Trader's Dispatch - February 2023

MT Pulse Crop committee seeking research proposals

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals for market development and educational projects designed to promote and enhance Montana’s pulse industry.

The Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing Program aims to stimulate and expand Montana’s pulse crop industry through research, promotion, and market development of pulse crops grown in Montana. A complete Request for Proposal, list of guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures are available here. The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will determine funding awards.

Proposals must be submitted through the WebGrants system by 5:00 pm MST on March 1, 2023. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, marketing assessments, promotional campaigns and trade show exhibitions, and projects that expand international and domestic markets.

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PRODUCTION SALES

Attendees at M.A.G.I.E learned about seed varieties and the best options for spring seeding in the area from the folks at Wild Horse Seeds of Havre, Montana. Seed, equipment, real estate, insurance and irrigation were just some of the topics that could be discussed at the annual show held in Great Falls, Montana in mid-January.

Dryland ag production in the High Plains

What challenges are facing dryland crop and livestock production on the High Plains? How is research by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln addressing the challenges? What are the lessons from that research?

A public meeting in Sidney on February 14, 2023 will address these questions and related topics. “Dryland Production in the High Plains” is the theme of the morning meeting. After lunch, results from the wheat TAPS competition will be announced and the annual meeting of the advisory committee for the UNL High Plains Ag Lab (HPAL) north of Sidney will take place.

The morning session will feature updates on research conducted at HPAL and information about emerging issues of concern to agriculture in the High Plains. Researchers from the Panhandle R&E Center will discuss topics on tillage and soil health, sawfly management, wheat fertility, cattle supplementation, fallow replacement, crop rotations, weed management, winter barley, and more.

At the annual research update after lunch, the results of the wheat TAPS contest will be announced and discussed. The latest results from HPAL farm production, as well as administrative and business updates, will be shared with the HPAL advisory board and the public.

The morning session starts with coffee and doughnuts at 8:30 a.m. at Western Nebraska Community College, 371 South College Drive, Sidney. The public is welcome, and lunch will be provided. Questions about the meeting can be directed toward Farm Manager Jake Hansen by calling the Ag Lab at 308-254-3918 or email at jhansen19@unl.edu.

Presentations and business items begin at 9 a.m. and will occupy the morning followed by lunch.

Pesticide, chemigation trainings

Nebraska Extension will be providing private pesticide applicator and chemigation trainings this winter for applicators that wish to obtain or renew their current license. The following are in-person trainings for private pesticide applicator training (*chemigation training may be noted for specific dates/locations):

*February 16th—One Chemigation Training offered: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the 4-H Building at the Custer County Fairgrounds (44100 Memorial Drive, Broken Bow, NE 68822)

February 21st—One Private Pesticide Training offered: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Hall County Extension Office (3180 US34, Grand Island, NE 68801) (*chemigation offered from 1:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m.)

Please RSVP to the local Extension Office (Hall: 308-3855088; Custer: 308-872-6831) where you wish to attend an in-person training so enough materials are provided. March training dates will be provided in a future article. Please contact your local Extension Office with questions.

Photo by Reagan Aaberg.

WANTED: PASTURE OR HAYFIELDS

TO RENT,

2023 Manure training locations and dates

By Agnes Kurtzhals - UNL Water Communications Intern, and Leslie Johnson - Animal Manure Management Extension Educator

The Animal Manure Management team has announced the locations and dates for land application training in 2023. These sessions will take place in February and March.

Pre-registration is required and will cost $75 per operation. Multiple people may attend from an operation under the $75 operation fee, but all individuals must be registered. Pre-register at UNL Water.

Sessions will include an update on regulations and discussion on how to best use manure on your operation. Anyone is welcome. Crop farmers and livestock operations will learn useful information to apply to their operations.

Session dates:

February 15 — Norfolk – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

February 22 — Lexington – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

March 1 — Alliance – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

March 7 — West Point – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

March 14 — O’Neill – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

March 21 — Beatrice – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

March 28 — Columbus – Initial: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recertification: afternoon only

Sessions will meet requirements for land application training. The initial land application training certification requires participation in the full workshop (six to seven hours). Afternoon sessions will meet needs for recertification. This training requires participation in the 2.5- to 3-hour session at a minimum. Participants who only need recertification may choose to attend the full event if they wish.

If you are unsure of your certification status, contact Leslie Johnson (402-584-3818) or Lindsey Roark (402-471-4233). If you are unsure if your operation needs certification, please refer to the table at Manure Rules not just for Large CAFOs. For more information and to stay up to date on locations and times, go to UNL Water. Direct questions about the workshops can be sent to Leslie Johnson at 402-584-3818.

MT Pulse Crop

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will review proposals during their next meeting in March of 2023. Please visit the Montana Department of Agriculture’s “News” page for public meeting information or by clicking here.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee’s mission is to invest in and deliver support for marketing, research, education, and policy development programming that improves return on investment for the pulse producers of Montana. Learn more at agr.mt.gov.

THE TRADER’S DISPATCH

(USPS 019-793)

FEBRUARY 2023 — Vol. XXIV No. 1

Deadline for March issue

WEDNESDAY, March 1.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Trader’s Dispatch, PO Box 997, Conrad, MT 59425-0997

Jean Aaberg, production Geri Aaberg, circulation Kathy Peterson, ad layout Suzy Benzing, ad layout Office Phone 406-271-5533 FAX 406-271-5727

e-mail: advertising@tradersdispatch.com www.tradersdispatch.com

Notice: Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. All property rights to any advertisements produced for the advertiser by Trader’s Dispatch, using artwork or typography furnished or arranged by Trader’s Dispatch shall be the property of Trader’s Dispatch. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced or assigned without the consent of Trader’s Dispatch. If camera ready copy is submitted, a PDF is preferred with all fonts embedded. All black type must be 100% black and color must be CMYK. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE PRINTING QUALITY on any ads sent in RGB and/or built on non-standard publishing programs, i/e, Word or Power Point.

Land application training

Turning manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment will be the focus of Land Application Trainings this winter. Multiple trainings are being offered across Nebraska

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - Madison County Extension Office, 1305 South 13th Street, Norfolk, NE

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - Dawson County Extension Office, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Box Butte County Extension Office, 415 Black Hills Ave, Alliance, NE

Tuesday, March 7, 2023Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave, West Point, NE

Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Molt County Extension Office, 128 N 6th St Ste 100, O’Neill, NE

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

- Gage County Extension Office, 1115 W Scott St, Beatrice, NE

Tuesday, March 28, 2023 - Platte County Extension Office, 2715 13th St, Columbus, NE

Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEE Land Application Training Certification. The initial land application training certification requires participants to attend all day.

Attendance at the afternoon session will meet minimum needs for recertification, but participants who only need recertification may choose to attend the full event if they wish.

Sessions will include an update on regulations and discussions on how to best use manure on your operation. Sessions will focus on what fields should be chosen to best utilize manure nutrients and other benefits. Each session will be highly participant-led with limited seating. Regulations and record keeping pertaining to manure storage and application will also be addressed. Pre-registration is required for planning purposes. If registration numbers exceed expectations, more sessions may be added. To ensure your attendance, register at https://water.unl.edu/lat. For more information, please contact Leslie Johnson, Extension Educator (402-5843818; leslie.johnson@unl. edu).

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##### Pablo Picasso would often carry around a pistol loaded with blanks. He would fire it at people he found boring or anyone who insulted the Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Cézanne.

##### England’s King Henry VIII first declared February 14th a holiday, in 1537.

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The “O” before an Irish name, such as “O’Reilly,” means “descendant of.”

FULL TIME FARM EMPLOYEE

Employer: Nielsen Farms Job Type: Full Time, Year Round Farm Hand Salary: Depends On Interview And Previous Experience Location: New England, North Dakota

Hello! We are a 4th generation farm/ranch located five miles west of New England, North Dakota in southwestern North Dakota. Our operation is comprised of farming small grains (durum, wheat, canola, and corn) and cattle.

We are looking for a full-time, year-round employee who is hard working, self-motivated, honest, and has a positive attitude. In this role, you will be primarily operating and managing equipment, driving semi-truck, caring for cattle, and performing other general farm operations. Valid driver’s license required.

SIDWELL

We offer a competitive salary based on experience. Experience is preferred, but we are willing to train the right person. Benefits include health insurance and retirement plan. Lunch provided. We are willing

Production Sale

Applicator recertification credits at MATE

Yellowstone County MSU Extension will once again offer private pesticide recertification credits at the MATE Show. Classes will be held from 1 to 4 PM on February 16 and 17 in the MATE Theatre, located in the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark in Billings, Montana.

Schedules for each day are as follows:

Thursday, February 16

1:00 PM – Jennifer Solf, MSU Extension Agent in Musselshell-Golden Valley County – Weeds and Livestock During Drought

2:00 PM – Joe Lockwood, Yellowstone County Weed Superintendent and Megan Hoyer, Yellowstone County Weed Crew Foreman/ Education Specialist – Weeds Growing Wild in Yellowstone County

3:00 PM – Trestin Feagler, MSU Extension Agriculture Agent in Yellowstone County – Identifying Non-Target Herbicide Injury

Friday, February 17

1:00 PM – Heidi Schueler, MSU Extension Horticulture Agent in Yellowstone County and Trestin Feagler, MSU Extension Agriculture Agent in Yellowstone County – Pesticide Movement and Degradation Through Soil

2:00 PM – Dr. Lovreet Shergill, Southern Agriculture Research Center Weed Science Assistant Professor – Monitoring Herbicide Resistant Weeds in Sugarbeet Fields in Southern Montana

3:00 PM – Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Pesticide Education Director – Water Quality and Pesticide Performance

Each day three recertification credits will be available for private applicators, dealers, and select commercial applicator categories. Classes are free and all are welcome to attend. Please bring your pesticide applicator license, no registration is required. If you have any questions, contact Trestin Feagler at 406-256-2828 or trestinbenson@montana.edu.

Nebraska Soil Health School

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host the first Nebraska Soil Health School sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The event will be on Thursday, March 2 at the Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N Main St., Bridgeport from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Increasing knowledge of soil health and putting it to practice nurtures the ground and ensures long-term profitability. Soil health practices are a pathway to resilient soils to achieve optimum productivity and environmental quality, said Jerry Hatfield, retired USDA-ARS Plant Physiologist/Laboratory Director. Dr. Hatfield is scheduled to give a keynote speech at this school.

The Nebraska Soil Health School is intended to enhance the technical soil-related knowledge of growers, crop consultants, ag professionals, UNL faculty and students, USDANRCS employees and others. Dr. Bijesh Maharjan, as an organizer of the school, is very excited about this educational opportunity for all interested in the state and acknowledged the support from the USDA NRCS for funding the school that will be offered at two more venues (West Central and Eastern Nebraska) in summer.

Hands-on opportunities and demonstrations from Aaron Hird, State soil health specialist, USDA NRCS, will offer a deeper understanding of the foundational functions of soil.

“Understanding the physical aspects of soil help us understand how management impacts these functions of soil and beyond that can allow for the rapid measurement of the indicators of soil health,” Hird said. “Connecting the dots via hands-on activities and with a live rainfall demonstration, we will dig in and learn a lot.”

The full agenda of the school is here.

Certified crop advisor (CCA) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered to attendees.

There is no fee to attend, and lunch will be provided. Pre-register here by February 23.

For more information or questions, email nheldt4@unl. edu or call 308-632-1372.

#####

A golfer was in a real pickle when his ball went into the woods and got stuck in a tree branch. The perplexed player thought for a while and then looked to his caddie for assistance. “Any idea what type of shot I should take?” the man asked. “I have just the right shot for you,” the caddie stated as he reach into his bag and handed the man a flask full of alcohol.

• Treat and inoculate small grains, soybean, pea, lentil

• 25 and 40 bushel per minute systems

• Many options available

• Will be on display at: Agri-International at Bismarck Feb 14-15

For Sale!

Reclamation Conference set for February

27-28

The 2023 North Dakota Reclamation Conference, “Restoration in Challenging Environments,” will focus on reclamation site characteristics that can make reclamation a challenge and practices to improve reclamation success. The conference will be held Feb. 27-28 at the Astoria Event Center in Dickinson, North Dakota.

This event will bring together those working on reclamation in the region to discuss effective reclamation strategies. The conference will include a general session focused on the challenges of reclamation during drought, as well as breakout sessions on soil disturbance and new approaches to reclamation. The conference will also feature a tradeshow.

The conference begins with registration at 4:30 p.m. February 27. There will be a trade show mixer starting at 5 p.m. with the keynote address at 6 p.m.

Registered

Irish Black and Irish Red Bulls, Cows and Heifers

Elise Gornish, University of Arizona, is the keynote speaker. Gornish is a Cooperative Extension specialist in ecological restoration at the University of Arizona. Her research and outreach program largely focuses on identifying strategies for successful restoration in arid land systems and integration of restoration approaches into weed management. Her address is titled “Making restoration better: Nothing in this talk is true but it’s exactly how things are.”

“Being more open about mistakes that we make in restoration reduces barriers to restoration success,” says Gornish. “Discussing errors is one of the best ways to learn from experience and ultimately make restoration of valuable landscapes more successful. My talk with make bare the sometimes uncomfortable and often funny mistakes that I have made when doing restoration and what I have learned as a result. My goal is to start a larger conversation about how we talk about our failures.”

The February 28 program starts at 8 a.m. with a general session focused on site characterization, followed by concurrent sessions on saline and sodic conditions, and sensitive ecosystems.

“As we continue to expand our knowledge about reclamation through research and application, it is critical that we come together to share our experiences, both positive and negative,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “The North Dakota Reclamation Conference is a wonderful event that brings together industry, government agencies, academia and landowners to discuss their experience, enhancing the potential for remediating, reclaiming and/or restoring land and water.”

NDSU Extension, Dickinson State University, the Society for Range Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and BKS Environmental are hosting the event.

Conference presenters include representatives from NDSU, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Ducks Unlimited and private industry.

The registration fee for the conference is $125 if paid by February 17 and $145 after that date. Student registration is free.

For registration or more information, visit www.ndreclamation.com or contact Meehan at 701-231-7683 or miranda.meehan@ndsu.edu, or Toby Stroh, assistant professor of agriculture at Dickinson State, at 701-483-2185 or toby.stroh@dickinsonstate.edu.

Add it up

Consider this: Every year, the United States goes through 16 billion disposable diapers, 2 billion pens, enough car tires for 220 million vehicles, and 2 billion razor blades. Americans constitute only 5 percent of the world’s population but generate more than 40 percent of the planet’s trash, creating two to three times the waste of other industrialized countries. The answer, of course, is recycling. Recycling is nothing new: New York City introduced recycling programs back in 1890, and the city built its first recycling plant in 1898. By 1924, 83 percent of American cities were making at least minimal efforts to separate and recycle trash. There’s been progress, but it’s estimated that more than 90 percent of our trash could be recycled. The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle could run a 100-watt lightbulb for over four hours. If each person recycled one aluminum can, it would save half a gallon of gasoline.

HEADER FOR SALE

2014 John Deere 635D draper header, 35-ft. wide, excellent condition. 4 other exact units available. Asking $31,500 ea. Phone (406) 229-1119 Located in Cut Bank, MT

1997 Gradall 534c-10

Telehandler

4x4, 40’ lift height, 4BT Cummins, 7100 hrs, outriggers, 10K capacity, 60% 14.00x24 tires, runs and works great $41,500

2001 Freightliner FL70 & 12 Ton Trailer

260 hp, 5.9 Cummins, 6 spd. manual, AC, AB, air ride, 95% 285r24.5 tires, 215K miles and 1979 trailer, 21’ flat + 5’ beavertail, new 17.5 tires $28,500

1980 International Service Truck

210 hp DT466, 5&2 spd., AB, PS, IMT 425AT knuckle boom with remote, hydraulic outriggers, 13 hp Curtis 25CFM compressor, 70% 11r22.5 tires, 12-ft. service body. $19,500

1998 Skytrak 8042 Telehandler

8,000 lb capacity, 42-ft lift height, 4bt Cummins, 4x4, 3 way steering, 60% 13.00x24 tires, 48” forks, runs and works great, 3900 hrs. $39,500

1998 Caterpillar TH103 Telehandler

10,000 lb capacity, 44-ft lift

height, outriggers, 4x4, 3 way steering, 48” forks, 75% 14.00x24 tires, 9100 hrs, runs and works excellent. $43,500

2005 Ford F650 Service Truck

210 hp C7 Cat, 6 spd. manual, AC, PS, PB, 26K GVW, Autocrane 8006H, 8000# capacity, remote, hydraulic outriggers, 12’ service body, under CDL, 50% 22.5 tires. $23,500

New 72” Skid Steer Grapple Buckets standard skid steer mounting, double top clamp $2700 ea

1952 Caterpillar D4-HT4 crawler loader, d4-7u, D315 diesel engine runs good, steers good, tracks and undercarriage 60%, pony engine needs work, weighs 18K $2750

2001 Chevrolet C6500 210 hp 3126 Cat diesel, 6 spd manual AC, PS, PB, 95K miles, 90% 245/75-19.5 tires, 15-ft. flatbed, PTO hydraulic winch, 26K GVW $19,500

2007 Bobcat 325G

Mini Excavator 3200 hrs, 90% tracks, Kubota diesel, 55” blade, hydraulic thumb, qc 18” bucket, 6200#, runs and works great $28,500

Influence of temperature on feed requirements of beef cows

By John Comerford, retired Penn State professor

Maintenance energy requirements increase by about 1% for each 1°F below 32°F. The energy for maintenance for beef cows in the last 1/3 of pregnancy is about 11 mega-calories per day. With an air temperature in dry air and no wind of 22°F, there is a 10% greater energy requirement. This 1.1 mega-calories of energy needed is equivalent to about one pound of corn or two pounds of orchard grass hay.

The rule for accounting for wind chill is to use the wind chill temperature to adjust feed energy using 32°F as the baseline. For example, if the wind chill is zero °F, then the cow requires 32% more energy. This is about 3 pounds of corn or 5-6 pounds of orchard grass hay.

The most serious condition is when the animal gets wet because the hair and hide

lose their insulation capacity. The rule for cattle that are wet is to use 59°F as the starting point and change the feed energy needs by 2% for each degree below 59°F. For example, if the cattle are wet and the wind chill is 9°F, the energy requirement is 100% higher (50° X 2%). This is equivalent to feeding an additional 20 pounds of corn or 40 pounds of orchard grass hay to a cow each day. Obviously, most cows could not consume enough feed to keep them at maintenance under these conditions, so they will start losing body condition. The loss in body condition will be abated by protection from the wind and (or) a drier environment. A windbreak or shelter from the rain is economically feasible under these conditions as well as being good animal husbandry.

2022 4-H Dawson County dogs fair results

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

“Man’s best friend” is the old adage when it comes to dogs. And it sure proved true at this year’s Dawson County Fair 4-H Dog Show. As 4-H’ers involved excitedly ran their dogs through the routines of Showmanship and Dog Obedience. Teamwork is the key. Dog and handler learn to work together. This year’s judge, Amanda Lott from North Platte, arrived at the following ribbon placings.

Dog Showmanship

Junior Division – Hailey Jensen (G) was presented the trophy and received a purple ribbon in the Junior Showmanship Division. Another purple ribbon went to Bristol McConville (L). Blues: Augustus Barnes (G),

Dallee Barnes (G), and Bodee Klemm (L).

Intermediate Division – Samuel Winter (C) received the trophy and a purple ribbon in the Intermediate Division.

Senior Division – There were no senior division participants.

Obedience

Beginning Novice – Division A – Purples: Hailey Jensen (G) and Bristol McConville (L). Blues: Augustus Barnes (G) and Dallee Barnes (G). Red: Bodee Klemm (L).

Beginning Novice - Division B – Purple: Samual Winter (C).

Agility

This year there was no agility course.

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(From left to right) Hailey Jensen, Cozad; Samual Winter, Cozad; Bristol McConville, Lexington; Gus Barnes, Gothenburg; Dailee Barnes, Gothenburg; and Bodee Klemm, Lexington, participated in the 2022 Dawson County Fair’s Dog Show.

Samual Winter, Cozad, Nebraska, earned a purple ribbon and the Intermediate Division Dog showmanship trophy with his dog, Ash, at the Dawson County Fair.

Josefa Nichols, Lexington, presented Hailey Jensen, Cozad, with the Junior Dividion Dog showmanship trophy at the Dog Show during the 2022 Dawson County fair.

Roof snow removal probably not necessary

“Most roofs are designed to handle the snow load of a typical winter,” North Dakota State University Extension agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang says. “Just because one roof has gone down doesn’t mean every roof in the area is in danger. The collapse may have been a case of poor workmanship or design, unusual amounts of snow or some other special circumstance.”

Most house roofs in eastern and northern North Dakota should hold 30 to 40 pounds of snow per square foot, according to Hellevang. In the southwestern part of the state, where snowfall typically is lighter, roofs are built to hold less – about 30 pounds per square foot.

“Agricultural buildings usually aren’t designed to those same standards,” Hellevang says. “That’s because the risk of damage or injury from collapse is considered to be lower.”

Agricultural buildings should carry 20 to 35 pounds of snow per square foot, depending on location. However, agricultural buildings normally are not required to be built to carry a specified snow load and may have been built for a lighter amount of snow.

Also, snow load standards may not have been in place when older homes and buildings were erected, but if those buildings have withstood the test of time, they’ll probably withstand a normal winter’s snow load, Hellevang says.

Determining if the snow load on your roof is excessive can be difficult.

“The weight of snow varies greatly,” Hellevang says. “Light, fluffy snow may only weigh about 7 pounds per cubic foot. More average snow may weigh 15 pounds per cubic foot, and drifted, compacted snow may weigh 20 pounds or more. Ice buildup also adds weight rapidly.”

If the roof has more than a couple of feet of compacted snow on it, the load may be excessive, he adds.

He urges people to monitor the roof for deep drifts caused by surrounding buildings or trees. Roofs that have more than one level often accumulate deep snowdrifts on the lower portion, but those roofs should have been built to carry that added load.

Ultimately, however, the decision to shovel off a roof will be based on an educated guess unless you can get a recommendation from an engineer or building official, Hellevang says.

He recommends that home and agricultural building owners check their insurance policy because roof failure due to snow is not covered by all policies.

Those who decide to shovel off their roof need to remember that snow and ice can make the job dangerous. Agricultural buildings with metal roofs can be especially treacherous, and power lines can be an added hazard.

Ladders can slide easily on frozen ground, so they

need to be anchored in some way.

Shoes also can slide easily on the ladder and the roof. Select footwear that provides a good grip in cold weather. People who are not agile and comfortable with working on the roof should hire someone to remove the snow.

“You also can damage your roof,” Hellevang says. “Cold temperatures make shingles brittle, so they break more easily. You’re also more likely to remove many of the little pebbles from the surface of the shingles, shortening the life of your roof.”

Hellevang advises using a roof rake, which allows a person to remove snow while standing on the ground.

Some snow rakes have rollers that keep the rake just above the shingle. If using a shovel, take care to not impact the shingles, and shovel down the roof in the direction the shingles lie.

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A cowboy is a man who requires the help of a horse to outsmart a cow. – Peter Darbo

#####

A cowboy is a farm boy in leather britches and a comical hat. – Edward Abbey

Mix of organic and inorganic selenium may increase beef cow fertility

By Aimee Nielson, UKY

2320

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Fertility is a driving factor for a sustainable and profitable cow-calf enterprise. Selenium plays a significant role in fertility, and in states like Kentucky and Tennessee, producers must supplement because their soil is selenium deficient. In an ongoing study at the University of Kentucky, researchers are pitting the industry-standard inorganic selenium against a 50/50 mix of inorganic and organic selenium to determine the most productive option.

“Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is incorporated into selenoproteins. These act as antioxidants, basically getting rid of free radicals, protecting the integrity of cells which allow them to function better,” said Phillip Bridges, associate professor in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “Animals can use organic or inorganic forms, but we typically supplement using an inorganic form. With this work, we are finding that the form of selenium supplemented can affect a variety of reproductive processes.”

For the study, Bridges supplemented sodium selenite as the inorganic form versus a 50/50 mix of sodium selenite and a yeast-derived organic form. They found animals that got the mixed form had increased progesterone levels by days six and seven of the estrous cycle and then throughout pregnancy. Bridges said the early increase in progesterone is perhaps the most intriguing part of the study.

“We’ve known for decades that increased early luteal phase progesterone stimulates uterine development, length of the conceptus and indicators of fertility,” Bridges said.

To start the study, animals received no selenium supplementation for 45 days. Bridges said the animals were not selenium-deficient after the 45 days, but levels did significantly decrease. For the next 45 days, he supplied the industry-standard inorganic selenium. The next 90 days, cattle received either inorganic or a mix of inorganic and organic selenium before researchers bred the animals and examined blood and tissues for differences.

Bridges said that by day 17 after breeding, he noticed an altered abundance of progesterone and interferontau-induced gene transcripts in the endometrium and an overall increase in conceptus length. He said scientists believe larger conceptuses may help ensure continued establishment and progression of a pregnancy.

Although the work is ongoing, Bridges believes using the 50/50 blend of organic and inorganic selenium will improve fertility at the production level. The grant-funded work will continue through early 2024.

“If you’re in an area where you have to supplement selenium, it appears the mixed form should increase fertility,” he said.

“If you’re in a state like Kentucky, Tennessee or other cow-calf states, this is a great benefit to those beef cattle producers in terms of sustainability and profitability.”

This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2018-6701527613. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Agriculture.

Are your sheep consuming enough calcium?

The only way to truly evaluate a mineral program is to start with testing forages and other feeds consumed by the sheep. Nutrient levels can be assessed using wet chemistry analysis or near-infrared (NIR) analysis. Not only do you need to evaluate mineral levels in feed rations, but you should also compare ratios of some nutrients. Calcium levels become particularly important during late gestation. Lambs begin to grow rapidly during the last third of the pregnancy, and the ewe requires more calcium in her diet. Consider a 150-pound ewe’s requirements that increase from 2.4 grams per day at maintenance levels to 6.5 grams per day in early gestation and then 8.8 grams per day in late gestation if she is carrying twins.

Many forages will meet nutritional requirements of ewes at maintenance and possibly even through mid-gestation. However, rations may need closer inspection to best balance nutrients for late gestation, lactation (milk production), or for growing lambs. Legumes are much higher in calcium than grasses and could better meet calcium requirements. But, simply changing forages is not the answer to better meet nutritional requirements! Keep in mind that the sheep’s diet needs balanced with other nutrients as well as protein and energy.

Another major consideration when looking at calcium is the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the sheep’s diet. The recommended ratio of calcium to phosphorus from the Sheep Production Handbook is 2:1, with higher levels tolerable up to 7:1 if the ration contains adequate amounts of phosphorus.

In the instance of a ewe carrying twins in late gestation, calcium levels that are too low can result in hypocalcemia, also called milk fever. Clinical signs include weakness, lack of appetite, muscle tremors and inability to stand. Most shepherds would consider pregnancy toxemia as the issue. However, ewes in good body condition that are consuming adequate levels of energy in their feed should not develop problems with pregnancy toxemia. So, the next consideration should be hypocalcemia. Consult your veterinarian for treatment procedures, which will likely involve administering calcium intravenously to treat the deficiency.

Incorrect calcium to phosphorus ratios can also lead to urinary calculi in rams and wethers. As the calcium to phosphorus ratio approaches 1:1, the incidence of urinary calculi increases greatly. This results when mineral deposits block the urinary tract. Affected sheep have difficulty urinating and often stomp their feet or kick at their belly. This condition is sometimes called water belly because the blocked urinary tract can cause the bladder to rupture and result in death. This issue often

affects feedlot lambs, but can be prevented by adding ammonium chloride at a rate of 0.5% of the total diet. The ammonium chloride acts by acidifying the urine, which helps to prevent the mineral deposits from developing. A constant supply of clean, fresh water and access to salt also helps to prevent urinary calculi.

In young and rapidly growing animals, calcium works along with phosphorus and vitamin D to produce strong bones. A lamb can develop rickets from deficiencies or imbalances of any of these nutrients, although it is most often caused by phosphorus or vitamin D deficiencies. Rickets appears as swollen ends of the leg bones and lameness. Fractures often occur when lambs suffer from rickets.

Calcium and the calcium to phosphorus ratio are critical to sheep nutrition, but calcium is just one of many minerals important to the overall health of the flock. Always consult with your local veterinarian or a nutritionist to balance rations. Properly balanced rations can result in improved growth as well as improved reproductive performance within the flock and lead to higher profitability.

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Montana pup named runner-up

Fez, a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd trained and owned by Lexie Coniglione from Glasgow, Montana, was named runner-up/western region in the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year Contest. The contest celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers as they sustainably produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America. Rounding up livestock and chasing off predators are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs.

Fez came into Coniglione’s heart at a low point in 2021. She had lost one family member to a tragic accident, and had just come back from a branding when she learned that her best friend since college had taken his own life

“I was at a low point dealing with the grief. I had gotten in touch online with a wonderful family in Ekalaka who were proud of their stock dogs—rough-coat Border Collies with a quarter Australian shepherd. I didn’t know if getting a puppy would work out and if I had room emotionally,” Coniglione said. “Fez has become my best friend. He will work a 30-mile day or help me with small jobs at the feedlot. He’s been my right hand. I’ve watched him stop for a minute to look around and see my end goal. He is a little mind reader. That’s what I value most about him, the connection we have.”

Farm Bureau launched the Farm Dog of the Year contest five years ago – now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention. A panel of judges with expertise in the pet care industry, veterinary medicine and communications reviewed more than 100 nominations to select the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year. Judging criteria included the dog’s helpfulness to the

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farmer and his/her family, playfulness and their role in making life better on and off the farm. Farm Bureau members submitted written responses to questions, photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.

The Valley County Farm Bureau member was thrilled to learn that Fez had been named a runner-up in the competition. “There are outstanding working dogs, and having them recognized in a national competition is fantastic,” she said.

Coniglione receives $1,000 in prize money, a trophy plate and Purina products.

The winner of the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award was Tough, a Border Collie owned by Kansas Farm Bureau members Denny and Donna Ashcraft. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Tough, four regional runners-up including Fez, and a People’s Choice Pup today at its convention.

“We’re very excited to partner with Purina for the fifth annual Farm Dog of the Year contest, providing the public a look into daily life on the farm or ranch,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers love what they do, but it can be stressful, even on the best days. Because farm dogs often play a dual role as both working dogs and companions to farm families, they can help ease the burden.”

“Purina is proud to once again support the American Farm Bureau’s Farm Dog of the Year contest and congratulate this year’s winner, Tough,” said Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We recognize the important role dogs play on farms and believe this is at the core of our purpose that people and pets are better together.”

LOR Field Work Initiative funding

The LOR Foundation is now accepting applications for their Field Work Initiative. The application opens February 1st, 2023 and will provide funding for research into innovative approaches to using water in agriculture. Up to $10,000 will be available for farmers and ranchers in rural parts of Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Idaho, and Colorado.

LOR’s Field Work Initiative is open to those farmers and ranchers in the listed states that have the independent authority to make changes to water use on the land. Funding is intended for projects that improve outcome in the following areas:

“water efficiency, water reliability, water quality, crop yield or crop devastation, and labor efficiency.” All projects must be completed in 2023 and must include a plan for reporting learnings.

The deadline to apply is February 22nd, 2023. Applicants will be notified by March 15th, 2023. Learn more at lorfoundation. org/field-work.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.

Lexi Coniglione and Fez. Fez was named the runner-up/western division in the American Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Competition.

15th Annual USTSA starter flock

The U.S. Targhee Sheep Association (USTSA) will again, for the 15th straight year, be offering a free registered Targhee Starter flock to a deserving youth at the 2023 USTSA National Show and Sale, held July 13-15, 2023, in Little Falls, Minnesota. In previous years, the generous members of the USTSA have awarded 20 starter flocks, totaling 66 head of sheep, and have also donated almost $16,000 towards buyers credits for the award winners to purchase additional sheep at USTSA national sales. The winner must be present to receive the flock and will be awarded one (1) ewe lamb, one (1) yearling ewe, and one (1) brood ewe donated by members of the USTSA. Each animal will be a USTSA registered animal, and at least QR in Scrapie Codon 171 genotype. The winner will also receive a $150 credit for use toward purchase of additional animals at the national sale.

Applications, due April 1st, are now available to download at www.ustargheesheep.org or by contacting Mardy Rutledge at the USTSA office (ustargheesheep@gmail.com or 702-292-5715). Any young person, ages 9-17, as of January 1, 2023, whose family does not raise Targhee sheep may apply. Applicants should possess a keen interest in the U.S. sheep industry, commitment to raising Targhee sheep over time, and a firm belief in the abilities of the breed. Applicants must demonstrate proof of care, facilities, and transportation. Aside from receiving the flock of sheep, the winning youth, will be paired with a Targhee breeder living near them who will act as a mentor. The association is committed to helping the winner succeed.

Targhee sheep are one of the few breeds developed in the United States at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho. Withstanding harsh environments and minimal human intervention, while still producing high quality lamb and wool are hallmark traits of Targhees. Mothering ability and gentle dispositions are additional positive traits of the breed.

The U.S. Targhee Sheep Association believes in the future. The success the program has had thus far has only affirmed it is the right thing to do for young people. Please pass the word along to a young person you know. Visit the USTSA website at www.ustargheesheep.org for more information.

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When you side with a man you stay with him, and if you can’t do that you’re like some animal. You’re finished. – John Wayne

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NDSU Extension offers

youth gardening grants

Grants of up to $600 for youth gardening projects are available through North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension.

Funds may be used to purchase gardening supplies (tools, soil, seeds, plants or containers) and educational supplies. Schools, 4-H clubs, church groups and other youth organizations are encouraged to apply. Any project related to youth and gardening is eligible.

More than 3,300 youth participated in Junior Master Gardener projects in 2022. These projects included establishing school and preschool gardens, beautifying schools and parks, constructing raised beds for the elderly and growing vegetables for local food pantries.

“These grants provide opportunities for youth to learn about gardening and our environment,” says NDSU Extension horticulturist Tom Kalb.

Approximately 50 projects are supported across the state each year.

For more information and the application form, go to https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/programs/ junior-master-gardener

The application deadline is March 15, 2023. For more information, contact Kalb at tom.kalb@ndsu.edu or NDSU Extension – Grand Forks County agent Carrie Knutson at carrie.knutson@ndsu.edu.

Helping cows cope with cold stress

By Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist and Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management

Cold stress increases a cow’s energy requirement and can pull down her body condition. Thin cows can result in weak calves being born in the spring and/or poor breed up. Winter storms have already swept across the Plains, giving indications this could be a long, cold winter for cows already thin due to summer drought stress.

The threshold at which cattle have to start using energy to maintain their body temperature is called the lower critical temperature (LCT). Cows in good condition (BCS 5.0; 1-9 scale) that have a heavy winter coat that is dry do not need to use energy to maintain body temperature until the wind chill index is below 19°F. Providing wind protection can decrease energy needs by removing wind as a factor. If cows have protection from wind, then the ambient temperature can be used to determine energy needs. So, providing wind protection in the winter can be huge for reducing supplementation needs due to cold in the winter.

To figure out how much more energy a cow needs, you would take the cow’s LCT minus the wind chill index (if no windbreak is provided) or ambient temperature (if wind break is provided) and that would tell you the percent increase in energy requirement. There is a 1% increase in energy needs for every 1° below the LCT. For instance, if ambient temperature is 21°F and wind speed is 10, the wind chill index (WCI) is 11°F. For a BCS 5 cow with a dry winter coat with a LCT of 19°F, then 19 LCT- 11 WCI = 8% increase in energy needs. You can look up the energy needs of various classes of cattle here. A 1200 lb dry cow in late gestation has an energy requirement of 13 lb total digestible nutrients (TDN) and the cold described above increased this need by an additional 8% which is equal to 1 lb of TDN for a total of 14 lb/d.

Thin Cows: A Snowball Effect

It is important that producers assess body condition score now, as many cows came through the fall thin (< BCS 4) and winter has had an early start in many regions. Body condition is a risk management strategy and affects the LCT. A thin cow with a BCS 4 with a dry winter coat has a LCT of 27°F vs the 19°F of a cow in BCS 5. Thus, if the wind chill index was 19°F, a cow in BCS of 5 would not be using any energy to stay warm and a cow with a BCS 4 would be using 8% more energy to stay warm. So, getting cows into good condition early in the winter can be useful for managing risk of bad weather in that they have condition they can lose but also because cows with higher BCS will lose less with the same amount of energy intake than those with lower body condition. A 1200 lb gestating cow can only eat about 31 lbs of medium quality hay which is about 26 lbs DM. If you fed medium quality hay (53% TDN on DM basis) to a cow that was in a BCS of 4 when the windchill was 19°F,

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Helping cows cope with cold stress

she would not be able to eat enough hay to meet her energy needs and would be losing weight while the BCS 5 would be gaining a little condition. A practical management strategy may be to consider putting thin cows in a group with your first calf heifers as both have higher energy requirement in the winter, which can allow for strategic feeding of higher quality forage or supplementation when out grazing.

Wet Hair Coats Result in Huge Energy Loss

It is also important to understand that a wet hair coat ahead of a snowstorm exacerbates the situation. A wet coat increases the LCT of a cow in good condition to 53°F. Thus, essentially anytime a cow’s coat is wet in the winter, they will be using energy to maintain body temperature. Therefore, in winters with more precipitation, especially freezing rain, we often see greater decreases in BCS.

Meeting Cow’s Energy Needs During Cold Stress

It is not advisable to change rations daily but for extended cold and/or wet periods consider feeding more of the same ration, assuming cattle can eat more of the typical ration. If not, then providing a supplement is a good idea. When feeding lower quality hay, dormant range grazing or corn stalk grazing, additional feed will be needed. One option is to change to feeding a higher quality hay source, if available. Free choice high quality hay (58 to 60% TDN) can work down to temperatures of 34°F below the LCT of the cow (or -15°F for cows in good condition with dry hair or 19°F with wet hair). If cows are grazing, then supplementation with a high energy feed may be desirable. While corn can be used to provide more energy, it comes with risk. Feeding more than 2 to 3 lbs/hd can decrease forage digestion, especially if the forage is lower in protein. Feeding corn with some alfalfa on low protein forges can mitigate this issue. With 3 lbs of corn one could make up the difference of about 15 degrees F between the LCT of the cow and the wind chill index temperature, which for a cow in BCS of 5 with a dry coat, corn supplementation would cover the increased energy requirement down to 5°F or for a cow with a wet hair coat to only about 38°F.

Distillers grains are another option. Distillers is a good source of energy. It has more energy than corn, and because it is high in protein, it does not cause as much of a substitution effect (will not decrease intake of the forage much). In the example above where the cow needed an extra 1.2 lbs of TDN, feeding 1.2 lbs (as-fed) of dry distillers would provide the extra energy needed. In the case of distillers and gestating cows, the pounds of TDN needed to account for energy used due to cold stress would be equal to the pounds of dry distillers that would need to be fed. Limitations on the amount of distillers that could be fed would be more based on budgetary concerns than digestive effects.

When wind chill temperatures are extremely cold or the cow has a wet hair coat, a lot of supplement would be needed to make up the greater energy needs and maintain body condition. For instance, if the wind chill was -10°F and the cows had a wet hair coat, then 8.9 lbs of dry distillers would be needed to account for the increased energy requirement. However, feeding these levels is likely impractical. A better approach would be to provide a smaller amount of supplemental feed and to continue to feed the extra feed after the weather has moderated to allow cows to regain energy lost during the storm.

It is also important to remember that lactating cows have a much greater energy requirement than pregnant cows. Given this, the combination of cold stress and lactation can pull down BCS quickly. If lactating cows are also subjected to cold stress, increasing their energy intake prior to observing loss of condition is advisable.

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George was a crazed golf enthusiast who ate, drank and slept golf. On one fateful Saturday, he was having an exceptionally good round when some storm clouds rolled in. George refused to leave the round of his life when he was struck by lightning and died instantly. When he got to heaven, St. Peter was their waiting. “George” he began, “you have lived a good life and now you will live eternally in the paradise of heaven where you can play as much golf as you wish.” But George could only weep tears of sorrow.

“What is it?” St. Peter asked, “Will you miss your family?” George could only shake his head no. “Will you miss your friends?” “No,” George whimpered. “Is it your successful career?” “That’s not it, either,” George wailed. “Then why are you so upset?” St. Peter asked. “I think I left my lucky six-iron on the 12th hole.”

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Settling in for the winter (and beyond)

Agronomy, Crop, and Soil Sciences Societies

For many parts of the United States, winter weather can impact road conditions. To reduce hazardous conditions caused by snow and ice, many counties, municipalities, homeowners, and others use deicers. Salt is the most common option to treat roads.Infiltration basin during winter. A grassy field with a small body of water

But how might road salt impact groundwater? Does it have impacts only in winter, or does it have lasting impacts year-round?

These are key questions that Rachel McQuiggan, a researcher at the Delaware Geological Survey, and colleagues wanted to answer. In their research, they monitored stormwater and groundwater at an infiltration basin. An infiltration basin is a large, shallow roadside pool that allows stormwater to infiltrate into the groundwater.

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“Most stormwater management practices are designed to protect surface waters,” says McQuiggan. “Infiltration basins, and even some types of green infrastructure, are designed with the idea that stormwater benefits from a natural ‘filtering’ of contaminants as it infiltrates through soil, and contaminants dilute as that recharge mixes with existing groundwater.”

She adds that these are used to prevent contaminants like salt from being discharged straight into surface water. But in states like Delaware, groundwater contributes up to 80 percent of the water in rivers and streams. This means that salt will eventually reach rivers and streams, just on a longer timescale.

The researchers monitored the infiltration basin from midMay 2019 to mid-February 2022 to evaluate the impact road salt had on groundwater quality. One aspect of their findings showed that geological complexity, such as differences in subsurface soil properties, influenced how salty stormwater moved through groundwater.

The researchers explained it is important to consider things like placement, depth, and frequency of monitoring groundwater to get the full picture.

The team found that groundwater is impacted by road salt throughout the year, not just during winter. This is because the salt is retained in the soil in the infiltration basin. Salt is made of sodium and chlorine atoms, and chloride more easily moves in water. However, sodium more easily latches onto soil particles.

During other parts of the year, stormwater that does not contain much salt enters the basin and flushes sodium from the soil into the water. The results of the study also suggest that a higher salt content can cause radium to enter the groundwater.

“Climate can really impact the timing of how this all plays out,” McQuiggan explains. “For example, if it’s a particularly dry spring and summer, then the sodium can take longer to reach groundwater. And in Delaware, snowfall typically melts and runs off the roads within a few days of falling. In colder climates it can stay frozen for months.”

While there are other deicers available, they are not all as effective as road salt and each has its own pros and cons. Sand is a popular option to increase traction and minimally affect groundwater but could require extra maintenance like street sweeping, says McQuiggan.

“There are even carbohydrate deicers, like beet juice,” she says. “However, most alternatives are used in conjunction with salt or acetate because those are so effective and road safety is incredibly important. Each option has its pros and cons in terms of impact to the environment and cost.”

Many cold areas depend on deicer to ensure the safety of drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. The researchers say their work provides direction on how to best monitor the impacts of deicer on groundwater so adjustments can be made if needed.

“Groundwater supplies almost half of all drinking water worldwide,” says McQuiggan. “In central and southern Delaware, groundwater is the only source of potable drinking water. Hopefully the results of this project will encourage best management practices for deicer use to protect groundwater resources.”

Funding for this research was provided by the Delaware Department of Transportation. The research team is affiliated with the Delaware Geological Survey and the University of Delaware’s Department of Earth Sciences.

Winterization tips for your well

By Susan Boser, Extension Educator, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State

Below are some winter tips from the professionals at the National Groundwater Association.

Protect Your Pump

Many well systems are buried underground, protecting them from the cold. But for well owners with above-ground pumps, action should be taken to keep the system insulated and warm. Constructing a small, insulated enclosure covering the pump will help keep the system above 32 degrees and reduce the risk of freezing and other damage. This small “well house” can save thousands of dollars in repairs and ensure a well operates throughout a cold winter.

Protect Your Pipes

As water freezes, it expands and can burst your pipes, leading to significant damage to your home and well. Frozen pipes are a common winter issue for homeowners but can be avoided with a few easy steps.

Insulate your pipes.

We suggest insulating pipes for houses with piping that runs through nonheated spaces like basements. Wrapping pipes with rubber casings or fiberglass insulation can keep their temperature above freezing and the water flowing.

Inspect your pipes.

Now is a great time to do a general inspection of your water system and piping. Spotting a problem in your system now could save you from a costly problem this winter. Find a certified contractor to schedule an inspection.

Turn off your exterior water and blow out your pipes.

Ideally, your house will have a shut-off valve for its exterior water supply. If so, turn off any water that flows to outside faucets. Once you have turned the water off, drain the remaining water or use an air compressor to blow out the pipes. If you don’t have a shut-off valve, find a local contractor for other options for shutting off exterior water.

Prepare for a Power Outage

While there is little that the homeowner can do to prevent power outages due to winter weather, there are steps to take so you have water to drink while waiting for the lights to come back on.

Always have a portable gas generator and plenty of gas to connect to your pumping system.

Stock up on bottled water before the winter; this way, if there is a prolonged outage, you can still have clean drinking water in the house. Contact a local contractor to learn more about backup generators and other options to keep your water flowing during a power outage.

Penn State Extension has a fact sheet with information on power outages as they affect water systems.

For professional help with any of these winterizing tasks, the educational website, wellowner.org, provides a tool to Find a well contractor in your area.

Start the New Year off Right with your Private Water System

If you haven’t had your water tested for some time, consider the new year to start some yearly testing for some basic parameters like bacteria, total dissolved solids, pH, and nitrates. Private water system owners are responsible for the testing and treatment of their water supplies so consider making it a habit for regular water testing to be sure your water is safe to drink.

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Farm Bureau members attended national convention in Puerto Rico

Montana Farm Bureau members recently attended the American Farm Bureau Convention January 6-11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Forty-six members had the opportunity to expand their knowledge on agricultural issues, hear nationally acclaimed speakers and attend educational tours ranging from history to agricultural production.

was especially interesting.”

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MFBF Vice President Gary Heibertshausen served as a voting delegate during the Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates. “When you’re sitting in the delegate session, you see familiar faces and new faces from the different states. You feel proud when you see the Montana resolutions that have made it to the floor,” said the Alzada sheep producer. “Being involved in the delegate session on a national level really broadens your horizons and provides a better understanding of how the entire process works. You discuss points of view you might not have recognized. I feel that being involved in the American Farm Bureau delegate session is as good as it gets for our grassroots organization.”

Heiberthausen followed the Member Engagement track, with one workshop standing out: Talking About Farm Bureau. “Attendees broke into two groups, sharing ideas about talking to people who don’t know what Farm Bureau is, that we’re the largest non-profit agricultural membership organization. It’s crucial for members who believe in Farm Bureau to learn how to talk to others,” Heibertshausen said.

The couple toured the Bayer facility and a fruit farm. “The Bayer facility was very modern, focusing on soybeans and cotton. We walked through their greenhouses to learn how Bayer selects their plants,” said Courville. “The fruit farm has 330 acres with pineapples and plantains. The owners explained how they branched out into agritourism. We learned that the average family farm is 10-20 acres, and in Puerto Rico, you can make a living on that small acreage, especially if you incorporate agri-tourism.”

Beth Blevins, who serves on the MFBF Women’s Leadership Committee, found the messages from the general sessions to be inspiring. She said Bert Jacobs, co-founder of Life is Good®, had an excellent message about having a positive attitude no matter what life throws at you.

“It was also inspirational to hear from Big Kenny Alphin, of the country music duo Big & Rich. He is the owner of an 11th generation cattle farm in Virginia, where his family still raises hay and cattle. Like Jacobs, he told at a great story about following your dreams, never giving up and helping others.”

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Saturday of the AFBF Convention was dedicated to the Young Farmer and Rancher competitive events including the Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence Award. This was the first year that Nick Courville attended the national convention. Courville, a Charlo cattle rancher, was elected as the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee Chair in November. He and his wife, Randi, watched Montana contestant Mark Boyd compete in the first round of the Discussion Meet, and Courville served as a time keeper for the second Discussion Meet round. Visiting with other young farmers during the events proved valuable.

Blevins, who is a large animal vet and raises Black Angus cattle, was impressed that USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke at Monday’s closing session. “He noted that although 2022 was a record income for some sectors in agriculture, more than 50 percent of farms and ranches depend on off-farm income to stay operational, which is concerning and needs to be addressed. He said the main focus for the Department of Agriculture is getting a farm bill passed this year.

“It was good to be with other farmers and ranchers facing similar challenges; getting the resources we need at this convention to be successful is a real help,” said Blevins. “Thanks to the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau for being such a gracious host.”

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“We visited with dairy, soybean and corn farmers,” said Courville. “We attended the Celebration of Grassroots Reception which featured food from different parts of the country held at the trade show on Saturday. We heard informative speakers on the Cultivation Stage including ‘Fireside Chats’ with two social media agricultural influencers who did a live podcast from the stage, and a conversation with the CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund. Since both Randi and I grew up on the reservation, this

A priest decides to call in sick and skip church on Sunday in order to play a round of golf. As the priest is about to tee off, an angel in heaven asks God, “Are you going to let this man of the cloth get away with this?” “Of course not,” God says, “Just keep watching.” However just moments later, the priest hits a booming tee shot that bounces off of a rock, then a tree, only to land on the green and roll slowly into the cup for a hole in one. “Why would you let him do that?” the astounded angel asks. God laughs and says “Just think about it. Who is he going to be able to tell?”

Music, good for body and mind

By Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension food and nutrition specialist

The young musical artists nodded at me, and I clicked on the stopwatch as they began playing. Each had 10 minutes to play a prepared piece of music.

My role was to stop them if they played too long. The judges were behind a curtain in the back of the room.

“Thank you!” I said loudly to one participant as my stopwatch hit the 10-minute mark.

The young person stopped despite being in the middle of a very complex section called a “cadenza.” I could imagine how many hours the musician had spent practicing the piece. I felt bad about stopping the performance.

Timekeeping musical performances is not part of my day job. I am a proud member of the symphony board. I was helping with the contest one Saturday morning.

As I listened to these talented young people, I thought back to my children’s early musical experiences and my own. Learning to play a musical instrument well takes years of practice and a lot of support.

When you begin to play a violin, trombone, saxophone or other instrument, unfortunately, your family members do not always have a pleasant listening experience. My children learned piano, viola, guitar and/or clarinet. I sometimes asked them to close the door.

That wasn’t all that supportive, I guess.

“Check the key signature, please,” I’d say when I heard a “clunker” note.

A few years ago, when becoming an empty nester was imminent, I joined a community band. I still use the flute my parents bought me when I was about 16.

I was struck by the range of ages in the community band, ranging from early 20s to early 90s.

You can enjoy and/or play music throughout your life.

Music plays some key roles in many aspects of health, whether you are playing an instrument, singing, dancing or simply listening to music.

Playing a horn or wind instrument requires movement of your hands, pushing air out of your lungs, articulating notes with your tongue, reading with your eyes and, of course, interpreting all the notes and rhythms with your brain. If you are in a marching band, that adds another dimension.

Music can promote our ability to think.

Researchers studied the influence of different types of music or silence on intelligence test scores. The college students listened to Mozart, a relaxation tape or sat in silence. The Mozart sonata promoted greater scores.

Music may help patients be less stressed during surgery. When patients listened to music during an eye surgery that is performed while the patient is awake, their blood pressure stayed at

normal levels.

Music sometimes is part of therapy among people with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurologic disorder. It helps them retain balance and ability to move.

According to a study of leisure activities and brain health, dancing helped reduce the risk for dementia, better than golfing, swimming, tennis and seven other leisure activities.

In 2020, the AARP reported the results of a survey about music. Women were more likely than men to have participated in dancing or singing, and younger people were more likely to have played an instrument. Interestingly, a majority of people (58%) sang alone and 38% had engaged in dancing in their lives.

Dancing to music is good for your heart health and brain health. The individuals in the AARP study who participated in music self-reported their general health and brain function as “excellent” or “very good.” The people who listened to music were less likely to report issues with anxiety or depression.

You might want to dust off your musical instrument or learn to play one. Exercise your vocal cords.

Tips to keeping your animals healthy and happy during winter months

By Katie Ockert, Michigan State University

Cold temperatures can cause some challenges in small and hobby farm livestock barns, but using some easy techniques you can manage your livestock successfully during the winter months.

Water

Ensuring your animals have access to fresh, clean water is essential to their health. Livestock cannot meet their water requirements by eating snow. Waterers should be regularly cleaned to help reduce the number of bacteria, fecal matter, and other solids that may build up over time and affect the taste of the water. Water consumption is affected by numerous factors such as animal size, diet, productivity, and the season. Dehydration can be fatal to animals.

In the winter, battling frozen water buckets and tanks can be a challenge. By using immersible tank heaters, heated buckets, or automatic waterers, water is kept ice-free, and at a temperature the animal is comfortable drinking. Products that utilize electricity, such as immersible tank heaters and heated buckets, should be checked with a voltmeter to ensure there is no current running through the water. Any electrical current will deter animals from drinking from the water tank or bucket. By inserting one end of the voltmeter in the water tank and the other into the ground, you will get a reading that will indicate if there is a problem. Make sure to check for electric current often.

North Dakota State University bulletin, “Livestock Water Requirements,” features an easy to use chart for water consumption rates for beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and swine during various stages of development. This tool can help you determine not just enough water for your animals, but also if your animals are consuming enough water.

Water quality will also affect the amount of water livestock will consume. Water quality can be impacted by contaminants such as salts, excessive nutrients, or bacteria. It is important to have your water tested to determine if it contains contaminants that may impact your livestock. In Michigan, testing for private wells is the responsibility of the well owner. Water tests can be done by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy certified laboratory, or your local health department may provide testing.

Housing

Most animals need some shelter during the winter months; however, their natural winter coats allow them to endure cold temperatures. Providing shelter or wind breaks that can be easily accessed by animals is key. Humans oftentimes are prone to making the winter environment for their animals too warm, which is unhealthy for animals.

Michigan State University Extension recommends the following factors to consider when evaluating the housing of your animals:

Air quality: Ventilation to help dispel respiration gasses and manure odor is important. Depending on the type of barn you have, there are various ways the barn can be ventilated. Ridge vents are more prevalent in newer barns and are based on the premise that heat rises. Older barns may require opening doors or windows to allow for air circulation. Poorly ventilated spaces can cause irritation in the animals’ lungs and lead to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. If you notice condensation on walls or ceilings, that is a good indication your air isn’t ventilating enough for the number of animals occupying the space. You will need to adjust accordingly.

Dry bedding areas: Dry bedding provides insulation from the cold ground, helps preserve body heat, and minimizes stress. There are many options for bedding you can use including straw and wood shavings, and with cattle you can use corn stover or similar crop residues for cows and bulls. Overall, livestock bedding should be comfortable, clean, and absorbent.

Feed: Animals must maintain their energy reserves to endure cold temperatures. Before the weather gets cold, asses the body condition of each animal and adjust the nutrition they are receiving to adequately prepare them to thrive in winter conditions. It is critical to continue to assess body condition scores throughout the winter, as it may be necessary to increase the amounts of good quality feed and forages. Supplying adequate amounts of feed is essential in your animal’s well-being through the winter months.

AMBA releases recommended variety list with two additions

The American Malting Barley Association (AMBA) Board of Directors annually develops a list of recommended malting barley varieties for U.S. growers for the upcoming crop year. AMBA is a nonprofit trade association of 60+ malting, brewing, distilling, and food companies that are end users of U.S. malting barley.

The AMBA Recommended List is intended to provide U.S. growers with guidance as to what varieties the industry may be contracting or purchasing in the coming year. It is not intended as a list of approved or certified malting varieties for the use by brewers, distillers, food companies, or maltsters. There may be many suitable malting barley varieties grown domestically or internationally that are not on the list yet have quality characteristics desired by the industry. Some varieties will be used in large quantities and many others are only utilized in niche markets, so producers are encouraged to contact their local elevator, grain handler or processor to gauge market demand for any variety grown in their region prior to seeding.

Additions to the 2023 list include CDC Fraser and KWS Donau.

CDC Fraser is a spring variety registered in Canada in 2016 and developed by Dr. Aaron Beattie at the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan. It offers high extract, enzyme, and grain yield with a good disease resistance package. CDC Fraser has quickly

#####

A struggling golfer was having the worst round of his life. He couldn’t get off of the tee, his iron game was in shambles, and he was 20 over par after the front nine. Things unfortunately didn’t get much better, and as the futility continued, the golfer began to steam. Finally, mercifully the round was coming to an end. But when the exasperated golfer missed a 3-foot putt on the 18th, he couldn’t take it any longer. Looking directly at his caddie he screamed, “You’ve got to be the worst caddie in the world!” The caddie looked directly at the golfer and without missing a beat said, “I doubt it. That would just be too much of a coincidence.”

#####

A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?” “That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner,” the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?” “Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”

gained momentum in western Canada, often replacing AC Metcalfe acreage.

KWS Donau is a winter variety widely used in Austria and released by KWS Seeds. It is an early maturing variety with good yield, providing light-colored malts with favorable beta-glucan. KWS Donau possesses many of the same favorable attributes of its predecessor, KWS Wintmalt.

Varieties excluded from the 2023 list include Pinnacle and Charles - two varieties that have experienced significant decline in acreage over the past several years and are no longer considered recommended varieties to growers.

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17th Annual Sale

March 6, 2023

Selling

Semi-load(s) of Fir firewood for sale. Approximately 12-15 cords per load. Call or text (406) 366-6337 for delivery inquiry and quote or to get on the list.

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Genetics. Veseth Cattle Co. has an exhaustive Artificial Insemination (AI) program to improve their cattle. We have AI’ed 8000 females in the last 25 years.

Selection. Veseth Cattle Co tests and verifies all production inputs and that is why only 10% of the AI sires sampled in our program are used 4 or more years.

Cost. Veseth Cattle Co. is affordable. Our bulls average $3000 at auction. This is a 43% savings per bull under the industry average bull.

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March

Continuous certification option for perennial forage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers with perennial forage crops of an option to report their acreage once, without having to report that acreage in subsequent years, as long as there are no applicable changes on the farm. Interested producers can select the continuous certification option after USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) certifies their acreage report.

“FSA’s continuous certification option simplifies future acreage reporting of perennial crops, and it can also help streamline the application process for many of our farm programs, including disaster assistance programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “For example, when persistent drought conditions over the past year affected livestock producers in the West and Great Plains, producers who had previously filed a continuous acreage report were able to benefit from a streamlined application process for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.”

An acreage report documents a crop

Seed Right the First Time

grown on a farm or ranch and its intended uses, including perennial crops like mixed forage, birdsfoot trefoil, chicory/radicchio, kochia (prostrata), lespedeza, perennial peanuts and perennial grass varieties. To access many USDA programs, producers must file an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planting acreage.

The perennial crop continuous certification process requires a producer to initially complete an acreage report certifying the perennial crop acreage. The producer may select the continuous certification option any time after the crop is certified. Once the continuous certification option is selected, the certified acreage will roll forward annually and does not require additional action on the producer’s part in subsequent years unless the acreage report changes.

Once an producer selects continuous certification, then continuous certification is appliable to all fields on the farm for the specific crop, crop type and intended use. If continuous certification is selected by any producers sharing in the crop, then the continuous certification is appliable to fields in which the producer has a share for the specific crop, crop type and intended use.

IDENTIFY BLOCKAGES & DIAGNOSE SEED DELIVERY ISSUES TO PREVENT SKIPS & YIELD LOSS WITH THE INDUSTRY’S BEST FLOW MONITORING SOLUTION

Say goodbye to dust-covered optical sensors. Recon Blockage Plus, the next generation of reliable flow monitoring technology is the industry’s only acoustic blockage monitoring system designed to improve precision in every pass. Upgraded with a wired connection to the ECU for improved connectivity, the Recon Blockage Plus acoustic sensor detects blockages and reduced seed flow instantly - preventing skips and increasing yield.

“Currently less than half of the 336.5 million acres of perennial forage is being reported using the continuous certification process,” Ducheneaux said. “Producers can help streamline the reporting process by selecting continuous certification after filing their crop acreage report.”

Producers can opt out of continuous certification at any time. The continuous certification will terminate automatically if a change in the farming operation occurs.

How to File a Report

To file a crop acreage report, producers need to provide:

Crop and crop type or variety.

Intended use of the crop.

Number of acres of the crop.

Map with approximate boundaries for the crop.

Planting date(s).

Planting pattern, when applicable.

Producer shares.

Irrigation practice(s).

Acreage prevented from planting, when applicable.

Other information as required.

More Information

Producers can contact their local FSA office to see if their crops are eligible for continuous certification or to make an appointment. Producers can make an appointment to report acres by contacting their local USDA Service Center. #####

If the devil is knocking at your door, let Jesus answer.

Canola market starts the new year strong

Canola prices jumped on the first trading day of the new year as concerns about dry weather in Argentina continue to mount, even though weekend rains sparked some liquidation in other oilseeds and grains. Prices have firmed as the weather in Argentina has been the driest in over 30 years. Crop estimates for Argentina continue to be cut by analysts. However, weak crude oil price action on January 4 caused weakness across the entire ag sector, leading to longs exiting the markets.

Canola prices have increased in the last month, but remain in a tight trading range between $800/MT and $900/MT.

The USDA, in its latest Oilseed Crushings Report, said 180,750 tons of canola seeds were crushed in the U.S. for oil in November, down from 208,459 tons in October, but up from 160,000 tons or 12.5% from November 2021. Total canola oil stocks remained strong at 170,871 tons at the end of November. In Canada, the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) reported that canola crush for the month of November was 877,405 MT, also up 12% from the same period in 2021.

Market analysts indicate that at the current usage rates of canola in North America, the market will run out of canola before the end of the marketing year, suggesting that either crush or exports will have to be reduced along the way this spring. Exports will be the first to be cut. The oil value represents 88% of the crush value in canola and crush margins remain very strong, suggesting crushers have more pricing power than exporters.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported in the latest Monthly Biofuels Update that a record 166 million pounds of canola oil was used in biofuel production in October. Higher amounts are expected in coming months and this data will be watched closely.

The March ICE canola contract finished at $869/MT on January 4, lower on the day but up $12/MT in the last two weeks and up $28/MT since December 1. The May canola contract ended at $866/MT, down $1.20/MT on the day, but also up $12/MT in the last two weeks and up $22/MT since December 1.

As of January 4, prices at nearby crush plants ranged from $28.24 to $30.40/cwt. for January deliveries and $29.09 to $30.40 for Feb and Mar deliveries, up $.40 - $.50 in the last two weeks.

NDSU will host a Getting it Right in Canola Production virtual meeting on March 9. Getting It Right is an annual crop production conference featuring the latest research-based production information presented by NDSU specialists. Canola growers can go to northerncanola.com to register for the virtual conference.

35 Yearling Bulls

Sell online through SC Online Sales. Check the listing at: www.sconlinesales.com Private treaty bulls will be available beginning March 15th.

Sell online through SC Online Sales. Check the listing at: www.sconlinesales.com Private treaty bulls will be available beginning March 15th

We will be offering a good selection of Maine-Anjou, Maine Angus and MaineTainer bulls for your evaluation. Please stop by the ranch anytime to look through this exciting group of cattle. We look forward to hearing from you. Your

We

Trader's Dispatch will be March 1st.

Phone us at (406) 271-5533

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International 1066 turbo with 2350 loader. 540/1000 PTO, 2 dual function remotes, 3 new tires, 1 at 80%, air conditioning works, heater is capped. Tractor was split 3 years ago, new clutch and all linkage replaced. Needs seat and batteries, 6045 hours

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Phone Taylor at (406) 868-8935, Simms, MT

Montana ranchers compete at national level in Young Farmers & Ranchers

Competitive Events

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Contact Centrol for all your soil sampling needs for the 2023 season!

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Balewagons & Retrievers

An Alder rancher and couple from Choteau had the opportunity to compete in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Competitive Events during the 104th American Farm Bureau Convention which runs through January 11 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mark Boyd, who had won the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Discussion Meet in November, spent Saturday talking about agricultural issues with other young producers, ranging from supply chain issues to ways young agriculturalists can begin or remain in agricultural production. The Discussion Meet, which is open to Farm Bureau members age 18-35, is meant to simulate a committee meeting with ideas discussed and solutions developed.

“Competing at the national level allowed me to visit with some of the other competitors and learn about the diversity of other farms and ranches across the country,” said Boyd. “During the competition, I had to keep in mind that although we in Montana might all agree on an issue, people in different parts of the country have different perspectives.”

Haying Equipment

Niagara 14-ft. metal shear, 3/16 capacity, very good condition, 3 phase. $3500

1979 International cabover grain truck, 20-ft. box and hoist with tarp, Cummins engine with 13 speed transmission. $13,500

John Deere 650 grain cart.$1500

Boyd said he prepared at the national level by contacting prior MFBF Discussion Meet winners to learn what worked and what were the challenges in competing at the national meeting.

2006 Peterbilt 385 semi truck, Cummins ISM370 engine, 13 speed transmission $18,500

Sod Buster Sales Inc.

Ben and Karli Johnson, who had been the MFBF YF&R Achievement Award winners from the MFBF Convention, were one of 27 competitors for the national Achievement Award. The Johnsons, who were both raised in agriculture, started Sevens Livestock in Choteau, Montana and raise seedstock and commercial cattle. Achievement Award contestants are evaluated on a combination of their farming operation growth and financial progress of the farm or ranch, and Farm Bureau leadership, as well as leadership outside of Farm Bureau.

Ben said that although they didn’t have much in common with some of the other

competitors, such as wine grape growers, they had the opportunity to share commonalities with cattle stockers and other young farmers and ranchers who raised livestock.

“Working on the application enabled us to realize how our decisions on our farms or ranch impacted our balance sheet,” said Karli. “Being in this competition made us not only be reflective of what we have achieved, but also what our next steps will be.”

A delegation of 46 Montana Farm Bureau members have been attending the Young Farmer & Rancher Competitive Events, workshops, general sessions and the trade show.

Mark Boyd talks about how supply chain issues have challenged farmers and ranchers in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet.

Ben and Karli Johnson from Choteau competed in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award.

• 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.

Windbreaks for protection and snow diversion

By Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Educator

Windbreaks with a “V” configuration into prevailing winds, will provide downwind protection 5 times the height of the fence.

A straight, 25-33% porous windbreak will provide protection 8-10 times the height of the fence.

Windbreaks can increase calving success by 2%.

Shelter for livestock during the winter months can influence the success of calving and a livestock operation. Protection from the wind and snow is not always readily available from natural topography or living windbreaks such as tree lines or shrub rows. The presence of wind increases heat loss in livestock during the winter and can penetrate the hair coat allowing cold air to reach the skin, accelerating the loss of heat. Constructing windbreaks increases protection for livestock. Installing a windbreak needs to come with the end goal in mind. The windbreak will only be as good as it is designed and using the wrong design can cause more harm than good. Some windbreaks are used primarily as snowfences to collect snow directly on the downwind side. These fences are typically used to prevent snow from drifting in dry lots and driveways further downwind or can be used to collect snow for ponds. Knowing the purpose of the windbreak is vital to its success.

Livestock performance and survival is affected by wind and temperature. When temperatures drop below 18 degrees, cattle begin to experience cold stress – even with their heavy winter hair coat – and feed intake will need to increase to maintain a suitable body temperature. Calving success can increase by 2% behind a windbreak according to Kansas producers. A general rule of thumb we can use is that for every degree of cold stress a cow faces, they increase their energy requirements by 1%. In Montana feedlots during severe winters, cattle behind windbreaks gained 10.6 lbs. more than cattle that did not have windbreaks.

The different combinations of constructed windbreaks include permanent and temporary as well as porous and non-porous. Research by the USDA Forest Service at the Rocky Mountain Research Station examined non-porous or solid windbreaks. Research by the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, and Manitoba Agriculture focused on porous windbreaks. Ultimately, the turbulence of the wind behind the windbreak determines the size of the protected area and the degree and placement of snow accumulation.

A solid (non-porous) windbreak constructed in a “V” configuration will create protection from snow and minimize snow in the crux of the “V”. The sides of the “V” should form a 90-degree angle and the point should be built facing into the prevailing winter winds. This will cause snow to be diverted around the ends of the barrier and form drifts away from the sheltered area. The area of shelter will be downwind about 5 times the height of the barrier. “Shelter” in this design is considered reducing wind speed by 60% with minimal snow accumulation. The shelter width, measured as the distance between the open ends of the windbreak’s sides, should not exceed 15 times the height of the barrier. For example, a barrier 8 feet tall can have sides no longer than 85 feet because the distance between the ends of the sides with that configuration is 120 feet wide. If the sides are longer, snow will begin to drift over the barrier and into the sheltered area. This same design can be used for a temporary or annual windbreak by stacking large round hay bales. Be sure to stack bales tightly to allow no gaps. Stacks two bales high, the bottom vertical and the top horizontal, worked well in ranch tests. A temporary “V” shelter can also be constructed using two 8 ft long panels with a tarp or canvas secured to the panel. This requires some anchor system, but can be a quick one-man solution when weather gets bad.

Porous windbreaks can be constructed in a line and can be permanent or temporary. Effectiveness of this type of windbreak is determined by porosity (open area as % of total), which affects the amount of wind reduction and the area of wind reduction. Porosity at 25-33% will optimize protection from wind and snowdrifts. Years of research have determined the protected area to be 8 to 10 times the height of the windbreak. Therefore, a 10-foot tall fence (with 25-33% porosity) will provide 80 to 100 feet of protection behind it. If using vertical boards to build a windbreak, 6-inch boards with 2-inch spacings will create 25% porosity. For temporary construction, the base must be as wide as the windbreak is tall to avoid toppling. Some temporary windbreaks have been constructed with axles and hitches for portability. Using a

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At the annual MSU Toole County Extension Cropping Seminar, this pair was recognized with the Friends of Extension award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP), a professional organization within Extension. Korey and Wendy Fauque were selected as Friends of Extension at the Montana state level and their nomination was submitted at the national ESP level and they were selected as winners!

Korey and Wendy Fauque of Sunburst, Montana are truly one of a kind. They partner with Extension on educational programming as both speakers and sponsors and tour hosts on their operation. Within the community, they are a light to other producers, serving as the local cheerleader in tough times, reminding producers that they can preserve through the current drought, hailstorm, or high hay prices. They are leaders in their hometown, currently leading the community in building a community center for the town of Sunburst. They bring life, enthusiasm, vision, and hope to their rural farming community.

They truly embody the title of Friends of Extension because they are always willing to help MSU Extension with conferences, workshops, and sponsorship donations. In fact, Korey saved the day for us at the Cropping Seminar and filled in as a speaker in Glacier County when one of our scheduled speakers couldn’t make it. Korey has also been a presenter for several of the past MT Next Generation conferences.

Thank you Korey and Wendy for all that you do for Extension!

Windbreaks for protection and snow diversion

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A30

steel frame and vertical boards is a sturdy, low-cost option when constructing these windbreaks.

Temporary or portable windbreaks can have tradeoffs. Some advantages include the ability to move calving pastures, reducing hay loss fed in bunks or on the ground, shelter for cattle grazing crop residue fields, manure concentration in a nutrient poor portion of the field, and avoiding feed residue buildup. Some disadvantages of portable windbreaks include moving the windbreaks, often costing more than permanent windbreaks, toppling in extreme winds, and freezing of the base to the ground.

Conclusion

Installing a windbreak needs to come with the end goal in mind. Permanent or temporary, porous or non-porous, the design needs to fit the needs of an operation. In cold and windy situations, protection for livestock will reduce cold stress and aid in calving success and energy requirements. Windbreak designs have their advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate the tradeoffs and put time into the design.

For more information on this topic see NebGuide EC1766 “Windbreaks for Livestock Operations.

#####

Two golfers are both dealing with a lot of stress in their personal life. The first golfer mentions to the second that his therapist suggested that he play golf with an imaginary ball. They agree that the advice couldn’t hurt. So when they met for their weekend game together, they both tee up an imaginary ball, take their respective swings, and note that their drives went long and straight down the middle of the fairway. As the imaginary round progresses, both golfers are ecstatic with their sub-par rounds. When they get to the par-3 eighteenth hole, the score is tied, and they can feel their stress easing. The first golfer takes out a six iron and reports that his drive landed softly on the edge of the green. The second golfer responds in the same manner and says his ball was right next to his partner’s. The first golfer stands over his imaginary putt, takes his swing, and reports that his 15-footer just dropped into the bottom of the cup. The second golfer smiles and says, “Sorry to tell you this, but you just hit my ball.”

Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension offers pesticide certification

The Lincoln Logan McPherson Extension Office is offering the following Private Pesticide Applicator’s Certification Trainings:

February 15th, 9:30 am – 12:00 p.m., CT Logan County Courthouse, Stapleton

March 14th, 9:00 – 11:30 a.m., CST, North Platte, WCREEC Classroom, 402 W State Farm Road

April 13th, 9:00 – 11:30 noon, CST, North Platte, WCREEC Classroom, 402 W State Farm Road

Online training https:// pested.unl.edu/certificationand-training

Please call the Extension Office at least 1 day prior to the training so we can be sure to have enough materials and spaces for the training. Listen to the radio for weather cancellations. Please note the cost of the Training Classes is $50 per applicator. CELL PHONES MUST BE TURNED OFF DURING THE TRAINING PER THE NEBRASKA DEPARMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Private applicators will be required to add categories to their license to perform soil (01A) or structural/non-soil fumigation (11). Private applicators who wish to apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) by aircraft (including drones) will be required to obtain a commercial or non-commercial license and add the Aerial Pest Control category (12). Private applicators categories are added by passing the category exam at any Nebraska Department of Agriculture commercial/noncommercial applicator testing session. Exams will not be offered during private applicator training.

Please watch the mail for your State of Nebraska letter that needs to be completed and brought to the training. You will also owe $25 for a 3-year license to the State of Nebraska after the training by mail (watch for postcard). Remember to contact the office one day prior to the session by email at rsaner2@unl.edu or by phone at 308-532-2683 Lincoln Logan McPherson. Chemigation dates for the area are as follows:

February 15th, 1:00 pm

##### My friend told me he had the body of a Greek god. I had to explain to him that Buddha is not Greek.

#####

Q: What has more lives than a cat?

A: A frog because it croaks every night.

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Q: What do you call a cow that just gave birth?

A: Decalfeinated.

CT, Logan County Courthouse Stapleton –RSVP 308-532-2683

March 14th, 1:00 pm CT WCREEC, 402

W State Farm Road, North Platte – RSVP 308-532-2683

April 13th, 1:00 pm CT WCREEC, 402

W State Farm Road, North Platte – RSVP 308-532-2683

June 6th, 9:00 am CT WCREEC, 402

W State Farm Road, North Platte – RSVP 308-532-2683

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

2-Used WadeRain wheellines, new in 2000. 5” pipe, 5-ft. wheels, 40-ft. pipe. Well maintained. Includes: inlet or center feed, hose, end plug and valve opener so irrigation ready. As is, you dismantle and haul.

1720-ft. long $9000

1560-ft. long $8600

2-Nelson P200 Big Guns on carts for 6” ringlock pipe. Includes cart $1500 ea. Approximately 1/3 mile A&M 6” ringlock Series 55 aluminum pipe. 6” x 30-ft. pipe. As is, pipe stacked, ready to go $135 ea pipe Phone (406) 600-4146, Bozeman, Montana

Snowpack conditions ideal after precipitation

A late October winter storm brought widespread precipitation to many SNOTEL stations in Montana. That snow was within one to two weeks of the typical snowpack onset and earlier than the fall of 2021, which was nearly a month late in some locations due to an unseasonably warm and dry fall.

“Other good news is that November and

December brought cool and wet weather, above normal precipitation, and snowfall across most of Montana. The result was a good start to the snowpack accumulation season and currently all major rivers basins have an above normal snowpack,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Supply Specialist. The Upper Clark Fork and Bitterroot River basins have the lowest snowpack percentage at about 100% of normal, while the snowpack in the Milk River basin is the highest at 159% of normal.

While the snowpack is currently at or above normal, it is still early in the winter and a lot can change. On January 1 the snowpack is typically only about 35% to 40% accumulated for the season. “In a perfect world, the snowpack reaches normal peak snow water equivalent levels in April or early May,” said Larson. Peaking early generally results in less late-summer water supply, while peaking late can potentially result in flooding. Water supply specialists generally have a better idea of the spring and summer water supply outlook closer to April. “While the snowpack conditions are currently above normal, several weeks without snow could leave us with a similar snowpack to last year in many basins. On February 1, 2022, snowpack was slightly below normal, except in northwest Montana where it was above normal,” said Larson. If snowfall continues at a similar rate to the last couple months, Montana snowpack could accumulate a buffer in the event of a pause in active weather later this winter.

A full report of conditions on January 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, realtime snow survey data can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/ montana under Snow Survey. #####

Never take the bull by the horns, take him by the tail: then you can let go when you want to. –

Josh Billings #####

Never steal a horse, for it costs more to hide it than it’s worth. – Brigham

Young #####

Never roll up your pant legs before you get to the stream. – Emmanuel

#####

Celler

Never ride your horse more than five-and-thirty miles a day, always takingmore care of him than of yourself; which is right and reasonable, seeing as how the horse is the best animal of the two. – George Borrow

Roll Model: The Deanes

Not long after Matthew and Eliza Deane and their three kids moved to Oakley, Utah, from New Hampshire in August 2014, some teenagers “TP’d” their new house and front yard with toilet paper. It wasn’t the kind of welcome they hoped for, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected: “We both lived here as kids and we both did it,” Matthew Deane told the Deseret News. “It’s part of the culture.”

What wasn’t part of the culture–at least when the Deanes were younger– was for the pranksters to do it over and over again. Every Friday and Saturday night for weeks after the Deane family moved in, a dozen or more kids at a time pelted the house with toilet paper. The mess they made was only the beginning: the troublemakers also took apart the Deanes’ lawn furniture, rang the doorbell, and pounded on the doors and windows at all hours of the night. Sometimes they drove past the house without stopping, honking their horns and screaming as they went by.

Paper chase

The Deanes’ 15-year-old daughter was so upset by the harassment that she dropped out of high school and had to be homeschooled. Matthew Dean lost more than a few nights of sleep lying in wait for the pranksters to show up so that he could chase after them in his car. Once he cornered a carload of teenagers in a culde-sac and told them how upsetting their behavior was to his family. He thought the kids got the message, but the next Friday his house was TP’d again.

Finally, after four months of torment, a sheriff’s deputy caught some of the teenagers in the act and took them into custody. Deane could have pressed charges, and perhaps even sued the parents for damage. But he didn’t: “It sort of came to me that I should ask these people to bring toilet paper to our house and bring it into the house and come to know us,” he says.

Roll on Over

Deane figured that if the troublemakers knew his family as people, they’d be less likely to TP the house again. (He was right). And he thought all that toilet paper could be put to much better use if it was donated to a local charity that works with the poor–that’s why he told the kids and their parents to bring some with them.

Even if Deane had only collected toilet paper from those teenagers and their parents, he would have amassed a considerable haul. But when friends and neighbors found out what they were doing, many of them wanted to contribute some toilet paper as well. It wasn’t long before the story found its way to the Internet, thanks to Facebook, Twitter, and Matthew Deane’s own blog, and soon strangers began sending them packages of toilet paper from all over the country.

On a Roll

The Deanes set an initial goal of collecting 500 rolls of toilet paper by the end of December, then double it to 1,000 when their pile grew past 600 rolls. At first they piled the packages of toilet paper in front of the Christmas tree, but so much came in that they had to move it all behind the couch. By New Year’s Day, they’d collected more than 1,000 rolls in all, with more arriving daily.

The Deanes had planned to stop collecting toilet paper on New Year’s Day, but stopping the donations will probably be as tricky as stopping the TP’ers in the first place. All in all, it’s not a bad problem to have. “We just wanted to prove that good will win over all,” Deane told the Deseret News. It has become a happy positive experience I never thought it would…but it really has.”

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Shoe shops used X-Ray machines to measure shoe sizes in the 1940s before the risks of X-Rays were fully understood.

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Iguanas have three eyes. Two normal eyes and a third eye on top of their head that only perceives brightness.

Cold

preparation for small and hobby

By Katie Ockert, Michigan State University

Michigan State University Extension recognizes that cold weather management can be a challenge for even the most seasoned poultry owners. There is no substitute for good management that takes into consideration a variety of factors.

First, temperature and wind are the most critical environmental concerns that flock owners must be aware of. Chickens begin to pick up temperature changes around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A bird’s comb, waddles, face, feet and other non-protected body parts are sensitive to temperature changes. Making sure that your coop is draft free, yet well ventilated, is key in keeping a comfortable environment for your birds. There are many methods to cut down wind such as creating wind breaks that will protect the coop from the most common prevailing winds and identifying areas in the coop where there are drafts.

Brigid McCrea, PhD, small flock specialist, from Auburn University and Zac Williams, PhD, Michigan State University (MSU) poultry specialist dispel many of those myths and give practical, best practices for poultry owners in the “Poultry Talk 101—Cold Weather Prep for Small and Hobby Flocks” podcast. Here are some other tips from Brigid McCrea:

Coop bedding should be kept clean and doubled from what is used during the summer months to insulate the floor of the coop and protect again frostbite on the toes.

Daily observation is critical so that birds exposed body parts can be monitored for frost bite.

Choose breeds suited for your climate.

Provide free choice feed during the winter months; chickens should consume 50% more feed than during the warmer months. Provide fresh, clean water every day and make sure to clean the water troughs every day.

Deciphering a hay test - RFV and RFQ

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Forage tests today contain two values summarizing feed quality. While similar, understanding the unique differences of each is important to accurately value a forage. Today we will look at Relative Feed Value or RFV and Relative Forage Quality or RFQ.

For many years we have used a forage testing system that measured two different types of fiber called NDF and ADF. We used NDF to estimate how much hay cows would eat and we used ADF to estimate how much energy they would get from that hay. Then we combined those values to give an overall estimate of forage quality that we called RFV, which stands for relative feed value.

RFV did a fair job of estimating digestibility of legume hay, but its major flaw is assuming all fiber has the same digestibility. We know that is not true, and it especially misrepresents the forage quality of grasses. Grasses have more fiber than legumes but grass fiber usually is more digestible than legume fiber. For many years, there was no other forage test available at an affordable cost that was any better.

Eventually, low-cost tests were developed that did a good job of measuring digestible fiber. Forage scientists and animal nutritionists have worked together with these tests to also revise the intake and energy estimates so results from these tests predict how animals will truly perform much more accurately. With these new tests, a new overall estimate of forage quality was developed, which is called RFQ, or relative forage quality.

While this new RFQ test is especially useful when testing grassy hays, it also has been proven to be better with alfalfa and other legumes. So when you test forages in the future, look for labs that offer relative forage quality. Your numbers will be more accurate.

#####

Q. What do you call a bear with no teeth

A. A gummy bear

#####

A man was walking down the street and saw a sign in a store window that said “Help Wanted,” so the man ran in the store and yelled out, “What’s wrong?!”

towable, never lived in $6000

8-ton triple axle equipment trailer, 20ft. with beavertail and ramps. Good tires with electric brakes. Great for skid steer, etc. Clean $6900 1979 Ford L7000 truck, under CDL, 3208 Cat diesel, power steering, power hydraulic brakes, 5 speed transmission, 2 speed rear end, PTO & hydraulic pump, no hoist, nice 16-ft. flatbed. Runs good, great ranch truck. $6500

Pump for firetruck, low hours, with front bumper, nice $2000

Managing hypothermia in newborn calves

By Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator

Preventing hypothermia is vital to survival in the newborn.

Plans for calving season should include how to identify and manage cold stress in newborns. In the 2007 National Animal Health Monitoring System report, 25.6% of operations reported weather as the main cause for death in calves less than 3 weeks old. Preventing hypothermia is vital to survival in the newborn.

Interruptions to thermoregulation

Difficulty during birth, also known as dystocia, can have detrimental effects on calf health. The contractions from the dam create periods of limited oxygen as the calf moves through the birth canal. When the delivery process is prolonged, calves will be born with critically low levels of blood oxygen. These low levels will be corrected when breathing begins. However, severe dystocia calves have such low levels that the respiratory system is suppressed, leading to a cascade of negative events. The increase of blood carbon dioxide levels

and the lack of oxygen lead to a condition called acidosis. The acidosis will depress the central nervous system and lead to weak calf syndrome. In these situations, calves are unable to stand and likely have a decreased shivering response, causing hypothermia. Hypothermic calves lack a suckle reflex and fail to ingest necessary colostrum, which will delay the absorption of antibodies and essential nutrients needed for survival.

Management strategies to treat hypothermia

There are several ways to assist a hypothermic calf. This first step is understanding when to intervene. The normal rectal temperature of a newborn calf is 101.5-102.5 degrees F. A simple thermometer will help identify when the calf is in danger. Once the temperature drops below 101 degrees F, steps should be taken to prevent hypothermia. Another tip is to place two fingers into the mouth of the calf. The inside of the mouth of a healthy calf will be warm and moist and will attempt to chew or suck on your fingers. If the suckle reflex is absent, it’s time to get involved.

Consider two routes when attempting to rewarm a calf: external and internal. Colostrum is the first line of defense for warming a calf internally. Comprised of up to 10% fat, colostrum acts as a heat source by burning the fat into energy and maintaining body temperature. Calves that can sit sternal and hold their head up need colostrum to begin the warming process. The best source will be from the dam, but other sources or replacers may be used as well. Ensure records are kept on what and how much was provided to the calf.

External warming can be achieved through commercial warming huts, forced warm air such as the floorboard of your truck, or warm water bath. Never leave a calf unattended while using a heat source as there is potential for overheating. While warming huts are an easy option, they can also serve as breeding grounds for pathogens. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire hut before adding another calf. If using a bath, ensure the calf is completely dry before placing back outside.

Understanding the risk factors for hypothermia will aid in developing a strategy to prevent loss. Managing dystocia and knowing when and how to assist chilled calves is an essential part of your calving plan.

In 2005, a fortune cookie company called Wonton Food Inc. correctly foretold lottery numbers, resulting in 110 winners and an investigation. No fraud was involved.

Uncle John’s stall of fame

Honoree: Will Simmons, a freshman at Duke University.

Notable Achievement: Turning toilet paper into a political issue.

True story: In his first year at Duke, Simmons discovered that the toilets in his dorm were outfitted with single-ply toilet paper. Outraged, he decided to run for a seat in the student government. His single campaign platform: a promise that students would get two-ply paper in dorm bathrooms. Simmons won, of course–student know what’s important. After the election, university housing officials pledged to cooperate.

Honoree: Donna Summer, pop singer.

Notable Achievement: Writing a Top 10 song in the bathroom.

True story: At a posh hotel, Summer was washing her hands in the ladies’ room. She mused to herself that the washroom attendant there had to work awfully hard for her money. It suddenly hit Summer that she had a song title. So she rushed into a stall and wrote lyrics for it. “She Works Hard for the Money” was an international hit that went to #3 on the Billboard chart in 1983.

Honoree: Jacob Feinzilberg, a San Jose, California, inventor.

Notable Achievement: Inventing the ultimate port-a-potty.

True story: In 1993 Feinzilberg came up with the Inflate-a-Potty, a toilet so portable it can actually fit in a purse. It can be inflated in seconds and is used with an ordinary eight-gallon kitchen bag as a disposable liner. He came up with the idea for it at a picnic when his young daughter suddenly “heard nature’s call and found no place to answer it.”

Honorees: Philip Middleton and Richard Wooton of Chantilly, Virginia.

Notable Achievement: Creating a “commode for dogs”.

True story: According to a 1993 news report, it’s called the Walk-Me-Not. The dog walks upstairs at the side of the bathroom toilet, steps onto a platform over the toilet bowl, and squats down to use.

Honorees: Chiu Chiukuei and Lee Wong-tsong, a Taiwanese couple.

Notable Achievement: Creating a public bathroom nice enough for a wedding…and then getting married in it.

True story: In the mid1990’s, Chiu Chiu-kuei designed, and her fiancé Lee Wong-tsong built, a bathroom for a public park in the city of Taichung. According to news reports: “The couple said the lavatory, complete with elaborate decoration, had cost about $1 million to build.” Chiu explained: “since the bathroom is the creation of me and my husband it is very meaningful to us and therefore we decided to have our ceremony in here.” Not explained: Why seven other couples joined them, making it the largest group wedding ever performed in a lavatory.

Honeree: Bryan J. Patrie, a Stanford graduate student.

Notable Achievement: Inventing the Watercolor Intelligent Nightlight, which informs bleary-eyed midnight bathroomgoers whether the toilet seat is up or down… without turning on a blinding light.

True story: Patrie introduced the device in the early 1990s. He explained: “When you get within five feet of the dark commode, it will sense your motion. It looks to see if the room is dark. Then it looks upward by sending out an infrared beam. If it gets a reflection, it knows the seat is up. If it is , the red light comes on.”

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At 5.5 million square miles, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent (only Europe and Australia are smaller).

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Antarctica is the driest continent. One region has received no precipitation for the last two million years.

#####

The Bentley Subglacial Trench is 8,383 feet below sea level–the lowest dry location on Earth.

##### Dear God, I praise your name! You always come through for me, and today was no exception. When I tried ice skating with the grandkids and crashed in the center of the rink, you kept me from breaking any bones. Hooray!

#####

Lord, Fido doesn’t respond when I call him in from the yard. Help me be patient with him–especially because I keep calling him Willie, the name of our previous dog.

Reddig Equipment and Repair

406-755-7595 • 2866 Highway 2 East • Kalispell, MT

Newly received feedlot calves may need more protein

By Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University

Newly received feedlot calves undergo numerous stressors that can be brought about by weaning, transportation, and commingling. These stressors can affect digestive and immune function for these calves. This article will focus on the nutritional implications these stressors can have on feed intake of newly received feedlot calves, specifically their protein requirements.

Feed and water deprivation, from abrupt weaning and learning to eat new feedstuffs or due to the time spent during transport, can affect the willingness of newly received feedlot calves to consume feed upon arrival. Feed intake during the first week of arrival in the feedlot can be considerably less than the second week for calves. Therefore, the receiving diet should have a greater nutrient density to compensate for the decreased feed intakes of newly received feedlot calves. The lesser feed intake observed during the first week of feedlot arrival has not been shown to be due to reduced rumen bacteria or digestibility of the consumed feed. Rather, it may be driven by a change in endocrine signaling and blood metabolite concentrations that changed due to the feed and water deprivation.

2012 Cat 320EL RR

GRADERS

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

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

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

Kobelco SK27SR-5 mini excavator, 1700 hours, ROPS, front blade, hydraulic thumb, 50% rubber tracks, 5500 lb. weight. Call

2006 Deere 200CLC 10K hours, hydraulic thumb Call

2016 Kobelco SK35SR-6E, 863 hours, ROPS, front blade, hydraulic thumb, 50% tracks, 8500 lbs. Call

2013 Takeuchi TB016 mini excavator, 2300 hours, ROPS, front blade, hydraulic thumb, rubber tracks at 50%, 3500 lbs. overall weight Call

2017 Bobcat E85 compact excavator Call

2015 Cat 303.5E mini excavator, open ROPS, front blade, hydraulic thumb to be installed, auxiliary hydraulics, pin grabber coupler, 3600 hours Call

2007 Caterpillar 313C compact excavator, only 1700 hours, metal tracks with removable rubber inserts, front blade, thumb can be added, swing boom, clean, low hour machine $46,000

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

LOADERS

1994 Cat IT28F, runs and operates. Does not shift properly $17,900

Buying Your Used Machines

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

International 4700 vacuum truck Call

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

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

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

Parting Out

• Case CX 240 • Deere 690E

Researchers from The Ohio State University, Fluharty and Loerch, investigated the effects of different crude protein (CP) percentages and protein sources included in the receiving diet fed for the initial weeks after arrival. In experiment one, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (G:F) improved linearly with increasing CP concentrations from 12, 14, 16, and up to 18% during the first week after feedlot entry. Dry matter feed intake (DMI) was not different across the different CP concentrations. However, DMI was about 45% less during week one relative to week two, so CP intake ranged from 322 to 580 g/d (0.71 to 1.28 lb./d) during the first week after feedlot entry. Over the course of the six week receiving period, feeding spray-dried blood meal resulted in a greater G:F compared with soybean meal as the protein source in the diet. Rumen undegradable protein sources may be more beneficial when the supply of amino acids is low and DMI is less than 2% of their body weight. This experiment demonstrated that newly received calves weighing 525 pounds benefited from greater concentrations (16 and 18%) of CP during the first week after entering the feedlot.

3325 winch arch available, good condition, includes cable, handle and misc, PTO shaft available. Came off John Deere 450C.

$4500

In experiment two, investigated greater CP concentrations with soybean meal and blood meal each supplying 50% of the CP at 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, or 26% of the diet dry matter. The DMI of calves did not differ across the different CP concentrations, but DMI was 48% less during week one relative to week two. Crude protein intake increased from 265 to 738 g/d (0.58 to 1.63 lb./d), with only the 23 and 26% CP concentrations meeting the protein requirements of 525 lb. calves trying to achieve a 3 lb./d ADG. Not surprisingly, ADG increased linearly with the 23 and 26% CP treatments having the greatest ADG during week one. Interestingly, G:F demonstrated a quadratic response where 17 and 20% CP treatments were greatest during week one and for ADG and G:F across the entire four week receiving period on average. Therefore, the results indicate that about 20% CP resulted in the best feedlot performance during the receiving period. Experiment three investigated changing dietary CP concentrations after week one and week two when feed intake appeared to be the lowest. Crude protein concentrations were 23% for week one, 17% for week two, and 12.5% for week three. In addition, different feedstuffs were investigated to supply dietary protein, with either soybean meal, blood meal, corn gluten meal, or fish meal used. Feed intake was 40 to 48% less during week one compared with week two. The different protein sources did not result in any significant differences in feedlot performance during the four week receiving period. As long as metabolizable protein requirements are being met, a wide variety of protein sources may be used to meet dietary protein needs of newly received feedlot calves. It is not uncommon for newly received feedlot calves to have feed intakes 0.5 to 1.5 % of their body weight during the first week. However, providing these stressed calves adequate energy and protein to meet their nutrient needs will improve their ability to increase their feed intake and combat potential illnesses. Providing calves a preconditioning period before feedlot entry can greatly reduce weaning stress, expose and acclimate calves to the feedstuffs used in feedlots, and accumulate energy reserves prior to transport, which will allow for an easier transition into the feedlot for newly received calves.

good undercarriage, progressive link hyd thumb, pin grabber hyd coupler, aux hyds to the end of the stick, 42” dig bucket, pattern changer. Clean and well maintained machine.11,000 hours. $110,000

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. $53,900

Translating and applying Genomic EPDs

By Hannah Smith, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Extension Educator

Expected progeny differences (EPDs) are a widely utilized tool in making genetic decisions centered around breeding objectives. With the progression of DNA technology, the industry has been able to incorporate genomics into the numbers that are used to calculate EPDs. Prior to inclusion of genomic information, we relied on pedigree-based relationships that operate on the averages. This assumes a 50% contribution from the dam and 50% contribution from the sire to the breeding value of the offspring. However, an animal’s actual genetic merit or it’s EPD value for a given trait can be greater or less than that of its parents, depending upon how the numerous random combinations of genetic material contributed by the sire and dam come together and are expressed in the offspring.

The lacking component of historical genetic assumptions is accuracy. As a bull sires more offspring and those records were reported the EPDs would change to reflect offspring performance and accuracy would increase. By including genomic information in EPD calculations, it increases the accuracy of younger sires. For EPDs with large amounts of records such as birthweight, genomics can be the equivalent of already having 25 offspring records submitted on that animal prior to ever breeding a cow.

Sampling methods to collect tissues for identifying the genetic makeup of the animal can include blood samples, hair samples, or tissue samples such as ear punches. Through the collection of DNA samples from a calf and its parents, we can make better estimations as to how an animal will relate to each parent, or even grandparent, on a genotype level. This understanding gives more accuracy to knowing a young animals EPDs which gives greater precision to predict the impact on performance of future offspring.

Table 1 is a comparison of full sibling bull (twin) calves that represent genetics out of the same sire and dam that have been DNA tested and that information utilized in the calculation of their EPDs.

In this comparison, we can see these bulls are similar in CED, WW, YW, and Milk for some examples. In contrast, we can see where these bulls differ in SC, MW, and Doc. The differences and similarities are echoed through the comparisons of the bulls’ $Values. Calf #1 displays

opportunities to be the better selection when looking to retain females ($M). On the other hand, if retaining ownership of calves through the finishing period and marketing as a live animal, Calf #2 would produce offspring with higher profit potential.

Genomic-enhanced EPDs are the best estimate of an animal’s genetic value as a parent, combining all available sources of information. This permits higher accuracies for EPDs on younger animals. With the inclusion of genomics, we can better understand how an offspring relates to its parents from trait to trait, which creates an opening for increased certainty that mating selections will progress towards breeding objectives more rapidly and as intended.

VGW Lotto 722 (3764733)

VGW Showdown 806 (3973812)

VGW Cutting Edge 807 (3973768)

VGW Captain 901 (4142916)

HXC Charter 6610D (3547655)

Bieber Atomic C218 (3474996) RHRA Frosty 5G (4156644)

TJS Razmataz G001 (4222360)

BLL A163 Mindbender 21H (4348045)

Historically a powerhouse set of registered and commercial females. Representing generational cow families deep in VGW bloodlines. Many heifers selling have ten plus generations of VGW prefixes. Proven, dependable, fertile and profitable.

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Vavilov Siberian Crested Wheatgrass

$3.25/lb

Greenway Seeds. Caldwell, Idaho

Alan cell: 208-250-0159

WANTED

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Recipe Patch by Geri

TO OUR MANY VALUED CUSTOMERS

Quick and Easy Pancit

This quick pancit recipe with chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles is easy and delicious. It will remind you of island fiestas!

1 (12 ounce) package dried rice noodles

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups diced cooked chicken breast meat

1 small head cabbage, thinly sliced

4 carrot, thinly sliced

¼ cup soy sauce

2 lemons - cut into wedges, for garnish

Place rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with warm water and let soften for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a wok or large skillet over mediumlow heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken, cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce. Cook until cabbage begins to soften. Toss in noodles and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. Transfer pancit to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges.

Farmer Cheese Dumplings

I’m going to show you the simplest, easiest dumpling recipe I know. Just so everyone is clear — I’m talking about American-style dumplings. This technique will work no matter what liquid you’re going to simmer the dumplings on top of — gravy, soup, stew, whatever you like.

Gravy:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cubed

1 yellow onion, diced

⅓ cup flour

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 pinch cayenne pepper

6 cups chicken broth

2 celery, diced

1 large carrot, diced

½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (Optional)

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Dumplings:

½ cup farmer’s cheese

1 large egg

1 ¼ teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

⅓ cup self-rising flour

1 pinch cayenne pepper

Melt butter in a high saucepan with a lid over mediumhigh heat. Add chicken thighs and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix in flour and stir until flour is well mixed in, making a roux, 2 to 3 minutes. You can add more flour if you want a thicker stew.

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Add carrots and celery and bring gravy to a simmer. Lower heat to medium-low and maintain a steady simmer. Add thyme leaves and simmer until gravy is slightly reduced and has thickened, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the dumplings: Combine farmer’s cheese, egg, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix with a spoon until smooth. Add self-rising flour and mix until a very stiff batter forms.

Raise heat to medium and bring gravy back to a steady simmer. Add green onions.

Remove 1 heaping tablespoon dumpling batter at a time. Shape with the use of a second tablespoon into oval dumplings and carefully drop into the simmering liquid. You should get a total of 6 dumplings out of this recipe. Dust with cayenne pepper, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer and steam dumplings until they are puffed up and cooked through without stirring or peaking, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.

Cook’s Notes:

An arrogant golfer and his caddie were about to tee off on a long par 3. The player looked at the caddie and said, “This should be as simple as a five wood and a putt.” The caddie then suggested a more conservative route and recommended a four iron and a wedge. The irate golfer chastised his caddie and said, “How dare you underestimate me. You should have figured out by now that I’m as excellent player.” The caddie reluctantly gave the man his five wood and watched as he proceeded to top the tee shot and contined to gaze as it rolled about 20 yards down the fairway. Without missing a beat, the caddie then handed him his putter and said, “I can’t wait to see this incredible putt.” #####

You can use any soft cheese instead of farmer’s cheese for the dumplings.

To be called a “heavy rainfall,” it must be raining at least 1/6 of an inch per hour.

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National Cheddar Day

Produced in a wide range of varieties, whether matured and aged for a long time or short, with a mild or sharp taste, cheddar is a fairly affordable, versatile and ubiquitous friend of cheese lovers.

When is it? Every February 13th

According to the US Department of Agriculture, cheddar is the world’s most popular cheese, consumed more than any other. And it’s obvious why. With a range of maturities and flavors, cheddar is extremely versatile and widely enjoyed by people with a variety of tastes.

So go on and get cheesy because National Cheddar Day is here!

History of National Cheddar Day

Cheddar cheese has a history that dates back several hundred years, to the twelfth century. The legend goes that in the village of Cheddar, in Somerset, England, a young woman placed a pail of milk in a cave to keep it cool on a hot day, as was the practice at the time. She forgot about the pail of milk and when she returned, it had turned into this delicious hardened cheese that everyone loves today.

As monarchs and royals began to enjoy the flavors and tastes that cheddar cheese brought, it became popular around England and then moved over to Europe. Kings and queens alike would enjoy the round wheels of orange-colored cheese that eventually became famous the world over.

Cheddar made its way into the New World with the settlers who started making cheddar in the United States. Eventually, by the year 1790, the colonists were making their own cheddar cheese and exporting it back to their home country of England. By 1851, the world’s first cheese factory was opened in upstate New York where the largest production of cheese was focused on cheddar, of course.

Today, the influence of cheddar cheese reaches far and wide, but the US holds the title as the world’s largest cheddar producer, with Germany coming in second. In fact, in 2020 more than 3.8 billion pounds of cheddar cheese were produced by cheese makers in the United States.

The state of Wisconsin produces the most cheddar cheese in the United States and cheddar is the most commonly used choice for cheeseburgers.

So it stands to reason that National Cheddar Day would be established to pay honor and respect to this incredible and delightful cheese!

#####

A cowboy is a hired hand on the middle of a horse contemplating the hind end of a cow. –

Edward Abbey

#####

One good thing about being a cowboy is that you just don’t have time for golf.

– Texas Bix Bender

#####

I won’t be wronged. I won’t be insulted. I won’t be laid a-hand on. I don’t do things to other people, and I require the same from them.

– John Wayne

#####

A cowboy without a hat is like a horse with wooden legs. – Kamagurka

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Circle S Seeds, of Montana, Three Forks MT C6

Clearview Seed, Denton MT B14

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UK researchers finding ways to make crops more prolific

University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers could be onto a big discovery, one that will help crops develop a valuable nutrient for growth, saving farmers from purchasing and applying it themselves.

Beans, peas and alfalfa, all legume family members, get vital nitrogen by forming a symbiotic, or mutually beneficial, relationship with soil bacteria called rhizobia. This connection leads to the growth of special organs on the roots called nodules. Nodules serve as “factories” where working bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia the plant can use. However, because sometime the connections are not able to occur, many potential plant-bacterial symbioses don’t happen. Scientists believe that understanding more about the genes involved in the process will provide an opportunity to change them, helping bacteria collaborate with a wider spectrum of plants to produce nitrogen.

UK Department of Plant and Soil Science professor Hongyan Zhu is heading up a team that has found several plant genes that

SHORT ON WATER ? Two Alfalfas in One

control nodule growth and the conversion of nitrogen to ammonia. Researchers hope the findings will allow for a more efficient symbiotic relationship between rhizobia and crops, leading to more effective production and decreasing the need for additional nitrogen to be purchased and applied.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America published the team’s recent study, in which they cloned a pair of receptors from the legume Medicago truncatula. The plant is a small annual legume native to the Mediterranean region, closely related to alfalfa, with receptors that stop a wide range of possible bacterial partners from making nodules. The team discovered a gene in bacteria needed to turn on this receptormediated restriction of nodulation, allowing for a way to control the symbiotic relationships between bacteria and their hosts.

“Nodulation capacity and nitrogen fixation efficiency can vary tremendously between different plant-bacterial partnerships,” Zhu said. “So, what we want to do is to help plants find their best microbial partners to maximize the potential of symbiotic nitrogen fixation, thus reducing the need for nitrogen input in the fields. Such knowledge could also contribute to engineering non-legumes such as cereal crops to acquire the ability to form symbiotic interactions with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia.”

Collaborators from the Plant Biology Institute of Hungary contributed to the study.

HERE’S WHAT GROWERS ARE SAYING:

"This is the fourth year we are planting 360-D. It works well both on Irrigated and dry land. Very good variety."

Al Renner - Beach, ND / Laurel, MT

"We love that alfalfa! We get 2 cuts on dryland, and we are ordering for the fourth time."

Skip Ahlgren, Rocking TS Cattle - Winnett, MT

"The 360-D stayed green in a very dry summer. For range dryland seeding the coating on Vavilov Siberian and 360-D dryland alfalfa made all the di erence in getting a good stand!"

Michael Kubacher - Moorcroft, WY "360-D is an excellent dryland variety! It is very tolerant to rough growing conditions. We will order again!"

Neil Turnbull - Culbertson, MT "We got 3 good cuts on 360-D. It did well, and we will order again!"

Al Miller - Allendale, ND

√ Will produce AT LEAST 80% of crop with 50% of water √ Will produce a subsequent cutting after water is gone

Plant on dryland/ guaranteed to out yield Ranger or Ladak

under pivots that only pump 400 gal/

have only early season creek water

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 201467013-21573 and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service under Agreement No. 5850428003. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 1758037. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

#####

God, I love pretty Christmas seals I received, but I put them on envelopes were the postage stamps should be. And then I mailed them that way. When people have to pay the postage, please help them laugh good-naturedly at my mistake.

Alfalfa has been called a tetraploid anomaly by alfalfa breeders. On the market for 30 years, and being improved twice, It remains the highest yeilding, low water alfalfa on the market!

Reduce ice dam and icicle damage

The best way to avoid damage is to keep ice dams from forming.

This illustration shows the problems ice dams can cause. (NDSU illustration)

Ice dams and icicles are most common when snow is on the roof, heat is being lost through the roof and outdoor temperatures are just below freezing. Homeowners have a few steps they can take to reduce ice dams and icicles, according to Ken Hellevang, an engineer with North Dakota State University Extension.

“The key to limit or prevent the formation of ice dams is to ensure your roof is constructed properly with sufficient attic insulation and enough ventilation to keep the roof near outdoor temperatures,” says Hellevang. “Ice dams and icicles can also be reduced by removing snow on the roof, particularly near the bottom of the roof. All too often, homeowners try to treat the symptoms of ice dams with things like heat tape instead of preventing the problem in the first place.”

An ice dam forms when snow melts and the water runs downs the surface of the roof. As the melted snow water hits cooler parts of the roof near the eaves, it freezes. This process continues and eventually creates a dam of ice on the roof. As more snow melts, the dam stops the water, which freezes, making the dam bigger and backing up the melt water, allowing it to leak under the shingles into the attic or eaves. This can lead to water stains on the ceiling, structural damage and mold growth inside the home.

Ice dams are clearly visible once they form, but to find out what causes them, a homeowner needs to look inside the attic.

Heat loss from the home into the attic through openings and the insulation is a major cause of snowmelt on the roof forming ice dams. Heat from the house warms

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Study aims to develop biodegradable sensors for farmer’s fields

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

Can an electronic circuit — not much larger than a postage stamp — help to speed up U.S. farmers’ goal to feed a hungry world?

It might, says Raj Khosla, if it’s taught to measure soil properties of a farm field so that in a matter of seconds, farmers can adjust water, nitrogen and other inputs to abundantly grow crops.

Think of it as farming in bits and bytes, in real time.

which are the two biggest drivers of crop production systems,” Khosla added. “This means we have to account for everything that goes into the water and nitrogen budget. We can’t leave room for error.”

For the past 10 years, Khosla has been methodically reducing the chance of error in several projects to develop biodegradable sensors that measure soil moisture and nitrogen content.

“Ten years ago, I was hypothesizing that someday we would have soil moisture sensors that we could literally throw out in a field, then‘ping’ them with a computer to get a measure of that soil’s moisture content,” Khosla said.

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“The United States has constructed an agriculture innovation agenda that in the next 28 crop cycles — which gets us to the year 2050 — we want to grow 40% more food than what is currently grown,” said Khosla, a precision agriculture specialist, professor and head of the Kansas State University agronomy department in the College of Agriculture.

“But here is the caveat: We need to achieve this goal by using 50% less water and 50% less nitrogen applied to the crops,

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Khosla began conducting field experiments in 2012 in collaboration with private partners that provided sensors mounted on a post and connected to cables that measured soil moisture at five depths. In that setup, Khosla determined that to cover a 22-acre

Reduce ice dam and icicle damage

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3

the roof, which leads to the melting snow. Any openings where plumbing, heating or electrical components protrude into the attic that are not sealed properly can allow heat leaks. Recessed or “can” lights and attic access doors or ladders can be other areas where heat leaks into the attic. A lack of ventilation near the eaves enhances the melting. The key is to minimize the heat loss into the attic.

“The ability of insulation to slow heat loss depends on the type and thickness of the insulation, but attics in northern climates need a minimum of roughly 15 inches of blow-in insulation, or an insulation value of R-50, to be properly insulated,” Hellevang says.

Another cause of ice dams is improper attic ventilation. Keeping all the heat out of the attic space is impossible, so allowing that heat to leave the attic through vents is important. This can be done through soffit and ridge vents or vents on the gable ends of the home. Make sure the attic’s insulation does not block the airflow from the soffits or eaves. Use baffles to create a channel to hold insulation back from the soffit vents to allow airflow.

Removing snow is another way to reduce the likelihood of ice dams forming on the lower portion of the roof. Typically, ice dams tend to form on the lower portion of the roof, where there are colder temperatures at the intersection with the wall and roof overhang. Solar heating on the exposed roof can warm the roof, allowing the water to run off the roof rather than freezing on the colder portion of the roof.

Solar heating also will warm the gutter and edge of the soffit, raising the temperature enough to melt snow. This will create icicles and ice dams near the edge of the roof. Removing the snow on the lower portion of the roof should reduce the icicles and ice dams near the gutter because the source of the water has been removed.

“However, removing snow from the roof can be dangerous, so avoid getting on the roof by using a roof rake to remove the snow,” Hellevang advises. “You also need to take care when using a roof rake to avoid overhead power lines.”

An enduring legacy

During the course of producing consumer products such as plastic bottles, newspapers, disposable diapers, and aluminum soda cans, we created a veritable ocean of waste for future generations to contend with. The sheer amount of garbage being thrown away is mind-boggling: the average American family consumes more than 182 gallons of soda, 104 gallons of milk, and 26 gallons of bottled water, with most of the empty containers being tossed in landfills or the ocean. Onethird of the water Americans use is literally flushed down the toilet. Meanwhile, rainforests are being destroyed at a rate of 100 acres per minute, and 20 species of plants and wildlife are disappearing every week due to the impact of human waste on the environment. Nice legacy, huh?

If you have items you want advertised in the March 2023 issue THE VERY LATEST WE CAN ACCEPT THEM is March 1st.

the release and availability of ‘Vaquero’ forage barley. ‘Vaquero’ is a hooded, spring-planted barley developed specifically to produce forage for livestock.

Vaquero is a nutritious, palatable, and economical forage that can be grown alone or in blends with other species. It is generally harvested as hay or silage.

‘Vaquero’ yields more forage, stands better, and is taller than Stockford. ‘Vaquero’ also produces well when compared to other forage barley varieties.

UM Center helps Native children and communities overcome trauma

UM News Service

When asked about historic trauma among members of her Oklahoma tribe, University of Montana employee Kimee Wind-Hummingbird recalls an opportunity she had last summer to attend the first stop of the national Road to Healing tour.

Sponsored by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to collect stories from survivors of the federal boarding school system, these tour stops would be steeped in emotion, WindHummingbird said, and deeply impactful – never more so than for Native Americans of Oklahoma, which had more boarding schools than any other state in the nation.

“I asked my father if he wanted to go,” said Wind-Hummingbird, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, “and he said ‘no.’ I didn’t ask why. I felt it. I knew.

“Some of our ancestors never made it home from the boarding schools, and those that did were forever changed,” she added. “They were no longer the same children they were when they left that community.”

Today, as a training and technical assistance specialist for the UM’s National Native Children’s Trauma Center, WindHummingbird helps tribal community leaders, educators and others identify and respond to trauma both historical and contemporary among the nation’s Native children.

“We have issues with housing, health care, getting to health care, some communities don’t have great roads … challenges that mainstream America doesn’t even know about,” Wind-Hummingbird said. “In our work at the center, we look at our practices, our way of life, our way of being that can help us feel whole.”

The center, housed in UM’s Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, is affiliated with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise awareness and services for children and families experiencing trauma.

NNCTC Executive Director Maegan Rides At The Door said the center at UM is one of only a few focused on Native children on a national level. Since its founding in 2007, staff has developed a catalog of trauma-focused interventions and trainings for tribes as far afield as Florida and Alaska.

Funding for much of the center’s work comes from federal grants, so the staff’s level of involvement with a tribe can vary, said Rides At the Door, an enrolled member of the Assiniboine-Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation. While they don’t actively promote one-time trainings – “Trauma 101” as they call it – these initial introductions often lead to longer-term collaborations with the focus being on tribal members who know the community’s children best.

“We actually don’t train a lot of mental health professionals because there are typically only one to five clinicians working in most rural areas,” Rides At The Door said. “One to five can’t heal an entire community of traumatic experiences, so that has led us to expand support and trainings to other community-wide efforts while building systems of care that aren’t just focused specifically on mental health.”

This team approach comes to the fore in school systems where everyone from the principal to the bus driver is trained to view students with a “trauma lens,” said Amy Foster Wolferman, the center’s director of school-based training and technical assistance.

“We work with these teams to develop systemwide policies and procedures that focus on nonreactive discipline and

Maegan Rides At The Door: Maegan Rides At The Door, executive director of UM’s National Native Children’s Trauma Center, leads one of the many training sessions the center hosts each year for tribes as far afield as Florida and Alaska.

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UM Center helps

creating safe spaces for students,” she said. “By understanding how trauma can trigger behavioral reactions, we can help students develop social skills for success at school and in society.”

Having a trauma lens applies, as well, when working with parents of school children, said Bettina Sandoval, director of the Taos Pueblo Education & Training Division in New Mexico.

“Parents often have trouble advocating for their children because they had bad experiences in school themselves,” said Sandoval, an award-winning educator who grew up on the Taos Pueblo. “If a principal only calls when there is a problem, a parent is less likely to show up. These are a traumatic response not because the parent doesn’t care. They care.”

The Taos Pueblo first worked with NNCTC during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in significantly more deaths among Natives than other racial and ethnic groups.

“We wanted training to help us recognize and respond to pandemic deaths and its impact on children and their families,” Sandoval said. “Staff who took the course actually recognized trauma in themselves.”

Sandoval said the community now holds biweekly meeting with NNCTC, and trainings have extended to law enforcement as well as others in the community. As a professional, she said, the trainings have given her the tools and resources to be more effective in helping her tribe.

“We’re talking layer upon layer of trauma,” Sandoval said. “Not just historical, also present day. Death. Drugs. We’re opening a box that people have kept shut.”

Because of the diversity of their clientele, Rides At The Door said, their work with Taos Pueblo and other tribal groups is very much a partnership – one that recognizes traditional healing methods along with modern.

“We look at how the community defines trauma, including words in their Native language that define traumatic experiences in their tribal context,” she said. “We ask questions like what were and are the types of traumatic experiences that are different from other communities? How are these systems expressed given the cultural norms of these communities? How best to heal and what healing means?”

The center, she said, is helping tribes and groups who work with Native Americans in urban areas establish Child Advocacy Centers that will provide a hub of specialists for children facing abuse.

“So often these children fall through the cracks or they have to tell their story over and over again,” Rides At The Door said. “CACs allow professionals to coordinate care and better serve as advocates for victims of abuse.”

Although their work can be emotionally challenging, Wind-Hummingbird and others at the center see positive changes taking place in caring for Native children. Personally, she takes great pride in the fact her three children are learning Creek, their native language, and that young adults on her reservation are now talking about their tribal past and current-day challenges.

“They understand the role historical trauma has had in their lives and how we need to work together and come together and shakes some trees,” she said. “I am in awe of our team. Not just the work we are doing in Indian Country, but across the nation.”

Kimee Wind-Hummingbird: Kimee Wind-Hummingbird, left, and Veronica Willeto DeCrane, the center’s Training and Technical Assistance manager, conduct child trauma trainings for Native tribes. Here they provide training at a Child Advocacy Center in Oklahoma with service dog Lady Sybil, aka Sybi.

Study aims to develop biodegradable sensors for farmer’s fields

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4 field, a farmer would need about 100 sensor nodes— each at a cost of about $3,000.

“They were expensive,” he said. “Even today, they are cost prohibitive for a farmer. Installing those sensors is labor intensive and it’s a logistical nightmare to have 12-foot-tall posts sticking out of your 22acre field at such a high density.”

Those early experiments, though, served a purpose: to fuel the research group’s motivation to provide a low-cost option that could still gather detailed information of the farmer’s entire field.

Now, Khosla is co-leading a collaborative team that is building on those early experiments. In 2018, Khosla and his colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of California, Berkeley received a U.S. Department of Energy grant that funds high-risk/high-reward projects through the Advanced Research Project Agency.

The team of researchers includes materials scientists and computer and electrical engineers from the collaborative institutions. Other K-State agronomy researchers involved include Jeff Siegfried and Dipankar Mandal, both postdoctoral research fellows; Wub Yilma, doctoral student; and Ross Unruh, assistant scientist.

Together, the researchers aim to develop biodegradable sensors capable of measuring soil moisture content at high spatial densities. That would allow researchers to estimate soil moisture at every inch of a field and provide huge volumes of data that are crunched by computer algorithms to build an easily readable guide for the farmer.

“There is no spot in the field where there will be guesswork,” Khosla said.

Farmers already can apply water, nitrogen and other nutrients in very precise ways, using such current technologies as variable rate irrigation that can be adjusted to provide different rates of water in a field, Khosla said. But knowing the field’s needs, foot by foot, is limited to measurements provided by satellite images or unmanned aerial vehicles. Those are good ways to accommodate a field’s needs, but still not entirely precise, diagnostic or immediate.

“One idea is that as a pivot is applying water in a field, you can ping sensors that are lined up in the next 20, 50 or even 100 feet of the pivot arm,” Khosla said. “That information is sent back to the computer to re-create the real-time soil-moisture data surface that the pivot is encountering while it is applying the water, and the farmer or artificial intelligence-based decision tools can change the rate of application if necessary. I think that’s go-

ing to be a big deal.”

If farmers were to deploy 100 sensors throughout a field, the sensor cost — at 50 cents to $1 each — would be $50 to$100. Setting them up would be as simple as walking the field and tossing or inserting them about. Because they would be biodegradable, they would never have to be collected.

The eco-friendly biodegradable chips, which Khosla thinks will start to deteriorate in about 200 days, are not yet available. Currently, the research team is using larger, more expensive circuits that are not biodegradable to make sure the huge volumes of data they are collecting can be processed by computers using algorithms developed by K-State researchers to translate data that enables farmers to make better decisions.

“We can only manage what we can measure,” Khosla said. “If we can’t precisely measure the resources that we’re trying to manage, then we won’t be able to help farmers. I think that’s particularly true for these two major inputs in crop production systems — water and nitrogen— that are environmentally so sensitive and important.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE B10

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2022 4-H swine Dawson County Fair results

Town Codes

C = Cozad

L = Lexington G = Gothenburg

The fair goers in attendance and participants enjoyed the new show ring in the Steven’s Arena on Saturday morning at the Swine Show during the Dawson County Fair.

As the show got under way you could see these 4-H’ers herding their prized hogs in front of the judge, Holly Heckendorf, Agricultural Education major at Colorado State University from Wellington, Colorado. Placings for swine showmanship and the market hog classes were:

SHOWMANSHIP

Junior Division – Augustus Barnes (G) received a purple ribbon and the trophy in the junior division. Other purple: Alec Wagner (G). Blues: Dallee Barnes (G), Allen Hunt (L), Brantley Malcom and Alexandra Rickertsen (L).

Intermediate Division – Greta Rickertsen (L) received a purple ribbon and the trophy for the division. Other purple: Braelyn Malcom (C).

Senior Division – Eli Boryca (C) took home the trophy along with a purple ribbon. Other purple ribbons: Emma Peterson (G), Helene Keiser (G), and Hayden Russman (G). Emma was the top showman but because she had been awarded the trophy two other times according to 4-H Council policy the trophy was given to Eli.

BREEDING SWINE

Gilts born between 12/1/21 to 6/1/22 are eligible. This division showcases traits to look for when retaining gilts back in the home herd.

Class A (270-278 lbs.) –Purples: Allen Hunt (L) and Eli Boryca (C). Blues: Allen Hunt (L) and Alexandra Rickertsen (L).

Class B (240-260 lbs.)

– Purples: Emma Peterson (G), Hayden Russman (G) and Brantley Malcom (C).

Class C (182-233 lbs.) –Purples: Emma Peterson x 2. (G). Blues: Allen Hunt (L) and Greta Rickertsen (L).

The Champion and Reserve Champion Breeding Swine trophy was awarded to Emma Peterson (G).

MARKET HOG

MARKET BARROWS

Class A (284-325 lbs) –Purples: Helene Keiser (G) and Eli Boryca (C). Blues: Allen Hunt x 2 (L).

Class B (252-276 lbs) –Purples: Emma Peterson (G) and Helene Keiser (G). Blues: Braelyn Malcom (C) and Greta Rickertsen (L). and Helene Keiser (G).

Class C (230-242 lbs) –Purple: Alec Wagner (G). Blues: Augustus Barnes (G)

CONTINUED ON PAGE B14

Study aims

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B9

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This work, he said, is the first step toward an exciting agricultural era that involves more sensors and data-driven decisions.

“These types of technologies often are for organizations with a very high demand for information technology. They’re usually the first ones to get their hands on it,” Khosla said. “Well, this time it happens to be agriculture. It’s very exciting to be in that environment.”

For Pete’s Sake Day

Celebrated on: February 26th

Oh, for Pete’s sake! Not another pointless holiday?

For Pete’s Sake Day celebrates one example of a ‘minced oath’, where an offensive word or phrase is substituted by something more acceptable in society. Other examples include ‘For crying out loud!’, and ‘Sugar!’. Such euphemisms have been used for centuries whenever people hit thumbs with hammers, burn hands on hot plates, or sit on sharp things while in polite company. Why has Pete been singled out for special attention?

In the case of this particular minced oath, Pete is likely to refer to St Peter. However, if there’s a Pete in your life, why not do something for his sake? It doesn’t have to be much –making him a cup of tea or a nice sandwich would be good!

If you are Pete-less, perhaps you can celebrate by saying ‘For Pete’s Sake’ whenever you get an opportunity.

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In 2016, a student left a pineapple in an art museum in Scotland. Two days later, it had been placed in a glass case as part of an exhibition.

2022 4-H swine Dawson County Fair results

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B10 and Dallee Barnes (G).

The Champion and Reserve Champion Gilts selected were owned by Emma Peterson (G).

OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION AND RESERVE CHAMPION - The judge chose the Grand and Reserve Champion market swine as an example of the kind of market-ready animals 4-H’ers may want to bring to future fairs. Emma Peterson (G) took home the Overall Grand Champion Market Hog trophy and the Overall Reserve Champion trophy.

Group of 5 – Tail Twisters 4-H Club pen of five swine received top awards. The group received a purple ribbon and the club name will be engraved on a plaque. Other purple ribbons in the pen-of-five entries were Horseshoe Bend.

Peace Corps Day

Peace Corps Day ,March calendar holiday.

Date When Celebrated : This holiday is always held on March 1

On this day in 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy issued Executive Order 10924 establishing the Peace Corps. Then, on September 21, 1961, the U.S. Congress approved the Peace Corps Act.

Peace Corps Day commemorates the creation of this very important U.S. government run program,

The Peace Corps is a volunteer program. It was established to send an “army” of civilian volunteers to underdeveloped countries, assisting in a wide variety of ways. The official mission of the Peace Corps is to provide social and economic development abroad through technical assistance, while promoting mutual understanding between Americans and populations served. Volunteers are American citizens, often college graduates straight out of school. The volunteers undergo 3 months of training, followed by a two year service assignment in practically any area of the world where they are needed. Volunteers can request and extension of their assignment.

Use Peace Corp Day to recognize the importance of the Peace Corps program, and to show appreciation to the many volunteers.

Did You Know? Over 235,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and served in over 140 countries.

Emma Peterson, Gothenburg, won both the Champion and Reserve Champion Market Swine trophies during the Dawson County Fair’s Swime Show, in Nebraska

Receiving the reserve champion market barrow trophy at the Dawson County Fair in Nebraska is Helene Keiser of Gothenburg.

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Lord, thank you for reminding me to roll up the back window before I went through the self-serve car wash!

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Okay, Father God, so I don’t bake cookies anymore. I’m still good for something–eating the ones other people bake. Thank you for the ability to taste and enjoy sweet desserts!

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What’s in a title?

By UW Extension, Catherine Wissner

There are many choices available to farmers and ranchers for labeling or marketing their land stewardship practices. These labels on the final product allow consumers a better understanding of how land and animals are cared for.

Permaculture©, Regenerative Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture, All-Natural and Organic Agriculture are a few of the land stewardship and marketing practices available to today’s farmer, rancher or farmers market grower. Listed below is some of the history behind the labels.

National Organic Program (NOP) for Certified Organic producers is a U.S. Federal regulated program with extremely stringent standards for land stewardship, fertilizer, pesticides, seeds, harvest and post harvests methods. This Act “Organic Foods Production Act of 1990” was ratified in 2001. This Act requires detailed record keeping by the producer and is critical to yearly certification. Once a year an independent third party organization inspects that producer’s books, lands, animals and buildings for compliance. Organic certification has created market recognition among consumers creating a strong demand and better prices for the farmer or rancher. The NOP seal is federally protected, only certified organic producers can use it. That protection includes fines per violation for using it outside of the program or fraudulent use, protecting registered NOP farms and consumers. www. ams.usda.gov/national-organic-program

The Federal Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) on November 22, 1982 policy memo 055 defines the term “natural” which may be used on meat and poultry products, that does not contain any artificial flavor, coloring ingredients or chemical preservatives or any other artificial or synthetic ingredients and the product is minimally processed. However, “all natural ingredients” can include a meat product with natural additives. Outside of the federal definition, any claims, of “natural” must be defined by the seller.

1974 Australia, Bill Mollison developed a land stewardship concept termed Permaculture©, a combination of the words permanent and agriculture. In 1979 he established the Permaculture Institute to teach soil, water, plant and economic systems. From Bill Mollison’s Book, “Permaculture a Designer’s Manual”, Permaculture © “is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of protracted and thoughtful observations, looking at systems in all their functions”. Permaculture © takes into consideration more than just soil and how plants grow but the whole relationship of landscape, climatic factors and the ethics of money and livelihood. There are no standards or regulations with this program just a philosophy.

Robert Rodale, the Rodale Institute, created the concept of “Regenerative Agriculture” in 1971 and in 2017 launched “Regenerative Organic Certified™” program. The Rodale website, defines regenerative as a measure of soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. They further define regenerative with seven principals. The first is to increase diversity of plant species, business, people and culture. The second is protection of soil cover ending erosion. Third is purity, without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Four is permanence, more perennial plants, businesses and individuals who are successful. Five is peace, lack of weeds and pest interference with growing systems. Six is potential and seven is progress. For more information; rodaleinstitute.org. This program is overseen by the private Regenerative Organic Alliance and does not have enforcement.

The University of California at Davis (UC Davis) offers a program in “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems”. They defined it, “to meet society’s food and textile needs in the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The goal to integrate several objects such as a healthy environment, economic profitability and equity. Breaking this down into smaller components it encompasses, food security, conservation tillage, cover crops instead of fallow, integrated pest management, soil nutrient management, postharvest management and several other farming/ranching practices. www.ucdavis. edu/majors/sustainable-agriculture

There are many other programs a farmer, rancher, market grower can join, like; Audubon certified, Certified Grassfed and Certified Humane raised.

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The waiting game

By Joe Zeleznik, forester, NDSU Extension

So far, this winter has been great for hoarfrost photos.

I don’t quite understand the meteorological conditions behind its formation, but it’s been beautiful. Close-up, the ice crystals weave intricate patterns. From a distance, we see trees and forests that are silhouetted in a white cover, standing out against the background.

I see some parallels between the trees themselves and the hoarfrost. Looking at an entire tree, I envision the strength of its wood, supporting a crown that holds a network of branches, twigs and summertime leaves. But those same twigs and leaves are small and flexible, and more susceptible to breakage than the larger branches.

We’ve already had several snowstorms and blizzards this winter. The one in mid-December was especially bad, starting with a thick layer of ice. After that came the heavy wet snow. Finally, the light fluffy snow came and eventually the storm moved on further east.

Three weeks later, my driveway is still covered in ice. Even the salt that I’ve applied doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference.

How are the trees doing with all of these challenges?

Most trees have weathered this just fine, while others sustained a good deal of damage.

Generally, trees that hold their leaves into the winter have had it the worst. Both the ironwood trees and the ponderosa pines in my own yard are still bent over from the extra weight of that ice and snow. Surprisingly, though, the spruce are still pretty upright.

I’ve been debating what to do here. Should I knock off that snow and ice? Would pruning out the deformed branches be a good approach? Heck – can I even reach the top of that 25-foot-tall pine tree?

Remember, “do nothing” is always a management option. It just has its own set of consequences.

I don’t know if the leader on the pine tree will straighten out next year, even if I remove the snow. The stem could be permanently kinked, which would provide some visual interest, for sure.

What would happen if I cut out that bent-over leader? While a new leader will certainly develop, I worry that multiple leaders will form. Such a situation on a conifer can be a structural nightmare. Quite simply, the connections are weak and more susceptible to breaking in the future.

Apparently, a lot of multi-stemmed arborvitaes and junipers were nailed by that storm as well. They’re bent over and sometimes going in different directions. Is there any hope of salvaging them, structurally?

Recovery might be possible, though it’ll likely take a couple of years.

The leader of this ponderosa pine tree is bent over, potentially causing future structural problems. (NDSU photo)

Girl Scout Day

Date When Celebrated : This holiday is always held on March 12 Girl Scout Day recognizes and celebrates the Girls Scouts of the USA(GSUSA). This date celebrates the creation of the first Girl Scout group on March 12, 1912.

Lady Olave Baden-Powell, founded Girl Guides. The wife of Lord Baden-Powell (who created the Boy Scouts), she was born on February 22 (1889).

On March 12, 1912 Juliette Gordon Low started the first Girl Scout group in Savannah Georgia with 18 girls. The Girls Scouts became a national organization, and was chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950. Today, there are millions of girls involved with Girl Scouts.

Are you a cookie monster? Americans eagerly await the annual Girls Scout cookie drive. It teaches the girls valuable skills, and generates income to support girl scouting activities. And, you get to munch on a variety of delicious cookies. Most people buy several boxes.

The waiting game

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B18

First, the stems will have to be drawn back together and supported with some type of strap or flexible material such as a bungee cord. Wait until temperatures are a bit warmer –the high 20s or even 30s – and the stems are more flexible.

Second, wait. These trees will need support for 1-2 years as they put on new wood underneath the bark. Those extra tree rings will give the tree more strength and stiffness in the long run.

The support strap should be flexible, providing short-term support without digging into the tree’s stems. Check the straps every three or four months to make sure that they’re not choking off the stems. Loosen the straps as needed.

I wish there was a third step, but at that point, all you can do is wait. And hope that we don’t get another round of super-heavy snow and ice.

The deadline for advertising in the March 2023 issue of the Trader's Dispatch will be March 1st. Phone (406) 271-5533 or email: advertising @tradersdispatch.com

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Take steps now to celebrate

By Dr. Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist and Dan Severson, MSU Pondera County Extension Agent

Many of us begin the year with a New Year’s resolution but how many of us stick with it. I recently read an article on setting and keeping a New Year’s resolution. The article listed five steps to setting and keeping your resolution. The five steps include: plan time for your goal, check with your support system, prepare resources, set smaller progress goals and celebrate your success. If you own any type of critter, it does not matter if it is a chicken, rabbit, dog, cat, cow, horse or pig, your goal for 2023 is to have a valid veterinarianclient-patient-relationship (VCPR) established. Let’s begin our path to a successful resolution.

The first step to setting and keeping your resolution mentioned in the article, is to plan time for your work.

On or before June 11, 2023 Guidance for the Industry #263 (GFI #263) issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) goes into effect. GFI #263 transfers all “medically important” antimicrobial drugs to prescription (RX) use only and will not be available over-the-counter (OTC). This means that some products may not be available at your local stores and that you will need a prescription from your veterinarian. So, the FDA has set the date for you to meet your goal.

Another step to your success in keeping your resolution is to check with your support system.

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a. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.

b. The veterinarian has sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s) by:

i. Virtue of an examination of the animal(s); or

ii. Medically appropriate and timely visits to the premise where the animal(s) are kept; and

c. The veterinarian is available for follow-up evaluation n the event of adverse reactions or failure of treatment regimen.

If you are a new animal owner or a seasoned rancher, you will need to reach out to a veterinarian to create or ensure you have a VCPR on record.

The next key step to your resolution victory is to prepare resources. Do you have all the information you need accomplish your goal?

The reasoning for the creation of GFI #263 is part of an effort to combat antibiotic resistance. This guid-

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Take steps now to celebrate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B20

ance is a furtherance of Guidance of the Industry #213 (GFI#213) known as the Veterinary Feed Directive that went into effect in 2017. GFI #213 dealt with veterinary oversight of “medically important” antibiotics delivered to livestock via feed and/or water. In June of 2021, the FDA implemented a 2-year timeline for sponsors of “medically important” antimicrobial drugs voluntarily transfer them to prescription status. The end of the two years is June 11, 2023 and all “medically important” antimicrobials will require a veterinary prescription and must contain the prescription statement: “Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian”. Again, these products are not being removed from the marketplace, but they are being brought under veterinary oversight and you will need a prescription. This will include all of the medically important injectable antibiotics.

One of my favorite steps - Break down your goal into smaller successful steps. This will allow you to celebrate the little victories while making your resolution seem more manageable.

As mentioned earlier if you have a VCPR established – invite your veterinarian over and go to the next step and celebrate your success. However, if you still need some motivation.

One small goal that you can celebrate is that Ionophores, antiparaciticiedes, injectable and oral nutritional supplements are not affected by the change. These products may still be purchased Over-the-Counter (OTC). Furthermore, Guidance #263 does not require the owner to purchase the antibiotics through their veterinarian, you may still use your regular suppliers as long as you have a prescription.

GFI #263 only affects “medically important” antimicrobials such as Oxytetracyclines, Penicillins, Sulfa based antibiotics, Tylosin, and Cephapirin.

Celebrate your success is the final step. You have worked hard to establish a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship. If an emergency arises your critters are covered thanks to your hard-working efforts. We tend to dwell on our lows too much and not celebrate our highs enough. Go have a good time and applaud yourself.

June 11, 2023 will be here before you know it. If you put the time in planning and implementing the steps outlined above, you will have a greater success of keeping your resolution of establishing a valid veterinarian-client-patientrelationship. Just like the holiday fruitcake do not stock up on pharmaceutical products as they have expiration dates and can lose effectiveness.

And remember, the new guidance will apply to all companion and food animal species. References available upon request.

Afro

Birthed by the black pride movement, the afro represents a time when African Americans stopped applying harsh chemicals to their hair in order to achieve something close to Caucasian texture and style. In the 1960s, the afro was a political statement but today it is worn as fashion. Anyone with extremely curly hair can also adopt the style.

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National Frozen Food Day

Date When Celebrated

This holiday is always held on March

National Frozen Food Day celebrates all those yummy foods and snacks in your freezer. Sure, the invention of the freezer made this day possible. But, the methods and techniques of preparing and freezing foods is what makes frozen foods taste great, look great and store in a frozen state until you need them.

For you history buffs, Clarence Frank Birdseye II received the first patent for flash frozen foods in 1927. Frozen foods first hit store shelves in 1930 in Springfield, Ma. Frozen “TV dinners” that you heated in the oven were introduced by Swanson in 954. And, who can forget the old frozen “boilin-bags? The microwave now heats your frozen dinners. Imagine how your busy life would be if you didn’t have a frozen dinner to pop into the microwave in between a late day at work and your evening event. You’d have to stop and make a dinner from scratch!

Thanks to the frozen food industry, you can (and should) celebrate Frozen Food Day in true frozen food manner: Start your day with by popping a frozen breakfast into the microwave.

For lunch, select among a wide array of frozen lunch treats. Take a trip to the grocery store to buy some frozen food, any will do.

Dinner: If you are in a hurry, you’re in luck. The selection of dinner entrees is seemingly endless.

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• Smooth green pea

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MONTECH 4193 YELLOW FIELD PEA*

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NASH CHICKPEAS* Single Use Only

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HAYMAKER HAY BARLEY PVP

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• Excellent feed quality

Member owned. Find The Montech Seed Group Distributor Near You

Bruce Seed Farm, Inc. Townsend | 406-266-3103

Big Sky Wholesale Seeds, Inc. Shelby | 406-434-5011

Cahill Seeds Scobey | 406-783-5510

Circle S Seeds of Montana Three Forks | 406-285-3269

First Creek Seeds, Inc. Saco | 406-527-3334

Golden Harvest Seeds Big Sandy | 406-378-2112

Golden Triangle Seed Rudyard | 406-355-4333

Heartland Seed Moccasin | 406-423-5600

Snack time is the perfect time for ......ice cream!

Did You Remember? Who developed the process? ...... Clarence Frank Birdseye II.

CATTLE LEFT RIB

History and Origin of “National Frozen Food Day”: Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 193, designated March 6, 1984, as ``Frozen Food Day’’ and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation upon this occasion.

HILL, BLAINE

Hodgskiss Seeds Choteau | 406-466-5553

Treasure State Seeds Fairfield | 406-467-2557

Westland Seeds Ronan | 406-676-4100

Wildhorse Seeds Havre | 406-265-5443

In Proclamation #5157, President Ronald Reagan said: “Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 6, 1984, as Frozen Food Day, and I call upon the American people to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” And, so this became a true National day of recognition and celebration.

LEFT

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A golfer is looking for just the right caddie. He approaches the caddie station and asks three different caddies to stand at attention. The man asks the first caddie, “What’s 4 plus 4 plus 5?” to which the caddie responds, “13”. “Very good,” says the man. He asks the second caddie, “What’s 3 plus 3 plus 4?” to which the caddie responds, “10.” “Excellent,” comes the reply. Finally, the golfer says to the third caddie, “You look like an ambitious young man. What’s 4 plus 5 plus 6 plus 7?” the caddie looks pensive for a minute and then answers with, “easy...it’s 16.” “you’re hired!”

deadline for advertising for the March 2023 issue of the Trader's Dispatch will be March 1st.

Bruce Montey, Cozad, Nebraska, and senior division showmanship trophy sponsor presented Eli Boryca, Cozad with the Senior Division Showmanship trophy.

Buying winter hay for horses

By Laura Kenny, Penn State Extension Educator, Equine and Andrew Frankenfield, Penn State Extension Educator, Agronomy

Hay is an extremely important part of your horse’s winter diet. It is an important source of calories and the internal heat of fiber fermentation helps to keep your horse warm when it’s cold outside.

In the fall, many of us are starting to think about stocking up on hay for the winter. There are many factors that will influence your purchase.

Hay market. When weather conditions are not ideal for making hay, high quality hay can be in tight supply and high in cost. However, by tracking “good” quality hay prices at hay auctions over 3 full years (2016-2018; USDA PA Weekly Hay Report; discontinued in May 2019), it appears that yearly hay prices at auction have been lowest from June to September, before increasing in October. Private sale prices may not vary as much month to month as auction prices, but they will follow the same general trends.

Storage. How much space do you have to store your hay? While it would be nice to stock up on all the hay you will need for the winter, you need to consider how much will fit in your available storage space.

Bale type. Most horse owners buy small square bales for ease of handling. However, you can save money if you have the capability to handle and store larger bales. According to the USDA PA Weekly Hay Reports, buying “good” quality grass hay in large square bales would save an average of $50 per ton. Another way of looking at it is that in the PA hay auctions, buying small square bales was 28% more expensive.

Nutritional needs. Not all horses need premium quality hay with very high protein and energy levels. While we certainly want our hay to be high quality in terms of minimal weeds, dust, and other contaminants, mature hay with lower nutritional value can be safe and healthy for obese horses or easy keepers. For these horses, it is better to feed more of a lower calorie hay than to restrict intake of a premium quality hay. Hay/forage should be the foundation of a horse’s ration, and they should have access to forage as often as possible for gut health and normal feeding behavior. Remember, there is only way to know for sure what the nutritional quality of the hay is: analyzing a sample of each load.

Fiber for warmth. It is advisable to purchase a bit extra for extremely cold periods. Fiber is fermented in the horse’s cecum, which produces heat and helps to keep the horse warm. Horses with heavy winter coats that are acclimated to the climate need extra forage for warmth when the temperature drops below 18°F. Clipped horses will need extra hay at warmer temperatures. An extra flake from a small square bale per horse should be plenty.

Hay Waste

Before calculating the amount of hay you will need to purchase, you should also consider how much of your hay gets wasted either from storage or by your horses. Storage waste can range from 2-40%, depending on how you store the bales. Round bales stored outside produce the most waste, as the bottom and outermost 4” layer will be exposed to moisture. Storing hay inside or covering it well can reduce the amount wasted.

Then you must consider the amount wasted by your horses as they eat. Feeding hay on the ground is a huge source of waste, as horses trample and defecate on it. Studies at the University of Minnesota have found that using feeders significantly reduces hay waste. When feeding small square bales, the study found the following amounts of hay waste:

No feeder: 13%

Hay rack: 5%

Basket feeder: 3%

Slat feeder: 1%

While purchasing feeders is an added cost, based on the price of hay and how much can be wasted without a feeder, these feeders pay for themselves in 9 to 12 months.

Researchers at Minnesota also looked at round bale feeders, testing 9 feeders and a no-feeder control. The feeders tested allowed either complete access to the hay or restricted access (slow feeders). They found the following amounts of hay waste:

No feeder: 57%

Circular free choice feeders: 13-33%

Restricted access feeders: 5-11%

Without a feeder, the herd actually consumed less hay and lost weight because so much of the hay was trampled and spoiled. The payback period for these feeders was far

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Email: ed.bigskypipe64@hotmail.com – www.bigskypipeandsupply.com

#####

An average covered wagon train crossed the prairie at 1-2 miles per hour.

#####

So where do they sleep? Ornithologists say birds do not sleep in their nests.

#####

To shuffle one’s feet while mumbling is to whittie-whattie.

Buying winter hay for horses

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C2 less than the small square bale feeders because of the huge reduction in waste compared to using no feeder.

Calculating Hay Needs

To estimate how much hay to buy for the winter, you can run a few simple calculations. We will assume that horses eat approximately 2-2.5% of their body weight in hay per day as their full ration. If your horses have higher energy needs and also receive grain meals, you can subtract the weight of grain from the 2% figure based on your horse’s weight. We will also assume that the hay season lasts from November to March, and that horses have high-quality pasture for forage during the rest of the year.

1 horse at 1100 pounds x 2% BW = 22 lbs hay per day (if you feed grain, subtract its weight from this number) 22 lbs x 150 days = 3300 lbs hay per horse

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Don’t forget to account for wastage! Here, we will assume 5% storage waste because our bales are stored inside and 13% waste from feeding small square bales on the ground. 3300 lbs x 1.05 (storage waste) x 1.13 (ground waste) = 3915 lbs hay per horse

If you buy your hay by the ton, this would be 3915/2000 = almost 2 tons of hay per horse.

If you buy your hay by the bale, you will need to find out the approximate weight of each bale. Assuming a 40 lb bale, 3915/40 = 98 bales per horse.

Conclusions

Forage is the most important part of your horse’s diet, and during Pennsylvania winters, hay is the most economical way to provide forage. By planning ahead and running some simple calculations, horse owners can save money and ensure that they have purchased the right amount of hay to last through the winter.

####

Banks have therapists known as “wealth psychologists” who help ultra-rich clients who cannot mentally cope with their immense wealth.

TEEPOSTS

Did your harvest not go as planned with unexpected break downs & expensive service bills? We still have several affordable units to choose from.

FIELDFENCE

NON-CLIMB

#72735

4’x100’..........................................................$189

2012 John Deere S680, 2WD, 520/85R42 duals, lateral tilt, fixed speed feederhouse (without fore/aft), ProDrive, PowerCast tailboard, TriStream rotor (extended wear), small wire concaves, power fold grain tank covers, 26-ft. auger, basic radio, air seat, standard lighting and extremity lights, SF 3000 7” CommandARM, AT activation. Stock #82461 $147,500 (1)

BARBWIRE

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)

5’x100’..........................................................$239

6’x100’..........................................................$289

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

2020 John Deere S780 with Premium Activation, Combine Advisor, StarFire 6000 SF1, LED light package, leather swivel seat, Advanced PowerCast tailboard, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, extended wear grain handling system. Stock #79034 $417,500 (12)

Commercial2pt Barbwire........... $8900 Roll OklahomaClass1,2pt .................................$10500

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)

Daecero2pt.............$8900

Prices for Stock On Hand through 9. 12 .22

$405,000 (1)

2006 John Deere 9760STS, 936D batt reel - H00936D721254, 2WD, 30.5x32 singles, level land, fixed speed, small wire concaves, PowerCast tailboard, 22.5-ft. auger, normal concave adjust, deluxe header controls. Stock #83119

$72,000 (1)

#80604

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)

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)

FormerlyBridgerFence,FrontierFence, GreatFallsFenceandMildFence.

BOZEMAN (406)924-4802 BILLINGS (406)259-6511

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

2004 John Deere 9660STS small grain, 2WD, GreenStar, less mapping with display, general purpose chaffer, small wire concave, wide spaced tube radiator, high capacity lift cylinders, fixed rear axle, heavy duty spindles, twin disk spreader with chaff spreader, 300 bushel grain tank extension. Stock #83004 $60,000 (1)

$407,000 (1)

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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

2010 John Deere 9670STS 2WD, 800/70R38 singles, Contour Master, fixed speed, small wire concaves, chopper/spreader, 26-ft. auger, deluxe header controls. Stock #82916 $92,500 (12)

2011 Gleaner S77, 9250 30-ft. flex header, 2017 Duo Lift high speed header trailer, 370 hp, 1995 engine hours, 1385 separator hours. Stock #83833 $127,500 (15)

2006 Case IH 2388, 30.5L-32 drive tires, chaff spreader, grain tank extension, 2487 engine hours, 1929 separator hours. Stock #80831 $49,000 (2)

View our FULL inventory at www.FrontlineAgSolutions.com

Now is the best time to upgrade your equipment. Don’t wait until you’re in the thick of the busy season to realize that your equipment isn’t going to get the job done! Call or stop in today!

4WD, ROW CROP AND UTILITY TRACTORS

Make your Fall-Winter field work easier. Take a look at our selection of 4WD, loader, utility and row crop tractors that we have available! Anything to match your operation and budget!

1990 Case IH 9180 4x4 articulated tractor with 2 SCVs, no PTO or 3-point, 12 x 2 PowerShift transmission, engine rebuilt at 7400 hours, oil and fluid change 50 hours ago. Stock #83225 $39,500 (15)

2021 John Deere 5090E utility tractor with MFWD, cab, 24/12 Power Reverser, 18.4x30 rear tires, PTO, 3 SCVs, dual mid SCV, deluxe cornerpost exhaust, loader prep package. Stock #82968 $68,000 (4)

2021 John Deere 8R370 row crop tractor with Signature Edition, IVT with independent link suspension air seat with cab suspension, 84 gpm hydraulic pump, 6 SCVs, 1000 PTO, Cat 4 3-point Quik Coupler, 520/85R46 rear duals, 480/70R34 front duals, front fenders, weights - front and rear. Includes 4600 display with 3.0 AutoTrac Activation (no SF6000 receiver). Stock #83132 $457,500 (1)

#81856

2021 John Deere 8R280 row crop tractor with PowerGuard 6-year/4000 hour, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Cat 4 3-point with Quik 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)

#82884

2008 Case IH Steiger 535 Quadtrac with 535 hp, Cummins QSX15 6-cylinder engine, 3-point hitch, rear tracks in good condition, 4 rear hydraulic remotes, clean cab. Stock #82884 $257,500 (1)

2020 John Deere 5075E utility tractor, MFWD, 12F/12R Power Reverser, cab, dual mid valve, PTO, loader prep package, standard cab, 16.9x29 rear tires. Stock #82966 $55,000 (4)

2017 John Deere 5085E 85 HP utility tractor with cab, heat, air, 12/12 Power Reverser transmission, 540/540E PTO, air suspension seat, 2 rear SCVs, 2 mid SCVs with joystick control, 18.4x30 rear tires, 12.4-24 front tires, loader with bucket and rear weights. Stock #83665 $62,500 (15)

#83887

2018 John Deere 6155M, 20 speed PowerQuad, fixed MFWD, 3 hydraulics, 540/1000, 3-point, Clevis hitch, 480/80R42, 380/85R30, Cold Start II package, closed center pump 114L/min, standard cab, air seat, CB ready, beltline lights, rotary beacon, L/R rear mirrors. Stock #83887 $155,000 (14)

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)

$25,000 (15)

SELF PROPELLED SPREADERS & SPRAYERS

Several used John Deere and competitive self-propelled sprayers and applicators in stock! Variety of boom and widths available. Several units are ready to roll with turnkey GPS!

2016 Case IH Patriot 3240 with 90-ft. boom, Aim Command, 5 nozzle body, end cap valves for clean out, Raven integrated AutoSteer, display, receiver, auto boom height (3 sensors) with touchdown wheels, foam marker, 380/85R46 tires, cloth interior with Buddy seat, radar, no eductor, no front fill.

Stock #83993 $155,000 (14)

#82879

2020 John Deere R4060 with 120-ft. steel boom, 20” nozzle spacing, automatic solution control, JD ExactApply, hi flow pump with dual flow meter, boom air purge, full boom breakaway, SS tank.

Stock #82879 $393,000 (1)

2018 John Deere R4045 with 132” carbon fiber booms, ExactApply, full GPS system, auto solution control, VF 420/95R50 tires, eductor, boom air purge, LED lighting, premium radio, 5 sensor boom leveling. Stock #74435 $435,000 (1)

2006 John Deere 4930 120-ft. SS boom, 15” nozzle spacing, 7 boom sections, 5 nozzle bodies, 5 sensor boom track, hydraulic tread adjust, eductor, 3” fill dual flow meters, L/R end nozzles, radar, Xenon lights, fenders, 380/105R30 tires - 10% to 20%, AutoTrac ready, brown display only for sprayer functions, would need GS2, GS3 or Gen4 with AutoTrac and section control and a receiver.

Stock #83830 $67,500 (14)

2012 John Deere 4830, 100-ft. boom, 20” spacing, 5 sensor Boom Trac, 380/80R46, 1000 gallon steel tank and plumbing (2” fill), single flow meter, hydraulic tread adjust, traction control, auto air leveling, no receiver, 2630 display with AutoTrac and section control activations. Stock #80778 $235,000 (12)

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)

$110,000 (11)

Apache AS1220 with 120-ft. booms, 20” spacing, boom leveling, Raven Viper 4 rate controller, VF380/90R46 tires.

Stock #81278 $118,900 (1)

2012 Spra-Coupe 4460 with 400 gallon/82-ft. sprayer boom, like new, 970 hours, field ready, needs nothing, loaded up with all the options, AutoSteer EzSteer, Trimble FM-750 display, section and machine controls are all included, comes with 2 sets of nozzles, 7.5 and 10 gallon work, fresh water tank, Allison automatic transmission, fenders, towable unit and comes with the hitch, 2 new rear tires last fall. Stock #83420 $85,000 (15)

2013

with bucket and grapple, MFWD with suspension, IVT, rear 540/1000 PTO, 4 SCVs, rear fenders, duals, rear weights. Stock #81856 $120,000 (15)

BALE FEEDERS

See our large selection of bale feeders. Several more not listed.

2000 Vermeer BP8000, bale processor, left hand discharge, 1000 PTO. Stock #81062 $12,500 (15)

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) Haybuster 2660 bale feeder, 1000 PTO, right hand discharge, hydraulic deflector. Stock #82921 $25,500 (15)

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)

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. Has rebuilt transmission, hydraulic pump, and engine harness completed this winter. Stock #79965 $139,000 (4)

1997 John Deere 8400 tractor, 250 hp, MFWD, rear duals, 4 rear SCVs, 20 front weights, 1000 PTO, 7067 hours. Stock #83239 $84,000 (11)

#83493

#81715

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)

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)

AIR DRILLS

Check out our selection of good used air drills for spring seeding.

2011 John Deere 1890, 60-ft. 10” disc drill, narrow solid gauge wheel, smooth firming wheel, 430 TBT cart with mechanical drive, 12” conveyor, John Deere All Run Blockage. Stock #75416

$145,000 (12)

2013 John Deere 1830 61-ft. drill, 12.5” spacing, single shoot, 4” capped steel press wheels, All Run Blockage, dual wing wheels, JD boots and 1”JD carbide points, 350 bushel 1910 cart, hydraulic drive, variable rate, 6 run, single front casters, 30.5-32 rear singles, 10” auger, two green meter rollers, cart SN 1A81910HVDF755183. Stock #83548 $120,000 (14)

2005 Case IH ATX4812 drill, 48-ft. wide, 12” spacing, rubber packer wheels, 1” tips, includes 3380 tow behind cart. Stock #83627 $36,500 (1)

1=Conrad: 877-278-5531

2=Cut Bank: 800-273-5530

3=Choteau: 866-466-5741

4=Dillon: 888-213-2793

www.frontlineagsolutions.com

11=Lewistown: 800-823-3373

12=Havre: 800-621-5701

13=Chester: 406-759-5010

14=Great Falls: 888-760-2005

15=Belgrade: 866-282-3337

16=Livingston: 800-824-3932

2013 Bale King 5100 with right hand discharge, fine cut kit, 3 hydraulics needed, flotation tires. Stock #83493 $16,500 (12)

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

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

Massey-Ferguson 7624 Classic with cab, self-leveling loader

Come and see us at MATE,

February 16-18, Billings, MT

Spring annual forages

By Jerry Volesky, Extension Range and Forage Specialist and Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage and Crop Residue Specialist

Oats

The small cereal grains are usually ready for hay harvest around the 3rd week of June. Photo credit Troy Walz.

-ton grain truck, flathead V8. Has been inside since 1973

Propane irrigation pump, portable, 6-cylinder Allis Chalmers. Ran 2 wheel lines

Ditcher

50 16-ft. wire cattle panels $20 ea. Pallet of round baler twine

2006 Titan Classic 24-ft. stock trailer $10,000 Located at Conrad, Montana Phone (406) 278-3970 home, or (406) 470-0894 cell email - twistit73@yahoo.com. Leave message

With spring not far off, it is time to start planning and thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early.

have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality. Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost of the different species before deciding.

Fahrenheit range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been oats in terms of forage yield and quality. Also similar is the number of days until so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost deciding.

Species and Varieties

Fahrenheit range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been oats in terms of forage yield and quality. Also similar is the number of days so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost deciding.

For the small grain cereals, there are varieties that have been developed specifically for forage use. For these varieties, some of the characteristics might include plant height, leaf width, days to maturity, and overall forage yield and quality. Don’t forget to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. Some herbicides have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring.

For the small grain cereals, there are varieties that have been developed specifically varieties, some of the characteristics might include plant height, leaf width, days yield and quality. Don’t forget to consider the herbicides that may have been Some herbicides have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into Tables 1 and 2 present yield and quality results of several spring-planted oat, at North Platte. Test plots were planted on March 30 and received 70 lb. nitrogen/acre

For the small grain cereals, there are varieties that have been developed specifically varieties, some of the characteristics might include plant height, leaf width, days yield and quality. Don’t forget to consider the herbicides that may have been Some herbicides have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into Tables 1 and 2 present yield and quality results of several spring-planted oat, at North Platte. Test plots were planted on March 30 and received 70 lb. nitrogen/acre

Spring-planted small grain cereals commonly yield about 2.5 – 4.0 tons/acre. There can be some year-to-year variability in yield depending on the spring growing conditions. For spring or cool-season annual forages, the planting period is typically late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42-to-45-degree Fahrenheit range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that

Tables 1 and 2 present yield and quality results of several spring-planted oat, triticale, and barley varieties grown at North Platte. Test plots were planted on March 30 and received 70 lb. nitrogen/acre at planting.

forage yield to be similar at the 50, 75, and 100 lb rates, and greater than the 25 lb. per acre rate. Seeding rate did not influence forage quality.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the result in a longer grazing period. Italian ryegrass regrows well after grazing and summer if there is adequate moisture. In an oats-Italian ryegrass mixture, the 80 lbs. oats/acre and 15 to 20 lbs. ryegrass/acre.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the result in a longer grazing period. Italian ryegrass regrows well after grazing summer if there is adequate moisture. In an oats-Italian ryegrass mixture, the 80 lbs. oats/acre and 15 to 20 lbs. ryegrass/acre.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the small grain cereals and this will result in a longer grazing period. Italian ryegrass regrows well after grazing and will continue growth well into the summer if there is adequate moisture. In an oats-Italian ryegrass mixture, the seeding rate would be about 60 to 80 lbs. oats/acre and 15 to 20 lbs. ryegrass/acre.

Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality fixation. In an irrigated trial at North Platte, it was found that a mixture of 52 peas resulted in a forage crude protein (CP) content of 14% compared to 8% mixture, the peas accounted for 25% of the total forage.

Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality fixation. In an irrigated trial at North Platte, it was found that a mixture of 52 peas resulted in a forage crude protein (CP) content of 14% compared to 8% mixture, the peas accounted for 25% of the total forage.

Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation. In an irrigated trial at North Platte, it was found that a mixture of 52 lb./acre oats and 17 lb./acre field peas resulted in a forage crude protein (CP) content of 14% compared to 8% CP for oats alone. In that oat-peas mixture, the peas accounted for 25% of the total forage. Seeding Rates and Fertilization Seeding rate recommendations when planting small grains for forage can vary widely depending on the source. For oats, 2 to 3 bushels (76 to 114 lb.) per acre is common. Similarly for spring barley, 2 to 2.5 bushels (96 to 120 lb.) per acre and spring triticale at 2 bushels (about 116 lb.) per acre.

Recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln trials evaluated 4 oats seeding rates (25, 50, 75, or 100 lbs. per acre) and found total

Annual forages usually need nitrogen (N) fertilizer to reach their yield potential. As with all crops, N fertilizer application should be according to soil test recommendations. With the spring-planted small grain cereals, N is usually the limiting nutrient. For irrigated fields, 50 to 70 lb. of N per acre can be applied at planting or within the first month. For dryland fields, nitrogen rates can be similar if there is adequate precipitation. Nitrogen fertilization has also been shown to increase forage crude protein.

Grazing

With the early spring planting date of the small grain cereals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. The starting date will vary depending on the spring growing conditions. However, be ready to start grazing when plant height reaches 6 to 8 inches. Once it is at that height, growth will occur quickly, and it can shoot up to 12 inches in almost no time. The early grazing will stimulate the formation of new tillers.

Spring annual forages

Ideally, one should graze to keep the growth between 6 and 12 inches. This might require an initial lighter stocking rate, about one cow-calf pair for every two acres, then adjust animal numbers upward as oat growth changes. In general, a good stand of cereal small grains could support up to 2 cow-calf pairs per acre for about a 6-week period.

Haying

The small cereal grains are usually ready for hay harvest around the 3rd week of June. This can vary depending on the desired forage quality. Early harvests, such as when the crop is in a late-boot stage will result in forage with a crude protein content of 12 to 14%. When harvested at a later growth stage, such as milk to soft-dough, yield will be greater and crude protein content may range from 7 to 10%.

Haylage and Silage

While maturity remains important to maintain quality of small grains, moisture at ensiling is another factor to consider. Wilting is needed in most cases when ensiling grass forages as haylage and silage. At harvest, small grains in the boot stage may be at or above 80% moisture or 20% dry matter (DM). The goal is to produce a low-moisture silage more commonly referred to as haylage, baleage, or wilted silage. When ensiling, grasses should be 40 to 60% DM prior to ensiling. Forages should not be ensiled with more than 70% moisture (or less than 30% dry matter concentration) due to potential seepage losses and growth of undesirable bacteria, which can result in undesirable fermentation. Generally, small grains harvested from boot stage to soft dough require wilting of 24 hours or more to achieve the targeted range of 40 to 60% DM.

#####

On a crisp Sunday morning, Ralph showed up late to his tee time. His playing partners were somewhat perturbed and asked why he was running behind. “Well,” John explained, “It’s Sunday and I was feeling guilty about missing church, so I decided to leave it up to chance and flip a coin.” “That doesn’t explain why you are so late,” his annoyed friends answered. Ralph looked at his foursome sheepishgly and responded. “The good Lord must have really wanted me to go to church because I had to flip the coin twenty times.”

#####

First professional sports organization in the United States was the Maryland Jockey Club, founded in 1743.

SyStem

Handling hydraulic hoses requires extra caution in winter

The hydraulic hoses on tractors and implements must be in prime condition to withstand the extreme temperature changes of the winter months.

Extreme cold temperatures throughout the winter months can cause challenges to hydraulic hose lines in tractors and machinery.

“The temperature of a piece of machinery can fluctuate from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes,” says Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University Extension farm and ranch safety coordinator. “The hydraulic hoses on tractors and implements used in the winter months must be in prime condition to withstand the extreme temperature changes we face in the northern Plains.”

Hydraulic systems are critical for tractors and machines to work properly and conduct tasks year-round. These systems store fluid under high pressure, typically 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi), up to 3,000 psi.

A hydraulic hose failure could cause extreme machine malfunction, potentially causing severe harm to the operator. Other hydraulic hose hazards include burns, skin penetration, and component failure or collapse.

Burns

Unhooking an implement or making a repair on a hydraulic system can be dangerous if the operator has not released the hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system. This means that if the implement or loader on the tractor is in the raised position, it contains trapped hydraulic fluid that is pressurized. As pressure increases, the operating temperature of modern hydraulic systems can become high enough to cause severe burns if an operator is sprayed with escaping hydraulic oil from a puncture in the line or the immediate release of high pressurized oil from a loose hydraulic fitting.

Safety tips:

Always relieve hydraulic pressure before loosening hydraulic fittings. This includes lowering the implement (or loader) to the ground and testing your pressure relief valves to ensure they are reducing pressure buildup, if applicable on your tractor.

Move the hydraulic control lever (found inside the tractor if hooked up to an implement) back and forth several times to help relieve hydraulic pressure.

Follow instructions in the operator’s manual. Specific procedures for servicing hydraulic systems provide safety guidelines to follow when performing maintenance or repair.

Skin penetration

Pinhole leaks in hydraulic hose lines are extremely dangerous. With the naked eye, pinhole leaks can be impossible to see. A common injury involves an operator running their hand or finger over the hose line, where the invisible pinhole leak then penetrates oil into the operator’s skin without even knowing it. Immediately after the fluid injection, the operator may only experience a slight stinging sensation in their hand or finger and think nothing of it. After a few hours, the operator may begin to develop severe pain. If not seen by a medical provider immediately, the injury can result in a condition called gangrene, where amputation of the hand or finger is required because of the tissue damage.

Safety tips:

Shut down all equipment and release pressure before checking for hydraulic fluid leaks.

Use a piece of paper or cardboard to check for pinhole leaks in hydraulic hoses, not your hand or finger. Run the piece of paper or cardboard across the hose to identify any pinhole leaks.

simple h brace can be done in five minutes

Always wear safety glasses and heavy gloves when working with hydraulic systems. Note: Gloves will not prevent oil from a pinhole leak from penetrating your skin.

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect hydraulic oil has penetrated your skin.

Component failure or collapse

Failure of a hydraulic hose, fitting or seal can cause a rapid release of hydraulic oil, causing the supported component to collapse. Examples of this include a loader on a tractor or a header on a combine. Gradual leaks can also cause components to drop unexpectedly, crushing a worker under the component. A combine header can weigh three tons and crush anyone who may be working underneath it.

Safety tips:

Never work under an implement, truck bed or other machine supported by a hydraulic ram/cylinder without the lock in place or other means of support. Make sure all equipment

CONTINUED ON PAGE C10

NDSU Saddle and Sirloin club

Agriculturalists of the Year

Dean and Paula Swenson of Wheaton, North Dakota, will be honored as the Agriculturists of the Year at this year’s NDSU Saddle and Sirloin club Little International Showmanship contest.

The Swensons graduated in 1973 from NDSU, where they were both active in the Saddle and Sirloin club, as well as many other campus organizations. They married after graduation and later bought a farm in Walcott, North Dakota, where they still live. They raised crops, sheep and Angora goats, as well as club lambs and goats that they leased to 4-H and FFA youth, which allowed them the opportunity to show. They later transitioned from Angora goats to meat goats and expanded to include cattle in their operation.

The couple started The Sandburs 4-H club and have worked with the local livestock judging teams. They are active in their local church and were instrumental in developing the meat goat shows at the Red River Valley Fair and North Dakota State Fair. Dean also worked on the Cass County Livestock Achievement Day Committee and was a member of the Red River Valley Fair Board. They are both active in the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, where they have held various executive positions and helped with the starter flock program. They are also members of the American Sheep Industry Animal Health Committee and American Farm Bureau Federation.

The Swensons have three sons and eight grandchildren. They continue to farm with their oldest son and his family.

“The crop we are most proud of is our three sons and their families,” says Dean Swenson.

“The theme for the 97th Little I is Leaving a Legacy, and Dean and Paula are tremendous examples of this, as well as exceptional role models for both the members of the Saddle and Sirloin club and agriculturists across the state,” says Lydia Lyons, 97th Little I publicity chair.

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John Deere 6600 combine, gas, pickup header $2000 Massey-Ferguson 510 combine, Perkins diesel $3250 Ford 600 tractor with loader, good tires. Runs

Handling hydraulic hoses requires extra caution in winter

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C8 is turned off when working on it.

Even if an implement is not attached to the tractor, the hydraulic system may still be pressurized. If making repairs to the hydraulic system, never assume the implement is no longer under pressure just because it is not attached to the tractor.

Hydraulic hose and system maintenance

Hydraulic hose systems on tractors and machinery can fail when hoses and oil are not properly maintained. When conditions become cold, hydraulic hoses can become stiff, inelastic, brittle and lose their ability to bend. Cracks in hydraulic hoses can become more prevalent during cold temperatures, meaning visual inspection for cracks, abrasions and oily residues is crucial for equipment maintenance and operator safety.

USED HAYING

American Hay Master 500 series stack wagon with hay basket $7500

New Holland 1032 bale wagon $4500

John Deere 1380 pull-type swather $2500

Hesston 1014 swather $1500

Ford 14-92 sickle mower $600 3-wheel hay rake $1000

MISCELLANEOUS

Front Dozer Blade with manual adjust. Fits various models $2500

Oliver/White loader fits 1650/1655 $1250

Wagner loader for Ford 8N, 9N, and NAA. With front pump & mounts $1500

Shaver HD8 front mount post driver $1295

Running gears. Each $600 Dixon 50” zero turn mower. $2500

KIOTI TRACTORS

Kioti RX7320PCC tractor, 73 hp, creeper, power shuttle, 4WD, cab, air conditioner, heat, 3 pt., PTO. 1 In Stock Kioti CK2610 with KL4030 loader, 25 hp, tier 3 diesel, 4WD, 3-pt., PTO. 2 In Stock Kioti K9 2440, 2 rows, seats 5, 22 hp diesel engine, MacPherson struts, steel dump box 1 In Stock

Kioti DK4510 with KL5520 loader, manual transmission, 4WD, 3-pt, PTO. 3 In Stock

Kioti CS2210H with SL2410 loader, SM2454 mower, KB2465 backhoe 1 in Stock

USED TRACTORS

Take time to check for oil leaks and worn hoses. If you can see the metal wire layer of a hydraulic hose, or an oily film on the hose or near the fittings, it needs to be replaced. Change the hydraulic oil and filter in your tractors and machines. Hydraulic oil that is contaminated with dirt, dust, particulates, etc., can cause damage to your hydraulic system. Monitor your tractor’s hydraulic oil sight glass to determine if more hydraulic oil needs to be added. Read the operator’s manual to determine how often the hydraulic oil and filter should be changed.

Allow your tractor to warm up in cold conditions. The more your tractor’s fluids warm up before use, the better your hydraulic hoses can respond. In extreme cold, you may need to allow your equipment to warm up for an hour before use. Connect the correct hydraulic lines from the equipment to the tractor couplers. If the hose lines are not coupled to the tractor correctly, the implement will not rise and drop as expected. Use colored zip ties or tape to label the hoses to match which coupler end they need to attach to on the tractor. Always lower the hydraulic working units to the ground before working on or leaving the machine, making sure the machine is off once you begin to work on it.

“Remember, tractors and equipment can be replaced – you, on the other hand, cannot be replaced,” says Johnson. “Take time for safety this winter by keeping equipment in proper shape and using safe techniques when equipment repairs and maintenance needs to be made.”

New Red Devil

6-ft. snow blower with QA skid steer mount.

Reducing fed hay losses

By, Brad Schick, UNL

Making, transporting, and feeding hay is a large investment in time, equipment, and money. How can you reduce loss of hay during feeding to make that investment go further

$6250

Ford 2000 Select-o-Speed For Parts

There are many ways to feed hay, with each method impacting waste differently. If hay is fed unrestricted, cattle can waste 45 percent of the hay they are provided. Limit feeding hay so only what is required is fed, will significantly reduce waste right away. Studies show that cattle fed daily versus fed every four days, needed 25% less hay. That’s a huge amount, but labor and equipment cost slightly increased.

A common and usually labor efficient method of feeding is to feed hay directly onto the ground by unrolling bales, distributing ground hay or loose hay, and bale pod grazing. With any of these methods, there should only be enough feed distributed or available for one day.

Bale pod grazing is when bales are spread out across a field or pasture and temporary fence is used to confine animal access to one or several bales. When it’s time for more hay, the producer moves a fence instead of moving a bale. The losses will depend on herd size, however, because this relates to limiting feeding or limiting access.

Limiting access by physical barriers is another way to decrease hay loss. Bale rings, racks, fences, feed bunks, bale pod grazing, or another form of limited access can all decrease waste. These methods work by reducing trampling and animal ability to lay down on the hay. The most effective physical barriers have solid side bottoms. This prevents the hay from being pulled out onto the ground. While these methods are effective, they require the purchase of additional equipment which for large herds or changing feeding location can add significant time and money.

No matter the improved method, reducing fed hay losses will improve the return on the hay investment.

Mid-winter cornstalk grazing

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Here in mid-winter, cornstalks remain a great forage resource for livestock producers. Snow cover on cornstalks is generally not a problem for cattle as they are adept at digging their way through to get at the leaves, husks, and remaining corn that they are seeking. However, if an icy crust develops on the snow, this will limit grazing and supplemental feed may need to be provided.

Another important consideration is the stocking rate and how long they have been in a particular field. Nutritional value of cornstalk residue is greatest at the beginning of a grazing period and declines with time as the most nutritious plant parts are consumed. A general stalk grazing rule is there is about 30 cow days per 100 bushels of corn that the field produced.

Over the fall and winter, weathering can also play a role in reducing cornstalk quality. 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.

Another factor that affects cornstalk grazing is wind. We have had our share of excessively high winds which 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.

Cornstalks are still a great and economical winter feed source. Just be sure to closely monitor cow and field conditions while adjusting your supplementation program accordingly.

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These non-cab tractors are value priced and “Tough As Nails”. MFWD, 50 hp, 540 PTO, 3-point and 1 rear remote, 8 speed transmission with F-N-R shuttle. Equipped with L545 loader. The 50A is the perfect chore tractor.

• 4 - FARMALL 55A & 65A CAB TRACTORS

Features like cab with heat and air, air seat, 12x12 transmission with power reverser, 3-point hitch, 2 remotes, 540 PTO and equipped with L610 loader.

•

2 - PUMA 185 MULTICONTROL TRACTORS

MFWD, Class IV F/axle, 180 hp with Power Boost, deluxe cab with suspension, guidance ready, 18 speed full powershift, block and transmission heater, big rear weights, 540/1000 PTO, 3 electronic remotes, heavy duty 3-point and L106 loader/grapple.

• 2 - FARMALL PRO 130A & 140A

TRACTORS

Deluxe cab tractors with MFWD, 105 and 115 PTO hp, 16x8 transmission with Power Shuttle, 3 remotes, 540/1000 PTO, front fenders and equipped with L104 loader grapple.

We’d appreciate it if you tell an advertiser you read his ad in the Trader’s Dispatch.

DBL Sales and Service, LLC

US Dealer for K-Hart Direct Seeding Disc Drills

Dave and Brock Linker • 6960 North Coffee Creek Rd, Coffee Creek, MT 59424

New K-Hart

8620

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2016 John Deere 1890 60-ft, 7.5” spacing with liquid kit, extended wear boots. IAS full run blockage, fully loaded plus lots of aftermarket upgrades and extra parts.

Nascar 101

How did stock car racing begin? During Prohibition (1920-33), bootleggers in the southern United States relied on fast cars to stay ahead of the law. To maintain a low profile, they souped up their engines and shock absorbers but kept the stock, or factory-made, bodies. After a night on the run, the bootleggers would sometimes meet to boast about their cars and race them against each other on oval dirt tracks. This soon became a Sunday tradition, complete with picnic baskets.

How did NASCAR begin? In 1938 Bill France Sr., a mechanic and amateur race-car driver, began running operations at a track in Daytona Beach, Florida, near a stretch of beach where several early land-speed records had been set. The young sport of racing was in trouble, though: Shady promoters often wouldn’t pay the drivers, and the lack of consistent car guidelines led to frequent disagreements. France worked to legitimize the sport. After a series of meetings that culminated in Daytona Beach on February 21, 1948, he convinced the drivers and promoters to form a single entity–the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. France ran NASCAR until 1972, when his son, Bill France Jr., took over. The younger France ran the organization until 2000.

Retro fit row units for John Deere 1890 and 1895 disc drill.

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FINAL CLEARANCE Everything Must

Go!!

What’s the difference between stock cars and other race cars? Race cars such as Formula One are built specifically for auto racing, while stock cars are made by auto manufacturers for use on regular roads. In NASCAR’s early days, the cars were strictly stock. But starting in the 1950s certain modifications were allowed to the engines and chassis to make the cars faster and safer.

How fast do stock cars go? It depends on the track. On short tracks, which are less than a mile long, the average speed is about 82 mph. On intermediate tracks, between one and two miles long, the fastest speeds top out at about 150 mph. Tracks over two miles in length are called superspeedways and there are only two: Talladega, in Alabama, and Dayton, Florida, where the season begins each year. These two tracks boast and average speed of 188 mph. It used to be higher…until a horrific wreck at Talladega in 1987 when Bobby Allison’s car nearly flew into the stands. NASCAR now uses restrictor plates at these two tracks–a devise placed over the intake valve to reduce the car’s power.

Why are the cars covered with ads? In 1972, two years after losing the right to advertise tobacco products on television, the R. J. Reynolds Company tried a new marketing tactic by sponsoring the first Winston Cup series (now called the Sprint Cup). In the mid-‘70s, partial races were telecast on ABC’s Wild World of Sports, giving NASCAR a wider audience. But its biggest boost came with the 1979 Daytona 500, the first NASCAR race broadcast live on national television. On a day when the northeastern U.S. was paralyzed by a snowstorm, millions of TV viewers watched the race–which ended in a dramatic wreck on the final lap, followed by a fist fight between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison. After that, more companies jumped on the sponsorship bandwagon, creating a marriage of convenience: Stock cars make perfect blank slates for ads and stock car racing is so expensive that teams can’t do it week after week without the millions they receive from sponsors.

How does the point system work? In each race, a driver receives points for every lap in which he or she leads (there have been 17 female NASCAR drivers). The winner of the race gets an additional 185 points, second place gets 170, third 165, and so on. Because this system rewards consistency over winning, fans complained that the racing was getting too conservative. After Matt Kenseth won the 2003 NASCAR Championship with only one victory (but 25 top10 finishes), NASCAR implemented a playoff system. Now after the first 26 races are completed, the top 12 drivers’ point totals are reset to 5,000, plus an additional 10 points for each race they’ve won. This means that for the final 10 races, now called “The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,” the top 12 are far ahead of the pack and battle each other for the championship. Adding to the drama: All of the drivers farther down in the rankings can often act as “spoilers.”

#####

The largest non-migratory land animal in Antarctica is the belgica, a wingless midge (gnat) less than half an inch long. They don’t fly (the winds would blow them away); they hop like fleas and live in penguin colonies.

#####

Cold, dense air being pulled by gravity down Antarctic mountains create the most extreme katabati (Greek for “go down”) winds on the planet. They have been clocked at 200 mph.

Woods BB72.30 rotary mower. $3250

Woods DHS80C disc, 3-point mount, 80” $2700

NEW, Woods RT60.40 rotavator, 60” $2475

New Holland T6.175 tractor with loader, grapple, 740 hours, used $112,000

Priceless

I’m a writing this to you, just to tell you, today, Even with me already letting you know, You can believe I’m really missing you and It was just a short time, since to work, I had to go.

I stopped by the bank, wondering what the price Of the love I have for you, would be worth today. The banker said, “There’s no figures go that high!”. So our love was worth more than he would venture to say.

He did tell me no one had ever come in, with that Many feelings for someone in his career, to this date. Said if he had someone like you to go home to, Many times he would not have worked so late.

I too, was telling him how lucky I was to have you, Which gets me back to what I was wanting to say.

I’m a loving you more and more by the minute, With you on my mind, it’s a making this a good day...

From Down Ridgway’s Road

By Robert Lee Ridgway

Call us for all your equipment needs!

USED TRACTORS

New Holland TM150 tractor. stk# 29559. (G)

Massey Ferguson 1735 EHL tractor with backhoe. stk# 26242. (G)

Massey Ferguson GC1725TLB tractor. stk# 27315. (G)

USED BALE PROCESSORS

Case IH Puma 165 tractor. stk# 30255. (L)

Kubota BX2380 compact tractor. stk# 30042. (G)

USED SKID STEERS

Case 1835C skid steer. stk# 30418. (G)

Haybuster 2660 round only. stk# 26158. (L)

Haybuster 256 stk# 29172. (G)

Haybuster BB256 left-hand discharge. stk# 29173. (G)

Haybuster 2640 round only, left-hand discharge. stk# 30185. (G)

Bobcat T750 skid steer. stk# 26506. (L)

New Holland L180 skid steer. stk#30442. (L)

USED MISCELLANEOUS

Haybuster 2800 square and round. stk# 30239. (G)

Haybuster 256+II stk# 30261. (G)

Haybuster 256+II round only. stk# 30279. (L)

Vermeer BPX8000 round only. stk# 11189. $19,000 (L)

Vermeer BP8000 round only. stk# 11240. (L)

Highline 7000 round only. stk# 29332. (L)

USED AUGERS

Buhler MKX 13x84 auger. stk# 29296........(G)

USED SPRAYERS

New Holland SF115 sprayer. stk# 28655. (G)

Tool Cat 5600 stk# 21420. (L)

Toro TX525 Dingo with stand-on platform. stk# 28506. (G)

Toro 22319 Dingo stk# 30114. (G)

Wheatheart High & Heavy postdriver. stk# 30419. (G)

Quick Attach Sledge Pounder skid steer mount. stk# 29228. (G)

Snapper 7800920-00 riding mower. stk# 20898. (G)

2009 Bobcat 325G compact excavator, 2800 hours. stk# 15179. (G)

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

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

JCB 84” snow thrower. stk# 27476. (G)

USED COMBINES

Case 1660 with header. stk# 13168. (G)

New Holland TR98 with headers. stk# 19692. (G)

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

USED HEADER

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

Miller 3275 HT 120-ft. front boom, 1000 gallon, 4WD, Raven Smart Trax. stk# 24819 (G)

Spra Coupe 7650 full run Raven monitor, mechanical rear drive, front hydraulic assist, 90-ft. boom, hydraulic extend axle. stk# 9067. $55,450 (G)

USED SWATHERS

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

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

USED ROUND BALERS

New Holland RB560 net/twine. stk# 28314.(L)

New Holland BR780 net/twine. stk# 27848.

$8500 (L)

New Holland 688 net/twine. stk# 30181.

$9800 (L)

New Holland 664 net/twine. stk# 30105. (G)

New Holland 660 net/twine. stk# 27027. (G)

Vermeer 605XL net/twine. stk# 20674. (G)

Vermeer ZR5 round baler. stk#26109. (G)

John Deere 566 net/twine. stk# 29080 (G)

Hesston 956A twine only. stk# 9821 (G)

USED RAKE

H&S BF 12HC 12-wheel rake. stk# 26868. (L)

Truth or fallacy: cattle cannot digest whole shelled corn?

By Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University

Can cattle digest whole shelled corn? To answer this question, we must first have a basic understanding of corn kernel composition and how it travels through the ruminant digestive tract. Relative to other cereal grains, corn is made up of a greater percentage of starch, which is found in the endosperm. A corn kernel contains 60 to 90% starch depending on the variety of corn. During ruminant digestion, starch is fermented into volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the rumen, and to a lesser degree in the large intestine. Starch is digested into glucose in the small intestine to provide the animal with energy. The starch granules inside the corn kernels are protected by a protein matrix and further protected by a thick multi-layered fibrous shell, called the pericarp, that surrounds the entire corn kernel. In order to access and breakdown the starch from inside the corn kernel, the rumen microbes (i.e., bacteria, protozoa, and fungi) and other digestive enzymes must be able to penetrate the fibrous pericarp and protein matrix that protects the starch contained inside of the corn kernel. For ruminal digestion of the starch from an intact corn kernel to occur, the pericarp of the corn kernel must be damaged by either chewing or some type of grain processing, including grinding, rolling, steam-flaking, ensiling, or tempering.

Research from The Ohio State University set out to answer questions about the digestion of whole shelled corn when fed to beef cattle. Published in the 2005 article, “Effect of cattle age, forage level, and corn processing on diet digestibility and feedlot performance”, by the Journal of Animal Science, the study investigated factors such as animal age, forage level in the diet, time on feed, and grain processing on feedlot cattle performance and starch digestibility.

Younger calves have been known to chew their feed more frequently than their older counterparts, but this may be because they are less efficient at reducing the particle size of their feed. Therefore, one might expect for younger calves to digest whole shelled corn more efficiently when compared with older calves. However, recently weaned cattle or yearling steer calves did not demonstrate any difference in their ability to digest whole shelled or ground corn provided at 80% of the finishing diet. Further analysis of the manure indicated that only 8 to 9% of the whole shelled corn kernels remained and the age of steers did not influence the digestibility of the starch being consumed.

According to the 1994 article, “Effects of mastication on digestion of whole cereal grains by cattle”, by the Journal of Animal Science, has shown eating rate can also influence the effectiveness of whole shelled corn being chewed when cattle are limit-fed compared with being full-fed eating as much as they want, as limit-fed cattle eat faster than full-fed cattle. However, cattle that spend more time eating and chewing need to spend less time ruminating, while cattle that spend less time eating and chewing initially, spend more time ruminating to reduce feed particle size. Therefore, differences observed in whole shelled corn digestibility compared with other dry corn processing methods may be largely due to the animal’s ability to effectively chew or re-chew the whole shelled corn kernel.

The forage to grain ratio of cattle diets can greatly affect the digestibility of the various components, such as protein, starch, fiber, fat, and the total diet itself. Certain rumen microbial communities are better suited to digest either forage- or grain-based diets. Additionally, the inclusion of forage in cattle diets increases digesta passage rate which reduces the amount of time digesta can be digested in the digestive tract. In the case of cereal grains, as grain particles become denser, they sink from the rumen to the reticulum where they continue through the remainder of the digestive tract. For finishing diets, forage is often included to maintain digestive tract health and prevent digestive upsets such as acidosis and bloat. This allows the energy density of the diet to be maximized for a greater growth response. It was hypothesized that because a greater level of forage in the diet increases passage rate, that forage level may negatively affect the starch digestibility and feedlot performance of cattle fed whole shelled corn compared with processed corn.

To test this, corn silage was fed at either 5 or 18% on a dry matter basis of the finishing diet and corn was either cracked or left as whole shelled corn. An interaction was observed, where steers fed 5% corn silage with whole shelled corn had the greatest average daily gain (ADG) during the beginning of the finishing period. Feed intake was also greatest for steers fed cracked corn compared with whole shelled corn,

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE C16 but particularly with 18% corn silage compared with 5%. Interestingly, steers that required a different number of days on feed because they entered the feedlot at different body weights resulted in different ADG and feed efficiencies when fed either whole shelled corn or cracked corn. Steers that were heavier at feedlot entry and required fewer days on feed had an ADG of 4.1 lb/d compared with lighter weight steers at feedlot entry that had a 3.5 lb/d ADG and required more time on feed when fed cracked corn. Both groups had similar gain to feed ratios. However, when fed whole shelled corn, light weight steers at feedlot entry that required more days on feed had a 3.6 lb/d ADG, which was similar when compared with heavier weight steers at feedlot entry that required less time on feed and had an ADG of 3.9 lb/d. Steers that were lighter weight at feedlot entry had a greater gain:feed ratio of 0.21 lb gain/lb feed compared with 0.19 lb gain/lb feed for heavier weight steers at feedlot entry when fed whole shelled corn. The reduced performance for steers consuming processed corn may be due to the long-term exposure of enhanced ruminal starch fermentation, which could increase the chance or frequency of acidosis occurring and comprise the rumen’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients.

Starch digestibility was similar between cracked and whole shelled corn diets with no interaction between forage level and corn processing. Less than 2% of the whole shelled corn kernels were found in the manure from steers consuming either the 5 or 18% corn silage finishing diets. Interestingly, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility was greater for the 18% corn silage diet compared with the 5% corn silage diet when whole shelled corn was fed, while NDF digestibility was similar between the two different forage levels when cracked corn was fed. Due to greater chewing and salivation when fed whole shelled corn, feeding whole shelled corn compared with processed corn may prevent the rumen pH from decreasing to a level that is unsuitable for a microbial community that is designed to break down forage and fiber.

Overall, ADG, feed efficiency, and starch digestibility of the corn being fed to feedlot cattle did not differ when fed as whole shelled corn or dry processed corn, regardless of the small appearance of whole corn kernels present in the manure. Therefore, grain processing costs do not appear to be justified without an increased response in feedlot performance and or carcass quality. Whole shelled corn may be more appropriate for low forage finishing diets to help buffer the rumen with additional saliva and prevent the rumen from experiencing a greater and/or more frequent occurrence of acidosis or ruminal damage due to a low pH. In conclusion, research has proven that cattle can digest whole shelled corn.

Planning for spring annual forages

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

While we are still early in the new year, it is time to start thinking about any spring annual forages that we might plant. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts.

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For spring or cool-season annual forages, the planting period is typically late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42-to-45-degree range. Oats is probably the most common cool-season annual forage planted in Nebraska. However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality.

Also similar is the number of days until ready to begin grazing or hay; so, the different species could be mixed if desired. One could look at seed cost of the different species before making a decision. With the early spring planting date of the cool-season annuals, grazing can typically begin around the 3rd or 4th week of May and last into early July. Haying usually take place around the 3rd week of June.

If grazing is a primary goal, Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix with the cereal grains, and this will result in a longer grazing period. Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation.

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Truth or fallacy: cattle cannot digest whole shelled corn?

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Signup for assistance for specialty crop growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs were due by January 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.

FSA is making available up to $200 million through the FSCSC program, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small-scale agricultural operations and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.

USDA first announced and opened this program for signup in 2022, delivering critical assistance for specialty crop operations, with an emphasis on equity in program delivery while building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.

“Specialty crops growers experienced many challenges meeting regulatory requirements and accessing additional markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “Many of these producers had to pivot quickly as demand shifted away from traditional markets, like restaurants and food service, and many continue to feel the impacts of those abrupt changes. By helping mitigate the costs of on-farm food safety certification, the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program will help create new markets and opportunities for small-scale producers. In turn, these producers will have another tool to leverage as they work to become more nimble and more resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges, serve their local and regional economies, and support fairer and more transparent markets.

Program Details

FSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 and 2023 for certifications issued on or after June 21, 2022. For each year, FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s eligible costs of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a portion of their related expenses.

To be eligible for FSCSC, the applicant must: Be a specialty crop operation.

Meet the definition of a small business or very small business.

Have paid eligible expenses related to certification. Specialty crop operations may receive assistance for the following costs:

Developing a food safety plan for first-time food safety certification.

Maintaining or updating an existing food safety plan. Food safety certification.

Certification upload fees.

Microbiological testing for products, soil amendments and water.

Training.

FSA calculates FSCSC payments for each category of eligible costs. FSA set a higher payment rate for underserved farmers and ranchers, which includes socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning and veteran producers who have a CCC-860 on file with FSA.

FSA will issue payments at the time of application approval for 2022 and after the application period ends for 2023. The 2023 application period opens Feb. 1, 2023, and closes Jan. 31, 2024. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated.

Applying for Assistance

Interested specialty crop producers can apply by completing the application, FSA-888. The application, along with other required documents, can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. Producers can visit farmers. gov/service-locator to find their local FSA office. Specialty crop producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist.

Producers can visit farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.

Due to the Coronavirus we are unsure of business hours. So if you have questions, or want to schedule an appointment, please call or text Brian on his cell phone: 406-868-4309 between 9 am - 6 pm. Thanks!

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Prepare for the spring by starting

onion plants indoors

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

Starting the new year with indoor gardening is a great way to prepare for spring, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham, who encourages onions to be started in January.

“Onions are one of the first plants to be seeded for transplanting because this crop takes a significant amount of time (6-8 weeks) to reach transplant size and because they can be set out relatively early (late March in much of eastern and central Kansas),” Upham said.

Upham said onion seeds should be placed 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart in a pot or a flat filled with seed starting mix.

“Place the container in a warm (75-80 F) location until young seedlings emerge,” Upham said. “Move to a cooler location (60-65 F) when the seedlings are 1-2 inches tall.”

Upham recommends plenty of natural or fluorescent light as well. Begin fertilizing when the plants become 2-3 inches tall.

“Onion seedlings tend to be spindly with the remains of the seed sticking to the end of a leaf for several weeks. Encourage stockiness by trimming the ends of the leaves when the plants reach 4-5 inches tall,” Upham said.

Onions can be moved to a protected outdoor area beginning in March.

“You may have to move them inside temporarily to protect them from extreme cold snaps,” Upham said.

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.

#####

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Quadro Features

Tractor guidance use to improve crop production?

Caitlin Heitman, Science Societies

Like your car navigation, farmers also use global positioning satellite systems (or GPS) in the form of tractor guidance. Tractor guidance can help farmers to optimize their use of fertilizer, seed, and even herbicides (often referred to collectively as “inputs”). The January 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food Blog explains the use of this tool and its benefits to farmers.Red farm tractor

The tractor guidance system includes a satellite signal receiver, antennae, controller, and display that is mounted inside the tractor. This farm machinery helps with two production input-related questions: where and how much to apply?

Using tractor guidance allows growers to not overapply or underapply the inputs. And using GPS makes the tractor follow more precise routes over the field, creating more even applications within a field. When fertilizer or other inputs are applied more evenly, this helps crops and results in greater crop yields. It can also reduce the amount of fertilizers leaving the field and

entering waterbodies.

Dr. Tulsi Kharel, of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was part of a study that researched the impact that operator experience had on tractor efficiencies – without using a navigation system. So, could humans beat the machine? The research team looked at groups of tractor drivers who had 0-1 year of experience, two years, three years, and then six-plus years’ experience.

To read more about the research findings and the entire blog, visit: https://sustainablesecure-food-blog.com/2023/01/22/howis-tractor-guidance-used-to-improve-cropproduction/

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Proposals sought for potato research

The Montana Potato Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for the Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program. Proposals should relate to demonstration projects, applied research, and market development projects designed to address needs and opportunities for the Montana potato industry.

The committee will review proposals at the first regular meeting of the year. They will review all applications and make recommendations to the department for funding. Projects must be innovative and not duplicate relevant research already available to Montana potato producers. If relevant research is available, the applicant must explain how the proposed research will build upon the previous research.

Montana’s 2022 potato production is valuated at $70 - $80 million, solidifying the state as a leader in the production of potatoes and seed potatoes.

Questions on applications should be directed to the Montana Potato Research & Market Development Program, PO Box 200201, Helena, MT 59620-0201 or by contacting Dani Jones at (406) 444-2402 or via email at Danielle.Jones@mt.gov.

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EACH PACKAGE INCLUDES:

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• Includes all labor to pour slab, complete heated floor, and erect the building

When conditioning too-dry soybeans

By Ken Hellevang - North Dakota State University Extension Agricultural Engineer

Producers may want to condition soybeans that were harvested at lower moisture contents to bring the moisture content up to the market standard of 13%. On a 40-bushelper-acre yield, harvesting soybeans at 9% moisture content, rather than 13%, is equal to 1.8 bushels of lost weight per acre. At $13 per bushel, that is $0.59 per bushel or $23.40 per acre. In addition, soybeans become more brittle, increasing the potential for handling damage when they are too dry.

However, conditioning low-moisture soybeans in storage can damage the grain bin. Conditioning causes the beans to expand, which can damage the grain bin’s bolted connections or even cause the bin to rupture from the increased pressure on the bin wall. The forces on the bin increase more rapidly than by the percentage of moisture content increase. Therefore, a moisture content increase of more than a couple points can be problematic and strategies to minimize the increased pressure should be practiced. The bin warranty may be voided if damage occurs while conditioning grain. Just as grain is dried with bin fans, soybeans can be conditioned by operating fans during periods with the desired air temperature and relative humidity. Conditioning requires high airflow rates for several weeks using air with an average relative humidity of about 70-75% to condition soybeans to 13% during normal fall temperatures of 30-60°F. Be aware that the air will be heated three to five degrees as it goes through the fan, which reduces the air relative humidity slightly.

A conditioning zone develops and moves slowly through the bin in the direction of the airflow, which is similar to a drying zone in natural-air drying. Conditioning occurs the fastest when the airflow rate, cubic feet of airflow per minute per bushel (cfm/bu), is high and the air is warm and humid. The moisture holding capacity of the air is related to the temperature. At temperatures below about 40 degrees, the air holds very little humidity and little conditioning occurs. It will be the most successful in a drying bin with a fully perforated floor and a fan that can deliver at least 0.75 cfm/ bu. Even with this airflow, moving a conditioning front all the way through the bin will probably take at least a month of fan operation. In most cases, not enough high-humidity hours are available in the fall to move a rewetting zone all the way through the bin. The conditioning can continue in the spring when outside temperatures average above about 40 degrees. You would need only a 3 hp fan to provide an aeration airflow rate of about 0.25 cfm/bu., but conditioning the beans would take about 90 days at that airflow rate.

Producers need to compare the cost of fan operation with the benefit of marketing at the desired moisture content. To estimate the cost of operating the fan, assume a one horsepower fan motor will use one kilowatt (kW) of electricity for each hour of operation. For example, if conditioning the soybeans takes 30 days of fan operation, that is 720 hours. Achieving an airflow rate of 0.75 cfm/bu on a 42-foot-diameter bin filled 20 feet deep with soybeans would require a 15-horsepower fan. The cost to operate the fan, assuming an electricity cost of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour is about $1,296 (720 hours x 1 kWh/hp x 15 hp x $0.12 kWh). Increasing the moisture content of 22,167 bushels of soybeans from 9-13% would increase the quantity of soybeans by 4.4% or 975 bushels. At a price of $13 per bushel, this is worth

When conditioning too-dry soybeans

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C24

$12,675, which is more than the cost of operating the fan in this example.

If the fan is operated just in periods of very high humidity, such as during fog or when the relative humidity is near 100%, the soybeans in part of the bin would be too wet to be stored safely, about 20% or more. Mixing the wet layers with dry layers would reduce the spoilage risk and discounts for marketing wet beans. However, stirring increases the bean damage. Emptying the bin and moving the beans through a grain-handling system will provide only limited mixing because the majority of the grain comes from the top of the bin in a funnel shape with a center unloading sump.

Controlling the fan manually or on a time clock and operating it during the night and a portion of the day, based on the measured humidity, is one option, but fan and moisture control is not as accurate with this method.

A humidistat can operate the fan when the relative humidity will average about 70%. Even though the humidity level varies considerably during the day, it will average about 70% if the fan is operated for a time when the humidity is 90% and for an equal time when it is 50%. Setting the humidistat to operate the fan when the humidity exceeds about 60% would be a reasonable starting point. However, the humidity setting would need to be adjusted based on a measured soybean moisture content.

To avoid wetting the beans to moisture levels unsafe for storage, add a second humidistat to stop the fan when the relative humidity reaches very high levels, over 90%, or use a microprocessor-based fan controller that monitors temperature and humidity, and runs the fan only when air conditions will bring the crop to the desired moisture content. A disadvantage of these options is that the fan does not run as many hours.

Soybeans expand when they absorb moisture, so a moisture content increase of more than a couple points could create enough pressure to damage the grain bin’s bolted connections or even cause the bin to rupture. One way to reduce the pressure is to unload some beans from the bin periodically, maybe three times, during the conditioning. Another way to reduce the damage potential is to use a negative pressure system to pull humid air down through the soybeans and remove the soybeans from the top of the bin as they are reconditioned. An additional way to reduce the pressure is to use a vertical-stirring auger to mix the beans periodically. Stirring the beans will increase the amount of broken or damaged beans. Unfortunately, these methods of reducing pressure have not been well researched and are based on field experience primarily with smaller bins.

Deciphering a hay test –protein and energy

By Ben Beckman

All hay is not created equal. Two major values we often judge hay quality on are protein and energy, both of which vary from year to year and between crops. So how do we use these values when deciding what and how much hay to feed? Protein values in hay tests are typically reported as percent Crude Protein (CP). This measures the nitrogen portion of the hay. Not only is this protein important for rumen microbes, it is also important for animal maintenance and growth.

When looking at hay energy values, one common measure often used is TDN or Total Digestible Nutrients. TDN is the sum of the digestible fiber, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components of a feedstuff.

Knowing TDN is useful especially for diets that are primarily forage. Without consideration, diets may be lacking energy as much or more than crude protein. Low energy diet can be as impactful to animal condition and performance as those lacking in protein.

Being familiar with how animal requirements for protein and energy change between animal class and with demands like pregnancy or lactation can help with decisions about how hay is fed. Keep in mind that in addition to these base demands, environmental conditions like temperature can impact animal needs in the short term as well. With this knowledge, we can feed lower quality hay to dry cows and save high quality hay for pairs at peak lactation or growing animals. This not only ensures animals are properly fed but can also help control feed costs.

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2014 New Holland SP.240F front boom self-propelled, 1200 gallon poly tank, 100-ft. booms, IntelliView IV monitor, fence row nozzles, UltraGlide boom level, luxury cab, low hours $182,500

2016 Apache AS1220 self-propelled sprayer, 1200 gallon tank, 100-ft. steel booms, Raven Hawkeye nozzle control, AutoBoom AutoGlide, Smartrax Autosteer, Rave Viper 4 monitor $154,900

2007 Apache 1010 self-propelled sprayer, 1000 gallon poly tank, 60/90 foot steel boom, autorate, auto boom. PRICE REDUCED $69,900

2022 New Holland CR8.90 combine, full automation, duals, variable speed rock drum, full guidance, electric folding hopper, Sunnybrook concaves Just Traded New Holland TR96, straw chopper, hopper top extensions, moisture sensor, 30-ft. New Holland 971 header with pickup reel, New Holland 970 pickup header, and Rake-Up attachment $12,500

1995 Case IH 2188 combine with MacDon 960 36-ft header and 1010 15-ft pickup header. $19,995

2006 John Deere 9760 STS combine....REDUCED $10,000 to $39,900

1993 Massey Ferguson 8570, includes 30-ft. auger header, 13-ft. pickup header Make an Offer

2012 MacDon FD70 35-ft. flex draper, CNH adapter, slow speed transport $45,000

2010 MacDon D60 45-ft. draper header with pickup reel, transport $49,900

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2003 New Holland HS18 sickle header, 18-ft., rubber conditioner. $5795

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Assistance for dairy farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges. USDA is announcing a second set of payments of nearly $100 million to close-out the $350 million commitment under PMVAP through partnerships with dairy handlers and cooperatives to deliver the payments.,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is also announcing new assistance targeted to small to medium size organic dairy farmers to help with anticipated marketing costs as they face a variety of challenges from weather to supply-chain challenges.”

Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program

PMVAP assists producers who received a lower value due to market abnormalities caused by the pandemic and ensuing Federal policies. As a result of the production cap

increase, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will make PMVAP payments to eligible dairy farmers for fluid milk sales between 5 million and 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. This level of production was not eligible for payment under the first round of the PMVAP. Payment rates will be identical to the first round of payments, 80 percent of the revenue different per month, on fluid milk sales from 5 million to 9 million pounds from July through December 2020. USDA will again distribute monies through agreements with independent handlers and cooperatives, with reimbursement to handlers for allowed administrative costs. USDA will contact handlers with eligible producers to notify them of the opportunity to participate.

As part of the first round, PMVAP paid eligible dairy farmers on up to 5 million pounds of fluid milk sales from July through December 2020. The first round of payments distributed over $250 million in payments to over 25,000 eligible dairy farmers. These dairy farmers received the full allowable reimbursement on fluid milk sales up to 5 million pounds.

More information about the PMVAP production cap increase is available at www.ams. usda.gov/pmvap.

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program

The new ODMAP, to be administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), is intended to help smaller organic dairy farms that have faced a unique set of challenges and higher costs over the past several years that have been compounded by the ongoing pandemic and drought conditions across the country. Many small organic dairy operations are now struggling to stay in business and FSA plans to provide payments to cover a portion of their estimated marketing costs for 2023. Final spending will depend on enrollment and each producers projected production, but ODMAP has been allocated up to $100 million.

ACCESSIBLE.

The assistance provided by ODMAP will be provided through unused Commodity Credit Corporation funds remaining from earlier pandemic assistance programs. The assistance will help eligible organic dairy producers with up to 75 percent of their future projected marketing costs in 2023, based on national estimates of marketing costs. This assistance will be provided through a streamlined application process based on a national per hundredweight payment. The payments will be capped at the first five million pounds of anticipated production, in alignment with preexisting dairy programs that target assistance to those smaller dairies that are most vulnerable to marketing challenges. This program is still in development.

Details about the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program will be available and updated at www.farmers.gov as more details are released in a Notice of Funds Availability later this year.

Change in withholding for MWBC assessments

Beginning January 1, 2023, there will be new Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC) assessment levels to be withheld on both wheat and barley at the point of first sale in Montana. This is a final notice of the change in those assessment levels.

Old Assessment through December 31, 2022:

20 mills ($0.02) per bushel of wheat

30 mills ($0.03) per hundredweight of barley

New Assessment starting January 1, 2023:

25 mills ($0.025) per bushel of wheat

35 mills ($0.035) per hundredweight of barley

Founded in 1967, the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee has been serving Montana producers and foreign buyers for over 50 years. The MWBC cultivates markets by building trade relationships, advancing educational outreach, and by displaying Montana values. For more information, please visit montanawbc.com to see how the check off dollars are being spent.

HUGE SALES EVENT!

Naturally fireresistant cotton lines

By Jessica Ryan, USDA

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) bred four cotton lines that can be used to make self-extinguishing textiles when exposed to fire and will reduce the need for flameretardant chemicals to be embedded in consumer products, according to a recent study published in PLOS ONE.

The cotton lines were developed from cultivated cotton varieties and possessed a novel flame-retardant trait. When exposed to an open flame, the fabric from the new cotton lines self-extinguished whereas regular cotton fabric burned entirely in seconds.

“Use of these lines to develop commercial cultivars creates an opportunity to improve the safety of cotton products while reducing the economic and environmental impacts of chemical flame retardants,” said Brian Condon, senior author of the study and retired research leader at the ARS Cotton Chemistry and Utilization Research Unit in New Orleans. “These lines will significantly benefit growers, producers, and consumers.”

Cotton typically produces flammable fibers and is treated with chemicals to be flame retardant when used for consumer products like clothing, mattresses, upholstery, and carpet. The new cotton lines were created by a multi-parent breeding approach that resulted in new opportunities for natural genes to interact and develop the unexpected trait of flame retardancy.

During a standard 45° incline flammability test, regular cotton (top) burned instantly when exposed to an open flame. In the same test, the fire-resistant cotton (bottom) self-extinguished when exposed to an open flame. (Video by Doug Hinchliffe)

ARS researchers Johnie Jenkins and Jack C. McCarty, supervisory research geneticists at the ARS Genetics and Sustainable Agriculture Research Unit in Mississippi, bred cotton lines to identify genes that affect agronomic traits such as yield and pest resistance and fiber quality traits such as length, strength, and fineness.

“ARS scientists study every step of cotton production from ‘Dirt to Shirt’ including genetic diversity, field management practices, fiber quality attributes, and end-use textile characteristics,” said Jenkins.

Although all of the parental cotton lines produced flammable fabric, researchers found that flame retardance did not come from a single gene. Instead, they found that multiple genes created a phenotype for fibers with significantly lower heat release capacities. The new cotton lines also possessed the desired agronomic and fiber quality traits, making the lines sought after for breeding and consumer usage.

“We look at fabric quality and chemical finishes that create permanent press, wrinkle-free, and flame-retardant fabrics. Now we have found lines with a novel and natural genetic mechanism for flame retardance,” said Condon.

Spencer Walahoski, Overton, was the winner of the Breeding Sheep Championship trophy during the 2022 Dawson County Fair.

What does a rain cloud wear under her dress? Thunderwear!

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Saving their soil

For brothers Dave and Dan Rech, utilizing cost-share dollars to improve their farming operation over the past few decades has been a simple action with big impact. The Rechs have worked with the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to add terraces and outlets to their row crop acres. Erosion control was their primary objective, as they were seeing significant soil loss on their hillier acres.

“With terraces, tiled outlets, and no-till farming, we can pretty much eliminate erosion,” said Dave. In addition to keeping the topsoil, adding these measures has also made farming easier in places. “If you get these terraces in and you control that erosion, you’re eliminating a lot of ditches to cross,” he said.

It’s been a long-term project to install these upgrades. The Rechs were committed to making the land improvements happen a little at a time, each year making use of the maximum cost-share dollars. Previously the maximum amount available for cost-share for land treatment practices with the NRD was $5,000 per year per landowner. The amount has since been increased to $7,500.

“Over the last 40-some years, most every part of our land that needed some treatment got it,” Dave said. “It’s been a lifelong battle. You do a little bit every year, and that’s how you get things done.” Dave has been farming with his brother for many years and today both men’s sons have also joined the operation. Dave is pleased that when it is time to turn over the farm to the next generation someday in the future, that he will have done his part to make the land as profitable and sustainable as possible.

The Rechs have been experimenting with cover crops to further reduce erosion and to improve soil health. They currently have rye as a cover crop on about 25 percent of their row crop acres and plan to plant more in the next five years. They have a cow-calf operation of about 400 head and the rye provides early spring grazing for the cattle. In the winter, the cattle graze crop residue, which Dave says is the most cost-effective way to fatten the cows and build the soil. Twenty years ago, when he went no-till then started planting cover crops, Dave says he caught some flak from other producers in his area who thought his fields were full of “trash.” As his strategy has proven successful, his naysayers have started following his lead. Now the practices are becoming much more common in his area, he said.

“There are still some people that do full tillage. They’re not happy unless they are stirring dirt somewhere. They call it recreational tillage,” Dave said. However, the labor and cost savings involved with no-till makes the practice a bedrock of the Rechs’ operation. “We used to work up the soil once or twice, but now we just go out there and plant and we’re getting good stands and raising good crops,” he said.

These practices have provided a measure of protection for the Rechs’ farm when it comes to weather extremes like the wind, hailstorms, and drought Nebraska experienced in the 2022 growing season. “It’s hard to prepare yourself for something like that,” Dave said, referencing the storms. “I’ve never seen so much damage and destruction. Up and down Interstate 80…it was just terrible.”

After all that wild weather, Dave said he could see the impact of conservation activities at harvest: on ground that had been more recently tilled, he saw a 40 bushel per acre yield hit. “The difference really showed up,” he said. Better soil structure and keeping the ground covered provided a buffer against the drought.

“It’s hard to fight Mother Nature,” Dave conceded. “You

Saving their soil

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C32

think you’ve got it figured out and Mother Nature throws a whammy at you and then you’ve got to rethink. Hailstorms, drought, you never know what you’re going to be up against from one year to the next.” With the help of the NRD and NRCS, the Rechs’ operation is better prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at them next.

Interested in land treatment cost-share? See what the NRD has to offer at www.upperbigblue.org/cost-share.

*Prices listed may include Cash and/or Financing Incentives, other Rebates may be available. Restrictions may apply.

*Dealer’s Doc Fee is not included in price listed. See store for more details and questions.

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHTS

Coming in February

2020 Ram Bighorn 1500 4X4 5.7L Engine, 25,275 miles

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2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

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2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

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2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

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2021 Ford Explorer Limited AWD

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For more information on the incoming vehicles, please give us a call. 406-826-3381

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Metabolic pathway in honey bees

By Kim Kaplan, USDA

Agricultural Research Service scientists and their Chinese colleagues have identified a specific metabolic pathway that controls how honey bees apportion their body’s resources such as energy and immune response in reaction to stresses such as winter’s cold temperatures, according to recently published research.

This cellular pathway has the strongest connection yet found to the large overwintering colony losses that have been plaguing honey bees and causing so much concern among beekeepers, and farmers, especially almond producers, during the last 15 years, said entomologist Yanping “Judy” Chen, who led the study. She is with the ARS Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland.

The “signaling” pathway governs the increased and decreased synthesis of the protein SIRT1, one of a family of proteins that help regulate cellular lifespan, metabolism and metabolic health, and resistance to stress.

“In honey bees merely exposed to a cold challenge of 28 degrees C (82.4 degrees F) for five days, we saw almost three-fold lower levels of SIRT1 and significantly higher levels of colony mortality compared to bees maintained at 34-35 degrees C (93.2-95 degrees F), which is the optimal core temperature of a honey bee cluster inside a bee hive in winter,” Chen said.

Overwintering bee colonies

Honey bees survive winters in cold climates by forming a thermoregulating cluster around the honey stored in the colony. Recent research showed overwintering colony losses are linked to a specific metabolic pathway connected to how bees apportion their energy resources. (Photo by Jay Evans and Judy Chen, ARS).

The researchers also found that bees under cold stress were associated with an increased risk of disease infections, which in turn led to an increased likelihood of colony losses.

For example, when honey bee colonies were inoculated with the intracellular microsporidia parasite Nosema ceranae, and kept at 34 degrees C, they had a survival rate of 41.18 percent while the mortality rate of the colonies exposed to the cold stress of 28 degrees C for 5 days was 100 percent.

“So that showed it is primarily cold stress that the SIRT1 signaling pathway is responding to rather than pathogens,” Chen said. “Our study suggests that the increased energy overwintering bees use to maintain hive temperature reduces the energy available for immune functions, which would leave overwintering bees more susceptible to disease infections; all leading to higher winter colony losses.”

Chen points out this research also offers a promising avenue for new therapeutic strategies to mitigate overwintering and annual colony losses. One way could be by raising the production of the SIRT1 protein by treating honey bees with SRT1720, a specific SIRT1 gene activator being experimentally used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatment.

Sarah Sivits, Dawson County Extension Educator, presented Abby Negley, Gothenburg, with the purple ribbon and senior division showmanship trophy.

WANTED

Private collector looking for old vehicle from USFS, DNRC, Park Service, Fire Dept etc. Anything cool and old - 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s. Ford, GM, Dodge, International, Willys/Jeep, whatever - as long as it’s in decent original condition. Prefer 1/2 ton to 1 ton 4x4 or SUV, not looking for a really big truck. I’m not a dealer. If you’ve got an old rig sitting in the back forty, give me a call or text on 4O6-465-71O2 and let’s talk. THANKS

2022 Nebraska dry edible bean trial results

Results of the 2022 variety trials for dry edible beans conducted by the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center have been posted on the Nebraska Extension CropWatch website. The direct link for variety trial results for dry beans (as well as other crops such as field pea, millet, sunflowers and oats) is http://cropwatch.unl.edu/varietytest/othercrops. Or, navigate to the Other Crops Variety Trials page from the main CropWatch page (http://cropwatch.unl.edu ) by clicking on these links: management > variety testing > other crops. Results for the most recent three years are listed on that page. In addition, older variety trial results are archived on a separate page which is linked to the current variety-trial page.

Nebraska’s dry edible bean variety trials have been operated for 41 years as a service to the dry bean industry to evaluate which dry bean varieties and experimental lines from the public and private industry are best suited for western Nebraska. The 2022 trials were planted at two locations, the Scottsbluff Ag. Lab at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center (June 8), and the Mitchell Ag Lab, 5 miles to the north (June 3). UNL staff under the direction of Dry Bean Breeding Specialist Carlos Urrea

did the planting, fieldwork, harvest, and analysis of results.

The dry bean report includes a description and summary of the trials, and tables that list yield, 100 seed-weight, and test weight adjusted at 14 percent moisture, and other phenological data for each variety within the market classes. In addition, the report includes detailed information about plot management, such as planting dates, seeding rates, herbicide treatments, row width, irrigation, and harvest dates. Pinto beans were exposed to UV light for 48 hours to verify the slow-darkening trait (yes = slow-darkening; no = regular pintos).

A total of 12 trials replicated trials were conducted at the two locations (Scottsbluff and Mitchell Ag. Labs): two plots each of Great Northern (22 entries), Pinto (48 entries), Light Red Kidney (12 entries), Navy (14), Yellow (7), and Black beans (13), Results were compiled by Urrea. He also acknowledged Panhandle Center Farm Manager Gene Kizzire and his team and the summer crew for help with agronomic management and thanked the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission for its financial support.

In addition to the website, the report will be published in the Bean Bag newsletter published by the Nebraska Dry Bean Growers Association.

believe the Krogmann BaleBed is the most outstanding bed on the market. I like the features this bed has over the competition.”

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Photos of the Slow-darkening test before (above) and after (below) dry bean samples were exposed to 48 hours of UVC light.

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Airmax Precision 2, 70-ft. boom, granular bins, Viper Pro, autosteer, 3640 hours $132,500

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2016 TerraGator TG8400B, Agco diesel engine, CVT transmission, 2132 hours. New Leader L3220 G4 stainless steel dry spinner box, belt/chain, MultiApplier ready $151,000

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2013 RoGator 1300, New Leader L4258 G4, Raven monitor, Raven GPS, 3072 hours $88,500

Swinger 2000 loader, diesel, hydrostatic, front quick tach bucket, forks, aux hyd, 911 hours $26,000

1985 Freightliner, Willmar 16-ton rear auger tender, tires are fair. Working truck and tender $24,500

2017 RBR Venturi 350, Case IH FLX 810 spreader bed, Viper 4 controller, SmarTrax, 4092 hours. $155,000

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2007 JCB 406 loader, diesel engine, fresh overhaul, shuttle shift transmission, open cab, 1412 hours $34,500

2015 Case IH 4530, 810 Flex Air system, 70-ft. stainless steel boom, micro ingredient bin, electric roll tarp, Raven Viper Pro, Smartrax, 2384 hours $155,000

2016 Case IH 4540 Case FPT diesel engine, Allison 6 speed transmission, Case FX 810 air spreader, 70-ft. boom. Raven Viper 4 controller, auto steer. $138,000

1996 Freightliner 5 axle tender, Cummins, Rayman 24 ton side discharge $39,500

2016 Merritt Quickveyor tender trailer, 2 hopper, clean out doors, Predator gas engine power hydraulic pack, electric roll tarp, tall sides, belt conveyors can easily be removed to use the trailer as a hopper bottom for pit unloading. Very nice versatile trailer $46,500

1969 Lubbock NH3 transport trailer, 10,400 gallons, Blackmer pump. 5 to choose from $45,000 each

1967 Fruehauf 8500 gallon lead and 5700 gallon 1969 Beall fuel trailer $34,000

Cat 938F payloader, Cat diesel engine, 140 hp, 4 speed shuttle shift drive, enclosed cab, 3.25 yard bucket, 20.5-R25 tires, 10,270 hours $48,500

WANTED TO BUY

Allis-Chalmers, John Deere, IHC, Moline, Massey-Ferguson

International 806, 1206, 1256, 1456; Allis Chalmers D21, pieces or parts; Minneapolis-Moline AT1400 or AT1600; Oliver

403 Emmerling Circle, Walhalla, ND 58282

Tractor and Combine Buyers

A “genericized brand name” is a brand name that has come to be used as the name for that product, whether that particular company made it or not. Examples: Kleenex, Thermos and Coke. Canada has some that are all its own.

Name: VI-CO

Refers to: Chocolate milk

Details: The Vi-Co brand of chocolate milk was available in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the early 20th century. (Vi-Co is short for “vitamins + cocoa.”) The last dairy to own the trademark, Dairy Producers, was bought out in 1995 by rival Dairyland, which discontinued the Vi-Co brand. Even though you can’t get actual Vi-Co anywhere anymore, many Saskatchewanians still call any kind of packaged chocolate milk “Vi-Co” or “vico.”

Name: Kraft Dinner

Refers to: Macaroni and cheese

Details: It’s kind of a stereotype now, but Canadians are known for their love of Kraft’s blue-boxed Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, or, as it’s called, Kraft Dinner. (Worldwide, Canadians purchase a quarter of all the Kraft Dinners sold.) Kraft isn’t the only company that packages dry noodles with cheesy sauce, but competitive brands are still more likely to be referred

to as “Kraft Dinner: than “macaroni and cheese.”

Name: Javex

Refers to: Bleach

Details: Clorox is a genericized trademark in the United States referring to any bottle of simple bleach, whether or not it’s actually Clorox. The same phenomenon occurred in Canada, with Javex. Canada has a strong French influence, and bleach was invented in Javel, a Parisian neighborhood, in the late 1700s. It was first called eau de Javel (Javel water), and as Javel gave way to Javex in the early 1900s, it became one of the first bleach brands available in Canada. Javex doesn’t exist anymore–the Clorox Corporation bought Javex in 2006 and phased out the name. Canadians now buy Clorox…but they still call it Javex.

Name: Gravol

Refers to: Anti-motion sickness drugs

Details: If you’re feeling seasick or carsick, what remedy do you buy at the pharmacy? Motion sickness pills or Dramamine? In the United States, you’d probably ask for Dramamine. In Canada, the equivalent of Dramamine (and the best known brand name of this kind of drug) is Gravol. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient, dimenhydrinate.

Name: Timbits

Refers to: Doughnut holes

Details: The most popular fast-food restaurant in Canada–by far–is Tim Hortons. It’s a coffee-anddoughnut chain founded by ex-professional hockey player Tim Horton in 1964. There are 3,000 locations in Canada, or one for every 12,000 people (by contrast, in the U.S. there’s one McDonald’s for every 260,000 people). That total market saturation has affected the language. The bite-sized treat made from leftover dough in the doughnutmaking process is known at Tom Horton’s as a “timbit.” Dunkin’ Donut locations in Canada serve doughnut hole (called “munchkins”)…but lots of people still order them as “timbits.”

Name: Mackinaw

Refers to: A heavy redand-black-plaid jacket.

Details: One Canadian stereotype is the image of a manly lumberjack wearing a thick doublebreasted plaid jacket. Lumberjacks did indeed wear them, called mackinaws and produced from tightly woven wool Melton cloth. Today, several companies make them, and they’re all called mackinaws (or sometimes Meltons). But the first mackinaws were sewn by Metis women who lived near the Straits of Mackinac, near present-day Michigan. How did Mackinac become the Mackinaw? That’s how the word is pronounced in Canadian French so that’s how English speakers wrote it down.

Stop by the Trader’s Dispatch office in Conrad for your FREE M.A.T.E tickets.

M.A.T.E - February 16, 17, 18, 2023 MetraPark, Billings, Montana

Also have Kubota 95 hp tractor available. Call for pricing and availability

manure

tires, deleted, 107,000 miles. Previous salvage title $39,500 25-ft. x 102” bale bed $2500

2005 Komatsu WA200 PT wheel loader, hydraulic coupler, 3rd valve, 17,000 hours. Runs and works great $45,000

2012 Fontaine 70 ton 2-3-2 hydraulic lowboy, 28-ft. x 102” well, hydraulic booster. Very clean $175,000

2012 Cat 349E excavator, progressive link hydraulic thumb, pin grabber quick coupler, 13-ft. stick, 9900 hours Call for Price

2021 Brandt 65 ton 2-3-2 hydraulic detach lowboy, self shimming booster, like new. $250,000

1996 Hypac 84” smooth drum roller. $30,000

2021 Aspen 65 ton hydraulic lowboy, 26-ft. well, self shimming booster. $285,000

2001 Knight 65 ton stretch lowboy, 25-38-ft., additional 6-ft. deck section available. $117,000

2015 Kenworth T800W Cummins ISX 600 hp, 18 speed, 2 speed auxiliary, 20,000 lb. front axle, tri drive, full lockers, double frame, wet kit Call For Price

Fordson Major diesel, 35 hp tractor $4500

1993 Case 7140 MFWD tractor, 240 hp, 18R42 duals, 2 remotes, 8950 hours $52,500

2014 New Holland 340S 3x4 baler, Intelliview 3 monitor, folding roller chute, 25,000 bales $52,500

1979 Cat 988B loader $29,500

Scoopmobile, bale spears, forks, 4000 lb lift capacity, towable, gas engine. Works good! $6000

2001 Transcraft 48-ft. dropdeck. $20,000

2014 Transcraft 48-ft. flatbed, sliding tandems. $19,500

2002 Peterbilt 379 EXHD, Cat 6NZ, 18 speed, 46,000 rears, double frame, cab and chassis Call For Price

1979 Cat 627B twin engine scraper $39,500

2014 Cat TL1255 telehandler, 12,000 lb. capacity, 55-ft. reach, enclosed cab. Buy or Rent $89,500

2008 Genie 1056 telehandler, 10,000 lb. capacity, 6-ft. forks, outriggers. Buy or Rent $55,500

2016 McCloskey 36”x80-ft. radial gravel stacker, electric drive, scales. Rental Unit!

2004 KPI 36”x100-ft. radial gravel stacker, electric drive, scales. Buy or Rent $55,000

1995 Manac 54-ft., 3 axle step deck, beavertail and ramps. $21,500

(4) Grader Snow wings (Cat & JD). Call For Pricing

(3) Dozer winches, CAT D8T and D6T. Call For Pricing

2016 Komatsu D61PX-24 dozer, 6 way blade, wired for grade control, New hydrostatic transmission. $140,000

Delta S3 24-ft. carted harrows. FOR RENT

2010 Kobelco SK140 excavator, zero tail swing, aux. hyd., 4800 hours, extensive work orders $50,000

2005 Kenworth W900L Cat C15, 18 speed, 46K rears, lockers, wet kit $55,000

2013 Hitachi ZX135 excavator, blade, aux. hyd., 7K hours $80,000

1999 Wabash 48-ft. combo stepdeck spread axle, air ride, salvage title $17,500

2014 Transcraft 53-ft. dropdeck, very clean $24,500

2003 Trailking 55 ton hydraulic lowboy, self-contained, 26-ft. well. 49,500

2001 Western Star Cat 6NZ, 18 speed, 46,000 lb rears, wet kit. $35,000

2014 John Deere 7290R MFWD tractor, 7300 hours, 290 hp. $129,500

2012 Volvo EC235DL excavator, Zero tail swing, hydraulic coupler, auxiliary hydraulic. $67,500

2001 Ingersoll-Rand SD122 84” padfoot roller, enclosed cab. $45,000

STOKES FENCING

Conrad, Montana

Lance Stokes

(406) 450-2149

Fencing Done Right

Selling farm or ranch property and tired of paying capital gains tax?? HELP IS HERE!!!

Save by deferring capital gains tax. For example, a 1031 exchange to sell a farm valued at $2,000,000 can creat a tax savings of approximatley $250,000,000; this tax savings can be used to purchase substantially more replacement property.

Catherine Witmer, Qualified Intermediary for 1031 tax-deferred exchanges Esi1031@gmail.com

Use calving pasture rotation to prevent disease spread

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

The old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is one that commonly refers to the importance of reducing the risk for disease spread.

And in the case of beef cattle scours, where cows calve has a lot to do with how well the newborns can stay healthy in the first few weeks of life, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a Cattle Chat podcast, veterinary experts outlined how calf diarrhea, also known as scours, can be a serious issue in newborn calves but one that can be minimized by rotating the pastures where the cows calve. Scours can lead to dehydration and death in newborn calves, said Bob Larson, K-State veterinarian.

“A newborn calf’s worst enemy from a germ standpoint is a calf that is a few weeks old because those older calves shed more germs that cause scours,” Larson said.

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To reduce the exposure between newborns and calves that are few weeks old, Larson and the other experts recommend following the Sandhills Calving System

that was developed through University of Nebraska research done years ago in the Sandhills.

“The Sandhills Calving System is one of the most impactful interventions that we have for calf scours,” Larson said.

In this system, cows that are heavy in their pregnancy are moved to new pastures every 2-3 weeks, and once they calve, they stay in the same pastures where they gave birth until the calves are old enough to be co-mingled with the others in the herd, according to veterinarian Brian Lubbers.

“This allows the calves to be born on the cleanest pastures, and then once a certain percentage of the herd has calved, those cows that are still pregnant move to a new pasture,” Lubbers said.

Larson said the goal of each herd following this system would be to move the pregnant cows away from cows that have already calved at least three times from the start to the end of the calving season.

“After cows have been calving for two or three weeks, move the pregnant cows to a new pasture and do that again after the next two to three weeks of calving,” Larson said.

Lubbers added that the bacteria and viruses that cause scours are spread through fecal to oral transmission, so by having a fence between the calving groups, most of the risk for scours passing through the groups of calves is minimal.

Regarding the timing of bringing all the spring calves together in the same pasture with their dams, the veterinarians agreed that when the youngest calves are six weeks of age the greatest risk from scours is passed and it is safe to bring the herd together again.

“Make sure the last pasture they go to as a group is not one that was used for calving earlier in the season so that they are all being moved to a clean pasture,” Lubbers said.

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An elderly caddie has been working at this club for years. While he is beloved, he’s clearly having trouble now with the physical nature of the job. Finally, the head pro approaches the aging caddie and says, “You’ve been working at this club for many years. Have you thought about retiring?” “I’d like to,” comes the response, “but I need this job for the medical care.” “You do realize that we don’t offer health insurance to our caddies?” the pro says. “Oh, I know.” says the caddie. “However, I figure that if I ever have a health emergency on the job, there will always be plenty of doctors around.”

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The word “porcupine” means “spiny pig” in French.

Pasture lease drought considerations

By Todd Whitney, UNL

Drought conditions usually occur 1 out of every 5 years in Nebraska especially in the western regions. Further, when severe drought conditions occur in one year, the majority of the time…another extreme drought subsequentially follows in the next growing season. Our last back-to-back extreme drought occurred in 2012 and 2013. Will the extreme 2022 drought conditions repeat again this year? If so, should pasture lease agreements be adjusted?

Historically, pastures (especially in the western region) need time for full recovery after drought. During Dust Bowl years, heavily (over-grazed) pastures often resulted in delayed forage production for up to five years. Whereas, moderately grazed pastures recovered quicker.

So, now may be the time for landowners and tenants to include a clause in their written pasture lease agreements to account for potential dry conditions. Other pasture biomass management clauses might include severe hail and wildfire considerations.

Traditionally, pasture leases are for 5 or 6 months from April or May through October. Previously stressed warmseason grass pastures might be rested by delaying grazing season start in 2023. Further, pasture stocking rates could be reduced 10-15% and adjusted further if drought continues. In fairness, pasture rent owed should also be adjusted accordingly if the grazing season is shortened.

Consider pricing leases based on grazing animal unit months (AUM’s) rather than a flat rate per acre or cow-calf pair. A clause might be added to cover livestock water in case water source go dry. Typically, pasture weed control is a landlord expense; but if the pasture was overgrazed due to drought, weed control costs might be shared between landowners and tenants.

Start your communications early and make written agreements for fairness and equity. UNL Extension Ag. Econ. provides free fillable AgLease101.org leases at: https://cap. unl.edu Other drought information is available online at: https://beefwatch.unl.edu and https://cropwatch.unl.edu .

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The Japanese have a work philosophy called “kaizen,” where people constantly seek ways to improve methods instead of just doing it the same way.

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Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) in London is leaning over so much it can now be seen with the naked eye. In 4,000 years, it will be at the same angle as the tower in Pisa is now.

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Someday is not a day of the week.

Collaboration works to breed

fungus-resistant cotton

Cotton is an important crop grown around the world, such as in countries like the United States and Uzbekistan. When a fungus began to harm cotton in both countries, it brought together their scientists for an innovative research collaboration.

The fungus is called Fusarium wilt race 4 and it has impacted Pima cotton production, a specific kind of cotton, in parts of California for nearly two decades. More recently, this same wilt was found in Texas in 2017 and in New Mexico in 2019. Fusarium has also impacted farming regions in Uzbekistan. The fungus causes the plants to wilt and die.

To find a way to help cotton farmers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Uzbek scientists, some U.S. universities, and others in the cotton industry teamed up. This provided an opportunity to aggressively address the Fusarium wilt problem and protect the cotton industry in both countries. The scientists worked together to find a solution to reduce the vulnerability of the cotton crop to the fungus.

“These groups strengthened collaborations with a common goal: to quickly identify resistant sources to the disease so they

can be intercrossed to develop improved varieties of Pima cotton,” says Mauricio Ulloa, a research geneticist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. “I’m happy to say that these efforts paid off.”

The study was recently published in the Journal of Plant Registrations, a publication of the Crop Science Society of America.

The research teams developed new Pima cotton germplasm lines resistant to the disease by crossing varieties from Uzbekistan and the USDA’s cotton germplasm collections. Germplasm is often referred to as a living genetic resource that assists breeders in advancing the diversity of a crop. For crops, they commonly come in the form of seeds or plant tissue.

The three new lines — which go by PSSJFRP01, PSSJ-FRP02, and PSSJ-FRP03 — are the product of lines that have been found to be resistant to the disease. They each have slightly different characteristics. Each proved to have a good balance of resistance to the fungus and good fiber quality.

“These lines will help continue reducing the vulnerability of the Pima cotton industry to this fungal pathogen,” Ulloa says. “It will also keep advancing efforts to broaden the genetic base of the resistance. This is critical to the cotton industry in the U.S. and Uzbekistan. It has been rewarding to be a part of this research and breeding effort. The development of a resistant germplasm will help reduce the impact of this pathogen on the cotton crop.”

Fusarium wilt race 4 causes a cotton plant to die during the growing season. The fungus first infects the roots, which causes a long, dark continuous stripe to appear in the tap root. When the roots begin to die, it causes withering in the leaves as well.

Cotton that is resistant to wilting has a plant mortality rate lower than 10% and very low occurrence of root staining. It can still produce a good yield without the leaves being impacted. Although scientists are still working to better understand this disease and do not know exactly how, the plants seem to not allow the fungus to colonize the roots to as much as non-resistant plants.

The researchers’ goal in generating these new lines is that private breeders have new genetic resources they can use to produce commercial varieties that are resistant. This will allow farmers to protect their crops from the fungus.

“Even though germplasm lines are not a fully finished variety, they provide a tremendous resource,” Ulloa explains. “We can use the resistant germplasm lines we’ve obtained and intercross them with seed company’s varieties. This eventually reduces the economic loss of cotton production for growers and allows them to use new and improved resistant varieties.”

WeatherAll® is a protective coating applied to the BioBarrel® as a final step in the manufacturing process. It is composed of an edible, food-grade, wax coating that helps protect and slow down BioBarrel® degradation when encountering wet conditions. The protective coating also helps reduce the attraction that some cattle have to the BioBarrel® container once it is softened under extreme wet conditions, thus reducing the incidence of cattle consuming the container faster than the CRYSTALYX® product.

WeatherAll® Protective Technology broadens the application and effectiveness of the BioBarrel® container to all geographies within North America.

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Stretch your pasture

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