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missouri farms
How going green is
GROWING
Story and photos by Lucas Johnson STAFF WRITER t’s no secret in today’s society there is a movement towards organic everything. At the supermarket the demand for organic or non-GMO food has been ever increasing over the last decade. An excerpt from Time Magazine reads: “Sales of the additive-free offerings surged 11.5 percent in 2013, to $35.1 billion, according to the Organic Trade Association.” More and more emphasis is being directed towards “going green,” leaving behind the usage of GMO seed and fertilizer that gained popularity in the 20th century. One such farmer who has moved to organic methods is Keith Dierker. Dierker began using a plant enhancement product called Blue Gold, an all natural compound made of plant and sea extracts, herbs, minerals and other naturally occurring nutrients, according to Eden Solutions’ website. Dierker has been extremely pleased with his results thus far and has applied the product to not only his personal garden, but also to multiple bean fields he and his brother farm. Dierker stated he had 15 tomato plants which have a combined yield of approximately 2,300 tomatoes this season. As far as his row crops go, Dierker explained he had one field that is planted with GMO seed and two without, all with the same application of Blue Gold. He is anxious to see if the combination of non-GMO seed and the Blue Gold treatment will fare better than those fields with GMO seed. Dierker mentioned an additional benefit of the treatment he uses is its affect on the soil. During application, the excess mixture of the substance which is not directly absorbed by the plant itself, is thereby absorbed into the soil and that the nutrients are sustained within the soil being resistant to run off. Dierker also explained how in his experience the organic supplement helps with weed control as well. “Why is the weed there? It’s to put back into the soil what it’s missing,” Dierker said. So what does “organic” farming mean? The USDA describes organic farming as: “Organic agriculture produces products using methods that preserve the environment and avoid most synthetic materials, such as pesticides and antibiotics.” Many farms nationwide have made the switch to organic methods. According to a 2011 survey conducted by the USDA, the top five states with certified organic farms are California with 1,898, Wisconsin with 870, New York with 597, Washington with 493 and Iowa with 467. Missouri, as of 2007, has 273 organic farms and approximately 21,000 acres under organic production as presented in a study by www.missourieconomy.org. With the rise in popularity of organic food and production, farmers are increasingly faced with the question of what avenue to take. Methods of using GMO seed in combination with herbicides and pesticides may be taking a turn -in light of recent studies- toward a more natural method. Dierker will be at least one Missouri farmer who finds out first hand what results come from applying his organic plant treatment, and if successful, he is confident his method will catch on quickly in the future.
I
Contact Lucas Johnson at ljohnson@marshallnews.com
A bove: Keith Dierker checks his soybean crop treated with the organic Blue Gold plant enhancement solution. Below: Dierker measures his crop’s height. Approximatly four feet was the average for this particular field.
3
missouri farms
Farming for Novices
4
It’s harvest time
Marcia Gorrell Guest Columnist
The next few months will be busy for area farmers, as corn and then beans are ready. I’m going to let you in on a not-so-secret secret. I don’t like harvest, even though I appreciate its importance. Of course, I’m the only one in my family that feels this way. For me, it just seems very long, very tiring and very stressful. And to make it worse, every year when it’s over, I discover more gray hairs than I had before we started. But despite the negatives, I have to admit I have learned hundreds of lessons and accumulated 30 years worth of cherished memories. The first time I really helped in harvest, we hadn’t been married more than a few years. As I knew nothing about driving a truck (or a stick shift), my job was to keep checking the corn going into the dry bin to make sure it wasn’t too wet. I stayed all day with hubby and his helper and marveled at how he could do this for so long. I was a little bored and very exhausted. But a few years later, I learned to drive a
truck and a grain cart, making harvest a lot more interesting. When our youngest son was just 6 weeks old, we strapped his car seat in the tractor cab and took off running the grain cart for wheat harvest. In fact, we often say our sons were raised in the seats of our farm equipment. Some of my best memories came from our sons riding with us through harvest. Our youngest became my frequent grain cart buddy. I’ve learned about our boys from the seat of a tractor or truck, and they learned many things too. A few of those lessons I’d like to take back. Others still make us laugh. I’ve listened to off-key singing and done a lot myself. I’ve listened to the FFA creed more times than I can count and heard more than a few school stories. I learned other truck drivers are happy to throw around a football with a bored 11 year old when record yields mean long waits at the elevator. Often, when we were harvesting away from the house, we learned Grandma Gorrell was a savior when she picked up our sons after school, making sure they finished their homework, actually ate a few vegetables and gave them precious memories with her. I learned filthy laundry and dirty dishes actually multiply when you pretend they aren’t there. I’ve learned it is possible to get
tired of fast food, sandwiches and sodas. I leaned demotions are better than promotions. After I taught my replacements (sons) to drive a grain cart, I ended up with my name on a truck and a new job. Two years ago, when our oldest got out of college, I got demoted back to a grain cart driver. But with all those hours in a line or in a field, I’ve learned about life through country songs and radio talk shows. I’ve spent countless days listening to the Chiefs, the Royals and the Mizzou Tigers. I’ve rehashed the games and listened to the complaints on sports talk radio. I’ve listened to books through my Kindle, and managed to actually read a few while waiting at the elevator or field. I’ve watched the sunrise and the sunset. I’ve cussed the mornings and celebrated the ending to a successful (and even not so successful) harvest. I’ve watched as rain kept us out of fields, or lack of rain kept us from sleep, gathering as fast as we could. I’ve learned a rainstorm and high winds can change harvest from good to bad in a hurry. I’ve sat in line at the elevator listening to the latest gossip. I’ve embarrassed myself by my lack of semitruck backing skills and scratched my truck driving through a tight spot. Then I’ve become a subject of gossip for the day (or week) depending on when the
next gossip-worthy event or accident takes place. I’ve spilled corn on the ground overloading the truck with the grain cart and helped scooped it back into truck more times than I’d like to remember. I’ve learned it’s a lot easier to pay attention the first time. I’ve learned when you make a “quick” stop by WalMart with a hair full of corn fines and a face full of dirt makeup, you will see everyone you know. I’ve also learned corn fines are tough to get out of my hair, even with shampoo. I’ve learned corn makes a great play toy for little boys. I’ve discovered packing the right amount of snacks helps keep kids happy (especially if they aren’t healthy.) I’ve learned hubby and the boys actually gain energy during harvest, while I seem to lose mine. But most of all, I’ve learned no matter when it starts, or how hard it seems while we’re in the midst of harvest, it always ends. And it always becomes another memory and another lesson learned. As I grow older (and let’s hope wiser) I can’t help but realize my mother-in-law was right when she said your attitude can decide whether an experience is positive or not. It’s always our choice. So here is to a happy, safe, bountiful harvest full of good memories and a few lessons learned. Contact Marcia Gorrell at marciagorrell@gmail.com
Missouri Farms A monthly publication of the Marshall Democrat-News and The Concordian Publisher – Dave Phillips Editors Sarah Reed Concordian Rachel Knight Democrat-News
Editorial Lucas Johnson Charles Dunlap Calendar Bretta Gert Design Jacob Hatfield Sarah Reed News/Editorial Email MOFarmsNews@gmail.com Advertising Sales Mike Davis Stacy Kirchhoff Susan Duvall Holly Young Sarah Mueller Advertising/Sales Email MoFarmsAds@gmail.com 660-886-8198 Mailing Address Marshall Democrat-News PO Box 100 121 N. Lafayette Ave Marshall, MO 65340-0100 Office Hours 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday-Friday Websites www.marshallnews.com www.theconcordianonline.com
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missouri farms
Featured Farmer
5
Story and photo by Rachel Knight CO-EDITOR, MISSOURI FARMS John Pat Samson has been farming in the Saline County area all his life as he took over for his father. He hasn’t had to do it alone, since his son, Justin, decided that was the path he wanted to take in life. “We are blessed with what we do and the people we get to work with and farm for,” Justin said. The Samsons farm around 4,000 acres of corn and soybeans, which includes custom planting and harvesting around 900 acres. They are share holders with property owners on a portion of the acres farmed. John Pat’s main duties in their operation are spraying crops, operating the grain cart, trucking and planting corn, running the bulldozer and of course, the bookwork. John Pat’s wife of 38 years, Jeannie, takes care of the checkbook and they really appreciate her help. Justin’s tasks include anhydrous application, planting soybeans, combining, tiling and operating the track hoe, back hoe and skid steer. John Pat said his favorite part about being a farmer is planting and harvesting. “You get to see you plant your crop and when you harvest, you get to see your final results of your hard work,” John Pat said.
John Pat and Justin Samson, of Marshall, pose for a portrait.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Through the grapevine Baltimore Bend’s path leads from vine to glass
Story and photos by Charles Dunlap Staff writer
n a dewy, unseasonably cool Saturday morning in early September, a group of approximately 15 family, volunteers, FFA students and employees are standing in a field harvesting an atypical plant for the west-central missouri farming region — grapes. The harvest for the Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery, in Waverly, begins early — around 7:30 a.m. — and the group will harvest until approximately noon. That Saturday, Sept. 6, the workers were collecting the last of the white grape varieties. Harvest of the red varieties will occur in early October.
O
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missouri farms
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Baltimore Bend was the first vineyard in Lafayette county. Since then, five more vineyards and wineries have developed. It started through an idea of Richard Livingston and his daughter, Sarah (Livingston) Schmidt. Livingston was an already established corn and soybean farmer before deciding to grow grapes. Other partners in the business include Livingston's wife, Kathleen, and son, Scott. The first vines were planted in 1997 on wind-blown glacial loess soil that is approximately 60-90 feet deep before hitting bedrock. It would take three years before they had market viable fruit to sell to wineries and another three before Baltimore Bend began its own winery operation. The vineyard is nestled behind a line of trees and surrounded by crop land off of U.S. Route 24 and Baltimore Bend Road. If you're driving on Route 24 and looking for it, you can see a glimpse of the vines past the trees. The vineyard grows a number of varieties, including ones native to Missouri - Norton, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Carbernet Franc, Valviri Muscat, Seyval Blanc and Vignoles. To start the vineyard, various tests had to be conducted to see if their land would be able to grow the grapes.
“They like a little more acidity in them. We did soil samples and then applied fertilizers and lime to adjust things. Then we came in the fall before and deep plowed it, and the following spring we planted,” said Livingston. It takes three years from the initial planting of the vine before any fruit can be harvested for wine making. This allows for the root structure to take hold into the ground. After the plants become established and after the harvest, they are cut back in the winter, which leaves spurs along the vine with a couple buds that will grow into the bunches. It takes anywhere between $7,000-$9,000 to plant an acre of vines. This cost includes soil treatments, equipment, posts and wire on which the vines grow. If a person were to start a never before grown vineyard, they would operate at a loss for at least the first three to four years. “The first two years, you pull all the grapes off because what you're trying to do is establish the root system on the plant. If you don't do that the plant tries to use all its energy to produce the fruit rather than expand the root system,” said Livingston. Baltimore Bend harvests its grapes by hand. While it's
labor intensive, it does allow for better control of what is collected. There are vine harvesting machines, but they harvest every grape, including unripe or rotten fruits, which can affect the quality of a wine, especially in small, artisanal operations such as Baltimore Bend. “We're getting about - off the other two varieties - we got about two ton off of those. The whites are a little less. The reds, typically, we get four to five tons off of an acre. This is about an acre of white so we're getting about two ton off an acre of white,” said Livingston. After pressing, one ton of grapes will release approximately 150 gallons of juice, which will then be treated with yeast to begin the fermenting and aging process. Baltimore Bend ages wine in two ways - either in stainless steel tanks, or in oak casks. “Most of our wines are aged in stainless steel tanks, and they'll age about nine months. The white wine that goes into a barrel is also about nine months,” explained Livingston. “White wines tend to pick up the oak flavors a lot faster than the reds, and what we're trying to do is enCONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >>>
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missouri farms
>>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
Richard Livingston, business partner for Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery, pours grapes into plastic drums that hold approximately 80-100 pounds of grapes. The grapes harvested from the vineyard are transported to the tasting room where they will begin the process of being made into wine.
Sarah Schmidt, vintner and business partner of Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery explains how grapes enter the crushing machine. It first takes the fruit off the stem before the fruit drops into the crusher which lightly breaks open the fruit before heading to the press.
hance the flavors of the wine and not overpower it with the oak taste. The reds, on the other hand, take a lot longer. They'll take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to age in an oak barrel.” “It's really a nice industry. Of course, we're all in competition,” said Livingston about the other vineyards and wineries. “But, on the other hand, I can call my competitors and say 'I have this issue. What's going on here?' and they'll say 'well we've seen this and you'll need to try this and try that.' It's a very competitive, but very friendly industry among wine makers and vineyard managers.” After harvesting, Livingston and company transport the grapes to the Baltimore Bend tasting room for processing the next day. The clusters are placed into a machine that separates fruit from stem. The machine also starts the juicing process by crushing the grapes. The crushed grapes then move to the press. “The whites go directly to the press so we get it off the solids as quickly as possible. If we were to leave the juice on the skin it would impart a pinkish color, and you wouldn't get a true white wine,” said Schmidt. She serves as Baltimore Bend's vintner. According to Livingston, she recently finished a two-year certificate program in Enology - the study of wine and winemaking - from Washington State University, in Richland, Wash. While pressing, the juice from the grapes falls into the press pan, before moving to the storage tank for fermentation and aging. The press drum rotates, pushes against the grapes and then rotates again to let the juice fall naturally with gravity through holes in the press. “The cycle we have it on does different strengths of pressure - starts lighter and gets heavier. We try not to push it too much because that affects the quality of it,” said Schmidt. “The best juice is the free run - that's when it's not even pushing on it, no pressure at all - that's the best juice they say.” When they process the red varieties - which gives a larger quantity of juice - the free run will go into the oak barrels for the premium wines, while the pressed will go into blends and sweeter wines. Schmidt says she's aware of trends in wine, and adjusts the types of wine Baltimore Bend produces according to those trends. “The moscato is the number one selling varietal and has been for the last five to seven years, so we were trying to capture that trend. And so we decided three years ago to put in this Valvin Muscat,” she
noted. “It's not the same as a moscato but it's in that family. It gives a lot of the same aromas and flavors.” Along with the varieties grown by Baltimore Bend, Schmidt says they also purchase other varietals from vineyards in creation of continuing or new wine blends. “We're always trying to do a new and different thing,” she said. “We came out with a port style. It's a fortified wine that we do, so that's another branch out from the regular stuff we've done. We just kind of try different things to see what's going to fly and if it doesn't work, we don't continue it.” Many Missouri wineries, according to Schmidt, are incorporating micro-breweries or distilleries into their operation as well. However, for the time being, Baltimore Bend is focusing on wine. “We're in our infancy still. We're still focusing on just the basic wine right now,” explained Schmidt. “What we have done is looked at partnerships. We have a guy (Jim D. Pierce) - Of The Earth Distillery is up near Rayville - and so we're partnering with him. He just got started a year ago and he's using our pomace to make his grappa. We're partnering with him to feel out the distilled spirits segment.” Baltimore Bend sells its wine throughout Missouri with bottles being sold in Kirksville, Columbia, St. Louis, Maryville and Springfield. A large portion of consumers, though, are in the Kansas City area. “We try to get out and make people aware of our wines as much as we can,” said Schmidt. She added the winery regularly competes in a select number of wine competitions, including the Missouri Wine Competition of the Governor's Cup, the Jefferson Cup Invitational, Finger Lakes wine competition, and International Eastern. In the past year they won the Jefferson Cup for their C2 and Arrowhead Red wines. “We have a lot of local support, which is wonderful. We also have people come from the (Kansas City) Metro area and Columbia because we're - you know - an hour's drive from either one of those,” said Schmidt. Baltimore Bend is in the northwest vine growing region of Missouri and is part of the Kansas City wine trail. The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. during April 1 to Dec. 31. From Jan. 2 to March 31 they are open Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Conctact Charles Dunlap at concordianreporter@centurytel.net
missouri farms
11
Wineries and Vineyards of Lafayette County 1
Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery
4
Terre Beau Vineyard and Winery
2
Fahrmeier Family Vineyards and Winery
5
La Bella Vineyards and Winery
3
Odessa Country Winery LLC
6
Arcadian Moon Vineyard and Winery
27150 Highway 24 Waverly, MO 64096
9364 Mitchell Trail Lexington, MO 64067
2466 McNeel Road Odessa, MO 64076
100 S. Lynn Road Dover, MO 64022
11644 Flournoy School Road Wellington, MO 64097
19203 Old U.S. 40 Higginsville, MO 64037
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missouri farms
John’s Jargon Q. A. by John Ortiz BigYield.us Fertilizer: Do you want (and need) to lower your fertilizer costs? And are you getting what you’re paying for? Today I want to discuss a newer practice that I’m seeing that involves biologicals and dry fertilizer. Biologicals offer growers a way to free up nutrients in their soil and take their fertility to the next level. Below I will show you how to do more with less on your next fertilizer application.
amounts. Too much of one nutrient and too little of another, or nutrients in the wrong form, can have a negative effect upon your plants and lead to nutrient deficiency. Most soils today have a nutrient deficiency of one form or another. Especially ground that has been worked year in and year out. Creating the healthiest environment in your soil is one of the keys to raising a successful stand of any crop. And the strategy of just applying extra N-P-K isn’t necessarily the most effective one. In fact, it’s not effective at all.
Q. First, what nutrients are essential Q. What's the problem here? to the growth of plants? within the soil regA. There is a specific set of nutrients ularlyA.moveThesebacknutrients and forth between several
that are essential to plant life and must be available in the soil in order to get optimum results. These nutrients are broken up into three categories: Primary Macronutrients, Secondary Macronutrients and Micronutrients. These nutrient categories break down as follows: Primary Macronutrients - Nitrogen - Phosphorus - Potassium Secondary Macronutrients - Calcium - Magnesium - Sulfur Micronutrients - Boron - Chlorine - Copper - Iron - Manganese - Molybdenum - Nickel - Zinc Each of these nutrients plays an important role in the overall health of the ecosystem of your soil. As you might guess, macronutrients are needed in large amounts. Micronutrients are needed in much smaller
chemical forms. They become dissolved in soil solutions as molecules (ions) that contain charges that are either positive (cations) or negative (anions). As these molecules move between their various forms, they develop an equilibrium based upon certain soil conditions, including pH, texture, aeration of the soil and the presence of other ions. This process often leads to nutrients that become bound into insoluble forms, making a portion of these nutrients unavailable to your plants. To be clear, the nutrients are still in the soil, but no longer in a form that can be used by your plants. At that point, it's nutrition that’s “all dressed up with no place to go,” and that’s bad for you.
Q. A. The only solution to this problem is
What is the solution for freeing up bound nutrients in my soil?
to incorporate ingredients that work at the ionic level to strip electrical charges from the binding elements in the soil. Those once bound-up nutrients, not available to the plant before, become freed up and available again. Consider this... as a grower, you have been applying fertilizer to your ground for years and years. And every year you've added nutrition to the soil that became un-
Fertilizer: Do you want to lower your fertilizer costs?
available due to the binding process of these nutrients. What this means to you now is that you have fields full of unused nutrition. If you could "mine" that nutrition and release it back to your plants, you would be money ahead, and give your crops a boost that they've not likely ever experienced before.
Q. A. One word... Biologicals.
So, how can I unbind the nutrients in my soil?
You knew I was headed there, right? Biologicals have proven themselves to significantly impact the soil ecosystems and plant health. And what happens to healthier plants? They produce more seed! There are a number of different biological (microbial) products on the market today that address the issue of nutrient unavailability. These microbial formulations, including the billions of colony forming units (bacteria) inside of them, have proven themselves to be effective at causing nutrients to be converted into a usable form again so that your plants can actually use them. So, if you're wanting to get value from fertilizer applications that you did last year or two years ago, biologicals are the way to do it.
Q. A. As I have written about in the past,
What do I need to do to get biologicals onto my field?
biologicals are generally applied in three ways: As an in-furrow application at the time of planting, as a foliar application directly to the leaves or impregnated onto dry fertilizer that is then broadcast to the ground. For this situation, broadcasting the biologicals to the ground along with your fertilizer is the most cost-effective way to go. The liquid biological solution first needs to be applied to the dry fertilizer granules. After that is ready to be broadcast upon your fields and start working. After, here’s what you can expect:
1) The biological formulation dries on the granule and forms a coating that seals it and keeps it from breaking down in the truck. This means less fertilizer dust to stay behind in the truck and nothing to blow away in the wind. 2) The bacteria in the biological solution is available to immediately impact the fertilizer nutrients so that the current application never has a chance to become bound and unusable to your plants. Say goodbye to bound nutrients... 3) Once the fertilizer is on the ground, rain will begin to break those granules down. As it does, the biologicals will infiltrate your soil and go to work like an army of soldiers, breaking bonds and releasing nutrients.
Q. A. Most definitely! Advancements in
Can biologicals make for a more effective fertilizer program?
agricultural sciences, like biologicals, are helping growers to create healthier plants. And, as I said earlier, healthier plants produce more seed. The data from both public and private yield trials continues to show positive results on crops because of the incorporation of biologicals. I’ve seen the results first hand and so have many of my customers. There are a lot of benefits to growers when discussing biologicals. Next month I will cover a few more details about biologicals on fertilizer from an application stand point. Not only for growers, but for fertilizer dealers, as well. There is also the issue of the effectiveness of different biological formulations. Some are clearly better than others. Tune in later as I discuss some of the things you will want to look for as you implement this fertilizer strategy and "mine" the existing nutrition in your ground. Contact John at johno@agteampro. com, or at MOF2, LLC - P.O. Box 401, Garden City, MO 64747. John can also be reached by phone at 816773-6018.
missouri farms
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FCS Financial News Missouri ag students receive new curriculum JEFFERSON CITY — Agriculture students in Missouri high schools and junior colleges are learning from a new curriculum this school year. Funded by FCS Finan-
cial through a grant to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Ag Management, Economics & Sales curriculum is the first
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curriculum developed as a partnership between the public and private sectors. “A needs survey conducted three years ago identified a new curriculum was at the top of the list for Missouri’s ag teachers,” says Scott Gardner, FCS Financial vice president of sales and marketing. “The curriculum they were using was developed in 1988.” In response, FCS Financial and DESE joined forces with Vivayic, a learning solu-
tions company, to develop the Ag Management, Economics & Sales curriculum which was unveiled in July during the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (MVATA) conference. “This curriculum is just what Missouri Ag Teachers needed as we continue to prepare students for future endeavors in the agriculture industry,” says Ross Hastert, instructor at Rockport High School. “Thanks to FCS Financial and Vivayic, we have an up to date and detailed curriculum that is easy to follow and implement into the classroom. I am excited to introduce this curriculum to the Juniors and Seniors at Rock Port High School this fall.” The comprehensive goal was to bring together concepts from agricultural econom-
ics, management, sales and marketing and personal finance. The nature of today’s agricultural industry is reflected to prepare students for career success. “The activities within each lesson allowed for hands on experience and complete understanding,” says Chase Holcumbrink, instructor at Savannah High School, who taught the course during its pilot phase last year. “This curriculum allows students to make real world connections and learn valuable, lifelong lessons. MVATA developed the curriculum through a committee of 17 people representing school districts, postsecondary institutions, agriculture companies and agriculture economics experts. This committee provided subject matter knowledge during the three
year development phase. FCS Financial Credit Analyst David Webb participated on the committee to build the finance and credit sections. “The lessons provided in the new curriculum not only are up-to-date in terms of the agricultural environment, but also many of the activities for students are practical for today's students, such as the use of technology to apply the concepts from the lesson,” says Kelin Cruse, instructor at Cassville High School. The curriculum is web-based and available for free on the Missouri FFA Association website to provide the extra benefits of building in real-world links and projects as well as easy, around the clock access. Contact Amy Wieberg at 800-369-3276, ext. 1177 or amy.wieberg@myfcsfinancial.com
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missouri farms
Advocating
for
agriculture
Forrest Lucas and his wife, Charlotte, operate Lucas Cattle Company in the Ozarks. Before founding Lucas Oil Company, the Lucas’ were owners of a longhaul trucking fleet. (Photo furnished) Story by Sarah Reed MISSOURI FARMS
dvocating for agriculture – who is it best left to? For nonprofit organizations and consortiums, such as Protect the Harvest, advocating is strongest when farmers and agriculturalists are directly involved. The 5-year-old organization founded by Forrest Lucas is a group that is meant to do just that — advocate by connecting agriculturalists, animal owners and outdoorsmen. The group has had a presence in recent months as Missouri voters decided whether or not to pass Amendment 1. The “Right to Farm” bill amends the state constitution to “ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricul-
A
tural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed,” according to ballot language. Protect the Harvest, along with Missouri Farmers Care and an assortment of agricultural organizations, flooded the public with information on their fight against radical animal rights activists. “The Missouri Farming Rights Amendment will create lasting legal safeguards for American farmers and ranchers. If adopted, it will ensure the personal rights and freedoms for every farmer, both big and small,” the website said. On the opposite side of the amendment was the Humane Society of the United States, which urged Missourians to
vote “no” on the measure. A press release issued by HSUS this past June read: “The amendment seeks to prohibit laws in Missouri that restrict industrialized agriculture and factory farms, including the ‘farming’ of dogs in puppy mills. … By forbidding any state rules to regulate agriculture, Measure 1 allows big agribusiness to write its own rules with no oversight.” The measure did pass. Twice. First by voters, and then after a recount produced similar results. In the Aug. 5 primary election, the measure passed by 2,375 votes. The reCONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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Farm safety Farm safety is a two-way street by Denny Banister An editorial column from the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation
N WEATHERIZATIO The purpose of Weatherization is to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by qualified persons; particularly elderly people with disabilities and families with children. The program helps homes by insuring the health and safety of families and by reducing their utility costs.
Weatherization measures may include installing insulation in attics and walls, air-sealing like caulking, and weather-stripping. Weatherization provides long-term solutions to energy problems; improved health and safety conditions, increased comfort for the occupants, reduction of homelessness, and extended lifetime of affordable housing. Call for more information Carroll County Chariton County Johnson County Lafayette County Pettis County Ray County Saline County
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Accidental injuries and deaths make farming one of the most hazardous jobs, usually ranking in the top five of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. To remedy the situation requires the cooperation of not only farmers and ranchers, but the non-farm public as well. How can the non-
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farm public have anything to do with farm safety? The answer is simple – slow down on county roads where farmers are often moving tractors and heavy equipment from one field to another. Many county roads are narrow with hills and curves, giving drivers of fast-moving cars very little time to react when topping a hill and suddenly finding a slow-moving tractor in their path. The argument could be made the farmers are driving too slowly, but assessing blame is not the point – the goal is to prevent the accidents in the first place. Farmers need to take all safety precautions, such as en-
suring slow-moving vehicle warning reflectors are mounted to the rear of their tractors, wagons and implements, and making sure emergency lights are flashing. Drivers need to slow down and not assume the road will be clear around the next bend. Getting off the highway and using county roads is attractive to many drivers during spring months, however, farmers will use these roads, too – spring planting is underway. National Farm Safety and Health Week is observed during harvest time, and yet the most dangerous time of the year for farmers is spring planting season. To raise awareness
of this fact, with the goal of reducing the accidental injuries and deaths so prevalent at this time of the year, Farm Bureau sponsors Agricultural Safety Awareness Week the first full week of March. Accidents between fast-moving vehicles and slow-moving farm equipment can cause serious injuries to both drivers. It is not about fault; it is about prevention of accidental injury and death. When using county roads and highways, farm safety is a two-way street. Denny Banister, of Jefferson City, is a retired broadcaster from Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.
Farm Truck Driver Safety from MoDot SAFE OPERATION Farmers are responsible for the actions of all drivers of the trucks
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state and federal rules, which include: Drivers are not allowed to opCONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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missouri farms
Featured Farmer
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count produced a difference of 2,490.
Behind Protect the Harvest Standing tall for farmers' rights is a man who built successful business endeavors that began when working on a cattle ranch as a teenager. Protect the Harvest founder and chairman Forrest Lucas said protecting agriculture rights is a national [effort], particularly after HSUS and other animal rights groups backed legislation in several states — now hindering people from continuing their way of life. “They're trying to pick off whatever state they can. We've given them a
Forrest Lucas has been involved in the racing industry through sponsorships, promotions and the use of Lucas Oil products. (Photo furnished)
swift kick (nationally), so they're trying to go around to state and county levels,” Lucas said. A video provided by Missouri Farmers Care states several legislative measures passed with the support of HSUS. They include the passage of an
amendment to the Florida Constitution in 2002 that destroyed hog farming; the passage of Proposition 204 in 2006 that attacked hog farming and veal production in Arizona; the banning of dove hunting in Michigan in 2006; weakening the California egg industry in 2008; and HSUS's support of Proposition B in Missouri in 2010. While Proposition B and Constitutional Amendment 1 have been two recent battles in Missouri, it doesn’t necessarily mean farms and farmers in the Show-Me state are at a higher risk compared to those in other regions. Lucas said he felt over-zealous animal rights groups will go where they can. “After Proposition B … you had about 40 different little ag groups that were totally disenfranchised. They all came together to make one, to have some power,” Lucas recalled. “They fought alongside us real hard on Amendment 1. No other state has come together like that.” Lucas operates a Missouri cattle ranch in addition to other successful business endeavors. The Indiana resident began working on a cattle farm in his teens and developed as an entrepreneur from there. According to his biography on protecttheharvest.com, Lucas began mixing oils and additives for his vehicles, leading to the incorporation of Lucas Oil Products in 1989. He also now oversees a production company, who's newest investment was a feature film highlighting the significance of agriculture. The film wrapped production approximately two weeks ago and stars several wellknown actors, including Lea Thompson. “When I read the script, I could hardly put it down,” he said. Agriculture touches everyone, whether one experiences it firsthand in a field of row crops or is three generations removed from farming. Perhaps its ability to link humanity is what’s most appealing to those who want to protect it. Protect the Harvest will be working
toward expanding education, particularly for future farmers. “It's a big thing, because there is such a small number of people farming now,” Lucas said, noting only one-third of students participating in FFA live on a farm. “Animal-rights guys are sending materials to the schools themselves, so we've got to counteract that.”
On the horizon Education is key for Protect the Harvest. Educating youths interested in agriculture careers, providing information to farmers and ranchers regarding legislation, regulations and even the disconnect between producers and consumers are all portions of the organization’s efforts. “We're pretty much going on the offense,” Lucas said of the Protect the Harvest organization. “Especially when it comes to teaching kids. That's going to take a lot.” The biggest concern Protect the Harvest is currently facing is the 2008 passage of California’s Proposition 2, which created a state statute regarding the confinement of farm animals, particularly chickens. Producers have until the end of the year to transition egglaying chickens from battery cages to housing in which they can turn around freely, lie down, stand up and fully extend their limbs. Lucas explained the repercussions could stretch to producers in other states and ultimately halt egg import into California. “Eggs are the biggest source of protein. They’re easy to prepare. Kids can fix their breakfast,” he said. “You take that out and what’s going to happen to people?” Mid-Missouri farmers can do more, by starting with signing up on the organization’s mailing list. Volunteer opportunities could become available as the organization forges ahead in educational outreach. Online: www.protecttheharvest.com
Justin’s son, Jazztyn, 16, loves to help out on the farm when he’s available. Justin hopes his son will carry on the farming tradition, but only “if he wants to.” “You don’t want to force your children,” Justin said. “If they find something they want to do in life, that they are more passionate about, then ...” He does want him to learn what it takes to farm because it teaches him responsibility and hard work as well as a little appreciation in life. Technology advancements have changed the way of learning from Justin’s time as a teenager to Jazztyn’s. Now they have expensive tractors with expensive implements and all the GPS technology. “It’s harder than what is was back in the day when you just put it in gear and drop the implement and go,” Justin said. “Dad got in here and told me, ‘This is forward and reverse and left brake and right brake,’ and he got out.” Justin said technology has made farming better. “It makes it more precise,” Justin said. “You can plant your seed where you want to and you don’t have to worry about over-planting. It saves you money in the long run.” When winter rolls around, they don’t slow down. The Samsons spend their time working in the shop. “We buy a lot of equipment and we put it together ourselves,” John Pat said. To expand on their operation in the future, Justin said they plan to try and get into cover crops this year. “Farming is my hobby,” John Pat said. “It always has been. My wife knows this ... farming comes first.” In a nutshell, agriculture is very important to the Samsons. “It’s everywhere. It’s everyday life,” Justin said. “Everything you do, even if you’re not even tied into farming, farming is there, whether you realize it or not. It’s part of everybody’s everyday life.” Contact Rachel Knight at rknight@marshallnews.com
missouri farms
17
Farm safety FARM TRUCK DRIVER SAFETY FROM MODOT erate a truck if they are too ill, fatigued or are under the influence of prescription drugs,
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gal drugs are not to be in the drivers possession. No alcohol can be consumed within four hours of driving; All trucks must follow railroad crossing safety requirements by stopping if required, not shifting gears on the tracks and by looking both ways before crossing; All equipment or goods carried on the truck and/or trailer must be properly loaded and secured;
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Seat belts must be worn at all times when the truck is operating; Radar detectors are prohibited in CMVs; and warning devices such as triangles, road flares and hazard flashers must be used when a CMV parks on the side of a roadway. MINIMUM AGE FOR FARM TRUCK DRIVERS Drivers of a commercial vehicle within Missouri must be at least 18 years old; Drivers must be at least 21 years old if: The load contains any amount of hazardous materials, including some fertilizers, or the truck operates beyond Missouri state lines. DRIVER QUALIFICATIONS All persons who operate a commercial vehicle are considered drivers even if they are unpaid or own the vehicle. All drivers must meet age requirements, speak English, have a valid operating license, be physically capable of operating a truck and follow all applicable state laws. COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR FARM TRUCKS A CDL is required if: The truck exceeds a 26,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or a truck Is used in combination with a trailer for a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) greater than 26,000 pounds, or the load must be placarded in order to comply with the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act regardless of the truck size or weight rating. NO CDL IS REQUIRED IF ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET:
1. A farmer transports his/her own agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies to or from their farm. (If the goods are not for farm use or belong to someone other than the farmer, a CDL is required), and 2. The move is within 150 miles of the farmer s farm, and 3. The driver is a farmer, family member of the farmer or an employee of the farm, operating a CMV for farm use, and 4. The load does not have to be placarded
for hazardous materials. MISSOURI CLASS E DRIVERS LICENSE If a CDL is not required, then all farm employees who drive a farm truck must have at least a Missouri Class E (For-Hire) drivers license. CDL-REQUIRED DRUG ALCOHOL TESTING
AND
RULES Drivers who are required to have a CDL must also comply with the controlled substance and alcohol testing requirements of the FMCSR, which include: A pre-employment drug test. A DOT pre-employment drug test must be passed before a driver may operate the CMV. The negative results must be kept in the driver’s qualification file; Random drug and alcoholtesting program. All CDL-required drivers must enroll in a DOT random drug and alcohol-testing program; Post-accident testing drivers involved in a recordable accident must be tested for drug and alcohol use if a fatality occurs or a citation is issued.
missouri farms
MU Extension Corner
18
SDS appears in Missouri soybean fields Story by Linda Geist MU Extension COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sudden death syndrome (SDS) is showing up in soybean fields across the state. Farmers should scout fields thoroughly for symptoms of SDS. SDS, caused by the soil fungus Fusarium virguliforme, produces striking foliage symptoms, which first appear on upper leaves as scattered yellow blotches that increase in size, says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Laura Sweets. Yellow areas may turn brown, but veins remain green. As the disease advances, leaves turn brown and may curl up or fall off the plant. Root systems deteriorate and lateral roots and taproots may be discolored. When split open, internal tissues of the taproot and lower stem may be light gray to light brown. Infected plants may have smaller root systems and clumps of dusty blue mold growth may be visible on the taproot. Several diseases may look alike, so you have to get into the field, Sweets says. SDS appears in fields with high soil moisture. This year, a wet, cool spring followed by the second-coolest July on record created conditions favorable for SDS in much of Missouri. High numbers of early season soybean root rot due to weather conditions may have been a precursor to SDS, said MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic director Patricia Wallace. “SDS is a big problem this year,” she said. The disease sometimes appears as a circular or oval area of yellow or dying plants in fields. It may appear in irregular or wavy streaks that follow drainage patterns in the field. Little can be done once plants are infected. Weather over the rest of this growing season influences the severity of loss. Sweets encourages producers to note where SDS was found this year. Preventative management, including selecting resistant varieties, staggering planting dates, rotating crops and minimizing soil compaction, may help prevent the disease next growing season. Producers with dying plants are encouraged to submit plants through their county extension center or to the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Call 573882-3019 for more information.
Foliage symptoms of sudden death syndrome in sobyean. (Contributed photo from MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic)
missouri farms
19
MU Extansion Corner
FAPRI updates price outlook baseline
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low crop prices. The August baseline update from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri projects record corn and soybean harvests this fall. FAPRI director Pat Westhoff says those records will continue to pressure crop prices. Corn prices are under $4 per bushel. Westhoff says with large ending stocks at the end of this year, prices for corn and soybeans will remain under pressure into next year. “If we continue to plant a lot of corn and soybeans in 2015 as appears very likely, we could have another year of depressed prices,” Westhoff says. “We are currently projecting that soybean prices may drop below $10 a bushel for the first time since 2009.” On the flip side, livestock producers
are seeing higher prices resulting from strong demand in beef, limited supplies of pork and strong international demand for dairy products. With lower feed costs, Westhoff expects producers to expand production, which will eventually lower prices. Westhoff says that consumers have seen an uptick in food price inflation this year, caused mostly by higher meat and dairy prices. However, with a downturn in live animal prices, consumers should see some moderation on grocery store shelves. Westhoff says it’s possible food price inflation could drop to less than 2 percent in 2015. Another impact of the lower crop prices is increased production of biofuels. Westhoff says existing ethanol plants are operating at or
near full capacity, and in addition to meeting domestic needs there has been an increase in exports this year. Westhoff cautions that this is just an update and the actual size of this year’s crop isn’t known yet. “There’s a lot of uncertainty in these projections,” Westhoff says. “If you ask me a few weeks from now what I project, it may be very different from what I tell you today.” The FAPRI August update to the baseline outlook is available at www.fapri.missouri.edu. A companion report with more details on livestock and consumer prices can be found at amap.missouri.edu.
Contact Jason Vance at 573-882-9731 or VanceJJ@missouri.edu
missouri farms
Equipment Reviews
20
New Holland’s 2015 hay and forage lineup by Jodie Wehrspann Farm Industry News One month prior to the official launch date, New Holland gave media a preview of its new farm equipment lineup for model year 2015. Mark Hooper, New Holland’s marketing director for North America, says 2015 is a significant launch year for hay and forage equipment, in particular, which is where the company has its roots. Over half of the new products, and there are 25 of them in all, are designed for this segment. New Holland’s new hay and forage lineup includes balers, wheel rakes, self-propelled forage harvesters, self-propelled windrowers, mower conditioners and new mid-size tractors. Products reps gave us a walk-around tour of each product in July, during the company’s preview event held at company headquarters in New Holland, Penn. Here’s what we learned. SPEED ROWER SELF-PROPELLED WINDROWER New for 2015, New Holland has introduced a new series of Speedrower self-propelled windrowers, a flagship product for dairy and livestock producers. The new series comes with an anniversary decal to mark the company's 50th year of producing the product. The one here doesn't show the decals--those were added later for their first debut at the Farm Progress Show. The models in the series are equipped with new ECOBlue Tier 4B engines that use a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce emissions. New Holland says the engines are tuned for performance, not just emissions, offering improvements in both power and fuel economy. A programmable throttle allows the operator to set the exact engine speed needed. Compared to the Tier 3 Speedrower units, the new 4-cylinder Speedrower 160 achieves a 20 percent increase in horsepower, while the 6cylinder Speedrower 220 and 260 units increase engine horsepower by 10 percent, as stated in the company news release states. Fuel usage is also significantly reduced, showing a16 percent drop in the 6-cyl. unit and 37 percent drop in the 4-cyl. unit. Cooling capacity on Speedrowers has been expanded. The rotary air screen is larger and made of steel to create a tight seal, resulting in better engine performance. A deluxe cab is now standard equipment. Independent rear axle suspension and Comfort Ride cab suspension provide for smooth, responsive handling that lets the driver increase speed on uneven terrain. A new, optional Delphi satellite-capable radio with Bluetooth technology provides for handsfree communication. ROLL-BELT ROUND BALERS Last year New Holland introduced the Roll-Belt 560, a variable-chamber round baler that produces 5 ft. x 6 ft. bales. Now the company is adding three other models to complete the family and provide more size offerings for livestock operators and custom balers. The new models are the Roll-Belt 450, 460, and 550, which offer bale widths of 4 ft. x 5 ft., 4 ft. x 6 ft., and 5 ft. x 5 ft., respectively. The balers replace the BR7000 series. New Holland says the new Roll-Belt Series represents an entirely new generation of round balers. Their value is described as “20-20-20,” which stands for 20 percent more capacity, 20 percent more power available to the belts and 20 percent more puncture-resistant belts than the series it replaces. The capacity is achieved without sacrificing bale density, New Holland says, adding that it actually increases density by 5 percent. 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the Roll-Belt round baler, so the new models are marked with an insignia on the side.
Agricultural equipment sales decline in 2014 by Associated Press itting under a tent at an annual agricultural equipment sales event, Shawn Berry noted that orders for the machinery he sells have dramatically slowed down this year — so much so that the Ohio-based company he represents could end up to 30 percent short in sales compared to last year in some states, South Dakota and Minnesota included. Berry is not alone. Many of the exhibitors at Dakotafest saw one effect of this belt-tightening year in the Corn Belt: Farmers aren't buying or trading in the pricey equipment because of lower commodity prices and a 95 percent reduction in a federal tax break that has traditionally benefited the sector. "If they can't buy more equipment, we are going to have to start laying off people," said Berry, who represents Unverferth Manufacturing Co., that makes and markets, among other things, tillage, hay and grain handling equipment. The U.S. appears headed for recordbreaking corn and soybean harvests this year, but the abundant yields are driving prices lower, significantly affecting farmers' profitability since the crop will end up costing more to produce than they can immediately sell it for. Even before planting season began, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in February predicted this year's farm income would sink to levels not seen in four years because of falling commodity prices. Upgrades happen for numerous reasons — increase or decrease in acreage, new tools to get the job done
S
Contact Jodie Wehrspann at 952-851-4681 or jodie.wehrspann@penton.com
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missouri farms
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faster and better — and can be dependent on the amount of cash a farmer has on hand, according to Dale Moore, director of public policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Machinery costs vary widely. A tractor capable of serving a farm that is several hundred acres can run between $40,000 and $200,000, while a combine for grain harvesting can cost $400,000. John Horter trades in his high-horsepower tractors and combines every two or three years for his his corn, soybean and cattle farm in Andover, South Dakota. He says that helps him keep up with new farming technology and have a higher resale value — just like with a car. This year, however, Horter had to adjust. "We still upgraded a few pieces this year, but it's nothing like we have been doing in the past three to four years," Horter said. "Basically, our gross income has been cut in half with the prices behind, but our inputs and machinery costs have not decreased, so you have to find a way to make ends need somehow."
Farmers also have lagged in equipment buying because of changes to a tax break that had typically allowed them to write-off those items. The Section 179 deduction changes annually; it dropped from $500,000 in 2013 to $25,000 for 2014. "If they can't deduct it, they won't spend the money," said Berry, whose sales territory includes North Dakota and parts of Canada. Congress recently voted to set the deduction permanently at $500,000. But the proposal faces opposition in the Senate and the two houses are unlikely to settle their differences until after November's election. Equipment leasing — although not nearly as widespread as the generations-long practice of renting land — is becoming more common primarily because the payments can be deducted beyond the new limit dictated by the tax code. In recent years, 90 percent of operations for AgDirect, an equipment financing program for Farm Credit Services of America, have
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been loans and the rest leases, according to vice president Duane Maciejewski. But in 2014, leases have made up 15 percent of its lending business, while loans are 85 percent. Experts believe the ag economy is entering a two- to three-year period of relatively low profitability and slow equipment sales will likely continue, says economist Matthew Roberts, an associate professor at Ohio State University. It's been severe enough that Deere Co., the largest agricultural equipment maker, recently announced layoffs for more than 1,000 U.S. factory employees. Operating profit from its agriculture and turf sales fell 30 percent in third quarter of 2014 compared with a year ago, the company has said, and sales in the U.S. and Canada are expected to be down 10 percent for the year. "Almost every farmer I know has upgraded their equipment in the last five to six years," Roberts said. "So, now, it is a matter of making do with what you have for another year or two."
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missouri farms
Power take-off devices can rip safety out of a farm
Linda Geist MU Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Donnie Summers of Lathrop, Missouri, distinctly remembers the day his father’s overalls got caught in a power take-off (PTO) of a silage cutter. The revolving device ripped his coveralls off and even pulled one sock out of his work boots.
Naked and shaken up, he walked down the country lane to his farmhouse. He was one of the lucky ones, says University of Missouri Extension safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. She says Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21-27, is a good time to review PTO rules. Since the 1930s, PTOs helped farmers harness the power of tractor engines to drive a variety of implements. The tractor powers a shaft that spins at hundreds of revolutions per minute.
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Funkenbusch recently showed how quickly a PTO can grab clothing or hair and wrap it around its revolving shaft. She and other faculty from MU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources demonstrated a timer that mimics a PTO. People test their reaction time by hitting a switch to turn the PTO off; a digital readout shows how long it took to shut down the device. In the time it takes a person with average reaction time to hit the off button, a 540 rpm PTO can wrap the operator around the shaft, Funkenbusch said. “It is a common misconception that a human being can react fast enough to avoid serious injury,” she said. “Once entangled, there is little a person can do.” Reaction time slows with age, declining physical condition, use of medication and lack of sleep. Funkenbusch gives the following advice for the upcoming harvest season:
• Always pull up long hair and braids when working around equipment. Put hair under a hat for best results. Remove jewelry and earrings when working around PTOs. • Don’t wear clothes with loose sleeves, frayed edges or drawstrings. Avoid long shoelaces. • Keep safety shields and guards in place, even after repairs have been made. • Stay clear of moving parts. • Always shut off augers and machinery equipped with belt and chain drives and rotating pulleys. • Stop the PTO when dismounting from the tractor. • Don’t let children ride on or near a tractor. They can be entangled in the PTO if they slip. • Walk around tractors. Never step over a rotating shaft. To see a demonstration of how quickly you can become entangled, go to http://youtu.be/Zm OUQLsc2P0. Contact Linda Geist at 573882-9185 or GeistLi@missouri.edu
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2012 Sunflower 6630 vertical tillage disk, 32', $45,000. 641-751-1334
JD 643 Corn Head, low tin, oil bath, CN shafts included, shdedded $4,000. 660-2544537
'96 230 Spray Coup, 74' booms, run exc., shedded. 712-542-7923 Case 2020, '10, flex head, 30 ft., $12,500. 217-4300837 Case IH 881 silage chopper, good condition, $3,500. 515-290-6145 Harvester 8420, '98 w/chain elevator. $55,000. 309-2750524 IH 550 Manure Spreader, gd cond., shedded, 540 PTO, rear discharge. 314809-7175 IH 735 vw plow toggle trip 5 btm $3,750; IH #80 snowblower $600. 515-209-9013
Home of the Jump Start Program! Congratulations to the hundreds of customers who have taken advantage of the
Jump Start! Program! If you have ever had some bad luck with your credit for whatever reason, but need to buy a car,
call Kristina Jasper at 660-826-8320. We can help!
JH 9400 2000 sep, sprdr, bin ext. chpr, yld mon. ready 1 owner $39,500. 515-2382418 JD 9660 STS combine '07, duals, RWD, long auger, 2000 eng, 1800 sep, exc cond! $125,000 OBO. 319330-3404 Kinze 3600, '02, 16/31 interplant, clutches, no till cltrs, VC $49,500. 217-430-0837 NH 660 round baler w/bale monitor $5,000/OBO; Hesston 956 round baler, good cond. $7,500. 660-2323616, 660-259-3289 '90 Gleaner R40 w/6R30" crn hd & grain table, 2308 sep, 3309 eng hrs. 641-7994068 '98 Agco 9755, Smart Steer, 2980 hrs, Ex. Cond. CPC 5 shk disc ripper Exc Cond. 41M Farmall, 515-368-4492 Case 580S ldr backhoe, 4x4, C/H, 4921 hrs, E-hoe, Case cntrls, 4 in 1 frt bkt, 24" rear bkt, little hose use, tight, Clean!! $39,900 641220-4794 JD 444 CH, hyd plates, cnvrtd to JD plastic 36", 300 ac. on recent work. 641777-0064
JD 4830, '08, SS tank, 100' boom, boom track, auto air level, 2670 hrs, very clean, $117,500. 217-430-0837 JD 4930 '11, new rubber, NH 3030 G4 dry box w/multi., 1260h VC $149K. 217-430-0837 JD 6620 SH Titon II, exc machine, light wiring damage, $12500. 800-284-3001 JD MT 50' with mtd 2-btm plow, eng free; also JD A 50', runs great. Both 1owner orig tractors. Choice $2,175. 319-361-0471
120 large round bales 2nd & 3rd crop Alfalfa Mix Hay, net wrap, $130/ton. 563-5804905 2014 Alfalfa 3x3 individually wrapped bales; Big round bales and 3x3x8. 641-9199447 Hay for sale: 4'x62", net wrapped, fescue/clover/ prairie. $30. Can haul. 417499-3940
3-DMC 10hp 3ph bin fans, exc. cond! $600 ea or $1500 for all three. 515-298-4172
T&L hyd. driven, center pivot irrigation system 2256' long new tires, high/low pressure. Pump 10001200/min., power unit & drip tape irrigation also. See it work! Lost lease on land. Must sell & move. 314-5503150 taking bids until Oct. 1st.
2000 FREIGHTLINER CENTURY, new rubber completely around. In Slater. Price negotiable. 660-631-3434
Blk Hereford bulls, 18 mos old, Nebraska City, NE 402209-0958, 402-209-1321 Duroc, York & Hamp Boars Good selection. Paul Martin, Shelbina MO, 573-8224216 Dorset Rams fall and spring born Vermazen Dorsets 319-463-5848
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WATCH YOUR AD WORK ONLINE! FARROW HOUSE MANAGER Looking for Farrow House Manager for 3000 sow farm. Please send resume to leefarms@outlook.com
FALL HARVESTING WANTED: soybeans, corn & milo. New Case combines with tractors, grain carts, semis. Calvin Harvie, 719342-0722 Position opening for a motivated individual to join our team w/exp. in all areas of crop prod. including, operating & maintaining late model equip for corn/soy operation in Central MO 573-721-3262
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