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O ’ Christmas Tree A. Brown & Sons Nursery offers e u q i n u , c i t n e h t u a Christmas tree experience

Darke County Christmas tree farmers say they’re in it for the experience

By Ryan Peverly rpeverly@registerherald.com PHILLIPSBURG- Mike Brown animatedly talked about how his nursery recently lost an account with merchants in the Village of Arcanum. He said he’s been selling Christmas trees to merchants in the village to display outside their respective businesses for the last 15 years. But last holiday season, a few bad eggs — maybe some of you reading this — dismantled the trees branch by branch and took the lights, leaving a holiday mess for the village to pick up.

“Needless to say, they’re not buying trees this year,” said Brown as he drove an oversized pickup truck from his Phillipsburg-area A. Brown & Sons Nursery, which he operates with his brothers Harry, Kenny and John, to a site where he grows acres and acres of Christmas trees each year.

The Brown family has operated this nursery for 65 years. Mike has been working on it for 50 years, since age 6, when he first started selling trees.

“They say families can’t work together.

But we tolerate each other. We had good parents, parents that told us we’d hate each other for a few minutes but to get over it,” Brown said.

When Brown pulled the truck into the Christmas tree farm, he was quick to point out how beautiful the trees are. He isn’t lying. Rows and rows of trees stuck out like sore thumbs on this cool, mid-autumn day.

“You name it, we got it. Scotch Pine, White Pine, Austrian Pine, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Concord Fir, two feet to twenty feet. We’re the largest Christmas tree lot in the state of Ohio. Nobody puts as many trees on one lot as we do,” said Brown, whose mouth races a mile a minute when you get him talking, and even when you don’t. But that’s Mike Brown, the crazy Christmas tree guy.

“I’m not crazy, but people know me for being that way at Christmas.

They know at Christmastime I’m on something. Mostly Scotch Pine sap,” Brown said, only halfjoking as he wiped a sticky

By Heather Meade hmeade@dailyadvocate.com HOLLANSBURG – Many years ago, families went out, they picked a live tree, and they cut it down. Now, families can go to any big box or hardware store and get a pre-cut tree, but they’re not getting that family experience, said Allen and Carmen Howell, owners of The Frosty Outpost Christmas Tree Farm in Darke County.

The Howells, originally from Darke County, decided to move back in the mid90s because Allen wanted a change from his high-stress job and the busy lifestyle of the Florida suburbs, he said.

“I just kind of dreamed of a more simple life; when the opportunity came, we moved back to Darke County and bought these five acres off my in-laws. It was originally just fields, like everything else around here,” he said.

“It was kind of just my dream to have an old-fashion operation. I didn’t have enough land to plant beans and corn. It was just a good idea.”

The Howells planted their first 500 blue spruce trees in 1998, but since that was a drought year, they only ended up with two trees from that crop, they said.

“Each year we kept planting, and some finally took hold. It takes on average about eight years to grow a tree to a six foot height,” Howell remarked.

The family was finally able to begin selling trees in 2007, he said.

Compared to most Christmas tree farms, the Howells have a small operation – just five acres compared to many

see DARKE pg. 16

see BROWN pg. 13

6

what’s inside this month

5 4-H Science Day

Area man beating gas prices

7 Decrease start-up time with winter maintenance

8 A labor or love begins family tradition

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2A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

Farming of Western Ohio hits YouTube

Regional Publisher - Frank Beeson fbeeson@ohcommedia

Editor-in-Chief of Acres - Gary Brock gbrock@recordherald.com Acres of Western Ohio Editor - Christina Chalmers cchalmers@dailyadvocate.com Lead Designer - Ashley Fritz afritz@dailyadvocate.com The Register-Herald Editor - Eddie Mowen Jr. emowen@registerherald.com General Manager - Leslie Collins lcollins@registerherald.com Advertising Staff Darke County - Deb Less dless@dailyadvocate.com Preble County - Betsy Kemp bkemp@registerherald.com Classifieds Darke County - Mary Bevins mbevins @dailyadvocate.com Preble County - Billie Wood bwood@registerherald.com

Contact ACRES of Western Ohio 428 S. Broadway (P.O. Box 220) | Greenville, Ohio Phone: 937.548.3151 Fax 937.548.3913 ACRES of Western Ohio is a monthly publication of The Daily Advocate, partnered with The RegisterHerald, to serve Darke, Preble and Wayne counties.

ACRES is available at The Daily Advocate, The Register-Herald, advocate360, and acresmidwest.com, and registerherald.com.

got news to share?

We are looking for people who are familiar, live and/or work in the agricultural community and would like to submit information or press releases to share in our publication, that covers anything and everything agriculture.

When you think of YouTube, your mind can go in many different directions as to what you might find on the website: music, how-to videos, and clips from various shows. But who would have ever thought of using YouTube as a way of promoting the agricultural community?

If you were to search for two different videos entitled "I'm Farming and I Grow It" and "Farm It Maybe" you would soon discover how kids can be the best promoters of the farming community.

Three brothers from Kansas, better known as the Peterson Bros., their stage name, have taken the popular song "I'm Sexy and I Know It" popularized by LMFAO and created a parody: "I'm Farming and I Grow It".

The video features Greg, 21, Nathan, 18, and Kendal, 15 promoting agriculture on Peterson Farm and Livestock, the best way they know how...by firsthand experience.

Since the video was published on YouTube on June 25, it has been viewed 7,696,543 and counting, and in 218 countries. The brothers have also made their way onto the social media scene via Facebook. Since joining the site on June 26, the page has had 16,260 likes.

The video has created so much success for the brothers that they have been featured by radio stations, news stations, and newspapers all over the United States. They were also invited to play at the 2012 National FFA convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Through the inspiration of the Peterson Bros., 9year-old 'Lil Fred' and his brother Justin also made their own parody, to the Carly Rae Jepsen hit, "Call Me Maybe" and coined it, "Farm It Maybe.”

The video, which Justin,

18, filmed and edited with some help from their cousin Sam, showed what life is like growing up on a Dairy Farm in New York.

“Farm it Maybe” has been viewed 1,500,276 times, and continues to grow, with 1,460 likes on Facebook since joining the site July 19.

Both of these YouTube videos are just what the farming community needed.

After the drought that plagued much of the Midwest during the past growing season, some farmers may need reassurance as to why they should keep doing what they are good at.

As farmers look toward the future, they are always seeking a way to promote the importance and impact agriculture has on every person in the world. What better way than to do it through youth and social media?

I know that it is said quite often, and it is true: we do need to look to our youth for the future. Just look at the impact of two YouTube videos on millions across the globe.

Through programs such as 4-H and FFA, youth everyday are being taught how (to promote agriculture) by volunteers and educators about the basics and essentials for youth to carry on the tradition of Feeding American, a popular saying that is used among the agriculture world and its promoters.

Farming is generally a family tradition passed down from generation to generation, from father to son, and now daughters.

Farming is not just about the annual harvest, it is so much more.

Outsiders looking in may say how cool it would be to just sit in a combine all day taking out fields. However, field work is only half of it, there are a lot of planning and decisions to be made, like what type of fertilizer,

(traditional vs. seeds hybrid), plant treatments, etc. to use.

Farmers are always planning for what the next season is going to bring, and during those times is when youth are learning the how, what and where of farming.

Youths’ roles on the farm are highly valued.

Youth can be seen up before the sun milking cows, herding the sheep at sunset, and performing daily jobs such as cleaning stalls, feeding and watering the animals, and other basic needs an animal may need.

Growing up on a farm is like on-the-job training for farm kids, helping them secure themselves a bright and successful future.

As the agricultural com-

munity looks to the next year, and many more years to come, we should all keep our eye on the youth and their ideas on how to improve life on a farm.

Youth may be young, but they are very smart and are always looking for a way to make things easier on everyone. Listening to them is going to be the best way for them to get their message across to generations above them, whether it is through a song, a viral YouTube video, or in a local classroom.

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4A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

Contributers to Agriculuture:

With just a few weeks to go before the end of the year, Ohio’s farmers can breathe a sign of relief that 2012 will soon be over and their attention can turn to 2013.

In fairness to 2012, most farmers are now saying that, while the extended drought this past summer was bad, and had a serious impact on many crops at harvest time it was not as bad as some feared and could have been far worse.

What now has farmers concerned is the uncertainty of the future. What lies ahead in 2013 for Ohio’s farmers?

Right now, as of the end of November, a lot of things that affect our farmers remain cloudy.

First, there is the federal Farm Bill. It hasn’t been passed, and if there isn’t a resolution to the stalemate in Washington, all bets are off in 2013. That is because without the legislation in place, many regulations either end or revert back to earlier laws.

This will effect farmers and agriculture producers throughout the United States and right here in Ohio.

The bill includes an array of policies that influence the price of agricultural commodities, ensure the availability of food, temper the cost of farming and provide for agricultural research and conservation. The 2008 farm bill expired on Sept. 30, but many of its provisions will retain funding or continue to pay out until the end of the harvesting season in 2013.

But the major worry is

Ohio’s

lions of tons of corn will still be needed in 2013 for the production of ethanol. What isn’t known is what impact that will have on corn prices and the prices of so many other products that use corn as its base. Supplies of corn will be scarce after the ethanol produces take their share. Will livestock owners take a major hit in 2013 in the cost of feed?

Then, there is the possibility of new U.S. Department of Agriculture rules regarding health and food safety standards. Will those change next year? Will there be increased pressure on more restaurant and supermarkets chains to tell suppliers that the animals used for meat they receive must have received more humane treatment than present standards require?

On top of this is the new

farmers BREATHE

can

a sign of relief the safety net that many farmers receive either yearly or when needed - farm subsidies. Will some or all of those subsidies expire in 2013 if there is no Farm Bill approved?

What will happen in 2013 with the corn industry and the ongoing need for corn in the production of

ethanol?

Just before Thanksgiving, the U.S. EPA rejected a request from a coalition of states and special interest groups to roll the ethanol standard back because of the corn shortage this year.

The EPA said no dice the standard is the standard.

What that means is that mil-

biodiesel tax incentive legislation. Will it be renewed?

And the list goes on.

As we prepare to welcome in 2013, there are plenty of questions from Ohio farmers about what kind of year ‘13 will be. Will it be a great year or an unlucky one as the “13” implies? Time will tell.

Gary Brock is the Editor in Chief of ACRES.

Fritz Haber

(December 1868 – January 1934)

Father of Ammoniated Nitrogen for plant nutrients

By Matt Aultman darkecountyfarmer@gmail.com Haber was born in Breslau, Germany.

From 1886 until 1891, he studied at the University of Heidelberg under Robert Bunsen (more noted for the Bunsen burner like what is found in many Chemistry classrooms). Before starting his own academic career, he worked at his father’s chemical business and in the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich with George Lunge, an outstanding professor on the subject of Industrial Chemistry.

During his time at University of Karlsruhe from 1894 to 1911, Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch developed the Haber process, which is the catalytic formation of ammonia from hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen under conditions of high temperature and pressure. He was awarded the 1918 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this work (he actually received the award in 1919).

The Haber-Bosch process was a milestone in industrial chemistry, because it divorced the production of nitrogen products, such as fertilizer, explosives and chemical feedstocks, from natural deposits, especially sodium nitrate (caliche), of which

NEW EW RURAL URAL SERVICE ERVICE AREAS REAS

Chile was a major (and almost unique) producer.

Naturally extracted nitrate production in Chile fell from 2.5 million tons (employing 60,000 workers and selling at $45/ton) in 1925 to just 800,000 tons, produced by 14,133 workers, and selling at $19/ton in 1934. The annual world production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is currently more than 100 million tons. The food base of half of the current world population is based on the Haber-Bosch process.

He was also active in the research of combustion reactions, the separation of gold from sea water, adsorption effects, and electrochemistry. He has also been described as the “father of chemical warfare” for his work developing and deploying chlorine and other poisonous gases during World War I. Fritz Haber contributed to agriculture by developing an inexpensive form of fertilizer, so farmers could produce more crops to feed a growing world.

Matt Aultman is the chairman Agriculture Committee or the Darke Chamber of Commerce, and serves membership committee of the Darke Farm Bureau

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ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue 5A On Wednesday, Nov. 21, youth in Preble County 4-H joined millions of young people across the nation to become scientists for the day by taking part in a 4-H Science Day. 4-H events such as this seek to spark an early youth interest in science and future science careers, and to reclaim the nation’s position of leadership in scientific exploration.

As part of a morning of fun science experiments, youth participated in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge: the 2012 National Science Experiment.

More than two dozen kids from the county participated.

(Eddie Mowen Jr. photo)

4-H youth engineer robotic solutions on 4-H Science Day 4-H leads the nation in generating youth interest in science education and careers behind other countries in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Christy Millhouse, Extension Educator, 4-H. “However, participation in high-quality positive youth development programs like 4H NYSD offers youth and adults the opportunity to engage in scientific exploration and work together to build the next generation of our nation’s scientists, engineers and mathematicians.”

During Preble County’s 4H Science Day, participants guessed what was inside mystery bags without opening the bag, experimented with the density of water and with how water molecules work.

Participants also tried a magic milk experiment looking at how micelles are formed.

Participants discovered whether they were a rectangle or square by measuring the length of their outstretched arms and their height.

To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, and to enhance the nation’s contribution to the sciences, 4-H Science Activities demonstrates that science, engineering, math and technology are fun and attainable options for college degrees and future careers. Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H science, engineering,

technology and applied math year-long programming.

Research has shown that participation in 4-H programs makes a positive difference in the lives of youth. Youth development scholar, Dr. Richard Lerner, works with researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University to conduct The 4H Study of Positive Youth Development. The longitudinal study has found that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are: Two times more likely to get better grades in school; Two times more likely to plan to go to college; Nearly three times more likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs, and, Three times more likely to make positive contributions to their families and communities.

Overall, the study found that the advantages of 4-H participation include higher educational achievement and higher motivation for future

education.

As part of the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the nation’s 111 land-grant colleges and universities, 4-H has been educating youth in the sciences for more than 100 years. In fact, the land-grant colleges and universities have been deeply involved in environmental research for some time.

4-H’s robust, university research-based science curriculum, combined with new initiatives like 4-H Science Day, will arm young people with the necessary technical skills to help America maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace, according to Millhouse.

About 4-H National Youth Science Day For more than 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, engineering and technology.

Currently, more than five million young people across the nation participate in 4-H

their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H.

science, engineering and technology programming in topics as varied as robotics, rocketry, wind power, GPS mapping, agricultural science, film making, water quality and biofuels. And, through the One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas campaign, 4 H has undertaken a bold goal of engaging one million additional young people in science, engineering and technology programming by 2013.

For more information about Preble County 4-H visit www.preble.osu.edu.

About 4-H 4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. 4-H programs are implemented by the 111 landgrant colleges and universities and the Cooperative Extension System through

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In November, youth in Preble County 4-H joined millions of young people across the nation to become scientists for the day by taking part in a 4-H Science Day. 4-H events such as this seek to spark an early youth interest in science and future science careers, and to reclaim the nation’s position of leadership in scientific exploration. As part of a morning of fun science experiments, youth participated in the 4-H Eco-Bot Challenge: the 2012 National Science Experiment.

Designed by The Ohio State University Extension, this year’s experiment introduced youth to robotic engineering concepts as they program an autonomous robot to clean up a simulated environmental spill. The 4-H EcoBot Challenge demonstrated that by utilizing engineering principles, youth can have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems.

In Preble County, 4-H’ers enhanced their engineering skills by assembling their own Eco-Bots and surface controls to manage an environmental clean-up. Youth then tested the interaction between the Eco-Bot’s design features and various surface control configurations to determine the most effective clean-up solution for the simulated spill.

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6A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

By Linda Moody lmoody@dailyadvocate.com

Area man

beating gas prices

John Cleveland puts some wood chunks into his wood gas generator on the bed of his pick-up truck before he goes on a trip. Then, he ignites it with a propane torch. (Linda Moody Photo)

John Cleveland explains all of the apparatus he built for he bed of his pick-up truck in order for him to save on fuel and not have to go to the gas pumps as much. In addition to wood gas, he still keeps gasoline in the vehicle. (Linda Moody Photo)

GREENVILLE - A young, rural Greenville man has come up with an innovative way to utilize an alternative fuel to power an older Ford pick-up truck he bought.

John Cleveland has used a process called Wood Gasification to produce a flammable gas that, when piped to the engine, acts much as natural gas or propane would to power a vehicle.

“The wood gas generator, also known as a gasifier, is in the bed of my truck and produces this fuel in real time on demand,” said the 35-year-old.

“My fuel is chunks of wood about the size of a baseball.

So, my truck drives on wood.”

Cleveland said he has worked on this project since about March of the year and finally drove it for the first time about two months ago.

“I now have more than 700 miles under my belt driving this truck using wood as my fuel source,” he said. “To my knowledge, I am one of about 30 or 40 people nationwide that have converted a vehicle to run on wood. I am the only in in Ohio that I know of.”

He said he learned about the gasification process about a year ago, having found information on the Internet.

“I didn’t know what it was until I did a Google search,” he said. “I’m always a tinkerer, so a year ago I bought fivegallon wood buckets and built a wood gas generator, hooked it up to a push mower to see if it would run. On the third pull, it started. It ran for 45 minutes, using wood chips for a pellet stove. I thought that was cool, and that I’d take it to the next level for driving around.”

Cleveland said the gasification process has been around since before World War II. “In Europe, over a million vehicles were converted to it because fuel consumption was a war effort,” he said. “It’s not a new technology, but a forgotten technology.”

He said he didn’t invent or engineer the design he has.

“I took another’s man idea and implemented it,” he said.

“Wayne Keith, a cattle farmer from Alabama, has driven over a quarter of a million miles since 2005. I just found the website during my research. I met him last spring in Argos, Ind., south of South Bend at a wood gas conven-

tion. There were eight gaspowered engines there, but mine was don’t yet.”

Keith, Cleveland said, was “quite a gentleman.”

“I used his design and I built it,” Cleveland remarked.

“I learned how to weld and visited some scrap yards. I estimate I have $1,000, aside from the truck, in it. And, I don’t know how many hours I’ve invested in it, maybe 400 hours, in building this.”

Can this system work on an automobile?

“I met a gentleman from Wisconsin who had a Chevy Cavalier at the Argos show,” Cleveland responded. “He hauls his around on a utility trailer pulled by a hitch on the car. But, I’m not going to do it.”

Cleveland admitted there is a horsepower loss when wood gas is used in a vehicle.

“You’re looking for a big motor in a little vehicle,” he said. “I have a 1980 Ford F150. It’s a light vehicle and a good candidate for wood gas.”

He said his goal, however, is to go with a more modern truck and gasify that. His dream vehicle would be a late 1990s Dodge Dakota with a 318, V-8 engine.

He went on, “My only goal in this is to show people that there are other alternative energies available beyond expensive hybrid or electric vehicles for those who are a little bit handy and have access to a supply of wood.”

Cleveland and wife Sara live in a wooded area surrounding the home it took him three years to build, so wood is no problem for him Instead of figuring how many miles he gets to the gallon, he uses 1 pound or 1 1/2 pounds of wood per mile, measuring his efficiency with miles per pound.

He keeps the wood chunks in a chicken feed sack.

Shavings and chips don’t work well, according to him.

“It takes a little time to cut up the wood, but I enjoy it on weekends,” he said. “I love the outdoors.”

Cleveland said his truck is not 100 percent wood gaspowered, only 90 percent. He still keeps gasoline in it.

And, he built another pedal for the wood gas “I kept the ability to keep two gas pedals at will,” he said. “I installed another gas pedal to the left of the brake for the wood gas. If I need

extra get-up, I use the other pedal. I always start it on gasoline, but use the wood gas 90 percent of the time.”

He works for Shook Construction out of Dayton, and holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Bowling Green State University.

Taking a look at his truck, the wood gas generator he built and mounted is there along with other apparatus, including a condensation collection tank, racks from he got from field gates on both sides to also serve as a radiator, a filter as well as another collection tank underneath the vehicle.

Underneath the hood of the tuck is a lot of PVC pipe leading to various items underneath.

“I’m not a mechanic, but I did this all by myself with no help except for online correspondence to do the modifications,” he said. “Wood gas is flammable. Gas extends from the wood when it is heated.

I’m starving the fire of oxygen so there is an incomplete combustion. Gases are released from the wood when heated.”

The three gases he said he harnesses are hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane to run the truck. Two other gases are carbon dioxide and nitrogen.’

He lights the generator with a propane torch when he’s ready to go for a ride, and sometimes even to church at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Piqua.

“The beauty of the system is the gas is generated on the bed of the truck,” said Cleveland, who attended Troy Christian School through eighth grade and graduated from Troy High School, in 1997.

The Clevelands, who are expecting their first child at the end of January, burn wood in their house to supplement the electrical heat they have.

“This hobby has evolved into more than that,” he said.

“It’s between a hobby and everyday life.”

Those wanting to contact him can do so at his email address jcleveland78@hotmail.com, and those who want to learn more about the process can go to driveonwood.com Linda Moody is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue 7A mzimmerman@registerherald.com

After a long season of working in the fields, it could be tempting to just park all that equipment inside and lock the doors.

But doing some preventative maintenance now and periodically through the winter will help minimize maintenance time in the spring, leaving more time for planting.

Joel Unger, Service Manager at Twin Valley Equipment in Eaton, provided some basic pointers for end-of-season farm equipment maintenance. Many of the tips can go toward a variety of vehicles that are put away for the cold months, including lawn tractors, motorcycles, and cars. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Downtime in the winter is uptime in the spring,â&#x20AC;?

Unger said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the spring, you only have a small window to get it planted. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re down for a week or two, you might have lost the prime time.â&#x20AC;?

In addition to cutting the spring start-up time to a minimum, proper maintenance will also extend the life of equipment and keep resale value high.

First and foremost, Unger recommended giving all equipment a good cleaning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The basic thing is to clean everything up,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cleaning, you can inspect all the hardware and check any wear points.â&#x20AC;?

Clean all planters, drills, seeders, and combines, according to a release from Utah State University Extension on winter maintenance. Making sure the equipment is free of any grain and plant material will reduce rusting and make the equipment and its storage area less attractive to pests. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trapped grain attracts rodents, who often make a meal of electrical wiring, leading to short circuits or other electrical problems,â&#x20AC;? the USU release states.

The same goes for balers and tractors, as any plant material, dust, or soil retains moisture, which can lead to rusty equipment. Using a power washer is a good way to clean equipment, but be sure to avoid contact with seals if using a high powered washer, according to the USU release.

Decrease start-up time with winter maintenance After using the pressure washer, or instead of, compressed air can be used to reach any hard-to-reach places.

According to Unger, a rust preventative coating could be beneficial after cleaning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a few people that will lightly coat the equipment with diesel fuel mixed with a little oil,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll spray the machinery down to put a light film down to keep it from rusting. That kind of preserves the paint and it keeps the metal from rusting.â&#x20AC;?

In various Internet forums, the ratio of diesel to oil ranges from 2-to-1 to 4to-1. For a less flammable solution, there are several rust inhibitor products on the market.

Unger also recommended changing engine oil as well as fuel and oil filters in the winter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of guys like to change the oil now. Some donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, but I like to change the oil as I grease everything and check hoses and belts for cracks,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fuel filter and oil filters are a yearly maintenance item, especially on newer equipment. On newer equipment, you want the keep the filters changed. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheap compared to what injectors cost.â&#x20AC;?

All hoses and belts should be checked before storage, but Unger recommended changing hoses and belts every four years regardless of their appearance.

Before storage, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to check the freezing point of your coolant with a simple antifreeze tester available at any hardware or auto parts store. Unger recommended changing coolant every two years. Now is also a good time to lubricate any grease points on equipment. Each ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual gives instructions on where the specific points are located.

As for transmission fluid, Unger recommended it should be changed every 1,000 hours or three years.

Unger also recommended checking hydraulic systems before winter storage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With hydraulic systems, you want to operate them and make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lifting your equipment properly,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Hydraulic lines should also be checked at this time, as a little bit of dirt or soil in a hydraulic system can cause some expensive damage. With engines and hydraulic systems, a training bulletin on Fleetguard.com recommends periodically warming up both engines and hydraulic systems during periods of non-usage.

Hydraulic cylinders should not be stored fully extended, because if temperatures increase, the oil will expand and could cause damage to the system.

Tires should also be checked for proper inflation before storage to reduce damage to sidewalls.

Unger said that the winter is the best time to check for the fit of any new equipment as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re updating your equipment, for instance buying a new planter and you want to put it to your old tractor, you want to check your specifications of your tractor and planter to make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re compatible,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve run into a lot of that recently. New planters take so much more oil flow, and you need a tractor to operate that.â&#x20AC;?

As for batteries, some remove them prior to storage. According to USU, a small drain on current could discharge the batteries and cause them to freeze in cold weather. There are several battery maintainer on the market to keep batteries charged through times of non-usage.

The most valuable tool for maintenance, Unger said, is the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual.

Twin Valley Equipment in Eaton works on everything from lawn tractors to combines to bulldozers. According to Service Manager Joel Unger, wintertime is the best time to prepare for the spring planting season. (Michael Zimmerman photo) Each manual gives instruction for regular service intervals, either by years or by hours.

Twin Valley Equipment provides service to farm equipment, including har-

vest equipment, hay and forage equipment, planting equipment, and tractors.

Unger also has several lawn mowers in from customers for winter servicing. Twin Valley Equipment can be

contacted at (937) 456-6281 or online at www.twinvalleyequip.com.

Michael Zimmerman is a staff writer at The RegisterHerald in Eaton.

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8A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue Andrew Wuebker is just 6 years old, but he’s already learning about the family business every day before kindergarten, his dad, Alan Wuebker, commented. Alan hopes to pass on the family tradition of farrow-to-wean pig production to his son, and so far it looks like it’s working. Each year, Wuebker Farms moves over 100,000 weaner, or baby pigs, like the 3-day-old piglet that Andrew is holding. That’s nearly 200,000 Christmas hams, or 1.5 million boneless pork loins, Alan stated.

(Heather Meade photo)

A labor of

love

begins family tradition

By Heather Meade hmeade@dailyadvocate.com VERSAILLES - Alan and Jeff Wuebker are performing a labor of love, Alan stated, and one that they learned to love as boys growing up on their family farm. Now they’re trying to instill that same love in their own children, Alan commented. According to Alan Wuebker, it is working with his 6-year-old son, Andrew, who visits the farm before going to kindergarten each day.

“It’s a labor of love; and the fact that my son can come out here, I call it ‘Daddy Daycare’ or ‘Wuebker Farm Daycare’,” Wuebker joked. “He gets to learn day to day, and I hope it inspires him. There are new challenges every day, and that keeps it interesting.”

The Wuebkers operate two farms in Darke County, Wuebker said, and it’s a 365day-a-year job, including holidays and weekends.

They move through over 100,000 baby pigs each year, he said, with around 45,000 coming through on one farm, and around 60,000 on the other. The Wuebkers breed and farrow hogs, keeping them only 21 days after birth, when they are weaned and go on to a finishing barn, Wuebker said.

“A farrow-to-wean operation is kind of like an OB ward,” Wuebker commented.

“We keep the babies warm under heat lamps at about 90 degrees, and we have to keep

the mama pigs happy, ‘cause if mama’s not happy, no one’s happy - kind of like with humans. She just went through giving birth, and there are all these changes that she has to acclimate to, we just try to make that transition easier.”

The mothers are kept in farrowing crates so that they cannot crush the baby pigs when they lay down to nurse them, Wuebker said. They also have to keep the baby pigs dry, for which they use Quick Dry, which looks like flour, but the baby pigs roll around in it and it helps wick the moisture, keeping them warmer.

When the Wuebkers were children, their father had 48 sows, or mother pigs, now Wuebker Farms keeps about 4,600 sows, which produce around 1,000 piglets each week, Wuebker said.

“When we were kids, it was much more labor intensive,” Wuebker stated. “I always thought it was neat, though, to see the baby pigs grow.”

According to Wuebker, their goal is to educate people as much as it is to breed and farrow, which is why they brought in bloggers from around the country to tour their facilities, he said.

“It’s not always a glamorous job, but in the whole world we produce the safest, cheapest, and most wholesome foods right here in America,” Wuebker stated.

“A farmer’s trying to produce the best quality for consumers; so it’s not a glam-

orous job, but it’s one we love to do.” together the All Wuebkers birth enough pigs each year to produce 210,000 Christmas hams, or 1.5 million servings of boneless pork loin, he said. And the biggest challenge is keeping the baby pigs healthy, he said.

Last year an airborne disease moved through the Midwest, and it was a devastating blow for the pigs, Wuebker commented. It was also an economic hit for the Wuebkers, as was the drought that occurred over the summer, he said.

“The drought’s main affect was economic, as the cost of feed rose dramatically,” Wuebker said. “It’s going to affect consumers, too, as fewer farmers are breeding, which means there are fewer pigs for slaughter.”

In a four month period the cost of pigs rose about $50, Wuebker stated, because demand grew. The week of the Great Darke County Fair, Wuebker said the cost of weaner, or baby pigs was $8.08, while the cost of corn was $8.48 per bushel; and for every pig born on the Wuebker’s farm, it takes about 10 bushes of corn to feed them and make a Christmas ham. Currently, the cost of weaner pigs is around $57, while the cost of corn is around $7.50 per bushel, Wuebker stated.

Heather Meade is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue 9A

By Sam Custer Darke County OSU Extension

Financial management.

He would caution young cattle producers not to plan on mortgaging your parents’ farm to get your start.

Lending institutions do not want to have to foreclose on land and homes that have been in families for generations. That happened in the 1980’s and was a public relations nightmare for them. You should be able to present a business plan and show that you can cash flow your operation. You have to have a viable business plan.

Sam Custer is the Darke County Agriculture Educator for The Ohio State University Extension.

y o u n g cattle producers

for

Finally, you will need to be savvy with new and emerging technology. Opportunities exist for those who adapt to change but doing things the same way as grandpa may signal an early exit from the cattle business.

There will continue to be good opportunities for young cattlemen in the future. You will need to be up for the task.

A paradigm shift is a change in your way of thinking that doesn’t just happen but is driven by agents of change. Dr. Roy Burris, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky, recently shared that young cattle producers will have to deal with these “agents of change” in ways that we could not have imagined a generation ago.

Some of these changes are in the areas of:

Decreased use of grain.

This is a “game changer”. In the future cattle enterprises will not be able to compete for grain. We will have more dependence on forages and by-product feeds. Cattle cannot compete with land-lease prices which are being paid by grain farmers and there will be more pressure to use grain for the rapidly increasing world population. Young producers might want to background cattle on forages and by-products so that they can spend less time in feedlots. We will need to select and manage cattle so that they can produce acceptable carcasses with less grain.

Public perception of cattle producers. Animal welfare has become the “battle cry” for people who oppose animal agriculture.

We must not only continue to produce animals humanely but now we have to show and insure the consuming public that we do that. The “anti’s” are not the consuming public. The “anti’s” don’t eat meat and they are not likely to change but we can’t sit back and watch them destroy animal agriculture. What they seem to believe is that all sentient (anything that can sense pain) beings are equal to humans. How will you respond when you see yourself as “animal caregivers” but your way of life is attacked and vilified? You will need to work on this. Those attacks will probably continue.

Dealing with science. Dr. Roy Burris knows how some folks think that young farmers are “good ole boys” who like to be outdoors. Forget that. Good cattle producers will, in the future, have to have an understanding of science that will go well beyond what you get in high school. You will need to have a working knowledge of, not just genetics, but genomics, nutrigenomics, etc.

These things sound difficult but will help you take the guesswork, and some risk, out of cattle production. For example, we can determine the genetic make-up of cattle and select/breed for cattle that carry genes for desired traits. Or, we might be able to feed and manage cattle to regulate the genes that they have. For example, we might be able to “turn on” genes that control immunity prior to vaccinating and shipping feeder cattle by feeding particular forms of nutrients. This would have obvious health benefits. But … technology is only good if you know how to use it properly. Take every opportunity to learn new things.

Want to start making a difference now? Ohio Beef Ambassador Applications due Dec. 14. Ohio youth, male and female, ages 16-19 as of Sept. 1, 2012, are encouraged to participate in the first Ohio Beef Ambassador contest.

Beef Ambassadors advocate for the beef industry by educating consumers about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of beef farmers. Participants, or their families, do not need to be actively involved in the beef industry or belong to the Ohio Cattlemen’s or Cattlewomen’s Association to compete in the contest.

Applications are due Dec. 14, with the contest being held in conjunction with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting, Jan. 26, 2013, in Columbus. During the contest a team of Ambassadors will be selected to represent Ohio’s beef industry. Once they are trained through the Masters of Beef Advocacy program, the Ambassadors will attend beef promotion events such as the Ohio Dietetics Conference, Ohio State Fair and related events. They will also be involved in social media applications for the beef industry.

For more information and the application visit www.ohiocattlewomen.com/youth.html or contact Kathy Sautter, OBAP Coordinator at 419-492-2576 or email ksautter2@frontier.com. For more detailed information, visit the Darke County OSU Extension web site at http://darke.osu.edu, the OSU Extension Darke County Facebook page or contact Sam Custer at 937.548.5215.

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10A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

What’s in the Agriculture news...

The Ohio State University Scholarship Opportunity Ohio State The University Alumni Club of Darke County announces the availability of four

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Graduating seniors of the class of 2013 who have been admitted to The Ohio State University for fall entrance are eligible. To be considered for this scholarship, seniors must be a resident of or attending high school in Darke County.

Those applying are preferably ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class and must be recommended by a school principal, counselor, or teacher based on scholarship ability and character.

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Seniors are to see their high school guidance counselor for an application.

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Consumers can look for the Ohio Proud logo when buying Ohio made and Ohio grown products. When you purchase Ohio Proud products you are supporting Ohio farmers, food processors, and your community.

Every dollar spent on Ohio Proud products reinvests in the state’s economy. From fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, to snack foods, wine and baked goods you will find Ohio Proud products in every aisle of your

favorite grocery store.

Online shoppers can visit the Ohio Proud web site at www.ohioproud.org for partner web sites and recipes for holiday meals.

Ohio Proud can also be found on Pinterest, sharing home-grown gift, recipe and party planning ideas.

Ohio Proud is a program of the Ohio Department of Agriculture that helps consumers identify food and agricultural products produced by local farmers and food processors. Ohio companies that grow or make at least 50 percent of their product in Ohio are eligible to join the Ohio Proud program. There are currently 456 Ohio Proud partners located across 78 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

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ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue 11A

Consumers up

gobble

By Heather Meade hmeade@dailyadvocate.com

turkeys

GETTYSBURG – The King family began their poultry business in 1994 as a way to “keep five boys busy,” stated Marilyn King, the matriarch of the family.

Today, only Reuben and Levi remain in the family business, raising their birds as well as running the processing side of the business, King said.

“We never dreamed it would go to this capacity, and we keep adding on,” King commented.

Since they began 18 years ago, the business has added on or remodeled five times to accommodate their growth, King said, and they’re still swamped with business.

“This year, we’re busier than ever,” King stated while taking phone calls and directing customers.

The total number of birds that pass through the King’s processing plant each year is between 120,000 and 130,000, King said. In 1994, when they started, she said they processed about 5,000 birds a year.

Nearly 4,000 chickens and turkeys were slaughtered for Thanksgiving, King said. They were then defeathered; gutted; heads and feet removed; insides cleaned out; liver, heart and gizzard cleaned; chilled to 40 degrees; and finally packaged to await pick up by the customer.

According to King, the main job right now is processing turkeys, chickens, pheasants, guineas and other poultry for other people, and most of their business comes from outside of Darke County, she said.

“We work by appointments, and our nearest competition is in Tuscarawas County,” King commented. “We’re also inspected by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, so anytime there are live birds here, each one is inspected.”

Only around 800 of the 4,000 birds processed for Thanksgiving are ones raised by the Kings, she said, the rest come from all around Ohio. The King boys raise around 25,000 chickens a year, starting them from day one, King said.

The cost has gone up since last year, King commented, from $1.99 per pound last year for turkeys to $2.59 per pound this year. The cost of bringing a bird to be processed is about 30 cents per pound, dressed weight, King said. The reason she gave for the rise in price? The rise in feed costs.

In one day the Kings can process 1,550 chickens, she said. On Nov. 19 they processed 800 turkeys, with another 500 expected to be processed on Nov. 20, King said.

And they’ve already got their regulars booked for next year, too, King commented.

“They know we tend to fill all our spots, and don’t have room to do our own, so they book ahead,” said King. “We’re pretty much wiped out right now, it’s exhausting.”

Customers can buy King’s poultry from King’s Poultry Farm Country Market, located at 8091 Horatio Harris Creek Road, outside of Gettysburg. For more information on King’s Poultry, call 937-448-2448 or visit their website at www.KingsPoultryFarm.com.

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GREAT PLAINS Turbo Chopper 24' . . . . .$39,000 Turbo Till 30' . . . . . . . . .$49,500 Turbo Till 24' . . . . . . . . .$39,500 Ultra Till 30' . . . . . . . . . .$34,000 Ultra Till 52' . . . . . . . . . .$35,000 SALFORD Vert Till 570RTS . . . . . . .$32,500

PLANTERS PLANTERS '02 - '08 Case IH 1200 16R30" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$44,950-$85,000 '04 Case IH 1200 12R30" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$48,000 '10 Case IH 1250 24R30" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$140,000 '06 Great Plains Yp1625 16/32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$85,000 '98 John Deere 1750 6R Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23,900 '97 John Deere 1760 12R Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34,500 '98 John Deere 1770 16R Corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,500 '02 JD 1780 16/31R Corn/Bean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$46,500 '03 JD 1790 16/32R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79,000 JD 7200 6R30 Conserv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,900

DRILLS DRILLS GP 1500/CPH . . . . . . . .$18,500 JD 1560, 15’ . . . . . . . . .$24,000

JD 1690, AIR, 30’ . . . . . .$55,000 ‘10 JD 1990 CCS, 30’ . .$85,000

30 MONTHS, 0% INTEREST ON SELECT USED COMBINES CASE IH '10 8120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$310,000 '09 8120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$269,900 '12 7230 . . . . . . . . . . . .$290,000 '12 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$298,500 '11 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$259,000 '11 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$285,000 '10 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$260,000 '09 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$225,000 '09 7120 . . . . . . . . . . . .$245,000 '08 7010 . . . . . . . . . . . .$189,000 '08 7010 . . . . . . . . . . . .$220,000 '07 7010 . . . . . . . . . . . .$209,000 '09 6088 . . . . . . . . . . . .$218,000 ‘10 6088 . . . . . . . . . . . .$239,000 '10 5088 . . . . . . . . . . . .$208,000 ‘07 2588 . . . . . . . . . . . .$169,500 ‘02 2388 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$98,000 ‘01 2388 . . . . . . . . . . . .$110,000

JOHN DEERE '08 9670STS . . . . . . . .$215,000 '02 9650STS . . . . . . . . .$79,500 '97 9600 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55,000 '05 9560STS . . . . . . . .$135,000 '95 9510 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000 '98 9510 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$61,900 GLEANER '98 R62 . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75,000 NEW HOLLAND ‘11 CR9070 . . . . . . . . .$290,000 '07 CR9070 . . . . . . . . .$210,000 '08 CR9060 . . . . . . . . .$225,000 '10 CR9060 . . . . . . . . .$260,000 '05 CR960 . . . . . . . . . .$165,000 Also Earlier Models To Fit Your Budget

TRACTORS TRACTORS THESE AVILABLE JAN. '13.... CALL '12 CIH Steiger 350, 4WD '12 cih Magnum 110, fwa '12 CIH Magnum 190, fwa '05 NH TM190, FWA '11 CIH Steiger 435 4WD . . . . . . . .$259,500 '12 CIH Steiger 350, 4WD . . . . . . . $255,000 '12 CIH Magnum 315, FWA . . . . . .$238,000 '10 CIH MAG 210 CVT FWA . . . . . .$149,600 '10 CIH MAG 225 CVT FWA . . . . . .$169,500 '12 CIH MAG 235 FWA . . . . . . . . . .$182,500 '08 CIH MAG 275 FWA . . . . . . . . . .$150,000 '08 CIH MAG 275 FWA . . . . . . . . . .$155,000 '09 CIH MX125 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . .$56,500 '06 CIH MX215 FWA . . . . . . . . . . . .$118,000 '06 CIH MX255 FWA . . . . . . . . . . .$127,500 '03 CIH MXM140 FWA . . . . . . . . . . .$65,000 '04 CIH MX175, 2WD . . . . . . . . . . .$60,000 '03 CIH MXM190, FWA . . . . . . . . . .$69,500 '06 CIH JX1100U FWA . . . . . . . . . . .$39,950 ‘11 CIH Farmall 85C . . . . . . . . . . . . .$47,500

‘93 CIH 595 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,900 ‘99 Allis 5660 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,900 ‘94 Allis 9690 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,000 '09 CAT Challenger MT545B FWA . .$89,500 '06 JD 5525 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,500 '97 JD 6300 2WD w/Ldr. . . . . . . . . . .$28,000 '95 JD 6200 FWA w/Ldr. . . . . . . . . . .$31,500 '04 JD 8120 FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$134,000 ‘08 MF 5445 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,000 ‘89 MF 390 FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,500 '08 NH TL100A 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . .$33,500 '03 NH TN65 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,500 '04 NH TS100A 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . .$30,500 '00 NH TC35S4 FWA w/Ldr. . . . . . . .$13,500 '06 NH TN75DA FWA . . . . . . . . . . . .$26,000 '08 NH TN75SA FWA w/Ldr. . . . . . . .$29,500 '04 NH TS100A FWA w/Ldr. . . . . . . .$39,900 '10 Kubota BX2660 Compact, 4WD ..$12,900 '08 MF 5445, 2WD . . . . . . ... . . . . . .$25,000 CIH 580D TLB, 2WD, New Tires . . .$12,500 NH 655A TLB, Ext Hoe . . . . . . . . . . .$12,500

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‘03 Kinze 3600, 12/23R30 Interplant, No-Till, Insect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$60,000 ‘05 Kinze 3600, 16/31, Bean, KPMII Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$68,500 ‘10 Kinze 3650, 12/24R, Vac, Vision, Res, Liq Fert Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$95,000 ‘06 Kinze 3650, 16/32R, Mech Box Ext Res, Ytr Inj. Keetons . . . . . . . . . .$89,500 ‘10 Kinze 3660, 12R30, Air Seed, Edge Vac, No-Till Residue . . . . . . . . . .$92,500 ‘09 Kinze 3800, 24R30, Edge Vac, GPS 1500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$135,000

Kinze 2600 16R30, Corn/Bean, several available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$36-$47,000 ‘01 Kinze 3000, 15/30R, Corn/Bean, Insect, KPMII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,500 ‘01 Kinze 3200, 12R, Econo-Fold No-Till, KPMII Mon, Corn . . . . . . . . . . .$39,500 ‘01 Kinze 3600, 16/32, No-Till Turbo, Air Boom, Box Ext . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59,500 ‘02 Kinze 3600, 12 RN, No-Till, Liq Fert, Insect, Keetons . . . . . . . . . . . . .$52,000 ‘03 Kinze 3600, 16RN, Box Ext, 2 Yrs on Rebuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$56,500

‘03 Kinze 3600, 12/23R30 Interplant, No-Till, Insect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$60,000 ‘05 Kinze 3600, 16/31, Bean, KPMII Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$68,500 ‘10 Kinze 3650, 12/24R, Vac, Vision, Res, Liq Fert Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$95,000 ‘06 Kinze 3650, 16/32R, Mech Box Ext Res, Ytr Inj. Keetons . . . . . . . . . .$89,500 ‘10 Kinze 3660, 12R30, Air Seed, Edge Vac, No-Till Residue . . . . . . . . . .$92,500 ‘09 Kinze 3800, 24R30, Edge Vac, GPS 1500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$135,000

Kinze 2600 16R30, Corn/Bean, several available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$36-$47,000 ‘01 Kinze 3000, 15/30R, Corn/Bean, Insect, KPMII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,500 ‘01 Kinze 3200, 12R, Econo-Fold No-Till, KPMII Mon, Corn . . . . . . . . . . .$39,500 ‘01 Kinze 3600, 16/32, No-Till Turbo, Air Boom, Box Ext . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59,500 ‘02 Kinze 3600, 12 RN, No-Till, Liq Fert, Insect, Keetons . . . . . . . . . . . . .$52,000 ‘03 Kinze 3600, 16RN, Box Ext, 2 Yrs on Rebuild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$56,500

‘03 Kinze 3600, 12/23R30 Interplant, No-Till, Insect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$60,000 ‘05 Kinze 3600, 16/31, Bean, KPMII Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$68,500 ‘10 Kinze 3650, 12/24R, Vac, Vision, Res, Liq Fert Mon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$95,000 ‘06 Kinze 3650, 16/32R, Mech Box Ext Res, Ytr Inj. Keetons . . . . . . . . . .$89,500 ‘10 Kinze 3660, 12R30, Air Seed, Edge Vac, No-Till Residue . . . . . . . . . .$92,500 ‘09 Kinze 3800, 24R30, Edge Vac, GPS 1500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$135,000

AppleFarmService.com 19161 Kentner Rd. 10120 W. Versailles Rd. Botkins, OH 45306 Covington, OH 45318 937-693-3848 937-526-4851 800-646-1091 800-860-4851 AppleFarmService.com

12A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue Representative from the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association work tirelessly for the state’s farmers and farming community. Above, a local farmer harvests a field after this past summer’s drought. Yields for corn and soybeans are low across the state for this 2012 growing season.

There’s more than meets the ‘ear’

By Will E Sanders wsanders@dailycall.com

There is more to the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association than meets the … ear.

Nowhere is that best illustrated than in the passion, leadership and lobbying efforts of two of the organizations’ district directors, Chad Kemp and Bill Berg.

As the association’s director for District 6, which includes Darke County, Kemp said one the the most important duties he has is lobbying on behalf of farmers, a function that has taken him from the statehouse in Columbus to the nation’s capital in Washington D.C. where he has helped fight for rules and regulations that affect corn and wheat growers in his district and state.

Among some of the higher profile issues he has lobbied for was the state’s and

Bill Berg

Chad Kemp

the nation’s farm bills.

“We help shape our new farm bills with legislators and educate them on what farmers need on the farm,” said Kemp, who said it can be challenging speaking with legislators regarding agricultural topics because many aren’t knowledgeable about what farmers want and need.

Kemp, a former FranklinMonroe fifth-grade teacher, said that task grows more

difficult every year and that as new generations of farmers come about things such as farming methods and issues arise and change.

“Much of it is relationship-building,” Kemp said of his role with the association.

“We go into politicians’ offices and we are a resource for them. Some of the people we deal with have never stepped on a farm, but they run agriculture, so we are there as a resource.”

• • • •

Kemp said there are challenges and that they come mostly from misinformation, saying “we have a safe and abundant food supply.”

When it comes to challenging issues that arose during the 2012 harvest season Kemp did not hesitate to say the lack of rain that was not only felt throughout southwestern Ohio, but statewide.

“I farm down the I-70 corridor and we were blessed compared to some parts of the state,” said Kemp, a fifth-generation farmer who grows and harvests corn, wheat and soybeans. “We just didn’t get any rain. It is just so disheartening.”

Like Kemp, Berg, the association’s director of District 3, performs many of the responsibilities as his counterparts but said one of the biggest decisions he made regarding the association came last year when he helped decide some key

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One such issue he used as an example was geneticallymodified crops.

“We defended that big time,” he said. “There is nothing wrong with genetic crops. It’s just another quicker way of doing something.”

This year’s farming season wasn’t as good as Berg had hoped as dry weather welcomed the crops and then a barrage of rainfall in August have resulted in expected yields being below average this year.

“It’s tough, I have insurance and that made me sleep better,” he said. “But you still lose. We all would have been better off with the crops. … I love to see crops.

It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Berg has been a farmer for his entire life. He and his brother farm 1,300 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans throughout his district.

“It’s unbelievable what we do today,” Berg said.

“Some city people don’t know what we do, but we care for the land. We don’t want to eat bad food.”

For more information on the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, visit their website at: ohiocornandwheat.org.

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roles in the organization, including a new objective director.

“It was one of the biggest decisions I made in my life to either move someone new up or hire someone new, that’s always a difficult decision,” Berg said. “That decision has turned out to be a really good one and we advanced a person we had on staff and he really stepped up. I am really impressed and I am very happy.”

While the association works locally, a lot of what they do not only involves national-level politics, but also statewide agriculture issues.

One thing Berg said he is especially proud of is his work with helping create a statewide farm bill, which was a challenge because many state legislators are far removed from issues most farmers have to deal with professionally and personally.

“Some (politicians) are too far removed from agriculture and they don’t know what is happening on the farm today,” Berg said. “One of the largest problems is regulation. … We try to keep that under control.”

He said he goes to Washington, D.C. about twice a year to lobby and fight for corn and wheat growers, which is something he said he enjoys doing.

5294 SEBRING WARNER RD. Greenville Ohio 45331 | 937-548-4345

ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue 13A DARKE COUNTY Since it’s inception, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids (FS4JK) has been working to keep children working, living on, or visiting the farm safe.

Now, 25 years old, FS4JK has become established as a leader in the childhood farm safety movement. More than 150 communities across the United States and Canada have initiated grassroots chapters to address farm safety issues for local children, youth and farm families. Millions of children have attended FS4JK events and learned about safety on the farm.

Education and awareness are the keys to keeping kids safe. Please make the future of agriculture in our community a priority.

The Darke County Chapter is proud of those who have so graciously supported us since the chapter was formed in 2004. Each year, more and more people have stepped forward with their donations of time and money to further the cause of “promoting a safe farm environment to prevent health hazards, injuries, and fatalities to children and youth.”

We would like to thank the following 2012 donors and volunteers: Progressive Ag Safety Day 2012 FS4JK sponsors: $500 or more: Lydia

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Schaurer Memorial Fund, Greenville Rotary and Andersons, Inc.; $100 or more: Darke County Tractor Puller’s, GEAPS, Grain Elevator & Processing Society, Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Company, Keith Troutwine Insurance Agency, Kelly and Nancy Brehm, Littman-Thomas Insurance Agency, Chris and

thanks sponsors Carmen Shoemaker and Family, Jon Jordan Insurance Agency, Monroe Ag, Inc., Gary and Jane Brown, Monsanto, Harvestland, Pitsburg, R.J.Cox Company; $50 or more: Barga Farms, Brian and Machelle Rhoades, Charles and Marsha Prasuhn Farm, C.F. Poepelman, Inc., Crop Star Consulting, Inc.,

Carroll and Helen Thompson, D&R Construction, Inc.,Dean Thompson, Stewart Seeds, Dave Worch Farms, Inc., Ebbert’s Seeds, Farmer’s State Bank, Greenville National Bank, Greenville Technology, Inc., Harvestland, Hollinger Excavating, Inc., Jim Gable Insurance Agency, Inc.,

Johnston Chiropractic Clinic, Inc., Lee and Carol Jackson, Leis Realty, Lyme Seed Service, Midwest Ag Transport, R.J. Warner Insurance Company, Steve and Barb Marker, and Tom and Barbara Jackson.

Other monetary donations: Bill and Myra Coleman, Donna Stickley, Crop Production Service,

Ansonia, David and Marge Warner, Don and Jane Roberts, Don and Janet Rhoades, Dale and Karen Dirckson, Dwight and Deb Warner, Gene and Sandy Thompson, Joel and Rhonda Kress, John and Amanda Fischer, Krimper’s Korner, Lance and Janey Moore, Linda Feitshans, Melvin and Mary Filburn, Melvin and Mary Ann Stucke, Randy and Rhonda Brown, Rod Sease Farms, Ron and Doris Barga, Scott and Kim Morrison and Sueann Puckett.

Material donations: Diane Evans, State Farm Insurance, Army Corp of Engineers, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, National Office, National Rifle Association (Greenville Police Department), Arcanum Hardware, Anderson’s Ethanol, Darke County Farm Bureau, Reiter Dairy, McDonald’s South and Darke County Solid Waste Management.

The chapter will resume their monthly meetings in March 2013 and will be sponsoring their 9th annual Progressive Ag Safety Day on June 11, 2013 at the Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville. For information of how you can become involved, please contact Janet Rhoades, 937-4482740, or email rhoadesj@gwireless.net.

BROWN from pg. 1 substance from his gloves onto his work pants.

Brown’s eccentricity could be a way to liven up a slow period, too. Winter isn’t the busiest or most profitable time for a nursery, but Brown’s jester-like personality has kept customers coming back in November and December to pick out, cut and load the nursery’s homegrown Christmas trees, even if that pesky artificial tree has put a noticeable dent in local businesses such as this.

“I don’t know why people prefer artificial trees.

They’re not any fun. People are just lazy now. They got lazy. They’d rather have a pre-lit tree that’s already got a stand on it. People just don’t want to do any work.

We’re a lazy society. But we’re holding our own,” Brown said, changing the subject as quickly as he started it.

“I won’t lie. We still sell as many Christmas trees as we did 10 years ago. We haven’t went down (in sales), but we also haven’t went up. We’ve leveled out.

And it’s amazing we’ve leveled out, because we always lose some people. But we always gain new people that still value the appeal of a real tree.”

A. Brown & Sons has over 1,500 acres of nursery, 200 of which are dedicated to Christmas trees, although Brown admits they really only need about 60.

“We went from planting seven-thousand trees a year to about fifteen-hundred,

two-thousand. We’ve got the biggest and best trees in the state of Ohio. But people don’t want them,” said Brown, who’s always ready to talk tangentially.

“They may go buy a real tree, but it might not be local. A lot of places sell trees from Michigan that were cut several weeks before they buy it. We don’t.

We just started cutting (it’s mid-November), and we cut as the season goes on, all the way up to the 21st of December. My trees are so fresh you’ll have to slap them.”

They are fresh, no doubt about it. Brown cut off the end of a Douglas Fir and the smell from the wood was sweet and citrus-like (and that smell has stayed, nearly three weeks later). He does this for all his customers — cuts the end off — and suggests they drill a hole in the tree’s circular end and use it as an ornament to commemorate the year. A memento of sorts.

“If you had a baby, put their name and birthday on it, Christmas 2012. If you got married, put your anniversary date on it, Christmas 2012,” Brown said. “I cut these for people all the time, and they love it.

I tell them if they save it for fifty years, it’s a free tree when they bring it back and show it. I have one woman who’s had one for forty-four years. She’s almost there.”

Those are the type of people Brown likes and wants as customers — peo-

ple that buy once and come back each season.

“A lot of our customers are people who have been buying from us for years. It may be a generational thing.

People come from Cincinnati, from Louisville.

They won’t by any tree other than the types we grow.

There’s not much loyalty like that anymore. People don’t support small businesses,” Brown said.

“When we planted Christmas trees twenty years ago things were great. But in the last five years we had to cut down. I love these people who think they’re going to get rich selling Christmas trees. We’re busy for two weekends and people see that and say they can plant them and sell them, too.

Then they lose their butts.

We’re an established business, an established nursery.

We don’t rip people off.

We’ll give you the best deal in town on a good tree.”

The prices are reasonable (the cheapest tree is $15), so if, as Brown said, you’re looking for an authentic, traditional way to celebrate Christmas, A. Brown & Sons’ Christmas tree lot at 7701 Salem Ave. in Clayton and on Rock Ridge Road in Preble County is open now.

You can get real wreaths and roping there, too, handmade fresh daily.

“Try a live one. Get that experience. It’ll be great.

Mike Brown, the crazy Christmas tree guy, cuts off the end of a Douglas Fir at one of his farms. Brown owns and operates A. Brown & Sons Nursery outside Phillipsburg with his three brothers and, not surprisingly, is a staunch opponent of artificial Christmas trees. (Ryan Peverly photo) They smell nice. And it’s a living thing. Give it some water. It’ll live,” Brown said.

“I don’t understand why anyone would want an artificial tree from China in their house. It’s painted. There’s lead in it. You’re breathing that in. That’s not good for you. That’s not good for anyone.”

That’s Mike Brown, the crazy Christmas tree guy.

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Ryan Peverly is a staff writer for The RegisterHerald in Eaton.

Heartland of Gr Greenville eenville enville 243 Marion Drive Greenville,, OH 45331 Greenville 31 937.548.3141 www.hcr-manorcare.com www w.hcrr-manorcar c e.com

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14A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

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PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE-24/7 Acres of Western Ohio

DEADLINES/CORRECTIONS:

Serving Darke, Preble and Wayne (IN) counties

www.dailyadvocate.com www.registerherald.com 400 - Real Estate For Sale

425 Houses for Sale EATON: By Owner!

Ranch Style home w/large building on lot. Close to school/store.

(937)683-0322

500 - Merchandise

505 Antiques/Collectibles

545 Firewood/Fuel

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

AFGHAN: Large afghan, handmade. Brown & white $50 (937)338-5806

BIKES: Several boys bikes ranging from 16"-20". Prices ranging from $10-$40.

(937)548-0911

CD PLAYER: Technics natural sound CD Player CDX, 900U. Good condition. Can send pictures.

Call for details. $45 (937)621-3379

CHINA SET: Blue wheat china set w/several serving pieces, water glasses, & silverware. $150 (937)692-6551

BLANKET SLEEPERS: Infant and little kids blanket sleepers. Up to size 6.

Must see. $3 ea. 50 cents to $5. (937)968-7899

CEDAR TREES: Two 20' trees ready to be sawed down for tops (tops are good). Easy to access.

You saw, you haul.

(937)548-6468

CHRISTMAS TREE: GE 7.5 Just Cut Douglas Fir Pre-lit multi-colored light Christmas Tree. Retail $300.

Used once. $50 (937)447-8918

CELL Phone: Blackberry.

Like new! $50 (937)459-0058 CELL Phone: Samsung new. $40 (937)459-0058

CIRRUS Digital proportional FM computer radio control system for remote Control for RC cars, trucks. Controls 10 vehicles $50obo (937)547-3179

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

REFRIGERATOR: condition.

(937)621-5643

Great $125

WASHER: G.E. front loading Washer w/pedestal. $250 (937)548-4794

520 Building Materials COUNTERTOPS: 2 with sinks & faucets, 1 Island countertop.

All in very nice condition! Starting at $50. Call for details.

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CERAMIC Disney Character pieces. $5 each.

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Promotional POSTER: Vintage, collectible DRAGONS LAYR. Full color; contains all characters. Mint condition! Valued: $240 Asking $120 (937)548-3873

510 Appliances DRYER: 2yr old white Galaxy/Frigidaire; in good shape. Handles lg loads. $190 (937)996-8908 MICROWAVE: GM Microwave oven 1.6 cu ft sensor matic one touch cooking, works great. $50 (937)459-6959 MICROWAVE Sharp under the cabinet microwave oven.

1.65KW. $75 (937)371-1930 RANGE: G.E. Gas Range w/digital controls. $200 (937)547-0695 RANGE: 30"White electric range.

(937)467-6178 RANGE: G.E. 30" glass top white range. Brand new. Never plugged in. $625 (937)337-1781 or (937)337-6471 REFRIGERATOR: 18cu ft refrigerator. $100 (937)547-9530

We Accept

FIREWOOD: 2 truckloads of seasoned firewood.

You haul. $150 buys both.

(937)564-1169

DOORS: 2 sets of wooded, louvered cafe doors 37"H for 32" doorways; with hardware. $20 each.

(937)564-0787

FIGURINE: Retired Precious Moments "Charity Begins in the Heart" porcelain figurine #307009 w/original box. 1997 $25 (937)447-8918

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.

510 Appliances

DOORS: 1 set of wooden, louvered hallway or closet doors, 791/2"H for 30" doorway. $20 (937)564-0787

DOLL COLLECTION: Hamilton Doll Collection The Little Rascals (14").

Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat, Stymie, Petie the dog.

All for $200.

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937-548-3151 937-456-5553

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

REFRIGERATOR: Black 18 cu ft Fridgidaire. $250 (937)467-6178

ANTIQUE Sewing Cabinet top swivel compartment. Has spindles for thread, bottom drawer. $30 (937)692-6551

COCA~COLA bottles.

Collectable & regular. $1 per bottle. Free carrying cartons. (937)548-2955

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

FIREWOOD: Covered seasoned split hard wood. $75 pickup load. You haul (937)337-8044 FIREWOOD: Covered, Seasoned, split hardwood. $75 pick-up load.

(937)996-5335

560 Home Furnishings BED: Craftmatic adjustable bed w/massage and heat. $650 (937)467-6178 CHAIRS: Pair of Wing Back Chairs; maroon. $40 for both. (937)423-1922

DOORS: new 36" interior unfinished hollow core doors. $25 each.

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

LIFT CHAIR: Blue, heavy duty in real good condition. $700 (937)316-8488

SHUTTERS: 3 sets of green exterior shutters.

47" tall. New. $25 a pair.

(937)564-0184

NIGHT STANDS: Wood $35 each. (937)548-3873

TILES: White tile 4X4.

100 per box. $10 per box.

(937)371-1930

SOFA: Microfiber sectional sofa w/2 end reclining chairs. 2 yrs old. Great shape.

Grayish color. $1,000 (937)371-5819

WINDOWS: Double crank out windows 24X34. $25 each. (937)548-8561

525 Computer/Electric/Office COMPUTER: Windows 2000 Compaq complete w/everything, HP printer/copier/scanner, unused ink cartridges, cover.

Great for kids to play games on. $30.

(937)564-0787 FILE Cabinet: large size, for hanging files. $75 (937)564-0184

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment BUSH HOG: 5ft 3 Point Hitch Bush Hog; fair cond. $200 (937)621-5609 LOG SPLITTER: Heavy duty, homemade. $300 as is or $700 w/new engine.

(937)621-5609

BAGS: 3 "thirty-one gifts" Thermal Totes. $18 each.

Call/text for pic & info.

(937)467-9347 BEARS: Raikes Bears (boy and girl) $25 for both. (937)548-1934 BIKER COAT: Bikers Long Rider Leather Coat, full-length. $100 (937)968-4846

CAMERA: Digital Sony Cyber-shot, silver, 16.1 mega pixels, 5x optical zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens, 2.7 LCD screen, battery, charger. New! $160 (937)830-9427

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

DESK: Circular corner desk, blonde wood w/black rod on loges.

Great shape. $75 (937)371-5819 ENTERTAINMENT/Media Center: 3-pc unit, all hardwood w/cherry finish.

Hand-made locally. 82x 123x27 Exc. condition! $1,200 (937)417-0405

TUB: New white Whirlpool tub. Still in box. $350 (937)564-0184

ARCADE video games: classic, collectible.

Valued @$1,000. Sell: $250 (937)548-3873

of Western Ohio

UP TO DATE

ROCKER: Sewing Rocker chair. $50 (937)548-2861

SOFA: White Very Nice!

(937)467-6178

Miami

Wayne

Preble

local farmers, local businesses, state and local officials

Montgomer

Targeting over 29,000 readers in 3 counties

leather. $185

Hay Y’All!

STAND: Flat Screen TV stand. 40"wide by 17" high.

Good condition.

Text: (937)551-1629

Do you have farm equipment, livestock or other farm related items to sell? Do you need farmhand help? Advertise in the ACRES monthly publication to meet all your farming needs.

570 Lawn and Garden BLOWER: Craftsman's Blower with suction tube and bag. Like new. $75 (937)548-2861

• Picture it Sold • 4-H Projects • Hay/Straw • Livestock • Fencing • Animal Bi-Products

• Farm Equipment • Service Directory • Auctions • Summer Help • Farm Help • Land Lease/Rent

HEDGE TRIMMER weed eater, gas powered, 18" bar, like new condition. $100 (937)548-2738 MOWER: 0 turn Sgag turf tiger. Hours 1726. 27-HP, Kawasaki ki FD750D, engine water cooled. 61" deck advantage. $3,000 (937)417-3222

Agriculture NEWS FROM:

Darke

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

2342833

MOWER ACCESSORY: Craftsman 2 Bin Bagging System. 42" deck. $125 (937)423-7865

SCRAPER BLADE: 3 point hitch, 5 ft. Excellent cond. $265; 330 ft roll fence, never used. $100 (937)621-5609

MOWER: Troy-Bilt Push Mower, Self-propelled. 2 months old. $200 (937)547-9128

TRACTOR: 1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor w/scraper blade.

Great condition. $4,200obo (937)684-3261

AB LOUNGER w/CD. In great shape. $50 For more info: (937)968-7899

577 Miscellaneous

Open the door to new and exciting job opportunities

ou d?

Do Yd A Han e e N

HARDWOOD FLOOR

Mike Miller HOME SERVICES Painting Mulching Staining Gutter Cleaning Drywall Lawn Care Textured Ceilings Storm Damage Decks Small Electric Vinyl Siding Small Plumbing Pressure Washing Snow Removal Concrete Junk Removal

SANDING & REFINISHING

(937)

Call

533-0090

937-533-7815 2342851

Luxe Builders, Inc.

Home Improvement & Remodeling

NOW AVAILABLE Dump Trailer Services for: Hauling • Gravel • Mulch Clean Ups • Etc.

‘There is no job too small’ Fully Insured (937) 478-2099 robertsimprovements@yahoo.com Free Estimates

& Bonded

th

50

Year!

Estimates

937-839-9024 • 937-603-0718

WANTED FENCE & CONSTRUCTION VETERAN OWNED COMPANY RESIDENTIAL, CONSTRUCTION, FARM & COMMERCIAL

GREENVILLE DAILY ADVOCATE Classifieds

Garages, Additions, Remodeling, Custom Decks & Repairs Our Free Insured 2342856

Hundreds of local listings in every industry It’s Fast! It’s Easy!

It’s Convenient!

Available in print and online

Custom Homes...Your Lot or Ours

Expanding Our Services!

2342865

• Vinyl Siding • Drywall Repairs • Wood Decks • Basement Remodeling • Kitchen/Room Remodeling • Laminate/Hardwood Flooring • Trim Work • New/Replacement Windows

Luxpaint2000@yahoo.com

2342893

CHAIN LINK • FARM FENCE • VINYL • WOOD • SPLIT RAIL • RED CEDAR ORNAMENTAL ALUMINUM AND CUSTOM FENCES AVAILABLE

LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED • DRUG FREE

www.dailyadvocate.com 2116442 2342902

FREE ESTIMATES (EXCEPT FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS)

937-839-5702 Toll Free 800-786-5097

eaglefenceconstruction.com

YEAR ROUND WORK!

arranty Lifetime Wilable!

Ava

Young Farmer looking for farm ground to rent.

I soil test for all fertility needs & will not mine your ground.

Please call (765)220-0351 leave message if no answer.

2344538

14A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

that work .com JobSourceOhio.com

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD ONLINE-24/7 Acres of Western Ohio

DEADLINES/CORRECTIONS:

Serving Darke, Preble and Wayne (IN) counties

www.dailyadvocate.com www.registerherald.com 400 - Real Estate For Sale

425 Houses for Sale EATON: By Owner!

Ranch Style home w/large building on lot. Close to school/store.

(937)683-0322

500 - Merchandise

505 Antiques/Collectibles

545 Firewood/Fuel

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

577 Miscellaneous

AFGHAN: Large afghan, handmade. Brown & white $50 (937)338-5806

BIKES: Several boys bikes ranging from 16"-20". Prices ranging from $10-$40.

(937)548-0911

CD PLAYER: Technics natural sound CD Player CDX, 900U. Good condition. Can send pictures.

Call for details. $45 (937)621-3379

CHINA SET: Blue wheat china set w/several serving pieces, water glasses, & silverware. $150 (937)692-6551

BLANKET SLEEPERS: Infant and little kids blanket sleepers. Up to size 6.

Must see. $3 ea. 50 cents to $5. (937)968-7899

CEDAR TREES: Two 20' trees ready to be sawed down for tops (tops are good). Easy to access.

You saw, you haul.

(937)548-6468

CHRISTMAS TREE: GE 7.5 Just Cut Douglas Fir Pre-lit multi-colored light Christmas Tree. Retail $300.

Used once. $50 (937)447-8918

CELL Phone: Blackberry.

Like new! $50 (937)459-0058 CELL Phone: Samsung new. $40 (937)459-0058

CIRRUS Digital proportional FM computer radio control system for remote Control for RC cars, trucks. Controls 10 vehicles $50obo (937)547-3179

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

REFRIGERATOR: condition.

(937)621-5643

Great $125

WASHER: G.E. front loading Washer w/pedestal. $250 (937)548-4794

520 Building Materials COUNTERTOPS: 2 with sinks & faucets, 1 Island countertop.

All in very nice condition! Starting at $50. Call for details.

(937)548-8909

CERAMIC Disney Character pieces. $5 each.

(937)548-3484

Promotional POSTER: Vintage, collectible DRAGONS LAYR. Full color; contains all characters. Mint condition! Valued: $240 Asking $120 (937)548-3873

510 Appliances DRYER: 2yr old white Galaxy/Frigidaire; in good shape. Handles lg loads. $190 (937)996-8908 MICROWAVE: GM Microwave oven 1.6 cu ft sensor matic one touch cooking, works great. $50 (937)459-6959 MICROWAVE Sharp under the cabinet microwave oven.

1.65KW. $75 (937)371-1930 RANGE: G.E. Gas Range w/digital controls. $200 (937)547-0695 RANGE: 30"White electric range.

(937)467-6178 RANGE: G.E. 30" glass top white range. Brand new. Never plugged in. $625 (937)337-1781 or (937)337-6471 REFRIGERATOR: 18cu ft refrigerator. $100 (937)547-9530

We Accept

FIREWOOD: 2 truckloads of seasoned firewood.

You haul. $150 buys both.

(937)564-1169

DOORS: 2 sets of wooded, louvered cafe doors 37"H for 32" doorways; with hardware. $20 each.

(937)564-0787

FIGURINE: Retired Precious Moments "Charity Begins in the Heart" porcelain figurine #307009 w/original box. 1997 $25 (937)447-8918

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.

510 Appliances

DOORS: 1 set of wooden, louvered hallway or closet doors, 791/2"H for 30" doorway. $20 (937)564-0787

DOLL COLLECTION: Hamilton Doll Collection The Little Rascals (14").

Spanky, Alfalfa, Darla, Buckwheat, Stymie, Petie the dog.

All for $200.

(937)548-1934

937-548-3151 937-456-5553

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

REFRIGERATOR: Black 18 cu ft Fridgidaire. $250 (937)467-6178

ANTIQUE Sewing Cabinet top swivel compartment. Has spindles for thread, bottom drawer. $30 (937)692-6551

COCA~COLA bottles.

Collectable & regular. $1 per bottle. Free carrying cartons. (937)548-2955

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

FIREWOOD: Covered seasoned split hard wood. $75 pickup load. You haul (937)337-8044 FIREWOOD: Covered, Seasoned, split hardwood. $75 pick-up load.

(937)996-5335

560 Home Furnishings BED: Craftmatic adjustable bed w/massage and heat. $650 (937)467-6178 CHAIRS: Pair of Wing Back Chairs; maroon. $40 for both. (937)423-1922

DOORS: new 36" interior unfinished hollow core doors. $25 each.

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

LIFT CHAIR: Blue, heavy duty in real good condition. $700 (937)316-8488

SHUTTERS: 3 sets of green exterior shutters.

47" tall. New. $25 a pair.

(937)564-0184

NIGHT STANDS: Wood $35 each. (937)548-3873

TILES: White tile 4X4.

100 per box. $10 per box.

(937)371-1930

SOFA: Microfiber sectional sofa w/2 end reclining chairs. 2 yrs old. Great shape.

Grayish color. $1,000 (937)371-5819

WINDOWS: Double crank out windows 24X34. $25 each. (937)548-8561

525 Computer/Electric/Office COMPUTER: Windows 2000 Compaq complete w/everything, HP printer/copier/scanner, unused ink cartridges, cover.

Great for kids to play games on. $30.

(937)564-0787 FILE Cabinet: large size, for hanging files. $75 (937)564-0184

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment BUSH HOG: 5ft 3 Point Hitch Bush Hog; fair cond. $200 (937)621-5609 LOG SPLITTER: Heavy duty, homemade. $300 as is or $700 w/new engine.

(937)621-5609

BAGS: 3 "thirty-one gifts" Thermal Totes. $18 each.

Call/text for pic & info.

(937)467-9347 BEARS: Raikes Bears (boy and girl) $25 for both. (937)548-1934 BIKER COAT: Bikers Long Rider Leather Coat, full-length. $100 (937)968-4846

CAMERA: Digital Sony Cyber-shot, silver, 16.1 mega pixels, 5x optical zoom, 25mm wide-angle lens, 2.7 LCD screen, battery, charger. New! $160 (937)830-9427

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

DESK: Circular corner desk, blonde wood w/black rod on loges.

Great shape. $75 (937)371-5819 ENTERTAINMENT/Media Center: 3-pc unit, all hardwood w/cherry finish.

Hand-made locally. 82x 123x27 Exc. condition! $1,200 (937)417-0405

TUB: New white Whirlpool tub. Still in box. $350 (937)564-0184

ARCADE video games: classic, collectible.

Valued @$1,000. Sell: $250 (937)548-3873

of Western Ohio

UP TO DATE

ROCKER: Sewing Rocker chair. $50 (937)548-2861

SOFA: White Very Nice!

(937)467-6178

Miami

Wayne

Preble

local farmers, local businesses, state and local officials

Montgomer

Targeting over 29,000 readers in 3 counties

leather. $185

Hay Y’All!

STAND: Flat Screen TV stand. 40"wide by 17" high.

Good condition.

Text: (937)551-1629

Do you have farm equipment, livestock or other farm related items to sell? Do you need farmhand help? Advertise in the ACRES monthly publication to meet all your farming needs.

570 Lawn and Garden BLOWER: Craftsman's Blower with suction tube and bag. Like new. $75 (937)548-2861

• Picture it Sold • 4-H Projects • Hay/Straw • Livestock • Fencing • Animal Bi-Products

• Farm Equipment • Service Directory • Auctions • Summer Help • Farm Help • Land Lease/Rent

HEDGE TRIMMER weed eater, gas powered, 18" bar, like new condition. $100 (937)548-2738 MOWER: 0 turn Sgag turf tiger. Hours 1726. 27-HP, Kawasaki ki FD750D, engine water cooled. 61" deck advantage. $3,000 (937)417-3222

Agriculture NEWS FROM:

Darke

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

2342833

MOWER ACCESSORY: Craftsman 2 Bin Bagging System. 42" deck. $125 (937)423-7865

SCRAPER BLADE: 3 point hitch, 5 ft. Excellent cond. $265; 330 ft roll fence, never used. $100 (937)621-5609

MOWER: Troy-Bilt Push Mower, Self-propelled. 2 months old. $200 (937)547-9128

TRACTOR: 1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor w/scraper blade.

Great condition. $4,200obo (937)684-3261

AB LOUNGER w/CD. In great shape. $50 For more info: (937)968-7899

577 Miscellaneous

Open the door to new and exciting job opportunities

ou d?

Do Yd A Han e e N

HARDWOOD FLOOR

Mike Miller HOME SERVICES Painting Mulching Staining Gutter Cleaning Drywall Lawn Care Textured Ceilings Storm Damage Decks Small Electric Vinyl Siding Small Plumbing Pressure Washing Snow Removal Concrete Junk Removal

SANDING & REFINISHING

(937)

Call

533-0090

937-533-7815 2342851

Luxe Builders, Inc.

Home Improvement & Remodeling

NOW AVAILABLE Dump Trailer Services for: Hauling • Gravel • Mulch Clean Ups • Etc.

‘There is no job too small’ Fully Insured (937) 478-2099 robertsimprovements@yahoo.com Free Estimates

& Bonded

th

50

Year!

Estimates

937-839-9024 • 937-603-0718

WANTED FENCE & CONSTRUCTION VETERAN OWNED COMPANY RESIDENTIAL, CONSTRUCTION, FARM & COMMERCIAL

GREENVILLE DAILY ADVOCATE Classifieds

Garages, Additions, Remodeling, Custom Decks & Repairs Our Free Insured 2342856

Hundreds of local listings in every industry It’s Fast! It’s Easy!

It’s Convenient!

Available in print and online

Custom Homes...Your Lot or Ours

Expanding Our Services!

2342865

• Vinyl Siding • Drywall Repairs • Wood Decks • Basement Remodeling • Kitchen/Room Remodeling • Laminate/Hardwood Flooring • Trim Work • New/Replacement Windows

Luxpaint2000@yahoo.com

2342893

CHAIN LINK • FARM FENCE • VINYL • WOOD • SPLIT RAIL • RED CEDAR ORNAMENTAL ALUMINUM AND CUSTOM FENCES AVAILABLE

LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED • DRUG FREE

www.dailyadvocate.com 2116442 2342902

FREE ESTIMATES (EXCEPT FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS)

937-839-5702 Toll Free 800-786-5097

eaglefenceconstruction.com

YEAR ROUND WORK!

arranty Lifetime Wilable!

Ava

Young Farmer looking for farm ground to rent.

I soil test for all fertility needs & will not mine your ground.

Please call (765)220-0351 leave message if no answer.

2344538

16A ACRES of Western Ohio | December Issue

Changing Trends in Land Stewardship

By David T. Daniels Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture As part of a 5th generation century farm family, I can tell you with certainty that most agricultural producers understand that change is inevitable. As with all successful businesses, as times change, so must production practices in agriculture.

At the Ohio Department of Agriculture, we work with farmers every day. We know that Ohio’s farmers are concerned with keeping up with the times and responsibly providing us with an abundance of food, fiber, fuel, bioproducts - the things we need every day and the engine of Ohio’s economy and job creation. We also

know that it is time to rethink the way we have been used to doing things to preserve the quality of our lakes and streams, and safeguard public health.

Balancing the ideals of a thriving economy and feeding a growing population, while preserving public health and environmental integrity, has long been a goal of agriculturalists and alike. environmentalists Although there are skeptics, we have proven these principles can effectively co-exist.

In the 1970s, when Lake Erie problems were brought into focus, the state met a goal of reducing 11,000 metric tons of phosphorus from all sources. Agriculture did its part by reducing sediment loss and the loss of the phosphorus attached to it so that,

by 1985, the state achieved its goal.

That historic hurdle has now evolved into a new problem that needs to be solved. New research shows that nutrients are leaving our fields in ways we did not know were possible before in the form of dissolved phosphorous. Reducing the amount of dissolved phosphorous that makes it out of our fields and into our waterways is our newest challenge.

There are a variety of factors, here in Ohio as well as in other states and Canada, contributing to algal blooms in our lakes, and dissolved phosphorous is one of the primary culprits. Because there are several non-agricultural sources of dissolved phosphorous entering Lake Erie, it is important to note that Ohio’s agricultural industry should not be singled out as the only source.

Nonetheless, land application of commercial fertilizer and livestock manure is a contributing factor.

This is a complex problem and there are still many

unanswered questions. What we do know is that how we are currently farming is contributing to the problem. The good news is that Ohio farmers understand the problem and want to be part of the solution. They are stewards of the land. They care about the environment. It is the foundation of their business and their survival.

At Governor Kasich’s direction earlier this year, I, along with Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Zehringer and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Scott Nally, announced the Ohio Clean Lakes Initiative.

The Ohio Clean Lakes Initiative is dedicated to improving Ohio’s water quality, specifically in the Western Lake Erie Basin region, while maintaining the integrity of the region’s agricultural industry. It was established earlier this year based on recommendations from agricultural, environmental and academic representatives.

Under the Ohio Clean Lakes Initiative, the state

open between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

“The best time to come out is early, because you’ll have the best pick,” Howell stated. “The sooner the better…as the season goes on, the pickings start to get pretty thin.”

The Howells said that when a customer pulls up, they try to make sure to go out and greet them, give them a flyer filled with valuable safety and tree-cutting tips, and explain the process to them. Customers are then given a bow saw, a sled, knee pads and a measuring pole, and can then go select their tree, and cut it down on their own, Howell said.

There is a shaker machine on site, so that last year’s dead needles can be easily removed before families put the tree in their homes, Howell commented, and they also have a drill that can square up a hole to fit the tree stand, he said. A netting machine takes the hassle out of getting the tree in the home, for an additional cost, Howell commented.

“The kids can come in for free hot dogs, hot chocolate, and cookies – it’s kind of a reward for all the hard work that they’ve done, getting their tree,” Howell added.

The Howells charge $4.50 per foot, regardless of the type of tree a family picks, they said, and they do have several varieties to choose from including scotch pine, Douglas firs, canaan firs, spruce, and some white pines. Most of the white pines were affected by the drought, though, Howell said.

Along with fresh cut trees, the Howells offer freshly made wreaths at the Outpost, they said. And trunk tie-downs and tree disposal bags for post-season clean-up are included with the tree, they stated.

The Howells also offer many tips for choosing a tree, cutting a tree, and handling the tree once it’s home with the family on their website at www.outpostenterprises.com .

will educate and encourage farmers across the state to adopt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship model, which promotes using the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time, in the right places. Good nutrient stewardship not only benefits the environment, it benefits the farmer by saving the money and time that could otherwise be invested in applying unnecessary or excessive fertilizer to the soil.

The state will also work with farmers through the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to expand the use of on-theground practices to help control the displacement of agricultural nutrients. A total of 33,500 acres of farmland will incorporate the new nutrient management programs over the next 12 to 18 months. Target areas include the Maumee River Watershed, along with counties of Defiance, Henry, Putnam, Hancock and Wood.

We will partner with the agri-business industry to expand the frequency and

type of soil testing being used and work with the legislature to develop nutrient management plans that can be developed and approved by the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

The initiative will also provide a means to collaborate with Ohio’s colleges and universities, research institutions and private businesses to create a monitoring network to implement and assess the effectiveness of management practices.

Change may be inevitable, but agriculture is well-versed in adapting to change. With around 74,000 farming operations and some of the best soils in the nation, it is imperative that the agricultural productivity of Ohio is maintained. Food and agriculture adds $105 billion to the state’s economy and employs one in seven people with jobs. As harvest season wraps up this year and plans for the new growing season commence, the state is working with farmers to implement as many of these changes as possible into the new growing season.

DARKE from pg. 1 larger tree farms who have 30 or more acres, he stated.

Larger operations are closer to big cities, however, which makes them more sustainable, Howell commented.

The Howells currently have between 2,000 and 2,500 trees, they said.

Drought wasn’t just a problem in 1998, however.

Beginning in 2011 the Howells experienced the woes of drought, they said, losing couple dozen trees in 2011, and lost nearly all the saplings planted in 2012.

“Rabbits like to chew them off, too, so I had to fight the drought and the rabbits,” Howell stated. “Weather is still my biggest enemy, though.”

These types of challenges are the big ones for the tree farmers, but June is a tough month for Allen as well, he said, because he has to go around to each tree and machete it into a conical shape.

“The first few years it was easy because they were small and there weren’t a lot of them, but as the years progressed and they started getting bigger and getting more

of them, it’s just a lot of hard work,” Howell commented.

“My arm feels like it’s about ready to fall off by the end of June. Every season there’s always something for me to do: in the spring I have to plant and spray for weeds around the trees, and mowing during the summer. I fertilize in the fall; every tree will get fertilized.”

All of that work and the family only sells between 50 and 100 trees each year, they said.

“It’s a lot of work, it’s a labor of love – we’re not doing it for the money, we don’t make much money.

The biggest reward is seeing the young families come in with the little kids; coming out and experiencing getting the Christmas tree just like they did in the old days. You can go to any big box store, any hardware store, and get a tree, but we’re selling the experience,” Howell stated.

Most people purchase their tree the second or third weekend after Thanksgiving, Howell said. The Frosty Outpost Christmas Tree, located at 695 Godfrey Road outside of Hollansburg, is

The Frosty Outpost Christmas Tree Farm outside of Hollansburg, Ohio offers a festive feel, even when there isn’t snow on the ground yet. This familyowned tree farm hosts between 2,000 and 2,500 trees, which Allen Howell wanted to feel like a more Heather Meade is a staff natural forest setting, so he mixed it up, intersperswriter for The Daily ing “regular” trees with the Christmas variety, he Advocate in Greenville. said. (Heather Meade photo)

Right ght here in n Eaton..

Eaton... ..

Reid eid Specialty pecialty p tyy P Physicians Phyysicianss Receeive heart, cancer and Receive an nd orthopedic ortho pedic caree fro from a Reid specialist p t and stayy close to home!

Rubinder Dab, M.D. Cardiologist

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Derek Der rek Serna, M.D. Oncologist

456-4400 456-4 4400

Reid eid Specialty S alty Physicians cians AR Reid Physician Associates Assocciates Practice

109B E. W Washington-Jackson ashington-Jaackson Road l Eaton Other spec specialty p cialtyy care in n Eaton: Stephen Hornak, M.D. Cardiologist

Akbar Shinwari, M.D. Psychiatrist

Dr.. Akbar Shinwari Dr ri is available for geropsych evaluation and follow-up medicatio medication on management.

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8.

Myla Bennett, M.D. D. Plastic Surgeon n

Dr Dr.. Myla Benn Bennett, nett, plastic surgeon eon is available for consultation. F For an appointment, call (765) 962-4872 962-4872, 872, or visit isit AllureCenter AllureCenter.com. .c com.

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Ma Mario ario Lee, M.D. Orthopedic Orthopedi hopedic Surgeon

Richard Rich hard Miller, Millerr, D.O. DO Orth hopedic Surgeon Orthopedic 2341389