SVM-SS3_11122014

Home on the range

Requiring minimum husbandry, bison thrive in Illinois – Page 2

A Case study

Rural Ashton farmer loves those classic tractors – Page 5

Serious lesson

Hurt while unloading lime from semi, farmer recovers – Page 9

typed in Cosmos extra bold

Seth Perlman, The Associated Press

Sundown caught this combine still in the fields last month in Central Illinois. The 2014 harvest has about wrapped up for Sauk Valley area farmers.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A supplement to Sauk Valley Media

Today’s Farm

PAGE 2

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

LIVESTOCK

At home on the range; Not More... bison thrive in Illinois Just Better!

Douglas County farmer hoping to expand herd

BY DAN GRANT FarmWeekNow.com

NEWMAN – David Ruhter worked at zoos for more than 20 years before he and his wife, Kathleen, decided to start their own livestock operation.

And with that much experience working with various animals, it didn’t take the Ruhters long to decide what type of animal to raise on their farm.

“You can’t make any money raising zebras or giraffes,” Ruhter said.

“We thought bison are an interesting animal that could be self-sustaining, financially.”

It turns out bison not only require minimum maintenance and husbandry, but there also happens to be quite a booming market for the

Ken Kashian/FarmWeekNow.com

David Ruhter, of Newman, checks his herd of bison.

He and his wife, Kathleen, started raising the animals 3 years ago. majestic grazers.

“This is ideal for us,” said Ruhter, who also works for the University of Illinois State Geological Survey.

“The animals are great to work with. They’re very social and herd-oriented, and you don’t have to pull calves or worry about coyotes.”

BISON CONTINUED ON 3

Gehant Bank Over 116 Years of Community Banking Committed to the Next Century of Serving Our Communities 2514 Johnson St., West Brooklyn, IL Phone 815-628-3121 Fax 815-628-3551 Hrs: Tue-Sat 8am-3pm, Closed Sun & Mon

OOOOO According to independent rating by Bauer Financial

www.gehantbank.com

Sales & service on ANY SIZE, ANY BRAND,

THAT’S WHY WE ARE CALLED WHEELHOUSE!

NEXT DAY DELIVERY

Harry’s Farm Tire, Inc. “Serving the area for over 30 years”

16262 WALLER RD (RT 84) FULTON, IL.

309-887-4447 ON-FARM SERVICE • RIMS AND WHEELS • SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER • FARM & IMPLEMENT TIRES ALL MAJOR BRANDS Firestone, Titan, Goodyear, Michelin, BF Goodrich, General, Bridgestone, Cooper, Uniroyal, Multi-Mile, Michelin, Bandag and Recaps STOP IN OR CALL FOR PRICES

on the tire that fits your needs.

NOT JUST WHAT’S ON OUR SHELVES.

• • • •

In our shop At your shop Roadside In Field

88 40

Buell Rd.

The most reliable name in the fi fieeld

Tires for Semi-Trucks, Tractors, Implement, Irrigators, Cars, and Trucks

172

7975 Buell Road Rock Falls, IL

815-625-6911 www.WheelhouseInc.com

Today’s Farm

November 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 3

It takes about 30 months before a bison becomes market ready BISON

CONTINUED FROM 2

The Ruhters’ biggest challenge to start their own bison herd was finding enough grazing land for the animals in the middle of corn and soybean country. They needed about 50 to 60 acres.

After a frustrating search for more than 3 years, they finally located enough acres on a restored Murdock coal mine in Douglas County.

“It came with some issues, including potential contamination,”

Ruhter said. “Fortunately, our family is well equipped to handle it.”

Ruhter has a daughter-in-law who works as a civil engineer and another who works as an environmental toxicologist, so they evaluated the site and tested the plants, soil and water. They were relieved when tests showed the site was suitable to raise bison.

“We brought the animals in about 3 years ago,” he said. “They’re a unique animal and fun to work with.”

Bison also are short in supply and in high demand around the

country. There currently are about 30 to 35 bison producers in Illinois with a typical herd size of 25 to 30 animals.

“There’s just not enough meat to supply demand,” Ruhter said.

“There’s a lot of financial upside with bison. I don’t see this industry declining any time in the near future.”

928 S. Division Ave Polo, IL (815) 946-2393

market,” he said. “People see it as a healthier meat, much leaner than storebought beef. And as it’s becoming more available, more people are trying it and liking it.”

The Ruhters’ bison herd recently reached 30 head before they shipped some off to be processed. It takes about 30 months before a bison becomes

market ready, about 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.

The Ruhters eventually hope to expand their herd. Bison typically perform best in herds of at least 25 to 30 animals.

Ruhter belongs to the Illinois/Indiana Bison Association.

For more information, visit www.illinoisindianabison.org.

200 North St Prophetstown, IL (815) 537-2304

www.birkeys.com

BIRKEY’S CMI CLUB

KESSEL FARM INC.

Extend equipment life and value with Customized Maintenance Inspections from Birkey’s

Brad Kessel

The Birkey’s CMI program includes routine inspections by factory-trained service technicians. The goal is to improve machine reliability and extend its service life by identifying components that are candidates for pre-failure repair.

Buy & Sell Used Farm Equipment Backhoes • Skid Loaders • 3 pt Attachments New & Used

ENTERTO WIN! A Tractor

CMI

THE CMI BENEFITS FORYOU ARE:

• FREE Hauling see store for details • FREE Service Calls - no base fees • Added Savings by reducing downtime • Thorough Inspection of components

visit our website!

839 US RT 52 | Amboy Phone: 815-857-2188 Cell: 815-499-9009

Bison prices recently hovered around $4.09 a pound, more than twice as high as record cattle prices.

The Ruhters previously shipped bison meat all over the country, but now market most of it locally to reduce shipping costs.

“We market directly to consumers, and so far, found a readily available

KesselFarms.com

• • • •

Lower Repair Costs Job Priority - in season EPA - Safe disposal of oil, filters, antifreeze Guaranteed Off-Season Labor Rate (10% Discount)

Complete COMBINE CMI Includes:

HARDEN’S REPAIR

Specializing in heavy duty truck and trailer repairs of all types for 29 years.

• 154 point inspection • Replace the following • Adjust all chains and belts fluids: • 100% replacement of filters Engine (unless CMI w/o Hyd. Sys. change) Transmission • Clean radiator Final drives • Run and grease Hydraulic system • Check all fluid levels PTO gear box on • Clean cab & wash windows 80/88 machines

1,645

$

1420 1440 1460 1480 1644

1620 1640 1660 1680 1666

1,795

$

2144 2344 1688 2388 2377

2166 2366 2188 2588 2577

FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL REPAIR NEEDS

607 Willett Ave., Dixon • 815-284-4435 TRACTOR RADIATORS & AGRICULTURAL CHARGE AIR COOLERS

• 100 point inspection • Replace engine oil & filter • Replace fuel filters

595

All 2WDs thru 8900 series

• Replace outer engine air and cab filter

630

$

MX Series Magnums

Puma Series Maxxum Series

BOBCAT RADIATORS • AG RADIATORS CHARGE AIR COOLERS

TRUCK, AG, INDUSTRIAL

7010 7120 9120 6088

8010 8120 5088 7088

MORE COMBINES

Complete TRACTOR CMI Includes:

$

IF IT HAS A RADIATOR, WE CAN GET IT.

2,245

$

Case IH and CNH Capital are registered trademarks of CNH America LLC. www.caseih.com

• Replace coolant filter • Check fluid levels • Dyno tractor

680

$

9100 Series 9200 Series 9300 Series STX Series Steiger Series

• Pressure check hydraulics • Grease tractor • Clean cab and wash windows

760

$

Tier 4 MX Series Magnums

820

$

Tier 4 Steiger Series

Today’s Farm

PAGE 4

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

ILLINOIS AGRICULTURE

Partnering for competitiveness and growth across state Group promotes farm economy

BY RICHARD GUEBERT JR. Special to Today’s Farm

As a farmer, I’m proud of what I do. I love growing the food on which your family depends and know I and my fellow farmers play an extremely important role in the state’s rebounding economy.

But there seems to be a knowledge gap when it comes to agriculture and the important role it plays.

In fact, most Illinois residents don’t realize agriculture is the No. 1 industry in terms of economic impact, bringing in more than $9 billion to the state each year and

exporting almost $4 billion of goods a year.

What’s more, approximately 1 million Illinois workers are employed in the food and fiber system, ranking Illinois as one of the top states in dependency on agriculture. Illinois also is a leading state in agriculture-related industries.

To help close the gap, a new statewide group, the Food and Agricultural Roadmap for Illinois (FARM Illinois), is on a mission to keep the state’s agricultural advantages top-of-mind for residents and lawmakers alike.

With backing from the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, FARM Illinois

will partner to encourage competitiveness and sustainable growth in food and agriculture throughout the state.

The effort has its roots with the Vision Richard for Illinois Guebert Jr. Agriculture.

The Vision for Illinois Agriculture had three main goals: to rank Illinois among the top three states in both food manufacturing and in crop and animal production, and to lead the nation in biobased product technology and services.

FARM Illinois will be led by Dr. Robert Easter, president of the University of Illinois, and over-

Sales, Service & Satisfaction For 57 Years!

• 2-Way Radios • Security Systems • Te elephone Systems

seen by a high-level Leadership Council composed of more than 25 experts and distinguished leaders with experience in agriculture, international markets, global food security, sustainability, conservation, community development, and other related issues.

By the spring, the group hopes to have a plan in place to help drive agri-

cultural innovation, enable sustainable economic growth, encourage public-private partnerships and collaboration, develop a world-class workforce, address community development and nutrition needs, conserve and enhance natural resources, adapt to climate change pressures, and enhance global and local food security.

FARM Illinois will help examine our strengths, weaknesses, and influences on agricultural production and distribution in the state so we can improve both our rural and urban economies.

Note to readers: Richard Guebert Jr. is president of the Illinois Farm Bureau. This column first appeared in FarmWeekNow.com.

— V-RING —

— VRI —

WE SAW THE LIGHT WHEN WE DECIDED THAT OUR V-RING FLANGE GASKET WOULDN’T SEE ANY.

VIEW YOUR VRI PRESCRIPTION AT THE CONTROL PANEL, A REINKE EXCLUSIVE.

REINKE VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION

The V-Ring seal’s

25-YEAR WARRANTY is true assurance.

THE SUM OF SUPERIOR PARTS EQUALS A GREATER WHOLE. — ONTRAC™ —

Walk down the length of a Reinke pivot and section by section, part by part, you’ll see engineering and materials that provide superior strength and durability.

From the pivot center, all the way to the end gun, every Reinke innovation will find a valuable place on your farm. For more information, visit REINKE.COM or contact your local dealer.

BE EVERYWHERE AT THE SAME TIME. ONTRAC REMOTE MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS

— STEEL — HIGH STRENGTH STEEL:

50%

— NAVIGATOR — ™

NAVIGATOR END-OF-SYSTEM GPS

PINPOINT ACCURACY FOR UNMATCHED CONTROL.

We service all makes and models!

Don’t take a Chance...Call Radio Ranch!

STRONGER THE LONGEST STRUCTURAL WARRANTY IN THE INDUSTRY.

Alton Irrigation, Inc. 8096 Luther Road Rock Falls, IL 61071

Whiteside County Airport • 10924 Hoover Rd, Rock Falls 815-622-9000 • www.radioranchinc.com

(815)438-2730

Today’s Farm

November 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 5

AGRICULTURE HERITAGE

A Case study in collection addiction Rural Ashton farmer loves those tractors

BY DAVE FOX Special to Today’s Farm

ASHTON – He’s a farmer, an auctioneer and a collector.

“My wife – a nurse of 50 years – says I’ve got a sickness for which there’s no cure,” he said with a laugh as he approached the door of his shed near Ashton on a recent morning.

It stands to reason that Remmer Schuetz would have a love of collecting things, especially the Case tractors he’s been around since the 1940s.

The lifelong farmer – he turned 79 this past June – moved to his present farm from Dundee a few years ago “when suburbia took over.”

And with him came a dozen or more rare antique Case tractors and a fascinating array of other collections.

“Case made a lot of certain models, and those are easy to find,” Schuetz said.

“I go for the rare stuff that they only made a few of.”

His oldest tractor is a 1918 model, with his newest being made in 1969, “and I still farm with these.”

Moving through his shed, a visitor notices a cast iron bald eagle perched atop a globe emblazoned with “CASE.” Schuetz tells a story of a bald eagle with a long history years ago that

eventually became property of the owner of the Case company. A likeness of the bird, named “Old Abe,” was cast in iron with the globe and quickly put to use as an advertising sign.

Continuing the tour, Schuetz talks easily of the history of each of the tractors he has bought and restored. His recall of history and details is amazing.

There is a “D” series narrow-tread industrial tractor, which would have

Remmer Schuetz of rural Ashton shows a 1950 Case DC tractor that he bought brand new, “and it still runs really good,” he said.

had a broom on front; it was used to sweep floors in factories.

Dave Fox/Special to Today’s Farm

CASE CONTINUED ON 6

Build your grain handling system with the people who are already helping you build your business.

Call Trevor now to take advantage of early season discounts!

309-507-1628

Carroll Service Company 301 N. Broad St., Lanark 800-852-0648

Trevor Fransene Serving Ogle County

The Ag Lending Team You Can Trust

STERLING

ROCK FALLS DIXON

3rd

201 W St. and 3319 Lincolnway 904 1st Ave. 300 Walton Dr.

<Ƶƌƚ ŽǁŶƐ dĞƌƌLJ ,ƵƐĞƚŚ Senior Vice President Ag Loan Officer (815) 632- 4614

Serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin ǁǁǁ͘ƐĂƵŬǀĂůůĞLJďĂŶŬ͘ĐŽŵ

Vice President Ag Loan Officer (815) 632- 4492

Today’s Farm

PAGE 6

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

Rare ‘DH’ tractor on display CASE

CONTINUED FROM 5

There is a “DH” tractor on display, one of only 141 ever made by the company.

Another is a “DV,” used in vineyards in California, followed by a “DCS,” a “sugar cane special” from Florida. Another is one with a low physical profile, used to pull

airplanes at an airport.

Its fenders are made of cast iron and weigh 350 pounds each.

Schuetz talked of a 1918 model “1018,” in which the motor sits sideways, and a 1958 Dual Range 700.

There were only 31 made.

If tractors aren’t enough, Schuetz has other notable collections. Vintage tractor seats and other Case memorabilia adorn the

A vintage Case sign features the company’s one-time mascot, a bald eagle.

Case also made cast iron bald eagles available as advertising displays.

walls. There is a collection of antique watch fobs, a case of antique belt buckles, and sets of tools that used to come with Case implements.

One wall of the shed even sports a collection of more than 400 canes and walking sticks, many of them collected from various auctions Schuetz has worked or attended.

TRACTORS CONTINUED ON 7

Dave Fox/Special to Today’s Farm

• FARM • VEHICLE • CROP

Before You Put Your Combines & Tractors Away for the Season...

HAVE THEM INSPECTED!

AG TECH (815) 225-7846

401 E. 4th St., Milledgeville •

Mickley Insurance Agency Todd Mickley, Luke Sandrock, Gerald Widolff 102 W. Main St., Morrison 815-772-2793 ToddMickley@2cornerstone.com

• HAIL • PROPERTY • HEALTH

• LIFE • COMMERCIAL

Sandrock Insurance Agency Greg Sandrock, Drew Emery, Tyler Sandrock 107 Main St., Tampico 815-438-3923 sanins@essex1.com

www.2cornerstone.com

Sewer Rodding • Sewer Televising & Steaming Franklin L vestock Waterers • Site Plumbing Bac flfloow Prevention & Mai tenance Garbage Disposals • Bathroom Remodels Drai fifieelds & Septi s • Backhoe • Boilers KOHLER Produ ts • Water Heaters • Air Conditioning G o u l d s J e t P u m p s • Su b m e r s i b l e W a t e r P u m p s Sump Pumps • Sewage Pumps • Sewer Line Repairs Water Se vice Repairs • Underground Boring

See Us For All Your Farm Building Needs Everything from start to finish for your post-frame post frame project

$

246

PER LINEAL FT 29 GAUGE PANEL-LOC PLUSTM WALL & ROOF PANEL METAL ON SALE THRU

5,499

$

with wireless pro-control

11/30/14

FREE ESTIMATES, DELIVERY & MEASURING Experienced Contractors Available Call for details! Ask for Joe or Kyle

800-788-7677

MILLEDGEVILLE DO-IT-BEST HOME CENTER Railroad & Cochran Sts, Milledgeville (800) 788-7677 toll free

COME VIEW OUR FULL LINE OF SNO-WAY EQUIPMENT!

SUBLETTE

MEC HANICAL

We offer services including, but not limited to…

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • FARM • INDUSTRIAL

FINANCING AVAILABLE 1417 Chicago Ave, Dixon 815-288-5223

www.sublettemechanicalequipment.com

IL Licensed 058-061599

Family owned and operated since 1967!

502 IL Rt. 2, Dixon • 815-284-2044

November 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

Today’s Farm

PAGE 7

Schuetz: ‘We always had Case when I was growing up’ TRACTORS

CONTINUED FROM 6

“We always had Case when I was growing up, and when I got older, I started doing auctions … and one thing led to another,” he said.

“It’s a sickness. You just do it. It’s fun.”

The tour continued to another shed nearby where a number of other Case implements were stored.

“These are my future projects,” he said with a gleam in his eye.

2014

However, the talk kept returning to tractors.

“The tractors they’re making now, when

they’re as old as these, they won’t be running anymore because of all the computer junk on them,” Schuetz said.

So how does one start collecting tractors? Where did the idea come from?

Big enough to serve you, small enough to know you u.

ELEVATOR • TRUCKING • FERTILIZER • SEED

Photos by Dave Fox/ Special to Today’s Farm

ABOVE: A rare “sunburst grill” is visible on the front of a Case tractor owned

by Remmer Schuetz.

BELOW: In addition to Case tractors, Schuetz collects rare Case tractor seats. Here are three that adorn the walls of his museum.

Rochelle 815-562-8723 Amboy/Lee Center 815-857-3523 / 3521 ww www ww.maplehurstfarms.com

December 12 & 13

Does the collection ever change?

“I sell a few once in a while,” he said.

“I sold two of them a couple of weeks ago.

COLLECT CONTINUED ON 8

EXHIBIT SPACE AVAILABLE There is still exhibit space available.

A great way to reach thousands of Sauk Valley area farmers and network with local & national agricultural businesses.

Call 815-625-2400 or visit www.nwilfarmshow.com Westwood Fitness & Sports Center 1900 Westwood Drive, Sterling

Today’s Farm

PAGE 8

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

From Cases to canes One wall of Remmer Schuetz’s shed even sports a collection of

more than 400 canes and walking sticks.

Many of them were col-

lected from various auctions Schuetz has worked or attended.

www.FarmersNationalBank.com

Geneseo • Prophetstown • Morrison

Farmers National Bank Ag Lenders Garett Plumley, Mike Urish, Doug Vanderlaan, Steve Taets, Bill Dale

Dave Fox/Special to Today’s Farm

Remmer Schuetz keeps his Case tractors in a shed, which he calls his museum.

A challenge to keep tractors and projects straight, but ‘I enjoy it all’ COLLECT

CONTINUED FROM 7

“A guy came from Pennsylvania to load one

up that he’d bought, and he saw another one he liked, so he bought it, too.”

It must be challenging to keep everything straight,

to prioritize projects.

“It’s really a challenge, but I enjoy it all,” he said.

“It’s why I get up in the morning.”

Farmers National Bank is committed to Agriculture! It’s “what we do” and “who we are”. Approximately 75% of our lending involves agriculture — for community banks with over 75% of loans committed to ag and over $150,000,000 in ag loans — FNB is in the top ten nationwide.

Farmers National Bank has experience and expertise in providing financing for grain operations, livestock operations, farm machinery, irrigation, grain bins, livestock facilities, farm improvements, farm land and agri-business.

And just as important, Farmers National Bank lenders have access to $8,000,000 per customer to meet all your borrowing needs.

Serving Northwest Illinois For 112 Years

How experienced is your farm insurance agent?

Does your agent dabble in the farm insurance market?

Well, we have been protecting area farms for over 145 years!

We know the unique need of farmers in this area and offer competitive premiums.

After all, it’s a local call!

Call one of our friendly agents today!

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

First Class Dimond Scholl Insurance AgenBrothers Insurance Agency Insurance Agency cy Milledgeville Polo Ohio 815-946-2324 815-225-7777 815-376-2954 Dixon 815-284-7070

Sauk Valley Insurance Services Dixon 815-288-2541

Dimond Brothers Insurance Agency Amboy 815-857-3966

Today’s Farm

November 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 9

AG SAFETY

Semi accident on the farm teaches a lesson Farmer says he’s very lucky

BY DEBORAH HERTZ HUSAR The Quincy Herald-Whig

LIBERTY (AP) – Randy Sims had his morning all planned out.

Haul a load of corn. Get new tires on the semi.

Pick up a load of lime.

Unload the lime. Head home for lunch.

“I never got home to lunch,” Sims said.

Instead, he spent 3 days in the hospital in late July with a broken collarbone, bumps and bruises. He continues to recover after the truck and trailer he was driving tipped over while unloading the lime.

“I was sitting still in the truck, and evidently it knocked me out,” the Liberty farmer said. “I remember watching lime come out the back end.

The next thing I know

AP Photo/The Quincy Herald-Whig, Steve Bohnstedt

Randy Sims walks past his truck at his farm near Liberty. In late July, Sims broke his collarbone and ended up with bumps and bruises after a truck and trailer tipped on its side while he was unloading it.

It’s a reminder that accidents do happen on the farm. [my son] Darren is yelling at me.”

After unloading lime hundreds of times at the same spot in past years without incident, father and son never expected a problem.

It’s a reminder that accidents can and do happen on the farm.

Sims was one of the lucky ones.

“I’m going to be OK,” he said. “Everything will be back to normal. That’s

the good news.”

Statewide, farm-related deaths increased after experiencing record lows last year, according to Country Financial, the top insurer of Illinois farms.

Twenty-one people died in farm-related incidents, with tractor rollovers or runovers claiming nine, from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014, and most victims were over age 50.

National Farm Safety and Health Week focused this year on a theme of “Safety Counts: Protecting What Matters.”

“We need to continue to promote and evaluate effective means to reduce the injury rate,” said Bob Aherin, professor and program leader at the

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in a news release.

“Fatigue is a significant issue, as are the effects of medications on reaction time. We also need to encourage older farmers to operate tractors with ROPS [rollover protection structures] when doing activities that have a high rollover risk, such as mowing roadsides, ditches and fields with significant slopes.”

Even routine farm tasks can carry unexpected risks.

“I don’t know what I could have done any different,” Sims said.

“You’ve just got to be prepared at any time for anything.”

On July 29, Sims had

hoisted the trailer 20 feet in the air to unload, just like always, then headed back to the cab of the parked truck. This time, though, some of the powdered lime stayed in one side of the top of the trailer, which unbalanced the load.

“The G-forces as the bed was twisting just got to the point where it slammed the cab over,” Sims said.

Darren Sims was taking feed inventory when he heard a loud crash outside.

“At first I thought he was slamming the tailgate like he always did, but looking back, it was probably louder than usual,” he said.

LESSON CONTINUED ON 10

Today’s Farm celebrates agriculture in the Sauk Valley and beyond. It is published by Sauk Valley Media six times a year – in January, March, May, July, September and November.

We welcome story ideas about interesting local people who are involved with agriculture.

Call Jim Dunn at 800-798-4085, ext. 5511, or send an email to jdunn@saukvalley.com.

typed in Cosmos extra bold

GOING ON VACATION? Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley

Mobile: 815-590-2246 Office: 815-626-7091 Fax: 815-626-7092 24009 Lincoln Road Sterling, IL 61081 brian.dalldorf@cpsagu.com www.cpsagu.com

Today’s Farm

PAGE 10

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

Farmer switches trailers Providing insurance coverage LESSON

CONTINUED FROM 9

“It did make me come see what was going on. When I came around the corner, all I saw was wheels. I didn’t see Dad at first.”

As the truck flipped, Sims was thrown from the driver’s seat across to against the passenger door, which was on the ground. Darren climbed

up to the driver’s side window, where he could talk to his dad while rescue crews removed the windshield to get him out of the truck.

“It was just one of them incidents,” Darren said.

“It just was odd. He was on perfectly level ground.”

Farmers use the powdered lime to balance pH levels in the soil.

“Lime’s got moisture in it, and we did not have a

liner in the trailer. Supposedly liners help it from sticking, but we never had problems in the past,” Darren said.

Now the Simses plan to avoid that potential problem in the future.

“We’re getting a hopper bottom instead of a dump trailer with no hoist on it,” Darren said. “We will not be able to haul lime, but we’ll still be able to haul corn and soybeans.”

for local homes and farms since 1869

A GREAT WAY TO GET AROUND! GOLF CARTS

rve Call to rese r te in w r you ace storage sp

NEW & USED SALES & SERVICE

Check out our accessories…

Tires, Brush Guard, Cargo Box, Windshields, Seat Belts, Plows, Back Seats, Stereos, & More!

Adami Insurance Agency 712 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-625-6220 meagan@wmccinc.com

Layaway, Financing & Delivery Available!

610 River Lane, Dixon 815.285.3481 www.razorcarts.com

Why pay for mini storage when you can have your own mini storage in your back yard?

NEW SIZES 6x8 to 14x40!

Vinyl, Panel, Metal, Treated Cedar and Log Siding options

Chicken Coop

Treated Cedar Storage Barn – FREE DELIVERY – Monthly Payments Available.

No Credit Check Needed!

Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc. 801 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-626-1300 hughmillerinsurance.com

Sauk Valley Insurance Services 109 6th Street, Dixon 815-288-2541 www.saukvalleyinsurance.com

Roof option in Metal or Shingle.

Vinyl Storage Shed

Now offering Victorian Play Houses!!

Dixon Barn Yard

On the corner of Boyd and Everett & 610 River Lane, Dixon 815.285.3481 • 815-973-5822 Located at

B V-A

First State Insurance

Leffelman & Associates

385 Chicago Rd, Paw Paw 815-627-8552 gsaf74@yahoo.com

Amboy 815-857-2125 lisa.leffelmanassoc@comcast.net

Kirchhofer Insurance Store

LaMoille 815-638-2171 linda@leffelmanassoc.com

102 N. Elm, Franklin Grove 815-456-2319 kirchhofferinsurance.com

Miller Insurance Group 427 N. Main Street, Rochelle 815-561-9911

Query Insurance Agency, Inc. 330 May Mart Drive, Rochelle 815-562-4152 mail@queryinsurance.com

Sublette 815-849-5219 chris@leffelmanassoc.com

Baylor Insurance Agency Lee Center 815-857-2716 rbaylor1@gmail.com

Cornerstone Insurance Agency 102 W. Main, Morrison 815-772-7782 lsandrock@2cornerstone.com

Mel Saad Agency 928 8th Avenue, Erie 309-659-2470 saad@mchsi.com

VanderVinne Agency 127 E. Main St. Morrison 815-772-8900 angievandervinne@yahoo.com

BRADFORD VICTOR-ADAMS

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Member Owned and Operated

Our Contact Information 120 W. South Street, Franklin Grove 815-456-2334 www.bradfordmutual.com

Today’s Farm

November 11, 2014 • Sauk Valley Media

PAGE 11

‘RESPONSIBLY GROWN’

Whole Foods on right track with rating system Measures are clearly stated, aid consumers WILLIAM C. BAILEY Special to Today’s Farm

The Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market chain recently launched a new initiative, called Responsibly Grown, which rates producers of fruits, vegetables, and flowers on how “responsibly” they farm.

The initiative established a rating system that ranks the production of fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers sold in Whole Foods stores in one of three categories – Good, Better or Best. The purpose of the effort is Whole Foods’ attempt to help consumers make “more informed choices” when they purchase produce and flowers.

Readers of a certain vintage can recall Sears and

Roebucks’ quality classification – Sears’ Good, Better or Best. While having similar rankings, Whole Foods goes a step further by clearly identifying the steps needed for a producer to climb from William C. Good to Bailey Better and, finally, Best.

Farming techniques that Whole Foods encourages include composting, rotation of crops, and use of renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power.

Whole Foods also encourages practices that create better working conditions for farm workers, urges farming practices that protect native species, including planting “bee-friendly” wildflowers, and forbids the use of fertilizers made from treated municipal waste.

But Whole Foods knows

its customers are not all vegetarians or vegans.

Consequently, it established a 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating Program: Step 1 – No crowding; Step 2 – Enriched environment; Step 3 – Enhance outdoor access (except for beef); Step 4 – Pasture centered; Step 5 – Animal centered, no alterations; Step 5-plus – Entire life on the same farm.

All of the beef, turkey, pork and chicken sold at Whole Foods must come from producers who are approved for at least Step 1. For beef, Step 1 includes the requirement that twothirds of the animal’s life must be on pasture and that no antibiotics are permitted.

Step 1 for pork stipulates, among other things, no gestation crates or farrowing stall may be used.

By the time a beef producer is ready for approv-

Proud To Serve The American Farmer The First National Bank in Amboy Where you come first.

4 Locations in Amboy & Dixon

800-216-0008

www.fnbamboy.com

al at the 5-plus level, pasture/range that provides for natural behavior must be provided, and the animal cannot be transported.

For pigs, Step 5-plus means they will remain with their litter mates their whole life and have unrestricted access to wallows.

Step 5-plus requirements for chickens

include the stipulation only one bird may be carried at a time and in an upright position (hopefully improving the taste).

While I suspect I will continue to shop near to home – the nearest Whole Foods is in St. Louis – the idea of bringing production agriculture closer to consumers is a step that I applaud.

In today’s world, it

is becoming increasingly difficult to be fully informed about the food we eat.

While I don’t necessarily see the need for some of Whole Foods’ mandated performance measures, at least those measures are clearly stated and available to all of their customers.

Note to readers: William C. Bailey is a professor at Western Illinois University.

LIVE UNITED

United Way of Whiteside County is reaching out to the farming community to participate in the annual fund raising campaign.

By working with local elevators all across the county, United Way is providing an easy way for farmers to support the campaign by simply designating a small amount of grain as a donation whenever they deliver it to local elevators.

United Way of Whiteside County is a local, independent organization which works to support 19 local nonprofit agencies and programs providing health and human services to our friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives. 99 percent of everything raised in Whiteside County stays in Whiteside County. Just one percent of what is collected is paid to United Way Worldwide in order to use the logo and take advantage of training opportunities at no cost.

Together, we get results no one could accomplish alone.

That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.

United Way of Whiteside County

P.O. Box 806  Sterling, IL 61081-0806  (815) 625-7973  www.uwwhiteside.org

Today’s Farm

Sauk Valley Media • November 11, 2014

Friday, December 12 9 am to 3 pm

2014

PAGE 12

Saturday, December 13 9 am to 2 pm

December 12 & 13 D Saturday is Kid’s Day… Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull at 11:00am Prizes awarded, all receive a ribbon!

at the Westwood Fitness & Sports Center 1900 Westwood Drive, Sterling

FREE

Visit with the exhibitors and learn about the latest… admission Farm Equipment Feed, Seed & Fertilizer Products Insurance & Financial Services Health & Safety Information New Technology for a Greater Yield

Free Parking!

For more information contact the Chamber at at 815-625-2400, email chamber@essex1.com or visit www.nwilfarmshow.com

presented by…

Door Prizes!