Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

Remembering the Sioux Falls Stockyards won’t be hard for David Frankman, who represents the third generation at Olsen-Frankman Livestock commission firm. The company has been in business at the Sioux Falls Stockyards since 1931, and Frankman has been working there for 46 years.

Producers sell cattle for last time at Sioux Falls Stockyards

For the final cattle sale at the Sioux Falls Stockyards June 25, Alex Andresen, 6, became the fifth generation to sell cattle through the stockyards.

Stockyards faced more than restrictions

Waste water restrictions, debt, declining numbers of livestock at public auction are just some of the factors surrounding the closure of the Sioux Falls Stockyards.

Hugoson, Northey call on USDA to help struggling pork producers

DES MOINES - Calling the plight of pork producers a financial crisis, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey sent a joint letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week urging him to use existing federal funds to purchase $50 million of pork products for use in federal food programs.

Beef producers should act quickly as weather gets hot

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Temperatures across South Dakota have climbed into the 90s recently, and beef producers should be alert for signs of heat stress.

Meadow spittlebugs drink the juice of plants

During a meadow walk in June, it is hard not to notice the copious gobs of froth that dot the plantscape. No, these are not the spitballs of rogue fairies, but the product of a familiar summertime insect, the meadow spittlebug.

Heads Up: Climate change bill passes U.S. House

The American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR-2454), or the so-called “climate change bill,” was passed by a narrow margin in the U.S. House of Representatives June 26.

Production News

Stem rust threats are still possible

BROOKINGS, S.D. - More than 50 years ago, wheat stem rust resulted in a 35 percent loss of crop in one South Dakota growing season.

Seed Hawk and Raven Industries offer sectional control on air seeders

You’ve heard the old saying, “Kill two birds with one stone.” The phrase means accomplishing two tasks with one action.

Updated fact sheet discusses fungicides

BROOKINGS, S.D. - A South Dakota State University publication updated for 2009 offers tips on using fungicides as a management tool.

Columnists

Woster: Friendships formed at the yards

Most of the readers have heard me comment over the years that, “I never had a bad day at the Sioux Falls Stockyards.”

Sweeter: Western South Dakota does turn green

This last weekend I had the opportunity to travel across South Dakota to Belle Fourche.

Letter to the editor: Organic is nothing more than a forced politically correct feeling on us

To the Editor:

Terry Woster: Stockyards was a welcome place for residents, visitors

When I was a kid, the Sioux Falls Stockyards was a vast, mysterious part of Sioux Falls where the action started way before sunup, the work was demanding and the workers were strong, loud and a little frightening.

Country Living

A Ranchwife’s Slant: Don’t let the tiller throw you

Bull riding is a highly anticipated rodeo event because it provides lots of danger, unpredictability and close calls - all of which makes me think of our rototiller.

Baxter: Over-preparation is wise on the road

When we talk about someone being “over-prepared,” we think of a person who is very thorough and able to handle all possible contingencies.

Pennywise: Soak thread in tea before repairing older materials

For those of you who are stitchers: dip a new spool of white cotton sewing thread in a 2-cup container of brewed tea. Let it sit awhile and then set aside to dry.

Your health: Cholesterol-lowering drugs can cause muscle pain

Q:In less than two years on Lipitor, I went from being able to climb the ancient temples at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, to being almost unable to walk to my mailbox. I felt like I had the flu all the time. I had aches and pains in my fingers, arms, shoulders, hips, legs and feet. I felt so bad I began to wish for a short life.

Call Medical Radio - Weight loss

This time on On Call Medical Radio - Medical Editor Doctor Rick Holm speaks with Doctor Beth Mikkelsen from the Yankton Medical Clinic about weight loss issues.

On Call Medical Radio - Mental Health (Part 1 of 2)

This time on On Call Medical Radio, Medical Editor Doctor Rick Holm talks with Doctor Catherine Leadabrand from the Brown Clinic in Watertown. Their topic: psychiatric problems in the elderly.

On Call Medical Radio - Mental Health (Part 2 of 2)

This time on On Call Medical Radio: What's the role of a psychiatrist in health care? Here to talk about it is your Medical Editor Doctor Rick Holm with Doctor Robert Giebink, from the Human Service Agency in Watertown.

On Call Medical Radio - High Blood Pressure

This time on On Call Medical Radio, Medical Editor Doctor Rick Holm speaks with Doctor Ken Bartholomew from Medical Associates Clinic in Pierre about high blood pressure. They explain what it is and why high blood pressure is called "the silent killer."

Your money: Transition from farm assets to retirement assets

Dear Michael: We are considering retirement in the next 10 to 15 years.

Recipes: Spearfish 4-Her enjoys trying new breakfast, dessert recipes

Thirteen-year-old Callie Sleep is out to try new things - new recipes, that is.

Crop Watchers

Crop watcher: Hot temps and rain boost crop growth near Waubay

WAUBAY, S.D. - Hot temperatures and rain have boosted crop growth in the Waubay, S.D., area in the last two weeks, but some producers suffered hail damage, said northeast South Dakota crop watcher Brian Butler.

Crop watcher: Corn and soybeans grow quickly with warm temps near Frankfort

FRANKFORT, S.D. - Warm temperatures and sunshine have sped up crop growth in the Frankfort, S.D., area in the past two weeks.

Crop watcher: Moisture, warmth help crop crops advance in region

MIDLAND, S.D. - Producers in the Midland, S.D., area liked the recent rain for the crops, but not for haying.

Crop watcher: Storms cause damage to soybean fields near Yankton

YANKTON, S.D. - Spotty hail in the Yankton, S.D., area caused some damage to soybean fields June 16-17.

Crop watcher: Crops taking off with warm weather, moisture around Worthington

WORTHINGTON, Minn. - With warm weather and moisture, the crops in the Worthington, Minn., area have started to take off.

Crop watcher: Showers provide continued moisture in Larchwood

LARCHWOOD, Iowa - Nine rain showers in 14 days have provided continued moisture for crops near Larchwood, Iowa, said Iowa crop watcher Mark Warner.

Crop watcher: Rain prevalent near Jackson

JACKSON, Neb. - Producers in the Jackson, Neb., area saw anywhere from 3 inches to 7 inches of rain in the last two weeks.

Livestock News

Vet’s Corner: Now is the time to plan, implement worming program

Finally the humidity has decreased and the temperature feels less tropical. The corn is growing rapidly and the pastures remain green. It is hard to believe that now is the time to plan and implement a worming program.

CAFO training session is July 8

BROOKINGS, S.D. - An environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, is set for July 8 in Huron, S.D.

Livestock handling expert Temple Grandin shares advice, tips with producers

One of the world’s foremost livestock handling experts shared tips and ideas with area livestock producers last week.

Markets

Market Forecaster: Cash trade disappoints traders in live cattle market

Corn:

Corn closed the week 15.25 cents lower.

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