Western Acres - April 2013 by Acres Midwest

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LINDA MOODY/Advocate photo

Named this year’s Friends of 4-H were, from left, Steve Mehaffie, Linda Manos (with husband Gary) and Krista Fourman.

4-H program kicks off with recognition event Linda Moody lmoody@civitasmedia.com

what’s inside this month

GREENVILLE - The Darke County 4H Recognition and Kickoff netted many awards to 4-Hers and the general public when “Blast Off With 4-H” took off at the All Seasons Place recently. Cheryl Leugers, president of the Darke County 4-H Committee, stood in for Rhonda Williams, who was unable to attend because of another commitment. The Darke County 4-H Committee recognized advisers and certain guests, the honor clubs and county medal winners for 2012. Presented awards were 2013 Friends of the 4-H, I Dare You honors, the outstanding officer books and 4H leadership and achievement awards. Recipients of the Friends of 4-H were Steve Mehaffie, Linda Manos and Krista Fourman, while the I Dare You awards went to Emily Walters, a junior at Ansonia High School, and Tommy Shaw, a junior at Greenville High School. The Friends of 4-H award had its beginnings in 1984 to publicly honor and thank those individuals, businesses and groups that have supported Darke County 4-H over a period of years, and selection for the I Dare You award is based on excellence in character, balanced personal achievement, initiative and integrity in leadership. Outstanding Officer Books for 2012 were presented to the following 4-H

members: (Secretar y) Deanna Langenkamp, Kater ri Schmitm e y e r, Cour tney Rose, P a u l Schlecty and Angel Elsner; (historian) Ashley Byerly, Kylie Miller, Morgan Heitkamp, Molly Hunt, Riley Hollinger, Wyatt King, Isabelle Littlefield and Kara Hollinger; (reporter) Tiffany Byerly, Rebekah Ramey, Natalie Wuebker, Hanna Rice and Kylie Miller; and (treasurer) Amber Metzner, Kaitlyn Strait, Megan Bergman, Brittany Black, Sarah Carroll, Rachel Kremer and Melinda Meiring. Honor clubs are those who have gone above and beyond regular 4-H club activities each year, with levels including gold (plaque and $25), silver ($20) and bronze ($15). Named gold clubs and the kickoff were Ansonia 4-H, Ansonia Animal, Blue Angels, Canine Capers, Darke County Beef, Darke County Holstein, Friendly Farmers, Genesis, Grade A Kids, Joyful Jets, Osgood Jolly 4-Hers, Paws-A-Tive Attitude, Pets ‘N Partners,

2 National sheep sale heading to Eaton

Silver Hoofs and Swine Koolers. The 2012 Clubs of Dist i n ct i on are Canine Cap e r s , Genesis, Paws-A-Tive Attitude and Silver Hoofs. Each received a certificate and $25. Leadership awards were presented to Kelsi Amspaugh, Christian Chalmers, Megan Bergman, Nicole Williams, Rebecca Denniston, Macy Dirksen, Edward Saunders, Andrea Barga, Andy Hayes, Kennedy Morris, Jenny Lange, Lucas Chrisman, Emily Beisner, Rachel Shellhaas, John Fischer, Lucas King, Katerri Schmitmeyer, Brittany Martin, Bryant Fox, Rachel Hedrick, Logan Moody, Hannah Barga, Hannah Cloyd, Shelby Rock, Craig Poeppelman, Maddie Kirkpatrick, Katelyn Goettemoeller, Jordan Hull, Lizzie Hart and Leah Hiestand. Recipients of the achievement awards were: Chelsea Martin, Sheyla Lutz, Cassie Parsons, Kelsey Burchett, Masen Rich, McKayla Hess, Christopher Bucklew, Olivia Wright, Briana Jarrett, Isaac Smith, Craig Poeppelman, Matthew Ditmer, Erika Jeffers, Luke Shellhaas, Abby

3 Open house offers educational evening

Helmke, Paige Lavy, Amanda Winner, Elizabeth Livingston, Reese Whittaker, Olivia Pohlman, Kayla Young, Zoe Harter, Lauren Heitkamp, Matthew Williams, Brent Sherman, Kaitlyn Strait, Kelsey Crandall, Logan Penny, Chelsea Skidmore and Noah Elleman. The 2012 county medal winners were: Maddie Kirkpatrick in clothing and textiles; Ben Hayes, computer technology; Melinda Meiring and Faith Wilker, consumer and family sciences; Megan Rismiller and Kyle Wuebker, dairy; Hannah Cloyd, Lauren Heitkamp and Shelby Hyre, dogs; Victoria Wuebker, electricity; Morgan Heitkamp and Cassie Parsons, food and nutrition; Natalie Wuebker, gardening and horticulture; Ashley Byerly and Brittany Harter, horses; Andy Hayes, Cameron Bucklew and Reganne O’Connor, outdoor education; Courtney Bucklew and Craig Poeppelman, personal development; Kurt Meiring, photography; Hayley Maher, public speaking; Tiffany Byerly and Jennifer Teegarden, rabbits; Brad and Matt Slyder, sheep; Chris Bucklew, visual arts; and Jarrod and Nathan Wagner, wood science. Prior to door prizes being handed out, the tenure of 4-H volunteers was recognized.

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14 Out with the cold, in with the warm

2A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

4-H volunteers honored at recognition, kick-off Linda Moody lmoody@civitasmedia.com

GREENVILLE - Numerous volunteers were honored at the recent Darke County 4-H Recognition and KickOff at All Seasons Place. These volunteers donate their time to the 4-H program. According to the program, “We estimate that the average annual time commitment of a 4-H volunteer is 100 hours. According to the Independent Sector, the estimated dollar value of volunteer time for 2012 was $21.79 per hour. This means that the volunteer time given by our county 4-H volunteers is equivalent to $522,960. Than you for your time and dedication to the youth of our county. The following were honored: ■ One year: Amy Addis, Malinda Berry, Sandra Bey, Janelle and Jason Brinksneader, Justin Crews, Velvet Grow, Cherolet Hutcheson, Rob Klosterman, Patricia Meiring, Jaimes Miller, Lisa Mueller, Amy and David Shellhaas, Gina Trobridge, Tangela Weimer, Brenda Weiss and Mary Westgerdes. ■ Two years: Matthew Aultman, Amy Baker, Angela Barnes, Eric Cook Sr., Rachel Denniston, Marlene Dirksen, Rita Gilroy, Tia Grilliot, Audrey Hathaway, Nicole Hiestand, Miranda Knight, Doug and Tina McCallister, Jennifer Mertz, Betsy Petitjean, Jennifer Richards, Melinda Roberts, Tracy Roberts, Sarah Rock and Brittany Voke. ■ Three years: Dana and Terry Allread, Susan Anderson, Kristine Barlage, James Dirksen, Michele Hyre, Lori Linebaugh, Matthew Marker, Heidi May, Meredith Smith, Angel Strobel and Debra Ward. ■ Four years: Kelly Barga, Julia Byrne, Nancy Dean, Amy and Michael Denlinger, Shannon Langston, Jason Manning, Amanda Morris, Mark Riegle, Duane and Sheila Scholl and Kathy Walters. ■ Five years: Sarah Dirksen, Michele Dunn, John and Melissa Foureman, Douglas Hesson, Lucinda Ledbetter,

Aimee Nelson, Ashlie Rutschilling, Julia Slyder, Amber Smith and Sarah Wuebker. ■ Six years: Daniel Arling, Pamela Beisner, Joyce Byerly, Ashley Carrier, Tiny Colby, Michael and Rachel Fearon, Jodi Gilroy, Kenneth Greer, Shannon Hayes, Deanna Hunt, Sherrie Kirkpatrick, Ronald Lange, Cynthia, Denise and Eugene Mayo, Tracie Miller, Apolonio Perez, Janice Rex, Gary and Kristi Spille, Kristen Stanley, Michael Stump, Kelli Swank, Susanne Westfall and Alan Wuebker. ■ Seven years: Paula Allen, Amanda Behee, Sally Dean, LeeAnn Hagerty, Sherry Hesson, Mark Karnehm, Aaron and Becky King, Debbie Metzner, Melinda Murphy and Debra Pollic. ■ Eight years: Kathleen Baker, Rhonda Draper, Marilyn Morrison, Christina Nardini, Susan Peele, Michele Phillippi, Elisabeth Rausch, Nicole Stout, Shawn Thobe and Sandra Welker. ■ Nine years: Karla Bashore, Carolyn and Charles Brant, Tiffany Dickey, Kendra Hess, Patricia Hunt, Patrick Neill, Connie and Delores Thobe and Darren Young. ■ Ten years: Janice Arling, Jodi Davison, Eric Epperly, Carrie Hiestand, Wanda Lange, Darrell and Karen Leis, Jerry Miller, Sharon Pitzen, Lisa Poeppelman, Diane Pohlman, Peggy Ristau and Angie Young. ■ Eleven years: Andria Haworth, Beth Israel, David Miller, Dorothy Poeppelman, Kelly Smith, Chris and Melanie Stikeleather, Bill Stocksdale, Charles and Vickie Wilcox and Laura Wintrow. ■ Twelve years: Richard Bashore, Vickie Blair, Heather Fourman, Josh Hanes, Gary Knick, Aaron Kruckeberg, Gary Manos, Lisa Mayo, Mary Neill, Amy Rismiller, Richard Schwieterman, Jessie Smith, Angie Sowers and Karen and Russell Troutwine. ■ Thirteen years: Michelle Enicks, Anita Hart and Trudy Snyder. ■ Fourteen years: Steve Beanblossom, Angela Parker, Elaine Rismiller and Kelly Stump.’

■ Fifteen years: Kimberly Amspaugh, Patty and Robert Bunger, RaeJean Collins, Joedy Deeter, Terry Holman, James McDade and Lonnie and Susan Voke. ■ Sixteen years: Mike Cole, Kathryn Fleming, Jennifer McCans and Chris Trobridge. ■ Seventeen years: Tammy Leugers and Linda Manos. ■ Eighteen years: Dale Dircksen, Krista Fourman, Faye Harman, Sharon Harpest, Barbara and Kenneth Mertz, Russell Rex, Brian and Rachel Rismiller and Edward Swank. ■ Nineteen years: Timothy Blair and Amy Hanes. ■ Twenty years: Bob Briner and Jennifer Crandall. ■ Twenty-one years: Rebecca Baker, Holly Besecker, Kim Hershey and Naomi LeValley. ■ Twenty-two years: Marian Eley, Teresa Hollinger, Luann Mann, Barb Potter and Connie Rhoades. ■ Twenty-three years: Irene Rismiller and Susan Swank. ■ Twenty-four years: Sharon Fourman. ■ Twenty-five years: Kathleen Ditmer, Linda and Mike Fourman, Belinda Rismiller and Ralph and Ruth Scholl. ■ Twenty-six years: Ron Scammahorn. ■ Twenty-seven years: Alan Gessler and Dixie Sonner. ■ Twenty-eight years: Karen Stanley. ■ Twenty-nine years: Bruce Hunt and Cheryl Leugers. ■ Thirty years: Joann Duncan. ■ Thirty-one years: Gary Goettemoeller and Andrea Lange. ■ Thirty-three years: Karen Gessler, Pam Hunt, Nancy Linebaugh, Cindy Pierson, Donald Robison and Faith Smith. ■ Thirty-five years: Sharon Linder and Tim Rhoades. ■ Forty years: Debra Richard. ■ Forty-eight years: Karen Meier Linda Moody is the features editor at The Daily Advocate in Greenville

National sheep sale heading to Eaton Ryan Peverly rpeverly@civitasmedia.com Seven leading breeds of sheep have chosen the state of Ohio to host their 2013 National Sales, inculding one show in Preble County. Southdowns, Corriedales, Shropshires, and Natural Colored sheep will be offered for sale during the Big Ohio Sale Weekend, Thursday-Saturday, May 9-11 at the Preble County Fairgrounds in Eaton. “We’ve been fortunate to have this show here in Preble County the last six or seven years,” said Duane Grimme, Preble County Fairgrounds Manager. “It brings in people from probably 38-40 states, there’s 9001,000 head of sheep, and it brings a lot of money to Preble County. It’s a big deal. And it’s rewarding for the county. It’s the best kept secret in Preble County, and probably one of the largest events held here on the fairgrounds other than the county fair.” The three-day event will see approximately 900 head of sheep representing 11 different breeds sell to buyers. In addition to Corriedales, Shropshires, Southdowns, and Natural Colored sheep, Cheviots, Oxfords, Dorpers, Montadales, Hampshires, Suffolks and Wether Sires and Dams will also be sold. Most breeds will offer special Futurity nominated ewe lambs and yearling in their classes for sale. The timing of the event sets before every National, 4H, FFA and junior show ownership deadline. Tunis, Border Leicesters and Romneys have chosen to hold their National Sales in conjunction with the Great Lakes Sale held Saturday and Sunday, May 2526, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster. The Great Lakes Sheep and Wool Festival also that weekend on the fairgrounds is an excellent backdrop for those three breeds plus 17 other breeds of sheep that

sell in Wooster, according to event organizers. The Eastern Regional Rambouillet and Merino Sales will also be held that weekend as well as strong offerings of Cheviots, Colurnbias, Finnsheep, Icelandics, Hampshires, Lincolns, Polled Dorsets, Natural Coloreds, Montadales, Polypays, Shropshires, Suffolks. Targhees, Wether Sires and Dams and Club Lambs. Over 300 head will be sold at Wooster as well as new and used sheep equipment, fleeces and crafts. “Enthusiasm for purebred sheep is high and the state of Ohio sets midway between East Coast and Western Cornbelt breeders who represent the biggest numbers of purebred breeders in the nation,” said Greg Deakin, Sale Manager at both events. “To have the trust of the leadership of seven different breeds pick Ohio for their National Sales gives potential buyers the confidence to attend the sales and be of-

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4-H open house offers educational evening Linda Moody lmoody@civitasmedia.com GREENVILLE — On the heels of the recent Darke County 4-H Recognition and Kick-Off, 18 clubs availed themselves recently when their respective members and advisers gathered in the Youth Building at the fairgrounds to let possible recruits know about the 4-H open house. Each participating club had tables and booths set up with all kinds of information (and in some cases, animals) to share with those in attendance. Approximately 80 visitors had the opportunity to check out the club displays and talk to current 4-H members and advisers about what 4-H has to offer. 4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s nonformal, educational program for youth. Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age 5 and is enrolled in kindergarten as of Jan. 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program). Participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is 8 years of age and enrolled in third grade as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Ohio 4H membership ends Dec. 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19. Boys and girls enrolled in 4-H have educational and fun experiences with their friends at meetings, social activities, tours, 4-H camp and the county fair. They learn by actually doing interesting things, such as taking care of animals, cake decorating, community ser vice activities and cleaning up the environment. In 2012, there were 1,212 youth enrolled in the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program. More than 240 adults provided leadership for these youth. 4-H offers more than 200 projects in a variety of subject matter. Youth can learn specific skills such as sewing, cooking, child care, animal care and gardening, as well as improve their leadership and communication skills. For more information on the 4-H program, visit the website at http://darke.osu.edu, and click on the link for 4-H Youth Development. For additional information about the Ohio 4-H program, visit www.ohio4h.org. Anyone interested or know of anyone else who would be interested in becoming a member of the Darke County 4-H Youth Development Program, contact the OSU Extension Office at 603 Wagner Ave., Greenville; call (937) 548-5212 or email emailwilliams.418@osu.edu.

LINDA MOODY/Advocate photo

Sandy and Bob Finkbine brought their grandchildren to the 4-H open house and are shown here checking out information at the Genesis 4-H Club’s table.

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Rick Gump and his son, Jordan, check out the makings of a dog at the 4-Paw 4-H Club’s table and is assisted by 4-H Club member Christian Chalmers.

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4A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Why a goat? ‘I just fell in love with it’ says Loudon Goat farmer never expected to be … a goat farmer By CARLY TAMBORSKI ctamborski@civitasmedia.com

Every farmer takes a different path into the world of agriculture. While some go into farming because their parents did, others participated in 4-H or the local FFA programs and go on to have careers in the agriculture industry. To most, the idea of farming puts images of large scale operations and sun-upto-sun-down hours of sweaty labor into their minds. Rarely is it thought of as a hobby or done so successfully on the side. Those who want to ease into the industry should take a lesson from Susan Loudon, a goat farmer just south of Georgetown. Loudon, now in her 50s, never expected she would one day be a goat farmer. But when you see a baby goat, it’s hard to turn away. “I fell in love with it,” Loudon said of why she brought home her first goat. She and her husband Keith have two sons, now 37 and 34, who became highly involved in 4-H during their youth. It all started in 1989. “The boys wanted to get into 4-H and they wanted sheep,” Loudon said. “So we went to Carol Saner’s and got sheep. When we were there I fell in love with a goat that she had, so I brought it home and it’s expanded from there.” Loudon grew up in Georgetown, graduated from Georgetown High School, and lived in town until she married Keith in 1975. They met in high school, as many couples in Brown County do. “My husband and I raised the boys in town, and then we moved out here about 15 years ago,” Loudon said. Initially, the goats were all dairy, but the Loudons rarely milked them. “We didn’t make milk products,” Loudon said. “We never milked, if we did milk it was just for fun to make a pie or ice cream with it.” And they did it by hand. But for the most part, the Loudon boys used the dairy goats for their 4-H projects with a few organizations, including the Georgetown Hooves and Halters. Eventually, they moved on from sheep. “The boys just lost interest,” Loudon said. “They started raising goats and they got into cattle, too.” And eventually, the Nubian dairy goats started breeding. “We just started breeding them and we had little kids,” Loudon said. “Then we decided to go more into the meat goats because we weren’t milking our dairies, so we’ve had meat goats ever since.” Since 1995, the Loudon farm has been all meat-goat. The Loudons prefer to raise Boer goats. The Boer buck was used to breed the dairy goats, and the operation has grown from one to almost 40 goats. “Right now we have nine does, we have 20 babies that have been born since Jan. 20, we have nine yearling does and one buck,” Loudon said. “Yearling” means they were born last year at this time. Out of the 20 babies, 13 bucks were born. The baby bucks are referred to as “market weathers,” meaning castrated males. “Those will all be sold for 4-H projects within the next couple months,” Loudon said. “And then our baby does that we have, we’ll decide which ones we want to keep for replenishing our herd.” The Loudons used Artificial Insemination for a while but got out of it when it became too time consuming. Luckily, the job was just as easily accomplished by letting the Boer buck mingle with the does for a few weeks. “Usually we put them out in the field together,” Loudon said. “I leave him in for at least five or six weeks and then we take him back out, but he usually does his job in about 10-12 days. And he was a young

CARLY TAMBORSKI/Advocate photo

Susan Loudon bottle feeds a newly born goat. buck this year — he was only six months old when we used him.” Loudon can tell which goats are pregnant due to their size. “They get very huge,” she said. Because of the timing of the fair projects, the Loudons try to schedule the breeding to align with fair clients. “It takes five months for them to have their babies,” Loudon said. “We usually don’t breed until Labor Day weekend — that puts us to having Feb. 1 babies — but my buck jumped the fence this year.” 4-H clients have to get their goats by early summer. “Usually by the end of April and first of May they’ll be coming to pick out their goats and they have to have them in their possession by June 1,” Loudon said. “Then they keep them and feed them out for the fair.” “They’ll come and pick them up and take them to their farm or house, and they’ll have a pen for them,” Loudon said. “Usually with a goat, you play with it, you run it and get muscles built up on them.” The lifespan of a Boer goat is usually 10-12 years. In September, students will take the market weathers to the fair, show them, and then sell them through the fair sale. And when their 4-H customers do well at the fair, the Loudons benefit as well. “We benefit if they place first in their class or get grand champion, and that comes back reflecting on our herd, that we have good stock,” Loudon explained. And the goats have won many times. In fact, Loudon has a nephew in 4-H who got first place in two of his classes. “He was very excited,” Loudon said. “We’ve had grand champion four or five times over the years.” Although the Loudons do not slaugh-

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ter their goats, many are eventually used for their meat through the fair sale. “The goats that go for 4-H, the kids understand that they have a terminated project and that they’re raising this for somebody to eat down the line,” Loudon said. “For us to sell to a meat producer, no, we don’t do that. We have a tremendous amount of calls — people wanting to get started in the goat herd, or who want does, and we’ve provided several does for people to get started.” As for the does, they try to sell them and advertise them for sale, which keeps business pretty steady. “We usually don’t have a problem getting any of them sold,” Loudon said. “We do keep some of our little does. Those will be used to replace anything in our herd that we don’t feel is good enough any longer.” But not everything in the process was so easy. “When I first got into this, yes, it was very hard to see them go,” Loudon said.

“But you kind of get it in your head that you’ve got to let them go because you would have so many animals that you couldn’t take care of all of them.” Except for the time when they used artificial insemination, the Loudons use no technology in their goat farming. Their 44-acre farm was part of Keith Loudon’s childhood farm. When his parents passed away, it was divided between him and his brother. Keith and Susan Loudon took one side of the road while Keith’s brother has the other side. An average day on the Loudon goat farm is much different than a cattle operation. “For me, the goats are small, they’re easier for me to handle, where cattle are larger and they sometimes scare me,” Loudon laughed. In the mornings it takes about half an hour to do all the feeding. “We have three little bottle babies so that takes a little bit more time,” Loudon said. “And then my husband works second shift so when he gets up in the morning, he goes to the barn and does all the watering and taking out of the hay, and then I have another half hour to 45 minutes in the evening of feeding and taking care of them.” The feed is about 16 percent protein, and is corn and oat-based. The Loudons have one big barn and one smaller barn that they call their “kidding shed.” For Susan, the most stressful parts of goat farming exist shortly before mothers have their kids. “The hardest part is when they get ready to kid and the weather is so cold,” Loudon said. “We have to be at the barn a lot, and we have an intercom system so we can listen for the babies being born and get there and get them dried off so they don’t freeze.” When the goats have their babies, the Loudons place them in the kidding shed to watch them, to make sure that they’re nursing and to make sure that their mothers are stabilized and doing well. Another stress are the changes in the industry, especially the rising cost of materials. “The feed is very expensive, the price just keeps going up,” Loudon said. “And then you have to increase the price of your goats and you hate doing that to the kids in 4-H because you want to give them a chance.” But there is a big payoff. “My favorite part’s when you go to feed them and you get to watch the babies jump around in the pen and play on their mommies,” Loudon said. “Goats have such a sweet personality and they love to be played with. The more attention they get the more they want.” Susan Loudon doesn’t know how long she’ll stay in the goat business, but recommends goat farming as a great way to farm on a smaller scale, especially if those who are interested in it already have primary careers. Car ly Tambo rski is a r epor ter for th e N e w s D e m o c r a t a n d R i p le y B e e , lo cat ed in Br own Co unt y

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 5A

Farmers urged to look past cows and view farming as a business BY MELANIE YINGST myingst@civitasmedia.com

PIQUA - Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer encouraged the audience at last month’s 8th House District Farm Forum to look past the cows, the chickens and the implements of the family farm and look at their livelihoods as a business. He encouraged listeners to stay involved in the legislative process that affects their daily operations. Schafer was keynote speaker at the 22nd annual forum in March 2. He served as the 29th Secretary of Agriculture under President George W. Bush from 2008 to 2009. For 22 consecutive years, U.S. Rep. John Boehner, now Speaker of the House, has hosted the Farm Forum, and invites agriculture industry leaders to discuss ideas and changes in the industry in the state, nation and world. More than 250 people gathered at the event held at Edison State Community College in Piqua. Schafer said he wanted to talk “business” with the “great agricultural audience.” “Today’s farmers and ranchers are really running high-tech, cutting edge businesses that are competing in a global market place,” he said. “And I want you to know how important that is for our country today.” According to his statistics, 90 percent of the 70,000 or more Ohio farms are family-owned and operated, Schafer told the audience. “It’s a family business that really is the foundation of our country,” he said. “More than the Farm Bill, your lives are affected by our national policies on tax and on regulations.” Schafer listed tax increases, increasing deficit spending, huge national debt is threatening families “very existence.” Schafer commended the audience for their attendance at the annual Farm Forum “to show you care about your community and your nation and what you can do to help.” Schafer shared how being from North Dakota was “great these days” despite its quiet, cold location on the border of Canada or as he called it, “The Gateway to the Arctic.” Schafer said North Dakota has the lowest unem-

LUKE GRONNEBERG/SDNphoto

TAKING PART in the Ohio Farm Forum are (l-r) Michael Scuse of the United States Dept. of Agriculture, John Campbell of Ag Processing, Inc., Jerry Flint of Biotech Affairs and Regulatory Pioneer and William Hoffman, of National Corn Growers Association.

ployment rate and a $2 Billion government surplus, highest state for income growth and recently named one of the “best run states in the nation.” Schafer said it has been a partnership of energy and agriculture that has boosted North Dakota’s economy, including the oil boom Schafer said North Dakota has gone from 18th to the second largest producer of oil in the U.S. when the state surpassed California and Alaska and only behind Texas as largest oil producing states at the end of 2012. North Dakota has been producing oil from the Bakken formation in late 2008. “North Dakota isn’t the only state with natural and abundant resources available — most states do,” Schafer said. Schafer outlined what initiatives helped move his state to the top of the lists in not only oil production, but the low unemployment rates and a $2 Billion rainy day fund for the state. “Of course I think it was good government in the 1990s,” he jokingly refereed to his term as North Dakota governor from 1992-2000. Schafer said it took years of reducing government spending, cut taxes and eliminate regulations to provide an arena for businesses and farms and ranches

could invest in the state of North Dakota. “That spurred the economy and allowed the economy to move forward which increased revenues,” he said. “So by reducing our costs — reducing the costs of government, reducing the cost to you — we actually gained more revenues that we were about to spend on the health, education and safety of our people.” Schafer said he shared North Dakota’s success with Ohio’s agriculture leaders because “as agriculture experts, I think you are fully aware that more than a Farm Bill, your lives are impacted by what you do in government with tax and regulation.” Schafer encouraged all attendees to be active in communicating their family farm’s “business” needs to local, state and national legislators and to voice their opinions to their organizations such as Farm Bureaus. Schafer joked with Boehner “had one of the toughest jobs on the planet” and kidded that many of the attendees would like to teach the Speaker of the House how to “herd a little bit.” “They know how to herd cows, and sheep and things,” Schafer said, turning to Boehner. “They want you to know how to herd a third of Republicans for a caucus — obviously that’s a more difficult job these days; that’s like herding cats.” Ohio’s 8th Congressional District is one of Ohio’s largest agricultural districts with more than 5,400 farms on nearly 1 million acres. This year’s discussion covered international trade, food security, and biotechnology led by panelists Michael Scuse, USDA Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Ag Services; John Campbell, senior vice president with the Ag Processing Inc. cooperative; Jerry Flint, with Pioneer, and Bill Hoffman with the National Corn Grower Association. The panel was moderated by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Zehringer. Currently, Schafer serves on public and private corporate boards of directors and holds leadership positions in foundations and trade associations.He is a former governor of North Dakota. M e l a ni e Y i ng st w r i t e s f o r t h e T r o y D ai l y N e w s

Clean water is everyone’s business Ohio farmers commit $1 million to phosphorus research study every farm and every watershed.” Equipment has been placed in strategic locations at the edge of farm fields throughout the state to collect continuous and extensive data. OSU scientists will examine previous water quality studies, collect new data and provide farmers the information they need to make the right decisions for the environment and their farms. Farmer and agricultural organizations that have provided funding for the research include Ohio Corn Marketing Program, the Ohio Soybean Council, Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program, The Andersons, Deerfield Farm Services, DuPont Pioneer, Luckey Farmers Cooperative, Nachurs, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Paulding County Farm Bureau, Schlessman Seeds, Trupointe Cooperative and the United Soybean Board. To date, all funding partners have committed over $1 million to support the project. In 2012, the initial research funding was matched when OSU received a Conservation Innovation Grant of $999,987 from USDA. “While this research project will provide tools for farmers, it’s important to remember there are multiple sources that contribute to the water quality problem that are beyond farmers’ control, including private septic systems, urban

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storm runoff, industrial pollution and municipal waste from failed sewer systems,” said Mark Thomas, Ohio farmer from Stark County. “Ohio’s corn, soybean and wheat farmers are dedicated to doing their part to improve Ohio’s waterways because clean water is everyone’s business.” About The Ohio Corn Marketing Program The Ohio Corn Marketing Program was approved by an affirmative vote of Ohio’s corn producers. The voluntary, self-help program allows for the collection of a half cent-per-bushel assessment by all first purchasers of the grain. Funds from the program can only be invested for research, market development, education and promotion purposes. Visit www.ohiocorn.org for more information. About Ohio Soybean Council Headquartered in Worthington, the

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COLUMBUS – While many factors and sources affect water quality, Ohio corn, soybean and wheat farmers want to be part of the solution and do their part to maintain and improve the health of Ohio’s waterways. Ohio farmers share the same environmental priorities as their fellow citizens and are committed to doing the right thing for their farms, their families and all Ohioans. As a result, farmers and other agricultural organizations are investing over $1 million to commission a study to investigate phosphorus use in farming. This three-year project, led by The Ohio State University (OSU), OSU Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), will determine how phosphorus is used in agriculture, how it leaves farm fields and how much of it is actually entering Ohio waterways. How phosphorus moves from fields to waterways has never before been explored in such detail in Ohio. “Farmers have answered the call to address water quality challenges in the past and they are committed to do so again,” said Terry McClure, Ohio farmer from Paulding County. “However, the issues we face with phosphorus today are different than those in the past. That is why research is a vital part of developing the necessary tools for every region,

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Family Fun Night showcases 4-H opportunities Jesse Witt jwitt@civitasmedia.com Families had their fair share of food, games, and prizes at the 4-H â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Fun Nightâ&#x20AC;? on Feb. 19, at Bruner Arena. The Preble County 4-H program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Fun Nightâ&#x20AC;? showcased all of the opportunities available within 4-H community clubs from raising live stock and pets to cooking, sewing and many more clubs and hobbies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For people that are interested in joining 4-H, it (Family Fun Night) was an opportunity for them to visit with clubs and see what projects are available,â&#x20AC;? said 4-H Advisor Christy Millhouse. â&#x20AC;&#x153; The Preble County 4-H program offers 46 different community clubs in all parts of the county. In 2012, there were more than 755 members enrolled in community clubs. Children can get involved with 4-H as early as kindergarten in their Cloverbuds program. Most other 4-H clubs start for children entering the third grade. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the biggest misconceptions of 4-H is that it is only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;farm kids,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Millhouse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is where it started, that is where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots are, but today it really is for any youth. 4-H is youth development, whether they live in the city or town or in the country or on a farm.â&#x20AC;? The Preble County 4-H program offers clubs and projects working with everything from robotics and small engines, raising domestic animals of all sorts, learning to cook and sow, and many more opportunities. The 4-H youth development program is offered through Ohio State University Extension. OSU Extension brings the research and knowledge of The Ohio State University to communities throughout Ohio. 4-H is funded at the county level through national, state and local dollars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are particularly grateful for the support of the Preble County commissioners,â&#x20AC;? said Millhouse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through their financial support, 4-H is able to serve the youth of Preble County.â&#x20AC;? 4-H also relies on adult volunteers to directly work with the youth in our communities. These volunteers give countless hours to be sure that our Preble County youth are learning valuable life skills through their involvement in 4-H. The 4-H Program continues to look for ways to reach all youth of the county not just â&#x20AC;&#x153;farm kids.â&#x20AC;? To learn more about 4-H programs, activities and volunteer opportunities, contact the Ohio State University Extension Office at (937) 456-8174 for a list of clubs accepting new members or to find answers to questions about 4-H. There is always the opportunity for new clubs to be formed in the county and new volunteers and members to be a part of the program.

Food, fun and games was only a small part of the 4-H â&#x20AC;&#x153;Family Fun Nightâ&#x20AC;? held at Bruner Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 19. The Preble County 4-H community clubs took the opportunity to share what their club has to offer and the benefits of being a 4-H member.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 7A

Farmers gearing up to plant the valuable ‘golden crop’ BY STEPHANI DUFF

pressure, and yield reduction are generally bigger concerns linked TROY - As the winter chill fades with early planting.” and April takes hold, people begin Clark and Watters explained to prepare their houses and land- how crop insurance works when it scaping for a spring spruce-up of comes to planting too early. sorts. At the same time, farmers “Crop insurance coverage in west central Ohio are getting starts April 5th for corn so that ready to plant the golden crop. would be the earliest farmers Corn is one of the earliest crops could plant if they want the guarto be put in the ground – some- antee of crop insurance coverage. times as early as the beginning of If farmers choose to plant before April. April 5th, insurance won’t cover Recently a local Miami County any loss uncured.” farmer explained the planning When it comes to planting part of planting this particular acreage to corn versus another crop. crop, Clark explains it comes “Crop planning for the next down to input prices compared to year often starts at the end of the what you can raise and the decide current year’s harvest,” Brent what you might make more on. Clark explained. “Fertilizer deciWatters seconds that thought sions are always key in this saying, “It’s about economics process; mostly; we you need make more Number of acres to look at g r o s s planted to corn in 2012 variety semoney on ACRES lection and COUNTY corn, but 78,800 which pop- Auglaize the input Champaign 91,900 ulations costs are Clark 67,100 work the Logan high.” 78,700 best. You Miami B o t h 80,600 also need Shelby Clark and 78,400 to look into Wa t t e r s herbicides agree the to use for weed control.” important role corn plays in WestHarold Watters, Extension ern Ohio. Field Agronomist, also mentioned “With the Cargill Plant, ethanol that final preparations on equip- plants and agricultural use, corn is ment set up is done in the begin- extremely important in western ning of April. Ohio,” explained Clark. This may include planter mainWatters agrees: “It is perhaps tenance,” he explained, “if farmers the number one crop in generahave acquired new tools or preci- tion of money and it is most cersion planting tools for the planter, tainly number one in bushels sprayer, or tillage, they will get produced.” those items set up.” The accompanying chart illusAlthough early April planting is trates the number of acres put to possible, there are some risks in corn last season in west central planting too soon. Ohio counties. For more informa“Cold soil temperatures are one tion on the statistics, or answers of the biggest concerns with plant- to agriculture related questions, ing too early,” explained Clark, go online to the National Agricul“this prevents the seeds from tural Statistics Service (NASS) at emerging at the same time – it will www.nass.usda.gov. cause them to emerge unevenly.” S t e p h a ni D uf f w r i t e s f o r t h e Watters also included, “Slow T r o y D ai l y N e w s germination, insect and disease

ANTHONY WEBER/TDN photo

SOON MANY farmers will be doing what Jim Johnson of Miami County is doing here - gassing up the tractor in order to plant fields to corn.

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8A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Regional sustainability topic of TVCT annual meeting Eddie Mowen Jr. emowen@civitasmedia.com

According to Director Larry Frimerman, an upbeat crowd of 115 supporters was moved by the keynote remarks made by Green Umbrella’s Brewster Rhoads sharing their successes in public-private partnerships at the Three Valley Conser vation Trust’s 19th Annual Meeting. Rhoads spoke of the effort to establish the Greater Cincinnati area “as a national environmental sustainability mecca.” The annual meeting was held at Miami University’s Marcum Conference Center Feb. 9. Rhoads, the Executive Director of Green Umbrella, a greater Cincinnati regional sustainability coalition, capped off a brief, but heartwarming evening of collective triumph and vision, Frimerman said. Rhoads complimented the work of the Three Valley Conservation Trust in conser ving land and streams and thanked the group for its participation in the regional coalition as significant steps in helping the cause. The Trust also presented the sixth annual Wallace I. Edwards Conser vationist award to Frank E House, the donor of the organization’s first major conser vation easement, former longtime board member, and former board chair, for his many accomplishments. The Three Valley Conser vation Trust honored other conser vationists as well as House. According to information released by Frimerman, these awardees included “retiring trust board member Peg Schear, outgoing board chair (but remaining on the board) Dolph Greenberg, for superlative guidance and heavy lifting, as well as Calvin Conrad, Roger Millar, and Marlene Hoffman for their leadership and fundraising in the purchase and protection of the Mill Race property in Oxford Township. Greenberg recognized

Executive Director Larr y Frimerman for being named Ohio Farmland Preservation Ambassador. In addition, TVCT recognized the contributions of Monitoring Coordinator Lois Nelson, departed Office Manager Mar y Glasmeier, Auction Co-chairs Valerie Edwards Elliott and Marlene Hoffman, chef extraordinaires Ann Geddes and Frank House, Annual Meeting assistants Liz Woedl, Marcia Schlichter, Judy Waldron, Jane Flueckiger, Steve Gordon, the Edwards family, and others. “Newly elected to the Three Valley Board of Trustees are Jackie Guckian, Germantown, environmental scientist with Ohio EPA, Charles Ford, Oxford, a businessman and sustainable habitat consultant, and Eric Sauer, Dayton, a Leed-certified landscape architect. “New board officers were elected as well. Calvin Conrad as Board Chair, Amy Leedy 1st Vice Chair, Marlene Hoffman 2nd Vice Chair, Roger Millar as Treasurer, and Robert Thurston as Secretary. “In addition, TVCT easement donors Robert Fenwick and Carl Hesselbrock shared short, inspiring moments about why they protected their 9 acre and 1000 acre Morgan Twp., Butler County properties that they love with Three Valley. Fenwick and the Hesselbrocks are among the 129 easement donors

who have stepped up to forever protect properties covering 16,600 acres of ground with the Three Valley Conservation Trust in the Trust’s watersheds. “TVCT Chair Dolph Greenberg summarized the group’s 2012 accomplishments, highlighted by achievement of national accreditation status, the purchase and preservation of the Fr yman Mill Race property, and including 15 properties permanently protected by conser vation easement, covering 2250 acres of habitat and farmland. The nonprofit land trust also raised more funds for operations than its expenses for the fifth straight year. “Executive Director Larr y Frimerman shared the group’s plan for the coming year, focusing on meeting its continuing land conser vation obligations such as monitoring all of its easements, closing the many easements in the pipeline, and cutting back on the number of new properties it can work with to address the backlog. “Robert Thurston’s financial remarks

recognized significant gains in land protection passthrough grants and stewardship endowment. “The Marcum Center meal was complimented by music donated by David Nolin, Five Rivers Metroparks.” The Three Valley Conser vation Trust (TVCT) is a non-profit membership based land trust organization that partners with people and communities to conser ve the natural environment and the area’s cultural heritage in its ser vice area for future generations. TVCT conser ves farms, forests and streams by helping willing landowners and governmental agencies to conserve their lands through conservation easements and help inform communities and developers on ways of preser ving stream corridors, open space and farmland. The Trust annually monitors these conservation easements to ensure that the donor’s and the public’s conser vation values are forever protected. For more information, call 513524-2150 or visit its website at www.3vct.org. E d di e M o w e n J r. i s t h e e d i t o r o f T h e R e gi s t er- H er a ld i n Ea t on .

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 9A

Wildlife habitat workshops offer guidance for land management Consultation, funding sources provided Patricia Ann Speelman pspeelman@civitasmedia.com NEWPORT — More than 100 people attended the first of a series of workshops March 14 to learn about wildlife habitat formation. The West Central Wildlife Habitat Workshop Series meeting, at the Newport Sportsman’s Club Shelby County, included presentations by representatives of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Ohio State University Extension, West Central Ohio Land Conser vancy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser vice Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the Natural Resources Conser vation Ser vice. Future workshops have been planned to furnish specific details about grasslands, this summer; woodlands, this fall; and wetlands, invasive species and woodland edges, throughout 2014. These will include classroom periods and field trips. While the introductor y workshop was free, the attendees of following sessions will be charged a fee to participate. The over view of land management for wildlife habitat presented during the workshop included Power Point slides and table displays of materials published and distributed by the presenters and other supporting partners, including Pheasants Forever Inc. and Soil and Water Conser vation Districts in several western Ohio counties. The workshops were developed for landowners in Auglaize, Mercer, Darke, Shelby, Miami, Montgomer y and Preble counties. Presenters told attendees that land owners can get free consultations from them about how to manage their land for wildlife preser vation and attraction. They also listed several sources of funding that is available to support such management. Marne Titchenell, of the OSU Extension, spoke about why species preservation is important. “Hunting, with no limits on black bears, otters, beavers, and habitat

change in the early 1900s in Ohio wiped out many of these animals. What did we learn? Wildlife is a non-renewable resource,” she said. “We must manage (land) for the needs of wildlife. So, there are season dates and bag limits (for hunters). If we’re going to remove forst lands, we need to do something to replace it.” Titchenell discussed how land owners can attract wildlife to their properties by providing what wildlife most needs: cover, food, water and space. Those needs are unique to specific species, so the first thing owners must do is decide what types of wildlife they want to attract. “What resources do you have on your property?” she asked. John Kaiser, assistant wildlife management supervisor with the ODNR Divison of Wildlife, showed slides of various habitats from area acreages. “Grass alone is not as desirable a habitat as grass with wild flowers,” he said. “Sometimes you get shrubs and woody plants that you want to control, with a controlled burning or herbicides. Ground-nesting birds don’t like thatch. The more diversity in plant species, the more different typs of wildlife you’ll attract,” he said. Donnie Knight, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, discussed a particular project that involved clearing a wooded area to create a wetland. “Wetlands attract the most species,” Kaiser said. “Wetland construction is not complicated. One of the keys to wetland conser vation is controlling the water level. You’ve got to make sure there’s drainage.” The speakers also addressed invasive species control, forest succession and vernal pools. “If the forest is in a young stage, you’ll attract different species from old forest,” Titchenell said. “In Ohio, we’ve lost early successional habitat.” According to Jim Bennett, district conser vationalist with the Natural Resources Conser vation Ser vice, there are fewer and fewer vernal pools in Ohio. The pools, which don’t support fish because they dr y up each year, are

TODD B. ACKER/SDN photo

Marne Titchenell, OSU Extension program specialist, leads discussion on wildlife at a March workshop held in Shelby County. This was the first of a series of such events designed to educate landowners on managing their property to benefit wildlife.

important for frogs and salamanders. Conser vancy. He discussed land trusts “You should protect these pools,” and how the donation of land to a trust Bennett said, “because you really do assures the land’s maintenance in perharm when you drain one of them.” petuity. When someone consults with a land To close the program, land owners owner, the consultant will go through Ted Ruchty, of New Weston, Calvin four major steps, said Diana Malas, pri- Hall, of Waynesville, and Denny Monvate lands wildlife biologist with nin, of Russia, talked about wildlife ODNR: habitat projects they have already in1. What do you want to attract and stituted on their properties. For more information, contact Kaiser what do you want to discourage? 2. Property assessment: What’s the at John.Kaiser@dnr.state.oh.us or (937) 372-9261. current status? 3. How to achieve the goals. P a t r i c i a A n n S p e el m a n w r i t e s fo r 4. What funding assistance and techth e Si d n e y D ai l y N e w s nical assistance is available? Funding and in-kind assistance is available, including payments for putting conservation easements on the property, said Bill Roshak, president of the Featuring brands that you know and trust... West Central Ohio Land

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10A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Backyard chicken flocks on the rise Ryan Carpe rcarpe@civitasmedia.com DARKE COUNTY – In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of those who want to raise their own backyard chicken flock. Now, as the popularity of chicken ownership continues to increase across the country, more families are raising poultry in support of the local food movement and to conserve costs at the supermarket. As a testament to the “hobby’s” popularity, the No. 1 backyard chicken website, www.backyardchickens.com, boasts more than 160,000 chicken owners who contribute 6,000 posts a day. And raising chickens, both commercially and as family supplement, shows only signs of increasing. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the nation’s egg production during the year ending November 30, 2012 totaled 92.9 billion eggs, which was up one percent from 2011. In December, the total number of chickens in the U.S. was 456 million birds, up two percent from last year. The total value of all chickens in the United States in December of 2012 was estimated at $1.85 billion, which was up

nine percent from 2011, according to the USDA. That may be due to the fact that the U.S. poultry industry is the world’s largest producer, and the second-largest exporter of poultry meat. According to the USDA, U.S. consumption of poultry meat is considerably higher than beef or pork, but less than total red meat consumption. Almost 18 percent of the total poultry production in the U.S. is exported to other countries. Unlike commercial poultry farms, people in residential areas who keep chickens as pets tend to keep a small number of chickens, and often treat them as family pets. And raising chickens has many added benefits. To start, instead of attracting insects, they eat them. Chickens prey on many types of bugs, including disease carrying mosquitoes and ticks. They also eat slugs that would otherwise harm garden crops, and fly larvae (maggots) before they can grow up as adult flies. Chicken manure is also one of the most capable natural fertilizers, which puts essential nutrients back into soil. Backyard hens are potentially one of the most local sources of fertilizer available, and without adding any transportation

Contest extends deadline REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture today announced it will be extending the deadline for the 2013 “Agriculture is Cool!” Creative Expressions contest. Ohio children enrolled in school or home schooled during the 2012-2013 academic year have until May 15, 2013, to capture their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win prizes including Ohio State Fair concert tickets. Entries, which can include an original video, photograph, drawing, or painting, will be judged in the following age categories. One winner from each age group and category will be chosen: Grades K-2: Photography, Drawing or Painting Grades 3-5: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting Grades 6-8: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting

Grades 9-12: Video, Photography, Drawing or Painting All entries will be judged by a panel of judges that may include representatives from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Governor, the Ohio Expo Center, and professionals in the areas of video production, photography, drawing, painting and other visual arts. Judging will be based on the student’s visual representation of the “Ag is Cool” theme, if it accurately reflects 21st Centur y agriculture, creativity and use of Ohio images, and quality of work. Award winners will be recognized by the Office of the Governor and other state officials at the Ohio State Fair on July 24, 2013. For additional information about the contest, a complete copy of the rules and entr y forms visit www.ohioagriculture.gov/agiscool or call 614-752-9817.

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The popularity of chicken ownership continues to increase across the country. More families are raising poultry in support of the local food movement and to conserve costs at the supermarket. costs. And perhaps most importantly, raising chickens serves as an involved family project that teaches values and responsibility, as well as to being a safe, reliable food source. And some common concerns like noise and smell are usually overblown, say supporters of the hobby. “One of our main questions was how much noise a flock of chickens would make and how it could affect our family as well as our neighbors,” said Danielle Newman of Livermore, Calif., who has been raising chickens with her family for the past seven years. In fact, hens are fairly quiet and roosters are unnecessary for egg production. Another common myth is the hairraising smell of a small flock. In reality, chickens are no more odorous than any other household pet. “We’ve found that smell isn’t an issue in the least,” said Jenn Butt of Ruck-

ersville, Va., a chicken owner for nine months. “We clean the coop regularly, and we really like having the compost for fertilizer. Honestly, the compost was a surprise bonus we weren’t expecting. We saw fantastic results in our garden and flower beds.” While many consider raising their own chickens, its important for residents to first understand whether their zoning is listed as residential, residential/agriculture, or another type, and if they are able to keep chickens on their property. Also residents much check their leases and with their landlords for additional restrictions. And as with most pets, gifting chickens to children, particularly as Easter gifts, is not usually the best idea: chickens can live more than ten years and require consistent proper care. R y a n C a r p e i s a s t a f f w r i t er f o r The Daily Advocate in Greenville

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 11A

Local farmer supports local organizations GREENVILLE — The Darke County Mental Health Clinic and the Grace Resurrection Community Center now will be able to better serve the community thanks to the support of local farmer, Jeff Martin, and America’s Farmers Grow Communities. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Co., Grow Communities provides farmers in eligible counties the chance to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit organization of their choice. To further support counties declared natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to the drought this year, winning farmers in these counties are able to direct double donations, a total of $5,000. Darke County was declared a disaster area by the USDA, giving Martin the opportunity to choose two organizations to receive $2,500 donations. He selected the Darke County Mental Health Clinic and the Grace Resurrection Community Center. The donation given to the community center will be spread across a number of programs, including the soup kitchen, food pantry, clothing bank and Feeding America’s Backpack Program. “Both of the organizations do great things for the community,” Martin said. “They truly are assets to Darke County.” This year, the Monsanto Fund will invest nearly $6 million in rural America through Grow Communities, which includes double donations for counties affected by the historic drought. In Ohio, $160,000 is being given across 64 counties. America’s Farmers Grow Communities is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to partner with farmers in helping them positively impact their communities. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund’s overall effort to strengthen rural America. For a complete list of Grow Communities winners and more program information, visit growcommunities.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Local farmer Jeff Martin of Greenville recently supported The Darke County Mental Health Clinic and Grace Resurrection Community Center through America’s Farmers Grow Communities. Pictured (left to right) are Sharon Fellers, Grace Resurrection Community Center; Mandy and Jeff Martin, the winning farmers; Janelle Brinksneader, Monsanto representative; Karen ScottPine and Anthony Donisi, Darke County Mental Health.

Ten things to know about farm income and deductions If you earn money managing or working on a farm, you are in the farming business. Farms include plantations, ranches, ranges and orchards. Farmers may raise livestock, poultry or fish, or grow fruits or vegetables. Here are 10 things about farm income and expenses that the IRS wants you to know. 1. Crop insurance proceeds. Insurance payments from crop damage count as income. They should generally be reported the year they are received. 2. Deductible farm expenses. Farmers can deduct ordinary and necessary expenses as business expenses. An ordinary farming expense is one that is common and accepted in the farming business. A necessary expense is one that is appropriate for that business. 3. Employees and hired help. You can deduct reasonable wages you paid to your farm’s full and part-time workers. You must withhold Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from your employees’ wages. 4. Items purchased for resale. If you purchased livestock and other items for resale, you may be able to deduct their cost in the year of the sale. This includes freight charges for transporting livestock to your farm. 5. Repayment of loans. You can only deduct the interest you paid on a loan if

the loan proceeds are used for your farming business. You cannot deduct interest on a loan used for personal expenses. 6. Weather-related sales. Bad weather may force you to sell more livestock or poultry than you normally would. If so, you may be able to postpone reporting a gain from the sale of the additional animals. 7. Net operating losses. If deductible expenses are more than income for the year, you may have a net operating loss. You can carry that loss over to other years and deduct it. You may get a refund of part or all of the income tax you paid for past years, or you may be able to reduce your tax in future years. 8. Farm income averaging. You may be able to average some or all of the current year’s farm income by spreading it out over the past three years. This may lower your taxes if your farm income is high in the current year and low in one or more of the past three years. This method does not change your prior year tax. It only uses the prior year information to figure your current year tax. 9. Fuel and road use. You may be able to claim a tax credit or refund of federal excise taxes on fuel used on your farm for farm work. 10. Farmers Tax Guide. More information about farm income and deduc-

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12A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Congratulations, Kori Lee Grey!

Ohio outdoors

Barn owl: a ghost in the loft Jim McCormac

The Darke County Chapter of Farm Safety for Just Kids celebrated National Ag Day by awarding the first baby born at Wayne HealthCare on or after Ag Day with a beautiful basket of baby items! Presenting the basket to Kori Lee Grey, born March 21, is Doris Barga of Ansonia. Kori Lee is the daughter of Jerica M. Grey of New Paris. Also pictured is Kori’s grandmother, Rhonda Rinehart. Kori weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches at birth. Congratulations, Kori Lee Grey!

Conservation farm families sought COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will acknowledge Ohio farm families who are leaders in the areas of conservation for the 2013 Conservation Farm Family Awards. The awards program is sponsored by the ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio Farmer Magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized Ohio farm families since 1984 for their efforts in managing natural and human resources while meeting both production and conservation goals. Individual farmers, partnerships or family farm corporations are eligible for nomination, provided a substantial portion of their income is derived from farming. The judging is based on the nominee’s use of new and traditional conservation techniques, comprehensive management, individual initiative in applying conservation measures and the nominee’s willingness to share conservation information, experiences and philosophy with others. Five area finalists will be selected from across the state, and these finalists will be

recognized at the annual Farm Science Review in September. They will also receive a $400 award, courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer Magazine. Nomination forms can be obtained from local county soil and water conservation districts or by visiting the division’s website. The forms must be returned by May 1 to Ohio Farmer Magazine, 117 W. Main St., Suite 202, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Food and agriculture is Ohio’s No. 1 industry, and agriculture is the largest land use in the state. More than 60 percent of Ohio’s land is used for crop production and pasture. Farming has a large impact on the state’s land, water, woodland and wildlife resources. It is important to maintain a balance between agriculture’s important contribution to Ohio’s economy and the environment through conservation and wise resource management. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.

There’s a grain of truth to most tales, including haunted houses. Spooky old buildings, long abandoned and creaky, are surefire lures for ghostseekers. And sometimes they find one, or so they think. More than a few people have been scared witless by shadowy white specters floating through an old barn’s loft, or the sounds of hideous blood-curdling screams issuing from an abandoned house. PHOTO PROVIDED I hate to be a ghostbuster, but some Young barn owls peer from their nest in a spooky reports can be barn. traced to barn owls. These medium-sized, light-colored owls first specimen was taken in 1861, and as are intimately associated with man and open agricultural lands proliferated, the often take up residence in our structures. owls became more common. Barn owls reTo the uninitiated, barn owls can be eerie. quire extensive open meadows, which supThey typically roost in shadowy corners in port large numbers of their favored prey, a the upper elevations of the barn or house mouse-like rodent called the meadow vole. The loss of grassland habitat was the that they’ve appropriated, and when flushed, one often gets just a glimpse of a main cause for Ohio’s barn owls to go bust in the late 20th century. By 1990, the numshadowy white object floating by. If you hear one of these owls, chances ber of known pairs had dwindled to perare your hair will stand on end. Barn owls haps 20 and the owls were listed as deliver a terrifying scream, like a person endangered. The Ohio Division of Wildlife chased by a homicidal maniac in a slasher began working to restore populations, and placed over 200 nest boxes for this cavitymovie. Scary first impressions aside, barn owls nesting species in suitable sites. Many are one of Ohio’s most interesting birds. landowners followed suit, especially in All owls have highly evolved sensory or- Holmes County’s Amish community, and gans, but barn owls stand out even in this the owl population began to spike upfield of avian superheroes. Their night vi- wards. In 2010, there were at least 70 pairs nestsion is extraordinary, and it is coupled with a sense of hearing so acute that the owls ing in Ohio – much improved over 20 can pinpoint sounds even in total dark- years ago, but still very much the threatness. Woe to the mouse that enters their ened species. Most owls are concentrated in Holmes, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counsphere. Identifying a barn owl is no problem. ties, with another stronghold in Pike and The combination of a monkey-like face, Ross counties. We are interested in learning of addibrown eyes, and light under parts renders tional nesting pairs. If you are aware of any them unmistakable. This is the world’s most widely distrib- please contact Ohio Division of Wildlife BiKathy Shipley at uted owl, occurring on every continent but ologist Antarctica. Ohio is at the northern limits kathy.shipley@dnr.state.oh.us or 740-747of their range. Prior to European settle- 2525. ment and the clearing of the state’s extenJ i m M c C o r m a c w ri t es f o r th e sive blanket of old-growth forest, barn O h i o D i v i s i o n o f W i l dl i f e owls probably weren’t even present. The

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 13A

Farm family experiences tornado; heifers sail 35 miles away, survive At 5:13 p.m. (that’s when the electric clock stopped), the sound of driving rain was heard hitting the north QUINCY - Tornado season is upon west-central Ohio side of the barn. Then something hit much harder. and those who ever experienced one will never forget As father and son gasped in amazement, the 40 by 50 it. That’s the case with Don Melhorn of Zanesville, a na- foot barn was lifted into the air from around them. One tive of the Shelby-Logan counties area, who experienced second they were secure within the structure, filled with a tornado 65 years ago in the spring of 1948. its familiar and comforting scents and sounds, and the On May 2 of that year, at 5:13 p.m., a tornado touched next they were standing in the open amid bawling cattle down briefly on his family’s farm and a swirling storm. The barn had near Quincy, lifting their barn into been transported some distance the air and dropping it in a nearby away and dropped into a field. field. It also carried six heifers Rodney grabbed Don and tried more than 35 miles away and derunning to the house. posited them unharmed on a farm “All at once I couldn’t walk,” Don east of Urbana. recalls “I was pushed about 30 feet Although Melhorn has lived in into a fence. I looked over and my faZanesville for a number of years, he ther was holding on to the trunk of a has strong ties to Shelby and Logan maple tree.” counties. He went to school in And then, as quickly as it had Quincy for nine years, then transtouched down, the tornado lifted up ferred to the Fairlawn District at and moved on. Pemberton. He graduated from “Within a second the sun came Fairlawn High School in 1955. out and it became a beautiful Sunday Melhorn, along with one of his evening,” Don remembers. “We daughters, operates Northside went up to the house and found my Tree Farm in Zanesville. He still mother and sister OK.” touches base with several area peoThe house, located only about 200 ple,including Tim Davison of Logan feet from the barn, hadn’t been County. Others include Richard Petouched. ters, Brooks Ware, Bruce Ware and “Here we were without a barn and Dick Adams of Shelby County. our cows were just going crazy.” A few years ago Don drove to the Neighbors quickly flocked to the Don Melhorn, shown at site of the old family farm in Logan farm, having heard the “freight his garden center in County, just off Ohio 706 near the train” go over. Many pitched in to Zanesville. Shelby-Champaign county line, curhelp. rently occupied by Steve Heath. Later that evening, as people The memories came flooding back. looked on, a corner of the devasDon was 11 years old at the time and lived with his tated barn started moving and out came a bull, mad and parents, Zelma and Rodney Melhorn, and sister Lois, on bellowing. The animal had apparently been sucked into the air and transported along with the barn. The bull, their dairy farm. “We milked 30 to 35 Holsteins,” Don recalled, “and which had suffered some injuries, was taken by a neighbor to another farm. there was always something to do”. All of the cows had survived the twister, but despite Back then farm kids started pitching in to help at an early age. When Don was 6, his father put wood blocks an extensive search the Melhorns could not account for on the clutch of an F-20 Farmall tractor so the boy could five young heifers, which had disappeared in the storm. The puzzle lingered for weeks. help take up loose hay. During the month of May, Don and a friend spent May 2, 1948, was a special day—a day for family. It was Sunday and the Melhorns had gone to church and every afternoon after school picking up wood blown by Sunday school in Quincy. Afterwards, they decided to the storm in an 11-acre alfalfa field located southeast of go to Piqua for a visit in their new 1947 Studebaker (pur- the barn area. “I was in the fifth grade in Quincy with Miss Hamilton chased for $1,600). After returning home from their outing late that af- as my teacher,” Don recalls. “Several of my classmates ternoon, Don and his father went to the barn to begin and their families came to see the damage, and many helped clean up. There were several cleanup days from milking. “It was a very hot, muggy night with humidity and a the church and local groups in Pemberton. I remember the ladies helped fix food.” lot of black clouds,” Don recalled. Eventually the Melhorns built a new barn, which is The cows were put in their stanchions and Don began still standing today. to put feed down for them. It was business as usual.

ILLUSTRATION BY GRETA SILVERS

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The expression, “When pigs fly,” apparently doesn’t apply to cattle - for six heifers took a trip by air from the Quincy area to near Urbana during a tornado 65 years ago. “My father had insurance from a company in Anna and a check for $5,000 was hand-delivered. The cost of a very nice barn back then was $8,000.” Some time after the tornado, the Melhorns learned from their veterinarian that five heifers had mysteriously appeared on a dairy farm east of Urbana, a farm where a twister had also touched down that day. They drove over and were astounded to discover the heifers were indeed theirs. The animals had apparently been carried some 35 miles by the storm and set down unharmed. The Melhorns also found some of their barn windows lying in the field near Urbana, with the glass not even cracked. The family had lost its barn but still felt very lucky. Nobody was injured and they had not lost a single animal. Don experienced one other tornado in the 1990s when it went through his back yard in Zanesville and destroyed several homes, but not his. Today Don and his wife spend part of the year in Florida at their winter home. He spends a lot of time fishing, He says he will always vividly remember the spring of 1948 - a time when cows flew. L o l a B i l l i el w ri t e s f o r t h e Si d n e y Da il y N e w s

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14A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Out with the cold and in with the warm

As of March 20 at 7:02 am, we are officially out of the winter season and diving head first into spring. Although we are off to a slow start with spring, the Ohio growing season, is fast approaching. When is the best time to start planting? That is the question that pops up every year for gardeners. When determining the best time to start y o u r By: planting outdoors is when the last spring frost has h a p pened. According to the good olde Farmer’s Almanac, this date has a 50 percent probability of being after April 26. Veteran Ohio gardens are accustomed to Mother Nature and her unpredictable ways. Because of this, many of them start their summer garden indoors by various ways. This is practice is becoming widely used because of the up and down temperature of the Ohio and much of the Midwest. Starting seeds inside are relativity inexpensive. For the beginner gardener, here are some suggestions of how to get started. Seeds What do you want to plant? That is the first question you need to answer. Throughout your decision process a few things that have to been taken into consideration, is number one, how well are the seeds going to grow in your area? Growing seeds into plants is easier said than done. One has to consider the growing season, the amount of sun light, amount of rain fall to your area, and the type of soil you have. Once you have considered those items, go into your local nursery and shop around, and ask questions. There are so many different types of seeds out there. You need to make the right choice for your growing area and what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but you need to know what types of questions to ask. First and foremost, know what type of soil your garden has. If you do not know what you have, get it tested. Once you know that, take that information along with you and ask what seeds are going to grow best in that type of soil. Also, look at climate and rain fall charts. These charts will also help determine the best seed type. Gardening seeds has progressed a lot over the past 100 years or so with the introduction of hybrid seeds. These types of seeds have been genetically altered to help produce better yields and tend to be more in tune when particular environments they were created for. Additionally, know the amount of sunlight your garden is going to get. Questions to ask yourself are; Is my garden in direct sunlight? Are there trees or any type of building nearby that will provide any time of shade? Is your garden by a field? Is your garden by a water source, like a pond or a creek? Answers to those questions are going to be very important when consulting with someone about what is best to grow. There may be other questions to answer, but the key is to know your garden and what surrounds it. Take pictures of your garden and the surrounding areas to give a visual of what you have to show, and this also will give you a reminder of what you have. Starting Containers There are many different types of seed containers you can chose from. A common, and I would say probably the most likely choice of gardeners is the plastic (either single or multiple) celled type containers. Another widely used container are the fiber pots. Fiber pots are made from organic based type materials, such as cow manure, peat, coconut, and shredded wood just to name a few. There are advantages to both types of containers; it all depends on your preference. The plastic type container is reusable, easy to store, and come in several different ways and sizes. The fiber pots are easily tearable, where you can just rip open the pot when you are ready to transplant the plant without running the risk of

Ashley Fritz

damaging the roots of the plant. Both types are low cost, and very effective in achieving the end result that one would be looking for. When buying your starting container, make sure there is some sort of a drainage system to the containers. Nine times out of 10 you will see that there are slits cut into the bottom. You will want to make sure you have something underneath the container to help catch the excess water, and help prevent a water mess onto the surface the containers are sitting on. Soil Mixture There are many different types of soil mixtures to buy that offer the latest technology in soil production. Just as choosing anything, what you buy is up to you and your preference. One of the options floating out there is seed starting soil mixtures and can be found just about anywhere you go. Generally, seed starting mixtures are not true soil; they are actually a mixture of vermiculite and peat. Vermiculite is a natural occurring mineral, which is a compound that contains silicon and anion. Vermiculite is a preferred seed starting item among many gardeners because of because of its high germination rate and produces great results. There are many advantages starting your seeds in a seed starting mix. According to Scotts Miracle-Gro, these mixtures are for fast root development and excellent for starting cuttings.

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Seed starting mixtures are only good for starting your seeds, hence the name. Once the your seeds have germinated and have a good plant or stalk to them, they will need to be moved into your choice of potting soil, if you are continuing with keeping your plants into a container, such as flowers. When deciding to move your plants into the garden or another container is going to be based on the plant itself. If you are a novice gardener, the best reference for ‘what to do when’ with your seeds is the actual package your seeds came in, so do not get rid of it. If by chance you do get rid of the package or it becomes misplaced from the time you plant to transplant time there are several resources to find information. The Internet is a great resource for finding out information. Use your favorite search engine, and type in the seed type and if you remember the brand, you will be able to find what you are looking for. If you have a habit of misplacing things, take a picture of your seed package. Other resources out there to find answers are: • The library, there are so many books out there about seeds and gardening practices to help you get started and guide you through out the growing process. • Consultant your local nursery • Talk with other gardeners. There are local garden clubs for other green thumbs to share tips and tricks. Whether you are choosing to start with potting soil mixture, there are a few key thing to remember: • Look for high quality soil containing perlite, which is basically soil fertilizer, which is added into most potting soils nowadays. • pH levels of the potting mix • Watering requirements, not all mixtures are the same and they do require different watering schedules. Remember, your plants are as good as the soil you grow them in. Growing a garden is an adventure. The most successful and well versed gardeners will tell you it is about trial and error. With anything you do, have fun with it, as they say if at first you do not succeed, try again.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 15A

Albert Belmont Graham

Record year for meat and poultry exports bolsters demand for U.S. Soy

(1868-1960)

CONTRIBUTOR TO AGRICULTURE:

B y M at t A u l t ma n Albert Belmont Graham (1868– 1960) was born in Lena, Ohio. He was a country schoolmaster and agriculture extension pioneer at Ohio State University. A. B. Graham was born on a farm in western Ohio, but when he was 11 years old, the family’s house burned, and his father was killed. The family sought to make ends meet by sewing clothes and offering other domestic services from their home. He then became a teacher and moved to Springfield where he became Superintendent of Schools for Springfield Township. Later, Graham worked at the United States Department of Agriculture as the Federal Extension Director. During the late 1800’s, researchers at public universities saw that adults in the farming community did not readily accept the new agricultural discoveries being developed on university campuses. However, they found that young people were open to new thinking and would “experiment” with new ideas and share their experiences and successes with adults. In this way, rural youth programs became an innovative way to introduce new agriculture technology to their communities. The seed of the 4-H idea of practical and “hands-on” learning came from the desire to make public school education more connected to country life. Early programs tied both public and private resources together for the purpose of helping rural youth. Building community clubs to help solve these agricultural challenges was a first step toward youth learning more about the industries in their community. A. B. Graham started one such youth program in Clark County, Ohio, in 1902, which is considered the birth of the 4-H program in the United States. The first club was called “The Tomato Club” or the “Corn Growing Club” and attracted about 30 young people. The clubs then was called the Boys and Girls

Experimental Club and then morphed into the Boys and Girls Agricultural Club. The Ohio State University Extension Service noted the success of Graham’s program and expanded it to other agricultural communities. By 1905 there were over 2,000 young people in sixteen Ohio counties participating in Agricultural Clubs. Graham was named Superintendent of Extension of the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service and from that post expanded the clubs statewide. In 1916 the Boys and Girls Clubs officially became the 4H Clubs. The Ohio groups joined with similar clubs in other states to make 4-H a nationwide organization. By the way, the 4 H’s: What do they stand for? Well, originally, there were only 3 H’s and the insignia was a 3-leafed clover. The H’s stood for head, hearts, hands. Then a 4th H was added and the organization’s clover became 4-leafed. That last H stood for hustle. But “hustle” didn’t stand up to the test of time and was eventually replaced by what we use today for “H,” that is, health. A. B. Graham contributed to agriculture by improving the agricultural youth through education, involvement and providing a leadership opportunity, so thank you for your contribution to agriculture. Matt Aultman is the Chairman of the Darke County Chamber Agriculture Committee and Chairman-elect of the Darke County Farm Bureau. He can be reached at darkecountyfarmer@gmail.co m for comments.

Hull Brothers, Inc. Used Farm Equipment

ST. LOUIS, Missouri – These little piggies went to market – international markets, that is, and in record numbers. Despite challenging issues, such as the struggling global economy and trade barriers, U.S. poultr y and livestock farmers enjoyed a record year for meat exports, which helps keep domestic demand for U.S. soy strong. U.S. poultr y, egg and pork shipments exceeded previous highs for value and volume set in 2011. International beef sales dipped slightly in volume but broke the previous value record. Growing U.S. meat and poultr y exports reinforce demand for U.S. soy since soy meal constitutes a significant portion of animal feeds. Domestic animal agriculture uses about 98 percent of the domestic supply of U.S. soy meal, making it the U.S. soy industr y’s No. 1 customer. “Exporting meat and poultr y is a big issue for U.S. soybean farmers,” says John Butler, a farmer-leader from Dyersburg, Tenn. “If we can feed animals soybeans here and sell them abroad, we’re creating a value-added product. Adding that value here has a tremendous positive impact on not only the U.S. soy industr y but the national economy as well.” Poultr y and hogs remain the biggest users of U.S. soy meal. According to the most recent statistics, poultr y consume roughly 12.9 million metric tons annually. That’s the meal from 601 million bushels of soybeans. And hogs account for 6.8 million metric tons of U.S. soy meal, or the meal from 318 million bushels of soybeans. To support U.S. soy meal’s largest customer, the soy checkoff partners with organizations like the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and USA Poultr y and Egg Export Council to market U.S. meat and poultr y abroad. A recent checkoff and USMEF effort helped increase consumption of pork back ribs in Japan from zero to 4.5 million pounds over the last three years. The U.S. meat and poultr y export figures for 2012 include: Pork exports nearly reached 2.3 million metric tons, valued at over $6.3 billion. Broiler meat exports, excluding chicken paws, reached 3.3 million metric tons, valued at nearly $4.2 billion. Beef exports reached 1.1 million metric tons, valued at $5.5 billion. Turkey exports reached 361,597 metric tons, valued at $678 million. Chicken paw exports reached 363,974 metric tons, valued at $450.1 million. Egg exports, table eggs and processed egg products in shell equivalents reached 274.1 million dozen, valued at $263.7 million. The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy’s customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Ser vice has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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TRACTORS Case 2590 1979 4497 hrs 2WD 3 remotes,quick hitch ...15,500 Case IH Farmall 45 A, 2011 51 hrs, 2WD........................12,900 Case IH Maxxum 115 2010 841 hrs, cab, loader,MFD ....72,000 Case IH 7220 ..................................................................52,500 Case IH 7140 1990 6948 hrs, 3 remotes, duals ..............69,000 Case IH 450 Quad 2012-------coming soon ..................315,000 Case IH 400 4WD 2011--------coming soon .................249,000 Farmall C 1949 with Woods 6 ft belly mower....................2,500 IH 826 1970 5623 hrs, cab, 1 remote, 3 point ..................9,500 IH 1086 1976 7050 hrs, 2 remotes, good paint ..............10,000 IH 1086 1977 6432 hrs, 3 remotes, dual PTO...................2,500 IH 1586 1979 7248 hrs 2 remotes, 1000 pto—as-is ........8,500 IH 5288 1984 10,800 hrs, 3 point, small 1000 ...............25,000 IH 5288 1981 6685 hrs, new paint, 3 point, sm 1000.....26,500 Kubota M9000 1292 hrs MFD, Cab, Loader ....................32,000 New Holland 8870 1995 -------coming soon...................69,000 New Holland T8030 2010------coming soon .................139,000 SKID LOADERS Case 450 2007 1929 hrs 73”,HD coupler, cab and A/C ...29,000 Case 1838 1994 2016 hrs.................................................9,500 Case 1840 1993 7576 hrs-----------as-is...........................6,900 DISKS & PACKERS & MULCHERS & HARROWS IH 470 20 disk manual fold, rear hitch, rear hyd, scraper .1,950 IH 490 21 ft disk, scrapers, rear hitch and hyd .................8,500 Salford RTS 18’ 31 spring loaded coulters, roll basket ...25,000 FIELD CULTIVATORS & CHISEL PLOWS Brillion 27-1/2’ FC 7-1/2 Nok-On sweeps, 4 bar levler ......9,900 Deutz-Allis 1300 FC 23 ft, 1 bar harrow, rear hitch .............,500 DMI Tiger Mate 25ft Field Cultivator 3 bar harrow ..........14,500 IH 45 Vibra shank FC 13-1/2 ft 27 shank 1 bar harrow .....1,250 John Deere 960 FC 24 ft w/ single bar harrow ..................4,900 John Deere 960 FC 30 ft w/single bar harrow ...................6,900 John Deere 2700 Disc Ripper, deep tillage 5 shank ........19,000 DRILLS John Deere FB-B 13X7 grain drill, fert, grass seeder ........1,200 PLANTERS Case IH 900 6 row planter 540 pto pump, liq....................4,500 John Deere 7200 16 row liquid, 1990, fwd fold ..............19,000 COMBINES IH 1440 1981 5291 hrs 2WD no RT, beater----as-is..........7,900 IH 1440 1982 4116 hrs 2WD, RT, beater----as-is............12,000 IH 1460 1980 4231 hrs 2WD no RT, beater ......................9,500 Case IH 1640 1988 3943 hrs 2wd, chopper, IH eng........21,000 Case IH 1644 1994 3955 hrs 2wd beater, RT..................36,500 Case IH 1680 1992 3343 hrs FT, beater ..........................33,500 Case IH 2377 2006 1591 rotor hrs, 2WD, RT,chop,FT ..139,000 Case IH 2388 1999 3115 rotor hrs 2WD, chopper..........69,000 Case IH 2388 2003 2040 rotor hrs 2wd RT,chop ............95,000 Case IH 2577 2008 .......................................................179,000 Case IH 5088 2011 463 rotor hrs 2WD, RT, Chopper ...225,000 Case IH 7120 2010 875 rotor hrs, 2WD........................229,000 CORN HDS/PLATFORMS IH 820 20 ft, wooden bats, manual fore and aft ................1,500 Case IH 1020 20’ 1986 SCH, Johnson Rock Guard...........6,900 Case IH 1020 25’ 1989......................................................5,900 Case IH 1020 25’ 1988, 3” bolt on ..................................12,000 Case IH 1020 30’ 1994 FT, SCH knife, oil bath ..................7,500 Case IH 1020 30’ 1998 FT 3” bolt on knives, poly skid ...12,000 Case IH 1020 30’ Grain Head 1999 rock guard FT 3”......12,500 Case IH 1020 30’ Grain Head 2000, FT ...........................13,860 Case IH 1020 30’ 1997, FT, SCH, Rockguard ....................4,900 Case IH 1020 30’ 2004....................................................20,000 Case IH 1020 30’ 1995 SCH, field tracker, poly skid .......17,000

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16A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

Brown outlined Senate efforts to pass 2012 farm bill that would reduce deficit

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) renewed his call for a five-year farm bill while addressing the Ohio Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C. recently. While outlining the Senate’s efforts to pass a farm bill that would reduce the deficit by $23 billion, Brown also discussed efforts to boost economic development and job growth. Although the Senate-passed a five-year farm bill, the Farm, Food and Jobs Act, the House has failed to act. During the speech, Brown, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, renewed his call for Congress to pass a permanent farm bill. “The primary task before the Agriculture Committees is to write a five-year farm bill—the Senate successfully did this last year and we should be able to do it again,” Brown said. “I look forward to working with the OFBF—and farmers across our state—to advance modern, efficient, and smart farm and food policies while creating jobs and reducing our federal deficit.” In advance of Senate consideration of the 2012 farm bill, Brown took his “Grown in Ohio” Listening Tour around the state to meet directly with farmers, business leaders, and community officials in advance of Senate consideration of the Farm Bill, guiding Brown’s legislative priorities. Below are some of the bills Sen. Brown introduced last year: Protecting Taxpayers while Ensuring a Strong Safety Net for Farmers: The centerpiece of the deficit reduction measures in the bill is the new Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) program, which is based on the bipartisan Aggregate Risk and Revenue Management Act (ARRM) Brown authored with Sen. John Thune (R-SD). This new approach to farm risk management ends the era of fixed payments. These “direct payments” are replaced by a market-based system that relies on current cropyear data, market prices, and actual yields, making payments to farmers only when the market fails. The Senate’s bipartisan 2012 farm bill represents the most

significant reform of American agriculture policy in decades. Brown has been working to reform the farm safety net since starting in the Senate in 2006. In the 2008 farm bill he worked to include the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program after hearing from a Henry County farmer who attended a roundtable Brown convened. ARRM builds on the ACRE program and continues this work towards a market-based safety net by eliminating fixed-price support programs, reducing overlap with crop insurance, simplifying application and administrative processes, and saving billions of taxpayer dollars. As incorporated into the Senate-passed bill, changes to the farm safety net and other farm bill programs would save more than $23 billion by ending direct payments, eliminating more than 100 duplicative programs and authorizations, and cracking down on fraud and abuse. By ending the era of paying farmers regardless of need or market conditions and eliminating two other farm subsidy programs – steps first suggested in ARRM – the Senate-passed legislation would save taxpayers money and provide a more responsible risk management approach. Under the bill, farmers receive support only when they suffer a substantial loss through events beyond their control—and only for crops they have actually planted. Expanding Markets for Farmers and Increasing Availability of Nutritious Locally-Grown Food: Brown also outlined how provisions of his Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, included in the 2012 farm bill, would help Ohio farmers and ranchers sell their products directly to consumers and creating jobs by addressing production, aggregation, and marketing and distribution needs. It would also ensure that consumers have better access to nutritious, locally-grown food. Many of these provisions were included in the farm bill, including: a stronger crop insurance program for

specialty crops and organic agriculture; an improved farmers market program that would help boost infrastructure and aggregation facilities; as well as exploring the use of new technologies for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at farmers markets and other direct retail outlets. Expanding Access to Broadband for Rural Communities: Brown also introduced legislation, the Connecting Rural America Act, that would strengthen existing USDA programs that provide for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband service to underserved, rural communities. This legislation was included in the Senate farm bill which would reauthorize the existing Rural Broadband Loan Program and add a grant component to the program to target funds to the small towns and rural communities that need it most. With new or increased broadband access, communities will be able to compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses; schools can create distance learning opportunities; medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care; and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy. The investments will create jobs in the short term and help establish a new foundation for longterm economic growth. During Senate consideration of the farm bill Brown sponsored an amendment to support rural development, which cleared the Senate with bipartisan support by a vote of 55-44. Brown’s amendment would fund critical U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programs that help Ohio communities update wastewater and sewer infrastructure systems, provide access to capital for Ohio agricultural producers and small businesses, and provide technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers.

OSU Extension releases new publications DARKE COUNTY - Ohio State University Extension has released four new publications that producers and consumers may find helpful. The publications – on commercial vegetable production, Midwest tree fruit spraying, commercial small fruit and grape spraying, and controlling weeds in Ohio and Indiana – offer insight into issues as spring approaches and growers are getting ready for the planting season. OSU Extension and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center fruit and vegetable specialists are contributors to the new guides, ensuring that the in-

formation reflects current recommendations applicable to Ohio farming operations. The publications are: ■ “2013 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide,” offering information on pest management recommendations that provide up-to-date guidance on pesticides and how they apply to the pest problem. The guide is good for growers who plan to use restricted pesticides because they must be certified as private applicators. Cost is $8. ■ “2013 Midwest Tree Fruit Spray Guide,” developed by the Midwest Fruit

Workers Group to ensure proper application of pesticides on commercial fruit including apples, pears, cherries, peaches and plums. The guide includes formulations, application schedules and procedures for the listed fruits and special problems and pests that can occur. Cost is $8. ■ “2013 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers,” an annual guide that provides a summary of suggested vegetable varieties, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, weed control, insect control and disease control measures for commercial growers. Cost is $10.

■ “Weed Control Guide for Ohio and Indiana, 2013” explains the importance of weed control and provides suggestions on herbicide management strategies for corn, popcorn, grain sorghum, soybeans, small grains and forages. Cost is $17.25. The publications are among some 600 titles that are in stock and can be found at estore.osu-extension.org , said Cindy McCain, marketing and promotions manager for media distribution at Ohio State University Extension. “These particular guides are very popular among growers and sell out almost every year,” McCain said.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 17A

Ohio farmers poised to meet China’s needs World’s largest county not able to feed its people, looks to U.S. for food and feed There isn’t one thing Ohio farmers need to know about China’s affect on Ohio agriculture. There are two. And while Ohio State University’s retired international agriculture economist Dr. Allan Lines says Ohio farmers are all too familiar with the affect China has on the price of corn and soybeans they receive - most Ohioans are not aware of two more important factors in the “Ohio - China Connection” that will impact the future of Ohio farming. “Ohio farmers need to be more aware of the behemoth that constitutes Chinese agricultural production, eclipsing most other countries in the world in the production of many commodities, and doing it on a limited amount of land” Dr. Lines said. The second factor, and the one that will have a major impact on the future of American farming, is what Dr. Lines says is the “changing diets” in the world’s largest country. China’s population is approximately 1.35 billion people - almost one out of four people on Earth. That population’s eating habits are changing, brought on in part by America’s importing “fast food” restaurants by the thousands in the last two decades and a rising economy. As a result, Dr. Lines says Chinese citizens are eating less grain, fewer vegetables and more meat. When rolled together, the limited amount of land and the increasing need for “animal protein” in China will cause a huge jump in agricultural imports from the United States to China in coming years. “Ohio farmers need to better understand the limits to farm production in China - land, water and the environment,” Dr. Lines said. It may surprise many Ohioans that China, the world’s largest nation in land mass, is mostly desert. In fact, he says that China’s “tillable” land is about two-thirds of the United States’ available land for farming. “If you go west of Beijing, you move into a desert region,” he said. “And that desert region is moving east.” He said this was partly caused by climate change and partly by mismanagement of the Mongolian plains area. He said years ago, Russia tried to transform this huge region in a new “wheat belt” - with disastrous results. The region dried up, and is expanding. Dr. Lines also said China has serious air quality problems and very serious water quality problems. How-

By:

Gar y Brock

ever, he adds that China’s government is denying it has any of these problems. So the problems aren’t going away any time soon. And then there is the change in diet of the Chinese people. It is that change, coupled with growing restrictions on China’s ability to farm its own land, that will create great opportunities for Ohio’s farmers. “Up until the 1980s, the Chinese people were essentially vegetarians. The start of the change was switching from rice boiled in water to rice cooked with soy oil,” he said. What caused the biggest change in this Communist-run society was American Capitalism. As American companies began buying more inexpensive products from China, the incomes of Chinese workers began to rapidly increase (at comparably). least And for the first time, the average Chinese citizen could afford to buy something that in the past was an unobtainable luxury - meat. And buy it they did, according to Dr. Lines. “It started with chicken, pork and eggs and has progressed to dairy and beef,” he said. He added that today, Chinese children consume as much milk and dairy products as American children - unheard of 20 years ago. But China does not have the capability of providing the cattle, hogs and chicken with the roughage - the quality feed needed to produce quality meat protein. China cannot produce enough corn to feed its livestock. And consider this: China produces 53,747 thousand metric tons of meat each year. That ranks it number one in the world, and that still is not enough to satisfy

its citizens’ desires for meat protein. Dr. Lines said the Chinese government has now done something very smart - it has decided that there are some things easier to buy abroad than to try to produce itself. But also, the Chinese government picked farm produce that no one country has a monopoly in. That way, no foreign country can hold supply and prices over their heads. For example, soybeans. Ironically, soybeans come from China, but they have essentially given up growing it in favor of importing it from other countries. But America has no monopoly on soybean production. If we don’t keep costs low and quality high, China can go to Brazil, Argentina, eastern Europe or Africa. The same applies to cotton. And wheat. However, at present the United States does have a monopoly on corn production worldwide. Dr. Lines says that is why China is emphasizing corn production in its own country to fight the American monopoly. He said at present China produced about two-thirds of the U.S.’s 165 bushels of corn per acre average. Dr. Lines said the other big change taking place in Chinese agriculture is the shift from backyard livestock production (animals subsisting on farm and household waste) to intensified “western-style” animal production. These modern systems will require immense amounts grains, grain products, soybeans and soy products – amounts beyond China’s capacity to produce. This includes beef, pork, dairy and poultry production. So, with all the growing needs from a hungry world, especially China, what advice does Dr. Lines give Ohio farmers to take advantage of this growing need? Here is what he suggests: 1. Ohio farmers need to keep producing more and more soybeans and corn; 2. They must continue to be the low cost producer of soybeans and corn; 3. Farmers must make sure they lay the plans for efficient farm management so that the crops are produced with no waste of energy, time or money; 4. Farmers need to spend more time developing systems to produce low cost and high quality meat products - with an emphasis on dairy, pork and chicken; 5. When China looks abroad for produce, it is looking for high quality. “Get the food to them in the manner they want,” said Dr. Lines; 6. Remember that people are people, and the Chinese people are like everyone else - they like meat; 7. Americans, Ohio farmers, need to “get into China with a strong marketing program” to push our agriculture products; 8. Provide a high-quality resource the Chinese cannot produce, but need. For Ohio farmers, that could be alfalfa. It is high-quality alfalfa that the Chinese will need more of in the future for their livestock (See related story.) For Dr. Lines, what is the bottom line for Ohio farmers as they look to provide more exports of produce to China? G a r y B r o c k i s e d i to r - i n - c h i e f o f A C R E S

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2378309

TWIN VALLEY EQUIPMENT,, INC INC. VALLLEY EQUIPMENT C C.

1980 SSTATE 1980 TATE RO ROUTE UTE 335E 5E EEATON, ATON, OOHH 445320 5 32 0 9937-456-6281 37-456-6281 ttwinvalleyequip.com winvalleyequip.coom

*For ccommercial *For ommercial uuse se oonly. n y. CCustomer ustomer pparticipation articipation ssubject ubject ttoo ccredit redit qqualification ualification aand nd aapproval pproval bbyy CCNH NH CCapital apital AAmerica merica LLLC. LC. SSee ee yyour our CCase ase IIHH ddealer ealer ffor or ddetails etails aand nd eeligibility igibility rrequirements. equirements. DDown own ppayment ayment mmay ay bbee rrequired. equired. OOffer ffer ggood ood tthrough hrough 33/31/2013. /31/2013. NNot ot aallll ccustomers ustomers oorr aapplicants pplicants mmay ay qqualify ualify ffor or tthis his rrate ate oorr tterm. erm. CCNH NH CCapital apital AAmerica merica LLLC LC sstandard tandard tterms erms aand nd cconditions ond tions wwillill aapply. pply. TTaxes, axes, ffreight, reight, sset-up, et-up, ddelivery, elivery, aadditional dditional ooptions ptions oorr aattachments ttachments nnot ot iincluded ncluded iinn ssuggested uggested rretail etai pprice. rice. OOffer ffer ssubject ubject ttoo cchange hange oorr ccancellation ancellation wwithout ithout nnotice. otice. CCase ase IIHH aand nd CCNH NH CCapital ap tal aarere rregistered egistered ttrademarks rademarks ooff CCNH NH AAmerica merica LLLC. LC. 2378318

18A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

that work .com JobSourceOhio.com

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE-24/7 Acres of Western Ohio Serving Darke, Preble and Wayne (IN) counties

www.dailyadvocate.com www.registerherald.com

COLLECTIBLE: State Necklaces Bracelets. $10 (937)459-0058

Ohio and set.

ROCKER: Antique wicker rocker. New fabric on cushion. Never outside. $50 (765)964-5062

520 Building Materials CERAMIC TILE: "Matrix" 13X13 tiles. 12-pieces per box. 11 boxes total. Color: Alamosa 4750. $45/box (937)548-0463 DOORS: new 36" interior unfinished hollow core doors. $15 each. (937)564-0184

SHUTTERS: 3 sets of green exterior shutters. 47" tall. New. $25 a pair. (937)564-0184 TOILET: White Mansfield toilet. $25 (937)448-6319 WINDOW: Anderson double-hung window. Measures 34" wide X 49" high. $20 (937)448-6319 WINDOWS: House and barn windows. Starting at $5 (765)874-2466

525 Computer/Electric/Office FILE Cabinet: large size, for hanging files. $75 (937)564-0184

545 Firewood/Fuel FIREWOOD: $50 truckload. (937)338-0027

COUCHES: Dark blue ultra suede reclining couch and loveseat from non smoking home. Good condition. $175 buys both (937)692-8094 HEADBOARD DRESSER: Maple. (937)448-6319

and $75

LAMP/TELEPHONE TABLE: 27"H X 13" W. Has cabinet at bottom. Open area in middle of stand. $10 (765)964-5062 RECLINER: swivels and rocks. Light tan. Nice! Call after 10 - leave message. $50 (937)692-6116 RECLINER: Tan leather recliner in great condition. $150 (937)968-6930 RUG: Area rug 91X62. Tan and greens. Great condition. $35 (937)968-6930 SOFA: Double reclining 7' sofa, medium blue. Excellent condition. No smoking, pets or children. $185 (937)548-3190 TABLE and 4 captain chairs. Table is 36" square. Good condition. Call after 10 - leave message. $50 (937)692-6116 TABLE: Dark espresso square dinning table 3ft 6" X 3ft 6". Comes with 4 chairs. $100 obo (937)547-1934 TABLE: Oblong maple table. Sturdy - in good condition. $75 (937)459-0060

BAR STOOLS: 2 wood 21" high bar stools. $20 (937)899-0151

TV: RCA 32" flat screen LCD 1080P HDTV. 1 yr old. $90 (937)733-6324

We Accept

BOB ROACH, AUCTIONEER & REALTOR ANNA MARIE ROACH, REALTOR P.O. BOX 52 - EATON, OHIO 45320 • 937-533-7081 www.bobroachauctions.co

577 Miscellaneous ADULT DIAPERS: (79) for $30 (937)338-0027 AIR PURIFIER: Countertop air purifier. New filter. Will do a large room. $20 (765)964-5062 CABINET: Glass/wood cabinet and small made in Japan figures. $15 (765)964-5062 CALCULATOR: Texas Instrument TI-83Plus Calculator. New in package. Graphing, Algebra, Trigonometry. Asking $65 (937)547-0151

Call today and let our experience make your auction & real estate needs a success! RR R

CHAPS: Men's Harley Davison's Chaps; Leather; size small. $75 (937)547-3179 COAT: Large Polaris snowmobile coat; black & white. Like new. $100 (765)964-3263 COAT: Lg Kasey Kahne/Dodge racing coat. Red & white. Like new $50 (765)964-3263 DRESS: Wedding dress size 8. Very pretty. Lots of beadwork. $200 (937)459-6199 DVD Player with remote. Like new, never used. $15 (937)621-3379 FIREPLACE: Electric fireplace. 3ft long, 3 ft tall, 14.5" deep. Deep, dark walnut color, insert needs repaired. $100 obo. (937)547-1934 GAS GRILL: CharBroil gas grill w/tank. Grill area measures 12"X24" $30. (937)548-4829 after 2pm. JACKET: Ladies white leather short dress jacket. Size medium. $75 (937)547-0151

AMR

Bob & Anna Marie Roach

577 Miscellaneous

JACKET: Ohio State men's jacket. Size small. Never worn. $25 (937)459-0058

SCRUBS: Various scrubs tops and bottoms. Size large and extra large. $2 each. (937)547-0151

LADDER: 20' aluminum extension ladder. $75 (937)459-2707

SNOWMOBILE Accessories: 1 set of snowmobile dollies $20; 1-set of snowmobile ski guides $35 (765)964-3263

PORCH RAILS: 2 sets of wood porch rails and spindles. $55. Call after 2pm. (937)548-4829 POWER WHEEL: Brand new in box Craftsman power wheel truck for kids. Asking $180 obo (937)718-3352 RECEIVER: Technics AM /FM Receiver. Tested and working. Can send pics. $30 obo. (937)621-3379 SCANNER: Radio Shack Pro-74 race scanner with 2-racing radio headsets. Excellent condition. $125 (765)964-3263

SPEAKERS: BOSE model 100. Tested and working. Can send pics $65 (937)621-3379 TANK: Aluminum semi fuel tank. Holds up to 150 gallons. $100 obo. (937)316-6299 TURNTABLE: Panasonic Record Player/Turntable. Plays 16, 33, 45 & 78 RPM. $25 (937)621-3379 VCR: Panasonic VCR (no remote). Works well. $10 (937)621-3379 VIBRATOR for feet. "Foot Choice" brand. $50 (937)548-5711

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! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION !

LARGE PARTHEMORE AUCTION Saturday, April 20, 2013 • 10:00 A.M.

Located: Hardin Co @ 328 E. Taylor St. Mt. Victory, Ohio 43340, 9 mi. S. of Kenton.

Selling due to the passing of my son & late husband who operated an auto repair shop for 30 plus years. Many nice quality shop & service tools. JOHN DEERE GATOR-COMPACT LOADER/TRACTOR-ZERO TURN MOWER-IMPLEMENTS: JD 4x4 Gator, elect. dump bed, cab, heat, 6’ snowplow, 376 hrs., v.g.c; JD 650 dsl. compact, newer woods LS84 quick tach loader w/54” bkt., turf tires, 1151 hrs., v.g.c.; 3 pt. JD I-Match ballast weight box. JD 757 Z-Trak w/60” deck, 963 hrs., v.g.c.; Roto Mec 5’ 3 pt. pto rototiller; 6’ 3 pt. blade; Frontier GM1060R 3 pt. 60” finish mower; 46” yard roller; Solar 25 gal., 3 pt. sprayer; 200 gal. pull type fuel tank; 2 wheel yard trailer. LARGE SNAP ON & MAC TOOL CHEST: 8’ wide x 6’ high Black 30 drw. roll around tool chest w/side locker & Special Ed. decals “Intimidator 11” Dale Earnhardt; Mac Tools roll around 1 drw. mech. chest/cart. CAR LIFT: ‘01 Bend Pak BP-12 (12,000 lb.) 4 post drive on high auto lift w/rolling bridge, 235” overall length. MANY MECHANIC & SPECIALTY SERVICE TOOLS-LOTS OF QUALITY WRENCHESSOCKETS-RATCHETS-HANDTOOLS-FORKLIFT-SHOP EQUIP-OLD SERVICE SHOP COLLECTIBLES & CABINETSAUTO SUPPLIES-PARTS-OFFICE-SHOP MANUALS-FOOT BALL MEMORABILIA - WOOD SHOP TOOLS - GUN SAFE-MISCANVIL-MISC. POLE BARN ITEMS-LUMBER: several hundred board feet of asst. new shop lumber. Please see www.higginsauctions.com for details

OWNER: Mrs. Mildred L. Parthemore

BEN HIGGINS REALTY & AUCTION CO., LLC. 2377251

560 Home Furnishings

TABLE: Small metal drop leaf kitchen table. $50 (937)899-0151

LAWN MOWER: "Neuton" battery operated mower. $150 (937)548-5711

POLICY: Please Check Your Ad The 1st Day. It Is The Advertiser’s Responsibility To Report Errors Immediately. Publisher Will Not Be Responsible for More Than One Incorrect Insertion. We Reserve The Right To Correctly Classify, Edit, Cancel Or Decline Any Advertisement Without Notice.

937-548-3151 937-456-5553

Ben A. Higgins, Broker & Auctioneer Ben F. Higgins, Auctioneer/Brad Higgins, Auctioneer

740-387-5111 / 740-389-6202

BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION

PEG BOARD: 2'X4' sections of peg board. $2 each. (937)564-0184

COFFEE Table: Oval solid wood coffee table 54"X231/2"X17. Great for a flat screen TV. $75 firm. (937)548-4829 After 2pm

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

2378260

COLLECTIBLE: Ohio State Buckets. $6 each. (937)459-0058

570 Lawn and Garden CHIPPER/SHREDDER: Yellow, 5hp, MTD. Not very old. Nice condition. $250 (937)260-3674

GENERAL INFORMATION

BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION

505 Antiques/Collectibles

560 Home Furnishings CHAIRS: 2 paisley print chairs. Excellent cond. $85 each. (937)548-3190

Liner deadline: 3rd Friday each month Display Deadline: Aug. Edition: July 20 Sept. Edition: Aug 17 Oct. Edition: Sept 21 Nov. Edition: Oct 19 Dec. Edition: Nov 16

! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION ! BEN HIGGINS AUCTION !

500 - Merchandise

DEADLINES/CORRECTIONS:

ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue 19A 515 Auctions

515 Auctions

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

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577 Miscellaneous

of West Central Ohio

Service & Business Directory Passenger & Farm Tires

WALKER w/wheels, basket, seat, brakes, 300lbs weight capacity. "Invacare" brand. Like new, used little. Maroon. $180 (937)548-5711

Owners

300 N. Warpole St. 14889 St. Hwy. 31 Kenton, Oh 43326 Upper Sandusky, Oh 43351 (419) 674-4715 (419) 294-4981

1775 S. CR 1 Tiffin, Oh 44883 (419) 448-9850

FARMLAND WANTED HIGHLY MOTIVATED PURCHASER Contact Tina Ortiz Mark Fornes Realty, Inc. (937) 434-2000 tina@fornes.com

Miami

Targeting over 29,000 readers in 3 counties

Hay Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;All!

CLARINET: 2 year old Selmer Clarinet. $250 (937)678-1343 GUITAR:Fender 12-string acoustic electric guitar. $125 (937)733-6324

DOG: Terrier Mix, male, neutered, UTD on shots, heartworm negative, 4-5 years old. Looking for furever home. $65 (937)547-0151 DOG: Yellow Lab Golden Retriever Mix, male, UTD shots, heartworm preventative. 1 yr old. Looking for furever home. $50 (937)547-0151

586 Sports and Recreation BIKE: 3-wheel bike "Trifecta" w/basket. Fair cond $25 (937)548-5711

Do you have farm equipment, livestock or other farm related items to sell? Do you need farmhand help? Advertise in the ACRES monthly publication to meet all your farming needs. â&#x20AC;˘ Farm Equipment â&#x20AC;˘ Service Directory â&#x20AC;˘ Auctions â&#x20AC;˘ Summer Help â&#x20AC;˘ Farm Help â&#x20AC;˘ Land Lease/Rent

2378265

800 - Transportation

590 Tool and Machinery GRINDERS: Bench top grinders $25 each. (765)874-2466

local farmers, local businesses, state and local officials

Preble Montgomer

580 Musical Instruments

583 Pets and Supplies

Scott Weininger â&#x20AC;˘ Steve Howard

Wayne

ACCORDION: 125 base. Good condition. $225 (937)316-6299

CATS: Free young cats. (937)456-9001 (937)529-9442

2351909

Agriculture NEWS FROM:

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805 Auto

â&#x20AC;˘ Picture it Sold â&#x20AC;˘ 4-H Projects â&#x20AC;˘ Hay/Straw â&#x20AC;˘ Livestock â&#x20AC;˘ Fencing â&#x20AC;˘ Animal Bi-Products

Submit information by the third Friday of every month to: Mary Bevins - Darke County mbevins@dailyadvocate.com 937.548.3151 x 222 Billie Wood - Preble County bwood@registerherald.com 937-456-5553 x100

810 Auto Parts & Accessories

890 Trucks

TOOL BOX for small size pick-up. Delta Brand. $75 (937)564-0184

TRUCK COVER: Roll up. Fits truck bed for '09 4 dr Takoma crew cab truck. $250 (937)423-0808

805 Auto

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2377837

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HAND TOOLS: Short and long handles. 50 cents and up. (765)874-2466

2378276

W H E EL S !

595 Hay HAY for sale: 193 alfalfa grass/hay. $6 a bale. (937)548-8173

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Tractors ! Combines ! Trailers ! Trucks ! Cars ! Boats ! Etcâ&#x20AC;Ś.

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Is the exciting and direct way to reach those decision makers whose acreage and lifestyle are a marketing force in today's multi-billion dollar ag industry. ACRES is the authoritative and timely resource for industry and local trends, first-hand reports from the field to the field that reach more than 54,000 landowners every month. Put your marketing dollars to work in ACRES and reap the harvest.

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20A ACRES of Western Ohio | April Issue

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