South Dakota Farm & Ranch February 2018

PRESORTED STANDARD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 55 MITCHELL, SD

Local Postal Customer

FEBRUARY 2018

BLUE BIRD LOCKER CUSTOMERS ARE THE ‘BACKBONE’

19

Winter weather impact on

SPRING PLANTING 29 Watch for wheat streak mosaic virus 9 A fondness for farming 25

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE On the cover

BLUE BIRD LOCKER

Customers are the ‘backbone’

19

Gary Roth cuts up a side of beef. (Matt Gade / Republic)

Features

SDSU develops online feeder resource

Spotting wheat streak mosaic virus this spring

Air Force commander reflects on 4-H years

Suicide rates high among farmers

Menno woman wins SD Farm Bureau

volunteer award

Food plot program provides supplemental

pheasant habitat

Winter impact on spring planting

Sparks honored for Ag-in-the-Classroom

Feat and features of a cow

Locals place in national contest

National FFA Week

5 9 11 15 25 26 29 32 35 36 37

Publisher RO R Y PA L M Editor L U K E H AG EN

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S i n c e 19 6 3

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Advertising Director LO R I E H A N S EN Layout Design JEN PH I L L I PS

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South Dakota Farm & Ranch is a monthly agricultural publication dedicated to informing South Dakota area farmers and ranchers about current topics, news and the future of agriculture. This publication fits the niche of our unique farmers and ranchers of South Dakota, and the diverseness we have in our state. Although the Missouri River divides our state, we are all South Dakotans and thank the land for supporting us each and every day.

You, our readers, may be livestock ranchers, or row crop farmers, and everywhere in between, however, we all have a common goal in mind. We feed and support the growing population and want the next generation to find that same love, dedication and support that agriculture can offer.

To subscribe to this FREE publication, contact South Dakota Farm & Ranch.

FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 3

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SDSU develops online resource to connect custom feeding partners SOURCE: SDSU EXTENSION

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ROOKINGS — Custom cattle feeding can be a winwin strategy when done correctly.

“Feeding someone else’s cattle provides a method to market feedstuffs without tying up the capital required to own the livestock,” said Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University Extension beef feedlot management associate.

Rusche explained that custom feeding arrangements allow cattle owners access to management expertise and facilities they may not possess, opportunities to capitalize on superior genetics and options in the event of feed shortages.

Connecting cattle feeders with interested cattle owners can happen in a number of ways, Rusche said.

“Word-of-mouth, allied industry contacts and advertisements are common methods,” he said.

C u r r e n t l y, SDSU

Extension is developing an online resource for cattle feeders who are interested in custom feeding cattle. If anyone is interested in being listed in that directory, contact the Extension office.

“As with any business arrangement, both parties need to do their homework and ask the right questions,” Rusche said. “Most deals that end up badly do so because of lack of communication and due diligence at the outset.”

ARE THEY THE RIGHT PARTNER? Not all ranches or cattle are alike, so it stands to reason that not every feedlot is suited to every customer and every type of cattle.

“For example, an operation that uses cattle feeding to add value to large amounts of high-moisture corn is not likely to be a great fit for someone needing replacement heifers developed,” Rusche said.

If a customer has a particular business model in mind, such as high-risk calves or carcass data with grid marketing, they need to make sure the cattle feeder understands how to manage that particular class of cattle, according to Rusche.

Continued to page 6

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FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 5

Continued from page 5

GET IT IN WRITING There’s an old saying that good fences make good neighbors, Rusche said.

“The same could be said about written agreements,” he said. “Having a written agreement forces everyone to think about the entire transaction, what could go wrong and how those concerns will be addressed.”

Written contracts help to ensure there are no disagreements about who said what and what was agreed upon. Written contracts also establish the framework to resolve conflicts if any arise.

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS? Any cattle feeder will tell you that not all calves are created equal and that there is considerable variation between sources and management systems.

“There should be a frank discussion about everyone’s goals and expectations are for performance, sickness rates and death losses and whether or not those expectations are realistic,” Rusche said.

RESOURCES, EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES Before sending cattle to a custom feedlot, the owner should make sure that all the necessary resources are in place.

“Facilities and equipment don’t need to be gold-plated, but they do need to be functional,” Rusche said.

He added that the level of experience and the caliber of any outside expertise, particularly nutritionists and veterinarians, should be assessed as well.

“Talking with individuals who have knowledge of the operation could provide valuable insight into a feeder’s capabilities,” Rusche said.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS There is enough risk in the cattle business already without letting someone else’s financial difficulties becoming your own.

“Not getting paid for feed (or cattle) obviously can cause significant financial harm. Making sure that agreements are in writing is a necessary first step, but setting up communication between both parties’ lenders provides an additional level of security,” Rusche said.

To learn more, Rusche can be contacted at warren.rusche@sdstate.edu. 

6 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

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2800 W. Havens · Mitchell, SD 605-996-7704 · 1-800-952-2308

Spring is the best time to scout for wheat streak mosaic virus SOURCE: SDSU EXTENSION

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ROOKINGS — Due to wheat streak mosaic disease showing up in wheat fields across South Dakota in 2017, many wheat growers wonder if they need to worry about the disease spreading this winter and showing up once again this spring.

“Since winter wheat is dormant throughout the winter months, and the wheat curl mites which transmit the disease are only active during the growing season, no further spread of wheat streak mosaic virus will occur this winter,” said Emmanuel Byamukama, assistant professor and South Dakota State University Extension plant pathologist.

Wheat streak mosaic virus can result in severe yield losses. Occasionally an entire wheat field can be lost when wheat is sprayed and a different crop is planted in spring.

Byamukama explained that wheat growers will need to begin scouting their fields for the disease as temperatures warm up this spring and wheat curl mites resume activity.

“The best time to send a sample confirming wheat streak mosaic virus, is spring once wheat has resumed growing,” Byamukama said. “It is important to confirm presence of wheat streak mosaic virus before management decisions such as spraying out wheat and planting something else are made.”

Byamukama added that general yellowing of plants should not be solely taken as indicator of wheat streak mosaic virus as other factors such as nitrogen deficiency, chloride deficiency and water logging can cause wheat plants to look yellow.

When taking samples of wheat for wheat streak mosaic virus testing, obtain at least five samples on a transect across the field in the direction of the prevailing wind.

“This will help to gauge the extent of wheat streak mosaic virus spread across the field,” Byamukama said. “I want to remind growers that spring infections of wheat streak mosaic virus cause mild grain yield loss. It is the infections that take place in the fall, that are the most damaging to wheat.”

WHAT CAN WHEAT GROWERS DO ABOUT WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC VIRUS? Once plants are infected with a viral disease, like wheat streak mosaic virus, Byamukama said nothing can be done to cure the plants of the virus.

“Wheat streak mosaic virus management requires pre-planting practices that prevent/limit infection from taking place in the fall,” Byamukama said. “The best practice to manage is to destroy the volunteer wheat and grass weeds, or vegetation I like to refer to as the “green bridge,” at least two weeks before planting. Wheat curl mites cannot survive more than 48 hours without a living green tissue to feed on.”

The second practice Byamukama encouraged growers to consider, is to delay planting in fall, especially following a year when wheat streak mosaic virus was widespread in an area.

MORE ABOUT WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC VIRUS Wheat streak mosaic disease is caused by viral pathogen called wheat streak mosaic virus. This virus is transmitted by microscopic mites called wheat curl

Main photo: A winter wheat field infected with wheat streak mosaic virus in central South Dakota in 2017.

Above photo: Wheat curl mites under magnification.

Photos courtesy of iGrow

mites. Wheat curl mites can only be seen under magnification.

Wheat curl mites are carried from field to field by the wind. Wheat curl mites are not capable of moving on their own since they do not develop wings, but can crawl to neighboring plants.

Wheat curl mites can survive bitter cold winter temperatures. The mites overwinter as eggs, immature or as adult mites. The adult wheat curl mites reside near the growing point of a wheat plant and can be insulated from low temperatures especially under snow cover.

Insecticides are not effective against the wheat curl mites mainly because the mites are protected from exposure to insecticides as they inhabit the inner whorl of the leaf near the growing point of the plant. Insecticides used to control other types of mites such as spider mites will not control wheat curl mites.  FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 9

Brule County, South Dakota PRIVATE LAND SALE – 260 +/- ACRES DESCRIPTION Tract 1: 100 +/- Acres, 98 crop land acres with balance native grass. 99% of the land is Class 2 soils with a soils rating of 87.

Legal: N ½ of the NW ¼ and the N ½ of the N ½ of the S ½ of the NW ¼, Section 36, Twp. 103N, R 70 (Red Lake Township) Brule County, SD (100 acres +/-) Tract 2: 160 +/- total acres, 101 crop land acres with balance hayland, native grasses and water way. 98% of the cropland soils are Class 2 with a soils rating of 87. Overall soils rating is 76.5.

Legal: The NE ¼ in Section 36, Twp. 103N, R 70 (Red Lake Township) Brule County, SD (160 acres +/-) Location: This land is located 8 miles south of Pukwana, 15 miles SW of Kimball or 18 miles SE of Chamberlain. Access from Highway 50.

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10 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

Adam Ringgenberg, Aaron Ringgenberg and Alyssa Dykstra, Heirs of Walter Swanson

ATTORNEY FOR SELLERS

Tim Hogan – Ribstein & Hogan Law Firm 621 Sixth Street, Brookings, SD 57006 Phone: (605) 692-1818 E-Mail: timhogan@sdakotalaw.com

PRELIMINARY BID PROCEDURE Preliminary written bids will be received by Tim Hogan, Attorney for Sellers, until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, March 2, 2018. Bids should be for the total dollar amount for all real property and not per acre or per tract. Bid should include bidder’s name, address, phone number and the preliminary bid amount, and should be accompanied by a check for a down payment payable to Ribstein & Hogan Trust Account equal to 5% of the preliminary bid amount. Those submitting the highest written bids will be notified and invited to participate in an oral bidding to be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the AmericInn Lodge in Chamberlain.

TERMS Terms of the sale are cash. 5% down with preliminary written bid. A 5% additional earnest money check on the day of sale and balance at closing. Bid checks will be deposited upon execution of the Real Estate Sale Contract and held until closing with balance due at closing, on or before April 13, 2018.

Sellers and Buyers to pay ½ each for cost of Title Insurance. 2017 taxes paid

by Sellers at closing and Buyers pay the 2018 taxes. Sellers will convey title

by Warranty Deed. Possession will be immediate upon closing. No existing leases for 2018. Sellers reserve the right to reject all bids and modify bidding requirements.

INQUIRIES Property information is available upon request from Seller’s Attorney. Questions about the real estate or auction format should be directed to Seller’s Attorney by mail, or by calling (605) 692-1818. Ask for Tim Hogan, Attorney or Chris Nelson, Legal Assistant.

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Pre-Owned Inventory

SELLERS

From 4-H to Air Force STANLEY COUNTY NATIVE DRAWS ON 4-H EXPERIENCES IN U.S. AIR FORCE CAREER

T

BY LURA ROTI for SDSU Extension

raversing the globe on deployments for the U.S. Air Force, Ericka Flanigan’s thoughts often reflect on moments spent

in the Stanley County 4-H Achievement Days showring.

“Showmanship taught me to give my best — even when I was tired.

Flanigan

Showmanship was always the last event of the day, so I would have already shown

20-head of sheep and then, I had to do my best. That mentality has gotten me through several deployments,” said the Vice Wing Commander of the 70th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Wing.

With 6,000 service men and women answering to her, lives depend upon Flanigan’s ability to be at her best and confidently make tough decisions — whether she is stationed in a combat zone or in her office at Fort George Meade, Maryland.

“I think about 4-H judging almost every day — honestly, whether making million-dollar decisions or mission critical choices. I need to think about what makes one decision better than the next,” Flanigan said. “Whether it was livestock, horticulture or arts and crafts, 4-H judging contests gave me the ability to look at options and make a good decision.”

Oral reasons have also come in handy, she adds.

“I need to be able to back up my decisions,” Flanigan said.

Flanigan became a member of the Country Coyotes 4-H Club when she was 8 years old. Even before she was old enough to join, her mom and dad, Ray and Iris, served as the club’s leaders. They were both 4-H alumni and eager to share the benefits of involvement in the project-based organization with Stanley County youth. It didn’t take long for Flanigan to become involved in every aspect of 4-H — showing horses,

sheep, cattle, giving illustrated talks, serving as a club officer and competing in 4-H Rodeo.

“I did everything,” she recalls. “I still have all my ribbons and buckles.”

Flanigan said the journey to those awards taught her valuable lessons and developed her into the leader she is today.

“In 4-H, no matter what project you do, you have to drive yourself. I loved showing, but every year, I began at zero, with a wild heifer and I had to work to train her to lead. It was not easy, but my end goal was to be in that show ring and absolutely be able to show her. 4-H taught me the value of meaningful labor,” said Flanigan, who draws several other parallels between her Air Force career and 4-H. She lists leadership, competition and recognition for good work as some of the similarities that converted a college elective into a 23-year career.

“ROTC was a hybrid of things I had done in 4-H,” said Flanigan, who graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in speech communication. “Being involved in ROTC really gave my college life a lot of meaning.”

Following graduation, Flanigan’s first Air Force assignment was teaching ROTC classes and developing programing on the campus of SDSU. From there, she entered the intelligence career field.

Today, Colonel Flanigan credits hard work, dedication and the selfless service of her parents and many other 4-H volunteer mentors with providing her with the strong foundation necessary to climb military ranks.

“Every rank takes a lot of work — there is a lot of blood and sweat behind every rank. 4-H made me tough. It also fostered teamwork,” Flanigan said. “In 4-H there were so many times when I had more than one animal in the same class and I would need another 4-H member to help me show. They would help me because they knew that I would help them when they needed it. It’s the same way here (in the Air Force.)”  FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 11

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12 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

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Republic file photo

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12 ounces penne pasta 1/4 cup butter 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, diced 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese 1/2 cup cream 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Directions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes.

Stir in garlic, red pepper, and mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more.

Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink, then pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream; bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

001689956r1

Prep 30 mins • Cook 20 mins • Ready In 50 mins Courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 13

M I L A Y F RANCH N O S R A L 5th Generation ~ 109 Years Hamill, SD

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14 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

AND STILL BE WORKING ON THIS PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE

Farmers have highest suicide rate of all occupations

BY CAITLYNN PEETZ South Dakota Farm & Ranch

Hofhenke

As suicide rates among those in the agriculture business rise, officials in the field are taking notice.

Farmers have the highest suicide rate of any occupation in the U.S., according to a 2016 study by

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study found the suicide rate for agricultural workers in 17 states was nearly five times higher compared with that in the general population.

Males older than 16 in the farming industry showed a high suicide rate — 90.5 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest of any studied occupation.

According to the report, agriculture professionals could be more at risk

because of their job demands, workassociated stress, low incomes and a work-home imbalance, all factors Executive Director of the South Dakota Farmers Union Karla Hofhenke said are relevant.

“It’s such a high-risk industry,” she said. “For farmers, there’s a lot of bills and that’s a lot of stress when you know you’re not getting close to breaking even. That’s really hard.”

Continued to page 16

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-8255 Republic file photo

FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 15

STATISTICS AT A GLANCE:  In 2012, approximately 40,000 suicides were reported in the United States, making suicide the 10th leading reported cause of death for persons aged ≥16 years.

 Persons working in the farming, fishing and forestry group have the highest rate of suicide.



The occupational field with the lowest rate of suicide was found in education, training and library departments.



Continued from page 15

With the recent statistics in mind, the CDC report said suicide prevention activities specifically geared toward those in the farming industry are needed, and there should be more community connectedness resources. It goes on to say access to preventative services is needed, which is a struggle in rural communities where farmers often live.

A negative stigma associated with mental health also plays a role, Hofhenke said.

“Depression is something very serious for all of them, and we still live in a society where mental health has a stigma, and it doesn’t have to be that way,” Hofhenke said. “Farmers are very self-reliant and that’s a great trait for them, but there’s times when they need help, too.”

Anyone struggling with depression or

suicidal

thoughts

can

call

the

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255,

and

there

are

The study suggests a farmer’s chronic exposure to pesticides might affect the neurologic system and contribute to depressive systems.

agriculture industry-specific resources available, as well, Hofhenke said. Local farm service agencies can help direct individuals to those resources.

But help can’t be provided if farmers don’t make the first call.

“I think it’s getting better, and it’s going to continue to get better,” Hofhenke said.

“More and more people are realizing depression is real and it’s out there and have to get help. A good support system is crucial to getting them help, and a lot



Other factors contributing to the high rate of suicides in the farming profession include social isolation, potential for financial losses, barriers to and unwillingness to seek mental health services (which might be limited in rural areas) and access to lethal means.

of farmers have that.” 

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE 1-800-273-8255 16 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

KRETH53rdHEREFORD & ANGUS Annual Production Sale

Saturday, February 24, 2018 • 1 pm • at the farm • Mt. Vernon, SD Sale located: 14 miles south of Mt Vernon, SD off exit 319 of I-90 25 Hereford Bulls (Horned & Polled) and 50 Angus Bulls

CED: 7 BW: 1.5 WW: 66 YW: 114 MIK: 19 $W: 53.12 $B: –

CED: 9 BW: 1.1 WW: 68 YW: 113 MIK: 24 $W: 62.68 $B: 143.65

Selling: 75 Yearling Bulls & 12 Registered Hereford Heifers

CED: 10 BW: 2.0 WW: 76 YW: 128 MIK: 17 $W: 58.15 $B: 125.35

CED: 3 BW: 3.4 WW: 70 YW: 113 MIK: 28 $W: 62.59 $B: 123.43

HEREFORD SIRES:

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REG: 18942475 • 205 ADJ: 800 SIRE: CONNEALY BIG MONEY • MSG: CONNEALY FINAL SOLUTION

REG: 18968142 • 205 ADJ: 813 SIRE: SAV CUTTING EDGE 4857 • MSG: CONNEALY RELFLECTION

CED: 5.7 BW: 2.5 WW: 72 YW: 113 MIK: 38 CHB$: 34

CED: 1.7 BW: 4.7 WW: 73 YW: 116 MIK: 35 CHB$: 31

CED: 3.2 BW: 2.7 WW: 57 YW: 87 MIK: 31 CHB$: 30

CED: 0.8 BW: 2.9 WW: 60 YW: 93 MIK: 33 CHB$: 29

K TURNING POINT 743E

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KRETH HEREFORD & ANGUS Darwin Kreth – 605-236-5775 darwin@krethcattle.com

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REG: 43862379 • 205 ADJ: 778 SIRE: CL 1 DOMINO 2109Z • MSG: C STOCKMAN 2059ET

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REG: P43862371 • 205 ADJ: 766 SIRE: CRR 719 CATAPULT 109 • MSG: GO ABE T32

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FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 17

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Customers are the ‘backbone’ of

Blue Bird Locker

BY MATT GADE South Dakota Farm & Ranch PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH

D

ELMONT — Bill Bietz prides himself and his business on customer service.

For 49 years, Bietz has worked at Blue Bird Locker in Delmont. And for more than a decade, he’s been the owner of the butcher shop, and he said it’s the customers and his employees who have made the business successful.

“It’s been a super business. The customers have been outstanding.

They’re the backbone of what we do,” said Bietz, a 1989 Delmont High School graduate and now-Parkston resident.

“Seeing them come in with a smile on their face and meeting them, talking with them and seeing how they’re doing in terms of the production of their farm

life is going. Just being able to custom cut whatever they need.”

The locker, which employs 10 to 12 full- and part-time employees, has always been a family-owned business.

Bietz purchased the shop from his father Ervin, who was looking to retire.

Continued to page 20

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Continued from page 19

And although Ervin may now be retired, that doesn’t keep him from continuing to help out at the shop.

“He’s 75, still comes in three hours a day or four hours a day in the morning early and kind of puts things together. He’s got his routine.

We’ve been working together quite awhile,” Bietz said.

Particularly known for its German sausage sold in 15 area grocery stores, Blue Bird Locker has handled a variety of animals throughout the years, including buffalo. But it usually sticks to cattle, hogs and sheep.

“We kind of limit to those three items. With the inspection program,

Top left photo: Gary Roth, manager at Blue Bird Locker in Delmont, takes an order over the phone; Above photo: Roth and owner Bill Bietz talk about an order; Below photo: Roth brings out a side of beef from the cooler to be cut; Bottom left photo: Terry Freier prints a label for beef liver.

Continued to page 21

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Top left photo: Sides of beef and pork hang inside the meat locker at Blue Bird Locker in Delmont; Above photo: Gary Roth, manager, and owner Bill Bietz look up how a cow is to be cut up while Terry Freier wraps another order of beef for a customer; Below photo: Roth carries a portion of a side of beef to be cut into smaller pieces.

Continued from page 20

it just gets very hard to continue to do what you used to do 20 years ago,” Bietz said, adding that it helps keep a fresh inventory fully supplied at the locker.

The locker slaughters on Tuesdays and Fridays, handling about 15 to 20 head of cattle and hogs each week.

Bietz said the locker is typically booked out two to three months year round.

“We schedule them like you would schedule a visit to the dentist.

Obviously, our fall season is busier

than the summer,” Bietz said, noting he has customers who come from Nebraska and Iowa, and as far west as Bonesteel.

Being able to interact and serve his customers is the best part of the business for Bietz.

“We want to make an imprint on the town here. I love what I do. It’s making products, people bring in their own stuff. We feel we do a very good job at processing their animals and returning it back to them how they want it.”  Continued to page 22

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Top left photo: Terry Freier wraps up chopped beef at Blue Bird Locker in Delmont; Top right photo: Owner Bill Bietz helps a customer at the Blue Bird Locker counter; Right photo: Freier wraps up beef liver; Bottom right photo: Bietz uses a saw to cut through a side of beef; Bottom left photo: German Sausage is the most popular item at Blue Bird Locker, according to Bietz; Left photo: Gary Roth cuts into a slab of beef.

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A fondness for farming MENNO WOMAN PROMOTES AGRICULTURE, EARNS SD FARM BUREAU VOLUNTEER AWARD

BY ANNA JAUHOLA For South Dakota Farm & Ranch

Above: Kathy Guthmiller, center, poses for a photo after winning the Anne Hunter Volunteer of the Year award.

Standing with her is Helen Geppert, eastern regional manager for South Dakota Farm Bureau, and Jon Bueber, Hutchinson County president.

(Photo courtesy of the South Dakota Farm Bureau)

M

ENNO — Kathy Guthmiller loves to see the impact farm culture has on her grandchildren.

“They love coming to the farm and doing their chores,” Guthmiller said.

“And they’re learning that work ethic that you don’t see a lot of these days in a lot of young kids.”

Her grandchildren are 4-H members, so Guthmiller and her husband, Doyle, keep several animals on the farm including beef and dairy steers, goats, llamas and miniature donkeys.

“So, we have this menagerie,” Guthmiller said. “It’s wonderful to see farm life through their eyes again. It renews the passion I have for farming and it keeps the passion going.”

Guthmiller and her husband own and operate a farm near Menno,

raising dairy cattle until 2007. They continue to grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa, while also operating a commercial trucking company.

For the last 13 years, she has served as a volunteer with the local and state Farm Bureaus.

In 2004, she began serving as the director for the Hutchinson County Farm Bureau with the Women’s Leadership Team.

“I just truly believe that agriculture is difficult and people didn’t know where anything in a grocery store came from any more, so I said I’d serve on the board,” she said.

In 2006, she began serving on the state Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Team.

She became passionate for teaching everyone about agriculture from farm to the table. She, along with others, presented in classrooms at numerous schools and at events such as Women in Blue Jeans, DakotaFest and Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion.

And now her efforts have been recognized. This year, Guthmiller received the Anne Hunter Volunteer of the Year Award from the state Farm Bureau during its centennial celebration.

“That made it extra special,” she said of receiving the award. “Plus, Anne Hunter’s daughter was also present at the ceremony. It’s nice to be appreciated for the time and effort you put in. This was just a wonderful pat on the back.”

Guthmiller stepped down from her state position with the bureau in November to help care for her mother, but she remains active in the Hutchinson County Farm Bureau.

She hopes that her work and others’ work through the South Dakota Farm Bureau continues to make an impact and teaches the non-farming public about the essential profession.

She likes to leave people with this thought: “If you ever have the chance, talk to farmers and volunteers, and learn about how we truly feel. Don’t just take the media’s perspective on things.

Get out there and talk to people who actually farm. We’re preserving the land — it is our business, it is our livelihood, it is our lifestyle and we need to preserve it for our kids, our grandkids and beyond.” 

FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 25

Food plot program provides supplemental pheasant habitat SOURCE: SDSU EXTENSION

Doyle

B

ROOKINGS — When considering land management options for upland

bird habitat, a major limiting factor landowners often find is nesting cover.

Food plots are one tool a

landowner

can

use

to

increase nesting cover. The term food plot refers to small plots planted to various crops or crop mixtures intended to serve as forage for wildlife.

“If nesting cover is available in

sufficient

then

quantities,

improving

habitat

components for chick survival and overwinter survival can be beneficial for maintaining healthy

bird

populations,”

explained Jimmy Doyle, South Dakota

State

University

Extension natural resource management field specialist.

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Food Plot Program

To assist landowners in providing winter food sources for wildlife, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SDGFP) developed a food plot program nearly 50 years ago.

Landowners can receive free corn, sorghum seed or a brood mix to plant each spring, plus a payment to help offset planting costs.

The brood mix has only been offered since 2015, Doyle explained. “South Dakota’s native wildlife typically don’t starve to death during a normal winter cycle, so traditional grain-based food plots are more of a novelty to wildlife than a necessity,” Doyle said.

The mix was collaboratively developed by biologists from Pheasants Forever and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in an effort to increase the value of food plot acres throughout the year.

“While traditional corn and sorghum food plots offer excellent food sources during extreme winter months, they lack much value to wildlife during other times of the year,” said Brian Pauly, private lands biologist for SDGFP. Developing the brood mix

26 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

In 2014, after two years of collaboration, the biologists tested the brood mix concept on a handful of Game Production Areas throughout the state.

The trial plantings were monitored throughout the growing season, and observations were made to determine which plant species performed ideally and which did not.

Using those observations, a final seed mix was developed for the inaugural planting season in 2015, when the brood mix was first offered to the public as part of the food plot program.

“The concept of growing habitat types that benefit wildlife for more than just the winter months was easily understood by landowners,” Pauly said.

He explained that those landowners looking for a way to enhance pheasant populations on their properties were eager to try the new mix.

In its first three years 50 percent of all landowners enrolled in the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ food plot program have tried the brood mix already.

How should the brood mix be planted?

The brood mix can be planted anytime in spring after the danger of frost has passed, and it can be drill seeded or broadcasted and drug in.

Typically, the month of May has been an ideal time to plant the brood mix in previous years, but that may vary depending on which part of the state a property is located in and what weather trends are doing in a particular year.

Before planting, it is important the site is prepared properly. The brood mix cannot be sprayed with any chemicals once it starts growing, so it is recommended to plant this mix in an area that does not have a current weed problem.

If planted in the right area, at the right time, the plants will outcompete weeds naturally, thus negating the need to spray with chemicals at all.

A long-term management plan by alternating food plots between corn/sorghum and the brood mix year-afteryear will help to achieve clean, weed-free pollinator habitat annually, year-in and year-out.

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State climatologist:

‘Prepare for another drought year’

F

BY JAKE SHAMA For South Dakota Farm & Ranch PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH

armers across South Dakota may be battling dry conditions this year as agriculture experts say drought or near-drought conditions could cause trouble during planting and beyond.

South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards said snowfall this year has been lower than usual — especially in the central and western areas of the state — which could cause a lack of moisture for the foreseeable future.

“Looking further ahead, April through July, I think it is in the back of many of our minds to prepare for another drought year,” Edwards said. “We will be very reliant upon spring and summer precipitation, which is not guaranteed.”

But while moisture levels may be low, Edwards said the situation “is not too concerning at this point,” especially in the southeastern part of South Dakota, which is holding more moisture than elsewhere.

Anthony Bly, a soils field specialist with South Dakota State University Extension based in Sioux Falls, highlighted areas of Kingsbury, Lake, Brookings, Moody, Hamlin and Deuel counties as having plenty of soil moisture. He

Since no year is perfect, we usually adapt as things happen and plan accordingly as best as farmers can.

SARA BERG, Agronomy field specialist

Continued to page 30 FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 29

Continued from page 29

believes many areas in the eastern third

moisture is “probably the number one

of the state could have strong planting

factor” that impacts spring planting.

“Areas that haven’t seen average

conditions.

“It is pretty much a wait-and-see situation,” Bly said.

Agronomy field specialist Sara Berg,

amounts of snowfall may suffer more due to being dry the past growing season,” Berg said.

also with SDSU Extension, said winter

According to Berg, snow can recharge the soil, provide insulation and prevent wind erosion.

But if it takes too long to melt, farmers struggle with flooding, so

Looking further ahead, April through July, I think it is in the back of many of our minds to prepare for another drought year.

Berg said there are no ideal winter

LAURA EDWARDS, South Dakota State Climatologist

and 90 percent finish by June 2.

30 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

temperatures

or

conditions,

It is pretty much a waitand-see situation.

ANTHONY BLY, Soils field specialist

especially in South Dakota.

“Since no year is perfect, we usually adapt as things happen and plan accordingly as best as farmers can,” Berg said.

Instead, Berg suggested spring temperatures could play a bigger

“It’s hard to say how that may change this year. It really depends on the spring temperatures and if germination can occur as early as we would like to see,” Berg said. “Time will tell.”

While the soil isn’t holding as much

role. Berg said soil temperature of at

water as producers would like, Berg

least 50 degrees is ideal for corn and

still isn’t calling the current climate a

soybean germination.

drought. But if moisture doesn’t come

That point usually occurs in late spring. On average, 50 percent of farmers

in

south-central

during the spring, that’s exactly what the state could be facing.

South

“It would have to be a string of events

Dakota finish planting by May 22,

to say, ‘We will for sure have a drought,’” she said.

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EAGER ABOUT AGRICULTURE AG IN THE CLASSROOM COORDINATOR AWARDED FOR DEDICATION TO AGRICULTURE

BY SARA BERTSCH South Dakota Farm & Ranch

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH

Above: Area fourth-grade students come face to face with a cow during the annual Ag in the Classroom event at the Davison County Fairgrounds in Mitchell. (Photo courtesy of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce)

When Nathan Sparks see a fourth-grader come face to face with a cow for the first time, he smiles.

For the past 15 years, Sparks has overseen the Ag in the Classroom in Mitchell.

The event is hosted each March and brings in fourthSparks grade students from Mitchell, Mount Vernon and Ethan to learn about agriculture.

“The fascination they see coming through and seeing the animals up close or a combine and equipment, it brings a whole different perspective to them about what agriculture is,” Sparks said.

Sparks, who works as a loan production officer at First Dakota National Bank in Mitchell, coordinates the event each year with the help of his coworkers and area professionals. Together, the crew puts on a daylong learning experience for the students — which each year varies from 275 to 350 area children — at the Davison County Fairgrounds.

And for Sparks’ dedication to the agriculture event, he was recently awarded the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award. Sparks was chosen for his “demonstrated enthusiasm, dedication and leadership.”

“I was absolutely surprised, and I had no idea I was even in the running for it,” Sparks said

32 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

about receiving the award in January during the recognition banquet for the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell Area Development Corporation and Mitchell Main Street and Beyond.

But Sparks, a native of Armour, is quick to say it’s not a one-man show, adding that it requires a lot of effort from area volunteers and professionals to put together Ag in the Classroom.

“Volunteering your time, it takes a lot of support from home, and also from work. I credit my wife for sure for allowing me to volunteer, and the folks around here who help out.”

The daylong event is split into two sessions.

Each session sends students to area booths to learn about farm and electrical safety, various soils, dairy, beef, pork, sheep and how agriculture can be found in the home.

“Even being in Mitchell, a rural community, they tend to get a little too removed from it,” Sparks said about the students. “This kind of brings them back into it.”

Ag in the Classroom is typically held each year around national Ag Week. This year’s Ag Week will be held March 18-24 with National Ag Day on March 20.

While the date for this year’s Ag in the Classroom is still to be set, Sparks said teachers, parents and other interested individuals can expect the event to be held during this week. 

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34 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

Feats & features of a cow

BY AMY KIRK For South Dakota Farm & Ranch

P

forget

gets the whole herd involved

new ways to throw a wrench

this about cows — or didn’t

in a matter of seconds. We’ve

in a cattle-working plan, by

know it — they are incredible

seen

almost

way of escaping through a

eaters. They re-eat their food

every calving season. At any

hole or behaving in a new or

several times before fully

sign of a potential threat to a

unexpected way. Just when

digesting it. There’s even a

baby calf — be it a coyote, bald

what talents they have. They,

a rancher thinks he’s got an

term for it: ruminating. Yet

eagle, stray dog or neighbor

too, are quick learners and

easy, efficient plan, cows

with all that re-eating, they

walking on the road — cows

have neat little tricks they can

upend it.

can still manage to overgraze

will rally together. All it takes

do as well. I’m not just talking

a

is one cow to start bellowing

about how they can lick their

opportunity.

eople are amazed at what dogs and cats can do, including their

ability to learn quickly.

But it’s rarely noted what features a cow possesses or

Although

people

pasture

given

the

happen

and trotting toward her baby your

and the next thing you know

animal

the whole herd is joining her

nose, poke their tongue from

Cattle

one nostril to the other with

standard

amazing adeptness or walk

won’t. They will eat their

and poop at the same time

placenta after delivering their

The intelligence of cows

without flinching. What dogs

calf. We’ve even witnessed

enables them to pull off tricks

cows

cows’

that no other animal has been

placenta. Dogs and cats have

able to impress us with. Their

no qualms about eating a

self-sufficient skills are one of

cow’s placenta either, but not

a kind, meaning they can do

their own.

stuff all on their own without

or cats have you seen do that?

Dogs may be able to sit on their haunches, but have you seen dogs pop up to all fours from their hind end the way cows do? Cows are so talented, they can get up from

do

if

this

things

domestic

eating

other

Cattle can lay in such a way that fools you into believing

in mayhem.

any

training

intervention

Most people are unaware that cattle are the founding animals of Murphy’s Law. They are the only animals that have been able to consistently carry out and demonstrate to people that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

But, cattle are also great teachers. They give humans repeated

opportunities

to

practice the art of patience and staying calm through their signature talent. And they’re

from humans.

especially

One of the basic self-taught

the only animals that can

prone position by standing

calves. I don’t know why, but

talents of cattle is making

teach you everything there is

up backwards. They naturally

whenever they pull this on us,

ranchers ticked off. Cows

to know about aggravation.

stand up on all fours using

we fall for it every time.

are best known for this when

Don’t feel bad if your dog or

natural-born

they are being singled out and

cat can’t do this. At least cows

calves do this. It’s just one of

protestors as well. They can

headed to the barn. They also

can’t lick themselves in the

their many genetic talents.

throw a rally together that

accomplish this by finding

places dogs and cats can. 

their back legs, and even baby

they’re

Cows

dead,

are

FEBRUARY 2018 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 35

Hofer elected to serve as SD Pork Producers Council president SOURCE: S.D. PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL

S

IOUX FALLS — The South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) elected Ferlyn Hofer, a pork producer from Canistota, to serve as president.

“I am honored to have been selected to be the SD Pork Producers President for 2018,” Hofer said. “Our hog industry is growing in the state which is enabling many of our young people

to come back to the farm. My hope is that we grow our hog industry responsibly and with respect for our neighbors. I ask each of you to share your story with others so that we can all understand modern pork production. Our staff at the office is exceptional and if you have any questions, please call the office and they are more than willing to answer your questions.”

The board also elected Craig Andersen, of Centerville, as first vice president, and Shane Odegaard, of Lake Preston, as second vice president.

Also elected was Seth Denning, of Corsica; Greg Feenstra, of New Holland; and Ashley Gelderman, of Hartford and a representative from Standard Nutrition, to serve on the South Dakota Pork Producers Council Executive Board. 

Ferlyn Hofer

Two locals place in National Sorghum Producers yield contest SOURCE: DUPONT PIONEER

Two area producers have been crowned national champions.

Lee Linnell, of Lake Andes, and David Knoll, of Plate, recently took the top places in their divisions at the 2017 National Sorghum Producers yield contest.

36 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018

Linnell won state first place in the dryland no-till division and state second place in the dryland reduced-till division. He won with Pioneer(r) hybrid 87P06, which yielded 135.69 and 123.99 bushels per acre, respectively.

Knoll won state first place in the dryland conventional-till division with Pioneer(r) hybrid 88Y41, which yielded 136.14 bushels per acre. 

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Do, Learning To arn, e L To Doing ive, Earning To Lrve. e S Living To

118 N Main St. • Avon, SD

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National FFA Week February 17-24, 2018 In Proud Recognition of our

Future Farmers!

The National FFA Organization promotes the growth of tomorrow’s agricultural leagers through education. We salute local FFA members for their dedication to developing the leadership skills, confidence and career dedication to developing the leadership skills, confidence and career direction that will help them succeed in their chosen fields.

Please join us in celebrating their accomplishments and bright futures during National FFA Week.

Your Sioux Steel Dealer

40+ years experience

MIDWEST AG CENTER 620 E. 7th St. • Platte, SD

1-877-742-5402 HOFFMANN INSURANCE AGENCY “For All Your Insurance Needs”

605-248-2314 or 1-800-WE FLY 4 U

LETCHER, SD

605-996-8371

Terry & Toby Moody, Owners W. Hwy 16, Mitchell

996-9607

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Sioux Grain Bins

Paintless Dent Repair and Frame Repair

Professional Aerial Application For Your Crop Production Needs

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Sioux Calving Pen

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See Us For All Your Farm & Ranch Needs

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Top right photo: Lane Jorgensen shows his market beef steer at the Davison County 4-H Achievement Days; Bottom right photo: Students competing at the Central Region Land Judging were Tanner Overweg, Andrew Herrlein, Stacie Knigge, Jeremy Long, Haylee Constant and Advisor Jeff Hoffman. Andrew received a bronze award, placing in the top forty; Left photo: Sydney Tlam demonstrates setting up her market lamb for show. Sydney won Top Market Lamb and Top Showmanship at the FFA State Fair Market Lamb Show.

www.moodyswesternwear.com

305 N. Main • 995-5879

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Josh’s ATV Service

605-236-5755

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36578 SD Highway 44, Platte, SD 605-337-ATV(2887) • Cell 605-680-0362

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www.meyerinkfs.com

1-800-658-2293 • 605-337-2621

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HANSEN WELL REPAIR

Farm Tire Service

720 N. Main, Mitchell 996-7709 • 1-800-529-0061 www.grahamtire.com

Meyerink Farm Service

SHOP: 605-527-2250 HOME: 605-527-2208

Well Service & Repair State Licensed Dependable Quality Service

I-90 & Hwy. 37 Mitchell,SD 996-8299

Todd Hansen, Owner Chamberlain, SD

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605-234-5711 605-680-1031

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Brian Dodd, Owner 24699 395th Ave., Mt. Vernon

JOSH VEURINK

Artesian, SD Your Complete Ag Source for Parts & Repair!

Plankinton 605-942-7636 Wessington Springs 605-539-1871 White Lake 605-249-2274

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PO Box 7 • 431 Main Street Alexandria, SD • 605-239-4335 HOFFMANNINSURANCE@TRIOTEL.NET

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MARTY & JULIE HOFFMANN

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ATV SERVICE & REPAIR USED ATV SALES

HOFFMAN DIGGING & WELL REPAIR

Certified Septic Tank Installer, Trenching, Septic Tank Cleaning, Backhoe Work, Well & Pump Repair

EDDIE HOFFMAN Home: 248-2235 Cell: 770-0914 P.O. Box 56 • Letcher, S.D. 57359

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What does FFA stand for?

THOUGH IT STANDS FOR FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA, IT HAS EXPANDED TO MEAN SO MUCH MORE. TODAY, FFA STANDS FOR LEADERSHIP, PERSONAL GROWTH AND CAREER SUCCESS.

FFA STANDS FOR YESTERDAY.

Since 1928, millions of students have been entrusted with the opportunity to wear the esteemed blue jacket, and in the process they have experienced a transformation. Though the agricultural landscape has shifted throughout the decades, FFA has been a constant. We are proud to have provided a leading example of technological innovation while paving the way for a field of diversely talented individuals.

FFA STANDS FOR TODAY.

People realize the value of understanding where our foods, fabrics and plants come from. They are increasingly aware that agriculture is a crucial part of their day-to-day lives. FFA members and chapters are shaping this awareness.

They are more empowered every day, with knowledge that they take into the communities where they live, work, worship and play. FFA

STANDS FOR TOMORROW.

FFA members who competed at the District IV FFA Leadership contests were: Emma Christopherson, Jennilee Wipf, Jeremy Long, Leah DiPippo, Olivia Husmann, Jocelyn Vogel, Madisyn Sheesley and Madison Price (not pictured).

American history is rich with the stories of agriculturalists of all kinds-from the farmer to the scientist—and agriculture now has a richer story because of FFA. Today, we are grateful for our past and look forward to shaping the future.

T.K. Electric

PO Box 1288 Mitchell, SD

Hours: 6:00 am-10:00 pm 7 days a week

Tim & Cathy Holzwarth, Owners “The Lot” - 909 Dakota Ave, N. Wessington Springs, SD 57301

605-996-5514 www.mitchellrepublic.com 001692594r1

Together we’re not just working to strengthen the community, but to change the world.

TO OUR LOCAL FARMERS, 001689982r1

THANK YOU

Construction Services & Building Materials

OLSEN OLSEN AUCTION AUCTION SERVICE SERVICE

“Job done right, quality, price, expert advice”

See the world differently.

POET.COM/Mitchell 877-777-4084

OVERWEG AUTO, GLASS & FUEL, LLC

CLYDE OLSEN, CLYDE OLSEN AUCTIONEER AUCTIONEER

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Real Estate - Farm Auctions - Household Auctions

Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 • Sat 7:30-1:00

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400 N. Ohlman • Mitchell • 996-9175 www.muellerlumber.com

Real Estate • Farm

& Household 605-999-4683 Auctions

38926 243rd St. - Plankinton, SD 57368 38926 243rd St Plankinton, SD

605-999-4683

Keith Overweg 408 S Main • Plankinton

605-942-7262

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605-350-1591

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419 E Juniper Mitchell

605-995-0595

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401 S. Ohlman, Mitchell 605-996-2752

107 E Main Street Wessington Springs, SD 605-539-9661

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1153 Spruce St. Alexandria, SD 605-239-4411

2800 W. Havens • Mitchell, SD 996-7704 1-800-952-2308 www.scottsupplyco.com

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Westown

ROLLING HILLS

VETERINARY CLINIC

PLATTE LIVESTOCK MARKET

102 1st Street NE Wessington Springs, SD

605-539-1040

1-800-337-2655 PO Box 905 Platte, SD 001689969r1

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40 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH FEBRUARY 2018