Winter 2014 News and notes on living the good life...
CountryMinute
making wheat a healthy part of your diet– With more and more fad diets gaining traction over the last several years, it can be a challenge to know exactly what you should be eating these days. One of the latest buzz terms to hit grocery store shelves in recent years is “gluten free.” A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. While gluten-free diets are important as a treatment option for those suffering from celiac disease, they are not for everyone. In recent years, many people have begun eating gluten free as a way to lose weight quickly, something that Judi Adams, a registered dietician and
president of the Wheat Foods Council, advises against. “My primary recommendation is don’t go gluten free unless you have celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity,” says Adams. “When you go gluten free you lose out on many of the nutrients, unless you substitute whole grains with wheat, barley and rye, but most Americans are eating products that are not whole grains and not enriched.” According to Adams, gluten is a key component of a balanced diet and cutting it out can have an adverse effect on individuals who remove it from their diet when it is not necessary.
Attracting Wildlife Enjoy the beauty of wildlife in your yard by creating a habitat where animals can feed, get clean water, find cover and raise their young. Planting native oak, beech, hickory, crabapple, and pecan trees near your home can provide Continued on page 3...
“If individuals who chose to eat gluten free are not substituting whole grains, they are missing out on major B vitamins, they are also going to be short on folic acid which is critical for women of child bearing age,” Adams explained. “Additionally, unless they are substituting whole grains, they are also shorting themselves on fiber which is critical for digestive health.” So what is the best way to incorporate wheat products into a healthy diet? The guidelines for the American diet suggest Continued on page 3...
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started using a flasher style fish finder a couple years ago and it has made finding a fishing spot a lot easier. I will never ice fish without my flasher again.
FROM THE PRO:
ICE FISHING 101 Ice fishing may come across as pretty basic; however, there is a lot more that goes into it than simply drilling a hole in the ice and sitting on an old five gallon bucket. Today, the advances in technology make it a lot easier to capitalize on a frozen lake. First and foremost, never go out on the ice without the proper gear to remain safe. Make sure you check the ice before getting out into the deeper water. A spud is the best way to safely navigate out to what you believe will be the most productive area. I also recommend having a couple ice picks so if you do fall through the ice you are able to pull yourself back out. Some companies even make extra warm floating ice-fishing suits. Always go with a friend or have someone else on the lake that can help if needed. Once you have deemed the ice is safe, it is time to start loading the freezer. Pan fish are typically the targeted species and are in almost every lake in Michigan. An ice jig tipped with some sort of live bait is usually the best option. I use a small ice rod usually about 3 feet long with a small ice reel and normally a two-pound test line. Everyone has their own way of setting up his or her gear; there really is no right way. I recommend if you are
new to ice fishing, go to your local sporting goods retailer and ask one of their experts to show you how to get set up. In my opinion, finding the fish is the hardest part. Essentially you are aimlessly drilling a hole in the ice hoping that you land on top of a fish. I
Like anything, there are a few different manufacturers; and they typically run anywhere from $200-$600 depending on the model. However, what you need is basic; the flasher simply needs to show the bottom, the fish and your lure. What makes these nice is not only can you see the fish on the graph, but you can also see your bait go right to the fish. This maximizes your potential for a bite and keeps your bait in the strike zone. Best of luck to everyone this ice fishing season, and be safe!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR GreenStone is a proud sponsor of Jonathon VanDam, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro angler and Michigan native. You can learn more about Jonathon by visiting: www.bassmaster.com/ anglers/jonathon-vandam.
Recipe Corner Chicken and Spinach Casserole
Ingredients 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Pinch of black pepper 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray a 9” x 9” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, pepper, parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella in a medium bowl. In another bowl, toss 1/3 of this sauce with the chicken and spinach and spread in the casserole dish. Pour the rest of the sauce mixture over the chicken and spinach. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown. Source: www.smartbalance.com
GreenStone Unveils Mobile Website GreenStone members who spend time on the go will now have a more convenient way to keep up with the latest happenings at your cooperative. GreenStone recently launched a mobile-friendly version of its website, www.greenstonefcs.com, which can be accessed from any smartphone with Internet connectivity. “We designed the mobile version of the GreenStone website with a focus on improving the user’s experience,” said Melissa Rogers, GreenStone’s vice president of marketing and public relations. “The mobile site is easy to navigate and provides useful information that members can access when it is most convenient for them.” The new mobile website includes the latest news from the association
...Wheat continued
six servings of grains per day, with half of those servings coming from whole grains such as: brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal or whole-wheat flour. According to Adams, breakfast is a great time to consume whole and enriched grains. “There are wonderful whole-grain cereals available; whole-wheat toast and bagels are also great options,” said Adams. “Breakfast is an easy way to get two or three servings out of the way and not have to worry about the rest of the day.” For more from the Wheat Foods Council, including recipes and meal planning ideas, visit their website at: WheatFoods.org.
and information about the products and services offered to agricultural producers as well as country living customers. The site features a GPSenabled branch locator and easy call and email functionality to make contacting your local GreenStone branch as simple as clicking a button. Additionally, members will find an easyto-use loan calculator and a request information form. To access the mobile version of GreenStone’s website, visit www.greenstonefcs.com from an internet enabled smartphone.
TECH TIP: Simple tips and tricks that may solve your technology problems. 1. Keep your anti-virus software updated: Updated anti-virus software will aid in the prevention, detection and removal of malware threats, which are a common cause of issues. 2. Laptop issues: A common remedy for laptop issues is to unplug it from the charger and remove the battery for 30 seconds. Then, replace the battery, plug the laptop back in to the charger, and reboot.
3. Lost Internet connection: Turn off the router, cable / DSL modem and computer for 30 seconds. Then, turn things back on in this order: cable / DSL modem, router and lastly, the computer. Many laptops have a Wi-Fi button; make sure the Wi-Fi is enabled. 4. If you have a technology problem that you are unsure of how to solve: Try searching online. Many times, others have had the same type of issue you are experiencing and have posted the solution online. This could save you a trip to the repair shop.
...Attracting Wildlife continued
a food source that will attract deer, squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkeys, rabbits and a variety of birds. A river, stream or pond running through your land provides a fresh water source for wildlife. If you do not have a natural water source, you may want to consider putting in a seasonal pool, pond or rain garden. Wildlife also need places to hide and feel safe from people, predators and inclement weather. Native vegetation is a perfect cover. Shrubs, thickets and brush piles provide great
hiding places within their bushy leaves and thorns. Dead trees are also home to a lot of different animals, including some that use tree cavities and branches for nesting and perching. If trees and shrubs are unavailable, plant ground cover or add a wood pile for cover. Mature trees, meadows, wetlands, thickets and dense shrubs will also provide habitat for wildlife to raise their young which can provide years of enjoyment watching them nurture and feed their babies until they grow up and are ready to be on their own. Source: www.nwf.org
3515 West Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823
CountryMinute Inside this issue: - Wheat: part of a healthy diet - Attracting wildlife - Ice fishing 101
- Chicken and spinach casserole - Mobile website - Member notes
Greenstone member notes March 19 is Patronage Day! Customers who receive the Country Minute do 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 selecting “Publications” found under the “News and Media” drop down.
The cooperative finished 2013 with record earnings, and that means a record payout for members on Patronage Day! The GreenStone board of directors recently approved a patronage payment of $29 million to be paid to qualified members on March 19.
Ukraine Study Tour In September, a group of 27 traveled to Ukraine on an agricultural study mission. Four of your GreenStone directors and four GreenStone staff were among the farmers and agribusiness representatives on the trip. These eight have come together to share with you highlights of several tour stops
and unveil key opportunities and challenges of the young country as it transitions and embraces its 22 years—one generation—of independence.
Communicating By Engaging With an ever increasing interest by consumers to learn about agriculture and the details behind where their food comes from, producers should know these six steps to ensuring engaging communication that can be beneficial in spreading the positive story of agriculture, whether it is on the phone with media or waiting to check out at the grocery store: Be Principle Driven, Listen - Do not Judge, Ask Questions and Invite
www.greenstonefcs.com
Dialogue, Identify Common Values, Control Your Emotions, and Define the Outcome.
Annual Report Notice This is an official notice that the 2013 GreenStone Farm Credit Services annual report will be available for viewing online at www.greenstonefcs.com by Friday, March 7, 2014. In addition, the Annual Report will be mailed to all stockholders within 90 days of year-end.
Have something to share? Have something on your mind or kudos to give? Take minute and send your “Candid Comment” or “Pause for Applause” to marketing@greenstonefcs.com.