National Ag Day 2019

National Ag Day

March 14, 2019 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT

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MARCH 14

arch 14, 2019, is National Ag Day, a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture. As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food, fiber and renewable resources produced in the United States.

The National Ag Day program believes that every American should: • understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced.

• value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

• appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

• acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis, and is increasingly contributing to fuel and other bio-products. Each year, members of the agricultural industry gather together to promote American agriculture. This effort helps educate millions of consumers. A few generations ago, most Americans were directly involved in—or had relatives or friends involved in—agricultural-related endeavors. Today, that is no longer the case.

Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s important to recognize—and celebrate—Ag Day each year:

• Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet and health.

• Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will support a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad.

• Employment opportunities exist across the board in agriculture.

Career choices include: • farm production • agribusiness management and marketing • agricultural research and engineering • food science • processing and retailing • banking • education • landscape architecture • urban planning • energy• and other fields.

Beginning in kindergar ten and continuing through 12th grade, all students should receive some systematic instruction about agriculture. Agriculture is too important a topic to be taught only to the small percentage of students considering careers in agriculture and pursuing vocational agricultural studies.

Agricultural literacy includes an understanding of agriculture’s history and current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans.

This understanding includes some knowledge of food, fiber and renewable resource production, processing and domestic and international marketing.

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Princeton Daily Clarion

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In the weeds A new approach to keeping crops, people safe PURDUE UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE

WEST LAFAYETTE — Weeds cause tremendous damage in yield and productivity of crop plants. Losses from weeds account for more than $40 billion in annual revenue for corn and soybean crops alone in North America, according to the Weed Science Society of America.

Genetically engineered crop plants have been developed to allow for better control of weeds using herbicides, but excess use has raised concerns about the impact on human health and some weeds have developed resistance to common herbicides.

Now, Purdue University researchers have developed a compound effective for controlling weeds that is also safe for people and the environment. They also

“The herbicide we developed can contribute to global food production and security, and is expected to be safer for the environment than conventional herbicides because of its selective nature.”

— Chunhua Zhang assistant professor of botany and plant pathology in Purdue University’s College of Agriculture developed a simple system for farmers to create plants resistant to this new herbicide.

“Herbicide use is essential for modern agricultural production worldwide,” said Chunhua Zhang, an assistant professor of botany and plant pathology in Purdue University’s College of Agriculture. “The herbicide we developed can contribute to global food production and security, and is expected to be safer for the environment than conventional herbicides because of its selective nature.”

The Purdue herbicide targets and kills broad weed species while not af fecting crop plants that carr y the resistance to the herbicide.

“There have been no new herbicides with novel models of action developed for decades in the world herbicide market,” Zhang said. “We identified a new small molecule that could target the conserved catalytic site of an enzyme that is required for plant growth.”

The Purdue team developed the new chemical inhibitor to stop weed growth.

They also found that by changing a single nucleotide in the gene encoding the enzyme, they could easily produce crop varieties that are resistant to the new herbicide.

Purdue’s herbicide also can be effectively used together with non-genetically modified crop plants.

Their work aligns with Purdue’s Giant Leaps celebration, celebrating the global advancements in health and sustainability as part of Purdue’s 150th anniversary. These are two of the four themes of the yearlong celebration’s Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.

The team has worked with the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization to patent their technology. They are looking for additional research partners.

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

Why Celebrate Ag Day?

Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives.

Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s important to recognize - and celebrate - Ag Day each year: • Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet and health.

• Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will suppor t a competitive agricultural industr y in this countr y and abroad.

• Employment oppor tunities exist across the board in agriculture.

Career choices include: • farm production • agribusiness management and marketing • agricultural research and engineering • food science • processing and retailing ADVICE FROM THE FIELD • banking “We promote agricultural literacy • education by highlighting an excellent book for • landscape architecture children about agriculture during • urban planning this week. Members typically place • energy and other fields. over 1,000 copies in schools, librarBeginning in kindergarten and con- ies and doctor’s of fices each year!”

Agricultural literacy

matters

tinuing through 12th grade, all students should receive some systematic instruction about agriculture.

Agriculture is too important a topic to be taught only to the small percentage of students considering careers in agriculture and pursuing vocational agricultural studies.

Agricultural literacy includes an understanding of agriculture’s history and current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans. This understanding includes some knowledge of food and fiber production, processing and domestic and international marketing.

Ferguson Agriculture Insurance

— Judy Roush, Ohio Farm Bureau

CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE

The most obvious careers are directly related to the farm or ranch.

But did you know that only 10 percent of Americans are involved in traditional farming? If that is the case, then what other careers comprise the agricultural field? There are approximately 22 million people who work in agriculture related fields. Unlike agriculture of our grandparents’ day, today’s agriculture of fers over 200 rewarding and challenging careers.

CAREER CATEGORIES

Agricultural careers may be divided into various categories. These include: Agribusiness Management, Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications, Building Construction Management, Agriscience, Resource Development and Management, Parks, Recreations, and Tourism Resources, Packaging, Hor ticulture, Forestr y, Food Science, and Fisheries/Wildlife.

GROWTH JOB MARKET

Today, there are 3.75 million Americans employed full- and part-time in agriculture, including forestry, fishing and other activities. In comparison, the tech sector supports 4.3 million jobs. If one were to look at food-related industries, the numbers jump way up. In fact, one in 12 American jobs is dependent on agriculture.

Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor

Statistics is predicting a 19 percent decline by the year 2022 in the number of farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers. This compares with an 11 percent increase in jobs for all occupations. But the outlook for jobs in agriculture is more promising than it first appears. The projected decline in farmers points to the continuing ability of the agriculture sector to produce more with fewer workers. By using drones, driverless tractors and other advanced technology, the farmer of the future will increasingly rely more on brains than brawn.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes an increasing number of small-scale farmers who have developed successful market niches that involve personalized, direct contact with consumers. The BLS also finds that completing a degree at a college of agriculture is becoming impor tant for men and women who want to farm or work in a supporting role. What’s most encouraging are prospects for good jobs in all of agriculture, from large, highly-capitalized operations to small farms that supply farmer’s markets and local restaurants. This is confirmed in an Agriculture Department report that says college graduates will find good employment opportunities over the next five years in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources or the environment. Between now and 2020, USDA expects to see almost 58,000 average job openings per year for graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in those areas.

The strongest job market is expected for plant scientists, food scientists, sustainable biomaterials specialists, water resources scientists and engineers, precision agriculture specialists, and farmanimal veterinarians. A strong market is expected for e-commerce managers and marketing agents, ecosystem managers, ag-science educators, crop advisors and pest control specialists.

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2019 National Ag Day Essay Contest winners announced

The Agricultur e Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2019 National Ag Day video and written essay winners. The winners were chosen based on the theme: Agriculture: Food for Life. How does our nation lead the way?

The theme presented an oppor tunity for students to address how American agriculture feeds the growing population. Entrants chose to either write an essay or create a video. One written winner and on video winner were selected.

“CHS has long suppor ted r ural youth education and leadership programs and we are proud to give this year’s essay contest winners a platfor m that lets them share their ideas with a broader audience,” says Annette Degnan, CHS Inc., director, Marketing Communications, and Agriculture Council of America board member.

The national written essay winner, Grace Br ose fr om Box Elder, South Dakota, receives a $1,000 prize and travel to Wash-

ington, D.C., for recognition at the National Press Club on March 14. During this event, she will have the oppor tunity to read the winning essay and join other youth for a panel discussion on issues and challenges in agriculture.

V ideo essay winner, Jacob Kandell of Mason, Ohio, wins a $1,000 prize. Both entries can be viewed online at https:// www.agday.org/2019-contest-winners.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored

by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Farm Progress.

Founded in 1973, National Ag Day encourages ever y American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and af fordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy and acknowledge and consider car eer oppor tunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industr y.

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

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Maintenance key to functioning farms tightened and any missing pieces replaced.

Heavy farm equipment needs motor oil, hydraulic oil and filters changed more frequently than automobiles.

Such equipment also may need more frequent lubrication of chains and cables. Always check and inspect equipment prior to jobs requiring heavy and extended usage.

The family automobile is not the only piece of equipment that requires routine upkeep to ensure it is operating properly.

Life on a far m can come to a screeching halt if farm equipment is not properly maintained. Farmers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars on agricultural equipment, such as tractors, tillers, hoppers, and dozers.

Adhering to maintenance schedules can prevent breakdowns and decrease the need for potentially costly emergency repairs.

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working condition. Be sure fluids, such as coolant and oil, are at the proper levels. Check and replace filters as needed. Tires need to be properly inflated, and inspect the batter y for corrosion or other signs that it may need to be replaced. Check belts for cracks. Tour the exterior of the ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECKS equipment looking at signals and Routinely inspect hoses, fittings, lights to ensure they are in proper LEARN THE EQUIPMENT Over time, it is possible to employ and seals to ensure they are in good working order. Hardware should be

Cleaning the surface of equipment can go a long way toward keeping it operating smoothly. Use a pressure washer to remove caked-on mud and other debris. Titan iron suppliers recommend quickly washing equipment after usage so that substances do not have the chance to harden.

your senses of sight, sound and even smell to determine if equipment is working properly. Familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual so you can troubleshoot minor problems. Any unusual sounds, odors or responses from the gear should be noted.

Have a knowledgeable welder on call to make repairs as needed, or develop your skills to a point where you feel comfortable making your own spot repairs. Cleaning the surface area and removing any paint, oil or corrosion from the metal area that needs repairing can make for smooth, durable welds. Multi-process welding generators and accessories can ensure the right welds for repairs in the field or in the shop.

Maintenance on farm equipment helps keep operations running along and protects expensive investments.

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

Safety tips for parents of young farmers People who live in towns or sub- ment. In addition, reviewing equipurbs may not come across farms ment instr uctions may provide ver y frequently. But millions of insight to parents unsure if their people, including children, still live children are old enough to use ceron farms. In fact, in 2009 the Cen- tain tools. ters for Disease Control and Pre• Inspect equipment. Before vention noted that more than one children perform any tasks on the million children under the age of 20 farm, parents should inspect the lived, worked or had a regular pres- equipment their children are likely ence on farms in the United States. to use to make sure each tool is Protecting children from inju- safe. Make sure tools are in proper r y on farms, especially those who working order, as broken or poorly perform work on farms, is of para- working equipment increases the mount impor tance. The American risk of accident or injur y.

Society of Safety Engineers of fers • Enroll children in farm safety the following safety tips camps. The ASSE recomto par ents of childr en Protecting mends that parents conw h o w i l l b e s p e n d i n g children from tact their local Cooperatime on farms. tive Extension and Farm • Know and obey the injury on farms, Bureau of fices to enroll laws. Various state and especially those children in far m safety federal laws are in place who perform camps. Such camps can to pr otect young chil- work on farms, teach kids safe farming dren from far m-related techniques and the propaccidents and injuries. is of paramount er ways to use age-approAge r equir ements dic- importance. priate tools. tate which jobs children • Set a positive examcan per form on a farm, ple. Another way for parand parents should adhere to those ents to protect their children on requirements. Asking children to the farm is to set a positive examdo more than they’re physically ple. Parents can do so in various capable of can lead to accident, ways. Using equipment properly, injur y or even death. removing tractor keys from igni• Review equipment operation tions when tractors are not in use instructions. Before assigning chil- and exercising caution when using dren a task on the farm, parents hazardous materials shows kids the should review the equipment oper- impor tance of caution when workation instr uctions. Doing so can ing on farms. help parents reacquaint themselves Hundreds of thousands of chilwith tools and equipment they dren perform jobs on farms across may not have used in awhile, and the countr y. Parents who want to that can make it easier for them to teach their kids to far m should teach kids how to use such equip- always do so with safety in mind.

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At the Statehouse

State Rep. Tom Washburne, right, meets with Gibson County constituents including John and Mary Beth Feutz in 2018. photo provided

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

Agriculture and the economy Though it’s easy to look at the tech industr y and think this increasingly influential sector is what makes the world go round, something closer to the ver y core of the Earth may be what’s driving your economy.

The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in a nation’s economic development and prosperity.

From the earliest days, agriculture has been heralded as playing a crucial role in North American culture.

Farmers who grow produce and raise livestock for meats and other products have long exemplified what it means to work hard and take initiatives to be self-sufficient.

The symbiotic nature of agriculture and the economy is noticeable when examining the ups and downs of each. This is because food production and the potential of agriculture extends beyond the fields and local food stands. These resources impact supply chains and other markets. A strong agriculture base influences other employment sectors like food manufacturing, biotechnology, hospitality, machiner y building, and much more, while a weak agriculture can adversely affect those sectors.

While it can be dif ficult for residents of developed nations to visualize agriculture’s ef fect, one only needs to turn to impoverished and developing nations to see just how big an impact agriculture can have on an economy. Agriculture provides food and raw materials, eventually creating demand for goods produced in non-agricultural sectors. Also, food

provides nutrition that can ser ve as the foundation of a healthy nation.

Ear ning a living in agriculture strengthens purchasing power, which fuels other markets. Eventually, farming can pave the way for development, including roads, markets, shipping ser vices, expor ting, and many other sectors.

Agriculture is an impor tant economic building block. An especially impor tant sector, the agricultural industr y, when suppor ted, can contribute greatly to sustained economic growth.

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

FFA Petting Zoos

Pistol Pete takes a food break during the petting zoo at Gibson Southern High School.

The petting zoo was organized by the school’s FFA group in connection with FFA Week.

The school had events throughout the week inluding “Drive Your Tractor to School Day.�

Sarah Loesch/ Daily Clarion

Sarah Loesch/Daily Clarion

Sophomore Kimberly Reeder feeds her donkey Duchess an apple during the petting zoo at Gibson Southern High School.

Bella snuggles up against Princeton Community High School Student Courtney Dove during the FFA petting zoo. Bella is the goat of freshman Katie Dunkel. The school also had its first ATV drive day for FFA Week.

Reece Summer, a kindergartner at Princeton Community Primary School, reaches in gently to pet a cow during the petting zoo at Princeton Community High School.

Sarah Loesch/Daily Clarion

Sarah Loesch/Daily Clarion

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Drive Your Tractor to School Day

photo provided

Above: Princeton Community High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter participated in the annual Drive Your Tractor to School Day during FFA Week.

Left: Tractors lined the parking lot at Gibson Southern High School for Drive Your Tractor to School Day. Sarah Loesch/Daily Clarion

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

Explore a career in agriculture T

he agricultural industr y provides a variety of opportunities to professionals interested in this often misunderstood field.

According to the employment resource AGCareers.com, more than 250 career profiles are available to people interested in a career in agriculture. And while jobs in agriculture may not be as prevalent as they were a few centuries ago, when 72 percent of the workforce was employed in farm occupations in the United States, agriculture remains a booming industr y that greatly affects the nation’s economy. Today, one in 12 American jobs is depends on agriculture, according to the career resource Payscale.

The following are some potential professions for those considering careers in agriculture.

• Agricultural business manager: This person oversees the business operations of a farm by providing organization and leadership during the production process. He or she contacts creditors, selects seeds, buys new equipment, and ensures the distribution of product.

• Agricultural lawyer: Attorneys who specialize in agriculture deal with water and environmental issues, represent agricultural labor in disputes, ensure proper marketing techniques are followed, handle real estate and land use issues, and much more.

• Animal control officer: These officers enforce local and regional laws that pertain to the treatment and care of animals. They patrol for distressed animals and ensure cruelty-free prac-

tices are adhered to.

• Grain buyer: Grain buyers build relationships with producers so they can purchase grain for their particular companies. They negotiate purchase agreements, source grain supplies and issue purchase orders.

• Poultry hatchery manager: Hatchery managers oversee all of the aspects involved in poultry hatching.

These can include management of personnel, handling and sorting of eggs, maintenance of equipment, coordination of pick-ups and deliveries, and overseeing quality control.

• Soil scientist: Among the many tasks they might perform, scientists in the field of agriculture test soil samples for minerals and contaminants. By studying the soil, scientists

can recommend which crops the land can support, how much livestock can feed in an area and the implications of agriculture on the area as it pertains to managing natural resources.

A career in agriculture presents many exciting opportunities in a number of different applications. It’s a vast industry that utilizes professionals with an array of skillsets.

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Princeton Daily Clarion

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Facts and figures on farm safety

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, agriculture is among the most hazardous industries. Fatal and nonfatal injuries pose a significant threat to farmers, including the many young people who work on farms.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in an effort to promote productive and safe workplaces, supports programs that conduct research on injuries associated with agriculture as well as pesticide exposure, pulmonar y disease, musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss, and stress. Studying the results of such research, compiled by NIOSH, may compel veteran and novice farmers to further emphasize safety measures and promote practices that can reduce risk for accidents on the farm.

• Estimates indicate that there were roughly 2.1 million full-time

A

workers employed in production agriculture in 2017 and between 1.4 and 2.1 million hired crop workers employed annually on crop farms in the United States.

• An estimated 893,000 young people under 20 years of age resided

on farms in 2014. More than half of those young people performed farm work, and an additional 266,000 youth were hired to work on farms in 2014.

• Each day, roughly 100 agricultural workers suffer injuries

that cause them to miss time at work.

• In 2014, 12,000 youth were injured on farms, and 4,000 of those youths could trace their injuries to farm work.

• In 2016, 417 farmers and farm workers died from work-related injuries. Tractor overturns and other transportation incidents were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers.

• A rollover protection system, or ROPS, is a structure, similar to rollcages and rollbars in cars and trucks, intended to protect farm equipment operators from injuries caused by overturns or rollovers.

NIOSH notes that an ROPS is the most effective way to prevent overturn deaths.

Despite that, in 2014, only 62 percent of tractors used on farms in the U.S. were equipped with an ROPS.

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Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

The various benefits of farm-to-table Newcomers to the farm-to-table dining experience may not understand all the fuss surrounding this popular trend. The following are some of the key benefits of farm-to-table.

• Peak freshness and ripeness: Local produce ripens on the plant and can be harvested at the last possible minute before it turns up on a plate. This helps ensure that it contains the highest amount of nutrients and flavor, according to the

Har vard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Food that has to travel further is often picked well before it is ready, ripening on the way to stores or other vendors.

• Better for the environment: Food that needn’t travel far before reaching diners’ plates saves roughly 500 gallons of diesel fuel to haul produce a distance of 1,500 miles. This conserves fossil fuels and prevents harmful emissions from entering the atmosphere.

• Supports neighboring farms: Supporting farm-to-table restaurants and other eateries keeps business local in two different ways. It not only benefits local restaurants, but it also directly supports neighboring farms, fisheries and other suppliers.

• Accessibility to seasonal choices: Farm-to-table eating provides a wide variety of in-season foods. This can translate into tastier foods because they are grown

and harvested during their optimal growing season.

• Reduces factory farming: According to O.info, the informational resource powered by Overstock.com, farm-to-table and local farming can reduce reliance on large, profit-driven corporations that may focus on maximum production over animal health and welfare. Local farms may be more inclined to treat their animals well and institute sustainable practices.

Tough Boots for Tough Jobs att Emerson C le Company

Complete Boot and Shoe Repair

CUSTOM FOOTWEAR SINCE 1929

906 N 7th St., • Vincennes 1-800-726-4770 | www.grundmanshoe.com Mon.-Fri. 8-5 (EDT) • Sat. 8-12

An Emerson Family Tradition for Three Generations WAGYU

Emerson Cattle Company received 5 Grand Championship Awards at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado.

Wagyu Beef for Sale!

Quentin B. Emerson, M.D. • 5910 S. 750 W., Owensville, IN 47665 • 812.661.9241

It all starts with

A conversation.

Positioning your family business for the next year has never been more critical.

Let’s face it, today’s market presents new challenges and relying on the past does not guarantee a sure path forward. That’s where the conversation starts.

Beacon Ag Group was founded on the promise of sharing expert knowledge with the members we serve. As ag people serving ag people, we know that making the right decision means having more options. We listen to your unique challenges and guide the way toward financial success. Let’s talk.

CONTACT BEACON AG GROUP AG LOAN OFFICER BRANDON DECKER OR BEACON AG SERVICES* CROP INSURANCE SPECIALIST KALLIE BURKE-SCHUCKMAN TODAY AT (800) 825-6703 OR BEACONAGGROUP.ORG | Beacon Ag Group is a department of Beacon Credit Union. Each account insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured. *Crop and livestock insurance and equipment leasing are offered by Plan One Financial Services, LLC DBA Beacon Ag Service, a wholly owned affiliate of Beacon Credit Union and not insured by American Share Insurance.

Thursday, March 14, 2019 Princeton Daily Clarion

19

Family fun

Andrew Mewes and his five-year-old son Chase Mewes watch the antique tractor pull at the Gibson County Fairgrounds. The duo split time between the bleachers and getting a closer look up against the concrete wall.

Sarah Loesch/Daily Clarion

Counter-Flow Grain Drying Systems

he Shivvers h Sand and Gravel Sales Drainage Pipe Sales “Making Your Job Easier�

3301 W. Broadway Princeton, IN 47670 Office: 812-386-RENT (7368) Fax: 812-386-0317 www.kobersteins.com Hours: M-F 7:00AM to 5:00PM Sat. 7:00AM to 12:00PM

Advantage

High Capacities - up to 252,000 bushels per week High Test Weights - more profit for you High Efficiency - no one makes better use of a BTU High Accuracy - no grain leaves the bin before its time For More Information: • Pole Saw

We have tools and equipment for Industrial, Commercial or Home Owner use.

shivvers.com

Phone: 812-386-6580

john@kieselent.com www.kieselent.com Mon-Fri – 7:30-4:30 • Sat – 7:30-12:00

1198 S. Kiesel Dr., Princeton, Indiana

Storage | Handling | Conditioning | Structures

20

Princeton Daily Clarion Thursday, March 14, 2019

President Colton Hadley, Vice President Jonathan Anslinger, Treasurer Tanner Brittingham, Reporter Joe Koberstein, Sentinel Justin Fravel, Secretary Audra Carter

Future Farmers of America PCHS FFA Chapter Establishe December ecemb 1, 1941 94 Established

“...As we mingle with others, let us be

diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and, above all,

Honest and fair in the game of life...�