Farm News:
 "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.
 Military, Teaching and Agriculture Service for Rod Wahle of Carson, Iowa
Rod Wahle has accomplished much in an outstanding career that has seen him serving his country, young people and all of us through his work in agriculture. Rod and Karen Wahle have been married 44 years and reside just north of where Rod grew up, about 5 miles west of Carson, Iowa. The son of the late Elmer and Ruth Wahle, Rod attended Simpson College and in the Army spent a year serving our country in Vietnam as a radio/teletype operator. Karen grew up in the Malvern area and is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Leona Henderson. Karen is proud of the fact her dad was one of the first 4H members in Mills County. The Wahles have two children, James and Jennifer and one grandson, Ryley. James and his family live on the old "homeplace" south of Rod and Karen's while Jennifer resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with her husband and son. Upon returning from military service, Rod began a teaching career that has transcended through five decades of dedication to young people in the Council Bluffs, Carson, Macedonia and Oakland areas. Rod's main emphasis over the years has been in mathmatics. Just "retiring' last year, Rod now spends more time on the farm working with James in a no-till corn-soybean-alfalfa rotation. They also enjoy raising cattle in a manner that provides hormone-free meat to enthusiastic customers. Rod and Karen are proud of their farming heritage and look forward to working the next chapter in their lives in a way that would make Elmer, Ruth, Kenneth and Leona very proud.
 It's Sidney to Sidney for Andrea Rexroth
Andrea Rexroth figured it was fate when a job opening came up in Sidney, Iowa for the Fremont County Extension Program Coordinator. That's because Andrea grew up in Sidney, Nebraska! Rexroth, whose father, Keith, is a dry land wheat farmer out in the panhandle of the Cornhusker state, took the job last October and has been busy meeting people and enhancing lives in the county ever since. Andrea's mother, Nancy, is a consumer science teacher. She also has two older sisters, Valerie and Trisha. Andrea graduated from UNL-Kearney with a Bachelors of Science degree and an emphasis in marketing. She and her family have always had a passion for and have been deeply involved in 4H and she knew if a career opportunity came up in this area she'd be open to it. So when a friend told her of the opportunity in Iowa, she jumped at the chance. With all the changes that have taken place within Iowa State Extension over the past year, Andrea finds herself in a situation where she's employed by the Fremont County Extension Council while at the same time maintains a working relationship with ISU Extension via Regional Director, Alan Ladd. Not one to back away from a challenge, Andrea is embracing her new career and looks forward to working with the youth and people of Fremont County. She says the extension council has really welcomed her and the many volunteers who give of their time so readily in the county have been great as well. For more information on the many progams and events upcoming via Fremont County Extension, give Andrea a call at 712-374-2351. Oh, and by the way, Andrea is planning on visiting Sydney, Australia...someday!
 Hurst Family Knows How to Diversify in Show-Me State
One of the main themes of these articles is people in KMAland who don't rest on their laurels; they're energetic, proactive folks who get after it and make things happen every day of their lives. That's definitely the story with the Hursts of Atchison County, Missouri. Blake and Julie Hurst are not only involved in a vast family farm operation but are also busy with a very successful wholesale greenhouse business; Hurst Greenery of rural Westboro, Missouri. The Hursts have three children and four grandchildren. Their son, Ben, is a first-year Virginia law student and commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Another daughter, Ann, is Strategic Development Director for Community Hospital of Fairfax, Missouri. Their oldest daughter, Lee, along with her husband, Ryan, help Blake and Julie raise and sell bedding plants in an operation which encompasses four acres, two of which are under roof. It wasn't always this way of course. Blake and Julie started their business from scratch in 1978 after returning from college, selling a few houseplants to the local HyVee Food Store. From there Hurst Greenery has indeed blossomed into a provider of thousands of plants to well-known companies like Earl May. If you were fortunate enough to take in a Saint Louis Cardinal baseball game last year the flowers you saw adorning Bush Stadium originated from Hurst Greenery. Beyond the greenery business, Blake is also vice-president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. He also enjoys a good debate, and will be involved in an "Oxford Debate" in New York City this spring with the focus on organic agriculture. How does this busy farmer/entrepreneur make all this happen? Blake says it's as a result of a hugely supportive family, the nucleus being his mom and dad, Charlie and Millie Hurst and his brothers, Kevin and Brooks along with their wives and children. And of course, Julie, whose love for house plants over 30 years-ago has grown into a thriving family business that continues to grow and prosper. As we look forward to spring and spring plantings here in KMAland, we're glad the Hursts went after their dream all those years ago.
FARM NEWS:
CHICAGO (AP) _ Agriculture futures mostly fell Wednesday on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Wheat for May delivery shed 2.5 cents to $4.87 a bushel; May corn dropped 2 cents to $3.67 a bushel; May soybeans added 1.5 cents to $9.49 a bushel; while May oats fell 6 cents to $2.19 a bushel.
Meanwhile, livestock futures were also mostly lower on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
April live cattle shed 0.20 cent to 94.20 cents a pound; April feeder cattle fell 1.02 cents to $105 cents a pound; April lean hogs added 0.22 cent to 72.62 cents a pound; while May pork bellies dropped 0.20 cent to 92.60 cents a pound.
Northwest Missouri State University Collegiate Farm Bureau is hosting its annual Agriculture Forum on March 11th with a free supper at 5:30 and presenters starting at 6:30pm. at the Maryville Senior Center, 1210 East 1st Street Maryville, MO. This is open to all NW Missouri residents.
Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification will be held at Armstrong Research Farm in Lewis on Tues. Mar. 16th at 9:30am.
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.
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.
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.
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.
© Associated Press and KMA Radio. For individual information purposes only.
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