Spring Farm and Field

8/12/2019 Spring Farm and Field

1/16

FIELDFARM&

A Special Supplement to the Courier PressClayton County Register, and North Iowa Times

2014 Spring Inside...New program could help take

the sting out of honey bee losses

Robotic milking on displayat open house

Area farmers select their favoritecharities for $2,500 grants

Garber family receivesCentury Farm honor

Challenges facing farmerstoday and tomorrow

Regulations keep farmersmarket products safe


2/16

Page 2 Tuesday, March 18, 2014Spring Farm & Field

Features Two 16Adjustable Ridge-VentCurtains for Controlled

Air Flow 2-4 ft. Eave Openings

New ContinuousRidge Vent from

Rollomatic

Custom t to your new or existing building

Motorized or Manual OptionsHighest UV inhibitor and lock stitch stylesewing for longer curtain life

Get the full value of air quality controlcurtains at the touch of a button

minutes

CALL NOWfor free estimates on

your spring projects &beat the rush!

Weve had ourcurtains about 7

months. They are easyto use and durable.The crew had thecurtains up quick

and did a good jobof cleaning up. Weare happy with ourinvestment in the

curtains.

- Michael & SteveWagner, Monona, IA

Justminutes

away fromclosed tofully open

GROTHCONSTRUCTION &

SEPTIC SERVICE, LLC

When Quality CountsTerracing, Ponds, Waterways

Complete site prep for new homesDesign & install New Septic Systems

Time of Transfer Septic InspectionsPump Septic Tanks

563-255-2527

563-880-4040

Call Bob GrothOwner - Operator

Since 1977

New program could help take the sting out of honey bee losses

Landowners asked to consider cropland thatcan increase the states number of pollinators

Just how important are honey bee pollinators to our fruit and vegetable crops? Compare these photos of a supermarkets produce department. The picture on the left shows the department with an abun-dance of foods pollinated by bees. The picture on the right shows the same department with only products not pollinated by bees. Its a great difference. (Xerces Society photos)

By Correne MartinHoney bees were introduced into

North America in the 1620s, primarilyfor honey, until the expansion of agricul-ture. Now, beekeepers make most of theirmoney on pollination contracts and theyare critical players in specialty crop andseed production. According to the XercesSociety for Invertebrate Conservation,which partners with the Natural Resourc-es Conservation Service (NRCS), there

has been a 300 percent increase in globalcropland requiring bee pollination since1960. Today, honey bees are responsiblefor $27 billion of produce in the UnitedStates and $217 billion worldwide.

Despite these impressive numbersand the fact that Wisconsin is rankedeighth in honey production, honey beesare experiencing many problems. Farmersare being called upon to step up and takethe sting out of these issues.

Beekeepers in Wisconsin are los-ing unprecedented numbers of honeybee hives each year, due to disease, pests,

loss of habitat and pesticides, CrawfordCounty District Conservationist KarylFritsche said.

To help improve bees health, theUSDAs Natural Resources Conserva-tion Service is providing about $3 millionin technical and nancial assistance inparts of ve Midwestern states: Wiscon-sin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakotaand South Dakota. From June throughSeptember, this region of the U.S. is theresting ground for over 65 percent of the

countrys commercially managed honeybees.Many of the bees come from Texas

to summer in Wisconsin, Fritsche said.Of course there are native bees too.

The $3 million Honey Bee Pollina-tor (HBP) Eort will come from the En-vironmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP) to provide safe and diverse foodsources for honey bees. Wisconsin will re-ceive $600,000 of those grant funds. Ap-propriate cover crops and pasture man-agement can reduce erosion, increase thehealth of the soil, inhibit invasive species,and provide quality forage and habitat for

honey bees and other pollinators (as wellas habitat for wildlife). More than half ofWisconsins countiesincluding Craw-ford, Grant, Lafayette, Iowa, Richland,Vernon and La Crosseare eligible tosign up for the HBP Eort; applicationsare due by Friday, March 21.

Our role is to try to get people in-terested in providing forage, whether it

be pasture plantings or changing grazingheights, Fritsche said of the CrawfordCounty NRCS oce. We want to pro-vide enough habitat to be eective, anda good mix of habitat is important too.In Wisconsin, wed like to see 30 to 50percent just alike and white clover incor-

The loss of honey bees due to pests, diseases and other factors has been a hot topic in recent years.Farmers are being called upon to sign up for a new program, the Honey Bee Pollinator (HBP) Effort,

that is providing assistance for conservation practices that will offer safe and diverse food sources

for honey bees. Sign up by Friday, March 21, or nd out more information by contacting your localNRCS ofce.

See POLLINATORS cont. on page 15


3/16

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Spring Farm & Field Page 3Spring Farm & Field

Semi Wrecker ServiceAUTO& LIGHTTRUCKREPAIR- PLUSSEMI& TRUCKREPAIR

335645REPAIR

YOUCALL-WEHAUL! HYDRAULICHOSES

STRUTS SHOCKS

TUNE-UPS

BRAKES

TIRE

ROTATION

FREEPICKUP& DELIVERY

On-Te-

Farm ire

Service

Associated Milk

Producers, Inc.3281 40th, Arlington, IA563-933-4521 www.ampi.com

Manager, Jerry Johnson

Check out our retail

store in Arlington!Butter, Cheeses, and More!

HUGE TRACTOR, MACHINERY LAWN

& GARDEN CONSIGNMENT AUCTIONSaturday, April 26th, 2014 9:00 a.m.

This huge sale will feature 50-70tractors, 600+ pieces of machinery

and 100+ lawnmowers!

TAKING CONSIGNMENTS NOW!

For Full Sale Bill w/LateConsignments & Pics Go To:

www.EverittTractors.com

NE Iowas LargestConsignment Auction!

Joels Tractors & Auction33587 Highway 13,

Strawberry Point, IA 563-933-4188

Joel

2.2 million farms dot Americas rurallandscape. About 97 percent of U.S. farmsare operated by families individuals,family partnerships or family corpora-tions.

Farm and ranch families comprisejust 2 percent of the U.S. population.

More than 21 million Americanworkers (15 percent of the total U.S.workforce) produce, process and sell thenations food and ber.

Todays farmers produce 262 percentmore food with 2 percent fewer inputs(labor, seeds, feed, fertilizer, etc.), com-pared with 1950.

In 2010, $115 billion worth of Ameri-can agricultural products were exportedaround the world. The United States sellsmore food and ber to world marketsthan we import, creating a positive agri-cultural trade balance.

One in three U.S. farm acres is plant-ed for export.

31 percent of U.S. gross farm incomecomes directly from exports.

About 23 percent of raw U.S. farmproducts are exported each year.

Farmers and ranchers receive only 16cents out of every dollar spent on food at

Fast facts about agriculturehome and away from home. The rest goesfor costs beyond the farm gate: wagesand materials for production, processing,marketing, transportation and distribu-tion. In 1980, farmers and ranchers re-ceived 31 cents.

U.S. farm programs typically costeach American just pennies per meal andaccount for less than one-half of 1 percentof the total U.S. budget.

Americans enjoy a food supply thatabundant, aordable overall and amongthe worlds safest, thanks in large part tothe eciency and productivity of Ameri-cas farm and ranch families.

Careful stewardship by farmers hasspurred a nearly 50 percent decline in ero-sion of cropland by wind and water since1982.

Conservation tillage, a way of farm-ing that reduces erosion (soil loss) oncropland while using less energy, hasgrown from 17 percent of acreage in 1982to 63 percent today. At the same time, to-tal land used for crops declined by 15 per-cent (70 million acres).

Farmers have enrolled a total of 31million acres in the Conservation ReserveProgram to protect the environment andprovide habitat for wildlife. Since its in-ception in 1985, the program has helpedreduce soil erosion by 622 million tonsand restored more than 2 million acres of

wetlands.Farmers, ranchers and other land-

owners have installed more than 2 millionmiles of conservation buers under farmbill initiatives. Buers improve soil, airand water quality; enhance wildlife habi-tat; and create scenic landscapes.

Each year, hundreds of thousands oftrees are planted on farmland.

More than half of Americas farmersintentionally provide habitat for wildlife.Deer, moose, fowl and other species haveshown signicant population increasesfor decades.

Through the farm bill, funding isprovided to farmers and ranchers for con-servation, for programs that prevent soilerosion, preserve and restore wetlands,clean the air and water, and enhance wild-life.

Crop rotation, the practice of grow-ing dierent crops in succession on thesame land, is another way farmers takecare of the land.

For contour farming, farmers plantcrops across the slope of the land to con-serve water and protect soil.

Alternative energy sources, includingwind power and renewable fuels such asethanol and biodiesel (made from corn,soybeans and other crops) are benecialto the environment and promote energysecurity.

At Central State Bank we areserious about agriculture.

Operating, Livestock,Equipment, Real Estate and

Facility fnancing available.

Attractive Rates, Flexible Terms, Exceptional Service.Contact Rob or Ken today.

www.bankatcentral.com

Elkader Coralville Iowa City Marquette McGregor Volga Walford

Advertiser IndexDevelopment Resources of Iowa,

Inc. ..............................................2

Groth Construction & Septic

Service, LLC ...............................2

Joels Tractors & Auction ............ 3

Associated Milk Producers, Inc. . 3

Central State Bank ..................... 3

Edgewood Auto & Tire

Garnavillo Auto & Tire ................. 3

Edwards...................................... 4

Carquest .....................................4

Bunge .........................................4

Peoples State Bank .................... 5

Design Building Materials ........... 5

Nelson Hardwood Lumber .......... 5

St. Olaf Ag Sales & Service ........ 6

Prairie Solar Power & Light ........6

Lomas Electric ............................6

Elkader Veterinary Clinic ............6

Johnsons One-Stop ...................6

Prairie Sand & Gravel

Ready Mix Concrete

Prairie Excavation.......................7

Olson Feed Service ....................7

Shellys Hair Care .......................7

Rural Mutual Insurance .............. 7Shawver Well Company ............. 8

UW Extension .............................8

ProBuild ......................................8

West End Salvage ...................... 8

Tractor Supply Company ............ 9

Spahn & Rose Lumber Co..........9

Bodensteiner Implement.............9

Halpin Tire Service ................... 10

Adams Auction Service, LLC .....11

Fisk Farm...................................11

Superior Builders .......................11

State Farm ................................12

Prairie Motor Sports.................. 12

Kozelkas ..................................13

Seneca Feed Supply ................ 13Sloan Implement.......................13

FreedomBank ...........................14

Welch Excavating .....................14

C & D Construction Solutions ... 14

Edgewood Livestock

Commission, Inc. .....................14

Hammer Time ...........................14

Sut Hill ......................................15

Hoefer Custom Ag LLC.............16

Fitzgerald Inc. ...........................16


4/16


The shortest distance from harvest to market.

Over 80 years experience as a leading exporterand domestic supplier of grain.

Contact us to book your seasons grain.

BUNGE McGregor, Iowa 1-563-873-3436www.bungeservices.com

AUTO PARTS For All Your Auto, Truck & Farm Needs525 E. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI 608-326-8466 1-800-326-7332

FLEET & FARM SAVINGSPrices Valid January 26 - March 29, 2014

MULTI-USE HEAVY DUTY GROUP 31 BATTERIES

FOR ON THE FARM

Commercial Heavy Duty, Farm and Agriculture Battery Anchor Bonded Plates For Dramatically Longer Life In

High Vibrations Applications 650 Cold Cranking Amps

POWER SPORTS BATTERIES

Platinum AGM Power Sport for Personal Watercraft, Motorcycle

& ATV applications Completely Spill-Proof and Factory Activated

OIL & FILTER SPECIAL $19.99After mail-in rebate5 Qts. Pennzoil Conventional Motor Oil & 1 CarquestRed Oil FilterCarquest Red Oil Fil ter up to a $4.19 value plus $1.50 rebate.5 Qts. Pennzoil High Mileage Motor Oil & 1 Carquest Red Oil Filter $21.995 Qts. Pennzoil Full Synthetic Motor Oil & 1 Bosch Premium Oil Filter $32.99

Bak H - Trhi Spti Ssts

I-Fr Hat Ssts Watr Pup Ssts Watr Hatrs Watr Sftrs Usd Appias

EDWARDS~ Quality Since 1946 ~

PLUMBING HEATING

APPLIANCES ENGINEErING

EDWARDS PlUmBIng HeATIng APPlIAnceS

1200 S. marqutt Rd, Prairi du chi, WI 608-326-2494

gthra Ssts Furas - Birs

ctraAir cditii

Shtta Wrk Swr cai Vid Swr Ispti

cARRIeR HeATIng & coolIngFoR Any APPlIcATIon

...at Carrier, our mission is to be the firstchoice for heating, air conditioning and

refrigeration solutions worldwide.

By Ted Pennekamp

Many people may not realize it, butATVs and UTVs are much in demand foruse on farms. In fact, Andrew Berry, themanager at Prairie Motor Sports of Prai-rie du Chien, says that the store has morethan 100 Polaris and Kawasaki ATVs and

UTVs in stock that could be used on thefarm.Berry noted that Polaris Rangers and

Kawasaki Mules come in several dier-ent sizes for dierent jobs. The featuresfor these vehicles are almost endless, de-pending upon ones imagination and whata farmer might want to use the vehicle for.

Some are air cooled and some areliquid cooled. There are tracks whichcan really go well through even the deep-est snow. There are also storage boxes,gun and equipment holders, plows, andwinches for up to 6,000 pounds, andmany other features that can be added.

Theres just so many uses, said

Berry. They can go where a pickup truckcant. Berry said that ATVs and UTVsare being used for picking up and drop-ping o people in hard-to-get-to parts ofthe farm. They are also being used to haulequipment from one farm to anotherfarm that the family owns. They can beused to pickup and haul calves, and forplowing snow.

Prairie Motor Sports sells many ATVs to farmers

Manager Andrew Berry and Owner Erich Welter stand next to some of the many ATVs and UTVs offeredat Prairie Motor Sports.

A lot of farmers are remaining activeinto their 80s now, Berry pointed out.ATVs and UTVs take the wear and tearo of their legs as they move about theirfarm.

Also, when the workday is done, theycan be enjoyed for recreational use. Berrynoted that ATV and UTV routes have

sprung up in the area, most notably inGrant County. ATVs and UTVs are alsoused while hunting. Prairie Motor Sportsalso carries a brand called Argo, whichcan go anywhere including across smallponds. The Argo can power itself whileoating on water via the turning of itswheels. Berry said that up to a 9 horseoutboard motor can also be attached.

Berry noted that ATVs and UTVs aremulti-passenger and have become popu-lar for real estate agents who sell farm-land and need to transport their clientsaround a property. ATVs and UTVs aredesigned to hold two, four or six people.

Prairie Motor Sports is a top-6 dealer

and Berry said that they sell on averagetwo ATVs or UTVs per day throughoutthe year.

We have a very experienced, knowl-edgeable and easy-going sta and the bestprice every time, said Berry, who notedthat Prairie Motor Sports sells to clientswho are mostly from Wisconsin, Iowa,Minnesota and Illinois.

Right now, great spring rebates are ineect on Polaris and Kawasaki ATVs andUTVs. The best pricing is in March andApril, said Berry. Give Erich (owner Er-ich Welter) and Andrew a chance to earnyour business, and we will.

Anyone interested in nding outmore about Prairie Motor Sports cancall (608) 326-8682 or visit the website atprairiemotorsports.com. Prairie MotorSports is located at 1100 E. La Pointe St.,Prairie du Chien.


5/16


MATERIALSLET US HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS

420 N. MARQUETTE RD., PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI

(608) 326-4435 Open M-F 7:00 - 5:30; Sat 7:00 - 2:00

DESIGN BUILDING

LUMBER

TOOLS

WINDOWS

DOORS

MILLWORK

SIDING

SHINGLES

CABINETS

COUNTER TOP

TILE

CARPET

LAMINATE

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

305 E. Frederick Street

Prairie du Chien, WI

(608) 326-8456

PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR:Standing Timberand Cut Logs

NELSON

HARDWOOD

LUMBERPRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI

A R O A W OA W

A H M A CA S H

Fair Scaleand

PromptPayment

Prairie du Chien (Downtown & Riverside Square)Bagley Bloomington Boscobel Eastman

Glen Haven Guttenberg Mt. Hope Patch GroveSeneca Soldiers Grove Wauzekawww.peoplesfnancial.com

The Areas Leading Independent Bank

When You Grow.....We Grow!

We know and understand the special

needs and importance of agriculture.

Before you make any important decisions, make sure you talk to

people who really understand and care about the needs of farmers.

Call 800-280-1074 - 608-326-3500 Today!

By Pam Reinig

A $1.7 million robotic milking sys-tem, installed by an Elkader company, willbe demonstrated at a Dairy Barn OpenHouse on Thursday March 27, at the IowaDairy Center. The Center is located justsouth of the Northeast Iowa Commu-nity College (NICC)-Calmar campus on

Highway 150. NICC and the NortheastIowa Dairy Foundation are hosting theevent. A formal ribbon-cutting will startat 2:30 p.m.

Installed by Fitzgerald, Inc., Elkader,the new system is a technological ad-vancement in agriculture that, althoughprevalent on European dairy farms forover a decade, is still a fairly recent devel-opment in the U.S.

The use of robotics in dairy is notnew and has been in Europe for morethan 15 years. The technology is about veyears old in the Midwest, said NortheastIowa Dairy Foundation President GaryKregel. Robotic systems on dairy farms

are here to stay and will continue to ex-pand. This technology allows producersto spend more time and eort on man-agement and less on repetitive manuallabor. In addition, the quality of life forproducers is greatly enhanced, especiallyfor small- and medium-sized dairy opera-tions.

In an earlier interview, Mike Fitzger-ald expanded on the specic benets ofautomatic milking systems to herds andemployees.

Cows are able to set their ownschedules, he explained. With auto-mated systems, cows have the freedomto choose when they want to be milkedand how often, which reduces stress on

the animals. For employees, it providesa exible schedule and allows the farmerto spend more time managing the herd.

Robotic milking on display at open houseAutomated systems are equipped with aunique set of tools to manage both milkquality and individual cows. There arecountless data points collected on eachcow daily to help the farmer better un-derstand the health and productivity ofthe cow.

Fitzgerald Inc. is the Iowa distribu-tor for Lely Robots. NICC chose the

Lely system after receiving a competitivebid on the system.

NICC President Liang Chee Wee,praised the strong partnerships thathelped develop and install the new milk-ing system.

The location, design and construc-tion of the robotic system and facil-ity were thoughtfully planned throughinvolvement of knowledgeable dairyproducers, faculty, contractors and ven-dors, Dr. Wee said. Furthermore, twokey success factors of the system are ac-climating the dairy cows to the roboticsystem and our continuous commitmentto providing quality animal care.

According to Kregel, robotic tech-nology will keep local operations viablein the dairy industry and may increasethe number of young people that willreturn or become involved in the busi-ness. The success of dairy operationsalso contributes to the economic healthof local communities throughout north-east Iowa.

Keeping animal agriculture addsvalue to the community and adds jobsthrough processing, transportation andfeed delivery. Animal agriculture createsa market for corn and soybeans that areproduced by farmers not in the livestockbusiness, Kregel added.

Completed and installed in late

2013, the advanced robotic milking sys-tem at the center will teach students,consumers, youth and area dairy produc-

ers about advancements in dairy science.A new barn addition on the site was con-structed to accommodate the technologyand provides enhanced stall conditionsfor the dairy herd, including improvedventilation and bedding with sand foranimal comfort.

The open house will follow the DairyFoundations Annual Meeting scheduledfrom 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., with registrationstarting at 11a.m.

Iowas Dairy Center is a fully func-tioning dairy operation, and the facilityserves NICC students enrolled in DairyScience, Large Animal Veterinary Techni-cian, Pre-Veterinary Medicine and otheragricultural programs. Students gain criti-cal hands-on learning experiences with

the 300-cow herd located at the center,and the new robotic milking system willgreatly enhance the agricultural educa-tion of students who plan to begin careersin dairy science and for area consumers,FFA students and dairy producers.

Iowas Dairy Center is supported bythe Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation,a non-prot, grassroots organizationformed to prepare young men and womento operate dairy farms, provide ongoingeducation for existing dairy farmers andserve as a public educational facility.Thecenter includes an educational facilitywith classrooms and labs, a milking par-lor, free-stall barn and calf barn.

A robotic milking system will be demonstrated at a special open house Thursday, March 27, at the

Iowa Dairy Center, Calmar, Iowa.


6/16


7/16


OLSONFEED

SERVICE

FEED SEED

CHEMICALS

Seneca

608.734.3523

SERVING OUR FARMERS

BOSCOBELREADYMIX 608-375-5071

GAYSMILLSREADYMIX 608-735-4696

FERRYVILLEREADYMIX 608-734-3786

PRAIRIEDUCHIENREADYMIX 608-326-6471

PRAIRIESAND& GRAVEL 608-326-6471

Ready Mix Concretefor your:

Prairie Sand& Gravelfor your:

Sand, Gravel

& Fill

Rock

Prairie Excavationfor your:

Basement Excavation

Site Preparation

Roads

Top Soil

Crushed/Recycled Asphalt - Dust Free! Ideal for driveways or parking lots

Foundations

Feedlots

Retaining Walls

Premiums Paid Here, Stay Here To Keep Wisconsin Strong.

As the leading insurer of Wisconsin farms, we recognize that agri-business requires

special protection. After all, your farm operation is your home, your business, and a

considerable capital investment.

To protect your livelihood, call or email today and I can show you the variety of coverages

available to address all your insurance needs.

Insurance CompanyRural Mutual

www.ruralins.com

Shellys Hair Care

NEWEST

WALK-IN SALON

$10.00 MENS HAIRCUT$1.00 OffIf you know what Tailing a Cow is??

Farmers Hours:Expires before you make 1st Crop Hay 2014!Bring in Coupon Cash and Check Only803 S. Wacouta Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI

Across from St. Johns School

Before you get in the

Fields, and put Cowsout

on Pasture, Come to the

Shelly RaisbeckOwner/Stylist

Call

608-326-4148

ATTENTION FARMERS!

By Ted Pennekamp

As the spring planting season ap-

proaches, area farmers need to stop at

only one place for nearly all of their farm-ing supply needs. Indeed, the name John-sons One Stop says it all.

We have a really broad selection and

a very deep inventory, said Artie John-son, who along with his wife Debbie,

owns Johnsons One Stop Shopping Cen-ter in Seneca.

Farmers can check out that deep

inventory during the Spring Super Sale

at Johnsons One Stop from March 31through April 5. The Spring Super Sale is

geared toward farmers and oers a vastarray of farm supplies.

Artie noted that there are various

large categories of equipment and sup-

plies at Johnsons One Stop. For instance,

fencing supplies includes a variety of

posts, wire, gates and many other items.

Animal care includes medications,dairy cleaning supplies, insecticides, cat-

tle handling equipment, feeding supplies,

various types of feeders for large and

small animals, waterers, tanks, and a wide

variety of other products and tools.

Agriculture equipment includes

post hole diggers, mowers, bale handling

equipment, spraying equipment and

spraying tanks, and equipment for cut-

ting and harvesting. There is also a deep

inventory of repair parts, said Artie.

Johnsons One Stop has what farmers need

Johnsons One Stop in Seneca has a deep inventory of products and supplies that farmers need and

use every day.

Among the numerous auto shop

products are oils, lubes, batteries and

tires for farm equipment. We do mount-ing and repairing of small farm tires, said

Artie. Not too many people do that any-more.

The wide variety of tools includes

numerous hand tools, power tools, heavy

shop compressors, welders, and manymore items.

Farm-related outdoor power equip-ment is another category of items oered

at Johnsons.

Farmers may also be interested in

the full line of lumber yard products and

treated lumber for many projects that

may be done on the farm.

Not to be overlooked is the line of

work clothing and footwear.

I think we dierentiate ourselvesfrom some farm stores by our commit-

ment to what our farmers need, said

Artie, who noted that he and Debbie rep-

resent the third generation of the 75-year-old family owned business. The selectionof our products has evolved over the last

75 years by listening to what the farmers

need every day.

Johnsons One Stop is located at 134Main St., Seneca. The phone number is(608) 734-3434.


8/16


...Making a

To succeed in todays agricultural and economicclimate, farmers need to evaluate the health of theirfarm business, using strategic planning conceptsand thinking strategically about their future.

Your UW Extension ofce has the expertise andknowledge to assist you with all aspects of yourfarming operation.

difference.

Crawford County University of Wisconsin-Extension225 N. Beaumont Suite 240, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

(608) 326-0223 UWEX website http://crawford.uwex.edu

Callor

visitus!

HARVESTOREDEMOLITION

9726 Hwy. 61N Lancaster, WI 723-4523

CALL TODAY & ASK FOR JOE

Tired ofpaying

taxes on oldharvesters,stave silos

and other

buildings? Have West End Salvage tear it down.Earn money on metal Harvestores.

24411 Hwy 13 N Elkader 563-245-2515

... we provide

professional

design, great

service and quality

products.

We specialize

in residential,commercial

and agri building

construction.

Come to ProBuild

By Pam Reinig

Nestled three miles o a countyhighway near Garber, at the end of athree-mile lane in a valley near CedarCreek, sits the Clesch farm and home.Its been a family treasure since February12, 1913, when German immigrant Wil-liam Clesch purchased the land. Over

the next 100 years, the farm, which isnow 297 acres, was sold to a Clesch sonin each generation. The current owneris Williams great-grandson, Steven, whomoved to the farm with his wife, Judy,in 1993, and purchased the land from hisown dad, Richard, six years later.

Living on a farm is a constant re-ward, said Judy, a self-described citygirl who quickly fell in love with countryliving. Everyday you nd yourself look-ing out over the land and being thankfulthat you have the opportunity to be partof it. Every season has its own beautyeven this crazy winter!

The Clesch family was recognized

last August as a Century Farm, a programlaunched by the state agriculture depart-ment to honor Iowa families commit-ment to the land. (See sidebar on page10.)

Over the years, the Clesch farm hashad milk cows, beef and pigs. Corn, hayand oats have been grown there.

The look of the farm has changedsignicantly over the past century. Theoriginal farmhouse burned down in the30s. Another house was built on the siteand stood there until 2002 when Steveand Judy built their home. The barn andoutbuildings, which used to be east of thehouse, are now south of it.

Despite their obvious love for their

land, the current owners are realisticabout the current trials of family farming

The challenges come with trying tokeep the family farm alive in this timeof big operations buying up many familyfarms, Judy said. Also, the costs of main-taining a farm go up faster than the pricesa farmer is paid.

This winter has been especiallycostly, Judy continued. Feeding ani-mals extra to keep them warm during the

Garber family receives Century Farm honor

Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey, far right, was on hand last summer to honor members of the Clesch family who received Century Farm recognition.

Pictured above are Lynn Hall, Carolyn Clesch, Judy Clesch, Steve Clesch, Richard Clesch and Travis Clesch.

See CENTURY FARM cont. on page 10

Drilling For Your

Well Being All Wells Pressure Grouted State Certified Drillers Highest Standards of Construction State-of-the-Art Equipment Highly Trained and Skilled

PersonnelFREEESTIM

ATES!

1-800-568-44

49

www.ShawverWell.com

FARM HOME IRRIGATION

GEOTHERMAL MUNICIPAL

INDUSTRIAL

An Employee OwnedCorporation


9/16


GO WITH

SPAHN & ROSEFOR ANY METAL BUILDING

SPAHN & ROSE LUMBER CO.Brent Posten, Manager 1155 E. La Pointe St Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

608-326-8497 STORE HOURS:Mon. - Fri. 7:00 - 5:00, Sat. 8:00 - Noon

Tailored in Size & Design

Built To Your Needs

Painted38 Classic Rib

$2.29 LF thru Mar 29

Americas milk companies recentlylaunched the Milk Life campaign, a newmulti-million dollar campaign designed toreinforce how milks nutritional benets

can help power the potential of everyday. The campaign stems from consumerresearch which indicates that while milkis found in most U.S. refrigerators, manyAmericans dont realize its full nutritionalcontribution, especially the 8 grams ofhigh quality protein in each 8 ounce glassas well as the eight other essential nutri-ents. The campaign includes print, TV,digital advertising, consumer and retailpromotions, public relations and social

Got Milk got turnedto Milk Life

m e d i a .Consum-ers canlearn more

a t w w w .m i lk l i fe .c o mS o u r c e :D a i r yBusinessWeekly

Offers valid from February 4, 2014, until April 30, 2014. 1Financing subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial, f.s.b.; some restrictions apply, so see your dealer for complete details and other financing options. 2Get $500 off the 1 Family and 2R Series with the purchase of two John Deere or Frontier implements. 3Get $1,000 off the 3E Series with the purchase oftwo John Deere or Frontier implements. *Manufacturers estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/ED. John Deeres green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

1 FAMILY

JohnDeere.com/CompactTractors

2R SERIES

22.424.2 engine hp (16.517.8 kW)* Twin Touch Hydrostatic Transmission Standard 4-wheel drive and power steering AutoConnect Drive-over Mower Deck Available with Quik-Park Loader and John Deere backhoe

3E SERIES

24.231.7 engine hp (17.723.1 kW)*

Hydrostatic transmission

Standard 4-wheel drive

Optional iMatch Quick-Hitch

31.237.1 engine hp (2327.3 kW)*

Twin Touch Hydrostatic Transmission

Standard 4-wheel drive

Category One 3-point Hitch

0% for 60 Months1 0% for 60 Months1

PLUS $1,000 OFF IMPLEMENT BONUS3 PLUS $500 OFF IMPLEMENT BONUS2

0%FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS1

AND

IMPLEMENT

BONUS2$500 OFF

HAPPINESS IS A GOOD DEAL ON A GREAT TRACTOR.

www.bodimp.com

Cascade, IA Clermont, IA Cresco, IA Decorah, IA Dyersville, IA(563) 852-3203 (563) 423-5206 (563) 547-2152 (563) 382-2961 (563) 875-2724

Elkader, IA Monticello, IA New Hampton, IA Oelwein, IA Rowley, IA(563) 245-2470 (319) 465-3515 (641) 394-3061 (319) 283-4371 (319) 938-2222

Waukon, IA

(563) 568-3463


10/16


328 E. BLACKHAWK AVE., PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI 608-326-6488 or 800-299-6488 www.halpintire.com

Complete Tire Service

2 Fully-Equipped Farm Tire Trucks

Professionally Trained Personnel

Our Own In-House

Vulcanizing Repair Shop

Large Inventory to

Keep You Rolling

8 Year Workmanship & Material

on Radial Rear Farm Tires and

6 Years on Bias Ply Rear Farm Tires

Commercial & Ag Hydraulic Hoses

Made While You Wait!

Call For Pit Stop Service

The Halpin Tire Advantage:

AG TIRE SERVICE

Service When It Counts

Call John Austin with over 25 years

of tire repair experience.

farmers to spend more on feed and

has depleted things lie stored hay. Also,farmers have had to use extra fuel andtime to continuously clear the snow away.

Despite the challenges of farming,Judy and Steven would like to see theirfarm stay in the family. The couple hastwo children. Their daughter, NicholePlagge, left for college the year her folksmoved to the farm. Their son, Travis, livedon the farm for four years before joiningthe Army.

Travis still likes to get back often tohelp out when needed, Judy said. Traviswould love to live here and probably willin the future.

Both Clesch children live in Cedar

Rapids. Nicholes husband is Mike Plag-ge. Travis girlfr iend is Lynn Hall. Stevenand Judy have ve grandchildren.

The couple enjoys sharing their farmwith family and friends, and they nevertire of seeing the amazement spreadacross the faces of visitors as they stepinto the couples version for paradise forthe rst time. Theyve amassed a store-house of great memories, including onethat involved a group of students thatincludes many kids with little or no farmexperience.

CENTURY FARM continued from page 8

Century, Heritage farm owners encouraged toapply for recognition

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture BillNorthey encourages eligible farm own-ers to apply for the 2014 Century andHeritage Farm Program. Sponsored bythe Iowa Department of Agriculture andLand Stewardship and the Iowa FarmBureau, the program recognizes familiesthat have owned their farm for 100 years(Century Farms) and 150 years (HeritageFarms).

These awards are an opportunity torecognize the hard work and commitmentby these families that is necessary to keepa farm for 100 or 150 years, Northey said.If you consider all the challenges and un-

expected obstacles each of them wouldhave had to overcome during their life onthe farm, it gives you a greater apprecia-tion of the dedication and perseveranceof each of the families being recognized.

Applications are available on the De-partments website at www.IowaAgricul-ture.gov by clicking on the Century Farmor Heritage Farm link under Hot Top-ics. Applications may also be requestedfrom Becky Lorenz, Coordinator of theCentury and Heritage Farm Program viaphone at 515-281-3645, email at [email protected] or by writ-ing to Century or Heritage Farms Pro-

gram, Iowa Department of Agricultureand Land Stewardship, Henry A. WallaceBuilding, 502 E. 9thSt., Des Moines, IA50319.

Farm families seeking to qualify for

the Century or Heritage Farms Programmust submit an application to the De-partment no later than June 1, 2014.

The ceremony to recognize the 2014Century and Heritage Farms will be heldat the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday, August12th.

The Century Farm program began in1976 as part of the Nations BicentennialCelebration and 17,851 farms from across

Bill Northey

the state have received this recognition.Nearly 300 Clayton County farms havebeen honored. The Heritage Farm pro-gram was started in 2006, on the 30than-niversary of the Century Farm program,

and 650 farms, including 23 in ClaytonCounty, have been recognized.Century and Heritage Farm recogni-

tions at the Iowa State Fair are a great cel-ebration of Iowa agriculture and the fami-lies that care for the land and produce ourfood, Northey said. I hope eligible fam-ilies will take the time to apply and thencome to the State Fair to be recognized.

When our daughter was in college,

she belonged to the Biology Club, Judysaid. Each fall they planned an outdoorweekend. One year they came to the farmwith two awesome professors. They allhad to camp outdoors, hike through thewoods and do other biology stu withnature. But they also got to have fun.Steve took them for an evening hayridethrough the countryside. We are chili andxins and then sat around a campretoasting marshmallows and sharing sto-ries. Many of those kids had no idea howmuch fun time on the farm could be!


11/16


HELD EVERY

THURSDAYTHROUGH SPRING

SALE BEGINS AT NOONSelch Road,

Prairie du Chien

(between Nathan Plaza& WalMart)

ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE

ADAMSAUCTION

SERVICE

-ADAMSAUCTION

SERVICE

-ADAMSAUCTION

SERVICE

ADAMSAUCTION

SERVICE

-ADAMSAUCTION

SERVICE

-ADAM

SAUCTION

SERVICE

ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE, LLCRegistered Wisconsin Auctioneers: Ryan Adams #2419, Seth Adams #2420

608-513-9343 or 608-412-0550--- www.adams-sales.comHAY

AUCTION

Squares - Big & SmallRound Bales & Corn Fodder

ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE - ADAMS AUCTION SERVICE

CALL US FOR ALL YOUR AUCTION NEEDS

AND BOOK YOUR SPRING SALES NOW!

Today in remarks at the NationalFarmers Union National Convention,Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack an-nounced new and expanded eorts toconnect small- and mid-sized farmersand ranchers with USDA resources that

can help them build stronger businesses,expand to reach new and larger markets,and grow their operations.

The recent Census of Agricultureshows that there is tremendous growthpotential for small and mid-sized pro-ducers in the American agricultural land-scape, said Vilsack. USDA is taking ahard look at our existing resources to en-sure that they work for producers of allsizes. Weve adjusted policies, strength-ened programs and intensied outreachto meet the needs of small and mid-sizedproducers. These producers are critical toour countrys agricultural and economicfuture.

Eorts include improved access toUSDA resources, revised risk manage-ment tools that better t the needs ofsmaller producers, additional support forhoop houses, and expanded collection ofvaluable market news information. USDAis also introducing a series of educationtools focusing on opportunities for farm-ers engaged in local and regional food sys-tems. In addition, USDA eld sta will beboosting their outreach eorts to smalland mid-sized farmers and ranchers.

More information about tools and re-sources available to small and mid-sizedfarmers will be rolled out in the comingmonths, including information about ac-cess to capital, risk management, food

safety, and locating market opportunitieson USDAs Small and Mid-Sized FarmerResources webpage.

The new eorts announced by theSecretary today include:

ACCESS TO CAPITALChanges to the Farm Storage and Fa-

cility Loan (FSFL) Program to help smalland midsized fruit and vegetable produc-ers access the program for cold storageand related equipment like wash and packstations. Diversied and smaller fruit andvegetable producers, including Commu-nity Supported Agriculture programs,are now eligible for a waiver from the re-quirement that they carry crop insurance

or NAP coverage when they apply for aFSFL loan. FSFL can also be used to -nance hay barns and grain bins.

Funding for producers under thepopular microloan program. USDAlaunched the microloan program to allowbeginning, small and mid-sized farmers toaccess up to $35,000 in loans using a sim-plied application process. Since their de-but in 2013, USDA has issued more than4,900 microloans totaling $97 million.

Funding for hoop houses to extendthe growing season. Hoop houses providerevenue opportunities while also promot-ing conservation for small and mid-sizedfarmers. The hoop house cost share pro-gram began as a pilot in 2010. Since then,

more than 10,000 hoop houses have beencontracted. USDA will soon announcean additional $15 million for hoop housedevelopment in persistent poverty coun-ties in nineteen states as part of USDAsStrikeForce for Rural Growth and Op-portunity Initiative.

RISK MANAGEMENTDeveloping tools to help small and

midsized farmers and ranchers makesound nancial decisions as they plan fortheir future. USDA is developing a whole

USDA Announces Efforts to Expand Support forSmall and Mid-Sized Farmers and Ranchers

farm insurance policy that will bettermeet the needs of highly-diversied pro-ducers, particularly small and midsizedfruit and vegetable growers. Using newtools provided by the Farm Bill, USDAis working to reduce crop insurance costs

for beginning farmers and ranchers. Andorganic producers will benet from theelimination of a previously-required vepercent surcharge on crop insurance pre-miums.

LOCATING MARKET OPPOR-TUNITIES

USDAs Farm to School Program hasput seven new Farm to School Coordina-tors on the ground in regional oces tohelp build direct relationships betweensmall and mid-sized producers and schooldistricts. One priority area for Farm toSchool is creating more opportunities forsmall and mid-sized livestock and poultryproducers. Since 2013, USDA has invest-

ed nearly $10 million in Farm to Schoolgrants that support schools as they pur-chase from local and regional sources. Inthe 2011-2012 school year alone, schoolsspent nearly $355 million on local and re-gional food purchases.

Expanded price, volume, supply anddemand information through MarketNews. Market News is now collectingprice data on grass-fed beef to arm pro-ducers will real pricing information fromthe sector. Market News will also soonbegin collecting data about local foodprices and volume, valuable to small andmid-sized producers engaged in that mar-ketplace. Market News provides real timeprice, volume, supply, and demand infor-

mation for producers to use in makingproduction and marketing decisions. Ac-cess to timely, unbiased market informa-tion levels the playing eld for all produc-ers participating in the marketplace.

Broadened the National FarmersMarket Directory to include CSAs, on-farm stores and food hubs. This informa-tion will help small and mid-sized produc-ers nd new market opportunities. USDAwill begin collecting data to update thedirectory for the 2014 season this spring.The USDA National Farmers Market Di-rectory receives over 2 million hits annu-ally.

FOOD SAFETY

Launched pilot projects in vestates to help small and mid-sized farm-ers achieve Good Agricultural Practice(GAP) certication. GAP certicationindicates farmers have met food safety

standards required by many retail buyers.Under these pilot programs, small andmid-sized producers will be able to sharethe costs and fees associated with the cer-tication process as a group. Group GAPeorts are being developed in partnership

with small and mid-sized producer groupsin Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, Penn-sylvania and Missouri.

206 West Center St., Monona, IA 563-539-4450www.brentonbuildings.com

563-539-4450

CALL

For Your Next Dairy Project...ComeSeeUsAtTheNICCRoboticOpenBarnatIowasDairyCenterMarch27thfrom2-7pm

Make your next project BRENTON BUILT

SIOUXGATESAT EVERYDAY LOW PRICES!

Cresco 563-547-2492 Monona 563-539-2405

Hours: M-F: 7:30-5:30; Sat: 7:30-5:00; Sun: 10:00-2:00

www.skfarmandhome.com


12/16


HUGE SPRING BLOWOUT SALE!!!

WE SELL IT ALL !! NO EXTRA FEES !!POLARIS - KAWASAKI - ARGO

2014 Polaris 400Sportsman, 4x4

Only$5,099

NEW

2014 Polaris 800Ranger, 4x4, fuel injected

$9,699

NEW NEW

NEWNEW

2014 Polaris 570Sportsman, 4x4, fuel injected

$5,888

2013 Kawasaki 750Brute Force, 4x4, fuel injected

$7,354

2013 Kawasaki 750Teryx Le, camo, 4x4, fuel injected,

roof, wind

$10,174

2013 Kawasaki 750Teryx Sport, 4x4, fuel injected

$10,684

Prices only on in stock units.

When they are gone,so are these prices!

NEW

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, ILState Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, FLState Farm Lloyds, Dallas, TX

1201791

Farmingis hardwork.

Dean AchenbachInsurance Agency Inc.Dean Achenbach, Agent, 542 E. Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 Bus: 608-326-8402

Ill work hard to protect your farm and auto.

Get to a better State.Get State Farm.CALL ME TODAY.

Though farming was once big busi-ness in the United States, by 2012 lessthan 1 percent of Americans were profes-sional farmers. Many challenges face to-days farmers, many of which are largelyunknown to the general public.

Many people have an outdated viewof a farm as a small, family-owned andoperated parcel of land where livestock is

raised in open pens and crops are hand-harvested when ripe. The reality is thatmodern-day farms have had to overhauloperations to meet demand and remaincompetitively priced while adapting tothe ever-changing ways technology inl-trates all parts of life. Each of these fac-tors present obstacles for todays farmers.

TechnologyRural farming communities are ex-

pected to make an eort to integratemodern technology into an industry thathas been around for centuries. But such atransition in rural areas, where communi-cations systems may not be as up-to-dateas those in urban areas, is not always so

easy.According to the Manitoba Rural Ad-aptation Council, a shift from a resource-based to an information-based economy,compounded by the rapid introductionand expansion of new technology in theworkplace, has altered farm operationand the skills in demand. Older workerswho have been schooled in one way of ag-riculture may have a signicant impact onlabor supply and the vitality of farming asa career. Younger adults who are knowl-edgeable in technology may no longer

Challenges facing farmers today and tomorrow

Greater public awareness of agricultural challenges could help the industry in the future.

seek out agricultural careers.Decrease in farming as an occupationThe United States Environmental

Protection Agency says that only about960,000 Americans claim farming astheir principal occupation. As that gurehas dwindled, the average age of farmerscontinues to rise, as the Bureau of LaborStatistics notes that roughly 40 percent

of the farmers in this country are 55 yearsold or older. This has led to concernsabout the long-term health of familyfarms throughout the United States.

Environmental concernsMany farmers have come under

scrutiny for how farming impacts theenvironment. A growing emphasis onsustainability and conservation has ledmany people to protest certain farmingpractices. Protesters claim that certainpractices, such as raising livestock, canpollute water, while the use of fertilizersand chemical pesticides is bad for the en-vironment. Many farmers, however, havealtered their methods to be more envi-

ronmentally friendly and self-sustainablein the process.Climate change is another environ-

mental issue farmers must deal with.Strong storms and severe droughts havemade farming even more challenging.

Financial fall-outThe ongoing recession of the last

half-decade has also aected farmers. InNovember of 2012, the United StatesBureau of Labor Statistics indicated thatthe unemployment rate within the ag-

riculture, forestry, shing, and huntingindustries was at 13.6 percent, far higherthan the national unemployment rate. Asa result, many farm families have foundthemselves stuck between a rock and ahard place, as rising costs for equipmentand technology are being coupled withdecreasing prots and rising unemploy-ment.

Further complicating matters is com-petition from corporations and interna-tional food producers who have made itdi cult for family farmers to turn a sig-nicant prot. Many family farmers rely

on loans and lines of credit to survive, butthanks to changes in the nancial sectorthat saw banks become less willing to ex-tend lines of credit, some farmers are fac-ing bankruptcy.

Though it can be easy for those whodo not work in the agricultural industryto overlook the struggles facing todaysagricultural professionals, a greater un-

derstanding of those struggles and thechallenges that lay ahead can benet theindustry and its employees down theroad.

Make a smart

business move.

Advertise intheTraderReserve your advertising

space in theTraderforvaluable exposure to a wide

audience of potentialcustomers.

Reach over 25,000 households

in Southwest Wisconsin and

Northeast Iowa!

100% mail delivered free

weekly.

The Courier [email protected]

Clayton County Register563-245-1311

[email protected]

The Guttenberg Press563-252-2421

[email protected]

North Iowa Times563-873-2210

[email protected]


13/16


Downtown Prairie du Chien, WI (608) 326-6016Hours: Mon - Thurs 9 - 5:30; Fri 9 - 7; Sat 9 - 5; Sun 11 - 4

K O Z E L K A ' SMens & YOUnG Mens WeAR DRess & sPORTsWeAR

WesTeRn & WORk WeAR WOMens CAsUAl WeAR

K O Z E L K A ' S

S P R I N G W O R KS A L E

10%OFFCARHARTT

Low Sale Price

MENS & WOMENSIn Store Stock Only / Excludes Special Groups

$1000OFFWORK BOOTS

Wolverine, Georgia, Tony LamaSale Priced $79.95 to $209.95

In Store Stock Only

KEYUnwashed BlueBIB OVERALL

In Store Stock Only

$2399Bigs Slightly Higher

MARCh 20 ThRU

MARCh 30, 2014

SENECA

FEED

SUPPLY154Main

St,Hwy27,Seneca

,WI

608-734-3700

WISCONSIN,

LLC

553 Hwy 35 N, Bloomington, WI 53804 608-994-2719 1-866-519-2719

Complete Planter InspectionEvery successful harvest begins with successful planting!

Dont gamble on your yield next year.Check out Deeres Pro Max 40Vacuum Disk.

Deere & Kinze Seed Meter Inspections.Complete Tear Down, Inspection and Repair.

Add $40/row to have your meters run on our computerized test stand.

Ask About OurNo Interest, No Payment Farm Plan Program

PRE-SEASON

LAWN &

GARDEN

Tune-Up

SpecialsMake sure your mower is ready for springwith our best price on lawnmower maintenanceof the year!

Iowa Farm Bureau has collected com-monly asked questions about faming andresearched the answers. Heres a look atsome frequently asked questions fromtheir website. For more FAQs, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/public/139/news-room/faq.

Q. What are farmers doing to

protect the environment?A. A lot. The conservation practices

used by crop and livestock farmers havedrastically reduced soil erosion and keptnutrients out of our lakes and streams.Soil erosion in the U.S. has dropped byover 40 percent over the last 20 years,and seven major conservation practicesused on Iowa farms (terraces, grassed wa-terways, contour farming, contour strip-cropping, no-till, mulch-till and CRP) areestimated to remove up to 38 percent oftotal nitrogen and 58 percent of the phos-phorus that otherwise would be presentin our water.

Iowas crop farmers also lead thenation in acres devoted to grassy buerstrips in and around their elds, whichreduce soil and nutrient runo. Theyalso rank 8th in the nation in restoringfarmland acres to wetlands, through theWetland Reserve Program. Wetlands sup-ply a life-sustaining habitat for hundredsof species, buer towns and cities fromoods and storm surges and help reduceerosion.

Farming Q & AModern barns help livestock farmers

do their part to protect the environment.Livestock manure is used as a valuable,organic fertilizer for crops. The vast ma-jority of Iowa hog farmers store manurein pits, which prevents possible run-o asa result of rainfall. The more traditionalfeedlot farms of long ago were more sus-ceptible to runo during a heavy rainfall.

Responsible farmers understand theimportance of protecting our environ-ment because they raise their families onthe land. Their children drink the samewater and breathe the same air as therest of us. They also understand that weall live in a watershed and that protectingwater quality is everyones responsibility.

Sources: Field to Market, The Key-stone Center for Sustainable Agriculture,Iowa State University Center for Agri-cultural and Rural Development, IowaNRCS (US Department of Agriculture

Q. Why is it necessary to im-

prove on past and current farmingpractices?A. In order to meet the food, ber and

energy needs of a growing world whileprotecting the environment farmers willneed to continue to embrace responsibletechnology and innovation. According tothe United Nations, there are over 1 bil-lion hungry people in world right now,and farmers will have to produce 70 per-cent more food for an additional 2.3 bil-lion people by 2050. While feeding all of

those people will be a challenge, farmersare moving in the right direction. Thanksto better technology and generations ofexperience, todays American farmer pro-duces enough food in a year to feed 155people, compared to just 46 in 1960.

Sources: American Farm Bureau,United Nations

Q. How do farmers contribute totheir communities?

A. Farming isnt just a job; its a fam-ily-based lifestyle. Farmers treat theiranimals with care and respect because itsthe right thing to do; their families expectnothing less. Todays livestock farmers areinvesting more than ever before in pre-ventative care for their animals, followingthe recommendations of their veterinar-ians. Many farmers choose to raise theiranimals in modern barns, which protectthem from predators, disease, extremeclimates and each other. These barns arewarm, well-lit, and scientically designedfor the specic needs of the animal.

Q. How safe and aordable is the

food produced in the U.S.?A. The United States has the safest

and most aordable food in the world.Modern livestock barns have strict bios-ecurity (i.e. cleanliness/disease control)practices, which ensure a safer environ-ment for animals and safer food for con-sumers. According to a World HealthOrganization o cial, modern farm prac-tices including the use of connementbarns minimize disease outbreaks andthe spread of diseases from one farm toanother. Our safe food is also the mostaordable in the world thanks to theAmerican farmer. U.S. consumers spend

just 10 percent of their disposable incomeon food each year, while those in othercountries spend much more.

Sources: American Farm Bureau, U.S.Department of Agriculture

New Farm BillProvides PermanentLivestock DisasterAssistance Programs

The 2014 Farm Bill, formallyknown as the Agricultural Act of 2014,makes the Livestock Forage Program(LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Pro-gram (LIP) permanent programs andprovides retroactive authority to cov-er eligible losses back to Oct. 1, 2011.

LFP provides compensation toeligible producers who suered graz-ing losses due to drought and re.LIP provides compensation to live-stock producers who suered live-stock death losses in excess of normalmortality due to adverse weather andattacks by animals reintroduced intothe wild by the Federal Governmentor protected by Federal law, includingwolves and avian predators.

USDA is determined to make im-plementing the livestock disaster pro-

grams a top priority and plans to openprogram enrollment by April 15, 2014.

As USDA begins implementingthe livestock disaster assistance pro-grams, producers should record allpertinent information of natural di-saster consequences, including:

Documentation of the numberand kind of livestock that have died,supplemented if possible by photo-graphs or video records of ownershipand losses

Dates of death supported bybirth recordings or purchase receipts

Costs of transporting livestockto safer grounds or to move animals tonew pastures

Feed purchases if supplies orgrazing pastures are destroyed

Crop records, including seedand fertilizer purchases, planting andproduction records

Pictures of on-farm storage fa-cilities that were destroyed by wind orood waters

Evidence of damaged farm land.

Many producers still have ques-tions. USDA is in the process of in-terpreting Farm Bill program regula-tions. Additional information will beprovided once the enrollment periodis announced. In the meantime, pro-

ducers can review the LIP and LFPFact Sheets. Thanks for your patienceas USDA works diligently to put FarmBill programs into action to benetthe farmers and ranchers of ruralAmerica.


14/16


Welch ExcavatingKevin Welch 608-792-2770

Nathan Welch 563-880-857221305 Hwy. 18, Monona IA

Serving thetri-state area

Farm Drainage & Terraces

Trenching Trucking

Dozer & Backhoe Excavation

Waterways/Ponds Grubbing

Winter can be tough on Iowas treesand shrubs. Low temperatures, rapid tem-perature changes, winter desiccation andthe weight of ice and snow can damagevulnerable trees and shrubs. Horticultur-ists with Iowa State University Extensionand Outreach answer homeowner ques-tions about the eect this winters frigidtemperatures on landscape plants.

Eects on Fruit TreesThe cold temperatures may have

damaged peach and sweet cherry trees.Peach trees are not reliably cold hardy inmuch of Iowa. Temperatures below -18F will destroy the ower buds on peachtrees.

Temperatures of -25 F or below maydamage or destroy the peach trees them-selves. The ower buds on sweet cherriesare slightly more cold-hardy than thoseon peaches. The ower buds on somesweet cherry cultivars can survive tem-peratures of -20 F.

Iowa gardeners should expect poorcrops on peaches and sweet cherries this

Plants Affected by Frigid Temperaturessummer. It also is possible that the treesthemselves may have been damaged.Damage may vary from dieback of twigsand branches to complete death. On abrighter note, the cold winter tempera-tures should not have damaged apples,pears and sour (tart) cherries.

Eects on Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs that are native to

Iowa (or similar regions of the world) arewell adapted to our climate and shouldhave suered little or no damage. How-ever, marginally hardy plants, such as Jap-anese maple (Acer palmatum), oweringdogwood (Cornus orida) and Japaneseowering cherry (Prunus serrulata) mayhave sustained damage. (The maximumcold hardiness of most Japanese maple,owering dogwood and Japanese ow-ering cherry cultivars is -20 F.) Damagemay vary from the dieback of twigs andbranches to complete death of the tree.

This winters cold temperatures alsomay have destroyed the ower buds onowering quince (Chaenomeles spp.) and

some forsythia cultivars. Temperatures of-20 F or below likely destroyed the owerbuds on owering quince and LynwoodGold and Spring Glory (two popularforsythia cultivars). As a result, theseshrubs likely will produce few, if any, ow-ers in spring. Fortunately, the cold tem-peratures should not have any long termeects on the shrubs. The leaf buds on

owering quince and forsythia are hardierthan their ower buds. The shrubs shouldleaf out normally in spring.

This winters cold temperaturesshould have little impact on the ower-ing of forsythia cultivars Meadowlarkand Northern Sun. The ower buds ofMeadowlark and Northern Sun can tol-erate temperatures to -30 F.

Deer DamageThis winters prolonged period of

snow cover has deprived deer of food onthe ground. As a result, deer have beenfeeding on trees and shrubs in woodlands,windbreaks and home landscapes. Amongevergreens, arborvitae and yews are most

A career in agriculture can proverichly rewarding. While its common toenvision overalls and tractors when imag-ining careers in agriculture, the opportu-nities to work in the agriculture industrystretch beyond the farm and into the cor-porate world. The following are a few ofthe paths men and women with a passionfor agriculture can pursue.

* Business: Agriculture is big busi-ness, and the industry has many oppor-tunities for those who want to pursue acareer in business. Farmers and producersof agricultural products need someoneto draft contracts for their agreements

susceptible to browsing by deer in winter.The extent of damage to the lower

portions of the arborvitae will be deter-mined by the presence or absence of buds(growing points). If buds are present, thelower branches will produce new growthin spring. The new growth should be ap-parent by early summer. The lower por-tions of the arborvitae will remain bareand likely never develop new growth if nobuds are present.

Agricultural career opportunities aboundwith the large corporations who distrib-ute those products. In addition, purchas-ing agents and agricultural nanciers arejust two of the many career opportunitiesthat enable men and women to work onthe business side of agriculture.

* Social service: The agricultural in-dustry also has positions of social ser-vice. In addition to food inspector, whoensures agricultural products are safe forhuman consumption, social service po-sitions within the agricultural industryinclude environmental consultant andconservation ocer. Men and womencan also work to develop programs that

encourage youngsters to pursue careers inthe agricultural industry.

* Production: Of course, the agricul-tural industry has a host of careers forthose who want to get their hands dirty.Farms need to be plowed, seeds must beplanted and fertilized and farms need tobe well maintained to continue operatingeciently and eectively.

EdgewoodLivestock

Commission, Inc.Barn 563-928-6612

Jerry Maker Cell 563-920-9500

www.edgewoodlivestock.com

Every Tuesday

Hay Sale 11 am

All Classes

Livestock 12:30

HAMMERTIME

Houses

Shops Remodels

Additions

4 ft. Walls

Driveways

Sidewalks Steps

Decorative

Concrete

Steven BroghammerManchester, IA

AG & RESIDENTIAL

563-608-5562

Construction & Concrete

The Tradition Continues... New Construction Light Industrial Concrete Foundations & Floors Siding Roofing

WeWillGo

100

MILESToSave

ABarn!

C & D Construction SolutionsDyersville, IA In Business Since 1977Call Randy for a FREE Estimate at 563-599-6422

337682

* Education: Those who want toshare their love of agriculture with otherscan put their skills to work in the class-room. Agricultural instructors can trainthe next generation of agriculture profes-sionals at the university or high schoollevel, ensuring todays farms are left ingood hands tomorrow.

Elkader

563-245-2522

Monona

563-539-2015

Postville

563-864-7441

Stop in and visit with one ofour loan offi cers today.

Farmers, spring is just around the corner and its

time to think about the spring planting season.

Whether you are in need of financingfor crops or equipment, the team atFreedomBank is ready to assist you.Our rates are competitive and ourdecisions are local. Let the people thatknow you assist you with all your financialneeds.


15/16


The nursery rhyme does not state,Old MacDonald had a farm and on thisfarm there was a bunch of dangerousthings. But maybe it should?

Farmers perform an essential service,providing food and other products that

consumers commonly take for granted.The inner workings of a farm are some-thing to treat with respect. Most of thefamilies who live and work on a farm un-derstand the potential hazards of suchan environment. However, individualsvisiting a farm may be unaware of thesedangers. Understanding farm safety helpskeep everyone safe.

According to the organization KidsHealth, the age groups at greatest risk forinjury on farms are children ages 3 to 4and teenagers ages 13 to 14. Most injuriescan be prevented, though, with a littleeducation and precautionary measures.

Machinery

There are many dierent forms ofmachinery on a farm to help keep it work-ing eciently. These items can pose seri-ous safety risks. Although tractors are thetype of farm equipment that causes themost injuries, some adults still think it issafe to allow children to ride along.

Injuries that may result from farmmachinery include pinching of clothingor parts of the body, where a person maybecome trapped in the gears or compo-nents of equipment; cuts from equipmentthat shears crops; bruising or cuts fromprojectiles thrown by mowers or othereld equipment; and crushing or trappinginjuries from machinery that falls or tipsover.

AnimalsPart of the excitement of visiting a

farm is seeing and petting the animals. Al-though many animals may be docile anddomesticated, they can still be unpredict-able. Animals that are startled by yellingor loud noises also may become restless

Safety essential whenvisiting a farm

and dangerous.Children should understand that ani-

mals may unintentionally cause injuries.It may be in a horses defense mechanismto kick when it is scared. To avoid suchinjuries, never approach animals from be-

hind. Also, when baby animals are pres-ent, a female may be protective of herbrood and go on the defensive.

Another inadvertent injury that mayoccur is from bacteria or viruses from theanimals. Animal feces may contain bacte-ria, and there may be other microorgan-isms on the animals themselves. It is asmart idea to always wash your hands af-ter handling a farm animal to prevent thespread of disease.

Here are some other precautions thatcan be taken when visiting a farm.

* Dont allow children to wanderaround unsupervised.

* Rides on farm equipment should be

discouraged.* Before starting machinery, op-erators should locate children and otherguests and clear them from the work area.

* Dont allow children near machin-ery.

* Children under the age of 16 shouldnot be allowed to operate any farm ve-hicles.

* Watch for hand tools or otherequipment, and keep children away fromthem.

* Do not touch animals unless a farmworker allows it. Then follow his or herinstructions.

* Dont provoke farm animals or at-tempt to startle them.

* Supervise children around ponds,feeding troughs or manure lagoons. Itonly takes a few inches of water to pose adrowning risk.

Farms are interesting places to visit,especially for children. Safety should al-ways be a priority when visiting a farm.

-porated into pasture plantings. But somefarmers might just want to put the bees ina hay strip or a meadow.

According to Fritsche, producers par-ticipating in this program will pay around

25 percent of the costs. She pointed outthat participation is voluntary and can bespecic to the farmers needs and particu-lar seasons.

Another key role the conservationservice oces are playing in the HBP Ef-fort is to discuss drift management andreduced-risk pesticide practices with allcontracting landowners.

Its critical to protect habitat plant-ings from pesticides. Were encouraging a125- to 150-foot buer for insecticide ap-plications to reduce drift.

Thanks to problems such as pests,insecticides, poor nutrition, loss of habi-tat and diseases and pathogens, there hasbeen a 50 percent decline in managed

hives since 1950, and a 70 to 100 percentdecline in feral colonies.

One of the most serious problemsthreatening honey bees has been ColonyCollapse Disorder (CCD)a phenome-non in which worker bees from a beehiveor European honey bee colony abruptlydisappear. In 2006-2007, about 25 percentof beekeeping operations in the countrylost an average of 45 percent of hives.

Of course Im not familiar with ev-ery producer in the county, but I know of

only one whose been able to keep his beesalive in the county recently, Fritschesaid, noting that the losses have been dueto CCD.

Many major U.S. crops depend on

honey bees for pollination, such as alfalfaseed, almonds, apples, avocados, blueber-ries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries,cucumbers, honeydew, kiwi fruit, pears,plums, sunowers, vegetable seeds andwatermelon. Consumers would have lessthan half the current produce choices ifbee-pollinated fruits and vegetables werenot available on the market, according tothe Xerces Society.

Bees are extremely important topollinating the crops that produce ourfood supply. They are very importantto our rural ecosystem as well, Fritscheadded.

The practices associated with im-proving honey bee health not only sup-

port honey bees, but also native bees andpollinators, benecial insects that sup-port pest management, breaking croppest cycles, water quality and soil tilth,reduced wind erosion, wildlife habitat,reduced weed pressure, managing salineseeps and more.

Landowners interested in signing upfor the Honey Bee Pollinator Eort cancontact Karyl Fritsche at 326-7179, ext.109, or [email protected] tosign up.

POLLINATORS continued from page 2

Need Some

Reliable Helpwith the

Chores?Check out our Special Pricing at our website

www.suthill.com

Sale ends March 31, 2014

Visit Our Website atwww.suthill.com

Hwy 18/35 SPrairie du Chien, WI

608-326-8400

800-326-4309

2012 Ford F150 XLTCrewcab 4x4

Only 18,200 one owner miles

$29,999

2013 Ford F150 XLTSupercab 4x4

Loaded, one owner with only18,400 miles

$28,589

2012 Dodge RAM 1500Crew Cab 4x4

Hemi & just 7,200 one owner miles

$27,991

2011 Chevy 1500 SilveradoCrew LT 4x4

Nicely equipped, one ownerwith only 27,000 miles

$29,575

2011 Dodge RAM 1500Outdoorsman Crew 4x4

Loaded, one owner with32,300 miles

$28,894

2010 Ford F350 Crew CabDually Diesel

Newish one owner with only 24,100miles...None better at any price!

$35,950

2011 Ford F150 SupercabLariat 4x4

Nice one owner with 59,200adult miles.

$26,441

2011 GMC 1500 SLTCrew 4x4

Leather, loaded & only 24,700one owner miles

$32,440

2011 Chevy 1500 ExtendedLTZ 4x4

Hard loaded top of the line & only11,900 one owner miles

$32,771

2008 Dodge RAM 1500Reg Cab 4x4

V8 with full power, one owner,75,900 miles

$14,997

2000 Dodge Ram 1500Quad Cab 4x4

Nicely equipped and priced to sell.

$8,965

2006 Ford F250 R/C DieselJust 200 miles, TWO HUNDRED,

Verified history since new

$19,950

2004 Ford F150Supercab 4x4

Nice older truck, not rusty,lots of miles

$6,999

2004 Dodge RAM 1500Quad Cab 4x4

Hemi, one gentleman owner,just 35,900 miles

$18,229

2003 Ford F150 XLTCrew Cab 4x4

Nice clean well equipped,94,300 miles

$12,997


16/16


Quality Dairy Equipment& Supplies

FITZGERALD INC

For more information call or email [email protected]

Milking Systems

Cooling Systems

Milking Equipment Parts

Pumps & Coolers Cleaners & Stalls

Lely AstronautA4 Robotic

Milking System

By Audrey Posten

With more and more consumers in-

terested in buying fresh, local products,

farmers markets are more popular than

ever. According to a national count of

farmers market directory listings by the

United States Department of Agricul-

ture, between 2008 and 2013 the numberof farmers markets nearly doubled, going

from 4,685 to 8,144. In Iowa alone thereare over 200, including markets in Mar-quette, McGregor, Monona, Elkader and

Guttenberg.

Although some local markets fea-ture non-perishable items and crafts likesoap, jewelry and handmade signs, items

like fresh produce, baked goods and oth-er foodstus are one of the major draws.However, vendors cant just sell whatever

they want, how they want. There are reg-ulations on the products sold at farmers

markets, and some things cannot be sold

without appropriate licensing from local,state or federal authorities.

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be

sold without a license as long as they are

whole and uncut, with an emphasis on

uncut.

Katrina Moyna manages the FridayNight Live Farmers Market at the Drift-less Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette

and recently welcomed James Romer and

Sherri Sigwarth with the Iowa Depart-

ment of Inspections and Appeals to speak

about farmers market rules and regula-

tions.

Regulations keep farmers market products safe

Arlys Denning selected some cherry tomatoes last summer at the Friday Night Live Farmers Market at

the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre. Vendors can sell fresh fruits and vegetables without a license, but

the produce must remain whole and uncut.

They specically targeted greens,Moyna said, mentioning that recalls of

spinach and other salad greens around

the country have forced the preventative

measures.

Moyna said kale, whose popular-

ity has bloomed within the past year, is

a good example. While selling the kale

plant whole and uncut is ne, Moyna saidvendors would not be allowed to sell kale

chips.

Other products that can be sold

without a license include fresh shell eggs

(as long as they are kept at 45 degrees orbelow) and honey.

Bakery products can be sold without

a license as long as they are not poten-tially hazardous, meaning they do not

require temperature control. Items such

as breads, cakes, doughnuts, pastries,

buns, rolls, cookies, biscuits and pies can

be sold. Soft pies and cream - or custard-lled products cannot be sold without

obtaining a license.Some home-made products, like

jams and jellies, candies and dried noo-dles, are accepted. However, according

to Iowas farmers market requirements

from the Inspections and Appeals Food

and Consumer Safety Bureau, no home

style canned goods can be sold at farm-

ers markets, since food in a hermetically

sealed container shall be obtained from a

licensed food processing plant.

Other potentially hazardous food

products that require temperature con-

trols, such as meat, poultry and dairy

products, must also be licensed.

There are labeling requirements as

well. All food must be labeled with the

foods common name, along with the

name and address of the person who

prepared the food. Allergen informa-

tion must also be declared, especially if

products contain major allergens such as

peanuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, sh, crus-

taceans, tree nuts or wheat.

To apply for a license to sell poten-

tially hazardous foods, obtain the form atwww.iafarmersmarkets.org/uploads/Farmer_s_Market__FM_.pdf.

Note that a separate license is re-

quired for each county in which the

vendor sells food and that the license is

only valid at farmers markets. If a vendor

simultaneously operates more than one

stand, a separate license is required for

each unit.

Will Do Custom Farm Work

Custom Disk Ripping

Custom AnhydrousApplications

GPS Controlled

Custom

Planting

HoeferCustom Ag LLC

Spring Farm and Field

Documents

Transcript of Spring Farm and Field