POSTAL CUSTOMER
Volume IV, Issue 11
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit #36 OMAHA, NE
November 2010
Farmers seek balance of investment and profit with tiling
by Emma Struve After another year of persistently wet weather during the crop growing season, farmers evaluate land improvements following an efficient harvest. Contractors, landowners, and industry experts weigh in on the subject of ag land drainage. “Poor drainage was a major factor in lower corn and soybean yields,” Aaron Saeugling, ISU field agronomist in southwest Iowa, stated. “Tile paid big dividends this year.” In northwest Iowa, poorly drained fields showed reduced soybean yields while the welldrained hillsides seemed to yield the best, he added. The wet conditions led to more Sudden Death Syndrome, too. Producers continue to improve drainage and
add tile, Joel DeJong, ISU field agronomist who serves the area, stated, “The yield monitors have been showing the benefits.” Tiling contractor Kevin Kasperbauer, of Kasperbauer Service, Inc., has noticed an up-tick in business the last four years. Farmers have been calling, and saying, “I have a wet spot; come and fix it.” Kasperbauer attributes the renewed focus on field drainage improvements to the comparatively wetter weather and greater profitability experienced in the recent past. However, with the advent of yield monitoring equipment and increased prevalence of the technology, educating producers is becoming more important in Kasperbauer’s business. He has known for many years that installing tile in poor producing areas of fields, including side hills, can
400 ACRES OF LAND SELLING IN 5 PARCELS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2010 10:00 am Location of Sale
6550 200th Ave., Newell Iowa
increase yields but now has the objective evidence to support the observation. “Yield monitors show weak spots that will increase yields 40 to 100 bushels,” Kasperbauer stated, once field drainage tile is installed. He continued that farmers are already adding the inputs – fertilizer, seed, and other soil amendments – so why not make the ground produce better? Kasperbauer retired from farming to focus on Kasperbauer Services, Inc., full-time 11 years ago. He insisted, though, “I’m still a farmer at heart; that’s why I like to do it – for the yield.” ISU Extension Agriculture Engineering Field Specialist Kris Kohl explained, in detail, why drainage tile works. Continued on Page 15
PARCEL 1 & 2 are located on the Sac, Buena Vista County line, each containing 70 acres. PARCEL 3 is in Buena Vista County containing 56 acres. PARCEL 4 contains 160 crop acres. PARCEL 5 is balance of that farm that has approx 45 acres goose hunting lodge, pole building and 15 acre lake. PARCEL 4 & 5 will then be offered as a combined unit.
AUCTIONEER'S NOTE; This is one of the most interesting hunting areas anywhere in the Midwest. Thousands of migrating geese stop. Must see to appreciate. Call Randy Pryor for more details or a showing: 712-644-7610. RANDY PRYOR, Brokers & Auctioneer SWAIN REALTY Cell: (712) 644-7160 Office: 647-2741 428 Walker St., Woodbine, IA 51579 1-IFR(9,10,11 IFR Pryor Auction)PS
NRCS announces Farm Bill financial assistance program 2010 results . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
Ak-sar-ben Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24-26
The Farmer’s Wife . . . . . . . . . . .Page 5 Futures Market Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 13 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 27-30