Putnam County Farm Bureau, Inc.Wishing Everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Remember to reserve February 28 on your calendar to attend this year's annual meeting.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Newest Farm Bureau Member
Jacob Ayler Mann born 12/22/2011 at 2:49 pm. Weight 10lbs .93 oz 22 inches long. Yes, he is BIG. Luckily for Angela the last one! Angela and baby are doing great.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Remembering Christmas on the Dairy Farm
Christmas on our family Dairy starts out like any other day with the alarm ringing at 5 am telling me its time to head to the barn. Santa’s helpers were busy late that night making sure all the gifts were wrapped and stockings were stuffed so I tiptoed out of the house to the barn as quiet as a mouse. I reached the barn and begin the daily ritual of starting the pipeline rinse, turning on the heater in the parlor and preparing the feed troughs for the cows. Next, I remind the cows what time it is as many have already made their way to the barn for the morning milking. Some of them usually decide to sleep in so it’s off to the pasture to round everybody up. It’s a good chilly walk as far as ½ mile to the back of the pasture in the cold morning air. Counting as I go so I know when I’ve got all the cows heading to the barn I head back to the barn singing Christmas carols on the way with the occasional moo approval of the cows. After the cows are locked in the holding pen its back to the milk house to finish getting ready to milk. Carrying the milkers into the parlor and connecting the pipeline to the bulk tank would complete the preparation along with getting all the teat dips and frost guard to protect the teats after each cow is milked. At 6 a.m. cows enter the parlor 4 on a side and I begin prepping and milking them 4 at a time. Milking the cows normally take about an hour. Back in the house the kids begin to stir in anticipation of seeing what Santa left. They also begin to shout to their mom asking how long they would have to wait. Back at the barn around 7 a.m. the cows have been all milked and cleaning begins. The barn is washed out, the milkers are cleaned and the pipeline begins its wash cycle. The kids get excited when they hear the silo begin pouring out silage and the conveyer and bunk feeder motors are fired up to distribute the cows forage for the morning. While the cows are being fed I continue to feed the calves and heifers their morning diet. Milk for some, feed for others and water for all of them. Real cold mornings mean taking time to bust some ice. With the silage feeding complete I make one final walk through the milk house and parlor to make sure all the work is done. Usually about 8 a.m. or so I make it back to the house and find a good seat to watch the kids run to the tree and find the one present Santa had left them unwrapped along with a well filled stocking full of goodies. Can we open more shouts the kids but mom says not till we’ve had some cinnamon rolls and milk. After the quick breakfast everyone begins opening the packages under the tree. Play time is short as there are grandparents to visit. By late morning everyone enjoys the company of all the family at grandpa’s house to open more presents and enjoy a great Christmas lunch. About 4 p.m. I head to the barn for another 2-3 hours work in milking and feeding the cows and heifers. This time some of the other family members offer some help and things go a little faster. A nice dinner of leftovers is enjoyed by all and then it’s off to bed as 5 a.m. will come again tomorrow to start another day on the Dairy.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Farm Bureau's Indiana Young Farmers awarded.
Hawaii Bound for Indiana Young Farmers
Posted on 12 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
They’re headed to Hawaii! Two Indiana couples and one individual have qualified for American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher contests by emerging as state winners, so they’ll be flying to the national convention in Honolulu in January.
Clinton and Julie Taylor of Boone County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award and Don and Jennifer Shoemaker picked up Achievement Award honors.
In his third try at Discussion Meet, where contestants simulate a committee meeting group discussion, Steve Gauck of Decatur County won, breaking through stiff competition all day Saturday.
“This year’s whole discussion meet was super,” he said. “I encourage people to come out and be a part of it. It’s a discussion. It’s fun. You’re with friends and you get to make a lot of new friends, and you’re just having a conversation. This final four round especially was a group of people we all knew each other. We all could play off of that and just had a fantastic time.”
The other finalists were John Feutz of Gibson County, Jason Morehouse of
Hamilton County and Amanda Mosiman of Warrick County. They discussed “How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?” and received a $1,000 cash runner-up prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
Gauck and his wife Kimmie were the Indiana Excellence in Ag award winners two years ago, earning a trip to Seattle. He told HAT a lot of doors open when young farmers get involved in Farm Bureau competition.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Farm Bureau and Young Farmers. It’s built relationships all over the state. I have friends that are farming where they’re not competing for land. You can call and talk about things and make some really good friendships that way. And you learn about all the things that Farm Bureau can offer, from helping you with policy and legislative issues, maybe in your own county at your own farm, to networking with people from a job standpoint. So many opportunities.”
The three major awards are available to Farm Bureau members age 35 or younger, and as state winner, Gauck receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and $500 from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. plus the expenses paid trip to the national convention in Honolulu January 8-11.
Gauck is the district sales manager for Beck’s Hybrids, and he and Kimmie also work on the family farm raising corn, soybeans, sod and grass-fed beef. Kimmie is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore. She graduated from South Putnam High School as well.
Posted on 12 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
They’re headed to Hawaii! Two Indiana couples and one individual have qualified for American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher contests by emerging as state winners, so they’ll be flying to the national convention in Honolulu in January.
Clinton and Julie Taylor of Boone County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award and Don and Jennifer Shoemaker picked up Achievement Award honors.
In his third try at Discussion Meet, where contestants simulate a committee meeting group discussion, Steve Gauck of Decatur County won, breaking through stiff competition all day Saturday.
“This year’s whole discussion meet was super,” he said. “I encourage people to come out and be a part of it. It’s a discussion. It’s fun. You’re with friends and you get to make a lot of new friends, and you’re just having a conversation. This final four round especially was a group of people we all knew each other. We all could play off of that and just had a fantastic time.”
The other finalists were John Feutz of Gibson County, Jason Morehouse of
Hamilton County and Amanda Mosiman of Warrick County. They discussed “How can we convince the public that the animal agriculture industry balances production efficiencies with the public’s expectations of animal care?” and received a $1,000 cash runner-up prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.
Gauck and his wife Kimmie were the Indiana Excellence in Ag award winners two years ago, earning a trip to Seattle. He told HAT a lot of doors open when young farmers get involved in Farm Bureau competition.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Farm Bureau and Young Farmers. It’s built relationships all over the state. I have friends that are farming where they’re not competing for land. You can call and talk about things and make some really good friendships that way. And you learn about all the things that Farm Bureau can offer, from helping you with policy and legislative issues, maybe in your own county at your own farm, to networking with people from a job standpoint. So many opportunities.”
The three major awards are available to Farm Bureau members age 35 or younger, and as state winner, Gauck receives a $4,000 cash prize from Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance and $500 from Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. plus the expenses paid trip to the national convention in Honolulu January 8-11.
Gauck is the district sales manager for Beck’s Hybrids, and he and Kimmie also work on the family farm raising corn, soybeans, sod and grass-fed beef. Kimmie is the daughter of Burl and Cheryl Dudley of Fillmore. She graduated from South Putnam High School as well.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Winterizing Farm Equipment Pays
Winterizing: A Modest Time Investment Pays Big Bucks
A half-day spent winterizing farm equipment can produce major savings, according to a sampling of equipment experts.
“My theory is that maintenance costs less than repairs,” says Dan Anderson, a technician for Van Wall Group, an Iowa-based implement dealer.
Anderson puts a thorough cleaning first on his list of winterizing steps: “When you really clean a machine, you look at it more closely and see cracked metal, worn belts, or bad bearings that you might overlook when it is in use.
“If you don’t catch them until you’re in the field next spring, you’ll pay for the same repair plus the damage to related components, and it will mean a breakdown right in the middle of a busy season.”
Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University, says time spent preparing equipment for winter can keep a $500 repair from turning into $2,000 worth of damage. He offers a winterizing checklist.
Cleaning and Rodent PreventionIt’s especially important to remove all grain and crop residue from combines so they won’t serve as source of food or bedding for rodents. “Right now, they are looking for places to nest where they won’t be disturbed,” says Hanna. “Get into all the nooks and crannies and remove all biomaterial.”
It’s fairly common for mice to chew on wiring harnesses, according to Hanna. “That could quickly add up to several thousand dollars in repairs if mice sever the wrong connections.”
He also suggests using sticky traps in addition to baits, since poisoned mice may take refuge inside equipment, then die in hard-to-locate spots.
FuelCheck equipment manuals -- many recommend filling fuel tanks to avoid leaving room for water to condense.
For equipment that won’t be used all winter, Roger Hoy, director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, suggests draining the fuel tank of any biodiesel and replacing it for the winter with regular diesel.
“Even using an algaecide [in the biodiesel], you can get some algae growth over that time, and it could cause fuel system problems in the spring,” Hoy notes.
For tractors that may get use in colder climates, Hoy reminds growers to replace the #2 diesel commonly sold in spring and summer with #1 diesel, which is less likely to gel.
“When it comes to engines and fuel systems, the practices for tractors and combines are about the same, says Hoy.
Fluids, Coolants, and FiltersFor any engine, check fluid levels, make sure coolants and oils are up-to-date, change transmission and crank case fluids as needed and change filters. Check the operator’s manual for specifications and make sure the antifreeze will protect engines down to the lowest expected winter temperatures in your area. This is also a good opportunity to spot leaks that need attention.
Belts, Hoses, and BearingsClean-up is an excellent time to inventory and inspect belts, hoses, and bearing, and make a list to follow up before spring.
BatteriesMake sure to have a good charge on batteries and remove the connection to the negative battery post to avoid a long, slow drain. Hoy suggests putting batteries on a trickle charger in someplace warm until spring.
Water Pumps and Water LinesDrain any water pumps or lines in the system, especially in sprayers, to avoid freeze damage.
HeatersFor a tractor that may be used during winter, install a timer on the heater, so the tractor will be ready to go when needed but won’t draw energy around the clock.
Hoy sums up his winterization approach: “Inspect and repair anything that got put off during harvest. Take a few extra days to do that now, and spring will go a whole lot easier.”
Related Reading:
Winter’s right around the corner…are you ready?
Tips for Tackling Winter Storage
Mastering the Art of Maintenance
A half-day spent winterizing farm equipment can produce major savings, according to a sampling of equipment experts.
“My theory is that maintenance costs less than repairs,” says Dan Anderson, a technician for Van Wall Group, an Iowa-based implement dealer.
Anderson puts a thorough cleaning first on his list of winterizing steps: “When you really clean a machine, you look at it more closely and see cracked metal, worn belts, or bad bearings that you might overlook when it is in use.
“If you don’t catch them until you’re in the field next spring, you’ll pay for the same repair plus the damage to related components, and it will mean a breakdown right in the middle of a busy season.”
Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University, says time spent preparing equipment for winter can keep a $500 repair from turning into $2,000 worth of damage. He offers a winterizing checklist.
Cleaning and Rodent PreventionIt’s especially important to remove all grain and crop residue from combines so they won’t serve as source of food or bedding for rodents. “Right now, they are looking for places to nest where they won’t be disturbed,” says Hanna. “Get into all the nooks and crannies and remove all biomaterial.”
It’s fairly common for mice to chew on wiring harnesses, according to Hanna. “That could quickly add up to several thousand dollars in repairs if mice sever the wrong connections.”
He also suggests using sticky traps in addition to baits, since poisoned mice may take refuge inside equipment, then die in hard-to-locate spots.
FuelCheck equipment manuals -- many recommend filling fuel tanks to avoid leaving room for water to condense.
For equipment that won’t be used all winter, Roger Hoy, director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, suggests draining the fuel tank of any biodiesel and replacing it for the winter with regular diesel.
“Even using an algaecide [in the biodiesel], you can get some algae growth over that time, and it could cause fuel system problems in the spring,” Hoy notes.
For tractors that may get use in colder climates, Hoy reminds growers to replace the #2 diesel commonly sold in spring and summer with #1 diesel, which is less likely to gel.
“When it comes to engines and fuel systems, the practices for tractors and combines are about the same, says Hoy.
Fluids, Coolants, and FiltersFor any engine, check fluid levels, make sure coolants and oils are up-to-date, change transmission and crank case fluids as needed and change filters. Check the operator’s manual for specifications and make sure the antifreeze will protect engines down to the lowest expected winter temperatures in your area. This is also a good opportunity to spot leaks that need attention.
Belts, Hoses, and BearingsClean-up is an excellent time to inventory and inspect belts, hoses, and bearing, and make a list to follow up before spring.
BatteriesMake sure to have a good charge on batteries and remove the connection to the negative battery post to avoid a long, slow drain. Hoy suggests putting batteries on a trickle charger in someplace warm until spring.
Water Pumps and Water LinesDrain any water pumps or lines in the system, especially in sprayers, to avoid freeze damage.
HeatersFor a tractor that may be used during winter, install a timer on the heater, so the tractor will be ready to go when needed but won’t draw energy around the clock.
Hoy sums up his winterization approach: “Inspect and repair anything that got put off during harvest. Take a few extra days to do that now, and spring will go a whole lot easier.”
Related Reading:
Winter’s right around the corner…are you ready?
Tips for Tackling Winter Storage
Mastering the Art of Maintenance
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Break-out Sessions at the Indiana Farm Bureau Convention
Indiana Farm Bureau Convention is this Friday and Saturday at the JW Marriott and will be highlighted by the following breakout session. All Farm Bureau members are welcome to attend.
Go to the Indiana Farm Bureau website to learn more.
"The Link Between Ag Nutrients and Water Quality" - Excess nutrients in water have been linked to fish kills and algal blooms. This session will explore policy options being reviewed by government agencies for addressing those issues.
"Connecting with Consumers" - Twenty-three national ag-related organizations have agreed to work together to directly engage consumers and enhance the public trust of farmers and our food supply. Learn how the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance hopes to start a "movement" to counter the bad publicity modern agriculture is getting in traditional and social media.
"Tying Government Finance to the Economy" - The economy is bad and government coffers are empty. Larry DeBoer, Indiana's resident expert on tax and fiscal policy, will discuss the connection between a sluggish economy and government financial well being. Friday, Dec. 9, 2-3 p.m.
"Connecting the Dots of the Revised CFO and CAFO NPDES Rules" - IDEM staff will present information on what should be the newly adopted environmental rules for the construction and operation of a CFO or CAFO.
"Relating to Local Government: Understanding the Role and Appointment Process for Local Boards and Commissions" - This session will help participants understand the roles of various appointed boards and commissions and how a county Farm Bureau can help increase the agricultural representation on those boards and commissions.
"Securing Your Farm Legacy" - Passing the farm to the next generation can be a complicated and emotional process. Get tips from an attorney to aid in the transition of your farm to your heirs. Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30 -9:30 a.m.
"Personal and Professional Connections" - This highly interactive session will have participants connecting with Breakout sessions offer ways to connect others through the sharing of experiences of Farm Bureau and agriculture. Participants will walk away with new Farm Bureau contacts and new information through new connections.
"Avoiding Bad Connections: Farm Truck Accidents and Liability" - One accident on the road can wipe out the entire farm if you have not taken appropriate steps to shield yourself and your farm from liability. With his entertaining style, Fred Whitford will provide insight on how you can protect your farm from liability.
"Priced at the Intersection of Supply and Demand" - Market volatility and upward price trends seem to be the new norm. In this session, Dan Zwicker will give his outlook on whether that trend will continue or if a different market outlook will prevail.
AG Child labor laws
Farm Labor Rules Process Called into Question
Posted on 07 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
The comment period on proposed changes to the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order closed December 1st. On that date a letter was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor by four men who have been working on a USDA program to enhance the safety training of youth wanting to work in agriculture.
Purdue University’s Bill Field says they spent weeks on the letter, which outlines their opposition to the changes, because they were never consulted about the proposals.
“In my mind these are bureaucrats that are not elected by the public that are implementing rule changes in the way we live at the community level without really giving a fair shake to the public response that has been very strong concerning some aspects of the proposed rule changes.”
Field and his group are not at all opposed to adjustments to some of the rules. In fact technology and practices that have changed dramatically in the 48 years since the rules were implemented beg for an update. But Field says the ramifications of many items being proposed threaten the accessibility to work experiences for young people.
“It almost excludes for non-farm kids the opportunity to work in some operations. Some of the very narrow interpretations for example, it prohibits the use of almost any power tool, and that could include a battery operated screw gun for putting up fences.”
Field says DOL wants to implement changes by the first of the year, and he is deeply troubled by the speed of the process and the process itself.
“In a democratic society which offers us the opportunity to have public input, there’s no way they’re going to be able to work through 3,900-4,000 responses and give them fair consideration before implementation.”
Legislators across the country have been contacted about the rules, and Field says that may be the best recourse now for those hoping to put the skids on implementation. So his advice is contact your congressmen and senators.
Bill Field is a Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue. Those who worked with him preparing the presentation and signing it are Shannon Snyder, Ph.D. Student and Agricultural Instructor at Purdue, Roger C. Tormoehlen, Professor at Purdue, and Brian French, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Washington State University. The full letter is here.
Posted on 07 December 2011 by Andy Eubank
The comment period on proposed changes to the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order closed December 1st. On that date a letter was submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor by four men who have been working on a USDA program to enhance the safety training of youth wanting to work in agriculture.
Purdue University’s Bill Field says they spent weeks on the letter, which outlines their opposition to the changes, because they were never consulted about the proposals.
“In my mind these are bureaucrats that are not elected by the public that are implementing rule changes in the way we live at the community level without really giving a fair shake to the public response that has been very strong concerning some aspects of the proposed rule changes.”
Field and his group are not at all opposed to adjustments to some of the rules. In fact technology and practices that have changed dramatically in the 48 years since the rules were implemented beg for an update. But Field says the ramifications of many items being proposed threaten the accessibility to work experiences for young people.
“It almost excludes for non-farm kids the opportunity to work in some operations. Some of the very narrow interpretations for example, it prohibits the use of almost any power tool, and that could include a battery operated screw gun for putting up fences.”
Field says DOL wants to implement changes by the first of the year, and he is deeply troubled by the speed of the process and the process itself.
“In a democratic society which offers us the opportunity to have public input, there’s no way they’re going to be able to work through 3,900-4,000 responses and give them fair consideration before implementation.”
Legislators across the country have been contacted about the rules, and Field says that may be the best recourse now for those hoping to put the skids on implementation. So his advice is contact your congressmen and senators.
Bill Field is a Professor of Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue. Those who worked with him preparing the presentation and signing it are Shannon Snyder, Ph.D. Student and Agricultural Instructor at Purdue, Roger C. Tormoehlen, Professor at Purdue, and Brian French, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Washington State University. The full letter is here.
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