Roots | Winter 2023-24 by Stutsmans

WINTER 2023-2024 DECEMBER | JANUARY | FEBRUARY

stutsmans.com

WHAT’S INSIDE 2 REFLECTING ON 90 YEARS CREDIBILITY 4 CREATING NEW CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR BIOSTIMULANTS FINDING A SIZE ‘JUST RIGHT’ 6 NEW S SERIES FROM ARTEX ALMOST 90-YEAR FRIENDSHIP 9 AN THE LACKENDER-STUTSMAN STORY FAILING FLOORS 12 SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE 13 CHEMBINE CHEMICAL MIXING MADE EASIER BUILT TO LAST 14 DEMCO LIQUID TENDER TRAILERS 16 WELCOME ADAM GUY 17 LET’S TALK HITCHES SPREADER MAINTENANCE 19 ARTEX PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT 20 WELCOME ASPEN ERENBERGER

9 14

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!

Our 2024 tradeshow schedule:

UPDATES TO NORAC UC4-BASED SYSTEM SUPPORT

Due to restricted supplies from Topcon and the age of the systems, we will no longer provide on-phone or in-field technical support for all Norac UC4-based systems effective January 1, 2024. We will continue to supply parts for UC4-based systems as we deplete in-house stock. Once that stock is gone, UC4-based system parts will be sold on an order-only basis, and all sales will be final.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UPGRADING YOUR NORAC SYSTEM, VISIT OUR BLOG.

Customers with UC4-based systems are encouraged to upgrade their systems to Norac's newer and more reliable UC7 system. UC7 upgrade kits are available for most sprayer models. Customers with UC5 systems should be aware that Topcon just announced several components for UC4.5 and UC5 will no longer be available after December 2024. Please call and ask a member of the field application equipment and precision ag team for more information.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE ON THE JOB HUNT?

» Agronomy Sales Representative » Agriculture Equipment Technician » Developmental Sales Agronomist » Custom Applicator » Operations Lead » Human Resources Intern » Precision Ag Sales and Services » Truck Shop Technician Apply at stutsmans.com/careers or call HR at 319.679.5268

t has been almost 90 years since the young Eldon Stutsman saw a need for bringing supplies from town to his rural neighbors. Even though the Great Depression made 1934 a less-than-ideal time to start a business, Eldon had a vision and desire to serve others. By helping others, he could, in turn, help support his own family. With hard work, support from customers and vendors, and employees who bought into his vision, the company flourished and has grown to encompass a wide range of product and service offerings across eight divisions — from agronomy to equipment to transportation. As we begin the celebration of our 90th year, we are reminded of all we are fortunate to reflect on. One way we’re reflecting on where we have been to where we are now is through the Roots magazine covers in the upcoming year. They will look a little bit different than you may be used to seeing. Our first reflection cover is our grain handling division. Eldon’s vision would not have been possible without customers like you who have trusted us along the way. Each day, we witness customers finding unique solutions, persevering through hardships, excelling in their field or simply making it through another season with an appreciation for the opportunity to do what they do. To show our gratitude and celebrate those who motivate us, we are embarking on a journey to share the stories of our customers. These stories will be featured in this year’s Roots. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. It’s safe to say a lot has happened for us in the past 90 years — from new generations of employees and Stutsman family members joining the business with fresh ideas to expansions that have diversified our offerings (all things you may have also experienced in your own operation). There has been no shortage of advancements in technology, equipment and operational best practices in the ag industry. Even with all of these changes, our core guiding philosophies and mission based on Eldon’s vision have not. Our relentless dedication to serving for success gives us roots. By staying true to what grounds and unites us, we remain optimistic about what the future holds. After all, there are still hardworking people and There is beauty in everyone’s families like you to serve … and that’s what fuels our fire. Therewe is beauty story (whether we think have a in everyone’s story (whether story or not). We would love towe think we have a Thank you for playing a role in our journey and letting storystory. or not). We would love to learn more about your If you us be a part of your story. learn more about are willing to be featured in a your story. If you are reach willingout to be customer story, please to featured in a customer please reach out to the marketing team story, at the marketing team at marketing@stutsmans.com. marketing@stutsmans.com.

Ron, Scott and Mark Stutsman

GROWING OUR GRAIN HANDLING DIVISION In the 1950s, on-farm grain bins started becoming more popular. Recognizing the opportunity to pioneer the selling of grain storage and grain drying equipment in southeast Iowa, Eldon brought on the Black, Sivalls & Bryson (BS&B) line of bins. Within years of entering the grain storage equipment sector, we brought on Bazooka Grain Handling System (Salina, Kansas) augers as well as fans, heaters, stirrers and conveyors from a newly formed, family-owned company you may have heard of … Sukup. Today, we offer three leading brands that have stood the test of time: GSI, Sukup and Shivvers.

CREATING CREDIBILITY

NEW CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR BIOSTIMULANTS BY: MARK STUTSMAN | COO

The biostimulant market is crowded and growing rapidly. I understand that the biostimulant market must look a little like the Wild West to growers who are wondering if any of these new products can improve their farm’s bottom line. I know that I am confused. Which products should our team represent? How do they work? When do they work? What problem is that specific product able to solve?

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS NEW PROGRAM? VIEW TFI’S WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

I am pleased to tell you about a new certification initiative that will help us sort through the biostimulant market confusion. During The Fertilizer Institute’s (TFI) recent InfoAg Conference, I heard more about the Certified Biostimulant Program, a voluntary, evidence-based initiative that will provide transparency into which individual products meet industry-recognized standards for efficacy, safety and composition. The program is based on the United States Biostimulant Industry Guidelines, which provides criteria for the documentation and evidence needed for biostimulant companies to support their product’s effectiveness. Today, makers of biostimulants must register their product as either a fertilizer, soil amendment, beneficial substance or inoculum with the Department of Agriculture in every state they intend to sell the product. Registering a product under state fertilizer regulations, however, requires little to no data or information from the manufacturer about a product’s effectiveness, formulation or safety. In the absence of unified state or federal requirements for biostimulants, I am so pleased that the fertilizer industry has developed a system that will allow Stutsmans to provide you with unbiased and sound product recommendations. The use of these industry-certified products will strengthen the credibility of individual biostimulant products on the market and, by extension, biostimulants as a whole. The Certified Biostimulant Program will have an online portal with a list of certified products. This website will include product and company contact information; product category (i.e., one of the five product types identified in the standard); certification expiration date; certification identification (ID) number; a link to the product label; label claims; Safety Data Sheets; and the full efficacy workbook with confidential business information redacted. Proof of conformance must be documented with a quality assurance manual (QAM). The manual must address the efficacy, composition and safety of the applicant’s product. Products that are approved will have a Certified Biostimulant label. This program provides several benefits for all of us. It helps Stutsmans assess the sea of biostimulant companies and select individual products to do our own field trials on. In turn, we can recommend products more comfortably to you. Additionally, our customers can have confidence in product compliance with an industry program seal and ultimately make better-informed decisions about which products to use on their fields. What do you think? Does a program like this also help you wade through the options? Will it impact your decision-making when it comes to biostimulants? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

Mark Stutsman

LACKENDER BY TACKLE YOUR TO-DO LIST FASTER.

AMERICAN-MADE SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS FOR EVERY TASK. BROOMS

BUCKETS

COMPACT TRACTOR & SKID STEER

DIGGING & EXCAVATING

GRAPPLES

HAY EQUIPMENT

LAND CLEARING & MANAGEMENT

MANURE HANDLING

PALLET FORKS

SNOW REMOVAL

ACCESSORIES

SPECIALTY ATTACHMENTS

ECSATTACHMENTS.COM | 319.679.2281

FINDING A SIZE ‘JUST RIGHT’ NEW S SERIES FROM ARTEX

BY: DEREK BONTRAGER EQUIPMENT SALES

any people who hear about Artex dry manure spreaders assume that Artex only builds larger spreaders designed for feedlots and commercial applicators. Artex builds quite a few smaller spreaders, including the SB200, which has been a good seller for us. The biggest complaint we have always received about the SB200 is, “I wish it was bigger!” Well, Artex listened. This summer, Artex announced the new SB350 spreader which expands the size of the SB200. They figured by adding four feet of box length and a second axle to an SB200 they might find a few takers. In fact, Artex even decided that to eliminate confusion with the larger SB series (of which there is some size overlap), they would change the model numbers going forward to S200 and S350. These new S series spreaders carry many of the same features as the larger SB and SBX models. These features include an 88C floor chain, ½” poly floor and 25,000-lb axles, along with the option for guillotine gates, vertical beaters, Cyclone spinners and flotation tires. The S series manure spreaders are offered at a slightly more economical price point than the larger SB series units. Artex does that by using a vertical beater that is ⅜” thick vs. the ⅝” beater on larger units. They also use 12-gauge steel walls instead of 10 gauge, a single floor chain (with only one drive motor), a 2’ tall front bulkhead and a 3’ deep box. Don’t let the lighter items fool you, these S series are still built heavier than many of their competitors. The S200 sports a box that is 16’ long, 5’ wide and 3’ high. This figures out to approximately 320 cubic feet (240 bushels) of heaped material. The new S350 offers a 20’ long box capable of carrying approximately 400 cubic feet (320 bushels) of material. While the S200 only comes with one axle, the extra length of the S350 allows for a second axle. Just like the larger Artex models, both S series models offer leaf suspension under their axles. We get lots of positive feedback from customers on the excellent ride characteristics of the Artex suspension system. These

spreaders come equipped with used 425 truck tires but can be optioned with 560 flotation tires instead. Just like their larger siblings, the S series spreaders can be equipped with upgraded floor motors, extra slats and even the popular tube slats. Yes, these spreaders can be used for spreading other materials besides manure — like lime — when properly equipped. They can also be ordered with the Cyclone beater/spinner combination for poultry litter. So far, we have seen good results with the spread pattern from the vertical beaters, and they work well for a wide variety of materials. S series spreaders come standard with a 1000 RPM PTO. Generally, we like to see a minimum of 100 PTO horsepower tractor in front of the S(B)200. We would like to see at least 130 PTO horsepower in front of an S350. This all depends on the terrain and conditions at the time of spreading. For further questions and pricing on the Artex S200 or S350 models, please call or stop by. We currently have S200 and S350 models in Hills. Artex is still experiencing four- to six-month lead times on all spreaders, so it would be wise to plan ahead for late winter/early spring spreading.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

WINTER DISCOUNTS DRYERS STIRRING MACHINES STORAGE & DRYING BINS PNEUMATIC GRAIN TRANSFER SYSTEMS TO PUT A PLAN IN PLACE, CONTACT US: ROGER SLAUGHTER | 319.325.4362 TOM MILLER | 319.325.1065

n between Hills and Sharon Center, a quick eight-minute drive from Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc., nestled on a gravel road sits two farmsteads that have been next-door neighbors for almost 90 years. The first farmstead has been in semi-retired farmer and long-time Stutsman customer, Doug Lackender’s family since 1898 when his great grandfather, Abraham Lackender, bought it. The other farmstead belonged to Eldon Stutsman and remains in the Stutsman family today.

When the representative finally found Eldon, he was able to tout that he had already found a customer of Sweet Lassy for Eldon. Sweet Lassy would go on to become the famous cornerstone for the Stutsman feed business.

“Our histories are intertwined,” Doug Lackender said.

THE START OF A GREAT FRIENDSHIP Doug’s grandfather, Roy Lackender, purchased the farm from Abraham in the 1920s. Roy had a herd of cattle which he loved. It was Roy’s herd of cattle that drove the start of the Lackender-Stutsman relationship (in addition to being next-door neighbors). When a representative from Schreiber Mills was making his way to give a sales pitch to Eldon Stutsman on Sweet Lassy (the first pelleted cattle feed), he landed at Roy’s farm by accident. “They got to talking,” Doug recalled, “and Grandpa said, ‘Well, it sounds like a good product. If Eldon takes it, I’ll buy five tons of feed.’”

ROY & HIS CATTLE ELDON

continued on page 10

A GROWING OPERATION Doug’s father, Russel Lackender, eventually took over the farm from Russel’s father, Roy. A few of Doug’s earliest memories on the farm included running the tractor to get hay into the barn and cultivating corn.

DOUG

handling system. Doug also participated in the original agronomic data analysis program we offered, HighQ. “Russel was a loyal customer and good neighbor,” Scott Stutsman, Stutsman’s CEO, remarked. Ron Stutsman echoed this sentiment and said, “You could never, ever ask for better neighbors. We did so many things together.”

RUSSEL ELDON While Doug described his family’s farm as a “pretty typical Iowa farm until the 1960s,” Russel was ahead of the time in the area when he started using a two-way plow to contour his fields. In the late ’60s, Russel also laid the contours on the Stutsman farm. “He was the first I know — period — that did that conservation work in Sharon Township,” Ron Stutsman, Stutsman’s Chairman of the Board, said. Doug joined the operation full-time in 1969. At that point, they were doing crop rotation with corn, alfalfa hay and oats. His dad also had 25 to 40 head of cattle until he made the difficult decision to sell his herd in 1974. To expand the operation, Russel, Doug and Dennis (Doug’s brother who was involved with the farm at that time) started purchasing and renting more ground in the area. They also turned to raising hogs, which they did for 25 years.

MORE THAN NEIGHBORS Growing up next door to Eldon Stutsman, his wife, Dorothy, and their six children, Doug recalled stopping by the Stutsman farmstead for a snack on his walk home from the schoolhouse just a little further down the road. “I’d walk by their place twice every day,” Doug said. “I think I was a pest, but Dorothy had a toaster, and I would stop every day on the way home from school until my mother said, ‘Doug, you don’t live there!’” It’s safe to say the Stutsmans and the Lackenders were (and still are) pretty good friends. This relationship carried into the Lackenders trusting Stutsmans with their feed and fertilizer needs as well as building and maintaining their grain

WEATHERING THE ’80S Like many farmers, the Lackenders were impacted by the farming downturn in the 1980s. Purchasing 100 acres in 1979 made it especially challenging. After visiting the bank, Doug recalled asking his father, “What are we going to do?” To which, he replied, “We’re going to work hard and if we lose it, we’ll go do something else. If we don’t, we’ll get through it.” Russel tasked Doug with becoming their grain marketer, so he worked with a group to learn how to merchandise grain and better use the grain setup they had on the farm. Doug noted learning how to cover costs and hedge grain was a turning point for them in keeping their operation going during the tough times of the Farm Crisis. “Everybody suffered in the ’80s, but we just buckled down and got through it — with the help of Stutsmans and Hills Bank,” Doug remarked. “I’m pretty proud of that fact.” Ron Stutsman described the Lackenders as a “generation of farmers that survived the good and tough times in the ’80s. They were survivors.” In 1988, Russel was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, placing more of the farm work on the shoulders of Doug and Doug’s sister, Janet Wilson. “I don’t want to sound like the lone ranger; my sister helped me with a lot,” Doug said.

ON THE CUSP OF CONSERVATION

A CONTINUED FRIENDSHIP

The Lackenders converted their ground to a no-till system in the ’90s, a decision Doug said was a result of wanting to cut fuel costs from doing heavy tillage.

Even though Doug has fewer farming responsibilities, the Lackender and Stutsman relationship continues today with younger generations of both families. Doug volunteers his pasture up to Eldon’s great-grandson, Logan Stutsman, to use for his sheep. The return … taking care of the Lackender’s cats when they’re away.

“I’m not saying we were the first one, but we were always kind of ahead of the curve a little bit on that kind of stuff,” said Doug. While they experienced some yield drag from converting to no-till, Doug said they were eventually able to figure it out. In 1999, the Lackenders reached their peak amount of owned and rented land. Their landowners were also fans of the no-till system because they knew their land was being taken care of. Doug practiced no-till on the ground he farmed until 2012.

“It’s just like family,” Doug said. The Lackenders and the Stutsmans have been getting along for almost 90 years. We are fortunate to continue to have the Lackenders as loyal customers, friends and neighbors. “We are great friends and neighbors,” Ron said. “I can’t say anything more positive about anybody than I can about them.”

EASING INTO RETIREMENT Around 2012, Doug decided it was time to either expand the operation by adding a hired man and renting more ground or start easing into retirement. Doug chose the latter option and is semi-retired alongside his wife, Jo, who is retired from Rockwell Collins. Currently, Doug rents his farm on a crop share basis with Black Diamond Farms (Dave and Ben Schmidt). “I guess I chose semi-retirement,” Doug said. “I still own my own machinery. I rent the farm right across the road from us, and I have a little bit of corn to combine, a little bit of beans to combine and then, I help the Schmidts if they need me.” Doug hopes to leave his farm to his daughters and their families someday.

DOUG TODAY

LACKENDER FARM TODAY

FAILING FLOORS SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE Grain bins are a long-term investment. The average grain bin in our area lasts 40 to 50 years, but when taken care of they can last for generations. However, just because a grain bin should last over 40 years, that doesn’t mean it won’t need repairs or even upgrades from time to time.

The biggest or most common issue our service team has encountered lately — bin floors. Beyond being a headache, floor issues also impact the bottom line from poorly ventilated corn to loss through the floor itself.

NON-EXISTENT FLOORS There are older grain bins out there, commonly government bins, that were installed without a true floor. Instead, they have tunnels in the concrete foundation that are supposed to push air in a “Y” type manner throughout the bin. This method of ventilation does not promote optimum airflow and can result in a good portion of the grain not being aerated.

FLOORS NEEDING REPLACEMENT Our team is increasingly seeing 20- to 30-year-old floors experiencing issues that are beyond repair. The most common indicators a floor should be replaced include bent, punctured or rusted floor panels. The root cause of bent and punctured floor panels is the bin foundation. The sheer weight of the grain and rodents wreaking havoc underneath the foundation can lead to cracking and eventually sinking. Once this starts to occur, the floor panels will begin bending to the point where they can’t be corrected. On the other hand, if the foundation becomes uneven, the floor stands underneath the floor panels can push through and puncture the floor. We also see older floor planks that are heavily rusted or obsolete because the galvanizing in older floors tends to not be as hardy as it is today.

THE SOLUTION: AERATION FLOORS Our recommendation is to install a new aeration floor. As the name suggests, aeration floors are designed to move air through stored grain better, therefore, preserving the stored grain more effectively. If the grain is level, an aeration floor will push air more evenly throughout the bin, keeping temperatures consistent and preventing grain spoilage from bacteria, mold and insects. With already tight margins, spoilage can make or break profits. Not to mention, you’ve already put a full season's worth of work into that grain. If you’re questioning whether your floor needs a little TLC, give us a call. We are happy to come out and take a look.

CHEMICAL MIXING MADE EASIER M

any factors can play into achieving clean, weed-free fields with healthy plants. If you add in the headache, challenge and cost of improperly mixed chemicals, it can be downright frustrating. When inputs are put straight into the top of the sprayer tank, the chance of uneven distribution and reduced effectiveness increases. To eliminate this issue, many growers have found a chemical mixer like the Chembine by Free Form Plastics worth the investment. The Chembine is designed to be the Robin to your Batman, a sidekick that makes mixing liquid and dry chemicals easier, faster and safer. In addition to helping get the most out of the money you spend on chemicals, the Chembine reduces the time spent loading the sprayer by speeding up the mixing process. The Chembine’s knife block effectively pierces and drains jugs, eliminating the need to open them and lessening the chance of coming in contact with chemicals. Check out a few of the other key features and benefits below:

HINGED 16” MAN-LID CLEAR SIDEWALLS FOR INCREASED VISIBILITY 75-GALLON CAPACITY FOR THE SINGLE UNIT DURABLE STAND AND LARGE FEET WITH MOUNTING HOLES TO KEEP THE CHEMBINE SECURE AND STABLE

FOUR VERTICALLY MOLDED RIBS AND TWO VERTICAL WATER JETS IN THE TANK FOR INCREASED AGITATION, ENSURING CHEMICALS ARE FULLY MIXED KNIFE BLOCK DESIGN FOR FASTER, MORE THOROUGH JUG DRAINING AND RINSING, EASIER JUG REMOVAL, AND LESS PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS BOTTOM DRAIN VALVE FOR EASIER RINSING AND DRAINING

The Chembine is designed to be easy to maintain. Simply flush out the system after use and winterize when needed. In addition to the base model shown, pump kits and expansion kits are available.

SCAN TO VIEW THE CHEMBINE IN ACTION

DEMCO LIQUID TENDER TRAILERS BY: DEREK SHALLA | PRECISION AND EQUIPMENT SALES

As 2023 has flown by and harvest has wrapped up, it’s hard to believe it’s time to start thinking about next year’s crops and purchases.

One of our most discussed pieces of equipment in the past year has been large, liquid tender trailers. It seemed most growers we talked to were after greater efficiency with less help. We’ve also seen chemical labels recommending higher rates of water per acre which, in return, requires higher volumes of water being transported. During these discussions with growers, my recommendation has been a Demco liquid tender trailer. Demco has a full lineup of heavy, durable and built-to-last nurse trailers. High-quality, apitong wood flooring is used for the deck, which you can customize with the equipment you need. Demco uses thick steel beams for support with a rating of 50,000 pounds per 10 linear feet. Unlike the competition, these trailers are even lined with CORSOL® corrosion solution treatment. This is the same treatment that salt trucks use to avoid rusting from road salt; it helps paint last even against corrosive fertilizers. If a company pays attention to details like these, you know the quality of the trailer is very respectable. Even though most of our customers do not come to us looking for this treatment, it is an added benefit to the Demco trailers to help the durability and well-maintained look of the trailers. » Stock Size: 40’ Length » Tank Size: 5,600 Gallon (2,350 Front | 3,250 Rear) » Total Drainable or End Drain Tanks » Black Tanks to Help Prevent Algae Growth » 3” Outlets with Sight Gauge » Deck Storage: 13’ 6”

» Deck Material: 1 ⅛” x 7” Apitong Flooring » Spring Ride Suspension » Two Aluminum Steps with Handrails » 255/70R22.5 Tires » Treated with CORSOL® Corrosion Solutions » Custom Plumbing Options Available

We have tried to stay ahead of the extended lead times and currently have a couple of these trailers in stock, but any new orders will take about 10 months to get in.

TRIED AND TESTED. CONSISTENTLY RELIABLE. CONSISTENTLY PROVEN.

WELCOME ADAM GUY AGRONOMY SALES M

eet Adam Guy, the newest member of our agronomy team. Adam is a familiar face at Stutsmans from his time as a crop scout intern. Adam grew up in Brighton, Iowa on his family’s 1,400-acre row crop farm and was active in 4-H and FFA throughout his youth. It was through FFA competitions that Adam gained an interest in the agronomy field. After graduating from Iowa State University with his bachelor's degree in agronomy and a minor in ag business, Adam worked in agricultural research for five years. His experience is helping him in his new agronomy sales role working with customers in the Wellman area, developing test plots and protocols for new products, and assisting with the ProVantage program. Adam is a Certified Crop Advisor and licensed pesticide applicator.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR IN YOUR NEW JOB?

Implementing research studies to test new products and help drive decisions for our team and customers.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER THE MOST?

My dad. He gave me my passion and drive for agriculture.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I enjoy smoking meat, drumming and helping on the farm.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Never focus on the past. Always be looking forward to what is ahead.

WHAT IS SOMETHING RANDOM THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I was in a garage band back in high school.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? Purchasing my own farm.

IF YOU HAD TO BE A PRODUCT YOU WORK WITH, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Sulfur, because it is a major nutrient needed for every farming operation.

WHICH STUTSMAN CORE VALUE MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

Exceed Expectations. It’s always important to try new things out of your comfort zone and do more to help benefit the company and our customers.

LET’S TALK HITCHES H

itches are a pretty small (in size) portion of a manure tank setup. However, they become not so small if they break. We certainly don’t have to tell you why a hitch replacement delay is not an ideal situation in the middle of manure season because chances are you’ve been there. For those who haven’t, we wish you nothing but positive hitch thoughts. With that in mind, it is important to evaluate what hitch would be best suited for your operation when (or after) you purchase a GEA tank. We currently have three hitch options available, each of which could be the right fit depending on those needs.

GEA 3-AXIS HITCH The GEA 3-Axis hitch is the new standard offering for GEA tanks, replacing the standard clevis hitch beginning in October 2023. While replacement parts are still available on the standard clevis hitch, new GEA tanks that are 7300 gallons and up will no longer come with them installed. The GEA 3-Axis hitch does the job well, especially for producers who might not be putting as much wear and tear on their tank and hitch.

HEAVY DUTY SWIVEL KING HITCH We first brought the Swivel King hitch, now referred to as the Heavy Duty Swivel King, as an offering after the prototype successfully passed an 80-million-gallon trial in the spring of 2020. Swivel King hitches are designed and made in Iowa (scan the QR code for the backstory). They can withstand terrain stresses by flexing to the environment at a 45-degree angle up and down. The Heavy Duty Swivel King retrofits into the GEA hitch and is specific to the tractor being used with the tank. The hitch is installed and bolted directly onto the tractor. The Heavy Duty Swivel King is (as the name suggests) meant for heavy-duty situations such as when running large 9500- or 10500-gallon tanks. Because of the hardiness of this hitch option, it has been popular with our custom applicators who operate larger tanks and run on rougher terrains.

STANDARD DUTY SWIVEL KING HITCH The Standard Duty Swivel King is a newer Swivel King offering designed to be more universal than its predecessor. Unlike the Heavy Duty Swivel King, this hitch does not need to be designed specifically for the tractor being used. If you are potentially using different tractors with a manure tank, this could be beneficial for you. It is also lighter duty and designed for smaller steerable GEA tanks (up to 7300 gallons). Overall, the main difference between the three hitch options is how they are mounted. While all three hitch options are made to be hardy, factors like the size of the tank, usage, terrain and crossing types, territory and tractor are all important factors to weigh as well. There might not be a one-size-fits-all approach for manure equipment in general, but by taking these factors into consideration you can be equipped with a hitch that doesn’t cause you to send a hitch gopher on a parts run this spring.

DUBUQUE

WATERLOO

DOG FOOD, BIRD SEED, SOFTENER SALT, ICE MELT AND LAWN PRODUCTS

380

FAIRFAX IOWA CITY

WELLMAN

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS FOR FAIRFAX:

HILLS

ADDITIONAL DIVISIONS IN HILLS:

GRAIN HANDLING EQUIPMENT, FIELD AND APPLICATION EQUIPMENT, PRECISION AG, MANURE EQUIPMENT, WHOLESALE HOSE AND DAVENPORT VALVE, FEED INGREDIENTS, TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS SERVICES

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS FOR WELLMAN: TILE AND FITTINGS

LOCAL AGRONOMIC EXPERTISE AND SERVICES ACROSS EASTERN IOWA

FERTILIZER | CHEMICAL | SEED | CUSTOM APPLICATION | PROVANTAGE (PRECISION AG ANALYSIS)

ARTEX SPREADER MAINTENANCE

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT BY: DEREK BONTRAGER | EQUIPMENT SALES

urchasing an Artex manure spreader is an investment, but it’s one we hope pays off for a long time. To get the most out of your investment, and hopefully reduce issues when it’s “go time,” performing maintenance is critical (just like any other piece of equipment). We’ve compiled a maintenance schedule based on information from the Artex operator’s manual and our team's personal experience. Don’t forget to check your manual for more in-depth details on performing maintenance. As always, our manure team is here to answer any questions you might have along the way.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE DAILY

EVERY 50 HOURS

LUBRICATE REMOTE GREASE BANK COMPONENTS

CHECK WHEEL LUG NUTS

LUBRICATE SPREADER BEARINGS

LUBRICATE PTO SHAFT BEARINGS

LUBRICATE HITCH PIVOT

LUBRICATE PTO DRIVELINE

Lubricate Bull Pull hitches only.

CHECK SPREADER GEARBOX OIL LEVEL

Add 80W-90 oil if none is visible in sight gauge.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE Pressure depends on tire size. See the operator’s manual.

CHECK FOR LOOSE, WORN OR BROKEN PARTS LUBRICATE REAR SHAFT BEARINGS

EVERY MONTH LUBRICATE STEERING AXLE PIVOTS

Only for units with steering axles.

LUBRICATE AXLE ROCKER Not applicable to all spreaders.

ADJUST FLOOR CHAIN TENSION

Check the operator’s manual for the procedure.

LUBRICATE FLOOR DRIVE CHAIN

Lubricate both sides (except S200/350).

MEASURE FLOOR DRIVE CHAIN DEFLECTION

Should be no more than ⅛”.

EVERY 1,000 HOURS ROTATE TIRES

WELCOME

ASPEN ERENBERGER RECEPTIONIST AND ACCOUNTING CLERK Our newest retail center receptionist and accounting clerk,

Aspen Erenberger, can be found traveling, rodeoing or enjoying the outdoors when she’s not at Stutsmans. Aspen grew up on her family farm in Solon, Iowa, with her parents, Dan and Mary, and two sisters, Olivia and Alyse. She was involved in 4-H and FFA growing up. Before joining us at Stutsmans, Aspen attended Iowa Central Community College to obtain her associate degree in ag business and animal science as well as participate in college rodeo. She also completed an internship learning the ins and outs of ranching in South Dakota.

WHAT IS SOMETHING RANDOM THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m a twin.

IF YOU COULD SNAP YOUR FINGERS AND BECOME AN EXPERT AT SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Blackjack ... self-explanatory.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

If it won't matter in 10 years, don't spend more than 10 minutes stressing about it.

WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

I've always wanted to be a pilot.

WHICH STUTSMAN CORE VALUE MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

Radiate Enthusiasm. It's important to stay enthusiastic so every customer has a positive experience.

featured equipment

2021 Bush Hog 13815HD $20,900

2022 Dalton 1300 gal Nurse Trailer $12,350

2005 Rogator 1074 $49,500

2013 JF-Stoll 2802 Disc Mower $6,900

Mid-State 8649 Series Tank $24,900

Liquid Tender Trailer 1,000 gal $2,950

2020 Nuhn Lagoon Crawler $116,760

2022 Bazooka Farmstar Wolverine $210,000

Balzer 6000 $38,200

2012 GEA Houle 6300 $50,000

2022 Nuhn 8’x8” Pump $21,965

2019 GEA Houle 52’ Lagoon Pump $30,000

check full inventory at stutsmansequipment.com

PRST STD US Postage Paid Iowa City, IA Permit No. 200

PO BOX 250 HILLS, IA 52235

stutsmans.com | 319.679.2281 | shopstutsmans.com

STUTSMANS

AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR TRAVIS SEED CARTS

HitchDoc manufactures Travis Seed Carts from American steel and is proud to support Stutsmans as an authorized dealer.