12C
MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS, Osage, IA, Wed., Jan. 25, 2012
DON WHITCOMB Cont. from page 11C bushels of corn done," he said. "We would sometimes have two wagons going at a time. They were narrow wagons with bank boards. "We would have to help shovel the corn into the corncribs. We would lower the end gate and start from the ground until there was enough out of the wagon." Later on the farm, the silos were filled with corn and the surplus was taken to the elevator. "We also used the corn to feed the livestock," said Whitcomb. In the fall, after harvesting, four horses were used to disc the ground. "It had an iron seat, which provided a very bumpy ride," said Whitcomb. Last year was the first year in the history of the farm that cattle was not raised on the property. "This farm has always been known as a livestock farm, but our renter has some physical concerns and decided to not raise cattle," said Whitcomb. "So, all the corn was sold to the elevator." Whitcomb said over the years the coming of the tractor and bigger machinery including corn planters and combines have changed the face of farming.
Whitcomb riding the disc plow many years ago. (contributed photo.)
"I remember our first tractor," he said. "It was a Fordson tractor." In the '20s, Whitcomb's father had a tandem disc harrow. He also added an International combine in 1943. Looking back over the years, Whitcomb says his best memories were of harvest time. "To see the corn come out of the field into the cart was great," he said. "Farming also helped me to learn about life. "It also helped me to exercise more which may be why I am 102." Whitcomb went on to say he wishes smaller farms and smaller equipment would return to help more people find jobs. "But, I don't think that's going to happen," he said. He said one of toughest challenges, as a farmer, was getting his five daughters through college. For the young farmer, Whitcomb offered the following advice: "Get in touch with a farmer and start helping on their farm. "Don't expect to start out big. Start small, and finally, start at the bottom and work your way up. Don't expect to start out at the top."
Iowa Corn
A salute to our local producers
INSIDE: Interviews with ...
• Randy Norby • Dale Hemann • Don Whitcomb • Mark Taets • Jared Tolliver
Albert Lea Seed 800.352.5247 WWW.ALSEED.COM Y84 -004RL
Y54 -04RL
2nd Place (215.2 Bu.) Overall F.I.R.S.T. Summary MN Southeast
3rd Place Overall (192.1 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. MN Southwest
4th Place (196.6 Bu.) Overall F.I.R.S.T. Summary MN West Central
5th Place (190.1 Bu.) Blue Earth Co. Corn Plot
1st Place (240 Bu.) U of MN (Rochester & Waseca), 2-Plot Avg.
4th Place (204.5 Bu.) Brown Co. Late Plot Summary
3rd Place (201.7 Bu.) ISU NW Early Season Hybrids
3rd Place (218.4 Bu.) Brown Co. Late Plot (Goblirsch)
4th Place (227.7 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. MN Southeast (Eyota)
1st Place (217.5 Bu.) Brown Co. Late Plot (Mohr)
5th Place (213.9 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. Trial, Waseca Co.
3rd Place (191.1 Bu.) Cottonwood Co. F.I.R.S.T. Trial
4th Place (223.6 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. Trial MN Southeast, Kasson, MN
9th Place Overall (205.3 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. Summary MN Southeast
6th Place (228.9 Bu.) F.I.R.S.T. Trial MN Southeast, Dexter, MN MS-67209
A special ag supplement SECTION C
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 VOL. 147 • NO. 4