Issuu

AG Mag Northern Illinois

Bro@dening their

horizons

Broadband technology has paved the way for an information superhighway that zig-zags through much of the U.S. But millions of rural Americans are still stuck on a gravel road, left in the dust by high-speed internet. That could finally be changing.

PUBLICATION â€¢ FALL 2018

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 440 STERLING, IL 61081

AG Mag

Page Design Rusty Schrader Reporters & Photographers Pam Eggemeier, Gavin Jensen, Michael Krabbenhoeft, Alex T. Paschal, Rachel Rodgers & Vinde Wells Cover illustration Alex T. Paschal Published by Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600 Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of the Northern Illinois Ag Mag may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

2 Fall 2018

Magazine Editors Kathleen Schultz & Rusty Schrader

LINOIS N IL A MA

Advertising Director, General Manager Jennifer Heintzelman

Publisher Don T. Bricker

N OR TH

Northern Illinois

COVERSTORY

Index BROADENING THEIR HORIZONS

PAGE 8

AG Mag

Index

BIG OIL VS. BIG CORN Politics really does make strange bedfellows; the oil industry and environmental groups are on the same page: They both want the EPA to pump the brakes on President Trumpâ€™s directive that E15 be sold year-round.

PAGE 14 FARM SNAPSHOTS Harvest time and tractor shows PAGES 18-19, 27 & 28

4 Fall 2018

AGRICULTURE LOANS • Operating • Equipment • Livestock • Real Estate

We focus on your ﬁnances, so you can focus on your farm.

Meet Our Ag Lenders: Dean Zuidema

Kevin Schisler

Don Beswick

Glen Hughes

Gary Helms

Larry VenHuizen

www.commstbk.com Morrison • 815-772-4011 Fulton • 815-589-9090 Rock Falls • 815-625-1110

Sterling • 815-625-4300 Dixon • 815-284-8500

SM-ST1592375

AG Mag

Index

BIN THERE. DONE THAT There’s a lot going against the grain: Uncertainty over the fate of a farm bill, a tariff-fueled trade war, soft commodity prices – and that has farmers hedging their bets, keeping commodities in storage and hoping for a better deal

PAGE 20 CENTENNIAL FARM

EGG-STRA CREDIT

Farming has come full circle for an Oregon family

Hens come home to roost at Sauk Valley Community College

PAGE 29

PAGE 34

Sales • Farm Management • Market Evaluations Lee County:

445 +/-Acres in Palmyra Township. 428.7 +/- acres tillable. 47 +/-Acres Good producing farm in excellent location.

Ogle County:

51.5 +/-Acres Mostly Tillable D to sell at $6,300/acre. SO& Lpriced

Whiteside County:

60 +/-Acres N of Sterling. Mostly D w/excellent soils. SOLtillable 6.1 +/-Acres N of Sterling. Mostly OLDtillable, excellent soils. S 143 +/- Acres in Clyde Township. 137.63 +/- acres tillable. 77 +/- Acres in Genesee Twp, 72.6 +/- acres tillable. Matt Hermes, Managing Broker

815-288-4648 • www.heartlandrealty.info 6 Fall 2018

Choices Good Thing are always a

Sterling, IL • 815-626-4600 Pecatonica • 815-239-2600

FULL SERVICE NEW HOLLAND DEALER

Visit us online at www.peabudys.com

AG Mag

Bro@dening their

horizons

8 Fall 2018

U.S. Reps. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, and Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, are both supporters of expanding ore than 23 million people across the nation are rural broadband coverage. estimated to fall within rural broadband cover“Our rural communities have significantly lower rates age gaps, and an injection of federal dollars is of broadband availability, and it’s important that we being put toward closing the digital divide during the close that service gap,” Kinzinger said. next several years. Bustos said the spending bill is a step in the ILLINOIS N The federal government’s fiscal year 2018 right direction, but there needs to be more A ER spending bill included $1 billion for rural investment addressing national infrastructure. infrastructure, including $600 million in new She worked with House and Senate Demofunds to develop a pilot program to help bring crats to create a Better Deal economic agenda, broadband to rural areas of the country. which includes several proposals includThe U.S. Department of Agriculture estiing putting $1 trillion toward infrastructure COVERSTORY mates that the $1 billion will spur a $4.7 billion improvements. increase over the previous year in the funding The Federal Communications Commission of rural infrastructure projects, and the total investstarted the first Connect America Fund auction earment in rural communities’ infrastructure through USDA lier this year giving out nearly $1.5 billion nationwide to programs will total $13.5 billion in this fiscal year. incentivize providers to bring broadband and voice serThe focus of the pilot program is to improve broadband vices to rural areas at an affordable price. services for as many rural American homes, businesses, farms, schools and health care facilities as possible, and CONTINUED TO PAGE 104 G

N OR TH

BY RACHEL RODGERS For Northern Illinois AgMag

Rusty Schrader/SVM photo illustration

AGMag 9

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 In Illinois, nine companies won bids totaling $100 million to build out broadband across a 10-year period to serve about 32,000 locations in the state. That includes about 1,300 customers in rural areas in Lee, Whiteside, Bureau and Carroll counties. “The successful conclusion of this first-of-its kind auction is great news for the residents of these rural communities, who will finally be able to share in the 21st-century digital opportunities that broadband provides,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said following the auction in July. The qualifying locations were in areas where it made no business sense to provide the services without government subsidies. AMG Technology Investment Group LLC put in the winning bids for areas in several Illinois counties, including Bureau, Carroll, Lee and Whiteside. Bureau County will receive $1,654,039 in assistance that will bring high-speed internet to 668 customers, primarily in an area just north of Princeton. CONTINUED TO PAGE 124

Agriculture is more than a business. It’s a way of life. From the food on our tables to the clothes on our backs, we depend on agriculture. We believe in it. We invest in it.

Ed Wolf Mike Farrell Reed Hutchcraft Over 80 years combined Ag/Commercial Lending experience! Sterling Rock Falls Morrison Dixon Mt. Morris Byron Clinton, Iowa

815-626-0614

10 Fall 2018

www.sterlingfederal.com

Protect the Performance of Your Machines 6 Extra Months of Parts Warranty Protection* A 6-month extended parts warranty is available with an existing 6-month warranty on new and remanufactured parts when installed by Birkey’s through December 31, 2018.

EXTEND YOUR WARRANTY—AND EQUIPMENT LIFE Ensure your equipment is ready for every task with an additional 6-months of warranty protection. You’ll enjoy solid peace of mind thanks to one of the best parts warranties in the industry. Increase the life of your equipment and reduce the cost of potential repairs with our parts warranty plans on genuine new and remanufactured parts. See us for complete details and qualifications.

Take advantage of our extended parts warranty offer during our Inspect & Protect Sales Event. Hurry in—offer ends December 31, 2018.

1350 Western Ave Henry, IL 61537 (309) 364-2336

407 S East St Annawan, IL 61234 (309) 935-6768

200 North Street Prophetstown, IL 61277 (815) 537-2304

928 South Division Polo, IL 61064 (815) 946-2393

*6-month extended parts warranty available on genuine and remanufactured Case IH replacement parts with an existing 6-month warranty, for a total of 12-months of warranty protection. 6-month extended parts warranty eligible only on parts installed by an authorized Case IH dealer. Offer good from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Program subject to change or cancellation without notice. See your local Case IH dealer for complete details and qualifications. ©2018 - Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

AG Mag

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 The subsidy for Whiteside County will be $974,595 to bring broadband to 384 customers, most of them in an area southwest of Morrison and another cluster southeast of Interstate 88. In Carroll County, $878,732 will be available to help bring services to 227 locations. A large part of that area is just south of Mount Carroll with a couple of spots north of the city. Lee County received $3,554 to help Benton Ridge Telephone Co. service six locations. That area is south of Dixon near the junction of U.S. Route 30 and I-88. The service providers are on a 6-year timeline for the infrastructure buildouts. They must complete 40 percent of their locations within the first 3 years. The buildout must increase by 20 percent in each of the remaining 3 years. The FCC also is working to reduce the cost of broadband deployment by eliminating some regulatory barriers and by freeing up more spectrum for wireless broadband. CONTINUED TO PAGE 134

Metro Art Service

MORE THAN YOUR FARM, YOUR AMERICAN DREAM.

We offer coverage that includes coverage for buildings, equipment and liability— all at competitive rates. Call today to get a quote to protect you and your farm.

Bob Maltry, Agent 709 N Brinton Ave Dixon, IL 61021 Bus: (815) 288-4206 bmaltry@amfam.com

12 Fall 2018

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Dixon Ofﬁce: Sterling Ofﬁce:

815.315.0854 815.626.1277

wipﬂi.com/AG

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

CARS, TRUCKS, CROSSOVERS & SUVS

Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL Ph. 815/849-5232 or 1-800-227-5203 After 6, 849-5251

www.vaessenbrothers.com VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

AG Mag

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Tax • Research and Development Tax Credit Studies • Accounting • Succession and Family Transition Planning • Payroll Services • Retirement Plan and Employee Beneﬁt Services

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Contact Wipﬂi to schedule an appointment today.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Navigate the complex tax environment and legislative changes with a proactive team that leverages real-world experience to develop strategies that meet your short- and long-term needs.

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

LARGE SELECTION OF 2018 & 2019 TRUCKS!

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

THEN...1926 NOW...2018

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

“Great Deals - Great Service Since 1926”

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

SERVING THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

The agency is working toward the launch of a $4.53 billion Mobility Fund Phase II auction to expand 4G LTE wireless coverage throughout rural America, and the Connect America Fund is providing more than $9 billion for rural broadband in areas served by large carriers. In October, Microsoft announced joining forces with a company called Network Business Systems to offer broadband access to more than 126,000 people in 11 counties in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. That plan spans to Scott, Clinton, and Muscatine counties in Iowa, and Bureau, Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Rock Island, Warren, and Whiteside counties in Illinois. The company’s overall goal is to expand rural broadband to 2 million in the next 5 years. In August, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation that creates a broadband council to recommend specific legislation and spending levels for increasing broadband access, especially to senior citizens in rural areas. The measure also reduces some regulations to get more broadband in rural areas. After signing the bill, Rauner said the hope is for broadband efforts to dovetail and cover schools, homes and businesses. The Illinois Farm Bureau conducted a broadband survey from Feb. 22 to March 12, results that it’s passing on to the USDA to better gauge the gap in coverage. The 235 respondents were from 178 towns, villages and cities. About 56 percent reported “lowest satisfaction” with their broadband internet service, and 66 percent said the quality of their broadband internet negatively impacts their farming business, and 71 percent said the farm bureau should “focus a lot” to on this issue. About 75 percent reported having broadband internet access at home, and 61 percent have broadband internet access on their farm. n

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

vs. Big Oil

Big Corn Politics really does make strange bedfellows; the oil industry and environmental groups are on the same page: They both want the EPA to pump the brakes on President Trump’s directive that E15 be sold year-round

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570

he Trump administration is pushing for year-round availability of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, but making it happen appears to be easier said than done. The ethanol industry and grain farmers applauded the president’s Oct. 9 announcement that he was directing the EPA to change its rules to allow for the expanded availability of E15. The president’s trip coincided with a GOP midterm election campaigning trip to Iowa, which is the nation’s top corn-producing state. CONTINUED TO PAGE 154

Rusty Schrader/SVM photo illustration

Wilcox Construction Now is the time to plan for your new building!

We specialize in… • Agricultural • Commercial • Warehouse

Engineered All Steel Buildings SM-ST1589736

14 Fall 2018

22837 Mathew Road, Sterling, IL 61081

815-564-0263

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 In Illinois, the state’s Farm Bureau cheered Trump’s announcement but criticized the EPA for “undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard.” “For more than a decade, the Renewable Fuel Standard has created jobs, boosted the rural Illinois economy, and helped clean the air. But Illinois farmers have been frustrated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent actions, which have not only undermined the RFS, but also softened market demand for both ethanol and corn,” the IFB said in a prepared statement. The IFB urged the administration to work with the EPA to implement the E15 waiver as soon as possible, as a means of helping farmers get through a difficult time of low prices and market uncertainties. “Allowing summer sales of E15 gives consumers greater choice at the pump, reverses economic damage caused by EPA’s waivers and signals a strong message of support to our nation’s farmers,” the IFB said. Current law allows the use of E15 in vehicles that were made no earlier than 2001, but prevents its sale from June through mid-September because of concerns that it increases harmful emissions during warmer weather. All liquids, including gasoline, evaporate faster in the heat.

U.S. ethanol production capacity by state (Million gallons per year)

Production facilities

CONTINUED TO PAGE 164

Farming is complex and your needs change over time. Now is a great time to review your farm insurance with someone who knows farming & knows insurance.

Call our certiﬁed nationwide AG Agents today. We look forward to helping you.

P.O. BOX 349, Sublette, IL 61367 Sublette 849-5219 LaMoille 638-2171 Amboy 857-2125

Lexi Klein, Chris Klein, Lisa Quest, Riley Klein

Our family protecting your family.

SM-ST1585438

AG Mag

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Ethanol now accounts for 10 percent of the nation’s fuel usage. A gallon of E15 is usually 5 cents to 10 cents cheaper than the E10 fuel blend. Opponents of the rule change say a higher level of corn-based ethanol during the summer would increase smog, depleting the ozone layer, polluting water and endangering the ecosystem. Others are concerned that the higher blend can damage engines in vehicles and other equipment. Supporters say the environmental and engineering claims are unfounded. Farmers have been lobbying for the change for years, estimating that the waiver could boost annual corn demand by about 2 billion bushels and drive up depressed prices. The nation’s ethanol plants are expected to use about 5.65 billion bushels of corn this year, about 38 percent of this year’s yield, according to projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the few extra months of E15 might not seem like a huge market opportunity for producers, the consistency it brings could go a long way in stabilizing the ethanol industry. Many retailers that have been hesitant to carry E15 have pointed to the summer ban as the reason for their decision

SM-ST1586057

16 Fall 2018

to not invest in the pumps and other infrastructure. Less than 1,500 of the nation’s 122,000 gas stations have E15 pumps. The ethanol industry is already suffering from waivers given to small refiners that have cut ethanol use by nearly 2 billion gallons. The intent of the program was to give Renewable Fuel Standard passes to small refiners that are in danger of going bankrupt. The waivers are now being given to larger refiners that don’t meet the economic hardship criteria, thereby undercutting the ethanol market. The EPA granted seven waivers 3 years ago, but that number jumped to 29 in 2017, exempting about 13.62 billion gallons of ethanol from the market last year. Compliance credits are issued to refiners to prove they have adhered to the mandated blending quota. Known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), they have become a hot commodity that has spawned a multibillion dollar business on Wall Street. That business has produced an increasing number of biofuels fraud convictions. Some in the ethanol industry fear that the E15 waiver will involve concessions on the RFS exclusions for the refiners. While environmental groups have

threatened to take legal action to block the summer waiver, the biggest challenge to the rule change is the oil industry. After years of gearing up an elaborate public relations campaign against the waiver, oil interests have publicly said they will sue the EPA if the rule is changed. Trump wants to have the new rules in place in time for next year’s summer driving season. The EPA has said it should have a draft of the rule out in February and a finalized version on the books before the end of May. That is an ambitious undertaking, considering that most EPA rule changes take at least a year to finalize. “There certainly are some challenges to getting the E15 changes done,” said Carey Bauer, co-general manager at Rock River Lumber and Grain. “The biggest challenge will come from the petroleum industry, but I think it also will take some time for the infrastructure to catch up.” Just 3 days prior to the president’s announcement, U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-Illinois, and Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, sent a letter to Trump urging the administration to allow for year-round sales of E15. Bustos cited the struggles of farmers amid low commodities prices and an escalating trade war. CONTINUED TO PAGE 174

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 “While this is not a complete solution to all of these challenges, one way we could improve things is by allowing the year-round sales of E15 to provide a boost to corn growers across the heartland. I strongly urge President Trump to make this common-sense change to strengthen our agricultural economy,” Bustos said in a news release. Some farmers question whether a bump in E15 sales can do much to boost corn prices. “Greater use of E15 is a great thing, but it doesn’t look like it will impact the corn market that much, at least in the near term, but having more of the cleaner fuel out there is definitely a positive,” said Evan Hultine, a fourth-generation farmer near Princeton. Days after Trump’s E15 announcement, Casey’s General Stores announced plans to bring the blend to more than 500 of its locations over the next few years, putting it on the fast track to becoming the nation’s leading E15 retailer. Casey’s is partnering with Prime the Pump, a nonprofit that helps retailers expand its ethanol offerings, and Growth Energy, an ethanol industry organization. Casey’s first tested E15 last year at 17 of its sites. “Since first rolling out E15, we’ve seen the benefit the biofuel blend offers in terms of value for our customers and a competitive advantage for our business,” said Nathaniel Doddridge, director of fuels for Casey’s. Other leading E15 retailers are Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip Inc., with about 350 locations, and Pennsylvania-based Sheetz Inc., which offers the blend at 240 stations. n

13080 Lincoln Rd Morrison 815-772-4820 • On Farm Delivery • Quality Products

• Premium Diesel • Prompt Service

Contact Terry Fulfs

815-631-5905

For all Your Fuel Needs

AG Mag

18 Fall 2018

Shine on, arvest moon Just because farmers rise with the sun doesn’t mean they call it a day when the sun sets. They’re in the fields from sunup to sundown, and oftentimes even later, like this farmer who was working in October under a full moon near Ashton. PHOTO BY ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SAUKVALLEY.COM

AG Mag

Bin there Done that There’s a lot going against the grain: Uncertainty over the fate of a farm bill, a tariff-fueled trade war, and soft commodity prices – and that has farmers hedging their bets, keeping commodities in storage and hoping for a better deal

We offer services including, but not limited to...

Protection For Your Farm & Home Insurance Needs

Sewer Rodding • Sewer Televising & Steaming Franklin Livestock Waterers • Site Plumbing Sewer Line Repairs • Water Service Repairs • Backhoe Underground Boring • Drainﬁelds & Septics Boilers • Furnaces • Air Conditioning • Goulds Jet Pumps Submersible Water Pumps • Sump Pumps • Ejector Pumps

People helping people. It’s an idea as old as civilization itself and it’s the concept behind your local Mutual Insurance Company. Since 1877

Stability • Service • Strength

FORRESTON MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

502 IL Rt. 2, Dixon • 815-284-2044

IL Licensed 055-000988

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • FARM • INDUSTRIAL

20 Fall 2018

SM-ST1593395

Family owned and operated since 1967!

815-938-2273 • 800-938-2270 www.fmic.org

BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570

nother bountiful grain harvest in northwest Illinois had farmers mulling what to do with their crops in a low-price market environment. Surrounded by uncertainty, their decisions are made more difficult. Farmers are about to enter the fifth year of what could be a 7-year down cycle for commodities prices. In the last 4 years, net farm income has dropped by nearly 50 percent from the highs reached between 2011 and 2014. It has been the worst stretch for the ag economy since the 1980s farm crisis. CONTINUED TO PAGE 224

26208 US Hwy 52, Lanark, IL

Ph: 800-344-8023

See us for all of your 25-100 hp small utility tractor needs.

Be sure to ask about the many frontier brand attachments to make your life easier working on your farmstead... Big or small. For more information, visit our website:

MILLEDGEVILLE FARMERS ELEVATOR Railroad & Cochran Ave. Milledgeville, IL 61051

815-225-7145 Call us for your GRAIN MARKETING & LIVESTOCK FEED REQUIREMENTS

www.sloans.com

SM-ST1585426

AG Mag

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 In addition, Congress still hasn’t produced a new farm bill, letting the 2014 version expire Sept. 30. The House and Senate have passed separate versions of the legislation. Lawmakers are now working to draft a single bill for Congress to approve and send to President Donald Trump for his signature. Keeping the safety net intact is the top priority for farmers. Perhaps the most nervewracking development this year has been the nation’s escalating trade war with China. The fear of tariffs has sent commodity prices even lower since the first round of the president’s proposals was announced March 22. China has threatened to slap duties on several agricultural products including soy, corn, pork, wheat and dairy products. The continued climb of input expenses, on a parallel path with rising oil prices, also factors into farmers’ marketing plans. Diesel fuels the large equipment needed for harvest season. Oil prices hit $72.76 a barrel in June, but increased production and a slowdown in demand had prices leveling off at $66.18 a barrel Oct. 30. Prices are still much higher than last year’s average price of $48.05 a barrel. CONTINUED TO PAGE 234

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

A line of train cars files underneath a dispenser that fills them with grain at Rock River Lumber and Grain in Sterling. It’s been a long and busy harvest season. Trains are picking up and unloading grain 7 days a week at the business. The low prices have many farmers storing more of their grain, willing to hold out for better selling opportunities.

Strong Protection for Small and Large Farms

We offer quality insurance protection for today’s complex farming operations with friendly, local service and a knowledgeable staff to back it up. For competitive rates and great service from a local insurance company, call for an agent in your community.

After all, it’s a local call!

Mutual Insurance Company Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc. Rock Falls 815-626-1300

Dimond Brothers Insurance Agency Ohio 815-376-2954

Dimond Brothers Insurance Agency Amboy 815-857-3966

Scholl Insurance Agency Polo 815-946-2324

plnmutual.com 22 Fall 2018

Sauk Valley Insurance Services Dixon 815-288-2541

First Class Insurance Agency Milledgeville 815-225-7777 Dixon 815-284-7070

Experience Matters • Farm Leases • Estate Planning • Farm Sales Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger Lee & Considine LLC 215 East First Street, Suite 100 Dixon, IL • 815-288-4949 www.egblc.com

Rock River Lumber and Grain employee Jake Swanson gets grain cars ready to be filled with corn.

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 It’s been a long and busy harvest season. Trains are picking up and unloading grain 7 days a week at Rock River Lumber and Grain’s Sterling site. The low prices have many farmers storing more of their grain, willing to hold out for better selling opportunities. “It’s been busy all fall, very similar to what we’ve seen the last few years,” said Carey Bauer, co-general manager at Rock River Lumber and Grain. “We’re getting toward the end now – probably the last 15 or 20 percent.” Bauer said ever-improving yields in a down cycle have storage up every year, even though the political uncertainties had some farmers selling earlier than usual. “Farmers sold a lot of beans and corn ahead of time this year,” Bauer said. “The yields were good and some didn’t want to store it all.” CONTINUED TO PAGE 254

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Call for a FREE No Obligation Review

Serving Generations of Farm Families for Over a Century Land Trusts·Executor Services·SEPS & IRAS

Irrigation Equipment Manure Equipment • Custom Pumping • Custom Pump Animal Manure • Reinke Center Pivot and Lateral Systems • Water Reels – Ag Turf / Manure • Aluminum and PVC Pipe

Our Central focus is YOU

Trust & Asset Management Division 425 US Hwy 6, Geneseo Mike Kelly,

309-944-1670

central-bank.com Accredited Farm Manager, Senior Trust Officer Not FDIC Insured•No Bank Guarantee•May Lose Value

• Centrufugal Pumps - Water and Manure • Pivot Parts- Motors, Gear Boxes, Sprinklers,etc. • Sprinkler Systems 8096 Luther Road Rock Falls, IL 61071 email@alton-irrigation.com 815-438-2730 Ofﬁce

AG Mag

• Custom fabrication of items both large and small in steel, aluminum and stainless. • Welding repairs of farm, industry and home items in steel, aluminum, stainless and cast done in the shop and on-site. • Sales and service of Boss snow & ice removal equipment. Stocking a large selection of Boss & Western replacement parts. • Sales and service of Shur-Co. tarps and accessories; with a large selection of parts in stock.

14273 IL Rt. 73 Lanark, IL 61046 kim@eastlandfab.com

815.493.8399

It’s not just storing grain. It’s storing quality. FS –

At FS, quality isn’t just a promise, it’s a statement. Our grain systems experts stay focused on what’s ahead by providing state-of-the-art grain systems that protect grain quality in the bin along with larger capacity bins that keep us moving forward. We are always looking for ways to optimize operations and ensure our customers are ready for what’s next.

SM-ST1585521

TREVOR FRANSENE YOUR FARMAUTOMATION SPECIALIST 309-507-1628 TREVOR FRANSENE YOUR FARM SYSTEMS AUTOMATIONOFFICE SPECIALIST FARM 309-507-1628 301 N. BROAD STREET, LANARK FARM SYSTEMS OFFICE 815-493-2620 OR 301 N. BROAD STREET, LANARK TOLL FREE 800-852-0648 815-493-2620 OR TOLL FREE 800-852-0648 ©2014 GROWMARK, Inc. A14167B

22 YEARS OF SUCCESS Small Animals by Appointment Small Animal Medicine | Dentistry & Surgery Bovine Medicine & Reproductive Services Swine Herd Health | Feedlot Consultation

Milledgeville VET CLINIC

Keith Collins, DVM Jeff Waite, DVM Tracy Burckhardt, DVM Chelsey Ramirez, DVM Martin Sander, DVM

651 Otter Creek Dr. • 815-225-7127 Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm • Sat 7:30am-Noon

SM-ST1585720

24 Fall 2018

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Rock River Lumber and Grain has continually expanded throughout the area since the 1930s. The most recent addition is a $1.3 million grain storage facility at its Sterling rail site. The company had hoped to have it up and running when this harvest season started, but it’s not quite finished. The new facility is primarily for soybeans, but it also can handle corn. The company has grain elevators in Sterling, Prophetstown, Galt, Morrison, Tampico and Hooppole. Bureau County farmer Evan Hultine has kept a close eye on the trade war developments, which had him ease up on soybeans and plant more corn. Because he doesn’t see any real positive market movers in the near term, he decided to look for early sale opportunities. “I sold a lot of my grain ahead of time when there were a few lifts in the market,” Hultine said. “In a year like this, we were just thankful to pay our bills. We figured there would be a lot more pressure if we waited.” Hultine believes that Washington is committed to making meaningful change in trade policies with China, but it could take longer than expected. In anticipation of that scenario, he has sold about 90 percent of this year’s harvest

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Jared Friedrichs empties a truck full of corn Nov. 2 at a grain elevator at Rock River Lumber and Grain in Sterling. variety, include storing grain in poly and about half of next year’s yield. bags, but grains must be kept in a low With elevators under a lot of storage moisture range. The bags also must be pressure, some farmers are bringing closely watched for temperature, bugs more old grain bins into use or buying and mold. Grain put in open piles can be new ones. Demand for new bin condestroyed by rain. struction has been brisk. CONTINUED TO PAGE 264 Other options, more of the temporary

How Experienced Is Your Farm Insurance Agent? Lanark, IL 844.493.6787

Farming is a world all its own - each operation is unique with insurance needs. We know farming - we are a local company with strong roots in the agricultural community. Isn’t it time you went with a company who has been around the block in farming?

These agents can provide all your Farm Insurance needs! Hanford Insurance Agency Prophetstown 815-537-2301

Hanford Insurance Agency Erie 309-569-7877

The Cornerstone Agency Tampico 815-438-3923 The Cornerstone Agency Morrison 815-772-2793

Sauk Valley Insurance Services Dixon 815-288-2541 Mark Gillis Insurance Agency Rochelle 815-561-2800 Lockhart & Law Insurance Agency Fulton 815-589-2200

From barn to ﬁeld, we’ve got you covered! SM-ST1589320

SM-ST1585599

AG Mag

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 New grain bins are a serious investment. Prices vary, but including materials and labor, a new bin is in the neighborhood of $1.30 a bushel. A 60,000-bushel bin, complete with electrical, concrete, fans and augers would cost nearly $80,000. Many farmers have decided that the investment will pay off in the long run. Grain yields continue to go up, and on-site storage can hedge against the many market uncertainties that farmers must deal with every year. When budgeting for renting space at a grain elevator, farmers must remember to include several hidden costs. In addition to the price per bushel, there can be interest on grain, and extra costs for grain drying, shrinkage and handling fees. Most farmers will include specific storage provisions in a marketing plan. The long down cycle for farmers has been difficult enough for farmers, but the added political uncertainties have them in penny-pinching mode. “I’m looking at cost per acre and figuring out every conceivable place to cut costs,” Hultine said. “Hopefully, we’ll have answers with China soon, and there will be a couple of wins in the new farm bill, but farmers are going to have to be very diligent with spending and we’ll have to get creative.” About 61 percent of the U.S. soybeans produced in the 20162017 marketing year were sent to China, the world’s largest soy consumer. On the heels of the China announcement, July soybean futures dropped more than 7 percent at one point on June 21. They cratered at $8.415 a bushel, the lowest for soybeans since March 2009. n

By the numbers Northwest Illinois corn production in 2017 County

Acres planted Acres harvested Bushels per acre Total bushels

Bureau

264,000

260,000

215.4

55,991,000

Carroll

148,000

145,800

238.0

34,706,000

Henry

229,500

226,500

217.6

49,290,000

Jo Daviess

97,500

87,800

191.3

16,798,000

Lee

241,000

237,500

209.0

49,646,000

Mercer

138,500

136,600

238.7

32,610,000

Ogle

219,000

214,000

207.0

44,291,000

Putnam

34,500

34,000

210.3

7,149,000

Rock Island

65,000

63,300

225.2

14,256,000

Stephenson 175,500

164,900

206.0

33,977,000

Whiteside

227,500

221,000

209.4

46,268,000

Winnebago

76,000

73,600

184.0

13,544,000

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

“Serving the Area for Over 30 Years”

Sell and Service ALL Major Brands

16262 WALLER RD (RT 84) FULTON, IL.

309-887-4447

26 Fall 2018

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Rock River Lumber and Grain employee Jake Swanson gets grain cars ready to be filled with corn.

Excavating Services for Farm Projects

• Trucking and Aggregate Deliveries • Earth Moving and Grading 1567 Heine Rd, Freeport, IL | 815-266-7269 Bill “Woody” Woodruff bwoodruff@ﬁscherinc.com

The

mower the merrier

TRACTOR SHOWS ... They’re as much a part of the

Midwest as cornfields, county fairs and country roads. As soon as the weather warms up, slow and steady processions of piston-poppin’ horsepower roll through the Sauk Valley, on their way to shows throughout the area. The classic machines always draw a crowd – farmers, tractor enthusiasts and collectors, and anyone who’s fascinated by the peek into farming’s past. On Oct. 14, the Coon Creek Men’s Club held its first tractor show, in Eclipse Square in Prophetstown. After 32 years, the club decided to drop its annual farm toy show and swap the toys for the real thing. The show featured pre1975 tractors, farm equipment, and Eclipse lawnmowers, which were made in Prophetstown from 1904 to 1961.

Larey Blumhoff of Morrison hauled in a truckload of his Eclipse lawnmowers during the Oct. 14 tractor show at Eclipse Square in Prophetstown. Eclipse lawnmowers were built in a factory that once stood on the site of Eclipse Square. Turn to page 28 for more photos.

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Harvest the savings.

SSwitch w to natural gas and save. That’s why so many farmers use reliable, affordable & efficient natural gas.

YOU

See how can save with natural gas for irrigation, grain drying y g and heating g for yyour home and farm.

800-858-5522 jocarroll.com

AG Mag

Larey Blumhoff (right) of Morrison, talks about his collection of Eclipse lawnmowers (detail below) Oct. 14 during a tractor show at Eclipse Square in Prophetstown. Eclipse lawnmowers were built in a factory that once stood on the site of Eclipse Square. Blumhoff owns many of the Eclipse brand mowers as well as memorabilia from the company.

Joshua Majeski of Prophetstown drives a 1951 Farmall M down an alley on his way to the tractor show.

Boundary Surveys • Farm Surveys • Lot Surveys

SM-ST21261-0714

28 Fall 2018

Farming comes full circle An Oregon family has been growing for more than 100 years, and they don’t plan to stop anytime soon

ABOVE: Bob Groenhagen takes his daughter, Linda, for a ride on a Case tractor during the 1950s. BELOW: An aerial view of Circle G Farms & Feedlots, its headquarters at left, and one of its feed lots at right.

STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 304

BOCKER EXCAVATING & DEMOLITION Inc.

BUSHMAN’S SERVICE 309 N Washington 3 Milledgeville 815-225-7411

Waterways • Basements • Ponds & Land Clearing Trees • Fencelines • Buildings & Cement Disposal Site Prep • Roads • Driveways • Grading & Hauling • Landscaping and Retaining Walls

• MICHELIN • MITAS • FIRESTONE • BKT

FULLY INSURED & FREE ESTIMATES 815-946-2600 POLO

On-Farm Tire Service

Cell: 815-541-8264

SM-ST1591336

AG Mag

BY VINDE WELLS Shaw Media vwells@oglecountynews.com

here’s more than just corn growing on Circle G Farms & Feedlots. There’s a family tree with roots that go deep. They should – they’ve been growing for more than 100 years. Three generations of the Groenhagen family raise corn and cattle at Circle G Farms & Feedlots on Limerick Road northeast of Oregon, a farm that has been in the family since 1898. That 100-plus-year legacy of hard work and family values has earned the farm the distinction of being designated a Centennial Farm by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The program honors farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 years. The family raises corn and cattle at the farm on Limerick Road, northeast of Oregon. Bob Groenhagen, 90, and his wife, Leona, live on the property they bought from her grandfather, John Roos, in 1950. Both of their families have farmed in the area since the 1860s. Bob said he enjoys farming and seeing his family take part in the operation. “I get so much satisfaction from seeing crops grow and the cattle mature,” he said. “I like seeing the other generations take over.”

Vinde Wells/vwells@shawmedia.com

Three generations of the Groenhagen family raise corn and cattle at Circle G Farms & Feedlots on Limerick Road northeast of Oregon. From left: Bob Groenhagen, his son Gary, brother George, son Larry, and grandson Chad stand in the operation’s newest cattle building. In addition to Bob, Circle G includes With the help of five full-time employhis brother, George, 80; Bob’s sons, Larry, ees, they farm 6,000 acres of mostly corn, 64, and Gary, 55; and Larry’s son, Chad, and finish 6,000 to 7,000 Angus cattle for 32, who all live within 2 miles of the each market each year in their feedlots, which other. can house 4,000 steers at a time. George’s grandson, Jonathan, who is in high school, also helps out. CONTINUED TO PAGE 314

Farm Management - Consulting Real Estate Brokerage Farmland Auctions

STICHTER CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. Quality Work! We Move The Earth! Tiling & Trenching w/ GPS & RTK Mapping All Types of Excavating • Trucking • Ditch Work • Culverts Basements • Demolition • Site Prep • Clearing Road Building • Paving • Ponds & Waterways Sanitary Sewer & Water • New Brush Cutter and Ditch Cleaning Machine

Call me on how I can assist with your agricultural needs

Timothy A. Harris, AFM Managing Broker, IL Lic. Auctioneer #441.001976, Princeton, IL

815-875-7418 timothy.a.harris@pgim.com

FREE ESTIMATES! SM-ST1593063

BRANDON STICHTER - 309-314-0078

309-659-2022

Stichter Construction C O M PA N Y I N C .

30 Fall 2018

9680 Lyman Road • Erie, Illinois www.stichterexcavating.com

www.capitalag.com LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKERS

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

RIGHT: Bob Groenhagen and a hired hand shock corn in the early 1950s.

Larry said he’s proud of his family farm roots. “You see what your father and grandfather have built and you want to keep it for the next generation. You want the ball to keep rolling,” said Larry. “I can’t think of a better life than living on the farm and working with family.” That pride runs in the family. “I’m proud to see where we started and that we’ve kept it up and expanded,” George said. “I enjoy working with the family.” Gary appreciates the legacy his father and previous generations built. “I like the pride and the challenge,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure to succeed when you’ve started with what we started with.” Chad also feels that pride and challenge. “I feel it’s an incredible opportunity to take what my father, grandfather, and uncles have done and got from their ancestors and build on that,” he said. When Bob started farming in 1950 with 400 acres, he raised dairy and beef cattle, hogs, sheep, and chickens, as well as rotating crops and planting corn, oats, and hay. When Larry and George joined the operation in 1973, Circle G was formed. Since then Gary and Chad have joined the corporation. “Over the years, the dairy, hogs, and chickens were dropped, and we concentrated on cattle and raising corn,” Bob said.

BELOW: An aerial photo of Bob and Leona Groenhagens’ farm taken in 1967.

A threshing crew on Groenhagens’ farm takes a lunch break in this 1950s photo.

CONTINUED TO PAGE 334

Farming is more than your business,

it’s your legacy.

Serving Today’s Farmers

for Over 56 Years! WE DELIVER: • PROPANE • MOTOR OILS • FUELS

We’ll help keep your farming tradition growing.  Operating & Farmland Loans

 Equipment & Facility Financing

 Farmland Sales & Appraisals

 Farm & Grain Management

hbtbank.com 888-897-2276 SM-PR1594159

Manlius Oil Co. Inc.

Manlius, IL, Hwy. 40 • (815) 445-3122 SM-PR1594110

AG Mag

What is a Centennial Farm? The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Centennial Farms and Sesquicentennial Farms programs honor generations of farmers who have worked to maintain family farms in the state. To qualify for Centennial Farm status, an agricultural property must have been owned by the same family of lineal or collateral descendants for at least 100 years. A lineal descendant is a person in the direct line of descent, such as a child or a grandchild. A collateral descendent is not a direct descendent, but is otherwise closely related, such as a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or cousin. Applicants who complete a form and meet all requirements of the Centennial Farms program receive an official Centennial Farm sign suitable for outdoor display and a certificate bearing signatures of the Governor of Illinois and the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. A $50 application fee is charged to offset the cost of the sign. More than 9,200 Illinois farms have been named Centennial Farms since the program

was created in 1972. Every county in the state has at least one Centennial Farm. Ogle County has more than 150 on its list. Whiteside has 105, Lee County 121, Bureau County 209 and Carroll County 86. The Sesquicentennial Farms Program recognizes farms that have been held by descendants of the same family for 150 years or more. To qualify for Sesquicentennial Farm status, an agricultural property must have been owned by the same family of lineal or collateral descendants for at least 150 years. Applicants who complete a form and meet all requirements of the Sesquicentennial Farms program receive an official Sesquicentennial Farm sign and certificate. A $50 application fee is charged. More than 600 Illinois farms have been named Sesquicentennial Farms since the program was created, and 22 of those are in Ogle County. Go to shawurl.com/3aet for more information.

Schoff

Cambridge: 800-808-1812 Manlius: 800-624-5593

Farm Service, Inc. Walnut, Illinois SM-PR1593161

Serving your modern day transportation needs, with old fashioned service!

Your Locally Owned Petroleum Retailer WE OFFER: Premium Diesel, Gasoline, Aviation Fuel, Propane, Chevron Lubricants, Tanks, Pumps, Service

PERU WALTHAM SERVING YOUR HOME & FARM INSURANCE NEEDS SINCE 1878

HOPPER BOTTOMS • END DUMPS TANKERS • BOTTLES • BELTS WALKING FLOORS AND DRY VANS

Frank McConville McConville Insurance Agency Mendota & Tonica, IL 815-539-9714 815-442-3116

SM-PR1592285

“Spud” James E. Supancic Insurance Rochelle, IL • 815-562-7552

Licensed and bonded for Brokerage Service Rock Falls, IL 815-626-0086 Dixon, IL 815-285-1300

One Location - One Number

815-379-2777

Call an agent today!

32 Fall 2018

Visit us online at www.perumutual.com

Locally owned and operated

SM-PR1593168

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31 The farm does more than just provide a living, it provides learning opportunities, too. The family has hosted several farm visit days, and the Rockford tourism bureau has brought visitors from other countries to see the operation. Each family member has his own area of expertise. Bob works with landlords, keeps up with the mowing and spraying, and does overall quality control. Larry plants, harvests and handles the bookwork. George feeds the cattle, while Gary specializes in their health as well as overseeing the spraying and grain elevators. Chad is what his grandfather called “the tech man.” He takes care of data management and integration. “When I came back from college they told me I needed to focus on this,” Chad said, and that’s just what he did. Today’s technology helps with planning and mapping, soil sampling, tractor guidance, crop scouting, fertilizer application, data analysis, and determining yields. Chad can pinpoint where rows of corn should be planted, how far apart seeds should spaced, and exactly where to apply fertilizer and herbicides. Each tractor has a computer connected to Chad’s in the farm’s office.

When the Groenhagens say they run a family farm, they really mean it. Even Chad’s dog, Beau, does his part, keeping an eye on things around the farm.

Submitted

“When we pull into field, he’s got the lines set for us,” Larry said. “We’re 100 percent automated and remotely monitored,” Chad said. “We can come within 6 inches of telephone poles.” That’s quite an improvement from days past, when human error could cause an occasional headache, especially for a budding young farmer. Bob recalled a mishap that happened when he was

We will help you grow! Your Full Service Ag Department

about 10 years old. “I wrecked my first barn because I couldn’t reach the clutch on the tractor,” he said with a grin. “Many changes have taken place through the years, from horsepower to tractors, and now all the technology,” Bob said. But one thing has never changed: His passion for farming. “Farming is all I ever wanted to do.” n

SERVING ALL PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE NEEDS

www.firststatebank.biz

Ask about FarmerMac Loans

815-875-2800

Production Loans - Equipment Loans - Livestock Loans - Real Estate Loans Appraisal - Estate Planning - Farm Management Services

CRAIG AYERS Senior Vice President Mendota - 815.538.2265 NMLS# 477897

WILLIAM DAVEY President North Operations Sycamore - 815.752.2265 NMLS# 939133

BRENT OHLINGER Community President Rochelle - 815.562.2200 NMLS# 454385

Seed & Agronomy – Ashton, Buda, Henry, LaMoille, Ohio, Princeton, Toulon, Varna, Walnut, Walton Energy – Amboy, Buda, Henry, Princeton, Toulon, Varna, Wyoming Structures & Equipment – Princeton Technology & Precision Ag – Princeton Trucking & On Farm Delivery – Buda

SCOTT SCHLESINGER Loan Officer Shabbona - 815.824.2111 NMLS# 1041542

www.firststatebank.biz

SM-PR1427097

AG Mag

Egg-stra credit

Hens have come home to roost at Sauk Valley Community College, where an ag professor has hatched a plan to give students a taste of farm-to-fork coursework BY GAVIN T. JENSEN gjensen@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @GavinTJensen

ome take them scrambled, sunny-side up, or baked in a cookie. Agriculture students at Sauk Valley Community College also take them in their curriculum. A flock of 10 red and cinnamon hens are producing hearty, healthy, brown-shelled eggs that Sauk’s cafeteria staff are whipping into cookies and other desserts. They also were the star of September’s board of trustees meeting, where egg-salad sandwiches were served. CONTINUED TO PAGE 354 Rusty Schrader/SVM photo illustration

Growing Stronger With Each Generation

OPERATING LINES...EQUIPMENT LOANS...REAL ESTATE FINANCING

Call one of our experienced Ag Bankers today. Fulton 815.589.3232 Brad Oens

Geneseo 309.944.5601 Randy Clary

Princeton Rochelle 815.875.3333 815.562.5571 Jason VanLanduit Lori Hillison Neal Knauf Brandon Svela Tevis Mo

www.central-bank.com Member FDIC

34 Fall 2018

Equal Housing Lender

ROLLO

CONSTRUCTION

Call Now for a Free Quote

Custom Buildings for All Your Storage Needs

AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL EQUESTRIAN • COMMERCIAL Home: 815-379-9317 • Cell: 815-303-9321 Answering Machine: 815-379-2350 Email: haroldrollo@yahoo.com www.rolloconstruction.com

eggs, theyâ€™re perfect for the pot. â€œTheyâ€™re hearty, healthy and do well Ag professor Ryan Anderson was the in a free-range environment,â€? Anderman behind the plan â€“Â and the one son said. who finally answered the question: Sophomore Brynn Blevins, 20, of Which came first, the chicken or the Oregon, helps Anderson care for the egg? chickens, which can be seen wanderThe chickens came first, after he ing around the agriculture building brought the homeless hens to the when class is in session. school in April, following a Farmaâ€œI never thought Iâ€™d see them on palooza presentation earlier this year campus, to be honest. But I think it that left them with no place to roost. will help warm up the students to liveâ€œThey were just chicks when I had stock on campus,â€? Blevins said. the idea to bring them on camLivestock isnâ€™t the only thing pus,â€? Anderson said. â€œI knew on the ag programâ€™s menu: Sauk they were going to mature has secured a $1,500 donation come fall semester, so I thought from Pioneer Seed to install it would be a good start to the a high-tunnel greenhouse, in animal science program next which corn, soybeans and other semester.â€? fruits and vegetables are grown â€œTheyâ€™re low-maintenance, on the ground instead of on a and itâ€™s going to help ease the platform. Ryan students into learning what it â€œSelmiâ€™s [Greenhouse in Rock Anderson means to take care of animals Falls] uses the same type of on campus,â€? Anderson said. greenhouse â€“ thatâ€™s why they usually Heâ€™s starting small with his paltry have their tomatoes ready before othpoultry flock, but plans to bring in ers, because theyâ€™re able to grow them larger animals, like goats, and maybe earlier,â€? Anderson said. even fish. Anderson also hopes to see the colâ€œWe want to add a farm-to-fork lege install hydroponic gardens, in course that gives students the handswhich plants are grown without soil, on experience for what it takes to by using mineral nutrient solutions in raise an animal to putting food on the a water solvent. plate,â€? Anderson said. â€œTheyâ€™re all great educational pieces In fact, if his chickens fail to produce for students and staff.â€? n

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

This studious-looking Rhode Island red is helping students in Sauk Valley Community Collegeâ€™s ag program learn more about the farmto-fork concept.

Get the financial solutions you need to achieve the success you deserve. Lending: Land Equipment Crop Inputs PNB NMLS # 462098 Peoples National Bank of Kewanee, 207 N Tremont St & Southtown, Kewanee, IL 61443

Weâ€™re always open at www.pnb-kewanee.com

AG Mag

To Find an Agent

NEAR YOU Log on to

www.bradfordmutual.com or Call

815-456-2334

Member Owned and Operated

Since 1869 36 Fall 2018