Oklahoma Farm & Ranch

OKFRFebruary 2018 | www.okfronline.com | Volume 3 Issue 2

dRAWING iNSPIRATION FREE 2 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 3 4 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR Oklahoma Farm & Ranch OKFR For the Love of… ello OKFR readers, and welcome STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS to the February issue of the Okla- homa Farm & Ranch magazine. Publisher H J. M. Winter As we all know, it is the season of love. Whether you love livestock, crops, Okla- Editor homa attractions or the great outdoors, we Laci Jones | [email protected] have got you covered. Managing Editor First, check out our calendar of events Jessica Crabtree | [email protected] to take your sweetheart to celebrate the season. Our great state has numerous Art Director Kayla Jean Woods | [email protected] events ranging from livestock shows to chocolate tastings. Learn more in the At- Advertising Designer tractions section. Rosie Cole | [email protected] The EPA now requires product training Advertising Executives for the use of pesticide applicators using Susan Stewart | [email protected] dicamba herbicide. The Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service will Stesha Kerr | [email protected] be hosting a series of training sessions across the state. Learn more in “Dicamba Certifica- Kathy Miller | [email protected] Rosemary Stephens | [email protected] tion” in the Farm & Ranch section. Next, read about the most common infectious cause of bovine lameness, according to a Business Manager study conducted at Auburn University Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Digital dermatitis Brenda Bingham | [email protected] was first described in confined dairy cattle in Italy in 1974. While the cause is not entirely Circulation Manager understood, it has become the leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle in the world and Marnie Brown | [email protected] is becoming more common in feedlot cattle as well as cow/calf operations in the United Copy Editors States. Learn more about “Digital Dermatitis” in the Farm & Ranch section. Judy Wade A few days before Christmas, I sat down with western artist, Kathryn Leitner and Krista Lucas discussed the inspiration for her art, other talented artists and her New Year’s resolutions. Contributing Writers As a Montana native, Leitner has always been drawn to the western heritage. The artist Sarah Blaney first picked up a pencil and sketch book at an early age. As she began to hone her skill as Everett Brazil, III an artist, she worked primarily with graphite. Ralph Chain Kristi Hawks While she later experimented with various mediums including oils and acrylic, she Ddee Haynes particularly enjoys working with colored pencils. Leitner had many opportunities to ex- Jessica Kader pand on her art skill including visiting several ranches to take photos for later use in her Phillip Kitts studio. She described her work as “realism” where she shares a story with each piece she Dr. Lauren Lamb Lanna Mills creates. Read more in “Drawing Inspiration.” Lacey Newlin Finally, read about a well-respected member of the rodeo industry. John Farris has Mike Proctor worked in every National Finals Rodeo from 1963 to 2013 as a NFR saddle horse boss, Jan Sikes timed-event chute boss among other positions. His interest in rodeo began at a young Judy Wade Beth Watkins age, later getting his PRCA card in 1959. Learn more about Farris in “Outstanding Rodeo Barry Whitworth Man” in the Lifestyle section. If you have an event, photo or topic idea that you would like to see in Oklahoma CONTACT US Farm & Ranch, email [email protected]. Keep up with new OKFR updates on our Oklahoma Farm & Ranch Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Subscribe to the digital version of OKFR on our website: www.OKFRonline.com. OKFR Until next month, 200 Walnut St., Bowie, TX 76230 940-872-2076, Laci S. Jones www.okfronline.com

in association with ON THE COVER Born in Montana, artist Kathryn Leitner draws inspiration from the western lifestyle. She picked up the craft of drawing at a young age, first with graphite and later experimenting with colored pencils and oils. She moved to western Oklahoma after graduating high school, later opening a hair salon/art studio just west of Kingfisher, Okla. The western artist continues to hone her skill, telling a story with each piece of artwork. (Photo by Laci Jones) OKFR is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. Reproduction in whole or part without writtenwww.ok permissionfr fromonlin the publishere.com is prohibited. FEBRUARY 2018 | 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS 12

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Profile Page 30 Outdoors Page 56 Kathryn Leitner Grazing Oklahoma Born in Winnett, Mont., she picked up Eastern red cedar trees have become the craft of drawing at a young age. incredibly invasive in recent years. The She initially worked with graphite, later negative economic impact of eastern red experimenting with other mediums such cedars in the state of Oklahoma is $500 30 as colored pencils. million each year.

09 Socializing 36 Where the Paved Road Ends 10 Digital Dermatitis 38 Life of a Ranch Wife 12 Dicamba Certification 40 Jesses Jewelz 14 Regenerative Agriculture 43 Calendar of Events 17 Longhorns in Dallas 46 101 Ranch 18 Preparing your Mare 48 Backroad Bites 20 Changed Plans 51 Spinning Records, Winning Awards 22 Las Vegas Turns Cowboy 54 Oklahoma State Parks 24 Outstanding Rodeo Man 56 Grazing Oklahoma 25 Lacey’s Pantry 57 Classifieds 30 Drawing Inspiration 58 Parting Shot

6 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 7 8 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR LETTER TO THE EDITOR FACEBOOK WALL OKFR welcomes letters to the editor for its Socializing page, but some rules apply. They include: 1. 125-word limit. 2. Deadline for submission is the first Wednesday of the month. 3. Only one letter per writer per issue. 4. All letters must include a name, address and phone number. Only the name and city of residence will be published. 5. All letters will be verified by the news staff by a phone call prior to publication. If the news staff is unable to contact the writer of a letter, the letter will be held until such times as contact is made. 6. Letters containing libelous statements or those intended as advertising will not be published. 7. Letters that target previous letter writers will be edited to remove the name of such letter writers who are non-candidates or non-public figures. Letters critical of previously published guest columns may identify the writer only once, and then only to make it clear which column they are writing about. 8. OKFR reserves the right to edit or reject any letters. 9. Letters must be mailed to OKFR Letter to the Editor, P.O. Box 831, Bowie, TX 76230 or emailed to editor@okfronline. com.

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www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 9 Digital Dermatitis By Barry Whitworth, DVM

While the cause of digital dermatitis is not fully understood, the environment, immune system and multiple bacteria all factors in this disease. (Photo by Laci Jones) ll cattle producers at some cause of lameness is foot rot. producers should be certain of described in confined dairy cattle time will deal with a lame However, in a retrospective the condition that they are treat- in Italy in 1974. The first case of Abull, cow or calf. Bovine study conducted at Auburn Uni- ing. Administering an antibiotic the disease in the United States lameness is associated with lost versity Large Animal Teaching because an animal is limping with- was in dairy cattle in New York production, reproductive inef- Hospital, noninfectious causes out investigating the cause is not in 1980. ficiency, premature culling and were the most common diagnosis considered appropriate therapy. A Since then, it has become the increase cost due to treatment. of lameness in cattle, and in this disease such as digital dermatitis leading cause of lameness in dairy Some producers assume that all study digital dermatitis was the does not respond to injectable cattle in the world. The disease lame cattle have foot rot and treat most common infectious cause of antibiotics. Digital dermatitis re- has been increasingly diagnosed these animals with an antibiotic. lameness. quires a topical treatment for the in feedlot cattle and in cow/calf This assumption has merit based With more emphasis placed best results. operations. on the most common infectious on judicious use of antibiotics, Digital dermatitis was first The cause of DD is not fully

10 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR understood. The environment, consuming, aggressive everyday immune system and multiple bac- topical treatment will probably teria all play a part in this disease. result in a better opportunity for Spirochete bacteria of the genus healing. One last note on treat- Treponema are commonly found ment: topical application of tetra- with the disease. Other bacteria cycline is an extra-label drug use, such as Porphyromonas, Fusobac- so producers need the approval of terium, Dichelobacter and others a veterinarian. are also associated with the dis- Since no vaccine for DD is ease. Wet, manure contaminated available, prevention depends on environments tend to favor the de- maintaining a clean environment. velopment of the disease. Young Cattle feet should be kept as dry as cattle seem to more likely to get possible. Cattle should not stand the disease, which may be indica- in mud or manure. This leads to tive of immune suppression. bacteria invading the tissues. Digital dermatitis must be dif- Facilities should be evaluated ferentiated from foot rot or infec- for any hard surfaces that may in- tion of the deeper structures of the jure the foot and lead to infections. foot. With foot rot, the foot will Foot baths are not the best option have symmetrical swelling and for treatment but may be used to skin split between the toes along prevent DD. Unfortunately, foot with a foul odor. If the problem baths are not practical in beef is an infected joint, it will usually cattle operations but may be of have asymmetrical swelling and use in dairies. no foul odor. Lastly, do not buy this problem. Digital dermatitis tends to be in When purchasing cattle, examine the hind legs. Not all the animals the feet for any signs of this dis- will be lame with this disease. ease. Also, quarantine purchased However, it is common to see animals for at least 30 days before animals with DD shift their weight introducing them to the herd. This to the least affected leg and rest may allow for DD or other dis- the toe of the infected leg on the eases to appear before infecting ground. With DD, initially a cir- the whole herd. cular red raised mass will be found The dairy industry has been on the skin between the toes on the dealing with DD for over 40 years, back side of the foot. This mass but now beef producers need to may form papilliform projections be on the lookout for this disease. that make it appear like a wart. As If a producer would like more the lesion progresses to ulcerative information on Digital Dermatitis, mass, it will erode the skin on the he/she should contact your local back side of the foot. veterinarian or local County Ex- As stated earlier in this article, tension Educator. injectable or oral antibiotics do References not seem to improve DD. The Newcomer BW, Chamorro MF, lesions should be cleaned and “Distribution of Lameness in Beef dried. A topical antibiotic should Cattle: A Retrospective Analysis be applied. Tetracycline is the of 745 Cases.” The Canadian most common antibiotic used. A Veterinary Journal. 2016; 57(4): bandage may be applied on the 401-406. initial treatment. Wilson-Welder JH, Alf DP, The animal should be placed Nally JE, “Digital Dermatitis in in a clean dry environment after Cattle: Current Bacterial and treatment. The lesion will need Immunological Findings. Animal to be treated more than once in (Base). 2015; 5(4): 1114-35. most cases. Lesions treated for Plummer PJ, Shearer JK, “De- only a few days may improve but ciphering Digital Dermatitis.” usually come back. Although time Bovine Veterinarian. 2(7):6-12. www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 11 Dicamba By EverettCertification Brazil, III

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and Oklahoma State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will be holding a series of product training sessions for the use of dicamba herbicide across the state. (Photos by Everett Brazil, III) ue in part to recent EPA sinate, found in the Liberty herbi- formulation. Problems arose in soybean label changes, product cide. The new dicamba is available “As far as the product itself, fields in several neighboring Dtraining is required for under three brands: Xtendimax it’s actually better than the older states, especially concerning the use of dicamba herbicide on (Monsanto), Fexapan, (DuPont) products because it has new tech- wind drift into non-tolerant crops, BollGard II XtendFlex Cotton and Engenia (BASF). nology in it that’s lowering the leading to those states restricting and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soy- Monsanto created a new di- risk of physical volatization, and the herbicide. The issues led the beans in the 2018 season. camba formulation of the herbi- when applied according to the EPA to create label changes to Monsanto imputed dicamba cide, which was approved by the label, it should have lower risk reduce further damage, including tolerance traits into the crops for EPA for use in the 2017 season. of volatility than the original reclassifying it as a restricted-use increased weed control, which The formulation was created to dicamba products,” said Kenny pesticide, which requires certifica- already feature tolerance to gly- reduce the risk of volatility, which Naylor, Oklahoma Department of tion before use. phosate, marketed as the Roundup can lead to wind drift, potentially Agriculture, Food and Forestry di- “Arkansas, Missouri and Ten- herbicide. XtendFlex Cotton also damaging off-target crops, espe- rector of Food Safety & Consumer nessee had a lot of problems with features a third tolerance to glufo- cially crops not tolerant to the new Services. See CERTIFICATION page 13

12 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR CERTIFICATION Continued from page 12 drift, which led to the change in what they are going to do,” Naylor labeling from the EPA,” Naylor said. said. “As part of the requirements, The changes can be found on each person who applies it has to the product label as well as visiting be trained, and they have to have the product websites. to be trained before use.” Additionally, Oklahoma and The ODAFF, in conjunction Texas have reached an agreement with the Oklahoma State Universi- to honor certification from both ty Cooperative Extension Service states. will be holding a series of training “As of right now, whether you sessions across the state through take it in Texas or Oklahoma, the next few months. we’re going to honor it, either Meeting attendees will learn way,” Naylor said. all the new requirements, which Several meetings will be held, include extensive record keep- starting Feb. 9, in Washita County, ing and spraying between wind beginning at 11 a.m. The meet- speeds of three mph and 10 mph, ing site will be determined later. as well as boom height, checking For more information, contact the North Central Summer Crops more information. for susceptible fields and drift Washita County Extension Agri- Conference at the Chisolm Trail For more meeting information, prevention. culture Educator, Brad Babek, at Expo Center. as well as label requirements, “Only those that are physically 580-832-3356. Contact Garfield County Ex- contact Naylor at 405-522-5879 going to spray it, that is what the A meeting will also take place tension Agriculture Educator, or e-mail [email protected]. training is for, to tell them exactly on Feb. 13 in Enid, Okla., during Rick Nelson, at 580-237-1228 for gov.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 13 Regenerative Agriculture By Sarah Blaney and Greg Scott egenerative agriculture is a term coined in the early R1970s by Robert Rodale of the Rodale Institute as “a holistic systems approach to farming that encourages continual innovation for environmental, social, eco- nomic and spiritual wellbeing.” The term was initially used to describe a method of farming that goes beyond just “sustainability.” The term “regenerative” implies that our ecosystem is, in fact, degraded. We use the term regen- erative because we do not want to merely maintain the status quo, we want to restore the ecological functions in the ecosystem. While Rodale was speaking about organic farming specifi- cally, the principles and many of the practices of regenerative agriculture can be applied to con- ventional farms. In recent years, more traditional farmers and ranchers have begun looking at regenerative agriculture as a way to improve their own operations. This movement of trying a new approach to farming and ranching is highly collaborative. The definition of what “regen- Cows grazing on a multi-species cover crop. (Photo by Jim Johnson) erative agriculture” means is still The overall theme that I hear mitigate some of our surround- (irrigation) is developed to fix that being discussed among farmers/ from farmers and ranchers engag- ings’ less desirable characteristics specific item, the regenerative ranchers and stakeholders. The ing in regenerative agriculture by utilizing technology and tools, agriculture approach evaluates the following definition was created to soil scientists encouraging it can be expensive and time con- overall health of the ecosystem by a collection of folks and says this approach to researchers and suming to do so. and tries to find a solution that what many of us in conservation authors describing the movement An example of a typical chal- fits within the entire ecological think when we hear the term “re- is that the goal of regenerative lenge for farmers in Oklahoma is system to improve soil, water and generative agriculture.” agriculture is “bio-mimicry” or to lack of moisture in the soil. The biodiversity. “Regenerative agriculture is mimic nature. Simply put, this just conventional approach to farming The regenerative approach a system of farming principles means to work with nature rather would be to set up an irrigation would be to fix the broken hy- and practices that increases bio- than against it – and that makes a system that provides the needed drologic cycle in the soil. Con- diversity, enriches soil, improves lot of sense. moisture to the plant. While that ventional conservation measures watersheds, and enhances ecosys- Farmers and ranchers under- approach might work in the short [terraces, waterways, contour tem services. At the same time, it stand better than most people term, it is not a long term solution farming, grassed waterways, buf- offers increased yields, resilience that nature is beyond our control. to the issue. fers] do not fix the soil and the hy- to climate instability and higher Humans cannot control the rain, Whereas the conventional ap- drologic cycle. They remove water health and vitality for farming and the speed of the winds, or the proach focuses on one isolated from the land at a safe velocity. ranching communities.” temperature and while we can problem (moisture) and a solution While these practices are im-

14 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR portant and provide relief for an gives the soil year-round nourish- sulates the soil from heat and cold, While the regenerative agri- unhealthy system, they do not ment with a variety of root types keeping the soil microorganisms culture approach is not a solution fix the underlying issues that are and a variety of organic chemicals active and cycling more nutrients. that can be quickly turned on like causing the lack of moisture prob- to nourish the soil biology. This reduces evaporation from an irrigation pivot, it is an actual lem. To heal the system, we apply The result is an increase in soil the soil surface, which is huge in solution to the problem and not a management that mimics nature: organic matter from additional Oklahoma. temporary fix. plant diversity, year-round living root mass and remains of soil We could go on, but the point Over the course of three to five roots, minimal disturbance, and microorganisms. Living roots is that this is a system. All the years, you can rebuild a soil that keeping the soil covered. feed the soil biology year-round, parts are connected and if I can can take in and store significantly A practical example in Okla- and the microorganism functions benefit from one part, it touches more water than a degraded soil, homa is to combine no-till produc- year-round instead of collapsing all the parts. which means you are able to tion with a diverse crop rotation during fallow periods. Since we are talking water, if I reduce the amount of water that of small grains, grain sorghum, Surface residues and crop can- restore the hydrologic cycle in the you need to put down. This saves beans, corn, cotton and forage opy also protect the soil animals soil, I will restore the hydrologic money. mixes for grazing. and microorganisms from extreme cycle in Oklahoma streams and If you’re interested in learning No-till allows the soil micro- heat and cold. rivers. Healthy soils store more more about soil health, regen- bial community to re-establish, The result is that the entire water for plants, but also have erative agriculture, and a systems- macropores to reform, natural soil system is healed. More water in some surplus to feed Oklahoma based approach, contact your local structure to rebuild, dense root- the soil gives me more water to streams a clean, perennial water conservation district or come to restricting soil layers to decom- grow plants, which captures more source. our “Regenerative Agriculture: press and the natural hydrology to carbon in plant tissue. This feeds In addition, more water in the Staying the Couse” workshop on restore itself biologically. more soil microorganisms, build- soil allows for more aquifer re- February 27 in Oklahoma City. Earthworms, structural cracks, ing more organic matter in soil, charge. As we begin to understand To find your conservation root channels, and larger animals which allows the soil to hold more that the ecosystem is a system, we district or for more information play a role in rebuilding soil hy- water and grow more plant tissue, discover that all the parts benefit please visit www.okconserva- drology. The diverse crop rotation and more residue on the surface in- when we heal one part. tion.org.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 15 Longhorns

16 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR IN Dallas Longhorns By Ralph Chain everal years ago we made history in Dallas. The city Sof Dallas contacted Wes and Cody Sander from the Wood- ward Ranch and wanted us to drive a herd of Longhorn steers in down- town Dallas on September 5. They wanted to do something unusual to kick off the Texas Stampede Rodeo. This rodeo benefits the Medical Center of Dallas. A cattle drive at Fort Worth is not uncommon, but Dallas had not had a cattle drive since the late 1800s. We loaded more than 100 head of big Texas Longhorn steers on three large cattle pots and eight head of saddle horses in two other trailers and headed for Dallas. We looked like the Ringling Brothers Circus going down the highway. When we arrived in Dallas, they gave us a grand welcome with a police escort and blocked off all the streets. I don’t believe Ralph Chain along with other cowboys drove more than 100 Texas Longhorn steers through downtown there had ever been cattle trucks Dallas. (Photo courtesy of Chain Ranch) that large in downtown Dallas and shirts, and high-top boots with in downtown Dallas because they the only ones in the parade, led before. spurs came walking into the hotel would have thought we had lost by the Dallas top officials, with The last time that Darla and I lobby. We smelled about as bad our minds. two ladies carrying the Texas and were in Dallas, I swore we would as we looked. When they took us We drove up and down streets American flags. People cheered never go back again because of all out to eat, all we did was wash our looking for the pens and the bridge from the sidewalks and office the traffic, and here we were right hands and faces and then went to where we had unloaded them the buildings as they watched the big in the middle of downtown with a plush restaurant in Dallas. We night before. The parade was sup- steers lumber down the street. all these steers and horses. drew about as much attention there posed to start at 10 a.m., and we Our final destination was the We penned the cattle under- as we did at the hotel. finally found the steers and horses Dallas Book Depository where neath the Latimer Expressway The next morning we were where we had left them the night Harvey Oswald shot President Bridge where they had set up supposed to start the cattle drive before under police guard an hour John F. Kennedy, where we panels to keep the cattle in. After at 10 a.m. We got up at about 5:30 before the parade. penned the steers next to the De- we had fed and watered the horses a.m. my nephew, Wes, left before We hauled the steers to Com- pository. We had lunch in the De- and cattle, some top Dallas of- the rest of us because he had an merce and Elm Street and penned pository in the room right above ficials took us to our hotel, which interview with a TV station. them between two streets. People where Oswald had assassinated was the Adams-Mark Hotel. It We got in our pickups and to could not believe we were going President Kennedy. is a plush hotel downtown, and our amazement we could not find to turn these steers lose and drive The next day we loaded our then they wanted to take us out our steers. We had no idea where them. Between 5,000 to 10,000 steers and horses and headed for supper. we had unloaded them the eve- people were watching as we drove back to Oklahoma. It was quite You can’t imagine the looks ning before, and we could not ask the steers from the place where we an experience, and we made his- on people’s faces when eight anyone whether they had seen 100 were holding them and headed tory by driving Longhorn steers in cowboys in their dirty Levi’s, hats, Longhorn steers and eight horses them down Elm Street. We were downtown Dallas. www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 17 DO NOT DELETE!!!

Preparing your mare for breeding season By Lauren Lamb, DVM ith breeding season upon us, it is time to Wstart preparing your brood mare for the breeding sea- son. Your brood mare may seem perfectly healthy, but having a breed soundness exam performed prior to having your mare bred may save you time and money. A breeding soundness exam can reveal abnormalities within the reproductive tract that can be corrected prior to breeding your mare. Correcting these abnormalities prior to breeding your mare will increase the chance of your mare being foal. A breeding soundness exam can be performed on the farm if proper equipment is avail- able for physical restraint. The breeding soundness exam starts with an overall physical exam of the brood mare. Just be- A body condition score of 5 is deal for a broodmare going into the breeding season. (Graphic courtesy of the cause we are trying to get the mare Kentucky Equine Research Institute) in foal does not mean that we can and perineum. The vulva should before the mare foals 11 months months. We can artificially speed forget about her overall health. be perpendicular to the ground and after being bred. up the ovarian activity in the late Entering the breeding season, a make an air tight seal. If the vulvar After visual inspection of the winter months and early spring mare should have a body score of lips do not make an air tight seal external genitalia, the breeding months by putting mares under five on a one to nine scale. Having or the top of the vulva is tilted for- soundness exam will proceed to light for 18 hours per day. a mare below a score of five can ward, the mare will be predisposed the cervix, uterus and ovaries. If you can easily read a news- significantly decrease the chance to developing an infection in the These organs are located in the paper in all areas of a mare’s stall, of you mare getting in foal. vagina and/or uterus. mare’s pelvic canal and abdomen. the mare is receiving enough light Having an obese mare, body This infection is caused by The cervix, uterus and ovaries are to activate her ovaries and jump condition score of nine, will also air being sucked into the vagina examined via rectal palpation and start her estrus (heat) cycles. significantly decrease the chance or uterus or urine pooling in the transrectal ultrasound. Rectal palpation allows the that your mare will be in foal. vagina or uterus. The ovaries, in late fall and veterinarian to digitally palpate Blood work, such as a complete A Caslick’s suture is a simple winter, will be small and inactive. and manipulate the external sur- blood cell count, serum chemistry surgical procedure that can be The ovaries become more active face of the uterus and ovaries. or a serum amyloid A test, may be performed on a brood mare with during the spring and summer The transrectal ultrasound is used warranted if your brood mare is poor confirmation of her exter- significantly underweight despite nal genitalia. A Caslick’s suture being fed a proper diet and having is done with the mare standing a good appetite. and sedated. The vulvar lips are The next step in a breeding blocked with lidocaine and the top soundness exam is a visual in- 2/3 of the vulvar lips are suture spection of the mare’s external close. This procedure is done after The chart above shows the grades given to a uterine biopsy and what genitals. The external genitalia the mare is confirmed in foal. The change the mare has to get in foal with each grade. (Chart courtesy of include the vulva, anal sphincter suture will need to be removed Lauren Lamb)

18 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR to thoroughly examine the ovaries The cervix can also be exam- and uterus, deep to the external ined with the vaginal speculum. surface of these organs. The cervix should be examined The ultrasound can help iden- for any adhesion or tears. tify subtle abnormalities within The final step to a breeding the uterus and ovaries, which soundness examine includes a may not be appreciated on rectal uterine culture and uterine biopsy. palpation. A mare should have A uterine culture is collected to two ovaries that are symmetrical identify any bacteria that may in size and shape. be contaminating the uterus. A If one ovary is significantly normal uterus should be a sterile larger than the other ovary, an environment with no bacteria ovary neoplasia, or cancer, would growing within it. be suspected in the enlarge ovary. A uterine biopsy of the endo- The most common type of ovarian metrium or inside lining of the neoplasia is a granulosa cell tu- uterus can give an accurate prog- mor. If a mare has a granulosa cell nosis that a mare will get in foal. tumor, the affected ovary needs to The biopsy specimen is sent to a Granulosa cell tumor cut in half, after being removed. (Photo courtesy be removed. pathologist that will give a grade. of Lauren Lamb) The vagina and cervix are ex- Each grade will correlate with the never carried a foal before. This to have a breed soundness exam, amined via a vaginal exam with percentage chance that the mare exam can identify possible hurdles but the breeding soundness exam a vaginal speculum. The vagina will get in foal. that will need to be overcome to can give the owner some peace is examined for infection, urine A breeding soundness exam get these mares in foal. Young of mind that their broodmare is pooling or pus secondary to an should be performed on older and middle age mares that have prepared for the upcoming breed- infection. broodmares or mares that have had foals previously do not need ing season.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 19 Changed Plans

By Ddee Haynes hen I sat down to write of people watched helplessly, this story, the bible the horse and Thiessen rolled. As Wverse Jeremiah 29:11 Thiessen lay motionless on the kept popping into my head: “For ground, the horse struggled to get I know the plans I have for you”, up, and in this scramble Thiessen declares the Lord, “plans to pros- again took another blow as one of per you and to not harm you, plans the horse’s hooves grazed the back to give you hope and a future.” of his head. As Kent ran to his son, This verse sums it all up for one he said all he could remember do- very talented 15-year-old roper, ing was praying. Chance Thiessen. Kent was not the only one Thiessen started his rodeo ca- rushing to Thiessens side. Trey reer about 12 years ago atop his Johnson along with a minister of trusty steed Chili Dog. the rodeo world, an EMT and a Even back then, anyone watch- registered nurse who was attend- ing Thiessen could see his deter- ing the event with her team roping mination, skill with a rope and a husband were quickly by his side. natural ability to ride. Fast forward As the nurse and EMT checked his to Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. Thies- vital signs, Trey Johnson began sen and his dad, Kent, were in Las to pray and lay hands on the still Vegas and the young cowboy was Thiessen. Kent said he had never roping in the World Series Team in his life heard such powerful roping. Thiessen had also quali- prayer. fied for the Junior National Finals The nurse, who later in a pri- Rodeo and was scheduled to rope vate message to Thiessen’s mom, later that week. Lindsey, confessed that her initial Team roper, Chance Thiessen was injured during the Junior National Finals Rodeo in December. (Photo courtesy of the Thiessen family) Thiessen and his team roping assessment of Thiessen was not partner were backed into the rop- good. Thiessen was struggling to ring, Lindsey was at home in Elk a precaution. ing box about to rope their second breath, his pulse was very weak, City, Okla., oblivious to what was However, he did have to go steer in the second round. Thies- he was non-responsive, and his happening to her oldest son. She back to the ER a few days after sen was the header for this team eyes just did not look normal. As received the phone call from Kent being released to treat an infection so his job was to rope the steer Trey continued to pray over Thies- and heard his words “It doesn’t in his arm from the IVs. Thiessen and turn him so his partner, the sen, the nurse said she literally felt look good.” Although she still and his mom had an appointment heeler, could rope the back legs God’s presence and it gave her doesn’t remember much about with a neurologist in Dallas before of the steer. chills. Amazingly, after the prayer, the drive from Elk City, Okla., to Christmas, where he passed all the Just as Thiessen caught the Thiessen’s airway became stable, the airport in Amarillo, Texas nor tests with flying colors. Although steer, dallied his rope to the saddle his pulse stronger and he was the plane ride to Las Vegas, she he is still experiencing some horn and turned his horse left, responsive to hearing his name. said she was scared but still felt a dizziness at times, he is overall it happened. The horse, through Thiessen then began moving his sense of peace. feeling great. no fault of his own or anything arms and legs so much, they had As word of Thiessen’s accident I recently met Kent, Lindsey Thiessen did, tangled his feet and to tell him to stop. spread, the rodeo world came to- and Thiessen for lunch. When I fell. The horse did not simply Thiessen was not out of the gether, and prayers from friends saw Thiessen for the first time fall down. Instead, he flipped woods yet. He was quickly loaded and strangers alike went up. The since the accident it was all I could sideways, like a rollover in a car into an ambulance and taken to prayers were answered and on do not to break into my “mom- accident, with Thiessen’s head the hospital. At the hospital the Dec. 12, just four days after the mode” and hug him tight. I did and neck being the first to take doctors told Kent the next 24 to horrific accident, Thiessen left the refrain because I know teenagers, the impact. 48 hours were crucial. hospital. The Thiessens stayed in especially boys, are deathly afraid As Kent and the entire arena While the accident was occur- Las Vegas four additional days as of public displays of affection.

20 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR Kent and Lindsey both stated some trouble with dizziness, and they are so overwhelmed, hum- he is not as strong as he was prior bled and grateful for the huge to the accident. All of these symp- amount of prayers, calls, texts and toms are normal and with time will support they have received not disappear. only from friends, but from total Thiessen has big long-term strangers. Kent, a usually quiet goals including qualifying for the man of few words, told me that National Finals Rodeo in the tie- he now knows and hopes Thies- down roping and win the World sen realizes it as well, that there Title. I have no doubt that Thies- is more to life than rodeo. While sen will not only achieve this goal rodeo is what Thiessen does, it is but many more along the way. not who he is. Thiessen was put Kent and Lindsey believe 100 on this earth for a bigger purpose. percent that the accident happened While they do not know what that for a reason, and it happened on purpose is just yet, they know God one of the biggest stages in rodeo. will lead them. The people who were present Thiessen recalls nothing about the day of Thiessen’s accident the accident. He said the last witnessed a miracle. Thiessen is memory he had before waking alive and well today only by the up in the hospital is tightening grace of God. his saddle. Thiessen said the ac- Although it was not the day cident does not scare him, and he Thiessen and his family had is already back to riding. He is planned, the accident was planned, roping the dummy on the ground the actors were chosen, and the but has not yet attempted to rope plan was put into motion by the off his horse. He is still having Lord above.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 21 Las Vegas Turns By Phillip Kitts Cowboy s the aching heads of rodeo fans, the stiff joints Aand muscles of rodeo competitors and the weary bodies of contract personnel have made their way home from a long two- week run in the bright lights of Las Vegas, new pages of the history books have been written. Most rodeo fans know all about the big show that closes out a season of rodeo at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Only the die-hard rodeo fans know how much more goes on starting only days prior to the NFR and all the way through the final round. You often hear the term Las Vegas turns “Cowboy” in Decem- ber, as for over 14 days numerous rodeo-based series have their fina- les. This list includes World Series of Team Roping, Bull Fighters Only (BFO), PRCA permit hold- ers have their top competitors compete for top standings, Ameri- can Bullfighting wraps up their season and the Youth National Finals bring all their top competi- tors in each event to crown World Champions. Along with these major events, Boyd Gaming afforded the op- In typical Wade Sundell fashion, the saddle bronc title was taken with showmanship and gusto with an event- high score of 90 points. (Photo by Phillip Kitts, Avid Visual Imagery Rodeo Photography) portunity for the competitors who placed sixteenth through twentieth Out paid its own collection of big event is quickly becoming a fan pion in tie down roping; Kaycee to compete in a chute-out style checks during its three-day series favorite due to its who’s who cast Field of Payson, Utah, five-time rodeo. Boyd gaming also invites of events. This chute-out style of athletes. world champion in bareback; and some of the top names in rodeo rodeo affords eight competitors in Names in the past that have the infamous wild man Wade that no longer chase the coveted each event two days to accumulate graced the Orleans Arena have Sundell of Buxholm, Iowa, who WNFR appearance or due to in- enough points to return for the fi- been Joe Beaver, Huntsville, brought his saddle bronc riding jury or other interference did not nal round. On day three, the top six Texas, eight-time World Cham- skills to the arena. earn enough money to compete a in each event return for one more pion in tie down roping; Cole When the dust settled on Sat- the WNFR. round of competition in which the Elshere, Faith, S.D., three-time urday evening, Cactus Saddles Nearly every avenue of the field is whittled down to the top WNFR saddle bronc qualifier; and Montana Silversmith Buckles rodeo world is covered during this three cumulative scores. Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo., were awarded to the chute-out two-week cycle in Las Vegas and The championship round WNFR bareback qualifier. champions. In bareback, Justin numerous World Champions are brings in the top three where all This year showed no change of Miller of Montana held on through crowned and millions of dollars the scores are wiped clean and it big names that made the trip to Las the four rounds to collect the title. are paid out. comes down to one ride or run for Vegas: Fred Whitfield of Hockley, The Canadian steer wrestling The Boyd Gaming Cinch Chute all the marbles. This star-studded Texas, eight-time World Cham- master Curtis Cassidy collected

22 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR his share of the riches from the chute out while Jake Orman and Will Woodfin took the title in team Las Vegas Turns roping. In typical Wade Sundell fashion, the saddle bronc title was taken with showmanship and Cowboy gusto with an event-high score of 90 points. In tie down, the young Caldwell, Texas, resident Westyn Hughes carried his momentum of a round two win to the overall champion- ship, putting a stamp on a weekend of outstanding roping. The barrel racing competition once again came down to tenths of a second with Kelly Tovar of Rockwell, Texas, edging out Jana Bean of Ft. Hancock, Texas, for the event win. The bull riding event included top PBR and PRCA names such as J.W. Harris of Goldthwaite, Texas; Shane Proctor of Grand Coulee, Wash.; and Stetson Law- rence of Williston, N.D. The final round proved to be the decision maker in which Shane Proctor held out for the eight seconds to be the only qualified ride for the championship round and provided Proctor with the win. Several WNFR events had nail biting endings to the year while other events were almost wrapped up before the WNFR rodeo even Westyn Hughes carried his momentum of a round two win to the overall championship, putting a stamp on a began. Here is how the champion- weekend of outstanding roping. (Photo by Phillip Kitts, Avid Visual Imagery Rodeo Photography) ships broke down. Winning the all-around (com- Rogers of Round Rock, Ariz., Marcos Costa of Childress, Texas, pionship was awarded to Weston peted in two or more events, claimed the title with $265,416.73 as he closes out his championship Rutkowski of College Station, either timed or rough stock events and on the heeling end Cory Pets- season with $317,421.33 in win- Texas. throughout the year) with a year- ka of Marana, Ariz., took the gold nings. The barrel racing title went American Bullfighters awarded end total of $341,560.29 was Tuf buckle with $265,416.73. to Nellie Miller, who carried home their championship to a young Cooper of Decatur, Texas. In bare- Saddle bronc may have provid- $308,498.29 for her season’s haul. superstar of bullfighting, Noah back, Tim O’Connell of Zwigle, ed one of the most exciting close Last, but not least, Sage Kimzey Krepps of Jasper, Ark., who not Iowa, closed out 2017 with his outs of the year with Ryder Wright of Strong City, Okla., continued only won the American Bullfight- second consecutive world title of Beaver, Utah, and Brody Cress his dominance of the world of pro ing title but also finished second with a year ending $371,415.80. of Hillsdale, Wyo., battling it out rodeo bull riding with his fourth at the BFO championships. Noah In steer wrestling, Tyler to the final two rounds. In the consecutive world title where he fought eight bulls in eight days, Pearson of Louisville, Miss., end, 19-year-old Ryder Wright, in collected $436,479.19 for his 2017 winning in six of the eight rounds squeezed enough money from the only his second year as a PRCA season. between BFO and the American go-arounds to capture the World competitor, carried on the fam- Other notable championship Bullfighting series. Championship with a year-end ily tradition by winning his first awards given during the Boyd Once again, December in Las total of $265,457.02. Team roping world title with a year-end total Gambins Chute-Out week in Las Vegas proved to be historical in is split into two parts and awards of $284,938.38. Vegas, Bullfighters Only (BFO) many ways. Now the rodeo world each portion of the team with their In tie down, the world title Roughie Cup was awarded to will take a short breath and recover own world championship. This returns to the great state of Texas Tanner Zarnetsky of Texarkana, before the race gets intense for the year on the heading side Erich with the Brazilian phenomenon Texas, and the BFO World Cham- 2018 season.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 23 24 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR Brownie + Chocolate Chip Cookie Thumbprint Cookies Total Time: 30 minutes Serves: 20-25 Brownie filling • 1 18.4 ounce-package chocolate fudge brownie mix do not prepare according to the mix; follow the instructions • 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted Cookie • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room tem- perature • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed • 3 ounces cream cheese at room temperature • 4 tablespoons white sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 and 1/4 cups white flour • 1 cup chocolate chips separated Optional Chocolate Drizzle • 1/4 cup chocolate chips + 1/2 teaspoon veg- etable oil Instructions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and add in a little more flour until it pulls away slightly underbaking these cookies as they lend the 3/4 cup melted butter. from the sides when beating. a very fudgy center and a soft chewy cookie. Beat until well combined and then place Stir in 3/4 a cup of chocolate chips. Allow the cookies to stand for 2 to 3 minutes covered in the fridge while preparing the Roll balls of dough onto a tray. Press a on the cooking sheet before transferring to a cookie dough. center indent into each dough ball and then wire cooling rack. In another large bowl, beat together the 6 use the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips to Top with a chocolate drizzle if desired. tablespoons butter (make sure it is at room decorate the outsides of the cookies. Combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil temperature and not melted or you will need Take out the chilling brownie dough and in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave in to chill the dough) and brown sugar for 2-3 roll small balls of dough that will fit in the 15 second bursts stirring for 10 seconds in be- minutes. Add the room temperature cream indents of the cookie dough. Press the brownie tween each burst until the chocolate is smooth cheese and the white sugar. Beat until well balls into the cookie until it is even with the Transfer the chocolate into a small plastic bag combined. dough. and cut off the tip of the bag. Beat in the vanilla, baking soda, salt and Bake for 8 to 10 minutes (longer for larger Pipe the chocolate across the cookies and flour until a dough is formed. If it is too wet, cookies) and remove from the oven. I like allow to harden. www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 25 -John Farris - outstanding rodeo man By Judy Wade ohn Farris is a name known I still have today, but that didn’t and respected by rodeo con- stop me.” Jtestants and fans across the After graduating high school in country. Farris worked every Iowa Park, he went to work on a National Finals Rodeo in one ranch in Canadian, Texas, making capacity or another from 1967 $45 a month. Then in 1945, he to 2013. went to work for Wilson Manu- He staked the barrel pattern for facturing for $.60 an hour. every one of those years, worked “I decided I could make more as the NFR saddle horse boss for rodeoing, and for the next 12 years two years, served as the assistant entered open rodeos before getting rough stock event chute boss my PRCA permit,” he related. “I for one year and as the timed- filled it pretty quick.” event chute boss for 17 years. He At Stamford, at the Texas Cow- worked the Fort Worth Rodeo for boy Reunion and Rodeo, he met a 25 years and has worked as chute pretty young barrel racer named boss for the Prairie Circuit Finals Mildred Cotton, and the two were for over 20 years, a position he married in 1955. still holds today. He also worked They “rodeoed for living,” the Clay County Pioneer Reunion even working as a team in the Rodeo in Henrietta, Texas, for ribbon roping, he added. The many years. couple worked for several stock “My favorite rodeo would have contractors: Tommy Steiner, Neal to be Fort Worth because we got Gay, James Harper, Mack Altizer, to stay in one place for two weeks, Scotty Lovelace and Stace Smith, not having to move around,” Far- Don Gay, Mike Cervi and others. ris explained. They were known for running A Professional Rodeo Cow- the best rodeos. They never had boys Association member since a problem with pay-offs, and the 1959, he competed in bareback arena was always clean and safe. riding, saddle bronc riding, bull The stock was loaded in the cor- John Farris riding “Black Bottom,” known as a tough bronc. (Photo riding, tie-down calf roping and rect chute and in proper sequence. courtesy of John Farris) occasionally steer wrestling until Mildred became one of the most ran into a thicket of trees and we and the bull riding in Shreveport, age 44, although he continued sought-after secretaries in the finally caught him.” La. calf roping for several more years. rodeo world. At the time, Beutler Brothers “Black Bottom was one of the Born in Iowa Park, Texas, in 1928 “We had a rodeo in Dallas at owned a bull that had been out 170 toughest broncs I ever rode,” he to B.A. and Eva Farris, he had two the Cotton Bowl the day after the times and not been ridden. recalled. “Goat Mayo had owned brothers and three sisters. Texas-Oklahoma football game,” “I rode him in Vernon in 1960, him and when he sold out, Neal “Sometimes our neighbor’s Farris laughed. “We were bringing the first to make the eight seconds,” Gay and Jim Shoulders bought cows would get over on us, and my in stock as the crowd was leaving, he explained. “Steiner had another him. I won the rodeo on him in brother and I would ride them,” and one of the bulls jumped out. one that had not been ridden. I Pampa, Texas.” he said. “All I ever wanted to be He scattered people in all direc- rode him and won All-Around at Two of the best things that was a cowboy. I entered the bull tions, but no one got hurt. We Shreveport, La., in 1960.” happened during their rodeo ca- riding at my first rodeo at Jacks- turned out another bull to try to He also won the All-Around in reer were the pro-judging system boro, Texas, when I was 16. I got lure him back, but that one came Pampa, Texas, in ‘52 and ‘53, the where judges were contracted by a broken ankle and a fat lip that back to the pens, and the other one calf roping in Greensboro, N.C., See FARRIS page 29

26 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 27 28 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR John Farris makes eight seconds on a bull in Pampa, Texas. (Photo courtesy of John Farris) Farris Continued from page 26 the central office rather than each the couple during the summer, but his home, taking all the couple’s were inducted into the Texas rodeo picking the judges, making stayed with his parents during the buckles and a grandson’s feed Cowboy Hall of Fame in Belton, the judging fairer, and the Farrises school year. truck. Sixteen of the buckles were Texas. In 2008 they were jointly acquiring a motor home to travel After retiring in 1962, the Far- recovered three days later when a inducted into the ProRodeo Hall in so they did not have to stay in rises returned to Addington to the lady in Florida offered them for of Fame in Colorado Springs, motels, according to Farris. family farm permanently. sale on the Internet. Ten gold NFR Colo., and in 2010 into the Rodeo “We had two really good hors- “We made a decision to turn buckles have not been found. Historical Society Hall of Fame at es,” he began. "One was Mildred’s our will and living to the care of The awards and accolades the National Cowboy and Western barrel horse Lucky that took her to the Lord as we understand it,” bestowed on Farris are numer- Heritage Museum in Oklahoma 12 NFR’s, including five-time run- Farris explained. ous and well-deserved. In 1995, City. They have also received the ner up to the champion and clock- In May 2013, Farris lost his Gladewater presented him the PRCA Gold Buckle Award. ing the fastest time. We didn’t beloved wife of almost 58 years, Silver Spur Award for Outstand- With his mind still sharp at know his breeding. The other was and he continues to live in Add- ing Rodeo Man. He was the Texas almost 90 years old, he still looks my rope horse, a Hancock bred ington. Circuit Man of the Year in 1997, like a rodeo cowboy: boots, crisply gelding, I called Baldy because of “We raised two good boys,” received the WPRA’s Outstanding starched Wranglers, championship his bald face. He was half bronc. Farris explained. “Billy Tom has Individual Award in 1999 and won buckle, plaid shirt, silverbelly hat He bucked me off at the first rodeo a greenhouse business in Noble, the Texas Circuit Best Footing and NFR jacket. He is a walking I took him to.” Okla., and Johnny does the farm- Award in 2001. He has received encyclopedia of rodeo and a joy Farris’ parents moved to Add- ing and ranching in Addington.” the Priefert NFR Timed Event to visit with. ington, Okla., and by this time Earlier this year, while Farris Buckle and the Duncan Prairie See the March issue of OKFR John and Mildred had two boys. was in the hospital for a hip re- Circuit Heritage Award. to read more about Mildred Farris The boys went on the road with placement, someone burglarized In 2004 both Mildred and John and her history in rodeo. www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 29 dRAWING iNSPIRATION rasping several colored pencils in her left hand and one bright initially struggled with the thought that it was a “selfish pursuit.” orange pencil in her right hand, western artist Kathryn Leitner “I thought you had to be famous to sell your art for a lot of money, Gpeered over her glasses at her latest work of art. Periodically and you really aren’t supposed to want fame,” Leitner explained. “I glancing at the image of a horse displayed on the computer screen, struggled with that, but I read a Max Lucado book called the ‘Cure for the artist gracefully added another layer of color to the vibrant draw- the Common Life: Living in your Sweet Spot.’ It talks about how God ing in front of her. packs your gifts and he packs your bag and that’s what you’re supposed Self-described as “realism,” Leitner’s art captures the western heri- to use. They are your gifts; you’re not supposed to hide them.” tage by telling a story. However, her story began in eastern Montana That book had an impact on Leitner, and she said things began to on her grandparent’s ranch. The oldest of five children, Leitner stated fall into place when she decided how to use her gift. She found her her “rural roots” come from traditional ranching. passion in drawing and painting the western heritage. She observed “We had chickens and a milk cow,” she added. “We had beef cattle many ranchers in their everyday activities to help tell a story through and a little bit of hay. It was very traditional.” her art. All her siblings are artistic in some fashion, and Leitner is no “I really respect that lifestyle,” Leitner said. “It’s not easy ever, exception. Leitner was first exposed to drawing at an early age. She but it’s so rewarding. The chance to go out and ride with them, talk recalled picking up pencil and sketchbook during her first-grade year, with them, spend the day with them, that’s how you’re able to tell and her parents giving her “how to draw” books. their story.” Two years later, the family moved from her grandparent’s ranch She works primarily from the photographs taken at different north of Winnett, Mont., to Lewistown, Mont. They later relocated to ranches including Tongue River Ranch. Leitner makes at least four California during her freshman year of high school. While adjusting trips each year to different ranches to take several thousand photos. to the urban lifestyle was difficult for Leitner, experiencing a different The artist develops a relationship with all the cowboys who work on culture had an impact on the young student. the ranches and their families. “It was a culture shock, but I think you gain things from everywhere “I always appreciate the opportunity to get material for my art,” you are,” she explained. “We learned to be a lot more self-sufficient, she added. “It’s way more than that because you get to know those strong and confident. You either decide you like it or you decide that people, and you don’t always know how you’re going to be blessed you really appreciate where you came from, so it definitely made me by your gift. I can’t count the ways.” appreciate my roots.” The “beautiful opportunities” to use her gift are rewarding, but it is Her family was supportive of her art, but the first teacher who also a long process. From the time she takes the photos at the ranches encouraged her was her fifth-grade art teacher. Leitner developed her to selling the finished art can take up to two years. skill in high school art classes, describing the experience as “instru- After returning from a trip, Leitner analyzes each photo and starts mental.” She learned different techniques, experimenting with mostly her sketch on vellum from several different photos. The variety of graphite. However, she also took a painting class using acrylic. photos from the same moment helps the artist create the story she Leitner’s talents were not only with a pencil and paper; she also wants to tell. She has experimented with various mediums throughout graduated from beauty school. In 1989, she moved with her grand- her career. mother, who relocated to western Oklahoma. The Montana native “I mainly concentrated on graphite until my husband bought me started working in a salon, and her son Justin was born in 1990. She a large set of colored pencils,” she chuckled. “I honestly had them met and married Jack Leitner three years later. nine months before I ever got the nerve to try them because it was She opened her own salon at their home in 1994 west of Kingfisher, intimidating. I always used just graphite—then all of a sudden I had Okla. With the support of her family and the success of the beauty all these colors.” shop, Leitner was able to further her art. When she started her art, she Continued on page 32

30 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR Kathryn Leitner works in her studio with her dog, Daphne. (Photo by Laci Jones) www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 31 Each piece of Leitner’s art tells a story of the western heritage including this drawing titled, “The Chosen One.” (Photo of the original drawing, courtesy of Kathryn Leitner) Continued from page 30 softness.” Watkins works with challenge you a little bit more to she explained. “Some have taken Leitner also began working watercolor pencils, which inspired get your values strong and your two and a half weeks’ worth of with oils, learning from fellow Leitner to attempt to use the colors bright that somehow have work if you’re working a 40-hour artists. medium. Leitner said watercolor a soft, gentle look when you’re week because of all the detail and “I took a class with Bob Faust pencils give the underlaying with- finished. I like that.” all the figures.” from Okarche, Okla., who was out the “graininess” of a colored While the time dedicated to The artist said it was once dif- giving art classes, and I started pencil. each piece varies, the artist said ficult for her to stay motivated taking oil painting classes with “I’ve used the watercolor pen- she averages 30 to 60 hours. with her art. Leitner later realized him for quite a few years,” she cils, but I haven’t added water However, Leitner said she was staying motivated is easier with an explained. to them,” she began. “I just used once hesitant to keep track of organized workspace and struc- The artist later took classes them in conjunction with my hours until she participated in a tured lifestyle. from Dennis Parker in Oklahoma colored pencils. When you add workshop with the president of “Discipline is really important City. the water to it, you lose a little bit the Traditional Cowboy Artists, if you want to take this serious,” She also visited the National of the control you have with the Wilson Capron. she added. “If I can get rid of my Cowboy & Western Heritage Mu- pencils being dry, then you have to “He said, ‘If you really want distractions, then it’s a part of my seum in Oklahoma City, stating it go back over and add detail.” this to be a business, you have to blessing that I get to do my art was “the first exposure I really had Her initial watercolor pencil treat it like one,’” she recalled. “I because when I’m doing it, I’m to a lot of good art.” She garnered piece presented Leitner with a few really started being more dedi- happy.” inspiration from these trips, and shade challenges where she had cated.” Leitner generally works on one started participating in workshops to work to “get my lights to come She logs her hours in a note- project at a time because she “gets with the featured artists including back out.” Despite her initial in- book, completing 12 to 18 pieces a little bit lost” if she is juggling Carrie Ballantyne and Lisa Ann timidation, colored pencils are her each year. This has helped her too many projects. Her favorite Watkins. favorite medium to work with. justify the pricing of each piece. subjects are of horses and the art Leitner said she was inspired “I always go back to the col- “You would think that seems pieces that tell a story. She said by watching Ballantyne because ored pencil because I like the like a lot of money, but I have 30, she prefers drawing ranch horses her portraits have a “feminine detail,” the artist explained. “They 40 or 60 hours invested in a piece,” Continued on page 34

32 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 33 Leitner was inspired to draw “Swapping Stories with the Traded Help” after visiting Tongue River Ranch. (Photo of the original drawing, courtesy of Kathryn Leitner) Continued from page 32 derful testimony. kind of help me know that I am on in Alpine, America’s Horse and that are “not quite as clean” as the “Quentin Marburger, in the the right path,” she said with tears Art with the American Quarter horses at a show. foreground of the picture holding in her eyes. “Those little words Horse museum in Amarillo, Texas “There is a fondness for them,” the rope, works for Tongue River,” here and there are what helped among other shows. she explained with compassion in she began. “He and his family live me know that somehow this is Aside from running her beauty her voice. “If you see a finished, near Raton, N.M. He is the manag- the path I was supposed to be on. shop and working on her art, Leit- polished show horse, people tend er of the New Mexico division of I am going to be able to share my ner also shows with the Ameri- to want it to be their horse. The the Tongue River Ranch, and he’s gift, and it’s a beautiful, fun way can Quarter Horse Association. character of the little ranch horses, a very strong Christian man. I sent to do it. Leitner started showing after she there’s more personality there. him and the two other gentlemen “I think the further I get into purchased a mare from someone in You can see the look on their in the picture messages that I was it, the more fortunate I feel, and southern Oklahoma who encour- faces, and they’re not all perfect having a really hard time coming the more I realize where my story aged Leitner to join the Oklahoma and shiny. They’ve got a messy up with a name for this.” is going. You don’t see the end Foundation Quarter Horse Asso- mane or maybe a stained mane. Marburger told Leitner he when you start out on a journey ciation. She joined the foundation There is character.” would think about it. He called the because you don’t know where in 2004, gaining support from new Each of her pieces of art has a artist 30 minutes later with “Called the path is going to lead. I used friends. story. Her favorite piece changes out by Name.” to think I’ve made it if I sell this Leitner was successful in the as the wind blows, and she has “He said, ‘We call our horses much, but now I know those are arena, and started moving up in the favorites for different reasons. out by name just like Christ calls just rewards along the way, and classes. She later started showing Among her current favorite pieces us by name,’” she recalled. the path is worth the gold.” in the AQHA in 2012. Leitner and are “Swapping Stories with the “The Chosen One” also has The artist is grateful for all op- her husband Jack both qualified Traded Help,” “Called out by a powerful story behind the art. portunities she has been offered for the World Show in 2017. Name” and “The Chosen One.” Tyler Weatherford roped a horse from her blessing. She has par- “We still haven’t met our goal “They pushed cattle through named Cinco out of the remuda, ticipated in the Spring Stampede of making it to the finals, but the pasture gate and everybody but the young horse was hesitant at the Rusty Gables Guest Lodge we’ve come a long way,” she kind of gathered up and were to be separated from the bunch of and Gallery in Oklahoma City. added. visiting and talking,” she said of horses. The cowboy was patient She has also participated in Leitner said she is blessed to ‘Swapping Stories with the Traded and kept pulling the rope. Finally, art shows like Cowboy True in live out her dream in the arena Help.’ “I created that from mul- Cinco walked up to him, and he Wichita Falls, Texas, where she and tell the story of the American tiple photographs of those people put his hand on his head. When met judges and curators who cowboy and his family through in that scene, so it needed to have she told the story to a friend, she encouraged the artist to enter in her art. a story to tell.” suggested the name “The Chosen other shows. To learn more about Kathryn The Montana native said, One.” That opportunity led to her Leitner and her art, visit www. “Called out by Name” has a won- “All of those things that happen showing in the Trappings of Texas kathrynleitnerwesternart.com.

34 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR PHOTO DETAILS (Top to bottom) Kathryn Leitner spends an average of 30 to 60 hours on each piece of art. Leitner works with various mediums including graphite, colored pencils and oils. Before adding color, Leitner sketches her art. (Photos by Laci Jones) The piece of art titled “Called out by Name” has a powerful testimony. (Photo of the original drawing, courtesy of Kathryn Leitner)

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 35 Where the Paved Road Ends By Beth Watkins > Roses are Red f you love February, then it’s rob them of cash. I did say “most “fantasy,” because the likelihood face, a vase of red roses in one probably because of one or men.” A few romantic souls are of my ball-cap-wearing redneck hand, and a heart-shaped box of Itwo reasons or maybe both: out there who enjoy being creative turning into a suave and debonair chocolates in the other, and some- you are in a relationship or it's in celebrating this thing called prince charming is slim to none. times an extra card because he had calving season. Here on our ranch love. You really shouldn’t judge That’s okay, I love him just the a hard time choosing just one. we love it for both reasons. the degree of love your valentine way he is. I know he has stood there in We have finally reached the has for you by the amount of effort The last time I asked, “Mirror, front of lots of greeting cards, point where every calf born sounds put into the celebration. Some men mirror, on the wall, am I the hot- reading each one trying to find like “cha-ching.” The calves will just don’t have the creativity gene; test chick of all?” it cracked from the perfect one that expresses his be weaned and sold by late fall, it doesn’t mean they love you any the abundant amount of hysterical undying love for me. Then he and we will be doing the happy less than the man who makes fairy laughter that erupted. In short, I’m went to the candy aisle and made dance all the way to the bank. tales come to life. not perfect, but he loves me, and an important decision of picking February is the traditional As with all aspects of life, if he’s not perfect, but he’s my baby. the prettiest heart-shaped box of month for love. Most men would you have high expectations, you So, personally, I feel very loved chocolates, the kind where I’ll agree that greeting card compa- will most likely be disappointed. and flattered when I wake up on have to push my finger in the mid- nies, candy makers and florists Romantic novels and chick flicks Valentine’s Day and G.W. has left dle to see if I like the ooey-gooey all got together and plotted an evil are written for entertainment, and me a sweet card. When he comes center. After cards and candy, he scheme called Valentine’s Day to in my opinion should be labeled home, he has a huge smile on his makes a special trip to the florist to

36 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR pick up fresh roses, accompanied full of bubbles, or a candlelit din- by just the right amount of baby’s ner with Michael Bolton playing breath and greenery arranged in a softly in the background, or a beautiful, water filled vase. picture of the limo that took them Even though those little bits of to a fancy dinner. If I were the traditional morsels are very pre- recipient of these gestures of love, dictable, they are much appreci- my thoughts would be, “Who is ated. They all took a little initiative going to clean up that mess of pet- and time just to say I love you in als on the floor? Is the bath water a special way. going to be hot like I like it? Are As soon as the valentine cards those bubbles from Dawn or Mr. hit the store shelves, I thoroughly Bubbles? Did you cook this din- search for the perfect card to ner? Is the kitchen destroyed with express to my husband just how dirty pots and pans, did you take much I love him. Leading up to off the whole day to pull this off?” Valentine's Day, I’ll make some I have a whole list of honey-do’s frosted, heart-shaped cookies. For that still need to be completed. his gift, I always make a devil- Even though these are all cre- ish dessert that I know he will ative actions of love, I guess I enjoy: sweets for my sweetheart. prefer the practical. This year, if I can find a pair of We celebrate by eating take- red satin boxer briefs, I think I’ll out in front of a cozy fire in the embroidery my name in a heart on fireplace, followed by the yummy the backside. That ought to make dessert that I baked, and then cud- him feel really loved. dling up on the couch with a good We have all seen the Facebook movie. posts where people brag about For the other 364 days of the coming home to a path of rose year, we keep on celebrating our petals leading them to a bottle of love by just being together here at champagne chilling by a bathtub the end of this dirt road. www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 37 t is February, which means hard times, heartache and pain. In that love is in the air, and these times we must turn to each IValentine’s Day is near. This other, be there for one another, and month we are reminded to show remember that with all the bad, the ones whom we love just what there is even more good. they mean to us. Retailers urge What are your Valentine’s Day us to buy our loved ones candy, traditions? jewelry, flowers, and other gifts Many couples choose to go to show our affection. out to eat at a nice restaurant for While this is thoughtful and Valentine’s Day. Sometimes go- kind, I thought it would be nice to ing out isn’t an option. In this case learn from couples who have held some choose to stay in and cook on to each other for many years. their significant other’s favorite Just what is the secret to a lasting dish, enjoy a movie, go horseback relationship? What, if any, are riding, or just go feed cattle to- their Valentine’s Day traditions? gether. Some feel that Valentine’s What are some of the challenges Day is a silly holiday made up by ranching couples face that others retailers for nothing more than a do not? I asked these questions to day of big spending. Whether we several couples who have long- choose to celebrate Valentine’s or term marriages. not, we need to remember to show What is the secret to a lasting our husbands, wives, boyfriends, relationship? girlfriends, and all those we hold It turns out that there is no dear that they are cared for and one secret, although almost all of loved, not only on Valentine’s them mentioned communication. but every day. We never know We must communicate with one what the future holds for us so we another, or we will have no idea need to take advantage of what what the other is thinking or what we have and cherish it for as long they are needing. The trick with as we can. communication is finding a way What are challenges ranching Communication, laughter, kindness, respect, time for one another and to communicate without fighting. couples face that others may support are a few secrets to a long and happy marriage. (Photo courtesy of Lanna Mills) Let’s face it: all couples argue not? and disagree, but it is being able Ranching is a 365 day-a-year The market could crash, sickness My husband and I love ranch- to reconcile and work through is- job, and our lives revolve around could spread through your herd or ing and neither would want any sues together that builds a stronger the ranch and our livestock. Some- drought could ruin the grass and other lifestyle. We have faced relationship. thing always needs to be done, dry up all your creeks and ponds. many challenges and difficulties. Along with communication, and planning is almost always a Ranching is a gamble, and nothing We have had very bad times, and laughter, kindness, respect, time waste of time. We can plan all we is guaranteed. we have had very good times, but for one another and support are want to, but just because you have Marriage is a partnership of most importantly through both some other secrets to a long and planned a nice date doesn’t mean two people working together, giv- we have had each other. I am no happy marriage. Our spouses it will get to happen. ing all they have to each other and expert on love or marriage, but I can drive us crazy at times, but Someone will call and tell loving unconditionally. Giving hope that these secrets from those we must remember to let them you that you have cattle out or a up sometimes seems like an easy couples who seem to have it all know that we love them. When heifer will decide to calve. Then way out and has become common. figured out will help. I love my we fell in love and were married, your dinner date turns into a date Love and marriage can be hard, husband, our son, our lifestyle, we promised ourselves to one involving putting cattle back but most things worth having are. and the life we have made for another. We promised to be there in and fixing fence or pulling a Finding time for one another and each other, and I hope each of you for each other through good times calf. Financial challenges may having a common dream are very find happiness and love. Happy and bad including the inevitable also come along with ranching. important. Valentine’s Day!

38 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 39 ell, we’ve made it through January, and have hopefully recovered from all the holi- day chaos. Now it’s time for a little romance and perhaps a date night with the significant other for Valen- tine’s Day. I have the perfect outfit Wfor you ladies. This burgundy and bead detail kimono with long fringe accents is absolutely gorgeous and a fabulous statement piece. It looks great paired with all black including these super cute black bell bottoms. Throw on your favorite turquoise necklace, and grab your honey for some dinner and dancing. Find these and other date night ideas at www. jessesjewelz.com. Jessica Kader 1 John 4:7

40 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 41 42 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR CALENDAR OF EVENTS Chocolate Decadence SOLA Sale Home Sweet Home State Fiddlers Winter on Automobile Alley Feb. 7 • ada Chocolate Festival Convention Feb. 1 • Oklahoma city SOLA Livestock Market. Ada, Feb. 10 • Muskogee Feb. 15-18 • wagoner Hudson Essex Building. OK 74821. Come on out every Muskogee Civic Center. Sequoyah Lodge. Wagoner, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Head Wednesday at 9 a.m., where we Muskogee, OK 74401. Get OK 74441. Visitors to the State to Automobile Alley in Oklahoma will be selling calves, yearlings, ready for an evening of tempting Fiddlers Winter Festival will City for Chocolate Decadence, bulls, pairs and cows. For chocolate delights at the Home enjoy live music performed by an evening full of delicious additional information, visit Sweet Home Chocolate Festival professional fiddle players along or call chocolate treats, gourmet coffee www.solallc.com 580- in Muskogee. Visit www. with daily and evening dances. . and more. Dress to impress and 436-5033 muskogeehfh.org for additional Formerly known as the Western sip champagne or wine while information. Hills Fiddlers Festival, some of Enlow Ranch Auction listening to smooth jazz and Spring Bred Heifer & Oklahoma’s best fiddle players bidding on items in the Valentine will be on-hand at this annual Feb. 7 • tulsa auction. Get your ticket now Angus Bull Sale event. Come for a weekend and celebrate Valentine’s Day Enlow Ranch. Tulsa, OK 74131. filled with fiddling, dancing and Feb. 10 • Ada early at this chocolate festival Come on out to our monthly musical workshops. Jam sessions in Automobile Alley. For more auction. Enlow auction service Southern Oklahoma Livestock will be held throughout the event information, call 405-706-7484. has more than 50 years of Auction. Ada, OK 74820. Make in the hotel lobby. Come and experience. Call 918-224-7676 your way to the Pick of the Day celebrate American folk music, Big V Feeds PRCA for more information. Farms Spring Bred Heifer & bluegrass and Western swing. Angus Bull Sale at noon. Call 580- For more information, call 918- Hi Lo Pro Rodeo Prairie Classic Quarter 618-0946 for more information. 772-2545. Feb. 2-3 • McAlester Horse Show Southeast Expo Center. McAlester, Feb. 7-11 • oklahoma city OK 74501. This February, get ready for some edge-of-your- Oklahoma State Fair Park. seat action as some of the best Oklahoma City, OK 73107. professional rodeo performers Grab your cowboy hat and slip head to the Southeast Expo Center on your boots for the Prairie for the Big V Feeds PRCA Hi Lo Classic Quarter Horse Show at Pro Rodeo. Presented by Sam Oklahoma State Fair Park. Riders Wampler’s Freedom Ford. Visit of all ages will compete in a wide www.mcalester.org/prcarodeo variety of performance styles and for additional information. activities. Call 719-384-4980 to learn more. Tulsa Heritage Rodeo Oklahoma Horse Fair Feb. 3 • Tulsa Feb. 9-10 • duncan Tulsa Expo Square. Tulsa, OK 74114. Head to Expo Square Stephens County Fair & Expo to experience the excitement of Center. Duncan, OK 73533. The the Tulsa Heritage Rodeo. See annual Oklahoma Horse Fair cowboys and cowgirls compete in Duncan is a two-day horse in rodeo events like bareback event that includes a trail horse riding, ranch bronc riding, tie and ranch horse competition down roping, steer wrestling, followed by a working cow dog ladies barrel racing, team roping competition. More than 200 and bull riding. Even the smallest ranch and performance horses, cowpokes get in on the action including a variety of ponies, will with mutton bustin. Don’t miss be offered for sale at auction. For this fun event. Call 918-402-5208 more information, visit www. for additional information. okhorsefair.com. (Feb. 9-10) OKLAHOMA HORSE FAIR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 43 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Battle of Round Mountain Re-Enactment (Feb. 16-18) Battle of Round Mountain Re-Enactment

Feb. 16-18 • yale Hwy 51 & Hwy 18. Yale, OK 74085. The Battle of Round Mountain Re-enactment recreates a winter encampment of the Civil War era. This three day event begins with living history soldiers setting up opposing camps on Friday. The battle itself begins Saturday afternoon, as visitors are invited to witness as Confederate and Union soldiers slowly advance towards each other on the field of battle. View the soldiers as they prepare to fire cannons, and watch the battle as smoke from guns and cannons fills the air. History is brought to life at the Battle of Round Mountain. For information on this re-enactment, call 405-714- Rogers County Spring Stephens County Jr. Oklahoma County Jr 8270. Horse Show Livestock Show Spring Livestock Show Vintage Tulsa Show Feb. 17-18 • claremore Feb. 19-23 • duncan Feb. 22-24 • jones Feb. 16-18 • tulsa Claremore Expo Center. Stephens County Fair & Expo Don Ramsey Agriculture Center. Tulsa Expo Square. Tulsa, OK Claremore, OK 74017. The Center. Duncan, OK 73533. Jones, OK 73049. The Oklahoma 74114. Some of the finest vintage Rogers County Spring Horse Watch as children and teens County Junior Spring Livestock and antique dealers in the nation Show brings horse enthusiasts, compete at the Stephens County Show in Jones gives show are headed to Tulsa Expo Square riders and a wide variety of breeds Jr. Livestock Show. Held in the attendees the opportunity to see to present their wares at the to the Claremore Expo Center Stephens County Fair & Expo who’s got the best of the best Vintage Tulsa Show. More than in Claremore. Come see the Center in Duncan, this agriculture animals. Whether it’s comparing 55,000 square feet of merchandise cowboys and cowgirls compete event features animals raised commercial heifers, pigs or sheep, will be set up at this show to the in several events like barrel in Oklahoma, from large cattle there is something for everyone delight of antique and vintage racing and take in the pageantry to spotted rabbits to pink pigs. at the livestock show. For more lovers. Call 918-619-2875 for for yourself during this two-day Members also compete in floral information, call 405-713-1125. more information. show that is fun for everyone. For design and farm projects, among more information on the Rogers other categories. Stick around to South Central Red Midsouth Tackle, County Spring Horse Show, visit see who takes home blue ribbons, Genetics Annual Spring www.visitclaremore.org. banners and the prized Master Sale Hunting & Boat Show Showman belt buckle. Call 580- Feb. 16-18 • grove President’s Day Angus 255-0516 for more information. Feb. 24 • Ardmore Grove Civic Center. Grove, OK Bull & Female Sale Annual Spring Sale. Ardmore, 74344. The Midsouth Tackle, OQBN/Weaned Sale OK 73401. Make your way to Feb. 19 • Caddo Hunting & Boat Show will feature Ardmore, Okla., for the South Feb. 20 • McALESTER hundreds of vendors presenting Clay Freeny Ranch. Caddo, OK Central Red Genetics annual the latest merchandise and 74729. Visit the Albrecht/Penz McAlester Union Stockyard. spring sale at noon on Feb. 24. technologies in outdoor sports annual President’s Day Angus McAlester, OK 74501. Come on We will be selling top quality with special hunting and fishing Bull & Female Sale on Feb. out to the OQBN/Weaned Sale Red Angus Cattle including demonstrations by pro fishermen 19. For more information, visit on Feb. 20. For more information, performance-tested bulls and and hunters. Call 918-520-3474 www.albrectranchangus.com call 918-423-2834 or visit www. heifers. Call 940-736-4622 for for more information. or www.penzangusranch.com. McAlesterStockyards.com. more information. 44 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 45 101 Ranch Building a Diversified Ranch By Laci Jones

The Miller brothers including George, Joe and Zack were second generation owners of the 101 Ranch. (Courtesy photo) he 101 Ranch was offi- planted “nearly half a carload of method transferred over to crops While the expansion of the cially established in 1893, watermelon seed.” Like wheat, as the Millers began agricultural ranch occurred over many years, Tand the Millers began di- their watermelon crop was also experiments. They even devel- the 101 Ranch was a success for versifying their ranch throughout successful with watermelons as oped two new varieties of corn, the Miller family. They purchased the next few decades. The Miller big as 60 pounds. Local farm- according to Collings. These the land they were leasing from the family saw the need to diversify to ers started purchasing seed from varieties, “White Wonder” and Ponca and Otoe tribes in 1903, ac- avoid the downfall of the business the 101 Ranch rather than do- “Improved Indian Squaw,” were cording to Wallis. As a man from panic of 1893. That winter, they ing business with the large seed adapted to the dry conditions of the bluegrass state and patriarch borrowed money to plant 5,000 companies. Oklahoma. of the 101 Ranch, Colonel G.W. acres of wheat, yielding 70,000 The days of herding Longhorns The Millers also added a wide Miller envisioned a plantation- bushels, wrote Ellsworth Collings across the trails were gone, and the variety of other animals to the style home for the family. in “The 101 Ranch.” The wheat Millers invested in higher-quality ranch including hogs, poultry and However, tragedy struck when sold for a record-breaking $1.20 beef cattle. The first breed of cattle more. The poultry on the ranch the patriarch succumbed to pneu- per bushel in Chicago. that arrived at the 101 Ranch were extended far beyond chickens monia and died in April 1903. The success of the wheat crop Shorthorn, according to Collings. including ostriches, peafowls, The vision for the ranch was left inspired the Miller family to con- However, it was not long before turkeys, geese, guineas and pi- to his three living sons, Joe, Zack tinue on their plans for diversifi- Holsteins and Herefords were geons. and George. cation. They then planted alfalfa, added to the ranch. Each year, they continued to The Miller brothers carried out kaffir and corn. They later also They also experimented with grow, adding more animals to the their father’s dream of a three- planted orchards, vegetables and crossbreeding, importing Brahma ranch. The Millers started expand- story home, and it was built on melons. cattle to cross with the Millers’ ing on the ranch, building crude the north side of the Salt Fork According to Michael Wallis cattle to create a “drought-resist- bunkhouses, corrals and chutes, River. Completed later that year, in “The Real Wild West,” they ing animal.” The crossbreeding according to Wallis. the home became famously known

46 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR as “The White House.” in Wallis’ book: “One day an employee re- “They ought to hold next year’s ferred to [Molly Miller’s] house convention in Oklahoma,” Joe ex- as the White House, a name that plained. “It would get the Territory pleased grandmother and one more publicity than it’s had since that she encouraged,” said Molly the land rush of 1889.” Miller’s granddaughter, Alice The National Editorial Con- Miller Harth. vention draws newspaper editors Among the many additions to and publishers from across the the ranch, the Millers established nation. Together, Joe and Greer their own newspaper in 1903, suggested the following National known as the “Bliss Breeze.” Ac- Editorial Association convention cording to Wallis, the purpose of be held in Guthrie, Oklahoma Ter- the newspaper was “to call atten- ritory to the selection committee. tion to the success of the ranch, The committee voted to move the but the Millers also had another convention to Guthrie and have a motive—membership in the Na- “side trip” to the 101 Ranch. tional Editorial Association.” Little did they know this would Joe went to a National Editorial be the start of the 101 Ranch Wild Association meeting the follow- West Show. ing year in St. Louis, Mo., with Read the next article about the the editor of the “Oklahoma State 101 Ranch in an upcoming issue Capital” newspaper, Frank Hilton of OKFR. Greer. His goal was to bring the References: editors to visit the 101 Ranch, and Wallis, Michael. Real Wild he sought the help of Greer. West. The reported conversation be- Collings, Ellsworth, Miller tween Joe and Greer was detailed England, Alma. The 101 Ranch.

www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 47 his backroad bites ad- venture is to a new res- Ttaurant in the Oklahoma City Stockyards for a great fine dining experience. With Febru- ary being the month of romance, this is a perfect place to take your Valentine. My friend and I took off from home and drove up Highway 177 to Interstate 40 and headed east into the Oklahoma City Stock- yards district. We could have taken different backroads to the restaurant, but we combined this trip with a little shopping so we limited our windshield time this month. We arrived at McClintock Saloon & Chop House about mid-afternoon and had no trouble finding the location. The outside McClintock Saloon & Chop House is located in the Oklahoma Stockyard district. (Photo by Kristi Hawks) of the building was inviting and fancy dining area from the Wild memorabilia. the menu was packed with quite elegant. West timeframe. After taking our seat and being a variety of food to choose from. The history is part of the charm We opted to sit in the saloon greeted by a friendly waitress, Some of the items on the menu of this restaurant as explained on and spent most of the meal taking we ordered iced tea. We chose a include soups, salads, steaks, the back of the menu. The local in the interior décor. “beginning” or appetizer of catfish sandwiches, entrees like chicken owners and managers spent more The 50-foot bar was the focal fritters, and they came out with a fried steak, chicken pot crumble, than a year carefully researching, point and it did have the western great dipping sauce that enhanced fried chicken, pastas, lamb, quail designing and creating this one- appeal with a modern flair and the fritter flavor. and even an oyster bar. They of- of-a-kind dining experience that offered a variety of drinks. Back That lead us to a discussion on fer such a selection that everyone opened in September 2017. An in the day there was an old brothel the difference between a fritter should find something to enjoy amazing hand crafted 50-foot-long above the dining room, which and a hush puppy, and upon fur- including additional sides that are oak and brass bar is the staple of is obviously outlawed today, ther research the only difference unique and sound appetizing. the saloon. and some of the saloon reflected I found was described as “where We finally settled on the fried Wandering further from the remnants of that era. The saloon you receive your mail. A fritter is chicken and the ribeye steak. The saloon area into the restaurant had beautiful chandeliers and another person’s hush puppy.” I’ll fried chicken was cut in quarters and chop house, we found elegant lighting along with an area for a leave it to you to make your own and served with mashed potatoes, tables and chairs with some booths band/dance floor, display cases argument on this topic. Either way green beans and a biscuit. It came to offer a finer and more comfort- and numerous old west items on it was a great starting dish. out freshly fried, perfectly brown able dining experience. It was like the wall including a variety ani- We each had a hard time de- and hot. the old west saloon with a separate mal head mounts and stockyard ciding on the main meal since The plate also had the fresh

48 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR green beans, a fresh biscuit and were glad we tried a tasting of mashed potatoes with the gravy something off their sweet menu. on the side in a very striking sil- McClintock Saloon & Chop ver gravy boat. As my friend ate House is located at 2227 Exchange the chicken, the comments were Avenue, Stockyards City, Okla. that it was fried crispy, moist, 73108. had good flavor and was a great Their menu, entertainment and meal. A thumbs up recommenda- specials are listed on their website tion if you are looking for a good and their Facebook page. The chicken dinner in the Oklahoma hours are Monday through Friday: City stockyards. Saloon opens at 11 a.m. for lunch I opted for the ribeye steak. – dinner 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. with It was a 12-ounce ribeye cooked a late menu 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. perfectly to my liking at a medium and Saturday and Sunday: Saloon and came with mashed potatoes opens at 10 a.m. Reservations can and green beans as well. The fla- be made by calling 405-232-0151 voring on the steak was wonderful or at www.mcclintocksaloon. and it was tender and juicy. As far com. as steaks go, it would impress the If you are in the Stockyards in pickiest of steak lovers. The sides Oklahoma City for shopping, the were equally as good. cattle sales, or any other business, For dessert, we had the fresh may I recommend you make a stop berries on a biscuit with ice cream. into McClintock Saloon & Chop We asked the waitress for recom- House and get something to eat mendations, and she said they had from the expansive menu. a variety of desserts they change It’s a very friendly place with periodically. lots of history and is some place We thought with the big meal that is sure to impress your Valen- (Clockwise) The catfish fritters appetizer was served with a homemade we had we’d end with the fresh tine or anyone you want to share a sauce. The fried chicken dinner included mashed potatoes, green beans berries, and they did not disap- good meal with. and a biscuit. The 12-ounce ribeye was served with mashed potatoes and green beans. McClintock Saloon & Chophouse is a fine-dining point. We shared the dessert and Enjoy! restaurant. (Photos by Kristi Hawks) www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 49 Winning Awards

50 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR SpinningWinning Records Awards Cash & Bradley - CMA Medium Market Radio Personalities of 2017 By Jan Sikes hen the Country Music Association announced Wthe Broadcast Awards for 2017, Tulsa radio personalities Natalie Cash and Matt Bradley floated on Cloud Nine. They won the radio personali- ties of the year award for medium market radio stations across the United States. Cash and Bradley provide a special brand of enter- tainment for the morning show on K95.5 FM in Tulsa. What is it that sets your radio show apart from others across the United States? “Community service, by far,” Cash said. “We just wrapped up a big pro- What is that process? motion with Natalie Cash living in “We play newer country mu- a parking lot to get donations of sic, but we also will get back into bicycles for kids for Christmas,” older songs like Garth Brooks and Bradley explained. “Our goal was George Strait tunes,” Bradley said. 955 bikes because we are K95.5, “It’s still just as good now as it was and at the last count, we were up to then. But, we don’t go back very 1200 bikes. Luke Bryan donated far—pretty much nothing past the ten bicycles, so we get a lot of nineties.” support from the artists.” Do you incorporate Red Dirt “And this is just one example. music in your show? We cover everything,” Cash said. “You know the Red Dirt scene “We do a football Friday thing for is always interesting here, be- the high school; we do things for cause they sell out so often, like soldiers, First Responders on the at The King’s Ballroom, Bradley first Friday of every month. We responded. are huge supporters of St. Jude Their success on the radio has Hospital. We cover everything been hit and miss, but right now from A to Z, and we believe this it seems to be on the upswing. sets us apart from other radio “We’ve got songs like Aaron Wat- stations. Anyone can spin the son’s latest, ‘Out of Style,’ that records.” seems to be connecting, so maybe Cash and Bradley have been that’s a sign we are heading back working as a team for three years. in that direction,” he added They were both born in Tulsa and The humorous off-the-cuff in- currently reside there. teraction between Cash and Brad- Bradley also serves as program ley is spontaneous and funny. director for the radio station and “We don’t really take ourselves gets to choose what goes onto the seriously,” Bradley laughed. playlist. See RADIO page 52 www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 51 Radio Continued from page 52 “We’re prone to make fun of our- began. “We went to Nashville and found that most of them started in continued on a serious note. “We selves. We know a lot of people were standing backstage, knowing radio, and that’s why I walked into tend to limit who we let on the in this business that you can’t do they were about to call us out as KHYI 95.3, The Range in Dallas, show.” that with. They think they’re all winners and they did. They’ve Texas, when I was very young and “And that’s just a research important. We’re more into en- got this girl in a headset yelling, said I’d work for free. I never even thing, too, in radio,” Cash inter- tertaining ourselves in the studio ‘Go, go, go,’ out on the stage. And thought of it as a man’s world.” rupted. than we are our audience. We’re here’s this audience of 20,000 “Let me just say this. I’ve got “Yeah. But if Garth Brooks just here to have fun and hope- people and they’re all looking at two brothers, one older and one walks in, we’ll let him talk for a fully get a paycheck. And as long you, and that was the moment it hit younger, and we always used to minute. Bradley continued. “He as that continues to happen, we’ll me, ‘We did something cool here. beat the snot out of each other, actually did jump on the air with continue to do it.” We really did win this,’ and it was and I will tell you that Natalie can us at the CMAs, and that was fun. “Again, it goes back to the lo- just indescribable. It’s a moment hold her own against anybody,” But, we enjoy talking more to the cal thing,” Cash said. “We live in I’ll never forget.” Bradley added. “And just for the guy driving to work at five o’clock Tulsa. This is our home, and we Even though there are more record, she punches harder than in the morning wondering where are invested in the community.” female DJs than ever, it is still either one of my brothers. When he’s going and what he’s doing.” “We’ll probably die here,” basically a man’s world. people talk about someone hitting They are located in northeast Bradley laughed. What made you decide you like a girl, they’ve never been Oklahoma, which Cash described How was your experience at wanted to do this? punched by Natalie Cash.” as “very local radio.” The Cash the CMAs? “I’ve always wanted America Do you ever have guests on and Bradley Show starts at 5:30 “Natalie picked on me big to fall in love with me,” she re- your show? in the morning and runs until 10 time when this award happened plied. “I know that sounds dumb, Once again, the humor emerged a.m. If you live anywhere near the because I’d never won a trophy but I wanted to be like Oprah. So, when Bradley responded, “Nah, Tulsa area, tune in and give them a for anything in my life,” Bradley I looked at people like her and we don’t like other people.” He listen. You will be entertained!

52 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 53 Oklahoma State Parks Roman Nose State Park By Laci Jones s one of Oklahoma’s Dolomite and gypsum were original seven state parks, also used in the rental pavilion by ARoman Nose State Park the spring area at the state park, has a history that sets it apart from he added. The state park has two other state parks, according to park spring-fed lakes, Lake Boecher manager, Kyle Bernis. and Lake Watonga. These lakes “The namesake of Roman Nose are a haven for fisherman, spe- State Park is from a Cheyenne- cifically bass, catfish and crappie, Arapaho chief named Henry among other varieties of fish. Roman Nose,” Bernis explained. Vistors can rent canoes, kayaks “Roman Nose was a very well- and paddleboats to enjoy the two respected warrior chief. As he Oklahoma lakes. The springs that got older, he was a big proponent feed Lake Boecher and Watonga in the Native American com- are also a water source to the munity as far as education is area. concerned.” “It’s a draw because you can At one time, the chief owned see the way it was built,” Bernis the land where the state park sits, said. “The rocks around it form which was allotted to him by the a focal point that showcases the government. After many years area and people really like to see of owning the land, Roman Nose that.” sold the land to the state. Roman Nose State Park is also “Now, there is some confusion known for its hiking opportuni- as to how that happened,” Bernis ties, featuring approximately eight explained. “Some stories I’ve miles of trails. Bernis said they heard say that he sold it willingly, are in the process of adding new and other stories say that wasn’t paved hiking trails to the state the case. Either way, it ended up in park. Visitors can hike along the the hands of the government.” trails and look out over a canyon Roman Nose State Park has two lakes that are spring-fed. (Photo by Located in Blaine County, at Inspiration Point. Matt Howry) Okla., the state park was built by “[Inspiration Point] is one of several events throughout the year; Bernis said he hopes to bring more the Civilian Conservation Corps, the higher sections on the park,” the most well-known is the annual of the cultural aspect of the area to opening in 1937 as a part of the he explained. “When you get out Trout Derby, which takes place the state park in the future. New Deal program set by Presi- there, you can see over the whole in March. The three-day event is “I’ve worked at a lot of parks in dent Franklin Roosevelt. The land canyon. It’s really a nice place that put on by the Watonga Chamber my career, and I can tell you that is owned by the city of Watonga, people enjoy.” of Commerce and the friends of this one is different and special Okla., but it is leased to the state to The state park also features Roman Nose State Park. Tagged because of the history it has,” operate as a state park, he added. a swimming pool, several play- trout are released into the lake, Bernis said. “The cultural aspect “It has kind of evolved over the grounds, riding stables and an and prizes are distributed among of this park, being the namesake years,” the park manager began. 18-hole golf course. Visitors can different age groups for the most of Roman Nose, combined with “You can still see all the original reserve one of the many RV sites, trout caught. the natural beauty of the canyon construction including the bath- primitive campsites and cabins. The state park also partakes in and terrain that is not typically house by the pool as well as a lot The state park also has a lodge fea- a Halloween trick or treat event seen in Oklahoma makes this a of the steps in our trail ways. You turing 22 rooms and a restaurant. and the first day hike on New special place.” can notice the original rock that The lodge was constructed in 1956 Year’s Day. For additional information they used—dolomite and gypsum and has since been renovated, Roman Nose State Park pro- about Roman Nose State Park that is native to this area—in their Bernis added. vides interpretive educational pro- including reservations and events, construction.” Roman Nose State Park hosts gramming throughout the year, but call 580-623-7281.

54 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 55 Grazing Oklahoma

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

By Mike Proctor, Noble Research Institute research associate / [email protected]

haracteristics: Eastern restricted to river and creek bot- approach $500 million dollars wouldn’t be a problem. While red cedar is a small to me- toms, bluffs and ravines that were per year. These impacts include the increase of eastern red cedar Cdium-sized evergreen tree sheltered from fire. Now they can wildfire damage, loss of grazing has been dramatic in the last 30 with small, scale-like needles. be found in a variety of habitats in resources, water quality issues years, it has been just gradual It grows differently depending every Oklahoma county. and even air quality concerns as it, enough that few Oklahomans have upon the habitat. When growing Four other native junipers along with ashe juniper, is a major, noticed. in a dense, closed canopy for- occur in Oklahoma: Pinchot’s early March allergen source in est, it will grow straight and tall juniper in the southwest, ashe ju- Oklahoma. with fewer lower branches. In niper in the Arbuckles and Ozark Overgrazing, abandoned fields the open, it tends to have a “tear- Plateau, and one-seed juniper and and the absence of fire on the drop” growth form until it reaches Rocky Mountain juniper in the landscape have provided ideal about 30 feet in height; then it western Panhandle. conditions for the colonization begins to grow out rather than up. Attributes: The wood of of eastern red cedar. Methods of These open-grown trees will have eastern red cedar is used for fence control are prescribed burning, branches that reach the ground. posts and furniture as well as oils chemical and mechanical or com- Eastern red cedar has male and for many different products. In- binations thereof. female individuals. The fruits are vestigations were conducted into On your next trip along Inter- pale blue, making the female trees large-scale commercial harvesting state 35 or Interstate 40, while appear bluish. Male trees, with of eastern red cedar, but none have you are admiring the lovely green staminate cones, have a yellow- proven economically viable. tones of eastern red cedar against a ish cast. Leaves are about 1/16 Historically, fire prevented backdrop of dull tans and browns, of an inch long, although young eastern red cedar from invading consider the fact that, although it leaves tend to be longer and more grasslands and forests in Okla- is native to Oklahoma, you should pointed. Eastern red cedar begins homa because of its thin bark and really have to hunt pretty hard to producing fruit at around 10 years inability to re-sprout after fire. find one. I can recall as a child of age. Today, it has become incredibly looking for one suitable to be a Area of Importance: East- invasive. Estimates of negative Christmas tree and not finding ern red cedar was historically economic impacts to the state one large enough. Today, that

56 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR REPUTATION SET OF HOME auction RAISED BRED HEIFERS- Bred real estate to proven calving ease bulls. Start calving January 20. 55 day calving. Mcalester union stockyards- CAMARGO- Exceptional working and 200 Black Angus, 55 Black Baldies Regular sale every Tuesday. 10 recreational ranch, 4000 ac., 2.5 miles of and 80 Red Angus. Video on request. a.m. Calves & Yearlings. 6 p.m. Canadian River frontage, live creek. 11 Delivery available. Redgate Ranches. Cows & Bulls. 918-423-2834. www. wells, 250 head operation. 4/2 modular Steve-580-824-3501 or Ryan-580-334- mcalesterstockyards.com home, 3 bunk houses, foreman home. 0873 02c 2 new hay barns, 6 stall older barn with pipe runs tack and feed room. W a u r i k a L i v e s t o c k REDUCED! $4,850,000. Bobby Norris Cattle Gelbvieh Bulls- Registered Commission Company- Preferred Properties. Pete Rehm 940- sale every Tuesday, 9 a.m. Waurika, guaranteed! Markes Family Farms, 682-8825 or Gabe Webster 817-204- OK. 940-631-6003 Waukomis, Oklahoma. 580-554-2307. 3452. www.markesfamilyfarms.com. 02p vernon Livestock market- Cattle sale Tuesdays at 11 a.m. www. 454 Acres located just South . in the middle of the vernonlivestockmarket.com 940- of Sugden, OK- 45 Four-Five year Old angus . best farming country in the county. This 552-6000 cows-Calving now to Angus bulls. is an all around productive ranch with Several calves on ground. Nice, gentle. excellent facilities and productive Pecan 405-642-6156. 02c Enlow Tractor Auction- bottom. Two sets of metal pens with Auction first Wednesday of every load out and gravel road. A creek runs month. Go to Enlow66.com for a list of through the center of the track and good equipment available. numbers of wildlife are found here. Mike 45 Three-Four Year Olds- Bred Faulkner, Broker Manager, agricultural to Angus sons of Connuly Consensus for land specialist, 580-465-3571. www. spring calving. 918-625-5689. 02-01c TULSA Stockyards- Sale every turnerlandcompany.com. Monday at 9 a.m. www.tulsastockyards. com. hay & feed POULTRY for sale FOR SALE POPULAR BREEDS 777 CHAROLAIS RANCH- Hay for BABY CHICKS- Red, bronze and blue sale. 5x6 net wrapped $30/bale. Delivery turkeys. Guineas. Muscovy ducks. Free RANCHERS: BUY NOW TO SAVE available. Also have bulls for sale. Large color brochure. Country Hatchery, Box TAXES!- Do you owe 2017 taxes? Give selection of Commander bloodline. Call 747, Wewoka, Oklahoma 74884. 405- us a call and we’ll teach you how you Jim Lemons 580-276-8052 or Bud 257-1236. Visit www.countryhatchery. can save on taxes after purchasing cattle Lemons 580-276-7534. 02-04p net. 01-06c working equipment, trailers, feeders and more! 1-844-284-4208. GoBob.com Hay For Sale- 4x6 round, net wrapped. $27/bale. Bermuda mix and services prairie hay. Delivery available. b e l o w market stee l 580-434- New 2 7/8” OD pipe. .145 2722. 01-02p materials!- roger’s welding & metal wall, 32 footers. $1.63 feet. 1-888-284- buildings- Commercial and 4208. GoBobRanch.com. 10-12n/c livestock residential shop buildings, barns, metal homes built to complete. Also doing add-ons and remodels, carports. metal for sale- Diamond W Corrals and For sale- Purebred Hereford bulls. roofing. Over 26 years experience. Also Hog Traps. Traben Redgate 580-824- Line one bred for service. Ready to work. for sale 1968 rebuilt Lincoln Welder. . 02c 4311 Call 580-704-2605. 02c 580-512-9609. 01c www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 57 PARTING SHOT

Weathered gracefully... “I love taking pictures of old barns and homesteads,” Janice Russell said. “This old barn is located northeast of Kingfisher, Okla. Weathering gracefully it has outlived the 100-year-old homestead. As this one and all the others that dot the countryside fade from the landscape, a piece of their history crumbles with them.” (Photo by Janice Russell)

58 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR www.okfronline.com FEBRUARY 2018 | 59 60 | FEBRUARY 2018 OKFR