2018

FARM
PREVIEW
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018

A PUBLICATION OF THE
C2 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
farm preview WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

Once farm bug bites, it’s hard to shake

I was bitten by a bug this week. No, thankfully not that dreaded were not on her list, including some sweet peppers that look like little
flu virus that’s been circulating around the country for the last hats. At this point, I’m not quite sure why she’s surprised. I’ve only been
several weeks. Instead, I was sneaking in weird stuff since I was 3 or 4 years old. In my world, the
weirder, the better.
attacked by the planting bug. My family has never discouraged my love of all things agriculture (ex-
Sunny skies and warmer temperatures cept for my desire to have farm animals and that weird Italian tractor with
have led me to moonlighting in the the rotating seat and four sets of brakes).
greenhouse before and sometimes after I like to think my love of agriculture has been passed down from one
hitting the office. generation to the next and what I do makes a difference in the lives of
Some days, being in the greenhouse is people in my community. After all, if a farmer didn’t grow it, how would
just like summer. It’s sunny, 85 and we eat, fuel our vehicles or wash our clothes?
smells like a mix of lemon, kumquat, or- Lindsay Owens It’s not quite as simple as sowing seeds and watching them grow or feed-
ange, grapefruit and tangerine blossoms. STAFF WRITER
ing the livestock. There’s a lot more to the agriculture industry than meets
About that citrus, I did harvest my first the eye. Each year, our farmers take a gamble. They can’t predict the crop
tangerine this year. Yes, just one but giv- outcomes. Some years are better than others, but once you’ve been bitten
en that my tree is a mere 26 inches tall, I don’t think that’s too shabby. by that ag bug, it’s a hard one to get over.
As always, I snuck a few new varieties into the seed orders this year.
And as expected, my mother sent me a picture of seeds that arrived that LINDSAY OWENS is a reporter/photographer/editor by day and a farmer by night. She lives in
rural Oaktown with her family and her dog, Ellie Mae.

MILLER MACHINE &

WELDING LLC
••Custom Machining & Fabrication
STEEL, High Definition
• CNC Latheto
Cutting
Plasma
& Millwork
2”
STAINLESS & • High Definition Plasma Cutting
• CNC Lathe & Millwork
to 2”
ALUMINUM ••Portable
Portable Equipment
Equipment
• Press Work up220
to Tons
220 Tons
FABRICATION • Press Work up to

Hot & Cold Rolled Steel

(812) 882-7566 Structural Steel
ERIC MILLER - OWNER
2610 S. Old Decker Rd, Vincennes Aluminum, Steel & Stainless
eric@millermw.com
Tubing, Pipe & Plate
www.millermw.com

• Decisions Backed by AGRIntelligence

• Turning Products Into Solutions
• Driven By Your Success
Proudly Serving Knox County and Surrounding Areas Since 1974. 248 W. Railroad St. • Montgomery IN
812-486-3285
 C3
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
farm preview FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018

OUR 61st ANNIVERSARY

A TASTE OF THE FARM

FARMER
APPRECIATION
DAY
March 7, 2018
Lindsay Owens | Times Herald
KAMBRIA GRABER AND NEAL CINAMON hold poults at the North Daviess Ag Day,
hosted by the school FFA last March. Graber and Cinamon are now in fourth grade.
Special Pricing
On All
Jasper • Petersburg • Princeton • Washington • Evansville • Newburgh AGRICULTURE TIRES

MADE BY TITAN

Sign Up
For Prizes
Including
Jackets, 2 Rear
Farm Tires From
812-354-6119 Firestone Farm
and
Check us out on the web at www.getreeservice.com Up To $1,000 Off
2 Rear
Insured - Reasonable Rates - References Available - Free Estimates Farm Tires
From Titan
Certified Arborist on Staff
We provide professional, quality tree services, including: 10 Dispatch
10

4 Tree Removal 4 Vegetation Management

Service Trucks
for Fast 61st
On-The-Farm Anniversary!
4 Tree Trimming 4 Tree Stump Removal 24 hr. Service
WE SERVICE
4 Tree Planting 4 Land Clearing WHAT WE SELL

4 Tree Fertilization 4 Tree Consultation

4 Tree Healthcare M-F 7AM - 6PM; Sat. 7AM - 3PM 2124 Newton Street, Jasper 812-482-2020
 C4 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
farm preview WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

DRONE ON THE FARM

Today’s technology can zero in on a single plant – or even an insect
DAWN SCHABBING companies. The col-
CNHI NEWS INDIANA lege is always look-
ing for new partners,
new talent and pro-
Using drones in agriculture isn’t necessarily spective students, Or-
new, but the latest technology and what you rick said.
can do with it is ever-changing. “We have
What might have begun as a hobby for brought the industry
many farmers, now is considered more for into the classroom,”
commercial use. Pilots must follow tighter said Orrick. “We
guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Admin- have the people here
istration. with the newest and
An agriculture instructor at Lake Land Col- best technology and
lege in central Illinois said that in recent our students and fac-
years, agriculture began using drones more to ulty are getting ex-
get an overview of a field, or a tighter seg- posed to that. We are
ment of the entire farm. Today, that technolo- partnering with pre-
gy allows them to zero in on a single plant – cision ag companies,
or even an insect. utilizing the latest
LAKE LAND COLLEGE technology on cam-
“Drones today allow us to tell more about pus and then bring- Adam Garretson demonstrates how a drone a field, the picture be-
individual plants, as opposed to (overall) ing that into the can fly over a field and collect images and
fields,” said Ryan Orrick, division chair of ag- classrooms.” data.
riculture at Lake Land College. “We can do a Orrick said the
lot more with the infrared technologies than quality of the camera
before. But, mostly, it is about the higher is key to learning what’s going on in any sec-
quality of photography and videography. It al- tion of a field, all the way down to a single
lows us to do more with diagnostics and pre- plant. Using the latest technology, at 400 feet
ventatives today.” some cameras can even zoom down to an in-
The ag instructor said the college is bring- dividual insect on a plant, reducing the need
ing some of the latest technology to its stu- to walk a field and tear into a corn stalk, for
dents, giving them the cutting-edge tech- example.
niques to be used on the farm, at home and “You will be able to see different plant
in business. growth levels,” said Orrick. “The next year,
Lake Land College uses its 160-acre land when you build your fertilizer map, you can
1980s, it was more insects, fungi and weeds.
about the whole TODAY’S UAVS
farm. We’ve gotten Robert Miller, a John Deere Technology
good at putting on instructor at Lake Land College, said the tech-
fertilizers in grids. nology in the agriculture arena first came at
That was the change least five years ago as a way of counting
from treating a field, crops.
more so than just “It used to be you just flew them and you
treating the farm.” didn’t have GPS or anything,” said Miller. “It
Orrick said the was very primitive and had to be mapped
newest drone tech- out. The cameras were just regular cameras,
nology is pretty im- but now that technology has expanded.”
pressive. He also be- Today’s drones and cameras allow for the
lieves that in the fu- creation of a Normalized Difference Vegeta-
ture, satellites will tion Index, or NDVI. Miller and Orrick ex-
take on similar tech- plained that NDVI is a measurement used in
nology to help in ag- agricultural assessment regarding the amount
riculture. of live vegetation and plant health. Also, with
“Doing diagnostics just a regular camera on the drone, it can fly
Photo Submitted
and preventatives to over fields and get a very good perspective on
the plants farmers grow and the weeds that
comes a lot more can harm them.
clear about what is “The technology tells the reflectiveness
going on,” said Or- off the plant in order to tell how healthy the
rick. “Before we could plant is,” said Miller. “In two to three years,
see bare spots in a field after crops would we expect there will be software out that will
come up. Now we can zoom in and identify know what a weed looks like, as well as have
more about what is going on in a particular the use of Global Positioning System to be
area and more efficiently correct the prob- able to spray that weed.”
lem.” While drones come in all shapes and siz-
As the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle — or drone es and with a variety of capabilities, they can
— takes to the air over a farmer’s field, it col- be purchased from as low as a few hundred
lects data, images and information about the dollars for personal use to several thousands
plants below. It allows the farmer to see more of dollars for professional use.
than just rows of crops. The technology could

ROBINSON
laboratory when working with precision ag almost manage plants, not just a field. In the replace the need to walk a field looking for See DRONES on C5

AUCTION SERVICE
“Your Complete
Auction Service”
“Your
Roger Complete Auction Service”
A. Robinson
Stephen
Roger Robinson and Stephen Robinson Auctioneers
A. Robinson
Auctioneers
Personal Property,Real
Personal Property, Real Estate,
Estate, Antique
Antique & Collectibles, Farm Equipment,
& Collectibles,
Heavy Machinery
Farm Equipment,and Business
Heavy MachineryLiquidations
and Business Auction Services Available
Liquidations Auction Services Available

Appraisal Services Also Available AUCTION FACILITY

Orleans, IN • 812-865-1313 8620 N. St. Rd. 37
robinsonauctionservice.com Orleans, IN
go to www.Auctionzip.com
for all upcoming auctions

WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
DRONES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE C4
Miller said the use of drones in ag offers
people in the industry a way to save time and
money and offer more efficiency to their oper-
ation.
“It’s a lot more efficient than walking, es-
pecially when we get to where the industry
can send out a drone, spot weeds and spray
them in a field,” said Miller. “That would be a
huge cost savings for a farmer.”
Miller compared the technology to what
Smartphone cameras can do with facial recog-
nition. Soon, it will be common for a drone’s
camera to separate the weeds from the crops.
“I also think companies like Monsanto, The
Equity and South Central FS will have more
technology as part of their customer service to
see what is going on in the fields,” said Orrick.
“Drones are one piece of the precision ag
world.”
FAA REGULATIONS
The operator must follow Federal Aviation
Administration’s regulations which limit flight
of a drone to 400 feet in altitude,
“If you are anywhere near an airport, the
C5
farm preview FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
FAA won’t let you fly one. So those farmers industry and only after acquiring our first Midwest Aerial Survey said its most valu-
with land near an airport, they won’t be able drone did we start looking at the agriculture able service at this time is for drainage.
to fly in those areas,” said Miller. side of the business,” said McQueen. “In the THE EQUITY
The FAA requires drone operators to pass past year, I’ve been fortunate to connect with Adam Garretson at The Equity in Effingham
the UAV’s aeronautical knowledge test as one several agriculture professionals that have said technology exists to allow drones to be
of the requirements for flying commercial guided us and helped us to develop and imple- equipped with spray pesticides, but the FAA
drones legally. ment services for growers.” isn’t ready to allow drones to carry chemicals.
MIDWEST AERIAL SURVEY McQueen said his experience with drones “We are very far away from being able to de-
“Today’s precision ag is a way to enhance reveals the equipment hasn’t changed much. liver chemicals,” said Garretson, a GO SMART
existing practices and to make more efficient However, upgrades to battery life and stability Manager at The Equity. “Even if it was allowed,
practices,” said Orrick. “We’ve taken it from the have greatly improved. The flight software and the operator would have to be able to carry a
farm, to a field, to a section, to now a spot cameras have also improved greatly, allowing large amount of chemicals to make adequate
spray. It’s good for the environment. And most such precision ag work for growers. applications.”
people in agriculture, you won’t find better At Midwest Aerial Survey, new technology “Technically, you can fly one for hobby pur-
stewards of the land. They are prideful of their for growers and drones includes: stand count poses, but if you are using it to collect images
work and want this to carry on for generations analysis, weed density, crop counting, manage- or data over a farm, that is considered for com-
to come.” ment zone creation, and image quality. Since mercial purposes and you have to be licensed,”
When it comes to agriculture, students to- McQueen and Sudkamp aren’t agronomists, said Garretson.
day who are interested in agronomy and enjoy they are still learning about the capabilities of Garretson said it is likely that drones will
technology can almost write their own career drones in the ag arena. eventually be allowed to make applications,
and salary, Orrick said. “We have multispectral cameras that can be but for now today’s imagery has huge benefits
Sean McQueen, co-founder of Midwest used for NDVI and other crop health indexes. on a farmer’s field.
Aerial Survey in Effingham, said he and busi- However, with the crop health services, I must Today, depending on the model, a drone can
ness partner Drew Sudkamp began using say we are still looking for agronomists to fly about 25-30 minutes on a single charge.
drones after working with land surveying for work with because we have unanswered ques- Wind conditions can be a factor.
the oil and gas industry, primarily on pipeline tions on how to analyze and fully utilize these Each one has four batteries and are always
jobs. images,” said McQueen. “But if a grower wants being charged, so 80-100 acres can be covered
“We recognized their potential in the survey that type of imagery, we are able to provide it.” on one battery.
C6 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
Reid Memering takes a break
from working in the swine barn
for a picture. | Photos by
Lindsay Owens
FOURTH GENERATION FARMING ...
AND COUNTING
WHS senior enjoys family farm life
BY LINDSAY OWENS
I
n one swift motion, Reid Me- spot in the bedding and within
mering jumps over the gate
and into a pen filled with red rounded by the little pigs, tails
piglets.
“Now, watch this,” he said,
a sly grin sweeping across his
face.
Memering edged to the back a laugh, as one pig managed to
of the pen, carefully took his
a matter of seconds, was sur-
wagging, begging for a spot on
his lap.
“I’m trying to get them used
to people,” said Memering with
farm preview
the fourth generation to op-
erate Memering Farms. My
great-grandfather John Memer-
ing moved to Daviess County
after World War II and estab-
lished our family farm. “
In the beginning the family
farm raised melons and other
produce and operated Memer-
ing’s Melons along SR 57 just
north of Washington.
“My grandfather, Gerry Me-
mering, followed in his father’s
footsteps and we became grain
farmers,” said Memering as he
shoveled out one of the pens.
“Memering Farms expanded
throughout my childhood tre-
mendously.”
At the helm of the operation
now is Memering’s father, John,
who recently started selling
Beck’s Hybrids seed at the farm.
Throughout his childhood,
Memering, who will be attend-
ing Vincennes University to
study agribusiness, has worked
alongside his family on the farm
but one his favorite tasks is
Part of having good show pigs is making sure they are friendly and easy
to work with. Memering can often be found giving the pigs a little extra
attention. Many of the pigs will be sold as part of his CEO business.
work its way onto his lap and
reach up with its snout as if to
kiss his cheek. “I think they are
getting there.”
For Memering, a senior at
Washington High School who
served as football manager and
is active in the FFA, farming is
not just his passion, it’s part of
his heritage.
“Farming is in my blood,”
said Memering. “I will be
Two of the pigs Reid Memering
has raised at his family’s farm
north of Washington.
tending to the pigs.
“We grow corn, soybeans
and wheat but being active in
4-H has sparked my interest in
livestock,” he said, adding he
may explore animal science at
VU as well.
Part of the Daviess County
Creating Entrepreneurial ex-
C7
periences class, a program that
It’s not uncommon for
helps students learn about the
the pigs at Memering
ins and outs of owning a busi- Farms to be seen
ness, it was fitting Memering walking around the
chose something he loves doing farm with Reid
on the farm for his project — Memering. Here,
raising pigs. some of the pigs wait
for Memering to bring
“I recently bred and deliv- the feed.
ered show pigs as my business,
57 Supreme Show Pigs,” said
Memering, who won the Herds-
man Award, given to an exhibi-
tor for care of their animals, last
summer at the Daviess County
4-H Show. “I realized there are a
lot of people out there looking
for pigs to show and not just
for 4-H. We had 40 piglets born
here earlier this year.”
One of those piglets Memer-
ing named “Miracle.”
“She came out and was limp.
We didn’t think she was going
to make it,” he said. “My dad
starting shaking her and I blew
in her face.”
After a few minutes of work-
ing on the tiny piglet, she began
to come back to life.
“That’s why we named her
‘Miracle,’” he said, adding that
the pig is now thriving.
While tending the pigs he will
be showing this summer in 4-H
keeps him pretty busy, Memer-
ing is quick to point out that
farming in general is a full-time
job.
“We are busy all year, not just
during planting and harvest,”
he said. “Equipment needs
repaired, fields need tiled, fer-
tilizer needs applied and grain
needs hauled, but it’s what I
love.”
 C8 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
farm preview WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

Southern Indiana Grazing conference slated for March 7

KRISTI SANDERS The speakers this year’s conference are Dr. ship in the development and implementation Congress and past President of the American
TIMES HERALD Allen Williams, Dr. Pat Keyser and Dr. Ray of comprehensive research and outreach pro- Forage and Grassland Council.
Smith. grams focused on the management of native Dr. Smith will be talking about how to
This year will be the ninth year for the Williams is a sixth generation family farmer grasslands. make tall fescue work for everyday farmers.
Southern Indiana Grazing Conference. and founding partner of Grass Fed Insights, This includes work on use of native grasses “This is something that everyone in the fes-
“The conference is put on to help educate Soil Health Consultants and Soil Health Acad- in forage production systems for livestock, bio- cue belt can benefit from,” Shelton said.
producers on livestock grazing practices and emy. He is also a partner in Joyce Farms, Inc. fuels production, the integration of forage and Along with the workshops there will be
principles,” grazing specialist Victor Shelton He has consulted with more than 4,200 farm- biofuels, answering specific management ques- breaks with networking sessions said Toni Al-
said. “These practices, when implemented, can ers and ranchers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, tions for native grasses, restoration of natural lison, administrative coordinator for the Da-
improve the efficiency of the operation, possi- and South America on operations ranging grassland communities such as woodland and viess County Soil and Water Conservation Dis-
bly increase forage production and average from a few acres to over 1 million acres. savannahs and wildlife responses to native trict.
daily gain, and provide a sound environmen- “Allen pioneered many of the early adaptive grasslands management. “People attend from all over Indiana and
tally friendly system that certainly can also im- grazing protocols and forage finishing tech- “Keyser will talking about the benefits of surrounding states,” Allison said. “The event is
prove their bottom line.” niques and has spent the last 15 years refining having some warm season grasses in a grazing open for any type of livestock farmer.”
And these benefits can be for more than just those,” Shelton said. “Williams will be talking system and discredit the beliefs that they are “You can save five dollars is you register be-
the farmers practicing these principles. about the ‘how to’s’ of principles and practical hard to get established, take a long time to get fore March 5,” Allison said. “After that date and
“When we maintain cover on the landscape, applications of adaptive grazing.” establish and have poor forage quality,” Shel- the day of the event it will be $50 to attend.”
and reduce runoff, everyone benefits,” Shelton “He will also be talking about efficiently and ton said. “He will make you want to go grow The Southern Indiana Grazing Conference
said. “A good grazing system can also benefit effectively utilizing perennial and annual for- some.” will be March 7, at the West Gate Academy,
wildlife because of added diversity of forages ages,” Shelton said. Smith is professor and forage extension spe- with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. and the
and when rotated with adequate rest, it means Keyser is a professor and director for the cialist at the University of Kentucky and serves program starting at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration
there is always some wildlife food and cover Center for Native Grasslands Management at as an adjunct professor at Asbury University. is requested if possible for meal planning. For
habitat being provided with little or no extra the University of Tennessee. In that role, Dr. Ray is the current chair of the Continuing more information, call the Daviess County
effort.” Keyser provides regional and national leader- Committee for the International Grassland SWCD office at 812-254-4780, Ext. 3.

HILLCREST SUPPLY, INC.

Check out
our Tax Time
Savings on the
Trailer you always
wanted!

Come see us for your

complete agriculture needs
Feed, Fertilizer, Lime, Grain, Agriculture WE OFFER
Chemicals, LG Seed Corn & Seed Beans, CHICKS
Grass Seeds, Dry Waste Application,
Custom Fertilizer & Chemical Application,
THROUGHOUT
Grain & Trucking. THE YEAR.
CHECK WITH
We are here to serve! US ON DATES.
6134 E. 200 N. Montgomery, IN
812-486-3261

WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
Farm dates to mark on your calendar for 2018
MARCH 7
The Ninth Annual Southern Indiana Grazing
Conference at WestGate Academy
Conference and Training Center, Odon.
Featured speakers for this year’s conference
include Dr. Allen Williams, PhD, president of
Grass Fed Insights, LLC; Dr. Pat Keyser, PhD,
director of the University of Tennessee Center
for Native Grasslands Management and Dr.
Ray Smith, PhD, extension forage specialist
from the University of Kentucky. Early
registration ends Feb. 16. Registration forms
can be found online at www.daviesscoswcd.
org/index.php/sigc or by calling the Daviess
County Soil and Water Conservation District
at 812-254-4780.
MARCH 8-11
Illiana Watermelon Association Convention at
French Lick Casino.
MARCH 27
Richard Beckwort, from Jackson County
Purdue Extension will give a program on
farm preview
trimming fruit trees at the Wilson Park Shelter
House in Bedford. The free program begins at
6 p.m.
MARCH 31
Building Materials Auction, 9:30 a.m., Dinky’s
Auction Center, Cannelburg.
APRIL 7
White River Valley Antique Association Swap
Meet, WRVAA Grounds, south of the Elnora
Fairgrounds.
APRIL 7
Lawn and Garden Auction, Dinky’s Auction
Center, Cannelburg.
MAY 26
Fifth Annual Daviess County Pony Sale,
Dinky’s Auction Center, Cannelburg.
MAY 28
Special Horse and Tack Auction, 3 p.m.,
C9
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
SEPT. 3
Labor Day Special Horse and Tack Auction, 3
p.m., Dinky’s Auction Center, Cannelburg.
SEPT. 25-26
Fall Machinery, Carriage and Antique
Machine Auction, 8 a.m., Dinky’s Auction
Center, Cannelburg.
Dinky’s Auction Center, Cannelburg. SEPT. 26
Fall Standard Bred Auction, 5 p.m., Dinky’s
JUNE 6 Auction Center, Cannelburg.
Annual Mid-Summer Driving Sale, 7 p.m.,
SEPT. 27
Dinky’s Auction Center, Cannelburg.
Daviess County Horse and Colt Auction,
JUNE 25-30 Dinky’s Auction Center, Cannelburg.
Daviess County Fair, Elnora Fairgrounds.
OCT. 20
JULY 11-21 Building Material Auction, 9:30 a.m., Dinky’s
Auction Center, Cannelburg.
Daviess County 4-H Fair, Eastside Park,
Washington.
SAVING
MEMBERS
MONEY.
Indiana Farm Bureau members save at theme parks and destinations
for family fun! Visit www.infb.org for access to exclusive discounts from
Kings Island, Cedar Point, Newport Aquarium, Holiday World, Great Wolf
Lodge and more.
Log on to www.infb.org with your Farm Bureau membership
number to view thousands of discounts!
Follow Us!
 C10 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
farm preview WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

CORN KING IN DAVIESS COUNTY

Good harvest, weak prices, interesting outlook on farm
MIKE GRANT is one of the largest producers ranking just be- corn importer. there is another entire industry of seed dealers,
TIMES HERALD hind Dubois County. Statewide, Indiana grows “These companies have had huge ramifica- fertilizer companies, farm buildings and equip-
19 million birds that produce 754 million tions,” said Ron Arnold with the Daviess ment dealers that operate in farm counties
Anyone who takes a ride in the country in pounds and a cash value in excess of a half County Economic Development Corporation. and supply the farmers.”
the summer knows that in Daviess County billion dollars. “GPC uses 100,000 bushels a day. We can’t Spring is closing in and despite some weak-
corn is king. The good news is that despite a Breaking down the finances, Daviess County grow enough corn. Perdue slaughters around ness in prices, farmers are hopeful for another
little cooler and drier than normal summer farms generated $80 million from crops and 30,000 birds a day and that doesn’t include the good season.
last year, the corn crop turned out to be a good $110 million from all livestock totaling $190 growers who are raising for Farbest.” “I am pretty optimistic,” said Boyd. “With all
one. million. Those companies have taken the products this rain we have been getting, the subsoil
“Our harvest was excellent,” said Tom Boyd One thing that separates much of the agri- off the farm and not only convert them into moisture is getting replaced.”
with Boyd Grain. culture in Da- consumer products but also create direct and “It got really dry this fall,” added Sprinkle.
“We had a really viess County indirect jobs. The plants provide employment “That was good for harvest but we needed to
big crop and that’s from other to more than 1,000 people. Then there are the get some moisture back into the ground. This
probably why the farm-based trucking and warehousing companies that are rain and snow since December has pretty
prices for it are so counties is that also part of the operations. much done that.”
cheap.” much of what “The farmer is just part of the whole equa-
For Boyd, the is produced tion,” said Brocksmith. “You have to remember, See OUTLOOK on C11
harvest was all here winds up
about corn. His moving into

Committed
fields were split be- value added
tween field corn operations.
Corn is sold to
to Helping You
and popcorn. For
Mike Sprinkle, Grain Process-
who farms in ing Corpora-
northern Daviess
County, both the
tion where it is
broken down Grow in 2018
corn and soybean
crops were good.
and then sold
around the and Beyond
“It was not a re- world as every-
cord crop, but thing from
around here I food product
think everyone did binders to al-
pretty well,” said cohol that
Sprinkle. “The winds up in
yields on beans your gas tank
and corn were ex- and animal
cellent. The bean feed.
results were sur- Corn is also
prising. We had no Lindsay Owens | Times Herald used by both
rain in August, but Nick Cissell (left) and Chris Crow, both Washington Perdue and • Transgard Tractor Fluid
we still wound up High School sophomores, were counting corn kernels Farbest Foods. • LithoplexRT2 Grease
with some unbe- to determine yield at Boyd Grain last August.
Both compa- • Citgard 700
lievable yields. I nies convert it
think that over the into turkey
last 20 or 30 years that the genetics in the feed. The end result means good things for
crops have improved so much that they will area farmers.
hang on and find a way to produce. Even with
the small amount of rain, I think the cooler
temperatures may have helped.”
In a typical year, Daviess County puts out
“Value-added operations have had a big im-
pact around here,” said Vincennes University
Agribusiness Chairman Susan Brocksmith.
“Having those large, local markets normally
See
Frette Energy
around 90,000 acres of corn, 63,000 acres of wind up saving anywhere from 5 to 10 cents a for all your Fuels & Lubricants
soybeans and 2,000 acres of wheat. Generally bushel for transportation and often means a
speaking, that results in 15 million bushels of little higher price as the buyers compete to get 504 W. WALNUT, WASHINGTON • 254-3671 • 1-800-326-1966
corn, 3.5 million bushels of beans and 60,000 corn locally.”
bushels of wheat. That competition by value-added operators FAIR PRICES • OUTSTANDING SERVICE
The county also produces a lot of turkeys. It now means Daviess County has become a
 C11
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
farm preview FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018

OUTLOOK a lot of that talk is just about trying to get an

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C10
Much like the weather, there are other un-
predictable elements farmers are dealing with,
but so far they seem to be pointing in a favor-
able direction.
“The cost of money has gone up some,” said
Sprinkle. “But seed and fuel prices are pretty
stable. Fertilizer has gone up slightly. Mean-
while we are getting mixed reports on the
world farm markets from South America. It
looks like Brazil is going to have a good crop
while Argentina is having trouble.”
Some other events could also have big im-
pacts on farmers this spring and in the future.
One is the push by President Donald Trump
to renegotiate the North American Free Trade
Act treaty. The president calls the deal a bad
FFA
one for Americans. Farmers in Indiana say
they like it because it has opened markets for
them and increased exports.
“Agriculture doesn’t want NAFTA thrown
out,” said Brocksmith. “I think a lot of the
bluster from the president may be him trying
to position the U.S. for a better deal. I suspect
advantage for new negotiations.”
Another thing sitting on the horizon is a
proposed major expansion at GPC. The com-
pany is awaiting final approval of permits for
a $70 million expansion on the 600 acre site
that is expected to take around 18 months to
complete.
“You know every time we see Perdue or Far-
best put up a turkey barn, we know there is
going to be more demand for our grain,” said
Sprinkle.
“The expansion at GPC will be the biggest
since the company opened and we are excited
about that. There is going to be even more de-
mand for grain.”
In fact, the demand for everything that
makes agriculture work in the Daviess County
area could increase. “When the end users
grow, it is good for the entire economy,” said
Brocksmith. “The plant will add jobs (a pro-
jected 15), there will be more spending in the
local economy and more money will get spent
on the farms, more trucking, more warehous-
ing.”
“Daviess County is known as an agriculture Times Herald File Photo
community,” said Arnold. “This expansion will CORN FROM area farmers will be in even greater demand following a proposed major $70
not only solidify that position, it will add to it.” million expansion at Grain Processing Corporation.

IN THE GAME TODAY FOR A

ra in
ra P
i
rnr
a o
iP
ncre
Posc
rso
eic
sne
sgs
i sging
n
G Washington,
G Washington,
G Washington,
Corp.Corp.
Corp.
WINNING TOMORROW
IN THE GAME TODAY FOR A We’re teaming up with Grinnell Mutual to celebrate our student
athletes competing on the hardwood. We score a 3-pointer for

A
WINNING TOMORROW
CULTIVATING
insurance protection and service every time. Trust in Tomorrow.™

TOMORROW. Contact your agent today.

Indiana
Indiana
Indiana
We’re teaming up with Grinnell

CULTIVATING TOMORROW.
athletes competing on theWe
Mutual to celebrate our student
hardwood.
supportWe score
the a 3-pointer
efforts of the for
FFA. Their commitment to teaching s #OMPETITIVE
s In#OMPETITIVE
Daviess CORN
s #OMPETITIVE
County PRICES
See CORN CORN
PRICES
PRICES
s /NLINE sTRUCK
s /NLINE /NLINE SCHEDULING
TRUCK TRUCK
SCHEDULING
SCHEDULING
insurance protection and service every time. Trust in Tomorrow.™
udent Contact your agent today.
teamwork, encouraging volunteerism, and fostering community Louis
We support the efforts of the
ensures FFA.future
a bright Theirforcommitment
America's family to teaching
farmers. Murphy
s 4EXTslmurphy@mccormickins.com
% MAIL
4EXTs 4EXT "IDS
 % MAIL
 % MAIL !VAILABLE
"IDS "IDS !VAILABLE
!VAILABLE
r for
Trust in Tomorrow.® “Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are property of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance 812-787-1984
“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are property of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance
orrow.™ teamwork, encouraging
IN volunteerism,
THE GAME TODAY FOR A Incommunity
and fostering Daviess County
Company.
Company. SeeMutual
© Grinnell
© Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance
Reinsurance Company,
Company, 2017.
2017.

WINNING
ensures a bright future TOMORROW
for America's family farmers. Louis
Murphy
Trust
In Daviess in inTomorrow.
“Trust County
in Tomorrow.”See
“Trust Tomorrow.”
® We’re teaming up with Grinnell Mutual to celebrate our student
and “Grinnell Mutual”
and “Grinnellathletes
areareproperty
Mutual”competing
of Grinnell
property
on theof
MutualMutual
Grinnell We
hardwood. 3-pointer for 812-787-1984
Reinsurance
score aReinsurance
AY FOR A Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance
Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company,
Company,
insurance protection 2017.
2017.
lmurphy@mccormickins.com
and service every time. Trust in Tomorrow.™ N17-19
Louis Contact your agent today.
Represented by: McCormick Insurance 2 columnsCall
x 5us at 812-882-5300
inches
ROW Murphy #ALL #ALL #ALL 7
7ASHINGTON7 'RAIN
7 $EPT
7ASHINGTON 'RAIN $EPT
7ASHINGTON 'RAIN $EPT
Reinsurance
utual Reinsurance
We score a 3-pointer for
812-787-1984
to celebrate our student
   
   WWWGRAINPROCESSINGCOM
WWWGRAINPROCESSINGCOM
    WWW GRAINPROCESSINGCOM
WWWGRAINPROCESSINGCOM
WWW WWWGRAINPROCESSINGCOM
GRAINPROCESSINGCOM   
  
  
lmurphy@mccormickins.com“Trust
time. Trust in Tomorrow.™
in Tomorrow.” and the “A Grinnell Mutual Member” mark are registered trademarks of
N17-19
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2018.
resented by: McCormick Insurance
2 columns Call 5us
xMutual
Company. © Grinnell inches atCompany,
812-882-5300
“Trust in Tomorrow.” and “Grinnell Mutual” are property of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance
Reinsurance 2017.
 C12 FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018
farm preview WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

Farming comes with risks, rewards

F
arming certainly comes with risks and rewards.
Understanding the great power of the machines you rely
on can keep everyone who operates them safe.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safe-
ty and Health, agriculture ranks among the most hazardous in-
dustries in America. It reports that 401 farmers and farm
workers died from work-related injuries in 2015. The leading
cause was tractor overturns but there are other significant risks
posed to you and your team.
As owner and operator, it’s your responsibility to keep those
working for you out of harm’s way. Get in touch with the
equipment your farm or ranch counts on this spring.
UNDERSTANDING THE PTO
The power take-off shaft is one of the most relied on compo-
nents of agricultural equipment. Developed in North America
in the 1930s, the PTO is used to transfer mechanical power of
tractors to implements.
As effective as they are, the National Farmers Union says
they can also be the most persistent hazards associated with
equipment.
Keep these safety tips in mind when around a rotating PTO:
Stay away: Operators should never reach across a working
PTO. Some shafts may feature shields but the risk of getting a
body part entangled is still high.
No loose-fitting clothing: Baggy sleeves or shirt tails can
get easily become wrapped in a PTO if an operator is too close.
This will result in someone being pulled in, causing severe in-
jury or death.
Disengage PTO: Before leaving a tractor, it is crucial disen-
gage the PTO and turn off the engine before removing the seat.
ATV TIPS
Many farmers rely on the maneuverability of small ATVs to
quickly travel their farms. They are commonly used to monitor
fence lines, livestock and even irrigation systems that may re-
quire attention. They are also another hazardous machine that
must be driven with great care and attention.
Remember to ride alone if possible. A farm’s rough terrain
can already make steering and control difficult, the weight of a
Green Shoot Media Photo
passenger will make it even more challenging.
Equip your ATV with lights, reflectors and flags. Because To lessen the injuries experienced in a tractor rollover,
they are so low to the ground, extra visibility is crucial to the older tractors can be equipped with roll-over protection
larger vehicles around you. kits.

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 OFFICERS 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.