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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

of West Central Ohio

Inside

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

THIS EDITION

1-800-678-4188 Access to milk, love of cooking lead to cheese-making dairy 2369132

■ Local girls shine as fair queens page 5

Logan County business finds success through social media, farm markets

BY STEPHANI DUFF

■ Meat business has long history page 6

■ Lamb cakes for Easter page 8

■ Day in the life of a farm vet page 10

■ Champaign Co. ‘Century Farm’ page 12

Editor Jeff Billiel welcomes suggestions from readers of ACRES of West Central Ohio.

Forward your comments and/or story ideas to him online at jbilliel@civitasmedia.com.

Letters to the editor will also be considered for publication in ACRES and may be emailed to the same address. Letters and comments may also be sent via USPS to Editor, ACRES of West Central Ohio, c/o Sidney Daily News, 1451 N. Vandemark Road, Sidney, OH 45365.

BELLEFONTAINE - In April 2008, husband and wife Jim and Angel King decided to combine their love of farming and cooking in order to provide artisan cheeses in a commercial environment. The result is today known as Blue Jacket Dairy, located in Logan County, west of Bellefontaine.

Jim had experience with Holstein dairy farming and Angel had knowledge acquired in the kitchen, and the couple realized they had ready access to quantities of milk. Before long they focused on their commercial business and began to source milk from Jim’s cousin and local goat farmers.

“We liked the idea of keeping our products local while JIM AND ANGEL King have combined their talents to simultaneously supporting create the Blue Jacket Dairy in Logan County, making local business,” explained artisan cheeses from cow and goat milk.

Angel.

The King’s have a store TDN Photo/STEPHAN I DUFF just outside Bellefontaine where they sell their cheese products, offer cheese samples and sell whey-fed pork which they raise. raised for market; we even have some customers that Some of the cheese products they offer are fresh buy the whole hog and have it processed to their likcheese curds in various flavors, such as plain, dill, ing.” ranch, and smoked chipolte. They also offer farmAlong with personal customers, Jim and Angel also house feta, mozzarella and quark. One of their signasell hogs to restaurants in Dayton and Columbus for ture cheeses is known as a Gretna Grilling cheese specific dishes on menus. that is browned Blue Jacket Dairy promotes its busiin a “sizzling hot ness in large part by having a strong skillet” where it presence in farmers markets in both forms a nice Columbus and Dayton, where they crust and tastes like a grilled take their cheese products and offer cheese sandwich samples to customers. without the “We also are lucky to be promoted bread. by social media such as Facebook and Whey is a bye-mail communication, by word of mouth, and by product of the cheese making process and is also an being named in the menus of the restaurants that excellent source of proteins, vitamins, and lactose.

They feed it to their Berkshire hogs, in addition to serve our products,” Angel explained.

Blue Jacket Dairy is family owned and operated; alfalfa hay and ears of corn. In the fall and winter they are butchered and sold on site.

See Cheese/page 2 Angel explains, “The majority of our hogs are

OSU grad visits Kenya to teach agroforestry; use of trees can enrich soil, increase yields ANNA - After graduating from Ohio State University with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 2012, a Shelby County man found himself in Africa, teaching young children about agroforestry.

Dustin Homan, 24, son of Mike and Diane Homan of Anna, decided to visit Africa after MAN of DUSTIN HO g Kenyan u yo n Anna leads the students in s an a r e e h c O-H-I-O rcise. e x e r e k a re iceb

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graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors Research Distinction. His major was in agricultural and extension education with a focus on leadership and minor in international studies.

Homan is a 2007 Anna High School graduate, where he was involved in FFA, including serving as a state officer. It was his high school experiences that led to his interest in agriculture that eventually took him to Africa.

“I chose agricultural and extension education because of my involvement with 4-H and FFA and the influence of my advisors - Michelle Brunson, Jason Haak and Lori Elsass,” he said. “I wanted to eventually influence agricultural public policy.”

Currently, Homan works for the Adayana Agribusiness Group, an agricultural consulting firm in Indianapolis, where he manages multiple client projects ranging from strate-

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gic planning to conducting primary agricultural research, such as farmer focus groups.

At OSU, Homan was named an Outstanding Senior by the university, which recognizes less than one percent of graduating seniors who excel in leadership, service and scholarship. He was also a Top 10 Senior in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He received OSU’s Scarlet, Gray and Green Student Leadership Award for his role in advancing campus sustainability efforts.

As if that is not enough, Homan was active at OSU in Undergraduate Student Government and the Micki Zartman Scarlet and Gray Agriculture Day, was an Agricultural Ambassador, belonged to the Agricultural Education Society and was on he Beanie Drake Student Leadership Endowment Board.

Currently, Homan is a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau and volunteers at a food bank.

It was many of those experiences that led Homan to Africa.

“One of my goals while at Ohio State was to embark on my first international trip, which I thought would be through a standard study abroad program.

However, as I pruned down my passions at Ohio State, I began to gravitate my involvement towards two specific areas - hunger and education,” Homan stated.

“As a result, I became active in the Micki Zartman Scarlet and Gray Ag Day, which is a student-led agricultural awareness event hosted on campus for nearly 600 local elementary students to learn about agriculture.”

See OSU grad/page 3

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

2366303

BY KATHY LEESE

从美国到中国-用爱 Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 2

(From America to China - with love) No one is really sure how much Ohio corn, wheat, involuntary labor. soybeans, dairy and meat products end up in China.

But the Chinese government is starting to face reBut it is a safe bet that more will go there this year ality. Their endless supply of people also has an endthan went there in 2012. And more Ohio farm prodless need for food. And China just isn’t producing ucts will go to China in 2014 than this year. enough of it to feed all its Every year, the need for food in the world’s largest country increases as quickly as the population. That fact isn’t lost on many American farmers.

And while politicians may rail against the oppressive Chinese government, that doesn’t stop American businesses from doing what is in its best interest - to sell as much American products to China as they can. And that includes the most important American product of all - food.

American agriculture experts, including many at Ohio State University, regularly travel to China to observe their farming methods and advise the Chinese on how we do what we do.

In last month’s ACRES, one of the topics covered was yield. How much of what crop was being produced per bushel per acre - and what can be done to increase that yield. om The same holds true in China. ivitasmedia.c c @ k c ro b g But according to people like retired OSU citizens. They are working to agriculture professor Dr. Allan Lines, the Chiboost their yield, but they just aren’t producing more nese are still well behind American farmers in food fast enough. productivity.

Perhaps the biggest little secret of all is an even They are just now beginning the agonizing transgreater reason for Chinese agriculture’s need to formation to a more corn and soybean-based agronchange - the Chinese peoples’ tastes are changing. omy.

In the past, you have to understand, economy of ef- Rice may still be the staple food in China, but the nation has increasingly been “Westernized” in its culfort wasn’t such a big issue for a nation with an untural desires. limited supply of cheap labor. Cheap and frequently

Did you know there are more than 3,200 KFC chicken fast-food restaurants in China today? And more than 500 Pizza Huts? There are more that a thousand McDonald’s in China and that company hopes to hit 2,000 restaurants this year!

The fact that images of “The Colonel” are more prominent in Beijing and Shanghai than images of the late Chairman Mao shouldn’t be lost on American farmers. The Chinese consumer’s tastes have changed for good, and there is no going back. Chinese consumers will no longer be satisfied with rice and tofu.

So farmers in Ohio are exporting to China more and more corn, chicken, soybeans and other food to a nation not just hungry for more food, but hungry for OUR food. Animal protein.

How much Ohio produce and meat makes its way to China each day? No one is sure.

Dr. Lines tells me that it is very difficult to harness Ohio exports of agricultural products to China, since most of what moves out of Ohio becomes combined with farm products from other states.

But what we do know is that Ohioans are sending a lot of produce to the world’s largest nation. And that will only increase in coming years.

The fact is the world’s largest nation, for a number of reasons, is limited in how much food it can produce, now and in the future. They can’t feed themselves, so we in Ohio and America will.

Outlook

Gary Brock

Cheese

Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of ACRES.

continued from page 1

Jim and Angel’s daughter works in the summer when she is home from school and their younger children help when and where they can. They also have seasonal employees, with as many as 15 at the peak of their busy season. Jim and Angel are proud to be a part of the Ohio revival of small (compared to Kraft) cheese makers.

“We are excited to be able to take the commodity of milk and add value to it with the unique creation of artisan cheeses,” said Angel. “It is also a fun process to see how the milk flavors change throughout the seasons and how that influences the variety of flavors in the cheeses we offer.”

The Kings bring passion and joy to the process of cheese making that extends to their customers through the products.

For more about the dairy, visit Blue Jacket Dairy’s website at www.bluejacketdairy.com.

Stephani Duff writes for the Troy Daily News.

LEFT: A WORKER hand stretches fresh mozzarella.

RIGHT: CHEESE CURDS after draining the whey.

TDN Photos/STEPHANI DUFF

Ohio Outdoors of West Central Ohio

Skunk-cabbage: earliest spring

BY JIM MCCORMAC

Publisher — Frank Beeson fbeeson@civitasmedia.com Editor-in-Chief — Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com Regional Editor — Jeff Billiel jbilliel@civitasmedia.com Layout & Design — Greta Silvers gsilvers@civitasmedia.com RETAIL/MAJOR ACCOUNT SALES Shelby/Auglaize Counties Becky Smith (937) 498-5980 bsmith@civitasmedia.com Miami County Leiann Stewart (937) 440-5252 lstewart@civitasmedia.com Champaign/Clark/Logan/Counties Lane Moon (937) 652-1331 lmoon@civitasmedia.com CLASSIFIED SALES Miami, Shelby/Auglaize Counties Classifieds That Work Mandy Yagle (937) 498-5915 mkaiser@civitasmedia.com Champaign, Clark/Logan Counties Classifieds That Work Carol Herring (937) 652-1331 cherring@civitasmedia.com Subscriptions All Counties Cheryl Hall (937) 440-5237 chall@civitasmedia.com Contact ACRES of West Central Ohio: 1451 N. Vandemark Rd., Sidney, Ohio 45365

937-498-5962 ACRES of West Central Ohio is published monthly by Civitas Media and is available at the Sidney Daily News, Troy Daily News, Piqua Daily Call, (Tipp City/West Milton) Weekly Record Herald and the Urbana Daily Citizen. All rights reserved.

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r e w o l f d l i w

After a long, frosty snow-filled winter, scores of outdoor enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the appearance of spring wildflowers. Come April, the explosion of phlox, spring-beauties, trillium and others paint the forest floor in a riot of color. Their emergence sends a welcome message: Winter’s icy hold has been broken; warmer days are ahead.

However, long before the first trout lily or bloodroot pops forth, one of our strangest “wildflowers” has pushed from the mire. The blooming of skunk-cabbage precedes the full wildflower symphony by two months. Skunkcabbage is not a cabbage – not even close. It is closely related to a well-known wildflower that will follow later in spring, the jack-in-the-pulpit. All parts of this bizarre plant, when bruised, produce an odor that will call to mind malodorous black-and-white four-legged beasts.

Skunk-cabbage is finicky about its haunts. The botanical stinkers grow in springy quagmires of swampy woods. Investigators seeking a closer look are liable to discover that good skunk-cabbage sites are carpeted with boot-sucking soupy muck with the texture of quicksand.

Skunk-cabbage is now in full bloom throughout west-central Ohio. It takes effort to admire the flowers, such as they are. Far more noticeable than the actual blossoms are the fleshy purple and green spathes. These liver-spotted hornlike structures are fleshy tents that shield and protect the skunk-cabbage’s flowers. Enclosed within the spathe and visible through a gap – the tent flap – is a columnar structure called a spadix. Sprinkling the surface of the spadix like tiny greenish-yellow snowflakes are the true flowers of the skunk-cabbage.

How does skunk-cabbage beat other wildflowers to the punch? It blooms well before winter has abated, often forcing its spathes through ice and snow. Basi-

THE SKUNK CABBAGE has its own beauty, despite the offensive aroma it gives off.

cally, skunk-cabbage has a built-in furnace. The plant is thermogenic, which means it produces heat as a by-product of cellular respiration as it grows. A skunk-cabbage can be 40 degrees or more warmer than the surrounding air temperature. Thus, the interior of the spathe is toasty warm and attracts early-appearing flies and other small insect pollinators.

After skunk-cabbages’ flowers have mostly withered, the huge leaves emerge. A skunk-cabbage colony in full leaf-out is a spectacle that can’t be missed. Do a scratch and sniff on a leaf, and you’ll wrinkle your nose in disgust at the olfactory assault.

No one will garnish their salad with this stuff! But not all mammals turn up their noses at skunk-cabbage. Newly emerged black bears in some parts of Ohio, arisen from their Rip Van Winkle winter-long slumber, relish the smelly leaves. It may be that skunk-cabbage leaves help the bear to break down the hard anal plug that kept the animal stopped up tight during its hibernation.

Jim McCormac writes for the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 3

Homan noted that “one of my mentors and the founder of Scarlet and Gray Ag Day, Micki Zartman, linked my passion with the interests of Dr. Dennis Garrity, director general of the World Agroforestry Center, also known as the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Kenya, to initiate a student internship program with Ohio students, which was coined the Buckeye-Borlaug Program.”

Homan’s trip was primarily funded through a Summer Holbrook Research Abroad Fellowship, supplemented by donations from his family and church and a grant through the OSU Undergraduate Student Government.

Because he had never traveled overseas before, Homan was a little nervous. The trip took more than 20 hours, including short layovers in Newark, N.J.; Zurich, Switzerland and Brussels, Belgium.

“This was my first international experience and (I was) full of anxiety and insecurity at first because this was the first time I had ever felt in the minority,” Homan said. “One of my first journal entries read, ‘I’ve been on high alert since I got here, especially because my roommates don’t lock the front door and even leave it open’.”

“Many of the Kenyan students had never seen a Caucasian before, so it took me a few school visits before I wasn’t so paranoid about their stares.

Initially, I felt like an animal being observed in a zoo,” Homan said.

Homan, who said he was “not too picky” on where he would travel internationally, found himself “surprised” when he began to experience African culture. “I was most surprised by the country’s development. I felt like I took a time machine back to the early 1900s in the United States, with a few current technologies mixed in.”

“We couldn’t drink water directly from the tap and driving on the roads was like a scene out of a motocross race. Yet, nearly every Kenyan had a cell phone,” he noted.

Homan worked to teach African children about agroforestry, which, he said, “focuses on utilizing trees on farms and in rural landscapes to provide fertilizer to crops from falling leaves to boost production output.” But first, he had to win the children over.

“The African children were very well behaved and disciplined, which caused some initial issues when we tried to engage them through our activities.

Kenya used to be a British colony and their education system mimics a lecture approach. The students were not used to responding to questions or getting out of their seats, which were components of our lesson plan, so we quickly learned that we had to spend time breaking the ice, usually by teaching them the O-H-I-O cheer and asking their teachers to encourage their participation. We also quickly learned that taking them outside of the classroom helped to remove some of these barriers,” Homan said.

Once he arrived in Africa, Homan spent much time at the World Agroforestry Centre headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. He also visited 10 rural elementary schools around the country and spent a weekend at a beach in Mombasa.

Homan did not have too many problems with language barriers, noting that most Kenyan elementary students know three languages - English, Swahili and their tribal language. “We taught all of our lessons in English and enjoyed, with some struggle, learning Swahili from the students.”

Homan helped to teach the children, of elementary and junior high age, about agroforestry. “The World Agroforestry Centre has identified specific fertilizer trees that, when incorporated into farming systems, have been proven to nearly double crop yields in Sub-Saharan Africa. Incorporating trees also benefits farmers by increasing their soil health and food security, providing fodder that improves smallholder livestock production and producing timber for shelter and energy.”

“Unfortunately, ICRAF lacks strategies to disseminate and implement this technological innovation throughout Africa,” Homan explained.

“All of the 10 schools we visited were part of the Healthy Learning Programme, which provides resources to schools to enhance the quality of learning and health. The World Agroforestry Centre is a supporter of the program, so we were tasked with visiting 10 of the 30 schools in the program to evaluate how the schools had utilized their funds, to increase awareness of the benefits of agroforestry and outlining the benefits of planting trees on farms, which we coined as the four F’s of agroforestry - food, fodder, firewood and fertilizer.”

“The Kenyans know a lot about agriculture since it has been their main industry for generations,” Homan said.

“However, they do not have established

continued from page 1 research or extension services like we do….so new technologies and practices spread extremely slow. Their agriculture would be viewed as primitive to THIS IS AN example of us, but the lack of disseminating inforagroforestry - corn planted mation is a huge barrier to advancing beneath fertilizer trees, a their productivity. The schools are beproject of the Naro Moru ginning to serve as research stations, Primary School in Kenya. though,” Homan said.

“New agricultural techniques and practices are being taught in the classroom and then the students go directly to the school’s garden to apply what they have learned. Periodically, the school will invite the parents and community members to visit the school to prove the new techniques work and to teach them how to use the new technology,” Homan said.

Growing crops in Africa is a challenge because of what Homan described as their “diverse climate.” It has a “bread basket” area that receives rainfall and allows grain farming to thrive, but it also has a lot of arid areas where only livestock can be produced. The lack of adequate and accessible water in the bread basket area, though, is the main issue plaguing the country and preventing it from becoming food sustainable, Homan said.

“Growing crops is a gamble each year. There is a wet season and a dry season, so it is imperative for PHOTO PROVIDED farmers to get their crop in the ground during the wet season with adequate time for the crop to take root.” elephant orphanage and saw a number because they knew of people “Water is such a rare resource that of other animals. who were in worse situations,” Homan the people there collect rain during the Even though the children lived in said. wet season from their roofs, to hopeprimitive conditions, Homan was surLooking back,Homan is glad he took fully last them through the dry season. prised by their positive attitude. “The the trip to Africa. He said it “was the At the end of one of our visits, we asked students I met in Africa were so full of tipping point for me to stop settling for the students how we could help them in life - happy, content and generous ‘what is’ and start creating ‘what could the future. Some asked us to come back even though they had nothing by our be’.” to provide additional training, but the standards. Some of them were sleeping He hopes one day to return and conone response I will never forget came in crammed huts made of dried cow tinue teaching students the concepts from a young, desperate boy:. ‘Can you dung and sticks. Many of them walked that will help them become successful please bring us rain?’” miles home after a 10-hour school day farmers and successful people.

Interestingly, the country is also to put in another four to six hours on Homan may be contacted at home to a lot of British-owned greenthe family’s farm. Yet, many of them dustin.homan@gmail.com. houses producing flowers for the rest of told me they had been blessed by God Kathy Leese writes for the the world.

Sidney Daily Homan found that the African students were anxious to learn about agriculture.He noted the students view going to school as a privilege. He said African students will skip sleep and “walk miles each day, get to school early and stay late….to soak up any extra tidbits of information, which they then take home and apply. By doing this, the students are educating their parents, many of whom did not attend school, and helping to spread new agricultural technologies and practices.”

Homan said Africa does have some agricultural advantages over the United States. “I developed an addiction to avocados and mangoes while in Kenya because of their abundant availability and fresh, juicy taste.

Kenya has an advantage over the United States in fruits and vegetables because of its tropical climate.”

A GIRAFFE gets While focused on agroforestry, up close and Homan said, they had an opportunity perosnal with to provide “strategic insight” for the Dustin Homan.

Healthy Learning Programme’s future direction, looking specifically at PHOTO PROVIDED “how the program can fund additional agricultural projects to help benefit the schools, such as anaerobic digesters to provide gas for cooking.” The students already benefit from the program’s health and sanitation programs such as gardening and hand washing stations.

“Kenyan farmers really aren’t that different from Ohio farmers,” Homan '08 Caterpillar Challenger MT545B, 120 HP, '03 NH TN65, 2-WD, ROPS, 2 Hyd. Outlets '03 NH TN75SA w/Loader, 62 HP, FWA, stated. “Both are entrepreneurial and FWA, CTV Trans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$89,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,500 SuperSteer, ROPS, 2 Remotes . . . . . . .$29,500 business minded, both are trying to provide for their families and….feed the world, both trust their livelihoods to unpredictable weather and both know resources are limited and that you must put back into the land what '10 Kubota BX2660, 4-WD, 26 HP, LA243 Front '08 NH CR9080 Rotor Combine, Long Auger, '10 NH CR9060 Rotor Combine, Clean Grain you reap from it. The biggest blessing Loader, 60" Mid-Mower. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,900 Bin Ext. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$210,000 Syst./Disc Auger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250,000 for us, though, is the dissemination of TRACTORS COMBINES AGED TRACTORS '06 JD 5525, 2-WD, Cab, Util. $32,500 '07 NH CR9070 . . . . . . . . $210,000 '77 IH 886. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,500 '70 Ford 4000SU . . . . . . . . . $5,500 research and knowledge, particularly '97 JD 6300, 2-WD, Loader $28,000 '08 NH CR9060 . . . . . . . . $260,000 '77 IH 1086 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,500 Ford 5000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,995 '05 NH TM190 . . . . . . . . . . $81,900 '05 NH CR960 . . . . . . . . . .$165,000 '73 IH 1066 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 '47 Ford 8N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,950 through our extension service, which '04 JD 2210 HST Sub Comp. $10,000 '03 NH CR920 . . . . . . . . . . .$97,000 '77 IH 186 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,000 '54 Ford Jubilee . . . . . . . . . . $3,250 '67 IH 656 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,000 Kenya does not have.”

'00 NH TC35D4, 4-WD, 16LA Ldr. $13,500 '98-'99 JD 9510 . .$58,000-$80,000 '97 JD 9600 . . . . . . . . . . . . $55,000 '69 Ford 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . $3,900 '78 IH 574 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,500 COMBINES '05 JD 9560STS. . . . . . . . .$135,000 '67 Ford 3000. . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,750 '56 AC CA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 Homan said tractors are a rare thing '11 NH CR9070. . . . . . . . . $290,000 '02 JD 9650STS. . . . . . . . . $79,500 Ford 3000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,950 White 2-110. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,000 in Africa. “Only the large farms, which 10120 W. Versailles Rd. 3827 St. Rt. 27 are mainly owned by the British expaCovington, OH 45318 W. College Corner, IN triates, have tractors. The few tractors 937-526-4851 47003 we did see were quite old and used.

800-860-4851 765-732-3081 Most labor is done either by hand or AppleFarmService.com with animals.”

Special Financing Through 3/31/13! SELECT USED CASE IH TRACTORS - 0% For 24 Months - SELECT USED CASE IH COMBINES - 0.9% For 36 Months Homan got to experience the food grown by Africans. “Kenyans eat a lot of roasted meat, which they call nyoma choma, usually served with steamed kale and a cornmeal mush. I became very fond of nyoma choma, especially '11 Case IH Farmall 85C . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,500 '10 Case IH 8120, Lux. Cab, Power Adj. Mirrors, '10 Case IH 6088 Axial Flow, Long Auger, the goat meat. I also ate a lot of fresh High Def. Lighting, HD Planetary w/Diff. Lock, Terrain Trace, Yield Monitor, Bin Ext., AutoGuide Power Adj. Steer Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$310,000 Ready, Pro 600, Lat. Tilt, 2 Spd.. . . . . .$230,000 fruits and vegetables, with my favorites being mangoes and avocados. I had an avocado tree growing next to my first home. My most memorable meal….was at The Carnivore, which is appropriately named. We filled ourselves up with different kinds of meat, including '10 Case IH Magnum 210 CVT Creeper, Mid'11 Case IH 7120 Spec. AFX Rotor, Lux. Cab, '11 Case IH 435 Steiger, 4-WD, Tier III Eng., lamb, crocodile, camel and ostrich.”

Range, Guide Ready, Luxury Cab, 4 Remotes, 360 Light Pkg., RT, Lat. Tilt, AM/FM/WB Radio, Guide Ready, Luxury Cab, True Ground Spd., Cold 540/1000 PTO, Power Beyond . . . . . . . $149,600 Chop., Pro 600 Mon., AutoGuide Rdy .$230,000 Weather Start, 4 Rems., 1000L PTO . .$259,500 Homan also encountered wildlife COMBINES TRACTORS '01-'04 Case IH 2388 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,000-$135,000 '12 Case IH Magnum 190, FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175,000 during his visit, including some that '07 Case IH 2777 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $155,000 '12 Case IH Steiger 350, 4-WD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $255,000 '07-'08 Case IH 2588. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $170,000-$190,000 '12 Case IH Magnum 315, FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $238,000 visited during meetings at the ICRAF '09 Case IH 6088 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $218,000 '10 Case IH Magnum 225, CVT, FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $169,500 '07-'08 Case IH 7010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $190,000-$220,000 '12 Case IH Magnum 235, FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $185,000 offices. They visited a giraffe sanctuary, '09 Case IH 8120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $270,000 '03 Case IH Magnum 140, FWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000

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OSU grad

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 4

Spring Fling Events scheduled by Clark County Extension, Master Gardeners

BY LOLA E. BILLIEL SPRINGFIELD - While garden enthusiasts patiently wait for spring to arrive, plans are under way for horticultural events and activities in Clark County.

Master Gardeners of Clark County and Ohio State University Extension offer area residents an extensive all-day program, 2013 Garden Fling, April 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fifth annual Spring Fling has as keynote speaker Kathy Smith, who is Ohio State University Extension specialist in forestry. Smith will speak on “Invasive Plants in Clark County,” such as honeysuckle, and what to do to get them under control.

Linda Asebrook of the Clark County Master Gardeners said other programs for Garden Fling include: *Ask the experts where you can get your garden questions answered * Backyard greenhouses and how to build and maintain your own greenhouse * Container planting shows how to plant your outdoor container the proper way * The birds and bees explores how to attract the birds and bees to your yard * From seed to plant educates one in starting their own plants at home * Tree selections helps you choose the correct trees for your yard * Lawn grasses explores what is new in grasses for your yard * Perennials/succulents shares new perennials and succulents available on the market and lastly *tree planting for success instructing on how to plant trees correctly.

Participants will also have the opportunity to browse the garden bazaar to purchase garden-related items. Jo Brown, OSU Office Associate, said the event has wonderful programs each year and the classes are always very informative. Lunch will be available.

For those wishing to attend, the admission price is $7 and will take place at Kenton Ridge High School, 4444 Middle Urbana Road, Springfield. Additional information can be attained by calling 937-521-3860 or e-mail clark.osu.edu.

The horticulture program in Clark County is staffed by Pam Bennet, Horticulture

Educator/County Extension Director. Not only does the extension office sponsor the Spring Fling, but it also has the Gateway Learning Gardens, which are cultivated by the Master Gardeners. The gardens are used for hands-on teaching and are open to the public.

Included are an herb garden surrounded by sensory gardens and a butterfly/hummingbird garden. The perennial garden features the latest variety of perennials. An Early Ohio Settlers Garden contains many of the plants that would have been planted in the early Ohio settlements. Many of the PHOTOS PROVIDED plants there are from heirloom seeds that go back many years.

Also a part of the Gateway Learning Gardens is a Victory Garden, which, according to the horticulture/extension department, is a 10,000square-foot garden planted and maintained by Master Gardener volunteers and the SEEDS community garden project. Volunteers plant and maintain vegetables to be harvested for local food banks. Corporate partners include Benjamin Steel and Gordon Food Service.

Another garden is the annual field trials where one can see the newest variety of annuals being tested in conjunction with the Ball and Winners seed companies.

Program Assistant Carolyn Allen sums it up by noting ” the Spring Fling gives gardeners a chance to jump-start spring and it’s a good way to start spring”.

For more information on either the Spring Fling, the Gateway Learning Gardens or the Master Gard-

THESE PHOTOS show part of the Gateway Learning Gardens at the OSU Extension grounds, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Springfield.

The gardens are used for hands-on teaching and are open to the public.

ner program, call 937-521-3860.

March 20 is the first day of spring and, for gardenthinking individuals, it’s just around the corner. This is a time when thoughts of blooming bushes. trees, and flowers fill the minds of would-be gardeners throughout west-central Ohio.

Lola Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News.

Ohio Outdoors To add an event to this calendar, contact Rachel Lloyd at rlloyd@civitasmedia.com.

certification training via teleconference. Participants will need a phone line and the capability to download the PQA Plus presentation to a computer. Contact Dale Ricker at (419) -523-6294 or email ricker.37@osu.edu for registration information. Registration deadline is March 12 at noon. More information on the PQA Tele■ March 5-6: Conservation Tillage Conference ■ March 13: Farm to School Conference, Nationwide conference can be found on the Ohio Pork Information (CTC), McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University, & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Columbus, 8 a.m. to website at http://porkinfo.osu.edu/.

Ada, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For Certified Crop Advisers, farm5 p.m. ers, ag industry and anyone with an interest in crop ■ March 14: Livestock Mortality Composting certifiproduction. For information, contact Randall Reeder, cation, Hillsboro United Producers, 5 p.m. To register ■ March 14: Ohio Commercial Berry Production (614) 292-6648. for the United Producers location in Hillsboro call Tony School, OSU South Centers’ Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. A daylong Nye at (937) 382-0901.

■ • March 6: Ohio Woodland Water & Wildlife Conworkshop on how to grow blueberries, blackberries and ference, Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. 4th St., ■ March 20: Animals for Life Summit, NorthPointe raspberries, and strawberries for profit. Hands-on Mansfield, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual conference pruning demonstration of blueberries and wine grapes, Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows Drive South, is an opportunity for Ohio’s natural resource profesLewis Center. Dr. Temple Grandin, will headline the also. The registration fee is $20 per person and insionals and land managers to get up to date informacludes the program, handouts, lunch and refreshments. first-ever Animals for Life Summit. Grandin, a profestion on natural resource issues. Contact your Farm sor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, is Visit Bureau for information. http://ofbf.org/uploads/berry_production_school_agenda a specialist in livestock handling and animal facility design. Online registration is available at .2013_.pdf for more information.

■ March 7: Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium, http://aflsummit.eventbrite.com/.

ONU, Ada. Research and practical insights into using ■ March 14: Pork Quality Assurance Plus Certificagypsum. Cost is $20 at the door or $15 in advance. Regtion Teleconference, 7 p.m. Ohio State University ister by calling (563) 320-2247 or ww.gypsoil.com/symSwine Extension will be conducting Adult PQA Plus posium.

MARCH

■ March 8-9: Southwest Ohio Small Farm conference and Trade Show, Wilmington College, Wilmington.

For more information visit clinton.osu.edu and click the Small Farm Conference link.

Spring poultry, egg show set youth for county fair livestock interviews, judging to demonstrate how the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection is interpreted by judges and tips for showmanship.

The fairgrounds is located at 1001 Fairview Drive, Wapakoneta.

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WAPAKONETA - The West Central Ohio Poultry Club's 2013 Spring Poultry & Egg Show will be held March 9-10 at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds with more than $1,000 in cash prizes. Featured will be both open and junior shows, a Maran show and what is reportedly Ohio's largest egg show.

Showmanship contests, a silent auction, raffles, a sale row and vendors and food will be included.

All standard and recognized non-standard varieties of large fowl, bantams, turkeys and waterfowl will be entered in competition.

Hours on Saturday, March 9, will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, March 10, the show will open at 8 a.m.

Several state specialty meetings will take place at the show, including the Exhibition Turkey Fanciers, Serama Breeders and the American Buckeye Poultry Club.

Other state meets will be held for the following breeds: Brahma, Buckeye, Call Ducks, Cornish, Langshan and Modern Game. National meets will be held for Leghorns (other than Brown Leghorns).

The egg show includes categories for standard and bantam eggs, Maran eggs and decorated eggs, with divisions for both youth and adults.

The club's goal is to help people in west-central Ohio learn about poultry, the care of poultry and the raising and showing of poultry in a fun environment. There are learning activities and clinics for 4-H and FFA, also open to the public. They include skillathons to prepare

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 5

West central candidates sweep Ohio Fairs Queen competition

BY SUSAN HARTLEY Three young ladies from the West Central Ohio ACRES reading area will be busy this summer — not only preparing for their own county fairs, but also visiting fairs across Ohio.

Sara Wilker of St. Marys, Mikayla Bodey of St. Paris and Katelyn Seger of Minster were selected to serve on the Ohio Fair Queens court during the Jan. 3-6 Ohio Fair Managers Association 2013 convention, held at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus. Part of their duties include not only visiting the Ohio State Fair July 24-Aug. 4, but also visiting and assisting with programs at Ohio’s county fairs.

Sixty-six girls from across the state met to compete for the title of Ohio Fairs Queen. Five were chosen to serve on the court. The other two girls named to the court are Maggie Battista of Portage County and Erin Van Gorden of Union County.

To be eligible to compete in the queen’s pageant, a young woman must first be selected queen of her own county fair. Wilkeer had represented Auglaize County, Bodey was the Champaign County Fair Queen and Seger from Shelby County.

Wilker, 18, a freshman at the University of Dayton, was chosen 2013 Ohio Fairs Queen.

A member of the 4-H Buckeye Beavers 4-H Club, Wilker graduated in 2012 from St. Marys Memorial High School.

Wilker, the daughter of Gene and Cindy Wilker, said she didn’t really expect to make it through the first round of judges, so when her name was called for the Top 16, she and her family had to change their plans. “It was a crazy moment. Everything went so fast, I really wasn’t expecting it,” Wilker said. “I had to go back home to get more clothes.”

Wilker said the judging experience for the Ohio Fairs Association pageant is similar to national pageant. On Thursday of the convention, each contestant was first interviewed individually by two judges, then made a stage appearance in formal wear and introduced themselves to those who came to watch the pageant, including family members and those attending the convention.

If chosen for the Top 16, each girl then answered a question in front of the crowd.

Wilker’s question was “If you could be anyone in the world, who would it be and why?”

“I said the president, not necessarily because of the decisions he has to make, but because everyone listens to what he has to say. I could promote the 4-H program,”Wilker said. Following the ques- PHOTO PROVIDED tions and stage appearance, the Top 5 were selected — but specific places weren’t named until the next day.

“We then went to a different room and had a 10minute interview with all eight judges,” Wilker said.

“Each judge has a question, similar to the first interview.”

The Top 5 spent Friday attending a luncheon with fair officials and other convention activities. On Saturday morning, the pageant finals were held. again dressed in formal wear and making an appearance on stage. It was at this portion of the convention thatWilker learned she was the 2013 Ohio Fairs Queen.

The oldest of four girls, Wilker said her sisters — Abby, 16, Kelly, 13, and Laura, 12 — are all active in 4-H and plan on trying out for the county queen pageant, which will hopefully lead up to the Ohio Fairs Queen pageant and more trips to Columbus for her family in the future.

Calling herself “a farm girl,” first runner-up FIRST RUNNER-UP Mikayla Bodey, of Mikayla Bodey also said “I’m not a pageant girl by Champaign County. any means. Walking across that stage wasn’t my kind of thing.”

Bodey, 17, a senior at Graham High School in St. said.

Paris, and daughter of Roger Bodey, is a 10-year Following graduation, Bodey said she plans to atmember of the Mad River Haymunchers 4-H Club tend The Ohio State University Mansfield campus to and the 2012 Champaign County Fair Queen. She’s major in community leadership and political science. taken clothing and nutrition projects, along with “I hope to attend law school and become an agriculequine and swine, to the county fair and is very intural lobbyist.”

Her plans for law school include atvolved in other 4-H programs, including the 2012 Natending the University of Tennessee or Georgetown tional 4-H Congress Design Team — one of the only University. eight 4-H members in the United States to serve on As fourth runner-up on the Ohio Fairs Queen the team. court, Katelyn Seger of Minster, is a 10-year member “I went to the National 4-H Congress in 2011 and of the 4-H Innovators Club and a senior at Ft. Loafter I was a delegate, applied for the design team. ramie High School. Her 4-H projects have included The Congress is held Thanksgiving weekend. I am livestock and sewing. She’s shown market hogs all 10 serving a one-year term, and helping plan the 2013 years of 4-H and last year earned reserve grand National 4-H Congress, which is the largest gatherchampion with her dairy feeder calf. ing of 4-Hers in the world.” Bodey also is a state and Seger was crowned the 2012 Shelby County Fair county 4-H Ambassador and is an alumni of the Ohio Queen last summer and said she was “excited to rep4-H Fashion Board. She’s president of the Chamresent Shelby County” during the Ohio Fairs Queen paign County Food and Fashion Board, a program pageant and convention in January. chair of the Champaign County Junior Fair Board, The pageant, she said, was “kind of a whirlwind. It and serves as a 4-H camp counselor. Although she’s was definitely overwhelming, but exciting. I was cele“not a pageant girl,” Bodey said she knew it was a rebrating my 18th birthday in Columbus.”Seger is one quirement as the Champaign County Fair Queen of seven children in her family — four older siblings that she apply for the Ohio Fairs Queen. “I would have done it anyway, even if it wasn’t a requirement. and two younger — all of which are involved in the county’s 4-H program.

I’ve always wanted to do it. Being named to the Top Seger, the daughter of Ken and Janice Seger, said 16 was always on my bucket list,” she said. “They she plans to double major in speech pathology and called my name for Top 5 and I was in shock, but I special education at either Bowling Green State Uniwas ready.” Bodey said she really didn’t feel intimiversity or Ball State University. She also said she’s dated at the convention. “Oh my goodness, at first it really looking forward to this coming summer, as she was quite a relief because I found out I knew a lot of will be traveling across the state to visit with other the girls there from our state 4-H activities,” she

2013 OHIO FAIRS Queen Sara Wilker, of Auglaize County.

FOURTH RUNNER-UP Katelyn Seger, of Shelby County.

county fairs. “It’s definitely going to be exciting to see how other county fairs are run,” she said.

Seger works at Emmy’s Bridal in Minster and also will spend a portion of her summer helping plan for the 2013 Shelby County Fair and queen’s contest.

According to Theresa Call, administrative assistant at the Ohio Fairs Association office, the five girls on the queen’s court are permitted to set their own schedule as far as which county fairs they elect to visit. Some of the fair boards have already called some of the girls to ask them to attend.

Call said the Ohio Fairs Queen pageant judges include people who are currently serving on county fair boards and others who have served as judges for other pageants.

“They are looking for someone who represents the fairs in Ohio, someone who would do a good job, not afraid to get their hands dirty, someone who is personable.”

The judges, Call said, are “always blown away that we’ve had such amazing representation from the fairs over the years. At the convention, many of them do have that deer in the headlights look, but by the end of fair season they’ve grown into such wonderful young ladies with confidence, so sure of themselves.”

Susan Hartley is executive editor of the Piqua Daily Call.

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 6

Miami County meat market has served generations Traditional meats augmented by exotic buffalo and ostrich

BY WILL SANDERS

CLAY CAVEN of Fletcher checks out sides of beef at the family’s business in Conover.

steps and the two brothers help run the meat market to this day, along with Vic’s son, Clay, and several other family members, including Vic’s wife, Becky.

“We all ended up back here,” Vic said, laughing. “Nobody has had enough sense to get out of the business.”

While it was the case a quarter-cen-

CONOVER - A multi-generation meat market in this small village in Miami County has served countless palettes since it began back in 1933, and remains as vibrant today as ever.

Caven’s Meat Market, a fourth-generation operation located at 7850 E. State Route 36, dates back to 1933 when Clay Caven was a livestock dealer. Two years later, the Conover Livestock Exchange was formed, recognized as one of the first such markets in Ohio.

Three years later what is known today as VIC CAVEN, third-gene rat Caven’s became Conover, talks about the ion owner of Caven’s Meats in history of the family-ow Caven’s Stockned and operated business as his son, Clay, namesa yards, and in ke of company founder, loo ks on.

1945 it became Caven and PDC Photo/MIKE ULL ERY Rhodes, evolving ultimately to Caven and Son Packing Co. However, tragedy struck the family tury ago, Caven’s no longer raises its business in 1974 when fire destroyed own meat. When they did, Black Angus the market; a new facility was then beef was among what they raised, built at its present location in 1976. butchered and sold.

“From then on we have been here,” However, the meat market, which said third-generation business operator employs nine full-time butchers, Vic Caven, noting the date was the processes a variety of meats for many birthday of his father, Howard, who of its customers, from the more tradiworked the business with his wife, tional cattle and hogs to the less tradiHelen, before they retired years ago. tional ostrich and buffalo.

Vic also said the lasting success of

SDN Photo/TODD ACK

ER

“We do just about everything,” Vic said, adding the company has been making foot-long hotdogs for George’s Dairy Bar in Piqua for more than 40 years. It also serves other well-known, area establishments, such as the

“The thing about a successful family business is, when you walk out of here, leave it here. A lot of times that doesn’t always work because my wife is the secretary,” Vic said. “But we take on all problems together. You have to be able to walk out of here and leave it here.

Whatever problem you had when you left will be here in the morning.”

CAVEN’S MEATS at its present location.

SDN Photo/TODD ACK ER

Upper Valley Medical Center, Dunaway’s restaurant in Troy and Buffalo Jack’s restaurant in Covington.

Vic and his son, Clay, said they enjoy working with one another and the father and son duo also hunt and fish together. Each said they learned a long time ago to leave work at work.

At a business that’s been passed down for generations, it’s not a surprise to learn that many loyal customers are third- or fourth-generation customers themselves.

“We have so many loyal customers,” Vic said. “We appreciate the fact they keep coming back and hopefully they will keep coming back.”

Will Sanders writes for the Piqua Daily Call.

OKEY BROCK TH ing of Troy mak e rg hambu r.

SDN Photo/TODD ACK

ER

the business stems from how dedicated his family has been over the generations.

“It’s been perpetuated. My grandfather started it and when my father got back from the service he started hauling livestock and got into the meat business,” Vic said. “And we also farmed, but we have gotten out of the farming industry now because this is a full-time job.”

Vic said he joined the business after attending the University of Kentucky and obtaining a degree in animal science and later a master’s degree in meat science. Like Vic, brother Dean also soon followed in his father’s foot-

And all meat is fresh and processed or prepared any number of ways.

“It’s absolutely fresh — it’s killed every week,” Vic said. “You name it and if I haven’t done it, it probably hasn’t been done.”

Caven’s purchases and butchers cattle and hogs from local farmers every week and can prepare meat any number of ways, from smoking it to making sausage and even preparing a hog for a pig roast.

Also, Caven’s makes seasonal jerky, specialty sausages, processes meat for farmers and hunters and makes its own wieners, franks, bologna and dried beef.

CHRIS ADKINS of Urbana stocking the meat case.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 7

If we grow it, will they come?

Family pursues vision of sustainable agriculture a

EDITOR’S NOTE - The following was written by a resident of Russia in Shelby County and is one of several essays by Ohio women farmers posted on the Women Farm website, www.womenfarm.com. It is reprinted here with permission.

BY KATHRYN (MONNIN) BENSMAN RUSSIA - After obtaining an associates degree and moving away to take some college courses in wilderness horsemanship, I decided to return to my hometown in southwest central Ohio. For a few years I worked in veterinarian clinic. It is back home where I began developing ideas and determination to keep a 15-acre farm in our family (acreage my father inherited from his parent’s original 80-acre dairy farm), and started to blend my dreams with those of my older sister and father and to involve my younger brother.

I grew up on the food my parents grew in our family’s large vegetable gardens. We also raised rabbits and chickens and grew herbs and flowers.

Most of my grandmother’s acreage was leased to area farmers for conventionally-grown crops.

If my siblings and I were to start a commercial farm, I knew I would have to expand my skills and gain experience so I worked full-time for one year at a nearby organic produce farm that supplied a restaurant owned by the farm’s corporation. I was both a farm laborer and supervisor of other field workers.

In 2011 I attended the Mother Earth News Fair and continued purposeful learning in 2012. I took Ohio State University’s Master Gardener classes and attended its Small Farm Conference in Wilmington. I went to the annual statewide conference of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA). I plan to again attend the Mother Earth News Fair in Pennsylvania. I read Mother Earth News and do web searches.

Also in 2012 my siblings and I began growing for market, selling at the Third Street Market in Greenville and intending also to set up a roadside farm stand. We use organic production methods and offer produce that includes heirloom and specialty varieties.

We all work full-time off farm. My sister works at a plant nursery and in addition to laboring on our farm, is skilled in marketing and knowledgeable of the marketability of plant varieties. My brother works two jobs (one on an organic farm) and helps with marketing and technology for our farm.

I recently changed jobs, now working in

KATHRYN (MONNIN) BENSMAN PHOTO PROVIDED

factory and on our farm. Among other farm work, I also build relationships and network to develop our farm’s customer base.

Our vision for the farm’s sustainability is still in development. Our main focus is to grow wholesome, locallygrown food for local customers - produce and eggs. We may add educational agri-tourism as a business strategy. We define our tri-county market as Darke, Shelby and Auglaize, areas where many farm families reside and grow field crops conventionally. Local residents do express interest in organically grown, locally produced food but we have to learn more about the strength of that consumer demand.

Like many farmers our challenges are many.

■ Time. As we all work full-time and have family responsibilities (my sister has a new baby, the first of the next generation!), the farm must remain a secondary commitment regardless of how central it is in our hearts.

■ Money. To have the farm, we must

Salute to youth Bennett to talk farm safety

all be working off-farm to sustain our start-up and first few years. Weather.

2012 was a difficult year to start farming, full of extreme weather. A real lesson in the risks inherent in farming!

We use rowcovers but need to add hoop houses.

back to money as a limiting factor.)

■ Consumers. We need to do our market research and development. It is essential that we understand what local consumers are willing to buy and at what price, and how important organic certification is to them.

Despite these challenges, I know that I have always wanted to farm and grow food. I love working in the soil, learning about different production methods and by trial and error. Not only do I want my husband and me to eat high quality food that contributes to our health and happiness, I want to share this resource. Further, I want to help inform, train, and inspire other young people who aspire to farm.

Prospective and current customers of Humble Roots Farm, I invite you to ask me questions, express your preferences, let me know what excites you about the emerging plans for our farm, and tell others about us. Advocates for beginning farmers, I ask you to also tell others about Humble Roots Farm in Ohio’s Shelby County Village of Russia, and to give me referrals to resource people I should consider.

Other beginning farmers I advise you to do things that are uncomfortable, even a bit frightening, and don’t avoid such farm tasks. For me that is public speaking. When asked to speak at my local school, I decided to talk about insects to help me be more comfortable. This proved to be a good opportunity to meet local people who are interested in our farm.

When asked to write my story for Women Farm, I suggested, rather, that I be interviewed and then I agreed to a sequel story in 2015, regardless of how my story unfolds. Stay tuned!

Kathryn Bensman may be contacted at katiebensman@yahoo.com

■ Soil.

Ours needs improvement through cover cropping, composting, and manure.

Water. We have one well, a cistern under the old farmhouse, and have begun to collect rainwater. Our irrigation system must get developed.

(All these improvements point us

HOUSTON - Farm Safety For Just Kids has hired Meghan Bennett, of Houston, in Shelby County, as the 2013 Cargill outreach coordinator for Ohio.

Bennett will travel the state conducting farm safety presentations through December.

The daughter of Jim and Melissa Bennett, she is a 2012 graduate of Lehman Catholic High School, Sidney.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to share agriculture and safety to kids across Ohio,” said Bennett. “Who knows, it just might make someone think twice next time they’re faced with a dangerous situation.”

Bennett is a freshman at the Ohio State University, where her major is agricultural communications. She participates in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Saddle and Sirloin, Collegiate Young Farmers, and is a member of the Sigma Alpha Sorority.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 8

It’s not Easter dinner without a lamb cake For Lucille Berning of Minister, Auglaize County, the Easter season isn’t complete without a lamb cake. She estimates she has made 100 of them over the years, using a Wagner Ware cast iron mold her mother bought from the Sidney manufacturer more than 60 years ago.

The 86-year-old Berning and the late Raymond Berning had two sons and a daughter. She now also has eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

At one time Berning worked at the former Box Factory in Minster, at Copeland Corp. in Sidney and for a short time at the local bowling alley. She also worked at Coppess Bakery in Minster and ultimately retired from Wagner’s Supermarket in Minster at age 73.

Berning’s mother had a home bakery in the village and the kids sold and delivered the goods in a little wagon they pulled around town. Every Sunday Berning’s mother made a “hot milk” cake for the family, sometimes topping it with caramel or butternut frosting.

Berning herself always baked for the family, usually cakes and pies. Lard was used in her recipes, especially when frying chicken. During a recent visit, a nephew, Rich Bauchman, volunteered that “food was always good when cooked by Aunt Lucille.”

Despite holding down a job and raising three children, Berning found time to can produce from their garden. She even raised their own sugar cane, which they had processed at a local plant to be used in baking.

Berning also found time to sew for her daughter and to crochet afghans, sweaters and baby sets.

Even to this day, she crochets sweaters and at the time of her interview at Heritage Manor, where she now resides, she was wearing a pink sweater she had made. She was in the process of crocheting another sweater for her roommate and this past Christmas crocheted more than 100 snowflakes to give to people at Heritage Manor.

Berning said the iron lamb cake mold was passed down to her and has since been given to her son. She made the cakes for baptisms, first communions, graduations, as teacher gifts, and always for Easter Sunday. At Easter she would frost and decorate the cake and display it on a stand for all to enjoy.

She always used the spice cake recipe that came with the mold from Wagner Ware and notes “everyone liked it.” Using the mold is quite a process, she said, but is obviously one she mastered over the years. The cake recipe follows.

LAMB SPICE CAKE 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup butter 2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon baking soda a little salt 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg 2 1/2 cups flour 1 cup nuts, chopped 1 cup raisins 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 wooden skewer and and two toothpicks Coconut for frosting and

candied cherry Cream sugar, butter, and eggs. Add milk, soda, flour, salt and spices. Mix well without beating. Fill face and ears of mold. (They must not have nuts or raisins in them.) Add the nuts and raisins chopped fine and floured, and the baking powder. Fill pan level, place toothpick in each ear and the skewer in the neck for support. Fit upper pan on and bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for one hour or more until the upper pan comes off easily. Let cool in lower pan.

ICING 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2/3 cup water Whites of two eggs Boil sugar and water until it threads. Beat egg whites of two eggs stiff, pour syrup over eggs, and beat until cool. Ice cake all over and then throw on the coconut. Use raisins for eyes and pieces of candied cherry for the mouth and nose.

Berning added that she ties a ribbon around the lamb’s neck and sometimes a bell. She also noted that canned seven-minute icing (fluffy white) works quite well if you don’t want to make a boiled icing.

————

Wagner molds still used to signify ‘Lamb of God’ Wagner Cast Ware of Sidney, in Shelby County, was once a thriving business that produced many different iron and aluminum household products, including various molds. The lamb cake mold referred to in the accompanying article was made in the 1930s.

Many Wagner products carried the name “Wagner Ware” on the bottom, along with “Sidney, Ohio.”

While the company has gone out of business now, Wagner frying pans, pots, molds and numerous other items may be found at antique shops, auctions and flea markets. Many people collect Wager Ware.

A competitor, the Griswold Company of Erie, Pa., also created molds, including those for lamb cakes. Their items may also be found at shops and markets. Both Wagner and Griswold products are frequently sold on the Internet. Various cake recipes for molds are also posted there.

The Easter lamb cake had its beginnings as a traditional Eastern European dessert, brought to this country by Polish. Czech and Hungarian immigrants.

The custom of making the lamb cake began more than 100 years ago. Typically the cake is in the shape of a lamb lying in repose, which symbolizes the Lamb of God, another name for Jesus Christ. Symbolically, the lamb stands as a saving sacrifice: “Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.”

In the Christian belief, Jesus was sacrificed to save humanity and is called the “Lamb of God.” During the Middle Ages people would sacrifice lambs during the Easter vigil. Nowadays, the tradition takes the form of cakes made in the shape of a lamb.

LUCILLE BERNING of Minster displays the lamb cake she makes at Easter using a cast iron mold. She estimates she has made about 100 of them in her lifetime.

PHOTO PROVIDED

strawberry cream cheese 1 7-ounce jar marshmallow cream 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line a greased 10 x 15 inch baking sheet with wax paper and grease paper.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon colored.

Beat in vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

In a small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Gradually beat in remaining sugar (1/2 cup) about 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into batter; fold in remaining whites.

CAROLYN HENNIGAN Gently spoon into prepared pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool County, enjoys country life for 5 minutes. Turn cake ASPARAGUS Preparation time: 15 and trying new recipes on onto a towel dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Gently minutes. Roast time 12-15 friends and family. Here, peel off wax paper. Roll up minutes in 375 degree she offers a recipe for a cake in the towel, starting fresh strawberry and oven.

Spring and Easter are with a short side. Cool marshmallow cake roll 5 tablespoons olive oil tied together and what is that is ideal for the Easter completely on a wire rack.

2-3 pounds asparagus more ideal for the holiday In a small bowl, beat the holiday. cloves garlic, thinly 2 dinner than asparagus? cream cheese and marshHolscher and husband sliced Carolyn Hennigan of salt and pepper to taste* Marvin have two sons. She mallow cream. Unroll cake; Springfield, Clark County, spread cream cheese mixalso has two daughters cheese parmesan has the perfect dish to ac*I use white pepper and from a former marriage as ture to within 1/2 inch of company the big holiday the edges. Top with 2 1/2 well as a granddaughter. sea salt meal.

Holscher owns Hair Ex- cups strawberries. Roll up Wash asparagus and Hennigan has five mar- break off woody bases. pression in Sidney and her again. Roll up again. Place ried sons, 10 grandchildren Place prepared asparagus husband owns M & T seam side down. Refrigerand a month-old greatate 2 hours. Garnish with Mowers in Hardin. She on a cookie sheet baking grandchild and loves to rest of strawberries. has been a beautician for pan. Sprinkle with garlic, cook for her family. She ———— 28 years. olive oil, salt and pepper. has been cooking since she Roast asparagus, turning The Holschers put out two gardens and she either was very young and has once or twice with tongs cans or freezes the produce attended several cooking until tender. Transfer to they raise. They also raise schools, the most recent in serving plate. chickens for eggs and New Orleans where she Note: Can make vinaigrette with orange juice, 2 meat. They recently learned to cook Cajunhatched some Golden tablespoons olive oil, and style.

Comet baby chicks with Hennigan was a food ed- salt and pepper. Drizzle their incubator. over roasted asparagus. itor for the Springfield The Holschers have two Makes about six servNews and Sun for several alpacas, with a cria (baby) years, something she loved. ings. Garnish with orange due to arrive in May. She rind or zest.

She has also done catereither sells the fiber or ———— ing and still does it occaspins it. The couple have sionally, especially for planted apple trees, bluefriends and for the bank berry bushes, blackberries where she currently works. and a patch of strawber“Entertaining is what I SHARON LUTTRELL ries. like the most - dinner parHolscher loves to cook ties and theme parties. I and bake goods from the love to go all out with the produce they grow. While on the job, he enjoys talktheme”. ing to clients at the beauty She added that a friend shop, and says she learns lives on a large farm and much from them. together they used to do Here she shares her “steam engine parties,” fixcake roll recipe, which is a ing large kettles of soups, For Sharon Luttrell of tasty welcome to both donuts and even caramel St. Paris, Champaign Easter and spring! corn. She said they cooked County, Easter is a great TERESA HOLSCHER STRAWBERRY all day long and that the time for caramel pecan MALLOW CAKE ROLL stream engine even cooked rolls.

4 eggs, separated corn on the cob. “We both Luttrell grew up on a 2/3 cup all-purpose flour enjoyed it very much,” she 1 teaspoon baking pownotes. der Hennigan always has 1/2 teaspoon salt Easter dinner at her house, 3/4 cup sugar, divided complete with an egg hunt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla exand Easter baskets for the Teresa Holscher of the tract kids. She does all the cook- Newport area, Shelby 2 8-ounce spreadable ing, from the ham to the desserts.

Hennigan’s asparagus recipe, which is a family favorite that takes very little time to create, follows.

ROASTED

Roasted asparagus ideal for Easter fare

Caramel pecan rolls great for the holiday

Strawberry cake roll means spring, Easter

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dairy farm in Miami County and loves to cook and bake. She works for Lyons Catering in her spare time.

Luttrell, who is single, is the youngest of five. She Luttrell worked at Hobart Brothers in Troy for 20 years and for the past 17 years she has been a medical massage therapist.

She has been also been involved in church activities most of her life.

Luttrell has a favorite recipe that is an ideal way to start off Easter morning.

She got the recipe from her sister, who got it from a woman she worked with in the mid 1970s. That person often brought the baked goods to work for special occasions because they were easy to make and delicious. Luttrell said she has done the same, often sharing them with neighbors and clients during the holidays. At times she has made them for the catering service for bridal shower brunches.

Luttrell said dough for the rolls can be made and refrigerated ahead of time.

“They are easy to make,” she said. “I hope people will try them and enjoy them”.

CARAMEL PECAN ROLLS 1 package yeast 1 cup warm water 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 egg 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour 1/3 cup melted butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons Karo 2/3 cup chopped pecans butter, sugar, and cinnamon Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in 1/4 cup sugar, salt, butter, egg, and 2 cups flour. Mix until smooth.

Work in rest of flour until smooth and elastic. Place greased side up in greased bowl. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight or up to 4-5 days.

Combine melted butter, brown sugar, Karo, and pecans in 9 x 13 inch pan.

Roll dough out into rectangle.

Cover with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Roll up like cinnamon rolls, cut into 12 equal pieces and place in above pan. Let rise. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. When done, turn out of pan.

Lola E. Billiel writes for the Sidney Daily News.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 9

Roadside survey reveals no shortage of slobs among the traveling public Rural

People who live in the country know full well that the traveling public Reflections is often very inconsiderate and thinks little of tossing trash from their vehicles, or even dumping unwanted pets off for someone else to worry about.

With the melting snow and the approach of spring, the evidence is all too apparent in ditches and along roadsides.

For years I have conducted an unscientific sur- editorwc@civitasmedia.com vey of sorts that charts trends and developments are also literate, for several in the fine art of being a slob. My most recent conpublications were also colsumer analysis survey has now been completed, pro- lected. These included a viding a revealing look at the purchasing habits of copy of two out-of-town freemotorists who travel the country road past my prop- bie advertising newspapers, erty in Shelby County. a memo from a Lima glass The survey is conducted twice each year by yours company, a flier promoting truly when he cleans up the tenth of a mile strip that mobile homes, a pamphlet fronts his land. The latest survey provided some 15 entitled “Know Your Rights pounds of assorted goods that had been deposited by About Child Support,” and motorists during the winter, for no other reason, I’m another titled sure, than to contribute to this ongoing sociological “Medicheck—for Medicaid PHOTO PROVIDED project. But then there has never been a shortage of Eligible People.” Strangely, volunteers. there was also a law enforcement The latest survey reveals the following: suspect identity chart.

■ The motorists are really into fast food. Among ■ The winter’s accumulation also included a varibooty collected were one Taco Bell cup, two Burger ety of less telling materials, such as odd pieces of StyKing cups, a Subway wrapper, one Sonic cup, a rofoam, plastic bags, paper towels, plastic cutlery and Wendy’s bag and plastic spoon, two McDonalds cups two large strips of automotive trim. and two Clancy’s wrappers.

Since any survey is only as good as its conclusions, ■ Passersby are also great soft drink fans. Found I have analyzed the data so kindly contributed by in the ditch were two Mountain Dew cans, one Moun- passersby and have decided that (1) there are many tain Dew bottle, one Coke can, one Pepsi bottle and slobs on local highways, (2) there must be a lot of one Diet Pepsi can. drinking and driving going on, and (3) I’m tired of ■ Some travelers obviously like something with a cleaning up after the many irresponsible and little more kick, for also picked up were one Natural thoughtless people who drive past my property.

Light Beer can, one Busch Beer can, one Coors Beer But my little strip of highway frontage is nothing can, one Old Milwaukee Light Beer can, one Michewhen you look at the bigger picture. If I clean up 30 lob Light Beer bottle and three Bud Lite cans. Since pounds of trash along my property line each year, I’m sure these motorists were not drinking and driv- and we consider that to be an average amount per ing, I imagine they brought these empties from home tenth of mile, imagine the mountain that is dumped just to contribute to the survey. along all 876 miles of county, township, and state ■ Other interests and/or vices were reflected in ad- roadways in Shelby County each year. ditional items gathered. This included one Ohio LotSince there are two sides to each road, we have a tery ticket, one Marlboro cigarette box, one Camel total of 1,752 miles to consider. At 300 pounds per cigarette package, a peanut butter Snickers wrapper, mile annually, that adds up to a whopping 525,600 a potato chip bag and a Flintstones push-up sherbet pounds of junk tossed from car windows in Shelby holder. To someone’s credit, however, a Crest toothCounty. And this does not include streets in cities paste box was also recovered. and villages.

■ I’m happy to report that contributors this year Rural residents have other things to thank mo-

Jeff Billiel

MANY MOTORISTS think nothing of tossing rubbish from their windows as they drive along rural roads

torists for in addition to the trash they scatter along the way. They also drive by under cover of darkness and drop off unwanted cats and dogs.

This happens frequently, leaving nearby residents with the problem of disposing of someone else’s problems.

And there are speeders who are unable to stop for stop signs and sail through intersections and onto lawns, mowing down trees and fences in the process.

Sometimes they tear right back onto the road again, causing additional lawn or field damage, but other times get hung up and then reluctantly have to face the consequences.

And of course there are the mailbox bashers who get their kicks from senselessly destroying other people’s property.

While there are many joys of living in the country, cleaning up after our inconsiderate fellow beings is not among them. But there is some consolation, I suppose, in the fact that they are only passing by.

Imagine having to live with these people!

Jeff Billiel is executive editor and publisher of the Sidney Daily News and also editor of ACRES of West Central Ohio.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 10

Day in the life of a farm veterinarian Emphasis on wellness visits, vaccinations and herd health

BY ELAINE SCHWELLER-SNYDER Human doctors rarely make house calls these days, but that is certainly not the case for doctors whose patients are four legged. These hard-working professionals, who must enjoy both large animals and the great outdoors, think nothing of sloshing through piles of manure on their daily rounds. With the advent of technology and new diagnostic methods, the practice of veterinary medicine on the farm has changed drastically over the decades.

“Years ago, we had what I called a ‘fire engine’ practice, going from problem to problem, but today much of veterinary medicine is preventive,” said Dr. Ken Gloyeske of Tri-County Veterinary Service of Anna, in Shelby County. “The focus is on wellness visits, vaccinations, herd health. It’s similar to the current trends in human health care but we are really way ahead of that in the treatment of animals.”

Tri-County is a mixed practice of small (dogs, cats, household pets) and large (farm) animals. The practice began strictly as a farm operation but today farm animals make up only about 30 percent of its clients.

The four veterinarians on staff take turns seeing small animals at the office and treating farm animals, primarily cows, out in the fields.

Gloyeske primarily cares for small animals at the well-equipped Anna office and a smaller office in Sidney. Gloyeske, Dr. Timothy Woodward, Dr. Andy Mack and Dr. Michael Kleinhenz have the benefit of spacious facilities and

DR. MICHAEL Kleinhenz examines a cow at John Blanchard’s Farm.

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high-tech diagnostic tools like x-ray, radiation and ultrasound equipment. In addition to examination rooms for different sized animals, there are rooms for surgery and kennels for housing pets in recovery.

Some of the procedures they do include dental cleaning, declawing, and removal of growths or tumors.

“Veterinarians have to be more tactile, more hands-on, than human doctors,” said Gloyeske. “Pet owners and farmers can describe changes in the behavior of the animal, but we have to use a lot of deductive powers because the patients can’t really tell us where or why they hurt.”

On a recent morning, Dr. Kleinhenz was getting ready to make farm calls, his specialty, in the Botkins area. Unlike Gloyeske, Kleinhenz works almost exclusively with large animals. He headed off in a truck equipped as a traveling veterinary clinic.

Unlike many who are drawn to veterinary medicine, Kleinhenz did not grow up on a farm. He was involved in FFA at St. Marys High School in Auglaize County and, as part of his participation in the club, he worked at a local dairy farm. Before deciding to enter veterinary school at The Ohio State University, he and his wife Katie ran a hoof trimming business.

His first stop was the R.C. Koehler Farm, a dairy operation with a herd of 300 cows. Kleinhenz needed to check on a cow he had treated for mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland. When we arrived, the cow was already in a pen with her head in a stanchion to keep her corralled for examination.

After taking the cow’s temperature and checking her heartbeat, Kleinhenz used his stethoscope to listen to the rumen, which is the largest of the four compartments of a cow’s stomach. He remarked that the rumen will make a sound like a thunderstorm about twice a minute if the digestive system is operating normally. This cow’s rumen was only moving about once a minute, causing her lack of appetite.

The cow’s normal temperature indicated that an infection found on the previous visit was now gone, so the doctor pumped the cow with a solution of electrolytes, alfalfa meal and rumenide capsules to stimulate her appetite. After making notes on the farmer’s chart, Kleinhenz used a hose attached to the truck and a soapy bucket and scrub brush to wash down his boots and off he went to his second stop.

“The practice of veterinary is different every day,” said Kleinhenz. “You never know what you may get into, even making routine calls. It’s very physical work, plus there is the factor of working in the sweltering heat of summer or very cold windy temperatures - like today.”

He was right about that. The wind at the next stop, the Trio Farm, was bone-chilling, but it did not deter Kleinhenz from treating a sick cow showing symptoms of low energy and loss of appetite. He tested both temperature and urine before inserting a needle in the tail of the animal to draw a vial of blood. The

2369235

SDN Photo/ELAINE SCH

results would be available in a few days. Although most diagnoses can be made on the farm or at the office, blood samples are sent to a lab in Reynoldsburg to be analyzed.

Kleinhenz explained that the blood test would look for fat in the liver (ketosis) as well as check glucose levels.

In regards to this cow, he suspected a displaced abomasum which can occur in cows that have recently calved.

The abomasum or “true stomach” can fill up with gas and then swing to one side, causing discomfort and lack of appetite.

A second cow at the Trio Farm had similar symptoms and Kleinhenz and the farm’s owner discussed a recent change in the feed DR. KLEINHENZ does purchased for the animals. an ultrasound on a A change made by the feed older cow in the company seemed to be milking bay. bothering the herd.

SDN Photo/ELAINE SCHWE Kleinhenz then checked LLER-SNYDER a third cow to see if she was pregnant. He used a portable ultrasound machine with a long wand in- ease, so Ballweg asked Kleinhenz to serted into the cow’s rear end. The resulting picexamine the cow and do the required test for tubercuture, visible through goggles the doctor wears, is losis. Ohio is considered a tuberculosis free state benot unlike a sonogram taken of a human fetus. cause very few cases are found, but testing is still Unfortunately for this cow, no calf was found, seal- very important. Kleinhenz also took a blood sample ing her fate on the butcher’s block. to have analyzed before he could pronounce the cow Back in the truck, Kleinhenz was in radio con- ready for sale. tact with the office where several calls had come The vet then moved to a second barn housing older in. One became the next stop - at John Blancows that had been bred, They were herded one at a chard’s Farm where a cow had an infected uterus. time into the milking bays so Kleinhenz could do an Kleinhenz injected the cow with glucose, explain- ultrasound of each. While doing the procedure on at ing that the highly concentrated sugar will actu- least 20 animals, Kleinhenz found several pregnanally kill bacteria, curing the infection. He also cies, but just as many were “open,” the common term pumped the cow full of electrolytes and inserted for not with calf.

Kleinhenz obviously enjoys his work. His wife is a needle into the jugular vein in the neck to adalso a vet, having recently finished her master’s deminister dextrose, amino acids and B vitamins.

The cow, whose constant mooing had been more gree in preventive veterinary medicine. She is a stayat-home mom now with their 18-month-old daughter, of a moan when the vet arrived, seemed to be but someday the two may work side-by-side in a vetfeeling better by the end of the visit. erinary clinic.

“The best part of the job is working with the “The future of farm calls may be different as farmclients,” said Kleinhenz. “When you visit reguers balance the costs of routine veterinary care with larly, you watch them change things they do what they can do themselves,” said Kleinhenz. “Some and make improvements. When you see some farmers are now testing for pregnancy by taking of your recommendations being implemented, blood and urine samples instead of relying on the vet it is very rewarding.” to make the determination. I know my role will be The last stop of the morning was an extended visit constantly changing.” at Doug Ballweg’s Farm for a routine herd health inAdvances in technology spection. Many dairy farms schedule are already bringing new these inspecprocedures to the farm. tions monthly or Doug Ballweg was keepevery other ing track of each cow week, primarily with a listing on a clipto check on the board, but one of his reproductive younger farmhands was health of young also inputting the data heifers that are into a Smartphone apbeing bred. plication designed for Kleinhenz that purpose. With such checked three a portable computer heifers in one ensuring more accurate barn but found no record keeping, the pregnancies, even farmer can control a though the farmgreater number of ers said they had cows and track probbeen with a bull. lems more easily.

Ballweg is “Our capabilities as preparing to sell vets continue to grow one of his pureDR. KLEINHENZ prepares and there will always bred Holstein cows be new challenges,” to pump a cow. at the 2013 Ohio said Kleinhenz. “As Holstein Convenfor me, I am planning tion Sale to be held to do this for a long time.”

ER WELLER-SNYD at the Shelby SDN Photo/ELAINE SCH No matter what the fuCounty Fairture brings, it will be hard to replace the calming grounds in Sidney March 8-9. Farmers from all over voice and sure hand of a dedicated farm vet. the state come to bid on these show cows for breeding Elaine Schweller-Snyder writes for the purposes. Each cow must be certified as free of dis Sidney Daily News.

These funds will benefit the community directly, through the school districts, townships and other county agencies. This calculation is based on the Senate Bill 232 tax rates set for Ohio which will For further information contact us on yield an estimated $6000-$9000 T: (937) 421-4018 E: montra.hills@mainstreamrp.com per MW capacity each year.

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 11

Community supported agriculture allows ‘shareholders’ access to healthy meats

BY ADELE U. KOEHNEN NEW LEBANON - The meat and poultry we eat is frequently fortified with hormones and preservatives to enhance size and flavor. The question is what effect does this have on our health?

Community supported agriculture (CSA) addresses this health concern with support for farmers and consumers who prefer the production of pastured poultry and grass-fed beef. CSA is a new idea in farming, one that has been gaining momentum since its introduction to the United States from Europe in the mid1980’s.

The CSA concept originated in the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, where consumers interested in safe food and farmers seeking stable markets for their crops joined together in economic partnerships.

A CSA consists of a community of individuals who support a farm operation by buying into the farm as “shareholders.”

Today, CSA farms in the United States, known as CSAs, currently number more than 400. One such farm is the Keener Farm in New Lebanon.

For the past two years, farmer Matthew Keener, 35, has embraced the CSA philosophy with certified contracts with consumers as shareholders of his herd and chickens, securing a share of the farm’s grass fed beef and pastured poultry. Also involved in his CSA is a neighboring farm that raises hormone-free pork.

Keener grew up on the 160-acre farm in New Lebanon where in 1830, his great-great grandfather tilled the soil and planted the crops with two horses and a wagon. The farm includes 50 acres of oldgrowth forest and 100 acres of tillable farmland. The original house, barn, tobacco shed, and ice house are still on the land. Keener and his parents, Dave and Karen, live on the farm and they have been instrumental in helping him develop the CSA. After graduating from New Lebanon High School, Keener enrolled at Wright State University, majoring in instrumental music education. With a degree in 1995, Keener had planned to follow his dad, Dave, a now retired high school band director and currently the director of the Kettering Civic Band. Farming and music have long been compatible interests in the Keener family.

“After leaving Wright State I decided to ‘head west’ and become a cattle rancher, which I did for four

years in a small town near Great Falls, Montana,” Keener said. “That experience proved to me that I’m basically a farm boy so I came home to the family farm and embraced the concept of CSA.” Neighbors and friends of Keener soon caught on to the advantages of hormone-free cattle and wanted to buy his beef. They could recognize the better taste and Keener knew that organic meat was the way to go.

Today, Keener has clients as far south as Waynesville and West Chester and as far north as Miami, Darke, Clark, and Shelby counties.

Based on monthly distribution, pick-up places are currently confined to Dayton, Yellow Springs and LanMATTHEW KEENER stands with some of the den/Maineville. Others Hereford cattle he raises as part of a community must pick up their order at supported agriculture program. the farm itself, 555 N. Lutheran Church Road Shareholders of Keener PHOTO PROVIDED Farm with CSA pricing, sign up for a three-month period at a time.

How much does it cost? Twenty-pound shares cost he wanted to be outside. When it was butchering $125 per month; 15-pound shares cost $100 per time, he was right there with his dad,” she said. “Of month and 8-pound shares cost $65 per month. As a course later that same day he would be practicing his shareholder in the farm, fees are due every three French horn.” months. For example, a three-month fee for a 20Matthew believes that educated consumers want pound share would be $375. to eat responsibly raised meat. “It’s in harmony with Beef, pork and whole chickens are available plus nature,” he said. “There is peace of mind knowing bacon, sausage, chops and roasts. Your preference as that your meat comes from a healthy, organically fed, to what to include in your share is top priority at the hormone-free animal.”

Keener Farm although the amounts available of each For details on pricing and delivery, or to join the may vary from month to month. All chickens are Keener CSA, send an email to whole birds at about four pounds so a whole chicken keenerfarm@gmail.com or phone Keener at (937) may be substituted for four pounds of beef or pork.

694-3424.

Karen Keener, Matthew’s mother, remembers him as a youngster who wanted to participate in everyAdele U. Koehnen is a freelance thing going on at the farm. “Ever since he could walk, writer living in Kettering.

Food cooperative in Troy focuses on ‘rebirth of the local farmer’ TROY - A small counter in the corner of the Troy Meat Shop featuring several units of pantry items, and a middle section of the cooler, constitute the humble beginnings of a unique Miami Valley food cooperative. The front door opens with a familiar tinkling bell and it is easy to tell which customers are members of the Stone’s Throw Market: most are carrying reusable grocery bags.

Established in 2010 as a pilot program called the Miami

River Foods Project, organizers conducted a massive outreach campaign to individuals and families in the Valley wanting healthier food choices and a stronger local economy. The goal continues to be connecting consumers with a “new breed” of farmer—or perhaps rather the rebirth of the local farmer— those producing diverse products on a small scale, using practices that ultimately protect soil health and therefore nutritional quality.

KELLY SNYDER, grocery manager of Stone's Throw Market, displays specialordered cheeses from Blue Jacket Dairy of Bellefontaine and breads from Mosquito Creek Farm in Champaign County.

In total, there are about fifteen local and regional vendors supplying Stone’s Throw, including Aullwood of Vandalia, King’s of Bradford, T & K Meats of St. Henry, Adam’s Produce of Covington and End of the Road Farm of Fletcher.

Some products are provided by companies from further away because those products are not yet locally available.

The cooperative promotes goods pro-

duced responsibly by small companies, preferably family-owned and operated, whenever possible. Some of our favorite brands include Local Folks Foods and Dillman Farms of Indiana, and Snowville Creamery of Pomeroy Ohio.

New vendors are frequently discovered, like Star Dancer Creamery of Spring See Cooperative/page 12

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 12

Family’s farm legacy withstands barn fire to become Champaign Co. ‘Century Farm’

BY LEE JONES URBANA - For Kimberly Broshes, July 2012 was a tumultuous and bittersweet month.

In the months prior to a terrible barn fire near the end of July, Broshes was preparing paperwork to get her family’s historic dairy farm on the state’s Century Farm registry.

Stan Mar Dale farm, a 170-acre operation on Kennard Road in Champaign County, started by her great-grandfather Abe Johnson in 1909, had qualified for the distinction three years earlier, but she wanted to research the program before registering.

One of the crowning pieces of the property was a monumental barn that had stood since Johnson settled his family there.

Broshes said they had to face the question of whether they could continue the century-old farm after the fire. The structure housed some of the most important components of the venture: all the cow pens, hay stores and milking parlor, the latter fortunately saved due to the space between it and the barn proper.

Two days after the structure burned, the family was notified that the farm was qualified as a Century Farm.

DALE SMITH stands with his daughter, Kimberly Broshes, and her husband Tony Broshes. They operate the family dairy farm, which was started in 1909 and has been passed down through the generations.

From the ashes “It’s kind of bittersweet, but we’re glad we got it,” Broshes said of the Century Farm distinction. Con- UDC Photo/LEE JONES struction on a new barn started quickly, and there was a lot to replace.

Not only did the Broshes lose the historic barn, but also the barn quilt featured on the 2011 Barn Quilt “You’re always chasing the blue ribbon,” he said.

The Broshes have a full-time herdsman, Jeremy Tour. Tana, one of their cows with an Ohio-shaped “We learn it at a young age in 4-H.” Adams, who lives on the farm and focuses on breedmarking on her head, was depicted on the quilt.

“It’s been a tough year,” Broshes said. “The good “There’s just no way you can replace that,” she said ing and raising the cows. points were that recognition and keeping it in the “He’s our go-to person on breeding good cows,” of the building and the quilt. “There’s never a way to family.”

Broshes said. They raise Holsteins, Jerseys and a few replace that kind of charm.”

Her great-grandfather surely would be proud.

It had been a tough year up to that point. On top of Brown Swiss.

They raise and sell show cows and milk as well, the fire, Broshes had lost her mother and helped her Lee Jones writes for the but she said, “you don’t make money on the milk part father recover from heart surgery. She and her husUrbana Daily Citizen. anymore.” band, Tony, were juggling the financial headaches She said they have shown that come with settling such affairs.

At the same time, a new barn was being raised on their cows in Louisville for 25 years and have gone multiple the property. It was finished around Thanksgiving times to the World Dairy Expo and it has been put to good use. in Madison, Wis. By surmounting the defeat and difficulty at the What they bill as a hobby time, the Broshes displayed the tenacity it takes to has gained them about 30 keep a dairy farm running more than 100 years. breeder awards and several state recognitions. They even Broshes can trace the passage of the property host college 4-H judge trainthrough every generation of her family. Her greating sessions. Broshes said stugrandfather Abe Johnson passed the farm to his dents from The Ohio State daughter Ethel Smith, who passed it to Broshes’ faUniversity, Purdue, Michigan ther, Dale Smith. Now Kimberly Broshes is at the State and Penn State have helm with her husband’s help. visited the farm for training She said that keeping the farm alive and in the as livestock judges. family’s hands is important to her. It appears from “They go to these national the interest of the next generations that it will reshows and they stop here,” main in the family when she passes down the propshe said. “We’ve always erty. worked with them to have “Our daughter grew up with it … we have two classes. That’s another thing grandchildren,” Broshes said. “The oldest one has a we enjoy doing.”

TARA, a cow on the Broshes’ real interest in the cows, the farm. It’s a big thing.”

They fell into this farm, will be featured on a new “It’s a great environment to raise children in,” her arrangement because they barn quilt due to the husband said. “There’s nothing better than a kid on a are visible at national shows Ohio-shaped marking on her farm.” and have gained respect, head. The original quilt was Kimberly Broshes said that interest from the winning about 30 breeder consumed in a barn fire on the young ones is part of the reason they rebuilt the awards in their career.

Broshes’ Century Farm in July. barn.

Tony Broshes said the She said the farm ground has barely changed since passion for the cows keeps UDC Photo/LEE JONES the time Johnson started the farm. him involved in showing.

More than milk

All in the family

Cooperative

continued from page 11

field—their Greek style yogurt is flying off the shelves.

Local vendors selling through the Market grow seasonal fruits and vegetables, pork, poultry, beef, and produce homemade items such as baked goods and honey. Mosquito Creek Farm of Champaign County creates incredible artisan breads indisputably reminiscent of a small French village. These local farmers give real meaning to the terms organic, sustainable, and natural.

Another unique aspect of local food cooperatives is that the farmers are getting a better price for their goods because there are fewer middlemen. Large chain grocery stores have many—haulers, processors, distributors, marketers, etc., typically spread over global distances. A longer food chain means more fos-

sil fuel is burned, less money stays in the community and probably most important, there is less accountability for food safety and integrity. In recent years industrial style manufacturing of highly processed foods has resulted in food illnesses and recalls becoming commonplace. Nutrition is traded for profit in the large scale production of “convenience” foods. In short, when the farmer is more directly connected to the consumer, there is more accountability for responsible production and fresher items than with food shipped from around the world.

The local food movement began in earnest with a host of documentary films and books like Food Inc., Fresh and The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which exposed questionable methods used in the industrial food system. The main idea that brings the food community

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together is foremost a concern for long-term health not only that of oneself and one’s family, but also the health of the soil, water, plants and animals that ultimately provide the food. Another benefit is the local jobs that cannot be outsourced.

Learn more about Stone’s Throw Market by accessing its website at www.stonesthrow.coop, or stop by the store at 502 Garfield Ave. (Hours are 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays), or contact the grocery manager, Kelly Snyder, at 937-3081753/Kelly.snyder@stonesthrow.coop.

Other learning opportunities include Monthly Mondays, a series of literature circles, movie screenings and cooking classes that maximize the local foods experience.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 13

Humane agent responds to calls relating to farm, other animals

BY STEPHANI DUFF TROY—Imagine you are out for a drive on a crisp, cool Sunday afternoon. As you drive down the road you notice a pasture to your left and see a horse standing in the middle. You think to yourself that the horse looks a little frail, almost gaunt, and wonder what steps you might take to insure the safety of that horse.

In Miami County, Sharon Carnes would be just that person.

Recently Carnes described the types of calls she usually receives as the sole Humane Agent in Miami County.

“I have found that the worse the weather, whether it is hot or cold, the more calls I tend to receive. More often than not the calls result in findings of a lack of shelter for the animal(s) or the caller is concerned there is not adequate food or water available to the animals. It is rare that there is actual, physical abuse occurring.”

Carnes explained that if the caller is willing to say, they are usually a passerby versus a neighbor witnessing the animal that is in question. Once Carnes receives a call, she goes to the site and explains she received a complaint and what it was.

“In the event that there isn’t someone there, I leave my card with a note asking them to call me.

When I do speak to the owners I find that, more often than not, I end up suggesting alternate feeding routines for the animals. I explain that water needs to be available 24 hours a day to the animal and if the problem is that the water freezes, I am quick to suggest a heated water bowl,” explained Carnes.

“In addition to water freezing and not having all day/evening access to animals, the issue of age will come up frequently, as well. Owners sometimes don’t realize that in the winter grain and high quality hay are always helpful to the diet of the animal, horses specifically, and in the summer months grass will work fine.”

Carnes explains that when she sets out on a call, the investigation needs to be kept quiet until there is

MALNOURISHED horses, such as this, are among reasons that Humane Society agents get calls from the public.

PHOTO PROVIDED

a final determination on whether charges should be filed or not. Typically Carnes will visit sites alone, but depending on the situation and the number of times calls have been made on a particular site, a law enforcement officer may accompany her.

If an animal must be impounded, Carnes will make sure it is sequestered in foster care until the judge makes a final determination on what happens to the animal, or a plea bargain is reached.

“If the animal is released to me, though,” said Carnes, “I will call sources to take the animal and they are typically outside of the county.”

Carnes explained that for Miami County she is the only humane agent, which means she goes on all the site visits. For her role, Carnes had to get a certification after 40 hours of classes through the Ohio Federated Humane Society. Local humane societies must agree to sponsor someone for classes and must send a statement to the judge saying they want that person to be an agent for a particular county.

Stephani Duff writes for the Troy Daily News.

New OSU soybean, small grain specialist making presence known in rural Ohio

Ag

reach 71 bu/ac. To reach a 100 bushels per acre level by 2042, we would need to increase the overall productivity by 3.3 bushels per acre per year. Impossible you Scene might say, but realize that at one time humans thought it was not possible to fly to the moon, have driver-less tractors or tiny robots doing heart surgery.

Dr. Lindsey is a firm believer in learning from past experiences and taking a comprehensive look at future production practices. For example, she has spoken about 2012 production challenges resulting from poor 2011 harvest conditions, uneven emergence, drought and high temperatures. In her winter talks, she stressed the importance of proper variety selection, the impact of adequate rhizobia populations, planter calirbender@landstewards.com bration and nutrient deficiencies.

Lindsey and her graduate students plan to stroll through many farmer cooperator fields in 2013 in our area and across the state. Their on farm research will duction conditions, emphasizing that our soils and look at presently used production practices, while takweather can vary significantly from the western corn ing a pulse of what is really happening in soybean probelt, South America and elsewhere.

Dr. Lindsey has shown that soybean yields have in- duction.

If you happen to see her and her crew, welcome them creased from the low teens in the early 1920’s to averages bumping 50 bushels per acre today. Of course we to west central Ohio and encourage their endeavor to increase soybean yields. Dr. Linsey’s office is on OSU’s all know of farmers who may produce more than that on a regular basis and have seen articles on Ohio farm- campus in Columbus. She can be contacted at lindsey.233@osu.edu. or 614.292.9080. ers who have yielded over 90 bushels and a farmer in Missouri who topped 150 bushels per acre.

Lindsey has shared with audiences the theoretical Roger Bender is a retired Shelby County maximum yield of a soybean crop. What if that crop Agricultural Agent with the OSU Extension could achieve maximum photosynthetic efficiency, minService. He currently is a consultant imum respiratory losses and assume perfect weather, for Land Stewards, LLC, and works the with no pest (weed, disease or insect) pressure…essenfamily farm near Fort Loramie. tially no yield limiting factors? That “pie in the sky” (as some would describe it) yield is 335 bushels per acre.

The specialist suggests more practical numbers. If the Ohio maintains its trend of increasing yields .37 bushels per acre per year, we will see a 56 bushel average yield in 2042. If that trend could be increased to .5 bushels per acre per year, the state average could

Roger Bender

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Over the the last several months, numerous west central Ohio farmers and certified crop advisors have benefited from the newest agronomic expert hired by Ohio State University Extension.

Dr. Laura Lindsey began her position as Extension Specialist for Soybean and Small Grains last summer and is launching extensive on-farm research in our area and across the state to unlock the secrets of improved soybean production.

Her faculty position involves significant research collaboration with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center centered in Wooster and its outlying stations that deal with soybean and small grain production research.

Lindsey is an Ohio native, with BS and MS degrees from Ohio State and a PHD in Crop and Soil Science form Michigan State University. Her undergrad and graduate research in weed science and soil science complements her aggressive work ethic.

Grain farmers will see her working closely with other state specialists, Extension field faculty, producer organizations and farmers themselves. In fact, at the recent West Ohio Agronomy Day and several soybean workshops, Lindsey recruited 10 to 15 farmers within the ACRES area to cooperate in field studies to determine what factors contribute to soybean yield.

DR. LINDSEY In her work, Laura will utilize your investment in soybean checkoff funds to survey yield limiting factors in Ohio. Several farmer members of the Ohio Soybean Council have noted how important it is to focus on work looking specifically on Ohio pro-

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 14

March: In like a lion, out like a lamb This phrase has its origins with the fusion Double Hot Cherry; in the “Vegconstellations Leo, the Lion, and Aries, etable” category: Melon ‘Melemon’, the ram or lamb. It has to do with the Tomato ‘Jasper’, and Watermelon ‘Harrelative positions of these constellations vest Moon’. Seeds and plants for these in the sky at the beginning and end of cultivars should be available in catathe month. More commonly, this ancient logs, online, and in local garden centers. saying describes the weather pattern The non-profit Perennial Plant Assofor the month and signifies that the ciation based in Hilliard, Ohio awards planting season is about to commence. landscape design, offers scholarships, That is, of course, unless you live in hosts an annual symposium, and names west-central Ohio where March only one perennial plant per year as its weather is anything but predictable top choice. Members and judges from all and flower-friendly. over North America selected PolygonaThere are two tum odoraplants, however, tum that I thought ‘Variegawere relevant to tum’, oththe Lion/Lamb erwise in the dirt theme. The first is known as the familiar Variegated Lamb’s Ears Solomon’s (Stachys byzanSeal, for tina). These hardy the 2013 perennial sunPerennial lovers have purple Plant of or pink flowers the Year. that bloom in May, This verannheeley@gmail.com but they are insatile significant complant can pared to the be grown velvety, silvery-gray leaves that offer in shady areas under trees where dry texture in the border or landscape. Eas- soil and poor sun exposure present a ily grown and drought tolerant, Lamb’s challenge.

Ears are shunned by rabbits and deer, Plants of Merit, based in St. Louis, thrive in poor soil, don’t require addiMO, is another organization whose goal tional fertilizer, and can act as a ground is to promote “award-winning, non-invacover or fill-in for bare spots left by sive, reliable plants that display outother spring blooming plants. If they be- standing ornamental attributes while gins to act invasively or look a little preserving and protecting the environleggy, simply pinch off unwanted stems ment.” Although none of this year’s 17 and leaves. Lamb’s Ears can be found at choices were new to the market, the annearly all garden centers and online re- nuals, perennials, edible ornamentals, tailers; your neighbors are often more shrubs/vines, and trees are those that than willing to share Lamb’s Ears, too. perform exceedingly well in the lower The other, more unusual “March” Midwest. Once plants have been on the plant is Lion’s Tail (Leonitis leonurus). I list for several years in a row, they are first saw an example of this plant at a moved to the “Emeritus” list—a cream flower show two years ago, and even the of the crop index. See judge had never seen one. Although na- www.plantsofmerit.org/ for more infortive to South Africa, Lion’s Tail, somemation. times called ‘Wild Dagga’, may survive Not to be outdone, the American Ohio winters if planted in a protected Hosta Growers Association (AHGA) also area with good drainage facing south. has its pick for 2013: ‘Rainforest SurIt’s safer, however, to pot the plant, prise.’ Each year, members of the AHGA bring it indoors for the winter, prune it, select a hosta known for its excellence, and keep it dry. Lion’s Tail has a woody, availability, and reasonable price. ‘Rainshrub-like appearance with red-orange forest Surprise’ is a smaller hybrid with flowers atop each branch that bloom for leaves that emerge a solid light green 2 months or more beginning in late then soon develop dark green borders summer or early fall. Flowers appear on with brilliant gold centers. It is slug renew growth, so more pruning means sistant and produces light lavender better branching and more flowers the flowers in midsummer. Many garden fofollowing year. The bright flowers atrums and hosta lovers say it is a “musttract honeybees and hummingbirds. In have.” warmer climates, Lion’s Tail can reach 8 Selecting a Tree of the Year is diffifeet in height, but expect it to hit 3 to 4 cult since many are too region-specific feet in Ohio. Sharp spines on this to grow well in all parts of the country. drought-tolerant shrub deter deer. Com- For recommendations, it’s a good idea to panion Plants in Athens, Ohio turn to one of Ohio’s Certified Arborists. (www.companionplants.com) carries it Certification by the International Assoin stock. ciation of Arboriculture (ISA) assures If neither the Lion or the Lamb prospective buyers that a highly qualiplants interest you, consider plants that fied and knowledgeable tree specialist have won awards based on scientific re- will be able to help select the right tree search and field trials conducted all for the right place. Trees are major inover the United States. Winners may vestments, so check www.isainclude vegetables, fruits, flowers, arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx to find shrubs, trees, grasses or other catea professional in your area. You can also gories. Selections are based on disease visit Ohio State University’s Agriculresistance, color variations, hardiness, tural Technical Institute in Wooster, beauty in the landscape, low mainteOhio. Amazing assortments of bornnance and many other variables deand-bred-in-Ohio trees go on sale in pending upon specific standards used early October each year—the perfect during testing. time to plant them.

The mission statement for AAS (AllInterested in herb gardening? If so, America Selections), for example, is “To the International Herb Association, acpromote new garden varieties with su- tive since 1995, can help you decide perior garden performance judged in which of the hundreds or thousands of impartial trials in North America.” The herbs are worth growing indoors and AAS promotes only new, unsold variout. The Horticultural Committee “evaleties that have been judged outstanding uates possible choices based on them in trials. 8 winners were chosen for being outstanding in at least two of the 2013. In the “Flower” category: Canna three major categories: medicinal, culi‘South Pacific Scarlet’ and Echinacea nary, or decorative.” The winner for ‘Cheyenne Spirit’; in the “Bedding 2013: Elder (Sambucus). Both the flowPlant” category: Geranium ‘Pinto Preers and ripe, purple-black berries have mium White to Rose’, Zinnia ‘Profusion been touted for their medicinal qualiDouble Deep Salmon’, and Zinnia ‘Pro- ties (fever reducer, diuretic, anti-oxi

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dant, anti-inflammatory…), culinary (Elderberry wine and tea, jelly, fritters, pie…), and decorative (large clusters of fragrant, white flowers, showy berries) qualities. Unripened berries and all other parts of the shrub are poisonous.

Finally, don’t forget to contact your local Master Gardeners organization for free, friendly, and knowledgeable advice. Our mission as Ohio State University Extension trained volunteers is to educate others with timely researchbased gardening information. Contact phone numbers for each county:

Auglaize & Shelby - 937-498-7239 Champaign - 937-484-1526 Clark - 937-521-3860 Logan - 937-440-3945 Miami - 937-440-3945 Now let’s get this Spring thing going.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 15

SHELBY COUNTY AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOT 2007 CENSUS OF

Look for ulture more Agric in ts snapsho ns future editio! of Acres

Shelby County – Ohio Ranked items among the 88 state counties and 3,079 U.S. counties, 2007 Item

State Quantity Rank

AGRICULTURE

MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SOLD ($1,000) Total value of agricultural products sold Value of crops including nursery and greenhouse Value of livestock, poultry, and their products

130,469 68,164 62,305

% 2007 2002 change Number of Farms ...........................................1,050...................1,022 ............+3 Land in Farms...................................217.969 acres .....207.329 acres ............+5 Average Size of Farm ..............................208 acres ............203 acres ............+2

VALUE OF SALES BY COMMODITY GROUP ($1,000) Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas Tobacco Cotton and cottonseed Vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes Fruits, tree nuts, and berries Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod Cut Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops Other crops and hay Poultry and eggs Cattle and calves Milk and other dairy products from cows Hogs and pigs Sheep, goats, and their products Horses, ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys Aquaculture Other animals and other animal products

County Profile

Market Value of Products Sold .........$130.469,000........$65,253,000 ........+100 Crop Sales $68,164,000 (52 percent) Livestock Sales $62,305,000 (48 percent) Average Per Farm..................................$124,256...............$63,848 ..........+95 Government Payments..........................$5,430,000..........$3,986,000 ..........+36 Average Per Farm Receiving Payments..........$6,488.................$6,745.............-4

Economic Characteristics

Quantity

Farms by value of sales: Less than $1,000 ...............................................................198 $1,000 to $2,499 .................................................................65 $2,500 to $4,999 .................................................................46 $5,000 to $9,999 .................................................................80 $10,000 to $19,999 .............................................................76 $20,000 to $24,999 .............................................................34 $25,000 to $39,999 .............................................................88 $40,000 to $49,999 .............................................................52 $50,000 to $99,999 ............................................................126 $100,000 to $249,999 ........................................................133 $250,000 to $499,999 .........................................................91 $500,000 or more ................................................................61 Total farm production expenses ($1,000) ...........................94,525 Average per farm ($) .........................................................90,023 Net cash farm income of operation ($1,000) ......................44,455 Average per farm ($) .........................................................42,338

Universe

U.S. Rank

Universe

15 30 10

88 88 88

663 629 665

3,076 3,072 3,069

66,640 22 71 764 13 656 (D) 13,073 22,068 25,382 (D) 48 (D) 71

24 85 80 56 56 65 27 8 9 5 (D) 74 49 44

88 12 88 88 87 84 88 88 88 86 88 88 88 53 88

444 2,373 1,561 1,205 1,036 1,938 (D) 987 272 181 (D) 2,229 (D) 1,183

2,933 437 626 2,796 2,659 2,703 1,710 3,054 3,020 3,054 2,493 2,922 2,998 3,024 1,498 2,875

81,516 71,392 13,840

23 21 21

87 88 87

287 450 597

2,039 2,634 2,481

10,257 5,487

42 7

88 88

1,694 284

3,060 2,794

TOP LIVESTOCK INVENTORY ITEMS (number) Hogs and pigs 75,499 Cattle and calves 27,498 Layers (D) Pullets for laying flock replacement (D) Sheep and lambs 1,385 (D) Cannot be disclosed Universal is number of counties in state of U.S. with item

22 9 16 14 25

88 88 88 86 88

478 1,116 (D) (D) 680

3,060 2,958 3,024 2,627 2,891

TOP CROP ITEMS (acres) Soybeans for beans Corn for grain Wheat for grain, all Forage - land used for all hay and haylage, grass silage, and greenchop Corn for silage

USED U SED PPLANTERS LANT A ERS FROM FROM KOENIG KOENIG GETT ALL THE GE TH VVALUE ALUE YYOU OU DESERVE! DESERVE! S

Quantity

Principal operators by primary occupation: Farming ..........................................................................................411 Other...............................................................................................639

$102,500

Pro-Series 16-Row, 30” Spacing,, Pro16-Row, Series XP Row Tanks, Units, 50 Bushel Ta anks, ks, Independent Inde TTririNotched FFold old Markers w.16” w.16 16” N otched Blades, Mech.

Seed Drive, VVacuum acuum Seed Seed Metering, MiniHoppers, SeedStar Monitoring onitoring w/GX 1800 Display,, Pneumatic Down Display own Force Force orc System System

Ad

Principal operators by sex: Male................................................................................................990 Female .............................................................................................60 Average age of principal operator (years).......................................55.0 All operators by race: American Indian or Alaska Native .....................................................Asian .................................................................................................Black or African American.................................................................2 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander..........................................White.............................................................................................1,568 More than one race...........................................................................1 All operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Origin .........................3

2011 JJD D 1770NT Planter - Urbana Urbana

2009 JJD D 1990 CCS CCS Drill Drill - G Greenville reenville 40’, 48 Openers at 10” Spac Spacing. cing.

Elec. Population Rate Control, ol, Large Seed Metering Wheels, SM500 Monitor Moni w/4 Meter Seed Counting., Single le row spacing, sp 31/13.5x15 10PR Tires.

1998 JJD D 1770 Planter anter - Anna Ann

$41,400

12-Row, 30” Spacing,, Hyd. Fold 12-Row, Fold ol Markers, Mech. Seed Drive w/Half-Width w/H Halff-Width Disconnect, VVacuum acuum Seed Meterin Metering ng w/3.0 Bu. Hoppers, Walking W alking Gauge Wheels, els, Rubber/Spike Rubbe Clsing Wheels, KKeeton eeton Seedd Firmers, HD Down FForce orce Springs, Martin Pin P Adjust Adjust Row Clners, Liq Fert.

Liq. Fert. w/ Pump, Wilger Fert.

Fert. ert Flow Monitor.

JD 1770NT 1770NT Fle Flex-Fold x-Fold Plant Planter, er, 116-Row, 6-Row, Pneumatic Do DownForce wnForce ........... ...........(G) (G) JD 11770NT 770NT CCS 116-Row, 6-Row, VVacuum, acuum, RRefuge efuge Kit, No-Till No-Till Coulter Coulters,s, Auger Auger ..... .....(U) (U) B< ))11( 11( ;;K <j <jadd add ,( ,( $$ ))( ( KhY[af_$ ,0 , gh]f]jk8 gh]f]jk8 )( )( khY[af_$ ...... ......(G) (G) B< ))//(FL //(FL ;;K >d]p%>gd\ >d]p%>gd\ )).%Jgo .%Jgo HdYfl]j$ HdYffl]j$ +( KhY[af_$ NY[mme NY[mme ...... ......(U) (U) B< )//(FL )//(FL >d]p%^gd\ >d]p%^gd\ HdYfl HdYfl]j$ ]j$ ).%Jgo$ ).%Jgo$ +( $ NNY[[me$ Y[[me$ ;ge ;gehmljYc hmljYc Egf (G) B< )01( )01( ;;K <jadd$ <jadd$ +( $ +( $ ,( Gh]f]jk$8/&- Gh]f]jk$8 8/&- KhY[af_$ +)')+&-p)+)')+&-p)- ..... ?!

B< ))//( //( >d] >d]p%>gd\ p%>gd\ HdYfl HdYfl]j ]j )).%Jgo$ .%Jgo$ +( $ +(( $ NNY[mme$ Y[mme$ Daima\$ Daima\$ J]\:Ydd.....(A) J]\:Ydd ..... (A) B< )-1( )-1( Fg%Ladd Fg%Ladd <jadd$ <jadd$ )- $ )- $ *, *, Gh]f]j Gh]f]jk8/&- k &- KhY[af_$ dg mkY_] k8/ mkY_]........(U) ........ (U) B< )//( )//( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$$ ))*%Jgo$ *%Jgo$ +( $ NNY[mme$ Y[mme e$ @< <gof <gof Hj]kk$ Hj]kk$ Dai& >]j >]jl....(G) l .... (G) B< )//( )//( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$$ )*%Jgo$ )*%Jgo$ +( $ NNY[mme$ Y[mme e$ @< <gof>gj[]$ <gof>gj[]$ Dai& >]jl.....(A) >]jl ..... (A) B< )/0( )/0( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$ ]j$ .'))%Jgo$ .'))%J ) Jgo$ ))- '+( -- '+( '+( KhY[af_$ KhY[af_ NY[mme...................

NY[mme................... (A) B< /*(( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$ )*%Jgo$ )*%Jgo$ +( KhY[af_$ KhY[af_$ NY[mme NY[mme .............................. (U) B< )-.( )-.( Fg%Ladd Fg%Ladd <jadd$ <jadd$ )- $ )- $ *, *, Gh]f]jk Gh]f]jk 8 /&- /&- KhY[af_.....................

KhY[af_..................... (U) B< /*(( >jgfl >jgfl >gd\ >gd\ HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$ )*%Jgo$ )*%Jgo$ +( + KhY[af_$ NY[mme NY[mme Elj........(U) Elj........ (U) B< /-( Fg%Ladd Fg%Ladd <jadd$ <jadd$ *( $ *( $ +* Gh]f]jk8 Gh]f]jk8 8 /&- /&- KhY[af_$ +)')+&-p)+)')+&-p)-...(A) ... (A) B< /*(( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$ )*%Jgo$ )*%Jgo$ +( KhY[af_$ KhY[af_$ >jfl&>gd\ >jfl&>gd\ >d]p$ >d]p$ NY[mme NY[mme elj .(G) . (G) B< /-( <jadd$ <jadd$ )- $ )- $ *, *, Gh]f]jk8/&- Gh]f]jk8/&- KhY[af_$ K Dggh Egfalgj.............(G) Egfalgj ............. (G) B< /*(( HdYfl]j$ HdYfl]j$ .%Jgo$ .%Jgo$ +( KhY[af_$ KhY[af_$ NY[mme NY[mme Elj$ Eljj$ @< khjaf_k khjaf_k .......(A) ....... (A) ()

Information from www.agcensus.usda.gov

$96,900

ANNA GREENVILLE GREENVILLE OXFORD OXFORD URBANA URBANA

$ 1115,900 15,9000 $ 102,500 102,5000 $ 96,90 96,900 00 $ 95,500 95,5000 $ 79,900 79,9000 .0$1(( .0$1((( $ 45,000 45,0000 $ 43,500 43,5000 $ 41,900 41,9000 $ 41,400 41,4000 $ 39,000 39 0000 39,00 $ 24,900 24,9000 $ 24,700 24,7000 $ 24,500 24,5000 $ 22,500 22,5000 $ 17,900 17,900 ,9000 $ 16,900 16,9000 $ 16,700 16,7000

CALL CALL TTODAY! ODAY Y! THIS HIGH QUALITY SELECTION WON’T WON’T LAST LAST LONG LONG

(937) (937) 9 693-2221 (937) (9937) 548-1151 (513) (5513) 523-4169 (937) (9937) 653-5281

www.koenigequipment.com www w.koenigequipment.com m

2367925

Operator Characteristics

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 16

that work .com JobSourceOhio.com

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Acres of West Central Ohio Serving Auglaize, Logan, Shelby, Champaign, Clark, Miami, Montgomery counties

200 - Employment

280 Transportation

Class-A CDL Driver • • • •

2500-3000 mi/wk avg No-touch truckload van freight Good balance of paycheck and hometime Terminal in Jackson Center, OH.

2 yr experience required 1-800-288-6168 www.risingsunexpress.com

that work .com 500 - Merchandise

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

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

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

510 Appliances

570 Lawn and Garden

586 Sports and Recreation

820 Automobile Shows/Events

MICROWAVE HOOD Combination. 30” Whirlpool with 2 speed fan and down lights. Black with touch pad controls. Excellent condition. $100.

(937)492-7446

FOR SALE Miami County Lawn and Landscape Company. 300 customer base, serious calls only (937)409-4562

525 Computer/Electric/Office

CRIB, changing table, pack-n-play, doorway swing, walker, high chair, booster chair, travel bassinet, tub, clothes, blankets, movies, dolls, more (937)339-4233.

SIG SAUER P556 gun, new never fired in case with laser /tactical light, $1600; 1700 rounds of 5.56mm NATO ammunition, $900, (937)726-3921 and leave message

MOD-TIQUES Car Club 29th annual swap meet, Sunday March 3rd, 8am-3pm at Clark County fairgrounds, Springfield, Ohio, vendor space $20, general admission $5, for info call (937)828-1283

COMPUTER SET, Windows XP, loaded, CDROM, DSL Internet, USB. 90 day warranty on parts, $100. Ask about laptops.

(937)339-2347.

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment (2) IH 715 COMBINES 419-275-2312

545 Firewood/Fuel FIREWOOD, $125 a cord pick up, $150 a cord delivered, $175 a cord delivered and stacked (937)308-6334 or (937)719-3237 FIREWOOD for sale. All seasoned hardwood, $150 per cord split/ delivered, $120 you pick up. ( 9 3 7 ) 8 4 4 - 3 7 5 6 (937)844-3879 SEASONED FIREWOOD for sale. $135 per cord, delivered. (937)638-6950

577 Miscellaneous

GOLF CLUBS, Exercise bike, chipper shredder, extension ladder, step ladder, push & riding mower, many tools & miscellaneous items, (937)773-2311 WALKER, seated walker, wheelchair, shower/ transfer benches, commode chair, toilet riser, grab bars, canes, animated phones, good condition!

More, (937)339-4233.

592 Wanted to Buy

890 Trucks

BUYING ESTATES, Will buy contents of estates PLUS, do all cleanup, (937)638-2658 ask for Kevin

2001 DODGE Ram Club cab, runs and drives good, $4500 OBO. Call Jeff (937)489-8982

800 - Transportation

We Accept

PICTURE IT SOLD

1996 SYLVAN PRO SELECT 17 foot with 90 horse Johnson with troll plate & rod holders for trolling and 55lb thrust Minnkota trolling motor (new last year). New tires on trailer last spring. $7500.

(937)638-1089

PICTURE IT SOLD

2003 FORD F150 SUPER CAB V6, 5-speed manual, AM/FM/CD, cruise control, cold AC. $7700.

(937)638-1832

that work .com PICTURE IT SOLD

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805 Auto WANTED! Swap Meet vendors. March 16th, 17th 2013, Shelby County Fair Grounds, Sidney, Ohio.

For more information call 1-888-557-3235 1996 SEA NYMPH

810 Auto Parts & Accessories

583 Pets and Supplies GERMAN SHEPHERD/ lab mix, 4 year old male, free to a good home. neutered & house broken.

Call for more information, (937)726-3873.

877-844-8385

TIRES, Goodyear, (4), Eagle GT II P285/50R20.

Worth $800, sell for $400.

2 350 Engines. 1922, 1978, $350 each.

(937)622-1300

16 foot. 40 horse electric start Evinrude motor.

40lb thrust Bow Mount trolling motor & trailer all in very good condition. $4000.

(937)638-9090

2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX Red, 150,000 miles, small amount of body damage, $2500 OBO. Call (937)492-5295

2005 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500

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39000 miles, new tires, bed liner, remote start, $8500, excellent condition (937)667-9859

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

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Acres of West Central Ohio â&#x20AC;˘ March 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 17

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Acres of West Central Ohio,

Monday, March 4, 2013

Acres of West Central Ohio • March 2013 • Page 18

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