Country Neighbors Spring 2014

FARM & RANCH

Country NeigHbors THIS YEAR'S OUTLOOK

CALVING It's that time again PAGE 8

A Look at Farm Technology PAGE 6-7

AFFECTING FARMS:

Air Force Looks to Expand Air Training Space

VOLUME 20 ISSUE 2

APRIL 2014

PAGE 22

FREE

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

Comment period extended for Air Force expansion proposal

By Lori Kesinger Fallon County Times The FAA recently granted a request for a comment period extension regarding the proposed Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) military operating area (MOA) over Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Public comments will be accepted on or before Saturday, May 3, 2014.

The PRTC would expand to approximately 28,000 square miles, four times the current size. The complex is designed to facilitate low-level, high speed combat training for B-1 and B-52 crews operating out of Ellsworth and Minot Air Force bases, and is scheduled to be active 240 days per year, including ten days of Large Force Exercises.

Montana’s Senators are soundly opposed to the expansion.

Senators Jon Tester and John Walsh mailed Air Force officials a letter saying the plan “is unjustified and would negatively impact southeast Montana in a number of ways. “The proposed expansion would significantly disrupt commercial and private aviation,� they noted. “At least 33 community airports and 285 general aviation aircraft could be affected.� “Flights that break the sound barrier and fly as low as 500 feet will stress livestock living under the affected airspace. The Air

Force has no proposed remediation plan for land and livestock owners in the affected region,� the Senators complained.

The PRTC also could affect emergency medical flights in rural Montana, where they “are as much a part of emergency medicine as ambulances in urban settings�, the Senators said.

Representative Steve Daines wrote a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta stating, “A large number of Montanans, however, have expressed credible concerns regarding the proposed PRTC expansion.

Many in the general aviation community are strongly troubled by the impacts of the expansion on pilot and public safety, the cost of flying, and local airports. They note that several places in the proposed PRTC lack the communication equipment necessary to meet safety standards. Stake holders are also concerned that the expansion would deal a major blow to the surging local economy because numerous civilian business and training flights, particularly those operating under instrument flight rules (FR), would become excessively restricted - at times prohibited altogether and more expensive. In addition, some Montana ranchers are concerned that the Air Force training could have a detrimental impact on their operations.�

The Montana Economic Import of Airports Study concluded that the PRTC

Z665

See AIR FORCE, Page 23

With a m With mower ower th this is q quick, uick, tthe he grass grass just just can’t can’t grow grow fast fast enough. enough. • Corral Panels • Walk-In Panels • Gates • Bale Feeders • 1/4 Circle Maternity Pen • Squeeze Chutes • Confinement Pens • Handling Systems - portable & stationary • Automatic Headgates • Portable Loading Chute 800-881-3457 realtuff@westriv.com Jerry Ohman 605-845-3456 Fax: 605-845-7232 28726 US Hwy. 12 Mobridge, SD 57601

MILNE IMPLEMENTT COMPANY PA ANY COMP 1711 W TOWNE STREET GLENDIVE, MT 59330 (406) 377-2533 1

Offer valid from March 4, 2014, until July 31, 2014. If the balance is not paid in full by the end of the 12-month promotional period, interest will be assessed from the original date of purchase. Subject to approved credit on a Revolving Plan account, a ser vice of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For commercial use only. Other special rates and terms may be available, including ďŹ nancing for consumer use. Available at participating dealers. ÂąManufacturer suggested list price. Starting-at price $2,499 on Z235 EZtrak Mower. Taxes, setup, deliver y, freight and preparation charges not included. Attachments and implements sold separately. Shown with the optional equipment not included in the price. Prices and models may var y by dealer. *The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturer’s website for additional information. **Hour limitations apply and var y by model. See the LIMITED WARRANT Y FOR NEW JOHN DEERE TURF AND UTILIT Y EQUIPMENT at JohnDeere.com and JohnDeere.ca/TUwarranty for details. John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

$ ' ,%8 $ $ ' ,%8 $

April 2014

Country Neighbors

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We Specialize In Ag Lending First State Bank Loaning money to area farmers is our business.

Beach: 701-872-4444 Golva: 701-872-3656 Medora: 701-623-5000

We work hard to keep up with the latest developments in agriculture so we can do a better job 24-Hour ATM in Beach & Medora Lobby of serving our customers. If you’re looking for a Online banking at fsbofgolva.com Medora Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. good ag bank, stop in and see us.

Member F.D.I.C.

Tales of Flooding I heard from over on the river And from the ridge northwest of here We’re talkin’ rain and flooding folks And some of it tinged with fear.

They heard the word two dams might go That’s above the Little Missouri.

So folks who dwelt safely down below Began to plot and worry.

A couple moved out as water crept up And they saw its advancing power.

A cellar full would be quite enough They watched it hour by hour.

One man who’d lived there seventy years Had never seen it so high.

You’ve always had to be alert With livestock standing by.

Box Elder was overdoing itself I heard a family moved out.

Not that they would be surprised They know what flooding’s all about.

But debris on the fences told the tale With straw hanging on the wire Or clinging to branches half way up And sometimes even higher.

And all the surrounding tributaries Like Corral Creek where we are.

We’ve seen it rush across the road before But maybe not that far.

And Bull Creek only seeks an excuse And a couple of inches of rain To send it flooding across the road And over surrounding terrain.

When it receded we dared to go there But washouts were obvious then.

You wouldn’t have wanted to blunder out Or blindly struggle therein.

Authorities wisely closed the road But groceries were gettin’ low.

So when the sun came out a while Some of us dared to go.

We’ll have our own flood stories to tell And they’ll change a bit I’m sure But we figure when our creeks reach the Mississippi It’ll raise that flooding a whole bunch more!

By Prairie Singer

Honda West

745 West Villard • Dickinson, ND 58601 701-225-2803 • 888-483-7990 www.hondawest.us

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Country Neighbors

Porcine Epidemic Virus (PED) found in Montana Test results have confirmed Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PED) at a swine production facility in Montana.

“Add Montana to the list of states hit by the virus,” said state veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski after receiving laboratory confirmation over the weekend.

PED – which poses no threat to human health, food safety or other livestock – causes diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration, and can have mortality rates of up to 100 percent in suckling pigs. It was first found in the U.S. less than a year ago (April 2013) but has already spread to 24 states, with more than 2,100 separate positive cases reported.

Zaluski said that suckling pig losses at the affected operations have been “significant.” The department is working with the producer, attending veterinarians and the Montana Pork Producers Council to contain the outbreak to the premises. PED is highly contagious, Zaluski said, stressing the “absolute need” for stringent biosecurity measures.

“It’s fecal-oral transmission,” Zaluski said, “and sound biosecurity practices can dramatically reduce the potential for outbreaks.”

S FAMOU D L R WO

Those biosecurity measures include: • Limiting traffic (people and equipment) onto the farm; • Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting anything coming onto the farm; • Establishing designated routes and parking areas for service vehicles; • Isolating newly arriving animals and knowing the health status of the source; Having dedicated clothing and footwear for animal contact areas.

Transportation vehicles are considered the most likely means of spreading the virus.

So far, the disease had killed about a million piglets in the U.S., the world’s leading exporter of pork; one agricultural economist last week said it could ultimately kill as many as 5 million pigs, or about 4.5 percent of the pigs sent to slaughter last year.

The disease was first discovered in England in 1971, and is common throughout Europe and Asia.

Producers who suspect PED should contact the Montana Department of Livestock and their local veterinarian for a diagnosis and collection of samples if necessary.

MILES CITY BUCKING HORSE SALE

Miles City, Montana

Trade Show Street Dance • Parade Quick Draw • Wild Horse Race America’s Best Matched Bronc Ride

Saturday, May 17 6:00 a.m. • Range Riders Museum Breakfast 9:30 a.m. • BHS Parade - Main St.

Shanghai Beef

1 lb. round steak, cut into thin strips 2 T. oil 2 T. cornstarch 1 1/2 C. beef broth 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts 1 med. red pepper, coarsely chopped, drained 5 scallions or onion 1 1/2 T. soy sauce 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 1/2 C. dry minute rice Saute beef in oil until browned. Add cornstarch and blend well. Add red pepper, broth, chestnuts, scallions, soy sauce and pepper. Bring to a full boil, stirring frequently. Stir in rice, cover. Remove from heat let stand five minutes. Fluff with fork. Makes four servings.

B AKER A GRONOMY C ENTER FULL SERVICE AGRONOMY PLANT Fertilizer Spreading Preplant Burn Down Chemicals Seed Treating • Bulk Fertilizer Grower-owned company helping to achieve success in the field.

Stop in or give Parker a call at 406-778-2929

64th Annual

Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day 1:00 p.m. • Horse Races • Fairgrounds Thursday, May 15 5:30 p.m. • Concert Warmup Act - Those Guys 6:00 p.m. • Concert Opening Act Copper Mountain Band 7:10 p.m. • Concert Opening Act - Outshyne 8:00 p.m. • Concert Headline Act - Diamond Rio Friday, May 16 4:00 p.m. • Trade Show Opens at Fairgrounds 5:30 p.m. • Rodeo Grand Entry 5:45 p.m. • Wild Horse Race 6:00 p.m. • Bucking Horse Sale 6:30 p.m. • Mutton Bustin’ 7:00 p.m. • Wild Horse Race 8:30 p.m. • Street Dance (Downtown - Main Street)

April 2014

MAY 15-18, 2014 10:00 a.m. • Sheep Sheering Contest AgriSports Center 10:30 a.m. • Quick Draw Art Show - RIverfront Park 12:00 p.m. • Trade Show Opens - Fairgrounds 12:30 p.m. • Sheep Shearing - Professional Finals 1:00 p.m. • Horse Races - First Race 1:15 p.m. • Rodeo Grand Entry 1:30 p.m. • Wild Race Horse 2:00 p.m. • Miles City Bucking Horse Sale feat.

The World Class Bucking Futurity 6:30 p.m. • Wild Horse Race 9:00 p.m. • Street Dance (Downtown - Main Street)

Ride of Champions

Matched Bronc Ride • Sunday 3 p.m.

20 Top Regional PRCA Riders

Sunday, May 18 9:30 a.m. • Custer County Art Center Sunday Brunch/Artist Reception 10:30 p.m. • Cowboy Church - Fairgrounds 11:00 p.m. • Trade show Opens - Fairgrounds 12:00 p.m. • Horse Races - First Race 1:10 p.m. • Match Bronc Ride Grand Entry 1:30 p.m. • Match Bronc Ride Calcutta 3:00 p.m. • Match Bronc Ride 6:00 p.m. • Wild Horse Race

Event Admission General Seating $12 Reserved Seating $17 Reserve Seating for Saturday & Sunday Miles City Chamber of Commerce 406-234-2890

Miles City Livestock Commision Consignors call 800-755-5177 RVs Welcome • Lots of Parking No Coolers Allowed

w w w. b u c k i n g h o r s e s a l e . c o m

April 2014

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

April 2014

Country Neighbors

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USED EQUIPMENT

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201 Hwy 12 E, Hettinger, ND

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00’ JD 9200, Deluxe Cab, 710/70R38 Duals, 24spd, Wts, PTO, 3946 Hrs, Has PTO!. . . . . . . . . .$109,900. . .$99,900

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2014 VERSATILE 310 1 Hours; 310 hp; MFWD; Luxury Cab, Leather, Active Seat, Powershift, 540/1000 PTO, 3PT, HID, TCS Front Axle

2014 VERSATILE 260 1 Hours; 260 hp; MFWD; Luxury Cab, Leather, Active Seat, Powershift, 540/1000 PTO, 3PT, HID, TCS Front Axle

2014 VERSATILE 190, 1 Hours; 190 hp; MFWD Drive; NEW 2014, Powershift, 3PT, 540/1000 PTO, Loader, Grapple & Joystick, Duals, Radar

NEW VERSATILE PRECISION AIR DRILLS W/ INDEPENDENT DEPTH CONTROL, NOW AVAILABLE!

Full Autosteer 09’ JD 9630 Hi Flow hyd, HID’s, AT Rdy, D-Lock, Wts, Loaded! 1464 Hours, Hi Flow Hydraulics! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $229,500

07’ CIH Steiger 380, Dlx, PS, 20.8 Dual Tires, Full Integrated Auto Steer, Hi Flow, 2593 Hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$156,000

07’ JD 8430, Act. Seat, AT Rdy, PS, ILS, HID, Wts, Front / Rear Dls, 6219 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $149,900

D L O

New & Used Equipment in Stock!

2014 VERSATILE SX SPRAYERS NOW AVAILABLE!!

NEW VERSATILE TILLAGE EQUIPMENT NOW AVAILABLE!

Cub Cadet UTVs, Many Colors Avail., EFI, Gas / Diesel! In Stock!

Cub Cadet Zero Turns, Riders, Push Mowers & Snowblowers, In Stock!

2014 SUMMERS MFG SUPERCOULTER +, 40’ & 50’, 3 Bar harrows & Rolling Baskets, Wavy Notched Blades, Hyd. Adjust Hitch

2014 SUMMERS MFG SUPERROLLER 45’, Hyd. Wing Fold, Easy Transporting!!!

2014 SUMMERS ROCK PICKERS IN STOCK!!

2014 SHEYENNE AUGERS, 13”x100’, 8’’x30’, 8’’x40’ 13x70’’ LoPro, Self Leveling Swing Auger, Heavy Duty, Many in Stock!

Financing Available - We Take Trades!

S

99’ JD 9300 24spd, 18.4x46 Triples! HIDs, Gstar Rdy, wts, Full AS, 5098 Hrs, Full Autosteer. . . . . . . . . . . . $97,500. . . $89,000

D L O

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90’ CIH 7130, C/A/H, Powershift, 3 hyd., 540/1000 PTO, 80% tires!, 7,112 hours, Nice Local Trade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$42,000

06’ CIH MXU135, C/A/H, LX750 Ldr, Joystick, LH Reverse, 3489 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $62,500

01’ CIH MX270, C/A/H, PS, 46” Rubber (80%), 3pt, PTO, 5,998 Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,900

05’ Bobcat S185, Cab with Heat, Bucket, 2,517 hours, Nice Clean Skidsteer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,900

83’ Case 2290, C/A/H, PS, 18.4x38 Dls @ 90%, PTOs, 3PT,155 HP, 5979 Hrs$13,900

69’ JD 1020, 3PT, PTO, 1 hyd., Eng. OH, gas, Original tractor, 3,093hrs. . . . .$4,900

MF 135 Utility Tractor, 46hp, 3PT, PTO, Gas Engine, Very Nice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,750

83’ NH TR95 C/A/H, 2200 hrs, Shedded, 24’ Rigid Head & 13’ Pickup Head $12,000

Full Autosteer

Full AT & Auto Boom Shut & Ht!

00’ JD 4700, 10 series updates, Larger tires, Planitaries, HP, 1,695 Hrs, Full Autosteer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$94,900

06’ APACHE AS1010, Raven Autosteer, Auto Boom Ht/Shutoff, 1,489 Hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $109,900

Buhler-FarmKing Y720 Rotary Mower, Pull Type, 72”, Hyd. Raise/Lower, Nice! $1,950

‘08 Arctic Cat Prowler 650XT, 4x4, Auto, Gas, Tilt Bed, Only 62 Miles! Stored Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,400

We Offer These Products & Services: - New & used equipment sales - Full service & repairs on all trucks, agriculture & construction equipment - Repair and service in our new shop or at your site - Air conditioning repair - Welding services - Make hydraulic hose - Make battery cable - Stock air, fuel, & oil filters for all makes and models of tractors & trucks - NAPA auto, truck, & agriculture parts - Stock 55 gallon drums & 5 gallon pails of engine & hydraulic oils. Our HD engine & hydraulic oil meets John Deere and Case IH oil specs

2014 FARMKING AUGERS MANY SIZES AVAIL., IN STOCK!

NEW J&M Mfg. Equipment Now Available and In Stock!

13’ NEW J&M 1401 Grain Cart, Scale, Tarp, 76x50 Hi Flo Tires, Loaded . . . . . Call

NEW H&H FABRICATION SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE & IN STOCK!

866-582-3090 / www.AgProEquipment.com

866-582-3090 / www.AgProEquipment.com

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Country Neighbors

FAITH F AIT A TH LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK COMMIISSION COMPANY COMP PANY A COMMISSION

White Drug WITH A COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE

Wide selection of gifts, novelties and health & beauty aids. We also have the bridal registry.

Gary Dewhirst, P.P.H

112 S. Main Street PO Box 750 Hettinger, ND Phone: (701) 523-4115

Serving Your FamilyĘźs Prescription needs since 1884

April 2014

Faith,, SD Faith, SD Phone P hone (605) 967-2200 967-220 00 X XXGBJUIMJWWFTUPDL DPN t ĘD! !GGBJUITE DPN XXXGBJUIMJWFTUPDL DPN t ĘD!GBJUITE DPN

Faith F aith L Livestock ivestock continues continues to to offer off ffeer top top quality quality feed feeed cattle, cattle, calves upcoming calves and and bred bred cows cows in in tthe he u p pcoming ssales. ales.

Upcoming U pcoming S Sales ales

Pine Creek Angus Monday, April Monday, April 22: YYearling eearling g angus bulls Monda y, April April 29: YYearling eearlingg and 2-y ear-old angus bulls ers Monday, 2-year-old bulls,, angus heif heifers Monday, bulls,, 2-year-old Monda y, May May 6: Yearling Yearling angus a bulls 2-year-old anguss bulls Monda y, June June 3: Special Special cow/calf cow/calf pair, pairr, feeder feeder cattle cattle andd sheep sale Monday, Monday, Monda y, June June 10: Special Special cow/calf cow/calf pair and sheep sale Sunrise Angus Ranch Monda y, June June 17-24: Special Speccial cow/calf cow/calf pair and sheep sale saale Monday, Monda y, July July 1 - No No sale 4th 4 of JJuly! uly!

Monday, Monda y, July July 8: Special Special new neew crop crop lamb and regular regular cattle catttle sale Monday, Monda y, July July 22: Special Special yearling yearling and sheep sale Monday, Monda y, July July 29: Special Special yearling yearling and sheep sale Monday, Monda y, August August pecial yearling yearling Monday, 5: SSpecial and sheep sale NEW DATE Wilken Angus NEW DATE Monda y, August August 22: 53r Anniversary SSale ale selling both sheep and ccattle attle Monday, 53rdd Anniversary SSunday, unday, Sept.

Sept. 8: Meyer Meyer production produc o tion horse sale Monda y, Sept.

Sept. 9: Special Special spay spay heifer heifer and sheep sale Monday, Friday, April 18, 2014

70 yearling angus bulls

CATALOG Supplement

PICTURE S

Sale time 1:00 pm

2013 Top bull $8,000

Top 5 $6,600

Avg on 59 bulls $3,415

Two locations in Dickinson

455 12 St. W (T-Rex Plaza) 701-225-2552 M-F 6 am to 10 pm Sat. 8 am to 10 pm Sun. 9 am to 10 pm

Top Bull $6000 2-yr-old Top Bull $4500 yearling

2456 3 Ave West rd

(Super Walmart) 701-225-2552

M-F 7 am to 9 pm Sat. 8 am to 9 pm Sun. 12 noon to 9 pm

Website or E-MAIL 605-748-2217

Heifers $15-1900 on registered $10601150 on commercial

40 yearling & 25 2-yr-old angus bulls 80 angus heifers

sale time 1:00 pm

Kent & Janet LaDue 605-788-2969

Website or E-MAIL

Monday, April 28, 2014 CATALOG

110 angus heifers

Top 5 Bulls $4850

Saturday, May 3, 2014

33 yrl bulls$2579 6 2-yr-old $4100

30 angus heifers $1160 15 angus heifers $1125

70 yearling angus bulls 80 2-yr-old angus bulls 80 angus heifers BV

CATALOG

Pictures

2013 Top bull $7,500

Top 5 bulls $6,500 75 angus heifers $1,040

sale time 1:00pm 605-788-2855

Website or E-MAIL

Average on 68 yrls $3,220 52 2-yr-old $3,125 BCN024

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April 2014

17

Country Neighbors

IT’S CALVING SEASON

A well-kept calving book is critical

By Kris Ringwall Beef Specialist NDSU Extension Center

One could say the future of beef starts with a calving book. Certainly, source and age verification starts with a calving book. Now is the time to be planning on getting cattle ready for age- and source-verification for next fall.

The North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association (NDBCIA) has participated in source and age verification for several years.

The process is not complicated, but if one was to speak in general terms, the process often is not well understood.

The NDBCIA provides a calving book because, no matter how complicated various programs become, a calving book that notes the date a calf was born and the identification of that calf the day the calf was born is the best starting point there is.

Therefore, a well-kept calving book is critical.

Through the years, the process has been improved.

Today, producers can order

calving books that already have the electronic identification (EID) preprinted.

In other words, when a producer tags a calf with the herd numbering system, an EID button that matches the calving book may be placed securely in the calf’s ear at the same time.

After the visual identification number is placed in the calving book and aligned with the proper EID, the calf is ready to apply to an age- and source-verification program. As producers, the temptation is to put off tagging calves with an EID until later in the season. The thinking is that there is uncertainty about implementing the process.

There is a challenge that the NDBCIA has seen. As producers make the decision to age- and source-verify, the calves already are moving into the marketing channel.

Therefore, producers cannot keep up with paperwork and processing as their calves enter the marketing channels, so tempers can get a little heated.

Buyers want the appropri-

ate assurance and verified paperwork to accompany the calves to their next place of residence. The goal of the NDBCIA is to have ageand source-verification completed by midsummer. That way, a producer still maintains marketing flexibility and the verification process does not have to interfere with the marketing process.

G r a n t ed, not all p r o d u c e r s have calving books, but for those who do, why not use a calving book that has preprinted EIDs? Why not apply the EID button at calving for ease of handling and record verification? If calving time does not work for placing an EID, branding or spring calf processing could be a good time.

If done during spring processing, the EID number needs to correspond to the calving book and the tags crosschecked to assure that the correct EID was given to the right calf. The time spent doing things right certainly is rewarded come fall as the industry is searching for more and more verified calves. The future is com-

plicated. The processes and documentation required for verification are not going to go away. We no longer sell our calves to the neighbor to feed out. Producers sell their calves to the world.

As calves enter the marketplace, there are very unique differences in cattle.

They may be all the same color, bellow the same tune and eat the same hay, but they are not the same cattle.

Some have the right paperwork and some don’t.

The future is not unlike crossing borders where you need to have your paperwork in order. The result is three lines. The first line is made up of those who move through quickly because they only require a nod or slight verification.

The second line has all those who could get through but they do not have their paperwork in order.

Tempers get heated, but paperwork takes time and the lines get long. The last group is those who are turned back because they lack the appropriate paperwork to move forward.

Carla Adkisson Branch Manager

Oil Field Supply Store

Sales & Service and Manufacturer’s Representative

Box 320 • 413 6th St NE • Bowman, ND 58623

Location: Highway 85 • North between the curves

Phone: 701-523-4764 Fax: 701-523-4784

Performance Truck Center 701-483-2895 2019 A W. Villard, Dickinson,ND “We’ll get you back on the road.”

Over 50 years of combined experience.

Cummins • Detroit • Cat • IH SALES OF MIDLAND OVERHEAD DOORS OPERATORS • ROLLING GATES COMMERICAIL HOLLOW METAL DOORS & HARDWARE SERVICE ON ALL OVERHEAD DOORS

DON'T WAIT: Check those bulls now sues before the weather is nice and the bulls are loaded on the trailer to service a friendly pasture of cows. The cows often are the focus of attention because they have those nice-looking calves walking alongside and are the primary feeding group.

Only after all the cows and calves are fed do we wonder if the bulls have been fed. When one looks at how much bulls cost these days, they should get the same treatment as cows.

How often does one drive by a producer’s lot to look at the cows only to notice that the bulls are eating on an old bale of hay in the bull pen?

There aren’t that many bulls, so they end up nibbling on the outside of the bale, which eventually turns old. This is not a good plan; it may lead to procrastination and missing an opportunity for the early diagnosis of a problem.

Why early diagnosis?

A bull has a very complex process called spermatogenesis. This process occurs in the testis and starts when a cell

decides to become a sperm cell. From the onset, the bull requires at least 54 days to produce a viable sperm cell and another seven to 10 days

for the sperm cell to arrive at the launch pad. That’s more than two months that is needed for a bull to initiate the ability to settle a cow.

Dickinson

ABC DIESEL

TURBOCHARGER REPAIR

Diesel Systems

AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR SuperChip - Edge BD Brake - Bully Dog

483-8711

FACTORY AUTHORIZED FUEL INJECTION & Repair - Testing & Rebuilding

4899 2nd St. SW Dickinson, ND 2 Blocks South of Badlands Diesel or 2 Blocks West of Baker Boy in West Industrial Park.

Walt Steiner • Scott Kudrna 501 21st Ave. Eat • Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 483-DOOR (3667) • Fax (701) 483-0630 After Hours: Scott (701) 483-7070

KRUGERS KITCHEN

Our thinking needs to move to the bulls in the herd because it is the time to start worrying. A bull that is not reproductively sound today more than likely will not be settling cows in June.

The reproductive process in a bull is not something that can be turned on and off. In reality, a bull’s reproductive process never should turn off. If it does, to get it to turn on again is a major, timeconsuming process. One could liken the problem to an engine that has the wrong fuel in it during the dead of winter and is stalled on a frozen highway 300 miles from the nearest service station.

As an optimist, one would think that one will get the engine going again, even if it takes until the spring thaw. Any immediacy in getting the engine started probably will cost a lot of money and still take time, so don’t use the wrong fuel and save yourself a lot of stress and work.

Likewise, now is the time to check the bulls to avoid any crises management is-

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

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April 2014

Country Neighbors

19

Buying and selling horses can be harder than realized Though it isn’t an industry norm, two sales a year have generally worked well for Bearman and his company.

One big hurdle that Bearman has had to face in his industry is trying to get people to focus on the consignments so they can get the horses in the catalog, which goes out one month before each sale.

But technology has helped that situation in recent years.

Bearman and his company utilizes the power of text messaging to relay information back and forth, especially photos.

“We text pictures back

By Cole Benz The Herald The market for buying and selling horses is an industry that many people are not familiar with – it has many more intricacies than one would expect.

“The market has been drawn down to classes,” said John Bearman, co-owner of Double J Horse Sales who has been buying and selling horses since 1961.

The first level is of those horses that are bought and sold for slaughter.

Though horsemeat isn’t favored domestically, the market to export it is a great opportunity for dealers in the business.

This part of the industry has had some of its own hurdles.

The federal government recently put restrictions on the horsemeat market that has affected the way horse sellers are able to operate.

A federal ruling in March 2007 disallowed slaughterhouses from supplying the funds required to get their establishments inspected.

With out the proper inspections from the USDA, their operations had to shut down, essentially stopping the slaughter of horses for the consumption of their meat in the United States.

In November 2011 a ban was lifted on the slaughter of horses only to be reestablished in January 2014.

The next level is for horses bought and sold for children.

In Bearman’s own sales, a horse of such stature could fetch anywhere between $800 and $8,000, so the market certainly fluctuates with it.

“Bomb proof” horses are the next set of breeds that go one the market. According to Bearman, “bomb proof” is a term for a horse that is not easily spooked.

“Nothing flusters them, a pheasant can jump up in front of them, a deer can be in the thicket as your riding by ... and the horse just keeps going like a Timex watch,” he said.

Bearman said that this type is usually their best seller.

The breeds included in that category typically are what most people desire to have for pleasure riding.

Horses in this market tend to go from $5,000 to $15,000.

and forth,” he said. “We make our catalog come together faster.”

Another hurdle for Bearman, which also plagues the entire industry, is the increasing cost of fuel.

The cost can be high in transporting horses, and directly effects the profits that a seller can make if they have to travel a far distance to show their animal.

Bearman said his business isn’t limited to the breed they show and sell and the season does have an impact but that doesn’t stop them from moving their product.

“Still, if it’s a quality horse, it will still sell,” he said.

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A ‘bomb proof’ breed of horse typically are what most people desire to have for pleasure riding. Horses in this market tend to go from $5,000 to $15,000.

The final section is the one dedicated to show horses, or rodeo horses. The breeds in the part of the market can fetch the highest dollar amount of any other type sold.

Double J Horse Sales holds two sales per year and the one that yields the highest amount of return is their spring sale.

“The spring sales always

dictate a little higher price for our sellers, the fall sales get a little flatter,” Bearman said.

Spring tends to be the biggest time of the year in the horse selling market because, according to Bearman, people are excited about the warm weather and are ready to get outside.

They hold the sales outdoors so their vendors can show

off their horses.

“If Mother Nature cooperates, it really is a wonderful sale,” he said.

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April 2014

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

NDSU Ext.: Ag and Natural Resources crucial to N.D. success North Dakota exists because of its agriculture and natural resources. The state is blessed with productive soils from border to border. Because of that, many people, including my an-

cestors, came here to farm and ranch.

Some may consider our climate a bit on the harsh side, but the seasons of the year set a natural rhythm, resulting in an abundant

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production of food and fiber for the state and the world. North Dakota routinely leads the nation in the production of about 10 different commodities. This is not by accident. North Dakota is very fortunate to have special people who work the land and care for the animals. The men and women of the NDSU Extension Service’s Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) program have been working alongside these special people for the past 100 years and will continue to do so for the next 100 years.

This year, NDSU Extension celebrates the 100th anniversary of the signing

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of the Smith-Lever Act, which created the national Cooperative Extension System. As part of that celebration, we are focusing on how we extend knowledge and change lives.

For example, Extension ANR is helping producers stay on the cutting edge of crop production through precision agriculture. One of the latest efforts involves testing and demonstrating the effectiveness of in-field sensing for determining when and where to apply fertilizer.

A crop sensor mounted on a fertilizer applicator shines red, green and near infrared light at plants to see how much light reflects

back. The amount of reflected light indicates how well the crop is growing.

That data goes into a computer in the tractor, which lets producers adjust their fertilizer applications. This allows producers to apply the right amount of fertilizer exactly where the crop needs it, saving them money and reducing the potential for chemical runoff.

The explosive growth of the “oil patch” in western North Dakota has created opportunities and challenges for the people who live there and their animals.

Early in the summer of 2013, Extension ANR conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of

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obtaining baseline water quality data in six counties in and adjacent to the oil patch. This study was initiated in response to an increase in water samples sent to the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory during the 2012 drought and some producers’ concerns about oil field development impacts on their water quality.

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Country Neighbors

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22

Country Neighbors

April 2014

Air Force looks to expand training area over populated southwest N.D.

By BRYCE MARTIN Pioneer Editor A controversial plan developed by the U.S. Air Force has many area farm owners and aviation experts urging the federal government not to follow through on its military training area expansion project.

Plans call for the Powder River Training Area that currently spans South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana to be expanded into an 18-million acre bomber-training complex that would sprawl over southwest North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. U.S. Air Force crafts from Minot Air Force Base and Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City would utilize the area for exercises nearly five days each week and, 10 to 12 days of the year, host large force exercises across the stretch.

Large force exercises, colloquially known as war games, are the employment of military resources in training for military operations, either exploring the effects of warfare or testing strategies without actual combat.

Rodney Schaaf, pilot and president of the Bowman County Airport Authority, said these training exercises and the general presence of the aircrafts could render negative consequences for the area.

“We can understand the increased military training they want for their mission, but we don’t quite understand why they need it four times bigger,” Schaaf said.

The most pressing issue is the altitude at which several of the military aircraft would be flying, notably over Bowman which has been designated in the plans as a “low area,” at which crafts could fly at a minimum of 500 feet above ground. Other areas involved in the expansion, such as Hettinger, have been designated as “high areas,” meaning aircraft could only fly from 12,000 to 18,000 feet above ground.

“That’s going to kill us for the new airport,” Schaaf said.

The new Bowman Regional Airport, which is currently under construction, would be one of the main airports within the expanded region, posing a great threat

to Bowman’s aviation and commerce, according to Schaaf.

Common aircraft that would be involved in training are the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and the Rockwell B-1 Lancer, both of which are strategic bombers for the Air Force. The B-52 would navigate in the areas designated “high” and the B-1s, a supersonic bomber, would be operating in the “low” areas. Thirty to 40 aircrafts simulate war scenarios during the exercise.

A potentially dangerous situation could occur if a small aircraft is traveling through the proposed training airspace.

Schaaf, an experienced pilot and former pilot in the Air Force, said on a normal day he could take a plane down to Rapid City and be there in an hour. Because he would fly under 18,000 feet – the required altitude at which to maintain radar contact – he would not need to speak to an air traffic controller, a tower or be tracked by radar.

“I have the responsibility to see and avoid anybody around me,” he said.

That presents problems when considering massive B- 52 and B-1 bombers will be nearby, traveling around 500 mph.

“He’ll never see me and I’ll never see him,” Schaaf suggested.

Another scenario regards the surge of air traffic landing in Bowman related to oil activity and the delays they could encounter.

If a traveler, for example an oil company representative, was forced to sit on the runway for two hours and wait for the bombers to safely exit the airspace, “the next time they come in for an oil meeting, they’re not going to mess with Bowman, they’ll go to Dickinson, which is outside the area,” he said.

There are gaps between the four areas of the proposed expansion, considered the “interstates in the air,” called victor routes. These gaps between the training areas provide a route for commercial and private aircraft to avoid the training space when traveling to airports outside of those areas. Those areas, however, are blocked off during the war game ex-

The map above shows the existing air space compared with the U.S. Air Force’s proposal of expansion for the Powder River Training Area. GRAPHIC BY BRYCE MARTIN / PIONEER ercises.

Schaaf said if the expansion goes through, it’s going to immediately impact Bowman’s airport first. That will have a trickle down effect to surrounding communities.

The weather modification program ran by Bowman County also could be impeded as planes to seed clouds would not be able to take off if bombers are in the area.

Other areas of aviation that could be affected are wildlife management flights, which track deer and antelope movement, fire scouts that fly to direct fire trucks when there are grassfires, and crop dusters.

“We need to make sure our military has the capabilities to protect our nation, but a strong effort needs to be made to limit the impact of this potential expansion on North Dakota communities and businesses,” Sen. Heidi Heitkamp said in a statement to the Pioneer on Tuesday.

The original extent of the Powder River Training area includes sparsely populated areas of northwestern South Dakota, northeastern Wyoming and southeastern Montana. The cities of Broadus and Ekalaka also are encompassed by the area but sit right on the edge of the training area.

Four years ago, the Air Force proposed relatively the same expansion of Powder River and carried the plan all the way through to a public comment phase. The Air Force and Federal Aviation Authority received a deluge of letters and comments during that period and seemed to abandon the project.

“We must have gotten enough gripes into them and it dragged on for four years and we didn’t hear a thing,” Schaaf said. “All of a sudden, end of February, it pops up.”

This time around, the Air Force made changes to their plan, including designating Hettinger a “high” area, which is where the air tankers will be orbiting.

Schaaf stressed the importance of Bowman having that same “high” area, considering what happens during the training scenarios.

At 2,000 feet above ground, the bombers will release flare drops, which ultimately reach the ground below.

If an enemy has a heatseeking missile, it will hone in on the exhaust of an airplane. In response, that plane would release flares and the missile would go after the flares instead of the aircraft.

The Air Force has said that

99 percent of flares released will burn up before it hits the ground.

“We say, tell me about the other 1 percent,” Schaaf said. “Is that going to start a grassfire or is that going to be a dud and a kid picks it up, lights it and burns his arm off?”

The other item released during training is called chaff.

Chaff is a bundle of miniature tinfoil that is released by aircraft if an enemy tracks and launches a missile based on its radar location. Once it’s shot out, instead of one airplane showing up on radar, now it’s a million. One bundle of chaff could contain about one million pieces of tinfoil, which fall to the ground.

“Some of these ranchers are concerned about it laying on your surface water and your stock dams,” Schaaf said.

Ten to 12 days a year, during war game training, aircrafts have permission to travel beyond the speed of sound, which produces a sonic boom.

Depending on the aircraft’s altitude, sonic booms reach the ground two to 60 seconds after flyover.

With the official proposal, aircraft can’t reach super-

sonic levels unless it’s above 10,000 feet, “but you’re still going to get the boom down here,” Schaaf said.

Andrea Bowman, Bowman agent with the NDSU Extension, said one of her concerns rested with sage grouse, a species already drawing concern due to dwindling population. Bowman said her concern would be how the presence of the bombers would affect the sage grouse and area livestock.

The environmental impact report conducted for the expansion has not been released, which has raised questions why the Air Force chose to move forward on the planning of the expansion.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced earlier this year that the military would be experiencing a large drawdown of its activity, leading to some military bases around the country closing their doors. Either Ellsworth or Minot could be next on the base closure list, according to Schaaf.

“Perhaps senators in South Dakota are worried funding will be pulled,” he said. “(The senators) are scared, if they lose that base down there, how much income goes to the Rapid City area.”

April 2014

Country Neighbors

The surprising benefits of raising ducks

By Lori Kesinger Fallon County Times Ducks - they float, dive, waddle and can be very amusing. Ducks can provide eggs rich in protein and tasty meat, feathers for comforters and crafts, plus fertilization and pest control services. Yet, for some reason ducks do not get the same recognition as chickens in the poultry world.

Surprisingly, ducks can be great animal companions. Some say ducks can even rival dogs in terms of relationship with humans.

Ducks are highly intelligent, friendly and lovable. They will easily adapt being around humans if handled from a young age. They even have the ability to learn and understand commands if trained.

Duck eggs are richer and contain more protein, calcium, iron, potassium, and pretty much every major mineral than chicken eggs. The yolks are big and orange and the whites pure white. They are excellent for baking - making breads and cakes rise high and airy and pecan pie velvety - and are just as good as chicken eggs for everything else.

Plus, many breeds of ducks lay more eggs

23

Air Force Continued from page 10

per year than most breeds of chickens do.

Ducks are also more adaptable and disease resistant than chickens. They have strong survival skills and simply are more efficient and require less maintenance.

Convinced you need ducks? Here's what you need to get your brood started: Plan on a pair. Ducks are social creatures, and one will be very lonely.

Know your breeds. There are at least a dozen breeds of domestic ducks in the U.S. Some of the more popular breeds are Pekin, Cayuga, Khaki Campbell and Runner. The Pekin is a large, white duck that is attractive to be in yards. They have orange bills and legs, and are the most commonly seen in illustrations. The Cayuga are larger, featuring a green-black color. This breed is a good egg layer, and much more reserved and quiet than other breeds. The Khaki Campbells are khaki colored with a brown upper head and neck. Fast growing, the Campbells are also superb layers that lay eggs resembling chicken eggs in size. They almost always lay white eggs and are

could jeopardize 95 jobs that generate $1.5 million in annual payroll and $3.8 million in overall economic activity.

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See DUCKS, Page 24

Looking For...

Homeowners Insurance

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bread, cereal, candies, jams, snacks, pasta, wine and other quality speciality products consumed throughout the world.

Quick facts: • Montana food manufacturing is likely to see the fastest manufacturing employment growth.

• Wheat is Montana’s number one export, with nearly 75% being exported to Asian markets.

• Montana farmers and ranchers added $2 billion of value to the national economy.

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Country Neighbors

among the most prolific layers in the duck world, laying more than most heritage breed chickens. Runners are long, skinny and stand up almost like bowling pins when they run. Runners are smallish birds and come in a variety of colors: fawn and white, chocolate, blue (gray), and black. They lay white or bluish eggs.

Ducks are meant for the great outdoors. (Ducklings do have to be kept inside warm and dry for the first four to five weeks of their life.) Most domesticated breeds are unable to fly, but if you do have a flying breed, the primaWelsh Harlequin are becoming a very ry feathers on one wing can be clipped popular duck breed due to their multi pur- once a year. Ducks generally require pose characteristics. They have excellent less elaborate housing and fencing than egg production abilities due to their other poultry and are easy to confine Khaki Campbell background and are and herd around. An insulated house calm, inquisitive, and excellent foragers. will help keep laying breeds productive This drake and hen are an inseparable and a secure perimeter fence can safeguard them from prey. pair.

Ducks thrive on the same foods as chickens, but they will forage for a higher percentage, which means less work for you.

Ducks are relentless hunters of pests, succulent grasses and other fare. Allowing your ducks to fend for some of their own food will save money on feed bills while reducing the pest population. They’ll fertilize as they forage, which also makes them great garden patrol if you can protect young plants from their flat feet and rooting bills.

Ducks are naturally passionate about water, which does make them messier to keep than chickens. They love to swim and will have great fun in anything from a dishpan to a kiddie pool. All they really need is a water dish deep enough to dip their entire head into, which they will do with great zest and frequency.

The best way to raise healthy ducks is simply to provide them with plenty of space to exercise, access to good nutrition and adequate water. Give them the care they need and they will thank you in their own cheerful, quacking, waddling way - they are absolutely one of the happiest animals you can own.

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April 2014

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Country Neighbors

Maps reveal new plant hardiness zones Farmers rely on a number of factors when deciding on what to plant in their fields.

One of the most important things to take into consideration is the climate.

Since 1960, the go-to source for climate and relation to agriculture has been the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone map. In 1967, Agriculture Canada developed their own map that took into consideration Canadian plant survival data and a wider range of climatic variables. The maps remained constant until now.

In January 2012, the USDA released an updated zone map. The map is now more precise and reflects microclimates, heat islands, prevailing wind, elevation, and generally better data.

It breaks down the country into 13 unique zones from the previous 11. Individuals who once resided in a particular zone may find that they are now moved into another zone. This updated map has taken into consideration climate changes

that have occurred between 1976 and 2005. You now may be able to try plants that you may have been skeptical about in the past.

The new map now offers a Geographic Information System, or GIS-based, interactive format and is specifically designed to be Internet-friendly. The map website also incorporates a “find your zone by ZIP code” function. Static images of national, regional and state maps have also been included to ensure the map is readily accessible to those who lack broadband Internet access.

The new version of the map includes 13 zones, with the addition for the first time of zones 12 (5060 degrees F) and 13 (6070 degrees F). Each zone is a 10-degree Fahrenheit band, further divided into A and B 5-degree Fahrenheit zones.

A hardiness zone describes a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic condi-

tions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone.

Summer temperatures are not factored into the mix.

Therefore, areas with similar winter patterns and average lows may be in the same zone despite having drastically different highs.

Hardiness zones may not take into consideration snow cover, either. Snow helps insulate the soil and hibernating plants. There-

fore hardiness zones are more like guidelines instead of foolproof methods of determining viable plants.

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

Safety essential when visiting a farm The nursery rhyme does not state, “Old MacDonald had a farm and on this farm there was a bunch of dangerous things.” But maybe it should?

Farmers perform an essential service, providing food and other products that consumers commonly take for granted. The inner workings of a farm are something to treat with respect. Most of the families who live and work on a farm understand the potential hazards of such an environment. However, individuals visiting a farm may be unaware of these dangers. Understanding farm safety

helps keep everyone safe.

According to the organization Kids Health, the age groups at greatest risk for injury on farms are children ages 3 to 4 and teenagers ages 13 to 14. Most injuries can be prevented, though, with a little education and precautionary measures.

Machinery

There are many different forms of machinery on a farm to help keep it working efficiently. These items can pose serious

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safety risks. Although tractors are the type of farm equipment that causes the most injuries, some adults still think it is safe to allow children to ride along.

Injuries that may result from farm machinery include pinching of clothing or parts of the body, where a person may become trapped in the gears or components of equipment; cuts from equipment that shears crops; bruising or cuts from projectiles thrown by mowers or other field equipment; and crushing or trapping injuries from machinery that falls or tips over.

Animals

Part of the excitement of visiting a farm is seeing and petting the animals. Although many animals may be docile and domesticated, they can still be unpredictable. Animals that are startled by yelling or loud noises also may become restless and dangerous.

Children should understand that animals may unintentionally cause injuries. It may be in a horse’s defense mechanism to kick when it is scared. To avoid such injuries, never approach animals from behind. Also, when baby animals are present, a female may be protective of her brood and go on the defensive.

Another inadvertent injury that may occur is from bacteria or viruses from the animals.

Animal feces may contain bacteria, and there may be other microorganisms on the animals themselves. It is a smart idea to always wash your hands after handling a farm animal to prevent the spread of disease.

Here are some other precautions that can be taken when visiting a farm.

■ Don’t allow children to wander around unsupervised.

■ Rides on farm equipment should be discouraged.

■ Before starting machinery, operators should locate children and other guests and clear them from the work area.

■ Don’t allow children near machinery.

■ Children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to operate any farm vehicles.

■ Watch for hand tools or other equipment, and keep children away from them.

■ Do not touch animals unless a farm worker allows it. Then follow his or her instructions.

■ Don’t provoke farm animals or attempt to startle them.

■ Supervise children around ponds, feeding troughs or manure lagoons. It only takes a few inches of water to pose a drowning risk.

Farms are interesting places to visit, especially for children.

Safety should always be a priority when visiting a farm.

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April 2014

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

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April 2014

Country Neighbors

3

Challenges facing farmers today and tomorrow The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that only about 960,000 Americans claim farming as their principal occupation. As that figure has dwindled, the average age of farmers continues to rise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that roughly 40 percent of the farmers in this country are 55 years old or older. This has led to concerns about the long-term health of family farms throughout the United States.

Environmental concerns

Greater public awareness of agricultural challenges could help the industry in the future.

Farming is integral to the N.D. economy, but is it 'a dying profession'?

Though farming was once big business in the United States, by 2013 less than 1 percent of Americans were professional farmers. Many challenges face today’s farmers, many of which are largely unknown to the general public.

Many people have an outdated view of a farm as a small, family-owned and operated parcel of land where livestock is raised in open pens and crops are handharvested when ripe. The reality is that modern-day farms have had to overhaul operations to meet demand and remain competitively priced while adapting to the ever-changing ways technology infiltrates all parts of life. Each of these factors present obstacles for today’s farmers.

Technology

Rural farming communities are expected to make an effort to integrate modern technology into an indus-

try that has been around for centuries. But such a transition in rural areas, where communications systems may not be as up-to-date as those in urban areas, is not always so easy.

According to the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, a shift from a resource-based to an information-based economy, compounded by the rapid introduction and expansion of new technology in the workplace, has altered farm operation and the skills in demand. Older workers who have been schooled in one way of agriculture may have a significant impact on labor supply and the vitality of farming as a career. Younger adults who are knowledgeable in technology may no longer seek out agricultural careers.

Decrease in farming as an occupation

Many farmers have come under scrutiny for how farming impacts the environment. A growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation has led many people to protest certain farming practices. Protesters claim that certain practices, such as raising livestock, can pollute water, while the use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides is bad for the environment.

Many farmers, however, have altered their methods to be more environmentally friendly and self-sustainable in the process.

Climate change is another environmental issue farmers must deal with. Strong storms and severe droughts have made farming even more challenging.

sector that saw banks become less willing to extend lines of credit, some farmers are facing bankruptcy.

Though it can be easy for those who do not work in the agricultural industry to overlook the struggles facing today’s agricultural professionals, a greater understanding of those struggles and the challenges that lay ahead can benefit the industry and its employees down the road.

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Financial fall-out

The ongoing recession of the last half-decade has also affected farmers. In November of 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the unemployment rate within the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industries was at 13.6 percent, far higher than the national unemployment rate. As a result, many farm families have found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, as rising costs for equipment and technology are being coupled with decreasing profits and rising unemployment.

Further complicating matters is competition from corporations and international food producers who have made it difficult for family farmers to turn a significant profit. Many family farmers rely on loans and lines of credit to survive, but thanks to changes in the financial

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Country Neighbors

April 2014

Construction begins on new Bowman fairground grandstands

By Bryce Martin Bowman County Pioneer A piece of Bowman’s historic fairgrounds is rising again.

With a significant portion of its structure rotting away, the Bowman County Fairgrounds grandstands were torn down last year.

The process of rebuilding them, which was on pause over the winter, began last week.

“The old one wasn’t too steady to go up and down on,” Bowman County Fair Board President Darwin Wilke said. “It’s worked for all these years, but it’s time for an update.”

Plans for the new grandstand include bleachers similar to Bow-

man High School’s stadium seating, constructed of aluminum. The interior of the new grandstand will be similar to its predecessor, with entrance and exits in between rows and a roof covering the whole structure. The new roof will be slanted to the west to deter runoff water being dumped into the arena, a problem that plagued the grandstand in the past.

Ten handicapped-accessible seats will be featured in the front row and supportive hand railings will line the steps.

The Fair Board owns the grandstand and funds for the demolition and construction came from the county’s Bureau of Land Management fund.

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The grandstands at the Bowman Fairgrounds were torn down last year. Construction on the new stands began in April and will feature a new, sloped roof and handicap friendly design.

(Photo by Bryce Martin / Pioneer)

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April 2014

Country Neighbors

5

The debate over foods containing GMOs continues The foods people eat and how those foods are grown and manufactured has long been a topic of contention.

Recently, the subject of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, has garnered its share of attention.

GMOs are organisms that have been altered via genetic engineering. Foods that contain GMOs have been produced in part in a laboratory by foreign genes from plants and animals. While there are some people who say that foods containing GMOs are safe for consumption, others argue that that may not be the case, saying such foods create new, unintended toxic substances that could exacerbate allergies and increase cancer risk.

Foods containing GMOs are largely crops that are modified using the latest molecular biology techniques. In the laboratory, certain traits, such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content, are enhanced.

By modifying plant genetics, a scientist can isolate a particular gene that makes a crop drought-tolerant and increase its potency to make that crop thrive better in drought-stricken areas.

Genes from one plant can also be transferred to another plant to create desired traits. If a particular gene is unsavory to certain insects, this gene can be put into other crops to deter those

insects.

In the past, crops were bred to feature specific, desired traits with the hope that breeding two different flowering plants to form a hybrid would bring out the best features in both species.

However, the process is time-consuming and genetic modification in the laboratory generally produces faster, less expensive results.

Proponents of foods containing GMOs say that desired traits can be produced in these foods more readily, which is advantageous to the agriculture industry by creating larger, more tolerant crops. In addition, GMOs may help crops become more resistant to disease, reducing reliance on herbicides and pesticides needed to fight disease. GMOs also may help certain crops grow better in colder climates and where soil conditions are salty.

But some environmental activists, public interest groups and even religious organizations argue tampering with foods is not proper.

In addition, such opponents say the potentially harmful environmental and medical impact of laboratory-built crops warrants concern.

In 2000, a study published in the journal Nature found that pollen from a genetically modified corn crop called B.t. corn caused high mortality rates in monarch butterfly caterpillars. Unintented harm to other organ-

GMOs are organisms that have been altered via genetic engineering.

Foods that contain GMOs have been produced in part in a laboratory by foreign genes from plants and animals. isms living in close proximity to GMOs is a significant concern.

In addition, there is concern that foods that contain GMOs and those that do not may cross-breed and create super-plants. Such plants may become disease- and herbicide-resistant, thusly choking out the intended crops. In June 2013, Monsanto Co., the world’s largest seed company, was sued by an environmental group and a Washington farm over claims it failed to take steps to prevent genetically altered wheat from contami-

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook until evenly browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, corn and tomatoes.

Cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease, and stir in the barbeque sauce.

ty of GMOs is insufficient.

Many European nations have backed away from growing crops containing GMOs. Things in North America aren’t as cut and dry. Efforts are ongoing to have GMO ingredients listed on the labels of packaged foods produced in the United States, but no such labeling is presently required. That’s disconcerting

Spread the beef mixture in an even layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the cornbread batter mixes according to package directions. Spread the batter over the top of the beef mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown.

to some, as there is a high likelihood that many of the packaged foods sold in the U.S. contain some GMOs. The debate about foods containing GMOs figures to continue.

Shoppers must determine whether they want to consume foods that contain genetically modified ingredients or they prefer natural alternatives.

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Barbeque Beef Casserole ■ 2 pounds ground beef ■ 1 large onion, diced ■ 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced ■ 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained ■ 1/2 cup barbeque sauce ■ 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained ■ 3 (8.5 ounce) packages corn bread mix

nating regular wheat after Monsanto field-tested the modified wheat in 16 states.

Another area of concern is the health implications of introducing foreign genes into foods. The effect of such practices on the human body are largely unknown. Unexpected allergic reactions or even physical changes in the body may occur. Evidence as to the safe-

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6

Country Neighbors

April 2014

A look at modern farm technology

Could farmers someday use drones?

By Cole Benz The Herald

In an industry as old as farming, technology has not lagged behind as time has passed. Precision agriculture has helped farmers on all facets of the job. It allows famers to be more precise and efficient with not only their resources but also the time they spend out in the fields.

The most used piece of precision agriculture today is guidance systems, systems that allow for machinery to be machine driven automatically down the field, according to West Plains in Dickinson.

“The most used in today’s agriculture is your guidance, you’re driving the units automatically down the fields,” said Brian Dukart, precision farming specialist with West

Plains in Dickinson.

Though the unit does have to be engaged at points in the field, the system keeps it on a much more accurate path with out the risk of human error.

Assisting in the farming process is Real Time Kinematic (RTK) that is used for incredible accuracy on the field. By using RTK in conjunction with global positioning systems (GPS), farmers can maintain their patterns from year to year.

“It’s sub-inch accuracy, no matter what year you come into, 10 years down the road you’re going to be in that exact spot, going down those same wheel tracks,” Dukart said.

Trimble was another company that Dukart mentioned as it relates to precision agriculture. Trimble specializes in positioning technolo-

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gies and has an agricultural branch to its line of products.

Trimble products can handle the application side of farming. Because it is a universal product, it can be installed on any brand of machinery and works with sprayers and other distribution machines to tell the operator how much spray is being applied.

A piece of technology that has recently worked its way into precision agriculture is the use of modems. Modems currently are used for transferring data from the monitor in the cab to a computer and also for overall farm management.

“We can use that modem for what’s called telematics ... where we can physically manage a farm, or physically see where that piece of equipment is in the field on that laptop computer,” Dukart said.

The modem has the same features as a standard house-

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would have pictures and maps to where it was going.”

As far as having a steady hold modem, but according use of drones for the average to Dukart, it is a little differfarmer, it’s not quite ready ent as it uses different softyet, according to Dukart. ware.

A drone unit is a very exIt also has to be durable pensive piece of equipment enough to handle the outside and the time and energy it elements to which farm would take to train on the device is not yet feasible.

There have not been giant leaps with smartphones or tablets as it applies to farming technology, but that too could be changing for the future.

“The new Trimble display is actually an Android based system, and I really do think in time it is going to go that route,” Dukart said.

The advancements in the industry have not only had a positive impact on the cultivation of crops, but also on GPS the wellbeing of the humans units and monitors, such the one here farming the land. Utilizing produced by agricultural the guidance system, for inequipment is machinery producer stance, is taking stress off exposed.

Trimble, are part of the “It’s a pretty heavy-duty new era of modern farm farmers operating the equipment. modem in the unit, it’s pretty technology.

“They’re being more prorugged,” Dukart said. that drone for the Keystone ductive because they’re minWhat’s in store for preciPipeline to measure and folimizing the overlap so they sion agriculture in the future? low the path it was going to are making less passes in Drones. go, to measure it and so they the field,” Dukart said. Since The use of drones in agrithey have the systems to monitor the details, Dukart said farmers’ fatigue at the end of the day has decreased.

Another benefit of the ever-changing technology in agriculture? Comfortable cabs.

The cabs in the equipments have also been given an extensive amount of attention.

“The new equipment with New England, ND 58647 their cabs, probably the most comfort they’ve seen in years,” Dukart said.

(ABOVE) The interior of a Case IH tractor, used by many farmers in today’s agriculture business.

culture is only recently being visited, but could soon have an impact.

“Trimble actually announced their drone, what it does is maps or measures fields. It measure distances,” Dukart said. “Trimble used

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7 DRONES ON FARMS? (LEFT) The use of drones in agriculture is only recently being visited, but could soon have an impact. “Trimble actually announced their drone, what it does is maps or measures fields. It measure distances,” said Brian Dukart, precision farming specialist with West Plains in Dickinson.

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“The most used piece of precision agriculture today is guidance systems, systems that allow for machinery to be machine driven automatically down the field.”

-Brian Dukart, precision farming specialist with West Plains in Dickinson

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Farm Tractor plowing a field using a chisel plow.

(ABOVE) Farmers all over the world have begun using computers in many different forms, such as to produce accurate production records, plan their operations, research innovations, communication with colleagues, procure needed inputs and market crops and value- added products.

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8

Country Neighbors

April 2014

How can you best care for your calf?

It’s calving season

By Breanna Kaitfors Adams County Record Preparing for calving season Ted Perry, a beef nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, believes that poor preparation has a direct impact on calves. The health and well-being of those calves as well as future reproductive performance of the entire heard can be affected by poor preparation.

“Implementing a few strategies ahead of the calving season can make calving programs successful,” Perry said.

Body condition scores (BCS) is one factor that plays into birthing the perfect calf. On a nine-point scale, the ideal BCS for calving is a six. Perry believes that anything less than a six spells trouble.

Cows with low body scores tend to be at more risk for having calving problems.

Their calves are often weaker and not as vigorous. Being weaker means the calves are less likely to get up and drink colostrum in the first few hours of birth, which is vital to their development.

In order to help improve a cow’s BCS, provide them with more protein, energy

and mineral supplements.

Mineral programs are another item to factor in when preparing for calving.

A good nutrition and mineral program is essential for many reasons. A well-developed program helps provide a better response to vaccinations and colostrum quality for the calf, which provides immune protection.

“The ideal body condition score prior to calving coupled with a good mineral program can translate into good quality colostrum and calves that are better protected from the start,” Perry explains.

From mid to late gestation, there will be an increased need for protein and minerals. Meeting these needs is critical for calf growth in-utero and also for the cow’s ability to care for the calf after it’s born.

Having a clean calving area is another crucial part of successful calving.

Perry recommends keeping cows out of the calving area for around 30 to 45 days before calving starts. This helps reduce the amount of manure in the area, thus making the area more sterile for calving. Providing a clean and dry environment

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for calves will help protect the future of the herd.

“There are a lot of newborn calf management practices out there, but nothing trumps a cow with an optimal body condition score that’s fed the correct mineral program before calving into a clean environment,” said Perry.

Assisting with difficult calvings

It seems like no matter how prepared a rancher is for a difficult calving, there’s always a moment of hesitation and uncertainty.

A checklist runs through the mind and a process begins.

It’s important to spot a difficult calving; however there are a few other factors to take into consideration as well. Having a set course of action makes the whole situation easier and most of the time, leads to a more successful delivery.

One of the first steps to take after spotting a difficult delivery is being able to examine the cow and the fetus is important. In order to do this, a rancher needs a proper restraint. They must then determine what position the calf is in in order to decide

whether or not a calf can be delivered safely. If there is no way a calf can be safely delivered, a C-section will be necessary.

Unfortunately, there are some very common errors that can be made when dealing with difficult calvings.

One common error that can easily be remedied is using excessive force when attempting to use a calf puller.

This can put too much stress on the calf and can also lead to a caw that is injured or is delayed in breeding back.

If the width of a hand can be placed between calf’s fetlock joint and the vulva of the cow, force might not be necessary when delivering the calf. Instead, one person could pull manually on each leg. That might be all the force needed in delivering that calf. If the calf’s legs can be pulled, the shoulder of the calf is past the pelvis of the cow. Even if a calf puller needs to be used, it will not result in enough force to cause injury to either the cow or the calf.

In the process of pulling a calf, it is important to remember to pause once the chest is safely delivered.

When giving birth, the cow naturally takes a moment to

catch its breath. This is vital for a calf because in that time it makes its transition from oxygen through the umbilical cord to oxygen from the air. If that pause isn’t taken, the calf isn’t given the chance to expand its chest and get that first breath of air. This can contribute to oxygen deprivation.

Once the chest is out and the calf is introduced to air, rotating the calf to about a 45-degree angle often allowed the hips to pass more easily. After the hips pass, the calving is done.

It’s important to encouraging breathing in the calf.

This can be done by sticking a piece of straw into the calf’s nostril, sitting the calf up on its chest and rubbing the calf with towels or straw. Never hang a calf upside down. Doing so creates pressure in the lungs and makes it more difficult to breathe.

There are a couple more things to keep in mind if a calf has to be delivered backwards. It’s slow, easy moving until the tail and rear-end of a calf begin to emerge. At that point, it becomes a race against to clock to deliver the calf alive. The average time you have to get

the calf out is roughly three minutes. At four minutes, one in five calves die.

Care after calving

Setting a herd up for success for the following year begins as soon as this year’s calving is over. Typically, there is an 82 day span between calving and breeding.

Cows need to recover from calving, ready themselves for re-breeding and also be able to take care of and provide milk for their new calf.

That’s a lot for a cow to handle. It’s important to help her in this process by providing higher nutrients. Cows require greater amounts of protein and energy as well as Vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus.

It’s important to keep a cow’s biological priorities of nutrients in mind. In any animal, the first priority is maintenance. The second priority, for younger cows, is growth. Providing milk for her new calf comes in third. Finally, if her nutrient intake is high enough, she’ll be able to reproduce.

Increasing her intake of these nutrients makes the process a lot easier and ensures a calf crop next year.

April 2014

Country Neighbors

Montana is third among the top wheat producing states in the U.S. Wheat is grown in nearly every county in Montana.

Montana’s largest industry Submitted by Lori Kesinger Fallon County Times According to the Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana’s number one growing industry is agriculture. With 28,008 farms and ranches across Montana, the industry generated over $4.2 billion for all agriculture services and products rendered in 2012. Products from wheat, barley and beef are some of the highest quality and highly desired throughout the United States

and world.

Montana is a leading producer of certified organic wheat, dry peas, lentils and flax, and is home to a multimillion dollar honey and pollinating industry. Sweet cherries, sugar beets, seed potatoes and hay are among some of the other crops grown in the state. Montana ingenuity is adding value to what is grown by producing microbrews, See INDUSTRY, Page 23

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