Quarterly Magazine February 2022

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Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine

February 2022

Everything Horses

and

Everything Horses and Livestock ® Magazine

Being raised by an Avid Outdoor Sports Writer, it was only natural for me to start our Magazine, Everything Horses and Livestock ®. In my youth, I talked with my father about writing some small books on living off the land in our area and caring for animals.

Out of high school, I gave riding lessons, trained horses, boarded, produced a variety of events and sold items from my own retail business, while also working for others. I wrote articles on proper feeding and horse management for magazines, websites and newsletters. It was very enjoyable to listen to my father edit them for me. He said, “It’s good to write how you feel, what you believe, just get rid of the extra words!” My father and I never got around to writing our booklets before he passed away November 1, 2009. I have many fond memories of my father and our time together. My passion is proper care and feeding of all animals and helping others enjoy their ride. Our family loves to hunt, ride and team rope. Flip through our pages. Enjoy articles, photographs, cartoons, word search, & fun news! This magazine is dedicated to my dad, mom, sisters, husband, son, family, friends, and everyone out there enjoying the ride! ~Jana T. Harrington Barcus He worked at the same publishing company for 62 years.

4 Living Life Ranch 7 Sliding Glass Door

Melissa Cowan Gerri Groshong

9 What's Under Your Hat?

EHAL Team

10 Serenity Life Beth Russell 12 For The Love Of Horses Frank Buchmann 16 Kansas Pioneer Pamela Hennigh 18 For The Love Of Horses Frank Buchmann 22 Life Coach Jayne Hamilton 24 A Cowboy's Faith Frank Buchmann 26 For The Love Of Horses Frank Buchmann 28 Some Fun Stuff EHAL Team

Editor/Publisher; Jana Barcus Editing/Setup; Ali Mays Admin Assistant ; Gerri Groshong Call Us to Advertise: Gerri Groshong

913-515-5943 913-731-5579 785-430-8408 913-333-2657

Melissa Cowan Desiree Garcia Jana Barcus

Ads Due January 15 / April 15 / July 15 / October 15 Publish Dates February * May * August * November

The Publication office is located at 29545 Pleasant Valley Rd., Paola, Kansas 66071

Everything Horses and Livestock is distributed across the US and on the world wide web. No material from this publication may be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Neither the advertisers nor Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine, nor staff are responsible for any errors in the editorial copy. This magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. No liability is assumed for errors in or omissions of advertisers in this publication. Opinions and views expressed in articles and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors or employees, nor does publication of any opinion or statement in Everything Horses and Livestock constitute an endorsement of the views, opinions, goods or services contained in any advertisement.

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Why Come to Living Life Ranch?

Are you or someone you know experiencing any of these things? • Trauma (Mental or Physical Abuse, Bullying,) • Fear • Anxiety • Depression • Career Change • Relationship struggles (Family, Partner, Marriage or Children) • Divorce • Loneliness • Forgiveness • Failure • Grief • Boundaries • Self Esteem • Tough Life Decisions • Grow your leadership skills We serve and Individuals, groups, adults and children of all ages. Equine Assisted Learning benefits us in so many ways. We have a hands-on experience that offers peace, connection, we receive self awareness. Horses are

relational they are looking to connect with us, they allow us to see ourselves in a way we have never seen. As we work with the horses and the Holy Spirit, we begin the healing process as we attune with the horse and listen to God’s voice.

The Living Life Ranch team is FBEAP certified (by Elaine Davis Unbridled Faith program) Certified Life Coaches, Certified Trauma Recovery, Healing Prayer and more. We are not here for ourselves. We are here for you; this is your personal experience that is customized for you. We are here because we love you and are dedicated to help you. You can contact us at: www.Livingliferanch.org Melissa Cowan 913-731-5579 Gardner KS 66030

We offer a place of peace. No judgement. We offer love, God’s love. 2 Corinthians 13:11 tells us to “Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Our team at Living Life Ranch are dedicated to each individual that comes here. We are here to enable you to move forward in your personal situation whatever it may be, any emotional situation or decision, you may have an issue with work, or your business, a child could be struggling with school or an emotional situation, your family isn’t connected, struggling with boundaries. We listen and take you through

a coaching process with or without horses but always with God leading us. We do not tell you what to do or lead you. Our process brings you Awareness, Clarity, Motivation, and Confidence. Our goal is to bring you peace and comfort. We pray for you before you come and after you leave. We partner with you to help you with the present and the future this is an experience you never expected.

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The View from the Sliding Glass Door

The steam from my coffee is rising in the quiet darkness as I sit before the door this pre-spring morning. The temperatures are hovering between frigid cold and early spring warmth. It is predawn. Only the midnight sky and a few twinkling stars accompany me. A gentle yet loud quiet fills my senses as I begin to sip the steaming cup in front of me. My mind begins to wake as my focus is drawn to the soft light beginning to define the horizon. Dark black silhouettes of barren stick trees becoming illuminated right before my eyes. I am captivated, my eyes riveted to the now building scene at hand. The steam from my coffee long dissipated, but my view- illuminated! I sat mesmerized by the now glowing horizon. First the soft colors of white and yellow flowing into Butterfly Pinks and Sherbet Oranges literally brushed across the darkened sky. I become aware of the birds waking as their song becomes the soundtrack of my mornings view. A symphony of sight and sound played out before me. I sat riveted to it, immersed in its intensity, attuned to its beauty. The show continued as the sun began to burst forth from the

horizon- shafts of light joining in the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds of life. Darkness fades! A new day has dawned. Just like that. 365 days a year, after year, after year. Yet today, it held wonder, majesty and hope. Today, it captivated my heart, soul, body and strength. What wonderous beauty and love our creator has chosen to pour out over us. Creating the sun, moon and stars, Setting the heavens and earth on their orbits. Bringing light to every surface on the planet in a 24-hour continuous symphony. The same song from the creation of time played for us. For me and for you. For all of humanity and his creation. Flawlessly, seemingly effortlessly. All in Love. All as a reflection of his glory and life giving plan. My heart swells and my breath quickens as I give praise to our creator for the great things He has done- How great are your works (Psalm 92:1-5; O, Lord! My heart full of wonder I turn and greet the day. Captivated by the glorious provision and blessings that surround me day after day, year after year that I often miss. due to the busyness or distractions of life.

In this next season I hope to be captivated to sit and observe more. In this time of unchartered. Unmapped, microwave history there are true things to keep in focus. The Creator is still the Creator. There is beauty. There is Grace. Blessings and Honor are alive and well. Focus on what surrounds us and give thanks for what we don’t have. Sit down, Slow down, Breathe. Make an appointment and meet the sunrise or sunset and let it capture you with its magnificent beauty and hope. We are heading into the season of new life, new hope, new growth. Join me in making it a season of gratitude and hope. An eye-opening season of seeing the old with fresh eyes and grateful attuned hearts. A new dawn is breaking, with the promise of a fresh new day. Let's seize every moment of it!

Gerri Groshong gerri@EHALmagazine.com EHAL News Magazine Adminstrator Assistant, Writer & Adv Specialist Better Equine Ambassador Children’s Director for Living Life Ranch

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Natural Lifemanship. I learned that connecting in relationship with the horse combined with the rhythmic movement (bilateral stimulation of the brain) will actually heal the brain. So, I was removed from the most severe abuse and placed in horseback riding lessons that were healing my brain. No one actually knew this. The instructor had no idea what was happening either. Until that training, I had no idea that this heals people and that those lessons healed me. Three things we must be aware of when riding horses.

animals, so one of the things they need from us is to be congruent. They need us to match on the inside and the outside. Predators look nice on the outside but are hungry on the inside, so horses have learned that incongruence is dangerous. In order to connect with a horse, you need to be present, not pretending you are some way that you are not. If you come to a horse and you tell them that you are afraid, they will honor that, and move into a connecting relationship with you and then they will protect you. So, when we work with a client and a horse, the person is learning to connect in a congruent way. This experience offers insight into how to create healthy connection with others. Working with horses with Equine therapy the healing is so much faster and so much

deeper and makes a higher impact than some of the other therapy I practice. Instead of just sitting on a couch talking about growth or change, the client engages in experiences that heal the heart and the brain while building a beautiful relationship with a horse!

relationship with them. Because horses are herd animals they seek connection, even if the humans are not using our body or pressure correctly. The horse will move towards connection rather than focusing on what the human is doing incorrectly because connecting is more important to them. This is the same for humans, we are social beings who thrive best in a herd. Horses are relational just as we humans are. In most cases that I see, our struggle is about attachment, and how we seek to bond with others. How we connect. One of my number one principles is “how you do anything is how you do everything” When I see how you show up with the horse, I can see how you handle relationships before you came to see me. Horses are prey

Serenity Life

If you would like more information or know someone in need. You can contact:

Our legs/core (body)

Beth Russell 913-777-6655 https://serenitylifekc.org

Our Intention (heart)

Our Hands (Strategy brain)

Three things that most people don’t realize about our brains:

We have our Body Brain,

A Heart Brain

Serenity Life is a resource center that provides help to individuals and families in the Kansas and Missouri areas whether they need education, mental health services, leadership development or just basic life obstacle assistance. They offer a full range of Therapeutic sessions for anyone in need. Their program is customized to meet each individual’s situation. I use traditional “talk” therapy as well as Equine-assisted Psychotherapy.

A Logic Brain

Why I use horses: After my own childhood trauma, my parents put me in horseback lessons when I was 7 yrs. old. Before the lessons began, doctors told my mother that they believed I was autistic because I wasn’t speaking or connecting with other people. Little did they know I was not autistic; I was highly dissociative because of the trauma. After the horseback riding lessons, I started to wake up. No one knew why. I didn’t know why until I went to training with

Trauma dis-integrates these three things. In order for us to heal we must integrate all three of them. So, while riding a horse you naturally use these 3 things together while in a connected relationship with the horse which reintegrates these back together providing healing to your body, heart, and your brain. Horses are so forgiving when you are in a connected

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opportunities for impact are tremendous,” Weiss insisted. “We continue deepening our collaboration with equine rescues, advocates, and industry professionals providing life-changing options for horses and their owners. “Our goal is to shatter the stigma and reframe the conversation around equine adoption,” Weiss continued. “Ultimately the intention is to massively increase horse adoptions in the United States.” Efforts have proven successful to date, Weiss indicated with more than 2,600 horses finding new homes in first year of the program. “This increased positive outcomes for horses in transitions moving from one home, career, or owner to the next,” she said.

supporting horses in transition to efficiently move horses into their next career.” To enhance these collaborations, The Right Horse also hosted a Virtual Summit for 200 industry pioneers and leaders in equine welfare. “We offered a highly interactive and dynamic online experience,” Weiss said. “It was an opportunity to celebrate the collective work being done to shatter stigmas about horses in transition and increase equine adoptions.” Founded in 1866, the ASPCA is the first animal welfare organization in North America. With more than two million members, ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means

for the prevention of cruelty to animals. “The ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti cruelty, community outreach and animal health services,” Weiss pointed out. Among other EquiFest workshops are Little Bighorn Battle Survivor, Happy Horse Behavior, Legendary Horsemen, Western Dressage, and Back Country Horsemen. Details can be found on The Right Horse Initiative, Kansas Horse Council and EquiFest of Kansas websites and Facebook.

Transition Of At-Risk Horses Into New Homes, Careers At EquiFest Workshop “While many people’s lifetime

Executive director of the Kansas Horse Council (KHC), Staten noted, “EquiFest is the KHC’s main fundraiser benefiting all horse people.” Kansas’ premier All-Breed Horse Fair & Exposition offers education, entertainment and shopping for everybody with horse interests. So many activities have been planned that this year’s EquiFest is actually kicking off a day early, Staten said. “We have breakaway roping clinic on Thursday, March 17, with the official EquiFest starting on Friday,” she added. The Right Horse Initiative workshop is the first one on the schedule at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Friday morning. “Established in 2016, The Right Horse Initiative is to increase the number of successful horse adoptions,” said Dr. Emily Weiss.

Merged with the American Society for the Prevision of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the group is guided by Dr. Weiss. “Protecting horses has been central to the ASPCA’s mission since founding more than 150 years ago,” Weiss said. “Through this program we are rededicating ourselves to developing innovative ideas and partnerships bonding between horses and humans.” Actually, The Right Horse Initiative is a collective of industry professionals and welfare advocates working together, explained Weiss, ASPCA Equine Welfare vice president. “Efforts are to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect,” she said. With more than 50 partners, The Right Horse Initiative works to better adoption standards and practices. “The

dream is to own a horse, sometimes fulfillment of that vision can become a nightmare.”

With the many benefits of horse ownership often are unforeseen even inconceivable hardships, costs, and dangers. Issues arise of what to do with that horse which created such pride and joy but has become a burden. Possible solutions to that dilemma will be reviewed in one of the workshops during the EquiFest of Kansas. “With all of attractions at this year’s EquiFest, attendees sure don’t want to miss the workshops,” alerted Justine Staten. “The 25th anniversary EquiFest of Kansas is at the Saline County Expo Center in Salina, March 18-19-20,” Staten said.

While horse adoption facilities faced coronavirus challenges, The Right Horse matched more horses with foster families than the previous year. The online adoption platform entitled My Right Horse has helped connect transitioning horses with compassionate new homes, Weiss informed. “The Initiative, alongside its industry advocates, has launched innovative programming,” Weiss said. “We have high visibility training programs focused on

Dr. Emily Weiss will present a workshop about The Right Horse Initiative during the EquiFest of Kansas at Salina March 18-19-20.

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KANSAS PIONEER BBQ Sliders Makes 12 Chicken & Dumplings Serves 6-8

Ingredients 2 lb. Chicken Thighs 32 oz. Chicken Broth or any leftover cooked chicken diced.

Ingredients 2 lb. Smoked Meat chopped ( Beef, Pork, or Chicken)

1 T. Cavender’s Seasoning 1 c. Frozen peas and carrots ¼ c. Finely chopped onion ¼ c. Cornstarch mixed with ¼ c. water 1 c. Bisquick® baking mix 1/3 c. Milk Directions

2 T. Coconut oil 1 c. BBQ Sauce 12 Hamburger Dill Slices 1 or 2 Jalapeños, sliced or chopped

Directions Heat oil in skillet. Add chopped meat. Sauté meat until edges are crisp. (appearance of Burnt Ends) Stir in BBQ Sauce heat until warm. Butter buns and place on griddle to toast. Divide meat evenly on buns and top with pickle slices and jalapenos. Top with top bun, serve. Can keep warm wrapped in foil in low oven for 30 min. If left to warm too long buns will get hard.

Place broth in 4 qt. pot to boil. If using raw chicken, cook it in the pot at this time. When chicken is tinder remove from broth. Add enough water to broth to make 2 qt. liquid and add vegetables. Bring back to boil while you separate and cut meat into bitesize pieces. When vegetables are crisp tender add chicken to pot. When vegetables are done thicken stew with cornstarch mix. In a small bowl, mix baking mix and milk. Drop in soup by spoonful. Cover and let Simmer to cook dumplings, approximately. 10 min. Note: To stretch this recipe add another 32 oz. of Chicken broth with water and up corn starch to ½ c. Use 2 c. of baking mix and 2/3 c. Milk for dumplings.

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locking in a loss.

prices, historically low interest rates, and coronavirus relief payments, Maxwell said. “Investor interest in land has also been a factor in higher prices being paid,” Maxwell added. Average Kansas cropland values with at least 85-percent tillable surpassed $6,000 last year, charts indicated. Taking the speaker platform, Rickabaugh reviewed insurance programs available for both crop farmers and livestock producers. “When making risk management decisions, know your cost of production and break-evens,” Rickabaugh said. “Execute on any opportunities to cover costs, but avoid of displays at 5:30, with a complimentary supper at 6 o’clock. Leadoff speaker is Roger McEowen, agriculture law professor, with the topic “Planning For Farm Succession.” Representing Frontier Farm Credit, Jana Whitesell and Mary Feldhausen are to review “The Ag Finance Industry.”

two years.

“Set your minimum revenue floor as soon as possible,” Rickabaugh continued. “Elevate your minimum guarantees whenever the market allows.” Producers must determine what is the most important to them. These include: “Most guaranteed bushels to forward contract? Most next positive historical cash flow? And frequency or severity of claims?” Keys to agriculture success for 2022, the speakers agreed. “Maintain working capital, have an equipment replacement plan, establish a strong marketing strategy and manage debt for today and the future.”

Summarizing the country’s macro-economy, Maxwell said, “Multiple rate hikes are expected this year with the strong job growth to continue. “Expect the FED to be cautiously aggressive in the midterm election with the desire to avoid recession,” Maxwell added. “Land prices are strong as ever yet with high input costs,” Maxwell indicated. “With high U.S. and world crop planting forecasts, there are continuing supply chain issues. Still, revenue guarantees are the highest in a decade.”

Vigilant Agricultural Profitability Outlook Presented By Financiers

of 2021, reaching just under 10-percent.

to maximum employment. Inflation would have to hit the target of 2-percent and be on track to exceed that moderately for some time.” A chart displayed the nation’s unemployment from 1970 through predictions for 2024. In 1970, unemployment was about 5-percent. It peaked at just under 10-percent in 1982, and was just slightly lower in 2011. Unemployment was 3.9-percent in December 2021, up from 3.5-percent in February 2020.

“Cautious optimism prevails for farmers maintaining working capital, following an equipment replacement plan, managing debt and establishing a marketing strategy.”

Monthly personal savings rate remained stable at five to 10-percent for two decades until government assistance was handed out. Personal savings peaked at nearly 35-percent with the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020. The American Rescue Plan adopted in March 2021 put personal savings at about 27-percent. Personal consumption expenditures declined in early 2020 but went up sharply midyear 2021. The United States 10-year treasury rate was 4-percent in 1962, before reaching an all-time high of 14-percent in 1982. Lowest rate was about 1-percent in 2020 with slight raises since then and predictions going up slowly for

Alan Maxwell and Jack Rickabaugh represented

Land values have increased due to strong commodity

Frontier Farm Credit with that consensus presentation at a Farm Profit Seminar in Ottawa. Maxwell, finances officer, and Rickabaugh, insurance officer, titled their dual slideshow program “State of the Ag Industry.” In opening remarks, Maxwell pointed out the FED’s (Federal Reserve System, central banking system of the United States) targets and responsibility. Using Federal Reserve Bank sources, Maxwell said, “Labor markets would have to get

Farm Profit Seminar Planned March 8 At Marysville

Highlight for the evening promises to be Darrel Holaday, commodity broker from Country Futures at Frankfort, with his presentation titled “Uncertainty X 10.” While admittance is free, reservations are required for supper by registering at www.WibwNewsNow.com.

Agriculture success is essential to providing food for the world.

To help ensure that objective a Farm Profit Seminar has been scheduled next week at Marysville. Hosted by 580 WIBW Radio, the program is Tuesday, March 8, at Landoll Lanes, 2005 Center Street.

Inflation based on the Producer Price index and Consumer

Price Index was about 2 percent in early 2011. It

dropped to less than zero in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Peak inflation based on both indexes was in the second-half

Doors are to open for viewing

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The horses and I worked with Garret and over the following weeks, it became evident that at the core of Garret apathy was this nagging question as well. Who am I? The book, Dream Big, by Bob Goff explains it like this ““Our understanding of who we are and how God sees us is worth all the time and energy we’ll put into the task. The trick is figuring out what is true after all the distractions, misstatements, and misunderstandings have been eliminated from our lives. Here's what makes it worth it: when we sort through all the words written by ourselves and others, and when we discard what isn’t true or doesn’t matter anymore, we’ll find the clarity we need to choose the desires worth pursuing. What's left over will be the truest, most beautiful and lasting ambitions.” I am a horse assisted life coach and one of the reasons I love to use horses with my clients is that the arena becomes a wonderful classroom where my clients can physically use all of their five senses to help them come to an understanding of this basic question of who I am. As Garret kept coming each week and playing different games/exercises with the horses, it became evident that Garret was not a lazy and selfish person as he first described himself to be. He realized by taking care of these large animals, when he needed to he was able to focus, do what he needed to do

and actually enjoyed work. He was motivated each week to connect with the horse to learn all he could about himself and what mattered to him, as he started to gain confidence, his life at home and school started to change as well. He believed a lie for so long that he didn’t matter, he was not good enough so why even bother trying. It was easier to just be lazy and then no one would expect anything from him. Once he was able to recognize this limited belief, he could then begin the work on if he wanted to keep this belief or exchange it for the truth. The truth for Garret, for me and for you, my friend is this: “You are loved and accepted! One hundred percent. No qualifications. No prerequisites. You can’t be good enough, smart enough, or nice enough to be loved by God. He decided He would love you before you decided you were interested in loving him back. Even if God is no big deal for you, your life is a big deal to him.” (Bob Goff, Dream Big, page 45) The next time you are cleaning stalls, grooming your horse or loading hay, take a minute and let the truth of the statement above sink in and remember that you are enough! ~Jayne Hamilton is a horse life coach and her passion is helping hurting people grow in hope, experience joy, and discover freedom in their lives. She has certifications in the following: FBEAP and Trauma Recover I, II and Stable Prayer from Unbridled Faith. She is also certified as a Christian Life Coach and Professional Life Coach from Anew University. *Garret's name has been changed to protect his identity.

The Question We Have All Asked

She can be contacted through: jayne@livingliferanch.org

Cleaning the horse stalls is a time where I do a lot of thinking. There are nine horses that I help take care of, so you can imagine all the thinking that I get the opportunity to do! I have noticed that a lot of what I am processing comes back to a very basic question that I keep asking myself. Who am I? And I have lived enough life to know that you have also asked yourself some variation of this question over the years as well.

was struggling with motivation. His mom said he was lazy and didn’t seem to care much about life. Desperate to help her son, Garret's mom reached out to me and asked “Do you think that working with you and the horses will help Garret grow up and get serious about his life?” I could almost feel the desperation in her question. She had tried everything from counseling, punishment, consequences, even yelling, but nothing seemed to get through to her son.

Garret*, a 17 year old teenager,

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The extra twin calves are placed on cows that have lost their own babies at birth. Still without exception there is always a calf or two that don’t ever get a mother of their own. They drink from the bottle soon going to the bucket and then hard feed, always an orphan. Reminded of Hebrews 5:14: “Baby’s milk is for beginners; solid food is for the mature.” And, Judges 4:19: “She filled a bottle with milk, gave him a drink.”

hands-on experience has taught importance of first-milk colostrum for newborns. When babies’ calves or colts or pigs don’t get that, they generally won’t survive or have a very difficult time. Initially, those bitty babies don’t understand what that big nipple trying to be stuffed into their mouth is all about. Generally one time taste of that warm soothing nutritious liquid makes them want more. Yet, there are a few that require “bottle training,” but they soon learn it’s better than being hungry. Before long the barnyard noise prevails with almost constant bellowing calves in the barn wanting their milk bottle. While there is a routine schedule for feeding each of the calves, someone always wants milk before it’s their time. Most of the babies will only be bottle fed a day or two until put back on an accepting mother cow. That in itself is another major ordeal sometimes as the cow must be forced to care for the young.

“The kitchen has been turned into a calf milk factory.”

At least that’s the way it seems in recent days as calf nursing bottles are being filled with milk replacer. Sometimes as many as a handful of babies have been in the barn during the past week cold and hungry. A couple calves are a twin that their momma only accepted the mate. Others their moms wouldn’t claim or the cow wasn’t supplying any or enough milk to keep their baby going. So the hot water faucet and handled pan on the stove keep warm water supplied for mixing powdered milk. There are several two-quart plastic bottles with big nipples almost constantly circulating from the kitchen to the barn. Of course if the newborns haven’t received a bit of first nutrition from their ignoring momma cows there’s “colostrum ration.” Never an “A” animal nutrition student,

+++ALLELUIA+++

XVI--9--2-27-2022

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According to definition, “Gross domestic product (GDP) is used to estimate the size of the U.S. economy. It is calculated as the value of all goods and services produced in the U.S.” That indicates to even those with the least monetary knowledge the nation’s economy is not in good shape. Marketing is the key to farm profitability, yet producers often resist assistance, according to the speaker. “There are ways to change and improve your commodity marketing,” Leffler emphasized. That requires knowing the cost of production, having and following a marketing plan while being a disciplined marketer using risk management. “Do not dwell on past mistakes or decisions,’ Leffler advised. “Have a plan for ‘what if’ you are wrong. Accept that markets are highly unpredictable. “There are no magic bullets, so marketing should be based on a plan, not emotions,” he continued. “If you cannot handle these requirements then hire a marketing advisor to use futures and options. Yet be aware futures trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.” Odds for picking the top of the market is 300 to one, Leffler pointed out. “Diversification is essential,” he showed. “Investing $100,000 at 7-percent ten years returns $196.968, while diversification

Army positions surrounding 70-percent of the Ukraine which could shut down most ports for wheat exports. The Ukraine is a major wheat producer and exporter which could logically affect prices. Drought monitors revealed extent of the nation’s dryness especially in the southwest including western Kansas. That is indicative of lower production bringing stronger prices. Winter wheat condition is rated poor in one-third of Kansas, and nearly two-thirds of Texas, Leffler showed. Turning to cattle market outlooks Leffler said the February cattle on feed, at 100.7-percent, was the largest ever. “It is the only the third time above 12 million head and the largest in 27 years,” Leffler said. Placements at 99.2-percent in January were the largest in 16 years. However marketing’s were only 97.3-percent, fourth lowest January marketing’s in 11 years.

Kansas’ average cash steer prices went from low $110.15 in first-half 2021, to this year’s January-February high $142. Cow slaughter is increasing approaching levels of 2011, pointing to reduction of calf crop for stronger markets. Price spread between Choice and Select beef is narrowing as consumers are purchasing Select beef with shortage of Choice supplies. Highly detailed charts indicated reduction in beef output pointing to stronger markets. “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘we’ve always done it this way.’ That’s the poorest excuse ever,” Leffler said. “Most people don’t really want the truth. They just want constant reassurance that what

Commodity Profitability For Farmers Managing Marketing Opportunities

“Grain prices are at near record levels so what should a farmer do?” There were no definite answers but opportunities were reviewed during a recent Farm Profit Seminar in Ottawa. Tom Leffler, representing Leffler Commodities LLC, reviewed past, present, future agriculture in his presentation titled “Now What Do You Do?” Acknowledging the speaker’s presentation was prior to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, Leffler did discuss possible ramifications of that action. All commodity prices at time of the seminar were sharply above a year ago in an intriguing chart displayed. Sharpest difference was August feeders at $184.20, up $31.40, from $152.80, same date of 2021. April Feeders were $168.27, up from $142.60, a year earlier. April live cattle were up $23.55, to $144.75, while June live cattle were $141.12, compared

to $119.12, a year ago. Highest valued grain was July soybeans at $16.60, up $2.66, from a year ago at $13.94. Likewise, November soybeans were up $2.66, at $114.88, compared to $12.22 the same date of 2021. May Kansas City wheat showed the highest grain price difference up $2.71, at $9.18, compared to $6.47, a year earlier. July Kansas City wheat was $9.16, up from $6.51, a year ago. July corn was up $1.33, to $6.75, while December corn was up $1.41, to $6.11. The June dollar index was 96.23, up from 90.142 a year earlier. July heating oil was up Leffler’s picture of ribeye steak wrapped in electronic security wire preventing shoplifting the $20.83 Florida Walmart package. As gasoline prices are increasing more people are looking to lower priced airline only 0.8414, at 2.6807. Cattlemen blinked with

travel for vacations this year. While fuel prices have increased to $3.44, day of the seminar, President Biden’s approval rating is the lowest ever. Few people if anybody can understand how large a number that a trillion really is, the speaker repeated previous commentary. A trillion is a one followed by 12 zeroes. “One trillion seconds is about 31,710 years,” Leffler said. “Spending $40 a second around the clock equates to spending $3.4-million per day.” To spend $1-billion takes 289 days, while to spend $1-trillion would take 792.5 years. “The U.S. national debt is above $30-trillion, while the deficit is more than $3-trillion. Interest on the U.S. debt is more than $426-billion,” Leffler attempted tabulation. “The U.S. federal debt to the GDP ratio in 1960 was 53-percent, while now it’s 125- percent,” Leffler pointed out.

they believe is the truth.” In conclusion based on vast experiences, Leffler

insisted “There continue to be opportunities for agriculture profitability in the years ahead.”

of marketing can return $264,715, an increase of 34-percent.” Maps showed Russian

Tom Leffler, Augusta commodity broker, discussed marketing opportunities during the Farm Profit Seminar in Ottawa.

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