Great Plains living Winter 2024

PaulThe Pilot

Living A Storied Life

TODAY'S YOUTH - TOMORROW'S HUNTERS K-COMM FOR KUBOTA OWNERS OFFENSE OR DEFENSE IN 24' STATE OF THE BRAND HOPE IS ALIVE

By Reed Boettcher

OUR YOUTH KEEPING DEER CAMP ALIVE

There's a saying I've referenced many times in my outdoor articles. The saying goes, teach your kids to hunt and you won't have to hunt your kids. As I reflect on this season's deer camp the understanding of this saying becomes even clearer to me. This wasn't the first year that the kids hunted alone, but it was the first year I felt like I was hunting with fellow adult hunters. And even though my girls, as well as my nieces and nephews, aren't adults, I'm confident in their abilities to hunt like one. My brother and I have always taken our kids along on hunts and camps. Now, the efforts and teachings we've given to our kids over the years have paid off. This year when we split up in the field, I didn't worry while the kids independently hunted on their own time. The progression of setting them up at a spot and checking in on them - to letting them decide when and where they go hunt has brought their hunting life cycle full circle. As my children are nearing the end of their teenage years, it makes me feel old.

Deer Camp

My kids started coming to deer camp as babies. Deer camp is a perfect get-a-way from every day life and it always provides opportunities for life lessons. Hunting teaches many things, but if nothing else it teaches respect, respect for life and for your surroundings. My brother and I set up a deer camp every year at Hickory Creek near Ardmore and it's inspiring to have more kids in camp than adults. Our little camp by the creek is almost like hallowed grounds. It's where campfire stories of the past blend with the rustling leaves of the present and it's all brought to

life with the energy of our young hunters. Kids not only bring a level of energy to camp, but their role of passing on hunting values cannot be overstated. At camp this year, two kids harvested their first buck and I can only hope that the excitement of their harvest will burn long and bright enough to inspire them to share our hunting culture with their peers.

Our deer camp is more about traditions and time spent together rather than the killing of a trophy animal. It's not typical to find kids running around deer camps. At ours though, it's how we connect generations. For the older kids in our camp they have already begun preserving this hunting heritage, which is a way of life shaped by respect, patience, and a deep connection to nature.

In a world that races towards instant gratification, I see youth hunters as stewards of a legacy that predates smart phones and TikTok. Hopefully the crisp autumn air and the echoes of laughter and shared wisdom remain etched in their hearts. Because not only do these kids have to navigate the woods, but the ever changing views on hunting ethics as well.

Our camp is like a classroom where respect for wildlife, land, and fellow hunters is taught. Our kids must carry this ethos forward, for in doing so, they contribute to the preservation of this sport. As they hone their hunting skills, they are also growing in responsibility as both hunters and humans.

In addition to being a classroom, our deer camps are a shared experience of backgrounds by being a place where friendships are strengthened over shared passions of the great outdoors. As the torchbearers of these connections, youth hunters have the power to create lasting bonds that extend beyond the confines of the hunting season. By neutering a community rooted in mutual respect and the love for the outdoors, they ensure that the camaraderie of deer camp remains an enduring force, weaving a tight-knit fabric that withstands the tests of time.

The importance of youth deer hunters safeguarding and nurturing the traditions and values of deer hunting at deer camp is paramount. It is not merely about carrying on a legacy, but about shaping a future where the essence of the hunt goes beyond the pull of the trigger. As the sun rises on each new season, may the woods echo with the laughter and tales of a generations that honor the past, cherish the present, and will pave the way for a future where the spirit of deer camp lives on in all its timeless glory.

PaulThe Pilot Living A Storied Life

By Reed Boettcher

Meet Paul Odom, a living testament to the adage that age is just a number. At an age when many might be content with a quieter life, Paul defies expectations by soaring through the skies as the oldest pilot in the lower 48 United States who is still actively flying. His remarkable journey is not just a testament to his passion for aviation, but also serves as an inspiration to those who believe that one is never too old to pursue their dreams.

Where does one begin exploring the fascinating life of Mr. Odom? Do you start with his aviation career or with the challenges he overcame as an engineer and businessman? One could write a book about the time he spent serving three different branches of the military. Or for the sake of this publication, the focus could be how much Paul likes and uses Kubota equipment? Perhaps it's simply his unwavering spirit and love of life that is most impressive and page worthy!

Paul's love of flying started as early as his high school years when he flew at the Downtown Air park, but his journey through the skies really took off in with his military years. While attending Capitol Hill High school he joined the Naval Reserves and eventually served on the USS Wisconsin. After his time in the Navy during WWII, he came home and studied Engineering at OSU. He then joined the Army and after completing Officer Training School, he was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Something interesting happened at Ft. Riley and his military career took an unexpected turn.

"Paul you have been loaned to the Airforce." This is how Paul recounts the orders given at Ft. Riley. He was in the Army, but would serve the Airforce and be paid by the Airforce and he was to go to Korea where he spent two years in the combat zone. His years flying in the service surely honed his skills, but even as a civilian Odom couldn't stay out of the skies. From flying Governors and Senators to special medical victims, Paul's dedication to aviation goes beyond the cockpit and is a testament to the idea of a life that embraces challenges with open arms.

A true loyal Kubota owner, Paul jokes that he's had a Kubota longer than they've been in production. Over the years he's had a variety of Kubota equipment. From the pioneering B7100 to early models of the Kubota excavator series and even a few "big tractors" of which he eventually sold but regretted it; Paul doesn't trade his old Kubota's in, he'd rather have the tractor than the trade in! Paul grew his Kubota fleet over the years alongside with the new innovations of Kubota but Kubota mowers have always been a necessity at his place. "The mowing tractors are pretty much bulletproof," he said when referencing the amount of

mowing that he's done over the years.

What makes Paul Odom's story particularly compelling is not just the number of years he has lived, but the quality with which he has filled each one. His hard work is not a relic of the past but a living force that propels him forward, defying the conventional wisdom that might suggest slowing down in the twilight years. In his every flight, we see a man who has mastered the art of balancing experience with an insatiable thirst for the unknown—a rare blend that speaks to the richness of a life dedicated to both the familiar skies and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond.

Reflecting on Paul Odom's longevity, it's not just about his chronological age, but the enduring legacy he leaves in his wake. He serves as an embodiment of the idea that passion, determination, and hard work are the true elixirs of life, capable of

Photos By: Reed Boettcher

A Grand Tour: Paul shows the variety of equipment and planes he uses and maintains with the help of his employees, Jeff White and Russell Wells. Jeff White has worked for Paul Odom for over 40 years.

40 years is a lifetime for most and longer than most careers last but the longevity if anything speaks to the quality of people that Paul as a leader and business owner surrounds himself with. White is an operator, grounds keeper, mechanic and right hand man to just name a few.

transcending the limitations that society often imposes on the elderly. In a world that tends to underestimate the capabilities of the aging, Paul Odom emerges as a living testament to the incredible feats that can be achieved when one's spirit remains unsurpassable.

Mr. Odom is a living saga of resilience, hard work, and a love for the flying. His story is a reminder that age is not a barrier but a vantage point from which one can savor the richness of a life well-lived. As he continues to navigate the skies as a seasoned

Photos By: Reed

Boettcher

aviator, Paul Odom reminds us to reevaluate our perceptions of aging and to embrace the boundless potential that comes with a spirit that refuses to be grounded. As we conclude our exploration into the remarkable life of this hardworking aviator, it becomes abundantly clear that Paul Odom is not merely a man of age, but a living testament to longevity in all aspects of his being.

Title: Russell Wells smiles for a quick photo by the two Kubota LX2610 tractors he uses to mow Mr. Odom's runway. Wells has worked for Mr. Odom for 20 plus years and has performed a wide variety of jobs, but his primary job function now is keeping the grass mowed! With a runway that's a little longer than a mile as a front yard it's no wonder that Wells spends most of his time mowing. From the ZD mowers to the comfort of the LX cab, Wells is capable of spending long hours in the mowing seat.

Wells' dedication to his boss can be seen in his passion and precision as a steadfast employee who joyfully tends to the grounds with his trusty Kubota equipment.

Photos By: Reed Boettcher

The Kubota Fleet: Kubota mowers play a key role in maintaining Paul's runway and property. Pictured are several of his Kubota ZD, diesel zero turn mowers.

USING VALUE OF GAIN TO DETERMINE CALF AFFORDABILITY

By Steve Swigert

As price of calves are finishing 2023 at or near all time highs, it is critical that producers calculate the value of gain (VOG) for calves purchased in 2024 for wheat pasture or any other feed or graze out program. With the price of corn still near $5.00/bu and feed yard costs of gain (COG) at $1.00+lb/gain, the VOG must exceed the COG to have any profit in the cattle.

To calculate the VOG, the total price of the animal to be purchased is subtracted from the net sales price of that animal at the projected sale weight and date. The difference in the two prices is then divided by the difference in pounds of the sale weight and the purchase weight. The result of this calculation is the value of gain per pound.

For example, #1 steer calves weighing 400 pounds were worth $3.50/lb. at the 12/19 sale in OKC. If these calves gained 2 lb./day, it would take 175 days for them to reach a sale weight of 750 lbs., which would put them selling in May/June of 2024 off wheat.

To predict a price for May feeder calf price, one way is to view Feeder Cattle Futures price for the month of May, which is $2.35/ lb. After reducing the price by $2/cwt, we can estimate a net sales price of $2.33/lb.

To calculate VOG, we would take ($3.50/lb. x 400 lbs.) = $1400/head in value ($2.33/lb. x 750 lbs.) = $1747/head out value $1747 - $1400 = $347 margin / 350 lb. gain (750 lb. – 400 lb.) = $.99/VOG

In this example, your cost of gain would need to be less than $.99 for there to be any profit in these calves.

If you have any questions on using value of gain to determine calf affordability, please email me at sswigert@gpkubota.com

The majority of the cow-calf sector has been on the defense for the past two to three years due to adverse weather and production cost conditions. Widespread drought has forced significant herd liquidation and resulted in additional feed and other production costs. It appears that the beef cow herd has decreased by roughly 11 percent since the last cyclical peak in 2019 and has decreased perhaps six percent in just the last two years due to drought. USDA will release the January 1 cattle inventory numbers on January 31 and confirm herd changes in 2023. The drought resulted in record high hay prices in 2022 with only slight decreases in 2023. High prices for supplement feeds, fertilizer, fuel, and other production inputs have added to the cost challenges.

Going into 2024, production costs have eased somewhat, and drought conditions have improved in many regions; though considerable drought remains around the country. Many regions that have less drought or are recently removed from drought still need time for forage recovery or, particularly important in many areas, water recovery. With considerable uncertainty remaining about moisture and forage conditions for the coming growing season, many producers are logically taking a very cautious approach to animal stocking. Restocking drought-reduced cow herds will be a slower process in many situations.

On the other hand, some producers will be in a position to be more aggressive in 2024. Higher cattle prices and some moderation in production costs means higher profit potential and incentives to increase calf production. For some producers, this means retaining heifers or purchasing breeding females to restock to full production levels. Other producers, who are at full production capacity, can focus on maximizing calf production and sales in response to growing market incentives to increase cattle and beef production.

Cattle markets began transitioning in 2023. Though herd liquidation continued, beef production began to drop from the record 2022 level. Beef production will continue declining in 2024 and beyond. Beef cow herd liquidation will likely slow, perhaps stop in 2024; though there is little chance of any significant rebuild for a year or more. It will, of course, depend on weather and forage conditions in the coming year. The heifer retention needed to rebuild the herd will squeeze feeder supplies, feedlot production, cattle slaughter and beef production going forward. However, it is unclear how aggressive that process will be. Attempts for a faster herd rebuild will provoke bigger impact on cattle and beef prices; while a slower herd expansion will be less dramatic but will sustain tighter cattle and beef supplies, and higher prices, longer.

In general, cattle markets are encouraging more aggressive production. Individually, cattle producers may be able to respond immediately or may be forced to remain on the defensive due to physical or financial reasons. In all cases, producers should be thinking about how and when they can go on offense to take advantage of current and future market opportunities.

Cow-Calf PRODUCERS

Are you on offense or defense in 2024?

By Derrell S. Peel OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

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Essentials of Heifer Development TOP 5

Heifer development should be considered one of the easiest management components of your cow-calf herd. You’re not pushing her for gain, she is not nursing a calf yet, she doesn’t tear up fences and equipment like a herd bull, and you’re just coasting her to a target breeding weight. However, heifer development is often one of the more challenging components in any given year.

Heifer development is not that complicated as long as you plan for it. Manage heifers separately from the herd, separating pasture resources as well as additional hay and feed resources. What makes developing heifers a challenging decision is the development cost that incurs while keeping her in the herd before she produces a marketable calf.

Ifyou’rebreedingareplacement heifer to calve as a 2-year old, there will be two years of development cost before she produces a calf to market. And in most cases, calves out of first-calf females do not bring as much as the herd average due to weaning weight difference. In addition, the most stressful time in a replacement heifer’s life is delivering her first calf and her first lactation period, so there are sometimes challenges getting her rebred and keeping her in the herd.

So not only is properly developing heifers before the breeding season important, managing them after their first breeding season is just as critical. Here are five essential factors to think about when considering developing heifers for your operation.

1. DEVELOP A PLAN.

This may sound simple, but developing a plan will help you understand what all goes into developing and breeding heifers, including the associated costs. Developing a plan will force you to think about how many heifers you plan to develop, what facility and feed resources you have and need ahead of time, your limitations, and how much you are willing to put into it. Structure your plan into different phases:

By ryon walker Ph.D., liveStock conSultant

Development, breeding and calving. IN THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE:

• Determine how many heifers you plan to develop.

• Have in mind how you plan to develop them. Inventory your feed resources (pasture, hay, supplementation and minerals) and develop a diet based on targeted average daily gain for a specific number of days.

• Monitor heifer development and have culling criteria (such as body weight or gain) established to ensure heifers are on track for breeding.

IN THE BREEDING PHASE:

• Determine when your breeding season starts and how long it will last.

• Make plans to pull the bull(s) and manage them separately.

• Are you only using natural service? If so, do you have enough calving-ease bulls to target one bull per 25 heifers (on average and depending on age of bull)?

• Will you use estrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI)? If so, do you have all the supplies ordered and an AI technician lined up?

IN THE CALVING PHASE:

• Determine whether you have enough forage and supplement resources (forage quality is critical) or if you need to purchase them prior to and following calving.

• Identify a calving pasture separate from the mature cow herd. Make sure you have the proper equipment to assist heifers calving and shelter for heifers that have been stressed from calving assistance

2. HIRE THE RIGHT FEMALE.

Not every heifer will make a good replacement heifer. Some say the best replacement heifer is one that gets bred early in the breeding season and delivers and mothers a healthy calf, regardless of what that heifer looks like. We can still use phenotype and genetic pedigree as a selection tool, as long as it is not the first selection criteria. The female you want to hire is a bred heifer that conceives early in the breeding season. However, to get there we need to make some decisions early on in the hiring process. You need a pool of candidates to start with based on your job description. Your job description should lay out minimum requirements that the heifer needs to meet before you choose her to go through the development process. These requirements should include:

• No freemartins (infertile female born with a twin male)

• Minimum body weight

• Minimum age

• Structural soundness

• Not out of terminal sires

• Any additional requirements you may have

Throughout the development process, you should have checkpoints in place to monitor the performance of your heifers. For example, bodyweight throughout the development process and pelvic area prior to breeding.

Finally, after the breeding season, she needs to be pregnant, preferably early in the breeding season. Then, and only then, should you hire her for the job of a herd cow.

3. STAY ON TRACK FOR BREEDING.

Regardless of her pedigree or looks, she needs to go into the breeding season cycling to increase her chances of conceiving early during a defined breeding season. There are three factors that affect timing of puberty: breed, age and body weight.

In low percentage Bos indicus heifers, puberty will typically occur from 12 to 14 months of age. Regardless of breed, heifers should weigh close to 65 percent of expected mature body weight at breeding. Reproductive tract scores can be used to determine the puberty status prior to breeding; however, finding someone experienced and available to conduct the exams can be a challenge.

If the heifer is old enough, body weight is the key factor to determine if that heifer is on track for breeding. However, you need to have the capabilities of weighing the heifers to determine if they are on track or not.

Some studies have been successful at developing heifers that weigh less than 65 percent of mature body weight at breeding (55 to 58 percent) but only for a natural service breeding program. If estrous synchronization is used in conjunction with artificial insemination (AI) at a predetermined time, heifers that reach 65 percent or more of their target body weight at breeding are likely to have a higher conception rate and remain in the herd longer.

4. BREED EARLY AND CALVE EARLY SO SHE CAN STAY LONGER.

Research is limited, but studies show a strong correlation between heifers conceiving early in the first breeding season and remaining in the herd longer (raising a calf every year).

It is hard to swallow the idea of leaving the bull out with your replacement heifers for only 30 days. If that is unrealistic, you can still maintain a 45-day, 60-day or longer breeding season if you have the capabilities of determining which heifer conceived in the first 30 days. You would then have the opportunity to add value and market heifers that conceived in the second half of the breeding season as bred heifers.

The little research out there tells us that conception in the very beginning of the breeding season is impacted by target breeding weight. Heifers that reach 65 percent or more of their expected mature body weight by the start of the breeding season are more likely to get bred early (particularly when estrous synchronization and AI are used) in the breeding season and remain in the herd longer.

5. MANAGE FOR HER FUTURE.

Managing a first-calf female for her second breeding season can be more challenging than developing a replacement heifer. If the heifer is not in adequate body condition when she delivers her first calf, it will be difficult for her to resume estrus prior to her second breeding season.

Nutrient requirements are much higher for these lactating heifers because they require nutrients not only for maintenance and lactation but for growth. Thus, it is critical that a heifer calves in a body condition score of 6 at least two weeks prior to the rest of the cow herd so she has the same opportunity to conceive early in her second breeding season like she did in her first breeding season.

THE BRANDING IRON

By Zach harriS

Zach's Journey

From bean counter to bean grower: When surrounded by farmers, the urge to become one is irresistible. I joined Great Plains in March 2023 with the intent to serve the business, our customers, and our community. In this short time, I’ve been inspired to enter the Ag industry, one of the sectors we serve. Walk into any of our stores, and you'll meet employees raising livestock, cultivating hay, gardening, or simply working the land. It's a lifestyle I aspire to, where the scent of fresh soil mingles with the rhythm of nature's heartbeat. Conversations with coworkers fueled my desire for the fulfilling experience of seeing the seeds sown prosper. Whether it's the vibrant green of alfalfa, the juicy red of tomatoes, the crispness of cucumbers, or the earthy tones of squash, there’s something enchanting about working with nature to put food on your table for your family. Join me on my journey to become a farmer, like many of you. As much as I'd like to dive right in, I lack the land, the equipment, and the knowledge to go big. Instead, it’s best to start small. During these cold months, I’ll be partitioning some of my backyard space for raised beds, a perfect place to begin with the limited space I have, a canvas for nature’s palette to unfold.

APPLY ON INDEED.

Openings available in Ada, Ardmore, Duncan, Norman, Shawnee and Stillwater!

ROY HARRELSON FFA TRIBUTE FUND

ABy Steve Swigert

s part of an on-going program of “Serving Others by Giving Back”, Great Plains Kubota recently hosted the 2nd Annual Great Plains Kubota Invitational Clay Shoot at The Cedar Gate in Kingfisher.

“The Roy Harrelson FFA Tribute Fund” with the Oklahoma FFA Foundation is designed to allow those individuals and companies an opportunity to “Give Back” while helping FFA students from across Oklahoma with their projects. This fund has been set up as a tribute to Mr. Harrelson and all of the present and past FFA advisors who spend hours and hours affecting the lives of our Oklahoma young people.

This year’s event went very well with the FFA teams and the corporate teams competing while raising money to support the participating school FFA programs and the FFA Tribute Fund. All of the funds raised through corporate donations went to Oklahoma FFA Foundation and these funds will be invested in the young people in the Oklahoma FFA programs across the state based on their need. Each year, students will be required to submit an application to be eligible to receive a grant from this fund, delivering assistance with their projects. The desire is to help these young people so that they can have the same opportunity to experience all that is possible.

With the almost 80 FFA students on 19 teams participating, those teams received a little over $7000 for their individual chapters on the day of the event. In addition to funds distributed the day of the event, $15,000 was awarded in the form of the grants applied for the FFA students.

If you have been affected by a FFA advisor or would just like to give back, please consider making an investment into the future of our young agriculture students by sending your tax deductible donation. These donations can mailed to Great Plains Kubota, 2740 N. Washington, Suite 110, Norman, OK 73069. The sponsorship checks should be made out to the Oklahoma FFA Foundation, Roy Harrelson FFA Tribute Fund.

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Swigert at sswigert@gpkubota.com or 580-504-7113

State of the Brand

By Will Clark

As the new year has begun, it has given me a chance to look back on 2023 and reflect. I think it’s helpful for all of us to look back from time to time and reflect on where we’ve been and the successes/challenges we’ve experienced. If you’ll allow me, I want to share some personal and business reflections I’ve had from this past year.

First, some personal reflections. It’s been a big change in the past year with our formal separation from Okie Rents. With that, Bill & Garrett stepped completely out of GP. There are many customers, vendors, and friends that frequently call and want to talk to them because they enjoyed doing business with them over the years. With time, I’m hopeful that I can earn the trust of those relationships and create some new ones as well. The future will look different than the past, but that’s not a bad thing. The days behind us are formative and helped create who we are, but we have to continue to adapt and improve if we want to be better. I am really excited about the future of GP and what opportunities may lie ahead for us.

Now, to the business reflections. 2023 was full of some exciting change in the business as well. We are very proud to have acquired A&A Equipment in Ardmore. This was a major milestone for us. Ardmore is a key market for GP and we have introduced construction equipment, hay tools, and large tractors into this location and are eager to serve your needs in these areas. I am thrilled to report that all of the employees that we brought on board from A&A are still with us today, and they seem to be adjusting well to riding for the GP brand. Come by and see all of the same familiar faces you’ve known, and meet a few of our new folks as well.

In 2023, we made significant strides in the development in our aftermarket departments. We are committed to showing our customers a level of aftermarket service that creates GP brand loyalty for years to come. We have made investments in people, technology, and equipment to take your aftermarket experience to new levels. Don’t get me wrong, we want to sell you equipment - but we want to be your “go-to” aftermarket solutions provider as well. We continue to have some challenges with inventory supply. There are some segments of our inventory that have risen back to a “normalized” level, and some that are still lagging. We look for 2024 to continue to improve in the areas that are currently a challenge.

In summary, 2023 was a successful year based largely on your support and commitment to our company.

My team and I will put our best efforts into earning your loyalty through excellent customer service and product support. Please know that we are open to any suggestions for improvement.

It’s an honor to serve you,

- Will Clark, President/CEO

WINTER SERVICE SPECIAL DETAILS

Lawn Mowers

Replace Blades

Change Engine Oil & Filter

Replace Fuel Filter

Add Fuel Stabilizer

Inspect Fan Belt

Inspect Hydraulic System

Clean Radiator

Check Coolant Level

Check Battery/Clean Terminals

Lube All Grease Points

Adjust Tire Pressures

Level Mower Deck

Inspect Mower Deck Belt

Check Safety Switch Operation

Check For Open Warranty Campaigns

Check Gear Box Oil

Pressure Wash

Kubota

Change Engine Oil & Filters

Clean Air Filters

Clean A/C Filters (Cab Models)

Replace Fuel Filters

Inspect Fuel Lines

Inspect/Adjust Fan Belt Tension

Clean Radiator

Check Coolant Level

Check Battery/Clean Terminals

Lube All Grease Points

Adjust Tire Pressures

Check Brake Pedal Play

Check Hydraulic System

Check/Adjust Lug Nut Torque

Pressure Wash

Check Safety Switch Operation

Inspect For Additional Concerns

Check For Open Warranty Campaigns

ABOUT HOPE IS ALIVE

For over a decade, Hope is Alive (HIA) has remained laserfocused on our mission to radically change the lives of Oklahoma’s drug addicts, alcoholics, and those who love them.

We fulfill this purpose through a variety of ways, including:

Dozens of long-term, highly intentional, Sober Mentoring Homes, unlike any other in the country. Men and women leave the HIA program equipped emotionally, professionally, spiritually, and financially, with their families restored and a toolkit of life skills that enable them to live healthy and fulfilled lives.

A breathtaking Residential Treatment Center (opening in 2024) that houses men during their first 45 days of sobriety, providing a customized rhythm that focuses on building their relationship with Jesus, healing core wounds, and preparing them to thrive when they transition to an HIA Mentoring Home.

Finding Hope & Hope After Loss support groups, which serve the families and loved ones of addicts through over 50 nationwide, community-based support groups. These free groups are held bi-weekly and facilitate a powerful, life-changing curriculum developed by HIA staff.

HIA Online, the same life-changing, innovative HIA curriculum that residents receive but delivered online, tailored for those who, for whatever reason, cannot participate in HIA’s residential programs.

Corporate Support, an outreach program that provides 24/7 assistance to companies facing anything that might come across the HR desk, utilizing HIA Online as a means of recovery from substance abuse, along with education and prevention initiatives drawn from HIA-developed curriculum and guest speakers.

University and School Support, two outreach programs focusing on prevention and awareness education while building relationships with students and faculty to provide a safe place to process anything related to substance abuse. These programs offer initiatives similar to the Corporate Support program but geared more specifically toward students, faculty, and staff.

DANNY’S STORY OF HOPE

I was homeless, living under an I-40 overpass and addicted to IV heroin. I just accepted that this was how I was going to die.

Then bounty hunters came looking for me because I’d jumped bail on four felony counts. Fortunately for me, I weighed 92 pounds, with a golf-ball-sized abscess on my left hand, so I was too sick to go to jail and was sent to the hospital instead. My parents met me there and my mom had heard about Hope is Alive, so I decided I’d try it. After two weeks of detox, I entered an OKC house.

When I came in, everyone was so kind and happy, and I didn’t understand at first. I didn’t want to work the program, but I did, and somewhere along the way it changed me. I got healthy and became a leader.

Now I’m an HIA graduate and back in school for Applied Technology with an eye toward web development. This was all God. There’s no explanation for how it happened. It’s a miracle.

DEANNA’S STORY OF HOPE

I was in addiction for 15 years and the last six were life-threatening. DHS had removed my children for the third time and weren’t going to give them back to me. I was living in my Honda Pilot in a Walmart parking lot and I realized that I wasn’t going to live if I didn’t get help.

When I came into Hope is Alive I felt an incredible amount of love that I had never experienced from other women before in my life. I’d never done sober living before, but I knew there was something incredible about the community of women in the home and the way they poured into us. I felt safe.

Once I realized I could trust my Program Manager, I followed their lead and did what they suggested. I also stayed consistent with what DHS allowed me to have, with my phone calls and visits, and after I graduated HIA, DHS gave me back full custody of my children. Now I’m the Alumni Coordinator for HIA and a mom to all my kids.

A WORD OF HOPE FROM CO-FOUNDER LANCE LANG

I’ve devoted my life to inspiring hope in those affected by addiction through sharing my own decades-long journey from being a 50-pill-a-day addict to complete freedom.

In October of 2012, my wife, Allyson, and I founded Hope is Alive Ministries to provide next-level mentoring homes for recovering addicts and alcoholics, as well as support groups that give help and hope for loved ones impacted by substance abuse.

Since then, Hope is Alive has grown from one home and five residents to 25 homes across 6 states with over 200 residents and an 80% success rate. On top of that, we have over 50 support groups attended by over 700 loved ones every month. In total, so far we’ve helped over 10,000 addicts and their families find freedom and reunited over 750 children with sober parents.

The impact of Hope is Alive is being felt in thousands of homes and will be evident for generations to come.

More info: www.hopeisalive.net

Unveiling K-Commerce: Enhancing Your Kubota Experience

By Gene Wilcox

In an era where convenience is king, Great Plains Kubota proudly introduces a game-changer: K-Commerce. This ground breaking online parts ordering system revolutionizes the way you manage your Kubota products, streamlining your experience with a seamless blend of technology and customer-focused service. At the heart of K-Commerce lies the concept of convenience, empowering Kubota enthusiasts to effortlessly navigate their world of parts and accessories. Imagine having a virtual "garage" at your fingertips, a personalized space where all your Kubota essentials are neatly cataloged.

Accessible through the Great Plains website at greatplainskubota.com, the K-Commerce platform beckons enthusiasts to explore its array of offerings. The Parts tab is your gateway to a treasure trove of Kubota and Land Pride parts, meticulously categorized and ready for exploration. From the smallest bolts to the most intricate components, everything you need is just a few clicks away.

One of the standout features of K-Commerce is its userfriendly interface, designed with you in mind. Navigation is intuitive, ensuring a hassle-free browsing experience. Want to find parts specific to your machine? With K-Commerce's advanced cataloging system, locating the perfect match is as simple as a few keystrokes. Say goodbye to tedious searches; this system brings efficiency to the forefront.

But convenience doesn’t end with selection. K-Commerce goes the extra mile by offering flexible delivery options. Whether you prefer doorstep delivery or the convenience of in-store pickup, the choice is yours. Need a part urgently? No problem. K-Commerce ensures prompt service, getting your Kubota back in action without delay.

The integration of online payment adds another layer of ease to the entire process. Secure transactions are just a

click away, offering peace of mind as you complete your purchase. Plus, for those who prefer traditional payment methods, in-store payment options remain available, ensuring flexibility to cater to every customer’s preference.

Great Plains Kubota has set a new benchmark in customer service and accessibility by embracing K-Commerce. By placing the entire inventory of Kubota and Land Pride parts online, we’ve exemplified our commitment to customer convenience and satisfaction. This innovative approach embodies our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

What sets K-Commerce apart is its holistic approach to enhancing the Kubota experience. It’s not just about parts; it's about empowering you, the customer, offering you a digital sanctuary where your Kubota world thrives. Whether you’re a seasoned Kubota enthusiast or a first-time user, K-Commerce and Great Plains welcomes you with open arms, simplifying your journey in the world of agriculture, construction, and landscaping equipment.

As we look ahead, the horizon of possibilities with KCommerce seems boundless. The future holds promises of further expansion, potentially encompassing a wider array of products and services, all aimed at elevating your Kubota experience.

In conclusion, K-Commerce isn’t just a platform; it’s a testament to Great Plains Kubota’s unwavering dedication to customer-focused innovation. It's a blending of technology and service, transforming the way you interact with your Kubota products, if you so choose. So, why wait? Embark on a seamless and convenient journey with K-Commerce today and rediscover the joy of effortless Kubota parts shopping.

Great Plains Kubota invites you to explore K-Commerce—a gateway to a world where convenience meets quality, all at your fingertips and on your time schedule.

Parmesan-Crusted Strip Roast

Crunchy panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese make for a satisfying salty crunch to a delicious cut of beef. Add veggies for a meal.

2.3Hrs - Serves 8 - 370 Cal - 53G Protein

PARMESAN-CRUSTED STRIP ROAST

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine cheese, parsley and shallot in food processor; process until finely ground. Transfer to medium bowl; stir in panko. Press panko mixture evenly onto all surfaces of beef roast.

2. Place roast, fat-side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is centered in thickest part of beef, not resting in fat. Do not add water or cover Roast in 325°F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours for medium rare; 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours for medium doneness.

3. Remove roast when meat thermometer registers 135°F for medium rare; 145°F for medium. Transfer roast to carving board; tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes. (Temperature will continue to rise about 10°-15°F to reach 145°F for medium rare; 160°F for medium.)

4. Carve roast into slices; season with salt and pepper, as desired.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 Beef Strip Roast 3-4 lbs.

2. 1/2 Grated Parmesan Cheese

3. 1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley

4. 3 Tablespoons Minced Shallots

5. 1/2 Cup Panko or Rustic Bread Crumbs