Farm News:
 Love of Working With Cattle Still Strong for Maxwell
If you love being around and working with cattle you may as well make it your life's work; that's the story for Dallas Maxwell, Armstrong Research Farm of Lewis, Iowa Feedlot Manager. Maxwell, an Iowa State University graduate who grew up on a farm near Nodaway, Iowa is the son of Gerald and Reba Maxwell of Villisca. Dallas also has two brothers; Doug, who still farms with his dad and Dennis, who recently retired from the McNay Research Farm near Lucas, Iowa. Dallas' wife, Gail, is a teacher in the Griswold school system while their son, Ryan is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in Ag Systems Technology. The Maxwells spent 20 years in Minatare, Nebraska, where Dallas worked on a 20,000 head feedlot operation, work that entailed getting up at 4am and working many days until 7pm. So when the Iowa State University position opened up at the research farm in 1998, Dallas was ready to get back "home." Amongst the many research programs Dallas has been working on over the years has been hoop building research, testing the structures for optimum cattle efficiency and animal growth. Other opportunities/challenges include adhering to EPA regulations and various applications of proper manure management. If you'd like to learn from Dallas Maxwell's research at the Armstrong Research Farm, give him a call at 712-769-2600.
 No Place Like Home for Dave Dreyer of Dreyer Ag
There's at least one person in KMAland who wouldn't trade the relative calm and tranquility of Southwest Iowa for the sunshine and warmth of Phoenix, Arizona. Dave Dreyer has "been there done that", and is glad to be "home" once again. Dreyer, a 1971 Farragut graduate, grew up on the farm in Fremont County where he was raised by Bill and Shirley Dreyer. Dave has three brothers, Bob, Scott and Tim. After a seven-year stint as Deputy Sheriff in Fremont County Bill moved to Phoenix where he served on the city's police force for 15 years. As the population exploded from 400,000 to over 1 million during Dave's time of duty, so did the crime rate. Ready to leave the challenging and dangerous big-city streets, Dave hit the road a year ago and finds himself back home, the proud owner of Dreyer Ag, located just south of Shenandoah. Dave and his dad specialize in excavating, dozing and tiling. Dave says he enjoys working to save people money while at the same time ridding land-owners of wet spots, enabling them to get the most from the ground they farm. Compared to doing police work in Phoenix, Dave says "running a bulldozer and tiling machine is therapeutic to me." Yes indeed, Dave Dreyer is glad to be back home in KMAland! For more information on Dreyer Ag, call 712-242-6436.
(If you have an idea for an ag-related feature in KMAland, let Dean Adkins know at dadkins@kmaland.com)
 "No-Till Phil" Understands the Importance of Terraces and No-Till
"No-Till Phil", otherwise known as Phil Gibson of rural Coin, Iowa has made himself known in the area as one who understands the importance of no-till farming, as he has been applying those principals to his farming operation since 1978. Phil and his wife, Mary Anne, high school sweethearts from South Page, recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Their daughter, Sarah, her husband, Jay and three granddaughters reside in Pella, Iowa. Mary Anne is also known in the area through her work as Director of the Waubonsie Mental Health Center. Graduates of Iowa State University, both Phil and Mary Anne adhere to Page County District Conservationist Kevin McCall's credo of "TNT", meaning the dual -applied conservation practice of terraces and no-till. Phil, who is also Page County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner, underscores the fact that no-till is cost effective; the economics have improved to the point where more and farmers are giving no-till a try. Some producers who Phil thought may never would have considered no-till are now on board. The balancing of chemical costs between no-till and conventional till also have weighed into the equation, along with the fact that terrace technology has improved to the point where the best terrace system for a farmer's ground can be implemented, minimizing soil loss while at the same time maximizing yield potential. Phil and Mary Anne enjoy working together as a team in the farming operation just as they have been as a couple since they were teenagers and they embrace the future, knowing they're taking good care of the soil for the generations to come.
 Colflesh Looking For Good Balance on NW Missouri Farm
Dave Colflesh of Tarkio, Missouri knew if he was going to buy a farm there was going to be more to it than just harvesting grain from the fertile soil of Nodaway County, Missouri where his farm lays. There was going to be a balance between row-crop and wildlife habitat. Colflesh, who is a financial advisor for New York Life in Tarkio, has been married to Judy for 34 years. The couple has two children, Caleb and Joshua. Dave and his sons enjoy hunting and the great outdoors, so 10 acres of good creek-side bottom ground is being seeded to warm season grasses which eventually will attract game birds like pheasant and quail. Dave reminds us there is incentive money available to folks who are considering establishing conservation buffer zones like his; in some cases the better the potential crop ground, the more dollars available. Dave and Judy's farm also consists of 6 acres of "reclamation" land, which will be planted in corn and soybeans but will be left as food and habitat for wildlife. Dave encourages those interested in developing wildlife habitat to communicate with their area district conservationist and DNR representative to learn more about the potential creation of "good balance" on their farm. (pictured from left to right: Jolynn Whittington, Judy Colflesh, Dave Colflesh, Rhonda Herrick.)
 Taxes Definitely Not "Taxing" for Roger Livengood
Roger Livengood of Livengood & Associates of Rock Port, Missouri is one of those individuals who probably could have bolted from Northwest Missouri a long time ago to pursue his career goals of accounting and tax management. But the Westboro native and Burlington Junction graduate also decided many years ago he wanted to stay close to his roots and be a part of the lives of the people he knows and loves. Speaking of those people, Roger's "significant other", Jackie, works for the USDA in Mound City, Missouri, while his son, Dana, works in Clarinda for NSK and his other son, Curt, works with Roger at the firm in Rock Port. Dana is married to Julie and Curt is married to Carrie. Roger has two grandchildren and one on the way in May. One person amongst many integral with Roger's success was his uncle Dale Livengood, who taught Roger the accounting/tax business early in Roger's career. Roger has been in business for 40 years and has been building his customer base in Rock Port for the last twenty-five. Roger is proud of his staff members; his son, Curtis, Jennifer Lahue, Terrie Gray, Timbre Hall and Shelly Driscoll. Roger reminds everyone his is a full-service accounting/tax preparation business, taking care of folks all year-round. He especially enjoys working with the farmers of the area. Upcoming tax deadlines include Commercial March 15th and April 15th for "the rest of us"! If you'd like to visit with Roger, give him a call at 660-744-6234 in Rock Port, Missouri.
 It's Precision Ag for Larry Schniepp of Farragut Ag UFMC
Nothing against western Kansas, but when Larry Schniepp, who grew up in the Dodge City area of Kansas saw the rolling hills, trees, diverse landscape and soil system of southwest Iowa and Northwest Missouri, he knew this was where he wanted to put down roots. That was 30 years ago! Now Larry and his wife of 27 years, Belinda, reside in Shenandoah as Larry works as Assistant Manager at Farragut Ag Center in Farragut, Iowa. The couple have four children and five grandchildren. Over the years, Larry has worked in the agriculture industry in Rock Port, Missouri, Essex, Iowa and Shenandoah and has been with Farragut Ag for the last 12 years. Even though Larry wears many hats as assistant manager, one of his main passions is precision ag, or global position system satellite technology and how it connects with agriculture. In the area of precision agriculture, Larry teaches farmers the benefits of the Ag Leader Insight system, which is built right here in Iowa. He touches on the benefits of soil sampling, variable rate application, yield monitoring, planter shut-offs, sprayer shut-offs, auto-steering and the list goes on and on via precision agriculture technology. Larry's eyes light up as he shows farmers how this hi-tech equipment can save them time, stress and money while at the same time pinpointing specific areas within fields that can utilize the technology to produce optimum yields. If you'd like to talk with the guy who's glad he made the trek to KMAland from Kansas all those years ago, get a hold of Larry at 712-385-8176.
 It's Flickvich Simmentals for the Shiers of Siam, Iowa
Charles and Evelyn Shier live in a very picturesque area just west of Siam, Iowa where the deep red silhouettes of their Fleckvich Simmental cattle definitely contrast to the bright white snow of the countryside. The Shiers, originally from Missouri, moved to southwest Iowa in the early 80's and have enjoyed life on the farm ever since, cutting firewood, harvesting deer, growing crops and tending to the cattle. Charles and Evelyn have two children and six grandchildren that reside with their respective families in Texas. Along with raising corn and soybeans, Charles is also relieved that his hay in storage has held up well to take care of his herd in this long, harsh winter. Charles is also a proponent of ground cover, utilizing clover and orchard grass. He uses yearly soil tests to ensure accurate application of lime and P&K. Charles also drives a truck part-time to provide supplemental income for his family. If you'd like to learn more about "Sheltered S" Farm and Fleckvich Simmental cattle, call Charles at 712-542-5299.
 Renanders Busy Gathering Information and Teaching in KMAland
Clayton and Jan Renander of rural Red Oak, Iowa may catch themselves "coming and going" sometimes, but that's all right with them, they wouldn't have it any other way. Clayton (in photo) grew up in the Red Oak area and is the son of the late Carol and Ilah Jean Renander. Jan is originally from Virginia and after taking a job with the Red Oak Express newspaper years ago eventually met Clayton and the rest, as they say, is history. Well, not quite, because the Renanders are still very busy in the present working on various projects while following the lives of their children. Karl is a junior at Iowa State University where he is majoring in Agriculture Education while Kate is a freshman at Northwest Missouri State University, majoring in Elementary Education. Speaking of education, Jan recently finished up her Masters Degree and is currently teaching photography, writing and graphic arts via Iowa Western Community College. She's also active through KMA with her weekly, local human interest feature, "Jan's Corner", which you can check out at www.kmaland.com. Clayton is now a regional supervisor with the National Agriculture Statistics Service, where he oversees the various agriculture surveys that periodically are circulated to farmers and landowners in the area. He stresses the importance of filling out the surveys as accurately as possible to get good, accurate information to the state. Many decisions are based on these surveys, so producer cooperation is essential and greatly appreciated as well. It's o.k. to be super busy, as long as you enjoy what you do. It looks like that's no problem with Clayton and Jan Renander of rural Red Oak, Iowa.
FARM NEWS:
CHICAGO (AP) _ Agriculture futures advanced Wednesday on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Wheat for May delivery jumped 9 cents to $4.96 a bushel, while May corn climbed 7.25 cents to $3.74 a bushel and oats for May delivery rose 7 cents to $2.25 a bushel. May soybeans surged 14 cents to $9.59 a bushel.
Meanwhile, beef futures traded higher and pork futures were mixed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. April live cattle added 0.68 cent to 96.15 cents a pound; April feeder cattle gained 0.42 cent to $1.0627 a pound; April lean hogs slipped 0.15 cent to 71.6 cents a pound; and May pork bellies edged up 1.2 cents to 92.25 cents a pound.
The next regular meeting of the Page County Soil & Water Conservation District will be on Thursday, March 18th at 7:30 am at the District Office in Clarinda. For more information, please call 712-542-5484.
Red Oak Toastmaster and Montgomery County Ext. are sponsoring a program entitled "Speechcraft" -- Experienced Toastmasters present the fundamentals of public speaking in a relaxed atmosphere. Register with Montgomery Co. Ext. (712-623-2592), by Thurs. March 18th for 4 sessions: Wednesday, March 24 & 31 & April 7 & 14. Each session will be held at the Montgomery Co. Ext. Office from 7 till 9pm. Program and materials are $40.
The Adams County Hunter Ed Class will be on March 18th and 19th between 5:30 and 9 pm at the Corning Junior High and March 20th between 8 and 11 am at the Corning Gun Club. Must attend all classes and complete the workbook. Registration is required by calling 641-322-3111. There is no cost and adults are welcome.
Southwest Iowa Scattered Toms Chapter Hunting Heritage/Super Fund Membership Banquet will be held at the Gold Fair Bldg. in Red Oak on Sat. March 20 at 7pm. Door will open at 5:30pm. Contact David at 712-785-3726 for tickets.
Mills County Conservation Board is sponsoring a GPS & Geocaching program of how to operate a handheld GPS device to locate waypoints within Pony Creek Park on Saturday, Mar. 20 at 9am at the Park. To register or for more information call James at 712-527-9685.
Friend of Agriculture and Farm Family of the Year awards, and AFA Ag Scholarships will be highlights at the 27th annual Sheanandoah Chamber & Industry Assoc. Agribusiness Banquet at the Shenandoah Elk's Club on Tuesday, March 23 at 6:30pm.
Cass County Master Gardeners Meeting will be held at the Cass County Community Center on Tuesday, Mar. 23 at 7pm.
Cass County 4-H Volunteer Leader Training will be held at the Cass County Community Center on Thursday, Mar. 25 at 7pm.
Beef producers are invited to attend a meeting about the latest research in beef cattle estrus synchronization which will be discussed by Dave Patterson, State Ext. Beef Reproduction Specialist. The meeting will be held at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge headquarters building south of Mound City, Mo. on Thurs. Mar. 25 at 7pm. Although the meeting is free registration is recommended by calling 660.744.6231 or visit www.schleichera@missouri.edu.
Tree Workshop will be held at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic on Thursday, March 25 at 5:30pm. This is a free workshop, bring pictures of your problem trees and shrubs, there will be time for questions. Contact Cass Co Ext. at 712-243-1132 for more information.
Montgomery County 4-H Council will host its annual Family Fun Night in the 4-H Exhibit Building at the fairgrounds in Red Oak on Friday, March 26 from 6 till 8pm.Activities are designed for youth from pre-school through 4th Grade. For more information call Montgomery County Ext. Office at 712-623-2592.
Spring Gardening Conference will be held at the Council Bluffs Senior Center on Saturday, March 27 starting at 8am with the first workshop beginning at 9:15 and continuing until 4pm. Gardeners from Iowa and Nebraska are invited to attend. Cost for 6 workshops, refreshments in the morning and lunch is $30. Pre-registration is recommended, forms may be downloaded at www.extension.iastate.edu/westpottawattamie/news/.
12th Annual Atlantic spring Garden Seminar sponsored by the Cass County Master Gardeners will be held at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs on Sat., March 27 from 8:30am till 3:30pm.
Page County 4-H Alumni and Honorary members will have their annual meeting on Sunday March 28 at 2pm at the Nodaway Valley Museum in Clarinda.
Master Garden Seminar on "Current Tree Issues & Tree Selection" will be held at Glenwood Resource Visitor's Center in the 2nd floor Conference Room on Monday, March 29 at 7pm.
Jesse A. & Irene W. McIntyre Scholarship fund has been established for graduating 4-H Youth (boy & girl) who reside in Fremont Co - applications are available from the Fremont County Extension website or by calling 712-374-2351. Application deadline is March 31.
Fremont County 4-H Endowment Grant Applications are available on the Fremont County Extension 4-H Page website www.extension.iastate.edu/fremont/ & need to be turned in to the Fremont County Ext. Office in Sidney by the close of business on March 31.
Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association Ag Committee is collecting donations for a Shenandoah sponsored Livestock sign that displays champion and reserve champions at the Page County Fair. For more information, please call the chamber at 712-246-3455.
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts wants to remind all landowners that they can sign up for state cost share funds at any time of the year.
Dollars are available to assist with care of your well. The DNR provides these funds to assist with well testing, closure, & reconstruction. Water test kits and applications are available at your County Public Health Offices.
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