Trader's Dispatch - December 2022

Ag land leasing workshops

By Todd Whitney, UNL

The new Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights for 2021-2022 are now available in Nebraska Extension offices or for download on the Center for Ag Profitability (CAP) website at: cap.unl.edu. Rental rate increase range from 15% in the panhandle to 16% in the SE corner to 21% in Northeast Nebraska. A new report feature accounts for higher input expenses impacting cropland leases and statewide flexible lease considerations and arrangements

For those seeking more in-depth farm and ranch leasing guidance, twelve public meeting locations have been scheduled for the new UNL Ag Land Leasing Management series beginning in December through early February 2023. These sessions will provide landlords and tenants timely information regarding irrigated and rainfed cropland as well as pasture leases. Featured speakers will be Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Extension Farm and Ranch Transition educator, and Jim Jansen, UNL Extension Ag Economist.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

Workshops on basics of land management

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, in conjunction with women in agriculture programs at Purdue University and Kansas State University, will host a four-part extension workshop on the basics of land management, leasing and conservation for landlords and tenants.

“The Power of Negotiation and Communication: Land Leasing Strategies for Midwestern Ag Women” will begin Jan. 18 at numerous sites in Indiana, Kansas and Nebraska. The series will focus on writing agricultural lease agreements, landlord-tenant relationships, negotiations and conservation practices.

Workshops will be held on January 18, January 25, February 1, and February 8.

According to Department of Agriculture census data from 2017, there are over 90,000 women producers and over 51,000 female landlords in the three states.

“Women represent an important and growing demographic in agricultural land management and this workshop series will teach essential management information while providing women the chance to ask questions, connect with each other and share their experiences,” said Jessica Groskopf, director of the Nebraska Women in Agriculture program

Each state will host a number of satellite workshop sites with local extension personnel. Keynote speakers will be simulcast to each location and each site will provide additional speakers and hands-on activities. Dinner will be included.

DECEMBER 2022

Vol. XXIII No. 11

P.O. Box 997

Conrad, MT 59425-0997

Phone 406-271-5533 Fax 406-271-5727 website: tradersdispatch.com E-MAIL: advertising @ tradersdispatch.com

Merry Christmas

MSU Extension Cropping Seminars January

Montana State University Extension will host a free, annual cropping seminar series January 9-13 in Great Falls, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chester, Havre, Fort Benton, and Stanford. Speakers will cover cereal grain varieties, pulse management, soil fertility management and estate planning.

Cereal grain varieties update will be presented by Dr. Jed Eberly from MSU Central Agricultural Research Center, Peggy Lamb from MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center and Wyatt Medina from Western Triangle Agriculture Research Center. Presentations will cover local test plot results and Integrated Pest Management of the wheat stem sawfly. Dr. Eberly is an Assistant Professor in Agronomy and Soil Microbiology. His responsibilities include managing the small grain variety trials and conducting research in soil microbiology for improving plant and soil health. Peggy Lamb is a Research Scientist in charge of the Variety Testing Program. Current collaborative research activities include variety development and testing of small grains and many other crops. She also conducts research on sawfly management, crop fertility, insecticides, fungicides, and crop management. Wyatt Medina is a Research Associate in charge of managing all on and off-station variety trials under the supervision of Dr. Justin Vetch. He is a recent graduate from Oklahoma State University, where he received a degree in plant and soil science, along with a concentration in crop production and management.

Progress in Pulse Crop Breeding for

Montana will be presented by Dr. Kevin McPhee, MSU Pulse Breeder. Dr. McPhee’s research goals include development of high-yielding pulse crop (pea, lentil, and chickpea) varieties using conventional breeding approaches. New varieties are targeted with good agronomic characteristics, resistance to disease, and adaptability to environmental stresses present in Montana and regionally.

Soil fertility management be presented by Dr. Clain Jones and Dr. Manbir Rakkar. A variety of topics will be addressed including the 4Rs, acidity and volatilization of foliar applications. Dr. Jones is the MSU Extension Soil Fertility Specialist. He teaches a range of nutrient management topics, including cropping systems, economics of fertilizer use, and reducing nutrient losses. Dr. Rakkar is an Assistant Research Professor at Montana State University. Her research program is focused on resolving soil acidification issues. She is investigating various techniques to prevent, mitigate and adapt to soil acidification in Montana.

Estate planning will be presented by Dr. Marsha A. Goetting. Dr. Goetting is a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. Dr. Goetting is well known throughout the state for her authorship of 50 MontGuides (fact sheets) in the estate planning area.

There is no charge for the seminars, and all producers are encouraged to attend. The Great Falls seminar will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration. The Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Shelby, Chester, Havre, Fort Benton, and Stanford seminars will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration.

Both commercial and private pesticide licensing recertification credits will be available.

Dates, locations, and contact numbers

Salary

Location: Helena Valley Irrigation District, Helena, Montana.

Closing Date: Open until filled, return application promptly for consideration. Please provide current resume.

Minimum Qualifications: Credentials in engineering preferred but not necessary, business and agriculture or closely related field complimentary to irrigation district management. Supervisory experience is strongly desired. Current driver’s license required. CDL license required within 6 months of being hired.

Job Summary: Administer the federal water right and manage the operation and maintenance, improvement and replacement of HVID’s infrastructure which includes the storage, carriage, distribution and drainage systems necessary for the irrigation of 20,000+ acres. Work is directed by the Board of Commissioners and as influenced by the Bureau of Reclamation and the laws of the State of Montana. Job includes the supervision of approximately 6 employees and management of the annual budget, equipment and other assets.

For further information and to request an application: Helena Valley Irrigation District, 3840 North Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602 (406) 442-3292

Workshops on basics of land management

Groskopf said the program’s structure is intended to strengthen networks of women in rural areas, which can provide opportunities for building trust and sharing information. “Connections are so important to women farmers,” she said. “We have seen the benefits that come from knowing your peers, having a place to share difficulties and mitigate the isolation that so many of us in agriculture often feel.”

These workshops seek to help participants increase their awareness of local land values and cash rental rates and the factors that influence them. They will also cover the importance of having a written lease and the items that should be included in it to ensure an equitable agreement for all parties. Participants will learn negotiation strategies as well as best practices to improve relationships between landlords and tenants.

Conservation programs will also be covered, so that participants will have a greater understanding of compliance requirements and increase their awareness of voluntary conservation programs that are available to them.

The workshop costs $50 per person and participants should plan to attend each session. A virtual option is available for those unable to attend a workshop site for $75 per person, although in-person attendance is highly encouraged to better network with other attendees and interact with speakers. Registration is required by January 13. The link for registration detailed information about the locations can be found online at https://wia.unl.edu/negotiation

Ag land leasing workshops

Location and dates are: Albion – December 12; Norfolk –December 19; West Point – December 20; Saunders County – December 21; Holdrege – January 4; Hastings – January 5; O’Neil – January 6; Beatrice – January 9; Hartington –January 17; Lincoln – February 1; and Lyons – February 20. Each meeting is free, but starting times vary. Workshop topics will include: Pasture Leasing; Creating an Equitable Written Lease; Tips for Communication and Negotiation; Cash Rental Rates; Crop Share Lease Strategies; and Land Management Updates.

Please pre-registration through your local Extension office or online at: https://cap.unl.edu

Published monthly by Trader’s Dispatch Inc., PO Box 997, Conrad, MT 59425-0997. Free on request to farmers, ranchers, heavy equipment owners and truckers in the Western United States. Non-qualifying in-state annual subscription fee is $15. Out-of-state nonqualifying U.S. annual subscription $25. Periodicals Postage Paid at Conrad, MT and at additional mailing offices.

HAY

MSU Extension Cropping Seminars January

for each cropping seminar are listed below.

Monday, January 9:

Great Falls at Great Falls College MSU’s Heritage Hall at Great Falls, MT 59401. Contact Rose Malisani at 406-454-6980

Tuesday, January 10:

Choteau at the Stage Stop Inn located at 1005 Main Avenue North Choteau, MT 59422. Contact Jenn Swanson at 406-466-2491.

Conrad at the Pondera Shooting Sports Complex at 972 Granite Road Conrad, MT 59425. Contact Dan Severson at 406-2714054.

Wednesday, January 11:

Cut Bank at the Glacier County Library basement located at 21 1st Ave SE Cutbank, MT 59427. Contact Kari Lewis at 406-8732239.

Shelby at the Comfort Inn Conference Room at 455 McKinley Ave, Shelby, MT

59474 Contact Kim Woodring at 406-424-8350.

Thursday, January 12:

Havre at the Hill County Fairgrounds 4-H Chuckwagon located at 1676 US Highway 2 West. Contact Colleen Pegar at 406-400-2333

Chester at United Methodist Church located at 510 West Monroe Avenue. Contact Jesse Fulbright at 406-759-5625.

Friday, January 13:

Fort Benton at the Ag Center located at 1205 20th Street Ft. Benton, MT 59442. Contact Tyler Lane at 406-622-3751.

Stanford at the City Hall located at 102 Central Avenue, Stanford, MT 59479. Contact Katie Hatlelid at 406-566-2277.

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The Christmas carol “Silent Night” originated in Austria, it was played on a guitar as the organ was too rusted.

Public input on Implementation of IRA funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for public input through a Federal Register request for information on implementation of more than $19 billion provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will use the investments provided through IRA-funded conservation programs to support farmers and ranchers in adopting and expanding climate-smart activities and systems. NRCS asks for comments on how to target program benefits, quantify impact, and improve program delivery and outreach, especially for underserved producers. Comments are due December 21, 2022. NRCS will identify immediate changes that can be made in fiscal year 2023 and will continue to identify and adopt additional changes in future years.

“Agriculture is at the forefront of the nation’s effort to address climate change, and we want to hear from people on the ground how to implement our programs to maximize climate benefits, promote equity and assist all producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “From climate-smart agriculture, to supporting healthy forests and conservation, to tax credits, to biofuels, infrastructure and beyond, this legislation provides USDA with significant additional resources to lead this historic charge.”

The Inflation Reduction Act provided unprecedented funding levels for several of the existing programs that NRCS implements. The increased funding levels begin in fiscal year 2023 and rapidly build over

four years, totaling these additional amounts: $8.45 billion – Environmental Quality Incentives Program

$3.25 billion – Conservation Stewardship Program

$4.95 billion – Regional Conservation Partnership Program

$1.4 billion – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

$1 billion – Conservation Technical Assistance

NRCS is asking for public input on to how to best maximize benefits for climate mitigation, including targeting practices and programs that provide quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, NRCS is requesting feedback to help identify strategies and provide recommendations on how to maximize, target, monitor, and quantify improvements to soil carbon, reductions in nitrogen losses, and the reduction, capture, avoidance, or sequestration of carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural production. NRCS is also seeking ideas for how to further streamline and improve program delivery to increase efficiencies and expand program access for producers, especially underserved producers.

Public comments can be submitted to NRCS.IRA.Input@usda.gov until December 21, 2022. More details are available in this Federal Register notice.

funds to immediately provide relief to qualifying distressed borrowers whose operations are at financial risk while working on making transformational changes to loan servicing.

How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus

In the 16th Century in northern Europe, after the reformation, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas became unpopular.

But someone had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, so in the UK, particularly in England, he became ‘Father Christmas’ or ‘Old Man Christmas’, an old character from stories plays during the middle ages in the UK and parts of northern Europe. In France, he was then known as ‘Père Nöel’.

In some countries including parts of Austria and Germany, present giver became the ‘Christkind’ a golden-haired baby, with wings, who symbolizes the new born baby Jesus.

In the early USA his name was ‘Kris Kringle’ (from the Christkind). Later, Dutch settlers in the USA took the old stories of

St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle and St Nicholas became ‘Sinterklaas’ or as we now say ‘Santa Claus’!

Many countries, especially ones in Europe, celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day on 6th December. In The Netherlands and some other European Countries, children leave clogs or shoes out on the 5th December (St. Nicholas Eve) to be filled with presents. They also believe that if they leave some hay and carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas’s horse, they will be left some sweets.

St. Nicholas became popular again in the Victorian era when writers, poets and artists rediscovered the old stories.

Herbicide supplies and storage during the winter

By Dwight Lingenfelter, Extension Associate, Weed Science, Penn State Extension

Again, this year, there is a lot of speculation about potential herbicide shortages and price increases on some products for the 2023 growing season. Overall, it does not seem as grim as last year, but indications are that supplies of glyphosate (Roundup, others) and metribuzin should be adequate but likely not back to levels and costs prior to the pandemic. Products such as glufosinate (Liberty, others), metolachlor (plus other group 15 herbicides), atrazine, dicamba, and 2,4-D might be in shorter supply and with higher prices. Also, some products that are packaged in smaller sizes (e.g., 2.5-gallon jugs) might be limited but other sizes such as totes should be more readily available. Furthermore, with volatile supply chain issues involving many aspects of production ag these days, some are asking if it is wise to purchase bulk inventory of herbicides and/or other pesticides. The short answer is yes, if it makes sense economically, it could be a good idea to start making purchases on some of these inputs. Begin now by working with your dealer to discuss these issues. The intent is not to stockpile products but to have a modest supply for use during the next growing season. However, you must keep in mind appropriate storage parameters, namely issues regarding freezing of pesticide products during the winter months. In general, freezing temperatures can change and negatively affect the chemistry of some pesticides inside the container and can also damage the container itself. Premixed liquid products that contain multiple active ingredients seem to be affected more so by low temperatures than single active ingredient products. Some premixes tend to separate in the container and can be difficult to get back into a homogeneous liquid prior to use in the spring. Make sure to read the label for storage instructions. But as a general rule, pesticides are best stored between 40-90°F. For more details and many useful links, please refer to the National Pesticide Information Center’s Storage of Pesticides webpage.

A:

Q: Why didn’t the witch fly on her broom when she was angry?

She was afraid she would fly off the handle.

Bull care after the breeding season

By Lisa Moser, K-State Research and Extension news service

On occasion, athletes experience injuries or stresses on their body that require them to rest and recover. This is a time for the athlete to evaluate their training regimen and nutrition plan.

In much the same way, beef producers need to rest their bulls following the breeding season and make those evaluations on their health and nutrition, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.

“Like offensive linemen, bulls are big, heavy animals, which makes them prone to feet and leg issues, especially if they’ve been walking and breeding in rough pastures,” said veterinarian Bob Larson.

He said that producers should assess the movement of the bulls when they walk, focusing attention on the bulls’ hooves and legs.

“It takes good observational skills to look for swelling or an injury in those areas and that can cause restrictions in the bull’s movement,” Larson said. “Sometimes it is hard to detect lameness even if the problem is serious.”

If an issue is suspected, Larson encourages producers to reach out to their veterinarian to help identify the source of the problem.

Along with musculoskeletal issues, bulls may be coming off the summer pastures thinner than normal due to the drought that much of the country is experiencing, said beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.

“If the bulls are at a body condition score of five or less, they will need an energy supplement to get them back in condition for the next breeding season,” Lancaster said. “This is especially true if the hay quality is poor because of the drought.”

If producers are adjusting nutrition, it is recommended that they separate the bulls from the cows if the facilities will allow for that, according to Larson.

“As we get later into the winter and closer to breeding season for a spring-calving herd, the bulls and cows need to be separated because the late gestation and lactating cows will have high nutritional demands and the bulls will get over-conditioned if they are supplemented the same way,” Lancaster said

Larson added that there are other benefits for separating the bulls and cows for a period in terms of rest, but he said it is important to keep the bulls together from a social standpoint.

“Bulls need to figure out the dominance hierarchy and it is best for them to do that before the start of the breeding season,” Larson said, adding that if new bulls are added to the operation in the fall, they should be integrated into the bull pasture prior to turnout.

“I want those new bulls to acclimate with the feed and other bulls that are already on the operation soon after they arrive,” Larson said.

Protect trees and shrubs from rabbits this winter

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service

As winter approaches and vegetation is more scarce, it becomes even more important to provide protection to newly planted trees and shrubs from rabbits and other pests, says Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham. He said rabbits, in particular, love to nibble at the base of small trees and shrubs.

“Protect your investment with at least 2-foot-tall cylinders of 1-inch-mesh, chicken wire or similar barrier,” Upham said.

The barrier can be removed in the spring or left for an extended period of time, but Upham warns to remove the barrier before it constricts the tree’s trunk.

Other forms of protection include plastic tree wraps and liquid rabbit-repellent sprays. A repellent spay requires another application after it rains, Upham said.

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Mahatma Gandhi often walked barefoot which produced an impressive set of callouses on his feet. He also ate very little, making him rather frail and with his odd diet he often suffered from bad breath. This made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed with halitosis.

Cautions for cattle grazing frosted forages

By Troy Walz, Nebraska Extension Educator Bloat

When grazing alfalfa in the fall, bloat remains a potential problem, especially during the first three to five days after alfalfa has been exposed to freezing temperatures. In general, the risk of bloat will be minimal only after a significant portion (about 50-70 percent) of the alfalfa top growth has been frozen and dried. The fall freeze-down is often a slow process with many freezes over several weeks. The time it takes to reach the point where 50 to 70 percent of the alfalfa top growth has been frozen and dried will depend on the severity of the freezes and amount of standing alfalfa.

Prussic Acid

When grazing sorghums (forage or grain), sorghumsudangrass hybrids, and sudangrass, certain conditions may cause livestock to be poisoned by prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid or cyanide). Frost is one of these conditions. Plants that are frozen may release high concentrations of prussic acid for several days. After the plant wilts, prussic acid release from the plant tissues will decline. Thus, you should remove cattle before a frost and then wait several days (5-7) after a frost to turn livestock onto these species to graze. When tops have been frosted, new shoots may regrow at the base of the plants. These can be high in prussic acid. Thus, do not graze frosted sorghum or sudan species regrowth until regrowth is 15-18 inches tall for sudan species and 24 inches tall for sorghum species. Another option is to wait several days after the entire plant and shoots are killed by subsequent frosts. Sorghum species contain the highest amount of prussic acid while sudangrass generally has the least amount. Sorghumsudangrass hybrids are usually intermediate. Prussic acid production potential may increase with high nitrogen rates.

Pearl millet and foxtail millet have not caused prussic acid poisoning and prussic acid has not been found in these plants.

Nitrates

Frost interferes with normal plant growth and can cause nitrates to accumulate in plants that are still growing, especially grasses like oats, millet, sorghums, and sudangrass. If high nitrates are present in the plants when they undergo a total killing freeze, that nitrate level will remain in those plants and testing the forage is recommended.

Saving hay

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Making, transporting, and feeding hay is a large investment in time, equipment and money. At current prices, even reducing wase a small amount can mean big savings. Can you be doing more to save hay?

While there will always be some loss during storage, keeping hay out of the elements and packed tightly is critical. Hay stored in a barn can expect 6-9% losses, while hay outside, directly on the ground, and loosely wrapped can have up to 40% loss. Visually, loss is easy to underestimate. In a 5.5 ft. round bale, 1/3 of the bale’s mass is found in the outer 6 in.

When it comes time to feed, losses can add up as well. If hay is fed unrestricted, cattle can waste 45% of the hay they are provided. While this “waste” can be beneficial as bedding or a soil amendment, it’s an awful expensive way to put cover on the ground. Limit feeding hay so only daily requirements are provided will significantly reduce waste right away. Studies show that cattle fed daily versus fed every four days needed 25% less hay. This can be as labor intensive as a daily feeding, or something as simple as limiting access to hay in a feeder for a few hours each day.

Limiting access by physical barriers is another way to decrease hay loss. Bale rings, racks, fences, or another form of limited access can all decrease waste. The most effective physical barriers have solid side bottoms. This prevents the hay being pulled out onto the ground. Studies by the University of Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Michigan State on feed loss from bale feeders all found open bottom ring feeders resulting in 20% losses, closed bottom ring feeders had 13% loss, and cone feeders with only 5% loss. While these methods are effective, they require the purchase of additional equipment that can add significant time and money for large herds or changing feeding location.

Between storage and feed losses, it’s easy to lose half of every bale purchased or produced. To give value to even a 25% improvement, take your current hay bill and subtract 25%. At the current $180/ton, that’s $45/ton. Reducing hay losses means better returns on your hay investment.

USDA scientists address soil moisture challenges

USDA-ARS

The topic of soil moisture is not a new thing to Michael Cosh. He grew up on a dairy farm in northern New Jersey and understood at an early age that knowing the amount of surface soil moisture was useful when trying to prevent his truck from being stuck in the mud. But he soon learned that fickle soil moisture could tip the proverbial scales for farms that grapple with higher crop insurance and drought conditions.

Today Dr. Cosh is a research hydrologist for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), and he is leading the agency to inform farmers and engineers about the side effects of soil moisture so that farms have a chance to thrive under agricultural challenges.

“There can be severe financial consequences for farmers if there is too much or too little soil moisture,” Cosh said. “This means farmers cannot easily manage their crops due to ‘prevented planting.’ Prevented planting occurs when tractors cannot traverse fields to plant because the soil is too wet. When this happens, the farmer loses money and wastes resources. Likewise, a ‘delayed harvest’ occurs when harvesters cannot harvest crops at the end of the season due to soil moisture or drought. Both scenarios have severe financial impacts on farmers, the agriculture industry, and the food on our dinner tables.”

A part of the severe financial impact includes higher crop insurance and the high cost of water for irrigation. Since 2008, the USDA’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program has offered over $7.6 Billion in assistance to farmers to offset this cost. But monitoring soil moisture can provide farmers with over 70 percent cost savings on irrigation. These challenges are some of the reasons why Dr. Cosh pulled together a research team of colleagues from federal agencies and higher education

The research is conducted jointly with teams from the National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network, the Marena Oklahoma In Situ Sensor Testbed, and the annual National Soil Moisture Workshop. The shared data are compiled from in-ground and satellite sensors that have been placed in the ground across multiple states. Station data collected by several national and state networks provide information to the National Mesonet Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The sensors accurately rate the soil’s moisture so that USDA and NOAA can determine and monitor the drought status. These data also inform water managers in basins with significant irrigation and water usage. Some farmers directly access data from the USDA’s Soil Climate Analysis Network or NOAA’s Climate Reference Network.

Individual farmers rely upon the government’s decisions regarding the drought monitor to be accurate and in-ground monitoring is the key to that. Once the committees translate the data, farmers can prepare their soil for a pending drought, improve crop insurance decisionmaking, gauge the probability of flood and flood damage, and monitor the impact of climate change.

Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expanding soil moisture monitoring in the Upper Missouri River Basin by adding over 300 stations to the national footprint. These stations will help Midwestern and Western states, as well as local farms, to monitor their soil moisture and improve flood prediction and crop yield forecasting.

“We’re interacting with network operators regularly to develop end-user listening sessions and soil moisture standards,” Cosh said. “River forecast centers and state climatologists are some of the primary users of soil moisture information at the regional level. The findings ultimately help certain parts of the country to better manage their water resources.”

Cosh is a leader in many of these networks, steering the teams toward successful resolutions in some of the nation’s most hard-hit agricultural areas.

In addition to national soil moisture networks, there are ongoing region-focused efforts designed to solve national agricultural challenges. A consortium of state soil researchers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are continually increasing their monitoring programs to better capture soil moisture status across their regions. They are also exploring ways to better increase the quantity and quality of soil moisture stations in the southeast so they can capture the changing dynamics of soil moisture distribution.

First

Hill County 4-H Leader of the Year

The Hill County 4-H program recently held its End-of-the-Year 4-H Celebration in Havre, Montana, where we recognized a “4-H Leader of the Year”. The “Leader of the Year” exemplifies the 4-H motto “making the best better” through their actions and support of 4-H members. “Leader of the Year” award recipients are nominated by Hill County 4-H members and leaders.

On that evening we celebrated Jon Molitor as our 2022 4-H Leader of the Year and remembered him for the large part of the Hill County 4-H program that he was. We recently lost Jon in an ATV accident and there has been a huge hole left in our hearts and in our 4-H program. Jon had been deserving of this award for years. His dedication to 4-H had always been steadfast.

Jon was involved with the Hill County 4-H Livestock program since 2014 when he became the Swine Superintendent also known as the “Pig Boss”. Jon moved into the Chair position of the Livestock Committee in 2019 and it was a position he held with integrity.

Jon’s work ethic was an example for us all. He was always the first one to arrive and the last one to close the gate at any event he helped with. He was the one everyone looked to for direction. He never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn’t have done himself.

Jon was also a very involved 4-H club leader and the ringleader for fun activities enjoyed by his club members, leaders and parents. He had a knack for getting the kids excited about 4-H and he always asked the questions that made the kids think and expand on what they were learning.

Jon was kind, honest and genuine. He always greeted you with a smile and he was ready to help in any capacity. No one had a dumb question. He was always welcoming and appreciative of everyone. Jon was a great listener and took every idea and concern into consideration.

He did his best to take care of all the kids in our 4-H program and wanted to make sure every kid knew they were important.

Jon was a mentor to us all. We are all better people for knowing Jon as he was the example of what we all want to be. Regretfully, Jon was not presented with this honor while he was with us. We hope he knew how much we appreciated his dedication to our kids and the 4-H program.

Thank you, Jon … you will be missed.

MWBC hires executive vice president

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) is pleased to announce Kent Kupfner has been chosen as the new Executive Vice President.

“I’m excited to continue promoting Montana’s top commodities to the rest of the world,” said Kupfner. “The wheat and barley industry has been a part of my life for many years, and I’m thrilled to enter the next chapter in my career. Working on behalf of Montana’s wheat and barley growers has always been and will continue to be a top priority.”

Kupfner officially took over the role as Executive Vice President of the MWBC on

Wednesday November 16, 2022.

“Kupfner brings over 30 years of industry knowledge to the committee and we’re excited to welcome him aboard,” said Denise Conover, Chairwoman of the MWBC.

Before joining the MWBC, Kupfner merchandised wheat and managed grain assets for multiple major companies around the United States. The last 25 years of his career have been spent in Montana.

The mission of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is to promote local research and develop trade relationships around the world.

Jon Molitor family (left to right) Carrie Molitor, Lynsie, Noah, Nick and Landon accepting the award on Jon’s behalf.

Cattle compaction in cropland

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Are you looking for additional income from your corn acres or feed for cattle?

Grazing corn residue is a low-cost winter feed source for cattle and a source of additional income for farmers without negative effects on the cropland.

Many crop producers are concerned that trampling from cattle grazing corn residue negatively affects crop yields. When grazed at proper stocking rates however, small but positive effects on crop production after grazing have been observed.

Research conducted at the University of Nebraska has shown that grazing corn residue at the recommended stocking rate does not reduce corn or soybean yields in irrigated fields the following growing season.

In fact, a long-term study in eastern Nebraska at the Eastern Research and Extension Center showed 2 to 3 bushel per acre improvements for soybean production following grazed corn residue in a corn-soybean rotation. This result was the same whether cattle grazed in the fall from November through January or spring from February through April.

A five-year study in western Nebraska measured corn yields from continuous corn after cattle grazing in the fall and found no negative effects on corn yields the following year.

It must be noted that minor surface compaction can result from grazing during wet weather. However, this compaction often disappears through the natural wetting and drying and freezing and thawing processes. Additionally, this compaction does not restrict root growth and does not carry over into the following growing season.

Grazing corn residue benefits both cattle and crop producers. Corn residue should be viewed as an economical source of winter roughage for cattle that can provide an extra source of income for corn producers that does not affect next year’s crop production.

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A disciple went to his master and said, “I have served you faithfully for ten years. Now I have a wish: give me something to eat which will never end.”

His master said, “Here, have some chewing gum.”

North Dakota canola farmer reaches far with TikTok

Farming can be an isolating occupation. From long nights in the tractor making sure the seed gets put into the ground to early sunrise equipment checks, it’s a full-time venture that much of the world does not partake in.

Tim Mickelson knows the toll those lengthy nights and early mornings can take on a farmer. He wanted to find a way to connect with others in the agricultural industry and find a way of communication to those producers all around the country. Much to Mickelson’s surprise, he was able to do just that, without ever leaving his canola field.

Technology has been sweeping through the agriculture industry at a rapid pace over the past decade. GPS systems, cutting edge varieties and many other developments have helped farmers have a better farming experience. When Mickelson’s son decided to download a new app to his phone, the canola farmer wanted to see what all the hype was about. He downloaded TikTok in 2019 and has never looked back.

“I realized within one month that there were a lot of farmers on TikTok. So then I fell into the hashtag or the group Farmtok,” Mickelson said. “It has been just a blast.”

Mickelson began making videos about canola for his followers and was much surprised by the popularity of the short videos. He saw the app as a good way to get out the story of agriculture to the general public as well as a way to connect to his fellow farmers.

With almost 10,000 followers on the platform, Mickelson educates about life on the farm, particularly his canola. Each week he goes to his favorite canola field of the season and gives updates on the current standing of the crop and any issues it may be facing in real time. Mickelson has responded to countless videos on farmtok when a producer is facing an issue and wants the advice or expertise of a fellow farmer on the issue, such as equipment troubleshooting.

While on a roadtrip through the Midwest, Mickelson said he found himself wondering how the operations he was passing by did things. TikTok has helped him answer those questions.

“I thought, I wonder what that guy is doing for planting or this, or I wonder what he does with his combine or how does he do the no-till operations,” he said. “When you follow the other farmers on farmtok, TikTok basically completed the dots for all those questions.”

For Mickelson, it has been rewarding to show consumers where their food comes from and give them an inside look to all that happens on the farm.

“TikTok is connecting the farmers that are raising the food to the consumers,” he said. “It’s the voice that brings us from the field right to America’s table. It’s direct.”

Alfalfa as a supplemental protein

Brad Schick, UNL

Choosing the right protein may help bring the cost of feed down and more accurately meet the needs of our cattle. In some rations, alfalfa might be that choice.

Whether cattle are on winter range, corn stalks, or being fed prairie/grass hay, they often will need extra protein in their diet. Protein sources vary in cost and effectiveness. Protein is important because it is used by the rumen microbes to help break down low quality forage and then used by animal itself as microbial protein as they pass through the digestive tract. It’s essentially used twice

Many times alfalfa is one of the cheapest natural source of protein, easy to use, and doesn’t require additional equipment. Non-protein sources of nitrogen such as urea may be cheap but won’t be as effective with low quality forage. The first steps to finding out how much extra protein your cattle need include testing your feeds and forages for protein and estimating consumption rate. Then determine the amount of supplementation needed which will depend if you are dealing with weaned growing calves, dry pregnant cows, or lactating cows and nursing calves.

Some winter diets such as winter range, corn stalks, or grass hay may require approximately one pound of extra protein per day. This can be supplemented every day or every other day and still keep cows productive, healthy, and meet requirements.

Feeding the right amount and choosing the right protein you need can save money. Alfalfa might just be the golden ticket.

Like many farmers this year, Mickelson got a late start to planting his canola crop due to the excessive moisture and snow that made its way to his region during April. Due to the late planting date, his harvest also will be later than average this year. While he normally harvests his canola acres in mid August, he predicts that it will be closer to the second week of September this year.

Despite the late planting date, the canola was able to catch up due to the amount of growing degree days the north central North Dakota received. While canola is a crop that prefers cool and mild temperatures, Mickelson said the heat-filled days were a blessing.

“The crop has done an amazing adaptation for the growing season,” he said.

Mickelson was elected to the U.S. Canola Board two years ago and has been a part of the Northern Canola Growers for over a decade. He is excited to see where the canola industry is headed, as canola is in the final stages of being approved by the EPA for renewable fuel. This will expand the demand for canola greatly.

“The aviation industry has set an aggressive goal to be into a renewable fuel source, a renewable jet fuel, by 2028. If that holds true, the future for canola as a feed stock for renewable fuel source is huge,” Mickelson said.

North Dakota is a big player in the canola industry. According to Mickelson the state makes up 78% of total canola acres in the United States. Of the 2.24 million total acres of canola in the country, North Dakota makes up 1.76 million acres of the crop.

Mickelson originally implemented canola into his operation in the late 1990s, when he needed an additional rotation in his fields and was fighting scab terribly in his spring wheat fields.

“We needed a crop in the worst way to break up the disease cycle and just a good crop for rotation,” he said.

He also raises spring wheat, malting barley, golden flax, soybeans and yellow peas. Some years the operation may encompass five to six different crops, allowing Mickelson to not put all his eggs into one basket.

Sampling bales for forage quality analysis

By David Hartman, Extension Educator, Livestock, Penn State Extension

Most ruminant livestock owners recognize that feed is the largest single expense in raising livestock. And within those feed costs, for owners of beef cows, sheep, and goat herds, winter feeding is the largest percentage of total feed costs. Having some advance knowledge of the quality of the stored forages being used for wintering can be important to understand the order in which the forages should be fed and whether our animals may benefit from supplemental feeding to make up for deficiencies in forage quality.

We occasionally are contacted by livestock owners who want to test forages but are not sure where to begin. Sampling stored hay and baleage is a simple process and can easily be done with a little advance planning. For purposes of this article, we will focus on forage stored as dry or wrapped bales.

Borrow a coring device if you can find one locally. These are commercially available for purchase, but by checking around you may be able to find one that can be borrowed from a neighboring farm, feed distributor, or the county Extension office. Most coring devices are made to attach to an electric drill, as shown in the photo.

Bales should be sampled in logical lots. For example, we should consider one test lot to be bales made from the same field the same day. A later cutting from the same field should be tested separately. Two different fields baled the same day should probably be tested separately, especially if they have different forage species.

For large round bales core toward the center of the bale from the curved edge. For both small and large square bales, core from the end of the bale through the middle of the bale. In each case we are sampling through bale layers to get a more representative sample. The more samples we take, the more we reduce variability of results. For large bales we should sample at least 10 bales and for small bales, 20. Mix the cored samples in a clean bucket and take a composite sample to send to the lab. Zip-lock plastic bags work well for holding the forage sample.

Wrapped wet bales can be sampled either before or after wrapping and fermentation. Research has shown (University of Wisconsin 1988-89) no significant change in crude protein or fiber levels in samples taken before and after fermentation in various forages.

Samples from wet bales, before or after fermentation, should be mailed early in the week to assure they get to the lab as soon as possible. Squeeze air from the sample bag and properly seal it. Forage that has undergone adequate fermentation should have enough acid to preserve the sample as it travels to the lab. Wet forage that has not been fermented may benefit from being frozen first and mailed in an insulated container.

We need to decide ahead of sampling time where we are going to have our samples tested. Deciding on a lab and contacting that lab ahead of time will allow them to get an information sheet to you so you can indicate which test options you need. This sheet needs to be completed and sent with your sample. You can also have test results mailed to individuals or companies that you work with on livestock nutrition. If you are not sure which test(s) to request, contact a person knowledgeable in animal nutrition.

Once you receive your results, if you are not sure about what the information means, seek input from fact sheets or individuals who have expertise and experience in animal nutrition.

Rieker Spradlin, Cozad, won the bronze medal in the Intermediate BB Gun division.

Farm machinery and technology timeline

18th century - Oxen and horse are used for power with crude wooden plows, sowing is done by hand, land is cultivated by hoe, hay and grain are cut by sickle, and threshing with is done with a flail

1790 - Cradle and scythe are introduced

1793 - Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, which contributes to the success of cotton as a Southern cash crop

1797 - Charles Newbold patents first-ever cast iron plow

1801 - Thomas Moore of Maryland invents the icebox refrigerator

1819 - Jethro Wood patents iron plow with interchangeable parts

1819-25 - U.S. canning industry is established

1834 - McCormick reaper is patented; John Lane manufactures plows faced with steel saw blades

1837 - John Deere and Leonard Andrus begin manufacturing steel plows; practical threshers are patented

1840s - Factory-made agriculture machinery increases farmers? need for cash and encourages commercial farming

1841 - Practical grain drill patented

1842 - First grain elevator in Buffalo, NY

1843 - Sir John Lawes develops a process for making superphosphate, which helps established the commercial fertilizing industry

1849 - Mixed chemical fertilizers are sold commercially 1856 - The tow-horse straddle-row cultivator is patented 1858 - Mason jars, which are used in home canning, are invented

1862-1875 - The move from hand power to horsepower ushers in the first American Agricultural Revolution

1874 - Glidden barbed wire is patented, which ends an era of unrestricted, open range grazing

1880 - William Deering puts 3,000 twine binders on the market

1881 - Hybridized corn is produced

1892 - John Froelich invents the first gasoline-powered tractor

1945-70 - The change from horses to tractors along with increasing technology mark the Second American Agricultural Revolution

1959 - The mechanical tomato harvester is invented

1968 - Approximately 96% of cotton is harvested mechanically

1980s - More farmers use no-till or low-till methods to curb erosion

1990s - Information technology and precision techniques are increasingly used in agriculture

1994- -Farmers begin to use satellite technology to track and plan their farming practices

1997 - The first weed- and insect-resistant biotech crops (soybeans and cotton) are available commercially.

A group of local veterans and patriots were on hand to give the flag a proper salute the first time it was raised at the start of the Marias Fair. Bob Longcake of Shelby and Dave Sandon of Sunburst assisted Glacier County 4-Hers Elyse Bengtson and Addisyn Bengtson in raising the flags for the first time. Photo by Andrea Bengtson.

What type of grass is best for beef cattle?

On average, Americans eat more than 50 pounds of beef each year (according to USDA estimates). But what do beef cattle eat? In the eastern United States, beef cattle often eat tall fescue, a “cool-season” grass. As the name suggests, cool-season grass grows best in temperate conditions: temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and abundant rainfall. But it’s not always cool and wet in the eastern U.S., and come the summer months, cool-season grasses tend to not do well.

On the other hand, there are also “warmseason” grasses, like big bluestem or bermudagrass. These grasses grow well in warmer, drier conditions during summer in the eastern U.S. “Cattle farmers can benefit from having strong summer forage production from warm-season grasses,” says Patrick Keyser, a researcher at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “Such warm-season grasses can help them remain in business.”

Keyser is the lead author of a new study that assessed the strengths and weaknesses of five warm-season forage grasses. The study was published in Agronomy Journal, a publication of the American Society of Agronomy.

Keyser and colleagues measured the nutritional value of different warmseason grasses. Three of the warm-season grasses evaluated in the study – eastern gamagrass, switchgrass, and a mix of big bluestem and indiangrass – were native grasses. “We chose these native grasses because less research has been conducted on them,” says Keyser. The native options may be less familiar to many beef producers in the eastern and southeastern U.S., but ended up being the most economically efficient.

And the study showed that the native forage options had an unexpected benefit. Tall fescue often harbors a kind of fungus. This fungus lives in cooperation with the grass but can produce chemicals that are toxic to cattle. Warmseason grasses do not harbor this fungus. All five warmseason grasses would reduce the risks associated with tall fescue toxicity. But the three native options would allow producers to move cattle off tall fescue up to 29 days sooner in spring than bermudagrass.

The team also monitored the weight gain of heifers eating the variety of grasses. “All the forages differed in important ways,” says Keyser. Which warm-season grass to use as forage depends on the end goals of different cattle producers. For example, for cattle producers aiming for cattle to gain weight quickly –important for grass finishing – a combination of big bluestem and indiangrass would be the best forage option. On the other hand, for producers looking for sustained weight gain over the summer months, switchgrass was a better option.

“Ultimately, we want to help cattle producers make informed choices on which forage options fit their operations best,” says Keyser.

Using heifers for the study allowed the researchers to rigorously assess different warm-season grasses. “Young animals – like heifers – are very sensitive to forage nutrition because they are growing quickly at this stage of their lives,” says Keyser. For heifers, achieving target growth rates is important to ensure they become a productive part of the herd as soon as possible. “To meet these target growth rates, forage nutrition is critical,” says Keyser. “These animals make a great “measuring stick” for warm weather grasses as summer forage.”

The study also included an annual warm-season grass: crabgrass “Crabgrass is a highly preferred forage,” says Keyser. “Including it allowed us to compare benefits of both perennial forages and an annual.”

One of Keyser’s next steps is researching how some of the warm-season grasses work in the context of annual grazing cycles. “Specifically, we are evaluating complementing a tall fescue, cool-season forage base with some of these warm-season native grasses.”

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1996

1989 Ford F450 utility truck, 11-ft. bed, 460, automatic $2500

1999 Ford F550 diesel, automatic, flatbed with lift gate $9000

1999 Ford F550 4x4 flatbed, V10, automatic $10,000

1985 Ford F600 service truck, diesel, 5+2 speed, 8000 lb Auto Crane, compressor $11,000

1994 Ford F600 service truck, diesel, 5+2 speed, 6200# IMT crane, compressor, hydraulic outriggers $12,500

1985 Ford F700 4x4 service truck, IMT 5000 lb crane, underhood air compressor, outriggers $15,000

1992 Ford F700 diesel, 8 speed, 13.5-ft. flatbed, 5000 lb crane, outriggers $10,000

1986 Ford F800 National 228 37-ft. crane, 14-ft. dump bed $10,000

2001 Ford 450 4x4 diesel, 6 speed, cab & chassis for 14-ft. bed. $10,000

MT State changes name of its foundation seed program

A program at Montana State University that researches and develops foundation seed varieties for the state’s agricultural producers has a new name.

An extension of the crop breeding programs in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, the Montana Foundation Seed Program’s name is now officially the Montana State University Foundation Seed Program. The name change was approved unanimously at MSU’s September University Council meeting.

Sreekala Bajwa, vice president of agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture, said the name change accurately reflects the high-quality research conducted by Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, or MAES, plant breeding programs to create new crop varieties

“This new name gives Montana State University better recognition and ownership of the research we conduct and the public varieties we produce for crop producers across the state,” Bajwa said. “Our new crop varieties are the result of scientific research conducted by MAES scientists and tested across the state to ensure they are best suited to address production challenges in Montana, from pests to drought and more.”

Foundation seed, also known as basic seed, is the direct descendent of breeder seed and is produced under conditions that ensure its genetic purity and identity. The MSU Foundation Seed Program provides foundation seed to statewide producer partners, primarily winter and spring wheat, barley, durum, peas, lentils and chickpeas, with contributions also in safflower, alfalfa, sainfoin, triticale and oats.

According to Doug Holen, MSU Foundation Seed Program manager, each new variety produces between 600 to 1,200 bushels of foundation seed to start and then is sold to seed producers to sell to Montana producers. The more popular MSU wheat varieties, such as Yellowstone, Warhorse and Vida, produce millions of dollars in revenue via increased yield for the Montana agricultural economy.

Seed varieties are developed based on the needs of Montana growers facing climate, pest and soil challenges in the diverse agroecosystems of the state. The plant breeding programs are supported by MAES and by grower organizations such as the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. The university responds with varieties specifically bred and adapted to meet these challenges, initially released as MAES varieties in the foundation stage of production. The MSU Foundation Seed Program has been in existence helping producers for nine decades and has had six program managers in that span of time. Holen has been with the program since 2016.

“This program is only as good as our breeders, and MSU has had incredible ones over the years,” Holen said. He added that the name change is long overdue and gives credit back to the breeders and the research they create at MSU. “This seed goes across Montana and is sold in other states. So, when it shows up at a producer’s doorstep and says MSU Foundation Seed Program, they will know it is quality seed from our institution.”

Kylie Sellers, Lexington, received a gold medal and blue ribbon in the Senior Freestyle division.

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Genome sequencing of Moraxella bovis

By Maribel Alonso, USDA

Scientists have revealed that there are two different variants, or genotypes of Moraxella bovis (M. bovis), a bacterium known to cause pinkeye in cattle. This finding helps scientists understand how different types of M. bovis cause infection in livestock and can help develop preventative measures to protect U.S. cattle against this disease.

Cattle pinkeye, or bovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis, is a very contagious eye infection that causes redness, itchiness, pain, and discomfort in the eyes of affected animals. Severe cases can result in blindness and impair weight gain in calves, and thus are a concern for animal well-being and have negative economic impacts on the beef industry.

USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) scientists sequenced and compared the genomes of a collection of M. bovis variants and found that they consisted of two major genotypes. They identified DNA differences between the genotypes. In addition, they found substances that can potentially be used as targets to control the disease.

“We found major differences in virulence factors between the two genotypes,” said Emily Wynn, ARS research microbiologist. “For example, M. bovis has a toxin, called hemolysin toxin, which it uses to penetrate the eye. We found that the two genotypes have different versions of the toxin. This difference and others among the collection of M. bovis variants could mean that there are variations in their ability to cause disease.”

In addition, the scientists identified proteins (substances) located on the outer membrane of the bacteria cell.

“The specific location of these proteins makes them available to the host immune system because they are located on the outer membrane. Proteins that are unique to one or both genotypes can be used as a target to develop specific preventative actions against any of the genotypes, if necessary,” added Wynn.

This is important because for years scientists have been closely looking at another substance in this bacterium to develop interventions against the disease, called pilin proteins. Pilins facilitate the attachment of M. bovis to the eye. However, using pilins to develop interventions could be tricky.

“The pilin gene of M. bovis can undergo an inversion,” said Mike Clawson, ARS research molecular biologist at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE. “This is where parts of the gene flip and are rearranged on the bacterial chromosome. As a result, a newly formed pilin gene is created that encodes a new protein version of itself, which helps M. bovis avoid recognition by the immune system. Pilin gene inversions have been thought to be a relatively rare process. However, we saw evidence that multiple M. bovis strains were undergoing the inversions during our study. This makes the pilin gene a challenge to use as a target and emphasizes why the outer membrane proteins identified in this study are an important discovery.”

The team sequenced M. bovis strains isolated from cattle from seventeen U.S. states and one Canadian province that were assembled by Dustin Loy, UNL professor and veterinary diagnostic microbiologist.

“The first finished genome of M. bovis was produced by this collaboration on an experimental strain in 2018,” said Loy. “Since then, we haven’t seen much progress in comprehensive sequencing of this bacterium until this study between ARS and UNL.”

Loy has dedicated years of research to understanding this infectious disease, collecting samples directly from veterinarians working with cattle—for testing and identifying variabilities between the strains.

“This disease is often overlooked. Still, it is the most frequently reported disease in beef breeding cows and second in calves. Our work recognizes the economic impact this causes to beef producers,” added Loy.

The team commemorates collaborative research on pinkeye that goes back approximately 58 years with the groundbreaking work of ARS researcher George Washington Pugh Jr., who was the first black scientist in the agency, and made major advances in understanding the role of M. bovis in pinkeye. More recently, UNL published a collaborative study with ARS assessing immunological responses and the effectiveness of vaccines to protect cattle against diseases associated with these bacteria.

MFB delegates elect officers during annual convention

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation delegates elected officers during the organization’s 2022 Annual Convention in Missoula.

Cyndi Johnson, a Conrad small grains farmer, has been re-elected as president and Gary Heibertshausen, an Alzada sheep rancher, has been re-elected as vice president.

J.M. Peck, a cattle rancher from Melrose, has been elected as the new District 2 Director. Peck has served as the MFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chair for the past three years. Reelected to the board were Casey Mott, District 4, a cattle rancher from Custer; Don Steinbeisser, Jr., District 6, a diversified farmer from Sidney; Ed Bandel, District 8, a wheat farmer from Floweree, and Jim Willis, District 10, a cattle producer from Wilsall.

Nick Courville, a Charlo rancher is the newly elected Young Farmer & Rancher Chair. Carla Lawrence from Boyd was re-elected as the organization’s Women’s Leadership Committee Chair.

Following are the elected district chairs for the Women’s Leadership Committee and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee:

District Women’s Leadership Committee:

District 1: Beth Blevins - Ronan / Myla YahrausStevensville

District 3: Mary HillRaynesford/ Leslie Cavill - Ryegate

District 5: Laureen Lackman - Hysham / Cathy McDowell - Powderville

District 7: Joy DePuydt - Saco /Nancy BowmanHinsdale

District 9: Loretta Burnham – Helena / Pam Converse - Conrad

District Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee:

District 1: Houston Blevins - Ronan / Vern Cheff – Missoula

District 3: Vic Lewis –Ryegate / Bronya Willmore – Denton

District 5: Lea Aye –Broadus/Fiona Mott – Miles City

District 7: Gwynn Simeniuk – Glasgow / John Walker - Nashua

District 9: Katharine Taylor - Helena / Klayton Lohr – Shelby

District 8: Karissa Floerchinger - Cascade #####

Q: What’s the difference between a jeweller and a jailer?

A: A jeweller sells watches and a jailer watches cells.

Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too.

1989 Kenworth 16-ton SideShooter tender, 350 Cummins diesel, 10 speed, tag axle, 16-ton Willmar bed $29,500

1994 Ford tender, Willmar 16-ton SideShooter, M11 Cummins $24,500

1985 Freightliner with 16-ton Willmar tender $24,500

1990 Freightliner rear auger tender, Willmar 16-ton bed, roll tarp, tip tops, Detroit diesel $28,500

Holiday leftovers

By Martha Zepp, Program Assistant, Part-time, Penn State Extension

Holiday food safety guidelines are the same as at other times. Prevent food spoilage by temperature control, cleanliness, and time management.

Cleanliness Avoids Cross-contamination

Start with cleanliness to avoid cross-contamination. In the midst of festivities, it is easy to place the roasted turkey on the counter where the raw meat was a few hours before or to pick up the spoon used to mix the bread, egg, and broth for the stuffing to stir a fruit salad. As a result, the cooked turkey and ready-to-eat fruit salad are contaminated with bacteria from the raw food ingredients prepared earlier. To avoid this cross contamination, remember to:

Start with clean hands and be sure to wash them as you go from task to task in preparing foods.

1998 Willmar 24-ton SideShooter tender, spread axle trailer, fenders, electric roll tarp $32,500

2009 Merritt MVT dry tender 38-ft. trailer, tandem axle, Rapat Series C conveyor system, PTO driven from truck wet kit, electric tarp, clean out windows, 11R24.5 tires. $29,500

1993 Ford rear auger tender, diesel engine, 16-ton bed ............................. $27,500

Work on a clean and sanitized counter or work surface. Use clean platters, knives, spoons, or other utensils when handling the cooked food that you plan to wrap for storage.

Temperature Control

Bacteria can grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Quickly chilling the food after a meal reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

Discard any turkey, stuffing, and gravy left at room temperature longer than two hours.

Divide cooked foods into shallow containers for rapid cooling.

1967 Fruehauf 8500 gallon lead and 5700 gallon tanks, 1969 Beall pump $34,000

1969 Lubbock NH3 transport trailer, 10,400 gallon, National Board Number, 265 psi, 5 to choose from $43,000

2002 International 8100, Cat diesel engine, 10 speed, Willmar 16-ton SideShooter, roll Tarp, 463,955 miles $24,500

2007 16-ton Willmar Load Runner tender pup, Honda engine, rear auger. 4 to choose from $19,500

Divide a large cut of meat or whole poultry into smaller pieces and wrap separately or place in shallow containers before refrigerating.

Stir soups and stews to speed the release of heat.

Deep pans can be placed in a sink of cold water to hasten cooling; replace the surrounding water as it absorbs heat from the food.

Cover storage containers when the food is cooled. Placing warm food in the refrigerator does not harm the food, but it warms the refrigerator and foods already in the refrigerator.

Avoid overfilling the refrigerator. Allow space between foods in the refrigerator for cold air to circulate.

2008 Sterling fuel truck, 3600 gallon, 5 compartment, automatic, Cummins, 218,000 miles $38,500

After the meal, remove any meat from the carcass, cut into small pieces and refrigerate or freeze immediately. Refrigerators should be 40°F or below, and freezers should be 0°F or lower. Stuffing must be removed from the turkey carcass before it is refrigerated or frozen. The moisture content and the density of the stuffing is a good medium to support the growth of bacteria. Removing it from the turkey allows it to cool more quickly.

How Long to Keep Leftovers?

1995 International 4700 fuel truck, DT466,

2006 Fort stainless steel hydraulic auger tender trailer, hydraulic drive augers, rear unload, tip tops $28,500

2009 Merritt Rapat conveyor trailer, Rapat Series C conveyor system, electric roll tarp, clean out windows, 11R24.5 tires $29,500

Pies with a custard base such as pumpkin need to be refrigerated and used within 3 days.

Fruit pies that do not contain eggs, evaporated milk, condensed milk, other milk products, sour cream, cream cheese, or custard should be loosely covered and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep a few extra days or if the pies are in a warmer climate, put fruit pies in the refrigerator.

Cooked turkey, side dishes and gravy can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days.

Slices or pieces of plain turkey can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Turkey covered with broth or gravy can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Cooked poultry dishes, stuffing and gravy can be frozen 4 to 6 months.

Freezer storage times are based on quality; if they remain frozen, they will be safe indefinitely.

Date packages before storing, and always use the oldest first.

Use safe practices when reheating leftovers. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator; never defrost foods on the kitchen counter. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F checking the temperature with a calibrated thermometer.

Honeybees can recognize human faces

For a long time, we believed that only large-brained mammals could distinguish faces. But the humble honeybee shook that theory up!

Bees can distinguish between many different flowers, so it was theorized that they might tell people apart.

Scientists discovered that honeybees could recognize a familiar face, even days after being trained to do so.

Fun Fact: Bees see faces in a compilation of 5,000 individual images – kind of like pixels.

McMURRY CATTLE

Added Genetic Balance Trait And Carcass Value

ONLY THE BEST SELL

Private Treaty Bull Sales

Fred & Doreen McMurry

2027 Iris Lane Billings, MT 59102

HP 406 254 1247 Cell 406 697 4040 mcmurrycattle@gmail.com www.mcmurrycattle.com

Montana Hereford Breeders

Anchor Polled Herefords 406-467-2880, Vaughn, MT

Beery’s Land & Livestock Co 406-979-5720, Vida, MT www.beeryherefords.com

Feddes Herefords

Dan 406-570-1602, Manhattan, MT www.feddes.com

J Bar E Ranch 406-765-7068, Plentywood, MT

K & C Herefords 406-240-9301, Deer Lodge, MT

L Bar W Cattle Company 406-425-2484, Absarokee, MT www.lbarw.com

McMurry Cattle 406-254-1247, Billings, MT www.mcmurrycattle.com

M/D Herefords 406-891-0973, Baker, MT

Rafter Ranch Inc 406-832-3219, Wise River, MT

K.L. Slagsvold Herefords 406-584-7571, Lindsay, MT

Sparks Herefords 406-778-2320, Plevna, MT www.sparksherefords.com

Wichman Herefords 406-350-3123, Moore, MT www.wichmanherefords.com

Without trust, how does a family function?

Many of us that work with farm families hear stories like this: the son is home from college to start his career on the farm. He visits with his parents on a change in the course for action or management. The son identifies a field to be converted to “no-till,” and while he goes into town for parts, his father starts disking the field. In cases like this, the son will feel like he has not been trusted to make decisions. Lack of trust among family members can be a huge issue for any family moving forward, especially if they are working on farm/ranch succession plans.

Rousseau et al. 1998, offer a more indepth definition, based in part on accepting your own vulnerability when trusting someone: “trust is a positive psychological state comprising the intention to accept vulnerability based upon positive expectations of the intentions or behavior of another.” Lewicki et al. 1998, describe trust as compelling us to act based on our perceptions of another: “an individual’s belief in, and willingness to act on the basis of, the words, actions, and decisions of another.” These descriptions offer two important characteristics of trust. First, the level of trust one is willing to invest in a relationship relates to our perceptions and assumptions of how another person will act. And second, we accept a level of vulnerability when we choose to trust another.

Family relationships can carry over to the family business, while business relationships can, in-turn, affect family relationships. This is amplified on the family farm or ranch, where family members work together in high stress situations, far outside of the 8-5 workday.

Trust is not easily given and is even harder to earn back once broken. Understanding the factors that can affect trust in a relationship is a great place to begin to understand how to build, or rebuild, trust. Vaz lists seven barriers to trust in relationships:

1. Desire to Control- A situation where one person in a relationship attempts to control the actions, thoughts, or emotions of another. This clearly results in a situation of unequal position or power.

2. Dishonesty- One or more individuals are hiding information, providing only halftruths, or are attempting to be purposefully misleading.

3. Self-centeredness- The focus is on self and one’s own needs, wants and desires.

4. Lack of openness- A situation in which

one or more persons are not open and free in expressing their opinions, describing their position on issues, or relating information.

5. Communications- Required for trust to develop. Failure to communicate effectively leads to a failure of trust.

6. Empathy- Difficulties in relationships definitely happen. The failure to identify with the troubles experienced by the injured person and willingness to work together to address the problem leads to reduced trust.

7. Positive Feelings- Focusing on the negatives, becoming jealous of success, or allowing suspicious feelings to fester can all lead to a reduction of trust in others.

There are three common characteristics of families who can sustain a culture of trust:

1. Family members are reliable. They do what they say they will do. Mean what you say and say what you mean.

2. They demonstrate feelings of intimacy. They care about each other and they like being together.

3. They are honest with each other. They have open, direct communication — they are willing to speak and to listen when difficult things need to be said.

Trust also goes together with respect. We are often more likely to lash out at those we are closest to. Making it even more important to emphasize respect in our close relationships. However, we must also be willing to give our family members the benefit of the doubt. We all have bad days, and it is essential to be able to look past it when family members are experiencing one themselves.

Action or inaction can speak volumes. Beginning the process of building or rebuilding trust may be as simple as a handshake and an invitation to talk. The other person may want the same thing but is unsure about where to start or if anyone even cares. It takes someone to be the catalyst to begin the process, someone who can lead people to develop trust. The catalyst may even be someone not in the family business. Often, however, that someone is the mother in the family.

Adapted from: Why is Trust Important in an Ag Legacy? Volume 5, Issue 3 October 2020, By Caleb Carter, consultant to the Department of Agricultural and Applied, Economics in the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Farmer, rancher and forest manager prospective customer survey

Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously. The survey gathers feedback on programs and services available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).

The survey is available online at farmers. gov/survey, and producers should complete by March 31, 2023. Stakeholder organizations are also encouraged to share the survey link through their networks. The survey is available in 14 different languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Hmong,

Korean, Navajo, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese.

“A robust survey response that includes the perspectives of all of our customers, including underserved producers, will help USDA better understand the unique needs of both existing and prospective customers, while identifying opportunities to enhance government programs and services. Please take the survey, especially if we haven’t worked with you before,” said Robert Bonnie, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). “This survey will provide USDA with critical data to help USDA serve all of agriculture.”

In addition to the online survey, the FPAC Business Center, which is administering the survey, will also mail 11,000 printed surveys to various local state stakeholder organizations and farmers markets.

Jaelin Wolfinger, Lexington, won the Senior Division Sheep Showmanship trophy and purple ribbon and Parker Walahoski, Overton, also earned a purple ribbon.

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Up stairs or down? Which way am I going? Why am I going there? Lord, do I need to start writing myself notes for each moment of the day? I’d rather rely on you.

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Father God, I tried to warm up my cup of coffee this morning–but I forgot to add the coffee. Hot cups are nice but not much use if they’re empty.

Reducing food waste

By Debbie Kuenning, UNL Extension Educator

Reducing food waste can help individuals save approximately $370 per year. The average American family of four may be able to save close to $1,500 annually by preventing food waste. The USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have a goal to cut our nation’s food waste by 50% by the year 2030. Food waste can occur along any part of the food chain. Consumers contribute to food waste through preparing more food than needed and throwing away the extra.

Here are 14 tips to help keep food safe, edible, and out of the trash can:

1. Shop the refrigerator before going to the store. Make sure to use the food at home before buying more. Allow one night a week to be a ‘Clean Up Meal’, using any leftovers you have before they become waste.

2. Move older food products to the front. Keeping the older items in plain sight helps ensure they are used before they go bad.

3. Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to maintain food safety and integrity. Frozen foods can last indefinitely, if kept below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, although the quality of the food will decrease over time.

4. Freeze, can or dry surplus fresh produce using safe, up-to-date food preservation methods. Not sure what the current methods are? Ask your local UNL Extension Office.

5. Take restaurant leftovers home and refrigerate within two hours of being served. Eat or freeze within 3-4 days.

6. Dish up reasonable amounts of food at buffets. Don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach. Start with smaller portions and go back for more if you are still hungry.

7. Compost food scraps for use in the garden. Ask for the “Garden Compost” NebGuide from your local UNL Extension Office to learn more about composting.

8. Check product date labels on foods. Confusion over date labeling accounts for over 20 percent of food waste.

9. Buy misshapen fruits or vegetables at Farmer’s Markets. Fruits and vegetables that have a less desirable shape are often the first to be thrown away.

10. Rather than buying an ingredient for one recipe, check to see if a substitute is available from items you already have.

11. Look in your garbage can! What items are you often tossing out? Do you need to eat them sooner or buy less of them?

12. Donate safe, nutritious food to food banks, food pantries and food rescue programs.

13. Make a casserole or soup from what you have on hand. If you have several foods nearing their end at the same time, think of how you can combine them into a creative casserole or soup.

14. Look for recipes on websites that can be searched for by ingredient to use up what you have at home.

Managing food waste can make a difference in your refrigerator and trash can, as well as impact food security and the environment. Take time to look at your food choices today!

Pasture soil sampling

By Samantha Daniel, UNL

With elevated fertilizer prices, determining the current fertility of pastures and hay fields through soil sampling is more important than ever. Sampling now, before the ground freezes can help with planning this winter and give time to develop a fertility plan if soil tests show fertilizer is needed.

The process for taking soil samples is straightforward. Pull 10-20 cores at a consistent depth of 8 inches for every 40 acres sampled. These samples can be taken in a representative area of the field or arranged by soil type and topography. Mix the samples together and take about a pint’s worth out to send off for analysis.

Soil cores and recommendations are often based on cores taken down to 8 inches. However, if previous samples have been taken at a different depth, such as 6 inches, continue with the consistent historical depth and adjust accordingly by communicating your actual sampling depth with your soils lab to assure accurate fertilizer recommendations. Due to mineralization, soils have more nutrients readily available nearer the soil surface; so deeper sampling depths can dilute the samples and increase nutrient supplement recommendations.

Keep in mind that soil sampling may not reduce the overall cost of fertilizer needed but will help ensure appropriate application rates, which can result in a better yield. Additionally, moisture is the most limiting factor in pasture production, not fertility. You can apply all the fertilizer in the world but doing so in a drought won’t help plants grow. Fertilizer applications on dry land areas, especially for nitrogen, should be based on expected moisture.

Recipe Patch by Geri

Cherry Snowballs

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

36 maraschino cherries, well drained coating: 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/4 to 1/3 cup whole milk

4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in water and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, oats and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

Shape 1 tablespoonful of dough around each cherry, forming a ball. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until bottoms are browned, 18-20 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Stir together confectioners’ sugar and enough milk to reach a smooth dipping consistency. Dip cookies, then roll in coconut. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

Hot Chocolate Cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup instant hot cocoa mix (3 packets)

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup vanilla marshmallow bits

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Gently stir in marshmallow bits and chocolate chips.

Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake until set, 10-12 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Italian Rainbow Cookies

1 cup sugar

3-1/2 ounces almond paste, cut into small pieces

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup butter, melted and cooled

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

6 to 8 drops red food coloring

6 to 8 drops green food coloring

1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam

GLAZE:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

Preheat oven to 375°. Place sugar and almond paste in a food processor; process until combined. Transfer to a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar mixture 2-3 minutes or until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add flour, butter, salt and extract.

Divide batter into thirds. Tint one portion red and one portion green; leave remaining portion plain. Spread one portion into each of three well-greased 11x7-in. baking dishes.

Bake 7-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges begins to brown. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Place red layer on waxed paper; spread with 2 tablespoons jam. Top with plain layer and remaining jam. Add green layer; press down gently.

For glaze, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Spread half over green layer. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until set. Turn over; spread remaining glaze over red layer. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until set. With a sharp knife, trim edges. Cut rectangle lengthwise into fourths. Cut each portion into 1/4-in. slices.

Corn stalk quality after weathering

Jerry Volesky, UNL

Fall rain and snow are good for wheat and next year’s crops, but it does have its drawbacks. One challenge is its impact on corn stalk feed quality.

While this fall has been relatively dry, there has and will continue to be areas that receive some rain or snow events. Rain reduces corn stalk quality several ways. Most easily noticed is how fast stalks can get soiled or trampled into the ground if the fields become muddy.

Less noticeable are nutritional changes. Rain or melting snow soaks into dry corn stalk residue and leaches out some of the soluble nutrients. Most serious is the loss of sugars and other energy-dense nutrients, which lowers the TDN or energy value of the stalks. These same nutrients also disappear if stalks begin to mold or rot in the field or especially in the bale. Then palatability and intake also decline.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind. Throughout the fall, there always seems to be those days where excessively high winds will easily blow corn leaves and husks off the field. This of course, can impact the amount of feed, and after grain, those leaves and husks contain the highest nutritional quality.

There is little you can do to prevent these losses. What you can do, though, is to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly. Since weathering by rain reduces TDN more than it reduces protein, consider the energy value of your supplements as well as its protein content.

Weathered corn stalks still are economical feeds. Just supplement them accordingly.

Asia Minor

A peninsula in western Asia, bounded by the Black Sea on the north and the Mediterranean Sea on the south. The entire landmass is occupied by Turkey. It gets its name from the fact that it’s a small part of Asia that connects the continent to Europe.

2021 John Deere S770 combine with 520/85R42 duals, 600 rear singles, Command Touch feederhouse with fore and aft, 4600 display with AutoTrac activation, no receiver, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, extended wear rotor, extended wear grain handling, power folding tops, 26-ft. unloading auger, PowerCast tailboard, LED light package. Stock #80604 $437,500 (14)

2013 John Deere S670 Premium cab and radio, HID lights, AutoTrac ready, 7” armrest display, 3 speed transmission, 2WD, TriStream rotor, 26-ft. auger, manual vane tailboard, 520/85R42 duals and 28L-26 rear tires, small wire concaves, comes with a receiver and AutoTrac activation (assuming AutoTrac activation is on the armrest display). Stock #81471 $114,000 (11)

2008 John Deere 9770STS level land, HiTorq variable speed feederhouse, deluxe header control with header height sensing, general purpose chaffer, 22-ft. unload auger, 900/60R32 drive tires, 28L-26 rear tires. Stock #81779 $78,000 (3)

2019 John Deere S790 473 hp, 2WD, 671 engine hours, 496 separator hours, Pro Drive transmission with Harvest Smart, advanced PowerCast tailboard, TriStream rotor, fixed speed feederhouse, power folding GT extensions, small wire concaves, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, 1100/45R46 front tires, 710/60R30 rear tires, GPS monitor, display, and Premium Activation. Stock #72735 $405,000 (1)

2019 John Deere S780 combine with extended wear package, Premium cab, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, Pro Drive transmission with Harvest Smart, TriStream rotor with extended wear package, power folding covers, 28.5ft. unloading auger, fine cut chopper, side hill performance package. Stock #79041 $339,000 (1)

2018 John Deere S790 with 857 engine/647 separator hours, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, dual tilt fixed speed feederhouse, leather seat, Premium cab, LED lights, complete GPS system with Premium activation, regular wear TriStream rotor, advanced PowerCast tailboard, 28.5-ft. unload auger, axle spacers, extended warranty until 12/2023 or 1750 hours. Stock #79419 $407,000 (1)

2017 John Deere S680, ProDrive transmission, fixed speed drive, heavy duty dual tilt cylinders, premium cab and radio, premium LED light package, Active Terrain adjust, TriStream Rotor, power folding grain tank covers, 26-ft. unload auger, advanced PowerCase tailboard, IF900/60R32 drive tires, 750/65R26 rear tires. Stock #82387 $282,500 (2)

2020 John Deere S780 473 hp, 2WD, Pro Drive transmission, advanced PowerCast tailboard, TriStream rotor, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, Combine Advisor, Premium Activation with Gen 4 monitor and SF6000 receiver, 520-85R 42 tires with duals, and 750/65R26 rear tires. Stock #81411 $450,000 (12)

2020 John Deere S780 no receiver or extended monitor, 4600 display with AutoTrac Activation, Contour Master with fore & aft, 580/85R42 duals, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, power folding grain tank, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, advanced tailboard, TriStream rotor (standard wear), LED lights, cloth seat, premium radio, sidehill performance kit, small grain cleaning shoe. Stock #80883 $427,500 (14)

2019 John Deere S780 580 duals, Active Yield, Combine Advisor, dual display with Premium Activation, 6000 receiver (SF1), manual folding tops, premium residue, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, Contour Master with fore/aft, LED lights, small grain wind board, side hill performance kit. Stock #73426 $417,500 (11)

2019 John Deere S780 combine with extended wear package, Premium cab, Combine Advisor, Active Yield, Pro Drive transmission with Harvest Smart, TriStream rotor with extended wear package, power folding covers, 28.5ft. unloading auger, fine cut chopper, side hill performance package. Stock #79043 $358,000 (1)

John Deere 9620RX track tractor, 120” spacing, 36” tracks, 6500 DuraDrive tracks, 115 gpm dual pump, 8 remotes with hydraulic IPM, 1000 PTO, ACS steering, 4600 display with premium 3.0 activation, no receiver, premium lighting, leather, refrigerator, electric mirrors, 1/2 power beyond. hydraulic trailer brake. greaseable steering pins. Stock #83071 $675,000 (14)

2021 John Deere 6155M row crop tractor with 20/20 CommandQuad Plus with TLS, standard cab with Command Arm, MCS Plus, 114 L/min hydraulic pump, 3 SCVS, PTO, 600/65R38 rear tires, 540/65R24 front tires, cold start pkg, premium light package, Isobus ready, (2) pair 450# rear weights, 640R loader, SN 1P0640RXTMC013020, extended warranty 7/1/2024 or 1500 hours. Stock #81768 $175,000 (1)

2021 John Deere 6175M row crop tractor, MFWD, 20/20 Powergard transmission, AutoTrak ready, 3 SCVs, 540/1000 PTO, 480/80R46 rear tires, 420/85R30 front tires, light package, loader ready. Stock #82603 $172,000 (4)

2000 John Deere 7810 row crop tractor, cab, MFWD, 16/16 PowrQuad transmission with LH reverser, 540/1000 PTO, 3 SCVs, 420/80R46 rear tires with duals, 14.9R30 front tires, rear weights, loader/grapple. Stock #79485 $65,000 (4)

1997 John Deere 8400 250 hp, MFWD, 7067 hours, rear duals, 4 rear SCVs, 20 front weights, 1000 PTO. Stock #82239 $84,000 (11)

2013 Massey-Ferguson 7624 Classic, cab, self-leveling loader with bucket and grapple, MFWD with suspension, IVT, rear PTO 540/1000, 4 SCVs, rear fenders, duals, rear weights. Stock #81856 $120,000 (15)

1986 Ford TW15 row crop tractor with cab, Synchro transmission, Ezee-On loader with bucket and grapple, 3-point hitch, PTO, 2 SCVs. Stock #82177 $25,000 (15)

1992 Cat Challenger 65B tractor, 2 track, 10 speed power shift transmission, 4 SCVs, 7754 hours, 285 hp, 30” tracks. Stock #82840 $23,500 (11)

2021 John Deere 9620RX track tractor, 4600 display with Premium Activation, no receiver, E18 18/6 transmission, 1000 PTO, 5 rear remotes (59 gpm pump), 36” 3500 Series tracks, 87” spacing on track, Premium cab with suspension, leather trim, Premium lighting, greasable steering pins. Stock #82293 $582,500 (14)

2021 John Deere 9570RX track tractor with 36” 6500 Series tracks on 87” spacing, poly mid rollers, 1000 PTO, 5 remotes (59 gpm pump), 4600 display with Premium Activation (no extended monitor) no receiver, Premium cab with suspension, leather trim, Premium lighting, 1/2 power beyond, greasable steering pins, radar, Cat 5 drawbar, E18 18/6 PowerShift transmission. Stock #82273 $560,000 (15)

2008 Case IH Steiger 535 Quadtrac with 535 hp, Cummins QSX15 6-cylinder engine, 3-point hitch, rear tracks in good condition, rear hydraulic remotes, clean cab. Stock #82884 $257,500 (1)

BALE FEEDERS

2021 John Deere 8R280 row crop tractor with PowerGuard 6-year/4000 hour, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Cat 4 3-point with quick coupler, dual 480/80R50 rear tires, dual 420/85R34 front tires, 6 SCVs, air seat with cab suspension, large hydraulic pump, 1400# rear weights and 22 front weights, GPS-AutoTrak complete. Stock #79610 $325,000 (4)

2021 John Deere 8R310 row crop tractor with extended warranty 4000 hours/6 years to October 2027, IVT, full GPS, 5 SCVs, air seat with cab suspension, large hydraulic pump, 1000 PTO, Cat 4 3-point with quik coupler, dual 480/80R50 rear, dual 420/85R34 front, 22 front weights, 1400# rear weights. Stock #79612 $365,000 (4)

2020 John Deere 8320R, 320 hp, IVT transmission, 6 SCVs, 85 GPM hydraulic pump, 4600 processor/Starfire receiver, front and rear weights, 3-point hitch with Quik coupler, 1000 PTO, 480/80R50 rear tires with duals, 420/85R34 front tires with duals. Stock #78854 $339,000 (4)

2013 Case IH Puma 200 row crop tractor, 200 hp, CVT transmission, front fenders, 3 mid mount SCVs, 3-point hitch, rear SCVs, PTO, loader ready, but no loader, hood guard. Stock #81715 $110,000 (11)

2012 New Holland TV6070 bidirectional tractor with 155 hp tractor, rear PTO, 3-point, 2 hydraulics on engine end, 480/85R34 tires, fenders, 84 lb. loader, 8-ft. bucket with grapple, also 16ft. hay header. Stock #82251 $102,500 (12)

#82885

2000 Vermeer BP8000, bale processor, left hand discharge, 1000 PTO. Stock #81062

$12,500 (15)

2006 Vermeer BP7000 bale processor-feeder, 1000 PTO, hydraulic deflector, roller beater, 11L-15 tires. Stock #80044

$10,250 (14)

2011 Haybuster 2650 bale processor, processes 2 large round bales, one at a time, 1000 RPM PTO, right hand discharge, hydraulic bale deflector. Stock #82462

$17,500 (16)

2017 Haybuster 2660 1000 PTO bale feeder, right hand delivery, hydraulic deflector. Stock #83096 $21,500 (14)

#82921

Haybuster 2660 bale feeder, 1000 PTO, right hand discharge, hydraulic deflector.

Stock #82921 $25,500 (15)

2018 Highline CFR650 bale processor with 1000 PTO, right hand discharge, hydraulic deflector. Stock #79479 $18,000 (11)

2016 Bale King 8100 bale processor, processes large round or square bales, one in chamber and one on the loading forks, 1000 RPM PTO, right hand discharge, dual roller feed system, hydraulic deflector, adjustable slug bars. Stock #82248 $21,500 (16)

2003 Bale King Vortex 3100, 1000 RPM PTO, hydraulic deflection shield, right hand discharge, carries two bales. Stock #81401 $10,250 (12)

2012 John Deere 8360RT 360 hp, row crop track tractor with 16” tracks, (very good condition), IVT, 4 SCVs, 3-point, 1000 PTO, 60 gpm hydraulic pump, deluxe cab, work lights, 22 front weights, 80” track spacing, no GPS included. Had rebuilt transmission, hydraulic pump, and engine harness completed this winter. Stock #79965 $139,000 (4)

2018 John Deere R4045 with 132-ft. carbon fiber booms, Exact Apply nozzles, 20” spacing, 5 sensor BT, boom air purge, eductor, front fill, auto solution control, wheel slip, hydraulic tread adjust, radar, LED lights, Premium cab/ radio, VF420/95R50 tires includes armrest display with AutoTrac and section control. Does not include a receiver. Stock #78946 $380,000 (14)

2003 John Deere 4710, 90-ft. boom, 20” spacing, poly boom pipe, 800 gallon poly tank, 5 boom sections, 3 tip nozzle bodies, manual air ride, hydraulic tread adj., fenders, 420/80R46=20%, Trimble CFX750 w/Field IQ, ATU Style steering wheel kit. Stock #77704 $54,000 (14)

Apache AS1220 with 120-ft. booms, 20” spacing, boom leveling, Raven Viper 4 rate controller, VF380/90R46 tires. Stock #81278 $118,900 (1)

2012 Terragator TG8400 spreader, 70-ft. boom, CVT transmission, single box, section control, electric roll tarp, Raven GPS, foam marker. Stock #79261 $110,000 (11)

F4365 applicator with granular box and electric tarp, no SF6000, no extended display, AR485 dual bin, 70-ft. air boom, premium cab and radio. Stock #82885 $329,000 (1)

John Deere 4940 spreader with 300 cu. ft. New Leader dry box with tarp, includes full GPS system (2630 display, SF3000, AutoTrac activation, 620/70R46 tires, hydraulic tread adjust, traction control. Very nice unit, call today. Stock #82882 $180,000 (1)

1998 RoGator RG854 self-propelled sprayer, 5100 hours, 800 gallon stainless tank, 90-ft. booms, 20” spacing, poly plumbing, hydraulic tread adjust, less foam marking system, less eductor, Trimble FMX guidance system. Stock #82579 $31,000 (11)

After a hard freeze, horseradish is ready to dig

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service

Horseradish, a root vegetable cultivated and used worldwide as a spice and condiment, is ready to be dug and used in the kitchen after a hard freeze kills the foliage, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham,

That typically means it is ready to harvest in November or December.

“The large roots can be harvested, while smaller, pencilsized roots can be cut in 6-8 inch long sections as seed or sets, which should immediately be re-planted for next year’s crop,” Upham said.

He said another option is to leave roots in the ground until needed but recommends mulching around the plant to prevent freezing.

To prepare horseradish for consumption, peel the large, fleshy roots and cut them into sections. Add a small amount of water and ice cubes to a blender or food processor along with the roots, and chop.

“Vinegar or lemon juice can be added to stop the process that produces the ‘bite’ of horseradish,” Upham said. “Add immediately after blending for a mild flavor, or wait up to three minutes to give the horseradish more kick.”

He suggests using 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of horseradish sauce. Add salt for additional flavor.

“Horseradish has an extremely strong odor and so you may wish to open the blender or food processor outdoors and to keep your face away from the container when opening,” Upham said.

Store horseradish in a tightly sealed jar and refrigerate.

Zsazsa Zaturnnah

By day, Ada is the meek owner of a beauty salon in a small town in the Philippines (where the comic originates). At night, he eats a piece of magic rock and transforms himself into Zsazsa, a muscular, curvaceous, crime-fighting woman.

2W Spreading, Choteau MT A8

3V Distributing, Conrad MT C11

A-Plus Auto, Great Falls MT C20

Accelerated Metal Solutions, Brady Smelser, Glendive MT C4

Action Toys, Billings MT B18

Affordable Construction Equipment, Billings & Bozeman MT C3

Ag Trucks & Equipment, Great Falls MT C17

Ag Wise, Kremlin MT C27

Badland Truck Sales, Glendive MT A13

Basin Seed, LLC, Stanford MT A15

Bass Auction Co. Inc., Lewistown MT....A19

BC Trucking & Livestock, Milt Hartman, Highwood MT B20

Ben Taylor, Valier & Shelby MT C1

Big Equipment Co., Havre MT A27

Big Horn Sainfoin Seed Co., Powell WY B19

Big Sky Equipment, Conrad MT....A32, C19

Big Sky Pipe, Great Falls MT B6

Big Sky Sawmill & Wood Products, Vaughn MT B11

Billings Farm & Ranch Supply, Billings MT C12

Bjorn Johnson Construction, Missoula MT C24

Bobcat of Mandan, ND A36

Bobcat of Williston, Ironhide, Williston ND A2

BTI Feeds, Cut Bank MT C1

Buckley Auction MT B14

Burks Tractor, Twin Falls, Caldwell, Idaho A10

C & B Operations, LLC, Billings, Culbertson & Plenywood, MT, Sheridan, WY, Powell, WY A22, A23

Cascade Machine & Supply, Great Falls MT C13

Centrol Crop Consulting LLC, Brady & Conrad MT A4

Circle G Salvage, Walhalla, ND B20

Circle S Seeds, of Montana, Three Forks MT B4

Clearview Seed, Denton MT A14

Courtesy Ford, Conrad MT B7

Crown Agro, Graham Seed Treating, Center ND A24

Cut Bank Tire, Cut Bank MT C14

Dakota Truck & Farm, Minot ND A36

DBL Sales & Service, Dave & Brock Linker, Coffee Creek MT B8, C5

Index

Doane Western of Montana, Bozeman MT C2

Double Diamond Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT C7

Dry Fork Ag, Ledger MT A25

Ear Mountain Machine, Choteau MT C34

Exchange Services, Inc, Whitefish MT....A4

First State Bank, Shelby, MT A32

Fisher Metal Products, Fort Benton, MTA5

Flaman Rentals, Power MT A16, C22

Fox Ford, Wolf Point MT C35

Fraser’s Oil Inc., Inverness MT C8

Frieling’s Agricultural Equipment, Great Falls MT A9, C15, C33

Frontline Ag Solutions Dillon, Dillon MT A31

Frontline Ag Solutions, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Dillon, Lewistown, Havre, Chester, Great Falls, Belgrade, Livingston MT A34, A35

Gateway Arch & Fence, Wayne Thiem, Bozeman MT C12

Glasgow Rental, Glasgow MT A33

Glass Trucking, Denton MT B14

Golden Harvest Seeds, Big Sandy MT....A24

Golden Triangle Rental, Great Falls MT...A33

Gordon Repair, LLC, Miles City MT A18

Graham Seed Treating, Crown Agro, Center ND A24

Greenway Seeds, Caldwell ID A2

Greyn Fertilizer, Choteau, Dutton, Valier MT A26, C31

Grossenburg Equipment, Winner, Pierre, Philip, Belle Fourche SD, Wayne, Bloomfield, Harrington NE, Sundance WY A20, C5

Heartland Ag Systems, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, WA C25

Hedman, Inc, Grass Range MT A17

Helfert’s Helena Farm Supply, East Helena MT C26

Henke Enterprises, SprayFlex & Big Dog Mowers, Chester MT B16

Hi-Line Rental, Havre MT A33

Hoven Equipment Co., Great Falls MT B12, B13

Hwy 12 Equipment & Repair, Baker MT A18

Ironhide, Bobcat of Williston, Williston ND A2

J & T Equipment Sales, John Jones, Stevensville MT C28

J Bar T Bins & Steel Buildings, Jeremiah Johnson & Thad, Chester MT B20

Jamieson Motors, Inc., Chinook MT A8, C10

Jim Nielsen Trucks & Parts, Butte MT....A10

Johnsen Trailer Sales, Inc., Bismarck & Fargo ND C21

Krogmann Mfg. C18

Lattin & Sons, Power MT A16, C22

Lewistown Honda, Lewistown MT A6

Lewistown Rental, Lewistown MT A33

M & M Auto, Trailers, & Welding, Stevensville MT C10

M & W Machine, Three Forks MT B19

MDS Construction Supply, Great Falls MT A14

MEDA A25

Missouri River Realty, Glasgow, Malta, MT B8

Montana Fence, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell MT C30

Montana Ag Safety Program B18

Montana Holster & Shoulder Rig, Norm Schertenlieb, Great Falls MT B17

Montana Metal Fabrications, Great Falls MT B4

Mountain Equipment, Cody WY A30

Mountain View Metal Works, Wilsall MT C35

MT Tractors, Matt Pendergast, Stevensville MT B17

Musselshell Valley Equipment, Roundup MT B3, B16, C7, C36

New Homes of the Future, Billings MT B2

North Star Equipment, John Myers, Simms MT A11

Northern Ford, Cut Bank MT C29

Northern Prairie Auto Sales, Wolf Point MT C2

Norwood Sales, Inc., ND & NE B17

Pete’s Auto Sales, Great Falls MT C13

Platinum Auto Center, Big Timber MT....A16

Power Motors Implement, Fort Benton MT B21

Precision Truck & Trailer, Havre MT A21

Price Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT A20

R & L Seed & Machine LLC, Geyser MT A18

R & M Exterminators, Cheney WA C33

RDO Equipment, Kalispell, MT B7

RDO Equipment, Missoula MT B7

Reddig Equipment & Repair, Kalispell MT C32, C34

Rehbein Ford, Inc., Plains MT C22

Reinke, RPH Irrigation Services, Choteau MT A34

Rockwell Scales, Simms MT A12

Roger Rader, Inc, Sun River MT B22

RPH Irrigation Services, Reinke, Choteau MT A34

Severinsen Irrigation, Zimmatic & GSI, Fairfield MT C23

Shop Specialties, Valier MT C25

Shortline Ag, Scobey MT B18

Sod Buster Sales, Polson MT A5, A12

SprayFlex, Doug Henke Chester, MT....B16

Steel Etc, Great Falls MT B5

Stock Drive Trailer Sales, Dillon MT C6

Stokes Fencing, Conrad MT A30

Sullivan Brothers Construction, Conrad MT B3

Sunrise Hoppers, Bow Island AB Canada C4

Super SmartRooms/Superform ICF, Jerry Gangstad, Avon MT A32, C23

Sustainable Oils C18

T & T Farm Supply, LLC, Chester MT C23

Taylor Farm Store, Shelby MT C1

TCB Transport LLC, Todd Bedosky, Geyser MT C32

The Gear House, Helena MT B16

Tiber Tractor Co., Chester MT C21

Tom’s Shop, Grass Range MT B2

Treasure State Seed, Fairfield MT B1

Treasure State Wood Boilers, LLC, Charley Bucklin, Bigfork, MT B22

Tri County Implement, Sidney MT A29

Triangle Ag Service, Fort Benton MT A19

Triple T Sales, Chinook MT B9, C14

TT&E Inc, Victor MT C16

Valley Trailer Sales, Belgrade MT C27

VW Mfg, Loren Hawks, Chester MT C9

Weaver Grain Bins, Power MT A28

Western Montana New Holland, Missoula MT C34

Wichman Ag Supply LLC, Hilger MT A18

XB Trailer Sales, Great Falls MT B15

Zimmatic, Severinsen Irrigation, Fairfield MT C23

Zimmerman Manure & Silage Hauling, Fairfield MT B8

Record Kansas net farm income in 2021

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service

A combination of farmers buying inputs at lower prices in late 2020 and capitalizing on strong crop yields and robust grain prices in mid-2021 has led to the highest net farm income ever recorded in Kansas, according to data from the Kansas Farm Management Association.

KFMA executive director Kevin Herbel said the statewide average net farm income in 2021 was $310,230, a 78% increase over the average of $173,972 in 2020. The new figures represent the sixth straight year that Kansas net farm income has grown since 2015, when income plunged to its lowest average in 30 years, $6,744.

The report summary is now available online (https://agmanager.info/kfma/ whole-farm-analysis/kfma-executivesummary/2021-executive-summary).

“The income earned in 2021 put our farms, on average, in a very strong financial position coming into 2022,” Herbel said. “Even with the high levels of risk and concern we have (in 2022), we began the year in a very strong financial spot.”

The numbers reflect average net farm income for 853 Kansas farms working with KFMA economists in six regions of the state. KFMA economists work individually with farm families to provide farm-specific production and financial management information that can be used in making decisions.

KFMA was formed in 1931.

Herbel and KFMA economists across the state have termed 2021 a “perfect storm” for Kansas farmers, noting that many of them purchased farm inputs – fertilizer, seed, feed and more – in late 2020, prior to a drastic bump in input prices leading into 2021.

Then, he said, the 2021 production year was a good one for many crop producers, a time when yields were high and prices for many commodities were sturdy.

“Those factors,” Herbel said, “worked together to produce very strong income for the year.”

Livestock operations, which faced increased feed costs due to higher prices for grains and other feed source, faced financial pressure across Kansas. However, according to Herbel, the total value of livestock produced by the average KFMA farm increased 12% to $131,247 – its highest level since 2014 -- helping to recover some of the increased costs.

Every region of Kansas experienced large increases in net farm income, according to the KFMA report. By region:

• Northwest Kansas -- $399,378, up from $145,390 in 2020

• Southwest Kansas -- $465,123, up from $236,591 in 2020

• Northcentral Kansas -- $271,362, up from $173,013 in 2020

• Southcentral Kansas -- $265,191, up from $188,231 in 2020

• Northeast Kansas -- $304,045, up from $147,381 in 2020

• Southeast Kansas -- $306,825, up from $196,571 in 2020

KFMA’s report also indicated that for 2021:

• Government payments had a smaller impact in 2021 than recent years, totaling 21% of net farm income. Without government payments, Kansas’ net farm income would have been $242,512 per farm – up from the past three years when government payments were a larger portion of net income received.

• Crop insurance net income was negative for 2021, which means the amount farmers received for crop losses was, on average, less than they paid for insurance premiums.

• Total debt per farm increased $50,621, continuing a trend of increased debt for nearly every year since 1990 (there were slight decreases in 2011 and 2020). However, the net worth for the average KFMA farm increased by $261,000 from the beginning to end of 2021.

• The top 25% of KFMA farms generated a net farm income of $805,162, while the bottom 25% earned $15,104 – the first time the bottom 25% had a positive net return since 1979.

Herbel cautioned that KFMA’s annual report paints a picture of Kansas agriculture, but each farmer needs to make decisions based on their own farm’s records on such factors as management strategies, production costs and market factors.

“Investing time into this process is important to successfully manage the uncertainty and volatility of today’s production and economic environment,” he said.

Herbel and economists from six KFMA regions recently gave an overview of net farm income during an interview on the weekday radio program, Agriculture Today, which is available online (https://agtodayksu.libsyn.com/1186kansas-farm-management-association-reports-record-2021-kansas-farm-income).

More detail is also available online in the 2021 KFMA Executive Summary (https:// agmanager.info/kfma/whole-farm-analysis/ kfma-executive-summary/2021-executivesummary).

Jacynta Bomgardner of the Stir, Stitch N Stirrup 4-H Club in Chouteau County received the top placing in the carcass division of the 2022 Montana Certified Lamb contest. The breeder of the lamb is Patty’s Club Lambs out of Missoula, Montana. Photo crdit goes to Jacquelynn Bomgardner Photography

The old salt mine

In ancient times, salt was extremely hard to come by. Vital to the preservation of food, the tanning of hides, and even the production of gunpowder, salt was fought over and even traded for slaves.

Salt can be obtained through several different production methods, including primitive solar evaporation, mining, and complex refining techniques. The most common method of obtaining salt is by mining. Many countries have salt mines, and one of the oldest such mines can be found near Krakow, Poland. Salt was first mined in the area around 1044. During the Middle Ages, salt was one of Poland’s chief exports.

Eight miles southeast of Krakow is the tiny town of Wieliczka. Founded in 1290, the town is built atop one of the world’s oldest salt mine operations. Legend has it that the mine was a wedding gift present to the Polish Prince Wstydliwy from his bride-to-be, the Hungarian Princess Kinga.

Tons of salt have been taken from the ground under the town over the course of 700 7ears. Tyho8ugh thye jie ceased operations in the late 1990s, the site was designated a Uhited Nations Educational, Scientific nad Cultyu8ral Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Cultu8ral site in 1978 and now operates as a tourist attraction.

The mine consists of nine levels, more than 120 miles of tunnels, and more than 2,000 chambers. At its deepest, it rests 1,073 feet below the surface. Visitors to the site travel a two-mile route that winds through three levels of the mine. On display are several chapels, life-size statues, and scenes replicating famous pieces of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper–all carved out of salt. A sanatorium and museum complex are also housed underground.

A decimal point

In 1870 the government published a table of nutritional values for different foods. According to the charts, spinach had 10 times as much iron as other vegetables. Actually a decimal point had been misplaced; spinach has about the same amount as other veggies. But a popular misconception had already taken hold that spinach promotes strength. Long-term benefit: It ultimately gave us Popeye the Sailor, who’s “strong to the finish ‘cause I eats my spinach.”

Knock Knock Who’s there?

Icy.

Icy who?

Icy you in there!

USDA offers greater protection and flexibility with RMA’s TOGA

Agriculture producers with Federal crop insurance for crops in transition to organic or a certified organic grain or feed crop are eligible to receive premium assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2023 reinsurance year. The Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance (TOGA) Program, offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), reduces a producer’s overall crop insurance premium bills, and helps them continue to use organic agricultural systems.

RMA’s TOGA — a nationwide program — is part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative, a group of programs that build more and better markets for American growers and consumers and improve the resilience of the food supply chain. Through the Organic Transition Initiative, USDA will provide support in three main areas: mentoring and advice, direct farmer assistance, and organic market security.

“The demands on our agricultural producers and their subsequent needs are always growing and evolving, we want to make sure that the programs, policies, and benefits UDSA offers grow and evolve with our producers,” said RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger. “Organic farming is one of the fastest growing areas of agriculture in the country today and RMA’s Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance program is a great example of how we, at RMA, are supporting those producers interested in transitioning or are already involved in organics with beneficial and effective risk management options.”

Premium benefits for TOGA include: 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all crops in transition, $5 per acre premium benefit for certified organic grain and feed crops, and 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policies covering any number of crops in transition to organic or crops with the certified organic practice. Producers who have additional individual crop insurance policies will also receive the applicable premium assistance on those policies.

Eligible organic grain and feed crops are: alfalfa seed, barley, buckwheat, canola, corn, cultivated wild rice, dry beans, dry peas, flax, forage production, forage seeding, fresh market sweet corn, grain sorghum, hybrid corn seed, hybrid popcorn seed, hybrid sorghum seed, hybrid sweet corn seed, millet, oats, crops insured under the Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage policy, peanuts, popcorn, rice, rye, safflower, sesame, silage sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, sweet corn, triticale, and wheat.

Producers can receive both RMA’s

TOGA and premium assistance from other premium subsidy programs. To be eligible for RMA’s TOGA, producers must purchase an additional coverage policy. If a producer purchases an underlying policy and an additional endorsement, RMA’s TOGA premium subsidy only applies to the underlying policy. There is no enrollment paperwork to apply for TOGA. Producers will automatically receive the premium assistance on the billing statements for the 2023 reinsurance year, which covers applicable policies with sales closing dates from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. For most eligible crops, the 2023 reinsurance year is also the 2023 crop year.

Eligible producers who already have an insurance policy for the 2023 reinsurance year will still receive the TOGA premium subsidy. For example, for some potato, strawberry, and cabbage producers, the sales closing date for the 2023 reinsurance year has already passed. Since there is no enrollment paperwork, the premium assistance will still be automatically applied to eligible insurance policies.

USDA’s Support for Organic Producers USDA unveiled the Organic Transition Initiative earlier today, which in addition to premium benefits on crop insurance also includes farmer-to-farmer mentoring and direct support through conservation financial assistance.

Meanwhile, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting applications for two programs that help organic producers and handlers with the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2022, for both the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP).

More Information

Producers can visit the TOGA webpage for more information, including frequently asked questions, and the TOGA fact sheet.

While TOGA automatically provides premium assistance to producers who insure their crop during the 2023 reinsurance year, RMA encourages producers to contact a crop insurance agent to discuss all crop insurance opportunities. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

(From left to right) Karsyn Nichols, Keeley Nichols, and Kollyn Nichols, all of Eddyville, won purple ribbons in dairy goat junior division showmanship.

Why we are a USDA Zone 4 not 5 and other tips for gardening in Laramie County

By Catherine Wissner, UW Extension Office Laramie County.

When the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) set up the plant hardiness zone they only took into account the mean average low temperature. Most zone 5 plants here in Laramie County are just annuals as they cannot handle the following environmental issues.

Temperature

This mean average temperature doesn’t take into accounts temperature fluctuations to much colder spells in the winter. This area has dipped as low as minus 45.

Soils

They did not take into account our soils. Which can vary from a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. Our soils are alkaline and need sulfur or other pH lowering products. Plants typically do best in a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Over 7.5 and nutrients start to tie-up in the soils. Never add lime or fire place ash to the soil.

Moisture

Another very important area left out is average annual moisture. Here in Laramie County we are always in a drought. Some years are better than others. On average 9 to 15 inches including the moisture found in snow. By September of 2022 this area has only received a little over 5 inches of moisture, putting us in a severe drought or D3 drought. See https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ for more details of current conditions.

Elevation

The average elevation of Laramie County is around 6,000’ above sea level, this changes bloom time, first and last frost.

Wind

Never even given consideration in the equation. Winter winds can dry out a plant very quickly causing tip die back or even death of the plant. Trees especially should

be hardy to zone 4.

A bit of history behind the USDA Zone maps

During the Depression, two researchers at two different agencies thought of making a map to guide farmers as to what crops would grow best in their area. One at the U.S. National Arboretum work on a map that would divide the United States into zones that were separated by ten degrees Fahrenheit. The other researcher, Donald Wyman of the Arnold Arboretum, worked on a map that divided the U.S. into eight zones that had a temperature difference of five, ten, or fifteen degrees. Before the USDA hardiness zone map, most farmers were guided by family traditions of the Farmer’s Almanac. This map has been updated many times to the current one we now use.

Lawns

Lawns took a big hit this year with the summer heat. Many yards turned brown, went dormant to escape it, causing a lot of concern with homeowners. Heat is a huge stress factor for bluegrass lawn, which love cool weather. How to help your lawn. First and importantly; do not fertilize a stress lawn it only makes the problem worse. Instead use a product called Revive ™. It can be used once a month and helps the water penetrate the soil for better water uptake by the plant. Stop mowing for the rest of the year. Let the grass get long this helps the roots to go deep, hold moisture and protect the soil and roots from out dry windy winters. Go play instead of mowing.

Do not mow the prairie, this will only dry it out. You will lose top soil and invite ground squirrels and weeds to your property

Phone/text (605)

(From left to right) Griffin Owens, Lexington, won the silver medal and Bristol Kubert, Johnson Lake, earned the bronze medal in the Junior BB Gun division.

What is Infectious Coryza in chickens

Freedom Ranger Hatchery

Raising chickens is a rewarding, profitable, and exciting experience. While there are many positive attributes to having chickens in your backyard or farm, it doesn’t come without its share of issues. One of the most critical issues chicken farmers want to address is how to keep their flock healthy and prevent diseases.

Coryza in chickens is one disease of which you should be aware. Chickens with this infectious disease will have what appears to be an upper respiratory infection. The good news is that this acute respiratory disease of chickens can be treated, and most birds will recover. However, older birds or those with weaker immune systems may not be so lucky.

What Is Infectious Coryza?

Infectious coryza is a fairly common infection of the respiratory tract in chickens. It’s sometimes called roup, catarrh, pip, or IC. It is caused by the bacterium avibacterium paragallinarum, once known as haemophilus paragallinarum. It appears as a severe cold but can affect your farm’s sustainability and egg profitability.

It affects chickens worldwide, and in the United States, it primarily affects pullets, laying hens, and occasionally broilers. Coryza in chickens is more common in commercial flocks in California and the southeastern states. Chickens of all ages can get coryza but become more susceptible with age. The incubation period (the time between exposure to when systems and signs show) is one to three days, with the disease lasting for two to three weeks.

How Can You Tell if a Chicken Has Coryza?

Some of the clinical signs that a chicken has coryza include:

Decreased activity

Foul-smelling nasal discharge

Sneezing

Facial swelling

Watery eyes

Diarrhea

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Karmit Tzubera and Dror Orpax won a kissing contest in 1999. Time: 30 hours, 45 minutes.

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Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, and Gene Hackman... have all appeared in Japanese commercials for Kirin beer.

What is Infectious Coryza in chickens

In mild forms of the disease, it may be hard to spot the signs. The facial swelling may only be slight, and the chickens may not be as active as normal. However, as the disease progresses, one or both infraorbital sinuses will continue to swell, preventing the eyes from opening completely. In adult birds, especially males, the swelling may spread to the jaw and wattles and last for 10 to 14 days.

What Are the Common Causes of Coryza in Chickens?

Coryza in chickens is caused by bacteria that can be spread from bird to bird. Carrier birds with this bacteria spread the disease through direct contact with other birds, airborne droplets, and contaminated feed or drinking water. Transmission cannot occur via eggs, so if an infected bird lays an egg, it won’t have the disease. However, chickens with this disease will likely have decreased egg production.

How Do You Treat Coryza

in Chickens?

If bacterial cultures come back positive for coryza or you highly suspect your flock may have the disease, you must isolate the infected chickens. Some farming operations choose to move all the chickens of the same age out to isolation so that they can all be exposed to the pathogen and develop some resistance to it. In the meantime, the facilities are deep-cleaned and disinfected before new, healthy birds are introduced to the environment.

It would help if you immediately administered antibiotics to the chickens via drinking water until you can get medicated feed. Antibiotics, such as erythromycin and oxytetracycline, can help treat infectious coryza in chickens. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the right antibiotic for your birds. Once recovered, the chicken can still be a carrier and infect other birds in your flock.

Is Coryza in Chickens Curable?

If you spot coryza in chickens early enough, you may be able to get rid of the disease with antibiotics, as mentioned above. However, it’s best to begin the isolation and identification of the disease early to not spread it further on your farm. If you do not isolate and treat the disease in the chickens, it will continue spreading until your entire flock is infected.

The mortality rate is around 20% in most flocks. For older chickens, ones with compromised immunity, or ones with another type of infection, coryza can be deadly. It may be more humane to cull those chickens rather than let them suffer with coryza and eventually die. Additionally, other birds on your farm, such as ducks, quail, or pheasants, may not survive this disease or overcome it as quickly as chickens can.

How Can You Prevent Coryza in Your Flock?

Sound farm management and biosecurity practices are essential to prevent this upper respiratory disease. Once the infected birds and those near it are removed, and the coop is disinfected, replacement birds can be obtained from clean flocks (but quarantine them for 30 days first to ensure they don’t catch the disease). Vaccines are available to give your chickens, which should be administered about four weeks before outbreaks typically occur.

Keeping coops free from soil, spilled water, and feces is essential to preventing coryza. The bacteria thrive in atmospheres with little to no oxygen, so a damp, dirty coop can be the ideal place for the bacteria to grow and flourish.

Can Humans Get Coryza from Chickens?

No, coryza cannot be spread from chickens to humans. There is no public health risk if your flock has coryza, unlike other diseases, such as the bird flu, which only poses minimal risk to humans. However, you may want to warn neighboring farms if your flock has coryza, since it can be spread through air droplets. Just be sure to change out of any clothing you wore when you were around the infected birds before going over there.

A Healthy Flock Starts with Healthy Chicks

Keeping healthy chickens is essential to having a sustainable chicken operation. That’s why you need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of coryza in chickens. Not only can this disease decrease your egg production output, but it may also kill some of the birds in your flock. Keeping a clean and sanitized coop, practicing good biosecurity, and starting with healthy chicks or healthy eggs can help prevent this disease from infecting your farm.

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Researchers from India recently discovered a new species of green pit vipers. They named the snake after Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter universe.

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Circle

FAQ for fire damage to unharvested crops and harvested ground

By Ben Beckman

Fires have been widespread in Nebraska this harvest season. We’ve received questions on what to do when both unharvested and harvested fields have been burned. Additional information about range/pasture damage and stocking rates were shared in this May 2022 FAQ. Make sure to contact your insurance company.

Q: What to do with unharvested corn?

A: Fire damage to unharvested fields can leave stalks remaining with a combination of ears attached to them and on the ground. One could take a sample of corn ears from across the pivot and send them in for feed analysis and also grain analysis. Ultimately, our recommendation is to harvest the corn like you normally would. Your local grain elevator may have insight into whether they would accept grain from an affected field and how this could affect quality or pricing. Depending on grain analysis, one could take the grain to the elevator or mix with other grain in a ration for feeding. Cattle have been fed burnt corn grain before. The biggest concern would the loss in protein availability, depending on the extent of kernel damage. A fast fire may not have had enough time to burn through the starch and into the germ. That appears to be the case from the pictures we see. A measure of acid detergent insoluble crude protein would confirm how available crude protein is.

Q: What to do with corn ears on the ground? How to safely graze this?

A: One thought was to harvest what they could and disk the field. Then consider getting the ground covered with rye or wheat.

For those who would like to graze, Dr. Mary Drewnoski, beef systems specialist, shares the following recommendations:

Fire-damaged grain, if not completely destroyed, will have an appearance ranging from a slight brownish tint to black. This grain can be salvaged and fed to cattle. Common methods used by commercial labs for evaluation of energy content such as NIR analysis will not provide an accurate estimate of the energy availability from heat-damaged corn. However, color can be used as a crude indicator of the relative en-

ergy available for cattle. Based on research conducted at Iowa State, the amount of starch from brown and black corn that was digested in the rumen was about 30% less than normal corn. However, this corn would still have a significant amount of energy and can be used as an energy source.

The corn in burnt fields can be gleaned through grazing. However, cattle will need to be adapted to corn — similar to working cattle onto a finishing diet before turnout — or have limited access to avoid acidosis. Strip grazing is one method. Due to the fire removing the residue in the field, cattle will need to have a roughage source, such as hay, provided when grazing.

Grazing weaned calves on burnt corn fields could be a great way to use this feed resource. It is recommended to have them used to consuming at least 5 lbs of corn before turnout. In addition to a roughage source, these calves will need supplemental protein to make use of the best energy in the corn. Alfalfa hay could be used as a source of protein and roughage. Another option would be to provide free-choice grass hay plus 2 lbs of dried distillers.

Cull cows would be the next best option, as the corn can be used to put on extra weight and increase their value. Before turnout, producers should start feeding grain and work them up to at least seven to 10 lbs/hd of grain over a week to 10 days. If you don’t want to feed corn before turnout, then strip grazing can be used to adapt the cows to consuming corn. This Excel tool can be used to determine how much area to allocate.

Q: How will the fire impact my soil?

A: Please see the following article from Dr. Clain Jones from Montana State University on fire impacts to soil. The picture below of Table 2 from his article shows the N, P, K, and S in the top six inches of soil compared to nutrient removal in the grain or from stover that’s harvested or burned. In short, he shares that a small amount of nitrogen and sulfur are lost to the atmosphere, but increased nitrogen and other nutrients are made available due to quick mineralization

from the fire. Additional nitrogen may be available next spring due to the combination of fire and drought conditions experienced. Microbes at the soil surface will be killed but will recolonize quickly deeper in the soil. We’d recommend taking a soil test including macro and micronutrients to determine nutrient availability. It may be wiser to do that next spring to see what’s available closer to the planting season as soil erosion from wind will most likely be a problem.

Ash may clog soil pores and wind erosion can cause a “sealing” of the soil surface, which reduces water infiltration from rain/ irrigation. Drilling a small grain may help in disturbing the ash. Conducting a soil infiltration test may also be of benefit to know how one’s soil is impacted.

Q: How can soil be protected from erosion in burned fields?

A: We realize we’re in the middle of a drought. We still recommend trying to get winter small grains (winter wheat, triticale or cereal rye) planted as a cover crop in these fields. Rye will germinate at soil temperatures of 34°F, while winter wheat germinates at 39°F. Later than ideal, winter small grains can still be planted until the soil freezes, usually sometime in December. They likely won’t provide any cover this late fall and winter but will emerge in the spring to provide much-needed protection from erosion (wind and water).

Seeding depths of 1.0 to 2.0 inches and seeding rates of at least 50 pounds per acre are recommended. However, higher seeding rates (80-100 lbs/ac) could be warranted to provide quicker cover and biomass in the spring. Fungicide/insecticide seed treatments are usually not necessary when seeded as a cover crop.

If you haven’t seeded cover crops before or want to learn more, Nebraska Extension and the Midwest Cover Crop Council has “getting started on cover crop guidelines” after soybean and corn.

Spreading manure — especially manure with any bedding in it — can also be beneficial if one has availability to this at a large scale.

- Extension Educator; Alfredo DiCostanzo, Nate Dorsey - Extension Educator; Mary Drewnoski - Beef Systems Specialist; Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator; Mitiku Mamo - Extension Crops and Water Educator; Jeremy Milander - Water and Crops Extension Educator; Nathan Mueller - Extension Educator; Jenny Rees - Extension Educator; Gary Stone - Extension Educator; Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator

Soil disturbance reduces resilience of rangelands to climate change

By Maribel Alonso, ARS

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and collaborators from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment tested how soil disturbance influences the response of U.S. Great Plains rangeland to climate change. The results showed that disturbance and subsequent plant invasion are key factors to consider when predicting the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.

Rangelands, the grasslands that we depend on for livestock production, biological diversity, and many other ecosystem services, are being altered by climate change. While researchers have studied these changes, including the influence of rising carbon dioxide and warmer temperatures, the focus has historically been on intact or relatively undisturbed ecosystems.

The study published in Global Change Biology shows that effects of increased carbon dioxide and warming differ significantly in disturbed rangeland compared to intact native rangeland.

“We know that disturbing rangeland causes various problems, including plant invasion and loss of plant diversity,” said Dana Blumenthal, a research ecologist and lead author with the ARS Rangeland Resources & Systems Research. “What this new study demonstrates is that rising carbon dioxide makes it more difficult to recover from that type of change.”

The study, conducted in mixed-grass prairie in southeastern Wyoming, used circular plots of intact native prairie or disturbed prairie. Seeds of native and

invasive plants were added to disturbed prairie plots to represent colonization of the disturbed area by new species. Over a five-year period, scientists measured plant production, plant diversity, and soil carbon levels after plots were continually exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide and warm temperatures.

The main result was that elevated carbon dioxide more than doubled plant production in the disturbed prairie, primarily due to the rapid growth of diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), an unpalatable invasive species causing problems in U.S. rangelands. This large increase in production then led to a decline in plant diversity. In contrast, elevated carbon dioxide increased plant production by only 18% in intact prairie, while increasing plant diversity. The scientists also observed greater carbon loss in the soil of the disturbed prairie when exposed to warmer temperatures.

“We saw that these disturbances, combined with plant invasion, greatly reduce the resilience of mixed-grass prairie to climate change. That tells us that disturbance is a key factor that should be accounted for when predicting effects of future climatic conditions in these ecosystems,” said Blumenthal.

The research is part of a series of studies (Nature 2011; Global Change Biology 2016; Ecology Letters 2016) on the influence of climatic conditions and plant invasion on native and disturbed rangeland ecosystems.

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780 1st Rd. S - Vaughn, MT

Call The Weaver Family (406) 788-7989 www.bigskysawmill.vpweb.com e-mail: bigskysawmill@gmail.com

New Holland bale wagons. Model 1032, 1033, 1036, or 1037.

From the staff at the Trader’s Dispatch Jean, Curt, Geri, Kathy and Suzy

OPEN LETTER TO PRODUCERS

In 2002, AGCO Corporation created the Challenger brand of farm equipment and set up many Caterpillar dealerships across North America. Tractor and Equipment in Great Falls, MT being one of them. From 2002 to 2014, Hoven Equipment and Tractor and Equipment sold the same equipment, aside from different color paint and decals.

The exception being AGCO allowed Tractor and Equipment to sell AGCO’s application equipment, track tractors and four-wheel drive tractors under the Challenger brand, while Hoven Equipment could only sell the Massey Ferguson and Gleaner brands, which did not offer a full line of equipment.

In 2012, the New Holland full line brand of farm equipment became available in Great Falls, and Hoven Equipment applied for the dealership, and was accepted in 2013. This allowed Hoven Equipment to compete in the grain markets in North Central Montana. In 2013, AGCO and their sales representative elected to stop seeing and supporting

Hoven Equipment. Because of this lack of support from AGCO and their sales representative, our relationship declined over the years. However, AGCO’s service department continues to provide strong support to Hoven Equipment and AGCO equipment owners.

Hoven Equipment will continue to provide parts and service for AGCO equipment through December 31st, 2023. What happens after December 2023 is yet to be determined. Hoven Equipment is willing and able to continue to support AGCO Equipment in the Great Falls and Lewistown trade area.

Hoven Equipment continues as a strong competitor in the farm equipment industry with the New Holland, MacDon, Versatile, Vermeer, Morris, Haybuster and Bobcat brands. We will continue to do everything we can to provide service to our customers and solve problems.

Sincerely, The Teammates of Hoven Equipment

Hoven Equipment is sad to announce AGCO is terminating our 44-year relationship. Why is this happening?

USED TRACTORS

USED ROUND BALERS

New Holland BR780 net/twine. stk# 27848. (L)

New Holland 688 net/twine. stk#30181. $9800 (L)

New Holland

Ford TW35 tractor. stk# 28433. (cons) (L)

Versatile 800 tractor. stk#25280. (cons) (G)

USED COMBINES

New Holland TR98 combine. stk# 19692. (G)

Massey Ferguson 8570 with 30-ft. header. stk# 9896. (G)

Case IH 2188 combine with 30-ft. header & 15-ft. pickup header. stk# 29206. (cons) (G)

Case IH 1660 combine. stk# 13168.(cons) (G)

Massey Ferguson 850 combine with 24-ft. header, air reel. stk # 22248. (cons) (G)

USED SWATHERS

USED HEADER

MacDon FD75D 45-ft. header. stk# 29023. (L)

USED AUGERS

USED SPRAYERS

Case 8840 with 14-ft. header. stk# 28848. (G)

New Holland 1118 with 14-ft. header. stk# 27582. (G)

USED MISCELLANEOUS

Morris 1400 Hay Hiker. stk#21195. Call (G)

Canola Roller 34371 adapter 9-ft. stk#28550. (G)

JCB 84” snow thrower. stk# 27476. (G)

Gradall telehandler forks, hydraulic angle.stk# 24230. Call

Melroe 501 plow with Valmar. stk# 25282. (cons) (G)

Gysler 46-ft. plow and rotary harrow. stk# 28579. (cons) (L)

Spra

Versatile SX275 100-ft. boom, Raven control, 1200 gallon tank. stk# 12327. (cons) (G)

Bourgault 950 100-ft. boom, 1000 gallon tank. stk# 18150. (cons) (G)

New Holland SF115 110-ft. boom, 1500 gallon tank. stk# 28655. (cons) (G)

BUCKLEY AUCTIONS

NDSU Extension nutrition, food safety and health outreach recognized nationally

North Dakota State University Extension staff were recognized at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

NDSU Extension family and community wellness professionals were recognized for the On the Move to Better Health Cooking and Baking Schools Go Virtual program. They placed first in the central region and first in the nation. Team members were: Julie Garden-Robinson, food and nutrition specialist

Donna Anderson, agent in Eddy and Foster counties

Erin Berentson, agent in Bottineau County

Ellen Bjelland, agent in Ward County

Kari Helgoe, agent in Pembina County

Marcia Hellendsaas, agent in McKenzie County

Courtney Hoikkala, agent in McLean County

Cindy Klapperich, (former) agent in Sargent County

Sara Laite, agent in Ramsey County

Deb Lee, agent in Ransom County

Kendra Metcalfe, agent in McHenry County

Susan Milender, agent in Barnes County

Christina Rittenbach, agent in Stutsman County

Rita Ussatis, agent in Cass County

Shaundra Ziemann-Bolinske, agent in Burleigh County

The program engaged youth in virtual afterschool lessons to increase their food preparation knowledge and skills and improve their knowledge of food science and nutrition.

“Eating nutritiously and knowing how to prepare food can increase quality of life and save millions of dollars in collective

health-care costs for North Dakotans,” said Carrie Johnson, NDSU Extension assistant director and family and community wellness program leader. “The team, led by Julie Garden-Robinson, provides valuable outreach to the citizens of North Dakota that provide practical, applicable tools for individuals and families.”

“We appreciate the numerous community partners who helped us implement these programs statewide. We also acknowledge the financial support from the National 4-H Council with funding from the Walmart Foundation, the North Dakota Department of Health, Department of Public Instruction, North Dakota Farmers Union and numerous North Dakota commodity groups,” says Garden-Robinson.

Garden-Robinson also received an individual Educational Curriculum Package award. She placed first in the central region and first in the nation for her On the Move to Stronger Bodies curriculum. The curriculum helps upper elementary students identify nutritious food options and develop a personalized physical activity plan.

“The participating children and their parents speak highly about both ‘On the Move’ programs, and we can see from their evaluations that these programs make a difference,” says Garden-Robinson.

Also during the conference, GardenRobinson began her one-year term as president of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is the first person from North Dakota ever to serve as president.

The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, with 1,800 active members, educates and recognizes Extension professionals who impact the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

NDSU Extension family and community wellness professionals Mettan Pfilger, Julie Garden-Robinson, Ellen Bjelland and Shaundra Ziemann-Bolinske attend the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences award ceremony. (NDSU photo)

The last tasks of center pivot irrigation

By Jeremiah Vardiman, University of Wyoming Extension Educator

The bittersweet of late fall is here. Once again, the growing season is in the books and the last of the crops are being harvested. The declining temperatures indicate that it is time to prepare equipment for winter. In the scramble of tasks that need accomplished before winter slams home, do not forget to take time to assess and winterize center pivots.

Winterizing a pivot can be as simple as pulling plugs and draining water from all pumps and pipes. However, this is an appropriate time to do a thorough inspection of the entire irrigation system. Conducting a thorough inspection in the fall provides a fully serviced and functional pivot for the next spring, it allows time for ordering parts and correctly repairing issues, and operators are more likely to remember the issues from the previous growing season that need addressed.

A complete inspection and winterization process starts with assessing the uniformity of the sprinkler package prior to shutting the system down. This is done by setting cups or rain gauges in a straight line from the pivot point to the reach of the end gun, then run the pivot over this line and record the water collected per cup. This test indicates if a few nozzles or the complete sprinkler package needs replaced. Contact your local extension office or me at jvardima@ uwyo.edu, for a publication detailing this procedure along with considerations.

While running the uniformity test, check for leaks, malfunctioning or missing sprinklers, leaking gaskets, damaged pipes, etc. Of course, these issues will affect the data collected during the uniformity tests and should be repaired for accurate data for the sprinkler package.

Prior to shutting off a center pivot that utilizes an irrigation well and has iron bacteria present, well maintenance should be considered and conducted annually. If the well screen, casing, and pumps are covered in a slimy gelatinous mass, the irrigation equipment has a rust color, or the water has a rotten-egg smell, then iron bacteria is a good possibility in the well. The only effective way to control these bacteria is by chlorinating the well at least once a year. Remember chlorine is a noxious and dangerous gas and can be explosive if it mixes with oil found in the top of the water in wells, typically found with oil-lubricated deep well turbine pumps. It is recommended to use common household bleach (unscented) because it is the safest form and readily available.

Chlorination of the well should be done prior to winterizing your pipelines. Contact a local well company or your local extension office for information on the amount of chlorine required and procedures for chlorinating your specific well. Chlorine needs to be at appropriate concentration levels and let stand in the well for 24 hours for it to be affective. Remember, chlorine is very corrosive to iron, so do not let the chlorine stay in the well or pipes throughout the winter. Chlorinating the well will keep the production similar to when it was first drilled.

After the uniformity test and chlorination has been conducted, it is recommended to park the pivot into or with the prevailing wind to prevent storms from flipping the pivot. Once parked in the desired position, shut down and lockout the power supply so the irrigation system cannot be turned on to pump water during freezing temperatures.

Remove plugs to drain all pipes, valves, pumps, pressure gauges, end gun systems, and anything else that is above ground and can hold water. After water has been drained, open all valves to the half open position. Service all engines that operate pumps, and pivot tower gearboxes, drive lines, and center drive motors by draining water from these items and filling oil to appropriate levels or conduct a complete oil change. Oil in gearboxes should be replaced every three to five years depending on the hours of use.

Check and maintain tire pressure at recommended levels, even going into the winter. In addition, lubricate all fittings, bearings, and shafts. Also loosen any belts or packing glands if they are used. Clean electrical contacts with a contact cleaner to prevent corrosion. This includes checking microswitches in the tower boxes for bee activity that may interfere with their function. This is especially true for areas that have leafcutter bees that are typically found around alfalfa seed production.

Close all openings on the system that might invite rodents or birds to use. An example of this, that many do not think of, is replacing the sand trap plug at the end of the pivot so birds do not utilize or build nests inside the pipe. It is recommended to fence livestock away from engines, pumps,

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The last tasks of

and the pivot pad to keep livestock from damaging any components.

Lastly, record the end readings for flow meters and system panels, and include any notes from the servicing for your records. Record any parts that need ordered and repaired. Conducting this complete inspection and winterization process provides the best conditions for the irrigation system to tolerate the weather and fluctuating temperatures between fall and next spring. It also provides a fully serviced and functional pivot ready to be utilized next spring in addition to saving valuable workdays in the spring.

Bouillabaisse Day

Date Celebrated: December 14th

The name is a bit of a mouthful, but bouillabaisse is a hearty meal that you might not have heard of, so it certainly deserves its own dedicated day.

A bouillabaisse is a fish stew or soup dish, which originally came from France – as the name might suggest. The meal appears to have its origins in the port city of Marseilles, and traditionally it was made using rockfish and fennel seeds.

History of Bouillabaisse Day

Although the origins of Bouillabaisse Day don’t seem to be pinned down at the moment, the dish that it honors has been around for generations. When it first came about, it was being made by fishermen in Marseilles who would use rockfish to help make a tasty soupy dish. Rockfish, and other fish like it, were used because they were often too bony for the fishermen to be able to sell to markets or restaurants – and as the saying goes, waste not, want not. Because of this, bouillabaisse is a meal that you might have to eat while being careful to pull bones out as you go along, depending on how authentic and traditional the chef is being.

Bouillabaisse was first coined before the 17th century, but a soup very similar to the one we now know was recorded as being made back in 600BC, when the Ancient Greeks who founded Marseilles ate a fish stew simply made from ingredients around the region.

How to celebrate Bouillabaisse day

As always, the simplest way to celebrate a day like this is to rustle up your own bouillabaisse!

You don’t have to use the bony rockfish that its creators used when they first cooked it – any white fish will do. If you want to be very authentic, you’ll need to serve it up with the broth and the fish in separate dishes and alongside some rouille sauce – although if you do go to Marseilles, you’ll find that plenty of cooks argue over what really is the truly traditional way to present it!

Fish that is best to be used in a bouillabaisse are firmer fish, like haddock, halibut, cod or sea bass. It’s also customary to pop in other seafood if you wish, such as mussels or squid.

The broth that makes up the key part of this wholesome dish is mainly made up of tomatoes, oil, orange peel and a dash of white wine. Why not experiment with the broth as you’re making it, and come up with your own twist on this regional favorite?

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was created in 1939 as an advert for a department store! #####

The world’s largest candy cane was created in 2011 and was 63 feet tall.

Montana

Dawson County State Fair 4-H contests results

By Andrea Nisley

City Codes: L = Lexington, C = Cozad, O = Overton, G = Gothenburg

These Dawson County 4-H’ers received the following ribbon placings at the Nebraska State Fair in the 4-H Presentation Contest, Fashion Show Contest, Horticulture Contest, Weed and Grass ID Contest, Tree ID Contest, Insect ID Contest, and Special Awards, according to Andrea Nisley, UNL Extension Educator; Sarah Sivits, UNL Extension Educator; and Mike Wolff, Extension Assistant.

4-H PRESENTATION CONTEST

These Dawson County 4-H’ers earned the following in the 4-H Presentation Contest. Purple ribbon winners were Brooklyn Reiman (C) – “The Weed Free Zone” and Casey Wahlgren (G) – “HONK, HONK, BANG!”. Blue ribbons winners were Grant Wahlgren (G) – “The Importance of Handicapped Parking Laws” and Reid Wahlgren (G) “A Day in the Life of a Farmer”. Brooklyn Reiman (C) received a premium award for Outstanding Illustrated Presentation from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

4-H FASHION SHOW

Dawson County 4-H’ers Saidi Ringenberg (L), Abbie Owens (L), Lorelai Rickertsen (L) and Aven Zimmerman (O) competed in the 4-H Fashion Show. Saidi and Abbie received purple ribbons showcasing their constructed garments. Aven received a purple ribbon and Lorelai received a blue ribbon showcasing their consumer skills with a purchased garment. Saidi Ringenberg received the 2022 Nebraska Make It With Wool 4-H Fashion Show plaque given in memory of Alice Doane, past State Director of the Nebraska Make It With Wool for 28 years.

4-H DESIGN GALLERY EXHIBITS

Sydni Ringenberg (L) STEAM Clothing 3 - A Stitch Further (royal blue wool coat); and Saidi Ringenberg (L) - STEAM Clothing 3 - A Stitch Further (heather gray wool coat); were selected for exhibition in the “4-H Design Gallery”.

4H CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION

Sydni Ringenberg (L) received the 2022 Nebraska Make It With Wool 4-H Con-

struction Best of Show plaque for her royal blue wool coat. The award was in memory of Alice Doane, past State Director of the Nebraska Make It With Wool for 28 years.

4-H HORTICULTURE CONTEST

The following Dawson County 4-H’ers participated in the State 4-H Horticulture Contest. Intermediate Division blue ribbon winners were Rieker Spradlin (C) and Wesley Thompson (L). Mollie Spradlin (C) received a white ribbon. Rieker Spradlin placed 10th. The Intermediate Team of Mollie Spradlin, Rieker Spradlin, and Wesley Thompson ranked 3rd overall.

4-H

WEED AND GRASS IDENTIFICATION CONTEST

These Dawson County 4-H’ers participated in the Weed and Grass Identification Contest. The team of Brooklyn Reiman, Cassidy Reiman, Mollie Spradlin and Rieker Spradlin ranked 2nd overall. In the Intermediate Division, Brooklyn placed 3rd and received a purple ribbon and Rieker placed 5th and earned a blue ribbon. Red ribbons: Cassidy Reiman (C) and Mollie Spradlin (C).

4-H TREE IDENTIFICATION CONTEST

These Dawson County 4-H’ers participated in the State Fair 4-H Tree Identification Contest. In the Intermediate Division, Rieker Spradlin (C) won a blue ribbon and placed 5th. Wesley Thompson (L) also won a red ribbon and placed 7th.

4-H

INSECT IDENTIFICATION CONTEST

These Dawson County 4-H’ers participated in the State Fair Insect Identification Contest. In the Intermediate Division contest, Cassidy Reiman (C) earned 5th place and a blue ribbon and Brooklyn Reiman (C) received 7th place and a red ribbon.

4-H RAINBOW RIBBON RECOGNITION AWARDS

Every 4-H exhibit at the Nebraska State Fair is unique and special in its own way. However, some really stand out in a crowd! The following list recognizes individuals in the various 4-H Exhibit Hall departments that drew special attention.

(Pictured left to right):Mollie Spradlin, Cozad; Rieker Spradlin, Cozad; Wesley Thompson, Lexington; Brooklyn Reiman, Cozad; and Cassidy Reiman, Cozad; – these five Dawson County 4-H’ers participated in the state judging contests – Horticulture, Weed & Grass ID, Tree ID and Insect ID.

Now you don’t have to wait for smoke to know where fires are likely to occur

Kim Kaplan, ARS

Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Montana have developed a way to forecast which of the Great Basin’s more than 60 million acres have the highest probability of a large rangeland fire.

The forecasts come from a model developed by the researchers that combines measures of accumulated annual and perennial grass vegetation that is potential fire fuel with recent weather and climate data. When integrated, this information can be translated into maps showing the likelihood of a large wildfire—greater than 1,000 acres—across the Great Basin. These forecasts also can be scaled down to predict fire risk for counties or even single pastures.

Great Basin rangeland fire probability maps for the rangeland fire season, roughly June through September, are posted on the Rangeland Analysis Platform. Two new research articles discussing details and utility of the new model are part of a special issue of Rangeland Ecology & Management. The first paper used vegetation data from the Rangeland Analysis Platform alongside historical fire data

from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity dataset to build fire-prediction models for the Great Basin using 32 years of historical weather, vegetation, and fire data. The second paper extends the fire probability work from analysis into how practitioners can use this information to make decisions for the fire season.

“Accurate forecasting of rangeland fires depends, in large part, on our ability to quantify the buildup of grassy fuels from the previous year,” explained rangeland scientist Chad S. Boyd with the ARS Range and Meadow Forage Management Research Unit in Burns, Oregon, and a co-leader in developing the model.

Forest fires commonly only need an ignition event, such as a lightning strike, at most forest locations because they generally have enough vegetative fuels to burn every year.

“But with rangeland fires, whether there is enough fuel to feed a large-scale fire really varies from place to place and year to year across the Great Basin,” Boyd added.

Until recently, rangeland fire forecasting was limited by not having accurate measurements of how much annual and perennial grasses and forbs were produced each year. But satellite technology and remote sensing have made precise data readily accessible.

Joe T. Smith, a research scientist with the University of Montana and model designer co-lead, said, “I was a little surprised that accumulation of herbaceous plants from the previous growing season was the best predictor of large range fires. This gives new emphasis to fighting the spread of fast-growing invasive annual grasses like

cheatgrass in the Great Basin.”

While woody shrubs and trees like juniper or pinyon-pine don’t really increase the odds of a large fire occurring, their place in the fire landscape still matters. Shrubs burn hotter, causing more extreme fire behavior that puts lives and property at risk and makes wildfires difficult to suppress.

Unlike weather and topography, which are major influences over rangeland fires, people can directly and preemptively manage available fuel. These new fire probability maps will help land managers prioritize where it makes the most sense to invest in fuel management.

“The maps can be used alongside other planning tools to decide where to focus limited resources before the fire season begins,” Boyd explained. “They also can help target annual efforts to reduce fine fuels like grasses, which can lessen the impacts of fire on the region’s wildlife and working lands.”

For more information about the forecasting large rangeland in the Great Basin, check out https://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com/ask-anexpert-getting-ahead-of-large-rangeland-firesin-the-great-basin/.

Dawson County State Fair 4-H contests results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B18

Print – “You incorporated every aspect of photography in an excellent manner.”

· Brooklyn Reiman (C) – Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print – “Very good post-editing, excellent composition and detail! Perfectly framed.”

Science & Technology Department

· Seth Rhea (L) – Unit 4 Woodworking Exhibit – “Table – Excellent Job!”

· Wesley Thompson (L) – Rocket Exhibit – “Pink Pigaus – Really Unique Rocket!” Agronomy Department

· Mollie Spradlin (C) – Field Corn –“Very detailed report & testing new products that might increase yield”.

Clothing Department

· Wesley Thompson (L) – Beyond the Needle Exhibit – “Color Facts Poster –Above & Beyond Information! Wow!”.

· Wesley Thompson (L) – Clothing 2 Exhibit – “Vest – Topstitching & Zippers, Beautiful, Nice Job”.

· Sydni Ringenberg (L) – Clothing 3 Exhibit – “Royal Blue Wool Coat – Buttons & Topstitching”.

· Mollie Spradlin (C) – Shopping in Style Exhibit – “Clothing First Aid Kit – A great size for on the go emergencies”.

Photography Department

· Wesley Thompson (L) – Candid Photo

Winter honey bees show resistance to a common insecticide

Jessica Ryan, USDA

Winter honey bees, compared to newly emerged summer bees, have a better ability to withstand the harmful effects of a widely-used insecticide in pest management, according to a recent study published in Apidologie.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers from the Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, found winter honey bees’ consumption of a nearly lethal, imidacloprid-laced syrup did not affect their survival during the study.

Imidacloprid is an insecticide made to mimic nicotine and is toxic to insects. This powerful insecticide is widely used in agriculture for pest management control. Honey bees are likely to encounter imidacloprid while foraging in the field or through contaminated hive products.

“Although imidacloprid toxicity to honey bees is an important concern for beekeepers, our results provide good news,” said Miguel Corona and Mohamed Alburaki, researchers at the ARS Bee Research Laboratory. “Our research shows that winter honey bees have unrecognized physiological mechanisms to counteract the effects of insecticides.”

The study assessed differences in diet behaviors for summer and winter honey bees in a controlled laboratory setting.

Researchers provided sublethal doses of the imidacloprid-laced syrup to bees as necessary. Winter bees showed a preference to consuming imidacloprid-laced syrup over untreated sugar syrup while summer honey bees made the safe choice and avoided consuming the laced syrup each time.

According to Corona, it is important to study the differences of summer and winter honey bees’ diets. Honey bee colonies survive extreme seasonal differences in temperature and forage by producing two seasonal phenotypes of workers: summer and winter bees. These seasonal phenotypes differ significantly in their psychological characteristics as well as their susceptibility to disease and ability to handle poisonous substances.

“Winter bees and summer bees undergo physiological changes to cope with drastic seasonal changes in temperature and the availability of nutritional resources,” said Corona and Alburaki. “Our results suggest that long-lived winter bees are especially well-adapted to tolerate higher levels of chemical stressors.”

Corona said that although the study’s results show that winter bees could tolerate more intoxication by imidacloprid, they are still susceptible to higher concentrations of this insecticide in field settings.

(Pictured left to right):Lorelai Rickertsen of Lexington and Aven Zimmerman of Overton, participated in the 2022 State Fair 4-H Shopping in Style Fashion Show showcasing their consumer skills with a purchased garment.

(Pictured left to right): Saidi Ringenberg and Abbie Owens, both of Lexington, participated in the 2022 State Fair 4-H Fashion Show showcasing their constructed garments.

Confined winter beef

Penn State Extension

While management practices of raising cattle over winter months vary, most include some form of shelter and housing. Many producers confine the beef cow herd continuously when animals cannot graze, to mitigate the damage to pasture lands caused by foot traffic in congregation areas. In addition to the land management benefits, there are some reproductive, time management, and nutritional benefits to wintering cows in confinement. This publication focuses on confinement facilities, feeding options, herd health, and environmental considerations for producers that house cattle during the winter.

Confinement Facility Considerations

Confinement for beef cattle can be defined as a barn or sacrifice lot. Typically, a sacrifice lot will be an area that cows are confined in to prevent overgrazing or damage to pasture. One challenge with using a sacrifice lot within a pasture is that heavy animal traffic during non-growing seasons can cause muddy, less sanitary conditions for the cows, especially entering spring calving season. Mud can contain pathogens that cause health issues in cows and calves. If muddy areas are not contained, then nutrient runoff will cause water pollution problems. Furthermore, soil compaction will challenge the establishment of desired pasture vegetation later in the season. For these reasons, it is recommended that cows are confined indoors or on outdoor lots that have been designated as sacrifice lots through the packing of crushed limestone or some other material to improve the surface. By using indoor or managed lots, pasture grasses and soil profiles can be protected, and manure nutrients remain properly contained.

In addition, some may justify adding a video monitoring system to the inside of the barn to be able to check cows at anytime from anywhere. The system would pay for itself quickly if calves can be saved from dystocia in a timely manner. Live calves can also be monitored more easily and closely for colostrum intake. During the winter breeding season for fall calving herds, cows that are kept in a well-ventilated, cool environment will display more signs of heat

for better timing of artificial insemination, thus, increased pregnancy rates. The video system could double over as a heat detection tool while working fields or at an off-farm job. If cows remain in confinement through synchronization, those cows would be near a chute/handling system at time of breeding allowing for less stress on the cows and, potentially, increasing conception rates.

Indoor confinement locations can vary from a retrofitted, existing barn or a new construction project specifically for wintering beef cows. The first consideration that should be acknowledged is the amount of pen and bunk space available. Ideally, mature beef cows need 35 to 50 ft2 of pen space per head and 24 to 30 linear inches of bunk space per head.

Feeding Options

While beef cows in confinement can be fed a balanced diet, or total mixed ration (TMR), consisting of different on-farm feed ingredients, such as corn and soybeans, most beef cattle producers choose to simplify cow diets. In many cases, simply putting a bale of hay out with a location for free-choice minerals and a location for water will meet the needs of the mature beef cow. Further understanding of hay quality can be found Penn State Extension publication entitled Forage Quality and Testing. Pricing for feed commodities used in sample diets are listed in Table 1. Table 2 provides some example diets for comparison purposes. While the feeding and feed management strategies will vary greatly from farm to farm, this table details 4 potential diets to meet the energy and protein requirements of beef cows (7 to 9 months post calving). These diets range in ingredients to fit a number of scenarios. Thus, diet 1 represents a more traditional, hay-based cow diet. Diet 2 would be one example of how to meet a mature beef cow’s needs using straw. Diet 3 assumes a poor forage year and makes recommendations for feeding corn. And, finally, diet 4 is one example of how corn silage may be used to feed mature cows. The daily intake varies greatly between these diets and should be noted. Feed more or less than is recommended will result in weight gain or loss to the cows.

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Confined winter beef

All the aforementioned examples are presented as TMR, but these diets could be hand-fed as individual components. One advantage of feeding a TMR is that cows will have a more consistent intake of vitamins and minerals. Some cattle that are on free-choice mineral may not visit the mineral station, which can result in cows not consuming the mineral. Thus, although a TMR requires more time to feed than a hay bale and a free-choice mineral supplement, cattle can be target-fed the correct amount of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals that they need. Consistent and accurate vitamin and mineral consumption will prevent deficiencies and diseases.

Feeding beef cows a TMR, while not all that common, allows the producer to make more dynamic decisions. The producer can

capitalize on the opportunity cost of selling hay or other feed commodities and purchasing a cheaper feed commodity. Diets 3 and 4 are examples of alternative cow diets, which rely on corn or corn silage as a base. Both diets would likely require restricting cow intake to avoid increased weight gain. Numerous protein products are available, and the diet could easily be adjusted to that specific product. For example, diet 2 uses feed-grade urea to provide rumen degradable nitrogen that microbes can convert to protein for the cow whereas diets 3 and 4 use soybeans, common in many operations. These diets could also use dried distiller’s grains with solubles (DDGS) from the ethanol industry for protein rather than urea or soybeans.

Table 3 shows the economic evaluation of the diets provided. Limit-feeding a corn-based diet to cows often results in cost savings, particularly if the price of hay increases to $205/T or $220/T because forage supply is limited (see footnote). However, limit-feeding corn means the cows will clean up a ration in short order and additional considerations should be given to bunk space and managing boss cows. See Consider Corn-Based Diets as Alternative to Hay for Beef Cows for more information.

Herd Health

Wintering beef cows in confinement can bring both challenges and opportunities to cow and calf health. When installing/ constructing a confinement facility for beef animals, the first step in optimizing animal health is to establish safe handling facilities. Handling facilities will allow for better management of cow health while keeping workers safe. It is a good idea to consult with veterinarians or local extension professionals for advice on which handling equipment may work best at a farm, since these professionals can draw on experience from other farms they work with.

In addition to handling facilities, flooring and ventilation are other aspects of facility design that can significantly impact animal health. The choice of flooring for a beef confinement facility will affect both hoof health and biosecurity. In terms of hoof health, few studies have evaluated differences between dirt-base and concrete-base bedded pack. Though concrete could cause greater hoof wear than a dirt floor, with adequate bedding, both bases can work well for beef cow facilities. Research has demonstrated that fully or partially slatted flooring can be associated with negative hoof issues. From a biosecurity standpoint, a concrete base has a clear advantage because the bedding can be removed, and the concrete underneath is thoroughly cleaned. Most of this benefit to the concrete-base is afforded to the calf as pens are typically cleaned when cows are out on pasture for the summer, providing a clean environment for the next winter and the next crop of calves housed in confinement.

Another aspect of housing design is to assure there is adequate ventilation, especially in cold weather. Poor ventilation increases the risk of respiratory disease for cattle

housed indoors. Risk increases if barns are closed to keep animals warm during cold weather. With reduced air flow rates, bacterial counts in the air increase, which may not be problematic for adult cattle but does contribute to increased rates of respiratory disease for calves housed indoors.

Though confinement can pose challenges in terms of animal health, it does provide opportunities to optimize preventative programs to help improve animal health. As cows come off pasture in the fall, they likely harbor parasites in their intestinal tract. These parasites reduce feed efficiency and can slow weight gain in growing animals. When in confinement, cattle are unlikely to acquire new parasites, so deworming cattle at the time of entry to confinement can provide a parasite-free winter, improving feed efficiency and animal health. Veterinarians are likely to take fecal samples to determine which parasites are present to determine the best deworming product and administration timing for the herd.

Another opportunity of confinement, particularly with farms that include handling facilities, is the optimization of vaccine program. Which vaccines to give and when will depend on several factors, including time of cattle entry into confinement facilities for the winter, whether or not indoor calving is expected, how and when cows will be bred, biosecurity risk of the herd, and disease issues already known to be present. As there is no single vaccine protocol that works for every farm, the herd veterinarian is the best resource to help build a program that will work best for a specific operation. Vaccines included in a protocol will likely fall into one of three major categories: reproductive vaccines, respiratory vaccines, and vaccines to benefit the calf.

Reproductive vaccines are designed to prevent diseases that may cause embryonic loss or abortions in cattle. These vaccines are ideally timed before breeding to assure that cows are protected during the breeding season and into pregnancy to best protect the fetus. Veterinarians can provide details for vaccine administration timing that provides optimum protection to cattle based on farm breeding management.

Respiratory vaccines are considered a core vaccine for all cattle. They protect

Confined winter beef

against a variety of viral respiratory pathogens, with the option to add protection against bacterial pathogens if needed for the operation. These vaccines are particularly important in confined herds that bring in outside animals, especially those from sale barns. In beef cows, these vaccines are not only important to protect cows, but they also help booster the antibodies that will go into colostrum, therefore, they protect the calf, too.

The final category of vaccines to consider are those that are designed specifically to protect the calf. These most often protect against scours in the calf. They work by increasing antibodies in the cow against scours pathogens that impact calves. As the cow produces colostrum, these antibodies will be included in the colostrum, providing protection to the calf early in life. Cows begin to produce colostrum prior to calving, so we typically aim to booster these vaccines about 5 weeks prior to calving so that cows reach peak antibody production during colostrum production. The herd vet should be consulted for how to best time these products to maximize the benefits to the calf.

Although the ease of access to handling facilities can bring benefits to both cow and calf health, calving in confinement poses several challenges in keeping calves healthy. One of the greatest challenges of calving in confinement is protecting calves from scours. Though there are multiple pathogens that cause scours, many impact calves early in life and can quickly become deadly without prompt treatment. Scours vaccines given to the cow protect against some, but not all, scours pathogens. They are a great tool, but they cannot be the only practice to prevent scours. The true cornerstone to calf health is colostrum consumption, which can provide protection against pathogens beyond those targeted in vaccines. Calves should be up and nursing soon after birth so that they get plenty of colostrum. When preparing for calving season, it is essential to have a good quality colostrum replacer on hand in case a calf does not get up to nurse quickly after birth. Though these products are expensive, they have a long shelf life and can be a lifesaver for a weak calf.

In addition to assuring calves get adequate colostrum, sanitation is another critical aspect of calving in confinement. Once cows begin calving in confinement, frequent cleaning is imperative to prevent the spread of scours pathogens. Moving sick calves out of the barn and into isolation can also help prevent the spread of disease. One sick calf can quickly infect an entire barn. For example, a calf with diarrhea caused by cryptosporidium, a parasite that spreads by ingestion of eggs called oocysts, can shed over 35 billion oocysts in just 6 days. A healthy calf can become sick from ingesting as few as 25 of those oocysts. By removing sick calves from the main barn and keeping bedding areas clean and dry, transmission of pathogens, like cryptosporidium, is minimized.

Overall, wintering beef cows in confinement brings both opportunities and challenges in animals health. Good facility planning and designing can improve both hoof and respiratory health. Working with veterinarians and industry experts from the very beginning can assure a safe, effective handling facility that will allow for a comprehensive herd health protocol to optimize the health of both cows and calves.

Environmental Management

Good winter management of cattle involves nutrient management and environmental considerations. Retention of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), found in urine and feces, protects water quality, and saves the valuable nutrients for use during the growing season by pasture or crop plants.

Management goals to maintain herd health and retain manure nutrients can go together. Proper bedding practices keep cows healthy and dry by minimizing manure on the animals. When dry bedding areas are maintained, the carbon-based bedding material can help to hold N and P in place for later land application of solid manure. Moisture addition to bedding can be limited by controlling precipitation and spilled drinking water that enters the manure system. Routine monitoring and maintenance of drinking water systems can prevent water from entering the manure, which can also make handling the manure easier. Keep ‘clean water clean’ through the prevention of precipitation and snowmelt from running onto housing structures or lots. Remember that additional management steps may be necessary when watering system components are subject to freezing temperatures.

Storing manure until field conditions are favorable for application can provide agronomic, economic, and environmental advantages. Bedding systems often serve to store manure in solid form until it can be land-applied under the guidance of a Manure Management Plan. Manure should be routinely collected from other confinement areas, whether under roof or not. Collected manure should be stacked at a location where water does not run onto the stack and water that does leave the stack does not enter waterways. Storage and stacking requirements for Pennsylvania can be found in the Manure Management Plan and by exploring Penn State’s website that contains information on how a producer can write their own plan.

Some beef, and most dairy, operations manage manure in liquid or slurry forms. These farms typically have designed manure storage or containment systems that require routine monitoring and occasional maintenance. One important winter management aspect begins at the end of summer because producers should empty storage areas and apply manure to assure that ample manure storage capacity is available through the winter. In the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions, producers should plan for spring weather that will inhibit or delay manure removal and application until mid-April. All manure applications should be conducted under the guidance of a nutrient or manure management plan.

In places where cattle are housed outside, considerations for N and P retention remain critical, as does managing to assure that soil is not lost through erosion. Erosion and runoff from areas of bare ground where cattle concentrate have inherent risk for loss of dissolved and particulate pollutants. Areas where animal traffic contribute to bare soil are called Animal Concentration Areas or Heavy Use Areas, and include barnyards, feed areas, travel lanes, and stream crossings. Environmental runoff risks increase during winter months because nutrients are not being taken in by vegetation and soil infiltration can be low. For these reasons, careful management should strive to hold manure nutrients on site until they can be utilized for crop growth in the spring. Managing sacrifice areas, barnyards, lots, and pastures for nutrient and soil retention is in the best interest of producers and the environment. There are many options to improve outdoor congregation areas such as improving surfaces with stone or concrete or installing barnyard curbing to collect solid manure and direct runoff liquids in a manner that prevents water pollution. Since every cattle farm is unique, manure containment systems need to be specifically site designed. Local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices can provide engineered designs that meet environmental and safety requirements.

Regulations in all states aim to prevent the release of N, P, and sediment from cattle operations. Containment of these pollutants when animals are housed outdoors during the winter can come in many forms. A foundational principle in all scenarios is to minimize water addition and run-on to manured and bare surfaces, while containing and filtering runoff from these areas.

In many cases, strategic location of items such as feeders, waterers, walkways, and bedding areas can be used to congregate animals in places that limit risk of negative impact. Providing vegetative buffers between these areas and surface water is always recommended. If the water is not in a concentrated gully, downslope vegetation can slow water flow, allow water to infiltrate the soil, and help retain nutrients and eroded particles on site. Animals can be fenced away from streams. Streambank fencing can be used to establish permanent conservation areas and limit cattle access to streams. The areas immediately adjacent to streams are often marginal in long-term pasture quality because they may degrade quickly with animal traffic, so there may be little benefit of allowing continued access to these areas.

It may be possible to utilize animal behavior to strategically place manure nutrients or minimize your workload in dealing with manure. An exemplary management strategy of this concept is termed bale grazing. Bale grazing is an option for wintering cattle outdoors that requires adequate fenced pasture area and careful monitoring of stocking density. The practice rotates the placement of hay on the ground across areas of a good pasture stand away from surface waters. Most producers accomplish this by unrolling a round bale in a long row across the ground. As cattle ‘graze’ on the hay at each location, the foot traffic, and manure deposits are concentrated near the strip of hay. The next time a bale is unrolled it is not placed in the same location, rather it is moved a few feet away. Over the course of the season, bale grazing utilizes animal behavior to routinely relocate heavy foot traffic and distribute nutrients somewhat evenly across the pasture. This practice does leave some hay behind that many would view as waste. However, the hay does provide a place where cows can lay with some insulation and dryness compared to surrounding ground without the hay. The hay also helps retain nutrients that can be utilized in the summer pasture stand and adds organic matter to the soil.

Wintertime is a great time to view operations with a critical and honest eye. It is a good idea to make these observations during, and immediately, after winter weather events such as snowmelt or runoff over frozen ground or spring rains on non-vegetated areas. Things can look their worst after animals occupy the same area for extended periods when vegetation is not growing, and soils cannot recover from concentrated traffic. Note any losses of manure nutrients or particles, water, and sediment and look upslope for contributing problem areas. Once problematic factors are understood, strategic plans can be made to implement changes to prevent future losses. Changes may be in the form of physical structures, water diversions, plans to relocate animals in the future, or items that animal behavior to place manure nutrients in a different location. Adopting this concept of continuous improvement will lead to management improvements over time.

Because of the societal importance of balancing agricultural production and environmental stewardship, cost-share funds are often available for installation of Best Management Practices like manure storages, barnyard curbing, or streambank fencing. It is always a good idea to contact local conservation and NRCS personnel who are knowledgeable about possible funding sources and have great experience with Best Management Practice installations. Tax breaks are also possible in some areas for lands that are put into permanent easement buffer programs. Accepting financial assistance can save the producer time and management expenses, provide healthier living conditions for cattle, lead to farm efficiency improvements, and retain nutrients for farm utilization.

Winter Cattle Summary

Confining cattle during winter months can offer advantages to managers who may be able to save time while realizing benefits in production and reproduction efficiencies when cows are sheltered in areas where rations and health can be closely controlled. This type of management can protect lands for summer forage production, allow manure storage that conserves nutrients for timely spring application, and limit risk of manure nutrient and soil loss to waterways.

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What is a dead zone?

Soil Science Society of America

Dead Zones are an area with no living beings. When a dead zone occurs within a waterbody, that zone has no aquatic life. Dead zones can be found around the world. They are a problem for coastal waters, bays, and lakes. The Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) May 1st Soils Matter blog reviews dead zones and practices that are reducing their size.

According to blogger Janith Chandrasoma, Dead Zones are typically caused by excess nutrients in the water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients cause an overgrowth of algae in a short period, commonly called “algae bloom.” As these microscopic “plants” grow, they consume oxygen in the water. And their multiplying population blocks sunlight for underwater plants. In addition, when the algae die, they sink to the bottom. As they decompose, more oxygen is consumed.

This little- to no-oxygen environment makes it impossible for aquatic life to survive. Larger organisms who require oxygen begin to die in large numbers creating a dead zone.

Also, these algal blooms contaminate drinking water and cause illnesses to animals and humans by releasing toxins.

nels (man-made or natural) planted with perennial grass or appropriate vegetation. The growing grasses and vegetation slow down the runoff water and trap sediments. Grassed waterways are an excellent solution for gully erosion and stop phosphorus movement with sediment. Some consider grass waterways as an in-field practice.

Saturated buffers

Saturated buffers are a conversion of a riparian buffer. Saturated buffers can treat tile drainage water to remove nitrogen while removing other nutrients from runoff water. Midwest farmland has drainage systems to drain excess water, which allows for planting earlier during wet springs. These drainage outlets go through the buffers and discharge to nearby ditches or streams. Saturated buffers carry part of that tile drainage through the buffer by a perforated distribution pipe (underground, of course). The tile water slowly moves to the ditch or streams through the soil, and microbes in the soil convert nitrate in tile water to harmless nitrogen gas.

Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors

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Scientists who have been studying the Mississippi River Basin dead zone have worked together to create an action plan. The goal is to reduce excess nitrogen and phosphorus carried into the Mississippi River Basin. Federal and state agencies, universities, and other non-profit organizations work together to identify how each state can reduce pollution from wastewater treatment plants, factories, agriculture practices, and stormwater.

Edge-of Field Practices

Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for agriculture. Without those, there will not be enough food to support the growing population. Famers provide nitrogen and phosphorus to their crops through fertilizer and animal manure. Because nitrogen is highly water-soluble and phosphorus attaches to the soil, these elements are highly vulnerable to moving away from the source with rainfall and runoff.

“Edge-of-field” practices are located at the edge of the farm field. They work to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus going to local water bodies such as streams, rivers, ditches, and lakes.

Vegetated Buffers

A vegetated buffer is a section of land between a farm field and a water body (stream, ditch, or a small lake) that has natural or established vegetation. Filter strips and riparian buffers are types of vegetated buffers. They slow stormwater runoff and reduce soil and stream bank erosion. Prairie strips are also a vegetated buffer that protects soil from runoff water, improves soil water recharge, and provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Grassed Waterway

Grassed waterways are a section of farmland that grows grasses or other non-crop vegetation. They are graded (sloped) chan-

Woodchip bioreactors are also engineered to remove nitrogen from tile drainage water. Like saturated buffers, the tile drainage is diverted into a woodchipfilled trench that lets the tile water move through the woodchip media. The microbes naturally live on soil which also presents in woodchips (and tile drainage water) convert nitrate in tile water to nitrogen gas as in saturated buffers. Practices like woodchip bioreactors need to have a tile drainage outlet to be installed. (Click here see a video about denitrifying woodchip bioreactors.)

Drainage water management

Drainage water management reduces the annual tile flow volume through the outlet. Reducing tile flow volume (tile drainage) also reduces the nitrogen and phosphorus that move out from the field. A water control structure installed intercepting the outlet enables the control of flow volume leaving the field. Like woodchip bioreactors, drainage water management needs to have a tile drainage outlet to be installed.

Constructed Wetlands

Constructed wetlands are an artificially engineered environment that reduces nitrogen, phosphorus, other chemicals, and sediments from farm fields. They are designed in a way to intercept tile drainage and field runoff to prevent nutrients from moving downstream. They also provide habitat for wildlife, pollinators, and some aquatic species.

Two-stage ditches

Two-stage ditches are designed to carry drainage from a field and modified by adding a vegetated floodplain bench. The vegetated benches reduce the flow speed downstream and increase sediment deposition. The growing vegetation use some nutrients for their growth.

To read the full blog, visit https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2022/05/1/what-isa-dead-zone/

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Unexpected cow death questions answered

K-State Research and Extension

No matter whether it is a pet or livestock, an animal dying unexpectedly is sad and concerning. It often leaves owners with questions about what happened and whether other animals will be impacted.

To get to the bottom of what is going on, Kansas State University beef cattle veterinarians emphasize the importance of a producer working with their local veterinarian to determine the cause of death.

On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, the veterinarians discussed a listener question in which two cows recently died unexpectedly in the herd and anaplasmosis was determined to be the cause of death.

“Anaplasmosis is a disease of the blood in which a parasite causes the red blood cells to be destroyed and the animal can die due to a lack of oxygen,” veterinarian Bob Larson said.

Veterinarian Brian Lubbers added that this disease more significantly impacts cows older than age 2 than it does the others in the herd.

“With this infection, the immune system takes the damaged red blood cells out of circulation and younger animals do a better job of regenerating them more quickly,” Lubbers said.

Both veterinarians agree that the cattle death comes with little warning.

“Two days before they die, the cattle can appear normal, but then they fail quickly. It isn’t uncommon to have cattle death be the first sign of anaplasmosis in the herd,” Larson said.

The only visual sign of the disease prior to death is pale or yellow mucous membranes, Lubbers said.

Because the infection is spread primarily by ticks, the likelihood of disease is often greatest in the fall, a few weeks after tick populations peak. And, Larson said, the amount of anaplasmosis in the area will vary among geographic regions.

“If you live in an area that has anaplasmosis, then I would only buy replacement animals from areas that also expose replacements to the disease,” Larson said.

Once animals have recovered from this illness, they can be carriers of the disease, explains Lubbers.

Because this blood-borne disease is carried by ticks, it easily spreads through the herd. Syringe needles and palpation sleeves that are used with multiple animals in the herd can also spread the disease.

The K-State veterinarians also said cattle that do recover from this acute sickness may require a few months to build back healthy red blood cells.

Prevention is difficult, say the veterinarians, but prescribed feed additives can be used to mitigate the spread.

“This parasite is susceptible to some antimicrobials, and one FDA-approved drug used to treat it is tetracycline,” Lubbers said.

At this point in time there is not a good vaccine option to prevent this disease, said Larson.

“There is a lot of anaplasmosis vaccine research being done at K-State; this disease is difficult to build a safe and effective vaccine for, but I am hopeful that this research will lead to a better option in the future,” Larson said.

The Suez Canal: Grand Triumph

The centuries-old dream of a canal linking the Mediterranean and the Read Sea became reality in 1859, when French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps struck the first shovel in the ground to commence the building of the Suez Canal.

Over the next ten years, 2.4 million laborers would move 97 million cubic yards of earth and build a 100-mile Sinai shortcut that made the 10,000-mile sea journey from Europe around Africa to India unnecessary.

De Lesseps convinced an old friend, Egypt’s King Said, to grand him a concession to build and operate the canal for 99 years. French investors eagerly bankrolled three-quarters of the project. Said had to kick in the rest to keep the project afloat because others, particularly the British, rejected it as financial lunacy. Their criticisms were seemingly justified when the canal’s final cost rang in at double the original estimate.

The Suez dramatically expanded world trade by reducing transportation time and cost. De Lesseps was proclaimed the world’s greatest canal digger. The British, leery of France’s new backdoor to their Indian empire, spent the 20 years trying to wrest control of the Suez from their imperial rival.

Letting farmland recover may let air quality recover

University of Idaho

The USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that promotes sustainable agricultural practices to improve habitat may have an unintended benefit of improving air quality, according to new University of Idaho-led research published in American Geophysical Union’s journal GeoHealth, which investigates the intersection of human and planetary health for a sustainable future.

CRP provides funds for farmers to pause agricultural activity on enrolled lands for 10 to 15 years, letting the landscape recover. On land enrolled in the program, agricultural production is typically paused, and land managers are encouraged to plant species that will improve environmental health and boost biodiversity. The program, which has run since 1985, has resulted in improved water quality and reductions in soil erosion.

“Because the decommissioned land no longer requires all the inputs that agricultural land does, and because we know that translates into so many benefits, we wanted to see if that would translate into air quality benefits, too,” said Douglas Becker, an environmental health scientist at U of I who led the study.

The new study is the first to examine the potential impact of the CRP on air quality. No longer applying fertilizers could mean fewer nitrogen compounds being added to the atmosphere, where they can break down and form particulates. Decreases in heavy machinery use, along with increased vegetative cover, typically reduce erosion, so less dust and other fine matter is sent into the air. The findings suggest a correlation, but the reasons for such a pattern remain to be determined.

To test whether there is a relationship between land enrolled in the CRP and air quality, Becker and his collaborators compared average, county-wide PM2.5 concentrations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network to the county’s percentage of arable land enrolled in the CRP. They studied nearly 2,300 counties in the contiguous U.S., looking at data between 2001 and 2016. CRP enrollment peaked in 2008, allowing the researchers to examine the potential role changes in the area of CRP land has on air quality.

After taking population density and wildfires — two significant factors for particulate air pollution — into account, Becker found average PM2.5 concentrations to be around 9.5 micrograms per cubic meter of air nationally. That concentration dropped by a small but significant amount, about 0.02 micrograms per cubic meter of air, with every 1% of land enrolled in the program.

“While this seems small, the overall impact in any county, and especially across the country, can be seen as surprisingly large,” Becker said. “This is especially true of health impacts,” which in large populations can show improvements even with small decreases in PM2.5.

Droughts, which typically dry out land and increase dust, can exacerbate PM2.5.

“Drought is so intimately linked to the formation of secondary atmospheric pollutants, like fine particulate matter,” Becker said. Still, based on the current literature, “we didn’t expect that the drought variable was going to play such a big role.”

Better air quality could also mean fewer deaths from particulate air pollution. The study found that based on peak CRP enrollment in 2008, over 1,300 deaths may have been avoided as a result of cleaner air in counties with more CRP land.

While the new study points out this relationship, the physical and chemical processes responsible still need to be studied. Future research could be improved by using smaller, sub-county scales and considering how agricultural emissions are transported by wind across county lines, the paper notes. Adding these could allow scientist to better understand the causes of the observed relationship between PM2.5 and CRP-enrolled farmlands.

“That’s the Holy Grail here,” said Becker, of determining the causes of the relationship. “These are just associations, so this study is just the tip of the iceberg.”

The fertile crescent

Coined around 1900 by American archaeologist James Henry Breasted, the term refers to the crescent-shaped area that ranges across Syria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. It encompasses ancient Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, known as “the birthplace of civilization.”

##### Many people’s favorite carol “Jingle Bells” written in 1857 was actually written for Thanksgiving and was called “One horse open sleigh!

Improve feed efficiency, safety of weaned pigs

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service

A Kansas State University swine nutrition student is conducting research that focuses on potential alternatives to zinc oxide, a common ingredient in the diets of weaned pigs, in a project he says may contribute to the swine industry’s goal of improving the efficiency of pork production and animal welfare.

“Pharmacological levels of zinc from zinc oxide have been shown to improve growth performance and health status of the newly weaned pig,” said graduate student Ethan Stas. “However, there are growing concerns with the use of pharmacological levels on zinc in swine diets because of environmental concerns.”

Stas – who is working with feed ingredients with an acid binding capacity at a pH level of 4 (known as ABC4) - noted that the European Union has already banned the use of pharmacological levels of zinc and said that North America may follow a similar path.

“Different ingredients in the diets of swine bind more stomach acid than others, ultimately raising the stomach pH of the newly weaned pig,” Stas said. “A high stomach pH in newly weaned pigs decreases nutrient utilization and allows pathogens to invade the gastrointestinal tract.”

The gastrointestinal tract of newly weaned pigs is not fully developed and they cannot produce sufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to maintain a low pH, Stas said.

Stas describes the concept of ABC-4 as incorporating low acid-binding ingredients in weaned pig diets to try and maintain a low stomach pH and improve health status and growth performance.

“We conducted a study evaluating a low ABC-4 diet compared to a high ABC-4 with or without zinc oxide,” Stas said.

In Stas’ research, pigs were fed diets containing varying amounts of ABC-4 and zinc oxide for 21 days after weaning, with growth performance and health status evaluations from day zero to day 42.

“The study showed that when zinc oxide is present in the diet, there is no difference between ABC-4 level in terms of growth performance or mortalities/removals,” Stas said. “However, when zinc oxide is not present in the diet,

pigs that were fed the low ABC-4 diet had improved growth performance and lower mortalities/removals than pigs fed the high ABC4 diet.”

Stas believes this is a viable option for swine producers when pharmacological levels of zinc are banned from the diets of pigs. Utilizing low ABC-4 diets could assist producers in improving growth performance and health status when zinc oxide in not in the diet.

“Often times, pigs struggle for the first few weeks after weaning and I think improving performance and health status by utilizing ABC-4 diets is a large opportunity in the swine industry to improve efficiency,” he said. “We should always be thinking about potential ways to improve the welfare of the pigs we raise and if a low ABC-4 is able to improve health status and save more pigs, then it should be considered.”

Stas said ABC-4 will require further research to find the optimal level for a given weight range of a pig, evaluating how ingredients influence the ABC-4 level of the diet, and the role that water intake plays in maintaining a low stomach pH.

Paraquat safety

By Ed Crow, Pesticide Regulatory Specialist, Penn State Extension

Paraquat dibromide, generally referred to as paraquat, is a commonly used burndown and preplant herbicide for controlling emerged grass and broadleaf weeds in row crops, vegetables and specialty crops. Paraquat is the active ingredient contained in products such as Gramoxone, Quik-Quat, Paraq, Bonedry, Para-Shot, Firestorm, and Devour.

Toxicity Information

Paraquat was first registered in 1964 and is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a restricted use pesticide due to its acute toxicity. Because paraquat is highly toxic, it has a Danger-Poison signal word. The oral LD50 (lethal dose) for paraquat in humans is about 3 to 5 mg/kg, which means 1 to 2 teaspoons of the concentrate can be fatal for an adult. Remember, the LD50 is the dose or amount of a pesticide that can kill 50% of the test animals when eaten or absorbed through the skin. Because of the toxicity concerns associated with paraquat, product labels have the statements: “Danger – Fatal if swallowed or inhaled,” “Causes severe eye injury,” and “Corrosive to skin” under the Precautionary Statements section along with prominently being displayed on the front panel of most labels.

What are the effects and symptoms of paraquat poisoning? This depends on the amount, route, and duration of exposure along with the person’s current health status. Acute localized dermal exposure causes the reddening, blistering, and wearing away of the skin. Prolonged chronic dermal exposure can result in systemic absorption with cuts and abraded skin increasing the rate of absorption. The prolonged inhalation of spray droplets has caused localized nose bleeds in some individuals. When paraquat is ingested, it damages the lining of the mouth, stomach, and intestines upon contact. It then spreads throughout the body damaging organs, but primarily the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Some of the symptoms of a paraquat poisoning can occur within a few hours to days afterward include confusion, fast heart rate, muscle weakness, pulmonary edema (swelling caused by fluids in body tissues), seizures, coma, and respiratory failure. Immediate symptoms associated with ingesting large amounts of paraquat include pain and swelling of the mouth and throat, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea) which can result in dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and low blood pressure.

Always Wear PPE

Due to these significant exposure concerns, always wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) specified on the label. The PPE listed is based on the product’s toxicity, formulation, volatility, and exposure risk. Remember, PPE protects you and reduces your risk to exposure when using pesticides.

When using paraquat, the required PPE depends on whether you are applying or mixing and loading. The following is the PPE that must be worn when applying or handling paraquat (other than mixing and loading):

Long-sleeve shirt and long pants

Shoes plus socks

Protective eyewear

Chemical-resistant gloves made of: barrier laminate, butyl rubber ≥ 14 mils, nitrile rubber ≥ 14 mils, neoprene rubber ≥ 14 mils, natural rubber ≥ 14 mils, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ≥ 14 mils, or Viton ® ≥ 14 mils

NIOSH-approved particulate respirator with any N, R, or P filter, NIOSH approval number prefix TC-84A (particulate filtering respirator), or a NIOSH-approved powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a high efficiency (HE) filter with NIOSH approval number prefix TC-21

Individuals that are mixing and loading are required to wear the PPE listed above plus a chemical-resistant apron and a face shield instead of protective eyewear.

Risk Mitigation Requirements

Over the years concerns have been raised relating to paraquat exposure. Approximately 1 to 2 deaths per year have occurred from the accidental ingestion of paraquat. These deaths have been primarily due to paraquat being illegally transferred and stored in beverage containers that were then mistakenly consumed. In addition, many severe injuries have resulted from contact with the skin or eyes of individuals who mix, load, and apply paraquat.

To minimize these exposures to paraquat, the EPA implemented risk mitigation requirements in 2016 that included changes to product labels, the distribution of supplemental warning materials, further restricting its use so it can only be used by a certified applicator, requiring certified applicators to take specialized training every three years, and requiring closed-system packaging on all non-bulk containers.

All

paraquat are now required to complete a paraquat-specific training program approved by the EPA. This training must be successfully completed before using any paraquat product. In addition, all certified applicators who handle paraquat are required to take the course every three years. Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued that must be maintained by the applicator to document the training.

The manufacturers of paraquat have developed an EPAapproved training module, which is offered online in both English and Spanish. This training is offered through a third party, the National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC). Provisions have been made to offer the training as an in-person format. However, these in-person meetings must be administered by an individual that is registered with NPSEC as a trainer.

Note: Products may still be in the marketplace with the old labels that do not require the training. It is important that you read the label in order to know if you have a product with the old or new label. The training is only required for those products with the new label that references the training. You must follow the label directions that are on the container being used.

Protect yourself and others by never putting paraquat or other pesticides in food or beverage containers, wearing the required PPE, and always reading and following label directions.

Goats

According to many historians, goats were the first animal to be domesticated. Goats are typically the cleanest of animals. They are much more select feeders than cows, chickens, or even dogs. They typically will not eat food that has been contaminated or that has been on the floor or ground.

• Increased early season vigor

• Phosphorus and Zinc to drive rooting & cold start the crop.

• Zinc to help with early season hormone production, ie. Auxin for root and shoot growth.

• Convey Technology to help with early season stresses, such as cool soils and excess moisture. It also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Other essential nutrients target at each specific crop, ie. Boron for cell wall strength; Manganese for efficient photosynthesis.

• Second chance for a starter fertilizer

• Formulations are targeted at early season root growth (more root = more efficient moisture and nutrient uptake).

• Proactive way of managing the crops nutritional requirement.

• Convey Technology helps with early season stresses such as cool soils, excess moisture, and drought. Also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Speeds up recovery from herbicide hangover - the correct supply of nutrients helps the crop metabolize the herbicide more quickly.

• Contains novel Phosphorus nutrition, providing increased nutrient uptake and movement within the plant.

• Targeted at the reproductive phse of the plant.

• Proactive way of managing the crops utritional requirement

• Contains other essential nutrients targeted for each specific crop, ie. Boron to aid pollen tube growth, Zinc to help produce Auxin, to ensure healthy pollen tube growth.

Final rule to improve H-2A visa program

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a final rule to amend H-2A temporary labor certification regulations to protect agricultural workers better, and to update the H-2A application and temporary labor certification process. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2022.

The H-2A program allows employers to address temporary labor needs by employing foreign agricultural workers when there are not sufficient workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available, and when doing so will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of workers similarly employed in the U.S.

After the department proposed changes to the H-2A program’s regulations in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in July 2019, employers, employer associations, agents, business advocacy groups, state agencies, federal and state elected officials, worker advocates, labor unions, public policy and academic organizations, farmworkers and others submitted tens of thousands of comments. After considering them, the department published the final rule, which becomes effective on November 14, 2022.

“By improving H-2A program regulations, we are strengthening worker protections, meeting our core mission,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Today’s new rule makes several improvements to enhance the integrity of the H-2A program and provide employers and other stakeholders greater clarity.”

The new rule includes the following important elements: Improves safety and health protections for workers housed in rental or public accommodations.

Streamlines and updates bond requirements for labor contractors to better hold them accountable and clarifies joint-employer status for employers and associations.

Clarifies the housing certification process to allow state and local authorities to conduct housing inspections.

Establishes explicit authority to debar attorneys and agents for their misconduct, independent of an employer’s violations.

Makes electronic filing mandatory for most applications to improve employers’ processing efficiency.

Modernizes the methodology and procedures for determining the prevailing wage to allow state workforce agencies to produce more prevailing wage findings.

The changes in the final rule will also support the enforcement capabilities of the department’s Wage and Hour Division to address H-2A program fraud and abuse that undermines workers’ rights and hurts law-abiding employers.

Throughout the U.S., Wage and Hour Division violations of H-2A regulations and recovery of back wages have increased significantly over the past five years. In 2021, the Wage and Hour Division found H-2A violations in 358 cases and collected more than $5.8 million in back wages for more than 7,000 workers.

Read the unpublished final rule to amend H-2A temporary labor certification regulations at the Federal Register.

For more information about H-2A rules and other worker protections enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact its toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (866-4879243). Calls can be answered in over 200 languages.

Use the convenient search tool if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division.

Download the agency’s new Timesheet App, now available for android devices, to ensure hours and pay are accurate.

Hawaiian pizza is a Canadian invention

First things first, we’re not discussing whether ham and pineapple belong on a pizza or not.

Sam Panopoulos emigrated from Greece to Canada in 1954. He became a chef at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario.

In 1962, Panopoulos had the idea to add canned pineapple to pizza. Chinese Sweet and sour style cooking was his inspiration for this strange combination.

The Hawaiian pizza was unpopular at first due to the unusual fruity ingredient. But, once people tried it, the new topping soon became a common choice worldwide!

Hawaiian pizza has nothing to do with Hawaii. It’s actually named after the brand of canned pineapples they originally used.

Urea in beef cattle rations

By Daniel M. Kniffen, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Penn State Extension

The high cost of feed grains and many high-protein grains may make the use of urea as a protein source very cost-effective in many cattle diets. Several issues must be considered, though, to make its use most effective.

Urea is a non-protein nitrogen compound. That is, the nitrogen portion of urea is used as the building block for the production of protein by rumen microbes. Most urea contains about 45% nitrogen, and protein contains 16% nitrogen. Therefore, when urea is converted to protein, the crude protein equivalent value of urea is about 281%. It must be recalled that urea contains no other useful feed components such as energy, minerals, or vitamins.

Cattle and other ruminants convert urea to protein through the production of ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia that is released from urea can go two pathways in the animal. The first location is in the production of microbial protein, and the second is the liver where it is detoxified and excreted in the urine.

When too much ammonia escapes the rumen because the microbes are not able to utilize enough of it for protein, the capacity of the liver for excretion can be overwhelmed and a toxicity can occur. It is vitally important that the right level of urea is fed and that there will be sufficient bacterial action to produce protein. The level of bacterial action will be determined by the urea fermentation potential (UFP) of the total ration. When there is a higher level of fermentable energy available in the feed than what is required by the rumen to convert the ammonia in the feed to protein, the feed will have a positive UFP. If there is insufficient energy in the feed, or the feed already contains significant crude protein, the UFP will be negative. Thus, corn will have a positive UFP and fescue hay and soybean meal will both have a negative UFP. These results indicate feedlot rations high in energy will usually have the best potential for the use of urea as a protein source. However, combining several feeds that result in the dilution of urea as a protein source with other feeds can result in the formulation of a good protein supplement for many classes of cattle on high energy diets.

Precautions for Feeding Urea

As previously shown, urea can be harmful to cattle if the proper precautions are not taken to insure success. These precautions include:

Formulate diets precisely with feed components with known energy and crude protein values from laboratory analysis.

Use urea to provide no more than one-third of the total protein requirement in the ration.

Feed the ration at least twice daily to prevent an ammonia overload.

Weigh all feed components precisely and make sure the urea is mixed completely and uniformly in the ration.

Do not start feeder cattle on diets with urea. Rather, use plant proteins in starting rations and then convert to ureacontaining rations after 30 days of feeding. Cattle will often have a period of lower intake and lower weight gains during initial feeding of urea-containing rations.

Urea contains only nitrogen for protein, so mineral, vitamin, and energy values should be adjusted with other diet components.

Higher rumen-bypass proteins such as distillers grains (where the more of the protein is absorbed in the lower gut and outside the rumen) are complementary to urea in rations.

(From left to right) Rieker Spradlin, Cozad, earned the gold medal, Jaden Hunke, Lexington, won the silver medal, and the bronze to Wesley Thompson, Lexington, in the Intermediate Basic Bow division.

Figgy Pudding Recipe

Originating in England in the 16th century, Figgy Pudding can be baked, boiled, steamed, and even fried. There is a wide variety of ingredients that you can put into Figgy Pudding. But, it all begins with figs.

Similar to Fruitcake, Figgy Pudding is sticky and gooey. It is different from Fruitcake, in that it does not keep long. Fruitcake on the other hand, can be kept for a long time, and is humorously rumored to be kept for years!

Steamed Figgy Pudding Ingredients

12 dried figs, chopped

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup spiced rum

1/4 cup brandy

1 1/4 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/ 4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups bread crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup dried apricots, chopped (or other dried fruits)

Whipped cream or whip topping

How To Make Figgy Pudding:

In a small sauce pan, add chopped figs, raisins, water, rum, and brandy. Bring to a simmer. Then, very carefully light the mixture and remove pan from heat. Burn off alcohol for about a minute. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.In a third bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, bread crumbs, and melted butter. Once combined, stir in fig mixture (let it cool slightly). Add and mix in dry ingredients. Fold in other dried fruits. Butter a large Bundt (or angel food) pan. Add two to three cups of water into a pot large enough to hold the Bundt pan. Place the Bundt pan into the larger pot. The water should come at least halfway up the side of the Bundt pan. Remove pan from the larger pot. Scoop pudding batter into Bundt pan. Cover with foil. Place the Bundt pan into the larger pot. Cover the large pot. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and let pudding steam for 2 hours. Check water levels every 30 minutes or so. After steaming, let the pan cool. Then, remove it from the larger pot. Remove foil. Flip pudding over onto a plate and remove Bundt pan. Cut into serving slices. Serve warm with whipped cream or whipped topping.

Jaelynn Roberts, Lexington, earned the silver medal and blue ribbon in the Intermediate Freestyle division.

(From left to right) Kylee Kubert, Johnson Lake, won gold and Mickailee Reil, Overton, earned silver and purple ribbon in the Intermediate Bowhunter Freestyle division.

Lawsuit launched to protect Montana’s Arctic Grayling

Conservationists filed a formal notice of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for once again denying Montana’s Arctic grayling population Endangered Species Act protections. The parties — the Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, and Butte resident Pat Munday — are represented by Earthjustice.

The service first determined in 1994 that Montana’s grayling population warranted listing as an endangered species, but it has continuously delayed granting it federal protection. In 2014, the agency reversed its position and denied protection. Instead, the agency claimed there was sufficient state management and increasing population numbers and asserted that the fish could adapt to warming stream temperatures.

“It shouldn’t take nearly three decades to protect a fish like the grayling that’s so clearly on the brink of extinction,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center. “The Fish and Wildlife Service’s refusal to protect this beautiful fish is embarrassingly biased and thin on science. And Montana’s opposition to protecting this unique fish as endangered doesn’t make it any less imperiled.”

Conservation groups challenged the 2014 denial of protection, eventually getting a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the agency’s claims of an increased population were not supported by evidence and that the agency had failed to consider the impacts of climate change on stream temperatures and flows. The service doubled down on these claims in 2020 and again denied protection, even though the threats persist.

“There’s really no question that the only population of grayling in the lower 48 states is imperiled,” said Emily Qiu, associate attorney with Earthjustice’s Northern Rockies Office. “Too much water is already taken out of the Big Hole River, one of the last places the fish survive, and climate change will only make the situation worse.”

Once found throughout the upper Missouri River drainage above Great Falls, native populations of Montana’s Arctic grayling are now mostly limited to a short stretch of the Big Hole River and a few small lakes. Extensive water withdrawals from the Big Hole River draw down river levels to a mere trickle every summer and continue to threaten the grayling. Grayling have been reintroduced to the Ruby River and survive in small numbers in Hebgen Lake, a reservoir on the Madison River, but both populations are struggling.

“I fish the Big Hole River often. Grayling are truly the jewel of the river,” said Pat Munday, a professor at Montana Tech who authored a popular book about the Big Hole River. “It is incredibly sad that we must sue the Fish and Wildlife Service to follow the law and protect our natural heritage.”

“Voluntary measures are not enough to bring this unique fish back from the brink of extinction,” said Jocelyn Leroux, Washington and Montana director with Western Watersheds Project. “The compounding threats of water withdrawal, livestock degradation of key waterways, and climate change warrant bold federal action to protect the grayling’s last stronghold.”

In addition to water use, the grayling is threatened by habitat degradation from livestock grazing, urbanization, and non-native trout. Listing under the Endangered Species Act would require a federal recovery plan to be created to address chronic low flows in the Big Hole River, among other threats.

Background

A member of the salmon family, the Arctic grayling is a beautiful fish with a prominent dorsal fin. The species thrives in cold freshwater streams and rivers across Canada and Alaska. Historically, fluvial populations of Arctic grayling existed in only two places in the lower 48 states: Michigan and the upper Missouri River of Montana. Populations in Michigan had gone extinct by the 1930s, and populations in Montana had become restricted to the Big Hole River and a few lakes by the end of the 1970s. Studies demonstrate that Montana grayling are genetically distinct from populations in Canada and Alaska.

The grayling was first petitioned for listing in 1991 by the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, now part of the Center for Biological Diversity. In 1994, this led to the service’s first finding that the grayling warranted endangered status.

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A biologist, a chemist, and a statistician are out hunting. The biologist shoots at a deer and misses five feet to the left. The chemist takes a shot and misses five feet to the right. The statistician yells, “We got ‘em!”

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UW collegiate judging program reports record enrollment, engagement

In fall 2022, the University of Wyoming Department of Animal Science reported record enrollment in its introductory meat, wool and livestock judging courses. Engagement has skyrocketed, with many students planning to compete as members of the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources collegiate judging teams next season.

“Collectively, we are training about 30 percent of the entire animal science student population to become skilled evaluators of our products and livestock,” says McKensie Phillips, coordinator of the meat judging program and an instructor in the UW Department of Animal Science. “Most importantly, we are developing professional skills necessary for career success after college.”

Phillips says there are three main benefits to participating in the judging program. “First, you get skill development,” she says. “We are training you in a field that has lots of career options.” Equally important is the opportunity for students to build communication and interpersonal skills.

Judging also offers students an opportunity to gain industry experience and network with professionals across the country. The meat judging team, for example, travels to eight national contests annually in locations ranging from Texas to Pennsylvania.

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The three-credit intro classes are open to all students, regardless of experience. Classes meet once to twice a week, typically at the meat lab, wool lab or UW farm in Laramie. Upon completing an introductory course, students are eligible to join the judging team in that focus area.

Practices, including “workouts” in a lab or field setting, require a 10- to 20-hour per week time commitment. Teams also travel extensively for competitions, often holding practices at other universities or industry sites along the way.

Students are only permitted to judge for one year in each discipline.

“Students who are on judging teams are highly sought after for jobs. They know what time commitment looks like, know that it takes a lot of effort to reach goals, and that early mornings are a fact of life,” Phillips observes.

Ashlynn Manuel, of Montrose, Colo., is a junior majoring in animal science with a concentration in meat science and a minor in ag business. She is one of 22 students taking the Intro to Meat Judging class this fall.

“I feel like in meat judging there is always something new and interesting! I am very excited for the competitions coming next year and can’t wait for practices to start,” she shares.

To learn more about UW’s collegiate judging program, contact McKensie Phillips at mckensie.phillips@uwyo.edu or (307) 7662334.

Soybean residue for forage

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Forage this fall is tight and crop residues offer a cost-effective opportunity for cows to graze or for baling and feeding later. We’ve looked at corn and sorghum residues previously, so let’s take some time to assess the quality of soybean residues.

Soybeans themselves are very high in protein and fat. At about 40% crude protein and 20% fat, the beans alone can be a good feed source when fed in moderation. The high fat content can cause issues with rumen function, especially in young calves, so before letting animals out to graze a bean field, clean up any piles of spilled grain.

Soybean residues, on the other hand, have a much different feed composition. Empty bean pods and stems contain only 4 to 6% CP and the TDN is only 35 to 45%. Soybean leaves are slightly higher in protein at 12%, but the leaves break down quickly and are usually no longer available for consumption

once harvest has been completed.

With these qualities, soybean residues are unable support the nutritional requirements of a dry cow even if there is some grain left in the field. There is still opportunity to graze soybean residue in conjunction with a supplemented high-quality feed. Not only does this provides rest to pastures, but can help stretch feed resources while still ensuring the cow is properly fed.

Baled soybean residue can be used as a roughage source in rations if needed. Just like grazing, baled soybean residue does not meet cow requirements, with even lower quality than baled corn stalk residues.

Soybean residue may not be the quality we often think. While it can be used to rest pasture and stretch feed resources, residue alone will not meet even a dry cow’s nutrient requirements. Supplementation will be need if you decide to utilize your soybean residue.

UW’s 2021 collegiate meat judging team. L-R McKensie Phillips, (coach), Danielle Freels, Karlie Rumbeck, Abby Vogl, Tanner Wright, Kyle Phillips (UW Meat Lab Manager).

- Roger Miller, Booker, TX

Protein supplementation: What should I know

By Hannah Smith, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Extension Educator and Travis Mulliniks, UNL Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Range Production Systems

Daily energy intake can be a limiting factor for cow performance while grazing winter range or dormant forages. As forages advance in stages of maturity, there is an inadequate supply of crude protein, which effectively limits energy intake and overall intake itself. Intake declines rapidly as forage crude protein falls below about 7%, a relationship attributed to a deficiency of nitrogen (protein) in the rumen, which inhibits activity of the rumen microbes. If the forage diet contains less than about 7% crude protein, feeding a protein supplement generally improves the energy and protein status of cattle by improving their forage intake and digestion. Consequently, cows consuming low-quality forages require additional protein. Protein supplements can be offered to cows daily, three days a week, or as infrequently as once per week and maintain adequate performance. As a rule of thumb, feeding 0.3 to 0.6 pounds of

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crude protein per day during late gestation to mature cows maintains cow performance and fetal growth.

Supplemental protein is available in many forms including cakes, grain mixes, blocks, tubs, or forages, and ranges in overall crude protein content. To make it more complicated due to the rumen and rumen fermentation, not all proteins are created equal. Crude protein can come from natural protein sources, non-protein nitrogen sources (ie., urea or biuret), and frequently a mixture of the two. An additional consideration may be the ratio of ruminally degradable protein to rumen undegradable protein. Rumen degradable protein is the type of protein that is degraded or utilized by the rumen microbes. Rumen undegradable protein is protein that is protected from degradation at the rumen and will be absorbed or utilized by the cow. More information about differences and the importance of each type can be found at https://beef.unl.edu/beefwatch/2022/ protein-not-protein-not-protein.

Non-protein sources, like urea, are generally a less expensive form of protein and utilized in cooked molasses tubs and liquid molasses feeds. Urea works best with highenergy diets that contain crude protein levels below 12 percent. When using poor quality forages, cattle performance can be reduced if urea is supplemented in place of higher quality, natural protein supplements with feedstuffs like dried distillers, soybean meal or cottonseed meal. This is likely the result of insufficient rumen undegradable protein in the diet to meet the actual protein needs of the cow. In addition, urea has a rapid rate of degradation in the rumen, which can result in lack of nitrogen use for forage digestion and result in increased nitrogen (protein) loss in urine. Even slow-release forms of urea (biuret) are usually not effective in improving urea use in forage-based diets due to nitrogen recycling of the rumen and liver.

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In developing a protein supplementation strategy, it is important to consider what is the goal of feeding the protein supplement and that not all protein sources are equal. For instance, two 30% CP supplements can result in completely different performance depending on both type and percentage of the type of protein in those two supplements. As a reminder, the cow and the rumen microbes both have requirements for protein, which may not be the same type of protein. Research has shown that meeting the rumen microbe requirements for nitrogen first with the remaining portion of crude protein being rumen undegradable can result in increased growth or weight gain, increased reproduction, and increased nitrogen or protein utilization.

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Terminating a verbal farmland lease

By Jessica Groskopf, PHREC Extension Educator, Agricultural Economist; Dave Aiken, Professor and Agricultural Water Law Specialist ; Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, Farm & Ranch Transition and Succession

Some farm leases are not written but are verbal — or “handshake” — agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For both year-toyear leases and holdover leases, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. However, the lease date (the date from which the six months is counted) may be different. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease.

Terminating verbal leases

For year-to-year verbal leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under a verbal or handshake year-toyear lease (legally referred to as a “notice to quit”) must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than September 1. This rule applies regardless of the crop planted. Those with winter wheat should consider providing notice before it is time to prepare wheat ground for planting.

For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2023, and ending February 29, 2024, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be given to (and received by) the tenant no later than September 1, 2022. The lease would then expire February 28, 2023, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease March 1, 2023. If, however, the notice to quit were given (or received) after September 1, 2022, the existing tenant would have the lease until February 29, 2024.

It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™. This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received.

Pasture Lease Terminations

Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season. However, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect.

Importance of Good Communication

Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal or even multi-year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before Sept. 1, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases

In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation. The site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region.

To learn more about this topic and others visit cap.unl.edu.

Joe Skierka, Guy Meiwald, and Butch Gillespie listened intently to Peter Kolb, MSU Extension forest specialist, as he shared his knowledge of trees and shelterbelts in a recent Glacier County Extension workshop. Peter presented a lunchtime seminar on tree care and management and the evening session focused more on shelterbelt renovation and planning with site visits to Joe Skierka and Guy and Heather Meiwald’s operations west of Cut Bank. Photo by Kari Lewis.

MWBC welcomes a new director

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) is pleased to announce Keven Bradley of Cut Bank, Montana has been appointed as the director of district three.

“As a fourth-generation farmer from Glacier County, I’m excited to have the opportunity to represent district three on the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee,” said Bradley.

District three of the MWBC includes Liberty, Toole, Glacier, and Pondera counties.

The MWBC board is comprised of seven Governor appointed farmers who are tasked with representing the interests of Montana Farmers.

Directors’ tasks include seeking grower input, addressing industry problems and opportunities, and to serve on boards in which the MWBC funds.

Bradley included, “I look forward to working with the other directors on the board and utilizing my industry experience to guide and further the mission of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee.”

Throughout the years Bradley has been very active in Montana agriculture leadership, serving on the Montana Grain Growers Association Executive Board, Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Advisory Board, Northwest Farm Credit Services Advisory Board, Glacier County Conservation District, and the Local Farm Service Agency Committee.

“Keven is a great fit for this position and his industry knowledge partnered with his time spent on the Montana Grain Growers board will be an asset to the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee,” said Kent Kupfner, Executive Vice President of the MWBC.

Bradley’s first term will run through June 1st of 2025. #####

Teacher: “If you had one dollar and you asked your father for another, how many dollars would you have?”

Vincent: “One dollar.”

Teacher: “You don’t know your arithmetic.”

Vincent: “You don’t know my father.

#####

Teacher: “Why does a stone sink in water when you thrown it in?”

Student: “Because it does not know how to swim.”

Technology in cow-calf production systems

By Yijie Xiong, NE Extension Specialist, Precision Livestock Management; Kacie McCarthy, UNL CowCalf Specialist; Travis Mulliniks, UNL Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Range Production Systems

In the last few years, buzzwords like precision livestock management have been thrown around quite a bit. Although the official name of “precision livestock farming” debuted in a European conference in 2003, usage of technology in beef production systems isn’t a new thing. Artificial insemination began in the 1950s, use of growth implants became commercially available in 1957, and use of EPDs in bulls started in the 1970s. These 3 technologies adopted in commercial cow-calf systems would be considered precision livestock management tools. However, technology-based systems sometimes get a similar treatment that barbed wire received in the 1800s, which was fondly called devil’s wire.

Innovative technologies will continue to drive improvements in both production efficiency and sustainability in beef production systems. Digital technologies are already transforming agriculture, also known as digital agriculture, which particularly focus on precision cropping/farming. The adoption of technology in beef production systems has been slower to evolve, but opportunities are quickly becoming available to increase production efficiency. In the last 30 years, genetic potential of the cowherd and production costs have steadily increased; however, production outputs (pregnancy rates and weaning weights) have been stagnant or declined. At the same time, cost of production continues to rise. Precision livestock management tools have the potential to address these long-term production and cost trends while potentially decreasing cost of production, increasing output traits and assisting in labor issues.

In the last few years, we have seen an increase in precision technology-driven systems being designed and developed specifically for cow-calf producers in mind. There are pros and cons with these innovative technologies. First adopters to many new technologies take on a big risk. Since so many of these technologies are in some range of stages from infancy to fully developed, new technologies carry a bigger risk of failure and challenges that better technologies may come out after the initial investment. With newer technologies, the cost to establish or maintain can be substantial with limited competitive markets. Understanding the current market, specific technologies or companies, and the risk of investment is important in gaging what technology is right for your needs.

Computerized technologies comprise a substantial portion in today’s digital agriculture, regardless that each computerized system may represent its own challenges. Broadband or connectivity issues in rural communities can limit the adoption, use, or the overall access to the tool. Affordable and effective data integration and aggregation from multiple sources to a usable interface or package can also be a challenge. In these cases, not all technologies are a good investment, particularly for the short-term.

When considering investing in a new technology, some guidelines to think through would be: 1) production goal or gap that this technology addresses on your ranch or farm, 2) expected return on investment, 3) understanding the early adopters’ risk vs. reward, 4) ability of the specific technology to be remotely or otherwise upgraded as technology capabilities/innovations grow, and 5) was the specific tool developed or validated with grazing beef cows in a similar management/environment as your ranch.

At the end of the day, technology will not replace the human component and the ability to manage cattle properly at the ranch. Technology can provide the ability to go from reactive to pro-active management, may assist in labor issues, may improve animal health and well-being, and increase overall resource (land, feedstuff, people) efficiency. Technology can be a great thing, but it isn’t a silver bullet.

To help us better serve your needs, we invite you to complete a quick survey to get your perceptions on using precision livestock management tools for cow-calf operations. The survey is completely anonymous and is expected to take less than 8 mins to complete. Please go to https:// go.unl.edu/plm_cowcalf to access the survey.

Iberia

The peninsula at the far west of Europe occupied by Spain and Portugal. The name was derived from Iber, the Greek name for the river that flows across the peninsula.

Appointees to the MT FSA state committee

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced appointees who will serve on the Montana USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.

Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.

Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for Montana are:

Committee Chair Ryan Lankford – Chinook

Casey Bailey – Fort Benton Steve Carney - Scobey Sarah Degn – Sidney Jake Merkel - Whitehall

“The FSA state committee members play an integral role in the continuity of operations, equitable and inclusive program administration and ensure the overall integrity of services to the nation’s agricultural producers,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. “These individuals have proven themselves to be leaders, early adopters and key influencers in the agriculture industry in their respective states – qualities that will serve them well in these key Biden-Harris Administration leadership positions.

The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.

#####

Coach: “Why are you late for the game?”

Caterpillar: “I had to put my shoes on.”

that Christ is the reason for

Be a family and be active!

Nebraska Extension

Children need family. Family time is important. Human beings have the right and responsibility to feel safe, comfortable, happy, and loved. Families, in all their remarkable diversity, are the basic foundation of all human cultures. Strong families are critical to the development of strong communities, and strong communities promote and nurture strong families.

So be intentional….. Spend time together making family memories, doing something together with a common goal. A positive emotional connection and sense of belonging with each other creates an emotional bond. When this emotional bond is present, the family can endure almost any hardship. Strong active families are where this all happens. Why not have some family time and be an ACTIVE Family!!!

Physical activity is important for children and adults of all ages. Being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults and children need physical activity. Follow these tips to add more activity to your family’s busy schedule.

Set specific activity times - Determine time slots throughout the week when the whole family is available. Devote a few of these times to physical activity. Try doing something active after dinner or begin the weekend with a Saturday morning walk.

Plan ahead and track your progress - Write your activity plans on a family calendar. Let the kids help in planning the activities. Allow them to check it off after completing each activity.

Include work around the house - Involve the kids in yard work and other active chores around the house. Have them help you with raking, weeding, planting, or vacuuming.

Use what is available - Plan activities that require little or no equipment or facilities. Examples include walking, jogging, jumping rope, playing tag, and dancing. Find out what programs your community recreation center offers for free or minimal charge.

Build new skills - Enroll the kids in classes they might enjoy such as gymnastics, dance, or tennis. Help them practice. This will keep things fun and interesting and introduce new skills!

Turn off the TV - Set a rule that no one can spend longer than 2 hours per day playing video games, watching TV, and using the computer (except for schoolwork). Instead of a TV show, play an active family game, dance to favorite music, or go for a walk.

Start small - Begin by introducing one new family activity and add more when you feel everyone is ready. Take the dog for a longer walk, play another ball game, or go to an additional exercise class.

Include other families - Invite others to join your family activities. This is a great way for you and your kids to spend time with friends while being physically active. Plan parties with active games such as bowling or an obstacle course, sign up for family programs at the YMCA, or join a recreational club.

Treat the family with fun physical activity - When it is time to celebrate as a family, do something active as a reward.

The Mourner’s Flag

It started out a quiet day for some a sad day long ago On the day they buried another person who died in a war On the radio a short note about the funeral then on and on The announcer told of battles fought deaths on both sides So people could keep score

It was cold out and raining lightly with the wind blowing For some reason this scene, at time like this, seemed to fit It was something you never forget the Soldiers at attention The flowers around the Flag draped coffin Beside it, chairs for family to sit

The Preacher stood and talked for awhile Saying, for the gathering what he thought was best But what happened then Has stayed in my mind Like I’m sure, it hit as hard for the rest

The calling out for the gun salute, the precision of the Soldiers And the Bugler sounding taps was almost More than people could stand But it’s enough to tear a heart in two, as the man in uniform Reaches out and puts that Flag in a mourners hand ©Robert Lee Ridgway (Vaughn, Montana)

Department of Livestock keeps improving disease preparedness

The Montana Department of Livestock recently completed a training exercise to improve response to a foreign animal disease in a Montana swine herd. The four-day event was conducted in partnership with the National Pork Board and the Montana Pork Producers Association and involved a simulated detection of African Swine Fever (ASF); a swine disease that has recently been detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Traditional methods of disease control such as quarantine, vaccination, and early marketing are insufficient to control ASF, where large numbers of swine will die of the disease. To prevent further disease spread, large numbers of animals may need to be disposed of after being humanely euthanized.

“Rapidly stamping out infections of ASF remains our most potent weapon”, stated Michael Honeycutt, Executive Officer of the Board of Livestock. “To mitigate the impacts to the Nation, it is critical to rapidly detect any introduction of ASF into the United States and effectively contain the disease.”

The exercise allowed participants to observe novel depopulation techniques to improve on established methods of euthanasia such as anesthetic overdose, gunshot, or captive bolt which are difficult to use for large numbers of animals. Once animals are euthanized, carcasses remain infective and, therefore must be disposed of in a manner to contain or inactivate the ASF virus.

The training also included mental health assessments because large scale depopulation and disposal activities can have significant mental health impacts on animal owners and responders. Ideal methods of depopulation are humane, effective for large groups of animals, and minimize mental health impacts.

“We hope Montana never has to experience a devastating foreign animal disease like ASF but preserving the welfare of our employees is a critical component of a successful response,” added Honeycutt.

The training is one of five exercises sponsored by the National Pork Board. Montana was also fortunate to have participation from Montana State University Extension, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. The Department also acknowledges the key roles of Thomas Wurtz, DVM, and the Montana swine producer who hosted the exercise on their facility and offered up time, resources, and equipment vital to make the exercise a success.

African Swine Fever is viral disease of swine

associated with high mortality rates in domestic swine. The disease is highly contagious with no available vaccination or treatment. In addition to spread through direct swine-to-swine contact, the virus can also survive for extended periods of time in improperly cooked pork products. The long survivability of the virus increases the risk of disease introduction into the United States by travelers who may visit areas of the world where ASF is present.

Since 2018, ASF has been spreading throughout much of China and Asia. In July 2021, the disease was confirmed in the western hemisphere in the Dominican Republic, and then in Haiti in September 2021. The presence of the disease so close to the United States warrants increased prevention and preparedness efforts.

The mission of the Montana Department of Livestock is to control and eradicate animal diseases, prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans, and to protect the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals. For more information on the Montana Department of Livestock, visit www.liv.mt.gov.

UM program trains commercial drivers

By Raequel Roberts, UM News Service

Like a lot of kids growing up, Renee Kelly liked to play with toy trucks in the backyard dirt pile.

Unlike a lot of kids, her love for big rigs never went away. Today, Kelly owns a small fleet of heavy machinery and operates her recently launched landscaping business called Rock on Groundworks.

She got her start in the University of Montana’s Missoula College heavy equipment operation and commercial driver’s license program, learning how to shift through 18 speeds and back up a cargo trailer with precision. The basic skills she learned there have been invaluable ever since, said Kelly, who graduated in May 2022.

“Driving a mixer truck with 10 yards of concrete is definitely a learning curve,” Kelly said. “Same with driving a semi with concrete blocks or picking up heavy equipment. You can’t just change lanes; you have to think ahead. I like the challenge.”

Kelly, a 13-year U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in the Middle East, represents the broad diversity of students now enrolling in the CDL program at Missoula College, said Larry Reinholz, director of the college’s heavy equipment operation program.

“We definitely have more male students, but we are seeing more and more female students,” Reinholz said. “For some students it’s a second career, for some it’s a third, but also for some it’s a first. We see a diversity in ages too – from 18- to 70-year-old students enrolled in the program.”

Much has been written the past few years about the nation’s ongoing shortage of commercial truck drivers, which was made worse by the pandemic. In 2021 alone, trucking companies faced a deficit of 80,000 drivers according to the trade organization American Trucking Associations. Estimates are the industry shortage could top 160,000 drivers by 2030.

While there are many reasons for the shortage, the need is very much real, said Reinholz, who’s worked in heavy equipment his whole life.

“I was driving an 18-wheeler when I was 8 years old, but that’s eastern Montana,” he said.

In the past 15 months, 55 students have completed the course, which requires completing federal paperwork and a physical and drug test before actual training starts. Most complete the course in 25 to 30 hours, learning to drive one of two semis – an 18-speed and a 10-speed.

Students just don’t learn to shift gears, they also learn what makes commercial rigs tick, said Andrew Tode, the program’s head instructor.

“We teach them the ins-and-outs of a trailer, how to add fluids and put on tire chains,” Tode said. “When you are on the road, you often have to be your own mechanic.”

The employment rate for students finishing the program

Caring for house plants during the winter

By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service

While temperatures drop outside as winter approaches, indoor plants still need care. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said houseplants require less water and fertilizer during the shorter days.

Upham said this is because longer days offer more light, which produces fuel for growth. More growth requires more water and nutrients.

“When light is limited, the need for water and nutrients decreases dramatically and it becomes easy to overwater and over-fertilize during the winter months,” Upham said.

Overwatering and excess nutrients could damage the root system.

“Overwatering can suffocate roots by eliminating oxygen, and excess fertilizer can burn roots,” Upham said.

He suggests fertilizing houseplants with a quarter of the recommended amount in November and February, and not at all in December and January.

“It is never wise to water on a set schedule. Rather, allow the potting soil to tell you when watering is needed,” Upham said.

To measure moisture, insert a finger into the potting mix, about one-inch deep. Only water the plant if the potting mix is dry.

trains commercial drivers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C26 is nearly 100%, Reinholz said.

Local employer, Derek Miller, a driver and maintenance manager for GW Petroleum, has hired three drivers from Missoula College and works closely with college staff to identify top drivers who he can take the next level of training for endorsements to haul hazmat cargo and fuel.

“It’s very tough to get drivers these days,” he said. “Without state-based schools like that at Missoula College, the country would come to a stop. No products, no fuel, no commerce.”

CDL graduate Danica Gorton enrolled at Missoula College following advice from her father, who operates a soil business in the Flathead Valley.

“I asked how I could help with the business, and he said he needed drivers with CDLs,” said Gorton, who earned a bachelors in psychology from UM.

Today, the mother of two drives for Pro Sweep Plus and hauls asphalt in her Kenworth dump truck she’s named Kenny.

“I grew up driving a stick shift, but this is a different beast,” said Gorton, who earned her CDL in April. “I love it, I absolutely love being in the truck.”

Having a truck driving mom though has worn off on her kids, she added.

“We’ll pass a big truck and I’ll point it out and tell them it’s just like the one I drive, and they are like, ‘Yeah, Mom, we know,’” she said with a chuckle.

Kelly went to work for Diversified Materials & Construction right after graduation and had valuable opportunities to learn “practical stuff” like handling a truck while driving up steep hills.

“I am grateful that they gave me a chance to prove myself,” she said.

Like the true gearhead that she is, Kelly hopes to one day replace her smaller dump truck with something bigger and beefier.

“I like working outside and driving heavy equipment,” she said. “There is a real sense of power when you are sitting up in that cab.”

The term “footage” comes from films being measured in feet when being edited in the early days of filmmaking.

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UM scientist earns prestigious award for wildfire smoke research

By Cary Shimek, UM News Service

University of Montana researcher Lu Hu contends our understanding of wildfire smoke is a bit hazy. But the atmospheric chemist recently earned a prestigious federal award to take a deep dive into the true nature of the smoke that clouds our Western skies.

Dr. Hu’s award is from the Faculty Early Career Development Program. CAREER awards are among the most respected National Science Foundation awards, given to promising early career faculty members to provide a foundation for a lifetime of leadership integrating education with research.

Hu will use the five-year, $800,000 grant to improve the ability of researchers to analyze the true chemical composition of wildfire smoke, as well as improve airquality models.

our analytical skills – to improve our use of mass spectrometry – to better quantify them. With all our current models, we still cannot predict the formation of ozone when we have wildfire smoke.”

Some VOCs in wildfire smoke are classified as a group of substances called furans, which possibly can be carcinogenic. Furans are produced during combustion processes like power generation and burning fossil fuels. Hu said the lifetime for most furans is about an hour, after which they “react out” and transform into other things that also are potentially harmful.

When the analytics improve, Hu then hopes to update and improve air quality models.

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“I feel pretty good about earning this award,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized by my colleagues in the field, and it means what we do is really important. We need to study in smoke what we cannot see with our human eyes – especially when it causes respiratory and other diseases.”

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210 hp 3126 Cat Diesel, 6 spd manual, AC, PS, PB, 90% 11R22.5’s, 26K GVW, 16-ft. service bed, IR 175 cfm diesel powered compressor, hose reels, large hydraulic winch, 210K miles $22,500

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A native of China, Hu earned his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota before becoming a postdoc at Harvard for several years. He joined UM in 2017, where he and his collaborators immediately embarked on a research project that involved flying a plane through smoke billowing off active wildfires. The plane carried a mass spectrometer instrument to minutely analyze what was in the smoke.

Hu is most interested in volatile organic compounds. VOCs in their gas phase can diffuse, transform and travel. Many can have direct negative impacts on human health. Science has the ability to measure about 150 VOCs in the atmosphere, but there are many more to discover. Hu said mass spectrometry is used to identify and quantify VOCs.

“When we look at smoke, we see the particulate matter,” he said. “The actual chemical composition is much more complex. So we can examine VOCs and rank them in terms of what are the most important for human health impacts. We also rank them in terms of how reactive they are and their ability to generate secondary pollutants.”

He said many VOCs are hazardous and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Wildfires are the second leading producer of VOCs. Trees – oddly enough – are the No. 1 producer globally.

“With big cities like Salt Lake City or Denver, wildfires bring in additional pollutants – additional VOCs – and can mix with local pollutants to generate ozone particulate matter,” he said. “All the current air quality models don’t simulate these very reactive furans. Lacking those in the models are part of the reason we cannot predict ozone correctly. So that’s the direction we are heading to.”

As part of his research project, Hu will fund the continuation of a long-term, airmonitoring site based on the fourth floor of UM’s Clapp Building. He said Missoula is an ideal location for the site because the area acts as a natural receptor for smoke traveling from the West Coast and British Columbia. The site was launched by his UM colleague and researcher Dr. Bob Yokelson, with Hu adding in VOC measurements.

The CAREER award also will fund a wildfire smoke exhibit and curriculum with UM’s spectrUM Discovery Area, a handson science center that inspires a culture of learning and science for children and others. (On the day of this interview, Hu was excitedly ordering low-cost carbon dioxide sensors for the exhibit.)

While working the lab, Hu is assisted by three graduate students. He also has two postdocs on his team, and he said the CAREER award will support one additional graduate and another postdoc for two years. He also recruits a UM undergraduate lab worker from his chemistry classes.

And when he isn’t studying wildfire smoke and teaching, he also co-directs the statewide Montana Science Fair for middle and high school students, which has been held at UM since 1955.

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“VOCs can be produced by plants for many reasons – as byproducts of photosynthesis, plant growth, defense, induced by various stresses or even for communication,” Hu said. “What you smell when walking in a ponderosa pine forest or cutting a Christmas tree is VOC. You are fine around that in remote areas. But VOCs are volatile and can mix with human-caused pollutants like NOx [nitrogen oxides]. So if you have VOCs from trees or wildfire smoke next to heavy traffic from cars, it becomes this perfect atmospheric cocktail where all these ingredients come together in sunlight, and that can be bad.”

Bad means formation of substances like ozone. High in the atmosphere, ozone is good because it protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. But ground-level ozone is regulated by the EPA and can aggravate lung problems such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. VOCs also may produce other harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde.

“We cannot measure VOCs well,” Hu said. “This project will work to improve

Hu earned the CAREER award in his last year of eligibility, so he feels fortunate. “Getting an award like this is good,” he said. “It’s a rewarding moment for a faculty member, like seeing your students grow.”

#####

Four men are in the hospital waiting room because their wives are having babies. A nurse approaches the first guy and says, “Congratulations! You’re the father of twins.”

“That’s odd,” answers the man. “I work for the Minnesota Twins!”

A nurse then tells the second man, “Congratulations! You’re the father of triplets!”

“That’s weird,” answers the second man. “I work for the 3M company!”

A nurse goes up to the third man saying, “Congratulations! You’re the father of quadruplets.”

“That’s strange,” he answers. “I work for the Four Seasons hotel!”

The last man begins groaning and banging his head against the wall. “What’s wrong?” the others ask. “I work for 7 Up!”

Beef herd health

By Daniel M. Kniffen, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Penn State Extension

Many times a producer does not consider or appreciate the value of a good year-round herd health program until confronted with a difficult calving season or an unacceptable level of calf loss from health challenges.

Year-Round Herd Health

Managing through a disease outbreak in a herd is significantly more costly than implementing a preventative health program. Understanding that many cow calf producers have employment away from the farm or ranch greatly reduces the amount of time available during the day to attend to management and health issues with the cow herd.

As a producer it is important to take an active role identifying health related issues particular to your area. Consulting with other producers in your area both beef and dairy are a good initial resource for not only someone new to the cattle business but also for individuals that have move and are new to an area. Your local veterinarian is also an excellent resource to help develop a herd health program

During their life cattle develop 2 types of immunity passive immunity and active immunity. Passive immunity is immunity that passes from the cow to her calf in colostrum. Active immunity is either naturally developed from exposure to a disease or as the result of an immunization program.

Additionally in the initial development of a herd health program it is good to establish a plan to meet the management needs of the herd. It is important to remember cattle need to be most protected as they enter times of stress or when their health will be challenged. Many times periods of stress are elevated when a change occurs in the weather or the management of animals. For example, stress occurs when calves are weaned or again when they are co-mingled with other animals. Calves will remain healthy as long as their level of protection or immunity is higher than the level of stress they are exposed to.

A good herd health program should begin in the cow herd prior to the calves being born. A cow herd vaccination program stimulates the immune system in the cow causing her to build the necessary antibodies to provide passive immunity to her calf in colostrum. This is the first line of protection for the new calf. It is important to remember several factors beyond a health program will impact the health and vitality of the new calf. For example changes in the body condition score of the cow will have a direct impact on the quantity and quality of the colostrum a cow produces. The industry established a body condition score of 5 - 6 is an optimum range for cow performance pre-calving. Cows in a lower body condition will not produce the same quantity or quality of colostrum. Calves born to these lower body condition cows will not receive the same level of protection as calves born to cows in a higher body condition score.

In addition to preparing the cow for calving it is important to establish a good health plan for the calves prior to being moved from the farm or ranch of origin. Calves will carry a level of natural immunity to the health challenges and diseases it will be exposed to where it is born. A good plan should also consider the future location of a calf if it is sold from the premises. So plan not only for where the calf currently resides but also build a vaccination plan for where the cattle are being shipped to if sold.

The following chart outlines the suggested times during the year and principal products to consider in a basic year round herd health program for the North East. No specific product names are identified. Producers can source products from numerous suppliers and should consult with a local veterinarian for the specific products available. Additionally, there are some specific products that should be included in a vaccination program for calves being shipped out of state to different parts of the country.

Year Round Herd Health Program for the Cow / Calf Herd

Cows 45 - 60d pre-calving vaccinations

Killed Virus complex (IBR BVD P13 BRSV)

Clostridial complex

Tetanus Toxoid

Consider adding a pinkeye vaccine at this time

All open Cows 30d prior to breeding

A Modified Live virus complex (IBR BVD P13 BRSV)

Clostridial complex (only required for the new breeding age heifers)

Calves at time of vaccinating open cows Above Optional

A Clostridial Complex consider including pinkeye vaccine

Calves could be boostered with a second round of vaccine three to four weeks following this first round of vaccination

If you lift a kangaroo’s tail off the ground, it can’t hop.

Kangaroos use their tails for balance whilst hopping. So if you elevate their tail, they would have no balance and fall over.

There are cases where kangaroos have lost their tails and can still move around. But, it took them a long time to adjust, and they can only move small distances at a time!

Their tails aren’t only for balance – they also act as a third leg, propelling them forward just as much as their legs do!

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2010 Deere 770GP, new cutting edges, good tires, operates well, 14-ft. moldboards, 10,000 hours, 168” moldboard est. length $92,000

1980 Deere 670A, motor grader, operates and runs, 14.00x24 tires, 14-ft. moldboard, front scarifier/ripper, block heater, cab $24,500

1988 Gallion A600, articulating joint, 14-ft. moldboard, International engine, rear hyd ripper, power shift transmission, power steering, tires at 10% on front, 50% on rear, 4570 hours on meter $17,500

1975 Gallion T-500A, motor grader, Detroit engine, 4600 hours on meter, tires at 35%, 12-ft. moldboard, hyd side shift and hyd pitch, power steering Call

LOADERS

1994 Cat IT28F, runs and operates. Does not shift properly $17,900

EXCAVATORS

2015 Cat 312E hyd wedge coupler, 50% undercarriage, clean, tight. 15,500 hours. Call

2014 Cat 312E Call

2013 Cat 305E, 4700 hours, cab, air, heat, front blade, hyd thumb, auxiliary hyds, 2 speed, clean. Call

2005 Cat 308C, 4600 hours, Progressive link hyd thumb, front blade, pin grabber coupler, auxiliary hyds, good undercarriage $62,000

1989 Cat EL 200B Call

2004 Deere 200CLC, pin grabber Q/C, progressive link thumb. 12,000 hours $49,500 before going thru the shop

1989 Deere 70D hyd thumb, front blad, wedge coupler, enc cab. Call

Hitachi EX200-5, runs and operates as it should $20,000

2012 Hitachi ZX120-3, wedge coupler, progressive link thumb, 36” bucket, backup camera, average undercarriage, 6007 hours. Good looking mid-model machine Call

SKIDSTEER

2013 John Deere 333D skidsteer, new tracks, enclosed cab, C pattern tracks, standard/high flow, 5600 hours Call

TRAILERS

1994 CPS belly dump trailer, 3 axle, air brakes, 29-ft. from pin to center of first axle, 10-ft. bottom hopper, 9-ft. spread on back 3 axles, tires at 15%, 11r22.5 tires. Call

1965 Cook belly dump trailer, 2 axle, 24-ft. pin to center of front axle, air brakes, 10-ft. bottom hopper, tires at 15%. Call

ATTACHMENTS

Compaction • Hydraulic Breaker • Buckets

• Skidsteer forks •

John Deere 4000 Series H, winch, includes all controls for each, mounting plate, drive shaft $14,000 Henke snow plow off Cat 621B loader, ACS coupler, hyd angle snowblade with float, hyd snowgate. $7500

3325 winch arch available, good condition, includes cable, handle and misc, PTO shaft available. Came off John Deere 450C. $4500

CRAWLERS

1963 Cat D4D Call

1994 Cat D5C ripper, 6-way hyd blade. 1st gear is out of forward and reverse $19,900

Cat D6D logging, gearmatic free spool winch and arch, angle blade with hydraulic twin tilts, under carriage usable, some minor leads. Starts and runs. Call

2000 Deere 450H LGP, enc cab, 6-way hyd blade, winch with power in and power out available for additional cost. Very good under carriage. Call

1996 Deere 650G LGP, 6-way hyd blade, 14,000 hours, excellent undercarriage, operates as it should Call Deere 650G, sweeps, screens, winch, 7600 hours $49,900

1994 John Deere 450G, OROPS with sweeps, rear and side cages, 6-way blade, good running machine. 9000 hours. $31,000

2006 Komatsu D61 PX-15, 6-way blade, 5888 hours...$60,000

TRUCKS

FORESTRY

Cat 320B LL log loader. For parts Call

Deere 690E log loader For parts

Timberjack 2520 feller/buncher, parts machine Call

Towtem clam bucket $31,500

Several slide booms for parts available

Backhoes

2008 Deere 310SJ backhoe, 40% tires, smooth bucket on backhoe, front 4x1 bucket, extend-a-hoe, pilot controls on backhoe, powershift transmission, cab with heat/AC, 4x4. 5500 hours. Call

JCB 4CX extend-a-hoe, aux hyd front and rear, 3 buckets - 2 dig, 1 smooth, new Michelin tires, auto greaser, tool carrier, 4x1 front bucket, front and rear quick attach, forks, pilot controls on backhoe, beacon, street pads on outriggers, 3 steering modes, power shift transmission, 4x4.

MISCELLANEOUS

Bomag BW177PD-3, 66” pad foot roller , push blade for the front, starts and operates as it should. Ready to go to work Call

2002 Gradall 534D9-45, 9000 lb lift, 45-ft reach, newer tires, angle forks system on front. Approximately 7000 hours. Call

Tennant Sweeper 830-II ex-county owned. $29,000

Beef herd health

Calves 45d prior to weaning

A Modified Live virus complex (IBR BVD P13 BRSV)

A Clostridial complex (consider including pinkeye)

A Pasturella vaccine

Tetanus Toxoid

ALL calves should be re-vaccinated (Boostered) 14 - 21d following the initial vaccinations itemized above. This will improve the level of protection developed by the calves.

Wean 30d following the last round of vaccinations. Expose calves to feed bunks and water tanks or automatic waters. Calves should be weaned a minimum of 30d prior to shipping.

Producers should always follow label directions for dosage and route of administration when working with food animal health products. Strict adherence to product label and withdrawal times must be practiced at all times. Producers should participate in and become certified in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and employ good BQA practices when vaccinating and handling animals. Many times neighbors will help neighbors when working larger groups of animals. Particular attention should be paid to farm/ranch Bio-security as people enter and exit the premises. This includes people either coming over to help or entering the premises as visitors and potential customers.

Internal Parasites

Internal parasite control in cattle is location specific and actually varies from herd to herd. Many times if the cow herd is managed in a rotational grazing program, on a sufficiently large enough area to avoid crowding and having a sufficiently long enough interval (24d) between repeat grazing periods on the same area, the herd may not require an intense parasite control program.

The most accurate method to determine the parasite load of the cow herd and the necessity to implement a de-worming program is through the use of a fecal egg count. This method will accurately determine the number of parasite eggs being shed in the manure from the cows. With optimum environmental conditions - moisture and warm temperatures - the eggs develop into infective larvae in two weeks or less, and move from the fecal pats onto surrounding vegetation. The larvae migrate up the grass leaves to the upper 2/3 of the leaf. As the grass is consumed by the cattle they also ingest the waiting larvae. It is through this cycle animals in the herd become infected. Once ingested, larvae develop to mature egg-laying adults in 3 to 6 weeks and the cycle starts over again.

If de-worming is necessary or recommended it should occur approximately 6 weeks into the grazing season. A broad spectrum product should be used that kills the majority of adult and larval nematodes, as well as inhibited larvae. This system will be most economical as it will be effective on a wide range of the parasite life cycle. If the decision is made to only de-worm the cow herd one time per year, consider the fall as cows come off grass. De-worming at this time will kill any parasites picked up during the summer grazing season. This method will allow the cows to get through winter without the physical stress of worms. As an additional benefit it will also prevent egg shedding for the first part of the next grazing season.

There are several important facts to consider when selecting an anthelmintic. Delivery method is very important. A producer must select a product which fits into their particular management style.

Next the spectrum of parasite control. Different products will control different types of parasites. Make sure to choose a product that is effective on the parasites of the region.

Duration of activity, some products are longer acting as compared to other products. Also there will be a price consideration. Choose the most cost effective product not the cheapest product. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.

External Parasites

The short list of external parasites which can affect cattle include lice, warbles (grubs) and flies. Lice are most prevalent in late winter. Lice can be a problem on all sizes/ ages of animals. Generally if they are identified on one size group most probably they are affecting all animals. The telltale signs of lice include; continuous severe itching and hair loss, primarily around the neck, shoulders and over the tail head. Because the louse spends their entire life cycle living on an animal, development of a control program is significantly easier.

There are three separate stages in the life cycle of lice: nit (egg) larva adult

kill lice in both the larvae and adult stages. Unfortunately no

kill the nit. To completely eradicate lice from a herd, the cattle must be treated 2 times. The same product may be used but the application must be done 2 weeks apart. Alternatively, the cattle can be treated with a product that has more than 2 weeks of persistent activity. There are numerous commercial products available that are approved for use on cattle. Some products will control more than one parasite. Shop for the most competitive price based on the needs of the particular cow herd. Lice problems will typically clear up as the ambient temperature rises in late spring and early summer. However they can still cause decreases in body condition and milk production if the infestation is severe enough.

Flies

Fly control for the cow herd can be achieved through selection from a variety of different management tools. Some of the more common methods are outlined below.

Fly Tags

Fly tags are similar in style and application method to an identification ear tag. Many commercially available fly tags have an effective life of 3 to 6 months depending on the tag and the product it contains. Tags may contain either pyrethrins or organophosphate compounds or a combination of both products. Fly tags are very popular with producers because of their ease of application and length of effectiveness. Producers should remove fly tags from previous years and reuse the same hole in the ear of the cattle to preserve the integrity of the ear.

Pour-ons

Pour-on insecticides are a popular method of parasite/ insecticide control. Topically applied, pour on products many times provide convenience and ease of application when combined with other management processes requiring cattle be handled through a chute. Many will provide protection from multiple types of parasites. Pour-on products have numerous different formulations. These products typically provide protection from known resistant fly populations for 2-11 weeks of the year. As stated earlier one distraction to CONTINUED ON PAGE C34

Why do seagulls fly over the sea?

Because if they flew over the bay, they would be called bagles

Importance of career exploration

College and career readiness have become a trending focus in many school systems, often starting exposure to college and career options in elementary school. While school systems are beginning this focus earlier and more often through their formal and informal opportunities with students, it’s also important for caretakers to understand the importance of introducing college and career readiness options to youth.

As children grow, they risk becoming less engaged in school. Making school less about jumping through academic hoops and more about what life will look like after high school can help kids feel more invested in what’s being asked of them. Gallup polls indicate student engagement falls dramatically from elementary to high school. As engagement falls, so do academic outcomes and even career prospects.

One route to engagement is through career exploration because it makes a connection between a child’s interests and skills and how they can contribute to the world.

Basic conversations about the importance of what happens after high school, the option of going to college and the reason of going is linked to learning skills and knowledge to prepare youth for a future career. While college may be daunting or intimidating, particularly if no one else in the family has attended, it is important to explain that college can mean different things for different people. Consider using the word “college” to be an easy way to explain that some people can go to college for a short term to do a certification program or a two-year college or longer for a four-year college and beyond. Explaining the general options is a good way to make college seem more achievable to youth unsure if they have what it takes to be successful in higher education and future careers.

Ways to introduce youth to college and career options could include:

Enroll your youth in out of school time organizations such as 4-H. They typically incorporate career exposure through skill development or activity base learning.

Knowing a youth’s interest areas early can enable career discussions to encourage students to focus on doing well and understanding concepts learned in school.

Intentionally attempt to match youth interests to a specific career field.

If age appropriate and accessible, arrange for a tour of a local business that focuses on the career field the youth is interested in.

Youth can learn a lot about potential future careers through volunteering, apprenticeships and internships.

Explore Nebraska Department of Education Model and Career Clusters found at https://www.education.ne.gov/nce/ career-clusters/

Beef herd health

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C33

using pour-on, cattle must be processed through a facility to allow direct application to each individual animal.

Back Rubs

Back Rubs generally are constructed of an absorbent type material that will retain a volume of liquid. Back rubs have been constructed from large diameter cotton rope or absorbent fiber material packed inside a large sock type tube. The back rub will be hung between 2 posts, elevated off the ground high enough so the cattle can stand under the rub and it will lie over their back. As cattle rub their back with the rope they will be coated with the insecticide contained in or on the rub. Many times the concentrates consist of either a pyrethrins or an organophosphate. These concentrate products are generally mixed with fuel oil as an extender and applied to the back rub to later be transferred to the cattle utilizing the device. To be utilized effectively back rubs should be erected in a high traffic area where cattle pass on a regular basis to ensure treatment application.

An inexpensive option in smaller cow herds is to apply insecticides using a Hand Sprayer. Concentrates can be mixed on an as needed basis in a sprayer and applied to cattle 2-4 times a month. Try not to apply spray immediately before a rain storm. This may reduce the effective time of the treatment.

Other options exist as a means to get insecticides applied to cattle. This is just a partial listing that provides some of the more common methods in use today.

Flies can develop resistance to products that contain pyrethrins and those containing organophosphates; rotation between these two types of insecticides on an annual basis is thought to reduce the likelihood of resistance occurring.

on: December 29th

Pepper Pot, a thick and spicy soup that is an American staple dish, especially in the southern regions of the United States. What is Pepper Pot? Well, it’s a soup that contains twelve different ingredients.

History Of Pepper Pot Day

In the modern world of today, Pepper Pot Soup has many, many variations to it. But the soups true origins began on December 29th of 1777 during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army had been experiencing an exceptionally harsh winter during the battle of Valley Forge. The soldiers were low on food because the farmers in the area had gone and sold all their supplies to the British Army for cash rather than the weak currency that the Continental soldiers could offer them for their crops. Christopher Ludwick, a baker general of the Continental Army, gathered whatever food he could scrounge together to feed the cold and frail soldiers.

The chef was able to find scraps of tripe, meat, and some peppercorn. He then mixed the ingredients together with some other seasonings and created the hot, thick, and spicy soup we now know as pepper pot soup. It quickly became known as “the soup that won the war.” The soup gave the soldiers the warmth and strength that they needed to push the enemies back through the harsh winter weather.

How to celebrate Pepper Pot Day

In order to celebrate this holiday, all we have to do is gather the necessary ingredients to make our own Pepper Pot Soup and share it amongst our friends and family.

Want to make your own? The ingredients are four cups of water, four tablespoons of chicken bouillon powder, two medium grated potatoes, two medium sized carrots which are also grated, two finely chopped celery stalks, one finely chopped onion, one and a half cups of finely chopped green, red, or yellow peppers, one half cup of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of salt, one teaspoon of pepper, one more cup of water, and finally, six cups of milk.

Why did the boy throw a stick of butter out the window?

Because he wanted to see a butterfly!