Progress agriculture and oil 2016

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 •

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Agriculture, Oil & Industry Making a difference • Progress 2016

Special section to the Great Bend Tribune • Sunday, February 14, 2016

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Saving the soil and so much more NRCS takes pride in promoting area conservation BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

The Barton County Soil Conservation District (part of the Natural Conservation Service) gives its Conservation Awards annually. The awards are often referred to as the Banker awards since the prizes and annual district banquet are sponsored by the bankers in the county, with one being picked as a key banker each year. Awards are given for water and soil conservation, use of windbreaks and other soil-saving measures. The bottom line is to recognize county farmers and ranchers for their conservation efforts. The system works differently in different counties. In Barton County, agricultural producers and/or owners of rural property are nominated by family, friends or peers. A committee made up of local and state officials, bankers and others involved in agriculture tour the nominated sites in October and vote on a winner. Sometimes members of the committee can suggest a deserving candidate. Conservation districts date back to 1937. America had emerged from the Dust Bowl days and federal ag officials sought ways to promote conservation methods. The awards originated to recognize producers for their efforts. They used to just recognize soil conservation. But the number of honors has increased. The districts are governed by boards of supervisors. What is the NRCS? The Natural Resources

DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune

Shown are District Manager Pam Tucker and Supervisory District Conservationist Ron Klein of the Barton County National Resource Conservation Service.

Conservation Service, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, is an agency of the United States Department of

Agriculture that provides technical assistance to farmers and other private landowners and managers.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • Its name was changed in 1994 during the presidency of Bill Clinton to reflect its broader mission. It is a relatively small agency, currently comprising about 11,000 employees. Its mission is to improve, protect, and conserve natural resources on private lands through a cooperative partnership with state and local agencies. While its primary focus has been agricultural lands, it has made many technical contributions to soil surveying, classification and water quality improvement. One example is the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), set up to quantify the benefits of agricultural conservation efforts promoted and supported by programs in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill). NRCS is the leading agency in this project. NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers. The financial assistance is authorized by the Farm Bill, a law that is renewed every five years. The 2014 Farm Bill consolidated 23 programs into 15. NRCS offers these services to private land owners, conservation districts, tribes, and other types of organizations. NRCS also collects and shares information on the nation’s soil, water, air, and plants. The agency was founded largely through the efforts of Hugh Hammond Bennett, a soil conservation pioneer who worked for the Department of Agriculture from 1903 to 1952. Bennett’s motivation was based on his knowledge of the detrimental effects of soil erosion and the impacts on U.S. lands that led to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. On Sept. 13, 1933, the Soil Erosion Service was formed in the De-

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TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

The National Resource Conservation Service is charged with promoting activities that preserve water and soil used in agriculture so future generations can make livings off the land.

partment of the Interior, with Bennett as chief. The service was transferred to the Department of Agriculture on March 23, 1935, and was shortly thereafter combined with other USDA units to form the Soil Conservation Service by the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1935.

The Soil Conservation Service was in charge of 500 Civilian Conservation Corps camps between 1933 and 1942. The primary purpose of these camps was erosion control. Hugh Bennett continued as chief, a position he held until his retirement in 1952. On October 20, 1994, the agency was

renamed to the Natural Resources Conservation Service as part of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. Programs and services NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers.

The financial assistance is authorized by the Farm Bill, a law that is renewed every five years. The 2014 Farm Bill consolidated 23 programs into 15. NRCS offers these services to private land owners, conservation districts, tribes, and other types of organizations. NRCS also collects and shares information on

the nation’s soil, water, air, and plants. Farm bill The Conservation Title of the Farm Bill provides the funding to agricultural producers, and a conservation plan must be included. [10] All of these programs See NRCS, 4

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

NRCS, from page 3 are voluntary. The main programs include: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) The purpose of EQIP is to provide assistance to landowners to help them improve their soil, water and related natural resources, including grazing lands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) CSP is targeted to ag producers who maintain a higher level of environmental stewardship. Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) RCPP consolidated four programs from the prior 2008 Farm Bill. It aims at more regional or watershed scale projects, rather than individual farms and ranches. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) ACEP was another consolidation effort of the 2014 Farm Bill, which includes the former Grasslands Reserve Program, Farm, and Ranch Lands Protection Program, and Wetlands Reserve Program. ACEP includes technical and financial help to maintain or improve land for agriculture or environmental benefits. Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) Landowners volunteer to restore and protect forests in 30 or 10 year contracts. This program hands assisting funds to participants. The objectives of HFRP are to: • Promote the recovery of endangered and

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

The National Resource Conservation Service is charged with promoting activities that preserve water and soil used in agriculture so future generations can make livings off the land.

threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) • Improve plant and animal biodiversity • Enhance carbon sequestration

NRCS National Ag Water Management Team (AGWAM) Serves 10 states in the Midwest United States in helping to reduce nitrate levels in soil due to runoff from

fertilized farmland. The project began in 2010 and initially focused on the Mississippi Basin area. The main goal of the project is to implement better methods of man-

aging water drainage from agricultural uses, in place of letting the water drain naturally as it had done in the past. In October 2011, the The National “Manag-

ing Water, Harvesting Results� reports that a summit was held to promote the drainage techniques used in hopes of people adopting them nationwide.

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Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Includes water supply forecasts, reservoirs, and the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) for Alaska and other Western states. NRCS agents collect data from snowpack and mountain sites to predict spring runoff and summer streamflow amounts. These predictions are used in decision making for agriculture, wildlife management, construction and development, and several other areas. These predictions are available within the first 5 days of each month from January to June. Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA) Is a blanket program which involves conservation efforts on soil and water conservation, as well as management of agricultural wastes, erosion, and general long-term sustainability. NRCS and related agencies work with landowners, communities, or developers to protect the environment. Also serve to guide people to comply with acts such as the Highly Erodible Land, Wetland (Swampbuster), and Conservation Compliance Provisions acts. The CTA can also cover projects by state, local, and federal governments.

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Pam Tucker, NRCS district manager How long have you been there? 38 years Family members My mother, 91 years old, one brother, and a partner of eleven years, cousins, aunts and uncles . I am rich in family members and friends. Hobbies Camping, reading, auctions, antiques What first drew you to this industry/community involvement? My husband was transferred to Great Bend through his job. There was an opening at the Barton County Conservation District office, and I applied and got the job. What do you most enjoy about what you do? I enjoy the people, the challenges, the changes. This is a job you can grow with.

Gulf of Mexico Initiative Is a program to assist gulf bordering states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) improve water quality and use sustainable methods of farming, fishing, and other industry. The program will deliver up to 50 million dollars over 2011-2013 to apply these sustainable methods, as well as wildlife habitat management systems that do not hinder agricultural productivity, and prevent future over use of water resources to protect

How has it changed since you first began/what changes do you anticipate in the next 5-10 years? Thirty-eight years ago there weren’t the voluntary costshare programs or the educational opportunities we have now. For instance, Rush County has a Soils Trailer, the Earth Balloon available for a teaching aid to schools, education functions, and tours.. Women on the Farm committee holds workshops for women who want to learn more about farming economics, business, livestock, etc. But, as with everything else our funding is decreasing. I hope in five years we are still here because Conservation Districts are a unit of local government dedicated to the protection and improvement of natural resources. We consist of an elected Board of Supervisors directing the work of employees providing assistance to landowners and county residents. We are a partnership embracing individuals, agencies, and organizations working together as stewards of natural resources. With funding levels reducing districts will have to adapt and re-invent ourselves because programs and projects are tools to assist people with conservation of land and natural resources.

native endangered species. [16] International programs The NRCS (formerly SCS) has been involved in soil and other conservation issues internationally since the 1930s. The main bulk

of international programs focused on preventing soil erosion by sharing techniques known to the United States with other areas. NRCS sends staff to countries worldwide to conferences to improve knowledge of soil conservation. There is

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also international technical assistance programs similar to programs implemented in the United States. There are long term technical assistance programs in effect with one or more NRCS staff residing in the country for a minimum of one year.

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There are currently long term assistance programs on every continent. Short term technical assistance is also available on a two-week basis. These programs are to encourage local landowners and organizations to partici-

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Bartlett Grain prepares for future BY JIM MISUNAS jmisunas@gbtribune.com

From the beginning, Bartlett Grain’s Great Bend facility has been grounded in the local economy. Stone Sand Company, Brentwood Builders, Haynes Electric and Myers Electrical performed work on behalf of Bartlett, which invested more than $20 million in the plant’s initial construction. Mid-States Millwrights and Builders, Nevada, Iowa, was the general contractor. Bartlett has continued to rely on local employees. “We have a total of 16 full-time employees at the Great Bend facility, including grain buying and accounting staff,� said Andrew Fullerton, Bartlett grain merchant.� Bartlett Grain will increase storage capacity by two million bushels on a project expected to be completed by the 2016 wheat harvest. The current five silos’ storage can hold 2.6 million bushels of wheat that load 110 car shuttle trains. Macon General Contractors from Bradford, Ill. features two dozen employees building a 200-foot by 400-foot storage facility that will use a vinyl roof. Macon builds grain storage and handling facilities. “We will add 2 million bushels of capacity that will be ready before wheat harvest,� said Fullerton. “We felt if we added space, we can do a better job of taking care of the customer. Our current focus is on improvement of our existing facilities for our customers, both

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Bartlett Grain’s Great Bend facility will increase storage capacity by two million bushels. It is expected to be finished by the 2016 wheat harvest.

in the U.S. and Mexico.� Fullerton said the additional capacity will allow flexibility for handling in-

coming and outgoing grain. Bartlett sells wheat grain to several Mexico City flour mills. In addition to

wheat harvest from late spring through the summer, Bartlett handles milo for export primarily from August

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 • if that pattern continues we could see some excellent local wheat yields for 2016.” Fullerton said Bartlett enjoys showcasing what it has to offer to prospective customers. “We welcome all of our customers (and prospective customers) to take a tour of the facility and see it in-person,” Fullerton said. “That includes local farmers, merchants from elevators in Kansas, as well as customers we sell grain to. The major-

ity of grain that we export ships to Mexico.” Bartlett Grain has delivered another option for local producers and elevators wanting to market their crops. “It is exciting to offer producers a new outlet for their grain,” Fullerton said. “We pride ourselves on quick unload speed, wide harvest hours, and competitive terminal pricing. Many producers in the area seemed pleased that another

competitor is operating in the area to compete for their product.” Rail shipments are tested and analyzed by independent testers from the Kansas Grain Inspection Service. KGIS serves producers, handlers, exporters, importers and end-users of grain. They verify the quality and quantity of the shipment for the grain buyers. “Kansas Grain Inspection Service is a third-party contractor that we rely on

for grades for the unit trains we load for export,” Fullerton said. “Their office in Salina services the Great Bend location, and they have done an excellent job. They must react to train schedules just like we do, to ensure that they are loaded in a timely fashion. Shipment sampling/testing for our unit trains is handled by KGIS, and the process has gone very well.” The rail system is well equipped with state-of-the

art safety and technology with computers analyzing and testing shipments. Inbound commodity shipments are split between trucking and railway. Outgoing shipments generally travel through the rail system on a Kansas and Oklahoma railcar. Fullerton said Bartlett grain handles grain shipments throughout the year because customers require shipments periodically. “Having frequent com-

munication with the K&O railroad is essential, because we do both inbound and outbound grain hopper business with them,” he said. “They have been a true class act to work with. Bartlett Grain is framed on the north by U.S. 56; the south by East Barton County Road; the east by SE 60 Avenue next to the Dartmouth elevator owned by Pawnee Valley Co-op; and the west by SE 50 Avenue.

Andrew Fullerton, Grain Merchant City — Great Bend Family — I live in Great Bend with my wife Natalie. They grew up in ag-centered communities in Nebraska and have really enjoy moving to Great Bend. Hobbies — I enjoy watching college football, rugby, and studying the Irish language. My wife and I golf, bike and play tennis together. What first drew you to a job in the grain business? In college, I really enjoyed my commodity marketing classes, which led me to landing an internship with Bartlett Grain. What do you most enjoy about your job? I really enjoy speaking with a diverse group of people each day — folks in the trucking business, the railroad, merchants from other grain elevators, and of course, local farmers. How has your job changed since moving to Great Bend? There have been numerous changes since I moved to Great Bend, considering construction of the elevator had just begun. One of the most impressive things is how

well our employees have learned about the business and how they work as a team. It’s incredible remember the majority of the staff were working in the grain business for the first time. We opened the elevator a few weeks ahead of the wheat harvest.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Farm Bureau sponsors free seminar BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

HOISINGTON — Earlier this month, Barton County Farm Bureau presented a free Ag Education Seminar at the Hoisington Activity Center. Kansas Farm Bureau member Matt McCabe discussed state and national issues that could affect production and the bottom line for farmers and ranchers. At the federal level, two of the current battles deal with regulations imposed not by legislation, but by regulatory agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency is attempting to significantly expand the scope of the Clean Water Act through what is known as the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation. Meanwhile, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has attempted to list the lesser prairie chicken as “threatened� under the Endangered Species Act. There are also state issues, McCabe said, noting Kansas legislators have proposed tax increases on agricultural land as well as a property tax on equipment. “We know we’re paying our fair share,� he said. Kansas Farm Bureau Director of Commodities Mark Nelson talked about the EPA’s proposed rule on certification of

pesticide applicators, released Aug. 24, 2015. It would apply stricter standards to certified applicators of restricted-use pesticides by expanding competency standards, by adding certification requirements for certain high-risk application methods, and by requiring annual safety training for un-certified applicators. The proposal requires applicators to renew their certification every three years (at this time in Kansas, certificates are good for five years). The rule also establishes a first-time nation-wide minimum age of 18 for certified applicators and for persons working under their direct supervision. “These rules are pretty restrictive,� Nelson said. Private applicator certification standards will become similar to that of commercial applicators. Private applicators could potentially find themselves spending days in continuing education courses as they receive six continuing education units plus three more units for each crop application certification. This unfunded mandate will tax farmers’ time and money, and will also require more bureaucracy as someone will have to keep track of the certifications of more than 14,000 private applications.

“We agree that safe application is important,� Nelson said. “We’re doing a pretty good job now.� Nelson also talked about the latest regulations of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones. “We’re kind of in limbo for what we can do,� he said. “We support the use of registered UASs for commercial purposes. We don’t want any outright bans of drone use.� Phil Stahlman, KSU weed scientist, provided information about herbicide resistance management. Kansas is seeing more weeds that are becoming resistant to previously successful herbicides. Palmer amaranth is now widespread in Barton County, and is becoming more resistant to weed killers that used to work.

SUSAN THACKER Great Bend Tribune

Phil Stahlman, KSU weed scientist, shows a slide of test plots of soybeans treated and not treated for pre-emergent palmer amaranth control, during an agriculture education seminar sponsored by Barton County Farm Bureau on Feb. 3.

Jerry Kuckelman promoted to President & CEO

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Senator Jerry Moran tours Great Bend Feeding

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Bronson Smith promoted to Farm Manager

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 •

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A voice for ag in Washington BY SUSAN THACKER sthacker@gbtribune.com

Each year, more than 150 farmers and ranchers from across Kansas participate in Kansas Farm Bureau’s County Presidents Trip to Washington, D.C. They meet with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and the Kansas Congressional delegation. In past years, there have been opportunities to meet with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and

USDA’s Risk Management Agency, to push for a farm bill with a strong crop insurance component, a realistic approach to species management and regulatory reform. They’ve also met with representatives at foreign embassies to discuss trade and other international ag issues. In 2014, Steve Baccus retired after 12 years as the Kansas Farm Bureau president. The new president of Kansas Farm Bureau is Montgomery County farmer Richard Felts. In 2015, Barton County

Farm Bureau President Brad Birzer made the Washington trip, not for the first time, putting a face on the policies that can affect the lives of those who earn their livings on farms and ranches. “It’s nice to let the representatives of Congress see that we care,� Birzer said. Kansas Farm Bureau represents grass-roots agriculture. Established in 1919, this nonprofit advocacy organization supports farm families who earn their living in a changing industry.

Brad Birzer Title: Barton County Farm Bureau president since 2014 Wife: Andrea Hometown: Ellinwood His farming history: Birzer was driving a tractor and bailing hay when he was 9 years old. His grandpa and dad were farmers; now Birzer grows crops and raises cattle with his uncle. When he’s not farming: He coaches middle school tennis in Ellinwood, enjoys playing tennis and basketball, and also enjoys watching sports. How he became active in Farm Bureau: After graduating from Kansas State University in 2006, Birzer came home to Barton County and began his career in agriculture. “Before I became involved in Farm Bureau, I didn’t really look at the issues,� he said. Then, a couple of older Farm Bureau board members suggested he would learn a lot by serving on the board. He became a board member in 2009.

“It’s been a great opportunity for me. Farm Bureau is a great organization,� Birzer said. The strength of the grass-roots organization is that people’s voices are united. What he enjoys most about it: “Getting to know people from other parts of the county. Meeting other farmers and learning from their experience. My main interest is trying to be the best farmer I can – to make good food for people to consume.�

FILE PHOTO

Barton County Farm Bureau Vice-President Brad Birzer is shown with Kansas Farm Bureau President Steve Baccus in Washington, D.C. in 2013. Birzer became president of Barton County Farm Bureau in 2014 and continues to stay in contact with lawmakers at the national level.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Heartland Farm grows agritourism BY VERONICA COONS vcoons@gbtribune.com

Heartland Farm’s progressive person

Heartland Farm, operated by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is located 10 miles west of Great Bend. They have been an active participants in recent efforts by the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau to grow agritourism in the area. At the same time, the sisters continue ongoing efforts to share peace through connection with the earth. In 2015, thanks to the perseverance of Eagle Scout Eric Frieb, and the dedication of Ariel AaronsonEves, Heartland Farm’s organic farm manager, ground was broken on new features at the farm that will enhance and increase their reach in these areas. Eric, a senior at OtisBison High School living in Olmitz, came to the sisters in 2014 with a proposal for his Eagle Scout project. The need for an outdoor education pavilion became apparent to him following a Golden Jubilee celebration at the farm that year. With the permission of the Heartland Farm board, Frieb began working on gathering estimates and creating a budget so he could raise the nearly $17,000 it would take to build the pavilion. He met with Cris Collier, president of the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also organized labor, calling upon family and friends, who first prepared the area near the entrance to the farm for the cement pad that would be the base. Throughout the spring and summer, work continued, and the cover and built-in

Name and title Ariel Aaronson-Eves, Organic Farm Manager What city do you live in? Pawnee Rock How long have you been there? Since March 2015 Family members My parents still live in the New Jersey town where I was raised. Hobbies Reading, biking, hiking, cooking, board games What first drew you to this type of work/service? I’ve been working in sustainable agriculture, directly or indirectly, for nearly 8 years. I am drawn to creating alternate economies and modes of production that celebrate and empower humans, rather than degrade them and the environment. I am also drawn to the physicality of the work, and the opportunities it gives me to be in contact with nature. What do you most enjoy about what you do? I love spending much of my time outside, and active. I also love that I get to eat really great, fresh produce. How has it changed since you first began/ what changes do you anticipate in the next 5-10 years? We’ve just started trying to implement Holistic Management into the farm operation.This approach lets us look at what is important to us, in terms of values and quality of life, alongside the economic realities we have to face. I’m hoping

shed were completed in August. A final donation by Farmers Bank and Trust of Albert allowed Frieb to

put the finishing touches on the project. A sidewalk and hay-bale constructed seating around the perimeter of

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this will help us become more efficient in our expenditures of money and labor, while motivating us to work for what we really want for ourselves, the farm, and the wider community. We’re still not sure what that will look like, but we are definitely looking to engage the wider community as much as possible. Since I got to the farm early last year we’ve already had a number of significant infrastructure changes. Our new garden pavilion provides a sheltered place for groups to meet. We already made use of it last summer at various events, and are looking forward to renting the space out to folks and groups interested in enjoying the farm’s hospitality and setting. We are also finishing up construction on a 30’x48’ high tunnel, which will increase our production space and extend our growing season. We’re looking forward to having early tomatoes and lots of winter greens.

the structure were added. All was completed in time for Heartland Farm’s annual fall farm day, and has been

put into service for various gatherings and workshops offered by the sisters since then.

In the meantime, Ariel, who began her new position at Heartland Farm in March, continued to become acquainted with her new home and the potential to increase the productivity of the organic farming enterprise at the farm. She also saw unrealized potential. Working with District Conservationist Ron Klein with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Heartland Farm was granted funds to purchase and build an approved tunnel on land previously farmed north of the treeline that protects the core homestead. The 30 ft. by 48 ft. structure runs east to west, which is recommended in this area due to sun and wind considerations. In mid October, Ariel and two volunteers from World-wide Opportunities in Organic Farming, (WWOOF) travelled to Missouri with a borrowed flatbed to pick up the components of a hightunnel which will expand the growing season for the farm. Completion of the build is expected soon, in time to get a head start on the 2016 growing season. By early spring, production of leafy spring crops will begin, followed by an early planting of tomatoes, allowing the farm to better fulfill its commitment to the Dominican Sisters of Peace Motherhouse and bring produce early to Great Bend’s Summer Street Stroll Farmers’ Market next year, Aaronson-Eves said. The farm continues to be a vital attraction in the area.

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11

GBI purchases new equipment BY RUSSELL EDEM redem@gbtribune.com

Great Bend Industries the manufacture of hydraulic cylinders is like most business and has to keep up with the ever changing technology that plays an important part of all manufacturing. Last year GBI purchased a new computer numerical control system or CNC machine. “This new CNC cost over $500,000 and plays an important part of our manufacturing,� Plant Manager Curt Farber said. “It speeds up the process of making the parts that are required for the cylinders.� This CNC is used to put threading inside a piece of raw steel tubing. “This CNC replaced two older CNC machines that use to do the job,� Farber said. The machine is not the only new edition to come to GBI. Farber has been plant manger for the last six months and has been with the company over 20 years. Farber took over for Mike Petz. Petz retired after 42 years of service to GBI. THE COMPANY According to GBI their goal is to become the industry leader in the design and manufacture of hydraulic cylinders and related products. GBI has grown dramatically in the last few years. Their recently expanded facilities include hi-reach materials storage racks and inside loading and unloading of vendors trucks. New equipment has been added on a regular basis. The shop floor is organized on a cellular plan, with machinists operating two or three CNC machines at a time. From material handling to robotic welding, from CNC machining centers to final assembly and testing, GBI is

RUSSELL EDEM Great Bend Tribune

A GBI employee operates the new CNC machine on Wednesday.

Four major U.S. and state highways intersect in Great Bend and all major freight carriers are available.

Curt Farber, Plant Manager What city do you live in? Ellinwood. How long? I have lived there for 15 years. Hobbies I enjoy woodworking and sports. What drew you to this work/service? The people I work with is what drew me to this line of work.

organized for minimum handling and maximum flow.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? The day to day challenges it what I enjoy most, it changes everyday. How has it changed since you first began? The biggest change is the automation and how it has change the way we do things in the plant. What changes do you anticipate in the next 5-10 years? More advanced machinery.

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

A passion for agriculture Michael Bahr puts generations of knowledge to work for farmers BY DALE HOGG dhogg@gbtribune.com

Michael Bahr is a fifthgeneration Barton County farmer and past Barton County Banker Conservation Award winner for soil conservation, as well as President of Tall Crop and Great Plains Precision Ag, Inc. “I’ve always had a passion for production agriculture and in doing my part to help provide a safe and plentiful food supply to society,” Bahr said. He and his wife Terri’s businesses, Tall Crop crop consulting and Great Plains Precision Agriculture, has been in business for 21 years. It has five full-time employees and works with numerous farms in the county. “It all started with notill,” Bahr said of the practice of leaving crop residue intact when planting the next crop. From there, Tall Crop started promoting other conservation methods, such as cover crops, improving soil health, grazing and the use of crop rotation to control insects. Using soil samples, Tall Crop (which employs three full-time consultants along with Bahr) offers suggestions on such matters as no-till and irrigation management. “We are definitely proponents of high-production agriculture.” It just takes a combination of traditional chemical use and nonchemical biological-based tactics.

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

Shown is one of the specialized implements Michael Bahr uses in his crop consulting businesses.

“The net profit is the important thing,” he said. “This takes high-yield crops at a minimal input.” About nine months ago, Bahr started another venture, Precision Ag. By utilizing global positioning satellites and other satellite imagery, they map fields. These track levels of organic matter, temperatures and topography. By combining these map layers with soil types and yield histories, the farmer gets a complex picture of his fields. Using these, the amount of fertilizer, chemicals and water can be adjusted based on mul-

tiple “management zones” within the fields. “The more data you have, the better,” he said. He uses a number of special implements and equipment to gather the information. Through varying what they apply to the ground, they can cut production costs. “It’s gone way beyond auto (GPS-guided) steering on tractors,” Bahr said of the early days of precision agriculture. But, “farmer response has been good. They are ready for technology.” According to Bahr, 70 percent of farmers own a smart phone. All his

trucks are mobile offices, equipped with Internet capability, and he communicates updates and information to his clients via phone, a web site, e-mail and Twitter. This all comes in real time without delays. “Every farmer needs something,” he said. Precision Ag works all over the state and into Missouri with farmers big and small. Bahr’s ancestors settled in the Olmitz area in 1872. That ground is still in the family. But, he works from his own place west of Great Bend. “We have a relatively small farm,” he said of the

270 acres. They raise wheat and cattle, utilizing the practices he preaches. He believes this experience gives him more credibility with the producers he consults with. “Farmers are the biggest skeptics,” he said. He graduated from Great Bend High School and Barton Community College. He earned his agronomy degree from Kansas State University. Despite the high-tech tools, “it still comes down to stomping in the fields,” he said. “It’s been exciting. I enjoy agriculture.”

But, there are times he misses farming. “I still like sitting in a tractor.” “I never thought I would come home, but I did,” he said. He has no regrets. Terri is also a Barton County native. They have two sons, Ike, age 13, and Tommy, 12, both students at Otis-Bison. They have worked with me once a week with their dad for six or seven years,Bahr said of the boys. “They know more wheat species than most of the farmers I work with.” In his spare time, Bahr said he enjoys hunting. Toll Free:

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Family Wife Terri and sons Ike and Tom Hobbies Attending the boys’ activities: Boy Scouts, basketball, track, hunting Fifth generation farmer in Barton County. I’ve always had a passion for production agriculture and in doing my part to help provide a safe and plentiful food supply to society. What I most enjoy about my work lies in solving old and new challenges farmers face. From dealing with ever changing weather events or volatile commodity prices, balancing environmental sustainability and profitability is my goal with the services we provide to growers. It is a great honor for me to work with and be part of a multi-generational farm where the Grandpa works with his son and the grandson is also an integral part of the farm. I’ve worked with some farms long enough to watch grade school age children grow up on a farm and come back from college not only to take over the operation, but improve it with their ideas and help advance the entire industry. Production agriculture has changed incredibly since I graduated college. In the beginning, irrigated corn break evens were around 130 bushels per acre. As costs and our markets changed, it’s not uncommon for a grower to need to produce around 200 bushels an acre just to make ends meet. I have seen great improvements in water quantity savings by the conversion of flood irrigation to sub-surface drip irrigation(SDI). Growers are more sensitive to the overall quantity of water that is pumped out of the ground knowing that the resource is more valuable than ever and needs to be managed closely for the next growing season. I

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have been a part of a genetic revolution in the seed industry where some crops are tolerant to herbicides that provide greater weed control with less environmental risks and other crops that are resistant to attacks from insects greatly decreasing the overall amount of insecticide applied on fields. Starting now, and in the coming years, we are witnessing an even greater step change in production ag. We already are hearing about how UAV’s(drones) can help growers monitor crop health and keep track of livestock. I am certain that that type of automation will soon become common place and even be taken for granted similar to the internet or a smart phone. Growers will likely be applying more site specific management on their farms. Fields will get just the right amount of seed and fertilizer in different areas depending on that acre’s production potential instead of treating the field as one unit and applying the same rate of inputs on every acre. The amount of data collected per acre will continue to increase and growers will be able to make valuable decisions from all of that information. Consolidation will also likely continue to change the landscape of the rural setting.

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GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 •

13

GB breaks ground on community orchard BY VERONICA COONS vcoons@gbtribune.com

In April, 2015, community volunteers from several organizations met at the Brit Spaugh zoo to plant the seeds of a project that years from now will bear fruit for the city--literally. The first 12 trees of a community orchard were installed at the north end of the zoo as part of an effort to create a unique community gathering place, a move sanctioned by the city, and done in cooperation with the Barton County

Extension Service and the Great Bend Tree Board, and funded through a grant from the Golden Belt Community Foundation. The modern community orchard movement started in 1992 in the United Kingdom when the charity Common Ground suggested the idea of creating or conserving orchards by and for the local people. “Community Orchards help to revive an interest in fruit growing, provide a way of sharing knowledge and horticultural skills and stimulate us into growing

food for ourselves again.� the founders wrote. Alicia Boor, Barton County Extension ag agent, is heading up the planning and implementation of the orchard. She opted to start small in order to garner community support before expanding. If help is forthcoming, there are grants available to make that possible, she said. Three varieties of apples were chosen and donated by the Great Bend Tree Board, including Haralson, Red Delicious, and Ashmead’s Kernal, all of which

are disease resistant and are good for eating and cider making. At the end of the first growing season, each showed anywhere from 18 to 24 inches of new growth visible on branches that benefitted from a cool, wet spring and consistent watering throughout the summer. “The roots have become established and the top growth is amazing,� Boor said. “The orchard is off to a great start.� The apples that are anticipated in a few years will have several uses. Volun-

teers who help with the orchard could take a share, and those that fall to the ground or are of lesser quality will become treats for the zoo animals. Branches from prunings will also be used by the animals. And there will be apples to donate to the food bank. But food isn’t all the orchard will provide. Because it is set in a public space, photographers could easily use it for an outside backdrop. Picnics and play around the orchard are another possibility. If civic groups, church groups, and

youth clubs are looking for projects, the orchard would be a ready resource. Kansas Brick and Tile has pledged pallets of red and black brick that Boor envisions lining the beds to increase the effectiveness of the weed barrier and enhance the beauty of the orchard. Perhaps, Boor suggested, at a future GBHS school-wide community service day, students will help set the bricks in place, and in the process set the orchard’s importance to the future of Great Bend in their hearts.

does. From precision farming, drones, variable rates on fertilizers, and seeding, technology will help more and more produce optimum yields from each portion of a field. Scouting a field for issues will be quicker, allowing for earlier

diagnosis of disease and insects pressure. This will allow for an earlier response time, saving time and money overall. Water saving research will be implemented more, allowing a higher yield with less water.

Progressive person: K-State Extension’s Alicia Boor Name and title Alicia Boor, Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for K-State Research and Extension Residence Hoisington How long? Three years in March Family members Husband, Todd Boor, Son, Connor Boor Hobbies Reading, working with animals, going to rock concerts, listening to music, working on science experiments with my son, spending time with friends. What first drew you to this type of work/service? I love agriculture, teaching, and helping people. In this field, I get to meet many different people, and

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ty of my job is really a joy. What do you most enjoy about what you do? Meeting all of the people in the community. There are so many different interests in our community, and I get to help people solve their problems, and learn new things everyday.

How has it changed since you first began/ what changes do you anticipate in the next 5-10 years? I think that technology will play a bigger part in agriculture than it already

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

BCC ag student nearly one year ahead thanks to dual credit Barton Agronomy major Nick Gerdes knows what he wants, and has confidently taken steps in the direction of his dream to own and operate a farm. Gerdes is finishing up his first and only year as a full-time Barton student before moving on to Kansas State University, where he will start only six credit-hours shy of being a Junior. Dual credit agreements between Barton Community College and Great Bend High School made this opportunity a reality for the young farmer, who managed to take 17 credit-hours of college coursework before graduating high school in 2015. “It’s cheaper to do it in high school too,� Gerdes said. “If you go for dual credit for high school and college, you can get through your education faster, get out with less debt and you can do what

Career Technical Education Fair set for Feb. 29 February is Career Technical Education Month. Barton Community College is observing the month with weekly feature stories celebrating student success in its programs. CTE month will culminate with a Career Technical Education Fair from 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 29 in the Case New Holland Shop in the northeast side of the Technical Building on the BCC

you want to do sooner. It’s a good option; everybody should try to take dual credit.� His plan is to work in the industry, perhaps for a co-op, until the time is right to take the reins at his uncle’s farm in Dodge City, where he fondly recalls riding around in tractors and grain trucks

campus. The fair is available for 8th grade students, high school students, current Barton students and community members, and will feature demonstrations, hands-on-activities, refreshments, prizes and photo ops with the Barton mascot. To sign up, contact Denise Schreiber at 620-792-9324 or schreiberd@bartonccc.edu by Friday, Feb. 19.

as a young boy. However, Gerdes says his purpose comes from a deeper place than childhood nostalgia. “It interests me to know that farmers feed so many people around the world,� he said. “I like knowing I will help farmers maximize the potential yield for their crops.� His ambition and drive helped Gerdes rise to the

CTE Month is an annual celebration of program achievements and accomplishments nationwide. It gives the CTE community a chance to tell the stories of leadership and excellence from classrooms across the country, and raise awareness of the crucial role that CTE has in readying our nation for economic success and workforce competitiveness.

top of the stack of Barton Foundation scholarship applicants as well. He was awarded a generous scholarship from Central Prairie Co-op, which is intended for full-time agriculture majors with at least a 2.5 GPA in preferably Barton, Ellsworth, Rice or Reno counties. Students can apply for the Central Prairie Co-op scholarship or dozens of other Foun-

dation Scholarships online at bartonccfoundation.org. Gerdes said he is grateful for the donors’ generosity. “I’m really appreciative. Every penny counts when paying for tuition and fees, especially going to a university after this, I’ll really be looking at the money side of it,� he said. “Without people like them, many people might

not be able to go to school, so it’s really nice that they do that.� Gerdes also expressed gratitude toward his instructors and Barton’s faculty and staff. “I’ve learned a lot,� he said. “All the instructors are really helpful, readily available and easy to get ahold of. They help you with whatever you need.� It turns out that feeling is mutual. Agriculture Instructor Vic Martin said Gerdes is a top-notch student. “He accepted the challenge of Economic Entomology this past fall semester, excelling both in the classroom and in hunting and collecting insects on class trips,� Martin said. “He interacts well with his fellow students and instructors. During classroom assignments Nick works equally well independently or as part of a group, which is an extremely important asset in today’s agriculture industry.�

COURTESY PHOTO

Nick Gerdes, son of Tim and Christie Gerdes of Great Bend, poses near a piece of farm equipment at Barton Community College. The ambitious agronomy major has managed to work ahead almost a full year using dual credit to save time and money.

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15

Oil and Gas Museum gets an upgrade BY RUSSELL EDEM redem@gbtribune.com

Roland Smith has been the acting president of the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum for a little over a year, but has been involved with the museum for over 20 years. Late last year and into the beginning of this year the museum has seen some restoration to one of its buildings. The Biggs Building which serves as a conference center was renovated. The building received new paint, a new heating and AC system along with new flooring. The building can seat 80 people and can be used for many different occasions. “The building is here for the public to use; it can be used for weddings, birthday parties or just for meetings,” Smith said. According to Smith there is no fee for the use of the building as of right now, but they do except donations. Smith also mentioned that they hope people will come out and use the building for these types of events. He said many people probably don’t even know the building is there for their use and hopes to get the word out. For now the museum is only open by appointment but Smith hopes that this will change in the near future. At the museum, people can learn the history of the oil and gas production, geology, and products made from oil. The museum’s goal is to provide educational information about present industry activities, to preserve the past history of the oil and gas industry in Great Bend and surrounding areas and to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the industry. The museum is located at 5944 10th St. and to make an appointment See MUSEUM, 16

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• GREAT BEND (KAN.) TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

Roland Smith lands in spotlight Name/Title Roland Smith, Acting President

gas business.

What city do you live in? Great Bend. How long? Born and raised in Great Bend. Family members Wife with one son.

What do you enjoy most about what you do? I enjoy working with the people we serve, we pride ourselves on finding those hard to find parts for our customers. How has it changed since you first began? The technology has changed over the that last 30 years and better ways of taking care of the environment.

Hobbies Target shooting. I am the President of the Kiowa Gun Club in Great Bend. What drew you to this work/ service? I wanted to be in the oil and

What changes do you anticipate in the next 5-10 years? A better way to do the job and protect the environment.

MUSEUM, from page 15 to visit the museum call Smith at 620-786-4855 GREAT BEND OIL The first exploration for oil in the area was financed in 1886 by a group of Great Bend speculators. By 1930, it was estimated that the county received more than $20 million annually from the oil and gas industry. From 1930 to 1940, the town’s population nearly doubled as some 3,000 oil wells began to produce in the surrounding area. KANSAS OIL According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Kansans have been trying to gather and market petroleum since before Kansas was made a state in 1861. As early as 1855 petro-

leum was being found in springs and seeps near Osawatomie and Paola. The oil would be skimmed off and bottled to be sold as medicine, since industry had not realized the massive potential of petroleum. However, a number of things had to happen before petroleum could become anything resembling an industry in Kansas. The first oil well in the pioneering oil fields in Pennsylvania wasn’t drilled until 1859 and the Civil War interrupted Kansas’ economic development. The refining and uses of petroleum had not yet been developed. Kansans were still traveling over wagon trails; the railroads wouldn’t crisscross the state until

nearly the 1870s. But since then oil and gas has become a $4.3 billion industry in Kansas, employing tens of thousands and providing an essential tax base for the state. Only agriculture exceeds oil and gas in economic importance. Finding, drilling, and extracting petroleum is only the beginning of the story. Oil is little more than a useless potential pollutant until it can be refined and marketed, at which point it is essential to modern life. Kansas has never been the most important petroleum producing state, but our history reflects the advancement of the American petroleum industry from its most primitive form to the high-tech system it is today.

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& Gas Hall of Fame d Museum Meet Our New Curator Danielle Feist is a Wichita native that began her career in the museum and zoo ďŹ elds sixteen years ago as an educator at the Topeka Zoo. She has had many responsibilities as an educator, exhibits specialist, volunteer coordinator, and special events coordinator. Her passion for education and volunteerism continued after moving to Great Bend, consulting with the Coronado Quivera Museum in Lyons in Danielle Feist research and education projects. Danielle graduated from California State University, Hayward receiving a master of arts in anthropology. She is excited to share our local Oil & Gas history and heritage in her new role as curator. She currently lives in Great Bend with her husband, Chris, and their chocolate lab, Tess.

Open Tuesday & Thursday 1-5 p.m. April 2 - Sept. 29 5PVST 8FMDPNF t "MXBZT PQFO CZ BQQPJOUNFOU $BMM The Kansas Oil & Gas Museum was founded in 1990 by a group interested in preserving the history of the oil and gas industry. It highlights the various phases and milestones of the oil and gas industry. The goal is to provide educational information about present industry activities, to preserve the past history of the oil and gas industry and to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the industry.

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In most other countries the government owns all the mineral rights, but in the United States it is customary for the landowner to share in a portion of the mineral right royalties.

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