Virtual Farm Show April 2021 by Madison.com

Virtual

FARM

Show April 2021

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Farm family defines

‘DIVERSIFICATION’

1901 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, Wisconsin 53713 Toll-Free: 1-888-AGRI-VIEW Madison Phone: 608-250-4162 Madison Fax: 608-250-4155 agriview@madison.com www.agriview.com

LYNN GROOMS

lgrooms@madison.com‌

HILLPOINT, Wis. – Patrick McCluskey is a busy guy between tapping maple trees as well as managing a custom cheese-cutting and -packing business. McCluskey and his family’s business embody diversification. Patrick and his wife, Mary E l l e n M c C l u s k e y, a n d h i s brother, Brian McCluskey, own and operate McCluskey Brothers of Hillpoint. They seasonally graze dairy cows and beef cattle on their certified-organic farm. They cut and wrap cheese for their own cheese line as well as for four other dairy plants. And they tap maple trees to make syrup. “The main advantages of being diversified are not having all of your eggs in one basket and being able to weather market ups and downs,” Patrick McCluskey said. They direct-market products to customers in the Chicago and Milwaukee metro areas as well as in Madison, Wisconsin. They also sell at the Dane County Farmers Market and the Westside Community Market in Madison. But there are challenges. Among them are keeping pace with licensing requirements, regulations, recordkeeping and protocols in each area of diversification. And then there was the legwork at the beginning of the McCluskey value-added business. The family started in 2012 having its own line of cheese made at Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, Wisconsin. The McCluskeys had been selling beef and syrup at farmers

Tractor sets efficiency benchmark for fuel … PAGE 4

CONTRIBUTED

Brian McCluskey, left, and Patrick McCluskey own and operate McCluskey Brothers and Shillelagh Glen Farms near Hillpoint, Wisconsin. In addition to being dairy- and beef-cattle producers, they cut and package cheese for their own line as well as for other dairy processors. The brothers also sell beef and maple syrup direct to consumers.

markets and area stores. Adding cheese to the mix seemed like a good way to add value to the family’s milking operation. “We met vendors and did a lot of product demonstrations so we could direct-market our products,” he said. “That way we got our foot in the door. It’s easy enough to make a value-added product but you better have a market first.” Their market has grown to support nine types of cheese. They sell four types of Cheddar – sharp, mild, tomato basil and beer cheddar – as well as Mozzarella, Butterkaese, Pepper

Jack, Monterey Jack and Moinear – the last a signature cheese that celebrates their Irish heritage. The Irish word “móinéar” translates to “meadow” or “hayfield” in English. The cheese is aptly named because the McCluskeys raise their dairy cattle on grass. The special cheese tastes like a cross between Gouda and Cheddar. “ We s t a r t e d t o c u t a n d wrap our own cheese in 2015,” McCluskey said. “Being a small-scale cheese producer it was difficult having our cheese Please SEE Diversification, Page 3

Dairy company creates innovative product … PAGE 9

CONTRIBUTED

Wheels of blue cheese are cut and placed in vacuum pouches before being sealed at McCluskey Brothers.

Take maize trip back in time … PAGE 13

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The McCluskey beef herd is comprised of Hereford, Angus and Galloway cattle. Cheese is shrunk after being vacuum-sealed. McCluskey Brothers installed the automated dip tank with part of grant funding it was awarded by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance.

Diversification From Page 2

processed in a timely fashion so we decided to do it in-house. We’ve since started custom conversion – cutting and packaging cheese – for four other dairy plants.” Five people are employed at the family’s on-farm plant. In fall 2020 the McCluskeys were able to automate their cheeseconversion process with a grant awarded by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance. The alliance is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Center for Dairy Business and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. The McCluskeys also plan to use the grant to add shredded cheese to their line. The McCluskey family has been in the dairy business for several decades. In 1981 Clarence and Agnes McCluskey sold their farm – known as Shillelagh Glen Farms – to three sons – Patrick, Kevin and Brian. Kevin McCluskey passed away in 2019. Bob Wills, owner of Cedar Grove Cheese, recalled talking with the McCluskeys about organic dairying in the late1990s. At the time he was moving toward making organic cheese. “I was explaining what dairy farms had to do to become organic certified,” he said. “And Pat said, ‘Well we can do that.’” The McCluskeys for years had grazed cattle and farmed in an organic-type manner, Wells said. The family applied for

– and earned – organic certification in 1996. Rainfall simulator opens eyes The McCluskey family implemented in 2017 an intensive rotational-grazing program. They decided to use the practice after seeing a rainfall simulation presented by Serge Koenig, a conservation technician at the Sauk County Office of Land Resources and Environment. The simulator showed how much soil could be washed away from a 1-inch or 2-inch rain when ground isn’t sufficiently covered with plant material. “It was an eye-opener,” McCluskey said. With rotational grazing just one paddock is grazed at a time while the remainder of the pasture is allowed to rest. Resting grazed paddocks allows forage plants to regenerate energy reserves and deepen

root systems, according to “Pastures for profit: a guide to rotational grazing.” The McCluskeys have 185 acres of pasture, keeping dairy cattle and beef cattle in separate paddocks. They use a combination of cool- and warm-season grasses and clover. “We think raising grass-fed cattle is the best way to go in the Driftless Area,” he said. “It keeps our soils in place and it’s good for our bottom line.” Wills said, “The family is sharp at picking up on opportunities to make a medium-sized farm work for them.” The family’s beef herd, comprised of 30 brood cows, is moved once daily. It includes Hereford, Angus and Galloway cattle. They’ve been using Galloway bulls in their breeding program. “We like their hardiness,” McCluskey

McCluskey Brothers certified-organic maple syrup is sold online as well as at farmers markets and area stores.

said. “They’re very docile and are great finishers on strictly grass diets.” The dairy herd is comprised of 24 cows and eight young animals. They’re moved twice daily, after each milking. The herd is comprised of Holstein, Normandy and Jersey cattle. “We especially like the Normandy and Jersey breeds for their protein and butterfat content,” he said. “They seem to do very well grazing.” The herd averages 4 percent butterfat and 3 percent protein “I’ve always enjoyed milking cows and still do,” he said. “And I love being able to work outdoors, especially during maple season. We’ve been making maple syrup for as long as I can remember. Dad started us at a very young age.” McCluskey Brothers began selling syrup 11 years ago. They sell it online as well as at farmers markets, restaurants and retail stores. Those venues enable McCluskey to do something else he enjoys. “I like the chance to be able to tell our farm story,” he said. Visit mccluskeybros.com and cdr.wisc. edu/dbia for more information. Lynn Grooms writes about the diversity of agriculture, including the industry’s newest ideas, research and technologies as a staff reporter for Agri-View based in Wisconsin.

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Tractor sets efficiency benchmark for fuel

John Deere tractor has once again set efficiency standards for fuel consumption while transporting on the road, according to the results of an independent test – the DLG PowerMix test. The all-new John Deere 7R 330 model has proven to be the best choice of tractor for transport applications. The company achieved the best-ever DLG PowerMix transport-test CHRIS MCCULLOUGH result in 2018 with the 6250R; it still holds that record. More recently the 7R 330 with its new Stage V engine has set the benchmark for all tractors with more than 250-horsepower-rated engine power. With a combined fuel consumption of only 375 grams per

CONTRIBUTED

The John Deere 7R 330 sets a new fuel record.

kilowatt hour of diesel plus 17 kilowatt hour Diesel Exhaust Fluid – DEF – the 7R 330 delivered an 8-kilowatt-hour-diesel plus 28-kilowatt-hour-DEF advantage as compared to the next-best competitor in the

horsepower class. That will help farmers and contractors reduce operating costs. Depending on local diesel and DEF prices, the result equates to hourly savings of about $1.80 to more than $2.40 in transport applications, or even

more compared to average tractorperformance figures. Both the John Deere 6250R and 7R 330 tractors performed the demanding PowerMix test at the DLG test center in GroßUmstadt, Germany, where individual test cycles are designed to replicate typical heavy and light transport work. Available since 2017, the 6R Series flagship 6250R tractor introduced John Deere’s new CommandPRO joystick. It provides as much as 300 horsepower when required, thanks to an engine boost of 50 horsepower with intelligent power management – more power than any other tractor in that weight class. Its extreme maximum permissible weight allows a 6.3-ton payload, which means the tractor is able to transport heavier loads. Launched at Agritechnica in 2019, the 7R 330 tractor also

features the CommandPRO joystick in a new luxury cab, along with enhanced Precision Ag technology features. It delivers a maximum power rating of 373 horsepower with Intelligent Power Management and an advantageous power-to-weight ratio of about 66 pounds per horsepower, which has a further positive impact on performance, acceleration and fuel consumption. Visit www.deere.com for more information. With 16 years experience behind him, award-winning agricultural journalist Chris McCullough is always on the hunt for his next story. He grew up on the family dairy farm in the heart of Northern Ireland and is based on the country’s east coast. He travels around the world – currently virtually – to bring readers international news.

Long Lasting Poly Conveyors

Wooden Single Chain Heavy Duty Conveyor

Available In 18”, 24” Or 36” widths • Bottom & Top Feed Delivery • Mix & Match “Wood & Poly” • Adjustable Inclines & Declines Up To 45 Degrees

• 1 1/4” Diameter Drive & Idler Shaft • Heavy Duty 2X12 Plank Floors • Mix & Match, “Wood & Poly” • Chain Tightens On Idler End And Drive End

Spring Loaded Idler Assembly

Poly Idler

KELLY MANUFACTURING. LLC Seymour, WI, Ph: 920-833-2045, Fax 920-833-9908

www.kellymanufacturing.com

Dealer Inquiries Welcome

A MIXER FOR EVERY OPERATION 147 – 1960 cu. ft. mixing capacities

VT: Vertical Twin-Auger

THE MOST COMPLETE MIXER LINE IN THE INDUSTRY

VS: Vertical Single-Auger

VXL: Triple-Auger Mixer

Botec: 4-Auger Mixer

RA: Reel Mixer

KUHN is committed to creating innovative mixers that will provide a quality ration and years of low-maintenance service. Farmers’ Implement Allenton D & D Farm Supply Arcadia Chili Implement Chili Cherokee Garage Colby Beaver Machine Coleman

INVEST IN QUALITY www.kuhn.com

Kalscheur Implement Cross Plains Komro Sales & Service Durand Hillsboro Equipment Hillsboro W.H. Lien Hixton Eron Equipment Junction City ®

Luxemburg Motor Co. Luxemberg Lulich Implement Mason Persha Equipment Mayville Lindstrom Equipment Mondovi East Side Farm Equipment Monroe

Frontier Ag & Turf Tesch Bros. Implement Carl F. Statz & Sons Osceola Seymour Waunakee Turtle Lake Riesterer & Schnell, Inc. Spiegelberg Implement Steinhart Farm Service Shawano Weyauwega Platteville Eis Implement Triebold Implement Gruett’s, Inc. Two Rivers Whitewater Potter KuhnNorthAmerica.com Gibbsville Implement Peabudy’s North Ed Priebe Sales & Service Waldo Pecatonica, IL Ripon

Visit your local Wisconsin KUHN Mixer Dealer today!

Thursday, April 1, 2021

www.agriview.com

Traditionally, molasses-based liquids feeds have been added to dairy rations for their ability to stick a ration together, preventing sorting and to increase the palatability of feeds. However, in recent years, research has shown that there are some real nutritional advantages to adding liquid sugars / molasses based blends to a dairy ration. Here’s what you should know about sugars in Westway Feed Product’s blends: • The sugars in molasses-based feeds are a fast degrading carbohydrate source, but compared to starch, these sugars are more rumen friendly. They do not decrease the rumen pH and do not contribute to the risk of subacute rumen acidosis. • This is partially because sugars ferment to butyrate, which is a VFA that has been linked to the growth and development of the rumen papilla. Additional and longer rumen papilla means that more nutrients can be absorbed out of the rumen and at a fast rate. • Another reason why sugars are rumen friendly is because they are a readily available energy source that the rumen microbes need to better utilize the soluble protein and fast degrading protein in a ration. This results in both improved nitrogen efficiency and microbial protein yield from the rumen.

Additional bottom line, dollars and cents contributions from molasses blends / liquid sugars: • Less shrink • Lend to consistent nutrient intake • Effective way to deliver smaller inclusion rate items like feed additives, drugs, fly control,vitamins and trace minerals • Eliminate bags

Quality you can count on! Westway tests and monitors the quality and consistency of the ingredients coming into our mills and the finished products that we produce. This ensures that they are meeting both our standards and our customer expectations. Feeding sugars creates a healthy, more efficient rumen, improves production, makes a more consistent TMR, reduces shrink, and overall can improve the bottom line.

• Sugars are also the preferred energy source of most of the fiber degrading rumen microbes resulting in increased NDF and ADF digestion when they are added into a ration. As a result, of the improved fiber digestion along with increased microbial protein yield, sugars have been shown to increase both milk production and component yields, especially when fed in place of starch.

Westway Feed Products LLC 14015 Park Dr., Ste. 104 • Tomball, TX 77377

1-800-800-7517 • www.westwayfeed.com

www.agriview.com

Thursday, April 1, 2021

LIQUID FEED • PROTEIN & MINERAL TUB SUPPLEMENTS

1-800-800-7517

www.westwayfeed.com

www.agriview.com

l y,

Squeeze Chutes

Ge nt

www.boumatic.com

tely ™

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

p le

ic k l y

www.boumaticrobotics.com

m d Co

For Safe Easy Handling

ECONOMY SQUEEZE CHUTE Handle the Largest to Smallest Animals with Safe, Quick, Easy Motion

DELUXE SQUEEZE CHUTE

Headgate choices: Self-catch/Automatic, Manual, Hydraulic. Formed Cleat Steel Floors with Slip resistant coating Split Top and Bottom Sides - Straight Side Squeeze

Chutes, Alleys, Tubs, Panels and More

Neptune Enterprises Richland Center, WI • www.Neptuneag.com

Dick Hauser 608-574-1688 800-272-7547

Cow Activity and Health Monitoring Systems

BouMatic RealTime Activity A health snapshot of your cows on time, anytime. • Activity – Ability to identify cows requiring a ing attention for servicing or for potential preventive tr e health treatment

Superior Agitation NRCS Pre-Approved Ramp Accessible Unlimited Storage Capacity No Maintenance 10” - 18” Wall Thickness Can Be Placed In or Out Of Ground

• IDs Anywhere – There is no need for the animal to walk through a parlor ID portal making it ideal for heifers and dry cows • Advanced Herd Management – Use with HerdMetrix™ to provide you flexibility in the reporting to your own management style • Accessible – Three ways to access information anywhere: app, smartphone and PC Visit our website for more product information.

U. S

Call Dennis at 920-948-9661 www.pippingconcrete.com

• Eating and Rumination Time – Monitors additional animal health parameters in relation to their feed intake behavior

• Waste Storage • Feed Storage • Anaerobic Digesters

• In Barn or Out Barn – The activity controller oller will read r any tag within 350ft (100m) for use in barn c n or central location. And using same controller it can read an ead any tag within 2500ft (750m) for out of barn n installations, installa great for dry/open pasture-based farms

. Co m p a

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Dairy company creates

INNOVATIVE PRODUCT CHRIS MCCULLOUGH For Agri-View‌

A dairy company has launched the first-ever formula milk to be sold in a premeasured-tab format. It’s aimed first at the United Kingdom market to be followed by other markets. Danone stated it’s introducing the format innovation in the UK in response to parent desires for greater convenience and ease when preparing formula milk. The company is producing the new tab format at its formula-milk-production facility in Wexford, Ireland, through a manufacturing partnership with Japanese food company Meiji. Feeding formula milk to babies is the option a lot of parents choose as Please SEE Innovative, Page 12

CONTRIBUTED

Anthony Bail and Graham Kelly, production operators, work to produce tablets of infant formula from milk at Danone’s facility in Wexford, Ireland.

We Service What We Sell!

DANONE

CONCRETE · BUILDINGS · REMODELING COW COMFORT · VENTILATION · CURTAINS MANURE AND FEED HANDLING · PARTS AND SERVICE

www.CowComfortZone.com · N260 State Hwy 55 · Kaukauna, WI · 800-236-0603

Thursday, April 1, 2021

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Now g Buildrin amed SteelilFdings! Bu

MPB BUILDERS 654 E. Oshkosh St. • Ripon, WI 54971

SEE THE DIFFERENCE! In the heart of potato country. Serving all of Agriculture.

Demo’s Available

FROM PLANNING TO COMPLETION • Commercial

Your Dealer for:

• Agricultural • Hobbies

Theirs

• Suburban

Ours

• Building Packages & Material

Sand County Equipment, LLC Paul Cieslewicz Owner

Shop: (715) 335-6652 • Fax: (715) 335-6653 Cell: (715) 498-6651 8364 Monica Road, P.O. Box 228 Bancroft, WI 54921 E-mail: paul@sandcountyequipment.com

• Residential Metal Roofing

Your industry leader in post frame construction

Servicing all makes of equipment

www.sandcountyequipment.com

800-782-9632

www.mpbbuilders.com

LET US TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEED. You have a lot of things to deal with on your farm. We’re here to make sure your seed isn’t one of them and have products available to help you get results. Visit renkseed.com or contact us at 1-800-BUY RENK to learn more.

We’re ready to help with your spring planting needs.

Dealership Opportunities Available

www.agriview.com

Seven Oaks HD is an underground construction contractor specializing in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and Land Improvements BENEFITS OF USING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING INSTALLATION INCLUDE: ■ ■ ■

■

Continuation of Normal Operation Avoidance of identified Infrastructure Installation Maintain Integrity of Driveway, Roadways, Buildings, and Natural Features Little to No Disturbance to Wetlands or Other Sensitives Areas Many Unique Installation Capabilities Vs. Open Cutting/ Digging (Entering under Buildings or Tanks) Minimal Site Restoration

PRODUCT INSTALLATION ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Gas Lines Power Wire/ Lines Communication/ Fiber Optic Water Lines/ Water Mains Drainage/ Tile Lines Forced/ On Grade Sewer Manure Transfer Lines

Land Improvements Drain Tile Design/Installation Ditch Cleaning & Grading Fenceline Clearing Changing weather and higher inputs got you down? Using Drain Tile to manage excess moisture in the soil profile is the foundation for increasing profitability per acre. - Less compaction - Better soil Structure - Allows more days per year for field operations - More Yields with same or less inputs

Call Us to Discuss Your Project Now! Chad Van Asten

Jon Lamers

920-450-2844 920-378-5163 www.SevenOaksteam.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Innovative From Page 9

the alternative to breastfeeding. But preparing formula, often one-handed with a baby in the other arm, can be quite messy. The new tab format eases that pressure; it dissolves easily, with one tab equal to one standard scoop of powdered formula. The new premeasured-tab format will be made available in packs of 24 sachets, with each sachet containing five tabs. “Breastmilk is the gold standard when it comes to feeding babies,” said Gustavo Hildenbrand, general manager of Danone specialized nutrition in the UK and Ireland. “But if parents feel they need to move on from breastmilk, they tell us they’re looking for ways to make a formula-milk feed simpler and more convenient. “According to research conducted in 2018 with more than 1,300 UK mums, ‘convenient for feeding-on-the-go’ was the second-most important criteria mums cited. Close to a third of those surveyed (31 percent) also said they looked for greater convenience when preparing a formula feed. We hope bringing to market formula milk in a premeasured-tab format will offer added convenience and support for formula-feeding parents, especially in the ‘new normal’ when parents are often stretched and trying to juggle balancing family and work-life from home.” Besides allowing for more-accurate measurement and less wasted formula, the new format helps provide extra reassurance – in particular for parents who favor formats that emphasize hygiene. The exclusive memorandum of understanding between Danone and Meiji covers the production of the format innovation, through which Danone is combining its formula-milk recipes with Meiji’s patented tab-production technology. “At Danone we’ve seen how in other food categories, like coffee and culinary stocks, introducing portion-controlled and dosed formats has been a game changer for consumers, who look for more convenience and ease,” said Jean-Michel Lequin, director of Danone’s formulamilk-production facility in Wexford, Ireland. “That’s why we’ve worked with Meiji to set up a production line … Producing formula milks at Danone’s facility in Wexford, that uses Meiji’s tab-production technology, also reflects Danone’s conviction that the health of people and the planet are interconnected … it helps reduce our carbon footprint.” Visit www.danone.com for more information.

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Take maize trip

BACK

IN TIME

www.agriview.com

Your vision. Our expertise. GEA has the knowledge and experience to make your dairy’s robotic dreams a reality. Let’s get started together — today.

LAUREN QUINN

University of Illinois‌

Corn didn’t start out as the powerhouse crop it now is. For most of the thousands of years it was undergoing domestication and improvement, corn grew humbly within the limits of what the environment and smallholder farmers could provide. For its fertilizer needs, early corn made friends with nitrogen-fixing soil microbes by leaking an enticing sugary cocktail from its roots. The genetic recipe for the cocktail was handed down from parent to offspring to ensure just the right microbes came out to play. LAUREN But then the Green RevoQUINN lution changed everything. Breeding tools improved dramatically, leading to faster-growing, better-yielding hybrids than the world had ever seen. And synthetic-fertilizer application became de rigueur. That’s the moment corn left its old microbe friends behind, according to new research from the University of Illinois. And it hasn’t gone back. “Increasing selection for aboveground traits, in a soil setting where we removed all reliance on microbial functions, degraded microbial sustainability traits,” said Angela Kent, professor in the University of Illinois-Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and co-author of a new study in the International Society of Microbial Ecology Journal. “In other words over the course of half a century, corn breeding altered its microbiome in unsustainable ways.” Kent, along with co-authors Alonso Please SEE Maize, Page 14

Take a virtual tour of our robot barns Explore virtual barn layouts in 3D Watch our robot herd management videos Follow a cow’s full lactation, including calving, robot training, breeding, herd health checks and dry-off

DairyRobot R9500 box-style robot

DairyProQ robot rotary

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

www.agriview.com

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Corn’s aerial roots help recruit nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Favela and Martin Bohn, found modern corn varieties recruit fewer “good” microbes – those that fix nitrogen in the soil and make it available for crops to take up – than earlier varieties. Instead, throughout the past several decades of crop improvement, corn has been i n c rea s i n g ly re c r u i t i n g “ b a d ” microbes. Those microbes help synthetic-nitrogen fertilizers and other sources of nitrogen escape the soil, either as potent greenhouse gases or in water-soluble forms that eventually land in the Gulf of Mexico to contribute to oxygen-starved “dead zones.” “When I was first analyzing our results I got a little disheartened,” said Favela, first author on the study and a doctoral student in the University of Illinois-Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology. “I was kind of sad we had such a huge effect on this plant and the whole ecosystem, and we had no idea we were even doing it. We disrupted the very root of the plant.” To learn how the corn microbiome has changed, Favela recreated the history of cornbreeding from 1949

to 1986 by planting a chronological sequence of 20 off-patent maize lines in a greenhouse. “We have access to expired patentprotected lines that were created during different time periods and environmental conditions,” he said. “We used that understanding to travel back in time and look at how the associated microbiome was changing chronologically.” As a source of microbes, Favela inoculated the pots with soil from a local agricultural field that hadn’t been planted with corn or soybeans for at least two years. Once the plants were 36 days old, he sequenced the microbial deoxyribonucleic acid – DNA – he collected from soil adhering to the roots. “We characterized the microbiome and microbial functional genes related to transformations that occur in the nitrogen cycle – nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification,” he said. “We found more-recently developed maize lines recruited fewer microbial groups capable of sustainable nitrogen provisioning and more Please SEE Maize, Page 16

FARM | EQUESTRIAN | HOBBY | COMMERCIAL

It lasts a lifetime. Plan it right. We Are your Turn Key General Contractor for Wisconsin. Doing Robotic Renovation & New Construction

At Lester Buildings, we expect our buildings to last forever. That’s why we craft the perfect plan with you, before the foundation gets laid. Call us today and enjoy your Lester experience for a lifetime.

1222 Mount View Lane, Athens, WI 54411 Web: sdellenbecker.com Contact Dean @ 715-581-6408 or Jim @ 715-581-6433

LESTERBUILDINGS.COM

S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. located in Athens WI has been serving Agri business for over 50 years. We offer a complete turnkey operation including but not limited to excavation, concrete, building, ventilation and some manure handling equipment. S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. prides itself by self-performing the majority of the work on each project and by working with the top of the line subcontractors throughout the State of Wisconsin if needed. A lot of our employees have either been raised on farms or currently farm themselves. So. we at S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. understand the wants and needs of Agri business. We offer years of experience to help your projects stay within budget and on time. We are a licensed Lester Buildings Dealer. This brand of fully engineered post frame building offer unmatched designs and capabilities for the Agri business. We offer steel framed buildings as well. We manufacture and sell Sheahan Manure Augers. We are a dealer for VES ventilation for all your ventilation needs. We are also a PRO-MAT dealer for all your cow comfort needs. We offer N-tech manure handling along with Berg Equipment. S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. concrete capabilities are truly unlimited with past projects ranging from manure pits, feed pads, barn yards, calf barns, cow barns, pit parlors, carousel parlors to robotic dairies. S.D. Ellenbecker is truly your complete concrete contractor. We have a long list of past clients who feel comfortable having S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. do their projects year after year. Our goal is to make sure the owners are completely happy with their investments. S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. understands planning projects are one of the most important parts to a project. We take a lot of pride in working side by side with the farm management team to ensure a smooth running project. So, for all your Agri Business building and construction needs contact S.D. Ellenbecker Inc. today. Through teamwork we can achieve anything!

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

www.agriview.com

Maize From Page 14

microbes that contribute to nitrogen losses.” Kent said that breeding focused on aboveground traits – especially in a soil context flooded with synthetic-nitrogen fertilizers – may have tweaked the sugary cocktail roots exude to attract microbes. “Through that time period breeders weren’t selecting for maintenance of microbial functions like nitrogen fixation and nitrogen mineralization because

we had replaced all those functions with agronomic management,” she said. “As we started selecting for aboveground features like yield and other traits, we were inadvertently selecting against microbial sustainability and even actively selecting for unsustainable microbiome features such as nitrification and denitrification.” Now that it’s clear something has changed, it’s possible breeders can bring good microbes back in corn hybrids of the future. Bohn, corn breeder and associate professor in the University of Please SEE Maize, Page 18

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Alonso Favela shows the root system of one of the plants he’s experimenting on; he’s looking at how plants alter their root micro-community systems with the goal of making crops more sustainable. He seeks to understand how plants interact below ground and how they use nutrients. ‘A big goal of it, actually, is to make plants that produce less nutrient pollution,’ he says, referring to the nitrogen runoff caused by growing corn, which causes widespread nutrient pollution and wreaks havoc ecologically. ‘If we want to maintain this system we actually have to start focusing on how the plant does it below-ground.’

Application isn’t just our business. It’s our everything. Heartland AG Systems Equipment manufactures application support products and accessories designed to meet your application needs. As the industry’s leading application experts, we understand the importance of high quality, durable equipment that producesreliable application performance and productivity. Our industry-leading expertise goes into every product we build: Tenders, Fertilizer Spreaders, Liquid Trailers, Liquid Applicators, and more.

AG1000

SC1200

DC3000

AG600 - HC *Standard Option Avail.

AG800 *High Clearance Option Avail.

AGX10 *High Clearance Option Avail.

MT700-TA

MT900-TA

MT600-TA

4180 Reardon Road DeForest, WI 53532 Phone: (800) 523-2350 AG6400

Brute II Bumper

| www.heartlandag.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

www.agriview.com

Which Barn is Best For Your Herd?

Maize

Starwood Rafter Uses:

From Page 16

Illinois-Department of Crop Sciences, said he thinks it’s very possible to “rewild” the corn microbiome. The answer lies in teosinte, a wild grass most people would need to squint hard at to imagine as the parent of modern corn. Like wild things everywhere, teosinte evolved in the rich context of an entire ecosystem. It formed close relationships with other organisms, including soil microbes that made soil nutrients easier for the plant to access. Bohn said it should be possible to find teosinte genes responsible for creating the root cocktail that attracts nitrogenAngela Kent fixing microbes. Then it’s just a matter of introducing those genes into novel corn hybrids. “I never thought we would go back to teosinte because it’s so far removed from what we want in our current agricultural landscape,” he said. “But it may hold the key not only for encouraging these microbial associations; it also may help

corn withstand climate change and other stresses. We actually need to go back to teosinte and start investigating what we left behind so we can bring back these important functions.” Bringing back the ability for corn to recruit its own nitrogen-fixation system would allow producers to apply less nitrogen fertilizer, leading to less nitrogen loss from the system overall. “Farmers don’t always know how much nitrogen they will need so historically they’ve dumped as much as possible onto the fields,” Bohn said. “If we bring these characteristics back into corn, it might be easier for them to start rethinking the way they manage nitrogen.” Kent said a little change could go a long way. Please SEE Maize, Page 20

Birds just love this barn. The webs in these trusses are easy nest areas for birds. They also restrict air flow which leads to poor ventilation and moisture buildup in the building.

• Pole Sheds • Free Stalls • Pavilion Shelters • Machinery Storage • Riding Arena

• Spans up to 72 ft. • Stronger. Can be spaced up to 12 feet apart depending on the load you desire • Bird Nesting Control • Better Ventilation & Visibility The arched rafters create a more open barn • No Feed Alley allowing better ventilation. Also since there are no open webs in the trusses, there are Post Obstruction no places for birds to nest. • Additional Ceiling WWW. Height starwoodrafters.com

W24141 Starwood Lane Independence, WI 54747

CALL TOLL FREE:

888-525-5878

WE’RE DAIRYLAND SEED PROUD OF THESE RESULTS IN 2020 UW CORN GRAIN TRIALS! Hybrid

Rank

DS-3193AM

Zone

Location

Yield

Plot Avg

Adv

1 of 64 Northern

5-Loc Avg

*241 bu/a

211

DS-3193AM

1 of 64 Northern

COL

*282 bu/a

227

DS-3193AM

1 of 64 Northern

MAR

*231 bu/a

204

DS-3193AM

1 of 64 Northern

SPI

*235 bu/a

213

DS-3193AM

2 of 64 Northern

SPD

*245 bu/a

222

DS-3193AM

2 of 64 Northern

SPS

*210 bu/a

189

DS-3366AM

1 of 64 Northern

SPS

*213 bu/a

189

DS-3366AM

2 of 64 Northern

5-Loc Avg

*231 bu/a

211

DS-3366AM

2 of 64 Northern

MAR

*230 bu/a

204

DS-3366AM

1 of 51

North Central-Early

CHP

*280 bu/a

247

DS-3366AM

1 of 51

North Central-Early

MAR

*219 bu/a

201

DS-3345AM

3 of 51 North Central-Early

MAR

*216 bu/a

201

DS-3810Q

3 of 49 North Central-Late

CHP

*284 bu/a

261

DS-4318AM

2 of 47 Southern-Early

ARL

*292 bu/a

261

DS-4878AM

1 of 55 Southern-Late

MON

*289 bu/a

233

* Hybrids that performed statistically similar to the highest hybrid in the trial.

Visit DairylandSeed.com for more excellent results.

(800) 236-0163

DairylandSeed.com

/DairylandSeed

@DairylandSeed

/DairylandSeed

Contact your local Dairyland Seed district sales manager for more information: KEVIN NAZE Northeast WI (920) 309-0255 ----RYAN DURRANT Northcentral WI (715) 467-1770 TM

BILL GAUSMAN Northwest WI (715) 684-9755 ----TREVOR KNUTSON Northwest WI (715) 307-2779

STEVE VANDENPLAS Eastern WI (920) 366-6322 ----BRIAN GRADE Central WI (920) 948-7223

CRAIG ROBINSON Western WI (715) 491-0707 ----LUKE BIRD Southeast WI (262) 206-4729

RYAN RIPP Southcentral WI (608) 338-5582 ----MONTY BURNS Southwest WI (563) 329-0301

CHAD BUTTS Southern WI (608) 290-3191

LOYAL FARM EQUIPMENT

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

VIEW FULL CATALOG • PRICES • CLOSEST DEALER

www.loyal-roth.com Flex-Hutch

Calf Hutches

Ultra Flex-Pen

Group Hutch

NEW

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Martin Bohn’s maize-breeding program at the University of Illinois focuses on developing improved maize germplasm that contributes to an economically efficient and sustainable maize production under restricted and “organic” growing conditions. He develops and employs innovative high-throughput phenotyping tools, quantitative genetic theory, and deep genomic information to study the genetic basis of biotic and abiotic stress responses, root development, and grain processing in maize.

Poly Scrapers

Geyer and Hosaja Mats and Rolled Mats

Maize From Page 18

“If we could reduce nitrogen losses by even 10 percent across the growing region of the Midwest, that would have huge consequences for the environmental conditions in the Gulf of Mexico,” she said. The article, “Maize germplasm chronosequence shows crop breeding history impacts recruitment of the rhizosphere microbiome,” is published in the International Journal of Microbial Ecology Journal. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences as well as the Department of Crop Sciences are in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.

Single-Chain Elevator

Vinyl-Strip Door

MFG Co.

P.O. Box 40 Loyal, WI 54446

FREE 90 Page Printed Catalog

1-800-472-2341 E-mail: info@loyal-roth.com

Rugged Equipment ... Priced Right ... Since 1956!

www.agriview.com

Your Mineral Solution Partner

Minerals

Essential elements for grow th

UltraCal 90 UltraCal Blend Gypsum Custom Blends Application Services

800.236.7737

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

At GLC Minerals, we look forward to being your trusted mineral solution partner. As producers strive for increased yields and improved production on their operations, soil health has become a key factor in achieving that success. One of the most important components of soil health is balancing soil pH. Soil pH can become acidic from acid parent material, utilization of nitrogen fertilizers, and from bases removed by crops. Research has shown there can be significant yield loss in row crop and hay production when the pH is at a 5.8 as compared to a 7.0. Abal anced pH helps with macro and micronutrient availability, reduces fertilizer waste, improves crop establishment and microbial activity, and provides a strong return on investment. GLC Minerals, located in Green Bay, currently offers two mined lime products that growers can utilize in their operation for pH adjustment. UltraCal lime is a high calcium, finely ground lime with a Neutralizing Index (NI) of 96. UltraCal has a 37% calcium content and less than 1% magnesium content. UltraCal is a perfect fit for soils needing to improve calcium content and needing pH adjustment. GLC Minerals’ 90 UltraCal Blend Aglime offers the benefit of a high elemental Calcium input, (34) when the soil can support a little extra elemental Magnesium, (3.5). Blended from GLC’s source UltraCal High Calcium and InstaLime, 90 UltraCal Blend is finely ground and retains a Neutralizing Index of over 100! Both the UltraCal and 90 UltraCal Blend have over 98% passing through a 60 mesh screen, which will result in a fast pH adjustment. The high NI values of our products allows for reduced application rates as compared to a 60-69 lime, which can reduce your cost per acre. UltraCal and 90 UltraCal Blend are cost-effective and typically significantly more affordable than similar pelletized lime products. In order to better serve our growing customer base, GLC Minerals has expanded into application services. Now growers are able to have UltraCal and 90 UltraCal Blend delivered and applied to their fields at rates requested by the customer. Allow us to help with making recommendations; whether you are looking to purchase and pick up products in Green Bay, or would like product delivered and spread, please give GLC Minerals a call today.

BUILD BETTER. BUILD STRONGER.

BUILD TO LAST. START OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOTING

Insist your Builder use a Concrete Foundation

PERMANENT FOUNDATIONS Since 2004, Midwest Perma-Column® has been leading the way with a permanent foundation system combining the durability of precast concrete with the value of post-frame construction. The Perma-Column® solution is a patented design that elevates wood out of the ground via a steel bracket atop a precast concrete foundational pier. Treated wood posts and columns have their place in postframe construction but do not always serve the long-term needs of the customer. Challenging soil conditions can adversely impact the useful service life of wood columns. Poured concrete is an enduring solution but comes with a premium in materials and labor.

Wood in the ground will rot. Concrete will not. Perma-Column® elevates wood out of the ground, so your post-frame building will last for generations – guaranteed.

The Perma-Column® System

Permanent post-frame foundations

Sturdi-WallTM Brackets

Drill set for cured foundations

Sturdi-Wall PlusTM Brackets Wet set for poured foundations

Recognizing that wood columns in the ground have In addition, comparative-strength testing at the Unilimitations, savvy consumers are driving market demand for versity of Wisconsin and Purdue University found permanent solutions. Consumers want their investment— they outperformed industry-standard wood columns. and their structure—to be long-lasting. The Perma-Column® family of post-frame products Perma-Column® offers many advantages for consumers. includes Sturdi-Wall® anchor brackets for new Guaranteed to last for generations, Perma-Column® construction, repairs, and renovations. And for deck protects a homeowner’s investment for years to come. It construction, Perma- Column® precast deck posts provides the strength of concrete without the expense of a use the same groundbreaking design as the postcontinuous-pour concrete foundation. It eliminates the cost frame foundation system. of repairing or replacing damaged wood in the future. Chemically treated wood can contaminate soil; PermaColumn® precast columns are environmentally friendly, containing no toxic chemicals. The precast columns are three times stronger than concrete and install easily using existing construction methods.

800-798-5562 | www.midwestpermacolumn.com

Progressive builders are meeting the growing demands of consumers by offering a range of foundation solutions.

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

With over 40 years experience, Wisconsin Silos is the most complete builder of concrete silos in the United States. From pouring the footing, to fixing the accessories, unloaders, feeders, conveyors, silo pipes, silo distributors & silo chutes. 3700 Post Rd., Plover, WI 1-800-472-9202 • 715-570-0069 wisilos@gmail.com www.wisconsinsilos.com

WE DO IT ALL!

NEED A STORAGE BUILDING OR BARN? Protect your valuables and equipment!

N14685 Copenhaver Ave., Stanley, WI 54768 (715) 644-0765 Fax: (715) 644-4931 • 26 ga. 16” Snap-Loc • 28 ga. G-100, 40 year • 29 ga. G-60, 30 year • Silverline Windows • CHI Overhead Doors • Plyco Service Doors

We specialize in complete post frame building packages. Call us for a quote or stop in and we will help you design. We rollform steel panels to exact length. All our steel panels & custom trims are manufactured in Stanley, WI

You need a Northland building!

Quality buildings at a fair price, built tough... for the north land!

BUY DIRECT!! We Manufacture !!!!

1-800-736-4510

Reliable, experienced builders since 1994

northlandbuildings.com

Don’t get us

Proudly Manufactured in the USA in Dorchester, Wisconsin

with the rest...

WE ARE THE BEST!

MS400 Twin Twister

MS485 Twin Twister

The Twin Twister Vertical Beater is both versatile and tough, and offers a superior spread pattern. Built by BERMA, a world leader in vertical beater attachments and gearboxes.

MS570 Twin Twister

LESS Soil Compaction • LESS Fuel Consumption • LESS Time & Labor Phone 715.654.5200 • Fax 715.654.5558 • www.emcspreaders.com

www.agriview.com

Virtual Farm Show April 2021

Dopp Agency Joey Dopp

Now licensed in wi, MN, ia, Mi & il

Agent High Capacity Fenceline Feedbunk

• At 20" Deep It's The Largest Bunk On the Market • At 3600 Lbs Per 8'-0" Section It's The Heaviest Bunk

CREST Precast, Inc.

La Crescent, MN - Barneveld, WI 1-800-658-9045 • Professional Design, Manufacturing and Contracting • Innovative Products for the Successful Dairy Business • S.C.S. Approved Storage Tanks • U.S.D.A. Accepted Precast Parlor Walls • Bunk Feeders • Water Tanks • Reception Tanks • Slotted Floors • Bunker Silos

LUBRICANTS Our objective has always been quality, performance and value. We offer lubricants for all your farm needs. AGRICULTURAL PROPANE Power your farm essentials with a clean-burning, easy-to-use, reliable fuel! • Grain dryer • Heating and hot water • Irrigation engines • Power your equipment AGRICULTURAL FUEL • Fuel Contracting • Tank Monitoring • Storage Tanks, Dispensing Systems, and Premium Diesel Fuel

Lomira - Ripon Fond du Lac - Freisland (800) 231-0006 coleoilandpropane.com

From the barn to the field, we’ve got you covered

402 E Main Street, P.O. Box 178 Wautoma, WI 54982-8119 Bus 920 787 3775 Fax 920 787 2172 joey.dopp.e1c4@statefarm.com

ia il

LIFE - FARM - AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.

1-800-662-8356

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SALES 1130 Elizabeth Street Green Bay, WI 54302 920-437-0947 fax 920-437-1078

COMMERCIAL GRADE LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT FOR COW TOWELS • • • • • •

Less expensive than paper towels More dependable than home equipment More efficient – saves on water and gas Larger sizes – do more in less time Longer life – up to 10+ years 3/5 year warranty

Feeding your fields can take a toll on your equipment. Manure is a heavy high stress inducing load that puts high strain on your spreader, not to mention it rusts whatever it touches. That’s why Penta’s Hagedorn spreaders use high strength poly boards, galvanized end and push gates, to stand up to the loads and fight rust. So you can feed your fields for years to come.

FINANCE NOW THROUGH

WE MAKE IT EASY!

June 30, 2021 LOW RATE FINANCE

SEE YOUR H&S DEALER AND MAKE YOUR BEST DEAL ON A 2100 & 3100 SERIES

ACTION RAKE* THEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF H&S FINANCE’S LOW RATE INTEREST!

*AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS

0$500 .9% or

CASHBACK

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER MODELS! H&S Finance is offered through an agreement between DLL Finance and H&S Manufacturing Co., Inc. All financing by H&S Finance is in its sole discretion, subject to credit review, approval, and other terms & conditions.