Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy Magazine – Rocky Mountain/Heartland Edition, Winter-Spring 2020

Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy

The vital resource of the Ag Industry | Rocky Mountain–Heartland | Winter-Spring edition 2020

Avoid Hydraulic Lock In Cold Weather

Walinga Bulk Feed Bodies & Grain-Vacs Beefmaster Heterosis Can Impact Any Herd www.FarmRanchDairy.com

One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense.

Visit OneCallOfWyoming.com or dial 811 for more information.

contents Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Rocky Mountain/Heartland • Winter-Spring Edition 2020

Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine a Ritz Family Publication

President / CEO Michael Ritz

Agriculture One-Call of Wyoming ......................................................................................................... 8 Avoid Hydraulic Lock In Cold Weather .............................................................................. 10 Avoiding Disaster With Industrial Hemp: Managing Plant Stress Is The Key .................................................................................... 12

Equipment

mikeritz@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Executive V.P. Operations Robert Davis rdavis@ritzfamilypublishing.com

General Manager Brenda Stoner brenda@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Economize on Equipment Costs with a New Kit from Fehr Cab Interiors Co. ............................................................................... 18 C & R Supply, Inc. Birth of a Sprayer…the Family Expands ........................................................................... 19 Meet the all-new Bale Baron 5250! .................................................................................. 20 Walinga – Bulk Feed Bodies & Grain-Vacs ........................................................................ 22 LAFORGE – Technology for Active Implement Guidance .................................................... 23

Office Manager Adri Montgomery adri@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Sales Kevin Davis kevin@farmranchdairy.com

Pat Drury pat@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Livestock Making A Cowman’s Best Time Of The Year EVEN BETTER! ............................................... 26 Rawhide Portable Corral to blend the Old with the New .................................................... 28 Beefmaster Heterosis Can Impact Any Herd ..................................................................... 29 American Agra Curtains Inc. Keeping things in the family ............................................................................................. 30

Departments

Corporate Office Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. 714 N Main St., Meridian, ID 83642 www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

Marketplace ..................................................................................................................... 32 Advertiser Index ............................................................................................................... 33 Front cover photo courtesy of NRCS USDA.

Sales For all sales inquiries, call toll free: 1(800) 330-3482 or 1(208) 955-0124 sales@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Subscriptions For a subscription or to change your existing address, call toll free: 1(800) 330-3482 or 1(208) 955-0124 info@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Printed By Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID

Copyright© 2020. All rights reserved.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication, however, the publisher does not assume responsibility for omissions or typographical errors.

The publisher does not assume responsibility or is liable for the contents of any advertising herein. Publisher’s liability for errors in an advertisement is limited to a correct insertion in the next publication. In the event of a misprint, the publisher must be informed of such error prior to printing of the next publication.

4 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

The Most FARMER FRIENDLY SYSTEM on the Market Today!

The Three Box Lo-Pro

EASILOAD SEED SYSTEM CMC® Grain Gauge™ Bin Monitor

The Only Seed System Available With:

• Read the level of your grain from the ground • Easy to Install • No Batteries, No Electricity

• Safe, low-profile design • Available in 2, 3,4, 6 box units • 120, 200, & 300 unit bulk • Double axle brakes • Built like a seed tender • Finger tip seed control

• Scale options available • Estart Honda motors • Powder coat paint • Fabricated by certified welders • Reaches any planter or drill • Patented Easiloc lock down

866-246-2588 • www.clarksagsupply.com www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 5

agriculture

Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.

6 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 7

One-Call of Wyoming

8

11 was established in 2007 nationwide to provide one, easy to remember number, to call before you dig.

One-Call of Wyoming is a non-profit organization that administers the 811 notification center within the state of Wyoming. Any entity within the state that owns/operates any underground facilities shall, by statute, register their location and contact information with the notification center, there are few exceptions to this requirement. If a person is involved in any activity in which earth, rock or other materials on or below the ground is moved or otherwise displaced by means of hand or power tools, power equipment, explosives or other means, and includes grading, trenching, digging, ditching, auguring, tunneling, boring, plowing-in, pulling-in, ripping, scraping and pipe installing, EXCEPT TILLING OF SOIL AND GARDENING OR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES. They must call the notification center (811) at least 2 full business days, and not more than 14 full business days, prior to beginning their excavation.

Auctioneer – Gib Thurman

WHAT ARE PORT-A-HUTS? Portable all steel shelters that can be used for: Calf Huts, Farrowing Huts, Small Machinery, Cows, Wood Shed, Lambing, Goats, Horses, ATV Shelter, Chickens, Garage, Llamas, Alpacas, Sheep, Dogs, Lawn & Garden Equipment or

Larger shelter include wood 4x4 skids 2 man setup

Just about anything that needs covered

Approximate sizes of this style hut are 8’, 10’, 12’, and 14’ wide and any length in 7’ increments. Partial and full front closures available for most sizes.

Approximate sizes of this style hut are 4’6” wide x 3’10” high x 7’6” long or 6’ wide x 4’6” high x 7’ or 11’ length.

For more information Call Today P.O. Box 369 Storm Lake, IA 50588

800-882-4884 www.port-a-hut.com

8 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Once the notification center (811) has been contacted, the center will send out notifications to our member, operators/ owners, to let them know of your intended excavation activity near their underground facilities within the next 2 to 14 business days. The members must respond to the excavator within the 2 full business days and either clear the described dig area or mark their facilities within the described dig area in some fashion within 2 feet of the actual facility location.

PLEASE , for your safety and for the safety of the general public, and the protection of our vital underground infrastructure. DIAL 811 or submit your request online @onecallofwyoming.com at least 2 full business days prior to beginning, ANY excavation activity. e

Submitted by One-Call of Wyoming’s Administration Office Locate Number 1-800-849-2476

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

Over 50 Years of Selling Farms!

My sister and I are owners and operators of a 700 acre Central NY crop and grain operation. Along with a growing black angus cow/calf operation.

Whether you are buying or selling we know farms. We offer a specialized service devoted strictly to Agriculture.

607-316-3758 – David C. Posson Email: davidposson@gmail.com

607-316-6597 – Kara L. Reed

Water Wells to 4,000 Feet.

Water finding technology.

Dependable Biological Fly Control ~ Since 1959

HORSE STABLES | CATTLE FEED LOTS | DAIRY FARMS CALF OPERATIONS | POULTRY

Call Toll Free 1 (800) 832-1113 for a FREE Consultation from a Staff Entomologist

www.AquAsourceMT.coM www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.kunafin.com P.O. Box 190 | Quemado, TX 78877 phone 1 (800) 832-1113 | fax (830) 757-1468 Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 9

Avoid Hydraulic Lock In Cold Weather

H

ydraulic lock is often overlooked when starting diesels in cold weather. Equipment designed with the hydraulic pump direct connected/coupled to the engine will turn over less easily and at a slower RPM because of the increased drag from the cold oil in the hydraulic system. The result may be that the diesel engine does not spin fast enough to start readily.

Improve cold weather starting by installing a Universal Preheater™ (sized for the tank capacity) on the outside of the hydraulic reservoir as close to the pick-up tube that is inside the tank as possible. This position provides the heated oil as the first oil available to the hydraulic pump. The heated hydraulic oil helps to reduce the drag on the engine at startup and makes starting easier.

To improve cold weather starting and operations even more, install the Universal Filter Preheater™ on the hydraulic filter housing to avoid filter bypass and supply even more hot oil directly to the hydraulic pump. Available in 12v, 24v and in dual grid voltages in the same Preheater™ 12v/120v, 24v/120v and in regular voltages 120v and 240v. Two springs and nylon ties hold it in position.

Diesel engines must have a fast spin to create the compression in the cylinders that cause efficient combustion of the fuel. Heating the oil pan lube oil with the Universal Preheater™ installed on the outside bottom or side of the oil pan helps the starter and battery achieve the fast spin and easier

10 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

cold weather starting. With injectors and the injection pump in good shape the engine will be ready to work soon after starting. Preheated engine oil shortens the wait time to achieve operating temperature that leads to profitable operations. Take a look at our battery heaters too.

During cold weather operations engines achieve operating temperatures after starting and continuous operations until shut down. At shut-down, the hot engine internal components are suddenly exposed to cold temperatures and this creates condensation that drips down inside the crankcase into the engine oil in the oil pan. This cycle repeats itself each time the engine runs up to temperature and is shut down. The accumulation of the condensation in the oil pan can combine with the byproducts of combustion to form acid. This can lead to etching of the bearings.

The best practice here is to plug in the Universal Preheaters™ for the hydraulic reservoir and the engine oil at shut down allowing them to heat continuously until start up again. This practice helps to maintain heated oil and avoids the formation of condensation that creates water in the oil. Water (condensate) in the engine oil does not lubricate but instead creates excessive wear throughout the engine especially in the crankshaft and bearings.

By starting with hot oil there is a much shorter warm up time for the engine and the hydraulic system. Getting to work faster is a real economic benefit. Universal Preheaters convert the metal of the pan into a large heat transfer element with low watt density per square inch. The low watt density insures that the oil is not burned as happens with some other types of engine warmers.

E TIP, Inc. offers a wide range of sizes in the Universal Preheater™ that are designed to deliver the heat necessary to make winter starting easier and to deliver several other features that help to extend engine and hydraulic system life.

Take a look at our Diesel Fuel Filter Preheaters that prevent plugged fuel filters from gelled diesel fuel.

Permanently mounted on the outside of the housing (no leaks)”Peel N Stick” Universal Preheaters™ are thin silicone pads designed to deliver heat directly to the engine oil pan or the hydraulic reservoir. These are available in 120v and 240v and should be sized according to the capacity of the engine oil pan or the hydraulic reservoir. Exclusive flexible ceramic insulation pads are added on top of the Universal Preheater™ to drive more heat into the housing. Universal Preheaters™ do not burn the oil.

The ‘Peel N Stick’ kits offered by E TIP, Inc. deliver easier, faster starting and warm up to operating temperature quicker.

When the Universal Preheater™ is continuously energized even after engine shut down the formation of condensation inside the engine and the hydraulic reservoir is controlled/ prevented because the hot temperatures are maintained until operations are started again. The continuously heated oil in the pan and reservoir (without burning the oil) drives out any moisture to atmosphere through the breather. Universal Preheater™ users have reported icicles forming at the engine breather in very cold weather as the condensation escapes.

E TIP, Inc. PO Box 83, North Aurora, IL 60542-0083 (Veteran Owned Small Business), 630-966-8992 | FAX 630-801-9569 www.etipinc.com; www.universalpreheater.com e

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

TEAMWORK BUILT OUR COUNTRY TEAMWORK WILL KEEP US SAFE

ALWAYS CALL 811 TO HAVE PIPELINES OR UNDERGROUND UTILITIES LOCATED BEFORE YOU DIG

Planning to till, install a fence or drain tiles? Pipelines and utility lines can be 12 inches or less below the surface. And they don’t always follow a straight line. Never assume pipeline depth or location.

Call 811 and discuss your project with pipeline and utility operators.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS WORKING TOGETHER WITH PIPELINE COMPANIES - FOR OUR FUTURE

a uest g! q e R atalo C E FRE SELLING HIGH QUALITY SEED SINCE 1936

We offer a full line of Agricultural Seed along with: Conventional & GT Corn Pasture Mixes Alfalfas and Cover Crops Organic Corn & Forage Mixes Located in Berlin, behind the Farmstead Physical Address: 4759 TR 366 • Millersburg, Ohio 44654

Mailing Address: PO Box 205 • Berlin, Ohio 44610

www.meritseed.com | Check us out on Facebook www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

330-893-3196 Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 11

Avoiding Disaster With Industrial Hemp: Managing Plant Stress Is The Key Noel Garcia, CCA Joe Pedroza Larry Zibilske, PhD

H

emp growers have one goal in mind: Produce crops with high yields and quality. However, of all crops, hemp alone has the unique statutory constraint that THC, one of the naturally-produced cannabinoid oils, must not exceed 0.3%. Most growers are now painfully aware that a potency test showing a THC level higher than the federal limit will mean the total loss of their crops and in the worst case, be classified as negligent growers. For oil crops, it can be a real balancing act to achieve the highest content of CBD while limiting THC to acceptable levels. However, as fatal as a high THC result is, growers are learning that other factors can lead to a failed crop.

Plant stress is a condition that can be challenging to understand for many growers. Marihuana growers discovered that if they stress their plants in the last few weeks before harvest, they can induce higher production of THC. But stress in industrial hemp can lead to disaster.

What happens if the plant is stressed early in the vegetative state and how does that affect overall yield? Potential growers have asked, “Isn’t hemp basically a weed and shouldn’t it grow well unattended?”. The answer is yes, but not as a commercial crop. Between heat, drought and low humidity, Texas and other arid states can provide plant stress challenges to producing a harvestable crop. So let’s review the experiences two Texas growers had this year: (Background: Texas growers started under a handicap: Licenses didn’t start being issued until the middle of April – then already more than a month late for planting and they weren’t issued immediately upon application. Accordingly, growers were in a panic to get their crops going.)

• It’s late June and the weather is hot and humid - typical conditions for the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas

for the time of year. A new greenhouse grower, excited to invest in a new and promising crop, sets out to start his grow.

He starts with topsoil purchased from a local supplier; it’s a sandy loam which he blends with coconut coir and perlite.

The seeds germinate and for the next several weeks, the plants are growing well. One morning as he walks through the rows of potted plants, he notices many of the young plants are beginning to flower. The plants are only five weeks old and six to eight inches tall. They are not an autoflowering variety.

What’s going on?

• Another grower in Texas is preparing to plant his first crop.

He has seven acres but decides that it would be wise to start with one. It’s a new operation and he hasn’t fully established the drip irrigation system, which he decided to self-install. It’s getting late in the season, so he direct-seeds before it gets any later. The seeds germinate and everything looks great.

He has close to 2,000 plants in neat rows, stretching out in the hot Texas sun. Things are going smoothly, but it’s August now, and the temperatures are starting to tick higher and higher. For two weeks, temperatures went over 100º and the plants begin to show signs of stress. Insects soon moved in and made the situation worse. As the grower walks his field, he notices his plants, now five weeks old, are starting to flower but they are not an autoflowering variety. What’s going on?

First, let us understand the mechanisms that trigger a plant to switch to its reproductive (flowering) stage. Flowering is initiated either autonomously or by environmental factors.

Photoperiodic flowering is controlled by the amount of light and dark hours. With photoperiod strains of Cannabis, plants switch from the vegetative to the flowering phase when they get longer than 12 hours of dark. By contrast, auto-flowering strains are not dependant on light or dark hours and are

A Lifetime of Animal Knowledge Dr. Paul Dettloff’s Complete Guide to Raising Animals Organically is a hands-on reference for anyone at any level of experience who is interested in helping ruminants achieve optimal health naturally. This book describes the various biological systems in ruminants and how to address issues of health and illness on the farm.

Copyright 2019 • 446 pages • Hardcover • $35.00 ORDER AT WWW.ACRESUSA.COM, OR CALL 1-800-355-5313 12 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

genetically programmed to begin flowering when they’re 4-5 weeks old.

Other crops show similar characteristics. Olives, for example, are controlled by vernalization: they must have a minimum number of cold hours to initiate flowering. So is that what happened to our Texas hemp growers? Was it so late in the year that the plants got enough hours of darkness to initiate flowering? In these cases, the answer was no. Let’s look at each situation separately and analyze what went wrong: • In the first grower’s case, the lab analyzed the media and the well water he used to irrigate. A comprehensive analysis showed that the media-mix the grower purchased was mostly inert and devoid of nutrients (and life). The pH was high at 8.3 and highly calcareous with 1,200 ppm of calcium as carbonate.

Additionally, even though coconut coir was added, it did not contribute to the active organic matter as it had not been composed. So, active organic matter measured only 0.52%.

The well water tested high in dissolved solids at 1,155 mg/L - mostly sodium and chloride. Notable too, was an elevated boron level of 1.8 mg/L, which can occur naturally in wells deeper than 100 ft. After talking with the grower and discovering how he was fertilizing and irrigating his plants, we understood how stresses had built-up.

He explained that he did not feed for the first 3-4 weeks of growth and had only been watering the plants using a backpack sprayer. He wanted to avoid root rot from overwatering, so he only watered every two or three days. The media in the pots, composed mostly of sandy soil, would become hard and compacted when it dried. The minerals from the water began to build-up in the media, to the point where it had become white and crusty.

The outcome was the plants had experienced chronic stress from underwatering, lack of nutrients and accumulated sodium and boron that was reaching toxic levels as evidenced by a plant sap test that indicated 230 ppm of boron . The response from the plant was one of survival and to reproduce. As Dr. Ian Malcom said in his famous Jurassic Park line, “life finds a way.” The instinct for survival and reproduction is what drives all life on earth. In the case of our young Cannabis plants, the response was to flower.

• When we reviewed the conditions of the second grower, we found a different pattern of problems. Our soil analysis showed that nutrient levels were mostly adequate except nitrogen, which was excessively high at 290 lbs/ac. As the plants grew, the excessive nitrogen stimulated rapid growth, leading to a weakened cell structure, making the plants susceptible to insect attacks.

The grower, not being experienced in designing irrigation systems, built-in watering issues - so many of the plants were exposed to drought conditions during a heat wave that affected the region. The slope of the field led to overwatering at the bottom and underwatering at the top. He did not consider that static water pressure increases with every foot of elevation by 0.433 psi – so he started off with a considerable static pressure differential along the vertical length of the lines: highest at the bottom - lowest at the top.

Under the stresses of heat, unbalanced nutrition, insect preswww.farmranchdairy.com

sures and uneven water distribution, the young plants’ instinct for survival triggered a flowering/reproductive response in the less than 100 surviving plants.

So what should these growers have done differently to avoid such losses?

No matter the crop, planning and preparation are essential to success. Industrial hemp, in particular, requires very much advance research and planning. There is no better protection against the variables that Mother Nature inflicts to test growers than to have a detailed plan and prepare for your crop’s success – and avoid potential problems.

It can seem like a daunting task with so many factors at play, especially since many think it is beyond their control. And rightfully so, as we frequently hear about storms that hit with little warning and destroy large areas of farmland, and heat

Big Sandy River Ranch—Sublette & Sweetwater Counties, Wyoming Listing Price: $19,500,000 or $6,965 per animal unit Size: 1,044,246 +/- acres total Taxes: $8,600 (approximate)

An exceptional low-overhead livestock production ranch with numerous recreational opportunities — Features include: • The Big Sandy Ranch is comprised of 9,293 acres deeded; 20,273 acres State of Wyoming leases; 32,749 acres USFS Permits and 981,931 acres BLM permits for a total of 1,044,246 acres. The ranch currently runs both sheep and cattle as well as a small goat herd. The property ranges 170 miles from north to south. This is a working ranch with few fences and the belief in the transhumance (a practice of conserving the rangeland pastures and efficient production) of herding the livestock.

• Ranch has territorial water rights: irrigation water rights to 1,600 acres, however, ranch currently hays 435 acres.

• Ranch is rated at 2,800 animal units, running approximately 1,200 mother cows from the original Hereford stock, 800 yearlings and 8,000 Rambouillet ewes, 100 bulls, 100 horses and a herd of 400 goats. At present the ranch crossbreeds cows with Angus bulls; the crossbred heifers are sought after by the local cattle ranchers as replacements. The ranch is rated to carry 3,500± head of yearling cattle if an owner wants an all yearling cattle operation.

• Cattle are trucked from the main ranch in the fall to winter pastures at Vermillion Creek. Sheep are trailed from their winter pasture on Vermillion Creek to the spring-summer allotments and Forest Service lands.

• Ranch has two dwellings at the headquarters along with two bunk houses, sheep shearing sheds, barns and corrals plus a typical set of ranch outbuildings. There are several working corrals and scales throughout the ranch.

There are fifteen wells, of which twelve are artesian, on the ranch. The headquarters lie between two main river drainages (Big Sandy River & Little Sandy River). Big Sandy River flows southwest from the foothills of the Wind River Mountains then west to the plains of the Little Colorado Desert.

The Little Sandy River flows into the Big Sandy River southwest of the junction of State Highways 28 & 191.

• Owned by same family for over 100 years.

Detailed information may be obtained by contacting Theo Hirshfeld, Pearson Real Estate Co. at 307-684-9556 (O) or 307-217-0562 (Cell).

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

See all of our listings at www.pearsonrealestate.com 58 E. Benteen Street | Buffalo, WY 82834 Ph 307-684-9556 | Toll Free 888-684-9557 Email: tbhap@pearsonrealestate.com

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 13

waves and droughts that cripple parts of the farming community.

How can we prepare for these challenges?

The answer is hidden beneath our feet. Understanding Soil Health is the cornerstone of every successful grower.

The foundation of your plan should be the rebuilding of your soil and its life, and management of its nutrients and structure.

Soil health is an idea that involves optimizing the relationships between soil physical, chemical and biological factors. Achieving and maintaining good soil health is essential for producing good crop yields and quality.

Fertilizers are only part of soil fertility.

Soil microbes live on and around plant roots and interact with roots in several important ways. Among the most important interactions are ensuring plant roots are protected from pathogenic microbes and assisting the uptake of nutrients into the plants. But healthy soil also includes beneficial nematodes, insects, earthworms and fungi – all interacting with each other and the microbes in concert.

Maintaining balanced nutrition and vigorous soil life at every stage of your plants’ life cycles will ensure that no matter what challenge Mother Nature sends, your crops will have the best chance of making you money.

Soil or growing media testing is one

of the best investments a grower can make, especially when planning a new season. As we saw with our Texas growers, soil lacking in nutrients or having excess nutrients, devoid of life, or being extremely acid or alkaline, all lead to plant nutrient uptake problems – which invariably results in stress.

Irrigation water analysis is also paramount when installing your farm’s infrastructure. Poor quality water can neutralize the efficacy of nutrients and treatments, affect distribution by plugging emitters when using drip irrigation and change the soil’s native chemistry.

These tools will help you understand where you need to focus your energy and resources. The goal is to provide the best possible environment for your plants to grow. When we correct our soil’s nutritional imbalances, we facilitate maintaining adequate levels of nutrients in our plants as they develop.

As the plant grows, its nutritional needs change and meeting those needs will greatly reduce the harmful stresses that prevent the plant from reaching its maximum genetic potential – and limit the production of THC. Simultaneously, we reduce the need for insecticides and other harsh treatments that reduce overall profit. In the case of conventional growers, we also reduce the exposure to strong chemicals and toxic treatments.

Additionally, it is essential to learn

from those who have experience in growing crops – and industrial hemp, in particular. We are still learning about the stresses that affect hemp and the differences between geographical/climatic regions. Add to that the regulatory standards and market requirements that must be met to harvest a profitable crop and one quickly realizes that industrial hemp is one of the most challenging crops to produce.

We encourage you to reach out to experienced Industrial Hemp (not Marihuana) growers and consultants willing to council you about your plans and goals. Plan and prepare for a successful crop by learning what your soil needs to be healthy and what you need to restore that health.

Include soil microbes and organic matter in your plan and you will ensure vital relationships are maintained in the plant root environment for the entire season…and beyond.

All crops, aside from hemp, benefit from healthy, living soil. It is the greatest asset we have. It is our obligation to be the stewards who restore the rich farmlands that once were the pride of our forefathers. e Noel Garcia is a Certified Crop Advisor and is Chief Operating Officer and Senior Technical Consultant at TPS Lab Joe Pedroza is a Texas-Licensed Hemp Sampler and is Business Development Manager at TPS Lab Dr. Larry Zibilske is Vice-President of Research at TPS Lab

Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine is online!

Check out our publications on Issuu! issuu.com/ritzfamilypubs

Like us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/farmranchdairy

Download magazines from our website!

farmranchdairy.com/frd_order.htm

1-800-330-3482 14 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

Myers Spring Laser Tooth Tines™ feature new and proprietary anti-wear laser properties that DRAMATICALLY increase tine life.

Testing of the anti-wear surfaces has shown a 3 to 5 times longer life than un-treated tines in a variety of soil types.

Visit lasertoothtine.com to learn more

800-214-2248 rodent-baits.com

www.farmranchdairy.com

Myers Spring has long been a tillage tine leader and key OEM supplier.

Trust our experience.

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Phone 574.753.5105 • Fax 574.722.5902 Email: info@myersspring.com

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 15

equipment

Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.

16 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

2020 GEA EL48-6D6100, 7,300 Gallon Tank, Flow Meter Ready, Tool Bar Ready, Galaxy Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call

www.farmranchdairy.com

2020 GEA SP-3B-T-8-12, Super Slider Vertical Pump, Pump Pits Ranging From 8’ To 12’, Hyd. Controls, 6” Pump, 8” Discharge, Twin Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call

2020 GEA 8, 8’ 8” Vertical Super Pump, Twin PTO Option, Hyd. Controls, Cap For Bottom Gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

2020 GEA AP-L-52T, 52’ 6” Lagoon Pump, 52’ 6” Non Wall Walking Lagoon Pump, Stabilizer Wings, HD Drive Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 17

Economize on Equipment Costs with a New Kit from Fehr Cab Interiors Co.

A

s new tractors continue to be offered in the ag-market, the cost of new equipment has soared, and it can be hard to budget for upgrading to the latest and the greatest.

By installing a new cab interior, it gives you the feeling of having an updated tractor for the next growing season while providing a higher resale value in the future when you do decide to update your equipment line. Trim your spending budget by making a low cost investment on a new cab interior to keep your equipment in the best of shape and looking like new. If the time does come to update or trade in, you want to get top dollar out of your trade in.

By installing a Fehr Cab Interiors kit, it gives the purchaser the assurance that you cared about your tractor. By freshening up the cab, the value of the tractor can increase up to 15%.

If you have a tractor over 15 years old, the interior has started to show its age and is falling apart. The vinyl gets saggy, and the foam lining in the cab loses all acoustical properties and starts to harden and deteriorate. Fehr Cab has done testing to prove a significant difference in decibels when comparing new and old acoustical foam panels. By replacing the acoustical foam, it silences the high pitched sound decibels that cause damage to your hearing.

Fehr Cab is excited to introduce the “Anyone Can Install” cab

kits to their ever-expanding product line. The John Deere 2 wheel drive 30, 40, 50, 55/60 series Sound Guard cabs are available finished onto pre-formed plastic for much easier installation!

Also, for the sound guard cabs, the replacement plastic fender fronts and air vent bezels are now available. The IH 86 & IH-88 headliners are also available as a pre-formed “Anyone Can Install” new kit. These new panels will save you up to 4 hours in installation time and you will no longer have the nuisance of having wrinkles develop and adhesive drying too quickly.

Most farmers can install these parts into his or her tractor, using Fehr Cab do-it-yourself kits for over 700 different model cabs.

Fehr Cab kits are available with pre-cut, pre-sewn, pre-formed panels and complete instructions and whatever is necessary to install kits. Fehr Cab strives to replicate the original vinyl, foam thickness, quality custom fit and overall appearance in all interiors offered. The new interior kits make the cab atmosphere so much more pleasant, clean, and quiet. Fehr Cab installs these interior kits in local customers’ cabs to insure that each part fits and every kit is easy to install. To see how easy our kits are to install, check out our “installation videos” at www.fehrcab.com. Quality materials and superior service is what makes a Fehr Cab kit the best value.

JD 55/60 Srs on Plastic

Currently, we are adding new items to our growing product line. Some of the newer items recently introduced are: Complete Seal Kits for Doors and Windows (pre-mitered and contoured to fit); Construction equipment interiors; Cat Challenger interior components, Case IH MX 100-270 interior components, John Deere 5200 srs, 6120-8530 model interiors and John Deere newer model S series Combine sound dampening kits. Improvements are consistently introduced and customer comments are taken seriously. Over the past 25 years, we have learned to listen to our customers’ requests and concerns to contribute to continued quality and affordability to stay competitive. To make a difference in sound control in your cab, contact Fehr Cab Interiors Co. anytime for information or to order.

Fehr Cab Interiors Co. 10116 N. 1900 E. Rd. Fairbury, IL 61739 ph: 815-692-3355 or fax: 815-692-2574 sales@fehrcab.com www.fehrcab.com e 18 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

C & R Supply, Inc.

Birth of a Sprayer…the Family Expands

A

fter carefully listening to customers who were disappointed with the performance or lack of features in ATV sprayers available, C & R Supply set out to design a series, or family of sprayers to meet their needs.

The family began with the EZ ATV Sprayer which features a unique tank design that was created with input from customers and ATV manufacturers. Using this input, and keeping the operator in mind the EZ ATV Sprayer was designed for ease of operation, functional ability and safety. The design was a success! This unit has been in demand since 1998 and continues to hold a strong presence in the market today.

The EZ ATV Sprayer has a sleek design which brings the weight forward and more to a center of gravity for better machine balance.

Allowing the legs of the tank to wrap around the fenders of the ATV gives the sprayers dual sumps maximum drainage and the ability to run on side hills without losing its prime. The pump, strainer, and main shut off are mounted underneath the tank in a protected cavity, which also serves as a dual slosh baffle.

The top of the tank is designed with a fill catch area to prevent chemical from getting on the operator. The EZ Sprayer is fitted with a 4 gpm Shurflo Pump and a quality Tee-Jet trigger style handgun in the convenient control panel at your side. All brackets and boomless nozzle or boom accessories are attached to the tank for quick and easy mounting. The EZ ATV Sprayer has several different options and accessories to meet your needs.

was built with only the highest of quality components. The Slide In features a 60 gal tank, left and right electric controls with wiring harness, a Shurflo 4gm by pass pump, and Boominator nozzles which can spray a width of up to 30 feet. An 8 inch hand gun from Tee Jet with adjustable tip for hand spraying is also included. The Slide In sprayer has options and accessories available to meet the needs of your operation including a convenient retractable hose reel add on and additional boom options.

C & R Supply, Inc. is a distributor and manufacturer of agricultural and roadside spray equipment located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For over 40 years, C & R Supply, Inc. has been a leader in the distribution and servicing of many quality products from Raven Industries, Spraying Systems, Banjo, and more. They also lead the way in designing and manufacturing new and advanced products as their customer needs change.

This family of quality sprayers began with the introduction of the C & R Foam Marker and Spot Sprayer which progressed to the units we are featuring here today. C & R is a provider of precision ag products such as GPS guidance systems, variable rate controllers, mapping, steering assist systems, and chemical injection units. C & R Supply prides themselves on having the knowledge and experience to continually advance their product line to keep up with ever changing technology in a way that helps producers maximize their output. e

Tired of Cheap, Throw-Away ATV Sprayers?

The Sport Utility Sprayer

FEATURES:

- Left and right electric controls with wiring harness standard - Shurflo bypass pump - Boominator nozzles spray a width of 30 feet - Includes hand gun with adjustable nozzle

60 Gallon Tank mounted on a powder coated frame for the bed of your sport utility vehicle As time went on customers began seeing a need in their operation for UTV’s. C & R Supply responded by expanding their family of sprayers. The UTV sprayer was born and it was named the C & R Slide In after its ability to be easily slid on and off the bed of the UTV as needed. The sprayer is mounted on a powder coated frame which allows the unit to be transferred as a single piece of equipment. This sprayer, like its elder sibling, www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

3610 North Cliff Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104

1-800-322-2637 www.crsupply.com Fax: 1-605-338-6015

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 19

Meet the all-new Bale Baron 5250!

B

uilding on the original design principles that Bale Baron owners appreciate, the new 5250 models feature many impressive upgrades designed to improve productivity and serviceability while still maintaining the outstanding reliability the Bale Baron brand is all so well known for. This year Marcrest Manufacturing Inc released 2 new models; the all-new 5250 and the refined 4250.

20 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Both of these units are available in the P (pick-up) and T (trail) models. The 5250 has a hydraulic requirement of 40 gallons per minute while the 4250 requires 30 gallons per minute.

Let’s walk around the 5250 and see what fantastic upgrades have been made.

At first glance you can immediately notice the wider front stance and wide flotation rear tires which keep the 5250 firmly planted. You will also see that

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

the body work has been completely remodeled and looks fantastic! The ladder has been conveniently attached on a generous angle allowing for safer climbing to the knotter. Upon opening the knotter cover the relocated and re-engineered knotter miss-tie sensors cannot be missed; the new sensor location is a sure-fire way to detect actual knotter miss-ties. Another upgrade to the already extremely reliable low maintenance Rasspe knotter is the 4-lobe knotter sprocket which reduces the knotter cycle time by 25%! After the easy climb down the angled ladder you will notice the massive twine boxes, which swing out to allow full exposure to the compression chamber and hydraulic lines for inspection and maintenance purposes.

While walking around the 5250 one can easily notice that there are no grease nipples on all pivot points; this is achieved by using nitride treated pins paired with composite bushings. This design has been proven and adopted from the 6240 self-propelled Bale Baron. A serious feature that has not been mentioned is the ISOBUS compatible PLC. What does that mean? It means that if your tractor has ISOBUS the 5250 can be fully controlled and monitored right from the seat in your tractor! Ahh, no, my tractor doesn’t have ISOBUS?... No worries, there are ISOBUS screens available from Marcrest! And for those who aren’t into the latest and greatest technology, the 5250 can easily be operated by our ever-proven standard cab control box.

Now let’s take a quick look at the 4250.

It has maintained the same body work and stance as the 4240/4245. However, it shares some of the fantastic upgrades mentioned on the 5250 such as the greaseless pivot points thanks to the nitride treated pins and composite bushings. It also has the new 4 lobe knotter sprocket on the low maintenance Rasspe knotter for faster tie cycles. And like its big cousin the 4250 also has the new ISOBUS compatible PLC which means ISOBUS connectivity is ready and available for the 4250 when you are.

For more information please contact your nearest dealer or visit our website: www.marcrestmfg.com e www.farmranchdairy.com

Delivers!

Variable Rate Capable

SMC Fertilizer Spreaders Available in 5, 6 and 8 Ton Capacities • Simple Design, Durable Construction • Economical • Flexibility for Special Needs • Service You Can Bank On P.O. Box 247 Quimby, IA 51049

(712) 445-2211 • Fax (712) 445-2626 Call Toll Free: 1-800-831-4860 www.simonsen-industries.com

ALL TYPES OF HAY ATTACHMENTS Skid Steer to front end loader adapter

Skid steer adapter to fit front end tractor loader or older skid steer $475 417-682-5551 • 800-283-7107 www.hayspear.com

Skid steer Quick Attach JD 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 & 700 series

WASHBURN’S ELECTRIC HYDRAULIC HAY BALE MOVER

1, 2 ,3 & 4 spear. Custom built to fit your loader. www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 21

Walinga

Bulk Feed Bodies & Grain-Vacs

F

rom concept, design and through production, Walinga meets the customer's needs at every step. Creating outstanding products that are innovative and durable, with some client's vehicles being passed from generation to generation.

Walinga is a leading North American manufacturer of transportation equipment and portable pneumatic conveying systems for grain, feed, seed... virtually any dry bulk material. Walinga is still a family owned and operated company. The total commitment to quality is not only our inheritance it's our foundation for the future.

Walinga products represent the best in manufacturing excellence. Our in-house engineering and design teams utilize the most current

22 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

computer technology available. State of the art equipment, combined with over 60 years of experience, ensures that our customers receive unsurpassed quality.

Comprehensive engineering capabilities allow us to offer sizes, capacities, features and options that are specifically job-matched according to individual requirements. The services of our Engineering Department are available to our customers to assist in the selection of the properly specified chassis. Every Walinga vehicle is designed and produced to best fulfill its designated function.

Custom-built aluminum feed bodies and trailers, pneumatic conveying systems, recycling trucks and bodies, aluminum and steel dump bodies... each built according to exact standards.

Every stage of the manufactur-

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

ing process from design to completion is performed by Walinga. The result - a cost effective, durable product line that responds to any challenge with premium.

Walinga Agri-Vac The only system you'll ever need.

Gives one-person total grain-handling capability! Do it all with the Walinga Agri-Vac. Fill or empty storage facility being used. The Walinga Agri-Vac puts an end to legs, augers, sweeps and shovels. Grain handling has never been simpler, safer or healthier.

Just couple the Agri-Vac to your tractor and drive into position. Lightweight vacuum/pressure hoses attach in seconds and flex easily. Suddenly even tight spots and awkward angles are no problem!

Bulk Feed Trailers and Bodies Walinga Inc. has been manufacturing bulk feed transportation equipment for more than 60 years. In this time we have become committed to an ongoing program of research and development.

In response to the increasingly diverse needs of our customers Walinga is and will continue to be on the forefront of technological evolution.

The options and features of the Walinga Bulk Feed Delivery Units are numerous. Walinga Bulk Feed Delivery Units can help you in your quest to increase production, performance, and efficiency. e

www.farmranchdairy.com

LAFORGE

Technology for Active Implement Guidance

T

he LAFORGE® Guided Hitch allows a semi-mounted (2-point) planter and applicator to follow the RTK guidance line with a high level of accuracy in flat fields and on hillsides.

The compact design allows for precision placement of seed and nutrients in separate passes. The hitch replaces the factory crossbar on John Deere’s planters, and adapters for other implements and nutrient applicators are available. In addition, the LAFORGE® Guided Hitch has been awarded an AE50 Award for 2017 as one of the significant innovations in Farm Equipment Technology. The hitch has been well received by the customers either using it or considering it for use with an Active Implement Guidance solution. Some of the positive feedback received has been: “This unit is clean looking and not complex”

growing number of dealers and customers throughout North America.

The LAFORGE group purchased a manufacturing facility in Cedar Falls, IA in 2007, and added a new factory in Waterloo, IA in 2010. These facilities now also house whole goods and spare parts warehouses and an installation shop.

LAFORGE branded front 3-point hitch systems have been available since 1979.

The company quickly became a world leader in technology related to tractorimplement interaction, tractor ballasting and weight transfer. LAFORGE is the recipient of a multitude of patents and awards in these areas. Nine AE50 awards are just an example of this.

For more information visit www. fronthitch.com, or call 1-855-4083332 e

“I like the fact that the Hitch does not add length to my planter tongue and does not need the addition of extension hoses and harnesses” “The accuracy is amazing” “The unit is simple to install” “It will work with the PTO generator” In addition to the semi-mounted guided hitch LAFORGE has also developed an Implement adapter pivot and several implement attachments, allowing different types of drawbar pull implement to be adapted and guided with the LAFORGE® Guided Hitch.

About LAFORGE: LAFORGE SYSTEMS INC., Concord, CA was established in 1991 as a first step in a carefully planned expansion to be able to support LAFORGE’s www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 23

livestock

Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.

24 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

Making A Cowman’s Best Time Of The Year EVEN BETTER!

T

he favorite time of the year for cow-calf producers has long been established as being the calving season.

That is when the anticipated results of the previous year’s breeding program decisions are realized. Jeff Creamer, Lazy JB Angus, a calf catcher owner, refers to his calving season as “Christmas Time.” Whether the new calves hitting the ground are from AI, ET or the valued herd sire battery, there is no time of the year that a cowman looks forward to more.

Accompanying that ‘special time’ are dangers, extra stress and increased labor responsibilities that are often referred to as ‘a necessary part’ of the business. Over the years, many people have been injured, or worse, by the instinctive mother cow during the newborn processing period. Things can go wrong fast when tagging, vaccinating, banding and weighing new calves — and the results can be devastating. Bud Williamson of West Virginia says, “My calf catcher was a virtual life saver!’”

Safety Is a Priority “We are all about safety and making calf processing easier,” states Dan Leo, a long-time Nebraska rancher and owner of the Safety Zone Calf Catcher business. With the average age of cattlemen getting older, help being difficult, if not impossible to find, their calf catchers are filling a real need.

Most cattle operations daily use ATV and UTVs, and now they have an important option to ensure that every calving season is safe and uneventful. Laurel Gilbertson, 74-year-old Nebraska rancher refers to his catcher as “The best piece of equipment I’ve owned.”

Leo added, “The traditional way to tag and process calves can be dangerous and often takes more than one individual to 26 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

accomplish. Now, just one person, who can operate an ATV or UTV, can safely work calves.” Allen Lippert, a Kentucky cattlemen, says his catcher is “Great for one-man operations.

No more waiting for help!”

Construction and Design The calf catcher is a durably constructed, welded steel cage that is built to last generations. Bill Helms, a Texas retired mechanical engineer and 71-year-old cattlemen applauds the design and fabrication quality adding “It is simple to use, and it works.” Mounting with ball-coupler hitches permits it to perform well in all types of terrains and conditions. The quick and easy mount and dismount process takes only a couple of minutes.

Ease Of Operation With the front gate locked open, the driver approaches the calf and captures it in the cage by shutting the spring-loaded gate. Aiding the process, the catcher is designed for quiet operation, thus does not threaten the cowherd. Typically used on newborn to week-old youngsters, but calves up to 300 lbs. can be caught for treatment of pinkeye, foot rot and pneumonia conditions.

The producer enters the cage by stepping through the near side opening, and then moves the calf to the rear holding area where it can be easily processed while being protected from the mother cow. At all times, the operator is inside the cage, and never threatened by the instinctive mother. Daryl Bernard, an Iowa cattleman states, “I like how the calf holder restrains the calf and eliminates having to wrestle the calves on the ground.”

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

Mother Cow’s Behavior By design, nearly 100% of the mothers remain at the back of the catcher where the rear calf holder is located. The most protective of cows are much calmer when they can see and smell their calf in a less threatening situation, as compared to wrestling the calf away from the mother.

“The unit works particularly well for pairing out as the cow will follow the calf virtually anywhere! Whether moving pairs to another pasture or during inclement weather, it is a valuable tool.” states Leo. When finished processing, the operator releases the calf out the back to its mother, again accomplished from inside the cage to maintain full-time safety. Montana rancher, Andy Dorn says this about his Safety Zone catcher, “It is the best investment we ever made. Easy on the calves and great for the cows too!”

Making a Better Way “Traditionally, producers have to get to the calves early after birth otherwise it can be difficult to catch and even hang on to them, and then it can often require two or more people depending on the protective behavior of the mother cow while the processing takes place,” Leo notes. His goal is to make the best time of the year, safer, easier and with the labor requirement of only one person.

Catcher user, Wanda Thompson from Missouri comments, “To all you out there still dodging mad momma cows, wrestling big calves, and maybe not getting some of your calves done, the calf catcher is definitely a better way.”

Other options developed by Leo’s business include a digital,

www.farmranchdairy.com

waterproof scale — especially useful to seedstock producers – and a rear tow hitch to accommodate long-distance travel.

Safety Zone Calf Catchers LLC, internationally trademarked and registered, sells directly to cattlemen and through a growing dealer network. Current sales extend throughout the continental U.S. and into Canada, Australia, France and the UK. Leo states, “Our best salesmen are the users as they cannot keep from telling their neighbors of the catcher’s benefits — and the word is traveling fast!”

Interested parties are encouraged to watch the informative action video at www.SafetyZoneCalfCatchers.com or to call (877) 505-0914 for more information or to place orders. e

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Reprinted with permission from: American Cattlemen

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 27

Rawhide Portable Corral to blend the Old with the New

J

ohn McDonald knows a thing or two about livestock equipment after working with cattle and rodeo livestock most of his life. Knowing there had to be a better portable corral design out there; he came up with it himself.

In 2003 the public was introduced to his original Rawhide Portable Corral. It could be set up by one person without any lifting and it could be done quickly; yet it could also be pulled down the road at highway speeds, ensuring that no time would be wasted while catching cattle.

Fast forward to 2018 and now customers have two different corrals to choose from; the Rawhide Original, throwback to the first design, or the Rawhide Processor.

Even though the Processor’s design is viewed as the superior portable corral on the market, John believes that there are still those who will want a smaller, more affordable system. Enter the Rawhide Original, which is a blend between the two designs he has offered throughout the years and has a bumper hitch with permanent transport

The First Hydraulic Corral and still the Largest!

Rawhide Original

Rawhide Processor

by John McDonald

3 Sizes

Available!

• Pull on highway at speed limit.

• Fits through any gate your pickup will.

• Stable on uneven terrain.

• Wheels on each panel and electric over hydraulic jack eliminates lifting— saves time.

• Frame gates for sorting.

• Transport wheels are permanent, no sliding off the axles and rolling out of the way.

• Permanent sheeted adjustable alley.

Rawhide Portable Corral 785.263.3436 rawhideportablecorral.com

28 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

wheels. The Original is only offered in the Standard and Large sizes.

The Processor is offered in three sizes for the convenience of ranchers and cattle producers throughout the world and the main difference with this design is the ability to customize the corral upon ordering by including a hydraulic alley, head gate or loading chute. Whether you simply want to catch your cattle or process them on site and load them into a trailer from

the pasture, you are able to do so with the Processor.

The design of the Processor continues to impress cattle producers with its versatility and ease of use. The permanent sheeted adjustable alley aids with working your livestock, whether it is done on site or in the field. The adjustable alley can be sized from thirty (30) inches down to sixteen (16) inches; either manually or hydraulically.

The most notable features of the Rawhide corrals are that they are easy to set up and they are easy to transport. We mean it when we say that one person can open up the corral without lifting a panel. This will continue to be the model as we move forward with our newer designs.

The key is one person can handle it all by themselves. Customers can manipulate the panels so it is not just one big pen, but two, three or even four pens for sorting, as one can never have enough pens when it comes to working cattle.

John’s design was the first portable corral on the market to offer the hydraulic lift option. This has been so popular that we now offer customers the option to buy the Hydraulic Lift Kit with or without the battery so that they may upgrade existing equipment of their own. A lift kit includes the jack, power unit, solar panel and of course the option of including a battery at time of purchase.

John and his wife Mary run the family business at their manufacturing plant in Abilene, Kansas, which is the only place where a Rawhide may be purchased outside of South Texas, where we now have a dealer in Hempstead.

Please check out our website for more information and to view our videos: www.rawhideportablecorral.com or find us on Facebook. Phone # 785-263-3436. e

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

Beefmaster Heterosis Can Impact Any Herd

B

eefmaster is a beef breed developed in America that improves beef quality and production efficiency when crossed with any other cattle breed for commercial beef production. The breed originated in Southern Texas in the late 1800’s into the early 1900’s. The Lasater family originally developed a large herd of Hereford cattle carefully selected to withstand the heat and insects of the Texas Gulf Coast region, but they were still not perfectly suited to that difficult environment. So Lasater began to experiment with incorporating Bos indicus or Zebu genetics, in the form of Gyr and Guzerat bulls from India and Nelore from Brazil. While the practice of crossbreeding was virtually unheard of at the time, they immediately saw a tremendous jump in productive traits, such as weight gain and reproductive rates. This is genetic advantage known as heterosis or hybrid vigor.

By the early 1930’s, the ranch also incorporated Milking Shorthorn genetics, to augment milk production and carcass quality. They could immediately see that the three-way hybrid was far superior to the two-way crosses. The final composite ended up at roughly 50% Bos indicus and 50% Bos taurus (25% Hereford and 25% Shorthorn).

As Lasater developed the breed, he also formed a unique selection phi-

losophy known today as The Lasater Philosophy. The concept is to only select cattle for economically relevant traits, which he distilled to these Six Essential traits. It is the only breed in history to be selected only using pressure for productive traits, as opposed to aesthetics.

In 1937, the herd was closed to outside genetics with continued internal development to cull low-performers and upgrade all traits together equally. By 1954 the foundation herd was recognized by USDA under the name of Beefmaster.

The breed has rapidly grown around the world and has become known as the prime maternal cow for serious commercial cattlemen that appreciate their production excellence, particularly in harsh desert or tropical environments. The breed has excelled across most regions of the United States and is the leading breed of choice for commercial cattlemen in Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Panama, Columbia and several other Latin American regions. With global demand for higher-quality beef growing geometrically, Beefmasters provide the perfect breed to cross on commercial cattle to improve production efficiency and carcass quality, while not sacrificing adaptability.

Commercial cattlemen have noted

substantial economic gains from using Beefmasters to provide an average increase of 60 lbs., or more at weaning when compared with other breeds.

They excel post-weaning as well, with faster weight gains, excellent feed conversion and carcass yields around 64%.

In a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly critical, Beefmasters have repeatedly demonstrated that they are highly efficient converters of both forage and feeds into lean, tender, high-quality beef. A recent study at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) demonstrated Beefmasters dominance when compared to 18 of the most widely used beef breeds in the United States.

Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) is headquartered in Boerne, Texas. Beefmaster ranks fifth in the U.S. in terms of membership and is the largest of the American breeds. The association has over 3,000 members registering around 19,000 calves annually.

Beefmasters also enjoy a rapidly growing international footprint, with established associations in eight countries worldwide. These innovative cattlemen have seen the tremendous strengths Beefmasters bring to their own genetic improvement programs. For more information about what Beefmasters can do for your operation, please visit us www.beefmasters.org. e

BEEFMASTERS.ORG

PROVEN MATERNAL. www.farmranchdairy.com

PROVEN EFFICIENCY. PROVEN HETEROSIS. Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 29

American Agra Curtains Inc. Keeping things in the family

K

eeping things in the family and carrying on a decades-old tradition is a big reason for the continued success of a Delphi, Indiana-based company that has been a favorite of livestock producers since the early 1980s.

American Agra Curtains, a manufacturer of textile products for livestock barns, particularly insulated curtains for swine, dairy and poultry operations, was founded in 1983 by Bill and Carolyn Henderson. Bill Henderson said as a former builder of such facilities, he had a conversation with a hog farmer that sparked the idea for the company that today provides curtains for livestock producers world-wide.

received a patent for their insulated curtain, named MarCo-Lite, and through word of mouth, demand for the new product grew into the company that today provides curtains and other products to many of the world’s top producers. In December, 2018, Carolyn lost her battle with cancer, causing the family to regroup and develop a strategy for the future.

Brian and Jerri Henderson, a son and daughter-in-law of the couple, were made the company’s new owners with Bill still overseeing some of the day-to-day operations. Jerri was named president and Brian managing owner. According to Jerri Henderson, the recipe developed by Carolyn when the company began in 1983 will continue to be the company’s

Brian and Jerri Henderson Bill and Carolyn Henderson

He said to me ‘I’d have one of those naturally-ventilated buildings if I could get an insulated curtain on it,’” remembers Henderson. “So, it really was the farmer who had the idea.”

Bill said he went home and ran the idea past his wife, Carolyn, an accomplished seamstress. “She had some ideas on what kind of material to use because she was used to using material and we just put it together.” Not long after the couple’s first effort at making hog barn curtains was installed, the product was put to the ultimate test.

“We had cold snap after we put it on his building and he was so happy because in his old building — the one that wasn’t insulated — every water line in the place busted and none of them busted in the new building.” The Hendersons 30 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

roadmap for the future.

“I worked here when Mom was here and when she got sick and couldn’t be here, I took care of her,” said the new company president. “She was really good at it. She was a leader. She was the oldest of 10 children and that being said, when you’re the oldest, a lot falls on you. I would say Mom ran this business very well and a big part of her success was her insistence on top quality, having a product that is 100 percent American made, and her relentless dedication to customer service.” The company is branching into other products such as recreational vehicle skirting, bird barriers for the poultry industry and room dividers for numerous industrial purposes.

Call Jerri Henderson at 765-564-3979 and see what they can do for you, or email her at Jerri@AmericanAgraCurtainsInc.com e

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

www.farmranchdairy.com

email: info@hoffmanaibreeders.com

www.farmranchdairy.com

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 31

marketplace

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT

FLOORING

Auger repAir And Flighting

935 N 275 W Suite B Angola, IN 46703 Snow-Melt Systems Radiant Heat Geothermal Tankless Hot Water

Helicoid, Sectional & Cupped

FOR:

• Grain augers • Feed wagons • Mixers • Combines • Grain dryers • Grain carts • Sweeps & stirring machine down augers

No minimum. Same Day Shipment.

Radiant Floor Heat!

• Warm, Silent & Efficient • Hot Water or Electric • Tankless Hot Water • Slabs • Wood Floors • Geothermal • Wood Boilers

See us at www.indianawarmfloors.com

(260) 668-8836 • 1(800) 700-8830

PARTS Perry Equipment 115 W. 580 N., Crawfordsville, IN 47933

765.362.4495 • 800.443.8783 www.perry-equip.com

EQUIPMENT

.com

High Performance Grinder Parts

HAY & FORAGE 5 models to choose from.

Numerous Hammer Weld Patterns Available

Over 8000 Machines Parted Out!

Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Durable Painted Aluminum Alloy

Colorado Hay Probe Popular “Push In” Design Model 2001-See website for pricing

www.udyone.com UDY Corporation

201 Rome Court, • Fort Collins, CO 80524 Voice: 970.482.2060 • Fax: 970.482.2067 32 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Check out our publications on Issuu! issuu.com/ritzfamilypubs

Like us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/farmranchdairy

Download magazines from our website! farmranchdairy.com/frd_order.htm

1-800-330-3482 www.farmranchdairy.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

EQUIPMENT

Manufacturers of : Grain & Gravel Truck Boxes, End Dump Grain & Gravel Trailers, Also Bottom Dump Gravel Trailers.

Truck Sales

Load Line Manufacturing, Inc. 2 1/2 mi S. of Winkler Box 1900, Winkler, MB R6W 4B7

(204) 325-4798 Fax: (204) 325-4055 jbd@mts.net POST FRAME BUILDINGS

PRINTING

COPIES PRINTING FAX 714 North Main • P.O. Box 556 Meridian, Idaho 83680 Phone: 208-888-5682 • Fax: 208-288-1946 Cell: 283-3567 • Email: greg@modernprinters.net

www.modernprinters.net www.farmranchdairy.com

ADVERTISER

WEBSITE PAGE

Acres USA American Agra Curtains, Inc. Aquasource Drilling Beefmaster Breeders United Bio Tracking LLC Blue Lake Plastics, LLC Brynsaas Sales & Service Inc. C & R Supply, Inc. Clarks Ag Supply CleanFix North America, Inc. Colorado Hay Probe Colorado Certified Seed CW Mill Equipment Co Inc. E Rissler Mfg. Inc. E Tip Inc. Fehr Cab Interiors Greentronics LTD Hanson SIlos Hixwood Metal, Inc. Indiana Warm Floors Kunafin - The Insectary LaForge System Inc. Larsen Lights Load Line Manufacturing Inc. Manta-Ray Inc. Marcrest Manufacturing, Inc. Merit Seed Mike’s Equipment Company Modern Printers Myers Spring Nixon Auctioneers One Call of Wyoming Pearson Real Estate Perry Equipment Inc. Port A Hut Posson Realty Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc. RCO Pest Control Products RMT Equipment Rowse Rakes Safety Zone Calf Catchers Simonsen Industries Inc. Sinclair Transportation Co. Sloan Express Sundby’s Trailer Sales Texas Plant & Soil Lab TJ’s Fencing Company Udy Corp Wagner Equipment Co. Washburn Company Walinga USA Inc. Wilger Inc.

www.acresusa.com 12 americanagracurtainsInc.com 31 www.aquasourcemt.com 9 www.beefmasters.org 29 www.biopryn.com 25 www.bluelakeplastics.com 9 www.brynsaas.com 17 www.crsupply.com 19 www.clarksagsupply.com 5 www.cleanfix.org 7 www.udyone.com 32 coloradocertifiedpotatogrowers.com 5 www.dynahog.com 32 14 www.etipinc.com 10 www.fehrcab.com 18 www.greentronics.com 15 www.hansonsilo.com 32 www.hixwoodmetalinc.com 33 www.indianawarmfloors.com 32 www.kunafin.com 9 www.fronthitch.com 23 www.larsenlights.com 21 loadline.ca 33 www.manta-ray-valves.com 21 www.marcrestmfg.com 20 www.meritseed.com 11 www.mikesequipment.com 32 www.modernprinters.net 33 www.lasertoothtine.com 15 www.nixonauctioneers.com 8 www.onecallofwyoming.com 3 www.pearsonrealestate.com 13 www.perry-equip.com 32 www.port-a-hut.com 8 www.possonrealty.net 9 www.rawhideportablecorral.com 28 www.rodent-baits.com 15 www.rmtequipment.com 34 www.rowserakes.com 17 safetyzonecalfcatchers.com 27 www.simonsen-industries.com 21 11 www.sloanex.com 35 www.sundbystrailers.com 23 www.TPSLab.com 2 www.tjsfencingcompany.com 31 www.udyone.com 32 www.wagnerequipment.com 22 www.washburncompany.com 21 www.walinga.com 36 www.wilger.net 7

Rocky Mountain/Heartland

Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 33

AT SLOAN EXPRESS, WE SEE NO COLOR.

8,000+ New Ag Parts Available At

E RTS • 4WD KITS • DISCHARG PA IN RA ET IV DR • S LT BE • A• R TUBES AIN TANK PARTS • LANKOT AIR CONDITIONING • AUGE GR • RS TE FIL • E US HO ER TS T • FEED UM • DIVIDERS • PTO SHAF PARTS • ENGINE • EXHAUS DR R GE AU • RS TE AR ST • • RADIOS ATS • STEP KITS • WEIGHTS LIGHTS • MUD SCRAPERS • SE • NG RI EE ST • S XE BO AN S • ROCK • SICKLE PARTS • MANUAL SPEARS • BALER PARTS • BE LE BA • S ER ST TE RE TU IS S • MO KS ENGINE • DECALS • MIRROR • HITCHES • RUBBER TRAC LS EE WH E UG GA • S ER PP • HO • METERS • CLOSING WHEELS PARTS • CAMERA SYSTEMS ER TT YE • KS AN SH • S LIE SUPP • • SEED LUBRICANTS • SHOP S • BLADES • DISC BLADES LE AX • NG RI EE ST • ES UG N SURE GA EXHAUSTS • HOSES • PRES ETH • GRAIN GATES • GRAI TE • S RT PA GE LA TIL AL IC • VERT S• ING • AUGER TUBES • BELT HARROW SPIKES • S-TINES ON ITI ND CO R AI S TIE ZIP • E• BELTS • EXHAUST • FEEDER HOUS STORAGE • TOW ROPES • VNE GI EN • S RT PA E RG HA SC RS KITS • DI RAPERS • RADIOS • STARTE DRIVETRAIN PARTS • 4WD SC D MU • S HT LIG • A OT NK S • LA S• FILTERS • GRAIN TANK PART S • MANUALS • ROCK BOXE RT PA LE CK SI • TS AF SH O • PT • AUGER DRUM • DIVIDERS LS • MIRRORS • MOISTURE CA DE • NE GI EN • S HT IG WE TS • S Us On Social!

STEERING • SEATS • STEP KI Follow CLOSING WHEELS • HOPPER • RS TE ME AN BE • S RT PA BALER S• TESTERS • BALE SPEARS • BRICANTS • SHOP SUPPLIE LU ED SE • KS AC TR ER BB S • RU ES • GAUGE WHEELS • HITCHE • HOSES • PRESSURE GAUG TS US HA EX • S EM ST SY RA ME ES • S-TINES • VERTICAL ANKS • YETTER PARTS • CA

SLOANEX.COM • (800) 934-9777