Farm & Home 2016

FARM & HOME 2016

EQUIPMENT

IMPROVEMENT

FARM & HOME | EXPENSES

Choosing Equipment

D

epending on the acreage of your farm, choosing the right equipment can be a numbers game. Equipment that is too small can hinder your progress in the field, while oversized machinery can be too expensive.

The key to toeing the line between equipment that is too small or large for your farm is understanding your specific needs.

WHERE TO FIND EQUIPMENT Before you settle on your next equipment purchase, first determine whether you will be buying new or used. Check your local newspaper for ads from equipment dealers and head to your local farm auctions. You may be able to find a quality used item that could save you thousands of dollars in the long run compared to buying new.

2 FARM & HOME 2016

Lean on your local farming association or organization, as well. Other farmers are your best friend when it comes to finding out the best types of equipment, fair market value and sellers trying to unload their equipment.

Find farmers who are operating farms at sizes comparable to yours. This approach can be the most practical way to start the buying process.

NEGOTIATE YOUR PURCHASES Let’s say you opt for a used two-row cultivator from your local machinery dealer. Remember that buying farm equipment is just like

buying a car — you should never pay full price. Don’t be afraid to pull out your negotiation skills to get the best deal possible.

If a dealer is offering numerous rebates and dis-counts on new machinery, ask what they can do to help your final price on used equipment.

It always counts to research ahead of time to see what price range your equipment will likely fall into. Always stick with your budget goals, even if negotiating is required.

SPREAD OUT YOUR PURCHASES If you plan to buy multiple pieces

of equipment, it may make the most sense to spread out your purchases over time. This can not only lessen the financial burden, but also can make it possible to find various deals throughout your buying cycle.

Farmers just starting their operations should plan to buy basic equipment initially and save the specialized items for the future, once the business has been established. Have a good under-standing of your farm’s strategies in regards to which crops you will grow and what kind of work is required on the land. This will help you prioritize your equipment purchases.

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FARM & HOME 2016 3

FARM & HOME | MAINTENANCE

S

Tractor Maintenance pring is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. They use their tractors heavily during this time period to plant new crops and tend to field maintenance.

One of the best ways to cut down on your tractor time is to make sure your equipment is up to par. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire pres-sure checks and spark plug replacements can both extend the life of your tractor and help you get more quality performance out of it.

Your tractor and similar equipment likely came equipped with an hour meter to help you track and perform routine services. There are even diagnostic tools that you can plug into your tractor to help you stay ahead of impending maintenance and repairs.

4 FARM & HOME 2016

You also can create a spread-sheet on your computer detail-ing the date you performed the service and any steps you had to take that may have been out of the ordinary. (This will help you save time trying to figure it out for a second time.)

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS One small issue with your tractor’s engine can mean big problems this spring. Keeping an eye on the smaller pieces of your machine can help pre-

vent this from happening. Check for leaks or worn hoses on your tractor through a visual inspection.

It’s also a great time for checking your tractor’s safety features. These include turn indicators and your neutral start switch. All of these tasks may seem minor, but there are a lot of moving parts on a tractor. Maintaining all of them is crucial to ensuring a long lifespan for your machine.

GAS & OIL Maintaining high-quality gas and oil in your mower is critical to its

performance. When changing the oil, always remember to: • Change it when the engine is warm; • Use the easy-to-open push-pull drain plug and plastic hose, if your tractor came equipped with one; • If the engine has an oil filter, apply some oil onto the rubber sealing gasket before installation; and • Always use a funnel or oil spout when adding new oil, and be careful not to overfill.

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WE RENT WHAT YOU NEED to make your farm a success LARGE OR SMALL! •Augers 4" - 36" 1 man, 2 man and hydraulic •Excavators •Hydraulic Bush Hogs •Jack hammers air and electric •Rock drills •Stump grinders •Cut off saws •Light towers •Plumbing snakes •Pressure washers •Trenchers •Dump trailers •Tillers •Mini Skidsteer •Bobcat track loaders

As a state legislator I want to do everything I can to support our local farmers.

My ear is always open to concerns our farmers have or ideas they want to present.

Come by or call my office any time.

Representative Jonathan Jordan NC House of Representatives

(1) $0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 36 months on purchases of new Kubota equipment (excluding VS Series) is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 6/30/2016. Example: A 36-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 36 payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 6/30/2016. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information.

(15) Payments of $119 per month on new Kubota Z100 Series based on sales price of $3899 at $0 down, 0% A.P.R. for 36 months. Financing available from Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Payments do not include implements, freight, delivery, or taxes where applicable. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 6/30/2016. See dealership for details and other low-rate finance options.

TRACTOR

420 Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-733-7727 District 93 Office Ashe/Watauga Counties 409-D S. Main Street Jefferson, NC 28694 336-846-1657 Member of the NC Christmas Tree Association Paid for by Committee to Elect Jonathan Jordan

JEFFERSON

RENT-ALL, INC. 336-846-8136 427 S. Main St. • Jefferson, NC 28640 www.jeffersonrentall.com

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FARM & HOME | MAINTENANCE

Riding Mower Maintenance

H

ow much time do you devote to mowing your lawn every week?

One of the best ways to cut down on your cutting time is to make sure your riding mower is up to par. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire pressure checks and spark plug replacements can both extend the life of your mower and help you get more quality performance out of your machine. Your mower may have come equipped with an hour meter to help you track and perform routine services. If not, create a spreadsheet on your computer detailing the date you performed the service and any steps you had to take that may have been out of the ordinary.

DECK MAINTENANCE One small issue with your deck’s alignment can mean uneven and unsightly lines across your yard. Always check to see if your deck is level and property affixed to the mower. Follow the owner’s manual to remove and sharpen your blades, as well as to inspect drive belts or clean the underside of your deck. All of these actions will leave your mower in outstanding shape, no matter what part of mowing season it is.

GAS & OIL Using high-quality gas and oil in your mower is critical to its performance. When changing the oil, always remember to: • Change it when the engine is warm; • Use the easy-to-open push-pull drain plug and plastic hose, if your mower came equipped with one; you maybe able to change your push mower’s oil by dumping it on its side — obviously not so for your riding mower; • If the engine has an oil filter, apply some oil onto the rubber sealing gasket before installation; and • Always use a funnel or oil spout when adding new oil and be careful not to overfill.

FARM & HOME 2016 7

FARM & HOME | FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Kitchen Renovations

R

eturn on investment (ROI) is one of the most important aspects of home improvement, especially if you plan to sell your home within the next five to 10 years.

Many homeowners may choose to nix the ROI factor because they plan to stay in their home for life. They make every home improvement decision based on their needs and preferences.

For those with more moves in their future, ROI is more important and should be strongly considered before anything is removed, replaced or restructured.

The trick is understanding which parts of your remodel will offer you the greatest return on your financial investment. You probably won’t make back the $5,000 put into a home theater room in your basement, but you may still be OK with spending the money because you’ll get many great

8 FARM & HOME 2016

years of use out of it.

If there is remodeling in your future, consider what is selling in your local real estate market. Talk to Realtors and stay up to date on current buyer trends. Doing so will keep your home improvement decisions on track.

SMART KITCHEN RENOVATIONS The annual cost vs. value report from Remodeling magazine routinely finds that kitchens are the first room homebuyers consider when looking at homes. They also return about 66 percent of initial investments, accord-

ing to the most recent report.

Improvements such as ceramic tile floors or new countertops in the kitchen are at the top of the list of smart remodeling upgrades. Refinish your cabinets if they are structurally sound, and consider upgrading your appliances.

Steps like this can help improve the value of your kitchen and home.

QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS Quartz is all the rage in the kitchen remodeling space as more homeowners look to incorporate natural items into their homes.

Here are the main benefits of a quartz countertop: • Nonporous surface that doesn’t allow bacteria from food or drink spills to grow; • Resistance to heat, providing you a functional prep and serving space; and • Resistance to scratches to accommodate the activities of a busy family kitchen.

Quartz is also great for enhancing your home’s over-all design. Its natural color gradation and patterns lend it to be paired with bold, modern decorative accents in your design strategy.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home.

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Visit our showroom right off 321 in the heart of Boone to see how we can make your kitchen exceptional. From a full line of semi-custom Wellborn cabinets to suit all budgets, quartz and concrete countertops and full in-house installation services, we’ve got you covered.

190 Southgate Dr • Suite 14 • Boone, NC 828-386-1905: Office Hours 828-773-1191: Any Hours www.capehartandwashburn.com

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FARM & HOME | BACKYARD PROJECTS

A

Building A Deck

dding a deck to your backyard can turn it into an outdoor oasis. With the proper measurements and tools, the project can be wrapped up over the course of a couple of weekends.

You’ll need a general understanding of how a deck is structured, so do your research. Will it be a simple, single-level deck? Or do you want to incorporate various raised areas for patio furniture or a grill?

Once you build your deck, don’t forget the finishing touches, such as solar post lights or lightblocking canopies that attach to your home. The final appearance of your deck is limited only to your imagination.

Here’s what you’ll need: • Circular saw • Drill • Posthole digger • Decking screws • Concrete mix • Level

10 FARM & HOME 2016

Pressure-Treated Lumber: 2X8X10 (joists) 2X10X10 (beams) 2X8X8 (decking) 4X4X8 (posts)

BUILDING YOUR DECK 1. First carefully measure your deck area to determine the amount of lumber and materials you will need. Diligent measurements will mean less waste in the end and a more efficient process.

2. Mark your deck’s foundation and footing post locations with spray paint. This prep work will help you quickly dig holes for the deck’s ground support.

3. Dig footer holes 36 inches into the ground.

Then mix and pour concrete into the holes with

posts. Let the concrete set for at least one day. Some manufacturers recommend a week.

4. Cut 2X10s to the length of the deck and secure it to your posts. These will serve as the main beams.

5. Mark, cut and secure joists to run between the beams. Deck boards will connect to the joists.

6. Lay the deck boards. Remember to leave a gap between boards for expansion and contraction.

Insert two screws at every joist, counter-sinking the screws to prevent unsightly or potentially dangerous screw heads from popping up.

7. For the railing, measure and install posts every six feet along the side of the deck. Bolt the posts to the outer joists. Cut the rails to size and install between the railing posts.

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FARM & HOME | PAINTING

Exterior Painting Tips

W

orn-down wood? Chipped siding? Rain-damaged panels? It may be time to invest in a little exterior painting to liven up your home’s exterior.

Slapping on some new, bright color to the outside of your house can add immediate curb appeal and value, as well as protection from the rain, snow and other elements.

The project can be expensive if you choose to hire professionals, while it can be tedious, timeconsuming and logistically difficult for the average homeowner to take on.

PREP THE PROJECT If a home’s exterior has damage, such as rotting wood or deteriorated window trim, you should consider replacing it before the painting process begins. You may as well spend a little extra time and money completing prepping your home for its new

12 FARM & HOME 2016

paint job to get full value out of the improvement.

Also, if you’re changing from siding to paint, you will have to either remove it yourself or be prepared to pay extra to have it taken care of professionally.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR Your best bet in choosing color is picking one similar to your present exterior color. This will ensure the least amount of coats, therein saving you time and money in the process.

If you’re thinking about pulling a complete 180, be sure to consider your existing landscaping, foundation color and even neighborhood color scheme before settling on a final color.

If you plan on re-selling your home in the com-

ing years, an earth-toned color may be your best bet in keeping things neutral for when your home hits the market.

SPRAY OR HAND-PAINTED? The technique you decide to use can play a major factor in the final product looking good. Most paint companies you will find prefer to spray, which saves them time and money.

Check with prospective contractors to see how much they will charge for hand-painting. They may ask for more based on the added amount of time it would take to complete the project, but the final result may be worth it.

TOTAL HOME CARE Spring Clean-Up Time!

• Firewood Available • Limbs/Leaf Removal • Trimming

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TODAY WE GIVE THANKS

for the food on our table, the clothes on our backs and the farmers who make it all happen!

Parker Tie has been selling to farmers for over 80 years!

Whether you’re a large or small farmer, we appreciate the business you do with us and your hard work growing the crops for our families.

WE OFFER

KEEP YOUR BARN OR HOME WARM

TOOLS, TOOLS, TOOLS!

Check out our live burn wood and gas stove and furnace display room.

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A complete lumber warehouse with both treated and untreated wood products.

Top grade any size you need for barn building and repair. We also stock top grade metal roofing cut to the size you order, multiple colors available.

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NEED TO PAINT A FENCE, BARN OR YOUR HOME? Parker Tie is the #1 Orgill Valspar Dealer in the nation. We have the paint, stains, supplies and expertise to assist you with any paint project.

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FARM & HOME 2016 13

FARM & HOME | OUTDOOR DESIGN

Hardscaping Can Be Easy

H

ardscaping doesn’t have to be hard at all. In fact, with a little creativity and sweat equity, hardscaping can be an enjoyable experience that adds serious style points to your home’s outdoor areas.

So what is hardscaping? It involves all of the design elements on your property that aren’t plants, grass or flowers. This sector of your landscaping strategy includes retaining walls, fire pits, decks, fences, paved walkways and sculptures.

Many hardscaping-specific specialty stores and contractors have popped up in recent years, as the practice has become big business. And because so many projects involve factors that can effect yard slope, water drainage and electrical add-ons, it may be your best bet to hire an accredited professional to help safely and compliantly achieve your outdoor vision.

DO IT YOURSELF If you’re feeling handy and confident in handling certain projects, you can certainly save some

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money in your budget by doing the work yourself.

If you do decide to go the DIY route, there are some things to remember as you prepare.

Research is key. Watch tutorials, talk with trained professionals, ask your hardware specialist – feeling comfortable scouting out a project will help you cover your bases before you jump in.

Also, check with your municipality to see if you need a permit and to ensure that you’re complying with local bylaws.

CATER TO THE SPACE Do you live in a country setting with ample space for outdoor additions? Or is your living situation more suburban with a limited yard? Either option can be greatly enhanced with strategically added touches.

Outdoor kitchens, family rooms, barbecue areas, fire pits and greenhouses can all be awe-inspiring additions, if space allows. Smaller quarters may require only a stone walkway or outdoor sitting area to spruce things up. Analyze your space to make an educated decision on your hardscaping plans.

PLANNING IS KEY When adding outdoor elements, it isn’t necessary to build everything at once or incorporate all items at the same time.

As long as you have a plan for how the entire space will eventually be laid out, you can save yourself some time – and money – by waiting for great deals on certain items before purchasing them for your hardscaping purposes.

Services Offered:

• Quail Restoration

• Wildlife Management Consulting

• Pond Fertilization

• Plant Wildlife Food Plots (All Game)

• Dove/Duck Field Planting

• Managment Plans

• Trail Camera Set Up & Monitoring

• Provide Brush/Brush Duck Blinds

• Establish & Maintain Salt/Mineral Licks

• Tree Stand Customization

• Establish & Maintain Feeders

• Provide/Install Tree Stands (Ladder, Hang-on & Climbers)

• Bushhogging

• Wild/Feral Hog Removal

• Till Home Gardens

• Fencing/Set Gates/Posted Signs

• Nuisance Removal Service

No job or farm is too small or too big.

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Remodeling plans this spring?

Thinking of adding a great room to your house or giving your kitchen a makeover?

Transform that cluttered sunroom into a family-favorite gathering spot. Spring is the most popular time to put remodeling plans into action. Celebrating our 20th year in business, Wallace Propane can help with design and install a fireplace, cooking range, clothes dryer, hybrid heating system, or generator. Our certified fuel piping technicians will ensure a safe system. Come by our newly remodeled showroom for a free estimate.

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FARM & HOME 2016 15

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE

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2015

Rest Well Live Better Locally

OWNED LOCAL COMMUNITY involvement

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: BOONE MALL AND FOSCOE 828-528-4161 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK BLACKBERRYMATTRESS.COM

16 FARM & HOME 2016

2016

OUR WAY OF SAYING THANKS

We are proud to have helped so many people in the High Country Rest Well and Live Better.

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