Country Lifestyle
September 2017 Profile: Mike Armitage
A Bar Ranch
By Laci Jones
It was a warm summer day with the relief of a slight breeze making the rolling bluestem grass sway. Horses and cattle gather under the few oak trees. The owner of this northeast Oklahoma ranch, Mike Armitage, continues to stay true to his traditions, remains actively involved in agricultural organizations and studies management techniques to improve livestock production.
“It is an exciting future for the beef industry,” Armitage explained. “For those who are always evolving and willing to step to that forefront, I feel as though they will be justly rewarded.”
Armitage was raised 10 miles north of Shawnee, Okla., in Meeker, Okla., on a cow-calf and alfalfa operation. His grandfather and father—Fred Frost and Vernon Lee Armitage—influenced Armitage from a young age.
“The biggest inspirations came from my father and grandfather who both found no hurdles too big to overcome, and their sheer determination and hard work made them undoubtedly the most impactful men in my life,” Armitage added.
Broad-based agricultural experiences through the FFA organization led him to attend Oklahoma State University after graduating from Meeker High School. There, he was on the Livestock Judging Team while pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics with a farm and ranch management option.
“Through this ag economics degree, we were taught everything from appraisal to statistics, to monthly analysis of project costs,” he explained. “Many of those skills weren’t utilized until 10 to 20 years later in life.”
After graduating college in 1974, he landed a ranch management job at the McGuirk Hereford Ranch in Claremore, Okla. Armitage said he did not foresee him owning a ranch, but he knew he wanted to work in livestock production.
While working for the McGuirk family, he also owned a herd of purebred Hereford cattle. The Armitages had the opportunity to lease the operation and began purchasing the ranch after nine years of leasing.
“I was so blessed to end up owning the ranch that I managed out of college,” Armitage added.
A Bar Ranch
The owner of A Bar Ranch said the ranch is comprised of four divisions—A Bar Ranch Headquarters in Claremore, Okla., Rock Creek in Adair, Okla., Squaw in Pryor, Okla., and V Bar Ranch in Welch, Okla. Overall, the ranch operates 45,000 total acres throughout nine Oklahoma counties.
The headquarters in Claremore, Okla., was once a part of the original Cherokee Indian Allotment to Frank and Dora Rucker during the 1880s. Famous trick roper Will Rogers built a friendship with the Ruckers while working as a ranch hand. They were later involved in Will Roger’s traveling Wild West Show.
The ranch was owned by the McGuirk family then purchased by Mike and Martha Armitage in 1989. Armitage said the A Bar Ranch Brand has a unique history.
“The brand is an open ‘A’ or a rafter brand,” Armitage explained. “It was the Rucker brand from the 1880s. Since our name is ‘Armitage,’ we continued to use the ‘open A’ and added the bar to it in the early ‘90s.”
Cattle Production
“Our own fully-independent operation started in 1980,” Armitage explained. “Originally, it was just a registered Hereford operation but had the fortune of leasing a 7,800-acre ranch that adjoined [the headquarters].”
After analyzing their month-to-month expenses, the cattle producer recognized the need to eliminate 60 percent of annual cost of their cow-calf business from the winter season. To reduce annual costs, they stocked their adjoining ranch with purchased bred cows. Armitage Livestock was founded in 1989 for the marketing of commercial females.
They sold cows and calves that fall in their first annual Fall Gathering Sale in 1989 at the Southern Oklahoma Livestock Auction in Ada, Okla., later moving to the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Joplin, Mo. Always held the first Saturday in November, A Bar Ranch will have their Fall Gathering Sale at OKC-West for the fourth year. Armitage Livestock has evolved to present day marketing of 10,000 to 15,000 bred commercial females annually.
“When we market, we have to be looking around the corner and adding value to producers’ cow herds to remain competitive and in the forefront while offering more value for their dollar,” he added.
With productivity of his cow-calf herd at the utmost importance, Armitage said the most important element of production is fertility. In the early ‘90s, he selected only the females that were pregnant in the first 30 days of exposure through ultrasound aging of females.
“It was new on the scene at the time in the commercial industry,” he added. “It continues today as one of the most valuable tools in selection.”
Changing their female selection criteria resulted in an increase of pregnancy rates in the first 30 days of exposure from 55 percent in their first year to 87 percent in 2016.
“This, in my opinion, is the most important economic trait for a cow-calf producer,” Armitage explained. “The cow that calves first is the best cow in your cowherd and so are her daughters. It results in more uniformity in our calf crops, more predictable breed-ups and its selection.”
However, Armitage said their personal production cowherd continues to grow. In the ‘90s, he acquired bred tigerstripe cows, the F1 cross between Hereford and Brahman breeds, from a producer in south Texas and grazed them on his leased property. The producers said grazing these tigerstripe cows resulted in an additional 50 to 100 pounds of weaning weight, but other producers valued this breed as well.
Read the September issue to learn more about Mike Armitage and A Bar Ranch!
Country Lifestyle
Poinsettia Partnerships Will Make Your Holidays Beautiful
By
Norman Winter
Horticulturist, Author and Speaker
National Poinsettia Day just passed, December 12 to be exact. While I am sure the powers to be wanted a celebratory type day, from what I have been seeing this year is this may have been a deadline day. This most likely applies to poinsettia partners too! If you are asking what a poinsettia partner is then put on your thinking cap and gather around.
Proven Winners got most of us to thinking partners when they introduced the concept of combining poinsettias with Diamond Frost euphorbias. This is one of the best ideas ever and we now actually have three choices, Diamond Frost, Diamond Snow with double flowers and Diamond Mountain that is the taller of the three.
To a horticulturist like myself this combination is so special because both the Poinsettia and the Diamond Frost are Euphorbias. That’s right, they are cousins. Just like Christmas, families visiting and long-lost cousins getting together. Of course, the main reason we like this idea is that the red, pink, or variegated poinsettia looks incredible, it’s as though it is sitting on a bed of snow or frost. I have found these to be more available at fine florists.
But if you are going to create your own and go plant shopping then keep in mind some other options you might want to-try. For instance, a couple of years ago Jenny Simpson of Creekside Nursery in Dallas North Carolina introduced us to not only using caladiums at Christmas but even in combinations with poinsettias. She used the Heart to Heart White Snowdrift caladiums which turned out to be a perfect partner with red poinsettias.
My time as Executive Director at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah GA taught me there are opportunities for outside use with poinsettias, particularly if you are astute at long range weather forecasting. First consider that Savannah is technically zone 8B with a proclivity to lean into zone 9. We used poinsettias in large planters surrounded by Silver Bullet Dusty Miller or artemisia.
A similar application gave me the opportunity of photographing pink poinsettias mass planted in an atrium-like setting and surrounded by gray leaved Icicles helichrysum. But the most obvious and perhaps easiest if you are getting a late start is to combine your poinsettias with another Christmas plant like cyclamen. White cyclamen around a red poinsettia can be simply breathtaking.
This year I have also been watching what I call the professional garden club ladies walking out of both florists and floral departments with holly berries. We all think of hollies on swags above the fireplace or front door, but two or three preserved branches loaded with red berries stuck in a pot of white poinsettias is quick, easy and unbeatable.
Red berries for Christmas, landscape beauty, and of course feeding the birds is a prime reason to grow winterberry hollies like the compact Berry Poppins. Consider also growing Berry Heavy Gold winterberry holly. Cutting branches of the gold berries to be used with red poinsettias makes a stunning partnership. Go to Proven Winners site, Winterberry Holly: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Colorful Berries. If you don’t have poinsettias yet make today your shopping day! Follow me on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more photos and garden inspiration.
Country Lifestyle
Homesteading Skills: The Essentials for Self-Sufficiency and Sustainable Living
Homesteading, once a way of life for our ancestors, is experiencing a resurgence in today’s world. As people seek greater self-sufficiency, a deeper connection with the land, and more sustainable lifestyles, homesteading skills have become not only practical but also deeply rewarding. In this article, we’ll explore the essential homesteading skills that can empower individuals and families to live more self-reliant and sustainable lives.
1. Gardening
At the heart of homesteading is the ability to grow your own food. Gardening is the foundation of self-sufficiency, and it’s a skill that can be cultivated no matter the size of your property. Key gardening skills include:
Soil preparation and composting
Seed starting and transplanting
Crop rotation and companion planting
Pest and weed management
Harvesting and food preservation techniques like canning, freezing, and drying
2. Animal Husbandry
Raising animals for food, fiber, and companionship is a fundamental aspect of homesteading. The skills related to animal husbandry include:
Care and feeding of livestock, such as chickens, goats, cows, or pigs
Breeding and reproduction management
Livestock housing and pasture management
Animal health and basic veterinary care
Dairy and meat processing if you’re raising animals for consumption
3. Food Preservation
To make the most of your garden’s bounty or the harvest from your livestock, knowing how to preserve food is essential. Food preservation skills include:
Canning fruits and vegetables
Fermentation for foods like sauerkraut and kimchi
Dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Making homemade jams, jellies, and pickles
Smoking, curing, and other methods for meat preservation
4. Foraging and Wildcrafting
Homesteading often involves making the most of what nature provides. Learning to identify and use wild edibles and medicinals is a valuable skill:
Identifying edible wild plants and mushrooms
Harvesting herbs for teas, tinctures, and salves
Sustainable foraging practices to protect local ecosystems
Preserving wildcrafted items for later use
5. Beekeeping
Keeping bees not only provides a source of honey but also contributes to pollination on your property. Beekeeping skills include:
Setting up and maintaining beehives
Handling and managing bees safely
Harvesting and processing honey and beeswax
Identifying and addressing common bee health issues
6. Food Self-Sufficiency
Beyond gardening, you can work toward greater food self-sufficiency by learning skills like:
Seed saving to preserve heirloom and open-pollinated varieties
Raising and harvesting small livestock like rabbits or quail
Cultivating perennial food crops like fruit trees and berry bushes
Aquaponics or hydroponics for year-round food production
7. Basic Carpentry and DIY Skills
Homesteaders often find themselves needing to build and repair structures, tools, and equipment. Carpentry and DIY skills include:
Building raised beds, chicken coops, and animal shelters
Basic woodworking for constructing furniture and farm implements
Repairing and maintaining machinery like tractors and generators
Fencing and infrastructure construction for property management
8. Water Management
Managing water resources efficiently is crucial for sustainable living. Key skills include:
Rainwater harvesting and storage
Drip irrigation and water-saving techniques for gardening
Proper well maintenance and water testing
Building and maintaining ponds or water features for livestock and wildlife
9. Energy Independence
To live off the grid or reduce your environmental footprint, consider energy independence skills:
Solar panel installation and maintenance
Wind turbine installation and maintenance
Energy-efficient building design and retrofits
Off-grid living strategies for reduced reliance on public utilities
10. Soap and Candle Making
Homemade soaps and candles can reduce reliance on store-bought products. These skills include:
Making soap using cold or hot process methods
Crafting candles from beeswax, soy, or other materials
Adding scents and colors naturally
11. Herbal Medicine and Remedies
Homesteaders often turn to herbal medicine and remedies for self-sufficiency in healthcare:
Growing and harvesting medicinal herbs
Making tinctures, salves, and herbal teas
Natural remedies for common ailments
Basic first-aid and emergency care skills
12. Sewing and Textile Arts
Basic sewing skills are essential for making and repairing clothing, linens, and more. These skills include:
Hand and machine sewing techniques
Mending and darning clothing
Knitting, crocheting, and other textile arts
Crafting items like blankets, rugs, and quilts
Homesteading is not just a return to simpler times but a way to embrace self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a deeper connection with the land. While mastering all these skills may take time, the journey itself is a rich and rewarding experience. Homesteading is about learning, adapting, and continually improving your ability to live more independently and in harmony with the environment. Whether you have acres of land or a small urban plot, these essential homesteading skills can empower you to live a more self-reliant and sustainable life, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose in the process.
Country Lifestyle
Raising Chickens for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Raising chickens can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, whether you’re a homesteader looking to become more self-sufficient or a backyard enthusiast seeking fresh eggs for your family. Chickens are relatively low-maintenance animals, making them an excellent choice for beginners in the world of poultry farming. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the essentials of raising chickens, from choosing the right breed to ensuring their health and happiness.
Selecting the Right Breed
Before diving into chicken-raising, it’s crucial to choose the right breed that suits your goals and environment. Different breeds have various characteristics, including egg-laying capacity, temperament, and adaptability. Here are some popular options for beginners:
Rhode Island Red: Known for their excellent egg production and hardiness.
Plymouth Rock: Friendly birds that lay brown eggs and adapt well to various climates.
Australorp: Record-holders for egg-laying, known for their docile nature.
Silkies: Unique and fluffy birds often kept as pets; they lay smaller eggs but are adorable companions.
Research the specific breeds available in your area and consider factors like climate and available space when making your selection.
Coop and Run Setup
Before bringing your chickens home, you’ll need to set up a safe and comfortable living space for them. A coop and run are essential components of your chicken-keeping setup:
Coop: The coop is where your chickens will sleep at night and lay their eggs. It should be well-insulated, predator-proof, and provide at least two to three square feet of space per chicken.
Run: The run is an outdoor area where your chickens can roam during the day. It should be fenced and covered to protect your birds from predators and provide shade.
Make sure to include roosting bars, nesting boxes, and adequate ventilation in your coop for a healthy environment.
Feeding Your Chickens
Chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and lay eggs regularly. You can feed them commercial chicken feed, which comes in various forms:
Starter Feed: For chicks up to six weeks old.
Grower Feed: For chicks aged six weeks to 20 weeks.
Layer Feed: For hens producing eggs.
Additionally, you can supplement their diet with kitchen scraps, vegetables, and grains. Ensure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Care and Health
Regular care and monitoring are essential to keeping your chickens healthy. Here are some key aspects of chicken care:
Regular Health Checks: Inspect your chickens for signs of illness or injury daily. Common issues include mites, respiratory infections, and injuries from pecking.
Disease Prevention: Vaccinate your chickens against common diseases to keep your flock healthy.
Egg Collection: Collect eggs daily to ensure they remain clean and prevent hens from brooding.
Clean Coop: Regularly clean the coop to prevent the buildup of waste and odors, which can attract pests.
Handling and Socializing
Chickens can be friendly and enjoy human interaction when handled gently. Spend time with your chickens, hand-feeding them treats to build trust. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, which can startle them.
Understanding Egg Production
Egg production varies by breed and age. Hens typically start laying eggs at around 5-6 months old. The amount of daylight, diet, and stress can affect egg production. You can use artificial lighting to simulate longer daylight hours, which can encourage consistent egg-laying.
Dealing with Challenges
Chickens, like any animal, come with their challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:
Predators: Invest in a secure coop and run, and consider adding motion-activated lights or alarms to deter nighttime predators.
Broodiness: Some hens may become broody and stop laying eggs. You can break this behavior by isolating them in a separate enclosure or providing them with dummy eggs to sit on.
Feather Pecking: Chickens can sometimes develop a habit of pecking at each other’s feathers. Ensure they have enough space and distractions to prevent this behavior.
Raising chickens can be a delightful and educational journey. By selecting the right breed, setting up a proper coop and run, providing a balanced diet, and offering care and attention, you can enjoy the rewards of fresh eggs and the companionship of these feathered friends. Remember that every chicken has its unique personality, so get ready to be charmed by your new flock as you embark on this fulfilling adventure in poultry farming. Happy chicken-keeping!
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