Oklahoma Farm & Ranch

MarchOKFR 2019 | www.okfronline.com | Volume 4 Issue 3

Th e Fu t u r e o f Ag r i c u l t u r e State FFA President Cole Eschete FREE 2 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 3 4 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Oklahoma Farm & Ranch OKFR Appreciate Every Season... ello OKFR Readers! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Hfor Spring. Publisher It doesn’t matter if the temperatures J. M. Winter have barely dipped below freezing or if I’ve skated across the sidewalk over EDITOR a layer of ice, I am always very ex- Savannah Magoteaux | [email protected] cited about spring. I attempt to keep my grouchiness to myself, but staying posi- tive during the short, dreary days can be Art Director Kayla Jean Woods | [email protected] difficult for me. Cold air that hurts my face, grey skies, and wind dampen my spirits. Did I mention those short days? Advertising Executives It’s a beautiful day when the sun Kathy Miller | [email protected] Lana Hamblin | [email protected] finally peaks through the clouds and its Rosemary Stephens | [email protected] warm rays penetrate my skin. I wish it were spring all year long. Why is spring such a joyous occasion to me? I love the new life. I can’t help but smile Business Manager watching a newborn foal take its first steps on wobbly legs. The smell of fresh wet dirt just Brenda Bingham | [email protected] after a spring rain makes my soul happy. Watching the first bits of green sprout up across the pasture brings excitement I can’t describe. Maybe it’s the serotonin or just being able to enjoy the outside air for longer periods. I am not sure. I just know that I thrive on all Circulation Manager Pamela Black | [email protected] things in the spring. Yet, even as I anticipate my favorite season, I hear a wise voice cautioning me to not wish my life away. It’s a reminder that in every season there is a reason to rejoice and an Copy Editors Judy Wade opportunity to do good. I received many lessons about stewardship and goodness when Krista Lucas writing and editing this month’s issue. I was blessed this month to write about two inspiring men. Cole Eschete may only be 20 years old, but as the President of Oklahoma FFA, he is inspiring future agriculturists Contributing Writers Jerry Gwartney across the state. His passion for the organization is evident from the moment you start to Ddee Haynes visit with him. I hope you enjoy reading about Cole in “The Future of Agriculture,” begin- Terry Hardin ning on page 30. Summer McMillen Cole’s love of his family, land, agriculture, and people in general remind me of another Garrett Metcalf, DVM Shadi Nettles great man. Long-time OKFR contributor and legendary Oklahoma rancher Ralph Chain Michael Newell passed away last year just a month shy of his 92nd birthday. Ralph left behind a legacy of Lacey Newlin goodness and stewardship that inspired everyone around him, and changed more than a Jan Sikes few lives in the process. I never got to meet Ralph, but hearing from his friends and family Judy Wade Beth Watkins makes me wish I had. He always shared his stories with us, and I’m sure he had many more Barry Whitworth to tell. I hope you enjoy reading a little bit more about this wonderful man in “Remember- ing Ralph Chain” on page 13. I expect you’ll appreciate the different stories we have for you this month. We have so CONTACT US many excellent Oklahoma writers that dedicate their time to bring wonderful and entertain- ing information to you. If you get a chance to visit with one of them, let them know what Oklahoma Farm & Ranch you think. As always, if you have an article topic, photo, or event you would like to submit to OKFR, OKFR email [email protected]. Follow OKFR on all social media platforms, including 200 Walnut St., Bowie, TX 76230 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit www.OKFROnline.com to subscribe to the digital 940-872-2076, version of OKFR. You can also subscribe to OKFR and receive a printed copy each month www.okfronline.com by calling the office at 940-872-2076.

in association with Savannah Magoteaux, Editor ON THE COVER He might say he’s “just a country boy,” but 20-year-old Cole Eschete is known across the state as the face of Oklahoma FFA. Born and raised in the southeast town of Bokchito, Eschete was elected FFA State President in 2018. He’s currently OKFR is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. (Photo by Savannah Magoteaux) all liability for advertising content. Reproduction in whole or part without writtenwww.okf permission fromronline. the publisherc iso prohibited.m MARCH 2019 | 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS 37

54 50 19

13 42

Profile Page 30 IN MEMORY Page 13 The Future of Agriculture Remembering Ralph Chain Oklahoma State University Sophomore Legendary Oklahoma rancher Ralph Chain 30 Cole Eschete is not only working left behind a legacy of faith, family, and towards his degree, he’s serving as ranching. His friends and family share the State FFA President, inspiring their memories of a man who never met youth across the state to participate in a stranger, loved his family, and did the agriculture related activities. Lord’s work.

10 Chilled Lambs 38 Livin’ the Life 13 Remembering Ralph Chain 41 Western Housewives 19 Living to Serve 42 Merle Travis 20 Spring Weed Control 44 Calendar of Events 22 Behind the Scenes 46 Code Talkers 24 Expectant Mares and New Foals 50 Tales from an Outdoorsman 26 The “Uncommon” Smiths 54 Noble Learning 27 An Introduction 56 Services 36 Jesses Jewelz 57 Classifieds 37 Lacey’s Pantry 58 Parting Shot

6 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 7 8 | MARCH 2019 OKFR FACEBOOK WALL

READER SUBMISSION

Good Things Come in Threes! Jacy Dean Burrows sent in this cool picture in mid-January. She said, “We had a rare occurrence happen here in western Oklahoma last week! A momma cow had a set of triplets. It took my dad several days to figure it all out because he never thought she would have had triplets. Anyways, we thought it was a neat story to share so this was the first place we thought to share it!” The cow and calves are owned by Gary and Sandy Dean of Hammon, Okla. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 9 Chilled Lambs By Barry Whitworth, DVM / Area Food/Animal Quality and Health Specialist for Eastern Oklahoma ccording to a 2011 Sheep Study conducted by the AUnited States Animal Health Monitoring System, 27.3 percent of lamb death loss is related to weather. With Okla- homa’s erratic weather patterns, lambs born in early spring may be exposed to cold, wet weather. Many studies have shown that lambs exposed to these extreme conditions may become chilled (hypothermia) and develop low blood sugar levels (hypoglyce- mia). Without proper treatment, these lambs will die. Producers must be observant and intervene early to save these cold lambs. Newborn lambs rely on brown fat reserves to survive until they ingest colostrum. If they fail to nurse, the fat stores will be deplet- ed in about five hours, which leads to lack of energy for heat produc- tion. When lambs are exposed to cold, wet weather, the fat is depleted faster. Also, during cold weather, lambs lose more heat and may become hypothermic. Hypothermia develops when (Courtesy photo) the body loses too much heat F is severe hypothermia. ewe when returning the lamb to tered. Producers should consult and/or does not produce enough Hypothermic lambs will need its mother. with their veterinarian on how to heat. Factors that might contrib- to be warmed. Producers have Hypoglycemia often accom- perform these two procedures. ute to this condition are small several methods available. A hot panies hypothermia. Cold lambs When a producer observes a lambs, lambs with thin coats, wet box is an excellent way to warm usually do not nurse, which leads newborn lamb with the charac- lambs and lambs born in drafty, lambs. The box contains a heat- to low energy levels. Therefore, teristics mentioned above, he/ moist environments. Hypother- ing source that circulates warm producers need to make sure that she will need to take the lamb’s mic lambs appear weak, gaunt air around the lamb. Hot water newborn lambs nurse as soon as temperature. This is easily accom- and hunched. In severe cases, the bottles are another way to warm possible after birth. Conditions plished with a rectal thermometer. lambs are unable to stand or lift lambs. Warm bottles are place that may interfere with nursing are If the newborn lamb has mild hy- their head up. These lambs have next to the lamb and the lamb difficult births, poor mothering, pothermia (99° to 101°F), regard- cold mouths, cold ears, and lack should be covered with a blanket. abandonment, mastitis and lambs less of age, the producer should a suckle reflex. Lambs placed on heating pads do born weak because of a reproduc- make sure the lamb is dry. Next, Normal rectal temperature of well, but the producer needs to be tive disease. the producer should feed the lamb lambs is 102° Fahrenheit (F) with careful not to allow the lamb to When dealing with hypother- colostrum/milk (preferably from a range of 101.5° to 104° F. Lambs burn. Warm water baths are excel- mic and hypoglycemic lambs, pro- the ewe) with a stomach feeding are considered to have mild hypo- lent way to warm animals but be ducers need to be able to feed the tube. The lamb may be returned thermia when their temperature careful with lambs since the scent lamb with an oral feeding tube and to the ewe and should be kept in range is between 99° to 101°F. of the lamb may be washed away. give an intraperitoneal injection. a warm, draft free environment. Any rectal temperature below 99° This may result in rejection by the Both procedures are easily mas- The lamb will need to be observed

10 | MARCH 2019 OKFR frequently to make sure that it given an intraperitoneal glucose is nursing. If the lamb does not injection before warming. Next, nurse, it will have to be fed by a the lamb needs to be dried and stomach tube until it vigorously warmed. Once the lamb’s temper- nurses on its own. ature is 99°F, the lamb should be If the lamb has severe hy- fed colostrum/milk with a stom- pothermia (less than 99°F) and ach tube. Once the temperature is less than five hours old, the reaches 101°F, the lamb should producer should dry the lamb and be returned to the ewe. The lambs warm the lamb. Once the lamb need to be closely watched. is warmed to a temperature of Keeping lambs from falling 99⁰F, the producer should feed the victim to hypothermia begins lamb colostrum. The lamb should with good herd nutrition. Poor continue to be warmed until the conditioned ewes will give birth temperature is 101°F at which to small lambs, which are prone point the lamb should be returned to heat loss. Producers should vac- to the ewe. The lamb will need to cinate and follow good biosecurity be watched closely. to prevent reproductive diseases, If the lamb has severe hypo- which may result in lambs being thermia and is over five hours born weak. Lambs should be born old, the lamb should be dried and in clean, well-bedded, draft free warmed. Once the temperature environments. Producers need to reaches 99°F and the lamb can avoid overcrowding, which might swallow, the lamb should be fed result in miss-mothering and aban- colostrum/milk with a stomach donment. tube. Once the lamb’s tempera- Producers seeking more in- ture is 101°F, the lamb should be formation about hypothermia in returned to the ewe. Lambs that lambs should consult with their are too weak to hold up their head local veterinarian or local County and cannot swallow will need to be Educator.

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 11 12 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Remembering Ralph Chain By Savannah Magoteaux Psalm 24:1: “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” alph Chain of Canton, being around people and having Okla., first appeared in the fun. He was a fun person and a Rpages of Oklahoma Farm fun dad.” and Ranch in April of 2016, as Monte Chain the feature story of the magazine. Ralph’s son Monte Chain re- In it, he shared many nuggets of called a terrible blizzard that hit wisdom, including “Your life is the area unexpectedly in the early a sermon every day. People will 1970s. A family owned a neigh- watch you.” boring ranch but lived in town. When penning this piece about The father and two children had this remarkable man, the 2002 gone to feed cattle when the bliz- hit from Randy Travis, Three zard hit. “They were stranded. His Wooden Crosses, came across wife called and asked if someone the radio. Fitting was the poignant could check on them. My dad and line, “It’s not what you take when cousin went in a four-wheel drive you leave this world behind you; pickup – one of the first we ever it’s what you leave behind you had – and drove over there, found when you go.” them, and brought them home to Speaking with Ralph’s friends stay with us for a week,” Monte and loved ones, it was clear Ralph recalled. “They stayed with us lived that line. His faith in the Lord for a week or so. I remember him was evident not only from the way always being hospitable and want- he treated the people he came in ing to take care of neighbors.” contact with, but in his steward- Monte added that after the ship of the land, in his servant’s at- blizzard had passed, Ralph spent titude, and in the ways he elevated several days on a cab-less dozer everyone around him. clearing neighbor’s driveways and Andrea Hutchison roads. He said, “That’s something Ralph’s daughter Andy Hutchi- that sticks out to me. I think being son recalls growing up attending helpful to neighbors and people church at the Canton Y Church of Ralph Chain has been a regular contributor to OKFR since he appeared in need, trying to be a good Sa- Christ, where her father was her on the cover in April 2016. maritan, was important to him. Sunday School teacher. “We never renew their strength; they shall man, and he knew how to manage He grew up during the dust bowl missed. He taught my Sunday mount up with wings as eagles; his time, money, land and cattle. days and he always wanted to help School class, and my kids’ Sunday they shall run, and not be weary; He tried, and was, a good steward others.” School class. He brought several and they shall walk, and not of everything.” Monte recalled his father’s people to Christ through those faint.” In that role, Ralph was involved faith and love of the land. “We classes,” she said. “Our Christian Andy recalled how her father in every aspect of the ranch. “He belonged to the Canton Y Church heritage is my father’s legacy. He never condemned anyone, and he helped grow it with his family and of Christ. He went there faithfully believed in obeying God and keep- wouldn’t tell people how to do employees. He was out in the field and always served. It wasn’t just ing his commandments. He was their business. “He would have from the time he was tiny, so he for appearances. He truly lived even sharing about the Lord while a lot of people inquire about all knows every part of it. Many of his faith in Christ,” he explained. he was in the hospital to the nurses sorts of things – cattle, land, mar- the employees have become like “He would talk about how we’re who took care of him.” riage – and he’d just say, ‘I think a family. He was great with them. not here for very long. We’re Ralph loved the word of God, feller ought to do this.’ And it was As long as they took care of stuff just caretakers of God’s creation. and Andy noted his favorite scrip- part of the reason people liked and he wouldn’t micromanage,” she We’re not going to live forever, ture was Isaiah 40:31. But they respected him so much,” she said. said. “It wasn’t unusual for people and we’re going to leave it behind. that wait upon the Lord shall “He was still a shrewd business- to stay 30 to 40 years. He enjoyed See RALPH page 14 www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 13 Ralph Continued from page 13 He believed in keeping God’s commandments, and that’s the way he lived. He tried to make the world a better place and serve others.” Although Ralph was a strict father, Monte said he was a good one. “He was a stickler about get- ting your work done and making sure things were done and done right. He wanted us to have a good work ethic. He was a live wire, and he was my hero,” he said. Linda Fields Linda Fields has worked for the Chain Ranch more than 30 years. She’d grown up attending church with the Chain family. “Ralph was really great. He was just a wonder- ful, Christian man who practiced what he preached but didn’t try to force his religion on anyone. He just lived his life the way he believed,” she recalled. Ralph’s faith in the Lord was evident each day at the ranch. Linda explained that, for the last several years, they would have Bible study and prayer every morning before the day would start. “He was always so encour- aging and told us to think positive and notice the little things,” she said. “He would always remind us that life is short and death is certain. He was just a wonderful, positive person.” Linda added that the employees were always respected, resulting in many spending decades work- ing on the ranch. “In my experi- ence, if I made a mistake, he just Ralph loved his Lord, family, ranch, and community. He was actively involved in every aspect of his life. told me to fix it, and if I couldn’t (Photos courtesy of Andy Hutchison fix it, he’d just tell me to get help Ralph made his employees feel, important instead of just a plain it as something he did. He saw on it. He never got mad or hollered noting, “He treated everyone old secretary.” it as something God had taken or any of that stuff you hear people like they were someone special. Linda reiterated Ralph’s love care of.” doing,” she said. “When it came to He wanted to know everything of the Lord. “He loved his wife Wayne Link work and the guys would come in, about what was going on in their and family and God, and he al- Wayne Link was another long- he’d never bark orders. It would life. Usually people don’t pay ways felt like God let us use this time employee of the Chain Ranch, always be, ‘Shouldn’t we do this?’ attention to a secretary like me, land while we’re here.” She added, having worked there for more than He would suggest things.” but he would introduce me to “If something good happened it 20 years. She recalled how important people and treat me as someone was a blessing – he never saw During that time he was the

14 | MARCH 2019 OKFR ranch foreman, a tractor driver and a truck driver. He truly became a jack of all trades, but that wasn’t the case when he first came to work. Still, that didn’t matter to Ralph. “I remember when I first went to work there in the 1980s, I hadn’t done any farm work. When I got there, he had some ground that wasn’t very good. He said, ‘Come go with me and we’ll look at that ground and see what we need to do,’” Wayne recalled. “We went and looked at it, and he asked me what I thought we should do. I thought to myself, ‘He’s been farming all this time and I haven’t ever, but he’s asking me what to do?’ I thought it was amazing. He was always the type of person who it didn’t matter – if someone else had a better idea of (Photo courtesy of Andy Hutchison) how to do something, he’d do it many worked there many years. trust into his employees, and he Him first, and everything else their way.” “Most anytime I had anything to took care of us. I really enjoyed came after that. He was just a su- Wayne added that Ralph’s faith do, he’d just tell me to get what working there,” he said. “Ralph per nice guy. I really miss him.” in his employees was the reason so I needed to fix it. He put a lot of believed in the Lord God and put See CHAIN page 16

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 15 Continued from page 15

ChainOrville White had an interest in horses, rodeo, Orville White’s friendship and cattle. And he was a steward with Ralph dates back more than of the land.” 50 years. “He was the greatest Doug recalled Ralph’s love of gentleman I’d ever met. Every his bulldozer. “We made a stop time I’d see him, he was the same one time about six years ago. I as the time before. He was a great found him out by himself on his pillar of our community, a loving bulldozer clearing some land. He husband and father, and very kind was always thinking about the and generous-hearted,” Orville future.” recalled. “He was very support- He added, “He loved that ive of the kids in the community. bulldozer. I had a golf cart I loved Any direction you wanted to go in for running around and leading discussing Ralph’s life, you’d find horses, and Ralph loved his bull- he was superior.” dozer. I think he loved it more than Orville noted that Ralph had any other piece of equipment.” the incredible ability to make the He recalled one time Ralph was people around him be better. “He in a predicament. “He answered could always elevate you higher my call and said he’d climbed up than what you actually were, and on a windmill and the ladder was he made you want to be the kind falling down, so he was waiting of person he saw you as. for someone from the ranch to “This is my dad and Doug Sauter studying something,” said Andy Hutchison. (Photo courtesy of Andy Hutchison) That was just Ralph’s way come fix the ladder so he could get with people,” he said. “It didn’t down,” he recalled with a laugh. matter where you were at, he As all his friend’s can attest, always knew you and could call Ralph was always looking towards you by name. He was one of those the future. “Everything he did with genuine fellas that was always a the ranch was for the betterment of blessing to know. Him and his the future. I think a lot of ranchers, wife Darla were just awesome and people in general, could take a people.” lesson from that. You’re not build- Ralph had a reputation for hon- ing for now, but you’re developing esty, and in Orville’s words, “If he for the future,” he said. “Ralph’s told you something, that was the legacy will go on and on. Chain way it was.” Ranch will be around for 100s of Orville added, “Ralph was al- years because of what Ralph and ways on the positive side of life. his family have done.” If he had a negative side, he must Ralph will never be forgotten. have gotten that under control be- “I don’t think there was a better or fore he saw the rest of the world. more Christian man than Ralph. I He was always willing to help miss my friend,” Doug said. “The someone in need, and his family other day I used a line that was carries on that legacy.” said at Ralph’s memorial service. Doug Sauter ‘He traveled a great deal, and en- Doug Sauter remembers the joyed traveling, but the best trip start of his friendship with Ralph. was the trip home.” “He had came to the Calgary Although Ralph went to be Stampede and I was able to spend with the Lord on Dec. 8, 2018, some time with him. We just de- less than a month shy of his 92nd veloped a friendship from there birthday, his life’s work, both and we’d make time to get to- on the ranch and throughout his gether,” he said. “The thing about community, lives on in the ones Ralph, is he was a true rancher. He he left behind.

16 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 17 18 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Living to Serve By Shadi Nettles he National FFA motto is “Learning to do, doing to Tlearn, earning to live, living to serve.” FFA members from across the nation carry out this motto each day. Learning and serving is what this organization is all about; and Oklahoma FFA chapters excel in both of these categories. For the Alva FFA chapter of Alva, Okla., serving others is second nature. One of this chapter’s largest service projects of the year is packag- ing meals for Stamp Out Starvation, a non-profit organization located in Cherokee, Okla. Stamp Out Starvation uses spe- cific ingredients such as rice and vitamins to create vacuum packaged meals. The meals are then distrib- uted to those in need, not only in Oklahoma, but overseas as well. For some people, many of whom are children, these meals are their only source of food. However, before the meals can be delivered, they must be packaged. The Alva FFA chapter decided to rise to the challenge along with their fellow students from the Alva High School Key Club. The two student organizations joined forces to pack- age 37,044 meals, which will feed hungry citizens in Haiti. Garrett Radford, Alva FFA President, spoke of the chapter’s service project, “I had members coming back to help as many times as possible. The amount of energy we had was re- ally inspiring.” Radford went on to explain what service means to him, “It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as packaging meals to send to other countries. It could be as simple as giv- ing someone a ride on a cold day.” The Alva FFA and Key Club will leave a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of people because of this Alva FFA and the Alva High School Key Club joined forces to package more than 37,000 meals, which selfless act of service. Oklahoma FFA will feed hungry citizens in Haiti. (Photo courtesy of Alva FFA) members are truly, living to serve. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 19 Weed Control Strategies By Everett Brazil, III he summer planting sea- to make sure we don’t have a re- son is only a few months sidual problem going forward.” Taway, and producers are Protecting GMO resistance now planning their strategies for traits to dicamba and 2, 4-D is warm-season crops including cot- important, as it could have serious ton, corn, soybeans and sorghum. consequences if they are lost. Producers should also take into “If we lost those, your cost account weed control strategies, goes up, and our margins are small which will allow the new crop to right now,” Baughman said. “It get a start in a clean field with no would be detrimental, both from competition from other plants. a weed control perspective and an Several weed species stand out economic perspective.” as more problematic than other Mixing herbicides is effective species and are starting to exhibit in combatting weed resistance, but some resistance to herbicides. other methods can include herbi- For small grains such as wheat, cide rotation. This is especially ef- those pests include horseweed, fective in fields with no resistance, also known as mare’s tail, and as it will help prevent it. Italian ryegrass, as well as palmer The first step to preventing the spread of weeds is to start with a clean “If you don’t have a problem amaranth. field at the start of planting. (Photo courtesy of Everett Brazil, III) with resistance, rotate your herbi- “Palmer amaranth has evolved Todd Baughman, OSU Weed varieties, such as Monsanto’s cides so you don’t have problems resistance to a lot of different her- Science Program Support leader. Xtend cotton and soybeans, which with pigweed as we go into the bicides, so we’re always looking “There are pockets of things like exhibit tolerance to glyphosate, growing season,” Baughman for more herbicide chemistries,” giant ragweed, and as we move marketed as Roundup, glufosinate, said. said Misha Manuchehri, Okla- into the spring and summer, sold as Liberty and special formu- Applicators who take advan- homa State University (OSU) mare’s tail and kocia are two of lations of dicamba. Dow AgroSci- tage of dicamba-tolerant cotton Extension weed specialist. “I’m the ones we work with.” ences developed the Enlist system, and soybean must be certified to also looking at Italian ryegrass, The first step to preventing the which employs glyphosate and use the chemical. The OSU Coop- which is ACCase resistant. We’ve spread of weeds is to start with a glufosinate, as well as 2, 4-D as erative Extension Service offers also recently discovered mare’s clean field at the start of planting, opposed to dicamba. training courses to keep applica- tail that is resistant to ALS chem- and there are several methods of The two systems have been tors up-to-date on license require- istry.” prevention, which includes her- important in controlling weed ments. Applicators can contact the ACCase herbicides include bicidal use. populations, but some are now local Extension office to find times brands such as Axial, while ALS One way to take advantage exhibiting resistance to the her- and dates of area meetings. herbicides include Finesse and of herbicides is through residual bicides. Some states have seen Regardless of weed control Ally. chemistries, which form a barrier resistance in weeds, but that’s not measures used, the goal is to start Palmer amaranth, also known on the surface of the field, pre- yet the case in Oklahoma, Baugh- with a clean field, not only to as pigweed or careless weed, has venting the weed from emerging. man said. It is still important lessen the prospect of herbicide also seen a major problem for Residual herbicides can be applied to maintain the quality of those resistance, but also to give the row crops such as cotton and soy- pre- or post-planting or when the modes-of-action, and combining crop a change to grow without beans. Other problematic species crop is growing. herbicides is one effective method competition. include tall waterhemp and giant Tillage is also an option. of protecting herbicides. “The biggest thing, with the ragweed. “You can till your ground “That is where the residual pro- potential for resistance, is having “By far, the biggest problem to make sure the seedling has a gram is key, and you need to make a good residual control up front weeds are the pigweed species, chance to grow, or if you no-till, sure you mix another herbicide or – that gets the season forward as palmer amaranth, and tall wa- there are burndown herbicides that residual when you go out,” Baugh- we move into the rest of the sum- terhemp, mostly because they’re are effective,” Manuchehri said. man said. “Part of the problem is mer,” Baughman said. “You want such prolific seed producers and Many cotton and soybean these are two of the most effective to start clean, no matter what, and spread so quickly, and two, be- producers have turned to special- products post-emergences, so us- have a good residual program right cause they grow so quickly,” said ized genetically-modified (GMO) ing another mode-of-action is key behind the planter.”

20 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 21 Behind Bythe Ddee Haynes Scenes have a confession to make; even though I grew up in the I rodeo world, I took for granted the people behind the scenes that make a rodeo happen. So, to all the stock contractors, directors, chute help, judges, flaggers, and most importantly the secretaries, please accept my apologies. A few years ago, I served two years as a director of a junior rodeo as- sociation. It was after those two long years that I really came to appreciate all the hard work, often volunteer work, that goes into play to put on a rodeo. Sure, I grew up helping my family put on team ropings, but it is nothing like a full-fledged rodeo. When deciding on the topic for my next article, I always pray and ask the Lord to guide my words and help me choose my topics. A few days ago, as I was reading through my e-mails, the reminder Sandra’s family: Sandra Ransome, Shea Ransome, and Michael Ransome. (Photo courtesy of Sandra Ransome) of the upcoming deadline for my article popped up. So as always, I prayed once again for guidance then went about my day. Later that evening while checking the Okla- homa High School Rodeo website for entry forms, it became clear. I needed to write about the people behind the scenes of a rodeo and specifically our two OHSRA secretaries, Sandy Ransome and Kelli Harmon. These two ladies are absolutely the hardest working rodeo secre- taries you will ever find. Weeks before each rodeo season they are diligently working to update the website with new informa- tion and entry forms. As the entry forms start coming in prior to each rodeo, it is their job to make sure all the “Is” are dotted and the “Ts” crossed. These two gals may not know all the parents, but they Kelli’s family: Mother Carolyn Cury, Husband Randy Harmon, Daughter-In-Law Bethany Harmon, Son Braden do know each kid by name, what Harmon, Son-In-Law Justin Hill, Daughter Keila Harmon, and Granddaughter Gracelyn HIll.

22 | MARCH 2019 OKFR events they enter and where they are from. To my daughter isn’t entered for an event as they rodeo in the Oklahoma High School Associa- both know she is always entered in that event. tion, each contestant must be enrolled either Yes, you guessed it, human error on mom. Talk in a public, private or home school program. about going the extra mile. Prior to the fall rodeo season and then again Having been rodeo moms themselves, in the spring season, each contestant must turn Sandra and Kelli know first hand what it takes in proof of enrollment and proof of passing for the rodeo kids and families to rodeo. The grades, which means even more work for the time put into practice, the money spent in fees, two secretaries. horses, trailers, vet bills, and travel can add up Sandra and Kelli have many duties beyond quickly. Having experienced these themselves, the above mentioned. These two gals work with they can relate to mishaps and are sympathetic the stock contractors and judges for the draw- and willing to work with the OHSRA rodeo ing of the livestock for each contestant, tally families on mishaps such as a late or missed points from each event, calculate the pay-out entry or a panicked call needing an extra stall for the winners, pay the bills, keep the website when books are closed. up to date and keep roughly 100 rodeo kids in Kelli and Sandra are not just co-workers; line. Not to mention dealing with the parents, they are best friends. They have shared the grandparents and guardians of the contestants, highs and the lows of life, and truly enjoy one which I know can be unpleasant at times. another’s company. The friendship and bond For the past 10 years these two ladies have they share shows in the friendly banter heard spent their weekends in the Oklahoma High while they work together. School Rodeo secretary’s trailer. Sandra and In closing, I just want to say, “thank you,” Kelli can be found in the trailer hours before Kelli Harmon and Sandy Ransome. (Courtesy to not only my two favorite secretaries but to photo) each rodeo begins and hours after it ends. all the board, judges, contractors and unpaid With all the Oklahoma High School rodeos spend hours upon hours working behind the volunteers who help to make the Oklahoma being two-day events, these two funny, sassy, scenes to insure each rodeo runs smoothly. I High School Rodeo Association successful. smart, efficient, and sometimes tough ladies have personally experienced a text asking why Until next time...

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 23 DO NOT DELETE!!!

Expecting mares newborn foals By Garrett Metcalf,& DVM he time is here, and talk- the mare and can be delayed in ing about taking care of cases of dystocia. Retained pla- Tnewborn foals is upon us. cental tissue can lead to serious Owners, breeders and trainers life-threatening illnesses for the have waited nearly 11 or more mare and it is important to collect months to see what their hard work the placenta for examination later and dedication has provided them if there is concern that a portion and the time to be prepared is be- of the placenta remains in the fore the foal has arrived. There are uterus. many key steps and preparations There are key early-life stages to be aware of to make the foaling the foal needs to meet to ensure the process a success and to obtain a foal is going to be able to get one healthy foal. This article will high- of the most important meals of its light the key aspects of the foaling life. Newborn foals are going to process and aftercare of the foal in spend a few minutes figuring out the first hours and days of life to what just happened but quickly help ensure a healthy foal. Spring is an exciting time for mare owners as foals begin to arrive. The should be on their feet. Newborn average gestational length is 342 days. (Photo by Cheryl Cody) As the time nears for the foal foals should be standing within to arrive, the level of excitement to test calcium levels in the mare’s cially exceeding 30 minutes. This an hour learning quickly how to and fear becomes more real for milk and as the milk calcium or can be simply assisting delivery of navigate with their legs, maintain horse owners. If you have al- calcium carbonate levels rise, the the foal by grabbing the legs and balance and, of course, there will ready experienced watching and probability of the mare foaling in pulling or as serious as c-section, be some crashes, but not to worry, waiting for a foal to arrive, you 24-48 hours increases, but if the depending on the problem. When they will figure it out soon. The may already know not all mares calcium is below a certain level this process is prolonged, time is next important step is nursing. It follow the rulebook. The average it indicates the probability that of the essence and is now declared is imperative for foals to receive gestational length is 342 days for the mare won’t foal in the next a dystocia. colostrum in the first few hours a mare give or take, with a range 24 hours. Dystocia simply means a dif- of life. of 320-365 days before they foal. Stages of parturition in a mare ficult birth. It is important to have Normally a foal should nurse Breeding dates are helpful to get a are important for owners to be a plan in place in case there is dif- within two hours of being born. rough idea when the foal may ar- aware of especially when it comes ficulty in this stage. Plans should If there are delays because the rive but certainly not going to help to detecting a problem in the include emergency contact with foal cannot stand because of limb pinpoint a specific date or time. process. There are three stages a your veterinarian, truck and trailer deformities or the foal doesn’t There are clues the mare will mare goes through in the birthing ready if needed and knowing progress normally in its ability to give that will help with guessing process. Stage 1 is usually the lon- where the closest surgical equine nurse, your veterinarian should when the foal will be born. Some gest of the stages. This is the stage specialists are in case a c-section is be contacted to aid in correcting of the first signs are tail head laxi- when the uterine contractions necessary to deliver the foal. All these issues quickly. Colostrum ty, vulva elongation and mammary begin, and the mare will display of these steps and plans are not is a vital key to foal’s health and development. The muscles around changes in behavior, restlessness, something that someone wants to protection from environmental the croup and tail head become colic, sweating and agitation. This come up with on the fly because pathogens, and without it they are more soft and relaxed in prepara- can take several hours (one to four time is critical in getting a live going to become ill very quickly. tion for the birthing process and of hours) before Stage 2 begins. foal. Thankfully, most of the time Foals’ ability to absorb the large course mammary development to Stage 2 is very short in a mare foaling is smooth and uneventful, antibody immunoglobulins in co- supply milk for the foal. The next compared to other species. This but one to two percent of mares lostrum diminishes quickly after clue to narrow the foaling win- is the time from when the water will experience dystocia, and it is 12 hours and no longer can be dow time is waxing. A waxy plug breaks to the delivery of the foal. more common in first- time foal- absorbed after 24 hours after birth. material will form on the ends of The second stage of parturition ing mares. If foals do not receive adequate the teats indicating the mare is get- should only take 15-20 minutes Stage 3 is passing of the pla- amounts of colostrum, they will ting rather close to foaling. This and if prolonged the health of the centa, and if it takes longer than have failure of passive transfer, usually indicates the mare will foal can be in danger. Intervention three hours for the placenta to be putting them at risk of sepsis, joint foal in the next few days. A more is needed if this stage does go over passed, it is considered retained. ill and other complications. There accurate test has been developed the 15-20 minute mark and espe- This is important to the health of are no good oral supplements to

24 | MARCH 2019 OKFR DO NOT DELETE!!!

Always remember that if your mare or foal is having trouble, please call your local veterinarian for assistance and advice. They can walk you through any problems. (Photo by Cheryl Cody) replace colostrum in a foal except of the mare, and when the foal is having banked colostrum from being born a signal is sent to a donor mares. The best replace- receiver, which then calls a list ment short of banked colostrum of phone numbers alerting that a is via IV plasma transfusion. A mare is foaling. blood test can confirm if the foal Many foaling facilities or vet- has received adequate amounts erinary practices also employ of colostrum and determine if the camera systems to monitor mares foal is at risk of failure of passive without having to disturb the mare transfer. In some high risk foals or and to watch if there is a problem. large breeding farms, IV plasma Also some veterinary practices is administered regardless of the have an operating room and full IgG levels in their blood because time staff prepared to perform an it has helped reduce the risk of key emergency c-section if need. foal diseases. Whether or not you delivered If all of this sounds overwhelm- multiple foals or your first time, ing, and you would rather be able it always pays off to be prepared to sleep well at night, there are for the arrival of new life. These options for you. There are many stages of labor and life milestones foaling facilities or veterinary that foals need to accomplish to practices that use technology and survive are key steps that horse close monitoring to make sure owners need to be familiar with it all goes well. Well-equipped in order to assure success. Always facilities have foal monitoring remember if you feel your mare systems that alert the veterinarian or foal is having trouble, please or staff members if there is a mare call your local veterinarian for beginning to foal. One particular assistance and advice to help you system called Foal Alert requires work through these problems a transducer sutured into the vulva when they arise. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 25 The “Uncommon” Smiths By Judy Wade mith may be the most com- mon name in the United SStates, but when you add Clay, Jake and Britt to it, you have something most definitely uncommon. Clay, 27, was named for seven time World Champion Heeler Clay O’Brien Cooper; Jake, 25, was named for Jake Barnes, seven time World Champion Header; Britt, 17, for 13 time Wrangler Na- tional Finals Rodeo qualifier Britt Bockius. They have certainly lived up to their names in the world of team roping. From World Champion Dum- my Roper to WNFR World Cham- pion Header, these boys have won it all, and there is more in their futures. The sons of Mark and Tammy Smith of Broken Bow, they have shown how dedication, work ethic, hours of practice, and a love of the sport (not to mention talent) can pay off. Mark, a team roper and horse trainer, provided an arena, cattle, Britt, second from left, receiving a trophy saddle for winning the first ever Hooey Jr. team roping at the Bob Feist Invitational. (Photo courtesy of the Smith family) horses, coaching, and long hours on the road to help the boys er Betty Smith, a retired teacher, Moving into the junior high ing Championships Finals when achieve their goals. and Britt by his mom. That gave and high school rodeo associa- they were teenagers, and then went Tammy, now retired from them time to practice, perfecting tions, the boys kept winning. One on to win the prestigious Wildfire teaching third grade, is book- their skills and travel. room in their home is wall-to-wall in Salado, Texas. keeper, financial advisor, home Jake won the World Champion and floor-to-ceiling with trophy All three have won the Junior school provider, and videos every Dummy Roping in Las Vegas saddles and huge cases hold gold World Champion Team Roping run so they can critique their per- when he was five. Not long after, and silver trophy buckles. formerly held at Ardmore, Okla. formances. Mark got a call from NBC. “At Before they were old enough Clay is still celebrating his big The Smiths provide an outdoor first, I thought it was a joke. They to have driver’s licenses, the boys win in Las Vegas last December arena, a state of the art indoor wanted Jake and Clay to appear on were winning trucks and trailers. when he became the 2018 World arena with 20 horse stalls, a con- the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. They began to pick up sponsors Champion Header in the PRCA. ference room and a bunkhouse It was for real, and they flew the to help with expenses and even He lives in Bowie, Texas, with his where they not only practice but family to Hollywood, put us up had state of the art roping chutes wife Taylor, and nine-month-old also train and/or board outside in a posh hotel, gave us a tour of provided. It was truly a family af- son, Jade. He is heading for Jake horses, give team roping and rid- Universal Studio and sent us to fair. Where the boys went, Mom Long this year, and they have ing lessons and offer sales prepa- Disneyland. The boys were on the and Dad and grandparents, Vernon already won the Wildfire Roping ration for equines. Tonight Show and tried to teach and Betty Smith, went, until recent and Denver, have placed at other The boys attended school in Jay Leno to rope,” he laughed. health problems curtailed the major rodeos and are leading the Broken Bow through eighth grade All three boys recalled first grandparents’ travel. PRCA team roping. Clay’s main and then were home schooled, throwing a loop horseback at age Clay and Jake won the number mount is a good grey gelding he Clay and Jake by their grandmoth- five. 13 at the United States Team Rop- See SMITHS page 27

26 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Smiths Continued from page 26 calls Marty. Jake and wife, Brandi, have a new home near Broken Bow, Okla., where she is a hairdresser. They are expecting their first child, a boy, in August. He won the Prairie Circuit Fi- nals in Duncan, Okla., in 2017 and earned a trip to the Ram National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Fla. He finished out of the money to go to the NFR in 2018, but he was there to cheer on his brother. He plans to make a big run at the winter rodeos this year heel- ing for Jessie Stipes. He is riding a roan horse he calls Ted. “I’ve owned him since he was three. I’ve been hauling him since he was four. He’s 13 now and is my best horse,” said Jake. “I’m going to do all I can to be in Las Vegas this December, and I don’t mean just selling popcorn,” assured Jake. Britt will turn 18 in May and will get his PRCA permit. “Winter is a slow time for roping, and I am Clay spins one for Jake at the USTRC finals. (Photo courtesy of the Smith family) going to go to some open jackpots. In the spring I’ll go to some ama- teur rodeos heading for Jake. I also head for Wesley Johnson, and I’ll practice here every day when I am home,” he explained. “Next year, after I fill my per- mit, I will start trying to make the finals,” he assured. Britt recently won the first ever Hooey Jr. Roping at the Bob Feist in Reno, was Championship Header at the Louisiana Rodeo Association Finals and was named All-Around Champion at the Cow- boys Regional Rodeo Association Finals, where he roped calves in addition to heading steers. “I will calf rope this spring at some of (Left) Britt with the first saddle he won. (Right:) Jake, right, and Clay show Jay Leno how to rope on the the smaller amateur rodeos,” he Tonight Show. (Photos courtesy of Smith family) added. “I’ve got three good heading Britt continued. win the world.” before long. horses right now: a bay that I like Clay summed it up this way: While Clay has already ac- (Pick up a copy of the March a lot and two greys. One is 10, and “All we’ve ever wanted to do is complished both, they continue to issue of North Texas Farm and I’ve had him since he was two. rope. We’ve had two goals. One be his goals. We predict that Jake Ranch magazine to read more The other I got about a year ago,” is to make the NFR, and two is to and Britt will achieve those goals about Clay Smith.) www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 27 28 | MARCH 2019 OKFR An Introduction Retired Oklahoma Auctioneer Jerry Gwartney am a retired auctioneer. I sold Saturday. at local livestock auctions I hope to share with you some I mostly. I did have a real estate of the colorful characters I dealt license at one time and sold a lot with over the years from the early of farm sales and machinery, but 1960s to the early 1990s. Some I didn’t get along with lawyers, were famous in the eyes of oth- bankers, and others to get sales, ers, while others could better be so livestock worked the best for described as notorious. me. I loved getting up early and I would like to begin by pay- driving 50 to 100 miles to an auc- ing my respects to Ralph Chain. I tion – 200 miles to Guymon! I was able to speak to him by phone enjoyed crawling into the auction before he passed and thank him box at 10 a.m. and still being there for all the inspiring and enjoyable 12 hours later. articles he wrote. He truly lived At one period in time I sold the cowboy’s prayer. six sales a week, starting at Enid, I look forward to sharing my then Mangum, Guymon, Fairview, stories with you. Thank you. Sayre, and finishing atE lk City on - Jerry Gwartney

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 29 Th e Fu t u r e o f Ag r i c u l t u r e State FFA President Cole Eschete

30 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Th e Fu t u r e o f Ag r i c u l t u r e State FFA President Cole Eschete

believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, I even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years. I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleas- ant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny. I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progres- sive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil. I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so–for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me. I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task. Continued on page 32

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 31 Th e Fu t u r e o f Ag r i c u l t u r e State FFA President Cole Eschete

The words of the FFA creed, penned by E.M. Tiffany and adopted at the Third National FFA Convention, are held in the mind of every person who has ever worn the association’s blue corduroy jacket. The nostalgic words bring back memories of livestock shows, white ag trucks, pig fries, conventions, contests, and more. For some, however, those words are forever engraved on their heart. Growing up as a fifth generation rancher in the small Southeast Oklahoma town of Bokchito, Cole Eschete is one of those people. For Eschete, there was never a doubt he would be involved in FFA; it’s just a way of life for small-town boys in Oklahoma. He just didn’t realize when he first became a member how much it would change his life. The charismatic young man is now serving out his last couple months as the State President of Oklahoma FFA, having spent seven years involved with the Association. “Just a small-town kid…” Born and raised in Bokchito, just 20 miles east of Durant, Eschete’s roots in agriculture run deep. Pure Angus beef cattle are raised on his family’s ranch, named the Lost Cajun Ranch in homage to his father’s Louisiana roots. Like many country kids, Eschete spent countless hours working on the ranch driving tractors, building fence, doctoring, and any- thing else the job required. In his younger years, Eschete was heavily involved in 4-H, so FFA was just the logical progression. “FFA was just the next step for me to show livestock. Little did I know at the time where it would lead,” Eschete said with a laugh. “My uncle, Josh McDonald, was my ag teacher when I first joined FFA. He and my parents let me know really quick I wasn’t going to just show livestock and pushed me to get into the leadership side of things and all the many activities that Oklahoma FFA provide, and Cole Eschete of Bokchito, Okla., has served two years as an Oklahoma State FFA Officer. He that’s how I’m here today.” was elected the Southeast Area Vice President for the 2017-2018 year, and was elected as It’s hard to believe, but when he was President during the 92nd Annual State FFA Convention in Oklahoma City. Eschete is currently Continued on page 34 a Sophomore at Oklahoma State University. (Photo courtesy of Cole Eschete)

32 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 33 Th e Fu t u r e o f Ag r i c u l t u r e State FFA President Cole Eschete Continued from page 32 younger, Eschete had a difficult time speaking to people, even struggling with a slight stutter. “I couldn’t look anyone in the eye, but I did livestock judging, public speaking, opening ceremonies, and more. I did everything, but those are the main ones.” He added, “Now I can talk your ear off.” Although Eschete fulfilled his promise to do more than show livestock, he still was incredibly successful in the show pen. He Eschete’s Senior Picture showcases the many awards he won during his high school career, which includes spent his free time in the barn with many wins in livestock showing and judging. (Photo courtesy of Cole Eschete) his show pigs and raised and sold them as part of his Supervised Agricultural Experience, a major component of FFA membership. His fellow FFA and 4-H mem- bers would buy them, and he himself won numerous accolades and honors in the form of Grand Championships with his homebred hogs. Eventually, Eschete was awarded the Southeast District Star in Production. The Journey to a State Office It was in ninth or 10th grade that Eschete met two young men who would change the trajectory of his FFA career. During the State Officer Goodwill Tour, when state officers visit most every FFA chapter in the state, Eschete met Gatlin Squires and Garrett Reed. “Those two guys took time out of Cole Eschete and the 2018-2019 officer team, including Madelyn Gerken of Kingfisher as Secretary; Jake their day and showed interest in Landrum of Mannford as Reporter; Kenzie Cannady of Adair as Northeast VP; Makala Parson of Luther as me. I thought it was the coolest Central VP; Drew Hardaway of Battiest as Southeast VP; Emily Kirk of Chattanooga as Southwest VP; and thing in the world, and that’s when Shadelyn Nettles of Alva as Northwest VP. (Photo courtesy of Cole Eschete) I really started thinking about state networking at livestock shows, It starts with an application and FFA members. office,” he said. “That’s when I judging contests, speech contests, transcript that are sent to the state Next is a test of FFA knowl- decided I could do it.” and meetings. It involves tirelessly office. Then the candidates go edge, and finally a speech to There are many steps to be- studying the association, learning through the nominating commit- explain why they want to become coming a state officer, but the everything you can about its his- tee process, known as Non Com. an FFA State Officer. real work begins long before tory and members. There, they have an interview with Oklahoma FFA is divided into the member’s senior year, with The mechanics of it are simple. not only adults, but also current five areas: Northwest, Southwest,

34 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Central, Northeast and Southeast. the state have what they need to After Nom Com, the top three get things done. I’ll never forget candidates from each area are put how these large companies, the on the ballot, and during the State ones you wouldn’t think would FFA Convention in May, each care about ag, do. It’s great to see area votes for their state officer, how much they love agriculture who is named as the Area’s Vice and Oklahoma FFA.” President. When asked how he feels to “When I found out I was one of know he might be the inspiration the three, it was one of my most for another FFA member to do life-changing moments,” Eschete more, like Squires and Reed was said. Still, that moment paled in for him, Eschete quieted for a mo- comparison to the emotions he ment, collecting his thoughts. “It’s felt when his name was called as humbling. They changed my life, the Southeast Area Vice President. and I hope I have helped inspire “It’s hard to explain. To be there people, too,” he said. in that moment – when I heard my name – it was amazing. It’s The Most Influential People call him my brother. His name is hard to explain. I had fought with Without a doubt, Eschete Colby Moffatt. I could have had a small-town mentality a lot of my counts his parents, Clay and An- all the dreams I wanted about life, and I wanted to show that a nie Eschete, as the most influential becoming a state officer, but if it guy like me, from a small town people in his life. “My mom and hadn’t been for him helping me like I was, could do just as much dad have always been my rock. and critiquing me and my country as anyone else.” They have always been there for boy attitude – bringing me down Eschete knew his time in FFA me, from taking me to events all to earth – if it wasn’t for him, I wasn’t over. On May 2, 2018, over the country, to money, time wouldn’t be here today.” on the final day of the 92nd An- driving. As I got more active Now 20 years old and in his nual State FFA Convention, reign- in FFA, my parents helped me second semester as a college ing State FFA President Ridge always push for more and to be sophomore at Oklahoma State Hughbanks announced that Cole better,” he said. University, Eschete’s FFA ca- Eschete would step into the role He noted his appreciation also reer is waning. He’s currently an of State President. for his late grandparents Patricia animal science major, but he’s “I’ve noticed, especially when and Bobby Park. “They were re- not certain on what he wants for a I was in high school, that people ally with me later on,” he said. future career. think of state officers as those “Even though they are no longer “I love people. There have been cheesy leadership people who try here, I carry with me the value of so many people who helped point to get you pumped up, but that’s hard work that they both instilled me in the right direction, so if I not the case in my experience,” he in me but more importantly they could do something in the com- said. “We’re normal people who taught me to always be yourself munication field for the livestock are just taking a year or two out of and be proud of where you come side of things and help out in some our lives to serve an organization from.” way, that is what I want to do,” he that we love. And it’s not just one “Two people who are not blood said. “I want to go and do things that we love, but it’s the largest related to me, but I call them my and do good for people, but if youth ag leadership organization adoptive grandparents are Marion there’s anywhere I want to be later in the country. The values of ag- and Linda Terrrell. They’re two in life, it’s my small town because riculture and Oklahoma FFA go folks who have been with me and I love it and it’s a great place.” hand-in-hand.” always involved with me, and I Along with FFA, Eschete was With the many experiences love them to death,” he said. heavily involved in his school, provided by Oklahoma FFA, Es- It’s clear that Eschete’s uncle, church, and community. “I want chete has a hard time picking just his first ag-ed instructor Josh Mc- people to know, whatever your a few that stand out. He recalled Donald played an important role niche is in high school, understand Top: Cole with his parents Annie the business and industry visits in his career. “He was a big role that as long as you give to your and Clay Eschete. the state officers do, and noted, model for me at Rock Creek High community, that’s what matters. Middle: Cole and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We go to see all the companies School. Kenneth Pride filled in for Be proud of it and take part in Bottom: Along with leadership and people from the different in- a year after my uncle retired, and things. Those little things you do activities, Cole raised and showed dustries across the state that really he did a lot of good for me and reflect so much in other people, hogs for his Supervised Agricul- support Oklahoma FFA, and make my school,” he said. “My last and you’ll be glad you do it,” he tural Experience. (Photos courtesy sure all the great members across ag teacher I had, I pretty much said. of Cole Eschete) www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 35 A Unique Boutique Experience

pring is coming and I am excited for some color. Who doesn’t love serape and jumpsuits? S This super cute jumpsuit is something you can wear all year, shown here with a long sleeve shirt underneath, but also can be worn with a tank top. It also comes in red serape, and you can find both on my website. Top it off with a concho belt and turquoise boots, also on the site, and you are set. Check it out Easy Butter Bread at www.jessesjewelz.com Photo credit: Susana Clare photography XOXO, Jessica Kader ~~Jesses Jewelz ~~ Custom jewelry for the custom you.

36 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Easy Butter Bread Makes 2 Loaves • Time: 2 hours

Ingredients: Directions: 2 pkgs. active dry yeast Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add sugar, milk powder, salt, and half of flour. Mix until 2 cups lukewarm water smooth. Add butter and remaining flour. 3/4 cup powdered milk Knead either by machine or by hand for 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl; cover, let rise 1/3 cup sugar until doubled. Punch down and shape into two loaves, place in greased pans. Cover. Let rise 1 tsp. salt until doubled in size. 1/3 cup softened butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake in pre-heated oven for 30 minutes or until 6 cups bread flour golden brown. Remove from pan to wire rack to cool. Optional: brush loaves with butter. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 37 By Beth Watkins Look Out here comes Where the Paved Road Ends >Livin’ the Life nce in a while an opos- cows-wiffout-Mawye?” Sam and I sum or two will show up looked at each other with that deer Oat dinner time to eat with in the headlights reaction, quickly the dog and cats on the back porch. searching our brains for the best Evidently our back porch is a safe way to answer her question with- zone, because wild opossums, out alerting her that he was, in barn cats and a chocolate lab all fact, feeding cows without Molly. co-exist quietly. This spring I want I thought I could distract this pre- to add some chickens to my me- cious little package of sass from nagerie of animals. My husband, the reality that she wasn’t going to G.W., keeps telling me that I’m be feeding cows with a phrase that not ready to deal with the mess might not be familiar to her. “Oh chickens will leave on our deck. I no, sweetheart, Dub-A-Duh just keep telling him, “Problem solved. went out to hay the cattle.” We just need to construct a maze I will never forget the gut of chicken wire tunnels around the wrenching feeling I had when backyard.” Now, it seems we have this little angel looked up at me come to a standoff. Still, I have a with those big blue, sad eyes and secret weapon that I can hit him whispered, “But I wanted to say with. Actually, I have three. Their hey to the cows, too.” Her mommy names are Emma Jo, Molly, and saw I was rendered speechless and Micah. Here is the equation: G- knew I was on the verge of order- Dubb plus three granddaughters, ing Molly a pony, a few puppies, plus Feed Store, equals Grammy a 10-pound chocolate candy bar, gets her chickens. They own him and a tub of chocolate ice cream - he can’t resist! with sprinkles, cherries and a can All the grandkids enjoy visiting of whipped cream. Sam explained us at the end of this dirt road. Our to Molly that she had forgotten to grandsons Jonah and Jeremiah pack her cowboy boots and how love to fish.E mma Jo and Kenzie she couldn’t feed cows without Beth like riding the four wheelers. cowboy boots, and also it was re- Micah is one years old, so she is ally dark outside and a cow might happy anywhere, but her big sister, not see her and step on her. Sam little Miss Molly, is the most “at promised her little sweet pea that home” when she’s here ranching she would remember to bring the with “Dub-A-Duh,” as Molly calls boots next time. him. Last Christmas we bought The very next visit Miss Molly a Minnie Mouse rolling Molly came through our door overnight bag. As soon as she wearing her cowboy boots. As she hears the words, “We are going was rolling her luggage over the to see Grammy and Dub-A-Duh,” threshold, she announced that she she starts packing. It doesn’t mat- had brought her flashlight. It was ter what she has picked-out to (Photo courtesy of Beth Watkins) a cold, rainy day in Southeastern wear, it will all be accessorized by out of the house without his little We could see the headlights of Oklahoma, and by the time G- her little pink cowboy boots and shadow. It didn’t take Molly long G.W.’s tractor taking hay out to Dubb got home from work, it her flashlight. to notice he was missing. She ran the west pasture. With a look of was dark thirty. Miss Molly was Last time they visited, Sam to the back window of the house, disbelief upon her little round face already anxiously awaiting the didn’t want Molly to go feed in cupped her little hands on the glass she peered out the window and evening chores. Clearly, there the dark, so G.W. had to sneak and tried to see down to the barn. asked, “Is Dub-A-Duh-feedin’- wasn’t going to be any way for

38 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Dub-A-Duh to sneak out to feed “These are all my cows!” cows, nor would he have wanted The Bible says, “Train up a to. The simple solution was for me child in the way they should go to accompany them to the feedlot and when he is old he will not so I could keep Molly inside the depart from it.” We can’t think tractor where it was warm and dry. of a better way to invest in our As I watched them survey the situ- grandbabies’ lives than to give ation, I couldn’t help but feel all them each a heifer to call their own was right in the world. My teddy and start them a savings account bear of a man was holding a tiny, for their calf crop. Even though pig-tail-wearing cowgirl on his they all live miles or hours away, lap and patiently explaining to her they can come visit Grammy and how the lot was much too muddy G-Dubb and enjoy life at the end for her to carry feed to the trough of this dirt road, running free, and that she needed to stay in the fishing in the pond, playing in tractor with Grammy. the creek, and raising cows. Just (Photos courtesy of Beth Watkins) We sat there and watched as soon as I can get all the girls him go back and forth filling the we took the opportunity to roll gate. It became a well-orchestrated here together, we will get some buckets with feed and carrying out some hay. Molly helped drive routine that we shall call, “Danc- chickens so we can add “gather them to the rows of troughs. Every the tractor and asked every ques- ing with cows.” As we were driv- eggs” to the list. This is also the time he would use Molly’s pink tion that came into her little head. ing back through the pasture, she year I add “planting a garden” to bucket, she would tell me that When it was time to go through a looked out into the night as the my repertoire. That just gave me was her cow’s feed. She squealed gate, he would stand Molly in the herd was filing past us headed for an awesome idea. We can run with excitement when he finally corner so he could get out and I hay and with the biggest smile chicken wire tunnels around the opened the gate to the bovine buf- would slide behind the wheel and on her face, a twinkle in her eye, perimeter of the garden! Stand by fet. While all the mamas and their she would crawl back up in my lap she raised her hand as if she were while I call G-Dubb with another babies were in the feedlot eating, to help steer the tractor through the Vanna White and exclaimed, one of my excellent ideas.

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 39 40 | MARCH 2019 OKFR oday, I took my two-year- when her baby needs her, you old to the doctor. If you don't mess with three mamas who Thave kids, or if you have are running low on caffeine and been around them for more than are headed to the ER. five minutes, or even if you have Sonora had calmed down a only passed a child in an aisle tad by now so we were looking of the local Wal-Mart, then you at birds and street lamps and any- know taking a child to the doctor is thing else to take her mind off of zero fun. In fact I would probably her elbow. My aunt Lauren, who label it, "The least relaxing thing actually is wonderful under pres- you could ever do." sure, came up behind us and felt On the way to the doctor I her arm when, snap! The arm was heard the phrase, "Having one back into place before Sonora and cow doesn't make you a rancher." I even knew it. Within a matter Just like everything else in life, I of seconds she started throwing immediately related it to moth- a ball in the ER parking lot. We erhood. Does having one child never even had to go into an exam make me a mother? Does taking room. said child to only two summers of We made it back to the rodeo rodeos make me a rodeo mama? in time to watch the Wild Cow So many questions that are un- Milking and to grab a corn on answered. the cob at the awards ceremony. As I was pondering life’s big- Sonora stayed up until midnight gest questions I thought back to Kelton and Sonora enjoying the rodeo. (Photo courtesy of Summer that night playing in the sand and this summer in Haskell, Texas. My McMillen) chasing her Dad around. I sat in husband and Dad were competing every other night in the summer, people, and cool people and indif- the sand looking like I had just in the Wild Horse Prairie Days but for some reason when you ferent people. So, I grabbed her survived 108 days in the Sahara Ranch Rodeo that Haskell puts have a child on your hip and you're little arm and headed to the trailer without food or water. How on on every year, and it's a rodeo I trying to look like a western fash- when it happened. Sonora started earth I could pop my child’s arm never want to miss. It's a ranch ion goddess all while supporting screaming. Not her mad scream out of socket? Everyone reassured rodeo held in a nice arena, put on your man, the temperature feels either, but her desperate "I need me that it was just "Nurse’s Maid by the nicest people and if you win at least 20 degrees hotter than it help" scream. Elbow," and it happened to a lot of you receive the nicest prizes. So, really is. Sonora needed a nap in a Cows, horses, cowboys, and children, so please don't turn me in conclusion, it's a nice place to bad way and she wasn't taking one. everyone else started staring our into child protective services. be in the middle of June. So, I decided to play it cool that way. I was mortified. Not that In the end, Sandhill won the I was particularly excited this night and do what any adult would they were looking at us, but that Ranch Rodeo, I shipped Sonora year because it would be Sonora's do and let my mom handle it. I just popped my 18-month-old’s off with my parents, and Kelton first time to attend the rodeo. We About 30 minutes into the rodeo arm out of socket. So, like any and I had a great weekend full would see old friends and family I look down the grand stands and adult would do, I started sobbing of steer roping all to ourselves. that lived nearby including my know without a moment’s hesita- uncontrollably. I'm really good Now that is just what the doctor parents. To top it all off, Sonora tion that Sonora needed herself a under pressure. ordered—figuratively speaking, was going to leave Haskell with good old-fashioned spanking. I'm My mother, with some coax- of course. my parents that night so that one of those moms who believes in ing, loaded us both up along with I still have not answered the Kelton and I could go to several spanking her child. Sonora knew my aunt who happens to be a question of whether or not having rodeos over the weekend without that, too. So, when my mom was doctor. We headed to the local one cow makes you a rancher. I do a screaming child in the backseat. bringing her to me I saw the ter- Emergency Room and nearly ran know, however, that having one I love ya, Sugar, but you've got a ror in her eyes. I really prefer to over a drunken cowboy in the child for two summers of rodeos set of lungs. spank her out of public view for process. Remember kids, just like makes you a darn good and un- It was hot that night just like sake of the old people, and young you don't mess with a mama cow necessarily tough mother. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 41 Merle Travis

The Musician’sBy Jan Sikes Musician he name Merle Travis is sound broke ground and set trends synonymous to a unique in electric guitar manufacturing Tfingerpicking method of and popular music that continues guitar playing that became known today. It was the first guitar of its as “Travis Picking.” kind manufactured on a substan- His trademark style incorporat- tial scale. ed elements from ragtime, blues, It is noteworthy to state that the boogie, jazz and Western swing Travis-Bigsby guitar now resides and was marked by rich chord in the Country Music Hall of Fame progressions, harmonics, slides in Nashville. and bends and rapid changes of Travis appeared in 40 different key. He could shift quickly from big-screen movies. Most were finger-picking to flat-picking in bit parts and typically around a the midst of a number by gripping campfire with a guitar, with the his thumb pick like a flat pick. In most well-known being “From his hands, the guitar resembled a Here to Eternity.” full band. “I had a really big role in that To put it simply, it is a syn- movie,” Travis said. “I played copated style of guitar rooted in the part of Sal Anderson, a man ragtime music in which alternating who played guitar and sang. But chords and bass notes are plucked when they cut it down for TV if by the thumb while melodies are Travis appeared in 40 different big-screen movies, with the most well- you didn’t pay real close atten- simultaneously plucked by the known being “From Here to Eternity.” (Courtesy photos) tion you’d miss my part.” Travis index finger. memory and a different way of complained that it was awkward chuckled. If you’d like to see this Travis grew up in a coal min- looking at things. He always to tune a regular six-string guitar. interview with Archie Campbell ing community in Muhlenberg looked at things backward. He You have three tuning keys on the in its entirety, visit YouTube and County, Ky., where the world wrote songs backward. He often topside of the headstock and three search for Merle Travis inter- was small and poverty ridden. An referred to himself as Elrem Sivart underneath. views. It’s quite entertaining. old black man, Mose Rager, who (his name backward).” In order to tune the bottom To his credit, Travis is a mem- played guitar in the ragtime style In an interview, Bresh shared keys, he thought it was unnatural ber of the Country Music Hall of of the 30s, and Ike Everly, father a story about an incident that to contort your hand at the odd Fame, the Gibson Guitar Hall of of the Everly Brothers, taught took place at a Cracker Barrel angle required to tune them. In Fame, the Songwriters Hall of young Travis to play. restaurant. Bresh was attempting the 40s, he designed a solid-body Fame and American Academy He wasn’t content to copy to solve the triangular puzzle that electric guitar and asked Paul of Film Association Pioneer Hall what he saw. He had to put his sits on each table, to no avail. Bigsby of Bigsby Guitars to build of Fame. own interpretation into it. “It’s all After Bresh let out a few choice it for him. It had all six turners Travis also worked for a period about the groove,” his son Thom expletives, Travis asked him what in a row on the top side of the of time as a cartoonist for Walt Bresh said. With the Travis style the problem was. Once his son headstock. Disney, showcasing another of his of picking, it never lets up. And explained, Travis told him he had In addition to the unique style, lesser-known artistic talents. people get moved by a groove. to work the puzzle backward to the end of the headstock curved One of his best-known songs is Chet Atkins, who was heavily solve it. Bresh, shaking his head in downwards so the tuners were “Sixteen Tons,” a monster hit, tak- influenced by Travis, is quoted as disbelief, watched Travis proceed easily accessible. en to the top of the charts by Ten- saying, “Travis went on in musical to easily work the puzzle achiev- Leo Fender, a close friend to nessee Ernie Ford. Travis talked directions never dreamt about by ing the goal of leaving one spike Travis, saw the new design, and candidly about the creation of that his predecessors.” By all accounts, in the middle of the triangle. in 1950, Fender Guitars released song. He and his brother were big Merle Travis was a genius. Travis is credited with the their version of the guitar, called fans of the war correspondent, Er- Bresh, was also quoted as say- invention of an entirely new the Broadcaster. Its simple yet ef- nie Pyle, and when Pyle was killed ing, “Travis had a photographic solid body guitar. He had always fective design and revolutionary in Iwo Jima, Okinawa Prefecture

42 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Japan in 1945, his brother said to don’t do it,” he said, “you just him, “This war is just like the coal don’t do it.” mines. You load 16 tons and what The record company requested do you get? Another day older it, so he set about to write what he and deeper in debt.” That was all considered folk songs with the first it took to send Travis off and run- of that compilation being “Dark as ning, depicting the hopelessness a Dungeon.” of the coal miners who did back- Between 1947 and 1982, Tra- breaking work for little money. He vis released 23 albums and had also explained the company store numerous No. 1 hits, mostly re- was a real deal. The miners’ pay corded by other artists. “Sixteen would show up as a credit at the Tons” is easily the most recorded only store around owned by the of Travis’ songs, with more than mine and most often at the end of 100 different artists covering it. a week, they were deeper in debt Another monster hit, recorded in than the week before. 1946 by Tex Williams, “Smoke, In 1946, the record company Smoke, Smoke that Cigarette,” Travis was signed to in California, was covered by more than 30 Capitol Records, asked him to artists. write some folk songs. To say the least, Merle Travis Travis explained that you left an indelible mark in the world don’t just write folk songs. They of music and art. 1983 at the age of 65 from a heart erected for him near Drakesboro, are handed down generation to As a reader of the OKFR maga- attack in Tahlequah where he had Ky. generation and most often their zine, you might wonder what all resided with his wife, Dorothy, for Never before, nor since, has origin is unknown. He made the of this has to do with the state of several years. one person single-handedly im- comparison to sitting down and Oklahoma. His body was cremated, and pacted the artistic world with the whittling down an antique. “You Merle Travis passed away in ashes scattered around a memorial magnitude Merle Travis did.

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 43 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oklahoma National pole and try your hand at catching Stockyards Sale trout for cash and prizes at this year’s Watonga Trout Derby. All March • OKC ages are welcome at this annual event. Registration covers all three Oklahoma National Stockyards. days of fishing and enters your Oklahoma City, OK 73018. name for prize drawings. Come Stockers and feeders sell Monday. to the Watonga Trout Derby, held Single stockers and feeders sell within beautiful Roman Nose Tuesday followed by stock cows, State Park, for an opportunity to packer cows, and packer bulls. catch tagged trout. 100 tagged Call 405-235-8675 or visit www. trout will be released into the lake ONSY.com for more informa- in addition to the normal trout tion. stocking; each caught tagged trout OKC West Sale will be a winner of cash or prizes. Categories of competition include March • El reno senior division heaviest stringer of OKC West Livestock Market. 7200 trout and junior division heaviest E Hwy 66, El Reno, OK 73036. stringer of trout. Oklahoma fishing Cattlemen serving cattlement. regulations and licensing require- Cows and bulls sell Mondays, ments apply. For more informa- calves and stockers sell Tuesdays, tion call 580-623-5452. and feeder cattle sale Wednes- Watonga Trout Derby days. Call 405-262-8800 or visit Backwoods Hunting & www.OKCWest.com for more Fishing Expo March 1 - 3 information. March 1 - 3 • OKC Living building of Oklahoma Timed Event Championship McAlester Union Oklahoma State Fair Park. Okla- State Fair Park in Oklahoma City Stockyard Sale homa City, OK 73107. The Back- is sure to have the products you are March 8 - 10 • Guthrie looking for with a wide selection woods Hunting & Fishing Expo, Lazy E Arena. Guthrie, OK 73044. March • mcalester of firearms, ammo, knives and held at the Oklahoma State Fair- Witness as Guthrie’s Lazy E more. With an entire hall full of McAlester Union Stockyards. grounds in Oklahoma City, is a Arena plays host to the Timed merchandise to browse through, 2515 Standard Rd., McAlester, trade show featuring a variety of Event Championship, an an- you’ll want to come to both days OK 74501. The Old Reliable. hunting and fishing vendors from nual event that features the top of this weekend event to every- Regular sale every Tuesday. For all over the United States. This 20 PRCA cowboys in the world thing these high quality dealers more information call 918-423- expo offers visitors an exciting competing over three days and have to offer including everything 2834 or visit www.McAlester- program of attractions, exhibits five performances for the world you’ll need to take on the great StockYards.com. and seminars with guest experts championship title of “World’s outdoors. Call 918-955-1092 for from a wide variety of fields. The Best All-Around Timed Event more information. Tulsa Stockyards Sale Backwoods Hunting & Fishing Cowboy.” For more information Expo is a large, three-day show March • Tulsa call 405-282-3004. that will appeal to anyone who Living History Event Tulsa Stockyards. Tulsa, OK loves the great outdoors, including March 7 • Durant Texoma BeefMaster Sale 74116. Northeast Oklahoma’s experienced hunters and fisher- largest and finest livestock mar- men, as well as novices. Bring Fort Washita Historic Site. Du- March 16 • mcalester ket. Sale every Monday at 9 a.m. the whole family and participate in rant, OK 74701. Experience the View the sale online at www. several youth and adult competi- commerce of the wild frontier McAlester Union Stockyards. cattleusa.com. Visit www.Tul- tions and contests. Call 405-769- as re-enactors take visitors back 2515 Standard Rd., McAlester, saStockyards.com for more 8816 for more information. in time at the this living history OK 74501. Our 23rd annual sale information. event, held at the Fort Washita will feature the largest selection Oklahoma Gun Show Historic Site near Durant. Learn of bulls available this spring. This Watonga Trout Derby about the time period between sale will also offer 60 registered March 2 - 3 • OKC 1820 and 1850 through high- females! all Derek for a catalog March 1 - 3 • Watonga Oklahoma State Fair Park. Okla- spirited competitions, educational at 254-541-4643, and find more Roman Nose State Park. Watonga, homa City, OK 73107. The Okla- stations and much more. Call 580- information at www.Beefmaster- OK. Bring your favorite fishing homa Gun Show in the Modern 873-2634 for more information. BullSale.com.

44 | MARCH 2019 OKFR CALENDAR OF EVENTS 007 Charolais Spring Bull Spring Break at Sequoyah Southwest OK Home & Indian Territory Days Sale State Park Garden Show March 28 - 29 • Lawton March 16 • Rush springs March 19 - 23 • Hulbert March 22 - 24 • Lawton Cherokee Heritage Center. 21192 Double G Sale Facility, 1224 Sequoyah State Park. 17131 Park Great Plains Coliseum. 920 S S Keeler Dr., Tahlequah, OK County Rd 1530, Rush Springs, 10, Hulbert, OK 74441. Bring Sheridan Rd., Lawton, OK 73501 74465. Experience a living class- OK 73082 Selling 70 purebred your kids out to Three Forks Na- Join the Southwest Oklahoma room of Cherokee history and charolais bulls, including 30 head ture Center at Sequoyah State Park Home Builders Association’s an- culture from the 1880s at the of 18-month-old bulls. Come in Hulbert for a fun, hands-on na- nual Home & Garden Show. An Cherokee Heritage Center’s annu- take a look at this outstanding ture experience this spring break. array of home and garden prod- al Indian Territory Days. Created offering. For more information, This five-day event is filled with ucts will be on display. Over 120 for students from kindergarten up contact Cody & Ashlie White at exciting activities that are sure to exhibitors and organizations will to 12th grade, Indian Territory 580-450-7572 or 007charolais@ engage and entertain kids of all showcase ideas and resources, as Days will focus on the late 1800s gmail.com. You can also contact ages. Each day, children will have well as the latest in kitchen, bed- prior to Oklahoma statehood. Sale Manager Greg Hubert at 785- the chance to feed a variety of ding and landscaping concepts. Come to Indian Territory Days 672-3195. animals and learn more about their Visitors can expect to see beautiful in Tahlequah for educational and eating habits. There will be a bug displays, practical home improve- entertaining demonstrations and Eagle Watch hunt, craft classes, nature tales, ment ideas and a taste of the many activities. Activities will include nature hikes and a thrilling scav- professional home and garden storytelling, blowgun shooting, March 16 • Norman enger hunt to wrap up the event services that are offered. For more Cherokee marbles, a Cherokee Lake Thunderbird State Park. on Sunday. Remember to bring information call 580-355-2490. language lesson and more. For more information call 918-456- Norman, OK 73026. Meet at the closed toed shoes and bug spray so Harrison Cattle Co. Watonga Trout Derby Discovery Cove Nature Center the kids can get the most out of this 6007 March 1 - 3 within Lake Thunderbird State amazing event. Call 918-772-2108 Production Sale Park in Norman for an information for more information. March 26 • Arapaho session at 1pm, then tour the park Cattle Raisers Convention to catch a glimpse of magnificent Vernal Equinox Walks Harrison Cattle Co. 22551 E 990 March 29 - 31 • Ft. Worth eagles in their winter home. Be Rd., Arapaho, OK. Selling 63 March 20 • Spiro sure to bring your binoculars and 2-year-old spring and fall yearling Ft. Worth Convention Center. Ft. dress appropriately. Each eagle Spiro Mounds Archaeological bulls, 38 registered spring bred Worth, TX. Join us to learn, enjoy, watch is limited to 35 people, so Center. 18154 1st St., Spiro, OK heifers, choice of NWSS pen of shop and connect. Improve your reservations are required. Join 74959. These special guided tours females, 25 commercial yearling ranch management skills. Learn visitors to Lake Thunderbird in are offered at Oklahoma’s only black baldie heifers, as well as about state and national issues. a hunt for these incidental winter prehistoric Native American ar- embryos and flushes. Managed Enjoy live music and entertain- visitors. Several sites throughout chaeological site open to the pub- by Justin Stout (913-645-5136) or ment. Shop the largest ranching the park will be visited. Call 405- lic. Each tour will be one mile of call Leslie or Jan at 580-331-8103 expo in the region. Learn more at 321-4633 for more information. easy walking and about two hours or visit www.HarrisonCattle- www.CattleRaisersConvention. in duration. For more information Company.com. com. Register now! St. Patrick’s Day in the call 918-962-2062. Garden Lone Star Angus Annual

March 17 • Tulsa Spring Bull Sale Tulsa Botanic Garden. 3900 Tulsa March 23 • Gainesville Botanic Dr., Tulsa, OK 74127. At- Cooke County Fairgrounds. 1901 tend the festive St. Patrick’s Day Justice Center Blvd., Gainesville, in the Garden as spring starts to TX 76240. Selling 75 powerful settle in. Dress in green and tour ranch-raised bulls with breed through Tulsa Botanic Garden leading genetics. Also featuring in search of lucky four-leaf clo- the Customer Appreciation Com- vers. Golden rocks and clovers mercial Female Sale. For more will be scattered throughout the information call Rodney or Mar- Children’s Discovery Garden. garet Howell at 940-367-0064 or For more information call 918- [email protected]. You Eagle watch 289-0330. can also visit the website at www. March 16 LoneStarAngus.com. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 45 o f Code Talkers t h e World Wars By Jessica Crabtree n either World War, a great decipher any of it. From the May source of assistance came 29, 2014, History.com article, Ifrom the Native American World War I’s Native American men who willingly enlisted to Code Talkers, “In the closing days serve their country. Although of World War I, Choctaw Indians World War I began July 28, 1914, pioneered a new type of military America kept its stance of neutral- intelligence." It was quoted, "The ity until its entrance on April 6, tide of battle turned in 24 hours. 1917. Within 72 hours all the allies were In 1917, Native Americans in full attack." were not even granted citizenship, Having had a brief training and even more, the government- course, the Choctaw derived code run schools insisted their people words for modern terms their lan- not speak their native language guage lacked. Although the train- or no longer adhere to their own ing was highly beneficial, the new culture. With several thousand system was not used with the war men enlisting from Oklahoma and ending prior to its use on Nov. 11, Texas, some 26 tribes were repre- 1918. Such words included "big sented in the armed forces within gun," for artillery, "little gun shoot the 36th Division. The summer of fast" for machine gun, "stone" for 1918, that 36th Division arrived in grenade and "scalps" for casual- France, participating in its first of- ties. These additions made the fensive along the western front in Choctaw true code talkers, not just the Meuse-Argonne Campaign. communicators. Up to that point, the allies’ Their efforts in time of need number one issue was Germany's proved valiant by the count- ability to listen to allied sensitive less number of lives saved and military messages, decipher the ultimately aiding in an end to code and abolish their chances at the war. Although the Choctaw advancing. The allies’ system, up Tribe is credited in initializing a to that point, was based on Euro- vocabulary, multiple other tribes pean languages or mathematical were present and acted as code progressions. This meant, one— talkers during both wars. During nothing was kept secret for long; World War II, other tribes were in- two—using human runners was strumental in their efforts. Tribes dangerous and proved ineffective such as the Comanche, Hopi, because one in four were captured Meskwaki, Chippewa-Oneida, and or killed; and three—other and Navajo made a huge impact forms of communication such as in WWII. color-coded rockets, electronic Pvt. Calvin “Nahoto” Atchavit was an Oklahoma native and full-blood An individual with particu- buzzers, or carrier pigeons were Comanche. He was born in 1893 in Cotton County, near Randlett. lar involvement in WWI was (Courtesy photo) slow and unreliable. Oklahoma native and full-blood With communication being a native tongue, that Commander Having succeeded, the follow- Comanche, Pvt. Calvin "Nahoto" necessity between companies, a sprang into action, persuading ing two days the Choctaw soldiers Atchavit. Pvt. Atchavit was born breakthrough meant survival. Af- his superiors to post a Native were involved in an attack on a June 20, 1893, in Cotton County ter the Meuse-Argonne Campaign American-speaking soldier at vari- strongly equipped German loca- near Randlett, west of Temple, was in motion, a Commander ous company headquarters in the tion known as "Forest Ferme." on the banks of West Cache within the 36th Division recog- field. That October, the very first According to History.com and a Creek. His father and uncle were nized an opportunity. Overhear- Choctaw soldier was used as part quote from Colonel A.W. Bloor, left orphaned and raised by two ing a conversation between two of a withdrawal of two companies the Germans were completely tak- relatives. Pvt. Atchavit and four Native American soldiers in their from the front lines. en back by the language, unable to other Comanche men were drafted

46 | MARCH 2019 OKFR After Pvt. Atchavit’s passing, he was awarded the Numunu Comanche Code Talkers Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. (Courtesy photo) into the United States Army on Pvt. Atchavit returned to the May 18, 1918, and assigned to United States on June 5, 1919, the Company A, 357th Infantry and was sent to Camp Merritt, N.J. Regiment, 90th Division, America Later he was sent to Camp Bowie, Expeditionary Forces. Texas, and discharged on June On Sept. 12, 1918, during 16, 1919. Pvt. Atchavit passed on hostile action at the Battle of Oct. 9, 1943, at the age of 50 after Saint Mihiel near Fey-en-Heye, a bout with heart disease. Today France, Pvt. Atchavit was severely he rests in Highland Cemetery in wounded. Pvt. Atchavit managed Lawton, Okla. to continue to fight, shooting and Pvt. Atchavit and four other killing one of the enemy and cap- Comanche soldiers, fellow code turing another. For his courageous talkers, were honored on Oct. efforts that day, Pvt. Atchavit 15, 2008, for their time as code was awarded the Army's second talkers in WWI. Posthumously, highest award of valor, the Dis- the five men were awarded the tinguished Service Cross. Numunu Comanche Code Talk- Additionally, Pvt. Atchavit was ers Congressional Gold Medal, awarded the Belgian War Cross by one of the highest civilian awards the Belgian Government for his in the United States. The honor is assistance in code talking, using presented to persons "who have his Comanche language on the performed an achievement that phone in the fields during battle. has an impact on American history While Germans were tapping the and culture that is likely to be rec- lines, working to intercept Army ognized as a major achievement messages, Pvt. Atchavit's Coman- in the recipient's field long after che words couldn't be interpreted. See CODE TALKERS page 48 www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 47 Bill Steward and Pvt. Calvin Atchavit’s nephew, veteran himself, Robert Atchavit. (Photo courtesy of Bill Steward) Code Talkers Continued from page 47 the achievement." The Numunu in the armed forces. Robert was and he was wounded. Returning ters. He was active in his church Comanche Code Talkers Congres- there in honor representing Pvt. to his division several days later, as well as an elder in the Dutch sional Gold Medal was presented Atchavit at the Armistice Celebra- Pvt. Atchavit came bringing a Reform Church in Lawton. Upon during a Congressional Gold tion hosted by the Museum of prisoner. his death, attendees were from the Medal Ceremony in Washington, North Texas History. Although Pvt. Atchavit was highly deco- Kiowa, Comanche and Apache D.C., on Nov. 20, 2013, where Robert was young when his uncle rated for his personal time in the tribes, some of whom he served Robert Atchavit, Pvt. Atchavit's passed, he recalled him walking armed forces, not only with the with. nephew, attended and received with a walking stick, never men- Distinguished Service Cross and Whether it is considered irony, a silver medal as his surviving tioning his time spent overseas. Belgian War Cross, as well as fortune or both, the very people relative. Robert didn't know about his World War I Victory Medal, Oc- who were oppressed with their lan- Pvt. Atchavit married, but uncle's valiant efforts until the cupation of Germany World War guage and culture all but stamped never had children of his own. 1980s, finding out much more I Medal and Purple Heart. Pvt. out, turned out to be an immense His closet living relative is his detail on his heroic acts. He found Atchavit even received citations help, a saving grace during our favored nephew and fellow vet- Pvt. Atchivat had sustained a from President Wilson and Gen- time of dire need. As 2018 comes eran of 33 years Robert Atchavit wound in his hip, while laying eral John J. Pershing. to a close, marking the 100th An- of Wichita Falls. Recently, during land wire and cutting enemy com- As a civilian, Pvt. Atchavit niversary of Armistice Day, the a celebration of Armistice Day in munications and clipping barbed continued his civic duty as a day that ended the WWI, we honor Wichita Falls on November 11, wire in no man’s land. When Pvt. member of the tribal council of the all those men and women, their Pvt. Atchavit was honored for his Atchivat was separated from his Kiowa jurisdiction, representing languages, cultures and selfless service, courage and time spent group, a small battle occurred, the Comanche in business mat- efforts for our freedoms.

48 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 49 Tales from an Outdoorsman By Michael Newell Bass Biology arch and April are some of the best times to start Mfocusing on big bass that are awakening from the winter doldrums and looking for a good meal. It also marks the nearing of spawning season, the time that makes anglers across the country salivate. It is not too early to start plan- ning a fishing trip, and to help you do just that I’ve included some tips from fisheries, biologists, and professional anglers to help make your outing more successful, no matter when you go. I have also included some tips to help make sure that your equipment is in prime condition for the upcoming season. When talking about early bass fishing it helps to break the time leading up to the spawning season into early pre-spawn and late pre- spawn. Fish react differently in these two time periods and pat- terns used to catch them must be adapted to the condition. Early Pre-Spawn As cold-blooded animals, bass spend their winter in fairly deep water in energy-conservation Ryan Wasser currently holds the Oklahoma smallmouth record with this 8-pound, 7-ounce bronzeback caught mode. Although they'll still eat at Lawtonka in 2012. (Courtesy photo) when food is available, the cold ings for predatory bass because isn't delivered to her doorstep, she fact that you can fish these lures water lowers their metabolism to they move slowly and not far due isn't buying it. in the same place for long periods the point they don't need to eat to low energy reserves. Until water temperatures warm of time makes them extremely much to survive. Keep this point in mind when above 50 degrees, fish deep with a deadly on suspending bass.” Bass typically become active in presenting your artificial lure to horizontal presentation. Leadhead grubs also work water depths of 20 to 30 feet, and these bass. Early bass instinctively “Since bass are sluggish, I'll great in these conditions, they when surface temperatures warm refuse to chase a fast-moving lure use a slow presentation. In any probe vertical and fast sloping above 44 degrees. or one that has a lot of action, season, I use search lures to find structure efficiently. The same This is the time when the fe- because it's out of synch with active bass. In winter, I prefer ones goes for jigs, metal blade baits male bass begins to fill out her egg nature. that draw strikes without moving and spoons. skeins, and she needs groceries to To grow and develop those fast. Suspending jerkbaits are my Late Pre-Spawn do this. Baitfish and crawfish are eggs, momma bass needs to con- favorite winter artificials,” said After water surface temps rise favorite meals, and being cold- sume more calories than she four-time Bassmaster Classic above 50, but before bass build blooded themselves, are easy pick- expends to catch her meal, so if it champion, Kevin VanDam. “The See BASS page 52

50 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Tales from an Outdoorsman

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 51 Bass Continued from page 50 their nest to spawn, is the best time they want an erratic action that to catch huge bass. gets their attention, and in a size This is the period when expe- that they expect to see, since bait rienced bass anglers always seem that survived the winter is already to call in sick for work to play about four inches long. You can hooky. With the longer daylight also use suspending crankbaits hours and warming water in the that dive five or more feet. The shallows, largemouth begin to feel suspending feature is important their oats, and they go on a major this time of the year because a feeding binge. stop-and-go retrieve works best, They follow main lake points and if the bait floated it would and secondary points as highways move out of the strike zone each to the shallow flats, and will con- time you stopped your lure. gregate on points where they can Spawn ambush baitfish as they swim past, When water temperatures hit and crayfish crawling out from the upper 50s, bass will move under rocks. You may find these into spawning mode. Male fish aggressive bruisers anywhere will move into shallow water, 10- from three to 15 feet deep, but feet or less, and stake out the best often the most aggressive bass will places to lure a female to spawn. be the shallowest. Fish that are on or have been Every lake has plenty of water working beds will have raw or in this depth zone, but the most bloody lower caudle fins from productive areas are predictable Biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation use making shallow depressions in regardless of your experience electrofishing equipment to capture, then weigh and measure these gravel or other soft substrate. If level. The key is to fish the areas two lunkers from Lake Elmer Thomas. The fish are then released you have a contour map of the where the shallows are first to unharmed. lake, look for areas that are rela- warm. Most areas have prevail- Look for rocky bottoms, par- it casts a mile and covers the five- tively flat (contour lines far apart) ing southerly winds, and as the ticularly on flats in coves protected foot depth zone efficiently. in the three to six foot depth. sunlight warms the surface water, from the wind, and near deep wa- “I pick up my fishing pace con- Not all bass spawn at once. the wind then pushes this warmer ter. Although wind pushes warm siderably as the water hits around Many will move onto their spawn- water to the northern shoreline, water into coves and pockets, too 52 degrees,” said VanDam. “I may ing beds around the new or full where it collects in pockets. much stirs up silt, reducing the run down a bank while quickly moon, or when the sun comes Additionally, this same water ability of sunlight to incubate the throwing a Red Eye Shad or spin- out after a long period of cloudy is exposed to sunlight the longest eggs, and increasing the odds of nerbait, then pause to pitch a jig weather. At the same time many compared to other areas of the oxygen deprivation. when I come to a submerged log bass are spawning, others will lake, due to the low angle of the Not all bass read the same time or brush pile.” be in a pre- or post-spawn mode. sun. Simply put, northern shore- schedule, so don't expect them to Another favorite of anglers for Normally, the biggest bass are the lines warm first, so bass are at- be in the same phase of spawn. these bass are suspending jerkbaits first to spawn. You need to make a tracted to them for spawning. The first bass to move into the The long, slender baitfish imitators decision now as to which group of Spawning is more successful in shallows are often the largest, as makes a seductive wiggle with fish you'll target, because different preserving the species the earlier they demand more groceries and each pull of the rod tip, and when approaches are required for each. it occurs, since this gives young- claim the best hunting and spawn- paused quickly with momentary “Personally, I like to stay with of-year bass fry the most time to ing areas for themselves. For every slack, actually backs up a little and pre-spawn bass as long as I can, grow to fingerling size prior to the bass that has moved shallow, there suspends in the face of following because they're more aggressive hardships of winter, increasing are dozens more behind the boat lunkers. This is more than a hun- and they'll weigh more,” added their odds for survival. Use this in deeper water. gry bass can withstand, so they VanDam. “In clear reservoirs and knowledge to guide your efforts to Because they are scattered, use flare their gills and suck in the bait many natural lakes, you'll be able northern shorelines with good sun reaction baits that allow you to along with a gallon of water. This to see bass on their beds; a tube exposure and hard bottoms. cover large areas quickly. One of is also the bait that helped to win bait is awesome here, as is a float- Soft or silt bottoms are low my favorites is a lipless, vibrating the recent Bassmaster Classic. ing worm. A soft jerkbait works odds for success, as silt kills bass crankbait, such as the Rat-L-Trap. Remember, with the warming well for spawners if the water is eggs through suffocation. These are great search baits, since water bass are feisty, and now a bit stained.”

52 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Best Bets for Big Bass What makes a good bass lake? That’s a loaded question due to the fact that there are lots of “good” bass lakes in Oklahoma, but only a few “great” and those tend to change over time. A few years ago, we were smack in the middle of an epic drought. Lake levels were so low that once grand reservoirs resembled local stock tanks. Shorelines were exposed, spawning habitat was sparse and bass populations were struggling. A couple of rebound years with above average rainfalls have given most lakes normal levels for a change. This boost in lake levels flooded habitat that had grown in the lake beds during the drought. This has provided optimal habitat for spawning and survival for young bass and crappie alike. “Given the right conditions, it's amazing what bass can do when water conditions are proper for their prosperity,” said Ryan Ryswyk, fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. In this region, stable high water levels are critical and high water levels this past year meant that bass spawned and survived in good numbers. It’s still critical to last year’s bass and the upcoming crop that the lakes remain high for their survival to adulthood. So where is the best place in Western Oklahoma to go fish? That depends on what type of bass are you looking to catch. Big fish or big numbers? For big numbers of fish Ryswyk suggests Fort Cobb Reservoir in Caddo County. Recent sampling by biologists show a steady improvement since post drought refill. Brush pile construction by ODWC has given new habitat spots to Fort Cobb fishes. Other suggestions by Ryswyk include: Waurika, Jap Beaver, Elk City, Lawtonka, Altus-Lugert, Tom Steed and Waurika Lakes. If you are looking for big fish there are two places that top Ryswyk’s list. For big largemouth bass, Elmer Thomas tops the list of places to go. With big boat motors restricted, and a lake that was rebuilt about 20 years ago, this lake has gotten better and better over the years. Florida strain largemouth stocked there in the early 2000s, have produced some great big old bass. For another chance for a record sized fish, Lake Lawtonka, a little more than a long cast away from Elmer Thomas is home to the best smallmouth bass population in Western Oklahoma. Designated a “Trophy Smallmouth” lake by the ODWC, samples have shown potential state records for this category in Lawtonka. A couple of lakes to keep an eye on are Altus-Lugert and Foss. Lugert had been hit with a double whammy – first the drought may have affected this Southwest Oklahoma lake more than any other, reaching levels nearly 50 feet below average and only held 10 percent of its capacity. At one point the lake was so low, you could not even see water from the boat ramp. Then a devastating golden algae bloom in the winter of 2012 was responsible for a massive fish kill, right when lake levels and fish populations were on the rebound. Subsequent algae blooms delayed the rebound for Lugert, but the last couple of wet spring and summers have helped to refill this beautiful lake nestled in the Quartz Mountains. Fish surveys have shown some real promise and species like channel cat, bass and walleye are all growing very quickly. Foss Lake in Northwest Oklahoma suffered similarly during the drought and has been slow to refill, but is to normal capacity now. If it can stay that way through a couple of spawning seasons, biologists expect it to undergo the “new lake” effect, when lots of vegetation is flooded, producing excellent habitat for the first few years of lake life. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 53 Noble Learning: Mending the Disconnect: Teaching the Next Generation about Agriculture

By Frank Hardin, Ph.D., Noble Research Institute youth education manager / [email protected] ho taught you about time there, I learned to appreciate stitute, I not only continue to learn don’t do something to mend this agriculture? A parent agriculture; the taste of a freshly about and appreciate agriculture; I disconnect, agriculture will suffer Wor grandparent? Your picked pear, fig or tomato; and also have the opportunity to share consequences in the future. high school agriculture teacher? the value of hard work. I learned my appreciation and knowledge To help solve this challenge, For some of you, agriculture may to appreciate all that goes into the of agriculture with students who our program targets sixth through have been part of your life since meals we so often take for granted. are the age I was when I began 12th graders and introduces them you were born. Others of you We also somehow managed to working on the farm. to agriculture and ag careers via perhaps learned about agriculture squeeze in a lifetime’s worth of Reaching the Next a variety of programs, including later in life. I was 12 year old when Sunday school classes as I worked Generation for Agriculture hands-on science experiments, I began working on Ms. Fannie and Ms. Smith taught. Today, I lead the Noble Re- robotics programs, internships, Mae Smith’s small farm in an As I moved on through college, search Institute’s youth education youth hunts, and teacher work- Atlanta suburb. I eventually stopped working with program and, in a way, am follow- shops. We deliver our message I don’t recall learning about Ms. Smith. Unable to keep up the ing in Ms. Smith’s footsteps. I am to more than 7,000 recipients per agriculture in school. Although we farm on her own, she sold. Every teaching today’s youth about the year with the hope that they learn were only an hour away from the time I go home, all I have to do value of agriculture and the sci- to appreciate agriculture a little apple orchards of North Georgia is look out the kitchen window to ence, technology, engineering and more than they did before we and the pecan groves of South where the farm once was, and I’m math (STEM) behind it. walked in the room. Georgia, my family was com- immediately taken back. I never Inundated with mobile phones, To Ms. Smith, I want to say pletely removed from agriculture thought I’d appreciate those times computers, tablets, and gam- thank you for teaching me about when I was growing up 30 years as much as I do today. I learned ing consoles, today’s youth are agriculture. We are working to ago. more about agriculture from Ms. more removed from agriculture make sure other young people I consider myself lucky to Smith than any other person to than ever. These students are have the opportunity to understand have had the opportunity to work date. our future policymakers, educa- and appreciate agriculture’s im- on Ms. Smith’s farm. During my Now, at the Noble Research In- tors and decision-makers. If we portance to society.

54 | MARCH 2019 OKFR Noble Learning:

www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 55 Call Kathy at 940-872-2076 to place your ad today!

56 | MARCH 2019 OKFR end of the lane farm signs- auction FREE shipping to your front door. www. APPLETREESigns.com. Sign Shop 302- 378-9607. 03c Mcalester union stockyards- Regular sale every Tuesday. 10 a.m. Calves & Yearlings. 6 p.m. hay & feed Cows & Bulls. 918-423-2834. www. ef-fi-cient (adj)- Achieving mcalesterstockyards.com maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. 777 CHAROLAIS RANCH- Hay for Raising cattle for you is not a hobby. sale. 5x6 net wrapped $30/bale. Delivery TULSA Stockyards - Sale You want equipment to do the available. Also have bulls for sale. Large every Monday at 9 a.m. www. job faster and is built to last. In a selection of Commander bloodline. Call tulsastockyards.com. word, that's what GoBob's CATTLE Jim Lemons 580-276-8052 or Bud FLOW® equipment is... efficient! Lemons 580-276-7534. 02-04c 1-844-284-4208. GoBobRanch.com vernon Livestock market- Cattle sale Tuesdays at 11 a.m. www. hunting vernonlivestockmarket.com. 940- my name is edna emmons - I 552-6000. make custom teddy bears from loved ones’ clothing, NFL & Collegiate sports lifetime deer blinds- Custom teams and various other materials orders welcome. Call Mike Jordan employment such as swirl fur and minky fabric. at 806-781-8726 or visit www. Can monogram. Large bears $40, lifetimedeerblinds.com. 03p Medium $35 and Small $25. Also make other gifts: memory pillows, towels, aprons, fleece blankets and bag bunnies. Please call 918-225-5624 or livestock 918-399-4663 or visit www.etsy.com/ EdnasMemoryBears. tfc 25 young registered abbit 4 sale daughters of Showtime, OKLAHOMA FARM & RANCH- cows- Post Oak Media is looking for an Playboy, Gim Jam and Wrangler Ribits. energetic and professionally minded also 5 young bulls for sale. 918-470- person for the position of Advertising SAM’s Best Buys 1355. 02-03c Executive in the Tulsa area. The right candidate for this opportunity spring skiing deals and should have reliable transportation winter family clothing- McPhail Registered Angus and be self-motivated. Previous sales Family snow ski wear, casual, Bulls & females- AI sires. 580- experience required. Experience with security, oilfield workwear, military, 480-5131. Snyder, OK. 03-04p Photoshop a plus. Compensation hunting, children’s beautiful jackets, based on experience. If this sounds warm canvans coveralls, bibs, like the job for you, submit your jackets, kids to king sizes. This is real estate resume to OKFR, P.O. Box 831, a famous men’s big & tall store up Bowie, TX 76230. to 10XL. We help fit you & treat you like a neighbor. Tremendous SAVOY - Great opportunity for the selection. Latest styles. Skiers-we horse enthusiast. Large 5 bedroom, 3 have what you need! Like us on bath home with big kitchen. Sits on 57 for sale Facebook. SamsBestBuys.com. rolling acres, 6 stock tanks. Large barn YouTube-73 Years. Sam’s Best Buys, with 8 stalls that are approximately 2409 S. Agnew Ave., OKC, OK. 12x20 with turn outs, hay and feed Fencing, Trailers, Livestock 405-636-1486. Monday-Saturday 9 areas as well. $689,000. Bobby Norris Equipment - 1-844-284-4208. a.m.- 5:45 p.m. 03c Preferred Properties. Call Tom Moore for GoBobRanch.com. more information 803-821-1232. www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 57 PARTING SHOT

Desert Wetlands

Sweet Spring Time “It’s hard to believe in a few short weeks spring will be bursting with fresh new blooms everywhere, from bulbs to trees. The trick will be trying to survive a late freeze to produce sand plums. The plum thickets dot the roadsides and pastures all over Kingfisher County. They make the countryside a pretty site, but don’t last long in the fickle weather of Spring. I do hope we have a crop for some good plum jelly,” noted photographer Janice Russell. (Photographer Janice Russell)

58 | MARCH 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com MARCH 2019 | 59 60 | MARCH 2019 OKFR