CAM_02-23-2015

AG Mag Southwest Iowa

High Stakes

The new farm bill provides two new options for revenue safety nets.

Which is better for you?

BULL MARKET: Cattle farming surges as meat prices climb GREAT DEBATE: Have corn yields reached a plateau?

RURAL LIFE: Wind projects and their impacts on farmland A Publication of Shaw Media

Spring 2015 Spring 2014

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 14 CRESTON, IA 50801 P.O. Box 126 Creston, IA 50801 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Commercial • Residential Earthmoving | Grading | Demolition Trenching | Erosion Control Water and Sewer Repairs and New Installation Certified Rural Septic System Contractor

Agriculture Conservation | Terraces | Ponds Field Drainage Tile with GPS Grade Control GPS Mapping and GPS Survey for Pattern Tile Variable Rate Technology Ag Lime Application

Trucking All types of Trucking including Specialty Heavy Haul

Products Seed:

• Turf Grass for Home Lawns, Athletic Fields, Golf Courses or Parks • Conservation Including Waterway Mixtures, Buffer Strip Mixes, Firebreak Mixtures, CRP Mixtures for New Establishment & CRP Enhancement, & Levee Mixtures • Wetland Seed, Cover Crops, Forage & Pasture Mix, Wildlife Mix also Available

Erosion Control Products:

• Variety of Erosion Control Blankets, Silt Fence, Wattles, Straw Logs

Creston, IA 50801 | 641-782-8820 | 641-344-3072

2 Spring 2015

Totally Re-Designed for the Highest of Standards

2015

Silverado 1500 High Country

SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE STRONG Where Power Meets Efficiency.

We Had You In Mind.

2015

Silverado 2500HD High Country

STRONG JUST GOT STRONGER Proven Power Always Ready, No Matter What.

601 S. Sumner Ave. • Jct. Hwys. 34 & 25 Creston, Iowa

641-782-2181 www.stalkergm.com Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm • Sat 8am - 5pm • Or By Appointment

Index

AG Mag Southwest Iowa

Publisher Rich Paulsen Advertising Director Craig Mittag Managing Editor Kyle Wilson Magazine Editors Larry Lough, Jeff Rogers

30

Page Design Jeff Rogers Reporters & Photographers Sarah Brown, Pam Eggemeier, Dave Fox, Amy Hansen, Mike Krabbenhoeft, Matt Mencarini, Mike Mendenhall, Bailey Poolman, Jake Waddingham and Kyle Wilson Published by Creston News Advertiser 503 W. Adams St. Creston, IA 50801 641-782-2141 Articles and advertisements are the property of Creston News Advertiser. No portion of the Southwest Iowa Ag Mag may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Creston News Advertiser. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, Creston News Advertiser cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Creston News Advertiser cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

COVER STORY

Decision to make Southwest Iowa farmers weigh their options for revenue safety nets in the 2014 farm bill.

Beefing up Farmers in the cow-calf business have seen a dramatic increase in prices. Will the good times continue?

10

INNOVATION NOW OPEN HAS A NEW ADDRESS INNOVATION HAS A NEW ADDRESS

1827 TIEKEN DRIVE OSCEOLA, IA 50213 WWW.RUETERCO.COM Offering Full Line of Hay, Harvesting and Material Handling Equipment

Š 2009 CNH America LLC. New Holland is a registered trademark of CNH America LLC.

4 Spring 2015

OPENING SOON!

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION Agriculture • Shops • Livestock Sheds Commercial

Residential • New Construction • Crawl Spaces • Basements • Attics

The best way to insulate your investments.

641-446-FOAM (3626)

www.gilberthomecomfort.com AG Mag

5

Index 16

Plenty of recipes on file

A glimpse into the future

When Debbie Roach is not busy being postmaster or mayor, she’s cooking up great food in Grant City, Missouri.

A Graceland University program gives prospective agriculture students valuable information and experience.

25

The great GMO debate

Growing pains on the farms

Is there a need to label foods made with genetically modified ingredients as such?

Wind power projects have farmers concerned about the viability of their farmland after construction.

18 Technology might prolong golden era

20

34 Fontanelle teen in his element

37

Farmers in southern Iowa and northern Missouri continue to see corn yields increase. Will technology help that trend continue?

Nodaway Valley High School sophomore Joe Herr feels most at home when he’s outside, on his family farm.

CHEMICALS • FEED • SMALL SEED • SCOUTING • FENCING SUPPLIES Complete Line of Fencing Cattle Panels, Creosote Post, Steel Posts, Gates, Anchors, Braces & Woven Wire.

Crop Protection Chemicals We carry a full line of herbicides, fungicides & pesticides!

Custom application available!

Anhydrous Ammonia

Fertilizer Application

1720 Commerce Road • Creston, Iowa 50801 Toll Free 1-877-782-8114 6 Spring 2015

— New Truck Inventory — • 2015 CHEVY •

• 2014 RAM •

SILVERADO 1/2 TON CREW LT 4X4

2500 SLT CREW 4X4

5.3 V8 • Auto • All Star Edition

Diesel • 6 spd. Manual

• 2014 RAM •

• 2015 GMC •

• 2015 CHEVY •

All The Options • Diesel • Auto

Loaded with Equipment

SIERRA 3500 HD CREW SILVERADO 1500 1/2 TON CREW HIGH COUNTRY 4X4 DUALLY SLT

• 2015 CHEVY •

1500 EXPRESS CREW 4X4

1500 SLT CREW 4X4

SIERRA 2500 HD 4X4

• 2015 GMC •

SILVERADO 3500 HD LT 4X4

Pop. Equipment Group • 32-Gallon Tank 20” Wheels • Hitch

5.7 8 cyl. • Big Horn • 8 spd.

Auto • 32 Gallon Tank

Work Truck • 6.0L • Gas • Auto

Duramax Diesel • Auto • Well Equipped

• 2015 CHEVY •

SILVERADO 2500HD CREW LTZ 4X4

Duramax Diesel • Auto • Well Equipped • 2015 CHEVY •

• 2014 RAM •

• 2015 CHEVY •

• 2015 CHEVY •

• 2015 GMC •

SILVERADO 1/2 TON CREW HIGH COUNTRY 4X4

SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB LT

SIERRA 2500 HD CREW CAB 4X4 SLT

Premium Package

5.3 Auto • Nice Truck

Leather • Well Equipped • Diesel • Auto

• 2015 CHEVY •

• 2014 RAM •

• 2015 GMC •

SILVERADO 1/2 TON CREW LT 4X4

SILVERADO 1/2 TON CREW 4X4 LTZ

2500 TRADESMAN 4X4

SIERRA 1500 CREW SLT

5.3 Auto • All Star Edition

Heated & Cooled Leather Well Equipped • Navigation

Diesel • Auto Good Truck • Heavy Duty

Heated & Cooled Leather • 4x4 Navigation • Nice

New & Pre-Owned Sales & Service 1-800-280-1079 1100 E. South or 641-464-3241

Street - Mount Ayr, IA

Pre-Owned Sales 1-800-280-1079 or 641-464-3241

For a full look at our inventory check out our website at...www.glendenningmotor.net or www.glendenningmtr.com AG Mag

7

Farmers Forum WITH KYLE WILSON/SOUTHWEST IOWA AG MAG

Rural roads and bridges continue to deteriorate across southern Iowa, causing transportation issues for area farmers. Should the fuel tax, which hasn’t increased in Iowa since 1989, be raised?

Paul Ackley, Bedford “If they raise the gas tax, the revenue generated needs to be designated – in writing – to be used for rural roads and bridges. There needs to be a guarantee.

Otherwise, the money will disappear into a black hole and used elsewhere in the state.”

Dr. Gary Runyon, Allerton “The fuel tax is the most fair way to go.

I just can’t believe we had money to build this infrastructure, but don’t have the money to maintain it. That’s what surprises me.”

Ron Gordon, Creston “My first question is, Where has the road tax money went in the past? Was it all spent on roads and bridges like it was supposed to? I guess, before I’d be in favor of a fuel tax increase, I’d want to

Paul Ackley

Dr. Gary Runyon

make sure the money is earmarked to be used for infrastructure.”

Jay Lischer, Bedford “Most of the farmers in my circle agree that the gas tax needs to be raised so long as money is earmarked for rural roads and bridges. The bridges we have now are 50 and 60 years old. They were built when I was a kid.”

1726 Osage Street 782-2019 8 Spring 2015

Ron Gordon

Jay Lischer

Dallas Johnston

Dallas Johnston, Kent “As a rule of thumb, I’m not a fan of raising taxes. But, I’m under the opinion raising the fuel tax is the only way we’re going to improve our roads and bridges.

The only reason it hasn’t been increased yet is because of the politics involved.

Nobody wants to sign their name to it.

But someone needs to show some leadership and get it done.”

Creston, IA

1-800-253-4354

Mattress Wholesale Center & Furniture Come in and lay down, our prices make it that easy!

FREE Local Delivery & Set Up!

Luxury Mattress Set from King Koil with Full 10 Year Warranty

Queen Guest Sets starting at $298.00!!

Now carrying carpet, vinyl, laminate & hardwood flooring!

Cash & Carry or installation available!

We can finance anyone! Up to 120 days interest free financing for qualified applicants

117 S. Main St • East Side of The Square in the old White’s Woodworking Building

Phone: 641-342-2000 • Hours: Monday - Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm

or shop our Indianola store at 107 W. Salem • Southside of The Square in the old Hallmark Building Phone: 515-961-2000 Free Local Delivery & Set Up

www.iowamattresswholesale.com AG Mag

9

Cattle farmers have seen historic profits in recent years.

In 2010, the average hundredweight price for cattle in the U.S. was $97.18. In November 2014, it was $169. “This year has really been a bright spot for us,” said Dan Hanrahan, who raises cattle near Cumming, Iowa.

(Jake Waddingham/ Southwest Iowa Ag Mag)

A BULL MARKET E

BY JAKE WADDINGHAM AND MATT MENCARINI For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

conomic conditions for the cow-calf industry in the Midwest could be chalked up to simple supply and demand, or perhaps the cyclical nature of all commodities, or even the perfect storm of conditions that started in 2011.

Or maybe all three.

But the end result is the same: Historic profits.

In 2013, the average hundredweight price for cattle in the U.S. was $126.83, up from $97.18 in 2010. But 10 Spring 2015

Cattle prices remain a ‘bright spot’ for area farmers

the highest month in 2013 – $132 – was dwarfed by the prices once the calendar turned over into 2014.

By March 2014, the average hundredweight price for cattle in the U.S. was $150. It kept climbing, reaching $159 in August and $169 in November.

W. Travis Meteer. beef extension educator with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said the cow-calf business is traditionally a break-even business. But that changed last year.

CONTINUED ON 11

CONTINUED FROM 10

“We’ve seen it increase dramatically,” he said. “It depends on what economist you use, but profits have been as high as $700 a cow. That’s a huge, huge increase from what cow-calf producers are used to seeing.”

Seeking efficiency Among those who have benefited is Dan Hanrahan, 38, current president of the Madison County Cattlemens Association in south-central Iowa.

“It is really remarkable the prices we are seeing,” said Hanrahan, who farms about 120 head of cattle with his parents near Cumming, Iowa. “This year has really been a bright spot for us.”

Hanrahan said efficiency was quickly becoming the main theme for area cattle farmers.

“As input prices really escalated with the high commodity prices – corn and soybeans – I think there has been a stretch of time here where people have taken another look at how to get the

most out of their hay or their expenses in terms of supplemental feed,” Hanrahan said.

While a lot of farmers are expressing interest in expanding the herd, current prices are forcing them to look at the long-term value of an expensive heifer.

“The value of that replacement heifer is so high, by expanding now, you are expanding with a really high-priced female,” Hanrahan said. “We are looking at other areas in the herd where we can invest some dollars and lower our cost for the years ahead.”

One area Hanrahan is looking into is fertility. He hopes an investment in that aspect of his operation will improve the carrying capacity for many years.

Patrick Gunn, animal science assistant professor at Iowa State University, said expansion required a strategy.

“If we are going out and buying replacement females, we should be buying females that are elite, or at least an upgrade from what we currently have in our production system,” he said.

Cattle sell-off The cattle charge all started with a drought-stricken southern U.S. in 2011.

Once cattle producers in the South lose water, they can’t maintain animals, Meteer said. They can bring in hay, but water is the issue, so a huge liquidation of cow herd occurred in 2011 in the Southwest, he said.

The drought returned in 2012, again during the grazing season, but this time it affected a larger portion of the country, including much of the Midwest.

When cattle operations don’t have water, cows get sold, Meteer said, and the industry went through two years of massive liquidation.

That’s where the simple law of supply and demand comes into play, said Phil Reemtsma, who is president of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. And that was helped, he said, by some misfortune in the pork industry with the spread of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, or PEDV, which killed off much of the pig supply.

CONTINUED ON 12

Jake Waddingham/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Dan Hanrahan, 38, is president of the Madison County Cattlemens Association and farms about 120 head of cattle with his parents near Cumming, Iowa. While current cattle prices have been a boon to farmers like Hanrahan, he said they also are forcing them to look at the long-term value of an expensive heifer. “The value of that replacement heifer is so high,” he said, “by expanding now, you are expanding with a really high-priced female.”

AG Mag 11

CONTINUED FROM 11

“We had sort of a perfect storm there of a shortage of animal protein,” said Reemtsma, a veterinarian from Dewitt.

That perfect storm resulted in record beef profits. And what cattlemen are doing with those profits can set them up for future success.

Some operators are building new facilities. In Iowa, many are building indoor facilities that will Phil Reemtsma not only reduce costs, but reduce the chance of run-off making its way into rivers or streams.

“From a big picture standpoint, it’s great time to be in the cattle business,” Reemtsma said “There is going to be some up and down. But people investing in those operations … I think it’s going to be a good investment long term.”

Others, like Dan Dykstra, vice president of Whiteside County Cattlemen’s Association who also has 50 head of cattle, will keep back more heifers than he usually would on his farm about 5 miles northwest of Morrison in northern Illinois.

While a heifer usually pays for itself in about 7 years, Dykstra said, he thinks

‘‘

If we are going out and buying replacement females, we should be buying females that are elite, or at least an upgrade from what we currently have in our production system.

he will cut that time in half with the animals he’s keeping.

Cattlemen looking to reinvest their profits from 2014 should consider all their options and evaluate whether they’re already Lee Schulz maxed out, in which case the reinvestment might be best used to secure wealth against future loses or to make small changes to improve efficiency.

While starting up livestock operations on a farm that doesn’t already have them might be too expensive to take advantage of the current conditions, Meteer said, diversified farms with livestock and row crop may have an advantage over straight row crop.

“It just needs to be approached with common sense and awareness,” he said. “It is a little bit of an unforgiving business.”

Agricultural Business at Graceland University

With hands-on experience in economic development and free enterprise projects, you will be prepared for leadership roles and meaningful careers in agricultural business, banking, sales, commodity marketing and crop/livestock production.

Graceland will help you become a global agricultural professional.

Find out more... www.graceland.edu/AgBusiness

866-472-2352

(866-GRACELAND) admissions@graceland.edu 12 Spring 2015

Patrick Gunn, Iowa State University, animal science assistant professor

’’

Cyclical business Lee Schulz, assistant professor of economics at Iowa State University who specializes in livestock, said production agriculture, and livestock in general, is notoriously cyclical. There was already tight a supply in the cattle industry before the liquidation happened, he explained, and that’s what triggered the high prices.

“If we look at the markets, the fundamentals of both supply and demand are really supporting record profits in the livestock industry,” he said.

And 2015, Schulz said, looks like it could be on par with 2014.

Hanrahan believes the improved profitability may help encourage the next generation – like Sam Keating – to make raising livestock a career.

CONTINUED ON 14

RESTON UTOMOTIVE

410 W. Adams • Creston, IA 50801 866-782-2179 or 641-782-2179 www.crestonautomotive.com AG Mag

13

CONTINUED FROM 12

Sam, 14, and his brother, Justin, 16, help their father, lifelong cattle farmer Russ Keating of Winterset, Iowa, who manages 30 head.

Sam said he enjoys working with his dad, helping to provide food and water for their cows.

“I like watching how different their behavior can be,” Sam said. He added his goal is to have a mild-mannered herd that he can easily interact with while working.

But just as the weather in other parts of the country contributed to the rise in prices for cattle in the Midwest, it can also contribute to its fall.

“I just talked to a fellow in South Dakota,” Illinois cattleman Dykstra said. “They’re tickled to death with how things look this winter. If they have a normal year, a normal couple years, I say 2 to 3 years [of more high prices].

“If they experience another drought, it’ll extend it even more.”

What might seem like uncertainty to some, Illinois extension educator Meteer said, is just another year in the cow-cattle business.

“If you ever want a humbling experience in life, own cattle,” he said. “There are a lot of factors that can come into play.”

Jake Waddingham/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Dan Hanrahan unrolls hay for his cows in northeast Madison County. Hanrahan said the previous high input costs have made cattle farmers re-evaluate their expenses with hay and supplemental feed.

‘‘

We’ve seen [the cow-calf business] increase dramatically. It depends on what economist you use, but profits have been as high as $700 a cow. That’s a huge, huge increase from what cow-calf producers are used to seeing.

W. Travis Meeter, beef extension educator

76 Years And Going Strong

’’

CRESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Supporting and Working for Creston

• As the representative of all businesses, large and small • To unite agricultural, commercial, industrial and civic interests to promote and grow Creston

Creston a great place to visit, work & call home

CRESTON CHAMBER

OF

COMMERCE

208 W. Taylor/Hwy. 34 West • PO Box 471 • Creston, Iowa 50801 641-782-7021 • fax 641-782-9927 www.crestoniowachamber.com • chamber@crestoniowachamber.com 14 Spring 2015

AgriVision Specials GOING ON NOW! Payments Starting as low as $80 per month

Payments Starting as low as $349 per month

$11,999

Tractor Only

X300

1025R

3032E

X300

1R SERIES

3E SERIES

• • •

• • • •

• • • •

•

18. hp (13.8 kW)* 38-in. high-capacity mower 4-year or 300-hour limited warranty Comfortable 15-in. openback seat

22.4-24.2 engine hp Standard 4-wheel drive Hydrostatic transmission Available with Quik-Park Loader, AutoConnect mower deck and John Deere backhoe

31.1-37.3 engine hp Standard 4-wheel drive Optional iMatch™ Quick Hitch Hydrostatic transmission

0% FOR 36 MONTHS1 XUV825i

• • • •

Albia (641) 932-7142

50 hp*, 44 mph Power steering Fully independent suspension 16 cu.-ft cargo box

Clarinda (712) 542-2106

Leon (641) 446-4512

Creston (641) 782-7032

Macedonia (712) 486-2441

Hamburg (712) 382-1862

Massena (712) 779-2228

Indianola (515) 962-1234

(712) 622-8217

Knoxville (641) 828-0570

(712) 623-4858

Lenox (641) 333-2288 Winterset (515) 462-3115

1 Offer valid until March 31, 2015. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial, some restrictions apply, so see your dealer for complete details and other financing options. Prices and model availablitiy may vary by dealer. Some restrictions apply. other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options.

AG Mag

15

Great food?

She delivers Debbie Roach rules in the kitchen, at city hall, and at the post office

BY SARAH BROWN For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Sarah Brown/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

FEED

In a search for the best cook in Worth County, Missouri, one name comes to the mind of its residents – Debbie Roach.

Roach, 60, of Grant City is known not only for her comfort food and baked goods, but she is also the mayor and postmaster of neighboring city of Sheridan, the chairwoman of Northwest Missouri Regional Solid Waste Management District A, president of Grant City Betterment Group, and vice president and national legislative committee member of the Missouri branch of the National League of Postmasters.

But before Roach was serving residents of Northwest Missouri in a civic capacity, she was learning about their lives as the co-owner of a popular Grant City restaurant – Uptown Cafe, which Roach started with her mother, Mary Thompson, and brother, Jerry Saville. Another brother, Roger Saville, also bought into the family business, which was open from 1978 to 1989.

“It was the type of food that you would get if you were going to go sit down at mom’s house and have Sunday dinner,” Roach said. “It was a meat-and-potatoes type of establishment.”

CONTINUED ON 17

“Serving the best growers of today and tomorrow” GRAIN

FUEL

AGRONOMY

Bulk & bagged feed for livestock, lifestyle & exotic animals Ag diesel, highway diesel, E85 & unleaded gasoline

Corn, soybeans & oats

Chemical, seed, custom application, fertilizer & smart yield

www.farmerscoopco.com 1-800-845-7202 • 1-800-342-1556

16 Spring 2015

Afton 641-347-8428

Arispe 641-346-2224

Creston 641-782-7202

Diagonal 641-734-5303

Macksburg 641-768-2436

Mt.Ayr 641-464-3821

Osceola 641-322-2139

Shenandoah 712-246-2253

Indianola 515-961-6300 Elwood,KS 913-365-8041

Pie • 6 cups sliced peeled tart apples • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1/2 cup sugar • 3 tablespoon ground cinnamon • 9-inch unbaked pastry shell • 28 caramels • 5 ounce can of evaporated milk

Sarah Brown/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Debbie Roach thumbs through a recipe box, which holds all of the family recipes she and her mother prepared at their family restaurant, Uptown Cafe, in Grant City, Missouri, from 1978 to 1989. Roach said her mother often wrote original recipes on scraps of paper as ideas and ingredients came to mind.

CONTINUED FROM 16

Roach continues to cater two or three special events a year. Her cookies – chocolate, peanut butter, no-bake, snicker doodle, oatmeal and scotcheroos – have become an attraction of sorts at Northwest Missouri Days, an annual event in its 11th year to showcase the towns in Missouri north of Interstate 70.

“The first year that we went I made cookies for just the people in our booth as we were setting up,” Roach said. “As word got around, neighboring vendors found out about the cookies and asked if they could have some.”

Roach said she used to bring six dozen cookies to the event, but now she brings more than 24 dozen, which are also given as gifts to state and city officials who attend the event.

Caramel Crunch Apple Pie

Topping • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons butter, softened • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sausage and cheese balls

• 2 pounds uncooked sausage • 1-1/12 cups of all purpose baking/ biscuit mix • 4 cups of shredded sharp or Colby jack cheese • 1/2 cup of chopped onion • 1/2 cup of chopped celery • 1/2 cup teaspoon garlic powder Preheat oven to 375º degrees. Mix all ingredients together well. Form into 1-inch balls. Bake for 15 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet until golden brown. For a finer texture, add an extra 3 cups of baking/biscuit mix and an extra 2 cups of shredded cheese to the ingredients listed above.

Yields about 4 dozen.

Thomas Farm Quality Meats

on, AgentTeri Johnston, Agent ane 605 W McLane 50213 Osceola, IA 50213 641-342-2112 2-2112 Bus: teri.johnston.cyya@statefarm.com n.cyya@statefarm.com State Farm, Bloomington, IL

mington, IL

Whether it was baking her first peach pie at age 9, waitressing at Grant City Live Stock Market, running her own restaurant, current catering jobs or baking for her friends and family, Roach said she enjoys cooking and sharing meals with others. It reminds her of family dinners with her seven brothers gathered around the table in her mother and father’s kitchen, where “there was always a pot of coffee on and homemade cookies or rolls.”

“It [cooking] is a way for me to show that I care about people,” Roach said.

1. Combine flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon and spread into an ungreased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 400º for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool, crumble and set aside. Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon and toss with apples.

Place apples in pie shell. Cut a circle of foul to cover apples but not the edge of pastry and place over pie. Bake at 425º for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375º and bake for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.

2. Meanwhile, in a sauce pan over low heat, melt caramels with evaporated milk.

Stir frequently. Remove foil from pie. Pour caramel mixture over apples. Sprinkle with topping. Return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Yields 6 to 8 servings This recipe was submitted in 1996 by Debbie Roach and published in Taste of Home Cookbook.

1211999

USDA & Custom Processing:

BEEF • PORK • DEER Hours: 8a.m. - 5:30p.m. Mon. - Fri. • 8am - Noon Sat. CLOSED ON MONDAYS: APRIL - AUGUST 23386 W. 220th Ave. • Ridgeway, MO 64481 • I-35, Exit 99 Phone: 660-872-6716 • Fax: 660-872-6717 www.thomasfarmmeats.com

Dave Polley, Owner AG Mag

17

Sarah Brown/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

In response to consumer demand, General Mills announced its original Cheerios cereal is now made without the use of genetically modified ingredients. While there are no GMO oats, which is the primary ingredient in Cheerios, General Mills now uses only corn starch derived from non-GMO corn and non-GMO pure cane sugar.

Is GMO labeling worth it?

Mandated GMO labeling bills in Iowa failed; debate continues

BY SARAH BROWN For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Bills that would require the labeling of genetically engineered foods have been introduced in the Iowa Legislature but never emerged from committee.

“I don’t think there is anything pending right now, but, that can always change,” said Ruth MacDonald, professor and chairperson in food science and human nutrition at Iowa State University.

Senate File 194 was introduced in the Iowa Senate in early 2013. That same year, House File 463 was introduced in the Iowa House of Representatives.

The Senate bill, authored by Sen. Joe 18 Spring 2015

Bolkcom, would have required “consumer labeling information for food, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.” The House version – sponsored by nine Iowa representatives – proposed “food items to be labeled with information that identifies the food items as genetically modified.”

Why GMO labeling has failed Mandated labeling of genetically modified organisms has failed at the state level for a number of reasons.

While the U.S. does not have a federal law to mandate labeling of GMOs, vol-

untary labeling by states is permitted.

“You might not be able to win an individual state and do it [mandated GMO labeling],” MacDonald said, “but, if you get enough states to say ‘this is important to us’ and pass the laws, that would force the hand of the federal government.“ MacDonald said the FDA’s position on GMOs since the 1980s has been that the process of creating foods through genetic engineering does not change the nutritional or structural chemical composition of the food, therefore it does not need to be labeled.

CONTINUED ON 19

CONTINUED FROM 18

“Adding a label that a product is produced by genetically modified technology does not change the safety or the quality of the food in any way,” MacDonald said. “It would become an additional regulatory factor for the food industry to manage for no benefit to the consumers.”

Ruth MacDonald MacDonald said there is no evidence that non-GMO products are better or safer than GMO products.

However, Howard Vlieger, an independent crop and livestock nutrition adviser, and a third-generation farmer, disagreed.

“There are tremendous amounts of incidents of the ill effects that are being observed and documented by a growing number of pediatricians across the country,” Vlieger said. “I think it [GMO labeling] is a must for protecting the health of our future generations.”

Vlieger, a self-described “student of the soil,” began using alternative farming practices in 1989 to decrease the use Howard of chemicals Vlieger on his crops.

In 1992, Vlieger’s advisory work, which now spans 16 states, has helped farmers to decrease their dependency on chemicals and move to organic or biological farming practices.

In Vlieger’s advisory work, clients started to recognize a change in their animals as BT, or genetically engineered corn, was removed from their feed. Problems causing gastrointestinal tract infections, ulcers, false pregnancies and bloody bowels went away.

Vlieger’s concern: if this is happening in animals, what is it doing to humans?

A long-term feeding study, co-authored by Vlieger, was published in 2013 in the

Journal of Organic Systems.

Researchers found significantly higher rates of severe stomach inflammation and thickening of the uterus in pigs that were fed GMO corn and soy.

“It proposes a real health risk,” Vlieger said.

Lawn Care Made Easy

Current options A 2013 study on consumer behavior, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau, concluded consumer decisions, when selecting meat and dairy products, were based on three primary factors – price, taste and nutrition. Less than 20 percent of consumers were concerned with how the products were produced.

“If you are worried about some particular ingredient or have a logical reason of why you want to avoid that ingredient, that is your decision,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald said there is already a way to avoid GMOs without the rigmarole, regulatory processes, and mandates on the food industry that are already in place: Eat organic. Organic labeling is voluntary, but any producer who chooses to label products as organic are subject to strict verifiable guidelines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“Anything that is made in the United States out of corn or soybeans, and any of the ingredients that come from that, pretty much are going to be GMO,” MacDonald said. “So, if you don’t want to eat GMO stuff, don’t buy things that have those ingredients.”

However, some people avoid buying organic produce because of its higher price. MacDonald said the cost of mandated GMO labeling would be absorbed by the consumer.

Despite being against mandated GMO labeling, MacDonald said “consumer knowledge is a good thing,” but, is against a labeling program being adopted “just because” someone wants to know.

42” TOW LAWN SWEEPER

Less Work - Easy height adjustment and strong brushes make cleaning up your lawn.

Durable - With stamped steel housing, it will last season after season.

Versatile - Easily and quickly attaches to all tractors.

350 LB. STEEL CART

Easy Dumping - Quick release lever for easy dumping.

Durable - Strong steel bed holds up to 750 lb.

Maneuverable - Pneumatic tires let you go anywhere.

175 LB. TOW SPREADER

Coverage - 175 lb. capacity cover about 1 acre.

Durable - Galvanized steel agitator is rust resistant and easy to clean.

Maneuverable - Pneumatic tires allow for smooth transport.

& 408 S. Sumner • Creston, IA 641-782-2317

116 N. Taylor St. • Mount Ayr, IA 641-464-3991

M-F 7:30am - 6 pm • Sat 7:30am - 5pm

M-F 8am - 5:30 pm • Sat 8am - 5pm

AG Mag

19

HOW HIGH CORN YIELDS

Technology continues to argue against a plateau

S

BY KYLE WILSON AND DAVE FOX For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

ometimes, the only certainty in farming is uncertainty.

Take corn, for instance.

Both yields and prices in corn markets have seen record highs in recent years.

Yields continue to fluctuate, ever upward, while prices seem to have corrected themselves – downward – after the golden grain hit an all-time high in recent years.

For decades, farmers in southern Iowa and northern Missouri have seen yields rise, doubling since 1975 to record-breaking levels for many growers in 2014.

“There’s a big debate within agriculture nationally: Do we have continued room for growth in yields?” said Chad Hart, a professor and crop market specialist from Iowa State University. “You look at state-level numbers, you see well over 200. Somewhere in the 200s is where I think we can plateau.”

Mark Johnson, an Iowa State University field agronomist, said a plateau could create a major problem, since Iowa is such a large producer in the heavy corn-exporting U.S. “A plateau is highly unlikely,” Johnson said.

“And if we had one, we wouldn’t be able to feed the world.”

20 Spring 2015

CAN GO?

Greg Wurster farms 11,000 acres across southwest Iowa and northern Missouri.

He’s pictured here on his farm near Lenox, Iowa. Wurster said he doesn’t see corn yields expanding much over the next 20 years. “At least not at the pace they did the past 20,” he said. “But, as soon as I say that, they’ll come up with something else – some new technology.”

Kyle Wilson/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Upward trend

Dave Fox/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Corn is moved from one step to the next in the seed corn processing plant at Prairie Hybrids in Deer Grove, Illinois. In Iowa, farmers produced 181.81 bushels of corn per acre in 2014, much higher than the national average.

Iowa produced 181.81 bushels of corn per acre in 2014, Johnson said – much higher than the national average. He said ethanol production accounts for about one-third of that total. He said that while yields have not increased or decreased by the same amount in any two consecutive years, the trend has still climbed, Mark Johnson in general, for more Iowa State than 30 years.

University field “There are no two agronomist says years that follow the corn yields in trend line,” Johnson Iowa have been said. “But we now on the rise for have about 14 million more than 30 acres of field corn in years. this state. There’s still a trend line.”

Greg Wurster – who farms 11,000 acres across southwest Iowa – said at some point yields will have to level off because there is only so much space in a field and only so much available sunlight.

“I don’t see yield numbers expanding much over the next 20 years,” Wurster said. “At least not at the pace they did the past 20. But, as soon as I say that, they’ll come up with something else – some new technology.”

Wurster and Doug Holiday – who farms about 4,000 acres in Adair County, Iowa – agree that the genetics of today’s seeds continue to get “better and better,” ratcheting yields upward. Holiday said the beans he harvested last year were the best he’s had in 35 years of farming.

Holiday’s plan for the 2015 season is to plant 75 percent soybeans and 25 percent corn because he feels the economics are there for beans, and he’s not worried about a plateau coming anytime soon.

CONTINUED ON 22 AG Mag

21

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT AVERAGE CORN YIELDS, 2004-2013 (BU./ACRE) This table, created by Iowa State University, shows the average corn yields recorded in Southwest Iowa over the past decade.

Data in this table was compiled by Iowa Office of National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Corn Yields Adair Adams Cass Fremont Mills Montgomery Page Pottawattamie Taylor Southwest Iowa

2004 182 169 192 188 185 183 180 190 158 183

2005 159 157 168 161 164 158 165 171 157 164

2006 165 145 171 146 160 164 153 172 142 160

2007 161 153 158 151 147 145 140 162 138 153

2008 169 156 174 147 156 160 133 178 135 160

2009 181 169 184 189 193 193 178 194 151 184

2010 139 139 155 153 160 157 150 165 122 152

Market correction

CONTINUED FROM 21

“I can’t see yields hitting a plateau,” Holiday said. “We’re learning new practices all the time and implementing them. We’ll soon have the use of drones to monitor our fields to see what’s going on. And, the hybrids are getting better and better.”

Jeremy Burgmeirer, a farmer in Adair and Union counties, also doesn’t see yields slowing down.

“I’d say they won’t plateau. We’ve all seen yield monitors go over 300 in certain fields,” said Burgmeirer, who plans his normal crop rotation of half corn, half beans for 2015.

But after record yields and high prices, the market has worked to correct itself.

There is somewhat of a downward trend on the number of corn acres being planted, according to USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, which was released in January.

According to that report, an estimated 97.3 million acres of corn were planted in the U.S. in 2012-13, with that number dropping to 95.4 million acres the next season. The agency estimates a drastically lower 90.6 million acres of

2011 153 152 175 156 155 153 136 171 141 158

2012 104 110 120 131 129 132 116 132 92 121

2013 139 149 161 161 172 155 156 181 137 160

Avg. 155 150 166 158 162 160 151 171 137 159

corn being planted in the U.S. in the coming growing season amid corn prices at half of what they were less than three years ago.

Iowa State agronomist Johnson said weather and long-range forecasts make an impact on planting choices.

“A lot hinges on weather during the growing season,” he said. “Farmers only have about a three-week window in June, or close to it, when the real meaningful plant growth happens,” Moisture levels also make a huge difference, Johnson said.

CONTINUED ON 24

FARMERS NATIONAL COMPANY FNC sold over $2.65 billion of land in

Farmers National

Thinking of selling?

Jon Peterson

States as well as

by The Land Report, the Magazine for America’s Landowners

Real Estate Sales Lorimor, Iowa 1-800-798-4509 or (515) 360-1567 JPeterson@FarmersNational.com www.FarmersNational.com/JonPeterson

Call your south central Iowa real estate sales specialist today to discuss all of your real estate needs!

www.FarmersNational.com

22 Spring 2015

P

eak performance is smart planning. Is your air handling system no longer performing at its peak? It could be your airlock. It’s crucial that a rotary airlock maintain a constant air pressure or vacuum difference between the Inlet and Outlet ports. The airlock application should not be taken lightly because an improperly applied airlock can lead to a variety of problems: • poor efficiency • extra maintenance and operator manpower • performance degradation • equipment wear and replacement • lost production because of a shutdown Finding someone truly knowledgeable and who understands the variables involved in proper airlock performance is key. Your fields and harvest won’t wait, so finding someone who specializes in airlocks AND who can save you time and money is ideal. Purchasing a reengineered airlock is the solution. Most models are readily available, and by taking advantage of an exchange program, you save on downtime. In addition, the cost of a rebuilt airlock is less expensive, approximately 40% less than an OEM model. The warranty that comes with reengineered airlocks is the same as, or better than, your original. Visit Rotary Airlock at rotaryairlock.com or call 800-883-8955. Relying on experts when your airlock isn’t working properly is smart planning.

Paid Advertisement

Your FIELDS and HARVEST

WON'T WAIT.

AG Mag

23

Plenty of corn

CONTINUED FROM 22

“If it goes real hot or real wet, the crop and the yield are affected,” he said. “Corn needs oxygen to grow and flourish, and in standing water, there isn’t enough oxygen. And if gets real hot for a few weeks in a row or more, the plant dries out.”

Gilbert Hostetler, president of Deer Grove, Illinois-based Prairie Hybrids, said actual yield per acre would largely depend on the type of seed planted.

“GMO [genetically modified seed] tends to produce slightly lower yields per acre than non-GMO,” he said.

“Non-GMO corn generally produces about 15 bushels more per acre than GMO varieties,” he said. “Some of our non-GMO seed averages 200 to 225 bushels per acre, and we have had some go as high as 300.”

Hostetler attributes much of that to the fact that non-GMO plants break down into organic matter in the soil much more effectively after the harvest. That, in turn, leads to higher plant productivity.

And while GMO corn may not be keeping up with non-GMO in yields, it does lend itself to other advantages.

“There tend to be less insects and other things,” said Dan Koster, president of Tettens Grain based in Galt, Illinois, “because GMO corn has traits built in that make it insect and fungus-resistant.

Pioneer Seed’s Steven Long, based in Sterling Illinois, said there will likely be more beans and less corn planted this coming season, at least in the Midwest, as a step toward correcting the market.

“It’s a little more economical to put out beans,” he said. “It’s a crop that costs less to produce than corn.”

Once existing supplies shrink, prices could rise again and more corn could be planted. But not this year, in all likelihood.

“We’ve got enough supply of corn on hand right now,” Long said, “Planting more beans probably won’t drive corn prices back up, but it will give existing supplies of corn a chance to be used. ...

“As there’s an abundant supply of corn, and less demand, the price will always go down,” he said. “Low prices cure low prices.”

Hostetler, with Prairie Hybrids, agrees there will likely be less corn acres this season.

“There will be definitely less corn in 2015,” he said. “Farmers are scared stiff they’ll be making a lot less money. The market is correcting itself.”

Dennis Janssen, an agronomist with Key Co-op in Sully, Iowa, said he’s not sure exactly what farmers are thinking, but his co-op has received more seed

orders than usual.

“All of our orders were received back in the fall,” Janssen said. “We’ve gotten in about three [big-rig] trucks so far, and will probably get about another 10 to 12 more.”

Iowa State’s Johnson said ethanol is not having an impact yet on how much field corn farmers decide to plant, as their product can still be sold as food – just not necessarily for as much money.

He said he could not imagine ethanol becoming so lucrative that farmers would want to stop producing corn for food – even though ethanol already accounts for one-third of field corn yields. It’s not a matter of how many farmers are in the corn business or which ones produced corn for what purpose – it’s more a matter of planting less if the price is low.

Technology also sometimes plays a part in yields and planning, Johnston said.

“A few years ago, no one was talking about drilling into shale [fracking], and getting tons of oil out of it,” Johnson said. “But look what’s happening in North Dakota now. No one really knows when a phenomenon like ethanol or shale oil is going to come along – even in the corn business.”

Jason W. Brooks contributed to this report.

DON’T JUST BUILD.

We have a complete line of truck and car accessories!

Running Boards • Mud Flaps Trailer Hitches & Wiring • Audio Systems Chrome & Black Accents • Remote Starters Full Line of Performance Accessories ...plus much more!

Big Boyz Toyz

641-782-6104

• Full Line of Bumpers/Guards • Grille Guards • Truck Accessories

FOR OVER 60 YEARS HIGHWAY LUMBER

B&W TURNOVER GOOSENECK BALL — $550

Don’t forget we also take care of all your boating, boat and camping/camper needs!

Large Selection in Stock — or most items available next day —

820 WARREN AVE., OSCEOLA, IA 641-342-3811 24 Spring 2015

900 S. Division (Across the street from F&M Body Shop) • Creston 641-782-6104 www.crestonbigboyztoyz.com

An agricultural daze Graceland promotes ag through annual event

BY BAILEY POOLMAN For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

The hoop house is one of several sustainability projects on Graceland University’s Lamoni campus.

(Photo submitted to Southwest Iowa Ag Mag)

LAMONI – For a new high-school graduate, preparing for the next step can be scary. But, an opportunity at Graceland University in Lamoni could change that fear into something a little different.

Graceland University offers an annual agriculture business/FFA day, which is an informational event done twice a year at the college and surrounding area.

CONTINUED ON 26

Lamoni Branch Loan Officers Jodi Hensley; Vice President, and Kevin Lloyd; President

AG Mag

25

CONTINUED FROM 25

“Any ag student who is in high school can attend this day,” said Graceland junior Truly Mothershead.

“This year, I was a student committee member for the ag business days. I helped make major decisions to get ready for that day.”

Mothershead, 19, is one of many people at the university who prepared for the events held Oct. 8 and Nov. 20.

“People who attend this event get to see what we as ag business students get to do on campus, and what Graceland has to offer for those students,” said Mothershead, who is majoring in agriculture business and art studio. “As for students like me, it helps some solidify their choice to attend our university.”

The event consists of different sessions throughout the day. Those include visiting the corn and soybean test plots, hoop house, and Invinci Graphics, a Lamoni business.

Photo submitted to Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

This Graceland University banner boasts the agricultural business department on the university’s campus in Lamoni.

“I think that one very good result is that students get a chance to come to campus that they might not ordinarily get, and they get exposure to the college environment, and see what it’s like to be on a college campus when they’re a freshman or sophomore [in high school],” said Julie Breshears, aca-

Real Farmland Opportunities.

demic assistant in C.H. Sandage School of Business, Graceland.

Breshears’ responsibilities, she said, are behind the scenes, while Max Pitt, associate professor of business in the School of Business, is one of the leaders.

“Max and I work very closely to make this event come

together, but Max leads,” Breshears said. “He arranges most of the rotation sessions, contacts. ... I wanted to make sure he gets credit where credit is due.”

The program in 2014 marked the fifth year since it started – and the first time students from north-central Missouri were included.

More than 200 students attended the two events total. The next sessions will be in fall 2015.

“I would say that my favorite part is seeing it all come together in terms of so many people working,” Breshears said. “It’s just really fun to see all of us coordinating together to make this an event the students really enjoy, and see them enjoying a day out like this.”

As a student and mentor, Mothershead agrees.

“I have always enjoyed being a mentor to younger students,” Mothershead said. “This makes me happy to see younger students learning and getting excited about agriculture business.”

Creston Livestock Auction, Inc. Creston, Iowa

Serving cattle producers in Southwest/South Central Iowa and Northern Missouri We sell all classes of cattle including feeders, bred heifers, bred cows and slaughter animals.

Regular sales are held on Fridays at 11AM with special Wednesday Sales in December through March Hay Auction on Fridays before cattle sale starting at 9AM

Full Service Cafe Open Mon.-Fri. 6AM-1:30PM & All Day Sale Days

Check our website for exact dates

www.crestonlivestock.com For Further Information Call 641-782-7025 Tom Frey 641-344-5082 • Cody Frey 641-344-6112 Dave Shiflett 641-344-5207 Visit our website at Crestonlivestock.com and view our auctions at CattleUSA.com Bonded For Your Protection

26 Spring 2015

Agriculture Education Area School Directory UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

GRACELAND UNIVERSITY 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140 www.graceland.edu (886) 472- 2352 Agriculture business, bachelors of arts – Upon completion of Graceland University’s agriculture business program, students will be able to describe ag issues, critically consider global questions, and address complex problems in agriculture business. Students will develop expertise regarding agriculture and related disciplines, including accounting, business, economics, management, marketing and finance.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY 100 Enrollment Services Center Ames, IA 50011-2011 www.iastate.edu (800) 262-3810 Undergraduate majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Agricultural and life sciences education Agricultural biochemistry Agricultural business Agricultural studies Agricultural systems technology Agronomy Animal ecology Animal science Dairy science Forestry Genetics

Horticulture International agriculture Public service and administration in agriculture Seed science Undeclared agriculture

SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1501 W. Townline St. Creston, IA 50801 http://www.swcciowa.edu (641) 782-7081 Associates of applied science degrees: Crop production provides students a blend of crop-related and practical application. Students learn current practices in crop production and technology while gaining confidence in producing locally grown crops.

Classes specific to this program are farm equipment management, grain and forage crops, precision farming, integrative pest management, and horticulture. Typical careers include seed representatives, row crops, corn genetics.

Livestock production provides a blend of animal science courses and practical application. During the program, students obtain knowledge to raise, produce and market livestock.

Classes specific to this program include animal health, animal nutrition, animal breeding, genetics,, and reproduction. This program is considered suitable for students who are interested in working at a local co-op, raising their own cattle, or becoming a livestock nutritionist.

Agricultural business combines business and agricultural science courses.

Classes specific to this program include the essen-

tial accounting, economics, farm business management, marketing, and agricultural courses.

Blair said this is a degree for students interested in ag-related marketing, advertising, journalism, communications, and working more in the business sector.

Agriculture major, associate of arts, is a general education degree for students transferring to a four-year college or university.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA CPHB, Suite 300 145 N. Riverside Drive, The University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA 52242 http://cph.uiowa.edu/ (319) 335-4415 Graduate programs in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health M.S. in agriculture safety and health Agricultural safety and health M.S. students gain skills for anticipation, diagnosis, exposure assessment, treatment and prevention of agricultural illnesses and injuries in the fields of education, health care, insurance, and agribusinesses as agricultural safety and health specialists.

Ph.D. in Agriculture Safety and Health Agricultural Safety and Health Ph.D. students will receive specialized training at the doctoral level to prepare individuals for academic, research and policy-making careers in occupational and environmental health with a specialty in agricultural safety and health.

AG Mag

27

Watching farming evolve Chases share 100-year story of family farm

BY AMY HANSEN For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Amy Hansen/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Billie and Alice Chase hope their farm north of Osceola, Iowa, receives designation as a century farm this year.

om Get Your Mower fr

O’Hair Automotive

Billie and Alice Chase of Osceola, Iowa, have a goal to get their farm designated as a century farm.

“It means that my ancestors and I have lived here for 100 years on the same land,” Alice said.

The Chases’ farm is just north of Osceola in Clarke County.

Alice, 85, said she hopes the designation for 100 years will happen this year, but there’s still quite a process to go through to get official approval.

Alice recalled growing up on an Iowa farm in the early to mid-20th century.

“In that day, everything was horses,” she said.

“It wasn’t tractors.”

Billie, 89, grew up in Nebraska and was as a sailor and cook in World War II. He was was among a large group of World War II and Korean War veterans who toured Washington, D.C., in 2013, as part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

CONTINUED ON 29

When You Need a Tow

We’ll Be There!

24 Hour Emergency Road Service 7 Days a Week, Including Holidays

Prices Start at

3,199!

$

Financing Available!

Count on us for affordable, reliable, damage-free towing service, day or night.

• Local & Long-distance towing • Flatbed towing • Jump Starts • Vehicle Unlock

Full Service Auto Body Shop Bad Boy Mowers Sold from Des Moines to Bethany Service & Delivery Available

Call Us for Your Mower Needs - 641-445-5687 10953 US Hwy 69 Van Wert, IA Where Weldon & Van Wert Meet by the Water Tower on Hwy 69

ohairpl@hotmail.com While you are here please ask about our quality cars for less!

28 Spring 2015

• Frame Straightening • Custom Color Matching • Factory-direct Parts • Insurance Work

F&M BODY SHOP 901 S. Division • Creston, IA 50801

641-782-5115

Pictured are Tom O’Neall (left) and Billie Chase at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 16, 2013, as part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

Whether buying or selling, let our experience here at Lamoni Livestock Auction work for you!

Photo submitted CONTINUED FROM 28

Farm life Billie and Alice married on April Fool’s Day in 1951 and eventually settled on Alice’s family farm.

“A farmer, no matter what year it is, especially when we were younger, you had a garden,” Alice recalled. “You had your own meat, and you canned.”

Billie was an independent farmer of cattle, hogs, corn and beans.

“In today’s world, it’s not there anymore,” Billie said.

“Now, it’s all big farming.”

The farm is currently 80 acres. The couple sold a lot of land several years ago after Billie stopped keeping livestock.

Billie couldn’t recall the exact date he decided to retire from farming.

“It just got less and less,” he said.

He said he misses working the farm and being able to be his own boss when it comes to the agricultural business.

“Well, now I’m not able,” he said. “I’d like to be able, but I’m not, so you just do with what you’ve got.”

PROTECT MORE THAN YOUR CROPS

PROTECT YOUR TOMORROW

SECURE YOUR CROP INSURANCE NOW

MPCI SALES CLOSING IS MARCH 15

Owner, Randy Gibson • 641-442-5501 Manager, Jason Allen • 641-782-0790 641-784-3323 Office • 641-784-4298 Fax Lamoni, IA

Are you ready

for Spring?

CALL YOUR FMH AGENT TODAY!

TYLER INSURANCE SERVICES, INC 111 W. Mills • Creston, IA 50801

Creston 641-782-5503

Mt Ayr 641-464-3214

Toll Free 1-888-782-1088

or call our office Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa and Tyler Insurance Services, Inc are equal opportunity providers. © 2015 Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa. All rights reserved.

Creston • Corning • Diagonal • Lenox

Member FDIC

AG Mag

29

‘Complex and difficult’ Photo submitted to Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Drew Weyers works in the field of his farm south of Monroe, Iowa. Weyers said he is leaning toward going with Agricultural Risk Coverage as his revenue safety net but wants to learn more about his options before making a final decision.

SUR-GRO Carrying a full line of:

Plant Food Co., Inc.

For ALL Your Late NITROGEN Needs!

Seeds

Custom Spreading & Spraying

We specialize in

Liquid Corn Foliar Applied Nitrogen

DELIVERY WHEN PROMISED

products for your weed resistant issues

Ed Allee • Manager

200 E. 1st Street • Diagonal, Iowa 641-734-5315 30 Spring 2015

Deadlines loom for new safety net options

BY PAM EGGEMEIER AND JAKE WADDINGHAM For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Direct payments disappeared in the new farm bill, and farmers have until March 31 to choose between two new safety net programs.

One of the programs modifies the previous farm bill’s target price program.

The Agricultural Act of 2014 replaced the Counter-Cyclical Payment program with the Price Loss Coverage program.

The other option, with two variations, changes the revenue safety nets. Agricultural Risk Coverage replaces Average Crop Revenue Election with ARC County and ARC Individual Farm. Those who don’t make a decision will automatically be enrolled in PLC; they will be paid for 2015, but not 2014 because CCP payments were based on the previous marketing year averages.

But before farmers make that choice, there is a more pressing information-gathering deadline coming. Farmers have until Feb. 27 to update their base acreage reallocation and yield history information.

Bruce Travis with Hometown Insurance said he is encouraging farmers to start with updating their payment yields

and looking into reallocating their base acres.

“Farmers are able to update their yields for the first time since 1986,” Travis said.

“They are allowing farmers to use their crop insurance history to fill out the sheets.”

Bruce Travis Farmers are using he Hometown years 2008 to 2012 to Insurance agent update their payment said he is yields. encouraging “Those were pretfarmers to start ty rough years as a with updating their payment whole,” Travis said. “If yields and looking we can gain any tracinto reallocating tion, we are helping their base acres farmers look into it.”

Union County farmer Chad Ide said he took advantage of the opportunity to reallocate the base acres on his farms to reflect a better representation of his current operation.

“We had some acres that were still listed as oats and hay that we had switched over to row crop,” Ide said.

Travis said the final step is determining which enrollment option in the farm bill is best for ensuring the farmer’s crop will

Adair County Mutual Insurance Association — since 1888 —

be protected.

With ARC, the county option has a higher trigger at 85 percent, but the benchmark yield is based off the entire county’s average. It also calculates corn and soybean yields separately.

Chad Ide The individual farm Union County option has a lower farmer said he was trigger at 65 percent leaning toward and considers only the the Agricultural yield harvest from the Risk Coverage farmer’s field, but it county option averages corn and soybeans together.

Ide said he was leaning toward the ARC county option because it seemed like a better risk management tool that incorporates average yields and commodity prices.

If farmers do not take action, they will be placed on the PLC option, which sets a protection price from 2014-18 on crop prices.

Corn has a reference price of $3.70, and soybeans are set at $8.40.

CONTINUED ON 32

r e e r a C g A Start an @

Proud to protect local farm families for decades.

Contact one of our affiliated insurance agencies for protection of your home and farm property.

» Ag Business » Livestock Production » Crop Production » Livestock Judging Team 168 Public Square Greenfield 641-743-2632

1501 W. Townline St. Creston, IA 50801 www.swcciowa.edu AG Mag

31

CONTINUED FROM 31

Jerry Quinton, executive director for the Lee County Farm Service Agency in northern Illinois, said farmers and landowners need to take care of the revisions before choosing a safety net option. FSA needs the yield data as bushels per acre between 2008 and 2012.

“We take 90 percent of that and it becomes the new yield,” Quinton said. “That can then be used for the new PLC program.”

Even if they choose ARC County, FSA still needs producers to certify their yields.

To reallocate the base acres on a farm, FSA will use the average of the reported acreage from 2009 through 2012.

“I would urge farmers to take advantage of the yield and reallocation opportunities because it’s the first time they could do it since 20022003,” Quinton said.

Given the delay in crafting a new farm bill, the FSA offices are under the gun

NAPA FILTERS

Michael Krabbenhoeft/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Farmers look through information about the 2014 farm bill during a meeting in January at the Carroll County Farm Bureau in northwest Illinois. Farmers in Iowa, like those in Illinois and nationwide, have until March 31 to decide which revenue safety net they wish to use. with the deadlines. Quinton said farmers should make an appointment with his office as soon as possible.

“We didn’t get the green light to start this until after October 1,” Quinton said.

“Given the current situation, we’d need to average 46

farms a day now to finish on time.”

Several educational meetings were held in November and December.

While ARC County seems to be the popular choice in northern Illinois, many farmers are still weighing

the risk in their decisions.

Some farm organizations in northern Illinois are pointing producers in the direction of the ARC County safety net option because they believe it favors Midwest grain producers. It uses a collective benchmark yield, for example, $1.70 for Lee County.

An important difference between ARC and PLC is that ARC is a revenue program.

PLC uses target and loan prices with a $1.75 spread. It covers only loss and doesn’t protect revenue.

ARC Individual doesn’t receive much attention in Illinois because it is believed to be a better choice for farmers who have smaller farms where climate, soil types, and yield can vary greatly throughout a county.

The only part of the safety net process that crop insurers are directly dealing with is the Supplemental Crop Option, which is available only as an add-on with PLC.

SALE February 22 - March 7

NEW STORE HOURS - SUNDAY 10 AM - 2 PM

Limited Time

Cover your dreams . . .

Don’t let a broken hydraulic hose keep your equipment down.

NAPA in Osceola has a large inventory of Weatherhead to make your hydraulic hose assemblies.

We’re here for you 24/7 to help make your dreams come true.

Ask us about our farm insurance!

Call or visit us

JP AUTO SUPPLY 129 W. Washington - Osceola, IA

641.342.2181 HOURS M-F 7:30 AM - 6 PM SAT 7:30 PM - 4 PM SUN 10 AM - 2 PM (Limited Time)

32 Spring 2015

CONTINUED ON 33

315 W. McLane – Osceola, IA 50213 641-342-2478 – 1-800-456-6341

CONTINUED FROM 32

The PLC option would seem to be better suited for farmers in the southern states, where crops like cotton and rice are king.

Because PLC offers a deeper net, it might also be a better choice for new farmers who are just getting established.

It’s important to note that neither program is intended to replace crop insurance.

Gary Schnitkey, an agriculture economist at the University of Illinois, breaks down the decision process into three parts: Which has the highest expected payments; how concerned you are about low prices; and what is the availability of the supplemental coverage?

“ARC County probably has the highest expected payments for corn,” Schnitkey said. “This is best if you believe prices will be above $3.30 over 5 years, but you’d better be in PLC if you’re concerned corn will come in below $3.30.”

Current corn prices have been in the $4 range.

Schnitkey said the availability of SCO isn’t likely to be a big factor because it adds only about 1 percent to the mix.

In Iowa, Dave Miller is a go-to guy on the safety net options. He is the director of research for commodity services at Iowa Farm Bureau. Because of the complexity of the programs, even an expert like Miller has changed his mind on

some of the finer points.

“A few months ago, I said ARC County is probably best for most people in Iowa, but now I believe PLC competes pretty well in southern Iowa,” Miller said.

Miller believes efforts to educate farmers are starting to cut through the initial confusion. The hesitancy has backed up the process, adding to deadline stress at the FSA offices.

“We had very good attendance at our state meetings,” Miller said, “and many people had gone to several meetings before they said they were finally getting it because it’s complex and difficult.”

Miller still believes ARC County is best for soybeans in Illinois and Iowa, based on his calculations showing there is only about a 5 percent to 10 percent chance of getting PLC payments for soybeans in any of the 5 years.

For corn, the decision is not so simple.

Farmers are urged to remember that the safety net options will cover 5 crop years – a period from 2014 through 2018.

ARC County is likely to provide a bigger payout in the first 2 years, but not much protection on the back end of the contract.

With PLC, if corn hangs around $4.25, farmers might get only one payment, but it would provide much deeper protection if prices were to drop off the table into the $3 range. PLC also seems

to be a better choice in areas where yields are steadier.

Miller said much of the decision should be about assessing debt load and risk tolerance.

“If $3 corn could put you out of business, you should look at PLC,” he advised, “but others should get the max now with less protection in the back end. It’s kind of like sitting down at a poker game, and with ARC, you’re assured of winning your first two hands.”

Some global issues at play are cause for concern when betting on corn prices. Weather is always the biggest wild card, and farmers have been blessed with a longer up cycle with prices than usual in such a cyclical business.

Another record production year in 2014, nationally and in Illinois, could stoke worries about oversupply.

“It’s not a big concern at the moment – we went from $3 corn in August to near $4 now – but if we have another good year in 2015, it could get back to $3 in a hurry,” Schnitkey said.

Ethanol is another piece of the supply puzzle. Plunging oil prices and a trend toward reduced gas consumption present a potentially dangerous mix for the ethanol industry.

“Oil’s effect on the markets will definitely be something to watch moving forward,” Miller said. “It could put a great deal of pressure on the ethanol industry.”

American State Bank

Brock’s industry-leading grain systems are designed to perform together to match your needs and to provide a better return on your investment.

You can trust Brock for:

Extensively Tested.

Proven Performance.

• • • •

Tower Dryers Infinity Low Profile Legacy Expandable Dryers NEW! Trilogy Vacuum Cool Low Profile

• High-quality grain storage capacities up to 730,000 bushels for the largest commercial grain bin models.

• Reliable grain handling systems - engineered for farm or commercial use.

• Innovative, energy-efficient grain conditioning and drying systems.

Now is the best time to plan for and purchase new equipment.

Contact us today to order an industry-leading system from Brock - the leader you can trust.

Troy & Tracy Chapman 211 W. Jefferson • Afton, Iowa 50830 Bus.: 641-347-5332 • Mobile: 641-344-6825

ASB employee Matt Ritchie and Ryan Kirk

“I feel American State Bank has customized a program for my farming operation. I have known Matt for 25 years, which is a bonus for me. He is always available even after banking hours.”

AG Mag

33

LIVING ON THE

LINE

Mike Mendenhall/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

There are 67 turbines on the Laurel Wind Farm near Laurel, south of the border of Jasper and Marshall counties. Iowa is second only to Texas in production of wind-generated power. According to the Iowa Utilities Board, Iowa generated about 27 percent of its power from wind in 2013. The development of wind power projects like the Laurel Wind Farm and Rock Island Clean Line have farmers in their paths concerned about the viability of their farmland after construction.

Proudly Providing Insurance Solutions in: IOWA - MISSOURI - NEBRASKA

208 N. Maple - PO Box 306 Creston, IA 50801

Ph. 641-782-8516 / 888-828-8516 www.carteragcy.com

34 Spring 2015

Construction date of RICL Iowa segment still unclear; developers filing for franchise agreements

BY MIKE MENDENHALL For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Before construction begins on the 500-mile, 3,500-megawatt direct current transmission system of Rock Island Clean Line, project developers would like to win over land owners like Greg Gillespie.

The O’Brien County resident filed a letter of objection to the project in March 2013, concerned about the viability of his farmland after construction.

“They’re going buy the area at current land value, but we feel that that value is pretty low,” Gillespie said.

Texas-based Clean Line Energy Partners – the company spearheading the project – has asked to utilize 75 feet of property on Gillespie’s land.

The company wants to negotiate easements with landowners in the 16 northern Iowa counties affected, but there is some resistance. Gillespie has joined the group Preservation of

Rural Iowa, a nonprofit organization formed to assist landowners who oppose the 375-mile Iowa stretch of the transmission line.

Illinois has already approved 125 miles of transmission lines for the project, but withheld eminent domain authority.

The line would carry wind-generated power from western Iowa to a substation in Grundy County, Illinois, for use in Chicago and eastward.

Before construction on the wind energy transmission project can move forward, it will have to get approval from the Iowa Utilities Board – a three-member, nonpartisan panel appointed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

The IUB is currently considering approval of a hazardous liquid pipeline proposed by Dakota Access Pipeline LLC, which is slated to bring North Dakota crude oil through Iowa to Patoka, Illinois.

CONTINUED ON 36

Mike Mendenhall/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Larry Wehrman, of Laurel, stands under a 263-foot-tall, 2.3-megawatt windmill on his acreage in Central Iowa. Developers are seeking approval from the Iowa Utilities Board for the Rock Island Clean Line project, which would transmit wind-generated energy produced on wind farms like the Laurel Wind Farm.

Firm Up Your Pr Profits.

Seed Firmers

Dual Tube

Low Profile

Firmer contact leads to uniform emergence leads to 1000 more ears per acre.

• Ensures Uniform seed germination • Ensure uniform emergence • Proven average of six bushel increase in corn yield • Sets seeds to the bottom of the seed trench • Hit the depth set on your planter • Ensures uniform seed-to-soil contact

We salute our area farmers and agriculture industry for their contributions to our local, national and international communities.

Their efforts plant the seeds for prosperity, nourishing our bodies as well as our economy.

P.O. Box 471, 208 West Taylor Creston, IA 50801 (641) 782-2003 www.unioncountyiowa.com

S.I. Distributing Inc. 800.368.7773 www.sidist.com

Successful Innovations for Agriculture Since 1979 AG Mag

35

CONTINUED FROM 35

Rob Hillesland, information specialist for IUB, said this is the first time in recent memory that IUB has considered two such significant statewide projects simultaneously.

RICL completed the countywide informational meetings required by Iowa Code in 2013 and filed its permit to build in November of last year. Currently, project developers are petitioning for franchise agreements and hope to begin construction in 2016, taking five to seven years. Before the project can reach approval, the IUB will hold a hearing in the county seat closest to the center of the transmission line. A date for the hearing and venue have not yet been decided by IUB. According to figures from Hillesland, 1,704 letters of support for the RICL – and 1,105 letters of objection – have been filed with the regulatory agency. Most of the debate surrounding the project is with eminent domain. The current project route takes the RICL through 2,000 parcels of land. Gillespie is concerned that construction crews will compress topsoil, making his land untillable and unplantable for years – although RICL would be responsible for a land reclamation process as part of the easement.

Iowa is second only to Texas in production of wind generated power.

36AG_Mag_Hlfpg_Horz_Gabe_Adair.indd Spring 2015

1

This map, provided by Rock Island Clean Line, shows the entire RICL project, which begins in northwest Iowa and ends in Grundy County, Illinois. The Illinois route has been approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, while the Iowa portion of the route is still under consideration by the Iowa Utilities Board.

According to the IUB, Iowa generated about 27 percent of its power from wind in 2013.

Larry Wehrman owns a 160-acre row crop operation in the center of the Laurel Wind Farm, a 121-megawatt project producing for Mid-American Energy in Marshall County. As with the RICL project, Wehrman and other property owners within the 11,000-acre wind farm received easement offers from developers, but most felt the project was positive and did not have to fight an eminent domain claim. After developers approached the land owners,

area land owners jointly hired a lawyer to represent all their interests at once.

After construction, Wehrman said he was pleased with the reclamation process and noted that any damage to his land was promptly repaired by Mid American. As far as the noise and skyscape, Wehrman said he couldn’t be happier.

“It’s like living next to train tracks after a while,” he said. “The only thing noticeable is you go outside at night and, if the weather is right, you can hear them. Just a little swish noise. But, heck, they don’t bother us a bit.”

1/13/15 11:50 AM

Ponds • Terraces • Conservation Work Demolition • Rock Hauling • Etc.

WENZIG

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY —Rich & Ann Wenzig—

641-782-4266 CELL 641-344-3213

Bailey Poolman/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Joe Herr, a sophomore at Nodaway Valley High School in Greenfield, Iowa, fixes a barrier between his show pigs in January on the family farm in Fontanelle.

Continuing the tradition Teen works family farm, plans to continue work

BY BAILEY POOLMAN For Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

The outdoor is where Joe Herr feels most at home. “I like coming outside every day, and the challenges every day,� Herr, a sophomore at Nodaway Valley High School, said. “There’s always something happening. I enjoy watching nature

[and] being free to do whatever you want to do.�

Herr, active in baseball, football, FFA and 4-H, works throughout the year on his family’s Fontanelle farm, which consists of row crop and cow and calf operations.

He also shows cows and pigs.

CONTINUED ON 38

Main Bank

139 South Main Street Osceola, IA 50213 641-342-6581

Jeffreys Drive 1320 Jeffreys Drive Osceola, IA 50213 641-342-4250

Murray

415 Maple Street Murray, IA 50174 641-447-2536

www.clarkebank.com

Variety of Agricultural Related Services Fertilizers | Crop Protection Products Custom Application | Seed

TAYGOLD COOPERATIVE 701 E. Van Buren Street • Lenox, IA • 641-333-2202 208 Broadway • Clearfield, IA • 641-336-2311

“Always accurate, quality prescriptions ...we’ll always make time for you!�

405 S. Sumner

Osceola: 610 W McLane t Find more great locations at (SFBU8FTUFSO#BOL DPN

— Creston —

641-782-6558 800-842-5289 Jeff Longstaff, R Ph • Wayne “Skipâ€? Carlson, R Ph • Taryn Thompson, Pharm D Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm • Sat 8:30am-1pm

Š2013, Great Western Bank

— we have mail-out service — AG Mag

37

Shows

CONTINUED FROM 37

I started driving a tractor when I was 7 years old,” Herr said. “I remember I was raking hay, and my dad, he went around the outside once and told me, ‘Good luck.’ Ever since then, that’s where it started.”

Operation Herr wakes up every morning to do hand chores. He also opens gates and breaks ice in water troughs for the animals. After school and during vacations, Herr helps his father to build continuous fencing and maintain and update farmJoe ing equipment.

Herr “If I’m messing around outside, Dad’ll find something for me to do,” Herr said. “I check a lot of cows in the summer. I do a lot with my show stock in the summer.”

He also does field cultivation in the spring, planting soybeans, corn and alfalfa.

“There’s a lot of older farmers around here, around my home place here,” Herr said. “A lot of them ... have kids but they’re not agriculturally involved.

Someday, I can see myself farming a lot of land around here.”

Herr shows cows and pigs at the county fair and state fair.

“The state fair is probably the funnest thing by far,” Herr said. “There’s nothing like the Iowa State Fair. I’ve been to a lot of other state fairs, and they’re not as active.”

Herr also shows animals at four different national shows at different times of the year.

Herr, who has been showing animals since he was a toddler, also attends open shows throughout the winter as practice.

“I just kind of learned from scratch,” he said. “I always looked up to people.

I’d watch what they were doing, and I’d suck it all in. Now, there’s people watching me, and that’s kind of cool. I enjoy that.”

Background The son of Lori and Clel Herr, Herr has two siblings.

He wants to continue with the agricultural background his father instilled in him, and has tentative plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames and major in agricultural business.

Herr plans to go back to the Fontanelle area after college to continue his love of farming and being outdoors.

Bailey Poolman/Southwest Iowa Ag Mag

Joe Herr gets grain to feed cows on his dad’s farm in Fontanelle, Iowa, in January. Herr helps his father, Clel Herr, throughout the year with the row crop and cow and calf operations.

Advertiser Index ADAIR COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE ...........31 FARMERS NATIONAL .....................................22 PREFERRED PROPERTIES OF IOWA...............26 AGRI VISION ..................................................15 FIRST NATIONAL BANK .................................27 ROTARY AIRLOCK ..........................................23 AMERICAN STATE BANK................................33 FOX WELDING ................................................40 RUETERS .........................................................4 B & K COMM AGRI LTD ..................................33 GILBERT PLUMBING & HEATING .....................5 S. I. DISTRIBUTING/KELNER ..........................35 BIG BOYZ TOYZ ..............................................24 GIZA CONTRACTING ........................................2 SOUTHWESTERN COMM COLLEGE ................31 BTC BANK ......................................................25 GLENDENNING MOTOR CO ..............................7 STALKER CHEVROLET CADILLAC INC .............3 CARTER AGENCY ...........................................34 GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ..............................12 STATE FARM INS/JOHNSTON ........................17 CLARKE COUNTY STATE BANK ......................37 GREAT WESTERN BANK.................................37 SUR GRO PLANT FOOD CO.............................30 CRESTON AUTOMOTIVE .................................13 HIGHWAY LUMBER ........................................24 TAYGOLD COOPERATIVE ................................37 CRESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ............14 HUNSICKER & ASSOCIATES...........................32 THOMAS QUALITY FARMS.............................17 CRESTON FARM & HOME SUPPLY .................19 IOWA STATE SAVINGS BANK .........................29 TYLER INSURANCE SERVICES, INC ...............29 CRESTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION INC ..............26 JP AUTO SUPPLY ...........................................32 UNION CO DEVELOPMENT ASSN ...................35 CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES ........................8 LAMONI LIVESTOCK AUCTION INC ................29 VETTER EQUIPMENT CO ................................39 F & M BODY SHOP .........................................28 MATTRESS WHOLESALE CENTER....................9 WENZIG CONSTRUCTION CO .........................37 FARMERS BANK OF NORTHERN MISSOURI...34 MEDICAP PHARMACY ...................................37 WHITETAIL PROPERTIES ...............................36 FARMERS COOPERATIVE CO .........................16 O’HAIR AUTOMOTIVE .....................................28 WILBUR ELLIS .................................................6 38 Spring 2015

See Your Local Vetter Equipment Location for More Information 1020 S 12th St

2503 Hwy 2 E

9983 Hwy 92

1703 W South St

712-542-5147

641-872-2000

515-961-2541

641-464-3268

Clarinda, IA

Corydon, IA

Indianola, IA

Mount Ayr, IA

www.vetterquip.com AG Mag

39

DURABILITY DURABILITY REDEFINED. REDEFINED.

www.foxwelding-vermeer.com Introducing Vermeer N-series balers – the newest models in the flagship line from the company that started it all. Heavy-duty components provide superior strength and durability. Smart features like the available automatic pickup clutch and auto lube system further extend machine life. Plus, they’re backed by the best distribution network in the industry. Vermeer 604N/605N balers are here to stay.

Introducing Vermeer N-series balers – the newest models in the flagship line from the company that started it all. Heavy-duty components provide superior strength and durability. Smart features like the available automatic pickup clutch and auto lube system further extend machine life. Plus, they’re backed by the best Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2014 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

distribution network in the industry. Vermeer 604N/605N balers are here to stay.

Balers • Mowers • Rakes • Bale Processors

Fox Welding

641-743-8402

Vermeer Sales & Service

641-743-2211

Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Equipped to Do More are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2014 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

204 W. Iowa • Greenfield, IA 50849