National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
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the Minnesota Farmer Assistance network Farmers Win Coop growing strong Minnesota Farmers Union celebrates Ag Week, and emphasizes the importance of agriculture and a healthy planet AgrAbility can help you continue the work you love after an injury or when affected by disease or aging Local growers are state winners in national corn yield contest Free radon and nitrate testing in March What’s in that milk truck? Chatfield youth eyes future in dairy goat industry www.fillmorecountyjournal.com Take advantage of these target-audience sections to reach your best prospects. Please contact your Area Salesperson for deadlines, sizings, and other information. Questions? Email ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com or call 507.765.2151
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, March 21, 2016
Call the FCJ at 507-765-2151 to advertise or offer news tips!
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
Farmers Win Coop growing strong
The Mabel site of Farmers Win Coop recently expanded, adding a new pit, dryer and storage. Photos by Barb Jeffers By Barb Jeffers The Farmers Win Coop location in Mabel, Minn., is a product of growth and expansion over the years and last summer the location saw another big improvement. Since August of 2014, when a merger between Winneshiek Coop and Fredericksburg Farmers Coop took place and became Farmers Win Coop, the plans for expansion began. “We knew we had to expand,” says location manager Camilla Lee. Lee explains, “We had thrown around a few ideas on expanding the current dump pits onsite, but when you looked at the cost of restructuring the existing site, plus the down time of facility, it was obvious that the best solution to meet the needs of the patrons was to purchase additional land and build an entirely separate structure,” she says. Building a separate structure “would give us the ability to con-
tinue with daily operations. We could accept and ship grain from the facility without interrupting the construction process and in turn the construction process would not interrupt the ability of our customers to access all the services we currently offer,” states Lee. In the fall of 2014 “we started bean harvest October 6 and corn harvest around October 19, the corn dryer ran 24 hours a day. By October 29 we were transferring wet corn to our other locations to stay ahead of the farmers. By November 8, we had lost the battle and had to close at 3:30 and from that day forward we were at the mercy of the bin capacity: when the bins were full, we had to shut down until we were able to ship out again,” says Lee. According to Lee, this is a process “we had done the prior two years, assuring us expanding the current 1.3 million bushels facil-
The Fillmore County Journal www.fillmorecountyjournal.com Scheevel and Sons, Inc. (507) 765-4756
Ron (507-273-9796), Aaron (507-272-3923), Eric, & Nate Scheevel 17057 Kind Rd. • Preston, MN
ity was necessary” to keep up with demand. The Coop purchased 4.75 acres to construct the new 14,000 bushels per hour receiving pit and leg, 4,700 bushels per hour dryer and an additional 1.2 million bushels of storage. In January 2015, the board of directors approved the construction plans and awarded Phillips Modern Ag of New Hampton, Iowa as general contractor and millwright on the project. Building materials started to arrive in March and Gjere Construction of Mabel began excavation in April. Lee states, “Construction continued all summer” until “the first load of corn was dumped in the new pit on October 7 - right on time” with the scheduled completion. “Our goal was to make significant updates to our grain facility, so that we could improve operations and provide customers with a more efficient process when they deliver grain,” said Lee, adding, “it was a huge success.” just as they had hoped. Lee says, “The farmers were amazed at the speed to which they could weigh loaded, get graded, dump and re-weighed: a process which took only four minutes!” Services offered by Farmers Win Coop include grain, agronomy, feed and fuel. Farmers Win Coop, a company dedicated to meeting the needs of the farmers, has 15 locations serving Northeast Iowa and Southeast Minnesota. These locations include Bremer, Burr Oak, Cresco East, Cresco West, Decorah, Florenceville/ Granger, Fredericksburg, Frederika, Hawkeye, Ionia, Jackson Junction, Mabel, Ridgeway, Sumner and Waucoma. Farmers Win Coop Mabel site is located at 10953 Berry Lane. The phone number is (507) 4935070.
Free radon and nitrate testing in March Radon gas is found in over half of Fillmore County homes. Radon causes lung cancer. Testing your home for radon is easy, inexpensive, and quick. During March, you may pick up a free kit from one of the radon and nitrate testing clinics mentioned below. Otherwise, you may get a free kit by calling Fillmore County Public Health at (507) 765-3898 or submitting the online radon request form found on the public health website. Another environmental issue that can affect Fillmore County residents is the nitrate level found in their private drinking water wells. High nitrate levels are linked to causing Blue Baby Syndrome in infants. High nitrate levels may indicate other problems with well water, such as having an increased risk for drinking harmful bacteria. To have your water tested for nitrates, bring one cup of well
water in a clean glass jar or plastic container, to one of the clinics listed below. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff will be onsite to conduct nitrate testing and results will be provided in minutes. SWCD staff will also have bacteria testing kits for $25.00 that you can purchase and take home to use. Date, time and location • Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 1-3 p.m., Fillmore County Public Health, 902 Houston Street NW, Suite 2, Preston, Minn. 55965 • Saturday, March 26, 2016, 9-11 a.m., Easter Egg Hunt, Harmony Community Center, 225 3rd Avenue SW Harmony, Minn. 55939 For radon testing and mitigation information call FCPH at (507) 765-3898. Call SWCD at (507) 765-3878 Extension 3 for info about nitrate and bacteria testing in water.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
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National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
Minnesota Farmers Union celebrates Ag Week, and emphasizes the importance of agriculture and a healthy planet ST. PAUL, MN, March 14, 2016 – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) celebrates National Ag week this week. Ag Day, which was celebrated on March 15, 2016, was a day to recognize and celebrate all that agriculture provides to our communities. “It is important to emphasize all that farming does for our communities. Agriculture provides our food and fiber, provides jobs in our communities and also helps to give back to our rural communities by keeping the dollar turning more than seven times in our rural
communities,” said Minnesota Farmers Union President, Doug Peterson, “Minnesota Farmers Union advocates every day for the family farmer and ranchers. Ag week provides a special opportunity to honor our diverse membership and celebrate all aspects of American agriculture.” Climate change affects all of agriculture – from the ground to the kitchen table; everyone has a reason to care about what is happening to the environment. Together we need to work together to reduce our impact on the
environment. The future of agriculture relies on promoting the stewardship and sustainability of our communities now. Per agday.org every family farmer feeds more than 144 people, a drastic increase from just a few decades ago. American agriculture is doing more and doing it better. We need to keep moving forward to help feed our neighbors while making sure that we are cautious about taking care of the environment to help future generations continue to feed the increasing number of people that
are growing in our communities. You can participate in Ag Day and National Ag week by simply helping spread the positive message of agriculture. You can read more at agday.org
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, March 21, 2016
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
What’s in that milk truck? By Michael Johnson Traveling throughout Fillmore County, many will often see the great silver milk tank truck. Have you ever thought about or wondered what’s in that truck? The easy answer is 6,000 gallons of high quality, safe Michael Johnson to drink, nutrient dense milk. That is enough milk to supply 300 people with milk for one year! Looking further, you will see there’s a lot more in the milk truck than first meets the eye. Minnesota is home to over 3,400 dairy farms, all doing
their part to keep our rural communities strong. As one of those Minnesota dairy farmers, I proudly watch as the milk truck leaves our farm near Fountain, Minn., every day, full of the milk myself, my family, and our employees work hard to produce. On average, it only takes 48 hours from the time our milk leaves our farm until it will be on your dinner table; now that’s fresh! We take great pride in knowing we are not only providing quality milk for consumers to enjoy, but also helping to support our local economy. Every dollar of milk we sell has a ripple effect throughout our local community, turning that one dollar of milk sold into three
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dollars of economic activity. There are over 50 dairy farms in Fillmore County all supporting local businesses with their dollar. Our farm alone works with over 30 different businesses within the county. Minnesota Department of Agriculture data shows, in 2011, Minnesota dairy farms added $11.5 billion in economic output to Minnesota’s economy, with over 40,000 jobs being created by the dairy industry in our state. The total economic impact of each dairy cow in Minnesota is approximately $25,000. For the average Fillmore County dairy farm, this equals over $5 million in positive economic activity to our economy. Besides the impressive impact on an individual county and state’s economy, the dairy industry is also making strides in conservation. It now takes less of our natural resources to fill the same milk truck than in the past. Today, producing a gallon of milk uses 90% less land and 65% less water, with a 63% smaller carbon footprint than in 1944, according to dairygood.org. This is possible due to the commitment to continuous improvement by dairy farmers in areas such as cow comfort, cow health, and nutrition. In other words, I produce the same amount of milk using 10 acres that my grandpa produced using 100 acres in 1944. So the next time you see a milk truck traveling through your community, you can be assured they are not only hauling nature’s finest product, but are also hauling a key ingredient to keeping our rural communities viable and economically strong. Please visit our Trailside Holsteins Facebook page to learn more about our farm or visit dairygood.org for more information about the dairy industry.
Sowing Oats
Dan Serfling, who farms southwest of Preston, was out in the field sowing his oats on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Photo submitted
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Farmers, thank you for your commitment to providing us with safe and healthy food. Farmers are the 1% of our population who provide food, fiber, fuel and pharmaceuticals for the rest of us. Member owned and controlled Farmers Co-op Elevator is proud to be your partner in agriculture, providing quality feed, agronomy products and grain services to farmers for over 110 years. Our nutritionists, agronomists and grain marketers have the expertise to help you.
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Monday, March 21, 2016
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 5
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
The Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network modity prices has forced many producers to make difficult decisions in regards to this year’s budgets. For those struggling with these decisions or other difficulties on the farm please be aware that there is help available. In November of 2009, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture established the Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network (MFAN). Through the expertise of partnered individuals and groups, this network can provide help in financial statement preparation, debt restructuring, business reorganization and farm transition. The network
By Michael Cruse Extension Educator for Fillmore and Houston Counties Though we in the agriculture community are very proud of our independence, we are often faced with difficult periods where we need to ask for help. For many in Michael Cruse the agriculture community, we are in one of those periods right now. The continuation of low agricultural com-
is also a source of information during times of natural disasters and can provide referrals to legal services, basic needs, and mental health counseling. As an acting member of this partnership, Minnesota Extension is available to provide many of these services or direct you to appropriate members of the network. While Extension services are available at the local level, it is also appropriate to contact regional and state Extension offices directly. Be assured that confidentiality is a core principle of all members of this group and all personal information is held confidential by the
group, whether you use services at the local, regional or state level. The Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at toll free 1 (877) 898-6326 or emailed at mfan.mda@state.mn.us. Also, please check out the group’s website at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/ mfan. Feel free to contact your local Extension office with any questions or concerns you might have. You may also contact partnered organizations directly using the contact information below. Organization and phone number • Farm Rescue (701) 252-2017 • Crisis Connection (866) 3796363 • MDA Farm Advocate Program (800) 967-2474 • Farmer-Lender Mediation (218) 935-5785 • Farmers Legal Action Group
(651) 223-5400 • U.S. Department of Agriculture: Farm Service Agency (651) 602-7700 • United Way - 211 Warm Line 211 • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (888) 438-5627 • Lutheran Social Services (LSS): Counseling Services (888) 881-8261 • Catholic Charities and Diocese: Winona (507) 454-2270 Upcoming agricultural events • March 15 - May 3, Living on the Land, 6 p.m., New Prague, Minn. • March 22, Cover Crops: Economic and Environmental Management, 9 a.m., St. Paul • April 9, 6th Annual Gardening Workshop “Gardening: We Dig It”, 8 a.m., Caledonia, Minn.
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Monday, March 21, 2016
The Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
Chatfield youth eyes future in dairy goat industry
Alex Coe presenting a 4-H demonstration at the 2015 Minnesota State Fair. Photo submitted
Thank a Farmer! S & AWholesale Petroleum, Inc. Gas & Diesel
C-Stores Bulk Delivery Ph: 507-467-2121 • 507-467-2656 Fax: 507-467-3513 Office: 100 Sheridan West, PO Box 342 Lanesboro, MN 55949
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By Kirsten Zoellner For 17-year-old Alex Coe, of Chatfield, a little challenge is fun, but big ambitions are great. The Chatfield High School junior excels in both the regional and state dairy goat world and he hopes to go farther. Alex started in the industry like many before him. His father, Rodney, had grown up with goats and sheep. When Alex was six, Rodney got him started with a small herd of ten Pygmy goats, a miniature breed. It wasn’t long until Alex was asking for more and he eventually talked his dad into getting some standard-sized Lamancha goats, a breed known for its dairy production and high adaptability. They’re likely though known for the appearance of a lack of ears in a world with goats of distinctive ears, like the long-eared Nubians. “Once you get past the ear, there’s a whole wild of personality to them,” exudes Alex. A few Christmases later, when Alex wanted to try his hand at raising Nigerian Dwarf breed, his dad generously answered with a certificate for a doe, doe kid, and buck during the following spring kidding season. The family also welcomed in Nubians and a few Alpine crosses, eventually bringing the herd to the 65 head of dairy goats they have today. Growing up in the industry, Alex increased his participation in caprine know-how, through Root River Rabbits 4-H, Chatfield FFA, and both the Minnesota and American Dairy Goat Association, raising and showing a variety of goats. “I love raising them. I like to see a new life come in and watching where they go in the industry,” he says. Showing the goats in a variety of venues, Alex quickly excelled at all aspects required, from choosing the right animal and prepping and fitting (trimming) them for shows to the long-range vision of selective breeding and passing the skills he’d learned on to the next group of eager young kids behind him. “Showing is something I enjoy doing. I don’t like standing in the ring for two and a half hours for showmanship, but I like showing at state fair. You see a good representation of goats from all over the state, getting to compete against kids from all over.” Trophies and ribbons are nice, but what Alex really thrives on is helping teach others about the industry and helping other kids learn about showing. He’s mentored several youngsters already and is mentoring some more in his 4-H club this year. “I like challenge, to be able to see myself and others succeed. I like to go beyond what’s expected.” Last year that drive for a challenge led Alex to earn to the
2015-2016 Minnesota Dairy Goat Association Outstanding Youth, what he says is his biggest triumph for the year. “Getting to see my own personal growth and that of people I’ve helped, I attribute that to the outstanding youth award. When I heard of it, I said, ‘I could be that if I really tried; someone for other kids to look up to.’ I’m proud to represent Minnesota. It’s like the equivalent of Princess Kay of the Milky Way for the dairy goat industry,” he chuckles. With the award scholarship, he may attend the Dairy Association Nationals in Pennsylvania later this year. His appreciation for the animals was equally as important in keeping his ambitions rolling. “Who’s my pride and joy? I have two of them! Daisy is a four-year-old, fourth freshening Alpine cross doe. She was shown
by a good friend of mine in 4-H last year and I’ve been told I’ll be in deep trouble if I ever sell her,” he jokes. “She’s really different and stands out in the herd. She’s the friendliest. But, my favorite overall is our retired herd matriarch, Ella, a 12-year old Lamancha. She’s given us multiple kids and is the perfect goat. She just looks like she’s happy. She’s smart, too. She can be sweet, but will switch and then bowl you over to get what she wants. She knows how to open all the gates,” he laughs. Certain aspects of the industry definitely interest Alex more and he’s eager to pursue them, even before he sets his sights on college. In 2015, he was also awarded a scholarship for a twoday artificial insemination clinic See DAIRY GOAT Page 7
See Red, Jason, or Taran 101 N. Broadway • Spring Valley 507-346-7244 or DeAnna 121 N. Main St. • Chatfield, MN 507-867-3188
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The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
Monday, March 21, 2016
FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 7
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
DAIRY GOAT
Continued from Page 6
at the renowned Poplar Hills Farm in Scandia, Minn. That led to his preparation of a well-
received 4-H demonstration at the state fair. “I like doing the genetics, the selective breeding. I like putting them together and see what you get and taking a good quality doe or buck and
Thanks Farmers! Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:00pm, Sat 7:00am-Noon Emergency Service Available • 507-765-9871 • Preston, MN
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Agriculture
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using it to fix qualities in others.” Already this year, Alex has applied to be an attendant at the 2016 CHS Miracle of Birth Center at the state fairgrounds and is aiming for five to six Supervised Agriculture Experiences via FFA, potentially earning regional, state, national, and even World Expo trips and further scholarships. He’s also headed to state for goat proficiency in production, having earned a gold ranking for the second year in a row. “I’d like to get first in state and move on to nationals. I’ve made it a goal to accomplish in the years I have left in the program.” Alex also participates in both Meats Judging and Parlimentary Procedure Teams, plays the trombone in the band, and is active in football, wrestling, and trap shooting for Chatfield High School. Looking further ahead, Alex plans on heading to RCTC in the fall of 2017, before hopefully entering into vet school at University of Wisconsin at River Falls or University of Minnesota. “I’d like to specialize in ruminants and keep in the goat industry with a farm of my own.” So how does one so young balance all these ambitions along with school and future goals? “I do as much as possible, doing research and school work, but I like hanging out with my friends and my dad. He’s a great partner to have to help when I need it. He and my FFA advisor have been the biggest supporters.” “Getting to the point where I’m at, getting the knowledge I’ve gained, it’s taken a lot of work and stress. But, I like a good challenge. I’d like to stay in the industry, become a wellknown farm and teach others about it. Show them that they’re not animals that eat tin cans, but that they’re loving animals with personalities better than some people.” “I hope my knowledge gets me far in life,” says Alex. “I want people to know about goats. There’s a lot to be learned and there’s a whole wide world out there with goats; a lot of crazy goat people, too.”
Word on the Street
AgrAbility can help you continue the work you love after an injury or when affected by disease or aging Agricultural workers and family members are disproportionately affected by issues of disability. Disabilities in an agricultural setting can lead to lower profitability, secondary injuries and other well-documented problems. Through education and assistance, the Minnesota AgrAbility Project helps to eliminate (or at least minimize) obstacles that inhibit success in production agriculture or agriculture-related occupations. The impact desired through the Minnesota AgrAbility Project is an enhanced quality of life and economic well-being for those who work in agriculture who are directly affected by a disability.
The project also focuses on making sure that project participants learn to safely accommodate their disability. This is important because of the high level of risk associated with agriculture and particularly the concern associated with returning to farm work after a disability. Each farmer/family has participated in developing an individualized action plan to identify barriers, safety concerns, secondary injury risks and possible accommodations. The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. Often See AGRABILITY Page 8
Thank you Farmers! 507-268-4321 • Fountain, MN • www.fsbfountain.com
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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL
Page 8
Monday, March 21, 2016
The FCJ reaches over 13,000 households each week.
National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.
AGRABILITY
Continued from Page 7
farmers in Minnesota are no longer able to maintain their farming career, not by choice, but due to issues relating to a disability or chronic health condition. The Minnesota AgrAbility Project provides a much needed resource for farmers to modify their current equipment or practices to enable continued production agriculture. They help farmers and their families overcome barriers by providing practical solutions. Some disabilities may be present at birth, while others may be the result of injury, illness or age-related conditions such as: • Spinal cord injury • Amputations • Respiratory problems • Back pain or injury • Heart conditions • Arthritis • Diabetes • Head injury • Stroke • Vision related issues • Hearing loss The Minnesota AgrAbility Project is dedicated to helping you work safely and independently. They offer practical solutions for a healthy and productive life in agriculture by providing: • On-site consultation
• Low interest loans • Education and training • Safety planning • Financial planning • Support and advocacy • A peer support network • Equipment modification • Referrals to other resources, such as independent living and farm financial planning services. AgrAbility is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and consists of a National Project and State/Regional Projects (currently serving 20 states), each involving collaborative partnerships between land grant universities and various nonprofit disability services organizations. AgrAbility is a joint program of EquipALife and the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension Service. To qualify for free consultative services, participants must be a farmer, farm family member or agricultural worker in production agriculture. Services are provided free of charge to those eligible. Contact the office to discuss the program and services provided. An outreach visit can be scheduled at that time, when an application will be completed. To learn more, contact Pam Parson (218) 7419134 or pparson@equipalife.org, or visit http://www.equipalife.org/ news/minnesota-agrability-project/.
Local growers are state winners in national corn yield contest ST. LOUIS, March 7, 2016 – An area corn grower has been honored as a state winner in the 2015 National Corn Yield contest sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association. Gary Redalen of Fountain, Minn., placed fist in the state in the AA No-Till/Strip-Till NonIrrigated Class with a yield of 281.3657 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC54-38RIB. Rod Nelson of Chatfield, Minn., placed second in the state in the AA No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Class with a yield of 267.1446 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC53-58RIB. The local growers were two of 407 state winners nationwide. The 2015 contest participation included 7,729 entries from 45 states. Of the state winners, 18 growers – three from each of six classes – were named national winners, representing nine states. The average yield among national winners was 386.4 bushels per acre – greater than the 2015 U.S. average of 169.3
bushels per acre. Six of the national winners recorded yields of 400 bushels or more per acre. “This harvest, the world witnessed the incredible bounty U.S. corn farmers can provide to meet the growing need for food, fuel and fiber both in our nation and around the world,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Newberg, Md. “Our contest participants demonstrated that America’s farmers continue to strive for excellence while adopting stateof-the-art tools which help them meet those goals,” Bowling continued. “The top yield in this year’s contest – a tremendous 532.0271 bushels per acre achieved by David Hula of Charles City, Va., - is a testament to these efforts.” Farmers are encouraged through the contest to utilize new, efficient production techniques. Agronomic data gleaned from the contest reveal the following: • Average planting population for the national winners was
40,861 seeds per acre, compared to 34,123 for all entrants. • National winners applied an average of 364.06 pounds of nitrogen, 116.39 pounds of phosphorus and 231.78 pounds of potassium per acre. • Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.94 pounds for the national winners and 0.89 pounds for all entrants. • 27.78% of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 38.74% of all entrants. • Use of manure as a fertilizer was consistent. 38.89% of national winners applied manure, compared to 16.06%of all entrants. The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from three states. The highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel per acre range. The winners were recognized March 4 at the 2016 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in New Orleans, La. For a complete list of winners and for more information about NCYC, visit the NCGA website at www.ncga.com.
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