Successful Farming
Successful Farming
Successful Farming
of Extension
these innovators
are making a difference
in agricultural Extension p.28
For families who make farming and ranching their business® | November 2017 | Vol. 115 | No. 13 | Agriculture.com
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NOVEMBER 2017 Successful Farming magazine serves the diverse business, production, and family information needs of families who make farming
and ranching their business. Our passion is to help you make money, save time, and grow your satisfaction in the farming business.
1 CONTENTS
2 ACROSS THE
3 EDITOR’S DESK®
4 COVER STORY:
5
6 AGRICULTURE.COM EXCEPTIONAL
7 EXTENSION P. 28
8 GLEANINGS Meet 10 superstar
9
10 Q&A: MICHAEL O’GORMAN
specialists who are
11 making a difference
12 FIRST CUT in ag Extension.
13
14 MANAGING YOUR FARM
15
16 CONNECTING YOUR FARM
17
18 YOUR PROFIT
19
20
21
22 MACHINERY INSIDER™
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
COVER STORY:
EXCEPTIONAL ALL AROUND
30
31
EXTENSION THE FARM P. 75
32
Burn weeds
33
at a safe distance
34
BIG CUTS IN by using controls
in the cab.
SAFETY NET? P. 38
35
36
37 Farm groups fear cuts
38 BIG CUTS IN SAFETY NET? to crop insurance, dairy,
39
40
and cotton supports in
41 the construction of the
42 BUYERS’ GUIDE: 2018 farm bill.
43 GET YOUR GEEK ON
44
45 AGRONOMY INSIDER:
46 SOYBEANS WITH BENEFITS
47
48 ACRE INSIGHT:
49 CONSIDERATIONS FOR
50 RESIDUE MANAGEMENT
51
52 BEEF INSIDER: BULL MAGIC
53
54 BEEF INSIDER: ROUNDUP
55
56 BEEF INSIDER: PRODUCTS
57 BEEF INSIDER: HEALTH
58 FIGHTER TO FARMER: RISING
59 TO THE CHALLENGE
60
61
62 FAMILY
63
64
65
66
67 CAN THEIR PROBLEM BE
68 SOLVED?
69
70
71
72 Q&A: MICHAEL
73
74
O’GORMAN
75 ALL AROUND P. 10 Meet the
76 THE FARM® man mobilizing
77 veterans to feed
78 America.
®
EDITORIAL
e d i t o r’ s DESK Successful Farming Magazine, 1716 Locust Street/LS257,
Des Moines, IA 50309-3023 | Email: adminsf@meredith.com
HOURS A MONTH?
COPY & PRODUCTION MANAGER Janis Gandy
MACHINERY & TECHNOLOGY
THAT’S ALL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dave Mowitz
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Laurie Bedord
IT TAKES TO SHARE YOUR FARM’S STORY. CROPS
“B
CROPS TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Gil Gullickson
AGRONOMY & CONSERVATION EDITOR Kacey Birchmier
uddy, can you spare a dime?” Remember that old saying BUSINESS, MARKETING, & RISK MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Betsy Freese
that originated in a Depression-era song? MARKETING EDITOR Mike McGinnis
Despite rough times in today’s low-price environ- CONTENT EDITOR Paula Barbour
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jodi Henke
ment, as a farmer, you find a way to get by. You always FAMILY & FARMSTEAD EDITOR Lisa Foust Prater
VIDEO
have; you always will. EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Jason Meeker
One key way you will endure is through technology. PRODUCER, MULTIMEDIA & CUSTOM SOLUTIONS David Ekstrom
DIGITAL
At a recent agricultural entrepreneurship session at DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jessie Scott
Iowa State University, I sat in on a speech titled, “Are INTERACTIVE SERVICES EDITOR Christine Steinhauser
We Ready? The Frontiers of Ag Opportunity,” affili- EDITORIAL OFFICE COORDINATOR Debbie Evans
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Gene Johnston, Al Kluis, Dan Looker,
ated with the ag tech accelerator there. Jay Lehr, who Cheryl Tevis, John Walter
has more than five decades of experience as a futurist
Jay Lehr PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION / ADVERTISING SALES
and an ag economist, created a twist on the old saying, DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Sarah Miller
in essence, asking, “Can you spare two hours?” NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Eric Marzen
NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Heather Gieseke, Tyler Smith
“The American farm is in very good hands,” Lehr said, citing the high REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brian Keane, Collin Coughlon
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Courtney Yuskis
regard that consumers have for farmers. “The public does have great re- CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Katie Eggers
spect for farmers. . . .Farmers rank very high in the esteem of the public,” DIGITAL CAMPAIGN SPECIALIST Alyssa Dixon
CUSTOMER INSIGHTS ANALYST Lucy Hermann
he said. The understanding of the farm, however, not so much. SALES SUPPORT & MARKETING MANAGER Zach Quick
Lehr’s advice? Get out and tell your story. Despite the positive trust MANAGER OF AFFILIATES Karl Michael
SALES ASSISTANTS Diana Weesner, Alyssa Richardson
people have in farmers, there is still a chasm of misunderstanding about
MEREDITH AGRIMEDIA CUSTOM STUDIO
what farming is all about. EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT DIRECTOR Doug Stark
You can spend two hours a month talking about agriculture wher- CONTENT DIRECTOR Justin Davey
ever you live, according to Lehr. Write a column or letter to the editor CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER Rachel Black
BUSINESS MANAGER Darren Tollefson
for the local newspaper, call the local radio station and tell a reporter SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Jim Nelson
what farming is about. It will help relate what you do, how you do it, DIGITAL IMAGING SPECIALIST Steve Lause
DIRECTOR OF QUALITY Joseph Kohler
and why you do it so well.
Lehr claims that a key reason to share your story is to combat mis- VICE PRESIDENT AND GROUP PUBLISHER Scott Mortimer
information. The biggest mistake is thinking that other people don’t
care about what you do. MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP
President JON WERTHER
the value of social media President and General Manager of Meredith Magazines DOUG OLSON
Y
President of Meredith Digital STAN PAVLOVSKY
ou could try using social media. Our story on p. 16, “Making the President of Consumer Products THOMAS WITSCHI
Chief Revenue Officer MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN
World Smaller,” by Jessie Scott, highlights how two farmers use Chief Marketing Officer NANCY WEBER
Instagram in innovative ways to connect with friends, fellow farmers, Chief Data and Insights Officer ALYSIA BORSA
WISE WORDS
“The discovery of
agriculture was the
first big step toward
a civilized life.”
– Arthur Keith, Scottish scientist
Tubers
Potatoes were the
you cannot fight the Fed.
When you are selling grain,
you cannot fight the USDA reports.
first vegetable
grown in space.
AGROTAIN® and the AGROTAIN logo are trademarks of Koch Agronomic Services, LLC. Koch and the Koch logo are trademarks of Koch Industries, Inc. ©2017 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC.
q a THE SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
By Jessie Scott, Digital Content Manager
I
The real secret sauce that and the gratitude that people
n 2007, Michael while the 2014 Farm Bill makes it work is the sense of express to me and the orga-
O’Gorman started was being shaped. The mission and purpose that ag nization. I underestimated
the Farmer Veteran Military Veterans Ag provides. A lot of PTSD and how significant and impor-
Coalition (FVC) out of Liaison position and the other battles with trauma tant this organization would
the back of his pickup Farm Service Agency’s mi- get mixed up with the loss be. I’ve stayed on to make
truck. After working in croloan program both came of identity and purpose after sure we have an organiza-
production agriculture for out of these conversations. veterans put their lives on the tion that can last long after
nearly 40 years, he thought it As the 2018 Farm Bill line. There’s a need to have I leave.
would be a good retirement is being shaped, the FVC something that is as mean-
project. He got more than he will continue to advocate to ingful as defending their SF: When are you planning
bargained for. make resources available for country. Feeding the country to retire?
Today, the FVC has farmer veterans. seems to do that. MO: I’ve told the board the
more than 10,000 members Another loss coming out end of next year.
nationwide. More than $1.5 SF: Why did you start the of the military is the cama-
million in fellowship funds FVC? raderie. While our members SF: What do you hope to
have been given to members. MO: In part, I was looking are geographically dispersed, accomplish before then?
Homegrown By Heroes, for something for the next we can help them be a part MO: We want to increase
which is a branding program chapter of my life after of an organization, make support from the ag
used to promote products working in ag for nearly 40 friends, and bond with other community and have
from farmer veterans, now years. We also found a niche veterans. enough funding so we can
has 1,000 participants in all that nobody was serving. meet demand. We are
50 states. No one was focusing on the SF: From the beginning, you working with the Army,
If that wasn’t enough disproportionate number of have emphasized that the the USDA, and the
of an accomplishment, veterans returning to rural FVC will support all types Department of Labor so
O’Gorman also worked communities. The demand of farming and agriculture. that military men and
with members of the Senate and interest for it on the vet- Why was that so important women can be introduced
Agriculture Committee eran side was incredible, and to you? to ag before they leave the
that’s when the organization MO: I was the production service. That’s very
took off. manager for three of the exciting, and we hope it
largest organic vegetable will come together in the
SF: What surprised you operations in the country. next year.
most about FVC’s suc- My identity was primar-
cess? ily as a farmer; being an From Fighter to Farmer
MO: The demand. organic farmer was second- Read the story of one out-
When veterans call ary. I always grimaced at standing farmer veteran on
us, they don’t just call anyone who spoke poorly of page 58.
casually. In some cases, other farmers. My cama-
they are almost beg- raderie, like someone in
ging for help, because the military, was with my
there is such a desire to brothers and sisters who
work in agriculture. were farmers. BIO
We learned early It’s not a political tactic NAME: Michael O’Gorman
on that there was a or a way to help the project TITLE: Founder and director of
healing aspect to this grow. It’s just something we the Farmer Veteran Coalition
project. Anyone believe in. I like to say that FAMILY: O’Gorman has four
who has spent a veterans fought for freedom, children: Anne, Emma, Georgia,
life in agri- so we support their freedom and Gregory. He also has four
culture to choose how they farm, grandchildren: Chloe, Caleb,
and we honor it all. Spencer, and Finley.
YOU B
YOURELD
HIG H-Y I
M A RK ?
B
ack in February, President of the gasoline market if the EPA sticks
Trump sent a letter to an annual to its proposals for the Renewable Fuels
ethanol conference, assuring the Standard, but biodiesel could see a
industry that “renewable fuels significant cut.
are essential to America’s energy Trade group Growth Energy says the
strategy.” Nonetheless, the biofuels biodiesel mandate could be lowered by
industry may be unhappy when the 15% under an EPA review that began in
Trump administration, at the driver’s late September. Under a regulatory odd-
wheel for the first time, sets the U.S. ity, EPA sets the RFS for corn ethanol
biofuels mandate. Ethanol will get its just before the start of each calendar year,
coveted 15-billion-gallon-a-year share while the biodiesel RFS is set 13 months
in advance. The EPA is reexamining
the 2018 target of 2.1 billion gallons of
biodiesel. If it’s cut, the 2019 target could
be reduced, too.
UPComing “We have significant concerns that this
NOVEMBER
• 28: Chicago Federal Reserve Bank action indicates that the EPA may back-
conference, “Midwest Agriculture’s Ties to the pedal on the promise and growth of the
Global Economy,” Chicago, Illinois RFS,” says Growth Energy Chief Emily
• 29: USDA updates its Farm Income Forecast
for 2017
Skor. Ten biofuels trade groups span-
• 30: USDA releases quarterly forecast for U.S. ning the industry, joined by the National
farm exports Farmers Union and the Corn Growers,
• 30: Target date for EPA announcement of asked Trump to intervene with EPA
ethanol mandate for 2018
in the name of rural economic growth.
DECEMBER There was concern, expressed privately,
• 3-5: National Grain and Feed Association in the biofuels world about whether the
holds annual Country Elevator Conference, 15-billion-gallon corn ethanol mandate
PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the Louisville, Kentucky
terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the was a sure thing pending the final EPA
labeling and purchase documents.
® TM SM
, , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont,
Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2017 PHII. DUPPSY17025SF 12 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Illustration: AlexLMX, iStockphoto.com
decision, nominally due November 30. would be second with 28.5 million tonnes,
In Senator Charles Grassley’s (R-IA) followed by the U.S. with 26.5 million tonnes.
skeptical view, EPA administrator Scott In the previous trade year, the U.S. was number
Pruitt sought to placate antiethanol oil one with 28.7 million tonnes; Russia trailed by
refiners while keeping faith with farmers 910,000 tonnes.
and biofuel makers. “I don’t think Pruitt The small U.S. wheat crop this year – the
can do that. If he can, he’s going to con- smallest since 2002 – reflects low market
The r
duct a miracle,” Grassley said. Beyond prices and the global wheat surplus. The
the RFS tussle, the future of biofuels may University of Missouri think tank FAPRI says
e
be affected by the parade of automak- wheat acreage will expand in 2018 by 4%, or
ers during the summer expanding
production of hybrid
nearly 3 million acres, buoyed by higher prices.
“Global supplies remain large and project
ns
a s w
i
The trade group and electric vehicles. prices remain below $5 per bushel for the next
Growth Energy China, the world’s three marketing years,” says FAPRI. USDA
says the biodiesel
mandate could largest car market, expects a season-average price around $4.60 a
be lowered by said it would set a bushel for this year’s crop, a big step up from
15% under an EPA deadline to end sales of $3.89 for the 2016 crop.
review that began fossil-fuel vehicles.
in late September.
Some analysts say
a sustained rise in U.S. or global sales
would mean smaller gasoline – and Senate election in
ethanol – sales. Hybrids and electrics now Alabama may change farm
comprise 3% of U.S. auto sales. Others bill calculations
say population growth and the large stock
of vehicles already on the road assure
decades of petroleum-fueled travel. Dick
T he lineup in the Senate Agriculture
Committee is bound to change after
the special election in Alabama on
Loos, director of research for the Illinois December 12, when the panel could
Corn Growers, says ethanol can prosper. be sitting down to work on the 2018
“It’s the cheapest octane available on farm bill. The departure of Senator
the market,” says Loos. A midrange Luther Strange (R-AL) would deprive
blend, say E25, if cleared by regulators, Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), a lead-
would allow automakers to build lighter ing defender of crop insurance, of an
and cleaner-burning engines, even if they ally and decrease the South’s influence
go into hybrids or plug-in electrics. “I on farm policy.
think we still have a lot of options and Roy Moore, a Bible-quoting social
opportunities in front of us.” and fiscal conservative and former chief
justice of the state Supreme Court, hand-
ily beat Strange, appointed to the Senate
early this year, in the GOP runoff and
Make Room for Russia will face Democrat Doug Jones, a former
U.S. attorney, in the general election.
O n the strength of a staggeringly large
crop, Russia will knock the U.S. out as
the number one wheat exporter in the world
Moore campaigned for “lower taxes,
smaller government, and less spending”
this trade year, and it won’t even be close. along with “rescinding unfair free trade
Russian wheat production has climbed steadily agreements.” It’s not clear if he would
since 2012 as farmers devoted more land to the succeed Strange on the committee.
crop and yields improved almost every year. In Southern lawmakers want cottonseed
two years, wheat output has zoomed by 34%. to be eligible for ARC and PLC. There
With the harvest in its final stages this fall, will be pressure to appoint a Southerner
USDA estimates the Russia crop at a record 82 to succeed Strange, said a farm lobby-
million tonnes, up 14% from the previous crop, ist, adding that if Southerners “really
and 2017/2018 exports at 32.5 million tonnes want something, they’ll just go to House
– leading the world by a large margin. The EU Agriculture Chairman Conaway any-
way.” Conaway is from Texas.
Moore’s victory could encourage other
conservatives to run for the Senate. Seven
34%
The increase in Russian wheat
output in just two years
of the 10 Democrats on the committee
face reelection in 2018, including Heidi
Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe
Donnelly of Indiana, states that President
Trump won by a landslide.
This article was produced in collaboration with the Food & Environment
Reporting Network, an independent, nonprofit news organization producing November 2017 | Successful Farming at Agriculture.com 13
investigative reporting on food, agriculture, and environmental health.
a a i g
OE S YOUR FARM
By Raylene Nickel
D
HOW TRY- SWOT YOUR FARM
INDUSING
THIS ANALYSIS HELPS PUT
BUSINESS IDEAS ON A CLEAR PATH TO SUCCESS.
LEAD RCH
RESEAFF IN
PAY O
G H E
HIYIELD R
N T I A L?
POTE
B
rainstorming new farm enter- shops have told us the process opened
prises or deciding upon changes their eyes to possibilities and drawbacks
in existing ones often spawns a of new or existing ventures,” he says.
scattering of seemingly unrelated “Some have reported that valuable ideas
ideas offering no clear pathway came to light as a result of going through
to right choices. Charting a direction the process.”
from the diverse thoughts can be helped Kime suggests the following steps for
by conducting a SWOT analysis of a conducting a SWOT analysis of a new or
potential or an existing business. existing business.
The process is a way of analyzing • Get everyone involved. “For a SWOT
an enterprise’s strengths, weaknesses, analysis to work well, every member
opportunities, and threats. These can be of your team must be involved in the
evaluated and compared against each process,” he says. “Team members might
other to determine how one area may or include your family and employees, your
may not cancel out the other, suggest- lawyer, accountant, and insurance agent.”
ing success or failure of the new idea • Let the ideas flow. Before delving into
or proposed change in direction. The the nuts and bolts of the analysis, first lay
analysis may also point to managerial out ideas relating to goals and direction
issues requiring modification. of the existing or envisioned enterprise.
“A SWOT analysis is a process that In intergenerational groups, this open
can help you and your team get insights exchange may borrow from the benefits
into the past and think of possible solu- of experience, which are often caution-
tions to existing or potential problems ary. Yet, it also encourages the optimistic
for your business,” says Lynn Kime, se- and more freewheeling vantage of youth.
nior Extension associate at Pennsylvania “Encourage a frank discussion and
PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the
State University. an understanding that there are no bad
terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the “Participants in our SWOT work- ideas and anything is possible,” says
labeling and purchase documents.
® TM SM
, , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont,
Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2017 PHII. DUPPSY17025SF 14 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Illustration: aurielaki, iStockphoto.com
Kime. “This is a time for ideas to flow business, you may have the threat of local
freely. When done in the right spirit, regulations negatively impacting your
this discussion offers all team members a business. Unforeseen local or foreign
chance to express their opinions.” competition, dissolution of markets, and
• Define goals and objectives. From this adverse weather may also have a nega-
freewheeling discussion, then craft the tive effect on your new business.”
goals and objectives for your farm or • Review the four points. After going
The r
ranch. Later, the four points of the actual through the process, it’s time to discuss.
SWOT analysis can be evaluated against “Let the ideas flow,” says Kime. “Evaluate
ansswe
the backdrop of these goals and objectives. ideas for how they impact business in the
• Identify strengths. Listing strengths short term as well as the long term.
is the first step in the four steps of the “Keep in mind that one point of the
i
actual SWOT analysis of a new or an analysis may offset another,” he says.
existing enterprise. “For example, your strengths may com-
“Strengths are considered mostly in- bat your weaknesses, and your opportu-
ternal,” says Kime. “For example, what nities can offset your threats. If this does
do you and your family, employees, and not happen, you will need to find ways
management team bring to the business? to correct the imbalance.”
If you are planning to start a business, • Find ways to strengthen weaknesses.
you may have previous experience in the If weaknesses arise from a lack of skill
industry you are considering. If not, this in certain areas or shortages in manage-
may be viewed as a weakness. Although, ment, hiring qualified employees could
you may have an employee or member be a way to transform these weaknesses
of your management team who has prior into strengths. Or, purchasing equipment
experience in the industry you are plan- to perform some type of disliked hand
ning to enter.” labor could be strengthening, as could
Examples of strengths for existing the transfer of certain field operations to
businesses could include years of exper- custom operators.
tise, an understanding of your business • Discuss offsets for threats. Insurance
history, and your pathway to present suc- coverages can downsize threats from
cess. Perhaps your family is supportive liability, fire, vehicle accidents, and crop
or you have loyal employees and a skilled failures. Marketing threats, for example,
management team. require creative brainstorming in order
• Ferret out weaknesses. “Weaknesses to find ways to reduce risk from un-
are also considered mostly internal and foreseen competition and downturns in
are the items you will need to address for price or demand. Creating contingency
success of your business,” says Kime. “If plans could provide an orderly response
you are a start-up business, an example to unexpected adverse events such as
of a weakness may be a lack of experi- equipment breakdowns or even deaths
ence in the selected industry. Or, you in the family.
may lack qualified employees or the full • Review annually. Conducting an annual
support of family members.” review of the SWOT analysis helps the
Additional weaknesses could be the goals and activities of an enterprise stay
lingering effects of previous poor deci- abreast of changes in markets, produc-
sions, a high turnover in employees, tion conditions, and status of team
insufficient capital for equipment, or a members’ involvement.
high short-term debt load. In sum, conducting the analysis offers
“The weaknesses will need to be ad- the far-reaching benefit of strengthening
dressed so your business can be success- relationships between members of the
ful,” says Kime. family and with employees, as well.
• Pinpoint opportunities. These are mostly “The biggest benefit of the SWOT
external. For example, potential start-up analysis is the communication that
businesses may have access to grants or results between family members and
low-interest loans. Opportunities might other members of the business team,”
include local consumers seeking products says Kime. “When people talk things
you hope to produce. out, a lot of problems can be eliminated
• Take stock of threats. “These are or made much smaller.”
threats from outside of your business
that will directly impact you, things over LEARN MORE
which you may have very little control,” Lynn Kime
says Kime. “If you are starting a new 717/677-6116 | lfk4@psu.edu
A
fter visiting a farm other on Instagram and people on a level that shows but he also uses his older
show this summer, would send messages back what we’re doing out DJIs, a Phantom 2 and 3.
three agronomists
from Argentina
made a pit stop at
and forth. Eventually, we
had a group message on
Instagram, then Snapchat,”
here. We are a family, but
we’re also a large opera-
tion. We enjoy what we do
3 Always respond. That’s
Pitzenberger’s rule for
any messages and com-
Phil Pitzenberger’s farm in he says. “Now, we talk ev- and are doing the best we ments he receives.
Greene, Iowa. The trio had
never meet Pitzenberger,
but they knew his farm
ery day. We’ve also started
to visit each other.”
These eight young farmers
can to be stewards,” says
Pitzenberger. 4 Show the good and bad,
but leave out the ugly.
The good: One of
well because they followed are college age or younger. tips and tricks Pitzenberger’s most photo-
him on Instagram.
“They toured farm fields
and looked at equipment,”
Half are first-generation
farmers, like Clarke, and half
come from farm families.
H ere are four simple steps
you can take to showcase
your farm to the world via
graphed scenes is his par-
ent’s beautiful red barn. He
also showcases conservation
says Pitzenberger. “They “We grow a lot of the Instagram. practices, like no-till.
knew just enough English,
and we used Google trans-
late when we got in a bind.”
same crops, but we are in
different states,” he says.
In addition to this
1Stay active without blowing
up people’s feed. “I like
taking pictures, so I post
The bad: “I like to show
that bad things happen,” he
says, like this summer when
Instagram has helped him interest from farmers, my favorite one from the he posted a photo of hail
make lots of connections Pitzenberger has found that week,” says Clarke. “Try that leveled 4-inch-tall corn.
like this, he adds, including Instagram is a good way to not to overdo it, but try and The ugly: “People within
other farmers from abroad update landlords. “We have stay halfway active.” ag may know what you are
as well as those across the
U.S. “Instagram has made
the world smaller,” he says.
a lot of absentee landlords,
and this gives them a place
where they can see what’s
2 Use the gear you have.
Both Pitzenberger and
Clarke use their smart
doing, but nonag people can
take things the wrong way,”
says Clarke. Think twice
Ethan Clarke, Washing- going on,” he explains. phones to take photos and before posting and carefully
ton, Indiana, has had simi- While both Pitzenberger to do minimal editing, if consider your captions.
lar experience. The 20-year and Clarke admit the ma- any, in the Instagram app. “One of the biggest issues
old farmer, who planted jority of their Instagram From time to time, is that people don’t know
his first crop this year, has following (a combined total Pitzenberger also posts where food comes from,”
built a network with other of 9,000) has a connection to photos taken from his says Clarke. “Instagram is
young farmers that started ag, they also connect with drone. He just upgraded to one tool we can use because
on Instagram. some consumers. a DJI Inspire 2, which has a there is such a broad audi-
“We followed each “I’ve reached some professional-grade camera, ence there.”
16 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Provided by Phil Pitzenberger and Ethan Clarke
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By Al Kluis
$4.80
$4.60
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$4.00
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
A
noticed was a big change corn market in late August
t the start of one of my late-August seminars, I in the corn seasonal odds when farmers have to price
got this question: Have the seasonal odds patterns pattern and a slight change their delayed price (DP)
changed because of the increased crop production out in the soybean seasonal odds contracts.
of South America? patterns. The seasonal studies from
I told the attendee that I would have to get back to To get a long-term histor- 10 years ago showed major
him in about a week. That’s because I needed to complete my ic look at how seasonal odds lows in March and October
annual seasonal odds update in early September before I could have changed, I brought out with the highs in June and
give him an answer. my 1981 Charting for Profit July. The lows that devel-
When I work with my corn and soybean charts and my textbook that I wrote with oped in March 10 years ago
seasonal odds Successful Farming maga- were because of the huge
studies, I also work zine Editor Loren Kruse amounts of corn that had to
Have the on a marketing 36 years ago. This textbook be sold for land, rent, and
seasonal year calendar from used data from 1971 to equipment payments.
September through 1981 to make those charts. I
odds patterns August (rather noted some major changes how they compare
T
changed than a calendar that have developed in the he yearly price ranges to-
because of the year schedule). In last 40 years. day are a lot larger than
increased crop the last few years, when I put my initial study
I have started to what’s changed? together in 1981. The 1981
production
out of South
America?
chart on the South
American market-
ing year of March
F or corn, today’s seasonal
odds pattern shows that
the highs now come in
chart showed a July high
and a November low. With
all of the new grain storage
through February. much earlier in the year. that has been built, the corn
When I updated The best time to sell corn market often bottoms now
$12.00
$11.50
$11.00
$10.50
$10.00
$9.50
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
on the last flush of old-crop sales, as farmers sell to get the called them in to a runner, global market, the biggest
bins empty before the next harvest. who took the order to the challenge for you is to
For soybeans, the current 10-year seasonal odds chart pit. Now, many of you place develop and execute a
shows a pattern that is very similar to the one 10 years ago. hedges from your own com- disciplined marketing plan
The difference is that 10 years ago there was a June high and puter or you phone right so you can control how you
an October low. Now, there is a preharvest South American into the CBOT. make decisions that are not
high in April and a secondary high in June, followed by lows The CBOT used to rise based on greed and fear.
in March and September. Today’s chart reflects the increas- and fall on U.S. weather
ing amount of soybeans that are harvested in Brazil and and weather forecasts, so NOTE: Trading of futures and
Argentina. The market now has two seasonal rallies and two it was pretty quiet in the options has substantial financial
harvest lows each year. winter. Now, in the global risk of loss and is not for
When I look at my soybean seasonal odds chart from 1981, marketplace, you can watch
it shows a rally from the lows in October and March to the weather around the world
major high in June. In 1981, the U.S. soybean crop and the and focus on what it’s doing
weather in North America were the main market factors. in South America during
AL KLUIS
Ten years ago, the U.S. was the number one soybean exporter the winter. Commodity
in the world; today, Brazil is the largest soybean exporter in The biggest change has Trader
the world. been how everyone uses the Al Kluis has
been trading
internet to gather and dis- grain futures
other changes tribute information. What since 1974. Sign
What has
changed
O ne other question that
has to do with changes
was asked in my late-
used to take three days to
reach the public now take
less than three minutes. For
up for a free
trial to his
daily morning email and weekly
the most August seminar: What has the younger farmers who “Al Kluis Report” by going to
changed the most in grain use social media, it’s more alkluis.com.
in grain
marketing over the last 40 like three seconds.
marketing years? That exchange of infor-
Kluis Commodities
over the last 901 - 12 Oaks Center Drive
As you might imagine, mation has really helped Suite 907
40 years? a lot has changed. level the playing field in the Wayzata, MN 55391
You used to call in grain markets. 888/345-2855
orders to a broker, who In an ever-changing alkluis.com | al@alkluis.com
T
he Honda Pioneer is gaining ground in the UTV back to the lower gear. The In 2017, Successful Farming
market quickly since the machine’s introduction in Pioneer is really intuitive – magazine conducted its third
2013. The field performance of this true worker was to a point. extensive UTV evaluation to
undeniable during the Successful Farming Ultimate The only annoyance was provide you with information
UTV Evaluation. the shifting in some situa- about how UTVs perform
As for our team’s experience driving the Honda Pioneer 1000 tions. The shifts were a little in ag applications. During
EPS, we had the opportunity to load the bed to half capacity as jerky in certain tight trail the evaluation, seven of the
well as full capacity and to tow a large trailer with the 2-inch situations. However, the newest utility vehicles were
receiver hitch. The machine’s reactions to these loads were evi- Pioneer easily switched to put through four rigorous
dent, but different than expected. The Honda Pioneer was one manual mode, where we tests. Learn more about the
of the few vehicles that maintained ground clearance with the could control every shifting evaluation at Agriculture.
heavy loads in the dumping bed. This alone helped the machine aspect and settle any action com/2017utvtest.
maintain its ability to get through some rougher trails.
Towing is where we found the Honda Pioneer really shined,
as the engine had plenty of grunt to get the load started as Score Out of 5
well as an amazing ability to slow the entire rig and trailer on Fully Loaded (1 low to 5 high)
steep descents. Again, the fact that the suspension never sagged
when loaded was impressive. These features put the Pioneer in Steering responsiveness and vehicle 4.3
maneuverability
third place for towing with a score of 20.6 out of 25.
When it comes to shifting the Pioneer, there is a new Acceleration 4.7
option with the EPS version: paddle shifting. The up and Ease of maintaining a constant speed 4
down paddles are mounted behind the steering wheel and
well within reach of the driver. In automatic, the machine Braking 4.7
will shift on its own. We found this to be most convenient Noise level 4
while towing, so we could focus on steering. There were
times when the engine would shift prematurely under load, 21.7
Total score out of 25 Second place for this test
but a simple bump of the paddle shifter took the UTV right
©2017 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration
status. CruiserMaxx Vibrance Beans is an on-seed application of CruiserMaxx Vibrance alone or with Apron XL. Apron XL®, CruiserMaxx®, Vibrance®, the Alliance Frame and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MW 1CRV7004-CARS-AG120 09/17
m a c h i n e r y
By Ray Bohacz
W
let it work through the spot. nozzles: An excessive
orld corn yourself, it will become The following are areas amount of field dust around
yield cham- second nature to detect you should pay particular these parts indicates mois-
pions Randy problems. attention to when making ture and a leak.
Dowdy (2014) repairs. • Dipstick: Take a sample of
and Dave A tactile approach • Tailpipe: Wipe the inside the fluid from the dipstick
Hula (2015) can walk into
a field they never saw
before and see things that
T hough the image above
depicts crankshaft
end-play being checked
with your finger. If it is
especially sooty (diesel) or
carboned up (gas), the en-
and rub it between your
fingers. Study it for particles
and then check the smell.
would pass by most people. with a dial indicator, parts gine fuel setting is too rich, • Any bearing: Slowly turn
For example, Dowdy can examination can be made by or the engine is misfiring. it by hand, feeling for
determine even emergence sight, smell, and feel. You’ll That finger wipe can reveal roughness or tight spots.
by the height of the ear on be amazed how much you
the stalk. can determine by simply
Just as corn plants tell running your finger over a RAY BOHACZ
a story, so do the parts on surface, into a port, or on a The SF Engine Man
an engine or a machine. tapered roller bearing. Ray Bohacz has engine grease and field
A wealth of information Threading a bolt in by dirt under his fingernails from a life spent
repairing vehicles and running a farm
can be gleaned and a costly hand instead of using an in New Jersey with his wife, Charlotte.
failure avoided by reading air tool can reveal problems His how-to articles also appear in Diesel
the components. When you with thread integrity and Power, Engine Professional, Hemmings
are working on something, cleanliness. If you do use an Motor News, and Speedway Illustrated
you need to pay attention to air tool, listen to its sound magazines. Contact Bohacz via email at
every detail. Once you train and acknowledge when that SFEngineman@Agriculture.com.
…With the Lowest Rates of the Season* and Special Lease Programs.
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0% financing for 60 months
test data, rainfall, tillage type, crop, plant date, emergence date,
input application data, harvest date, etc. It only takes a few of
those data points to pinpoint a location. Only a single grower
produces a single crop in a given growing season in a given
area. For data that matters, there is no anonymization.”
Consequently, he says, providing production data to compa-
nies that already control your financial future via their pricing
power over your most costly inputs is extremely risky.
“The only way to ensure that your data – data that can un-
lock insights to lower costs, better yields, and higher margins
– is not used against you is to own and control your own data
and your own data system,” Hackney notes.
A
become,” says the Indiana farmer. “One packer announced, for
s a producer, you’re getting savvy about how your data reasons it refuses to share, that it will no longer buy Holstein
is being used, and you’re insisting on more transparent beef. It completely collapsed the national Holstein market
legal agreements. Not only do you want to know how overnight. Divide and conquer, I suppose. Collapse 20% of the
your data is being used, who owns it, and who can buy beef industry to force it toward vertical integration owned by
it, but also you want a say in setting those terms. packers so that the remaining 80% becomes easier to segment
Data privacy and security are two topics many ag companies and wrest under control. To me, it’s existential.”
have addressed recently. You have been assured that you are Ault also serves as the project leader for the Open
the owner of your data, and you alone control who you share Agriculture Data Alliance. He believes getting a handle on
it with. But what happens when that information is used to data means creating an open-source platform for analysis tools.
price-fix or suppress grower compensation? “As someone who buys food for my family, using data
In a recent lawsuit filed by Oklahoma poultry growers, those analytics to identify inefficiencies in the supply chain, which can
allegations were made against Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, and result in lower food prices, is a good thing. In fact, it’s a great
other integrators. In short, the complaint claims that Agri Stats, thing,” he says. “However, as a farmer, the ability of a few large
Inc., which is a data hub, allowed the integrators to collect and players in the supply chain to distort the overall market means
share growers’ data. The integrators then used that information I’m more likely to lose my farm as the troughs of volatility
to suppress compensation to the growers. reach ever lower. I think where those two come together is that
a more consolidated market can lead to greater swings in food
answering ag’s burning questions supplies. The prevalence of free markets among food products
©2017 Syngenta. Golden Harvest® is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. MW 1GHV7010-WORK-AGP1 08/17
f a r m MANAGEMENT
By Gil Gullickson, Crops Technology Editor
I
Purdue University agricul-
f your lender has been asking you about your working loan, what do they flip to? tural economist.
capital lately, there’s good reason. That’s because working The housing crisis,” says • Explore alternative
capital – current assets minus current liabilities – is much Henderson. markets. “People are asking
lower among many farmers this year than in years past. us about organics because
“The magnitude of working capital drawdown is what do you do? of the margins,” says
substantial,” says Jim Mintert, director of Purdue University’s
Center for Commercial Agriculture. “In the Corn Belt, farm-
ers built up working capital from 2007 to 2013. They have
G et your house in order
before regulators start
asking questions about your
Henderson. “It is not for
everyone, but we have been
getting questions asking
been drawing it down the last few years. If the burn rate con- loan portfolio. Regulators about the value-added op-
tinues as it has in recent years, they will face real challenges will ask lenders about portunity.”
with their lenders.” financial stress tests and • Be open to expansion
models, says Henderson. opportunities. For example,
Why the Question? Be ready and form your there may be a retiring farm
50%
though, carry memories of “Also, think about upside to. “Maybe it starts out as a
working through troubled scenarios,” says Henderson. partnership and evolves into
housing loans during the Form a plan on how you an acquisition strategy,” says
fallout of 2008’s financial will take advantage of com- Mintert. “For the short run,
The amount that net farm
crisis. modity price upticks during tackle it from the other’s
income has declined “So when they look at the year. perspective. Put yourself in
since 2013. agriculture as a real estate Mintert says looking at his or her shoes.”
A
quatic plants in the pond have great aesthetic value, you live in. Did you know carp or tilapia afterward,”
provide habitat for wildlife, and contribute dissolved there are 300 species of says Sink. “The fish clean
oxygen to the water. However, aquatic plants can tilapia? Some states only al- up anything that you miss
easily get out of control and become a nuisance. If low the use of a few of those or any regrowth or regen-
you’re looking for natural water weed control, a species, and other states ban eration. That actually gives
couple of fish species might be able to help you out. all tilapia in farm ponds to you a much better manage-
Unfortunately, there are no fish native to the U.S. that take prevent them from becom- ment plan and control strat-
care of aquatic weed problems in our ponds. If there were, ing invasive in U.S. waters. egy for that vegetation.”
we’d all have pristine ponds. Since that isn’t the case, it takes Sink says you can’t expect It may take grass carp
nonnative fish to do the job. a fish to be the sole savior of two to three years of
Todd Sink is an aquaculture and fisheries specialist with a weed-infested pond. It’s munching before you see
Texas Agrilife Extension. He says triploid grass carp and just one tool in an integrat- good results. Tilapia can get
tilapia are often used for weed control. ed pest management plan. the work done in one season
“If it’s a submerged vegetation, grass carp are the way to “First, you would go in if they’re stocked early. If
go,” he says. “If it’s floating vegetation such as duckweed or with an appropriate FDA- not, you’ll have to restock
watermeal, grass carp will eat some of it, but tilapia can be approved aquatic herbicide them again the next spring,
more effective than grass carp at doing that.” and knock the population of because they die off when
Because they’re nonnative species, you will need a permit that plant back really well. water temperatures dip
to stock triploid grass carp or tilapia, depending on the state Then you stock your grass below 50°F.
Season-long control of 16 different corn pests. Above and below ground. That’s what you
get from Golden Harvest® hybrids with Agrisure Duracade® 5222 E-Z Refuge. It’s the
ultimate trait stack for insect control, simplicity and choice™. To learn more, talk with your
Golden Harvest Seed Advisor™. GoldenHarvestSeeds.com
©2017 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label and bag tag instructions. Consult bag tags for Refuge product herbicide options. Only those labeled “EZ1” may be sprayed with
glufosinate ammonium based herbicides. Unless otherwise specified all trademarks and service marks are the property of a Syngenta Group Company. Herculex and the Herculex shield logo are registered
trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. MW 1AGT7010-GH-AG168 10/17
C R o p s
By Gene Johnston
By the numbers
10
The number of days
between each soybean
group maturity number.
C
rate of fill. The vegetative
onfused by soybean maturity groups? You’re not alone.
Don’t make it complicated, says Bill Wiebold, a
plant science professor at the University of Missouri
1 Why are soybean
maturity groups
important?
growth – the leaves – are the
plant’s factory. The more
leaves, the greater the fill. So
and director of the Missouri Soybean Center (https:// Wiebold: Soybean plants as you go up the maturity
soybeancenter.missouri.edu/center/). His research respond to photoperiod – the scale, from a group 1 to 2
shows that, in most locations, there’s a fairly wide margin of day length. Because of the and 3 and so on, you further
acceptability of maturity groups to maximize yield. earth’s tilt on its axis, day delay the signal to start
Following are Wiebold’s answers to four common questions. length in the Midwest varies flowering. Each whole
Summer
Scouting Tips
V
4 What about
delayed planting
due to double
tially no difference. It’s just
one year, but it leads me to
recommend the same
cropping or varieties and maturities that
VI weather? are normal for your area. If
Soybean group
Wiebold: We did some late it is ultra-late planting in
maturities fit in a
wide range across planting last summer, at the mid-July, maybe you drop
the country. end of June, in maturity that by 0.5 group.
Win back the 4 billion pounds of annual oil demand you lost to canola and other crops. High oleic
soybeans produce oil with zero trans fat and less saturated fat. That’s why the food industry wants it,
and processors and elevators are willing to pay a premium for it. Grow it now and grow your bottom line.
New delivery locations are being added every year, and current programs are expanding their offerings.
Ask your seed rep for the best varieties in your area. — S OY I N N O VAT I O N . C O M
John Russell used Russell also built a custom under the welding table. A
mostly recycled metal overhead bridge crane from wire welder sits right next
already on hand
to build a custom
mostly bits and pieces he had to the table with ground
overhead bridge crane on hand. It’s a cross between clamps already clamped onto
in his farm shop. a bridge crane and a gantry the table for convenience.
crane, and it spans 34 feet An exhaust system that
across the shop. It has 42 feet takes care of fumes above
on each side to travel across the welding table is next on
the shop to reach the main Russell’s list.
work space and most of the
welding center. Strategically Built
A Custom Welding
Table
R ussell tactically placed
eight 220-volt outlets
around the shop to handle
J
crane, and move it to the Styrofoam insulation below
ohn Russell of Pemberville, Ohio, makes his living as a work bay for larger projects the cement. Each wall has 9
hay and straw producer, so having a gigantic farm shop when necessary,” he says. inches of fiberglass insula-
had never been his goal. He did, however, want a shop Tools not in use are tion, and the ceiling has R-40
that could be used for storage and also as a work space. housed on a pull-out shelf blown fiberglass.
Russell’s 48×68-foot shop can hold four balers, two
tractors and balers, or two bale stackers at once with room to
spare. A 12×50-foot loft is his go-to storage spot with space for
parts as well as other farm tools.
Room to Repair
B
shows and sales. Network
eef, cattle, sheep, and hogs are considered traditional Whom will you call if with other owners to
livestock. There is another group of animals that goes your alternative livestock observe facility designs and
beyond what’s commonplace in the barnyard. Bison, get sick? Myers says finding daily care regimes.
elk, alpacas, llamas, and donkeys are examples of veterinary care for specialty Keep in mind that
alternative livestock. animals can be a challenge, alternative livestock often
Ginger Myers is the Extension marketing specialist for ag so it is smart to learn their fall outside the regulations
and natural resources at the University of Maryland. She says basic medical care. for conventional animals, so
before you venture into exotic animal ownership, think about “You’ll want to be able there may be special licenses
special stewardship considerations and whether you have the to take their temperature, that you need to obtain.
ability to properly care for them. for instance, and know the
“You certainly need to take a look at whether you can meet normal range. Or, you may Learn more
their nutritional needs or if you’ll have to buy feed. Will they need to administer medica- • https://afsic.nal.usda.
need special fencing? Sometimes you need a high-tensile fence tion,” Myers says. gov/grazing-systems-and-
with tight wires at the bottom so animals can’t crawl through “If you haven’t had alternative-livestock-
or just a higher fence,” says Myers. “How are you going to experience with handling breeds/raising-alternative-
water these animals? Is there water on your property?” livestock, you need to work livestock-breeds
Myers says all animals need some sort of shelter. Even that out. It’s good to visit • https://extension.umd.edu/
hardy bison should have somewhere to get out of the weather someone who has this par- sites/default/files/_docs/
if they want to. ticular animal to fully learn Alternative%20Livestock.pdf
Always read and follow label directions. FMC is a trademark of FMC Corporation.
©2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 17-FMC-0806 09/17
BEYOND PROTECTION,
NURTURE PRODUCTION.
Now labeled for soybeans as well as corn, Ethos XB ®
1
Offer ends July 31, 2018 and is subject to approved credit on a Multi-Use Account, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. For
agricultural/commercial use only. Offer requires a $5,000 minimum purchase of at least one of the qualifying products listed. After
the promotional period, interest charges will begin to accrue at the regular Multi-Use Account rate. Available at participating
merchants. Multi-Use Accounts are a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b.
Ethos XB Insecticide/Fungicide and Capture LFR Insecticide are Restricted Use Pesticides. Always read and follow label
directions. Ethos XB Insecticide/Fungicide is not registered for sale or use in California. FMC, Ethos, Zone of Production, Capture and
LFR are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 17-FMC-1064 09/17
m a c h i n e r y
By Laurie Bedord and Tharran Gaines
A
be available in the future,
few years ago, Vermeer assigned a special engineer- uniquely positioned over the particularly since 4×6-foot
ing group within the company a simple assignment. suspension. bales are popular with those
Its task was to develop machines that don’t currently “You can also spend less who load them two wide on
exist in the marketplace. The team unveiled its first time turning in the field and a semi for shipping.
innovation – the ZR5 self-propelled round baler pro- more time baling. The zero- “Farmers and ranch-
totype – the first of its kind in the hay and forage industry. radius turning can eliminate ers are facing one of the
Pulling expertise from the lawn care industry, the ZR5 fea- skipping a windrow to make same challenges they did in
tures zero-radius turning for better maneuverability and driv- the turn or swinging out 1971 when Gary Vermeer
ing efficiency than seen in a conventional tractor-baler combo. wide to get into the next introduced the round baler:
Hydraulic drive on the baler drive, as well as the rear wheels, windrow,” adds Vrieze. labor,” he continues. “As
also provides you with the ability to automatically make real- “When it’s time to head to access to labor in rural areas
time adjustments based on field, crop, and operator inputs. the next field, zero-radius becomes more limited, we
“I firmly believe that someday we’ll look back and say, ‘I turning can be disengaged.” believe the type of innova-
can’t believe for that long, we drove balers through a gearbox tion needed to design the
and that everything turned in the same correlation to each other benefits ZR5 will continue to pave
other based on the PTO rpm,’ ” says Mark Core, Vermeer ex-
ecutive vice president. “Combines haven’t done that for years,
and other harvesting equipment doesn’t do that. Yet, balers
T he prototype’s features
aren’t just about ride
quality and maneuverabil-
the way for more efficiency,
productivity, and an eventual
reduction in labor while
still operate that way.” ity. Automating the baling producing the same amount
Hence, he believes as this machine continues to be refined, process was another goal for of feed. Vermeer is proud to
you will be able to adjust the baler to match different crops the ZR5. Integrated quarter- be making this investment in
and conditions. In the meantime, the ZR5 promises to increase turn technology is part of the innovation and is dedicated
productivity through greater comfort and efficiency. ZR5 baling automation pro- to leading the way.”
“Our patent-pending suspension technology allows you to cess. During the tie cycle, the The company plans
better handle the bumps and jostling that naturally come with machine can automatically to have the ZR5 in the hands
baling hay,” says Josh Vrieze, Vermeer product manager. “If rotate to the left or right, po- of customers for testing in
you think about all those bumps over the course of the day or sitioning the bale parallel to 2018. It will be available for
multiple days, ride quality can really impact you. In the ZR5, the windrow upon ejection. purchase in 2019. Learn
you experience a smoother, more comfortable ride with the cab When placing bales parallel more at Vermeer.com.
Be sure to stop by the stage to hear from speakers such as: Brian and Darren
Hefty, Marji Guyler-Alaniz, Dave Mowitz, Ray Bohacz, and Al Kluis
Y I E L D QUEST
By Gil Gullickson, Crops Technology Editor
7.2
Early planting pays, but it takes a you want soybeans flowering
different mind-set, says Ryan Van Roekel. by this date,” he says.
Early planting is the way
to do it. “Early planting not The bushel-per-acre
only intercepts more light, yield difference between
but also stretches out the full-maturity soybeans
over earlier maturing ones
reproductive period,” says planted early in Illinois
Van Roekel. This spurs and Indiana.
more pods and, ultimately, Source: DuPont Pioneer
higher yields.
Planting full-season vari-
eties can boost early-planting farmers will tell me they’re
benefits. “Full-season soy- nervous about planting
beans have more potential soybeans early,” says Van
to stretch reproductive and Roekel. “Soybeans are really
vegetative periods,” he says. resilient to cold and wet con-
A 2011-2012 DuPont ditions. Early-planted beans
Pioneer study across 37 might sit in the ground two
Illinois and Indiana locations to three weeks when it’s cold
compared full- and early- and wet, but they will come
season varieties planted in up pretty well.”
mid-April to early May They need help, though.
against late-May plantings. “Soybeans in cold and wet
In the earlier plant- soils are at a high risk for
ings, full-maturity soybean soilborne fungi,” says Van
yields bested those of earlier Roekel. This includes sud-
maturing ones by 7.2 bushels den death syndrome (SDS),
per acre. The yield edge a fungal malady in which
wasn’t as wide in the late late-season damage is rooted
HOW TO BETTER YOUR plantings, though. In late
May, full-season varieties
in spring infections.
Meanwhile, bean leaf
I
“When you plant a full- Thus, an insecticide/fungi-
t’s easy for farmers to get dreamy eyes and smile when they season bean late, it shortens cide seed treatment is often
read about stratospheric 160- or 170-bushel-per-acre world up the reproductive period,” recommended for early-
record soybean yields. Unfortunately, that’s what they are says Van Roekel. “Even the planted soybeans, says Van
on most soils – dreams. best growing conditions Roekel.
“Those are big, big yields, double or triple most yields,” can’t make up for lack of Variety selection can
says Ryan Van Roekel, a DuPont Pioneer field agronomist in early planting,” he says. help fend off such stressors.
Iowa. Those yields are rare and are often unrealistic. “Finding a variety with high
“There are some fields that will never have the potential to Drawbacks yield potential is important,
yield 100 bushels per acre,” he says.
Still, don’t give up. A field that normally yields 40 bushels
per acre might yield 60 bushels with just the right touch. Ditto
E arly planting isn’t always
so rosy. A soybean’s
growing point is above
but you also need to consider
defensive traits. In my area
(central Iowa), SDS is a
for a field that often yields 70 bushels per acre. It could be ground, exposing it to frost. huge factor. White mold can
tweaked to go 100 with the right strategies and weather. Here Early frosts are especially a be another factor in more
are some steps from Van Roekel for how to do it. concern in northern states. northern areas.”
Fortunately, killing frosts If you don’t need defen-
look at pods in May in areas like central sive characteristics, though,
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Y I E L D QUEST Continued
hidden hunger
E
In the lungs, mucus clogs
ach day the average person takes about 20,000 breaths. breathing treatments, feed- the airways and traps bacte-
As air flows effortlessly in and out of the lungs, it’s an ing tubes, and more than a ria, which leads to infec-
act most of us take for granted. For Dalaney Vickrey, dozen medications taken tions. “This limits the ability
those breaths come much harder. Diagnosed when she daily to keep the disease at to breathe over time and
was a little more than 1 year old, the now 16-year-old bay. inevitably causes extensive
lives each day managing cystic fibrosis (CF). “I live with cystic fibrosis lung damage and respiratory
Yet, the Warren, Indiana, teen doesn’t let it hold her back. every single day of my life, failure,” she adds.
With the help of her family, she is determined to live a life but when I’m with my pigs, Mucus also hinders the
without limits. That includes being a part of something she has I forget I have it,” Dalaney release of digestive enzymes
been drawn to since she was a small child – showing pigs. says. “My favorite part about in the pancreas that allow
“Dalaney has been working with pigs since she was 4 years having pigs is how different the body to break down food
old,” says her dad, Bret Vickrey. “She has raised and shown each of their personalities is. and to absorb vital nutrients.
more than 150 pigs.” It’s fun to see that come out The result is malnutrition
Doing this is no easy feat, given the countless hours it takes as I spend time with them and poor growth. The thick
to ready an animal for the show ring, the unsavory mixture of and get close to them. They mucus can also block the bile
particles floating through the air that accompanies life in the are basically my friends ex- ducts, which can lead to liver
barn, and the long days she puts in once her pig finally reaches cept they can’t walk on two disease.
the ring. legs and talk.” “What that means is
“The dust in the barn and the extra energy it takes to care for Dealing with a diverse constantly watching Dalaney
and show an animal are definitely concerning because it is hard mix of personalities has also and knowing when to
on her,” says Bret. “There are times we have had to step back ignited a determination to ignore a symptom and when
and say we are done for the day because of how it affected her.” bring out the best in every to head for the hospital,”
animal she raises. says Carin. “A good year is
Temporary escape “In 2013, Dalaney’s bar- one without a hospitalization
Diagnosed with
cystic fibrosis at a
young age, Dalaney
Vickrey, now 16,
is determined not
to let the life-
threatening disease
limit her ability to
show pigs.
Fibrosis Foundation was founded in 1955, children with CF commodity and to make comes to identifying a pig
rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. “Today, the most of every moment. that will place. She was able
people with CF are achieving milestones like attending col- “We want to give Dalaney to put that talent into practice
lege, getting married, and having children – goals that used to as many opportunities as we as part of her Make-A-Wish
seem impossible,” says Milewski. “This is due, in large part, to can, because we don’t know request to be an honor-
research the foundation has conducted and funded through how long we are going to ary judge at the Houston
support from the amazing CF community.” have her,” says Bret. Livestock Show and Rodeo.
However, there is still no cure. “We have made incredible Those opportunities have “Dalaney not only under-
progress in the fight against CF, but people with this disease helped develop her talent in stands showmanship and
are still dying far too young every day,” she adds. the ring and beyond. Dalaney how to show to win, but also
This encourages the Vickreys to see time as a precious has an innate sense when it understands selection,” says
Every herbicide works differently to do its job Whether it’s in a corn or soybean field, the with other tough-to-control broadleaf weeds such
controlling weeds. To help farmers manage weed Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System will utilize as lambsquarters and velvetleaf.
resistance, best practices recommend using a herbicide-tolerant trait technologies to help
herbicide program with multiple sites of action. maximize yield potential, weed control and quality.
No longer is a single mode of action adequate to With tolerance to glyphosate and dicamba,
Looking for local weed management
protect your yields and profitability. Simply put, farmers will have multiple tools to help control recommendations supported by research?
resistant weeds can more easily escape one method glyphosate-resistant broadleaf weeds such as Check out the Herbicide Recommendation Tool
of control than they can two or three methods. Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and marestail, along from Roundup Ready PLUS®
Crop Management Solutions
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS.
Genuity® and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2017 Monsanto Company. traits8049c2-P214CH
Choose the yield advantage of DroughtGard® Hybrids technology corn products, and be prepared for drought when it happens.
There’s no need to sacrifice yield potential for drought tolerance with DroughtGard® Hybrids, which contain
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INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW IRM, WHERE APPLICABLE, GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS.
Details of these practices can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. ©2017 Monsanto Company. drogrd7475c1-P214A
Follow us @GenuityTraits
Trait and Stewardship Responsibilities
Notice to Farmers
A
planting in the Cotton-Growing Area. See the IRM/ s new four-legged friends
Grower Guide for additional information. Always
read and follow IRM requirements. come and go, it’s clear
each holds a special place in
Individual results may vary, and performance may
vary from location to location and from year to year. this barely 100-pound young
This result may not be an indicator of results you may woman’s huge heart. So do
obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions the people who have touched
may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple
locations and years whenever possible. her life because of CF.
“Dalaney named Danger
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL
DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready technology contains after a gentleman we know
genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, an active who ran from Washington
ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. to Florida to raise awareness
Agricultural herbicides containing glyphosate
will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. about CF,” says Carin. “This year, she
DroughtGard ®, RIB Complete ®, Roundup Ready ®, named one of her pigs Carson after a
Roundup ®, SmartStax ® and VT Double PRO ® are
trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. LibertyLink® little boy who has CF that she admires the path to a cure
and is close to.”
and the Water Droplet Design ® is a registered
trademark of Bayer. Herculex ® is a registered
trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Respect the
Between pigs and people, Dalaney
is surrounded by an incredible support
T he Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation is a
donor-supported nonprofit organization
founded in 1955 by parents of children with
Refuge and Corn Design® and Respect the Refuge ®
are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers system in her fight against CF. cystic fibrosis and leads in the search for a cure.
Association. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners. ©2017 Monsanto Company. “My parents do all they can to make Based in Bethesda, Maryland, it funds more
living with cystic fibrosis easier for me,” CF research than any other organization, and
she says as she fights back tears. “It’s all nearly every CF drug available today was made
about ensuring that I’m having fun and possible because of the foundation’s support.
enjoying life.” “In 2016, it spent $160 million on research
and care awards, more than in any previous
year in the foundation’s history,” says
“We want to Jennifer Milewski, executive director, Cystic
give Dalaney Fibrosis Foundation, Indiana chapter. “This
includes laboratory research, preclinical drug
as many
development, clinical research, and high-quality
opportunities specialized care.”
as we can, There are now two FDA-approved therapies
because we that treat the basic defect in CF for more than
don’t know half of the population. These therapies, Kalydeco
and Orkambi, have transformed the lives of
how long we thousands of people, including Indiana teen
are going to Dalaney Vickrey.
have her.” There is still more work to be done. “We don’t
just want to treat CF, we want to end CF,” says
– Bret Vickrey Milewski.
T
he consensus among dealers and auctioneers is that a
solid bottom has been reached in the recent downward
decline in late-model machinery values. Much like
commodity prices, the value of large equipment such
as combines, high-horsepower front-wheel-drive trac-
tors, tillage implements, and grain carts has been established
and will likely hold at current levels for this year and into 2018.
“This is the new normal,” says Tim Meyer of Steffes upcoming on the successful Farming Show
Auctioneers (steffesauctioneers.com). “Everything is a bargain
compared with a couple of years ago. But that was then.
Today’s prices are the new normal, where horsepower is as
F uture episodes of the Successful Farming Show provide repair
and maintenance tips from Engine Man Ray Bohacz (shown
above). In addition, Jessie Scott honors soldiers who have returned to
cheap as it has been for well over a decade.” the farm in a special feature that airs November 9, 10, and 13. The
The poster child of this new normal is the four-wheel-drive following week, November 16, 17, and 19, Successful Farming
(4WD) tractor. Durable to a fault, 4WDs often don’t rack up magazine’s advanced technology editor, Laurie Bedord, covers the
as many hours as high-powered front-wheel-drive tractors. unique AgBot event, a competition between field robots.
Struggling with depressed grain prices, farmers have held The show airs every Thursday at 9 p.m., Friday at 1 a.m., and Sunday
back replacing their 4WD workhorses since 2014. at 10 p.m. (all times are Eastern). Go to rfdtv.com to find satellite or
“Relative to age, four-wheel drives often don’t carry as cable providers carrying RFD-TV.
22 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Mitch Kezar; Dave Mowitz
Continue to next page
m a c h i n e r y INSIDER™ Continued
NOV. 8: Weeks Farm Equipment NOV. 17: A tractor, truck, trailer, and NOV. 29: Steffes Auctioneers
(weeksfarmmachinery.com) will hold its farm construction equipment auction will be held (steffesauctioneers.com) will hold its largest
monthly consignment in Moultrie, Georgia. by Schminke Equipment (schminkeequipment. consignment auction of the year at West
com) in Shellsburg, Iowa. Fargo, North Dakota.
NOV. 16: A wide range of farm
and construction equipment including NOV. 25: Sullivan Auctioneers DEC. 8: The annual Eltopia auction
semitrucks and trailers will be sold by (sullivanauctioneers.com) will offer an by Booker Auction Company (bookerauction.
Ritchie Bros. (rbauction.com) at the Tipton, outstanding line of equipment at a farm sale near com) will be held in Eltopia, Washington.
California, location. Homer, Illinois.
T hat fact is born out by this issue’s Pocket Price Guide (on the
opposite page). This listing, based on current dealer invento-
ries, focuses just on 2012 and 2013 models in the 525-hp. to 560-hp.
range. John Deere’s used equipment site, machinefinder.com,
alone listed 113 4WDs fitting this description at press time, testify-
ing to their abundance.
Extending the horsepower range to include all 2012 and 2013 prices begin to tires (you can invest $15,000 or
model year 4WDs, machinefinder.com reports 334 such machines rebound on 4WDS more on new rubber) and whether
on dealers’ lots. Open up that search to include all used 2012 and Two decades old they’re equipped with a PTO or a
newer 4WDs, and that number jumps to 807 machines.
Little wonder that 48% of dealers feel their used equipment
inventories are too high, according to a recent Association of
W ith Tim Meyer calling the
sale, two Deere 8970s
(shown above) sold at a recent
three-point hitch will have a huge
influence on their values.
Below are dealer and auction
Equipment Manufacturers survey. Steffes event. prices for 70 series Deere 4WDs.
“The thing is, we are not selling nearly as many new four- The first tractor, a 1995 model • Model 8570
wheel drives these days,” notes Steffes’ Meyer. In fact, sales of with 7,426 hours and a three- Dealer average: $39,800
new four-wheel drives in 2016 were just over 2,300 units. This point hitch, brought $39,000. The Dealer range: $29,500-$49,950
represents a 23% decline in sales compared with 2015, when sales second 8970, a 1994 model with Auction average: $28,500
were far less than 2014. 10,720 hours and a PTO, sold for Auction range: $11,900-$39,000
This sets up a situation where there will be far fewer late-model $31,000. Otherwise, they were • Model 8770
4WDs on the used market in the future. That could certainly equipped the same, including Dealer average: $41,100
incite a price run-up on late-model 4WDs similar to the one agri- Michelin 710/70R38 duals that Dealer range: $32,900-$52,900
culture experienced with combines in 2009 and 2010. “That could were rated new. Auction average: $27,500
well mean that the used four-wheel drive you buy today could be The difference in hours Auction range: $19,500-$57,500
worth as much, if not more, in several years,” Meyers speculates. impacted these tractors’ final • Model 8870
price. Meyer says bids for this age Dealer average: $51,700
there is change in the wind of tractor are on the increase. Dealer range: $36,750-$79,500
CASE IH 550 HD 2013 867 ND $275,000 Deluxe cab, HID, high-flow hyd., power beyond hyd., Pro 700, 372 receiver
2013 1,200 IL $259,000 Deluxe cab, 4 hyd., high-flow hyd., diff. locks
2013 1,572 MN $214,500 710/70R42 tires, deluxe cab, high-flow hyd., front & rear diff. locks, HID, cold-weather pkg.
2013 1,922 NE $212,554 710/70R42 tires, deluxe cab, high-flow hyd., front & rear diff. lock, HID, cold-weather pkg.
2013 2,335 TX $199,000 800/70R8 tires, 4 hyd., ag drawbar, deluxe cab, 22 front wgts., rear wgt. bracket, tow cable
2012 635 SD $217,500 800/70R38 tires, deluxe cab w/leather interior, 4 hyd.
2012 1,595 SD $214,500 800/70R38 tires,4 hyd., front & rear diff. locks, deluxe cab, HID
2012 2,274 IL $179,000 800/70R38 tires, Pro 700 display, deluxe cab
2012 1,440 IL $229,500 800/70R38 tires, full rear wgt. rack, 4 hyd., HID, deluxe cab, cab susp.
CHALLENGER MT965 2012 1,550 MN $155,000 710/90R42 tires, 5 hyd., 30 wgts., HID, trans. & rear ends rebuilt spring 2017
2012 1,994 NY $259,000 710/70R42 tires, lease return, Ag Pro four-way blade
JOHN DEERE 9560R 2013 337 TX $299,000 800/70R8 tires, GS3 display, StarFire receiver, 5 hyd., HD drawbar support, HID
2013 736 MN $296,900 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 4 hyd., HD axle
2013 862 ND $300,000 520/85R46 tires, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., GS3 display, StarFire receiver, PTO, Cat. 5 drawbar, HD axle
2013 909 MO $319,000 800/70R tires, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., GS3 display, StarFire receiver, PTO, Cat. 5 drawbar, HD axle, HID
2013 930 WA $288,700 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 5 hyd., HD axle,
2013 1,043 ND $279,900 520/85R6 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., Cat. 5 drawbar, HD axle, HID
2013 1,233 MN $252,900 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 4 hyd., HD axle, Cat. 5 drawbar, HID
2013 1,328 IL $229,000 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 4 hyd., Cat. 5 drawbar, HID
2013 1,482 IL $269,900 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, high-flow hyd., 4 hyd., deluxe cab
2013 1,553 WI $235,900 800/70R38 tires, deluxe cab, GS3 display, 4 hyd., Cat. 5 drawbar, mid-frame wgts.
2013 1,727 KS $252,905 800/70R38 tires, 5 hyd., Cat. 5 drawbar, HID, front axle support, deluxe cab
2013 1,979 IN $229,900 800/70R38 tires, Greenstar receiver, 5 hyd., deluxe cab, HID, front & rear wheel wgts.
2012 861 IN $289,500 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 5 hyd., HD package
2012 1,217 SD $249,900 800/70R38 tires, triples, deluxe cab, 5 hyd., high-flow hyd.
2012 1,342 IA $279,000 800/70R38 tires, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, HD axle, HID, Cat. 5 drawbar
2012 1,445 KS $243,000 710/70R42 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., full wgt. pkg.
2012 1,690 ND $253,600 800/70R38 tires, high-flow hyd., 5 hyd., 10 drawbar wgts. and support
2012 1,795 SD $239,900 800/70R38 tires, GS3 display, Greenstar receiver, 4 hyd.
2012 1,848 MN $215,800 800/70R38 tires, 4 hyd., Cat. 5 drawbar, HID, HD frame
2012 2,489 IL $189,900 800/70R38 tires, 4 hyd., deluxe cab, HID, 12-month PowerGard warranty
2012 3,601 IN $179,900 800/70R38 tires, high-flow hyd., 4 hyd., deluxe cab, Cat. 5 drawbar
NEW HOLLAND
T9.615 2013 535 IL $149,000 710/70R42 tires, 6 hyd., deluxe cab, cab susp., diff. lock, warranty until 02-2019
Cut along this line
2013 600 MI $245,000 Deluxe cab, GPS, HID, leather interior, cab. susp., cold-weather pkg.
2012 600 MI $245,000 Deluxe cab w/leather interior, HID, cab susp., cold-weather pkg.
2012 1,850 ND $189,200 710/70R38 duals, high-flow hyd., 6 hyd., deluxe cab, HID
VERSATILE 550 2013 1,250 MT $259,000 800/70R38 tires, 6 hyd., ¾" return line, front/rear/middle wgt. pkg., HD axle
2013 2,427 ND $251,588 800/70R38 tires, PTO, 6 hyd., rear and front wgts., deluxe cab
2012 417 MT $289,000 800/70R38 tires, HID, HD axle, 4 hyd., high-flow hyd. pump, front and rear diff. locks
* ND = North Dakota, etc. ** Cat. = category, diff. = differential, HD = heavy duty, HID = high-intensity discharge lights, hyd. = hydraulics, pkg. = package, susp. = suspension,
trans. = transmission, wgt. = weight, X hyd. = number of hydraulic outlets
Sources: machinerfinder.com, fastline.com, tractorhouse.com
S e r v i c e TEAM
By Ray Bohacz
I T
UNLESS YOU NEED GOOD he heat source that starts a until reaching a specified engine cool-
diesel may be compression of the ant temperature or running time. This
.
fuel-air mixture in the bore. As design limits cold-start smoke and
a general rule (this will vary by combustion noise, and allows immediate
engine design and displacement), application of load.
the cylinder pressure during crank It is important to understand that if
needs to reach a minimum of 450 psi. the glow plug is good electrically but
This will then heat the air in the bore to the engine is still hard starting or has an
around 1,300°F. from compression of the excessive amount of white smoke when
molecules. Depending on the ambient cold, the glow plug may be electrically
temperature, that will not be hot enough intact but physically damaged. For this
Firestone Ag tires are backed for the diesel fuel to self-ignite. reason, it is important to examine each
by the most superior warranty Enter the glow plug, which typically glow plug when removed for replace-
in the industry, and a strong (there are many designs in use) will have ment. The following is a condensed
a tip temperature of just under 1,900°F. diagnostic guide.
dealer network as well. Trained A common misunderstanding is that • Tip dented or creased: The relay is
tire professionals deliver the the glow plug heats the air in the cylin- stuck on, the wrong glow plug was
service and expertise you need der or prechamber (in a direct-injection installed, or the engine was jump-started
engine). Instead, its purpose is to provide wrong (in series instead of parallel).
to keep farming until the last a high temperature area (the tip) so when • Tip melted or broken off: This could
row is planted. the atomized fuel comes in contact with be caused by the injection pump timing
it, ignition will occur. being set too early; worn, carbon-laden,
In contrast, many newer diesel engines or leaking nozzles/injectors; or seized
employ an intake air heater (IAH) that piston rings.
raises the incoming air temperature • Heat damage/discoloring: This may be
that, when aided by the heating from caused by the injection pump timing be-
compression, allows for combustion. In ing set too early or overtightened during
some applications, a combination of glow previous installation.
plugs and an IAH is used. The benefit If the engine is running correctly but
of an IAH is that it doesn’t need to be the glow plug has failed, it will have
fitted to the limited space in the combus- the heating element burned out from
tion chamber like a traditional glow plug thermal cycles and use, but there will be
does, and it’s usually easier to service. no physical external damage.
For the glow plugs to function, they An obstacle with glow plugs is gain-
need a supply of electricity. That supply ing access to removing them and their
may consist of a relay, wiring, buss bar, or propensity to break off in the cylinder
a glow plug controller. If any of these is head when being changed. It is best to
not working, the engine will be hard to try to remove them when the engine is
start when cold or may not even run. warm and after soaking the glow plug
When it comes to the electrical portion threads with good penetrating oil. Still,
of the system, the voltage supply to each be careful, since the shear torque on an
glow plug needs to be confirmed along 8-millimeter glow plug is only about 15
with the resistance of each individual foot-pounds. If the glow plug breaks off
unit. Often, an engine is only starting in the head and it can’t be removed, then
on as little as one glow plug. Once the the head needs to come off the block.
weather turns colder, it will be extremely Before installing new glow plugs,
difficult to get running. always use the proper dedicated thread
Some newer glow plugs are designed chasing tap and coat the threads with
to keep heating once the engine runs antiseize compound.
FIRESTONEAG.COM
#FARMHARD 26 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017
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Exceptional
Extension
Meet 10 superstar
specialists who are
making a difference in
ag Extension.
Largemouth Bass Perfect Storm as an Extension farm future, solve problems, mend
for Business business management relationships, and start on a
specialist,” she says. “It good path to the future, that’s
Melissa O’Rourke spent 20 was the perfect storm of very satisfying,” she says.
years as a private attorney, combining my background “I have no monetary gain
Yellow Perch working with Midwest in agriculture, education, from the work I do,” she
farm families on estate and law. I help farmers plan says in support of Extension.
and succession planning, for the future.” “This
litigation, and other issues. Estate and succession service
“I did some contract planning are the bulk of that is not
work for Iowa State consulting, but she also helps available to
University Extension, and farmers find and keep good agriculture
then I had the opportunity employees. “When I can help anywhere Melissa O'Rourke
farm business
to join them full time a farm family think about the else.” specialist
T
here’s a lot of be said for “When round bales came on, frozen river and camp in the snow
finding your niche and we stored them outside and wast- to teach Arctic gardening to an
sticking with it. That’s Larry ed over a third, proven by a test I isolated Eskimo community?”
Moorehead, the County Extension conducted here in Moore County,” With the warming climate, some
director in Moore County, he says. “We started building think Alaska could become the new
Tennessee, for 40 years. “We’re in storage barns, and I’ve carried that Midwest, he says, not the least bit
the business of helping people, and story from one end of this state to in jest.
that’s why I’m still doing it,” says the other. I’m known as the Hay Early in his career, Brown did a
the Extension veteran. Barn Man in Tennessee. two-year Extension stint in New York
With his animal science back- He believes local City. “People are very
ground, Moorehead helped a lot of demonstrations of uninformed about how
cattle producers use science-based new farming practices food is produced,” he
nutrition to triple daily gains on set Extension apart. says of the experience.
backgrounded steers. However, “We bring the “If I wasn’t in Alaska,
hay wastage is the issue that made university to the Larry Moorehead I’d go back to New York Stephen Brown
County extension extension
his reputation. farmers,” he says. director in a heartbeat.” agent
Take a Farm With recent renewed Earth, particularly in urban For him, it’s not
to Mars interest in space and environments. happening fast enough.
Yes, Extension reaches technology, in general, Cook dreams big about “The technology is here
the potential for science in now!” he says with some
Extension 4-H specialist topic, he says. “If we’re 4-H programs. “We can do frustration. “I see so much
at Auburn University in going to Mars, we have to a learning program about opportunity for even greater
Alabama and a lifelong take a farm with us.” space agriculture with things in Extension.”
space dreamer, has He marvels that space- online classes and offline
led more than 20,000 worthy food technology applications. Access to the
youngsters from 45 states – hydroponics and vertical knowledge is in the palm of
through 4-H Space Camps farming, for instance – is our hand,” he says.
in Alabama and Florida. leading a food revolution on
Tony Cook
Extension 4-H
specialist
> 10
PERC E NT
Estimated yield loss
due to nematodes.*
INTRODUCING
*Nationwide estimated loss. Ferris, Howard. “Nematodes and Plant Damage.” University of California, 1 Oct. 2015. Web.
C O O L TOOLS
By Dave Mowitz, Executive Editor, Machinery & Technology
METALWORKING ADVANCES
metal
T urn a drill into a met-
al shear with this at-
tachment from DeWalt.
shear
attachment
Capable of slicing metal
up to 18-gauge thick, the
model DWASHRIR fits
most 18- or 20-volt impact drills
Steel blade or drivers, offering a 360° swiveling head
For circular
saws Y
our circular
saw can be used
to cut metal when
for extra working flexibility. Also capable
of cutting asphalt shingles, steel mesh,
vinyl siding, wire, plastics, cardboard, and
teamed up with rubber, the attachment retails for $59.98.
Diablo’s Steel Demon Go to dewalt.com.
blades sold in 8-, 12-, and
14-inch-diameter versions. Ideal for low-
speed metal-cutting chores, the blades are
fashioned from a unique blend of cermet
teeth (with increased hardness to provide
long wear and impact resistance). The
blades also feature Diablo’s Triple Chip
tooth grind for producing burr-free cuts.
A 12-inch blade retails for $89.
Go to diablotools.com.
flexible
welding
ARC AND
tig welder
in one
E
SAB’s ET series of welders give
you full digital control of stick and
TIG welding in either AC or DC
I nfinity
series
helmets from
helmets
75 DAYS
A new seed treatment technology,
NemaStrike™ Technology, strikes
where nematodes attack. It delivers
broad-spectrum control from the
start and stays in the root zone Corn
as plants grow, protecting your
yield performance. 7
Bu/A
Soybeans
3
Bu/A
NemaStrikeTechnology.com/Strike
*3-Year Average Yield Protection Advantage over control, across all locations and thresholds, N=213 Trials (2014, 2015, 2016) (AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, OH, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI) Results will vary
based on nematode pressure in each field.
Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary.
Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. PRODUCTS FEATURING NEMASTRIKE™ TECHNOLOGY MAY NOT BE APPROVED IN
ALL STATES. The distribution, sale, or use of an unregistered pesticide is a violation of federal and/or state law and is strictly prohibited. Please visit NemaStrikeTechnology.com/stateapprovals regarding approval status of
tioxazafen products for application to seeds in your state. Acceleron® and NemaStrike™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2017 Monsanto Company.
m a c h i n e r y
By Ray Bohacz
I
t’s crucial that you get familiar with your volt-ohm meter sor-controlled circuit), there negative cable from the bat-
(VOM) prior to having to diagnose an electrical issue on a should be battery voltage tery. Place one VOM lead on
motor. It’s always best to have a schematic of the circuit you present. Most computer cir- the battery’s negative termi-
are testing. Don’t assume you know how it’s wired. Armed cuits use sensors that work nal and the other on the end
with a VOM, you can conduct these three tests. on 5 volts. of the ground cable. If the
• Charging circuit. With the reading is negative, reverse
1. Resistance test engine off, connect the VOM the VOM leads.
INSIDE: WHY IT’S CRITICAL THAT FARMERS SHOULD INVEST IN SOIL HEALTH. P.40
Available for:
Killer weeds
M
deaths, at least in Missouri, from
anage pasture weeds as aggressively as you do weeds The survey correlated pas- poison weeds involve this one.
in corn and soybeans, says Kevin Bradley, University ture fertility to weed density. It tends to grow in shady areas
of Missouri weed scientist. He offers the following As fertility moved closer to and can be controlled easily with
five tips. ideal, weed density declined. most pasture herbicides when
Each one-unit increase in actively growing.
L
Yoder says. With the device, the rig
iquid manure is one “You want it as equal as you it’s most efficiently utilized. will always run with the same
of your least expensive can get it in nutrient quality,” Use GPS guidance to elimi- manure rate flowing out to the
and most beneficial he says. nate overlap in application, applicator bar.
sources of crop nutri- Yoder recommends.
ents. Sadly, it’s often
applied to cropland as an
afterthought, something to
2 Have samples analyzed.
Yoder thinks you should
send manure samples to a 4 A flow-
Control the flow.
control system can even
get rid of. testing lab for N, P, and K out application of the manure It adds about $12,000 to the
John Yoder, vice president analysis. to a uniform rate. cost. “It’s worth it,” Yoder
of waste-handling equipment Ideally, you’ll take three If you only let gravity control says. “You’ll use that tanker
at Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc., in samples: at the beginning of the rate at which the manure 10 years or longer, spreading
Hills, Iowa, offers these five hauling out, in the middle, slurry flows through the injec- the cost over hundreds and
tips for maximizing the value and at the end. That will tell tors, you’re not going to get hundreds of loads.”
of livestock manure for crop you how well you agitated it even application rates,” Yoder
nutrients. into a consistent slurry. says. “When the tank is full, Apply
Before
The N, P, and K analysis
will help you at the next haul
it flows out faster due to head
pressure, compared with when
5 Pick a nutrient.
manure at a rate that
achieves the full, desired rate
1 Start with storage.
pumping, properly agitate
the manure in your storage
out or next year. (You may
not get results back in time to
the tank is almost empty.”
A flow-control device takes
of your most limiting
nutrient – N, P, or K – with-
tank to make sure you get it help immediately.) care of this issue by using a out overapplying the others.
as uniform as possible. flow meter and a hydraulic Say your goal is 50 units of
“Otherwise, you will be Yoder valve. “The valve opens as P per acre. When you apply
pumping water off the top
and sludge off the bottom,”
3 Place it correctly.
advises putting the liquid
manure 6 or 7 inches deep.
needed to keep the applica-
tion rate even,” he says.
at that rate, you only get
about 50% of the N and 25%
Yoder says. If you can’t do that, at least Flow-control meters and of the K that are needed.
It typically takes four to cover it on the surface. That valves are not inexpensive. “Apply for the full P rate,
eight hours of agitation to helps prevent evaporation Yoder’s company sells one then balance the N and K
get a consistent slurry before and runoff, and it puts it that mounts on the outflow with other fertilizer sources,”
you’re ready to haul to fields. closer to the root zone, where line of the manure tanker. Yoder says.
Get more work done with Stampede’s relentless 80HP EFI engine, 2,000 pounds
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in a Textron Off Road side-by-side while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Textron Off Road recommends that all operators take a safety training course. Training is available at
www.ROHVA.org. Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. ©2017 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.
38 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017
FARM GROUPS FEAR CUTS TO CROP 1 “Farmers must be al-
lowed to reelect and reenroll
goTenna
g oTenna is an antenna
CUJO
even when not in use, which later by words, location, or home users have a need to extend connectivity,” says Sakid
means you’re wasting energy time, hashtags, etc. Ahmed, vice president of ePMP business for Cambium
and driving up your electric Cost: $145 plus shipping Networks. “The Bridge-in-a-Box makes it easy to install a link
bill. The Conserve Socket Where to find it: senstone.io that can deliver up to 200 Mbps of throughput for video sur-
Power Timer automatically veillance, data transfer, or Wi-Fi extension. With a quick-start
shuts off power, including ePMP Bridge- guide that comes included with the field-proven ePMP Force
standby power, to your elec- in-a-Box 180 Subscriber Modules, people with little or no wireless
tronics after a period of time
that you select to help you
save energy.
T he ePMP
Bridge-in-
a-Box wireless
networking experience will be able to extend connectiv-
ity right out of the box.”
Cost: $349
Cost: $9.99 ethernet Where to find it: cambiumnetworks.com
Where to find it: belkin.com bridge is an
easy-to-deploy X-Cap Rechargeable Lighted Hat
Senstone
5
herbicide, though, can knock it out before that stage. The labeled maximum Firstrate, Gangster, Pursuit,
“Killing a weed is always easier before it comes up,” says waterhemp height in Python, Sencor, Sharpen,
Joel Leusink, a Winfield United agronomist. inches for control to Trivence, and Valor XLT)
occur by glufosinate are all effective preemer-
(Liberty) at a 29-ounce-
DISCOVER
HOW TO
RIGHT
AspirePotash.com
l i v e s t o c k
By Jodi Henke, Multimedia Editor
A
2017 late-spring snowstorm blanketed the Plains Unfortunately, Hawkins livestock during extreme
with up to 30 inches of snow and howling wind. says cattle can also suffocate conditions. They resist
Thousands of cattle fell victim to hypothermia, when the snow is howling being moved from an area
suffocation, and other causes. The fall of 2013 will around them. with limited protection, and
also be remembered in South Dakota for the freak “Especially when they they also resist being moved
October blizzard that killed thousands of cattle, leaving stag- get together huddled in a into the face of a storm.
gering losses for farmers and ranchers. group. One puts its head Young cattle are espe-
Cattle that are larger and in good body condition can down as others move close cially at risk because they
handle winter weather, but their intuition takes over in to it. Next thing you know, have less physical strength
extreme conditions. it can’t raise its head back and tolerance for extreme
Larry Hawkins is a senior technical services veterinarian up. The snow blows in cold. Move the young ones
with Bayer Animal Health. He says when cattle are in a bliz- around their legs, and the first; the older livestock will
zard, their instinct is to walk with the wind. animal can suffocate in follow by instinct.
“They’re blinded by the snow; it’s blowing around and those conditions,” he says.
swirling around them. They come to a ravine or a small ditch “It’s rather tragic, but it’s Learn more
along a road and they tumble down and fall in the snow something that happens.” • http://extension.colostate.
that’s there. Then the one behind is on top of the one before,” When a storm is ap- edu/topic-areas/agriculture/
says Hawkins. “That’s really what happens. It’s just the rou- proaching, plan to move the severe-cold-weather-
tine of how they walk.” animals to a protected area rangeland-and-livestock-
When bad weather is expected, give cattle extra feed and as soon as you can. Keep in considerations/
provide a windbreak. It may be as simple as a grove of trees, mind that animal survival • http://smallfarms.
a ravine, or a draw. You can even park some vehicles to offer instincts might affect your oregonstate.edu/sfn/
protection and to stop the cattle from moving with the wind. ability to herd or to move w08livestock
REJUVENATING VERSATILE
AFTER ITS ACQUISITION BY A RUSSIAN MANUFACTURER, THE VERSATILE
NAME HAS BEEN REBORN AND ITS PRODUCT LINE GREATLY EXPANDED.
B
acked by a Russian bear, the Versatile brand has “They brought real solid Redball self-propelled
returned full throttle with more horsepower and more knowledge of big agriculture sprayers that are made in
product lines. The firm may not be up there with and what customers need for Willmar, Minnesota.
Deere, AGCO, or CNH in ag history, but it is ready to equipment in big agricul- • 2010: Versatile an-
challenge them, according to Adam Reid, marketing ture. They also brought a nounces a precision farming
director and spokesman for the Winnipeg-based company. real will to do business. They partnership with Raven
Fifty years ago, Versatile was the first North American wanted this company to be Industries and introduces a
manufacturer to mass produce and to market the articulated successful on a global level.” high-horsepower row-crop
four-wheel-drive tractor. The company fell on hard times, tractor, the 305.
however, and the brand disappeared in 1987 when the fac- Versatile expands • 2011: Versatile acquires
tory was sold to Ford New Holland. In 2000, it was resold to
Buhler Industries.
In 2007, it changed
R ostselmash made invest-
ments in Versatile both
in marketing and research
an Alberta-based preci-
sion seeding and till-
age company, Ezee-On
hands again, this to expand the staff. “We Manufacturing.
time going to Russia’s expanded significantly, • 2012: Versatile debuts a
“We started Combine Factory almost immediately hiring new rotary concave combine
hiring more Rostselmash Ltd. more engineers and R&D manufactured in Russia.
Rostselmash opted (research and development) • 2013: Versatile enters the
engineers to brand its tractors teams. We really started tracked tractor market and
and R&D with the Versatile to push the product line introduces a new line of
teams.We name and returned forward,” Reid says. row-crop products.
really started to tractors being built Not long after the
in the Winnipeg Rostselmash acquisition, 50th anniversary
to push the
product line
forward.”
factory.
“The ownership
in Russia had made
the Versatile brand was
expanded with additional
equipment beyond tractors.
L ast year, Versatile released
50 Legendary Limited
Edition tractors, all with
a commitment to Here’s a brief time line. tires or tracks adorned to
– Adam Reid
Versatile,” Reid says. • 2009: Versatile purchases commemorate the 50-year
When you focus on just one thing, you tend to get pretty good at it. Like
seed corn. Wyffels Hybrids is completely focused on creating the best seed
corn you can find. Which probably explains why Wyffels is the primary
brand on more and more farms in your area. Wyffels Hybrids. Do one thing.
And do it better than everyone else. WYFFELS.COM | 800.369.7833
A
FMC is honoring
Very Independent Purchasers
huge brush pile in the field, won’t decompose, but gravity will pull
with exclusive agronomic and
a back corner of the yard, or it down over time. economic incentives that offer
along the edge of a timber can “It’s a good idea to get in the habit of you more freedom in the field.
provide shelter and quality once a year, perhaps in the fall, gather-
habitat needs for small animals ing up material that has presented itself Program Dates:
and birds. and just adding to the pile. Bigger is September 1, 2017-
Scott Shalaway is a wildlife biologist better. You can’t make a brush pile too August 31, 2018
in West Virginia. He says it’s perfectly big,” he says. “You can add to it over
fine to toss your trees and other her- time, and the bigger it is, the longer it
baceous materials in a heap and call it will last.”
good. If you really want to cater to the A loosely formed brush pile allows
critters, start with a foundation of con- sunlight penetration and will encourage
crete blocks and PVC pipe. plant growth. The grasses and forbs will
“That provides little tunnels and become intertwined with the tangled
escape avenues for small mammals and network of dead branches, resulting in
reptiles. Once you get that in place, excellent resting and escape cover.
build a tic-tac-toe board arrangement Evaluate the success of your brush
of branches. Build that up four to five pile simply by observing it. Early in the
layers high,” says Shalaway. morning, watch for songbirds leaving.
Then, put a cover on it. Something If predators are patrolling the area,
like an old sheet of plywood or sheet you’ll see critters dashing inside to
metal will prevent the pile from getting escape danger. When it snows, look for
waterlogged in the rain, and it will tracks around the perimeter.
offer extra protection in snow. On top
of that, add a few more logs and brushy Learn more
material. • http://www.in.gov/dnr/
Shalaway says you don’t have to build fishwild/files/Wildlife_
the pile all at once. Add to it as the ma- Brushpile_Jobsheet.pdf
terials become available. The brush pile • http://www.drshalaway.com/
W
when they freeze over, the
ith site-specific management, those white spots 2. Make a site-specific man- residue has a lot of nitrogen
in your fields that show high soil salinity might agement plan. Test for EC in it, causing the residue to
be reclaimed. in zones radiating out from decompose quickly.”
“Soil salinity is caused by excess soil moisture the bull’s-eye of the problem 6. Plant salt-tolerant alfalfa.
that dissolves subsoil salts and brings those salts area, where the soil is crusted “As you get farther out from
to the soil surface,” says Chris Augustin, Extension soil health with white. Plant species of the bull’s-eye (where the EC
specialist at North Dakota State University’s North Central crops or forages with the salt tests 4 or 5), you might try
Research Extension Center. “The water evaporates, and the tolerance to adapt to various one of the varieties of alfalfa
salts are left. They accumulate and cause the white spots that zones. Choosing deep-rooted selected for salt tolerance,”
limit plant growth.” species will help to manage says Augustin. “Because
Taking stock of the landscape is the first step in reclamation. soil water. alfalfa is deep rooted, it uses
The spots in fields that are crusted in white typically show 3. Plant salt-tolerant perennial a lot of moisture.”
places where water is pooling. As the water evaporates, the grasses in the bull’s-eye. In Reclamation of saline
salts remain and accumulate. areas where the EC tests 8 areas can take five to 10
“These areas tend to expand,” says Augustin. or higher, try planting for years, with periodic moni-
Rising water tables tend to cause salinity problems over a hay or forage species such toring and management
more generalized area. “As the water table moves up, the wa- as tall wheatgrass, western modifications needed to
ter evaporates, but the salts don’t,” he says. “They leave white wheatgrass, beardless wild minimize salts in the soil.
spots in the field.” rye, NewHy hybrid wheat- “By making some
Dry weather and open winters worsen the problem. “When grass, or Garrison creeping management changes, you
snow melts, it leaches the salts downward,” says Augustin. “If foxtail. can improve saline areas and
there is no leaching, the salts move up to the surface.” 4. Choose salt-tolerant crops. have an opportunity for
Tillage also makes matters worse. While tilling the saline In the zone radiating out growing a successful crop,”
area temporarily darkens the soil, the tillage speeds up from the bull’s-eye (where says Augustin.
evaporation, worsening the soil’s problem with salinity over the soil EC tests more than
the long term. 2), plant salt-tolerant cash LEARN MORE
Managing soil water is the key to reducing salt content in the crops such as barley, sun- Chris Augustin
soil. Augustin suggests the following six strategies. flowers, or canola. “Corn 701/857-7682
1. Test soil for electrical conductance (EC). Salt raises the EC. and soybeans are poor chris.augustin@ndsu.edu
Always read and follow label directions. FMC is a trademark of FMC Corporation.
©2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 17-FMC-0804 09/17
Matthew Fortner’s grandfather began farming the Mississippi Delta near
Sumner, Miss., in 1946. Now Matthew, his brother, Jonathan, and father,
Paul, are farming it, too. Each year, the Fortners grow 3,000 acres of irrigated
soybeans, and the pre-emergent herbicide they use to stop pigweed, morning
glories and other tough broadleaf weeds is Authority® Elite herbicide. Learn more about the soybean growers who farm
with Authority herbicides at FMCAGUS.com/Authority.
Wherever your farm is located, Authority Elite herbicide qualifies for FMC Freedom Pass Agronomic Rewards and Product
Financing1. See your authorized retailer for more details.
F A R M HACKS
By Dave Mowitz, Executive Editor, Machinery & Technology
auto-
opening
pliers
air gun
extension
for deep
filters T here are repair jobs that sometimes require a third hand
to open a pair of pliers while your two hands are occupied
with a task. If you don’t already own a spring-loaded pair
of pliers, you can make one instead by cutting a length of tub-
chuck
key
extension
wire nut
keepS caulk
from drying
out
Prevent partially used tubes
of caulk from drying out
by screwing a wire nut on the
tip of the tube. The connector FARM HACKS
will keep the caulk from drying VIDEO
out on a temporary basis. Wire nuts See these mechanical
used in this manner are no guarantee that the caulk make-dos in action at
in the tip won’t dry out over a long period of time, Agriculture.com/
farmhacks.
however.
F
red Below views The most benefit came
subsurface drip ir- when nutrients were ab-
rigation (SDI) like an sorbed after the plant started
intravenous feeding of flowering, Below says.
a corn plant’s root zone. “The basic idea is that all
The impact of that feeding nutrients aren’t absorbed at
is huge, the University of the same rate at the same Fred Below calculates that fertigation
Illinois plant physiologist con- time. So, as opposed to put- through subsurface drip irrigation can
tends. In experiments with ting them all on the field at create a 69-bushel increase.
in-season fertigation, yields once and being done with it,
were increased by an average why can’t you adjust their
of 52 bushels per acre for corn availability with the drip The trend toward increas- profitability,” he says.
and 8 bushels per acre for system to better manage the ing population to push yield The Illinois experiments
soybeans, he reports. plant needs?” he asks. comes with a caveat, how- also taught a hard lesson.
“We discovered that the Using fertigation at key ever. More plants per row “The disadvantage is that,
way our system operates, growth stages, corn hybrids result in weaker plants with depending on where the
we’re better able to manage reached 246 bushels per acre, smaller root systems. SDI lines are buried, you
nutrients late-season to in- on average, in plant popula- “One of the advantages might not be able to deliver
crease yields in a way that we tions that ranged from of going to narrow rows is the amount of nutrients you
can’t do otherwise,” Below 32,000 to 50,000 plants per that you’ll be able to increase need early,” Below said.
says. “Rather than going out acre, data show. the population of plants, but At the 10 acres of test
and buying more, improve they are still going to have a plots in Illinois, drip lines
the acres you have. After how to go beyond A smaller root system. Any time are 14 to 16 inches under-
putting in drain tiles, what’s 38,000 population the plant has a smaller root ground so researchers can
the next thing you could do?
You could make sure now
that you can add water and
C orn populations average
about 35,000 per acre,
Below reasons. Since 1960,
system, it means that it’s more
subject to water issues and
drought, and it means that
do a shallow tillage. “The
roots don’t get 14 to 16
inches deep until almost
nutrients as needed.” the plant density has been you need to do a better job of reproductive development.
increasing by a little more fertilizing,” Below says. When it comes to nutrients,
69-bushel bump than 400 plants per acre each “That’s partly where we’ve discovered that if we
LEADING, NOT FOLLOWING. Others consistently try to imitate, but always fail to duplicate. We’ll
help you solve your greatest challenges with the most innovative products and technology. Irrigate with confidence as
you simplify your irrigation management, reduce downtime and increase your peace of mind. Season after season.
Talk to your local Zimmatic ® by Lindsay dealer to see how today’s innovations will lead to tomorrow’s success.
© 2017 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and FieldNET are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation and its subsidiaries.
i r r i g a t i o n INSIDER
By Dave Mowitz, Executive Editor, Machinery & Technology
2-INCH SAVINGS
THAT’S THE SAVING GAINED BY EMPLOYING
SOIL WATER SENSORS THAT SPECIFY
IRRIGATION APPLICATIONS FOR CROP NEEDS.
A
savings of $10 be $16.07 per inch of water
to $30 per acre is applied per acre,” Nygren
possible through calculates. “Therefore, the 8
the use of soil water inches of water applied dur-
sensors and ETgage ing the year would result in
installations, University a total annual cost of $128.58
of Nebraska research has per acre.”
found. “One of the main If using moisture sensors
benefits of using sensors to resulted in saving 2 inches
better manage irrigation is of water, the same operating
the reduced costs of pump- costs of $7.31 per acre would
ing. When surveyed, sensor apply, but ownership costs
users from the Nebraska would change to $11.68 per
Ag Water Management inch since the cost is spread
Network and industry have over fewer inches of water.
indicated water savings of 2 The total cost would be later critical growth phases, University of Nebraska
inches per acre,” says Aaron $19 per acre inch. Over the Nygren notes. irrigation specialist Suat Irmak
installs water sensors early in
Nygren of the University of course of a year, this would “Early installation helps the season in soybeans.
Nebraska. result in a total annual cost to minimize root damage,
“The cost of applying an of $113.97 per acre, Nygren allows time for sensors to
additional 2 inches of water explains. acclimate to read actual soil Find both the article and
is going to vary depending The difference in cost water conditions instead of the video at youtube.com/
on your depth to water, sys- between the two scenarios water within the sensor or watch?v=jpEsjVO497A.
tem pressure, and equipment is $14.61 per acre. With 130 slurry, and gives a better As with soil sensors, early
costs, but it could easily run acres irrigated, the total chance for proper soil con- installation of atmometers or
from $10 to $30 per acre,” annual savings from using tact,” he says. ETgages is important.
Nygren says. “To determine sensors would be $1,899.30. As plants mature, later in- “By installing early, you
the actual cost, I recom- From this total, subtract the stallation can lead to poorer can make sure that every-
mend using the IrrigateCost cost of the sensors. readings as a result of root thing is working properly
app developed by Nebraska A typical range for sen- damage, residual water in before the crop reaches
Extension.” sor prices is as low as $175 the sensor or slurry, and critical growth stages, plus
You can download the for systems with cost share more challenging installa- you’ll be able to build a habit
IrrigateCost and other (if available in your area) tion given soil conditions. of reading the ETgage every
irrigation apps for free by up to $1,500 per year for Because of these disadvan- week,” Nygren points out.
going to croptechcafe.org/ subscription-based services. tages, early installation of “Remember to use distilled
agtechnology/irrigation/. Therefore, the net savings sensors is recommended. water when you are setting
from using sensors for a up your ETgage,” he adds.
calculating costs 130-acre center pivot could installation video “If you need a refresher on
H
rate drives, one controlling Comparing
ow can farm technology actually pay for itself? each half. He planted half of Cover Crops
One way is to make it easier for you to do your the planter with a variable
own on-farm research. An example is under way in
Missouri, where the Extension service is partner-
seeding rate and the other
half with the whole-field
O ne of the early projects
in the Missouri Strip Trial
Program involved fall-seeded
ing with corn and soybean growers to do on-farm rate of 28,000 plants per cover crops in 2016. In several
research. Called the Missouri Strip Trial Program, it draws on acre. GPS data was col- counties, participating corn and
the experience of the long-running Iowa Soybean On-Farm lected on the variable-rate soybean farmers compared side-
Network, where farmers have tested everything from planting side with the antennae in by-side strips of rye and wheat
date to row space to nitrogen rates on their farms. the middle of that side. At cover crops with no cover crop.
The Missouri program, launched in 2016, has already helped harvest, the yield map was Then they saw the yield impact.
a few farmers look at cover crop alternatives and in-season paired up with the planting Greg Luce, a University of
nitrogen applications. An on-farm trial works best, say leaders, map to compare the seeding Missouri plant science instructor
if you keep it simple and only compare two or three agronomic rate effect on final yield. and also Missouri Soybean
practices. At least three replications add to the validity of a In-season aerial imag- Association research director, says
strip trial. ery, usually from a drone, so far the yield effect of cover
They emphasize that their goal is immediate application in is also part of the strip- crops is inconclusive. Some strip
the following growing season. trial program, explains trials favored them, others didn’t.
Technology can make on-farm research more farmer- Shannon. The images can “We are sorting out the causes
friendly, says Kent Shannon, a University of Missouri verify ground cover and crop of the differences – positive
Extension agricultural engineering specialist. He provides stands throughout a field, or negative – to help answer
technical assistance to help farmers use the GPS, variable-rate, and they may eventually help growers’ questions,” he says.
and yield-monitoring technology already on their equipment. in nutrient management. On-farm strip trials also
“My ultimate goal is to eliminate as much time as possible New multispectral camer- compared a mid-April cover
from the setup of a field trial,” says Shannon. “Once you pro- as carried from a drone will crop kill date with an early May
gram the instructions into the equipment, then you just plant tell you when a field is under kill date.
and harvest and get a printout of the results. The technology stress from lack of nutrients “Earlier termination seems to
does the work.” or from pests, he says. have some advantage on the
It all starts with a field boundary map, he explains. It could The Missouri Strip Trial following crop yields,” Luce says.
LITERALLY.
The performance of Capture® LFR® Insecticide has always been good. Beneficial bacteria in VGR® Soil
Amendment makes it even better. More than proven protection against corn rootworms and seedling soil
pests, the addition of VGR Soil Amendment helps you establish bigger, fuller roots, stronger plant stands and
maximum water use efficiency. Field trials show Capture LFR Insecticide can help increase yields an average
of 11 bushels per acre1. Adding VGR Soil Amendment helps boost yields an extra 3 bushels per acre2.
Capture LFR Insecticide + VGR Soil Amendment is eligible for the FMC Freedom Pass program. See your
authorized FMC retailer for more details.
+
1
Based on grower comparisons from 2006 – 2014. 2 Based on 2015 grower trials.
Capture LFR Insecticide is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions. VGR Soil Amendment is not a pesticide.
FMC, Capture, LFR and VGR are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2017 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 17-FMC-0843 09/17
w i l d l i f e
By Jodi Henke, Multimedia Editor
I
t’s frustrating when you go to harvest sweet corn and you
find that some wily animal has beaten you to it. Birds,
deer, raccoons, squirrels, and even black bears will help
themselves to your sweet corn patch. But how do you know
which critter is eating it? Becky McPeake is an Extension
wildlife expert at the University of Arkansas. She says the
first thing to do is to look for animal tracks on the ground.
Following are other things to look for.
Birds: Obviously, birds aren’t going to leave tracks, but there
are telltale signs that they’ve flown in for a meal. “Compared
with these other species, the cornstalks are not knocked over.
You’ll find that the corncobs have what I call a firecracker
look – they look like the birds have pecked away those missing
kernels,” says McPeake. “Of course, the husks themselves are
shredded open so the birds can get access to those corncobs.”
Deer: Deer will bite off the tip of the cob. They’re also able
to take the entire corncob in their mouth and run off into the
woods with it.
Raccoons: Raccoons will knock over the stalks in a variety of
different directions, and the husks will be stripped off the cob.
Squirrels: Squirrels are messy, so you’ll find scattered pieces
of corn all over the ground. They’ll nibble on the corn closest
to a wooded area so they can quickly flee to shelter.
All of the four-legged varmints – except for bears – will
typically eat corn on the perimeter of the patch.
Bears: Bears go for the middle of the field and knock down
Talk to your authorized retailer or visit stalks at the base. They’re particularly wasteful because most
Photography: UrosPoteko, iStockphotos.com
oscillating action makes the tool safe to use even for an inexpe-
rienced refinisher. A dual-action polisher will create a beautiful
finish, and your arms will thank you for buying the tool after
the first hour of work.
Minor surface oxidation can often be removed by polishing
the sheet metal with a mild polish such as Menzerna Final
Polish, Meguiar’s No. 9 Swirl Remover, or 3M Swirl Remover.
After polishing, finish the surface with a high-quality wax
or paint sealant. Severely oxidized paint, on the other hand, re-
quires a compounding stripping agent. The paste literally rubs
away the top layer of dull, oxidized paint while also removing
most swirls, scratches, and minor blemishes. Compounding is
typically applied using a yellow foam compounding pad or a
lamb’s wool leveling pad.
I
will require a second course of compounding followed by
f the paint on that family heirloom or a recently purchased polishing. In worst-case oxidation situations, you may have to
tractor has faded to the point of changing shades, don’t be resort to using abrasive cleaners like Comet or Bar Keepers
too hasty to reach for the paint pot. Much can be done to Friend. Be leery of such drastic action, but if the compound-
bring paint that has oxidized back to life. This also provides ing paste doesn’t work, you might test these cleaners on an
an opportunity to amaze your friends who claim that the inconspicuous spot. When using abrasive cleaners, it is crucial
tractor’s finish is finished. not to rub too hard and to keep the surface wet at all times.
Begin the revitalization process by giving the tractor a com- After restoring gloss to the sheet metal, you need to protect
plete wash job. For your tractor’s bath, always use a car wash that surface from the elements by applying a paint sealant or a
product – never dishwashing soap or detergent. high-quality carnauba wax. Applying either is usually accom-
After the tractor has dried, set to work compounding, plished with a gray foam finishing pad. Find a great step-by-
polishing, and finishing the paint. The supplies listed in this step explanation of this process at properautocare.com.
article can be purchased at any auto body supply store.
While you are at the store, you may want to invest in a dual- what about oxidized paint?
action automotive polisher-buffer. This tool operates using
a random, oscillating motion. A dual-action polisher works
more slowly at removing oxidation than a rotary buffer. Its
P utting a shine on dull but not oxidized paint can be accom-
plished in just three simple steps.
1. Begin the process with an automotive rubbing-polishing
compound, since wax alone often won’t restore paint and
remove surface swirls. Be careful working around corners and
high spots in the sheet metal to not burn through the paint
with a rubbing compound, particularly if you’re using a dual-
Subscribe to action buffer-polisher. It’s best to use an oscillating buffer, as
Ageless Iron it delivers a more even application of compounds and waxes,
almanac provides deeper cleaning, and safely removes swirls.
Tap into tractor histories,
restoration tips, collector stories,
2. Apply an automotive haze and scratch remover. You can
antique tractor values, and also apply a finish restorer like Color Back or NuFinish. These
more in every issue of Ageless products are formulated to polish the surface and to remove
Iron Almanac. A one-year slight oxidation.
subscription is just $20. To 3. After you’re done polishing, protect the surface with a
order, call 855/218-8153. coat of wax or paint sealant.
bonus Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Ron Van Zee
WILL FINDING THE IDEAL CORN HYBRIDS FOR
YOUR SITUATION BOOST PROFITABILITY? ASK KIRK.
KIRK KOBERG | KOBERG BROTHERS FARMS | WALCOTT, IA
F
ood production based on well-matched farming tech- “The current version of it will provide a rapid way
niques that protect the environment, public health, and LandPKS provides you with for you to learn about
animal welfare is the foundation on which sustainable simple tools for document- innovative management
agriculture is built. Yet, matching the best farming prac- ing your soils (LandInfo systems developed in other
tices with specific soil types and weather conditions can module) and monitor- countries with similar soils
be a challenge for farmers and land managers. ing changes in pasture and climate.”
“There is a massive amount of knowledge and information and rangeland vegetation For example, he says,
available on the internet that farmers could be using. Most of us, and crop residue cover Namibian ranchers face the
however, lack the time and ability to figure out which informa- (LandCover module),” ex- same challenges of brush in-
tion is relevant to our particular soils and climate,” says Jeffrey plains Herrick, who is based vasion (including mesquite)
Herrick (pictured above), Agricultural Research Service soil in Las Cruces, New Mexico. under very similar soils and
scientist. “NRCS Soil Survey reports provide some soil-specific “The next major version climate conditions as do
information, but they are static. Public and private Extension will provide information on ranchers in southern New
and consulting services can provide more knowledge, but access relative potential produc- Mexico and west Texas.
to these services is often limited, especially for small farmers.” tion and erosion risk. From “We look forward to
A team led by Herrick hopes to change that with a cloud there, we’ll begin to link to learning from them so we
computing platform and suite of mobile apps. “By creating the management options.” can build on their successes
Land-Potential Knowledge System, or LandPKS open-source This system, he adds, is and avoid their failures,
platform, to share knowledge about the conditions in which one of many examples of just as the rest of the world
new production systems do and don’t work, innovations devel- how a system supported by looks to adopt successful
oped to protect and increase the productivity of land resources U.S. development assistance technologies such as mini-
can be shared more quickly and efficiently,” he says. funding (through USAID) mum tillage and avoid the
provides benefits to farmers, errors that led to the Dust
tapping the land’s potential ranchers, and researchers. Bowl,” says Herrick.
bonus Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Provided by Jeffrey Herrick
p o r k INSIDER ™
PORK POWERHOUSES®
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I
and Indiana. AMVC, like
n 1987, in the worst of Manning Veterinary Clinic). up in a better position than other large systems, has built
the Farm Crisis, a farmer Olsen is the senior veterinar- ever because he was good at a lot of finishing farms in the
sat in Daryl Olsen’s truck ian and one of 12 partners in what he did.” past two years.
and unburdened his AMVC. The system owns Rapidly throwing down
financial woes, looking or manages 117,500 sows in creating a system sow farms for the sake of
for advice from this young
veterinarian, just five years
in practice.
seven states.
“We work as a system to
provide oversight for health,
T he AMVC Management
Services company started
in 1994 when clients came
putting down sow farms is
not what the industry needs
right now, says Olsen. “I
“I was still wet behind the production, and nutrition to Olsen inquiring about want us to be profitable,
ears, and he asked me for for independent producers,” contract production. and I want our producers
financial advice on saving says Olsen. “We provide “They asked if we had to be profitable. If everyone
his farm. He had confidence the advantages of a system ever thought about oversee- throws down a boatload of
that I could help him,” says approach to pig production ing a sow unit,” he explains. sows, in the end, it makes us
Olsen. “That taught me an and let everybody maintain “They requested a service all unprofitable. So let’s be
awful lot. I realized that independence.” we weren’t providing at the cautious about it. We haven’t
people really trusted veteri- The farmer Olsen advised time. We started providing had a lot of aggressive
narians, so I had to do ev- 30 years ago has passed away, that service, and it’s been growth plans the last few
erything I could to maintain but his sons are still farm- growing from there.” years, but we are putting out
that trust and deserve that ing. The advice was taken Farmer producers have a lot more pigs.”
trust. I realized the responsi- to heart. “I told him he was a great advantage because Pig production has been
bility I had.” a heck of a producer, but he they have labor, equipment, booming in the AMVC sys-
Today, Olsen is driv- was overextended and inter- and a way to use the manure tem and across the country,
ing down the same roads est rates had blown out of back on their own ground, says Olsen. Health is good,
around Audubon, Iowa, and proportion,” says Olsen. “Get says Olsen. “That is why so there are a lot of pigs
pointing out sow farms in back to what you are good at independent producers have coming to market.
the AMVC Management and don’t get rid of the abil- a place and will continue to “We are as productive as
Services system (AMVC ity to be a great producer. He have a place in the industry.” we’ve ever been; total born
stands for Audubon- let some things go and ended AMVC added 2,500 sows alive has been really good.
Our approach to production is to look outside money; you have to give back.”
at whole-herd productivity and not just Besides swine management, AMVC
sow productivity,” he says. owns mixed-practice clinics in Audubon
It has been a quiet year for disease and Manning. “We have six vets who
issues. There was a little PEDv and work strictly in mixed animal practice,
PRRS, but nothing they couldn’t han- and that’s still an important part of our
dle, says Olsen. “PEDv can be devastat- business,” says Olsen.
ing, but if you have the right protocols
in place, it doesn’t affect you very long. looking ahead
It’s a one-time affair and pretty manage-
able. You are able to wean some pigs
early and then you can add some weight
O lsen is cautious about 2018 for the
swine industry. “It’s always difficult
when you go through those low com-
on the finishing end.” modity prices, but we are in the com-
PEDv is less of an economic blow to modity business; it’s very cyclical and
a farm than PRRS, he explains, because you better plan for the lows. Enjoy the
you never lose performance on the pigs. highs, but you better not spend it all.”
“With PRRS, not only do you have the The markets are going to give you
effect on the sow farm, but also you ups and downs, he says. “If you think
have poor-performing pigs all the way they aren’t, you are in the wrong
through the system to market. PEDv is industry. But spending all of our efforts
a sow event, and then it’s over.” as producers worrying about markets
Many producers have accepted that doesn’t change anything.”
PEDv is endemic, says Olsen. “It is a Make sure you have strong equity
pipe dream to think we can get rid of and solid risk-management protocols
it. Many producers keep all their gilts in place, Olsen advises. “That doesn’t
exposed. It’s going to be an endemic mean you have everything hedged,
disease issue for the foreseeable future.” but it means you understand your risk.
Then just try to do the very best job you
People management can in production. Great production
T
they need the protein to
he industry standard have. That piglet’s going to comfort, stall design, and develop an immune system
for preweaning have some energy to go get sensors that detect when pigs and fight off infections.”
mortality in piglets, that first drink.” are being laid on will save If your farm breaks with
on average, is 14% to If you do day one right, more of them. the PRRS virus at 16 weeks
16%. There’s always days two through eight usu- postbreak, you should have
room for improvement. ally go a lot better. This is piglets and prrs mostly PRRS-negative pigs
Keith Bretey is the
director of veterinary
services for Standard
also when you focus on the
fallback piglets that aren’t
getting up and doing what
A nother cause of piglet
mortality is porcine
reproductive and respiratory
being born.
If your farm is 20 weeks
post-PRRS break and some
Nutrition Company in they’re supposed to – and syndrome (PRRS). It’s a viral animals are still positive for
Omaha, Nebraska. When determining the reason why. disease that affects pigs of any the illness, either it’s taking a
pigs are born, he says, they “Is there mastitis keeping age, but in a PRRS-positive long time to stabilize or
can’t regulate their body those piglets from consuming farrowing system, infected you’re moving too many pigs
temperature until they’re what they need to consume? sows can deliver piglets with and spreading it around, he
about 3 days old. So on day Is there a splay leg situa- the disease. The cycle of says.
one, have your best people tion? Are they scouring very shedding the virus and infec-
making sure the piglets start quickly? That detailed atten- tion in a nursery can quickly LEARN MORE
out in a dry, clean, and warm tion during days two through spread through the herd, • porcilis-prrs.com/clinical-
environment. eight is critical,” says Bretey. especially if piglets are nursed signs-sows-piglets.asp
“Have a cleaned-out area “That’s why you want your on other sows. • vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/
for that piglet to land as it best caretakers right there, Bretey says needle man- FSVD/swine/index-diseases/
comes out. Get it dried off because they notice and then agement and moving piglets porcine-reproductive
and to a warm area that’s a deal with a lot of things that around are big deals when • articles.extension.org/
temperature it likes,” says could be happening.” you’re trying to squash PRRS pages/27050/baby-pig-
Bretey. “We can have the lo- Piglets being laid on and transmission on a farm. management-birth-to-
cal microenvironment much crushed by the sow is a “One of the key things that weaning
warmer than the sow will leading cause of death. Sow you can do that we suggest • standardnutrition.com/
I
soybeans contain: Company officials say
f you want to eke out a profit growing soybeans in 2018, • Zero trans fats. Plenish soybeans have strong
high-oleic varieties may be a way to do it. • 20% less saturated fat than agronomic and defensive
That’s because farmers can garner a premium ranging commodity soybean oil. traits, including resistance to
from 20¢ to 60¢ per bushel above conventional soybeans, • An oleic content of more soybean cyst nematodes and
depending on market conditions. There’s some work in- than 75%. This level is simi- phytophthora and tolerance
volved, as farmers must segregate the crop from conventional lar to olive oil, which is the to Sudden Death Syndrome
soybeans at harvest. Farmers must also combine high-oleic darling of dieticians. within a relative maturity
soybeans at specific moistures. • A linoleic content of less range of 2.0 to 4.2. They are
Still, high-oleic varieties can give farmers an edge dur- than 3%. The lower the being contracted in 13 states.
ing tough economic times. “That can give farmers a $25- to linoleic content, the better • Monsanto. Vistive Gold
$30-per-acre incentive to plant them,” says Russ Sanders, the oil is for cooking. soybeans are set for a full-
DuPont Pioneer food and industry markets director. Benefits like these appeal scale launch in 2018, with
There’s another perk, too. “Vistive Gold (Monsanto’s high- to restaurants and food varieties ranging from a
oleic soybean) is one of the first biotech traits with benefits to manufacturers, says Sanders. 2.6 to 4.1 relateive maturity
consumers,” says Lisa Streck, Monsanto’s North American High-oleic soybean oil can range. “The maturity ranges
soybean launch lead. also be used for nonfood we offer with Vistive Gold
That’s because they’re a healthier soybean for food in- industrial uses, too. soybeans give us the flexibil-
gredients and cooking oil. In 2006, the Food and Drug Thus, the USB estimates ity to partner with processors
Administration (FDA) moved to label foods containing trans 18 million acres of variet- in different locations,”
why end users like high-oleic soybeans N iche markets have always
struggled with the Which
wayside as the product
becomes a commodity.
18,000,000
can grow it that much,” says “When market prices are
Sanders. “You have to sell challenging, we think
the farmer first.” high-oleic soybeans can
To do that, processors of- make the difference between
The goal for the number of acres the soybean industry fer premiums to grow them. black and red ink for
has set for high-oleic soybeans by 2023. They can vary from year to farmers,” Sanders says.
Successful seasons start long before seed ever meets soil. You have a vision for
your crops with the foresight to prepare for anything Mother Nature might throw
your way. That’s why we invest time and resources into research and development,
to make sure you get the best-in-class solutions you need for lasting success.
Science for a better life.
Follow us on Twitter @Bayer4CropsUS
©2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer and the Bayer Cross are
registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us.
CO0917MULTI1C427V00R0 E-28864-2
a c r e INSIGHT
By Kacey Birchmier, Agronomy & Conservation Editor
H
ow much residue is The protective blanket of “It’s more challenging planting,” says Licht.
too much? What’s residue does more than that. on heavy, clay soils, but He suggests dealing with
the best way to “Corn residue provides it’s more rewarding if you those obstacles by making
manage it? The an- moisture retention,” says do less disturbance,” says sure your planter row unit
swers will depend Chad Watts, executive Watts. “It can be done. If downforce and pressure
on what your goals are for director of the Conservation you reduce tillage, often- on the closing wheels are
residue management, says Technology Information times cover crops are a good adjusted properly. Those
Mark Licht, Iowa State Center. “Depending on transition.” adjustments will ensure
University Extension crop- your climate, that could be a The cover crop will pen- soil-to-seed contact.
ping systems specialist. good thing or a bad thing.” etrate through compacted Set up your planter so
From a soil erosion stand- A wet spring could soil layers. That penetra- it can manage the residue,
point, Licht says 50% to delay planting, says Watts. tion results in more air and says Watts.
70% of corn residue should Another consideration is for water movement. “Have residue manag-
be left on the field surface. nitrogen needs, he says. Worried about cover crop ers on the front to move the
Before hauling all that iron “You may need to residue? Relax. Odds are, it residue to the side as you go
into the field this fall, take compensate for the residue won’t be a problem. through the field with the
an extra minute to ask your- breakdown, which ties up “If it’s a cover crop planter, closing wheels to
self if it’s really necessary. the soil biology, with starter grown in the fall that will make sure the trench closes
fertilizer,” explains Watts. winter-kill, it won’t have an behind you, and seed firm-
benefits of residue “These are all issues you can impact,” says Licht. ers,” says Watts. “That seems
think about
However, if an overwin-
tering cover crop is selected,
there be can be challenges
to be a pretty good system.”
Be sure to consider the
slope of the field before
“Residue increases water No-till because the roots won’t be performing tillage. Any
infiltration,” says Licht.
“You’re reducing water
runoff from the field and
“Y ou can do no-till on
any soil,” says Watts.
However, he admits it’s not
decomposed.
“A fibrous root from
cover crops can present
field that has a slope great-
er than 5% shouldn’t have
aggressive tillage passes
erosion.” easy on all soils. some challenges during made, says Licht.
Just 0.7% of the Earth’s water is available to grow all of our food.1,2 Farmers and
agriculture professionals face the acute reality of this number every single day.
The Uncharted Waters™ campaign aims to show the public how the agriculture
industry is feeding a growing population and leading the way in protecting our most
precious resource. Discover more at NationalGeographic.com/UnchartedWaters
1. “Feeding Ourselves Thirsty: How the Food Sector is Managing Global Water Risks,” http://www.ceres.org/issues/water/agriculture/water-risks-food-sector. Accessed January 18, 2017.
2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Science on a Sphere, “Blue Planet,” https://sos.noaa.gov/Datasets/dataset.php?id=284. Accessed January 24, 2017.
WinField United and Uncharted Waters are trademarks and WinField is a registered trademark of Winfield Solutions, LLC. © 2017 Winfield Solutions, LLC. Sustain is a registered trademark of Land O’Lakes, Inc. © 2017 Land O’Lakes Inc
a c r e INSIGHT Continued
Factor Crop Rotation “The planter gets a little The first step to manage
“Y ou can make residue work in about any cropping better seed-to-soil contact residue is with the combine,
says Watts. Look for one that
system,” says Watts. “With a lot of today’s equipment, with this system,” says does a good job chopping and
systems have been created for dealing with heavy residue.” Licht. “The undisturbed ar- spreading residue evenly. Strip-
Because of machinery improvements, residue should be less eas help to build aggregate till is another option for farmers
of an issue than it was even 15 years ago, he says. stability and a healthier who want better seed-to-soil
contact with minimal tillage.
Soybean residue won’t be a problem, says Watts. environment as far as the
If you grow corn following corn, there may be more residue field is concerned.”
that you need to manage. Ultimately, if you’re
In Watts’ mind, residue management starts with the com- wanting to go to a true from the field. Most plant-
bine. It should be viewed as the first tool to manage residue. no-till system, you can use ers today are able to plant
“Get a combine that chops up the residue well, and then strip-till as a transition into residue fairly well,”
you’re already ahead of the game,” says Watts. “You want a stage. You still get some of says Licht.
combine that does a good job chopping and evenly spreading the soil benefits of leaving “Some people will chop
residue.” part of the soil undisturbed. or roll the residue, but with
“I’m hesitant to say you today’s equipment, I’m not
Test the water with strip-till should never do tillage; it’s sure it’s all that necessary,”
© 2016 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross,
and Credenz are registered trademarks of Bayer. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at
www.CropScience.Bayer.us.
e f
INSIDER ®
By Ed Haag
I
“All year we are watching
t is a given in the cattle base,” says Rod Wesselman, For Rathbun Ranch’s the advertisements, attend-
industry that behind every regional manager for the foundation genetics, Rathbun ing the bull sales, going to
successful commercial American Angus Association. credits his father, Corrin, with semen collection centers,
calf producer is an equally “Those who try Rathbun bulls the tenacity and discipline re- attending shows, and check-
successful bull developer. stick with them.” quired to build an exceptional ing out calves on different
For many of the northwest’s He says the beef industry’s seed stock herd. ranches,” says Rathbun.
top cattle operations, that bull enthusiasm for Rathbun bulls “In the beginning, I remem- “We’re very firm on what
developer is Greg Rathbun. is reflected directly in the ber Dad hauling trailerloads we’re looking for.”
On November 7, for the last cattle registration numbers. of cows off to the sale because
21 years, up to 300 potential “Last year, the Rathbuns were they either had poor bags on Genetics to Serve
bull buyers crowd around American Angus’ top registra- them, they were too big or too the Customer
the Rathbun Ranch’s auction
enclosure in expectation of
viewing – and perhaps bid-
tion producers in the state of
Washington,” he says. “That
says a lot about how they run
small, or they had bad feet,”
he recalls. “He really had zero
tolerance early on.”
A t the top of Rathbuns’ de-
sired trait list is low birth
weight for ease of calving and
ding on – the 100-plus animals their operation.” Rathbun notes that today’s high weaning weight.
that will be sold under the Rathbun attributes his oper- herd is benefitting from his “An important trait to our
hammer that day. That is ation’s bull marketing success father’s strict adherence to customers is performance,”
three prospective buyers for to his focusing on three key selection. says Rathbun. “Most of our
every Rathbun bull, and some elements: genetics, condition- “Our culling rates are now clients are commercial calf
of the larger ranch owners in ing, and customer service. very low,” says Rathbun, producers who are still selling
attendance will purchase a “You have to have all three adding that using proven se- pounds at weaning.”
half dozen or more. to really make it work,” he men in their AI program also Gail Thorton of Cowichi,
“Greg and Jen have devel- says. “Take away one, and the enhances the predictability of Washington, is a commercial
oped a very loyal customer other two don’t mean much.” the offspring. beef producer who sells up to
By Gene Johnston
A
an alternative to
lison Van Eenennaam is one of agriculture’s leading antibiotics?” she asks.
voices of reason and persuasion in support of good sci- Van Eenennaam, a native Van Eenennaam’s episode
ence in food production. Australian, has found many was about genetically modi-
The personable and articulate cattle geneticist from avenues to become an active fied food, and she represent-
the University of California-Davis can talk about spokesperson to the general ed the positive and safe role
genetic engineering of animals or GMO corn and soybeans, public about agricultural against other panelists who
and make nearly everyone believe and trust her. Such a trait is science. “It’s not always just opposed it.
sorely lacking in many of our industry experts. about the science. It’s more In her closing statement,
She spoke at the Cattle Industry Convention about the about earning trust. People she told a story about her
future of genetically engineered (GE) animals. The only GE want to know if your mes- own family at a holiday meal
animal that has been approved is AquaAdvantage Salmon, sage is believable, or if you and the safety they felt in
granted FDA approval last November but not yet actively are bought off by someone. consuming food that was a
grown in the U.S. It can reach market size in 16 to 18 months My goal is to get their trust.” product of modern, science-
(rather than the normal 30) and do it on 20% less feed. She shared a story at the based agriculture.
The GE salmon was actually developed 25 years ago, Van 2016 Cattle Convention At the beginning of the
Eenennaam says, and has been fighting its way through the to make her point. A year show, the New York audi-
regulatory process ever since. That journey has cost at least earlier, Van Eenennaam was ence was about evenly split
$85 million, according to the company that developed it, invited to appear on a TV on GMOs: 30% for, 32%
AquaBounty Technologies (aquabounty.com). Lawsuits still debate show in New York against, 38% undecided.
threaten to stop it from proceeding commercially. called Intelligence Squared. By the end of the show, the
“All the genetic engineering science was done 25 years ago, It pits two advocates, one on same audience was 60%
and it’s just been perpetuating from generation to generation each side of a controversial for, 31% against, and 9%
of the salmon since then, waiting for commercial approval,” issue, against one another. undecided.
she says. “To me, at this point, it’s just animal breeding.” They both have a chance to Her believability reso-
Van Eenennaam says the newest wave of animal genetic sway a live audience, with nated with the undecided
engineering involves not a gene transfer process, but rather a the results displayed both viewers and won – at least
technique that is often called knock-out technology. A single before and after the debate. for one day.
big? As much as 40 extra lbs. at weaning.1 LENGTH OF CALVING SEASON 1 140 DAYS 60 DAYS 1
CALVES BORN IN NUMBER WEIGHT NUMBER WEIGHT
Peak lactation comes around 85 days post-calving, 20 DAYS ≥ 25 540 50 540
creating a feed shortfall. This is also the optimum point 40 DAYS ≥ 22 510 30 510
at which to breed back. However, cows that are losing 60 DAYS ≥ 18 480 20 480
weight are less likely to conceive. Deworming can help 80 DAYS ≥ 12 450 vs. --- ---
them stabilize weight. But most dewormers last only 14 to 100 DAYS ≥ 10 420 --- ---
42 days. That means bringing cows back up 2 to 3 weeks 120 DAYS ≥ 8 390 --- ---
before peak lactation. Unless you use LONGRANGE. 140 DAYS ≥ 5 360 --- ---
OVERALL ≥ 100 478 LBS. 100 519 LBS.
PROGRAMMED
Parasites of Cattle on Pasture with Persistent Effectiveness
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
veterinarian.
FEED
INDICATIONS FOR USE
LONGRANGE, when administered at the recommended dose volume of 1 mL per 110 lb (50 kg)
body weight, is effective in the treatment and control of 20 species and stages of internal and
external parasites of cattle:
SOLAR-POWERED
CATTLE FEEDER DELIVERS
Gastrointestinal Roundworms Lungworms OPTIMAL NUTRITION EFFICIENCY.
Bunostomum phlebotomum – Adults and L4 Dictyocaulus viviparus – Adults
T
Cooperia oncophora – Adults and L4
Cooperia punctata – Adults and L4
Cooperia surnabada – Adults and L4 he legend of producing premi-
Haemonchus placei – Adults Grubs
Oesophagostomum radiatum – Adults Hypoderma bovis
um-quality Wagyu beef cattle
Ostertagia lyrata – Adults was not lost on Dave Barney. “I
Ostertagia ostertagi – Adults, L4, and
inhibited L4
was interested in the intense fla-
Trichostrongylus axei – Adults and L4 Mites vor profile and health benefits,”
Trichostrongylus colubriformis – Adults Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis says the Wisconsin rancher. (pictured above) or LSF-20 models. Each
Durations of
Parasites
Persistent Effectiveness A Japanese breed originally used as provides the correct levels of nutrition to
Gastrointestinal Roundworms a draft animal, the Wagyu was first your livestock, up to six feedings per day,
Bunostomum phlebotomum 150 days
Cooperia oncophora 100 days
imported into the U.S. in 1975. As using preprogrammed feeding times.
Cooperia punctata 100 days cooks and fine restaurants discovered “Studies show that a balanced diet
Haemonchus placei 120 days the unique taste and tenderness of this throughout the day results in a calmer
Oesophagostomum radiatum 120 days
Ostertagia lyrata 120 days high-quality, intensely marbled animal, animal,” says Barney. “Programmed
Ostertagia ostertagi 120 days it grew in popularity and sold for a grain rationing provides less feed for
Trichostrongylus axei 100 days
Lungworms
premium price. better nutritional value but not loss of
Dictyocaulus viviparus 150 days It is pleasing to the palate, and health growth.”
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
experts have discovered the ratio of Both models are powered by a battery
LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) should be given only by subcutaneous injection in front of the monounsaturated fat to saturated fat system that is recharged by a solar panel.
shoulder at the recommended dosage level of 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight (1 mL
per 110 lb body weight). is higher in Wagyu than in other beef. “Each feeder provides power for at least
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Forty percent of the saturated fat is in a two weeks, even on cloudy days,” he says.
Withdrawal Periods and Residue Warnings
Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 48 days version called stearic acid, which is be- The LSF-10 is designed to feed up to
of the last treatment.
This drug product is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or
lieved to have a nominal effect in raising 10 head of cattle; the LSF-20 can feed up
older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk cholesterol. It is also higher in conjugated to 20 head. Manufactured in the U.S.,
and/or in calves born to these cows.
A withdrawal period has not been established for pre-ruminating calves. Do not use linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid shown to both feeders have a 300-pound hopper
in calves to be processed for veal.
Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions
have fewer negative health effects. capacity, are 100% powder coated for
The product is likely to cause tissue damage at the site of injection, including possible extreme conditions, and can be easily
granulomas and necrosis. These reactions have disappeared without treatment. Local tissue
reaction may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter. nutrition and efficiency moved by a tractor with lifting forks.
Observe cattle for injection site reactions. If injection site reactions are suspected, consult your
at the optimum “These feeders are designed to be rug-
C
veterinarian. This product is not for intravenous or intramuscular use. Protect product from
light. LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin) has been developed specifically for use in cattle only. This ommitted to developing high-quality ged and durable, and they are construct-
product should not be used in other animal species.
When to Treat Cattle with Grubs animals, Barney analyzed ways to ed of heavy-duty 11-gauge steel,” he says.
LONGRANGE effectively controls all stages of cattle grubs. However, proper timing of treatment
is important. For the most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after
deliver optimally controlled nutrition. Both models can accommodate small
the end of the heel fly (warble fly) season. As the president of Service Line, Inc., he grains or large pellets up to 3½ inches in
Environmental Hazards
Not for use in cattle managed in feedlots or under intensive rotational grazing because the
also wanted to provide a more efficient, length and have been tested on every-
environmental impact has not been evaluated for these scenarios. less labor-intense feeding process for his thing from ground corn to high-grade
Other Warnings: Underdosing and/or subtherapeutic concentrations of extended-release
anthelmintic products may encourage the development of parasite resistance. It is
livestock. That quest led him to develop pellets.
recommended that parasite resistance be monitored following the use of any anthelmintic the Hanen Automatic Solar-Powered “The feeder has replaced labor and its
with the use of a fecal egg count reduction test program.
TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY Programmable Cattle Feeder. associated costs. It has also reduced my
Clinical studies have demonstrated the wide margin of safety of LONGRANGE® (eprinomectin).
Overdosing at 3 to 5 times the recommended dose resulted in a statistically significant
His experience as an equipment energy costs,” Barney notes. “Unlike a
reduction in average weight gain when compared to the group tested at label dose. manufacturer that incorporates pro- creep feeder, programmed feeding is
Treatment-related lesions observed in most cattle administered the product included
swelling, hyperemia, or necrosis in the subcutaneous tissue of the skin. The administration grammable control methods was a main consistent. The hopper is protected, which
of LONGRANGE at 3 times the recommended therapeutic dose had no adverse reproductive
effects on beef cows at all stages of breeding or pregnancy or on their calves.
contributor in building the feeder. results in less wasted feed. This feeder
Not for use in bulls, as reproductive safety testing has not been conducted in males intended “The feeding cycle is completely gives me peace of mind because I know
for breeding or actively breeding. Not for use in calves less than 3 months of age because
safety testing has not been conducted in calves less than 3 months of age. programmable, and animals respond my livestock won’t miss a feeding.”
STORAGE
Store at 77° F (25° C) with excursions between 59° and 86° F (15° and 30° C). Protect from
to the audio signal. You simply fill the
light. hopper, set the timer, and start feeding,” learn more
Made in Canada.
Manufactured for Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA, USA. he explains. Dave Barney | 800/774-7900
® The Cattle Head Logo and LONGRANGE
®
are registered trademarks of Merial, Inc.
You can choose from the LSF-10 automaticcattlefeeder.com
©2015 Merial, Inc. All rights reserved.
1050-2889-06, Rev. 2/2015, 8LON016C
56 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Manufacturer
ADVERTORIAL
b e e f INSIDER HEALTH
®
T
Riley.
here are beef cattle DNA mark- thousands of sick and healthy animals, With weeds continually more difficult
ers for growth rate, marbling, they can see some patterns of genes and to manage, the Athas switched to the
and even some maternal traits. gene clusters that are common to both LibertyLink system about three years
But what about disease? Can groups. Then they correlate that back to ago and had good luck controlling
waterhemp, pigweed and marestail. “Any
a drop of blood or a hair follicle specific bulls and see that some tend to sire
weed out there is going to hinder yield, so
tell you if one animal is more resistant to more calves with the BRD-resistant genes. the cleaner the field, the better return on
disease than another? “It won’t be a bullet-proof predictor of investment you’re going to have,” he says.
Probably, says a group of animal resistance, but it will enable the selection “[With Liberty®], we’re getting a 95% to
geneticists from around the country of cattle that are a little less likely to get 100% kill throughout the field.”
involved in a long-term USDA-funded sick,” Van Eenennaam says. Crop farmers have seen lower
study on that subject. They’re identifying One encouraging fact is that the dairy commodity prices the last couple of
DNA markers for resistance to bovine industry has had some success using years, and Atha says producers like him
must cut costs to be profitable. He says
respiratory disease (BRD), the shipping genetics to reduce mastitis. The pork
the LibertyLink system is both a tool
and comingling scourge that costs about industry has done the same in selecting to control resistant weeds and to help
$1 billion a year in feedlot losses. for pigs that are less susceptible to a budget his chemical program at the
Alison Van Eenennaam, animal disease called PRRS. beginning of the year, knowing there will
geneticist at the University of California- be little to no escapes. Having minimal
Davis, is a collaborator on the project. weed pressure not only increases yield,
She says 1.4% of feedlot cattle die before but also keeps weeds from going to
harvest, many of them from BRD. “That Q&A with alison seed and reduces weed pressure for the
following years,” he says. “In turn, this
number hasn’t changed in 30 years,” she van eenennaam
cuts down on future costs of chemical
says in support of the genetic research. SF: When will the genetic test for BRD applications.”
It’s worth trying to find BRD-resistant resistance be available to producers?
animals, she explains, because at least AV: No guarantees, but within five years, Investing for the future
16% of cattle and calves will have it at I hope. Beyond weed control, Atha is quick
some point in their lives. “One study says SF: Is it just one gene that determines to credit the LibertyLink system for
that each BRD-infected steer costs the this? its yield performance. “The quality of
soybeans LibertyLink has provided to our
producer $254,” she says. AV: No. There are likely a large number operation is second to none,” Atha says.
The project researchers believe genetic of genes, probably thousands in total. “Liberty is the only herbicide that will
resistance could be cheaper than treating What we hope to do is identify large-ef- control glyphosate-resistant marestail and
BRD with antibiotics, and it also could fect genes for this trait. If we can identify waterhemp in no-till soybeans. I choose
help address consumer demands for genes that are responsible for 20% of the [the LibertyLink system] because they
fewer drugs in animal production. genetic variability in this trait, we can will outyield any competing soybean.”
Disease resistance happens to be a probably make genetic progress. Putting a quality crop in the bin begins
relatively low heritability trait at around SF: Is it possible that the genes that give before it ever leaves the field. For Atha,
it’s all about investing in his bottom line.
20% (80% of the variability is caused by BRD resistance could also give resistance “It’s very difficult for farmers to know
environmental factors). That makes it to other diseases? where to draw the line on expenses to
tougher to sort out the genes that control AV: We don’t have anything to prove put in a crop,” Atha says. “The reality is
it, compared with growth and marbling that yet, but it is possible. I get that farming is a business, and if you don’t
traits, she says. question from veterinarians a lot. It is find a way to make money, you aren’t
The research partnered with two co- possible we will select for animals with in business the next year. You must take
operating commercial feedlots to identify improved immune function. Ideally, in advantage of every dollar you spend. To
sick animals and to compare their genes selecting for animals that are not getting me, [the LibertyLink system] is one of
those expenses that is a must.”
to healthy pen mates. They trained cattle sick, we are also selecting for better
handlers to use objective measures to performing animals. If they aren’t
identify BRD-infected animals – strict suffering from BRD, they can put that
criteria for rectal temperature, nasal energy into growth.
© 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research
discharge, coughing, eye drainage, and Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label
instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Liberty, and LibertyLink
head disposition. Learn More are registered trademarks of Bayer. Liberty is not registered for
After running the DNA blood tests on ebeef.org use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free
1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at
www.CropScience.Bayer.us. CR0916MULTI1B957V00R1
November 2017 | Successful Farming at Agriculture.com 57
f i g h t e r TO FARMER
By Jessie Scott, Digital Content Manager
Life in iraq
I
platoon got switched from
n 2002, Chase Crawford leased 40 acres, bought a combine a member of the base defense to route clear-
for $1,200, scraped together additional equipment, and national guard ance in the middle of their
decided to try his hand at farming. The recent high school
graduate had farming in his blood – his grandparents were
farmers – but a skip in farming generations meant that
B y October 2003, five of
Crawford’s high school
friends had joined the local
deployment.
“For the first 10 months,
we were on base defense,”
Crawford had to start almost from scratch. National Guard unit. This, says Crawford. “Then,
“It was a fun challenge,” he says, adding that he did have the along with the 9/11 attacks, weeks before we were sup-
opportunity to lease land from his grandparents. inspired Crawford to join. posed to come home, our
At 19 years old, Crawford had no idea of the full chal- “I felt I should join deployment was extended
lenge he was up against. He would build the farm up from because I was around and for four more months.”
40 acres not once but twice; the second time following a tour able to,” says the Sherburn, In 2007, the military had
in Iraq. He witnessed a comrade lose both of his legs when Minnesota, native. “My bud- a troop surge into Baghdad
an Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) ripped through their dies were going, so I didn’t to fight the growing
Humvee. Crawford would have a hard time transitioning back want to be left behind.” insurgency. Crawford was
to civilian life, suffering from PTSD like many of his friends, For the next two years, stationed at a small base,
one of whom committed suicide last year. Crawford went through convoy support center (CSC)
If you ask him if he’d do it all over again, knowing the diffi- training with the National Scania, located on the main
culties and the loss of limbs and life, he’ll say yes. “In a second. Guard while continuing to supply route from Kuwait
It was important,” says Crawford. “Maybe not in the grand grow the farm. In June 2005, to Baghdad. “There we
scheme of things, as we were little cogs in a huge machine, but Crawford had just finished were on the supply route
it was important. planting his 400 acres when and the military wants to
“With experiences like that, you learn stuff about yourself his unit was given the order. get as many troops into
that you can’t learn any other way,” he adds. “Not having They were being deployed Baghdad as it can. It didn’t
that would be a detriment to myself. I wouldn’t be the same to Iraq, and training would make sense to send us back,”
without it.” start in October. Crawford explains.
For his outstanding service to his country, Crawford was “That was a bit of a chal- To try to stop that supply
one of the winners in this year’s Successful Farming maga- lenge to try to figure out line coming into Baghdad,
zine Fighter to Farmer Contest, sponsored by Grasshopper how to get harvest wrapped the insurgency focused a lot
Mowers. up before October,” he says. of attention on CSC Scania.
bu/ac advantage
over Asgrow® Roundup Ready 2 Xtend. * ®
®
The LibertyLink advantage is proven by over 2,100 observations across the Midwest, Delta, Northeast
and Southeast in the 2016 Official Variety Trials. The LibertyLink system is the simply better solution
for a stronger yield and superior weed control.
*Yield shown summarizes average of LibertyLink and Asgrow RR2Xtend varieties entered. Endorsement or recommendation by the universities is not implied.
© 2017 Bayer CropScience LP, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Liberty, LibertyLink,
and the Water Droplet Design are registered trademarks of Bayer. Liberty is not registered for use in all states. Asgrow and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend are registered trademarks
of Monsanto Technology LLC. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us.
CR0617MULTI1C280V00R0
f i g h t e r TO FARMER Continued
adding that he didn’t sleep much at first. “I slept on the couch is also a farmer. This Successful Farming
because that’s where I was most comfortable.” As the farm magazine contest is
brought to you through
Just a few weeks after he was home, Crawford rekindled a has grown, so has the support of:
high school romance with Betsy Brolsma, who would become Chase and Betsy’s
listen to
Successful
Farming magazine
R eaders of Successful
Farming magazine can still
enjoy the articles they’ve come to
look forward to each month, even
if their vision no longer allows
them to read the magazine.
The National Federation of the
Blind’s NFB-Newsline lets blind,
visually impaired, or print-disabled
subscribers in most states access
audio versions of more than
400 breaking-news sources,
newspapers, and magazines,
including Successful Farming
magazine, for free.
Readers can subscribe to this
service by visiting nfbnewsline.org
or by calling 866/504-7300.
B
Even using the phone, users
ette Davis hit the nail designing homes. It makes stay in their houses longer. can create favorites lists; skip
on the head when sense to create a home that According to the 2015 articles or sections; start, stop,
she said, “Getting will be livable no matter Genworth Financial Cost skip, and reread articles; and alter
old is not for sissies.” what curveballs life throws of Care Survey, the aver- the reading voice, volume, speed,
The transition can your way. age cost of assisted living in or pitch.
be not only emotionally and For those living in older Iowa is $3,500 per month, Anyone who can’t read
physically challenging but homes on the farm, the prin- or $42,000 per year. “If you traditional newsprint can qualify
also very expensive. ciples of universal design put $75,000 into your house for this free service, whether they
Housing is one of the can be incorporated through and stay there another five are completely or partially blind,
primary issues that families updates and remodeling. or 10 years, that’s quite a have trouble with reading
have to face when a loved return on your investment,” comprehension, or aren’t able to
one reaches a certain age. Look at the books Clarkson says. turn pages while reading.
Remaining in the home for
as long as possible is the ulti-
mate goal, but that depends
R ollie Clarkson has been in
the remodeling business
for 40 years, and is the owner
The savings achieved
from staying home will go a
long way toward paying for
on two things: the health of of Remodeling Contractors outside help – from house-
the individual and the acces- in Johnston, Iowa. He is a keeping services, to trans- STAYING MARRIED
It’s hard to stay mad at someone
sibility of the home. Certified Aging-in-Place portation help, to in-home who makes you laugh. As a result, I
There’s a movement Specialist, a designation by nursing care. have gotten into the habit of
called universal design, the National Association of making my wife laugh every day,
which encourages designers Homebuilders. He says these Do a walk-through even if I’m pretty sure I haven’t
C
done anything wrong.
and architects to consider types of upgrades will most larkson suggests taking a
accessibility for aging or likely pay for themselves by walk through your home – Jerry Nelson
disabled residents when allowing homeowners to or your parents’ home to Agriculture.com/family/farmhumor
A s I look forward to
Thanksgiving and all of the
delicious foods, I think of Callan,
to grow their own food to help
themselves, but also to provide
fresh produce for school lunches
a young woman from northeast or to take home. Still, programs
Iowa, who recently graduated like this require funding.
from college as Heather Dineen is the FarmHer
a dietician. behind The Yellow Farmhouse in
She chose Waxahachie, Texas. Her family
this path after of first-generation farmers has
witnessing faced plenty of struggles, but they
Marji
food insecurity
in her rural
community,
donated the time and resources
to build a school garden and a
chicken coop (pictured below).
STUFFED TURKEY BREAST
IF YOU’RE COOKING FOR A SMALLER CROWD
Guyler-Alaniz
when some They named their project The ON THANKSGIVING, THIS DISH FITS THE BILL.
classmates Chicken Salad.
had to steal food to survive. Working in conjunction with
The conversation was eye- the science teacher, the Dineens 1 2 to 3-pound boneless turkey breast with skin
½ teaspoon salt
opening. When I think of small- are sharing their love of farming ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
town America, I think of the land and giving kids in their area the 8 ounces bulk sweet Italian sausage
of plenty, filled with FarmHers experience of growing their own ½ cup thinly sliced green onions (4)
working to feed the world. The healthy and nutritious food. 1∕3 cup snipped dried figs
reality is starkly different. While this is just one FarmHer ¾ teaspoon fennel seeds
The nonprofit group Feeding story, it is making a big impact. ¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
America says 2.8 million rural One by one, school by school, and
1 tablespoon olive oil
households face hunger, and 86% town by town, we all have the
of counties with the highest rates
of child food insecurity are rural.
For these families, food pantries
ability to make a difference.
As FarmHers with a passion for
feeding our families, our
1Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey, skin side down, between
two pieces of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet,
pound lightly into a square of even thickness. Remove plastic.
may be hours away and living- communities, and the world, we Sprinkle turkey with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper.
wage jobs are scarce. each have the ability to share our
Callan and I discussed school
gardens and how they have the
power not only to teach kids how
talents and help other families
enjoy the delight of a full
Thanksgiving table.
2 For stuffing, in a medium-size skillet cook sausage over
medium-high heat until brown, using a wooden spoon to
break up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat. In a medium bowl
combine sausage, green onions, figs, and fennel seeds.
66 Successful Farming at Agriculture.com | November 2017 Photography: Marji Guyler-Alaniz, Blaine Moats
CAN THEIR p r o b l e m BE SOLVED?
By Dr. Donald J. Jonovic
THE PROBLEM:
Good. able return AND that the
The answer to Question heirs who manage the as-
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH CORPORATE ENTITY IS BEST #2 could be more trouble- sets have a real potential
FOR A SUCCESSOR WITH OFF-FARM PARTNERS. some. He has doubts about to build careers that can
the farm’s financial stabil- provide them both security
ity – this is agriculture, after and a good career.
M
SUBMITTED BY J.G., VIA EMAIL all. More importantly, he’s J.G.’s dream – to leave the
y daughter, Meghan, is the only one of my five worried that Meghan’s po- farm in the form of a sibling
children who’s ever been interested in farming as a tential partners, her siblings, partnership for his heirs – is
career. I’m thrilled she wants to continue the farm. may not turn out to be as possible, yes. But ultimately,
She’s talented and capable, without question. supportive and loyal as they it’s improbable unless he
My wife and I will have enough retirement in- are now in the highly prob- and his family treat succes-
come independent of the farm, but I don’t know how to make it able event that the cash flow sion as more of a business
work for the next generation with 80% of the heirs off-farm. stumbles. planning challenge than a
Most of our business value is in soil and iron. We’re farmers The answer to Question transition entity choice.
who have good years and bad years. Cash flow has always been #3 is even more concerning. A succession dream can
unpredictable. Can – and should – Meghan easily turn into a nightmare
Our off-farm kids love the farm, want to keep it in the fam- take on the responsibility without a business plan that
ily, and enjoy bringing their children to visit. They say they for providing financial re- realistically anticipates prof-
don’t want anything else from Meghan or the farm. I believe turn for five families (some- itability and growth.
they mean it now, but needs change with time, and I know
Meghan feels a duty to provide some return to her siblings
after my wife and I are gone. What we need is advice on choos- YOUR TRANSITION TEAM MEMBERS
ing an entity structure that would work best for a family farm Don Jonovic Jolene Brown is a speaker,
with off-farm owners. is founder of author, and family business
Family Business consultant. Her tested business
at Agriculture.comTM
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ΡΑΠΙΔ ΤΙΛΛ
M A R K E t P L A C E
The new Schlagel Rapid Till is designed to pull easier, be easier to follow, and perform better at higher speeds due to its
lighter weight and new style shank. The Rapid Till is designed to till up to ten inches deep, apply fertilizer in multiple
zones, make a perfect seed bed, and depending on soil conditions run up to eight miles per hour. The Schlagel Rapid
Till comes in many different configurations from four to twenty-four rows and row widths as narrow as twenty inches on
a single tool bar.
1-888-889-1504 www.schlagel.net
a l l a r o u n d THE FARM ®
One page written by our readers. Compiled by Paula Barbour, Content Editor
Moines, Iowa, and at additional mailing offices. Successful Farming reserves the right to refuse nonqualified subscriptions. Subscription orders must show farm or ranch connections as owner, operator, or related occupation to subscribe at basic price: $15.95 per year in the U.S.; $27.95 (U.S. dollars) in
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Successful Farming (ISSN-0039-4432); November 2017, Volume 115, No. 13, is published monthly except for two issues in February, March, August, and November, and a combined June/July issue by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des
BURN WEEDS
AT A SAFE DISTANCE BY USING CONTROLS IN THE CAB.
FUELED BY
PROPANE
Shut off both an
Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Successful Farming, 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON, N8T 3B7. © Meredith Corporation 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
inline valve and
the safety when
finished.
FLEXIBLE IN
OPERATION
All movement is controlled with
hydraulics. The driveshaft from
the modified pull-type is replaced
with a hydraulic orbital motor.
15-FOOT BOOM
Baskets lower to below ground
level or lift up to 12 feet in the
air. The boom also moves 90° to
the right or left. The three-point
hitch adds even more reach.
B
y recycling his farm’s pull- burner with an orbital motor. RICHARD SCHMUNK
type model and incorporat- “It took us a while to work out Operation: The Schmunk family of Eaton, Colorado,
ing materials from other used the kinks in the hydraulics to get the grows sugar beets, wheat, alfalfa, and silage. In addition
machines, Richard Schmunk, range we needed,” Schmunk recalls. to his father, Gary, Richard Schmunk works with two
Eaton, Colorado, built a A limiter valve keeps the boom from uncles and two cousins.
weed burner that turns the chore turning too quickly. Family: He and his wife, Katie, who provides child care,
into a one-person job. When the Schmunks want to have three children: Jacob, 10; Emily, 8; and Lexi, 5. “We
“Keeping the ditches and cement change from running the baskets are pretty busy with school and 4-H,” he says.
pads clean makes it easier to set our perpendicular to the weeds, the bas- Two-time winner: In September
irrigation tubes,” he says. Besides kets will rotate to a parallel position. 2013, Schmunk’s beet roller was
building a frame that hooks to the “One of my next projects is the Idea of the Month. See that
tractor’s quick-hitch, he modified the building another weed burner so we winning entry and the weed burner,
can do all our property at once. too, in Season 11 of the Successful
The new one will have a worm Farming Show on RFD-TV.
More ideas from readers on page 75.
gear, though,” says Schmunk. Email: schmunk_40@msn.com
$21/ACRE
MORE COMES OUT OF IT. *
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