SD Farm & Ranch - June 2016

S

O

U

T

H

D

A

K

O

T

A

AGWEEK’S

FARM&RANCH J U NE 2 01 JUNE 16 016

BRANDING

BRINGS 11 TOGETHER FRIENDS, FAMILY

LIFE AS A

FARRIER 7 Behind the face of the dair y industr y 5 A fishy fer tilizer 19

Magnum 250, 205 PTO hp

Steiger 420 RowTrac 420 hp

ASK US

IN STOCK!

ABOUT THE NEW CASE IH POWER LEASE ON NEW MAGNUM & STEIGER TRACTORS!

IN STOCK!

2016 GOVERNMENT TRACTORS COMING IN NOW,

but don’t wait...

BUY NEW CASE IH TRACTORS AT GOVERNMENT PRICES TODAY!

(2) Puma 150 125 PTO hp (10) Puma 185 150 PTO hp

COMING IN!

BUY A NEW MAXXUM OR PUMA & GET (6) Maxxum 150 125 PTO hp

COMING IN!

0

%

A FREE BASE LOADER!

FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS OR LOW, LOW CASH PRICES ON IN STOCK CASE IH MAJOR HAY EQUIPMENT

RB565 Premium Round Balers

DC163 16 ft. Disc Mower Conditioners

HOT!

WD2104 & WD2504 Self-Propelled Windrower with RD163 16 ft. & RD193 19 ft. Disc Heads & Mergers

HOT!

SC101 Mower Conditioner with HDX162 16 ft. Sicklebar Head

HOT!

DEALS ON LATE MODEL USED CASE IH MAGNUM TRACTORS!

2014 Magnum 190 2012 Magnum 290 2013 Magnum 180 2013 Magnum 315 2014 Magnum 235 230 PTO hp, 1,458 hours, luxury cab,

165 PTO hp, 715 hours, luxury cab, cab suspension, 540/1000 PTO, 18.4x46 rear duals, 14.9x34 front tires, front & rear weights

cab suspension, 540/1000 PTO, 18.4x50 rear duals, 14.9x38 front duals, front suspension, front & rear weights, autoguidance

150 PTO hp, 602 hours, deluxe cab, 540/1000 PTO, 18.4x46 rear duals, 14.9x34 front tires, front & rear

255 PTO hp, 923 hours, luxury cab, cab suspension, 540/1000 PTO, 18.4x50 rear duals, 14.9x30 front duals

weights, autoguidance

195 PTO hp, 600 hours, luxury cab, cab suspension, 1000 PTO, 18.x50 rear duals, 16.9x34 front tires, front & rear weights, autoguidance

“Where Service Means More Than The Sale Itself” 001433057r1

2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD

www.scottsupplyco.com

2 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

605-996-7704 1-800-952-2308

FARM& RANCH SOUTH DAKOTA

Inc.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE On the cover

11 Branding at Broadaxe Ranch brings together friends, family Jason Fairbanks holds onto the leg of a calf while Charlie Yost applies the brand.

10 off %

Any Automotive Repair with Coupon Must present coupon at time of service

Features

Behind the face of the dairy industry

7

Life as a farrier

19 A fishy fertilizer

WE SERVICE DIESELS

1510 South Burr Street Mitchell, SD 57301 1-605-996-1042 or 1-800-371-1042 Expires 12/31/16

001425783r1

5

Publisher RORY PALM

Advertising Director LORIE HANSEN South Dakota Farm & Ranch is a monthly agricultural publication dedicated to informing South Dakota area farmers and ranchers about current topics, news and the future of agriculture. This publication fits the niche of our unique farmers and ranchers of SD, and the diverseness we have in our state. Although the Missouri River divides our state, we are all South Dakotans and thank the land for supporting us each and every day.

You, our readers, may be livestock ranchers, or row crop farmers, and everywhere in between, however, we all have a common goal in mind. We feed and support the growing population, and want the next generation to find that same love, dedication, and support that agriculture can offer.

We’re all South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers, and with this publication we want to showcase your successes, new technology, upcoming events, FFA and 4-H club news and much more.

To subscribe to this FREE publication contact South Dakota Farm & Ranch.

Contact Us PO BOX 1288 • MITCHELL, SD 605-996-5514

sdfarmandranch

Picnic Checklist Colby

Longhorn Special

$3.89per lb For a Full Horn

400 S. Main St. Dimock, SD

605-928-3833 www.dimockdairy.com Mon.-Fri.: 8am-4pm • Sat.: 8am-Noon Sun. Closed

001420036r1

Editor LUKE HAGEN

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 3

USDA Announces more than $8 million in payments to support production of advanced biofuel SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

W

ASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced

Program and other USDA programs, USDA is working to support the research,

recently that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues to lead the way in

investment and infrastructure necessary to build a strong biofuels industry that creates jobs and broadens the range of feedstocks used to produce renewable fuel. Over the course of this Administration, USDA has invested $332 million

promotion of advanced biofuel production, from implementing the revised Farm

to accelerate research on renewable energy ranging from genomic research on

Bill bio-refinery program to the launching of the Green Fleet with the Department of the Navy and developing the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap, which outlines voluntary strategies to overcome barriers to expansion and development of a

bioenergy feedstock crops, to development of biofuel conversion processes and costs/benefit estimates of renewable energy production.

In January, Secretary Vilsack joined Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to launch

robust biogas industry within the United States.

the Great Green Fleet, and witnessed destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG

“Advanced biofuels expand America’s energy options and increase our sources of homegrown, renewable energy,” Vilsack said. “These payments not only help to spur biofuel production, but also protect the environment and help create jobs

110) being replenished with advanced biofuel made from waste beef fat. Aviation biofuels, like those used by the Navy, are creating new markets for energy created from agricultural waste products.

by building a renewable energy economy in rural areas.”

USDA has also supported efforts to build six new biorefineries to produce

The funding is being provided through USDA’s Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, which was established in the 2008 Farm Bill. Payments are made to biofuels producers based on the amount of advanced biofuels produced from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Examples of eligible feedstocks include crop residue, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, and animal fat. Through

advanced biofuels in Louisiana, Georgia, Oregon, Nevada, North Carolina, and Iowa, in addition to three existing facilities in New Mexico, Michigan and Florida.

Investments in renewable energy and the biobased economy are a leading part of USDA’s commitment to mitigating climate change and promoting a cleanenergy economy. This month, the Department is examining what a changing

this program to date, USDA has made $308 million in payments to 382 producers in 47 states and territories. These payments have produced enough biofuel to provide more than 391 billion kilowatt hours of electric energy.

Secretary Vilsack has recognized the biobased economy as one of the pillars that strengthen rural communities. Through the Advanced Biofuel Payment

climate means to agriculture and how USDA is working to reduce greenhouse gases. For more information, visit Chapter 5 of https://medium.com/usda-results.

Quad County Corn Processors Co-Op of Galva, Iowa, is receiving a $2,011 payment to convert more than 39 million gallons of corn kernel fiber into 660,000 gallons of cellulosic ethanol. The company converts the fiber into ethanol and other products using a process developed by its own research team.

Scott Petroleum Corporation in Itta Bena, Miss., is receiving a $13,165 payment to produce more than 2.6 million gallons of biodiesel from 3 million gallons of waste, non-food grade corn and catfish oil and poultry fat. The biodiesel is distributed throughout Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

View the complete list of producers receiving payments.

These payments build on USDA’s historic investments in rural America over the past seven years. Since 2009, USDA has worked to strengthen and support rural communities and American agriculture, an industry that supports one in 11 U.S. jobs, provides consumers with more than 80 percent of our food, ensures that Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most people in other countries, and supports markets for homegrown renewable energy and materials.

USDA has developed new markets for rural-made products, including more than 2,500 biobased products through USDA’s BioPreferred program since 2009;

Advanced biofuels expand America’s energy options and increase our sources of homegrown, renewable energy — Tom Vilsack

and has invested $64 billion in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America.

Since 2009, USDA’s Rural Development agency (@usdaRD) has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 185,000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results. I

4 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Behind the face of the dairy industry South Dakota dairy princess’ deep family ties

BY SELENA YAKABE South Dakota Farm & Ranch

B

ANCROFT — Family means everything to 19-year-old

Weaver was raised on a dairy farm with her parents, Dave

Carrie Weaver as she transitions from a small-town girl

and Deb, as well as her two older sisters, Kayla and Sarah. She

to dairy royalty.

Weaver was crowned the 61st South Dakota dairy princess at the end of March. She grew up in Bancroft, population 19, which is about 30 miles northeast of Huron.

and her sisters started milking cows before they could walk, Weaver said.

But she had to go through a transition to become the public figure she is today.

With her new title comes responsibilities. As the South

“It was just really different. Before, I would just go to school

Dakota dairy princess, Weaver is responsible for bridging the

and do my daily thing,” Weaver said. “Now, when I wake up,

gap between dairy farmers and the consumers, acting as a

it’s like ‘Hey I’m a dairy princess,’ and now people want to come

goodwill ambassador for the dairy industry.

up to me and talk to me and congratulate me.”

“It’s in my veins,” she said. “It’s all that I know, and I love talking about it.”

The dairy princess typically makes appearances at consumer events, informing people about dairy farmers’ dedication to their work as well as the importance of dairy products in the human diet, according to the Midwest Dairy Association’s website.

A large majority of these events are in June, designated National Dairy Month.

During the interview process, Weaver said she realized she needed to be a leader with strong communication skills, strong and knowledgeable to be the next dairy princess.

“I think it’s made me more confident and more outgoing,” Weaver said. “It’s making me a better person for sure.”

Deb Weaver has also noticed a positive change in her daughter.

She said the title has helped Weaver be more open and helped her grow more into the good person she already is.

Throughout the process, Weaver’s parents have been her

Throughout Dairy Month, Weaver will be going

main source of support. Weaver said her parents drove back

to events supporting and advocating for the dairy

and forth between milking cows at the farm to Sioux Falls to be

industry such as Breakfast on the Farm in Brandon,

with her during the interviews.

Dairy Fest in Brookings, MoDak Dairy Open House

It’s part of being a close-knit family, Deb Weaver said.

in Goodwin and Valley Queen Cheeseburger Days

“When they got the milking done, they came and saw me

in Milbank.

Continued on page 6

Carrie Weaver was named the 2016-2017 South Dakota dair y princess in March. With National Dair y Month coming up, she has a busy schedule for the month of June. – Photo cour tesy of Carrie Weaver

001435305r1

Farmers Elevator of Mt. Vernon Farmer Owned Since 1902

605-236-5233 Mt. Vernon, SD JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 5

For Weaver, holding the dairy princess title is an extension of her passion for the

Continued from page 5

dairy industry, and she has been loving every minute of it. The title is a huge honor to get crowned,” Weaver said. “Just looking at their faces you could tell they were

Weaver and her family.

so proud.”

It takes a special kind of person to become the dairy princess, Mayrose said.

Through the good and bad days, she and Dave are always there for their daughters,

“It takes somebody who isn’t afraid to talk about the dairy industry and answer

Deb Weaver said.

hard questions and to be excited about it, to have a passion for it and a passion they

“We told Carrie, if you ever have a bad day or need to call or vent, don’t be afraid

want to share with anybody,” Mayrose said. “And somebody who really likes to eat

to call. We’ll be a good listener,” Deb Weaver said.

ice cream.”

It can be hard to get away from the dairy since it is a smaller farm, but Deb and her

Being the dairy princess focuses largely on character, and Weaver credits her parents

husband try to make it to as many dairy princess events as they can.

as a large part of where she is today.

Over the summer, Weaver gets a break from going to school at Lake Area Technical

“If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be the dairy princess. They’re definitely

Institute in Watertown. She is pursuing a degree as a large animal technician. Instead,

the main strong believers in me,” Weaver said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today

she juggles dairy princess events with working on the family dairy farm.

without them.” I

“I can’t thank my parents enough for all the support they give me for being the princess. I help them do chores, but when I need to, they let me go do my thing,” Weaver said. “My parents are really good balancers, and that makes it possible for me to balance those events.”

HOFFMANN INSURANCE AGENCY

Though Weaver has to spend time away from the farm, Deb Weaver said she and Dave don’t mind. They’re glad she’s reaching South Dakotans and letting them know “it takes a lot of hands to put that jug of milk in the stores,” Deb Weaver said.

“ For All Your Insurance Needs” 431 Main Street • P.O. Box 7 Alexandria So. Dak 57311

Beth Mayrose, the 2015-16 South Dakota dairy princess, said it’s important to have a spokesperson people can turn to and ask questions of, so people know it’s not a faceless industry.

Through the dairy princess selection process, Mayrose was able to get to know Weaver. Mayrose said Weaver’s passion for the dairy industry is evident, and she is

Phone: 605-239-4335 Fax: 605-239-9335 Email: HOFFMANNINSURANCE@TRIOTEL.NET

excited to get to know Weaver as she steps into the role of dairy princess.

Weaver said having Mayrose’s support has also been imperative.

“She was such a huge help,” Weaver said. “As soon as I was crowned she was right there and even still today she said, ‘If you have any questions just get ahold of me.’ ”

Marty & Julie Hoffmann 001395965r1

ETHAN COOP LUMBER BUILDINGS

Whether you, your equipment, crops or livestock need a home,

For more information please call our Sales Team at 605-996-5514 6 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

001407099r1

1-800-573-8426 • 1-605-227-4224 http://www.ethancooplumber.com

001420029r1

BIG or SMALL - WE DO IT ALL!

Life as a farrier

Part craftsman, part psychologist, part teacher, farriers are specialists in equine hoof care, particularly trimming hooves and shoeing horses

BY CANDY DENOUDEN For South Dakota Farm & Ranch PHOTOGRAPHY BY Matt Gade / South Dakota Farm & Ranch

R

ENNER — Chris Richards lays a still-hot horseshoe against a black gelding’s hooves, his face focused through the freshly billowing steam and smoke.

Cactus, the horse, seems mostly unbothered. His owner, Marianna Finn, pretends to cough from the smoke, which draws a response from Richards.

“Oh, c’mon,” he said, drawing laughter from his audience.

It’s typical of the light-hearted banter between Richards and his clients. Richards, 41, the name behind Chris Richards Horseshoeing, is a farrier. He spent most of a muddy April morning trimming hooves and fitting shoes onto horses at the Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center, a boarding stable near Renner. Part craftsman, part psychologist, part teacher, farriers are specialists in equine hoof care, particularly trimming hooves and shoeing horses.

Laura Wagner owns the barn, which houses about 30 indoor stalls and has ample pasture space for her business boarding horses. She said there are usually about 50 horses on the property, which also boasts miniature horses, goats, a miniature donkey — and she’s thinking about an alpaca.

Wagner said there are three farriers who come to the barn regularly, Richards among them, to trim the horses’ hooves and provide shoes for those who use them. It’s up to the boarders to pay the farrier, Wagner said, but they get to choose which farrier they prefer.

“Some barns don’t do it that way, but I feel it’s their horse, it’s their choice. They all have different strengths,” she said, motioning toward Chris. “Chris is really good. Chris is a great conversationalist.”

Richards proves that, rarely missing a beat in his work while chatting with Wagner,

the various horse owners and even the animals, on occasion. His first horse of the morning, a gelding named Xander, belongs to Earl Erpelding, who lives just down the road from Cedar Ridge.

“He’s very dependable,” Erpelding said of Richards. “One of the most dependable farriers I’ve ever met.”

“What do you mean, ‘one of’?” Richards responded, again drawing laughs.

It’s partly that relationship that keeps clients coming back, Richards said, noting that a big part of being a farrier comes down to personality.

Everyone handles horses differently, he said, which means different horse owners might prefer different temperaments in a farrier. Richards, easygoing and quick to laugh, said most of the people he works for seem to be “pretty mellow” and easy to get along with.

Wagner said the most important thing people look at is the quality of work. But the second thing, she agreed, is largely personality.

“Everybody has different personality types that they get along with real well,” Richards said. “That’s what makes this business great is, if your personality clashes with someone or theirs clashes with yours, you don’t have to work together.”

For his part, Richards said he will correct a horse that is being disrespectful, because it’s easy to get hurt when dealing with thousand-pound animals — he got kicked in the head last summer and was out of work for four or five days. But, he has a 3-second rule for correction.

“You need to get whatever licks you’re getting in within 3 seconds. Because they

Continued on page 9

Top: Chris Richards walks Reba back out to the pasture after trimming her hooves in April at Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center north of Renner. Richards is a farrier based out of Hurley ser ving clients in a 50-mile radius. Center: Chris Richards rolls up his tools on a roller.

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 7

8 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Continued from page 7 have to associate the punishment with the crime,” Richards said. “I don’t put emotion into it.”

There’s psychology involved, too, he said, in determining what’s causing a horse to misbehave.

In April, as Richards worked on a mare named Reba, she refused to cooperate with a hind foot. Richards, after a few minutes of examination, determined the horse was sore — so he left that hoof alone.

“I’m not going to fight with a sore horse,” he said.

Finn and Erpelding speak highly of Richards, and Richards converses with both easily while he works.

The conversations can meander from what concerts they have attended to the horse Richards is working on. Richards and Finn conversed about the state of Cactus’ feet, which Richards seemed pleased with as he fitted Cactus for a set of shoes for his front hooves. Finn’s gelding, Cactus, had uneven front hooves, which Richards has been doing his part to help correct.

Finn said she puts shoes on Cactus’ front hooves in the summer when she’s showing, because Cactus tends to be sensitive on rock or gravel surfaces.

Traveling back and forth from his trailer, outfitted with a forge, anvil, inventory and tools, Richards carefully measures Cactus’ hooves to a shoe, then marks it with a pencil. He then heats up the shoes in the forge, and shapes them to fit the horse. It’s a back-and-forth process of measure, hammer, measure and hammer again — in part made more difficult because of Cactus’ unusual hoof shape, Richards said. Cactus, for the most part, stands patiently, waiting to be fitted with his new shoes.

“It’s like having your own podiatrist,” Finn said during the process.

By the time Richards finishes the second shoe, Cactus seems to be getting impatient. But once the shoe is shaped and ready, it only takes a few quick

strokes to nail the shoe down and smooth out the edges. After a few more strokes with the rasp to smooth out the hoof, Cactus is ready to go. Richards has Finn lead him away so he can watch Cactus walk in his new shoes.

“He looks like he’s not quite awake, but other than that, he looks pretty good,” Richards said.

From blueprints to hooves Richards grew up splitting his time between the West Coast and South Dakota. His family is originally from South Dakota, his dad’s side from Spearfish and his mom’s from the Hayti area. After his parents divorced, Richards said his dad moved back to South Dakota, which is where he spent his summers as a child. In 2007, Richards and his family moved to Hurley, and he rebuilt his farrier business in southeastern South Dakota.

Though he grew up around horses when he was with his dad, Richards said he eventually drifted away from that lifestyle. He said he always loved horses and the country, but he spent three-fourths of the year with his mom, who lived in the suburbs.

He wound up working in construction, but even though he was doing well, he wasn’t happy.

Richards said he and his wife, Amy, were living in Seattle, Washington, and his young son, Dustin, came and asked him to play catch. Richards, poring over blueprints, couldn’t. Later, when he went to check on his son, who was 3 or 4 at the time, he was in the living room, watching TV despite the nice weather outside.

It was the beginning of what Richards describes as a divine push toward a career change.

“The only way that I can explain it is the good Lord grabbed me by the back of the neck and told me to go do horses,” he said, adding ruefully, “It’s probably

Continued on page 16

Top to Bottom: In April, at Cedar Ridge Equestrian Center north of Renner Chris Richards shapes a horseshoe to fit Cactus' hoof. A pair of horsehoes are then heated up in a forge inside Chris’ trailer to be put on Cactus’ hooves. Richards applies the hot horseshoe to Cactus, causing smoke to rise on his hoof while tending to horses. Richards is a farrier based out of Hurley ser ving clients in a 50-mile radius. Bottom: Niblet gets in Chris’ face after tending to his hooves.

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 9

SUMMER MERCHANDISE IS IN!

Great weather means great savings for you!

Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that.

Great Summer Fashions for the Whole Family!

No one knows farming and ranching like Farm Bureau. For more than 75 years, we’ve been a trusted insurance leader providing comprehensive coverage for your farm/ranch, your machinery, your livestock – and so much more. We’re proud of our agricultural roots and that we’re the No.1 farm insurer in our territory.

Contact me to learn more.

001433673r1

Rocky Niewenhuis 285 Main Street PO Box 66 Corsica (605) 946-5606

305 N. Main, Mitchell, SD 605-995-5879

Farm | Ranch | Crop | Commerical Ag Business Insurance | Business Succession 2014 SNL P&C Group – Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Western Agricultural Insurance Company direct written premium in our 8-state territory. Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services PC097 (5-16)

001424982r1

Turn Key Pricing Available

Single Family Homes

1525 West Elm Ave LLC Mitchell, SD 57301 605-995-6215

Park Models

Model homes available in Madison 10 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Commercial/Multi-Family Workforce Lodging

www.customtouchhomes.com

001421092r1

411 SE 12th St. Madison, SD 57042 605-256-9485

Branding at Broadaxe Ranch brings together friends, family ‘It’s almost like Christmas time’

BY SELENA YAKABE South Dakota Farm & Ranch PHOTOGRAPHY BY Matt Gade / South Dakota Farm & Ranch

G

ANN VALLEY — The smell of smoke filled the air as each calf received a new, tan mark of Broadaxe Ranch.

The annual branding event in mid-May near Gann Valley was filled with laughter and smiles as approximately 300 calves earned the mark. The Yost family and their friends branded about 700 calves between May 20 and 22.

The ranch is run mostly by Charley, Wade and Rodney Yost, the sons of Chuck and Kathy Yost, and their wives.

“Next year all the kids’ll do this and we’ll sit and drink beer,” said Tara Yost, Wade’s wife, as she laughed and went to vaccinate a calf.

Prior to branding, the family separated the cows from the calves and gave them their yearly vaccinations, leaving the calves waiting on the sidelines to be branded.

Four people were in charge of roping the calves and pulling them over to the forks — a metal piece that holds down the head of the calves. Some calves went along for the ride while others refused to go

Above: The Yost’s family brand is a broad axe that was started on the fifth generation ranch back in the 1930s willingly and only succeeded in clumsily hopping backwards to the branding line. Since there weren’t enough people to wrestle four calves at once, the forks helped hold the calves down during the branding, vaccinating and castrating process.

When all three forks were taken, people took turns Continued on page 12

Neighbors and family friends help out the Yost family take part in the yearly tradition of cattle branding out on the Broadaxe Ranch on Friday, May 20 northwest of Gann Valley in Buffalo County.

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 11

Continued from page 11 wrestling calves. The cowboys and cowgirls spent the next several hours working on the black mass of cattle, four calves at a time.

After each calf was branded, the iron was reheated and traded out for another iron to keep the process moving.

Branding for the Yosts is a family affair.

Grandparents, brothers, sisters, wives, daughters, sons, cousins, nephews, nieces and neighbors. Every year, a gathering of about 20 to 40 kids and adults band together for a couple of days of hard labor at the Broadaxe Ranch. And through the generations, the work load has been passed down.

“As people got older, of course, they were able to do less and the younger would do more,” Kathy Yost said.

History The Broadaxe Ranch started in 1930 when Ben and Stacey Knippling and their son Paul moved to the area. Though the family has acquired pastures over time, the ranch has practically remained the same and has been home to five generations of family.

The ranch was passed down between generations.

And now, the fourth generation sons Charley, Wade, Rodney and their wives divide the work.

Wade said the family owns about 700 cow-calf pairs, but the number fluctuates every year. Though the cattle are mostly black now due to crossbreeding, Kathy said the original herd was straight Herefords.

The brand of Broadaxe Ranch is, as one might suspect, the head of a broad axe. The brand for the ranch was created by Ben Knippling who one day, after chopping wood, decided his broadaxe would make a good brand symbol. From that moment, it became the symbol of the ranch and continues to mark the commercial angus beef herd.

12 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

The branding iron is special ordered and made from stainless steel. In the corners of the iron are notches to let hot air escape. This keeps the brand from becoming one, big blister on the calves’ hip, Rodney said.

For Kathy, not much has changed in the way the family brands.

“It’s pretty much the way we did it when I was little,” Kathy said. “Neighbors came over, and now it’s just different neighbors.”

Kathy said even though some people have moved to more modern ways of branding with more equipment, her family stayed traditional.

“Our family and some of the others have held onto the idea of wanting to do it with the horses,” Kathy said. “I think partly because these guys really like their horses, and they value the tradition, ranching traditions.”

Using horses requires the rider to have good roping skills, Kathy said.

“The challenge is to learn to rope like that,” Kathy said. “Mostly they all want to learn to do it, boys and girls. They spend time practicing and they want to be good at it.”

Though the family has not had issues of lost or stolen cattle, the family continues to brand as a way to identify their cattle in case they get mixed up, she said. Since their neighbors also own cattle, mix-ups have been known to happen.

Charley said branding is also about quality of the cattle. Since the family sells replacement heifers to other ranches, the brand lets people know where the quality cattle came from.

Friends, family, neighbors Remington “Remi” Yost, the 16 month-old daughter of Erin and Rodney, happily clung to her father as he held her in one hand and branded a Continued on page 13

Top: Jacob Knippling, a neighbor of the Yost family, helps corral calves to be roped and then branded as part of the Yost family’s annual cattle branding on the Broadaxe Ranch on Friday, May 20 northwest of Gann Valley in Buffalo County. Two-year-old Kendyn Yost looks on as the adults wrangle the calves up. Bottom: Bailey Yost (9), left, sits on a calf’s shoulders as Cortney Haugen, center, holds the back leg for Rodney Yost to apply the branding as Will Haugen looks on from his horse while Erin Yost works to bring down another calf and hold her to be branded.

Top: Thomas Penrod (1), left, and Abby Yost (7), watch as Sage Yost (5), second from right, and Adessa Haugen (7) play with flags while the adults are giving the cows their vaccinations.

Left: Rodney Yost, front, has a laugh with his brother Wade, back, while five-year-old Sage says he wants to ride one of the calves. Bottom: Dana Ruhnke, right, watches as Tara Yost, left, gives a calf its vaccinations while Charley Yost applies the branding iron to the back hip of the calf and Jason Fairbanks, back, watches from a top his horse.

Continued from page 12 calf with the other.

“She’s going to be a cowgirl,” Erin said as Remi stared at the cattle in awe.

The role of babysitter for Remi and some of the younger children was passed back and forth among the group. The kids tossed around flags. Children roped people’s feet. Playful wrestling matches broke out between kids and adults. And it was all weaved in between adults reheating irons, refilling syringes and roping cattle.

Though it’s a day of hard work, it’s one of the family’s favorite times of year, Erin said.

“It’s almost like Christmas time,” Erin said. “Not quite, but close.”

Kathy said branding offers a time for the Yosts’ friends, family and neighbors to gather, catchup, have fun and eat a meal together, similar to a holiday gathering.

“If you can’t have fun and joke around, you’re doing something wrong,” Charley said.

For Charley, the best part about branding season is working with cattle, having the neighbors come help out and the comradery of the whole event.

“Some people, it’s only the guys. But for us it’s a family event and a learning experience for the Continued on page 14

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 13

Continued from page 13

Top left: Sage Yost, 5, is placed on a calf to ride while Dana Ruhnke, left, holds its neck and Sage’s dad Wade Yost places him down. Jason Fairbanks is also pictured. Top right: Wade holds Sage after reacting to riding the calf while Jason laughs.

Bottom: Participants in the Yost family’s annual cattle branding take a break for lunch next to the vehicles.

14 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

younger generations,” Charley said. “Everyone brings their kids and everyone gets to be involved.”

Friends from around the state, and sometimes from around the country, help the Yosts during branding season.

“People have a different description of what a neighbor is,” Charley said. “It’s not so much about location as it is the way you work together … the others are just as much neighbors as those next to us.”

Darcy Krick, a friend from Highmore, said her history with the Yost family goes back to her parents.

“We’ve been helping ever since we were little, you kind of become a family,” Krick said. “It’s great to all be together for a day or two.”

Kathy said the help goes both ways. The Yosts also help the Krick family work calves and artificially inseminate.

“People kind of look out for each other,” Kathy said.

In the past, Charley said the family have also had friends from Wade and Rodney’s rodeo days come from Michigan to help during branding.

From working cattle to the comradery between neighbors, Erin said she wouldn’t raise kids any other way.

“It’s a way of life,” Erin said. “There’s no better way to raise them than ‘ag.’ ” I

)ȧ5 $Ȥ/ <ȧ8Ȫ

'ȡ5Ȭ :ȧ5ȣ 1ȝ(Ȝ6 • Building Demo • Livestock Dugout • State Licensed Septic System Installer • Rock Pile Removal

• Pre-Construction Site Work • Dig Basement • Trench Digging • Drainage Ditches

(will come to your field & remove at no charge)

SUPPLYING GRAVEL, BLACK DIRT AND CLAY

Serving eastern SD “Where Quality and Perfection Come Standard”

Brad Thompson, Owner - 605-999-7248 - Mitchell SD 001433708r1

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 15

Continued from page 9 the one time in my life I ever listened to Him.” Chris and Amy prayed about a career change for Chris, who assumed it would be something in construction. Then, they visited Chris’ dad over the Fourth of July in South Dakota. Richards said his dad picked them up at the airport, but before they could go back to the farm, they had to stop and get four horses shod.

During that visit, Richards said he visited with the farrier, and was intrigued.

“It kind of sat in the back of my mind that this was an interesting job,” he said.

But, Richards said he and his family weren’t involved in the horse community any more in Seattle. After a few more not-so-subtle nudges toward working with horses, Richards, then almost 28 years old, took the plunge and decided on a career change. He went to shoeing school in Sacramento, California, and soon after was able to find a mentor and began building his client list. He describes having a mentor as a huge help for him as a professional.

“Whether you’re a Christian believer that needs that encouragement from an older believer, or you’re a farrier ... you need to have other people around you who do the same thing you do, so you can ask questions to,” Richards said.

‘People are pretty happy’ Starting out, Richards said he had to take on the jobs other farriers didn’t want to do — his first job was trimming three goats — and work more cheaply than the others until he had proven himself.

“You’ve got to work your way up the food chain, and you’ve got to pay your dues, so to speak,” Richards said.

When Richards and his family decided to move back to South Dakota in 2007, he had to rebuild his business, which now entails a lot more travel. While Cedar Ridge is one of maybe four or five barns in the area, Richards said there would probably be closer to 40 barns in a similar area on the West Coast. But, slowly, Richards said he has built up his business, which includes Cedar Ridge.

“It’s been a good barn and very consistent,” he said.

Now with a burgeoning client list, Richards said summer is the busiest time for most farriers. He said it’s not unusual to get 10 to 15 calls a day in the summer, but most farriers are already booked well in advance.

He admits there is stress involved with his profession, like getting an emergency call from a client or rushing between appointments from early morning until 11 p.m. But for the most part, Richards said he enjoys the pace and the work and likes being able to manage his own schedule.

“I get paid to sit around and chit-chat with my friends all day,” he said.

He also takes pride in the work, describing the feeling of hearing from a client who did well in a big show or working with owners and veterinarians to help rescued horses recover their health and soundness.

And, he said the small child riding the 20 year-old horse in the 4-H show brings the same sense of pride as shoeing a world champion.

“You get satisfaction out of going back to the barn after you’ve been working on a lame horse, and you’ve been trying and trying and trying everything and finally you found something that worked to make that horse sound,” he said. “There’s a lot of different levels of satisfaction.

It’s an industry that, you know, for the most part, people are pretty happy.”

After more than a decade of shoeing, Richards added that he has found some balance between his personal and professional life.

He could work seven days a week if he chose, but Richards said it’s important not to let the job control him. He and Amy have two children, Dustin and Holly, who are both teenagers and very involved in their church, school and 4-H. A man of faith, Richards said he and his family attend the baptist church in Parker. Richards said he feels the skills and abilities he has are gifts from God, and church is a big part of his family’s lives.

“I can’t imagine a life without that hope that there’s something more,” he said. I

16 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Top to Bottom: Chris Richards works on the hoof of Niblet while Sprout, left, has already had his hooves trimmed. Richards smooths the hoof of Sprout after trimming the foot. Chirs works up a bill on his tablet sitting inside his trailer.

Protect what’s important to you.

Martin-Trudeau Insurance Agency

1531 W. Elm, Mitchell, SD 57301

605-996-3106

The following coverages can be combined under a farm policy to give comprehensive protection: • Farm Property • Farm Liability • Farm Blanket • Farm Excess Liability • Farm Automobile Coverage • Workers Compensation • Farm Inland Marine

Experienced agents tailoring CROP HAIL to suit your farming operation

001431146r1

VERY COMPETITIVE CROP HAIL RATES

See us today for all your crop, farm/ranch insurance needs

Agents Ray Trudeau Stacy Clauson Amy Puepke Randa Dean

Jared Mohnen Sarah Neugebauer Katie Williams 001420057r1

Parkston Office: 605-928-7956 Bart Laber – bartlaber@santel.net Pat McCann – patmc@santel.net

Ethan Office: 605-227-4215 Rick Weber – rickweber@santel.net Mike Bowar – mbowar@santel.net

TOLL FREE: 1-888-231-2529

WWW.DAKOTALANDFEEDS.COM 001420066r1

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 17

Central Electric Cooperative

Safety Tip

5HFXUULQJ WULSSHG FLUFXLW EUHDNHUV RU EORZQ IXVHV FDQ VLJQLI\ D VHULRXV HOHFWULFDO SUREOHP &RQWDFW D OLFHQVHG HOHFWULFLDQ LPPHGLDWHO\

Compassionate Stewards of Animal Health

Contact the Energy Experts for all your Electrical Wiring Needs!

EXTENDED SATURDAY HOURS

5HVLGHQWLDO :LULQJ $JULFXOWXUDO %XLOGLQJV *UDLQ +DQGOLQJ DQG 'U\LQJ 6\VWHPV /LJKWLQJ 6WDQGE\ *HQHUDWRUV 7UHQFKLQJ (TXLSPHQW (OHFWULF +HDWLQJ 6\VWHPV

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

DOG & CAT LODGING AND HAUL IN FACILITY COMING SOON! Creekside Veterinary Clinic, LLC Open Mon-Sat 8-5 p: 605-990-3388 f: 605-990-3389

www.creeksidecares.com

001420045r1

1111 W Spruce St, Mitchell, SD

800-477-2892 605-996-7516 www.centralec.coop Sales & Service available for both members & non-members

Werk Weld, Inc. Products include:

ALL DIESELS--ALL DIAGNOSTICS--ALL SEMIS--ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES

Tony Wolf - Owner/Mechanic Over 32 years experience

Jacob Moege - Mechanic Over 4 Years experience • Certified ASE Master Diesel certified technician

Nick Collins - Mechanic Over 4 years experience

Creep/Self Cattle Feeders

All makes of vehicles- Cars, Pick-ups & Diesel: light, medium, & heavy duty trucks; brakes and strut work; transmission and engine overhaul; RV/motor home repair.

Full line of diagnostic repair.

Feed Bunks

ASE Master certified /ASE Master Diesel certified, DOT Inspection certified, air conditioner certified.

Feeder Wagon

ALL DIESELS--ALL DIAGNOSTICS ALL SEMIS INFRAME MAJOR OVERHAULS

18 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Windbreak Panel Loading Chutes 001434346r1

NAPA AUTOCARE CENTER

Stationary Feeder

Bale Feeders

605-928-7335 1-888-595-6717

1004 South Ben Street • PO Box 89 • Parkston, SD 57366

Creep Panel

Handi Hopper

28143 US Hwy 281 • Armour, SD 57313 Phone#: 1-800-987-7360 Fax#: 605-724-2406

001393913r1

A fishy fertilizer

Dankyeild an all-natural fertilizer to help plant growth

BY ERIN BECK For South Dakota Farm & Ranch

OLGA — Dan Ackerwold knew that tossing out unsalable product was a weakness in his commercial fishing business. So when Ackerwold saw the potential to recycle his excess fish into fertilizer, he took a gamble on creating an allnatural fertilizer known as Dankyield.

“We need to make sure that we don’t have waste in our industry,” Ackerwold said. “I want to wisely steward the resources that are entrusted to me.”

Ackerwold, based out of Volga, first began experimenting with his fertilizer blends in 2011.

The Dankyield laboratory made its debut in an 8-by-20 shipping container, where he conducted several trial and error attempts at perfecting his initial liquid fertilizer blend.

“It was a very complicated process of realizing the order in which ingredients must be added to prevent unwanted reactions,” Ackerwold said.

V

Dankyield’s basis is a liquid fish hydrolysate. By incorporating the whole fish, the fertilizer provides a rich content of omega-3 oils along with macro and micronutrients essential for plant growth and vitality.

“We started working with fish fertilizers and then went to the addition of organically mined minerals,” Ackerwold said. “Our goal is natural nutrients and biological solutions.”

Ackerwold and his team harvest fish and sell them into commercial markets. Any fish not sold into the live market are then processed through a grinder into a brewing vat. Under climatecontrolled conditions, the fish is brewed into fertilizer over six to 12 months. Once the fish has undergone hydrolysis, it’s filtered and deodorized with molasses, a crucial ingredient that also acts as a sticking agent and microbial stimulant.

Continued on page 20

Dankyield will be releasing two new products in 2017: Root Right and Humi-zyme.

Root Right, a starter fertilizer, acts as a nutrient supplement that can be applied with current nutrient programs at planting. Humi-zyme is a fall fertilizer application that helps decomposition rates of organic matter and places beneficial bacteria back into the soil.

Visit www.dankyield.com to learn more about Dankyield fertilizer.

Photos courtesy of Dankyield

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 19

Continued from page 19

“We’re working on increasing the rate at which we brew the fertilizer in a way that doesn’t compromise the quality of the product,” Ackerwold said.

Dankyield offers fertilizer supplements that focus on vegetative growth as well as flowering. Ackerwold has recognized the balance between soil health and plant vitality and has developed blends that can be used for foliar and soil applications.

Jim Schadé owns and manages the Schadé Vineyard and Winery near Volga and has tested Dankyield fertilizer on his yields. Schadé ran a trial using two different blends, ensuring that his control and Dankyield treatments were identically managed and harvested.

“We saw a phenomenal increase,” Schadé said. “We had anywhere from a 12 to 28 percent increase in what we treated compared with our control. We’re trying it again and will see what kind of response we get.”

Dankyield has also made a name for itself in Minot, N.D., garnering the state record pumpkin for size at 1,659.5 pounds. Grower Danny Gates was impressed with Dankyield’s results on his pumpkin and is using it again in an attempt to land a state record squash.

“I think it’s a great product,” Gates said. “I was using a different kind of fish fertilizer. Then I started with this, and I’ve noticed that the pumpkin size is definitely bigger.”

While Dankyield has proven its potential with home grower and specialty ag applications, Ackerwold believes it also has the ability to impact large

scale agriculture.

“One of the biggest problems is not that there’s not nutrients available in the soil but that the nutrients are unavailable to the plant due to chemical imbalances within the soil,” Ackerwold said. “They are not plant absorbable. Even a micronutrient deficiency can have serious growing implications.”

Ackerwold noted that even with consistent fertilizer applications, farmers have to over-applicate beyond the plant’s nutrient requirements due to leaching. Additional nutrients that are bound up in crop residue remain on the soil surface, unavailable for soil microbes to utilize.

Dankyield gives farmers the chance to combat that problem with fertilizer supplements that enhance soil health and nutrient uptake in plants. Ackerwold is intent on providing formulations that promote beneficial bacteria and increase organic matter decomposition without incorporating synthetic or petroleum-based materials. He believes that fish provides the necessary foundation for those goals.

“Fish is a natural basis that stimulates the soil’s microbiology,” Ackerwold said.

Dankyield is currently partnered with South Dakota State University’s research park to provide fertilizer for 105 acres of alfalfa. The research site is accessible for people to observe Dankyield’s effects.

Ackerwold anticipates this will be a threshold for Dankyield to demonstrate on a larger scale how its natural ingredients can take nutrients already in the soil and make them available for increased plant growth and crop yields.

“We’re launching biological solutions, which is most relevant to large-scale agriculture,” Ackerwold said. “It’s a process of creating and restoring soils to their natural balance.” I

Top: Schadé Vineyard and Winery, one of the largest wineries in South Dakota, has been testing Dankyield product on its grape varieties. Owner Jim Schadé has witnessed between a 12 to 28 percent increase in yield with Dankyield fertilizer applications. Middle: Dan Ackerwold (left) congratulates Danny Gates (right) on winning the North Dakota state record for pumpkin size. Gates’ pumpkin, which weighed in at 1,659.5 pounds, was grown using Dankyield fertilizer.

Gates has completely switched over to Dankyield from his previous fish fertilizer after seeing its impressive results on his pumpkin. Bottom: Chase Jensen, based out of Aurora, has been using Dankyield fertilizer for his produce. Jensen supplies regional produce to Wal-Mart and Hy-Vee and is also active at the farmer’s market in Sioux Falls. – Photos courtesy of Dankyield

Plant the seed to grow your business

Give our Sales Team a call today for all your advertising needs at 605-996-5514.

001420099r1

20 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Grazing distribution is key to maximizing forage uptake and range health SOURCE: SDSU EXTENSION

B

ROOKINGS — As South Dakota ranchers begin turning cattle out to grass this spring, SDSU Extension Range Management Field Specialist, Sean Kelly reminds ranchers that proper livestock grazing distribution is key to maximizing forage uptake, range health and ultimately dollars per acre of forage.

“Poor grazing distribution throughout a pasture is like feed waste at the feed bunk in winter. Dollars are left on the table when areas of a pasture are not utilized and grazed properly,” Kelly said. “Improving livestock grazing distribution has the potential to improve the financial efficiency of the grazing resource.”

However, Kelly points out that grazing distribution goes beyond a mathematical equation. “When ranchers calculate stocking rates for the current grazing year, it is generally assumed that cattle will graze evenly over the entire pasture. However, as many ranchers have witnessed over the years, cows are lazy and will develop their own convenience areas within a pasture,” he said.

Convenience areas are generally close to water sources, on level terrain, and will have desirable grasses present. Cattle tend to overgraze these areas, damaging the range condition while leaving underutilized those areas which are less convenient. “The result is a pasture that is over-utilized in some areas and under-utilized in other,” Kelly said.

He added that placement of salt, mineral and oilerrubs near water sources only intensifies the poor grazing distribution and could possibly lead to soil erosion problems.

Methods to improve livestock distribution Based on a 34-year study conducted at SDSU’s Cottonwood Range and Livestock Field Station near

Philip showed that when yearling steers grazed rangeland at stocking rates to maintain good and fair condition there was a higher net income than rangeland stocked to maintain excellent condition.

“Basically, I encourage producers to implement range management practices which improve the entire range conditions- keeping the entire pasture in that sweet spot that is fair to good range condition - instead of one area being overgrazed and poor and another area being undergrazed and excellent,” Kelly said.

Several methods can be used to encourage cattle to more evenly graze a pasture, these include: • New water developments; especially in parts of the pasture cattle often neglect.

• Rotating salt, mineral, and oiler-rubs placements.

• Utilizing new fence and changing the pasture size to force cattle into the less convenient areas.

Of these strategies, Kelly said water placement is probably the most important factor affecting grazing distribution.

“Cattle will overgraze areas near water sources rather than traveling to areas of the pasture with abundant forage,” he said.

Forage utilization decreases rapidly 800 feet to 1,000 feet from the water source. The distance may decrease in pastures with rough terrain or pastures that are highly productive.

Moving salt and mineral away from the water source, encourages cattle to graze more of the pasture. Salt and minerals should be placed at least a quarter mile from the water source.

“For many years, it was common practice to place salt and minerals near the water because it was perceived that cattle needed water after consuming salt and minerals. However, this has proven to be false,” Kelly said.

Kelly encourages producers to set up several

PRO CONTRACTING, INC. IS QUICK/EFFICIENT/AFFORDABLE Excavation WE OFFER

•Burn Pits • Confinement Barn Pits • Tree Shelter Removal • New Homes • Dug Out Clean Out ......And Much More!

Concrete

001420061r1

• Confinement Barn Pits • New Homes • Silage Pads • Shop Walls/Floors • Bunker Silo •Feed Bunk Line ...And Much More!

temporary salt and minerals locations throughout a pasture to improve grazing distribution. These locations can be moved once the grass in the area has been properly utilized.

“Overgrazed convenience areas in a pasture may generally trend towards poor range condition and under-grazed, under-utilized areas may trend toward excellent range condition,” Kelly explained. “Striving for improved grazing livestock distribution that will maintain the entire pasture in the fair to good range condition may be advantageous to the financial efficiency of the grazing enterprise.”

Where to begin?

When it comes to implementing management strategies Kelly encourages ranchers to make the easiest changes first. “I encourage producers to take it slow and use caution before implementing methods to improve grazing distribution,” Kelly said. “It is easy to reach the point of diminishing returns by implementing too many practices at one time.”

A careful in-depth cost-benefit analysis of the practices being implemented must be completed. Kelly suggests producers begin by implementing the least expensive and simplest practices, such as rotating salt and minerals, first.

“If water sources are limited, then proceed with water improvements slowly and carefully to improve grazing distribution,” he said, adding that several government programs are available to assist with installation costs of water and fence improvements.

“Finding the right combination of grazing distribution improvements that will properly utilize the entire pasture and maintain a fair to good range condition has the potential for improved financial efficiency of your range grazing program,” Kelly said.

For more information, contact Kelly at sean.kelly@ sdstate.edu or 605.842.1267. I

PRO CONTRACTING, INC. For all your Excavation & Concrete Needs

605-996-8350

Mitchell, SD | www.pro-contracting.com JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 21

CLUB CONNECT The following is a roundup of events and activities by various FFA and 4-H clubs in the region:

Webster/ Waubay FFA Chapter The Webster/Waubay FFA team of Sara Hemmingson, Sydney Swanson, Levi Johnson and Riley Johnson placed 16th in the National Range Judging Event in Oklahoma on May 5, 2016. The contest was held at Fort Reno west of Oklahoma City. The sponsor of the event is the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and Oklahoma extension service. This year was the 65th Annual Event.

to thank them for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Empowering the students to BURST through another school year!â&#x20AC;? Members of the club also decorated graves with white, wooden crosses in the Union Cemetery in Flandreau prior to Memorial Day.

Little Leprechaun 4-H For their community service project in May, the Brookings County Little Leprechaun 4-H Club cleaned their two miles of roadside ditches. Even though it had only been eight months since they last cleaned the ditches, they still found bags of garbage.

Top: Pictured with Flandreau Elementary staff member Derek Genzlinger are 4-H members Rachel Heinemann, Luke Sheppard, Rebecca Heinemann and Sadie Iott.

Right: Brookings County Little Leprechaun 4-H Club

Moody County Happy Youngsters 4-H The Moody County Happy Youngsters 4-H Club celebrated teacher appreciation week at the beginning of May by distributing small gifts to teachers and staff at Flandreau Public Schools. The gifts included a pack of starbursts and a Powerade

Top: Morgan Sheppard, Sadie Iott and Claire Sheppard; Right: Kylee Pulscher and Josie Hamilton

WAY OF LIFE sdfarmandranch 22 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

Give our Sales Team a call today for all your advertising needs.

605-996-5514

FAVOR I T E FAM I LY

Grilled Pepper Top Round Steak with Parmesan Asparagus Ingredients 1 beef Top Round Steakâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; cut 3/4 inch thick (about 1lb.)

1 lb. asparagus, trimmed 1 tsp olive oil 3 tbsp shredded Parmesan Cheese Salt

Marinade: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. fresh thyme 2 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. steak seasoning blend 1 tsp. crushed red pepper

Instructions 1. Combine Marinade ingredients in medium bowl. Place beef Steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.

2. Remove steak from marinade; discard marinade. Toss asparagus with oil. Place steak in center of grill over medium heat on preheated gas grill; arrange asparagus around steak.

Grill steak, covered, 10 to 11 minutes for medium rare (145°F) doneness, turning occasionally. (Do not overcook) Grill asparagus covered, 8 to 12 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally.

3. Immediately sprinkle cheese over asparagus. Carve steak into thin slices. Season with salt, as desired. Serve with asparagus.

Source: www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com

JUNE 2016 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 23

INDUSTRIES GRAIN BINS • LEGS • DRAGS • DUMP PITS AIR SYSTEMS • DRYERS

Commercial & Farm Grain Handling Systems www.witteindustries.com • 1-844-700-BINS

00

14

BETTER BINS • BETTER DRYERS • BETTER PRICES 24 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH JUNE 2016

23

04

9r

1