The Nortons manage stocker cattle, as well as a cow/calf operation

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Will Norton and his family have both a stocker and cow/calf operation.

Taking Good Care of Cattle

By Terry Ropp

Submitted Photos

It’s a great time to stock up on whole deer corn at our WHOLE CORN SALE Will Norton manages 1,000 head of stocker calves, in addition to his own cow/calf operation September 18-19, 2020 There are as many different ways he had to get the most he could for every

Farmers Cooperative in NW Arkansas to raise cattle as there are farmers. animal in order to make a living. He conWill and Rachel Norton of Harrison, Ark., tinued by explaining when cattle were high, Take advantage of these great savings. This is triple-cleaned corn that won’t plug up feeders, unlike other cheaper combine run corn. have followed one of the more unusual paths. They operate on 1,300 acres on which they support 1,000 head of stocker cattle. They purchase calves year-round and retain ownership until harvest. They also have a cow/ calf herd with 70 cows. a farmer couldn’t afford not to take care of them because he couldn’t afford to lose a single valuable animal. That insight is still the heart of Will’s farm. While Will always knew he wanted cattle, he never planned to have stocker cattle. Will and Rachel started dating in 2006 and Working on the family farm as well as workSTOCK UP ON CORN & ANTLERMAX! were married in 2010 on the farm. Now the couple has two children, a 6-year-old daughter Whitley and a 3-year-old son Kal. Will runs the farm while Rachel works for Arkaning at local sale barns and hauling cattle, the stocker business grabbed his attention. “I bought up some cattle early on, and God opened doors and steered me in this direcsas Game and Fish as a wildlife biologist. tion,” Will explained. Will’s father and mother, Dennis and Judy, The operation is Will’s and includes a set still run a cow/calf farm though Dennis drove of handshake partnerships. Will has buyers a truck at night for years. who purchase calves between 350 and 800 Another important influence in Will’s pounds year-round sales. The calves are dejourney to have his own farm livered after the sale, processed on With 17 Locations in Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma To Serve You was family member and fellow cattleman Dan Norton, wise and practical in the way elderly people often are. Dan repeatedHarrison, Ark. Monday and receive their first round of vaccinations. “My job is to take good care of the cattle.” www.todayscoop.com ly maintained when cattle were cheap, a farmer couldn’t afford To gain maximum production, Will spent time working with medinot to take care of them because cine reps to ensure their products are 18 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com SEPTEMBER 28, 2020

Leachman

working to the highest potential. This is completed by an injectable and oral wormer and modified live vaccines upon arrival. the Boone County, Arkansas and National Cattlemen’s Associations. The success of Norton Cattle Company was recognized Fall Ozark Sale Two weeks after arrival, cattle receive their second round of vaccinations. Pneumonia is when the Norton’s were named the 2020 Farm Family of the Year for Boone County. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 the number one killer and a constant battle. The newly-arrived calves stay together “One day Mike McClintock called me and informed me we had been nominated and seI-40 Livestock Auction, Ozark, AR for 45 days until their health is confirmed lected for the honor. We didn’t even know we and they are coming to feed well. Then the were in the running,” Rachel said with a laugh. SELLING calves are placed in a group of cattle their While Rachel is not directly involved with 60 Age-Advantaged Stabilizer Bulls size. Will credits a recently retired veterinarian he has known since childhood named daily cattle operations, she does further diversify their income. Rachel manages her rent40 Yearling Black Stabilizer Heifers Dr. Joe Melton with helping him understand al properties and most recently purchased a more about cattle health. He now has other good veterinarians available for emergencies historic property in Snowball, Ark., near the Buffalo River. She restored the house and “I’ve used 151 Leachman Stabilizer bulls. and prescriptions. rents it as a nightly They are the ‘profit driver’ in my herd.” Will has a weight gain goal of 2 pounds per day, so cattle are generally fed grain daily with the amount determined by the quality of the grass. However, some of the “I bought up “ rental. The Snowball General Store was built in the late 1800s and closed in 1972. As of June 2019, the store has been opened again. The store offers local, handmade ~ Brett Foster Booneville, AR larger calves may receive grain every other some cattle items, honey, jellies, barbeque sauce, jewday if the grass is good. An important part early on, and elry, camping gear, fishing tackle and Lot 1 S378G of keeping operational also sells ice and cold costs down is maintaining land health. God opened drinks 24/7. “Tourists who come Good grass minimizes the amount of grain doors and to the area love to visit any place hisand hay that needs to be fed, therefore keepsteered me in toric and our general store fits the bill,” Raing costs down. Catchel said. “During the tle are sent to Kansas feedlots year-round this direction.” Christmas shopping season, we wrapped and fed until they presents in brown pareach approximately 1,425 pounds. Shipping weights vary on each load according – Will Norton per and tied them up with string just like in the old days and the customers loved it.” Lot 9 • U777G Lot 32 • S286G Go to www.leachman.com to order a printed catalog or view videos and sale catalog. to market trends and Young Whitley and available farm resources. Finished animals are Kal already show a love for the farm and runsold by cash trade at a given price or by a grid ning the Snowball Store. Whitley especially price based on carcass grade and yield. appreciates going to her grandfather’s to ride

Will’s cow/calf operation is organized to horses and accompanying her dad on Moncomplement the stocker program. The cows days when the cattle are being worked. Both are bred by Angus bulls in an effort to improve genetics. Calves are born starting Jan. kids help Will by being the “Shoo Crew.” The “Shoo Crew” helps out by using flags Lee Leachman, Managing Partner 1. This time frame works best with Will’s and rattle paddles to keep the cattle pushed Jerrod Watson, Bull Customer Service stocker schedule and with Mother Nature. up to the chute. (303) 827-1156 Bulls are put in April 1 and pulled out July 1. “Our little girl knows an awful lot about 2056 West County Road 70 • Fort Collins, CO These calves are weaned in the fall. The Nortons are not only lifelong Boone cattle already and loves to give her opinion on what everybody does,” Will explained (970) 568-3983 • www.leachman.com County residents, they are also members of grinning and shaking his head. SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com 19