Our Story WHO WE ARE... From 2007 to 2012 we, the Millers, adopted our first three children, a preschooler on the autism spectrum and two babies with Down syndrome. We published our first issue of Plain Values in 2012 to highlight Biblical ministries, share the beauty of adoption, and to cultivate anchored community. In 2018 we welcomed our fourth child in a surprise adoption, this time a baby with Mosaic Down syndrome.
WHAT WE BELIEVE... Our values are plain values, steeped in the rich traditions of yesterday. We enjoy the simple things in life. Gathering eggs from the coop, getting our hands in the dirt to grow food, and cooking meals from scratch. Sometimes we sit around a fire and share life. We strive to walk humbly to strengthen authentic relationships with our families and neighbors. And, yes, we have taken a fresh pie to a front porch and surprised a friend… we didn’t even text them before! We just stopped by, walked up the steps, and knocked on the door! Just the way our grandparents used to do on a Sunday evening. They called it living in community. We seek to serve our neighbors. Plain Values began with a prayer, hoping to play a small role in connecting a child with Down syndrome to his or her forever family. We have checked that box nearly a dozen times in the last ten years, and we will not stop until the orphanages are empty! We will rest in Heaven!
HOW YOU CAN HELP... Subscribe today. Join us as we pursue a more authentic life. By subscribing to Plain Values, a portion of each subscription goes directly to Room to Bloom, our non-profit that supports children with special needs.
Our Team PUBLISHER
OFFICE
WRITERS
Marlin Miller
Nic Stoltzfus, editorial manager
Sabrina Schlabach, Serving Our Neighbor
Sabrina Schlabach, quality assurance
Stacey Gagnon, Whispers of Hope
Bethany Troyer, bookkeeping
Rory Feek, Roots + Wings
Jan Schlabach, customer service
Shawn & Beth Dougherty, Homestead + Roots
Isaac Hershberger, production manager
Joel Salatin, Confessions of a Steward
Seth Yoder, graphic artist
Ferree Hardy, The Widow's Path
ADVERTISING Matt Yoder, Ohio sales advisor Aaron Stutzman, Indiana + Michigan sales advisor
JUNE AD CLOSE
//
Elam Stoltzfus, Our Heritage
May 6, 2022
Jim Zumbo, All Things Outdoors
Plain Values is published monthly by Plain Target Marketing, LLC. Please contact us with any questions.
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FEBRUARY 2022
contents
May 2022 // Issue 107
serving our neighbor 13
NYANDENGOH! "You Are Beautiful" words by: Sabrina Schlabach The heart of Nyandengoh! is to show that children with disabilities are respected as image-bearers of God and, together with their families, that they are accepted and included in their communities.
simple living 35
HOMESTEAD + ROOTS Spring on a Traditional Family Farm column by: Shawn + Beth Dougherty Shawn and Beth Dougherty share practical insights on how they integrate grass-fed dairy cows to their farm.
39
CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD Water (part one) column by: Joel Salatin This month, Joel begins to share the importance of water management on the farm.
resources 10
WHISPERS OF HOPE Straight Jackets and Bulletproof Vests column by: Stacey Gagnon
21
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT The Water Solution PLAIN VALUES
4
6
58
ONE MINUTE WITH MARLIN
ON THE COVER
FUNDS AND BENEFITS
Thoughts and ramblings from Marlin Miller, publisher of Plain Values.
A child with special needs in Sierra Leone, Africa, with his caretaker.
Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need.
community 27
ROOTS + WINGS Staying Local column by: Rory Feek I mean, who would purposely choose a slower, harder way of traveling over something faster and much easier… beside the Amish, that is? But then it occurred to me that, well, I would.
45
THE WIDOW'S PATH Sunsets column by: Ferree Hardy What time will the sun set by you today? When will it set for each of our own lives? Eternity is so close; it’s only a heartbeat away.
history 49
OUR HERITAGE Printing the Ausbund
(part five)
column by: Elam Stoltzfus The Amish Book Committee agreed to print the Ausbund with Kutztown Publishing Company. In a January 20, 1922 letter from Esser to Stoltzfus, he shared that Kutztown had shipped the first hundred pages of the proofs to Lancaster.
outdoors 53
ALL THINGS OUTDOORS Catfish column by: Jim Zumbo In my opinion, this is food fit for a king, and it doesn’t cost much, which is one of many reasons to love the catfish! 5
MAY 2022
one minute with Marlin THE OTHER DAY it hit me squarely in the face: Jesus has
We adopted our oldest son when he was almost four
scars on his body! The body with which He walked through
years old. The circumstances of his life those first few years
walls, His eternal body, that one has scars on it.
caused scars, which are not visible, but he carries with
Creation, the Fall, free will, and His sovereignty: God
him. I will not understand the reason this side of Heaven,
created everything, with mankind being the crown jewel.
but that’s ok. I don’t have to understand it all right now. It
He knew we would mess it all up, but He still gave us
is enough to know God is with us —no matter what pain and
free will. In the middle of our broken world that so often
brokenness comes our way — and in the middle of it all, He
cuts deep, our Creator walks with us, bringing hope and
brings joy! I guess that’s what Paul meant when he talks
peace. The joy He brings in the middle of it all makes no
about the “peace that surpasses all understanding.” May
sense to me. How does He do it?! 2nd Corinthians 6:10
we never take that peace for granted.
says the following, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet
Allow me for a second to do what I've never done before… tease you with next month’s story. October of
possessing everything.” Jesus came to the earth He made, fully God and fully
last year; a kidnapping in Haiti; a daring escape to freedom
man. Perfect. He lived a while, then He died. He rose with
in the dark of night. The whole story, top to bottom and
scars on a perfect body. The scars are there right this
front to back, is coming next month in Plain Values.
second. I don’t know what it all means and how deep As always, may you find joy in the simple things. //
it goes, but I’m not soon giving up trying to work that reality out in my own life. If you permit me, I’d love to think about this further. On a very superficial level, this life brings scars. Just as there are a million ways to hurt yourself physically, there are a million ways to hurt and be hurt below the skin, on a heart level. We are broken
MARLIN MILLER
people, living in a very broken world.
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publisher, always looking for more friends 6
Isaac in the hospital after his surgery.
speaking of miracles and scars... FOR EIGHT YEARS, Isaac Hershberger has been the
Meanwhile, 9-month-old Isaac stood at his mom’s
Production Manager at Plain Values —meaning he digitally
feet, as his uncle tried coaxing Isaac into walking towards
constructs the magazine set before you. As we talked
him. Suddenly, a Lawn Jart flew over Isaac’s mom and
about Marlin’s recent messages about miracles and scars,
lodged in his head! In a panic, Isaac’s uncle rushed over
Isaac shared this incredible tale…
and pulled out the Jart. Isaac began profusely bleeding. 911 was called and he was rushed to the hospital.
During the hot, dry summer of 1992, Isaac’s parents were invited to a cookout. A day that started out relaxed
After emergency surgery, Isaac’s parents learned just
with food, fellowship, and yard games, soon turned to the
how close he had come to dying. The Jart went through
unthinkable.
Isaac’s skull, into his brain, and directly through a major
A couple of boys at the cookout were playing Lawn
artery. Isaac should have bled to death, but, by a miracle,
Jarts, a game where two rings are placed on the ground
two pieces of the broken skull shifted to block the artery.
approximately 30 feet apart and 12-inch metal darts
It slowed the bleeding and saved Isaac’s life. Although Isaac still has a scar, he also has a testimony
thrown at them. One of the boys gave his Jart a wild
of the miracle God performed. //
throw, and it began to soar through the air. 7
MAY 2022
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9
MAY 2022
whispers of hope
SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO FOSTER + ADOPT
STRAIGHT JACKETS & BULLETPROOF VESTS column by: STACEY GAGNON
THERE'S WAR in Eastern Europe, and
threatening to escape, and his frail body
because
it’s very easy to insulate oneself from
could not hold up his own head. His
comes with great cost. And the price
the realities of living in such violence.
legs and arms were bent at odd angles
is understanding that infant-sized
It’s easy to bury myself in the daily
as they had grown within the confines
children lie hidden and restrained in
chores of laundry, dishes, and raising
of a metal crib. As I carried him onto
orphanages; if I open my eyes to the
children. But my mind won’t rest as
the plane, I felt his heart flutter against
most vulnerable, I will never be able to
it keeps reminding me of straight
my chest, and his shallow breaths were
unsee this level of darkness.
jackets and bulletproof vests.
seeing
these
atrocities
barely felt on my cheek. I thought he
And yet, the highest form of
My first experience in Ukraine
might die in my arms over the ocean,
abuse is indifference. To “not see.” To
was when I flew in as a medical
and I was terrified to carry a dead child
look away from the pain, the dark, the
professional to help bring home a very
off the plane.
straight jacket.
fragile fifteen-year-old named Daniel.
We made it to the United States
Which brings me to today. Every
When I went to pick him up, Daniel
alive. But, while I physically carried
part of me wants to look away from
only weighed 22 pounds. When he
a fifteen-year-old boy off the plane
the atrocities of war. I want to place
left the orphanage, he was wearing a
and set him into the arms of medical
my sight upon the daily routine of
child-sized straight jacket. (See photo)
professionals, I did not set down the
home and work.
At birth, he was placed in an
image of a straight jacket—this article
But then I am contacted by a
institution due to cerebral palsy, and
of clothing worn daily by an infant-
partner of Lost Sparrows, and we are
the years of neglect and abuse showed
sized teen boy.
asked to provide bulletproof jackets to
upon his withered frame. His bones
It’s much easier to hide these
protect women and children fleeing
pressed against his skin at sharp angles
things away. It’s easier not to see
the violence and bloodshed in Ukraine.
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"When I went to pick him up, Daniel only weighed 22 pounds. When he left the orphanage, he was wearing a child-sized straight jacket."
filled with warm blankets, soft pillows,
happening, and we must fight the
and Charlie the stuffed octopus. And I
desire to remain insulated, to remain
thought of being a mother carrying
indifferent. Human suffering is every-
my child through a war-torn landscape
one’s concern. What is needed now is
wrapped in a bulletproof vest that, in
for these victims to know that they are
reality, provides minimal protection. I
not alone, that they are not forgotten.
The safe “green corridors” are not
imagine the cold wind and the press
And when their bodies cannot
safe. Innocent women and children
of humanity while I await a ticket to
walk, we will carry them. When their
are being fired upon in a war that has
safety. Mumbling prayers with the
voices are silenced, we shall speak out
no regard for the most vulnerable.
stark reality that bullets are not meant
for them. And when they are sitting
And so, my eyes are wide open, and
to tear through the flesh of children,
in darkness, we will be there to share
my mind begins figuring out how to
and this vest is too large for my six-
our light.
get the requests met with our partners
year-old.
in Europe…. wound care items, food, medicines… bulletproof vests.
If you’d like to partner with us
I might question where the hope is found.
in Eastern Europe, please consider donating to Lost Sparrows. I also ask
It wasn’t until this morning that it
Straight jackets and bulletproof
all truly hit me. I was cuddling with my
vests are not meant to be worn by
six-year-old daughter, Zorey, in her bed
children. But I have witnessed this
that you continue praying. //
Stacey Gagnon, along with her husband Darren, are the founders of Lost Sparrows. She can be reached at P.O. Box 751, Winona Lake, IN 46590. Learn more about Lost Sparrows at www.lostsparrows.org. 11
MAY 2022
serving our neighbor NYANDENGOH!
“You Are Beautiful” words by:
SABRINA SCHLABACH
IMAGINE YOUR CHILD being called a devil, witch, or demonpossessed. Why? Only because that child was born with a disability. Now you and your child are feared and treated as outcasts. Your neighbors are afraid that you are contagious and will spread disease or cause them to have a child with disabilities. Where does that leave you? What hope could you possibly have? Who will reach out to love you and your child?
Heleen Yoder has worked in Sierra Leone, Africa, primarily in Freetown, since 2003 as a trained mental health counselor. She was drawn to this country where children lived in situations where psychosocial care was unavailable for many, largely due to a devastating decadelong civil war that ended in 2002. Heleen’s heart went out to the people of Sierra Leone, and she knew that she also had an opportunity to encourage the Christian minority in the country. By 2017, Heleen and her husband, Jon — a medical doctor — were working in the small city of Mattru Jong, about five hours south of Freetown. While working there, a family brought their son in for help, as he couldn’t speak. Jon told Heleen about the boy, and she agreed to see what she could do to help him. As she worked with this child and his family, she realized that he had a disability and needed specialized help. After helping the boy, word began to spread in the community, and more and more families
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MAY 2022
began bringing in their children with disabilities. However, the hospital wasn’t equipped to handle these new patients effectively, so Jon and Heleen took action: they started an independent organization dedicated to helping children with special needs in Sierra Leone. Not knowing exactly where to start, Jon and Heleen began by throwing a Christmas party for the children and their families. “Christmas in Sierra Leone is a big deal regardless of your religion,” Heleen shared, “and we decided to host a Christmas party as a fun way to bless the children we had been helping.” One of the people Heleen invited to the Christmas party was Sylvanus French. Sylvanus had previously worked with Heleen, and he recently moved back to his hometown of Mattru Jong from Freetown. In Freetown, Sylvanus served in juvenile detention centers to help children with mental health disorders and those suffering from addictions. Sylvanus shared with the Yoders that he had returned home to get his certification to teach. The Yoders shared with Sylvanus their vision for the people of Mattru Jong: they hoped to start an organization to care for children with special needs and their families. Heleen then invited Sylvanus to join them in their organization. Heleen said, “We felt that Sylvanus’ love and compassion for children along with his leadership skills would be a perfect fit as the program manager.” Sylvanus was all in and replied with a resounding yes: “I loved the idea!” By 2019, after two years of work and planning, Nyandengoh! was born. Nyandengoh! (pronounced: nee-an-den-go) is the Mende word for ‘he/she/it is beautiful.’ Their ministry is based on Luke 14:12-13: “Then He [Jesus] also said to him who had invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’”
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"they hoped to start an organization to care for children with special needs and their families."
The heart of Nyandengoh! is to show that children with disabilities are respected as imagebearers of God and, together with their families, that they are accepted and included in their communities. These beautiful children have value and are loved by God. This is hope. Valuing God’s children and fighting the stigma of having a disability, while also sharing the Word of God, is the inspiration that the people of Sierra Leone need. The work that Nyandengoh! provides is vital to the community. Because children with disabilities are feared and seen as outcasts, they are treated badly, and—along with their families—are often ostracized. Many teachers think that school-aged children with disabilities are difficult and unteachable, and they are frequently bullied and abused by their classmates. In addition, the children who are too young for school are often left unattended at home by parents who are away at their jobs. This is dangerous, especially for young girls, because if they wander away from home, the opportunities for others to abuse and take advantage of them increases.
Jon and Heleen Yoder
Desiring the best for their children, many families
seek
treatments
by
traditional
folk
healers in hopes of a “magic cure” that will heal
contaminated or unclean to eat because she had a
their children and “return them to normal.”
son with a disability. The woman and her son moved
“Unfortunately, they are just money makers
to a community where Nyandengoh! was present;
who often cause illness, abuse, and even some
in this community, the staff taught the people that
fatalities,” Heleen shared. “These healers are also
there was no reason to fear people with disabilities.
contributing to the spread of negative stereotypes
As a result of moving to this more welcoming
of children with disabilities.”
community, her market stand was successful, and Matthew was able to attend school and make new friends who accepted him. Nyandengoh! has worked to build trust with
People, by nature, are watchers. Every time that
the communities they serve by providing medicine,
Nyandengoh! staff interact with these children and
counseling, and now a school and daycare. Not
show that they love them for who they are, people
only do they reach the locals, but they also go out
begin to realize that the old superstitions and the
to as many villages as time and resources allow,
folk healers’ stereotypes of children with disabilities
building relationships and helping with medicine
are misguided. Sylvanus shared a story of a woman
and exercises. Three times a year, a therapy team
whose son Matthew has a condition that causes him
from Freetown comes out to prescribe and teach
to drool. As the woman attempted to sell food at the
exercises to the children and their families. The
market to make money and provide for her family,
physical therapist and rehab therapists show the
people turned away from her, afraid to buy her food.
parents how to do the exercises with their children
Customers feared that food from her stand was
to stimulate their development. Physical movement
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MAY 2022
helps with walking, coordination, and strengthening
daily lives. Having this time together for spiritual
to help prevent contractures. The outreach workers
nourishment is essential for the staff to build a
from Nyandengoh! check in with families, making
relationship with God and each other.
sure the exercises are practiced. Success stories like
Another compelling outcome of Nyandengoh!
Mariama and Ishmael’s, who both have cerebral
is that the children desire to attend church. If the
palsy and have learned to walk, have encouraged
children want to attend, they bring their families
many to keep up with the exercises.
with them. This is exciting, as the Word of God
The school is a core part of the work that
can be taught to even more people. Nyandengoh!
Nyandengoh! does. It is open to children with
doesn’t hide that they are a Christian organization.
disabilities who need extra care and attention.
However, they treat any and all children they
When a child enrolls in the Nyandengoh! school,
can, regardless of their religion. While they don’t
they do so for three years, and then they return to
pressure or do any intense evangelizing with those
their community school or learn a trade. Though the
they’re in contact with, the people can feel the
school is still new, mainstream teachers have already
staff’s love for them, and they are drawn to it.
asked Nyandengoh! how they can help the students
“Recently we were able to put together a Sunday
that are in their classrooms.
School curriculum that teaches what the Bible has
“A ‘typical’ day [at the Nyandengoh! school],”
to say about disabilities,” Heleen said. Sylvanus
Sylvanus says with amusement, “is that they are
added that, “We had forty pastors and teachers
never exactly the same.” In general, the day begins
from the local villages come to learn the curriculum
at 8 a.m. with staff arrival and preparation for the
so that they could take it back to their churches.
school day. The children then begin arriving at the
What an incredible opportunity!”
school, where they are served a breakfast of hot tea and bread. The children spend the morning in class, learning the fundamentals through activities and songs. Teaching is in English. Phonics are taught in songs like ‘Go, goat, out of the garden,’ which have been adapted by a missionary so that the children of Sierra Leone recognize the images. The children love to sing, as do the adults. One of the favorites is ‘Tel am tenki, tel Papa God tenki,’ which means ‘Thank Him, thank Father God,’ sung in the Krio language. At lunchtime, the children are then given a lunch of rice with a sauce made of green leaves, like potato or cassava, and fish or palm oil. After lunchtime, the students go back to their homes. Once the children leave, the staff begins to prepare for the next day and visit local families. The home visits are for dispensing medicines, teaching the families what exercises to keep doing with their children, and providing encouragement. On Friday afternoons, Nyandengoh! staff spend time together singing, encouraging each other, and reading scripture. Staff have a hunger for being in the Word and discussing what that looks like in their
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Sylvanus has also worked to build trust and relationship with those he encounters. He enjoys
Nyandengoh! doesn’t hide that they are a Christian organization. However, they treat any and all children they can, regardless of their religion.
going out to the local villages and sharing God’s Word, encouraging all who come. Sylvanus recalled one particular time when he heard about a local pastor who spoke out against a 10-year-old girl with disabilities named *Hannah. As a baby, Hannah had contracted malaria, resulting in brain damage. “A local pastor was accused of saying that she was evil,” Sylvanus said, “deeply hurting the family and concerning the citizens there.” As it happened, Sylvanus planned to go to that village the next day. As the people gathered, the pastor denied saying these things against Hannah.
bringing tears and healing to many,” said Sylvanus.
Sylvanus chose not to press the issue and go on
“I then reminded the people about Isaiah 58:9-10:
with the devotion he had prepared. “After giving
“‘If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the devotion, I asked the pastor to lead us in prayer.
the pointing of the finger, and speaking
Surprisingly he said he had something to say first.
wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the
He had indeed said those things about Hannah and
hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
was sorry. While I was speaking, the Holy Spirit
then shall your light rise in the darkness
convicted him. That was a huge achievement,
and your gloom be as the noonday.’”
The Future of Nyandengoh! As Nyandengoh! grows, the need for more team members grows. “We started with around thirty children and are now serving approximately ninety!” said Sylvanus. They desire to keep growing, and that means more people are needed to serve. “We would ideally like to have local people that have a heart for the children and want to change the mindset of negative stigmas of children with disabilities.” Nyandengoh! is also hoping for staff trained in relevant professional fields and more teachers and a pastor. An example of having valuable, local people on staff at Nyandengoh! is a woman named Esther. Her testimony has been immeasurable to the team and communities they serve. “Esther has lived a difficult life, but she continues to sing her trust of God,” shared Heleen. Esther’s first child was born at a time when there was no doctor available, and she had a long delivery. Her son was born with cerebral palsy. Her next child was then stillborn, and her husband left her. Many thought Esther
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MAY 2022
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was a witch because she seemed unable to have a
church, or by dispelling the idea of children
healthy baby. But Esther heard God speak to her
with disabilities being evil and cursed.
saying that “it wasn’t her fault.” She believed, and
“We pray that more people would be changed,
she trusted. Esther now has four beautiful children.
more people come to help, and that the children
People are touched by her joy and love to hear her
that are so vulnerable receive protection and see
story. With staff members like Esther, the work of
their value,” said Heleen. Nyandengoh! ’s work is an
Nyandengoh! reaches hearts in a personal way and
uphill battle, but one worth fighting. As Sylvanus,
draws people to the love of Christ.
Heleen, and the staff begin to see the evidence of
Nyandengoh! wants their growth to be fruitful,
change, they praise God for that blessing. //
so they have put some five-year goals in place. Their mission is for every child in the program to reach their full developmental potential, whether that’s physical, socio-emotional, or cognitive, and
Sierra Leone, Africa, is slightly smaller than South
for their families to make meaningful contributions
Carolina and has a population of around 8 million
to their communities. Six areas they have focused
people. Because the country is between the Atlantic
on are: •
•
Ocean, mountainous regions, and the Sahara Desert,
Spiritual Nurturing: This is the heart of their
it has a diverse terrain. There are mangrove swamps,
activities, motivated by the love of Christ and
wooded hill country, plateaus, and mountains. It is
to counteract the false beliefs that parents
primarily a tropical climate; a hot and humid summer
seek on behalf of a child with disabilities.
rainy season, and a dry winter season. Due to the deterioration of Sierra Leone during
Education: Here Nyandengoh! strives for
the civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002, much of
inclusive and equal quality education for
the economic structure had been destroyed. There are
children with disabilities. •
very high unemployment rates, and over half of the population falls below the poverty line. Two out of three
Physical Care & Equipment: To ensure
people depend on agriculture as their sole means of
healthy lives and promote well-being for all,
•
•
at all ages.
sustaining their family with very little surplus.
Psychosocial Care: They would like to see
Christianity are the main religions. Around three out
that parents and children with mental health
of every four Sierra Leoneans are Muslim; yet, when a
needs receive basic psychosocial counseling
Christian has been president, there is a Muslim vice-
from Nyandengoh! staff.
president and vice versa.
While officially a neutral state, Islam and
Advocacy & Training: By increasing knowledge on childhood disabilities and
Nyandengoh!
promoting inclusion in communities and
Send Donations to: Mennonite Christian Fellowship 245 Tennant Drive, Atmore, AL 36502
professional contexts, they desire to lessen the abuse and negativity being spread. •
Write "You Are Beautiful Fund" in the memo line
Economic Empowerment: In a hard country
Heleen Yoder: heleen.yoder@gmail.com
that still sees much poverty and suffering, Nyandengoh! wants families and their
Website: www.nyandengoh.org
children to have a significant impact on their communities. That can be through their job,
Sabrina and her husband live near Ragersville, Ohio, and have been blessed with four spunky children. She values time with her family, loves to bake, and is an avid reader.
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MAY 2022
resources THE WATER SOLUTION
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THE WATER SOLUTION The Extra-Ordinary Water Re-Structuring Unit That Naturally Produces Some of the Healthiest Living Water!
The Water in Your Body The amount of water in the human body ranges from 50-75%. The average adult human body is 50-65% water. The percentage of water in infants is much higher, typically around 75-78% water, dropping to 65% by one year of age. Body composition varies according to gender and fitness level, because fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue. The average adult male is about 60% water. The average adult woman is about 55% water because women naturally have more fatty tissue than men. Overweight men and women have less water, as a percentage, than their leaner counterparts. The percentage of water in our bodies is also determined by your hydration level. If we drink water that has poor structure, we can drink all the water we want and still be somewhat dehydrated. Only micro-clustered structured water can easily be digested, assimilated and flow through the cells in our body to properly and thoroughly hydrate it! Mental performance and physical coordination start to become impaired before thirst kicks in, typically around 1% dehydration.
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MAY 2022
People feel thirsty when they have already lost
What Is the Function of Water in the Body?
around 2-3% of their body's water. Although liquid water is the most abundant molecule in the body,
Water serves multiple purposes:
additional water is found in hydrated compounds. About 30-40% of the weight of the human body is the skeleton, but when the bound water is removed,
•
Water is the primary building block of cells.
•
Water acts as an insulator, regulating internal body temperature. This is partly because
either by chemical desiccation or heat, half the
water has a high specific heat, plus the body
weight is lost.
uses perspiration and respiration to regulate temperature.
Where Exactly Is Water in the Human Body?
•
Water
is
needed
to
metabolize
proteins
and carbohydrates used as food. It is the
Approximately 2/3 of the body's water is in the
primary component of saliva, used to digest
intra-cellular fluid, inside the cells. The other third
carbohydrates and aid in swallowing food.
is in the extra-cellular fluid, outside the cells.
•
The amount of water varies, depending on the
Water lubricates joints. Water insulates the brain, spinal cord, organs, and fetus. It acts as
organ. Much of the water is in blood plasma (20% of
a shock absorber.
the body's total). According to a study performed by
•
H.H. Mitchell, published in the Journal of Biological
Water is used to flush waste and toxins from the body via urine.
Chemistry, the amount of water in the human heart
Drinking at least 22 ounces of micro-clustered
and brain is 73%, the lungs are 83%, muscles and
structured water first thing every morning, then
kidneys are 79%, the skin is 64%, and the bones are
waiting 45 minutes before eating, and drinking
around 31%.
“Wanted to let you know how I’m making out with the Water Solution. I was diagnosed in August of 2016 with elevated iron levels. Through blood work we were watching Ferritin, % saturation, iron total, etc. All while I started taking supplements and trying to avoid iron intake as much as possible. At the highest, my ferritin was 247 (normal 10-154). That was the one we were most concerned about. Let me add that the supplements were very expensive. I did a genetic test that showed my body has a tendency to store iron & felt like I had no choice but to take these supplements for the rest of my life. We installed the Water Solution last fall, around the end of September 2017. I let my “iron reducing supplements” run out and started drinking this water. On January 19th, 2018 I did blood work again. I was thrilled to have my numbers all come back in normal range, except the % saturation was 57 (normal 11-50). We had the water only about 3 1/2 months at that point. My ferritin came down to 122. I was also avoiding extra Vitamin C because it helps the body to absorb iron. I will probably add in high iron foods & more Vitamin C to see if the Water Solution allows me to do so without bringing the levels up. I will probably do blood work again at some point & will plan to update you then. This has been a real blessing as I have other major health issues and already spend a lot of money on my health. I feel I can’t be thankful enough for it. My sister has a kidney transplant & had a major rejection episode almost 2 years ago. Her kidney number improved after a couple of months on the Water Solution. Also, my Mother’s bad knees improved in about the same amount of time. We would not want to be without the Water Solution. We highly recommend it. We sincerely thank you for a great product!”
A.M. Miller & Family - Dover, DE PLAIN VALUES
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plenty
of
micro-clustered
structured
water
throughout the day, may help you overcome many health challenges. Nature structures and purifies water when it runs down a mountain stream, swirling around the rocks creating vortices. When water runs through THE WATER SOLUTION unit, hundreds of interconnected vortices are created and the water and the large water molecule clusters come apart into very small micro-clusters. Most tap water usually has 100 to 200+ molecules per cluster, which are too big to be easily digested and assimilated into the cells in your body. Thus it cannot hydrate your body properly. Micro-clustered structured water has only 5 to 10 molecules per cluster and can easily be digested, assimilated and flow through the cells in your body. It is very hydrating for your body and can more easily carry the essential oxygen and nutrients into your body cells and carry the metabolic acid waste out. Therefore it also helps to create a nice
toxins, clears the unhealthy frequencies in the water
alkaline pH environment internally.
and re-energizes it with some of the best healing frequencies known to man.
Water molecules must be single file in order to
That’s Awesome Water!
enter the cells in the body. Micro-clustered water
The Water Solution units are also designed to
can EASILY be digested, assimilated and flow
eliminate the pathogenic (harmful) bacteria that
through our cells. The molecules of most all toxic things such as
may be in your water. There are more than 1,000
nitrates, chlorine, flouride, pesticides, arsenic, etc.,
strains of Coliform (colony forming) bacteria
are surrounded by positive ions. Positive ions are
including E-Coli. Most of them are harmless and
missing one or more electrons according to nature.
actually are an important part of a healthy intestinal
When the positive ions come in contact with the
tract. However, a few strains of E. coli, particularly
cells in our bodies, they pull negatively charged
the strain 0157:H7, can cause serious illness.
electrons from the cells and cause damage/toxic
The Water Solution is not designed to eliminate
effect/oxidative stress to the cells. When water
beneficial bacteria.
runs through The Water Solution, it is re-structured
For more information on The Water Solution,
and energized thoroughly and naturally, and an
please call 260-350-1056, or send an email to
abundance of negative ions are produced in the
watersolutionunit@gmail.com. The Water Solution
water. Negative ions have one or more extra electrons
offers a one year, money-back guarantee and a
that they can give up to neutralize the positive ions
lifetime warranty. //
without becoming damaged themselves. Therefore, the positive ion toxins in your water will become neutralized to where they are harmless to the body,
The Water Solution
and the toxic effect is gone. The Water Solution unit works by creating an
Phone: 260-350-1054
energetic vortex flow action to the water along with the energizing effect of precise angles, geometric
Email: watersolutionunit@gmail.com
figurations and natural semi-precious gem-stones. It micro-clusters/re-structures water, neutralizes 23
MAY 2022
PLAIN VALUES
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MAY 2022
community ROOTS + WINGS
Indiana and Rory with their 1954 Oldsmobile 88 that forces them not to travel too far or try to go too fast. PLAIN VALUES
26
column by:
rory feek
I MADE A TRIP NORTH to Amish country in Ohio last week to visit
staying local may 2022
and spend time with Marlin and his team at the Plain Values home office. In the few days that I was there, I returned home with some unexpected personal insights that I thought I might share in the next column or two. The first one has to do with automobiles, or actually maybe the lack of automobiles in the world of the Amish, and also recently in mine. On our last evening in Ohio, Joel Salatin invited me to come to an event he was speaking at in Middlefield, where a few hundred Amish folks from the community would be gathering to listen to
"I FELT SUCH DEEP RESPECT FOR THE [AMISH], EVEN THOUGH LOGICALLY IT MAKES NO SENSE TO TRAVEL IN SUCH A DIFFICULT WAY, WHEN THERE ARE SUCH EASIER OPTIONS AVAILABLE. AND YET, IT STRANGELY FELT LIKE THEIR CHOICE WAS BETTER."
and learn more about ‘being self-sustainable in challenging times.’ I thought this was an unusual talk considering how self-sustainable the Amish are. So, I was excited to go check it out. The sun was setting, and snow was falling as we neared the event center where Joel was to speak. The highways were filled with hundreds of cars and trucks coming and going, as the snow fell harder and the visibility on the roads decreased. The travelers were all safe and snug in vehicles that made it possible to feel like it’s summertime, as they made their way through the frigid weather. But here and there, we kept seeing fainter lights, moving much slower through the snow falling on the roads. Silhouetted horses and black buggies filled with Amish men and women were making their way to the event just like us. When we arrived, there were dozens of buggies lined up in a row in the parking lot.
Rory Feek is a world-class storyteller, songwriter, filmmaker, and New York Times best-selling author. As a musical artist, Rory is one-half of the Grammy-award-winning duo, Joey+Rory. He and his wife Joey toured the world and sold nearly a million records before her untimely passing in March 2016.
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MAY 2022
Joel’s talk was wonderful, and everything he shared was well received by the hundreds of Amish folks who left their coats and hats piled on tables by the door and filled every seat in the room. I was honored to hear Joel speak and get to meet some wonderful Plain people who came up to me and said they’d been reading this column and even some of the books I’ve written. When the event was over, the snow was falling even harder. As we made our way to our warmedup rental car, dozens of Amish men were holding lanterns, scraping snow off their buggies, and hitching up their horses for the cold ride home. I thought about all the women in their dresses and the small children who would be making the chilly ride too.
Rory with the Miller family while visiting the Plain Values office
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The next morning on our way back to Tennessee, I found myself thinking about the cars that had filled
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the icy roads and the stark contrast between them and the horses and buggies, and why I felt such deep respect for the latter, even though logically it makes no sense to travel in such a difficult way when there are such easier options available. And yet, it strangely felt like their choice was better. But why? Who would do that? I mean, who would purposely choose a slower, harder way of traveling over something faster and much easier… beside the Amish, that is? But then it occurred to me that, well, I would. And actually, I realized that, in some ways, I already have.
"Who would purposely choose a slower, harder way of traveling over something faster and much easier… beside the Amish, that is? But then it occurred to me that, well, I would."
and I removed the television from our farmhouse, I came to realize that although Disney movies made traveling in the car fun for my little girl Indiana, it clearly wasn’t better for her. And so, one day I just decided to push the player closed, and we never opened it up again. Luckily, my little one loves playing with Barbies and reading books, so it wasn’t too much of a struggle for her to just talk with her Papa or play on her own while we drove. Then this past fall, I took the final step and sold
Now, I have been financially blessed to own and
the F350 King Ranch that had been my dream truck
drive some nice cars and trucks over the last decade
for years. Living here on a farm, that one was a lot
or two, but in the last year, I sold all of them. All
tougher for me to let go of. It had been easy to justify
except one that is.
keeping it, by thinking it was a necessity. But with
First went the family Suburban last summer.
pickups in the driveways of both my brothers-in-law
With children, full-size SUVs are big and comfortable
on the north and south sides of us, I clearly had
and even have built-in video players for those
access to a truck if I needed one. So last October, I
passengers in the back seat to make the ride even
handed the keys to my truck over to a new owner
more enjoyable. The truth is that the video player
and drove home in my 1954 Oldsmobile 88.
went long before the Suburban did. Much like the
Since the mid-90s I have always had at least
time a dozen or more years ago, when my wife
one classic car from the '50s that I would take
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MAY 2022
out from time-to-time on Sunday drives when the
a windshield that forever stayed fogged up (not to
weather is beautiful. If you don’t mind not having
mention leaking water every time it rained), I chose
air conditioning or a heater that works very well,
to limit my mobility intentionally to stay connected
these classic cars are wonderful. Though most of
to my community. I didn’t choose what was easiest for our family…
them weren’t much to look at, or barely ran, I felt
I chose what was best for us.
inside that they provided a link to the past my life somehow needed. A part of me wanted to make
For me, my decision to sell our nice cars and
them a ‘daily driver’ but honestly, it just never made
drive an older one wasn’t just about choosing to
sense when I always had faster, easier vehicles as an
downsize vehicles, it was actually about choosing
option to drive.
to stay more connected to the place where I live
My Oldsmobile, while it can be fun to drive, can
and the people around me. Like the Amish, whose
also be very difficult. It lacks the comforts of the
horse and buggy keep them from straying too
previous cars we’ve owned and a high probability of
far from their beloved community, so my old car
breaking down if I travel too far or go too fast.
keeps me local. I too, in a way, have decided to be tethered to my community. Purposely. I don’t
But that isn’t the point. I didn’t want to go too
want to be able to go anywhere and everywhere
far or too fast.
whenever I choose. Instead, I choose to be happy
This decision was part of my continued effort
where I am.
to simplify this past year, with the hopes of making
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our lives more meaningful. While I had purged our
Being in Ohio this past week and seeing the
modern vehicles and opted for a daily driver that
Amish people’s commitment to their communities
lacked power steering, power brakes, defrost, and
being lived out in their simple mode of transportation
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The old car that keeps Rory tethered to his local community
"I DIDN’T CHOOSE WHAT WAS EASIEST
reminded me that sometimes we have to make
FOR OUR FAMILY…
decisions that aren’t always easy for others to understand. I like to think that these kind of choices
I CHOSE WHAT WAS
hopefully make us better people. When Indy and I are tooling down the road in our old car it reminds me of
BEST FOR US."
this commitment and gives me hope that I’m on the right path… or at least a better path for me and the community that I’m part of. //
rory 31
MAY 2022
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MAY 2022
simple living HOMESTEAD + ROOTS
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h +r
homestead roots
SPRING on a TRADITIONAL FAMILY FARM column by: SHAWN + BETH DOUGHERTY
THERE'S NO TIME LIKE SPRING for seeing how bountifully God provides for His creatures, and that's especially true here in central Appalachia, where young, green grass and blossoming fruit trees are everywhere we look. Our seven dairy cows put gallons of rich, creamy milk in the bucket every day. Their calves race around the pasture or lie in the soft grass and nap in the sun. Chicks in mobile pens scratch and forage, new feathers pushing through their baby down. Pigs are growing fast on skim milk and forage. We're never more grateful for our small farm lifestyle than now when life is so beautiful and abundant.
The Family Cow? Not very many folks keep just a few dairy cows nowadays. This is funny because well into the 1900s, more than half of people in the United States lived in rural settings, and most of these kept a dairy cow. After all, a cow turns grass — which grows for free! — into the most perfect food God created: milk. Lots of milk. And she does it day in, day out, year-round, free of charge. Maybe people forgot how much a milk cow does for a farm. Who else can turn our biggest crop into food for calves, humans, pigs, chickens, dogs, and cats— and even for the soil? An all-grass cow costs nothing to feed, and for the trouble of milking her, we get not just milk, but beef, pork, eggs, chickens, pest control, and guard animals — and fertilizer, too. So really, we couldn't farm without at least one dairy cow.
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MAY 2022
during the Depression — and they hadn't routinely purchased animal feed. What were we missing? How had all our ancestors fed their livestock? After all, there was no Purina on the prairie.
The Mighty Milk Cow Milk for the table was all we were thinking of when we bought our first Jersey cow, Isabel. We didn't know how fast we would be drowning in milk! Even though she had a calf, she was giving more milk than it — and we — could drink or make into butter and cheese. We bought a pig, more or less in self-defense, and learned right away how much pigs love skim milk, buttermilk, and whey — and how fast they turn it into bacon and pork chops. We offered milk to our laying hens, and the number of eggs they gave doubled. Feed began to be a smaller item
Finding a Life on the Land
in the budget. It looked as if our cow was feeding
Our farm, the Sow's Ear, is seventeen acres of
the whole farm!
trees-up-the-side-of-a-hill that were left when a larger farm was broken up. Unfortunately, most is
But, of course, now we were buying grain and
too steep for farming, even too steep for logging.
hay for the cow. Had we just swapped one set of
In fact, the state of Ohio labels our property 'not
dependencies for another? Surely God's world didn't
suitable for agriculture.' Frankly, in the beginning,
really require factory feeds?
we agreed with them! But we wanted to move our young family — four sons, eventually to be joined by two more sons and two daughters — to a country setting. We knew that the way to build a strong
Today we feed our animals almost entirely on things that grow here. Some we plant in the garden, but it's grass that runs the farm.
family was to pray, play, and work together. So we grew gardens wherever we could find a little flat land; we brought in goats and tethered them to browse all the dense briars. We added a dozen Brown Leghorn hens, we began milking our goats, and the children thrived with responsibility as well as freedom. After a while, the place started to look more like a farm. The food on our table now came less from the store and more from our life together — eggs,
Good Grazing
goats' milk, and many garden vegetables. It was
Then we ran into Joel Salatin, the Eastern Ohio
all delicious, but there was one thing we weren't
Grazing Council, and God's gift of grass. Life has
satisfied with: the feed bill. The chickens, hogs, and
never been the same since.
even the dairy goats depended on sacks of grain
Mr. Salatin wrote a book, Salad Bar Beef, about
from the feed store. Our food 'independence' was
raising cows on nothing but grass — or about raising
dependent on purchased feed.
grass with nothing but cows. We weren't sure which.
Yet we knew our grandfathers had raised large
Cows need grass, and grass needs cows — and to make
families entirely on food from their own farms — even
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it work, both grass and cows need us.
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Up to now, Isabel had wandered all over our five-acre pasture eating whatever looked good to her. Other things, less tasty and tender, she ignored. Soon all her favorite plants were eaten down to the ground, while the other stuff had grown too tough and woody to eat. No wonder she needed grain and hay — and no wonder our pasture sometimes looked pretty bare! The problem, though, wasn't in the cow or the grass. It was our management that was deficient. So we attended a seminar on Mr. Salatin's kind of grazing given by the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council, a group of local farmers and extension folks, that gave us the confidence to get started. We
learned
managed,
that
holistic,
good
rotational
grazing — carefully grazing — means
moving cows or other ruminants over pasture by giving them just a small area each day and then moving them on. Each day the cows get all they need from one small area; meanwhile, all the rest of the pasture grows. Under the ground, roots, insects, worms, and teeming microscopic life build a rich, fertile soil. It was amazing how fast we saw results. Right away, our pasture grew more grass, better grass,
We share what we've learned with other
longer periods of the year. We began reducing
families, welcoming them to our farm, writing about
Isabel's grain ration. Eventually, we were able to
our work, going out to conferences, and helping
cut grain entirely.
people see the potential in even the least-promising
The Independent Farmstead
parcel of land. We are thrilled every time a family
Today we feed our animals almost entirely
buys its first dairy cow and begins the adventure of
on things that grow here. Some we plant in the
good grass management. We know this is the surest
garden, but it's grass that runs the farm. After all,
way to gain independence from the uncertainties
grass is just about everywhere, and it's free. Cows
of the commercial food system. It gives us the best
turn it into milk for nothing, and pigs, chickens,
glimpses of God's providence and wisdom. And it's
dogs, cats — and of course humans! — all thrive on
the best way we know of to raise a family.
milk's high-quality calories. God's plan for feeding
We're glad that Plain Values is letting us share it with you. //
us couldn't be more beautiful.
Shawn and Beth Dougherty live in eastern Ohio, where their home farm is 17 acres designated by the state as ‘not suitable for agriculture’. Using grass as the primary source of energy, they raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of their food, and feed, on the farm. Concerned that farming is too often dependent upon multiple off-farm resources, from feed, fuel, and fertilizer to water and electricity, their ongoing project is to discover and test the time-honored means by which farming may be done with a minimum of off-farm inputs. Their research has led them to identify the daily conversion of grass into milk by dairy ruminants as a key to whole-farm sustainability. They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, Chelsea Green Press 2016.
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MAY 2022
simple living
Confessions of a Steward
CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD
Joel co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems. Salatin has published 15 books, and he is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, column by:
JOEL SALATIN
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granddaddy catalyst for the homesteading movement. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm.
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WATER PART ON E
WATER IS THE PREREQUISITE TO LIFE. Some living things don’t need sunlight, some don’t even need soil, but all living things need water. Certainly, when we think about water, the first source that comes to mind is rain. But rain is not consistent, and most plants need water routinely. Indeed, some plants need more water than others, but scarcity is often the limiting factor in farm and garden production. As inconsistent as rain may be, global agricultural soil depletion in both quantity and quality has created a consistent loss, called surface runoff. Even the driest places on the planet have occasional downpours that, if left long enough, create floods. Most of us have lived through a few floods in our lifetime. By definition, a flood is caused by too much surface runoff. In perfect conditions, raindrops fall on the earth and percolate into the soil. But if they fall faster than the soil can absorb them or in more volume than the soil can hold, they go somewhere besides down into the soil. That somewhere is running across the top of the soil. Due to soil degradation, primarily through mining out organic matter with tillage, chemicals, and overgrazing, the soils on the planet are not nearly as absorptive as they were centuries ago.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
In fact, the rule of thumb today is that
with two goals. First, we should aspire to never
a third of all raindrops that fall on the earth
lose a drop of rain to surface runoff. Second, we
cannot find a home where they fall. The soil
should never end a drought with a full pond.
either can’t absorb them fast enough, or the
Water is perhaps the most visible and
soil can’t hold any more. So whether the area
practical application of the notion that we, as
is Nevada or Pennsylvania, one-third of the rain
caretakers of the earth, should build forgiveness
that falls becomes surface runoff. That is a big
into the landscape. Floods and droughts have been
deal because it adds up fast.
a part of the earth since the dawn of creation.
One acre-inch of water — the amount of water
Nobody will design a food or fiber production
that covers one acre one inch deep — is almost
system immune to natural water events. As
30,000 gallons. Most non-irrigated agriculturally
stewards, then, one of our objectives should be
productive areas of the U.S. receive at least 30
to extend forgiveness into the landscape like it’s
inches of rainfall a year. Lancaster County, PA,
been extended in our hearts. We need forgiveness
receives a bit more than 50. Virtually everywhere
for the sins of life like the landscape needs
east of the Mississippi receives more than 30
forgiveness for the storms of nature.
inches of rainfall a year. Applying our one-third
Most farmers talk about water like it’s some
rule, that means all of these acres lose 10 acre-
sort of esoteric thing over which they have no
inches of water a year.
control. But water is highly tangible, measurable,
Ten acre-inches of water is nearly 300,000
and controllable. A key permaculture concept
gallons per acre. That means if you have a 50-
is that all raindrops should be held as close to
acre farm, chances are you’re losing 15,000,000
where they fall for as long as possible. That
(that’s 15 million) gallons of water per year. If
means raindrops that fall on a ridge should
you have a small place, maybe 5 acres, you’re
be held on a ridge. Raindrops that fall on a
losing 1.5 million gallons a year; still no small
hill should be held on a hill, or as close to it as
amount. P.A. Yeomans wrote the iconic book
possible. In general, our holding capacity should
Water for Every Farm back in the 1950s and
be as high on the landscape as possible.
challenged farmers and ranchers worldwide
The higher our water storage is on the terrain, the more options we have to use those gallons on their gravitational journey downhill. Some people think landscaped ponds or even water barrels are akin to selfishness or hoarding, depriving people downstream of water that’s rightfully theirs. But Yeomans argued that surface runoff, by definition, means that the commons is full. The commons is shared water that you can’t create. Aquifers, springs, and streams are all part of the commons. One of my benchmarks of truth is that if everyone can’t do it, then it’s probably not a good practice. In this instance, if everyone puts a straw in a river or an aquifer and starts sucking out water, at some point, you don’t have an aquifer or river. The Colorado River is a prime example of a river that is virtually depleted by the time it gets to the ocean. Everyone wants a piece of it; that’s depleting the commons.
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Part of our human mandate as stewards is to
stored raindrops strategically, either to water animals or
increase the commons. In other words, where at one
crops. When we impound surface runoff, we do not steal
time X water flowed, our goal should be 2X. That’s
resources from downhill neighbors. Instead, we protect
returning more talents than we’re given; it’s giving
them from flooding. And if we use these raindrops
God a Return on Investment (ROI) in business terms.
during droughts, we bless our neighbors with vegetative
Few things illustrate redemption extension better than
growth and base flow — not all the irrigation water gets
increasing the hydrology of a landscape. Historically,
uptaken by plants. Much of it percolates into the soil,
when people talked about getting water, they dug wells.
just like rain.
Fortunately, water that slowly percolates through
As long as they catch only surface runoff, ponds
the soil and into the aquifer encounters all sorts of
bless our neighbors in both flood times and drought
purifying agents as it goes, generally yielding potable
times. The distinction between surface runoff and
water from a well. Unfortunately, modern chemicals
the commons is critical because one is fairly fixed,
and heavy concentrations of manure have rendered
and the other can be dramatically enhanced. The
many wells undrinkable, but in virtually any primitive
surface runoff that creates flood damage can be
place on the planet, aquifer water is potable. For
harnessed in ponds to bless an entire landscape with
irrigation and general use purposes, however, aquifer
water during a drought. Here where I live in Virginia’s
water is neither the healthiest nor the ecologically
Shenandoah Valley, if all the soil that’s been moved
best due to depletion of the commons. Plants like
to grow unneeded corn for herbivores who shouldn’t
living water from ponds and open sources, not sterile,
eat it anyway, had been moved judiciously in valleys
highly mineralized water from aquifers.
to create ponds, today this whole region would be
One of the first goals, then, of any farming operation
virtually floodproof and drought-proof. How does that
should be to eliminate surface runoff and to use those
sound for a redemptive landscape policy?
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MAY 2022
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"The thing I want to emphasize is that when we say “get water,” at least for agricultural use, a well should be the last resort. The tragedy of the human experience is not
last resort. In conventional thinking, a well is
that we’re lazy. It’s that we’re successful at the
the first resort. But a well can never increase the
wrong things. Ranching for Profit founder Stan
commons. It’s a straw stuck into the commons
Parsons used to say, “We’ve become adept at
glass, if you will, that inevitably depletes the
hitting the bullseye of the wrong target.” Indeed,
shared resource. A pond holding back surface
we’ve learned how to deplete the commons
runoff takes water that overruns the commons
by pumping water out of the aquifers, but we
cup and saves it for a drier day. It increases the
haven’t been successful at hitting the proper
commons in a practical and significant way.
objective, which is how to hold surface runoff for future blessing.
On our farm, we’ve built some 15 ponds over the years. Every time we get a few extra dollars,
Louis Bromfield, certainly the most famous
we build another pond. Now, routinely, when the
farmer in America in the 1940s and 1950s, said
rivers flood, our ponds fill gradually. Few things
the answer to flooding on the Mississippi River
please me more than checking on the ponds in
was not massive Army Corps of Engineers projects
a flood and watching them filling, but not yet
on the big river because, by that time, the volume
full. And few things please me more than seeing
and velocity of the water were too much for
all that water stored in a drought. That’s true
manmade control. He envisioned millions of small
wealth and true stewardship. //
farm ponds dotting the Mississippi watershed, all holding their million gallons like giant hoof prints on the landscape. That water, held high on the landscape, could be dispensed strategically
Joel's Upcoming Speaking Events
on parched and thirsty soil. Archaeologists now say that 500 years ago, North America was more than 8 percent water; today, it’s less than 4 percent. Much of that water was beaver ponds, built by 200 million hardworking beavers, some dams the size of a Volkswagen automobile. Not only have we destroyed the beavers; we’ve disrespected their humble pursuit and depleted the protective hydrologic labyrinth. As land stewards, certainly one of our most important and fundamental mandates is to restore this hydrologic abundance to the landscape. I’ll write a lot more about water in future columns, but for now, the thing I want to emphasize is that when we say “get water,” at
May 2-3 May 15 May 27
Tennessee (Private Farm Consultation) Texas (Exit and Built Conference Buda) San Miguel, Mexico (Health From Within)
June 3-4 June 10 June 16 June 18
Columbia, TN (The Homestead Festival - Rory Feek and Kevin Costner) Richmond, VA (Home Educators of Virginia Convention) Wisconsin (Health with Max Kane) Greenville, SC (The Rooted Life Fair)
August 19-20
Wisconsin (Rogue Food Conference)
Sept. 3
Hudson Valley, NY (Health with Max Kane and Abby Rockefeller)
October 7-8 October 18-19 October 20-21
Front Royal, VA (Homesteaders of America) Jackson, MS (Stockman Grass Farmer Business School with Steve Kenyon) Jackson, MS (Stockman Grass Farmer Marketing School with Sheri Salatin)
least for agricultural use, a well should be the
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MAY 2022
community THE WIDOW'S PATH
sunsets column by: FERREE HARDY
PLAIN VALUES
44
IT'S FINALLY MAY, and I am enjoying the warmth that
sunset, I need to go over to my in-laws, less than a mile
is gently pushing back the frost and snow of my first
away. From their backyard overlooking some pasture
winter in northern New York. Having moved here from
land, I can watch that golden ball, all ablaze with yellow,
South Carolina right before Christmas, this is the first
orange, and purple clouds, slip behind the Adirondack
spring thaw I’ve seen in over a decade, and I’m enjoying it
Mountains. It’s precious, almost sacred, to view these
immensely. While living down South for ten years, I knew
masterpiece sunsets, to feel the balm of cooling dusk,
I missed the change of seasons, and now I know why. It’s
and to be with family at the end of the day.
a joy to be surrounded by the fragrance of thawing soil
Sunsets are one of God’s most brilliant and generous
and budding branches, the greening of the grass, and
ideas, don’t you agree? He didn’t have to make them at
early sprouts pushing their way up to warm fresh air.
all, you know. The approach of nighttime could have
The home I’m in has two porches. It’s on a hill in
been more like blowing out a candle. Poof! God doesn’t
the middle of the small town of Ticonderoga. From my
have to change the sunset every day, but He generously
front porch, I can look out over part of the village and
does. It’s like our Heavenly Father is drawing up the
see the sunrise if I’m up early enough. But for a good
covers of earth’s bed and bidding us rest. Perhaps He
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closes the day with a sunset to say “good-bye” to it, to
When “paying respect,” we aren’t trying to buy
remind us to reflect on what a good day it was — that it
something. It’s not something we are obligated to do.
was worthy of effort, love, and hard work.
But it means that we benefited from this person’s time
As I mull this over, I wonder if sometimes going to
on earth. They, or their loved ones, were a blessing to us
a funeral is like signifying the close of a day, a time,
personally, and it seems only right that we use our time
and a life. There’s a saying, “Paying our last respects,”
to give this consideration.
that reminds me of a sunset. I don’t hear that term very
Often, just seeing those who are attending the funeral
much, but it draws out some significant things that
is enough of a comfort for the family. Can you imagine
touch our hearts at funerals. People sometimes say, “I’m
the bleak emptiness of a funeral that had no visitors? Our
going to pay my last respects,” instead of saying, “I’m
presence often ministers more than words. Spoken words
going to a funeral.”
aren’t always necessary, and if everyone speaks, words
Attending a funeral is a sign of respect, and it’s
are hard to remember. But notes and cards are worth
one last way to gather with the community in showing
their weight in gold. They’re greatly appreciated after the
support for the family. By our presence, we acknowledge
funeral, too, when there is time to read them and let the
that we remember and that this life mattered. When
sympathy, kindness, and comfort soak in.
someone who should be at a funeral is not, it makes
Mentioning a memory or something you especially
people wonder. What could have been more important
appreciated is comforting to some grieving people. For
than this one-time event? Like a sunset, each funeral
example, “I will always remember John’s kind smile.” Or,
is unique, a time to reflect and draw things to a close.
“John gave me a ride to the doctor’s office just when I
Outwardly we sympathize with family and friends;
needed it, and I will never forget him.” It’s never too late
inwardly, we pause to consider our own humble mortality
to send a card or note. “Thinking of you” is always nice
and place in God’s plans.
to hear.
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William Wordsworth, an English poet who lived from 1770 to 1850, wrote in his poem Tintern Abbey about the “best portion of a good man’s life” being “His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love.” The “good man” he’s referring to doesn’t remember those actions, of course. They came naturally as a part of who he was and how he lived. But our remembering those best portions and acts can bring the beautiful colors of the sunset to his family. Funerals draw the community together. Many people pitch in to lighten the load of work and also the weight of grief. A traditional meal to follow is not only a restoring fellowship time but also a practical help for both the family and for those who’ve traveled. It’s good to be surrounded by friends and family during such a lonely time. Sometimes, after the funeral, days can get very dark and sad for widows and family members. Grief is different for everyone, and sadness is certainly part of it. But, there is also an undercurrent of joy and hope we can tap into. Love lives on. A widow from Michigan shared these special words with me a while ago about how we can still show love for our spouse: To mankind, He gives eternal rest for all His children.
It has often struck me that one of the biggest
What time will the sun set by you today? When
“Love Gifts” one spouse can give to the other is
will it set for each of our own lives? Eternity is so close;
this: to be the one left behind.
it’s only a heartbeat away. I like how my widow friend
Not that we have a choice, but isn’t it true?
expressed that, too:
My husband will never be a widower. He will never
How often do we read in the Bible that the Lord
watch our casket be lowered into the ground. He
God will hold our hand? So—if God holds our hand
will never have to make decisions without our
and our loved one is in the very presence of God—
advice. Because we are still living, HE is spared so
then we can’t be far apart! How precious!
much!
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
It’s a tremendous loss we are experiencing! But in
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
a very real way, it is a great thing we are doing for
(Isaiah 41:13)
him…to walk the path of widowhood.
Let’s pull out a lawn chair, rest and relax, and
As we walk, each day brings us closer to when we,
consider the sunset tonight. //
too, will step into eternity. Perhaps God gave us sunsets to illustrate that movement— day and night, life and death.
Until next month,
ferree l
It’s as if He touches the earth each day to give it rest, like a parent tucking the blankets around their child at night.
NEW ADDRESS: To learn more about widowhood, order a copy of Postcards from the Widows’ Path—Gleaning Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth. It’s a gentle, biblical guide for widows that has many saying, “This is the best I’ve ever read!” Mail a check for $14.99/copy (paperback, 248 pgs.), along with your address to: Ferree Hardy, 76 Grace Ave., Ticonderoga, NY 12883. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Free shipping for all Plain Values readers!
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history OUR HERITAGE
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PA RT F I V E
Printing the Ausbund ORIGINS column by: ELAM STOLTZFUS
HAVE YOU EVER been in a business situation where everything felt like a constant struggle? Maybe the difficulty originated from misunderstandings, uncommunicated expectations, or miscalculations of how much time a project would take. For the Amish Book Committee, all three of these things played a role in the challenges behind the 1922 Ausbund hymnbook printing.
The Amish Book Committee printed their first book nearly ten years before — the Unparteyisches GesangBuch— and began printing other German books, as well. They also sold copies of the 1913 Elkhart, Indiana, printing of the Ausbund. Plain people from outside Pennsylvania began ordering German books from the Committee; according to treasurer Jacob Lapp’s ledger, there were Gingerichs,
(left) a collection of old English typesetting letters
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Frustratingly enough for the Amish Book
Herschbergers, Wengards, and Troyers from Ohio, Indiana, and other Western states. The Ausbund was one of the most frequently
Committee,
the
negotiating
with
Kutztown one
printers
L.A.
Miller
were in
also
Arthur,
ordered books, and the Committee had sold nearly
Illinois, to print 4,000 copies of the Ausbund. In
all of their inventory from the Elkhart printing. As
a September 21, 1921 letter between Committee
the Amish Book Committee was now in charge of
spokesperson Stephen (Steffie) F. Stoltzfus and
printing the Ausbund, they needed to find a new
Kutztown Publishing Company manager Chas Esser,
printing company, preferably near Lancaster County.
Esser tells Stoltzfus that, “Mr. Miller knows nothing
The Committee chose Kutztown Publishing
about our intentions to plating the book.” He then
Company of Kutztown, Pennsylvania, to print
tells Stoltzfus that either the Committee could sell
2,000 copies of the Ausbund. Kutztown Publishing
copies of the Ausbund to Miller or the publishing
had to make new typesetting for the complicated
company could sell directly to Miller.
arrangement of the Ausbund, similar to the 1913
As we do not have any of Stephen F. Stoltzfus’
Elkhart printing. According to the Amish Book
replies to Chas Esser’s letters, it is hard to know
Committee’s records, the major cost of printing was
what he thought of this arrangement, but I wouldn’t
setting up the typesetting and type for the book.
be surprised that he and others on the Committee
This alone cost $2,450, a substantial sum for the
were unhappy to hear that Kutztown Publishing
1920s. The Committee spent another $1,000 for the
Company was negotiating with another party to
electrotypes after the book was in type.
print the Ausbund. The following month, on October 17, Chas Esser sent a letter to Stephen F. Stoltzfus with an update of cost; apparently, Stoltzfus drove a hard bargain and asked Esser for a better price. Esser closes the letter with the comment, “We will be very glad to get started on this book for you and suggest you urge Mr. Miller.” This means that Kutztown was still negotiating with Miller as well.
A collection of different Ausbund covers
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The Amish Book Committee agreed to print the Ausbund with Kutztown Publishing Company. In a January 20, 1922 letter from Esser to Stoltzfus, he shared that Kutztown had shipped the first hundred pages of the proofs to Lancaster. As they did not have the capability to bind the book, Kutztown recommended another company to finish the binding in nearby Reading, Pennsylvania. Apparently, Stoltzfus did not answer the January letter. In a letter sent the following month on February 3, Esser wrote, “We have not received an answer to our letter several weeks ago. We have another 100 pages ready for you and can send this to you and then start printing again. We ask that you make arrangements to pay out $500.00 on the account by February 28 when this bill is due. This will help us out very much.” In addition, it appears that the Committee was struggling with paying their bills. In a letter to Stoltzfus three weeks later, Esser wrote, “We
the Ausbund and would instead work with the
are writing to you to remind you of our request or
Committee directly.
rather our suggestion that you pay us $500.00 on
On July 21, Kutztown delivered the 2,000
the account of the hymn book.” “….We will allow a
Ausbund to Stephen F. Stoltzfus in Bird-In-Hand,
discount of $5.00 on your bill. We would have more
Pennsylvania, with payment due of half the
proofs in your hands, but our operator injured his
contract price. Later that month, Esser sent a
leg and is laid off. We expect printing next week.”
letter to Stoltzfus asking for final payment and also
In the last paragraph of the letter, Esser wrote to
explaining why some of the sheets have inkblots:
Stoltzfus, “I am sure that if you go to a few of your
“We always ran the full number of sheets and left
friends that you can easily raise the money. If it is
the spoiled ones in.”
not possible to raise $500.00 try and surely send us
Clearly, the business relationship between
at least $350.00.”
Kutztown Publishing Company and the Amish
Another five months went by before Stoltzfus
Book Committee was unsatisfactory, as this was
heard back from Esser. In an early summer letter,
the only Ausbund printing that the Committee
he wrote that Kutztown Publishing Company was
did with Kutztown. Next month we will look at the
nearing completion of printing 2,000 hymnbooks.
subsequent printing arrangement for the Ausbund,
After the printing was finished, they planned to
which successfully ran for twenty-two editions. //
ship the pages to Reading for binding. Esser wrote of an error in the proofs and added, “We will correct
Sources of research and quotes: History of the Amish Book Committee;
this when you return the proofs.” Esser’s letter
Stephen F. Stoltzfus Journal; Jacob Lapp, Treasurer’s Ledger; Aaron
ends with, “We hope you can make arrangements
Petersheim, historical advisor; Amos B. Hoover, Muddy Creek Farm Library.
to pay our printing bill promptly after we have all the work complete. We think it will be simplest
Elam Stoltzfus currently serves as caretaker of the Nicholas Stoltzfus
for you to bill Mr. Miller at Arthur [Illinois] and
Homestead in (Berks County) Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. In 2018, he traveled to Germany to document the history of the Stoltzfus family—this
you pay us the entire bill.” Apparently, a deal had
research is documented in German Lutherans to Pennsylvania Amish: The
been reached between all three parties where
Stoltzfus Family Story. To order a copy of this book, you can mail a $30
Miller withdrew his request from Kutztown to print
check to Elam Stoltzfus, 1700 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610.
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outdoors ALL THINGS OUTDOORS
—
ALL THINGS OUTDOORS
—
Catfish column by: JIM ZUMBO
WHENEVER I VISIT THE SOUTH, a big item on my bucket list is to enjoy a catfish dinner Southern style. Though catfish live in every one of the lower 48 states, there’s just something special about catfish cooked in the land of Dixie, whether you’re in a restaurant or someone’s home. There’s more good news when you realize that they’re easy to catch with minimal tackle; and there’s probably a lake, pond, or river near your home where you can catch them. And by the way, you don’t need to be a famous chef or even a great cook to make them taste great! To many anglers, catfish are the primary quarry and are highly prized. To others, they’re called “bottom feeders” and aren’t worth the effort to pursue them. I suspect the latter attitude is one shared by folks who have never caught them or tasted them. I suppose they’re called catfish because they have long whiskers, which are technically called barbels. These are sensory organs that allow the fish to sort out scents in the water. Their sense of smell is remarkable. In fact, their entire body has taste buds that allows them to detect the slightest bit of food. Another unique feature of catfish is their scale-less bodies. They have smooth skin with no scales at all. One more characteristic that needs
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mentioning is the needle-sharp spikes found on the
big, but you can usually catch a bunch on a single
dorsal (top) fin and the two pectoral (side) fins. I
outing. A 12-15 inch bullhead is a big one. According
think everyone who has ever handled a catfish much,
to biologists, there are seven subspecies of bullheads.
has been poked by a spike. It’s not fun — they hurt and
They usually bite best at night, but I’ve had success
often cause a burning sensation that may last for a
during the daylight hours as well. Usually, we’d sit on
few hours or more. There’s a technique that allows
a dock or onshore at night with a campfire burning
you to safely hold one. Slide your hand from behind
merrily, close enough so the firelight allowed us to
the dorsal fin toward the head until the dorsal spine
see our rods which were propped up on sticks or rocks.
is firmly against the web of your hand between your
Sometimes we’d attach a small bell to the rod tip to
thumb and first finger. Then move your thumb and
alert us when a fish was biting. It was great fun. We’d
first finger firmly over the two dorsal spikes. The
cook marshmallows and hotdogs over the fire and sit
fish is then immobilized so you can remove the hook
there in the dark listening to the bullfrogs, peepers,
safely. Another way is to use a set of fish grabbers that
nighthawks, and sometimes an owl. Now and then,
look like long pliers that easily grip the fish’s lower
we’d hear a bass make a noisy splash as it chased its
lip, holding it securely. They’re sold in most sporting
dinner. We’d spring into action when we saw a rod tip
goods stores. Or, just use a set of needle-nose pliers
twitching. Then we’d grab it, set the hook, and reel in
to hold the fish.
a feisty fat bullhead.
I caught my first catfish when I was very young.
The channel catfish is the most popular catfish in
My dad took me fishing before I was old enough to
the country, with more than 8 million anglers fishing
go to school. Those first fish were black bullheads
for them every year. It’s more slender than the bullhead
which are a species of catfish that don’t get very
and can attain weights up to 50 pounds, but that’s a
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monster. Most weigh two to four pounds, and one that
Nightcrawlers were always a favorite. When I was
weighs 10 pounds is considered exceptional in most
young, I’d gather them on rainy nights, searching for
areas, with a 20 pounder being a real crowd-pleaser.
them with a flashlight. My Dad and I usually caught
The channel cat, as they’re called, is likely the fish you
all we needed. In fact, I caught so many I sold them
enjoy served in restaurants and the one you buy in
at 25 cents a dozen when I was a teenager. Nowadays,
stores, although there is a hybrid channel catfish-blue
you’ll pay $3 or more a dozen. You can buy worms
catfish variety that’s growing in popularity. Catfish
in stores everywhere. Be sure to keep them out of
are farmed in the Southern states, chiefly Mississippi.
the sun, or you’ll have boiled and useless worms. I
More than 500 million pounds of catfish are grown in
put them in a very small cooler with a chunk of ice.
farms each year.
Other types of bait also work well, whether it’s dead
Two other catfish popular with American anglers
or alive. Chicken liver is a favorite, along with a chunk
are the blue and the flathead. These grow very large,
of hot dog, cut bait, dead minnows, and various kinds
attaining weights over 100 pounds. Of the two, the
of stink bait. You can make your own stink bait or
blue is the biggest. These fish put up a terrific fight,
buy it. If you haven’t used it, be aware you’ll be most
requiring strong lines and heavy tackle.
unpopular with your friends and family if you get it on
Catfish are not finicky about their dietary needs.
your hands or clothing. Most anglers will dunk their
They’ll eat most anything that will fit in their mouth,
hook in the jar and swirl it around with a stick, then
whether it’s plant or animal matter, but mostly animal
lift it out and never touch it. Crawfish, dead or alive,
(fish). For that reason, the sky's the limit when bait
are my favorite bait for channel catfish. Live minnows
is being considered. I think that 90% of the catfish
also work well. Channel cats spawn in some sort of
I’ve caught around the country were taken on worms.
structure, whether it’s a cavity in rocks, under logs, or
Jim Zumbo with a 12 pound channel catfish
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MAY 2022
in rocky dikes. I’ve had good luck casting lures around
Where legal, a trotline is an effective technique
these areas. I’m not sure if the fish are chasing away
to catch a bunch of catfish. This is basically a strong
potential nest robbers or see the lure as food. Either
line to which is attached several hooks five or six feet
way, it works well.
apart. Each hook is baited, and the line is usually
Since catfish are mostly bottom feeders, I use
stretched across a river or narrow part of a lake. A
a weight on the end of the line. Then I attach two
boat is used to tie the line on one or both sides. Some
snelled hooks, one about a foot above the weight and
states allow a maximum of 50 hooks on a trotline.
the other about 2 feet above that hook. I figure two
Most anglers leave it out all night, returning the next
baits offer twice the scent, and if a fish steals a bait,
morning with a big cooler to fill up! Be sure you’re
the other one is still working. It’s not uncommon to
aware of your state’s regulations.
catch two fish at a time. When I was a kid, I used a
Limb lining is another technique and is typically
very basic technique. Instead of using a fishing rod, I
used for flathead catfish. This species likes its food
used a hand line. I had the line coiled carefully at my
fresh, and if the bait is alive, the better it works. Tie
feet and tossed it out with my hand. I tied the end to
a stout line on a limb that’s green, strong, and has a
a branch or rock onshore and left enough slack so I
lot of spring to it. When a big catfish is hooked, it will
could tell when a fish was biting. If the line started to
fight the flexible branch. If you use a dead branch, it
tighten, I knew a catfish was swimming off with my
might snap, or it won’t bend back and forth, giving
bait. Then I’d set the hook and pull it in hand-over-
the fish a better chance to escape. If your objective
hand. I used this technique for bullheads and small
is to catch flathead catfish, your chances are far
channel cats.
better to hook a live bait fish, so it remains close to
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the surface of the water. That way, it will thrash and splash about, attracting the predatory flathead. Small bluegills are a favorite bait in many areas, though any live fish that’s tenacious and remains alive while hooked is a good choice. If you’re more interested in big blue catfish or channel cats, a dead bait on the bottom is most effective. A limb line is usually left out overnight. A big advantage is that you don’t need a boat for this shoreline technique. As usual, be aware of your state’s regulations regarding limb lining. It’s important to remember that most catfish will be hooked deeply because they tend to gobble the bait as soon as they encounter it. This is true no matter the technique you use or the species of catfish. Bring along a hook disgorger or extra-long needle-nose pliers to remove the hook. Another popular method is jug fishing. It’s very simple. Simply gather up a bunch of empty gallon jugs and tie a line on them with a hook at the end.
My idea of a great meal is a plate of fried catfish, grits, hush puppies, and a glass of sweet tea. In my opinion, this is food fit for a king...
Bait it and turn it loose. The best places to do this are protected bays on the outskirts of lakes. You can place your fishing jugs in a river, but the wind and current could carry your jugs a long way away if the river is too big, and you’ll need a boat to retrieve the jugs. Most anglers leave them overnight. Be sure the jugs are tightly capped to keep water out. Cleaning a catfish is far different than any other technique. Since they have no scales, the skin must be pulled off, either with special fish skinning pliers
cut them off with wire cutters or tin snips. Grasp part
or needle-nose pliers. The head and bony structure
of the skin with the pliers and pull, tearing the skin
behind the gills make up a large part of the fish. You
off the carcass. Some folks will drive a nail into the
may be surprised at the small amount of meat you get
head and in a tree, fence post, or whatever, then pull
when the head is removed. With a sharp knife, cut
the skin off. When the skin and entrails are removed,
into the flesh just behind the gills all the way around
you have the option of filleting the fish or cooking it
the fish. Then make a cut up to the vent. You can
whole. There are other techniques in cleaning catfish.
remove the innards now, if you want to, or do it later.
This one works for me.
Always be aware of the sharp spines on the dorsal and
My idea of a great meal is a plate of fried catfish,
pectoral fins. To avoid the hassle, some folks simply
grits, hush puppies, and a glass of sweet tea. In my opinion, this is food fit for a king, and it doesn’t cost much to bring a bucket of fish home, which is one of many reasons to love the catfish! //
PHOTOS FROM OUR READERS We'd love to feature hunting, fishing, and other outdoor photos from our readers in Jim's column. If you'd like
Jim has hunted all fifty states for deer, has fished in most states, has hunted elk
to contribute photos, please email them to: reachout@
in all the major western elk states, and has hunted on four continents. He worked
plainvalues.com. Be sure to include information about
for fifteen years as a forester, game warden, and wildlife biologist. Jim draws on these experiences for his monthly column “All Things Outdoors.” For more
your photos so we can include captions.
information, visit www.jimzumbo.com. 57
MAY 2022
funds & benefits
PLEASE NOTE If you are conducting a fundraiser to assist with medical or hardship expenses, please let us know and we will be happy to feature it for one month at no cost. Funds must be payable to a bank, church, or charitable organization.
26 TH CRIPPLED CHILDREN'S AUCTION Friday: Supper is served at 4:00 pm Friday-Saturday | June 23–24, 2022
Sports Auction begins at 5:00 pm Saturday: Breakfast is served 6:30–9:00 am
Mt. Hope Event Center 8076 State Route 241, Millersburg, OH 44654
Auction begins at 8:30 am
(330)674-6188
Health Expo and grilling demo: Friday, 3:00–8:00 pm, and Saturday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm
A lunch stand will be serving veal sandwiches, pork, and barbecue chicken. Donations are needed. If you are interested in donating items, please call (330) 674-6188. All sports items for the Friday night auction will be new. Quilts from across the area are donated, with more than one hundred quilts being auctioned. When donating quilts, have all quilts marked with name and size. Friday night Sport Auction and Saturday Auction funds will go for children born with birth defects and medical problems. Thank you for all your continued support.
PHILIP KAUFFMAN FUND A fund has been set up for Philip Kauffman, 19, son of Kenneth and Leanna Kauffman. He has been in and out of the hospital numerous times with recurring urinary tract infections and blockage since August 2021. After an unsuccessful surgery, he was recommended to a specialist. In January 2022, they went to Mayo Clinic seeking help. Phillip still has a long road to recovery. If you feel led to help with this cause, any donations will be greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: Philip Kauffman Benefit Fund, C/O Denmark State Bank, PO Box 134, Reedsville, WI 54230.
MRS. PAUL (ANNA MAE) WENGERD FUND A fund has been set up for Mrs. Paul Wengerd. Paul, 33, and son Michael, 4, passed away in a road cart/vehicle accident. Anna Mae and her two children, ages 2 and 9 months, have payments due and no income. God bless you for sharing. Make checks payable to Mt. Hope Charities Inc., PO Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660. Attn: Clark Northwest Church District #31.
ESH ORPHAN FUND John & Barbie Esh were killed in a vehicle/buggy accident leaving their 8 children, age 16 and under, as orphans. Previous funds were raised and spent on their immediate living and medical expenses. The Eli & Linda Esh family took in the children; however, the financial load of caring for 13 children is large. If you feel led to help it would be greatly appreciated! Send check to: First National Bank, Eli & Linda Esh Fund, PO Box 35, Loganton, PA 17747.
KATIE ANN TROYER FUND Sam Troyer lost his 9-month battle with cancer on February 11, 2022. He left behind his wife, Katie Ann, and their eight children, three of which are living at home. If you feel led to help Katie Ann pay the mortgage and other expenses, send a check to: Community Bank, PO Box 10, Clymer, NY 14724. Make checks payable to Albert Yoder and write Troyer Fund in the memo.
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