Country Minute - Summer 2009

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SUMMER 2009

Quads or Utility Vehicles– which one’s right for you?

Cargo All Terrain Vehicles (Quads) and Utility Vehicles can be helpful, versatile workhorses for a variety of tasks on your small farm or acreage.

Visit a dealer or use the internet to research the benefits that each of them offer. Quads are faster and more maneuverable than utility vehicles with a stable ride, but they’re limited in the amount of cargo they can carry. Work models are equipped with racks located over the front and rear tires that can comfortably carry items like a saddle or

large bags of feed or seed and some brands offer a cargo dump box with sides for securing the load. Other options include a tow hitch for towing things like small trailers, sprayers, or

chippers. You can also purchase a snow blade to plow snow or move dirt and level the driveway during the warm months. Quads can also be useful for recreational activities like transporting ...Continued on page 2

Seeking local flavor... try your area farms Agricultural tourism is a growing industry in our two states, with a multitude of farm markets, organic farms, maple syrup producers, wineries and u-pick farms and orchards available for visitors to enjoy. A tour of Michigan and Wisconsin farms could include a creamery, cider mill, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, plant nursery or a tree farm. There is no ...Continued on page 3

g r e e n s t o n e f c s . c o m

The Country Minute is brought to you by your local country living lender: Melissa Humphrey 989-224-9321 (ph) 989-224-7722 (cell) 800-622-9187 (toll free) melissa.humphrey@greenstonefcs.com 1104 S. U.S. 27 St. Johns, MI 48879

More

Wind Power to ya!

You have heard about biofuels as the way of the future for automobiles…but have you considered the future of the energy source for your home’s lights, television or even air conditioner?

A wind energy system, more simply referred to as a windmill, may be an alternative worth considering. Like geo-thermal heating for your home, a home wind energy system can include a high initial start-up cost, but if you’re willing and able to commit some time, the day will come when the end justifies the means.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic answer to what that length of time might be—it is dependent on which system is right for you. The system you select will be, in part, determined by the wind resource at your site, the electric utility rates in your area, and the way you plan to use your system.

If you think this might be something worth pursuing, there are a few things to consider before you

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interconnection contract, and you run out and buy a windmill. The first step is to find out what size windmill may need to secure liability insurance and update your homeowner’s you’ll need by determining your load (amount of electricity used) and wind insurance. Then you’ll need to select a contractor or, if available at your “The system you you are up to the location. Your challenge, you home’s average load select will be, in could always opt to can be discovered part, determined by install it yourself. by reviewing your the wind resource And finally, it is monthly electric time to make your bills for historic at your site” investment in a usage. The second more sustainable future and purchase can be accessed on the Wind your system. The federal government Powering America’s web site does offer an investment tax credit for www.windpoweringamerica.gov. Once the purchase and installation of these two have been identified, it’s qualifying small wind energy systems; fairly easy to size a wind system to further details on this incentive can suit your needs.

But it is still not time to buy—there be found by visiting www.dsireusa.org.

Happy shopping! could be zoning changes or building permits needed, communication must Source: occur with your utility company to www.windpowerservicesllc.com, secure their cooperation for an www.windpoweringamerica.gov Quads or Utility Vehicles Continued... camping and hunting gear to remote locations.

If you need a vehicle with more payload, larger cargo capacity, and more uses, consider a utility vehicle.

Depending on the make, model and options, they combine the versatility of a small tractor, the maneuverability of an ATV and the utility of a Jeep. They can reach speeds of up to 25 mph, and can roll over muddy stream banks or steep hills with ease. Enclosed cabs with heaters and air conditioning are also optional accessories to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s possible to purchase a utility vehicle that mows grass, plows snow, hauls up to a ton of feed or material, dumps dirt, tows, accommodates spray attachments and negotiates four-wheel-drive terrain

easily. In addition to their capacity for work, they are comfortable to drive and ride. Independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering provide a remarkably driver-friendly feel. Both two and four wheel drive trains and multiple engine sizes are available on both quads and utility vehicles to fulfill job needs.

The needs of hobby farmers and land owners are as diverse as their operations. Tractors can perform a variety of functions, but they can be too big and slow, which is overkill for many jobs. Pickup trucks can't get in and out of tight places. Quads and utility vehicles are versatile enough to handle multiple tasks efficiently and they’re even fun to drive.

Source: www.agrabilityproject.org

Join GreenStone on Facebook!

GreenStone recognizes that our customers encompass a wide range of demographics and strives to use a

variety of medias to most effectively communicate with, and provide information to, our members.

Therefore, GreenStone recently launched a Facebook page as another method to accomplish this objective.

Facebook is an online social networking site that allows businesses and individuals alike the opportunity to share information and interact with other users. GreenStone plans to utilize the site to share details on current events and breaking news in addition to providing informative updates.

To find us on Facebook, go to our

Web site www.greenstonefcs.com and click on the Facebook logo found in the lower right-hand column of the home page.

Facebook users—be sure to select “Become a Fan” from the

GreenStone Facebook page in order to receive information and updates as they become available.

www.michiganfarmfun.com (official site of the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association) or www.visitdairyland.com (official site of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association)

When a lightning storm rages outside, it's a good idea to avoid using electrical devices inside. This means you should avoid using the telephone during a lightning storm. Also, it's advisable that you turn off the television, turn off your computer, and any other electrical device. Although very rare, it's possible that the electrical surges caused by the lightning storm can travel through your telephone line or electrical wiring.

It's a good idea to unplug your electrical devices while they are not in use. This will prevent any potential damage that an electrical surge can produce.

Source: www.solveyourproblem.com

Recipe Corner

Local Flavor Continued... shortage of family fun opportunities at these unique destinations. For more information on local Farm Markets and Agricultural Tourism in your area, visit:

Be Ready When Lightning Strikes...

Mix up a batch of this summer favorite for your next party and let the fiesta begin... Fresh Garden Salsa INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS

6 roma tomatoes diced

After preparing first five ingredients, combine in a bowl with cumin, salt, pepper and juice. Mix and serve with tortilla chips of your choice. Enjoy!

1/3 cup chopped sweet vidalia onion 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced 2 Tbs of fresh cilantro chopped 1 large clove of fresh garlic minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or to taste) Juice from 1 lemon or 2 limes Salt and white pepper to taste

Note: For a zippy batch of salsa include the jalapeno seeds and ribs. Also, try experimenting with a variety of locally grown seasonal peppers and tomatoes to create your own special salsa blend.

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1104 S. U.S. 27 St. Johns, MI 48879

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Brought to you by your local GreenStone FCS lender: Melissa Humphrey

Inside this issue: - Quads vs. Utility Vehicles - Finding Local Flavors - More Wind Power to Ya!

GreenStone Member notes...

Customers who receive The Country Minute will not receive GreenStone’s agricultural member publication, Partners. Therefore, the following is a snippet of news and feature stories found in the most recent issue of Partners.

More information and complete articles can be viewed at www.GreenStoneFCS.com by clicking on the “Partners” image found on the left side of the Web page.

Candid Comments At GreenStone, we value our partnership with you and recognize the importance of your input. By providing feedback, you help us to better deliver the products and services you need in the manner you deserve. If you have comments you’d like to share, please email them to marketing@greenstonefcs.com or mail to 1760 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, ATTN: Candid Comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

Reinventing the Family Farm Located just 30 miles from the center of Detroit, Jackie and Steve Good knew that expanding a dairy farm was not a viable option, but an organic-based small farm

greenstonefcs.com

may be a good fit. So in 2000 they began transitioning the dairy farm into a fruit and vegetable farm—RC Organic Farms. They are now the only certified-organic farm in Macomb County.

Board of Director Election Results 2009 GreenStone Farm Credit Services Board of Directors election results include: Region V: Frank Engler, from Isabella County, and Brent Wilson, of Gratiot County; Region VI: Brian Haskin, from Eaton County, and Catherine Webster, of Clinton County; and Region VII: Raymond Diederich, of Brown County, and David Rakowski, from Oconto County.