1. business and industrial
2. agriculture and forestry
3. crops and seed

2015 SPRING
FARM
HAMPTON CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION
APRIL 22, 2015
DOUBLE
EDGED SWORD
of falling fuel prices
Page 2
Big Birds
MEAN BIG
BUSINESS
Page 4
FRANKLIN
COUNTY FOOD
PANTRY
inside
Page 6
hopes to offer tax credit
to local farmers
Page 7
and more…
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Grant Petersen, Sheffield
John Trewin, Hampton
Shawn Loughren, Alden
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(641) 456-5587
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641-456-2559 www.hamptonstate.com
2015 SPRING
2
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AGRI-BUSINESS
Keeps Us STRONG!
Building business in Franklin County, Iowa
April 22, 2015 • Section B
THE DOUBLEEDGED SWORD of
falling fuel prices
SURVIVED ANOTHER
WINTER? YOUR HEROISM
DESERVES A MONTH OFF.
1ST MONTH
FREE
FARM
By Travis Fischer
P
lummeting fuel prices
may feel great when
filling up at the pump,
but the recent drop in
the price of crude oil is having a
domino effect on Iowa’s agriculture industry.
In the past, falling fuel prices
would have been unconditionally welcomed by Iowa’s farmers. Energy is a major expense in
the agriculture industry, from gas
guzzling pick-up trucks to dieselpowered combines to propane
dryers, a farmer can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in
fuel.
However, with the rise of the
ethanol industry, falling fuel prices has become a double-edged
sword.
“I think it would be fair to say
that most farmers’ corn production is now tied to energy,” says
Chuck Schafer, general manager
at North Iowa Cooperative in
Thornton. “Corn is used for an
energy product and if energy is
low, than the commodity price
is low. So corn comes down because of low crude pricing.”
As the price of fuel goes down,
the price of corn falls with it. The
savings in fuel costs isn’t making up the difference for farmers, who are already dealing with
a disappointing price from last
year’s harvest.
“I think most people would
rather have better corn prices,”
Schafer said.
Although the price of corn
has raised about a dollar from its
harvest low point, the drop in energy costs isn’t helping the price
of corn rally back up. With corn
prices at $3.70-$3.75 per bushel,
Schafer says that corn prices are
about another dollar away from
making farmers happy.
“It’s not a good price,” he said.
“I think most people would say
Declining fuel prices have helped farmers at the pump, but low
corn prices have some producers reeling. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON
CHRONICLE
that we are below cost of production.”
The effect of falling energy
prices is reverberating throughout the entire agriculture industry
as farmers look for ways to make
up the difference.
Fertilizer prices are coming
down as farmers cut costs by
changing their fertilization plans.
When the agriculture industry
tightens its belt, the effects reverberate across the economy. Soybean production is also expected
to rise as farmers shift their focus
away from corn; however, there’s
no getting away from supplyand-demand economics.
Shifting towards soybeans
may help corn prices recover, but
it will come at the cost of lower
soybean prices instead.
Ultimately, there’s hope that
the agriculture industry will find
a happy middle ground.
“With spring around the corner
you’ve got to be optimistic about
the future,” said Schafer. “There
will hopefully be opportunities
down the road to be profitable.” Q
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2015 SPRING
April 22, 2015 • Section B
FARM
3
PLANTING SEASON
crawling along throughout Iowa
W
et conditions continued to slow
down fieldwork
across the state
recently according to the Iowa
Crops and Weather report released by the USDA. Statewide
there were 2.7 days suitable for
fieldwork during the week ending April 12.
“The weather has allowed
farmers to get some field work
done and if it stays warm, dry
planters will be rolling across
the state in the next few weeks,”
said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. “It is an exciting time on the farm as farmers
are looking forward to the new
growing season.”
Parts of north Iowa experienced snow on April 10 and cool
soil temperatures remain a concern. After a slow start, farmers
in north Iowa continued to apply
anhydrous while applications in
the southern two-thirds of the
state were winding down.
Topsoil moisture levels rated
2 percent very short, 17 percent
short, 76 percent adequate and 5
percent surplus. Subsoil moisture
levels rated 2 percent very short,
20 percent short, 75 percent adequate and 3 percent surplus.
North central Iowa reported the
highest soil moisture levels with
topsoil and subsoil moisture levels rated 95 percent and 87 percent in adequate to surplus, re-
spectively.
One-quarter of the state’s expected oat crop was planted during the week ending April 12.
Forty-two percent of oats have
been planted, five days ahead of
last year, but slightly behind normal. Four percent of oats have
emerged, five days ahead of last
year, but six days behind the average.
Pasture condition rated 41
percent good to excellent. Pastures are greening up, but use by
livestock has been limited due
to slow growth. Livestock conditions were reported as mostly
good with some reports of calving nearing completion.
IOWA’S AVERAGE PRECIPITATION THROUGH APRIL 7
2015: 2.76”
Normal: 4.77”
2015 is the driest start to the year in Iowa since 1994.
This farmer took advantage of great weather by planting his crop in a field alongside Highway 3 near
Hansell on April 14. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
• IOWA PLANTING REPORT
• WEATHER REPORT
The annual Prospective Plantings
report published by the USDA is
based on the voluntary responses
from approximately 2,000 Iowa
producers. This report provides an
indication of the acres farmers intend
to plant for the 2015 crop year.
Actual plantings will depend upon
weather, economic conditions and the
availability of production inputs at the
time producers must make their final
planting decisions.
Iowa farmers intend to plant 13.6
million acres of corn for all purposes
in 2015, according to the Prospective
Plantings report. This is a decrease of
100,000 acres from 2014.
Producers intend to plant 10.1
million acres of soybeans in Iowa this
year. This is an increase of 200,000
acres from 2014. If realized, this
would be the largest acreage since
2006.
Iowa farmers intend to plant
140,000 acres of oats for all purposes,
down 5,000 acres from last year.
Farmers in Iowa expect to harvest
1.15 million acres of dry hay for
the 2015 crop year. Planted acres
for winter wheat, at 26,000 acres, is
unchanged from last year.
Dry conditions are impacting
stream flows and groundwater as Iowa
transitions from winter to spring. The
month of March was very dry, but
recent widespread rainfall across the
state should help.
Overall the statewide average
precipitation through April 7 was 2.76
inches, with normal being 4.77 inches.
This is the driest start to the year in
Iowa since 1994.
The drought monitor shows almost
half of Iowa as abnormally dry. While
this shows a deterioration from the
start of the year, it is much improved
over last year when more than half
of the state was classified as being in
moderate drought.
The National Weather Service
released an updated spring flood
outlook for Iowa expecting a normal
risk of flooding through early June,
assuming near normal weather
conditions.
Conditions will be tracked through
the spring and summer with the Water
Summary Update, issued every other
week. Q
BIRD FLU HITS IOWA
T
he USDA’s Animal and
Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) has
confirmed the presence
of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian
influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista
County. This is the first confirmation in a commercial flock in
Iowa.
The flock of 27,000 turkeys
is located within the Mississippi flyway where this strain of
avian influenza has previously
been identified. The Center for
Disease Control (CDC) considers the risk to people from these
HPAI H5 infections in wild birds,
backyard flocks and commercial
poultry, to be low. No human infections with the virus have been
detected at this time.
Samples from the turkey flock,
which experienced increased
mortality, were tested at the Iowa
State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the APHIS
National Veterinary Services
Laboratories in Ames confirmed
the findings.
APHIS is working closely
with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
on a joint incident response. State
officials quarantined the premises and birds on the property
will be euthanized to prevent the
spread of the disease. Birds from
the flock will not enter the food
system.
As part of the existing USDA
avian influenza response plans,
federal and state partners, as well
as industry leaders, are responding quickly and decisively to
these outbreaks by adhering to
the following five basic steps.
1. QUARANTINE
Restricting
movement of
poultry and
poultry-moving
equipment into
and out of the
control area.
2. ERADICATE
Humanely
euthanizing the
affected flock(s).
3. MONITOR
REGION
Testing wild
and domestic
birds in a broad
area around the
quarantine area.
4. DISINFECT
Kills the virus in
the affected flock
locations.
5. TEST
Confirm that
poultry farms in
the area are avian
influenza virusfree.
USDA also is working with
its partners to actively look and
test for the disease in commercial
poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird
populations. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship is working directly
with poultry workers at the affected facility to ensure they are
taking the proper precautions.
These virus strains can travel
in wild birds without those birds
appearing sick. People should
avoid contact with sick/dead
poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap
and water and change clothing
before having any contact with
healthy domestic poultry and
birds.
All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard
flock owners, should continue
to practice good biosecurity,
prevent contact between their
birds and wild birds, and report
sick birds or unusual bird deaths
to state/federal officials, either
through their state veterinarian at
(515) 281-5321 or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866536-7593.
Additional information on
biosecurity for backyard flocks
can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
More information can be
found on the APHIS website,
USDA avian influenza and on
the CDC website. Information
will also be posted to the Iowa
Department of Agriculture at
www.iowaagriculture.gov/avianinfluenza.asp. Q
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2015 SPRING
4
By Nick Pedley
For all of your machining needs, see Jeff, Corey or Connor
at J-T Machine and Tool Co. in Hampton, Iowa !
Jeff Spear (641) 456-4513 • [email protected]
Fax (641) 456-4494 • 602 South Federal St. • Hampton, IA 50441
Pralle’s Machine & Welding
• Complete line of sprayer parts
• Roller chain
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T
he first thing you notice
after arriving at Art and
Helen Wall’s southern
Franklin County farm
is the couple’s unique house.
It’s built into a hill, has a sod
roof and the garage is outfitted
with solar panels. The south wall
also features multiple windows
that let in sunlight to help heat
the home during the winter.
Then you notice the ostriches.
“I can probably name on
both hands how many people
have ostriches in Iowa,” said
Helen. “These guys are very user
friendly. They like to come up
and check things out.”
FARM
April 22, 2015 • Section B
BIG BIRDS MEAN
BIG BUSINESS
for Franklin County couple
Servicing sprayer pumps & monitors, repairing
hydraulic hoses. General fabrication & welding.
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Helen Wall
The Walls have been raising
the peculiar birds since 1994. A
demand for high-end breeding
birds created a lucrative market
back then, and the couple thought
they could earn some additional
income to compliment their
farming operation.
However, there was a hitch.
The Walls knew nothing about
raising ostriches and had no clue
how to turn a profit on the birds.
“My husband’s idea was
to get some birds, raise some
breeders and make thousands
and thousands of dollars. That
was the original seed,” Helen
recalled. “The banker didn’t
think it was quite as good of an
investment, though.”
The Walls dropped $40,000
on four hens and four roosters
to begin their fledgling business.
Helen and Art Wall’s southern Franklin County farm is far from typical. The couple has raised ostriches
since 1994 and gradually expanded their operation over the past two decades. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON
CHRONICLE
“We found
someone to
turn them
into meat and
it was really
good. Turns
out a family of
six can eat an
ostrich in about
a month.”
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Phone (641) 857-3842
Ostriches are extremely curious animals. Here, Wall tries to peak her flock’s interest with a stick. NICK
PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
Pralle’s Wash City
WITH TWO LOCATIONS IN HAMPTON
HWY 65 N. AND HWY 3 W.
Large vehicle bays in both Hampton and
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They converted an old cattle barn
into an ostrich coop and hoped for
the best, but the market started to
turn in the mid-1990s just as they
were entering the industry.
Left with few options and
even less money, the Walls did
what any rational family would
do with unwanted ostriches –
they turned them into dinner.
“Since no one wanted them
and we didn’t seem to want them
either, we just ate them,” Helen
said. “We found someone to turn
them into meat and it was really
good. Turns out a family of six
can eat an ostrich in about a
month.”
~ Helen Wall
The discovery proved to be
perfect timing. As Americans
became more health conscious,
the demand for lean red meat
skyrocketed. Ostrich was touted
as a heart-healthy substitute for
traditional meat and new niche
market was born.
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Ostrich eggs weigh more than 3 pounds and are incredibly strong. A large egg can contain the equivalent of
two dozen chicken eggs. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
April 22, 2015 • Section B
“We had been
pouring money
into it for
years and had
nothing to show
for it except
occasionally
we were able
to sell an egg,”
said Helen. “We
started selling
the meat and
it took off from
there.”
2015 SPRING
FARM
The Walls freeze the processed ostrich meat and ship it across the country. Prime cuts fetch upwards of
$25 per pound. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
5
You can eat the eggs, but the hard exterior makes a great canvas, too.
NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
~ Helen Wall
The Battery Specifically Designed to Handle
the Rigorous Climate of the Upper Midwest.
The Walls started making
connections and promoting their
meat. They named the business
Obviously
Ostriches
and
traveled across Iowa peddling
their product at the state fair,
RAGBRAI and other venues.
The couple’s initial investment
finally started paying off, which
was a welcomed sigh of relief.
“We had been pouring money
into it for years and had nothing
to show for it except occasionally
we were able to sell an egg,” said
Helen. “We started selling the
meat and it took off from there.”
The Walls sell their ostrich
meat
to
restaurants
and
individuals across the country.
Prime cuts fetch upwards of $25
per pound, while ground meat
runs around $10 per pound.
The ostriches are transported
to Illinois and slaughtered in a
USDA-certified facility.
The Walls raise and slaughter
around 35 ostriches each
year. Breeding birds lay eggs
continuously during the warmer
months throughout the spring
and early fall. Helen collects the
eggs daily and moves them to
the farm’s incubator, where they
hatch after six weeks.
Eggs can weigh over three
pounds when they’re laid and are
incredibly durable. Large eggs
are roughly equivalent to two
dozen chicken eggs.
“If you drop it on the floor it
will break, but it’s pretty heavy
duty,” said Helen. “I steal the
eggs from the birds because if I do
that, they’ll keep laying. That’s
how I do it for agriculture.”
They’re a native of Africa, but
ostriches can withstand harsh
Iowa winters when given enough
shelter. The Walls’ current flock
was born in October and has spent
the past six months growing fat
on a mixture of alfalfa mill, corn
and other grain.
Though the main focus is on
meat, an ostrich carcass provides
multiple uses. Bones are smoked
and sold as dog treats, the hide is
processed and turned into leather
goods, and the fat is rendered
into oil and put in lotions.
Helen’s respect for the
ostriches’ versatility was evident
as she gave a tour of her facility
earlier this month. She has names
for each breeder and interacts
with the birds on a daily basis.
She’s become an expert on
ostrich body language over the
years, but the birds still give her
a few surprises every now and
then.
They kick just like a cow or
horse, which keeps Helen’s head
on a swivel.
“The young ones will do it as
a reaction more than a defense.
They really don’t know what
they’re doing,” she said. “But
the big breeders are the ones you
have to watch out for. The male
can really hurt you. The smart
thing to do is just stay down.”
Typically though, the ostriches
just peck at Helen’s jacket out of
Though the
main focus is
on meat, an
ostrich carcass
provides
multiple uses.
Bones are
smoked and
sold as dog
treats, the hide
is processed
and turned into
leather goods,
and the fat is
rendered into
oil and put in
lotions.
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641-456-2592
1274A Olive Ave. • Hampton, IA
Nothing goes to waste at Obviously Ostriches. Wall smokes the leg
bones and sells them as dog treats after the bird is processed. NICK
PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
An ostrich hide is supple, yet very durable. The hide is easy to identify – just look for the large quill marks.
NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
curiosity. She’s grown fond of the
birds over the past two decades,
even if the feeling isn’t mutual.
“They are curious, but they
don’t bond like a dog or a cat.
They like to be in their own
group,” she said. “But you don’t
get any credit at all for feeding
them everyday. You can still be
very unimportant to them.” Q
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HAMPTON
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Hours: Mon. - Thurs.: 1-6
Fri.: 1-5 • Sat.: 8-2
Sundays by appointment
2015 SPRING
6
YOUR BEST
SUMMER
EVER: 10
tips for beef
on the grill
Grilling is one of the most
exciting and healthy ways to
enjoy beef, whether you’re
cooking on a gas or charcoal
grill. Here are 10 tips sure to
make this one tasty summer!
1
CHILL OUT
Grilling times are
based on beef going
directly from the
refrigerator to the grill. There
is no need to bring beef to
room temperature. Shape
burgers in advance, cover
and refrigerate until the grill is
ready.
2
ONLY YOU
CAN PREVENT
FLARE-UPS.
Remove visible fat
before grilling to help prevent
flare-ups, charring and excess
smoke formation.
3
TAKE A DIP
Always marinate
in the refrigerator.
Tender beef cuts can
be marinated for 15 minutes
to two hours for flavor. Less
tender beef cuts should be
marinated at least six hours,
but no more than 24 hours,
in a mixture containing an
acidic ingredient or a natural
tenderizing enzyme.
Pat beef dry after removing
from marinade to promote
even browning and prevent
steaming. Do not save
marinade for reuse. If a
marinade has been in contact
with uncooked beef, it must
be brought to a full rolling boil
before it can be used as a
sauce.
4
REACH
A HAPPY
MEDIUM.
Grilling over medium heat
ensures even cooking and
flavorful, juicy meat. If beef
is grilled over too high heat,
the exterior can become
overcooked or charred before
the interior reaches the
desired doneness.
5
GIVE IT SOME
GAS.
Since gas grill brands
vary greatly, consult
the owner’s manual for
information about preparing
the grill for medium heat.
6
BE COOL WITH
CHARCOAL.
Never grill while the
coals are still flaming. Wait
until the coals are covered
with gray ash (approximately
30 minutes), spread in single
layer. To check cooking
temperature, cautiously hold
the palm of your hand above
the coals at cooking height.
Count the number of seconds
you can hold your hand in
that position before the heat
forces you to pull it away;
approximately four seconds
for medium heat.
10
7
NO PIERCINGS
ALLOWED.
Use long-handled
tongs for turning steaks;
spatulas for burgers. A fork will
pierce the beef causing loss
of flavorful juices. And don’t
be tempted to press down on
burgers – it only releases the
juices and creates flare-ups.
8
USE THE RIGHT
TOOL FOR THE
JOB.
The best way to determine
doneness of burgers and
steaks is to use an instantread meat thermometer,
inserted horizontally from the
side to penetrate the center
of the meat. Allow 10 to 15
seconds for the thermometer
to register the internal
temperature.
9
YOU GOTTA KEEP ’EM
SEPARATED.
Keep raw beef separate from other foods both
in the refrigerator and during preparation. Wash
hands, all utensils and surfaces in hot soapy water after contact
with raw beef. Never place cooked beef on platters that held
raw product. Use clean serving platters and utensils. Serve
cooked food promptly and refrigerate immediately after serving
(within two hours after cooking).
1280 Imperial Road | Hampton | Iowa, 50441
Pioneer Brand Products • Crop Insurance
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A McCormick Family Business
Rob, Travis and Kyle McCormick
709 Hwy. 3 • Latimer, IA 50452 • 641-866-6813
Strong Foundations. Strong Relationships.
Bob
Wilw
Wi
lwert
Pres
Pr
esid
es
identt
id
of Branchh
Mgmt
Mg
mt.
These newborns stretched their legs and mingled with the herd in
a pasture north of Hansell last week. The herd is owned by Amanda
Peterson. NICK PEDLEY/HAMPTON CHRONICLE
farmers by using 148 million bushels of corn as cattle feed.
Iowans can be proud of the cattle industry in Iowa that takes care
of families, provides jobs, supports
both rural and urban communities
and helps our balance of trade. It’s
a business that has the potential to
create even more jobs and bring
more dollars into Iowa’s towns and
cities while taking good care of the
environment. Iowa’s cattle business
keeps families who take care of the
land, on the land. Q
Cook burgers to at
least 160°F. The color
of cooked ground
beef is not a reliable indicator
of doneness. Cook steaks to
at least 145°F (medium rare
doneness). The color will be
very pink in the center and
slightly brown toward the
exterior.
may we grow together.
Kevinn
Meye
yerr
SVPP,
SV
Seniorr
Leendinng
Office
cerr
A
s the largest segment of
U.S. agriculture, the beef
industry contributes to
the American economy
in many ways.
In the United States, approximately 800,000 ranchers and cattlemen raise cattle in all 50 states.
Across the United States 98 percent
of these farms are family owned and
operated. Eighty percent of the cattle operations have been in the same
family for 25 years or more and 10
percent for more than 100 years.
In Iowa, cattle are raised in all 99
counties; there are 21,000 beef cow
operations and 7,845 feedlots that
are family owned and operated. The
cattle industry in Iowa has 26,500
related jobs and has a large economic impact on the state of Iowa as it
contributes $5.5 billion in business
activity to Iowa’s economy. Iowa’s
cattle business helps Iowa’s grain
GET ‘ER DONE.
A manufacturing division of Winfield Solutions, a Land O’Lakes Company
Jero
Je
r me
Borm
Bo
rman
annn
SVVP,
P
Sennior
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Lenndingg
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Offifcer
Of
April 22, 2015 • Section B
May is
BEEF
MONTH
THE FARM & COMMUNITY
641-456-2500
FARM
Strong Results.
From birth to retirement we have the
strong foundations, strong relationships,
and strong results that the farming
community expects. We’ll analyze your
agribusiness needs and tailor the options
to fit your farming operation. Give us a call,
we’ll be happy to meet with you either in
the bank or on your farm!
First Citizens National Bank
119 North Akir St • Latimer
641-579-6240 • Member FDIC
www.firstcitizensnb.com
2015 Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association board members
2015 board members of the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association include front row, left to right: Mark
DeVries (2015 president), Matt Abbas, Mark Muhlenbruch, Randy Westhoff and Amanda Peterson. Back
row: Doug Symens (outgoing president), Richard Showalter, Phillip DeVries and Vic Wolfe. Not pictured: Is
Noelck. SUBMITTED PHOTO
IOWA BEEF STATISTICS
• Total cattle inventory,
3.7 million.
• State rank all cattle and calves,
seventh.
• USDA cattle on feed in Iowa,
1.23 million.
• State rank cattle and calves
on feed, fourth.
• Yearly fed cattle marketings,
1.8 million.
• Percentage of U.S. grain fed beef
produced here, 7.6 percent.
• Number of feedlots, 5,368.
• Number of cattle operations,
26,827.
• Number of farms with
beef cows, 19,677.
• Number of beef cows, 885,000.
• State rank number of
beef cows, 10th.
• Number of farms with
dairy cows, 1,810.
• Number of dairy cows, 205,000.
• State rank number of
dairy cows, 12th.
• Cash receipts from cattle
and calves, $3.8 billion.
• Iowa jobs directly related to
cattle industry, 5,815.
• Iowa jobs indirectly related to
the cattle industry, 7,650.
• Corn used in beef production,
148 million bushels.
2015 Franklin County Cattlemen’s Beef Royalty
Kennedy Wohlford, left, was named the 2015 Franklin County
Beef Queen by the Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association,
while Sage Ites, right, was named Beef Princess. Wohlford is
the daughter of Terry and Kris Wohlford and Ites is the daughter
of Scott and Danae Ites. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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641-456-5596 • 1120 South Federal • Hampton, IA 50441
In Tower Center West Parking Lot
April 22, 2015 • Section B
2015 SPRING
FARM
FRANKLIN COUNTY
FOOD PANTRY hopes
to offer tax credit to
local farmers
7
GET THE WORD OUT
ABOUT ELECTRICAL
SAFETY
By Molly Angstman
T
he Franklin County
Food Pantry is the latest organization planning to offer a tax incentive to farmers in hopes of
receiving more donations.
This incentive was made possible by the Farm to Food Donation Tax Credit Program, a
piece of legislation passed during the 2013 Iowa General Assembly. The program establishes
a tax credit for farmers who donate self-produced food-to-food
banks in an amount equaling the
lesser of $5,000 or 15 percent of
the value of the food.
The tax credit is a credit
against taxes due, and was available beginning in tax year 2014.
Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank in
Mason City began offering the
tax incentive last October.
Franklin County Food Pantry Director Betty Springer says
more donations from local farmers would help keep the pantry
stocked and provide fresher,
A majority of food at the Franklin County Food Pantry is processed
and comes from faraway. Director Betty Springer hopes a new tax
credit could entice local farmers to donate more produce, meat and
dairy items. FILE PHOTO
Betty Springer
healthier food.
“We would love to have access to fresh meat, eggs, fresh
produce and fruit on a regular
basis,” she said. “We do receive
some eggs, produce and fruit, but
not for long seasons or in great
quantity. An ideal relationship
with farmers would be to receive
those donations on a regular basis.”
Ozzie Ohl, a volunteer with
Mason City’s Hawkeye Food
Bank, says his organization has
received Farm to Food tax do-
Betty Springer stocks a shelf at the Franklin County Food Pantry.
Springer would like the food pantry to offer more fresh and locallyproduced items. FILE PHOTO
AG RESOURCES UNLIMITED
SOME THINGS IN FARMING
ARE BEYOND YOUR CONTROL.
CHOOSING A SEED ADVISOR
ISN’T ONE OF THEM.
nations so far from farmers in
Mason City, Plymouth, Marble
Rock, Ventura, Rockwell and
Rudd. Donations included everything from pigs, apples, sweet
corn, squash and eggs.
Ohl says donations are actually the only way Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank can provide meat
to those in need. He says they try
to make it as easy as possible for
a farmer interested in donating.
“If a farmer is willing to donate pigs or cattle we make all
arrangements with an approved
locker and we will pay for the
processing too,” said Ohl. “The
entire animal is processed into
one pound packages of ground
pork or ground beef. We also go
and pick up the processed meat.”
Springer hopes to see a regular
connection formed with nearby
dairy farmers and produce growers.
“Dairy products are a real
necessity for health, but a real
expense,” she said, adding that
fresh fruits and vegetables are
also a luxury to anyone living
with food insecurity. “Our people
are especially appreciative of
those.”
Ohl and Springer hope the tax
credit will encourage a spike in
donations to all participating
emergency food organizations in
the area. According to the Food
Bank of Iowa, around 1,200 people in Franklin County are unable
to meet their basic food needs due
to insufficient money or other resources. That number includes
around 520 children and 9 percent of households with seniors,
which both Ohl and Springer felt
was unacceptable.
“A connection with farmers
would have to improve this situation,” said Springer.
M
Editor’s note: Any emergency
food organization wishing to issue credit paperwork to farmers
must be registered with the Iowa
Department of Revenue (IDR)
in order to issue receipts for the
tax credit. Franklin County Food
bank is currently in the middle of
this application process.
Farmers or food pantries interested in the tax credit should
visit the IDR’s information page
about farm donations (http://tax.
iowa.gov/farm-food-donationtax-credit). Q
ORT’S
Inc.
866-6866
is her
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• Look up, look down and look out!
• Be careful of overhead and buried power lines
and residential electrical equipment.
• Farmers - Be conscious of what’s overhead power lines to be specific.
Make certain your equipment can pass safely
underneath, including any new machinery you have
purchased.
Iowa’s electric cooperatives want you
to have a safe and productive spring!
Your local co-op puts safety first!
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FROM YOUR WELL TO YOUR FAUCET
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Michael
Jay
Your local seed advisors are:
1181 Highway 65
Hampton, IA 50441
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Michael Behn
Jay Behn
641-425-0025
319-651-6286
641-430-1078
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641.423.9531
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2015 SPRING
8
FARM
April 22, 2015 • Section B
IOWA SOYBEAN ACRES
projected to hit eight-year high
Looking to Hire: Agronomy Sales Associate
Duties and Responsibilities:
◊ Responsible for all aspects of manure sales as
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by Farm Nutrients
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◊ Positon requires extensive local travel
Required:
◊ Agronomy degree or 2-4 years experience in
agronomy focusing on: soil tlth and types, NP&K
requirements by crop and soil type, grid sampling,
manure or other organic fertlizer
◊ 3 years experience in agriculture sales
This position is located in Corwith, IA.
For a complete listing of available positons visit us at www.rembrandtfods.com
Submit your resume to: [email protected] or Mail your resume to
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The Leader in
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I
owa soybean acres are expected to exceed 10 million for the first time since
2006, contributing to record plantings nationwide, according to a recent USDA report.
Soybean acres statewide are
projected at 10.1 million acres,
up 2 percent from last year according to the report. Nationally,
a record high 84.6 million acres
are expected to be seeded, up 1
percent from last year.
Iowa Soybean Association
(ISA) leaders returned from a
10-day trade mission to China
recently, the world’s largest
consumer of soybeans. The ISA
delegation learned that China’s
economy is projected to grow by
about 7 percent.
“That should bode well for
soybean demand over the next
few years and possibly longer,
but growth may be more moderate,” said Grant Kimberley, ISA
market development director.
“Potentially, this will help utilize
production from extra acres.”
ISA leaders heard mixed messages about soybean demand
from Chinese buyers. Feed utilization for pork has and could flatten while aquaculture and poultry
are expected to grow. The net result should be a slight increase in
soybean demand.
The USDA report said planting
intentions are up or unchanged in
21 of 31 major soybean producing states. Iowa farmers are expected to plant the most soybeans
nationwide. Illinois is second,
projected at 9.9 million acres.
Analysts say farmers are returning to more of a traditional 50/50
soybean-corn rotation due to
tight margins.
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Iowa farmers are
expected to plant
the most soybeans
nationwide. Illinois
is second, projected
at 9.9 million acres.
Kimberley said yields at the
end of the year are more important than acres. Production and
supply dictate prices.
“Keep in mind, the U.S. blew
past the old record yield last year
so it would be highly unlikely
to achieve anything better than
trend-line yield following a record like last year,” Kimberley
said.
Even with projected higher
acres, total soybean production
could still be lower than last year.
Ideal August growing conditions
are unlikely to be repeated, Kimberley said.
“A long growing season is
ahead and a lot can happen with
the weather,” he said.
Data shows U.S. farmers set
record highs in production, yield
and harvested soybean acres last
year — 3.97 billion bushels, 47.8
bushels per acre and 83.1 million
acres, respectively. Soybeans
stored in all positions as of March
1 totaled 1.33 billion bushels, up
34 percent from a year ago, according to today’s USDA Grain
Stocks Report.
May soybeans on the Chicago
Board of Trade fluctuated between $9.60 and $10 per bushel
throughout most of March.
“History has shown that the
Chinese respond with stronger
purchases when there are lower
price opportunities,” ISA CEO
Kirk Leeds said. “Our challenge
this time is that we are also facing strong supply numbers with a
strong dollar, which gives Brazil
an additional market advantage
over the U.S.”
ISA President Tom Oswald
said that makes developing relationships with global buyers fostered through soybean checkofffunded trade missions and market development efforts of high
importance.
“Now more than ever, we have
to invest checkoff dollars to find
additional markets for U.S. soybeans in places like Thailand, Indonesia and eventually India,” he
said. Q
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