November 2013

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO 1070

$1.00 November 2013

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11

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QA Auglaize uglaize l i man an orchestrates or rchestrra ates poultry show

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Inside THIS HIS EDI EDITION TION

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SHARE YOUR IDEAS 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 My Own Rural Life 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.

Speaking ng of turkey… …

Ohio O hio T Turkey urkkeeyy FFacts actts E^_e E ^ _ e hhWdai W d ai ninth na nationally tionallyy in turkey tur key production production tion moree than 219 with mor million poundss of turkey produced. tur rkey pr oduced..

J J^[ ^ [ llWbk[ Wb k [ e\ tturkey urkey p produced roduced iin n was Ohio in 2012 w as moree than $158 milmor million.

E^_eÉi E^_eÉÉi jkh jkha[o ha[o \\beYai b i Yedikc[ ceh beYa ceh[[ j^Wd *$* c_b c_b-lion bushe ls of corn n each yyear, ear,, with a weight weight equiv uivabushels equivalent of 252 million pounds.

National al T Turkey urke urkey Facts Facts K K$I$ $I$ jkh jkha[o a[o Yed Yedikcfj_ed dikcfj_ed ^Wi __dYh _dYh[Wi[Z [Wi[Z '&( f[h-cent since 1970. ?d (&''" (&'' jkha jkha[o a[o mWi mWi j^[ \\ekhj^ ekhj^ ceij ceij#fefkbWh #fefkbWh fh fheetein choice for for American erican consumers, consumers, who consumed consumers med nearly nearlly 16.1 pounds per person person on average. pers average.

J^[ WWl[hW][ l[hW][ \Wc \Wc_bo c_bo ^Wi [W [Wj[d j[d jkha jkha[o a[o ceh ceh[[ j^Wd j ffour our times in the last st 12 months.

J^[ jef j^h j^h[[ [[ hh[Wiedi [Wiedi \\eh eh fh fh[fWh_d] [fWh_d] jkh jkha[o a[o WWjj home ar aree ttaste aste (69 per percent), cent), nutrition (52 per percent) cent) ent) percent). and vvalue alue (44 per cent). ent). ?d (&''" K K$I$ $I$ ]h ]hem[hi hem[hi hhW_i[Z W_i[Z ceh ceh[[ j^Wd (*. c_b c_b-lion turkeys turkkeys with a vvalue alue of nearl nearly ly $5.0 billion.

7bj^ek]^ +& f[ f[hY[dj [hY[dj e\ Wbb jkha jkha[o a[o Yedikc[ Yedikc[Z Z _d 1970 w was as during the he holida holidays, ys, s toda todayy tha thatt number er is only 29 per percent cent as mor moree people enjo enjoyy tur turkey key yyearear-rround. ound.

Jkha[o Jk kha[o fh fheZkYj_ed eZkYYj_ed _d j^[ Kd_j[Z Ij IjWj[i Wj[i ^Wi increased incr eased mor moree than n 110 per percent cent since 1970, meeting eting consumers’ consumer s’ demand d as mor moree people choose tur turkey. key e .

GREENVILLE GREE NVILLE — With With i Thanksgiving Thank sgiving this month, onth, visions of mouth-watering mouth-watering ering tturkey urkkey dinners dinners dance dance in in the heads of many people. ople.

And in many cases,, the celebrity ce lebrity holiday holiday bird bird will from come fr om nearby nearbby Darke Dar Darkke County.

County y.

The rrecent ecent 2013 Darke Darkke Dar Agricultural County Agricultur al Tour Toour several ffocused ocused on se veral regionreggionoperations, al farm oper ations, includcludinclud thatt of Cooper F Farms, ing tha a arms, largest one of the larg geest indepenepenindepen turkey dent turk key providers providerrss in States. the United St ates.

Farms started Cooper F arms st a arted oout ut as as a turkey turkey operaoperanow tion in 1938, but no w the operation oper ation ti xtends t d into i t eextends chicken, chick en, pork, porkk, table table eggs, egggss, more. feed and mor e. hatchCooper Farm’s atchFarm’’s ha produces around ery pr oduces ar ound d 15 million poults each yyear, ear,, which meets its oown wn allows needs and also allo w it ws provider to be a pr ovider to other companies.

Cooperss contracts contracts with grow local family farms to gr ow Farms Cooper F arms turkeys turrkeys market to mark ket weight, weight , which w moree amounts to rraising aising mor than 185 million pounds unds livee turkeys of liv turrkeys each yyear. e . ear. turkey While the tur rkey busibusilargest ness consists of the lar rgest Farms portion of Cooper F a arms operation, oper ation, it also raise raise moree than 100 million livee mor n liv hogs pounds of hog gs and oover ver chicken 400 million chick en eggs egggs each yyear. earr. inte-As a vvertically ertically inte grated company,, Cooper gr ated company ooper Farms twoo F arms consists of tw divisions d ivisions involving involving ffour our locations, loca tions, the Live Live Animal nimal Food Division and the F ood Processing Pr ocessing Division.

Livee The imal Liv Animal Division is rresponsible esponsible le ffor or caree off aniooverseeing versseeingg the car animals and manufacturing uring

Photo provided ided

Plump and ready for Thanksgiving sgiving is this flock of turkeys.

the feed, while the the Food F ood Processing Processing Division sion is rresponsible esponsible for for the propro packaging duction and pack agingg of meats.

Cooper mea ts. aree All of its animals ar grain fed a gr ain diet grown grown and farmers. supplied by local farmer merrs.

Farms proCooper F arms oa also pr vides feed ffor or dairy and cattle beef ca ttle as well spe well as specialty feeds.

During the rrecent ecent agriagricultural cultur al tour,, visitors visitorrs were were treated treated to a tour of two two of of Cooper Cooper Farms’ Farms’ Live L i ve Animal nurseries: nursseries: young young o turkeys turkkeys and pigs. pig gs.

At At the turkey turkkey nursery, nurrsery s y, the fowl ut 4 fowl were were about 1/2 pounds at at five five weeks. wee e ks.

But But seven ey ’re seven weeks weeks they’re they around around 10 pounds. By By the time they leave may leaave they may be up to 40 to 45 pounds. nds.

The double pens visited sited were were 20,000 square square feet et in area area and contained contained 12,000 ,000 birds birds in all, and each had enough room room to move move around around freely. freelyy.

In a year, year,, Cooper Farms Farms a

raises raises about 5.5 million lion turkeys. turkkeys.

The pigs’ pigs’ starting st arting ting weight weight is typically 111 to 12 pounds and their endending weight weight is around around 488 to 55 pounds. The pigs are piggs are normally normally in the the feeding feed ding barns for for o 43 to 46 days days to gain gain that that amountt of weight. weight .

Consequently, Consequently, each pig will start bout start out eating eating about a pound of feed a day, day, but will often double that rate that rate through through its stay. stay.

As a result, result , the pigs piggs in the nursery duce nursery produce prod approximately approximately 225,000 000 gallons gallons of manure manure annuannu nnually, ally, which is retained retained and applied after wheat soywheat or soybean harvest harvest and incorpoincorpo rpo rated rated immediately immediately into the soil to prevent prevent runoff.

It’s It’’s also one way tha way that t t Cooper Farms Farms reuses reuses its resources resources and monitors monitor torss impact impact on on the the environenviron ment. ment.

At At each site,, the anianimals had as much feed

and water water as they desired, desirred, and the temperature temperature was was consistently monitored monitorred by animal technicians to make make sure sure they were were comcom omfortable. fortable.

Cooper Farms Farms also incorporates incorporates a misting ing system to system t t keep keep the anianiimals cool during the hothotter months.

During the winter, winterr, the t enclosures enclosures are are pumped ped with heat. heat .

So So while the operation operation ion seems fairly fairlly straightforstraightffor-ward, ward, its its requires requires conconstant stant supervision, attenatten t tion to detail detail and a level level of oversight that overssight g that translates translaates directly directly into quality of the product. product.

And Cooper Farms oes Farms does more more than raise raise and propro vide food food o for for o a variety varietyy of markets. marrkets. It also sponsors sponsor orrs the annual Turkey Turk u key Trot Trot 5K Walk/Run, Walk/R Run, which was was held heeld for for the seventh No ov. seventh time Nov. 2 in St. St . Henry.

Henryy.

RRyan yan Carpe writ writes es for for The DDaily aily Advocate Advoccate Greenville. in Gr eenville.

Logan County woman man succeeds ds in farmingg Caroline McColloch QUINCY QUIN CY — One of the gr great eat hallmarks hallmarks of farming ng communicommuni ties is closely-knit family.. B Both closely-knit family oth within families and among them, the experiences Bambauer experiences of Lisa Lis a B ambauer and her dad, Richard, Richard, d are are a testatest ament to what what solid vvalues alues can lead to when ther theree is enduring love uring lo ve and the desir desiree to alw always ays help. help. Such S uch is the foundation thatt launched foundation tha this persevering persevering and d determined woman woman into the traditionally traditionally itionally malemale dominated farming.. dominated world world of farming When lightning struck an Auglaize Auglaize County dairy barn in 1959,, Richard Bambauer’s Richard B ambauer mbauer ’s plans p changed from changed rrather ather abruptly bruptly fr om dairying with his father faather to agriagricultural cultural studies; this is led to the long-time ownership ownership p of a seed, grain grain and fertilizerr business in Pemberton, Shelby County.. Lis Lisaa Pemberton, S helby County was fam-was brought brought into thee fold fold of a fam ily enduring not onlyy the hardship hardship of rebuilding Grandpa’s rebuilding G randpa’ dpa’’s barn but benefiting also from from a community’s community ’s values values put to action.

Neighbors donated hay, N eighbors ighbors d dona t d ha ted h y, milled illed lumber from from their woodland woodland and helped helped one of theirr own own reconreconstruct his livelihood.

Eventually, livelihood. d. E ventuallyy, the father’s father ’s eelevator levator business and grandfather’s dairy operation g ran d f at h er ’s d a ir y o pe rat i o n

became thee chance for for Lisa Lis a to strengthen strengthen family ties, learn about farming, then en start st art thinking of runrunning her own. own. w Her formative forma mative years years involved involved membership membersship p in a local 4-H conser-vation projects vation club, with pr ojects ranging ranging from habitat from soil studies udies and pond habit at to photography. photography phy.

Also, a lot was ot of time w as spent hunting and d fishing with Dad and Grandpa, perhaps showGrandpa, per erh haps initially sho wing how how to push the boundaries of traditional walls traditional gender gender roles. roles. The w alls of her large larg ge farm shop are are adorned with an impressive impr mpressive collection of mounted buck trophies, uck tr ophies, photos of bear hunting stringers g in Maine or string gers of fish at lake. at a Canadian C lake.

As often happens with serious hunters, appreciation hunterss, an n appr eciation ffor or the importance wildlife imp ort a nce of wild life habitat habi t at leads to a passion for conservafor conserv ation, something invested hing Lisa Lis a has in vested in on all her farms. Even Even outside of hunting, many farmerss ar aree lik likewise any farmer ewise sensitive thatt important sensitive to tha import ant balance between between using ing land and kkeeping eeping it healthy. healthy.

Ms. has b been named M Bambauer B ambauer b bauer h d the 2013 Cooperator Year Cooperator of the Y ear by the Logan Log gan Soil S oil and Water Water Conservation District her Con servation on D istr ict for for h er use of practices employed practices ctices emplo yed under the Conservation Conserv ervation Stewardship Ste wardship

Program. fed-Progr o am. Sponsored Sponsored by the fed eral USDA eral a USD A Natural Natural Resources Resources c Conservation Service, compreConserv nservation S ervice, a compr pre hensive hensiv nsive farm plan is given given financial cial incentive incentiv entive to establish est ablish and maintain maint ain a wide managew vvariety ariety of land use manag ge ment aree all aimed nt methods. These ar med at preserving structuree aand at pr eserving soil structur fertility, fertility tility, protecting protecting water water quality, quality ity, and d providing providing wildlife habitat. habit at .

Natural conservation Natural resource resource conserv ation n is an investment investment in the long-term erm capacity maintain pacity of farmland to maint ain its productivity, productivity, while still providprovid v ing agricultural livelihood. g an agricultur al liv elihood. This is the philosophy be behind federal hind feder eral policies programs licies and pr ograms used in partpart artnership water nerrship p with local soil and w ater conservation across conserv nservation districts acr oss the nation. nation. t Established pracE ablished in 2006, the pr Est ractices Lisa’s es in Lis a’’s farm plan are are related related t mainly grassland habitat inly to gr assland habit at aand careful management careful manag ement of fertilizers fertilizer erss and no-till d pesticides. She S he uses no -till methods m e t ho d s (meaning ( m e an i n g there t h ere iiss no no plowing; plowing; seeds are are planted with special preserves ecial machinery). This pr eservves thee soil’s critisoil’’s physical physical structure, structure, a criti riticall pr property water infiltration operty t ffor or w ater t iinfiltr filtration i ion and activity.. Blue Bluebird d biological activity b d bir houses hou uses and and acreages acreages planted planted in in native nativ t e grasses grasses provide provide habitat habit at ffor or songbirds, song ngbirds, quail, pheasant, pheas ant , and a deer. deer er..

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

Auglaize man oversees largest poultry show in the Western Hemisphere Lola Billiel CRIDERSVILLE — Eric Markley, of Cridersville in Auglaize County, knows how to run a poultry show and will be demonstrating his skills Nov. 9-10 as secretary of the largest poultry show in the Western Hemisphere — the Ohio National Poultry Show. The event will take place at the Voinovich Center at Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

Markley’s duties and responsibilities are many, as the secretary is largely responsible for orchestrating the multi-faceted event and seeing that it is a success. While the event covers only two days, Markley has been working on it for months. He started out by taking care of all emails and newsletters concerning the show, as advance communication is vital. He also worked to prepare the program and entry forms and was then responsible for receiving the forms from exhibitors.

Other responsibilities include contacting poultry clubs, including specialty breeder clubs at both the dis-

Eric Markley, center, strolls among cages during set-up of the 2012 Ohio National Poultry Show.

trict as well as national level. These would include the American Poultry Association and the American Bantam Association, as well as clubs related to specific breeds of birds.

Markley operates the Ohio National Poultry Shows web site and builds the catalog for the show. He takes care of hiring judges for the show and the weekend before he coordinates set-up for the show with the Ohio State Fairgrounds. He has people who help him, but as he says, he is the “chief cook and bottle washer.�

Another aspect of his

job is to arrange for trophies and awards, as well as taking care of public relations for the show. Markley says his job involves a million little jobs, but all must be done in order for the show to proceed.

This year Jan Brett, noted c h i l d re n’s author, will be at the show Saturday morning to autograph her new book, “Cinders, A Chicken Cinderella.�

Brett also exhibits her own poultry at various shows. Markley and a Columbus book store coordinated her visit.

Brett’s visit will be appropriate since the Ohio National includes a large youth divi-

sion. The show sponsors an essay contest for youths in three age categories, with the theme this year being, “Who has influenced you most in your poultry experience and and how?� There is also a $500 Ohio National Junior Show Scholarship, presented to a junior exhibitor at the show and based on scholastic standing, citizenship and leadership, poultry show participation, and financial need.

During the actual show Markley has to coordinate all judging and judges, as well as decide what birds each judge will inspect. This year Markley said they

Photos provided

have between 4,500 and 5,500 birds to be judged, with 99 percent being entered from east of the Mississippi.

He said the entries will come from about 20 states, as well as Canada.

The show features categories for all recognized breeds of standard and bantam chickens, along with ducks, geese and turkeys.

This year there also have pigeon categories.

A popular sidelight of the show is a “trader’s row� where people may sell, buy or swap poultry.

Markley is not new to the business of poultry, noting he has “too many� of his own. He

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Auglaize County resident Eric Markley, left, assists in making announcements at last year’s poultry show.

Markley has been secretary of the show for a number of years.

began showing chickens locally when he was 7 years old. Although he doesn’t show at the National, he does show at the Congress, located at the Eastern St ates Exposition Grounds in Springfield, Mass. that show is held every January. He also exhibits at shows in Delaware, Michigan, Indiana and at the Sunshine Classic in Florida.

Markley raises bantam white leghorns and standard white leghorns and white Plymouth Rocks.

Forty-one years ago his dad took him to the Ohio National Poultry Show, and he admits he’s been hooked ever since. In the late 1090’s Markley was a member of the Ohio Poultry Breeders Association and they voted him in as the new National’s secretary and he has served since in that capacity ever since.

When not involved in the poultry business, Markley is assistant plant supervisor for the City of Lima Waste Water Plant. He is married and has three daughters.

Markley says “there is a breed of poultry for everyone� and encourages people to consider taking up the hobby of raising poultry.

He notes that the Ohio National Poultry Show has been the largest annual poultry show in the Western Hemisphere for 56 years — and he’s doing his part to make sure it remains No. 1.

Lola E. Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News.

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

Champaign vet knows value of balancing profession, relationships, spiritual health

By Lee Jones URBANA — Whether it’s supervising a calving, lecturing in China or writing books, Dr. Donald Sanders never forgets the importance of balance.

Years ago, he developed an object lesson that he can sketch on paper and plant in a listener’s mind: A three-legged stool requires all legs to be the same length in order to support weight. Sanders says life is much the same way.

In order to balance life, the three aspects of one’s existence – profession, relationships and spiritual health – must be aligned, he said. Too much emphasis on one and the proverbial stool topples. Sanders admits that during his life he hasn’t always followed that advice to the tee, but after a long and lengthening career he knows the importance of knowing what’s important.

Sanders grew up on a dairy and general livestock farm in Waynesville and knew from an early age he wanted to work with animals.

“I always liked them and in high school I wanted to be a veterinarian,” he said. Little did he know that his career would encompass much more than veterinary medicine.

He began his education at Ohio Northern and moved to The Ohio State University’s veterinary school, where he met his future wife, Judy.

“She didn’t want anything to do with me,” he admitted through thick laughter. “She said she didn’t have time for a boyfriend.”

Due to alphabetical seating in their classes, Sanders sat next to Judy for four years and, by the end of their training, she discovered she could make time for the man and they married in March 1968.

They graduated that June and Sanders said he and Judy did “the unthinkable,” opening a practice in Urbana five months after their graduation. They operated out of a storefront on North Main Street.

“We did a library search of census data,” he said, and found that the concentration of veterinarians was thin in the area at the time. “We decided we wanted to make Champaign County our home.”

“It was a very slow start and we were happy initially with a couple requests for service a week,” Sanders said.

Sanders said they started making contacts by taking emergency calls 24/7 for other veterinarians who were not always on call, especially over weekends or on holidays.

This arrangement, while it encouraged loyalty and trust among clients, prevented the Sanderses and their young family from going on vacations for close to eight years.

“We worked really hard,” Sanders said. They

treated everything “from dogs and cats hit by cars to sick dogs, delivering calves and horses with lacerations.” Judy would work with the smaller animals while Don would treat the larger ones, a division of labor that worked for their entire career.

Don and Judy started planning a distinctively functional clinic in 1971, and they acquired the land and an associate veterinarian the next year. The Sanders striking round clinic, half of which was dedicated to small animal care and the other half to large animal care, was finished in 1974 with the help of a Rosewood contractor whose father built round barns.

The clinic received nationwide attention after it got a write-up in Veterinary Economics in 1974.

“That gave us a lot of recognition,” he said.

They even sold blueprints to vets across the country who appreciated the efficient use of space in the building.

Career shift “I’m a believer that every five to seven years you have to reinvent yourself,” Sanders said. “That means add a skill, add a perspective.”

After establishing the Urbana Veterinary Clinic, Sanders gained a specialty in theriogenology, the study of animal reproduction, in 1981.

Training that normally requires a veterinarian to complete a two- or three-year residency was shortened for Sanders due to his practice. His experience allowed him to directly take a written and oral examination, which required him to write a 100-page essay, and be certified in the American College of Theriogenology.

This path has only been attempted by 25 other veterinarians, he said.

In addition to his new board certification, Sanders began another focus in 1988 that would define a portion of his career. He began work on a book that later would be titled “Doctor Sanders’ Guide to Boosting Dairy Products.”

At the time be briefly jotted down chapter subjects on the back of a brown envelope as he thought of them and typed out two chapters on his Acorn Atom computer during his minimal downtime. A New Year’s Eve house call to a horse owner changed his fledgling writing career forever.

Eugenia Snyder called Sanders to examine her colicky horse. She had just moved to the area and had heard that Sanders would take strangelytimed calls.

“She was astounded that she could get vet on New Year’s Eve,” he said.

He treated the horse for several days and struck up conversations with Snyder, who told him she

was a writer, to which he said, “I am too.”

Sanders slapped himself on the cheek in embarrassment upon remembrance. He had written two chapters and was calling himself a writer.

Needless to say, Snyder’s interest was piqued and she guided him along the road to publication.

They worked for two months on an outline that was longer than his theriogenology essay and she gave him nervewracking advice: “You’re not gonna write until we’ve got the book sold.”

Snyder, who is behind the popular magazine Equine Affaire, got the book sold within three weeks of sending query letters to publishers.

“I got an advance and I started writing … It took me a couple years to write it.” Sanders said.

“It was too long (a time).

I’ve learned that if you get it done right you can do it faster.”

The book, a relative best-seller with 10,000 copies sold after its 1990 release, didn’t put many dollars in his hand, but it kick-started a new phase of his career: consultation. To date, he has published nine books, and he said he is working on another one.

Despite promising himself he would never write another book, Sanders began to see major changes happening in his field while he was consulting.

He began drafting his second book to address some of those changes and, 10 years after his “Boosting” guide hit shelves, he released “Milk Them For All Their Worth.”

It went on sale in 2000 and caught international attention not long after its release. Sanders soon was invited to travel to Japan for two weeks to consult with dairy farmers.

“I toured all over, all kinds of dairy farms,” Sanders said. Judy also joined him in the Land of the Rising Sun and visited many historical sites during their trip.

Sanders had good things to say about the Japanese dairy industry, which he said is significantly smaller than the American industry.

“We’ve got 9 million cows, but they’ve got one million,” he said. He was impressed with the Japanese dairy farmers’ passion and attention to detail, and he said they soaked up his consultation.

In recent years he has spoken in China, Mexico and Canada as well. “Milk Them” has had a successful run in China after its translation and release and prompted seven trips for him across the country to help the struggling industry get back in the milking parlor again.

Professor and personality More recently, Sanders taught fourth-year veterinary students as an

associate professor at the Marysville branch of The Ohio State University from 2006 to this June.

Sanders said he dodged the OSU offers for a while, despite several Bob Evans breakfast meetings with university representatives over 13 months.

In order for OSU to get him, the university had to purchase his large animal practice. That split from Urbana Veterinary Clinic, and his farm clients came with him and he still served them in the midst of his teaching and traveling.

He said he has enjoyed getting to know many of these students, some of whom were allowed to repeat his two-week clinic intensives two or three times to get further experience.

He and Judy also hosted a television show called “Down The Road,” which was broadcast for six years and highlighted Champaign County agriculture. Each episode was themed around issues that pet owners or farmers would find interesting or helpful. The show won a Video Distinction Award in 2010.

“The message was to show 315 million Americans how and where one million Americans produce their food,” Sanders said. He would cover large animal agriculture issues, and Judy discussed small animal and pet subjects.

To return to the stool illustration, Sanders recognizes that for a long time the professional leg of his life was longer than the others. After becoming a Christian in 1986, Sanders said, he put more emphasis into his relationships and his spiritual health. These aspects of his life helped him cope with the loss of his wife in 2011, he said. He also attributes his positive outlook to his mother, who always encouraged him to “look at the bright side of life.”

“I just like doing stuff.

I like being out there involved in medicine and working with people and different things like that,” Sanders said.

After Judy died two years ago of bone cancer, Sanders said the outlet provided by his professorship was invaluable.

“I was fortunate that I had that Ohio State job,” he said. “(The students) kept me busy and gave me an outlet to joke, laugh and share.”

During their trips on farm calls, Sanders and his students talked about life and the importance of priorities, which he said made an impact on the young veterinarians.

“They internalized it,” Sanders said of the threelegged stool metaphor.

He said students still keep track of him after his retirement from professorship. A student who remembered the anniversary of Judy’s death was near called him the other day to ask how he was doing.

Retirement?

Sanders said he has

no plans for permanent retirement any time soon, which is a good thing because he has no time for that. He still travels around the country consulting, he writes columns for farming magazines and his duties this year as Society for Theriogenology President will contribute to his workload. He is working on a new book and has not ruled out the possibility of a television return.

He also works through Vaca Resources, his publishing and resources center. All his books are listed on the website,

vacaresources.com, and his columns can be read there.

Sanders said the schedule he kept while teaching in Marysville was nothing compared to his 24/7 oncall status early in his career, which would have unraveled lesser people.

Sacrificing important aspects of one’s life for the sake of a career “contributes to burnout,” a condition Sanders hasn’t run into yet.

His track record would testify that his stool won’t be tipping any time soon.

Lee Jones is a reporter for the Urbana Daily Citizen and can be reached at ljones@civitasmedia.com

of West Central Ohio Editor-in-Chief — Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com Regional Editor — Jeff Billiel jbilliel@civitasmedia.com RETAIL/MAJOR ACCOUNT SALES Miami/Shelby/Auglaize Counties Becky Smith (937) 498-5980 bsmith@civitasmedia.com Champaign/Clark/Logan/Counties Lane Moon (937) 652-1331 lmoon@civitasmedia.com CLASSIFIED SALES Miami, Shelby/Auglaize Counties Classifieds That Work Mandy Kaiser (937) 498-5915 mkaiser@civitasmedia.com Champaign, Clark/Logan Counties Classifieds That Work Carol Herring (937) 652-1331 cherring@civitasmedia.com Subscriptions All Counties Cheryl Hall (937) 440-5237 chall@civitasmedia.com Contact My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio: 1451 N. Vandemark Rd., Sidney, Ohio 45365

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Subscriptions are $19.95 per year.

Agronomists offer fertility calculator for field crops COLUMBUS — Agronomists from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences have updated a fertility recommendation calculator designed to provide major field crop growers with guidance on fertilizer application rates and costs.

The updated tool offers users calculations based on tri-state fertilizer recommendations for corn, soybeans, wheat only, wheat for grain and straw, corn silage, and alfalfa, said Greg LaBarge, an Ohio State University Extension field specialist and one of the leaders of Ohio State’s Agronomic Crops Team. The team also includes scientists from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms,

respectively, of the college.

Developed by agronomists, the calculator is in the form of a spreadsheet that is easy to use and designed to help growers get the most accurate results, LaBarge said.

“It’s one way to get at what that fertility number needs to be, making sure it’s not too high or too low,” he said. “The spreadsheet has been updated to prove more functionality using feedback from growers who’ve used previous versions of the calculator.”

Some of the new functions the tool offers include: •Phosphorus soil test results using Bray P1 or Mehlich III that can be entered directly without conversion.

•Phosphorus and potassium soil tests that can be reported in

units of pounds per acre or part per million.

•A lime recommendation sheet that provides lime need based on Effective Neutralizing Power of the liming source and calculates the cost of the product and application.

•A fertilizer recommendation sheet that calculates dry fertilizer need and cost on a per-acre and total-field basis.

The spreadsheet allows users to select the phosphorus test and unit and enter their crops, yield goals and soil test results to calculate the soil fertilizer application rates and costs recommendations. The calculator can be downloaded at http://agcrops. osu.edu/specialists/fertility/fertility-fact-sheets-and-bulletins/ TriStateFertCalcV2013-4.xlsm.

Thanks for reading!

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My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • November 2013 • Page 4

Miami County couple continue family tradition MIAMI COUNTY — Joe Duer sticks a finger under the clear liquid being funneled from the heater tub into a bucket, puts it to his mouth and taste tests the low-proof whiskey from the first distillation of this week’s batch of whiskey.

He has a more scientific way to test the alcohol content, but like every other step in the production of Elias Staley Whiskey, the hands-on method is best.

Joe and his wife, Missy, have been producing and selling the artisan rye whiskey since midDecember in the Indian Creek Distillery at the Staley Mill and Farm, 7095 Staley Road in Bethel Township.

In doing so, they are following in the footsteps of Missy’s forebears, whose great-great-greatgrandfather Elias Staley founded the farm and produced whiskey there beginning in 1820.

“We are using the original mash bill, or recipe, which consists of 60 percent rye, about 25 percent corn and the balance is malted barley,” Joe said. The corn comes from Miami County farmers, the rye from a farmer in North Star and the malted barley is shipped in from out West.

“It’s all American grain,” said Missy, who said their whiskey also includes hops, because the family recipe calls for its use.

Early whiskey makers had a problem with bacteria, Joe explained.

“They learned from the beer makers to use hops in their mash, and it would kill bacteria and the microbes. But, unintended consequences, they also found, like with beer, it affects the taste,” he said.

“Now, obviously, we don’t have a bacteria problem — we have modern stainless steel tubs and so forth, and we have sanitizers — but we stayed true to that recipe that they used, because it affects the taste.”

Mashing in is the first step in the whiskey mak-

ing process, and means, simply, adding the grain to hot water.

Next, the mash is pumped into a copper still, where alcohol vapors are captured and funneled into a heat tub, which turns the vapor to liquid. This low-grade whiskey is captured and put in a holding tank.

“When we accumulate enough, we distill it again in the whiskey still. This is called double copper pot distillation, which is the way everybody did it back in the day,” Joe said.

“It’s a very slow, timeconsuming process.

The old boys weren’t in a hurry for anything.

Everything was slow,” he said. “What this does, this gives you your best quality, and best-tasting, whiskey.”

The Duers produce 100-150 bottles of whiskey each week at Indian Creek Distillery, and soon will add aged whiskey to their product line. They are toying with the idea of hiring help to increase production to meet a growing demand.

“It will be like the Staleys did it in the 1800s,” Joe said. “They ran it 24-7 to meet their demand. So that’s what we will end up doing, running it day and night, just because it’s a slow process.”

“It’s a true, hand-crafted, early-American product,” Missy added, and said the whiskey is sold at the distillery for $50 per bottle and is distributed to other area outlets. Elias Staley whiskey is available at The Caroline in Troy and the Inn at Versailles, for example, and is for sale at the state liquor agency at Main Street Market in Troy.

The copper pots the Duers use to produce the whiskey are the same stills used by Elias Staley and his descendants to produce whiskey until the beginning of Prohibition in 1919.

The copper pots were hidden away during Prohibition years, and by the time the law was repealed in 1933, her

great-great-grandfather Andrew Staley had lost interest in whiskey production, Missy said.

Eventually, the abandoned distillery building decayed and fell down.

The original warehouse and mash house still stand.

The stills, the oldestworking stills in the United States, are one component of what gives Elias Staley whiskey a distinctive taste.

“You are getting a taste of early America with every sip of that whiskey because of the whiskeymaking history that lies in those old stills,” Missy said. “It’s been told to us that they hold memories within them, those stills do.”

As crucial as the stills are, the water used to make the whiskey also affects the outcome, the Duers said.

They use spring water from the ground on the farm, just as Elias Staley did. Her forebear knew what he was doing when he chose to settle on the piece of ground he did, Missy said.

“Water is very important to the production of whiskey,” Joe agreed.

“You need high calcium and no iron and no manmade products. That’s what we have here. We’ve got perfect water here.”

The Duers today produce their whiskey in a building they hired Amish craftsmen to build just across the road from the site of the original distillery, and behind the grist mill that still stands on the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The grist mill provided the 1880s grain mill the Duers resurrected to grind the grain for their whiskey, although in a simple concession to modern times, the mill has been converted to electric and mounted on wheels.

The combination of mill and distillery was an attractive draw for pioneers and Native Americans.

Even men driving cattle

Indian Creek Distillery Hours: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tastings: Tasting glass and complimentary tasting without tour (ID required) — $10 Tours: Stillhouse tours are scheduled on Saturdays only at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. Tour includes complimentary tasting (ID required) — $10 Larger group tours and additional times by appointment. Contact Indian Creek Distillery by calling (937) 846-1443 or emailing jmduer76@gmail.com.

More information about the farm and distillery is available at www.staleymillfarmanddistillery.com. on the nearby National Road (U.S. Route 40) would detour to the farm and stay the night at a nearby inn, Missy said.

“My mom would always tell the story, that when the cattlemen came up here, they would rent ground from my fifthgreat grandfather to graze their cattle, they would get their grain, they would get their whiskey, and they’d go stay at the inn and have one whooping good time,” said Missy, who said her mother, Carol Mumford, led the effort in the mid1990s to preserve that portion of Bethel and Elizabeth townships to keep Interstate 675 from

being extended through the area.

The Duers moved to the Staley Farm in 2007 after her mother passed away, and consider themselves fortunate to live on what Missy considers sacred ground.

“I am honored and blessed to own and steward this amazing bit of early American history, let alone of my family’s early history,” she said.

“It is, it’s an honor. And both Joe and I take that very seriously, as a great responsibility.”

With two children and four grandchildren, the Duers expect family interest will continue into future generations,

because Missy said her family’s deep roots seem to pull them to the land.

She also knows the public has an interest in the farm because of its long and storied history, and feels the distillery and the stillhouse tours offered on Saturdays are a way for them to share that past with visitors.

“We maintain our private lives across the road, but yet over here we can still have folks come and learn about early American history that otherwise is just hidden away and obscure,” Missy said. “It’s kind of a duty, in a way, that we do that.

We have this gift, and we need to share it.”

Anthony Weber | Troy Daily News

Anthony Weber | Troy Daily News

Joe and Missy Duer discuss grains and hops used and a balance of malted barley at the Staley Mill Farm.

Several bottles of Elias Staley whiskey, distilled from rye mash, are displayed at the Staley Mill Farm and Distillery in Miami County.

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Anthony Weber | Troy Daily News

Joe Duer prepares a heater tub for the next distillation at Staley Mill Farm and Distillery.

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

Bowhunt takes one back to wilderness era H

ere lived and loved another race of beings.

Beneath the same sun that rolls over your heads, the Indian hunter pursued the panting deer…The Indian of falcon glance and lion bearing, the theme of the touching ballad, the hero of the pathetic tale, is gone.

— Charles Sprague, The American Indian ——— While it has been many decades since Ohio was hewn from the untamed Northwest Territory, some things have changed remarkably little. It just takes a bit of imagination.

Close your eyes to the jetliners streaking overhead, en route to and from local airports.

Close your ears to vehicular traffic whizzing along interstates and roads throughout west-central Ohio.

Shut out the bawling of domesticated livestock on adjacent farms.

Imagine…

I am a native American.

I make my home on this land, which will some day be claimed by white men from the east. They will call it Ohio.

But today this is my domain. I do not profess ownership, but gratefully take from Mother Earth only what I need to survive. There are no fences, no highways, no cities. The land is a vast wilderness, broken only by small clearings where we erect our lodges.

It is now the gray sea-

Rural

Reflections

Jeff Billiel editorwc@civitasmedia.com

son that occurs between red leaves and snow. I am a hunter. Today I pursue brother deer.

If I succeed, my family will find strength from his meat. His hide will keep us warm and his sinew will become a new string for my bow. His antler points will make finely-honed knives. There will be no waste and his spirit will be revered.

Camouflaged, I sit in a walnut tree, up high enough to keep my scent from wary nostrils. Nearby is a well-worn path which bears the hoof prints of brother deer. I wait patiently in hopes he will pass this way.

I wait for hours, silent and motionless, ignoring the wind that rocks my tree and the chilling rain and sleet. I have become a gnarl on the tree, blending in with the forest and unseen by the thousands of sharp eyes that come my way.

Gray squirrels nervously pursue their business on the forest floor, pawing in the leaves for fallen acorns and wal-

nuts. They chase away fox squirrels amid noisy, chattering outbursts, defending territory from encroachment.

An agitated gray scampers up the trunk of my tree, runs across my feet and sits on a nearby limb, studying me earnestly. I try not to blink. His whiskers twitch and his yellow teeth click. He flounces his showy tail with an air of authority and then disappears down the back side of the tree.

Alive with birds The air is alive with birds that flit about — juncos, titmice, nuthatches and vivid cardinals. A pert black-capped chickadee appears from nowhere and lands on my bow.

It cocks its head from side to side, contemplating me whimsically with bright, black eyes.

I smile and the slight movement frightens it away.

I am suddenly alert to an approaching rustle in the leaves and I brace for a possible encounter with brother deer. But instead, a fat possum

waddles into view, his heart-shaped face and naked tail glowing in the gray light. He digs in the ground and eats some unknown delicacy, then trundles out of sight.

The still air is now punctuated by a distant rowdiness, a faint cacophony that grows louder with every passing second. Soon a large V of Canada geese comes into view, skimming the treetops. They fly so low that I can see their feet tucked beneath their heavy bodies and hear the air rushing through their flight feathers. Their clamor dims as they speed away, leaving the woods more silent than before.

Soon my senses respond again to the approach of something on the ground. I look for the gleam of antlers held high, but instead a large coyote sulks into sight. He stops immediately below and sniffs the ground where the possum recently passed, then follows the hapless

animal’s trail into the underbrush.

The rain has ceased and the setting sun glows on the western horizon in shades of pink, lavender and salmon. Even warriors can appreciate such beauty.

The thought occurs that it is good to be alive, to be part of the grand scheme of things.

It has now been several hours that I have been in the tree. My muscles grow numb with cold and inactivity.

The warmth and comfort of home beckon.

As these thoughts tug at my resolve, a blue jay sets up a ruckus nearby.

I look and see a dark shape cutting across the vertical landscape of the woods. I know immediately that it is a deer, and it follows the trail that leads to my tree.

As the adrenalin kicks in, my heart begins to pound and all my senses become animated. I lean forward and position the bow in readiness.

White antlers The figure comes closer and I see it is indeed

brother deer. His antlers are white and stand out against the gathering dusk. He approaches slowly, stealthily, and yet with an air of determination. His steps are remarkably quiet and he stops periodically to look around and sniff the air deeply.

When he is almost within range, he halts and looks straight up at me. I freeze, willing my heart to beat less violently. I do not make eye contact with the beast, but rather look past him. For long moments he studies this object in the tree that was not there yesterday.

After what seems like an eternity, brother deer lowers his gaze and proceeds forward. A couple more steps and he is broadside. As I prepare for the kill, my trembling hands steady and a strange calm settles over me. My whole being concentrates on taking careful aim and releasing the arrow smoothly.

The bowstring snaps.

Brother deer leaps into the air, whirls around and bounds over a knoll, out of sight.

Within seconds I hear a heavy crash in the leaves.

I descend from my tree, certain the kill has been swift and clean.

With deep respect, I claim brother deer for my family’s use. Then I thank the Great Spirit for once again providing.

This story is based on an actual bowhunt by the writer, who is editor of MyOwn Rural Life of West Central Ohio and editor and publisher of the Sidney Daily News.

Contest shows big ears mean big yields Salute to youth CASSTOWN — Members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter were recently challenged to participate in the first-ever chapter corn contest. The rules of the contest were to bring in one ear of corn and earn a corn-related prize. All participants got a can of Mountain Dew soda because corn syrup is a major ingredient. Overall winners were presented a T-shirt with a cornrelated theme presented by the FFA Chapter. The Miami East chapter is a satellite program of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center.

A winner is chosen based on the predicted yield of the corn. The grand prize winner was determined by the highest yield estimate, based on plant population per acre. Additional prizes were given to members with the longest ear and the ear with the largest circumference.

The overall winner was Cody Reid. His corn was predicted to yield 313 bushels

to the acre with a 30,000 seed population per acre. Carly Gump presented an ear of corn that is predicted to produce 300 bushels per acre with a 30,000 seed population per acre. Additionally, Weston Hodge has a predicted yield of 299 bushels per acre on a seed population of 35,000 per acre.

Katie Bodenmiller was recognized for presenting the ear with the largest circumference of eight inches. Emily Beal was recognized for offering the longest ear of corn at 10.5 inches.

All Agriculture Education students took time in class to figure the predicted yield of corn ears as part of their continuing education of the agriculture industry.

Participants included Colin Gump, Cody Reid, Grant Hodge, Andrew Kowalak, Allyson Supinger, Emma Linn, Katie Bodenmiller, Cody McConnaughey, Emily Beal, Weston Hodge, Carly Gump, Alyssa Westgerdes, Kira Cron, Eliza Hershberger, Hannah Davis, Colton Kowalak, Kasey Starrett, Photo provided Reagan Morrett, Lorenza Savini, Levi Winners of the Miami East High School FFA corn contest are, from left, Katie Bodenmiller, fattest ear; Cody Reid and Haleigh Maggart.

Reid, highest predicted yield ear, and Emily Beal, longest ear.

FARM CRYPTOGRAM Cryptogram puzzles are sentences or paragraphs that are encrypted with a letter substitution. This puzzle is related to goats. Each puzzle uses a different letter substitution encryption. An example follows: 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: L = H. GOATS XLBVB EVB WMIXC FVBBHW SJ KSEXW YWBH JSV XLB TVSHYGXMSR SJ QMPO, QBEX, JMFBV ERH LMHB. KSEX QBEX MW KEMRMRK TSTYPEVMXC MR SLMS, HYB XS XLB VMWMRK BXLRMG TSTYPEXMSR. The answer will appear in the November edition of Rural Life.

OCTOBER’S PUZZLE ANSWER Ohio is the leading producer of soft red winter wheat. It is used primarily for making flour to bake cookies, cakes, biscuits and crackers. It is planted in the fall and harvested in the early summer.

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

Small hometown meat market goes global

Now offers chocolate-covered beef jerky

JACKSON CENTER — Curly’s Meats in Jackson Center, Shelby County, is now making the meat business sweeter than ever. Owned by Larry Edwards for the past 23 years, the shop does custom processing of beef and hogs, but also specializes in producing jerky that is sold online around the world. And the latest offering is chocolatecovered beef jerky.

Edwards said their online store provides a quick, easy and affordable way for customers to access the sugar-cured and hickory-smoked jerky that local customers have been enjoying for years.

Curly’s makes its premium quality beef jerky Photos by Todd B. Acker | Sidney Daily News Owner Larry Edwards stands in front of Curly’s Meats in Jackson Center with some of the products offered. from grain-fed USDAinspected beef rounds that are trimmed to 100 percent lean, then cut uniformly for consistent and thorough drying.

Precisely measured seasonings and spices are used to also give consistent taste results. The product is then carefully cured to ensure it will be safe to eat for its entire shelf life.

When ready, the jerky is then placed in a stateof-the-art smokehouse.

After the smoking process, the meat is taste tested to make sure it A typical gift box of jerky offered by Curly’s Meats and meets standards. The finsold worldwide. ished product is cooled and vacuum packaged to preserve the smoked flavor.

Edwards said Curly’s offers programs in which jerky packages can be delivered to customers for set periods of time, such as every three months, Inspecting the source of his meat products is six months, or the entire Chocolate-covered jerky is now being offered on a trial Larry Edwards, whose company also has its year. They can chose the own beef farm. flavor they want sent, or basis.

leave it up to Curly’s to decide. He noted this is “an easy, but delicious and healthy way to give as a Christmas gift or other gift.” Shipping is free.

Curly’s is currently experimenting on a limited basis with Marie’s Candies of West Liberty in Logan County, to produce chocolate-covered beef jerky.

“Curly’s savory hickory-smoked shredded beef jerky and the rich creamy sweet goodness of Marie’s renowned chocolate is simply delicious,” Edwards said.

Three flavors have been developed: the original snack featuring their shredded original flavor beef jerky covered in milk chocolate; “divots,” featuring shredded original flavor beef jerky covered in milk and mint chocolate, and “ghost stacks,” featuring spicy ghost chili pepper shredded jerky covered in dark chocolate.

Edwards noted the market also produces jerky for sale by area schools as fundraisers.

Among jerky varieties offered are whole muscle, shredded chew, jalapeno, peppered, original, hot, teriyaki and low-salt nitrate-free. Gift boxes and specials are also offered.

Although Curly’s Meats has been around since 1961, Edwards purchased it in 1990. Since then he

has continued to do custom processing of beef and has added pork processing, including the curing and smoking of hams, bacon and a variety of sausage.

Curly’s Meat Farm, a primary supplier for the market, was started in 1995. It raises hormonefree beef to serve a healthconscious public.

In 2004 Curly’s successfully underwent federal inspection allowing them to offer products globally. Thus products from a small hometown meat market are now sent to customers around the world.

The company’s mission statement pretty much sums up the operation’s philosophy: “Curly’s strives to provide value added high quality meat products from locally raised animals processed to individual requirements.”

Edwards notes that today a growing number of consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it has been processed, which are requirements he aims to fulfill.

Retail sales of individual beef and pork cuts are available at the store at 315 N. East St. Beef jerky may be ordered from the company website at www.curlysjerky.com.

Lola E. Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News.

Big tree lover finds giants in Ohio American Forests has released its most recent version of the National Register of Big Trees, which now includes nearly 780 national champion and co-champion trees.

Although some trees have since left the running after American Forests published the fall 2012 edition late last year, the new Register sheds light on big trees of which we’d otherwise be unaware.

Helping keep track of big trees is Shawn Bruzda of the Davey Resource Group, who tries his best to give all big trees he discovers the attention they deserve.

Bruzda is a natural resource consulting biologist and urban forester and he knows trees - but the big trees are what he’s most interested in: “Whenever I’m traveling for Davey, if any large trees are on the way, I usually try to find them,” he says.

For approximately 10 years, Bruzda has become familiar with big trees the eastern U.S. region has to offer. He’s trekked the terrain, measuring contenders and nominating local specimens to determine the biggest of big trees.

From Virginia’s National Champion Darlington oak in Maymont Park, to what could possibly be the largest cucumber magnolia tree in the world - a specimen located in Northeast Ohio - Bruzda has awed the size, structure and age of countless big trees.

Although Bruzda has traveled to faraway locations for the sake of admiring a big tree, a majority of his measurements focus on big trees located in Ohio, in support of the state’s Big Tree Program. Very similar to American Forests’ National Big Tree Program, Ohio’s Big Tree Program comprises volunteers who are dedicated to locating, measuring, recording and appreciating the largest tree species in the state.

As a “Big Tree Hunter,” Bruzda searches for trees that appear to nearly match or surpass the measurements of champion trees. “Big trees often grow in the middle of nowhere - they may exist in backyards, community parks and cemeteries, where their size stands out,” Bruzda explains.

“Sometimes, fences,

40514997

creeks and cliffs hinder accurate measurements of the extreme growth we’re looking for.”

Each Big Tree receives a score based on trunk circumference, crown spread and total height.

If the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) thinks a tree measures close to the existing champion, they’ll measure the submission, then ODNR foresters and other experts ultimately assess nominated trees to determine their eligibility for Big Tree honors.

“There is a standardized methodology to measuring champion trees, including standard tools,” Bruzda says. He uses a clinometer, as well as a 100-foot tape roll to measure the canopy spread and circumference. “I follow ODNR’s methodology to the letter to achieve the most accurate results, and it’s definitely easier to measure huge trees with two people.”

Bruzda’s passion for big trees has earned him respect and trust among ODNR foresters and experts over the years.

His dedicated and consistent volunteer work has also provided Ohio’s Big Tree Program with several pertinent measurements to update existing champions’ statistics.

Bruzda’s next mission?

Measuring some of the hundreds of submitted state champion trees scattered throughout Ohio’s 88 counties.

The Davey Tree Expert Co. sponsors the National Register of Big Trees, a continuous collection of national champion nominations. Because anyone can nominate a national champion tree, take a walk in Bruzda’s shoes and be on the lookout for impressive trees in your area. You never know, your big tree nomination could dethrone an existing champion and claim its fame in an upcoming edition of the Register.

Photo provided

Shawn Bruzda stands on the base of North Canton’s National and World Champion cucumber magnolia tree and embraces its trunk.

West-central Ohio has nine record-book trees West-central Ohio is home to a number of state champion trees, as determined by the Division of Forestry, Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Three of them are growing in a single cemetery in Springfield. Below is a listing of trees verified as biggest in the state for their species: Auglaize County Swamp Cottonwood, located in Kossuth and owned by Richard Hoverman.

Champaign County Pecan, located in Urbana and owned by Bud Kelch.

Carolina Silverbell, located in and owned by Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana.

Post Oak, located in and owned by Oakdale Cemetery, Urbana.

Clark County Crack Willow, owned by the City of Springfield and located at Old Reid Park.

Slippery Elm, owned by and located in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield.

Blackhaw, owned by and located in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield.

Rusty Blackhaw, owned by and located in Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield.

Shelby County Pumpkin Ash, located in the Gross Woods State Nature Preserve, Jackson Center, and owned by the State of Ohio.

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

Retiree recommends well-named dessert Lola E. Billiel

pie filling (cherry, strawberry, blueberry) When Mary Perry’s Slice cake in thin slices family gets together, (about 32). Whip cream there are 18 appetites to cheese and sugar until account for – and as head fluffy. Fold in the Cool cook she draws from a Whip. Alternate layers of number of favorite reci- cake, whipped topping pes. Among them is a mixture, and the fruit fillyummy dessert which ing in a 9 x 13 pan or is aptly named “Yummy large clear bowl like a Dessert.” parfait bowl. Begin with Mary and husband, cake and end with pie fillJim, live on the Shelby- ing. You can add whipped Miami county line south topping or nuts on top. of Sidney. They have four Chill for several hours. children and eight grand- Store in refrigerator. children, with one son ——— deceased. Mary taught Hearty country cookschool for 33 1/2 years, ing is specialty of teaching in Indiana, South Logan Co. cook Carolina, North Carolina, Dorothy Clayton of Connecticut and ending the Quincy area, Logan up in Sidney where she County, is one of those taught for 19 years. She people who just love to and her husband moved cook for her family. While a great deal because of her husband Ken is now the military and deceased, as is one her husband’s job. daughter, she still Both are natives of has two children Indiana and come and five grandchilfrom large families. dren to savor her Since retiring, culinary treats. the couple has Simply put, enjoyed traveling in Clayton loves to their motor home, cook and bake. making several She said she began Clayton trips throughout cooking when she the United States. was four years old.

They also are longHer mother taught time animal lovers, all of her five girls having at one time to cook at an early or another raised age. Dorothy says cats, dogs, birds, her mother was fish and lambs. a good cook, too.

Mary said their Dorothy’s first children and famicooking experilies come home Hershberger ences were fryat Christmas and ing potatoes and sometimes at bacon.

Thanksgiving, givOne of Dorothy’s ing her a houseful favorites is chickto cook for. Every en and dumplings. other year the famShe said when her ily of 18 travels husband was alive to some destinashe made hometion for a “Perry made biscuits Getaway”. almost every day.

Mary loves to Poly She also likes to garden and work in make cinnamon the yard. She also works on family photos, sews, rolls. Actually, Dorothy uses the computer and likes to cook just about reads books. She enjoys everything, experimentdoing craft projects with ing with different reciher grandchildren. She pes at times. Old-fashion also cans and freezes fruit cream pie and pecan pie are her favorites to bake. and vegetables.

She has a collection of Cooking and baking for family are among her recipes from family and favorite things to do, friends that she often however, and below she uses.

Dorothy is retired from shares a family favorite in which she received from Emerson-Copeland Sidney, where she worked a teacher friend. for 19 years. After that, YUMMY DESSERT she and her daughter, 1 angel food cake 1 large container Lyra, owned and operated of Cool Whip or real a flower shop in Jackson Center for eight years. whipped cream 1 8-ounce package of Among Dorothy’s hobcream cheese, softened bies are working in her 1/2 cup sugar garden and canning and 1 can of favorite fruit freezing the produce. She

also likes to sew.

Dorothy recently promised her son Matt she would make his favorite - pineapple upside down cake. The recipe follows.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE 1 yellow Jiffy cake mix 3/4 stick butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 whole egg 1 21-ounce can pineapple Drain juice from pineapple (keep separate).

Melt butter in pan or iron skillet. Add brown sugar to melted butter and stir lightly to mix. Cook butter and brown sugar mixture until it bubbles.

Place cake mix in mixing bowl and add egg and pineapple juice. Mix well.

Spread pineapple evenly over sugar mixture and then add cake batter over pineapple. Bake at 350 degrees until cake is done. Remove from oven and turn over on pan or wax paper.

——— Auglaize grandmother shares recipe for truly sweet treat Who can resist an oldfashioned sugar cream pie?

That’s a favorite of Lois Poly, who lives near Grand Lake St. Marys in Auglaize County and who shares her recipe below.

Poly, who has been a widow for five years, has three children and six grandchildren. And as with many grandmothers, she enjoys cooking and baking.

Mary Perry of Shelby County displays her luscious “Yummy Dessert.”

When not enjoying life 1/2 cup whipping thing I cook,” she notes at the lake, Poly spends cream happily. winters in Sebring, 1/4 cup corn starch A registered nurse Fla., with her “winter 1/8 teaspoon salt for more than 31 years, friends.” During other 1 stick unsalted butter Hershberger and her seasons she loves to play Bring half and half, husband have been marcards and visit with her whipping cream and ried for 30 years and Ohio friends.

Poly can often be found sugar to a boil. Gradually have three sons and two with a good book or add to brown sugar/corn granddaughters. Janie wielding a pair of knit- starch mixture. Cook said she usually watches ting needles, two of her on medium heat for 5 the girls each week and minutes, whisking con- they invariably ask “what favorite hobbies.

She worked at Clopay stantly. Add butter and are we cooking today?”

Corp. in Russia for 17 salt and simmer for one Typically they then join years as an administra- minute. Add vanilla and forces in some cooking or tive assistant, then whisk. Pour into unbaked baking project.

“I mostly enjoy baking worked at the Evening pie crust, sprinkle with Leader in St. Marys, nutmeg and cinnamon as my father, husband, the Community Post in and bake at 375 degrees sons and now granddaughters all have a sweet Minster, the Wapakoneta for 25 minutes.

——— tooth,” Hershberger said.

Daily News and the Daily Open-Face Pear Pie Below is one of her Standard in Celina – all newspapers. She retired passes taste test by favorite recipes that has ‘resident judge’ earned the approval of in 2010.

For someone who her husband.

Her pie recipe follows.

OPEN-FACE PEAR SUGAR CREAM PIE loves to cook, Janie Hershberger of Elizabeth PIE 2 cups half and half Township, Miami County, 9-inch pastry shell 1/2 cup white sugar has the ideal husband.

1/4 cup brown sugar 4 medium pears 1 teaspoon vanilla Bill “will try most anyJuice of 1/2 lemon

Todd Acker | Sidney Daily News

1/4 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup flour 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp salt cinnamon or mace Whipped cream or ice cream (optional) Peel, halve and core pears. Brush with lemon juice. Place pears cut side down in pie shell with narrow ends toward center.

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in flour, eggs vanilla and salt, Pour over pears sprinkle lightly with mace or cinnamon.

Bake 350 45 minutes or until filling is set and lightly browned, Cool on rack 1 hour or longer before cutting. Top with whipped cream or Ice cream.

Lola E. Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News.

Applications being accepted for animal and snake permits REYNOLDSBURG — The Ohio Department of Agriculture has started accepting applications for permits to keep existing dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes.

As of Sept. 5, 2012, only exempted facilities or authorized rescue facilities are permitted to acquire new dangerous wild animals.

Completed permit applications, and all supplemental documentation, must be submitted to the department no later than December 31, 2013 or owners will be required to surrender their animals or snakes

to the state or identify an alternate permanent home.

After Jan. 1, 2014, a valid permit is required to keep an existing dangerous wild animal or a restricted snake. Among the application requirements are a permit fee, completed background check, signed affidavit affirming that housing facilities meet state standards, and proof of liability insurance or surety bond. Dangerous wild animal owners who registered their animal in accordance with the law will be sent application materials, which are also

available online at http:// www.agri.ohio.gov/apps/ o d a f o r m s /o d a f o r m s . aspx?div=Animal%20

Health.

Restricted snake owners need to contact the department’s Division

of Animal Health to obtain the appropriate application forms or download them from the department’s website by visiting http:// www.agri.ohio.gov/apps/ o d a f o r m s /o d a f o r m s . aspx?div=Animal%20 Health.

Dangerous wild animal and restricted snake owners that do not intend to apply, or are not eligible for a permit should contact the Division of Animal Health at (614) 7286220 as soon as possible to discuss options for surrendering their animals or snakes to the

state or identifying an alternate permanent home.

The Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act was signed by Gov. John Kasich on June 5, 2012.

In addition to permit requirements, the law also prohibits anyone from allowing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam off the property where it is confined and knowingly releasing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake into the wild. More information is available at http://www. agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/ DangerousWildAnimalAct/.

Pesticide education program offers recertification credits COLUMBUS — Commercial pesticide applicators will have multiple opportunities beginning in January 2014 to earn recertification credits to renew their pesticide licenses during a series of conferences sponsored by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

The 2014 Ohio C o m m e r c i a l Pesticide Applicator Recertification conferences are designed to

help applicators fulfill the Ohio requirement of five hours of training in a single day, said Mary Ann Rose, program director for Ohio State University Extension’s Ohio Pesticide Safety Education Program.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college.

The Ohio Pesticide Safety Education Program provides training, education and outreach to pesticide applicators about the safe, effective and legal use of pesticides, Rose said.

The program works with farmers, businesses and public agencies to protect human health and the environment and serves as a critical part of job training and business growth in Ohio, she said.

“Applicators will receive the most upto-date, research-based information from Ohio State specialists while meeting the requirements to maintain their pesticide license,” Rose said.

The conferences are: • Jan. 30 at the Dayton

Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St. Dayton.

• Jan. 31 at the Kalahari Conference Center, 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky.

• Feb. 19 at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron.

• March 6 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus.

The conferences will cover a variety of topics, including turfgrass management, ornamental care, industrial vegetation control, pest control strategies and agricul-

tural pest management, Rose said.

“Licensed pesticide applicators need the recertification training to learn about new alternatives and methods to control pests and to stay current with pesticide regulations,” she said.

“The program focuses on responsible use of the products while promoting the health of the public and the environment.”

To become licensed, a pesticide applicator must pass a series of exams that test their

competency in pesticide application. To renew a license, applicators must be recertified through continuing education or retest, Rose said.

“Most applicators choose the continuing education option,” she said.

More information on the recertification conferences, including how to register, is available on the Pesticide Safety Education Program’s website at http://pested. osu.edu or by calling the pesticide program office at 614-292-4070.

My Own Rural Life of West Central Ohio • November 2013 • Page 8

Gaier Family devoted to 4-H Elaine Schweller-Snyder

PIQUA — For Deb and Dan Gaier, of Piqua, 4-H has always been a family affair. The Gaiers, who were both born and raised in Versailles, were involved in 4-H while growing up and have now passed that legacy on to their children.

Deb grew up on a dairy farm and was a member of the Busy Beaver 4-H Club. Even though her family raised hogs, she was more interested in sewing, creative arts and photography. “Lots of people think that 4-H is just about animals,” said Deb. “It is so much more than that. It is about the skills that young people gain through the experience, no matter what the project.”

Dan’s family did not own a farm but he worked on a nearby turkey farm and his parents were 4-H advisers. Their club was the Neighborhood 4-H Club, and Dan did woodworking and small engine projects.

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Dan and Deb began their own 4-H Club for their children and others in their neighborhood. Founded in 2004, Gaiers’ Families Are Forever 4-H Club has served all four Gaier children and many others.

The last of Deb and Dan’s children is now in high school and nearing the end of his eligibility, but the club currently has 11 members ranging in age from 10 to 18. Although based in Miami County, Families Are Forever has members from Darke, Shelby, Montgomery and Miami counties.

In Ohio, children are eligible to begin 4-H at age 5 as long as they are enrolled in kindergarten as of Jan. 1 of the current year. These young 4-H members are called Cloverbuds. Children can join club activities when they reach the age of eight and are enrolled in the third grade as of Jan. 1. Members “age-out” on Dec. 31 of the year in which they turn 19.

With a rich history and an ever-expanding scope, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the country. With 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals, and more than 60 million alumni, the 4-H movement supports young people from elementary school through high school with programs designed to shape future leaders and innovators.

Youngsters involved in 4-H have many options.

Although many learn to raise and care for farm animals, members also explore the areas of science, engineering, technology, history, citizenship, creative arts, and healthy living.

The Gaier children – Samantha, Allison, Louis, and Derek – have been more than active in 4-H and their achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. The four have won nine Clock Trophies from the Ohio State Fair which is the highest award that can be earned on a 4-H project at the state level. Derek and Louis have three clocks each, Allison two, and Samantha one. At age 12, Allison was the first in the family to win a Clock. Derek won two Clocks on the same day at age 13. Two Gaiers have also been 4-H royalty: Samantha was named Miami County Fair Queen in 2008 and Derek was named King in 2013.

“My favorite projects would be my Creative Arts and Interior Design

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The Gaier family of Miami County is truly a 4-H family. Shown here with some of the awards they have won are, from left, Samantha, Derek, Louis and Allison.

projects,” said Samantha.

“Through 4-H, I learned how to direct my interests into a profession. I also conquered my fear of public speaking which is something I now use every day in the classroom.” Samantha is a 2007 graduate of The College of Mount St. Joseph and holds a Masters degree in Art History from Bowling Green State University. She is currently an adjunct teacher of Art History at Owens Community College and Lourdes University.

Allison agrees that 4-H was instrumental in helping her find her career choice. “In every project, a 4-H member has to complete a certain number of service activities,” said Allison. “My aunt suggested that I assist at the Hahn Hufford Rehabilitation Center in the physical therapy room. I volunteered there for one summer and loved it enough to keep going back and even recruiting fellow club members to join me. Without 4-H and my aunt’s insistence to give back to the community, I would never have discovered my career path.” Allison is a senior at Bowling Green State University studying Applied Health Science (Pre-Physical Therapy).

One of Allison’s favorite projects was in the area of Living History.

She portrayed Rachel Johnston, the wife of Colonel John Johnston whose homestead is now the Historical Johnston Farm and Indian Agency in Piqua. As part of the project, Allison had to research her chosen person through letters and diaries and actually portray the person in costume. For special events, Allison still dons the historical dress and bonnet she made for her project and helps out as an interpreter at the Johnston Farm.

Louis completed projects in public speaking, communications, and genealogy. He credits 4-H with helping to develop his leadership skills. He is now a history and political science major at Franciscan University of Steubenville and still has one year of 4-H eligibility.

Derek, a junior at Lehman Catholic High School, loves technology and engineering.

His latest project at the Ohio State Fair led him to an exciting opportunity when he was selected to be part of a talented group of 4-H members who represented the state of Ohio last month at the National 4-H Engineering Challenge at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The intent of the Engineering Challenge is to excite youth about engineering careers through challenging and competitive hands-on design experiences. The annual event draws 4-H members from all over the country for educational workshops and competition in numerous dis-

ciplines including aerospace, bicycle, computer, electrical, lawn tractor, robotics, small engine, tractor, and welding.

Derek qualified for the event through his Lawn Care project at this year’s State Fair. Completing the project involved being interviewed by a judge; taking a test on identifying weeds, grasses, and tools used in lawn care; and driving a lawn tractor with a mowing deck through an obstacle course. Derek achieved the highest score and received an Outstanding Day Ribbon and the 4-H Clock Trophy for Lawn Tractor. At the National Engineering Challenge, he placed fifth in the Lawn Tractor category.

In his 10 years of participation in 4-H, Derek is proving to be the most honored of the siblings.

He has qualified for the State Fair eight times and won three Clock Trophies.

He has developed projects in various areas including bicycling and shooting sports. He is also a member of the Miami County Trapshooters Club.

“I love 4-H because I like to learn new things,” said Derek. “Winning is fun and I enjoy hanging out with the people, but it is a good educational experience too. Because of what I have learned, I can tear apart an engine and put it back together. Troubleshooting an engine is fascinating to me.”

Allison agrees, “4-H gave me opportunities I would have never discovered on my own, and allowed me to try new activities in a structured manner that taught me the content yet gave me the freedom to add my own spin on things.”

“Our children were shy when they were young, but 4-H gave them the self-confidence to address large groups,” said Deb. “We always stress in our club that the youngsters take their chosen projects to completion and do more than the minimum requirements. This has made our club successful.

This year, every member of our club was selected to go to the State Fair with one or more projects.”

In 2012, Families Are Forever Club was named “Miami County 4-H Club of the Year” because of the many service projects they had done.

“We also stress time management skills as our club members are all very active in school activities too,” said Deb. “We make sure that they communicate well with eye contact and a firm handshake.

This prepares them well for future job interviews and whatever they choose to do in life.”

Although Samantha and Allison have both aged-out of 4-H, they are continuing their involvement as advisors. It is likely that their brothers will do this as well, keeping the Gaier 4-H tradition alive for yet another generation.

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Located: 3.5 Mi. northwest of Upper Sandusky, Ohio on U.S. Rte 23 to CH 44, then west 1 Mi. to TH 104, then north to farm. (7635 TH 104, Upper Sandusky – Signs Posted) SAT. DEC. 7th @ 11 AM – SHARP! (2) JD Tractors ~ Combine ~ Heads ~ Trucks

`88 John Deere 4450 MFWD tractor w/CHA, (3) SCV’s, 20 frt. wts., rear cast wheels, quick hitch, ALL NEW RADIAL TIRES – 460/85R38 rear & axle duals & 14.9R-26 frt., fenders, power shift, (SN#P030448) – ONLY 2239 hrs.; `83 John Deere 4050 tractor 2WD w/CHA, rear & frt. wts., power shift, (2) SCV’s, 18.4-38 rear rubber, 10:00-16 frt., (SN#P001157) – ONLY 2660 hrs.; `84 John Deere 6620 Turbo Combine (yellow cab) w/CHA, 28L-26 rubber frt., 11R-42 rear cleats, (SN#X600764) – ONLY 1339 hrs. w/150 hrs. on new engine; JD 216 flex grain head (black reel, ss floor, poly skids); JD 643 (6-30) corn head high tin; `77 Chevrolet C-60 truck w/ONLY 45,719 Mi., 13’ Knapheide bed & twin cyl. hoist (dbl. gate doors & small unload doors) – Sharp!; `02 Chevrolet 4x4 1500 LS pickup HD w/4800 V8 eng., trailer pkg., trans cooler, PW, PL – ONLY 34,610 Mi. – (Sharp) Planting – Hay – EQUIPMENT – Tillage – Wagons Partial List (See Website):1996 JD 7200 Max Emerge (6-30”) Conservation Corn Planter w/Liquid Fert., no-till fert. Coulters monitors & rubber closing wheels, low acres (Nice); JD 8300 (23-7) grain drill w/big box, DD, ZZ, press wheels & seeder; Top-Air tandem axle sprayer w/PTO pump, monitor, 500 gal. tank & 45’ boom; Krause Mod. 4807-7 shank disc chisel w/hyd. lift blades & HD shanks (Nice); JD 960 hyd. fold 23’ field cultivator w/walking tandems on base & wings, (3) bar Remlinger harrow & hitch (Like New); Brillion 24’ X-Series Cultipacker w/tandem wheels – (Like New); Krause Mod. 1422-19’ hyd. fold disc w/7-1/2” spacing & 3-bar Remlinger harrow; JD 2600 semi-mtd. plow (5-16”-22”) w/auto reset & cush. coulters; Bush Hog 287 mtd. rotary chopper w/dual rear wheels, chain guard (1 yr. old); misc./etc. NOTE: Sell Wagon of Primitives 1st then tractors @ 11:25 – combineheads-truck-planting-tillage – tool wagon last. (Folks, good line of machinery from The Late James Richard Lininger – who loved JD equipment.) TERMS: Cash/Check/ Mastercard/ Visa/Discover/Am. Express w/photo I.D. 4% buyers’ premium on all purchases w/4% discount for cash or check. Out of state, bank letter of credit to our office 48 hours before auction. Bid Live Online @ www.proxibid.com/walton

Inspection Date: Fri. Nov. 29th (10AM-2PM)

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Lunch/Restroom – Loader Tractors Onsite Douglas E. Walton, CAI, CES – Broker - Auctioneer Paul Wagner, Darren Bok, Rick L. Fogle, Auctioneers 97 Houpt Drive, W~ Upper Sandusky, OH-Phone: 419-294-0007 Website:ucwaltonrealtyandauction.com Email: waltonauctionco@sbcglobal.net

Livestock mortality composting courses offered through OSU CANFIELD — Livestock producers looking for an economical and environmentally beneficial way to deal with dead animals can earn livestock mortality composting certification through a course offered by experts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Livestock mortality happens on all livestock and poultry farms at some point for a variety of reasons, including illness, old age, natural disasters and birthing problems, said Clif Little, an educator with the college’s outreach arm, Ohio State University Extension.

In Ohio, there are four approved methods for disposing of livestock mortality: composting, incineration, burial and rendering. Composting is the most economical because it not only saves farmers money, it also protects the environment and returns animals slowly to the soil, Little said.

“Livestock mortality happens on a regular basis, so producers have to be prepared to deal with the issue anytime and on an

annual basis,” he said. “Composting allows producers to recycle the animals and the leftover compost can be used to add nutrients to the soil.”

And while burial is an option, the Ohio Revised Code requires not less than 4 feet of soil above the animal, which can be a challenge for producers when dealing with frozen or muddy soil conditions, Little said.

But certification is required by law if producers want to use composting as a method to deal with livestock and poultry mortality, he said.

“The workshop offers producers extensive training and runs through the entire process including how to do it, where it’s done, how it’s done and how to monitor the process,” Little said.

The Ohio Mortality Composting Certification Workshop will be taught in multiple locations including: • Nov. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, in Canfield.

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

There’s still time to prepare for winter S

uddenly it hit me…it’s November again, and I haven’t finished putting the garden to bed. And I haven’t divided the hostas that were overgrowing their boundaries. And I accidentally left some tropicals outside when the temperatures dropped below 30 degrees, so now they’re disposable annuals.

There is still time, however, to take care of perennials, shrubs, and trees that need to be protected over the winter.

Take the knock-out roses, for example.

I’ve made sure that I haven’t cropped them back too far. Two feet is just about right. A mound of extra dirt around the base of each plant and a mulching of ground-up leaves will winterize the plants until early spring.

On the other hand, never apply mulch directly against the trunks of trees. Called “volcano mulching,” this practice usually results in decay and pest problems. Create a donut of mulch around trees instead, keeping at least 6-12 inches between the trunk and mulch.

Don’t prune trees or evergreen shrubs now either, even the ones that have errant shoots coming out at weird angles. This does not apply to burning

Plays

in the dirt

Ann Heeley annheeley@gmail.com bushes which can’t be killed no matter how or when they’re whacked. We have a short shrub of some sort that we usually keep trimmed into a pom-pom shape, but we forgot to trim it until it got completely out of hand. Unfortunately, it will have to continue to look like a DonaldTrump-Bad-Hair-Day until this spring.

Trimming and pruning in the fall invites fungal diseases and may stimulate new growth which will be killed quickly by constant cold temperatures and wind in winter.

For young, newlyplanted, or thin-barked trees, wrapping the trunks with commercial tree wrap, porous plastic tree guards, or any light-colored material helps them avoid rodent and sunscald damage. Sun- scald can occur on the south and southwest sides of a tree trunk when tender bark is heated dur-

ing cold weather. It is characterized by dried, cracked areas of bark that provide openings into the inner layers of the trunk. Remove any wrap in the early spring when the worst of the weather has passed.

I’ve heard that placing used coffee filter packs, the kind provided in some hotels/motels, acts as a deterrent to squirrels, deer, voles, and mice. I haven’t tried this trick yet, but if anyone has, please email me with the results.

Anti-dessicant sprays, such as organic WiltPruf, are essential for many broadleaf evergreens. During our cold and windy Ohio winters, these evergreens keep their foliage and continue to lose moisture if rain and/or snowfall is insufficient.

Winter burn occurs when moisture intake from the roots is lacking. Leaves turn brown and die due to dehydration. Anti-dessicants

2013 harvest reportedly close to normal for most

I

n the world of farming and agriculture, there is no such thing as “perfect.”

In August and early September, farmers and agriculture experts here in Ohio were saying that for the most part, the growing season for 2013 was just about as good as it gets.

Overall, that is.

“Overall” because in farming, there are so many factors, so many variables that go into making a season a “success” or “failure” that it is almost impossible for any season to be “the perfect season” for growing.

But this year looked pretty close.

Right up until October, that is.

The problems that developed in this last month were not huge, but just significant enough to make the fall harvest more of a challenge than it could have been.

What are farmers reporting as the Fall Harvest 2013 comes to an end?

Mostly good news. But the lack of sunny days much of the month meant that harvesting didn’t start until late morning many days. Also, there has been a higher moisture content in the corn than normal, which has slowed the harvesting process down some. Farmers who have their own storage and drying facilities have not been delayed as much. But for those who have to use another silo/bin facility, there have been some limitations on how much they can harvest at one time.

Avoid so-called “volcano-mulching” of trees, which can result in decay and pest problems.

provide a light, waxy coating that can be sprayed on evergreen foliage as long as temperatures remain above freezing for at least 24 hours. Boxwood, holly, rhododendron, and any newly-planted evergreen can receive protection with one spraying that lasts for about three months.

The manufacturers of Wilt-Pruf advise caution when spraying spruce, arborvitae, cypress, and juniper. Wait until very late fall before treating these plants and read product directions carefully.

Asian Lady Beetles, Stink Bugs, and Boxelder Bugs are insects that like to retreat to cozy indoor

areas as the temperatures fall. They often congregate on sunny windows and warm, south-facing walls, hoping to find a miniscule entrance crack. To combat these smelly pests, I attack with dryer sheets. In addition to softening loads of laundry, I’ve found that when rubbed on window screens, dryer sheet residue keeps away these nuisances.

I also tie cheap, highly “fragrant” dryer sheets on my Oakleaf hydrangea to deter rabbits and mice. And when I pack summer clothes in storage tubs for the winter, I layer dryer sheets in between to keep clothes smelling fresh and repel moths and spiders. But I digress from garden-

ing.

On to the blueberries.

Mine are in containers, and I’m trying a new technique this year.

Instead of taking the entire container and placing it in a larger container with crushed leaves as insulation, I’m going to use bubble wrap. I’ve saved enough to wrap each container around the sides, and when the containers are pushed together, I’m hoping that the layers of bubble wrap will provide enough protection during the cold winter.

I will still top off each plant with a thick padding of ground leaves to allow rain and snow to enter, and the drainage holes at the bottom won’t be blocked.

The tropicals I saved are going dormant under shop lights in the basement. Ceramic planters are all cleaned out and put away. The last of the tomatoes are slowly ripening in a cardboard box.

And my limes should be ready to pick soon as the dwarf trees are safely ensconced in the Jacuzzi with a skylight above. From now on, my garden is in the hands of Mother Nature…and shop lights.

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.

Thank you for reading My Own Rural Life

But… while these “problems” in October have made the harvest season less than perfect, this is still looking like a very good year.

Our county extension agents have been out in the fields, talking to farmers. And what they are hearing is promising.

Yield? For corn it is looking like at least 170 bushels per acre, with some areas reporting at much as 210 bushels per acre.

For soybeans, the average looks to be 50 to 62 bushels per acre.

Very good news.

Joe Cornely, Senior Director of Corporate Communications for the Ohio Farm Bureau, told me that 2013 is looking to be “close to the norm.” And I will tell that for farmers, “the norm” is pretty rare. Especially when you consider last year we had a drought and the year before we were drenched in rain.

Normal can be a very good thing, indeed.

Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of MyOwn Rural Life.

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

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