Ofn dummy 4 17 17 by Eric Tietze

Diversification in Production APRIL 17, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ 28 PAGES

VOLUME 11, NUMBER 3 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.OZARKSFN.COM

The Pruitt family sees the benefit of revenue streams from commercial cattle and turkeys

APRIL 17, 2017

New Owners, New Name

Fort Smith Livestock Auction became Fort Smith Stockyards in 2016

Where Will Prices Go From Here?

g n i m r a F y c n e i c Effi Issue Optimizing Their Potential California natives converted a small, overgrown farm into a multi-species pasture-based operation

Wildfires not expected to increase cattle prices, but issues in Brazil could cause an upswing Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

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Couple gives to U of A program: University of Arkansas alumni Grant Ginder and Katy Nelson-Ginder have established a scholarship to make international education and study abroad experiences more accessible for U of A students in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. The Talmadge and Laverne Nelson Study Abroad Scholarship will support students who wish to participate in a study abroad program. Students majoring in poultry science or any concentration in the School of Human Environmental Sciences will be given preference for the scholarship, as well as students who demonstrate financial need and wish to participate in a Global Community Development Program or study abroad program with a service-learning component. The scholarship is named after Nelson-Ginder’s parents, who both contributed years of service to the Bumpers College.

The Ozarks Most Read Farm Newspaper

APRIL 17, 2017

Proud to be a farmer

Arkansas counties declared disasters: On April 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated nine counties in Arkansas as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Counties in the Ozarks include Baxter, Fulton, Marion, Pope, Searcy and Van Buren. Farmers and ranchers in adjoining counties also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Those counties include Boone, Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Johnson, Logan and Newton.

Charges pending in cattle starvation case: Authorities in Muskogee County, Okla., found 20 dead cows in late March that apparently starved to death near Fort Gibson, Okla. Officials have said additional cows were found at the property, but they were in such poor condition, they were unable to stand. A suspect has been arrested and he is facing animal cruelty charges.

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Know a Good Rumor? Do you have a rumor you would like to share with our readers? Mail them to: PO Box 6, Prairie Grove, AR 72753; fax them to: 417-532-4721; or email them to: editor@ozarksfn.com

VOL. 11, NO. 3

JUST A THOUGHT 3 Jerry Crownover –

Jurgensmeyer honored: Virgil Jurgensmeyer, the 87-year-old owner of J-M Farms of Miami, Okla., which supplies mushrooms to locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, was recognized with Governor Mary Fallin’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award during Ag Day ceremonies at the Oklahoma State Capitol, which was held in March. J-M Farms, Inc., was founded in 1979 and the first mushrooms were picked on March 13, 1980 and the initial delivery was made the following day to Associated Wholesale Grocers of Springﬁeld, Mo.

Woman honored by agriculture peers: Emily Oakley of Cherokee County, Okla., was named a Significant Women in Oklahoma Agriculture. The nomination is a collaborative program between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry and Oklahoma State University to recognize and honor the women across all the state, from all aspects and areas of the agricultural industry for their impact on agriculture in their communities. The honorees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of 14 industry professionals.

8 11 12

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Jody Harris – The danger from above

Julie Turner-Crawford – A farming family

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS 7 New owners, new name

at Fort Smith, Ark., livestock market

Historic building preserves the Native American past

Eye on Agribusiness spotlights Holland Thick and Thin Lumber

Couple optimizes their potential at their small Arkansas operation

Town & Country features Jessica Ray

Specialty crop helps power the poultry industry

Youth in Ag spotlights Bailey Shepherd

Two-species operation gives family dual revenue streams

FARM HELP 19 The Udder Side:

How’s your bull performing?

Inbreeding and linebreeding: Know the difference

Is there a connection between feeding time and calving?

Will wildfires and issues in Brazil impact cattle prices?

Handle chemicals with care

APRIL 17, 2017

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have always been proud to call myself a farmer or rancher, but never revonmore worCsoythan rreJ yB the last few weeks. In case you haven’t heard (and if your only Jerry Crownover is news sources are the major networks and biga farmer and former city newspapers, you may not have), catastrophic professor of Agriculture wild fires recently burned through hundreds of Education at Missouri thousands of acres in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State University. He is a and Colorado. The fast-moving inferno destroyed native of Baxter County, homes, buildings, equipment, pasture, livestock Arkansas, and an and entire ranches that have been under the same author and professional family ownership for decades. In a few instances, speaker. To contact Jerry, people also lost their lives trying to protect their go to ozarksfn.com and property and animals. click on ‘Contact Us.’ While attending a purebred cattle sale recenlty, an old ranching friend asked me, “Why doesn’t the national media air some footage showing the devastation? This is as bad for farmers and cattlemen as Katrina was for the Gulf Coast.” I didn’t have a good answer for him, but I’ve done a lot of thinking about his question since then. The number of farmers and ranchers affected by the fires in the sparsely populated High Plains, probably doesn’t approach the number of urbanites harmed by a hurricane over major cities. The last time I looked, places like Ashland, Kan., and Beaver, Okla., don’t have TV stations that can rush out and take live pictures of the goings-on. Finally, I haven’t seen any riots or protests demanding that our government come in and rebuild their houses, barns, thousands of miles of fencing, and replace the animals that were killed. That’s not the cowboy way. What IS happening, though, is the outpouring of donations of hay, feed, posts, fencing, gates, and cash from farmers all over this country to aid fellow farmers in

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About the Cover Johnny and Bridget Pruitt have both turkey and commercial cow/calf operations. They purchased their land in 2004 and have made several improvements. Photo by Terry Ropp Ozarks Farm & Neighbor accepts story suggestions from readers. Story information appears as gathered from interviewees. Ozarks Farm & Neighbor assumes no responsibility for the credibility of statements made by interviewees. © Copyright Ozarks Farm & Neighbor, Inc., 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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Freshly Picked By Jody Harris

ne of the wonderful things about farming is following the circle of life. It’s amazing how creation was planned out perfectly to live in harmony on a farm. Cattle need hay to Jody Harris is a freelance eat and kindly drop several piles of fertilizer on a communications specialist, field each day. Nutritious grasses pop up after fields gardener, ranch wife and receive abundant rain and sunshine, ready for a hay mother of four. She and harvest in the spring and summer. The cycle conher family raise Angus beef tinues and MOST of the time, it all makes sense. cattle and other critters on It’s calving season on our farm. We had moved their northwest Arkansas our momma cows over to a hay field over the winranch. She is a graduate ter. We’d even planned to calve them all out there. of Missouri State University. It’s an easy drive from our house and convenient To contact Jody, go to for daily cattle checks. Unfortunately, the field is ozarksfn.com and click on also home to several hundred vultures. They have ‘Contact Us.’ not been kind neighbors our new calves. These birds have been a devastating nuisance. The first discovery we had was a pile of these birds over the carcass of what would’ve been one of our newborn calves. We had no way of knowing if the calf was stillborn or what had gone wrong. By the time my husband arrived on the scene these nasty birds had picked it clean. Then it happened again. These birds are sinister, creepy and vicious. Like something out of a Walt Disney movie set in the deep dark forest. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s been ugly. One day when we were over at the farm checking cattle and assessing the newborn calf situation, a neighboring rancher stopped by. He had noticed us checking out a dead calf. He generously offered us some advice and input. He told us of the troubles he’d had in this same area with black vultures killing his newborn calves (even as they were being delivered). His tales were gruesome and both of our hearts sank. Unfortunately, our federal government protects these birds with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It didn’t make sense, but there was really nothing we could legally do. I reached out to friends in the cattle industry in Missouri and Nebraska. I could tell they kind of thought it was a crazy question until I forwarded them the Youtube videos of these birds attacking baby calves in fields. In February, producers went to Nashville to attend the Cattle Industry and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention. One of the issues voiced by members from the state of Oklahoma and surrounding states was Black Vultures. Aha! We are not alone. Other producers were struggling and trying to find ways to take action against vultures too. My husband and I discussed our options at length. We decided it would be in our best interest to move the cattle to another place to protect our calf crop. The cattle were loaded and after several trips they were safely delivered to a different field several miles away. If this is something you are struggling with on your farm or ranch, please speak up. I urge you to contact our state legislators and ask them to give us some relief from these predators. As I drove by the new field where our animals are located, I noticed a flock of vultures lurking on the neighbor’s hay barn. I believe they will continue to be a problem. I placed a call to the Washington County, Ark., Extension to learn more about what other producers in our area are doing to protect livestock. I have also contacted our state lawmakers. I believe in the circle of life in creation, but these birds need to learn their place, neighbor.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 17, 2017

just a thought

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armers and ranchers are like a large family made up of distant cousins who live all across the country. While the cousins might not know one another or even heard Julie Turner-Crawford the other’s name, when one is in need they is a native of Dallas come out of the woodwork to lend a helping hand. County, Mo., where she That large family is exactly what we’ve seen grew up on her family’s over the last several weeks as our agriculture farm. She is a graduate communities have come together to send prayers, of Missouri State support, t-posts, barbed wire, feed, milk replacer, University. To contact hay and everything in between to those producJulie, call 1-866-532-1960 ers who have lost their livestock, fences, homes or by email at editor@ and barns to wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, Coloozarksfn.com. rado and Kansas. The stories of the aftermath of the flames are heartwrenching. Families have buried loved ones who died attempting to save their livestock and their way of life. Producers have walked among their suffering herds, putting injured animals down so they would no longer be in pain. I’m sure sounds of the rounds used to dispatch the animals are still echoing for many, many producers. Stories of what the farmers and ranchers are experiencing brings a lump to my throat; it’s — Continued on Next Page

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this time of immediate and overwhelming need. Most of the people contributing to this massive effort donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know a single one of the people who were impacted by the fire, but we know they are farmers and we feel confident that they would be helping us if it had happened here. My friend from the cattle sale told me he had already made two trips out west to deliver goods he had donated. He also told me that he had ordered 150 metal gates from a local merchant and he would deliver them as soon as they were ready.

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Continued from Previous Page hard to see what they are going through and not feel emotional. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but worry if the Ozarks will be the next when I see scorched areas along the roadways. However, where there are stories of loss, there are stories of hope and inspiration. Folks from the Ozarks have filled trucks and trailers with supplies and hay for their distant neighbors in need. Several of our livestock markets, agriculture organizations, churches, youth groups and others across the Ozarks have raised thousands of dollars to help out. Cattle have even been donated to help farmers and ranchers rebuild their herds. Fellow farmers are feeding orphaned calves, caring for some of the smallest victims as they would their own so their owners can concentrate on recovery, and total strangers are being welcomed into homes for a cup of coffee, a shower or a quick nap as they journey to help those in need. I was told of a young woman from Oklahoma who was on her way home after her university had been evacuated because of the fires, and she came across an older man standing in a plume of smoke along a rural road. She stopped to see what was wrong and the exhausted man said he was trying to cut his fences so his cows might stand

a chance against the flames. She grabbed her pliers and began cutting wires alongside the nameless rancher. These are some of the many unsung heroes of this disaster. The scenes of destruction are difficult to look at, however there are also photographs of new mommas standing next to their newly delivered calves, offering hope to those who wonder how or if they will recover from the ravages of the wildfires of 2017. Where there is life, there is hope. Ironically, there have been no reports of PETA or the Humane Society of the United States rendering aid to injured or sick livestock, or any other animal impacted by the fires. For organizations that claim to care for all animals, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t appear to be in any hurry to share any of the millions of dollars they generate each year in the name of â&#x20AC;&#x153;poor helplessâ&#x20AC;? animals to help livestock. I expected no less from the organizations that are working daily to end animal agriculture. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK PETA and HSUS, we farmers and ranchers have each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backs; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what friends, family and neighbors do. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what farmers and ranchers do.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to pay for them,â&#x20AC;? he added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but they need â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to see that they get â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em.â&#x20AC;? That is the cowboy way. If you have given already, God bless you. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d encourage you to contact your local Cattlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association, Farm Bureau office or University Extension office and they can tell you what is needed today and where you can take your donation. In many rural communities, the local bank has set up an account to forward funds to the farmers and ranchers that were decimated. For all of these groups Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve mentioned, no one skims any money off the top to fund their own programs. All the money goes directly to people who need it and, trust me, they need it. APRIL 17, 2017

meet your

neighbors

New Owners, New Name By Barbara Aitken

Fort Smith Livestock Auction became Fort Smith Stockyards in 2016 Straddling the historical lines between Arkansas and Oklahoma lay a sale barn that is anything but ordinary. The Fort Smith Stockyards, previously known as Fort Smith Livestock Auction, opened its doors in the early 1940s as a commission based sale yard. In approximately 1962, the first set of cattle went through one of the area’s largest sale rings. On July 1, 2016, Budge Herbert, Scottie Smith, and Sam Chandler’s lives changed when they became the new

with cattle,” said Budge. “I don’t remember [life without] cattle,” rationalized Scottie. “That’s what Dad had done. Born and raised.” In the eight months since owning the stockyards, Budge and Scottie can only describe the experience as “a ride.” “It’s been better than we expected,” Budge said. “It’s grown faster too. We always thought we could do something like this, we just thought it would take longer.” Fort Smith Stockyards is estimated to sell between 50,000-60,000 head of Photo by Barbara Aitken

Budge Herbert, Samantha Herbert, Sam Chandler, Kristi Smith and Scottie Smith are the newest owners of Fort Smith Stockyards, formely known as Fort Smith Livestock Auction. Since taking the livestock market over, the partners say their sales have drawn good numbers.

owners of the sale barn. Their wives, cattle in its first year with the new ownSamantha Herbert and Kristi Smith, ers. Their largest sale so far ran through 2,000 head at their first preinstrumented the change of vac sale in November. the name and seven days lat“We are planning on it beer, on the following Monday, Fort Smith, Ark. ing an annual sale and that the trio held their first sale. it will get to be well known,” Both Budge and Scottie fail explained Budge. to remember a time when They have also hosted six spetheir lives were void of cattle. cial stock cow sales, “that have “I’ve always been in a barn APRIL 17, 2017

been really good,” Budge stressed. Budge and Scottie attribute their success to their personal marketability with current and potential customers. “During the week, Budge and I go visit people,” said Scottie. Budge continued, “We find a place that’s got a cow, knock on their door, and talk to them about their cattle. We [ultimately] invite them to the sale. Scottie laughed, “We basically do whatever we have to do to get them (to the sale barn). In addition to gaining new buyers and sellers alike, who Scottie believes is vital to “create more competition and make the market better,” they keep up with the market value of their business. “We’re going to make sure the seller gets what he needs to out of his cattle,” said Budge. The facilities are another reason why the men believe in the success of the business. It occupies 280 acres that runs only one mile from I-40. “There’s no other sale barn like it,” proclaimed Budge. Not in Oklahoma City, El Reno – none of them that have 50 grass traps, or a 50-acre hay meadow.” Due to the vast facilities, cattle can be delivered any day of the week and graze on grass until sale day. In addition to expansive nature of the facility, Budge and Scottie stress the importance of an easy experience. Budge explained, “We’ve changed to a pull through with a tagging shoot. [Sellers] can just drive up and their cattle are tagged right then. It just makes it better all around.” The trio’s long-term goals mainly focus on gaining numbers. “The first year we can sell 100,000 cattle, we’re going to be pretty tickled,” said Scottie. “And we think we can do that.” Budge summed up their experience up to date and the days ahead. “The possibilities are endless to how big it could actually get.”

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meet your neighbors

Diversification in Production By Terry Ropp

The Pruitt family sees the benefit of revenue streams from commercial cattle and turkeys “My dad told me the only person that For Johnny and Bridget Pruitt of Ozark, Ark., three elements inter- messes up is the one that doesn’t do anytwine to create their happy and thing,” Johnny said. The first income stream is derived very busy lives. These are God, a tight from a commercial cow/calf operation. knit family and a diversified income. Johnny purchased their 125 acres out- The herd currently contains 30 Angus/ side of Ozark in 2004 and rents an ad- Brangus cows bred by two pureblood, ditional 70 acres for haying. When but not registered, bulls. “You can’t breed those papers,” Johnny purchased, the land was raw with only perimeter fencing. Since then he and his said. Because his herd is in the family have built the home building stage, he retains 25 they now share nine chilpercent of his heifers for 15 dren and 12 grandchildren. months before breeding, and They have added a barn, four Ozark, Ark. he changes bulls every two years turkey houses, four wells, a to keep the bloodlines separate. shop, additional fencing, a Johnny is a man who keeps his cattle pen, and plan for fureyes open for opportunity and ther growth.

Photo by Terry Ropp

Johnny and Bridget Pruitt have commercial cattle in addition to four turkey houses. Johnny said the biggest challenge is in trying to grow the herd without having to borrow money.

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Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 17, 2017

meet your neighbors may buy a bull from a local online ad or through the stockyards. At the moment, however, he is considering trading bulls with a neighbor. The bulls run with the herd year round, with calves being sold at an average of 500 pounds. He uses an injectable dewormer and a pour-on for lice and flies twice a year. Lick tubs are used as a protein supplement year-round as well as a feed mix with mineral and salt. The herd receives hay harvested on their land and fertilized with turkey litter from their houses according to their annual nutrient management plan with Natural Resource Conservation Service. A cow is culled if she can’t keep weight on, has poor teeth or an injury. If a cow is older and skips one cycle, she is culled. If younger, the cow is allowed to skip two cycles before being culled. The second stream of income comes from the four Butterball Turkey houses built in 2007 with payout in 15 years. The chicks arrive at a day old and stay for 12 weeks, reaching 15 pounds. The poults begin with a crumble and transition to a pellet feed because the conversion rate is better. One flock consists of 48,000 to 50,000 birds. They brood in the two middle houses for five or six weeks, then one half of each house is moved to the house next to it through a permanent structure with the family using flags to move them along. The curtains are computerized with lowering and raising based on temperature. The operation is looking to update by adding infrared heating and adult nipple drinkers instead of plasson drinkers. “Our biggest challenge is in biosecurity,” Johnny said. “We follow all the standard procedures, including water stations with disinfectants at each house, disinfecting in and around houses, as well as severely limiting traffic. We felt we needed to do an even better job in terms of traffic and came across an important composting system.” Johnny and Bridget felt the trucks coming to pick up deceased birds could bring problems from other farms. The Pruitts investigated and found a Canadian company with a plastic composting drum. Because the drum is made of plastic, corrosion is not an issue and the lighter weight makes it more economical than its metal counterparts. APRIL 17, 2017

The process is simple and efficient. Every day equal parts of a carbon source, such as wood shavings, and dead birds are put into the composter which has a computer controlled box scheduled for rotation based on mortality input. An exhaust fan runs every hour to induce oxygen to feed the microorganisms and speed the decomposition. The Ecodrum produces with every rotation a very usable soil building product. “We loved this particular composting drum so much we considered becoming a distributor, but a business needs to be thoroughly investigated before investing,” Johnny said. Their investigation revealed the product was originally designed for swine but transitioned well into the poultry industry. They recognized the benefits to other growers after receiving and putting their composter into operation. Further questioning revealed that the NRCS is now backing this composter with grant funding. They now assist other growers in finding a solution to these management practices on their farms and connecting them with those that can provide financial assistance. Because Johnny and Bridget believed a plastic composter is at the forefront of technology improvement in the poultry industry, they now have a sales distributor and service business in four states with expansion continuing. “The personal customer service side of our Hindsite Solutions is the backbone of what we do,” Bridget said. “Our service includes helping customers offload, install, and train on the composters as a courtesy rather than a serviceable charge. Our customers know we are cut from the same cloth and walk the same walk.” Pruitt diversity, growth, and commitment have led to the inclusion of many family members. Bridget said, “To be there for each other in a time of crisis, you need to be able to build unity and trust together in times of sharing and fun.” To this end the extended family has a monthly potluck with as many as 75 people. Favorite activities include shooting water balloons from the lower branches of trees, homemade slip and slides during the summer, and everyone, including all adults, dressing up for Halloween where a very good time is mixed with lots and lots of additional games and laughter.

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ozarks

roots

the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home

Still Going Strong By Terry Ropp

Oklahoma museum building and contents have a rich history in Native American culture The Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Okla., is a snapshot of Indian history, culture and art with some items dating from the early 1800s and while others are hauntingly beautiful contemporary art pieces. The Five Civilized tribes include the Creek, whose land was around Muskogee and Okmulgee; the Cherokee in Tahlequah; the Seminole in Wewooka; the Chickasaw in Ada; and the Choctaw in Durrant. Two years ago Sean Barney became the museum’s director after being a member of the board for a number of years. He was selected for his finance background rather than his sociological or archaeological expertise, areas managed by others, because the museum needed financial assistance in designing the best use and protection of funds. Sean said, “Needless to say, the learning curve has been steep, and I love being here because every day is different. The breadth of history and the dedication of staff and contributors are amazing.” Debbie Holland, hired through a special AARP program, is one of those workers and especially enjoys greeting and talking to visitors. The museum is housed in the Union Indian Agency building whose construction began on August 18, 1875 by the United States government, Bureau of Indian Affairs. The structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, served as offices for the Indian Agency Superintendent with living quarters for the family upstairs until 1907 when the offices were moved

to town for easier access when the railroad arrived in Muskogee. However, the downtown offices were nearly destroyed in 1910 by fire causing the the superintendent to return “back up the hill.” During the 1930s, Native Americans were given tracts of land and put on a roll that assigned and recorded land allotments. The allotments were marked by boundary markers with the best land, which contained water, having large mileposts that protruded up from the ground, land with pastures or prairie hav-

ing brass markers, and tracks that were wooded marked by concrete markers. In 1937, when the building was no longer needed for Native American affairs, it was given to the Veterans Administration hospital next door when it was used as a schoolhouse and orphanage for Creek Freeman children. In the 1940s it became a dance hall and a tea room, as well as hosting USO shows. Then U.S. Senator Ed Edmondson sponsored a bill that gave the building to the city of Muskogee. Sean explained that a local Native American women’s organization called the Da-Co-

Tah Club began pursuing a long time dream of making the facility into a museum of the Five Civilized Tribes in 1956. After 10 years of fundraising and rehabilitation, the museum opened in 1966. Collecting artifacts was a significant part of the process with most being donated by private citizens. Sean cited an example as Martha Griffin, a wealthy and active community member who purchased many objects and then donated them to the museum. Because of the generosity of many people, the Museum has a large artifact and document collection and rotates displays 10 times each year so that return visits provide new experiences. Artifacts include stone tools, ceremonial Stomp Dance instruments, pipes and large boiling pots that were used to gather salt by boiling water from particular streams, a highly valuable commodity at the time. Art is an equally important part of the museum’s collections. A life-sized statue entitled “The Stickballer,” by Jerome Tiger is an important piece, as well as the original 2-foot bronze by Enoch Haney named “The Guardian,” which was subsequently recast and placed on top of the Oklahoma State Capitol in 2002. As part of its efforts to increase awareness of the museum and its annual visitor numbers, the museum holds numerous annual events. In September folklore, legends and myths are an important focus while art shows are held in February, March, April, May and July, with the biggest event of the year being the Masters Show in November, followed by a holiday market in December.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Photos by Terry Ropp

APRIL 17, 2017

eye on

agri-business meeting the needs of farmers

Holland Thick and Thin Lumber

Story and Photo By Terry Ropp Location: Talihina, Okla. Owners: Kris and Karla Holland

History: “Before we started this business, I managed the Community State Bank in Talihina while Kris built custom homes. Materials were not locally available, and Kris wanted them handy. We saw a need and opened our store in 2004. I continued to work at the bank another year, but Kris needed more help than I could supply part time. Now I do whatever needs to be done but mostly run the books, inventory and special orders. We purchased the main building and have subsequently added additional structures, including a lumber bin. We also increased the main building to three times its original size.” Products: “Not surprisingly, an important part of our customer base is providing farmers with what they need to build barns, sheds and lean-to’s, in addition to new homes or renovations. Some outbuildings even have offices which means more finishing products inside the building. Agricultural structures usually require treated building lumber and metal roofs, which we have available in a wide variety of colors. To further support our customer base, we also carry barbed wire, t-posts and feed. Sometimes concrete and/or cement are needed. We have ready mix Portland concrete in addition to mortar and masonry mixes, as well as cement blocks. Lumber, both treated and untreated, run from 1-by-2 to 2-by-12 and are augmented by plywoods of both cabinet and regular grades. Sheet rock, interior and exterior doors as well as insulated, low eargon vinyl and aluminum windows in both prairie and grid styles offer the customer a wide variety of choices. We have both indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures and ceiling fans as well as breaker boxes, wiring and other essential electrical accessories. Plumbing supplies include CPVC and PVC pipes, connectors, glues cleaners and fittings with primarily Peerless fixtures and Delta LDR faucets, shower stalls and tubs. We carry Valspar paint, mix colors here and carry general painting supplies. Both hand and power tools are also available to provide an all supplies in one stop experience. Hauling building materials can be difficult so we offer delivery, even to places not necessarily in our area.” Business philosophy and future: “Customer service is the heart of what we do. We strive to keep everyone from having to wait because time is precious. At the same time we stand behind what we sell and maintain the highest ethical business practices. Our hope is that someday our daughters, 14-year-old Dylan and 10-yearold Khloe, will take over the business we are now working hard to build.” APRIL 17, 2017

Central States Beefmaster Sale Sat., May 13, 2017 • 11 a.m.

Sycamore Springs Arena • Locust Grove, OK

120

Offering Lots of Cattle: 42 Open Heifers Ready to Breed, 26 Bred Heifers, 24 Pairs and 26 Bulls Grading of Cattle

Friday, May 12 • 2:30 p.m. Featuring Top Young Genetics

CSBBA Membership Meeting & Dinner

Friday, May 12 • 6:30 p.m.

For Catalog Call: Tom Hood • 918-456-1199 or online @ www.csbba.org

Sale Day Phone:

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Wes Hood 479-228-8264

Accommodations: Best Western Plus, Locust Grove, OK 918-479-8082 (Mention Beefmasters)

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California natives converted a small, overgrown farm into a multi-species pasture-based operation Life’s is convoluted and complex with Will and Waltina Hanna of Bentonville, Ark., being good examples. They went to their high school prom together because Waltina and Will’s sister were best friends and his mother insisted. The couple lost touch for many years, but reconnected 22 years later when Will’s sister returned for a party celebrating Will’s father’s retirement from the

One of Nile’s children, Aiden, was allergic to many foods, especially eggs. Always interested in public service, the energetic couple turned their attention to food, how it was produced and the effects of different raising techniques on livestock and eggs. “We wanted to help Aiden and fell down the rabbit hole of eating healthy,” Will said with a laugh. Photo by Terry Ropp

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Looking toward the next chapter in his California Highway Patrol. Will and Waltina, originally from life, Will used knowledge of the area gained California, have four children, seven by being the Benton County Fire Marshal to hunt for farm property. grandchildren and one “We prayed before we startgreat-grandchild. Eventually Bentonville, Ark. ed,” Will said. “If anything their son Brian followed a will strengthen your life with girl to Arkansas, got married the Lord, it’s the challenge of and had children. Later Will agriculture.” and Waltina followed, as did their other two sons, Nile — Continued on Page 16 and Mike, and their families.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 17, 2017

town &

country

in the field and in the office

Jessica Ray

J. D. Bellis Family • Dedicated to Producing

“NO EXCUSE HEREFORDS”

Make Plans to Attend… Partners in Performance ‘17 April 30, 2017 • 1 p.m. • At the Farm • Aurora, Mo.

Story and Photo By Terry Ropp Family: Husband, Josh Ray Hometown: Gentry, Ark.

In Town: “I work at the Gentry Veterinary Clinic as a vet tech assisting doctors by preparing vaccines, filling prescriptions, administrating anesthesia and cleaning wounds, etc. I was full-time starting in 2002 when they still worked on large animals too, but worked for a hospital for a while. Then I went back full-time again even though I only work three days a week. While my husband Josh has been flying ever since we met, including 50-passenger planes for Continental Express, he has been a pilot for Atlas Air, an international cargo company, for the last two years and flies all over the world in a 747. I help with the Special Olympics and run in the Police Torched Run to raise awareness for it. The race goes from Gentry to Fayetteville, Ark., and last year I did the section from here to Springdale.” In Country: “We have an acre on the outskirts of town with another 7 acres farther out. I have 12 hens and two roosters, selling eggs to neighbors and a friend in Rogers, plus supplying the family. My chickens are Cochins, which were originally bred in China and spread to the Western world in the mid-19th century. They are very large and can serve as a meat chicken, as well as providing eggs. One of my roosters weighs an amazing 16 pounds. Cochins are known for very soft and fluffy feathers that sometimes curl out and come in a variety of colors. I also have a miniature horse that pulls cart in parades and is rented for cart rides for kids. We haven’t done that in the last year, but my horse runs with me when I work out. People watch for us because I just have him on a halter and a lead rope and he trots alongside me. I rescue animals and have a possum and a squirrel named Charlie who has been set free but loves hanging around. Next-door is 5 acres where I have raised rescue deer since 2006. Just recently, because of disease, the federal government has banned the process so that part of my country life is over. We have three horses, two Quarter Horses and a Friesian/draft cross for trail riding that we keep on the rental property. Josh had always been a town boy but loves the country lifestyle as much as I do.” Future: “We are currently looking at property so we can move and have 40 to 60 acres to raise cows and have a place to ride my horses instead of having to load them up. We’re waiting for the right place to come along because we want to raise Charolais. I really love the big and beautiful breed. By working at the vet clinic, I’m accustomed to working with large animals and am looking forward to the new challenge.” APRIL 17, 2017

JDB Z007 A013 Reva C125

P43670130 Calved: April 7, 2015 • Bred to calve in early April to JDB 719T K077 Bruno A008 CE 2.5 M&G 55

BW 3.1 REA 0.59

WW 65

YW 110

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JDB Z214 Y037 Keysha C145

JDB Z214 Z080 Keysha C147

P43670726 Calved: June 2, 2015 • Bred to calve in early March to Churchill Sensation 028X

P43670593 Calved: June 24, 2015 • Bred to calve in early March to Churchill Sensation 028X

CE 4.5 M&G 48

CE 3.3 M&G 52

BW 0.0 REA 0.58

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YW 72

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J. D. Bellis Family

*Up to 25 breeding age bulls selected for breed leading EPDs with many qualifying as Jim D. and Carla Bellis calving ease leaders 19264 Lawrence 2170 • Aurora, MO 65605 Jim cell 417-466-8679 *50 pairs, including the entire first calf heifer JimBellis@missouristate.edu group with their AI sired calves at side Jonathan Bellis 417-440-1300 *Select group of bred heifers and open show Kevin, Jamie and Harper Johansen heifer prospects Kevin cell 573-289-1061 Joanna and Neal Wilkinson Email Jim to receive a sale catalog!

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Tahlequah, OK 918-456-0557

market sales reports

bulls

(Week of 4/2/17 to 4/8/17)

beef

Not Reported †

Arkansas Cattle Auction

Ash Flat Livestock 60.00-95.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 87.00-104.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction 80.00-104.50* Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs None Reported † County Line Sale - Ratcliff 90.00-103.50 † Decatur Livestock Auction 85.00-102.00* Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Not Reported* Farmers Livestock - Springdale 83.00-96.00 † Fort Smith Stockyards 80.00-101.50 † I-40 Livestock - Ozark 85.00-101.50 † Joplin Regional Stockyards 79.50-109.50 † Mid-State Stockyards Not Reported* North Arkansas Livestock Auction 85.00-105.00 † OKC West - El Reno 79.00-110.00 † Ouachita Livestock Auction 78.50-88.00 † Ozarks Regional Stockyard 72.50-106.00 † Stilwell Livestock Auction 90.00-102.00* Tulsa Livestock Auction 75.00-99.00 †

Midwest - High Plains Direct Slaughter Cattle

5 Area (Tx-Ok, Ks, Neb, Ia, Colo) Live Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 115.25-127.00; wtd. avg. price 124.37. Heifers: 120.00-127.00; wtd. avg. price 125.67. Dressed Basis Sales - Over 80% Choice Steers: 188.00-206.00; wtd. avg. price 198.04. Heifers: 194.00-200.00; wtd. avg. price 198.46.

slaughter

110

130

cows

(Week of 4/2/17 to 4/8/17)

Not Reported †

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

55.00-73.50 † 45.00-79.00 † 56.00-76.00* 52.50-73.50 † 45.00-71.50 †

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Cleburne County Livestock County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction

60.00-74.00* Not Reported* 50.00-73.00 †

Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards Mid-State Stockyards North Arkansas Livestock

44.00-77.00 † 46.50-74.00 † 50.00-85.00 † Not Reported* 42.00-78.50 † 57.00-78.50 †

OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyard Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

Steers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

Bulls, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

Heifers, Med. & Lg. 1 300-400 lbs. 400-500 lbs. 500-600 lbs. 600-700 lbs. 700-800 lbs.

14 14

42.00-82.00 † 62.00-91.50*

Ark. Cattle Auction, LLC - Searcy -----

Ash Flat Livestock

-----

100

Cattlemen’s Livestock*

4/7/17 581

1,451

-----

Uneven

-------------------------------------------------------------

3/28/17

Receipts: 950 Springer Heifers bred seven to nine months: Supreme 1300.00-1425.00. ind Jersey 1425.00, Approved 1000.001275.00, crossbreds 1000.00-1110.00, Medium 900.00-990.00, ind Jersey 1000.00, crossbreds 810.00-925.00, Common ind 650.00. Heifers bred three to six months: Supreme 1300.00-1450.00, 150 few Jerseys 1310.00, Approved 1000.00-1290.00, crossbreds 1075.00-1160.00, Medium 825.00-975.00, crossbreds 700.00950.00, Common 460.00-550.00, few Jerseys 525.00-675.00, Crossbreds 435.00-600.00. Heifers bred one to three months: Supreme 1220.00-1250.00, Approved 920.00-1110.00, Medium 790.00-850.00, Jerseys 600.00-875.00, crossbreds 700.00-825.00, Common few 630.00660.00, crossbreds 510.00-660.00. Open Heifers: Approved: 200-300 lbs 330.00-450.00, ind Jersey 280 lbs 370.00, crossbreds 320.00-450.00, 300-400 lbs 470.00-580.00, pkg 3 Jerseys 340 lbs 590.00, crossbreds 395.00410.00, 400-500 lbs 510.00-690.00, crossbreds 500.00-560.00, 500-600 lbs 710.00-800.00, ind Jersey 565 lbs 610.00, crossbreds 600.00-750.00, 600-700 lbs 810.00-920.00, crossbreds 640.00760.00, 700-800 lbs 840.00-970.00. Medium: 200-300 lbs 190.00-240.00, ind crossbred 145 lbs 270.00, 300-400 lbs crossbreds 315.00-330.00, 400-500 lbs few 400.00-450.00, crossbreds 430.00-440.00, 500-600 lbs 620.00670.00. crossbreds 510.00-570.00, 600-700 lbs 660.00-790.00. Replacement Cows: Fresh Heifers and Cows: Supreme 1400.00-1575.00, top ind 1900.00, Approved 1250.00-1350.00, Medium 800.00-1150.00, few crossbreds 810.00-1050.00, Common ind 675.00. Milking Cows: Supreme 1400.00-1675.00, Medium 875.001125.00, Common 500.00-725.00. Springer Cows: Supreme ind 1475.00, Approved ind 1075.00, Medium ind crossbred 1060.00, Common ind crossbred 650.00. Bred Cows: Supreme 1375.00-1725.00, ind crossbred 1275.00, 120 Approved 1100.00-1225.00, Medium 1025.00-1150.00,

Benton Co. - Siloam Springs 4/6/17

goats

Diamond, Mo. • TS Whites Sheep and Goat Sale

4/6/17

Receipts: 2,012 Supply was great and demand was good. Lamb markets were down 25-50 cents on average while Ewe and Ram markets remained mostly steady compared to last month. The goat markets remained mostly steady across the board compared to last month. Supply included 15 percent slaughter ewes and rams, 38 percent slaughter and feeder lambs, 20 percent kid goats, and 11 percent bucks and does. All prices are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise. SHEEP: Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1 25-55 lbs 220.00-227.50. Medium and Large 1-2 27-38 lbs 200.00-217.50. Medium and Large 2-3 24-38 lbs 185.00-197.50. Slaughter Wool Lambs: Choice and Prime 1-2 42-55 lbs 215.00-225.00; 73-77 lbs 210.00-217.50. Hair lambs: Prime 1-2 40-75 lbs 210.00-227.50; 83-90 lbs 195.00-200.00. Choice 2-3 60-64 lbs 205.00-207.50; 90-130 lbs 120.00-252.50. Several families of Hair Ewes with single or twin lambs: Ewes Good and Choice 85.00-100.00 Per Head. Utility and Good 55.00-75.00 Per Head. Replacement Hair Ewes: Medium and Large 2-3 86-138 lbs 150.00-175.00. Medium and Large 3-4 85-145 115.00-130.00. Slaughter Wool Ewes: Utility and Good 2-3 105-207 lbs 70.00-85.00. Slaughter Hair Ewes: Good 2-3 73-152 lbs 65.00-85.00. Utility 2-3 70-78 lbs 125.00-155.00. Cull 2-3 68-78 lbs 60.00-87.50. Replacement Hair rams: Medium and Large 1-2 Shooters 230.00-235.00 Per Head. Medium and Large 1-2 Dorper and Dorper cross 155.00-250.00 Per Head. Slaughter Rams: Utility and Good 2-3 130-220 lbs 70.0090.00. GOATS: Feeder kids: Selection 1 28-36 lbs 250.00-270.00. Selection 2 25-38 lbs 225.00-245.00; 25-35 lbs 200.00-210.00. Selection 3 29-38 lbs 150.00-175.00. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 45-68 lbs 280.00-300.00; 75-105 lbs 200.00-230.00. Selection 2 43-73 lbs 250.00-277.50; 68-90

lbs 130.00-175.00. Selection 3 40-83 lbs 220.00-245.00. Several Families with single and twin kids Selection 3 65.00-105.00 Per Head. Replacement Does: Selection 1-2 95-175 lbs 160.00-185.00. Slaughter Does: Selection 1 87-200 lbs 130.00-157.50. Selection 2 75-110 lbs 117.50-125.00. Selection 3 65-95 lbs 110.00-122.50. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 1-2 95-175 lbs 130.00-157.50. Selection 3 62-160 lbs 110.00-125.00.

Decatur Livestock*

4/5/17

County Line Sale Ratcliff 4/5/17

730

256

190

779

Uneven

St-6 Higher

Uneven

3-5 Higher

165.00-183.00 162.00-165.00 -------------

171.00-206.00 150.00-179.00 144.00-162.00 148.00-149.00 129.00-136.00

155.00-174.00 148.00-169.00 135.00-150.00 125.00-135.00 ------

170.00-200.00 161.00-175.00 149.00-157.00 140.00-143.00 -----

162.50-190.00 150.00-167.50 148.00-164.00 124.00 -----

180.00-210.00 165.00-184.00 148.00-160.00 130.00-146.00 120.00-132.00

---------------------

168.00-190.00 140.00-179.00 136.00-153.00 129.00-134.00 124.00

---------------------

----150.00-169.00 137.00-152.00 118.00-138.00 -----

------------130.00-139.00 -----

---------------------

145.00-170.00 140.00-155.00 121.00-146.00 121.00-163.00 121.00-162.00

130.00-155.00 135.00-158.00 120.00-138.00 109.00-123.00 113.00-125.00

147.00-163.00 138.00-155.00 130.00-145.00 123.00-131.00 -----

170.00-200.00 130.00-153.00 123.00-137.00 120.00-127.00 -----

150.00-175.00 138.00-153.00 124.00-132.00 118.00-127.00 105.00-123.00

4/4/17

prices

Farmer’s & Ranchers Vinita, Okla.* -----

Farmers Livestock Springdale 4/7/17

Fort Smith Stockyards

-----

579

815

535

4,044

-----

Uneven

---------------------

175.00 160.00-172.00 142.00-155.00 138.00-144.00 -----

160.00-187.00 145.00-175.00 143.00-163.00 128.00-148.00 129.50-130.50

170.00-196.00 140.00-175.00 148.00-163.00 135.00-138.00 122.00-124.00

181.00-190.00 159.00-195.00 141.00-175.00 138.00-160.00 125.50-143.00

---------------------

170.00-185.00 139.00-169.00 136.00-149.00 128.00-140.00 126.00-129.00

----150.00-165.00 141.00-158.00 127.00-137.00 125.00

----143.00-158.00 120.00-151.00 124.00-132.00 115.00-125.00

----154.00 --------125.00

---------------------

150.00-164.00 127.00-158.00 130.00-147.00 124.00-136.00 119.00-125.00

149.00-169.50 134.00-161.00 130.00-151.00 128.00-136.00 -----

150.00-170.00 136.00-172.00 128.00-145.00 119.00-134.00 -----

147.50-160.00 139.00-156.00 126.00-147.50 121.00-138.00 122.00-126.00

4/3/17

I-40 Livestock Ozark 4/6/17

Joplin Regional Stockyards 4/3/17

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Nati

Che wee (+.0 Flu nati Buffalo, Mo. • Buffalo Livestock Market 3/28/17 Ari in M Receipts: 832 Supply was good and demand was good with a near standing volu room only crowd on hand. Slaughter lambs were down 20.00 prod imp compared to last month. Ewes were 8.00 to 10.00 higher while rams were mostly steady. Goat markets remained most- mon ly steady across the board. The supply made up of 58 percent and Sou slaughter and feeder Lambs, 21 percent ewes and rams, 12 ava percent kid goats, and 8 percent Does and bucks. All prices in t are per hundred weight (CWT) unless noted otherwise. that SHEEP: Feeder Lambs: Medium and Large 1 30-39 lbs 230.00-245.00. wou Som Medium and Large 1-2 Choice 2-3 19-37 lbs 215.00-226.00. milk Slaughter Hair Lambs: Prime 3-4 43-72 lbs 230.00-255.00; alre 100-115 lbs 180.00-190.00. Choice 2-3 40-78 lbs 220.00gen 228.00. Good and Choice 1-3 40-77 lbs 200.00-217.50. are Bred Replacement Hair Ewes: Medium and Large 1 86-105 lot o lbs 205.00-247.50. Medium and Large 1-2 85-119 lbs 170.00are 190.00. Medium and Large 2 83-133 lbs 130.00-150.00. taki Slaughter Wool Ewes: Medium and Large 2 143-166 lbs man 76.00-95.00. Cre Slaughter Hair Ewes: Utility-Good 1-3 60-161 lbs 80.001.18 95.00. rang Replacement Hair Rams: Medium and Large 1-2 95-150 lbs SPO 120.00-135.00. BU Slaughter Rams: Utility and Good 1-2 125-180 lbs 80.00$2.3 90.00. GOATS: Feeder kids: Selection 1 23-35 lbs 280.00-290.00. Selection 2 20-35 lbs 215.00-235.00. Selection 3 23-28 lbs 185.00-200.00. Slaughter Kids: Selection 1 45-58 lbs 285.00-300.00. Selection 2 40-63 lbs 267.50-280.00. Selection 3 40-71 lbs 150.00175.00. Slaughter Does: Selection 1 113-135 lbs 130.00-135.00. Selection 2 70-103 lbs 160.00-177.50. Selection 3 60-120 lbs 120.00-140.00. Slaughter Bucks: Selection 2 70-160 lbs 140.00-160.00. Selection 3 65-130 lbs 100.00-130.00.

stocker & feeder

Cleburne Co. - Heber Springs 4/3/17

121( 5(3257('

55.00-73.50 † 46.00-85.00 † 63.00-75.00*

127 5(3257('

sheep &

dairy cattle

Springfield, Mo. • Springfield Livestock Marketing Center

88.00-110.00*

Welch Stockyards

cattle

crossbreds 850.00-1025.00, Common 600.00-925.00, ind Jersey 560.00. Baby Calves: Holstein heifers 175.00-230.00, small 100.004/9/17 160.00, Holstein bulls 85.00-135.00, Jersey heifers pkg of 3-240.00, Jersey bulls 35.00-55.00, crossbred heifers 120.00190.00, crossbred bulls few 50.00-100.00, beef cross heifers few 230.00-300.00, beef cross bulls 125.00-260.00.

127 5(3257('

slaughter

APRIL 17, 2017

Mi Stoc

4.61 3.76

535

4,044

Uneven

127 5(3257('

le hevil Blyt

Mid-State Stockyards*

----154.00 --------125.00

0.00-170.00 6.00-172.00 8.00-145.00 9.00-134.00 -----

147.50-160.00 139.00-156.00 126.00-147.50 121.00-138.00 122.00-126.00

9.32

4.63

5.56 4.61

3.75

Joplin Regional Stockyards 4/3/17

----3.00-158.00 0.00-151.00 4.00-132.00 5.00-125.00

9.33

-----

3.72

Hele

Elain

N. Ark. Livestock Green Forest 4/5/17

9.35 4.62 3.75

eo Osc

OKC West - El Reno, Okla. 4/4/17

500

Ouachita Livestock Ola, Ark. 4/7/17

135.04 129.21 128.64 131.93

* 157.07

142.40

156.38

136.76

153.66

133.79

Week of 3/19/17

1500.00-2025.00*

133.92

145.56 158.13 143.39 155.62 *

133.00 133.01 132.23 145.00

145.35

127.54

135.08

155.52 147.52

130.55

163.66

139.00 132.97

156.08

* 157.52

925.00-1600.00 † 1400.00-1700.00 *

142.88

146.90

132.74

149.65

1185.00-1300.00 † None Reported †

Stilwell Livestock Auction* 4/5/17

130.21

151.44

1020.00-1475.00 †

Ozarks Regional West Plains 4/4/17

155.00 139.45

165.89

pairs

1500

131.33 126.53

153.50

865.00-1125.00 †

1000

Week of 3/12/17

151.00 140.00

2500

2000

2500

Tulsa Livestock Auction 4/3/17

Welch Stockyards*

-----

759

2,300

420

3,415

486

1,740

849

Uneven

St-2 Lower

Uneven

Steady

2-3 Lower

-----

---------------------

182.00-185.00 156.00-165.00 147.00-160.50 132.00-149.00 128.00-130.00

----165.00-183.00 156.00-174.00 136.50-152.00 136.50-137.25

181.00-199.00 149.00-179.00 138.00-151.00 144.00 -----

178.00-190.00 162.00-187.00 152.00-176.00 137.00-149.00 127.50-136.00

167.00-190.00 154.00-171.00 139.00-163.00 130.00-148.00 -----

184.00-200.00 169.00-179.50 156.00-179.00 130.00-151.50 121.00-133.50

160.00-183.00 150.00-173.00 150.00-170.00 125.00-151.00 120.00-137.50

---------------------

176.00-177.00 150.00-165.00 136.00-154.50 127.00-139.00 129.00

----161.00 --------126.00

----137.00-166.00 125.00-151.00 125.50-137.00 124.00

160.00-170.00 157.00-164.00 142.00-148.00 138.00 -----

---------------------

172.00-182.00 165.00-176.00 162.00-172.00 127.00-137.50 -----

141.00 140.00-176.00 130.00-165.00 133.00-135.00 118.00-119.00

---------------------

150.00-156.00 137.00-150.00 110.00-144.00 120.00-135.00 115.00-120.00

150.00-163.00 144.00-152.00 131.00-147.50 125.00-141.50 -----

156.00-168.00 135.00-160.00 131.00-150.00 133.00 -----

148.00-164.00 139.00-158.00 133.50-143.50 125.00-135.00 119.00-126.50

149.00-178.00 135.00-149.00 120.00-150.00 116.00-128.00 107.00-119.00

151.00-161.00 141.00-155.50 134.00-145.50 124.00-137.50 114.00-123.00

145.00-169.00 130.00-149.25 130.00-143.00 118.00-126.00 110.00-118.50

138.50

143.96 155.94 146.62 153.72 *

131.38 132.72 137.00 132.71 126.00 134.90

145.04

133.19

154.49

131.99

145.01 160.60

4/4/17

-----

APRIL 17, 2017

155.95

900.00-1600.00 † 800.00-1350.00 † Not Reported * 1135.00-1500.00 †

Welch Stockyards

usta

Aug

130.46

145.00

1040.00-1525.00 †

Mid-State Stockyard North Arkansas Livestock OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Auction Ozarks Regional Stockyards Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction

132.00

147.13

Week of 3/26/17

ices 181.00-190.00 159.00-195.00 141.00-175.00 138.00-160.00 125.50-143.00

Sorghum

147.12

148.56

2000

Not Reported * 1200.00-1375.00 †

Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Stockyards

141.77 128.18

139.55

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy Not Reported † Ash Flat Livestock 800.00 † Benton County Sale Barn 1100.00-2150.00 † Cattlemen’s Livestock 785.00-1125.00 * Cleburne County Livestock Auction - Heber Springs None Reported † County Line Sale - Ratcliff None Reported † Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita

135.80 131.32

155.19

* 157.11

140.72 133.41

155.76

133.58

149.95 *

* 162.86 148.17 150.00 150.00 **

132.98 132.46 126.26 **

156.96

136.53

147.18

133.62

158.52

137.40

155.15 100

137.50

Week of 4/2/17

1035.00-1375.00 † 880.00-1485.00 *

Feb. 17 Mar. 17

Ash Flat El Reno Ft. Smith Green Forest Heber Springs Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs Springdale Tulsa West Plains

153.87

650.00-1350.00 † 1100.00-1410.00 *

Jan. 17

heifers 550-600 LBS.

156.66

825.00-1175.00 † 850.00-1200.00 †

1500

Oct. 16 Nov. 16 Dec. 16

(Week of 4/2/17 to 4/8/17)

on 2 70-160 lbs 140.00-160.00. Selec130.00.

0.00-196.00 0.00-175.00 8.00-163.00 5.00-138.00 2.00-124.00

Corn

Ash Flat El Reno Ft. Smith Green Forest Heber Springs Joplin Ouachita Ozark Ratcliff Searcy Siloam Springs Springdale Tulsa West Plains

660.00-1325.00 † 725.00-1025.00 † 710.00-1425.00 † Not Reported *

1000

July 16 Aug. 16 Sept. 16

steers 550-600 LBS.

1150.00-1600.00* Not Reported * 950.00-1400.00 †

cow/calf

n 1 113-135 lbs 130.00-135.00. 0.00-177.50. Selection 3 60-120 lbs

I-40 estock Ozark 4/6/17

Soft Wheat

Apr. 16 May 16 June 16

600.00-1095.00 †

500

Week Ended 4/11/17

Soybeans

$80

1100.00-1110.00 † 68.50-134.00 † Prices reported per cwt

OKC West - El Reno Ouachita Livestock Ozarks Regional Stilwell Livestock Auction Tulsa Livestock Auction Welch Stockyards

avg. grain prices

23-35 lbs 280.00-290.00. Selection 2 Selection 3 23-28 lbs 185.00-200.00. n 1 45-58 lbs 285.00-300.00. Selection 0. Selection 3 40-71 lbs 150.00-

825.00-1270.00 † 1000.00-1725.00 † 775.00-1100.00 *

Week of 3/12/17

Ash Flat Livestock Benton County Sale Barn Cattlemen’s Livestock Cleburne County Livestock Auction County Line Sale - Ratcliff Decatur Livestock Auction Farmer’s & Ranchers - Vinita Farmers Livestock - Springdale Fort Smith Stockyards I-40 Livestock - Ozark Joplin Regional Mid-State Stockyard North Arkansas Livestock

4/7/17

$120

Not Reported †

Arkansas Cattle Auction - Searcy

Cheese: Barrels closed at $1.4350 and 40# blocks at $1.4600. The weekly average for barrels is $1.4605 (+.0545) and blocks, $1.4980 (+.0250). on 1-2 95-175 lbs 130.00-157.50. Fluid Milk: Milk production is increasing across much of the 0.00-125.00. nation as spring weather takes hold. The exception being ock Market 3/28/17 Arizona where dairy farmers report milk outputs peaked early in March and are starting to come out of the spring flush. Milk mand was good with a near standing volumes are growing in the rest of the Western region. California d. Slaughter lambs were down 20.00 producers feel the spring flush is now at hand. Milk output is improving in areas of Idaho and Utah impacted by flooding last Ewes were 8.00 to 10.00 higher steady. Goat markets remained most- month. There are seasonally heavy milk intakes in the Northeast d. The supply made up of 58 percent and Mid-Atlantic states and the spring flush continues in the Southeast. In the Central United States, milk is also readily mbs, 21 percent ewes and rams, 12 available. In addition to the strong milk supply, a large processor percent Does and bucks. All prices in the North Central region notified a number of dairy farmers (CWT) unless noted otherwise. that, due to tightening trade restrictions from Canada, their milk and Large 1 30-39 lbs 230.00-245.00. would no longer be purchased by the processor starting in May. Some industry contacts are openly wondering where the extra hoice 2-3 19-37 lbs 215.00-226.00. milk will go since milk is abundant and some spot milk loads are Prime 3-4 43-72 lbs 230.00-255.00; 0 already priced from $1.50 to $5.00 under Class. Class I demand is 0. Choice 2-3 40-78 lbs 220.00generally steady in the Central and Western regions, but bottlers e 1-3 40-77 lbs 200.00-217.50. are pulling back somewhat in the Northeast and New Mexico. A Ewes: Medium and Large 1 86-105 lot of milk is clearing into cheese vats. Condensed skim volumes m and Large 1-2 85-119 lbs 170.00are moving primarily through contracts with Class IV processors ge 2 83-133 lbs 130.00-150.00. taking moderate to heavy volumes. Ice cream and other Class II Medium and Large 2 143-166 lbs manufacturing is picking up. Cream supplies remain plentiful. Cream multiples range from 1.05 to 1.20 in the East and 1.05 to tility-Good 1-3 60-161 lbs 80.001.18 in the West. In the Central region, Class II cream multiples range from 1.12 to 1.20. : Medium and Large 1-2 95-150 lbs SPOT PRICES OF CLASS II CREAM, $ PER POUND BUTTERFAT F.O.B. producing plants: Upper Midwest and Good 1-2 125-180 lbs 80.00$2.3537-2.5218.

$160

Prices Prices reported per cwtper cwt reported

Week of 3/19/17

National Dairy Market at a Glance

cows

(Week of 4/2/17 to 4/8/17)

550-600 lb. steers

$200

Week of 3/26/17

ction 1-2 95-175 lbs 160.00-185.00. n 1 87-200 lbs 130.00-157.50. 7.50-125.00. Selection 3 65-95 lbs

replacement

dairy sales

ion 3 40-83 lbs 220.00-245.00. Several twin kids Selection 3 65.00-105.00

12 Month Avg. -

$240

Week of 4/2/17

es reports

USDA Reported * Independently Reported

125 150 175 200 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

141.20 225

Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

Serving More Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma Serving MoreThan Than24,000 24,000Readers Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

100 125 150 175 * No price reported in weight break **USDA Failed To Report *** No Sale

200

Prices Based on Weighted Average for Steers and Heifers 550-600 lbs.

15 15

meet your neighbors Optimizing Their Potential Continued from Page 12 During the hunt, they found a barely visible “For Sale” sign nestled among some weeds, another of life’s twists. They called and bought the land, 35 acres in all. The land was seriously overgrown with two ponds, perimeter fencing and an old house. They tore down the house, started brush hogging and built both a shop and barn, as well as new house. Next came decisions about what to raise, believing large animals like cattle were out of the question in terms of safety. Because of Aiden’s allergies, Will and Waltina decided to experiment with eggs and have 22 hens of different breeds. The birds have free run during the day and roost at night in a secure pen. While they have access to laying pellets and pig feed as they roam, they strongly prefer scratching for insects, which helps keep the tick population under control, and other naturally occurring food. The results for Aiden were startling. Fearful of an allergic reaction, his parents first fed him just the white and later the whole egg. He had no allergic reaction and can now consume his grandparents’ eggs without concern. “We have no data that determines how and why these eggs helped Aiden and some of our other customers, but the fact is that they did,” Will said. The largest section of the Hanna Family Ranch operation is devoted to raising heritage hogs. They began with three purebred and registered Large Black gilts and one boar. This breed is known for highly appealing flavor, as well as docility. Next, they added Berkshires, which produce a larger loin and are also docile. The couple is currently running an experimental cross of Large Black gilts and a Berkshire boar to see if the meat matches the Large Black’s flavor with a larger loin size. Both species are pasture pigs though they are supplemented with a custom designed and mixed feed available on a self-select basis. While they eat grass, they also

love to forage in the forest and root for grubs. Because of a lower mortality rate, the sows are brought under cover in the barn one week before delivery. The herd typically has 8 to 10 breeding females and two boars. Local chef Steven Brooks dropped by the farm to see their pigs one day. This led to sales not only to Steven but to other chefs as well. About half of their sales are now wholesale, with clientele including Yeyo’s Mexican Grill and the Doubletree Hotel in Bentonville, as well as food trucks. “The retail customers include mothers who bring their children to see the animals while purchasing pork,” Will said. “We were part of agri-tourism before we ever heard the term. Children never tire of the large, playful pigs, busy chickens or recently added sheep.” The couple decided to add Katahdin-influenced sheep. They have 12 ewes and one ram with all of this year’s lambs sold to a single chef before they hit the ground. The sheep are the workhorses of the Hanna Family Ranch. Fertilizing: the sheep do it. Herbicide control: the sheep do it. Parasite control, the sheep do it through rotational grazing. Making money: the sheep do it because they are easier on the ground and take less time to reach market weight. The Hannas believe in helping people eat healthier by supplying healthier products. Their methods are so environmentally and animal friendly that they have received the Animal Welfare Approved certification, belong to Arkansas Grown and, due to Will’s service during the Vietnam War, Homegrown by Heroes. The couple is looking to add produce in the future with herbs being the most likely candidate. “The more our society knows about its food and how it is raised, the better choices they can make. Though we need to make a profit, we strive to keep our prices as low as possible,” Will said.

Official Dealer for the State of Arkansas

10 year structural warranty

7’X 6’6”X 24’ Punch Side Stock Trailer MSRP $28,987

Ozark’s Farm & Neighbor Price

$21,995.00

53’ Ground Load Stock Trailer MSRP $63,262.00 Ozark’s Farm & Neighbor Price

$49,995.00

Brandon Oakley, General Manager Exit 101 / I-40, Atkins, AR 72823

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

Come See Gus for Special Financing!

501-354-3315 APRIL 17, 2017

meet your neighbors

CATTLEMEN’S LIVESTOCK AUCTION

Photos by Terry Ropp

Growing Poultry Bedding By Terry Ropp

Miscanthus proves to be a valuable crop for Oklahoma family farm Solutions to long-standing serious problems often come in bits and bursts and sometimes from surprising sources. The energy crisis and global warming are two of these and led to the widespread use of ethanol typically made from corn. Well, there is a new boy on the block, rather in the field, called miscanthus whose sterile form not only is good for the environment, that is a net carbon provider to the soil, but also annually produces 9 to 12 foot tall bamboo-like plants. Originally a grass from Southeast Asia and generically known as elephant grass, miscanthus is predicted to produce 12 percent of the energy for the European Union whose goal is to reach an 80 percent reduction in emissions by 2050 according to research published in Global Change Biology. A company called Repreve Renewables progressed beyond energy use and is leasing land from farmers, some in Oklahoma, as a superior bedding for chickens that is competitively priced but naturally antimicrobial and far more absorbent than rice hauls or woodchips so less ammonia is created. This means broiler producers need to clean out the 30 to 50 tons needed in the newer, bigger broiler houses less often. Jim and Roxana Morrill of Jay, Okla., lease part of their J & M Farms to Repreve Renewables to raise miscanthus, which the company then delivers to local broiler producers. The farm is a family operation, with family partners, including John and Amy Dunn and Jason and Michelle Morrill. APRIL 17, 2017

Cattle Sales ~ Every Wednesday Sheep and Goat Sales ~ Third Friday of Each Month Hauling Available • Vet on site • Covered Pens • Source Verified Sales Production & Vaccinated Program Sales

Jim is in the process of helping Repreve harvest his second crop. The yield should increase from last year’s 3 tons to the acre to 8 to 10 tons after three or four years. “Miscanthus grows from a rhizome like asparagus. A stand should last 20 years while some in Europe have been producing for over 25,” Jim explained. Because miscanthus grows from a rhizome rather than a seed, annual replanting costs are eliminated. After fertilization the first year, the crop is not fertilized and is naturally insect resistant. Further, the mulch from the harvest debris suppresses weeds so herbicide is also unnecessary after that first planting. In addition, the plant is drought tolerant because the rhizomes will retain moisture for survival even if the above ground foliage is destroyed. Jim’s main “chore” during the growing season is brush hogging the edges. Before Jim’s miscanthus was planted in the spring of 2015, seed beds were prepared by tilling and fertilizing. Then the rhizomes, shipped from Georgia in refrigerated trucks, were planted by Repreve with a planter simiJay, Okla. lar to a potato planter. The rhizomes were planted about 2 inches deep with Jim providing assistance as needed. After planting, the

restaurant is open on sale days starting at 7am

Mac s ’

ground was sprayed for weed protection that first year. Miscanthus grows in expanding clumps that mature and dry out like corn, but with a longer growing season and greater yield. Miscanthus is left standing in the field over the winter to minimize moisture content and maximize nutrient recycling. “The Jay environment is ideal for miscanthus because the winters are mild with cold snaps that enhance the drying process before harvest in late winter or early spring,” Jim said. His first crop was harvested in late February with a forage harvester equipped with a corn head by a third party contracted by Repreve to perform the task. The crop was chopped into pieces less than three-quarters of an inch and loaded into trucks for delivery to broiler producers. One of the benefits for Jim and Roxana is they now have more time to devote to the rest of their farming operation. They raise wheat, soy and corn in addition to cattle. Retirement does not seem to be a word in their vocabulary.

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Bailey Shepherd Story and Photo By Terry Ropp

Age: 18 Parents: Eb and Trisha Shepherd Hometown: Mountainburg, Ark. FFA Chapter: Mountainburg FFA Advisor: Jim Hall What is your favorite aspect of agriculture? “FFA is a main part of my life. I especially enjoy going to events like leadership conferences, showing pigs and supporting my fellow leaders. As vice president, I go where I am needed.” Who is the most influential person in your life? “My ag advisor, Mr. Hall, is like a second father and is always there to talk to. He’s taught me many life lessons with perhaps one of the most important being that leadership is not a title but rather the opportunity to lead and help others achieve their goals.”

MEMBERSHIP PAYS. $7.6 million is going into Western Arkansas members’ hands this spring. We call it Patronage Cash and our members say it’s one of the best reasons to do business with Farm Credit. Members share in the profits when we have a good year because we’re a financial cooperative. Our members have shared more than $101 million in Patronage Cash since 1997. That’s 101 million good reasons to call us, today.

What is your current involvement in agriculture? “I am a senior and work on many projects, such as our newsletter. I also take care of the pigs daily by cleaning the pens, giving baths, feeding and watering and deworming with the help of my dad and Mr. Hall. I recently attended the Arkansas leadership conference in Hot Springs at Camp Couchdale, where I was forced out of my comfort zone particularly when playing games or dancing in front of everyone. Though uncomfortable at first, I really gained confidence from the whole experience.” What are some of your agricultural memories? “My earliest memory is bottle feeding a calf named Annabelle. I also particularly remember being at the fair with FFA and helping a woman with her sheep. She gave me perfect instructions, but as soon as I got to the washing platform, the sheep was so slick with soap she ran away while I ran after her. She ran into everything and messed it up like something you’d see in a comedy TV show. I finally tackled her. I was a mess too, but I got her.” Awards: “Two of the most important are the Star Greenhand and animal chapter awards, as well as the dance team All-Star award and being Miss Mountainburg in 2016.

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What are your future plans? “I am trying to choose between being an active teacher or perhaps earning more money as a cardiovascular technician. I also want to get married and have a family while being a better Christian and contributing to my community.”

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APRIL 17, 2017

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Having a breeding soundness exam done on your bull prior to turn out or at least once a year is imperative. For example, if you watch you cows everyday very closely, you will see, let’s say, 25 head getting bred within the first three weeks of turn out. Then you will see the same 25 head getting bred the next three weeks. Now you decide we better test this bull and he flunks. Now just to do some very simple math: What did that cost?. Well 2 times 3 weeks equals about 40 days. And if calves should be gaining one pound per head, per day on the other end, that will cost about $1 per pound, per day per head (40 days times $1 = $40.00 X 25 head = $1,000). Which would you rather spend, $45 to $60 testing or $1,000.00 on lost production? Now, if you work another job and cannot watch your cows very close and your bull is shooting blanks. Next spring your cows are not calving. If you have 30 head of cows and calves sell for $500 each; 30 X $500 = $15,000 lost. I do not know of anybody that could with stand a loss like that. Again, I ask what cheaper $45 to $60 to test is or $15,000? I would vote to test my bull every time I was turning him out or at least once a year. It is cheap insurance and I could sleep better at night. At least that is what one client has told me.

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nd we are already into April for 2017. This means breeding season is about to start again. And we need to think about getting our bulls tested Dr. Tim E. O’Neill, DVM, again. Well, I had him tested when owns Country Veterinary I got him one to five years ago and he was good Service in Farmington, then, so he should be good now, right? No, no, no. Ark. To contact Tim go Bulls can go bad and start shooting blanks at any to ozarksfn.com and time. If they get a small case of foot rot and spike click on ‘Contact Us.’ a fever, it could make them sterile. We could have damage to the epididymis or testicle. We could also just have something wrong with the making of sperm or swimmers and they are not growing right. Any of these could become a problem. And we could also have infectious problems; such as Trich, prostatitis, epididymitis, just to name a few.

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A Fine Line in Genetics By Klaire Howerton

Linebreeding can maintain superior family groups, while inbreeding can express undesirable traits When you are in the livestock business, you most likely want your individual animals to offer the best traits and qualities possible to set your operation apart. Some producers opt to keep closely related family groups as a part of their operation, but there can be a fine line when it comes to breeding for quality or creating problems that can last for generations. According to the University of Missouri Extension, the classification of linebreeding or inbreeding depends on the closeness of the biological relationship between mates, and a very fine line separates the two categories. These practices can help you breed for the best – once you understand the differences – and select which one will help you accomplish your herd goals.

Inbreeding

Inbred is a term that most people are familiar with, but just what exactly is inbreeding? Inbreeding is the mating of individuals that are related, such as parent and offspring, full or half siblings. In the broad sense, according to the University of Oklahoma, all members of a breed are related. As a result, any seedstock producer is practicing some inbreeding. Therefore, we generally reserve the term inbreeding for the mating of animals that are more closely related than the average of the breed. Animals that have been inbred can sometimes have higher genetic performance, but should always be closely monitored for any poor qualities that need to be weeded out. Inbreeding can have dramatic effects on a herd. OSU cautions that these effects are the result of individuals receiving identical genes from each parent. If the parents are related, it is more likely that they have genes that are identical. An individual

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receiving identical genes from each parent is said to be homozygous for that pair of genes. This would be desirable if the gene the individual received from each parent leads to superior performance. However, most animals carry undesirable genes that usually remain hidden unless the animal is homozygous. An inbred individual is more likely to be homozygous for any gene, so the animal is more likely to express undesirable genes, and hence, undesirable traits.

Line Breeding

Linebreeding is actually a type of inbreeding, but the results are different. “Linebreeding is an attempt to maintain a high relationship to some outstanding ancestor while keeping inbreeding as low as possible,” Morgan Hartman of OSU stated in his article Breeding Matter III – Inbreeding vs. Linebreeding. “Linebreeding has been attempted in most breeds of cattle. It has the advantage of maintaining genes from outstanding individuals that are no longer available for breeding purposes. In linebreeding, the idea is to always keep the amount that any one animal contributes to the DNA of any descendent at or below 50 percent. With inbreeding you regularly will find a higher degree of influence. For instance, a sire/daughter mating will result in an offspring which carries 75 percent of it’s DNA from the sire and only 25 percent from the maternal dam.” According to OSU, linebreeding should be attempted only in superior herds that have difficulty finding outside bulls that are of sufficient merit to improve that herd. The ancestor that is the object of the linebreeding should be clearly outstanding based on performance criteria and mating of close relatives should be avoided.

“Machinery has changed, such as offering the opportunity to make our own feed, which makes it cheaper and better suited to our specific needs. Another example is in gas efficiency in trucks in contrast to tractors for certain tasks.”

“The biggest change is in technology, such as tractor size and harvesting capacity. Sixteen years ago my sickle mower would do well to do 15 acres in a day now on my new tractor I can do 150.”

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The Feeding and Calving Connection By Klaire Howerton

Research is finding that feeding times may have a connection to when cows give birth When you are making your cially helpful when you’re dealing with calving plan for your herd, heifers as they tend to need more assistchances are you want it to be ing,” suggested Cole. “When you feed as seamless and convenient as late, more cows will calve from 6 a.m. possible. While you can’t always plan to 6 p.m. versus the reverse, 6 p.m. to for each and every little thing, recent re- 6 a.m.” “The easiest and most practical methsearch has indicated that you can affect the time of day that your cows calve by od of inhibiting nighttime calving at present is by feeding cows at night,” adwhat time of day you feed. It is easier for producers to monitor vised Selk. Why exactly does feeding in the evecalving situations with the light of daytime, and assistance can be quicker to ning encourage calving during the day? “ The physiological mechanism is unstruggling cows during the day than late known, but some hormonal effect may at night. “There are lots of advantages to day- be involved,” suggested Selk. “Rumen time births – not the least of getting more motility studies indicate the frequency sleep, it’s easier to contact a vet if com- of rumen contractions falls a few hours before parturition. Inplications occur, and it’s traruminal pressure better on the calf to be “The easiest and begins to fall in the last born in a warmer time two weeks of gestation, of day,” Eldon Cole, most practical livestock specialist with method of inhibiting with a more rapid decline during calving. It the University of Misnighttime calving at has been suggested that souri Extension said. “It is generally ac- present is by feeding night feeding causes intraruminal pressures cepted that adequate cows at night.” to rise at night and desupervision at calving – Glenn Selk cline in the daytime.” has a significant impact For best results, Cole on reducing calf mortality. Adequate supervision has been of suggested “it’s wise to start this practice increasing importance with the use of of feeding hay and/or concentrate feed larger beef breeds and cattle with larg- around a month before the expected er birth weights,” Glenn Selk with the calving dates.” In situations where cows and heifers Oklahoma State University Extension has said. “On most ranching operations, are allowed access to hay 24/7, Oklahosupervision of the first calf heifers will be ma State University recommends timbest accomplished in daylight hours and ing the feeding of supplements to later the poorest observation takes place in in the day, or by restricting access to the hay and running the cows and heifers the middle of the night.” So how does a farmer achieve better into a lot at night where the hay is kept, sleep, happier vets and warmer calves? and returning the cows to the regular Do your feeding as late in the day as pos- pasture during the day. The benefits of daytime calving are sible, experts advise. “Research does show that feeding late numerous – if your operation allows, try in the day results in more calves being scheduling your feeding time later in the born in the daylight hours. This is espe- day to take advantage of it.

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

“

APRIL 17, 2017

farm help

Where Will Prices Go From Here? By Julie Turner-Crawford

Wildfires not expected to increase cattle prices, but issues in Brazil could cause upswing While wildfires in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and have devastated cattle herds, producers in the Ozarks shouldn’t expect to see an upswing in the markets. Dr. Scott Brown, assistant University of Missouri professor of agriculture and applied economics, told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor that the loss of cattle, while crippling to those producers impacted by the fires, will not be great enough to impact markets. “As devastating as it is in those areas that lost cattle, I don’t expect a lot of market affects,” he explained. “There’s just not a big enough cut in the national numbers. If you were one of those producers who lost everything in the fires, it is a horrendous hit, but I just don’t expect much of a market lift as a result of this.” Cattle inventory reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture occur twice a year and the second count is expected on July 21. Brown said that will be the first potential state-by-state look at cattle inventories since the fires. Brown said payments by the USDA through programs, such as the Livestock Loss Indemnity program, should give a clearer picture on losses prior to the July report. While the wildfires may not cause an upswing in cattle markets, issues with Brazilian beef are expected to make prices increase in the U.S. Brazilian federal police raided several meat processing plants and arrested more than two dozen people in March after a corruption probe in that country that involves allegations government inspectors allowed rotten and salmonella-tainted meat products to be sold in exchange for bribes. The probe also involves the poultry market. According to the USDA, none of the slaughter or APRIL 17, 2017

processing facilities implicated in the scandal shipped products to the U.S., but the department said it still was conducting “additional pathogen testing of all shipments of raw beef and ready-toeat products from Brazil.” While the U.S. has not halted beef exports from the South American country, many others have closed their boarders. On average in March, Brazil exported more than $60 million worth of meat each day. That figure dropped to $74,000 days after investigators revealed the probe. Two Brazilian companies at the center of the investigation are JBS and BRF. Six plants have now been closed since the investigation began. “It appears this will have a bigger impact,” Brown said. “Cattle markets have been strong lately, and I think it will have more to do with Brazil than the wildfires.” Brown added that the outcome of the inspection issue isn’t known at this time, but the news seems to be “getting worse” for Brazil. Markets overall for 2017, Brown said, will not see the record prices of 2014 and 2015, but there isn’t expected to be a large downturn. “Demand for beef, both exports and domestic, is stronger than many of us ever thought when we started the year, so maybe there is going to be a little less on the downside,” he said. “Maybe we are seeing some signs and that is phenomenal when you think that we are going to push another 3 percent on the beef market in 2017. I have become a little more bullish than I was at the start of 2017 because the demand side looks better. It won’t be 2014, 2015, but I think we are going to see some higher prices in 2017, and when we sell those feeder cattle, maybe we will see a little better prices than we did in 2016.”

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Whether on the floor of the Missouri Senate, working for the USDA, or hosting the Farm & Ranch Report, Morris Westfall cares about the people of the Ozarks. Ag Production and political news and views for the farm and ranch. Join Morris Westfall for the Farm & Ranch Report.

Saturday 8:05am Weekdays 6:35am

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Don’t Just Dump It By Julie Turner-Crawford

Used or unwanted petroleum products, pesticides and herbicides can be hazardous if not disposed of properly As warmer temperatures begin to set in across the Ozarks, spring chores begin to be on the top of producers’ “to-do lists.” Those chores may include a little spring-cleaning of barns and/or shops. While items being discarded from the shop, such as old or used oil and outdated chemicals may no longer be useful to the farmer, special care should be taken to properly dispose of them. According the University of Missouri Extension, improperly stored and disposed of items can be potentially dangerous to animals and humans. Pesticides, herbicides and waste petroleum products like oil, hydraulic fluid, gasoline and diesel fuel can pollute groundwater. Humans and animals drinking this water can suffer illness or toxic reactions. It only take one gallon of waste oil to contaminate one million gallons of water and form an 8-acre oil slick on surface waters. Used motor oil can also present a threat to health through skin contact, absorption, inhalation or ingestion. Used antifreeze poses a poisoning risk to animals that may try to drink it because of its sweet taste. Ingestion can cause respiratory and cardiac failure, kidney damage and brain damage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that a mixing or handling area be established where sprayers are filled or chemicals are mixed to help prevent ground contamination.

Containers

Saturday 8:05am Weekdays 6:3Oam & 12:05pm

Containers used to store fuel and chemicals can be harmful if not disposed of properly. Paper and plastic pesticide containers should not be burned because of the toxic residue that can be dispersed into the air, even if the container has been properly rinsed, according to MU Extension. Pesticide containers should not be used to hold other materials, especially food or beverages, in order to prevent accidental

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

poisonings. Oil barrels and jugs may be re-used to hold waste oil for recycling, but should not be re-used for other purposes because of residual chemicals that may be embedded in the plastics. Extra hazards can be created if the product is stored in a metal container that rusts and leaks. Chemicals should not be stored in the well house to prevent freezing because of the risk of drinking water contamination down the well.

Recycling/Disposal

There are options for farmers when it comes to eliminating potentially harmful situations through recycling opportunities. Some automotive centers will recycle small quantities, up to 5 gallons, of oil and hydraulic fluid. For antifreeze disposal, the major components can be broken down by organisms in a municipal sewage treatment plant, but antifreeze should not poured into storm sewers, sinkholes or abandoned wells, where they will directly pollute the groundwater. Small spills can be absorbed with kitty litter or sawdust and disposed of in regular trash. Plastic pesticide containers can be recycled. If a recycling option is not available, the containers may be disposed of as regular solid waste in the trash after they have been triple-rinsed, the caps removed, and a slit cut into the containers.

Protocols

The development a protocol for handling, storing and use of all farm chemicals is recommended. All employees and/or family members who handle the products should follow this protocol. University Extension centers can help develop those protocols and assist landowners assess risk of various practices on the farm, prioritize those risks and offer corrective actions. Training is also through Extension for those seeking a license to purchase restricted-use pesticides. APRIL 17, 2017

COMING SOON!

The Ozarksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Only Ag Resource Directory The directory will be mailed to more than 10,000 farm families across northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, plus it will be available online at www.AgResourceDirectory.com. The Farm Hand contains listings of ag-businesses & the products or services they provide. This directory will be used and kept by farmers in our area year-round.

UE S S I 7 01 2 W E N LE B A L I AVA 31st JULY

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APRIL 17, 2017

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April 2017 18 Batesville Experiment Station Beef and Forage Field Day – Batesville, Ark. – call 870-425-2335 for more information 18,20,22 4-H Rabies Clinic – contact Madison County Extension Office for more information 479-738-6826 20 High Tunnel Production Program – 8:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. welcome – Cost: $20 which covers the cost of lunch and materials – RSVP is required by April 13. Late/door registration will be $10 without a lunch. – Quality Inn, 1210 Hwy 62-65 North, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168 21 Poultry Blood Testing School for Private Tester – 9 a.m. – District Fairgrounds, Harrison, Ark. – 870-741-6168 21 Pesticide Applicator Training – 2 p.m. – Washington County Extension Office, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 21-23 Chuck Wagon Races – 2828 Stateline Road, Viola, Ark. – 870-404-9458 – www.randrodeo.com 22 Beekeeping Workshop – Petit Jean Electric, Marshall, Ark. – 870-448-3981 22,28,29,5/6 Marion County Rabies Clinic – contact Marion County Extension Office for more information 870-449-6349 22 White County Master Gardner Plant Sale – 8 a.m-2 p.m. – Carmichael Center, Searcy, Ark. – 501-268-5394 22 Hero Rally – Free event to meet some of our first responders – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Tahlequah Faigrounds, Tahlequah, Okla. – 918-456-6163 25 EIA Verifier Class – 1:30 p.m. – Boone County Extension Office, 1800 Extension Lane, Harrison, Ark. – Class is limited to 20 participants and RSVP is mandatory – 870-741-6168 to register

ozarks’

auction block

April 2017 22 Heartland Highland Cattle Auction – SW MO Mid Missouri Stockyards, Lebanon, Mo. – 417-345-0575 29 Pinegar Limousin – Springfield, Mo. – 417-833-6784 30 J.D. Bellis Family “No Excuse Herefords” Sale – at the Farm, Aurora, Mo. – 417-466-8679 May 2017 6 Thomas Farms Limousin Sale – Pruitt’s Mid-State Stockyards, Damascus Ark. – 501-745-8728 13 Central States BBA Heart of Oklahoma Sale – Locust Grove, Okla. – 918-456-1199

26-5/7 27 28 29 29 29

Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign – all Tractor Supply locations Farm Friends – 5 p.m., Free Bean Dinner open to public – Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Arena, Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 Master Gardener Plant and Bake Sale – 7 a.m.-noon – Yellville City Park, Yellville, Ark. – 870-449-6349 Putting a Plan into Action – Live demonstration on castration, dehorning, vaccines and working facility designs – 10 a.m. – Heber Springs Cowboy Mountaintop Church Arena, Heber Springs, Ark. – 501-362-2524 Pasture Walk at Jim Lukens – Best management practices of pastures, including wildlife management – Fayetteville, Ark. – 479-444-1755 Northern Arkansas Junior District Spring Livestock Show – Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, Ark. – pre-register by Friday, April 21 – 870-425-2335 for more information

May 2017 4-6 AR State Spring Livestock Show – State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, Ark. – asfg.net 5 4-H Fishing Derby – call Searcy County Extension Office for location and more information 870-448-3981 13 Stilwell Strawberry Festival – Stilwell, Okla. – 918-696-2253 13 Faulkner County Master Gardener Plant Sale – Conway Expo Center, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 13 Conway Farmers Market Begins – Antioch Baptist Church, Conway, Ark. – 501-329-8344 20 Turtle Race – 11 a.m. – Tahlequah City Park Creek, Tahlequah, Okla. – Contact the Cherokee County Extension Office to purchase a ticket for a turtle in the race. Last day to purchase tickets is May 17 – 918-456-6163

19 20

Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Sale – Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Mo. – 417-466-3102 The Missouri-Kansas-Arkansas-Oklahoma Angus Sale – noon – I-40 Livestock Auction, Ozark, Ark. – 816-532-0811

June 2017 3-4 Circle A Angus Ranch Complete Registered Dispersal Angus Fall Calving Unit – at the Farm, Iberia, Mo. – 573-280-5308

Free Portable Corral Use for Customers • Hauling Available • Covered Pens

Decatur

Livestock Auction Inc. Serving the Tri-State Area

On Farm Appraisal Receiving: Mon.: 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Sale: Tues., 12 p.m. Owners: Chris Buffer 479-531-2962 Shawn Sperry 479-957-1387

Special Cow Sale ~ April 18th at 6:00 p.m.

479-752-8499 • Hwy. 59 South • Decatur, AR

Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 17, 2017

Cattlemen’s Seedstock Directory Angus 44 Farms - 501-940-0299 www.rosebudfeeders.com Bell Rule Genetics - Adair, Okla. 918-698-2993 - 536-299-7609 www.bellrule.com Jac’s Ranch - Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-3030 Windy Acres Cattle - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-412-4939 Balancers Bob Harriman Genetics - Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. 501-278-7614 Brangus 4G Brangus - Gravette, Ark. 479-640-0282 Hatfield Brangus - Bentonville, Ark. - 479-273-3921 479-531-2605 Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com Townsend Brangus - Rose Bud, Ark. - 501-940-0299 501-556-2046 TRO-GIN Brangus Ranch Booneville, Ark. 479-675-4420 Charolais Rose Bud Feeders - 501-940-0299 - www.rosebudfeeders.com Gelbvieh Hodges Ranch - Omaha, Ark. 870-426-4469 - 870-704-9450 Martin Cattle Company Judsonia, Ark. - 501-278-7614 Triple D Farms Mountain Home, Ark. 870-481-5603 Herefords Allen Moss Herefords - Vici, Okla. 580-922-4911 - 580-334-7842 - mossherefords.com Sim Angus Bob Harriman Genetics Montrose, Mo. - 660-492-2504 Simmental Lazy U Ranch - Haskell, Okla. 918-693-9420

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USED TRACTORS

• NH TC45, 4 WD, w/ldr........... .................................. $12,500 • Mahindra 3510, 4 WD, w/ldr ... ......................................$11,999 • McCormick X10-50H, 4 WD, w/ldr. & box blade.. ... $19,999 • NH TS.115, cab, 4 WD, w/ldr ... ........................................$64,999 • ‘97 Ford 7740SL, 4 WD, cab, ldr.............................. $27,999 • MF 1742, 4 WD, cab, w/ldr. ......... .........................................$29,999 • ‘78 JD 4040, ROPS ... $10,500 • ‘02 JD 5420, 2 WD, w/ldr ..... .................................. $15,500 • Mahindra 5530, 2 WD, w/ldr .... .................................. $18,500 • Kubota L3830D, 4 WD, w/ldr ... .................................. $14,999 • MF 2660 HDLP, 4 WD, w/ldr .... .................................. $33,500 • MF 245, 2 WD ............ $4,999 • ‘79 JD 4240, cab....... $16,500

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2012 KUBOTA M100X, Cab, H & A, 16x16 Powershift Transmission With Shuttle, 2 Rear Hydraulic Remotes, Kubota LA1953 Loader With Bucket and Bale Spike ....................................$47,000

• ‘05 JD 557, 5’x5’, net/twine .. .................................. $17,500 • ‘13 NH BR7070, net.. $21,999 • ‘11 NH 7070, net..... $21,999 • ‘08 NH 7070, net..... $19,999 • ‘10 NH 7070, new belts, net.. .................................. $20,999 • NH 658, AW, 4x6 ...... $7,500

2015 NEW HOLLAND T4.105, 2WD, Cab, H & A, 12x12 Transmission With Power Shuttle, New Holland 640TL Loader, Super Nice Low Hour ..$42,500

• NH 575 .................... $13,500 • Krone EC320 w/caddy ..$10,999 • Krone AM 323S ........ $6,500 • Gehl 420 10 whl. rake ...$1,500 • New Fella tedders ..... $7,750 • NH H6750 mower ..... $6,999 • Krone EC320............. $5,950 • BH 2615.................. $10,999

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4/17/17

Poultry Litter Fertilizer Application Service Available • Application Rate 1-2 Tons Per Acre • GPS Guidance Green Forest, AR hostetlerlitter@emypeople.net

Since 1986 No Sunday Calls “Get More Out of Your Pasture” louis Hostetler 870-438-4209 Cell: 870-423-8083

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USED HAY TOOLS

Williams Tractor

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OUR 65th YEAR

479-442-8284

4/17/17

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Used poultry house equipment and a used 100 KW Generac self contained generator.

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4/17/17

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ozarksfn.com

4/17/17

The Original • Manufacturing Steel Trusses for 50 Years Quality at a Competitive Price

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We Specialize in all Types of Berry Plants

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Look us up on the web ! www.simmonsplantfarm.com 11542 N. Hwy 71, Mountainburg, Ark. 72946

www.adamstruss.com 4/17/17

APRIL 17, 2017

Machinery

Serving More Than 24,000 Readers Across Northwest Arkansas & Eastern Oklahoma

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479-369-2345

THE TRUCK SPECIALISTS! We know what you want ... Big Selection + Low Prices!

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We stock the trailers farmers use most! Whether it’s a golf cart, a 4-wheeler trailer or one of the big boys, you’ll find it at Wood Motor Co. We’ll NEVER be undersold! Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com

APRIL 17, 2017