0726 KEW DLY A03
Agriculture It All Starts on the Farm
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
A3 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Threshin’ run Threshing oats was a major operation on hot summer days 100 years ago. An array of equipment, men and horses is lined up for this photo taken around 1913 on the Dave Johnson farm south of Kewanee. Johnson’s hired man, Will Martin, an amateur photographer, may have taken the photo. An International Harvester Mogul Traction Machine on the left, turned a long, leather belt which drove the threshing machine, right of center. Racks on the left brought loads of shocks, or bundles, of oats from the field which were fed into the thresher. The belt-driven machine separated the oats from the straw. Oats were sent down a chute into the high-wheeled wagons. The straw was blown out the long tube rising from the back of the machine and stacked in huge piles. Lettering on the side of the wagon on the far right, with the help of a magnifying glass, reads “A.C. Taylor, General Hauling.” Taylor was a Kewanee farm equipment dealer. There are 11 men on the racks, stacks and at the tractor, what may be a water boy partially hidden between the tractor and the first load of shocks, and a well-dressed man in a straw hat seated in a buggy who is not farmer Johnson and may have just been a visitor. Neighboring farmers banded together, shared equipment and combined labor to go from farm to farm on the threshing run.
Buda couple receives 2013 Ag Service Award PRINCETON — The Bureau County Farm Bureau, Bureau County Pork Producers Association and the Bureau County Cattleman’s Association awarded the 2013 Bureau County Agricultural Service Award at the recent Beef and Ag Days in Princeton. The committee’s selection for this year’s award is Don and Arkie Grubb, of rural Buda. According to the Farm Bureau, their nominating organization, the Grubbs were chosen because they fit the award description as their involvement in activities both on and off the farm has been above and beyond most individuals in this industry. Don served on the Bureau County Pork Producers board, Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District board and the Bureau County Farm Bureau board holding various volunteer positions. He also served as District 5 Director on the Illinois Pork Producers Executive Board and was a delegate to National Pork Producers Council for one year. For his efforts he received the state “Top Superior Pork Award” in 1980 and received the Bureau County “Outstanding Service” award in 1981. Don volunteered on the County Cooperative Extension Service Ag Council and the Extension Administration Council for several years. He also served on the Cooperative Extension State Advisory Committee (to Dr. Oswald) and as a delegate to the Extension Layman’s Conference in Washington, DC in 1985.
Winners in the sheep ring
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Arkie and Don Grubb accept their award presented at the Beef and Ag Days program last Friday evening in Princeton. He was chosen as a Prairie Farmer “Master Farmer” in 1988. Don was a host farmer for the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District’s no-till soybean plots in 1984 and has been an active promoter of soil and water conservation practices. The couple was the recipient of the “Conservation Farm Family” award in 1995. Off the farm, Don served as the co-chair of the building committee of the Bunker Hill Church building in Buda. Arkie served on the Bureau County Pork Producers Board and on the Illinois State Pork Producers Association Board. For eight years she also attended the 3day trip to Chicago with the Pork Producers Ambassadors, serving as chair for 4 years. Arkie served on the nominating committee for the Bureau County Farm Bureau for two years and volunteered with the Ag the Classroom from the beginning. As a member of the Bunker Hill Church of God of
Buda, she sang in the choir, taught Bible School and was the coordinator for weddings, funerals, and other activities. She also served on many women’s committees as well as helping Don with the building of the new church. Together, they have raised Belted Galloway cattle, goats, and buffalo. They rent their land and hog farm out to surrounding producers and like to spend time with their horses. They have helped Harold Steele show his horse-powered corn sheller and have opened their operation for farm tours for local educators. Don and Arkie have 7 children, 17 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren. In their retirement they spend winters in Arizona riding horses in the mountains. To qualify for the award, a nominee must be a resident of Bureau County who has given exemplary leadership and service to agriculture in Bureau County and/or a broad segment of the region, state or nation. This is the seventh year the Ag Service Award has been presented.
Kodi Hammer, left, of rural Kewanee, recently showed the Reserve Grand Champion Ewe in the Junior Sheep Show at the Marshall-Putnam County Fair in Henry, Ill., with her Southdown yearling ewe. She also won senior showmanship. Helping her in class is Jessica Manthe, right, also of rural Kewanee, who exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Ram Overall in the Junior Show. Manthe also won Grand Ram and Reserve Ewe overall honors in the Open Show with her Columbias. Hammer is a 2013 graduate of Wethersfield High School and Manthe a 2013 grad of Kewanee High School. Both are continuing their education at Black Hawk East this fall
Conservation, wildlife habitat tour to be held on DeCrane farm Aug. 7 Pork producers serving butterfly chops GALVA — The Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its annual conservation and wildlife habitat tour Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Al and Shelly DeCrane farm, 19022 Bonham Road, northwest of Galva. The hayrack tour will feature the farm’s numerous conservation and wildlife habitat practices. The tour includes: ■ Presentations on CRP (cool seaspn and native grasses), tree plantings, wildlife food plots, riparian buffers, pond management and wind turbines. ■ Representatives and speakers from SWCD, NRCS, FSA, ILDNR, and QDMA. ■ Butterfly pork chop sandwich dinner grilled by the Henry County Pork Producers following the tour ($5 donation requested to offset meal costs). Hayracks depart at 6 and 7 p.m. The rain date is Friday, Aug. 9. To make reservations, call the Henry County SWCD office at (309) 937-5263, Ext. 3, by Wednesday, July 31.
Wyffels names Zobrist district sales manager for western Illinois ATKINSON — Steve Zobrist has been named a district sales manager for Wyffels Hybrids, working with corn growers in western Illinois. In his new position, he will work directly with corn growers, helping customers place superior genetics with the most advanced traits on their farms. Zobrist most recently served as a field agronomist for DuPont Pioneer in central Illinois. Prior to that, he held technical training
positions with John Deere. Zobrist earned his master’s degree in crop science from the University of Illinois, and his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Iowa State University. He lives in Geneseo and is involved with the Henry County Farm Bureau. He also serves as a board member for Prophetstown Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., and is past president of the Henry County Beef Association.
A4 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Farm Bureau Foundation presents scholarships PRINCETON — Eight Bureau County students will receive financial assistance from the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation to help cover costs associated with continuing their education. The Foundation Board of Directors has named college students Freya Block of Neponset, Garrett Geuther of LaMoille, Trevin Kennedy of Walnut, Donna McCune of Walnut, Heidi Pierson of Walnut and Stephanie Stocking of Spring Valley as the 2013 recipients of the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. Ryan DeVore of Princeton and Sarah Schlund of Princeton were named the winners of the 2013 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Graduate Scholarships. For more than 18 years, the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation has made a financial commitment to assisting individuals interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. To date, more than $49,000 has been provided in scholarships to individuals who are Bureau County Farm Bureau members or their dependents. The foundation funding is supported by private contributions, including those from Bureau County Farm Bureau members. ■ Freya Block, daughter of Clinton and Melanie Block, recently graduated from Kewanee High School. This fall she will attend Southern Illinois University focusing on Equine Science/Animal Science and Agriculture Business. ■ Garrett Geuther, son of Ron and Jan Geuther, recently graduated from LaMoille High School. This fall he will attend Kishwaukee Community College focusing on Diesel Mechanics. ■ Trevin Kennedy, son of Kevin Kennedy, recently graduated from Bureau Valley High School. This fall he will attend Iowa State University focusing on Ag Business Management. ■ Donna McCune, daughter of Harry and Dee McCune, has completed her third year at Iowa State University. Her major area of study is Agricultural Business with Agronomy minor. McCune was also a 2010, 2011 and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship recipient. ■ Heidi Pierson, daughter of Keith and Terri Pierson, has completed her sophomore year at Sauk Valley Community College. She will be
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On hand to receive 2013 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships were, from left to right, Freya Block, Stephanie Stocking, Heidi Pierson, Sara Schlund, Donna McCune, Garrett Geuther and summer intern Gracelynn Dale. transferring this fall to Western Illinois University. Her area of focus is Agricultural Engineering. Pierson was also a 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau scholarship recipient and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Summer Intern. ■ Stephanie Stocking, daughter of Lori Stanton, recently graduated from Hall High School. This fall she will attend IVCC focusing on pre-vet medicine. ■ Ryan DeVore, son of Steve and Lonna DeVore, has completed his second year of Graduate Studies at Texas Technical University where he is studying Wildlife Sciences. DeVore was also a 2008 and 2009 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship recipient and a 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Graduate scholarship recipient. ■ Sarah Schlund, daughter of Donald and Barbara Schlund, graduated from Eastern Illinois University. Her major area of study was Biological Sciences. She now plans to earn her Masters in Plant Pathology with a focus in Extension. Schlund was also a 2010, 2011 and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation
scholarship recipient. Also recognized Friday evening was the 2013 Foundation Intern, Gracelynn Dale. For the second year the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation has offered an internship position. The intern chosen works directly with the Bureau County Farm Bureau manager, county staff and the Ag Literacy Coordinator under the academic supervision of their college or university instructor. The internship position provides an opportunity for a youth representative to engage in a job shadow experience with the Farm Bureau manager, their staff and volunteers by providing the intern with in depth knowledge and experience of Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry through hands-on training and educational experiences. Gracelynn, daughter of Matthew Dale and Jennifer Domaszewicz, attends Black Hawk College East at Kewanee. Her major area of study is Agri-Business. All of the students were involved in extracurricular activities with strong backgrounds in FFA, 4-H as well as church and other community and school programs.
IDOA to offer free recycling for ag chemical containers SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois farmers soon will have a cheap and convenient opportunity to dispose of their empty agrichemical containers. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has arranged to offer a free pesticide container recycling program this summer. Beginning in late July, sites throughout the state will collect the containers and grind them into small plastic chips that will be used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing, plastic lumber and other useful products. “Since the program's inception, more than 2 million agrichemical containers destined for landfills have been collected and recycled into useful products,” said Agriculture Director Bob Flider Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program. Collection
sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, No. 2 plastic, agrichemical containers that are clean and dry. Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, labels, booklets and foil seals. The program is a cooperative venture
between the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Container Services Network, Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension. To obtain a free
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A5 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Urban interns get hands dirty on Freeport farm
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The Bureau Valley FFA livestock judging team, shown at the State FFA Livestock Judging Contest at the University of Illinois, included, from left to right, Jessica Loudenburg, Carlie Bickett, Kristyn Ehnle, Chris Shynk, Garrett Jackson, and Jordan Monier.
Bureau Valley FFA livestock judges have successful season By LAUREN PETERSON Bureau Valley FFA Reporter
MANLIUS — The Bureau Valley FFA livestock judging team recently competed in their final contest of the year at the University of Illinois in Champaign. With 110 teams competing in the nonreasons division, they were ranked 22nd overall. Individually, of 505 participating, the team members all placed in the top half. The livestock judging team members who ranked in the top half of the field were Jordan Monier who ranked 27th overall, and Jessica Loudenburg, who
ranked 49th. The State Livestock CDE included seven classes; Angus heifers, Southdown ewes, market hogs, Boer does, Yorkshire gilts (keep-cull), Southdown ewes (keep-cull), and slaughter cattle. The team's “season” lasted from Jan. 17 through April 26. Practices were usually held twice a week for half an hour in the morning. Asked what the hardest animal to judge, team members Kristin Ehnle and Carlie Bickett agreed that every person has their own strengths and weaknesses in the animals they
judge. Kristin mentioned that her favorite part of livestock judging is “Spending quality time with my fellow FFA members.”Carlie also likes going to livestock judging competitions because she feels it’s “A good way to meet other FFA members."
There’s more to read in the Star Courier!
season." Working beside Trask in the potato field is Alec Meyer, 20, of Elgin. Meyer said living near Freeport keeps him close to his family but offers him a chance to run a sustainable farm. Meyer also entertains everyone nightly by playing guitar. "I'm learning a lot about vegetables," Meyer, a vegan, said. "This is all about collectible knowledge — living life on the farm." Leininger said the day begins early for the interns.
ANNAWAN — Hatzer & Nordstrom Equipment Co., Route 78 South, in Annawan, will hold its 30th Annual Fall Consignment Sale Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17. Buyers and sellers from 20 states to this sale. Hatzer & Nordstrom will start accepting equipment July 29. For more information, call (309) 935-6700 and ask for Mike, Bill or Karen.
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They spend their days weeding, hoeing and harvesting the produce that Leininger and her husband take to farmers markets in Freeport and Rockford. The couple plants six acres of produce. They also get help from their son Trale Bardell and his fiance, Margaret Sappey. "We harvest about 1,000 pounds of produce each week to take to market," Leininger said. "My husband and I love the personalities of the people who work for us."
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California firm buying first phase of Texas wind farm HEREFORD, Texas (AP) — A Californiabased energy company has reached a deal to buy the first phase of a 500-megawatt wind turbine farm planned for the Texas Panhandle. Officials with EDF Renewable Energy of San Diego say the agreement with Lincoln Renewable Energy includes an option to acquire the second phase of the Hereford Wind Project. Hereford is about 40 miles southwest of Amarillo. Construction on the first phase should begin later this year. Transmission lines will connect the wind generating capacity of the area to high electricity demand parts of Texas. No purchase price was announced Monday. EDF also operates
FREEPORT, Ill. (AP) — At 58, Mary Trask is loving getting her hands dirty on an organic farm just east of Freeport. The artist, who hails from New Hampshire, is making her way across the country toward New Mexico. For the summer, she is learning all about produce. It is a new life experience for her. She gets room and board, a small stipend and winds up with plenty of stories to add to her journey in life. Trask is one of four interns working the fields at Chestnut Cliff Farm, which is owned by Phil Bardell and his wife, Pat Leininger. The couple grow natural produce to take to farmers markets. They depend on interns to help sell the organically grown produce. Known as "Cowboy Mary," Trask said she discovered the farm on rolling hills near the Pecatonica River via the Internet. "I have lived all over the country, had an art gallery, but always wanted to work with organically grown produce," Trask said. "My last job was a costume designer out east. Now I get my hands dirty. I'll stay here through the growing
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A6 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Vermont, 8 states allow hemp growth, federal law conflicts of hemp farming from the DEA to the state. In the meantime, the group, Vote Hemp, does not recommend growing hemp while state and federal laws conflict. "It's literally betting the farm," said Tom Murphy, national outreach coordinator for the group. Farmers who grow it, or even conspire to grow it and import the seeds face jail time and the forfeiture of their land, he said. But it's unclear how seriously the DEA will enforce it. Murphy said he's heard that people have planted hemp on leased land in Colorado. "Now if somebody chooses to do it as civil disobedience, knowing full well what's going to happen, then that's on them," he said. So far, 19 states have passed hemp legislation, including nine that allow its production. Eight states have passed bills calling for the study of hemp, while three states passed bills setting up commissions or authorizing the study of it, according to Vote Hemp.
The states hope to nudge the federal government to change its law. John Vitko would like to grow hemp on his Vermont farm to use as feed for his chickens now that Vermont has passed a law setting up rules to grow it. He doesn't know where to find any seed and knows he would be breaking federal law if he finds some and grows a small amount of the plant. With the cost of feed continually rising, he said hemp provides an economical way to feed and provide bedding for his 100 birds, whose eggs are used in the custard-based ice cream he sells to restaurants and in a dessert shop in Waitsfield. "It's one of the few things that are manageable for a small farmer to handle," he said of hemp, which doesn't require large equipment to plant and harvest like corn does. "It's complete protein," he said. "It has all their amino acids. It's a seed which birds like." Hemp has been grown in the U.S. in the past to make rope,
fabric and even the paper that used to draft the Declaration of Independence. The country even launched a "Hemp for Victory" campaign during World War II as supplies for other overseas fibers dwindled. Now most hemp products in the U.S. are imported from Canada, China and Europe and some farmers think the U.S. is missing out on a lucrative crop. U.S. Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado was granted a request to fly an American flag made of hemp over the capitol in Washington on the Fourth of July. He held the flag during the U.S. House debate in over a hemp amendment to the farm bill that he introduced with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. The measure would have allowed colleges and universities to grow hemp for research in states where its cultivation is permitted. The amendment passed but the farm bill
failed. "Support for our recent farm bill amendment demonstrated that there is growing consensus to revisit the antiquated drug laws that now keep U.S. farmers from participating in the $300 million hemp retail market," Blumenauer said. "A hemp flag flown over the Capitol on the Fourth of July is a powerful symbol of this reform movement." The figure Blumenauer referenced comes from a Congressional Research Service report that says the industry estimates that U.S. retail sales of hemp-based products may exceed $300 million per year. The bill that Democratic Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law last month is intended to push the federal government to change its law after Canada reintroduced industrial hemp in the late 1990s. "The reason we want to push for a change is that hemp is potentially a valuable crop," said Democratic Rep. Caroline Partridge,
New Mexico company faces setbacks in horse slaughter plans divided horse rescue and animal welfare groups, ranchers, politicians and Indian tribes about what is the most humane way to deal with the country’s horse overpopulation and what rescue groups have said are a rising number of neglected and starving horses as the West deals with persistent drought.
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was lifted in 2011. Another permit was approved a few days later for Responsible Transportation in Sigourney, Iowa. Meat from the slaughterhouses would be shipped to some countries for human consumption and for use as zoo and other animal food. The move has
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Humane Society of the United States and other groups to block the planned Aug. 5 opening of Valley Meat and another recently approved horse slaughterhouse in Iowa. The plants would be the first horse slaughterhouses in the U.S. to operate in more than six years.“Horse slaughter has no place in our culture,” said Redford. Redford said he has been passionate about horses all of his life, and his love of the animals inspired his famous movies “The Horse Whisperer” and “The Electric Cowboy.” After more than a year of delays and a lawsuit by Valley Meat, the Department of Agriculture in June gave the company the go-ahead to begin slaughtering horses. USDA officials said they were legally obligated to issue the permits, even though the Obama administration opposes horse slaughter and is seeking to reinstate a congressional ban that
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico company’s hard-fought attempt to convert its cattle plant to a horse slaughterhouse was dealt a series of new blows Monday, with the state denying its wastewater permit and actor Robert Redford, former Gov. Bill Richardson and the state attorney general announcing plans to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to block a return to domestic horse slaughter. The New Mexico Environment Department told Valley Meat Co. of Roswell, which has a lapsed discharge permit, that it won’t renew the permit without a public hearing because of extensive comments already received. Valley Meat Co. attorney Blair Dunn said the lack of a permit would not prevent the plant from opening as planned Aug. 5, but it would increase the cost of doing business because the plant would have to haul its waste. Dunn accused the state of unfairly targeting a small, family-owned business. He noted that many dairies are operating around the state with lapsed permits. He said the state ignored Valley’s request for a renewal until the horse slaughter debate became so divisive and Gov. Susana Martinez announced her strong opposition. The denial came the same day that Redford and Richardson joined the fray, announcing formation of an animal protection foundation whose first act was to seek to join a federal lawsuit filed by The
chairwoman of the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products. "People want to grow it. Hemp oil is a valuable product, and there's so much of the hemp plant that can be used for very, very productive purposes," The Vermont law sets up procedures and policies for growing hemp. A grower must register with the state agriculture secretary and provide a statement that seeds used do not exceed a certain concentration of THC. The grower also must allow the hemp crops to be inspected and tested at the discretion of the Agriculture Agency, which warns growers that cultivating and possessing hemp in Vermont is a violation of federal law. It's too late this growing season in Vermont for Vitko to grow hemp, but he hopes to plant just an acre of the plant next spring if the rules are worked out. "I'm going to be a little farmer that's growing hemp, they've got bigger problems than me," he said of the DEA.
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WAITSFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Some Vermont farmers want to plant hemp now that the state has a law setting up rules to grow the plant, a cousin of marijuana that's more suitable for making sandals than getting high. But federal law forbids growing hemp without a permit, so farmers could be risking the farm if they decide to grow the plant that the Drug Enforcement Agency basically considers marijuana. Hemp and marijuana share the same species — cannabis sativa — but hemp has a negligible content of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Under federal law, all cannabis plants fall under the marijuana label, regardless of THC content. To grow marijuana for industrial purposes or research, a grower must register with the DEA and meet specific security requirements, such as installing costly fencing for a field of hemp. A national nonprofit group is pushing to change current law and move regulation
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A3 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Threshin’ run Threshing oats was a major operation on hot summer days 100 years ago. An array of equipment, men and horses is lined up for this photo taken around 1913 on the Dave Johnson farm south of Kewanee. Johnson’s hired man, Will Martin, an amateur photographer, may have taken the photo. An International Harvester Mogul Traction Machine on the left, turned a long, leather belt which drove the threshing machine, right of center. Racks on the left brought loads of shocks, or bundles, of oats from the field which were fed into the thresher. The belt-driven machine separated the oats from the straw. Oats were sent down a chute into the high-wheeled wagons. The straw was blown out the long tube rising from the back of the machine and stacked in huge piles. Lettering on the side of the wagon on the far right, with the help of a magnifying glass, reads “A.C. Taylor, General Hauling.” Taylor was a Kewanee farm equipment dealer. There are 11 men on the racks, stacks and at the tractor, what may be a water boy partially hidden between the tractor and the first load of shocks, and a well-dressed man in a straw hat seated in a buggy who is not farmer Johnson and may have just been a visitor. Neighboring farmers banded together, shared equipment and combined labor to go from farm to farm on the threshing run.
Buda couple receives 2013 Ag Service Award PRINCETON — The Bureau County Farm Bureau, Bureau County Pork Producers Association and the Bureau County Cattleman’s Association awarded the 2013 Bureau County Agricultural Service Award at the recent Beef and Ag Days in Princeton. The committee’s selection for this year’s award is Don and Arkie Grubb, of rural Buda. According to the Farm Bureau, their nominating organization, the Grubbs were chosen because they fit the award description as their involvement in activities both on and off the farm has been above and beyond most individuals in this industry. Don served on the Bureau County Pork Producers board, Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District board and the Bureau County Farm Bureau board holding various volunteer positions. He also served as District 5 Director on the Illinois Pork Producers Executive Board and was a delegate to National Pork Producers Council for one year. For his efforts he received the state “Top Superior Pork Award” in 1980 and received the Bureau County “Outstanding Service” award in 1981. Don volunteered on the County Cooperative Extension Service Ag Council and the Extension Administration Council for several years. He also served on the Cooperative Extension State Advisory Committee (to Dr. Oswald) and as a delegate to the Extension Layman’s Conference in Washington, DC in 1985.
Winners in the sheep ring
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Arkie and Don Grubb accept their award presented at the Beef and Ag Days program last Friday evening in Princeton. He was chosen as a Prairie Farmer “Master Farmer” in 1988. Don was a host farmer for the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District’s no-till soybean plots in 1984 and has been an active promoter of soil and water conservation practices. The couple was the recipient of the “Conservation Farm Family” award in 1995. Off the farm, Don served as the co-chair of the building committee of the Bunker Hill Church building in Buda. Arkie served on the Bureau County Pork Producers Board and on the Illinois State Pork Producers Association Board. For eight years she also attended the 3day trip to Chicago with the Pork Producers Ambassadors, serving as chair for 4 years. Arkie served on the nominating committee for the Bureau County Farm Bureau for two years and volunteered with the Ag the Classroom from the beginning. As a member of the Bunker Hill Church of God of
Buda, she sang in the choir, taught Bible School and was the coordinator for weddings, funerals, and other activities. She also served on many women’s committees as well as helping Don with the building of the new church. Together, they have raised Belted Galloway cattle, goats, and buffalo. They rent their land and hog farm out to surrounding producers and like to spend time with their horses. They have helped Harold Steele show his horse-powered corn sheller and have opened their operation for farm tours for local educators. Don and Arkie have 7 children, 17 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren. In their retirement they spend winters in Arizona riding horses in the mountains. To qualify for the award, a nominee must be a resident of Bureau County who has given exemplary leadership and service to agriculture in Bureau County and/or a broad segment of the region, state or nation. This is the seventh year the Ag Service Award has been presented.
Kodi Hammer, left, of rural Kewanee, recently showed the Reserve Grand Champion Ewe in the Junior Sheep Show at the Marshall-Putnam County Fair in Henry, Ill., with her Southdown yearling ewe. She also won senior showmanship. Helping her in class is Jessica Manthe, right, also of rural Kewanee, who exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Ram Overall in the Junior Show. Manthe also won Grand Ram and Reserve Ewe overall honors in the Open Show with her Columbias. Hammer is a 2013 graduate of Wethersfield High School and Manthe a 2013 grad of Kewanee High School. Both are continuing their education at Black Hawk East this fall
Conservation, wildlife habitat tour to be held on DeCrane farm Aug. 7 Pork producers serving butterfly chops GALVA — The Henry County Soil & Water Conservation District will hold its annual conservation and wildlife habitat tour Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Al and Shelly DeCrane farm, 19022 Bonham Road, northwest of Galva. The hayrack tour will feature the farm’s numerous conservation and wildlife habitat practices. The tour includes: ■ Presentations on CRP (cool seaspn and native grasses), tree plantings, wildlife food plots, riparian buffers, pond management and wind turbines. ■ Representatives and speakers from SWCD, NRCS, FSA, ILDNR, and QDMA. ■ Butterfly pork chop sandwich dinner grilled by the Henry County Pork Producers following the tour ($5 donation requested to offset meal costs). Hayracks depart at 6 and 7 p.m. The rain date is Friday, Aug. 9. To make reservations, call the Henry County SWCD office at (309) 937-5263, Ext. 3, by Wednesday, July 31.
Wyffels names Zobrist district sales manager for western Illinois ATKINSON — Steve Zobrist has been named a district sales manager for Wyffels Hybrids, working with corn growers in western Illinois. In his new position, he will work directly with corn growers, helping customers place superior genetics with the most advanced traits on their farms. Zobrist most recently served as a field agronomist for DuPont Pioneer in central Illinois. Prior to that, he held technical training
positions with John Deere. Zobrist earned his master’s degree in crop science from the University of Illinois, and his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Iowa State University. He lives in Geneseo and is involved with the Henry County Farm Bureau. He also serves as a board member for Prophetstown Farmers Mutual Insurance Co., and is past president of the Henry County Beef Association.
A4 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Farm Bureau Foundation presents scholarships PRINCETON — Eight Bureau County students will receive financial assistance from the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation to help cover costs associated with continuing their education. The Foundation Board of Directors has named college students Freya Block of Neponset, Garrett Geuther of LaMoille, Trevin Kennedy of Walnut, Donna McCune of Walnut, Heidi Pierson of Walnut and Stephanie Stocking of Spring Valley as the 2013 recipients of the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. Ryan DeVore of Princeton and Sarah Schlund of Princeton were named the winners of the 2013 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Graduate Scholarships. For more than 18 years, the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation has made a financial commitment to assisting individuals interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. To date, more than $49,000 has been provided in scholarships to individuals who are Bureau County Farm Bureau members or their dependents. The foundation funding is supported by private contributions, including those from Bureau County Farm Bureau members. ■ Freya Block, daughter of Clinton and Melanie Block, recently graduated from Kewanee High School. This fall she will attend Southern Illinois University focusing on Equine Science/Animal Science and Agriculture Business. ■ Garrett Geuther, son of Ron and Jan Geuther, recently graduated from LaMoille High School. This fall he will attend Kishwaukee Community College focusing on Diesel Mechanics. ■ Trevin Kennedy, son of Kevin Kennedy, recently graduated from Bureau Valley High School. This fall he will attend Iowa State University focusing on Ag Business Management. ■ Donna McCune, daughter of Harry and Dee McCune, has completed her third year at Iowa State University. Her major area of study is Agricultural Business with Agronomy minor. McCune was also a 2010, 2011 and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship recipient. ■ Heidi Pierson, daughter of Keith and Terri Pierson, has completed her sophomore year at Sauk Valley Community College. She will be
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On hand to receive 2013 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarships were, from left to right, Freya Block, Stephanie Stocking, Heidi Pierson, Sara Schlund, Donna McCune, Garrett Geuther and summer intern Gracelynn Dale. transferring this fall to Western Illinois University. Her area of focus is Agricultural Engineering. Pierson was also a 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau scholarship recipient and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Summer Intern. ■ Stephanie Stocking, daughter of Lori Stanton, recently graduated from Hall High School. This fall she will attend IVCC focusing on pre-vet medicine. ■ Ryan DeVore, son of Steve and Lonna DeVore, has completed his second year of Graduate Studies at Texas Technical University where he is studying Wildlife Sciences. DeVore was also a 2008 and 2009 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship recipient and a 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation Graduate scholarship recipient. ■ Sarah Schlund, daughter of Donald and Barbara Schlund, graduated from Eastern Illinois University. Her major area of study was Biological Sciences. She now plans to earn her Masters in Plant Pathology with a focus in Extension. Schlund was also a 2010, 2011 and 2012 Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation
scholarship recipient. Also recognized Friday evening was the 2013 Foundation Intern, Gracelynn Dale. For the second year the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation has offered an internship position. The intern chosen works directly with the Bureau County Farm Bureau manager, county staff and the Ag Literacy Coordinator under the academic supervision of their college or university instructor. The internship position provides an opportunity for a youth representative to engage in a job shadow experience with the Farm Bureau manager, their staff and volunteers by providing the intern with in depth knowledge and experience of Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry through hands-on training and educational experiences. Gracelynn, daughter of Matthew Dale and Jennifer Domaszewicz, attends Black Hawk College East at Kewanee. Her major area of study is Agri-Business. All of the students were involved in extracurricular activities with strong backgrounds in FFA, 4-H as well as church and other community and school programs.
IDOA to offer free recycling for ag chemical containers SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois farmers soon will have a cheap and convenient opportunity to dispose of their empty agrichemical containers. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has arranged to offer a free pesticide container recycling program this summer. Beginning in late July, sites throughout the state will collect the containers and grind them into small plastic chips that will be used to make shipping pallets, fence posts, drainage tubing, plastic lumber and other useful products. “Since the program's inception, more than 2 million agrichemical containers destined for landfills have been collected and recycled into useful products,” said Agriculture Director Bob Flider Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program. Collection
sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, No. 2 plastic, agrichemical containers that are clean and dry. Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, labels, booklets and foil seals. The program is a cooperative venture
between the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Container Recycling Council, GROWMARK, Inc., Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, Container Services Network, Illinois Farm Bureau and University of Illinois Extension. To obtain a free
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A5 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Urban interns get hands dirty on Freeport farm
Submitted
The Bureau Valley FFA livestock judging team, shown at the State FFA Livestock Judging Contest at the University of Illinois, included, from left to right, Jessica Loudenburg, Carlie Bickett, Kristyn Ehnle, Chris Shynk, Garrett Jackson, and Jordan Monier.
Bureau Valley FFA livestock judges have successful season By LAUREN PETERSON Bureau Valley FFA Reporter
MANLIUS — The Bureau Valley FFA livestock judging team recently competed in their final contest of the year at the University of Illinois in Champaign. With 110 teams competing in the nonreasons division, they were ranked 22nd overall. Individually, of 505 participating, the team members all placed in the top half. The livestock judging team members who ranked in the top half of the field were Jordan Monier who ranked 27th overall, and Jessica Loudenburg, who
ranked 49th. The State Livestock CDE included seven classes; Angus heifers, Southdown ewes, market hogs, Boer does, Yorkshire gilts (keep-cull), Southdown ewes (keep-cull), and slaughter cattle. The team's “season” lasted from Jan. 17 through April 26. Practices were usually held twice a week for half an hour in the morning. Asked what the hardest animal to judge, team members Kristin Ehnle and Carlie Bickett agreed that every person has their own strengths and weaknesses in the animals they
judge. Kristin mentioned that her favorite part of livestock judging is “Spending quality time with my fellow FFA members.”Carlie also likes going to livestock judging competitions because she feels it’s “A good way to meet other FFA members."
There’s more to read in the Star Courier!
season." Working beside Trask in the potato field is Alec Meyer, 20, of Elgin. Meyer said living near Freeport keeps him close to his family but offers him a chance to run a sustainable farm. Meyer also entertains everyone nightly by playing guitar. "I'm learning a lot about vegetables," Meyer, a vegan, said. "This is all about collectible knowledge — living life on the farm." Leininger said the day begins early for the interns.
ANNAWAN — Hatzer & Nordstrom Equipment Co., Route 78 South, in Annawan, will hold its 30th Annual Fall Consignment Sale Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17. Buyers and sellers from 20 states to this sale. Hatzer & Nordstrom will start accepting equipment July 29. For more information, call (309) 935-6700 and ask for Mike, Bill or Karen.
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They spend their days weeding, hoeing and harvesting the produce that Leininger and her husband take to farmers markets in Freeport and Rockford. The couple plants six acres of produce. They also get help from their son Trale Bardell and his fiance, Margaret Sappey. "We harvest about 1,000 pounds of produce each week to take to market," Leininger said. "My husband and I love the personalities of the people who work for us."
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California firm buying first phase of Texas wind farm HEREFORD, Texas (AP) — A Californiabased energy company has reached a deal to buy the first phase of a 500-megawatt wind turbine farm planned for the Texas Panhandle. Officials with EDF Renewable Energy of San Diego say the agreement with Lincoln Renewable Energy includes an option to acquire the second phase of the Hereford Wind Project. Hereford is about 40 miles southwest of Amarillo. Construction on the first phase should begin later this year. Transmission lines will connect the wind generating capacity of the area to high electricity demand parts of Texas. No purchase price was announced Monday. EDF also operates
FREEPORT, Ill. (AP) — At 58, Mary Trask is loving getting her hands dirty on an organic farm just east of Freeport. The artist, who hails from New Hampshire, is making her way across the country toward New Mexico. For the summer, she is learning all about produce. It is a new life experience for her. She gets room and board, a small stipend and winds up with plenty of stories to add to her journey in life. Trask is one of four interns working the fields at Chestnut Cliff Farm, which is owned by Phil Bardell and his wife, Pat Leininger. The couple grow natural produce to take to farmers markets. They depend on interns to help sell the organically grown produce. Known as "Cowboy Mary," Trask said she discovered the farm on rolling hills near the Pecatonica River via the Internet. "I have lived all over the country, had an art gallery, but always wanted to work with organically grown produce," Trask said. "My last job was a costume designer out east. Now I get my hands dirty. I'll stay here through the growing
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A6 ★★★ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 2013
Agriculture
KEWANEE, ILLINOIS
Vermont, 8 states allow hemp growth, federal law conflicts of hemp farming from the DEA to the state. In the meantime, the group, Vote Hemp, does not recommend growing hemp while state and federal laws conflict. "It's literally betting the farm," said Tom Murphy, national outreach coordinator for the group. Farmers who grow it, or even conspire to grow it and import the seeds face jail time and the forfeiture of their land, he said. But it's unclear how seriously the DEA will enforce it. Murphy said he's heard that people have planted hemp on leased land in Colorado. "Now if somebody chooses to do it as civil disobedience, knowing full well what's going to happen, then that's on them," he said. So far, 19 states have passed hemp legislation, including nine that allow its production. Eight states have passed bills calling for the study of hemp, while three states passed bills setting up commissions or authorizing the study of it, according to Vote Hemp.
The states hope to nudge the federal government to change its law. John Vitko would like to grow hemp on his Vermont farm to use as feed for his chickens now that Vermont has passed a law setting up rules to grow it. He doesn't know where to find any seed and knows he would be breaking federal law if he finds some and grows a small amount of the plant. With the cost of feed continually rising, he said hemp provides an economical way to feed and provide bedding for his 100 birds, whose eggs are used in the custard-based ice cream he sells to restaurants and in a dessert shop in Waitsfield. "It's one of the few things that are manageable for a small farmer to handle," he said of hemp, which doesn't require large equipment to plant and harvest like corn does. "It's complete protein," he said. "It has all their amino acids. It's a seed which birds like." Hemp has been grown in the U.S. in the past to make rope,
fabric and even the paper that used to draft the Declaration of Independence. The country even launched a "Hemp for Victory" campaign during World War II as supplies for other overseas fibers dwindled. Now most hemp products in the U.S. are imported from Canada, China and Europe and some farmers think the U.S. is missing out on a lucrative crop. U.S. Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado was granted a request to fly an American flag made of hemp over the capitol in Washington on the Fourth of July. He held the flag during the U.S. House debate in over a hemp amendment to the farm bill that he introduced with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. The measure would have allowed colleges and universities to grow hemp for research in states where its cultivation is permitted. The amendment passed but the farm bill
failed. "Support for our recent farm bill amendment demonstrated that there is growing consensus to revisit the antiquated drug laws that now keep U.S. farmers from participating in the $300 million hemp retail market," Blumenauer said. "A hemp flag flown over the Capitol on the Fourth of July is a powerful symbol of this reform movement." The figure Blumenauer referenced comes from a Congressional Research Service report that says the industry estimates that U.S. retail sales of hemp-based products may exceed $300 million per year. The bill that Democratic Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law last month is intended to push the federal government to change its law after Canada reintroduced industrial hemp in the late 1990s. "The reason we want to push for a change is that hemp is potentially a valuable crop," said Democratic Rep. Caroline Partridge,
New Mexico company faces setbacks in horse slaughter plans divided horse rescue and animal welfare groups, ranchers, politicians and Indian tribes about what is the most humane way to deal with the country’s horse overpopulation and what rescue groups have said are a rising number of neglected and starving horses as the West deals with persistent drought.
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was lifted in 2011. Another permit was approved a few days later for Responsible Transportation in Sigourney, Iowa. Meat from the slaughterhouses would be shipped to some countries for human consumption and for use as zoo and other animal food. The move has
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Humane Society of the United States and other groups to block the planned Aug. 5 opening of Valley Meat and another recently approved horse slaughterhouse in Iowa. The plants would be the first horse slaughterhouses in the U.S. to operate in more than six years.“Horse slaughter has no place in our culture,” said Redford. Redford said he has been passionate about horses all of his life, and his love of the animals inspired his famous movies “The Horse Whisperer” and “The Electric Cowboy.” After more than a year of delays and a lawsuit by Valley Meat, the Department of Agriculture in June gave the company the go-ahead to begin slaughtering horses. USDA officials said they were legally obligated to issue the permits, even though the Obama administration opposes horse slaughter and is seeking to reinstate a congressional ban that
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico company’s hard-fought attempt to convert its cattle plant to a horse slaughterhouse was dealt a series of new blows Monday, with the state denying its wastewater permit and actor Robert Redford, former Gov. Bill Richardson and the state attorney general announcing plans to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to block a return to domestic horse slaughter. The New Mexico Environment Department told Valley Meat Co. of Roswell, which has a lapsed discharge permit, that it won’t renew the permit without a public hearing because of extensive comments already received. Valley Meat Co. attorney Blair Dunn said the lack of a permit would not prevent the plant from opening as planned Aug. 5, but it would increase the cost of doing business because the plant would have to haul its waste. Dunn accused the state of unfairly targeting a small, family-owned business. He noted that many dairies are operating around the state with lapsed permits. He said the state ignored Valley’s request for a renewal until the horse slaughter debate became so divisive and Gov. Susana Martinez announced her strong opposition. The denial came the same day that Redford and Richardson joined the fray, announcing formation of an animal protection foundation whose first act was to seek to join a federal lawsuit filed by The
chairwoman of the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture and Forest Products. "People want to grow it. Hemp oil is a valuable product, and there's so much of the hemp plant that can be used for very, very productive purposes," The Vermont law sets up procedures and policies for growing hemp. A grower must register with the state agriculture secretary and provide a statement that seeds used do not exceed a certain concentration of THC. The grower also must allow the hemp crops to be inspected and tested at the discretion of the Agriculture Agency, which warns growers that cultivating and possessing hemp in Vermont is a violation of federal law. It's too late this growing season in Vermont for Vitko to grow hemp, but he hopes to plant just an acre of the plant next spring if the rules are worked out. "I'm going to be a little farmer that's growing hemp, they've got bigger problems than me," he said of the DEA.
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WAITSFIELD, Vt. (AP) — Some Vermont farmers want to plant hemp now that the state has a law setting up rules to grow the plant, a cousin of marijuana that's more suitable for making sandals than getting high. But federal law forbids growing hemp without a permit, so farmers could be risking the farm if they decide to grow the plant that the Drug Enforcement Agency basically considers marijuana. Hemp and marijuana share the same species — cannabis sativa — but hemp has a negligible content of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Under federal law, all cannabis plants fall under the marijuana label, regardless of THC content. To grow marijuana for industrial purposes or research, a grower must register with the DEA and meet specific security requirements, such as installing costly fencing for a field of hemp. A national nonprofit group is pushing to change current law and move regulation
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