Down on the Farm 2014 Edition

down on the

A SALUTE TO AGRICULTURE & 4-H IN COSHOCTON COUNTY

• Farming is a lifelong profession

Beacon coshocton county

Positively Coshocton County

• Technology helps farmers • Get involved in 4-H

4-H touches lives

4-H members proudly receive awards for projects entered in last 4-H Clubs were part of the junior fair parade held during the 2013 AWARD year’s fair. BEACON FILE PHOTO Coshocton County Fair. BEACON FILE PHOTO

PARADE

DOWN ON THE FARM

MARCH 26, 2014

COSHOCTON – Agriculture touches a lot of lives in Coshocton County and so does 4-H.

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Contributed to the Beacon

Involvement in 2013 2013 Youth - 710 total Project Members age 9-19 - 591 Cloverbuds age 5-8 - 119 The 591 project members completed 927 projects last year (about 1.5 per youth).

Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child is enrolled in kindergarten and is age 5 as of Jan. 1 of the current year (Cloverbuds). Membership to the 4-H Club program begins when a child is enrolled in third grade and is at least age 8 as of Jan. 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends Dec. 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19. Members begin when an eligible individual is enrolled in a club or group that is under the direction of a trained adult who has completed the OSUE volunteer selection process, and that is within the scope of Ohio State University Extension.

Coshocton had 270 active volunteers in 2013. Two hundred and six of those advisors served with a 4-H club, while 64 of them served as Key Leaders (volunteers that serve as a point of contact or reference that are experts in certain areas pertinent to a 4-H project).

Clubs There were 40 4-H Clubs in 2013.

There is a current listing of all of the clubs for 2014 at the Extension Office that lists the contact advisor and where the club has its meetings. If someone would like to meet in a certain area of the county we can direct them to a club in their area or refer them to a club that has other members or advisors familiar with a project that they are interested in.

4-H Pledge I pledge My HEAD to clearer thinking, My HEART to greater loyalty, My HANDS to larger service, and My HEALTH to better living For my club, my community, my country and my world.

Motto - To Make the Best Better The 4-H motto refers to each member. It means that each member will do the “best” that he/she possibly can in whatever is attempted. The member will then strive to improve the next time so his or her initial “best” becomes “better.” The 4-H motto encourages members to stretch their abilities and capabilities to reach great achievement within their own potential.

SEE ‘4-H’ ON PAGE 4

DOWN ON THE FARM

Published by Good Fortune Advertising, LLC 226 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812 Phone: 740-622-4237 • Fax: 740-623-9937 www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com OWNER/PUBLISHER - MARK FORTUNE mark@coshoctoncountybeacon.com CIRCULATION & CLASSIFIED - NICOLE MEDLEY nicole@coshoctoncountybeacon.com GRAPHIC ARTIST – BRYAN FOX bryan@coshoctoncountybeacon.com SALES CONSULTANT - SANDY GRIER sandy@coshoctoncountybeacon.com

SALES CONSULTANT - NINA DRINKO nina@coshoctoncountybeacon.com REPORTING & GRAPHICS - BETH SCOTT beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com NEWS & CONTENT EDITOR - JOSIE SELLERS josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com ©2014 GOOD FORTUNE ADVERTISING LLC

Disclaimer: The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. The publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the publisher’s employees or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Classified refunds will be given only on mistakes reported during the first time the ad appears in The Coshocton County Beacon. Any reproduction without written consent of the publisher is prohibited. 2014 The Coshocton County Beacon

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Down on the Farm

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can sink in the blink of an eye. Your reaction then is to fight and try to crawl out, but when you do that you bring more product on you and you get buried quicker.”

Torsell said it is of upmost importance to stop the flow of grain.

“For whatever reason you enter the bin, shut it off before you go inside,” he said. “Also make sure you have a means of communication whether that is a radio or a cell phone, but don’t put it in your pants pocket. Put it up higher.”

Torsell also suggested investing in a harness and quality rope, making sure someone always knows where you are and that others on your farm or in your family know how to shut equipment off.

“You have enough time to do things right,” he said. “No amount of money is worth you not being with your family.

If you are going to continue to do things unsafely then you need to make sure your life insurance and end of life expenses are paid up.”

It’s also a good idea to find out what your local fire department would need if an accident did occur on your farm and to make sure your grain bins are easily accessible to them.

Rhoda Crown from Coshocton Grain Company said they have procedures in place on how to handle a grain bin accident and invites the fire department out to make sure they are familiar with the facility.

“I hope you all leave happy you came and spread the word about how to be safer,” Torsell said. “It’s the small things that you forget to do that can have the greatest impact on the greatest number of people.”

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

Down on the Farm

COSHOCTON – A recent program on grain bin safety made JoEllen and Jay Trego stop and think.

“It made me realize I have to look at the way I’m doing things and maybe do some of them differently,” Jay said.

JoEllen noted that Jay spends a lot of his time alone on the farm.

“He’s a full time farmer and I work away from the home,” she said.

The program the Tregos attended was held March 14, at the Frontier Power Community Room. It included dinner, which was sponsored by Coshocton Grain Company and Farm Credit Mid-America and a presentation by speakers from OSU Extension that specialize in agricultural rescue.

The Ohio State University Extension, Coshocton County and the Coshocton Soil & Water Conservation District coordinated this training for the agricultural community “What I hope you took away from this is that we want you to live,” said Dave Torsell, who did most of the presenting.

Before the program members of the agriculture community also were invited to view the Grain CART (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer) that first responders recently used for a training coordinated by the Coshocton County Emergency Management (EMA).

During the program, Torsell explained how grain bin accidents happen and how they can be avoided.

“Don’t get complacent when working with them,” he said.

“You can sink almost two feet just by walking on grain. It’s a product that by nature tries to swallow you. It’s difficult to get out even if the grain isn’t flowing. If the grain is flowing you

3-B

CORN 5 Harvest Price

(dollars per bushel)

$

$

0

$

$

3.02

$

$

2.60

$

$

1964

1974

1984

1994

2013 177

158

73

65

1964

1.85

2004

139

118

4.30

1974

1984

1994

2004

2013

50 Fuel, Lube & Electrical Expense (dollars per planted acre)

$

2.10

1.11

200 Harvest Yield

0

$

DOWN ON THE FARM

0

$

$

No Data 1964

$

14.10

$

29.29

$

30.78

18.96

5.76

1975

1984

1994

2004

2013

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4-H Projects Each project book contains a wealth of information and activities for planning and conducting a project. The projects can be completed by participating in activities through organized project groups or by carrying out the activities individually under the guidance of a parent or other adult.

A 4-H project is made up of three types of activities:

• Hands-on activities - making, producing, practicing,

observing, testing, interviewing, caring for, etc.

• Organized activities - demonstrations, speeches,

workshops, camps, county judging, project activities,

exhibits, etc.

• Leadership/citizenship activities - conducting,

planning, teaching, assisting, informing, organizing, etc.

The main categories for 4-H Projects include:

About 4-H

Animal Science

Child and Family Development

Clothing and Textile Science

Creative and Leisure Arts

Food and Nutrition

Healthy Living

Home Living

Leadership and Citizenship

Money Management

Natural Resources

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Self-Determined

Workforce Preparation

Group Projects

School Enrichment More than 200 projects are available for youth to pick from not including the unlimited number they can create on their own by taking a self-determined project.

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4-H

OVER THE YEARS

Statistics taken from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service http://www.nass.usda.gov/ • Harvest & Yield statistics are for Ohio Fuel, Lube & Electrical expenses are US average

(bushels per acre)

Down on the Farm

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Farmers work well into golden years

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“We raised our children right here on the farm,” Raymond said. “The family always helped out too. My wife did, my daughter did and so did my son-in-law.”

His daughter also has worked hard to gather the necessary documents to recognize the family farm as a century farm. Raymond will receive a plaque for this honor, which is awarded through the governor’s office and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

“A lot has changed with farming in the last 50 or 60 years,” Raymond said. “It’s a hard thing to get started on SEE ‘FARMERS’ ON PAGE 7

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DOWN ON THE FARM

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Down on the Farm

COSHOCTON – Raymond Pew is the fourth generation of his family to farm on the same land in Coshocton County.

His great-great-grandfather, James Pew, received the land for serving in the war of 1812 and Raymond kept the farm going when he returned to the area in 1945 after serving with the Army in World War II. “My Dad was a farmer and I was raised on the farm,” Raymond said. “He died while I was in the Army and there was no one to take it over so I did when I got out.”

Raymond is now 94 years old and is one of many farmers in the area who still has a connection to the farm well into his golden years. Other names that came to the minds of those at the Coshocton Soil & Water Conservation District were: John Powell, Warren Lapp, Bill Shurtz, Raymond Patterson, Homer Roahrig , Gerald Hothem, Martin Daugherty, Dean Wyler, Earl Patterson, Blair Porteus, Fred and Joe Anderson, Vernon Mizer and Gerald Finlay.

Raymond (Pew) is renting his ground out, but still has sheep he helps take care of.

“I still try to get out and do work, but with the cold weather I haven’t been able to do much,” he said.

Raymond also said over the year’s his more than 300 acres have been used to produce corn, wheat, hay and some soybeans. Milk cows, beef cattle and hogs also have been raised by the Pews.

“I’ve enjoyed the challenges it took to make things work,” he said. “One of the biggest challenges was the weather.

We have some ground that floods pretty badly and there also were diseases to worry about that hit your livestock. I lost a lot of pigs one year.”

Daugherty also has faced his fair share of challenges over the years.

“There were some tough times in the 70s and 80s, but we were able to work through them and keep going,” he said.

Daugherty has farmed all of his life.

“My Dad died of a heart attack when I was 18 so when I came home from college I started farming,” he said.

Daugherty is 83 now, but still active.

“It’s a family business and I’m in a partnership with my son,” he said. “I’m kind of in charge of our seed business.”

Family also has played a big role in Pew’s life on the farm. For him the best part of the profession was sharing it with his family, which included his wife, daughter and late

By Josie Sellers

740-622-9089 1100 Walnut St. Coshocton 0025_032614

The economic and social impact of farming in Coshocton County

By Beth Scott

COSHOCTON – Approximately 1,000 farms dot the fields of Coshocton County. Drive down any country road and you’re sure to see grain, corn, and soybean fields, feed cattle, and maybe some sheep, chickens, and hogs. In 2007, these farms brought in $58,142,000 compared to $34,557,000 in 2002. That number is undoubtedly higher in the 2012 census, which was not available at the time of print. However, these farms averaged $56,339 per farm in 2007 for Coshocton County.

“People are surprised that farmers go to college and get a degree in agriculture,” said Emily Adams, County Director, Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources. “But if you think about farming as a business, you really have to know your stuff. The breadth of knowledge farmers need to know surprises people.”

In addition to a large economic standpoint, farmers can implement practices to help the environment by conserving more soil and improving water quality. One way farmers are protecting the soil is through cover crops. This program was implemented locally by the Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District. Cover crops are planted and start growing before the main crop is harvested. They last all winter and keep the soil from being bare and exposed to the elements.

They also can increase water holding capacity in the soil and help prevent water run-off.

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2007 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE Coshocton County Profile

(The 2012 census was not available at time of print)

Number of Farms: 1,032 Land in Farms: 171,084 acres Average Size of Farms: 166 acres Market Value of Products Sold: $58,142,000 Crop Sales: $22,218,000 (38 percent) Livestock Sales: $35,924,000 (62 percent) Average per Farm: $56,339 Government Payments: $1,623,000 Average Per Farm Receiving Payments: $4,077 According to Adams, small farms are becoming more popular in the county, and there is a renewed interest in getting more involved with growing your own food.

“Even if you don’t have a lot of land, there is the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and grow off the land,” said Adams.

For those who may be thinking about starting a small farm, there are many resources in the county to help you get started. The OSU Extension can help with business planning and finances as well as exposing farmers to some of the research currently being done at The Ohio State University.

The Natural Resources Conservation and the Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District can help farmers be the best stewards of the land they farm. There are also a variety of newsletters available that can be sent to your home monthly with new techniques and information.

“From a cultural standpoint, farming connects people to the land,” said Adams. “From a community standpoint, there’s something special about being connected to the land or being connected with people who connect with the land.”

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 your own, unless you have someone to help you. If you really want to farm though, you have to make up your mind to do it and work hard at it.”

James Brandon, who is now 81-years-old, also has been farming most of his life.

“I’ve always wanted to do it and my Dad did it before me,” he said. “I enjoy being out there in the fields, running the tractor, making hay and handling the livestock.”

Brandon got his own farm in 1957 and today has 270 acres and about 70 head of cattle. However, a hip replacement has limited his ability to get out and work on the farm.

High prices and issues with weather have made his life tough at times, but Brandon never let these things get him down.

“The Lord helped me through it,” he said. “I have a lot of faith in him.”

These gentlemen also have seen a lot of changes in the way farming is done over the years.

“When I started farming we had a team of horses and one little tractor,” Daugherty said. “Now there are nine tractors we work with. Farming is a lot of hard work, but if you enjoy it it’s a good profession to be in.”

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Farmers

By Josie Sellers

According to the 2007 agriculture census, the average age of the principal operator on farms in Coshocton was 54.8, but minor adjustments can keep them farming well into their retirement years.

“Even thinking about how you store your tools and equipment can help,” Adams said. “They suggest making sure you don’t have to bend over or reach and stretch for the things you use every day.”

She encourages farmers to visit http://agrability.osu.edu or stop by the local OSU Extension office so she can help you find the information you need to face a certain physical or health issue.

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

Down on the Farm

COSHOCTON – Age and health issues don’t have to stop you from farming.

The Ohio State University Extension AgrAbility program is designed to help keep farmers safe and working in their fields and barns.

“There are ways you can make things easier and their website has lots and lots of factsheets with ways to help do that,” said Emily Adams, County Director, Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources. “They talk about everything from how to keep farming after a hip or knee replacement to dealing with arthritis and heart disease. There are lots of resources (on the website http://agrability.osu.edu) and they are for gardening too, not just for farming.”

Some of the tips on the website explain adaptations that can be made to equipment and others offer simple suggestions like taking your time and not jumping off the last rung of a ladder.

“If people are facing challenges or difficulties and are willing to seek help, there is education available to them,” Adams said.

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Technology has big impact on farming

By Josie Sellers

sion agriculture. If you know where your good soil is you can up the number of seeds for that acre and all that can be mapped into a monitor.”

Darr Farms sells precision planting equipment, which helps farmers feed information into an iPad and build maps of their fields.

“It will tell you if two kernels went down instead of one or if there was a skip,” said George Darr, from Darr Farms.

His farm also is getting into receiving weather data field by field.

“We signed up to get data from a company that lets us know up to 100th of an inch how much rain fields have gotten in the previous hours,” said Paul Russell from Darr Farms. “It helps us decide if we can go out and work in it or TRACTORS Today’s tractors just don’t come with a steering wheel. They come not.

This has been very helpful for the farm because it has equipped with various monitors that help farmers keep better track of what’s goland in Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Guernsey counties. ing on around them. BEACON PHOTO BY JOSIE SELLERS “Before we drive a half hour we can be told if it rained or COSHOCTON – Technology is making the world of agriculnot,” Darr said. “When the technology advances more it also ture safer for farmers and the environment. will tell us about fertility deficiencies in the fields.”

Greg Waters from Wen Mar Farms explained that tracCrops aren’t the only part of farming technology has imtors now have auto steer based on GPS. pacted. It also has affected the raising of animals.

“You can pay more attention to what’s going on behind “There are automatic feeders and you can have a smart you instead of staying in a straight line,” he said. barn,” Waters said. “You can be alerted to if the fans or heatTechnology also has advanced how sprayers and planters are on, if the feeders have feed in them and even if the ers are used. electricity goes out and it’s all real time information.”

“They have auto shut off so you don’t over use seeds, Waters graduated from The Ohio State University in 2001 chemicals or fertilizers,” Waters said. “This helps the enviand is amazed at how much farming has changed since ronment and your bottom line. You don’t overlap and waste then. fuel and energy.”

“We were just starting to put monitors in then,” he said.

He also uses an iPad routinely.

“If my grandpa was still alive he would not believe what is “I use it every day to watch the weather,” Waters said. “I going on. The things they are talking about coming down the also use it to keep an eye on the market for corn and soyline are mind blowing.” beans, what fuel costs are and find out what’s new in agriDarr said there is an educational learning curve that culture. It’s also helpful to find out what’s going on around comes with all this technology, but when it works it is wonthe world. Everything affects us nowadays because it’s a derful. global economy.”

“It’s the future and helps make us be efficient and good An iPhone also has proven to be handy. stewards of the environment,” he said.

“If you have a question you can Google it right where you It also keeps them moving along with the industry. are and get an answer quickly,” Waters said.

“If you don’t change you are going to fall behind,” Russell Soil samples also have taken farming to a new level. said.

“You can now take a sample from every acre so you get JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM a better picture of the field,” Waters said. “It’s all about preci-

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Down on the Farm

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Women play an active role in agriculture

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DOWN ON THE FARM

Contributed to The Beacon by Eric Sellers

FRESNO – Growing up on a farm was very beneficial to my life. It taught me a lot about life and responsibility. Life on the farm was definitely a lot of hard work.

Getting up early to start the chores was not a favorite time. Shortly after breakfast was eaten, it was out the door and into the barn. I would have to throw hay from the top floor through the trap door into the bottom of the barn where the stalls were. From there I’d fill the troughs with sweet feed for the cattle and throw some of the hay into the stalls. The cats were usually hungry so filling their pan with food was pretty much required every day. When the calves weren’t drinking from their mothers’ sacs, feeding them from a bottle SEE ‘GROWING UP’ ON PAGE 12

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Growing up on a farm impacted Beacon reader’s life

income for the farm,” said Adams.

In Coshocton County, 40 percent of farmers farm as their principle operation and 60 percent have other full-time jobs in addition to farming full time.

For young women who are interested in becoming involved in agriculture or farming, consider joining 4-H, Future Farmers of America, or other agriculture-related programs.

For Coshocton students who do not have access to an FFA program, the Career Center offers an agriculture-related program.

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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Down on the Farm

COSHOCTON – In 2007, the Coshocton County Census of Agriculture reported that 10 percent of women were the principle operators of their farms. This Friday, March 28, there will be an East Ohio Women Agriculture Conference in New Philadelphia to try and encourage more women to be actively involved in agriculture and farming.

When the OSU Extension offered Annie’s Project, a program for women who wanted to farm, 20 women participated in the program. Annie’s Project covered five at-risk management components of agriculture: financial, production, marketing, human resources, and legal. They also discussed what was available to minimize these risks.

“Here in Coshocton County, there are definitely women who farm and who are interested in farming,” said Emily Adams, County Director, Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources.

Women have always had an active role in helping with farming and it was integrated into their lives as well as their husband’s and children’s lives. Now, less than one percent of people in the United States farm. One thing that has changed for women who farm is that they are able to work outside of the home.

“There are definitely a lot more women who have jobs outside of farming and they are able to provide supplement

By Beth Scott

25336 CR 10 622.6452

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Gaumer Springs Farm awarded 2013 Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year

By Beth Scott

OLLOW FARMS MAPLE HEst. 2012

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They have been a cooperator of Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District since March 24, 2001.

The conservation practices Luke and Debbie have implemented on the farm include installing over 4,000 feet of fence and 1,823 feet of pipeline with six watering facilities, and have 16.2 acres of prescribed grazing, one 40-foot stream crossing, and one spring development.

Luke and Debbie are members of the Farm Bureau and the Agriculture Society.

Debbie also serves on the Coshocton County Fair Board and is a committee member of Coshocton is Blooming. They both have a strong interest in agriculture education.

“We are very proud to be a part of the agriculture community and it’s all of our jobs to work together to implement these conservation practices and educate the community about the importance of agriculture,” said Bigelow.

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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COSHOCTON – Each year, the Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District has Past been awarding local farmers for their conOutstanding servation efforts during their annual banquet with the Outstanding Conservation Farmer of Conservation the Year Award.

Award Winners “The award is to acknowledge and show appreciation for those in the community for 2003: Vernon Mizer doing a good job not only in agriculture, but 2004: William Daugherty for taking care of their soil and water re2005: Braniger Farms sources,” said Deb Bigelow, Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District Administra2006: WenMar Farms, Inc tor.

2007: Darr Farms Each of those who have been awarded – George and Bev Darr this prestigious award have worked closely with the Soil and Water Conservation District 2008: No award given to administer conservation practices on their 2009: Larry A. Frye Farm farms. A board of volunteers ultimately decides the winner each year. Award winners 2010: ASB Farm receive a sign, sponsored by Farm Credit – Alan and Susan Brinker Mid-America, to put in their lawn as a form of 2011: Locke Family Farms recognition.

– Leon and Karen Locke “Because of our work with them, we know what a good job they’ve done in the com2012: Hidden Spring Farms munity,” said Bigelow. “The ones I’ve talked – Tim and Nanci Rogers to are very appreciative of the award and 2013: Gaumer Springs consider it an honor.”

The 2013 winners of the Outstanding Farm – Luke and Debbie Conservation Farmer of the Year were Luke Gaumer and Debbie Gaumer.

“It’s a great accomplishment when you have a goal and reach that goal and someone else observes your accomplishment,” said Debbie. “It’s a great feeling. I didn’t come from an agricultural family and with the Soil and Water District’s education, I learned how to conserve and sustain my small farm.”

Gaumer Springs Farm is located in White Eyes Township and consists of 58 acres. Luke and Debbie bought their farm in 1999 and built two barns. They currently run 17 head of Angus cattle, which include 10 breeding cows and a bull.

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THE BEACON

DOWN ON THE FARM

MARCH 26, 2014

Down on the Farm

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Farms help industries

By Josie Sellers

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Down on the Farm

GRAIN

The Coshocton Grain Co. is located on Browns Lane.

TRIBUTED TO THE BEACON

PHOTO CON- ETHANOL Three Rivers Energy, LLC. is located on County Road 271. BEACON FILE PHOTO

Gerber & Sons, Inc.

Manufacturers of Bob White Quality Feeds

Quality and Service: Our Most Important Products Gerber’s Feed Sack - Coshocton, Ohio (740) 622-8888 Gerber & Sons Mill and Offices - Baltic, Ohio 1-800-468-4710 Farmerstown Elevator - (330) 897-4453 www.gerberandsons.com

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DOWN ON THE FARM

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and had nearly five million bushels of corn and one and a half million bushels of soybeans come through its facility last year.

“The farmers harvest in October and November,” Crown said. “They bring the grain to town, we store it and then based on market condition decide when it is most profitable to sell it. We have several different marketing programs for the producers to choose from based on what is best for their SEE ‘INDUSTRIES’ ON PAGE 12

316 Main Street • West Lafayette • 545-7186 Branch Office: 498-4545 • www.dalegress.com Fax: 545-6899 Auction: 545-7158

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COSHOCTON – Farmers are very important to the Coshocton Grain Co. and Three Rivers Energy, LLC. “They are the only thing I thrive on,” said Rhoda Crown, CEO of the business. “I buy from local producers and greatly appreciate the farmers.”

Coshocton Grain Co. has two facilities in Ohio and has expanded into Illinois. It also has 900 customers in 22 of Ohio’s southeast counties.

The company has been in Coshocton County since 1948

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was enjoyable up until they pulled the nipple from the bottle.

It was always a pain to make another bottle with milk replacer. After the chores were done, it was onto the tractor to brush hog, mow hay, or plow. I wasn’t old enough to drive, but my grandfather put his trust into me to drive the tractor by myself. That was definitely a situation where I was under pressure to do things right, with not wrecking the tractor, plowing the fields straight, and making the winrows the right way. I learned a lot of responsibility from doing those things.

I realized I had to do things the right way or the farm could suffer from any of the mistakes I made.

Taking care of the equipment was a big challenge. Everything had to be properly greased, the belts, chains, and gears all had to be in working order. Tires had to be aired up and oil changed when it was time. It was an annoying inconvience at the time, but if any of the equipment failed or things needed fixed in the field, it delayed work getting done. Getting work done on time is a very important part of farm life.

When all the field work was done, it was usually supper time.

After supper it was pretty much bed time and the next morning it was back to work as usual. I learned a lot about working on equipment, which still helps me today. The responsibility that was placed upon me taught me to be a better person and to make the right decisions in life.

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business plans.”

As of March 20, corn was selling for $4.63 a bushel and soybeans for $14.13 a bushel.

“We are a consistent, competitive market and offer the ability to sell grain 12 months a year,” Crown said.

Most of the grain that leaves Coshocton Grain Co. is sold to users in the south east who are in the poultry industry. It also recently sold some of its grain to the local ethanol plant.

The ethanol plant on County Road 271 was closed in October 2008, but C.E. Acquisitions LLC, which includes Lakeview Energy and Crestwood Energy of Illinois, bought the plant and renamed it Three Rivers Energy, LLC. It reopened in October 2013, and produces ethanol, corn oil, dry distillers grain and wet cake.

“The ethanol is sent to blending stations and put with other fuels then distributed to gas stations if you will,” said Alan Brinker, commodities manager at the plant.

The dry distillers grain is used by feed mills and farmers use it a lot in rations and wet cake is used by livestock farmers who raise dairy and or beef cattle.

“To meet our daily needs we need 55,000 bushels of corn,” Brinker said. “We try to buy local as much as possible.

We have a nice relationship with Coshocton Grain and the local producers. We want to support both of them. Coshocton is blessed to have two markets for corn.”

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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Growing Up

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DOWN ON THE FARM

MARCH 26, 2014

Down on the Farm

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