Oklahoma Farm & Ranch
OctoberOKFR 2019 | www.okfronline.com | Volume 4 Issue 10 LeadingT the Way Trevor Lucas, Oklahoma FFA State Executive Secretary FREE 2 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 3 4 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Oklahoma Farm & Ranch OKFR Never forget... STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS This letter is the last thing I write each month for Publisher Oklahoma Farm & Ranch. JM Winter I wait, sometimes until the eleventh hour, for inspira- EDITOR tion to hit. Sometimes find- Savannah Magoteaux | [email protected] ing the words are a struggle, and sometimes they flow. Art Director This October issue letter Kayla Jean Woolf | [email protected] was one that wasn’t coming easy. I wrote. I backspaced. Advertising Executives I wrote again. Rosemary Stephens | [email protected] Now, here I am, on Sept. Kathy Miller | [email protected] 11, finishing this issue. I re- Sherrie Nelson | [email protected] alize the time to write about Sherryll Golden | [email protected] Melissa Gentry | [email protected] 9/11 might have been better Thaxton C. Rivers | [email protected] in last month’s magazine, but really, is it a date we can ever forget? If you were alive then, do you remember where you were? I was getting ready to walk Business Manager out the door to go to school. At first, as the news came across the television set, it didn’t Brenda Bingham | [email protected] even occur to me that I should care. I mean, New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania weren’t anywhere close to my home, my life, or my loved ones. Circulation Manager But then, on that day, they were. Pamela Black | [email protected] It hurt, this attack on our country - the country where we live an honest life, have learned about integrity, and love one another. Copy Editors My home suddenly encompassed much more than my little neck of the woods. As stories Judy Wade of honor, valor, courage, and selflessness rolled out, I had a better understanding of what Krista Lucas made a hero. I grasped the importance of being part of something much bigger, much more significant, than yourself. As people came together that day, regardless of their background, beliefs, race, financial status, or age, I knew what it meant to be an American. Contributing Writers Linda Clark It’s been 18 years, and I’ll admit, sometimes I do forget what happened that day. So Tony Dean maybe it’s ok to be writing about 9/11 a month later. Maybe it’s a good reminder that, Ddee Haynes regardless of the minutia of everyday life, on that day, nothing else mattered except being James Locke there for one another. Summer McMillen I love being an American, an Oklahoman, and I love the life I’ve been able to live in the Garrett Metcalf, DVM Michael Newell rural part of our state. One of the best decisions I ever made was to get involved in FFA Bryan Painter as an eighth grader. Wearing that blue jacket also made me part of something bigger – a Janice Russell dynamic group of young people who could, quite possibly, change the world. Judy Wade My enthusiasm for FFA led me to meet Trevor Lucas, the Oklahoma FFA State Executive Beth Watkins Secretary. Last June, Lucas took over the position previously held for 33 years by Mr. Kent Barry Whitworth Boggs. His excitement for the organization is palpable, and I’m sure he’ll do great things for Oklahoma FFA. Read more about Trevor Lucas in “Leading the Way” on page 28. CONTACT US Our contributors penned some great content for this issue, and I can’t wait for you to Oklahoma Farm & Ranch read it. If you have story ideas or suggestions, reach out to me at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to OKFR the digital edition at OKFROnline.com. 200 Walnut St., Bowie, TX 76230 Wishing you, our readers, the best this October. 940-872-2076, www.okfronline.com Savannah Magoteaux, Editor in association with ON THE COVER Trevor Lucas grew up in the small town of Central High, where he says he made the best decision of his life - joining the FFA. Lucas went on to serve as State FFA Reporter, then upon graduation worked as an agriculture education instructor. Last year, he took a new career path, accepting the Oklahoma FFA State Executive OKFR is not responsible for omissions or information that has been Secretary position. (Photo by Savannah Magoteaux) misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. Reproduction in whole or part without writtenwww. permissionokf fromro thenlin publishere.co is prohibited.m OCTOBER 2019 | 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS 20
10 18 50
38 40 Profile Page 28 History Page 46 Leading the Way The Bandit Queen Trevor Lucas serves as the Executive Much has been written about the life and Secretary of Oklahoma FFA, an legends of Belle Starr. Fact and fiction have organization that has played a major become so intertwined over the years that role in his life. He’s been a student, it’s likely her reputation has been wildly a leader, and an educator, and now exaggerated and romanticized. 28 helps grow the 27,000+ member organization.
09 Socializing 37 Western Housewives 10 Contagious Ecthyma 38 Lacey’s Pantry 12 Trey Lam receives award 39 Jesse’s Jewelz 14 Stocking Rate-Vol. 2 40 Queen of the Okalahoma Outlaws 18 Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome 42 Calendar of Events 20 Moore and Clark to be honored 47 Tales from an Outdoorsman 24 A Horse Named Stormy 50 Noble Learning: 10 Truths about Beef 26 Living Legends of Rodeo named 52 Services 28 Leading the Way 53 Classifieds 34 Where the Paved Road Ends 54 Parting Shot
6 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 7 8 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR FACEBOOK WALL
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 9 Contagious Ecthyma
By Barry Whitworth, DVM / Area Food/Animal Quality and Health Specialist for Eastern Oklahoma ontagious Ecthyma (CE) is a highly contagious viral Cdisease found throughout the world wherever sheep are kept. The virus primarily affects young lambs and kids within a few weeks after birth. It is also seen among weaned lambs and kids that are comingled such as in feedlot situ- ations. Older adults not previously exposed or with a compromised immune system may be affected as well as some other domestic and wild animals. Although no studies have been done, the dis- ease most likely causes signifi- cant economic losses. Economic losses are attributed to weight loss and death loss. The disease is zoonotic, which means the virus can infect humans. The human disease is referred to as ORF. Some other common names for the disease are sore mouth, ORF, Most cases of CE improve without treatment in three to four weeks. However, some intervention may be scabby mouth and contagious necessary. Animals that refuse to eat may require tube feeding or softened food. If secondary bacterial infec- pustular dermatitis. In addition to tions become a problem, antibiotics may be required. (Courtesy photo) sheep and goats, the disease has virus is thought to enter the animal mit the virus to the dams while can be identified by Electron been found in Alaskan mountain through cuts or abrasions in the nursing. This may lead to mastitis. microscopy (EM). However, EM goats, Dall’s sheep, muskoxen, mouth. Also, erupting teeth may Ulcers may be found in the mouth cannot separate one parapoxvirus caribou, Sitka black-tailed deer, be an entry point for the virus. on occasions. Rarely, the lesions from another. In order to confirm alpacas, deer, pronghorn and elk. Once an animal has been ex- progress into the esophagus, di- the ORF virus, other laboratory The disease was reported to be in posed to the virus, clinical signs gestive tract, and lungs. This may tests are required. some dogs that were fed sheep, appear in a few days. The clinical result in digestive problems and Most cases of CE improve but the virus was not confirmed. signs of the disease vary in sever- pneumonia. without treatment in three to four The virus was found in three cats ity. Initial clinical signs are a wet There have been reports with weeks. However, some interven- with skin lesions. Some believe mouth with red areas around the this disease of severe non-healing tion may be necessary. Animals these cats may have been immu- commissure of the mouth. This is proliferative lesions in sheep and that refuse to eat may require nocompromised. Rabbits, mice followed by raised circular areas goats (Smith et al.) (Concha- tube feeding or softened food. If and Macaque monkeys have been that may become vesicles and pus- Bermejillo et al.). The lesions secondary bacterial infections be- infected experimentally. tules. The pustules will rupture and are similar to the ones described come a problem, antibiotics may The cause of CE is an ORF vi- ooze fluid on to the wool or hair. above but much worse and do not be required. rus, which is in the genus Parapox- The lesions mature into scabs. The heal. In these cases, additional Applying salves to soften the virus. In small ruminants, the virus lesions are usually found on the lesions seen are swollen lymph scabs may help alleviate the pain. is located in skin lesions and scabs. lips, mouth and nose. Other areas nodes, arthritis and chronic fibrin- Treatment with cidofovir has been The virus may be transmitted by where lesions may be found are ous pneumonia. shown to rapidly resolve the le- direct contact with the lesions or the ears, eyelids, feet, genitalia and The animals did not respond to sions (Sonvico et al.). In herd situ- by fomites. The virus can be found mammary glands. The lesions are treatment for secondary bacterial ations, the treatment is impractical in the healed skin lesions for a painful, which leads some young infections. Antiviral treatment has and expensive. short period of time. In laboratory animals to refuse to nurse or eat. If not been reported in these cases. The best way to prevent CE is conditions, the virus is viable in the feet are affected, animals may Most veterinarians diagnose to maintain a closed, disease-free the scabs for several years. The become lame. Lambs may trans- CE on clinical signs. The virus herd. If that is not possible, the
10 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR producer should follow a strict References biosecurity protocol for the in- Smith GW, Scherba G, Consta- troduction of new animals. If the ble PD, Hsiao V, Behr MJ, Morin disease is present on the ranch DE. Atypical parapoxvirus infec- or farm, a vaccine is available to tion in sheep. J Vet Intern Med. reduce the incidence and severity 2002 May-Jun;16(3):287-92. of the disease. The vaccine should de la Concha-Bermejillo A, not be used in disease-free flocks Guo J, Zhang Z, Waldron D. and herds. The vaccine is a live Severe persistent orf in young virus, so producers need to be goats. J Vet Diagn Invest. 2003 cautious when administering the Sep;15(5):423-31. vaccine. Spickler, Anna Rovid. 2015. Contagious Ecthyma is a public Contagious Ecthyma. Retrieved health concern. People involved from http://www.cfsph.iastate. with sheep and goats should be edu/DiseaseInfo/factsheets.php. cautious when handling sick VETMED Resouce (CABI) animals. Immunocompromised Datasheet. 2018. Contagious individuals should avoid contact Ecthyma. Retrieved from https:// with CE infected animals. www.cabi.org/vetmedresource/ CE is and will be a problem datasheet/88087. in sheep and goat operations. If a Sonvico F, Colombo G, Gallina producer would like more infor- L, Bortolotti F, Rossi A, McInnes mation about CE, he/she should CJ, Massimo G, Colombo P, contact his/her veterinarian or Scagliarini. Therapeutic paint Oklahoma State University Ex- of cidofovir/sucralfate gel com- tension Educator. Also, informa- bination topically administered tion is available at http://www. by spraying for treatment of orf cfsph.iastate.edu/DiseaseInfo/ virus infections. AAPS J. 2009 factsheets.php. Jun;11(2):242-9.
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 11 Trey Lam receives distinguished service award By Bryan Painter, Communications Director for Okla. Conservation Commission and Okla. Natural Resources Conservation Service need to be there.” Trey Lam, Ex- ecutive Director of the Oklahoma “IConservation Commission doesn’t say that, he does it. “There” may be a retirement party for a conservation pioneer. Or "there" may be stand- ing in what was once a promising corn field, but after historic floods resembles the surface of the moon. He’s elbow to elbow with the producer working on the next step. Recently, the South Central Region Con- servation District Employees Association presented their 2019 Distinguished Service Award to Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The award was presented during the 2019 South Central Region of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Meeting in Thackerville, Okla. Lam uses every minute on a clock, but he’s not a clock watcher. Instead, his focus is on bringing the successes and the needs of conservation to whoever will listen, wherever he or she may be. The South Central Region Conservation District Employees Association on July 22 presented their One need to look no further than the recently 2019 Distinguished Service Award to Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation released 2017 U.S. Census of Ag to see what Commission. The award was presented during the 2019 South Central Region of the National the commitment of Oklahomans has yielded in Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Meeting in Thackerville. terms of conservation – and Lam is a tireless Lam, a long-time Garvin Conservation Oklahoma State University (OSU) to develop leader in those efforts. District board member and a former President farm plans for crop rotation and equipment That report showed that Oklahoma is sev- of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation usage. enth in the nation for the largest decrease in Districts, has served as executive director of the Lam’s leadership positions through the cropland acreage using conventional tillage OCC since Nov. 17, 2014. He also has 30-plus years include Oklahoma Soybean Associa- practices. years’ experience in operating his own farm tion President, Oklahoma Soybean Checkoff The report noted that in Oklahoma, com- near Pauls Valley, Okla. board member, Oklahoma Crop Improvement pared to 2012, there was a 24 percent increase Following in the footsteps of his father, who Association President, Oklahoma Alfalfa Hay in the number of farms using cover crops, a served on the Garvin District board for more and Seed Association Vice President and 51 percent increase in acres using cover crops, than 20 years, Lam, a graduate of Yale Uni- OSU Dean of Agriculture Advisory Council and a 29 percent decrease in intensive tillage versity, is a lifelong conservationist who has member. practices. taken his knowledge of Oklahoma’s land and When speaking publicly, his sentences often “The hundreds of field days, demonstration agriculture to the national stage as Oklahoma’s include the words, “We are a top 10 state in…” farms and educational events created even representative on the National Association of Oklahoma is No. 1 in fewer polluted streams, more change in no-till and cover crop adoption Conservation Districts’ board. phosphorous load reductions, small watershed rates than we expected. Oklahoma farmers and Lam uses the conservation practices of no- flood control dams and volunteer citizen sci- ranchers ‘get it.’ By adopting a system that till and cover crops to make the most of his entists to name a few categories. protects and restores the productivity of our land at Lam Farms where the family raises No one reaches No. 1 without commitment soil, they can improve their bottom line and alfalfa, corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle. He and Trey Lam’s commitment to conservation leave their land in better shape for generations also works closely with the USDA Natural certainly qualifies him for this prestigious to come,” Lam said. Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and “Distinguished Service Award.
12 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 13 Stocking Rate – Volume 2
Should I Bybe Tony Deanthat concerned? he decision a rancher makes on stock- ing rate has both short and long term Teffects on land, livestock, and economics of a business, making it essential a rancher have knowledge regarding correct stocking rates. Fortunately, Tony Dean is sharing his knowledge regarding stocking rates in a four-part series. Read on for the second segment in “Stocking Rate - Should I be that concerned?” How do I know if my stocking rate is correct?It’s easy to fall into the trap of think- ing, “We’ve always run 125 cows on this place, so that’s just what we do.” Many ranches are stocked based on this reasoning. The number of head we have on the ranch should be a decision we make based on knowl- edge of pasture health and productivity and on the management goals of each rancher. Pro- ductivity is influenced by many variables, an important one being rainfall. There is a reason why most ranchers are very well in tune with how much it rains. In addition to rainfall, other factors that in- fluence stocking rate include soil type, grasses present in the pasture, health of those grasses, amount of brush infestation, size of livestock and others. With everything to consider, it might seem Horace Leithead published this drawing 50 years ago, and it is still important information on how too complex to add it all up and come up with plants respond to grazing. (Courtesy photo) a stocking rate. We don’t have to make it such production on grass plants is left in the pasture, rangeland allows the grass to “outgrow” the a difficult task. Instead, we can learn to observe then the plants can maintain themselves. In livestock during summer months in order to some important indicators, or keys, that tell us reality, since part of the grass production is stockpile the forage in the pasture and have if we are carrying too many or too few head. subject to trampling, insects, etc., we should extra grass to graze during winter months. This In this issue of Grazing North Texas, we will plan on using only about 25 percent of grass can be thought of as a standing hay crop. highlight some grazing keys we can easily growth for livestock grazing. Just before new growth starts in early observe. Horace Leithead developed information in spring, rangeland should still look ragged with Key Number 1 – Do we allow livestock to 1968 showing that the roots stopped growing some of the prior year’s plants still standing, graze too much of the annual production for 17 days on grass plants that had 90 percent not grazed to the point that the entire pasture of the better grasses? of the foliage grazed, but when grazed to the is short and slick. In last month’s issue of Grazing North Tex- 50 percent level, almost none of the roots If the native grasses are all used up well as, we learned that a portion of the grass leaves stopped growing. before green-up the next spring, and hay must must be left on the plant each year because the Key Number 2 - A stocking rate on native be fed to maintain livestock, the better grasses leaves act as miniature solar panels, producing rangeland that requires feeding of large are usually overgrazed in the process. Although the energy necessary for plant survival. amounts of hay and/or supplemental feed hay may be provided in the pasture and be A good rule of thumb for proper grazing on year after year to keep stock in adequate consumed by livestock, the livestock will also native rangeland is to “take half and leave half” body condition can be a key that stocking likely continue to graze, and eventually dam- of the annual production of our better quality rate is too heavy. age the grasses. grazing plants. If at least half of the annual leaf A sustainable stocking rate on native Hay is a very expensive supplemental feed
14 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR source. If reducing cattle numbers can lead to reduced hay cost, then the money saved by not feeding hay can partially offset running fewer head. Key Number 3 - Active erosion and increasing bare ground are significant warning signs that the grasses are be- ing damaged and adjustments in grazing management are needed. A healthy grass cover protects the soil sur- face from falling rain or from overland flow of water and helps soil absorb rainfall. Erosion may take place where the protective grass cover has been grazed out by overgrazing. Dr. Allan McGinty, in the Texas Natural Resources Server, indicated that ranchers can watch for more subtle indicators of unhealthy rangelands. These indicators include pedicelled plants, which are grass plants that are sitting on small pedicels of soil indicating that erosion has taken place around them. Key Number 4 - A starting stocking rate This grazing exclosure is made from two cattle panels. Ranchers can compare the forage can be determined by knowing the actual produced inside the cage to the grazed pasture outside. (Photo courtesy of Tony Dean) pounds of grass produced. This is a good Key Number 6 - Photographs taken at cream” plants, in that they are highly desired by method to help set a stocking rate, but the same point in a pasture each year are grazing livestock. When overgrazing is taking usually requires clipping and weigh- a valuable record to document pasture place, these plants are the first to be grazed and ing some sample plots in the pasture to conditions. are usually grazed to the ground. determine your actual amount of grass Changes in the rangeland can occur slowly, After a few years of heavy use, the bet- production. sometimes over a period of years, and we need ter grasses die out and are replaced by lower If a rangeland pasture is found to produce some way to recall just what our pastures quality plants. If we can identify these desired 3,000 pounds of useable forage per acre, and looked like as time goes by. plants, we can keep track of how they are doing we are trying to stay within the 25 percent To document with photographs, place some under our grazing management. use rule, we can estimate a starting stocking steel posts at key locations in the pastures. Two Little bluestem is a summer perennial grass rate of a cow to about 18 acres. Clipping and or three times per year, place a camera on each that is adapted to loamy and sandy soils in weighing the grass can be done for a pasture post (pointed in the same direction each time) North Texas. It grows throughout a large area or for a whole ranch. and take a landscape picture, then point the of the U.S. and is one of the important native One of the issues with clipping and weigh- camera down toward the ground and take a grasses of the plains. However, little blue is ing sample plots is the labor and expertise close up picture. The pictures should be taken misunderstood by many ranchers. required. at about the same time each year. The leaf production on little blue is only Another issue is that the clipping can repre- After two or three years, you will see a around the base of the plant. The taller portion sent only one year’s production. The next year trend in the condition of the plants. In addition of little blue consists of the stems that support might be more or less productive. Finally, in to taking pictures, a system of monitoring the the seed heads in the fall. clipping plots, we harvest and weigh plants that amount of bare ground is simple to design and Leaves at the base of the plant are highly the livestock may not normally eat. However, gives you a trend in how much ground cover relished by grazing animals, especially dur- clipping plots is still an interesting and benefi- you have. ing summer months, but the stems are seldom cial exercise and we can learn from it. Key Number 7 - Being able to identify our palatable. Key Number 5 - A rancher-friendly major grasses can help in determining However, many producers look across a technique that is easy to do and is a good stocking rate. bluestem pasture and see the seed stalks stick- visual tool is to construct grazing exclo- Jeff Goodwin is Conservation Stewardship ing up, and believe that cattle are not eating sures. Grazing exclosures are made by Leader and Pasture and Range Consultant the grass. Cattle will, from time to time, eat a forming a circle using one or two flexible with the Noble Research Institute. In his ar- few of the seed stalks, but if cattle remain on cattle panels held in place by steel posts. ticle, “Top Ten Misconceptions in Grazing a bluestem pasture until they have completely These cages can be as small as five to 10 Management,” he said, “Not all grasses are eaten the seed stalks, the whole pasture is usu- feet across, just so the cattle can’t reach inside created equal. Native or introduced, annual ally overgrazed. them. During the year you can compare the or perennial—no two species of grass are the If your soil will support little bluestem or forage inside the cage to the forage use outside same. Grasses differ in the way they grow just other desired grasses or forbs, and they have the cage where your cattle are grazing. Degree as much as the amount they can grow.” been grazed out or severely reduced by live- of use can then be visually estimated. A handful of grasses are considered “ice See STOCKING RATE page 17 www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 15 16 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Stocking Rate Continued from page 15 to be considered, as a consistently stock, the stocking rate is probably profitable operation cannot be too heavy. Or, the cattle were achieved without its careful con- forced to remain in the pasture sideration. too long. A ranching program struc- You can plainly see the new tured around a well-planned and leaves growing from the base of implemented grazing program this Little bluestem plant. If you including consideration of rest- look closely, you can also see graze-stocking rate processes can some of last year’s leaves that produce amazing results. Not only were left on the plant. Livestock to improvement of the rangeland seldom eat the dry seed stems resource, but the consistent profit- above the leaves. ability of the operation.” Frank Price and his son, Sims, The Price ranch is involved in ranch northwest of San Angelo, a well-designed rotation grazing Texas, and were the 2013 win- management plan, and we will ners of the National Cattlemen’s hear more from Frank Price con- Beef Association’s Environmental cerning stocking rate, profitability, Stewardship Award. Price had and other management goals in the these thoughts concerning stock- next issue of Grazing North Texas. ing rate, “When implementing an We will also discuss additional You can plainly see the new leaves growing from the base of this Little effective grazing program stock- “keys” to help determine a stock- bluestem plant. If you look closely, you can also see some of last year’s leaves that were left on the plant. Livestock seldom eat the dry seed ing rate is one of the key factors ing rate on your operation. stems above the leaves. (Photo courtesy of Tony Dean)
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 17 DO NOT DELETE!!!
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) By Garrett Metcalf, DVM any horse owners will experience a horse that Mhas gastric ulcers be- cause it is that common of a problem across many disciplines and performance levels. Gastric ulcers don’t just occur in adult horses but can affect just about every age group of horse from foals to adults. Several years ago a horse that was dropping weight, not performing normally, acted “cinchy” and was not eating well was blamed for poor doers or be- havioral issues, but today it might be much more than that. Equine Stomach Common signs of EGUS are weight loss, mild to moderate recurrent colic, eating preferences of hay before grain or refusing grain, and attitude changes. Another common symptom is loss of performance in performance To have a better understanding horses across various disciplines. (Courtesy photo) of EGUS in horses a deeper under- standing of the horses’ stomach is variety of clinical signs and symp- stress and delayed gastric empty- carefully examined for evidence needed. The equine stomach has toms. Common signs of EGUS are ing, such as enterocolitis, can set of ulceration. A grading scale two very distinct layers of gastric weight loss, mild to moderate re- foals up to experience serious from 0-4 is used to classify the lining. The layer that gets the most current colic, eating preferences of gastric and duodenum ulceration. severity of the ulceration and to attention is the most upper por- hay before grain or refusing grain, The worst outcome of these severe tailor the treatment plan to the tion of the stomach that is lined and attitude changes. Another ulcerations in foals is stricturing severity of the disease. The only with squamous mucosa or the common symptom is loss of per- of the bowel, causing an outflow FDA approved and most proven non-glandular mucosa. This layer formance in performance horses blockage of the ingesta from the method to treat EGUS is Gastrog- has poorer defense mechanisms across various disciplines. These stomach leading to chronic colic ard (omeprazole). The treatment to protect itself from the harsh symptoms can vary in severity, symptoms that ultimately neces- course of the disease varies due gastric acid and low pH levels be intermittent and overlap with sitates euthanasia unless surgical to the severity but on average compared to the lower aspect of various other diseases making correction is performed. will require treatment for two to the stomach. it difficult to diagnose based on Adult EGUS, Diagnosis and six weeks. The lower level of the stomach symptoms alone. Prevention Methods of preventing or re- is lined with glandular gastric Foals and Weanlings Luckily adult horses do not ducing the risk of gastric ulcer- mucosal cells with strong defenses Gastric ulceration in young get as severe complications from ation have been proposed and have against low pH and is also respon- horses can be related to many fac- gastric ulceration as foals do, some levels of success. Many of sible for gastric acid production. tors and other concurrent diseases but it can have serious effects on these methods are management Between these two layers is a that young horses experience the performance and gastrointestinal and husbandry changes related sharp division called the margo first few months of life. Gastric health. EGUS can be a very pro- to feeding. plicatus where often gastric ulcers ulceration in youngsters can be liferation problem in high perfor- Horses were never meant to form. Research has shown that related to concurrent illness, mance horses affecting up to 97% be fed meals or high concentrate there is a gradient of pH levels in stress of weaning, delayed gastric of racehorses and performance diets with longer periods of times the equine stomach with the low- emptying and prolonged periods horses. Even as many as 37% of between receiving forage. The est pH levels (more acidic) near of time between feedings. Foals recreational horses were found to design of the gastrointestinal tract the very bottom of the stomach in particular can get a much more have EGUS in one study group. and continuous production of gas- where the stomach empties and severe form of ulceration that ex- The gold standard diagnostic tric acid makes it necessary for a higher levels of pH near the top. tends beyond the stomach into the method is to perform gastroscopic horse to forage nearly 60-70% of This will be important information first few inches or feet of small in- exam of the stomach using a long the time out of each day. Concen- later discussed about ways to pre- testine, called the duodenum, lead- video endoscope to visualize the trated meal feeding methods have vent gastric ulcer formation. ing to gastroduodenal ulceration. lining of the stomach. Gastric been shown to exacerbate EGUS Clinical Signs of EGUS Common illnesses that cause foals ulcers are commonly found in in various age groups of horses. Horses with EGUS can have a to have decrease nursing vigor, specific regions and these areas are Matter of fact, the experimen-
18 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR tal method of inducing EGUS in horses is to fast a horse from all feed material for prolonged periods of time. The recommenda- tions for horses that are undergo- ing stress of hauling, changes in environment or are performing at higher levels is to using slow feeding methods to deliver small amounts of hay over a much longer period of time, mimicking the natural behavior of forag- ing a horse would normally be doing. Ways to achieve this are by feeding hay in hay bags with small openings to make it last longer or using specially designed feedings that have screens placed over the hay to limit the amount of hay taken in with each bite. It is further recommended to feed horses all the way up to an event or If you suspect your horse has symptoms of EGUS, talk to your veterinarian to see if those symptoms are before being worked. Alfalfa par- potentially signs that your horse has gastric ulcers. (Courtesy photo) ticularly has been shown to have and preventing gastric juices from If you suspect your horse has your horse has gastric ulcers. They a buffering ability with higher splashing up on the more sensitive symptoms of EGUS, talk to your can further discuss performing a levels of calcium to increase the non-glandular parts of the stomach veterinarian to see if those symp- gastroscopic exam and treatment pH levels making it more basic lining. toms are potentially signs that plan for your horse.
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 19 Moore and Clark to be honored with Rodeo Historical Society Awards By Linda Clark Hall of Fame Inductee tickets didn’t sell well – we had Lydia Moore dinners and parades in downtown The National Cowboy and Oklahoma City to sell the event,” Western Heritage Museum in Moore recalled. Oklahoma City, Okla., will hold With the NFR’s move to Okla- its annual Rodeo Historical Soci- homa City, Oklahoma barrel racer ety Hall of Fame inductions gala Florence Youree worked with Nov. 8 - 9. Past rodeo participants Stanley and Bobbie to bring in the who have devoted their lives to barrel race as one of its standard the western lifestyle and sport are events. Florence’s pitch worked nominated for the honors. Current and the event was sold as – “pretty members of the RHS then vote on girls on fast horses,” Moore said. the slate of nominees to arrive at Needing a liaison for the barrel the six living and two deceased racers, as a go between to handle that will be chosen. any issues barrel racers had, she Lydia Moore of Wayne, Okla., was hired. She worked in that will be the only woman in the capacity until 1985 when the NFR slate of inductees for this year’s moved to Las Vegas. inductions. Her years of involve- Moore also received the task in ment in the barrel racing and all those early years of the NFR as the women’s segments of rodeo, as GRA Awards Chairwoman for the Rodeo Historical Society Hall of Fame Inductee Lydia Moore. (Photo well as her years rodeo secretary- barrel racers garnering thousands courtesy of Lydia Moore) ing for many different stock con- of dollars of awards for the ladies tractors throughout the country, and roping. “My dad taught me since Wanda knew they were each year. “I wrote letters to vari- made her an excellent choice. trick roping and my mom taught starting to have barrel races at that ous companies and everybody I The Professional Rodeo Cow- me trick riding,” she said. arena. Lydia was one of the ladies saw that had a business, I asked boys Association and Women’s Her parents, Hazel Hickey invited to enter. for awards. I was even able to get Professional Rodeo Association Moore, a noted circus and wild As Lydia’s interest grew for the a car and a horse trailer donated. gold card member joins cowboys west show performer, and her sport of barrel racing, she gravi- Continuing her interest on the representing both ends of the arena husband, saddle bronc rider and tated more towards the administra- business side of women in rodeo, – Wacey Cathey, Buddy Cockrell, steer wrestler, Percy Moore, tive side and was instrumental in she served five years on the GRA Frank Shepperson, Rob Smets, both instilled in Lydia a love of the 1960s of helping form the first board of directors as Bull Riding Jack Ward, Buck LeGrand, and horses and all things western. As barrel racing state chapter (Mis- and Southeastern Region Director T.J. Walters. a youngster, Lydia performed with souri) of the Girls Rodeo Associa- before being hired as the execu- Moore was raised in a rodeo her family in dressage and trick tion. While living in St. Louis she tive secretary in 1973, a job she family in Missouri. Her parents, roping acts and won many talent met one of her mentors – famed loved for nearly 25 years. “At Hazel and Percy Moore worked contests as a teen with her skills. rodeo secretary June Ivory. that time, the GRA had all of the for many rodeo and wild west The introduction to barrel rac- When Lydia moved to Okla- rodeo events – we had a lot of show companies traveling the ing came purely by accident. The homa City in 1967, Ivory intro- all-girl rodeos – we used to have country with her older sister, annual St. Louis Fireman’s Rodeo duced Lydia to Stanley Draper approximately one a month back Maudie, and younger sister, Per- produced by Tommy Steiner was and Bobbie Steenbergen from the in the day – we had a lot of great cyna in tow. In fact, Percyna was in town around the early 1960s. Oklahoma City Chamber of Com- girls.” actually born in a tent while on the Wanda Bush, Fanny Mae Cox, merce who worked with Clem A prized honor she received in road for the Colonel Jim Eskew and Boots Tucker, all barrel racers McSpadden, Buster and June 1991, known as the WPRA Coca- Wild West Show. Lydia stayed from Texas, were in town for the Ivory as the group managing the Cola Woman of the Year, was home most of the time as a tot with rodeo. They didn’t have enough National Finals Rodeo. “It’s hard awarded for her years of service, her grandfather, John Hickey, due barrel racing contestants, which to imagine, but during the early passion, and devotion to women to poor health until she was around was a new event for the rodeo. years of the NFR in Oklahoma in rodeo, and rodeo in general. 10 years old. As she grew stronger, Wanda reached out to a local horse City, there was little interest in the Moore feels fortunate to have seen she learned the art of trick riding facility, Valley Mount Ranch, Finals. When it first moved there, firsthand the phenomenal growth
20 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR In addition to trick riding, Moore was also a barrel racer and a roper. (Photo courtesy of Lydia Moore) in the sport of barrel racing that emotional to be recognized in this it enjoys today—barrel racing chapter of my life. I’m blessed as a standard rodeo event, equal with good health and it’s great. money at rodeos, and equal money I’ve been very blessed. I have at the NFR. a beautiful daughter and grand- Being inducted into the RHS daughter whom I love. They and Hall of Fame will be even more their families help take good care special. “I feel absolutely the of me and my sister, Percyna.” same about this honor – I’ll be See AWARDS page 23
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 21 22 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Awards Continued from page 21 Doug Clark to Receive Ben ing the same year where he won Johnson Award reserve in the average as well as In addition to the Rodeo His- top horse of the Finals. torical Society Hall of Fame in- As one of the top horse trainers ductions, the Ben Johnson Award in the country Clark has earned is awarded annually during the accolades in the rodeo and horse ceremonies. show arena. Several of his horses Ben Johnson, Jr. of Pawhuska, have been voted on by the top Okla., was a ‘cowboy’s cowboy’. cowboys annually as American Ben Johnson, Sr., made sure Quarter Horse Association/PRCA that young Ben was proficient in Horses of the Year in tie-down and ranching, roping, and riding skills steer roping. He was part of the for use in everyday ranch life. Ben, team winning the 1999 AQHA Su- Jr., however, was a natural with a per Horse Championship, riding rope and went on to join the Rodeo the stallion, Look Whos Larkin. Cowboys Association winning the Horses that Clark has either world champion team roping title trained, sold, or ridden for cow- in 1953. boys have appeared at every That same year he would also PRCA NFR or National Finals act in his first movie. An oppor- Steer Roping for more than 30 tunity presented itself for Ben, Jr. years in events from tie-down to provide horses for a Hollywood roping to steer wrestling. movie company filming a western, Earning championships in which was the preferred movie PRCA’s Prairie Circuit, Clark is genre of the era. He had a mild in the record books for tie-down demeanor, an easy going way of roping year-end champion, all speaking and excellent horseman- around champion, and steer roping ship skills and was hired on for champion. He is a past All Around the movie as - you guessed it - a Champion at the Cheyenne Fron- cowboy. He would go on to star tier Days, ‘the Daddy of ‘em Doug Clark will receive the Ben Johnson Award in November. Clark in a multitude of movies and even has competed at the highest levels and has trained rope horses for top All’, earning the win from money win an Academy Award. contestants across the country. (Photos courtesy of Linda Clark) earned in two or more events, as Ben’s outstanding character in well as setting an arena record and out of the rodeo arena did not select an outstanding individual to horsemanship skills in the fam- there in 1987 in the tie-down rop- go unnoticed. The establishment receive the Ben Johnson Award. ily’s rodeo arena with the help ing. His time was a blistering 11.0 of an award titled after the cow- This year’s recipient is Doug of three generations of cowboys seconds across a 30 foot score, boy, was created. The first recipi- Clark, of Wayne, Okla. before him. He also spent many roping approximately 300 pound ent, Clem McSpadden, earned the Doug and his family had the hours at his family’s saddle shops, calves. Ben Johnson Award in 1998. pleasure of knowing Ben Johnson the Veach Saddlery’s in Trenton, Many of the top contestants According to the National personally and felt the same way Miss., and Tulsa, Okla. from the junior rodeo level to the Cowboy and Western Heritage about the man as the award’s cri- Clark earned his PRCA gold professional ranks have spent time Museum which presents and teria reflects. The recognition for card status and has spent his at Clark’s horse training facility. displays those earning the tribute, Clark is the best tribute the quiet career competing in all timed Trevor Brazile, Tom Ferguson, it reads, “presented to a living cowboy could have ever received. events - tiedown, steer, and team Joe Beaver, and Roy Cooper are person who has contributed to the He commented about being chosen roping. He has earned many top 20 but a few of the top names in development of rodeo sport, been for the Ben Johnson Award, “I’ve year-end standings qualifications rodeo that have spent time roping involved in community and youth always enjoyed roping, rodeoing, in tiedown roping rodeoing on a with Clark or who have hired him activities, and whose life reflects and the western life, never think- part-time basis. to ride their horses to keep them the integrity and character of Ben ing I would be recognized for what One of his more memorable ‘tuned’ for peak performance. Johnson.” I’ve accomplished in rodeo myself wins was the 2005 Pendleton For more information about The RHS is a division of the or for what I’ve done in helping Roundup Steer Roping Cham- this year’s ceremonies or to join National Cowboy and Western others achieve their goals.” pionship. That win boosted his the Rodeo Historical Society, go Heritage Museum. A special Clark is no newcomer to rodeo. year-end winnings qualifying him to www.nationalcowboymuseum. committee convenes annually to He grew up honing his roping and for the National Finals Steer Rop- org. www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 23 A Horse Named Stormy By Ddee Haynes e all need a mission of a friend who had contacted me, in life, a mission and/ asking if I would give her young Wor job that makes us daughter riding lessons. feel needed, worthy and leaves us The next week when the four- with a sense of pride. I truly feel year-old smiling child stepped into in my heart that horses need that my barn and the big bay reached same thing. down and nuzzled her hair, I real- In the winter of 2001, we pur- ized for the first time the purpose chased a yearling colt from my of this huge wonderful horse with husband’s uncle. The little bay the soulful eyes. His purpose in horse had big bright eyes, long life was to love and take care of thin legs and looked a little scruffy the little riders in the world. For with his winter coat and wild mane the next year Stormy and I had and tail. He was a little on the shy four students from the age of four side but with enough personality to the age of 16. No matter how it did not take him long to become many times I would ask him to accumulated to his new home. I follow me, stop, turn, back up or am not sure who came up with even stop with just a hand motion, the name Stormy, but it suited he would do it. Stormy loved his him well. job and he loved the children. The next few years the once Every horse needs a purpose in life, and Stormy found his as a kids When our grandson Owen shy little horse grew into a big horse. Pictured are Stormy and Owen waiting their turn at the Lazy E. turned four, we made the deci- stout and often stubborn horse. (Courtesy photo) sion to give Stormy to him for Stormy did not take well to “new he was “that good,” but simply of a young girl who wanted to his birthday. Stormy now has his things.” New things scared him. because a hit barrel or pole falling participate in the horse club but “own” boy to love and if you can New things like loading into a over scared him to death. did not have a horse, so we offered believe it, he is a junior rodeo horse trailer or even a piece of When it came to team roping, to let the girl use Stormy. horse. Stormy and Owen wrapped plastic rattling would send him Stormy, again, knew what to do That year is when we started up their first year in the Heart of into fight or flight mode. Stormy and was actually pretty good if you to see the big bay’s true mission Oklahoma Junior Rodeo a few was certainly not the bravest horse pushed him. However, just like in life. Stormy was a perfect 4-H months back. It has been fun to in the pasture. barrel racing and pole bending, horse. He loved the attention of watch Owen learn to ride and gain One day our then 14-year-old Stormy really never saw the need the young rider and would almost confidence. While the duo may daughter Melissa came into the for speed and was a better heeling always place in the western plea- not have set any arena records, house with a triumphant look on horse since he didn’t have to run as sure. Even when given mixed their times have continued to get her face. Melissa proceeded to tell fast to catch the steer and turn it. signals from the inexperienced better and Stormy just may have us how she and Stormy had just The big bay horse we called rider, he would do what he needed discovered he really can run. spent the last hour learning to load Stormy caused so much frustration to do. The next two years Stormy As humans we are all guilty and unload into the horse trailer. in our rodeo family. While he did continued his 4-H career, and the of looking beyond the true soul After that day of learning to load, not fit our life style, he had come smiles and confidence he gave to of an individual, be that a human we never again had a problem with from a long line of great horses his first young rider and several or an animal. We tend to only see him loading. and was one of the last horses other who borrowed him after that what we want to see or what fits As the years went by Stormy from the line, so selling the bay was priceless. “our” agenda. learned the barrel pattern, the pole was never a thought. Stormy was When my youngest turned I believe with all my heart God pattern, team roping and the art of a safe and loyal horse; he just did nine, we were hitting the rodeo placed Stormy in my family’s life goat tying. He would literally do not have the heart nor desire to be trail pretty hard and we just did not as a gift of love and to help us anything he was asked. Except, he a rodeo horse. have enough time in the week for realize that to live fully we need really didn’t have the heart to do As the years went by Stormy 4-H and rodeo. Needless to say, to follow our own path, love what it with any kind of speed. The big became the horse visiting non-ro- our 4-H adventures went to the we do, take care of one another guy would make a perfect barrel deo children or inexperienced rid- wayside and once again Stormy and last but not least, slow down or pole pattern and would never ers would ride. When my youngest was without a job or a rider. One and just enjoy the ride. hit a barrel or a pole. Not because daughter started 4-H, we learned day I finally said yes to a friend Until next time….
24 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 25 New Living Legends Of Rodeo Named By Jude Wade hisholm Trail Prairie Cir- rodeo excitement so much that I cuit Finals Rodeo Com- entered every high school rodeo Cmittee strives to honor close to Hugo, Okla., until I gradu- people who have made contribu- ated,” Ernie Taylor said. tions to the world of rodeo. “We “Roy Marshall, a local calf want to remember those who roper helped me get started. He have meant so much to our sport and my dad were my greatest and honor them while we can,” supporters. In 1961, my senior said committee member Mike year in high school, I was lucky Anderson. Recipients come from enough to win the calf roping, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, steer wrestling, bull riding and the states comprising the Prairie All-Around Championship at the Circuit. State High School Finals,” Taylor Kathie O’Brien, Ernie Taylor continued. and Gail Petska this year will In 1963 he joined the American join the ranks of past legends Junior Rodeo Association and was such as Ote Berry, Florence and the Junior World Champion Team Dale Youree, Zane Tibbits, Junior Roper, Steer Wrestler, Calf Roper Garrison, Carol Goosetree, John and All-Around Champion. and Mildred Farris, six members “We lived next to Lige Ham- of the famous Burk family and mock’s practice arena. Lige, many more. Todd Whatley and Tom Nesmith Kathie O’Brien taught me how to bull dog and “When I was three-years-old, I haze steers. Tom helped me with got my first pony. When I was 10, Kathie O’Brien. (Courtesy photo) my calf tying and horsemanship,” I got my first saddle. When I was barrel horse. He was for sale. ing to Omaha, Neb., to St. James Taylor said. 12, my parents, Joe and Frances I called the people who owned Orphanage and adopting me when “I joined the Rodeo Cowboy O’Brien, took me to Nebraska’s him, and they wanted $750 for I was nine months old. Most of all, Association in 1964. The first Big Rodeo at Burwell, Neb. I saw him. I went to a banker friend of thanks to Jesus Christ, my Lord really big rodeo I competed in barrel racing for the first time, saw mine who was a horseman, and he and Savior for making all of this was the Fort Worth, Texas, Stock Wanda Bush run barrels, told my loaned me the money to buy him possible.” Show and Rodeo at the Will parents, ‘This is what I want to because of his breeding. I called Ernie Taylor Rogers Coliseum. I roped a big do,’ and I did, not like Wanda. No them and bought him sight unseen A member of the Choctaw Na- black heifer and tied her in 101 one has ever done it like she did. over the phone. tion, Ernie Taylor was a force to seconds. She tore off my shirt, and “The next time I went to Bur- “In 1968 Jube and I went to be reckoned with in the tie-down I lost a boot. When I rode out of well, I won the Queen contest, our first National Finals Rodeo in calf roping and steer wrestling in the arena, Don McLaughlin said, became Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Oklahoma City, Okla. I finished the late ‘60s and mid ‘70s. ‘Welcome to the RCA, son,’” went to Las Vegas to the Miss 5th in the world standings and won He won both events at Lake Taylor laughed. Rodeo America contest, won the the National Finals Rodeo. The Charles and Baton Rouge, La., Taylor qualified for the Na- horsemanship and was runner up next year, we finished 10th and Hugo, Okla., Paris, Texas, and tional Finals Rodeo eight times— to MRA. runner-up in the average. My last Fort Smith, Ark. 1968, ’69, ’70, ’71, ’72, ’73, ’74, “By then, I was attending the year at the NFR, in 1972, I finished Taylor captured first place in and ’75. Crowned World Cham- University of Nebraska and was ninth in the world standings. That tie-down in Texas, Arizona, Mis- pion Calf Roper in 1973, he won All-Around Cowgirl at the col- year I was awarded All-Around souri, Nebraska, Montana, Utah, more money that year than anyone lege rodeo. Then a horse named Champion Cowgirl. Kansas and Colorado, taking the had ever won in one event in the Warrior Leo (War Leo x Mis- “In other words, I’ve been title twice in San Antonio and El history of pro rodeo. sion Hancock) that I called Jube blessed, have many friends to Paso. “In 1976 my traveling partner came into my life. In 1964, Davie thank; you know who you are and “I compete in my first rodeo was a kid named Roy Cooper. Martin told me about a gelding he I love all of you at the Soper, Okla., FFA Rodeo What a wonderful year that was. was breaking that was fast and he “Thanks and much love go to when I was 14 years old. I did All of us top ropers from that era thought would really be a good Joe and Frances O’Brien for go- not win any money, but loved the thought we could really rope until
26 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Ernie Taylor (Courtesy photo) Gail Petska. (Courtesy photo) he came along. Roy was abso- mon and Jean Barrett, purchased a 1972 would be much bigger 15 times and was the 2017 World lutely magic,” he recalled. horse and Gail went on to train her when she met her future husband Champion Heeler. In the late fall of 1976, Taylor horse and join the Norman Round Paul Petska at the San Antonio Today, Gail and Paul live in got tangled in a rope and broke Up Club. Rodeo and the two were married Lexington, Okla., and run a highly his neck. “I roped a little in the The horse that would change four months later. successful bit making business. spring of 1977 but never was the course of Gail’s life was In 1974, Gail won Denver, Anyone in the rodeo industry not able to regain my past ability. I Adobe Joe King aka Dobie. Har- Odessa, San Angelo, Houston, only knows of Petska bits, but quit rodeoing but kept on roping mon and Gail purchased Dobie in San Antonio, and many other surely owns one. Gail and Paul some at jackpots. I put on lots of 1966 at the age of 18 months for rodeos, but there would be no still travel watching Tye and Cory roping schools with the help of my $250 from an ad in the paper. Gail NFR appearance. Gail had her at rodeos and jackpots. good friends and great ropers Gary broke and trained Dobie herself. daughter Tye. After winning Cheyenne twice, Ledford and Roy Cooper,” Taylor “God’s plan for my life was to Now with a baby, Gail would Houston twice, Albuquerque explained. have this horse,” Petska said. “He still make the 1975, 76 and 77 twice, Calgary, Madison Square He continued, “I am 75 years was a once in a lifetime horse.” NFR, making her total number of Garden, the Cow Palace and her old now, but I still enjoy riding Dobie not only helped make a path finals to six. 1979 brought about other huge wins, Gail said her young horses and team roping. I for Gail’s life but was part of the her son Cory, and Gail would go fondest memory was winning her heel, and I am not very consis- inspiration for naming the World on to raise a family and continue 1972 World Championship and tent.” Champion of Carol Goostree’s, to be a part of rodeo. the NFR average. Taylor concluded, “God has Dobre. In the 80’s, Gail began to team It is a compilation of this and really blessed me with two won- Gail and Dobie made it to the rope along with raising her family. her other five NFR appearances derful sons, Ernie II and Will, first International Finals Rodeo in She went to several all-girl rodeos that makes the Jim Norick Coli- daughters-in-law, Krystle and 1970 when Dobie was six. Things and supported Paul as he made the seum in OKC such a special place Alex, and grandsons, Clancy and were just building at that point. National Finals three times as a to Gail. Jaxtyn and my darling Frances. In 1971, Gail made her first NFR team roping header. This is one of the few families What a wonderful life.” appearance. The 1990’s were packed with where each member has made the Gail Petska In 1972 and 1973 Gail was the rodeo as well. Gail hauled with her NFR. However, none made it the Gail Petska began her barrel GRA World Champion Barrel family to IPRA rodeos where all same year. This is a testament to racing career as a young girl. She Racer. From those years, Gail still of the family competed. It would Gail and why she says her great- was raised in town but spent time holds the record for most rounds also be the decade that daughter est accomplishment is her family. on her grandparents’ dairy farm. won at an NFR by winning seven Tye Petska-Green would make her “Rodeo has done so much for During her time in middle school, and also holds the record of most first appearance at the NFR. the Petska family by selling bits, Gail knew she loved horses and rounds won in consecutive NFRs The early 2000’s would be horses, raising a family, and mak- looked forward to having one of in any event by winning 13 of 20 just the beginning for her son ing so many relationships that I am her own. Her mom and dad, Har- in a two- year span. Cory. Cory has gone to the NFR happy to be part of it.” www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 27 LeadingT the Way Trevor Lucas, Oklahoma FFA State Executive Secretary
or more than three decades, the Oklahoma FFA organization was spearheaded by Executive Secretary Kent Boggs. When Mr. Boggs announced his retirement last spring, the search Fwas on to find a replacement – someone who would carry on Boggs’ legacy while embracing change and leading Oklahoma FFA into the future. Trevor Lucas, an FFA advisor and agriculture education instructor, got the call. “This was not necessarily on my radar. Some people mentioned the job to me and said I should apply, so I did. It wasn’t super premeditated,” he recalled. “I just loved every second of being an ag teacher, and I enjoyed the people I worked with, but it was an opportunity I felt like I couldn’t pass up. Oklahoma FFA means a lot to me. To have the ability and opportunity to work on the state level organizing and planning events – like Alumni Camp and State Convention – is something I take very seriously and means a lot to me.” Continued on page 30
28 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 29 Leading the Way Continued from page 28 Lucas grew up attending school in Central High, Okla. - a small, Class A school in the southwest quadrant of the state. His connec- tion to FFA began long before the age when he could don the blue jacket. “I got involved in the ag world at nine years old when my dad bought a show pig for me, and I went to stock shows. I wanted to be one of the older students in the blue jacket,” he recalled. Once his eighth grade year rolled around, joining the FFA was inevitable. “I wasn’t an athlete or some super-gifted academic student, but FFA kind of channeled some energy for me and helped me to find my place in high school,” Lucas said. “The best decision I ever made in life was the day I decided to walk through the front door of my ag building in high school. One thing that is really cool about Lucas credits his high school agriculture education teacher, Ron Curry (far right) for fostering his enthusiasm for Oklahoma FFA. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas) FFA is that it doesn’t require a huge amount of ability to be successful. If you have a lot of desire, determination, and willingness to work hard, you can find success. That’s what it’s all about here.” Perhaps Lucas’ biggest influence in high school was his agriculture education instructor Ron Curry, who helped foster his enthusiasm for Oklahoma FFA. “Throughout my FFA career I had a lot of fun and got to do a lot of different things. I had such a great experience that I decided later in my high school career that I wanted to be an ag teacher. What better way to continue to be involved in FFA?” he said. Mr. Curry, who has taught agriculture education for more than 40 years, continues to teach at Central High. “I think very highly of him. Growing up, I just felt like he was a It was while student teaching at Cheyenne High School that Lucas knew he wanted to be an leader in the community. Since I was nine years agriculture education instructor. He’s pictured here with Cheyenne students and agriculture old, I always looked up to him as well as some education instructor Nathan Torrance (far right). (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas) of the other ag teachers in the community. He was always willing to take me to a contest or led me to teach ag and then led me here,” he dent teaching experience, it changed that. Mr. just go above and beyond,” he said. “I think he said. Torrance was an awesome instructor, and he lit probably saw something in me and continued Although he’d always planned to be an a spark in me to be a teacher,” he said. to work with me. I wasn’t a super kid in any agriculture education instructor, Lucas’ desire In the Classroom area, but he took time for me.” to teach had begun to wane in the later years of Following college graduation, Lucas’ first After serving as Central High FFA Chapter college. “I had a lot of really great mentors in teaching post was in Calumet, Okla. Not only President for two years, Lucas was elected to my life. When I was student teaching under Mr. was it his first teaching position, he was also serve as the Oklahoma FFA Reporter upon Nathan Torrance at Cheyenne High School, I tasked with starting an agriculture education graduation. “At Oklahoma State University, was teetering back and forth on whether I was and FFA program from the ground up. “I was I majored in Agriculture Education, which going to be an ag teacher. Once I had the stu- a first year ag teacher at the time, and it was a
30 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR first year program, so we all grew system, which boasts the largest together there. It was one of those agriculture education program in things, for me, that I didn’t know the state and is a 6A school. “It what I didn’t know, so I think it was a very active chapter. We had made it easier,” he said. a five acre lot that had livestock The Calumet community ral- facilities, a greenhouse, a shop, a lied around the fledgling program. turf grass management area, and a “There were a few challenges school garden,” he recalled. “We in trying to get that culture es- also had many students in public tablished as well as funding so speaking, parli-pro, and other ac- we had the ability to take trips tivities for FFA. The FFA Chapter and do the things you want with was made up of students from all FFA, but mostly it was a lot of three Edmond schools, and the positivity. The community was students who wanted to be there excited to have an FFA program were very active.” and the administration was really While the two schools were helpful, so it was just a really fun widely different in size and scope, time,” he said. “It was neat to see Lucas noted they had one very it build. The chapter is doing re- important thing in common. “Cal- ally well – they’re now a three star umet and Edmond were great national chapter. It is rewarding to schools and were really good have been there at the beginning experiences. I think I grew a lot of it all.” professionally and learned a lot. After teaching for two years I have only positive things to say in the relatively small town of about that time,” he said. Top: Lucas was the first agriculture education instructor for Calumet. Calumet, Lucas made a big move With all the positive experi- Bottom: Lucas’ State Reporter FFA jacket. (Photos courtesy of Trevor to the Edmond public school Continued on page 32 Lucas)
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 31 Leading the Way Continued from page 31 ences he’s had in the classroom, does Lucas miss teaching? “I certainly do, but the cool thing about my job now is that I still get that student interaction by working with the state officers. Part of my job is coaching, and by being part of the officer team I have that outlet. That’s what makes the job for me and is a lot of fun. I’ll always miss teaching, though, because it was such a rewarding and awesome job,” he said. OK FFA State Executive Secretary Lucas’ official title is State FFA Executive Secretary, but he is also on the agriculture education state staff, serves as Secretary of the FFA Foundation Executive Committee and is on the State FFA Alumni Board. “My role as the State Executive Teaching at Calumet High School. The young program is still going strong, and was recently named as a Secretary is to plan and coordinate National Three Star FFA Chapter. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas) state conferences and events for the association. I’m also a meeting planner and make sure all our con- tracts are up-to-date on events. Ultimately, all state events or competitions come across my desk at some point, so it’s a lot of administrative work.” He added, “The highlight for me is managing and coaching the state officer team to make sure they’re prepared to go serve 27,000 FFA members. It’s a big part of my job.” Lucas officially began work as the Executive Secretary on June 15 of 2018 and worked with his predecessor during the transition. “There wasn’t a huge transition period. I think he and I were here together about two weeks, and then it was off to alumni camp for me. He pretty much just handed the reins over. I think he felt it was important for me to jump in Following his years at Calumet High School, Lucas was hired as an agriculture education instructor for the Ed- and learn,” Lucas said. “I try my mond School District, which boasts the largest FFA program in the state. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas)
32 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Lucas pictured with his Edmond FFA State Speech Contest winners in Kent Boggs, pictured on right, and Lucas prior to the 2018 State FFA 2018. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas) Convention. (Photo courtesy of Trevor Lucas) best not to bug him. He deserves it mine,” he said. “I feel like it is retirement and time to take fish- my responsibility to honor what ing trips, but if I call him to ask he has done over the past 33 years something, he always helps me. and continue to show up to work He’s not necessarily here, but he’s with a smile on my face just like always available.” he did every day.” There’s no doubt in Lucas’ The Oklahoma FFA program mind that Boggs left some big continues to grow. The state cur- shoes to fill. The former Execu- rently ranks fourth nationally in tive Secretary made a notable and membership, behind only Texas, lasting impact on Oklahoma FFA. California, and Georgia, which “No one has more reverence or offer middle-school membership. respect for Mr. Boggs than I do. “We’re striking some sort of chord He had a huge impact on my life with young students in our state. during my year as a state officer. Considering we’re such a small I learned so much from him about populous state, our high ranking how to be a professional and to is impressive. The other thing is, do whatever it takes to get the job we’re continuing to grow. We Lucas and fellow State Agriculture Education staff. (Photo courtesy of done,” he said. added three new chapters this Trevor Lucas) “During my first year I thought year, and we have requests for of a family tradition, and more old, and it just grew with him. For it was best to just stick to the new programs all the time,” Lu- of a career choice. Regardless of me in particular, being a young script and honor what Mr. Boggs cas said. “I believe that’s because your background, you can choose person, I try my best to learn and has done. I’ve made changes but FFA and agriculture education do to pursue ag. FFA reflects that,” soak in all the wisdom that is in wanted to go through a year and a great job of building leaders and he said. that office,” Lucas said. “I like see it from his perspective. Ulti- giving them skills they can use, At only 26 years of age when the fact that I feel young. I feel mately there will be changes in the whether they want to be involved he took the post in June of 2018, there is still a lot for me to learn. future because we must embrace in agriculture or not.” he has embraced being young in There is a lot for me to be better change to be relevant. I want to Lucas predicts that agriculture that position. and improve upon. I want to be honor his work and what he has will only grow in relevance in “When Mr. Boggs took the better and continue to do things done, but slowly and surely make coming years. “It’s becoming less position, he was only 29 years with excellence.” www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 33 Where the Paved Road Ends By Beth Watkins > Life is never boring dubb leaves the blinds the J.J. McAlester Mercantile. open next to his side of This company store also served Gthe bed, his reason being as the basis for the store visited by if the sun is up, he had better be U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, in up. I, on the other hand, being the the novel “True Grit” starring the princess that I am, sleep a little actor, John Wayne. Today, our later and I like it dark. Instead of building houses a popular lunch just closing the blinds when he spot in the heart of McAlester’s gets up, my stud muffin stacks up Old Town antique district. When pillows next to me to shield the our realtor suggested that I take sun from my eyes. Which is just a look at this property, and the a sweet reminder of how much he business, I said, “No thank you, loves and cares for me, or maybe I want something with character he stacks those pillows while he’s and charm,” but I agreed to take still sleeping, to block my sweet- a look. We opened the doors and as-honeysuckle morning breath. it was like the clouds parted, the Life at the end of this dirt road big cavernous building, sparked is peaceful and easy. My mornings my imagination and the restaurant begin somewhere around 10:30 already had a great following, so a.m. I can get all my chores done, that was a bonus. From that day dressed and makeup applied by forward, things started falling noon. The rest of my day is open into place. We knew we were on and my choices of activities are the right track. We gave the res- endless, reading a book, scrap- taurant a new name, “The Whistle booking, napping, shopping and Stop Depot,” and we are currently or lunch dates with my sweetheart. working on opening a section for That routine might sound a bit an antique mall. We’ve tweaked boring to some, but I love wak- the menu a bit and our weekly ing up to my life, that is, until specials come straight out of my it happened. The day I woke up collection of cookbooks. and decided that I needed to find We are starting our third month a part-time job, so I did just that. in the restaurant business, and our Working was fun and I enjoyed third month into our remodel. We having a purpose, but after a year are a bit behind schedule on the of employment, I examined my The infamous Houdini, who regularly finds herself on the pages of this renovations, due to this year’s magazine. (Photo courtesy of Beth Watkins) future and realized I had already lengthy hay season. When my been promoted to the highest ahead of me? Clearly, there was ered most old Victorian Homes handsome handyman isn’t at his position available and my pay no going home to my old hab- need a lot of work to be open to full-time job, he’s baling hay. Al- scale had stagnated. It was time its. I’ve got skills, I need to use the public, and zoned commercial though when it rains, great things for a change, so I gave notice of them, I searched my data bank so on to Plan B. Long story short, happen; progress chugs forward my soon-to-be final curtain. Over for dreams and desires, and there Gdubb and I are the proud owners at “The Depot.” To move this the past year, I began to discover it was, like the bat signal shining of the oldest commercial building project on to completion I softly that I am more than just a doting above Gotham City, the answer to in McAlester. The first building suggested that we “hire” the work mommy, a barrel of fun grammy my question, “A wedding venue/ built in Indian Territory, by J. J. done. Since that was not in the or a devoted wife and so-so ranch tea room!” With the dream now McAlester in 1893. Located at budget, I felt like the solution was hand. I am a fully functioning in my headlights the next step is the crossroads of the California simple; sell some weaning calves, member of society. to find an old historic Victorian Trail, the Old Texas Trail, and and that ever-roaming momma I began to contemplate on what home. It was a great idea and a the Katy Railroad. Our building cow, adequately named Houdini. to do next. What adventure is beautiful vision. We soon discov- is rich with history, it first housed That bright idea easily rolled
34 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR off my tongue, but by the time Last week I woke up to a tapping it traveled to his ears, it had lost noise, I sat up and turned to the its brilliance. I saw the reaction noise, she had her nose on the slowly move across his face. Over window. The window he leaves the years I’ve learned the mean- the blinds open to next to our bed. ing of the look. It’s not an all-out You would think that this would disgusted look, as much as it is a be the last straw, but it’s not. slightly annoyed look. I’ve seen Then I thought surely, the text he it during the explanation of why received from me later the same you don’t plan a vacation during day, containing the video, where opening weekend of deer season. she thought about joining me in I saw it when he reached for his the pool, would be the last straw. spit cup as we were rolling down The video did get his attention. the highway, after we had stopped He promised, he would come for fuel and I had cleaned out his home during lunch and put her truck. I’ve seen it Sunday morning back in the pasture with her calf. getting ready for church, when he When he got home, he found her looks for his favorite dress jeans standing next to the fence, letting that I forgot to pick up at the her calf nurse, through the fence. cleaners. I mentally filed away the He was so proud of her. current cause for the look - never For Sale: One ball cap wear- suggest prematurely separating a ing redneck and his smart fence- man from his cows. Or maybe it jumping momma cow, all funds was just the repeated phrase, “Get go to the renovation of a historic rid of that annoying cow!” landmark. Will accept plumbing To this day, I am not sure why or electrical work for partial trade Houdini is still on the property. for momma cow.
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 35 36 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR ctober is weaning time around here and every Otime we wean a different set of cows, I learn something, just like I learn something every time I talk to a different family member. All people and all sets of cattle are unique and can teach you something if you let them. When we work the cows in the Gammell pasture I learn persis- tence. That pasture is the farthest from the pens and usually holds the toughest cows because they sure like their babies. When we go to gather them, they are hunkered down in the trees hiding from the heat, the dogs, and the gather. It takes a lot of yelling, a lot of discussion, and a lot of wild and loud hand motions before you get them going but, that’s a different The Lake Pasture cows that make you question your sanity. (Photo by Summer McMillen) story for a different day. Once am doing. It’s the most beautiful confusing at times. “Big square Then there are the Brangus we get them started down the dirt pasture to gather with huge pecan circles” means very little to a pre- cows. I wouldn’t dare compare to road, they are a breeze but it’s a trees, wild river bottoms, and teen. I often wondered if we would anyone in my life to the Brangus long drive and you can’t take your vast hay meadows. I always get make it out alive. Obviously, we cows except maybe myself. They eyes off them for a minute for lost wondering through the trees did. We even made it out of a few are mean, a little crazy, love to fear of them jumping a fence or because there is much I haven’t show pens with a blue ribbon and graze, and have really cute babies. a draw and being gone forever. If seen yet. About the time my mind a very clear understanding of what I identify with them on a very per- you do everything right and take starts to wonder I am snapped “Big square circles” meant. That sonal level but, that’s just between the time to give them the care they back to reality by the cows crash- merited a slap on the back and a you and me. need, driving the Gammell cows ing through the trees going every supper at Allsup’s. Make no mis- You might find it comical that to the pens will be the easiest which direction but the right one take, those things were even better I compare the special people in and most rewarding part of your and the panic sets in. I am always than the blue ribbon. my life to cattle. You might find day. Metaphorically, they always reminded of Dear Ole’ Dad. One We have other pastures full of it strange. Besides people, I spend remind me of my sister. She’s a constant in my life growing up cows that are calm, cool, and col- every day all day living among quiet one that will often make you was Dad sitting at his desk in the lected. They are easier to gather cattle. They are smart, predictable question your intelligence. If you mornings, eating peanut butter and a joy to ride through. Their at times, and make you question take the time and effort to get her crackers, and reading his bible. babies frolic in front of the heard your sanity often. Just like people. to talk to you or, even look your This brought me so much comfort leading the way and, we always We can’t live without them for way you will always be blessed growing up because I knew we end up at the pens rejuvenated various reasons and wouldn’t with the wisdom that comes from were safe. I would get lost not and ready to work a set. These want to for a thousand more. So, her mouth. worrying about anything in the cows remind me of the pillars of the next time you’re around cattle, Time and time again, when we world when I was usually snapped strength in my life that keep me stop and think about the important work the cows in the lake pasture I back to reality by an afternoon grounded and just make life a little people in your life. If nothing simultaneously thank God for this spent in the arena with him. The easier. We all need a few pastures else, it will give you one heck of life and wonder what the heck I learning was fast, loud, and a little like that. a laugh. www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 37 Look Out here comes
Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce with Homemade Pasta Serves: 4-5 Time: 40 minutes Fresh pasta Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 tbsp. water 2 3/4 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt Directions: Place eggs, water, flour and salt in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and flat beater. Turn to speed 2 and knead two minutes. Remove dough from bowl and hand knead for one to two minutes. Let it rest for 20 minutes. Start boiling water in a pot with salt to cook the pasta. Divide dough into four pieces before processing with pasta sheet roller attachment. Transfer freshly rolled pasta into boiling water and cook until tender. Cherry tomato sauce Ingredients: 20-30 ripe cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 clove garlic Salt Pepper Parmesan cheese Directions: Fill a medium sauté pan with olive oil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover pan and let cook on medium until cherries burst, about 10 minutes. Add parmesan cheese to taste and combine with cooked pasta, coat- ing all the noodles. Enjoy. 38 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR appy fall!! I’m so excited for warm color tones and cooler weather! I really adore this fun flowy Hwrap skirt! There are so many options and ways to wear it like pairing it with this cute graphic tee and wild wrag! Throw on your favorite belt and boots and scoot on out the door in style!! Find this outfit and more at www.jessesjewelz.com Photo credit: Susanna Claire photography Find all this and more at www.jessesjewelz.com. Find me on Facebook and Instagram. ~JJ~ XOXO, Jessica Kader www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 39 Queen of the Oklahoma Outlaws Belle Starr By Savannah Magoteaux uch has been writ- ten about the life and Mlegends of Belle Starr. Fact and fiction have become so intertwined over the years that it’s likely her reputation has been wildly exaggerated and roman- ticized. Still, there’s no doubt that the “Bandit Queen” consorted with thieves and outlaws and was known for her style and her skill with a gun. Throughout her short and tumultuous life, she married at least three criminals – Jim Reed, Sam Starr, and Jim July – and it is rumored that she was also briefly married to Cole Younger of the notorious James-Younger Gang. Belle Starr was born Myra Maybelle Shirley on her family’s farm near Carthage, Miss., in 1848. The family was well-to-do, and Belle received a classical educa- tion, learned piano, and graduated from Missouri’s Carthage Female Academy, a private institution Belle Starr, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 1886;The man on the horse is Deputy U.S. Marshal Benjamin Tyner Hughes her father helped found. Starr’s who, along with his posse man, Deputy U.S. Marshal Charles Barnhill, arrested her at Younger’s Bend in May of 1886 and brought her to Ft. Smith for arraignment. (Wikipedia.org photo) biggest influence early on was her big brother, Bud. Not content acquainted with several outlaws, outlaws rode to the North Cana- to remain within the stereotypical including Jesse James and the dian River country, where they boundaries of feminine behavior Younger brothers. tortured an old Creek Indian until that her private all-girls academy At 18 years old, Belle Shirley he told them where he had hidden offered, Starr learned to ride and married a childhood friend, Jim more than $30,000 in gold. With handle weapons from her sibling. Reed. Two years later, she had a their share of the loot, Jim and Belle’s strong sense of style and daughter named Pearl, while her Belle returned to Texas. her ability with a pistol fed into her husband was getting involved While in the Lone Star State, later legend. It’s told she liked to in criminal activity with a man Jim became involved with several ride sidesaddle, dressed in black named Sam Starr. Wanted for criminal gangs – the James and velvet, and carry two pistols with several crimes, including murder Younger gangs as well as the Starr cartridge belts across her hips. in Arkansas, Reed went on the clan. The Starrs were a Cherokee It surely didn’t hurt that her run to California - and Belle went family infamous for whiskey, mother was a distant cousin to the with him. cattle and horse thievery. In 1874, rogue Hatfields of Hatfield and While fleeing from state to a warrant was issued for Belle’s McCoy feud fame. territory to state, Belle had a arrest for a stagecoach robbery by During the Civil War, a Union son named Eddie. Jim killed and her husband and his partners, de- regiment attacked Carthage, robbed along the way, although spite lack of evidence. In August prompting the Shirleys to move it’s unclear how much of a role of that year, the law finally caught to Scyene, Texas, and it was there, Belle played in his enterprises. up to Reed, when an undercover Studio photo of Belle Starr. (Wiki- rumor tells, that the family became Supposedly, Reed and two other deputy killed him. pedia.org photo)
40 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Belle Starr’s grave near Porum, Okla. (Courtesy photo) It didn’t take long for Starr to theft conviction, but in December, remarry. It is alleged she married Sam was involved in a gunfight Jim Reed and Belle Starr in 1866. (Wikipedia.org photo) Cole Younger for three weeks in with a lawman named Frank 1878, and that her daughter Pearl West. Both men landed fatal was actually a Younger from an shots, and Belle became a widow earlier affair, but Cole dismissed once more. the allegations in his autobiog- Belle’s life as the outlaw queen raphy. abruptly ended with her husband’s In 1880, Belle married her first death. She allegedly reformed, husband’s former associate Sam refusing to shelter criminals in Starr, and settled with the clan her home. After her loss, rumors in Indian Territory. It was there swirled that Belle took up with she learned to organize, plan, and several different outlaws ranging fence for the rustlers and bootleg- from a fellow named Blue Duck to gers, as well as harbor them from Jim July, a relative of Sam’s who the law. The bandit life was espe- was 15 years her junior. She mar- cially lucrative. Her illegal enter- ried Jim July in 1888, and the mar- prises proved profitable enough riage was known to be tumultuous. for her to utilize bribery to free When July was arrested for horse her cohorts from the law if they theft, she did not defend him. happened to get caught. Failing Belle Starr was shot to death on this, she would tempt the lawmen Feb. 3, 1889, in Briartown, Okla., with her womanly charms, almost just shy of her 41st birthday. With always achieving the release of her many enemies having been cre- compatriots. ated over the years – including In 1883, Belle and Sam were her daughter Pearl, son Eddie, Gene Tierney as Belle Starr in Belle Starr The Bandit Queen. (Wikipedia. arrested and charged with horse and husband Jim July – no one org photo) theft, and were tried before Isaac was ever arrested. A tenant named inspired by her life, including stone, along with these words: Parker, “The Hanging Judge,” in Edgar Watson was the prime sus- a 1941 film Belle Starr, staring Shed not for her the bitter tear, Fort Smith, Arkansas. They were pect. Watson had rented land from Gene Tierney, a noted biography Nor give the heart to vain regret found guilty, and Belle spent Belle, and was a fugitive wanted of the Western icon was written Tis but the casket that lies here, several months in the Detroit for murder. When she discovered by Glenn Shirley – Belle Starr The gem that filled it sparkles House of Corrections in Michigan. his history, she kicked him off the and Her Times: The Literature, the yet. Supposedly, Belle was a model land. Although he was arrested, he Facts, and the Legends. SOURCES prisoner, although the same could was eventually released as there Her grave site is near Eufair Wikipedia.org not be said of Sam. were no witnesses to the crime. Lake, southeast of Porum, Okla. A Biography.com In 1886 she avoided another In addition to several works horse was engraved on her tomb- Historynet.com www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 41 CALENDAR OF EVENTS McAlester Union Managing Weather-Related Antique Agriculture Festival OK Mozart Festival Risk for Specialty Crops Oktoberfest Stockyards Sale oct. 4 - 6 • park hill OCtober • McAlester oct. 5 • Bartlesville oct. 1 • Ardmore Hunter’s Home Historic Site. McAlester Union Stockyards. Noble Research Institute Kruse 19479 E Murrell Home Rd., Park 415 S Dewey Ave.,Bartlesville, 2515 Standard Rd., McAlester, Aduitorium, 2510 Sam Noble Hill, OK 74451. Visit the Hunter’s OK 74003. Dress up in Bavarian OK 74501. The Old Reliable. Pkwy., Ardmore, OK 73401. Home near Park Hill for a true folklore clothing and head to the Regular sale every Tuesday. For Specialty crop producers must antebellum harvest festival. The OK Mozart Festival Oktoberfest more information call 918-423- manage many risks, one of which historic, 40-acre Hunter’s Home to experience all the flair and 2834 or visit www.McAlester- is adverse weather. During this and Plantation, built in 1845, flavors of this traditional German Stockyards.com. course, you will learn about the comes alive at the Antique Agri- festival. Bartlesville guests get a many technologies and practices culture Festival. Over a three-day taste of Germany through on-hand you can employ on your large or weekend, interact with dozens food trucks delivering authentic Tulsa Stockyards Sale small specialty crop operation to of living history presenters and eats, as well as hot dogs, cupcakes mitigate the effects of unpredict- crafts people showcasing their and strudel. For more information, October • Tulsa able and often extreme weather. 19th-century harvest survival call 918-336-9900. Tulsa Stockyards. Tulsa, OK For more information visit www. skills. In addition to soap makers, 74116. Northeast Oklahoma’s Noble.org. carpenters, smiths and spinners, largest and finest livestock mar- musicians and magicians will Eckard Partner Conference ket. Sale every Monday at 9 a.m. BFA Select Barrel Horse stroll about providing pre-Civil oct. 10 - 13 • OkC View the sale online at www. Sale Catalog Deadline War era entertainment to festival cattleusa.com. Visit www.Tul- goers. Be sure to enjoy some great The Skirvin Hilton. 1 Park Ave, saStockyards.com for more Oct. 1 • Guthrie, OK food during the sorghum and apple Oklahoma City, OK 73102. We information. butter demonstrations, where invite you to attend the edu- Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, you can even lend a hand in the cational portion of our partner Guthrie, OK 73044. Consign now harvesting process. On Saturday, conference. Get ready for a full for the BFA World Select Barrel strap on those fancy shoes for the day of learning, including special Horse Sale, catalog deadline Oct. Oklahoma National evening harvest dance. Before guest speakers. Come learn about 1. Demo at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, sale heading back to the 21st century, Eckard Enterprises, investing with Stockyards Sale at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21. Held during visit one of the vendors specializ- your self-directed IRA, cryptocur- October • OkC the Barrel Futurities of America ing in handmade goods and take a rency, cyber security, and more. World Championship. Call Gary Oklahoma National Stockyards. piece of 1840s Cherokee Territory Limited seats available. RSVP by Lohman at 405-226-0630, email Oklahoma City, OK 73018. home. For more information, call phone at 800-527-8895, by email [email protected] or visit Stockers and feeders sell Mon- 918-456-2751. at cross@eckardenterprises. westernheritagesales.com. day. Single stockers and feeders com, or on the web at www.eck- sell Tuesday, followed by stock ardenterprises.com cows, packer cows, and packer Oklahoma Mule Sale bulls. Call 405-235-8675 or visit www.ONSY.com for more in- oct. 4 - 5 • Ada formation. Pontotoc County Agri-Plex. Ada, OK. This is becoming one of the best saddle mule sales in the na- tion. Friday at 9 a.m. will be the OKC West Sale tack sale, followed at 4 p.m. for the trail competition. The sale starts at October • El reno 9 a.m. on Saturday with wagons, OKC West Livestock Market. 7200 trailers, and antique farm equip- E Hwy 66, El Reno, OK 73036. ment. One hour after completion Cattlemen serving cattlemen. of 9 a.m sale, we will sell jacks, Cows and bulls sell Mondays, jennets, and loose stock, followed calves and stockers sell Tuesdays, by the catalogued sale, then the and feeder cattle sell Wednesdays. regular consignment stock. For Antique agriculture Festival Call 405-262-8800 or visit www. more information, call John at OKCWest.com for more infor- 580-465-8727 or Johnny at 270- Oct. 4 - 6 mation. 293-0538
42 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 43 44 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR CALENDAR OF EVENTS Watonga Cheese Festival and hear a rumbling sound, don’t panic. It’s not an earthquake. It is oct. 11 - 12 • watonga just a good old fashioned stampede Downtown Watonga. Fun for the through the streets of the oldest whole family. For more infor- district in Oklahoma - Stockyards mation visit www.TheWaton- City! Everyone is invited to attend gaCheeseFestival.com or call the annual Stockyards Stampede 580-623-5452. event. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best events in 160 Acre Cattle & Horse its history. One of the highlights Ranch Auction will be the procession of Chain Ranch longhorns that will kick oct. 12 • Cushing off the event at 10 a.m. he entire Cushing, OK. Nice 3 bed, 2.5 bath event is family friendly. There will country style home on 160 acres be a lot of great activities for kids! with multiple patios, horse barn, They can color their own bandana, roping arena, machinery shed, enjoy a petting zoo, horse rides, barn and cattle corrals. Fenced mutton bustin’, agricultural dem- and multiple cross fences as well onstrations, a straw maze, and so as multiple ponds make this ranch much more! In addition, there will very appealing and turn key. be tours of the Oklahoma National Between Tulsa and OKC and 20 Stockyards itself, where you minutes to Stillwater. Real estate, can learn the history of the indus- Stockyards Stampede ranch equipment, and cattle sell try. For more information about to the highest bidders without the Stampede please e-mail Stock- Oct. 19 reserve. Photos and details online yards City Main Street at at www.BallAuction.bid or www. [email protected] or call Burneyville, OK 73430. Most auction to attend. For information UCMikeB.com 405-235-7267. people think cattle and wildlife and catalogs, contact Mike or Mar- are incompatible. This is not the tha Armitage at 918-342-2225, Introduction to Land Bowling Ranch 2019 case. When managed correctly, email abarranch@upperspace. Stewardship Production Sale native rangelands can produce net, or view online at cattleusa. optimal wildlife habitat and forage com or abarranch.com. oct. 29 • newkirk oct. 15 • marietta production for cattle. When native Noble Research Institute Cof- Bowling Ranch. Newkirk, OK. rangelands are not utilized or are 32nd Annual Beef Cattle Join us for the Bowling Ranch fey Ranch. 16877 State Hwy. overutilized, both cattle and wild- Improvement Conference 32., Marietta, OK 73448. This 2019 Production Sale. The sale life suffer. Come find out how you Nov. 21 • Lawton course will provide you with an begins at noon Oct. 29, at the can use cattle, fire and mechanical understanding of the principles, ranch near Newkirk. Selling 26 means to make productive range- McCasland Ballroom. Cameron processes and tools to effectively hereford bulls, 21 red angus bulls, lands that will benefit your cattle University, Lawton, OK 73505. implement land-stewardship- 16 registered hereford heifers, 13 and wildlife. No registration fee. Free and open to the public begin- focused management strategies registered red angus heifers, 6 elite Registration closes on Oct. 22. For ning at 6 p.m. Come join us for on your operation. The focus show heifer calves, and 145 com- more information, visit https:// the 32nd Annual Beef Cattle Im- will primarily be on applying mercial spring bred heifers. For www.noble.org/events/ provement Conference featuring Aldo Leopold’s five tools to meet more information, contact Justin Steven E. Myers, PH.D, technical stewardship goals and objectives. Stout at 913-645-5136, Nancy sales specialist for Purina Animal No registration fee. Registration Bowling at 580-362-5026, or Mel- The Fall Gatherin’ Nutrition LLC. Focusing on cow closes on Oct. 8. For more infor- vin Young at 580-761-9257. You nutrition and fetal programming. Nov. 2 • El Reno mation, visit https://www.noble. can also email bowlingranch@ For more information, call 580- org/events/ outlook.com. OKC West. El Reno, OK. Join 581-2373 or email agriculture@ us for the Fall Gatherin’. 1500 cameron.edu. Stockyards Stampede Using Grazing to Manage head sell. The 31st annual event Wildlife Habitat features our very best in livestock If you have an event you’d like to oct. 19 • OKC production and the dispersal of see featured in our Oct. 29 • Burneyville Historic Stockyards City. Okla- two cow herds. Great consign- Calendar of Events, e-mail homa City, OK 73108. On October Cross Timbers Wildlife Manage- ments, including exceptional bulls [email protected]. 19th, if you feel the ground shake ment Area. 7761 Stockton Road., and horses, make this an exciting www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 45 46 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR Tales from an Outdoorsman By Michael Newell Archery seasons for Oklahoma hunters ctober 1 is the opening day for sev- eral major archery hunting seasons Oin Oklahoma. Prospects are looking good for most of those seasons, experts with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Con- servation said. "Oklahoma really is a land of opportunity for archery hunters," said Erik Bartholomew, big-game biologist with the Wildlife Depart- ment. "Not only do we have several archery seasons opening Oct. 1, but they each provide ample time and opportunity for diligent hunt- ers to go afield and have an enjoyable time in the outdoors." Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide season dates. Complete details and regulations for each season -- including hunter education and apprentice-designated license requirements -- can be found in the "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations guide, available free online at wildlifedepartment.com or in print Bowhunters using traditional stick bows, compound bows, or crossbows like this archer can anywhere hunting licenses are sold. head to the field beginning October 1 for the start of the deer archery season. Photo courtesy Deer Archery - Oct. 1 to Jan. 15 state- of ODWC wide - The most popular of the archery hunt- set up your stand," Bartholomew said. partment.com. ing seasons is for deer, with close to 100,000 Scouting ahead of your hunt can help pat- Elk Archery - Oct. 1 to Jan. 15, statewide hunters going afield last year. Those hunters tern deer movement. Since the food resources on private lands only (except in Special South- took home 29,094 deer in 2017, a new archery are plentiful this year, the deer might have west Zone) – The elk herd on private lands in record for the state. changed their routines from years past. Oklahoma continues to grow. That also accounts for more than 27 percent Good habitat conditions also can make vis- "Many parts of the state have seen an in- of the overall deer harvest. Although the 2018 ibility an issue, as many hunters experienced crease in elk numbers, and hunters now have numbers have not been released yet, coffee last year. Most forested areas have thick the opportunity to pursue them through all shop talk seemed to reflect a good year for undergrowth, and many prairies are covered seasons until the zone quota is met," Bartho- deer hunters, too. in native grasses reaching five feet in height. lomew said. There is no reason to expect this fall to be Hunters are going to have a difficult time see- The beginning of the elk archery season any different. Habitat conditions are ideal for ing the deer in such conditions. Bartholomew coincides with the end of the elk rut, he said. deer production. said it is more important than ever for hunters "Hunters should capitalize on this and call in "The mild summer weather and some timely to positively identify their targets before decid- their first Oklahoma elk." rains have provided some much-needed relief ing to take a shot. For the statewide elk season, Oklahoma is to many parts of the state," Bartholomew said. Another indicator of a good deer season divided into seven zones. Each zone has its "We've had quite a few reports of does with ahead - summer spotlight surveys have shown own bag limit (one or two elk) and harvest twins and even some seen with triplets. If a that deer numbers have increased from last quota. A Special Southwest Zone will be doe is raising triplets, that means the habitat year. open for archery hunting on private lands (see is in good shape." The bag limit is six deer, which may include below). Persimmons and other soft mast have been no more than two antlered deer. For license Hunters may harvest one or two elk, de- in good supply in most of the state this year. requirements and information on field tagging pending on the zone, combined for all elk The acorn and pecan crops are looking good, and checking, consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" seasons. All hunters must check online at as well. "Find a tree that is dropping acorns and regulations guide or go online to wildlifede- See ARCHERY page 48 www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 47 Archery Continued from page 47 wildlifedepartment.com before any appreciable rainfall along with their hunt to find out if the season livestock grazing have left many is closed for the zone they intend areas with no grass. That, in turn, to hunt. Once the quota is met creates problems for does raising in each zone, the elk season will fawns, as the poor habitat makes close in that zone. survival more difficult. Archers took 38 bulls and 37 Hopefully with a wetter sum- cows in the 2017 season. Those mer this year, and adding a couple numbers are expected to be up of more to this one, we can see an even more for 2018. increase in fawn production, and Bartholomew said some areas a population increase. of the state are known to have good For those antelope hunters elk populations. In the Northeast wanting to make a trip, he sug- Zone, he advises hunters to target gested that Texas County might Mayes, Delaware, Cherokee, have better numbers of animals Adair and Sequoyah Counties. In than Cimarron County. He based the Southeast Zone, pockets of elk the assessment on preseason fawn can be found in Pushmataha, Coal, counts, which showed an average Johnston and Pontotoc Counties. Black bear range is expanding in southeastern Oklahoma, bringing more of one fawn for each 3.5 does Hunters in the western Panhandle hunting opportunities for Oklahoma hunters. Photo courtesy of ODWC in Texas County and one fawn should find some success. wildlife biologist for the Wildlife For more information about for each 3.9 does in Cimarron Elk Archery Special South- Department, said this year's bear prohibited activities, field tagging County. west Zone – Oct. 5-9 and Dec. season could turn out better than and checking for bear, consult the By and large, the majority of 7-11 –The Special Southwest zone last year's. Hunters will have ad- "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations pronghorns harvested in Oklaho- includes private lands in Caddo, ditional area in which to hunt, as guide or go online to wildlifede- ma are done through the Wildlife Kiowa and Comanche Counties. the bear open zone was expanded partment.com. Department's controlled hunts and By far, the largest concentra- to all or part of 12 counties in Antelope Archery - Oct 1-14 through landowner permits. Only tions of elk occur in the Special southeastern Oklahoma. in Cimarron County and Texas about 10 percent of antelope are Southwest Zone. While the season "With another cool and wet County - After several years of harvested by over-the-counter dates are more restrictive in this summer in Southeast Oklahoma, severe drought, the pronghorn permits. zone, there is no zone harvest the bear numbers are in excellent populations in the western Okla- To find out about license re- quota. condition," Ford said. “Mast pro- homa panhandle are depressed. quirements, season limit, field The zone bag limit is two elk, duction should be great.” “Any hunters who are planning tagging and checking, and land- but at least one must be antler- "Hunters should key in on areas a public-land antelope hunt are owner permission, consult the less. with white oaks. These trees start likely to find minimal numbers "Oklahoma Hunting" regulations To find out about license re- dropping acorns in late September of antelope,” said Weston Storer, guide or go online to wildlifede- quirements, field tagging and and are a preferred food source for northwest region wildlife biologist partment.com. checking, landowner permission, bears in the fall," Ford said. for the Wildlife Department. Turkey Archery - Oct. 1 to zone bag limits and zone harvest For archery bear hunters, there Hunters lucky enough to draw Jan. 15, statewide - All counties quotas for private land elk hunts, is no season harvest quota. So, into the Wildlife Department’s are open for the fall turkey archery consult the "Oklahoma Hunting" these hunters can be more selec- antelope gun hunts are the more season. Hunters may harvest regulations guide or go online to tive in making a harvest decision successful of those seeking to one turkey of either sex during wildlifedepartment.com. since they may hunt the entire 20 harvest a pronghorn, but archery all fall seasons combined. Any Bear Archery - Oct. 1-20 in days. Hunters may take only one hunters did harvest 24 (22 bucks, turkey harvested statewide must Choctaw, Haskell, Latimer, Le bear for all seasons combined. and 2 does) animals last year. 128 be checked in using the E-Check Flore, McCurtain and Push- All hunters are required to total pronghorns were harvested in system at wildlifedepartment.com mataha counties only - In 2017, have a hunting license or proof of 2017, combining all the seasons. or the new wildlife app available hunters harvested 57 black bears exemption, and a bear license (no Private lands will likely offer on cellular devices. in Oklahoma. Of those, the major- exemptions). Bear archery hunt- better chances for success, he It's common for deer hunters ity were taken by archery hunters. ing licenses must be purchased said. "There will be some taken to head to the field along with the In fact, 53 of the total were har- before the season opens. No bear on private lands around watering proper fall turkey license in case vested by bow. archery licenses will be sold after holes," Storer speculated. they get an opportunity to harvest Jeff Ford, southeast region that date. He said several years without a turkey while deer hunting.
48 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 49 10 Truths About Beef
Noble Learning:
From the Noble Research Foundation
eef is tasty anyway you cows in a herd is 40. 6 – Nearly 160 cattle producers the Great Plains were developed fix it: sizzled on the grill, 4 – To be considered lean, a in 33 different states have been under grazing pressure, which is Broasted in the oven or three-ounce cooked serving of recognized through the Envi- why grazing cattle is important for dried for jerky. beef must have less than 10 grams ronmental Stewardship Award the health of this ecosystem. Here are some facts about our of total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated Program since 1991. 9 – Beef provides 10 essential favorite protein and the industry fat, and 95 milligrams of choles- Winners are selected by a nutrients including protein, vita- that produces it. terol. This qualifies more than 60 group of university, conserva- mins B6 and B12, selenium, zinc, 1 – The journey of bringing percent of beef cuts (when cooked tion organization and federal and niacin, phosphorus, choline, iron beef to the table represents the with visible fat trimmed) found in state agency representatives who and riboflavin. most unique and complex life the supermarket. consider management of water, 10 – A cooked three-ounce lean cycle of any food. The process 5 – An estimated 30 to 40 wildlife, vegetation, air and soil beef burger patty averages around takes about two to three years. percent of all food in the U.S. is along with leadership abilities and 154 calories while providing 2 – There were 93.5 million wasted each year. That’s about overall business sustainability. nearly half the recommended daily cattle in the United States as of $2,500 down the drain for the 7 – Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, value of protein (about 25 grams). Jan. 1, 2017. About a third of average American family, but California and Oklahoma raise the Expect to consume more calories them were beef cows. The rest meat, including beef, is one of most cattle in the U.S. for the same amount of protein include calves, beef bulls and the least-wasted food categories, 8 – Rangelands cover about 30 with options like peanut butter (6 dairy cattle. according to the U.S. Department percent of the U.S. and are found tablespoons for 564 calories) or 3 – The average number of of Agriculture. in all 50 states. Rangelands across quinoa (3 cups for 665 calories).
50 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR 10 Truths About Beef
Noble Learning:
www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 51 Call Kathy at 940-872-2076 to place your ad today!
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Delicate Beauty... For years I’ve been searching for the American Avocet, so I was beyond excited to see this flock at Canton Lake. I was intrigued by their long skinny legs and long curved bill. The large wader is in the stilt family and spends its time foraging in shallow water or mud flats, sweeping its bill from side to side seeking crustacean and insects. (Wildlife Photographer Janice Russell)
54 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR www.okfronline.com OCTOBER 2019 | 55 56 | OCTOBER 2019 OKFR