Agri Magazine 2023

AGRI-LIFE 2023

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• And Much, Much More!

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

After more than 150 years of operation, the Cameron Co-Op continues growing with its next grain bin expansion.

Following construction of four grain bins as part of an agreement with Ingredion of Kansas City in 2020, the Co-Op once again expanded its grain storage services with another expansion that went online last year.

“Those grain bins, we own them, but they are contracted for storage by a company named Ingredion down in North Kansas City. We have a very good relationship with Ingredion. They pay us for storage of those bins 365 days a year, whether they’re full, empty, half-full, no matter what they are. They pay us in charges and out charges, so it’s a very good contract for us,” Cameron Co-Op Manager Cody Sloan said.

What makes the Co-Op unique is just that

Photo by Jimmy Potts

- it’s a Co-Op. After accruing $100 in equity, anyone can become eligible to join the Co-Op and eventually see dividends on his or her investment. That revenue also includes revenues generated from the Co-Op’s Ingredion agreement.

“It’s guaranteed income. We know every month we’re going to be billing them for storage. They basically came to us and they said ‘Cody, we know we asked for four bins, but we would like to have a couple of more if you have the room for them because we have a lot of corn that needs to be stored at your place,’” Sloan said. “So, we expanded. The board voted to expand to build two more bins, and the city was great to work with. That’s why those two bins exist ... Now we got six of them right there in a row.”

Although the term investment has lofty connotations, Sloan said most investors are nearby residents and area farmers. With services ranging from livestock feed to fertilizer and even a row of gas pumps, investors of any income level and background can benefit from putting there money into a local business and getting a bit out of it as well.

“That’s the great thing about being a Co-Op. It’s not a privately owned company, where two or three people are reaping all of the benefits. We are owned by our customers and we have hundreds of members, hundreds of owners. That’s how a Co-Op is structured,” Sloan said. “We’re owned by our customers. When we make money, we sit down as a board and the board votes to payout patronage when we’re profitable. We’ve been doing that for a while now ... That contract from Ingredion effects everyone. It effects our bottom line. That, in turn effects all of our costumes in a positive way.”

Sloan said the majority of “owners” are residents in the immediate

area.

“The vast majority of our costumes either live in town or outside of town - a 30 to 45 minute radius. Once you sign up for an account with us, do enough business and get enough equity in our company, you become a member,” Sloan said. “Once you acquire $100 of equity you become a member of the Co-Op, a voting member of the Co-Op. You’re able to start getting patronage from us. The people that are doing business with us are the people that own us and I mean that in the most literal way.”

“The Only Limit To The Design Is Your

Shown here is the recently expanded grain bin at operation

Photo by Jimmy Potts

Missouri Century Farms

The Missouri Century Farm program’s history dates back to 1976 as a result of the Missouri Committee for Agriculture that was co-chaired by James B. Boillot, Director, Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Elmer R. Kiehl, Dean of the College of Agriculture, University of Missouri. The committee’s purpose was to organize the American Revolution Bicentennial celebration in Missouri. One activity that was initiated by the committee was the “Centennial Farm” project, which awarded certificates to persons owning farms that had been in the same family for 100 years or more. Interest in the program continued after 1976. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and University of Missouri Extension planned a 10-year update in 1986 called the “Century Farm” program. This program has been sustained as a yearly event with over 100 farms recognized each year. In 2008, the Missouri Farm Bureau became a program co-sponsor.

Bloom Medicinals, LLC demonstrates the possiblities of suburban argiculture

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

When most think of agriculture, row crops in rural areas often come to mind but an unassuming building located in one of Cameron’s busiest retail business sectors dispels that mind-set.

Nestled between America’s busiest highways, US 36 Highway and I-35 sits and an unmarked building and the only clue to the value of the contents is the razor-wire fence surrounding the facility.

[Razor wire] may seem like overkill, but we have had a couple of locations that have experienced a robbery. At one location, it was over $2 million,” said Mike Harris, Bloom Medicinal Director of Construction said.

After Missouri voters approved legalizing medical marijuana, Cameron was one of the first rural cities considered by many large-scale cannabis producers

Shown here is the old Eagan’s Furniture building on Walnut Street in Cameron, which sat vacant for years until Bloom Medicinals, LLC purchased it, and later converted it into a medical marijuana cultivation facility.

Photo by Jimmy Potts

due to its location. The Floridabased Bloom Medicinals, LLC soon purchased the vacant properties in Cameron. They tore down the vacant building adjacent to Cameron’s historic downtown, then replaced it with a facility for retail sales. Further north, ironically across the street from Crossroads Correctional Center maximum security prison, they repurposed the old Eagan’s Furniture building as a grow facility.

After the first successful harvest, Bloom Medicinals released a line of products grown, harvested and prepared for retail sales under the name Field Trip. With product names like Baby Banner - referencing the Incredible Hulk, Cake Batter and Ozark Hash; Field Trip soon gained a grasp of the local market, as well as, a reputation with a THC potency as high as 25 percent. As marijuana becomes more prevalent across Missouri, Bloom Medicinals, LLC officials hope to be a part of that growth.

“It’s exciting. We have our own strains and cultivation going on. They’re growing from seed to sale. All

24 Hour ATM

of the products that are going to be coming out of the facility will come right here,” Cameron Bloom Medicinals General Manager Zac Coombs said. “There will be a whole range of different strains and flower coming out of there, as well as, the production side of it which will make infused foods, as well as, cartridges for vape pens and concentrates ... We’re also going to be filling other dispensaries around the metro, as well as, our own locations throughout the state.”

That growth may be exacerbated in the near future after Missouri voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana last November. Since then, the Bloom Medicinals’ parking lot remains full, and draws a unique type of tourism with visitors coming from as far away as Iowa and Nebraska to obtain high quality, legal marijuana.

“It’s been wild. It’s been welcoming. It’s been a great experience so far getting to see the whole community get to come in ... It’s been a warm opening so far,” Bloom Medicinals Assistant General Manager Carolann Feeney said.

Next generation of agriculture students benefit from new wing at Cameron HS

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

One of Missouri’s oldest, and most successful, FFA programs may soon become one of its most technologically sophisticated after the opening an entire building wing dedicated to developing the next generation of agriculture professionals.

After outgrowing their previous facility, Cameron High school agriculture students began using the new building wing, which remains under construction as contractors continue installing machinery and cosmetic improvements.

“The level of pride the kids had this year, and I think we’re seeing that through some of our competitive events, the kids are performing (well). They have a greater sense of pride and a lot of it comes back to this,” CHS AG Instructor Chris Henderson said.

Shown here is the new Cameron High School AG/FFA facility, which began constructed as a result of 2021 $10 million B.E.S.T. Bond. Scan the QR code for a video of the facility, including an interview with CHS AG Teacher and FFA Advisor Chris Henderson.

Photo by Jimmy Potts

Following multiple meetings with the students, parents and community professionals, Cameron R-1 School District officials formulated a plan to take the CHS FFA program into the next century with the previous building falling into disrepair after decades of constant use. In 2020, voters approved the $10 million B.E.S.T. Bond and construction soon commenced.

“It’s been amazing. We definitely thank all of the community that voted to extend the bond issue, and get us into a facility we think does a better job of servicing the kids,” Henderson said.

The Cameron FFA program began soon after passage of the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act, which provided federal funds for vocational education. After more than 100 years of operation, Henderson is just the 17th FFA instructor. With financial experts forecasting agriculture to take over big-tech by a large margin as America’s leading industry, Henderson believes the new facility will provide a strong foundation for future agricultural businessmen and women.

“It’s essential. We’re seeing that. A lot of times I go back to

the contests, and a lot of times those are the only things the public sees,” Henderson said. “We’re starting to see that change come through [contests], especially with food science and technology. That’s a new area for most AG Programs. Most of the time, we haven’t been into that a whole lot, but now we are.”

Cameron R-1 School District Superintendent Matt Robinson and CHS AG Teacher and FFA Advisor Chris Henderson go through a final check-list in March as students move into the new facility.

Photo by Jimmy Potts

BRYCE ROBERTS Location Manager

Interior of the new AG/FFA facility at CHS, being utilized by the Cameron FFA for their annual fruit sales.

Photo submitted by Chris Henderson

Hamilton MFA reaching international markets with reliable transportation

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

While markets rise and fall, shrink and grow, one constant has been the Hamilton MFA Rail Facility’s ability to provide grain to international markets.

There are few forms of transportation as reliable as American railroads, which allows MFA to move area grain across the continent with an added benefit of being located along one of America’s busiest roads in US 36 Highway.

“We’re a terminal operation. We load soy bean trains and corn trains. [The railroad] is vital to hit markets that are not common. We’re on the Union Pacific Line, and the Burlington Line.” facility manager, Michael Beck said.

According to a press release by MFA, the grain-handling facility consists of 2 million bushels of permanent storage and 1.5 million bushels of temporary storage along with a loop rail siding to accommodate a 110-railroad-car “shuttle” unit. Once completed, the structure

POSSIBILITIES

Shown here is the MFA Grain Rail in Hamilton. Scan the QR code for a video of the facility, including an interview with facility manager Michael Beck.

Photo by Jimmy Potts

will allow farmers in north central Missouri and southern Iowa to deliver crops to a modern, high-speed grain facility. Its rail siding capacity will provide new efficiencies to MFA Incorporated’s grain division as well as access to new markets.

“Our market-base, right now we can hit Mexico, the Gulf, California and Arizona. We send corn ethanol to Liberal, Kansas. It opens up new markets to sell the grain instead of just truck markets,” Beck said.

The facility opened in 2016, and continues making increases in storage and transportation year after year. Beck said Mother Nature occasionally impacts the those figures through floods and droughts, but sudden upticks in production seems to even out the numbers over time. Beck added a GMO ban in Mexico may impact markets, but similar to the weather, the situation should even out as the market adjusts.

“Annually, we do really, really well. Our biggest as far as grain exports is usually South American - Brazil, Argentina ... To date, this year, exports have been a little slow. We have shipped grain to Mexico, but Mexico is coming out with a GMO ban, so that’s in the news as well,” Beck said. “How that works out, things seem to work themselves out in the end. A lot of our corn goes to feed. Whether that be Mexico, California, Arizonawhoever has the market at the time, we’re ready to ship.”

Shown here is the MFA Grain Rail in Hamilton.

Photo by Jimmy Potts

The benefits of organic agriculture

vegetables to frozen alternatives may wonder if they should be even more selective when purchasing their favorite foods in the produce aisle. That decision may come down to whether or not to purchase organic produce.

of pesticide residues, so choosing organic versions of these foods may be a wise choice. Avocados, broccoli, cabbage, and cantaloupe are some of the foods that typically have low levels of pesticide residue.

Modern consumers have more choices than ever before. Whether they’re buying appliances, books, clothing, or any of the myriad necessities of daily life, consumers have a wealth of products to choose from.

An abundance of options also is available at the grocery store. That’s especially true in the produce aisle, where many stores have expanded their fresh fruit and vegetable offerings. That expansion reflects a growing preference among consumers for fresh products, including fresh produce. A 2018 report from the market research firm IRI and the Food Marketing Institute found that sales of fresh foods comprised just under 31 percent of food industry sales in 2017.

Customers who prefer fresh fruits and

Organic produce can be significantly more expensive than non-organic fruits and vegetables, so it’s understandable if budgetconscious consumers cannot afford to go entirely organic. However, it’s important that consumers recognize the many ways that organic agriculture is having a positive impact on the health of humans and the planet they call home.

• Organic produce reduces exposure to pesticides and antibiotics. UC Davis Health notes that organic produce has been proven to reduce consumers’ exposure to pesticides and antibiotics. That’s a significant benefit, as pesticide exposure has been shown to lead to neurodevelopmental issues and has been linked to higher cancer risk. Consumers shopping on budgets can pick and choose which organic foods they purchase, as UC Davis Health notes that certain foods have been shown to have higher pesticide residues than others. Apples, celery, grapes, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes have high levels

• Organic agriculture reduces environmental degradation. The Organic Trade Association notes that synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used on some conventional farms can deplete the soil of valuable nutrients and increase environmental degradation. Organic farmers do not use such pesticides or fertilizers, instead utilizing such practices as composting, cover cropping and crop rotation, each of which can have positive, long-term effects on soil quality.

• Organic agriculture benefits local wildlife. A 2015 study from researchers in Argentina that was published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment found that small mammals were more abundant around organic farms than conventional farms. That’s not just good for those mammals, but also the farmers, as small mammals can feed on insects that would otherwise adversely affect crops.

Many grocery stores are increasing the availability of organic fruits and vegetables. Such foods can benefit human health as well as the health of the planet.

QA: Pulling a Calf + Using Calving Chains Choosing calf pulling chains, using them and more

Pulling a Calf

When times call to pull a calf using calving chains -- also referred to as calf pulling chains and OB chains -- make sure that you are wellprepared. Arnold Nagely, DVM, cofounder of Valley Vet Supply, shares answers to questions about choosing them, using them, properly cleaning them and more.

Which calf pulling chains are best?

When you’re pulling a calf, you’ll want calf pulling chains that are easy to use, durable to last, and easy to clean. Dr. Nagely recommends that for material, producers look to, Either Stainless Steel or Premium Quality nickel-plated OB chains, which are the best quality for reliable performance, ease of use and longlasting durability.”

There are also a few differing lengths available, to which Dr. Nagely advised that, “If OB chains are to be utilized, using two 30” chains -- one on either leg -- is

usually more practical than one 60” chain serving both leg applications.”

When should you intervene with calving?

Dr. Nagely advised that, “Assistance may be indicated when the calf’s feet and/or nose are apparent from the birth canal, but not

much progress is being made after 30 to 45 minutes. In the judgment of an experienced cowman or veterinarian, a determination can be made for the most appropriate method to assist in bringing a newborn calf into the world. This may be by pulling the calf by the front legs, or by the back legs (breech delivery), or possibly by

cesarean surgery.

The experience and judgement of a long-time cow/calf producer, or a livestock veterinarian, can be invaluable in understanding birthing situations and decision making.”

Where do you put a calving chain?

When a helping hand is needed,

make sure you’re aware how to properly place the calving chains. Dr. Nagely’s guidance for the best OB chain placement technique is to, “Place a chain loop around the leg just above the fetlock (ankle), plus a half-hitch just above the hoof. This two-point spread of tension will avoid the risk of a broken leg from excessive chain tension.”

It’s crucial to take the time to correctly place the calf pulling chains around the baby calf’s legs, to help ensure both a sound and healthy calf and cow after the delivery. Below, Dr. Nagely shares best practices for using calving chains.

How do you use a calving chain when pulling a calf?

• Disinfect using Chlorhexidine before each use.

• Use OB lube and a disposable sleeve; both are essential.

• Place a nitrile glove over the OB sleeve to keep the plastic fingers from splitting out.

• Attach the two chains to the calf’s front or back legs (if breech).

• Place the chain in a loop and half hitch

• Attach two D-shaped OB handles to the chains to tug by hand.

• Thoroughly clean using an antiseptic solution following use.

• After cleaning, thoroughly disinfect again, using Chlorhexidine.

• Before storing in a dry place, be sure to let

the chains dry to help avoid corrosion.

• Keep chains clean and dry while in-between uses.

• But what if progress isn’t being made by using calving chains?

“If using the calving chains is not sufficient, a calf puller is often utilized to assist in the delivery,” Dr. Nagely said.

A calf puller is different from calving chains. Such as with Dr. Franks Calf Puller, which was invented by B.N. Frank, DVM, a specialist in veterinary obstetrics, the calf puller will provide uniform consistent tension, resulting in no slipping or backing-up of the jack. With traction on the calf and counter-thrust against the cow, this unique fetal extractor induces spreading of the pelvic bones, elevation of the abdomen and arching of the animal’s back, while assisting in the natural birthing process. There are several different calf pullers available, so it’s best to refer to their detailed instructions before calving season, so when you need it, you’re well-versed in using your calf puller and not fumbling with the instructions or googling how-to videos when time is of the essence.

“If reasonable tension by the calf puller is not resulting in the delivery progress, the producer may need to re-evaluate and possibly enlist the services of a livestock veterinarian. A cesarean may or may not be deemed necessary,” Dr.

Nagely said.

How do you clean calving chains?

It is a best practice to clean and disinfect the calving chains both before and after use. Clean the calf pulling chains using an antiseptic solution. Then, disinfect them using Chlorhexidine. Similar to the chains you keep in your truck for a muddy day, it’s best to let them thoroughly air dry before storing them in a dry place. Doing so will help avoid corrosion of the material.

What should be in a calving kit?

Consider purchasing a complete calf birthing kit -- or building one yourself -- to have on-hand at all times. Recommended items to keep in this calving kit include:

• Calf pulling chains

• Stainless steel pail

• Chlorhexidine disinfectant solution

• OB sleeves

• OB lube

• Triodine-7 (for umbilical cord care)

• Bags of colostrum replacer (and a thermos of hot water)

• Calf coats

Shop everything you need for calving at veterinarian-founded ValleyVet.com.

When Green Grass Grows

“You just don’t realize how much damage those cows can do,” he says of grazing on wet soils. “If you wouldn’t put a tractor out to harvest hay, you shouldn’t be putting a mob of cattle out, either. Not until the soil is dry enough to withstand the hoof traffic.”

says Pillsbury, noting that temporary electric fencing is an easy way to break up established paddocks. “Those grasses will still need a rest period, though, so rotating the cows through the paddocks is essential.”

Replenished soil moisture is a blessing to livestock producers whose pastures and hayfields suffered in last year’s sweltering heat and bone-dry conditions. With the drought now a memory and the rain gauge overflowing, these producers may find new grazing opportunities, says Brian Pillsbury, state grazing lands specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Madison, Wisconsin.

“Depending on your operation and objectives, 2019 may be the year to add a few animals to your herd, improve your current forages, add new forages or some

combination of all of the above,” he says. “It really depends on your individual situation. Our overall goal from a conservation perspective remains the same, however. We want optimum production without degrading the pasture resource or overall environmental quality.” While lush, green pastures are alluring, Pillsbury cautions against two temptations:

1. Grazing wet pastures

2. Pushing stocking rates on forages stressed by drought the previous year

In regions where drought took its toll in 2018, the extra growth above the surface this spring is the perfect medicine to begin healing any damage below the surface, Pillsbury says. “You want those pastures to recover, and that can take a few months. The extra grass is good for repairing the root systems. More leaf area above ground builds stronger roots.”

In areas where drought wasn’t a factor in 2018 and adequate moisture persists this year, the subsequent additional forage is a resource that producers can utilize in several ways. For those who employ management intensive grazing, the first step is making their paddocks smaller.

“If you subdivide them further, you’re going to get better utilization of the extra forage,”

While Pillsbury doesn’t advise adding momma cows to a herd just to take advantage of a flush of forage, adding seasonal animals such as heifers or stockers that will go to market at the end of the year is a definite option. Offering contract grazing to other livestock producers is an option, too.

“You can still utilize the land and the resource, but at the end of the year, you’re not permanently increasing your stocking rate,” he says.

Find everything you need for electric fencing and supplies to make the most green out of your green pastures.

About the author: This content was originally provided by Gallagher, with minor edits included from Valley Vet Supply.

7 Tips Every Electric Fence DIYer Should Know

Whether you are a beginner or more experienced with electric fencing, here are some of our favorite tips from Gallagher Territory Managers and Support Techs, spanning across the country from California to the New England states, to help improve fencing skills.

1. Planning before you begin is key. Sketch out the area you are fencing. Think about water sources in relevance to the fence as well as gates wide enough to gather or move livestock with ease.

2. Consider installing a temporary fence for a period of time to see if it works for your needs before installing a permanent one.

3. When it comes to grounding your electric fence, as a rule of thumb, use a minimum of three ground rods placed about six feet apart, with the accessory ground rod clamp three-pack.

4. Setting your electric fence far enough from a creek or bank will allow you to pass a brush hog alongside of it to help keep weeds and brush off the hot wire.

5. When installing electric fence, use joint clamps to connect leadout wires and underground cable. Do not wrap the wire onto the fence, as it can arc and will make your fence’s voltage drop simply due to resistance.

6. When underwiring a gate on a hot/ground fence, mark the ground or hot insulated underground wire with electrical tape so you don’t connect the underground wire to the wrong fence resulting in a dead fence when you are finished.

7. Check for tax credits. Cost-share opportunities through government programs may be an option.

Find all your fence building and fixing needs, here.

About the author: This content was originally provided by Gallagher, with minor revisions and additions included from Valley Vet Supply.