The Illinois BeefAssociation, Illinois FarmBureau, Illinois Milk Producers’Association and Illinois PorkProducers Association recentlyannounced the results of a year-long project to determine thetrue environmental performanceof livestock farms in Illinois, aswell as the effectiveness of stateregulations already in place.

The project, which examined30 years of publicly availabledata from the Illinois Depart mentof Agriculture (IDOA) andIllinois Environmental Pro tectionAgency (IEPA), as well as infor-mation from other state agenciesand academic research, highlightsthe environmental sustainabilityand economic impact of livestockfarms across the state.

“Livestock farmers like mehave to comply with multiplelayers of regulation here inIllinois,” said Brian Duncan, vicepresident, Illinois Farm Bureau.“Agencies including the IDOA,IEPA, Illinois Department ofNatural Resources, IllinoisDepartment of Public Health,and the Illinois AttorneyGeneral’s Office all play signifi-cant roles. And that’s not all – weare also impacted by federalagencies.”

Here in Illinois, the layers ofregulations and rules are work-ing and working well. Datacompiled in the final report

shows that the total number of livestock related complaintsin to Illinois EnvironmentalProtection Agency, includingwater pollution and odor com-plaints, have dipped drastically,down from 259 in 1996 to just24 in 2017.

“This report not only showsIllinois’ regulatory program iseffective at improving environ-mental performance of livestockfarms, but also shows livestockfarms across the state help sup-port rural communities,” said

Don Mackinson, president,Illinois Milk Producers’Association, “These farms addjobs, stimulate the economy,and provide a place for youngfamily members to stay orreturn to work on the farm.”

At a time when farmers arebattling record-low income dueto dipping commodity prices,the data also shows livestockfarms across the state are help-ing to stabilize bottom lines,both for farmers and small busi-ness owners.

“The information containedin the report is astonishing,especially when you see someof those numbers,” said MikeHaag, president, Illinois PorkProducers Association. “Anestimated $68 million wasinvested in construction costsfor new or expanding livestockfarms in 2017. Plus, when youfactor in that livestock farmsalso create demand for Illinois’top two crops – corn and soy-beans – well, that’s a big deal.”

“We see it again and again, in

rural communities across thestate,” said Joni Bucher, presi-dent, Illinois Beef Association.“These farms – both large andsmall – provide for more thanjust the family who lives there.Livestock production con-tributes $14.1 billion annuallyin economic activity in Illinoisand adds more than 52,000 jobs.That’s more than just a little rip-ple in a big pond.”

The full 2018 IllinoisLivestock Report can be foundat www.ilfb.org/livestocktruth.

Enhance the quality of life for member families;Promote agriculture, farms & food; and,

Advocate good stewardship of our land and resources.

VOL. 83 NO. 9 SEPTEMBER 2018

Pumpkinsare coming!

DATES TO REMEMBER

SeptemberSeptember 3Labor Day, KCFB Office ClosedSeptember 5-7IFB Leaders to WashingtonSeptember 12NLRS Field Day, BioreactorInstallation, Meissner Prairie-Corron Preserve, 10 am September 13Board of Directors, 7:00pmSeptember 14John Buck Memorial GolfOuting for KCFB FOUNDATIONScholarships, Marengo, 10amSeptember 14-16124th Annual Big RockPlowing MatchSeptember 16-22National Farm Safety andHealth WeekSeptember 18Milk & Hunger Mtg, 7pmSeptember 20County Board Ag Committee,10 am, County buildingAll meetings at KCFB unless noted otherwise.

September Featured ProductLemon Rosemary

Pork RoastThe special this month is 3 individuallywrapped 24 ounce boneless pork roasts cutfrom the most tender part of the pork loin. It is designed to becooked just like beef to an internal temperature of 145°F, slicedthin and used as an entrée. The roast is netted together and vacu-um sealed to preserve the lemon-rosemary marinade. The specialis offered for $20 to Farm Bureau Members, $18 to PlusMembers, and $23 to non-members.

Illinois farm groups release first-ever livestock report

Field Day September 12Farmers invited to learn about woodchip bioreactors

The Kane County FarmBureau invites local farmers,farmland owners and thoseinterested in learning how toimprove water quality andreduce nutrient losses with bestmanagement practices to aSeptember 12 Field Day.Reservations are required forthe Field Day, which will takeplace in a farm field at theMeissner Prairie-Corron ForestPreserve on Silver Glen Road

near Elgin. Field Day attendees will hear

from experts in the fields ofwater quality improvements,best management practices andengineering, design and con-struction of practices with agro-nomic and water quality bene-fits. The 10am program will befollowed by an opportunity tosee a woodchip bioreactor dur-ing construction, and followedby a free lunch.

With the release of theIllinois Nutrient Loss ReductionStrategy (NLRS) in 2015, FarmBureau adopted a goal based onthe idea that “something needsto happen on every acre inIllinois.” The primary strategygoals of the NLRS are to reduceannual loading of nitrate-nitro-gen and total phosphorus to theMississippi River and addressthe impacts on local water qual-ity. The ultimate goal is toachieve 45 percent loss reduc-tions in both nitrate-nitrogenand total phosphorus with theinterim loss reduction goals of15 percent nitrate-nitrogen and25 percent total phosphorus by 2025.

Not content to simply estab-lish a goal and a slogan, theIllinois Farm Bureau has backedup its commitment to voluntary,farmer led nutrient stewardshipand water quality improvementwith over $300,000 in grants in

the past few years, matched atthe local level by farmers, coun-ty farm bureaus and others. Thiswoodchip bioreactor installationand Field Day is funded in partby a grant from the Illinois FarmBureau.

The Field Day is co-spon-sored by the Kane County FarmBureau, Forest Preserve Districtof Kane County, Kane CountyWater Resources Division,Kane-DuPage Soil and WaterConservation District, USDA-NRCS and participating con-tractors; Huddleston-McBrideLand Drainage Company,Countryside Professional LandDrainage Services and CamptonConstruction Inc.

For more information or toregister to attend, call KaneCounty Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660 or email SteveArnold at steve@kanecfb.comRegistration deadline is Friday,September 7.

The American Farm BureauFederation has opened onlineapplications for its 2019 FarmBureau Ag InnovationChallenge. Entrepreneurs willcompete for $145,000in startup funds.

The competitionprovides an opportuni-ty for individuals toshowcase ideas and businessinnovations in agriculture. Thisis the fifth year of theChallenge, which is the firstnational business competitionfocused exclusively on ruralentrepreneurs launching foodand agriculture businesses.

Competitors are invited tosubmit for-profit business ideas related to food and agri-culture online at http://fb.org/aginnovationchallenge bySeptember 24.

Ten semifinalist teams willbe announced on Nov. 9 andawarded $10,000. The final fourteams, selected from the 10semifinalists will be announced

on Dec. 5 and willreceive an additional$5,000 and have allexpenses paid to com-pete in a live pitch

competition at AFBF’s 100thAnnual Convention in NewOrleans on Jan. 13. The finalfour teams will compete to win:• Farm Bureau Entrepreneur ofthe Year award and $15,000(chosen by judges), for a totalof $30,000

• People’s Choice award and$10,000 (chosen by publicvote), for a total of $25,000Rural entrepreneurs with

businesses in the following cat-

FB Ag InnovationChallenge offers $145K

$145,000 instartup funds forentrepreneurs

(continued on page 8)

The August meeting of theKane County Farm BureauBoard of Directors was called toorder at 7:00 pm on Thursday,August 9, 2018 by VicePresident Wayne Schneider.After moving for the amend-ment of last month’s minutes,directors gave monthly reportsof concerns and issues. Topicsranged from an upcomingSeptember meeting of theMarketing & PR committee fora milk themed promotion andhunger relief program, to the$12 billion in government tar-iffs/trade aid to an ACTIVATORTrustee report from the 42ndDistrict, given by Bill Keck.

Recent KCFB programswere reviewed briefly, includingthe Kane County Fair, a July 24farm tour for RepresentativeAllen Skillicorn, the IFB Farm

Income and InnovationConference and an August 8 “onthe Road” seminar for farmersand truckers.

Upcoming KCFB programswere next on the agenda andincluded an August “Farm Shop”meeting with RepresentativePeter Roskam at the KenyonBros. Farm in South Elgin, ameeting with CongressmanHultgren at MidwestGroundcovers in August, NLRSBioreactor Installation and FieldDay on September 12, and theJohn Buck Memorial Golf outing(benefitting the KCFBFoundation) at Blackstone GolfCourse in Marengo September14. The Board approved lunchsponsorship for the golf outing.

In unfinished business, theBoard approved the award of acontract for sidewalk replace-

ment and parking lot recon-struction to GenevaConstruction and for audit andtax service through 2020 toCliftonLarsonAllen. Directorsalso reviewed comments sub-mitted to the Illinois FarmBureau on its mission statement.

In new business, the Boardreceived and reviewed a“County Farm Bureau of theFuture” working group report,discussed area solar farm pro-posals, and approved emer-gency repairs for “blowouts” inthe clay tile that carried waterfrom the roof of the FarmBureau building.

In the PR & MembershipReport, Bill Collins thankedFOUNDATION scholarshipdonors Thomas Richter ofWayne and Jim and DelorisO’Connell of Kaneville, along

PAGE 2 KANE COUNTY FARMER SEPTEMBER 2018

Kane County FarmerKANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

PUBLISHED MONTHLYSteven J. Arnold, Editor

Suzi Myers, Ag Literacy CoordinatorAudre Pack, Training Specialist

Elizabeth Polovin, Member Services CoordinatorMarty Keltner, Communications Specialist

OFFICE: Randall Rd. between Routes 64 & 38Address: 2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles

PHONE: 630-584-8660info@kanecfb.com www.kanecfb.com

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30-4:30 Monday though Friday(USPS No. 289700)

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kane County Farmer2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174

Periodical Postage • Paid to St. Charles, IL 60174Year Subscription: $2.00

■ DISTRICT 1Aurora, Sugar Grove,Big Rock Twnshp.Nan Long11461 E. County Line Rd.Big Rock, IL 60511815-693-7214Donna Lehrer7S027 Jericho Rd.Big Rock, IL 60511630-556-3476William KeckP.O. Box 281Sugar Grove, IL 60554630-466-4668■ DISTRICT 2Kaneville, Blackberry,Gen./Bat. Twnshp.Bill Collins1125 Lewis Rd.Geneva, IL 60134630-484-6852Karl Kettelkamp0S860 Rowe Rd.Elburn, IL 60119630-365-2713

Joe WhitePresident47W727 Main St. Rd.Elburn, IL 60119630-557-2517■ DISTRICT 3Virgil, Campton,St. Charles Twnshp.Andrew Lenkaitis6N707 Corron Rd.St. Charles, IL 60175630-513-9980Chris Collins1143 AndersonElburn, IL 60119630-934-4642Dale Pitstick128 N Hadsall St.Genoa, IL 60135630-816-0223■ DISTRICT 4Burlington, PlatoElgin Twnshp.Beth Gehrke12N860 US Hwy. 20Elgin, IL 60124847-697-2538

Mike KenyonSecretary/Treasurer1250 E. Main St.South Elgin, IL 60177847-741-1818Craig Bradley37W791 Orchard LaneElgin, IL 60124847-888-2380■ DISTRICT 5Hampshire, Rutland,Dundee Twnshp.Joe Engel516 Sawgrass Ln.Hampshire, IL 60140847-347-5561Gerald Gaitsch10613 Brittany Ave.Huntley, IL 60142847-669-2003Wayne SchneiderVice President721 Lindsay LaneWest Dundee, IL 60118847-428-0488

KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD ATTENDANCEJANUARY 2018 THRU DECEMBER 2018

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEP OCT NOV DECC. BRADLEY X X X X X X X X X X X XB. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X X X XC. COLLINS X X X X X X X X X X X XJ. ENGEL X X X X X X X X X X X XG. GAITSCH X X X X X X X X X X X XB. GEHRKE X X X X X X X X X X X XW. KECK X X X X X X X X X X X XM. KENYON X X X X X X X X X X X XK. KETTLEKAMP X X X X X X X X X X X XD. LEHRER X X X X X X X X X X X XA. LENKAITIS* X X X X XN. LONG X X X X X X X X X X X XD. PITSTICK X X X X X X X X X X XW. SCHNEIDER X X X X X X X X X X X XJ. WHITE X X X X X X X X X X X X

*Elected to the board in April 2018

Board Meeting review–August 9

You receive the Kane CountyFarmer because you are a FarmBureau member. If you are a farmoperator or owner, you benefitfrom a local, state and nationalorganization committed to agri-culture and your way of life.

If you do not have direct tiesto farming, your membershiphelps promote local farms andfarming, encourages wise use ofour limited natural resources andpreserves farmland and our agri-cultural heritage while allowingyou to enjoy COUNTRY insur-ance and the many benefits ofone of Illinois’ premier member-ship organizations.

We appreciate your member-ship and continued support andwe welcome your comments onthe content of the Farmer. Weencourage you to make recom-mendations about farm, home,food, natural resources, renewableenergy or agricultural heritage andhistory related topics for inclusionin future issues of the Farmer.

with Beulah Swanson of Roscoefor a Chuck Swanson MemorialScholarship contribution.

In Government Affairs,Wayne Schneider reported onthe upcoming “Farm Shop”meeting at Kenyon Bros Farmfor Representative PeterRoskam. A “Victory Mixer” willbe held for area local, state andnational candidates that prevailin the November elections.

A written AITC report fromSuzi Myers was presented, re-capping the Summer AgInstitute II and other July events.

The Young Farmers will par-ticipate in St. Charles’ “NationalNight Out” by bringing thegrain bin safety display.Committee members will alsobe present to answer questionsabout farming, give stickers tokids, and talk to anyone interest-ed in joining the Farm Bureau.

Wayne Schneider gave thePresident’s Report and advisedthat “Friend of Agriculture”announcements/awards will beavailable soon.

Arnold gave a briefManager’s Report on the CountyFair and new “invitations to jointhe Farm Bureau” which arebeing mailed to all non-members

who call or visit the office seek-ing advice on farm, agricultureand food related topics. He alsoreported KCFB Foundation“Winner’s Choice” raffle results,and that the Foundation had pur-chased a 1966 Ford 100 pick-upas a potential prize for the 2019Raffle. A final raffle choice deci-sion will be made by theFoundation’s Board of Directors.

Correspondence was circulat-ed from: Alyce Konen Family –thanks for KCFB donation to theKC 4-H Foundation in herhonor; Brett Barton, KaneCounty 4-Her – thanks for 4-HFair trophy sponsorship; BrookeSunderlage, Kane County 4-Her– thanks for picture plaque spon-sorship of the Grand ChampionFat Heifer; Aiden Best, KaneCounty 4-Her – thanks for pur-chasing his lamb at the 4-H BlueRibbon Sale; Kane County 4-HFoundation & Blue Ribbon SaleCommittee – thanks for pur-chase of livestock at BR sale;IAA Foundation – request foritems for Silent & Live Auctionsat IAA Annual Meeting..

The next scheduled KaneCounty Farm Bureau Board ofDirectors meeting is Thursday,September 13, 2018, at 7:00pm.

The 18th Annual John BuckMemorial Golf Outing will beheld on Friday, September 14,2018, at Blackstone Golf Clubin Marengo, located at 9700Saint Andrews Drive. Cost toregister will be $110/golfer,with a 10:30 a.m. shotgun start/scramble format. For details andto register, contact Sandy atinfo@buckbrosinc.com or 847-683-4440. Space is limited, socall early to make reservations.

All proceeds go to benefitScholarship funds, including the

John Buck MemorialScholarships adminis-tered by the KaneCounty Farm BureauF O U N D AT I O N .Other entities that receivefunding for scholarshipsinclude the Midwest Associationof Golf Course Superin ten dents,and North western Illinois GolfCourse Superinten dentsAssociation.

The KCFB FOUNDATIONJohn Buck MemorialScholarship, funded through

the golf outing, isawarded annuallyto student(s) seek-ing higher educa-

tion in agriculturerelated fields. For2018, Jessica Yaegerof DeKalb and ClairePlapp of Malta wereeach awarded $1,500John Buck MemorialScholarships adminis-tered by the KCFBFOUNDATION.

Raise scholarship funds at theJohn Buck Memorial Golf Outing

The Illinois Department ofAgriculture recently announcedwinners of the 2018 state agri-cultural commodity board elec-tions. The elections filled posi-tions on three agriculturalboards: the Illinois CornMarketing Board, the IllinoisSoybean Program OperatingBoard and the Sheep and WoolMarketing Board.

Steve Pitstick of Maple Parkwas elected to represent District2 on the Illinois SoybeanProgram Operating Board. Hewill represent the interests offarmers in Cook, DuPage, Kane,Kendall, Lake, McHenry andWill counties. There was no localelection for the Illinois CornMarketing Board or the Sheepand Wool Marketing Board.

These boards oversee thecheck-off dollars that comefrom assessments levied at thefirst point of sale. State law setsassessment for corn at 5/8 of1 cent per bushel, soybeans at1/2 of 1 percent of the marketvalue, and wool at 31/2 cents perpound.

Pitstick, like all commodityboard members, will serve athree-year term.

Commodity election results

Say cheese! KCFB offersFREE portrait to members

Kane County Farm Bureau ispleased to offer members a mem-ory-making opportunity to gatheryour family for a FREE profes-sional portrait sitting at theKCFB office in St. Charles. As aFarm Bureau member family,you will receive a FREE 8”x 10”full color portrait of your family.Individual poses are available;however this program islimited to one (1) FREEportrait per family orhousehold. Childrenunder 18 must beaccompanied by anadult in the free portrait.You will be able to viewyour photos immediate-

ly on a digital viewing system. Appointments are available

Friday October 5 from 2 to 8pm, and Saturday, October 6from 10 am to 4 pm. Familyphotos make a wonderful gift orkeepsake. Appointments fillquickly, so call the office todayat 630-584-8660 and ask for Lizor Marty.

Time to update yourfamily portrait? Makeyour appointment and get a FREE 8x10.

Make sure to take care onroads where farmers arelikely to be traveling. Carsare easier to maneuverthan some farm imple-ments, so make sure youensure the safety of allinvolved by looking out forfarmers during this season.

As part of an effort toenhance the membership experience, Illinois FarmBureau has launched MyIFB,www.myifb.org

The MyIFB website makes iteasier to join the Farm Bureau ormanage your Kane County FarmBureau membership. You can:• Access member benefits• Print your membership card

• Join, Renew or Reinstate yourmembership

• Manage your membershipinformation

• And Much More!The refresh to MyIFB

replaces the former “IllinoisFarm Bureau Member Center.”If members created an accountat the old site, their credentialswill transfer so there is no need

to register again.If you are new to the site, you

will need your membershipnumber to create an account.That information can be foundon existing membership cards,dues renewal statements, orfrom Kane County Farm Bureauat member@kanecfb.com or630-584-8660.

SEPTEMBER 2018 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 3

Beef store is now open! By appointment only

100% hormone free beef.Selling individual cuts. Buy as little or as much as you want.

815.895.4691Mark & Linda Schramer, Owners8N840 Lakin Road, Maple Park Sample Packs make great gifts!

Thanks to our Donors...Our FOUNDATION is dedicated to providing agriculture based

education for the next generation, and to meeting the challenge ofproviding food for a hungry planet. We look forward to continuingsupport for these scholarships, along with local classrooms andteachers, leadership training, and community youth educationthrough grants to local FFA Chapters and 4-H.

The KCFB FOUNDA-TION offers its sincereappreciation to the follow-ing for their contributions

Names shown are pledges received from July 18 through August 16.

Donor BeneficiaryThomas Richter, Wayne KCFB FOUNDATIONO’Connell Farm, Elburn KCFB FOUNDATIONBeulah Swanson, Roscoe Chuck Swanson Memorial

Scholarship, KCFB FOUNDATION

Donor BeneficiaryMike & Carol Kenyon, South Elgin South Elgin Food Pantry Northern Illinois Food Bank Food for Greater Elgin

Over the course of two weekends,volunteers from Food for GreaterElgin visited Kenyon Bros. Farmsand picked sweet corn for theirhungry patrons. Food for GreaterElgin serves approximately 1,200households in Elgin, South Elgin,East and West Dundee, totalingover 6,000 individuals. Total earsof corn picked filled four, 3’ x 3’ x3’ totes.

Visit MyIFB to manage membership

We may not all know this, buthunger is the world’s #1 healthrisk. Hunger is not just a“world” issue, it happensright here in America. 1 in 6adults faces hunger and inchildren, the number is evenhigher, 1 in 5. These statis-tics are relevant in Illinoisand even in Kane County.Our neighbors are hungry.Meanwhile, farm commodityprices, especially milk prices,have fallen dramatically.

While items donated to foodbanks, food pantries, and otherorganizations existing to helpfeed communities vary through-out the year, one of most infre-

quently donated – but highlyavailable commodities, is milk.It is often overlooked as a dona-

tion, but is desperately needed. Through Farm Bureau’s

“Harvest for ALL” program, theNorthern Illinois Food Bank ear-marks all cash donations fromour members to their award win-ning “Milk2MyPlate” program.

The Food Bank program sur-passed 5 million servings ofmilk in 2015, but in this time ofhistorically low dairy prices,we’d like to do more; more tosupport local dairy farms, andmore to provide hunger relief.

On Tuesday, September 18the Kane County Farm Bureauwill host a 7 pm meeting forinterested parties, members, thelocal community, food bank andpantry representatives and oth-ers to discuss a programs orstrategies to spur milk consump-tion and milk donations to localagencies. All those interested inreducing hunger and increasing

Let’s talk about milk, and hunger

We have 31 Days of Christmasin December, do YOU?

Do you struggle with findinggifts that your friends and familyactually want for the holidays?No one really wants a tie, socks,or Grandma’s fruit cake, dothey? Give them somethingnow, to look forward to, for thewhole month ofDecember! A ticket forthe Kane County FarmBureau’s “31 Days ofChristmas” raffle couldbe the answer to your gift-giving woes and put youat the top of everyone’slist of “best gifts ever.”

The Kane CountyFarm Bureau FOUNDA-TION will be selling tick-ets for their “31 days ofChristmas” raffle starting mid-September. This unique raffleallows ticket holders the chanceto win a prize every day for thewhole month of December, withthe opportunity to win more thanone prize. All prizes are valuedbetween $150 and $500.Winning numbers will be deter-

mined by the winning evening“Pick 3 Illinois Lottery” numberfor that day. Prizes will include awide variety of outdoor favoritesincluding grills, coolers, huntingand camping gear, and muchmore! Winners will receive a

Cabela’s gift card in the exactvalue of the prize. So if that prizeyou win isn’t just right for you,choose something you desire (upto the value of your prize) fromCabela’s wide selection of sport-ing goods.

All proceeds benefit KCFBFOUNDATION scholarship pro-

grams. Tickets will be on saleuntil November 30th for $20each. Purchase tickets with yourlucky number(s) now by callingthe Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660. Ticket numbers are firstcome, first served. If we cannot

meet your request, ticketnumber(s) will be assignedat random.

Don’t forget, byupgrading your currentKane County FarmBureau membership toPLUS status for only $25,you will receive a FREE“31 Days of Christmas”raffle ticket mailed direct-ly to you, PLUS otherbenefits (including a

FREE Pillow Pet® that you canpick-up at our office, a FREEentry in our annual “Winner’sChoice” Raffle and 10% off allyour purchases at our CountryStore inside the Farm Bureauoffice). The PLUS status pack-age is a minimum $60 value foronly $25! See page 6 for details.

Farm Bureau supports local 4-HersSunday at the Kane County

Fair is Blue Ribbon Sale day.Each year the 4-H FoundationBlue Ribbon Sale Committeehosts an auction of grand champi-ons, reserve champions and otherlivestock from 4-H exhibitors atthe fair. This year, approximately21 cattle, 32 hogs and 26 sheep,along with numerous chickens,ducks, geese, turkeys and rabbitsgenerated $115,000 in income forlocal 4-Hers.

The Blue Ribbon Sale pro-vides an additional opportunityfor 4-Hers to get in the showring, exhibit their livestock and“learn by doing”. It also allowsbusinesses, families, politiciansand organizations to purchasequality animals which wereraised and cared for by KaneCounty 4-Hers. It supports theentire 4-H program, with a por-

tion of the sale proceeds going tothe 4-H Foundation. Perhapsbest of all for successful bidder,buyers of “Blue Ribbon” live-stock are invited to an annual“Buyer’s Picnic” at the Lion’sPark in Elburn - an end of the“show season” celebration

where they receive a deliciousmeal and a buyer’s plaque with aphoto of the exhibitor and his/heranimal.

The Kane County FarmBureau has always been a proudsupporter of the Blue RibbonSale. This year the Farm Bureauplaced the winning bid on fourdifferent animals (and helpeddrive the price, and therefore the

income of 4-Hers, on numerousothers).

Besides supporting the 4-Hers and the 4-H Foundation,and a delicious free meal atLion’s Park, there are other bene-fits to participating in the sale asa buyer. All buyers are publically

recognized through newsreleases and radio pro-grams. A buyer recognitionsign is prominently dis-played on the fairgrounds

for next year’s fair, you get thesatisfaction of supporting youthin experiential learning, and thethank you cards received from 4-Hers can be, well, priceless.

For more information on theBlue Ribbon Sale or to learnmore ways to support 4-H or the 4-H Foundation, contact the4-H Extension office at 630-584-6166.

Reserve your lucky numbers now in the KCFB FOUN-DATION’S “31 Days of Christmas” Raffle. It offersthousands of dollars in prizes and you can chooseyour prize with a Cabela’s gift card good for the valueof the prize!

(continued on page 8)

The autumnal equinox fallson Saturday, September 22,

2018. That’s the official begin-ning of fall in our area of theworld. (It’s the beginning ofspring In Australia and otherparts “down under”.) At thistime of year, the days and nightsare pretty close in length, but aseach day passes, the nightsbecome longer.

Fall is full of fun festivalsand times to be outside. Everyweekend is full to the brim withoutdoor activities sponsored bymany local groups. Football andsoccer games keep both playersand spectators busy every week-end. Both these sports beginwith the heat of summer and endin the crisp cool fall weather,bordering on winter cold.

Fall is a time of transition.The leaves on deciduous treeschange colors and eventually falloff the branches, making raking anecessity for most yards. Theweather also changes from hot tocool or even cold. The days getshorter and we once again find

pleasure in seeing a harvestmoon in all its glory.

The harvest moon shinesupon the farmers as they gatherthe soybean and field corncrops. The golden soybeanfields are a stunning sight as Idrive down the roads. Thebrownish corn also lines thecountry roads, announcing thetime to run the combinesthrough the fields.

Not only the farmers workhard in the fall, the averagehome owner also prepares forthe winter. Gardens are harvest-ed, crops canned or frozen,yards cleaned up and any doorsor windows sealed for the win-ter. The last thing to be done isremoval of deck or yard furni-ture, embracing those speciallast days of warmth.

Putting food away for the longwinter is a fall project for many.Those tomato plants that I plant-ed in the spring bear way toomany tomatoes to eat, so I cansalsa and stewed tomatoes. Mykitchen is full of heat and steam,

but the “ping” of the sealed jarsmakes it all worth it, as well asthe ready stock in my basementto use throughout the year.

Fall also means the begin-ning of the school year. Theemotions the students haveabout the new year range fromfear to excitement, usuallydepending upon if they arebeginning a new school experi-ence or one of joining theirfriends in a familiar setting. Asa teacher for many years, Iwould always have a sleeplessnight prior to the first day ofschool. Why? Every yearbrought new students, a new

classroom dynamic, and curric-ular changes. After 20 years ofteaching, I never conquered thisnight before trauma.

Fall means scarecrows herein St. Charles. The influx ofanything to do with scarecrowshappens prior to the popularScarecrow Festival. It is a veryfestive time of the year. Suchfun to visit Lincoln Park to seethe creative ideas of variousgroups, especially the children.Usually I see children pointingout their creation to parents orgrandparents with such joy ontheir faces. These children alsoseem drawn to the mechanical

area, where movement andsound bring the scarecrows tolife. Yes, the crowds are awfulat times, but a visit is well worththe effort.

Color: fall is full of color.The oranges of pumpkins,leaves, flowers. The yellows,reds, browns and dark greensdisplayed in everything fromIndian corn to leaves. A drivethrough the country, walk in thepark or kayaking down the Foxis a marvel of colors during fall.

So, goodbye summer, hellofall. May it be a season filledwith beauty and enjoyment foryou all.

PAGE 4 KANE COUNTY FARMER SEPTEMBER 2018

AG LITERACY CORNER

By Suzi Myers

Both of these books look atvarious plants that we eat. Thequestion of “Where does myfood come from?” is answeredin a simple, yet informativemanner.

Fun Facts about Farm Cropstells some interesting factsabout a crop, as well as whatpart of the plant is used forfood.

How We Use Plants for FoodDescribes the ways in which

human beings use plants asfood, discussing cereals, veg-etables, fruits, seeds, plant oils,herbs and spices, and sugar. It ismore of a text book format,includinga table ofcontents,g lossarya n dindex. Ita l s oincludes

some experiments and recipesfor the children to try.

Both of these books areavailable for loan through ourAgriculture Library at the KaneCounty Farm Bureau.

Book of the month

How We Use Plants for Food by Sally Morgan andFun Facts about Farm Crops by Carol Benanti andRay H. Miller

Young Farmers tourWashington state farms

FarmWeek & Staff reportsYoung Farmers and Leaders

from across Illinois, who recent-ly toured the Ag industry inWashington state, say they’reimpressed by the crop diversityout west and have a new appre-ciation for water availabilityback home. Michael Long ofBig Rock and David Marshallof Sugar Grove were among thegroup of 30 Farm Bureau mem-bers who participated.

Those on the trip touredGebbers Farms (one of the topapple growers and cherry pro-ducers); Avila Dairy and itslarge rotary parlor; Wild HorseWind and Solar, which features149 turbines; Dry Fly Distillerywhere local grain creates vodka,gin and whiskey; the GrandCoulee Dam, which providesmuch of the water for irrigation;and local farms acrossWashington, among other stops.

Michael Long found one ofthe farms to be especially inter-esting, “At Gebbers Farm, welearned about how this familyowned farm is fully integratedfrom start to finish. They growthe crops, clean, sort, package,and ship the apples and cherriesall over the world on a verylarge scale.”

They also met with

Washington state Farm Bureaumembers and staff, includingPresident Mike LaPlant.

“I was blown away by thistour,” said Krista Lottinville,who represents District 6 on theIFB State Young LeaderCommittee from Sheldon (Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau). “Itseemed almost every farmer wemet out there raises five, six orseven crops and has livestock,”she noted. “And there’s a lot ofvertical integration. They pack-age and ship a lot of their ownproducts overseas.”

Matt Belusko, a YoungLeader from Litchfield(Montgomery County) whoserves as an Ag teacher atRamsey High School in nearbyFayette County, was impressedby Washington farmers loadingshipping containers on theirfarms with everything from pro-duce to hay.

“It was definitely an eye-opener,” he said. “When you getout there, the first thing thatcatches your eye is the scope ofeverything. Their operationsseemed a lot larger and depend-ent on irrigation (compared toIllinois). “They also have atremendous amount of cropdiversity,” he noted. “One coun-

Michael Long andDavid Marshall, KaneCounty Young Farmers,pose on a farm inWashington Statewhere they witnessedhill-side combines inaction. They travelled toWashington state inJuly for the YoungFarmers’ Ag IndustryTour where they visitedGebber Farms, one ofthe top apple and cher-ry growers, Avila Dairywith a rotary parlor,Wild Horse Wind andSolar, Dry Fly Distillery,and Grand Coulee Dam.

(continued on page 6)

Ingredients4 medium russet potatoesaluminum foilToppings (extra pts): light sourcream, fresh chives, bacon

bits, broccoli, cheeseDirections1.Wash and scrub potatoes untilclean.

2. Dry thoroughly.3.When dry, prick potatoes witha fork and wrap in aluminum

foil.4. Cook onlow for 8hours oron highfor 4.

SEPTEMBER 2018 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 5

Compiled by Suzi Myers

September is ...

CongratulationsVi Wahl, whose name waschosen from the entriesreceived for correctly complet-ing last month’s Word SearchPuzzle. For her participation,she receives a Chocolate ChipCookie themed-gift! Thankyou, Vi, for reading the KaneCounty Farmer and continueto watch each month for moregreat opportunities from theKane County Farm Bureau.

D C R M E X S Y J C G M M S S T D P J DE A C Y T C H E E S Y E O C W E I A V RM R J E F F E R S O N P A O L J N N P WU B O W N E C A P S W L O I G U I C A HS O S A X I X G N M L F O T T M R A T MN H O V F N E S B O H B O R A Q L K F VO Y E W X N P T P A A E I M Q S R E R EC D N J B U X E O O K E H J Z R S G V QN R I F D K D I U R N E U K H F O I L F I A M P F N R T R T P M D T J E T Z U J J T A C X E V W S S K I N D F U N L B MS E F T L H J H C O K Z B T R Y A E O FY S F A C N P V E G E T A B L E T B A NU M N N M A S H E D P R I R X C S T Y LB D E P V S V W I N W O R M S L N T H NR R D X J F P N W X F A T I S N I I E D F M Q V T F D V U K V B I A N V L K V NR S X L L E M Z N E B P N P T N H T N GS T A R C H A E W Z V S K V W O A G I WP O L L I N A T E D D A X P P W U Y W K

Name _______________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________________

City______________________________________________ State ______ Zip_____________________

Telephone (______)___________________ Email ___________________________________ Age _____Return to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St Charles, IL 60174 by September 15, 2018

to be entered in our drawing for a potato themed prize.

PotatoesBAKEDBOILEDCARBOHYDRATESCHEESYCONSUMEDFAMINEFATFRENCHINSTANTIRELANDJEFFERSONMASHEDNUTRIENTSPANCAKEPOLLINATEDPOTASSIUMPOTATOPROTEINSCALLOPEDSKINSPACESPUDSTARCHVEGETABLE

How to select and store your potatoesSelect loose potatoes that are

well formed, smooth, firm, witheyes, and no discoloration,cracks, bruises or soft spots.Red potatoes and some whitesare sometimes treated with col-ored or clear wax to make themappear fresher than they are.Also avoid “green” potatoes.They have been exposed to lightand have a bitter taste.Potatoes are classified by

shape, skin color and use. Thelong brownish ones are good fora variety of uses but are best forbaking. Rounded or long whitesare preferred for boiling and bak-ing, and the small red ones areideal for boiling. “New” potatoes,the small ones that are dug earlybefore the skins have set, arebest boiled or steamed.

Storing: Do not wash yourpotato before storing. Washing

speeds decay. Potatoes can besafely stored in a dry, dark placefor three months at 45 to 50degrees Fahrenheit. Buy only aweek’s supply if you must storethem at higher temperatures,which cause sprouting and shriv-eling. Do not store potatoes in therefrigerator. Below 40 degrees,potato starch turns to sugar, mak-ing the potato too sweet and alsodarkens potatoes during cooking.

Potato experiment and craftSprout a potato in your own

kitchen. Let your kids monitorthe progress and learn moreabout how food grows. Try anorganic and traditional potatosimultaneously to see if there areany differences.1. Stick 3-4 toothpicks into a

sweet potato (they make for pret-tier plants).2. Put the sweet potato into a

glass jar. The toothpicks shouldhold the potato a few inchesaway from the bottom of the jar.3. Add enough water to the

jar so that the bottom of thepotato sits fully in the water.4. Place the jar on a sunny

windowsill.5. Check the jar every day,

adding water to keep the bottomof the potato wet.6. You will start to see

sprouts forming on the bottom ofthe potato (roots beginning toemerge). In about a week, youwill see small leaves growingfrom the top. Keep the waterlevel the same in the jar, so thesweet potato bottom stays wet.

After 2-3 weeks,you will see sev-eral long vineswith greenleaves. You cancontinue water-ing your potatoas usual in thejar or transplant

it into a pot with soil. Your sweetpotato will continue growing intoa green, leafy houseplant.Potato StampsCreate a stamp cut from a

potato. Experiment with differentcombinations of shapes and col-ors to make personalized wrap-ping paper (brown craft paperworks well for this project).1. Cut a potato in half length-

wise2. Press a metal cookie cutter

into the flesh of one half.3. Remove a thick slice of

potato from around the cutterand remove the cutter, leavingthe shape behind.4. Blot the potato shape sur-

face with paper towel.5. Press the shape into craft

paint and stamp onto paper.

Crockpot ‘baked’ potatoes

National:Mushroom MonthPapaya MonthPotato MonthRice MonthItalian Cheese MonthBlueberry Popsicle MonthChicken MonthCourtesy MonthHoney MonthSelf Improvement MonthWhole Grains Month Better Breakfast Month

Special Days:9/2 National VJ Day9/3 Labor Day9/5 National Cheese Pizza Day9/7 National Food Bank Day9/9 National Grandparent’s Day9/18 Air Force Birthday9/22 Autumnal Equinox9/27 National Chocolate Milk

Day9/29 National Public Lands Day

The U.S.Department of

Agriculturehas stated

that

POTATOES“a diet of whole milk and potatoes would

supply almost all of the food elements necessaryfor the maintenance of the human body.”

The potatoitself is 99%fat free and yetis a nutrientdense food.

It is an important dietary staple in over 130 countries.

• Potatoes are the world’s fourth-largest food crop,• There are about 5,000 potato varieties worldwide. • Raw potato is 79% water, 17% carbohydrates (88% of which isstarch), 2% protein, contains negligible fat

• An 8 ounce baked or boiled potato has only about 100 calories.• In 1974, an Englishman named Eric Jenkins grew 370 pounds ofpotatoes from one plant.

• Thomas Jefferson gets the credit for introducing “french fries” toAmerica when he served them at a White House dinner.

• In October 1995, the potato became the first vegetable to begrown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin, Madison,created the technology with the goal of feeding astronauts on longspace voyages, and eventually, feeding future space colonies.

• One of the main causes of the Great Famine in Ireland between1845 and 1852 was a potato disease known as potato blight. Theshortage of potatoes led to the death of around 1 million peoplewho were dependent on them as a food source.

• The sweet potato is a root vegetable and only loosely related tothe potato.

• After dairy products, potatoes are the second most consumedfood in all of the United States.

• The average American eats just under 140 pounds of potatoesevery year

• The world’s largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces,according to the Guinness Book of World Records. That’s enoughfor 73 portions of medium fries at McDonald’s.

• 1952: Mr. Potato Head was born and was the first toy to be adver-tised on TV

• Instant mashed potatoes were introduced commercially in 1955.Just add milk.

Sprouted potato (L) & potato stamp

Q: Why was the potato such abully?A: Because it wasn’t a sweetpotato.Q: What do you get when it rainspotatoes?A: Spuddles.Q: Why are potatoes so popular?A: They are a-peeling.Q: What do you name a potatothat’s been thinly sliced?A: Chip.Q: Why do potatoes make suchgood detectives?A: Because they keep their eyespeeled.Q: Why shouldn’t you ever tell asecret on a farm?

A: Because the potatoes haveeyes, the corn has ears, and thebeans stalk.Q: Where were the first FrenchFries made?A: In Greece.

A little potato humor for your eyes

ty we visited grows more than150 different crops.”

Washington, the EvergreenState, has nearly 36,000 farmsand 14.7 million acres of farm-land, about half of which iscropland (51 percent), with theother large portions in pasture(31 percent) and timber ground(14 percent).

Some portions of the statereceive adequate precipitation,while areas on the eastern side of the state receive less than 10 inches of annual precipita-tion, Belusko noted. “If it wasn’tfor irrigation, a lot of placeswould be covered by sage-brush,” he said.

But, with water a scarceresource in some areas of thePacific Northwest, it’s also quitevaluable. Lottinville was sur-prised at the added productioncost of irrigation. “I work forFBFM (Illinois Farm BusinessFarm Management) in Watseka,so I’m always thinking aboutcosts and profit,” she said.“Because water is such a scarceresource (in Washington), theyhave to pay water districts to getirrigation. Sometimes it’s anextra $100 an acre.”

Washington state farmers arealso nearly as dependent ontrade as they are irrigation dueto their location. “They haveextreme concerns (about ongo-ing trade wars) and hope thingsget straightened out soon,”Lottinville said.

Belusko and Lottinville bothpreviously participated in theYoung Leader Ag Industry Tourto Canada and highly recom-mend the annual tours. “I’ve

had wonderful opportunitiesthrough Young Leaders to seehow others in agriculture aredoing,” Belusko said. “YoungLeaders also provides greatopportunities to meet new peo-ple around the state.”

Both Long and DavidMarshall, who represented Kane

County Young Farmers on thetour, enjoyed each destination,learning about the climate andgeographical differences thatfarmers in both states encounter,but use to their advantage tocontribute to the vast number offood options available todomestic and global markets.

Photos, top to bottom:KCFB staff & Young Farmers committee members helpedkids learn about farm safety at the “National Night Out” atthe Kane County Sheriff’s office. Hundreds of familiesattended the event which featured armored vehicles, anantique firetruck, an ambulance, and a helicopter fly-in. Kidsenjoyed collecting stickers from various vendors, free cot-ton candy, and other activities like a bouncy-house. Similarevents were held in communities across the country tobuild relationships between community groups and thepublic and strengthen bonds with local law enforcement.Michael Bohlin, Young Farmer member from Elburn, talks toa visitor on the display about proper safety when entering agrain bin. The Young Farmers built this portable safety dis-play with assistance from AGCO Parts, Batavia, to be usedfor educating both farmers and the public on the potential dan-gers of grain bins and how to rescue someone caught inside.

Marisa Parseof St.Charles isshown hereenjoying theview from a1 9 5 6M a s s e y -Harris 333tractor (possibly one of the Grand Prize choices in our 2019“Winner’s Choice” Scholarship Raffle). Excited to be at the“National Night Out” with her father, Ross Parse, she couldn’tresist an imaginary tractor drive.

PAGE 6 KANE COUNTY FARMER SEPTEMBER 2018

‘PLUS’ status – like abooster club forKCFB – with perks

As a Kane County FarmBureau member, you are anintegral part of our “farmbureau family.” Your annualsupport, through your FarmBureau dues, IS important thefuture of farms and food. Onbehalf of all those involved inthe agricultural industry – fromfarm gate to dinner plate – wethank you for your membership.

But what if there was a wayfor you to SAVE more money,add more CONVENIENCE,and show greater SUPPORT forfarms, food and agriculture?Now there is. We call it PLUSstatus, a membership upgrade.It’s like joining the “BoosterClub” of the KCFB (withouthaving to work a shift in theconcession stand)! This mem-bership add-on is for thosemembers who want to do more.

As a PLUS member, you willreceive rewards or “Perks”including: 1 FREE tractor-shaped Pillow Pet® (retail value$22-26); 1 FREE “31 Days ofChristmas Raffle” ticket (retailvalue $20); 1 FREE “2019Winner’s Choice Raffle” ticket(retail value $15); and, a 10%discount on KCFB CountryStore merchandise like farm

toys, apparel, accessories,books, etc. (excludes perishablefoods, monthly specials) Boththe “Winner’s Choice” and the“31 Days” raffle tickets will bemailed to you automatically inadvance of the respective raffles.And remember, Winner’s ChoiceRaffle Tickets also double asFREE admission to Touch-a-Tractor! Pillow Pets, unfortu-nately, must be picked up in ouroffice.

Whether you elevate toPLUS status or not, you mem-bership is important to the FarmBureau and what it can help usachieve – more profitable farms,more literate citizens, strongercommunities and healthy foodfor all. You are a part of this andcan support us even further by aPLUS upgrade.

To upgrade to PLUS status,please fill out and return the formbelow. A current KCFB member-ship and a $25 payment isrequired. Checks can be madepayable to Kane County FarmBureau. For more information, orto pay with a credit card, call630-584-8660 or visit us in per-son. Our office is located atRandall Rd. and Oak St., 2N710Randall Rd, St. Charles.

Kane County Farm Bureau PLUS Status AgreementPLUS members will receive *1 FREE Pillow Pet, 1 FREE ticket for the“31 Days of Christmas” Raffle, 1 FREE ticket for the 2019 Winner’sChoice Raffle & a 10% discount on FB Country Store merchandise(excluding frozen & perishable foods).

I,____________________________, hereby apply for PLUS statusin Kane County Farm Bureau. This application is for the PLUS membership date beginning at mynext Farm Bureau dues renewal period, beginning ___ /___ /_____and ending ___ /___ /_____.Amount due: $25 Payment method: ■ cash ■ check ■ creditName: ___________________________ Birthdate: ____________

Visa/MC #______ ______ ______ ______ Exp. Date _____ /_____

CVC _________ KCFB Membership No.: 045- ________________

Address : _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Phone # __________________ EMAIL: ____________________

Signature _____________________________________________

Pillow Pet Size Preference: ■ Large ■ SmallModel (circle one):Challenger Yellow Challenger Pink OliverMassey Ferguson Red Massey Ferguson Pink

KCFB’s presence at National Night Out

Avid farm toy collector, Rodney Oxe of Batavia, stopped by the Kane County Farm Bureau with a donation of 8 highly collectible tractors of all sizes. Rodney has never owned a farm, but when he was little his great grandfather farmed on what is nowFermilab. As a kid, he went out tothe farm every chance he couldand loved his time spent there andremembers it fondly. Thank youRodney for your kindness and gen-erosity! The collection has beenadded to the toys available in theFarm Bureau’s Country Store. Saleof these and all Country Storeitems benefits the Scholarship andAgricultural Literacy programs of the not-for-profit KCFB FOUNDATION.

YF WA tour(continued from page 4)

SEPTEMBER 2018 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 7

SERVICESJim Verhaeghe & Sons, Inc. –Tree removal, tree trimming, &

stump grinding. Backhoe work &Tile Lines. Fully insured – FreeEstimates – Jim Verhaeghe Sr.Call: 847 334 5730WANTEDHelp wanted – Heavy equipmentand truck mechanic. Elburn area.Call: 630-232-6223Want to buy vintage & used tools– Also, we do cleanouts CallChris – 630 550 7182FOR SALEMcCormick Farmall H Tractor.1940’s with hay mower included.Barn stored but needs restora-tion. $850 or best offer – PlatoTownship. Call: 847-464-5783

CLASSIFIED AD RATESClassified advertising rates: 20 centsper word/$20 minimum (60 words orless). DISCOUNTS for members:Associate members, 20%; Votingmembers, 30%; PLUS members,40%. Advance payment requested.Ads due by the 15th of every monthfor the next issue. No advertising(classified or display) for financial orinsurance services will be accepted.Call 630-584-8660.

CLASSIFIED ADS

“Helping to keep America Picked up for 45 years”

Zimmerman Recycling, Inc.301 Industrial Drive, DeKalb

(815)756.8600

Kane County Farm Bureau members receive 10% discount on all service work.

Each month we honor theperson who signs the mostmembers into our organi-zation. This month, thehonor goes to FelipeRocha! Felipe has been aCOUNTRY FinancialRepresen tative since

August of 2011. His office islocated at 541 N. LakeStreet, Aurora. Thank youfor your continued support of the KaneCounty Farm Bureau andcongratulations on yoursuccess!

What’s new in theCOUNTRY agencies?

Recruiter of the Month

Felipe Rocha

Aurora Agency, Kevin Gomes,Agency Manager

Andy Johnson, FinancialRepresentative with the AuroraAgency, is our FinancialRepresentative of the Month forJuly 2018. Andy began his careerwith COUNTRY Financial inJanuary of 2012 and servicesclients out of his office locatedat: 1921 Wilson Street, Batavia,60510, (630) 907-0870.

Andy’s professionalism andvast knowledge of auto, home,life, commercial and financialproducts make him a great per-son to do business with.Congratulations, Andy! St. Charles Agency, Bob Effner,Agency Manager

DONNA TONOVITZ has

been named the FinancialRepresentative of the Month forJuly 2018 in the St.Charles/Elgin Agency, asannounced by Agency Manager,Robert J. Effner, Sr., CLF®,LUTCF. Donna has providedtangible plans for addressing theimmediate and long term insur-ance needs of her clients throughCOUNTRY Financial’s diverseproducts and services: Auto,Farm, Home, Life, Business,Retirement. Let Donna’s expert-ise help you! You may reachDonna at 630-549-7694,d o nn a . t o n ov i t z@coun t r yfinancial.com, or https://r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s . c o u n t r yfinancial.com/donna.tonovitz/.Congratulations, Donna!

N. Illinois Farm BureausGroup Travel destinations:

Chicago Cubs Spring Training, Mesa AZ(March 6-10, 2019) • DEADLINE December 1, 2018Tournament of Roses (Dec. 30, 2018-Jan 4, 2019)

Hawaiian Islands & cruise to Vancouver(April 17-29, 2019)

For costs and a detailed itinerary, contact Liz at the KCFB, 630-584-8660

Also in the works for 2019:California Wine Country & Lake Tahoe, (September, 2019)

Pacific Coast Journey, (June 22-30, 2019)

State Rep. Skillicorn tours local farmsTuesday, July 24, 2018 Kane

County and McHenry CountyFarm Bureaus converged to give 66th District StateRepresentative Allen Skillicornand district director, JulieSchmidt, farm tours in bothcounties as well as a visit toConserv FS’s Marengo farmsupply and service location. Thetour came about becauseSkillicorn expressed an interestin visiting local farms duringKCFB’s March “Lunches toLegislators” program.

The goal of the tour was tofamiliarize RepresentativeSkillicorn with local farmers andprovide a better understanding oflegislative issues that affect them.The first stop of the tour wasLuck-E Holsteins in Hampshire,a family owned dairy.

Upon arrival, Skillicorn andSchmidt were given a brief his-tory of the Engel Dairy Farm,dating back to 1968 whenDennis and Beth Engel begantheir dairy business. Now run bytheir sons Joe and Matt, Luck-EHolsteins is not just a dairy farmproviding milk. The brothersalso focus on genetics and breed-ing. Diversification is the key totheir success and longevity in theindustry.

After “suiting up” with plas-tic booties to prevent any foreignmatter from being transferredfrom the bottoms of shoes to thedairy barns, the group was readyto explore the milking barn. Joeand Matt introduced the group to

Luck-E McGucci Afro, one theirtop red Holstein cows.

While Joe talked about theiroperation, Matt demonstratedhow each cow is milked, whichstarts and ends with the uddersbeing disinfected, the milkingmachine is then attached, andthe group watched as the largemilk bucket began to fill, allwhile the cow stood comfort-ably in place. Not having grownup on a farm, Skillicorn wasvery interested in the entireprocess. Schmidt, originallyfrom a small town south ofGreen Bay, WI, loved growingup near farms where she couldvisit and help out, admittingthough that she hasn’t milked acow in ages!

Exiting the dairy barn, thegroup headed towards the calfbarn where discussions deepenedinto the current state of the dairyindustry in the U.S. and specifi-cally in Kane County, Illinois.Currently there are 680 licenseddairy herds in Illinois, 3 of thembeing in Kane County. This num-ber has been drastically reducedsine the 1950’s, when there werenearly 925,000 milk cows acrossthe state. Now each dairy aver-ages 187 cows with Engel’s oper-ation totaling 160 cows.

Because milk is highly per-ishable and the transit time fromfarm to the dairy case inyour local grocery store isonly 48 hours, Skillicornand Schmidt asked whatmore could be done locally

to ensure the dairies remainingin Kane County stay in business,amidst these tough economictimes. Joe’s suggestion, in orderto prevent a domino effect ofdairies going out of business,which affects the suppliers andvendors dependent upon theirbusiness, is to set-up micro-pro-cessing and pasteurizationplants near the dairies.Consumers want to buy local,give them local.

Lunch was next on the agen-da and then the group was off toCody’s Farm and Orchard inMarengo. A family farm thatprovides fruit and vegetableson-site as well as through road-side stand and farmers markets,Cody’s is expanding its appleorchard and constantly addingnew options for family outings,like u-pick strawberries, applesand pumpkins, a corn maze anda live nativity at Christmas time.

The last stop of the tour wasthe Marengo location of ConservFS. Conserv FS was incorporat-ed in 1928 as an agriculturalcooperative and is owned by itscustomers. This stop allowRepresentative Skillicorn to seean innovative, diversified agri-cultural cooperative and betterunderstand the needs and theimportance of those local busi-nesses serving farmers.

Photos, top to bottom:

Inside the milking barn, the group listens to Joe Engel, upper right,speak about the farm, while Matt Engel, pictured at lower right,attaches a milking machine. From L to R: Joe White, KCFB President; State Representative Allen Skillicorn; JulieSchmidt; Steve Arnold, KCFB Manager; JoeEngel; and Matt Engel, Co-operators ofLuck-E Holsteins.

Dennis Engel, pictured at left and founder ofLuck-E Holsteins, Hampshire, back in thelate 60’s, compares the current dairy indus-try to the past, speaking from experience toJoe Engel, his son, Steve Arnold andRepresentative Skillicorn.

PAGE 8 KANE COUNTY FARMER SEPTEMBER 2018

Fall Harvest& Halloween Decorations

Sales benefit the Kane County Farm Bureau FOUNDATION

Back by popular demand –beautiful fall colors of mums andother harvest season decor! Withfall right around the corner, it’stime to start thinking about deco-rating your home or business.Our Fall Harvest and Decor ationSale fundraiser with, all proceedsto benefit Ag Liter acy andScholar ship programs of theKCFB FOUNDATION, startsNOW, with “pre-sale” orders.

Choose from straw bales,corn shocks, garden mums, indi-an corn, small gourds, and allsizes of pumpkins! For yourconvenience, you can pre-orderitems a la carte, or choose atownhouse, cottage or home-stead package. Décor will start to arrive October 5 and willbe displayed on our parkway

near the entrance to KaneCounty Farm Bureau andCostco. Stop by Monday-Friday, 9:00-4:00, or use theconvenient drop-box after hoursand on weekends.

To place your order, returnthe pre-order form at left. Formore info, call 630-584-8660.Visa/MC or Discover accepted.

The MUMS are back!Fall harvest decor arrives in Oct.

Pre-sale orders being taken NOW!

Robotic milking system ‘spotted’ during Summer Ag Institute IIBy Jessica Bowgren & Marty Keltner

As a summer intern at theKane County Farm Bureau, oneof my responsibilities includedhelping our AITC (Ag-in-the-Classroom) coordinator, SuziMyers, prepare for Summer AgInstitute I and II. A lot of plan-ning and coordinating went intoeach institute and specifically,each farm visit. During SummerAg Institute II, I was fortunateenough to attend one of thesesuch visits, a local dairy farm inSt. Charles. Not far from theKane County Farm Bureauoffice, the Lenkaitis Holstein

Farm is located and has beenoperating since 1983, enjoyedby three generations. Currentlymanaged by Andy and SarahLenkaitis, the farm has 130Registered Holsteincows.

In April of 2017,the Lenkaitis’ brokeground on a new facil-ity to incorporaterobotic milkingmachines into theirdairy farm. The barnhas a varying numberof cows in it (currentlyaround 65 with growth potentialto 110) and all cows are milkedby just two robotic milkingmachines. Each robot self-cleanstwice a day; at 3am and 3pm. Therobot also connects with an appon the Lenkaitis’ phones. Thisallows Andy or Sarah to track thecows as well as receive alertsregarding any maintenance themachines might need.

Each robotic milkingmachine not only tracks itself,but it also tracks each cow usingtechnology attached to a collarshe wears, in the form of anRFID sensor. Each cow must be“detected” to determine if she iseligible to be milked. “Think ofthe collar like you’d think of aFitbit on a human, it tracks eachcow’s activities similarly to howour activities are tracked,” saidSarah. The collar tracks thecow’s resting and motion activi-ty, how much and when she has

been milked, and how much feedshe consumes. It then compilesall of the data into a program thatcan be easily viewed on a com-puter.

The processbegins with the cowentering the roboticmilking area. Next,the collar’s technolo-gy decides, based onhow many days shehas been milking, theamount of milk shegives and the time shemilked last, whether

she needs to be milked or not.After she is or isn’t milked, sheenters a sort gate where the sen-sor’s technology then decideswhere she exits. The gate canswing three ways once she is outof the milking area – to a restingarea by herself if she needs anyspecial attention from theLenkaitis’, back to the generalpopulation area, or back to themilk holding area.

The robotic milking machinesare not the only device in thebarn that is technologicallyadvanced. A “feed pushing”machine, best compared to aRoomba, moves multiple times aday to push the cows’ feed intothe bunk by following RFIDmarkers that have been placed inthe floor. With the exception ofoccasionally moving away fromthe markers, the machine workson its own to push the feedtowards the cows so they can

continue to eat. Since constructing the barn,

Andy and Sarah have added ona viewing room to watch thecows get milked. In the future,

they hope to provide tours forprivate groups, and eventually,the public so the community canexperience life on a moderndairy farm.

Shown here is the screen attachedto each robotic milking machineshowing the various data being col-lected about the cow currently inthe machine, including the amountof milk being collected. Themachine is fully automated, but canalso be manually operated.

Jessica Bowgren

egories are encouraged to apply:• Ag technologies, Agritour -ism, CSAs, farmers’ markets,food stands and food hubs;

• Farms, ranches, greenhouses,managed forests, aquaponics,cut flowers, herbs, honey andlandscape plants;

• Farm-to-table businesses;• Support services includingscouting, equipment repairand fertilizer sales;

• Value-added processingincluding yogurts, cheese andprocessed meats; and

• Wineries, breweries, cideriesand distilleries.Entrepreneurs must be Farm

Bureau members to compete.Applicants who are not FarmBureau members have untilNov. 5 to join. Visit fb.org/jointo learn about becoming a mem-ber. Detailed eligibility guide-lines, the competition timelineand profiles of past Challengewinners are available at http://fb.org/aginnovationchallenge.

Startup funds for the 2019Ag Innovation Challenge areprovided by sponsors FarmCredit, John Deere and FarmBureau Bank.

Innovation(continued from page 1)

awareness of milk consumptionand healthy eating are invited toattend.

Attendees will be asked towork together to address localhunger awareness and relief andrecommend to the Farm Bureauhow milk can be donated, and

the manner in which toapproach its acquisition andchannels of distribution.

Please RSVP by calling 630-584-8660 or emailing steve@kanecfb.com. The meeting willbe held at the Kane CountyFarm Bureau, located at 2N710Randall Road, St. Charles, IL60174. (Randall @ Oak) Lightrefreshments will be served.

Milk & hunger(continued from page 3)

The 124th Big Rock PlowingMatch will feature all the tradi-tional events you look forwardto as well as several new events.Plowman’s Park is the place tobe on Friday, September 14through Sunday, September 16.Visit www.bigrockplowing-match.com for a full schedule ofall the events; premium lists forthe Junior Fair, Ladies Fair andVegetable & Grain show; peruseprevious issues of The PlowingMatch Times; and countdown toour unique historical tribute toour agricultural heritage.

Experience the farmingscene on Saturday and Sunday.Drawing for lands will be at 9am with plowing to begin at9:30 am and trophy presentationat 4 pm on both days.

New events this year includea bags tournament from 1-4pm on Sunday, WoodenRockers on Friday from 6-9:30 pm and the Big RockFire Department and Plowing

Match Association are co-spon-soring a beer tent on Fridayfrom 5-10 pm as well as,Saturday and Sunday fromnoon-close. Returning event,“olde” time baseball will beheld Friday night at 7 pm, seewebsite for further details.

Other not-to-miss events dur-ing the weekend include thecommunity petting zoo withfarm animals, provided by localfarmers; FFA & 4-H membereducation exhibit, horse shoepit, and baked goods auction,featuring prize-winning cook-ies, candy, cakes, pies, and spe-cial mini-quilts depicting theevent. The auction is a win/win,buyers go home with awesomegoodies and a tax deduction andthe Association receives fundsto support their work.

Big Rock Plowing MatchSeptember 14-16