Agri Life 2022

AGRI-LIFE 2022

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CAMERON NEWSPAPERS

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March 2022

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Table of Contents Missouri Century Farms ............................................................... 6 Farming Challenges in 2022 ......................................................... 7 Heaven on Earth Farm emphasizes circle of life ........................ 8 How farmers and growers can adapt to meet emerging demands ............................................................................... 11 3 Tips For Calving Season.......................................................... 14 When Green Grass Grows .......................................................... 16 A Must-read: Poisonous Plants Affecting Cattle and Horses .................................................................................... 18 Produced by Cameron Newspapers, Inc. 403 East Evergreen • P.O. Box 498 Cameron, MO 64429 • 816-632-6543

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March 2022

Missouri Century Farms

The Missouri Century Farm program’s history dates back to 1976 as a result of the Missouri Committee for Agriculture that was cochaired by James B. Boillot, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Elmer R. Kiehl, Dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Missouri. The committee’s purpose was to organize the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration in Missouri.

One activity that was initiated by the committee was the “Centennial Farm” project, which awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. Interest in the program continued after 1976. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and University of Missouri Extension planned a 10-year update in 1986 called the “Century Farm” program. This program has been sustained as a yearly event with over 100 farms recognized each year. In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau became a program co-sponsor.

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

William Norman & Regena Curnow

Loren Sprouse Spouse Farms, Inc.

Jewell & Carol Wiedmier Jerald & Barbara Wiedmier

Jewell & Carol Wiedmier Jerald & Barbara Wiedmier

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Caldwell County Family Farm Established 1917

Caldwell County Family Farm Established 1911

Caldwell County Family Farm Established 1918

Caldwell County Family Farm Established 1920

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

®

®

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Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Rhett & Kaylyn Wiedmier

Paul & Rebecca Porter

Mary Bahney & Conrad Fulkerson

Mary Bahney & Conrad Fulkerson

Caldwell County Family Farm Established 1903

®

Clinton County Family Farm Established 1921

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

®

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

Clinton County Family Farm Established 1890

®

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

Clinton County Family Farm Established 1905

®

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Missouri Century Farm

Joseph P & Julie Mallen

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Gary Heldenbrand

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DeKalb County Family Farm Established 1919

Daviess County Family Farm Established 1909

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

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DeKalb County Family Farm Established 1919

®

A program of University of Missouri Extension College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Missouri Farm Bureau

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7

Farming Challenges in 2022

By Mike Hanrahan C-O Reporter

editor@mycameronnews.com

Farming is a challenge ever year, and 2022 may be more challenging than others for a variety of reasons.

Farm equipment runs on gasoline, both regular and diesel. We are all aware of the current increased cost of gasoline and there are predictions prices will

continue to rise as we approach the beginning of planting season.

F a r m i n g depends on huge quantities of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides.

All of these items are the victims of inflation, and all of them depend on trucking to deliver these supplies. All of these items are more expensive this year and they too, are expected to rise in price during planting season.

Ukraine, a major grain producer for Europe, is at war. There is concern that they will be far short of normal production, which will increase the demand throughout the world. Widespread crop shortages could mean increased malnutrition and even starvation in many places.

While American farmers will plant as normal, there are never guarantees regarding production. Higher prices and shortages of seed, fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides could impact production.

Weather is always a factor in crop production, and Northwest Missouri and other agricultural areas are experiencing various degrees of drought. That could affect total production.

The price of farm produce is currently high. That could be a great benefit for farmers IF they raise a good crop. But there are no guarantees, and continuing high inflation could reduce demand in some areas as the demand on dollars impacts individual pocketbooks.

Farmers are optimists. They will do the best they can under whatever circumstances dictate. It is in everyone’s best interest that inflation is reduced and that there is sufficient fuel to both plant, and harvest the 2022 crops. We need government cooperation.

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March 2022

Heaven on Earth Farm emphasizes circle of life

By Jimmy Potts Editor

editor@mycameronnews.com

The Weatherby-based Heaven on Earth Farm and Raw Milk Creamery will hold its 20th annual “Calf Branding” this September, which teaches area farmers the symbiotic relationship of livestock and crops.

Keith Benz, who owns and operates Heaven on Earth Farm and Raw Milk Creamery, said the “Cattle Branding” assists area farmers in breaking away from comfort zones and embracing natural, time-tested traditions that enhance the quality of their crops and the quality of life for their livestock.

“Everybody has one thing they think they’re really good at. If they only realize if they incorporated complementary aspects of farming to what they’re already doing, it will increase the potential of

what they were originally focused on,” Benz said.

For instance, when Benz took up beekeeping, the bees pollinated his

Photo by Jimmy Potts

pasture that provides sustenance to his grass-fed beef operation. The by-product is healthier cattle and honey to sell. He also introduced goats to eat weeds,

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March 2022

so they’re not competing with each other.

They’re complementing each other,” Benz said. “If you have the opportunity, throw a few chicken-tractors out there. Chickentractor is a term used to pasture-raise chickens in an environment that keeps them protected from predators ... The chickens become the insect controllers.

What’s the benefit of having insect control?

Better pasture, better animals. Everything complements each other.”

The event wraps up with the Calf Branding itself. With the tradition of branding dating back to pre-history, Benz said it’s often a bonding experience for participants.

“It’s an educational thing,” Benz said.

“We teach people why we have to brand and what’s the benefit of branding ... We just bring a bunch of friends and new people that have never experienced it before. We Photo by Jimmy Potts bring them together to have an educational improving the pasture, the cattle and also providing him with and very enjoyable experience.” goat milk, soap and various other goat-based products He sells For more information regarding the Calf Branding or to at the Old School of Cameron Farmer’s Market each Spring and purchase Benz’s all-natural, unadulterated dairy products, Summer. beef, produce and more, visit the Heaven on Earth Raw Milk “The typical goat is not eating the same forage as the cattle, Creamery Facebook page.

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March 2022

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How farmers and growers can adapt to meet emerging demands The world is ever-changing, and those changes include consumer preferences. Identifying what consumers want is a challenge for any business, and farmers and growers are no exception. Food trends come and go, but identifying key segments of the population and catering to their needs and interests can help farmers and growers meet consumer demand and increase profits.

Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers may no longer be the largest living adult generation, a distinction that the U.S. Census Bureau reports now belongs to Millennials. However, there are still more than 71 million Baby Boomers in the United States, and Statistics Canada reports that this influential demographic, which includes individuals born between 1946 and 1965, makes up nearly 30 percent of the Canadian population.

Such figures underscore how lucrative it can be for farmers and growers to cater to the Baby Boomer demographic. Many Baby Boomers have reached an age where their doctors have recommended certain foods to reduce their risk for problems associated with aging, such as heart disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that whole grains are great sources of fiber that can help regulate blood pressure and heart health. Many seniors are urged to eat more fruits and vegetables as

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they grow older, ideally increasing their intake of these nutrient-rich foods while simultaneously cutting back on high-calorie foods like meat and cheese.

Generation X

Generation X is the generation between Baby Boomers and Millennials. Gen Xers include individuals born between 1966 and

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1980, though some metrics suggest Generation X extends into the early 1980s.

Older Gen Xers are nearing retirement age, and that means they likely have more disposable income than Baby Boomers, many of whom are now retired, and Millennials, who are just beginning their careers or still raising families. A report on consumer trends from the consultant firm Technomic Inc. found that Gen Xers are willing to pay extra for fresh foods and prefer foods that benefit their overall health by promoting better sleep and providing more energy. Such foods may include blueberries, kale, quinoa, and watermelon.

Millennials

The size of this generation can make it hard to define its needs and wants, as it includes a diverse array of people born between 1981 and 1996. However, Millennials can be an especially valuable market for small farmers and growers, as research indicates individuals in this demographic prefer small and midsized manufacturers over larger producers. Research from Wells Fargo found that, as millennials matured and gained more buying power between the years of 2012 and 2017, small and mid-sized manufacturers accounted for 46 percent of overall industry grains.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that millennial households buy more unprocessed foods, including fruits and vegetables, than the generations that came before them.

Recognition of consumer demands is important, especially for small farmers and growers trying to increase profits and serve the needs of an evolving consumer base.

March 2022

Did you know?

Agricultural technology, often referred to as “AgTech,” is playing an increasingly bigger role on modern farms, and that role is evident when examining AgTech startups’ growing access to venture capital. Data from PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association’s PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor, a quarterly report on venture capital activity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, indicates that AgTech startups received $6.1 billion in VC investments in 2020. That reflects a nearly 60 percent increase in investment over 2019. Weaknesses in the agricultural and food supply chain revealed during the pandemic undoubtedly drove some of that investment. Widespread recognition of a need for improvements within the agricultural sector so it can meet the demands of a global population that the United Nations estimates will increase by two billion people by 2050 also likely contributed to the considerable rise in VC investment in AgTech startups.

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3 Tips For Calving Season

Calving season is an exciting time for us all as we gear up to welcome our newest calf crop into the world. Whether you have a spring calving or fall calving herd, it’s crucial to be prepared for unpredictable weather elements and calving situations.

Help make it the most successful calving season possible with these three tips from Tony Hawkins, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian.

Tip 1: Ensure Adequate Colostrum for Calves Calves are born agammaglobulinemic, meaning they have almost no antibodies to protect them against disease. Simply, they're

not born with any immune memory that we develop over our lifetime; they receive those antibodies, an immediate source of immunity, and a very concentrated source of energy from their cow’s colostrum (the first milk produced following birth).

Colostrum delivers some 95% of the antibodies a calf obtains, plus a rich source of minerals, vitamins and energy. It provides protection for newborn calves against infectious agents during the first few months of life.

Colostrum absorbance has a 24-hour window. That short time influences a calf’s lifetime of health and productivity. Because

JP

March 2022 antibodies are very large molecules, the calf’s intestine is only capable of absorbing this protection immediately following birth, with essentially no absorption possible after the first 24 hours. Within the first 12 hours of a calf’s life, ideally within the first four to six hours of life, these calves should receive three to four quarts of colostrum.

Depending on if the calf nurses or not, we might have to tube them and get some colostrum replacers or colostrum supplements into them. Keep in mind, there are colostrum supplements and colostrum replacers, and there is a difference.

A calf colostrum replacer has roughly double the level of antibodies in them, compared with colostrum supplements. If your calf doesn't receive any colostrum, then we would recommend giving them a colostrum replacer. Colostrum supplements work well in circumstances where a calf might not have nursed enough, for calves born from heifers, or if you fear the cow’s colostrum quality could be lacking. Colostrum supplements can also offer a very good source of energy, fat and protein to help jumpstart sick calves.

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Tip 2: Keep Chilled Calves Warm The most severe result from cold stress on calves is death from hypothermia. If at all possible, bring cows indoors to a calving shed or barn to calve in a heavily bedded, clean pen for added warmth and reduced moisture.

If calving outdoors, an area mostly free of mud and manure, with a wind break, is ideal.

Cold stress and hypothermia can pose great risk to calves, especially if calves experience dystocia, which often results in delayed standing and nursing, both can quickly lower their body temperature.

A cold calf is going to be slow and a little lethargic; they might not want to stand up. If their nose or extremities like their feet or right above their feet feel cold, then most likely they need warming.

Beware the signs of calf hypothermia, which include: • Body temperature below 94° F • Shivering • Increased pulse and breathing rate • Erratic behavior • Confusion and uncoordinated gait • Cold, pale nostrils and hooves It’s critical to return the calves to their normal core body temperature of 102°F. There are several ways to do this, such as placing them under a heat lamp, warm blankets, bringing them indoors, or giving them a warm bath (warmed gradually), or putting the calf into a warming box.

I personally find there to be more practical methods than, let's say, a warm water bath.

Let's face it, often times there's a lot of moisture, snow and mud. So, after a warm water bath indoors, we have to dry off calves completely before returning them to the cow.

The practice can be labor intensive.

There are calf warmers that can dry them off as the unit warms the calf. Another benefit is, when inside the calf warming box, the calf is actually breathing in warm air, helping to warm them internally, as well. That's my favorite way to warm a chilled calf.

As far as when we need to warm them up, I recommend warming if their body temperature falls below 100°F. Producers will also need to consider wind break availability and what current environmental conditions are like. If it's extreme enough, drying and warming every calf could be necessary.

Tip 3: Have a Stocked Calving Kit It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it, and that’s especially true as we head into calving season. I recommend having a calving kit on-hand; here are some items I’ve always valued

Agriculture having in mine.

• Calf resuscitator • Calf pulling chains • OB handles • Stainless steel pail • Chlorhexidine disinfectant solution • OB sleeves • OB lube

15 • Iodine or umbilical spray • Colostrum replacers and supplements Continue learning, with information on how to use calf pulling chains, should your cows experience calving difficulty. Find cattle health solutions at ValleyVet.com.

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March 2022

When Green Grass Grows

Replenished soil moisture is a blessing to livestock producers whose pastures and hayfields suffered in last year’s sweltering heat and bone-dry conditions. With the drought now a memory and the rain gauge overflowing, these producers may find new grazing opportunities, says Brian Pillsbury, state grazing lands specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Depending on your operation and objectives, 2019 may be the year to add a few animals to your herd, improve your current forages, add new forages or some combination of all of the above,” he says. “It really depends on your individual situation.

Our overall goal from a conservation perspective remains the same, however. We want optimum production without degrading the pasture resource or overall environmental

quality.”

While lush, green pastures are alluring, Pillsbury cautions against two temptations: 1. Grazing wet pastures 2. Pushing stocking rates on forages stressed by drought the previous year “You just don’t realize how much damage those cows can do,” he says of grazing on wet soils. “If you wouldn’t put a tractor out to harvest hay, you shouldn’t be putting a mob

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March 2022

Agriculture

of cattle out, either. Not until the soil is dry enough to withstand the hoof traffic.”

In regions where drought took its toll in 2018, the extra growth above the surface this spring is the perfect medicine to begin healing any damage below the surface, Pillsbury says. “You want those pastures to recover, and that can take a few months. The extra grass is good for repairing the root systems. More leaf area above ground builds stronger roots.”

In areas where drought wasn’t a factor in 2018 and adequate moisture persists this year, the subsequent additional forage is a resource that producers can utilize in several ways. For those who employ management intensive grazing, the first step is making their paddocks smaller.

“If you subdivide them further, you’re going to get better utilization of the extra forage,” says Pillsbury, noting that temporary electric fencing is an easy way to break up established paddocks. “Those grasses will still need a rest period, though, so rotating the cows through the paddocks is essential.”

While Pillsbury doesn’t advise adding momma cows to a herd just to take advantage of a flush of forage, adding seasonal animals such as heifers or stockers that will go to market at the end of the year is a definite option. Offering contract grazing to other livestock producers is an option, too.

“You can still utilize the land and the resource, but at the end of the year, you’re not permanently increasing your stocking rate,” he says.

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About the author: This content was originally provided by Gallagher, with minor edits included from Valley Vet Supply.

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A Must-read: Poisonous Plants Affecting Cattle and Horses

March 2022 This content was taken from Valley Vet Supply.

even gangrenous tissue.

How can high stocking rates increase poison risks?

We know if you have a high stocking rate, and they’re hungry, animals will consume plants that are not palatable (most poisonous plants are not appetizing because of an astringent taste or latexy sap.) Use conservative stocking rates, make sure to feed adequate vitamins, minerals and supplements, and provide protein in the winter.

A Q&A with Laura Goodman, PhD, Assistant Professor and Range Extension Specialist with Oklahoma State University, details dangerous plants and tips for protecting horses and cattle from sudden sickness and death.

What are common poisonous plants affecting horses and cattle?

Planted forages can be toxic. For example, Klein grass can cause liver damage and weight loss. Dallisgrass, annual ryegrass, and tall fescue can cause ergot poisoning. Plants like cockleburs, poke weed, curly dock, broom snakeweed, singletary pea and Jimson weed are also toxic. It is safest to remove these plants from your pasture, but if animals have enough food available, they rarely eat them because they are not palatable.

What are some of the most dangerous plants?

Both water hemlock and poison hemlock are commonly found in the east and grow near water. They will kill horses and cattle within the first day of eating them. Immediate symptoms can include convulsing, muscle tremors, salivation and grinding teeth.

Locoweed is found in Western Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Western Kansas and Colorado. It’s a big problem in the areas that it grows, especially areas where there are a lot of stocker cattle. Locoweed doesn’t have a bad taste or cause a nauseous feeling to the animal,

so they have no way of knowing they shouldn’t eat it. There is a whole group of plants that are locoweeds, and they are really palatable like alfalfa. Because they’re so tasty and provide no negative feedback, animals will eat a lot of them. The plant grows really early in the year when there is little vegetation; they’re the first green thing animals see after the winter.

What are common poisonous plants affecting horses and cattle?

How can horse and livestock owners remove poisonous plants from acreage?

Some herbicides increase the palatability of plants as they are dying, and some plants remain toxic when dead, so I recommend using herbicide and then brush hogging the plants. If it’s a small population of poisonous plants, you could also remove them by hand.

What are your top tips to protect With cattle and sheep, they’ll get thin, and animals from poisonous plants?

their liver and kidneys will be affected. Horses will drop weight, too, but unfortunately with horses, it affects their brains and damages brain cells.

Larkspur contains toxic alkaloids and is a problem in the spring and dangerous for two reasons. First, it’s palatable relative to other vegetation, like the locoweed, and secondly, because it is most toxic after flowering.

Larkspur grows in higher elevations and is found around springs. It will kill animals really quickly, within a day of consumption or as few as eight hours. Toxic to both horses and cattle, larkspur can cause respiratory systems to shut down.

The No. 1 thing is to keep appropriate stocking rates, and make sure you’re grazing with appropriate number of animals for the area of land that you have and the forage production that you grow. Be aware with what’s going on with the weather, especially during a drought because when it starts raining, you can have more issues with toxic plants since they usually start growing more quickly than more palatable forages.

Depending on the plant ingested, common symptoms can include muscle tremors, uncoordinated movement, raised body temperature, rapid breathing, rough coat and

To hear one horse owner’s close call with dangerous black locust toxicity, read the article, “On to Safer Pastures: Protecting Horses from Poisonous Plants.”

What are common signs of poisonous plant toxicity?

Who can livestock owners go to for more information specific to their area?

It is ideal to look to someone local for more resources and information, such as a county extension agent or educator.

March 2022

Agriculture

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