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March 27, 2020

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‘Time for action, not panic’ State officials urge support for ag industry

By Ashley Langreck

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s government officials and state leaders have been working tirelessly to protect Hoosiers against COVID-19, while helping to slow

the spread of the dangerous virus.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch s a id r i g ht now Indiana’s attention is focused on dealing with C O V I D - 1 9 Crouch and listening to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to keep Hoos-

iers healthy and safe.

Crouch said Gov. Eric Holcomb has been working quickly to make decisive decisions, while taking measures to have a plan in place to protect Indiana citizens against COVID-19.

“Now is the time for action.

Some think steps may be drastic, but it’s the time for action and not to panic,” Crouch said, adding that the governor’s office will continue to take steps to keep Hoosiers healthy and have an impact on the economy.

Indiana FFA finding ways to serve members

See ACTION, Page A4

Advice from FFA state officer team

By Ashley Langreck

By Ashley Langreck

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

See FFA, Page A4

sibility of reducing some regulations, such as the regulation on the amount of hours a truck driver is allowed to drive.

Bruce Kettler, director for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, said he will have meetings with members of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health and other stakeholders in the industry to get their input on what barriers can be lifted while still meeting compliance regulations.

Adjusting to new normal

One day at a time INDIANAPOLIS — Uncertain times are facing the state, as individuals are encouraged to practice social distancing and stay home as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

One group that is trying to make the most of a tough situation is the Indiana FFA A s sociat ion, which is busy com i ng up with contingency plans to make sure Hoosier FFA members can Hays still take part in contests and conventions, even if it’s not in the traditional way.

“Obviously, we are taking things day by day and learning about the different recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state officials and others,” said Rob Hays, director of the Indiana FFA Association.

Hays said the ultimate goal of the Indiana FFA always will be to put forward the best possible program for student members.

“We will continue to do that instead of just blanket canceling, even if it’s not in the traditional way,” Hays said.

Hays said that due to school closings and restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in one place, many district leadership contests had to be postponed until restrictions are lifted.

“We don’t know when that will happen, but we have some online applications that are still operating like normal, including state FFA officer application forms,” Hays said.

Crouch said Indiana is a huge agricultural state and having healthy options for Hoosiers to eat is a top priority.

She s a id one way to Kettler help ma ke sure farmers are better able to meet the needs of Hoosier consumers is the pos-

A youth clips a sheep for juding at a county fair.

FAIR HOPE Youth advised to keep up with their 4-H projects

By Ashley Langreck

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — With all of Indiana schools beings closed until at least May 1 due to the need for social distancing and limiting more than 10 people in a room at a time to help slow the spread of COVID19, Indiana 4-H is encouraging members to not only stay on top of their schoolwork, but also their 4-H projects, as well.

Tony Carrell, who is currently serving as the Purdue University interim assistant director and program leader for Indiana 4-H youth development, said they want youth to first and foremost focus on their schoolwork and getting it done on time.

“Schoolwork is first and foremost, but it is also a great time to work on 4-H projects,” Carrell said.

Even though a lot of 4-H activities are on pause or canceled for the time being, Carrell

said that county staff in Purdue Extension offices all over the state are working to come up with activities to keep students educated and involved in 4-H and also to help prevent them from going stir crazy.

“All face-to-face events have been suspended until May 18, and they will resume at this point,” Carrell said.

Carrell said if the situation changes before May 18 and restrictions are lifted, then the state 4-H will act accordingly, but if restrictions become stricter, they will act accordingly, as well.

Carrell said that Indiana 4-H will continue to act with the best benefits and safety of 4-H families, the country and each other by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“Scheduled events during the suspension period at the state level will be rescheduled,” Carrell said.

As of now, Carrell said that 4-H county fairs and 4-H camps, including 4-H roundup and state junior leader conference that takes place in June, are still being planned.

TRAFALGAR, Ind. — As much as every national, state and city leader would like, there is no magic eight ball holding all the answers on how long school shutdowns, social distancing, restaurant restrictions and large events must be modified or canceled due to trying to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Indiana FFA members are currently trying to learn how to adjust to a new normal, not only in doing their schoolwork from home, as all Indiana

schools will be closed until at least May 1, but also staying involved with FFA and their career and leadership development events, despite not being able to attend face-to-face practices or competitions.

Members of the 2019-2020 Indiana FFA state officer team, who also are adjusting to change as they are currently living at home instead of at the FFA officer house located at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, recently shared some advice for Hoosier FFA members to keep in mind during these trying times.

“I encourage members to find the silver lining in the situation, which can be hard to do. If members have access to their Supervised Agricultural Experience, they can work on them. If they raise rabbits, then they can spend the time disinfecting all the cages. If their SAE involves row crops, they can think how they can better their operation in the coming season. Members need to look at every situation with a positive light.”

Dillon Muhlenkamp PRESIDENT

“It’s an unfortunate situation and there are about 273 school districts in Indiana doing e-learning. It is definitely important to get your schoolwork done and get out of the house by going for a walk down the street or working with livestock to help avoid getting the cabin fever feeling.”

Nathan Fairchild SOUTHERN REGION VICE PRESIDENT

“Don’t let all the negative stuff going on get you down. When I’m feeling down, I remember why I joined FFA, which helps me push through.”

Taylor Roy REPORTER

See NORMAL, Page A4

See FAIR, Page A4

How we’re serving communities in time of crisis

By John Rung

To our valued readers: The spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has quickly developed into one of the most significant events in our nation’s history. People from all walks of life are struggling to adapt to the situation.

You have likely been inundated with updates from various CEOs and organizational leaders. With apologies for the lack of originality, I would like

AUCTIONS SEE SECTION B Vol. 42 No. 26

CONTACT AGRINEWS: 800-426-9438

to share what Shaw Media is doing to help cope with the crisis.

A few weeks ago, when it was becoming apparent that we were dealing with a burgeoning crisis, Shaw’s leadership team began working on a contingency plan.

The plan was developed with four goals in mind: 1) Protect the well-being of our employees 2) Do our part to limit the spread of the virus

3) Ensure the continuity of our business 4) Provide reliable information about the virus to our readers We shared CDC guideRung lines with our employees and informed them that they would be paid for time off

caused by the virus, even if they had run out of paid sick leave.

We put together a work-fromhome strategy, and required all employees who could work from home to do just that.

We have temporarily closed our offices to the public, with a reduced number of staff continuing to work in some of our locations. As you may have heard or read, newspapers have been designated as essential businesses by most local governments, meaning employees

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INSIDE

Cow tops 78,000 pounds of milk A2

Heroes of the food supply chain A5

will be allowed to travel to and from work even in a shelter-inplace situation.

In addition to heroes in health care, law enforcement and other services, our journalists and newspaper delivery crews also are unsung heroes during these times. They are working diligently to make sure the news is delivered to you in print and digital formats.

Downey new chief of Purdue center B16

See SERVING, Page A4

Antiques B13

From The Pastures B10

Auction Calendar B1

Kitchen Diva B11

Business B14

Lifestyle B11

Classifieds B4

Livestock B8

Farms For Sale B3

Opinion A5

A2 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A FARMER

Helping facilitate state’s livestock expansion Follow the Haag family throughout the entire year.

Each month, look for updates about the family members and the decisions they make on their farm.

By Tom C. Doran

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

EMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Livestock Development Group is the go-to organization for anyone needing assistance in siting an animal facility.

One of the many hats Mike Haag wears is as ILDG chair.

He has served on the board for five years representing the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

The Haag family, featured throughout the year in AgriNews’ “Year in the Life of a Farmer” series, operates a 17,000-head, wean-to-finish hog operation and grows corn and soybeans.

Haag talked about livestock advocacy and the ILDG in a recent interview.

How did you get involved with the group?

“The Illinois Livestock Development Group is made up of one representative each from the Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Milk Producers Association.

“Most often those representatives are on one of those boards. I was on the Illinois Pork Producers board, and they asked me to step up and be on that board.”

What is the role of ILDG? “The idea behind it is to promote Illinois as a great option for livestock as opposed to other states and trying to facilitate people to choose Illinois. ILDG helps people through the process of establishing a site and going through the Livestock Management Facilities Act, following the rules, working their way through the paperwork and

“Nic Anderson (Illinois Livestock Development Group lead) has just been real key to our organization over the years of being able to tell our story.

Nic knows the LMFA inside and out.

“He knows how to help people talk to their county boards, talk to their neighbors, work with road commissions and others and find options to be able to put these types of operations in an area.

“A lot of times it’s just talking to grain farmers and helping them understand why having livestock is good in their area, why it’s good to improve their basis and find new ways of using corn in an area.

What some of the organization’s “There are a lot of family strengths? farms where livestock has pro“We’ve done a good job helpvided a great opportunity to ing communities understand bring back another family memlivestock maybe a little better. ber to the farm and provides an When we have public hearings opportunity to bring that extra we’re hopefully able to help proincome in to maybe allow that.” ducers tell their side of the story and explain to people why live- It takes a strong team to promote stock is good for their area and and expand Illinois’ livestock inwhy it’s good for their economy. dustry. helping them understand how to go about that process.

“It’s also about telling of the strength of Illinois livestock and Haag what it does for the state’s economy. The organization promotes livestock, not necessarily hogs, cattle or chickens. We have the corn, we have the soybeans, we would like to be raising livestock near those here in Illinois.”

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“Tasha Bunting (Illinois Farm Bureau associate director of commodities and livestock programs) is the Farm Bureau point person. We also try to work with a lot of the county Farm Bureaus, too, in the areas where these are being built. Mark Gebhards (IFB executive director) has also been a part of that, too, but Nic is the main person.

“Tim Maiers (IPPA’s public relations director) also does a lot of work. The last couple of years we’ve tried to do more and more open houses with new buildings and Tim has kind of overseen that process.

“These open houses enable people to see inside these white buildings they see when their going down the road and show they’re really a great place for these animals to be raised and we really provide the optimum environment for them to grow and thrive.”

Tom C. Doran can be reached at 815-780-7894 or tdoran@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow him on Twitter at: @AgNews_Doran.

Record-setting cow tops 78,000 pounds of milk

By Martha Blum

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

HUMBIRD, Wis. — A perfect ration doesn’t guarantee high milk production in a dairy herd.

“There is no secret to high milk production,” said Pam Selz-Pralle, who owns Selz-Pralle Dairy with her husband, Scott.

“It’s what the cow tells you.”

The Wisconsin dairymen are the owners of Selz-P ralle A f tershock 3918 that holds the first and second place milk record for mature cow on the Holstein USDA National Leader List. For her world record lactation, Aftershock 3918 produced 78,170 pounds of milk, 4% fat and 3.1% protein.

“A f t e r sho ck c ome s from a pedigree that we would not call very sexy,” said Scott during a webinar hosted by Hoard’s Dairyman. “But a pedigree with six generations back that is filled with a lot of production.”

While setting a world record, 3918 was in a group of 85 to 90 cows.

“She always tried to stay close to everything she needed to do. She picked out two or three stalls that she laid in every day,” Scott said. “And she stayed in proximity of the feedbunk between 30 to 50 feet, so she could put all her energy in doing what she does best, which is making milk.”

This special cow also had little quirks when she went to the milking parlor.

“In the holding area, she never went in early, she waited for the third turn in the parlor, and she would go on the same side of the parlor for every milking,” Scott said. “She always went in the same stall, as well, so she was very detailed about what she did.”

Although Aftershock is not a very tall cow, Scott 2014 Case IH 470 Rowtrac 2049 Hours, 563 HP, 24” Tracks, 3 PT, PTO, 120” Spacing, 5 Remotes, Hi-Flow, PWR Beyond, Monitor, Leather, Serviced, Clean IL Planter Tractor Lease From $28,500/YR 2011 Kuhn Krause 1200-1630 Gladiator 6-Ton High Output Montag Dry Fertilizer, Dual Raven NH3 Coolers, Spring Reset Units, Rear Hitch, Rear Camera, Microtrak Controller For Dry Fertilizer, 1-Owner Unit, Less Than 8000 Acres $64,900 3-5 Year Lease Options 2009 SUKUP T2431 24’ Dryer 2400 BU./HR., Continuous Flow, 3 Phase, Propane, 4095 Hours, Double Fan 1/3-2/3 Split, Touch Screen, Wireless Modem, 5” Air System Included Can Separate Them If Not Needed. $57,500 3-5 Year Lease Options

Scott Pralle and Pam Selz-Pralle. said, she is very sturdy.

“She has a massive front end with a wide rump,” he said. “She also has a great set of feet and legs that helps her do what she needs to do in a timely fashion.”

A ftershock has only been in the sick pen for 10 days with one case of mastitis.

“This cow has milked 2,069 days in her lifetime, and she has averaged 153 pounds of milk per day,” Scott said.

“One of the things I find amazing about her is her combined fat and protein was 18 to 19.6 pounds per day,” Pam said. “That’s what we’re excited about, especially here in Wisconsin, where we make a lot of cheese.”

For their herd of 500 Holsteins, the dairymen balance the ration for 105 pounds of milk per day.

“Our ration is balanced for 60 pounds of dry matter intake, and we estimate 3918 ate up to 118 pounds of dry matter per day, so no wonder she didn’t walk around very much,” Pam said.

KEEP IT SIMPLE The dairymen keep the cow ration pretty simple.

“We are big believers in BMR corn silage, and we like to feed canola because we’ve seen a real boost in components,” Pam said.

“One thing that is a little bit different is we feed BergaFat because we’ve seen a little higher fat test and the cows sustain the test a little longer.”

Typically, the ration is 65% BMR corn silage and 35% haylage for forage.

“We put cameras up and saw that we needed to keep pushing in feed,” Pam said.

“We push feed to the cows about every two hours.”

Minimizing stress for the cows is important for the Wisconsin dairymen.

“We have sprinklers, and we added 32 fans to drive more air,” Pam said.

“And we pay attention to the sand in the stalls.”

For breeding, Scott said, the focus is to have cows that fit the environment they’re living in and for them to be mobile and agile.

“They need to be more like athletes, and we like them with strong front ends,” he said. “We like udders that work and

wear, and we like cows with udders that are high above the hock to keep the manure away.”

Aftershock is now in retirement at the Wisconsin farm.

“We have done some flushing with her, and she’s been averaging 18 embryos every time,” Scott said. “We have a couple of calves on the ground now, we have 20 pregnancies coming this year and we have a bunch of embryos in the tank.”

The dairymen examine return on investment before making any decisions on new technology.

“We’re persnickety, and we believe in preventing because we don’t like to treat cows,” Pam said.

Before making a decision on a new calf barn, the dairymen took a little fantasy tour to check out other dairy facilities.

“We went to auto feeder barns, and we were excited until we got the price tag,” Pam said. “ We def i nitely got sticker shock, so we made our own hybrid barn,” Scott said.

“We have a positive pressure barn with fans above pushing air down on the calves,” Pam said.

“We have solid panels on the sides because we want to control all the air in the entire barn, so in the summertime the calves get a complete exchange of the air every six minutes.”

The calves are housed in groups and fed with a mob feeder.

“After we feed the calves we wash out the mob feeder and floss every nipple to make sure we have a healthy environment for our calves,” Pam said.

“We have had less than a half percent of treatment rate, less than half a percent of death loss and the past year we have not lost a calf from calf scours or pneumonia,” she said. “We are really thrilled with the success that we’ve seen in this barn.”

For more information about the Selz-P ralle Dairy, go to www.selzpralledairy.com.

Martha Blum can be reached at 815-223-2558, ext. 117, or marthablum@ agrinews-pubs.com.

Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Blum.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

A3

COVID-19: PURDUE UNIVERSITY GUIDES FOR CONSUMERS, PRODUCERS

Consumers connect with local farmers WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Spring is a time when we prepare gardens for new seedlings, clear pots for new flowers, visit farmers markets, and enjoy fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, grains and much more.

COVID-19’s arrival in Indiana has created an unprecedented disruption to these seasonal plans. Although the regular farmers market season is still several weeks away, there’s a significant chance they will be postponed or potentially canceled — an economic catastrophe for the farmers you have long supported.

When you connect with farmers and buy their goods, you help protect those who rely on sales for their livelihoods and who have already invested in supplies, seed and seasonal operating costs.

Just as there are ways for local farmers to reach consumers, there are also outlets for you to engage with farmers, establish direct contact, and make your purchases.

This guide helps you navigate these uncertain times by offering: n Ideas on how to initiate and maintain contact with local farmers. n Questions to ask local farmers about how you can buy their products. n Resources to prepare for any changes that might occur in your local market.

COMMUNICATION Thanks to social media and other digital methods of communication, you can reach out directly to your local farmer and offer positive reinforcement along with your business.

Many Indiana farms maintain a regular presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — sharing news about their operation and information about product availability.

However, now is the time to begin a direct dialogue with local farmers. Don’t wait until they are inundated with requests.

Consider reaching out to them in the following ways: n Search social media for farms from whom you’ve purchased

way that prevents customers from touching others’ products? n Are they staggering pickup times to reduce crowds? n If they have a pickup site, will they have hand-washing or hand-sanitizing stations available?

Please be patient and flexible with local farmers as they adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Developments concerning COVID-19 are fluid, and plans may need to change on a moment’s notice.

KNOW WHAT’S HEALTHY AND IN SEASON Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers are mainstays of local farmers’ markets. But what is most readily available right now — or in summer or fall seasons?

Visit P urdue Extension’s FoodLink — https://extension. purdue.edu/foodlink — for a guide to seasonal produce availability.

Purdue University provides many avenues for farmers and consumers to connect. before and follow them. n Search online to see if those farms have a website with contact information. n Call, text, email or message farmers and ask them the following questions: Are their products available through local grocery stores? Do they sell to any local restaurants from which you could order takeout or delivery? If you want to buy direct, what products will they have available and when? If the local farmers markets don’t open, how would they deliver their products?

Some farmers may pivot to a Community Supported Agriculture model — in which they assemble a packaged box of goods that you can pick up or potentially have delivered to your home. Ask farmers if they’re considering a CSA model

and learn more about their CSA plan.

To find farmers in your area, use the following resources: n Visit the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Indiana Grown website — www. indianagrown.org — at for a county-by-county list of Indiana producers, as well as their farmers market resource page. n Consult online regional markets such as Market Wagon, Hoosier Harvest Market in central Indiana or Green Bean Delivery. n Contact your county’s Purdue Extension office and ask them about local farms in your area.

ALTERNATIVE MARKETPLACES If farmers’ markets are canceled, local producers will do their best to set up alternative marketplaces where they can sell directly to you. When you

SCOTT WARMAN PHOTO

reach out to local farmers, ask them how they intend to deliver their goods to you if traditional outlets are not an option.

In that scenario, local farmers may: n Create opportunities for you to order online, by phone or via text. n Establish a pop-up stand for you to pick up products on their farm or elsewhere. n Designate coordinated dropoff points where you can purchase their products. n Deliver products directly to your residence.

Purdue Extension has advised local farmers to take precautions that protect their products from weather damage and that minimize the potential to spread COVID-19.

Purdue Extension advises that you ask local farmers: n Are they packing boxes in a

FOOD SAFETY Local farmers take pride in delivering food that is fresh, locally sourced and safe to consume. Nevertheless, please take precautions that assist them and minimize the potential spread of COVID-19. n If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, do not go to a market or farm. n Wash your hands according to CDC guidelines before picking up or taking delivery of any order. n Do not ask local farmers to let you handle products beyond those you are purchasing. n Wash your hands and any produce you buy once you return home to reduce contamination.

Once you’re ready to use what you’ve purchased, be sure to follow expert guidelines for safe food handling as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

To correctly store your fresh fruits and vegetables, consult Purdue Extension’s free storage-and-cleaning guide — https:// extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ ACE/ACE-2-W.pdf.

Be proactive in alternative ways to reach consumers WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — COVID-19’s arrival in Indiana has created unprecedented disruption to local production cycles that bring food, fiber, flowers and more to our restaurants, farmers markets and communities.

Now is the time to determine the best methods to find and connect with your customers during a time of confusion and challenge. You can play an important role in improving this connectivity along the supply chain and ensuring continued access to fresh produce and products in our local economies, and it is imperative to establish and implement plans before any additional drastic measure occurs that could affect your bottom line.

As the indefinite cancellation of the Indy Winter Farmers Market illustrates, the potential postponement or cancellation of farmers markets across Indiana could have a major impact on your business.

Although the regular farmers market season is still six to seven weeks away, there exists significant potential that these markets will be postponed or potentially canceled.

Additionally, many of your businesses may derive income from sales to Indiana restaurants — which recently shifted to takeout or delivery orders only under a government mandate.

Further restrictions, cancellations and closings related to COVID-19 also could have a major impact on demand for your products. This means you must become proactive in connecting with your customers.

People will still want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, animal proteins such as meat, eggs and dairy and value-added food products, and they will still want to purchase flowers and vegetable seedlings.

This guide can help you navigate these uncertain times by offering ideas on: n Changing your business model. n Meeting the needs of the market. n Reaching your customer base without increasing potential exposure to COVID-19. n Continuing to generate income during this difficult period.

ONLINE/PHONE SALES As more people choose to stay at home rather than venture out for goods, you could capitalize through online sales that allow them to purchase your products from their residence. If insufficient broadband limits your capacity for online orders or marketing, you can set up service through telephone or text.

Make sure you have a form for payment set up, and then explore online sales by: n Using Google Sheets or other online-software ordering forms. n Selling through Facebook. n Opening a webpage with your ordering form. n Starting a Community Supported Agriculture enterprise.

As you adapt to potential farmers market closings, a CSA may be your best answer. A box of goods — often called a “share” — that you pack for your customer can reduce the number of people handling products and can eliminate possible cross-contamination.

CSA options include: n Pre-established shares with certain types and quantities of goods. n Customizable shares where the consumer determines selection and size. n Collaborative shares coordinated with other farmers to consolidate into one box of goods.

No matter what option you choose for online sales, you must follow all food safety standards and take appropriate measures to reduce possible product contamination. These include: n Ensure that you and your employees maintain good hygiene. n If you or any of your employees are sick, they should not work around food or food packaging and be sent home. n Encourage your customers to wash fruits and vegetables before use.

You also must establish a delivery system for orders — either through a coordinated drop-off point or pick-up at your farm.

It also is important to keep customers aware of what is coming in their order so they can best utilize its contents.

Providing recipes and produce storage tips is a great way to help customers fully use what

Now is the time to determine the best methods to find and connect with your customers during a time of confusion and challenge.

n Deliver directly to customers’ residences.

Considering a pop-up stand?

Consult your local zoning department. Some communities do not allow stands unless an area is zoned for commercial use or has a variance under consideration. People may also express concern about increased traffic if your stand is in a residential area.

It is also critical to remember they receive and feel good about that any home-based vendor their purchase. must involve a physical venue of Indiana has existing ona farmers market or a roadside line-sales platforms to help stand — and that their products you more easily connect with can only be those described in customers, manage orders and Section 29 of Chapter 5 of the coordinate delivery locations.

Indiana Code.

However, they primarily serve Having customers come to producers in the state’s urban your farm? Your stand or reareas. tail space must protect your Market Wagon is an online products from weather and grocery store and farmers marminimize potential to spread ket that sells hundreds of loCOVID-19. These steps include: cally produced goods — includn Consulting your county ing meats, vegetables, fruits and health department to ensure value-added products — from your area is not a hotspot for hubs of local producers across COVID-19 transmission. the Midwest. n Packing boxes in a way that Its delivery system reaches prevents customers from toucha number of different Indiana ing one another’s products. communities. You can sign up n Staggering pick-up times to as a vendor to sell in this space. reduce crowds.

Hoosier Harvest Market is n Undertaking additional a farmer-owned online farmer cleaning and sanitation protocooperative that features locally cols, such as: regular cleaning grown and produced goods. The of contact surfaces; hand-washmembers deliver primarily to ing or hand-sanitizer stations central Indiana. at your pickup site; and signage Producers in the state’s north- and communication encourern or southern regions may aging customers to wash their want to contact them to gauge hands before handling produce how to start your own cooperat a pickup location. ative with multiple farms or coordinate new areas of operation MANAGING INVENTORY for the HHM cooperative.

You may need to account for A shift to online sales may inventory challenges, including not be easy, and there are no larger amounts or longer perihard or fast rules about what ods of product storage. What works and what does not. options do you have to accomHowever, online sales can help modate those needs? Now is the you stay connected with existtime to review best practices ing customers and perhaps gain and storage conditions. new customers, and continue Selling to distributors or prothe safe, timely and profitable cessors that are able to take on delivery of your farm products. more local produce can allow you to preserve an early-season DELIVERY SYSTEMS harvest when markets may be Delivery may be the trickiest closed. However, you will need part of changing your current to search for such outlets and business model and processes, determine whether you meet but several options exist if you their criteria for quantity and/ sell directly to customers: or quality. n Establish a pop-up stand for If you are a meat or poultry customers to pick up products producer, animal production on your farm or elsewhere. cycles may already be underway n Designate coordinated drop— particularly with beef, lamb off points for your products. and goat production — and must

continue regardless of COVID19’s spread.

With shorter animal-production cycles — such as poultry or broiler production — explore modifying future orders with hatcheries to reduce production.

But you can neither slow or delay animal growth in any meaningful way nor delay scheduled slaughter dates at inspected slaughter facilities. If sales decline despite your best efforts, you may need to explore options for additional freezer storage capacity.

Additional freezer storage options include: n Renting pallet space from food banks in their large freezer facilities. n Renting portable freezer. n Renting large freezers from local appliance-rental businesses.

If multiple farmers in your community face similar challenges, it may benefit you to pool your resources toward cost reduction.

ADJUST CROP SCHEDULING You have options to adjust crop scheduling based on when you plant, how you harvest and, for some crops, how you manage growth.

Now is the time to generate realistic estimates of what you expect to sell in the coming weeks, as well as your options to adjust harvest timing and quantity.

Many short-season spring crops also can be grown in late summer and fall. Properly stored seeds can remain viable for a year or more, depending on the crop. For fruiting-vegetable crops, removing early-set fruit can allow more energy for vegetative growth and later yield.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA If you aren’t already on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you can establish a presence that helps you connect with consumers and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in your local foods system.

Purdue University and Purdue Extension cultivate regular content and engagement through Purdue Extension’s Diversified Farming and Food Systems social media channels.

A4 Friday, March 27, 2020

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ACTION FROM PAGE ONE

Kettler noted the spring season is the time when farms and agriculture operations tend to have more employees present, ranging from farmhands to people working in seed facilities.

“Some of these facilities are suspending workers, but at the same time they need to make sure folks are still in compliance,” Kettler said.

Crouch said that it is also important to reassure consumers that Hoosier-produced food is healthy and safe to eat for not only people in Indiana, but individuals throughout the rest of the country and even the world.

“People need to understand our food system is very safe and reliable,” Kettler said, adding that just because some barriers on truck weight limits and driver hours may be temporarily changed, it does not mean that food safety measures are being removed.

Another important issue facing agriculture right now, Kettler said, is it’s the time of year when farmers are gearing up to head to the fields for planting season.

“From a production and timing standpoint, it’s a critical time. Farmers need to be gearing up by getting fuel, seed and equipment,” Kettler said.

Kettler said that if Hoosier farmers aren’t able to do their job in providing a safe and dependable food supply as COVID19 continues, the situation could get much worse.

“Farmers and businesses do what they need to do,” he said, adding that Hoosiers need to do everything they can to help farmers continue the planting process as normal as possible.

Ashley Langreck can be reached at 800-426-9438, ext. 192, or alangreck@ agrinews-pubs.com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_ Langreck.

FAIR

FROM PAGE ONE

“Families can still look for wa rd to 4 -H c a mp, junior leader conference and continue to sign up and plan as if they will happen,” said Carrell, Carrell adding that as the dates get closer and restrictions are still in place, they will be rescheduled if needed.

Carrell said that county fair season, which in Indiana is largely in June and July, is still going forward as planned.

“We want county fairs to be a time of celebration, when all of this is done,” Carrell said, adding that they want them to not just be a celebration for 4-H members and their families, but also for members of the whole county to enjoy some fun times as a community.

For more information about 4-H events and activities that have been modified due to COVID-19 restrictions or to access at-home learning activities, students can visit https:// e x t e n s i o n . p u r d u e . e d u /4 h / Pages/4HHomeActivities.aspx.

Ashley Langreck

FFA

FROM PAGE ONE

Hays said other events in the meantime will be done virtually, including proficiency grading.

Hays said the proficiency applications will be sent to the judges to grade on their own time, and once graded, they will join on a video call as a team with the other judges and answer any questions one another may have about any applications or the process.

Hays noted this is also the time of year when Star interviews usually take place, but instead of face-to-face, they are being done through video conferencing.

Despite all the unknowns, Hays said FFA as of now is continuing forward with planning the 2020 Indiana FFA State Convention as traditionally as possible.

“It will be as normal as possible at Purdue University,” Hays said, adding that any possible modifications to events are unknown at this time.

However, to make sure FFA members still can experience the state convention one way or another, Hays said the organization also is coming up with a contingency plan for the state convention.

The organization has added a special COVID-19 Update section to its website, www.inffa.org.

Ashley Langreck

Distillery retools to make hand sanitizer

By Martha Blum

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

DEKALB, Ill. — A new product is in production at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The estate distillery, which normally produces bourbon, rye whiskey and vodka, is working to produce hand sanitizer.

“Nick and I were in Nebraska and very excited to be opening a new state market for us when the virus really began to take hold,” said Jamie Walter, who owns the business together with his dad, Jim, and Nick Nagele.

“We started discussing if we would be able to produce hand sanitizer, but there were some challenges including the legality and supplies,” Walter said.

With the continuing spread of the coronavirus, the visitor’s center had already been closed at the farm near DeKalb.

“We shut down the public side of our business prior to the governor’s announcement because we thought it was the right thing to do to promote socia l dist a ncing,” Wa lter said.

“This virus has thrown our industry in a little of a tailspin, so we are trying to manage our business and at the same time be a good corporate citizen, so we started to revisit the idea of producing hand sanitizer,” said the farmer who operates the family farm with his dad, where the

corn is grown for their whiskey.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is providing exemptions to allow distillers to produce hand sanitizers during this emergency.

“That allows small craft distillers like us to retool, so we’re going to do that,” Walter said.

“We’re going to produce hand sanitizer and put it in sprayable 2-ounce bottles.”

In addition to alcohol, the formula requires glycerol and hydrogen peroxide.

“Those two things are in short supply and now our real bottleneck is bottles, so there may be a limit to how much we can make,” Walter said. “We’re going to make a few thousand bottles and donate them to the marketplace.”

Since the primary ingredient in hand sanitizer is ethanol, Walter said, it is not a really big change to switch to making it.

“We’re going to re-distill some of our waste ethanol because for hand sanitizer to be effective it has to have over 60% alcohol,” he said. “To get the proof higher than we typically make for whiskey, it will take more time and energy running through the still.”

The company does not have bottle fillers and equipment to handle the pocket spray atomizers, so they will be filled by hand.

“Our staff, many which are

home, has been itching to help, so when we pitched this idea to them they were all over it,” Walter said. “They are really looking forward to helping out.”

The bottles of hand sanitizer will be donated to the local healthcare providers and first responders.

“This is a challenging time for everybody, and we feel for our employees and our customers,” Walter said. “This is a way we can give back to our community and do something that is helpful.”

In addition to Illinois and now Nebraska, Whiskey Acres products also became available in Wisconsin late in 2019.

“Our products are available in over 600 locations,” Walter said.

“You can go to the location finder on our website and put in your ZIP code to find the nearest location,” he said. “If you’re downstate and don’t know where to find our whiskey, it can be ordered online at www.binnys.com, which is one of our retail partners to have it shipped to your home.”

For more information about Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., go to www.whiskeyacres.com.

Martha Blum can be reached at 815-223-2558, ext. 117, or marthablum@agrinews-pubs. com. Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Blum.

NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION

Focus on operational supply chain

By Martha Blum

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

WASHINGTON — As people continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is focused on food security and the continuation of an uninterrupted food supply chain.

“American consumers are looking for beef to fill their freezers, and we want to make sure we’re there to provide it for them,” said Ethan Lane, vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“In order to achieve that goal, we need to ensure we have regulatory certainty throughout the value chain to continue operations not just from the packing plant to the retail sector, but all the way through the supply chain from the feedlots back to the cow/ calf operations,” Lane said.

Lane “T hat includes all of the transportation inputs and other moving pieces of the equation that allows us to get the product from the gate to the plate.”

NCBA has been working with decision makers throughout the federal government.

“We’re pleased that we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from the administration that they are continuing to ensure that the supply chain stays operational,” Lane said.

“And we are pleased to hear that USDA is taking steps to ensure that inspectors from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service will be able to continue their important work to ensure the supply chain is moving.”

The cattlemen’s group sent a letter to the White House encapsulating the needs of the beef industry during the COVID-19 situation.

“It was sent to Vice President

SERVING FROM PAGE ONE

For the continuity of our business, we have implemented strategies to ensure we can maintain our ability to report on significant events, even though much of the reporting and processing of the news has to be done from remote locations.

Unfortunately, our company, like so many other small to mid-sized local businesses, is bracing for an economic impact. A significant portion of our revenue stems from advertising, and businesses generally don’t advertise when they are

U.S. cattle producers are concerned about the fed cattle market prices.

Pence in his capacity as chairman of the COVID-19 task force,” Lane said. “We have included the concern of our Western producers to operate as they’re getting into turnout season for those working with federal lands, so there won’t be a disruption to manage these resources.”

The letter included information about the financial needs of cattlemen.

“Our request to the administration is they look for additional avenues for flexibility to reduce the burden on producers from existing loans,” Lane said, “as well as access to new forms of capital and low or no interest rates to ensure they have the operating resources necessary to sustain their operations during this disruption.”

U.S. cattle producers are concerned about the fed cattle market prices.

“We’re hearing from producers across the country that the spread between the boxed beef prices and live cattle prices doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground,” Lane said.

“We’re seeing pictures of cleaned off store shelves, so we know this is a commodity in high demand, but the prices we’re seeing of live cattle are not reflective of that.”

Adequate price discovery has been an ongoing issue for U.S. cattlemen.

“We have been engaged with packers over the past few days to talk about the disparity and ask them to make sure they’re bidding aggressively in the cash market,” Lane said.

“It is clear to us that the futures market is not providing price discovery in this current situation, and that is something we’re searching for a good solution to.”

Restricting the number of people who can gather together at 10, 25, or 50 people may have an impact on livestock auction markets.

“We’re hearing from the federal government that there will be exemptions for food security,” Lane said. “That should apply to livestock markets and the markets are taking steps to minimize human contact.”

Although the U.S.-Canada border has been closed to non-essential travel, Lane said, there should not be a disruption to trade.

“We’ve spent some time checking in with our trading partners in other parts of the world and we’re not foreseeing any issues,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor this rapidly unfolding situation,” he said. “Our focus will remain in insuring agriculture and the cattle industry are taken care of and protected in any stimulus package that may move forward.”

closed. This temporary reduction in revenue will place great stress on our company. We will do everything possible to keep our service to you uninterrupted.

Our news teams are doing yeoman’s work providing accurate and valuable information. In times like these, Shaw Media is most valuable to the communities we serve.

Unfortunately, crisis situations can breed misinformation — and misinformation can create confusion and anxiety. We encourage you, your friends, and your family to turn to our digital and print publications for the most timely and accurate local information regarding

COVID-19.

We are providing all online information regarding the virus free to the public. Shaw Media is in a position to offer this service because of our paying subscribers. We thank you for your invaluable support. If you are not a subscriber, we hope you will consider — now or in the future — supporting local journalism in your community.

Please stay safe. Be patient. Be kind. We can all get through this, if we come together – as we remain an appropriate distance apart, of course.

John Rung is the President and CEO of Shaw Media.

‘Forge Through The Fire’ FFA state officers launch social media campaign

By Ashley Langreck

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

TRAGALGAR, Ind. — Despite uncertain times in Indiana, and the entire nation, due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus, the seven individuals that make up the Indiana FFA state officer team are trying their best to spread positivity through a new social media campaign.

Although the 2019-2020 Indiana FFA state officers were recently sent home from their living quarters at the Indiana FFA leadership Center for the time-being due to health and safety restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19, the officers still have been busy working from home to stay in touch with Hoosier

“Forge Through The Fire social media challenge will ask various things of FFA members, such as posting a picture from the first time they wore their jacket.”

Dillon Muhlenkamp, president INDIANA FFA

FFA members through their social media challenge, Forge Through The Fire.

Dillon Muhlenkamp, the Indiana FFA state president, said that he and his fellow teammates will post various challenges throughout the week asking Hoosier FFA members to post pictures from their experiences.

“Forge Through The Fire social media challenge will ask various things of FFA members, such as posting a picture from the first time they wore their jacket,” Muhlenkamp said.

Nathan Fairchild, the Indiana FFA southern region vice president, said that FFA members have social media right at the tips of their fingers and right now most of their newsfeed is being filled with posts related to COVID19 and restrictions in place, but the Forge Through The Fire challenge was created to help give FFA members some positive posts on their social media feeds.

“It gives people the opportunity to share their FFA story with others and see others’ FFA story,” Fairchild said.

Fairchild said it gives everyone an open platform to share what they love most about FFA and still feel connected to Indiana FFA, especially right now during a time of uncertainty where district contests have been postponed and FFA banquets aren’t happening.

Fairchild said the idea for the challenge was sparked by their friends in Illinois who make up the 2019-2020 Illinois FFA state officer team and their social media campaign, “Operation Rising Sun,” which is where they make videos and post them for their FFA members.

“Our buddies in Illinois did something similar, which sparked our challenge to create something FFA members looked forward to every day,” Fairchild said.

More information about the Forge Through The Fire social media challenge can be found through an information video on Indiana FFA’s Twitter account, @IndianaFFA.

NORMAL FROM PAGE ONE

“Social distancing is really necessary and needed right now. We have a huge advantage with technology at our fingertips. We can call or text people and send encouraging messages.”

Caitlyn Lewis SECRETARY

Ashley Langreck

OPINION

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

A5

What’s trending

These are this week’s most read stories on the AgriNews website: 1. Field Notes: Weed, pest challenges after mild winter 2. New rules keep on trucking: FMCSA

administrator gives update on issues 3. John Deere launches versatile 4M HD tractor

4. Turtle trackers: Environmental DNA used to detect rare species 5. Buckle: Why I chose organic farming

What’s your opinion? Send correspondence to: Letters, Indiana AgriNews, 420 Second St., La Salle, IL 61301; or email: editorial@agrinews-pubs.com

Together, we’ll get through this Pan-dem-ic / pan’demik / Definition: an outbreak of a disease prevalent over a whole country or the world.

A 25-year-old member of my team of reporters asked me last week if I’d ever been Rural Issues through anything like this before. No, I have Cyndi Young- not. I have no frame of reference for what has Puyear happened in the world, in our country and in my community in the past two weeks.

It changes daily — sometimes hourly — so I’m not writing about specifics, as it could very well be obsolete when you read this. At this writing, I do not personally know anyone who has been confirmed with COVID-19.

As is the case with anything, there are those who are so frightened and panicked that it is debilitating for them. And there are those who believe COVID-19 is no more of a threat in America than Influenza A (recall the 2009 H1N1 pandemic?) or SARS (the outbreak in 2003 that was also caused by a coronavirus.)

My personal take on it lies somewhere in the middle. Of course, I am concerned about the toll this virus could take on the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

I’m deeply concerned about the overall economic impact of the reaction to COVID-19. Very few businesses will remain unscathed.

Those of us raising cattle have taken another hard hit. The price of boxed beef continues to skyrocket, but the cash cattle price has taken a huge dive.

The Big Four packers — Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill and National Beef — are being called on to get more aggressive in the cash market and base bids on the increased cutout value instead of futures.

I do appreciate the support I have received from the company for which I have worked for 22 years. I know I am blessed. I have friends whose sole income is tending bar or waiting tables at a small, local establishment. The owners of those businesses simply cannot continue to pay them and cover all other expenses when the doors are closed.

I’m sorry that medical professionals are having to deal with everyone telling them how to do their jobs right now. I’m sorry they must watch as people develop their own theories and share them on social media.

I’m sorry corporate media picks up the most sensational theories and puts them out as news. None of these individuals or corporate media has any training or experience in the medical field.

American agriculture feels your pain.

I am grateful for all the medical professionals on the frontlines and those who are unseen and unsung heroes every day — pandemic or not.

God bless the truck drivers and those stocking shelves and disinfecting.

My heart goes out to those high school seniors who came into the world the year of 9/11 and are finishing out their school year taking online classes or being homeschooled because of a pandemic. They have had those rites of passage like prom and senior skip day and, for many, a graduation ceremony taken away from them.

During these days and weeks of social distancing, perhaps we will find some moderation. With school and church and other community activities postponed or cancelled, there is time that can be spent having meals together as a family.

Yes, it’s a difficult time in America, but spring has arrived. It’s National Agriculture Week. Let’s support one another in our communities and we’ll get through this together.

Cyndi Young-Puyear is farm director and operations manager for Brownfield Network.

Playing the cards you’re dealt My father wasn’t a stoic. Instead, his temperament was one of acceptance. He simply accepted the fact that he wasn’t in complete control of most things on the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth.

Sure, he was boss over Farm & Food everything in sight: hunFile dreds of acres, 100 dairy cows, five farmhand Alan Guebert sons, three hired men and his unpredictable, iron-bending Uncle Honey.

But control? Never. And yet, little ever moved him to anger or anxiety.

For example, when Jackie, the farm’s principal hired hand, destroyed an Oliver 77 by driving it off the corn silage pile, Dad’s only question to the still-shaking man — who was never known for speed — was how he managed to jump to safety so quickly.

Years later while sharing one of our thousand evenings in the milking parlor, I asked him why he hadn’t even cussed when he saw the mangled 77.

Ah, he said with a wave of a wet hand, once he saw Jackie was OK, the tractor didn’t matter. “It was old and insured.

Jackie was neither.”

Acceptance. Somehow he just knew that there was little he could do to prevent bent cultivator bars (Uncle Honey), overturned silage wagons (Uncle Honey)

I just really want to speak from my heart to all you folks out there who are working at the front lines of our food supply chain. You know, we’re spoiled in America. You’ve provided such abundant, healthy, wholesome, afSonny fordable, available food Purdue that we take you for granted.

Department For all you people, of Agriculture from the people who are stocking those shelves, from the people who are driving the trucks to get this food to us, the people who are processing the food and the people who grow the food and all the vendors that supplied our farmers to help them grow this food whether it’s fertilizer or feed or seed or any other input — thank you so much for what you’re doing.

Farm & Food File is published weekly through the U.S. and Canada. Source material and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com.

I know these are uncertain times, but I just want to tell you from my heart, as an American citizen, I am so grateful for what you’re doing. And I want to thank you for doing that.

I know there’s been a lot of confusion about teleworking and all that kind of stuff. You all have jobs that can’t telework, and we know that.

We’ve got our Food Safety and Inspection Service workers on the front line, day in and day out, to make sure our food is safe, just like we always have. But you’re the real heroes in this effort.

In World War II, we actually had agricultural deferments because the food supply chain was so important.

And that’s essentially what you all are doing.

From the person that makes the equipment, that supplies the farmers, to the seed, the fertilizer, the farmers that go day in and day out to produce this food and all through the processing and the

packaging and the logistics and the stocking of the shelves to greeting and checking out people — you are vital to our economy and you are vital to our needs of America having a strong food supply.

You’ve probably heard me say before, our motto at the U.S. Department of Agriculture is, “Do Right and Feed Everyone.” We can’t do that alone at USDA, but you are doing it.

And I want to just thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing day in and day out. Stay at the job.

You know that America depends on you if we are going to have the food we need to feed our families. You are the ones that can make that happen. Thank you.

God Bless you. Stay safe.

And God bless America.

Sonny Perdue is the U.S. secretary of agriculture.

Critical issues during uncertain times These are uncertain times. I have found myself saying that to our members on many occasions over the past couple of years; first because of trade disputes, then because of unusually cold or wet weather Randy Kron and now because of COVID-19.

I am writing to you Indiana Farm from my farm, because Bureau of the recommendations made by health officials, most of us are now working from home.

Fortunately, we are equipped to be productive from almost any location with internet access. We have made these changes out of an abundance of caution and for the safety and well-being of our employees.

I hope that you also are taking precautions to keep yourself safe. We need to heed the advice of experts and not take any unnecessary risks for our members or employees.

And while we may be distancing ourselves from one another, we cannot distance ourselves from the impact this pandemic is having on all of us.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on March 20 extended the state of emergency for an additional 30 days and ordered Indiana

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fisherman and he loved to play cards.

Fishing, he would say, is mostly preparation — the right bait, local knowledge, good tackle — and patience. Neither, however, ensures you’ll catch fish.

That’s why “It’s called ‘fishing’ and not ‘catching,’” he’d say on the days we spent fishing more than catching.

Card playing, however, is mostly luck; you, literally, play the cards you’re dealt. Skill in playing them also matters, but skill rarely trumps the luck of the draw.

My father embodied those near-opposites; he was prepared for whatever luck — fishing or catching — brought.

One last memory: I once asked him, a diligent Bible reader (King James Version, please) what his favorite passage was. After reciting his baptism, confirmation and wedding verses, he settled on one that made perfect sense to him, Matthew 6, verse 26: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

Ye — we — are, my father might say, today and tomorrow and everyday. That said, I’m pretty sure he’d still keep one eye fixed on Uncle Honey.

Heroes of the food supply chain

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and two plowed-out telephone poles.

(Uncle Honey and Uncle Honey.)

In fact, I once thought that if our family had a coat of arms, its motto would have read, “I can’t prevent it, but I can fix it.”

Decades later, in one of our weekly telephone conversations, I asked my father how his best friend was dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis.

“Not good,” Dad said. “He doesn’t want to see me.”

Why? “Well,” he said, “I think it’s because he hasn’t accepted the idea that dying is the cost of living.”

Wow, what insight.

I asked him what he could do. Oh, he said, he’d find a reason to go to the friend’s house to talk about the weather or the Cardinals or the peach crop. Just chat, you know, about things that, when rolled together, make up today and tomorrow.

“I just want him to know that each day is a gift from God regardless if it brings a baptism or a funeral,” he announced.

That really was the essence of my father. Life ebbed and flowed and he rode it back and forth without fear or favor. He never asked for love or loyalty, he didn’t lighten his load by adding to anyone else’s and he was religious, but never preachy.

Two, almost opposite, traits might explain him better: he was a very good

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K-12 schools to remain closed through May 1. He also delayed state income tax payments until July 15 and waived penalties for 60 days for property taxes paid after May 11.

And, specific to agriculture, the State Department on March 19 announced that it was suspending all processing of new non-emergency visa applications in Mexico. This action can have serious implications for our members who depend on this seasonal workforce to help with spring planting.

Over the past few days, I have had multiple conversations with members of our congressional delegation, with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and with Bruce Kettler, the director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

During these conversations I have stressed the importance of these H-2A guest workers to Indiana specialty crop farmers and how critical it is to have this labor force in place for planting season.

There also have been questions about the supply chain that plays a vital role in the delivery of not only food and fuel to Americans, but seed, fertilizer and other inputs to farmers.

We want to make sure the administration understand that this supply

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chain needs to remain open so that Indiana farmers will have uninterrupted delivery of inputs for spring planting.

And while not connected to COVID-19, the significant and sudden drop in petroleum prices has led to still another challenge for Hoosier farmers.

This price drop has resulted in negative profit margins for Indiana’s ethanol plants, so many plants have temporarily closed, eliminating ethanol plants as an option for our farmers who still have free-market corn on hand.

While we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we do know that farmers are resilient and we have learned to accept the hands we are dealt. We will manage the challenges we face while making sure everyone understands the importance of Indiana agriculture to the well-being of all Hoosiers.

If you are hearing other issues that will impact our members, please share those with me. We want to make sure we are addressing the issues that are most critical to our members’ ability to be successful during these uncertain times.

Randy Kron is the president of Indiana Farm Bureau.

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We reserve the right to censor or reject and to determine what is questionable or objectionable advertising.

A6 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

REGIONAL WEATHER

Outlook for March 27 - April 2

Shown is Friday’s weather. Temperatures are Friday’s highs and Friday night’s lows.

Rock Island 52/42

Chicago 48/42

©2020; forecasts and graphics provided by

SUNRISE/SUNSET Rise 6:50 a.m.

6:49 a.m.

6:47 a.m.

6:45 a.m.

6:44 a.m.

6:42 a.m.

6:41 a.m.

Decatur 61/48

Quincy 58/45

Springfield Date March 27 March 28 March 29 March 30 March 31 April 1 April 2

Peoria 57/44

Set 7:18 p.m.

7:19 p.m.

7:20 p.m.

7:21 p.m.

7:22 p.m.

7:23 p.m.

7:24 p.m.

Champaign 59/47 Lafayette 58/51

Central Illinois: Friday: rain. Winds east-southeast 8-16 mph. Little or no sunshine with a 75% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions. Average relative humidity 80%.

Fort Wayne 52/43

Muncie 59/50

Southern Illinois: Friday: a shower and thunderstorm around; however, periods of rain in the north. Winds south-southwest 4-8 mph. Little or no sunshine with a 65% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions.

Indianapolis 61/51

Mt. Vernon 70/57

Terre Haute 64/56

Vevay 70/57

Mar 24

First

Apr 1

PRECIPITATION

Full

Apr 7

Northern Indiana: Friday: periods of rain.

Winds east-northeast 6-12 mph. Little or no sunshine with a 70% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions. Average relative humidity 75%.

Evansville 73/59

MOON PHASES New

Northern Illinois: Friday: rain; chilly to the east. Winds northeast 7-14 mph. Little or no sunshine with a 70% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions. Average relative humidity 75%.

Gary 50/43

Springfield 61/48

East St. Louis 72/56

TEMPERATURES

Evanston 44/41 South Bend 51/41

Rockford 51/40

AGRICULTURE FORECASTS

Last

Apr 14

GROWING DEGREE DAYS Illinois Week ending March 23 Month through March 23 Season through March 23 Normal month to date Normal season to date

8 17 17 0 0

Indiana Week ending March 23 Month through March 23 Season through March 23 Normal month to date Normal season to date

9 16 16 0 0

Anna 77/59

Central Indiana: Friday: rain. Winds east 6-12 mph. Little or no sunshine with an 80% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions. Average relative humidity 85%.

For 24-hour weather updates, check out www.agrinews-pubs.com Illinois Champaign Chicago Decatur E. St. Louis Evanston Joliet Mt. Vernon Peoria Quincy Rockford Rock Island Springfield

Today Hi/Lo/W 59/47/r 48/42/sh 61/48/r 72/56/t 44/41/sh 50/44/r 70/57/t 57/44/r 58/45/r 51/40/sh 52/42/sh 61/48/r

Tom. Hi/Lo/W 55/38/t 50/30/r 56/39/t 59/47/t 48/30/r 54/40/r 60/41/t 55/37/c 54/38/c 53/34/r 53/41/c 57/40/c

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 55/34/s 52/36/s 56/36/s 65/42/s 44/37/s 50/35/s 59/36/c 53/36/s 56/38/s 51/34/s 48/35/pc 57/36/s

Indiana Bloomington Carmel Evansville Fishers Fort Wayne Gary Lafayette Indianapolis Muncie South Bend Terre Haute Vevay

Today Hi/Lo/W 66/52/t 61/51/r 73/59/t 61/52/r 52/43/r 50/43/r 58/51/r 61/51/r 59/50/r 51/41/r 64/56/r 70/57/t

Tom. Hi/Lo/W 62/44/t 59/46/t 65/47/t 60/48/t 56/33/r 49/32/r 58/40/t 59/42/t 59/43/t 52/32/r 59/43/t 64/53/t

Sun. Hi/Lo/W 59/38/s 68/42/s 60/39/c 68/43/s 53/35/s 50/37/s 56/36/s 57/37/s 56/38/s 50/33/s 59/37/s 71/46/s

Southern Indiana: Friday: rain in the north; a couple of showers and a thunderstorm elsewhere. Winds west-southwest 6-12 mph. Little or no sunshine with an 80% chance of precipitation and poor drying conditions.

SOUTH AMERICA Dry and warm in most of Argentina and southern Brazil on Friday. A front will spread showers and thunderstorms from Argentina across Uruguay to southern Brazil this weekend into early next week.

Weather (W): s–sunny, pc–partly cloudy, c–cloudy, sh–showers, t–thunderstorms, r–rain, sf–snow flurries, sn–snow, i–ice

New AI technology predicts corn yield Team lobbies for ag research funding the next generation of the agricultural work workforce.

WASHINGTON — IllThe 2018 farm bill esinois and Indiana univer- t abl ished A g r icu lt u re sity representatives and Advanced Research and a Certified Crop Adviser Development Authority were recently on Capitol pilot program to develop Hill to urge lawmakers to technologies, research continue agricultural re- tools, and products thrsearch funding. ough advanced research Todd Steinacher, Ag- on long-term and high-risk riGold regional agron- challenges for food and agomist, was part of a riculture. four-member team in his AGARDA focuses on role as a Certified Crop research and development Adv iser board that private inmember. dustry is unlikely O t her team to u nder t a ke. me m b er s we T h is resea rch re Sylvie Browill help ensure uder, Purdue Unthat the United iversity agronStates maintains omy professor its position as a and A mer ican leader in global Society of Agagricultural reronomy presisearch and develdent; Jeff Vol- Steinacher opment. enec, Purdue agT he pur pose ronomy professor and of Equipment Assistance A mer ican Societ y of Grants is to distribute Agronomy president-elect; funding allocations proand Neha Chatter jee, vided by the Agriculture University of Illinois Ur- Appropriations Act. bana-Champaign biogeoState agencies competchemistry doctorate stu- itively award equipment dent. assistance grants to eliThe American Society of gible school food authorAgronomy, Crop Science ities participating in the Society of America and National School Lunch the Soil Science Society Program. of America organized the The first day in the Beltcongressional visits to way focused on training lobby for research funding to prepare the team for appropriations. the following day’s lobby“They do a lot of advo- ing. cating for production agri“They brought us all in culture across disciplines, with some of the USDA whether it is forestry, fruits folks and taught us how and vegetables or corn to talk the lingo a little bit. and soybean production,” They brought some staffers Steinacher said of the so- in from U.S. Rep. Rodney cieties.

Davis’ office and some oth“The Purdue research- ers to teach us how to talk ers were there to advocate to the staffs, how to set why that’s important to our meetings up, how the them, the Illinois doctor- meeting is going to go. It ate student was there to was a full day of training,” suggest the importance of Steinacher said. how that funding impacts “We went to the Hill on her education. I was there the second day and had as an Illinois CCA to kind eight meetings scheduled. of be the glue that pulls it Most of the time we met all together. with congressional staff“As a CCA, we didn’t ers who have a huge voice receive any financial gain to the congressional perfrom it, but yet we’re kind son whether they want to of the glue that says here’s approve something or not, how this works to benefit and there were some we a farmer.” got to meet face-to-face.

Steinacher and his group Rodney Davis was one of urged the congressional them and he’s a big suprepresentatives to support porter of this program and the continued funding process.” for Agriculture and Food Steinacher said since Research Initiative at Illinois and Indiana are $480 million, Agriculture major agricultural states, Advanced Research and most of the congressional Development Authority at representatives were in $50 million and the Com- support of funding these petitive Equipment Grant projects.

Program at $5 million for “It’s been funded for the fiscal year 2021. All of the last 10 years, so it just has programs were included to be redone so the dollars in the 2018 farm bill, and don’t maybe slip to a diffunding needs to be re-ap- ferent area. Everyone was propriated. on board with it. They’ve The National Institute heard of it, they support of Food and Agriculture it,” he said. awards AFRI research, “They had questions education and extension more for us about what the grants to improve rural challenges are that farmeconomies, increase food ers are going through over production, stimulate the the last couple of years, bioeconomy, mitigate im- whether it is pricing, late pacts of climate variability, planting, environmental address water availability issues. So, we had great issues, ensure food safety conversations on what imand security, enhance pacts farmers in Illinois human nutrition and train and Indiana.”

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

response in different parts of the field,” said Nicolas Martin, assistant professor in the U of I Department of Crop Sciences and co-author of the study.

“We developed methodology using deep learning to generate yield predictions. It incorporates information from different topographic variables, soil electroconductivity, as well as nitrogen and seed rate treatments we applied throughout nine Midwestern corn fields.”

Martin and his team worked with 2017 and 2018 data from the Data Intensive Farm Management project, in which seeds and nitrogen fertilizer were applied at varying rates across 226 fields in the Midwest, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa. On-ground m e a s u r e m e nt s were paired with high-resolution satellite images from PlanetLab to predict yield.

Fields were digitally broken down into 5-meter — approximately 16-foot — squares. Data on soil, elevation, nitrogen application rate and seed rate were fed into the computer for each square, with the goal of learning how the factors interact to predict yield in that square.

The researchers approached their analysis with a type of machine learning or artificial intelligence known as a convolutional neural network.

Some types of machine learning start with patterns and ask the computer to fit new bits of data into those existing patterns.

Convolut iona l neural networks (CNN) are blind to existing patterns.

Instead, they take bits of data and learn the patterns that organize them, similar to the way humans organize new information through neural networks in the brain.

T he CNN process, which predicted yield with high accuracy, was also compared to other machine learning algorithms and traditional statistical techniques.

“We don’t really know what is causing differences in yield responses to inputs across a field.

Sometimes people have an idea that a certain spot should respond really strongly to nitrogen and it doesn’t, or vice versa.

The CNN can pick up on hidden patterns that may be causing a response,” Martin said. “And when we compared several methods, we found out that the CNN was working very well to explain yield variation.”

Using AI to untangle data from precision agriculture is still relatively new, but Martin said his experiment merely grazes the tip of the iceberg in terms of CNN’s potential applications.

ASK AN AGRONOMIST HOW SHOULD I HANDLE WEED MANAGEMENT ON MY PREVENT PLANT ACRES?

KIRSTEN THOMAS-GARRIOTT DEKALB® ASGROW® BRAND TECHNICAL AGRONOMIST Plainfield, Indiana

Seeds and agronomy. They’re the onetwo punch for improving performance in any field. That’s why farmers in central Indiana rely on DEKALB® Asgrow® brand technical agronomist Kirsten ThomasGarriott for management advice.

She’s been working in the region for six years and is a great source for local knowledge. Here she addresses some of this year’s pressing management questions.

COMING SOON. Farmers depend on the expertise of their agronomic team throughout the growing season. Join DEKALB®, Asgrow ® and Deltapine ® seed brands as we celebrate Agronomy Week on April 6-10, 2020.

LEARN MORE AT

AGRONOMYWEEK.COM

A solid weed management strategy is important in any year, but particularly with the large number of prevent plant acres across the country this year, it should be top of mind for growers. The cornerstones of any herbicide program should include the following four elements: •

Start clean, either with tillage or a burndown pass

•

Use overlapping residuals

•

Use multiple modes of action

•

Spray early

In Indiana, a June 20 cutoff date has been implemented for spraying some products. However, I would encourage growers using any chemistry to own that date and be finished spraying by then (assuming we have a “normal” planting season this year) to ensure maximum efficacy. Spraying over those acres when weeds are small is key to success, and using late June as a deadline can help us with that.

If we have some escapes, growers may want to consider some “outside the jug” options – some cover crops, particularly grass species, can be effective at helping suppress weeds when managed properly. And as always, growers should take an ongoing multi-crop approach to weed management.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PLANNING FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS AHEAD OF THE GROWING SEASON? Over the course of the season, I often get asked if fungicide pays. This question often relates to foliar applications later in the season, but most growers already use fungicide every year – on every acre – as a seed treatment. This

is a widespread practice because its value is broadly acknowledged – why not protect our investment? In many ways, later-season foliar applications can and should be viewed the same

“

EVEN WHEN THE LEVEL OF DISEASE PRESSURE REMAINS TO BE SEEN, USING FOLIAR FUNGICIDES CAN BE A HELPFUL AND LUCRATIVE STRATEGY.

“

By Tom C. Doran

URBANA, Ill. – With some reports predicting the precision agriculture market will reach $12.9 billion by 2027, there is an increasing need to develop sophisticated data-analysis solutions that can guide management decisions in real time.

A new study from an interdisciplinary research group at University of Illinois offers a promising approach to efficiently and accurately process precision ag data.

“We’re trying to change how people run agronomic research. Instead of establishing a small field plot, running statistics and publishing the means, what we’re trying to do involves the farmer far more directly. We are running experiments with farmers’ machinery in their own fields. We can detect site-specific responses to different inputs. And we can see whether there’s a

way. Even when the level of disease pressure remains to be seen, using foliar fungicides can be a helpful and lucrative strategy.

In regard to disease pressure, I think it’s worth noting that many of the fields that saw heavy frogeye leaf spot (FELS) pressure in 2018 will be rotating back to soybeans in 2020. Growers should have a scouting strategy in place and be prepared to spend to protect their crop. It’s also worth noting that not all fungicides are labeled for FELS control.

When making a spray application for FELS (or any disease), it’s important to check the label of the product under consideration to make sure you’re covered. Delaro® fungicide has done an excellent job in our research trials and provides some additional plant health benefits to help boost yields.

FIND MORE AGRONOMIC UPDATES AND TIPS AT DEKALB.COM/PLANTING

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts o these conditions on the grower’s fields. Asgrow and the A Design®, Asgrow®, Bayer, Bayer Cross, DEKALB and Design®, DEKALB®, Delaro®, and Deltapine® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2020 Bayer Group. All Rights Reserved.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

A7

Science

Recovering phosphorus from corn ethanol production Helping reduce pollution to groundwater URBANA, Ill. — Dried distiller’s grains with solubles, a co-product from corn ethanol processing, is commonly used as feed for cattle, swine and poultry.

However, DDGS contains more phosphorus than the animals need.

The excess ends up in manure and drains into the watershed, promoting algae production and eventually contributing to large dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico. Removing excess phosphorus from DDGS before it becomes feedstuff could alleviate the problem.

A new study from University of Illinois examines the best way to recover phosphorus as a co-product, which can then potentially be used as fertilizer for corn and soybean production.

“A lot of phosphorus is in the corn itself. When corn is processed, you get different products. Some of it is fed in animal diets, which already contain plenty of phosphorus. So the additional phosphorus comes out in the manure and leaches into the groundwater,” said Vijay Singh, the study’s co-author.

Singh is professor of agricultural and biological engineering and director of the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the U of I. “We asked, can we do something in the process itself to recover this phosphorus and put it back on the land as fertilizer? It’s like a circular economy,” he said.

The research is part of a multi-pronged project spanning several departments in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the U of I. The project is funded by a National Science Foundation grant under the Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy and Water Systems umbrella.

Ankita Juneja, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, is the study’s lead author. She explained researchers first looked at how phosphorus flows through the production facility.

“We started with a model and estimated the flow of phosphorous in the entire diagrammed plant. Then we determined where the maximum concentration of phosphorus occurs, which will help us recover it economically,” she said.

The researchers were able to recover 80% to 90% of the phosphorus through a simple process of increasing the alkalinity of thin stillage and adding calcium chloride, followed by stirring the product for five minutes in a continuous stir reactor.

Juneja explained that the goal was not to remove all phosphorus because some is needed as nutrients in the feedstuff.

“The animal food requirement of phosphorus in DDGS is 3 to 4 milligrams per gram of DDGS. Previously, the DDGS had about 9 to 10 milligrams per gram. So, the rest was all excess, which would get into the manure. We were able to reduce it down to 3.25 milligrams per gram, which is in the range of what the animals actually need,” she said.

Removing phosphorus also drains protein from the DDGS, but Juneja said the study’s recovery process was optimized to ensure that the amounts of protein and phosphorus left in the DDGS were calibrated to meet — but not exceed — requirements for animal feed.

The product that is recovered through this procedure is in the form of a solid precipitate or paste, which contains about 60% to 70% water. It can be dried and eventually used as fertilizer, though the study does not address that process. Singh said that is currently being

tested by scientists in the U of I Department of Crop Sciences.

“We have clearly shown that you can recover this phosphorus from a processing plant so that it doesn’t go in different co-products such as animal feed,” he noted.

The researchers evaluated both the technical and economic aspects of the recovery process.

While processors do have to invest in new equipment to perform the separation, there is the potential for selling the recovered co-product as P fertilizer for corn and soybeans.

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“We did the economic analysis of how much it would cost to add the recovery section in an existing dry grind plant: how much it would cost in terms of fixed cost; how much Singh it would cost in terms of operating costs every year; and how much extra revenue could be generated by producing this extra co-product, which can be used as fertilizer or other applications,” Juneja said.

“We found that the addi-

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tional investment was $5.7 million in an existing dry grind plant that produces 40 million gallons of ethanol a year.

The amount of added revenue is a little less than a million dollars each year,” she said.

Plants are not currently implementing these practices, but processors are very interested in learning about the study’s findings, Singh said.

“They want to know how to do it. Even just

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providing them with information on how phosphor us f lows in their plant is a lot of value. And then giving them strategies to recover it; that is also of value to them,” he said.

Singh said this is the second of three studies he and Juneja are conducting on phosphorus recovery as part of the INFEWS project.

“We are looking at three different refineries within the Upper Sangamon Watershed,” he said.

“In this watershed, there are many different processing plants because Illinois

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has lot of bean and corn processing.”

The first study looked at corn wet milling plants, where corn is converted to starch for making high fructose corn syrup, and the third study will focus on soybean processing plants.

The article, “Recovering the phosphorus as a coproduct from corn dry grind plants: A techno-economic evaluation” is published in Cereal Chemistry.

Authors include Juneja, Singh and Roland Cusick, U of I Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

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A8 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Science FIELD NOTES: BY MYCOGEN SEEDS AGRONOMISTS

Spring anhydrous ammonia anxiety

By Jeff Housman

VIVIAN WAUTERS PHOTO

Nodules form on the root of a soybean plant. These nodules will give a home to soil microbes in exchange for nitrogen.

Microbes play important role in soil’s nitrogen cycle CA MBR IDGE, Mass. — Under our feet, in the soil, is a wealth of microbial activity.

Just like humans have different metabolisms and food choices, so do those microbes.

In fact, microbes play an important role in making nutrients available to plants.

A recent review paper from Xinda Lu and his team looks at different roles that various soil microbes have in soil’s nitrogen cycle. Lu is a researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Soil microbes catalyze most of the transformations of soil nitrogen into plant-usable forms.

Diverse microbes use different processes — and sometimes work together,” Lu said. “Knowing the various styles of soil microbes and linking microbes to specific soil processes can be important knowledge for farmers.”

Modern nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the form of ammonium. Through a biological process called nitrification, soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates that plants can absorb.

In order to be efficient at this process, microbes need oxygen. Researchers are studying nitrification because it can be linked to greenhouse gases and loss of fertilizer.

Although microbiologists have been studying the nitrogen cycle for over a century, not all steps were well understood.

New microorganisms have re-

cently been identified.

A type of prokaryote, a single-celled organism, called archaea has also been playing a role in nitrification. Archaea are not technically soil bacteria, due to their structure.

There are many more archaea that contribute to nitrification in some soils than there are bacteria responsible for the same activity. Including the role of archaea in nitrification has broadened the understanding of scientists and researchers.

Researchers reviewed various studies of soil nitrification.

This included the abundance of microbes in soil in relation to various environmental factors.

Soil pH, temperature and the ratio of soil carbon to soil nitrogen were all compared to the number of microbes in each soil sample.

Soil depth and other factors also influence microbe abundance.

Previous studies have shown, for example, that nitrification archaea are more abundant than bacteria in warmer temperatures. Other microbes thrive in lower temperatures.

Soil pH also influences how active soil microbes are in the nitrification process. Soil bacteria Nitrospira were more dominant in acidic soils, including forests and farm fields.

Researchers have also studied how various microbes “talk” to each other. This keeps the nitrification process running smoothly.

If you didn’t apply anhydrous ammonia last fall, you’re likely getting somewhat anxious.

That’s understandable coming off the previous spring when wet, cold conditions not only prevented preplant anhydrous applications, but also delayed planting well beyond the ideal time across most of the Corn Belt.

Aside from factors largely out of our control, fall-applied nitrogen applications are on the decline. Agronomic, economic and environmental factors have led farmers away from fall in favor of spring preplant, early-summer sidedress and topdress applications as advances in fertilizer formulations and equipment offer more flexibility as to when nitrogen — in various forms — can be efficiently applied.

Today, little, if any, fall application is occurring in southern Illinois and Indiana, due largely to increasing incidence of warmer fall temperature.

Although farmers appear to be reaping economic benefits from spring-applied N — including more efficient N use and crop uptake — the increase in spring-applied N applications puts more pressure on growers during a time of year that is already full of anxiety.

As we learned from last year — and nearly every spring prior, for that matter — weather has always been the biggest unknown. Wet soil conditions tempt farmers to apply N in less-than-ideal conditions.

Entering fields in wet conditions increases soil compaction and ultimately affects crop emergence and eventually yield.

Additionally, there’s a greater risk of nitrogen leaching as the frequency of extreme rain events is higher during spring and early summer months.

Using a nitrification inhibitor such as N-Serve or Instinct nitrogen stabilizer is proven to impede the leaching and denitrification process, making

more applied nitrogen available to the crop longer into the growing season.

APPLY PREPLANT ANHYDROUS AND PLANT WISELY A common concern for farmers is how soon corn can be planted following a spring application of anhydrous ammonia to avoid injury. Like much about farming, there’s no standard answer.

Crop injury can be avoided, or at the very least minimized, by applying anhydrous at least 7 inches deep and at a slight angle to the row. It’s important to achieve a good seal of the injection track to avoid ammonia placed in or movement into the corn root zone.

Movement from the initial injection site is more likely to occur in coarse, dry or cloddy soils. If injection sites aren’t sealing properly, install wing sealers directly above the outlet port on the injection system to help close the injection track, limit the size of the retention zone and reduce vertical movement of ammonia.

There’s no magical number, but it’s advisable to delay planting by as many days as possible after anhydrous ammonia applications to reduce incidence of crop injury. When that isn’t realistic, follow these planting tips to minimize injury: n Do not plant directly over ammonia injection tracks. n Use GPS technology to offset planter rows 4 to 6 inches or more from ammonia injection tracks to avoid root and seedling injury. n Apply ammonia on an angle from the direction of crop planting to reduce crop row-length exposure to ammonia bands. n Reduced application rate and narrower band spacing reduces the concentration of ammonia in each injection band. n If the injection zone is offset away from future corn rows, an application can be done the same day as corn planting.

Lowering N rate is proven to minimize risk of injury.

Splitting application timings between preplant and sidedress is an effective way to lower preplant anhydrous rates while giving the corn crop more continuous fertilizer feeding throughout the growing season.

Lastly, it’s important to not get in a hurry when applying anhydrous, regardless of your perceived time crunch.

Excessive speed during application can make knives ride up in the soil and reduce depth of the injection zone.

What’s worse is that getting in a hurry often leads to accidents. Slow down, apply right and protect yourself.

MISSED PREPLANT APPLICATION? DON’T PANIC Although, in most cases, preplant applications of anhydrous ammonia are preferred, you still have options if impediments cause fertilizer application delays and planting takes precedence.

Be prepared with a Plan B, especially if conditions unpredictably would turn cool and wet. The plan should include alternate nitrogen sources such as UAN solutions or urea.

Sidedress and top-dress applications after crop emergence prove beneficial in maximizing yield by supplying a more continuous supply of nutrients when the corn crop needs it most.

® Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. Instinct is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.

Do not fall-apply anhydrous ammonia south of Highway 16 in the state of Illinois. Always read and follow label directions. © 2020 Corteva.

INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

AUCTIONS

Auction Calendar Fri., March 27

CULVER, IND.: Farm Equipment, 2 p.m., Morris Family Farms, Ryan Morris, Ball Auction & Realty, Inc., 574-342-8299.

Sat., March 28

OXFORD, IND.: 46 Annual Benton Central FFA Auction, 9 a.m. EST, Benton Central FFA, 765-884-1600, ext. 2164. th

HOPEDALE, ILL.: Farm & Construction Equipment Consignment, 9 a.m., S&K Auctions LLC, 309-202-8378 or 309-696-9019.

Tues., March 31

CLINTON, ILL.: 553.78 Acres, 10 a.m., Schmid Family, Martin Auction, 217-935-3245.

Wed., April 1

RUSH COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 100 +/- Acres,

Auction Ads inside MARCH 27, 2020 | B1 bidding opens 3/31 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/1 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman.com, Forgey Family Farms LLC, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800424-2324.

& closes 4/2 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman.com, Louis & Doris Kettler Revocable Trust, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-424-2324.

Thurs., April 2

NEW PARIS, IND.: Annual Spring Collector Tractor, Toy, Literature & Memorabilia Auction, 8:30 a.m., Polk Auction Company, 877-915-4440.

NEW PARIS, IND.: Annual Spring Collector Tractor, Toy, Literature & Memorabilia Auction, 8:30 a.m., Polk Auction Company, 877-915-4440.

WAYNE COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 76.78 +/- Acres, bidding opens 4/1 at 8 a.m.

halderman.com

+/36.919 +/acres

Begin: April 13, 8:00 am End: April 14, 6:45 pm Lauren Peacock: 765.546.7359

Begin: April 15, 8:00 am End: April 16, 6:45 pm

2 Tracts

Chris Peacock: 765.546.0592

800.424.2324 | halderman.com

Now Online Only

Auction halderman.com

Begin: April 14, 8:00 am End: April 15, 6:45 pm

Productive Cropland with Home & Shop

AUCTION CONDUCTED BY: RUSSELL D. HARMEYER, OH Auct. Lic. #2001014575

Chris Peacock: 765-546-0592 Craig Springmier: 937-533-7126 H. John Kramer: 937-533-1101 Owner: Brown Revocable Living Trust dated August 14, 2005 SM-LA1765434

Monroe Township

Preble County

111 ACRES

+/-

3 Tracts

SM-LA1765437

SM-LA1765436

HLS# CCP-12482

| Lauren Peacock: 765.546.7359 Owner: Horton Living Trust

Owner: David L. & Marjorie L. Moore Auctioneer: Russell D. Harmeyer IN Auct. Lic. #AU10000277 HRES IN Auct. Lic. #AC69200019

NEW PARIS, IND.: Annual Spring Collector Tractor,

Delaware County | Mt Pleasant Township

halderman.com

Chris Peacock: 765.546.0592

Sat., April 4

AUCTION

Auction White River Township | Randolph County

40acres

Fri., April 3

NOW - ONLINE ONLY

NOW - ONLINE ONLY

+/-

To place your own advertisement, call 800-426-9438

Auctioneer: Russell D. Harmeyer IN Auct. Lic. #AU10000277 HRES IN Auct. Lic. #AC69200019 HLS#CCP-12486 (20)

800.424.2324 | halderman.com

Due to the Covid-19 corona virus, we are cancelling our auction for April 3rd.

Toy, Literature & Memorabilia Auction, 8:30 a.m., Polk Auction Company, 877-915-4440.

Wed., April 8

PRINCETON, IND.: 336 +/Acres in 5 Tracts, 5:30 p.m.

CT, Estate of Lester Moore, William Wilson Auction Realty, Inc., 812-682-4000.

Tues., April 14

RANDOLPH COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 40 +/- Acres, bidding opens 4/13 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/14 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman. com, David L. & Marjorie L. Moore, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-424-2324.

See p. B1

Wed., April 15

Tues., April 21

Fri., April 10

LYNNVILLE, IND.: Farm Auction, 10 a.m. CDT, Estate of Bill Wesselman, Johny Ray Auction & Realty, 812598-3936. See p. B1

SHELBY COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 39.9 +/- Acres, bidding opens 4/14 at 8 a.m. EST & closes 4/15 at 5 p.m. EST at halderman. com, JJ & MJ Farm Trust, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800424-2324.

PREBLE COUNTY, OHIO: Online Only, 111 +/- Acres

HLS# CCP-12481

HRES IN Auct. Lic. #AC69200019

See AUCTION, Page B2

Friday, April 10 • 10 a.m. CDT • 114 E. SR 68, Lynnville

Featuring the Estate of Bill Wesselman Tractors, Combine, Tillage Equipment, Semi and Grain Trucks, Backhoe, Tools and more.

#AC31500029

800.424.2324 | halderman.com

HOWARD COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 152 +/- Acres, bidding opens 4/20 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/21 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman.com, Silver Dawn Farms, Inc., Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800424-2324.

GOOD FRIDAY FARM AUCTION

Ted Everett & Kurt Everett, Auctioneers, Monrovia,IN Jeremy Edwards 765-366-4322 Kurt 317-691-4937 David Lee 317-443-0771 Richard McMains 765-301-0319 J.R. Simms 309-945-7644 Ted’s Cell 317-370-3113 Austin Jordan 317-432-1338 SM-LA1764804

Thurs., April 16

WARREN COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 106 +/- Acres in 3 Tracts, bidding opens 4/15 at 8 a.m. EST & closes 4/16 at 5 p.m.

EST at halderman.com, Mitchell D. Johnson Estate & Diana Marion, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-424-2324.

DELAWARE COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 36.919 +/Acres in 2 Tracts, bidding opens 4/15 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/16 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman.com, Horton Living Trust, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-424-2324.

See p. B1

We are planning on resuming our normal auction schedule with our June 5th auction.

OFFICE 317-996-3929

in 3 Tracts, bidding opens 4/14 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/15 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman. com, Brown Revocable Living Trust, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-424-2324.

See p. B1

Auction pickups available Call Johny Ray for Details

Lic. #AU10800006

SM-LA1763699

812-598-3936

B2 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

The facts about farmer suicides in Indiana

By Bill Field

us needs to exercise extra precautions to ensure the Farmer suicides have information we disseminate received considerable is supported by sound data. media attention recently, Sensationalizing the with the issue being corissue of suicide to enhance related to low commodity readership interest, or for prices, late planting due political or personal purto wet weather, loss of inposes, should not be a part ternational markets, rural of our agenda, even if we isolation, family conflicts feel passionate about the and other factors. problem. During World One politician declared War II, there was a saying that “loose lips sinks that “farm suicide rates ships,” which can also are as high as they have apply to the problem of been since the Great farmer suicide.

Depression.” A recent What do we know, for news story claimed in bold text, “Farm Stress: Suicide example, about farmer a Rising Health Concern.” suicides in Indiana? This may not be true for all A member of the states, but very likely, it Bloomberg School’s could be.

Psychiatric Epidemiology 1. Claims regarding the Training Program stated that “more robust rural fire- high suicide rate among farmers have been made for arm safety and control inithe past 40 years, with spetiatives could help policycial attention given to the makers who are grappling problem in the 1980s and with rising suicide rates.”

1990s. There is, however, no One news release blamed the current admin- published or reliable data at the state or national levels istration for the farm suithat historically documents cide problem due to trade the problem specifically for issues. Other outlets have the state of Indiana, or for used the term “epidemic” any other state. to describe the problem.

2. There is no reliable The challenge with all longitudinal data that these claims is that none documents a trend, either can be substantiated with up or down, for Indiana reliable published data, farmer suicides. Statistical and some have simply comparisons to the Great proven to be false.

Depression, or the exFor example, the claim tremely stressful economic that current suicide times of the 1980s, are not rates are as high as they reliable, simply because were during the Great Depression was deterthere is insufficient data. mined to be false by the 3. The rates calculated fact checker POLITIFACT. by the Centers for Disease It concluded that there are Control on farmer suicides insufficient data to supare problematic, espeport such a claim. cially when applied to the On a topic as sensitive Indiana farm population. as farmer suicides, each of Issues include:

n The rates were calculated using a composite of individuals employed in “farming, forestry and fishing.” The data also does not include, in most cases, unpaid labor, homemakers, students, or active military who may be doing farm work. Combining the data may provide a larger sample, for analysis, but makes interpreting the data difficult, especially as it directly applies to farmers. n The rates are based upon the estimated number of employed workers in agriculture, which unlike many occupations, is relatively dynamic and makes reliable calculation of rates difficult. For example, active farmers over 65 receiving Social Security benefits are generally not included in the data. n The CDC rates were calculated on the basis of a frequency of documented suicides for all of farming, forestry and fishing for the entire United States, which were 68 cases in 2012 and 71 cases in 2015 respectively. These numbers represent the most current data. For comparison, in the construction and extrication industry, the CDC documented 1,216 and 1,404 suicide cases in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Any claims of “skyrocketing” suicide rates relying on these data are unfounded and certainly cannot be extrapolated to Indiana farmers.

During the 1980s, I monitored Indiana farmer suicides using death certificates obtained from the Indiana State Department of Health. This was part

AUCTION

Keltner, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800-4242324.

FROM PAGE B1

Wed., April 22 DECATUR COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 79.5 +/- Acres, bidding opens 4/21 at 8 a.m. EST & closes 4/22 at

6 p.m. EST at halderman. com, Webb Estate Farm, Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management, 800424-2324.

RANDOLPH COUNTY, IND.: Online Only, 89.84 +/Acres, bidding opens 4/21 at 8 a.m. & closes 4/22 at 6:45 p.m. at halderman. com, Richard & Judith

Multiple Dates

SEE AD: Upcoming Auctions & Featured Farms, Schrader Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc., 800451-2709. See p. B2

of a farm stress initiative conducted in conjunction with the Indiana Mental Health Association.

At that time, suicide frequency for all Indiana residents was highest in the five primary urban areas of the state. There was no significant increase in cases within the farm community, though the media gave the topic considerable attention — as it is doing now.

The farmer suicide frequency in the 1980s was substantially less than the total number of fatalities caused by work-related injuries, which were also documented using death certificates.

In 1981, for example, no fewer than 44 Indiana farmers died in work-related incidents. In other words, farm-related injuries caused a greater num-

ber of deaths than were documented as suicides.

While there are summaries available for farm work fatalities over the past 40 years, no such summary exists for farmer suicides, either here at Purdue or at the state level.

Until someone undertakes a compilation of farmer suicide data, from reliable sources, any claims about frequency, rates, or trends are simply speculative.

Sadly, farmer suicides do occur, and the resulting impacts are devastating for affected families and rural communities. In addition, excessive stress often leads to serious health problems, family issues and perhaps substance abuse.

I encourage you to become familiar with, and promote, the many excel-

lent resources available to people who may be dealing with the effects of stress.

Begin with local resources such as those groups that provide safe places to open up and ask for help including churches and faithbased organizations.

There are also mental health professionals in private practice, community mental health networks, local health care providers, crisis and suicide intervention hotlines and programs offered through local Extension offices, such as Mental Health First Aid. No one should become so disconnected that they lose hope or conclude that they can no longer be a valued member of their family or community.

Bill Field is a Purdue Extension safety specialist.

AUCTIONS Upcoming APRIL

REAL ESTATE

7 – 30.7± ACRES IN 1 TRACT. Gibson County (Princeton, IN). 18.5 Cropland acres (FSA) • Productive Alford Soils • 8 Miles Northeast of Princeton • Woodland • Excellent Deer Hunting • Food Plot Area. Contact Brad Horrall 812-8908255.

14 – 82.59± ACRES IN 1 TRACT. Madison County (London, OH). 79± FSA Tillable Acres • 2020 Cropping Rights to the Buyer • Nice Field for Ease of Farming Operation • Quality Soils in Top Agricultural Area. Contact Andy Walther 765-969-0401 or Travis Kelley 740-572-1525.

21 – 250± ACRES IN 10 TRACTS. Franklin County (Brookville, IN). Picturesque Southern Indiana Farm • Abundant WHITETAIL & TURKEY • Rolling Pastures with Beautiful Elevated Views • GREAT LOCATION within 30 minutes to Cincinnati • Impressive Country Home with Picturesque Barns • 2020 Crop Rights to BUYER, 68± FSA Crop Acres • Potential Building Sites. Contact Andy Walther 765-969-0401.

Check our website daily for auction updates and real estate listings — Over 60,000,000 hits annually.

SM-LA1765595

800-451-2709 260-244-7606

FIREARMS & FARM EQUIPMENT

MARCH

28 – FIREARMS CONSIGNMENT. Columbia City, IN. Contact Phil Wolfe 260-248-1191 or Ritter Cox 260-609-3306.

APRIL

9 – FARM EQUIPMENT. Richmond, IN. Contact Andy Walther 765-969-0401.

Featured Farms

JASPER COUNTY, IN 160± ACRES WITH 143± ACRES CROPLAND and 14± acres of woods. 9± miles northeast of Rensselaer. Call Jim Hayworth 765-4271913 or Matt Wiseman 219-689-4373. (JH/MWW05J) NEWTON COUNTY, IN. 392.4± ACRES with 355± Acres cropland of which 17.1 are in CRP. Woods, stocked pond, 48’ x 96’ Machine Shed with c/c floor.

Beautiful setting for home or cabin and hunting/ recreational opportunities. Northeast of Morocco.

Call Jim Hayworth 765-427-1913 or Matt Wiseman 219-689-4373. (JH/MWW06N) 82.78 ACRE PA RCEL OF L A ND W ITH 82.24 CROPLAND ACRES. This tract has excellent soils and frontage on CR 325 South. Call Jim Hayworth at 1-888-808-8680 or 1-765-427-1913 or Jimmy Hayworth at 1-219-869-0329 (JH43C)

MANY OTHER LISTINGS AVAILABLE SchraderAuction.com

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

ADVERTISE YOUR FARMLAND FOR SALE

Call Your Local AgriNews Representative or 800-426-9438 Ext. 113 SM-LA1764392

AUCTIONS NOW ONLINE ONLY

At HALDERMAN.COM UPCOMING AUCTIONS Rush County, IN (Online): April 1 • 100+/- Acres - 1 Tract Contact: Rusty Harmeyer 765.570.8118

LAND FOR SALE IN INDIANA

Newton County • 137.08 A, 130.75 Tillable, 3.7 CRP, W of Brook.

Boone County • 28.95 Ac, 21.85 Tillable, 4 miles north of Lebanon, includes home and outbuildings - Farmland Sales - Farmland Investments & Management - Sale Leaseback Options

For more information go to hagemanrealty.com

HAGEMAN REALTY

SM-LA1764588

FARMS FOR SALE

B3

18390 S. 480 W. Remington, IN 47977 219-261-2000

Wayne County, IN (Online): April 2 • 76+/- Acres - 1 Tract Contact: Rusty Harmeyer 765.570.8118 or Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Lauren Peacock 765.546.7359

Randolph County, IN (Online): April 14 • 40+/- Acres - 1 Tract Contact: Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Lauren Peacock 765.546.7359

Shelby County, IN (Online): April 14-15 • 39.9+/- Acres - 1 Tract Contact: Dave Bonnell 812.343.4313 or Michael Bonnell 812.343.6036 or Rusty Harmeyer 765.570.8118

Warren County, IN (Online): April 15-16 • 106+/- Acres - 3 Tracts Contact: Gary Bohlander 765.794.0221

Preble County, IN (Online): April 15 • 111.25+/- Acres - 3 Tracts Contact: Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Craig Springmier 937.533.7126 or H. John Kramer 937.533.1101

Delaware County, IN (Online): April 16 • 36.9+/- Acres - 2 Tracts Contact: Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Lauren Peacock 765.546.7359

Howard County, IN (Online): April 21 • 152+/- Acres - 2 Tracts Contact: John Miner 765.438.2699 or Jaret Wicker 765.561.1737

Randolph County, IN (Online): April 22 • 89+/- Acres - 1 Tract Contact: Chris Peacock 765.546.0592 or Lauren Peacock 765.546.7359

Experience.

Experience. Knowledge.

Knowledge. Professionalism.

Professionalism.

For For over over 90 90 years. years.

For more information, visit halderman.com

HRES IN Auct. Lic. #AC69200019, IL Lic. #417.013288 MI Lic. #6505264076 AUCTIONEER: RUSSELL D. HARMEYER, IN Auct. Lic. #AU10000277, IL Auct. Lic #441.002337 & OH Auct. Lic. #2001014575 SM-LA1765432

B4 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

BEEF CATTLE BULLS FOR SALE! Purebred Angus & Composite Simmentals, Performance EPDs,Yearling & aged Bulls.

Runner Farms, Blandinsville, IL (405)334-2653 or (309)255-1727 runnerfarms@mtcnow.net

MISC. LIVESTOCK EQUIP (2) FRIESEN PROTEIN bulk tanks, 5-1/2 ton, $1,500/ ea.

Call 815-539-7117

PRESCOTT ANGUS Yearling Angus Bulls For Sale Richard Prescott 815-228-2069 prescottangus.com

MODERN MILL 2" Feed blower, single ph. 7.5 HP motor, complete unit, $2,500. obo Call 574-315-9657 Roto-grind bale grinder, less waste, feed less hay, I use a 85hp w/540 or 190-hp w/1000. $12,500-obo. 618-777-2077

JD-9650, 2192 SEP. hrs., 3108 eng. Hrs., $48,000 obo; JD-893 corn head, $11,000 0b0; JD925 bean head, $7,000 obo Call 309-546-2831

COMBINES/PLATFORMS/ HEADS 2000 CAT-460, 3037 Eng. 2225 sep., rice package, duals @ 70%, Ag Leader, yield monitor w/mapping, inspected yearly, shedded, clean machine, w/F30 platform, & 830 corn head, will separate, $32,500 obo Call 815-848-2300 2011 JD-9570, 1927/1315 hrs., duals, CM, bin ext., Call 574-857-6750 216 John Deere bean head, very gd cond., $1600. 426 Allis turbo out of N6 Gleaner, runs very gd, $2500. 618-214-2194 25ft 925 John Deere grain platform w/30ft head mover, $8900. 618-927-7858, 618-927-7857 436 International turbo diesel, $1600.

618-214-2194 466 JD turbo diesel out of 8820 combine, runs good, $2500.

618-214-2194 640 V8 Perkins turbo diesel, $2500. 618-214-2194 Cat Track w/JD final drive, rebuilt after last used, good shape, $5000. Can Deliver. 618-777-2077

NGMO SEED CORN,

RESCHEDULED

Cattlemens Choice Sat. April 25th 1:00pm Arthur Livestock Arthur, IL

Bulls, Breds, Cow-Calf pairs To Consign.

Larry Martin 217-433-0242

lmcs2000@gmail.com THREE 2 YR. old Polled Shorthorn bulls, easy calving, AI Sired, calves on ground Sired by each. Also, a yearling Horned Hereford and Polled Shorthorn bull. Priced to move. text 815 494 5588 SWINE EQUIPMENT 40 Auqua feeder tube feeders, stainless steel, like new condition. Make Offer.

641-660-6838

Don't Need it?

Sell it Here!

COMBINES/PLATFORMS/ HEADS FOR SALE GRAIN Bin Drying System, 42' Shivvers Drying System w/level dry & computer system & Cross Augers, 2 turbo Fans & Burners, 26hp a piece, Call 217-821-6232 for price

SEED

107-113 Day Maturity, $85.00 for 80,000 Per Kernel Count,

(618)339-2200

TRACTORS 2004 VERSATILE-2425, 3300 hrs., exc cond., $72,500, OBO retiring. 563-357-4300

TRACTORS 1992 CIH-7140, MFWD, 6600 hrs., new frt. tires, like new rears, duals @ 50%, Exc. Paint, new turbo, injectors, rebult fuel pump & head, $42,500 Call 815-760-0798 1996 JD-8570 4WD. 6626 hrs. bareback 3-hyd. Outlets, 24 spd. good 18.4R38 Firestone tires 60%, $32,000.; 1981 IH1086, can air & heat. 2 hyd.

Outlets 3-pt. 2-PTO. New front tires rear Firestone 18.4x38 w/duals.Western cab. $12,000.

Call 217-737-8640

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

EMPLOYMENT Full-time large grain farm, Coles Co., Must have CDL, sprayer, planter, combine experience preferred.

Paid Vacations.

217-348-0394

PLANTERS 2000 JD-1760 FINGER pick up planter, 12R30”, flex frame, half width disconnect, precision meters, bean & corn, Keetons, sensor one seed population monitor, w/GPS speed sensor, 1 cast iron spike closing wheel per row, books & spare parts, small farm, retired, can send photos, 217-473-2548

2007 AGCO-DT180, 4890 hrs., $70,000 obo Call 309-546-2831 2009 CIH Magnum 245 MFD 3510 hours, PS, field ready, Guidance Equipment, very nice, 217-304-1937 JD-7830 MFD, IVT Trans, frt susp., active seat, higher hrs., nice, $42,500 715-574-4561 JD-8430 MFD DUALS, IVT, wts., active seat, 50" tires, HID lighting, guidance ready, 5032 hrs., $79,900 Call 715-572-1234 Retiring: JD 4960 tractor, FWA w/new Remand engine, 1991 .........................$45,000.

309-314-1384, call for pictures INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

* Tile Lift Pumps * OPEN POLLINATED SEED corn, out produces Hybrids for silage. $67 per bu.

Plus shipping. 217-857-3377

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

150 to 15,000 GPM *Electric Motors * *Farm Drainage Pumps * * Generator Sets * Shoemaker Welding North Liberty, IN 574-656-4412 684 HOES TILE trencher, Call 608-295-9287 Ashland I950 scraper, 9-1/2 yard, front dolly wheels, like new condition, $28,500.

815-275-0699 Ashland I950 scraper, 9-1/2 yard, front dolly wheels, like new condition, $28,500.

815-275-0699

FARMS FOR SALE/RENT 39+/- AC. MARSHALL Cnty, IL.1872 Cnty Rd. 900 N. Varna, IL., Surveyed, 2 creeks, partial timber, $7,800/ac. Call Ray 417-217-9688 FOR SALE 175-AC, class A soils, in Big Rock IL, Kane Co., solid investment. Serious inquires only. 847-980-7956 PLANTERS 1998 CIH-955 SOLID stand, 23 row planter, bean drums, corn drums and milo drums. $13,000 Call 217-825-3670.

1998 CIH-955 SOLID stand, 23 row planter, $13,000 Call 217-839-4284

2004 JD-1750 Conservation planter, 8R30”, 250 monitor, corn & bean units, nice low acres. $13,900 309-826-8347 2005 JD-177NT, MAXEMERGE XP plater, 16R30” precision meters, row cleaners, HD springs, box ext., insect.

Boxes, veriable rate drive, asking $35,500 (815)440-5850 24 JD 1770 liquid fertilizer applicator, $250-each.

618-562-7550

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020 PLANTERS 2011 White 8531, 16x31, 2 bu. boxes, hi-rate sensors, pt row clutches, HD down springs, unit mount no-till cutters, Keeton seed firmers, 4 insecticide boxes, GTA console 1 monitor, always been shedded, $33,000.

217-246-5600 2700 KINZE 24 Row 30inch planter, c and b meters, 2000 acres on complete rebuild, $15,000. 217-556-4106

Crawfordsville, IN (765) 866.0253 Eaton, OH (937) 456.6281 Georgetown, OH (937) 378.4880 La Crosse, IN (219) 754.2423 Lebanon, IN (765) 482.2303 Leb. Spray Center, IN (765) 481.2044 Pendleton, IN (765) 778.1991 Plymouth, IN (574) 936.2523 Remington, IN (219) 261.4221

PLANTERS JD 7200, 8r30”, hydraulic wing fold, no-till, finger meters, insecticide, nice cond., $15,500.

815-275-0699 Kinze 3600, 16/31 row, great shape, ready to go, no-till, insecticide, corn & bean meters, KPM II monitor, 815-712-3703 KINZE 3600-ASD 16-30", loaded, low acres, 2012, $67,500. Call 563-357-4300 MERIDIAN-240RT, LIKE NEW, $15,000 obo Call 309-546-2831 MISC JAMESWAY CATTLE feed conveyors, Call 815-252-7117 ROTARY 2017 JD-1570 TERRAIN CUT front mount mower, dual wheels, 4wd, air seat, hyd. Wts, transfer kit, 37 HP diesel, 72" 7iron pro side discharge mower deck, Excellent Condition, 430 hrs, $19,750. (618)836-5906, 618-535-2800 cell HAY & STRAW 1st & 2nd Cut Quality Hay and Straw, big and small squares, limited quantity, delivery available, Call now while there is no quarantine!

David 815-685-5344, Mike 815-685-9646 5X6 NET WRAPPED Grass hay or large squares of alfalfa for horses and dairy cows. Delivery to your farm. (217)370-4342 5x6 round bales, grass hay, net wrapped, no rain, $60 a bale. 815-651-7426 FORAGE

Winamac, IN (574) 946.6168 Wingate, IN (765) 275.2270 LS-779039

Harms Land-Rollers, Brand New! 12 - $6,800, 14 -7,300, 16 - $8,000 , 24 - $14,800, 32 - $17,500, 42-$21,500 Any size Available. 715-234-1993 JD 1760 12Row 30 inch planter, equipped w/insect boxes, no-till cutters, Yetter residue managers, very sharp, no welds, used on small acreage. 217-259-2168

JD-6700, 3-WHEEL, 60-ft. boom, triple nozzles, w/drops 2375 hrs, spray star monitor, Trimble light bar, foamer, Good Cond., $41,000. 815-260-0249, can text pics.

Want Ads Get Attention!

TILLAGE EQUIPMENT/ PLOWS ETC. CIH-496 24' 7-1/2" spacing, 21" frt. 19-1/2 rear blades, 3-bar Remlinger harrow, Ser. JAG0162738 $7,900; IH-490, 21' 2-1/2" spacing, 19-3/4 frt., 19-3/4 rear blades, Ser. 04700004032969, $3,500; JD235, 25', 7-1/2" spacing, 21-1/4 frt, 19-1/4 rear blades, Ser. 015828A, $3,700; Brillion XL 144 33' Packer Xfold, good rolls, weld on hitch, Ser. 164772, $5,900; Krause, 2011, 15' offset disc, 11" spacing, 251/2" blades; Glencoe, 55K soil saver, New paint, Hoses & Points, $3,300. (815)592-3656

Don't Need it?

Sell it Here!

FERTILIZER EQUIPMENT

JD-726 2005 34ft finisher, knock on sweeps 5 bar spike harrow, field ready, nice cond., $23,500. 815-275-0669

1903 w/16ft Chandler litter bed, Cat power, torque boost trans., 4800-hours, 73x44-32, $39,500.

618-562-7550

LANDOLL-876 TILLOLL 30' soil finisher, Excellent Condition Located near Yorkville, IL. $23,500 Call 630-669-0437

6-Row corn liquid nitrogen applicator, 3pt hitch, red ball monitor, PTO pump, includes tractor tanks, can also spray herbicide, Delivery possible, $4500. 814-322-8090

SUNFLOWER 26' SOIL finisher, 300 ac. Since complete rebuild, new 20” blades & Bearings, 10” hard serface shovels, rolling basket, 5 bar harrow on rear. Call 217-725-5236 FEED & GRAIN

New Steel Storage tanks available Capacity up to 50,000 gal. 618-553-7549, 562-4544 www.dktanks.com

FEED & GRAIN Lincolnland Agri-Energy, LLC Buying Corn Clint Davidson Commodity Mgr 10406 N 1725th St Palestine, IL 618-586-2321 or 888-586-2321 AUGER High capacity Westfield Augers Early Season Pricing Bunker Hill Supply Co Hutsonville, IL 618-563-4464 GRAIN VACS New& Used REM & Kongskilde grain vacs. Used Kongskilde 1000 & 500 grain vacs.

Cornwell Equipment, Arthur, IL 217-543-2631 BINS & DRYERS 3-ACRES INCLUDES GRAIN elevator w/80-ft. scales, office, 3 storage buildings & bins, etc.

6 miles East of LeRoy, IL $220,000. 309-825-5017

TANKS: STAINLESS. PIPE For Culverts 10-inch to 10ft DIA. 618-553-7549, 618-562-4544, www.dktanks.com

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Bane-Welker.com

greendrills.com (740)756-4810 Hizey Farm Service LLC

GREEN SEEKER RT200, variable rate, application & maping system, new in box, Call 815-672-7640

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Wilmington, OH (937) 382.0941

DEUTZ ALLIS-385 6 ROW, notill, liquid fert. $1,800 Call 574-875-5648

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WANTED: 4 USED Y drops, Call 708-921-3484

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SPRAYERS 3000-GAL. SS TANK, 93 Mack, pump, 5-hp. $11,500. obo.

5th wheel, sprayer trailer, dual tandems, electric brakes, lights. $6,700-obo. 309-531-7576

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Kings Repair, Marshall IN 765-597-2015 SPRAYERS 1100 GALLON TOP AIR Sprayer, 60-ft. folding hyd. boom, foam maker, Raven monitor. $6,000. (815)471-8088 1985 GMC TIPKICK, floater, 1600 gal. Tank, 60' booms, Allison auto, exc. Tires, $8,800 obo call 815-674-0720 1995 INTERNATIONAL Silver wheels, floater, 466, Allison auto, 1600 gal. Tank, 60' booms, good shape, $23,000 obo Call 815-674-0720

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LOANS/ FINANCIAL SERVICES FARM LOANS. We have the Best term/interest rates avail.

Fixed rates, 5-25 yrs. 618-5282264 c, 618-643-2264, The BelRay Co, Don Welch and Jeff Welch, McLeansboro, IL TIRES 28Lx26, 23 degree Firestone tires, like new, $1200; On JD Rims. 23L-26 tires, V gd, $750.

On JD Rims. 618-214-2194, 4 GoodYear Tractor Tires Size 620/70R26. Asking $2000.

563-920-1125

CULTIVATORS JD-845 12R30" FLAT fold, C shanks, rolling shields, Neese levelers, shedded, Exc. Cond., $6,000. Call 309-303-2848 TILLAGE EQUIPMENT/ PLOWS ETC. (2) IH-4600 FIELD cultivators, 24-1/2', $1,800 each.; Wilrich field cultivator, 27', $1,000 Call 815-326-1190 Case IH 25ft 3950 disk, w/271/2ft Case IH Crumbler, both in very good condition, field ready, $22,900. 618-927-7858, 618-927-7857 CIH 200 field cultivator 43-1/2ft, knock off shovels, 4 bar tine harrow, hitch, exc cond.

Farmer owned. 309-224-9186 CIH-700, HIGH CLEARANCE 8 bottom 16” pull type on land plow, $3,500; CIH-516 720 plow, 3 pt. $2,000. Call 217-456-7641 JD MULCH MASTER, MODEL 550, 25-FT., EXTRA SWEEPS, GOOD COND., $5,250.

812-204-4587

FEED & SEED OATS, large quantity available. Bulk bin run at $4. per bu. (32 lbs). 50. bu super sacks cleaned at $5. per bu. Cleaned and bagged in 50lb bags at $8. Kewanee, IL. 309-853-7517

B5

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B6 Friday, March 27, 2020 BINS & DRYERS GSI FLOORING New-Weather: 18' , 21' , 24' Floor. 50% off.

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WAGONS & GEARS EZ Trail 3400 seed wagon, w/Shur-lock tarp, shed kept, very good condition, $6250.

618-927-7858, 618-927-7857 JD-716A SILAGE WAGON, SN 01266zw, 3 beaters, roof, wood floor, unloading apron ext., PTO shaft, variable floor spd. On a JD-1075 4 wheel running gear, SN 014541w with tongue ext., trails straight, well maintained and shedded, Asking $6,000.

Wanatha IN. 219-252-0510

SHIVERS DRYER SYSTEM for a 30' bin, w/level dry, 2 blue flame fans w/turbo fans, inclined auger and unloading auger, still set up can see work, Call 618-267-1647

KILLBROS 375 WAGON JD 1075 gear, Shur-lok roll tarp, Ficklin 16-ft. bean auger. Call 815-488-6553.

MISC. FARM EQUIPMENT

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IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT

Winco Generators. PTO portables & eng. sets avail., Large Inventory. Albion, IL. Waters Equip. 618-445-2816 WANTED

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CARS/TRUCKS/TRAILERS

MISC. FARM EQUIPMENT

1986 ALLIED FUEL tanker, 9000 gal., 5 comp. 11R22.5 tires, air ride, tires & brakes 50%, new dollies, painted silver & blue, nice looking trailer, $12,000 Call 309-335-0573

Iroquois Equipment Bush Hog Dealer

1997 REITNOUER STEP deck, 48 X102, all alum.,10.2 spread. $9,250 obo; 2007 Manac, step deck, 48x102, all alum.10.2 spread, $12,500 obo; 1999 Roadmaster rgn, 50-ton tri-axle, 48x102 with 26-ft. well, $25,000 obo. 815-674-0720.

Onarga, IL. 815-351-8124 *New/used Bush Hog mowers on hand. *Full line of Bush Hog parts.

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16 ROW DAWN PLURIBUS on B&D tool bar w/liquid, $40,000; Call 815-252-7117

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JD-2305 COMPACT TRACTOR, loader, 62� mower, 110 hrs. on tractor, like new, $12,500; DMI-470 wagon, roll up tarp, $3,600; Krause-2200 12' disc, $2,600; 815-848-5376 YEAR ROUND TRACTOR cab Fits 66 series tractor, Call (309)854-2708

CARS/TRUCKS/TRAILERS DODGE RAM 3500, flat bed truck, gas, duel wheels, new tires, 1000,000 mi., 4wd, Excellent, Call 217-415-6405 or Email nobes99@hotmail.com for pictures, Call 217-415-6405

IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT Used Zimmatic center pivot 9 tower 1500 ft long, $15,000; Kifco water winch & 6" alum pipe, 815-303-3650 Putnam, IL

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ELEC. MOTORS/GENERATORS

Generators: used, low hr takeouts. 20KW to 2000KW. Dsl, Propane, Nat. Gas. 701-3719526. abrahamindustrial.com

2007 International 8600, AR, tandem axle, 10-spd. transmission, C13 Cat eng., 167-wb, Nice Truck, $19,500.

217-924-4405 8-5pm.

2010 DELTA HYD. tilt bed goodeneck trailer 24', (2) 7,000 lb. Single axles, floors in good cond., pic avail. Asking $6,500 obo 309-525-2390 2013 Freightliner Cascadia 125, Air Ride susp., tandem axle, Detroit engine, 241,000 miles, auto, Very Nice truck Call for price.

217-924-4405 8-5pm.

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2015 Timpte 40-ft. super Hopper trailer, auto tarp, alum wheels, good tires & brakes, min.use, 815-257-3288 or 815-368-3288

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

Hours of Service exemption doesn’t include all ag trucks

By Jeannine Otto

AGRINEWS PUBLICATIONS

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration may have issued a national emergency declaration that exempts trucks and drivers hauling supplies critical to the coronavirus effort, that declaration doesn’t include all agriculture and farm trucks.

“Currently, the exemption from Hours of Service issued by FMCSA does not necessarily apply to all of agriculture,” said Kirby Wagner, assistant director of transportation and infrastructure for Illinois Farm Bureau.

Wagner led a series of “Rules for the Road” seminars across the state recently to educate and update farmers and ag haulers on transportation law and updates to those laws and regulations.

On March 13, the FMCSA issued a national emergency declaration that exempts trucks and drivers hauling emergency supplies critical to coronavirus mitigation efforts from the federal Hours of Service regulations.

The FMCSA expanded that declaration on March 18. According to the Livestock Marketing Association, the FMCSA expanded declaration includes livestock haulers.

Drivers who are hauling

under the expanded declaration are being advised to print out a copy of the expanded declaration and keep it in their trucks.

In the U.S. Department of Transportation FMCSA Frequently Asked Questions page, “Are livestock a covered commodity (under the expanded declaration), the FMCSA responded: “Yes. Livestock are covered as a precursor to food.

The emergency declaration covers ‘immediate precursor raw materials such as paper, plastic or alcohol that are required and to be used for the manufacture of items’ including food needed for the emergency restocking of stores.”

Wagner said that doesn’t include all livestock movement.

“They’ve said they are going to allow certain livestock movements. The general day-to-day operations are not included,” he said.

In addition, the exemption from Hours of Service does not cover all of agriculture.

“There is a definition called ‘direct assistance’ and that is very specific.

It means transportation or other relief services provided by a motor carrier to the immediate restoration of essential services, like electricity, medical care, sewer/water or essential supplies like food and fuel.

If you are just hauling feed to the feedlot or something that’s in a normal opera-

tion, that is not exempt,” Wagner said.

One definition that could become important later is the Department of Homeland Security’s inclusion of agriculture as “essential, critical infrastructure.”

“That designation is going to be a lot more key down the road. We wanted agriculture to be deemed critical. It needs to continue. We want to make sure that farmers are continuing their operations and being prepared in the event that things get a little shaky. That designation could come in handy down the road where we are having sticky situations where we are short on feed or other types of products,” Wagner said.

Even without the federal Hours of Service exemption, Wagner said he is reminding ag haulers and farm truckers in Illinois that they do have other exemptions.

“We are reminding them of current exemptions that are offered to agriculture, which a lot of Illinois farmers operate under. We are reinforcing the current exemptions and watching to see what goes forward,” Wagner said.

Jeannine Otto can be reached at 815-2232558, ext. 211, or jotto@ agrinews-pubs.com.

Follow her on Twitter at: @AgNews_Otto.

B7

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Stk. #11779. 2011 Freightliner Cascadia, Detroit DD13, 450hp, Jake, Air Ride, 448K Miles, 3.55 Ratio, 185”wb, PW, Tilt, Cruise.

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Stk. #11865. 2015 Kenworth T800, PACCAR MX13, 455hp, Jake, 10spd,Air Ride, 508K Miles, 193”wb,Alum Wheels, 3.42 Ratio, PW, Tilt, Cruise. Clean Southern $39,900 Truck! Warranty Included!

Stk. #11784. 2001 Peterbilt 379, CAT C15 Single Turbo, 13spd, Alum Wheels, New Rear Tires, New Paint, New Cylinder Head, Recent Overhaul, Dual Stacks and $CALL Cleaners!

Stk. #11824. 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, Single Axle, Detroit DD13, 410hp, Ultrashift Trans, Jake, Air Ride, 454K Miles, 2.67 Ratio, 165”wb, Tilt, Cruise. CLEAN $19,900 Truck!!

Stk. #11850. 2014 Peterbilt 384, PACCAR MX13, 430hp, ULTRASHIFT, Air Ride, 297K Miles,Jake,183”wb,AlumWheels,Good Tires, DOT Inspected, Warranty! $37,900 Fleet Maint! Several Avail!

Stk. #11817. 2014 Peterbilt 384, PACCAR MX13, 430hp, Ultrashift, Air Ride, Jake, Extended Cab, Alum Wheels, Good Tires, Good Miles, PW, Tilt, Cruise, $36,900 183”wb,Warranty Included!

Stk. #11859. 2015 Kenworth T800, PACCAR MX13, 455hp, Jake, 10spd, Air Ride, 518K Miles, 193”wb, Alum Wheels, 3.42 Ratio, PW, Tilt, Cruise. Clean Southern $39,900 Truck! Warranty Included!

Stk#11863. 2015 Kenworth T800, PACCAR MX13, 455hp,10spd,Jake,Air Ride,AlumWheels,193”wb, Good Tires, Clean Truck, 516K Miles, Chrome Bumper, 3.42 Ratio, Tilt, Cruise, $39,900 PW. Inspected and Ready!

Stk. #11842. 2013 Freightliner Cascadia, Cummins ISX, 450hp, Jake, Air Ride, 10spd, Alum Wheels, 183”wb, 3.55 Ratio, 520K Miles, PW, Tilt, Warranty $28,500 Incl!

Stk##11851. 2014 Peterbilt 384, PACCAR MX13, 430hp, Jake, Ultrashift, Air Ride, Alum Wheels, 183”wb, 269K Miles, Good Tires, Tilt, Cruise, PW, 3.42 Ratio. $37,900 LOW MILES!!

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B8 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Livestock Beef Quality Assurance program updates online modules CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Building on its updated National Manual launched in summer 2019, the Beef Quality Assurance program has updated its online training modules to make them more realistic and useful.

The new modules are now

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available to those who are first becoming BQA certified online and those who are getting recertified as required after three years.

First launched in 2017, Categories for training and certification include Cow-Calf, Stocker and Feedyard. Online training

and certification are available for free and accessible 24-hours a day, seven days each week, making it a convenient option for busy farmers and ranchers.

To find out more about BQA online certification, go to www.bqa.org/bqacertification.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

B9

Livestock

Project aims to improve beef quality with better carcass data BOZEMAN, Mont. — U.S. cattlemen and women have successfully improved beef quality during the last several decades, yet capturing widespread carcass data proves elusive. The most important traits are still among the most difficult to predict.

A large-scale project from the American Simmental Association aims to change some of that — and arm ranchers with more accurate decision-making tools.

“Over time, we’ve leveraged new technologies like ultrasound to help bolster information about end product attributes into our genetic evaluation systems.

However, as we look at different breeds, on average, between

half and 1% reporting rate of the number of calves born every year make it into our carcass data evaluation,” said Bob Weaber of Kansas State University.

“Carcass data is an area that’s expensive to measure, but we know it’s very important. All of the new dollars that come into the beef business come from somebody buying a piece of beef.”

That’s why the ASA recently launched an expansive new project that pairs actual carcass records with genomic data on sire-identified calves. The Carcass Expansion Project aims to boost total carcass records and to train genomic panels to more accurately predict carcass traits.

Rancher Tracy Brunner of Cow Camp Ranch near Ramona, Kansas, is a participant and says the project has merit for all producers.

“This is not about just gathering carcass data. It’s not just a win for the individual animal owner. It benefits the cattle that are available to our consumer, industry-wide,” Brunner said. “All the information that we gather will develop better and more accurate EPDs that will lead to better consumer products.”

ASA’s Board of Trustees invested significantly toward the five-year project, open to seedstock members and their commercial customers with SimGenetic influence.

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2007 BLUE-JET AT3000 11SH NITROGEN APP. HINIKER 6000 16R30 CULTIVATOR PENTA 3020-SD TMR MIXER KUHN KNIGHT VT 168 TMR MIXER YETTER 3541 40FT ROTARY HOE

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“We focus our efforts and data collection, in this case, on a relatively large group of animals, of 20,000, and extract lots of information out of that exercise. Then the genomics tools will allow us to spread that information across the entire pedigree. So, producers that aren’t directly engaged in feeding cattle benefit from the project because they’ll be able to use a genomics tool,” Weaber said.

For the genomic component, the association plans to pay genotyping costs associated with the use of tissue-sampling units provided through Allflex.

“Obviously, carcass data is one of the hardest things to get because not everybody is willing to

share it and because it’s very expensive to just get carcass data,” said Scott Holt, North American marketing manager for Allflex.

“Our ability now to get that carcass information through genomics is a really exciting phase in our industry.”

“Through the gathering of carcass data and tying that back to the origin of the genetics of those animals, we’re able to increase the predictability. We’re able to increase the accuracy of expected progeny differences,” Brunner said.

Seedstock members or commercial producers wanting to learn more can visit simmental. org or contact the association at 406-587-4531.

B10 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

From The Pastures Working with wool

Lamb prices steady

A couple days ago, I received a text from my husband, “Just got done putting the rams back in.”

A number of questions came to my mind, so I called him right away. He said, “Imagine my surprise when on a conference call and out the window I see the rams walking in the front yard.” It was one of the first warmer days in northern Illinois.

Apparently, the rams were feeling good and broke a fencepost, giving them a small way out of their pasture. Luckily, they follow a bucket of feed anywhere and were easily enticed back into the barn.

Guess we know what our first spring project will be.

Thanks, dear, for getting them safely back in the barn.

I am working with a variety of fibers in the mill, including alpaca, llama and several breeds of wool. It is really interesting to see how each one processes a little differently. From past experience, I have learned how to change the settings on the equipment for the different types of fiber. A few customers had wool and alpaca mixed together, which gives the yarn the good characteristics of each. A grey suri alpaca mixed with a little white Shetland wool spun very nicely to a soft, durable yarn with a beautiful color. This month, I also started to wash some of the wool sheared from my sheep. Looking forward to working with my wool.

I am still in the planning and idea stage of what to combine and make. Soon the weather should be nice enough to do some dying.

Jane Zeien

Hello from GrazeN-Grow.

Lamb prices have been holding up well throughout the winter, but with the current COVID-19 crisis, anything goes. We had some really nice field conditions to get manure hauled, but that seems a little more challenging now with rain forecasted, but that’s what spring is about. While I did see a few farmers in the field earlier, it doesn’t look like an early spring for fieldwork.

It looks like now being here on the farm is the best place to be. I always knew that, but it has taken on a new significance. For

SHEFFIELD, ILL.

Focused on feeding

and soybean meal mixed feed that had about 4% On fat in the ration. I worked March 9, I them up to 1.5 pounds per moved the head per day and they have flock off of put on an average of 18 this year’s pounds per head and have cornfield improved their body scores and put over those 38 days. Now them in my their average body score permanent grass-pasture is 3.0 and that is where it sacrifice lot until I can should be at this time in start grazing. I’m hoping their pregnancy. this will make it easier The other larger group to get the planter in the that had started out in ground this spring because better body condition and I think I had compaction body score has gained last year. about 11 pounds in that On March 10, I 38 days while maintaining pregnancy checked 126 ewes and ewe lambs. As I ran them through the chutes I weighed and body scored them also. It’s been 38 days since I started supplementing their poor hay and I wanted to see if they were improving. The skinny group received a cracked corn, protein pellet

an average of 3.0 body score. They are fed straight soy hull pellets at 1 pound per head per day. So, those two feeding programs have achieved the desired results, but what about the number of lambs conceived?

I was not optimistic.

However, after analyzing the preg-checking results, I have close to a 200% conception rate, which really surprised me. Now the job is to get them born in the month of May. Elton Mau ARROWSMITH, ILL.

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BELVIDERE, ILL.

all of us who grew up on the farm, we were blessed with the opportunity to eat some dirt and be around animals and build our immunities that will serve us well in these challenging days ahead. Since I don’t mind avoiding crowds, being isolated on the farm is no problem.

Most of us also gained in our natural defenses by wholesome foods that were so readily available to us like farm-raised beef, pork, chicken, eggs, vegetables and, yes, even some lamb for some of us.

Let’s pray that a month from now at our next meeting we can look back on a crisis over with minimal cost. Take care of yourselves and remember we are in His hands.

Happy trails.

Jim Draper

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www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

B11

Lifestyle KITCHEN DIVA

Spring into asparagus

By Angela Shelf Medearis

the stalks.

Asparagus can be During a visit to stored for up to two days Germany, I was introif the stalks are trimmed duced to all things asparand placed upright in a agus. Nothing says spring jar with about an inch is here in Germany like a of water in the bottom. beautiful bunch of crisp, Cover the asparagus with white asparagus, or as a plastic bag and store the they call it, Spargel. spears in the refrigerator.

The white variety of Asparagus is also a asparagus is harvested nutritional powerhouse. in Germany from about One half-cup of cooked mid-April to June 24, asparagus contains signifiwhich is known as St. cant amounts of folic acid, John the Baptist Day. Rich vitamin C, potassium and in nutrients and very low beta-carotene. It’s also a in calories, asparagus heart-healthy food, and a has become a culinary natural diuretic. status symbol for many This versatile vegetable Fresh, green asparagus is a well-loved vegetable, delectably crisp works well as a room-temGermans.

According to the webperature appetizer, and sweet. site germanfood.org, it blended into a soup, as the stems and can be done up main ingredient in a colortakes three years for an as- including green, violet, to two hours before cookpurple and white. paragus plant to produce ful salad, a flavorful side ing. Place the prepared Asparagus also grows its first tip. For white asdish or as part of a main asparagus in a plastic bag wild and is commercially paragus, soil is piled into course like my recipe for available fresh, frozen and in the refrigerator to stay knee-high banks, which Asparagus With Fusilli canned. Various types and crisp until ready to cook. give the fields their charPasta and Peas. Preparing Fresh asparagus should colors of asparagus can acteristic appearance. asparagus is a delicious never be washed or soaked and nutritious way to celebe used without any noWhite asparagus grows before storing. If the asticeable difference in the best in sandy soil surbrate spring. paragus is bound with a taste, so mix and match rounded by mounds of rubber band, remove it, colors and sizes for visual earth, which protects the © 2020 King Features as it will pinch and bruise Synd., Inc. interest. slender stalks from sunAsparagus should be light exposure and keeps crisp and firm, not limp them from turning green.

This also affects the subtle or wrinkled, with tightly closed tips. Dull colors flavor of the vegetable. and ridges in the stems From Badenare an indication of a lack Wurttemberg to of freshness. The stalks Brandenburg, certain should not be limp or dry rural areas in Germany take special pride in being at the cut and of uniform thickness. prime asparagus growIf you’re planning to use ing regions. Four states the asparagus on the same are even home to scenic day, rinse it under cool “Asparagus Routes,” which have created an as- water, pat the stalks dry with a paper towel. Smaller paragus tasting tourism.

Green varieties of aspar- stalks can be broken or cut at the point where the stem agus are more popular in America and are available naturally snaps.

Peeling the end of year-round. Asparagus thicker stalks with a paris easy to select and to ing knife or a vegetable prepare and comes in a peeler removes any woody variety of vibrant colors, SM-LA1759147

Asparagus With Fusilli Pasta And Peas Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS 12 ounces fusilli pasta (or penne or farfalle) 1 pound asparagus, white, green, purple or violet or a mixture 4 ounces sugar snap peas 1 cup frozen peas 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 3/4 cup minced onions (1/2 large white onion) 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper 2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, plus more for sprinkling PROCEDURE Bring a 5- to 6-quart pot

of heavily salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as package directs. Add asparagus and sugar snap peas about 3 minutes before the recommended time for the pasta to be done. Add frozen peas 2 minutes before the recommended time for the pasta to be done.

Drain pasta and vegetable mixture, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water. Return pasta and vegetable mixture to pasta pot.

While pasta cooks, heat oil in a 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onions, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes or cayenne. Sauté 5 minutes until tender. Add broth and simmer 2 to 3 minutes.

Add onion mixture and lemon zest; gently toss to mix and coat the pasta. Toss with 1 cup of the Parmesan and 1/2 cup of the pasta water, as needed, to create a sauce that coats the pasta. Use the rest of the cheese to sprinkle on pasta.

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B12 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Lifestyle CHOW LINE

Eating healthy when stressed My kids are out of school for several weeks now, as part of my state’s efforts to lessen the spread of coronavirus. As a result, I’m stressed, the kids are stressed, and I’ve found myself reaching for rich, high-sugar foods that I typically avoid because they’re not the healthiest options. Any tips on how I can eat better during this time of high stress?

You’re not alone. People often reach for comfort foods during times of high stress. Many times, those foods tend to be high in sugar and low in fiber.

It’s best to avoid those foods because they can increase the development of chronic inflammation in our bodies, according to Patricia Brinkman, family and consumer sciences educator with Ohio State University Extension.

That’s an issue because high levels of chronic inflammation are believed to cause rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, reduced kidney function and inflammatory bowel disease and prolonged chronic inflammation increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases, Brinkman wrote in Eating Healthy During Stressful Times, an Ohioline fact sheet.

Ohioline is OSU Extension’s free online information resource and can be found at ohioline.osu.edu. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“Even low amounts of inflammation can increase your risk of obesity, depression and the effects of aging,” she wrote. “By eating a healthier diet, we may reduce our risk of chronic inflammation and diseases.”

Some examples of healthy eating habits can be found by following these three plans, Brinkman says: n Healthy U.S.-Style Eating Pattern, based on guidance found in the 2015 USDA Dietary Guidelines

You can handle stress better when you are as healthy as possible, so eating nutritiously is a good defense against stress.

n Healthy Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern n DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet “All three plans encourage us to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and seafood and plant proteins,” she said. “All three plans limit or encourage people to avoid consumption of empty calories including foods with added sugar, or drinking excess, as well as alcohol, refined grains, saturated fat foods and high sodium foods.”

When crafting a healthy eating plan for a person on a 2,000-calorie diet per day, Brinkman says to consider consuming the following: n Vegetables — 2 to 4 cups n Fruits — at least 2 cups a day

n Whole grains — 3 to 4 ounces a day n Fish/seafood — 8 to 16 ounces a week, for omega-3 n Lean plant proteins or meats — 6 to 8 ounces a day n Nuts and soy — 4 to 6 ounces a week n Olive oil — 1 to 2 tablespoons a day n Dairy (1% or skim) — 1 to 3 cups a day n Alcohol — 0 to 1 drink a day Brinkman advises that you eat lots of fiber by eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts, noting that, “fiber increases the anti-inflammatory properties from these foods. Add some garlic, onion, pepper, ginger, turmeric, oregano, thyme and rosemary for additional anti-inflammatory properties.”

“When you are in a very stressful time, choose to eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, 1% or fat-free dairy, seafood and plant proteins, rather than comfort foods or junk foods,” she said. “You can also choose to eat fruit for dessert instead of other sweet foods.”

Chow Line is a service of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and its outreach and research arms, Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Send questions to Chow Line, c/o Tracy Turner, 364 W. Lane Ave., Suite B120, Columbus, OH 43201, or turner.490@osu.edu.

SENIOR NEWS LINE

Stay put to stay out of harm’s way

By Matilda Charles

A show of hands, please: How many of us are getting nervous since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that seniors and those with medical conditions should stay at home as much as possible due to the coronavirus? Those medical conditions include heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

I’ve spent several days wondering whether I actually have to go out as often to get the things I need. I’ve learned: n Petco, PetSmart and Chewy, the pet food and pet supplies companies, will deliver. If you get on a repeat delivery schedule, the prices are lower than at the stores, and the heavy packages come right to your door. n Instead of standing in line at the always-crowded post office, I can order stamps online at usps.com. Call 800-782-6724 to learn more. n My grocery store still doesn’t deliver, but if I order online they will at least bring my purchases out to the car. n CVS, however, does deliver, and as of now, it’s free. In my area, either the post office or a courier will make the delivery.

I decided to have my prescriptions sent by mail. n I made a few calls and two restaurants in my area will now deliver when they didn’t before. n There’s even a mobile oilchange company that will come to my house to service my car.

So, what will I do with all my non-shopping spare time, now that I don’t need to go out as often? My list looks like this: order puzzles and paperbacks from Amazon, start spring cleaning, begin outlining a novel to write this summer, sign up for free language lessons on the computer and order seeds and all the supplies to get a head start on growing a few vegetables on the porch this year. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

B13

Lifestyle DONNA’S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN

Create fake spills for April Fool’s Day

By Donna Erickson

“A mess is the sign of a good time” is one of my mantras in life. That is, as in disorder after a party or craft project. But spills? Not that kind of mess.

Grape juice on white carpet, chocolate milk on a child’s party dress, coffee spilled on my lap during a flight.

No one likes to accidentally spill or be spilled on. Except on April Fool’s Day! This fun caper of placing “fake” spills around the house, office or school, fools, surprises and, above all, creates spontaneous laughter.

We all know, you can’t have too much of that in your life.

Fool friends and family into thinking that ketchup really spilled on the kitchen floor, or that fingernail polish is dripping down the side of an upholstered chair. The ingredients are basic for this clean “messy” prank: household glue, acrylic paint and props appropriate to enhance the spill.

Here’s how: 1. Choose an empty container, cup or jar as the prop for your spill. For example, an empty

If you are a trickster who enjoys pulling pranks, learning the art of a fake spill is another stunt to add to your grab bag. juice box, a coffee mug or a mustard jar works well. Wash it thoroughly.

2. In a small paper cup, stir food coloring for translucent spills or acrylic paint for opaque spills into 1/2 cup of white household glue. Or, if you have a wide-

mouth prop, combine directly in it. When adding the paint or food coloring, try to imitate the color of the product that was previously in the container. Mix colors to get an authentic effect.

3. Place plastic wrap or parchment paper on a flat surface.

Set the prop you have chosen on its side on plastic wrap or parchment paper. Carefully pour the glue mixture onto the plastic wrap or paper next to the spout or edge of the prop in such a way that it simulates a real spill. If you stirred the glue mixture in the prop, slowly pour it out and set the prop on its side next to the spill. Add realistic touches as part of the spill, such as mini marshmallows for a spilled mug of hot chocolate, or a wooden stick for an ice-cream bar.

4. Keep out of reach until completely dry, up to 24 to 36 hours. Remove the “spill” from the plastic wrap or paper.

Check to make sure it is dry underneath. You don’t want a real spill on your hands!

Finally, it’s time place your fake spill in the perfect spot to surprise your friends and family on April 1.

To find more of Donna Erickson’s creative family recipes and activities, visit www. donnasday.com. © 2020 Donna Erickson distributed by King Features Synd.

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Be skeptical about health claims for aromatherapy

By Dr. Keith Roach

I have a relative who sells one of the popular brands of essential oil products and related equipment.

She sends out many social network postings about the benefits of these products, including sharing postings from others who sell the products. I do not purchase these for several reasons. I am sensitive to many airborne scents and have a scent-free home, but my primary concern is that she seems to be practicing medicine by claiming what I believe to be unproven health benefits. These are very

costly and, at a minimum, harm is done by persuading people to spend a great deal of money for products that may not do what they are claimed to do. I am also concerned that families with young children seem to be using these products — my relative has even sent some to her children’s school for use in the classroom. Can you please comment on possible benefits or harm from these products?

Essential oils from plants have been used to scent the air for millennia. There are certainly many claims about purported health benefits, but there is little

evidence to support their use for those purposes. Health claims for aromatherapy should be taken with skepticism.

One exception is that several reviews have found that some aromatherapies can reduce anxiety levels, and possibly some symptoms of depression.

As I frequently note, however, the placebo effect is powerful, and if you expect that a treatment, such as aromatherapy, will help your symptoms, it very well may.

As such, I have no objection to people who want to use them for mild symptoms. I do object when

people forgo potentially effective treatment for serious illness.

Your point about cost is a real issue, but essential oils do not have to be very expensive.

Harm from aromatherapy is generally limited to allergic or non-allergic irritation of the nose and skin.

Essential oils are not to be taken internally, and even topical use can lead to problems, as they can be absorbed into the body directly through the skin. © 2020 North America Synd., Inc.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTING

A large, cardboard American Family Soap poster brought $1,652 at auction.

Sign of the times

By Terry and Kim Kovel

Advertising signs with bold-colored graphics, interesting product names and pictures of Uncle Sam and other patriotic designs sell for high prices. They sell best in the size sometimes called a “sofa picture,” since it’s big enough to hang between the ceiling and the top of the sofa.

Many collectors want advertising for the historic content and authentic pictures of costumes, rooms and occupations and as a way to date popular messages and sayings.

The large, cardboard American Family Soap poster offered at a Morford auction in upstate New York brought $1,652. It was a bright-yellow “sofa-sized” picture of Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty with the slogan, “It is cheaper to buy good soap than new clothes.

Every atom cleanses.”

TIP: Never soak rhinestone jewelry in water. The moisture seeps behind the stones and will cause discoloration.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.

Kovels.com. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

B14 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Business

Market data

Songs for hard times

Futures Prices

Here is a chapter from “Haunted by Markets,” entitled “Songs for Hard Commodity Times,” that I Insight wrote on Oct. 18, Jerry Welch 2013. You decide if times were harder back then or now with fears of coronavirus sweeping the globe.

Adversity is considered the grindstone of life. It is an old cliché, but the truth is hard times either grind you down or polish you up. On yomifavour.blogspot.com, I found some examples of how hard times polished up a few people down through history. n Ludwig Beethoven composed his greatest works after becoming deaf. n Sir Walter Raleigh wrote the History of the World during a 13-year imprisonment. n If Columbus had turned back, no one could have blamed him considering the constant adversity he endured. n Abe Lincoln achieved greatness by his display of wisdom and character during the devastation of the Civil War. n Luther translated the Bible while enduring confinement in the Castle of Wartburg. n Under a sentence of death and during 20 years

FOR WEEK ENDING MARCH 20, 2020

This Last This

week week Chg. week CATTLE HOGS APR 20 98.65 95.57 3.08 APR 20 61.57 JUN 20 89.52 89.75 -0.23 MAY 20 60.87 AUG 20 90.75 89.17 1.58 JUN 20 67.95 OCT 20 94.00 93.80 0.20 JUL 20 70.37 DEC 20 98.20 98.70 -0.50 AUG 20 69.72 FEB 21 102.40 101.97 0.43 OCT 20 60.57

Last week Chg. 56.37 62.70 71.30 72.50 72.02 60.87

5.20 -1.83 -3.35 -2.13 -2.30 -0.30

7.72 6.22 3.78 2.63 2.60 3.15

MILK CLASS III MAR 20 16.26 APR 20 16.05 MAY 20 15.31 JUN 20 15.52 JUL 20 15.92 AUG 20 16.11

16.34 15.90 15.78 15.98 16.35 16.56

-0.08 0.15 -0.47 -0.46 -0.43 -0.45

CORN MAY 20 3436 3656 -220 JUL 20 3494 3684 -190 SEP 20 3546 3676 -130 DEC 20 3632 3730 -98 MAR 21 3732 3826 -94 MAY 21 3774 3874 -100

SOYBEANS MAY 20 8624 JUL 20 8646 AUG 20 8652 SEP 20 8616 NOV 20 8606 JAN 21 8600

8486 8560 8594 8604 8644 8676

138 86 58 12 -38 -76

CHICAGO WHEAT MAY 20 5392 5060 332 JUL 20 5356 5070 286 SEP 20 5382 5130 252 DEC 20 5466 5236 230 MAR 21 5542 5336 206 MAY 21 5522 5364 158

K.C. WHEAT MAY 20 4690 JUL 20 4724 SEP 20 4796 DEC 20 4906 MAR 21 5002 MAY 21 5052

4314 4384 4474 4610 4732 N/A

376 340 322 296 270 N/A

BRENT CRUDE OIL MAY 20 26.98 33.85 -6.87 JUN 20 29.00 35.44 -6.44 JUL 20 30.63 36.77 -6.14 AUG 20 31.98 37.85 -5.87 SEP 20 33.08 38.71 -5.63 OCT 20 33.87 39.38 -5.51

ETHANOL APR 20 MAY 20 JUN 20 JUL 20 AUG 20 SEP 20

1.192 1.211 1.226 1.226 1.226 1.226

-0.210 -0.207 -0.207 -0.207 -0.207 -0.207

FEEDER CATTLE MAR 20 120.72 APR 20 118.82 MAY 20 118.25 AUG 20 123.80 SEP 20 124.87 OCT 20 126.07

113.00 112.60 114.47 121.17 122.27 122.92

0.982 1.004 1.019 1.019 1.019 1.019

Stocks of Agricultural Interest

This Last 52-wk week week high

ADM AGCO BASF Bunge CF

30.61 40.30 10.58 31.78 22.25

This Last 52-wk week week high

34.64 47.20 Corteva 22.53 24.82 32.78 55.33 81.39 Dupont 31.47 37.10 83.72 12.49 20.98 Deere 111.63 138.96 181.99 38.56 59.65 FMC 65.32 88.05 108.77 27.68 55.15 Mosaic 9.59 11.01 28.61

Export Inspections (MIL BU.) This Year Cumulative Cumulative Cml.

week ago this year year ago % diff.

WHEAT 449.653 385.143 19722.39 18011.087 9.50 CORN 977.879 812.893 15925.67 27424.573 -41.93 SOYBEANS 436.358 849.700 30573.72 27707.97 10.34

Meat Prices This week Last week Change Pork Cutout Bellies Loins Hams Yld Gr 3 Choice Beef Select Beef

77.82 70.04 7.78 77.54 89.02 -11.48 85.55 73.57 11.98 54.76 55.80 -1.04 254.07 206.85 47.22 240.38 202.11 38.27

in exile, Dante wrote the Divine Comedy. n John Bunyan wrote Pilgrims Progress in a Bedford jail.

Rather than listen to the doom-and-gloomers, I wish to suggest something different. In times like these, if you have to listen to bad news, I say hear it in a song.

The following are my top choices for the bestall-around songs for hard times. n “There’s Nothing Soft about Hard Times” by Jimmy Buffett. n “How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” by Blind Alfred Reed and updated by Bruce Springsteen. n “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” by Crystal Waters n “Take This Job and Shove It!” by Johnny Paycheck. n “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn. n “Mr. President (Have Pity on the Working Man)” by Randy Newman. n “Workin’ Man Blues” by Merle Haggard. n “Ain’t Nothing Going On but the Rent” by Gwen Guthrie. n “In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley n “Bread Line Blues” by Slim Smith. n “See the Black Clouds A’Breakin’ Over Yonder”

by Chubby Parker. n “Starving to Death on a Government Claim” by Edward L. Crain. n “Tomorrow” from the

musical “Annie.” n “Hard Time Will Be the Best Time” by Charley Pride. n “She Got the Goldmine, I Got the Shaft” by Jerry Reed. n “Patches” by Clarence Carter.

In 1963, Ray Charles won his fourth Grammy in a row for “Busted.” Log on to YouTube and watch Ray sitting comfortably at the piano, swaying to and fro, and head bobbing and in his own unique style singing: Yeah, my bills are all due and the baby needs shoes, but I’m busted Cotton is down, quarter a pound, but I’m busted, oh yeah I got cow that went dry, hen that won’t lay Big stack of bills gettin’ bigger each day County’s gonna haul my name, know that I went and I’m busted Doom-and-gloomers may want to have “Busted” the ringtone on their cellphone, but not me. I expect the economy to turn upward, jobs to be regained and the markets to rally.

That is why the ringtone on my cell phone is from the 1939 movie classic, “The Wizard of Oz.” The second verse of the song I am referring to goes like this: Somewhere over the rainbow Bluebirds fly And the dreams that you dare to dream of Dreams really do come true

Eastern Corn Belt Direct Feeder Cattle

Ethanol production

Reported sales this week, 671; last week, 129; last year, 2,637. Demand light. Supply included 100% over 600 pounds, 100% heifers.

Ethanol production for the week ending March 12 reported a decrease of 9,000 barrels per day to 1.035 million barrels a day. Ethanol stocks increased 0.264 million barrels at 24.6 million barrels.

Feeder Heifers Medium and Large 1-2 Head Wt Range Avg Wt Price Range Avg Price 536 725 725 96.50 96.50 135 725 725 96.50 96.50

Delivery May FOB Jun FOB

National Grain Market Review Wheat was 5 cents lower to 62 3/4 cents higher. Corn was 20 1/4 cents lower to 45 1/4 cents lower.

Sorghum was 36 cents to 37 cents lower. Soybeans were 13 1/4 cents lower to 16 1/4 cents lower.

CORN Kansas City US No 2 truck Yellow Corn was 22 1/4 to 27 1/4 cents lower from 3.50 1/2-3.57 1/2 per bushel.

Omaha US No 2 Yellow Corn was 30 to 31 cents lower from 3.21-3.30 per bushel.

Chicago US No 2 Yellow Corn was 21 1/4 to 28 1/4 cents lower from 3.46 1/2-3.48 1/2 per bushel.

Toledo US No 2 rail Yellow corn was 39 1/4 to 45 1/4 cents lower at 3.40 1/2 per bushel.

Minneapolis US No 2 Yellow corn rail was 20 1/4 cents lower at 3.15 1/2 per bushel.

OILSEEDS Minneapolis Yellow truck soybeans were 14 1/4 cents lower at 8.19 1/4 per bushel.

Illinois Processors US No 1 Yellow truck soybeans were 13 1/4 to 16 1/4 cents lower from 8.50 1/4-8.57 1/4 per bushel.

Kansas City US No 2 Yellow truck soybeans were 16 1/4 cents lower from 8.33 1/4-8.43 1/4 per bushel.

Illinois 48 percent soybean meal, processor rail bid was 12.00 higher from 314.80-317.80 per bushel.

Central Illinois Crude Soybean oil processor bid was 0.90 to 1.00 points lower from 24.8825.98 per cwt.

WHEAT Kansas City US No 1 Hard Red Winter, ordinary protein rail bid was 62 3/4 cents higher from 5.75 1/2-5.85 1/2 per bushel.

St. Louis truck US No 2 Soft Red Winter terminal bid was 28 cents higher at 5.66 per bushel.

Minneapolis and Duluth US No 1 Dark Northern Spring, 14.0 to 14.5 percent protein rail, was 30 3/4 to 40 3/4 cents higher at 6.79 3/4 per bushel.

Portland US Soft White wheat rail was 5 cents lower at 5.8 per bushel.

SORGHUM US No 2 yellow truck, Kansas City was 36 to 37 cents lower from 5.63-6.17 per cwt. Texas High Plains US No 2 yellow sorghum (prices paid or bid to the farmer, fob elevator) was 36 to 37 cents lower from 5.54-6.07 per cwt.

www.agrinews-pubs.com | INDIANA AGRINEWS | Friday, March 27, 2020

B15

Business

Farm Bureau highlights 2020 legislative successes INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau celebrates successful advocacy efforts toward passing legislation that positively impacts farmers, agribusiness professionals and rural communities. At the close of the 2020 legislative session, several of INFB’s priority positions were passed into law.

INFB’s top priority this session was achieved with the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 184.

SEA 184 allows INFB to offer more affordable, high quality health benefit plans to its members. The bill passed out of the Senate by a vote of 49-0 and out of the House by a vote of 94-2.

“Senate Enrolled Act 184 is an important piece of legislation that will help many farmers and others in rural communities gain access to more affordable health benefits,” said Randy Kron, INFB president.

“Since many Indiana Farm Bureau members go without health coverage, this innovation solution creates a new, more affordable option that doesn’t exist today. Farm Bureau will begin working on developing the health plans and has set an ambitious goal of benefits being available in the fourth quarter of 2020.”

Another INFB priority this session was the continued expansion of rural broadband. Senate Enrolled Act 177 transfers the authority of the Broadband Ready Program to the Office of Rural and Community Affairs, which aligns with the agency’s focus to improve communities around the state.

In addition, Senate Enrolled Act 343 changes the Rural Telephone Cooperative Act to the Rural Communications Cooperative Act, which will expand service offerings for rural Hoosiers.

“For the past several years, Indiana Farm Bureau has fo-

“Since many Indiana Farm Bureau members go without health coverage, this innovation solution creates a new, more affordable option that doesn’t exist today.”

Randy Kron, president INDIANA FARM BUREAU

cused on the rollout and implementation of rural broadband,” said Katrina Hall, INFB’s director of public policy.

“Rural broadband is important for these communities as it fosters economic growth, educational opportunities and connectivity. Moving forward, INFB will continue to support any effort that increases speeds, creates more efficiency and expands internet access to rural Hoosiers.”

INFB also worked on legislation to clarify the state’s pesticide statutes. Senate Enrolled Act 438 makes some technical clarifications concerning pesticide registration, use and application.

The bill also creates a working group of affected industry organizations, with a recommendation due to the Indiana General Assembly before Dec.1.

“Indiana Farm Bureau supported the effort to help the Office of Indiana State Chemist modernize the civil penalty portion of the Indiana pesticide statute,” said Jeff Cummins,

INFB’s associate director for policy engagement.

“SEA 438 is an important first step in developing a wellrounded approach to creating a more objective and transparent process of assessing civil penalties to deter bad actors. INFB looks forward to participating in the working group this year.”

Other important bills INFB worked on this session include: n SEA 20 — requires that an agricultural extension educator must be a resident in that county in order to serve on the county’s advisory plan commission. The bill also provides that an educator who is not a resident of the county can serve in a nonvoting advisory capacity. n SEA 229 — provides that a wetland permit is not required from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for the reconstruction or maintenance of a regulated drain if the work is being completed in the existing drainage easement. n SEA 340 — revises the statute allowing a municipality to condemn property for economic development to require a threefourths vote of the local legislative body before exercising the power of eminent domain.

The bill requires a municipality to provide notice to affected owners, both residents and nonresidents, when the city is considering taking over private property and creates a new right of appeal in eminent domain proceedings.

“The 2020 legislative session was successful because of Indiana Farm Bureau’s grassroots,” Hall said. “More than 270 members made sure their voices were heard by engaging with legislators at the Statehouse or third house meetings, as well as the countless phone calls and emails. Thanks to the members who participated this session.

They truly made a difference.”

The Indiana Farm Bureau app is now available for download, free of charge, for iPhone and Android users. Download the app via the App Store or the Play Store. Membership is not required to download the app, but is needed to utilize many of the features within the app.

INFB launches mobile app INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau launched a new mobile app which provides its members with quick, convenient access to its many resources. The new mobile app features access to membership information, event details and member benefits.

With INFB’s new app, members now have digital access to their membership card.

Convenient access to their membership card makes it easy to sign up for member-exclusive events or show proof of membership for discounts.

Another major feature of the app is the integration of My Member Deals, INFB’s member benefits platform. My Member Deals offers INFB members over 250,000 exclusive discounts on goods and services like dining, automotive, concerts, movie tickets, travel and agricultural equipment.

Prior to the app, INFB members could only access My

Member Deals through INFB’s website. Integrating the member benefits portal into the app gives members easy access to discounts when they’re needed most — while on the go.

The app also is intended to improve a member’s experience while at one of INFB’s many annual events. The new mobile app provides access to daily schedules, maps and speaker bios for events like INFB’s annual state convention and the annual Young Farmers and Ag Professionals conference.

Event attendees who use the app can also “check in” and confirm attendance at sessions, giving INFB valuable insight into which sessions are most popular among its membership.

“The Indiana Farm Bureau app is designed to be our member’s go-to app for all things Indiana Farm Bureau,” said Chelsea Poe, INFB membership development manager.

B16 Friday, March 27, 2020

| INDIANA AGRINEWS | www.agrinews-pubs.com

Business

Electricity was broadband of 1930s Farming by the numbers Arguably, one of the biggest changes to the rural landscape and family life in the United States occurred Jeff Burbrink when electricity was Purdue extended through the Extension countryside.

The first feasibility studies were conducted in 1923 in Minnesota, where they reached the conclusion that rural electrification was feasible and profitable.

Despite the positive spin on electrification, things moved slowly. The Great Depression had a devastating effect on the rural economy and slowed electrification to a crawl.

As part of an economic stimulus package, the federal government passed the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which provided loans to organizations called Rural Electric Membership Cooperatives to spur the growth

of electric power.

Many of our surrounding counties have very active REMC organizations to this day. Elkhart and St. Joseph counties were populated enough that the power companies were relatively fast at extending power, and no REMCs formed in those counties.

In the 1930s, predictions of how rural life would change focused on the farm. Innovations such as lights in the barn and pumps and motors to take over tedious manual tasks promised more productivity.

However, the first noticeable, and perhaps most celebrated, changes to rural life came about in the homes. Lights in the evening, running water and the ability to cook over a non-smoking, even-temperature stove were the innovations of dreams.

In 1940, of the 3,180 farms in Elkhart County, 2,300 had electricity, 1,600 had running water and 2,150 had a telephone.

What the predictions did not take into account was the some of the side benefits rural electrification had. Students were able

to study in the evening, rather than during the daylight.

Health care improved as running water from wells was substituted for creek or pond water and as rural doctor’s offices received power.

Jobs were created to maintain the new motors, pumps and appliances. Businesses were able to keep their doors open longer.

Today, it is hard to imagine rural life without electricity.

Just as electric power changed the rural landscape, broadband internet promises some spectacular changes. For example, I know people can shut off or turn on irrigation systems with a touch of the button from their couch.

Still, about 55% of our rural population does not have access to broadband internet access. Fortunately, leadership in the community is taking broadband access seriously, and maybe in a few years, we will not remember a time without it.

Jeff Burbrink is the Purdue Extension agriculture and natural resources educator in Elkhart County.

Downey selected as leader of Purdue center WEST LAFAYET TE, Ind. – W. Scott Downey, Purdue University professor of agricultural economics, has been named director of Purdue’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business.

Downey previously served as the center’s associate director and coordinator of undergraduate education in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He will assume the position immediately.

“Scott Downey is eminently qualified to lead the Center for Food and Agricultural Business, having served in management roles in industry and as associate director of the center,” said Jayson Lusk, distinguished professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics.

“Dr. Downey has been a key part of numerous center pro-

g rams over the years, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the center staff to prov ide worldclass executive outreach Downey and education to the agribusiness community.”

The center designs and delivers educational resources for various business topics and concepts specifically tailored to the food and agribusiness industry.

These resources are provided through these key initiatives: professional development programs and workshops; the Master of Science-Master of Business Administration in

Food and Agribusiness Management program, a dual-degree program partnership with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business; and applied agribusiness research.

The director provides strategic direction for the center, teaches in center seminars and workshops and interacts with food and agribusiness industry professionals.

Downey is the lead author of “ProSelling: A Professional Approach to Selling in Agriculture and Other Industries” and a frequent speaker and consultant for agribusiness industry sales teams.

He created a discovery process that has been adopted by Fortune 300 companies and presented around the globe.

Downey is a fellow of the Purdue Teaching Academy.

By Darren Frye

On the farm, there’s quite a bit of data about our operation available to us now if we want it. Technology has come a long way in helping farmers get information and track just about anything, especially during planting and harvest.

Today I’m not thinking about yields or other data that surrounds production on the farm.

I’m thinking about some other numbers that are critical to the success of your operation, as well. These are the numbers that paint the bigger picture of what’s going on in your operation.

Basically, all the data and numbers on your farm roll up into your farm’s financials.

These numbers are a reflection, but not the only reflection, of how your farm is currently doing. When used to their greatest advantage, up to date financials can become an important asset in themselves to a farm leader.

It comes down to this: One of the most basic, yet most difficult, choices you can make as the CEO of your farm is to run the decisions you’re making in your operation by the farm’s numbers. It sounds simple, but it can become a challenge for a couple reasons.

The first reason is because some decisions we make on the farm can become emotional or emotionally driven, especially if the farm’s numbers aren’t playing a key role in the decision-making process.

Without the touchstone of the farm’s numbers, whether actual numbers or projected scenarios, the farm leader can feel like they’re in the dark or just going with a gut feeling.

Some decisions the leader must make are more naturally emotionally charged than others. Or, sometimes the situation the operation is currently in can create higher emotional stakes than usual. What particularly comes to mind are decisions tied to land, as well as marketing decisions.

THREE KEYS FOR DECISIONS Here are a couple key points to remember when building the numbers into your decision-making process.

1. Make sure you have the financial information you need, when you need it. If you need to make a marketing decision today, it’s not going to be much help if the numbers aren’t ready for you until tomorrow. It’s worth it to invest in someone who makes sure the right financial information you need will be ready whenever you need it. Also, the information needs to be in the right format for you to actually use it in decision-making. This isn’t the time for raw, ground-level data. You need the bird’s-eye financial view of your operation so you can make these high-level decisions.

2. Stay on top of the numbers yourself, as well. As the farm’s CEO, you need a sense of where the operation is at financially on a regular basis, even during times when that might be tough to look at or busy seasons when you might feel you don’t have enough time to check the financials. This review doesn’t need to take a lot of your time or be super exact, but it should give you a general idea so you’re never surprised when you dig deeper into the numbers.

3. For emotionally charged decisions, get a partner. When it comes to decisions that are more emotional — as I said before, decisions relating to the markets and to land come to mind — it can be helpful to have the support and perspective of an outside third party. It’s best if they understand your operation on a deep level and care about you and your operation, but also have the ability to step back and give you a bit more neutral perspective because they don’t actually work inside your operation.

Our market advisers work with farmer clients as a partner that walks alongside the farm leader as they make marketing decisions for their operation. They help set up plans, as well as assist in execution, and act as a sounding board along the way.

Darren Frye is president and CEO of Water Street Solutions.