Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy The vital resource of the Ag Industry
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West–Southwest
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Spring-Summer edition 2022
Benefits of using SweetPro on Dry Pastures
Exploding Costs Require Farmers to Grow Smarter University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the Place for You www.FarmRanchDairy.com
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contents Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy West/Southwest • Spring-Summer Edition 2022
Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine
Agriculture
President / CEO Michael Ritz
University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the Place for You ........................................................................... 7 Stukenholtz Laboratory Inc. Celebrating 51 Years of Agricultural Testing .................................................................... 8 A “Helping Hand” For Zero-Turn MowersIrrigation .......................................................... 9 Amber Waves – Your perfect solution for all your dry bulk and liquid storage needs. .............................................................. 10 Most Affordable Sprayer Boom Height Control. Better spray job, less drift, less chance of equipment damage, much easier on the operator.. ....................................................................................... 11 Exploding Costs Require Farmers to Grow Smarter Discarding “Traditional” Practices: Now Use Less To Make More .................................. 12
mikeritz@ritzfamilypublishing.com
a Ritz Family Publication
Executive V.P. Operations Robert Davis rdavis@ritzfamilypublishing.com
General Manager Brenda Stoner brenda@ritzfamilypublishing.com
Office Manager Chelsea Pierce chelsea@ritzfamilypublishing.com
Sales Kevin Davis kevin@farmranchdairy.com
Pat Drury pat@ritzfamilypublishing.com
Equipment
Bill Hughes
Parrish AgriTurf’s Accumulator and Grappler – Easy One Man Operation ............................................................................. 16 Stainless Steel Air Seeder Parts The solution to your corrosion problems! ...................................................................... 17
Danny Nicolay
bill@farmranchdairy.com danny@farmranchdairy.com
Livestock Benefits of using SweetPro on Dry Pastures ................................................................. 19 Catch A Ride On The Feed Train® .................................................................................. 20 Southwest® Fence and Supply Fencing The West and Beyond ...................................................................................... 21 Brown Weight Valve – A Valve You Can Love ................................................................. 22
Corporate Office Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. 714 N Main St., Meridian, ID 83642
Departments
sales@ritzfamilypublishing.com
Marketplace..................................................................................................................24 Advertiser Index ........................................................................................................... 25
www.ritzfamilypublishing.com
Sales For all sales inquiries, call toll free: 1(800) 330-3482 or 1(208) 955-0124 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
Front cover: Photo courtesy of University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Printed By Owyhee Publishing, Homedale, ID Copyright© 2022. 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.
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agriculture
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.
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University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the Place for You
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he University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a program for you! With 8 different Bachelor’s degree program options and Graduate and Doctoral programs to compliment Bachelor’s degrees, there is a place for everyone. The programs we offer include agriculture business, agriculture communications, plant production and protection, animal and veterinary science, family and consumer science, microbiology, molecular biology, and rangeland & watershed management.
To top it all off, we have excellent and affordable tuition. The University of Wyoming was ranked 2nd in the nation among land-grant universities and #5 overall in the Wall Street Journal’s 2020 “Is Your College Worth the Cost.” The College of Agriculture has a great selection of scholarships as well, with over $900,000 awarded to students last year. With diverse degree programs and a club for everyone, the UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the place for you. We will get you ready for a career in a multitude of agricultural fields. Learn more at www.uwyo.edu/agprograms/index.html e
In addition to top-notch academic programs there are many ways to enrich your time here at UW. With over 20 different clubs, organizations, and nationally competitive teams, there is always something to fill your schedule. If you’re one for competition, we have teams for livestock, meat, and wool judging, equestrian and rodeo. Looking to extend your professional network? Check out Wyoming Collegiate Cattle Association, UW Block and Bridle, Wyoming Collegiate Wool Growers or Pre-Veterinary Club. Gain hands on skills and experience through ACRES Student Farm, Food Science Club, Ranch Horse Team or apply to be a Cowboy Joe pony handler. We also have agricultural based Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and Sigma Alpha Sorority to really round out your collegiate experience. www.farmranchdairy.com
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Stukenholtz Laboratory Inc.
Celebrating 51 Years of Agricultural Testing
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n 1970, there were no commercial soil and plant testing laboratories in Idaho. Farmers applied fertilizers based upon educated guesswork. Dr. Dale Stukenholtz and his wife Joyce saw an opportunity to build a business and started a soil and plant testing laboratory and field consulting service based in Twin Falls, Idaho. Dr. Stukenholtz had an unusually diverse background as an educator at the University of Nebraska, an agronomist in the fertilizer industry, and a farmer, and he saw a need for more modern fertilizer recommendations to produce greater yields at less cost. His clients were the growers, so he could make unbiased recommendations that maximized economic return to the farmer. After extensive field research, he developed these improved fertilizer recommendations that quickly became popular with growers and form the basis for nearly all fertilizer applications in the intermountain west area. Stukenholtz Laboratory clients include growers from all neighboring states and several foreign countries including Australia, Canada, Egypt, Russia, Mexico and New Zealand. Stukenholtz Laboratory provides 1 to 2 day service, including picking up and delivery time, across Southern Idaho from St. Anthony and Grace to Parma and Homedale. Results can be delivered, mailed, faxed, or pulled from the Laboratory’s webpage: www.stukenholtz.com. To improve their service, Joyce and Dale Stukenholtz expanded the laboratory 24 years ago, installed the latest in computerized instrumentation and quality control, and made it the most modern and well equipped agricultural laboratory in their market area. Critical to the success of Idaho’s most efficient laboratory and largest field consulting firm has been its personnel. Dr. Stukenholtz has had a PhD in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition since 1964 and his son and Laboratory Manager Paul has nearly completed his own. Consulting agronomists include
J.P. Kruckeberg of American Falls, a 42 year veteran of field consulting and the most successful single agronomist in the state, and Bart Kunz. The Laboratory and office staff are equally good.
Analysis room at Stukenholtz Laboratory Inc.
Stukenholtz Laboratory continues with research and improvement. In conjunction with the Idaho Crop Production Association and University of Idaho CFEP research project, Stukenholtz Laboratory has helped to ensure that fertilizer recommendations in Idaho are the most cost efficient possible and produce the maximum economic yield while protecting the environment. Stukenholtz Laboratory personnel have conducted field research on over 40 different products and continue to be the experts at “cutting edge” agricultural technology. As we end our first 50 years of business and begin our next, we would like to thank our current and former employees for their dedicated work and our customers and clients for their years of support. e
STUKENHOLTZ LABORATORY Inc. Agricultural Consulting & Testing
• Soil Testing • Irrigation Scheduling • Feed Analysis • Contract Research
• Tissue Testing • Pest Management • Field Research • Grid Sampling
• Variable Rate Fertilization • International Testing • Agronomic and CCA Seminars • Nematode Testing
Contact: Paul Stukenholtz, Consulting Agronomist
Agronomists: JP Kruckeberg, Bart Kunz, Cameron Brower, Antone Christensen, Wess Gibson, Cody McCoy, Kevin Victor
208-734-3050 • 800-759-3050 • Fax 208-734-3919 P.O. Box 353 • 2924 Addison Ave E. • Twin Falls, ID 83301
E-mail: frontoffice@stukenholtz.com Website: www.stukenholtz.com 8 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
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A “Helping Hand” For Zero-Turn Mowers
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etting on and off a zero-turn mower can be tricky, our support bar known as the DONBAR makes it easier for operators of all ages. Originally developed to aid our father who was struggling with Parkinson’s disease, the bar gave him the needed stability to get on and off his zero turn mower, allowing him years of enjoyment, being able to get out and continue to mow his own lawn. The DONBAR provides stability and balance for people of all ages to safely mount and dismount their zero-turn mower by offering an extra point of contact when climbing on and off, or moving from a sitting to a standing position.
Irrigation System Design, Installation, and Maintenance From a professional mowers point of view, use of the DONBAR reduces fatigue from climbing off & on the mower each time you need to move a hose, sprinkler or debris. An additional benefit is on those early mornings that bring a bit of moisture, having the additional point of contact helps the operator to avoid slipping on the wet grass. The DONBAR works just like a handrail, giving an extra point of contact for better balance and stability. The DONBAR mounts directly to the footplate of a zero-turn mower. It uses existing deck holes (some applications require additional drilling) and attaches with lock nuts that resist loosening under vibration and torque. The DONBAR Adjustable ($94.95) and the NEW DB Deluxe with Bucket Holder ($144.95) can be ordered online at: www.dbmower.com . e www.farmranchdairy.com
West/Southwest
Lynden, WA USA 177 Birch Bay Lynden Rd. Lynden, WA 98264 360-393-4923 I 877-591-4790 www.watertecna.com Monday to Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 9
Secure Storage Solutions - Hybrid Stainless Steel Bins, used in dry fertilizer and food grade applications - Multi-Purpose Bins, use them for Grain, Seed, Feed, Fertilizer and much more - Custom designed silos for Breweries, Frac Sand Storage, Cleaning and Bagging operations, Overhead Cake Bins
Custom Quality Bins Mfg. in the USA
Amber Waves – Your perfect solution for all your dry bulk and liquid storage needs.
D
o you have a need for dry or liquid bulk storage? Amber Waves has your solution! Amber Waves is your premier American made smooth wall hopper bottom bin manufacturer. Built in Southwest North Dakota and serving our fine dairies, ranches and farms across the USA, Amber Waves offers a full line of carbon steel, as well as stainless steel hopper bottom bins ranging in size from 600 to 6000 CF volume. Premix? Whole grains? Ground feeds? Or fertilizer – dry or liquid – Amber Waves has a solution for you.
11 So. Ave. W., Richardton, ND 58652
866-859-2193
sales@amberwavesinc.com
www.amberwavesinc.com
They offer a full line of standard options and custom design. Whether you need overhead structures, catwalk and conveyor supports, catwalk, discharge slide gates and transitions, additional under clearance, etc., Amber Waves offers the largest fill opening and lid in the business. Amber Waves also offers industry leading construction, workmanship, and customer service. Their friendly sales and engineering teams will help you find the perfect storage solution for your operation. They don’t believe in taking shortcuts on materials, supporting structure, or in the fabrication process itself. From your first call through the engineering process, through delivery and your setup, Amber Waves will provide you with an experience that will have you smiling all the way to the barn or the field! Give Amber Waves a call today at 866-859-2193 for your quote, or look them up on the web at amberwavesinc.com . e 10 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
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Most Affordable Sprayer Boom Height Control. Better spray job, less drift, less chance of equipment damage, much easier on the operator.
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he Greentronics RiteHeight® system uses from two to five ultrasonic sensors to measure and control the distance from the sprayer boom to the target. Users find it very easy to operate and straightforward to install. In fact, more than 75% of endusers install their own RiteHeight® systems. Installation is simple because there are just four main items: 1) Console with display and keypad, 2) Junction Box, 3) Sensors, and 4) Cables.
RiteHeight® is adaptable and works on any type of new or used trailed, or self-propelled sprayer with electric-over-hydraulic solenoid valves. It works with all common hydraulic designs and requires no additional hydraulics. Once installed, use the TEST menu to check connections. Then move the sprayer to a safe spot outside, unfold the booms, and run the auto SELF CALIBRATION step. This allows the computer to learn your sprayer’s behavior. At spray time, set the optimal target height. Choose the operating mode: Bare Ground, Partial Canopy, or Full Canopy. RiteHeight® allows operators to make on-the-go adjustments to target height. The RiteHeight® system is easy to over-ride and constantly monitors for operator input. Headland Mode allows for quick & safe turns. Greentronics offers optional ISOBUS compatibility to operate RiteHeight® directly from the Universal Terminal screen on many tractor and sprayer displays. Some users move RiteHeight® sensors from the booms to their Y-Drop systems where correct boom height is necessary to optimize placement of liquid fertilizer in row crops. Since 2007, Greentronics has taken great pride in offering this high quality product at the most reasonable price on the market. Customer input has driven many improvements over the years and operators with older RiteHeight® systems are advised to contact Greentronics about upgrade options. For more information, visit: www.greentronics.com or call Greentronics Ltd. at 519-669-4698 e www.farmranchdairy.com
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Exploding Costs Require Farmers to Grow Smarter Discarding “Traditional” Practices: Now Use Less To Make More By Noel Garcia, CCA – Chief Operating Officer & Senior Consultant, TPS Lab
W
hile farmers have always had to carefully manage inputs costs, 2020 ushered in a new era of even more daunting problems of which every farmer is now painfully aware. And indications are that all costs and other problems will continue to escalate for the foreseeable future. Farmers had already been trimming seed and chemical expenses since 2016, now they must determine where there may be some more room to cut further. Unfortunately, many start cutting in areas that affect overall production such as fertilizer, chemicals, consultants, and testing. This will undoubtedly lead to a decrease in yields with the current high expenses result in a poor return on investment. Cutting input costs that lower yields is a very poor choice when trying to solve the cost price squeeze. Maximum Economic Yields (MEY) come from spreading fixed costs over high yields to lower the unit costs of production. As fertilizer prices increase, increasing crop yields offers more opportunities than reducing traditional methods of fertilizer applications to increase profits. Fertilizer prices are skyrocketing, slamming farmers already buckling under the strain of rising costs. Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) and Diammonium phosphate (DAP) increased from $250/Ton in June 2020 to over $700/Ton in October 2021. Urea was averaging $250/Ton in January 2019 to over $600/Ton in October 2021. More than any time before, farmers can’t afford to guess about fertilizer use. TPS Lab’s Ask The Plant® program including Plant Natural® Soil test and Ask The Plant® Sap Analysis provide precision answers. These tests can net out huge savings in fertilizer costs by using only the amounts needed by the crop. Following the “4 ‘R’s” of Nutrient Stewardship provides a framework to achieve cropping systems goals, such as increased production, increased profitability, enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability. To achieve these goals farmers must apply the Right Fertilizer source at the Right Rate, at the Right Time and in the Right Place. The implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) that optimize the efficiency of fertilizer use is also a requirement. Fertilizer BMP must match nutrient supply with crop targets to minimize nutrient losses from fields. Efficiency of fertilizer recovery (how much of the nutrient applied did the plant actually take up?) can be greatly improved by balanced soil fertility and use of biological inoculants, bio-stimulants such as organic acids and hormones that improve physiological actions of plants. TPS Lab’s Ask The Plant® fertility program can dramatically improve the applied fertilizer efficiency while decreasing input costs (Range from 15 – 40% reduction in this time of high fertilizer costs), improving yields and return on invest12 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
ment. Sustainable long-term profitability starts with topsoil and subsoil analysis (Plant Natural® Soil Test) that is truly calibrated to actual plant uptake. The recommendations will set a nutrient budget for the season that will be tweaked inseason with Ask The Plant® Sap Analysis that allows the crop to make the final decisions on its needs. Otherwise, how are we to know what the plant requirements are at each stage of growth with so many factors that influence the plant nutrient utilization (biotic and abiotic stresses)? Normal recovery of fertilizer applied: Nitrogen (N) 60 – 80% Phosphorous (P2O5) 15 – 30% Potassium (K2O) 55 – 70% TPS Lab’s Ask The Plant® fertility program can improve recovery to: Nitrogen (N) 90 – 95% Phosphorous (P2O5) 50 – 70% Potassium (K2O) 75 – 90% Timing Is Everything! Example: We most often see farmers applying high-N “pop-up” starter fertilizers at planting – or especially in the Midwest, with its high organic matter and cool, damp soils, applying N as either Urea or Anhydrous in the Fall to “warehouse” it to the Spring. But Soil makes a very inefficient and leaky warehouse! So, at least some N is lost during the Winter for what’s left to be available to the crop at sprouting – when it needs that N the least, to be finally be depleted by the time the crop needs it the most – same as when it is used as part of a pop-up. Money lost in inefficient and unnecessary use of Nitrogen! That money would have been much better spent on P and K to build roots at pre-plant! Correcting soil nutrients for balanced nutrient supply is essential for a healthy crops and soil. Maintain with balanced fertilizer (Macro and Micronutrients) plus adjuvants to increase uptake efficiency for best return on costs. Feeding the crop what, when and how much it needs for maximum returns of yield and quality is critical for healthy plants that require less herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. Only TPS Lab adjusts plant sufficiency standards to fit needs according to crop physiology that change with age. This allows maximizing the plant genetic potential by beginning the sap testing as early as the 3-4 leaf stage unlike “traditional” sampling programs that don’t begin until late vegetative or early reproductive stage. By that time, you have limited your potential production by missing key essential physiological triggers (micronutrients and stress) that enhance yield and quality early in the vegetative stage of growth. More money lost at harvest.
West/Southwest
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Some key physiological principles to key in mind: • Plants eat and drink every day • Nitrogen and Potash utilize about 1 pound per day of each nutrient and 1/5 to 1/3 as much Phosphate balanced with other minerals and micronutrients – varies among crops • The soil is a poor and expensive store house for N, P & Micronutrients (Zn, Fe. Mn, Cu, B, Mo, Co, Se, Si) – apply only as needed for best cost effectiveness! • Only Ask The Plant® Sap Analysis can tell you what, when and how much nutrients are needed to maximize genetic potential • Proper adjuvants improve performance: Amino Acids, Humic Acids, Fulvic Acids, Phytohormones, Soil Inoculants, etc. • Soil Health compromised of a diverse population of bacteria and fungi is vital for nutrient recycling and disease suppression • There are no “Absolutes in Nature” – constantly changing every season. No magic formulas or miracle cures! Maintaining balanced nutrition and vigorous soil life at every stage of your plants’ life cycle will ensure that no matter what challenge Mother Nature sends, your crops will have the best
chance of making you money. Soil, Water and Sap testing is one of the best investments a grower can make, especially during these times of uncertainty with exorbitant fertilizer prices. 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 crops. When we correct our soil’s nutritional imbalances, we facilitate maintaining adequate levels of nutrients in our plants as they develop. As crops grow, their nutritional needs change and meeting those needs will greatly reduce the harmful stresses that prevent the plant from reaching is maximum genetic potential. Simultaneously, we reduce the need for insecticides and fungicides that reduce overall profit. The use of consultants willing to council you about your plans and goals is advisable. 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 inoculants and cover crops in your plan and you will ensure vital relationships are maintained in the plant root environment for the entire season which will ensure your best bottom line. e
800-214-2248 rodent-baits.com www.farmranchdairy.com
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equipment
FPAC photo by Preston Keres courtesy of USDA.
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Parrish AgriTurf’s Accumulator and Grappler – Easy One Man Operation
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arrish AgriTurf has built and patented a one of a kind piece of equipment that can save you hours of work and hours of man power in the fields. Our Hay Accumulator can gather 10 bales of hay into one easy to manage row. It converts in just a few minutes, allowing custom accumulating of square bales that have already been baled and on the ground. It hooks behind any square baler in minutes without utilizing pumps or tractor hydraulics. The simple working mechanism makes this hay accumulator virtually foolproof. The simple design requires no timing, it virtually runs itself. Small Bale Hay Accumulator Smooth, precision functions keep up with any baler’s production. Our hay accumulator prevents jamming by pulling bales away from your baler, so the hay accumulator does not have to run fast in order to keep up with the baler. Plus, our dump system matches your ground speed so it creates tight, uniform packages every time — even on steep or rough terrain. Hay Grappler Tired of handling Square bales of hay? Let Parrish Agriturf’s square bale hay grapples do the work for you. Get the hay out of the field and into the barn fast and easy.
We hold the patent on this product so we are able to control how they are made and able to make sure that only high quality products go into each of our Hay Accumulator and Hay Grapples. The ease of use of our hay accumulator and hay grapple is unlike any other. And the cost is very much in most anyone’s budget. Our products are made here in our shop in Alabama. We don’t use a huge mass production line to make our units. Each one is done by hand so that we check every weld, every spring, and every screw to make sure it’s done correctly and that it’s up to our standards. If the weld doesn’t meet our standards, it won’t be going out of our shop . . . PERIOD! Our farm equipment requires little to no maintenance. Everything is built out of high grade metal and all the welds are done in our shop. We do this to make sure that the entire unit can withstand hours and hours of on the farm work. Our Accumulator and Grapple is very reasonably priced and is much more economical that some of the expensive models you can find in other places. If you would like to find out more information about our products, just contact us and we’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have. Call Today 256-660-1116, or visit us at www.ParrishAgriTurf.com. e
Used Tractor Inventory Changing Daily
Call for Updated Inventory
New Vermeer Forage Equipment In Stock
Cadman Irrigation Reels Available
(360) 815-1597 16 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
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Stainless Steel Air Seeder Parts The solution to your corrosion problems!
R
omafa Metal Works realized the enormity of the problem that exists of the many corroding air seeder parts and farmers’ and ranchers’ desperate needs for a solution. Romafa, through careful planning, designing, and testing, developed stainless steel replacement air seeder parts for multiple brands of air seeders. Romafa Metal Works found by using stainless steel for the replacement part those parts are stronger and more durable. The parts can handle a lot more stress before showing signs of wear and tear. Plus in addition to being more rust resistant, the replacement parts are also more resistant to staining, and – well, let’s face it – they look better too. You no longer need throw money at a relatively temporary solution only to see it rust away almost before your eyes. Instead, replacing your corroded air seeder parts with Romafa’s parts made of stainless steel will be a lasting
improvement and solution. How it started Back in 2012 Ronald Kornelsen left his job as a designer and started a small family business with his wife, Marcela, and their family, doing welding, machining, and repair work for the local agricultural and cattle ranching community.
Ronald, with his experience with designing and prototypes in the metalwork industry, also offered these skills to fill the needs of his customers and help bring their ideas to fruition. Romafa (from the first two letters each of ROnald, MArcela, and FAm-
ily) Metal Works very quickly became known as a productive and venturesome business. Soon local as well as distant customers came to them to have their machinery repaired and/or improved. New ideas were offered, designed, built, and tested. For Romafa, this created many opportunities for growth as a business, and with the help and expertise of their innovative employees, they have grown to be a business with many different products and projects. For more information on our stainless steel air seeder parts, our light weight yet durable boom for ditch sprayer trucks, our alfalfa seed sieves for combines (reduces the curls among your alfalfa seed by at least 50 per cent), or if you have a project of your own you need help with, visit our website at www.Romafa.com, or call Jim Kinnaman at 204-364-2244. e
We are a High Quality manufacturer that stands behind our products. MADE IN NORTH AMERICA
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livestock
Photo courtesy of Beefmaster Breeders United.
18 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
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Benefits of using SweetPro on Dry Pastures
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n many eastern US pastures, cattle take one or two steps between bites, but on some western grazing lands, cattle need to take between fifteen and thirty steps. The forages available on the ranges can be very good, but the time window of their peak nutrition can also be very short. There are times when cattle cannot be kept moving enough to find what they need. When cattle do find good grass in these conditions, they can park on that spot, eat everything and create problems with land managers.
be placed out every 10 days. SweetPro blocks significantly increase the forage feed efficiency of cattle on these western grasses and help raise body scores to a healthy producing state. This automatically puts up to 25 pounds on the calf at weaning time and helps improve ranching profitability. (Calves don’t need creep feeds when body weight is put on the cow.) Energy and fertility of bulls is also increased to further enhance rebreeding over larger ranges. SweetPro blocks use DDGS and CDS for even delivery. Minerals, organic trace minerals, prebiotics (including the most MOS), enzymes, protein and fiber are provided to the animal on a fermented carrier without weather issues or over consumption. SweetPro blocks match the forage conditions. e
What are the rancher’s performance expectations in these conditions? To keep cattle alive, or to grow the herd? The cow needs the right body condition to rebreed and grow a calf every 12 months. Harvey Dietrich of the Diamond A Ranch in Seligman, AZ says, “You can’t play catch up with a cow.” Supplementation with SweetPro lick blocks can help keep both cattle and the land healthy. SweetPro blocks are fiber based, not molasses with all its negatives (ie: storage, contain-
ers, sugar negative associative effect, microbial digestive upset). Also, unlike the costs of loose mineral daily delivery, SweetPro blocks are easy to move, clean up and only need to www.farmranchdairy.com
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Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 19
Great Products Built to Last from Feed Train
Catch A Ride On The Feed Train®
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NEW UTV FEEDER 600 lb capacity Unloads in less than 2 minutes Translucent tank makes feed visible 4” auger services several different types of feed Large lid opening for easy fill 1000# Capacity Now Available
Optional Scale Now Available
n his previous career, before becoming a manufacturer, Bob Lutz was a cattle farmer. As such, he was always looking for ways to save time and money and make life a little easier. Since he was running a rotational grazing system to conserve his pastures, he was spending a lot of time moving feed bunks. Thus the dream of the time and labor saving mobile feed bunk system came into existence. In order for this system to work properly, a special steering mechanism was necessary to cope with the hilly terrain here in northern Missouri. Bob kept experimenting until he came up with the correct formula and put it into action for his own use. He then applied for and was granted a patent on the steering system. The high quality construction of the Feed Train® mobile bunk led to requests for stationary bunks of the same quality and those were added to the product line. Next we were
receiving customer requests for creep feeders and these were designed so that no tools are required for set up, thus avoiding the “lost screwdriver syndrome.” Customer requests for bulk bin storage followed and two sizes in portable bulk bins were developed – a 1.5-ton bin and a 3-ton bin. These sizes are also available as stationary units as well as a 5-ton bin. These bulk bin products are also used as seed tenders. And since most cattle farmers now use ATV or UTV units in their operations, we have created units for feeding from the seat of your vehicle. Pull-behind units come in 500- and 1000-pound capacity. And the UTV unit that sits in the back of the vehicle holds 600 pounds. Scales are available for any of these units. Take a look at our website at www. FeedTrain.com or call us at 888-5922351 for additional information or to find a dealer near you. e
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS ATV Feeders Bulk Bins Creep Feeders Seed Tenders Feed Bunks
LLC Unionville, MO (888) 592-2351 feedtrain@yahoo.com 20 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy for additional information visit:
www.feedtrain.com
West/Southwest
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Southwest® Fence and Supply Fencing The West and Beyond
S
outhwest® Fence and Supply is a California based company that specializes in ranch, range, and wildlife fencing and animal handling systems.
all-driven Superbrace, and the patentpending Superconnector post. We use only StayTuff wire products and 1.33, USA steel tposts. In addition to barbwire fencing, we
HDPE stay carries a lifetime warranty and is fire retardant. These come in a 36” and 42” length and are available in bundles of 50. The Superbrace is all-driven instal-
We have patented proprietary products that are the core components of a Southwest® Fence and Supply suspension fencing system. We install both our suspension fencing on 20, 30 and 40 foot centers either with tposts or our patent pending connector post which eliminates the need for tposts and traditional barbwire fencing on 8 to 10 ft centers. The core components of our suspension fencing system are the patented HDPE fence Superstays, the patented
install non-climb with pipe and rail including deer fencing and wildlife friendly barbwire fencing. We design and install arenas, working pens, holding pens, load outs, shade structures. To complement containment we offer cattle guards, chutes, tubs, feeders, gates, self-closing gates and barbwire gate assemblies. We are currently working on a private label post-driver. Each of our proprietary products has at least one outstanding feature. The
lation that is not only very fast but requires no concrete or field welding. The Superconnector allows wire to move freely against the post without allowing it to become displaced. The wire strands can be rolled out at one time and simply popped into the connector again with a labor savings of no threading, clipping or tying. Please visit our website: www.southwestfenceandsupply.com or call the founder and President, Chris Hanneken at 805-635-4939. e
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West/Southwest
Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 21
Brown Weight Valve A Valve You Can Love Introducing the WEIGHT VALVE arry Brown, a former dairyman, has been developing and selling his weight valve–now guaranteed to last over 13 years. This valve is not a float valve. It uses a valve that is normally closed (a float valve is normally open, and the float holds the valve closed). This valve has a weight on an arm that pushes the spring-loaded valve open when the water level is lowered in the tank. The arm is adjustable for setting the water depth. Brown’s weight valve uses a solid block of HDPE (high density polyethylene) mounted on the arm. HDPE is lighter than water and is the perfect weight for the valve. This block rests at the water’s surface. As water in the tank lowers, the weight pulls down on the arm, pushing the spring-loaded valve open and turning on the water. As Brown developed his weight valve, he built it the way dairymen would want – heavy duty and built to last. The valve housing and weight are made of HDPE, and all metal parts are made of stainless steel. It is built to last, priced competitively
G
with other valves, and made in America. Float valves have been the only device available to control the water level in any container, water trough, swamp cooler, and toilet tank for roughly two hundred years. Can you think of any other device that uses two-hundredyear-old technology? There are variations that have had some success but most are not a dairyman’s favorite device. That is changing. There is a water valve available that is not a float valve but operates on a new principle. There is finally a water valve that dairymen can love. The arm on the regular size Brown Weight Valve is a oneeighth-inch-thick bar of stainless steel. The weight is a solid block of HDPE about the size of a brick and weighs about two pounds – these weights will never fail like a float will. With a weight valve, the most pressure that can be put on the valve is the weight on the arm. The arm is hinged to push in on the valve – but not attached to the valve, so if the water level rises the weight will float up without putting pressure on the valve.
“Several large dairies been using these valves more than 12 years and ain’t had to replace a’one of ‘em!”
Built To Last– Guaranteed For Life!
22 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
West/Southwest
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There are several different sizes of Brown’s valves that deliver from four gallons per minute to over twenty gallons per minute. Brown has put together many configurations, such as a valve with a short arm and a hanging weight, and an arm that allows the valve to be mounted under water. Other sizes and configurations as demand dictates. Weight Valve FREEZE VALVE Brown has found a perfect freeze valve to use on the weight valve to keep water lines and valves from freezing. It is fully adjustable from a dribble to a full stream (with a 3/16 in. opening). The freeze valve, like the weight valves, are built to last. Moving water will not freeze. This valve can be closed to where it delivers a pin-point stream (it has to be left on with a solid stream) and can deliver as little as two gallons in three hours. You don’t need very much volume in your troughs to hold this additional water during the night when animals are not drinking. The weight valve arm is adjustable so you can adjust it to shut off the water at a lower level during cold weather so the additional water added to the trough at night when a few animals will drink will not overfill the trough. There are several freeze valves on the market that turn on a smaller stream of water when the water temperature approaches freezing. These are being sold for use with float valves. Since the water cannot rise any higher than the float’s shutoff without damaging the float valve, this requires an overflow drain to carry the additional water out of your corral. It would be very expensive to put
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underground drains in all troughs, and this water is wasted – adding further expense. There is one other way to keep troughs from freezing using a float – heat the trough. And that is expensive. The arm of the weight valve is hinged so it only puts pressure down. If the water level is raised higher with a freeze valve, it puts no pressure on the valve or weight. The weight floats up with the rising water. By adjusting the small stream of water that the freeze valve delivers, it comes out of the valve at the water pressure in your water line, and runs toward the weight so it tends to keep the weight from freezing in the trough. During really cold periods, it will keep the water line, the valve, and the area around the valve from freezing. When the animals start drinking in the morning, the new water coming into the trough will melt the rest of the trough. If the weatherman says it’s going to be extremely cold, you can open them a little more. During the summer you can shut them completely off. The WEIGHT VALVE, and the FREEZE VALVE are a perfect match. For one person to come up with just one of these ideas is great – but Garry Brown came up with both! Ordering these valves is as close and easy as picking up your phone and calling Garry at 1-801-602-9910, and by ordering direct from Garry you also save all distributor and/or store markups. Learn more by visiting his website at www.BrownWeightValve.com . e
West/Southwest
Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 23
marketplace AGRICULTURE
BEEF BEEF
TANK COATINGS ROOF COATINGS
3H Simmental Ranch
Available for METAL, composition shingles or tar roofs. Long lasting and easy to apply. We also manufacture tank coatings for concrete, rock, steel, galvanized or mobile tanks. Call for our free catalog:
TIRES
Simm & Sim-Angus Bulls
VIRDEN PERMA-BILT
(806) 352-2761
Bred for growth and longevity. Delivery available. Contact Alan at: 503-931-6815
Other Sizes New & Used Nationwide Shipping M-F 8am-6pm • Sat 8am-4pm
3hsimmental@gmail.com
www.virdenproducts.com
TIRE TOWN INC.
18.4-28 BIAS NEW 10PLY R-1 ................. $660.00 380/80R42 NEW BUFF SPRAYER R-1 ...... $799.00 14.9R46 USED 75% TREAD R-1 .............. $750.00 900/75R32 New buff ............................. $2200.00 30.5L-32 Grain Cart 16p ....................... $1399.00 43x16.00-20 NEW BUFF 4PLY R-4........... $245.00 15x19.5 NEW BUFFED 6PLY R-4............... $219.00 28LR26 100% TREAD R-3...................... $1399.00 18.4R28 NEW BUFF R-2 .......................... $699.00
(800) 444-7209 (800) 451-9864
Plains, MT
AGRICULTURE
AUTOMOTIVE
Irrigation Supplies and Rentals
20488 Pinto Ln, Caldwell, ID 83607
(208) 453-9155 www.interwestsupply.com
www.fairlys.com 208.342.7777 800.246.7879 2301 Main St. • Boise, ID 83702
PRINTING
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
COPIES PRINTING FAX Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine is online!
View our publications on Issuu! issuu.com/ritzfamilypubs Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/farmranchdairy Download magazines from our website! farmranchdairy.com 24 • Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy
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
West/Southwest
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FUEL
ADVERTISERS INDEX ADVERTISER
WEBSITE PAGE
Amber Waves Inc. Baker Angus Bestway Sales LLC Blevins Angus Ranch Brown Weight Valve CleanFix North America, Inc. College of Agriculture University of Wyoming Cowboy’s Bar & Museum DB Mower Innovations Easy Way Cattle Care Elston Manufacturing, Inc. Fairly Reliable Bob’s Feed Train LLC Greentronics LTD H & M Gopher Control Honeyville Metal, Inc. International Ag Labs Interwest Supply Co Modern Printers Never Spill Spout, Inc. Parrish AgriTurf RCO Pest Control Products Romafa Metal Works Inc. Sloan Express Southwest Fence and Supply Stukenholtz Laboratory Inc. Sweet Pro 3H Simmental Ranch, LLC Thunderbird Irrigation of Idaho Tire Town, Inc TJ Equipment LLC TJ’s Fencing Company TPS Lab Virden Perma-Bilt Co. WaterTec Wilger Inc.
www.amberwavesinc.com 10 www.bakerangus.com 22 www.bestwayag.com 25 www.blevinsangus.com 23 www.brownweightvalve.com 22 www.cleanfix.org 15 www.uwyo.edu/uwag 7 20 www.dbmower.com 9 www.easywaycattlecare.com 26 www.elstonmfg.com 5 www.fairlys.com 24 www.feedtrain.com 20 www.greentronics.com 3 www.handmgophercontrol.com 3 www.honeyvillemetal.com 13 www.aglabs.com 10 www.interwestsupply.com 24 www.modernprinters.net 24 www.neverspillspout.com 27 www.parrishagriturf.com 16 www.rodent-baits.com 13 www.romafa.com 17 www.sloanex.com 2 southwestfenceandsupply.com 21 www.stukenholtz.com 8 www.sweetpro.com 19 24 www.thunderbirdirrigation.com 5 24 www.tjequipmentllc.com 16 www.tjsfencingcompany.com 11 www.tpslab.com 28 www.virdenproducts.com 24 www.watertecna.com 9 www.wilger.net 15
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Bestway Ag’s Field Pro IV is an industry-leading pull-type sprayer that features superior technology and engineering, including V-Ride and the FiberWorks composite boom system. Call your local Bestway Ag dealer to learn more, or visit us at www.bestwayag.com.
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300, 500, 1000 Gallon Models Available
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HOPKINSVILLE, KY HIAWATHA, KS GREENWOOD, MS 877-390-4480 800-392-7440 270-887-8550 OLIVE BRANCH, MS INVERNESS, MS 866-776-8265 662-265-5841 www.farmranchdairy.com
West/Southwest
Western Farm, Ranch and Dairy • 25
Do it the easy way. Made in the U.S.A.
Easy Way Cattle Care The most complete line of parasite control available!
ATTENTION CATTLEMEN: If your cattle or bison are bothered by flies, lice, ticks or other parasites, you need of our parasite treating stations. They work in pasture or lot on cows, calves and bison. They are fully automatic and require very little maintenance. Your cattle will do better if they are free of parasites!
EASY WAY CATTLE CARE | P.O. Box 325, Decorah, IA 52101
563-387-0932 or 563-382-2099 info@easywaycattlecare.com
www.easywaycattlecare.com
