Great Plains living

FALL 2012

From Brush To Lush Plus...

Great Plains in Shawnee Rocky Mountain Highs Kubota 40 Years Strong

Down

Financing Up to 60 Months

OR

Payments* Until April 2013

Instant Kubota Bucks up to $2,500

M135GX

**

M9960

There’s only a short time remaining to take advantage of Kubota’s 40th Anniversary sell-a-bration! Stop in today for spectacular savings, quality equipment and friendly service.

Now is the time to make your Kubota dream a reality.

Great Plains Kubota

SHAWNEE

855-4KUBOTA

www.greatplainskubota.com

www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2012

815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for terms up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota Z, BX, B, L, M, TLB, K008, KX, U, and R Series from available inventory at participating dealers through 12/31/2012.

"No payments until April 2013” does not mean any payments are waived. Contract balance will be spread over the remaining months in the term following the deferral period, and payments will vary depending on contract start date. Example: A 60-month contract term at 0% A.P.R. will require between 56-58 payments ranging from a minimum of $17.24 to a maximum of $17.86 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only select Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride equipment is eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **Customer instant rebates (C.I.R.) of $2,500 are available on cash or standard rate finance purchases of eligible Kubota equipment through Kubota Tractor Corporation. C.I.R. not available with 0% A.P.R, or low rate financing offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., subject to credit approval. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Subject to dealership inventory. Sales to governmental agencies, independent rental centers, and dealer owned rental fleets do not qualify. Some exceptions apply. Customer instant rebates are not available after completed sale. C.I.R. availability ends 12/31/2012. Optional equipment may be shown.

On the Cover Planting food plots has become a popular practice for many whitetail hunters.

Conditions and equipment needed vary from site to site. In this article we explore three fundamental steps and the equipment commonly used in creating quality food plots. Levi Garrett took the large buck pictured on the cover on this food plot last year.

Pg7

FALL 2012

GREAT PLAINS living

From Brush To Lush Plus...

Great Plains in Shawnee Rocky Mountain Highs Kubota 40 Years Strong

Publisher: Reed Boettcher Owners: Bill and Todd Clark Information: 580-427-9000 Printed By: Texoma Print Services www.greatplainsliving.com

7 9 TRACTOR DRIVING CONTEST • Great Plains teaches the importance of tractor safety.

SAFETY DURING THE HARVEST • Kubota stresses the importance of tractor safety. 11 ROOM IN THE SHOP • Great Plains welcomes customers at their new Shawnee location. 14 16 FROM THE DINNER TABLE • Some of our holiday favorites.

18 40 YEARS STRONG • Kubota celebrates 40 years of excellence.

20 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT • Bobby Norman .

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS • Salesman Levi Garret goes after Mule deer with his bow. 25 BRIDGING THE GAP • Faith based foster home provides stepping stones for young adults. 29 FROM BRUSH TO LUSH • Plotting for Whitetails from an equipment stand-point.

14

18

25

29 www.greatplainsliving.com

“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.”

- Elizabeth Lawrence GREAT PLAINS LIVING 3

From The Editor

Third Times A Charm...

Good things come in threes. The best example of good things that come in threes is The Holy Trinity, (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). In fact, this numeric group is mentioned throughout the Bible. On the third day Jesus rose from the grave. There were three wise men who brought Jesus Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The list goes on and it even seems that the number three is God’s trademark. He made the atom with three parts which make up the earth’s three parts being land, water and air. Even our time created here on earth is calculated by past, present, and future.

So what are some other prominent groups of three? Well there are the Three Stooges, 3 Dog Night, The Three Little Pigs, and The Three Musketeers to name a few. The reason I’m writing on the topic isn’t because of Moe, Larry and Curly or the structure of an atom but rather this issue, being our third, marks the recent purchase of a long-standing Kubota dealer giving Great Plains a total of three dealerships.

The purchase of Dinsmore Tractor Sales of Shawnee by Great Plains has created a trifecta of Kubota dealerships in Oklahoma. We’re now conveniently located in Ada, Duncan and Shawnee. With the purchase of a new store comes new and existing customers. This will present its own set of challenges for us which we humbly welcome. We are proud for the opportunity to take care of existing customers and look forward to servicing the Shawnee market. There are some good topics in this issue but the one that has the most impact on us is the purchase of Dinsmore Tractor Sales. We are grateful to take on the task of filling in where they are leaving off.

Shawnee will be a new chapter for us and we look forward to the opportunity of providing our services to their customers with minimal change and a smooth transition.

I am personally excited about expanding our magazine’s readership. Having a presence in Shawnee with Great Plains Living will surely open new doorways for our magazine. It seems with each issue we take our magazine just a little further than the last. With this issue readers will find more magazines on racks throughout their area. We have had successful response from this form of distribution, so we are doubling the amount distributed.

The first thing to think about when writing these letters is the reader. I ask myself, what is going to make them want to read this? The worst thing I could do is waste words. Without being too informal I try to cover the issues and topics our customers may encounter. Great Plains Living is just one of the ways that we as a company try to communicate our products and services as well as our philosophy. In many ways reading this magazine is like visiting one of our three stores. An article read in this magazine could easily be a discussion being held between a salesman and a customer.

The saying, “Third Times a Charm” is meant for good luck. Not to give us bad luck but I don’t think we need it for our third issue or for our newest store. We will continue to manage a friendly store that does right by its customers while producing a quality, content full magazine. At Great Plains we don’t just offer equipment we offer information. Being your information source, whether through this magazine or at the store, is what makes us different. Now, with the power of three stores I see nothing but great things to come.

Of course not all things grouped in threes are good. I can only speak for myself but Alvin and the Chipmunks and ready, aim, fire are both bad things.

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 4

www.greatplainsliving.com

Great Plains Kubota

855-4KUBOTA www.greatplainskubota.com

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

Whether it’s pasture, wildlife conservation, roadside seeding or reclamation management, Land Pride’s Compact Drills provide a host of innovative features and quality construction that we believe is second to none.

Rugged openers and fluted seed cups provide accurate and consistent seed placement. Available for Min-Till and No-Till applications with seed, native grass, and fertilizer capabilities. Get field work done... with Land Pride’s Compact Drills!

Over 250 Products to Fit Your Lifestyle…

A Division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc. Salina, Kansas www.landpride.com

By Reed Boettcher

From Brush...To Lush Plotting Against Whitetails

T

he practice of planting food plots has become an increasingly popular method to attract Whitetail deer for hunting purposes. With television shows and even equipment dedicated to the food-plot market, one would think that the only way to harvest a deer would be to plant food plots.

The topic of planting food plots has been covered by most major hunting magazines all of which seem to have the same important message. Planning and using food plots should only be done as a supplemental food source. This article will discuss three major topics to consider from an equipment stand point. Clearing a site, preparing the soil, and planting the seed are all done with the added elements of some sort of equipment. Everyone has their preferences as to how they execute these tasks. What needs to be taken into consideration is which tools will provide the best outcome in the quickest amount of time. www.greatplainsliving.com

Planting of food plots can sometimes have a very short window.

Oklahoma weather can turn from drought to monsoon overnight and Autumn’s hunting season seems to sneak up every year. Since most of us have busy family and work schedules, finding the time to prepare a food plot can be challenging.

Choosing the right equipment and using it properly can maximize our small windows of opportunity.

The decision to devote time and money to food plots begins with the basics. Food for all living things is essential, but so is water, cover, and ample amount of territory. The arrangement of all these should be a key factor in creating a supplemental site. Again this should only be done if there are satisfactory levels of Whitetail necessities.

The elements are in place and the decision to supplement the deer herd has been made. Starting with site selection is key. Locating an area that is close to cover is a key component to a successful food plot. Deer prefer to eat in areas close to cover so this in itself can become an equipment issue.

So what is the best way to create a lush patch of an attractive supplemental food in the middle of a think patch of brush? In a perfect world one might start by spraying the growth with Glyphosate allowing it to die and rot over a long period of time. In addition, clearing a path to the site and the site itself

may require the use of a chainsaw for bigger trees or a brush mower mounted on a skid steer for smaller growth. Preparing a level site and creating access to it could possibly be the biggest task. Again, if time is not a factor, a constant mowing schedule with a brush cutter will make the final steps much easier.

In reality creating a food plot may limited to August and September.

In this case a Kubota SVL skid steer would come in handy. One could doze and cut large amounts of brush quickly to prepare for the next step.

Soil preparation begins with understanding what your soil needs to be productive. Performing soil tests is a must to determine what and how much fertilizer should be applied. Physically preparing the ground for seed has various avenues. Tractor horsepower should be a starting point if one is pulling various implements to prepare soil. Planting food plots can be done with smaller machines such as ATV’s or utility vehicles, but to create a quality food plot of sustaining size, a tractor paired with appropriate implements will be the most effective solution. Food plot size is a factor when considering the probability of overgrazing and time seems to be an issue for those creating the site. It never pays to try to get a job done with the wrong tools. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

The Kubota L3800 series tracGREAT PLAINS LIVING 7

Brush to Lush Cont.

Above: A panoramic view displays the striking contrast of vegetation and forage that deer are so attracted to. Notice the amount of cover offered around this food plot.

Photo Submitted By: Levi Garrett

tor is great for handling food plot Above: A view from a treestand shows this food projects. plot’s layout arranged around solid cover. Notice Breaking the use of timber to break the field into sections. ground Photo Submitted By: Levi Garrett can be approached in various ways. One might choose a five foot disc or a five foot tiller. Both work well at disturbing the soil and allowing moisture, if there is any, to breach the surface. A disc is a good implement to do this if the ground is rough. A disc will handle harder ground but will probably take several passes to get the ground ready for seeding. If the soil and ground condition are in good shape, one might use a tiller. Using say, a five foot tiller to plow the ground may only take one run, but this may only work if the ground allows.

The soil is prepared and ready for seed. The perfect site has been chosen and a minimum size food plot has been arranged. If possible shape the plot to be narrow which will allow cover to be closer on all sides. After deciding what to plant and how much to plant based on herd population, it is type to set the seed. There are different tools to broadcast seed. After seed has been broadcasted, it is best to use a drag to make sure necessary soil contact has been made.

Like most products on the market there are usually ones that save time by encompassing all functions needed to perform a certain task. Implements are no exception as in the case of the Land Pride No-Till Drill. By using a no till drill to create a food plot one could leave out most of step two which is preparing the soil. The ground would still need to be leveled and cleared, but there would be no need to till or disc GREAT PLAINS LIVING 8

along with skipping the broadcasting of seed and dragging it for contact. Personally, there does not seem to enough time to get away to go hunting let alone to create a succulent green patch in the middle of the woods.

Land Pride’s compact no till drills create a system designed for long-term productivity for a broad range of seeding applications. With the optional native grass and small seeds box, it is capable of handling a variety of seeds for food plotting. In typical cases where one is trying to plant two types of seeds simultaneously that vary in size and weight it becomes a waste of time. The result is the doubling of work to create the same outcome one could get using a compact drill with multiple seed boxes. Great Plains Kubota salesman Levi Garrett uses a Land Pride 606NT compact drill to form his plots and has nothing but good things to say about it.

“The best thing I like about it is that it saves me time and money. By using it I don’t have to disc the ground. The cutter discs located on the drill do the job perfectly. I didn’t get started on my food plots until September and yet they are as green as can be.

With the weather that we have had and as busy as my schedule is, I probably wouldn’t have a food plot if it weren’t for this drill,” said Garrett.

Planting food plots can be a successful way to harvest deer. They provide an opportunity for the hunter to see large amounts of deer while offering the deer themselves added nutritional supplements. In many ways they are just pleasing to the eye. The vibrant green is an extreme contrast to the burnt orange of October’s rust. When thinking of plotting against the hardy Whitetail, think of the tools needed to create a time-efficient food plot so more time can be spent scouting and understanding the local deer herd rather than changing out implements.

www.greatplainsliving.com

Tractor Driving Contest Great Plains hosts annual tractor driving contest at the Pontotoc County Fair

T

his year’s annual tractor driving contest held at the 96th Pontotoc County free fair was a great success.

Great Plains Kubota has sponsored this contest for the last three years to teach youth the proper operations of tractor safety. On September eighth members from the local 4-H and FFA participated in the contest for a chance to win a $250 dollar scholarship provided

by Great Plains.

The 18 contestants were judged on their ability to safely mount and start a tractor as well as drive and stop safely. The objective was to see how well the contestants could drive a Kubota M5140 and maneuver through a gauntlet of posts in a safe manner. They were graded on factors such as failing to release the clutch smoothly, running in low gear with high engine speeds, and failure to use seat belt. Justin McDaniel, a local OSU Extension Educator, and Great Plains Equipment Sales of Ada Store Manager Garrett Clark acted as judges during the contest. Clark commented on this year’s performance.

“It was good to see so many young people come out and show interest about understanding the operations and safety of tractors. There were actually no participants last year so it was nice to have a good turnout.

Everyone did real well. I had to stick to the score sheet strictly to determine the outcome. These kids are the future so it’s important they start out operating the correct way,” said Clark.

This year’s winner was Kade Hayes. Hayes finished with a score total of 149. Hayes executed the required functions with skill and precision. His score was almost 100 points lower than the runner-ups. www.greatplainsliving.com

Above: Great Plains recognizes the importance of tractor safety. The purpose of the contest is to teach younger generations how to operate tractors in a safe manner.

Photo: Submitted

(

• Do you receive Great Plains Living and would like to unsubscribe?

• Would you like to subscribe to Great Plains Living?

To subscribe or unsubscribe to Great Plains Living email your request information to rboettcher@greatplainskubota.com.

)

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 9

STEP UP STEP UP

work-all-day-in-comfort kind of room. So step up, because like every Kubota, the reliable and efficient M135GX works hard today and holds its value tomorrow. Ready to take the next step?

See your local Kubota dealership to learn more.

Step up to the driver’s suite: Kubota’s new M135GX. Crowned with the largest Kubota cab ever built, and one of the largest available in its class. You’ll enjoy the panoramic view from the ergonomically designed operator’s platform, with more headroom, more legroom — more Step up to the driver’s suite: Kubota’s new M135GX. Crowned with the largest Kubota cab work-all-day-in-comfort kind of room. So step up, because like every Kubota, the reliable and ever built, and one of the largest available in its class. You’ll enjoy the panoramic view from efficient M135GX works hard today and holds its value tomorrow. Ready to take the next step? the ergonomically designed operator’s platform, with more headroom, more legroom — more See your local Kubota dealership to learn more. work-all-day-in-comfort kind of room. So step up, because like every Kubota, the reliable and efficient M135GX works hard today and holds its value tomorrow. Ready to take the next step?

See your local Kubota dealership to learn more.

Great Plains Kubota 855-4KUBOTA

DUNCAN

ADA

SHAWNEE

3445 N. Hwy. 81

1212 N. Broadway

815 E. MacArthur

www.greatplainskubota.com www.kubota.com www.kubota.com Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation 2012 Optional equipment may be shown.

www.kubota.com

© Kubota Tractor Corporation 2012

Optional equipment may be shown.

Kubota News Kubota News

Slow Down for Safety During the Hustle of Harvest Kubota Reinforces Tractor and Heavy Equipment Safety for the Whole Family during National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 16 - 22, 2012

Kubota News Release TORRANCE, Calif. – Sept. 17, 2012 – The hustle of harvest is nearly upon us, and farmers and ranchers across the country will be working at full-speed to get important work done. Harvest undoubtedly requires a speedy execution, which increases the risk of injury for tractor operators. This harvest season, Kubota Tractor Corporation is reminding all tractor and heavy equipment users to slow down and invest the time to create safe operating habits in observance of the National Education Center for Agriculture's ”National Farm and Safety Health Week,“ September 16 - 22, 2012.

“At Kubota, safety is a top priority and this harvest we are encouraging all those who operate tractors and heavy equipment to take a step back and talk to the entire family about slowing down for safety,” said Greg Embury, vice president of sales and marketing, Kubota Tractor Corporation. “There's no such thing as talking 'too much' about safety with your family. These conversations could prevent a serious injury or fatality due to an unfortunate accident.”

offers information about ROPS and seatbelt installation on the www.kubota.com safety tab, which allows owners to submit their tractor's model and serial number for eligible models to obtain retrofit pricing from their local Kubota dealer. Major tractor manufacturers have special programs where a ROPS can be obtained for most tractors manufactured since 1970. To date, Kubota dealers throughout the country have installed more than 10,000 retrofits.

Take Extra Caution When Operating a Power TakeOff Shaft (PTO) During the harvest season, a majority of equipment users will operate attachments using a PTO. A PTO is an effective means of transferring power from the engine of a tractor to the implement and attachments, but it is also one of the most exposed, powerful parts of a tractor, which is why extra caution is necessary.

The number-one rule is to always read the appropriate implement and attachment operator's manual for guidelines and safety instructions. Tractor operators Safety Starts with Use of a Rollover Protective should also make it a habit to walk around the tractor Structure (ROPS) and PTO driven implement - never walk over, through According to the National Safety Council, if all or between the tractor and implement, particularly if tractors were equipped with a ROPS and a safety belt, either is running. The PTO rotates with enough speed about 350 lives would be saved each year, as most trac- and strength to kill you. tor fatalities are caused by overturns. Make sure your tractor - old and new - has a fully operational ROPS. Safety: “A Family Affair” Along with a fastened seatbelt, ROPS provides a proAs an operator, it is important to follow safety guidetective zone around the operator, which proves to be lines closely. It is also imperative to share safety tips highly effective in preventing serious injury and death with the entire family. Kubota offers the following tips due to tractor rollovers. If your tractor has a foldable to help equipment owners and operators start the safety ROPS, fold it down only when absolutely necessary conversation with the whole family: and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible. Al- Remind your kids to stop, look and listen when playing though Kubota strongly recommends the use of ROPS outside, especially on the farm. It is very important that and seatbelts in almost all applications, do not wear the children are always aware of their surroundings and seatbelt when the ROPS is folded. understand they should never stand around or behind a For owners of older model Kubota tractors, Kubota tractor, even if it is not moving. www.greatplainsliving.com

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 11

News Release Cont.

Express to your children that and why it is so important to take tractors are not toys and they extra precaution with PTOs. This should only be operated by knowledge will allow your kids to adults who are thoroughly faremind the whole family to make miliar with the equipment. Chilsafety a top priority. dren are generally attracted to Another tool for starting the tractors and the work they do. safety conversation with chilHowever, a tractor's work is not dren is getting them involved in child's play.

Kubota's Farm Safety Coloring Be honest, and clear with Contest. Now through Oct. 1, your kids, letting them know 2012, families of children 12 and farm equipment is not safe to Above: Kubota Tractor Corporation is encouraging under can download a page from ride on, even when an adult is all tractor and equipment users to slow down for Kubota's “Ten Commandments of safety during the hustle of harvest and in obserpresent. The tractor only has vance of the National Education Center for Agricul- Tractor Safety” coloring book to one seat and it is intended for ture Safety’s “National Farm Safety and Health Week,”color and send it in for a chance to the operator. Remind them to September 16 - 22, 2012. win prizes. Visit the safety tab on just say “no” if someone offers Photo Available By: Kubota Tractor Corporation www.kubota.com for instructions them a ride. on how to enter, and for more Encourage your kids to become a “Safety First safety information, including Kubota's “Ten ComSheriff.” Empower your children and educate them mandments of Tractor Safety” brochure and Kubota's on safety precautions like the use of ROPS, seatbelts “Hazard Hunt” game.

Kubota’s 10 Commandments of Tractor Safety

1.

Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Please read and understand the Operator’s Manual before operating the equipment. Also, keep your equipment in good condition.

2.

Use ROPS and seat belt whenever and wherever applicable. If your tractor has a foldable ROPS, fold it down only when absolutely necessary and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible. Do not wear the seat belt when the ROPS are folded.

Most tractor fatalities are caused by overturns.

3. Be familiar with your terrain and work area walk the area first to be sure and drive safely. Use special caution on slopes, slow down for all turns and stay off the highway whenever possible.

4. Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless - and deadly.

5. Always keep your PTO properly shielded.

Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO driven implements - never over, through or between the tractor and implement, particularly if either is running. The PTO rotates with enough speed and strength to kill you.

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 12

6.

Keep your hitches low and always on the draw bar. Otherwise, your tractor might flip over backwards.

7. Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with the engine running. Shut it down before leaving the seat. A runaway tractor can be extremely dangerous.

8. Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Additionally, do not add coolant to the radiator while the engine is hot. Hot coolant can erupt and scald.

9. Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements at all times. Children are generally attracted to tractors and the work they do.

However, a tractor’s work is not child’s play. Remember, a child’s disappointment is fleeting, while your memory of his or her injury or death resulting from riding the tractor with you, or being too close, will last a lifetime.

10. Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor. Think safety first, then take your time and do it right. www.greatplainsliving.com

Down

Financing Up to 60 Months

Payments* Until April 2013

OR

Instant Kubota Bucks up to $5,000

U45

**

KX121-3

There’s only a short time remaining to take advantage of Kubota’s 40th Anniversary sell-a-bration! Stop in today for spectacular savings, quality equipment and friendly service.

Kubota quality pays ... now more than ever.

Great Plains Kubota

855-4KUBOTA www.greatplainskubota.com

www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2012

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for terms up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota Z, BX, B, L, M, TLB, K008, KX, U, and R Series from available inventory at participating dealers through 12/31/2012.

“No payments until April 2013” does not mean any payments are waived. Contract balance will be spread over the remaining months in the term following the deferral period, and payments will vary depending on contract start date. Example: A 60-month contract term at 0% A.P.R. will require between 56-58 payments ranging from a minimum of $17.24 to a maximum of $17.86 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only select Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride equipment is eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **Customer instant rebates (C.I.R.) of $900-$5,000 are available on cash or standard rate finance purchases of eligible Kubota construction equipment through Kubota Tractor Corporation. C.I.R. not available with 0% A.P.R, or low rate financing offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., subject to credit approval. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Subject to dealership inventory. Sales to governmental agencies, independent rental centers, and dealer owned rental fleets do not qualify. Some exceptions apply. Customer instant rebates are not available after completed sale. C.I.R. availability ends 12/31/2012. Optional equipment may be shown.

For You

By Reed Boettcher

Room In the Shop

G

reat Plains Equipment Sales recently purchased Dinsmore Tractor Sales of Shawnee. The purchase of the long-standing dealership is a part of Great Plains’s progressive growth in servicing Oklahoma’s Kubota market. Great Plains has been selling and servicing Kubota products since 2003. The company’s roots in the farm and ranch industry as well as their devotion to customer service have enabled their Duncan and Ada dealerships to thrive.

Certain brands offer the product but not the service.

It is one thing to sell a product. It’s another to put your name on it and take ownership for the product’s performance. Servicing and repairing tractors is a revolving door that benefits both the dealer and the customer.

“By providing our customers with a service and maintenance department, we provide ourselves the opportunity to get to know our customers personally,” says Ada Service Manager Michael Palmer.

Palmer elaborated on his concepts of a service department. “For Kubota and other tractor companies that are built to last, a dealership service department is a must. I can’t image how a company could sell tractors without taking repairs. Kubota has sold over a million tractors in the United States all of which will need maintenance at some point. You can’t expect to sell a customer a tractor and be done with them.

Again, the maintenance side of the business creates one-on-one relationships with our customers. A sales conversation may only last an hour but with parts and service we get to really know how the customer is using their machine and what other equipment they may have. The service department is an es-

sential part of Great Plains business and we are working on getting the message across for the Shawnee location,” said Palmer.

During the transitional period, customers can expect changes and improvements to be made at their hometown Kubota dealership. The operational structure of the dealership will see the most change. With an inviting new staff and a welcoming service department previous and current customers can expect a refreshing new Kubota dealer atmosphere. Shawn Lewis, an energetic salesman at Great Plains, now runs the Shawnee dealership as General Manager. Lewis has over 15 years of equipment sales experience and has been a top salesman for the company over the past few years. Lewis commented on the acquisition and changes of Dinsmore Tractor.

“We will serve all our customers with a high level of professionalism as we do at all our dealerships.

Our goal is to have a smooth transition while creating awareness of our services to a new and broader area.

Customers can expect to find a friendly atmosphere and relaxed environment where they can not only purchase Kubota tractors but have them serviced and maintained as well. Our doors are open for customers to come in and have a cup of coffee and conversation. Customers can be confident that Great Plains has extensive knowledge of Kubota products and how

T

C CONTA

• Great Plains Living is online visit: www.greatplainsliving.com Email your stories or recipes to rboettcher@greatplainskubota.com.

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 14

Right: A technician works on a Kubota RTV in Shawnee’s large service bay. Note how clean the shop is. Keeping a clean shop is common practice at Great Plains.

Photo By: Reed Boettcher

Room in the Shop Cont. to maintain and repair them.

Furthermore, our Parts Manager, Brenda Birkle has handled Kubota parts for years and has a great understanding of her customers needs. We will stand behind the Kubota brand as we do our own. Personally I am excited for the opportunity to take this dealership to the next level,” said Lewis.

The shop doors are open and the floors are swept and there is plenty of room in the shop. So, next time you are in the area stop by Great Plains and see what’s new.

FALL SPECIAL

10

Save and bring this coupon in and save 10% on your next Kubota service!

%

OFF *One Time Use Only * Offer ends 12-31-12 * Offer Valid at any location

ON THE JOB Emergency Site Protection, LLC provides emergency first responders to oil field sites around the world.

Especially in remote areas where local first responders are not nearby or where it may take an extended time for them to get to location, the 24/7 presence of their trained first responders is invaluable for helping to prevent loss of life and property in medical or fire emergencies. They also provide rescue teams for confined space entry, H2S equipment and general safety training.

In addi addition, they provide traintrain ing for complicompli ance with company and local or national standards to help maintain a higher level of safety on the work site.

Emergency services require dependable equipment

that can be relied upon in sometimes extreme and dangerous situations.

Emergency Site Protection uses the Kubota RTV for just this. Kubota’s RTV series is a true work horse in the side by side utility vehicle industry. Great Plains Equipment Sales of Duncan has sold numerous RTV units to Emergency Site Protection for their services in oil • Would like to share a story field protecor recipe with other Great tion. From Plains Living readers? fields of hay to fields of oil Email your stories or recipes to Kubota is on rboettcher@greatplainskubota.com. the job.

SHARE

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 15

Fall Back on These Holiday Sides

Recipes

7 - Layer Salad 1 Head of Iceberg Lettuce 1 Cup of Celery 1 Can of Sliced Waterchesnuts (Drained) 1/2 Cup of Chopped Green Onions Mayonnaise

Green Bean Supreme 18 Ounces of Frozen Green Beans 2 Tablespoons Butter 1 Cup Chopped Onion 2 Tablespoons Flour 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 Teaspoon Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Cup Sour Cream

1.

2.

3.

3.

Layer ingredients in a large salad bowl Seal above with Mayonnaise Refrigerate over night Toss with Bacon Bits and cheddar cheese

1. Cook beans according to package directions, drain 2. In a small saucepan melt the butter and saute onions until tender 3. Add the flour, salt, pepper mixing well 4. Blend in the sour cream and heat thoroughly but do not boil 5. Stir in the green beans and turn into one quart casserole dish 6. Top with cheese and put into preheated 350 degree oven 7. Bake for 15 min.

Pear Salad 1 17 oz. canned pears 1 Small Package of Lemon Jello 8 Ounces of Cream Cheese 1 Package of Cool Whip

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Drain Pears into a pan Add Jello to juice and heat to dissolve Cool a few minutes and add cream cheese Beat until cheese melts, cool Mash pears with fork and add Jello Fold in cool whip and chill until salad sets

Bacon Wrapped Dates 1 16-ounce package of bacon (regular thickness-not thick cut) 1 8-ounce package of pitted dates

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 16

1. Cut bacon into thirds 2. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil 3. Wrap a piece of bacon around a date. Make sure the bacon seam is placed facing downwards on the cookie sheet. Press firmly on the bacon wrapped date, so it is less likely to unravel Repeat until all of the dates are wrapped in bacon 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving

www.greatplainsliving.com

Great Plains Kubota

855-4KUBOTA www.greatplainskubota.com

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

This Autumn, Kubota tractor is celebrating 40 years of excellence by offering customers great finance rates and huge rebates. On the last Sunday in October all Kubota Dealers will converge in Dallas to celebrate Kubota’s 40 years strong in the industry and discuss the future.

The Kubota Tractor Corporation was formed in 1972, and the company introduced its first 12-HP four-wheel drive tractor in 1974. Although four-wheel drive was common among larger American tractors, it was unheard of in the compact sector and became a benchmark for the industry.

Over the past four decades, Kubota has 77 continued to expand its product line and is the leading marketer and distributor of under 120-HP tractors in the United States, offering more than 80 tractor models.

Kubota equipment is sold and serviced in the United States through a nationwide network of more than 1,100 authorized Kubota 83 dealers supported by the company’s corporate headquarters in Torrance, Calif., and four division offices and warehouses located in Lodi, Calif.; Fort Worth, Texas; Groveport, Ohio; and Suwanee, Ga.

s e r u t c i P n I 72

74

79

82

88

90

93

99

00

01

04

05

06

09

10

12

1972: Kubota Corporation was established in Compton, California on September 28th.

1974: Kubota’s first 12-HP four-wheel drive tractor, the B6000.

Four-wheel drive was common among larger American tractors, but was unheard of in the compact segment and quickly became a benchmark for the industry.

1977: M Series agriculture tractor line introduced.

1979: Compact excavators introduced with its KH Series.

1982: Kubota Credit Corporation began offering U.S. customers a range of financing alternatives.

1983: G Series garden tractor line introduced.

1988: Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA) opened in Gainesville, Georgia, as Kubota’s first U.S. manufacturing base.

1990: Kubota introduced its first compact tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) with the B20.

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 18

1993: Kubota Moved Headquarters to Torrance, Calif.

1999: Kubota Engine America (KEA) was established in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to market and distribute Kubota compact diesel engines to top-name manufacturers.

2000: Kubota’s first sub-compact tractor the BX Series.

2001: First zero turn mowers became available from Kubota with their ZD Series.

2004: Kubota introduced the RTV900, its first utility vehicle.

2005: Kubota’s one millionth tractor sold in the U.S. 2006: Kubota Industrial Equipment was established in 2005 and opened a new manufacturing plant in Gainesville, Georgia.

2009: The KX Series of mini-excavators was introduced.

2010: Kubota entered the compact track loader market and released the SVL75 and SVL90 in the U.S. 2012: Grand X added to M series line and 40 Years celebrated.

www.greatplainsliving.com

Powerful: Heavy-duty 70 HP direct injection diesel engine Responsive: Innovative Float Angle Blade for easier ground finishing Powerful: Heavy-duty 70 HP direct injection diesel engine Versatile: Dual auxiliary hydraulic ports allow simultaneous operation of a wide range of attachments Responsive: Innovative70 Float for diesel easier engine ground finishing Powerful: Heavy-duty HP Angle direct Blade injection g DIGGING DEPTH s LBS OPERATING WEIGHT s LBS BUCKET BREAKOUT FORCE Versatile: Dual auxiliary hydraulic ports allow simultaneous operation of a wide range of attachments Responsive: Innovative Float Angle Blade for easier ground finishing g DIGGING DEPTH s LBS OPERATING WEIGHT s LBS BUCKET BREAKOUT FORCE Versatile: Dual auxiliary hydraulic ports allow simultaneous operation of a wide range of attachments g DIGGING DEPTH s LBS OPERATING WEIGHT s LBS BUCKET BREAKOUT FORCE

Great Plains Equipment Sales of Ada GreatGreat PlainsPlains Kubota 1300Equipment N. Broadway Ave. Sales of Ada DUNCAN ADA 3445 N. Hwy. Ave. 81 1212 of N. Broadway 855-4KUBOTA Great Plains Sales Ada Ada, OK 74820 1300Equipment N. Broadway 1300(580) N. Broadway 427-9000 Ada, OK 74820Ave. www.greatplainskubota.com Ada, OK 74820 (580) 427-9000 (580) 427-9000 Construction Equipment from the Ground Up. Construction Equipment from the Ground Up. www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2008

Construction Equipment from the Ground Up. www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2008

www.kubota.com

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

Getting On With Life By Lance Cpl. Chelsea Flowers

Great Plains Equipment Sales

New Dealership With Great New Employees Off Left: When veteran Sgt. Bobby Norman’s left arm was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, he refused to let that stop him from living out his dreams. He now is happily married to his childhood sweetheart with a beautiful daughter and the ability to still compete in athletic competitions with other wounded, ill and injured service members.

Photo By:Cpl. Daniel Wetzel

V

eteran Sgt. Robert “Bobby” Norman first met his wife, Melissa, when they were just kids while playing baseball with her older brother.

They dated on and off for years while Norman, a Shawnee, Okla., native, served in the Marine Corps as an infantryman from 1997 until 2001.

Norman left the Corps in 2001 to pursue his dream of playing college baseball, with plans to enter Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., in February 2008.

But all those plans changed when Norman got in a motorcycle accident in 2007 that left him with a broken back, three broken ribs and a paralyzed left arm.

Suddenly, the Marine veteran, baseball player, and fire and rescue volunteer found himself unable to do many of the things he had once loved.

“It’s either roll over and die or get on with life,” Norman said. “It wasn’t long after that I realized I was awarded a second chance. It may be tougher to do the every day things, but at least I can.”

So, continuing his life as best as he could was just what Norman decided to do.

The first thing Norman did was reunite with the woman he had loved most of his life. When Norman asked Melissa to marry him, he held up his lifeless left

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 20

arm and said, “This is how it’s going to be.”

But for Melissa, the accident didn’t make a difference.

“It didn’t in any way change how I felt about him,” Melissa said. “I mean, I’ve been in love with that boy since I was like 14. I met him when I was eight and decided I was going to marry him after our first date when I was 17. He was just minus an arm. It didn’t change who he was as far as his personality and his heart.”

The next few years meant a lot of adjustments for the young couple and even more for Norman.

“It was frustrating at first, but where there’s a will, there’s a way,” Norman said. “I’ve always gotten it done. It may take me ten times longer, but I’ll get it done.”

Over time Norman began to adjust to the change in his life. But in September 2009, Norman faced a whole new adjustment when Melissa gave birth to their daughter, Taelyr.

“At first, Bobby was worried because he would never be able to throw her up in the air and wondered how he was going to teach her to play softball,” Melissa said. “But he’s found a way to do everything. I mean, this little girl doesn’t know anything different. She has no idea he is missing an arm. She just knows that’s her dad. It doesn’t matter to her at all.”

Even with only one functioning arm, being a dad came naturally to Norman. After eight weeks, Melissa returned to work and Norman stayed home for several months to take care of Taelyr. That meant making www.greatplainsliving.com

Employee Spotlights es of Shawnee

Offering Same Great Products bottles, doing laundry and changing diapers – all with one arm. If at first Norman couldn’t do it, he’d figure out a way to do it, Melissa said.

Then in August 2011, since limb salvage attempts failed, doctors amputated Norman’s arm and fused his humerus to his scapula.

Initially, this new change was difficult for Norman.

There was now no chance of ever getting the use of his arm back and Norman thought there was no hope of continuing to live an active life. But individuals with the Challenged Athletes Foundation contacted Norman and told him about the possibility of playing adaptive sports. Now, just eight months after the amputation, Norman competed on the All-Marine Warrior Games team in Colorado Springs, Colo., against other injured, wounded and ill service members from all the military branches.

“After the amputation I was really down in the dumps for two or three months, and it wasn’t until after I talked to the sports people that I really began to pull myself out of it,” Norman said. “The spirit of competition and the camaraderie of being back with a bunch of Marines has been phenomenal as far as my rehabilitation goes.”

Even Melissa has noticed a change in Norman since he’s begun playing sports again.

“He came home with a whole new spark about him,” Melissa said.

At the Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in March and the Warrior Games this past week, Norman competed in both track and swimming competitions with two gold and one bronze medal in swimming.

“Getting back into sports is so therapeutic for me,” Norman said. “The Warrior Games and the Marine Corps Trials have been such a blessing to me. I’ve made a 180-degree turn as far as my physical ability.

I’m in so much better shape. I feel better at the end of the day and the stronger my back gets, the less it hurts.

I’m not even halfway there yet.”

Now Norman is even more motivated to continue to www.greatplainsliving.com

Above: Veteran Sgt. Bobby Norman helps his daughter, Taelyr, put on her socks and boots after playing on the playground at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 3. Since losing his arm in a motorcycle accident, Norman has adjusted to changing Taelyr’s diapers, tinkering on cars, and providing for his family, all with one arm.

Photo By:Cpl. Daniel Wetzel

live his life to the fullest.

“I want to work with kids and maybe one day I’ll be where I can work with disabled kids or wounded warriors,” Norman said.

Until then, when Norman’s not maintaining the sports facilities at Oklahoma Baptist University, he can be found on his farm in Oklahoma riding horses with Taelyr and Melissa and tinkering on cars.

“I’m just so proud of him,” Melissa said. “He drives me every day. He’s the reason I get up and go to work every day and strive to be the best mom I can be because he is the very best dad, the very best husband, the very best son and the very best friend to everybody. He is so selfless.”

(

• Do you receive Great Plains Living and would like to unsubscribe?

• Would you like to subscribe to Great Plains Living?

To subscribe or unsubscribe to Great Plains Living email your request information to rboettcher@greatplainskubota.com.

)

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 21

USED EQUIPMENT

$63,900

2010 Kubota M135X 350 Hours / Loaded w/Every Option Ada - Call 580-427-9000

$6,000

2002 Kubota B7400HST 325 Hours / Great Condition Ada - Call 580-427-9000

USED EQUIPMENT $15,900

$27,500

2004 Kubota L3400HST 222 Hours / w/Canopy Ada - Call 580-427-9000

2008 Kubota 5740HST 69 Hours / w/Canopy Ada - Call 580-427-9000

$5,500

$12,499

Kubota ZG20 240 Hours / 48” Deck Ada - Call 580-427-9000

2007 Kubota RTV1100 Camo / Hydraulic Bed Ada - Call 580-427-9000

$8,500 $9,500

2011 Yamaha Grizzly 700 2009 Yamaha Rhino 212 Hours / Powerful 239 Hours / Extras Ada - Call 580-427-9000 Duncan - Call 580-255-1117

2011 Polaris RZR800 LE 90 Hours / Excellent Condition Duncan - Call 580-255-1117

$22,500 $5,900 2004 Grasshopper 725 0 Turn / Good Condition Ada - Call 580-427-9000

$5,800 Vermeer 505 Super I Round Baler / Good Shape Ada - Call 580-427-9000

USED EQUIPMENT

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 22

2008 Ford F350 Super Duty 36,000 Miles / Great Farm Truck Ada - Call 580-427-9000

USED EQUIPMENT

$7,995

www.greatplainsliving.com

KUBOTA BX SERIES

AMERICA’S TOP-SELLING SUB-COMPACT TRACTOR

OF THE DECADE

Down

Financing Up to 60 Months

Payments* Until April 2013

PLUS

$500 Instant Kubota Bucks** OR

Instant Kubota Bucks up to $1,000**

Great Plains Kubota

855-4KUBOTA www.greatplainskubota.com

www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2012

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for terms up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota Z, BX, B, L, M, TLB, K008, KX, U, and R Series from available inventory at participating dealers through 12/31/2012.

“No payments until April 2013” does not mean any payments are waived. Contract balance will be spread over the remaining months in the term following the deferral period, and payments will vary depending on contract start date. Example: A 60-month contract term at 0% A.P.R. will require between 56-58 payments ranging from a minimum of $17.24 to a maximum of $17.86 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only select Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride equipment is eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **Kubota Bucks instant rebates (C.I.R.) of $500 and $1,000 are available on eligible cash, promotional rate or standard rate finance purchases of eligible Kubota tractor or tractor/loader packages through Kubota Tractor Corporation. $500 C.I.R. applies to promotional rate financing. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., subject to credit approval. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Subject to dealership inventory. Sales to governmental agencies, independent rental centers, and dealer owned rental fleets do not qualify. Some exceptions apply. Customer instant rebates are not available after completed sale. C.I.R. availability ends 12/31/2012. Optional equipment may be shown.

Great Plains Polaris ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

855-4POLARIS

www.greatplainspolaris.com

By Levi Garrett

Western Extreme

Tagging In For Colorado’s Mule Deer Is Easy...

Packing Out To Head Home Is Hard.

I

n the early summer two of my hunting buddies called me about a hunting trip for mule deer they were putting together in Colorado. The bow hunting adventure would take place in late August.

Having lived in Colorado during the summer of 2006, I feel like it’s my second home. Anytime I can go back I jump at the opportunity, but I have never had the desire to hunt out there. Pursuing Whitetail Deer in Oklahoma and Texas is what I am used to and is what I know. The high altitudes and expansive views of Colorado and the idea of hunting in the rugged mountains wasn’t for me. I was wrong.

The process of getting drawn out for a Mule Deer tag was fairly simple. Having had a fishing license when I lived there, I was already in the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s system. So with only a few simple clicks my application was completed online.

Our hunting party which consisted of three hunters made the final steps of the process by selecting the unit in which we would hunt. Now the long and Pictured: Another beautiful landscape the hunting party visited. Views such as this one offered Levi a chance to spot for his stalks.

Photo By: Levi Garrett

www.greatplainsliving.com

Above: A room with a view! This spot provided a scouting point and a nice photo opportunity as well. The base camp offered extreme western views such as this one.

Photo By: Levi Garrett

anxious waiting began. The long hot days of summer dragged on and so did the anticipation of the hopes of a successful drawing. We had never put in for the drawing before so we were not hopeful but sure enough on June 11th I received my hunting license in the mail as did the rest of the hunting group.

After we confirmed that our hunting licenses had come we started making the plans to execute a hopeful bow hunt. I have hunted most of my life, but this was going to be a different style of hunting than I was used to. I am comfortable taking long shots with my bow but in this case I practiced some extreme distances in case the opportunity presented itself. Having somewhat of an idea of what kind of terrain I would be hunting in I began to do some research on how to hunt Mulies. Every article that I read pointed towards spot and stalk which was very different than sitting twenty feet up in a tree. The other tips I read were to find water and sit on it. The drought we experienced in Oklahoma was just as prevalent in Colorado so I GREAT PLAINS LIVING 25

Western Extreme Cont.

Left: A portrait of a western hunter. Levi takes a snap shot of himself while taking a short rest during his extreme hunting trip.

Photo By: Levi Garrett

felt optimistic about hunting a watering hole.

Now that I had my game plan and gear ready the excitement started to build even more. We left out on a Thursday evening and drove through the night.

The hunt would take place during the last weekend in August. We had selected our spot from Google earth and computed the other factors that would play into our GPS mapping. We arrived at the spot early Friday morning and as we began to set up camp my feelings of Western style hunting changed dramatically. With the gorgeous landscape, smell of the mountain air, and the feeling of being the only ones in the world,

I couldn’t wait to start scouting. At first we tried to walk an area out. We figured out real fast that was a waste of time and energy so we found a high place and started glassing. We saw several bucks moving in the valleys which prepared us for the morning hunt.

Our camp was perfect. We had views that looked like post card pictures and no one was anywhere near us. We felt as if we had the whole mountain to ourselves. The camping experience was as big of a part of the trip for me as the hunting was. We hunted hard for three full days and never drew our bows. We had underestimated the degree of difficulty, but spirits were still high.

As we packed up camp to head home, I felt myself wishing we had one more day. One more day in this beautiful county. If not for another chance to fill my tag at least a chance to absorb the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. I had fallen in love with hunting in the Colorado Mountains. The challenges were different and to say the least they were extreme. The mountains had won this trip, but I will definitely be back.

MOMENTS Local Rider Bob Taylor puts the Polaris Ranger Razor 800 To The Test

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 26

www.greatplainsliving.com

Great Plains Polaris ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

855-4POLARIS

www.greatplainspolaris.com

Great Plains

“Ride With The Brand”

1212 N. Broadway Ada / 3445 N. Hwy. 81 Duncan 855-4KUBOTA / www.greatplainskubota.com

By Reed Boettcher

Bridging The Gap “Aging In” provides stepping stones for foster teens who are “Aging Out”

Y

principles found in Matthew 6:33. But seek ye first oung adults who age out of the child welfare system are more likely to be unemployed, the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all homeless, pregnant, convicted of crime, and these things shall be added unto you. under-educated. There is plenty of public inforThe Priests commented on their concerns on this mation on these statistics in which the findings issue and how they address them. show the negative outcomes for youths asking them“The biggest need that I see is that most of the teens selves, “Now What?” leaving the system don’t have any sort of foundaShake the dust off the thinking cap and try to recall tion. So, part of our program that we are setting up your own mental state at the age of 18. Like those is to bring them into a home environment and create who are aging out of foster care there were probably a some stability as well as a sort of discipleship prolot of us asking ourselves the same question but unlike gram along side them. Providing a home and giving those teens we may have had the structure and guidguidance only goes so far. By providing them with ance needed to successfully bridge the gap between spiritual direction we find that there is greater success adolescence and adulthood. in a positive future for these kids. There needs to be A local couple from Roff, Okla. recognizes this an internal change to offer a long lasting impression,” issue and is doing something about it. Mike and Gail said Gail.

Priest have been providing dedicated foster care for “By not having the guidance they need, most of six years. What they have seen in this these 18 year old kids don’t know where time is the desperate need for support of they are going or what they are going to teens that are aging out of foster care. do. They can get into group homes or Their support is founded by faith and enroll in college and there are governit starts with a question. “Why age out ment programs and assistance but without any direction they usually go unused when you can age in?”

“Aging In” is more than a foster or misused. One statistic I’ve read stated that 80% of these teens leaving foster home. The Priests provide a home for care get in trouble with the law within a range of foster, adopted and biologia year’s time. We bring them into the cal children of all ages. Mike and Gail family and treat them like our own. The started “Aging In” for youths that have biggest part is involving them in whatbecome at risk of aging out of foster care. Their goal is to provide a Biblical ever we are doing, as you would do your foundation in a family setting on which Above: Mike and Gail Priest, own children. Scripture says God setteth youths can prepare their lives for adult- Aging In founders, address the the solitary In families. By us offering hood. Through modeling, discipleship, issues of aging out of foster the spiritual path we feel it gets them care. personal mentorship, and character traingoing in the right direction so they will Photo Submitted By: Gail ing the Priests equip these youths with have a better chance of staying on track.”

Priest the life skills needed to become faithful said Mike. members of a productive society. The “Aging In” incorporates a program focus and inspiration of their work is based upon the called, “The Next Step” which is a sponsorship prowww.greatplainsliving.com

GREAT PLAINS LIVING 29

Bridging the Gap Cont. gram where youth take part in a nine week discipleship program located in Windsor, Colorado at the Ellerslie mission society. Ellerslie specializes in helping students experience the substance of the Christian faith. Here students get a strong Scriptural understanding and Biblical framework which establishes a healthy life-long spiritual behavior pattern. Recently eight Ellerslie students spent their three week break from the discipleship program at Ellerslie to volun-

Above: The group of Ellerslie students who volunteered their labor at Aging In’s ranch house during their three week break.

Photo Submitted By: Gail Priest

teer their labor at Aging In. Aging In is located at the Priest Ranch which consists of 152 acres of pasture land where the Priest family runs horses and cattle.

The ranch house is a 4,000 square foot log home which will provide living for up to three teenage foster children as well as their other children.

The Priests have been married for 25 years and have

Above: Aging In’s ranch house located on the Priest Ranch is nearing completion.

Photo Submitted By: Gail Priest

seven biological children between them, five adopted children and six grandchildren. In 2010 they were nominated for foster parents of the year following their adoption of a 29 year daughter.

Mike and Gail’s desire to see lives transformed by the power of the Gospel has been met with some GREAT PLAINS LIVING 30

adversity. Providing for the needs of a large home that will house multiple youths is an ongoing process.

Materials are still needed and there is never enough time in a day but with volunteers such as those from Ellerslie and others from the local community Aging In’s completion will become a reality. Taking in foster children benefits human life as well as society, but can be problematic as well.

“Some of the kids can bring in problems. They have been through things that kids shouldn’t have to go through so naturally there is reactions from this.

Our take on this is to create a solid relationship with the Lord and then create a strong family relationship before even thinking about fostering. You have to have a relationship with the Lord and be strong in your faith and your family to handle these problems,” Mike said.

“By helping these teens now we save later. If we can bring an end to this horrible cycle, we will generate responsible adults that will make better decisions in life,” Gail said.

One study shows that every year 26,000 youths age out of foster care with over 300 in Oklahoma alone.

It stated that almost half won’t finish high school and 66% will either become homeless, jailed, or die within a year of leaving foster care at 18. Another estimate revealed that more than 80% of all inmates were in foster care and that girls are 600% more likely to become pregnant before age 21. These statistics although alarming are ones you might have predicted.

It’s almost as if there is a new generation of foster children generated from the time they leave the system. Granted there is a natural number of non-foster teens that will not finish school, die or become homeless but how can one ignore this trend. The very fact that the majority of our inmates were in foster care implies there is a problem that should be addressed.

So what is the answer to this problematic cycle?

For the Priests it’s providing the spiritual stepping stones that create the framework of a structurally sound young adult. Their work in comparison to the national problem at hand may seem in vain but to the lives they have enriched the Priest’s have given hope.

The stepping stones they provide are ones of change and like a ripple in a pool their change begins with a disturbance of the current state.

For more information about “Aging In” contact Mike or Gail priest at aging_in@yahoo.com or call Gail at 580-235-2150. Visit www.ellerslie.com for information about Ellerslie Mission Society. www.greatplainsliving.com

Down

Financing

Payments*

Up to 48 Months

Until April 2013

OR

Instant Kubota Bucks up to $400

RTV1100

**

RTV500

There’s only a short time remaining to take advantage of Kubota’s 40th Anniversary sell-a-bration! Stop in today for spectacular savings, quality equipment and friendly service.

Now is the time to make your Kubota dream a reality.

Great Plains Kubota

855-4KUBOTA www.greatplainskubota.com

www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2012

SHAWNEE 815 E. MacArthur

ADA

DUNCAN

1212 N. Broadway

3445 N. Hwy. 81

*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for terms up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota Z, BX, B, L, M, TLB, K008, KX, U, R, S and RTV Series from available inventory at participating dealers through 12/31/2012.

“No payments until April 2013” does not mean any payments are waived. Contract balance will be spread over the remaining months in the term following the deferral period, and payments will vary depending on contract start date. Example: A 48-month contract term at 0% A.P.R. will require between 44-46 payments ranging from a minimum of $21.74 to a maximum of $22.73 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only select Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride equipment is eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2012. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **Kubota Bucks instant rebates (C.I.R.) of $400 are available on cash or finance purchases of eligible Kubota equipment through Kubota Tractor Corporation. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., subject to credit approval. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Subject to dealership inventory. Sales to governmental agencies, independent rental centers, and dealer owned rental fleets do not qualify. Some exceptions apply. Customer instant rebates are not available after completed sale. C.I.R. availability ends 12/31/2012. Optional equipment may be shown.

GREAT PLAINS living

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID POST MASTERZ

Great Plains P.O. Box 876 Ada, OK 74821 855 - 4KUBOTA www.greatplainsliving.com

Great Plains Kubota Ada • Shawnee • Duncan

• BUY • SELL • TRADE

855-4KUBOTA

PACKAGE DEALS

As Low As

$18,745

Kubota L3200/Front End Loader/5’ Box Blade/5’ Cutter/16ft Trailer KUBOTA BUCKS INSTANT REBATE (C.I.R.) DISCLAIMER: New L Series (All) ; L39/L45/TL/TLBs; MX4700, MX5000, MX5100 models: Kubota Bucks instant rebates (C.I.R.) of $750 and $2000 are available on eligible cash, promotional rate or standard rate finance purchases of eligible Kubota equipment through Kubota Tractor Corporation. $750 C.I.R applies to promotional rate financing. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., subject to credit approval. Dealer subtracts rebate from dealer’s pre-rebate selling price on qualifying purchases. Subject to dealership inventory. Sales to governmental agencies, independent rental centers, and dealer owned rental fleets do not qualify. Some exceptions apply. Customer instant rebates are not available after completed sale. C.I.R. availability ends 12/31/12.0