Farmers will soon be busy getting their crops out of the fields. During those long, hard hours, it is helpful to have a meal ready when they need a break. Being prepared and having ingredients on hand helps everything run smoother during this busy time. A pot roast makes a good harvest time meal, because it can be prepared the evening before you need it. Once prepared, it can be cut and shredded for sandwiches for your hungry farmer.
3-pound chuck roast
1 package of au jus gravy mix
1 package of powdered ranch salad dressing/seasoning mix
1 stick butter
4 *pepperoncini peppers
1/4 cup *pepperoncini juice
*Don't have pepperoncini peppers?
Substitute them with banana peppers or green peppers. If your roast is very lean, you can add 1/2 to 1 cup broth.
Put chuck roast into a slow cooker. Empty packets of au jus gravy and ranch dressing mix on top of the chuck roast. Add a stick of butter on top of the roast. Place peppers on top and around roaast and then pour juice over roast.
Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 8 hours. Once it is finished, shred the roast, using two forks, into bite-sized pieces for sandwiches.
After buying pot pies at the store, you may want to consider cooking your own. Store-bought pot pies have a lot of sodium and preservatives. Several different vegetables of your liking may be added to this recipe. You may also use leftover vegetables on hand in your refrigerator.
IngredIents
1 Pillsbury pie crust
(2 rolled in box)
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
2 cans cream of potato soup
2 cups cooked, diced chicken
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup milk
Onion, optional
Use a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Line the bottom of the pan with one crust. Cook and cut up chicken into bite size pieces. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, then spoon into pie crust and top with the other pie crust, sealing edges and making a few cuts in the top so it will vent while baking. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Let stand for approximately 10 minutes before cutting.
Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 38 years of newspaper experience. If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share or if you have any questions, email them to Loretta at krahling93@ gmail.com.
Fall always reminds me of going to an apple orchard and buying apples. That time will soon be here as the cooler days and nights arrive. Apple Crisp is a great fall treat to prepare for your family. Types of apples that are recommended because they hold their shape during baking are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Braeburn. Another option would be to combine Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, which will create a more balanced flavor. This might even be a great dessert for your favorite farmer during harvest.
6 or 7 apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
1 teaspoon cinnamon Dash of salt
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon soda
3/4 cup oatmeal
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted
Mix apples, sugar, salt, flour and cinnamon. Place in a buttered 9-by13-inch pan. In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients together except for the butter. Place toppings over mixture in pan. Drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until the apples are done and the top is nicely browned.
1. Many cookie recipes call for too much sugar. You can cut down on the sugar as much as half of what the recipe calls for, particularly if you are using raisins, dates or chocolate chips.
2. Add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup cooking oil to any flavor cake mix and you have a quick batch of cookies. Raisins, nuts or coconut can be added, if desired. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Harvest time is approaching, if not here.
For some, it’s approach creates feelings of panic if summer projects aren’t finished and there is still haying to be done, while the impending manual labor of preharvest preparation and maintenance – and harvest itself – is sliding quickly down the chute.
Ready or not.
Karen Schwaller
Columnist
It might mimic the same feeling expectant mothers have when their time is nearing and they feel as prepared as I did on my first pop quiz in high school chemistry class. (I never did show that paper to my parents.) But then, what mother ever felt like she had it all together, even as her children were born, or when they walked down the aisle to receive diplomas or a new spouse?
There’s just something about harvest time.
It’s a change of seasons — ushering out a spring and summer of hard work, long hours and worry, and ushering in other kinds of worry — where to store the grain, how to market it, and managing the science of keeping it in condition in the bins all winter long. It’s time to move livestock out of pastures and back home, while hoping you’ve gathered enough food for them
all summer long to carry them through the winter. And thinking about winter chores in the cold, and the joy of snow removal down long lanes.
With all of the weight and worry that farmers carry on their shoulders, it’s sometimes hard to imagine them climbing into the combine and enjoying the harvest process. But they do. It’s a time to hope the monitor gives them good news, and that the markets will respond. It can be a long and arduous process, but if the weather is nice at least, it can be their “most wonderful time of the year.” I’ve seen my guys harvest in some pretty brutal conditions.
The harvest day often begins quietly. My husband will be up long before me in time to greet the upcoming sun and head to the field to begin servicing the machinery. I’ll pack the lunches and make sure the other details are arranged, like managing clean clothes, who’s bringing supper and making sure the pliers pockets on my husband’s jeans are intact.
To not have them ready is the most “cardinal” of all cardinal sins.
The two-way radios are quiet at first as everyone comes to life. The fall dew glistens in the morning sun and the corn is as beautiful as it will be all day long in that brilliant, golden morning sun. And for a moment, I’m reminded of the words, “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.”
Honestly, sometimes it can choke me up if I’m in a mood.
The fall dew glistens in the morning sun and the corn is as beautiful as it will be all day long in that brilliant, golden morning sun. And for a moment, I’m reminded of the words, “O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.”
And then the radios begin the daily chatter as people begin greeting each other, joking around and asking the important questions of the day like, “What’s for supper tonight?”
Soon the machinery is serviced, up to and including washing dirt and bugs off of windshields. That job could happen every day. When a friend of ours washed the windshield of his truck, he told us all, “I washed the bugs off of the windshield — I might get an extra hour of daylight now since it won’t get dark as fast.”
And as great as the work of the harvest is, it can be offset by those little boombies that seem to happen when people work together.
One time I arrived late to the morning gathering posse, only to find that everyone had already left. It was my own fault for being late — I’d forgotten about a road detour; but since we usually always ran late, I couldn’t
have been more surprised to find vast amounts of nothingness and no oneness when I got there. All that was there were the sound of crickets; regrets and irritation, the tractor and grain cart I had to drive to a field I’d never even seen before, and an “until then” unused string of curse words for which I later needed to go to confession.
Girls aren’t always made of sugar and spice.
Yes, the 70’s group “Boston” had it right when they said it was “more than a feeling.”
And that feeling can work both ways in the chaos of the labor of harvest.
Karen Schwaller writes from her grain and livestock from near Milford, IA. She can be reached at kjschwaller@ outlook.com – NOTE NEW ADDRESS.
By LORI BERGLUND Farm News writer
OTHO — August may have never looked so green as it did recently as farmers and experts in farming the carbon market came together under the setting sun, surrounded by the tall corn at the Smeltzer Learning Farm for a field day.
Carbon markets and green ammonia may have been the focus of the meeting, but farmers will never gather together without talking about the crops, the markets, and the weather. On that, there was general agreement in the small talk that a dry spell would be welcome to assist in the coming harvest. That’s nearly unheard of, as in most years one good rain to finish out the crop is the wish this time of year.
With tall corn on every side, it was obvious that a good crop is out there waiting for farmers this fall. But high yields often translate into falling market prices. Farmers gathered for this field day wanted to hear about the opportunity to open up a new revenue stream through the sale of carbon credits created by better soil health practices.
David Hora, of Continuum Ag, told those in attendance that the time for reaping the benefits of carbon markets has arrived.
“There is no time to wait,” Hora said.
While carbon markets have been talked about a lot in recent years, he encouraged farmers to stop the debate and start farming their carbon.
“The time to wait and see is past,” he said. “This is the time to get your CI score.”
CI, or Carbon Intensity, is defined by the Iowa Corn Growers Association as the amount of energy footprint needed to produce a crop. The lower the score, the more attractive it is for those companies who need carbon credits to offset their own footprint. In Iowa, higher than average national yields can translate into lower scores — and thus greater revenue opportunity.
Hora invited farmers to visit topsoil.ag to determine their CI score.
“There is value in your data,” Hora said. “You want to be in control of your data and capture the value based on proactive measures.”
David Nelson of Holganix focused his presentation on how improving soil health can maximize yields and carbon credit potential. Holganix offers biologicals that Nelson described as both “prey and predator,” containing more than 800 active microbes. The liquid is applied spring and fall at a rate of 64 ounces per acre. It is designed to improve soil health, allowing better root structure and decreasing the need for inputs over the long term.
“We help you build carbon in the soil, and the more carbon you have in the soil, the more you have to sell,” Nelson said.
But just who is buying these carbon credits? Major international companies, from Microsoft to Ralph Lauren to airlines need to purchase carbon
credits in order to reduce their carbon footprint. He used Delta Airlines as an example and encouraged flyers to look their ticket over carefully the next time they travel as it generally shows both total emissions on one side, and the carbon credits they have purchased on the other side to help offset that figure.
In other words, those jet trails in the sky just might be the next opportunity for farm income down below.
Fields enrolled in the program are soil tested each fall and the results are third party verified as to the extra carbon that is
captured in the soil. Its first year out, Holganix paid $43 per acre. This year that figure is up to $70 per acre. Of course, there is also a cost involved. Nelson put that figure at $40 per acre.
That cost can also be offset by lower input costs. While he encouraged farmers to go slow on cutting back on nitrogen, other inputs can be reduced sooner. Precise soil maps are throughout the program.
“You can get to $30 to $40 savings on inputs pretty quickly,” Nelson said.
“Talk with your farm manager first,” Nelson said.
Playing host for much of the evening was Gary Nelson, who has rented the Smeltzer farmland for some 40 years. He recalled the late Ann Smeltzer fondly and recalled her great concern for the environment and sound farm practices.
“She was very educated and loved the environment,” Gary Nelson said. “She always wanted to keep up-to-date and make sure
Asked how it may affect rental and lease agreements, he encouraged an open road of communication.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025 AT 10:00 AM
LOCATED AT 4649 I AVE., CLEGHORN, IA 51014
VINTAGE VEHICLES, SOAP BOX RACER & MOTORCYCLE:
1966 Chrysler New Yorker 4 dr. Sedan Car, V-8, Auto, ONLY 28,308 MILES!; 1956 International R-185 Grain Truck, Single Axle, Red Diamond gas engine, 5x2 Road Liner Steffes Comb. Box, Wood Floor - ONLY 20,068 Miles, NICE!; 1940’s Chevrolet Chassis w/Gehl Self Contained Grinder; 1960’S Soap Box Racer; Honda 125CB Motorcycle.
COLLECTIBLE TRACTORS, LAWN TRACTORS & ENGINES:
1927 McCormick Farmall Tractor –Dated Restoration; 1954 Ford 640 Gas Tractor w/very unique Cherokee FF-3 Loader, SN 837 1st year late model; Cub Cadet 124 Lawn Tractor w/deck & Kohler gas engine; JD 140 Lawn Tractor w/Kohler engine & attachs; JD 317 Lawn Tractor w/Hydro, Gas Engine & Aux. Hydraulics; JD Model E Stationary Engine; Fairbanks Morse Model Z engine.
MISC. ITEMS: Craftsman 8 hp Tiller/Spader; Hog Waters & Feeders; Tank heater; Barn & Dimensional lumber; Ext. Ladder; Garden Cultivators & Planters; Poultry equip. and other Misc. Items.
Oliver Red River Threshing Machine w/Hart Carter Bundle Drag & Buster, Flanigan Stacker Hood – Original & Complete – Nice & Rare!; Wood Frame Trapeze Elevator; IH 2MH Mounted Picker; FJ Imlay –Cleghorn, IA Mfg. Wood Flare Box Wagon steel wheel gear; Lamont Brothers Mfg.Cherokee, IA Triple Box Wood Wheel Wagon; Sterling Steel Wheel Drop Seeder; Steel Wheel Wood Axle Wagon; Minneapolis Moline Model E Corn Sheller; JD 999 2 row Corn Planter; IH McCormick 465-665 & McCormick 461 Fr. Mount Cultivators & others; JD Single Vee Disk; IH 9 Ground Drive Sickle Mower; Elevator Wagon Lift; Grain King Scoop Board; Springtooth; Steel Wheel Hay Rake; Gravely Trim Sickle Bar Mower – Self propelled; Horse Drawn Equipment to include: Aspinwall 1 row Potato Planter, 1 row Potato Digger, 1 row Disc crop Cultivator, Thompson Sulky Disk, Hayes 2 row Planter & 2 row Cultivators; Threshing machine Axle & steel wheels; Horse Power Tumble Shaft components; 5 Hand powered Grain Cleaners; Wood Buzz Saw; w/Transport; Slip Scoop; Wood Impl. Tongues; Check Wire Rolls and more.
VINTAGE FARM MACHINERY: New Idea 324 Pull Type 2 Row Corn Picker w/327 12 roll Husking bed; NH 78 sq. Baler; JD pull type Windrower; Roorda Silage Wagon w/JD 1064 Gear; 2- IHC 70 Plows; New Idea Models 17 & 213 Manure Spreaders; 5 & 6 Sections of Flex Lever Drags; Gehl Forage Blower; Meyer Bale/Ear Corn Elevator; Koyker Port. Elevator w/gas engine; 2- IH Series Sickle Bar Mowers; Noble Field Conditioner; Sudenga Port. Auger; 300 gal. Pull Type Sprayer; Wood Barge wagon w/JD Gear; Windmill & Tower; Port Batch Concrete Mixer and more.
MISC. ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: Upright Gas Pump; Gas Boy Short Frame Enclosed Pump; Barn Cupolas; Roof Vents; Barn Trolley; Vintage Petroleum Barrels & Cans; Steel Wheel sm. Engine Transport; Wood Seed Corn Drying Rack; Cast Radiator Heaters; Hand Corn shellers; Boilers; Metal pails; Mont. Ward Cast Cook Stove; National Vacuum & other Wringer Washers; 2 Dudley Stick Clothes Washers; 2 Coaster wagons; Grindstone and many other small Farm Related Antiques & Collectibles.
OPEN HOUSE TO VIEW ITEMS WILL BE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 FROM NOON-6 PM
AUCTIONEERS NOTE: This is a Barn Find, Museum Quality Auction of Vintage Ag Collectibles!! This is a Simulcast Auction that will start at 10:00 am We will be using EquipmentFacts Online Internet bidding platform.
TERMS: Cash, Good check, wire transfers or credit/debit card- (a 4% convenience fee will be charged for credit/debit card use). Not responsible for accidents or theft. For more info., pictures and register to pre-bid and bid online go to our website www.iowaauctiongroup.com or EquipmentFacts.com
There will be a 10% buyers premium with a $1000 cap for successful online buyers only. Drivers license ID required to obtain bidding number. Gobble Stop Lunchwagon & Restroom on site. Clerk: Iowa Auction Group
Denny O’Bryan, Cherokee, LA 712-261-1316
Kevin Cone, Storm Lake, IA 712-299-425
Del Beyer, Hospers, LA 712-348-2738
Jin Klein, Remsen, LA 712-540-1206
Randy Stabe, Hinton, IA 712-540-9640
DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced that, due to record demand, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is extending the deadline for farmers to sign-up for cover crop costshare through Sept. 18 and is allocating additional funding so that even more farmers can participate.
“Cover crops are one of the most effective practices in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy that farmers and landowners can use to improve water quality and enhance soil health. We’ve seen incredibly strong demand for cover crops cost-share this summer and fall, to the point that we’ve already set a new record for investment, and our county offices are reporting that requests continue to roll in. I want as many farmers as possible to have the opportunity to participate in this program, so we are extending the deadline to sign up through
Sept. 18,” said Naig.
Cover crop cost-share
Farmers who are planting cover crops for the first time are eligible for $30 per acre. Farmers who have already experienced the benefits of using cover crops can receive $20 per acre. Cost share funding through this program is limited to 160 acres per participant.
Additional cost-share assistance
Farmers transitioning acres to notill or strip-till are eligible for $10 per acre. Farmers can receive $3 per acre for utilizing a nitrogen inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer. Cost share funding for this program is limited to 160 acres per participant. Farmers may submit applications immediately through their soil and water conservation offices located in their county USDA Service Center.
WADE KENT, of Landus, speaks about green ammonia during the Smeltzer Learning Farm Field Day Aug. 29 near Otho.
Continued from Page 4B
With low equipment, operational, and maintenance costs, Air King industrial air cleaners are an economical way to improve your overall air quality.
we used safe practices.” When he started farming her land, the only crops she wanted were oats, soybeans and alfalfa in rotation.
The evening presentation seemed to fit well with her focus on best practices, as well as helping farmers succeed.
“Carbon is a buzzword right now,” Gary Nelson said. “With commodity prices depressed, farmers are looking for additional revenue streams and this is something to consider and learn about.”
After all, it is called the Smeltzer Learning
Farm, and as its long-time tenant, Gary Nelson was only too happy to share the work being done and help farmers learn more about boosting revenue with a program that actually improves soil health along the way.
DES MOINES — As the nation approaches a landmark milestone, the Iowa State Fair is poised to play a part in the 250th anniversary — or semiquincentennial — of our Nation's founding. From Aug. 13 to 23, 2026, get ready to show your "Fair Spirit" with a theme fit for a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Reflecting on “The Spirit of Iowa ’76,” the 1976 Fair which marked America’s bicentennial, the 2026 celebration will highlight our heritage, honor earlier generations and dream about the innovations that will shape our future. The
Iowa State Fair is a tradition that unites Iowans from each corner of the state, as well as attracting visitors from around the world. Each year, fairgoers come together to honor Iowa’s tradition of agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. As part of the broader America 250/ Great American State Fair initiative, endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Iowa will be one of many state fairs across the nation that will highlight patriotic spirit in 2026. Locally, the fair will also serve as a key component of the entire state's celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.
RONDAN Ag Services, LLC
RONDAN Ag Services,
*Specializing in New & Existing Swine Confinements*
*Specializing in New & Existing Swine
Measuring Determinations
Ag Services, LLC
*Specializing in New & Existing Swine Confinements*
Mapping
*Specializing in New & Existing Swine Confinements*
√ Pre-Site Measuring Determinations √ Soil & Manure Sampling
Owners: Danny Leerar, CCA/TSP & Ronda Leerar, Williams, IA 515-852-4402 rondan@wmtel.net
All DNR & Manure Recordkeeping
GPS/GIS
Mapping
You raise hogs; we take care of ALL the
Owners: Danny Leerar, CCA/TSP & Ronda Leerar, TSP Williams, IA 515-852-4402 rondan@wmtel.net
Owners: Danny Leerar, CCA/TSP & Ronda Leerar, TSP Williams, IA 515-852-4402 rondan@wmtel.net
You raise hogs; we take care of
You raise hogs; we take care of ALL the Regs!
Williams, IA 515-852-4402 rondan@wmtel.net
