly into his bulls recover from breeding season regular eggs. This makes economic sense as needed. because a new queen can cost up to $50.

“If you don’t keep your bulls in good With good weather, one hive can proshape, you’re just spinning your wheels,” duce 15 gallons of honey, a bountiful Tommy said. harvest for a high demand local product.

Tommy’s Charolais heifers also are reOne of the first things Tom plans on ceiving bulk feed to strengthen and pre- doing when he retires is to take a repare them for breeding in May. fresher course on AI and to learn how He does not let them see a bull until to palpate. they are 14 to 15 months old in order to “AI is like riding a bicycle, you don’t ever minimize heifer calving issues. forget it but you can get rusty so a friend “The best pieces of advice I ever re- will help me until I retire,” Tommy said, ceived were to check every animal at adding that he wants to use AI in order least once a day to catch problems such to quickly and cost effectively improve the as a difficult calving for a heifer early on genetics in his herds while learning to paland to pick up hay string and wrapping so pate will save veterinary costs.

“

If you don’t keep your bulls in good shape, you’re just spinning your wheels.

AUGUST 8, 2016

Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

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FFA Chapter: Westville FFA Advisor: Steve Weaver Who is the most influential person in your life?

“My dad is the most influential because he never quits until a job is done and done correctly. I guess what he has tried to teach me has stuck because my favorite part of agriculture is the life lessons you learn, especially about not giving up and staying with a job until it’s completed correctly.”

What is your current involvement in agriculture, includdaily routine?

THE SPORT ADVENTURE SPECIALIST. ing your

“In our FFA chapter, if we need something we build it. I really enjoy doing the carpentry work, as well as showing animals and skeet shooting. In FFA, we also work on trailers of all kinds for people and we don’t charge anything for the work. Our teacher always THE SPORT ADVENTURE SPECIALIST. looks over to make sure it is correct. The customers get the free labor and we • The Wolverine R-Spec EPS SE offers the perfect blend of suspension, handling, drivetrain and chassis working together to FREEDOM POWERSPORTS OFeverything NW give you the ability to traverse rough terrain with confidence and best-in-class comfort • Powerful 700-class liquid-cooled, get real-life welding experience. Showing (livestock) is another part of my life in agriFUTRALL DR fuel injected engine • Ultramatic transmission with dual-rangeARKANSAS (Hi/Lo) drive,1205 reverse andN all-wheel downhill engine braking • Industry-exclusive On-Command 4WD system lets you dial between 2WD, limited slip 4WD and fully locked diff 4WD FAYETTEVILLE AR, 727031104 culture. I have shown goats and chickens, and now show laying pullets, broilers and pigs.

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“My favorite memories don’t really involve me. I remember a big Holstein cow escaping the holding pen at the show milk barn and a whole bunch of people running for 4-wheelers to try and corner her and keep her out of neighboring yards.”

* Professional driver on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaWolverine.com

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What are some of your agricultural memories?

“I won grand champion four years in a row with my Cinnamon Queen pullets at the county fair, and last year I finally won reserve grand champion at the ArkansasOklahoma State Fair with my White Leghorn pullets.”

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

* Professional driver on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaWolverine.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

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small ruminant is a class of animal that includes sheep, goat, alpaca and llama.

This is even though the alpacas Dr. Tim E. O’Neill, DVM, and llamas are camelids; they still owns Country Veterinary have the fermentation process like ruminants. In Service in Farmington, the small ruminant class we have a little different Ark. To contact Tim go approach to medicine than in other species. to ozarksfn.com and First we assume, and this the only time we asclick on ‘Contact Us.’ sume anything, that they are sick due to worm infestation until unproven. Next, if they are not wormy and male and sick, they are plugged and cannot urinate until unproven.

If both of these are unproven, then we start looking for other problems. But, I have seen small ruminants with resistant worms to every dewormer we have on the market. In this case we are in deep trouble. If we do not use our dewormers properly we will get resistance to them. Then the worms can live right in the bottle of dewormer.

We have had a method of detecting worms in small ruminants that is very accurate and works fantastic. We call it FAMACHA. It comes from South Africa with the boer goats. The first university to adopt and use this program was the University of Georgia.

I normally get the University of Georgia’s FAMACHA packets they put together. They also have a card with the colors of the lower eyelids that are used to tell how infested with worms your animals are. We now run around checking eyelids instead of running around with a syringe of dewormer. We have also found we could go back and use dewormers that we were resistant to after being off of them for several months to a year.

Now to prevent the bladder stones and males from plugging up and not being able to urinate, it is recommended to feed them 10 grams of ammonium chloride daily for their life. And if we are going to castrate them, wait a little bit and let them grow up some. This will give us a little bigger urethra so we are not quite so easily plugged.

I would say wait until they are at least 2 to 4 months of age before castration. With these bigger kids though, we do need to manage pain for them.

AUGUST 8, 2016

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25

farm

help

Making farming

a little easier

Energize Your Bottom Line

By Klaire Howerton

An energy audit of your farm can help save you money In the farming business, producers are always looking for areas where costs can be reduced and the overall bottom line can be improved. There are numerous means to do this that fit each individual’s unique farm – one such way is an energy audit. According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service, “(a) farm energy audit records and analyses energy used on the farm and recommends actions to reduce energy usage while maintaining (or at times) increasing farm production.”

Having one of these audits conducted on your farm can show you where to increase your energy efficiency, and therefore reduce costs in the long run.

On-farm energy audits can be conducted through the NRCS and other similar organizations; the NRCS offers multiple programs, grants and incentives to help farmers and ranchers not just conserve energy, but improve all environmental areas of their operation.

“We’re here to help people help their land,” said Curt McDaniel, assistant state conservationist for the Missouri NRCS. There are several programs in place to help farmers make use of energy audits.

In 2004, the NRCS’s Conservation Security Program (CSP) was the first program that would offer farm energy audits as an enhancement. Many people today utilize the On-Farm Energy Initiative, a component of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that is also offered by the NRCS. Through a farm assessment, followed by a development of an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also classified as an on-farm energy audit, the NRCS will help the producer look closely at areas where energy improvements can be made to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Areas of audit focus are the major activity of each individual enterprise on the farm (lighting, refrigeration, ventilation, drying equip-

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ment, irrigation and cultural practices) and the components of each activity (bulbs, motors, tractors and other equipment, fans, etc.). Every major activity on the farm is assessed separately – for example, a livestock program and a crop program would be considered two different enterprises. The residence (or residences) on the farm or ranch are not included in the audit.

The standard conditions for an energy audit to take place, according to the NRCS, are: An overview of each enterprise, a description of the specific tasks of operation, 12 month cost data (this would be utility invoices), major activities that utilize energy resources, and type of energy and electrical service information. Once the assessment has taken place, the farmer or rancher will receive an estimated cost to replace or modify existing equipment, estimated energy and cost savings including assumptions made to calculate the estimates and an estimated simple payback period for implementing each recommendation.

Applications of these audits on the farm can include switching to LED lighting in buildings, increasing insulation for heating and air efficiency, creating proper ventilation in livestock housing, and utilizing cover crops. “We can reduce energy to put out nutrients through vegetative methods,” said McDaniel.

Not only does the practice of planting cover crops decrease the amount of energy used to make multiple passes with machinery across a field to spread fertilizer or to till, it also dramatically improves the quality of the soil, and its organic matter.

So what is the value of having an energy audit done on the farm? Simply put, farmers will only see and receive value if they implement the recommended changes.

The exact value will vary by individual operations, but the long term savings and efficiency from an energy audit will help improve almost any bottom line.

“I am too conservative and didn’t take the advice although it would have made me a great deal of money. My banker told me to ride the variable interest rate. Maybe someday I will try it although probably on a short-term loan.”

“Don’t be like the government and drown in debt.”

George Anderson Benton County, Ark.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

A.T. Smith Madison County, Ark.

“When you go to get a loan, tell them exactly what you want and then do exactly what you told them.”

Hartsel Hankins Pope County, Ark.

AUGUST 8, 2016

farm help

Know a Good Recipe?

Send in your favorite recipe to share with our readers and watch for it to appear in our upcoming issues.

Renting Pasture

By Klaire Howerton

Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753 Fax them to: 417-532-4721 OR Email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

Considerations landowners should take prior to renting their land “Both parties need to stop and think If you are a landowner with large holdings in the Ozarks, chances about specific things they want includare that at some point, you will ed,” Tucker said. “Does the landlord consider, or be asked to consider, want the pasture clipped? Do they want renting out some of your pasture. to retain the hunting rights? Do they Pasture rental/leasing is an age old want the land fertilized?”

As a landlord, any specific items you concept in American agriculture, and when conducted properly, pasture rental want to see completed by the tenant can be very beneficial for both the own- should be included in the lease agreement. er and the renter. But if the lease agree- Be sure to always include legal specifics ment is done improperly, it can spell such as retaining the right of entry to the disaster for both parties. Be sure to care- land, not allowing subleasing, requiring fully consider the lease from all angles so the tenant to have liability insurance, etc.

“Conversely, if there is anything the you can get the most from renting out tenant wants the landlord to consider doyour pasture. ing, now is the time to “In any relationship, discuss it,” Tucker said. whether it’s leasing or “For instance, would the dating someone, the landlord consider sharinitial stages are usually ing in long term fertility marital bliss. But in the and lime applications or beginning is when we In any spraying for weeds that should take the time to relationship, are already there when consider all the issues whether it’s they (the tenant) take that may arise down the over? Would the landroad,” said Wesley Tuckleasing or lord consider a long-term er, University of Missouri Extension Agriculture dating someone, lease to give the tenant Business Specialist. “Disthe initial stages more incentive to invest in the land? How much cussing them upfront will are usually notice must the tenant allow us to compromise be given if the lease is not and develop a mutually marital bliss. going to be renewed?” beneficial agreement.”

– Wesley Tucker All of these details Many pastureland ownshould be addressed up ers who decide to rent out front and discussed in their ground make the mistake of not thinking everything through depth when drafting a lease agreement.

Another consideration the owner of prior to the tenant turning out their cows.

As the landlord in the pasture leasing the pasture needs to bear in mind during situation, take some time to sit down the duration of the lease is communicaand really think about what you want tion. Good landlords communicate with to achieve through the agreement with their tenants regularly, so both parties are on the same page about any and all your tenant.

David Ballou, of Ballou Saler Farm in adjustments that might need to be made.

Whether you are renting out 10 acres Christian County, Mo., said three vital things that need to be considered and or 1,000 acres, with careful consideraddressed prior to signing an agreement ation and frequent communication, you by both the tenant and the landlord are can turn your unused pasture into valued land and reap the benefits. “fences, fertilizer and continuity.”

“

AUGUST 8, 2016

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27

farm help

How Many Bulls Do You Need?

By Julie Turner-Crawford

Several factors can help determine the bull-to-female ratio during a breeding season Are you depending too much on your young bulls? Should you run multiple bulls with a single breeding group? Can your have too many bulls and not enough females?

University of Missouri Extension Regional Livestock Specialist Andy McCorkill said bull-to-female ratios should be taken into consideration when identifying breeding groups in an effort to optimize conception, as well as the bull’s age, pasture and weather conditions, and how “active” a bull is.

“As a general rule, for bulls 12 to 24 months of age, I recommend not to run more than one female per month of age on the bull,” McCorkill said. “On older bulls, it gets to be a matter of how big of gambler you want to be. Size and terrain of your pastures, weather conditions, length of breeding season and the ‘personality,’ so to speak, of the Breeding Calving Breeding bull all play a role in the deDate Date Date cision as well. Some bulls are 1-Jan 13-Oct 7-May very efficient in their duties 8-Jan 20-Oct 14-May and get the job done with15-Jan 27-Oct 21-May out you ever seeing evidence of him breeding a cow, while 22-Jan 3-Nov 28-May others will find a cow in heat 29-Jan 10-Nov 4-Jun and stay with her, missing the 5-Feb 17-Nov 11-Jun opportunity to breed one or 12-Feb 24-Nov 18-Jun more others in the herd. Some 19-Feb 1-Dec 25-Jun bulls are lazier than others and 26-Feb 8-Dec 2-Jul just won’t breed as many.”

5-Mar 15-Dec 9-Jul McCorkill also said produces should reconsider introducing 12-Mar 22-Dec 16-Jul a younger bull into the same 19-Mar 29-Dec 23-Jul breeding group as an older bull.

26-Mar 5-Jan 30-Jul “Even though the market 2-Apr 12-Jan 6-Aug has softened a bit from last 9-Apr 19-Jan 13-Aug year’s highs, bulls are still 16-Apr 26-Jan 20-Aug worth a lot of money, if you’re trying to buy a good one, so 23-Apr 2-Feb 27-Aug we don’t want to do anything 30-Apr 9-Feb 3-Sept that might get one injured,” he said. “When you turn bulls out together, they are going to establish the ‘pecking order’ and a yearling bull that is not to his mature size is at a big disadvantage to an older bull that is mature in that regard. Some producers I have talked to like to turn a young bull out with older bulls with the thought that if they get whipped they will always be looking out for that bigger bull across the fence and stay at home and not fight. But if you do turn a young bull in with older bulls, there will be a higher risk of getting a young bull injured or possibly killed before you have gotten your money’s worth out of him.”

The use of multiple bulls in a single breeding group can also make it difficult to determine which bull is giving producers the results they want in the breeding season.

“Generally, there will be a dominant bull that will breed most of the herd, as much as

70 percent in some studies done in western states, and whatever is left will get picked up by the rest of the bulls,” McCorkill said. “Running multiple bulls with a herd can sometimes make it difficult to determine which bull a calf is out of and make it difficult to decide how much good a given bull might be doing your herd’s genetic pool.”

He added that producers who run multiple bulls with a herd, try and run bulls that have been together before and get along well with each other.

As the Ozarks enters into the hottest months of the year, McCorkill reminds producers that periods of hot weather can mean that bulls will not be as apt to breed, and producers who opt for a shorter breeding season may not have the results they hoped for.

“If the weather turns hot, particularly on our fescue pastures, fertility issues can arise reducing the likelihood of getting the herd bred,” McCorkill said. “This is one of the reasons Calving Breeding Calving many in this area are looking Date Date Date more at fall calving every year; 16-Feb 10-Sept 22-Jun the breeding season is late fall, 23-Feb 17-Sept 29-Jun early winter when the heat 2-Mar 24-Sept 6-Jul is not in the equation. The shorter of breeding season you 9-Mar 1-Oct 13-Jul plan on keeping, the fewer 16-Mar 8-Oct 20-Jul cows a bull can be expected to 23-Mar 15-Oct 27-Jul cover as a rule.”

30-Mar 22-Oct 3-Aug Prior to putting any bull in 6-Apr 29-Oct 10-Aug a breeding group, it is recom13-Apr 5-Nov 17-Aug mended that producers look 20-Apr 12-Nov 24-Aug closely at scrotal circumference, as well as have a qualified vet27-Apr 19-Nov 31-Aug erinarian perform a Breeding 4-May 26-Nov 7-Sept Soundness Exam before use, 11-May 3-Dec 14-Sept and use that as a measure of how 18-May 10-Dec 21-Sept many cows the bull can cover.

25-May 17-Dec 28-Sept The numbers of bulls uti1-Jun 24-Dec 5-Oct lized by a producer may come down to simple economics.

8-Jun 31-Dec 12-Oct “In general, the fewer the 15-Jun bulls you think you can get by - Source, The Sam Roberts Foundation with in a herd the better off you are from a financial aspect,” McCorkill said. “Extra bulls are eating grass that a cow could be eating. They are also pretty expensive and can tear up a lot of stuff if they get on the fight.”

For the best returns in a breeding season, the utilization of artificial insemination is a way to get more cows breed with fewer bulls, but the practice isn’t for every producer.

“AI is pretty labor intensive and requires gathering the herd and running them through the chute multiple times so good facilities are a must. You can, however, get probably 50 to 60 percent of your cows bred in one day to some of the best bulls available, which will tighten the calving window and hopefully improve the consistency of your calf crop, both great marketing points when it’s time to sell your calves.”

CATTLE GESTATION TABLE

28

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

farm help

‘Tell Us Your Hopes and Dreams’

By Paul Koenig

Agencies can provide financial assistance to beginning farmers New and beginning farmers and ranchers have a lot on their minds, especially in the early planning stages.

And that’s when Lilia McFarland hopes these entrepreneurs will look to the USDA – its many offices nationwide as well as its popular online resource, NewFarmers.usda.gov.

New Farmers also gives comprehensive information on women, young farmers and veterans pursuing agriculture opportunities as well as guides for farms in transition.

McFarland, USDA’s New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program Coordinator, said “we want you to come see us. It doesn’t matter what door you walk in.

“We want you to tell us about your hopes and dreams,” McFarland said, continuing, and in return, she and USDA representatives can tell you about the diversity of the department’s New Farmer (and Rancher) programs.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is often “the lender of first opportunity” for many new and beginning producers. Since 2009 FSA has granted more than 102,000 direct and guaranteed farm operating and farm ownership loans to beginning farmers and ranchers.

That’s an average of more than 2,000 loans per state.

Additionally, the USDA National Farmers Market Directory now lists more than 8,400 farmers markets nationwide, nearly double the amount it listed in 2006.

New farmers and ranchers should know that FSA’s microloan program (for loans of $50,000 or less) is an important access point to credit for some entrepreneurs.

On the other end of the spectrum, farmers and ranchers can apply for loans up to $300,000 for both farm ownership as well as operating programs. Unlike commercial creditors, FSA is able to provide 100 percent financing for farm loans.

AUGUST 8, 2016

Entrepreneurs intent on gaining a federal loan must write a comprehensive business plan, often formed, in part, by consciously answering four key questions, each beginning with the wording “What is (or Who are) your …?”: Purpose: Why do you want to become a farmer or rancher? Do you really have what it takes, and are you ready to put in the countless hours needed to succeed?

Plan: This is the roadmap; it’s the most important element of starting an operation. Once you’ve written it and before you’ve submitted it to the USDA or other lending institutions, have your plan reviewed by several appropriate sources.

Product: What will you be producing? Farm products? Livestock? Specialty products and services?

People: Who will you collaborate with to make your operation a success?

Entrepreneurial thinking also should include considering an array of FDA riskmanagement opportunities, to include: Crop Insurance – Insurance products include a variety of production practices, including organic and sustainable agriculture.

Disaster Assistance – USDA’s FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service can often provide relief from natural disasters such as drought, flood, fire, freeze, tornadoes and pest infestation.

Conservation Assistance – USDA provides farmers and ranchers the technical and financial assistance that can improve the environment as well as benefit agricultural operations.

Conflicts with Wildlife – USDA’s Wildlife Services can answer your questions about problematic wildlife on your ranch or farm.

Still need a little help? Go to ozarksfn. com and click on the “Extended Stories” link for online tools to assist new farmers and ranchers manage their business.

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29

ozarks’ farm

calendar

August 2016 9 Arkansas Local Food Meetups – 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., lunch and refreshments

provided – Cost: $10, registration will close one week before meet up – Sadie

T. Johnson Community Building, 383 North Larkin Street, Monticello, Ark.

– 501-671-2228 or aperez@uaex.edu or www.uaex.edu/local-foods 9 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m., Cost: $10 – Powell Feed and Fertilizer

Store, Flippin, Ark. – 870-449-6349 9-13 Benton County Fair – Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville, Ark. – 479-271-1060 11 Row Crop Tour – 3-6 p.m. – Maus Implement, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 13 Youth Cooking Workshop – All Marion County youth ages 5-19 –

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Extension Office, Yellville, Ark. – register by

Aug. 10 – 870-449-6349 13-21 Ottawa County Free Fair – Ottawa County Fairgrounds, Miami, Okla. – 918-542-1688 14-20 Madison County Fair – Madison County Fairgrounds, Huntsville, Ark. – 479-738-6826 15 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2:30 p.m. – Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark.

– 479-444-1755 15 Pesticide Applicator Training – 6 p.m. – Faulkner County Extension

Office, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 16-20 Logan County Fair – Logan County Fairgrounds, Paris, Ark. – 479-963-2360 18 Master Gardener Classes Begin – 15 week course – Claremore, Okla. –

918-923-4958 or john.haase@okstate.edu 18-27 North Franklin County Fair – North Franklin County Fairgrounds, Ozark,

Ark. – 479-667-3720 20 2016 Teaching Garden – 9:30-10:30 a.m. – Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 20 Inside Yard Sale – Sallisaw, Okla. – 918-775-4838 20 Small Ruminant Conference – 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – SW Research and Extension

Center, Hope, Ark. – http://bit.ly/2016GoatSheepSummer1 to register or

contact your county extension office 20-9/24 2016 Farmers Market – Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon – Antioch Baptist Church,

Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 21-28 Newton County Fair – Newton County Fairgrounds, Jasper, Ark. – 870-446-2240 23 Ranch Analictics Class – $50 fee – 10 a.m. – Extension Office, Yellville, Ark.

– register by Aug. 17 – 870-449-6349 23-27 Johnson County Fair – Johnson County Fairgrounds, Clarksville, Ark. – 479-754-2240 23-27 Sebastian County Fair – Fairgrounds, Greenwood, Ark. – 479-484-7737 or 479-996-4131

ozarks’

auction block

August 2016 19-20 Express Ranches “Big Event Sale” – at the Ranch, Yukon, Okla. – 800-664-3977 September 2016 4 Dwyer Cattle Services 20th Annual Foundation Female Sale – Roseville, IL. – 309-337-6404 5 Autumn in the Ozarks Charolais Sale – Chappell’s Sale Arena, Strafford, Mo.

– 405-246-6324 10 Don Thomas & Sons Brangus Production Sale – at the Farm, Madison, Mo.

– 660-263-4560

30

25 Tulsa State Fair Livestock Entries Due – Submit entry at your local extension

office or online at Tulsastatefair.com 27 Small Ruminant Conference – 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – SE Research and Extension

Center, Monticello, Ark. – http://bit.ly/2016GoatSheepSummer1 to

register or contact your county extension office 27-9/3 Carroll County Fair – Carroll County Fairgrounds, Berryville, Ark. – 870-423-2958 30-9/3 Washington County Fair – Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville,

Ark. – 479-444-1755 September 2016 3 Horse Show – Adair County Fairgrounds, Stilwell, Okla. – 918-696-2253 5-8 Adair County Fair – Adair County Fairgrounds, Stilwell, Okla. – 918-696-2253 6-10 Conway County Fair – Conway County Fairgrounds, Morrilton, Ark. – 501-354-9618 6-10 Cleburne County Fair – Cleburne County Fairgrounds, Heber Springs, Ark.

– 501-362-2524 6-10 Searcy County Fair – Searcy County Fairgrounds, Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 6-11 Mayes County Fair – Mayes County Fairgrounds, Pryor, Okla. – 918-825-3241 7-10 LeFlore County Fair – LeFlore County Fairgrounds, Poteau, Okla. – 918-647-8231 7-10 Delaware County Free Fair – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Jay, Okla. – 918-253-4332 7-10 Cherokee County Fair – Cherokee County Fairgrounds, Tahlequah, Okla.

– 918-456-6163 8-10 South Franklin County Fair – Charleston Fairgrounds, Charleston, Ark. – 479-667-3720 10 Equine and Pet Show – Fairgrounds, Mulberry, Ark. – 479-474-5286 10-17 Van Buren County Fair – Van Buren County Fairgrounds, Clinton, Ark. – 501-745-7117 10-17 White County Fair – White County Fairgrounds, Searcy, Ark. – 501-268-5394 12-17 Crawford County Fair – Fairgrounds, Mulberry, Ark. – 479-474-5286 13 Hay Show – Cost for entry: $10 – Deadline for entry is Aug. 15 – Fairgrounds,

Mulberry, Ark. – 479-474-5286 13 Rogers County Fair – Claremore Expo Center, Claremore, Okla. – 918-923-4958 13-17 Pope County Fair – Pope County Fairgrounds, Russellville, Ark. – 479-968-7098 13-17 Baxter County Fair – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – 870-425-2335 16 Field Day Pesticide Applicator Training – 1 p.m. – Hinesville, Ark. –

479-738-6826 or 479-271-1060

10

17

18

23

24

Wild Indian Acres Foundation Cow & Show Heifer Prospect Sale – at the Ranch, DeSoto, Mo. – 785-672-7449 Seedstock Plus Showcase Sale & Customer Appreciation Sale – Kingsville Livestock Market, Kingsville, Mo. – 877-486-1160 Rhoades Red Angus Fall Female Sale – Eby Ranch Facility, Emporia, Kan. – 806-983-7226 Jeffries Red Angus Annual Bull & Female Sale – at the Ranch, Checotah, Okla. – 918-638-3317 Hudspeth Farm & Guest “The Gathering Sale” – Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction, Harrison, Ark. – 979-229-4472

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory Angus Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3030 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com Balancers Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-4922504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. - 870-426-4469 - 870704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Brangus 4G Brangus - Gravette, Ark. 479-640-0282 Hatfield Brangus - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3921 - 479531-2605 Rose Bud Feeders - 501940-0299 - www. rosebudfeeders.com Townsend Brangus - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 - 501-556-2046 TRO-GIN Brangus Ranch Booneville, Ark. 479-675-4420 Charolais Rose Bud Feeders - 501940-0299 - www. rosebudfeeders.com Gelbvieh Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. - 870-426-4469 - 870704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Triple D Farms Mountain Home, Ark. 870-481-5603 Herefords Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. - 580-9224911 - 580-334-7842 mossherefords.com Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-4922504 Simmental Lazy U Ranch - Haskell, Okla.

- 918-693-9420

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Machinery &

Alma Tractor Equipment, Inc.

QUICK PARTS DEPENDABLE SERVICE EQUIPMENT THAT PERFORMS

New Holland T4.115 Tractor - Cab, 4WD, loader, 12 speed power shuttle trans, 400 hrs: $54,500 New Holland T6030 Plus Tractor - Cab, 4WD, loader, 16 speed semi power shift trans, 1940 hrs: $58,000 New Holland TS100A Tractor - Cab, 2WD, loader, 16 speed semi power shift trans, 2255 hrs: $34,500 New Holland TD95D Tractor - Cab, 4WD, 3 remotes, 12 speed mech shuttle trans, 3425 hrs: $26,900 New Holland TD80D Tractor - Cab, 4WD, loader, 12 speed mech shuttle trans, 784 hrs: $32,000 New Holland T4.85 Tractor - Cab, 4WD, loader, 12 speed power shuttle trans, 225 hrs: $52,500 New Holland T5070 Tractor - Cab, 4WD, loader, 12 speed power shuttle trans, 1220 hrs: $49,000 New Holland TL80 Tractor - Canopy, 2WD, loader, 12 speed mech shuttle trans, 1810 hrs: $21,500 Ford 5610S Tractor - Canopy, 2WD, loader, standard trans, 2635 hrs: $16,900 New Holland H6830 Disc mower - Pull type, 10’4” cut: $13,900 New Holland 1412 Mower Conditioner Flail, 10’4” cut: $9,500 New Holland BR7060 Baler - 4 X 5 bale size, Twine: $12,500 New Holland BR740A Baler - 4 X 5 bale size, Twine: $10,900 Vermeer 504SI Baler - 4 X 5 bale size, Twine: $5,500 Dixie Chopper Magnum 2460HD Mower

- 60” deck, 24 HP Kawasaki engine, 263 hrs, 2015 model: $4,400

Sales 800.495.6300 Parts 866.441.8193

Machinery

Real Estate

RECENT TRADE-INs

Poultry Farmers Helping Other Farmers Buy and Sell in the Ozarks

NEW HOLLAND T5070, Cab, 4WD w/ loader, 588 hours .....................................$48,500 NEW HOLLAND TD5050, 4WD, Cab.................. $41,000 KUBOTA M7040, Cab, 4WD, Loader, 375 hrs ............... ..................................... $37,500

Cell:

clay@TwinOaks.net www.chickenfarmsales.com

NEW HOLLAND H7220 DISC MOWER CONDITIONER ................ ................................ $19,500

8/8/16

Vets

NEW HOLLAND TN70, 2WD, Loader.......... $16,750 FORD 6610, w/Loader ........ ................................$15,000 NEW HOLLAND BR750 ROUND BALER, 4x6, twine ...................... $10,500 FORD 7700, Cab..$10,000 KIOTI LB1914, 4WD w/ Loader .......................$9,750

Country Veterinary Service Tim E. O’Neill, DVM

JOHN DEERE 1530, 2WD w/Loader ...................$7,750

Farmington, AR countryveterinaryserviceinc.com

479-267-2685

26 years of serving both farm and family.

FORD 340B, w/Loader........... ........................................$7,500

Sell Your Farm Equipment

DUETZ 5506 ......... $3,500 MASSEY-FERGUSON 35 . ..................................$3,000 MASSEY-FERGUSON 175 ..................................$2,500

www.almatractor.com

8/8/16

Williams Tractor

2501 Shiloh Dr. • Fayetteville, Ark.

479-442-8284

www.williamstractor.com

$13,750

Day: 417-594-0283 Evening: 417-532-8563 8/8/16

Hwy. 69 South Pryor, Oklahoma 918-825-2044 chuppimplement company.com

318-957-2915

CLAY OSBON REALTOR

NEW HOLLAND TL90A, 2WD, Cab w/Loader, 2000 hrs ................................ $27,500

8/8/16

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

Call today for details!

866-532-1960

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

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

FREE Customized Materials Bid

BARN & SHOP KITS

24' - 60' Spans Complete Technical Support from Adams Truss

DESIGNED FOR ECONOMY ENGINEERED FOR STRENGTH 12425 Collins Road Gentry, AR 72734

ADAMS TRUSS, INC.

CLEAR SPAN STEEL BUILDING TRUSSES

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

www.adamstruss.com 8/8/16

AUGUST 8, 2016

Serving More Than 34,000 Readers Across Southwest Missouri

31

THE TRUCK SPECIALISTS! We know what you want ...

Big Selection + Low Prices!

We’re farmers, too! We know what farmers want, and we keep the most popular models in stock at the lowest prices you’ll find in North Arkansas!

Family owned and operated for over 43 years!

Absolute Top Dollar offered on all trades!

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

We’re BIG on Heavy Duty Trucks!

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

WoodMotor.com

North Arkansas’ Volume Dealer!

FINANCING AVAILABLE!

32

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

We stock the trailers farmers use most!

Whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler trailer or one of the big boys, you’ll find it at Wood Motor Co. We’ll NEVER be undersold!

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

AUGUST 8, 2016