Roots | Fall 2024

FALL 2024

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER

stutsmans.com

WHAT’S INSIDE 2 90 YEARS OF ADAPTING WITH THE AG INDUSTRY 5 CROP GRAPHIC 6 MID-SEASON SMALL PLOT TRIALS UPDATE OF THE LAND AND THEIR FAMILY’S HERITAGE 11 STEWARDS THE PAUSTIAN FAMILY BECK’S COMMITMENT REWARDS 14 VALUE OR GIMMICK? MAINTENANCE > 16 PREVENTATIVE EMERGENCY REPAIRS ONE LESS PASS 18 VALMAR 56 SERIES APPLICATORS & CONVENIENCE 19 VERSATILITY THE APPLIED VARIMOUNT 350 PTO COMPRESSOR

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MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY WITH 20 THE SALFORD BBI LINEUP 22 IS IT WORTH THE RISK? 24 NO WEED EATER OR TRIMMERS NEEDED

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT FALL APPLICATION PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY

For fall-applied products, we are offering the flexibility of payment not due until January 5.

See your sales agronomist to learn more!

PRE-ORDER SNOW ATTACHMENTS

"I love going out after a midwest snowstorm to shovel snow by hand!" - said no one ... literally ever. Get ready for the first snowfall by pre-ordering any Lackender by ECS snow attachments you need.

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LACKENDER BY

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE ON THE JOB HUNT?

» Custom Applicator » Developmental Sales Agronomist » Digital Marketing Specialist » Graphic Design Associate » Logistics Carrier Manager » Logistics Senior Sales Executive » Logistics Intern Apply at stutsmans.com/careers or call HR at 319.679.5268

I

grew up on a farm near Stutsmans. In 1980, I was 18 years old and looking for a job. Seeing the big applicators Stutsmans had, I knew I wanted to run big equipment. On my first day, after Ron Stutsman hired me, I gave a few details about myself to Larry Culver in the office and went down to the shop to start working. My first task was sweeping the welding rods out of a new nitrogen tank. A lot of various tasks followed in my early years: torching steel, cutting and loading scrap, running application equipment and building grain bins.

Wherever we were needed, that’s what we did. One day I might be driving a straight truck and picking up a few cows to put on the semi, the next I would be helping repair fertilizer spreaders to sell. Salvaging and fixing up equipment was something we did a lot in the ’80s; it was one of the ways we were able to get through those tough times.

I have always been someone who wants to stay busy; that’s how I ended up in the manure equipment division. Even though Stutsmans had been selling hog feed and Star Big Butch feeders already, we entered the hog industry in a new way in the early ’70s when we sold our first Better-Bilt manure spreader. Merlin Geuder would go on to spearhead the new division, but as the division grew, he needed more help. Recognizing this, I began helping Merlin during the off-season when I wasn’t running a dry fertilizer truck or sprayer. I eventually went from serving in a mechanic role for the manure division to sales and now VP. The manure industry has changed a lot during my time at Stutsmans.

Companies that were big when I started are no longer in business or have shrunk in size. I’ve also seen a lot of people and dealerships come and go.

We’ve been fortunate to remain in the manure equipment business. Equipment has also evolved from the very first 800-gallon manure spreader we sold to the 16,000-gallon Nuhn Quad-Trains of today. The introduction of dragline systems around the ’90s changed the game for many, especially as hog building size started to increase. The ’90s also brought improved technology and a desire to control manure flow. We have most likely not seen the last of industry changes as advancements like manure processing and gas harvesting have emerged. I think that after my time in the industry ends, we’re going to look at it and say, “Wow, this is very different.” While it might look different, we’ll still be raising livestock and providing quality food.

At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, the quality of the people, both coworkers and customers, has been the highlight of my time at Stutsmans.

I am extremely proud of our people. What we sell will continue to change and evolve. However, I think how we sell it will remain the same. As long as we continue to use Eldon’s philosophy – taking care of the little things and taking care of our customers – we will continue to reach more milestones.

We appreciate you very much, and we will continue to appreciate you. Thank you for your business and your support.

John Yoder

VP of Manure Equipment

Merlin GeudM erer&lin Geuder & Jourr John Yoder (c hn en Yod er (c t VP of urrent V Manure EquM urt) e "Equip ment) ipan men

GROWING OUR MANURE EQUIPMENT OFFERINGS We spread our service to manure equipment in the early ’70s when we sold our first Better-Bilt manure spreader. The addition of Better-Bilt also thrust us into handling manure equipment parts; Eldon and Ron Stutsman fully believed that if we were going to sell equipment, we would have to have the parts to service it. Our first parts “room” was a retired 20-foot feed truck box.

While the manure handling equipment was gaining momentum, we entered the hog building business in 1980 with AgCraft “hog houses”. While they were primarily used for farrowing and nurseries, some producers used them for calves also. For 15 years, five to six employees built them in Hills and then transported them to producers’ farms.

The ’90s brought significant change and expansion to the hog industry, including larger barns which eliminated the demand for our AgCraft hog houses. Larger barns also brought increased amounts of concentrated manure. While searching for a quality pump for our lime pit, we were approached by a Houle (now known as GEA) salesman. We were thrilled with how it performed, and the rest is history. Our first GEA tank sold was 4,500 gallons … our GEA presenting a gold sale s performance award to our second and third manure team | August 2024 were a pair of 6,000-gallon tanks; and to think, we thought those were big!

Today, we are one of the largest GEA dealers in the country.

In 1993, Bazooka Farmstar moved to Washington, Iowa. During this move, we took a toolbar to demonstrate on a farm. Although the demonstration led to a sale, it wouldn’t be until 1997 or 1998 that drag hose equipment would slowly start taking hold. By 2008, approximately 30% of our business was drag hose. Currently, it’s around 55%.

A key theme for the manure division has always been a relentless desire to make handling manure easier, more efficient and better fit for each pumper’s operation and fields. Around 1998, some manure customers inquired about the ability to control manure flow. Using expertise across our divisions, we adjusted a Krohne flow meter to control manure flow on a used tank. Although it took a few years, we were eventually able to perfect the process.

As drag hose systems started to get further away from pump sites, the need for more reliable engine controls became apparent. Once again, we leaned on our team and the help of irrigation technology company, Murcal, to find a solution. By 2014, we had a sellable product with robust features like pressure throttling to give manure applicators peace of mind and control from miles away.

To serve the growing requests for dry manure spreaders, Artex was added to the manure lineup in 2016. While we still offer many of the same early brands such as GEA and Bazooka Farmstar, other leading manufacturers like Nuhn have also been added.

Our equipment offering today includes spreaders, toolbars, pumps, engine units, load stands, agitation boats, flow control systems and more.

GRAIN DRYING SYSTEMS THAT LET YOU GET BACK TO WHAT’S IMPORTANT IN LIFE. - Set It & Forget It Drying Technology

- Unparalleled Drying Consistency

COUNTER-FLOW GRAIN DRYING SPECIALISTS

SHIVVERS.COM

FOR OUR 90TH YEAR, WE WANTED TO PUT A UNIQUE SPIN ON A PLANTING PRESCRIPTION. We started with our marketing team creating the graphic. Then, our ProVantage advisor brought it into SMS, overlaid the 'EST. 1934' text in the field, sized it to the appropriate dimensions and turned the text into a boundary file. The population was increased around the text graphic to ensure there was a major contrast with the corn and the unplanted graphic. The prescription was loaded into a Precision Planting 2020 system (Gen 2) and planted with a John Deere 1770 NT 16-row planter with high-speed Precision Planting seed tubes. For the herbicide program, we did a residual application with a post-applied Bellum/Atrazine/Glyphosate combination.

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MID-SEASON SMALL PLOT TRIALS UPDATE BY: ADAM GUY | AGRONOMY SALES

We have seen some surprising and interesting results in our

small plot trials this growing season, especially in the biological/biostimulant studies. With more ideal weather conditions, I was surprised by the results we have collected so far. Usually, most biological products require some form of environmental stress to show positive results; however, several products have shown promising and exciting results without the presence of too many stressors.

PRODUCTS TESTED

IN-FURROW SULFUR

FOLIAR

BIOLOGICAL

BIOSTIMULANT

PRODUCT/TREATMENT

DESCRIPTION

10-34-0 Zinc 9

Starter Fertilizer Foliar Fertilizer/Starter Fertilizer

ATS (ammonium-tho sulfate)

Nutrient

Zinc 9 Radiate Tachline Pro Boron 10% Potassium-19 NanoPro TERRAMAR

Foliar Fertilizer/Starter Fertilizer Plant Growth Regulator Foliar Feed Foliar Fertilizer Potassium Acetate Adjuvant (helps increase nutrient uptake) Stress Mitigator

Bio 800+ Hopper Throttle EndoFight

Biological Seed Talc Biological Seed Talc Biological

Katapult A5Plus Network

Potassium Acetate (along with Molybdenum, Cobalt, Fulvic Acid) Micronutrient Pack (Iron, Molybdenum, Copper, Zinc) Plant Growth Promoter, Seaweed Extract, Humic/Fulvic Acids, Microalgae, Zinc, Molybdenum

PLOT PREPARATION AND PLANTING CORN TRIALS

Prior to planting, the trial areas were laid out and flagged. Our corn foliar/in-furrow trial is a 20- by 130-foot plot, and our corn biological/biostimulant trial is a 20- by 100-foot plot. Both the foliar/in-furrow and biological/biostimulant trials were planted on May 11. Untreated controls were also planted for each trial.

IN-FURROW TREATMENTS

In-furrow treatments were applied at planting. » 10-34-0 | 5 gallons per acre » 10-34-0 with Zinc 9 | 1 quart per acre

PRE-EMERGENCE BIOLOGICAL/BIOSTIMULANT TREATMENTS

SOYBEAN TRIALS

Before planting, the trial areas were laid out and flagged. The soybean sulfur study is a 20- by 110-foot plot, and the soybean foliar/biological/biostimulant study is a 20- by 120-foot plot. Both trials were planted on May 18. Untreated controls were also planted for each trial.

SULFUR TREATMENTS

Rates of 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 pounds of sulfur were applied on April 13.

Hopper Throttle and EndoFight were applied at planting on May 11. Network and Bio 800+ were applied on May 13. » Network | 2 quarts per acre » Bio 800+ | .5 gallons per acre » Hopper Throttle | Per Label » EndoFight | Per Label

PRE-EMERGENCE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTS

Foliar products were applied on May 31 at the V3/early post-emergence stage. » Radiate | 2.6 fluid ounces per acre » Tachline Pro | 1 quart per acre » Boron 10% | 1 quart per acre » Potassium-19 | 1 quart per acre » Radiate (2.6 fluid ounces per acre) with Tachline Pro (1 quart per acre) » NanoPro (4 fluid ounces per acre) with Tachline Pro (1 quart per acre) » TERRAMAR | 1 quart per acre

The soybean foliar products were applied on June 14 at the V2 to V3 growth stage. » Radiate | 2.6 fluid ounces per acre » Tachline Pro | 1 quart per acre » Zinc 9 | 1 quart per acre » Radiate (2.6 fluid ounces per acre) with Tachline Pro (1 quart per acre) » NanoPro (4 fluid ounces per acre) with Tachline Pro (1 quart per acre)

FOLIAR TREATMENTS

POST-EMERGENCE BIOLOGICAL /BIOSTIMULANT TREATMENTS

Corn biologicals/biostimulants were applied on May 31 at the V3/early post-emergence stage. » Network | 1 quart per acre » Katapult | 1 quart per acre » Network (1 quart per acre) with Katapult (1 quart per acre)

Pre-emergence biological products were applied at planting on May 18. » Bio 800+ | .5 gallons per acre » Hopper Throttle | Per Label » EndoFight | Per Label

FOLIAR TREATMENTS

POST-EMERGENCE BIOLOGICAL/BIOSTIMULANT TREATMENTS Post-emergence products were applied on June 14 at the V2 to V3 growth stage. » Network | 1 quart per acre » AF5Plus | 2 quarts per acre » TERRAMAR | 1 quart per acre » Network (1 quart per acre) with AF5Plus (2 quarts per acre)

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DATA SNAPSHOTS We have collected quite a bit of data since planting, including vigor, emergence, root and shoot weights, and tissue tests. While the verdict is still out on how the products we’ve been studying will perform come harvest time, we have a few early takeaways.

CORN TRIALS

BIOLOGICAL/BIOSTIMULANT TREATMENTS

Early in the growing season, we were able to see some solid differences in the corn biological/biostimulant data. The first thing that comes to mind with these products is an increase in early season vigor and emergence.

Network applied as a pre-emergence shined, showing a 33% increase in plant emergence and a full growth stage ahead of the other treatments.

Root and shoot weights were collected at the V1 and V6 growth stages. At the V1 root dig, all treatments applied at planting showed an average of a 40% increase over the untreated control.

At V6, both Network and EndoFight showed excellent differences in development compared to the control. Network (applied pre-emerge) had a 20% increase in shoot and root weight. EndoFight had a 13% increase in shoot weight and 3% increase in root weight.

During the V9 to V10 stage, tissue tests were performed. EndoFight (P = +8%, K = +22%), Bio 800+ (P = +24%, K = +25%) and pre-emerge applied Network (P = +21%, K = +19%) had an increase in P and K in the plant tissue compared to the control.

5.23.24 ROOT DIG V1 GROWTH STAGE

UNTREATED CONTROL

6.6.24 ROOT DIG V6 GROWTH STAGE

NETWORK (PRE)

ENDOFIGHT

UNTREATED CONTROL

BIO 800+

UNTREATED CONTROL

ENDOFIGHT (PRE)

UNTREATED CONTROL

IN-FURROW TREATMENTS

For the in-furrow portion of the study, we tested the effect of 10-34-0 and 10-34-0 with Zinc on the emergence and development of the corn crop. Using a starter fertilizer showed an approximately 20% increase in corn crop emergence. At V6, roots and shoots were collected to see differences in growth and development. The addition of starter fertilizer did not show a significant increase in plant biomass.

FOLIAR TREATMENTS

As for the foliar products, treatments containing Radiate did show a slight increase of 5% in both root and shoot weights. However, the addition of NanoPro, an adjuvant helping increase the intake of foliar products, to Tachline did show the highest increases in plant biomass with approximately an 8% increase.

NETWORK (PRE)

DATA SNAPSHOTS SOYBEAN TRIALS SULFUR TREATMENTS

A plant tissue test was taken at the R1 growth stage. Sulfur was applied at rates of 0 (untreated control), 10, 15, 20, and 30 pounds per acre via ATS. All treatments did show an increase in sulfur in the plant tissue compared to the untreated control; however, the rates above 15 pounds did not show a significant increase in sulfur. As of now, it looks like 15 pounds of sulfur is optimum, showing a 10% increase in sulfur uptake.

BIOLOGICAL/BIOSTIMULANT TREATMENTS

Emergence scores were collected but no significant differences could be observed in the counts. At the V1 growth stage, good differences could be observed in the seed talc (Hopper Throttle and EndoFight) and Bio 800+ products. Both Hopper Throttle and Bio 800+ showed a 35% increase in root and shoot weight. EndoFight showed a 21% increase in plant biomass.

At V6, another root and shoot weight collection was done. Bio 800+ and TERRAMAR showed around a 30% increase in plant biomass. AF5Plus showed a 17% increase in shoot weight and 21% increase in root weight.

6.6.24 ROOT DIG

UNTREATED CONTROL

6.27.24 ROOT DIG

HOPPER THROTTLE

UNTREATED CONTROL

BIO 800+

UNTREATED CONTROL

ENDOFIGHT (PRE)

TERRAMAR

AF5 PLUS

UNTREATED CONTROL

BIO 800+

FOLIAR TREATMENTS

No significant findings could be observed in the early season evaluations. This could be due to adequate rainfall, normal conditions leading to more uniform growth and cooler July temperatures during pollination.

See any member of our agronomy sales team for additional information and results after harvest!

AN EXTREME SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR EXTREME TERRAINS

Always keeps a positive tongue weight to go over the top of more terrain Has an additional cylinder & hitch designed to flex to adapt to the ground

When thinking about the small, relatively rural town of Walcott, Iowa, many will think of the place known

for bringing drivers from near and far, the Iowa 80 Truckstop, also known as the World’s Largest Truck Stop.

What many don’t know is just behind the famous truck stop is a farming operation started in the mid-1800s when a man named Frederick Paustian ventured to the U.S. from Germany and landed in Walcott. It’s an operation that has remained in the Paustian family since.

“The farm was started in the mid-1800s when great-great-great-grandpa Frederick came over from Germany and built the house here at the home farm that I grew up in and my parents still live,” six-generation hog and row crop farmer, Mike Paustian said. “Paustians have been farming around here since then.”

The Paustians currently have a farrow-to-finish operation marketing around 35,000 pigs per year and 1,400 acres of corn and soybeans.

“The operation’s changed a lot in the last couple of generations because when my grandfather was farming (he’s no longer alive now) he had all cattle,” Mike said. “Dad kind of started the pigs when he was younger.

When I was a kid, we had cattle and hogs, and then, eventually, we sold the rest of the cows and just stayed with the pigs.”

Fourteen people work on the farm; half of them are family. Members of the Paustian family involved in the operation are Mike’s mom and dad, Kent and Marcia; his uncle, Ross; his cousin, Tom; his wife, Amy; and himself. Mike and Amy’s children will be the seventh generation to work on the Paustian farm if they choose to follow in their family’s footsteps.

“It’s been great to have multiple generations able to work together,” Mike said. “The operation was big enough that it could support everybody. It wasn’t the case of ‘well somebody’s got to leave before someone can come on board.’”

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Even though there was room in the operation for Mike and Amy, they spent a few years working elsewhere before returning 15 years ago.

“I really valued my experience with living and working off the farm,” Mike said. “I think that gave me a lot of perspective for coming back. So, I think if any of my kids wanted to farm, I’d encourage them to do the same thing; go work somewhere else first and prove that you can make it on your own and then come back on your own terms.”

All of the corn the Paustians grow goes through their feed mill and gets fed to their pigs. Roughly five and a half million gallons of hog manure is then used to fertilize their crops each year.

For a long time, the family used manure tanks as their method of choice for spreading manure. Their past lineup has included Better-Bilt, Balzer and Houle (GEA) spreaders. The Paustians switched to a dragline system around 15 years ago, something that they didn’t think was an option for them before making the transition.

“We had always thought we didn’t have enough manure volume to justify a dragline system,” Mike said.

After working with Rob Frank, the Paustian’s Stutsman manure equipment salesperson, what felt impractical turned into a reality. Together, they developed a game plan that included a less expensive pump to make the system more justifiable with the amount of manure they spread.

“Going to the dragline really helped eliminate a lot of the compaction issues we were dealing with and that then allowed us to start doing no-till and eventually getting into cover crops as well,” Mike said. “It’s had a big impact on our operation.”

Not only has a dragline system helped with compaction, but it has allowed the Paustians to be much more efficient during the fall manure season.

“It made our lives a lot easier in the fall,” Mike said. “It seemed like we were always finishing applying manure in the middle of a snowstorm because we’d have to start hauling manure as soon as the first field was harvested basically, and we’d be hauling right up until the ground froze almost. With the dragline now, we’re waiting until harvest is completely done.”

With increased efficiency has come the ability to wait for ideal ground temperatures below 50 degrees and their cover crops to be established before manure application.

Changing how they handled manure paved the way for adjustments in their practices, including implementing no-till and cover crops.

When reflecting on their goals, Mike said they want to “keep doing things every single day that will help us improve or get better” and “be willing to try new things and see if they work better than what we’re doing now. That’s kind of how we ended up where we are with the crop side of things with the no-till and cover crop.”

In addition to planting cover crops, the Paustians grow their rye seed for the next year’s cover crop by harvesting it over the top of 30 acres of soybeans. After the success they had growing their seed last year, they are making changes to this year’s process to get even better results.

“We’re still kind of tweaking how we do it and trying different things,” Mike said.

Efforts to consistently improve their operation’s sustainability extend beyond no-till and cover crops.

“Anymore, if you’re talking about manure management, I think you need to be thinking about nutrient management too,” Mike said, “and how we make sure those manure nutrients are staying in the field and how we make sure that they’re still there when we have our next crop growing.”

FRONT ROW: ADDISON (MIKE’S NIECE), MADELINE (MIKE’S DAUGHTER), AMY (MIKE’S WIFE), ELIZABETH (MIKE’S DAUGHTER) BACK ROW: KENT & MARCIA (MIKE’S PARENTS), ZACHARY (MIKE’S SON), MIKE, ROSS (MIKE’S UNCLE), TOM (MIKE’S COUSIN)

One such nutrient management practice they are trying is saturated buffers, an edge-of-field practice designed to reduce the nitrates reaching a water source.

“Whether it’s building improvements, whether it’s what we’re doing to the ground — preventing soil erosion, keeping nutrients in the field — all those kinds of things from a conservation standpoint to just make the farm better than what it was when we started taking care of it so that future generations will have the opportunity to farm too if they so choose,” Mike said.

Not only are the Paustians working to be stewards of the land, but they also have the responsibility of being stewards of their family’s legacy and ensuring future generations have the same opportunities they did.

“It can be a lot of pressure if you start thinking about the legacy of all the sacrifices that people had to make for me to have the opportunity to be here,” Mike said. “I don’t want to squander that opportunity.”

While the weight of that responsibility is not light, the ability to work with his family toward their goals is something that Mike cherishes.

THE PAUSTIAN FAMILY FARM

“The vast majority of people do not get the experience of multiple generations working side by side,” Mike said, “and I think that goes a long way to helping instill work ethic and pride and teamwork within our family.”

The Paustians set a positive example for others in the agriculture industry, but for Mike, setting a good example for his children takes the cake.

FROM LEFT: MIKE, ROSS, TOM, & KENT

“You can tell your kids to work hard and do a good job,” Mike said, “but it’s a whole ‘nother thing when they are actually working with you, and you can show them how to work hard and do a good job.”

When Frederick Paustian settled in Walcott and became a farmer, he probably didn’t know the tradition he was starting in his family. It’s a tradition of doing something every day to be stewards of the family’s operation and land while accomplishing something even greater — a heritage of working hard while taking pride in what they can accomplish together, as a family.

BECK’S COMMITMENT REWARDS I

t’s hard to believe it's time to start thinking about next year's crop decisions. With early order programs on the horizon, seed is likely at the top of many farmers' minds. As we transition our seed offering to Beck's, we want to ease your mind and answer any questions you have regarding their products and programs.

Whether you've had a lot of exposure with Beck's or just have heard passing comments, chances are you've heard rumblings of them being a "gimmick" company that relies on giving away "freebies" to earn business.

We've heard it all before; "Why don't they lower the cost of their seed?" "It's just a toy catalog," or "What a gimmick." It's easy to be skeptical when some things appear too good to be true.

However, as we've become more educated about Beck's Commitment Rewards program and now understand the math (and logic!) behind this innovative program, we can say without a doubt that it is simply a financial tool for growers to add to their arsenal, especially in today's market.

As it turns out... what some call a gimmick isn't so much of a gimmick after all. Here's why.

LEVERAGE BUYING POWER

Commitment Rewards is an equipment and financial tool that can provide your operation with a competitive advantage. The program is designed to help farmers leverage Beck's buying power to overcome obstacles like access to working capital and high interest rates. Each year, Beck's works with industry-leading equipment providers, placing bulk orders upfront to get the best possible pricing. By leveraging their significant buying power, equipment discounts are passed directly to growers that would not be attainable for a single operation.

IMPROVE YOUR CASH FLOW

Beyond getting access to better pricing, Commitment Rewards can put more cash back into your pocket.

Patrick Hines, a Missouri grower, has been a customer of Beck's since 2021 and purchased a small amount of seed each year to try out on his farm. For 2024, he committed 100% of his acres to Beck's and worked with his area dealer to sign a multi-year, Level 8 agreement with Commitment Rewards after learning more about the value the program offered.

"Part of my decision to commit 100% of my seed order this year was due to Beck's flexibility in helping me put up a new equipment shed," said Hines. "After meeting with my dealer at Beck's Southern Illinois Field Show and seeing the terms of the agreement, I was shocked at how much cash Commitment Rewards would free up for me."

And while Patrick's Level 8 multi-year agreement didn't cover the entire cost, he is now paying back a minimal amount per year for three years (on an already highly discounted equipment shed) with ZERO interest, saving him roughly $23,000. Plus, he can now write off the cost of that shed as an asset on his taxes that same year and boost his savings.

REDUCE YOUR INTEREST PAYMENTS

If you're looking for innovative ways to increase your working capital, Commitment Rewards provides an interest-free payback over time. By partnering with First Mid Bank & Trust, Beck's allows growers to use their earned points as a "down payment" on the equipment they need and pay the rest of the cost back to First Mid Bank & Trust completely interest-free.

Let's break it down.

Say you are considering signing a Level 4 multi-year agreement at a $120,000 seed commitment. At this level, you would receive 80 total points to use, valued at $30,000 ($375 per point). Your skid loader has been giving you fits, and it's the next equipment upgrade you had on your list.

While this scenario may seem far-fetched, we can assure you that the savings and interest-free payments are not.

It's not just about securing the tools you need for your operation at a heavily discounted, interest-free cost; it's about freeing up cash that wasn't previously available, providing you with the flexibility to purchase additional equipment that would not have been possible without the program.

WHAT COULD A COMMITMENT REWARDS AGREEMENT LOOK LIKE FOR ME? While a skid loader might not be something you need on your farm, Beck's has options for every operation and every acre size, ranging from large equipment, trucks and trailers, shop essentials, and even home and recreation. Although the examples we've included so far illustrate a three-year commitment, you can take advantage of the program with just a one-year commitment!

HELPING FARMERS SUCCEED

Beck's chooses to put more money into farmers' pockets by passing along additional value through Commitment Rewards than they would get through a simple cash discount on seed. By expanding farmer's cash positions and freeing up working capital through Commitment Rewards, growers can secure the tools and equipment they need, create significant tax savings opportunities, and gain more value for their operations.

It's a value-adding, working capital-multiplying, cash-expanding return on your seed investment.

MULTIYEAR COMMITMENT SCENARIO: LEVEL 4 $120,000 Per Year Seed Commitment 80 Program Points Valued At $30,000 ($375 Per Point) New Holland C337 Skid Steer $73,500 Beck’s Sales Price (196 points x $375)

$73,500 (Skid Steer Cost) - $30,000 (Total Point Value) = $43,500 (Remaining Cost to You) $43,500 (Remaining Cost to You) / 3 (Multi-Year Commitment) = $14,500 Final Per Year Cost to You at 0% Interest

SINGLEYEAR COMMITMENT SCENARIO: LEVEL 2 One-Year $40,000 Seed Commitment 3 Program Points Valued at $1,125 ($375 Per Point)

M18 Fuel 1 in. Milwaukee Impact Wrench $1,125 Beck’s Sales Price (3 Points x $375)

$1,125 (Wrench Cost) - $1,125 (Total Point Value) = $1.00 (Remaining Cost To You)

Want to learn more about how the Commitment Rewards program might benefit your operation? Scan the QR code »

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PREVENTATIVE PREVENTATIVEMAINTENA MAINTEN I

f you had to pick between going to the doctor for a yearly wellness check-up or visiting the emergency room, which would you choose? Chances are the once-a-year visit to your doctor is a lot less stressful. The same thing can be said when it comes to maintaining a grain bin site. It’s a lot easier and less stressful to perform pre-season maintenance than it is to have an emergency repair in the middle of harvest.

When performing any inspections or maintenance, keep safety at the top of your mind. Turn off and disconnect any mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic elements that could cause harm. Lock out, tag out.

AIR SYSTEMS

Air systems are a commonly overlooked component of a grain bin system when it comes time to perform maintenance. » Blowers have oil in them, which is often forgotten about.

Oil should be changed following the manual recommendations. » Check air system filters to avoid learning they’re plugged when moving grain through the system. » Watch for wearing and holes in the pipes at the elbows.

GRAIN DRYERS

A broken-down grain dryer can put a real damper on harvest. A little bit of pre-season maintenance can prevent catastrophe. » Clean the control box and fan using soft brushes, a vacuum or compressed air. If you have a portable GSI or Sukup dryer, the metering rolls need to be cleaned out as plugged grain columns can overheat and cause a fire. For sites with a Shivvers dryer, the transfer augers should be cleaned out. » Check the gearbox oil level and lubricate if needed. » Turn on the electrical power supply, control panel and other electronics to ensure they are working properly. » Verify the fan turns on and watch for any unusual vibration. » Ensure the heater runs and burns blue. If the flame is yellow, the heater is not burning efficiently. » Check for potential gas leaks using soapy water. » Test the conveying equipment to verify grain moves in and out of the dryer effectively.

ANCE CE EMERGENCY EMERGENCYREPAIRS REPAIRS GRAIN BINS

Due to the sheer size of grain bins, there is a lot more area to cover when doing pre-season cleaning and maintenance. » Top of Grain Bin » Open the lid and check the grain spreader for bird or mice nests, bare wires and bad bearings. » Inside the Grain Bin » Inspect the stirring machine or auger for bird nests, cracked belts, rough sounds in the motor and any divots in the track. Inspect augers for anything sharp or shaped like an hourglass.

When turning on the machine, the down augers should run true without a wobble. » If you have a Shivvers unit in your bin, you need to grease the gearboxes. » Give each grease zerk a couple of pumps, but do not over grease. » Check the tapered sweep to make sure the flighting is not sharp and the wheel is not worn out. » Sweep the floor and remove all foreign material. » Inspect underfloor flighting for excessive wear (anything from sharp areas to rusted off spots). » Inspect side wall sheets for cracks, holes and excessive rust. » Outside the Grain Bin » Ensure the door is sealing properly with no visible cracks. » Inspect ladders and steps for loose bolts, broken ladder rungs and clear any obstructions. » Inspect fan to ensure blades are intact and wires aren’t broken or frayed. Do not turn on your fan until one ring of grain is in the bin. » Inspect heater for bad wires and replace any bare wires. » Check the spark plugs and burner ring to ensure the holes are open and not rusted shut.

As always, reference your user manual when performing maintenance for more specific guidance based on the model and brand of your equipment. If you have any questions or see areas of concern, give us a call. We are happy to come out and take a look.

This season, we hope more preventative maintenance means less emergency repairs.

VALMAR 56 SERIES APPLICATORS W e’ve carried Valmar’s 56 series applicators for several years now; they continue to be our most popular option for seeding cover crops as well as a good choice for small grains, soybeans and low rates of granular herbicide and dry fertilizer because they allow growers to accomplish more in one pass. In the last couple of years especially, we have witnessed more interest in cover crops and consequently these applicators as a result of the available subsidies for cover crops. Due to the Valmar 56 Series’ affordability, growers who already have a tillage bar can quickly recuperate the cost of adding the applicator with subsidy program money.

Valmar’s granular applicators come in two sizes: 40-cubic-feet (the 4056) and 60-cubic-feet (the 6056) capacities. The 4056 has 16 hose outlets with application widths from 16 feet to 40 feet.

The 6056 can come with either 24 or 32 hose outlets with application widths from 24 feet to 60 feet.

With these applicators, you can broadcast products using deflectors or apply in-furrow with air diffusers. Additionally, airline splitters can be used for doubling lines near the product disbursement point.

The 56 series applicators have three different mounting styles: skid mount, three-point hitch or pull-behind chariot, making them a versatile option for many different operations. Our most popular option is the skid mount, which is especially adaptable because it can be fixed on the three-point hitch mount, chariot cart or mounted on an implement of your choosing. The three-point hitch mount is available in a 350 horsepower or 600 horsepower size. It allows for pass-through hydraulics and electrical while coming with a draw-bar hitch for pulling an implement behind. The advantage of the chariot mount is its ladder and platform, making it easier to access the hopper.

Both models have hydraulic or ground-driven metering options. We have found the hydraulic drive option through ISOBUS monitors to be the top pick because the 56 series applicators can tie into John Deere, Case, New Holland, AGCO, Ag Leader, Topcon, Trimble or other universal terminals through a single ISOBUS plug. This means the applicator can perform automatic half-width section control and as applied maps (with a task control interface). ISOBUS also controls on-the-go rate control with changes in ground speed. For those who would prefer the ground drive mechanism, the rates can be increased and decreased in 5% increments using a 60-speed gearbox. This allows for an accurate rate to be applied regardless of the ground speed. An in-cab control box allows manual half-width shutoff.

Calibration is key to ensuring proper flow rates. This is made easier by the ability to drop out the Venturi and manifold system to insert a funnel tray for collecting product. There is a crank handle to simulate ground travel. Furthermore, this feature makes for a user-friendly clean-out of the hopper. Changing out metering rolls to accommodate various products is also a simple process with the 56 series applicators.

When talking cover crops, the Valmar 56 series applicators are typically a part of the conversation for us. Their versatility, price point and ability to accomplish more in one pass make them an easy choice for growers.

VERSATILITY & CONVENIENCE THE APPLIED VARIMOUNT 350 PTO COMPRESSOR Whether you want to clean drag hoses, blow off combines, clean

balers or complete various other tasks around the farm, the Applied VariMount 350 PTO Compressor offers versatility with a lower price tag than a diesel engine unit. This compressor also has an impressive output of 350 cubic feet per minute, significantly speeding up the time spent clearing a hose. The Applied VariMount 350 PTO Compressor is powered by a tractor PTO rather than a separate diesel engine and can conveniently be moved around and/or mounted with a 3-point hitch. Since it is fully air-driven, it does not have any electronics making the Applied VariMount 350 PTO Compressor more reliable and better able to withstand outdoor conditions. The compressor is also easy to use and maintain, adding to the overall appeal of it over the alternatives.

FEATURES

» Volume Flow | 177 to 360 CFM » Operating Pressure | 189 PSI » Compressor Weight | 2,623 lbs » Filling Capacity | Engine Oil: 5.3 gallons » Dimensions | Height: 47”, Width: 43”, Depth: 52”, BSP air outlet: 2 x 1.5 in. » Power Requirements | Rated Speed: 540 to 1000 RFM, Shaft Power: >93 HP

19

MAXIMIZE PRODUCTIVITY WITH

THE SALFORD BBI LINEUP BY: DEREK SHALLA | PRECISION & EQUIPMENT SALES

S

alford BBI has one of the most diverse lineups of dry spreaders on the market. Whether you have 20 acres, 10,000 acres or somewhere in between, BBI has a spreader to fit your unique fertilizer, lime, litter or manure spreading needs.

BBI SPREADER ADVANTAGES

Most people who have been around BBI know that it is one of the heaviest-built spreaders on the market.

Having undercarriages with up to 20-ton capacities paired with a walking beam suspension, their spreaders are built to handle some of the most severe terrains and heaviest loads. For larger farmers or commercial operations, Salford offers a high duty cycle hydraulic package. The high duty cycle hydraulics utilize a special hydraulic pump and an oil cooler system to keep optimal oil temperatures for continuous operation of spreading throughout the day.

HIGH DUTY HYDRAULICS HIGHER GROUND SPEED

HIGHER SPREAD RATES

STAY COOLER LONGER

One of the most crucial parts of a dry spreader is the spread pattern. After the calibration of your machine, the spread pattern is the final equation that makes sure your fertilizer/lime is spread evenly across your field. BBI’s unique “flat” spread pattern gives you the most precise application when calibrated. Most manufacturers use what I call a “rainbow-style” spread. If you watch product come off a competitor’s spinner, you will see the product anywhere from two feet to eight feet off the ground, which will cause your product to really tail off or be light on the outside of your pattern. In return, you will have more overlap between your driving intervals to hit an even distribution. On the other hand, BBI’s spread pattern will have a uniform flat pattern coming off the pans. This flat pattern will also have an even distribution on the outside ends of your spread pattern, giving you a true full-swath driving interval.

MAGNASPREAD:

Fertilizer / Lime » Capabilities of spreading lime up to 2 tons per acre at 14 mph with a 60-foot swath and fertilizer up to a 80-foot swath » 320-cubic-foot stainless hopper

MAGNASPREAD PLUS:

Fertilizer / Lime » Application widths up to 60 feet with lime and 80 feet with fertilizer » 440-cubic-foot stainless hopper

LIBERTY:

Fertilizer / Lime » Application widths up to 60 feet with lime and 80 feet with fertilizer » 200-cubic-foot stainless hopper

GRASSHOPPER:

Fertilizer / Lime » Application widths up to 60 feet with lime and 80 feet with fertilizer » 200-cubic-foot stainless hopper » Pre or post applications spreader

SNIPER:

Fertilizer Only » Application widths up to a 120-foot swath with built-in section control » 264-cubic-foot stainless hopper » Pre or post applications spreader

ENDURANCE:

Lime / Manure » Application widths up to 60 feet with lime and 40 feet with manure » 456-cubic-foot carbon steel hopper

Salford BBI has a spreader for about any application, meaning there is a good fit for a variety of operations.

Most of these spreaders are on our lot if you would like to see a unit up close in person. If you are still curious about which spreader of BBI’s extensive lineup best fits you, please feel free to reach out to a member of our equipment team.

21

ISISITITWORTH WORTHTHE THER O

O

nly a few short nly amonths few short ago,months we learned ago, we about learned another about tragic another manure tragic accident manure involving accidenta involving man trying a man to trying to retrieve equipment retrieve equipment that had fallen thatinto had afallen manure intotanker. a manure Aftertanker. losingAfter consciousness losing consciousness from the manure from the gas,manure his gas, h coworker tried coworker to help tried himto and help also him lost and consciousness. also lost consciousness.

Neither of the Neither men of returned the men toreturned their families. to their This families. is This unfortunately unfortunately a common story. not anAccidents uncommon likestory. this have Accidents been like around this for have a while been and around continue for a while to happen and continue even to ha though the even risks though of working the around risks of manure workingand around the gases manure it produces and the gases are known. it produces are known.

Someday, we Someday, hope wewe never hope have we never to write have about to write this topic aboutagain, this topic but until again, then, but ituntil is always then, it good is always to remind good to remind ourselves how ourselves important howitimportant is to stay it aware is to when stay aware handling when manure handling andmanure workingand around working manure around tanks manure and tanks and storage systems. storage systems.

THE RISKS THE RISKS

Being around Being manure around storage manure areas, storage especially areas,during especially agitation, duringcan agitation, presentcan multiple present hazards; multiple thehazards; greatestthe of greatest these hazards these is manure hazardsgas. is manure Manuregas. produces Manuretoxic produces gases toxic as a result gases of as anaerobic a result ofdigestive anaerobicfermentation. digestive fermentation.

These gasesThese are methane, gases arehydrogen methane,sulfide, hydrogen carbon sulfide, dioxide carbon anddioxide ammonia. andWhile ammonia. someWhile of these some gases of these can have gases can h an odor to signal an odor their to signal presence, theirothers presence, can be others odorless. can beThis odorless. can make Thistheir can make presence theireven presence more dangerous. even more dangerou These gasesThese can be gases flammable can be and flammable explosive andasexplosive well as cause as well suffocation, as cause suffocation, unconsciousness, unconsciousness, nausea, nausea, drowsiness,drowsiness, irritation, headaches, irritation, headaches, respiratory respiratory failure and failure in the worst and incases, the worst death cases, (Erickson, death2021).

(Erickson, 2021).

In 2022, there In 2022, were eight there fatalities were eight infatalities the U.S. related in the U.S. to agricultural related to agricultural waste storage, waste handling, storage,transport handling, transport equipment equipment and facilities. andThe facilities. most common The most cause common of these cause accidents of thesewas accidents performing was performing maintenance maintenance tasks in or tasks in around manure around storage, manure which storage, follows which suitfollows with accidents suit withinaccidents prior years. in prior Concerningly, years. Concerningly, accidents like accidents these are like these on an upward on trend an upward (Cheng trend et al., (Cheng 2023).et al., 2023).

THE BENEFITS THE BENEFITS

The benefitsThe of benefits making risky of making decisions riskywhen decisions working when around working manure around storage manure systems storage aresystems few … and arethey’re few … and not they’re benefits at all benefits considering at all considering what’s at stake. what’s Unfortunately, at stake. Unfortunately, manure accidents manureare accidents often a are result often of trying a result to of trying to recover a piece recover of equipment a piece of equipment or tool (likeor intool the case (like in wethe discussed case weabove) discussed and above) not taking andthe nottime taking to the make time safe to make choices. In some choices. cases, In some investing cases,ininvesting and usinginaand gas using monitor a gas could monitor have could resulted have in resulted a drastically in a different drastically different outcome. outcome.

ISKS? RISKS? TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE THIS MANURE SEASON INVEST IN GAS MONITORS.

Because gases can be colorless and odorless, gas monitors are vital to monitoring conditions when operating near manure. Gas monitors can range in abilities and price, but the most basic and least expensive gas monitors are single-gas H2S personal monitors. These monitors have audible and visual alarms to alert the wearer when conditions become unsafe.

If you already have a gas monitor, don’t forget to check the sensor and alarms to verify they are working properly. One way to do this is through bump testing, the application of gas with a H2S concentration to the monitor to determine if the alarms work and if the sensor identifies the correct gas concentration. Manufacturers of gas monitors have gas canisters and tubing accessories to utilize for bump testing.

MAKE SURE ALL EMPLOYEES, FAMILY AND VISITORS ARE AWARE OF THE DANGER MANURE GASES PRESENT THROUGH EDUCATIONAL TRAINING AND WARNING/HAZARD SIGNS. HAVE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN IN PLACE.

NEVER GET ON TOP OF OR INSIDE A TANK TO INSPECT IT. WORK WITH A PARTNER AND STAY IN COMMUNICATION. COVER OR BARRICADE MANURE PIT OPENINGS TO PREVENT FALLS INTO THE PIT. OPEN UP THE BUILDING TO MAXIMIZE VENTILATION WHEN AGITATING. PUMP WHEN THERE IS A MINIMUM OF 7 TO 10 MPH CROSSWIND. KEEP AGITATION NOZZLES BELOW MANURE SURFACE TO PREVENT SHOOTING GASES INTO THE AIR. IF MANURE IS WITHIN 2 FOOT OF THE SLATS, PUMP BEFORE AGITATING TO LOWER THE MANURE LEVEL TO AT LEAST 2 FOOT BELOW THE SLATS.

The benefits gained from disregarding safety protocols simply do not outweigh the risk — loss of life. As fall pumping starts to ramp up, we wish you a safe manure season.

Sources Erickson, T. (2021). Understanding manure storage system safety risks. South Dakota State University Extension. https://extension.sdstate.edu/understanding-manure-storage-system-safety-risks Cheng, Y., Nour, M., Field, B., Ambrose, K., & Sheldon, E. (2023). 2022 summary of U.S. agricultural confined space-related injuries and fatalities. Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program. https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/agconfinespaces/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022-Summary-of-US-Ag-Confined-Space-5-26-23.pdf

23

NO WEED EATER OR TRIMMERS NEEDED M

owers and brush cutters do a great job with many land-clearing tasks, but there are just some terrains or hard-to-reach places where a tractor or skid loader can’t go. This is where you find yourself pulling out the weed eater, saw or loppers to clean up along banks and fence lines. If you have to do everything by hand, you’ll likely spend hours doing it. Enter the Lackender by ECS Swing Boom Cutter. With 96 inches of horizontal and 16 feet of vertical reach, you can easily tackle cutting banks, fence lines, right of ways and tree limbs. It can also swing to the right to use as a side cutter. Powered by a high torque motor with a built-in relief valve and a maximum supply pressure of 4,000 PSI, this cutter has a significant reach advantage over our typical cutter.

THE NITTY GRITTY 1 3”x16” Tilt Cylinders 4 2 5/8” AR400 Blades 3 44” Cut 4 3” Cutting Capacity 5 Does Not Require Case Drain 6 Universal, 7 Pin, 8 Pin, and 14 Pin Wiring Harnesses Available

7 John Deere and Euro Mounts Available 8 Powder-Coated Finish 9 Protective Sleeve on Hydraulic Hoses

LACKENDER BY

1

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8

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ON THE FARM OR IN HILLS, IN-SEASON OR OFF-SEASON, EMERGENCY REPAIRS OR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, OUR SERVICE TEAM AND SHOP TECHS ARE HERE TO HELP KEEP YOU RUNNING.

Adam Grove, Ryan Miller, Todd Kiefer, Chandler Reid, Gabe Riggan, Dalton Bright and (not-pictured) Roy Felts

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