Trader's Dispatch - September 2024

Growing for Market Statewide Program

By Nebraska Extension

Nebraska Extension educators and fellow growers across four different locations in Nebraska will offer a program entitled “Growing for Market Statewide” in September and October. Anyone interested in growing produce and selling at farmer’s markets, direct consumer sales, or with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups is invited to attend.

The session topics include:

Pesticide Updates Related to Produce Growers

Pricing and Marketing Strategies

Ecology of Produce Growing Environments

Resource Panel

The program will be held at six different sites across Nebraska, including the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff on October 15, from 8 a.m. to noon. The program cost is $30. To register and pay for the course, visit https://go.unl.edu/2024growingformarket.

For more information or questions, refer to the program’s website at https://hles.unl.edu/growing-market or contact Emily Stine, Nebraska Extension Educator, at 308-632-1230.

AUCTIONS

Sept 10 - 19, Smeltzer Auctions & Real Estate, Richard Schwartz, Inc., Online A3

Sept 10 - 24, Grizzly Auctions, Farm/Ranch Equipment & Multi Consignment, Online A2

Sept 12 - 18, Big Mountain Auctions, Farm & Construction, Online ........... A6

Sept 14, Wolff Auctioneers, David Watkins Estate Antiques, Manning ND....A8

Sept 14 - 28, Pate Auction Inc., 2024 State of Montana Surplus Property, Online A9

Sept 16 - 18, Booker Auctions, Farm & Machinery, Online........................ A11

Sept 21, Fritz Auction, Golden Fields Farm - Tomayer, Galata MT A15

Sept 21, RK Statewide Auction, Monte Hofstrand Estate, Sidney MT ....... A13 Sept 21, Wolff Auctioneers, Wally & Judy Roshau Antiques, Mandan ND...A12

Sept 26, Ophus Auction Company, Scattered Acres Farms & Bliss Brothers Retirement, Power MT A17

Oct 2 - 9, Ophus Auction Company, Consignment, Bob Reynolds Estate, Online A19

Oct 5, Integrity Auctioneers, Ted Brockel Estate, Bison SD A16

Oct 12, GSI Auction Service, Doug Tommerup Machine Shop Estate, Plentywood MT A21

Oct 12, RK Statewide Auction, RMC Inventory Reduction, Sidney MT A18

Additional testing options through new technology

North Dakota State University Extension, with collaborative efforts from South Dakota State University Extension, will host the 2024-2025 Dakota Performance Ram Test at the Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) beginning on September 22.

“The Dakota Ram Test offers producers throughout the northern Great Plains and beyond a unique opportunity to evaluate wool and growth performance of individual rams under centralized management,” says Rachel Gibbs, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist at the HREC. “This 140-day performance test provides valuable insight into economically important and/or heritable traits that producers can utilize when selecting sires and genetic lineages to retain within their flocks.”

The Dakota Performance Ram Testing program was established to identify differences in wool traits for western white-faced rams managed under the same environmental conditions and nutrition plane. Since then, the test has been expanded to include post-weaning growth performance and carcass merit for several sheep breeds.

NDSU Extension to host grant writing workshop, Sept. and Oct.

North Dakota State University Extension will host a two-part interactive Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing workshop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, September 25 and Thursday, October 23, at the Morton Mandan Public Library.

The two-day workshop teaches grant writers of all skill levels how to prepare and submit a professional proposal. It is geared toward agricultural producers and those who work or volunteer for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, community clubs, or local government units and departments. Participants will learn how to develop ideas for winning grant proposals, how to identify and work with funding sources and advance their understanding of the proposal development, submission and review process. A professional review of a draft proposal is also included.

On September 25, participants will come to the workshop with an idea and leave with a proposal outline and all the resources

PRIVATE TREATY

needed to expand their outline into a full proposal. They will return on October 23 with a draft proposal for peer review.

The cost of the workshop is $150, which includes lunch each day and all materials. The workshop has a capacity of up to 25 people. Registration is required by September 7. For more information or to register, visit ndsu.ag/grant-writing.

For more information, contact leadership and civic engagement specialist Jodi Bruns at jodi.bruns@ndsu.edu or conservation leadership and planning program coordinator Hannah Nordby at hannah.nordby@ ndsu.edu.

McMurry Cattle, Herefords, Billings MT

Smaller vendor displays were placed under large event tents, which was a nice place to get out of the wind that was blowing pretty swiftly during Dakotafest 2024 held in Mitchell, South Dakota in August. Photo by Suzy Benzing

FARM EQUIPMENT & KENNEL FOR SALE

1991 International 1680 combine, long sieve, Cummins engine, moisture tester, relatively new big tires, approximately 4000 hours.

Case 1010 25-ft. header with Hart Carter pick up reel, Sund pick up with rubber belts.

Ford 5600 tractor, 50 hp, cab, F233 Farmhand loader, 6000 hours. 24-ft. round bale rack for truck or trailer.

Farmhand 10 bale clamp for small square bales. Near new and reinforced. 25-ft. reel for IHC header.

Dog kennel, 12-ft. 6” long x 4-ft. 6” tall. Individual panels, so can take apart and lay flat. Phone (406) 279-3482 or cell (406) 450-1121 Photos available.

Additional testing options through new technology

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

In addition, breed associations, such as the American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association and the Columbia Sheep Breeders Association, recognize top-performing rams in the Dakota Ram Test through certification programs. The Dakota Ram Test is open to all breeds, but data collected will be based on the Rambouillet Certified Ram Program.

“The 2024-2025 Dakota Ram Test is expanding opportunities for producers by adding the option to collect more specific data related to ram growth performance and climate sustainability,” adds Gibbs. “Through newly-acquired precision livestock technologies at the HREC, producers now have the option to measure individual ram feed intake, feed efficiency and metabolic gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide).”

Corn silage harvest

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, growing conditions and the season length of the plant itself can make predictions based on the calendar fuzzy at best.

Accurately assessing whole plant moisture is key to proper silage pile fermentation and tight packing. If silage is too dry; then, packing is difficult and may allow oxygen into the pile causing overheating, mold/yeast/bad microbe growth, and spoilage. When the silage moisture content is too high, piles can weep with valuable energy and nutrients flowing out as a loss from the pile. Also, damaging clostridia bacteria colonies can grow when silage is too wet. So, target silage storage moisture content should be 65-70% moisture.

Another factor to consider for silage chopping is milk line (a corn kernel starch content indicator). Starch is one of the most energy dense feed components; so silage that contains higher amounts of starch will be higher energy overall. The further down the kernel milk line is established; the more starch content has been stored in the kernel.

Plant moisture and milk line may not be directly correlated and may vary among hybrids. While these development factors trend in the same direction, the moisture content may vary from field to field, even if milk line is the same.

Corn silage is a great feed resource that can benefit from moisture content monitoring at harvest. Target harvesting silage at 65-70% moisture content for best results. Use the ear kernel milk line (closer to the cob means more starch and higher energy silage) to find your ideal harvest window based on your hybrids.

#####

Why does a woodpecker have a beak? So as not to smash his head against the tree.

2005 Peterbilt 379 C15 550 Cat, 18 Speed, Moose Pusher, Great Tires, Beacons $54,900

2015 Kenworth W900B ISX 485 Cummins, 18 Speed, Half Locker, Pusher Axle, Warranty $79,900

TRACTORS FOR SALE

2012 John Deere 8235R, weights, duals, ILS, IVT, GPS, 3531 hours.

2009 John Deere 8330, weights, duals, ILS, IVT, GPS, wide track extensions, 4352 hours.

1997 John Deere 8200T, weights, GPS, camoplast tracks, 8173 hours.

1975 John Deere 4430 row crop, weights, duals, hydraulic front drive.

1974 John Deere 4430, weights, duals.

1971 John Deere 4020 with front loader.

1969 John Deere 2510 with high lift loader. Phone cell (406) 490-3795, Anaconda, Montana

##### Two arrogant-looking men were in a clubhouse when they approached the local pro. “How can I help you?” the professional asked. “I’m interest in learning how to play this game like an expert,” came the response. The instructor looked to his friend and asked, “Are you interested, as well?” “I don’t need any more help,” came the reply. “I had my lesson yesterday.”

Protect high cattle prices with risk protection

By Frank Wardynski, Michigan State University Extension

Beef Cattle prices can be severely impacted by events that occur in one day or over time. In 2019, a fire at a large packing plant severely reduced harvest capabilities in this country. That single event drove prices of feeder cattle and market ready cattle down over the next several months. In 2020, many packing plants were shut down over various periods of time due to workers contracting COVID-19 and drove cattle prices lower. In both years, cattle producers sold both feeder cattle and market ready cattle at prices lower than expected.

In today’s market, beef cattle prices are at historically high levels. Beef cattle producers have the opportunity to protect themselves from falling cattle prices by purchasing Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance. The LRP program is implemented through the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA). The RMA has implemented a market price insurance program since 2004. Farm business management educators and specialists at Michigan State University Extension recommend developing marketing plans and developing market risk strategies. Strategies can often include market price protection programs like LRP.

Cattle producers who take the opportunity to obtain market price protection will frequently realize more income during times of falling cattle prices. The Livestock Risk Protection program (LRP) allows producers to purchase market price protection insurance against falling markets.

TRICAL GUNNER TRITICALE

Townsend Seeds 104 S. Front Street, Townsend MT 406-266-444 - toll free 800-272-6939 townsendseeds@gmail.com

at JNJ we sell Quick Attach brand Skid Steer attachments, Caterpillar Skid Steers, and Telehandlers

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Through LRP, producers can purchase market protection from insurance agents in a similar manner as buying crop insurance. Agents selling crop insurance frequently sell LRP policies. The LRP works similarly to purchasing put options setting a floor on the market price; however, LRP like crop insurance is government subsidized. The subsidy has increased significantly over the past couple years and has made purchasing these policies much more inviting. The actual LRP policy is insurance against cattle market prices going lower.

It is critically important to point out that LRP policies offer market price protection and have no influence on the price producers receive for their cattle. Cattle are sold and marketed by producers in the method of their choosing. Consequently, producers are still encouraged to market cattle for cash sale to the best of their ability.

The USDA-RMA publishes a daily report that is usually available around 4-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time and can be found at https://public.rma.usda.gov/livestockreports/main.aspx. That report indicates an expected ending value, various coverage levels, the cost per hundred weight of the policy and end date of the contract.

The details of purchasing LRP price protection are important. The LRP program is not for producers who do not want to watch cattle markets and pay attention to the details. LRP insurance is available for both fed cattle and feeder cattle at 13, 17, 21, 26, 30, 34, 39, 43, 47 and 52-week periods. Producers should try and purchase contracts with end dates as near as possible to actual cattle sale date. The period between contract end and cattle sale dates puts producers at risk that cattle markets can work against them.

Producers need to ensure that insurance agents know they are getting ready to purchase insurance. Unlike crop insurance, RMA reports are published daily during the week in the late afternoon. Once producers decide to purchase insurance, the policy needs to be finalized by 9 a.m. the next morning. LRP insurance fits with various size operations. Contracts can be purchased for as few as one head and up to 12,000 head annually. There are a couple of frustrating aspects to the program, however. The contracts are supposed be available at 52-week periods, yet RMA reports usually do not have quotes beyond 34 – 43 weeks. Contracts are supposed to be available at 70 – 100% coverage levels, yet reports seldom offer levels below 85%.

Producers utilizing LRP consistently will have market price protection from decreasing cattle market prices while realizing the benefits of higher cattle prices when markets get stronger. Due to the subsidy support many producers large enough to purchase their own put options prefer to utilize the LRP.

The LRP allows both small and large producers (up to 12,000 head annually) to obtain market price protection. During times of erratic cattle markets price protection is an important management tool that producers should utilize to maintain farm profitability.

Glacier Processing Cooperative receives grant

Glacier Processing Cooperative will modernize its meat processing facility, increase efficiencies, and position the co-op for long-term growth through a $250,000 USDA Local Meat Capacity Grant.

The co-op received one of 33 Local MCap grants totaling nearly $26.9 million announced by the USDA in July. The awards were for equipment only and processing expansion projects and built on the first round of $9.5 million awarded to 42 projects announced in March.

Glacier Processing, a rancher-owned cooperative in Columbia Falls, was developed to ensure meat processing remains available for local producers in the Flathead. The equipment modernizations will span the facility’s full processing capabilities, from harvest to value-added products.

The grant is an opportunity to create more options for producers and consumers as Glacier Processing heads into a project to expand capacity threefold, said Mark Siderius, the co-op board’s chairman.

“What the MCap will do for us is provide new state-ofthe-art equipment headed into the planned expansion, the ability to do more value-added processing, and just an overall more efficient, more consistent product coming out of our facility,” Siderius said.

Earlier this year, Glacier Processing Co-op also received a $50,000 Growth Through Agriculture Grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture, which has already been put to use modernizing the processing facility, and Siderius said the co-op is excited to move forward with the larger expansion project to increase capacity and create a retail space in the coming months.

Grants like the Growth Through Ag program and the MCap program make the improvements possible, benefiting both producers and consumers, he said.

“These programs are actually impacting and helping people in their daily lives,” he said.

To learn more about the co-op or join, visit https://glacierprocessing.com.

• Second generation Coaxium wheat • Excellent yield potential • Very good protein, drought tolerance

BATTLE AX

RESOLUTEST

•

• Beardless high yielding triticale

• Excellent tonnage on dryland

• Can grow chest high on very little moisture

Battle AX is a Certified Seed Only variety. By purchasing seed, grower agrees to use seed of the variety only for the production of a commercial grain or forage crop. Using certified seed every season ensures the best stewardship, end use functionality, and opportunity to maximize yield potential of the variety. Resale of this seed, or supply of saved seed derived from this seed, to anyone including purchaser for planting is prohibited.

In addition to purchasing Certified Seed every year, farmers are required to sign, and adhere to, the CoAXium® Wheat Production System Grower Stewardship Agreement outlining best management practices on product rates, crop rotation, mechanical and cultural practices and CoAXium® and

Common Bunt infection in winter wheat

By John Thomas, Nebraska Extension Crops and Water Extension Educator

Common bunt, also known as stinking smut, is caused by two closely related fungi. Tilletia caries, also known as Tilletia tritici, and Tilletia laevis. This year I worked with a grower in Morrill County who had three full circles of irrigated winter wheat seriously infected with common bunt. Infection of wheat occurs during germination and is favored by cool, wet conditions. The first indication of a problem was a cloud of black dust following the combine and grain cart during combining.

Upon closer inspection, the wheat was darkened, dusty, and had an odd smell. Common bunt causes the wheat kernels to become filled with black powdery spores that have an unpleasant odor, which deters livestock from eating it.

The fungi penetrate and infect the coleoptile, the tissue sheathing the first true leaf, before seedling emergence in the fall. The question arose from the grower as to how all three of his irrigated winter wheat circles were infected in the same year. In visiting with grain elevators in the area, common bunt wasn’t a serious issue this year, but there was quite a bit of it around the previous year. The grower had planted this year’s wheat from his own harvested wheat from the previous year, which evidently had a low-level infestation of common bunt. This infection of spores essentially inoculated the seed he planted this year, causing the infection in three circles.

The grower delivered the grain to the elevator with a large dockage and hoped the straw would be usable as cattle feed.

Using your own bin-run seed or buying it from a neighbor can lead to disease infections such as bunt or other smut diseases and can also be a source of undesirable weeds such as jointed goatgrass or rye.

Discolored wheat infected with common bunt - Photo by John Thomas

Black dust from common bunt, winter wheat harvest - Photo by John Thomas

Common Bunt infection in winter wheat

This fall, as you prepare to plant winter wheat, it is best to use certified seed, but if you are using your own seed, treat it with a fungicide.

Managing common bunt in winter wheat involves several key strategies:

Use Resistant Varieties: Plant wheat varieties that are resistant or less susceptible to common bunt. Check with local agricultural extension services or seed suppliers for recommendations on resistant cultivars.

Seed Treatment: Treating seeds with fungicides before planting can help protect them from common bunt infection. There are various seed treatments available, so choose one that is effective against common bunt.

Crop Rotation: Implement a crop rotation plan to break the lifecycle of the fungus. Avoid planting wheat or other susceptible crops in fields where common bunt was a problem the previous year.

Field Sanitation: After harvest, remove and destroy any infected plant debris from the field. This helps reduce the amount of fungal inoculum in the soil.

Clean Equipment: To prevent the spread of the disease, ensure that all planting equipment and machinery are cleaned thoroughly before moving between fields.

By integrating these practices, you can reduce the incidence of common bunt and improve the health and yield of your winter wheat crops.

#####

A guy said to God, “God, is it true that to you a billion years is like a second?”

God said yes.

The guy said, “God, is it true that to you a billion dollars is like a penny?”

God said yes.

The guy said, “God, can I have a penny?”

God said, “Sure, just a second.”

Diana Doll

Janice King

Brianna King

Melissa Goetz

Carbon County Commissioners

Scott Wilson

Angela Newell

Piney Helmuth

Carbon County Sheriff’s Office

Stacie Nardinger

Sandi Campbell

Tiffany Moorehouse

Melissa Oswald

Kraig Krook

Luke Miller

Jeff Krook

Marcia Bickel

Amy Mettes

Jenny Still

Tom Manuel

Brooke Million

Lance Frank

Bank of Bridger Staff

Doug Stringari

Darryl Grove

Mike Rupprecht

Shane Warehime

Waylon Boggio

Christina Roorda

Stacey Wetherelt, DVM

Larry and MerryLee Vukonich

4-H Teen Leaders:

Weston Blain

Harleigh Donnelly

Rig Elton

Justyce Bickel

Dani DiOrio

Mesa Mettes

Cole Miller

Molly Miller

Alana Puett

Tassyn Wright

4-H Ambassadors

#####

A teacher asked her students to use the word “beans” in a sentence. “My father grows beans,” said one girl. “My mother cooks beans,” said a boy. A third student spoke up, “We are all human beans.”

The Carbon County Fair Board wished so say “THANK YOU” to everyone who helped make the Fair such a success.

A & S Heating & Air Conditioning

Alanna Anderson

Altana Federal Credit Union

Axmen- Columbus

Bank Of Bridger, Bank of Joliet, Bank of Red Lodge - Family of Banks

BEARTOOTH ELECTRIC

Beartooth Fertilizer

Beartooth Market

BILL TUCKER

Billings Kubota

Billings Livestock Commission

Blain Ranch

Bobcat of Big Sky

Boggio Welding & Fab

BRAATEN SHOW PIGS

Brad & Misty Miller

Brian Young

Brianna King

Bridger Auto Parts-Jaime Taylor

Briess Malt Barley

Bruce Larson

BRYANT NUTTING

Byars Ranch

C & B Operations

CHANCE LAND & LIVESTOCK

COLUMBUS ACE HARDWARE

CORY & HEATHER STRATTON

Darren Zentner

David and Cyndra Nelson

Dean or Dena Spaulding

Denise Aisenbrey

Diana Doll, MD

Donn Lorash

Dorvall Club Lambs

Doug Schwend

D-Rock Boyz

Fort Rockvale

Gary Peterson

Gettings Crop LLC

HILL BUILDERS

Brett Petersen

Cloee Blain

Shelby Sticka

Mathew Erickson

Danica Tucker

Maddie Roascio

Joliet Weslyan Church Volunteers

Young Family Auctioneers

Musser Brothers Auctioneers

Red Lodge Fire Department

Home of Champions Rodeo

JACKIE TAYLOR

Jane Doughs

JARES FENCE COMPANY INC

Jenny Still

John and Kathy Lammiman

John and Vicki Ropp

JOLIET COUNTRY MARKET

Kathy Krenning

Kim Ehrlich Real Estate

Kris and Jillann Knutson

Kristin Bauwens

LARRY’S SEED

Laurel Ace Hardware

LONE TREE STOCK

Lowell Peterson

Million Ranch Hay

Morgan Contractors

Mydland Angus Ranch

Opportunity Bank of Montana

Patty Hanson

Phil Nardinger

Public Auction Yards

Rapid Tire Inc.

Red Lodge FFA

Reisig Agency

Shane & Stacie Warehime

Skalsky Poor Boy Feeds

Spencer Angus

Spencer Farms

Staley Tire

Steamboat Ranch

STETSON FORGE LLC

Stockman Bank

SUNSHINE APIARY

Target Construction

TERESA PETERSEN

The Barnsion

Tiger Colvin

Town and Country Supply

True West Management Co.

Tvetene Turf

Val Horning

Western Ranch Supply

Wetstein Ag

WISHFUL

THINKING FARM

World

Sire

TRUCK FOR SALE

Kenworth W9 C15 Cat 550 hp, (factory platinum Reman on motor at 100K miles), 13 speed, 3.36 rear end, 265” wheelbase, set of full fenders included, 700,000 original miles. Local truck. Runs strong. Truck is currently located in Billings, Montana. $48,500 obo Open to trades as well. Let me know what you have. (406) 579-5552

David Watkin’s Estate

ANTIQUE AUCTION

Saturday, September 14th, 2024 @ 8:30 AM MT

Location: 10348 16th St SW, Manning, ND 58612

From Manning, ND - 3 miles S. on HWY 22, 4.5 miles E. on

Sellers: David Watkin Estate

Online Bidding Offered Thru Proxibid Available for

HORSE & BUGGY EQUIPMENT/ITEMS:

LOT 30. Adler Sewing Machine

LOT 31. Singer Mod. 97-10 Sewing Machine,

LOT 32. Singer Industrial Large Sewing

buggy dashboards (2) Singer Sewing Machines in Boxes

Leather Working Tools and Cabinet

Leather Stitching Horse

Single Horse Cart- good Harnesses (4) Saddles, Antique, II US Saddle 1/8 scale Horse Cart- good

Chuck Box for Wagons

ANTIQUES:

MANY! Wagon Wheels, Wagon Wheel Accessory Parts: springs, pole end caps, spokes... HW Horse Feeder – good

Wells Fargo Memorabilia: Wax Stamp, Locks, Hanging Cabinet (RY EXP Agency), & Salesman Samples Kit

US Postal Stamp Machine US Military Bags

Wolly Chaps RR Cart

8 X 12 Wood Hay Wagon – good

Several Oil Lamps & Glass Shades

Antique Chairs, Tables, & Children’s Chairs

Waterfall Bedroom Set: Bed, Chest, Nightstand, Dresser

Bed: Head & Foot Board w/ Matching Dresser/Mirror 4-Ice Cream Parlor Chairs w/ table

Cowboy Tub

Washstand w/ Marble top

(2) Handmade tables w/ Marble tops

Round Shaped Chair Couch w/matching chair

VEHICLES:

ANTIQUE GUNS:

LOT 1. 65 Regiment State of NY, US-A52, SNP 1884, 45-70 cal, Springfield w/bayonet, SN#533194 LOT 2. 1891 Mauser Mod. 10 Argentio Action, ? cal., SN#H1827 LOT 3. WIN Mod. 94 Lever Action, SN#1266730, From Deer Lodge Prison in MT, stock rebuilt LOT 4. REM 1873-1874 era, single shot, 12 ga, SN# NA LOT 5. REM 32 cal., SN#13079 LOT 6. REM 32 CAL. Oct BBL, SN:139254 LOT 7. REM Dbl BBL, 12 ga, Wells Fargo & CC’s Express LOT 8. Excel Single BBL, 20 ga, SN:62336XC LOT 9. Russian 7.62 x 54 Cal., Bolt, Mosinnagent w/bayonet LOT 10. Thompson Center Arm’s Black Powder 50 Cal. LOT 11. Springfield 50-70 LOT 12. Spencer Repeating rifle, 52 Cal., SN:24266, this SN was very close to the SN on John Wilkes Boothe’s gun that was in hiding after Pres. Lincoln assassination LOT 13. US Springfield Armory, Mod 1898, Cal est. 30-06, SN:402552 LOT 14. Make Unknown, US Mod 1884, est cal. 45, w/ saddle ring, SN:385337 LOT 15. WIN 22 WRF, Mod. 1890, Oct. BBL, SN:573862 LOT 16. S&W 380 Cal., Auto, Mod. SW380, SN:RAD8148 LOT 17. Custom Built 32 SWL Pistol LOT 18. Schofields 45 revolver top-break. Wells Fargo Side Arm w/ original holster, AN:1220 LOT 19. 1880-1920 S&W 32 Cal., SN:167532 LOT 20. S&W 32 Cal. SN: 66252

LOT 21. S&W 32 Cal., SN:79240

LOT 22. Colt, 32 cal., SN:316066

LOT 23. #324, Center Shot, 32 Cal.

LOT 24. S&W 22 Cal. 7 Shot, SN:NA

LOT 25. S&W 38 Cal. SN:M&P48887

ITEMS w/ WOOD WORKING

Rubber Tire Machine

Hobart 4500 Generator w/Briggs 14-5 Motor –very good

Horizontal Drill Press

Delta Drill Press, Mod. 2008 40- very good

Power Matic Mod. 10G, 110v, Mortising Machine

Jet Table Saw, 10”, w/Xacta Fence II 40” Cast Table (70” Total)

Osculating Horizontal/Vertical Edge Sander

Jet 15” Planer w/Helical Head – very good

Jet Dust Collector, DC 1100 M

Powermatic Osculating Drum Sander

Kyobi Drum Sander, Mod. WDS 1600 (3) Anvils (1- Sweden

Dawson County 4-H feeder calves

One of the challenges cattlemen and 4-H’ers share is producing the type of animal that feeders, packers, and ultimately the consumer will want. And the Breeding Heifer class projects what to look for in heifer retention. The Feeder Calf Show at the Dawson County Fair always provides a stage where the suitability of 4-H steer and heifer calves can be evaluated. The Feeder Calf Show is always a very popular attraction with both 4-H’ers and viewers.

Showmanship

The showmanship trophy winner in the Junior Division was Gabrielle Caraway (L). The Intermediate showmanship trophy went to Kadie Anderson, Gothenburg. Top showman in the senior division was Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington. All three showmen received purple ribbons.

Other Showmanship results:

Junior Division – Other Purples: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg; Mylo Jacobson, Cozad; Michelle McArdle, Cozad; Riggs McConville, Lexington; and Clay Terrell, Gothenburg. Intermediate Division – Other purples: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg; Kathryn Bartruff, Gothenburg; Lathan Johnson, Gothenburg; Bristol McConville, Lexington; and Randalin Thornburg, Lexington. Blue: Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

Senior Division – Other Purples: Lizzie David, Brady; Addison Howerter, Cozad; Emma Howerter, Cozad; Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; and Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington.

Steer Calf

Class A – Purple: Riggs McConville, Lexington. Blues: Dallee Barnes and Augustus Barnes Gothenburg.

Class B - Purples: Kadie Anderson, Gothenburg; Bristol McConville, Lexington; and Clay Terrell Gothenburg. Blues: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg and Mylo Jacobson Cozad.

Class C Purples: Kadie Anderson and Kathryn Bartruff, both of Gothenburg; Emma Howerter X 2, Cozad; Lathan Johnson, Gothenburg.

Class D – Purples: Addison Howerter, Cozad; Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; Randalin Thornburg, Lexington; Jaelin Wolfinger and Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington.

Heifer Calf

Class A – Purple: Riggs McConville, Lexington. Blue: Michelle McArdle, Cozad. Red: Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

Class B – Purples: Kathryn Bartruff, Gothenburg; Gabrielle Caraway, Cozad; Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; and Bristol McConville, Lexington.

Breeding Heifer Calves

The Breeding Heifer Calves Division continues to grow as class sizes increase. These heifers would be those that would be more intended to keep back in the calf herd for replacement heifers and not for market.

Class A – Purple: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg. Blue: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg.

Class B – Purples: Lizzie David, Brady; Gabrielle Caraway, Cozad; and Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington. Blues: Addison Howerter, and Emma Howerter, Cozad; and Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg.

Class C – Purples: Jaelin Wolfinger X 2, Lexington; Lathan Johnson, Gothenburg and Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington. Blues: Addison Howerter, Cozad, and Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg.

Grand and Reserve Champions

After narrowing the fields down with a selection of the top two from each class going back for the final round, the judge named the champion and reserve champions. For the steer division, the Champion was Jacie Wolfinger and Jaelin Wolfinger, both of Lexington, was the reserve champion. In the heifer division, Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg was the Champion and Bristol McConville, Lexington; held the Reserve Champion. In the breeding heifer division, Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington was the champion, and Lizzie David, Brady, had the reserve.

Overall Grand Champion Feeder Calf went to Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington and the Reserve Overall to Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington.

Pen-Of-Five

Tail Twisters 4-H Club pen of five feeder calves received top awards for the fourth year in a row. The group received a purple ribbon and the club name will be engraved on a plaque. Another purple ribbon in the pen-of-five entries was 100th Meridian.

John Michael Kohler

A Wisconsin foundry owner in the 1880s. One of his big sellers was an enameled iron water trough for farm animals. In 1883, convinced that demand for household plumbing fixtures was growing, he made four cast-iron feet, welded them to the animal trough, and began selling it as a bathtub.

AUCTION

ONLINEONLY

2024 State of Montana Surplus Property

Helena, MT • Bidding open Sept. 14 and ending Sept. 28

Sale Site: 16 W. Custer Ave., at the corner of Custer Ave. & Henderson, next to the Lewis & Clark Co. Fairgrounds.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

JOHN DEERE 750B Long Track Dozer

CASE 580 SUPER L 4x4 Backhoe

JOHN DEERE 310C 4x4 Backhoe

JOHN DEERE 672A Grader

KOMATSU GD530A Grader

CHAMPION 716A SERIES 3 Grader

LEE BOY Roller Compactor

FERGUSON SP-912 Pneumatic Roller

ROSCO SPR-H Chip Seal Spreader

BOBCAT A300 Skid Steer

BRADCO 571 Backhoe Attachment

TRACTORS

FORD Tractor

CASE MAXXUM 5220 Tractor

HOLDER C480 Municipal Tractors

TRACKLESS MT SERIES V Municipal Tractor

HUSTLER 3700 Municipal Tractor with Broom & Blade

DUMP TRUCKS & TRUCKS

FREIGHTLINER FL70 Bucket Truck

FREIGHTLINER Digger Derrick Truck

VOLVO Tandem Dump Truck (No Box)

INTERNATIONAL 2574 4X2 Plow Truck

(2) FORD L9000 Plow Trucks

VOLVO WG64F Plow Trucks

GMC TOPKICK Plow Truck

(3) GMC DIESEL 7000 Dump Trucks

FORD F800 DIESEL Roll Back Truck

UD 2600LP Helicopter Transport Truck

INTERNATIONAL 4700 4X2

INTERNATIONAL Durastar Hybrid Dump Truck 4X2

(2) TITAN E-ONE 4WD Fire Trucks

ONE TON (4wd and 2wd)

CHEV Silverado Truck 3500 2WD (2002)

DODGE Ram 3500HD 4x4 Van Body Truck (2007)

FORD F-350 4x4 Truck (1999)

CHEV Scottsdale 30 4x4 Truck (1979)

CHEV Custom Deluxe 4x4 Truck (1980)

CHEV Cheyenne 3500 4x4 Truck (1989)

1/2 TON (4wd and 2wd)

(26) FORD F150 2WD (2003 - 2017)

(20) GMC Sierra 2WD (2003 - 2017)

DODGE 4WD Truck (2007)

(2) DODGE 2WD Trucks (2000)

CHEVROLET Silverado 1/2Ton 4WD Truck (2007)

CHEVROLET Silverado 2WD (2007)

(3) GMC Sierra 4WD Trucks (1998, 2006)

DODGE Ram 1500 4WD Truck (2002)

(4) FORD F150 4WD Trucks (2005 - 2010)

NISSAN Frontier 4WD Truck (2014)

(2) DODGE Dakota 4WD Trucks (2009)

(2) CHEVROLET Colorado 4WD Trucks (20122019)

(2) FORD Ranger 4WD Trucks (2005)

(2) GMC Canyon 4WD Trucks (2004)

3/4 TON (4wd and 2wd)

(2) GMC Sierra 2500 2WD Trucks (2010)

(7) FORD F250 2WD Trucks (2003 - 2015)

(2) FORD F250 4WD Trucks (2011, 2014)

GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD Truck (2008)

(2) DODGE Ram 2500 2WD Trucks (2012)

(2) CHEV Silverado 2500HD 4WD Trucks (2003, 2006)

(2) CHEV K2500 4WD Trucks (1990, 1994)

VANS & MINI VANS

(1) FORD Transit Connect Van (2016) (3) GMC Savanna Vans (1997 - 2006) (1) FORD Transit Wagon Van (2017) (1) NISSAN NV200 Van (2015) (1) CHEVROLET G30 Van (1988) (1) FORD Econoline Wagon Van (2009) (1) CHEVROLET Express Van (2017) (2) DODGE Grand Caravan Mini Vans (2007 - 2014)

PASSENGER CARS

(28) DODGE Charger (2010 - 2018) (18) FORD Taurus (2004 - 2017) (35) FORD Fusion (2010 - 2017) (3) DODGE Avenger (2009) (11) CHEVROLET Impala (2007 - 2009) FORD Focus (2015)

BOATS

CRESTLINER Boat with Trailer ALMAR LITE Aluminum Boat with Trailer CRESTLINER Aluminum Flat Bottom

Download the Pate Auction App to your mobile device or go online and bid your price on this line of vehicles & equipment!

SUV’s & MPV’s

(9) FORD Escape MPVs (2009 - 2016) (11) JEEP Patriot MPVs (2012 - 2014) (2) CHEV Suburban 4WD (2003, 2005) (2) GMC Yukon 4WD (2002, 2003) (2) CHEVROLET Trax MPVs (2019) (6) NISSAN Rogue MPVs (2017 - 2018) (3) CHEV Equinox (2020 - 2021) (1) DODGE Durango SUV (2003) (1) DODGE Journey MPV (2016) (1) FORD Expedition MPV (2015) (5) FORD Explorer MPVs (2016 - 2017)

ATV’s

6 - POLARIS, SUZUKI & HONDA SNOWMOBILES

4 - POLARIS & SKI-DOO snowmobiles

WRECKED & NON RUNNING

Approx. 60 cars, pickups and Suv’s

17 Assort. Trailers, Forklift, Lawn Equipment, Sweepers, Engines, Snow Plow Blades, Rail Road Cars, Manlifts, Automotive Lifts And Much More!!

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION

Viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27 from 8 am to 5 pm each day. Removal: Monday, Sept. 30 thru Thursday, Oct. 3 from 8 am to 5 pm each day. Online registration available on our mobile app or on the website.

Viewing: Thursday, September 26 & Friday, September 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day!

Thank you

Brad & Jamie Birch of Montana Ag for buying my steer “Stanley” and

Dawson County 4-H bucket calf results

What do you get when you take one determined, ready to show-the-crowd what they can do 4-H’er, and match them up with one rambunctious little bucket calf full of pep and a little bit of naughtiness? You get the makings of a 4-H showing career. Because that is what it is all about - commanding control of an animal in front of a judge so they can see the result of all your hard work. With maybe a few fun surprises to bring a chuckle or two from the crowd.

The Bucket Calf project is still much a delight to young 4-H’ers as well as the crowd gathered to watch these young participants. As moms and dads all watch with hopeful anticipation and pride as another 4-H career kicks off.

These young 4-H’ers brought their calves, records and diaries to the 2024 Dawson County Fair to compete. Also figured into their final placing was their showmanship ability and an interview score from the judge, Sid Andersen, evaluating the amount of knowledge gained in the project.

Purple ribbons were awarded to Maggie Duryea, Lexington; Jorgianna Lans, Lexington; Cassidy Reiman, Cozad; Harlow Rickertsen, Lexington; and Chloe Urban, Cozad. Blues: Maddy Anderson, Gothenburg; and Sawyer Schukei, Cozad. Red: Cadey Wolf, Cozad.

The Clover Kid Bucket Calf Project is a non-competitive project designed for Clover Kid 4-H’ers (5-7 years of age as of January 1). The purpose of this project is to give Clover Kid 4-H’ers experience in caring and showing a bucket calf. These 4-H’ers received a Clover Kid participation ribbon and premium.

Once again this year’s Clover Kid Bucket Calf project proved itself a worthwhile investment in the time, patience and growth experience of both the calf and the Clover Kid. Seven Clover Kids proudly paraded their calves in the Stevens Arena.

5-6 Year Old Division – Kodi Ahlenstorf, Cozad; Ashton Vonderschmidt, Farnam; Emma Dillon, Cozad; and Adrian Commins, Lexington.

7 Year Old Division –Parker Caraway, Lexington; Kimberly Duryea, Lexington; and Cru O’Neill, Sumner.

##### God, how I thank you for helping me remember to add instead of subtract when I was doing my taxes today. A mistake would be a disaster.

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Lord, if it weren’t for the sand at the bottom of the slide I’d have broken my hip. I need to take it easier when I play with my grandkids. I’m not as young as I used to be, for sure.

& PUP TRAILER FOR SALE

Dakotafest holds 29th annual event

Over a period of 3 days 400+ vendors, and an expected crowd of 26,000 converged on a farm site in Mitchell, SD to be a part of Dakotafest. Hay was cut off the parking lot areas the week before, and late summer rains created a bit of mud, but that didn’t deter the large crowds that showed up each day. The latest in agricultural products, industry speakers, and food vendors all combined to make the event a success for another year.

South Dakota State Extension, one of the event sponsors, held an ice cream social each day, and had faculty and students on hand to discuss issues that are of importance to producers in the area.

Many listening events were also on the schedule including South Dakota’s US Congressional Representative’s updates, USDA Administrator panel, an estate planning workshop, Young Producer Program and finance opportunities seminar, etc.

The antique tractor museum was a popular scene, with many nicely restored tractors. There were events for the kids, a ride and drive sponsored by Butler Machinery, and live music each afternoon of the event.

A highlight is always the Women in Ag event along with the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year award. The keynote speak for this event was Amanda Nigg, the “Farm Fit Momma” who has a website called Farm Fit Health (https:// www.farmfitmomma.com) dedicated to helping men and women in the ag industry stay healthy, both mentally and physically.

The five nominees were: Sarah Easton, Fulton, SD; Kendra Olson, Kimball, SD; Barbara Powell, Chamberlain, SD; Stacy Watembach, Alexandria, SD; and Erin Yost, Gann Valley, SD. All of the women nominated had a valuable role in their family’s farm/ranch operations, some served as 4H leaders, helped with county fairs, served on ag industry boards, etc. This year’s award winner was Barbara Powell who was nominated by her daughter, one of 4 children raised by Barbara and her husband.

Dakotafest has been a consistent presence in eastern South Dakota for farmers and ranchers, as well as for the hundreds of vendors who have booths and displays showing their products. The 30th Anniversary of the event is being planned for August 2025. For more information go to https://www. ideaggroup.com/dakotafest.

Just be me and quit

I stood by and listened while the Preacher man said “Now we lay this man to rest”

I think he had this coming, cause I felt in life

To me, he had given me his best

But my eyes didn’t see

What my heart was about to see

For lots of years now

My dad had stood by watching over me

He had a way of making me do and listen

To the things that I should heed

And for doing just the opposite

He had a way of making my nose want to bleed

Today is one of those days

When in the family, he would wonder if I’d ever fit

I’m going to be to work on time for a change

Then I’m going to just be me and quit

Barbara Powell, this year’s winner of the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year speaks to the crowd.

With Dakotafest taking place on a 45 acre site, some folks opt to rent golf carts to visit all the outdoor booths and displays. Photo by Suzy Benzing

High heat intensifying water deprivation in confined livestock

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

Weather forecasters across the Great Plains have triple-digit temperatures slated for the last week of July. Heat waves of this nature often stress livestock housed outdoors by increasing their water requirements and consumption.

Kansas State University veterinary toxicologist Steve Ensley said the consequences of this added need for water can lead livestock to experience water deprivation and salt toxicity.

“On hot days, animals will hover around a watering device,” he said. “If there is only one in a pen or limited flow, and they cannot consume water for even two hours, water deprivation can become an issue.”

Water deprivation simultaneously occurs with another condition called salt toxicity, according to Ensley.

“As an animal dehydrates during a water deprivation event, their bodies will pull fluid out of their brain. At the same time, the sodium stored there gets trapped,” he said. “Their inability to disperse this sodium outside the brain creates toxic levels.”

Ensley recommends producers slowly provide livestock access to water after deprivation instead of an abrupt reintroduction, noting the process can be lengthy and labor intensive.

“Plug up a pen’s feed bunk, fill it with water and sort half the animals out of a pen. Allow them to drink for five minutes and then rotate the other half back in,” he said. “Do that every hour for 10-12 hours or until animals are not rushing to water.”

After drinking an excess amount of water, water-deprived livestock will quickly begin displaying the clinical signs and symptoms of salt toxicity. Ensley said allowing livestock unlimited access is the “last thing they should do.”

“Within 60 minutes of drinking too much, you can start to see brain swelling. They start to have seizures; they will collapse and will not be able to get up,” he said. He added: “Some individuals get aggressive because of the damage to the neurons in the brain. With neuronal damage and swelling, there can be a rapid progression of the condition, leading ultimately to death.”

Preventing salt toxicity/ water deprivation should start well before periods of dangerously high temperatures.

“I would advise producers to install a monitoring device on their water distribution systems before the days it gets over 100 degrees (Fahrenheit), so they can track if a pen is not getting water or an adequate amount,” Ensley said.

“In many confined animal situations, the pens at the end of the water distribution line are the animals most at risk because the water system

cannot keep up with the demand when it is hot.”

Livestock that have recovered from salt toxicity/water deprivation may deal with long-term effects, but nothing that will stop them from entering the food chain.

“Due to the residual brain damage, they may go partially blind, but there are no food safety concerns or effects on a carcass after recovering from salt toxicity,” Ensley said.

“If they can function normally and get up to the bunk to eat and drink, producers should allow them to finish the feeding period.”

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Language: the most imperfect and expensive means yet discovered for communicating thought.

– William James

Trees are so cool

By Amanda Shepperd, University of Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Who’s looking forward to fall? Did you know that the leaf color changes that we all love and enjoy are from the absence of different pigment combinations in the leaves that we are enjoying? First the color green comes from the abundance of chlorophyll pigment feeding the tree throughout the spring and summer. Then in the fall the chlorophyll breaks down and other pigments are more abundant and show through. Flavonoids show up as a beautiful yellow, carotenoids show up as a beautiful orange, and lastly, one of my favorites, red comes from the pigment anthocyanin.

While the trees are changing colors and showing us the beauty of letting go, it is best to keep caring for them going into the winter season. Fall and winter watering is something to keep in mind as the soil dries out and the temperatures cool down. Water during the day when temperatures are at least 40–50°F, and finish before sunset so the water has time to drain into the soil. It is okay to water about 1–2 times a month during the cooler months.

Did you know that trees can talk to one another? They do this through mycelium or mycorrhiza. Mycelium is a living fungus that expands below the soil, creating a network of connections between all plant species, something like the Internet, which allows them not only to communicate but also to take care of themselves, protect themselves, feed themselves and stock up on water. When a tree is cut down in the forest, this mycelium communicates to the rest of the trees that one of them is dying, and the others, through the mycelium, begin to take care of the remaining trunk through feeding, watering, and protecting it, to try to save that tree. This happens when there is insects or diseases going through a forest.

Just like Fall colors, the conifers or evergreen trees stay green year-round. Have you ever wondered why or how they are able to stay this way? They have a number of adaptations that help out. This is achieved through the adaptation of the shape of their leaves. The evergreens have strong leaves that are rolled up as long, thin needles with a waxy coating. The needle leaf shape enables the evergreens to conserve water during the summer and winter to allow the photosynthesis process to continue. This is why the leaves can remain attached longer and stay green all year. The needle leaves of evergreens are shed in a two-year cycle. So it is okay when your evergreen is looking a little thin once in a while.

One last fact to think about. Trees are the longest-living organisms on Earth and never die of old age. This puzzles me, but when thought about there are many things that do their best to kill trees and many ways to harm one. California holds the record for the oldest living trees. Some of the state’s bristlecone pines and giant sequoias are 4,000-5,000 years old. Methuselah, living in the White Mountains, is estimated to be a 4,852-year-old ancient Bristlecone Pine, one of the world’s oldest living trees.

Verbal pasture lease agreements

By Shannon Sand, UNL

There are a couple of leasing options for producers and landowners. Verbal leases are a common form of lease agreement. However, if someone is considering terminating a verbal lease, there are some dates and rules to remember for those with crops vs. pasture verbal lease agreements. The Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1 for year-to-year verbal leases. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake year-to-year lease must be given six months before the end of the lease or no later than September 1 for crop production. It is recommended that Registered Mail™ terminate the farmland lease. This means the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received. Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season. However, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease. In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Ag Lease 101 library at Ag Lease 101 dot org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation.

National Roadkill Day

National Roadkill Day is a unique event that draws attention to the often-overlooked issue of animals killed on our roads.

This day highlights the impact of road traffic on wildlife and encourages us to consider the safety of animals when driving. It also promotes the use of roadkill as a resource, which can help reduce food waste and environmental impact.

Reasons for Celebrating National Roadkill Day

• National Roadkill Day serves multiple purposes. It raises awareness about the dangers that roads pose to animals, advocating for safer driving habits to prevent collisions.

• It also highlights the importance of wildlife crossings and other infrastructure improvements that can help animals cross roads safely.

• Additionally, the day underscores the value of responsibly using roadkill, whether for scientific research or as a food source. This can reduce waste and support sustainability efforts.

History of National Roadkill Day

National Roadkill Day was established in 2020 by environmental and conservation groups to draw attention to the tragic impact of roads on wildlife. The day aims to reduce the number of animals killed on highways.

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Johnny: Teacher, would you punish me for something I didn’t do?

Teacher: Of course not.

Ecologists have long studied roadkill to gather data on wildlife behavior and population trends. In the 1930s, researchers began using roadkill to study animal behavior and anatomy without harming living creatures

Johnny: Good, because I didn’t do my homework.

By the 2000s, studies showed insects were highly affected, making roadkill a broader ecological issue. In 2017, scientist Dumas Gálvez conducted extensive research on roadkill in Panama, documenting its impact on rainforest borders

The day calls for community involvement in roadkill clean-up and wildlife preservation activities, fostering a collective effort to protect both wildlife and the environment

AUCTION

2005 DODGE 2500SLT BIG HORN EDITION pickup, ¾T, 5.7L HEMI, automatic

1999 DODGE LARAMIE 350 SLT pickup, V10 Magnum, automatic, 4WD

1999 CHEVROLET 1500LT suburban, automatic, 4WD

1985 FORD F250XLT pickup, ¾T, 460V8, 4 speed, 4WD

1971 FORD CUSTOM pickup, 4 speed, 4WD

2004 KENWORTH T600 semi, Cummins ISX, Eaton Fuller 13 speed, sleeper, 911,162 miles

1973 CHEVROLET C65 truck, tandem 427 V8, 20’ box hoist, roll tarp, end gate auger

5-single-axle grain trucks

Flatbed Trailer, 22’

3-Utility trailers

2-horse trailers

RECREATIONAL

2023 LINHAI 4-wheeler, 300cc, 4WD, winch, less than 10 miles

2007 POLARIS RANGER 700 sideby-side, tilt box

1997 POLARIS XPLORER 500 4-wheeler, 4x4

2-campers

1998 BAYLINER boat, 14ft, Mercury, trailer

1972 REINELL C-2271 houseboat, frozen engine, trailer Snowmobiles

HARVEST/HAYING

CASE 1680 combine, 1234 hours, 30’

2010 BRANDT 1370 auger, 13x70, lo-pro swing-out, new bearings, sprockets and chain

Augers

2-hopper bottom bins

4-Round balers

NEW HOLLAND 1116H swather header, 16’

CASE 8230 swather, pull-type, 30’ SHOP BUILT hay trailer, 16’, racks, converted truck box, holds 8-6’ rounds

TRACTORS/DIRT WORK

STEIGER COUGAR PTA 280 tractor, 855 Cummins, boosted Hp, 4 remotes, 5 speed

HESSTON FIATAGRI tractor, 3range/5speed, 2 remotes, 540 PTO, 3pt, loader

FORD VERSATILE 9030 tractor, Bidirectional, 3 speed, 540 PTO, 3 pt, remotes, loader

FORD 515 tractor, 3 cylinder, 3 pt, 540 PTO, 5.5’ loader

MASSEY FERGUSON 1135 tractor, 2WD, 3 speed Hi/Lo, 2 remotes + 2 auxiliary, 540 PTO

1953 FORD GOLDEN JUBILEE tractor, 540 PTO, Sherman transmission 1964 INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL 2444 tractor, 2050 loader, 4S Hi/Lo, 1 remote, 540 PTO, 3pt

INTERNATIONAL HUFF H80B payloader, DT466 engine, 3S, hydraulic brake, air park brake, 3-yard bucket

5-yard bucket, fits H80B

DITCH WITCH trencher, backhoe, blade, not running

GALLION grader, frozen motor

LETOURNEAU CM8, Scraper Can, 21 yard

JOHN DEERE 9550 backhoe attachment

3-FRIGGSTAD plows, 41’

JOHN DEERE 1610 plow, 36’, 12” spacing

MCCORMICK INTERNATIONAL cultivator, 16’, harrows 2-small plows

BEEFCO 374 rototiller, 3pt, 540 PTO

MISC

Irrigation pumps and pipe

Diesel tank,10,000 gallon

Gas tank, 500 gallon

FORD 951B 3pt mower, 6’ deck 2-Pickup sprayers

LOVCIKMAN ATV sprayer

CLIPPER grass cleaner

VALMAR granular spreader

1990 LODE-KING tender 2-rock pickers

GENERAC generator

POWDER RIVER calf table NEW HOLLAND LS35 riding mower Drill, 12’, 9” spacing, Acru points 5-JOHN DEERE 9350

GLASS TRUCKING, INC.

Grain, Liquid, Hay & Livestock Hauling

• In business since 1960 • Visit us at www.glasstrucking.com Denton, MT 406-567-2232 800-325-8859

FARM/RANCH AUCTION

Saturday October 5, 2024 • Bison, SD ~ Ted Brockel Estate ~ Live with Online Bidding

• Classic tractors

• Loader and 4WD tractors

• Planting, tillage, haying, harvest

• Livestock equipment and more.

There is something for everyone at this auction!

See complete listing at www.integrity.bid

Auction conducted by: Integrity Auctioneers, Harvey, ND 605-850-1330

Fall Forage Seed Available

* Montech Forage FX Fall Triticale (PVP)

Control needed as grasshoppers continue to devastate Montana rangeland, cropland

During meetings in Washington, the Montana Farm Bureau continued to stress the need for grasshopper control while visiting with Congressional leaders. In talking with Senator Jon Tester and Representative Matt Rosendale, and with the staff of Senator Steve Daines’ and Representative Ryan Zinke’s offices, Farm Bureau leaders explained the negative impact of the destructive insects and the need for help with control.

“It’s clear that our outcry for grasshopper control is being heard, but in this tight budgeting process, securing additional funds is more difficult than it would seem. We recently learned that around 550,000 acres have been treated through USDA APHIS’s Grasshopper Suppression Program in Montana during FY2024. While that is helpful, there are hundreds of thousands of additional acres which would have benefited from the cost share program, had it been funded more substantially. That’s why we are asking for additional funding in FY2025, and are also asking for direction to APHIS, guiding them to prioritize funding to areas with the greatest infestations,” said MFBF Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Nicole Rolf, who had been in Washington with MFBF President Cyndi Johnson.

According to the map of USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS), the majority of Montana has a grasshopper infestation; parts of eastern Montana are seeing 15-plus grasshoppers per square yard.

“The scale by which APHIS counts grasshoppers measures levels of economic impact. Fifteen grasshoppers per square yard is their maximum count because at that level, they predict severe losses. In talking to Farm Bureau members around the state, we know that infestations are much higher than that with some counts at fifty ‘hoppers or greater,” added Rolf.

Efforts are still underway to add funding to the 2025 Budget, and directive language has been added, requiring APHIS to direct funding to areas most greatly impacted by grasshopper populations. The Senate version of agriculture appropriations, which was passed on July 11, does not include increased funding. However, last week, a manager’s amendment was added to the House Ag Appropriations bill, increasing funding for the program by $1.5 million dollars for the suppression and control of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on private and public lands.

“This is fantastic news for the farmers and ranchers of Montana and throughout the West. Now we just need to make sure it is included in the final appropriations legislation with the House and Senate conference,” Rolf stated.

Daniel Munch, economist for the American Farm Bureau, researched grasshoppers and shared information about their devastating impact. He published an article regarding the insects’ economic effect on agriculture in the West and efforts to manage and mitigate their populations.

“When learning U.S. history, narratives of vast swarms of locusts ravaging millions of acres of farmland are often recounted. Not all grasshoppers are locusts, and the swarms aren’t quite as big as they were in the 1800s, but grasshoppers and Mormon crickets remain a persistent risk to agriculture, inflicting significant damage to rangeland and crops,” Munch explained. Grasshoppers compete with cattle and other herbivores (including wildlife like deer and elk) for forage and are more likely to become a threat in areas with less than 30

inches of rainfall annually. They can consume up to 50% of their body weight each day. Just 30 pounds of grasshoppers will eat as much as a 600-pound steer in a day. Grasshoppers are an even bigger menace to crop farmers and ranchers on public and private lands when drought conditions are added to the mix.

“Grasshopper and cricket outbreaks not only result in the physical destruction of forage and crops but also contribute to soil erosion and degradation, disrupt rangeland nutrient cycles, and impede rangeland water filtration, which can have lasting impacts on rangeland ecosystems,” Munch explained. “Western landowners face heightened risks from grasshoppers due to the substantial amount of federally owned land in the region. In the absence of grasshopper and cricket management on federal lands, insects can migrate onto private lands, undermining the effectiveness of common private pest management efforts.”

Through the Plant Protection Act of 2000, APHIS has the congressional mandate to control grasshoppers on rangelands via the Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program. The program offers treatments for federal, state and private rangelands through a cost-share model within APHIS when funding is available.

Munch noted that information on current economic impacts of grasshoppers on agriculture is limited. “Generally, monetary losses either fall under the value of crops or rangeland consumed by insects that could no longer be sold on the market or consumed by ruminants to produce meat or wool and the cost to treat populations that have reached pest-concern levels,” said Munch.

“In total, conservative estimates put production value losses in 2023 due to grasshopper infestations at $318 million,” Munch noted. “This represents a baseline number with true impacts likely hundreds of millions of dollars higher. Losses of this magnitude are detrimental to operations already operating on small and often negative margins and reveal the true threat of these insects on farmers’ and ranchers’ livelihoods.”

“The economic impact of these insects on rangeland and crops remains significant, with millions of dollars in losses reported annually across affected counties,” Munch said. “Continued coordination and efforts among the federal government, states and private landowners is essential to safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers against these small but hungry pests.”

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August was a fateful month for the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. On August 24, 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted near the city. The mountain spewed out great clouds of ash, smoke, and pumice, which rained down on Pompeii’s citizens. Unfortunately for Pompeii, that wasn’t the end of it either – next came molten lava, which buried the remaining residents 7 feet (2.1 m) deep!

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At 3:10 am on June 7, 1917, British soldiers detonated 19 underground mines containing more than 900,000 pounds of explosives in a 19-second attack on German positions near the town of Messines, Belgium. The explosions were so loud they were heard in London - 140 miles away, across the English Channel.

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Though the grass may look greener on the other side, it still has to be mowed.

3 Pt, PTO, 1 Hyd remote, diff lock, sells with a Ford 32L A loader 6 Ft

Fall time lawn and plant care

By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

After a hot summer, August can be a tough time for gardeners. Watering is the most important thing to do to keep your yard and garden at its best. Rather than watering on a set schedule, check soil moisture daily to see if your plants need water. Generally, if the soil is dry at a finger’s depth, it’s time to water.

Plants growing in containers and raised beds, as well as newly planted plants, will need to be monitored more closely than established perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Turf grass needs water when it turns a slight shade of blue-gray, and footprints remain visible. You can also insert a screwdriver to check the soil moisture at the roots, approximately six inches.

When the weather is hot, it is even more important to water your landscape effectively and efficiently. Water early in the morning if possible. This allows the soil and your plants to absorb more water because in the heat of the day there is more evaporation occurring at the soil surface.

Water deeply, down to the roots. Don’t just give plants a little sprinkle. Water containers until water runs out the bottom.

Drip irrigation is ideal because it applies water directly at the soil surface, and it can be directed where needed. Watering by hand is effective if water is applied as close to the soil surface as possible. Use sprinklers that deposit water low to the ground rather than spraying higher into the air to minimize evaporation.

Fertilizing plants in hot weather may seem like a good idea, but it may cause more harm than good.

Heat-stressed plants should never be fertilized. When temperatures are hot, plant processes slow down, and fertilizing can promote new growth that the plant can’t support when it is stressed.

Woody plants and shrubs should not be fertilized in August because this will encourage new growth that will not have time to harden off before winter.

Plants in containers can be fertilized but apply lightly (read the label) and be sure to water before and after applying or use a water-soluble formula.

Before applying any fertilizer, be sure that your plants need it. Applying too much unneeded fertilizer can result in nutrient imbalances and damage plants.

Weeds are not only unsightly but also steal moisture, nutrients, and light. Pulling weeds is an unavoidable garden task, but there are some strategies that can make this job a little easier.

Mulching: Mulch suppresses weed growth and helps plants maintain moisture.

Strategic watering: Use drip irrigation directly to the plants you want and not to the surrounding area.

Strategic planning: Weeds thrive when they have space and sunlight to grow. Weed growth can be suppressed by designing garden beds that allow less sunlight to reach the ground.

Cultivate less: Disrupt your soil as little as possible, because this exposes dormant weed seeds to the light.

Many plants will stop blooming during extreme heat. Removing the spent flowers improves the plant’s appearance, keeps the plants from spending resources on seed development, and sets the plants up for additional blooms once the hot weather passes.

Some perennials will rebloom after deadheading, but even once-per-season bloomers will benefit from the removal of spent flowers.

Avoid deadheading biennials, such as hollyhocks, or plants that you want to self-seed in your garden.

Additionally, spent flowers on some plants can be left to produce ornamental seed heads, fruit, or hips that provide winter interest and/or food for birds and other wildlife.

#####

Two friends invited their priest to play a round of golf. Although he wasn’t very good, the priest accepted the invitation. When they got to the course, a fourth player joined them. In an attempt to put him at ease, the priest insisted that he be introduced by his first name. On the 18th hole, the fourth player asked the priest what he did for a living, at which point he admitted that he was part of the clergy.

“I knew it!” the man exclaimed. “How did you know?” the priest asked. “Because anyone who plays golf that poorly and doesn’t swear has got to be a man of God.”

Lot 1 ATP 1-inch short anvil impact air gun and ½ inch hand crank air hose reel.

Lot 2 Ingersoll Rand ¾ inch impact air gun, long extended anvil, Skillz ½ inch electric drill.

Lot 3 ATP 1-inch short anvil impact air gun and ½ inch electric drill.

Lot 4 ¼ inch air powered drill, Snap-On ½ inch air impact gun, Chicago Pneumatic air powered chisel size # 2.

Lot 5 ATP 1-inch short anvil impact air gun and Snap-On air sander.

Lot 6 Milwaukie electric side angle stone grinder.

Lot 7 Dayton 1 Hp 10-inch bench grinder mounted on stand.

Lot 8 Black Hawk 20-ton air over hydraulic bottle jack on wheel carrier.

Lot 9 Black Hawk 20-ton air over hydraulic bottle jack on wheel carrier.

Lot 10 Hypertherm power max 1100 plasma cutter.

Lot 11 Snap-On super charger BC5500, charger works diagnostics does not operate correctly.

Lot 12 IDEALARC 300-amp welder on roll around cart, sells with full arc welding leads and tig torch with foot control, also has a Millermatic S-32S mig welder.

Lot 13 JBC rim clamp tire machine with side bead breaker.

Lot 14 1982 International S 2500 dump truck, 6V-92 Detroit turbo diesel engine, compression brake, 10 speed transmission, tandem axle, steel front wheels 295/75R22.5 and rear outside duals are aluminum with steel inside wheels 22.5 low pros, has a 16 Ft box and single cylinder 3 stage hoist, air open end gate, rubber block walking beam suspension, air brakes, new side boards, shows 44,048 miles unknown Lot 15 1993 Freightliner Model 999, roll back truck, has a 5.9 Cummins diesel engine, 6 speed manual transmission, 20 Ft deck by 92 inches wide, 6,000 # hydraulic winch, bed controls are mounted on driver side rear, also has a rear hydraulic hitch, 11R22.5 front steel steer tires, 11R22.5 rear duals on steel wheels, shows 15,509 miles unknown

1977 Western Star day cab tandem axle water truck, Ac on cab top, 400 Cummins 10 speed Trans, dual stacks, 3,500 gallon tank with rear spray bar, 3 inch valves front & rear, no water pump, unknown miles, pintle hitch, 11R24.5 tires, aluminum front wheels, runs well, tank outer shell has some rust 1996 Wilson punch side 50 Ft livestock/ cattle pot, 98 inches wide, spring suspension, tandem axle, 4 new 11R22.5 tires, could use two more, recent brake work,

1990 Massey Ferguson 8570 rotary combine, cab air heat, 220 Hp Cummins, Hydro, Kirby chaff spreader, ReKord straw chopper, 30.5L-32 drive tires, 11.25-24 rib Imp steering tires, 2,750 Hr. had a new engine at 1,717 Hr. Serial # L00054 sells with a MF model 970030 Ft straight cut header, pickup reel, Serial # R21381 selling with a Trail Tech single axle header trailer

1996 Massey Ferguson 8570 rotary combine, cab air heat, 220 Hp Cummins engine, Hydro, Red Kop straw chopper chaff spreader combo unit, 30.5L32 bar drive tires, 14.9-24 bar steering tires, 3,044 Hr. Serial # T11178 sells with a MF model 9700-30 Ft straight cut header with a U-II aluminum pickup reel, selling with a Trail Tech single axle header trailer, one tire cap is bad Massey Ferguson model MF 9006 14 Ft pickup header, Serial # H000106 Victory Hyd drive pickup attachment

2019 Jansen MB 1500 mini excavator, 14 Hp Kohler 14 Hp electric start engine, tracks are 6 inches wide by 39 inches long, 30 inch blade, folding ROPS with a canopy, 7 Ft reach, Aux Hyd, sells with a 8,12,24 inch buckets, a 12 inch ripper tooth & log grapple. (Estimated 12 hours on machine, hour meter runs randomly) Serial # 20181225007

2000 Peterbilt 379 extended hood semi, 60 inch sleeper, air ride cab, 14.6 L 3406E Cat engine totally rebuilt at 1,331,299 miles 6/24/2022, 18 speed

Trans, dual chrome stacks & external air cleaners, new front bumper & aluminum fuel tanks, all aluminum wheels, 285/75R24.5 tires, 4 bag low leaf air ride, 268 inch wheel base, steerable air ride lift third axle with fenders, fenders on front drivers, 1,361,889 miles paint is fading on top of the hood, Vin 1XP5DB9X-2-YD505157 (This is the real Deal)

1995 Kenworth W-900B semi, 72 inch studio sleeper, 3406E Cat engine, newer 13 speed Trans, dual chrome stacks & external air cleaners, 8 bag air ride, all aluminum wheels 255 inch wheel base, shows 1,213,723 miles Vin #1XKWDB9X05R637144

1982 Kenworth W-900B winch truck, 400 Big Cam Cummins, 10 speed with a 4 Speed Browning Trans, oil field pipe headache rack with winch & tail roll

2021 Neville Built 53 Ft drop deck trailer, 11 Ft upper deck, 102 inches wide, rock guard flaps, weld on strap ratchets, under deck tool box, air ride all aluminum wheels, like new 255/70R22.5 tandem axle, third axle is air ride with 245/70R17.5 new tires, 2 7/8 pipe hay rack extends length by 3 Ft. pintle hitch with air.

2017 Neville Built 40 Ft lead aluminum grain trailer, power tarp & openers with remotes, new tarp included, air ride, 285/75R 24.5 tires are very good, all aluminum wheels, full fenders, pintle hitch SELLS WITH A 2017 Neville Built 20 Ft aluminum pup trailer with18 Ft adjustable hitch fixed dolly, power tarp & opener with remotes, new tarp included, air ride, 285/75R 24.5 tires are very good, all aluminum wheels, full fenders

1986 Alloy 42 Ft lead hay trailer, 96 inches wide, tandem axle, tandem wheels, spring suspension, 285/75R 24.5 almost new tires, welded on strap ratchets, pintle hitch & air, 2 7/8 pipe hay rack SELLS COMPLETE WITH A Tandem axle tandem wheel dolly completely gone through with new brake shoes & cans & bearings spring suspension, new 11R22.5 tires AND A 1983 Alloy 38 Ft pup hay trailer, 96 inches wide, welded on strap ratchets, tandem axle, tandem wheels, spring suspension, 285/75R 24.5 almost new tires, pintle hitch & air, 2 7/8 pipe hay rack

1991 Military 30 Ft flatbed hay trailer,

McMURRY CATTLE

Added Genetic Balance Trait And Carcass Value ONLY THE BEST SELL Private Treaty Bull Sales

Fred & Doreen McMurry 2027 Iris Lane

Billings, MT 59102

Phone 406-254-1247 Cell 406-697-4040

See: www.mcmurrycattle.com for videos and information about bulls available for 2024 mcmurrycattle@gmail.com

Montana Hereford Breeders

Anchor Polled Herefords 406-467-2880, Vaughn, MT

Beery’s Land & Livestock Co

406-979-5720, Vida, MT www.beeryherefords.com

Brownell Polled Herefords 406-788-3242, Pendroy, MT dave.brownell51@gmail.com

Double Bit Herefords 406-293-8185, Libby, MT www.doublebitherefords.com

J Bar E Ranch

406-765-7068, Plentywood, MT

Feddes Herefords

Dan 406-570-1602, Manhattan, MT www.feddes.com

Sparks Herefords 406-778-2320, Plevna, MT www.sparksherefords.com

Pregnancy diagnosis in heifers and cows provides management options

By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator

Pregnancy detection in replacement heifers or cows is a tool producers can use to increase profit. Traditionally, cows and replacement heifers are pregnancy tested in the fall of the year, and then non-pregnant and cull cows are marketed. This is also when cull cow prices are typically at their lowest.

Timing of Pregnancy Test

Ultrasound and blood tests can detect pregnancy in cows as early as 25-30 days. For cows to be identified as pregnant utilizing the palpation method, cows need to be at least 35-50 days pregnant.

Producers should realize that stress to heifers and cows early in pregnancy can result in loss. Research has shown a pregnancy loss of 1-3.5 percent when palpation or ultrasound is used for pregnancy diagnosis at 40-75 days of gestation. Producers should weigh the pros and cons of the pregnancy testing methods for their operation.

Palpation

Palpation has been a primary method for pregnancy diagnosis. An experienced technician can identify a pregnancy as early as 35-50 days after breeding and can give an accurate estimate of the age of the pregnancy out to 120 days post breeding. The technique requires no special equipment and is considered a “tried-and-true” method.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound has been utilized for decades and is the most informative of the methods available. Ultrasound can identify a pregnancy as early as 28 days post breeding. Experienced technicians can quite accurately age pregnancies using ultrasound in the first

trimester. They can also identify the sex of calves when cows are 55 to 110 days post breeding, with the 55 days to 70 days window being the most opportune time for sexing of calves. The cost of ultrasound equipment has come down significantly since it first became available, and the tools and quality of images have advanced rapidly.

Blood Test

Blood tests look for pregnancy-associated glycoprotiens in the blood of the heifer or cow being tested. Heifers must be at least 25 days post breeding to use this test, and cows 28 days. There are two different testing methods available. One requires the submission of a blood sample to a lab for analysis. The other allows for rapid results on-site within about 20 minutes of the blood sample being placed in the testing kit. Cows that have calved need at least 75 days post calving to use the blood test method, or false positives may result. The primary advantage of this method is that it doesn’t require additional training to utilize the test beyond knowing how to collect a blood sample.

Summary

Non-pregnant heifers, cows, and cull/ bred cows can provide as much as 20 percent of the gross income to a cow-calf operation annually. Taking advantage of opportunities to effectively add value to and market these heifers and cows using timely pregnancy diagnosis, and an understanding of market seasonality can allow producers to capture more profit from this segment of the cow-calf operation.

Keys to stemming wheat production losses due to drought

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service

Drought and late-emerging winter wheat dealt a mighty blow to growers in Kansas and other parts of the Midwest during the 2022-2023 growing season.

But now, a group of Kansas State University researchers and several colleagues are punching back, releasing a set of findings that just may hold some clues on how to help farmers bring in a good crop even in dry years.

“What we’ve learned,” said Xiaomao Lin, a K-State agronomy professor and Kansas state climatologist, “is that pre-seasonal drought is a hidden driver to crop failure, especially when spring precipitation is not as much as expected.”

She adds: “It highlights the need for action to adapt agricultural practices in preparation for these droughts to mitigate the effects of climate variability,” including loss of income to farmers and communities, and food security for all consumers.

Other researchers participating in this study include K-State faculty members Mary Beth Kirkham, Romulo Lollato, Thomas Avenson, and Vashali Sharda; K-State graduate students Haidong Zhao and Nenghan Wan; USDA scientists Guihua Bai, Amanda Ashworth and Prasanna H. Gowda; and Texas state climatologist and Texas A&M Regents Professor John Nielsen-Gammon.

Ehlke Herefords 406-439-4311, Townsend, MT www.ehlkeherefords.com

K & C Herefords 406-240-9301, Deer Lodge, MT

K.L. Slagsvold Herefords 406-584-7571, Lindsay, MT

Thomas Herefords 406-544-1536, Gold Creek, MT

L Bar W Cattle Company 406-425-2484, Absarokee, MT www.lbarw.com

McMurry Cattle 406-254-1247, Billings, MT www.mcmurrycattle.com

Wichman Herefords 406-350-3123, Moore, MT www.wichmanherefords.com

Lin called the precipitation deficits during the 2022-2023 fall season “unprecedented” across the major wheat-producing regions of the United States. In a journal article that appears in the July 31 issue of Science Advances – a publication of the American Association for the Advancement of Science – researchers report a 37% reduction in wheat production due to yield loss per harvested acre and severe crop abandonment.

According to the journal article, 2,350,000 acres were abandoned during the 2022-2023 growing season. At an average price of $6 per bushel, and an expected yield of 45 bushels per acre, those losses amount to more than $634 million.

“Our findings that recent production losses are reminiscent of the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s highlights the severity of the possible climate conditions we now face, and their potential to cause significant agricultural disruptions,” said Lina Zhang, the study’s lead author.

“Our study underscores the necessity of simultaneously addressing crop abandonment and yield decline to stabilize wheat production amid extreme climatic conditions,” said Kirkham, a University Distinguished Professor in agronomy at K-State. “This will require using drought-resistant cultivars, improving water management and conservation techniques, and adjusting planting schedules to reduce vulnerability to drought.”

“In addition,” she said, “robust insurance and support systems are needed for farmers to manage risks.”

Lin noted that seasonal forecasts of drought may aid farmers’ decisions about and management of their wheat crop. Tropical Pacific conditions during La Niña weather patterns – which occur every 3-5 years – make fall drought and subsequent production losses more likely.

“The current high predictability of large amplitude La Niña events will be a helpful tool in predicting these events,” he said.

Doug Tommerup Machine Shop Estate

RADIAL ARM DRILL. CHAM-

PION 20”.1/8-3/4” CHUCK. #4

TABER/#4 MORRIS TABER

MORRIS TAPER BITS SHOP PRESS

OVERHEAD PORTABLE CHAIN

HOIST FRAME

SKAT SAND BLASTER W/SAND US STANDARD BALANCE BEAM SCALE

LARGE 9” VISE

LAGUN REPUBLIC MILLING MACHINE FTV-2

**HOLD DOWN KIT-TOE CLAMPS**

**WOOD RUFF KEY CUTTERS - R8 COLLETS**

LARGE SINGLE PHASE 220 AIR COMPRESSOR 5 HP MOTOR

JET ELECTRIC BENCH GRINDER

THERMAL DYNAMICS CUTMASTER 50 PLASMA CUTTER

4” VISE & WELDING TABLE

BRONCO BOX END/OPEN END

WRENCHS 2 1/8” - 2 1/2”

ALLIED BOXES END/OPEN WRENCHES 1 ½” – 2”

BOX OPEN END 1 1/16 – 1 5/16

4” HAND GRINDER

LOTS OF WELDING CLAMPS

CUSTOM MADE BUILD UP VISE

PIPE STANDS

PIPE WRENCHS 14” – 48”

CHICAGO INDUSTRIAL 10” BENCH GRINDER

CENTRAL MACHINERY MODEL

C112 5 HP HEAVY DUTY DRILL PRESS PRESS VISE

JET #3 BUSHING PRESS

LOTS OF LARGE BIT ASSORTMENTS

HYDRAULIC JACKS

LATHE BORING BARS

END MILLS & TAPERED REAMERS

STEADY REST LATHE

GOODWAY GW 1660 LATHE

**3 & 4” JAWED CHUCKS**

**LIVE CENTER QUICK

CHANGE TOOL POST**

STEADY REST VISE

#3 JACOBS CHUCKS JT 3-JT 33

KEY WAY BROACH PLUGS (FOR CUTTING KEY WAYS)

KEY WAY BROACHES

LOTS OF TAPS

MAGNET BASE INDICATORS (NUMEROUS)

DOUBLE END 3 FLUTES

0-1 1-2 2-3 MITUTOYO MICROMETER SET

MITUTOYO 0-1 DIGITAL MICROMETER

41 PIECE RATCHET DRIVER SET

LITHIUM DIE CAST DIGITAL PRESSURE GAUGE

TORQUE BIT SET

LOTS & LOTS OF TAPS

LOTS OF TAPERED REMEERS

BRASS BUSHING STOCK

TAP HANDLES

ROLL PIN ASSORTMENT

BUSHING ASSORTMENT

PIPE KEY STOCK

MILLERMATIC WC-1 WELDER WITH LEADS AND SPOOLMATIC SPEED GUN

ELLIS MODEL #1800 MITRE

BAND SAW

**BLADE SIZE 11’ X 1” X .035**

**9” CAPACITIES”

POLISHING STONE ON STAND

PIPE BENCHES

MILWAUKEE 14” CHOP SAW

KEARNEY TRACKER MILWAUKEE 3B HORIZONTAL MILL & PLAIN

CUTTERS FOR HORIZONTAL MILL

LARGE HYDRAULIC PRESS (TOMMERUP BUILT & STRONG)

LOG CHAINS & BOOMERS

FLOOR JACK

LANAIR WASTE OIL FURNACE WITH BLAZER MX 200 HEATER

MISCELLANEOUS IRON

SUMMIT MODEL 19-4 X 80

LATHE. SER.#5369. 2 STEADY REST VISES

Doug was a master machinist for over 40 years in northeast Montana. Known for his outstanding professional work. This will be a great opportunity to add some real quality machines and tools to your shop. Everything is in great shape and most still in the original cases. One you won’t want to miss. Doug’s Uncle Terry has been a machinist for 45 years and can answer most questions about the machines. Call Terry Tommerup (307)

MITUTOYO 12-16” .001 MICROMETER SET

MITUTOYO 0-1 THRU 11-12” MICROMETER SET

ROLL PIN, MOON WAY, COTTER KEY & SHIM SET

WING NUT, SHAKE PROOF

WASHER, SET KEY, FIBER WASHER KIT

BATTERY CHARGER

TOP SET (MULTIPLE)

ATD ½” SOCKET SET

MITUTOYO DEPTH MIC

FILES & RASPS

INGERSOL RAND 7” GRINDER

ADJUSTABLE REEMER SET

LOTS OF HAND TOOLS

SPECIALTY DRILL BIT SETS (FRACTIONS-LETTERS-NUMBERS)

TELESCOPING MIC GAUGES

MACHINERYS HAND BOOK 12TH

EDITION

MANUAL CALIPERS

DIES

EZY OUTS

STERRET MIC SET #823 B 1½” -12”

DIAL INDICATOR

8” DIAL CALIPER INDICATORS

6” DIAL CALIPER INDICATORS

2” DIAL INDICATOR 1’ STROKE

PUNCHES, PRY BARS, BUSHING PUNCHS

THREAD CHASERS

DIE GRINDERS, CHANNEL LOCKS, LONG BITS

LETTER STAMPS, NUMBER STAMPS

¾” THORSEN SOCKET SET

25 PIECE ROCKFORD ½” DRIVE SOCKET SET

DEEP WELL IMPACT SOCKETS 7/16-1”

MITUTOYO 0-8 DEPTH MICROMETERS

O RING SETS, GREASE ZERK

SETS, ROLL PIN SETS, SNAP RING SETS

PIPE TAPS

AIR HOSE REEL

PTO SHAFT BLANKS

OXY-ACT TORCH GAUGES & CART

706-3500 ROUND 1.6

800-3520 1 ¼ ROUND

2-110-3521 1 /38 21 SPLINE

300-3500 1 ¼ SPUR BORE

800-1222 1 3/8 ROUND

2-700-1200 SQUARE

100-0606 1 3/8 6 SPLINE QUICK DISCONNECT 1200-1206 1 3/8 6 SPLINE QUICK DISCONNECT

800-0616 1” BORE

800-0618 1 1/8” BORE

301-0600 1” 15 SPLINE

800-0619 1 3/16 BORE

300-0600 ¾ SQUARE

800-0614 7/8 ROUND

800-0616 1” ROUND

800-0627 ¾ SQUARE 804-0616 1” SQUARE 2-700-0600 SQUARE BORE

700-1400 SQUARE

800-1420 1 ¼ ROUND

800-1416 1’ ROUND

805-1420 1 ¼ HEX

800-1421 1 ½ ROUND

701-1400 WELD YOLK

801-1420 1 ¼ 6 SPLINE

800-1419 1 3/16 ROUND

700-1400 SQUARE BORE

801-1421 1 ¼ 6 SPLINE 805-1418 1 1/8” HEX

SQUARE BORE

1 3/8 21 SPLINE QUICK DISCONNECT

1 3/8 ROUND

806-0620 1 ¼ ROUND 800-0616 1” ROUND 105-0615 1” 15 SPLINE QUICK DISCONNECT 800-0612 ¾ ROUND 802-1006 1 3/8 6 SPLINE QUICK DISCONNECT

METRIC YOLKS:

800-5528 1 ¾ BORE

800-5524 1 ½ BORE

102-8621 1 3/8 21 SPLINE

102-7921 1 3/8 21 SPLINE

800-7611 1 3/8 ROUND

102-7606 1 3/8 6 SPLINE

700-6236 PTO YOLK

700-6133 PTO YOLK

802-8220 PTO YOLK

101-8606 1 3/8 6 SPLINE

WELD SLIPS:

510-0600 ¾ X 7/8 WELD SLIP

2-501-3500 13/16 SQUARE WELD SLIP

500-1400 SQUARE SLIP WELD

RECTANGULAR SLIP WELD SPLINED END YOLK 1 3/8-21 3-200-1400 U JOINTS

COMMON YOLKS:

4H youth work on 4H skills and life’s lessons

By Chabella Guzman, PREEC communications

Most 4-Her’s have been working on their projects and livestock since the late fall or winter. This was also true for Tatum and Riley Pittman of Morrill until tragedy hit. Their 4-H livestock, two fiber alpacas, were killed early in the year.

“My father-in-law (Jack Pittman) found them. One was dead, and the other one we had to put down,” said Caitlin Pittman, mother of Tatum, 10, and Riley, 7 years old. The Pittmans guessed the alpacas were killed by wild animals or dogs. “The kids were devastated. They had even watched one of them being born.” The alpacas had been more than just livestock, they were more like pets. Patty Pittman, Caitlin’s mother-in-law, had raised them and started the children in 4-H with them. Tatum had even attained a purple ribbon in the Round Robin Show at the Scotts Bluff County Fair.

Tatum and Riley could have still been involved this year with 4-H even without alpacas, the two also show goats and do static exhibits. Yet, they decided they still wanted to take alpacas to the fair. “My daughter especially loves all livestock,” said Caitlin Pittman. “She’s practically grown up in the barn, and it’s her favorite place to be.” The Pittman’s began a four state search, finally finding a pair in Torrington, Wyo. “They are not as tame as our first ones. The kids have been working with them daily, getting them used to the halter and walking them a lot.”

Getting two new alpacas and getting them ready for the 2024 season was not just a decision the young 4-Hers made but was a family decision. Pitman gets a lot of help from her inlaws, but she still has to get Tatum and Riley up early to feed the animals, and then there are late nights to make sure everything gets done.

Caitlin and her husband, Jacob, spend a lot of time helping their children take care of their livestock. Pittman usually takes the whole week of the fair off to be there with their children since their dad is a Fire Management Specialist/ Wildland Firefighter with the National Forest Service and isn’t always available.

“I enjoy seeing them love what they do, but they are also learning life lessons. It’s not just the parent’s responsibility, it’s their responsibility,” she said. “4-H teaches them to help others and to be part of a community. It’s so much more than awards and ribbons, it’s working with others, building friendships, and serving others.”

Fortune Cookie

Day

Date When Celebrated : Always on September 13

This day celebrates the creation of the Fortune Cookie. What a great cookie. A little slip of paper inside of it brings you good luck, a whimsical saying, or a philosophical thought.

Its pretty clear that the Fortune Cookie did not originate in China. Rather, it was invented in California. There appears to be some uncertainty over who invented it. Some historical references suggest it was Makoto Hagiwara who invented the fortune cookie at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco in 1914. Others believe that David Jung, founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company, was the first to make fortune cookies in Los Angeles in the 1920s.

To celebrate this day, go grab a handful of fortune cookies.

Happy Harvesting from REDHEAD EQUIPMENT!

IH PATRIOT 4440 SPRAYER

Lux Surveyor Cab, Power Adjusting Mirrors, 120 ft boom, 7 section, 20” spacing, Case IH AFS Pro 700, Deluxe H.I.D./LED field lights, Accuboom section control, Autoboom Height Control 5 Sensors, Single beacon light, Trelleborg 710 Floaters

$310,000 cad stk: 043284

CASE IH 9240 COMBINE

620 Duels, 750 Rear, Lux Cab, Air Compressor, 40ft Unload Auger, GPS, Distance Lights, Leather Operator Seat, Powerplus CVT Drive

$310,000 cad stk: 044784

CASE IH 9120 COMBINE

520 duels, HID lights, GPS with 372 receiver, Leather, Fine cut chopper, Lateral Tilt, Pro 600, Extended unload auger 40ft. 600/28 tires

$96,000 cad stk: 047270

AIM command, 100 ft Boom,

$175,000 cad stk: 050737

CASE IH 9240 COMBINE W/ 3016 HEADER

Powerplus CVT Drive, HD Lateral Header w/ Tilt Trap, Lux Cab, Leather Seats, High Def HID Lighting, Pivoting Unload Spout incab adjustment, Large Color Touch Screen

$347,500 cad stk: 045884

620 duals, 750 rear, Air compressor, Luxury cab, HP/XP GPS, Ext wear cone, Ext wear rotor, Fine cut chopper, Hyd fold top, Auger for 50ft header

$335,000 cad stk: 045189

900

$85,000 cad stk: 046914

620 duals, 750 rear, Small tube rotor, Magna cut chopper Compressor, Luxury cab, Unload for 50ft auger, Lateral tilt

$189,000 cad stk: 047060

CASE

Studies have shown that people who drink one or more artificially sweetened drinks per day were almost three times more likely to develop dementia.

TRAILER SALES

How legumes select nitrogenfixing bacterial partners

By

Jordan Strickler, University of Kentucky University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers, in collaboration with an international research team, have uncovered a genetic mechanism that explains how legumes select specific bacteria to form nitrogen-fixing root nodules.

Legumes are a critical group of plants, including alfalfa, clovers, beans and peas, that convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a fixed form becoming an essential building block for proteins that plants and animals need. Growing legumes, according to many UK Cooperative Extension publications, offers many benefits to livestock and wildlife.

Bacteria are the key players in this nitrogen conversion process. Over time, legumes have developed the genetic tools to be more discerning in the bacterial strains they select as partners, but scientists have not understood fully how the process works. By understanding this symbiotic relationship between legumes and bacteria, this research aims to provide more sustainable, environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Spearheaded by researchers from the UK Department of Plant and Soil Science (PSS), the study focuses on two closely related bacterial species: Sinorhizobium meliloti and Sinorhizobium medicae, which are known for their symbiotic relationships with Medicago legume species. Their study, titled “Species-specific microsymbiont discrimination mediated by a Medicago receptor kinase,” was published in Science Advances.

“Learning how legumes and bacteria have adapted to prefer specific partners is crucial to understanding how they work together,” said Hongyan Zhu, co-corresponding author and PSS professor. “Our research identifies a specific gene in the Medicago plants that plays a pivotal role in discriminating between these two strains of bacteria.”

Through genetic mapping and functional analyses, they pinpointed this gene on chromosome 8 of Medicago. The gene, making a receptor-like kinase known as NS2, acts as a genetic filter, preventing most strains of S. medicae from infecting certain Medicago species.

The research team employed a sophisticated array of techniques, including genetic crosses, genome sequencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, to confirm NS2 as the key determinant in preventing S. medicae infection in Medicago roots. They also identified a bacterial gene, rns2, that is crucial for triggering the NS2-mediated nodulation restriction.

This research emphasizes the complex genetic interactions between plants and bacteria that shape their symbiotic relationships. This is critical to opening new methods for future studies into plant-microbe interactions and evolutionary variations.

“These findings could help develop new farming techniques to improve how legumes naturally add nitrogen to the soil,” Zhu said. “By learning how legumes and bacteria work together, we might be able to apply this process to other crops, leading to more sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.”

Lexi Stubbs had an impressive Marias Fair finishing as the overall High Point exhibitor overall with numerous exhibits in cat, rabbit, poultry, dog, baking, gardening, dairy goat, and shooting sports. In addition, her leadership project was completed and on display, a communications board and sign with herdsmanship rules in the

Photo by Kim Woodring.

Antibiotic uses in cattle

By Lisa Moser, K-State Research and Extension news service

When tackling a building project, many find it helpful to follow a plan and use the right tool to save time, which will often also increase the likelihood of the desired outcome in completing the task.

In much the same way, veterinarians make choices regarding antibiotic selections in cattle, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. How those antibiotics work is a question that the veterinarians answered on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.

“The basic definition is that an antibiotic is a chemical that interferes with bacterial growth or replication,” K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said.

He added that antibiotics interrupt that replication in many ways, including some that interfere with bacterial cell wall growth, some that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and others that stop bacterial replication by interfering with the DNA and RNA of the bacteria.

To better understand why an antibiotic is selected for one bacterium and not another, Lubbers suggests that producers ask their local veterinarian.

“The reasons veterinarians might choose one antibiotic over another are not only related to the drug’s mechanism of action; there are a lot of factors we think about when deciding to use a specific antibiotic for a certain case,” Lubbers said.

He said they also consider antibiotic resistance, especially when opting to prescribe antibiotics that fall into the same class of drugs that are also used to treat sickness in humans.

Another factor that is considered when prescribing antibiotics for food animals is withdrawal time K-State veterinarian Bob Larson said.

“With food animals, we need to be aware of the time those antibiotics remain in the body before they are harvested so that they are free of harmful antibiotic residues when they enter the human food chain,” Larson said.

To get more information about how each antibiotic works, the veterinarians recommend reading the product labels.

“Producers often get questions from consumers, so those who are educated about antibiotic use are able to better portray how we practice antibiotic stewardship,” Lubbers said.

##### Math Teacher: “If I have 5 bottles in one hand and 6 in the other hand, what do I have?” Student: “A drinking problem.”

Terminating a verbal farm land lease

By Jessica Groskopf, Dave Aiken, UNL ag economists

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal or “handshake” agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For verbal leases in Nebraska, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease. If the lease does not address termination, the lease automatically terminates on the last day of the lease.

Terminating verbal leases

For verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake lease (legally referred to as a “notice to quit”) must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than September 1. This rule applies regardless of the type of crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2025, and ending February 28, 2026, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be received by the tenant no later than September 1, 2024. The lease would then expire on February 28, 2025, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease on March 1, 2025. If, however, the notice to quit was given (or received) after September 1, 2024, the existing tenant would have the lease until February 28, 2026.

Notice should be provided to the tenant for either lease termination or changing lease provisions. A verbal termination notice might be adequate but could be difficult to prove in court if litigation were necessary to enforce the lease termination. It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™. This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not provide example lease termination letters. If you need guidance, consult your attorney.

Pasture Lease Terminations

Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season rather than the entire year. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season; however, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect.

Importance of Good Communication

Regardless of the type of lease—written, verbal, or even multiple-year—the landlord should communicate clearly with the tenant. Even for written leases, sending a termination notice before September 1 can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases

In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation before they consult an attorney to draft a lease or review a proposed lease. The Ag Lease 101 site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region but is not a substitute for personal legal advice.

Date When Celebrated: Always observed on September 11

Hold the press! We don’t want the newspaper today. Turn off all news broadcasts. Today is No News Is Good News Day. We all could use a little good news.

No Radio broadcasts. No Television newscasts. And, heaven forbid…avoid the newspaper at all costs. The media thrives on it. Take a day off from all the bad news.

How to Celebrate No News is Good News Day

Do not read the paper, watch the evening news or listen to the news on the radio. Ignore all those news articles on the internet, too. After all, no news is good news.

Focus upon only good things that happen today. Certainly, this will lead to a happier you.

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Late summer pasture weeds

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

August always seems to be a time when certain weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. There can be a variety of common annual weeds like sunflowers, lambs quarters, or kochia.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena can be plentiful in some pastures as well. In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred, they can be very visible

Spraying weeds now does little good. Many weeds are too large to kill. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production. If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control. First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures. This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan. An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass. Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good. Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled. For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best. These fall applications can be more effective as more product is translocated down to the roots of the weeds.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now; but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future. On the bright side, for areas that have had good rains this summer, it is likely that annual weeds will be less abundant next year as pasture grasses had a chance for buildup vigor and reproduce.

National Cream Filled Donut Day

Every September 14th

What kind of cream filled donut is best for National Cream Filled Donut Day?

All of them, of course!

History of National Cream Filled Donut Day

The history of National Cream Filled Donut Day is unsurprisingly tied to the history of the donut. The concept of a fried bread ring isn’t in any way new.

But for those who are interested in the earliest version of what are now called donuts, they may find their way to New Amsterdam in the New World. Don’t know where that is? It’s a bit like Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul. New Amsterdam, of course, is now New York City!

In what is now known as New York City in the United States, the settlers from Denmark had a cake that they called (rather unappetizingly) “oil cake”, or “olykoek”. Strange as the name was, this cake was the predecessor to what is now known as the donut!

By 1803, a cookbook was published that contained a recipe for making donuts. From then on, it didn’t take long for this new culinary invention to become the delicious treat everyone knows and loves today. Donuts have a reputation as a singularly American food, in spite of their Dutch and European origins.

To start with, donuts had been braided, or simply dropped into the oil as a small round loaf, leaving the center doughy and the exterior greasy. The ring shape that everyone now knows and loves came into being when Hanson Gregory, working on a lime-trading ship, punched a hole in the traditionally dense donut to make it cook more thoroughly while frying it. The light flavor and fluffy texture of the cooked dough were exactly what he was looking for and afterward he taught the procedure to his mother.

Elizabeth Gregory made a delightfully savory donut with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon rind, and then filled the center with a mixture of hazelnuts or walnuts to replace the missing dough. While the person who decided that crème would make a delightful filling isn’t recorded, we do know that it all started here with Elizabeth Gregory and her idea of filling donuts.

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4-H consumer decision making contest

Teams from Cass and Burleigh/Morton counties took first place in their respective divisions in the 2024 North Dakota 4-H consumer decision making contest.

The Cass County team of Grace Burchill, Nora Severance, Greta Olsen and Jack Kram placed first in the senior division. The team will represent North Dakota 4-H in the national consumer decision making contest in 2025.

The Burleigh/Morton counties’ junior team of William Doll, Rita Goettle, Nathan Springer and Everly Boehm took first place in the junior division.

These teams were among 104 youths who participated in the contest held during the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. Sixty-six competed in the junior division and 38 in the senior division.

The contest is designed to educate youth about making better consumer decisions. This year, the youth judged classes of pizza, thermal wear and water bottles and gave oral reasons for placing the items in a particular order in some of the classes.

In addition to judging the classes, both junior and senior teams participated in a group think component. Each team received the same scenario and had 10 minutes to work collaboratively to evaluate the situation and make a final decision based on the given standards. Teams were scored on how well they worked together and presented their solution.

“Decision making, communication and teamwork are important life skills that youth gain from participating in the consumer decision making contest,” says Meagan Hoffman, youth development specialist in North Dakota State University Extension’s State 4-H Office.

Ten teams competed in the senior division and 17 in the junior division.

Other teams placing in the senior division were:

Second – LaMoure County with team members Addie Robbins, Alex Lahlum, Leo Lahlum and James Ketterling.

Third – Burleigh/Morton counties with team members Samantha Springer, Grace Goettle, Angel Abdallah and Ella Doll.

Other teams placing in the junior division were:

Second – Cass County with team members Carter Burchill, Heidi Olsen, Daphne Kram and Olivia Richard.

Third – Dunn County with team members Layna Dvorak, Clover Norby, Samuel Schettler and Hannah Schettler.

Ingrid Myrdal from Walsh County and Jarett Sanders

First Place Junior Team: Burleigh/Morton Counties Pictured left to right: Nathan Springer (Burleigh), William Doll (Burleigh), Rita Goettle (Morton) and Everly Boehm (Morton)

Junior High Point Individual Overall: Gavyn Darrington – McKenzie County

What’s

Kids

Why

“The

First Place Senior Team: Cass County Pictured left to right: Grace Burchill, Jack Kram, Greta Olsen and Nora Severance

Senior High Point Individuals Overall: Jarett Sanders – Oliver County Ingrid Myrdal – Walsh County

Gardening into the cooler weather

By Katie Markheim, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Do you find yourself crossing your fingers, hoping for an ‘Indian Summer’? Feel as though those tomatoes aren’t setting on as fast as you’d hoped, and the summer is winding down too quickly? Have you considered raising a fall garden? Most often, we may look to the regular season harvest as the end-all, but rather, much like a cool season garden in the Spring, there too can be planting options for a cooler season fall garden. Planting in late July and August extends the growing season of quality produce while warding off some dull autumn days. The extended season can boost sales for farmer’s market vendors and help serve as a fresh produce option, a great source of nutrition.

Here are some fall vegetable garden options. Naturally, your choices are dictated by personal preference, available planting space, and storage space after harvest. Cool-temperature adapted crops are excellent for fall gardens because they can be harvested after the first frost. Semi-hardy vegetables can include beets, potatoes, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, green onions, or leaf lettuce. Hardy vegetables for fall gardening include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, turnips, kale, or Brussels sprouts.

Much like spring plantings, fall plantings can undergo pre-sprouting and transplant. If you’ve gained experience in spring, congratulations, you can put it to good use twice a year. Remember to read the seed packet to determine the days to frost. Generally, seedlings can be grown in five to six weeks in the summer. If summer temperatures are especially hot, cool-season seeds may be pre-sprouted inside in air-conditioned comfort. Once seeds have emerged, they can be grown outdoors in partial shade to full sun. Exposure to bright sunlight will help produce vigorous plants without the aid of plant lights and without the worry of freezing temperatures.

Fall planting preparation comes with a few considerations. Remove dead or diseased plant material from the site and improve soil quality by spreading 2-3 inches of compost over the fall planting area. Spading or rototilling the area incorporates the soil-like media, relieving any compaction from previous crops. For insect control after planting, consider the use of floating row covers placed over new transplants. Lastly, soil preparation can bring weed seeds to the surface. Snuff out germination through mulching.

How low can it go? You might ask about the temperature. A general rule of thumb in Nebraska is the first autumn frost is often followed by a two-to-three-week span of warmer weather. When temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, cover tender top crops with blankets, sheets, buckets, or newspapers. Covering plants keeps the ground heat around the plants. Following a freeze, uncover plants after temperatures rise above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Root crops are hardy and can withstand the frost, being kept in the ground through fall. Upon the first killing frost, mulch these crops with a heavy layer of straw. Temporarily remove the mulch to harvest throughout the winter.

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Knox and McCoy Singer patiently wait for their 4-H interviews during the Marias Fair. Both members were busy showing their market swine projects along with other exhibits during fair. Photo by Kari Lewis.

Fall armyworm awareness

By Samantha Daniel, UNL

In previous years, portions of eastern Nebraska have seen unprecedented numbers of fall armyworm caterpillars feeding on alfalfa, brome regrowth in pastures, and newly seeded small grain crops such as wheat, triticale, and rye. While reports of armyworm damage have not been received so far this year, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for this insect Fall armyworm caterpillars can be distinguished from other Lepidopterans by markings on the head that resemble an inverted “Y” and four spots on the last abdominal segment that form a square. This insect does not overwinter in Nebraska, but rather migrates north from southern states when populations build up in late summer. Once caterpillars are ¾ inch, they can do considerable damage in a few days. Because of this, it is important to scout fields and pastures in the early morning and late afternoon, when caterpillars are most active, to spot them when they are small.

A reasonable treatment threshold is finding 3 or more caterpillars per square foot within a field or pasture. There are several insecticides labeled to control this insect including Mustang Maxx, Besiege, and Sevin. For forage crops be sure to check the grazing restriction and post-harvest interval. When considering a chemical treatment option, keep in mind caterpillars ¾ inch or longer are close to maturity and can be harder to control with an insecticide.

Fall armyworm feeding declines with cooler temperatures and the adult moths eventually migrate south. In the meantime, plan to keep an eye on your pastures and newly seeded fields for any sign of infestation.

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Dawson County Fair 4-H Sheep results

The noise level picked up early Friday afternoon at the 2024 Dawson County Fair 4H Sheep Show when both exhibitors and lambs began to strut their stuff in front of judge, Dave DeAngelis, a Colorado State University graduate from Grand Island, NE. The annual 4-H Sheep Lead was conducted following the Sheep Show with exhibitors modeling their wool outfits while showing a lamb. They are judged both on the lamb and their outfit.

SHOWMANSHIP

Junior Division The purple ribbon and trophy winner in the Junior Division was Grant Walahoski, and Megan Walahoski both of Overton, Daniel Dailey, Gothenburg; Bodee Klemm, Lexington; Cadey Wolf , Cozad, also earned purple ribbons.

Intermediate Division The purple ribbon and trophy winner in the Intermediate Division was Paige Walahoski, Overton.

Senior Division – Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington, was awarded the trophy and purple ribbon. Other purples went to Keaton Bebensee and Kehl Jones, both of Gothenburg, Taylor Kramer, Elm Creek; Trina Pearson, Brady; Parker Walahoski, Overton; and Wesley Thompson, Lexington; and Samual Winter, Cozad.

BREEDING SHEEP

Other Meat Breed/Xbred Ewe Lamb

Class A – Purple: Kehl Jones Gothenburg.

Class B – Purple: Keaton Bebensee Gothenburg.

Class C – Purple: Trina Pearson Gothenburg.

Class D – Purples: Paige Walahoski, Overton; and Samual Winter X 2, Cozad.

Other Meat Breed/Xbred Yearling Ewe

Class A – Purples: Wesley Thompson, Lexington; Paige Walahoski, and Parker Walahoski, both of Overton.

Class B – Purple: Samual Winter, Cozad.

GRAND CHAMPION & RESERVE CHAMPION

BREEDING SHEEP – The Grand Champion trophy was received by Parker Walahoski, Overton, and the Reserve Champion trophy went to Trina Pearson, Brady.

MARKET SHEEP

Class A (81-110 lbs.) – Purple: Daniel Dailey, Gothenburg. Blue: Bodee Klemm, Lexington.

Class B (120-123 lbs.) – Purples: Kehl Jones, Gothenburg, Bodee Klemm, Lexington; Taylor Kramer, Elm Creek; and Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington.

Class C (127-130) – Purples: Megan Walahoski, Overton; Samual Winter, Cozad; and Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington.

Class D (132-133 lbs.) – Purples: Taylor Kramer, Elm Creek; Trina Pearson, Brady; and Grant Walahoski, Overton. Class E (142-150 lbs.) – Purple: Jaelin Wolfinger (L). Blues: Taylor Kramer, Elm Creek; Samual Winter and Cadey Wolf, Cozad.

GRAND CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION MARKET SHEEP - The judge’s choice of the Grand Champion Market Sheep belonged to Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington; and the Reserve Champion Market Sheep trophy went to Grant Walahoski, Overton.

WOOL/SHEEP LEAD

This year the Sheep Lead had seventeen participants in three divisions.

Junior Division – Purples: Gabby Caraway and Lysa Duryea both of Lexington. Blues: Melissa Montano, Kearney; and Harlow Rickertsen, Lexington. Reds: Josue Casanova, Lexington; Barrett Hunke and Alex Rickertsen both of Lexington.

Intermediate Division - Purples: Bristol McConville, Millie Pepplitsch and Lorelai Rickertsen, all of Lexington. Blues: Maggie Duryea, Joslynn Lans, and Elena McFarland all of Lexington; Maya Soria (K), and Mollie Spradlin, Cozad.

Senior Division – Purple: Wesley Thompson, Lexington. Blue: Greta Rickertsen, Lexington

Rocky

In March 1975, Chuck Wapner fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight boxing title. Wepner, a second rate fighter from Bayonne, New Jersey, was considered a joke; Ali didn’t even bother training full-time for the match. But to everyone’s surprise, Wepner lasted 15 rounds with the champ, and even knocked him down. Sly Stallone saw the fight on TV, and was inspired to write his Oscar-winning screenplay about Rocky Balboa.

Rainfall may have unfavorable effects on pastureland and cattle

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

Parts of the western United States have been battling drought for years. Largely, this prolonged dryness has reduced pasture productivity and caused producers to lower their cowherd inventories.

Other areas like eastern Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota have recently received abundant rainfall and even flooding in some places.

This unusual amount of moisture has created a different set of challenges for beef cattle production, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.

“We think rain is always good – and do not get me wrong, rain is good for grass and cattle – but ultimately, too much rain is bad,” he said. “The Goldilocks effect applies to this situation too; we need the right amount to thrive.”

For starters, the nutritive value of a given pasture diminishes greatly when experiencing excess rain, according to Lancaster.

“The forage in these situations tends to grow more rapidly,” he said. “Then plants start putting up seed heads and reach a mature state much earlier. The problem there is it becomes less digestible sooner than expected in the grazing season.”

“It feels counterintuitive because we expect them to be doing fantastic because we got a bunch of rain, but that is not the case,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

Grasses maturing early may affect a herd’s nutritional well-being and performance. Lancaster said monitoring a cowherd’s body condition score becomes even more important during these times.

“When this happens, cattle may start getting thinner quicker than normal. These thinner animals then wean off smaller calves and are less likely to breed back,” he said.

With lots of rain and mature pastures, cattle may need supplementation that they do not normally require. Producers may combat losses in flesh and condition with additional feeding strategies.

“If they are still nursing calves, producers can supplement them with additional feedstuffs, so they stay in better condition through late lactation,” Lancaster said. “They can also wait and expect to feed their cattle more in the fall due to those cows weaning calves off at a lower body condition score.”

Besides nutrition, plentiful rainfall impacts a cowherd’s health. More specifically, producers should expect to see a rise in foot rot cases.

“Foot rot-causing bacteria are always present in a pasture’s soil,” White said. “Those stemmy, mature grasses get caught between the toes, which is just soft

skin, and then cut that area open.”

“As cattle stand in stagnant water, or flooded areas, the potential risk of foot rot greatly increases when they have those wounds,” he said

To preserve the grass stands within a flooded pasture, Lancaster recommends that producers wait until the water has receded before turning cattle out.

“When soft ground gets a lot of hoof traffic, the grass will die quicker in that area,” he said. “Then we are going to have more weeds come in and pretty soon there are large areas of a pasture that are nonproductive.”

“Waterlogged grass and plants that have simply sat in standing water for too long get a yellow tinge and must experience some physiological recovery before they are healthy again and ready for grazing.”

#####

Money is shrinking–and not just in value. When the penny was introduced in 1787, it was about twice the size of today’s version. The penny didn’t reach its current size until 1857.

The 604N/605N balers deliver the strength, productivity and operating convenience of Super M baler technology with the added capability and enhanced performance of features like the patented dual-stage belt-tightening system. From top to bottom, this baler is built to withstand tough conditions and high-capacity production — offering smooth, consistent performance to highvolume hay producers who want large 6 ft (1.8 m) diameter bales.

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Expanding Markets Conference

From Western Sustainability Exchange

Many agricultural producers would like to “Work smarter, not harder.” Generations of ranchers have proven that hard work and dedication don’t necessarily pay off monetarily. The issue, in a nutshell, is that most producers are at the mercy of volatile markets, with little control over their commodity sale price, despite the quality of their product. Today, the traditional market is no longer your only option. To remain viable and sustain ranching legacies in this unpredictable economy, producers must start thinking outside the box towards unconventional revenue streams. How can we get paid for more of the animal? Can we generate additional income, outside of livestock sales? How do we discover different markets? How do we connect with industry leaders and forge working relationships?

The Expanding Markets Conference is designed to help ranchers find answers to those questions and more. This year’s conference is September 24-25 at the Big Horn Resort in Billings. Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) organizes this event annually to help producers explore how they might earn more reward for their hard work.

The conference features a variety of speakers and panel discussions with both industry experts and ranchers, plus over 25 information booths, where participants may further explore diversification options. WSE has developed a diverse and dynamic workshop schedule to help meet producers’ needs and interests.

Carbon Companies Answer Your Questions

If you are considering a carbon market program, don’t miss the “Carbon Program Comparison” session. Agoro, Cultivo, Grassroots Carbon, Kateri and the Native carbon programs will participate side-by-side in this question and answer session. Attendees may even submit their own questions for these companies after registration. Company representatives will also be at booths to provide further insight. Carbon contracts are a long-term commitment, and this is a rare opportunity to determine if you might want to partner with one of these companies on your operation.

On-Farm Revenue Generating Opportunities

Available

LOW INTEREST RATE FOR 5 YEARS On Vermeer Rakes, Processors, and Trail Mowers 0% INTEREST FOR 5 YEARS On Highline processors and Vertical Mixers

One potential market is the Food is Medicine industry. Science is proving that not all food is created equal in nutrients and disease-fighting properties. So how can you financially benefit from this industry? Ryan Slabaugh, founder of Think Regeneration, has created markets across the US and will share his vision and insights

Agritourism is expected to double in the next eight years, making it a $197 billion industry by 2032. At the conference you will hear from ranchers who are successfully implementing agritourism into their operations, and companies who can help market and promote these enterprises.

It is critical that ranchers stay abreast of developing markets. One of those is called nature based solutions which include ecosystem services and Natural Assest Companies (NAC). Learn what they are, how they work, and what WSE is doing to bring opportunities to their network of ranchers.

Learn Why EVERYONE Needs to Market and Tips to Create a Successful Strategy

Ranchers, by nature, rarely focus on marketing, with commodity markets being their major limiting factor. Jenni Harris, Director of Marketing at White Oak Pastures in Georgia and a prominent advocate and marketer in the regenerative agriculture industry, will share her family’s ranch legacy story, and also her insights into the importance of applying marketing principles in agriculture and how to develop successful marketing strategies.

These are just some of the opportunities at the Expanding Markets Conference. Participants are likely to be surprised at the range of options available to build a more profitable business. Attendees can also visit with producers who have utilized some of these options, and get an honest assessment from their viewpoint. Most of the opportunities are tied to regenerative agriculture practices, but many are available to producers just beginning that transition.

Register for the conference at the westernsustainabilityexchange.org/expanding-markets-conference website for either in-person or online participation. In-person registration is limited, so don’t wait. WSE collaborates with many sponsors and partners to help defray the cost for participants so it’s a small investment of time and money to explore opportunities that just might allow you to, “work smarter.”

Regenerative Ranch Tour

Not sure what it means to practice regenerative agriculture? Don’t know where to begin? This year’s conference CONTINUED ON PAGE A37

Inoculants for corn silage

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Corn silage harvest success rests on proper harvest, packing, and storage practices. When we need a boost, adding an inoculant at harvest time can help improve fermentation and storage, but we need to know what products to use to get the best result.

Silage inoculants are simply bacterial cultures that help manage pH in the pile by converting sugars to acids which reduce molds, fungi, and unwanted bacteria such as clostridia.

When selecting an inoculant, the first step is deciding if up-front fermentation or pile stability are needed, or maybe both. Up front fermentation helps if most of our issues center around harvest and packing. If problems are more centered on storage and feed out, stability is where we should spend our money. Sometimes, a mix of both are needed.

Inoculants primarily reduce storage losses. Silages that contain homolactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus plantarum help fermentation start and end quicker by dropping the pH fast. This allows more silage to remain for feeding. Other inoculants, like heterolactic acid bacteria Lactobacillius buchneri, can improve aerobic stability by reducing spoilage losses when silage is re-exposed to air. These bacteria are especially useful at reducing spoilage on the face of bunker silos if the face is too wide to keep fresh or if producers take out several days’ worth of feed from the pile at one time.

The purpose of inoculants is not to fix a train wreck or improve a perfect silage year, but they can help when things aren’t ideal. Inoculants can be used as an insurance policy to reduce the risk of spoilage and maintain quality.

Expanding Markets

provides the option for an invaluable field day at the Seacross Ranch near Lodge Grass, Montana, on Monday, September 23. This tour will be all day, and the experience will resonate with participants long after it is over. The owners of this ranch have experienced major changes in the quality of their land and water for both livestock and wildlife in just ten years of regenerative management.

NRCS sets conservation program funding application dates

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). There are several dates to be aware of for the current funding cycle of these programs.

EQIP: October 25, 2024

RCPP Land Management and Rentals: October 11, 2024

RCPP Entity Held Easements: November 1, 2024

ALE Farm Bill: November 29, 2024

WRE Farm Bill: November 1, 2024

CSP Classic: December 27, 2024

“NRCS provides funding and technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners implement conservation practices that improve their environmental and economic sustainability,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Conservation work focused on local outcomes with the support of local partners and land managers achieves meaningful conservation across a landscape. These opportunities are open to ag operations of any scale.”

Conservation funding is available for the following programs and initiatives:

Community Agriculture: Building on the high tunnel initiative available in the past, the community agriculture initiative offers an expanded set of conservation practices tailored to the conservation needs of smallscale ag producers.

Conservation Incentive Contracts: Conservation Incentive Contracts are an option under EQIP, with a focus on climate-smart forestry and agriculture and drought resilience management practices. EQIP-CIC provides financial assistance to adopt conservation activities on working landscapes.

Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Projects: The U.S. Forest Service and NRCS are working together to improve the health of forests and reduce wildfire threats to communities where public forests and grasslands connect to privately owned lands. There is currently one project in Montana in the Elkhorn Cooperative Management Area.

Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative: This initiative is focused on unmanipulated wetlands of two acres or less within working cropland as identified on the National Wetland Inventory. It is aimed at preserving, protecting, and improving habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropicals, and other avian species in the Prairie Pothole Region.

National Water Quality Initiative: This initiative focuses assistance in small watersheds to improve water quality where this is a critical concern. With the help of partners at the local, state, and national levels, NRCS identified priority watersheds in Montana where on-farm conservation investments will deliver the greatest water quality benefits. The two projects in Montana are in the Lower Gallatin watershed (Camp and Godfrey Creeks) and the Shields River watershed.

On-Farm Energy Initiative: Agricultural producers work with NRCS-approved technical service providers to develop agricultural energy management plans or farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an operation. NRCS may also provide assistance to implement recommended measures identified in the energy audit through

the use of conservation practice standards.

Organic Initiative: Producers currently certified as organic, transitioning to organic, or National Organic Program exempt will have access to a broad set of conservation practices to assist in treating their resource concerns while fulfilling many of the requirements in an Organic System Plan.

Sage Grouse Initiative: Producers can work with NRCS on three different components to improve sage-grouse habitat. One is a general category to implement prescribed grazing management practices. The others are to seed cropland back to perennial species to improve the connectivity for sage-grouse that depend on large, intact landscapes and the removal of conifers to increase nest success rates.

Targeted Implementation Plans: Montana NRCS targets its investments in very specific areas to achieve clearly defined natural resource goals as identified by local partners. This approach harnesses the power of multiple producers in one area undertaking similar conservation projects to achieve a regional or landscape-scale result. There are more than 100 local projects currently available in fiscal year 2025.

Agricultural Land Easements: Part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, ALEs help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements. Interested landowners work with eligible easement partners in Montana.

Wetland Reserve Easements: Part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, WREs help private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. These easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, provide resilience to climate change, and provide opportunities for educational, scientific, and limited recreational activities.

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to eligible participants to install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. In Montana, historically underserved participants, including limited resource, and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers will receive a higher payment rate for eligible conservation practices applied.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program: The RCPP promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to expand our collective ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Currently, there are both RCPP land management projects and easement-based projects in Montana.

The CSP is for working lands. For farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, CSP can help find new ways to meet resource and operation goals. All the land in a producer’s agricultural operation must be enrolled to be eligible for CSP. In addition to applying by Dec. 27, 2024, new proposed activities must be selected by January 24, 2025, so the field office conservation planner can complete assessment and ranking of applications.

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Do you know the safety rules for home food preservation?

By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist

The other day, I received a notification on my phone that someone had “tagged” me on Facebook.

You never know the photo someone might have found of you from the past to post. I was hoping it wasn’t from my embarrassing days of permed hair. I opened Facebook to learn more.

The tagged item was not what I was expecting.

Am I the only person who gets “tagged” during botulism outbreaks? Most likely I am one of the few.

At least I didn’t have “big hair” on Facebook.

Recently, 10 people in California were treated for botulism after eating homecanned cactus pads in a salad. Two people were in the intensive care unit with severe respiratory issues.

Some of the hallmark symptoms of botulism poisoning are blurred or double vision and difficulty swallowing and breathing. The toxin (or poison) attacks the nerves and can paralyze muscles, including the muscles needed to breathe.

Without prompt medical treatment, botulism can be fatal.

Botulism toxin has no characteristic color or odor. If a food was improperly canned, we do not recommend that you taste the home-canned food “to see if it is safe.” Do not take the risk. A small taste could be fatal.

Be aware that you are a full-fledged scientist when you are canning food. You might even put on a lab coat or at least an apron.

Lakeland Feed & Supply is pleased to be sponsors of youth organizations such as FFA, 4H, and High School Rodeo, among others. We offer FFA & 4H discounts, awards programs, and MUCH MORE!

Some of the home canning recipes I see shared online actually scare me. You might discover some outdated and potentially unsafe canning recipes in old cookbooks or recipe boxes. I understand the sentimental value of old recipes. Cakes, cookies and hot dishes are not the concern.

Your great-grandparents would not want you to take risks with your health. Just because they might have sealed food in jars with galvanized screw top lids without any processing equipment doesn’t mean we should.

Be sure to use safe sources of recipes from university Extension throughout the U.S., from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the current Ball Blue Book.

Sometimes, commercially canned food is implicated in botulism outbreaks. If a food was recalled due to a safety risk, follow the guidance from the manufacturer.

Food needs to be at a certain acidity level to be canned in a water-bath canner.

Pickles, tomatoes with added lemon juice, jams and jellies are among the foods that can be canned safely in a boiling waterbath canner.

Low-acid foods such as vegetables, meat and many mixtures of food must be processed in a pressure canner to inactivate the potentially deadly bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, associated with the botulism toxin. To inactivate the bacteria, you must reach about 240 degrees Fahrenheit, which is only possible in a pressure canner. Follow these safety tips:

If you invent a salsa recipe, canning experts suggest freezing your creation.

Be sure your equipment is up to date. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, be sure to have an annual gauge test done, which is available from many Extension offices.

Do not can food in your oven. Prepare canning lids as directed on the box. Most do not require boiling. Do not overtighten or the lids can buckle. Remove the screw band before storing in a cool, dry place.

Use vinegar in pickling recipes with a 5% acidity level. That’s the acidity that was used in testing the recipes, so we know that is safe.

Add lemon juice or citric acid in the prescribed amount to canned tomatoes. Many of our tomato varieties are less acidic than they used to be. The processing times also have been updated.

Preserving food from a grocery store, farmers market or your own backyard garden can be very rewarding. Be sure to keep your family and friends safe by following the latest guidance. See the “Food Preservation” information at www.ag.ndsu. edu/food to learn more.

Here is an interesting salsa recipe that combines traditional ingredients (tomatoes, peppers, onions) with a bit of sweetness from the mango.

Fresh Salsa with Mango (not for canning)

4 tomatoes, chopped (about 2-3 cups ½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped green pepper

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon oregano or cilantro

1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1 mango, diced

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix. Makes 16 (1/4-cup) servings.

NRCS sets conservation program funding application dates

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A38

Producers willing to focus their CSP conservation efforts on solutions which promote climate-related benefits are encouraged to select activities from the Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry Mitigation Activities List. Climate smart activities directly improve soil carbon, reduce nitrogen losses, or reduce capture, avoid or sequester carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production.

For additional opportunities through the Climate-Smart Commodities partnership, visit usda.gov/climate-smart-commodities.

These projects are managed directly by partner organizations.

NRCS accepts conservation program applications year-round; however, applications for the next funding consideration must be submitted by the application batching dates listed. Applications made after those dates will be considered in the next funding cycle. Additional information is available on the Montana NRCS website.

Visit www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov and scroll down to State Programs and Initiatives. Or contact your local USDA service center.

Strategically applied livestock grazing can benefit sagebrush communities

By Amaani Lyle, ARS

While a cow grazing in a field isn’t typically remarkable, United States Department of Agriculture scientists have identified potential ecological benefits of strategically applied livestock grazing in sagebrush communities across U.S. western rangelands.

As recently published in the scientific journal Ecosphere, the collaborative research effort among Agricultural Research Service (ARS) rangeland scientists at Burns, Oregon, and Fort Collins, Colorado, challenged the outdated dogma that livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe always negatively impacts these ecosystems and, in fact, can convey desirable outcomes, particularly in regard to limiting both wildfire risk and invasive annual grasses.

In addressing these ecological challenges, ARS scientists discovered that strategically applying livestock grazing prior to the occurrence of climate-induced wildfires can modify sagebrush steppe characteristics in ways that decrease fire probability and severity in the communities, promote

biodiversity while reducing postfire annual grass invasion, fire-induced loss of native bunchgrasses, and fire damage to soil biocrusts, the collection of bacteria, fungi and mosses on the soil surface.

The ARS team compared moderately grazed and ungrazed sagebrush steppe and observed the grazing induced shorter flame lengths, slower rates of fire spread, and smaller burning fronts.

Similarly, strategic grazing in annual grass-dominated rangelands reduced flame length and rate of spread — modifications that resulted in safer and more effective fire suppression. Still another benefit of modified fire characteristics, the scientists reported, is a decrease in the area burned and overall mosaic of burned and unburned patches.

grazing can spur desirable social-ecological outcomes such as reduced non-native annual grass invasion, decreased wildfire probability and spread, reduced fire suppression cost, and prevent undesirable ecological transformation post-fire.”

Davies’ findings also indicated that grazing can modify competitive relationships in introduced bunchgrass seeding to favor native species recruitment. This can be particularly valuable for reestablishing sagebrush, a critical shrub for many native wildlife species.

With careful attention to the timing, duration, frequency, and intensity of use needed to meet vegetation objectives, strategic grazing has the potential to reduce the detrimental impacts of invasive annual grasses, promote native species in introduced grasslands, and encourage native shrub recovery.

“Recognizing livestock grazing as a tool that can achieve desired outcomes could improve our ability to achieve meaningful rangeland management outcomes in sagebrush and likely other rangeland communities,” Davies said.

Grazing by non-native livestock such as sheep, cattle and horses dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s by Europeans, these early practices were not ecologically sustainable and led to widespread overuse and degradation to include loss of perennial grasses and forbs, reduced biodiversity, erosion, overabundant unpalatable species, and non-native plant invasions.

“There were concerns about the negative consequences of non-native livestock grazing in sagebrush communities, especially since these communities are experiencing unpreceded threats from invasive annual grasses, altered fire regimes, and climate change,” said Kirk Davies, ARS rangeland scientist. “But strategically applied

Roughage Mate is a free-choice protein/mineral supplement that nutritionally complements lower quality forages typically being grazed in the late summer and fall.

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Pepperoni Pizza Day

Date celebrated: September 20th

Pepperoni pizza has become the standard pizza for people all over the world. In fact, it stands apart as the singularly most ordered type of pizza on the entire planet. Whether buying pizza for a birthday party or a day at the office, pretty much everyone knows that they can be guaranteed a positive response by buying one topped with pepperoni!

The pizza is believed to have first been developed in Italy in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito, though others claim that the first one was sold in 1738 in Naples, Italy.

Pepperoni is one of many cased meats (like salami, but spicier) that likely traces its origins back to Italian immigrants to New York City in the early 1900s. At least, the first known mention of pepperoni is when they began appearing in delis and at pizzerias all throughout the city, made from a mix of beef and pork and some added spices (specifically peppers–which is where the name was derived from). With a finer grain than most Italian meats, pepperoni is softer, which makes it a favorite for putting on top of pizza!

It wasn’t until the 1950s that pizza became a widespread dish in the United States. The first mention of pizza in the US was in a New York Times article that called it “a pie popular in Southern Italy”. And, even then, it was continuing to develop flavor over time. One of the best developments, of course, was the addition of pepperoni. And it has grown into an American icon ever since.

Fun Facts About Pizza

• Pepperoni is considered to be the most popular pizza topping in the United States, with a majority of at least 66%. Even though people get more and more creative with pizza toppings each year, pepperoni continues to hold its own as the favorite.

• In August of 1994, the first ever physical good to be purchased on the internet was a pepperoni and mushroom pizza. It was purchased through Pizza Hut’s website, at the time called “PizzaNet”. The company’s record for the most pizza sold online in one day was set on Super Bowl 2021, where more than $10 million in digital sales were made even before halftime hit.

• Americans consume more than 250 million pounds of pepperoni on their pizza slices each year. Now that’s a lot of delicious pizza!

• The first pizzeria to open in America was Lombardi’s in New York City, New York. Originally a grocery store, it started selling pizzas in 1905.

Marias Fair. Ashlyn had numerous

rosettes. Photo by Kari Lewis.

Word origins

Meaning: A huge prize

Origin: “The term goes back to draw poker, where stakes are allowed to accumulate until a player is able to ‘open the pot’ by demonstrating that among the cards he has drawn he has a pair of jacks or better.”

GRENADE

Meaning: A small, hand-thrown missile containing an explosive

Origin: “The word come from the French pomegrenade, for pomegranate, because the military missile, which dates from the sixteenth century, both is shaped like the fruit and explodes much as the seeds burst out from it.”

AMMONIA

Meaning: A potent, odorous cleaning fluid

Origin: “Ammonia is so called because it was first made from the dung of the worshippers’ camels at the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Egypt.”

HEATHEN

Meaning: An ungodly person

Origin: “Christianity began as primarily an urban religion; people in rural districts continued to worship older gods. The Latin word for countryman was paganus–whence, of course, pagan; the Germanic tongues had a similar word, something like khaithanaz, ‘dwelling in the heath’ (wilderness)–whence heathen.”

DOPE

Meaning: Drugs

Origin: “This word was originally a Dutch word, doop, meaning a sauce of liquid. Its first association with narcotics came when it was used to describe the viscous glop that results from heating opium. Then, by rapid extension, it came to mean any narcotic.”

RIVAL

Meaning: Competitor

Origin: “A rival is etymologically ‘someone who uses the same stream as another.’ The word come from Latin rivalis, meaning ‘of a stream.’ People who use or live by the same stream are neighbors and, human nature being as it is, are usually in competition with each other.”

My kids were very upset when our bunnies escaped. They’re too young to deal with hare loss.

Thank You

Cut Bank Tire for purchasing my market steer and your generous support of 4-H

Sammie McCauley

THANK YOU BHE for purchasing my market pig and for supporting 4-H Mac McCauley

Recipe Patch by Geri

Raspberry Lime Bars

1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp finely grated lime zest, divided 2/3 cup fresh lime juice

1 1/4 cups plus 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided 1 cup plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, divided

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

4 large eggs

1/3 cup raspberry jam

Powdered sugar, for dusting Fresh raspberries

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan. Line the bottom and two sides of the pan with a piece of parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang. Zest 4 limes with a fine grater, reserving 1 teaspoon for the crust and 1 tablespoon for the filling. Juice the limes to yield 2/3 cup and reserve for the filling. To a medium mixing bowl, add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon of the zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. With the tips of your fingers, rub the lime zest into the sugar, infusing the sugar and dispersing the zest to avoid clumps of zest in the finished bars. Add 1 cup flour and whisk to combine. Add the diced butter and use your fingertips to work the butter into the flour, squishing and flaking the butter into pea-size pieces. Press the dough in an even layer into the prepared pan. Bake the crust until lightly browned around the edges, about 25 minutes.

While the crust is baking, make the filling. To a large mixing bowl, add 1 1/4 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

With the tips of your fingers, rub the lime zest into the sugar. Add 1/4 cup flour and whisk to combine. Add the eggs and whisk until fully combined and smooth. Pour in the lime juice, whisking to combine. Finally, stir in the raspberry jam. Let the filling sit while the crust finishes baking. When the crust is done baking, remove it to a wire rack. Stir the raspberry lime filling a few times, pour it over the hot crust. Bake until set—the top of the bars may have browned in spots and the filling will not jiggle when the pan is gently shaken—about 30 minutes. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature, about 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Run a butter knife along the two edges without parchment paper to loosen the bars from the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut the bars into squares. Coat the tops with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Garnish each bar with a raspberry and a sprinkle of finely grated lime zest.

Cabbage Salad

1/3 cup slivered almonds

4 cups coarsely shredded cabbage

6 ounces snow peas, sliced into half-inch slices

2/3 cup thinly sliced radishes

2/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (including greens)

2/3 cup lightly packed chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp plus 1 1/2 tsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1/2 clove peeled and minced garlic

1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp cayenne powder

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Toast the almond slivers in a dry nonstick pan on medium high, stirring frequently until browned. Set aside. Combine cabbage, snow peas, radishes, green onions, cilantro in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, and cayenne until sugar has dissolved. Whisk in the mayonnaise. When ready to serve, gently combine the dressing and almonds with the cabbage mixture.

Summer Tomato Salad

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 medium red onion, very thinly sliced

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, any and all varieties welcome

1 tsp kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade

2 Tbsp fresh mint

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, and honey until the honey dissolves. Whisk in the olive oil until blended. Add the sliced onions into the vinaigrette and tuck them down into the dressing. Set aside to macerate while you assemble the salad. Trim out the stem and base of the stem from the tomatoes. Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices. If you’re including some cherry tomatoes, cut in half. Arrange the tomatoes on a large plate or medium platter and season both sides with salt. Lightly shower with freshly ground black pepper. Pour the dressing and onions over the salad. Use your hands to gently nestle the tomatoes in the dressing and distribute the onions evenly. Scatter with basil and mint. Taste and add more salt and/or pepper, if needed.

Some things that attact piranhas are blood and splashing. Experts disagree over whether the fish will attack a calm, uninjured person, but piranhas are definitely territorial. What’s why Amazon fishermen know that if they catch a piranha, they’d better try another spot if they expect to catch anything else.

Addisyn Bengtson finished her Marias Fair career with a Best of Show Decorated Foods exhibit for her beautiful wedding cake. She was also the third place senior beef showman, had Top Hereford Influenced steer, a Best of Show in Leadership exhibit, and a top beef breeding interview in addition two Livestock Committee scholarship. Photo by Andrea Bengtson.

Dakota Gardener: Pay the man or woman

By Joe Zeleznik, Forester, NDSU Extension

My friend Don is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. He was on a ladder, using a chainsaw to prune branches from a tree. The first three branches came down safely and as planned. The last one did not.

The final branch remained partially attached to the tree as it fell. The branch swept back towards the ladder and knocked it out from beneath Don.

You can figure out the rest.

Even though he was injured, Don realizes how lucky he was. A dislocated shoulder is tough, but it could’ve been a lot worse.

Cutting with a chainsaw while on a ladder is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. Tree-care professionals don’t do it. Instead, chainsaw pruning is done from bucket trucks or some other type of lift.

Arboriculture – the (study and) management of individual trees – is one of the most dangerous professions out there. At the professional tree-care conferences every year, safety presentations dominate the agenda.

Because of the dangerous work, insurance rates for professional arborists are also high.

It’s a tough business to be in. Equipment costs and insurance rates are high. Maintaining professional credentials takes both time and money. Getting and keeping quality employees is critical to maintaining competitiveness.

A few weeks ago, a local arborist knocked on our door, asking if we needed any tree work completed. I thanked him, but our trees are in good shape for now.

Three years ago, we hired another local tree-care company to remove a dead elm tree. It was located over a shed and it was near a power line.

There was no way I was going to tackle that job. While I might’ve been able to do it safely, a lot of really bad things could’ve happened. I’ve never taken the training for doing tree work around power lines and I don’t own a lift for doing such work.

So I decided to “pay the man,” as they say. It was pricey, but it was worth every penny. He took the tree down safely and removed all the debris. He took all the risk, and he charged handsomely for his work. As he should have! Don, in retrospect, saw how he could have done the work differently. He could have hired it out or he could have remained on the ground and used a pole saw. Either would have been safer than what he did.

I’ve heard many people complain about the expense of tree removal. They fear the projected cost of taking down large trees that are in hard-to-access locations.

I tell those people the same thing every time. First, get multiple quotes. Second, make sure that the company that does the work has insurance. And finally, pay the man. It’s worth it.

One last note – though most tree-care workers are men, there are several women in the industry and more women are getting into the business every year. These professionals have the training and skills, and do great work. Therefore, when appropriate, pay the woman. She’s worth it.

Destini Anderson displays her leadership display, “Keys to Successful 4-H leadership” which received a purple ribbon and detailed her work organizing the Pre-Sale social, planting flowers in downtown Cut Bank, teaching elementary students about making jam, and raising money for the Food Booth ice cream freezer. She also received a purple ribbon on her leadership interview at the Marias Fair. Photo by Kari Lewis.

Steer-A-Year opens donation period for 2024-25 academic year

From the MSU News Service

Montana State University’s Steer-AYear program will return for the 2024-25 academic year and is seeking donations of young cattle and feed.

A program housed in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Steer-A-Year combines academic courses with hands-on experience and exposes students to the many aspects of raising cattle. Students spend the year feeding, caring for and managing steers through the winter and spring, collecting data on feed efficiency and weight gain, and studying livestock marketing.

“This unique program has been providing students with the opportunity to gain practical, real-life skills for 10 years now,” said Hannah DelCurto-Wyffels, an associate teaching professor in the department and the Steer-A-Year adviser. “Offering these experiences in a guided, structured way makes the process more approachable, and watching students become more confident and knowledgeable is so rewarding. They are preparing themselves so well for future careers in the livestock industry.”

Steer-A-Year accepts financial support or donations of steers, feed and other supplies. Donated steers are housed at the Bozeman Agriculture Research and Teaching Farm. At the end of the academic year, the cattle are sold to MSU Culinary Services, which serves the meat in both of MSU’s award-winning dining halls, Miller and Rendezvous, helping to fulfill the university’s commitment to using as many local ingredients as possible. During the 202324 academic year, Culinary Services purchased all 25 steers from the program.

Proceeds from sales support travel and other costs for student teams and clubs in the College of Agriculture. Steer-A-Year students also meet with commodity groups and industry professionals, allowing for additional networking and learning opportunities.

“The Steer-A-Year program is always a highlight for our student participants, and it allows us to benefit our agricultural community in a unique way,” said Carl Yeoman, head of the Department of Animal and Range Sciences. “From hands-on training in feeding and managing steers to providing Montana beef for our campus and generating valuable information for our generous community donors, this is a truly constructive program from start to finish.”

Annual awards are given to the producer who donated the best initial feeder steer, the steer with the top rate of gain, the steer with the best feed efficiency and the steer that produces the best carcass.

“This program has been so successful over the past decade because of the many relationships that foster it,” said DelCurtoWyffels. “Our students gain literacy in crucial elements of animal science while they engage with producers and industry members all over Montana. We hope the learning process is going both ways, and we’re so grateful for the continued generosity that makes this all possible.”

DelCurto-Wyffels said that calves should be weaned, castrated and dehorned before donation and should weigh approximately 500 to 800 pounds. The ideal pickup period for calves is the first two weeks of November. Those interested in donating steers or feed, providing financial support or learning more about the Steer-A-Year program can contact DelCurto-Wyffels at 406-994-3752 or hannah.delcurto@montana.edu.

#####

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops...at all.

– Emily Dickinson

BC Trucking & Livestock, Milt Hartman, Highwood MT C30

Ben Taylor, Valier & Shelby MT C31

Big Sky Equipment, Conrad MT C45

Big Sky Mahindra, Great Falls MT C6

Big Sky Pipe, Great Falls MT A24

Big Sky Sawmill & Wood Products, Vaughn MT A16

Billings Farm & Ranch Supply, Billings MT B9

Bouma Truck Sales, Choteau, Great Falls MT INSERT

BTI Feeds, Cut Bank MT C31

C & B Operations, LLC, Billings, Culbertson & Plentywood, MT, Sheridan, WY, Powell, WY......B10, B11

Cascade Machine & Supply, Great Falls MT C2

CbarR Cleaning & Spreading, Cody Rohlf, Shelby MT A6

Centrol Crop Consulting LLC, Brady & Conrad MT B19

Churchill Equipment, Manhattan & Belgrade MT A42

Circle S Seeds of Montana, Three Forks MT A38

Clearview Seed, Denton MT A18

CoAXium, Aggressor, Ft. Collins CO C25

Cut Bank Tire, Cut Bank MT B6

Dakota Truck & Farm, Minot ND B2

David Steed Company, Idaho Falls, ID C48

DBL Sales & Service, Coffee Creek MT A25, A32

Dimmick’s Auto Sales, Roundup MT A37

Doane Western of Montana, Bozeman MT A31

Double Diamond Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT C32

Dry Fork Ag, Ledger MT A37

Equipment Share, Billings, MT C26

Evergreen Wood Products, Moore MT C16

Express Feed & Grain Parts, Norfolk NE A43

Fire Pro Extinguishers, Pavillion WY C27

First State Bank, Shelby, MT A44

Flaman Rentals, Power MT C10, C30

Fox Ford, Wolf Point MT C43

Frank Merchant Roofing, Great Falls MT C26

Fraser’s Oil Inc., Inverness MT C34

Frieling’s Agricultural Equipment, Great Falls MT A39, B3, B7, C27, C33, C44

Frontier Precision (formally Triangle Ag), Fort Benton MT C19

Frontline Ag Solutions Dillon, Dillon MT C11

Frontline Ag Solutions, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Dillon, Lewistown, Havre, Chester, Great Falls,

Belgrade, Livingston MT C8, C9

Glass Trucking, Denton MT A16

Golden Harvest Seeds, Big Sandy MT A30

Golden Triangle Seeds, Rudyard MT A7

Gordon Repair, LLC, Miles City MT A36

Great Plains, Dealers C47

Greyn Fertilizer, Choteau, Dutton, Valier MT B15

Grossenburg Equipment, Winner, Pierre, Philip, Belle Fourche, Beresford SD, Wayne, Bloomfield, Hartington NE, Sundance WY A29

Hamilton Systems, Inc. Hamilton ND C12

Heartland Ag Systems - Titan Applications, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, WA C10

Heartland Cabin Co., Moore MT C35

Heartland Seed Company, Moccasin MT A14

Hedman, Inc, Grass Range MT A27

Helfert’s Helena Farm Supply, East Helena MT A28

Henke Enterprises, SprayFlex & Big Dog Mowers, Chester MT B8

Highline Communications, Cut Bank MT A41

Holst Truck Parts, Ucon, ID B18

Hotsy Wy-Mont, Great Falls & Billings MT C22

Hoven Equipment Co., Great Falls & Lewistown MT B13

Hwy 12 Equipment & Repair, Baker MT A36

ITB (Intercontinental Truck Body), Butte MT C28

J & T Equipment Sales, Stevensville MT C36

J Bar T Bins & Steel Buildings, Chester MT B12

Jackson Group Peterbilt, Billings, Missoula, Columbia Falls MT A25

Jamieson Motors, Inc., Chinook MT C2, C38

Jim Nielsen Trucks & Parts, Butte MT C29

JNJ Contracting & Machinery Sales, Helena MT A4

Johnsen Trailer Sales, Inc., Bismarck & Fargo ND B3

Kois Brothers, Great Falls & Billings MT A30

Krogmann Mfg. C46

Lakeland Feed & Supply, Dillon & Hamilton MT A40

Lattin & Sons, Power MT C10, C30

Limagrain Cereal Seeds, Ft. Collins CO A35, C25

M & M Auto, Trailers, & Welding, Stevensville MT B4

M & W Machine, Three Forks MT A42

Mahindra, Big Sky Harley, Great Falls MT C6

Marks Lumber, Clancy MT A40

Meridian Seeds, Casselton ND C20

Missouri River Realty, Glasgow, Malta, MT C28

Montana Ag Safety Program B12

Montana Department of Agriculture C16

Montana Farrier Supply, Livingston MT C25

Montana Fence, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell MT A15, C6, C13

Montana Fiberglass Inc, Lewistown MT B8

Montana Holster & Shoulder Rig, Great Falls MT C6

Montana Metal Fabrications, Great Falls MT C7

Montana Seed Trade Association B18

Montana Shed Center, Great Falls MT B9

Montana State University Crop Variety Promotions A12

Montana Valley Irrigation, Great Falls MT C35

Montech Seed Group, MT A5

Mountain View Metalworks, Wilsall MT B14

Mountain West Ag Services, Garneill MT A41, C18

MQS, Montana Quality Structures, Stevensville MT A5

MT Tractors, Matt Pendergast, Stevensville MT A26

Muddy Creek Truss, Fairfield, MT B2

Muggli Bros, Inc., Miles City, MT A10

Musselshell Valley Equipment, Roundup MT A33, B19, C43

Neal Hay Sales, Augusta MT C36

New Homes of the Future, Billings MT A44

North Star Equipment, Simms MT B17

Northern Ag Service, Havre MT B16

Northern Ford, Cut Bank MT C37

Northern Prairie Auto Sales, Wolf Point MT C4

Nuseed, Breckenridge, MN A48

Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc, Conrad, Great Falls, Billings, Fort Benton, Belgrade, Hardin, Chester, Shelby, MT C44

Open Range Windbreaks, Bartlett NE A47

Oxbow Engineering LLC, Randy Pierce PE Three Forks MT B12

Pedigree Truck & Trailer Sales, New Salem, ND A2

Pete’s Auto Sales, Great Falls MT C5

Platinum Auto Center, Big Timber MT A32

Poteet Construction, Missoula MT C28

Precision Truck & Trailer, Havre MT C41

Price Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT A22

Quality Sales, Great Falls MT C19

R & L Seed & Machine LLC, Geyser MT A36

R & M Exterminators, Cheney WA A24

RDO Equipment, Kalispell, MT C12

RDO Equipment, Missoula MT C12

Reddig Equipment & Repair, Kalispell MT A46

Redhead Equipment, Regina SK Canada A23

Reinke, RPH Irrigation Services, Choteau MT C38

Rockwell Scales, Simms MT C14

Rocky Mountain Radiator, Helena MT C22

Roger Rader, Inc, Sun River MT C12

Roofing By Frank Merchant, Great Falls, MT C26

T & T Farm Supply, LLC, Chester MT A10

Taylor Farm Store, Shelby MT C31

Tom’s Shop, Grass Range MT C30

Torgerson’s LLC, Ethridge, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Billings, Lewistown, Belgrade, Hysham, Kalispell, Denton MT A31, A45, C26

Townsend Seeds, Inc, Townsend MT A4

Treasure State Seed, Fairfield MT A43

Treasure State Wood Boilers, LLC, Bigfork, MT A47

Tri-County Implement, Sidney MT C29

Tri-State Truck & Equipment, Belgrade, Billings, Great Falls MT, Casper WY, Rock Springs WY B20

Triple T Sales, Chinook MT A26, C15 Valley, Montana Valley Irrigation, Great Falls MT C35

Vantage, Frontier Precision, Fort Benton MT C19

Vaughn Truck, Havre MT C16

VW Mfg, Chester MT C21

Weaver Grain Bins, Power MT C42

Wichman Ag Supply LLC, Hilger MT A36

Wild Horse Seed, Havre MT A45

Williams Ag Services, Circle MT B6

XB Trailer Sales, Great Falls MT A24, C40

Zimmatic, Severinsen Irrigation, Fairfield MT A37

Zimmerman Manure & Silage Hauling, Fairfield MT A37

Risks, benefits of exercising in smoke

By Cary Shimek, UM News Service

Anyone who lives in the fire-prone West has seen them: stubborn runners, bikers and hikers still exercising outside after wildfire smoke smothers the land in apocalyptic gray. They might cover their mouths with a bandana or filtered mask, but they refuse to let air alerts disrupt their health routines. Exercise is good for you, but are these smoke-breathers doing more harm than good?

Enter John Quindry, one of those fit, stubborn people. Quindry sometimes can be spotted biking in sketchy air to work at the University of Montana, where he is a researcher, professor and chair of the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training. Quindry and the other researchers in his school are known nationally for funded research in environmental physiology and rank among the best in the world for studying effects of smoke on human health.

With that pedigree, one would expect Quindry to rattle off quick answers about exercising in smoke. But the truth is he knows too much about the topic to be boxed into easy answers that lack nuance. He has worked on scores of studies, and for him the science isn’t settled. But he will say this:

“Clearly people should exercise. Even a few times a week has huge benefits. And if people go to their annual checkup, and they are doing well, there is probably no reason for concern from most smoke we get here in Montana. The body is resilient, especially for those below age 60. But if you are in the smoke and become symptomatic – you find yourself wheezing or spots appear before your eyes – take note, back it off and talk to your doctor.”

Quindry is particularly interested in smoke particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, known as PM2.5 in scientific communities. PM2.5 is tiny enough to reach the deepest recesses of our lungs, where thin-walled lung sacs line up with blood capillaries to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. This exchange-area membrane is delicate and vital. If PM2.5 particles slip past the mucus in our lungs and then evade immune cells in our blood, they can cause damage such as cardiovascular aging.

Quindry and his partners have measured the biochemistry and physiology on both sides of that membrane since he arrived at UM eight years ago. And the first five or six studies found the body to be highly resilient when exercising in smoke – especially with young people.

However, science has shown that wildland firefighters after a full career may have a cardiovascular system that has aged 10 to 20 years beyond a person who didn’t do such smoky work. The same is true of construction workers or farmers working frequently in PM2.5 haze. But UM scientists haven’t replicated this in the short-term studies they have conducted.

“In a sense this is heartening,” Quindry deadpans. “Maybe we aren’t heading toward an early death as we live and breathe and exercise in Missoula.”

However, their work has discovered something new. About 10% to 15% of people are genetically predisposed to have their blood pressure spike if they put one of their hands in ice water for two minutes. This quirky fact about hyperreactive blood pressure has been known for decades. These people are more likely to experience early onset hypertension and have heart attacks later in life. Quindry said their research found exercising in smoke was harder on these folks than others.

“When we separated out those subjects and had them exercise in smoke, we found they had a disproportionate response, and this is with subjects with an average age of 24,” he said. “I don’t know if we should start testing for this trait – with buckets of ice water and putting blood-pressure cuffs on people at the mall – but it is interesting.”

In grad school, he read studies about there being more heart attacks in Midwestern places like Detroit after a weekend of wet heavy snow.

“It hasn’t been proved scientifically yet,” Quindry said, “but we suspect a lot of those people who have heart attacks from shoveling also would have their blood pressure spike after putting their hands in a bucket of ice water.”

When studying the effects of smoke on people, Quindry often uses a newly defined metric, “PM MET minutes,” as a tool to define individual exposure to environmental smoke.

MET means metabolic equivalent, and it describes the work to do anything in life. When we sleep, it’s 1 MET. Being awake, watching TV and walking around is 1.1 to 3 METs. Three to 6 METs is activity that could include exercise. Above 10 METs is intense exercise, and the Lance Armstrongs of the world can hit 23 METs climbing the Alps in the Tour de France.

“The good news for the average schmo like me, is if I just hit

Storing silage

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Corn silage harvest may seem like a long way off, but preparation for a successful harvest begins now. Improper silage storage and fermentation can result in losses up to 20% prior to feeding. Plan your storage now to keep excessive storage losses from happening to you.

Preventing oxygen from entering your silage should be a top priority when considering silage storage. Bagged silage is a versatile option that allows the storage location to move year to year and comes with a build in oxygen barrier but can carry a high price tag and may not be appropriate for large harvest amounts. Placing the silage in a bunker is another that can increase oxygen exclusion, but make sure to check these structures for cracks and repair any that are found to maintain their integrity. If silage is a feedstuff on your operation, the reduction in losses that a permanent structure paired with covering the pile provides can offset the costs when spread out over several years.

Silage piles are the more traditional approach and can allow for greater volumes of silage to be stored in a smaller area without the cost and permanent nature of bunkers. Oxygen exclusion in piles that lack a permanent structure can be enhanced with some planning. Before harvesting, line the sides with bales and place oxygen-limiting plastic down the sides and for several feet under the bottom to seal the sides of the pile. At a minimum, placing plastic on top of the pile is an investment worth the time, labor, and money. By covering the pile, we can reduce oxygen from moving into the pile from the top and reduce precipitation exposure.

Corn silage is a valuable feed resource and keeping oxygen out of your silage requires planning now. Pick an appropriate location for harvest and feed out success and store correctly to minimize feed losses.

Death Customs

The Iroquois buried corpses in shallow graves, but exhumed them after a few months. Relatives then placed the bones in a community burial plot.

The deadline for advertising in the October 2024 issue of the Trader's Dispatch will be October 2nd. Phone (406) 271-5533 or email: advertising @tradersdispatch.com

2021 Wilson lead and pup, gun metal gray, lead trailer is 42x96x78 and pup is 20x96x78. Both trailers have Ag hoppers, electric traps and tarps.

2024 Wilson 50x96x72 tri axle with rear axle lift, electric tarp.

2022 Wilson Gunmetal 48x102x78 triple axle with rear lift, 2 hoppers, electric tarp.

2022 Wilson 41x96x78 ag hoppers, hydro tarps, black.

2021 Wilson 48x102x84 Black, tri axle with rear axle lift, aluminum Subframe, Hydro traps and electric roll tarp. Very nice trailer.

2021 Wilson Pewter Metallic 41x96x78 Ag hoppers, electric tarp.

2019 Wilson 48x102x84 Black, tri axle with rear axle lift, aluminum Subframe, Hydro traps and electric roll tarp. Very nice trailer.

2018 Wilson Black 50x102x78 triple axle with rear lift, 2 hoppers, electric tarp and traps.

2018 Wilson Pewter Metalic 41x96x78 Ag hoppers, electric tarp and traps.

2016 Wilson 43x102x78 Black, electric tarp, Ag hoppers.

2014 Wilson 48x102x78 pewter metallic, tri axle, 3rd hopper, electric tarp.

2014 Wilson 41x96x78, air ride with Ag hoppers. 2023 Timpte 40x96x72 air ride Ag hoppers, electric tarp, manual traps and stainless steel rear end.

2023 Timpte Gunmetal 40x96x72 air ride Ag hopper, electric tarp and hydro traps.

2016 Wilson livestock 53x102, nose 11-ft., rear 14-ft., belly 28-ft., tri axle air ride, stainless steel front.

2024 Manac beavertail, 53x102, all steel, wood floor. Two ramps and 12 winches.

2000 Utility, 38-ft. van with 2 side doors, (4) 1600 gallon tanks and a Honda pump inside.

1996 Trail King 52-ft. step deck with 4-ft. beavertail and ramps, all steel trailer, good condition.

1995 Trail King 52-ft. step deck with 4-ft. beavertail and ramps, all steel trailer, good condition.

2021 Wilson 29-ft. lead trailer, 25-ft. 6” pup with air operated expandable draw bar. Disc brakes on the set!

2013 Wilson livestock 53x102, nose 10-ft., rear 15-ft., belly 28-ft., air ride spread axle, permanent upright dog house.

#####

1200 gallon, chemical resistant com-

Teacher: “If I gave you 2 cats and another 2 cats and another 2, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “No, listen carefully... If I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven.” Teacher: “Let me put it to you differently. If I gave you two apples, and another two apples and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Six.” Teacher: “Good. Now if I gave you two cats, and another two cats and another two, how many would you have?” Johnny: “Seven!” Teacher: “Johnny, where in the heck do you get seven from?!” Johnny: “Because I’ve already got a cat!

2 W Custom and Full Service Manure

Spreading

ITEMS FOR SALE

Ag Equipment

*2003 Rite Way Phoenix Rotary Harrow, model P-45, low acres, great for preparing seed bed, leveling ground, dry wet spots, rejuvenate hay fields, leaves trash on surface & fills in cracks to conserve moisture, down weeds chem free, good for no-till. 8-ft. gangs (4)

*1989 Bourgault 600 Series Cultivator, FH 48 52 floating hitch, depth control, heavy duty shanks, quick change system; packers & harrows

*1996 Bourgault 4350H Air Seed Cart, tow behind, very low acres & very clean, kept inside

*Grizzly 200 Air cart, 200 bushel/2 tank

*Melroe Drill Seeders 284(3)

*Melroe Gysler 70-ft loose hitch plow

*Melroe Gysler model #505 chisel plow GMH-28-31 with drag harrows

*Victory Equipment Limited V Blade plow

*International TD18 crawler 182

*International model 32B Disc, 30-ft, 2 gang (3 sections)

*Grain bucket, homemade 4-ft. deep x 4-ft. H x 10-ft. wide

*1983 Lux model #8X20X54 Grain Box, 20-ft. with roll over tarp, 500 bushel

*1980s Degelman rock picker, needs tires

*Broyhill pickup sprayer, 400 gallon, 36-ft wide

*Anydrous trailer tanks (used for fuel or propane)

*Sprayer with 110-ft. boom, has 5th wheel Construction Equipment

*1960s Adams scarifier motor grader, 220 Cummins, manual.

*1968 CAT DW21C Scraper, cable, engine #58C315 Series C, electric start

*International 175 Drott Skid Shovel track loader with canopy, 6 cylinder diesel

*1952/3 Lorain Moto-Crane truck with boom

Miscellaneous

*HDG 9000E gas generator, 16HP OHV

*HDD7999E diesel generator

*Weather Guard model #115-3 cross box

*Crossbox (2) no brands

*Bridge beams (S24x100 & S20x66)

*Metal container 12-ft. x 8.5-ft., no lid

*Hydraulic hose crimpers & fitting/hose

*Remline Pro Series tool box on wheels, 18 drawer

* Miscellaneous tanks, liquid tight, 20K & 10K gal, $1/gal

* Guardrail, used, $1.75 per lineal foot Trailers & Parts

*1960 Martin Hyster, mechanical neck, 34-ft. oal, king pin to axel 33-ft., belly 17-ft., air/5th wheel on back

*1981 King model #4SW-DD-TB oil field float, 32-ft. with roll tail, king pin to back axel 27-ft.

*1968 Timpte Dolly, single axel duals

* Dolly, tandem axel duals, long boom

*1991 Transcraft double drop 44-ft., king pin to rear axel 40-ft., belly 23-ft.

*Willock 9-ft. wide x 42-ft. with roll tail, hitch & air/glad hands in back

*1986 Fruhauf Full trailer 32-ft. oal, 286/75R24.5 front & 11R24.5 rear, this is a 2+2, pintel hook in front, storage box & good decking

* 1981 Homemade grain, 35-ft. oal, king pin to rear axel is 29-ft., Schwartz hoist system, aluminum grain box measures 5-ft. H x 8.5-ft. W x 24-ft. L (has extra side boards), 820 bu approximately without side boards

* Pete Air Track rear ends Vehicles

*1950-60s GMC truck cab & frame, Spicer gear box

*1968 Dodge CT700 bridge/snooper/M137556, 6x4, no crane, 413 engine, air, tandem axel

*1992 Cadillac Deville 4dr sedan, V8 PFI engine

*1976 Chrysler Cordoba

*1977 Dodge Daytona Charger

*1987 GMC bus, 36-ft. oal, front to rear axel 23-ft.

*1968 Chevrolet C20 pickup ¾ ton, 283 engine, manual transmission, 2wd, 6 cylinder, 8-ft. box

Risks, benefits

of exercising in smoke

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2

10 METs once or twice a week, you get all the exercise benefits you need to live a long and healthy life,” he said. “You get most of the benefits just hitting 6 METs, and there are diminishing returns from 6 to 10. Above 10 METs you become a better athlete, but you don’t actually live any longer on average than the rest of the population.”

So a PM MET minute is the particle count in the air, multiplied by amount of time you are in it, multiplied by the METs (work) you are doing. For a wildland firefighter working a full day in PM 250 (which was the top count during Missoula’s robust 2017 Lolo Peak Fire), the PM MET minutes come in at about 200,000. Quindry said that’s a number they try to approximate with human subjects in the lab.

Quindry has garnered about $3 million in funding since he arrived at UM, studying the effects of prolonged smoke exposure on essential workers.

The application of these findings extends to all types of people with physically active jobs, including military personnel, firefighters, farmers and postal workers. To simulate those working conditions with human subjects, he sets the PM at a smoky level and makes subjects exercise rigorously for 45 to 120 minutes in UM’s Air Inhalation Facility. The smoke dose is regulated by how big and frequently breaths are taken, and he uses METs as a surrogate for that dose. (And if someone really gets into METs, Quindry is coauthor of a text called “Exercise Physiology,” which has METs for everything from calisthenics to gardening neatly ordered in an eight-page appendix.)

He said the PM MET minute threshold of 200,000 is what they have documented scientifically so far, and their subjects seem to handle that level fairly well. However, people who experienced the 2017 Rice Ridge Fire near Seeley Lake lived in PM spikes of PM2.5 counts up to 900 at times.

“In the short term, we don’t know what that sort of exposure does to people,” he said. “That’s off the charts into unexplored territory based on what modern science has explored.”

So we still don’t fully understand the long-term effects of exercising in smoke. But Quindry, the smoke-health expert, is an avid biker who never “goes hard” when the PM count is above 50. (For him, “hard” is biking 3,000 feet up a mountain.) He will keep biking to work outside even if the PM count rises to 75, but he would move more strenuous exercise inside.

“You have to trust your common sense,” he said. “For the kinds of activity and exercise that most of us are going to do outside, we haven’t discovered anything that turns that on its ear and should scare you off too much. And, actually, that’s pretty good news.”

#####

A young man and an older golfer went out for a round. On the very first hole, a par 3, there was a large water hazard right in front of the green. The old man took out a new sleeve of balls, teed up first of them, and proceeded to promptly hit it right into the middle of the drink. He teed up another new ball and then another and another, but each time the result was the same. Finally, he needed to pull out a new sleeve. The younger golfer, somewhat perplexed, asked, “Why don’t you use an old ball?” to which the older gentleman responded, “I’ve never had an old ball.”

Williams Ag Services, LLC

#####

Homer was not considered a very bright man, but he loved the game of golf and was always trying to buy himself a better game. One day he went into the clubhouse and asked the pro if he could recommend anything that might improve his score. “Believe it or not” the professional said, “we actually have new clubs that I think could cut your handicap in half.”

“Terrific,” Homer replied, “I’ll take two sets.”

Cut Bank Tire

North Dakota leaders experience 4-H livestock showmanship

On July 27, several state leaders experienced the world of 4-H livestock showmanship as they tried their hand at showing livestock with 4-H youth as judges at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot.

Prior to the North Dakota Public Leaders 4-H Showmanship Event, a leader was paired with a selected 4-H member who exhibited one of the six livestock species at the North Dakota State Fair. The youth provided their leader instruction and advice on how to show a specific species of livestock and then served as the judges for the leaders’ efforts.

“This 4-H event connects today’s leaders with tomorrow’s leaders,” said Kurt Froelich, NDSU Extension agent from Stark-Billings County. “Thank you to our participants and supporters of this event for making this experience possible for the 4-Hers.”

“Our goal for 4-H is to help youth achieve the best in themselves,” said Leigh Ann Skurupey, North Dakota Center for 4-H Youth Development assistant director. “4-H helps youth to develop essential life skills, gain knowledge and build confidence to thrive, lead and change the world. This event is a good example of how 4-H provides opportunities for our youth to thrive.”

“I had the best time learning from my coach Tessa Sigvaldson,” said Chloe Drummond, 4-H Foundation board coordinator and relationship specialist. “Learning that Tessa balances school, work, clubs, her livestock projects and her own business is a great example of how 4-H prepares youth for work and life. I loved seeing 4-H in action!”

The state leaders who took first place in the event were:

Beef Cattle - John Fjeldahl, Ward County Commissioner, Minot, coached by Bennett Johnson, Mercer County

Dairy Cattle - Sarah Lovas, Chair, State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, Hillsboro, coached by Brekka Kuss, Stutsman County

Dairy Goats - Kandi Mikkelson, North Dakota State Fair Board Member, Minot, coached by Devyn Fougner, Griggs County

Meat Goats - Beth Richardson, Canadian Consul General, Minneapolis, Minnesota, coached by Lilli Steeke, Bowman County

Sheep - Lynette Flage, NDSU Extension associate director, Fargo, coached by Gustin Ueckert, Golden Valley County

Swine - Senator Keith Boehm, District 33, Mandan, coached by Cooper Strommen, Morton County

Other state leaders participating and their 4-H coaches were:

Drew Combs, North Dakota Trade Office executive director, Bismarck, coached by Elizabeth Hanson, Ward County S. Congressman Kelly Armstrong, Dickinson, coached by Sydnee Johnson, Mercer County

Representative Karen Rohr, District 31, Mandan, coached by Jarett Sanders, Oliver County

Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, Public Service Commission, Bismarck, coached by Jacob Sand, Bottineau County

Mohamed Khan, NDSU Extension assistant director, ANR, Fargo, coached by Marie Sand, Bottineau County Woodrow (Chip) Poland, Director of Agriculture and Technical Studies, Dickinson, coached by Eleanor Carlson, McLean County

Chloe Drummond, 4-H Foundation coordinator, Fargo, coached by Tessa Sigvaldson, Williams County

Kevin Black, Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation, Minot, coached by Maggie Iverson, Cavalier County

Representative Paul Thomas, District 6, Velva, coached by Morgan Keen, Ward County

Senator Kristin Roers, District 27, Fargo, coached by Rudi Wendel, Cass County

Senator David Hogue, District 38, Minot, coached by Faith Carpenter, Ward County

Jeff Eslinger, Communications Director, North Dakota Association of Counties, Bismarck, coached by Layla Krinke, Bowman County

Senator Judy Estenson, District 15, Warwick, coached by Rosie Abraham, Griggs County

Representative Vicky Steiner, District 37, Dickinson, coached by Tessa Dvorak, Dunn County

Representative Matthew Ruby, District 40, Minot, coached by Rachel Schmidt, Oliver County

Twyla Baker, President, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College,

Where Quality Meets Efficiency

Winter cereal crops provide forage for livestock, soil health benefits

From North Dakota State University

The use of winter annual cereals to promote soil health properties and suppress annual weeds has become more of the normal for many farmers in U.S., says North Dakota State University Extension specialists. Winter cereals provide green, active-growing plants during the fall and early-winter periods and are the first to green up in the spring. Winter cereals extend the growing season of living plant roots in the soil – feeding the soil microbiome – while providing an armor for the soil.

“Winter cereals also provide excellent forage for livestock either for grazing or to be hayed for roughage,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist and Central Grasslands Research Extension Center director. “In fact, winter cereals were a livestock forage well before soil health became a concern.”

“Livestock grazing on cropland is becoming a more popular tool to enhance soil health and has been identified as one of the six principles of soil health,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “The beauty of cover crops, including winter cereals, is they provide soil health benefits while creating excellent feed for livestock.”

Winter cereal option

The most common winter cereal used for planting green is winter rye, but other options are available. When thinking about which winter cereal to plant, determine the planned use and the crop that will follow it. Always plant a winter forage cereal – versus grain type – as they tend to be more winter hardy, leafier and more palatable for livestock feed, says Sedivec.

If the plan is to graze the winter cereal in the fall and again in the spring, the best options are winter rye or winter triticale, advises Sedivec. Both emerge fast in the spring and provide grazing in May, depending on where you’re located. Winter wheat is a slower-growing crop and matures 3 to 4 weeks later than rye. Winter triticale is about 3 to 4 days later than rye as it relates to maturity. However, there are varietal differences in maturation, so visiting with your local NDSU Extension agent or seed sales representative on which variety works best for your area is recommended. Never follow a small grain crop after a winter cereal crop, as contamination of the grain with the winter cereal grain can occur, cautions Meehan. If the plan is to follow the winter cereal with corn or canola, terminate the winter cereal crop two to three weeks prior to seeding the cash crop. This is especially recommended when using winter rye. Soybeans are safe to plant into winter cereals anytime, but be careful with water management, as winter cereals use water and in times of drought can suppress the yield.

Grazing winter cereal before seeding a crop

If the goal is to graze the winter cereal in the fall, spring or both, the best option is winter rye or winter triticale, depending on subsequent crop. Although the recommended time for seeding winter cereals is early- to mid-September, if soil moisture conditions are good, seeding in August also is an option.

Fall grazing can occur once the plant reaches heights of 6 to 8 inches. The longer producers wait to turn out livestock, the more forage will be available to graze. It is safe to graze winter rye down to a stubble height of 1 to 2 inches, but only graze winter triticale to a stubble height of 3 inches.

Research at NDSU found the fall grazing of winter rye did not impact the forage production of ground cover or stands the following spring. Winter rye is more winter hardy than winter triticale in the northern states.

Spring grazing should start when the plants reach a height of 6 to 8 inches. Once winter rye or triticale reach this stage, growth is fast and can reach the heading stage within three weeks. Cattle will become more selective and performance declines once the plants reach the heading stage. Strip grazing is recommended to increase harvest efficiency and distribution of manure and urine.

Haying winter cereal before seeding a crop

Although all winter cereal options can be hayed, winter wheat provides the best quality feed with good tonnage, says Sedivec. Winter wheat is higher in crude protein and lower in lignin, creating a more palatable, high quality feed for livestock. Winter triticale tends to be higher in digestible energy, while winter rye lowest in protein and energy. Both winter rye and triticale should be harvested at the early heading

Winter cereal crops provide forage for livestock, soil health benefits

stage to maintain quality. When harvested at the seed development stage, both are best fed as a grinding hay.

Although winter wheat is the best option for hay, it reaches the heading stage two to three weeks later than rye and triticale. With the later maturity, producers will be limited in options to seed a second crop, especially in the northern states with a shorter growing season.

Good crop options following winter wheat include warmseason forages such as sorghum-sudan hybrids and foxtail millet, and a full-season cover crop. These options create an opportunity for a second hay crop or late summer grazing.

“Although the grazing and haying season for 2024 is well underway, planning winter cereal options should begin soon,” says Meehan. “Base your decision on your planned use (graze versus hay) and subsequent crop to follow. Winter cereals are a great option to supplement your forage system while building and protecting the soil.”

For more information on annual forage options that can be used in cover crop mixtures for livestock grazing and/or hay production, visit ndsu.ag/wintercereals.

North Dakota leaders experience

4-H livestock showmanship

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B6

New Town, coached by Bailey Hokanson, Williams County Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for NDSU Agriculture, Fargo, coached by Haley Mcleod, Ranson County

Senator Jeff Barta, District 43, Grand Forks, coached by Graesen Helgoe, Pembina County

NDSU Extension, the North Dakota 4-H Foundation and the North Dakota State Fair sponsored the event.

Our Advertising Deadline for the October 2024 issue of

will be October 2nd. Phone us at (406) 271-5533

Needing an irrigation or stock water project design?

Irrigation designs based on planted crops, soil texture, and available water.

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Random Origin

National Geographic Magazine

In January 1888, thirtythree men (including worldrenowned explorers, military officers, academics, bankers, and mapmakers) met at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., to organize a group whose mission was to “increase geographical knowledge.” Two weeks later the National Geographic Society was officially established, and the first issue of National Geographic Magazine was published in September 1888. It was a dry, academic journal, but still attracted readers thanks to photographs from exotic places as well as maps and archaeology reports.

It didn’t become the magazine it is today until Alexander Graham Bell was named president of the society in 1897. Among Bell’s innovations: He had the magazine printed on thick paper so it felt more like a book, devised the yellow-trimmed photographic cover, and solicited rollicking firsthand accounts from explorers like Robert Peary and Ernes Shackleton. He also realized that the magazine’s strength was showcasing photos. By 1908 photos took up half of the magazine, and even more than that after National Geographic ran color images in the early 1930s. By 1950 it was one of the top 10 mostread magazines in the world. It now reaches more than 50 million readers every month.

TRUCKS FOR SALE

1972 International 4300 12-yard dump truck.

Freightliner with Cat 450 hp, 5th wheel, good tires.

Transtar II 400 Cummins Big Cam II.

40-ft. utility flatbed 5th wheel trailer.

Farmbed 42-ft. trailer, roll tarp.

Mack RL700L V8, 5th wheel. 1974 IHC 1600 truck, 16-ft. grain box with hoist.

GMC 6000 truck, 16-ft. grain box with hoist.

Ford 750 truck, 16-ft. grain box with hoist.

1978 International 1700 truck, 5 yard dump. 1967 Ford 600 truck, 16-ft. bulk box, 20” belt.

1978 Chevrolet C60 line truck, 5000 lb. crane, 40-ft. boom.

1959 Chevrolet C60 truck, 16-ft. bulk box, 24” belt.

1978 GMC C70 tandem, 20-ft. grain box with hoist.

1982 Chevrolet tandem, 20-ft. bulk box, self unload.

1974 Chevrolet C65 tandem, 20-ft. bulk box, self unload.

1954 GM military 21/2-ton truck with 5th wheel, 302.

1956 GM military 21/2-ton truck with 1200x20 tires.

Lots of truck tires with wheels.

Lots of trucks for restoration.

Lots of bumper pull trailers.

Lots of trucks not listed. Phone

www.hovenequipment.com

Great Falls Sales:

James – 868-2570; Will – 590-0372

Lewistown Sales: Anna – 231-4251; Xavier – 707-0138

SPRAYERS

CONSTRUCTION

Bobcat E42 Mini Excavator. stk# 29370. $85,250 (G)

Bobcat E35 Mini Excavator, 33 hp. stk# 29371. $82,650 (G)

Let us show you what we can do for your bottom line with this NH 310 sprayer fully equipped with the latest Weed-It Technology.

New Holland SP310F sprayer, 1200 gallon, Weed-It System, Mono Boom, 120-ft., 5-way nozzles, auto rinse, ISO, Full GPS. stk# 24818. (L)

SWATHERS

New Holland 260 Plus swather with 416 header, 22 mph, full GPS, cold weather pack. stk# 28658. (L)

New Holland 260 swather, full GPS, DLX cab, suspended axle/cab, single caster, LED lights, DLX mirrors, 419 header. stk# 25673. (L)

New Holland 260 swather, GPS complete, high speed, 600# weight, 419 header attached. stk# 27182. (L)

Vermeer TM1410 swing tongue with floats, 2 remotes, electric, hydraulic kits, 1000 PTO. stk# 29072. (G)

AIR CART

HEADERS

Bobcat E35 Mini Excavator, 25 hp. stk# 29373.

$73,900 (G)

Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loader. stk# 29377. $89,900 (G)

Bobcat T740 Compact Track Loader, Power

Bobtach, 7 pin, dual direction bucket positioning, ride control, reverse fan. stk# 29376. $69,900 (G)

Bobcat V518 telehandler, cab, heat, no AC, ROC 5000, 100 hp, 48” forks. stk# 31982. $22,000 (L)

Bobcat S740 Skidsteer. stk# 29380. $60,500 (G)

Bobcat 773 Skidsteer. stk# 31453.$16,500 (G) Case SR250 Skidsteer, joysticks, AC/heat, power attachment. stk# 31622. (G)

Bobcat 5600 Toolcat with 62” bucket. stk# 14953. (G)

Quick Attach Sledge Pounder skidsteer mount. stk# 29228 $3600 (G)

JCB 48” pallet fork. stk# 31522. $850 (G)

Bobcat 55” utility grapple. stk# 31397. (G)

Bobcat 80 dozer blade. stk# 31340.$5965 (G)

Bobcat 8B wood chipper, lightly used, skidsteer attachment, two side attachment, hydraulic drive. stk# 31613 (G)

High Volume 66” bucket, skid steer attachment. stk# 29035. $650 (G)

ROUND BALERS

New Holland RB560 baler, laced belts, ISO monitor, net only, hydraulic ramp, 1000 PTO with cut out clutch. stk# 22242. (L)

New Holland RB560 ISO with monitor, endless belts, net/twine, 1000 PTO. stk# 22245. (L)

Case IH RB565 baler, ISO, laced belts, x-wide pickup, casters, roller windguard, large flotation tires, net/twine. stk# 22476. (L)

Vermeer 605L round baler, twine only, 540 PTO, bale kicker, hay saver wheels. stk# 21490. $8000 (G)

John Deere 569 net/twine, 1000 PTO, large flotation tires, hydraulic kicker. stk# 30997.(L)

John Deere 568 baler, twine, 1000 PTO, roller windguard, large float tires. stk# 31510. $15,500 (G)

Hesston 956A twine only. stk# 9821.$5900 (G)

Hesston 856A stk# 22105 $4900 (G)

SQUARE BALERS

New Holland 340P big square baler, density control, tandem axle, ISO intellview, large 1000 PTO, roller chute, roller windguard. stk# 30935. (G)

MK13LP hopper. stk# 14046. $4500 (G)

TRACTORS

John Deere 9520 tractor, new tires, 4 remotes, buddy seat, Trimble GPS, hydraulic steering. stk# 31467. (L)

Steiger PT225 tractor. stk# 20554.$25,000 (G)

New Holland TS130A tractor with loader/ grapple, Semi powershift, cab, 3 remotes, rear wheel weight, 540/1000 PTO. stk# 31403. (L)

Case IH MX135 tractor, loader & grapple, new tires. stk# 31827. $41,350 (L)

Case 2096 tractor, DuAl 310 loader, 130 hp., 3 rear remotes. stk# 31858. $31,250 (L)

Bobcat CT2025 HST tractor. stk# 29350. $24,000 (L)

Allis-Chalmers 5040 tractor, 40 hp with loader. stk# 31846. (G)

MISCELLANEOUS

Land Pride FDR1548 mower, 3-pt. finish, 48” mower. stk# 25354. $990 (G)

NEW Massey Ferguson 66” grapple. Grapple kit for 82” bucket. stk# 29284. (L) Manitou 96” grapple bucket. Mount for New Holland/Gehl/Manitou. stk# 22839.$5888 (G)

72” bucket. stk# 26358. $700 (G)

Danuser F8 heavy duty digger with 12” bit. stk# 18366. $1200 (G)

Danuser 200173 18” rock auger bit with 2” hex head. stk# 29016 $1800 (G) Woods BS3044E balespear. stk# 23716. $600 (G) Toro 34225 stand on spreader. stk# 25200. $5000 (G)

RAKES

NEW New Holland 1631 rake, 16 wheel high capacity, single side opening, 60”, rear tandems, rear hydraulic opening. stk# 28671.(G)

New Holland 230 7 bar, hydraulic rake. stk# 28667. (L)

New Holland HT154 12 wheel rake, needs 2 new tires. stk# 31739. $9500 (G)

Vermeer 2300 hydraulic basket rake. stk# 31803. $19,000 (L)

Vermeer R2300 rake. stk# 8029. (G)

Hesston 12 wheel rake. stk# 30919.$15,000 (L)

Morris 9650 air cart, Loup Elite monitors, 17” dual fan, 10” hydraulic assist auger with extension hopper, full bin, LED lights, 4 course, 4 medium, 1 fine seed plates. stk# 30154.(L)

BALE PROCESSORS

Haybuster 2650 processor. stk# 30759. $18,000 (G)

Haybuster S2000 square bale processor. stk# 31321. $9900 (G)

Vermeer BPX9010 R&S processor, 1000 PTO, right hand discharge. stk# 29565. (L)

Vermeer BPX9010R processor. stk# 29561.(L)

Vermeer BPX8000 round only. stk# 11189. $17,000 (G)

Bale King 5100 processor, round only, right hand discharge. stk# 29070 $14,900 (G)

MacDon FD140D header. stk# 31005 (G) MacDon FD75D header, 40-ft. flex draper with John Deere adapter. stk# 31941. (G) MacDon PW8 pickup header, 16-ft. wide. stk# 31025. (G)

TILLAGE

Gates 84-ft. Magnum 5 bar harrow, 26x9/16 teeth with carbides, hydraulic tine adjust., excellent condition. stk# 31435. (G) McFarLane HD30 harrow, 30-ft. charted chain drag harrows. stk# 31634. $7500 (L)

NEW Kirchner 8-ft plow, Cat II, 3-pt. unit with 16” sweeps. stk# 30802. (L) 9-ft. V-plow. stk# 26357. $700 (G) John Deere 18-ft. planer, 14 pin control, carbide teeth, high flow. stk# 31623. (G)

New Holland SF115 sprayer. stk# 28655.

$12,000 (G)

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THERE’S NO SECOND CHANCE WITH A SEED TREATMENT.

The best harvests start with a seed treatment — but not just any seed

Albaugh has been delivering specialized solutions to growers in the PNW for more than a decade. From single active ingredients to custom blends, you’ll get the right seed treatment for the right acre — and give your bottom line a lift.

When too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing

by Kathryn Markham, ARS Office of Communications

As farmers grapple with worsening drought, they have begun to explore ways to grow crops with less water. One strategy they’ve started to use in recent years is limited irrigation, in which crops still receive some water via irrigation, but less than the full amount needed. The approach brings many questions, foremost among them: when you change one input, what should you do with the others?

After water, one of the most important elements that plants need is the nitrogen that fertilizes them, supporting their growth. But how much nitrogen should farmers provide to plants that are getting less water? One idea is that farmers should reduce the amount of fertilizer proportionally to the reduction in water. However, many farmers, fearing the harm that reduced water might cause to their crops, leave nitrogen levels higher, in the hope that the extra fertilizer will partially offset the problems caused by the decreased water levels. A team of ARS scientists set out to examine how changes in the levels of water and nitrogen interact, and what that may mean for farmers who want to do right by their crops, their pocketbooks, and the environment.

In a recent paper, they examined the effects of applying different levels of water and fertilizer, comparing the results for yields, nitrogen runoff, greenhouse gas emissions, and more. What they found was in some ways surprising.

In multiple experiments, the team discovered that even a little extra nitrogen can hurt yield. As a result, they came to recommend not applying more than the minimum amount of nitrogen needed by the crop when limiting irrigation, especially as fertilizer gets more expensive.

“You are basically leaving a pool of nitrogen behind that will get into the environment one way or another,” said researcher Louise Comas, a research plant physiologist at the Water Management and Systems Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO

“It’s a double negative for the producer,” she added. “They are paying for nitrogen, and as those costs go up, CONTINUED ON PAGE B16

GREYN FERTILIZER

2018 John Deere F4365 with AB485 twin bin air system, 70-ft. booms, Gen 4 Integrated Display, tarp, Lincoln lube system, LED field lights $208,000

2017 TerraGator TG8400B dry floater, diesel engine, CVT transmission, AirMax Precision dry air flow system, 70-ft. stainless steel boom, single product, electric roll over tarp, Viper 4, autosteer, 3245 hours. $136,000

2015 TerraGator 8400B, 3222 hours, Raven Viper Pro, New Leader L4000G4 MultApplier dry box. $125,000

1200 gallon stainless steel liquid system, 120-ft. boom, stainless steel chemical inductor, Vogelsang A17387 front fill, 710/70R42 flotation tires, 4421 hours.......$119,000

2017 John Deere F4365 Hi-Capacity Nutrient Applicator, 3435 hours, John Deere 9.0L diesel engine, IVT transmission, AutoTrac guidance, Starfire 6000 receiver, DN495 MultiApplier. $186,000 2014 Case IH

2018 Case Titan 4540, 2745 hours, Case FLX 810 triple bin air bed, 70-ft. boom, variable rate capability, Raven Viper 4 controller, Auto Steer, electric roll tarp.

SELL YOUR EQUIPMENT IN THIS SPACE!!!

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Big Bud 600/50 110 gpm, hydraulics new, new 900/32 tires, set up for air dill.

$280,000

Versatile 275 sprayer, 100-ft. booms, 1500 gallon stainless steel tank, 1800 hours.

Honey Bee 36-ft. header with transport.

$100,000 obo

2014 Brandt 1020 grain cart, hydraulic drive but can easily be made PTO.

John Deere 8650 PTO, 3 point, 20.8-38 duals, 6870 hours.

2021 Neville Built triple axle hopper trailer, steel, roll tarp, as new.

Myer’s Model M435 manure spreader, excellent condition.

Brandt 10-70 swing auger, as new.

Chandler pull type fertilizer spreader, as new.

$20,000

$50,000

$32,000

$60,000

$48,000

$30,000

$40,000

When too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B14

they’re paying for something that’s actually hurting their bottom line.”

In their experiments, the researchers tried to minimize nitrogen loss, applying the fertilizer over time, in multiple separate, small installments.

“The advantage of doing a split application is that you’re matching to plant demand. Broadcasting typically goes on fairly early, either before planting or when the plants are pretty small, so there’s less ability for the plant to take up the nitrogen, and a larger risk of loss,” said Catherine Stewart, a research soil scientist at the Soil Management and Sugarbeet Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO.

The results suggested that with nitrogen levels appropriately matched, the reduced water systems might offer some benefits. “We do see with deficit irrigation, and also with drip, that we have less greenhouse gas emissions than with other systems,” Stewart said.

$65,000

2010 John Deere 1835 air drill with 1910 tow behind cart 430 bushel, 60-ft., 10” spacing with mid row banders.

John Deere 1650 60-ft. chisel plow with harrows.

John Deere 9420 tractor, 1900 hours, standard shift set up to pull air drill.

2013 New Holland T6030 tractor with Degelman blade, 355 hours.

$45,000

$168,000

$135,000 Ford 7000 tractor with loader and New snow blower, good over all condition. Loader is rough.

Versatile 145 with Degelman blade.

Big Bud HN250 needs tires, original Cummins engine with 13 speed.

$25,000

$8,500

$30,000

Financing Available on approved credit Phone 406-262-0054

The team also investigated subsurface leaching of nitrate, and found 30% more nitrogen deep in the soil profile (30-90 cm) at the end of the season under limited water availability than under full water availability. This result, they said, emphasizes the need to get fertilizer requirements right no matter what the water availability, in order to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment; their findings could play a role in a future revision of nitrogen recommendations.

For now, though, there are still many questions about how best to navigate a world of reduced inputs.

Our patented, dust-free, and low salt granular calcium-sulfate fertilizer is unlike anything else on the market. Our specialized fertilizer helps crops reach their fullest yield potential by providing plant-available nutrition when the crops need it most. Plus, it improves the overall health of your soil.

Comas noted that plants currently get about half their nitrogen needs met through naturally-occurring soil processes — processes the team would like to better understand.

“How plants interact through their root systems, how they support microbes, and how the nitrogen and water interact with the carbon coming in from plants in these processes, is a very important part of this equation,” she said. “What we’d like in the end is to fertilize less and to be able to harness those natural processes more.”

The team is looking into these additional questions in collaboration with researchers at Colorado State University.

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And, as their exploration continues, the researchers are finding ever more complexity in the web of interactions that drives plant growth and wellbeing. “One of the things that we’re learning is that there’s a background timing, independent of the management of water and nitrogen,” said Comas. “There is a seasonal component to that nitrogen mineralization that may work better for some crops than others—but we have a lot more to learn.”

#####

Teacher: Tommy, can you tell us where the Declaration of Independence was signed?

Tommy: Yes, ma’am. At the bottom.

#####

Felix: What kind of candy do you find at a school?

Max: I don’t know. What kind?

Felix: Nerds and Smarties.

A group of our friends from church were planning a picnic, and it sounded like fun. The only problem was that times had been a bit tight for me, as I was a single mother with four children. What did I have that we could contribute to the picnic? Then a thought struck. I could make a cherry pie!

A friend had given me a quart of canned cherries that would make a very nice pie filling. So I prepared the crust, thickened the cherries, and put the pie together. When it came out of the oven, it looked so good and the aroma was wonderful. At the picnic, my fiance, Stu, was the first to take a

bite of my pie. I saw a puzzled look go across his face. Then he began to spit out cherry pits. It had not occurred to me someone would can cherries without pitting them first. How embarrassing! Well, he married me anyway. And the cherry pie has been an inside joke for the past 48 years.

2011 SiDumpR sidedump, 3 axle, electric tarp. Rental Unit

2024 Nebraska Make It With Wool Contest

By Andrea Nisley, UNL

Enter the Make It With Wool Contest! The object of the contest is to promote the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics and yarns; to encourage personal creations in sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning, and weaving of wool fabrics and yarns; and to recognize creative skills.

Earlier this year, Sydni Ringenberg of Lexington and Greta Rickertsen of Lexington were victorious in the 2024 National Make It Wool Contest in Fort Worth, Texas. Senior Division contestant, Sydni Ringenberg was 1st runner-up in the National Senior Division and Junior Division contestant, Greta Rickertsen, was in the top 10 placement in the Junior Division.

The 2024 State Make It With Wool Contest will be November 23 at Lexington Middle School, 1100 N Washington, NE beginning at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to the public Fashion Show at 1:00 p.m.

The divisions determined by age as of January 1, 2024 (national rule), are as follows: Preteen – age 12 and under, Junior – age 13 to 16, Senior – age 17 to 24, Adult – age 25 and over, and Made For Others.

For more information, contact the Nebraska State Director: Andrea Nisley, P.O. Box 757, Lexington, NE 68850 (phone 308-325-6498) anisley1@unl.edu or the District Directors. District Directors include District I – Doris Rush of Scottsbluff, 308-635-0156 and Rosalene Tollman of Marsland, 308-665-2415; District II – TBA; and District III –Beth Andrews of Hampton, 402-725-3302.

The entry form, state brochure and national wool contest guidelines are posted on Dawson County Extension’s website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/ dawson/. Entry forms, fees, wool samples and wool testing fees are due October 15, 2024 to Andrea Nisley. The fabrics/yarns used for the wool contest must be 100% wool or wool blend (minimum 60% wool or specialty wool fiber) for each fashion fabric or yarn used. Specialty wool fibers include alpaca, angora, camel, cashmere, llama, mohair, and vicuna.

More information is available on the National Make It With Wool website: www.makeitwithwool.com. The National Make It With Wool Contest also has a Fashion/Apparel Design Competition for college students who are currently enrolled in a college-level fashion or apparel design program. Entry deadline is November 1st for the Fashion/Apparel Design Competition. Information, criteria, how to enter and deadline information is given on the National Make It With Wool website.

#####

Dad: “Can I have a play by Shakespeare?”

Bookstore clerk: “Of course, sir! Which one were you looking for?”

Dad: “William”

#####

Why were the dark ages so dark?

Too many knights. #####

I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey.

But then I turned myself around.

Cashing in on your calf crop: Adding value at the auction block

By Jessica L. Sperber, Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist

As we near the feedlot fall run and cow/ calf producers market their calves at the highest prices received to date, every additional pound of gain has greater profit potential.

Profitability and feasibility vary from operation to operation, and producers should invest in management and nutritional strategies that will work for their specific operation. Developing a marketing plan that evaluates different management decisions, health protocols, and programs is essential to identify what is most profitable for each independent operation.

How can cow/calf producers add additional value to their future calf crops?

Merck Animal Health, in conjunction with Superior Livestock Auction and Drs. Tonsor and Renter of Kansas State University, compiled data on 898,500 calves averaging 571 lb at time of sale from January to December 2023, consisting of 7,612 lots with an average US national price received of $2.63/lb. The Superior Auctions data set explores the impact of genetics, health, and

management factors that impact the price received on 5-weight calves at time of sale.

Steers consistently receive a higher dollar value compared to heifers, with 5-weight steers receiving an additional $26.33/cwt over heifers. Much of the spread in steer and heifer-calf pricing is driven by the historical reluctance of the feedyard sector to feed heifers, although, with the tightened feeder cattle supply in the US, heifers are currently receiving equal live and dressed pricing as steers in the fat cattle market.

It is evident from pricing data that cattle buyers prefer polled calves that are medium to medium-large in frame. Polled calves/no horns consistently bring a premium in the ring, returning an additional value of $17/ head over calves with horns present. Medium to medium-large frame calves returned $22/head over calves with small frame.

Genetic merit impacts cattle buyer willingness to pay. For example, for 5-weight calves marketed through Superior Livestock Auctions, calves that were marketed with

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the Superior Progressive Genetics Program claim returned $20/ head more than calves marketed without the claim. The Superior Progressive Genetics program identifies load lots of calves that are sired by top genetics in the US beef industry. Heterosis offers value in terminal cattle, specifically when crossing British breeds (Angus, Hereford) known for their marbling ability with Continental breeds (Charolais, Limousin, Simmental) known for their growth potential and increased yield.

With reduced beef cow numbers and cattle supply tightening, every additional pound of gain on the calf at time of sale matters. The use of one suckling calf implant administered after 2 months of age results in 23 lb of additional gain at time of sale. Using the 2023 national average price received of $2.63/lb, implanting with one suckling calf implant that costs ~$1.50 per dose, returns $59/head or $10.33/cwt.

If producers forgo the use of a suckling calf implant to enroll in a Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) program or Global Animal Partnership (GAP) program, the average return for NHTC and GAP program calves, compared to calves not enrolled in either program, was $37/head for NHTC and $25/head for GAP.

Cow can cow/calf producers add additional value to their calves when marketing this fall?

A healthy calf is a profitable calf, and proper nutrition and supplementation are important for calf performance. An additional 30 to 60 pounds can be gained prior to time of sale via creep feeding. There are various types of creep feed systems, including: grain-based high energy, limit-fed high protein, and high-quality forage creep. Producers should calculate their cost of gain when analyzing the profitability of creep feeding, to ensure that the value received for additional pounds of gain overcome the cost of the feed. Producers can utilize https://beef.unl.edu/ calculating-value-of-gain to better understand value of gain. With calf prices being exceptionally high for the 2024 fall run, there is a greater likelihood that management strategies, like creep feeding, return a profit.

Value-added health programs influence calf profitability and producers should inquire with their veterinarian about programs available. Pre-conditioned calves consistently top the market and implementing weaning prior to shipping is favored.

As feeder calf prices increase, don’t forget about best management practices– every additional pound gained comes with increased value.

MACHINE & SUPPLY

Dawson County Fair 4-H beef results

The Dawson County Fair Beef Show is always a crowd favorite and didn’t disappoint this year. KRVN, as they did the last two years, provided live streaming, and enabled viewers to see the 4-H’ers show their beef animals at this year’s Dawson County 4-H Fair. The show was also open to the public. As the 4-H Beef Show Friday got underway, the 4-H’ers and their beef projects entered the ring together. Dave DeAngelis, Colorado State University graduate and in the judging world for many years, and this year’s Dawson County livestock judge, looked them over, observed how they moved together, and tested the 4-H’ers knowledge skills. He placed them according to his accumulative observations as he saw them, and these are the results:

Showmanship

Junior Division – A purple ribbon and the trophy winner in the Junior Division went to Riggs McConville, Lexington. Other Purples: Klay Ahlenstorf, Cozad; Augustus Barnes Gothenburg; Gabrielle Caraway, Lexington; Jameson Curran, Lexington; Mylo Jacobson, Cozad; Owen Lassen, Overton; Alexandra Rickertsen , Lexington; Clay Terrell, Gothenburg; Megan Walahoski and Grant Walahoski , Overton.

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Intermediate Division – Paige Walahoski, Overton received the Intermediate Showmanship trophy and a purple ribbon. Other purples: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg; Hailey Jensen, Cozad; Meagan Lassen, Overton; Brantley Malcom, Cozad; Levi Martin, Bristol McConville, and Lorelai Rickertsen, all of Lexington.

Senior Division – Receiving the Senior Showmanship trophy and a purple ribbon was Parker Walahoski, Overton. Other purples: Lizzie David, Brady; Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; Braelyn Malcom, Cozad; Layla Mariel, Lexington; Trina Pearson, Brady; Greta Rickertsen, Jaelin Wolfinger, and Jacie Wolfinger, all of Lexington.

Breeding beef

British Breeds

British breeds consist of Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn. The Champion British Breed and a purple ribbon were awarded to Lizzie David, Brady; on her Shorthorn yearling; with the Reserve Champion going to Klay Ahlenstorf, Cozad; with a blue ribbon on his Hereford yearling.

Continental/Composite Breeds

Continental/Composite breeds are represented by the Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Simmental, Shorthorn +, Chi-maine, Mainetainer, Balancer, and SimGenetics breeds.

Champion Continental/Composite Breed heifer went to Gabrielle Caraway (L) for her Maine Angus entry, and the Reserve Champion to Hailey Jensen, Cozad, with a crossbred heifer. The other purple ribbon winners were Braelyn Malcom, Cozad; and Trina Pearson, Brady. Blues: Augustus Barnes X 2, Gothenburg and Levi Martin, Lexington.

Commercial & Xbreds

This class is represented by all other breeds and all crossbred heifers. The Champion Commercial/Xbred was awarded to Layla Mariel, Lexington; and the Reserve Champion was awarded to Alexandra Rickertsen, Lexington. A blue ribbon went to Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg.

Continental Breed – Summer Heifer

This class is represented by heifers calved July and August 2023. The purple ribbon and class winner was Grant Walahoski, Overton, with his Gelbvieh heifer.

Continental Breed – Spring Heifer

These two classes are represented by heifers calved March and April 2023. The purple ribbon and class winner for the first class was Owen Lassen, Overton, with his Maintainer heifer. Other purple ribbon winners were Paige Walahoski, Overton; Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington; and Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington.

The second class winner was Meagan Lassen, Overton, with her Maintainer heifer. Other purple ribbon winners were Bristol McConville, Lexington, Trina Pearson, Brady; and Megan Walahoski, Overton.

Continental Breed – Winter Heifer

This class is represented by heifers calved January and February 2023. The purple ribbon and class winner was Trina Pearson, Brady, with her Simmental heifer. Also earning a purple ribbon was Grant Walahoski, Overton, with his Gelbevieh heifer.

Continental Breed – Late Fall Heifer

This class is represented by heifers calved November and December 2023. The purple ribbon and class winner was Grant Walahoski, Overton, with his Gelbvieh heifer. The Grand Champion Continental Breed Champion was

Garden Pests

Aphids

Greenfly and blackfly aphids attack a wide range of outdoor and greenhouse plants, trees, and shrubs.

Their color varies from green, black, or reddish to almost white or bluish.

The body is plump semitransparent, winged or wingless. They often exude a sticky honeydew on which a sooty mold grows.

All are sucking insects and may carry diseases.

They usually attack the underside of the leaves or the tips of shoots, but they can also attack the roots of some plants.

Early detection and action is essential. Leaf-curling, malformation, and discoloration occurs soon after an attack.

A more-to-less-organic way of controlling aphids is to make a garlic tea by crushing and then boiling a few bulbs. Allow to cool and then spray. Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to the mixture brew to assist adhesion.

Don’t throw out old soap bars; melt them down in hot water and put them in a spray bottle to use in the greenhouse. The result is an effective aphid-killer.

Proprietary sprays such as malathion, nicotine, derris, or pyrethrum can be used, making sure that the insects are covered. Systemic insecticides can also be used.

On fruit trees, use a winter egg-killing spray.

Root infestations are best dealt with by pulling up the root stumps as soon as possible and burning them.

To get rid of greenflies on roses, in the spring, crush a clove of garlic and bury it at the roots of the rosebush.

A simple way of removing greenflies and larvae from plants is to use strips of stick tape. If placed lightly on a leaf or stem, it lifts the pests off without the tape sticking to the plant.

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Two students were arguing when their teacher entered the classroom. The teacher says, “Why are you arguing?” One boy answers, “We found a ten dollar bill and decided to give it to whoever tells the biggest lie.” “You should be ashamed of yourselves,” said the teacher, “When I was your age I didn’t even know what a lie was.” The boys gave the ten dollars to the teacher.

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Teacher: “Name a bird with wings but can’t fly.” Student: “A dead bird, sir.”

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Dawson County Fair 4-H beef results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C2

Owen Lassen of Overton and the Reserve Champion Continental Breed Champion was Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington. Overall Champion breeding heifer went to Gabrielle Caraway, Lexington; with the Reserve Champion going to Owen Lassen, Overton.

Cow-calf pairs

The Cow-Calf class was started multiple years ago and designed for 4-H’ers to show their beef projects beyond the first year as they retain their animals in the home herd. Only heifers that have been shown as either a bucket calf, feeder calf or breeding beef project from a prior 4-H year are eligible.

Class 923001 (Calves born in 4-24) – Purple: Dallee Barnes X 2, Gothenburg.

Class 923001 (Calves born in 3-24) – Purple: Lizzie David, Brady; Augustus Barnes X 2, Gothenburg; and Mylo Jacobson, Cozad.

Class 923001 (Calves born in 1 & 2-24) Purple: Greta Rickertsen, Lorelai Rickertsen, and Jaelin Wolfinger, all of Lexington.

The Overall Cow-Calf Grand Champion was Lizzie David, Brady; and the Overall Reserve Champion Cow-Calf Class winner went to Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington.

Market beef steers

Class 2A (634 lbs.) - Purple: Klay Ahlenstorf, Cozad.

Class 3A (1012-1168 lbs.) – Purples: Jameson Curran and Alex Rickertsen, both of Lexington. Blue: Brantley Malcom, Cozad.

Class 4A (1202-1232 lbs.) – Purples: Gabrielle Caraway, Bristol McConville, Riggs McConville, and Lorelai Rickertsen, all of Lexington and Clay Terrell, Cozad.

Class 5A (1318-1368 lbs.) – Purples: Layla Mariel, Lexington; Braelyn Malcom, Cozad; Trina Pearson, Brady; Greta Rickertsen and Parker Walahoski X 2, both of Lexington.

Champion Market Steer Winner – Trina Pearson, Brady was the Champion winner and Clay Terrell, Gothenburg, was the Reserve Market Steer winner.

Bred & Fed

The Bred & Fed Division is a unique set of steers that are born and raised by the 4-H-ers.

Class 6A - Bred & Fed (1022 lbs. – 1162 lbs.) – Purples: Lizzie David, Brady; and Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg. Blues: Augustus Barnes, and Hailey Jensen, both of Cozad.

Class 7A - Bred & Fed (1234 lbs. – 1394 lbs.) – Purples: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg and Trina Pearson, Brady. Blue: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg.

Class 9A – Bred & Fed (1554 lbs.) – Purple: Greta Rickertsen, Lexington.

The Champion Bred & Fed Steer was awarded to Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; and the Reserve Champion Bred & Fed Steer award went to Lizzie David, Brady.

Market beef heifers

Class 1A (1038-1216 lbs.) – Purples: Gabrielle Caraway, Lexington; Meagan Lassen, Overton; Lexi Johnson, Gothenburg; and Owen Lassen, Overton. The Champion Market Heifer was owned by Gabrielle Caraway, Lexington; and the Reserve Champion Heifer was owned by Meagan Lassen, Overton.

Overall Grand Champion market beef winner - The judge’s choice for Overall Grand Champion market animal in the beef show was owned by Trina Pearson, Brady. The Reserve Champion market beef was owned by Clay Terrell, Gothenburg.

Club group of 5 - The top place purple ribbon and club name on a plaque, went to Tail Twisters 4-H Club, Gothenburg. Another purple ribbon was awarded to Horseshoe Bend 4-H Club, Gothenburg for their pen of five. A third purple ribbon was awarded to the 100th Meridian 4-H Club.

Top rate of gain: - All market beef entries had their rate of gains calculated. Rate of gain is determined by taking the end weight on entry day and subtracting the beginning weight. Then calculating the number of days between the two weigh dates and dividing the net weight gain by that number of days to come up with the number of pounds gained per day. Rate of Gain or ROG.

The top four Rate of Gains were then recognized. Layla Mariel, Lexington was this year’s top winner with ROG’s and end weights on her steer of 3.55 on 1338 lbs. In second place was Lorelai Rickertsen, Lexington; with her steer’s ROG of 3.00 on 1202 lbs. Third place was held by Greta Rickertsen, Lexington; with her steer’s ROG of 2.98 and end weight of 1554 lbs. Fourth place of 2.95 ROG on a steer weight of 1162 lbs. went to Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

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Never bet on a dead horse or a live woman.

– Jim Murray

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Never attempt to teach a horse to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the horse.

– Gerd De Ley

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Never spur a willing horse. – Texan Proverb

By Joe Zeleznik, Forester, NDSU Extension

I moved to North Dakota in September of 2002. During my last week in East Lansing, Michigan, I was having a drink with a colleague who’s a forest entomologist. She had been on a conference call all afternoon, where they were discussing a new insect that they had just identified in the Detroit area. They called it emerald ash borer (EAB).

My friend said, “It’s going to be a bad one.

Here we are, 22 years later, and the insect has finally been confirmed in North Dakota in rural LaMoure County.

Last week’s find, nine miles north of Edgeley, shouldn’t come as a surprise. We always knew it would get here. We just didn’t know when or where it would arrive.

The find, in some respects, is a bit anti-climactic, at least for me. Along with colleagues from the North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), we’ve been doing a lot of education and outreach over the years. We’ve received dozens of calls and emails each year, asking us to check out trees that were suspected of being infested with the insect.

And every time we checked, there was no EAB to be found until last week

After the discovery of EAB in Moorhead, Minnesota, in February 2023, we expected to find the insect in the Fargo area this year. Despite our best efforts, we still haven’t seen it in eastern North Dakota, and there are a lot of people looking for it.

How did it get to LaMoure County?

Our best guess is that the insect came in on firewood, or perhaps it hitchhiked a ride on somebody’s vehicle. But that’s just an educated guess. We don’t know for sure and we probably never will.

Regardless of how it arrived, it’s here. Our next step is to figure out how widespread it is in the local area. That’s this week’s job. And next week’s job. And the week after that, and the week after that, and so forth.

The initial find has been made and it will be the first of CONTINUED ON PAGE C7

The waiting is over, EAB

many.

I emailed my friend in East Lansing after the find was announced. She wished me luck and offered any help that we might need. I appreciate it.

I’m also grateful for the local experts in LaMoure County who are working that angle. The county NDSU Extension agent and the Soil Conservation District manager have been getting the word out and have fielded calls from concerned residents. Over the next few months, we’ll be doing more scouting and also holding educational workshops. There’s a lot to know about this pest. A few things to consider: EAB is deadly to ash trees – those in the genus Fraxinus. Mountain-ash trees are in the genus Sorbus and won’t be affected at all.

Insecticide injections are highly effective against EAB, and one particular chemical has a two-to-three-year residual within the tree. Treatments next spring will more effective than those applied now, just a few weeks before autumn starts.

On its own, EAB usually spreads to the next-closest ash tree, but can fly up to 10 miles. In infested firewood, EAB can move hundreds of miles. Please don’t move firewood. If you think your ash tree might be infested with EAB, you can contact the NDDA through their Report A Pest website at: www.ndda.nd.gov/reab, or you can email them at ReportAPest@nd.gov. Please provide good pictures from a variety of angles, if you can. Of course, you can also contact your county NDSU Extension agent. These folks are great resources.

After 22 years of wondering and worrying, it’s finally here. To be honest, I was expecting to find it in 2015. I’m glad I was wrong.

#####

Joe: What’s the king of all school supplies?

Moe: I don’t know. What?

Joe: The ruler.

#####

Stevie: Hey, Mom, I got a hundred in school today!

Mom: That’s great. What in?

Stevie: A 40 in Reading and a 60 in Spelling.

#####

Nate: Why was school easier for cave people? Kate: Why? Nate: Because there was no history to study!

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#####

Teacher: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?

Donald: H-I-J-K-L-MN-O.

Teacher: What are you talking about?

Donald: Yesterday you said it was H to O.

#####

Teacher: Daniel, I’ve had to send you to the principal every day this week. What do you have to say for yourself?

Daniel: I’m glad it’s Friday!

Pricing silage

By Shannon Sand, UNL

Silage is a cornerstone feed for Nebraska livestock producers, and its price is a critical factor in operation profitability. Determining a fair market value for silage involves several considerations.

UNL research has shown that corn silage priced standing in the field before harvest should be valued at 7.65 x the price per bushel of corn where a ton of corn silage is harvested at 60-65% moisture. This multiplier value is consistent regardless of corn price. As of August 20, 2024, December, corn for the West Central part of Nebraska is estimated to be at $3.71 per bushel. Corn at $3.71x$7.65=$28.38 per ton. This accounts for harvest grain price, not having to combine or haul grain to market, increased grain price due to storage and the cost of silage storage.

When estimating costs in the silo, harvest, hauling and packing expenses can vary. The 2024 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates publication showed an average custom rate of $15.13 per ton. At $28.38 per ton in the field plus $15.10 per ton for harvesting, hauling, and packing we come out to $43.48 per ton in the pile. When $3 per ton is added for storage expense, the price per ton is $46.48.

When valuing silage out of storage and into the bunk, remember the ensiling process will cause shrink and dry matter loss from 10-20% or more from when silage is packed into the silo until it is removed to be fed. With 10% dry matter shrink, the value of silage delivered to the bunk would be $51.13 per ton.

Ultimately, the price of silage is a dynamic factor influenced by market conditions, production costs, and more. By utilizing some calculations, Nebraska producers can gain a greater understanding of their operation’s finances.

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A crotchety old golfer was set to tee off when he saw a young boy teeing off right before him. Worried that the young lad might hold him up, he went to the head pro and said, “That boy looks like he’s six years old.” To which the pro responded, “It’s probably better that way. He likely can’t count past ten.”

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2021 John Deere 542C 42-ft. air drill, 7.5” spacing, single shoot, Pro Series spoked gauge wheels, All Run Blockage, 340/60R15 single wing tires, tow behind 1910 cart, SN1A81910HCNF795479. Stock #87427

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2021 John Deere N560C with RelativeFlow™ Blockage monitoring, independent rank lock, tank scales, Capable SeedPlus ready, electric drive with hydraulic air seeder power generation, 33x15.5 - 16.5 in. on MF front, dual 500 on MF rear with walking beam, dual 33x13.5 -16.5 in. on wings, no walk beam spoked gauge wheel -7.5 & 15 inch spacing volumetric, serrated seed closing wheel. Stock #90665

$172,500 (12)

2015 John Deere 1890 60-ft. with 10” spacing, 90 Series openers, mix of spoked and unspoked gauge wheels, mix of smooth and serrated closing wheels, All Run Blockage (JD), 430 tow between cart with Intelligent Ag section control, 12” conveyor with standard hopper. Stock #88790

$217,500 (14)

2012 John Deere 1890 60-ft. no till drill, 10” spacing, single shoot air package for tow between cart, All Run Blockage system for seed, 430 bushel cart, Uniforce down pressure system. Stock #86592

$192,500 (12)

2015 John Deere 1890 60-ft. no-till drill, 7.5” spacing, SS, All Run Blockage, solid gauge wheel, 430 bushel tow behind cart, 3 tank, 8 run, hydraulic drive (section command), 10” fill auger. Stock #90868

$190,000 (12)

2011 John Deere 1890 60-ft. drill with 7.5” spacing, single shoot, 6 run double shoot system, single shoot air package for tow behind cart, All Run Blockage warning system. Stock #83118

$149,000 (1)

2006 John Deere 1890 36-ft. drill with 7.5” spacing, single shoot, All Run Blockage, solid gauge wheels, 270 bushel tow between cart, 8” fill auger. Stock #85261

$140,000 (11)

2012 John Deere 1890 60-ft. drill with 7.5” spacing, 8 run, single shoot, primary blockage, 350 bushel tow behind cart, 12” conveyor, rear duals, ground drive and variable rate. Stock #90382

$132,000 (12)

2010 John Deere 1835 50-ft. drill with 12.5” spacing, 550# trips, 3” rubber press wheels, DBL shoot, drill with midrow banders, rock guards and scrapers, dual wing wheels, primary blockage on seed, no blockage on fertilizer, 430 bushel tow between cart, double shoot, 6 runs, 10” auger, 710/70R38, SN A01910T735486. Stock #89162 $59,000 (14)

2008 Bourgault 5710 Series 2 59-ft. drill, 12” spacing, 5.5” pneumatic press wheels, 2007 tow behind 6550ST 550 bushel 4 tank cart. Currently has 14” sweeps with 6” spreader boots. Set up for organic. Stock #88896

$45,000 (12)

2004 Flexi-Coil 5000/3850 57-ft. drill, 10” spacing, single shoot, steel press wheels, 3850 cart, variable rate, 10” auger. Stock #90314 $42,000 (1)

2020 Lemkin Compact Solitair 9/600K HD 20-ft. drill, 5” spacing, double disk openers, single shoot air system, grain and fertilizer boxes, blockage system.

Stock #90906 $145,000 (15)

2016 Lemkin Compact Solitair 9 20-ft. drill, grain and fertilizer, 3 point hookup. Stock #89944 $115,000 (15)

2023 John Deere 616R with 132-ft. carbon fiber, 20”, CVIII cab, Exact Apply, premium radio, auto solution control, hi-flow pump, 5 sensor boom level, boom air purge, ultimate visibility lights, eductor, ultimate comfort package, Cat I cab filtration, fence row nozzles, skinny tires. Includes 4.0 AT activation, 4600 armrest display, section control, SF6000. Stock #89331

$585,000 (12)

2021 John Deere 616R with 132-ft. carbon fiber, 20”, CVIII cab, Exact Apply, premium radio, AutoSolution control, hiflow pump, 5 sensor boom level, boom air purge, ultimate vis lights, eductor, Ultimate Comfort package, Cat I cab filtration, fence row nozzles, skinny tires. Includes 4.0 AT activation, 4600 armrest display, section control, SF6000. Stock #89240

$499,000 (1)

2022 John Deere 412R 120-ft. 20”, CVIII cab, premium radio, high flow solution pump, AutoSolution control, no Exact Apply, eductor, boom level, boom air purge, ultimate visibility lights, fence row nozzles, 800 float tires (75%) and VF480/80R50s (75%), Includes 4600 with AT activation, SF6000. Stock #89332

$465,000 (14)

2018 John Deere R4045 with 132-ft. carbon fiber, 20” CVIII cab, premium radio, AutoSolution control, Exact Apply, front fill, 5 sensor boom level, boom air purge, LED lights, eductor, leather, fence row nozzles, 800 float tires (75%) and VF480/80R50s (75%) includes 4600 with Command Center premium activation, SF6000. Stock #86870

$369,500 (1)

2015 John Deere R4045 with Command View II Plus cab, guidance, section control, 120-ft. boom with auto boom leveling, stainless steel tank, foam markers, RH and LH fence row nozzles, no eductor, 420/95R50 tires. Stock #86591

$169,000 (12)

2014 John Deere R4038 100-ft, 20” spacing, 1000 gallon, SS, BoomTrac 5, DVII cab, manual solution control, boom air purge, LED lights, 380 tires (65%). Includes SF3000, AT activation, section control. Stock #89239

$180,000 (1)

2012 John Deere 4940 with 120-ft. boom, 15” spacing, 380/105R50 tires, Hi-Flo solution pump, stainless steel plumbing, BoomTrac Pro 5 leveling, SF3000 receiver, AutoTrac and section control activations. Stock #88812......$137,500 (1) Apache AS1010 with 100-ft. booms, (new in 2020), 20” spacing, Raven Viper Pro guidance, 5 zone section control, triple nozzle bodies, 1000 gallon tank. Stock #86087

$85,000 (1)

2004 John Deere 4920 with 120-ft. boom, 20” spacing, 380/105R50 tires, 2600 and brown screens, ITC with Extend, high flow pump, no eductor. Stock #90338

$49,500 (14)

2010 John Deere 4830 100-ft, 20” spacing, 1000 gallon, SS, BoomTrac 5, deluxe cab, eductor, traction control, hydraulic tread adjust, 380/90R46 (50%). Includes 2630 display SF1 activation, section control, SF3000. Stock #89337 $119,000 (4)

2014 Case IH Patriot 2240 with 90-ft., 20” spacing, 600 gallon, SS, Aim Command, 420/85R38 (80%), manual solution, eductor, front fill, AccuBoom height. Stock #84805 $117,500 (2)

2007 Case IH SPX3310 with 90-ft. boom, 20” spacing, stainless tank and plumbing, 6 section Trimble guidance. Stock #89328 $42,500 (1)

2014 Versatile SX280 100-ft. boom with leveling, stainless tank, narrow tires, hydraulic tread adjust, guidance ready, receiver, display, 20” nozzle spacing. Stock #91194 $97,500 (12)

2012 Versatile SX275 with 120-ft. boom with boom leveling, stainless steel tank, narrow tires, hydraulic tread adjust, guidance ready with receiver and display 20” spacing. Stock #86825 $85,000 (14)

2011 Versatile SX275 self propelled sprayer with 120-ft. booms, 1000 gallon tank, Cummins engine, Allison transmission, Raven display with AutoTrac, section control and boom height, air suspension, 380/90R46 tires with rear duals, 3 way nozzle body. Stock #88788

$103,000 (11)

1999 Willmar 7200 with 70-ft. boom, poly tank, narrow tires, hydraulic tread adjust. Stock #87715

$11,500 (14)

2009 Apache AS1010 100-ft. boom, 1000 gallon tank, boom height control, full AutoSteer, 380 tires. Stock #88023

$69,500 (11)

2009 Apache AS1010 100-ft. boom with boom leveling, poly tank, guidance ready, guidance display, 20” nozzle spacing, ViperPro monitor, Trimble GPS. Stock #90939

$57,500 (12)

Origins and traits of common US cattle breeds

Agriculture is an essential part of the US economy. Of the livestock portion, cattle make up the largest fraction. In fact, there are 2.6 million head of beef cattle in Montana alone. That means there are about three head of cattle for every human in the state of Montana. Montana also has 18,000 dairy cows.

The Nebraska Cattle Industry is the state’s single largest industry. Cattle outnumber people 4 to 1 in Nebraska. The cows and the 4.7 million head that are fed there annually total nearly 6.64 million. Cattle sales total more than $6.2 billion a year, and the impact on Nebraska’s economy is unmistakable.

With a relatively small population of 576,851 and 1,240,000 cattle, Wyoming has a ratio of 2.15 cattle per person. The vast, open landscapes of Wyoming provide ample space for cattle ranching, making it an important industry for the state.

In Idaho, the cattle to people ratio Is 1.36 cattle per person. Idaho is famous for potatoes. The Gem State has a strong ranching community and produces nearly twice as many cattle at 2.2 million as humans at 1.6 million.

South Dakota stands out as the state with the highest ratio of cattle to people. With a popula-

tion of 887,770, it has a whopping 3,550,000 cattle, making the ratio an astonishing 4.00 cattle per person. This means there are four times as many cattle in South Dakota as there are people! It’s no surprise that agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy.

North Dakota, with a population of 779,702 and 1,750,000 cattle, boasts a ratio of 2.24 cattle per person. Agriculture, including cattle farming, is a vital part of the state’s economy, and these numbers reflect its prominence.

Other than meat and milk, cows provide us with other important by-products. Some edible examples include oleomargarine, gelatin and marshmallows. Those we cannot eat are things like leather, soap, cosmetics and buttons. Cattle also contribute to the health industry. Humans use medicines made from cattle by-products such as insulin, estrogen and thyroid extracts.

Cattle are ruminants, which means they have one stomach with four separate compartments. They have a digestive system that allows them to digest plant material by repeatedly regurgitating it and chewing it again as cud. This digestive process allows cattle to thrive on grasses, other vegetation, and feed.

Many ranchers run cow-calf operations. They keep a herd of cows to produce calves. Cows are pregnant for nine months (just like humans!)

There are many different breeds of cattle. The first cattle were brought to the United States by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Other cattle came mainly from England, France, Switzerland and India.

Over 1000 breeds of cattle are recognized worldwide, some of which adapted to the local climate.

According to Wikipedia some cattle breeds that originated in the United States for beef production include American, American Angus, American Beef Friesian, and Ankina.

Ankole-Watusi originated in the US as a show animal. Palmera is a breed originating in the US for sport. Corriente, a breed originating in Spain is bred for meat, dairy and sport.

Other breeds originating in the US for meat production are Barzona, Beef Freisian, Beefalo, Beefmaker, Beefmaster, Braford, Brangus, Charbray, Florida Cracker, Santa Cruz, Santa Gertrudis, Stabiliser and Waguli.

Some breeds originating in the US for both meat and dairy production include American Milking Devon, American White Park, Amerifax, Balancer (Gelbvieh/American Angus crossbreed), Bue Lingo, Randall, and Texas Longhorn.

Some other breeds that did not originated in the US but are used for meat and dairy production include Belgian Blue (Belgium), Brahman (India), Braunvieh (Switzerland), British White (Great Britain), Dexter (Ireland), Dutch Friesian (Netherlands), Friesian Red and White (Netherlands),

TRACTORS

2023 John Deere 8R 340 Signature Edition, IVT with RHR, ILS, full GPS, 6 SCVs, 480/80R50 rear tires with duals, 420/85R34 front tires with duals, 675 hours. 6 year/4000 hour extended PowrGard Warranty. Stock #90253 $440,000

2023 John Deere 8R 340 Signature Edition, IVT with RHR, ILS, full GPS, 6 SCVs, 380/90R54 rear tires with duals, 380/80R38 front tires with duals, 270 hours. 6 year/4000 hour extended PowrGard Warranty. Stock #90254 $455,000

2022 John Deere 8R 340 IVT with RHR, ILS, 6 SCVs, 480/80R50 dual rears, 480/70R34 front duals, full GPS, 439 hours. Extended warranty til 8-2028 Stock #90437

$410,000

2023 John Deere 8R 310 MFWD, IVT, air seat, cab suspension, right hand reverser, 60 gallon per minute hydraulic pump, 6 SCVs, 480/80R 50 rear duals, 420/85R 34 front duals, 22 front weights, 1500 lb. rear weights, 590 hours. PowrQuad Warranty till 3-2029 or 4000 hours. Stock #89857. $435,000

2022 John Deere 8R 310 IVT with RHR, ILS, full GPS, 6 SCVs, 480/80R50 rear tires with duals, 420/85R34 front tire with duals, 897 hours. 6 year/4000 hour extended PowrGard Warranty. Stock #90255.

$400,000

2022 John Deere 8R 250 cab, MFWD, IVT, air seat & cab suspension and ILS, rear duals, front & rear weights, 974 hours. Stock #87968. PowrGard Warranty till 8-2028 or 4000 hours

$320,000

2021 John Deere 8R 230 Signature Edition, IVT with RHR, ILS, 6 SCVs, 380/90R54 duals, 320/80R42 front singles, full GPS, 1023 hours. Extended warranty till 7-2027. Stock #90440...$290,000

2021 John Deere 8R 230 Signature Edition, IVT with RHR, ILS, 6 SCVs, 380/90R54 duals, 320/89R42 front singles, full GPS, 1350 hours. Extended warranty till 7-2027. Stock #90441...$285,000

2022 John Deere 6R 195 premium cab with cab suspension, IVT, TLS MFWD, 480/80R50 rear tires with dual, 480/70R34 fronts, 5 SCVs, AutoTrac activation. 856 hours. Stock #90247 $276,000

2017 John Deere 8245R IVT with RHR, ILS, 6 SCVs, 480/80R50 dual rears, 420/85R34 front dual, full GPS, 3200 hours........$210,000

2014 John Deere 8245R IVT with RHR, ILS, 5 SCVs, 480/80R50 dual rears, 420/85R34 front singles, full GPS, 5000 hours..........$175,000

2012 John Deere 8235R IVT with RHR, ILS, 6 SCVs, 480/80R50 dual rears, 420/85R34 front singles, full GPS, 4500 hours..........$172,500

2022 John Deere 6175M PowrQuad Plus, 20 speed, AutoTrac ready, 640R loader with grapple. Extended warranty 7/2029 $199,000

(4) 2023 John Deere 6155M cab, MFWD, 20 speed PowrQuad with left hand reverser, AutoTrac Ready less receiver and display, 3 SCVs, 640R loader & grapple, (2) 450# weights each side & ballast, TLS approximately 500 hours. PowerGard Warranty till 5-2029 or 4000 hours

$205,000

(3) 2023 John Deere 6155M cab, MFWD, 20 speed PowrQuad with left hand reverser, AutoTrac Ready less receiver and display, 3 SCVs, Panarama roof, 640R loader & grapple, (2) 450# weights each side & ballast, approximately 500 hours. PowerGard Warranty till 7-2029 or 4000 hours

$198,000

2022 John Deere 5090E cab, MFWD, 24/12 transmission with left hand reverser, air seat, 3 rear SCVs, 520M mechanical self leveling loader. Stock #88004. PowerGard Warranty till 10-2028 or 3500 hours

$81,900

2022 John Deere 5090E cab, MFWD, 24/12 transmission with left hand reverser, loader ready, air seat, 3 rear SCVs, approximately 400 hours. Stock #88003. PowerGard Warranty till 10-2028 or 3500 hours

$73,000

2019 John Deere 5090E cab tractor, MFWD, 12/12 transmission, 3 SCVs, 540M loader, 955 hours. Stock #90685. $62,000

2019 John Deere 8345R 2000 hours, IVT transmission, ILS, full GPS, 6 SCVs, front duals 480/70R34, rear duals 480/80R50. Stock #88843

$315,000

2018 New Holland T6.170 cab, MFD, 16 speed, Dual Command transmission, 845TL loader & grapple, 888 hours. Stock #86681. $126,000

$122,500

2007 John Deere 8430 IVT with RHR, ILS, 480/80R50 dual rears, 480/70R34 front duals, 4 SCVs, Globe and 2630 display, 9000 hours. Stock #90438

2012 John Deere 8360RT 30” tracks, IVT, 3-point hitch, 4 SCVs, 7500 hours. Stock #89304

$125,000

2007 John Deere 8230 IVT, 4 SCVs, 480/80R50 rear duals, 420/85R34 front singles, 1500 front end, 10,000 hours. Stock #90880

$95,000

2005 John Deere 6715 cab, MFWD, 16 speed PowrQuad, left hand reverser, 3 SCVs, front tires 320/90/42, rear tires 320/90/54, 3789 hours. Stock #87936.

$65,000

2020 John Deere 5075E cab tractor, 12F/12R transmission with power reverser, loader ready, 2 selective control valves, 1479 hours. Stock #91379

$41,000

2011 John Deere 5075E OS, MFWD, 75 hp, 4200 hours, 2 SCVs. Stock #91244.

$19,000

2015

40-ton

low boy service

Cell) (MC# 170263 US DOT# 128029)

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What kind of music do they play at a playground? Swing.

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A cannibal came home late to family dinner. He got the cold shoulder.

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Want to hear a paper joke? Never mind; it’s tearable.

Dawson County Fair 4-H swine results

The fair goers in attendance and participants enjoyed the show ring in Steven’s Arena on Saturday morning at the Swine Show during the Dawson County Fair.

As the show got under way you could see these 4-H’ers herding their prized hogs in front of the judge, Dave DeAngelis, Colorado State University graduate from Grand Island, NE. Placings for swine showmanship and the market hog classes were:

Showmanship

Junior Division – Grant Walahoski, Overton, received a purple ribbon and the trophy in the junior division. Other purples: Alexandra Rickertsen and Harlow Rickertsen, both of Lexington. Blues: Owen Fairley, Brady and Riggs McConville, Lexington. Intermediate Division – Paige Walahoski , Overton, received a purple ribbon and the trophy for the division. Bristol McConville , Lexington, also earned a purple ribbon. Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg, won a blue ribbon.

Senior Division – Parker Walahoski, Overton, took home the trophy along with a purple ribbon. The other purple ribbon winner was Greta Rickertsen, Lexington.

Breeding swine

Gilts are required to be born on or after December 1, 2023. This division showcases traits to look for when retaining gilts back in the home herd.

Class A (190-240 lbs.) – Purples: Owen Fairley, Brady; Bristol McConville and Riggs McConville, both of Lexington.

Class B (275-289 lbs.) – Purples: Dallee Barnes and Augustus Barnes, both of Gothenburg.

The Champion Breeding Swine trophy was awarded to Owen Fairley, Brady; and the Reserve Champion Breeding Swine trophy to Bristol McConville, Lexington.

Market hog

Market gilts

Class A (215-260 lbs.) – Purples: Owen Fairley, Brady; Alex Rickertsen, Lexington; and Paige Walahoski, Overton.

Class B (315-320 lbs.) – Purples: Augustus Barnes and Dallee Barnes, both of Gothenburg.

The Champion Market Gilt belonged to Paige Walahoski, Overton and the Reserve Market Gilt belonged to Owen Fairley, Brady.

Market barrows

Class A (230-240 lbs.) – Purples: Riggs McConville, Lexington; Grant Walahoski and Parker Walahoski, Overton.

Class B (260-295 lbs.) – Purples: Augustus Barnes and Dallee Barnes, both of Gothenburg; Bristol McConville and Greta Rickertsen, Lexington.

Class C (310-355 lbs.) – Purples: Augustus Barnes and Dallee Barnes, both of Gothenburg; Greta Rickertsen and Harlow Rickertsen, both of Lexington.

The Champion Market Barrow trophy was won by Parker Walahoski, Overton, and the Reserve Champion honors went to Bristol McConville, Lexington.

Overall Grand Champion and Reserve Champion - The judge chose the Grand and Reserve Champion market swine as an example of the kind of market-ready animals 4-H’ers may want to bring to future fairs. Parker Walahoski, Overton, took home the Overall Grand Champion Market Hog trophy and Bristol McConville, Lexington, won the Overall Reserve Champion trophy.

Group of 5 – Horseshoe Bend 4-H Club pen of five swine received top awards. The group received a purple ribbon and the club’s name will be engraved on a plaque. Tail Twisters 4-H Club also received a purple ribbon.

Origins and traits of common US cattle breeds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C10

Gelbvieh (Germany), Holstein Friesian (Germany and the Netherlands), Maine-Anjou (France), Piedmontese (Italy), Pinzgauer (Austria), Simmental (Switzerland) and White Park (Great Britain).

Breeds that are used mainly for dairy production, not originating in the US, include Aryshire (Scotland), Belted Galloway (Scotland), Jersey (Channel Islands), and Lakenvelder (Netherlands).

Breeds used mainly for meat production, not originating the US, are Charolais (France), Chianina (Italy), Hereford (England), Highland (Scotland), Limousin (France), Murray Grey (Australia), Saler (France) and Shorthorn (England). In the following months please watch for articles highlighting some of the breeds of cattle mentioned in this article.

Garden Pests

Eelworms

There are different species of eelworm. Each one keeps to its specific plant (including weeds), and ever if its host is removed, it can still remain in the soil in the form of a dormant cyst for three years or more.

The stem and bulb eelworm causes stunted growth in a wide range of bulbous and herbaceous plants.

Leaf eelworms attack many flowering plants; it is particularly destructive to chrysanthemums.

Root eelworms can attack many vegetables and flowering plants. One species of these can attack potato tubers, resulting in little or no crop.

The root-knot eelworms attack a wide variety of plant hosts–particularly cucumbers, tomatoes, and flowers grown under glass.

There is no method of control that will eradiate the different species. Reducing infestation or preventing it progressing is the best solution.

All weeds and rubbish must be removed, pots and seed boxes cleaned and sterilized, prepared seed and potting composts used, and soil in greenhouse borders must be sterilized or replaced from a tested source.

All plants purchased should be from a reliable source. Susceptible crops must not be planted in infested soil for over four years. In vegetable garden, a long rotation should be strictly followed.

trucks

• Highly accurate Valmar Venturi metering

• Simple calibration and clean out for use with multiple product

• 60-speed ground drive with adjustment in 5% increments.

• Self-leveling booms

Breeding season preparations for sheep flocks

A successful lambing season first starts with preparations for the breeding season.

There are a few key management aspects that are critical as part of the breeding season preparations. These include evaluating body condition, flushing the ewes, conducting a ram breeding soundness exam, and considering aspects that promote embryonic survival.

Evaluating Body Condition

Body condition scoring allows producers to evaluate both nutrition and genetics within a flock. Proper body condition will help to ensure a successful breeding season followed by a successful lambing season. Sheep are scored on a 5-point body condition scale, with 1 being very thin and 5 being very fat. Evaluations should take place throughout the year as body condition scores change. Good times to evaluate body condition are prior to the start of the breeding season, about four to six weeks prior to lambing and after weaning.

Body condition is evaluated by handling sheep in the loin area. In particular, the amount of fat is checked across the spinal column along the back of the sheep and at the transverse process, which is a vertical bone located below the loin muscle. Producers can also assess the fullness of the muscling in the loin and leg muscles as well as consider how prominent the hip bones and ribs are by sight and feel. The ideal body condition score during most times of the year would be a 3. At this score, the spine should not be visible down the top of the sheep, the transverse processes should be well covered with muscling and the loin and leg muscles should be full and not appear atrophied. In addition, the hip bones should be well covered with muscle and fat and the ribs should not be seen but can be felt with some pressure.

Sheep with a body condition score of 1 will have a spine and ribs that are visible. The transverse processes will also be visible and easily felt. These emaciated sheep will show atrophy of the loin and leg muscles. A good goal for increasing body condition of thin ewes would be to increase body weight by 10% over a 100-day period through supplemental energy and protein.

Sheep with a body condition score of 3 will not have a visible spine or ribs, but the spine and ribs can be felt with slight pressure. The transverse processes should also not be seen but can be felt with slight pressure. The loin and leg muscles of a sheep with a body condition score of 3 will be well filled out. These sheep would be considered in ideal body condition for the breeding season.

Sheep with a body condition score of 5 will have a spine and ribs that are completely covered with fat that can only be felt with pressure. The transverse processes are also completely covered with muscle and fat and can only be felt with pressure. The loin and leg muscles on sheep with a body condition score of 5 will be full and covered with fat. These sheep often exhibit fat patches over the dock. These overly fat sheep should be avoided. Rams with a body condition score of 5 may have issues with libido during the breeding season, while ewes will have an increased likelihood of problems during late pregnancy and when lambing.

Body condition scoring prior to the breeding season allows producers to make culling decisions as well as assess the flock’s nutritional program. Monitoring body condition throughout the year and prior to the breeding season allows producers to make any needed adjustments to

nutrition. Maintaining sheep in ideal body condition can improve flock performance during the breeding season and at lambing time.

Flushing

Once a producer completes body condition scoring, he or she can then make decisions regarding nutritional adjustments for flushing the flock. Flushing is the practice of increasing the plane of nutrition prior to the breeding season in order to encourage ewes to produce twins. This is generally done by increasing the energy in the ewe ration and should start approximately one month prior to introducing the ram to the ewes.

With increased dietary energy, the ewe will begin to increase body condition. This will then signal the ewe’s body that she will be capable of supporting more than one lamb. In turn, this will increase her ovulation rate, which should result in a higher lambing percentage, or more lambs born per ewe.

Energy can be increased in the ration by adding grain at a rate of one-half to one pound per ewe per day or by moving the entire flock to a lush pasture. Many producers feed corn as the grain source, while others prefer a mixed grain formulation. The total amount of grain fed should be adjusted based on the body condition of the ewes.

The additional energy in the ration should be fed throughout the breeding season and continue until a few weeks after the ram is removed. This will allow for implantation of the embryos in the uterus. For these reasons, flushing has the greatest impact early in the breeding season. Ewes with body condition scores of 2 to 3 often respond best to flushing.

While emphasis is placed on ewes for flushing, rams will also benefit from the additional energy in the ration because it helps them lose less weight during the breeding season. Plus, the added energy helps the rams maintain their vigor for breeding.

Ram Breeding Soundness Exams

Prior to breeding, evaluate breeding soundness of all rams to prepare for the breeding season. A good quality ram should have adequate size and muscling, be vigorous and active, and have a strong and masculine appearance. He should be structurally correct, should stand with all four feet squarely underneath him, be up on his pasterns, and be able to move freely. Sheep that produce wool should also have a high quality and uniform fleece.

New rams should be purchased at least one month prior to the breeding season. This will allow time for the ram to adjust to the new location and allow a producer ample time to quarantine the ram from the rest of the flock to ensure he is not carrying any contagious diseases.

Prior to the start of the breeding season, a physical examination of the ram should be conducted for breeding soundness. Allow enough time for the ram to heal from any injuries or be replaced if he is found unsound. The examination should include palpation of the testicles and epididymis, and visual appraisal of feet, legs, eyes and teeth. In addition, be sure to check the body condition of the ram. Rams that are in poor body condition will often have poor semen quality and rams that are too fat often lack the libido to breed ewes.

Testicles of the ram should be firm and be adequate in size, and be free of any lumps or abscesses, which could indicate an injury or disease. The tail of the epididymis is located at the bottom end of the testicle.

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Montana Department of Agriculture 2024 Pesticide Disposal Program

If you have any old pesticides - insecticides, herbicides, rodent poison or fungicides - laying around unused, the Montana Department of Agriculture will take them off your hands. The agency will hold waste pesticide collections in Central Montana in September. The collections are scheduled in Havre on September 17; Great Falls on September 18; Lewistown on September 19; and Columbus on September 20. The disposal program is a non-regulatory, service progam that offers pesticide users the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides in a safe and legal way that is economical and convenient. Disposal costs are free for the first 200 pounds and $1.00/lb. per pound for additional amounts over 200 pounds. Disposal by other services can cost 5 to 10 times more. Additional information and the required pre-registration forms are available by contacting Carli Davis in Richland at (406) 465-0531; mail to Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Disposal Program, 508 Prairie Dell Rd, Richland, MT 59260; email Carli.Davis@mt.gov; website http://agr.mt.gov/pesticidewaste-disposal-program

Breeding season preparations for sheep flocks

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C14

It should be slightly rounded and free from any hard knots. This is important because the tail of the epididymis is where most of the sperm is stored.

Ram lambs that are 8 to 14 months old should have a scrotal circumference of 30 to 36 cm, while mature rams should have a scrotal circumference of 32 to 40 cm. The size of the testicles relates to the ability of the ram to produce sperm. This in turn will allow the ram to breed a large number of ewes. Larger scrotal circumference directly correlates with greater semen volume and sperm viability. Larger scrotal circumference also correlates to siring ewe lambs that reach puberty earlier than ewe lambs produced by rams with a smaller scrotal circumference.

Trim feet and conduct a visual appraisal of the feet and legs to look for lameness and evidence of foot rot or foot scald. Signs that a ram has these issues would include a red inflammation between the toes, or this could present as a white color with a moist appearance. Foot rot will appear as though the foot is rotting. Foot rot will have a foul odor associated with the problem.

Check the ram’s eyes to ensure that they appear normal. The membranes around the eye should be bright pink to red in color. If they are gray or white in appearance, the ram is likely anemic and needs dewormed. FAMACHA scoring should be used to assess the need to deworm.

Shear rams prior to breeding season and then check for body condition. The ram should have some extra condition or fat reserves, but not be overly fat. Rams should have a body condition score of 3 to 3.5. Thin rams may have less stamina throughout the breeding season, while fat rams may have less libido. As the breeding season progresses, a ram can lose as much as 10% of his body weight. Overly fat rams may be lazy and not want to breed. In addition rams that are too hot from having long wool may not want to breed. These rams are also more susceptible to heat stress, which can decrease semen quality. On the other hand, thin rams can be expected to have less energy for breeding and may have a lower semen quality.

remarked can indicated infertility issues with a ram.

Even though a ram succeeds in getting ewes pregnant, it is important to follow good management practices to ensure that the ewes remain pregnant until the lambs are ready to be born.

Aspects to Promote Embryonic Survival

In addition to body condition scores, body weight management of young ewes is important. Yearlings should weigh at least 80% of their mature weight by the start of the breeding season and ewe lambs should weigh 65 to 70% of their mature weight. In order for ewe lambs to reach this desired weight, most will require a grain supplement. In general, sheep gain approximately a quarter to a third of a pound per day on pasture. This rate of gain results in ewe lambs weighing less than recommended for breeding. Therefore, producers should calculate weight gain required and adjust rations to accommodate a faster rate of gain if they plan to breed ewe lambs.

Maintaining body condition scores, or improving body condition of thin ewes, during the first 90 days of pregnancy helps promote embryo survival. The embryo implants itself in the uterus about 3 weeks after fertilization and placental development occurs shortly after that. The placenta connects the developing fetus (lamb) to its dam and provides nourishment for the fetus to grow plus eliminates waste products. Good nutrition allows the placenta to develop to full size during this period, thus providing optimal amounts of nutrients to the fetus. Poor placental development can impact lamb birth weights and can ultimately impact the future reproductive potential of a lamb. Lamb birthweight is one of the greatest predictors of lamb survival: smaller lambs are less likely to survive birth as compared to lambs with average birth weights. Approximately 70% of lamb mortalities that occur prior to weaning occur during the first 48 hours after birth.

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Elevated body temperature that results from illness or from heat stress both affect semen quality very quickly. Sperm production takes approximately six weeks to complete and so rams affected by elevated body temperatures may have reduced ability to successfully breed ewes for that length of time.

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If there are questions regarding the breeding soundness of a ram, his ability to breed ewes can be checked either through a semen evaluation or by using a method that allows the ram to mark the ewes as he breeds them. A veterinarian, or a breeding service, should be able to conduct a semen evaluation test. Evaluations will involve collecting semen and then viewing under a microscope to look for numbers of live and motile sperm cells, plus numbers of abnormal sperm cells.

A marking harness can be used to identify ewes bred by the ram. Change the color every 17 days to identify ewes that are bred multiple times. A large number of ewes

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Julius Caesar is the reason why New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the last day of December. It’s because he wanted January 1 to be the first day of a new year because of Janus – a two-faced Roman God that can see the past, present, and future.

Rations should provide adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. Typically, good quality pasture and a good quality mineral mix provide sufficient nutrients to support the pregnancy. However, pay close attention to pasture mixtures during the first 45 days of gestation. Legumes, and red clover in particular, produce phytoestrogens. These estrogenic compounds can impact reproduction by reducing ovulation and conception rates. Fertility generally returns to normal within four to six weeks after removing the sheep from pastures containing high levels of phytoestrogens.

As breeding season continues, be sure to assess body condition scores of ewes and rams. Make sure they receive adequate nutrition to support a body condition score of 3 or provide additional nutrients in the ration to improve body condition scores. The ultimate goal is for ewes to consume a ration that will promote ovulation rates to conceive twins, support embryo survival and result in a healthy set of twins. All of these steps taken prior to the breeding season can lead to a more successful lambing season.

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Role reversal: The all-male Japanese Kabuki theatre style was invented by a woman.

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The real winner: Simon Cowell earned $22,000 per minute as an Amerian Idol judge in 2009.

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September is National Honey Month

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National Honey Month is a celebratory and promotional event that is held annually during the month of September. Its purpose is to promote US beekeeping, the beekeeping industry and the use of honey as a natural and beneficial sweetener.

The journey of honey, of course, begins with the humble honey bees. Whether buzzing in their hives or foraging for nectar in wide open fields, honey bees are a critical component of today’s agricultural market. They perform the vital function of pollination, or the transferring of pollen from plant to plant, thus fertilizing the plants and enabling them to bear fruit. In fact, about one-third of the average person’s diet in the United States is derived from insect-pollinated plants. And honey bees are responsible for about 80 percent of that process. That’s a lot of reliance on such tiny little creatures!

Major crops that depend on honeybees for pollination consist of almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries – the list goes on and on.

History of National Honey Month

September typically marks the end of the beekeeping season in most climates, which means that the bees are beginning to prepare for winter by securing their hives.

Initiated by the National Honey Board in the US in 1989, National Honey Month is an important time of year for beekeepers and honey makers. This is the time to pay homage to these little critters that keep making honey, as well as a time for being grateful for the role they play in pollinating crops for human consumption.

How to Celebrate National Honey Month

Celebrating National Honey Month is a vital step in raising awareness for these little creatures that are so important to the environment and the ecosystems.

Enjoy Eating Some Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that has been linked to health benefits including improved heart health and wound healing. It is important to remember that honey is packed with sugar, however, so it should always be consumed in moderation.

Honey comes in two categories, raw and processed. Processed honey is heated and then bottled in a factory which some people believe removes some of the health benefits and nutrients. Raw honey is more natural, but also can contain certain spores of bacteria, which means it should not be given to children under one year old.

Taste a Unique Kind of Honey

Many people are accustomed to the taste and texture of acacia honey, which is one of the most popular varieties. However, honey comes in dozens of different types, depending on the variety of bees as well as the types of flowers the bees are using for nectar.

Try these interesting types of honey in celebration of National Honey Month:

• Beechwood Honey. Also known as Honeydew Honey, this is sourced from the South Island of New Zealand. It comes from the sap produced by the bark of the Beechwood tree.

• Eucalyptus Honey. Originating in Australia, this honey is now also produced in California. It has an herbal flavor and is appreciated for its medicinal uses.

• Blueberry Honey. Extracted from the white flowers of the blueberry bush, this honey is produced in New England and Michigan.

• Orange Blossom Honey. Native to Mexico and Spain, the popularity of this honey has increased and it is now produced in many warm climates. It has a fruity, citrusy taste that mimics the fruit of the orange tree.

Learn More About Bees

Dedicating time and energy to learning more about bees is an important part of National Honey Month, especially as the number of honey bees in existence seems to be rapidly declining. During National Honey Month, try these fun facts about bees and honey on friends and family:

• The ‘world’s oldest honey” was discovered in 2012 in the country of Georgia. It was found in ceramic jars and is believed to date back more than 5000 years!

• One worker honey bee produces around 1/12 teaspoon in its lifetime! That means more than 20 thousand bees are needed to make just one jar of honey. That’s a lot of teamwork!

• Honey is completely self preserving and never actually spoils. It might get granulated or hard, but it creates an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria, so it doesn’t actually ever go bad.

• While most honey ranges somewhere in the golden hue, certain bee farmers in the southeastern United States have produced a honey that is deep purple–but scientists can’t even figure out why!

Harvesting and saving your garden produce

By Vicki Schmitt, Nebraska Extension Master

Gardens seem to explode with produce this time of year! Freezing can be the easiest way to preserve your harvest. Be sure to choose containers made for freezing. Peppers, onions, and tomatoes can be frozen raw for the least preparation. Zucchini, beans, broccoli, carrots, corn, and other vegetables will need to be blanched with steam or boiling water for a short period of time.

Did you know that you can freeze raw tomatoes with or without their skins? Wash firm ripe tomatoes and cut away the stem scar. if you prefer peeled tomatoes, dip them in boiling water for about 1 minute or until the skin splits and slides off. Place tomatoes into freezer bags or other freezer-safe containers. Frozen tomatoes may be used in any cooked tomato recipe.

Freezing Bell or sweet peppers is easy, quick, and convenient. First, wash your peppers and remove stems. Use a melon-baller to scrape out seeds and membrane. Dice, slice, or cut peppers into strips, depending on how you plan to use them. Freeze peppers in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag squeezing out as much air as possible.

Did you know it’s simple to freeze hot peppers to use later? Wear plastic or rubber gloves to process them, and Do Not touch your face or eyes. Wash the peppers and remove the stems. Chop them or leave them whole. Package the peppers in freezer bags or other containers made for freezer use, seal, and freeze. Easy Peasy. With all of the tomatoes and peppers coming out of the garden, it must be salsa season. When canning homemade salsa, be cautious. If you make up your own recipe or adjust a tested recipe, it may not have enough acid and could become the source of botulism poisoning. Choose a recipe from a reputable source or consider freezing your fresh salsa.

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Teacher: “I asked you to draw a cow and grass, but I only see a cow. Where is grass?” Student: “The cow ate the grass, sir.”

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Agrivoltaics- What opportunities exist for livestock producers?

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Agrivoltaics, or the dual use of land for both solar energy production and agricultural production, is one of the newer systems available that allows landowners to maximize the use of their land for energy and food production. As the United States pushes to reach energy independence in the future, there is a large focus on increasing renewable energy sources including solar production. In 2019, Pennsylvania made the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80% of the 2005 emissions by 2050. One of the strategies released to meet this goal was to focus on increasing the states’ production of solar energy. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection supported the creation of Pennsylvania’s Solar Future Plan which has a goal of Pennsylvania producing 10% of its electricity through solar generation by 2030. There is still much to be done for this goal to be met, but the state announced at the end of last year (2023) they surpassed the production of 1 Gigawatt of solar energy with more projects underway.

There are many different types of agricultural production systems that are considered Agrivoltaics, but the production of both energy and agriculture occurring at the same time on the same piece of land is a key discernment of these systems. For example, if you have solar panels installed on your barn or outbuildings and your animals are grazing in pastures around that building it’s not considered to be true Agrivoltaics. However, if you are grazing livestock between installed panels that are generating electricity that is a complete Agrivoltaics system.

There are currently two different types of Agrivoltaic systems. The first is an Elevated system, in which the panels are lifted to around six feet off the ground so that ag production occurs underneath the panels. The second is an Inter-Row system, which has panels installed closer to the ground with ag production happening between the panels. Most livestock producers would opt for grazing their livestock amongst the panels in a solar grazing operation, however, another opportunity for producers to work with solar operations is to grow crops like hay and small grains in between the panels. Grazing can be done in either system, however, there are pros and cons to each system, especially when choosing a livestock species to work with. If you’re interested in running cattle in one of these systems then you would be working with an elevated system to make sure that panels are high enough off the ground that cattle don’t rub

Animal Science Educator, Penn State or defecate on the panels, and wide enough apart that you can move the cattle through the system or use equipment to mow when, or if, necessary. The supports for the system would also have to be constructed to ensure that when cattle rub on the beams holding the panels, they don’t push the array over. This can lead to added installation expense and reduced solar energy production per acre. Typical Agrivoltaics systems produce about 50% of the amount of energy of solar farming without agriculture production simply because of the spacing required between the panels reducing the number of panels per acre. Another concern for solar installation is that panel installation height may be restricted, depending on the local regulatory codes.

Agrivoltaics, also referred to as solar grazing, with sheep has become a very successful system. Sheep are preferable to other small ruminants, like goats, because sheep don’t try to jump and climb on the panels. Therefore, sheep can be utilized in both elevated and inter-row systems. Sheep are also grazers and can utilize a greater amount of forage on the ground unlike goats that are natural browsers, eating mainly brushy or shrubby plant matter off the ground. Sheep have also been found to be a more costeffective solution to manage the land than chemical and mechanical means. There may be a small benefit of the elevated system in that the solar panels can be used as shade and weather protection for the sheep. Any breed or stage of sheep production can be utilized in an Agrivoltaics system. Most producers, especially those that are in contract with the solar company leasing the land, will graze open ewes, stocker lambs, and ewes with lambs that are at least a few weeks old. Lambing out in these operations without a lambing barn or shelter can become more challenging, thus the emphasis on lambs of at least a few weeks of age.

Forage species selection is also something that will need to be considered when designing Agrovoltaic systems. Regardless of how the solar panels are arranged, there will be some areas that are more shaded than others. Choosing a pasture mix that will benefit your livestock and will tolerate some shade is a must. Some example species used in mixes specific for solar grazing are orchard grass, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, crimson clover, and birds foot trefoil. For small-grain crop production wheat has been used in some systems with success, but other cash crops

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See a penny, pick it up. There are about forty 1943 copper pennies in exoistence. One sold in 1999 for $112,500.

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Remember the tea kettle: even though its up to its neck in hot water, it continues to sing.

What makes a dummy calf?

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

Kansas State University beef cattle experts reminded producers of the causes and prevention methods associated with weak calf syndrome, or dummy calf.

“Think of (what we call dummy calf) as contrasting everything a calf should do at birth – get up quick, vigorously nurse, jump around and be active,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

K-State veterinarian Brad White added: “(Calves with this condition) appear to be relatively healthy but just have no interest in nursing and not a lot of awareness of their surroundings.”

Calves who go without oxygen during a dystocia event (difficult birth) are at risk of becoming a “dummy,” according to K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers.

“In utero, the calf is supplied things like blood and oxygen through the umbilical cord,” he said. “If you have a dystocia where the calf gets stuck for a while, and the umbilical cord is obstructed, oxygen is cut off before the calf can breathe on its own, causing a developmental issue.”

In these cases, the severity and chance of recovery depend on how long the brain goes without oxygen. Breach and backward birthing positions prolong oxygen deprivation, Larson said, noting that all birthing difficulties still increase the possibility of a dummy calf.

“A breach birth (hindquarters first) and a backward calf (rear legs presenting first) are both at higher risk of going for a while without oxygen because that umbilical cord is going to be pinched off longer,” he said.

“Calves that come out headfirst and forward – the way they should – still may experience this. If there is any kind of calving difficulty, producers may run into problems with dummy calves.”

Preventing dummy calf starts with the cow well before birth. K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said producers should focus their precautions on first-time calvers.

“Generally, first-calf heifers have a higher rate of dystocia,” Lancaster said. “To prevent dummy calves, producers must make sure those females are at the proper percentage of their mature weight before they calve for the first time.”

“Around breeding time, check pelvic areas to ensure that those heifers have a big enough skeletal frame to give birth to the expected calf size.”

Certain infectious diseases have also been linked to dummy calf. They include leptospirosis and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD).

“BVD is a virus only in about 7% of cowherds in the U.S. So, it is not as common of a cause as birthing difficulties, but it can certainly contribute to dummy calf by affecting their cerebellum (part of the brain related to muscle control and movement),” White said.

“Their head may be misshapen,” Larson said. “A lot of times their lower jaw is short, they cannot maintain their balance and may have some tremors.”

Once a producer has recognized a dummy calf case, Lancaster said they must try and catch affected calves up to speed nutritionally.

“The main thing to focus on is getting colostrum (first milk after birth) into them. Producers are probably going to have to tube that calf and then try to get it to nurse from a bottle,” he said.

Agrivoltaics- What opportunities exist for livestock producers?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C20

such as soybean and corn are being tested in these systems by researchers across the U.S.

As more solar operations are constructed the opportunity for farmers to either lease the land to a solar company or contract graze with another one will become more common. There is still a lot of growth and research to be done in Pennsylvania on the opportunities this may arise for livestock producers. If you find yourself in a contract grazing situation with solar panels, maintaining your first right of refusal for vegetative management is highly recommended, especially when grazing livestock. For example, you wouldn’t want someone using an herbicide or pesticide where the animals have direct access to fresh applications. In addition, you may wish to make clear statements of water usage, fencing, and permission to move or work around the livestock. Always seek legal counsel when negotiating a contract for grazing or leasing land. For more information, the Penn State Extension Energy team has multiple resources online.

Kernel processing for quality corn silage

By Ben Beckman, UNL

High value silage depends on maintaining chop quality throughout harvest. Do you know how to reliably monitor your silage quality?

Energy from corn silage comes in a large part from starch in the grain itself. After consuming however, the outer seed coat impedes starch digestion. To counter act this, many modern choppers are fitted with a kernel processor, that physically crushes or damages the grain and stalks, improving digestibility. Correctly setting these rollers is critical. Too close and machine ware increases, too far apart and they kernels aren’t broken and digestibility is decreased.

To achieve high quality silage, catching any problems with the processor as soon as possible is critical. To do this, grab a 32 oz. cup and at least once an hour during harvest, grab a sample from the pile.

Next spread the sample out on a flat surface like a card table near the pile and go through the kernels. Count all the kernels that are ½ or greater in size. You can also put the sample into a bucket of water. The kernels will sink to the bottom and stalks and leaves will float. Skim/drain off the top layer and again count any kernels that are ½ or greater in size.

For both methods, the goal is to have 2 or fewer whole or ½ size kernels in your count. Anything over that and word can be passed to the chopper to adjust the processing.

For those who don’t have access to a kernel processer, keeping chop length short can help accomplish similar results. Shortening chop length to 3/8 inch for machines without a processor will do more kernel damage and maintain similar fiber particle size. For those who’s priority is not particle size, mostly beef producers, dropping down to ½ inch chop length will damage even more kernels and provide the additional benefit of helping get a better pack.

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The bridge betwen hope and dispair is often a prayer and a good night’s sleep.

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Teacher: “Jill, where is the America on the map?” Jill: “Right there, ma’am.”

Teacher: “Correct. Now, Jack, tell me who found America.” Jack: “Jill.”

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Luke comes home from his first day of school, and his mother asks, “What did you learn today?”

“Not enough,” Luke replies. “They said I have to go back tomorrow.”

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Courage is often just ignorance of the facts.

Safety considerations for children on the farm

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

According to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and safety, 33 serious injuries involving children occur on a farm or ranch in the United States every day.

To prevent these incidents, only youth with proper training and experience should be allowed to drive large equipment (the leading cause of injury and death for all ages on farms), said Tawnie Larson, a project consultant for the Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health program at Kansas State University.

“Farm kids do things like drive tractors all the time, which may be not too challenging for some,” she said. “The issue is that, cognitively, they are not prepared to safely handle a situation where something goes wrong, and that’s how major accidents happen.”

Her advice to adults: “Start demonstrating (to children) how to do things safely at a young age, and as they get older take them to formal tractor safety trainings.”

Safety starts before kids hop up into a tractor’s cab, according to Larson, noting that parents need to determine their child’s capacity to work beforehand by their mental – not physical -- maturity.

“Just because a kid is taller or bigger doesn’t mean they are more developed mentally than others. You can send out older, stronger kids to work, and they might have issues following instructions or rules you’ve set and injure themselves. Farm kids aren’t mini-adults; they might physically look capable, but that does not always translate to completing a job safely.

Parents can avert accidents and injuries on the farm by providing specialized equipment and implementing safety strategies that keep children focused on the job at hand.

“They can install a ROPS (rollover protection structure) device to tractors without cabs, to keep children out of harm in case of a machine tipping over. Kids who wear their seatbelts will also be more secure in a situation like that.”

“I would also remove any distractions like their phones, loud music and friends riding with them while they are driving equipment.”

Modern tractors have a “buddy” seat that an additional passenger can sit in for training purposes. To ride safely in these situations, Larson encourages producers not to exceed the number of passengers recommended for a vehicle.

“One of the biggest safety issues is having extra riders –especially in a tractor without a cab. Just say no to additional people because there have been many injuries and fatalities where a child with no place to sit is held while driving,” she said.

Children often follow the example of the older people around them. In turn, Larson recommends that parents become proper role models to teach their children farm safety.

“In general, farm safety is an attitude and a habit, not something that you remember to do,” she said. “Parents need to create this attitude and habit in their daily life for children to model. If you find yourself using the common expression, ‘Do as I say, Not as I do,’ you are doing safety wrong.”

She adds: “Parents need to display safe behaviors and explain to their children why. Model the job, show them how to do it, watch them do it safety and then provide further advice as needed.”

Doing things safely is also something parents and other adults should do all the time, not if something has gone wrong, according to Larson. “If you create a good, safe environment, fewer bad things will happen,” she said.

Farm safety materials and a list of age-appropriate tasks are available online through Cultivate Safety, a website from the National Farm Medicine Center.

Like every farm show, the large farm machinery is a big draw, especially to kids, as seen at RDO’s display. Photo by Suzy Benzing

Dawson County Fair 4-H Small Pets,

Cat, Poultry and Rabbits

Front and center in the Small Animal Building on Saturday afternoon was a fish, cats, guinea pigs, rabbit, chickens, and ducks amongst the menagerie of animals that these eager 4H’ers proudly showed. Placings for Cat Showmanship, Rabbit Showmanship, Poultry Showmanship and the other small animal projects were as follows:

Small Animal Show

Pets/Small Animal – A purple ribbon went to Mollie Spradlin (C) who showed her Neon glow fish Snailbert and a black Nerite snail.

Hailey Jensen, Cozad, also earned a purple ribbon for showing her guinea pigs Oreo and Hammie.

Cat Showmanship

Junior – Tanner Fairley, Bertrand, earned a purple ribbon and showmanship trophy with his cat, Grace.

Intermediate – Mollie Spradlin, Cozad, earned a purple ribbon and trophy with her Domestic Shorthair cat, Captain. Hailey Jensen’s, Cozad; Maine Coon cat, Itty; won her a purple ribbon also.

Senior – There were no participants in this division.

Cat

Long Haired Cat or Kitten – Purple: Hailey

Large Fowl – All Other Breeds – Purples: Hailey Jensen, Cozad; and Bodee Klemm x 2, Lexington. Blues: Bodee Klemm x 4, Lexington.

Bantam – Rose Comb Clean Legged –Purples: Ty Kennicutt x 6, Bertrand. Blue: Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

Bantam – Feather Legged – Purple: Ty Kennicutt, Bertrand. Blue: Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

WaterFowl – Purples: Augustus Barnes x 3, Gothenburg. Blues: Bodee Klemm x 2, Lexington.

Production Fowl – Purple: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg. Blue: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg.

Grand Champion and Reserve ChampionThe Grand Champion and Reserve Champion trophies were awarded to Ty Kennicutt, Bertrand.

Rabbit

Fancy Breed – Doe – Jr. – Purple: Neala McCall, Overton.

Commercial Breed – Buck – Jr. – Purple: Neala McCall, Overton.

Grand Champion – Neala McCall, Overton, received the grand champion award for her Fancy Mini Lop rabbit. She received the Reserve Champion award on her New Zealand rabbit. Jensen, Cozad.

Short Haired Cat or Kitten – Purples: Tanner Fairley, Bertrand; and Mollie Spradlin, Cozad.

Grand Champion and Reserve Champion – The Grand Champion trophy was awarded to Tanner Fairley, Bertrand; and the Reserve Champion placing went to Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

Poultry Showmanship

Junior – Bodee Klemm, Lexington, received the showmanship trophy and a purple ribbon. Earning a blue ribbon was Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg.Intermediate – Hailey Jensen, Cozad, received the showmanship trophy and blue ribbon.

Senior – Ty Kennicutt, Bertrand, received the trophy and a purple ribbon. Also earning a purple ribbon was Neala McCall, Overton.

Rabbit Showmanship

Neala McCall, Overton, earned a purple ribbon and trophy.

Poultry

Large Fowl – American & English – Purples: Hailey Jensen, Cozad: and Levi Martin X 2, Lexington. Blues: Hailey Jensen, Cozad; and Neala McCall , Overton.

Large Fowl – Asiatic –Purple: Ty Kennicutt, Bertrand. Blue: Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg.

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Math teacher: A man from Los Angeles drove toward New York at 250 miles per hour and a man from New York drove toward Los Angeles at 150 m.p.h. Where did they meet?

Johnny: In jail!

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A book never written: “The Best Subject in School” by Jim Class.

Montana State to offer pest management tour

From the MSU News Service

The Montana State University Extension Pesticide Education Program is offering a pest management tour for pesticide applicators at eight locations across southwest Montana from October 15-18.

In order, the tour will visit Dillon, Deer Lodge, Helena, Townsend, Whitehall, Ennis, Clyde Park and Bozeman. At each stop, speakers will present on a variety of topics, including forage insect pests, weed management, bird and ground squirrel management, pesticide performance and water quality, biological control of weeds, annual grass identification and management, and rangeland weed management. Presentations will vary by location.

Tour speakers include:

Hayes Goosey, MSU Extension forage specialist. Tim Seipel, MSU Extension cropland weed specialist. Stephen Vantassel, Montana Department of Agriculture vertebrate pest specialist.

Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension pesticide education specialist.

Melissa Maggio from the Montana Weed Biocontrol Program.

Jane Mangold, MSU Extension rangeland specialist.

Private applicators can attend morning or afternoon sessions for three credits or both sessions for six credits. Commercial applicator credits are also available and can be viewed on the MSU Pesticide Education Program website or at montana.edu/extension/pesticides/events/pmt.html. Individuals in the state’s Private Applicator Training District 2 need to earn six private applicator credits before December 31 to avoid losing their private applicator certification, according to Tharp. Applicators can check their credits on the MSU Pesticide Education Program website by selecting “license and credit search” and entering their license number. Applicators can also contact their local MSU Extension office for license information.

The tour stops are:

October 15, Dillon. Beaverhead County Fairgrounds, 4-H building, 707 S. Argenta St. Free. Lunch is provided. Register by October 10 by contacting Jack Bazemore, Beaverhead County MSU Extension agent, at 406-683-3785 or john. bazemore@montana.edu.

October 15, Deer Lodge. Powell County Community Center, 416 Cottonwood Ave. Free. Lunch is provided. Register by October 10 by contacting Karen Laitala, Powell County weed coordinator, at 406-846-3348 or klaitala@ powellcountymt.gov.

October 16, Helena. Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds, Entry Hall, 98 W. Custer Ave. Cost is $10. No lunch provided. Register by October 9 online or by contacting Amy Bowser, MSU pesticide education technician, at 406-994-5178 or amy.bowser@montana.edu.

October 16, Townsend. Broadwater County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 189 U.S. Highway 12 E. Cost is $15. Lunch is provided. Register by October 4 by contacting Allison Kosto, Broadwater County MSU Extension agent, at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu.

October 17, Whitehall. Assembly of God Church, 6 First St. E. Free. Lunch is provided. Register by October 3 by contacting Kaleena Miller, Madison/Jefferson County MSU Extension agent, at 406-287-3282 or madisonjefferson2@ montana.edu.

October 17, Ennis. Ennis Fire Hall, 5037 U.S. Highway 287. Free. Lunch is provided. Register by October 3 by contacting Kaleena Miller, Madison/Jefferson County MSU Extension agent, at 406-287-3282 or madisonjefferson2@ montana.edu.

October 18, Clyde Park. Clyde Park Community Hall, 206 First Ave. Free. Lunch is provided. Register by October 16 by contacting Jackie Pondolfino, Park County MSU Extension agent, at 406-222-4156 or jackie.pondolfino@montana.edu.

October 18, Bozeman. Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Building 4, 901 N. Black Ave. Cost is $5. Lunch is provided. Register by October 10 by contacting Elizabeth D’Imperio, Gallatin County MSU Extension agent, at 406-582-3280 or elizabeth.dimperio@montana.edu.

A detailed program agenda is available online at montana. edu/extension/pesticides/events/pmt.html. Information is also available from local MSU Extension offices. For other questions, contact Tharp at 406-994-5067 or ctharp@montana.edu.

The MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program is an educational program promoting the proper use of pes-

Research documents absence of trichinella infection in commercial pigs

By Autumn Canaday, ARS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have documented the absence of infection by Trichinella, a parasite that once posed a major food safety risk in the commercial pork supply. ARS and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducted a national survey by sampling 3.2 million pigs raised under the U.S. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) program and found zero animals infected with Trichinella. These results are consistent with international food safety guidelines for Trichinella to be considered a negligible risk for public health.

The United States does not perform postslaughter testing for Trichinella in the pork supply. While modern production systems followed by U.S pork producers effectively minimize risk of exposure to this parasite, absence of Trichinella infection has never been verified through national testing. ARS researchers pursued this study to ascertain whether the PQA+ program eliminates the risk of Trichinella exposure in commercial pork, thereby addressing the demands of the U.S. export market.

The U.S. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA+) program is an education and certification program designed by the U.S. pork industry to help pig farmers and their employees continually improve production practices. The program addresses food safety, animal well-being, environmental stewardship, worker safety, and public health. Many of the provisions for mitigating risk of Trichinella exposure are based on research conducted by ARS scientists. PQA+ includes five best management practices for prevention of exposure to Trichinella:

Following proper feed biosecurity protocols.

Preventing exposure to rodents, wildlife, and birds.

Refraining from feeding raw food waste of animal origin to swine.

Promptly removing and properly disposing of swine carcasses.

Documenting animal arrivals and departures from PQA+ production sites.

In the ARS study, a total of 3,208,643 animals across twelve processing locations were tested over a period of 54 months. Parasites were not detected in any of the diagnostic samples, providing a 95% confidence in

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a Trichinella prevalence of less than 1 in 1,000,000 pigs. The occurrence of Trichinella in pork once posed a major food safety risk in many countries, justifying decades of effort expended on controlling this parasite. The data obtained from testing support the conclusion that pork from pigs managed under the PQA+ program do not pose a public health risk.

“The surveillance data support the assertion that the U.S. PQA+ program effectively mitigates risk for Trichinella infection in pigs,” said Dr. Benjamin Rosenthal, Research Leader of the ARS Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory. “It is equally important to note that the data could be useful for future food safety decisions, including hazard analysis decisions.”

PQA+ guidelines and implementation details follow those for controlled management described by the World Organization for Animal Health and guidelines of the International Commission on Trichinellosis. Eleven U.S. pork processing companies, including 30 locations in 12 states, participated in the survey. There are currently more than 63,000 U.S. pork producers certified under PQA+.

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Dawson County 4-H goat show

There was a lot of baaing and maaing going on Friday, when all the 4-H goats (both meat goat and dairy goat) converged together into the Stevens Arena. There was a bumper crop of goats shown this year. Meat goats were shown first followed by dairy.

Meat goat division

Showmanship

In the Junior Division, the top meat goat showmanship trophy and a purple ribbon went to Kollyn Nichols (E). Other purple ribbons were awarded to Kadie Anderson and Daniel Dailey, Gothenburg; Keeley Nichols, Eddyville; Kamrynn Rhoades and Sawyer Schukei, Cozad; Graycie Kleinknecht, Gothenburg; Ryan Hagan, Sumner; and Elsie Cool, Gothenburg.

In the Intermediate Division, Matthew Rhoades, Cozad; received the trophy and a purple ribbon. Karsyn Nichols. Eddyville, also earned a purple ribbon.

In the Senior Division, a purple ribbon and trophy went to Kehl Jones, Gothenburg. Other purple ribbons went to London Costanza, Cozad; Keaton Bebensee Gothenburg; Addison Howerter, Cozad; Abby Negley and Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg, and Trina Pearson, Brady.

Breeding Meat Goats

Kid Does

Class A – Purples: Kadie Anderson and Graycie Kleinknecht , both of Gothenburt and Trina Pearson, Brady. Blues: Keaton Bebensee and Kehl Jones, both of Gothenburg.

Class B – Purples: Daniel Dailey, Gothenburg and Sawyer Schukei, Cozad. Blue: Abby Negley, Gothenburg.

Class C – Purples: Addison Howerter and Kamrynn Rhoades, Cozad.

Class D – Purples: Kehl Jones and Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg. Blues: Keaton Bebensee, Daniel Dailey, Graycie Kleinknecht, all of Gothenburg; Kamrynn Rhoades and Matthew Rhoades, Cozad.

Yearling Does

Class A – Purples: Graycie Kleinknecht and Abby Negley, both of Gothenburg. Blue: Keeley Nichols, Eddyville.

Class B – Purples: Kadie Anderson, Gothenburg; Karsyn Nichols, Eddyville, and Trina Pearson, Brady. Blues: London Costanza, Cozad; Ryan Hagan, Sumner; and Kollyn Nichols, Eddyville.

The Champion Meat Goat Breeding Doe trophy winner was Kehl Jones, Gothenburg. The Reserve Champion Meat Goat trophy went to Trina Pearson, Brady.

Market goats

Class A (21-28 lbs.) – Purples: Lysa Duryea and Maggie Duryea, both of Lexingtion.

Class B (59-60 lbs.) – Purples: London Costanza, Cozad; and Keeley Nichols, Eddyville.

Class C (70-79 lbs.) – Purples: Kehl Jones, Gothenburg; Karsyn Nichols, Eddyville; and Trina Pearson, Brady. Blues: Ryan Hagan, Sumner; and Graycie Kleinknecht, Gothenburg.

Class D (82-88 lbs.) – Purples: Elsie Cool, Gothenburg; Matthew Rhoades X 2, Cozad. Blues: Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg; Keeley Nichols and Kollyn Nichols, Eddyville.

Class E (97-112 lbs.) – Purples: Keaton Bebensee, Gothenburg and Kamrynn Rhoades, Cozad. Blue: Abby Negley , Gothenburg.

The Champion Market Goat trophy went to Kamrynn Rhoades, Cozad; and the Reserve Champion Market Goat trophy went to Matthew Rhoades, Cozad.

Dairy Goat Division

Showmanship

In the Junior Division the dairy goat showmanship trophy and a purple ribbon went to Keeley Nichols, Eddyville; Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg; Ryan Hagan, Sumner; Kollyn Nichols, Eddyville; and Cadey Wolf, Cozad, also earned purple ribbons.

In the Intermediate Division, Karsyn Nichols, Eddyville, received the trophy and a purple ribbon. Also earning a purple ribbon was Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg.

Dairy Goats

Under 5-month doe – A Lamancha goat, Mango, garnered for her owner, Cadey Wolf, Cozad, a purple ribbon. 8 mos. To 1 Yr. milking doe – Cadey Wolf, Cozad, and her Lamancha goat, Star received a purple ribbon.

1-2 years non-milking doe – Molly the Lamancha goat, brought Cadey Wolf , Cozad, another purple ribbon. Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg, also took home a purple ribbon showing her Nubian/Alpine goat Rosie.

2 & 3 yr. milking doe – Karsyn Nichols, Eddyville, won a purple ribbon with his Alpine goat, Nova. Also earning purple ribbons in this class were Keeley Nichols, Eddyville, with her Alpine goat, Neptune; and Augustus Barnes, GoCONTINUED ON PAGE C29

Dawson County 4-H goat show

thenburg, with his Nubian/Alpine goat, Mary. 4 yr. & over milking doe – Another Alpine goat, Latte, brought Ryan Hagan, Sumner, a purple ribbon. Also earning a purple ribbon was Kollyn Nichols, Eddyville, with his Alpin goat, Marsha.

The Champion and Reserve Champion Dairy Goat trophies were awarded to Cadey Wolf, Cozad, with her Lamancha goats, Star and Molly.

Group of 5 – Sumner Livestock 4-H Club pen of five goats received top awards. The group received a purple ribbon and the club’s name will be engraved on a plaque.

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Scientists developed a unique approach to conserve the Monarch butterfly

By Maribel Alonso, ARS

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) is one of the most widely popular butterfly species in North America. We are accustomed to seeing its beautiful orange wings with black-veined outlines flying in gardens and wildflower fields during the summer season.

Can you envision the summers without the monarch butterfly? Imagine the impact on the flora and ecosystem diversity of North America if this iconic species became extinct.

To ensure this imaginative but plausible scenario can be preventable, USDA scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Weed and Insect Biology Research Unit, in Fargo, North Dakota, developed the first known cryopreservation protocol for the successful long-term storage of monarch butterfly germplasm, specifically for preserving germ cells (spermatozoa or sperm cells). More importantly, the technique used in this protocol allows for the preserved samples to remain viable and highly intact post-cryopreservation.

“An important aspect of insect conservation is habitat conservation. Our research is a new approach to conservation through germplasm cryopreservation,” explained Courtney Grula, a scientist at the Weed and Insect Biology Research Unit. “This study is the first to implement a technique to extract semen from the male reproductive tract in insects, a common technique used in mammals.”

The viable sperm cells can one day be used with artificial insemination to bring back this species of butterflies in the event of a population loss. Although more studies are needed to develop an artificial insemination protocol using cryopreserved sperm cells from male butterflies, the study shows that this protocol is a viable method for germplasm conservation in this and similar species. Furthermore, ARS researchers in Fargo are assessing artificial insemination techniques for female butterflies using cryopreserved sperm cells from male butterflies.

The monarch butterfly population was classified as an endangered species in North America by The International Union for Conservation of Nature. This was due to a rapid population decline that was observed from 1996 to 2014, followed by its

stabilization over the past decade. Even though the current numbers are at a level of lesser concern, the decreasing trend has not stopped. Estimating the exact numbers is challenging due to their breeding and migratory behavior, as the monarch butterfly migrates every year long distances in a multi-generational migration that extends from Mexico to Canada.

Like other pollinator species, the monarch butterfly’s survival is threatened by climate change, the loss of native plants – milkweeds – and the rapid disappearance of their habitats.

Scientists are collaborating with stakeholders to protect this species, including teaching the cryopreservation technique to researchers and breeders at the San Diego Zoo. In addition, they are working on extending the cryopreservation technique to cryopreserve spermatozoa from other endangered species, such as the Sacramento checkerspot butterfly, which is endemic to New Mexico.

Grula, Research Biologist Arun Rajamohan, and Research Leader Joseph (Joe) P. Rinehart describe the technique in a study recently published in Scientific Reports.

“For people who are interested in helping monarch populations, they can plant common milkweed [Asclepias syriaca] in their yard, as this is utilized by monarchs for egg laying and larval diet,” added Grula.

Learn about USDA’s efforts to conserve monarch butterflies’ habitats:

Monarch Butterflies | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)

Monarch Butterfly in North America (usda.gov)

Monarch Butterfly Conservation in North America (usda.gov)

The monarch butterfly. USDA scientists are collaborating with stakeholders to preserve this iconic butterfly species in North America. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Pocket Pets judge, Hadley Barbie, interviews Liberty County 4-Her Martin Fulbright during the Marias Fair 4-H Pocket Pets show. Hadley is a Glacier County 4-H alumni and was excited to use her skills back with the 4-Hers. Photo by Kathleen Barbie.

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#####

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Cover crops following corn silage

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Following corn silage harvest, your ground can lay bare for seven to nine months. Instead, let’s plant some crops to grow and cover it until next season.

After silage harvest, bare ground has three things working against it. One is exposure to wind and water erosion. Secondly, bare soils lack growing roots which are needed to feed the living soil building microbes. Finally, bare soils represent a missed opportunity to grow cover crops that might help you overcome all these problems.

But what should you plant? If you are hoping for some feed this fall, then oats, spring triticale and barley, annual ryegrass, and turnips might be a good choice because these plants have the greatest forage yield potential yet this fall. Spring oats, triticale, and barleys also will die over winter so they won’t interfere with next year’s crop. However, getting these non-winter hardy annuals seeded as early as possible in September is needed to have time to grow an adequate amount of fall forage.

Winter rye is the most common choice among the cereals. And cereal rye can provide abundant grazable growth early next spring to get cows off of hay sooner. Wheat and triticale also can be good cover crops. Of course, wheat then can be harvested later for grain while triticale makes very good late spring forage. The seeding date window for the winter cereals can extend well into October, but earlier seeding will allow for more fall growth. Legumes like hairy vetch or winter peas could also be planted as part of a mixture with the winter annual cereals.

Cover crops can preserve or even improve your soil and can be useful forages as well. Consider them following your early harvests.

Double extinction

Paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh (1831-1899) was the first to describe and name the Apatosaurus dinosaur, based on the discovery of a few bones in Colorado. Then one of his teams found an almost complete (and what seemed like a distinctively new) skeleton in Wyoming. Marsh plunked a random head on this headless skeleton and named it Brontosaurus. This conveniently got him credit for two discoveries. Eventually, though, other paleontologists figured out that the two skeletons were from the same dinosaur and that Marsh’s Brontosaurus had just been an adult Apatosaurus. The name Brontosaurus was formally discarded in 1974, thus making the Brontosaurus extinct…again.

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Food waste for pigs

By Elizabeth Hines, Swine Extension Specialist, Penn State

Feeding table scraps to your pigs may seem like a harmless activity that saves the planet. However, in practice, feeding table scraps can carry considerable risk. Due to the risks, there are laws that dictate who can, and cannot, feed table scraps or human food waste to pigs.

Under PA and Federal laws, human food waste is classified by its contents. When food waste contains or has come into contact with animal tissue products, then that food waste is defined as ‘garbage’. Feeding of garbage, by definition of the law, carries significant risks.

• Increased early season vigor

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• Zinc to help with early season hormone production, ie. Auxin for root and shoot growth.

• Convey Technology to help with early season stresses, such as cool soils and excess moisture. It also improves nutrient use efficiency.

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• Contains novel Phosphorus nutrition, providing increased nutrient uptake and movement within the plant.

• Targeted at the reproductive phse of the plant.

• Proactive way of managing the crops utritional requirement

• Contains other essential nutrients targeted for each specific crop, ie. Boron to aid pollen tube growth, Zinc to help produce Auxin, to ensure healthy pollen tube growth.

So, what exactly is this risk? Predominantly, a risk of spoilage or spreading disease. Both of which will harm the health for your pigs.

To discuss these risks, we should first take a step back to understand what goes into producing safe food from animals.

Before entering the human food chain, all animal tissues (ie, milk, meat, poultry, eggs, fish) processed for human consumption in the U.S. must be cleared of all signs of illness. This clearance is obtained through USDA animal health and food safety inspections. All packaging and food preparation facilities (restaurants, cafeterias, etc.) are also subject to inspections in order to prepare food for human consumption. Feed mills and manufacturers that provide feed to livestock must also go through similar inspections and auditing to ensure that the feed they produce is safe for livestock to eat.

That’s a lot of hoops for a ham to jump through to make sure it is safe for humans to eat! But after you open that package of deli meat at home, that product is at risk of spoilage. Spoilage can make your pigs very sick and slow growth. Spoilage often results in intestinal infections that require antibiotics to treat. That is extra money spent on your pigs to get them healthy again and extra time to wait for the antibiotics to clear your pig’s system (withdrawal time) before selling that pig or eating it yourself.

In addition to spoilage, pigs fed uncooked or undercooked pork products, including cured hams and frozen products, may be at risk of catching viral infections such as African Swine Fever or Classical Swine Fever. Many Americans travel frequently. Anyone that brings pork from overseas may be carrying a virus that won’t make people sick but could very well harm pigs that come into contact with infected meat.

Adding to the challenge, African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever are diseases that travel slowly through a herd. Animals that are sick with either of these viruses might not show symptoms right away. If you transport these animals, they can then spread it to many other animals. This is potentially devastating to your pig business as well as your neighbors, and the long-term value of pork in the U.S. Risks that are carried with feeding of garbage waste are not limited to disease; there are also risks that are carried with feeding an inconsistent product to livestock, particularly pigs.

Pigs benefit from access to diets that provide them with a complete nutrient profile in every bite. When new ingredients are introduced, you need to reformulate your diet to ensure your diet offers all the nutrients your pigs need. Garbage feeding can result in constant changes to your pigs’ diet. This means that it is incredibly difficult to be sure your pigs are getting the right nutrients every time you feed them. In the best-case scenario, your pigs will be overfed some nutrients, and produce excess manure as they pass unnecessary fiber and excess nutrients. Leaving you to deal with the manure overload and possibly place more strain on your nutrient management plan.

However, in the worst-case scenario, you will underfeed your pigs for essential nutrients. This will reduce the growth and health of your pig over time. Leaving you with a poorer quality animal that may not reproduce, not grow efficiently, or produce a poor-quality pork product.

Feeding of garbage waste for pigs is complicated, to put it lightly. In the state of Pennsylvania, if you choose to feed pigs food waste products that do not originate from a household on the same premises that the pigs reside, then you require a license. Producers should be hyperaware of the decisions they make regarding ingredients in their feedstuffs for pigs. If you wish to feed table scraps, or garbage, to pigs, you need to know and follow the laws to keep your pigs, and the pork you produce, healthy and safe.

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Teacher: Why did you eat your homework, Joe? Joe: Because I don’t have a dog.

Dawson County 4-H dairy cattle show

It appears the Dairy Show is showing a growth trend. That is good to see. Five dairy showmen entered the Stevens Arena ring with their exhibits this year. Dairy cattle were shown by their age groups.

Showmanship

The junior and intermediate showmanship trophies this year was sponsored by Wood River Dairy. The senior showmanship trophy was sponsored by the Dawson County 4-H Foundation.

In the Junior Division the show trophy and a purple were awarded to Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg. Other purple ribbons went to Mylo Jacobson and Cadey Wolf, both of Cozad.

In the Intermediate Division Hailey Jensen of Cozad won the trophy and purple ribbon and Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg, also won a purple ribbon.

In the Senior Division –Samual Winter, Cozad took home the trophy, as well as a purple ribbon.

Dairy cows Winter Heifer Calves –Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg received a purple ribbon on her cow named “Duchess”. Another purple ribbon went to Augustus Barnes, Gothenburg with “Caroline”.

Spring Yearlings – Samual Winter, Cozad, was awarded the purple ribbon on his cow named “Franny”. Mylo Jacobson, Cozad earned a blue ribbon on his cow named “Oreo” and Cadey Wolf, Cozad earned a red ribbon with her cow “Heidi”.

2 Yr. Olds – Purples: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg took the top purple with “Dolly”. Others earning purple ribbons were Samual Winter, Cozad with his cow “Rose”, Augustus Barnes with his cows “Clementine” and “Blanche”.

3 Yr. Olds – Purple: The cow “JoJo” earned a purple ribbon for Hailey Jensen, Cozad.

4 Yr. Olds – Purple: Cadey Wolf, Cozad, won a purple ribbon with her cow “Gerdy”.

5 Yr. Olds – Purple: Dallee Barnes, Gothenburg, won a purple ribbon with her Milking Shorthorn “Dorothy”.

But it was “Franny” the Brown Swiss who garnered Samual Winter with the Champion Dairy Cow. And “Dorothy” the Milking Shorthorn led by Dallee Barnes to the Reserve Dairy Cow spot.

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The Dawson County Elite Showmanship Contest took place following the completion of the 2024 County Fair livestock shows. Winning first place and a belt buckle was Parker Walahoski, son of Jared & Kris Walahoski of Overton. He also earned other prizes donated from the Elite Showmanship Contest sponsors.

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Finishing in second place was Jaelin Wolfinger, daughter of Jake & Janice Wolfinger of Lexington. Jaelin also received a belt buckle and some other prizes.

The top two Senior Showmanship contestants from the feeder calf, beef, goat, sheep, and swine shows came together to determine an elite showman. All eight contestants took a livestock knowledge test and then had their showmanship skills with swine, sheep, goat, and beef, evaluated by judge Dave DeAngelis of Grand Island, NE. Contestants were: Walahoski, Wolfinger, Samual Winter, Cozad; Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg; Greta Rickertsen, Lexington; Trina Pearson, Brady; Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington; and Keaton Bebensee, Gothenburg. They also received some donated prizes.

The 4-H’ers who participated on the Meats and Livestock Judging teams at the Premier Animal Science Event held in June

were recognized.

DeAngelis commented on the quality of the competition and the depth of knowledge they have about livestock and the livestock industry. Elite Showman Committee members were Taryn Vonderschmidt, Farnam; and Paul and Shannon Peterson, of Gothenburg, and Derek McConville, Lexington. Sponsors included: Maline Seed & Fence, Gothenburg; Beattie Family Farms, Sumner; Peak Performance Nutrition Plus, LLC, Lexington; Andersen Ag Services, Inc., K Farms, Gothenburg; Eastside Animal Center, Gothenburg; HAR Transportation Inc., Lexington; Tyson, Lexington; Paulsen Inc., Cozad; Caraway Red Agnus Ranch, Lexington; Dayspring Bank, Gothenburg; Farm Credit Services of America; Laird Feed, Gothenburg; MRK Truck Washout & Transportation, Lexington; 4+ Feeders, Lexington; Homestead Bank, Lexington; Overton Vet Services, Lexington; Downey Drilling Inc., Lexington; Bill’s Volume Sales & Service, Lexington; Busy Bones Butcher, LLC, Cozad; Doran Post & Associates, Lexington; Platte Valley Auto, Lexington; and Roberts Cattle Company, Lexington.

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1997 Gradall 534C-10

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(From left to right, Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington; won second place honors, and Parker Walahoski, Overton; won the 2024 Elite Showmanship Contest at the Dawson County Fair. Both were awarded belt buckles and some other prizes.

(From left to right, Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington; Parker Walahoski, Overton; Samual Winter, Cozad; Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg; Greta Rickertsen, Lexington; Trina Pearson, Brady; Jacie Wolfinger, Lexington; and Keaton Bebensee, Gothenburg; participated in the Elite Showmanship Contest at the 2024 Dawson County Fair.

#####

Dad: “Can I see your report card, son?” Son: “I don’t have it.” Dad: “Why?” Son: “I gave it to my friend. He wanted to scare his parents.”

The salt of the earth

By Kathryn Markham, ARS’s Office of Communications.

Researchers use remote sensing and precision technology to aid growers in arid regions

One of the main challenges of irrigating crops is that available water sources contain salt. Over time, repeated waterings from these sources lead to salt accumulation, damaging soil fertility. This issue is especially acute in the arid and semi-arid regions found in much of the western United States. To address the issue, researchers are beginning to apply the techniques of digital and precision agriculture to help growers provide their crops with the water they need without harming them, or the soil, in the process.

Their efforts combine a variety of strategies and tools. Todd Skaggs, research leader at ARS’s Agricultural Water Efficiency and Salinity (AWES) Research Unit, in Riverside, CA, described several ideas that his team is exploring. One approach is to develop crops with a higher salt tolerance, including working to understand that trait at a genetic level. Recently, the AWES team has focused on alfalfa, using greenhouses to grow a variety that is significantly more salt-tolerant than conventional varieties.

The researchers have also leveraged remote sensing data from satellites to inform their picture of salinity levels in fields. While satellites cannot directly detect the presence of salt within the root zone, they can measure several factors that reveal it indirectly. For instance, because soil salinity levels tend to be steady over time, multi-year measurements of plants can provide a “salinity signal” about the condition of the soil that is distinct from other, more transient phenomena affecting plant growth. In the future, researchers hope to collaborate with university partners to create an app that producers could use to guide decision-making for irrigation and salinity management, improve water-use efficiency, and spot potential problems in fields where salts are accumulating. Ultimately, they also hope the crop industry will adopt and help share the tools they develop.

In the course of the research, Vanotti explained, “we had to lyophilize [freeze dry], or preserve the bacteria for a long time, and that caught the attention of NASA, because they were trying to develop a new system to clean and recycle wastewater in space for long-term missions, like a mission to Mars.”

The achievement has been described as “a game-changing water purification technology to remove nitrogen from wastewater at one-third the cost of existing technologies.”

For now, though, “it’s more a demonstration of concept,” said Skaggs. His team has collected data and is performing ongoing analysis to fine-tune the accuracy of the models they have developed to measure and assess the level of salinity, based on irrigation patterns. In time, they believe these models will provide growers with substantially better information than they have now to inform how they farm.

“Where there are concerns about salinity, growers probably have, through extension, a general number they want to hit for how much irrigation water they have to apply,” said Skaggs. “But there’s really not much feedback available to a grower as to whether or not that’s too much, not enough, and so the ambition for what we’re doing is to develop some technologies and tools that would allow them to better understand when they irrigate, is it efficient, and could you be more efficient by maybe managing a little differently?”

It is a critical question for researchers and growers alike as they seek better ways to make use of the water that is, especially in the west, a precious, and increasingly scarce, resource.

Salt-affected agricultural soil.Salt-affected agricultural soil in Grand Valley, Colorado near Fruita (Photo courtesy of Don Suarez, USDA-ARS)

By Jacob Klaudt, K-State Research and Extension news service

As grasses within a pasture mature, various physical changes occur, which impact the cattle grazing them. For instance, older plants dry out and lose nutritional value, but also develop coarse stems – making cattle more susceptible to injuries involving their face and eyes.

On a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast, Kansas State University veterinarians recommend producers watch for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue as their pastures start getting “stemmy.”

“Green, growing grass isn’t likely to cause these problems,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. “Lumpy jaw and wooden tongue happen when the tissues of the mouth are damaged on rough textured forages.”

In the case of wooden tongue, damaging incidents to the mouth allow for germs that live within the animal to cause an infection.

“It’s not really something that cattle get from other cattle. It’s caused by bacteria that are normally in the mouth and throat area,” Larson said.

K-State veterinarian Brad White adds: “Coarse feeds and grasses can damage the mucous membranes and cause lesions.”

Cattle with wooden tongue display obvious physical symptoms, according to Larson and White.

“Their tongue gets large and tends to hang out of their mouth, making eating difficult. They look like they are panting or drooling,” Larson said.

“It gets stiff, swollen and painful,” White said. “You do not very often see an animal – a cow especially – sticking their tongue out of their mouth; they’re not doing it to play. They are doing it because their tongue won’t go back in.”

Like wooden tongue, cattle contract lumpy jaw through the bacteria that inhabit their mouths.

“After an injury, (bacteria) gets into some of the other tissues of the mouth,” Larson said. “What’s dangerous about that one is it can invade bone. If that happens, it becomes difficult to cure.”

Larson said when producers discover lumpy jaw and wooden tongue in their earlier stages, cattle have a better chance of recovering.

“A lot of times these cases will be treated intravenously,” he said. “This is pretty effective at bringing those two syndromes back to normal but contact your local veterinarian before making any treatment decisions.

When examining an animal’s mouth and face for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue, Larson suggests that producers monitor the eyes as well for squamous cell carcinoma, or cancer eye.

If this affliction goes untreated, cattle may face the same fate as their lumpy jaw and wooden tongue-infected counterparts.

“Cattle can get a cancer of the eye – often in their third eyelid. If you treat it early with surgical removal of that area, those animals respond well and can go ahead and have multiple years of productive life after that,” Larson said.

However, “If that cancer spreads and it involves the bones of the head, that is not going to get better, and it is time to think about euthanasia just from an animal welfare standpoint.”

Ethan Brown received a purple ribbon on his hand-crafted wood bench at the Marias Fair. He was also the Reserve Champion dairy goat showman and had top swine exhibits and electricity and small engines interviews.

Photo by Rachel Brown.

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Siphon Tubes: Setting water to grow crops in western Nebraska

By Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension Water & Cropping Systems Educator

For some of us growing up on the farm where surface irrigation was prevalent, the irrigation siphon tube has been and still is utilized to irrigate crops across Nebraska and the world. Learning how to “set” the siphon tube, moving the tubes from set to set, field to field, “digging (row) ends,” and dealing with ditch washouts, gophers, moles, mosquitoes, and other critters does not always bring back fond memories!

What is an irrigation siphon tube? The tubes can be constructed of plastic (earliest models), rubber, polyethylene, and aluminum. Visualize it as a “stretched C.” One end can have a lengthened end or not. The length of the tube can vary from approximately four feet to 14.3 feet. I can be thankful that I only had to deal with the four-foot lengths.

The size/diameter of the siphon tube used by the grower was dependent on the length of the row (run), slope of the field, row spacing, time of the “set” (how long the tube ran), and the flow rate. A field with a slope on a hillside will use a siphon tube with a small diameter to minimize soil erosion in the furrow. A field with little slope, a long run, and a longer set time will use a larger diameter siphon tube. The length time of the set is determined by the length of the run and the flow rate of the siphon tube. The grower wants to make sure there is enough water reaching the end of the field long enough to water the crop while not overwatering the upper end of the field. This is not the most efficient method of irrigation water application. But where there are small, irregular shaped fields where a center pivot or sub-surface drip irrigation is not feasible, siphon tubes work well. The siphon tubes are used to draw water out of a dirt/soil formed ditch or a concrete-lined ditch. The water is backed up by using a canvas/polyethylene dam for dirt or concrete-lined ditches or a checkboard for concrete-lined ditches.

How does an irrigation siphon tube work? For ease of explanation, it works by a difference in the “head” of the water. The “head “is defined as the height difference

between the surface of the water in the ditch and the outlet of the water from the siphon tube. The head can vary from several inches to ten inches. When setting a siphon tube, you need to get most or all the air out of the tube by covering the outlet with the palm of the hand and creating a vacuum, then drawing the tube over the edge of the ditch and releasing the palm of the hand below the water surface level in the ditch into the furrow. If a good seal is not done, the tube will not run or not flow well. The higher the head, the greater the amount of flow out of the tube until the maximum amount of flow is reached.

Nebraska Extension / 4H takes part in the annual WET (Water Education for Tomorrow) program for Panhandle fifth graders. Extension teaches students the importance of water as a limited resource, where it comes from, basic irrigation methods, and crop water use. The fun part of that portion is trying to teach the students how to set a siphon tube. Water flies everywhere!

The number of siphon tubes and the size (diameter) to use with a given amount of water in the ditch is a bit art and science. Again, the length of the run, the time of the set, and the slope of the field all come into

Irrigation ditches lined with concrete. Photo by Gary Stone.

Various pipes used for irrigation. Photo by Gary Stone.

Siphon Tubes: Setting water to grow crops in western Nebraska

play. It would be a bit of trial and error the first few times until the grower has a good idea of what to do. If you think about it, the siphon tubes are “self-regulating.” By that, I mean as the surface water level in the ditch goes down, the head decreases, and the flow rate in the siphon tubes decreases. So, the key is to find the right combination of the number of tubes of the correct diameter (general flow rate) to manage the amount of water in the ditch.

Who invented the siphon tube? Records indicate soldiers at Fort Sidney, Neb., may have used siphon tubes to irrigate gardens. There are a number of claims for the invention, but it is acknowledged that Milo German made the siphon tube practical and popular for growers. Records indicate Milo German, a Nebraska native from Cozad, Neb., refined the concept of the siphon tube in 1942 and began manufacturing them in partnership with the then John Deere dealership in Cozad. In 1945 he began marketing the siphon tubes using COZAD as the brand name under his new company name Nebraska Plastics, Inc. For that period, using siphon tubes in place of lath-boxes set in the side of the ditch saved growers time and labor. As time passed, growers started using more efficient forms of gated pipe, center pivot, and subsurface drip irrigation systems. Siphon tubes are still manufactured, and the irrigation siphon tube is still in use worldwide today.

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C&B Equipment’s big combine attracted alot of interest at Dakotafest 2024. Photo by Suzy Benzing

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1997 Valmar fertilizer spreader, 36-ft. stainless boom.

1997 Hi-Tech fertilizer elevator, 20” x 30-ft, belt.

1999 R-D 3-point rotary rock grinder, carbide teeth.

1996 Hutchmaster 18-ft. heavy duty disc, 22” blades.

1991 John Deere 4200 4-bottom roll over moldboard plow.

1978 Hough H65 loader, 3-yard bucket plus forks.

1985 International 6200 grain drill, 14-ft. double disc.

1995 Spray Air field sprayer, 3-point, 90-ft. boom.

1972 Krause 15-ft. disc, 18” blades.

1982 International 16-ft. cultipacker.

1983 Jeoffroy 36-ft. chisel plow.

1986 Howard 10-ft. rotovator.

1989 Vicon 10-ft. pull type rotary swather.

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32 aluminum mainline, 10” x 30-ft. with 4” risers.

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2007 John Deere 936D header, 36-ft.

1984 Gleaner N6 grain combine, 24-ft. header.

1986 International 1482 grain combine, 16-ft. header, 12ft. pickup belt.

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Set production benchmarks for sheep and goat production

By Melanie Barkley, Senior Extension Educator, Livestock, Penn

No matter what type of business you work with, those who are successful will set goals and evaluate them on a regular basis. For a sheep or goat operation, producers can set production benchmarks to improve performance that could lead to more profitability. These production goals could focus on only one year, or they could focus on reaching goals five or ten years down the road.

Producers should start by evaluating the production characteristics that are most important to their operation. Then, use the results of the evaluation to assess how to improve performance. Production benchmarks often focus on basic production or performance, reproduction, health, nutrition, marketing or finances. A few examples might be lambing or kidding percentage, weaning weight, ewe or doe production, loin eye size, fat depth, or even resistance to internal parasites.

As producers think about these production benchmarks, there are two things to consider: where you are now and where you want to go. Production benchmarks should be specific to individual operations and should balance the type of animals produced with the resources available on the farm. Producers most often should focus on optimum production rather than maximum production.

State and look at options to reach this goal. Another critical reproduction benchmark is lamb or kid mortality. Nutrition and management practices both play a major role in lamb and kid survivability. Nationally producers experienced mortality rates around 6.5% according to NASS. A good goal would be to reduce this to 5%. Technology allows producers to make some production decisions using ultrasound to measure loin muscle depth and fat thickness. Although producers can make judgments on loin eye size visually by looking at the width of the top of a sheep, the only accurate way to assess loin muscle size is by measuring that animal’s loin muscle. This can be accomplished using ultrasound or by taking carcass measurements. By using these measurements, producers can select for increased muscling and thus can increase the value of lambs. In general, a 1 square inch increase in loin eye increases carcass value by about $10.

Internal parasites challenge many sheep and goat producers each year. In order to improve parasite resistance producers should keep records of animals that received anthelmintic treatments. Those animals that require deworming most often can be culled from the flock or herd. Or producers can run fecal egg counts on individual sheep and goats. The National Sheep Improvement Program, which develops estimated breeding values (EBVs) for both sheep and meat goats, helps producers identify animals with the genetic ability to resist parasite infections through fecal egg counts. Culling animals that require deworming more often and selecting for animals with negative EBVs for fecal egg counts can help producers reach a benchmark for a decreased need to treat animals with anthelmintics.

One production goal set by the American Sheep Industry is for sheep producers to increase lamb production through increased lambing percentage. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported the 2023 national lambing percentage at 103% although this percentage is likely higher in Pennsylvania. Increasing this would allow the United States to produce more lambs while maintaining the current flock inventory. This can be accomplished through selecting for twinning and by better managing nutrition. If we make a comparison of lambing percentages on a 100-ewe flock, we see very quickly how this can affect the operation’s profitability. Assume that lambs will bring an average of $150 per head at weaning. For a flock lambing at 150% this would mean an income of $22,500 if all the lambs are sold. If the flock is lambing at 175%, this will bring the income up to $26,250. Production costs and management practices are essentially the same, except for possibly a few extra dollars spent to flush the females during the breeding season. In this example, the producer increases income by $3,750 simply by making selection decisions based on performance traits and better managing nutrition, particularly with flushing.

The National Sheep Improvement Program is designed to help producers achieve their production goals through genetic selection. Through computergenerated ratings, a producer can rank all of the sheep in his or her flock based on their genetic value for traits related to maternal production, growth, wool, carcass, and accelerated traits. By using these genetic values, producers can then identify the high producing sheep for replacement animals and cull any poor producing animals. More information on the National Sheep Improvement Program.

Production benchmarking is a tool to help producers analyze their flock or herd and help them set goals to improve performance. Benchmarks can vary greatly from one flock or herd to another and so must be designed for each individual operation’s situation. The winter months are a great time to analyze flock or herd records and set goals for improved performance.

Resources available on the farm should help producers decide what goal to set for lambing or kidding percentage. Higher percentages require additional feed resources to support milk production as well as additional labor to manage females at lambing and kidding time.

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Conception rates can be critical for any livestock enterprise. Lambs and kids should preferably be born within two heat cycles, or 34 days for lambs and 42 days for kids. This should produce a more uniform group of lambs or kids because they are closer to the same age and they should weigh more because they were born earlier in the lambing or kidding season. Ideally, most females would become pregnant in that first heat cycle. If conception rates during the first heat cycle are less than expected, set a higher first conception rate

An expert golfer is playing with a hacker when they approach a 220-yard par 3. The skilled golfer takes out a three iron and lands his drive 15 feet past the hole, and then the spin takes it back to within 2 feet of the cup. His partner looks at him and asks, “How in the world did you make that ball back up?” The proficient golfer asks, “Do you ever use your three iron?” “Yes,” comes the response. “All the time.” And how far do you hit it?” “About 150 yards,” replies the poor player. “The adept golfer simply smiles and says, “Then why in the world would you ever want your shot to back up?”

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