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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6

of West Central Ohio

Inside

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

THIS EDITION

■ Remembering the lonely page 7

■ Farm school teaches values page 13

■ Grange still serve purpose page 3-4

■ Predators take toll on livestock page 6

■ Hearty meals for cold days page 10

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

Forward your comments and/or story ideas to him online at editorwc@acresmidwest.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.

1-800-678-4188

2351897

Jim Brandt among major players in Ohio’s sheep and wool industry

BY ELAINE SCHWELLERSNYDER ANNA - He may not have been born in a stable, but Jim Brandt of Anna is a modern day shepherd. Since he was a child, he has been surrounded by sheep on the family farm near Anna, in Shelby County, and now serves as president of the Mid-States Wool Growers Association, a market leader in the wool industry.

Owned by more than 6,000 sheep producers in 25 states from Nebraska to the East Coast, the Association is one of the largest wool cooperatives in the United States.

Serving the American sheep industry since 1918, the organization was begun by sheep producers looking for ways to get the best price possible for their wool.

First known as the TriState Wool Growers, the members marketed more than 2 million pounds of JIM BRANDT of Anna shears wool in 1919, their second one of his sheep. He notes that year of existence. By 1956, shearing is an art, with the they had become the Ohio fleece ideally coming away in Wool Growers Cooperative one piece.

Association and were part SDN Photo/ELAINE SCH WELLER-SNYDER of a wool warehouse pool that controlled the largest volume of wool marketing in the country. the best teacher.”

In 1974, the Ohio Wool Growers Cooperative and “Coarser wool is used for carpet and blankets and the Midwest Wool Marketing Cooperative, which was better grades are used for fine clothing like knitthe organized in 1931 in Kansas City, Kansas, merged to ted sweaters and suits, so the grading of the wool is form the Mid-States Wool Growers Cooperative. very important,” he continued. “We find that the Today, the group produces about 1.8 million pounds east of the Mississippi produce very little of states of wool annually, a small amount in comparison to the better wool. The higher grades of wool are found their peak output of four million pounds in the west of the Mississippi.”

1990’s.

From Canal Winchester, the wool is sent to Texas Brandt, who serves as president of the organizaor North Carolina to be shipped to processing plants. tion, has been on the 10-member board of directors Almost all of the wool produced in the United States for 25 years. Mid-States has a warehouse in Canal today is exported to overseas plants where the raw Winchester where the wool is sent to be graded. A product is made into consumer goods like clothing, second warehouse in Hutchinson, Kan., gathers wool blankets, and carpeting. Where there once were 60 from the western states. such plants in America, today there may be one or “We have one of the most modern grading systems two. As with many goods, most production is being in the United States or quite possibly the world,” said done in China, which then exports the goods all over Brandt. “We employ one grader who examines on av- the world, including back to the U.S. erage 1,500 pounds a day. The American Sheep Asso“We are not the largest supplier of wool by any ciation has grading schools, but most people in the See Brandt/page 2 sheep industry just grow up around it; experience is

Grange brings rural residents together

BY TOM MILLHOUSE tmillhouse@dailycall.com

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COVE LONGTIME ge n ra G g n Spri Taynor y tt a P rs e memb d her n a front right, eeson B s ri o mother, D urt, stand and Jack B Grange e in front of th Miami hall in the County of community nge ra G Alcony. The ed was form the in 1927 and as w present hall 954.

1 in purchased

ment.

The organization also played a role in the passage of important legislation to aid the nation’s farm and While it might be a few decades removed rural residents, including the establishment of state from the organization’s “golden era,” Grange colleges of agriculture in 1867 (including The Ohio continues to sustain the bonds that bring State University), elevation of the U.S. Department of many residents of rural areas together for Agriculture to president’s cabinet level, the establishfriendship and community service. ment of Rural Free Delivery of mail, Sherman AntiGrange is one of the oldest national farm Trust Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906). and rural organization in the United States, Grange maintains a strong following in some areas tracing its roots back to its founding just two of the U.S. with 200,000 members in the United years after the Civil War. States according to the National Grange’s website.

On Dec. 4, 1867, in Washington, D.C., the There are about 5,500 members in Ohio. The national Order of Patrons of Husbandry, commonly organization is based in Washington, D.C. known as the Grange, was founded. The orThe number of Grange organizations has declined ganization was founded by seven men, over the years. In western Ohio, among the remainOliver H. Kelley, William Saunders, Aaron ing Granges are Maplewood Grange in Shelby B. Grosh, William M. Ireland, John R. County and Cove Springs Grange in Miami County.

Thompson, Francis McDowell and John Maplewood Grange Trimble.

Longtime Grange member Bernard Clinehens of Grange gave farmers a voice in collecMaplewood points with pride to the Grange’s native bargaining for better prices for goods tional accomplishments over the years. and services. It also provided a social or“The Grange helped establish rural mail delivery,” ganizations for those leaving in rural Clinehens said, among other milestones. areas, gaining popularity particularly in A lifelong resident of the northern Shelby County the Midwest. community, Grange has been an important par of Over the decades Grange has played Clinehens’ life. Fresh out of the Army after serving in an important role in U.S. history. It was World War II, Clinehens, 85, joined Grange in 1947. the first national organization to sup“I just got back from the Army and a lot of young port the right for women to vote, 60 people at that time were joining the Grange, I years before adoption of Universal Suf- thought I would get involved, too,” Clinehens said. frage in the U.S. Among the year highGrange proved to be a natural fit for Clinehens, lights for Grange included being the who two years later was named deputy of the Shelby first organization to attempt to organ- County Grange organization. He served in the posiize black farmers after the Civil War, tion for six years, overseeing what were then 10 sponsoring fairs showcasing agriculGranges in the county. ture production and locally based economic developSee Grange/page 3

Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 2

Positive outlook for farmland values

BY GARY BROCK

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s value of land and the market price of the land are two “Land Values 2012 Summary” the value per acre of different things. But both numbers are trending upHow much is your farm land worth? The answer to Ohio’s farm land rose 13.6 percent over 2013, with an ward here in Ohio. that question is usually pretty easy. A farmer can call average price per acre of about $5,000.

A third measure is also showing farm land value his County Auditor’s Office and get the latest apThat’s back up by county after going up. The CAUV - Current Agricultural Use praised value of his land, and he can also contact a Value - is also way up. In Highland County, for inlocal realtor to determine his land’s market stance, this measure of farm land value jumped value, or sale price. more than 40 percent in the last year.

A farmer can also calculate his land value CAUV is a real estate tax assessment probased on the state of Ohio’s “CAUV” formula. gram which gives owners of farmland the So an acre of farm land can have several chance to have their parcels taxed according to “values” depending on what this value is value in agriculture, rather than full martheir needed for. ket value.

It is the result of a referendum In 2012, however, the easiest answer to the passed by Ohio voters in November, 1973.Most question, “How much is your farm land worth?” is this: “It’s worth a whole bushel of farmers take part in this program because it money more than it was a year ago!” means a savings for them in real estate taxes.

If fact, it is very possible that Ohio’s agriBut that is the “other side” of all this good culture land is worth more today than at any news. Ohio State Extension expert Barry time in history. And that is in real dollars or Ward, predicted recently that while 2012 was adjusted for inflation dollars. great for Ohio farm land value, 2013 might To many people, that comes as a startling just be even better. That’s great news … sort revelation. But to those in the agriculture busiof. ness, or those who deal with appraising the Because as the value of the land rises, so value of land, it is no surprise at all. does the tax obligation, regardless of which From many angles, it has never been a better idwest.com sm re c a @ measure is used to calculate what the land k c time to be a farmer. ro gb Now I will tell you that there are a lot of farmcounty where property owner owes. ers who will scoff at that notion. At least they reappraisals are being done As we start 2013 this month, predictions are very will scoff at it publicly. But I suspect that deep inside, this year. A survey by ACRES of Southwest Ohio positive about land value, and that is based on what they probably know that despite things like the 2012 found that all the counties doing these reappraisals most people expect to be record prices for crops per drought, the rash of regulations and laws and govern- this year - required of each Ohio county every six years acre this year. That predicted increase should offset ment paperwork, the recession and competition over- by the county Auditor - were showing significant in- easily any increase in taxes for farmers when they go seas, what farmers are earning for what they produce creases in agricultural property values. That is even to pay their tax bills next year. could be at an all-time high. when the value of residential property in those same At least, if all goes according to plans…

And that is part of what is driving these record agri- counties was going down.

Gary Brock is culture land values.

Of course, for property tax purposes, the appraised editor-in-chief of ACRES.

Outlook

Gary Brock

Brandt

continued from page 1

means,” said Brandt. “The leading wool producing countries in the world are Australia and New Zealand, so they set pricing and control the market.

Wool from the United States probably accounts for less than one-tenth of Australia’s output. We are very small.”

“The Australian wool is more expensive but also much better quality than what we can produce in the United States,” said Brandt. “Their sheep graze outside year round; they have purer pastures with less dirt and pollution. Their wool is so clean.”

Diversity has helped the Mid-States Association manage to profit in a fluctuating market. They began a supply business in 1956 that generates as much as $2 million a year. They also sell a small clothing line on the website and at booths at the Ohio State Fair and the North American Livestock Show in Louisville.

“Like anything, the wool market has had its ups and downs,” said Brandt. “We had record sales in 2010 and 2011, due to a tighter cotton crop and lower wool volumes being produced, but the world financial struggles of 2012 have negatively impacted the market, keeping wool values down.”

The rise of synthetic fibers has affected wool production, but another factor is the durability of wool itself. Wool clothing has a long life; it basically lasts forever. To expand the market, producers are now developing new uses for wool. For example, the U.S. Armed Forces are experimenting with wool t-shirts and socks to control dampness and warmth. “Technology has made us a better marketer of our product,” said Brandt. “New processes, such as washing without chemicals, have made wool softer and less scratchy.”

The bottom line is that the quality of the wool dictates price. Wool that is clean and three inches in length will yield the most money. Any wool that is burry, tender, or yellowish will not sell well. The same can be said for black or any wool

LER-SNYDER AINE SCHWEL SDN Photo/EL

contaminated by hair.

Part of the work of the MidStates Association is to educate their members about improving the quality of their product.

Reference materials they provide include tips on ewe nutrition and health, the cleanliness of the barn on shearing day, and the bagging of the fleece.

Most farmers only shear their sheep once a year. This provides the three-inch staple required by the largest number of mills. It is recommended that pastures where sheep graze be free of weeds, cockle burr, or seed heads as these will cling to the fleece JIM BRANDT displays a and lower its value. plastic sleeve of wool, which The health of the ewe is will now go to a cooperative also very important to proto be sold duce good quality fleece. A fever at lambing can place a SDN Photo/ELAINE SCH WELLER-SNYDER break in the fiber. The best solution is to shear the ewes before lambing. grew up and where his mother still lives.

Farmers are now using clean plastic wool bags or “The sheep business has been good to our family,” pouches for collecting the fleece instead of the tradisaid Brandt. “It put us through college and my chiltional jute bags. Plastic feed sacks are not recomdren, too.” mended as these tend to hold moisture. Sheep should Brandt’s three grown children were active in 4-H always be dry when sheared since wet wool is not and FFA and showed lambs at the fair. Now grandmarketable. Even a little dampness can cause the children are getting involved in the same activities. fleece to turn yellow or mildew.

Brandt taught vo-ag classes at Talawanda and the The Brandt farm, the largest and one of only a handful of sheep farms in Shelby County, is a family Upper Valley JVS and recently retired from Hartzell Fan in Piqua after 23 years. He now has more time to operation. Brandt and his wife Jill live just a few shear and care for his sheep and remarked miles down the road from the farm that his father kept shearing well into his where he 80’s.

“Shearing itself is an art,” said Brandt, and one can attest to that fact while watchINSPECTING PART of his flock ing this experienced shearer gently handle a of some 70 Shropshire and 175-pound ewe with ease. Brandt uses the Southdown ewes is Jim Brandt Australian method of shearing, which reof Anna. At one time his sults in the wool coming off the ewe in one family kept 350 ewes. piece. Wrestling with the animals puts a lot of pressure on the knees and hips, but Brandt tries not to overdo. He usually shears five or six sheep in an hour.

“I started shearing sheep when I was 14 or 15,” said Brandt. “When my dad was living, we had as many as 350 ewes on the farm. Now we have 70, Shropshire and Southdown, but I also handle other farmers’ wool. I personally handle 6,000-7,000 pounds each year.”

A shepherd’s flock is always changing as each ewe produces one or two lambs a year. Some of the lambs are sent to market, especially around Easter when there is demand from the Jewish and Greek populations. The productive years for most adult ewes are from ages 2 to 6, then they too are sent to market.

“Wool is really just a small part of the sheep operation for most farmers,” said Brandt. “The meat market is definitely more profitable, to the point where some even discard the fleece because they feel it is more work than it is worth. I can’t predict what the next 20 years will bring in the wool industry worldwide, but personally I just enjoy shearing sheep.”

Elaine Schweller-Snyder writes for the Sidney Daily News.

Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 3

Grange As county deputy, Clinehens set up softball and basketball tournaments, as well as the dart ball league that kept Grange members busy at a time when there weren’t so many competing demands for people’s time.

“That was before television was so prevalent and we were able to get people involved,” Clinehens said.

Similar to the Masonic Lodge, Grange members can achieve ascending degrees, with the state degree being the sixth degree and the highest – seventh degree – being national recognition.

Clinehens earned his national degree in 1955, traveling to Cleveland for the examination.

Clinehens said the Maplewood Grange was known for years because of its officer installation team.

“We went to Champaign, Greene, Miami, Auglaize, Darke, Logan and Allen counties,” Clinehens said, noting he also installed state officers. Maplewood Grange’s drill team also gained a reputation, winning several contests.

Grange was a very popular organization during the post-war era.

Shelby County alone had 1,536 Grange members at its peak during Clinehens’ tenure as county deputy. At the time, the Maplewood Grange had 232 members, compared to the current 59 members.

“I’ve always called it the golden years of Grange,” Clinehens said of the post-war years.

For many years, Maplewood Grange operated a food stand at the Shelby County Fair. That tradition came to an end with the 2012 Shelby County Fair.

“We just couldn’t get enough help,” Clinehens said.

Maplewood Grange was founded on March 25, 1925, with John Stahler serving as Grange master. The Grange met in the former Knights of Pythias Hall in downtown Maplewood.

The current Grange hall was constructed in 1956, with members doing some of the finish work, Clinehens said.

Family involvement has always been stressed by the Grange and for many years local Granges like Maplewood, had active Junior Grange organization.

Clinehens’ son, Brent, now 52, fondly recalls his years in Junior Grange.

“We had our meetings back here (in the kitchen area) while the adults had their meetings in the hall,” the younger Clinehens said. “It was our introduction to parliamentary procedure.

We had officers and a chaplain,” he said.

“After the meeting we went out with the adults and had snacks,” said Brent, who has followed his father’s footsteps as master of the Maplewood Grange.

His mother, Phyllis, also has been active in Grange since she married Bernard 55 years ago. She won a number of baking contests over the years.

Brent Clinehens said the Grange still plays an important role in the community and in the lives of organization members “We’re more involved in community service now,” the younger Clinehens said. The Grange hall is open for the community to use for family reunions, wedding receptions and funeral dinners. The Maplewood Grange recently hosted a holiday dinner.

“I think the Grange really offers an opportunity for people to bond to-

continued from page 1

gether,” Brent said. “I think the bond will continue as long as people are in the Grange family.”

The Maplewood Grange meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Brent said anyone who would like to know more about Grange or is interested in joining may contact him at (937) 596-6996.

Cove Spring Grange If you ask people who have attended the Miami County Fair over the years their first thoughts on Cove Spring Grange and they will probably give a two-word answer – good food.

Cove Spring Grange, located in the tiny Miami County village of Alcony, has been operating a food stand at the county fair since 1929, just two years after its founding. Every year hundreds of people enter the building hungry and leave with the satisfaction of enjoying a good home-cooked meal at a reasonable price.

“We make homecooked food for three meals a day,” longtime member and past Grange master Patty Taynor, who noted that members all pitch in to help make the food stand a success.

“It takes everybody,” Cove Spring Grange Treasurer Jack Burt said of the project. Burt said members not only enjoy working together during the fair, it’s nice to meet customers from around the county and area. “You get to see all of the people you know and might not get to see but once a year,” Burt said.

A retired supervisor with the State Auditor’s Office, Burt said his experience in finances led to him being asked to serve as Cove Spring Grange treasurer.

The food stand provides funds for the Grange’s activities throughout the year.

“We do a lot of community service,” Taynor said during a recent interview, noting members just finished distributing fruit baskets to shut-ins living in the area. “We also try to help people in need as much as we can,” she said.

Like many Grange members, Taynor, 70, had family ties that brought her to the organization.

Her mother, Doris Beeson, 93, is a 78-year Grange member, in fact she met her future husband — Warren Beeson — through the organization and they were married at a Grange hall.Beeson said the social aspects of Grange have always been what attracted her to the organization.

“I enjoy the fellowship,” she said, recalling that she has met many friends at social events since joining Grange at a young age.

“Play parties they called them, it was like square dancing,” she said.

“My father would never allow dancing, but it was OK to go to play parties, it wasn’t called a dance.”

Cove Spring Grange for years provided a variety of social events for members, including plays and

PHOTO PROVIDED

PDC Photo/TOM MILLHOUSE

THE COVE Spring Grange in Alcony has long been known for its food stand at the Miami County Fair. In the above photo from 1994, Cove Spring Grange members, left to right, Mary Bewley, Patty Taynor and Ben Louthan make french toast at the Miami County Fairgrounds for 4-H horse campers.

BRENT CLINEHENS, left, and his father Bernard look over old photos of Maplewood Grange activities. The Grange currently has 59 members, down from a peak of 232.

PDC Photo/TOM MILLHOUSE

PHOTO PROVIDED

LONGTIME MEMBERS Bernard Clinehens, left, and A LONG tradition for Grange organizations, above is his son, Brent, stand in front of the Maplewood a Shelby County Fair display exhibited by the MapleGrange Hall, which was built in the 1950s.The Maple- wood Grange in 1949. wood Grange was formed in 1925 and is the only active Grange in Shelby County.

PHOTO PROVIDED

FOR MANY YEARS Shelby County Grange organizations joined forces to form a Shelby County Grange Chorus, which performed at the county fair. The group above is believed to be from the late 1940s. softball.

Members still enjoy each other’s fellowship, meeting on the third Tuesday of the month, with each meeting ending with snacks. Other highlights of the Cove Spring Grange year are a harvest supper, fish fry and chili supper.

Cove Spring Grange was founded March 31, 1927, and held its first meeting on April 7, 1927, See Grange/page 4

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 4

with 55 charter members.

Robert Benham was the first Grange master.

In 1954, after meeting for years at Elizabeth Township School, Cove Spring Grange purchased the former Universalist Church on State Route 41 in Alcony and the building still serves as home for the Grange.

Like other Granges, Cove Spring has seen a decline in membership.

From a peak of 378 members, Cove Spring now has 102 members. In the past there were Grange organizations throughout Miami County, but now Cove Spring, Monroe and Staunton are the only remaining Granges.

Taynor said Concord Grange in Miami County and Beech Grove Grange in Clark County merged with Cove Spring.

Taynor and Burt agreed that there are so many other interests available to people today, especially young people, that it’s difficult for organizations like Grange to attract members.

“There are so many more activities for the young people nowadays,” Taynor said. “When I was a kid we all went to Grange and we visited other Granges,” she said.

“But today, kids are involved in too many other things.”

They said they have talked to people with other organizations and they are experiencing the same problem.

Taynor said she would recommend Grange to anyone who is considering joining an organization.

“There is something for everyone if you want to get involved,” she said.

“It’s not all farm today, I would say it is more urban.”

continued from page 3

Hand In n History: 145 45 Y Years ears of Grange In America A The N The National ational G Grange, range, founded fo ounded in 1867, is the th he nation’s nation’s oldest general general farm farrm and rural rural public interest in terest organization. organizaation. The The history history of the National Natio onal Grange Grange is a history history of progress progress and achieveachievefo farmers and rural rural communities communities across across this country. country. ments men ts for or farmers ®

Important Imp ortant historical historrical dates dates in the 145-year 145-year history histor o y of the National National Grange: Grange:

1867

1870

1871

1874-2008 1874 4-2008

TThe he National National G range b ecomes o the Grange becomes first na tionwide far m or gaanization nationwide farm organization and is the first na tional or o ganiz national organization tto o giv e full vvoice oice and d vvote ote to give women, 60 years before the adoption of Universal Suffrage in the United States.

TThe he N ational G rang ge is the first National Grange na tional far m or g ganiza tion tto o national farm organization attempt to organize African American farmers following the Civil War.

C hicago entrepreneur entrepreneur M ontgomChicago Montgomer Ward begins beg gins his mail order order eryy Ward usiness as a ccontractor ontractor tto o the business ational G rang ge selling e xclusively National Grange exclusively oG range mem mbers. to Grange members.

G range ssponsored ponsored fairs ttracting Grange fairs,, aattracting mor e tha an 1 million visit ors each more than visitors yyear, earr, p pr ovide en tertainment, provide entertainment, educ ation, n, a sho wcase ffor or lo cal education, showcase local agr iculturre pr oduction and agriculture production ccommunity-based ommunit ity-based ec onomic economic de velopm ment opp ortunities. development opportunities.

11887-1919

TThe National Grange secures passage of legislation to protect the political and economic rights of farmers and consumers including: the Hatch Act creating eges of agr iculture (1887), elevation ellevation of the t “Experiment Stations” at state colleges agriculture he P resident’s C abinet (1889 9) the SSherman herm U.S. Department of Agriculture to the President’s Cabinet (1889) very mail service service (1901), the first f legislati Anti-Trust Act (1890), rural free delivery legislation ure FFood ood and D rug A ct (190 promoting ethanol as a motor fuel (1906), the P Pure Drug Act (1906), 13), ffederal ederal inc ome tax (1913 3), SSmith-Lever mith-Lev direct election of U.S. Senators (1913), income (1913), Act for vocational education (1914), Clayton 4), the C layton Anti-Trust Anti-Trust Act Act (1914), and a Universal Suffrage (1919).

1914-2008

1876 876

unn vs Illinois U.S. Supr eme C ourt Munn Supreme Court ecision affir mss the cconstitutionalonstitutionaldecision affirms ity of Granger Laws to regulate railroads and other monopolies in the public interest.

1916-1941

1875 1875-2008 5-2008

TThe he National Natio onal Grange Grange introduces introduces the “R ochd dale” sy ystem of ccooperaoop pera“Rochdale” system ive bus iness or ganization tto o tive business organization A merica. O ver time essful America.

Over time,, succ successful na tional and rregional egional far m national farm ooperativves w ere fformed ormed fr om cooperatives were from ocally or g ganiz ed G range ccooperaooperalocally organized Grange ives and G range st ores. tives Grange stores.

1920 0-1950 1920-1950

The National Grange secures passage of federal legislation to assist struggling farmers by strengthening their property rights and their bargaining position including: the Federal Farm Loan Act (1916), the Packers and Stockyards Act (1921), Capper-Volstead Act (1922), the Grain Futures Act (1922), Farm Credit Act (1933), Produce Agency Act (1927), Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (1930), Agricultural Marketing Agreements Act (1937), Pure Seed Act (1939), and the Livestock Theft Act (1941).

National Grange organizes N ational G range or ganizes mutual insurance nsurance ccompanies ompanies p ffocused ocused on serving farm markets. ser ving fa arm and rrural ural mar kets.

Grange insurance were G range in surance ccompanies ompanies w ere the offer property among th he first tto o off er pr operty and casualty casualty insurance insurance tto o Japanese-American farmers Japanese-A -American far mers from internment rreturning eturning fr om in ternment ffollowing ollowing WWII.

1947-2008

1945-1970

19200-1980 1920-1980

National Grange steadfastly TThe he N ational G range st e eadfastly supported national farm legislasupp pported na tional far m legisla g well multilateral trade tion as w ell as multila terral tr ade negotiations negotia tions and ffood ood aid programs open markets pr ograms tto o op en fforeign oreign mar kets farmers.

National tto o U.S. far mers. TThe he N ational Grange advised Congress G range ad vised C ongress e and supported every periodic supp orted e very p eriodic rreauthoeauthonational farm legislation, rrization ization of na tional far m leg gislation, “Farm Bill” kknow now as the “F arm B illl”. TThe he National Grange gave N ational G range also ga ve ccounsel ounsel support every President and supp ort tto oe very U.S. P resident international discussions on in ternational dis scussions multi-lateral trade leading tto o multi-la teral a tr ade agreements international agr eements and in ternatio onal ffood ood programs General aid pr ograms such as the G ener Agreements and A greements on TTariffs ariffs an nd TTrade, rad World Organization, the W orld TTrade rade Or ganization, FFood oo Peace, Caribbean Basin ffor or P eace, the C aribbeaan B as Initiative, North American Initia tive, N orth A merican a FFree re Agreement Central TTrade rade A greement and the eC entr American Agreement.

A merican FFree ree TTrade rade A gree ement.

The National Grange assists in rebuilding a world ravaged by economic depression and war. The National Grange advised the U.S. delegation at the founding of the United Nations (1945). The National Grange helped found CARE or Cooperatives for American Relief Everywhere (1946). The Grange/Germany Friendship program, a part of the U.S. Marshall Plan, brought more than 1700 German and European farm teenagers to live with Grange farm families to learn about modern agriculture practices and the advantages of democracy (1950-1966). The National Grange participated in agriculture development programs for the U.S. Peace Corps (1963-1970).

Grange instrumental organizGrange is instr umental in or ganizing electric g rrural ural elec tric ccooperatives, oop peratives, telephone water telephone e ccooperatives, ooperatives, w ater service utilityy service cooperatives, cooperatives, public utilit districts, districts, volunteer volunteer fire fire departdepartments state police ments and sta te p olice programs across across the th he U.S.

Grange secures secures passage off succ esGrange successive p piec es of legisla g tion tto o financ e sive pieces legislation finance general tr ansportation iimprovemprovegeneral transportation ments tto o b enefit ments benefit farming and d rrural ural farming communities communities based b on dedicated dedicated user user ffees ees deposited highway, deposited in highw h ay, waterways waterways and d airport airport trust funds.. trust funds

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Grange

1953-20112 1953-2012 National Grange sponsored N ational G range sp onsored service programs ccommunity ommunity ser vice pr ograms generate more than 1 million volunteer hours annually for community improvement projects.

are accomplishments TThese hese e ar e just some of the acc omp plishments of the National Grange proud history.

We N atio onal G range throughout throughout its pr roud hist ory. W e encourage learn more about important enc ourage a everyone everyone tto o lear n mor e ab bout the imp ortant that play history rrole ole th at the Grange Grange continues continues tto o pla ay in the hist ory of state, theirr na nation byy visiting their ccommunity, o ommunit y, their sta te, and thei tion b www.nationalgrange.org. www .nationalgrange.o org.

Cold weather increases livestock energy needs

tion is necessary for the animals,” he said. stock classes will have reduced gains or even lose Producers should keep in mind that LCT is influweight, Lewandowski said. enced by an animal’s size, age, breed, nutrition, housing conditions, and hair coat or wool thickness. The thicker the hair coat or wool , the more the LCT decreases, he said. “But with a wet hair coat, regardless of how heavy it is, the lower critical temperature increases to 59 degrees, as hair coats lose their insulation ability when wet,” Lewandowski said, referring to cattle, horses and goats.

Sheep wool is able to shed water. The lower critical temperature for beef cattle is: Summer or wet: 59 degrees Fall: 45 degrees Winter: 32 degrees Heavy winter: 18 degrees The lower critical temperature for goats is generally considered 32 degrees and for sheep, 50 degrees, he said. “For most livestock, it really is a matter of adapting to the weather,” he said.

“Cattle will adapt to cold with a thicker coat if they have the feed source. “And ensuring livestock is blocked from the direct force of the wind will help protect them from wind chill.” Breeding livestock that are subjected to prolonged periods below their lower critical temperature may experience reproductive issues, while other live-

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WOOSTER - While colder temperatures now experienced throughout the region mean livestock producers need to be aware of increased livestock energy requirements, those animals that may be thinner because of the drought could need extra energy supplements sooner, an Ohio State University Extension educator said.

Cold temperatures, cold rains and muddy conditions can significantly increase the energy required by livestock metabolism to provide enough heat for the animal to maintain its body temperature, said Rory Lewandowski, an agricultural and natural resources educator for OSU Extension. But those animals that have less body condition and less body fat as a result of grazing on drought-impacted pastures may need to have that additional supplement sooner to be able to produce the energy needed to weather the cold period, he said.

Animals in good body condition can call on fat reserves, but if they are in colder temperatures for longer periods, they need the increased energy content in rations to help them alleviate cold stress, Lewandowski said. “Every year, going into the winter means that producers have to take into account weather conditions,” he said. “But in a drought year like this, we have to look at what kind of body conditions livestock has coming into the weather. “If the herd is pasture-based, those animals may be coming in to winter in thinner body condition because our earlier drought conditions caused pastures to dry up and didn’t offer as much forage for livestock.

Producers have to evaluate their herds’ body conditions and whether those animals can go through adverse weather.” Animals have a thermoneutral zone - a temperature range in which the animal is most comfortable and not under any temperature stress and that is considered optimum for body maintenance, health and animal performance. But when livestock experience cold stress below the lower boundary of that zone, they reach lower critical temperature (LCT) and the animal’s metabolism must increase in order for it to keep warm, Lewandowski said. “That means the animal must increase its energy intake to maintain body temperature and basic body maintenance functions,” he said. “Generally, energy intake must increase by 1 percent for each degree of cold below the LCT.” Animals that are fed average- to good-quality hay are more likely to be able to increase intake enough to meet the additional energy demands. But those being fed lowquality forage are unlikely to be able to increase their intake enough to meet increased energy demands, Lewandowski said. “If poor-quality forage is the only forage option or if there is an extended period of extreme cold weather, then some additional energy supplementa-

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 5

Program gives disabled kids an experience to remember

BY MARCIA TREADWAY CENTERVILLE - The Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI) is a special program helping kids with special needs. Co-founder Betty Lou Townley of Centerville said TRI offers a unique horseback riding experience for children who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental or psychological.

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) instituted a national program in the United States in the late 1960’s patterned after the successful handicapped riding programs in Europe. Co-founder and Centerville resident Linden Moore (who has since passed away), discovered the very first program in the United States initiated by NARHA, in Michigan while attending college. “Linden was blown away by the new and innovative program,” said Townley. “She came back to Centerville looking for someone to help organize a program here.”

At that time, Townley, and her husband Ted, owned Normandy Riding Academy, behind Church of the Incarnation. Townley was a registered nurse working at Miami Valley Hospital on the OB/GYN floor.

A close friend of Linden’s happened to board her horse at Normandy Riding Academy. Once Linden and Betty Lou met, they decided to create the very first therapeutic riding center in the Greater Dayton area. “We had no money and dug into our own pockets to pay for insurXDG Photo/MARCIA TRE ADWAY ance. We started out with just a couple of horses for the kids to ride,” said Townley.

White“We found a sponsor that donated $1,000 for the pilot program and we were on our way.” According to sells are currently accepting boarders, 937-885-5777, Townley within one year of starting TRI, she and her and Townley said their generosity has ensured the continuance of the program. husband got out of the stable business and had to TRI’s classes are held Monday through Thursday find places to hold the program. “We called people up asking to use their facilities and held the program in evenings and on Saturday mornings, beginning in April. Riders are scheduled for one class per week for six or seven different sites, including our own back sessions of 5-7 weeks. Group lessons are 45 minutes yard,” said Townley.

NARHA developed stringent standards by which to with two to three students per class and private lesdeliver this type of service. TRI used these standards, sons are 30 minutes. Lessons are $30 per class for Group and $35 per class for Private Lessons. and today is a premier accredited center. TRI is a Students must be referred to the program by parnon-profit organization run by administrative profesents, agencies, schools, and health care professionals. sionals who volunteer their time.

Each student is evaluated by the TRI staff before Other volunteer positions include Side Helpers, being accepted into the program. Redolfi said TRI people who walk beside the horse to assist the rider has taught students from both the Centerville and with maintaining balance and a secure seat; Horse Leader, a person who grooms and tacks the horse be- Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School districts, as well as surfore class, maintains control of the horse, and follows rounding communities.

Redolfi speaks at community events bringing the direction of the instructor; Ring Assistant, a perawareness to the equine assisted therapy program. “I son that assists the instructor during class, and spoke at the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Optimist Club more. meeting at BellHop Cafe, sharing our program, our All volunteers must complete a training program special riders, our wonderful horses, the benefits of for each position. TRI contracts some services at a therapeutic riding as well as ways to help our provery minimal salary. Townley said, “Without all the gram such as volunteering or becoming a donor,” said wonderful volunteers over the years, this program Redolfi. would not be in existence.” According to Cindy TRI hosted its annual Friendraiser event at BeechRedolfi, TRI’s Program Director and Instructor since 1981, the riding therapy program contains six learn- wood Farm. The fundraiser included dinner, dancing, ing components: mounting, warm up, lesson, exercise, live auction with Doug Sorrell a professional benefit auctioneer, a silent auction, and a riding demonstragames and dismounting. tion by the students. This year’s 6th annual Students benefit from physical activity, mental Friendraiser was held Saturday, August 25 at Beechstimulation, extended communication and new peer relationships. “Our riders range from age three to adult. Some of our students are able to become independent riders, while others’ goals may be just touching the horse, holding the reins, or even just saying ‘whoa’ to stop the horse,” said Redolfi. “We use the COLUMBUS - Animal-breeding efficiency and horse as an incentive to learn right and left, colors, drought’s effect on pastures will be two of the topics at and shapes, but also the horse helps them learn balhand when Ohio State University Extension co-sponsors ance, spatial awareness, as well as help with muscle the 2013 Sheep and Goat WebEx Program Series in Febtone and coordination.” ruary. The online series will be hosted at various Ohio TRI’s program doesn’t have a home of its own.The locations, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Other sponsors are the program is supported by the local horse communities Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) and the who lend their arenas and facilities for the five to OSU Sheep Team. seven week programs in spring, summer, and fall.

The program is part of an ongoing effort to equip sheep “There are numerous folks to thank for their supand goat producers with information to improve their opport for use of facilities and horses, monetary, and erations, said Roger High, OSIA executive director and inkind donations over the years, ” said Townley. “Day- OSU Extension state sheep program specialist. ton Horse has been very supportive since the mid “The topics we are covering this year come from sur1970’s, and TRI has been the beneficiary of the Dayveys that we have done with sheep and goat farmers to ton Horse Show for the past seven years. TRI apprefind out their interest areas,” he said. “The speakers are experts in their topic areas, and with two of the speakers ciated Beechwood Farm, Conference School of being out of state, the WebEx online format allows them Horsemanship, Rams Arabians, Menker’s Circle 6 to provide educational programming without actually Farm, Cape Cod Farm, Trails End and Bonnybrook coming to Ohio.”

Farms, just to name a few.”

Topics and experts are: TRI’s therapeutic riding programs have been held • Feb. 4: “Vaccination Programs for Sheep and Goat at Beachwood Farm, owned by Jeff and Cheryl Operations,” Eric Gordon, Ohio State large-animal vetWhitesell, 9429 Clyo Road, for the past 11 years. The

A YOUNGSTER enjoys riding a horse as part of therapy at the Therapeutic Riding Institute of Centerville. Leading the animal is owner Fred Calico. Helping are Lynn Avery (left) and instructor Cindy Redolfi.

wood Farm.

Why do Townley and Redolfi work so hard to make this program a success? According to Townley it is the joy of the child and the elation of the parents. “No achievement is too small and every accomplishment is miraculous,” said Townley. Redolfi said, “It is magical when the students feel the warmth of their horse’s fur and feel the strong steps their horse takes when their are riding high up on their backs, as well as the strong comforting helping hands of their volunteers walking beside them. All limitations are gone.” Redolfi remembers fondly when students who never spoke, began talking to their horse, and those who had a hard time sitting up in their wheelchairs sat tall in the saddle. Redolfi said, “I am thrilled to be a part of these miracles.” NARHA recently changed its name to Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International), ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

For information about donations, the TRI Advisory Council or Board of Directors contact Betty Lou Townley at 937-885-7909 or email her at townleyES@aol.com. To enroll a student call Cindy Redolfi at 937-836-2149 or email at tonyredolfi@hotmail.com. If you would like to become a volunteer call Bethany Spriggs at 937-313-8973 or email at bspriggstri.dayton@gmail.com.

Marcia Treadway writes for the Xenia Daily News.

Sheep, goat educational series returns erinarian.

• Feb. 11:“Artificial Insemination Techniques of Sheep and Goats,” Meghan Wulster-Radcliffe, CEO, American Society of Animal Sciences.

• Feb. 18: “Managing Pastures and Hay Fields after a Drought,” Jeff McCutcheon and Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension.

• Feb. 25: “Use of EAZI-BREED CIDR for Sheep and Goat Operations,” Keith Inskeep, West Virginia University.

All sessions will be available at 17 locations across Ohio, most of them OSU Extension offices. A complete list of host sites is available at http://ohiosheep.org/webex.html or by calling 614-2468298.

There is no cost to take part in the series, but some hosting sites may charge a program or refreshment fee.

Check with your site for fee or pre-registration details.

For more information, contact High at 614-292-0589 or rhigh@ofbf.org. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 6

Company helps eliminate predator threat

BY STEPHANI DUFF

contamination of food and loss of food in genWeather conditions eral.” such as droughts or early Melissa and Jacob inseason frosts are not the form their customers callonly factor farmers need ing about rats or mice to be concerned with that they can take the when it comes to their first step in alleviating crops, food storage, and some of the problems; livestock. Nuisance ani“We encourage customers mals are quickly becomto look around the area ing a large, and at times, before we do anything – if difficult to fix problem; you allow access to crops, they are such an increas- feed, or barn and never ing problem, in fact, that close off entrances, you Jacob and Melissa will never rid yourself of Barnes will be celebratthe problem.” Along with ing their one year anfeed and barn issues, rats niversary this January of and mice are heavily attheir company Barnes tracted to electrical Wildlife Control. wiring. According to Recently Melissa broke Melissa the rats will down the three largest “chew through the insulanuisance animal threats. tion of the wiring and “The three largest nuithey also build nests by sance animals that we the fuse boxes which is a get calls about are rats, potential fire hazard.” coyotes, and raccoons,”

the specific animal you are trying to catch.

The second nuisance animal the Barnes’ usually get calls about are coyotes, “with coyotes you are not looking at crop damage, per se, but you will have loss of livestock, most generally younger livestock,” explained Melissa, “Animals that are stalled do not typically face the danger of a coyote like PHOTO PROVIDED animals out in

A COYOTE peers from a live animal trap.

Once you check IDED PHOTO PROV the entrance areas there are a couple options for ridding your said Melissa, “and there farm area of mice and are different options for rats. Putting out poison thwarting these particu- bait is often effective belar animals.” cause mice and rats are According to Melissa one of the only animals rats, or mice, are a big you can poison, but the threat to crops as they problem with that is stand in the field as well they don’t always die on as once they are cut down site which leads to carat harvest. “Rats and cass issues. Melissa also mice will eat on the crops suggested live traps and as they stand in the field the regular mice traps and then after harvest most people use in their time, they will seek other homes; she encourages food sources in indoor customers to make sure storage which leads to the trap is designed for

pastures do.”

Coyotes are a strong threat to farmers and their livestock because there are approximately 2,000 coyotes per ten square miles in this area.

Melissa explained the process of catching coyotes recently, “Coyotes are more difficult to catch and get rid of especially since there is no natural predator to hunt coyotes – they are at the top of the food chain.”

Melissa suggested live traps, foothold traps, or snares to keep livestock safe.

Fruit and vegetable safety program set receive a resource workbook, paper handouts and a certificate of participation as verification for their customers that the farm operator has received GAPs training.

But Kulhanek said attendees won’t actually become “certified in GAPs” by taking the course.

That certification, she said, comes only through having one of many possible farm audits conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or a thirdparty company. “Find out what your farmers market or buyers require,” she said. “Some may be satisfied with just a class on GAPs, others may require the full food safety farm plan and audit, or both.”

Many large grocery chains require their produce suppliers to have full food safety plans and audits, she said. “For small farms selling at

stands and markets, learning about GAPs is a good way to stay competitive,” Kulhanek said. Participants can reserve a spot in the workshop by contacting Amanda Douridas in OSU Extension’s Union County office, 937-644-8117, douridas.9@osu.edu.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Registration is $10 per person, payable by cash or check, with checks made out to “Ohio State University” Financial support for the workshop is provided in part by a grant from the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Program, which has helped reduce the registration cost.

More information about the workshop can be found at www.producesafety.osu.edu.

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“Snares are the most effective way to deal with a coyote problem,” explained Melissa. “And the best place to put these traps is along a wooded area or tree lines where coyotes would pass through to get to the livestock.”

The third nuisance animal that the Barnes’ get complaints about is the raccoon; “These creatures are extremely destructive to crops in the field, stored barn crops,

and personal gardens.

They are also quite smart animals so you have to be crafty to trap them,” said Melissa. The most popular way to catch a raccoon is a life trap, but the catch is that, in Ohio, it is illegal to relocate trapped raccoons because they will come right back to your farm. “Because of this,” explained Melissa, “there are two options; you can release the raccoon on site, which doesn’t fix the problem, or unfortunately, you have to euthanize them.”

Although these three nuisance animals are the most common, there are other animals that cause issues to farmers, their livestock, and their crops – foxes, groundhogs, skunks, and possums are known

to cause issues on farms, as well.

Barnes Wildlife Control works closely with the Miami County Game Warden and the Miami County Sheriff ’s Office.

The Barnes’ have been successfully running their business for a year come January of 2013 and Melissa explained that, in order to rid areas of nuisance animals, a Nuisance Wildlife Permit is required.

If nuisance animals are causing a problem for your farm or farms near you Melissa and Jacob can be reached at www.barneswildlifecontrol.com or at (937) 340 1867.

Stephani Duff writes for the Troy Daily News.

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MARYSVILLE - A program on preventing microbial contamination on fruit and vegetable farms will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the Union County office of Ohio State University Extension, 18000 State Route 4, Suite E, in Marysville.

Food safety and Good Agricultural Practices, or GAPs, for fruit and vegetable production are the focus. “The Food and Drug Administration should be releasing draft standards for safe production and harvest of fruits and vegetables as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act,” said Ashley Kulhanek of Ohio State University’s Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team, the program’s sponsor. “Whether or not a farm will be exempt from these rules, the new year is a good time to learn about GAPs.” Kuhlanek said release of the draft standards has been delayed for nearly a year but may happen in 2013 now that the national election is over.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 7

Winter can be lonely time for some rural residents

A sad message speaks to the deep loneliness felt by many

Eleanor Rigby may be alive, although probably not wash their hair, get their well, this winter in west central Ohio. The sad, lonely mail and do a hundred HOPING FOR A visitor life the Beatles sang about some years ago is day-to- other smaller chores that or a phone call keeps day reality for many rural residents, both men and help make life manageable. many rural seniors women, especially during the cold, gray months. But These angels of mercy going during the long nobody sings about their existence, and they are abound at local hospital winter months. often simply forgotten - or overlooked. and in the many nursing The homes and rehighlight tirement cenof their ters in the week may Reflections area. Often be the arthey are rival of a neighbors or Meals on acquainWheels tances who delivery know that person, or loneliness a mailcan exist man, with anywhere, whom but may be they can particularly exchange acute for a word or those who editorwc@acresmidwest.com two. Exlive in the cept durcountry ing the where holidays, of course. transportation and soAt that time of year a little guilt seeps into the cialization are limited. fruitcake and eggnog and we are moved to make Blessed are those who some small sacrifice to salve the conscience. Perhaps keep the “live alones” in we toss a quarter into the Salvation Army kettle, mind throughout the maybe we take a can or two of goods to church for a year, catering to their basket for the needy. Or we might invite a lonely physical, social and neighbor in for Christmas dinner. Our intentions are even spiritual needs. Of good, no doubt. And surely we make the holiday a lit- all the services protle brighter for some. But all too often we then sit vided, the most vital is back the rest of the year and bask in the warm glow often that of friend and of our annual good deed. companion.

PHOTO PROVIDED Meanwhile, the lonely return to their meager, soliMany times the eldtary existence on farms and in rural homes, trailers erly and others, who and apartments, forgotten until next year when the by chance find themselves alone in holiday spirit once again surges. Most of us mean life, go for days without seeing another human being. would be.

There will probably always be Eleanor Rigbys well throughout the year, but are so caught up in our A short visit that a friend or neighbor squeezes into among us, and it is possible some day we too may own worlds that we find little time for the empty the course of a busy day may be the highlight of a ourselves in that situation. Realizing this, let’s find lives of others. drab week for a shut-in. Able-bodied and active citiWe often look the other way or do not look at all; zens may find it difficult to grasp the significance of do what we can year-round to brighten the lives of “all the lonely people” the Beatles sang about. And in out of sight, out of mind. Of course this does not human contact for the Eleanor Rigbys of the world. the process, we’re bound to brighten our own lives, apply to everyone. There are a number of people in The recent holiday season brought out the best in too. rural Ohio who devote many hours throughout the humanity because we are more prone then to think of Jeff Billiel is editor of ACRES of year caring for their fellow man. They take the eldothers. If this care and concern could be extended West Central Ohio and executive editor erly and infirm to appointments, fix their meals, throughout the year, just think what a better world it and publisher of the Sidney Daily News.

Rural

Jeff Billiel

Three Ohioans honored for service to agriculture executive director of the Ohio Farm Service Agency, first under Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy, and now under Secretary Tom Vilsack. He also was chief of the division of natural areas at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Brandt grew up on a family farm and was active in 4-H and FFA. He served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. Upon his return he began farming, raising dairy cattle, hogs and crops. He became active in the Fairfield Soil and Water

Conservation District and later was employed to help farmers develop conservation plans and learn no-till techniques.

He takes his message about the value of reduced tillage, cover crops and development of healthy soils to farms throughout the United States and welcomes visitors to his farm to see the latest research in conservation measures. Among his many awards are Ohio Agriculture Man of the Year, Ohio Conservation Farmer of the Year and the Friend of Public Education.

Diley is best known for his more than 36 years as vocational agriculture instructor in the Miami Trace school system. His FFA chapters regularly attained top 10 status in Ohio and received the National Gold Emblem Award on numerous occasions. He has helped guide the success of the Fayette County Fair for 46 years, providing leadership to the Junior Fair livestock shows and sales. He was the Ohio State Fair’s junior fair dairy superintendent for 22 years and assistant superintendent for its

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COLUMBUS - Three outstanding leaders in Ohio agriculture were honored with Distinguished Service Awards presented by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF). The honorees are conservation activist Dave Brandt, youth leader Bill Diley and public servant Steve Maurer.

The awards recognize lifetime contributions to Ohio’s agricultural community and to Ohio Farm Bureau. The awards were presented during the 94th annual meeting of Ohio Farm Bureau Nov. 28-30 in Columbus. Candidates for Ohio Farm Bureau’s Distinguished Service Awards are nominated

by Farm Bureau volunteers, county organizations and state leaders.

Maurer is a longtime public servant associated with Ohio’s agricultural community. He grew up in rural Shelby County and is a graduate of Ohio State University. He served in the Ohio Senate, including as chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Small Business and Economic Development.

One of his legislative accomplishments created the state’s Agricultural Linked Deposits program. He is a past director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and also served as the agency’s assistant director. He twice served as

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He also is involved with the family dairy farm, which has been an influential part of state and national American Jersey Cattle Association activities. Diley also has been active with Farm Bureau, FFA

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Farm Bureau members who would like to nominate candidates for the Distinguished Service Award should contact their county Farm Bureau office.

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Acres of West Central Ohio •January 2013 • Page 8

2013 shapes up to be good year for farmland values in Ohio

BY GARY BROCK The dollar value of an acre of Ohio farm land is higher today than at any time in history, in either unadjusted or adjusted dollars, says an Ohio State University Extension agriculture business expert.

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

Barry Ward, OSU production business management leader told Acres of Southwest Ohio that his prediction for 2013 is based on the potential for crop profits, the low interest rates, the strong balance sheets for farmers in 2012 and the recent history for strong profits.

“Price (of crops) has been the driving force in farm land value,” he says. In addition to Ward’s conclusions about 2013, he also points out that 2012 PHOTO PROVIDED was a growth year for farm land value, as well. land The U.S. Department of re-appraisals are conAgriculture’s “Land Valducted in Ohio counties ues: 2012 Summary” reby the county auditor’s ofports that Ohio’s fice. These reappraisals cropland value jumped are done for counties 13.6 percent in 2012 com- every six years and are pared to 2011. According staggered, dividing out to the report, the average Ohio’s 88 counties. In price per acre of Ohio 2012, 19 Ohio counties farmland was $5,000 in had land reap2012. Nationwide, cropland value has increased praisals, and all 19 reevery year since 2003 ported to Acres that farm except 2009, when it land value jumped this year from 2011. dipped just slightly, acIn Highland County, cording to the USDA reAuditor Bill Fawley says port. the value of the farm In addition, each year land is based on what

OHIO FARMLAND values are at an all time high now and are expected to rise more this year.

kind of land it is.

It is all about the soil.

Highland County has 275 different soil types, second highest only to Ross County, but the dominant soil type is called “Clermont” soil.

And that soil is among the best soil for growing crops. As a result, Highland County CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) land values rose 44.2 percent compared to 2011.

“That really isn’t a sur-

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

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

CAUV is a real estate tax assessment program which gives owners of farmland the chance to

have their parcels taxed according to their value in agriculture, rather than full market value. It is the result of a referendum passed by Ohio voters in November, 1973. The Ohio General Assembly subsequently passed Senate Bill 423 in April, 1974, establishing CAUV Program by law. A state board regularly meets and sets the formula that county auditors must use when they determine the value of farm land.

Foley said that in 2008,

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

In neighboring Fayette County, Auditor Mike Smith also reported an increase in farm land value during the 2012 reappraisal. he said market value of farm land jumped 17 percent over 2011.

Gary Brock is editor-in-chief of ACRES.

Farmland Preservation Summit set for Jan. 17

Robins no longer a sign of spring

COLUMBUS - Farmers, landowners, planners, local officials, land trust leadership, economic development professionals and anyone interested in preserving farmland in Ohio can get tips from the experts on the subject during a farmland summit on Jan. 17.

The 13th annual Ohio Farmland Preservation Summit is designed to help interested parties learn various techniques, tools and methods to preserve farmland, said Mike Hogan, an Ohio State University Extension educator and Small Farm Program coordinator. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

During past farmland summits, experts have presented tools on legal ways for people to preserve farm land, he said. “This year, we’re looking to provide different ideas on enterprises and marketing strategies that can be used to help people generate income as a way to preserve farmland,” Hogan said. “In order to preserve Ohio farmland, we have to devise profitable alternatives for all varieties of farms to survive.

“The goal of the summit is to offer participants different ways to generate income on the farm.” The summit is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will take place at Ohio State University’s Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, just across from the Schottenstein Center on the Columbus campus.

The summit will feature opening remarks from Hogan and David Daniels, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The event will also feature breakout sessions on a variety of topics, Hogan said, including Preservation Options for Farmland Owners, Building Local Capacity and Maximizing Resources, and Long-Term Farmland Leases on Federal Property.

Hogan will also present sessions on Using Agriculture as an Economic Development Tool and on Farm Income Opportunities from Natural Resources.

Other presentations from OSU Extension experts include: Peggy Hall, assistant professor and OSU Extension field specialist in agricultural and resource law, who will present a session on Oil and Gas Language in an Easement.

More details and online registration are available at http://go.osu.edu/farmlandsummit2013. The summit is sponsored by OSU Extension, Countryside Conservancy, Fairfield Land Preservation Association, Pickaway Progress, Black Swamp Conservancy, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and the MidOhio Regional Planning Commission.

For as long as people have been watching birds in Ohio, the American robin has served as the quintessential harbinger of spring. This distinctive thrush, with its brick red underparts and penchant for stalking suburban lawns, is familiar to nearly everyone. The arrival of robins at winter’s end heralds warmer days, and the red-breasts usher in an ever-increasing cascade of spring flora and fauna.

John Maynard Wheaton, in an 1879 report on the birds of Ohio, noted that: “…the Robin arrives about the middle of February and remains until November”. While small numbers of robins have probably always overwintered in Ohio, even in Wheaton’s time, most of them fled south.

Perhaps the best gauge of wintering bird populations is provided by Christmas Bird Counts (CBC). Overseen by the National Audubon Society, CBC’s began in 1900 and have mushroomed from 25 counts to 2,200 worldwide, mobilizing an army of 63,000 birders. Ohio has its fair share of CBC’s – about 75 at present, in all quarters of the state. As each count covers a 15-mile diameter circle and are undertaken from mid-December through early January, they do a good job of assessing Ohio’s winter bird life.

The last five decades of Christmas Bird Count data illustrates that there are indeed more robins with frosty toes.

The million dollar question: why the major increase in wintering robins? It would be easy to point a finger at climate change, but warming temperatures are probably a minor factor, if a factor at all.

Nonnative plants are the true culprit enticing robins to stay north. In the colder months, robins turn largely to a diet of fruit, and the abundance of ornamental crabapples, hawthorns and other berry-producing landscape plants offers an ever-increasing buffet for the birds.

The availability of a prolific new food supply is not necessarily good for the robin. In general, berries produced by these nonnative plants are the equivalent of vegetative M & M’s. They are high in sugar and low in lipids and proteins. It’s the latter two ingredients that are vital to providing long-term sustenance for birds attempting to overwinter in harsh climates. If an ice storm or heavy snowfall keeps the birds from the berries, they’ll quickly find themselves in peril. A diet dominated by nonnative fruit doesn’t provide robins with adequate energy resources to ride out prolonged bouts of bad weather.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 9

Farmers could benefit from historical climatologist insights

2348720

Anyone who attended the Ohio Grain Farmers Symposium in December gained a new appreciation for volcanoes. Why, you might ask, would corn, soybean and wheat growers be interested in volcanic activity? Just think back to how early corn planting began last spring and how significant last summer’s drought and hot weather impacted crop production in the Midwest.

Much of what we regarded as highly unusual weather could be attributed in a large way to volcanic eruptions pumping massive amounts of ash and other debris into the stratosphere in 2009 and 2011. That observation was reported by Evelyn Browning-Garriss at the meeting of soybean, corn and wheat farmers in Wilmington. She is a historical climatologist who studies the impact of changing climate on economic and social trends. As editor of the Browning Newsletter, her advice is utilized by farmers, ranchers, commodity brokers, bankers, utilities and others.

Browning-Garriss maintains that the climate is determined primarily by how much solar radiation the Earth receives from the sun. In addition, where solar radiation is received can be impacted by the amount and density of clouds and volcanic debris in the upper atmosphere. Finally, where solar radiation is stored, such as oceans or even urban heat islands (a term used to describe cities with high pavement/building surface to natural vegetation cover ratios).

Her methodology in analyzing weather is to look at the natural factors shaping weather. She studies historical records, tree and coral rings, lake sediment and glacial core records to learn how these factors affected climate in the past.

The newsletter’s editor stated that if a volcanic eruption is large enough, its ashes and chemicals can screen out incoming sunlight. Debris from the eruptions of Iceland’s Mt. Grimsvotn and Russia’s Mt. Sheveluch volcanoes could linger for years. Higher concentrations early after eruptions can create more immediate localized challenges (air traffic in Europe in late spring and early summer of 2011). Longer term impact can include the changing of air pressure and winds. The air particulate matter also gathers moisture, forming heavy clouds that may ultimately cause heavy rainfall and blizzards.

The climatologist noted that the last time we had large volcano eruptions in both the North Pacific and North Atlantic was in 1783/1784, creating very strange weather we had not seen in centuries. The eruptions caused last winter’s circumpolar winds (Arctic Oscillation) to blow around the North Pole so strongly that they trapped all of the cold polar air in the north. This gave areas south of the Arctic warmer weather, including the late winter, early spring warm up, which led to some of the earliest corn planting in memory.

She also detailed how those atmospheric conditions interacted with ocean currents to create a “weather whiplash” this past summer, with prevailing winds crossing the southwest desert areas bringing very little moisture to much of the Corn Belt.

This year, Browning-Garriss suggests that the circumpolar winds are weaker, so that we should experi-

Ag

Scene

Roger Bender rbender@landstewards.com

ence a colder winter with more snow. She presented a massive amount of material in a 40 minute presentation, utilizing terms many of us are familiar with including the Gulf Stream, La Nina, El Nino and the Polar Jet Stream. However, she also freely used terminology such as the Madden- Julian Oscillation, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and the North Atlantic Oscillation, technical wording one might want to learn

more about by checking out the website, browningnewsletter.com. A sample newsletter is free, an annual subscription costs $250.

The publication deals with world wide weather modeling. The November, 2012 edition provided information pertinent to the United States and also provided updates on factors affecting South America and Europe weather conditions. Colorful graphics are an important component of the emailed newsletter. The publication states that opinions are based on extensive studies of physical data and phenomena, but that many of the statements published should not be regarded as rigorously proven is a scientific sense. It is also stated that some decades must pass before these issues are resolved.

As farmers make long-term investments in land, equipment and technology, accessing the insight of a historical climatologist may be one more tool worth using.

Roger Bender is a retired Shelby County Agricultural Agent with the OSU Extension Service.

He currently works as a consultant for Land Stewards, LLC, and works the family farm near Fort Loramie.

Beekeepers advised on winter feeding REYNOLDSBURG – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) would like to encourage beekeepers to make sure their bees are properly fed this winter.

Due to drought conditions experienced in Ohio this year, stored food sources might be low for some bee colonies. A lack of stored food for bees could be attributed to the drought and lack of nectar and available water, both necessary components to produce honey.

Honey and pollen are needed to feed bee larvae.

With little available nectar to make honey and poor pollen production from dry soil, the queen bee slows egg production and the larvae present are fed any available stored honey and pollen remaining from the spring. As these food sources become low, it is important for beekeepers to ensure their bees have a sufficient amount of food stored to survive the winter.

If a beekeeper feels it is necessary to feed their bees, ODA would like to offer the following tips when doing so: · Lift the back of the hive. If the back of the hive is easily lifted, it is likely the bees need to be fed. · Do not open hives when it is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit unless absolutely necessary for feeding. · When the hive is open, add fondant, pollen patties and/or sugar syrup. When completed, close the hive as quickly and as safely as possible.

Beekeepers with any questions are encouraged to contact ODA at 614-728-6373 or by email at apiary@agri.ohio.gov.

Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 10

COUNTRY COOKIN

Caribbean dish just the ticket for a hearty January meal Savory Cheesy Potato Soup hits the spot on cold days

A hearty Caribbean dish is just the thing to warm up a family on cold January days, and Benita Houck of Sidney has just the recipe.

The Shelby County woman enjoys cooking and entertaining guests at her Victorian home. She and husband On a cold winter day, there’s nothing Christopher have been married for 30 like a bowl of hot potato soup to ward years and have three grown children off the chill, and Patsy Richardson of and two grandchildren. They bought a the Huntsville area has just the recipe. little blue Victorian home on the edge Richardson, of Logan County, has of Sidney six years ago and have been tweaked her recipe for Cheesy Potato painstakingly Soup to suit the palates of her family. renovating it Both room by she and room. husband Hospitality Jay are looms large now rein their tired, he house and from DP&L sharing and she home cookfrom retail ing is one of sales at a her favorite gift shop ways to weland an income both store bakfamily and ery. friends.

RichardHouck enson comes joys readfrom a faming, ily of seven especially and, being about the the oldest, Victorian learned to era, collectcook and ing Debake at an pression early age - acglass and tivities she spending BENITA HOUCK of greatly entime with Sidney displays her the grandjoys. She also hearty Pasta Sambal, children. has done varia Caribbearn dish that She atous craft projis a big hit with tends ects and at her family.

Cornerone time was a stone As- SDN Photo/LUKE GRONNEBERG member of a sembly of Miniature AsGod in sociation of Lima, creating miniaSidney and plays piano with their tures such as holiday rooms and a doll Praise & Worship Team. house.

Houck said she was first introduced She says baking has always been her to her favorite Caribbean dish when first love, however. She learned to decoher daughter, while in culinary school, rate at the worked at a local restaurant. “One day bakery she brought this delicious pasta dish where she home and I was so enthralled by it that worked, I decided to make the recipe my own.

After many attempts, I was finally able plus took lessons. to re-create the recipe that everyone She baked now raves about.” and decoHouck notes the recipe has become rated wedone of the family’s favorites and is requested at most of their get-togethers. ding and birthday “This dish is usually made with shrimp, but for the non- seafood people cakes for in your life, chicken works just as well,” 20 years but had to she says. The dish is Caribbean in naPATSY RICHARDSON give it up ture, so feel free to spice it up more. It brings the heartiness of the pasta com- after breaking her hand. She still bakes lots bined with many of the spices of the of cookies, however. Additionally, she Caribbean to warm you on a cold winenjoys gardening and collecting recipes. ter’s day.

The Richardsons have one son and PASTA SAMBAL three grandchildren.

1 pound of jumbo shrimp cooked in Below is the recipe for Richardson’s Old Bay seasoning as directed, peeled healthy and comforting soup, a favorite and deveined. (If using chicken use from her extensive recipe collection. about 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast CHEESY POTATO SOUP strips) 3 large potatoes, diced 1 box fettuccine noodles 1-2 stalks celery, chopped 1 can Coco Lopez cream of coconut 1 small onion, chopped (Do not use coconut milk.)

3-4 baby carrots, shredded 1 ½ cups half and half Cover potatoes and veggies with 1 large onion, chopped chicken broth—enough to cover. Cook 1 tbsp garlic powder until tender. Add 1-2 cups skim milk.

3 tsp chili powder Then add two cups Velveeta Cheese 1 tbsp ground tumeric (2%) cubed.

1 tbsp ground cumin (To thicken soup, Richardson uses 3 tsp ground ginger leftover mashed potato which she keeps 1 green jalapeno pepper, chopped and in the freezer.) seeded Add cheese cubes, stir until melted.

1 red jalapeno pepper, chopped and Add chopped fresh parsley toward the seeded end of cooking. May also sprinkle crum2 tbsp cooking oil or extra virgin bled cooked turkey bacon over the top. olive oil ——— 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips 1 green bell pepper cut into thin strips 1 large can mushrooms Heat oil in large skillet over medium Lois Bender of Minster enjoys bakheat. Sauté onion, mushrooms and peppers until tender. Add garlic, chili pow- ing, especially cookies and cinnamon bread she makes at holiday time. She der, tumeric, cumin and ginger. Mix also likes making soups for lunch well. meals, and here shares her recipe for a Add cream of coconut and half and wholesome vegetarian chili. half. Stir over medium heat about 2 The Auglaize County woman has minutes until hot. Add more tumeric been married to Julius Bender for 59 and cumin if desired. Add meat and years. They have four daughters and toss to coat. Set aside. Cook fettuccine two sons, along with 10 grandchildren as directed. Drain. Arrange fettuccine and three great-grandchildren. on a large platter and top with the When not busy cooking and baking, sambal, or mix them together for a deMrs. Bender has enjoyed dancing and lightfully sweet and spicy dish. attending movies. She and her husband Serve with tossed salad and garlic have also attended USS Fletcher ship bread if desired.

Tasty Vegetarian Chili great for after holidays

reunions, as he served on that ship while in the U.S. Navy.

Mrs. Bender has enjoyed making crewel pictures and has several displayed at their home. She likes to embroider, too, and has embroiLOIS BENDER dered 10 baby quilts, one for each of her grandchildren. She also crocheted an afghan for each of her children and grandchildren and is adept at sewing, something that kept her busy when her children were young.

Mrs. Bender’s husband says that he “rescued from the Hoosiers,” as she is originally from Richmond, Ind. Her chili soup recipe follows.

VEGETARIAN CHILI 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms 2/3 cups chopped onion 2/3 cups chopped red bell pepper 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon oregano 1 46 ounce can tomato juice 1 cup pinto beans, drained 1 cup garbanzo beans, drained 2 cups black beans, drained Heat oil in large saucepan over medium high heat. Add garlic and onions and stir for three minutes. Add mushrooms and bell peppers and cook five minutes, stirring occasionally and then add chili powder, cumin, pepper, and oregano. Cook and stir for one minute. Add tomato juice and beans and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Top servings with sour cream and cheddar cheese. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

———

Healthful can also be hearty down on the Bishop Farm Although Connie Bishop of Clark County is a full-time farmer, she still finds time to cook some hearty dishes during the cold winter months.

Born and raised on a farm, it was no surprise that she CONNIE BISHOP married a farmer.

Her husband-to-be, Robert, had just finished a tour of duty in the army and

returned home to take his family’s farming business. She worked at a department store for a couple of years and then returned to the farm to raise their two daughters and son, becoming at that point a full-time farm wife and mother.

Connie and her husband operated the Bishop Family Farms. In the first years of their marriage, they fed cattle, ditched and raised corn, soybeans and wheat. Later on they scaled back to ditching and raising corn and soybeans.

After the untimely death of her husband in 2008, Connie continues to operate the farm with her son, Jason and his wife, and a full-time employee. Her daughters and their husbands help bring meals to the field and lend an extra hand when a truck or tractor driver is needed.

Bishop has seven grandchildren, ranging in age of 22 months to 15 years, with whom she loves to spend time. She also likes to sew and quilt when time permits. She has a cat and a new Border Collie puppy that help keep her busy.

Bishop is a member of Donnelscreek Church of the Brethren in Springfield where she has served as a deaconess, Sunday school teacher, chairman of women’s fellowship and on other boards. She also enjoys signing special music.

Since New Year’s resolutions often involve eating healthy and losing weight, Bishop feels the following recipe is ideal for this time of year. It is a “Daniel Fast” recipe and a good way to start off the new year. (Daniel Fast is a program at her church in which people fast the first 21 days in January.

They do not fast in the traditional sense, but rather eat and drink healthy foods, excluding processed foods and drinks such as soda.)

PUMPKIN BLACK BEAN SOUP 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups water or vegetable broth 3 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 15-ounce can pumpkin 1 1/2 tsp. cumin* 1 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat, and add onions. Cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn. Add water or broth, 2 cups of black beans, pumpkin, cumin, salt, and pepper. Put tomatoes and remaining black beans into a food processor or blender until smooth. Add to sup mixture, and heat to boiling. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. For a chunkier soup, put only 2 cups black beans into food processor and keep the tomatoes diced. *Use chili powder or taco seasoning in place of cumin Recipes compiled by Lola E. Billiel, who writes for the Sidney Daily News.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 11

Program helps keep disabled farmers on the job

Services, ‘assistive technology’ offered at no cost

BY MIKE SEFFRIN Despite modern advances in agriculture, farming can still be a physically demanding occupation. But for farmers with disabilities or health problems, a free program can help.

Ohio AgrAbility, which operates through Ohio State University, is part of a national program that promotes independence for people in agriculture who want to continue farming after experiencing a disabiling condition. The program’s goal is to provide education, resources and technical assistance. OSU has partnered with Easter Seals to offer the program in Ohio.

Kent McGuire, education program coordinator with Ohio AgrAbility, said the program is in its fourth year at OSU and has been in existence nationwide about 20 years.

Services are offered at no cost to farmers, McGuire said. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.

In 2012 the state program had about 35 clients “we work with on regular basis providing site assessments,� McGuire said. In addition, program personnel worked with about 180 people who contacted Ohio AgrAbility about solving specific problems. For many clients, multiple assessments are conducted because of the wide variety PHOTO PROVIDED of situations involved. “There are environmental changes,� McGuire said. For example, he said, how a farmer would perform a task “when it’s sunny and 70� is different than how he would do the same job in January.

The program offers “assistive technologyâ€? to help a person complete a job that otherwise might be difficult. Examples of this include: • Modified steps or handles. • Hand controls. • Lever extensions. • Outdoor mobility aids. • Motorized lifts.

The program also promotes “universal designâ€?— solutions that produce buildings, products and environments that make tasks easier for everyone, not just people with disabilities. Examples of this include: • Smooth ground surfaces of entryways — without stairs. • Large handles on buckets, utensils and tools. • Lever handles for doors rather than knobs that twist.

Salute to youth Young farmers named to advisory team The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named the newest members of its Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team. They are Ron Burns, of Milford Center, Latham and Katie Farley, of Englewood, Aaron and Sarah Heilers, of Anna, and Duayne and Monica Wetherell, of Mingo Junction.

As team members, they will help develop and conduct activities that provide opportunities for young people to become involved in Ohio Farm Bureau programs. Latham manages the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in Shelby County and helps his father-in-law farm during planting and harvest. Katie works as a graphic designer. Latham earned a degree in biology from Mississippi State University and Katie graduated from Miami University with a degree in graphic design they are members of the Pike County Farm Bureau.

Aaron and Sarah operate a one-acre vineyard and produce pork for friends and family. They are both Ohio State University graduates, where Aaron earned a degree in landscape horticulture and Sarah in agricultural education. Sarah earned her master’s degree in teaching and learning from Nova Southeastern University.

Aaron is a drainage technician with the Miami Soil and Water conservation District. Sarah teaches agricultural classes at Fort Loramie Schools. They are members of the Shelby County Farm Bureau.

Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program is open to individuals and married couples between the ages of 18-35 who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.

• Light switches with large, flat panels rather than toggle switches. • Accessible cabinets, storage spaces and work stations.

Farmers who have used the program appreciate it, McGuire said. “The response has been very positive because we’re assisting them with increasing their productivity and reducing barriers and limitations they face because of a disability,� he said. “In the overall scheme of things, we’re helping them to be productive in doing something they love, which is farming.�

Disabilities that AgrAbility deals with may be because of injury (farm and non-farm), health issues or age issues. “We have an individual who is in a wheelchair and has been for quite some time. He still actively

representatives attend ag-related events such as the Farm Science Review and ag- safety days, McGuire said. They also work with other community organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and Centers for Independent Living. “It really helps to surround the indvidual with all the resources available to them,� he said.

McGuire grew up on a farm and still lives in a rural community in Wyandot County. “I’ve seen over the years the impact an injury or illness can have on a family farm in a small, rural community,� he said.

More information about the Ohio AgrAbility program is available on the website, agrability.osu.edu.

McGuire may be contacted by phone at (614) 2920588 and by email at mcguire.225@osu.edu.

Mike Seffrin writes for the Sidney Daily News.

SHOWN HERE is a tractor which utilizes assistive technology concepts for farmers with limiting or disabling conditions.

farms,� McGuire said. But he is starting to develop arthritis in his upper body.

The program is flexible in the kinds of services it provides, McGuire said, which helps if a client is reluctant to accept assistance. “It all comes down to each individual. ‌ To overcome that (reluctance), we provide them with resources they can use immediately,â€? he said. “The other key is we will do as little or as much as the individual wants. We really kind of keep it open to meet the needs and comfort level of the individual.â€?

To make the public aware of the program, program

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 12

Ag Calendar To add an event to this calendar, contact Rachel out sessions on a variety of topics, including PreserLloyd at rlloyd@sdnccg.com. vation Options for Farmland Owners, Building Local Capacity and Maximizing Resources, and Long-Term Farmland Leases on Federal Property, as JANUARY well as Using Agriculture as an Economic Develop■ Jan. 14: Western Ohio Agronomy Day, 8:30 ment Tool and on Farm Income Opportunities from Natural Resources. The summit will feature exhibia.m.-4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.-10:15 p.m., St. Michael Hall, 33 Elm St. Featured speakers and topics: Fred Whit- tion space and a lunch featuring Ohio foods. Registration is $50 and includes continental breakfast ford, Keeping the Trailer Hitched to the Truck; Robert Mullen, Soil Fertility — Phosphorus and Ni- and lunch. Deadline to register is Jan. 10. More details and online registration are available at trogen Management; Laura Lindsey, Soybean Prohttp://go.osu.edu/farmlandsummit2013. duction — Using the Tools of the Trade; Terry ■ Jan. 24: Fruit and Vegetable Safety — Niblack, Soybean Cyst Nematodes, Nematodes in Corn; plus area Extension agriculture professional Good Agricultural Practices training, 6-9 p.m., on cover crops, resistant weed management, fumiga- Union tion, manure management and fly control, etc. $15 County OSU at the door.

Extension, ■ Jan. 16-17: Certified Crop Adviser prep 18000 State session, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Shelby County office of Route 4, OSU Extension, 810 Fair Road, Sidney. Will include Suite E, topics: crop management, soil and water manageMarysville. ment, pest management and primary nutrients, as Participants well as a sample exam and sample exam can reserve a review.Registration is $225 per person, which inspot in the cludes sessions, lunch and handouts. The deadline workshop by to register is Jan. 9. Registration can be made oncontacting line at www.regonline.com/CCAPrep.

Amanda ■ Jan. 17: 13th Annual Farmland Preservation Summit, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., OSU Nationwide Douridas in and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Tay- OSU Extension’s Union County office, (937) 644-8117, dourilor Drive, Columbus. The event will feature break-

JANUARY

das.9@osu.edu. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Registration is $10 per person, payable by cash or check, with checks made out to “Ohio State University.” More information about the workshop can be found at http://www.producesafety.osu.edu.

■ Jan. 24: Ohio Maple Days, Morrow County, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Memorial Camp, 2790 State Route 61, Fulton; Jan. 25: Ohio Maple Days, Wayne and Holmes counties, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mennonite Christian Assembly Church, 10664 Fryburg Road, near Fredericksburg; Jan. 26: Ohio Maple Days, Geauga County, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Joe J.S. Miller’s Window Shop, 15020 Shedd Road, Burton. Featured speakers are Kathy Hopkins, Extension maple syrup specialist from the University of Maine, “Identification of Fungal Contamination in Maple Syrup,” “Canning Protocols: What Works” and “Visual Displays and Marketing;” Nate Bissell of Bissell Maple Farm in northeast Ohio, sugarmaker, “Sugarmaking, Money Making or Both?”; Gary Graham, coordinator of OSU Extension’s Ohio Maple Program, “Production Statistics: Do the Numbers Really Count?” There will also be a trade show; reports from OSU Extension and the Ohio Maple Producers Association; testing of hydrometers and Vermont Temporary Maple Syrup safe to walk and fish on, while six to seven inches of Grading Kits (bring them to the program; small adice are needed to support snowmobiles. ditional fee for the testing); and a session called Consistently cold temperatures along Lake Erie bring about the appearance of ice shanties and lure “Maple Nuggets” for sharing questions, ideas and avid anglers from all over to this favorite ice fishing information. Pre-registration, which includes lunch, “hot” spot. For a variety of reasons – including safety is $30 and is due by Jan. 18. Payment at the door is – many anglers hire a guide who can get them set up $35 and doesn’t include lunch. Participants can regin the protective shelter of a shanty and help them ister by sending their name, contact information, locate the fish. With all these winter recreation opand check or money order (made payable to OSU portunities available in Ohio there’s no excuse for staying indoors. So bundle up, get outside and “let it Extension) to OSU Extension, 1680 Madison Ave., snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

Wooster, OH 44691. For more information, call (330) Laura Jones writes for the Ohio 674-3015 or email graham.124@osu.edu.

Department of Natural Resources.

Ohio Outdoors Winter in Ohio offers plenty of fun

BY LAURA JONES Winter has arrived in Ohio, setting the stage for some fun, winter-related outdoor sports, such as skiing, sledding, ice fishing and ice skating. It’s also a quieter time of the year, providing visitors to Ohio’s state parks and other outdoor sites with more solitude and spectacular views.

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s snow belt, Punderson State Park is a favorite getaway for many winter-sport enthusiasts, especially cross-country skiers. This northeast Ohio winter wonderland offers the perfect terrain for gliding along glistening white snow and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. At many state parks, cross-country skiers can take advantage of the multiuse trails and virtually any wide-open space that’s blanketed by at least five inches of snow. Cross-country skiing is great exercise and a wonderful way to see the state’s winter landscape, so don’t let a lack of equipment keep you from participating in this exhilarating sport. Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County and Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County, both offer rental equipment for a day of snowy adventures. How long has it been since you went sledding? This traditional cold-weather sport can be enjoyed by Ohioans of all ages on sledding hills throughout the state. Many state and local parks provide designated areas where young and old alike can experience the thrill of zipping down a snow-packed hill. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider snowboarding or snow tubing.

While the snow may be beautiful and enticing, don’t forget to dress warmly when going out to play.

A reasonably comfortable 32-degree day can be pushed dangerously colder by even a light wind, exposing you to the possibility of frostbite or hypothermia.

Deal with the cold by dressing in layers. Damp clothing causes your body temperature to drop, so focus on garments made of wool, Gor-Tex, and polypropylene, which do a good job of allowing moisture to escape. For added protection, wear waterproof boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Playing in the snow can be exhausting, so know when to call it quits and head inside for a hot cup of cocoa.

If you truly enjoy being outdoors in the winter, you might want to consider camping at one of Ohio’s state parks. While camping out of season requires a little more preparation than during the warmer months, it certainly has its rewards: it’s quieter in the woods and you’ll very likely get your favorite camping spot! Lake Hope State Park with its rolling hills and beautiful lake, is an ideal location for many winter sports, including ice fishing and hiking. Located in southeast Ohio’s Vinton County, the park features both electric and non-electric campsites for those robust enough to sleep beneath a winter sky.

And nearby Hocking Hills is beautiful in winter with its frozen waterfalls and rugged terrain – perfect for an invigorating day of hiking.

Love the outdoors, but not so excited about sleeping in the cold? A lodge or cottage getaway is a cozy alternative for those who prefer the great indoors after a day of winter play. While having fun outdoors, remember to drink plenty of fluids. Even though it’s cold outside, you’re still susceptible to dehydration, which impairs the body’s ability to produce heat.

Some anglers swear that fish caught through the ice taste better than at any other time of the year.

That must explain why these hardy souls brave the cold to drop their lines through a hole in the ice.

When winter temperatures dip low enough, this exciting winter sport can be enjoyed on Lake Erie and Ohio’s many inland lakes and ponds.

If you go ice fishing, follow the Boy Scout motto and “be prepared.” Wear a life jacket and have an extra change of clothes in case of a fall through the ice. A minimum ice thickness of five inches is usually

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 13

Farm life helps troubled teens

BY CRAIG SHIRK ST. PARIS – Operation Rebirth, a boarding school and working farm for troubled teen boys, has been helping families through farming since 1980. Its motto reads, “It’s better to build boys than to mend men.”

The school opened its doors in downtown Dayton in 1976 and later moved to a 17-acre field north of St. Paris.

“We quickly found that the (city) environment wasn’t conducive to helping boys change. It just didn’t work,” said current Director Sam Ronicker.

“We bought this property (near St. Paris) around 1980 and it has had an agricultural theme ever since.”

Building character in troubled boys has been the mission of the school since its beginning, starting with the efforts of founder and Director Emeritus James Brian of Shelby County.

After more than 30 years under Brian’s leadership, Ronicker and his wife, Teresa, accepted the roles of executive directors in 2009.

“Most of the boys here have only played video games and watched TV …

We have one boy who’s watched every gory movie ever made, but when he cuts a chicken’s head off he throws up,” said Ronicker. “There’s a reality to it.

“But this is a lot more fun. It’s real. It’s not a video game. It’s not television. There is no instant gratification. You have to wait, so it really creates patience,” he said.

The majority of each student’s diet is planted, harvested, processed or prepared in some way by his own hands. The boys also earn a profit from tending to chickens and selling their eggs.

The garden is full of corn, peas, green beans, tomatoes and peppers, any vegetable that can be stored easily. The boys also take care of and sell pigs, however, livestock profits have been hard to come by lately.

pottery, stained-glass crafting and blacksmith shop.

These trades are taught by both full- and part-time instructors. Some youngsters discover talents and passions they never knew they had.

“I realized I was good at it and that it came easier,” said a 14-year-old student about his woodworking class.

The boy proudly displayed a recent woodcarving project, an illustration of a galloping horse. He is finishing a gift for his mother, a coat rack made of walnut that received rave reviews from his instructors.

He spoke of returning home, earning a diploma, a collegiate scholarship and starting his own woodshop. What’s changed most, he said, is his “anger, respect, maturity and cooperation.”

“When I was back in public schools, I was get- PHOTO PROVIDED ting Cs, Ds and Fs,” he said.

“Here I’m getting As, Bs, and Cs. I

ber of them.

OPERATION REBIRTH is a Christian boarding academy located at 1638 Apple Road, St. Paris. The school helps troubled teen boys return to mainstream education through a strict regimen of farm-related chores and academics.

A RESIDENT of the Operation Rebirth Boarding Academy hauls hay bales at the school's farm.

PHOTO PROVIDED

haven’t had an F in over a year.”

Each day starts at 6 a.m. with cleaning dorm rooms, devotions and breakfast. Classes are from 8 a.m. to about 2 p.m.

The remainder of the day consists of farm chores and ends with bedtime at 8 p.m. Meals are served with all students around

“’Sorry, I have to work,’” Ronicker said he often hears.

OR’s annual operating budget is approximately $220,000, but rising costs will require additional income of about $5,000 to $10,000. Currently, the school is long over-due for hay to feed its livestock.

What few may know, said Ronicker, is that the program is year-round and requires its students to return home for roughly one-third of the year during breaks. Parents are required to play an active role in their children’s success and must pick them up

fund.

Ronicker and his staff are proud of their growing network of Facebook followers. The school’s Facebook page has amassed 201 friends and many are alumni.

“It’s an amazing network that God has created,” said Ronicker.

“There are 1,400 or 1,500 people around

OR is a non-denominational school, though students attend services at the Urbana First United Methodist Church and participate in youth events there.

Roger Phipps, who has been with the school for 35 years, is a full-time instructor and assistant director who handles the bulk of the academic tutoring. Meanwhile, residential instructors Emilio and Shelley live in the dormitory with their three children.

The students are supervised by at least two staff members at all times. Besides the five full-time workers, the school gets help from 10 weekly volunteers and tutors as well as dozens of guest speakers and occasional volun-

LEARNING HOW to properly handle livestock is an education for this youngster, carrying a Holstein calf.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BABY CHICKS are always a pleasure to work with at the school farm.

PHOTO PROVIDED

“We really are poor farmers,” Ronicker said laughing. “The price of feed is so high, we don’t make any money on the livestock. But, what we don’t eat, we will sell.”

The boys help butcher livestock and process all meat products consumed on the farm. Ronicker said there’s value in knowing where the cows and chickens have been and what exactly they’ve eaten and breathed. In addition, the garden is void of potentially harmful chemicals.

The boys are required to take equestrian class, starting with shoveling horse manure, grooming the horses, saddling them, cleaning their stalls and finally learning to ride them. All five full-time staff members are experienced in horseback riding and the farm currently has two horses.

Bailing hay for local farmers and cutting wood for the dorm furnace are other tasks students undertake. They learn skilled trades such as welding, woodworking,

the table.

“We focus on three things here: respect, relationship and responsibility, and the agricultural aspect is all about responsibility,” said Ronicker.

The school currently is operating at a capacity eight students, including boys ranging in age from 13 to 17. The program has welcomed boys from Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois, but most originate from southwest Ohio.

“Usually a boy comes to us around the junior high age … and he usually stays with us about two years,” Ronicker said. “The goal is to get him back to his family and back to mainstream education.”

The school receives no public funding. Instead, it is supported by dozens of regular donors and more than 100 occasional donors including churches, friends and family. The school also is supported through the Community Foundation of Shelby County, which manages the school’s endowment

the state, around the country really, who pray for us and care for us.”

Ronicker touts the school’s success rate as 100 percent for those who complete the program.

The director says it’s a challenge to bring back alumni for honorary visits because of their newfound work ethic and devotion to their jobs.

during those breaks.

A common misconception is that the school receives court-ordered juveniles, which is not the case, said Ronicker.

A handful of medical professionals and several churches can make referrals to OR. Dr. Kevin Horvath, a pediatrician practicing in Tipp City, makes a significant num-

teers.

Ronicker said the school’s strict regimen has become a way of life for the staff.

“We tell ourselves, ‘We’re just living our lives and the boys are here for the ride.’”

Craig Shirk writes for the Urbana Daily Citizen.

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 14

Keeping things green during the white winter The holiday season has ended. The outdoor lights have been taken down…or at least unplugged. And the poinsettias, although still alive, are beginning to shed a few leaves.

So it’s back to tending the houseplants that may or may not have been neglected for several weeks.

If you’d like to keep some green going through the nasty months of January, February, and March, all is not lost. There are several easy-going houseplants that demand very little attention, and there are even a few that refuse to die no matter how they’re treated. Because our Ohio winters are often cloudy and gray, it’s worth noting that when the plant tag says “bright light,” it means that the houseplant will need a southern or south-western exposure near a window in order to thrive. Keep that in mind when selecting new indoor plants.

Here are some suggestions for no-fuss plants that will stand up to the forgetful gardener in all of us. I have all four of these, and I can testify to their extreme ease of care. I begin with the toughest of all: the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra eliator). This one really lives up to its name since it thrives in low light, low humidity, and lack of water and fertilizer.

Broad, pointy leaves are generally dark green although variegated leaf varieties are also available.

Cast Iron Plants are slow growers reaching a maximum height of 24 inches. They work well in hallways or in rooms with very poor light exposure.

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) are those tall, sword-leafed plants with dark green horizontal stripes that

Plays

in the dirt

Ann Heeley

annheeley@gmail.com pollutants. They’re also quite easy to propagate.

Simply clip off a piece of leaf, place in about one inch of water, and wait until roots appear.

Plant in loose or sandy soil. Water sparingly about once a month or every six weeks during the winter, and if you must fertilize, do so in the spring and summer months.

If you can remember to keep it watered in medium or low light, Fittonia (or Mosaic Plant) is another good choice. Plants in the Fittonia family have dark green, oval leaves with white, pink, or silver veining. They like damp soil and enjoy an occasional misting, especially in the winter months when humidity is low. Fittonia tends to creep, and the stems will root wherever they make soil contact. They also drape beautifully in hanging baskets. To keep their veining colorful, fertilize twice a month, but don’t allow bright sunlight to burn the leaves.

Philodendron is a fast-growing vine with many leaf-shape variations, the most common being Heart-Leaf (Philodendron scandens). Whether cascading from a coffee table, twirling around an obelisk, or trailing from a hang-

CAST IRON plant.

water in low light for several years. I’ve had mine in a hanging pitcher of water for a very long time—I’ve lost track—and the only care I provide is to add water every month or so and trim it when it starts to look a little gangly. I do a complete change of water every few years, but never fertilize this plant.

Depending on which direction your windows face, there are lots of other houseplants from which to choose. Remember that most flowering and/or fruiting plants require brighter light or exposure to the sun in order to bloom, so pick your favorites accordingly. A good website to learn more: http://www.gardenersgardening.com/easyhouseplants.html.

Next month, I’d like to start my own plants from seed. I have some general rules I follow, but I’d like to hear from you regarding tips or techniques that you’ve found successful. Email me at annheeley@gmail.com.

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MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE (or Snake Plant). ing basket, Philodendrons are one of the easistand up to dry soil and low light, but they’ll also est plants to grow. They perform well in medium or bright light. A close relprefer slightly moist soil ative, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, has yellow stripes across the leaves. Plants can reach a height of three and medium light, but feet, and because they are succulents, the only way will tolerate lapses in watering. They will even to kill them is to overwater or never water at all. grow in a container of Snake plants act as air cleaners, removing indoor

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SIDNEY - People planning to take the Certified Crop Adviser exam can gain testing insight through a twoday CCA exam preparation session taught by members of Ohio State University Extension’s Agronomic Crops Team. The course is designed to help participants understand the principles necessary to become a certified crop adviser and to assist in preparation for the state and international CCA exams, said Harold Watters, an OSU Extension agronomy field specialist and coordinator of the university’s Agronomic Crops Team.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. While the exam preparation class wasn’t created to be a “crash course” covering all information on the CCA exam, the training session will offer participants information on performance objectives and provide direction for independent study, he said. “Crop advisers are the folks who provide advice to producers on nutrient management, crop management, pest management, and managing soil and water issues,” Watters said. “So the more certified crop advisers we have, the better advice we can get out to our growers. “And if we can give those who are interested in becoming certified crop advisers a little boost in exam preparation that helps them become more confident to get in there and take those exams, then the better. The class is only two days, so

while it’s not enough time to teach everything on the test, we can help provide confidence and tips to prepare them for some of the tougher questions on the exam.” The sessions will be offered at the Shelby County office of OSU Extension, 810 Fair Road, in Shelby. All sessions will be taught by CCAs who are also all OSU Extension county educators and state specialists and will include the following topics: Crop management, with an emphasis on crop production, photosynthesis, crop physiology and variety selection, taught by Watters. Soil and water management, with an emphasis on soil properties, soil water, surface and ground water, and soil and wind erosion, taught by Bruce Clevenger. Pest management, with an emphasis on weeds, insects, diseases and pesticides, taught by Greg LaBarge. Primary nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients, taught by Robert Mullen. A sample exam and sample exam review. Participants will also receive the Ohio Agronomy Guide; Ohio and Indiana Weed Control Guide; Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Alfalfa Field Guide; and the IPNI 4R Plant Nutrition Manual.

Registration for the event is $225 per person and includes the preparation sessions, lunches and handouts. The deadline to register for the two-day event is Jan. 9. Registration can be made online at www.regonline.com/CCAPrep.

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

Kinze 2600 16R30, Corn/Bean, several available . . . . . . . .

‘01 Kinze 3000, 15/30R, Corn/Bean, Insect, KPMII . . . . . . .

‘01 Kinze 3200, 12R, Econo-Fold No-Till, KPMII Mon, Corn ‘01 Kinze 3600, 16/32, No-Till Turbo, Air Boom, Box Ext . . .

‘02 Kinze 3600, 12 RN, No-Till, Liq Fert, Insect, Keetons . .

‘03 Kinze 3600, 16RN, Box Ext, 2 Yrs on Rebuild . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

.$36-$47,000 . . . .$29,500 . . . .$39,500 . . . .$59,500 . . . .$52,000 . . . .$56,500

‘03 ‘05 ‘10 ‘06 ‘10 ‘09

Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze

3600, 3600, 3650, 3650, 3660, 3800,

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

Kinze 2600 16R30, Corn/Bean, several available . . . . . . . .

‘01 Kinze 3000, 15/30R, Corn/Bean, Insect, KPMII . . . . . . .

‘01 Kinze 3200, 12R, Econo-Fold No-Till, KPMII Mon, Corn ‘01 Kinze 3600, 16/32, No-Till Turbo, Air Boom, Box Ext . . .

‘02 Kinze 3600, 12 RN, No-Till, Liq Fert, Insect, Keetons . .

‘03 Kinze 3600, 16RN, Box Ext, 2 Yrs on Rebuild . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

.$36-$47,000 . . . .$29,500 . . . .$39,500 . . . .$59,500 . . . .$52,000 . . . .$56,500

‘03 ‘05 ‘10 ‘06 ‘10 ‘09

Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze Kinze

3600, 3600, 3650, 3650, 3660, 3800,

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

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

Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 15

MIAMI COUNTY AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOT 2007 CENSUS OF

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

Miami County – Ohio Ranked items among the 88 state counties and 3,079 U.S. counties, 2007 State Quantity Rank

Item

Universe

U.S. Rank

Universe

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

89,782 74,703 15,079

31 23 46

88 88 88

995 557 1,747

3,076 3,072 3,069

% 2007 2002 change Number of Farms ...........................................1.048...................1,071.............-2 Land in Farms...................................196,943 acres .....184,028 acres ............+7 Average Size of Farm ..............................188 acres ............172 acres ............+9

VALUE OF SALES BY COMMODITY GROUP ($1,000) Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas 69,669 Tobacco Cotton and cottonseed Vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes 1,025 Fruits, tree nuts, and berries 251 Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod 2,650 Cut Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops 113 Other crops and hay 995 Poultry and eggs (D) Cattle and calves 3,822 Milk and other dairy products from cows 4,272 Hogs and pigs 2,837 Sheep, goats, and their products (D) Horses, ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys 183 Aquaculture Other animals and other animal products 49

20 29 45 29 20 44 (D) 47 44 39 (D) 49 54

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

408 805 979 703 384 1,514 (D) 1,894 778 670 (D) 1,189 1,367

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

78,690 78,347 9,243

25 17 29

87 88 87

299 407 738

2,039 2,634 2,481

6,403 1,543

58 35

88 86

2,096 774

3,060 2,263

TOP LIVESTOCK INVENTORY ITEMS (number) Cattle and calves 11,685 Hogs and pigs 10,429 9,450 Goats, all Layers 7,932 Sheep and lambs 2,395 (D) Cannot be disclosed Universal is number of counties in state of U.S. with item

39 39 1 23 13

88 88 88 88 85

1,882 681 32 727 419

2,958 3,060 3,023 3,024 2,371

County Profile

Market Value of Products Sold ...........$89,782,000........$39,809,000 ........+126 Crop Sales $65,869,000 (48 percent) Livestock Sales $72,738,000 (52 percent) Average Per Farm....................................$85.670...............$37.170 ........+130 Government Payments..........................$3,545,000..........$2,906,000 ..........+22 Average Per Farm Receiving Payments..........$5,645.................$7,072...........-20

Economic Characteristics

Quantity

Farms by value of sales: Less than $1,000 ...............................................................222 $1,000 to $2,499 ................................................................102 $2,500 to $4,999 ................................................................104 $5,000 to $9,999 ................................................................115 $10,000 to $19,999 .............................................................78 $20,000 to $24,999 .............................................................33 $25,000 to $39,999 .............................................................61 $40,000 to $49,999 .............................................................54 $50,000 to $99,999 .............................................................79 $100,000 to $249,999 ........................................................100 $250,000 to $499,999 .........................................................52 $500,000 or more ................................................................48 Total farm production expenses ($1,000) ...........................63,312 Average per farm ($) .........................................................60,412

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

Net cash farm income of operation ($1,000) ......................32,328 Average per farm ($) .........................................................30,847

Operator Characteristics

Quantity

Principal operators by primary occupation: Farming ..........................................................................................433 Other...............................................................................................626 Principal operators by sex: Male................................................................................................963 Female .............................................................................................96 Average age of principal operator (years).......................................55.4 All operators by race: American Indian or Alaska Native .....................................................Asian.................................................................................................2 Black or African American .................................................................Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander..........................................White.............................................................................................1,530 More than one race ...........................................................................All operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Origin .........................6

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 16

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

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200 - Employment

280 Transportation

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583 Pets and Supplies LABRADOR RETRIEVER puppies, AKC, born 10/31, first shots & wormed, 2 black females, 2 black males, $225.

Call/text (937)638-0496.

FIREWOOD, All hardwood, $150 per cord delivered or $120 you pick up, (937)726-2780.

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 FIREWOOD, fully seasoned, all hard wood, oak hickory. $80 Half cord, $150 full cord. Delivered in Shelby County. NO checks. (937)492-2821.

535 Farm Supplies/Equipment

SEASONED FIREWOOD for sale. $135 per cord, delivered. (937)638-6950

560 Home Furnishings LOVESEAT, black reclining and red loveseat and chair both purchased at Front Room Furnishings in Dublin, Ohio. Like new excellent condition. Just moved to Sidney and don't have room for them.

Each set $550 j l e n t z 6 1 @ ya h o o. c o m .

(937)538-0601.

577 Miscellaneous GUN Winchester model 37, 12 gauge shot gun. $250. (937)581-7177

FERGUSON 20 loader with 2 buckets, custom front end snow plow, tractor chains, additional accessories, $3000. Call (937)492-6179.

SNOW BLADE with chains, John Deere L130, used once, $150 OBO, (937)773-5248.

515 Auctions

515 Auctions

592 Wanted to Buy WANTED! Need money?

I buy guns, gold and silver coins and jewelry. Fair prices. (937)698-6362

800 - Transportation

805 Auto 2005 CADILLAC CTS, silver, with black leather interior, 125,000 miles. fully loaded: navigation, DVD, leather, heated seats, dual climate control, Sirius radio and much more! Wood trim. She's a beauty - don't pass her up!! $9000 OBO. Please contact me if interested!

(937)418-4029

890 Trucks 2001 GMC Sonoma, new tires, 119,000 miles, tool box, great gas mileage! $3000.

Call (937)214-5065.

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2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE Great gas mileage, sunroof, 144K miles, runs great, asking $3200 (937)684-0555

515 Auctions

“Betty Zor Zorn rn Bennett” Beennett” T Trust rust Absol Absolute lute Auction

328 Acres~3 Acres~3 Homes~ Homes~44 F Farms aarrm ms

Absolute A bsolute Pu Public blic A Auction uction SSaturday, aturday, February February 16t 16th th 9:30 a.m. S Sidney, idneey, O Ohio hio

LLive ive auctions auctions to to be be held on-site on-site at at each each location location under ttents entss w ith ffood ood aand nd ccoffee offffeee served served under with

SR 29

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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

SEASONED FIREWOOD $150 per cord. Stacking extra, $120 you pick up.

Taylor Tree Service available, (937)753-1047

2012 J.D. 1990 air seater, 7-1/2" spacing, monitor, markers, used on approximately 650 acres, $105,000 FIRM. Fremont Ohio.

Call Mike 419-334-8124 or 419-680-0968.

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

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Farm #1: 9:300 a.m. 18135 State Farm Statte R oute 706 EEast asst ooff PPasco. asco. 73.110± Route A cres ooff ti llable fa rmground Acres tillable farmground with w ith farmhouse farmhous u e & ooutbuildings. utbuildinggs.

FFrontage rontage aalong long bboth oth SSR R 706 & FFerree erree Rd Rd..

Tract 1 Tract 2

Farm 2

.

Farm #2: 10:30 a.m. 0 Gearhart Farm Gearhart R Rd. d. 92± A Acres cres (S (Subject ubject ttoo Survey) Survey) Good tillable G ood ti llable acreage acreage w 4± acres acres of of wooded wooded gground round (auction (auction to to be be held Route he ld att 2231 SState tatte R oute 29 SSite) ite) Route Tracts FFarm arm #3: 10:45 a.m. 2231 2231 SState tatte R oute 29 East East (offered (off ffeered in two two Tr racts vvia ia Multi-Parcel Multi-Parcel system) system) m Tract Trract # 1 ttoo contain containn 34± acres acres ooff bare bare tillable Tract ti llabble gground. round. Tr ract # 2 to to contain contain 10 acres acres of of wooded wooded gground round w/ home ssmall mall sstream tream and and 3 bbedroom edr d oom ho me with with ooutbuilding. utbuildin d g.

FFarm arm #4: 1:00 pp.m. .m. 2399 Russell Russell Rd. R d. 120± Acres Acres ssubject ubject ttoo survey survey tract house. in oone ne tr act w/ 2 story story farm farm ho use.

PPossible ossible FFuture utur u e Commercial/ Commercial/ IIndustrial ndustrial Site Site located locatted just just west west of of SSidney idney bbordering orderinng the city city limits. limits.

Heavy minutes H eavy power power aavailable va vailable only only min utes lighted ffrom rom I-75. PParcel arcel also also has lig hted bbillboard. illboard.

Owner: O wner: B Betty etty Z Zorn orn Bennett Bennett Trust-Linda Trust-Linda SSidle idle Trustee.

Trustee. James James m Chrisman Chrisman A Attorney ttorney Basic T Basic Terms: erms: Each Each tract tract sshall hall require require a $ 25,000.00 ddownpayment ownpayment the day day ooff the aauction uction w with ith balance balance ddue ue at at cclosing losing 30 ddays ays aafter fter aauction. uction. C Call all ffor or mo more re information. inf formaattion.

Listing List Lis Li L stting ting A tin Auctioneer Auc Auct ucttio uct tioneer tioneer one on oneer nee eer err JJustin us ustin stttin in V Vondenhuevel Vondenhue ond ondenhue nde den enh nhue nhu huevel el RE/MAX MA AX ONE ONE REALTY LT TY Y 937-538-6231

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 10 PICTURE IT SOLD

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Acres of West Central Ohio • January 2013 • Page 18

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