Farm Directory Illinois Valley
Spring/Summer 2022
Your #1 Source For Farm & Agriculture-Related Goods & Services! est. 1851
Contents
Farm Directory
3
Explaining precision agriculture
(815) 223-3200 • (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
6
How agricultural technology can help improve sustainability
10
The challenges climate change poses to agriculture
12
Consumers, media and farmers discuss sustainability, transparency and giving farmers a voice
14
What is a smart greenhouse?
426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301
Publisher Dan Goetz Advertising Director Jeanette Smith
jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Published by: est. 1851
To be included in future Farm Directory publications, please contact Jeanette Smith at (815) 220-6948 today!
2 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
Explaining precision agriculture Few, if any, aspects of life in the 21st century have not been touched by technology. Advancements in technology have affected everything from the way students learn in the classroom to how senior citizens connect with their grandchildren. Technological advancements also have left their mark on industry, including the agricultural sector. Modern agriculture bears some similarities to farming of past eras. Technology has affected the agricultural sector for centuries, and modern farmers know that’s no different today. One of the more recent developments in the agricultural sector is the rise of precision agriculture, a farming management concept that can pay dividends for generations to come.
of technology. PA is designed to help the agricultural sector maximize resources and improve yields and the quality of crops. That’s a critically important function as the world population continues to grow and the demand for food increases as a result.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PA TECHNOLOGY? Sensors are a prime example of PA technology that helps make farms more efficient and productive. Sensors serve various functions by helping farmers gather data on the availability of water in soil, the level of compaction in soil, leaf temperature, insect and disease infestation, and other areas. Weather modeling is another component of PA that can help farms be more WHAT IS PRECISION AGRICULTURE? cost-effective and efficient. Precision agriculture (PA) Whereas in years past many is rooted in improving crop farms would need to manuyields through the utilization ally assess certain variables
to determine when to harvest, weather modeling technology has enabled some farmers to generate remote readings, saving time and money. HOW DOES PA HELP FARMERS? Each situation is unique, but the principles of PA can help farmers access a wealth of information. It might have been possible to access such information in the past, but PA has sped up the process and made it more hands-off, allowing farmers to save both
time and money. PA technology can help farmers maintain accurate records of their farms; inform their decisions; make it easier to detect and identify problems, sometimes before they escalate into larger issues; and avoid potentially costly mistakes. Technology has left no industry untouched. The growth of precision agriculture is a testament to the influence that technology is having on a vital sector of the global economy. AG223781
Brad Piller
Dan Stephenitch
Evan Wixom
Jeff Townsend
Alan Brizgis
Tim Kunkel
Brent Ohlinger
Loan Officer Mendota 815.539.3834 NMLS #477895
Community President West Brooklyn 815.628.3121 NMLS #764558
Loan Officer Mendota 815.539.3834
Vice President AG Lending Princeton 815.872.0002
Community President McNabb 815.882.2146 NMLS #477887
Community President Princeton 815.872.0002
Community President Rochelle 815.562.2200 NMLS #454385
William Davey
Cory Biers
John Theisinger
President, North Operations Sycamore 815.752.2265 NMLS #939133
Senior Vice President, Loans Mendota 815.539.3834 NMLS #477892
Vice President, Commercial/Ag Mendota 815.539.3834
Kirk Ross Senior Vice President, Commercial Mendota 815.539.3834 NMLS #477896
firststatebank.biz | 800.362.9623 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 3
YOUR CHEVROLET TRUCK
HEADQUARTERS
AGRONOMY
Ag View FS Princeton (815) 875-2800 LaMoille (815) 638-2772 Walnut (815) 379-2123 Buda (309) 895-2811 Henry (309) 822-4763 Varna (309) 463-2043 Toulon (309) 286-2561
AUCTIONEERING
GREAT DEALS GREAT SERVICE SINCE 1926
VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET, INC. HIGHWAY 52 SUBLETTE, IL 61367 1-800-227-5203 1-815-849-5232 VAESSENBROTHERS.COM
McConville Realty & Auctioneering 612 Main St Mendota, IL (815) 539-5673 mcconvillerealty.com
AUTO SALES
CHIROPRACTOR
Marty Chiropractic 1310 N., IL-251 Lostant, IL 61334 (815) 368-3421 www.martychiropractic.net
CONSTRUCTION Blunier Builders 309-467-4847 blunierbuilders.com
DECKING
Maze Lumber 1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742 www.mazelumber.com
Vaessen Brothers Chevrolet 505 Pennsylvania Ave Sublette, IL 61367 Service: 877-880-6979 Sales: 877-737-7619 www.vaessenbrothers.com
EQUIPMENT
HCC Inc. 1501 1st Ave Mendota, IL 61342 www.hccincorporated.com
SM-LA1950004
Locally Owned & Operated by Paul & Mary Breznay 2139 N. Main St.
800 W. Dakota St.
Princeton
Spring Valley
1503 13th Avenue 2701 E 12th St
Mendota
FREE CHEESEBURGER with the purchase of a cheeseburger
Coupon required, limit one coupon per customer per visit, not valid with other offers and expires 10/31/2022.
Spring Valley • Princeton • Mendota
NOW HIRING/EOE
SM-LA1949179
4 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
EQUIPMENT CONTINUED FARM DRAINAGE Martin Equipment 2901 May Rd Peru, IL 61354 (815) 224-4711 www.martinequipment.com
Vaessen Implement Repair 542 US-52 Sublette, IL 61367 815-849-9010 www.vaessenimplement.com
EQUIPMENT RENTAL Rental Pros 2 1150 38th St. Peru, IL 61354 (815) 2242800
FARM BUREAU
La Salle County Farm Bureau 4201 N. Columbus St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-0371 www.lcfb.org
C&A Farm Drainage Lacon, IL 309-238-8627 309-238-8626
Lee Excavating & Tiling 29408 3450 East St. La Moille, IL 61330 (815) 910-5479 Lilja Tiling & Excavating 2000 Welland Rd. Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 539. 3485
FARM MANAGEMENT Ray Farm Management Services 226 Prairie Ln. W Princeton, IL 61356 815-872-3276
100 W. Main St. • Sublette, IL 61367
815-849-5222
sublettefarmerselevator.com Since 1919 SM-LA1950820
All Your Production Agriculture Needs
Farm Drainage Waterways
Structures Land Clearing
Pond Excavating Boring
29408 3450 East Street, LaMoille, IL
Your Partner for Progress
Seed & Agronomy
SM-LA1950006
TRANSFORMING USED COOKING OIL INTO RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Ashton, Buda, Henry, LaMoille, Princeton, Toulon, Varna, Walnut, Walton
Energy Buda, Manlius, Princeton, Toulon, Varna, Walton
Technology Princeton
448 N 3973rd Road • Mendota www.mahoneyes.com
SM-LA1950815
Serving Bureau, Lee, Marshall, Putnam & Stark Counties 22069 US Hwy. 34 Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-2800 agviewfs.com
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 5
How agricultural technology can help improve sustainability Sustainable agriculture is an approach to farming that will allow modern farmers to meet the needs of a growing population while enhancing environmental quality. That can benefit both current and future generations, and technology will play a vital role in realizing the goals of sustainable agriculture. According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, sustainable agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. That’s a worthy goal, especially in the face of a growing global population that the United Nations estimates will increase by two billion persons by 2050. There are numerous benefits to utilizing sustainable agriculture technology, which can be
ogies to determine soil health and water needs and usage, which can Efficient benefit the land manland and agement ensure reModeling sources artechnologies en’t wasted. can be utiUtilization of lized to make such technolomore efficient use gies ensures farmof land. According ers can meet the needs to Sustainable Brands, a global community of brand of modern consumers without innovators, modeling tech- affecting future farmers’ abilnologies can be employed in ity to do the same. a host of ways, including to identify tillage practices and REDUCE RUNOFF The United States Envithe status of tile drainage. Certain agricultural technologies ronmental Protection Agency have been designed to predict notes that runoff poses a sigthe performance of cropland, nificant threat to the environwhich can allow farmers to ment. When runoff occurs, more effectively and efficiently fertilizer, bacteria and other use their land. Farmers also pollutants find their way into can employ modeling technol- streams, rivers, lakes, and the especially advantageous to modern farmers.
WE’RE GROWING PLACES
ocean. Sustainable Brands notes that nanotechnology is an efficient way to deliver nutrients to crops that can improve both the efficacy of the nutrients and reduce runoff. PROTECT CROPS Sustainable Brands notes that agricultural biologicals are inputs derived from natural materials that have low toxicity. That low toxicity reduces their environmental impact. Agricultural biologicals utilize the properties of such things as bacteria, fungi and even insects to support healthy crops, potentially improving yield without adversely affecting the environment. Sustainable agriculture technologies can help modern farmers and their successors meet the needs of a rapidly growing global population. AG223783
Vaessen Implement Repair, Inc. 542 US RT. 52N. • Sublette
815-849-9010
Our dedicated team is mobile. Meet us in our office or in yours. Cody R Burroughs - State Farm Agent
CROP/HAIL - FARM Authorized Dealer for
SM-LA1951035
SM-LA1950819
6 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
walkermowers.com
FARMER’S ELEVATOR
Compeer Financial 2950 N Main St. Princeton, IL 61356 815- 872-0067 www.compeer.com
Sublette Farmers Elevator Co. 100 W Main St Sublette, IL 61367 815-849-5222 sublettefarmerselevator.com First State Bank Mendota 815-538-2265 McNabb 815-882-2146 FEED INGREDIENTS Peru 815-224-4484 Ridley Feed Ingredients Ottawa 815-433-3727 1609 1st Ave Princeton 815-872-0002 Mendota, IL 61342 LaMoille 815 638-2398 (815) 539-9321 www.firststatebank.biz
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Central Bank 1721 Midtown Rd Peru, IL 61354 815- 224-2213 317 S Main St Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-3333 www.central-bank.com
Heartland Bank Peru 815-223-7500 Spring Valley 815-664-2321 Oglesby 815-883-8473 Princeton 815-875-4444 Henry 309-364-3971 www.hbtbank.com Illini State Bank Oglesby 815-883-8400 Tonica 815-442-8211 Lostant 815-368-3333
Professional Land Specialists
Auctions | Land Brokerage | Farm Management Leslie H. “Chip” Johnston • IL Managing Broker 815.546.8276 • based out of Princeton IL
Right Product. Right Acre.
Right People. Pioneer brand products, service, Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment and PROBulk® System
MJ Seed Agency Michael Michlig (815) 878-4430 SHEFFIELD, ILLINOIS
FIREPLACES • Green and Clean! • Efficiency Ratings Independently Verified! • Reduce Dependency On Fossil Fuels!
WATER STREET, PERU – 815-223-1742 www.mazelumber.com
SM-LA1951613
SM-LA1950828
MAZE LUMBER A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 7
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CONTINUED
Pioneer State Bank Earlville 815-246-8411 Sublette 815-849-5242 Paw Paw 815-627-2651 www.pioneerstatebank.com
FIREPLACES
perumutual.com SM-LA1951642
Here to Help You Grow
Maze Lumber 1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742 www.mazelumber.com
FOOD
McDonald’s Spring Valley, Mendota and Princeton www.mcdonalds.com Mike Wasmer
Gary Safranek
SM-LA1950816
Tyler Full
FUEL
Michlig Energy 105 1st St. Manlius, IL 61338 815-445-6921 www.michligenergy.com
INSURANCE
Dimond Bros. 1701 4th St., Suite 200, Peru 120 E. Dakota St., Spring Valley 245 Backbone Road East, Princeton 102 N. Main St., Ohio 10 E. Division St., Amboy First State Insurance 715 Washington St. Mendota, IL 61342 (815) 539-5651 114 W Railroad St. Earlville, IL 60518 (815) 246-8261 385 Chicago Rd Paw Paw, IL 61353 (815) 627-8552 Peru Waltham Insurance 1724 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-4414 www.perumutual.com
Water Softeners Drinking Water Systems Sales & Service Commercial & Residential 815-875-2506 leeswater.com 1790 N Euclid Ave Princeton ESTABLISHED 1974 SM-LA1953507
Contractor Tools & Equipment ·Utility Trailers
Party Rentals
·Tow Behind AirCompressor ·Tents
·Skidloaders
·Power Washers
·Tables
·Trenchers
·Cement Saws
·Chairs
·Mini Excavators
·Jackhammers
·Popcorn Machines
·Loader Tractors
·Floor Sanders
·Snow Cone Machines
·Garden Tillers
·Post Hole Diggers
·Cotton Candy Machines
·Sewer Machines
·Scaffolding
·Bounce Houses
SM-LA1951637
8 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
INSURANCE CONTINUED REAL ESTATE State Farm – Cody BROKERS Burroughs 313 S Spalding St. Spring Valley, IL 61362 (815) 664-5302
Is Your Ag Line of Credit Costing YOU?
Capital Agricultural Property Services Timothy A. Harris, AFM Princeton, IL Cell: 815-875-7418
KITCHENS
Land Pro LLC 2681 US HWY 34 Oswego, Illinois 60543 331-999-3490
Maze Lumber 1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742 www.mazelumber.com
LAWNMOWER SALES & REPAIRS
Smith’s Sales and Service 1604 Peoria St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0132
MACHINE SHOP
McHenry Machine Co. Inc. 1309 IL Highway 26 Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-1953
SEEDS
Channel Seed Lyle Eiten – (815) 341-1602 Tyler Thompson – (309) 945-7307
Let us evaluate your current rates to see if we can help you save. Contact Dan or Alan at Illini State Bank today!
Member
FDIC
Tonica - 815-442-8211 • Oglesby - 815-883-8400 • Lostant - 815-368-3333 illinistatebank.com SM-LA1951233
McConville Realty & Auctioneering Farmland, Commercial & Residential
MJ Seeds, Inc. 8927 1925 North Avenue Sheffield, Illinois 61361 815-878-4430 Office 815/539-5673 Cell 815/910-5673 mcconvillerealty.com
SM-LA1951280
HARVEST
612 S. Main Street Mendota, IL 61342 mcrlty62@gmail.com
WE HAVE YOUR BACK! You need a farm insurance agent that knows the area and
WON'T
your individual needs. We have protected area farmers for decades with quality insurance coverage and friendly, local service.
WAIT
GIVE US A CALL TODAY Jud Scott - ext. 1607 Erika Robbins - ext. 1603 Pete Mangold - ext. 1614
:G= RHN LAHNE=G M >BMA>K'
Ch^ ;kbs`bl
M^obl Fhmm
CZlhg OZgEZg]nbm
!1*." ++)&*02.
!1*." 10.&,,,+
!1*." 10.&,-/.
I^kn
Ikbg\^mhg
Ikbg\^mhg
2SHUDWLQJ _ (TXLSPHQW _ /DQG G^Ze DgZn_
End^ EZgqhg
!1*." ++)&*1//
!1*." 10+&))*1
I^kn
Princeton
SM-LA1953508
AMBOY 815-857-3966 OHIO 815-376-2954 PRINCETON 815-875-4404
SM-LA1953465
Follow Us on Facebook: facebook.com/dimondbros
AU TO | H O M E | L I F E | H E A LT H | FA R M CO M M E R C I A L | W O R K E R S CO M P E N S AT I O N | B O N D S
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 9
The challenges climate change poses to agriculture Climate change poses an array of challenges. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the impacts of climate change on various sectors of society are interrelated, a connection that mirrors the ripple effects of the COVID19 pandemic. The human health crisis that arose during the pandemic affected all aspects of life, as illnesses limited worker productivity, thus affecting the global supply chain, including the availability of food. Scientists warn that a similar scenario could play out as a result of climate change. The agricultural sector could face considerable challenges in the years to come. The Fourth National Climate Assessment is a government-mandated report that must be delivered to the United States Congress once every four years. Among the many aims of the report are to provide an analysis of the effects of global changes on the natural environment and
agriculture. The report also must project major trends for the next 25 to 100 years. The most recent report, delivered in 2018, noted that changing precipitation patterns could intensify in the coming years, leading to more intense periods of heavy rain and longer dry periods. Those shifting patterns and other changes could lead to an increase in conditions and weather events that pose unique challenges to the agricultural sector. • Flooding: The Union of Concerned Scientists notes that many agricultural regions of the United States have already experienced increased flooding. The effects of flooding on the agricultural sector are often devastating and include accelerated soil erosion, water pollution and damage to infrastructure that challenges farmers’ ability to get food from their farms to stores and, ultimately, consumers’ dinner tables. • Drought: The National Integrated Drought Information
COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AMERICA.
System reports that the primary direct economic impact of drought in the agricultural sector is crop failure and pasture losses. The Government of Canada notes that areas of western Canada are already experiencing frequent and severe droughts, and scientists expect other areas of the country to be affected by drought more often in the years to come. The same goes for the United States, which the UCS notes has already dealt with severe drought in California, the Great Plains and the midwest. Depleted water supplies are a byproduct of drought, and such depletion can take a toll on crops and livestock.
F
• Economics: The effects of climate change on crops and livestock may force farmers to change the nature of their farms. The UCS notes that farmers may be forced to choose crop varieties and animal breeds that are suited to the new conditions sparked by climate change. Going in a new direction could force farmers to make potentially costly investments in machinery and other changes as they make the transition. Climate change will pose unique challenges to the agricultural sector that could force farmers to make some difficult decisions in the years ahead. AG223785
Management & Consulting Real Estate Brokerage & Auctions
ARMLAND SERVICES
LET’S KEEP WORKING FOR THE FUTURE, TOGETHER. Compeer Financial® has always been there for our clients and the rural communities we serve. Our financial solutions — from real estate and operating loans to crop insurance, appraisals and more — are designed to give you the tools needed to succeed. And our experienced team will guide you every step of the way.
COMPEER.COM | (844) 426-6733 Nate Edlefson
Myron Rumbold
Adam King
Dan Legner
(815) 719-8021 (815) 719-8010
(815) 719-8016
Timothy A. Harris, AFM
Managing Broker, IL Lic. Auctioneer #441.001976, Princeton, IL
Cell: 815-875-7418 timothy.a.harris@pgim.com
(815) 719-8011
Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider. ©2020 All rights reserved.
10 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
SM-LA1953511
TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE
WATER SYSTEMS
TRUCK REPAIR
Prairie State Water Systems 3281 E 28th Rd. Marseilles, IL 61341 Phone: 815- 357-8300 48W557 Rt. 64 Maple Park, IL 60151 Phone: 630-365-4242
Nutrien Ag Solutions 28411 1600 East St. Walnut, IL 61376 (815) 379-9295
Untz Truck Repair 3460 Brennen Dr. Peru, IL 61354 (815) 224-2675 www.untztruck.com
TRUCKS
Schoff Farm Services 13181 2400 N Ave. Walnut, IL 61376 815-379-2777 K.H. Schrowang Trucking Mark, IL 815-339-2906
Lee’s Water Systems 1790 N. Euclid Ave. Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-2506 www.leeswater.com
Over 135 years of farming innovation
1501 1st Avenue • Mendota 815-539-9371 HCCINC.COM SM-LA1952033
WINDOWS
Maze Lumber 1100 Water St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-1742 www.mazelumber.com
WORK BOOTS
Vlastnik’s Menswear 1809 4th St. Peru, IL 61354 815-223-0695
105 First Street • Manlius • michligenergy.com
815-445-6921 • 800-624-5593 SM-LA1953514
Elite Seed. Expert Advice. Customized Service. SM-LA1955560
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 11
Consumers, media and farmers discuss sustainability, transparency and giving farmers a voice (BPT) - On a hot and humid evening in July, two farmers finished up their long day in the field, five national media journalists took a break from impending deadlines and two dietitians wrapped up their daily meetings with clients and logged into a video conference to participate in the third Dinner is Grown event hosted by BASF Agricultural Solutions. Paul Rea, senior vice president for BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, opened the virtual event live from the company’s new Sustainability Center. He welcomed the diverse audience to participate in a conversation about sustainability in agriculture and how food gets from the farm to America’s dinner plates. What seemed to be a straightforward and
Mayer grew up on his family simple conversation on the surface was rather complex farm. He said he stumbled into regenerative agriculture after and enlightening. realizing there must be a bet“The purpose of Dinner ter, more efficient way to farm. is Grown is about bringing “We began to track our trips people together - farmers and members of the media - to and our fertilizer, and we aclearn from one another and tually created the carbon footbridge the gap from the farm print of our farm. So, we knew to the table,” said Rea. “We exactly how much carbon we know consumers still have were sequestering and on ava lot of questions around ag- erage on our 160-acre farm, riculture and this event pro- we were removing the equivvides a platform to have those alent of 62 cars off the road.” conversations.” “We’re not making more The topic of carbon kicked farmland, so we’re going to off the evening, and farmers have to do well with what we Matt Mayer from Northeast have,” added Mayer. Iowa and Rob Fleming of Fleming agreed. “Our soil North Carolina shared their thoughts and fielded questions is our number one asset. It’s on everything from strip tilling something that we must keep healthy. My job is to leave the to nitrogen fixers. land better than when I got it
Lawn Care...
40 years ago.” After nearly an hour of engaging conversation, the question remained, are we adequately communicating with consumers about what farmers do to produce safe and reliable food? Melissa Joy Dobbins, a dietitian, provided insight from her clients. “I don’t think people are skeptical or distrusting of farming. I think they don’t know what they don’t know, and the more we talk about these new and exciting things going on at the farm, no till, strip till, carbon sequestration, that these terms become more common, and that people realize the science and business that goes into farm-
Harvesting Your Land’s Potential Buy/Sell Land Auction Appraisal
the Easy Way! Count on it.
Rely on our experts to privately sell or auction your land. We can also assist in purchasing farmland and appraising your current acreage.
www.exmark.com Snow plows and parts
SMITH SALES & SERVICE 1604 Peoria Street • Peru • 815-2 223-0 0132
hbtbank.com 833-797-FARM
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES Heartland Bank and Trust Co., licensed real estate broker corporation in Illinois. Timothy L. Woods, Designated Managing Broker
SM-LA1954365
12 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
This led to head nods from ing. We need to get people closer to the farm. There’s everyone and for Fleming, an acknowledgment that farmers still a huge disconnect.” cannot do it alone. “The persona of the farmer “When you farm, you wear needs to change,” said Cara Harbstreet, a dietitian from a lot of hats: You’re a scientist, Kansas City. “It’s not about a meteorologist, a businessfacts and figures, but about man and a marketer. We need to do a better job of making storytelling.” the connection - for the con“I think there has been this sumer - from the crop to the attitude of paternalism that table and why it’s meaningful experts or the industry knows to them.” best, we’ll release some of this “U.S. farmers are full of information or make it available or offer transparency on pride,” said Fleming. “We don’t our terms. Younger audiences just want to take care of our aren’t settling for that any- families; we want to take care of you. We have a story to tell more,” added Harbstreet. and one that should resonate Padma Commuri, director, with consumers, but we need a Research & Development for vehicle to share that story.” BASF Agricultural Solutions Participating journalists North America, agreed. included: Laura Reiley, The “Companies like us, we are Washington Post; Kirk Malproducing food at farm level, tais, The Wall Street Journal; but we don’t translate the value Tatyanna Monnay, Politico; of what we are producing at Pam Smith, The Progressive the table level. So, I think we Farmer; Rachel Stearns, Eatneed to bridge that farm-to- ing Well; Cara Harbstreet, table connection of the crops dietitian and Melissa Joy Dobthat we are producing and how bins, dietitian. that translates to a meaningful value to the consumer.”
ELIMINATE BLENDING CONTAMINATION Multiple bin spreading eliminates blending contamination that can ruin crops. Spreading multiple products in one pass reduces man hours, field compaction and fuel consumption by reducing trips across the field. All these benefits add up to a higher rate of return on your investment.
McHenry Machine Co. Inc. 1309 IL Highway 26 • Princeton, IL 61356
SM-LA1956232
Small Farm Specialty Crops Growing Vibrant Communities America in Bloom Garden Therapy Youth in Agriculture Private Events
Tim & Holly Koster
Gold Level
Silver Level
Factory Certified Technicians
real stihl. find yours.
wn Rare Locally Gro wers e Flo & Heritag CT
MAY to O
THE GREENERY
815-875-1953
g r atefulpl ains .com (815) 249-5134 G R A N D R I D G E
100% Exclusively Stihl Product Showroom Warranty Service Work & Chain Sharpening Machine Features & Operation Guidelines Pro Tips and Tricks & Product Reviews Safety Gear Demos Seasonal Tune-ups Small Engine repair
STIHL DEALERSHIP
t h rot t lean dh u m.c om (815) 249-5575
of many brands
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 13
What is a smart greenhouse?
Now Machine Installing Dual Wall Tile
Lilja Tiling & Excavating, LLC 2000 Welland Rd., Mendota, IL 61342 Office: 815.539. 3485 • Email: liljatilingllc@gmail.com
Small enough to care. Big enough to deliver!
Specializing in post frame construction & repairs. Call us today for your free quote!
1230 U.S. Highway 24 Eureka, IL 61530 309-467-4847 blunierbuilders.com
the crop and cultivar. This alleviates the guessing game on the part of growers and leads to higher yields. Smart greenhouses typically utilize multiple wireless sensors to measure everything from carbon dioxide output to lighting and transmit the information back to a computer. The data is calculated and adjustments to multiple pieces of equipment can be made through the wireless network all from one computer, unlike older systems that required wires and maybe even multiple computers. Smart greenhouses can control additional critical factors, including temperature and ventilation. Overall, an investment in smart technology could save farmers money in the long run. AG223793
For Better Health and Wellness WE ARE CELEBRATING 100TH YEAR IN PRACTICE!
Dr. Eric Anderson & Dr. Rhonda Marty-Anderson - Pediatric Care - Family Wellness -
- Geriatric Care - Sports / Fitness -
815-368-3421 • Lostant
Corner of Route 18 & 251 • Exit 41 on Interstate 39
14 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
SM-LA1955929
Walnut
815-379-9295
Greenhouses are structures that can help hobbyists or professional farmers extend growing seasons and improve yields. Even though traditional greenhouses can improve conditions for growth, certain variables can still affect output. That’s where smart greenhouses come into play. Farming requires reliance on intuition, but also on control of environmental factors like insects, irrigation and light. Smart greenhouses help make conditions more predictable and growing more efficient. The machinery manufacturer Yanmar notes that its Smart Greenhouses enable users to automatically control cultivation methods by customizing temperature, humidity and water levels depending on
QUALITY CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Manlius
815-445-6951
SM-LA1955074
We are dedicated to helping our customers achieve maximum success. When you meet and work with a member of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Team, we are confident you will see our strengths first-hand and “Profit from our experience.”
Count on Us
to get the job done. Grain ~ Seeds Farming Supplies
Representing
AGRICULTURE
and our member families through information and legislation to improve financial stability and quality of life.
itment “Comm ty To Quali
Service”
GRANVILLE • MARK INDUSTRIAL PARK • MARK • 815-339-2906
(815) 433 - 0371 | www.lcfb.org 4201 N. Columbus Drive Ottawa, IL 61350
SM-LA1950170
DEPENDABLE LOCAL SERVICE SINCE 1952
The Genuine.
The Original.
“Protecting Your Investment In Farmland” SM
The Ribbon is always the sign of a winner.
Specializing in Residential and Commercial Free Estimates e Emergency Service
Douglas D. Ray, AFM
Accredited Farm Manager/Managing Real Estate Broker
SM-LA1956308
Overhead Door Company of the Illinois Valley
617 Shooting Park Rd. • Peru
815-223-8471 1
815-872-FARM (3276) P.O. Box 39 • 226 Prairie Ln. W. • Princeton, IL 61356 www.rayfarm1.com • Email: rayfarm1@comcast.net
Schoff
FARM SERVICE, INC.
Walnut, IL 815-379-2777 • sfsfuel@yahoo.com SM-LA1953512
From now through March 31, order through the Martin Equipment Customer Portal with Coupon Code Filters322 to save 15%* on high-quality filters to help protect your equipment. *See the Customer Portal for program details.
Serving all your transportation needs
1609 1ST AVE., MENDOTA RIDLEYFEEDINGREDIENTS.COM SM-LA1952554
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | Spring/Summer 2022 15
C&A FARM DRAINAGE GPS Integrated - Plow & Trencher - Tile Installation Maintenance - Discounted Pattern Tiling Prices
Customer satisfaction is our goal!
Quality Work - 15 yrs. experience - Dedication
SM-LA1951606
Colton Poignant: (309) 238-8627 Aaron Poignant: (309) 238-8626 Let us help your farm reach its potential!
16 Spring/Summer 2022 | Illinois Valley Farm Directory | A NewsTribune Publication
