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can damage your farm

BY MICHAEL CARTER clydenews@bizwoh.rr.com

cr o w d a m ag e

S Q U I RRE L d a ma g e

R A C CO O N d a ma g e

The Ohio Department of National Resources Division of Wildlife has a vast range of duties as it relates to agriculture.

Possibly one of their biggest involvements in this business is providing quality service to farm producers experiencing wildlife damage to their crops.

Wildlife not only build their homes in fields, they also use the farmers’ crops as a main food source.

Wildlife — from as small as chipmunks to as large as deer — can be blamed.

“Determining the cause of wildlife crop damage may be easy.

Convincing the owners of the crops to accept the evaluation is often more difficult,” according to the crop damage manual from the ODNR. “I have the most problem with raccoons,” said Bill Frankart, who farms 4,800 acres in Seneca, Sandusky and Huron counties.

“They are a very wasteful animal. They will take down a complete stalk and only eat a small portion of the crop before moving on to the next stalk.”

Hunting is a valuable solution to curb the wildlife crop damage problem.

However, the regulations on firearms and the cost of ammunition combined with the backlash of the government and groups like P.E.T.A., hunting, as well as firearms, have come under direct scrutiny.

“I have definitely seen a huge increase in

the raccoon population,” Frankart said.

“The price of pelts used to be very high, but with groups like P.E.T.A. getting involved that has changed.

“The price is just now starting to go back up, but we have missed or skipped a hole generation of raccoon hunters and that has caused a problem,” he commented.

Raccoons and woodchucks cause the majority of their damage on

only one part of the problem, however.

With yet another school shooting in Connecticut and the Presidents promise to impose higher and stiffer regulations on guns, prices of weapons and ammunition are only going to continue to increase.

“I have always allowed hunters on my property in hopes that they will thin out the raccoons and woodchucks,” said Frankart.

“I have definitely seen a rise in damage due to animals,”

– Bill Frankart, farmer soybeans when the crop is in a very young and in its vegetative stage. It is also more concentrated near or around woodlots.

“I have seen as many as eight to 10 rows of beans destroyed all the way around woodlots,” Frankart said. “I think deer sometimes get a bad rap for all the crop damage. Don’t get me wrong they do damage but not as much as the raccoons.”

Several factors tie into the increase of small-game animals.

Possibly one of the biggest factors is the cost of hunting.

The price of ammunition is at an all-time high and continues to rise. There are several reasons for this increase, some tangible, some not as much.

Material and labor costs in the United States are a big factor.

The price of copper and brass, major components in ammunition, both have increased heavily in the past several years, while fuel prices to deliver products is also at a record high.

These factors are

“Most of the time those interested have been younger hunters, but with the cost of ammunition at such a high cost even that is getting harder to find.”

Gary Bauer, who owns two Christmas tree farms in Norwalk, Huron County, said the pain of wildlife damage as well.

“Deer are a big problem for us at our farms,” he said in an interview in December.

“The bucks like to come in the early spring and rub the velvet off their racks on our trees.

Christmas trees are very delicate if they get cut or nicked at all they die.

So these bucks come in and can kill hundreds of trees in a very short time.”

With the possibility of stiffer regulations on guns and ammunition, ODNR’s problem of wildlife crop control damage will only increase.

“I have definitely seen a rise in damage due to animals,” Frankart said.

“I am not sure what the answer to this problem is.”

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

Of Northwestern Ohio Publisher — Devin Hamilton dhamilton@civitasmedia.com Editor-in-Chief — Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com Editor — Gregg Rettig grettig@civitasmedia.com

Advertising: advertising@acresmidwest.com Delaware: 740-363-1161 Earl Smith, Advertising Director esmith@civitasmedia.com Serving Union, Marion, Delaware counties Bellevue: 419-483-7410 Rick Miller, Publisher Serving Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Erie, Huron counties Galion: 419-468-1117 Vicki Taylor, Publisher Serving Crawford, Richland counties Mt. Gilead: 419-946-3010 Vicki Taylor, Publisher Serving Morrow, Knox counties Wauseon: 419-335-2010 Janice May, General Manager Serving Lucas and Henry counties Roy Slater, Regional Advertising Consultant 419-295-1009 rslater@civitasmedia.com Serving Hardin, Wyandot, Hancock, Putnam, Wood counties Subscriptions B.A. Wells, Circulation Manager (740) 852-1616 bwells@civitasmedia.com Contact ACRES of North Central Ohio: 55 West High Street / London, OH 43140 (740) 852-1616 ACRES of Northwestern Ohio is published monthly by Ohio Community Media, LLC and is available through the Delaware Gazette, Bellevue Gazette, Galion Inquirer, Morrow County Sentinel, Oberlin News Tribune, Fulton County Expositor and The Madison Press. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is prohibited. ACRES of Northwestern Ohio are available for purchase at each of the newspapers offices for $1/copy or contact us to subscribe. Subscriptions are $19.95 per year.

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PAGE 5 DAIRY CLIFF

Farmers tasked with cleaning up the water It may seem like a broken record, but once again Ohio farmers seem to be under the gun of state and federal regulators who see the “business of farming” as needing additional controls and mandates.

First, I will not suggest that some, or even many, of these recommendations and changes are not warranted and necessary. Many are. But as 2013 gets under way and Ohio farmers are hoping to concentrate on the new growing season at hand, more and more of their time is being spent reviewing and acting on what new laws and regulations are “coming down the road.”

There are several articles in this month’s ACRES of Southwest Ohio dealing with these changes and proposals. What they will mean for Ohio’s farmers is anyone’s guess.

Perhaps what will have the most impact going forward for our farmers are two words spoken last year by Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Those words? “Fix it.”

Our governor was talking about the quality of Ohio’s water - which is none too good. The state’s EPA, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture said one of the problems is the way water runoff from farm fields harm water quality. What gets into the water from these streams is soluble phosphorous, which leads to a number of problems with our water quality.

So these agencies have developed guidelines for farmers to follow to help reduce this runoff. There is an

article listing these recommendations come along and make them. in this month’s ACRES. And speaking of that, farmers also Last month, to pound home the are being asked to take a look at new need for farmers to start changing proposed food safety standards and their fertilizing methods, a letter rules that were announced Jan. 4 by went out to each and the U.S. Food and every one of them. The Drug Administration. letter was sponsored by The newly proposed about 20 of Ohio’s Produce Safety rule major agricultural goes into effect this organizations and year, and farmers will groups, including OSU have until May 16 to Extension, the Farm comment before the Bureau Federation and rule is finalized. every “producers” group According to OSU, in the state. the rule will take effect Here is how the letfor some operators ter begins: “As a farmer within just 60 days. in Ohio you have a sigThe proposed nificant challenge bearProduce Safety rule Gary Brock ing down quickly. can be found in the Government, special interest groups, Federal Register, and is one way the the media and the public all expect government is putting the Food you to help clean up the state’s water Safety Modernization Act into pracresources. tice.

If farmers don’t do this on their These changes just pile on for own, there will be federal and state farmers more of the rules and regulalaws and regulations that will mantions that may go into effect this date how you farm. year that will affect how they operThat is why you’re receiving this ate. letter signed by nearly all of Ohio’s What does that mean? Usually it agricultural organizations – to make can be explained like this - $$$$$$$ it clear that farmers must take seriWhile I don’t disagree that many ously their responsibility to manage changes and regulations will be necnutrients.” essary, everyone has to understand That is an attention-getting start. the underlying result will be an And true. increase in costs to the farmers, and If Ohio farmers don’t change how that will mean an increase in cost to they fertilize their fields and work us consumers. hard to stop the runoff into Ohio’s Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of ACRES. streams and lakes, someone soon will

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

3

Increasing Ohio’s blackberry and raspberry production

BY TRACY TURNER turner.490@osu.edu

the OSU South Centers at Piketon. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

And with the growing consumer demand for more locally grown, healthy foods, farmers who are able to increase their blackberry and raspberry production could see a significant financial gain, he said.

“The project is designed to address an urgent issue of a severe shortage of Ohio-grown blackberries and raspberries both in total quantity and seasonal availability,” Gao said. “Fresh raspberry consumption is up nearly 300 percent in the U.S. and blackberry

PIKETON — Researchers with Ohio State University Extension are in the midst of a multi-year project studying alternative planting methods to help Ohio growers increase the production of two small, increasingly popular fruits that many health experts hail as “superfoods.”

The demand for blackberries and raspberries has exploded in recent years thanks to consumers who covet the tiny sweet fruits for their many health benefits, said Gary Gao, an OSU Extension specialist and associate professor of small fruit crops at

crops have expanded worldwide.”

Expansion of blackberry and raspberry acreage in Ohio is one of the goals of the twoyear, $55,000 project, which is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture specialty crop block grant through the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Gao said.

The grant was awarded over the summer and work began on the project in October.

The grant allows Gao and his colleagues to work on increasing the bramble acreage in Ohio by 150 acres in the next two to five years and to improve the yields of bramble plants by 15 percent, he said.

The grant also allows work on expanding the seasonal availability of bramble fruits by at least two weeks and educating at least 200 bramble growers through six comprehensive training workshops and demonstrating the profit potential of season-extension methods, Gao said.

A bramble, which is a collection of a group of plants with thorns, includes blackberries and raspberries. The major challenge of growing blackberries in Ohio is that the fruit lacks a large degree of winter hardiness, he said.

“If the region experiences a mild winter, such as last winter, the plants will come through winter fine and

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produce a good crop,” he said. “But if the winter is too cold, as are many Ohio winters, the harsh weather can cause severe injuries to blackberry crops.”

In addition to testing more hardy varieties, the project will also use high tunnels to grow blackberries as well as raspberries, which can also help protect the plants from weather, pests and disease, as well as help extend the growing season to produce the fruits weeks earlier than traditional plantings and see those yields much longer, in some cases through December, Gao said.

“There is a lot of excitement with high tunnels,” he said. “If you grow raspberries in the field with no protection, you’d probably yield 5,000 to 6,000 raspberries per acre.

“But if you grow raspberries in high tunnels, you can eventually yield 16,000 to 19,000 per acre, which is a tremendous increase.”

High tunnels can also

shield the plants and berries from rain; growers don’t have to use as much fungicide sprays for disease control and report higher quality and taller plants.

“This strong demand for fresh blackberries and raspberries presents a golden opportunity for existing fruit growers to expand their production acreage and new growers to get into bramble production as a way to diversify their business,” Gao said. “The main benefit is we just don’t have enough locally grown raspberries or blackberries.

“If you talk to any raspberry or blackberry grower, they say they would benefit from a longer season to benefit from the mass of consumers interested in the locally grown fruits.”

Source: Gary Gao, (740) 289-2071, ext.

123; e-mail Gao.2@osu.edu.

Tracy Turner can be reached at (614) 6881067 or e-mail at turner.490@osu.edu.

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

Farm land value never higher Ohio farm acreage value jumps 13.6 percent in 2012

BY GARY BROCK gbrock@recordherald.com The value of an acre of Ohio farm land is greater today than at any time in history.

That is the conclusion of an Ohio State University Extension agriculture business expert who also points out that this record dollar value is both unadjusted and adjusted for inflation.

And he believes that 2013 should be an even better year than 2012.

Barry Ward, OSU production business management leader told Acres of Southwest Ohio that his prediction for 2013 is based on the potential for

crop profits, the low interest rates, the strong balance sheets for farmers in 2012 and the recent history for strong profits.

“Price (of crops) has been the driving force in farm land value,” he said.

In addition to Ward’s conclusions about 2013, he also points out that 2012 was a growth year for farm land value, as well.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Land Values: 2012 Summary” reports that Ohio’s cropland value jumped 13.6 percent in 2012 compared to 2011.

According to the report, the average

price per acre of Ohio farmland was $5,000 in 2012. Nationwide, cropland value has increased every year since 2003 — except 2009, when it dipped just slightly, according to the USDA report.

What is driving this increase in farm land value?

He said there are four areas.

“As we project farm land value for next year, everything is very positive,” he said. “The profit potential is above average based on the strong balance sheets and there have been several years of these strong profits.”

Another factor is the belief that today’s low interest rates will

remain low in 2013.

He also pointed out that the debt to asset ratio for farmers continues to improve.

Despite the 2012 drought, Ward said 2012 crop values were good overall.

And that will translate again this year. He said that once again, corn crops will lead the way.

“Corn will be king again,” he said.

In addition to these measures of land value, a more basic guide of this value happens every year. Each year, land re-appraisals are conducted in Ohio counties by the county auditor’s office. The reappraisals are done for counties every six years and are staggered, dividing out Ohio’s 88 counties. In 2012, 19 Ohio counties had land reappraisals, and all of those contacted reported that farm land value jumped this year from 2011.

In Highland County, Auditor Bill Fawley said the value of the farm land is based on what kind of land it is.

It is all about the soil.

Highland County has 275 different soil types, second highest only to Ross County, but the dominant soil

type is called “Clermont” soil. And that soil is among the best soil for growing crops.

As a result, Highland County CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) land values rose 44.2 percent compared to 2011.

“That really isn’t a surprise,” Foley said.

“They (the state CAUV board) warned us that it would be going up.” The “it” in this case is the complicated formula used by counties to determine this farm land value.

Foley said that the other measure of land value, agriculture market value, showed a jump of 19 percent compared to 2011.

CAUV is a real estate tax assessment program which gives owners of farmland the chance to have their parcels taxed according to their value in agriculture, rather than full market value. It is the result of a referendum passed by Ohio voters in November, 1973.

The Ohio General Assembly subsequently passed Senate Bill 423 in April, 1974, establishing CAUV Program by law. A state board regularly meets and sets the formula that county auditors must use when they determine the value of

farm land.

Foley said that in 2008, land with this Clermont soil was CAUV valued at $120 an acre. In 2012, that jumped to more than $1,000 an acre. In Highland County, the CAUV formula is used for 270,000 out of its 351,000 acres of appraised land.

In neighboring Fayette County, Auditor Mike Smith also reported an increase in farm land value during the 2012 re-appraisal.

He said market value of farm land jumped 17 percent over 2011. He added that the county’s CAUV value had jumped 29 percent as well. About 95 percent of Fayette County farm land is eligible for the CAUV program.

In Brown County, the Auditor’s Office reported that CAUV land value jumped from $611 an acre to $889 an acre.

The county’s market value also jumped from $2,003 an acre to $2,437 an acre.

In Crawford County, land values jumped, as well. The auditor’s office reported CAUV value jumped about 54 percent between 2011 and 2012, while market value increased 41 percent between 2011 and 2012.

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

5

‘DAIRY CLIFF’ AVERTED... FOR NOW The price of milk didn’t double for consumers, but where does that leave producers?

STORY & PHOTOS BY RANDA WAGNER Morrow County Sentinel Nothing like waiting until the 11th hour for lawmakers to take action.

Milk lovers were facing a “fiscal crisis” of their own until Dec. 30 when, amid rumors that milk prices could double without passage of a new Farm Bill, measures were taken in Washington to compromise.

A one-year extension was added to the 2008 Farm Bill, which expired Oct. 1, 2012.

Why so little action on such a big issue? The Senate passed its own five-year farm bill last June, followed by one from the House Agriculture Committee in July. But the bill was not brought to the Congressional floor for a full vote because the House and Senate could not agree on two issues that are a big part of the Farm Bill: proposed cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and crop subsidies. (“Food-stamp” spending has more than doubled since 2007 because of the recession and now accounts for about half of the USDA budget.)

Then came the drought, summer storms, QE3 and the election, and the Farm Bill seemed to take a back seat to other issues. When the bill expired, warnings sounded by some lawmakers were dimmed by the alarm over the impending government “Fiscal Cliff.”

Had Congress taken no action Dec. 30, 2012, a 1949 law known as the “Dairy Product Price

Production costs, including electricity to run milking machines, are a major factor in the decline of dairy farms in the U.S. and abroad.

Support Program” would have taken effect, which would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy dairy products at nearly double the price today. Formerly the Milk Price Support Program, the MPSP was established on Oct. 1, 1949 by the Agricultural Act of 1949 to provide farmers a “parity level” of income. The Act of 1949 required that the price of milk paid to producers be supported at a level between 75 and 90 percent parity to assure an adequate supply of milk, reflect changes in the cost of production (feed, etc.) and assure a level of farm income to maintain productive capacity sufficient to meet future needs.

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In simpler terms, the 1949 law guaranteed a minimum milk price that covers producers’ costs.

The government also guaranteed it would buy the milk at that price (but producers typically did better selling to stores). This includes butter, nonfat dry milk and cheese in blocks and barrels. In the early 1980s, the government bought so much cheese it ended up giving it away to families.

The USDA says MPSP has never paid farmers directly, but purchases dairy products from processors and vendors to allow farmers to be paid the

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

Ag outlook conference focuses on drought

BY BECKY BROOKS bbrooks@civitasmedia.com It's no surprise that the No. 1 factor affecting agriculture in 2012 was the drought, which stretched coast to coast in some level.

“The things you have to look at is the reds and maroons on the map,” pointed out Barry Ward, leader for Production Business Management for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University.

He was addressing the areas most severely affected by lack of moisture in the Midwest.

“We all know what happened in the month of July,” he said at a winter conference.

“On July 19, Indiana saw the worst drought... it started to spread into Western Ohio.”

Ward was one of the speakers in January at an annual four-county 2013 Ag Policy and Outlook Meeting in Bellevue, a city which sits on the corners of four counties. The four-hour session was sponsored by OSU Extension offices in Huron, Sandusky, Erie and Ottawa counties as well as Gibbs Equipment

“On July 19, Indiana saw the worst drought... it started to spread into Western Ohio.”

— Barry Ward Production Business Management for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University

Inc. and First National Bank of Bellevue.

While Ward discussed the drought and its impact on land values, it was another speaker, Matt Roberts, who shared that for much of the country the drought has not yet ended.

Roberts is Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at The Ohio State University.

“It was the worst drought since '56-57,” Roberts told nearly 130 people at the Ag Outlook session. “We know it reduced corn and bean yields.”

Roberts compared a U.S. Drought Monitor map from July 31, 2012 to the nearly identical map for Dec. 4, 2012 monitor map of the country.

“It does not look any different,” he commented.

“The Great Plains and Western Corn Belt are

still extremely dry,” he added. While Roberts said that section of that country has some dense snow fall, the snow amount was still lower than a significant rainfall.

The OSU educator also pointed out that the region was facing the “worst winter wheat conditions going into dormancy in the last 30 years.”

While Roberts said the current drought condition may or may not have an affect on Ohio corn and soybean production in 2013. He said there are multiple factors that can still change the production conditions by planting season – still he said the soil moisture is just one more factor that could be a negative.

The situation going into to the season allows less margin for error by individuals farmers, he stated.

Roberts said he would stick with 157 yield per acre harvested acres for

corn and listed a 43 yield for soybeans for 2013-14.

After discussing the U.S. Outlook, Roberts also talked about the growing season in South America and global grain inventories.

He said Brazil is on track for a record crop while Argentina is expecting flooding.

The latter has lost 1 million acres to flooding, he added. While Brazil may have record harvests in 2013, he said that nation is challenged by transportation issues in bringing its grain to market.

Roberts also discussed factors affecting bushel per acre production.

“Right now what we are dealing with is anecdotes,” he said about information.

He said that the general rule is that corn-oncorn yields are believed to decrease bushel per acre production by 10 bushes a year. While

many farmers have been willing to accept that loss, the general rule is not proving true in all instances.

In 2011 going into 2012, he said he has had reports of losing 25 bushel going corn-oncorn, and it is making some in the ag industry rethink the practice.

In the Midwest, he said there are more farmers going back to soy-oncorn production.

As for livestock, Roberts said the industry is not seeing the decline in beef cattle one might expect as a result of higher feed prices. But he added there has been a liquidation of hogs.

The ag expert said a large reduction in livestock does not allow for a quick turnaround should market conditions change.

If you lose cattle in the market, it takes 18 to 35 months to build that sector back up. Hogs

take nine months to rebound, he added.

For 2013, Roberts said he was remaning constant with his predictions and he was sticking with 157 bushel per acre yield on corn.

He still issued caution.

He said the nation has three years running of a disappointing yield, which results in higher prices per bushel for the farmer.

But he warned yields could go to 160 or if there is another 2004 weather event (the perfect growing season), yields could be 170.

“We have been one year away from lower prices,” he told his audience.

But Roberts pointed out he advised caution going into 2012 and due to the drought conditions, prices per bushel were higher.

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Monday, February 4, 2013

7

Tractors of all sizes, from the very big (above) to the small (below) were among the many farm items on display at the Power Show Ohio held last month at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. See story, Page 8.

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Be aware of risks from eating sprouts ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

9

Chow Line

Q

BY MARTHA FILIPIC filipic.3@cfaes.osu.edu

:I really miss topping my salads off with a handful of alfalfa sprouts.

What makes them so unsafe?

A

:It doesn’t seem that long ago that sprouts were ubiquitous at every salad bar you approached. Not so much anymore. They’ve even disappeared from some major grocery store chains after numerous outbreaks traced to sprouts in recent years.

The problem is in the way sprouts grow: Seeds need warm, moist growing conditions to sprout — exactly the conditions that illness-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, need to thrive.

Even if there’s just a small amount of bacteria on or inside a seed, those cells can multiply to dangerous levels within hours in such conditions.

The irony is that raw

sprouts have long been touted as one of nature’s most potent health foods.

But as their popularity grew in the 1980s and 1990s, so did the reported number of illnesses associated with them.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, there were 34 outbreaks associated with sprouts between 1996 and 2010 — the most associated with any type of produce. In fact, sprouts were responsible for more than onequarter of all producerelated outbreaks — more than those from melons, tomatoes or leafy greens.

The problem isn’t con-

fined to the U.S. In 2011, nearly 4,000 people in Europe, primarily in Germany, became ill and 53 died from eating bean sprouts from a German organic farm contaminated with a rare strain of E. coli. Some of those people actually grew their own sprouts from seed — seed that originated from the implicated farm.

Although growers can take steps to reduce the risk from bacteria growing in sprouts, no method can absolutely be determined safe. Thorough cooking kills the dangerous bacteria, but few people cook raw sprouts.

The FDA says people most at risk from foodborne illness — children, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system — should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind, including alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean sprouts.

If you decide to eat raw sprouts anyway, the FDA offers these tips to reduce

your risk: • Buy only sprouts kept at refrigerator temperature. Select crisp-looking sprouts with the buds attached. Avoid mustysmelling, dark or slimylooking sprouts.

• Refrigerate sprouts at home. Refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw foods.

• Rinse sprouts thoroughly with water before use. Rinsing can help remove surface dirt. Don’t use soap or other detergents.

Q

:No one in my family has ever had diabetes.

Does that mean I’m not at risk for developing it?

A

:Although there is a genetic component to diabetes, it’s not 100 percent: Many people develop type 2 dia-

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betes without having a family history of the disease. Conversely, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll develop the disease even if you have close family members who have it, though your risk is higher.

A warning: You may think no one in your family has ever had diabetes, but many cases go undiagnosed. So you may be operating under a false sense of security.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95 percent of all diabetes cases.

It’s marked by high blood glucose levels primarily caused by the body’s inability to use its insulin efficiently. In contrast, type 1 diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

Insulin is what gets glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells where it can do its work.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), if one of your parents has type 2 diabetes, your risk of getting diabetes is one in seven if your parent was diagnosed before age 50, and one in 13 if your parent was diagnosed after age 50. If both parents have type 2 diabetes, your risk is about one in two.

Overall, it’s estimated that diabetes (both types) affects one in 12 Americans, though only about one in 17 Americans have been diagnosed.

A better way to estimate your chance of developing type 2 diabetes is to take a close look at your risk factors. The ADA offers an online tool to evaluate your risk — just go to www.diabetes.org and search for “risk test.”

Risk factors include age, being overweight or obese, not exercising regularly, and having high blood pressure.

Studies also show that people with untreated sleep-related problems, such as sleep apnea, also have a greater risk of developing the disease.

Even small changes can lower your risk. Losing just 10 to 15 pounds and starting an exercise program of 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can greatly reduce the chance of developing diabetes.

Early detection and treatment can reduce the chance of developing complications, including serious problems with your eyes, feet, kidneys and heart. Be sure to see a doctor quickly if you experience symptoms such as: • Frequent urination.

• Unusual thirst.

• Extreme hunger.

• Unusual weight loss.

• Extreme fatigue and irritability.

• Frequent infections.

• Blurred vision.

• Cuts or bruises that heal slowly.

• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

• Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections.

Chow Line is a service of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Send questions to Chow Line, c/o Martha Filipic, 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210-1044, or filipic.3@cfaes.osu.edu.

Ohio summit seeks ways to feed more kids in summer

COLUMBUS (AP) — Anti-poverty groups, policymakers and school administrators are gathering to explore ways to get more Ohio children to participate in summer food programs.

It happened at the Summer Food Service Summit in Columbus on Friday, January 25.

Some 45 percent of school-aged children in Ohio receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year.

But when summer comes, participation in the seasonal companion program available to those same children draws only a fraction of eligible youngsters.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service Undersecretary Kevin Concannon discussed strategies for feeding more children during the summer months.

Other participants included the Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, and the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

The event was held at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank in Grove City.

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ACRESmidwest .com 2351663

10

ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

‘DAIRY CLIFF ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 mandated support price for their milk.

Now that the price of feed, electricity to run milking machines, and diesel fuel for the farm machinery that grows silage for cows are higher than ever, many dairy farmers have a big problem.

The average retail price reported

by A.C. Nielsen for June 2009 was $2.72 for a gallon of whole milk.

The weighted-average ERS cost of production estimates it cost $2.81 per gallon to produce. According to NASS, nationwide for June, producers received an average of $1.31 per gallon for milk.

Production costs are much higher now. So if the U.S. had to fall back on the old 1949 law and government had to buy the milk from farmers at cost, the milk could run as high as $7 a gallon.

The 2008 Farm Bill extended through the 2013 crop year and will now expire Sept. 30, 2013. Direct payments for corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops will now be continued for 2013 as part of that same extension.

The current CCC commodity loan program, counter-cyclical program and ACRE program will also be continued. The SURE program for disaster assistance, as well as various livestock assistance programs, did not receive funding for 2012 and 2013, cites farmandranchguide.com, “even though we are coming off one of the worst droughts in decades, including large financial losses in the livestock industry.”

There are more than 30 other farm-related USDA programs that were kept active by the Farm Bill extension, but not authorized to be funded. This means separate funding legislation would be needed to activate these programs in 2013. This could be a problem, considering the tight federal budget situation.

The Farm Bill Extension will

the United States. Bloomberg Business Week reported more than 157,000 dairy farmers in Europe have gone out of business since a dairy-industry crisis in 2009, according to the European Milk Board.

The 27-nation EU produces 31 percent of the world’s milk, according to the USDA. Sooner or later, the Farm Bill and its components must be dealt with.

It may be more difficult this year than in 2012 because of increasing budget pressures. The proposed $1.2 trillion in across-the-board spending cuts is still looming, and policymakers will be having the same debates this spring they had in December over what will go.

For now, the farm bill extension means the continued existence of a $5 billion-a-year program that pays farmers regardless of crop prices.

Enjoy your milk, ice cream and cheese. Oct. 1, 2013 will come soon, hopefully with a new farm bill.

Corn is a staple feed with dairy cows - and last year's drought has impacted grain prices dramatically.

continue payments under the Milk their family's dairies.’

Income Loss Contract (MILC) proNationwide, dairy farmers lost gram retroactive to Oct. 1, 2012, $20 billion in equity between 2007 through Sept. 30, 2013, reports farand 2009. Ohio lost 80 dairy farms mandranchguide.com. The MILC between 2010 and 2011. program payments were discontinued The problem isn’t exclusive to under the current Farm Bill www.hardinmotors.com Photos of all new & used vehicles on our website! after Sept. 30, 2012, which was a major issue to dairy producers ANNUAL NEW YEAR MARK DOWN SALE that are suffering large financial *All of these vehicles have a *** ALL CERTIFIED USED CARS *** losses due to the 2012 drought.

3 year 36,000 mile basic bumper 1. Have a 6 yr. 80,000 mile power train warranty to bumper warranty and a 5 year, 100,000 miles power 2. A 3 mo. 3,000 mile all mechanical warranty Where does that leave milk train warranty.

3. Plus have passed a 125 point inspection and producers? repair list.

The San Francisco Chronicle FIVE STAR*****HARDIN MOTORS-MT. VICTORY, OHIO*****FIVE STAR reported October 14, 2012, ”experts in the industry estimate that by year's end MOST VEHICLES MARKED DOWN $1,000-$3,000!!!

California, the largest dairy state in the nation, will have CARS NOW lost more than 100 dairies to 12 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING SEDAN - CAST WHEELS - ALL POWER - SILVER ....................................$16,995.00 12 DODGE JOURNEY HERO SXT - ALL WHEEL DRIVE - CAST WHEELS - 7 PASSENGER - BLACK ......$21,995.00 bankruptcies, foreclosures and 10 DODGE CHALLENGER RT - 6 SPEED - 3800 MILES - PLUM CRAZY ..................................................$27,995.00 sales. Milk cows are being 09 DODGE JOURNEY SXT - ALL WHEEL DRIVE - NAVIGATION - REAR DVD - SUNROOF - RED ........$16,995.00 slaughtered at the fastest rate in 07 CHRYSLER PACIFICA - FWD - 4.0 - NEW TIRES - TAN INTERIOR - BLACK..........................................$9,995.00 06 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX SEDAN - 4CYL - GOOD MGP - WHITE ..........................................................$5,995.00 more than 25 years because 05 CHRYSLER 300 TOURING - LEATHER - CAST WHEELS - LOW MILES - COOL VANILLA..................$10,995.00 farmers need to save on corn costs. According to the Western VANS United Dairymen, a California 12 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT - STO & GO - REAR HEAT/AC - 13,000 MILES - BRIGHT SILVER ..$20,995.00 07 CHRYS TOWN & COUNTRY TOUR - STO & GO - POWER SLIDERS/HATCH - BRIGHT SILVER ..........$8,995.00 trade group, three dairy farmers 06 KIA SEDONA - 7 PASS - MINI VAN - BLUE ..............................................................................................$4,995.00 have committed suicide since 06 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY - STO&GO - POWER DOORS - REAR HEAT/AC - MAGNESIUM ......$6,995.00 2009, despairing over losing 05 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TOURING - STO&GO - REAR HEAT/AC - 3.8 - MAGNESIUM............$5,995.00

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05 PONTIAC MONTANA EXTENED VAN - REAR SEAT HEAT/AC - TAN ......................................................$4,995.00 01 HONDA ODESSEY - 7 PASS - LEATHER - TAN ........................................................................................$4,295.00 99 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT - WHITE............................................................................................$1,995.00 97 GMC SAFARI PASSENGER VAN - DARK GREEN / SILVER ....................................................................$1,995.00

SPORT UTILITY 12 JEEP PATRIOT 4X4 SPORTS - 4CYL - FULL WARRANTY - LOW MILES - MINERAL GRAY ..............$17,995.00 05 DODGE DURANGO SLT 4X4 - 5 PASSENGER - CAST WHEELS - LOW MILES - SILVER......................$9,495.00 98 DODGE DURANGO 4X4 SLT - 7 PASSENGER - CAST WHEELS - DARK GREEN ..................................$1,995.00 97 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED - 4X4 - 4.0L 6CYL - LEATHER - GRAY ..........................................$2,295.00

TRUCKS 09 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 REG CAB SLT - SHORT BED - TONNEAU - LOW MILES - RED ....................$14,995.00 08 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB - BIG HORN - HEMI - CHROME STEPS - RED ..........................$16,995.00 08 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 QUAD CAB SLT - LONG BED - TW PKG - CHRM WHLS - TOPPER - TAN....$10,995.00 07 DODGE 4X2 1500 MEGA CAB LARAMIE - HTED LTHR - SUNROOF - TW PKG - HEMI - SILVER ......$12,995.00 06 DODGE RAM 1500 4X4 SLT - SHORTBED - HEMI - NEW TIRES - TOW PKG - ATLANTIC BLUE ......$12,995.00 00 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT CLUB CAB - 4X2 - BLACK................................................................................$3,495.00

J&M SpeedT SpeedTender Tenderr • 275, 375 or 500 unit capacity p y • Duall compartment p • 2 or 3 axle l undercarriage g with brakes b k • Honda engine g with startt electric l star Available •A vailable with conveyor or poly p ly cup p auger g •A Available vailable l bl with h scales • Gooseneck or bumper pullll

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59

Call For Pricing

HARDIN MOTORS, INC. 481 South Main St. • Mt. Victory, Ohio

800-473-2681 or 937-354-4061 www.hardinmotors.com

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All Prices Include Hardin Motors Discount Plus Factory Rebates: Tax And Title Extra IT’S A NEW DAY

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11

Monday, February 4, 2013

T HE AVIAN O RANGE B OWL ~OR~ QUICK

AND

EASY SUET CUPS

BY MARCHETA GIBSON For ACRES Our feathered friends can use all the help we can give them during the cold months.

Suet is especially important because the energy from fats helps birds sustain activity levels longer. Suet is usually made with animal fat, but fats like peanut butter can be also used. There are many recipes for homemade suet, but I like my recipe for orange suet bowls best because it is quick and could not be easier. A big plus is that by putting the suet in the hollowed out orange bowls the whole feeder is completely biodegradable. Making orange-bowl suet cups is a nice activity to do with children, just be sure to keep the knife out of their reach and do the cutting yourself, for safety.

What you need: • One large orange • ½ cup lard • 2 ½ cups birdseed (a general mix) • Jute twine or baler twine • Paring or steak knife • 2 small bowls or ramekins (to support the orange shells) • Saucepan

Morning Health Break • Free Continental Breakfast • Free Health Information • Free Blood Pressure & Glucose Screenings

Cut the orange in half and remove the fruit with a steak knife (or grapefruit spoon if you have one), leaving two orange shells or ‘bowls’. Don’t discard the fruit, of course; have it for a snack while you work or save it for later.

Using the tip of the same knife, make 2 holes across from each other in each ‘bowl’.

Then thread the twine through the holes and tie, making handles.

Set aside in small ramekins or cereal bowls, ready to fill.

Melt lard in a saucepan on low heat until it is liquid. Turn off heat and add birdseed. Fill each orange half with mixture, return them to the bowls and set them a cool place until the lard

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Marcheta Gibson is a photographer, writer, and blogger who lives on 30 acres in rural Galion with her husband, Jim. The Gibsons have owned and operated Gibson Landscaping since 1973 and also have a small orchard.Marcheta writes about daily country life, shares recipes and craft ideas, writes essays, and profiles country women on her blog ohiocountryjournal.blogspot.com.

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becomes solid again.

You may need to put them in the refrigerator.

This recipe made more than the two orange halves could hold. I simply put the extra in a plastic container and stored it in the refrigerator to use later.

When the lard is solid again, you are ready to place the finished suet cups in your favorite bird feeding area, and enjoy watching winter birds scarfing down their treat. How much do birds like these orange suet cups?

I suppose that it depends on what other goodies are available.

When I placed mine in the small crabapple tree in our feeder area, a chickadee watched from a lofty perch in the nearby River Birch, checking out what was being added to its country diner. It did not take long for the tiny black bird, and other birds, to begin feasting. No problem, as the recipe made enough suet for a couple of re-fills.

The neat thing about using jute or baler twine for the handles is that, come spring, birds can use it for their nests. If you don’t have twine but you have a piece of wire, pipe cleaner, or chenille stem, by all means use it instead.

See? Quick and easy!

In true ‘bowl’ tradition, having 2 orange suet cups at the feeder gives home space for 2 teams. Who will win, the Cardinals or the Blue Jays? Oh, wait…that’s baseball, isn’t it? In that case, batter up!

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12

ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

s y a w ir e th e g n a h c st u m rs e Farm s n o ti la u g re r te a w w e n to to conform ere He said there w ial er at m t gh udri cl d in rate an several reasons, g in on Agency ep ti ke ec ot of Pr ds crop metho ers -2012 ing changes in And while farm s veloped in mid om happening.

“A de fr : ff rt no pa ru t in ing less , ou id ud ab s cl sa Lake farmers rotation, in can talk all day ska said one e “Ohio Clean CK ha th O u oc BR yo Pr o RY hi al A O re G anges e in BY a farmer wheat grown, ch how they feel th rald.com itiative.” ggest problems he In al bi rd e ch co th nt re er of @ ca at ck ifi w ro gn o gb dK have a si gae problem in Ohi in tillage, P an This initiative are hazardous al ff no d ru bearing down an e om in the es fr ng in ad is le el y re be id it sp n qual d which ca broadcast includes gu s, m oo s bl ke Ohio farmers an la s, s farmer quickly. ut Ohio. fall, and higher crop into our stream ers will regulations for found througho ent, special nm er livestock produc ov om fr ng G ti rs ec ve ot ri e greater s proand anges in aimed at pr yields that leav These organism the oups, the , gr need to make ch te st as re w te d an in an rb s y. /u it ty lake soil. e in the water qual public all ci duce toxins in residue on the how they operat media and the mains that farm a said farmof re sk e ct m ha fa w so oc d ne Pr n an , of ea s, e on cl stream In additi been future becaus folpect you to help land runoff has ns are hazs should start by gulations ex xi er re to mmendy e it er es al at of th w qu ce s er e’ ur at at so w Prochaska reco up the st h ted to as a t of “farm fis in , lis le a po by g d op in de pe w en to lo m at they: s, ardous being recom ed to farmers th resources. mendas water problem o’ m hi co ff O re no s. l” ru al ve ht le im fig do en and an will be the state to If farmers don’t • Repair brok and regulations ination tbreak of ille ons: am ou ti er nt th he co T n, e ; ga ow ob r al ge ei pr d na d e th an s an this on subsurface drai addressing thos • Take soil test Grand Lake e pply. at in su st es er d ss at an w ne l r ra ated ou tr de of zation a will be fe • Treat concen ws y’s in 2011 was follow the fertili that lems. ar s M on . er ti at St la w gu That was the ne in re e d the Trlaws an “The declin e of this surface runoff areas;

by Steve rates found in u defining exampl ked s lin given recently on en ti mandate how yo be da s ill eten ha w m y it qual d • Construct w State Recom problem. ural lt Prochaska, Fiel cu ri . m ag co rm n re fa ai t; rt en SU to ce omic and the O Ironically, the lands for treatm , and id is why you’re Specialist, Agron t sa ha he T s,” a ce w ti s sa nage; prac o State mendation • Control drai drought of 2012 loss s g this letter Systems for Ohi ou in iv or ad ce ph re re os sp t m ph le ate the • Do no nsion. all of iddiminished prob • Look at altern University Exte signed by nearly reams was cons on frozen e s st ga ou s to al er or in n s. tt ph xi le gn os e to si e th ph de al with th In light of draining ditch Ohio’s agricultur e main culprit. nered th ee ov gr ed o -c s er hi ke ow O r la sn s to e fo y or e rn ak ar to m that tu sent in Janu The bottom lin organizations – this problem a n he ns of W ; ea n m io nd it in ou al ra gr co ers as made lack of farmers by a it clear that farm h as possito Gov. John Ohio farmers w ff. e uc m m no ls ca ru A cu er ri • r at ag ei w o th sly lack of about 20 Ohi trifollow these tention in must take seriou s, phorous runoff clear — e Kasich’s at e incorporate nu os on ag bl ti ph an za m ni nd to ga A as y or w lit re se s by the bi r tu laye responsi 2011, his respon recommendation ts into the soil e algae develth en SU in O ds g ai in ud cl s.” in g cies to nutrient simple, “Fix it.” onto the growin three state agen rding or t. ga ed en re m ho n e io ec op at a ns st sk te e ha Ex Proc rtune to the d the And the thre gulacrop at the oppo reduce runoff in Prochaska aske e task ings, saying, th el water quality re n fe e ve es gi th es s, or ci e ke th agen a told a time; streams and la area farmers at Ohio e ater resource tions, Prochask th w o ”, od it hi g lgo “O in so n ai ix hy w regulaof “f ers in • Maint recent seminar face mandatory atural s been diminN ha gathering of farm of y n it t io al en at qu ic tm pl is ar s Dep re if the that the a. nutrient ap uble phosphorou ons in the futu hio ti O Fayette County e by cyanobacteri th d , he es is rm rc fa ou hio , and t. records. orus from Res now leaving O problem is real problems persis Soluble phosph e right tment of th ar is ep s s D rt hi pa “T om a fr s is fields. d the water runoff right agricultural field Agriculture an factor me, right place, ng ti ti to bu or ri ct nt l fa ta co ng a en ti is contribu Ohio Environm . lem.” to the problem ob pr is th hio The letter to O

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ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

BY DAVID J. COEHRS Civitas News Service It can become an annoying game for motorists during planting season: inching perilously forward in their vehicles at rural intersections because cornfields obstruct their view of approaching traffic.

Local officials say the problem is preventable, and in cases of uncooperative property owners they have the authority to enforce a solution.

Most farmers stay planted on their property, said Sgt. Tracy Zuver of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. When a deputy notices corn edging into the road right of way or obstructing traffic, they will notify the farmer.

“Ninety-nine percent of the farmers are good about it,” he said. “We get a few calls about corn, and we address them immediately.”

In some cases, motorists need to inch up a little at the stop sign to see “so long as they’re not out too far,” Zuver added.

Fulton County Prosecutor Scott Haselman said he does not know of a criminal law provision that applies to corn grown on private property outside the road right-of-way.

However, Fulton County Engineer Frank Onweller said his office has jurisdiction over county roads. When corn stalks

appear to obstruct motorists’ views, the engineer will contact the farmer or property owner to resolve the situation.

“We have an obligation to maintain safe sight distance to the traveling public,” he said.

In most cases, farmers and property owners are agreeable to correcting the problem, Onweller said. Sometimes, they cut the corn down to the level of the ear so drivers’ views are improved.

In other cases, it is mowed down.

If the property owner refuses, Onweller’s office has the legal right to remove the corn in question. “We encourage them not to plant in the right-of-way. The Farm Bureau is also cooperative.

I don’t think we have a lot of problem in getting the situation resolved,” he said.

Roy Norman, organizational director at the Four County Farm Bureau in Pettisville, said he cannot defend any farmer who plants to the corner of their property in a manner that interferes with visibility at an intersection.

“The Farm Bureau has been a longtime advocate of farmers voluntary leaving strips at those dangerous intersections,” he said.

“There are some serious violators that go even into the road.”

The bureau’s newsletter routinely discourages farmers from the practice, Norman said, but “we do often see resistance.

Some people do resist these rec-

13

Monday, February 4, 2013

ommendations to be proactive.”

He said farmers can avoid the situation by setting their planters so they don’t plant the last couple rows along the ditch bank.

They also can kill the corn in those rows once it is up or refrain entirely from planting corn.

“At the bare minimum, once the corn pollinates around midJuly the farmers can cut the corn just above the ear,” Norman said.

“It would continue to grow, but it helps tremendously with the visibility.”

He said farmers can allay concern that weeds would grow on the field’s outer edges if they don’t plant there by contacting the county engineer about keeping those areas mowed.

When motorists pull up to many county intersections during corn season the right-of-way is blocked by the plants, forcing the drivers to pull further ahead to see, Norman said.

“That’s not right, and we cannot support that type of obstruction,” he said.

“There needs to be more awareness by the farmer that we’ve got responsibility that drivers can safely see when they get to that intersection.

“We’re not talking acres here.

We’re talking a few rows of corn making a life or death difference.

Farmers just don’t think about it.”

We Need Your Corn For Our Livestock!

• TW Premium • Farm Pickup Available • 6000 bu/HR drying capacity • 2 hi-capacity, corn pits

Learn more about us at: LIVESTOCK

Bucyrus, OH 44820

www.hordlivestock.com

Hord Hor d Elevator, Elevattorr, LLLC LC

419-563-2407 866-563-2407

Chuck Miller - Corn Buyer

419-562-1198 419-562-1198

2359262

After Hour Hours rs Number Numbers rs

“Your Corn, Feeding the local Economy”

Pre-Season Annual Parts Sale

2359265

AREA’S #1 DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR

Save Up to 15% On All Parts in Stock or Stock-Ordered • Cash & in-house charge sales only • Over the counter parts only!

• Sale items do not apply • Call for full details

Jan. 21 through Feb. 2, 2013

Need a new building facility? Don’t know where to start?

• Call us to help with your design.

• We can raise, enlarge, repair & replace!

• Pre-engineered steel or wood frame buildings on concrete foundations.

Contact Clouse Construction’s Design Build Team Lenny, Brian, Kyle or Matt

The More You Buy, the more You Save!

419-294-2349

10264 County Hwy. 121 Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351-9798 Phone (419) 294-2349 • (800) 472-9554

419-448-1365 • www.clouseconstruction.com

2359273

2359751

WYANDOT TRACTOR

14

ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

that work .com JobSourceOhio.com

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE-24/7

DEADLINES/CORRECTIONS: Liner deadline: 3rd Thursday each month Display Deadline: July Edition: June 20 Aug. Edition: July 18 Sept. Edition: Aug 22 Oct. Edition: Sept 19 Nov. Edition: Oct 24 Dec. Edition: Nov 19 Jan. Edition: Dec 19

Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Huron, Seneca,Wood, Henry, Putnam and Hancock counties

www.acresmidwest.com www.madison-press.com www.morrowcountysentinel.com www.expositornews.com 200 - Employment

www.delgazette.com www.gallioninquirer.com www.theoberlinnewstribune.com

300 - Real Estate

GENERAL INFORMATION Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 POLICY: Please Check Your Ad The 1st Day. It Is The Advertiser’s Responsibility To Report Errors Immediately.

Publisher Will Not Be Responsible for More Than One Incorrect Insertion. We Reserve The Right To Correctly Classify, Edit, Cancel Or Decline Any Advertisement Without Notice.

Sandusky Co. Fairgrounds - Fremont, OH

For Rent

Consignments Wanted: Call 419-547-7777 3!J9 J9 ,A (1+(EE(A8 ?>>?:86AJ8. 8? EJ<6J*,8( +?C>E(8( &,:C JA4(A8?:. ?: J& .?6 !,4( , 9C,EE (98,8( ?: 6AIA((*(* J8(C9 ,:?6A* 8!( &,:C% =; D2=B) 3F7"5) ?: 3F3@"$ 0"HF'@"5%

NOTICE: Consignments will be received Sat. March 16th thru Thurs. March 21st ,8 8!( 5,A*69G. '?% K,J:#:?6A*9 &:?C /I- >C *,JE.% (& 3/0,6!02#0+, +)4#0 /0 .-6%)$ /- 1)$, /" 5*'+6/0 Last year’s auction sold over 5,000 lots with over 2,600 registered bidders buying from 4 auction rings on Saturday and 5 auction rings on Sunday. Watch the Web for listings, photos, terms & conditions

WM BAKER & KEN BONNIGSON, CAI Asst. Auctioneers: Dean A. Smith, Robert Carpenter,

500 - Merchandise

Fred Wolff, Andy Kluding

BUSINESS OFFICE WITH ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND State your qualifications, experience, and which position you are applying for. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, benefits available after probationary period.

Send your resume to: Sidney Daily News Dept. 995 1451 N. Vandemark Rd Sidney, OH 45365

(2) IH 715 COMBINES 419-275-2312

Sat. Feb. 9, 2013 at 9:00am Wayne Co. Fairgrounds Wooster, Ohio

SNOW PUSHER boxes for skid steers and backhoes, made in Findlay, Ohio. Call 419-348-0240.

800 - Transportation

840 Classic Cars

Corvettes Wanted 1953-1972, any condition.

Competitive buyer.

1-800-850-3656 or www.corvettebuyer.com

Contact Roy Slater for details (419) 295-1009

62ND ANNUAL BUCKEYE FARM & EQUIPMENT AUCTION

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

Register and create your personal career profile containing your skills, qualifications and preferences.

You’ll be matched to jobs you appear to be qualified for without having to search for them!

Finding a new job is now easier than ever!!!

Just off Rt. 30 West By Pass, on Rt. 3 South Exit 3 Auctioneers starting at 9:00am Plus 2 auction trucks all day.

All Types of Farm & Construction Equipment Consignment accepted Last year we had over 600 major pieces, with over 1000 in attendance. This is the 62nd auction. One of the oldest and largest auctions where buyers and sellers meet. Consignments welcomed on Thurs.

Feb 7th 1-5. Fri. Feb 8th, 8am til dark. 2 loader tractors Thurs. pm, all day Fri. Loader tractors auction day and Mon. All items sell as is, no guarantees of fitness or usability. Free adv. if called in early. Not responsible for accidents.

Ph. M.P. Stauffer Auct. 330-683-2686 or 330-464-8827 Paul Miller App. Auct. 419-750-0904 Roger Ford, Harold and Russ Farnsworth and Ben and Brad Higgins, Auctioneers 2360328

NEW RIEGEL YOUNG FARMERS CONSIGNMENT SALE Sat., March 2, 2013 - 10am - Two Rings Location: New Riegel High School

AUCTIONEERS: WALTON AUCTION CO. DOUG AND JAY WALTON, PAUL WAGNER Commission Rates $0-$10 - 50% / $11-$100 - 15% $101-$500 - 12% / $501-$1,000 - 6% $1,000-Up - 4% $250 Maximum Rate

You must have consignments in by Feb. 13 to advertise.

Consignments taken until 9am the day of the sale.

2360330

To Consign Please Call: Tom Bouillon - 419-595-2450 Keith Weinandy - 419-396-1841 Dave Williams - 419-934-3766 John Williams - 419-306-9328

rslater@civitasmedia.com rwslater711@sbcglobal.net

2360327

Public Auction Of Farm Equipment 3729 Twp. Rd. 85 Dola, OH 45835 Located 4 miles east of Ada, Ohio on St. Rt. 81, then 3/4 mile south on Twp. Rd. 85.

Saturday February 23, 2013 at 10 AIVI Tractors & Loader: 02 CaselH MX 180 FWA ; 81 IH 3588 2+2 ; 18.4X38 axle duals; 2 sets of 18.4X38 snap on duals; 81 IH 3588 2+2 16.9 X 38 rubber; 61 Farmall 560 diesel, wide front; 7210 Euclid 4 WD end loader; Combine & Heads: 2000 CaselH 2366 combine, chopper, AFS monitor w/ card, 3953/2912 hrs., clean well maintained; 25 ft. CIH 1020 grain head; header cart; CIH 1063 corn head rebuilt in 11 w/ older JD transport wagon.Trucks: 92 Int. 9400 twin screw with N14 Cummins 600 bu. Scott grain bed with hoist, roll tarp, nice looking truck; 86 Ford F800 twin screw w/ new 3208 Cat, 600 bu steel bed w/ hoist, roll tarp; 81 Int. 5400 twin screw w/ 855 Cummins & Allison auto 16 ft. grain bed w/ hoist & roll tarp; 76 Ford C750 390 gas 5-2 speed 14 ft. grain bed w/ hoist, 77 Chev 4WD pickup body needs work. Sprayer & Equipment: 647 Hagie SP sprayer w/ hydro fold 60 ft. boom two 300 gal. stainless tanks, spray controller, guidance system, Perkins diesel, hydro drive, cab w/ fan & air; 2 Snyder 1450 Poly tanks; transfer pump w/ hose & chemical inductor; 2 JD 200 gal. poly saddle tanks. Other Equipment: 2 Brent center dump 650 bu. wagons w/ cement truck tires on alumn. rims, light package, tarps & surge brakes; 8 Inch MC inclined auger for unloading center dump wagons; two 225 bu. gravity wagons w/ augers; 1210A JD 450 bu. grain cart 1000 PTO; CIH 950 planter 12 row front fold, corn & bean drums, liquid fert, dry insect, spray boom for pre-emerge, single disk fert. openers, seed firmers, row cleaners & monitor; 20 ft.

CIH 5400 grain drill w/ Yetter coulter cart & harrow ; 30 ft. CIH Tigermate field cultivator w/ harrow, rebuilt; 28 ft. CIH 490 disk w/ 3 bar flex harrow, good blades; 30 ft. U/M 220 Rolling Harrow ; 30 ft. Brillion cultipacker; Glenco 11 Shank disk chisel plow; 720 CIH 5-18 toggle trip plow; 12 ft. Artsway 144 Flail Chopper 1000 PTO; 8 by 51 GT grain auger; Eversman 10 by 30 land plane; 3 pt. hydro fork lift; 220 guidance system; 300 gal. skid diesel tank; very few misc. items.

Terms: Cash or check with acceptable ID on sale day. Visa & MC + 3%; Not responsible for accidents or for items after sold Lunch on grounds. Very few if any small items plan to be on time.

Owner: Wynn and Colene Hauenstein 419-234-0699 Walter Bros. Inc. Auctioneers Ben, Tom, Matt Walter & Kris Gosche 901 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840 419-424-0944 www.walterbrosinc.com

Consignment Hay Auction

Propane Service

Central Ohio Farmers Co-op, Inc.

2361004

FARMERS CO-OP

Hay and Straw Auctions

Green Camp Branch 604 Elevator Rd. Green Camp, OH 43322

All Auctions Start @ 10:00am Auctioneer Fred Wolfe

Sat., Feb 23rd • Sat., March 30th Sat., April 27th • Sat., May 18th

•Residential, Commercial & Agriculture

Propane Customers Welcome 2351863

00183655

SERVICE OFFICE

www.bakerbonnigson.com - 419-547-7777

740-528-2211 800-432-8427

Hrs: Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm; Sat 8am - Noon 2358775

Seed and Feed Luckey Farmers, Inc.

Auto Body Service Owner, Dave Wonderly

Phone: 419-849-2711 800-589-9711

Manager, Andy Wonderly

Direct Phone Line: 419-849-2114

1200 W. Main Street P.O. Box 217 Woodville, Ohio 43469 2351948

SERVICE MANAGER

2342458

Office: 1570 W. McPherson Hwy., Clyde, OH

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT SALES

2360329

AG EQUIPMENT SALES

Buildings for lease.

40,000 sq. ft of indoor Agricultural storage. Property can be leased in increments of 1000 sq. ft. or entire property with 8 acres can be purchased.

Call for details. Halderman Real Estate Services - Diedre Koik thornh i l l @ c t c n . n e t .

(937)408-3647.

Extensions are listed on back of card

3875 St. Rt. 6, Helena, Ohio 43435

Fax: 419-849-2720 Grain Recording: 419-849-2876 Web: www.luckeyfarmers.com 800-589-2711

2360350

EXPERIENCED

Reach more than ONE MILLION OHIO READERS for only $275!

Saturday - 9:37 am: Farm, Const., Large Equipment Sunday - 9:37 am: Lawn & Garden; Landscaping; Building Materials; Shop Tools; Golf Carts; ATVs; Misc

310 Commercial/Industrial

PHONE 419-638-3311

Quality Fuels & Lubricants MARION OIL CO. Quality Fuels & Lubricants JIM BOWMAN, MANAGER

517 PARK BLVD. MARION, OHIO 43302 E-mail:marion_oil@yahoo.com http://www.centraloilfarm.com

www.ewaldfurniture.com 2360337

CELL PHONE: (740) 225-3190 BUS. PHONE: (740) 382-9610 TOLL FREE: 1-888-498-9880 FAX: (740) 387-8863

2941 S. State Route 100, Tiffin Phone 419-447-1828 | Fax 419-447-8437 2351858

We are taking applications for:

We Accept

Civitas Media

(NOTE: 4th weekend in March)

Interested in working in West Central OHIO’s AG EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY?

740-852-1616

CONSIGNMENT AUCTION Sat & Sun, Mar. 23 & 24, 2013

235 General

www.acresmidwest.com

- HOURS Mon. & Sat.: 10:00-5:00, Tues thru Fri.: 10:00-8:00

ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

15

Business Profile

I

first met Mendy about ten years ago when Main Street Galion organized a farmers market on Public Square. I was already set up with apples and pears from our orchard when she arrived. I offered to help her unload and set up, and we’ve been friends ever since.

During our first conversation, That small seed sprouted Hebron Community Garden.

The goal of the gardeners is to grow food for their families in a healthy, organic way. They were so successful that they soon had a produce overload, and were looking for a way to share the bounty. Working with a local church, Mendy helped establish God’s Little Acre Farmers Market.

At this same time, other area families were starting market gardens. God’s Little Acre became the place where these families met and got to know each other. With an abundance of produce, a vendor, Toni Norwood, came up with the idea to start a midweek market and approached me to help her.

A quick, informal survey of vendors asking if they would like to participate resulted in a resounding “Yes!” Toni, Mendy, and I put our heads together to make a plan and design a mid-week market. I immediately thought of Galion’s K.F.C. as an ideal location because I am friends with the owners, who are extremely community minded.

K.F.C. is on a main route that

comes into town and has a large grassy area in front, as well as ample parking. Owners Jan Bilsing and Joe Campbell were quick to agree to the market, and so NorthSide Farmers’ Market was born in 2010. By this time, Mendy and her husband, Russ, had established their naturally raised meat business.

To show the type of support K.F.C. has for the market, Jan and Joe installed a barn-shaped storage shed and ran electricity to it to operate freezers for vendors like Mendy and Russ.

Open on Tuesdays from 46 p.m., NorthSide Farmers’ Market has become the most heavily attended fresh-air market in Galion. Mendy and Russ currently set up at four markets from May until October. The addition of Rus-Men Naturally Raised Meat has helped these markets grow by attracting a larger consumer base.

The message in the inside top of egg cartons bought at The Farmers Wife is short but highly effective.

Mendy Crim Sellman, a sixth generation farmer, encourages people to shop local at places like family run farm stores or farmers markets. was she loves to teach farm life to others, and that these younger women are a blessing to her because they remind her why she lives the life that she chose to live.

PHOTOS BY MARCHETA GIBSON

Mendy and Russ Sellman welcome customers to their new store, The Farmers Wife, in Galion.

The Farmers Wife For several years, Mendy had the desire to have an onsight farm store. With the successes of community garden and farmers markets behind her, she set out to make her dream a reality. In 2012, The Sellmans opened the door to their new store, aptly named The Farmers Wife.

The store sells meats, of course, and also their own farm-raised eggs and produce when in season. Bringing people together is something that Mendy does very well.

To further help the local economy, Mendy also stocks items made by local women.

A trip to her store for a roast for dinner might also have the shopper bringing home hand-milled soap, baskets, aprons, totes recycled from feed bags, hot pads, crocheted dish cloths, spice mixes, and more. To encourage healthy eating, Mendy also stocks organic sugar, organic coconut oil, and locally produced maple syrup. The demand for eggs is so large that Mendy supplements her supply with eggs grown by Corrine and Matt Gompf, of Heritage Harvest Farm.

Looking towards the future, Mendy plans to add a wider variety of wholesome food products for the health con-

Passenger & Farm Tires

scious consumer.

Inspiring a Younger Generation During my visit with Mendy, a young woman, Carrie Cottrell, and her small child arrived to run the store while Mendy worked on other duties. My conversations with Carrie revealed that Carrie and her husband live on eight acres and are working towards living a sustainable lifestyle.

She credits Mendy’s mentoring as her inspiration to follow her dreams. When I questioned Mendy, who is far from being “over the hill” about it, Mendy’s reply

Family First Mendy’s family life runs deep. The sixth generation to farm her land, she was especially close with her grandfather, who she readily admits to butting heads with in more than one occasion because they’re, well, built from the same cloth and both had strong opinions as to how the farm should adapt to a new era in farm techniques as well as a new economy. Before his death, the senior Crim expressed his pride for Mendy and her accomplishments. He is with her in spirit as she goes about her daily chores; feeding animals, collecting eggs, helping during grain harvest, running the store, gardening, canning, freezing, preparing for markets...whew! this list is long! Help is not far away, as

Dining/Restaurant

her daughter Emely and her husband, Dustin Tate, live across the road in one of the Sellman’s three farmhouses.

Son Jesse, who is active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H is also a farm hand, and younger daughter Elaina, also active in 4-H, helps run the store and works at markets.

Mendy’s love of her family is part of what has fueled her desire to provide the same healthy foods that they eat to local families, as well as continuing the grain operation. In all aspects, she has been successful because she has been consistent in making her plans happen, even when they seem to be impossible dreams. To Mendy and other entrepreneurs, I quote Steven Tyler: “Dream until your dreams come true!”

Business hours The Farmers Wife store is located at Sellman Farms, 710 Iberia Rd., Galion, Ohio 44833. Hours are Tuesday 10-2; Thursday 4-8; and Saturday 9-1.

Custom Baling

The VILLAGE RESTAURANT

We Sell Hay & Straw

435 N. Warpole St., Upper Sandusky, Ohio Phone: 419-294-2945 Banquet

Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Scott Weininger • Steve Howard 1775 S. CR 1 Tiffin, Oh 44883 (419) 448-9850

Room and Carryout Available

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

2351929

Field Tiling

J.E. Forry Forry Custom CustomBaling, Baling,LLC LLC 327 S. Hazel StAda, • Upper OhioSandusky, OH 567-230-0031 567-230-0031//740-225-1502 740-225-1502

00185384 2351869

2351909

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

• Hay and Straw • We Do Complete Custom Baling, Cutting & Raking For You.

THE ERLIN TRADERS

Farm Repair Parts

701 Main St., Clyde 419-547-0441

• Custom Hydraulic Hose • Tillage Wear Parts • Wheel Bearings • Combine Cutter Bars • DMI Truck Hitches • All Makes & Systems

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5, Closed Thurs.

PHONE 419-270-0560

• 419-757-5012 • 800-499-8494 ONE MILE E. OF ALGER • CO. RD. 90 Visit us @ brenemanequipment.com

Insurance

Buildings

Meister Insurance Group

Amish Made Flat Screen TV and Entertainment Centers Lots •Dining Room •Roll Top Desks Hutches •File Cabinets More To •Tables & Chairs •Bookcases Choose •Amish Bedroom •Glassware From... Suites •Clocks

•China Cabinets •Bar Stools •Antique Items

TATE’S

We’re here for all your Insurance needs

Chainsaw & Small Engine Shop Repairs made on all Brands • Snapper • Jonsered • Kohler • Kawasaki • .

• Briggs & Stratton

In Business Since 1973

Nancy Homan, CISR, CPIW Agent nancyhoman@hotmail.com

Free Estimates • Pre Engineered Post • Frame Buildings • Farm, Horse, Residential, Commercial

115 W. Washington St. • Napoleon, OH 43545 419-592-5059 419-592-934 Fax

Bloomville, OH 419-983-5972 • 800-552-2772 Cell 419-618-0839 www.jpwardconstruction.com

2360356

2351951

BRENEMAN EQUIPMENT

2360346

2351945

Emch Bros.

Drainage Contractors Est.1975 • 1902W.Main St,Woodville,OH 43469

2351917

• J & M • KILBROS • YETTER • UNVERFERTH • REMLINGER, ETC.

388 E. Perry Street • Tiffin • (419) 443-1530

2358774

BY MARCHETA GIBSON Inquirer Correstpondent

16

ACRES of Northwestern Ohio,

Monday, February 4, 2013

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2357711