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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6

Inside

I-75 to Exit 83 • PIQUA, OHIO 937-778-0830 • Fax: 937-778-1490

THIS EDITION

■ Beck’s Hybrids now in Ohio page 6

■ He’s not a salesman page 14

■ Swisher Herbs spice up life page 4

■ Debunk those garden myths page 10

■ Ohio Outdoors page 4

Editor Jeff Billiel welcomes suggestions from readers of My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio. Forward your comments and/or story ideas to him online at jbilliel@civitasmedia.com. Letters to the editor will also be considered for publication in ACRES and may be emailed to the same address. Letters and comments may also be sent via USPS to Editor, Rural Life of West Central Ohio, c/o Sidney Daily News, 1451 N. Vandemark Road, Sidney, OH 45365.

1-800-678-4188 Logan County livestock auction serves as popular clearinghouse

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BY CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH DEGRAFF- Every Monday at 12:30 p.m., the mesmerizing cadence of a well-versed auctioneer conducts the transfer of hogs, cattle, goats and sheep from western Ohio farms to eventually become meat in grocery stores far and wide. Situated about equal distances from Sidney, Urbana, and Bellefontaine, Jackson Livestock Auction Service in southwestern Logan County serves a vital role in the local agricultural economy. Entering into his 11th PDC Photo/CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH A HOLSTEIN cow enters the auction ring at the Jackson Livestock Auction year as owner of the busiService’s weekly sale in DeGraff. ness, Chris Egbert was introduced in 1994 to the operation then owned by Howard and Jenean Jackson. Prior to 1987 it was known as DeGraff Livestock Auction. The Preble County native had gained experience managing hog production in southern and western Ohio farms for the Sheppard Grain Co. Working this territory proved an asset to running the auction business, as he made important contacts with producers and learned the ins and outs of livestock marketing. Besides the weekly Monday sales where 200 to 400 head of stock are sold, the first Saturday of each month caters to some of the smaller species such as waterfowl, game birds, poultry and rabbits. It may have upwards of 150 sellers. Occasionally some of the PDC Photo/CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH larger species are also at the Saturday auction, such CHRIS EGBERT, who operates the Jackson as alpacas, horses, and donkeys. Livestock Auction Service, works the In addition to livestock, this monthly event offers gates at a recent sale. many farm related items: firewood, hay, straw, mademands strategies and planning for uncontrollable chinery, vehicles, posts, tools, barrels, shrubs, fans factors that affect profitability. etc. Pigs, goats, and sheep are sometimes sold, deBuyers are sometimes known as dealers, dependpending on what consigners bring. ing on the volume of their typical purchases, and The buyers and sellers (consigners) can be a diverse group. The reasons for selling animals are sev- must be registered with the state of Ohio. About five regular dealers attend the Monday auctions; even eral – Some may be pets, some are raised for meat. though they are all acquainted, they still bid competFarm animals must on occasion be culled from the herd, whether because of impairments that interfere itively against each other. The dealers may have contracts with packing houses to fill, and will transport with production, or simply reducing a herd size. For the purchased livestock directly there. Other buyers example, the difficulty in finding or affording hay during a draught like the severe that gripped the na- bid on fewer animals for different reasons. Some will See Auction/page 3 tion in 2012, highlights how the farming profession

Ohio ‘city kids’ learn importance of agriculture gram is now under way in Ohio to address that SIDNEY - Agriculture issue by teaching agriand agriculture-related culture to students at businesses play an imboth the elementary and portant role in Ohio, high school levels. In with agriculture being Sidney recently, 600 the state’s leading inchildren in grades K-5 dustry. Yet how is it that took part in an interacthis fact can often be so tive showcase called “Adoverlooked or taken for ventures in Agriculture” granted? that helped their young An educational prominds comprehend the

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

A CALF commands the attention of several nonfarm youths at a recent Ag Day event. What farm folks take for granted is often new and exciting for kids who live in town.

significance of agriculture in their lives. The state program is designed to foster a greater understanding of the significance that farming plays in all levels of society. The curriculum strives to teach students how food is raised, from tomatoes and corn to cows and hogs. Also taught is information regarding soil and farming equipment, helping to illustrate how food gets on their tables and how clothing gets on their backs. The agriculture curriculum introduces students to basic scientific facts and offers guidance on how they can be applied to daily life. For example, students may learn how corn can be made into oil, how trees help trees produce nuts or fruits, how plants grow into the vegetables we eat, and how cows produce milk or beef for meat. The in-

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CHILDREN GET up close and personal with a donkey at a recent Ag Day celebration at Northwood Elementary School in Sidney, while other kids go for a hayride in the background. The event featured 12 learning stations that focused on various aspects of agriculture. struction also provides Virginia McLean, cureveryday applications for riculum director for the chemistry, physics and bi- Sidney City Schools in ology. Shelby County, explained

that the State Department of Education has standards calling for the See City Kids/page 3

VONDENHUEVEL NDENHUEVEL UEVEL AUC UCTIONEERS TIONEERS EERS 937-538-6231 231 WWW.VONDENHUEVELAUCTIONEERS.COM ELA AUCTIONEERS UCTIONEERS.COM

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BY LOLA E. BILLIEL

My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 2

New name for publication but commitment remains unchanged First, I want to welcome all of you, our loyal readers to the all new “MyOwn Rural Life.� If you saw the article last month and noticed the attractive and modern design of the new name across the front of this June edition, you can see that our farming and agriculture publication has not only a new name and look, but a strong new attitude toward serving our rural communities with great stories and content every month. Who could have predicted the growth of “MyOwn Rural Life� more than a year ago? In fact, last year, who could have predicted anything that happened in agriculture in 2012? It was just a year ago that I was wondering what kind of year Ohio farmers would have in 2012. At that time there was no way to predict the upcoming summer-long drought that parched many parts of Ohio. But there was also no way to predict that farmland prices would hit a record high in 2012. No way to predict that a bushel of corn would sell for $10 during the year, and that despite the dry season, many farm-

Outlook

Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com

ers reported having a very good year. In fact, as 2013 began, one Ohio State University agricultural expert called thew times we are presently living in the latest “golden age of agriculture� in Ohio.

Who would have predicted that a year ago? So now that June is upon us and much of the planting has been done – the seed is in the ground, isn’t it? – we can try to look ahead to what the 2013 season will hold for Ohio farmers. Wait. Never mind. I believe I have just proven that any such predictions are a waste of ink. Yes, we had quite a roller coaster ride in 2012, and no one could ever have predicted that at the end of the ride, Ohio farmers and the many companies that supply them would have come out far, far stronger than when the year began. And in addition, who would ever have predicted over a year ago that Beck’s Hybrid’s in Indiana would have purchased thousands of acres of Ohio farm land at the beginning of this year to become a major player in Ohio seed production? So as the 2013 growing season gets under way, Ohio farmers will just have to take it one day at a time as they always do. Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of My Own Rural Life

Farm experience central to helping Clark County kids learn by doing NORTH HAMPTON - Just outside the village of North Hampton on the east side of Springfield, sits a modest farm that grows something more than goats and chickens: On The Rise Farm grows hope—and two dynamic women are giving back what they had been given, to a community in need. What greets atrisk kids from Springfield are the healing powers of fresh air, farm animals, and the loving discipline of a second home built around responsibility and fellowship. Debbie McCullough and Cathy Tofstad are former realtors who started the non-profit farm after leaving those careers and subsequently gaining experience as school aides in the Dayton and Springfield school systems. What began as a lively discussion of ideas around a kitchen table has evolved into a year-round enterprise with an annual budget of a hundred fifty thousand dollars. McCullough had started a Miami County 4-H club called Kids Go Country. Here she developed a model for teaching her charges about the economics of working, to earn credit toward purchasing a fair project. A fortuitous meeting with someone from the Ohio Juvenile Justice System eleven years ago got the ball rolling to develop their ideas into a formal proposal for funding. It was a two-year endeavor that was initially funded for forty seven thousand dollars. Debbie and her husband, had already purchased the property of approximately eight acres, and renovated it for the purpose of the program. Four chicken coops were built; one was converted into a learning center, and a very unique classroom at that. They started out with three Nannies (female) goats, and have grown the herd now to fifty-five, all from two of the original Nannies. Five different Billy goats (males) have sired all of the present flock. The breed is called Boer, known for good meat production. “Business is booming!� says Debbie, “the meat is a big seller because of its superior nutritional value.� Their produce is sold through the downtown Springfield Farmers Market and the Second Street Market in Dayton. On farm sales are also available. Besides the a hundred twenty laying hens, the farm also raises about a hundred chickens a year for meat, processed by Kings and Sons in Gettysburg. The two women put in very long days, and with many different groups in a demanding weekly schedule. Students are identified as being at risk by the Juvenile court system, social service agencies or schools. Though the term may have varying mean-

of West Central Ohio Publisher — Frank Beeson fbeeson@civitasmedia.com Editor-in-Chief — Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com Regional Editor — Jeff Billiel jbilliel@civitasmedia.com Layout & Design — Greta Silvers gsilvers@civitasmedia.com RETAIL/MAJOR ACCOUNT SALES Shelby/Auglaize Counties Becky Smith (937) 498-5980 bsmith@civitasmedia.com Miami County Leiann Stewart (937) 440-5252 lstewart@civitasmedia.com Champaign/Clark/Logan/Counties Lane Moon (937) 652-1331 lmoon@civitasmedia.com CLASSIFIED SALES Miami, Shelby/Auglaize Counties Classifieds That Work Mandy Yagle (937) 498-5915 mkaiser@civitasmedia.com Champaign, Clark/Logan Counties Classifieds That Work Carol Herring (937) 652-1331 cherring@civitasmedia.com

ings, it generally refers to those who are statistically at risk of failing academically because of several factors such as low socioeconomic status or some type of disability. In addition to two groups of 12 teenagers (boys and girls) who are scheduled separately two days a week for three hours, McCullough and Tofstad also work with a group of disabled adults on Mondays, alternative school students on Wednesdays, and the 4H club on Sundays. Though it can be exhausting work, it’s that “good kind of tiredâ€? these community builders relish. Debbie and Kathy agree, “There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing!â€? In the summer, field trips are scheduled for the students to travel the region. One of their regular trips is to Logan County, where they get acquainted with seven different Amish farmers, to see how traditional agriculture is conducted. Another treat for them while visiting the area is a tour directed by Chris Egbert, owner of Jackson Livestock Service in DeGraff. “He is so patient and kind with the kids,â€? exclaims McCullough, “Really good at explaining all about how the auction works.â€? And thus their field experience is well rounded from the production to the sale end of the business. For those students showing extra potential, they may transition into the City Kids Go Country 4H club, which uses standard 4H curriculum developed by Ohio State University Extension. There, these young people get business experience, learning responsibility and social skills in the process. They must work to earn credit (equivalent to eight dollars per hour) for buying their animals, which are later sold for a profit. Time sheets are kept, and parents can work too, on behalf of their children. Credit is earned for doing farm chores and working at the farmers markets, where they learn how to interact with customers and handle money—“Multidisciplinary skills and experience!â€? McCullough notes with a gleam in her eye. The non-4H parts of the program also use curriculum developed by Ohio State Extension, with the objective being to provide hands-on ways of changing negative behavior. Applicants are screened and there is a waiting list of about fifty to sixty, so popular is this program, which partners with many communities in the area that give of their resources to support its ongoing success. North Hampton Community Church has worked with the kids on mutual projects, as has Asbury United Methodist church; Paul Steele, a North Hampton resident, functions as van driver, handyman, and generally helps with whatever needs arise. â€œâ€Śand related dutiesâ€? might be part of his job description. He built a lovely porch onto the chickencoop classroom. On this day he has brought a rototiller for a new garden bed; Buckeye Soil has provided potting soil. Clark County OSU Extension supplied vegetable plants; Crown Market and Country Garden of Springfield donated plants, flowers, vegetables, and seed. “They seem to show up unexpectedly at the very moment you need something,â€? McCullough marvels. “Of course after eleven years, we’re pretty well known in the region, and people’s generosity for these kids is just amazing!â€? Other major funders include: Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, The Springfield Foundation, The Turner Foundation, and many other generous contributors. Very often college interns like Cory Crosby from Wittenburg University give of their time and hearts. Recently graduated with a degree in sociology and communications, the time has come for him to move on, but he has left a legacy of caring and kindness. Many graduates from On The Rise Farm have themselves moved on to employment, college and the military. These two courageous and creative women beam with joy at the results of their hard work. Such an ethic is not lost on their young citizens.

STUDENTS BUILD raised beds for growing vegetables at On The Rise Farm in Clark County. Respect is the order of the day, and visitors to the farm are greeted by the students with courtesy and formality, as they introduce themselves. On a bright May afternoon, surrounded by warm breezes and plush pastures, the young ladies were setting up garden boxes with potting soil in preparation to plant vegetables. A huge bag of seed packets offered up its vast contents, and the girls chose cabbage, lettuce, and peppers. When the chores and homework were completed, the farm crew sat down to enjoy “Three Sisters� stew (corn, beans, squash) as suggested by one of the hard working gals. They learn all-important kitchen skills too, in helping to plan and prepare meals. On the three walls surrounding the large table in the corner of the kitchen, hang framed posters that teach about nutrition and character virtues. So together they sit, passing dishes of food and sharing good company, just like family. Caroline McColloch writes for the Piqua Daily Call

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Contact My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio: 1451 N. Vandemark Rd., Sidney, Ohio 45365

937-498-5962 My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio is published monthly by Civitas Media and is available at the Sidney Daily News, Troy Daily News, Piqua Daily Call, (Tipp City/West Milton) Weekly Record Herald and the Urbana Daily Citizen. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue inwhole or in part is strictly prohibited. My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio is available for purchase at each of the newspaper offices for $1 per copy or contact us to subscribe. Subscriptions are $19.95 per year.

PDC Photo/CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio •June 2013 • Page 3

Auction

PDC Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

FARM EQUIPMENT brought in for the Ag Day event dwarfs the school children who inspect it in awe.

City kids continued from page 1 incorporation of agriculture in the curriculum. These begin at kindergarten with a standard that states “living things have physical traits and behaviors which influence their survival.” State standards for other grades include “living things cause changes on earth; living things have basic needs, which are met by obtaining materials from the physical environment; daily life is influenced by the agriculture, industry and natural resources in different communities; and the economic development of the United States continues to influence and be influenced by agriculture, industry and natural resources in Ohio.” Jon Geuy, principal at Sidney High School, notes a pilot program will begin in Sidney in September in which all eighth graders will be required to take a “Career Search” agricultural class for nine weeks. The class will introduce the youngsters to agriculture and its importance. Guey said the programs have been in the making for about two years with members of the community and local businesses providing input. He notes that “over the years agriculture has grown and become very diversified and the state has come up with six pathways to change the scope and to meet the demands on today’s employers. We have many agriculture-based businesses around here and many jobs of the future will be in agriculture or (be) agriculture related. These classes will give kids the opportunity to branch out and explore ideas.” Lynda Adams, education coordinator for the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District, works closely with all schools in the county. She provides lessons focusing on the make-up of soil, why soil is important, and how soil can be conserved – illustrating with exercises such as “Cookies from Soil” and “Dirt Pudding.” Adams offers help with the creation of school gardens and at conservation day camp. She also stages a play, “Many Hats of a Farmer,” in which students demonstrate how a farmer has to be a mechanic, business manager, nutritionist, veterinarian, scientist, environmentalist, weather forecaster, engineer and inventor. Recently, in conjunction with Northwood Elementary School in Sidney, the Shelby County Historical Society, the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Farm Bureau, Cargill Inc,. Koenig Equipment, and the Shelby County Antique and Power Association sponsored an “Adventures in Agriculture Day,” exposing students to an adventure in agriculture. Throughout the day students participated in a number of ag related stations, including “Milk the Cow” with Jill Smith, organization director for the Ohio Farm Bureau; “Equipment” by Koenig Equipment and “Antique Farm Equipment” by the Shelby County Antique Tractor and Power Association. Children got to experience the history of farming by contrasting early and modern farm equipment to see how it has changed over the years. The various learning stations included agriculturerelated books, art, and music activities, as well as math. “Cookies from Soil,” under the direction of Adams, showed students the importance of soil. A community business, Cargill Inc., with a soybean processing plant in Sidney, introduced students to food science. As Phlipot stated, “we wanted students to realize that since the founding of Shelby County, the strength of our agriculture community has provided a sturdy foundation to build a wonderful place to live and raise a family. This event helped students who have never lived on a farm understand the food chain and how important preservation of the soil and clean water is to every resident.” At the beginning of the day, youngsters volunteered that the source of bread is “the store” and that ham comes from cows - but 12 learning stations later it was obvious many light bulbs had been turned on during the”Adventures in Agriculture” event. Lola Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News

buy “feeder” calves or hogs and raise them to sell for food animals at a higher price. The mix of buyers ranges from commercial producers and dealers to hobby farmers. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) inspector attends every auction (except holidays), to see that bills are paid promptly and to ensure the traceability of individual animals from the farm of origin to slaughter. This system has lately become part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and compliance must be complete by 2015. The goal is to track every individual animal destined for slaughter in the U.S., no matter how few or many come from a particular farm. Egbert sees the usual government requirements as well-intentioned, but often more complicated and tedious to put into practice, by which time the rules may change yet again. The more times livestock are bought and sold, the more complicated is the tracking, especially out of state. Although ODA supplies the tags and other materials used to identify individual animals, the extensive record keeping under NAIS may influence some of the smaller producers to simply quit the business. However, animals born, raised, butchered and sold in the same regional area would greatly simplify required paperwork. According to Egbert, more than two million hogs and approximately 650,000 cattle are slaughtered each week in the U.S. With such a volume of meat production it is impossible for inspectors to test every animal for disease. Although there are requirements for withdrawal of most drugs in livestock destined for food, and some mandatory testing such as scrapies in sheep and goats and tuberculosis in cattle and hogs, the emphasis of regulation is on traceability in the event of animal disease. The livestock auction business in particular and the meat industry in general has changed a good deal since Egbert started working it in the 90s. As with many other industries, consolidation and a business practice known as vertical integration have become the norm. Larger businesses have bought up many smaller ones, resulting in less competition and

Travel to Paradise with other Farmers!

continued from page 1

PDC Photo/CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH

LIVESTOCK TRAILERS line up to load purchased animals. fewer locally owned meat packing companies. The majority of slaughter facilities are owned by four corporations: Cargill, Tyson, JBS, and National Beef. Whereas there used to be slaughter facilities in larger cities like Cincinnati and small towns like Piqua, now there is only one large meatpacking company left in Ohio. Most or all of the more numerous facilities in states like Kentucky or Iowa are owned by one of the big four corporations. The result of this consolidation can place fierce pressure on livestock dealers as they compete for fewer slaughter facilities to sell to. Vertical integration has been a way for large meatpacking corporations to control animal production for consistency and volume. The old model of many farmers selling to many different slaughter facilities did not serve the industry’s demand for high output. The companies that dominate the market expect a guaranteed number of head at a particular weight, for example. So, packinghouses started the practice of vertical integration in order to secure supply and quality. Smithfield meats of the Carolinas began the practice of vertical integration. Egbert can typically work 60-90 hours a week or even some 22 hour days during the county fair season. He has established buying relationships with fairs in upwards of twenty counties, brokering deals with numerous meatpackers. Planning ahead and building those business relationships has given him a competitive edge. “I

PDC Photo/CAROLINE MCCOLLOCH

SEASONED auctioneer John Carr orchestrates the action at a recent Jackson Livestock sale. was pleasantly surprised at the results of meeting with people face to face, after having conducted business only by phone for such a long time.” Buying hogs from county fairs is a very different kind of business compared to that of commercial producers, for whom raising livestock is a full time occupation instead of a summer project. Fair livestock (hogs and steers in particular) is difficult to sell to packinghouses because of the increased risk of drug residue, which makes the meat difficult to sell to increasingly selective markets. Between auctions in DeGraff, Egbert is often making the rounds as buyer, brokering deals between producers and packing houses. He spends a lot of time on the road, and reflected about the changes in the auction business and the industry in the last decade. There are fewer livestock, farmers, and buyers. But he has low overhead and less competition since the auction houses in Wapakoneta and Springfield have closed.

Hog breeds have become less diverse and durable against environmental stresses, as selective breeding has been aiming for a certain percentage of fat. Consumers have for some time now demanded leaner meat, although less fat impacts the flavor and nutrition. This loss of durability has precipitated the need for more drugs and other interventions to protect producers’ investments. Regarding the trend toward more local or regional food systems, Egbert sees it as more of a niche market since most people prefer food to be cheap. He opines that the many reported outbreaks of illnesses and food recalls from large facilities is more because of our instant communication systems rather than an actual increase. “The work isn’t as easy or as fun as it once was” Egbert muses. But he is glad to make a decent income and be able to invest in the business. Plus, no two days are really the same—all in all, not a bad way to make a living. Caroline McColloch writes for the Piqua Daily Call

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Acres of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 4

Love of cooking spawns herb business operated by Champaign County couple BY BREANNE PARCELS URBANA – A family business dedicated to healthy herbs has been growing constantly since it was resurrected after more than a decade dormant. Swisher Hill Herbs, operated by Joe and Charlene Stapleton from their home east of Urbana, has its roots in a shared love of cooking. She grows and dries herbs, while he mixes up herbal recipes with no salt, preservatives or other additives. “He’s the blender,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “We do order some dried herbs in bulk for the spice mixes, but we also sell fresh herbs, both cut and potted, from our gardens.” Mr. Stapleton blends up new herbal mixes weekly, using ideas he came up with in his world travels with the military, along with ideas from customers. “Most pre-packed spice blends have a very high sodium content,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “The question is, how much do you have to adapt a recipe to get it to where the public will enjoy it? People can always add their own salt, but once it’s in there, you can’t take it out.” Mr. Stapleton said some recipes are easier to create than others. “It took a long time to get the chili just right, but the garlic chipotle came together very fast,” he said. “I’ve eaten a lot of sloppy joes too. I like to experiment.” Mrs. Stapleton said she and her late mother, Virginia Miller, became interested in growing herbs for different reasons. Long before Mr. Stapleton took over blending duties, Miller was creating health-conscious herb mixes. “My mom was a registered nurse and she came up with the idea of eating less salt by seasoning with healthier ingredients,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “In the 1970s, we lived in Germany, but I spoke no German. A neighbor there taught me about flavor profiles, like tomato paired with basil, and companion planting. So when we moved back here to Ohio, we started the gardens here at the farm. Mom lived next door, so we had the perfect setup.” The Stapletons purchased the 20-acre property in 1980. They lived in a hilltop trailer for several years before beginning renovations on a historic barn, which was built in 1874. The barn slowly transformed into their home, with a lowerlevel mix room, a potting porch, and a storefront surrounded by sprawling gardens. “My wife and her mom started the business in 1981 and ran it until 1993 when (Robert) Rothschild’s recruited her to help with their gourmet products,” Mr. Stapleton said. “We both retired a few

years ago and decided it was time to revisit the herb business. Now all we do is local festivals, the farm markets and the monthly flea market in Urbana. We enjoy it.” They no longer have a storefront at the farm, but visitors are welcome to view the demonstration gardens by appointment. Mrs. Stapleton readily shares garden design tips with novices, including a detailed plan for a six foot “circle garden” containing herbs and flowering perennials. The Swisher Hill garden is much larger, of course. “Our circle garden was once a swimming pool,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “We also have a streambed that is mostly dry, and the peppermint is thriving down there. When he mows or weed-eats, it smells wonderful for days.” Part of the property is leased to a local farmer, but the gardens are both functional and aesthetic. “I have herbs in every flowerbed,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “When they spill out into the walkways, I pot them up and take them to the market. I never really have to worry about weeds too much.” In addition to lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, chives, basil, winter savory, garden sorrel, tarragon, cilantro and multiple mint varieties, Swisher Hill produces kales, cabbages, lettuce, tomatoes and rhubarb. “I grow the vegetables mostly for my own kitchen use, but some plants produce a lot so we’ll take some of the veggies to the farm market,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “We don’t try to compete with the local vegetable growers. Even though we do sell live plants, we mostly focus on our unique products, like the spice blends, sachets, essential oils.” As a Champaign County Master Gardener, Mrs. Stapleton also spends a great deal of time educating individuals about proper planting and garden maintenance techniques. “People are getting the message, that herbs are good for you,” Mrs. Stapleton said. “Giving people recipes and advice, so they can use the herbs they grow, is an integral part of our business model. I love it when someone can go home and use the knowledge we pass on.” CHIVE BLOSSOM VINEGAR This delicate pink brew adds a potent splash of chive flavor to any dish.

concentration, but do not pack the bottle more than a third full. Fill the bottle to neck with distilled white vinegar of at least 5 percent acidity. White wine and champagne vinegar are also good for this recipe. Let the vinegar rest at least 24 hours, or until desired flavor is attained. Strain if desired, then store in a cool,

dark place. For more information, contact Swisher Hill Herbs via the Champaign County Virtual Farm Market at http://champaignoh.locallygrown.net/growers/show/3713 or swisherhillherbs@gmail.com. Breanne Parcels writes for the Urbana Daily Citizen

UDC Photo/BREANNE PARCELS

THE STAPLETONS now live in a converted barn built in 1874.

UDC Photo/BREANNE PARCELS

JOE STAPLETON of Swisher Hill Herbs prepares an herb blend in his mixing room.

Rinse fresh chive blossoms to remove debris and dirt. Hang to dry overnight. Once dry, snip stems just below flower head. Insert dried blossoms into a clean glass bottle with a non-metal stopper or cap, to a depth of an inch or two. More blossoms will increase flavor and color

Ohio Outdoors BY JIM MCCORMAC

an airbrake. Upon alighting, the squirrel invariably scurries to the other side Four species of tree squirrels occur in of the trunk, in case an owl has folOhio, and most people are familiar with lowed it. three of them. Anyone who feeds birds Measuring less than a foot long and probably knows fox, gray, and red weighing only 2 ½ ounces, a flying squirrels, all of which are expert feeder squirrel is truly elfin. It would take raiders. Indeed, this larcenous trio is so eleven of them to equal the mass of a adept at plundering bird feeders that fox squirrel. What these banhomeowners often engage in a battle of tamweights lack in size is more than wits with the furry seed-stealers, which made up for in speed and agility. the squirrels frequently win. Watching these speedsters rocket At the end of the day, squirrels retire around the branches of a big tree is a for the evening – or so it would seem. surreal experience. When at full tilt, a But darkness brings out our fourth flying squirrel runs up, down, and sidesquirrel ways at vespecies, the locities that southern flyleave an obing squirrel. server These acroawestruck batic little and wondersprites can be ing if the common squirrel’s feeder visipaws are tors, but are made of Veloften overcro. The looked, grand finale shielded as comes when they are by the squirrel the blackness launches itof night. If self into there are big space, sailtrees around, ing off into even in subthe dark. urban areas, PHOTO PROVIDED In most chances are regions that SOUTHERN FLYING squirrel in flight. great that flyare welling squirrels are present. forested, the flying squirrel is the most A southern flying squirrel is an ani- abundant of our squirrels, albeit the mal of great beauty. Impossibly large least commonly encountered. They are eyes, all the better to see in darkness, vital cogs in woodland ecology, scavengdominate the small, mousy head. Their ing scads of tree nuts and caching silky fur is a lustrous gray-brown them. Many squirrel-harvested acorns above, contrasting with the animal’s and other mast will be forgotten, the snowy-white undersides. It is the adap- lost nuts destined to grow new trees. In tations for “flying” that is truly eyeturn, the squirrels serve as prey for catching, though. A flying squirrel predators such as owls and black rat doesn’t really “fly;” it glides. Loose flaps snakes. of skin called patagium stretch beIf you’ve got big trees in your yard, tween the legs and when snapped taut keep a sharp eye on your bird feeders form a winglike membrane. When after dark. Better yet, slather some ready to parasail, the squirrel leaps crunchy peanut butter high up on a from high in the tree, stretches its legs tree trunk – flying squirrels seem to wide, and glides like a furry dart for up find it irresistible. to 150 feet. As the airborne squirrel prepares to land, it flips its flat tail to a Jim McCormac writes for the vertical position, which then becomes Ohio Division of Wildlife.

UDC Photo/BREANNE PARCELS

THE STAPLETONS wait on a customer at the Champaign County Farmers Market in May.

UDC Photo/BREANNE PARCELS

CHARLENE STAPLETON counts flats of starter herbs.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 5

Old-time elevator finds niche to survive in ‘big box’ era BY TOM MILLHOUSE SIDNEY - Grain elevators and farm stores were once a hub of activity in small towns and some not-so-small towns. Over the years, many elevators have faded into history. However, some old-time businesses in West Central Ohio have stood the test of time. One such throwback business is Ginn Grain in downtown Sidney. Survivors like Ginn Grain have found a niche in the modern era, in part, because they have products not found at the “big box” super stores. Whether it’s old-time varieties of vegetable seeds or hard-to-find pets supplies Ginn Grain has been serving its loyal customers for more than 100 years. In real estate, location is often the critical issue and Ginn Grain’s current owner, Bruce Kuck thinks the store’s location in Sidney is critical to its survival while similar businesses in small towns have failed. “I think it’s (successful) because I’m in the county seat,” said Kuck, 58, of DeGraff. “People don’t live in the country like they used to, they have moved to town.” Once a conventional grain elevator that served farmers’ needs by purchasing grain and grinding livestock feed, Ginn Grain, located on the northeast corner of North Street and West Avenue, has evolved over the years to a store that primarily serves a city clientele. “We don’t deal with farmers much, it’s mostly town people,” said Kuck, who operates the business with his wife, Wilma. Pet foods, ranging from cats and dogs to rabbits and guinea pigs, make up the biggest part of sales nowadays at Ginn Grain. Kuck said customers like the convenience of dropping in to buy their pet supplies without having to walk through a large store. “They are in and out of here in five minutes,” Kuck said, noting he also sells a lot of water softener salt and bird feed. The elevator didn’t always have that city draw, instead it served farmers who brought their goods to town and purchased the supplies they need for their livestock. The elevator was founded in 1895 by Emery Nutt. The allwood building was constructed to hold 25,000 bushels of grain. It was one of three elevators in Sidney at the time. Ownership later transferred to Elmer Sheets, Norbert Jones and other business partners. They operated the elevator until 1927 when Cecil Ginn bought into the business. Ginn became sole owner in 1945.

PHOTO PROVIDED

WORKERS PLACE an old railroad boxcar on the north side of Ginn Grain in downtown Sidney. The boxcar has been a fixture at the elevator since the mid 1980s. It is used for storage.

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

GINN GRAIN CO. owners Wilma and Bruce Kuck, of DeGraff, stand in front of their business.

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IN THIS vintage photo, a man prepares to get down from his buggy hitched near the elevator, now know as Ginn Grain, in downtown Sidney. The elevator has been a fixture in Sidney since 1895.

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THIS IS how the Ginn Grain elevator in downtown Sidney looked in the 1930s. There was a Texaco filling station across the street.

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BRUCE KUCK (l-r) of DeGraff, and his wife Wilma Kuck sell several bags of candy to William Gates, of Sidney, at the Ginn Grain Co. on West North Street in Sidney. The grain elevator was built in 1896 and was the first elevator in the state of Ohio to mix molasses with animal feed in the 1930’s. Tom Millhouse is a reporter with the Bruce Kuck bought the building in 1991. He continues to sell animal feed for Sidney Daily News both farm animals and house pets. Other items for sale at the historic store are lawn care items, animal supplies, road salt and lots of candy.

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Before purchasing Ginn Grain, Kuck had several other jobs, including working in a local foundry and at Bambauer Fertilizer and Seed in Pemberton. Kuck said he enjoys working with customers and the steady pace of the business. “It’s not push-push all the time,” he said. “Some (customers) you’ll just see once a year, some you’ll see every week, it all depends what their needs are.”

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He remodeled the building with additions to the structure. Ginn Grain became the first mill to add molasses to grain for livestock feed. Using a rail spur on the north side of the building, Ginn shipped grain by rail. Ginn died in 1973 and Kurt Kuck purchased the business from the family in 1980. Kuck operated Ginn Grain until his death in 1991. His cousin, current owner Bruce Kuck then bought the business. One of the fixtures of the historic business, a rail car, was placed on the north side of the building in 1985. Kuck said the rail car, a reminder of the days when small elevators transported grain by steampowered trains, is used to store straw. Another improvement made about the same time was the installation of brick pavers in the parking lot. While the business has a steady flow of customers buying pet food and supplies, Kuck said there are times of the year that are busier than others. In recent weeks, the annual sales of flowers and vegetable plants have kept Kuck busier than usual. If customers are looking for vintage varieties of seeds for their gardens they know that Ginn’s usually has them, such as collard greens or mustard seed. Ginn Grain also offers some unusual treats for pets. While you might not be able to make a silk purse out of sow’s ear, you can make a dog happy with a sow’s ear from Ginn Grain. Kuck said he also sells cow ribs and hoofs and turkey feet as dog treats. Kuck said the oldtime feel of the store helps attract business. “Some people like the old building,” he said. To sweeten the deal for customers coming into the store, Kuck offers a wide variety of bulk candies. Although candy sales are more brisk at Christmas, Kuck said “people seem to have a sweet tooth” throughout the year.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 6

Beck’s Hybrids buys 5,000 acres in Ohio; will open Practical Farm Research site BY LANCE CRANMER

40073649

ATLANTA, Ind. - The imaginary line that separates the states of Indiana and Ohio makes a difference in whether a person identifies themselves as a Hoosier or a Buckeye. As far as the soil itself is concerned, there’s not that much of a difference. That’s why a seed producing company like central Indiana-based Beck’s Hybrids has been able to find so much success on either side of that line. “Some of our biggest dealers are in Ohio,” said Scott Beck, Vice President of the company that was founded and operated by the same family since 1935. “Our products work well there.” Because Beck’s home base in Atlanta, Indiana (about 40 miles north of Indianapolis) is less than a two-hour drive from the Ohio border, there hadn’t been a great sense of urgency for the company to expand east and establish a location in the Buckeye State. “Most of our sales are in the northwest and western row of counties,” Beck said. “Those areas are easily serviced by our home facility.” And for farming research purposes, there really weren’t a whole lot of differences that needed to be explored. “For years we thought about having a research site (in Ohio),” Beck said. “The soil is pretty similar and the data we generate here is pretty applicable to what it is in Ohio.” In order to provide a better product to the farmers they work with, Beck’s has expanded multiple times over the years. The company now has two practical farm research sites in Illinois and another in Kentucky to go along with the home site in Indiana. But early this year, the company decided to go ahead and add Ohio to the list when it purchased more than 5,000 acres of farmland in Fayette, Pickaway, Ross, Pike and Scioto Counties, along with a nearly 300acre farm in Madison County between I-70 and US 40, just north of London it purchased in May, 2012. “Last summer we were contacted by a good customer in south-central Ohio (named) Les Imboden,” said Beck. “His goal for his operation was to transition that to a suc-

cessor. He didn’t have an immediate family member to do that. He liked our company and our family aspect.” Beck’s purchased the land, kept Imboden as the farm’s general manager and hired on his existing employees. The 280-plus acres in Madison County, located near Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review site, serves as the company’s Ohio Practical Farm Research site. “The location near I-70 and 40 was ideal from a transportation standpoint,” said Beck. “And it was near the Farm Science Review, and that was very attractive from a visibility standpoint.” The new farmland will provide multiple uses for Beck’s. The immediate use it will provide will be for research. “The soil types are similar to (Indiana). But there are some different soil types that we’re going to do more regional testing on,” Beck said, adding, “We won’t be using all of that land for research. Not all of it is suited for that purpose.” The Madison County farmland will be used predominately for commercial corn and soybeans. To help guide the research for Ohio, Beck’s hired Kyle Hoppes as the Practical Farming Research director. “Kyle is planning our plots there,” Beck said. “We will have 15 different plots for different studies.” In the near future, however, the site will grow further as Beck’s begins construction on a distribution center that Beck said will allow the company to more practically and effectively serve customers throughout central and southern Ohio. “We have a growing number of farmers in Ohio that are wanting to use our products. And a number of our top-selling dealers are located in Ohio,” Beck said. “Our goal is by the fall or spring (of 2014) to begin the construction of a distribution site, which will also have offices and a (machine) shop. It will be completed in 2014.” That will likely mean at least a few more jobs will be created as well. “With the distribution site, we could be looking to hire another person to help manage the site. And there might be some additional part-time or

PHOTO PROVIDED

TRIAL HYBRID corn plants shown in one of Beck’s research facilities in Indiana. full-time workers needed, depending on how it grows,” he said. “There are other areas for potential growth when we start growing seed corn. Mostly in labor.” In the near future, Beck’s plans to reach out to area farmers to help create some new relationships in the agricultural community. Because of their proximity to OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences land, where the annual Farm Science Review is held, Beck’s representatives have met with people from the college to get acquainted. “We met when them a couple of times. They don’t do research, so I don’t foresee doing any research projects with them,” Beck said. “But they have been very cooperative and helpful with things we have needed assistance with.” When the Farm Science Review comes to town - which this year will happen September 17 through 19 - Beck’s hopes to be a secondary attraction that farmers can stop and explore while they’re in town. “Because the Farm Science Review is such a large draw anyway, the thought process is that we’ll host the farmers in the morning before the Farm Science Review opens and then in the evening after it closes,” Beck said. “We’ll offer them breakfast or dinner and give them a chance

PHOTO PROVIDED

ENTRANCE TO the Beck’s Hybrids headquarters near Atlanta, Ind. to tour our research plots. We want to give them a chance to learn about the company and how we can help them.” While it was not a critical need for Beck’s to expand into Ohio, the Beck family sees the expansion as a great opportunity to serve their Ohio cus-

tomers and provide them with an even better product. “London is a nice site for the next phase of our growth potential, being in central and southern Ohio. We are excited to be able to serve Ohio in this way. We are growing in Ohio because our prod-

ucts have been working there,” Beck said. “We’re excited about being a part of Ohio agriculture and the farming community in a bigger way.” Lance Cranmer writes for the Record-Herald in Washington Court House

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 7

COUNTRY COOKIN’

Cheesy Potato Casserole ideal for family cook-outs BY LOLA E. BILLIEL

Making the perfect burger no accident for Judy Chalou

calls. “I remember one year I had orders for over 65 graduation cakes in one weekend. Needless to say every available flat surface in the home was topped In west-central Ohio you can’t go wrong with a hearty potato dish. The hamburger has become as with cake! My husband was a great help during that time because he became the ‘icing maker.’ He became Sarah Tuente, a stay-atAmerican as apple pie and Judy home mom near Anna, in very good at mixing icing by the gallon for me to keep Chalou of Piqua, in Miami Shelby County, frequently the ‘production line’ going.” County, takes that seriously; anymakes a cheese potato casseAfter 22 years of baking cakes, Boots decided to thing short of perfection in a juicy role for her family. Her huspass the business along to our daughter who curall-beef burger is simply not acband Jason loves potatoes rently operates a productive cake business out of her ceptable. and this is one of his fahome. Chalou and husband John have vorites. In 1990 Boots got a “temporary” job at the Logan six children, 11 grandchildren and Sarah said the recipe is Soil and Water Conservation District office, where one great-grandchild, so she has easy to make and is delicious. she is still employed. She currently serves as execuobviously had ample opportunity She usually uses a crock pot tive director of the Indian Lake Watershed Project, to practice making the perfect to keep it warm longer and for the good water quality at Indian responsible burger. it’s easy to bring to a cookLake. Chalous attend Covington The out or family gathering that In addition, Boots is involved with the family farm Presbyterian Church. They enjoy way. by keeping all the financial records and being “a very camping and the outdoors in gen“People always go back for vocal partner“ with her husband in the business. The eral, doing a lot of walking on seconds whenever I serve bike paths in the area. They have couple also have four active grandsons ranging in age these rich, creamy potatoes,” been to Alaska twice on what she from 16 to 10 who are very involved in sports as well Tuente said. “This casserole as showing livestock at local county and state fairs. terms “awesome” vacations. is a snap to fix, using quick, “We are very blessed to have our children living only convenient package ingrediJudy enjoys gardening and 15 miles from us so we attend not all but many of ents, and it travels well.” grows many of the family’s vegtheir sporting events. After all, what is life all about Tuente said the recipe can SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG etables. She cans green beans, if you don’t have family,” Boots observes. be modified to use cream of salsa, and tomatoes. She also enBelow are two favorite recipes that Boots prepares celery or cream of mushroom joys her flower garden. SARAH TUENTE of Anna displays her for family get-togethers. soup, instead of the cream of She is retired from Hammer Cheesy Potato Casserole. potato soup if desired. Graphics and has really adapted Virginia’s Good Rice Casserole The young couple have an to being a full-time homemaker 2 cups water eight-month-old son, Emory, and live on a small —doing the cooking and 1 cup long cooking rice farm. experimenting with vari1 can Campbell’s French Onion Soup The Tuentes have a few steers as well as two ous recipes. 1 stick butter horses, cats, dogs and laying hens. They cut and bale As if life wasn’t full Worchestershire sauce their own hay and also sell some. Both enjoy trail rid- enough, Judy also finds In a 2-quart baking dish add the first 5 ingrediing, going every time they get a chance. They also time to do wood carvings ents, add a couple of dashes of the Worchestershire enjoy camping. birds, fish, and (her faand stir. Place in a 325° for 75 minutes. Resauce vorite) characters. She Cheesy Potato Casserole move from oven, stir and enjoy! usually gives the finished 2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of po——— works to family and tato soup, undiluted Almond Mandarin Salad friends. 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream ¾ pound bacon Below is Chalou’s “extra 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar special” hamburger recipe, 1 package (2 pounds) frozen hash brown potatoes ¼ cup and 1 teaspoon honey along with her favorite 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese cup and 2 tablespoons slivered almonds 1 baked bean recipe, both of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ¾ teaspoon celery salt JUDY CHALOU In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream and which are ideal this time teaspoon ground ¾ of year for picnics and garlic salt. Add potatoes and cheddar cheese; mix paprika cook-outs. well. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top ¼ cup and 2 tableThe Perfect Hamburger with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 despoons olive oil 1 egg, lightly beaten grees for 55-60 minutes until potatoes are tender. 1-1/2 heads romaine Seasonings: Yield 12-16 servings. leaf lettuce torn into bite 2 tablespoons chili sauce ——— size pieces 1 teaspoon dried minced onion Luscious chocolate cake 1-1/2 (15 ounce) cans 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish mandarin oranges, is well worth the guilt 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce drained Everyone knows chocolate can be decadent but its 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 bunches green allure is hard to resist. Marcia Taylor of Cable, in dash pepper Champaign County, pulls out all the stops with her diced onion, 1 pound lean ground beef chocolate cake with cream cheese filling – and it’s 1 cup and 2 tableIn large bowl combine egg and seasonings. Crumwell worth the guilt. spoons slivered alble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four VICKY BOOTS Taylor and husband monds 3/4 inch thick patties. Grill, covered over medium Wayne moved to Cable alIn a medium skillet heat for 5-7 minutes on each side. Meat thermometer most 10 years ago from over medium-high heat, cook bacon until evenly reads 160 degrees and juices run clear. Pennsylvania when he was brown. Drain, cool, and crumble Add toppings—sliced tomato, onion, pickles and named pastor of New Life To make the dressing, thoroughly blend the vinecondiments. Christian Church. The honey, dry mustard, celery salt, paprika, and gar, Baked Beans couple have two married olive oil 2 small or 1 large can pork and beans daughters, one living in Place lettuce, oranges, green onion, bacon, and al1 cup chopped red onion Pennsylvania and one in monds in a serving bowl. Toss with dressing. 1/2 cup molasses Kentucky. They also have 6 bacon strips: cooked and crumbled three grandchildren, all Lola E. Billiel writes for the 1/2 cup packed brown sugar under the age of 4 1/2. Sidney Daily News. 1 teaspoon ground mustard Taylor keeps pretty busy 1/4 teaspoon pepper with church activities. She Mix together and bake at 325 degrees or until teaches the kids Sunday MARCIA TAYLOR thick and bubbly school and also is involved with Junior ——— Church. During the Quality of both water, life school year she helps with the after-school Good important to farmer’s wife News Club for elementary school children. She has also tutored reading to the children. Vicky Boots of Logan County, near Bellefontaine, When she has the time she loves to sew and quilt. has been a dairy farmer’s wife for the past 43 years. Her mom taught her to sew when she was in the She knows well the commitment it takes to be in the sixth grade and she has loved it ever since. She also dairy industry but feels it is a great place to raise enjoys quilting when time allows. children, of which she and husband Doug have three She especially likes to bake and cook and notes that her chocolate concoction is a family favorite. She – each of whom is also now involved in the dairy found the recipe out of a magazine advertisement for business. While the children were growing up, Boots stayed a Pillsbury cake mix back in the 1980s and has been at home and devoted much time to the family garmaking it ever since. The cake would be at big hit at any family gather- den. Living on the same farm as here mother and father-in-law, they chose to garden as a family, raising ing or cook-out. a wide variety of produce. Late summer and early fall was spent freezing and canning to make sure Chocolate Cake With Cream Cheese Filling Cake base: there was plenty of food for the growing family for Protecting farms for 133 years. 1 package Pillsbury Devils Food Cake Mix the upcoming winter. 3 eggs To supplement the family income, Boots started a With experience like that, 1/3 cup oil cake decorating business. “The cakes became my life, why trust your farm to anyone else? 1 cup water you might say, especially during the summer months Cake filling: with graduations, weddings, birthdays,” Boots re8 ounce cream cheese (softened) LOCAL AGENCIES REPRESENTING 2 tablespoon butter or margarine (softened) BUCKEYE INSURANCE GROUP 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour a Keith Troutwine Agency - Arcanum 13 x 9 inch pan. In a small bowl, blend filling ingreLeugers Insurance Agency, Inc. - Maria Stein dients at highest speed until smooth and creamy. Set aside. 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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 8

Extension, Farm Bureau sponsor safety day; camps serve 1,000 youths throughout Ohio BY PATRICIA ANN SPEELMAN

about lawn mower safety. “What’s the first thing you do before MINSTER — More than 125 fifthyou start mowing?� he asked. graders learned various safety meas“Pick up all the toys,� the kids choures during the annual Safety Day rused. Camp May 8 in Four Seasons Park in Skikus cautioned mowers not to listhis Auglaize County village. ten to to music while they operate the The sessions were among those ofmachines, not to tie strings to mowers fered in six counties by the Ohio State to keep them running, not to wear flip University Extension. This one was or- flops or go in bare feet while mowing, ganized by Jill Smith, organization di- and not lean to the side from a riding rector of the Auglaize, Logan, Mercer mower or move to the side of a push and Shelby County Farm Bureau, and mower to clear debris along the way. volunteers Don and Lois Baumer. “If someone walks up to you while “The day camps seek to educate kids you’re mowing, shut the mower off,� he about the possible hazards they might said. encounter on “Always the farm, make sure whether they the engine live on the is mainfarm or just tained. visit one,� Keep the oil said Kathy clean,� he Mann, an said. “Make OSU Extensure the sion program blades are coordinator sharp and in agriculthe deck is tural safety clean so and health. blades can “Each year, still rotate.� SDN Photo/TODD B. ACKER the camps help PAUL SKIKUS of Minster shows fifth graders He noted that some 1,000 proper lawnmower safety. Always check the oil gasoline has youth a shelf life of before each mowing, he said. statewide learn 30 days. how to protect themselves and their “Then it starts to turn into varnish,� family members from dangerous situa- Skikus said. “So an additive is good. tions that can occur on or near farms.� Sea Foam extends shelf life to about a Students from New Bremen Local year.� Schools, in the morning, and Minster To demonstrate ATV safety, Mann Local Schools, in the afternoon, travbegan by asking a series of questions eled to the park to participate in 20about what ATVers should wear. As anminute sessions on water, lawn mower, swers came, she dressed a student volseat belt and bicycle, ATV, gun and unteer in oversized overalls and product safety. helmet, gloves, boots and goggles. Toby “It started out as farm safety, but Hunt, the son of Tony Hunt and Tiffany we’ve evolved it to make it pertinent for Albers, look pretty funny in the get-up. all audiences,� Smith said. The proBut all the kids got the point Mann gram has been offered in Auglaize made. County for eight years. “You have to wear appropriate gear,� This reporter tagged along with stu- she said. Proper helmets are labeled by dents from Cathy Maurer’s fifth-grade the Department of Transportation. New Bremen class. Our first meeting They should be replaced every three to was with Rachael Niekamp and Kari five years because the padding inside Koester, members of the Wright State them deteriorates over time. University 4-H. They had displayed “The most important thing to put on dozens of household products on a pic- is the helmet,� Mann said. She also disnic table in the park. cussed the merits of goggles over safety “Find two things that look alike or glasses and jeans over sweatpants. She things that could be mistaken for each warned about wearing hoodies while other,� they challenged the kids. It riding all terrain vehicles. didn’t take long for the students to pair “The hood could get caught,� she bottles of Mr. Clean and a power drink, said. Long sleeves, gloves that fit propbottles of water and rubbing alcohol, erly and boots that cover the ankles jars of drain cleaner and bread crumbs are safe things to wear. and dozens of other “deadly lookAnother key to safety is to not carry alikes.� passengers on ATVs that are designed Niekamp and Koester stressed that for solo riding, she said. And, she concleaning agents and other toxic prodcluded, in Ohio, it is illegal to ride ucts should not be kept where they ATVs on public roads. could be found by very young children The water safety segment was who can’t read labels. They also said presided over by Michael Roeger, of the that jars, boxes and jugs containing Ohio Department of Watercraft. He ilsuch agents should be clearly labeled if lustrated the importance of wearing products are moved from their original life jackets that are the right size and packaging. The children got the messhowed the children how to safely get sage. into and out of a canoe. “If you drink Pine-Sol over apple “The best way to stay dry is to not juice, it would be bad,� a child noted. fall out of the canoe,� he said. He used The leaders also discussed what canoe paddles, fishing poles, floats and steps should be taken if someone does life jackets to demonstrate how to help confuse something: tell your parents, someone who has fallen into the water. call the poison control center, call 911. “If you reach out a hand, lean down “You also don’t want to use products or lie on your belly, so you don’t fall in, the wrong way. Protect your hands and too,� he said. “If you use a fishing pole don’t breathe fumes,� Niekamp said. to reach out, hook the hook in the eyeIn a session about seat belt safety, lets first. Then swing him in like a giNew Bremen Police Chief Mike Skingantic fish. If you just pull on the ner and Don Baumer operated an auto- fishing pole, it could come apart.� crash simulator with dummies in it. He told the students that if they call The demonstration illustrated what 911, they should be ready to say, kind of an impact unseat-belted drivers “Someone’s drowning,� and to give a loand passengers could have in a collication and to say how many people are sion at just 22 miles per hour. in the water. “The speed limits in town are 25 Auglaize Deputy Sheriff Doug Burke mph,� Skinner said. showed the kids the various equipment “You can be hurt pretty bad even at he has at his disposal in his squad car: 22 mph,� Baumer added. radar, laser, in-car camera, computer, The seat belt keeps a driver in his radio scanner, dispatch radio, light and seat so he can control the car, Skinner siren box, public address system and said. “It prevents a second accident. It shotgun. keeps you in place so the air bag hits “Only we know how to get the shotyou in the rights place. Otherwise, it gun out,� he said. The radio scanner alcould knock you into the back seat.� lows deputies to listen to emergency The two encouraged the kids to alcalls to other agencies in the county. ways wear seat belts, even when The computer provides maps and they’re sitting in the back seat. deputies use the computers to file re“A driver can be cited if someone ports or look up license plate numbers. under 16 in the back seat isn’t wearing Radar and lasers are used to track the a seat belt,� Skinner said. speed of other cars on the roadways. The men also discussed bicycle Deputy Justin Chisholm discussed safety, urging children to wear bicycle gun safety. He showed gun locks and ilhelmets and, at busy intersections, to lustrated how to hold a gun, even when stop riding and walk their bikes across it has a lock on it. the streets. “I’m keeping my finger off the trig“Follow the same rules as a car,� ger and not pointing it at you,� he said. Skinner said. “Stop for stop signs. Ride “Rule No. 1 is always treat a firearm as with traffic on the right side.� though it’s loaded.� Baumer suggested that if kids are in Rule No. 2, he added, is to always the car with parents who are texting know where your target is and what’s and driving, the kids should tell the behind your target. parents to stop and pull over. “A bullet travels 2,000 feet per sec“Take down a license plate number ond,� he said. It could hit something or call 911 if you see a car that’s weav- that’s way past a target, something the ing around,� Skinner noted. shooter never meant to hit. Paul Skikus, with Western Ohio TruRule No. 3 is never point a gun at Value in Minster, talked to the students something you don’t want to kill or de-

SDN Photo/TODD B. ACKER

SDN Photo/TODD B. ACKER

STATE WATERCRAFT Officer Mike Roeger demonstrates that the life vest is a proper fit on Casey Blanco, 12, daughter of Barb and Peter Blanco of Minster.

PAUL SKIKUS of Minster shows the kids one of the safety features of a push mower.

SDN Photo/TODD B. ACKER

STATE WATERCRAFT Officer Mike Roeger demonstrates the proper way to get into a canoe. stroy. “Because accidents happen all the time,� he added. And it’s not just weapons that are dangerous, Chisholm stressed. “Nerf guns, water guns, paintball guns, air soft guns, BB guns� can cause serious injuries if shooters aren’t care-

ful. “Paintball guns, air soft guns and BB guns can kill. Guns aren’t dangerous. It’s the person behind the gun that’s dangerous,� he said. Patricia Ann Speelman writes for the Sidney Daily News

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 9

Hydro-Growers does it without dirt; raises vegetables, flowers, herbs BY STEPHANI DUFF PLEASANT HILL - As the weather warms up and summer creeps in, gardeners of all varieties are getting to work and Dean and Anita Sink are every flower and vegetable grower’s one stop shop. Dean, owner of HydroGrowers in Pleasant Hill, in Miami County, has been in business since 1984 and explains just what hydrophonics is. “It is a soil-less growing system in which all the nutrients are within TDN Photo/ANTHONY WEBER the water that recirculates ANITA SINK (right) assists Donna Weikert, of within an NFT system,” Covington, with ideas for container gardening at Dean explains. “There is a Hydro-Growers in Pleasant Hill. constant flow of nutrients that is over the roots at all we do sell to restaurants mainly in times and the PH of the water is at .6.” Dayton and to a few country clubs such Dean said he believes hydrophonics as Meadowlark,” Dean said. to be more effective in the growing While the Sink’s use hydrophonics process because it is within a controlled for all their growing, most of the farmenvironment in a greenhouse yearers they will work with on this venture round. will likely use outside growing for sea“The hydrophonic process is an exsonal use. tension of the outside growing that While produce is the best seller for many people do, but it has the added benefit of the year round versus seaHydro-Growers, there are other things sonal growing advantage,” he explains. happening to bring in business; for 14 Hydro-Growers sells both flowers years now, Hydro-Growers has been and herbs and vegetables, but Dean selling flowers that they grow in their said that more vegetables are sold than overflowing greenhouse. There are a flowers. variety of brightly colored flowers “Basil is definitely our best-selling available in flats and hanging baskets. herb, but arugula is becoming quite While Dean takes care of the produce popular, as far as herbs go. The main end of Hydro-Growers, his wife, Anita, crop we raise here is the leaf lettuce, her sister-in-law, Mary Ann, care and but we also have another grower from Springfield that brings in romaine and for the flowers in the greenhouse. mesclun, a spring mix of lettuces, and In addition to flowers and produce, we sell those here, as well,” explains the Sink’s sell free-range chicken eggs Dean. that are brought in from various local Hydro-Growers first began as a farms and from their own farm. Their wholesale operation, but are now retail; son also makes maple syrup, with the they sell their produce at 2nd Street custom name of Sugar Grove Maple Market in Dayton on Thursdays, FriProducts, made from all local trees in days and Saturdays, they also sell to Covington. Landes Meats in Englewood, and this Dean and Anita would be happy to summer they will be selling on Cherry help make an arrangement of flowers Street in Troy at the Downtown Troy for you and assist in produce picking at Farmers Market, as well. their establishment on 455 North In addition to the farmer market scene, Dean and his wife are beginning Mowry Road in Pleasant Hill; HydroGrowers is open Monday through Sata new venture from farmer to chef in urday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the which local farmers raise produce to summer season. sell to different restaurants. “We currently sell to Bakehouse For more information, call the Breads in Troy, based on their produce greenhouse at (937) 676-3061. needs and fruit in the summer seasons;

TDN Photo/ANTHONY WEBER

ANITA SINK, who owns Hydro-Growers with her husband, Dean, said they have been in the hydroponics vegetable business for 29 years and selling flowers for 14 years.

TDN Photo/ANTHONY WEBER

ANITA SINK looks over mesclun, a variety of greens and reds, in one of the greenhouses at their business in Pleasant Hill.

TDN Photo/ANTHONY WEBER

TDN Photo/ANTHONY WEBER

ANITA SINK holds a selection of micro-greens inside one of the greenhouses at Hydro-Growers.

BIBB LETTUCE is just one of the vegetables in high demand at Hydro-Growers in Pleasant Hill.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 10

Time to debunk popular gardening myths Many of us have parents and grandparents who shared their love of gardening and their secrets to growing fragrant peonies, luscious vegetables, and colorful bouquets of cut flowers. Their wisdom was passed on to future generations in the form of learning by doing, and we, in turn, have attempted to remember and pass along their shortcuts and techniques to our kids and grandkids. But how many of those “tried and true” methods actually benefit the plants we grow? And which ones may, in fact, be harmful? In order to answer that question, I turned to the results of research done at The Ohio State University, the Texas A & M Agrilife Extension, the University of Nebraska, the University of California-Davis, the New York Botanical Garden, and other scientific horticultural studies. Some of these myths have withstood the test of time and science. Others…well, not so much. Myth #1 - To get sweeter tomatoes, add a little sugar to the planting hole. Plants are unable to absorb sugar through the soil. Sweetness is determined by the genetics of each variety. Myth #2 - If a plant is under stress, give it some more fertilizer. Stress is usually caused by heat, exposure to salt, compacted soil, wrong location, pest problems, or other causes unrelated to the need for fertilizer. Look for environmental causes rather than nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing a stressed-out plant will likely make matters worse. Myth #3 - Spray with insecticides before insects have a chance to attack plants. As with antibiotics in humans, the over-use of insecticides has caused many pests to develop a high level of resistance. Inspect plants, especially the undersides of leaves, regularly, and try less toxic methods of pest control before resorting to broad-spectrum pesticides. A forceful spray of water, insecticidal soap, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), Neem Oil, or products containing Spinosad may be just as effective. Bt, Neem and Spinosad are naturally-occurring compounds that can be used in organic farming and gardening. Myth #4 - After pruning a tree limb, coat the cut end with pruning paint to prevent insect borers and disease. Actually, making the cut at an angle and letting the wound heal naturally without any paint is preferable. Research shows that coating the cut end can seal in moisture and promote decay. The only exception is with oak trees. Nitidulid beetles feed on the sap from fresh wounds on oak trees and are vectors for oak wilt, a serious fungal disease for which there is no known treatment. Therefore, latex paint should be used on newly-pruned oaks. Myth #5 - When planting a young tree, fill the hole around the root ball with fresh soil. It’s far better to plant the tree at the proper depth (top of the root ball should be at or slightly above the soil

Plays in the dirt

Ann Heeley annheeley@gmail.com surface) and backfill with the same soil. Using richer soil as backfill discourages roots from reaching beyond the hole and into the surrounding soil. Myth #6 - Add lime, gypsum, or crushed eggshells to the soil when planting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Yes! Calcium deficiency is the number one cause of blossom end-rot in tomatoes and peppers. It begins as a sunken, dark spot on the end opposite the stem and gradually increases in size. Calcium deficiency can also adversely affect brussell sprouts, carrots, squash, watermelon, and celery. Consistent moisture is necessary to deliver calcium to plants, so don’t allow the soil to dry out. Nutri-Cal is a fast-acting calcium in liquid form. Quick-release lime and finely crushed eggshells work well. Crushed eggshells also deter slugs. Gypsum should be added to the soil long before planting since it slowly releases calcium. Fertilizers with high levels of nitrogen prevent calcium uptake. Myth #7 - Drought-tolerant and xeriscaping plants do not need to be watered. Oh yes they do. Especially when they’re first planted. Sedums, hens and chicks, Russian sage, black-eyed Susans, and other drought-tolerant plants survive on far less water than other ornamental plants, but they still need at least monthly watering during hot, dry summers. Myth #8 - Beer is a good fertilizer. Purdue University studies showed that beer greatly inhibits plant growth, greatly reduces human inhibition, and greatly attracts slugs. Myth #9 - Rubber mulch is safe to use in the garden. Not in the garden, and not in playgrounds either. Rubber mulch usually is made from scrap tires that contain a large number of harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can leach into the soil. Choose wood chips, straw, shredded bark, pine needles, shredded leaves, or untreated grass clippings instead. In vegetable gardens, you may also want to consider biodegradeable, rolled mats such as

PHOTO PROVIDED

PROVIDING MUSIC for your plants can actually enhance their productivity, scientific tests have proven. WeedGuard Plus or perforated plastic mulch that comes in different colors. Research shows that red mulch increases tomato and eggplant yields, white mulch improves yields of cool-weather crops, green is best for cantaloupes, blue works wonders for squash and cucumbers, and silver increases cucumber and bell pepper yields while reducing the numbers of white flies, aphids, and beetles. Biodegradeable plastic mulch is relatively new. Made from cornstarch and other materials, it comes in black and clear. Myth #10 - Singing or talking to your plants can enhance growth and yield. Numerous studies since the 1970’s have shown that music and speech DO contribute to visibly increased yields or flowers, healthier growth, and greater resistance to disease. Specific frequencies and melodies seemed to have a more beneficial effect on plants than just yelling, “Bloom, you good-for-nothing plant, or you’re outta here!” But all of the studies reached virtually the same conclusion in terms of enhanced growth and yield. So the next time you experience a “Singin’ in the Rain” moment, go for it. Your plants will thank you. Ann Heeley, of Sidney, is a retiree who is a certified Master Gardener and is active in both the Rainbow Gardeners of Shelby County and the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs.

Sidney farmer scores in Yieldmaster Contests

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Kenton Anderson of Sidney, in Shelby County, won two awards in Dairyland Seed’s 2012 Corn and Soybean Yieldmaster Contests. Shown during the recent awards banquet in West Bend, Wisc., are (l-r) Tom Strachota, Dairyland Seed General Manager; Kenton and Kay Anderson, and T.J. Strachota, Dairyland Seed Communications Leader. Anderson won second place in Ohio soybean production, at 73.13 bushels per acres, and placed third in Ohio corn production,with 154.83 bushels per acre. Carlos Wolfe of Covington, in Miami County, placed second in corn with 164 bushels per acre. Dairyland Seed was founded in 1907 and focuses its business on providing world-class hybrid corn, soybean and alfalfa genetics to American farmers. The company is headquartered in West Bend.

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FARM CRYPTOGRAM Cryptogram puzzles are sentences or paragraphs that are encrypted with a letter substitution. This puzzle is related to swine. Each puzzle uses a different letter substitution encryption. An example may be like this: The word ANIMAL could be encoded to XPQAXC if A=X, N=P, I=Q, etc. Find the right letter substitutions to solve the following puzzle. Clue: M=T CHICKENS VM MTALZ CDLI QCKI GCKRXZ CQ QLLX MC

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 11

Looking back - agriculture of yesteryear

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PIQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOGAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

This old photo, titled “Making Hay,” depicts a Miami County family taking a break from their labors during an earlier era. In the age of horse-drawn equipment, farming had challenges many could not comprehend today.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PIQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Future Farmers of America display their beef cattle at the DeGraff Fair in Logan County in either 1948 or ‘49.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LOGAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Utilizing the power of an automobile’s wheel made sawing wood much quicker Primitive horse-drawn equipment harvests a crop in Logan County in this early photo while a worker stacks shocks in the background. and easier than sawing it by hand. Titled “Automobile-powered Saw,” the photo was taken in Miami County in days gone by.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 12

Buckeye Farm Antiques puts on a show WAPAKONETA — What began as a reunion for farming friends recently turned into a three-day show celebrating all things agricultural. This weekend of May 24-26 saw the annual Buckeye Farm Antiques Club take over the Auglaize County Fairgrounds to share the farming life in all its glory. “Each year we choose a different make of tractor to highlight. This year we are showing off Ohio-made tractors,” said Esther Gaier, director of the annual event. Which means that Huber tractors from the Marion area were on display, along with the very rare Harshman tractor, built in the early 1900s around the Cridersville area. Also, an Attaman-Taylor sawmill operated throughout the weekend. “We like to keep our heritage alive, and remember how our forefathers started out in farming,” Gaier said. To show off their farming heritage, there were threshing and corn shredding, baling and wood sculpting events. There was also a blacksmith and sawmill. But it’s not just farming that will take center stage at this annual show. There was a consignment auction of farm-related material. There were more than 50 crafters and 17 food vendors present. There was broom making, rug making, quilting and plenty of tractor pulls for all ages. And also homemade ice cream made with antique gas engines. There was polka dancing one evening with the Freudemacher polka band, and entertainment from Country Expressions, with square dancing. “This is always a popular event. We have people coming from places as far away as Canada to the Carolinas. It’s one of the first shows of the season, and it’s a lot of fun,” Gaier said.

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

WORKING AN antique corn shredder at the Buckeye Farm Antiques Tractor and Gas Engine Show at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds are (l-r) Ron Fischer, of Wapakoneta, Joe Owen, of Spencerville, and Paul Fischer, of Wapakoneta.

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

BROTHERS CAMERON HUGHES (left) 9, and Andrew Hughes, 6, both of Sidney, stick their hands under a fountain of wheat grain being ejected from an antique thresher at the Buckeye Farm Antiques Tractor and Gas Engine Show. The brothers are the sons of Craig and Chris Hughes.

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

FEEDING EARS of corn into an antique corn sheller at the Buckeye Farms Antiques Tractor and Gas Engine Show at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds are Kevin Steinke (left) and his uncle, Stanley Steinke, both of Wapakoneta.

SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG

MELIN NASH (left) of Bluffton, IND, and James Pawlak, of Columbus, look at an antique round baler on display.

A PAIR of vintage tractors drive by at the Buckeye Farm Antiques Tractor and Gas Engine Show.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 13

Tips for maintaining grassy waterways BY RYAN EVERS

These can quickly turn into gullies. Fertilize cool season grasses regularly at a rate of 30 to 40 pounds of niGrass waterways are an important trogen per acre between November and part of a farm’s overall soil conservation plan, but producers and landown- mid March. Many producers fertilize waterways when they top-dress wheat. ers have to work at maintaining them Mow periodically, but don’t mow beor they cannot fulfill their function. tween April 20 and July 15 when birds Grass waterways are permanent strips of grass seeded in areas of crop- are nesting. It’s important to mow grass because land where water concentrates and flows off a field. The grass prevents the it encourages the formation of a dense sod. Also, shorter, thick grass is more water from forming a gully and traps some sediment. In addition, the vegeta- effective at trapping sediment than tall tion absorbs some of the chemicals and grass, which will lay over during an innutrients in the runoff water, and pro- tense rain event. Be careful not to till into the edges of the waterway and vides habitat for small animals and avoid end rows planted parallel along birds. For maintenance of grass waterways, the waterway. Both may allow gullies to form on it is recommended to lift equipment out of the ground and shut off spray equip- the waterway edge. If bare spots apment when crossing the waterway. En- pear, reseed with sod-forming grasses. If gullies form; fill, reshape, and reseed. courage commercial applicators to do the same. Do not use the waterway as a Ryan Evers is a district techniroadway. Tracks can turn into gullies in single, intense rain events. Do not over- cian for the Shelby County Soil and Water Conservation District graze or allow livestock trails to form.

PHOTO PROVIDED

THIS PHOTOGRAPH shows how a farmer has successfully created a grass waterway.

Ag calendar of events To add an event to this calendar, contact Rachel tion of online CRP Training or in-person CRP core Lloyd at rlloyd@civitasmedia.com. training, $250 for new participants. Registration deadline is June 2. Registration for the workshops or online courses: http://conservationJune training.wisc.edu and click Conservation Planning. Information: lms28@psu.edu or (814) • June 4: Ohio Invasive Species - Seminar Se863-5717. ries: Emerald Ash Borer and Asian Longhorned • June 13: Registration deadline for Ohio InvaBeetle, 7-9 p.m., OSU Mansfield, 129 Riedl Hall, sive Species - Seminar Series: Invasive Impacts 1760 University Drive, Mansfield. Registration: $15, or $45 for all four sessions (June 4, June 11, on Wildlife and Woodland Products, June 18 in Mansfield. Registration: $15. Register online at June 18 and June 25). Registration deadline is http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Information: May 30. Register online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Information: ohiowoods@osu.edu or ohiowoods@osu.edu or 614-688-3421. • June 13: Early registration deadline for (614) 688-3421. Northeast Ohio Lawn Care Seminar, June 20 in • June 6: Registration deadline for Ohio Invasive Species - Seminar Series: Gypsy Moth, Thou- Wooster. Registration: before June 13, $40 for sand Cankers Disease, Viburnum Leaf Beetle, and Ohio Lawn Care Association Members; $75 for nonmembers; after June 13 is $45 for members, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, June 11 in Mansfield. $90 for nonmembers. Registration limited to first Registration: $15. Register online at http://wood200 participants. Register online at www.ohiolandstewards.osu.edu. Information: lawncare.org. Information: dbrosie@offiner.com or ohiowoods@osu.edu or (614) 688-3421. (800) 510-5296 ext. 3124. • June 7: Name That Tree, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., • June 15: Keeping Bees in the City, 9 a.m. to OSU Mansfield, 470 Ovalwood Hall, 1760 Univer12 p.m., Godman Guild, 202 E. 6th St., Columbus. sity Drive, Mansfield. In-depth training and practice identifying trees. Registration: $35, including The Central Ohio Beekeepers Association will present this introductory workshop. Registration: lunch. Registration deadline is May 31. Register online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Infor- Free. RSVP: localmattersintern@gmail.com. Information: http://local-matters.org. mation: ohiowoods@osu.edu or (614) 688-3421. • June 18: Ohio Invasive Species - Seminar Se• June 8: Farm Safety Round-Up Day Camp, ries: Invasive Impacts on Wildlife and Woodland Wayne County Fairgrounds, 199 Vanover Street, Products, 7-9 p.m., OSU Mansfield, 129 Riedl Wooster. Open to Wayne County 4-H Cloverbuds, Hall, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield. Registraages 5-10. Information: (330) 264-8722. tion: $15. Registration deadline is June 13. Regis• June 8: Guided Bird Walk, 9-11 a.m., Secrest Arboretum, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Ohio Agri- ter online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. cultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Information: ohiowoods@osu.edu or (614) 6883421. Madison Ave., Wooster. Members of the Greater • June 19: Registration deadline for Fulton Mohican Audubon Society guide birders of all skill County Sustainability Agriculture Tour, June 21 levels. Information: 330-464-2148. in Archbold. Registration: $20, including lunch • June 8: Soil Health and Cover Crops Workand tastings. Information or to register: shop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., OSU South Centers, 1864 richer.5@osu.edu or 419-337-9210. Shyville Road, Piketon. Hands-on workshop, • June 20: Registration deadline for Ohio Invasuited for beginning and veteran farmers, offering sive Species - Seminar Series: Non-native Invastrategies and tips for growers on cover crops and sive Plants in our Woodlands, June 25 in the benefits to soil, water and air quality. RegisMansfield. Registration: $15. Register online at tration: $10, including lunch. Registration deadhttp://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Information: line is June 1. Information: ohiowoods@osu.edu or (614) 688-3421. Debby.Basham@oh.nacdnet.net or 740-259-9231. • June 20: Wheat Production Field Day, 9 a.m. • June 8: Sixth annual Rose Garden Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., OARDC Secrest Arbore- to 11:30 p.m., Northwest Agricultural Research Station, 4240 Range Line Road, Custer. Contact tum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. The OARDC Garden of Roses of Legend and Romance contains Matt Davis, (419) 257-2060. • June 20: Blackberry and Blueberry Field 1,500 old-fashioned roses that should be in full Night, 6 to 9 p.m., OSU South Centers, 1864 fragrant bloom for the open house. There will be Shyville Road, Piketon. Registration fee $15. Contours led by rose experts, a pruning demo and a tact Charissa McGlothin, (740) 289-2071, X132 or sale of a limited number of roses, all propagated mcglothin.4@osu.edu to register and for quesfrom plants in the garden. For detailed informations. tion, contact Kelly King, (330) 263-3612 or • June 21: Registration deadline for The Good, king.1364@osu.edu. Free and open to the public. • June 10: Summer Pruning & Gardening Work- The Bad, and The Hungry, June 28 in Burton. shop, 8 a.m. to noon, OARDC Secrest Arboretum, Discuss a variety of wildlife species and the best strategies to lessen the damage that can occur. 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Registration cost $50. Contact Ken Cochran, (330) 464-2148 or visit Registration: $35, including lunch. Register online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. Informasecrest.osu.edu. tion: ohiowoods@osu.edu or (614) 688-3421. • June 10: Summer Pruning and Gardening • June 21: Fulton County Sustainability AgriWorkshop, 8 a.m. to noon, Secrest Arboretum, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. This hands-on workshop teaches summer pruning techniques for your landscape. Registration: $50. Information and registration: (330) -464-2148. • June 11: Ohio Invasive Species - Seminar Series: Gypsy Moth, Thousand Cankers Disease, Viburnum Leaf Beetle, and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, 7-9 p.m., OSU Mansfield, 129 Riedl Hall, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield. Registration: $15. Registration deadline is June 6. Register online at http://woodlandstewards.osu.edu. 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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • June 2013 • Page 14

Big lessons to be learned while peddling one’s wares Vivid memories of selling garden seeds When youngsters come calling to sell magazines, candy bars, citrus fruit and other items to benefit school, Scout and 4-H programs, most people are supportive. Who hasn’t shelled out a few bucks for something they probably didn’t really need or want, but bought anyway just to help out? Many times the incentive for the kids is more than school spirit, for prizes are frequently awarded to top salesmen. In any event, when youngsters come knocking I find it very hard to say no. I vividly recall being in their shoes: the racing heart as the doorbell rings, the rehearsed rapid-fire speech, the gnawing fear of rejection. Back in the “olden days” when I was in grade school, we sold garden seeds at this time of year. In early spring each student was given a box containing brightly colored packets of flower and vegetable seeds. We were to sell them for 5 cents each, with the money going to purchase school supplies. It was always exciting to receive the boxes of seeds. The colorful pictures on the packets cheered our winter-weary hearts and promised that spring really would arrive someday. Along with the smell of new crayons and the sound of wee voices singing in unison, one of my most vivid memories of elementary school is the sight of the magic box of seeds we received each spring. They held such promise for good things to come. We could hardly contain our excitement.

But then came the time to go forth and sell. Self-confidence I never have been good at selling anything. At times I’ve had trouble giving things away. Yet into the neighborhood I went, hoping the first signs of spring might inspire people to cough up a quarter for five packets of guaranteed-to-grow garden seeds. And usually friends and neighbors did buy the seeds, providing I made the rounds before the Miller kids beat me to it. Even so, if sales fell short of expectations I always had an ace up my sleeve: relatives. Casual acquaintances might politely say no and close the door, but relatives had to buy, even if they didn’t have a garden. There was, and still is, I suspect, a 13th Commandment which decrees, “thou shalt not turn down the kids of relatives when they come peddling their wares.” While today parents do much of the actual selling for their children, usually in the workplace, back then kids were pretty much on their own. And even the most naive youngster knew instinctively that aunts and uncles and grandparents should not, could not and would not turn you down. With innocence beaming from our young faces, we went for the jugular. “I know you probably don’t need any of these seeds, Aunt Minnie, but Mom said I should stop by and ask you anyway.” The poor woman never stood a chance. Out came the change purse. “You sure you really

Rural

Reflections

Jeff Billiel editorwc@civitasmedia.com

want all those, Aunt Minnie? I can always turn them back in to the school. I never win a prize anyway.” The last comment, while added for effect, was unfortunately true. But it was usually good for an oatmeal cookie anyway. Cardinal rule While the “relative” factor often salvaged my reputation as a salesman, there was one cardinal rule: I was not to approach my great-grandmother, who lived a couple of miles out of town in an old farmhouse. My mother feared that if grandchildren came calling, the elderly woman would spend money she couldn’t afford. And so our greatgrandmother was not on the hit list. But then came the year I was a day late canvassing the neighborhood and was shut out by the Miller kids. Even after visiting relatives I still had half a box of seeds left. I was desperate. Although I knew it was wrong, I walked down the gravel road to my greatgrandmother’s house. She had endured a difficult life, raising 14 children on a hard-scrabble farm, yet it had not soured her. Her dozens of grandchildren knew her as a

sweet, kindly woman. As her house came into view, I was burdened with a great sense of guilt. The house lacked paint and was in disrepair. There was no front lawn. Instead, the ground around the entrance was hard-packed from years of wear. Several large, smooth rocks served as steps leading to a ramshackle porch. Called out name Losing the will, I turned but heard my great-grandmother call my name. She was standing by the shed, her arms full of firewood. I approached reluctantly. I followed her inside and we chatted a bit. Eventually she asked what I had in the box. I explained that the school was selling seeds, then attempted to change the subject. But she insisted on seeing the box. She sorted through the packets and commented on the beauty of the flowers. She set 10 packets aside and gave me a Lady Liberty half dollar. It could have burned a hole in my hand; I was so ashamed. I knew the seeds would never be planted and was certain my grandmother would have to go without a meal or two because of my selfishness. I never dared tell my

PHOTOS PROVIDED

COLORFUL packets of flower seeds appealed to Great Grandmother in a shameful business transaction. mother what I had done. But I vividly recall the family going to visit my great-grandmother later that summer and being astounded by her front yard. The barren, packed dirt had been transformed into a flower garden the likes of which I had never seen before. There were tall cosmos and huge zinnias and vivid bachelor buttons. There were morning glories climbing up the porch rail and borders of lemon marigolds and gleaming nasturtiums. The effect was so dazzling that the entire house seem rejuvenated. No particular reason Everyone commented on the beauty of my great-grandmother’s flower garden and she basked in the glow of the compliments. After spending a lifetime tending a huge vegetable garden to feed her family, she said it was a pleasure

to grow flowers for no particular reason whatsoever. And she was quick to share the credit, noting that if I hadn’t hiked out to her house on that cold spring day with my box of seeds, she might never have been inspired to create the garden. Her smile almost melted the icy glare I received from my mother. While my early sales experience taught me I’d better seek a career in some other field, I did learn to appreciate those lucky individuals who excel in the business. And I acquired a lifelong empathy for little salespeople who say a prayer before ringing the doorbell. Jeff Billiel is editor of My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio and executive editor and publisher of the Sidney Daily News

Salute to youth Lewistown brothers recognized at Ohio Cattlemen’s BEST event LEWISTOWN - The 2012-13 Ohio Cattlemen’s Association BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Program wrapped up on May 11 with its annual awards banquet held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. “The banquet is a time to celebrate the many achievements of our BEST participants, both in and out of the show ring,” says Stephanie Sindel, BEST coordinator. “Each participant is recognized for their hard work by family, friends and BEST supporters alike.” Several representatives from program sponsors Bob Evans Farms, Bur-

gram featured 16 sanctioned shows that weaved its way across the state. More than 525 head of market animals and heifers were shown and 355 youth participated. The following Shelby County youth were recognized: Cole Wildermuth of Lewistown, in Logan County, won Champion Shorthorn Steer, while his brother, Clayton WilderCOLE WILDERMUTH roughs Frazier Farms, Farm Credit Mid-America, Green Oak Farms, M.H. Eby, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Weaver Livestock were on hand to

beef industry’s issues and rewards the successful accomplishments and hard work of those junior beef producers. Correction In a story in the May edition of ACRES of West Central Ohio, it was erroneously stated that the Bair family farm of Troy cools its milk to 60 degrees. Actually, they cool it to 40 degrees.

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • May 2013 • Page 15

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