Country NeigHbors INSIDE:
Warm temps good for calving season, bad for wildfires
SPRING 2015
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
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Eris, an English Setter, gladly sat on Shirley the calf for this photo to be captured at the Dane Castleberry ranch near Ekalaka. Shirley was found in the pasture alone and was brought back to the ranch to be bottle-fed and raised by the family. Shirley grew up with Eris so she was reluctant to interact with the other cows when the time came to go to pasture. She has since joined the herd but still has a fondness for the gals at the ranch and will eagerly follow them. (Photo by Michael Castleberry)
Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Page 3
What’s the risk? | Page 7
It’s wildfire season
‘Moonshine’ Fire scars face of Custer National Forest By Bryce Martin | Pioneer Editor Just as they were demobilizing in early April from the scene of the massive Sheep Draw Fire near Camp Crook, S.D., several already exhausted fire crews were alerted to a 4,000-acre wildfire near Slim Buttes on the east side of Harding County.
With moderate winds and dry conditions, extinguishing the fire was going to be a battle. More than 25 fire engines, including some from Bowman County’s Volunteer Fire Departments, were assigned to fight the flames that were first reported April 1 by a local volunteer fire department. The fire, nicknamed
Firefighters watch as a plane drops fire retardant on the Moonshine Fire as it burns east of Buffalo, S.D. | Photo by Ludlow VFD
“Moonshine,” grew in an area located about 15 miles east of Buffalo, S.D., at the north end of the Slim Buttes Land Unit in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. Only 5 to 7 percent of the fire was contained the first week, but that number grew to nearly 100 percent as of the next, much to the relief of
the area. Some engines will continue to remain on the scene to monitor, patrol and rehab where necessary. The acreage of the fire shrunk to less than 2,900 acres. Jonathan Moor, public
affairs officer with the Bureau of Land Management, spent much of the week inside an incident command post established inside the Harding County Recreation
MOONSHINE » PAGE 5
FIRE DANGER INDEX Explanation of the fire danger scale, according to the state of North Dakota. Low: Low rate of spread for any fires that ignite. Moderate: Some potential for moderate rate of spread for fires that ignite. High: Potential for moderate to occasional high rate of spread for fires that ignite. Active burning conditions. Very High: Potential for rapid spreading and erratic behavior for fires that ignite. Dangerous burning conditions. Extreme: Potential for larger fires and extreme fire behavior for fires that ignite.
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
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MOONSHINE » FROM PAGE 3
Center. Large stacks of bottled water, bagged lunches, snacks and a big pot of coffee were at a nearreach for the collection of fire crews and other personnel that were stationed nearly all day and night at the center. Together, they were focused on one task: to see that the Moonshine Fire was contained, extinguished and its effects dealt with properly. The post was disbanded as the fire became under control. An update on the fire released the second week said firefighters made good progress in the previous days. The Burned Area Emergency Response Team would begin assessing damages caused by the wildfire on
Forest Service land within the week. Damage to the land was extensive and could easily be witnessed from passersby on S.D. Highway 20, which runs east from the Montana border to Mobridge, S.D. The highway bisects the northern portion of the Slim Buttes Land Unit about 15 miles to the east Buffalo. Passersby might notice that many of the area’s pine trees remained untouched by the flames. Moor said that was due to high wind speeds catching dry brush and other “fuel” on the ground and rapidly moving on before the trees could burn. Still, the wildfire drastically transformed an area known for its natural beauty into barren, scorched land.
Command crews used a variety of methods to limit the expanse of the fire, which grew rapidly due to dry and windy conditions. “We went for protection of Reva if (the fire) jumped the road,” said Chris Palczewski, volunteer fire chief with the Bowman Fire Department. He, along with volunteer firefighters Pete Knopp and Sheldon Wyckoff, traveled down to the area last week to assist with the operation. “The weather cooperated and the wind went down. It was mostly on forest service land and they were managing their side.” Palczewski said he took one Bowman fire truck down to the scene, joining Scranton, Rhame and Reeder volunteer fire departments each with one truck, “but none of us saw much action.” A helicopter was called
in to drop flame retardant on the northwest portion of Slim Butte, a portion of land at the site immediately north of Highway 20 underwent a controlled burn by fire crews and local ranchers brought in disc plows to disrupt the soil along the north side of the highway to help ward off the fire from crossing the pavement. “It’s truly a joint effort,” Moor told the Pioneer last week. The fire was dramatically reduced at the end of last week to mostly burning embers and smoldering land; it no longer boasted large flames. While the crews were able to heave a slight sigh of relief, their job was far from over. “It could happen to where something is smoldering just a little bit and you get a big wind,” Moor said. That’s the reason some
Page 5 crews will stay behind and monitor the charred land about one week after the fire is out, he explained. Two firefighters from Reva, whose responsibility was to provide lookout for any new hints of burning on the south face of Slim Butte, said the Moonshine Fire was probably the largest blaze that their department has handled. Two ranches stood in the pathway of the fire along with infrastructure and power lines, as well
as the Reva Gap Campground on the south side of Highway 20. At the close of Easter Sunday, firefighters managed to protect the two structures and ensured the fire did not cross the highway, which was closed earlier in the week but reopened April 3 — Highway 20 was opened from Highway 79 west near Reva, S.D., to the junction with Highway 85 near Buffalo. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation.
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
How to make school lunch healthier The benefits of a healthy diet are clear and well documented. In addition to providing the nutrients a growing body needs, consuming a balanced diet helps chil-
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cholesterol, and many other adverse medical conditions. Children attending school will eat at least one meal away from home each day. A healthy lunch provides sound nutrition to give students energy to do well in school and for the rest of the day. Children who do not eat well at lunch may have difficulty concentrating, while others may feel sluggish or tired. As part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the United States National School
Lunch Program was revised to guarantee healthy, nutritionally sound choices, as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for lunch. America’s school menus were altered to be healthier than ever, including more fruits and vegetables while limiting calories. Despite some controversy through the years, including some students saying the smaller portions and food choices aren’t always satisfying, states suffering from high child obesity rates have seen marked
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What’s the regional risk? WILDFIRE SEASON IS HERE
By Bryce Martin | Pioneer Editor
Spring is here and with it comes a temperatures, fierce sunlight and high winds. Those are prime conditions for wildfire season. The two large fires in Harding County over the last month was a disastrous reminder that this is an area that faces the continual risk of fires. The forecast for Bowman County right now is a little on the dry side, according to Dean Pearson, Bowman County Emergency Manager. The current long-range forecast for spring into summer calls for normal precipitation and above normal temperatures in the southwest part of the state.
The conditions promote wildfires because the area doesn’t have much moisture in the forecast as it experienced a relatively dry winter so there’s plenty of “fuel” in the area. Fuel for wildfires in the area is typically dry brush and standing sweet clover stalks, which have a tendency to burn quite hot, Pearson said. What makes this year unique is that the local annual vegetative growth is short, only about 18 inches high, but the area is filled with tall stalks of sweet clover, about five to six feet high, due to a good sweet clover year in 2014. Wildfires could burn across a green field without ever stopping by burning these stalks and
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staying above the greens. High winds make a wildfire even more difficult to control. The fire creates its own wind, combined with wind pushing it — high winds will cause a fire to burn what is readily available and keep moving. With its rugged terrain, a large amount of fuel and damp creeks that act as barriers when driving in fire engines, the area most at risk are the Badlands at the west edge of the county. Fires there sometimes have to be left to burn before fire crews can respond to the scene. Farm ground doesn’t have a lot of fuel lying around other than on fence lines because everything has either been broken up or harvested. And it’s readily accessible
to fire engines and plows. Historically, fires in southwest North Dakota have remained small, with a few notable exceptions. They’ve been usually active in Bowman County until the last three or four years when the area experienced unusually high amounts of moisture. The massive fire that swept through the tiny Adams County town of Bucyrus in the summer of 2012 claimed several of its buildings and required the resources of several area fire departments. The fire burned along the railroad tracks and Highway 12. One small ember started that fire and ultimately caused a lot of devastation. The largest fire in re-
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cent southwest North Dakota history, according to Pearson, was in 2004. Just west of Amidon in Slope County, a largescale wildfire claimed a lot of areas and trees at the Burning Coal Vein Campground. There were also some larger fires in the late 1970s. Pearson’s office issues local burn bans to help combat the potential for
wildfires, but they are sometimes superseded by burn bans initiated by the governor, which is the case with the current ban. During that time, all open burning is banned. If there are any damages that occur if a person starts a fire, they are liable. Though, not many wildfires have been started by a person unless it was done unintentionally, Pearson said.
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
THE GREEN THUMB
Amendments can help produce healthy soil Mother Nature provides plenty to grow healthy lawns, gardens and landscapes. But as many homeowners know, some lawns sometimes need a little extra boost to complement nature. Soil sometimes must be amended so plants can thrive. Only after the right composition is created can plants take root and perform to the best of their abilities. The Colorado State University Extension defines a soil amendment
as any material added to soil to improve its physical properties. The goal is to provide a better environment for roots. Depending on what you are starting with, any number of ingredients must be added to the soil recipe. Water retention, permeability, drainage, aeration, nutrients, and water infiltration are some of the things amendments can improve when added to soil. Before homeowners add anything to the soil
in their yards, it is first important to determine what that soil needs. Homeowners may notice if soil is overly sandy or full of clay, but further testing can confirm what the soil is lacking. Soil tests are often available through local cooperative extension offices or private laboratories. Speak with a nursery or garden center about where you can get your soil tested. A comprehensive test may cost between $5 and $10 and can provide invalu-
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Introducing New Lines of Equipment able information that saves you hundreds of dollars in wasted plants and materials, not to mention effort. Some labs also can tailor their recommendations based on the type of planting you will be doing. For example, a vegetable garden may need different amendments than a row of azalea bushes. Organic matter is a preferred soil amendment used by professional and novice gardeners alike. The decaying remains of
plants release nutrients that are absorbed into the soil and used by microorganisms and bacteria, creating a healthy environment for plants. Organic material may break up compacted soil to increase drainage. In sandy soil, organic material serves as a sponge to keep water from washing away. Compost and manure are two examples of frequently used organic materials. Both of these materials are readily available at little cost.
Compost can be produced at home from food and plant scraps. Raked leaves and small amounts of grass clippings can be added to compost. Over time, the decomposition process will turn scraps into a nutrient-rich, dark brown substance that provides many plants with all they need to thrive. Compost is particularly useful in vegetable gardens. Manure should come from herbivores, or those animals that sustain
Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS » FROM PAGE 8 themselves on grass and other plants. Carnivores can produce harmful bacteria in their waste, which is not safe to use in gardens, particularly food-bearing gardens. Manure can be commercially purchased, or avid gardeners can work out arrangements with nearby livestock owners and farms. These people may be more than willing to give you manure for little to no cost if you cart it away. Dried manure is preferred because it will have minimal odor. Additional forms of organic amendments include wood ash, sphagnum peat, wood chips, sawdust, and worm droppings. Inorganic amendments also may be used, and are usually relied on to improve water retention
and drainage. Vermiculite, perlite, pea gravel, and sand are examples of inorganic amendments. A combination of organic and inorganic amendments can create the perfect mix for your needs. Soil amendments typically are added to new and unplanted beds. Peat moss and shredded bark take years to decompose and will serve as longterm amendments in the soil. Compost breaks down quickly and may need to be worked in more frequently. Experts recommend spreading amendments on the planting bed and then using a rake or tiller to work it in to a depth of about nine inches. Particularly sandy soil or soil with a lot of clay may need more amendments. Permanent plants, such as trees or shrubs, also can benefit from the extra nu-
trient boost amendments provide. Sometimes it is sufficient to spread the material over the soil sur-
Page 9
face and let rainwater and wildlife help distribute it to the plant roots. Otherwise, work it into the
top inch or two of the dirt with a hand cultivator. Soil amendments can be the difference between
a thriving garden and healthy landscape and one that has seen better days.
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The many ways buying locally grown foods pays dividends
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The popularity of organic foods and stores that cater to customers who prefer such foods continues to grow, and that growth has contributed to a growing awareness among shoppers of where the food they eat comes from. Many consumers now recognize the impact that food production has on the environment, and that recognition has spurred interest in locally grown foods. Locally grown foods
are those that are grown within your community or a community nearby. Such foods do not need to be shipped hundreds of miles before they ultimately find their way onto your plate, and many people find that contributes to meals that are more fresh than meals made up of foods shipped from afar. But freshness is not the only benefit to purchasing locally grown foods, which pay various dividends for people and
the planet. • Locally grown foods benefit the environment. The phrase “field to plate” is significant to consumers who prefer locally grown foods. That phrase refers to the distance food travels from the grower to the plate on your dinner table. Estimates vary depending on the source, but advocates of locally grown food suggest that it reduces the field to plate distance by an average of 1,300 miles. That’s a sig-
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS » FROM PAGE 10
nificant feather in locally grown foods’ cap, as the Council on the Environment of New York City notes that it takes 435 fossil-fuel calories to fly a single five calorie strawberry from California to New York. Buying locally preserves that energy that is used to transport foods from afar. • Locally grown foods ds fuel your local economy. nt. In addition to benefitting te” the environment, localmly grown foods stimulate lly your local economy. Lose cal, independent farmers od have largely fallen by the wer wayside in the 21st cenntury, as industrial agriry businesses have taken ce, over the produce sections lly in grocery stores across t it the country. But local, ate independent farmers of are making a comeback, igthanks in large part to consumer demand for organic foods. Supporting such farmers who grow their foods locally means you’re putting money back into your own community, a worthwhile effort at a time when so many small communities are struggling economically. • Buying locally grown foods contributes to biodiversity. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 75 percent of agricultural genetic diversity was lost in the 20th century. That’s thanks in large part to industrial agribusinesses that cultivate fruits and vegetables that are bred for fast maturation. But small, local farms typically grow a wider variety of fruits and vegetables in an effort to extend their growing seasons. That means consumers of locally grown foods have access to more fruits and vegetables, and therefore more flavor.
• Buying locally maintains beautiful landscapes. Farmland has been on the decline for decades, as cement and asphalt have made millions of acres of once beautiful farmland disappear. Buying locally helps to maintain the green space your community and surrounding communities have left. That makes for great road trips and even helps to sustain local wildlife populations. • Locally grown foods can be more nutritious. Fruits and vegetables can rapidly lose nutrients once they are harvested. That’s problematic when buying such foods from industrial agribusinesses that need substantial time to get their products from the farm to the shelves at your local grocery chain. But buying from local farmers
increases the likelihood that the fruits and vegetables you purchase were
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just picked and therefore have yet to lose a significant amount of nutrients.
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Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
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Montana Department of Livestock under scrutiny
By Lori Kesinger | Fallon County Times Staff For most of the past year, the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) has been under scrutiny for financial mismanagement. The consequences have had a disturbing rippling effect across the state livestock industry. A Financial Compliance Audit on DOL was presented to the Legislative Audit Commit-
tee last year. The audit found the DOL in violation of Montana law and the state Constitution. The result was a loss of trust in the Board of Livestock by the livestock industry. The Board then requested assistance from the industry to form a strategic plan to get back on track. A subcommittee was formed which is focusing on expense cuts and ways to gather income to stabilize the department.
Numerous factors have contributed to the DOL’s financial losses, including the efforts to fund the brucellosis-testing program through fees collected from ranchers. State general fund support also declined for its diagnostic lab, and income from brand inspections has been down due to rising labor costs. Some DOL fees have already been raised since the current fiscal year began last July, and
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some vacant jobs have not been filled to save money. In December of last year, the Board voted to cut five jobs and furlough other workers at the DOL to address the six-figure budget shortfall. Furloughs down to a 36-hour work week through the fiscal year end, June 2015, were approved to deal with the imbalance. According to Senator
Eric Moore, the Fallon County District Inspector fell under the furlough. Earlier in March, the Legislative Audit Committee voted to form a special three member subcommittee to monitor the DOL. The new subcommittee will serve for two years and will report the status of the DOL to members of the Audit Committee at
least twice each year in 2015 and 2016. Senator Moore, Audit Committee member, made the motion to form the new subcommittee. “It has been an ongoing problem,” Senator Moore said. The DOL is continuing to confront the dire revenue issues, which are significant concerns to the current Legislature and livestock industry.
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
Ranchers enjoying warm weather during spring calving DUKEʼS WELDING & FABRICATION LLC
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(LEFT) Calving season is well underway in the area, with many operations winding down. The weather this spring of 2015 has been a little more favorable to man and beast. A few fast-moving storms came through, but didn’t last long. Both ranchers and farmers welcomed the moisture. (RIGHT) Each year, cows and beer producers alike anxiously wait new spring arrivals, watching closely to take care of any problems that might arise Death loss has been minimal due to the milder-than-usual weather. Cattle prices have remained strong and optimism prevails. (Photos by Darin Buerkle) By Lori Kesinger | Fallon County Times Staff
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Some ranchers in Fallon County are done calving, and others are in the midst of the season. Making sure the calves get off to the best start possible is one of the main priorities for cattle ranchers this time of year. Unseasonably warm weather is giving ranch-
ers an added boost to survival rates this year. High temperatures have reached into the 50s, 60s, and even 70s. According to National Weather Service reports, the unusual warmth has even broken some records across Montana. Depending on the op-
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eration, calving begins for most anywhere from mid-January to midApril and weather is always an important factor in calving. It’s not unusual for snow, wind and extreme cold to come intermittently at any time. Cows are a lot more stressed when it’s cold. They don’t have as much energy to put into giving birth to a calf when they’re expending so much energy on just trying to stay warm. “Better conditions are good for cows,” said Dean Wang, a Baker rancher. “Our winter has been mild, our spring is mild, and so the cows are in better shape.” The most recent livestock report from the federal Agriculture Department rated most cattle and calves in Montana as being in good to excellent condition. Cattle and calf death loss was rated average to light. The whole calving season is a lot of hard work for ranchers but worth the effort, and this year a little bit easier.
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
Watering tips to produce healthy lawns Spring is a season for landscaping, and homeowners who live in regions that get especially hot in the summertime often worry that their lawns won’t make it through the dog days of summer looking lush. But lawns don’t have to succumb to the sizzling summer sun. Oftentimes, the right water-
Porcupines are death on trees and most ranchers and farmers aren’t fond of them. This one seemed to be enjoying the winter day. (Photo by Darin Buerkle)
ing strategies can help homeowners nurse their lawns through the hottest months of the year, ensuring the lawns make it to autumn looking as green as they did. • Reconsider when you’re watering. Come summertime, homeowners may want a glass of water at high noon, when temperatures seem to be
vedrttle as nt alf er-
eark th ra
at their hottest. But you and your lawn are different, so the best time to satiate your thirst is not necessarily the best time to water your lawn. Watering in the middle of the day is often ineffective, as water tends to evaporate quickly in the afternoons when temperatures are peaking. Nighttime watering can
contribute to the growth of fungus, which can create an entirely new set of headaches for homeowners. Morning watering sessions tend to be most effective during the summertime, as temperatures tend to be cooler in the morning, leading to less evaporation. Less
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
Cramer asks USDA, 'Where's the beef?' Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., joined 70 of his House colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure the final Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are based on sound nutritional science and comply to the DGA charter passed by Congress. One of the highlights of the proposed recommendations is the classification of lean red meat as not part of a healthy diet. “I am asking the same question thousands of school kids in North Dakota and across America will be asking: ‘Where’s the Beef? Sacrificing sound science and denying the nutritional benefits of lean red meat to satisfy an extreme environmental agenda is woefully misguided,” Cramer said.
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Adams farmers direct funds to Mott-Regent Elementary School America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation supports local organization Mott-Regent Elementary School has received a $2,500 donation from Adams County farmers Justin and Becky Eikamp and America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The donation will help the school fund a special visit from author Jerry Pallotta and purchase some of the books he has written. The rest
Pictured from left to right: (Back Row): Don Fred (Monsanto Seed Rep), Justin Eikamp(winning farmer) (Front Row): Madee Eikamp, Andrew “Drew” Eikamp, and Rebecca Eikamp(winning farmer) of the funds will be directed to new laptops for
the students. “I think they are a
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great school and could use the funds for something good,” said Eikamp. “Our children attend that school and sometimes the school gets challenged for funding. I think that they were the most deserving of the donation.” For five years, America’s Farmers Grow Communities has collaborated with farmers to donate over $16.5 million to over 7,300 community organizations across rural America. This year winning farmers will direct another $3.3 million to nonprofits to help fight rural hunger, purchase life saving fire and EMS equipment, support ag youth leadership programs, buy much needed classroom resources, and so much more. America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of the America’s Farmers initiative. Since 2010, the America’s Farmers campaign and programs have advocated on behalf of farmers and their efforts to meet society’s needs through agriculture. Today, consumers are more interested than ever in agriculture and how food is grown. Consider joining the conversation and helping to raise awareness about agriculture. Learn more at FoodDialogues.com. A sister program in the America’s Farmers effort, Grow Rural Education, is currently in its farmer nomination phase. Farmers interested in supporting math and science education in their communities should visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com from now through April 1 to learn how.
Spring 2015
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How a healthy diet helps you and the environment l The right dietary choices can not only improve your health but the environment as well. But urbanization and increasingly busy schedules force many people to seek the most convenient, and not necessarily the healthiest, foods. The growing reliance on processed foods may be hurting humans and the planet they call home. Processed foods tend to be loaded with starches and preservatives, increasing consumers’ risk of diabetes and being obese. In addition, many prepackaged foods are shipped from faraway processing plants, and vast amounts of fuel must be consumed for products to get from those
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plants to local grocery stores. But subtle shifts in dietary habits and trends can decrease mortality rates and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food production. Adopting alternative diets that feature a higher ratio of fish, whole grains and locally
grown produce can greatly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint. The “New Nordic Diet” is one example of a growing dietary trend that has the potential to improve the health of humans and the environment. So says Henrik Saxe, an associate professor who specializes in sustainability at Co-
penhagen University. Researchers found a reduction in greenhouse gases of at least 6 percent with the New Nordic Diet, as compared to typical diets
in Denmark. The following are a few ways average men and women can eat to promote their own health while simultaneously
protecting the environment. • Adopt climate-friendly eating habits that rely on more domestic, in-season foods.
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Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day 1:00 p.m. • Mother’s Day Horse Race • Fairgrounds Thursday, May 14 6:00 p.m. • Concert Opening Act Copper Mountain Band 7:00 p.m. • Concert Co-Headliner - Corb Lund 8:45 p.m. • Concert Co-Headliner Mission Mountain Wood Band Friday, May 15 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 Bull Sale 6:30 p.m. • Mutton Bustin’ 7:00 p.m. • Wild Horse Race 8:30 p.m. • Street Dance (Downtown - Main Street) Saturday, May 16 6:00 a.m. • Range Riders Museum Breakfast 9:30 a.m. • BHS Parade - Main St. 10:00 a.m. • Sheep Sheering Contest AgriSports Center
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Quick Draw Art Show - Riverside Park Trade Show Opens - Fairgrounds Sheep Shearing - Professional Finals Horse Races - First Race Rodeo Grand Entry Wild Race Horse 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) Sunday, May 17 9:30 a.m. • Custer County Art Center Sunday Brunch/Artist Reception 10:30 a.m. • Cowboy Church - Fairgrounds 11:00 a.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 - Finals
Event Admission General Seating $15 Reserved Seating $20 Reserve Seating for Saturday & Sunday Miles City Chamber of Commerce 406-234-2890
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COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
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The experts at Cashway Bulding Center have over 100 combined years of experience. The business has been in operation for 38 years. Cashway is known for the ability to provide customers quality workmanship, competitive prices and friendly service. In addition to supplying building material, Cashway provides all the services necessary to complete an entire project, from the design stage to nailing on the last piece of trim. Cashway’s employees are craftsmen who take great pride in the service they provide.
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Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
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» FROM PAGE 15 evaporation means all that watering isn’t going to waste. • Reconsider your sprinkler. If you can’t afford an in-ground irrigation system, which many landscaping professionals feel is the most effective and efficient way to water a lawn, then you likely will rely on a sprinkler to keep your lawn looking lush through the summer months. When choosing a sprinkler, look for one that shoots water out horizontally as opposed to vertically. A vertical sprinkler system is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into summer breezes. • Avoid overwatering. How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn’s root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week. • Strategically position your sprinklers. When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your hose, turn them on and then watch to see where the water is going. Areas that exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your water isn’t going to shaded areas beneath trees. In addition, make sure you aren’t wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so none of the
Convenience Store & Deli Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (701)-764-5539 10690 ND-200, Killdeer, ND gragngo@ndsupernet.com Poorly placed sprinklers that shoot water out onto driveways and other surfaces that do not need water can rob a lawn of water it desperately needs when temperatures climb in the summertime. water they’re shooting out is landing on surfaces that don’t need water. It sounds simple, but too often homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without
waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so all the water is landing on your lawn. Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of
summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such a strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.
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Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Jonathan Jeffers weighs a newborn calf with his daughters Amy and Sarah. Data collection is a key component of the Jeffers cowherd management program. (Jeffers family photo)
BOWMAN COUNTY
Jeffers family continues farm tradition with award By James Odermann | For the Pioneer As the Producer of the Year by the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association, Jonathan and Deanna Jeffers are carrying on a tradition in Bowman County. The tradition began generations of cows ago when Eugene Fischer (Deanna’s father) was given the coveted award. Fischer’s status currently is senior partner, advising the Jeffers family when asked. In the meantime, the Jeffers family of Jonathan, Deanna, Lane, Beau, Amy and Sarah make sure the cattle are managed—and the records kept. They record birthweight, weaning weight, cow weight, cow age and other data needed to maximize use of the Cow Herd Appraisal Performance
System. This year’s award for the herd with highest percentage of two-year old heifers calving in first 21 days along with highest 205-day adjusted weaning weight from two-year old heifers and highest rebreeding rate on coming three-year olds. Jonathan said the Jeffers crossbreeding program is designed “to increase a lot of different profitable aspects and fertility is just one of them.” Breed composition goal is onehalf Simmental and one-half black Angus. “Eugene wanted to get solid black-hided polled cattle and as we transitioned we wanted to get the benefits of crossbreeding. We brought in some Simmental,” Jonathan said. The Jeffers use AI putting Simmental sires on Angus cows and Angus sires on Simmental cows. They use SimAngus bulls
The Jeffers family: Beau, Deanna, Sarah, Lane, Amy, Jonathan. (Marilyn Fischer photo)
Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS » FROM PAGE 20 on the halfblood Angus and Simmental cows. Heifers are synchronized and bred using calving ease bulls with growth performance. Conception rate rolling average is 70 percent. Data shows the highest 205-day adjusted weight is out of the heifers. “I really like the CHAPS program. We have used it extensively as far as a management tool as to which cows to AI and which cows to cull by performance,” Jonathan said. He said the CHAPS calving distribution chart is a very important piece of data during his analysis because “(it) helps us
determine which (cows) are the most profitable.” Jonathan said the sire summary report is important, “Because we do as much AI as we do we are able to put all that data back into CHAPS and we are able to get information about the actual weaning weight along with birthweight so we can maximize profitability per mating.” Jonathan said receiving the award “put the pressure on . . . Gene had a good set of cows . . . I feel like using all of the data he had collected and continuing on that program, we have moved our herd in the right direction. “We want to have a sustainable operation in which the cows do the
work. Each cow that we have will bring profit to the ranch,” he noted. Profitability is measured by trying to get each cow weaning at least 50 percent of her weight. While mature cow size has decreased about 100 pounds, he is not seeking a smaller cow, just a
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“more efficient cow and I feel by reducing the size we can have a cow that is more efficient. I don’t just want to cut size to cut size, “ The CHAPS award “makes one feel good, that some of your accomplishments are recognized,” Jonathan concluded.
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Satisfied customer stated,“The shop has a wide selection of frozen meats, and seafood, including some non-standard fare like buffalo, elk and venison. There is a large selection of frozen kuchen too (German cakes). As if that wasn't enough, there's a selection of fresh sausages and they'll cut your steaks to order.”
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First place team Volbeat/Five Fin Volbeat/Five Volbeat/Five FF COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Spring 2015
We specialize in Ag Lending
Loaning money to area farmers is our business. We work hard to keep up with the latest developments in agriculture so we can do a better job of serving our customers. If you’re looking for a good ag bank, stop in and see us.
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Baker Agronomy Center Full Service Agronomy Plant Fertilizer Spreading Preplant Burn Down Chemicals Seed Treating • Bulk Fertilizer Grower-owned company helping to achieve success in the field.
Beach: (701)872-4444 Golva: (701)872-3656 Medora: (701)623-5000 24-Hour ATM in Beach & Medora Lobby Online banking at fsbofgolva.com Member FDIC
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Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS
Challenges facing farmers Though farming was once big business in the United States, by 2012 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 hand-harvested 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 industry 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 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.
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Carla Adkisson Branch Manager
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Spring 2015
COUNTRY NEIGHBORS