NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 29

Address S

ervice R

equested15 S

. 5th St.,

Albion, IL 62806

Volume 13 • Issue 4 • December 2015

By Jane JonesAlbion Grade School Assistant

Principal Shane Carter and Edwards County Farm Bureau Ag in the Class-room Coordinator Jane Jones are pleased to announce 2nd grade teach-er Valerie Murbarger was a finalist from Illinois Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year nominations. Each year teachers across Illinois are nominated for leading instruction of agriculture knowledge, attitudes, and skills to their students and community. Teachers demonstrating teaching excel-lence in gaining students understanding of agriculture are chosen as the Illinois Ag in the Classroom first place, second place, and finalist position. Mrs. Mur-barger received a finalist position for her efforts. “We are pleased to grant this award to Mrs. Valerie Murbarger” said

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator, Jane Jones, Valerie Murbarger, AGS 2nd Grade Teacher of the Year Finalist recipient, and AGS Assistant Prin-cipal, Shane Carter. (right)

Albion Grade School teacher receives finalist award through AITC

2016 Wabash Valley Board of Directors: L to R, John Haase (Mt Car-mel), Bill Raben (retiring, Ridgway), Rodney Byars (Geff), Jim Stevens (retiring, Allendale), David Hoskins (Carmi), Andy Shick (Lawrencev-

ille), Bruce Elliott (Montrose), Rhonda Musgrave (Oblong), John Ben-ton (Olney), John Snider (Olney), John Scates (Ridgway), Tom Mitchell (Enfield), Matt Schrader (Mt Carmel), Earl Ibbotson (Albion)

Ag in the Classroom Coordinator Jane Jones. “Mrs. Murbarger uses every op-portunity to teach agricultural concepts in her classroom. She does a good job of integrating ag in her lessons.” “This is Edwards County Farm Bu-reau’s first award winner. A big thank you goes out to all the teachers that integrate Ag in the Classroom into their curriculum in Edwards Coun-ty,” stated Rebecca Perry, manager of the Edwards County Farm Bureau. Ag in the Classroom has been in Ed-wards County for almost 20 years. In this time it has provided hundreds of presentations to students, teachers, and the general public about agriculture and how it impacts everyone’s daily life. The Edwards County Ag in the Class-room Program is part of the Edwards County Farm Bureau.

Lawrence and Wabash National Farm Machinery Show Louisville, KY Bus TripFarm Bureau Members $25 Non-members $35Call to reserve your spot today!

Lawrence County: 618-943-2610Wabash: 618-262-5865

February 10th6:00 a.m. Departurefrom Mt. Carmel.

Page 2 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

Wabash Valley

AgNews

EDITORS

Shawna ZeilstraManager

Richland County Farm Bureau 393-4116

Rebecca PerryFBCM

Edwards County Farm Bureau445-2113

Gallatin County Farm Bureau272-3531

Victoria GoadManager

Lawrence County Farm Bureau943-2610

Carol Jo BeadlesManager

Wabash County Farm Bureau262-5865

Doug AndersonFBCM

Wayne County Farm Bureau842-3342

Tom Stahl Wabash Valley Editor

Wabash Valley Service Company618-518-7279

One dollar of the individual mem-bership fee in the County Farm Bureau is for the subscription to this publication.

Wabash Valley Ag News Advertising Rates:

$7/column inch members$8/column inch non-members

Buy 5 months, get 6th month free

Advertising deadline is the 20th of each month prior to publication date. To place an ad or for more information, contact your local Farm Bureau manag-er at the offices listed above, or email stevesads@nwcable.net

Disclaimer: With the exception of affiliates and member benefit pro-viders, County Farm Bureaus do not endorse the products and services of paid advertisers in this publication.

Ag Quote of the Month Words to live by

By Todd NeibelGeneral Manager

Wabash Valley Service Company

Fall season comes to an end at Wabash Valley Service Company

Resident rooster adds flare to the farm

EPA Under Water with Waters of the U.S. Rule

Even with the acres to spread his wings, our family farm’s rooster usual-ly stays within 100 yards of the farm-house. He takes shelter in the thick evergreen wind break and spends day-time hours near the garden. He dines on grain and, before the frost, the extra tomatoes from Mom’s wildly abundant straw bale garden. Fallen fruit under the apple tree proves a treat.

The handsome barred rock proud-ly crows on occasion. He struts to the front of the farmhouse to greet the kids when they get off the bus there. And by night, he settles on the front porch, where he perches atop an old wrought iron chair at the front window.

Now, let’s rewind and chill this heart-warming story. This happy roost-er once lived five miles away in our hen house and chicken yard, seemingly disgruntled. Soon after his glory days at the county 4-H show, the blue-rib-bon cockerel began to beak-dive at my

rubber boots. He took a flapping assault at my husband. And the feathered foe frequently chased the kids (or so they thought) from the hen house. Soon enough, our son wouldn’t gather the eggs and our daughter only would with a fly swatter.

I dreaded the sole responsibility of daily egg and feed chores. With this rooster’s 4-H days over, we pondered plans for the problem bird. We wanted eggs. No chicks. So, while he looked

majestic, the rooster served no import-ant role with the flock of our daughter’s eight 4-H hens. I also held no interest in the prep and drama of butchering a sin-gle chicken. I realize Grandma used to butcher one chicken before church for fresh, fried chicken at Sunday dinner. I love home-made and home-grown; just check my freezer and pantry. But I’d rather scrub the shower thrice-over, even if it ranks my least favorite house-hold chore.

Therefore, I acted when my parents mentioned that the rooster might add some flare to the farmyard. I loaded him into our chicken carrier and hauled him to our family’s main farmstead. He turned friendly and fun. He doesn’t chase or peck at anything other than food. Visitors notice him, enjoy him and share rooster stories of their own.

I’ve heard about my uncle’s beloved rooster “Kingfish” during childhood. Our farm’s plumber told the tale of the

old rooster that chased his whole fam-ily to the car. The routine pest control man has complimented our rooster’s showy black and white plumage and friendly demeanor. Our guys here at the farm found it interesting that the rooster strutted into the shop and perched near-by during equipment maintenance.

On a rare rainy night during this fall’s warm, dry harvest, we dined as a fam-ily at the farmhouse table. The rooster watched us from the window before tucking his head for the night. He “at-tended” my dad’s birthday supper. And we expect him to join us again at the window for supper on Christmas Eve.

May special moments also fill your holiday celebrations and heart-warming stories consume your table talk this sea-son. Merry Christmas.

About the author: Joanie Stiers, a wife and mother of two young kids, writes from home and works on her family’s farm in West-Central Illinois.

The biggest communication problem is that we do not listen to understand.

We listen to reply.

“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”

- Albert Einstein

It has been a long fight during the past 18 months, but the dam’s about ready to burst on a regulation that will greatly impact farmers.

Both chambers of Congress are now on record against the EPA’s onerous new “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS rule, which dramatically expands the reach of the federal Clean Water Act regulation across our rural landscape.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate took a rare but necessary action to disapprove of a federal regulation. With encouragement from Farm Bureau members and sup-port from U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, the Senate decided that the WOTUS rule “shall have no force or effect.”

“Writing a rule from behind a desk at the EPA in Washington that makes farmers in Illinois question their right to use their own private property is the very defini-tion of regulatory overreach, and I have consistently opposed this rule,” Sen. Kirk said.

Thank you Sen. Kirk.

And with a strong bipartisan majority, the U.S. House last May passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, which also requires withdrawal of the WOTUS rule. Again, thanks to Representative Shimkus for supporting the legislation.

In addition to creating liability on our land, the regulation creates nothing but un-certainty for farmers unsure of where federal control begins and ends on their land.

And that sets up farmers to be targets of agency enforcement actions and citizen lawsuits. We’ve seen this play out before. If this rule cannot be stopped, we are absolutely certain that court decisions will ultimately force us to obtain permits for routine farming practices like applying fertilizer or pesticides.

Fortunately, last month, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a nationwide stay on the regulation. The court concluded that certain aspects of the rule, in-

see WATERS, page 3

The fall season is quickly coming to an end for the company. Overall, we are very pleased with all the activity that transpired during this time frame. All areas of the company equaled or exceeded our budget expectations, ex-cept for the LP department. We have had back to back outstanding LP years

in the fall, due to grain drying. How-ever, grain drying this year was very poor because of how dry the corn was coming out of the field. Despite the decrease in grain drying, our financials for October will be well ahead of bud-get.The Board of Directors voted at our

July meeting to pay patronage for the year we just completed and they have authorized the paying of 2.5 million dollars, with 60% of the amount in cash for the supply side of our busi-ness and 50% cash in the grain side of

the business. This will be the first year that Wabash Valley has been eligible to pay patronage on the grain with our investment in TGM and we are very pleased to be able to do this. These checks were mailed out the last of No-vember. Wabash Valley Service Compa-

ny is in the midst of two major con-struction projects. The first being the building of two fertilizer domes at our

see SEASON END , page 4

December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 3

Wabash Valley Service Company held its 86th Annual Meeting November 23, 2015, at the Browns Plant. Board President Bruce Elliott called the meeting to order and asked Earl Ibbotson to give the invocation. Bill Raben led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the meeting be-gan. President Elliott noted that the company had a very good year thanks to the dedication of all its employees and board members, and commended them all on their service.Secretary Rhonda Musgrave certified that annual meeting

notices had been duly mailed and she declared that a quo-rum was present.Nominating Committee Chairwomen, Rebecca Perry (Ed-

wards County FB Manager), asked Bill Raben to give the

committee’s report. He reported that the committee, con-sisting of himself, Jim Stevens, and Bruce Elliott; with help from the Farm Bureau Managers submitted the following for nomination for a two year term on the board: John Snid-er (Richland), Bruce Elliott (Jasper), Earl Ibbotson (Ed-wards), Tom Mitchell (Hamilton), John Scates (Gallatin), and Matt Schrader (Lawrence).All were elected on a unanimous ballot cast by Secre-

tary, Rhonda Musgrave. Scates and Schrader are new and replace Bill Raben and Jim Stevens who retired from the board.The meeting adjourned and the board conducted their reg-

ular, November board meeting.

Wabash Valley Service Company holds Annual Meeting

cluding a new, broad definition of “tributary,” are at odds with a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Clean Water Act. In addition, the Sixth Circuit wrote that the EPA’s rulemaking process was not only “suspect” but built on shaky scientific evidence. Not exactly a ringing endorse-ment.The House has acted. The Senate has acted. And now the

courts are calling this regulation into question.

That’s why Farm Bureau will continue to work hard with our congressional allies over the next several weeks to pass legislation to either block or — at the very least — defund implementation of WOTUS through the end of this admin-istration. Our members believe strongly that it’s time to end this regulatory nightmare. It’s time drown EPA’s WOTUS rule.

Waters

Illinois Farm Bureau in partnership with ADT Security through its most tenured Dealer, PowerLink, LLC, offers a home security member benefit to county Farm Bureau mem-bers. ADT Security which offers 24 hour alarm monitoring services for protection against burglary, fire and high levels of carbon monoxide in the home along with other services is now available to county Farm Bureau members at a discount-ed rate.County Farm Bureau members can save $5 off monthly

monitoring and receive a free security system valued at $850. The benefit also includes free monitored smoke detector ser-vices and homeowners insurance savings. Please call 1-877-289-4070 to speak with an ADT representative for more information and eligibility.Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more informa-

tion.

continued from page 2

Page 4 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

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Browns Plant. This expansion will add an additional 3,000 tons of dry storage to our Browns facility and we are anticipating this project to be in complete operation by March 1, 2016. The second project is the construction of a 7,600 ton fertilizer building at our Cisne Plant. This will more than double our stor-

age in Wayne County and will be a state of the art complex. In addition to the storage gains, blending time will be cut drastically in order for us to move the product quicker and more efficiently than we can current-ly. We are anticipating this project to be in operation for the fall of 2016.

The board continues to look at the company in total and works at mak-ing sure it is well positioned for the future; these are a couple of exam-ples of how this is being done.As we approach the holiday season

over the next couple of months, Wa-bash Valley Service Company hopes everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. Hopefully you will be able to sit

back and relax during this time, en-joy it with family and friends, and truly reflect on the meaning of the Holidays.

Season End

This app provides suggestions on how and for how long to store foods. These storage time tips will help consumers use foods while at peak quality and reduce waste. Sug-gested times may vary depending on conditions, such as harvesting techniques, manufacturing process-es, and others. This app has the po-tential to be very helpful to consum-ers. Give it a try!

USDA “FoodKeeper”

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At the 97th annual meeting of the Edwards County Farm Bureau, Mr. Mark Clodfelter of rural West Sa-lem retired from the Board of Di-rectors after 21 years of service. Mark joined the board at the 1994 annual meeting, he com-pleted 7 terms on the board. “Mark brought a lot of history to the current board,” stated Jason Bald-ing, President of the Edwards Coun-ty Farm Bureau. “Being the longest serving member of the Board, there were times we looked to him for guidance based on past president.” Replacing Mark, and representing the Northeast Quadrant of Edwards

Mark Clodfelter (on left) and his wife Amy, accept a retiring gift of an International 1066 tractor from fellow board members Mike Dean and Tom Marks. Mark retired from the Edwards County Farm Bureau Board of Directors after 21 years of service.

County is Matt Lynch of rural West Salem. Matt is married the Cassie, and together they have three boys- Owen, Cooper, and Brier.

Mark Clodfelter retires from Edwards County Board

Do you recognize these Gallatin County Board members from 1971?continued from page 2

December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 5

Fairfield Travelogue Nov 5 Eastern Canada RV Adventure Jan 14 Superior, Land of the Woodland Drummer Feb 18 America’s Parklands #1 Mar 3 England’s West Country Apr 14 Southern Europe

All presentations will be held at the

First Baptist Church in Fairfield, 7:15 p.m. Season tickets are $30 - Buy yours at the Wayne CFB

Sponsored By:

Fairfield Rotary Club & Wayne County Farm Bureau Edwards County Farm Bureau (ECFB) Foundation held

the drawing for the Foundation’s gun raffle fundrais-er. The drawing took place during the Farm Bureau’s “Gathering of the Members”/Annual Meeting on No-vember 14th. Recipients of the ECFB Foundation gun raffle were Sam Smith and Linda Little, both of Albi-on. The raffle raised around $1,700 for the Foundation.

Thanks to your generous contributions through member-ship dues, memorials, and fundraisers, ECFB Foundation has distributed over 30 scholarships since 1989 to deserving Edwards County collegiate level students studying agricul-tural related subjects. They have given out over $50,000 in scholarship funds to worthy recipients thanks to your support.

Edwards County Farm Bureau Program Assistant Jane Jones with Sam Smith and his AR-15 Rifle. This was the first place gun in the ECFB Foundation Raffle. (right)

Edwards County Farm Bureau Program Assistant Jane Jones with Linda Little with her 870 Express Shotgun. This was the second place gun in the ECFB Foundation Raffle.

ECFB Foundation gun raffle winners announced

Crossville, IL 62827618-925-2126 or 618-838-4056

ISA Expands Popular Check-off-Funded Soybean Summit to Three Sites for 2016Illinois soybean farmers will have

opportunities statewide to sharp-en their production skills and im-prove their profitability in 2016.  The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), with funding from the Illi-nois soybean checkoff, will host its 2016 Soybean Summit at three regional locations for farmers to expand their knowledge.Events are free to Illinois farmers.

The 2016 Soybean Summit loca-tions include:Friday, Jan. 29, Effingham, Keller

Convention CenterThursday, Feb. 25, Peoria, Peoria

Civic CenterFriday, March 11, Rockford,

Giovanni‚ Convention CenterThe Soybean Summit theme of

Mission: Yield puts the focus on productivity, and includes in-depth sessions with tools to help increase yields.Today‚ soybean producers face

some of the most challenging times in agriculture, recent histo-ry, and profitability matters more than ever, says Daryl Cates, ISA

chairman and Columbia, Ill., soy-bean farmer. The Soybean Summit provides vital tools for farmers to lower production costs and expand strategies to achieve better yields.Funded in part by the Illinois soy-

bean checkoff, the one-day events encourage participants to examine and explore soybean management techniques that can lead to sustain-ably higher yields and greater prof-itability, such as:• Double-crop soybeans• The future of phosphorus man-

agement• Drone use in agriculture• Technologies to improve profit-

ability• Practical farm research on grow-

ing high-yield soybeans• Managing soybeans in an era of

high residueProducing high-yield soybeansAchieving higher yields is a ma-

jor focus of our checkoff-funded yield and production efforts. How-ever, we also want to help farmers maintain profitability. Soybeans are a lower cost crop to manage, which is key to Illinois growers, says John Longley, ISA Production Committee chairman and Aledo,

Ill., soybean farmer.Farmers may hear details on ad-

vanced insights and production techniques from industry leaders, share ideas with fellow farmers and gather information on the latest products and services from spon-sors and exhibitors. The Summit is held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register online at ilsoy.org/summit or call 888-826-4011. Seating for these one-day events is limited.The Illinois Soybean Association

(ISA) represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soy-bean production and profitability research, promotion, issues man-agement and analysis, communi-cations and education. Member-ship and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Wash-ington, D.C. ISA programs are de-signed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more in-formation, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.

Illinois Farmers Have Opportunity to Sharpen their Profitability Skills

Page 6 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

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P.O. Box 542Carmi, IL618-382-7239Fax: 618-382-8759

Over 298,000 acres appraised. Appraising farmland for tax, litigation, mortgage and marketing purposes.

The Wayne County Farm Bureau was pleased to present the Midwest Food Bank in Fairfield with a $2,500 grant, as part of the Farm Bureau’s Com-

munity Impact Grant program. The Midwest Food Bank applied for the grant to aid in the purchase of a refrig-erated box truck, which will be used

to distribute food throughout southern Illinois.“Support for our area’s food banks

has been a priority of the Wayne County Farm Bureau for many years,” commented Doug Anderson, Manager of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. “Through our Young Leader’s Harvest for All Program and our Communi-ty Impact Grant program, we have made great strides in helping families throughout our community.”For over 90 years, the Wayne Coun-

ty Farm Bureau has offered programs and services in Wayne County to in-form, strengthen, and develop the agricultural industry. To further their mission, the Farm Bureau is continual-ly looking for opportunities to support projects benefiting our communities. Through the Community Impact Grant program, the Wayne County Farm Bu-reau has awarded almost $10,000 in grants for various community projects over the last two years.The application period for 2016

Impact Grants will begin in Janu-ary.

Midwest Food Bank Fairfield recipient of FB grant

Around 15,000 pounds of food arrive at the Midwest Food Bank’s distribution facility in Fairfield from their Bloomington, IL food bank. This food will be immediately shipped out to over 30 food banks in Mt. Vernon, Harrisburg, Benton, Mt. Carmel and all areas in between. One deliver will travel as far south as Tamms, IL in Massac County.

The Midwest Food Bank Fairfield was awarded a $2,500 grant from the Wayne County Farm Bureau to help with the purchase of this refriger-ated food truck. The truck will be used to deliver food to local food banks throughout southern Illinois.

Volunteers at Midwest Food Bank Fairfield receive, inventory, and distribute over 15,000 pounds of food every month for food banks all around southern Illinois. Pictured left to right: Derrick Gaines, Dan Sager, Sarah Buchanan, Danny Isle, Sally Wood, Mark Odum, Jim Todd, and Edna Todd.

The Richland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is now taking orders for cookbooks! Cookbooks are $15.00 each and will be first avail-able at the Richland County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting on February 22nd, 2016. We will then have the cookbooks available for purchase at the Richland County Farm Bureau office. We do have gift certificates avail-able so that you may share this gift with a loved one for Christmas! Please call the Richland County Farm Bureau office at (618) 393-4116 or email richlandcountyfbmanager@gmail.com to order your cookbook today.

Orders are being taken for RCFB Women’s Committee Cookbooks

You are invited to travel with the Wayne County Farm Bureau to one of the largest farm machinery shows in the nation. Join us for a one-day chartered bus trip to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY on Thursday, February 11, 2016. You’ll see hands on demonstrations

of the latest in agricultural technology, attend free seminars, and see the new-est industry equipment and services. The cost is only $20 per person for

Wayne County Farm Bureau members, and $40 per person for non-members. Price includes dinner at the famous Log Inn Restaurant in Haubstadt, IN on the return trip home. Breakfast and lunch on the trip to Louisville is “dutch treat”.The bus will pick up attendees from

the northeast corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot in Fairfield at 6:15 a.m. Call the Wayne County Farm Bureau

at 618-842-3342 to make your reser-vation. Seating is limited, so call to-day!

Big discount for Wayne County Farm Bureau members!Ride with us to the Farm Machinery Show

December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 7

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Farmers and landowners looking to learn about changes coming to the 2016 Federal Crop Insurance Program in the Farm Bill will get a chance during several upcoming crop seminars. Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial will sponsor dozens of talks across the state throughout winter to better equip farmers and landowners with the knowledge they need to make sound financial decisions regarding their crop coverage. The White County Farm Bureau and local COUNTRY Fi-

nancial representatives, Rick Basinger, Rick Satterfield and Rick Barbre will host a seminar in Carmi on Wednesday, January 6, at 12:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau office in Carmi.That evening, the Wayne County Farm Bureau and

COUNTRY Financial Representatives Mark Dinsmore, Noel Vaughan, Alex Atwood, and Beth Sessions are hosting

the same seminar at the Bob Boyles Hall at Frontier Com-munity College in Fairfield at 6:00 p.m.“These events offer farmers a chance to better understand

how their lifework can be managed and protected,” COUN-TRY Financial Representative Rick Basinger said. “The more Illinois farmers are willing to stay informed, the better we can keep their farms and land secure for future years.”Participants will hear from COUNTRY Financial Crop

Agency Manager Doug Yoder, on Agriculture Risk Cover-age (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) performance and the forecast for next year.Admission is free, and a meal will be served at both events. To register, contact the White County Farm Bureau (618)

382-8512 or the Wayne County Farm Bureau at (618) 842-3342 by January 4.

Crop Insurance seminars scheduled for early January

Page 8 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015 December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 9

Manager’s form around the state of Illinois traveled to Washington D.C. the week of October 27th to learn about the capitol, many different agencies, and how legislative process-es work. Managers from the Wabash Valley Ag News area include Shawna Zeilstra (Richland County) and Carol Jo Beadles (Wabash County). Managers received an inside look on

what it takes to be on the Hill, and how many agencies make key decisions throughout the year on an array of top-ics. Agencies visited include: House Agriculture Committee Hearing on Big Data and Agriculture: Innovation and Implications, American Farm Bu-reau Federation, New Zealand Emba-cy and many others. Managers also had the opportunity to meet with Con-gressman John Shimkus’ staff and dis-cuss many different agricultural topics from right here in Illinois. Overall this trip was very informa-

tional, and gave managers insight on what really happens in Washington D.C. throughout the year and during an election cycle. Managers participated in a Segway tour of the many different memorials and sights throughout the city.

Farm Bureau managers from around the state of Illinois traveled to Washington D.C. in late October to meet with legislators and learn more about the legislative process. While there, the group visited the offices of American Farm Bureau Federation. Managers from around the state capture the moment from the AFBF rooftop with Capitol Hill in the background.

Carol Jo Beadles, Wabash County Farm Bureau manager, stopped to snap a picture in front of the historic White House during a Segway tour of the city. Carol Jo along with other Illinois Farm Bureau man-agers traveled to Washington D.C. in late October to experience the legislative branch.

Various Illinois Farm Bureau managers visited Washington D.C. recent-ly to observe and absorb more about the legislative branch of govern-ment. Prior to catching a flight back to Illinois, the managers took an adventure through D.C. on a Segway tour. Shawna Zeilstra, Richland County Farm Bureau Manager, presents the famous South Lawn of the White House where events like the Easter egg rolling contest to the landing of Marine One, the president’s helicopter, takes place.

Special thanks to the Illinois Farm Bureau for making this opportuni-

ty possible each year for managers around the state.

Farm Bureau Managers visit Washington DC

During November, Lawrence County third graders learned about the only corn that pops…. popcorn! Students learned about popcorn, including facts about how popcorn pops, how high popcorn can pop, and the amount of popcorn Americans eat a year. Students also spent time describing popcorn. Students shared ideas about what this amazing corn tastes, smells, feels and sounds like. Last, but not least, students tasted popcorn to see if their descriptions were correct.

During the month of November stu-dents learned about all the grains we grow in the USA. Kindergarten and 1st graders studied wheat together. They enjoyed acting out “The Little Red Hen” story and tasting different breads made from various grains. They thrashed wheat together and made some flour. 2nd graders studied rice. Students com-pared different varieties of rice grains and enjoyed tasting a rice ball. All the students studied the three main parts of grain – germ, endosperm, and bran. Fourth graders compared wheat and rice. 42 states in the US grow wheat. It is the basic ingredient in many of our favorite foods. More foods are made with wheat than any other grain. We enjoy bread, pasta, cereal, pretzels and other types of wheat products, thanks to the mighty grain - wheat. Rice is also important to us. More people around the world eat rice as the primary sta-ple of their diet than any other single food. Rice was introduced to the US in the late 1800’s when exploration to Trace Mayes, a 1st grade student at Albion Grade School prepares to

taste test different breads- rye, oat, and 15 grain as part AITC lesson.

Drew Lankford, a 1st grade student at Albion Grade School threshes wheat as part of his AITC lesson.

3rd graders from Mr. Holtz’s class at Northside Elementary School in Fairfield learn about the many different uses for corn.

Students in Mrs. Norton’s 4th Grade Class at Geff Grade School recent-ly completed Junior Achievement program. Doug Anderson, Manager of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, was the instructor of the program. Pictured kneeling are Teagan Tetrick, Emerson Robbins, Annie Tanner, Tori Gonzalez, and Breana Jaxel. Standing are Layne Tucker, Sam Wil-liams, Hunter Owen, Doug Anderson, Briar Best, and Braxton Robert-son. (right)

It’s all about GRAINS with Edwards County

Popcorn pops its way into Lawrence County Schools

The Richland County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee had their new member basket making party on Thursday, November 19th at the Richland County Farm Bureau Office. Elaine Ochs taught each of us how to make a berry basket. We had 14 women in attendance and enjoyed a great evening of fun and fellowship. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved or learning more about what the Farm Bureau has to offer, then please call the RCFB office at (618) 393-4116 or email richlandcountyfbmanager@gmail.com.

Pictured here: Front left to right: Nancy Hutchings, Linda Koch-er and Elaine Ochs; Back left to right: Jeanie Lemke, Jane Graves, Carol Diel and Sue Ritter (left)

Pictured left to right: Ashley Paddock, Debbie Jones, Dorothy Weid-ner, Julie Oesch and Pauline Burgener

Members of the Richland Co. FB Women’s committee have a blast while making their baskets at the new member basket making par-ty. (right)

Richland County FB Women’s Committee

It is fall so that means Gallatin Coun-ty Ag in the Classroom is all about pumpkins! 160 students in pre-K, first grade, and third grade at Gallatin Coun-ty School are scheduled to learn about pumpkins. They are always excited to learn that Illinois leads the nation in pumpkins and that we have the pump-kin capitol of the world in Illinois!

The Coordinator has been busy at meetings and workshops as well. Over 900 teachers were at the Mt. Vernon Teacher’s Conference this year where AITC had an exhibit booth set up. The Gallatin County and Franklin County Ag Lit Coordinators also 44 teachers in the Apple workshop they held at the Conference.

Gallatin County Ag Lit Coordinator Maridy Tso showing teachers some fun hands on Apple lessons at the Mt. Vernon Teachers Conference. Franklin, Hamilton, Gallatin and Saline Counties partnered to give the workshops this year.Gallatin Co. PreK students get to learn all about pumpkins

Gallatin County PreK students getting personal with pumpkins!

Gallatin Co. and Franklin Co. Ag Lit coordinators had 44 teachers pres-ent in the Apple workshop

our country started. It spread westward during the Gold Rush years. Today, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mis-souri, and Texas grow most of the US

rice crop. Whether it is wheat, rice, or one of many other grains grown in the US, we benefit, thanks to our farmers who grow grains for us.

Page 10 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

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This beautiful new hardbound book includes a laminated full color dust jacket. More than 200 pages and well over 100 images tell the story of our rich heritage in larger easy-to-read type. The book measures 8¼” x 11¾”. Proceeds benefit education programs of the IAA Foundation.

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All presentations will be held at the

First Baptist Church in Fairfield, 7:15 p.m. Season tickets are $30 - Buy yours at the Wayne CFB

Sponsored By:

Fairfield Rotary Club & Wayne County Farm Bureau

The Edwards County Ag in the Class-room program receives grant funding from the IAA Foundation each year. This year the Edwards County AITC program received over $8,600 in grant funds from IAA. The grant requires a dollar for dollar community match. The community matched these funds through cash donations, a dessert auc-tion, and a silent auction. A thank-you goes out to every business and individual who supported the program with their donation. 100 percent of the funds raised for Edwards County Ag in the Classroom stay right here in the county and benefits our community. Businesses supporting the program with a cash donation include: Wabash Valley Service Company-Grayville, McLean Implement, Bailey Enterpris-es, Precision Soya, Bill Book -Agri-Gold, DMI Automotive, Baker Seed, FMC Chemical, Posey County Coop, Knapp Oil, Andrews Oil Co., and The Apothecary Shoppe of West Salem. Businesses and individuals donating an item or items to the silent auction include: Casey’s General Store, Ed-wards County Concrete, Mike Wil-son Signs, DiMaggio’s Pizza-Albion, Fearn Sandblasting, Burnt Prairie Fer-tilizer, Wabash Valley Service Compa-

Over $16,000 Raised for Edwards County AITC Programny-Browns, Steve Thomson-COUN-TRY Financial, Gillard’s Hardware, Crop Production Services-Browns, Albion Vet Clinic, Jason Balding, Lila Fewkes, Syngenta Chemical, Road Ranger in Grayville, Edwards County Senior Citizens, Shepherd Ag Solutions, The Watering Can, Albion Auto Parts, Doug Hortin-COUNTRY Financial, Farmers Packing, Southern IL Lumber in West Salem and Albion, First State Bank/West Salem, Edward Jones-Brian Mewes, Navigator-Jour-nal Register, Burrus Seeds-David Simms, Albion Equipment, Citizens National Bank, Sharlee Aaron, Ind-off-Rob Dean, Stacey Roosevelt, Mary Kay-Corie Hortin, Evansville IceMen, Edwards County 4-H, DuPont Agricul-ture, Thirty One consultants-Shealey Greathouse, Christy Harris, Kaylyn Marks, and Erica Anderson, Edwards County Tire, Chappy’s Steakhouse, The Village Peddler, Valent Chem-ical, Walmart-Olney, All That and More-Heather Waters consultant, The Hope Center, Country Side Veteri-nary, Arron Perry Family, University of IL Ag Dept., Southern IL Univer-sity Ag Dept., and Holiday World. Silent auction buyers include: Rich-ard Mathis, Bryan Roosevelt, Loret-

ta Fryman, Tony Jones, Neil Fearn, Karleen Lambert, Connie Baker, Jim Walker, Mike Dean, Jason Balding, Chad Heindselman, Lois Balding, Owen Lynch, Jim Heindselman, Chris Heindselman, Kenny Clodfelter, Deb-bie Fearn, Jamie Heindselman, Terri Clodfelter, Robert Pollman, Kaye Miller, Megan Winter, David White, Tom Marks, Judy Baughman, Seth Root, Keith Roosevelt, Aaron Winter, Charlotte Shelby, Glenna Summers, Dale Peach, Lila Fewkes, Pollard Farms, Brenda Balding, Arron Perry, Barb Root, Russell Moore, Sam Pol-lard and Aaron Prins. Dessert auction contributors were:

Unforgettable Cakes by Kristen Phil-lips, Carol Glover, Parker Biggs, The Donut Factory, Borowiak’s IGA, Ruby Marks, Eleanor Mason, C & K Baking-Cheryl & Karen Sutherland, Wilma Moore and Aunt Terri’s cook-ies. Buyers include: Jim Walker, Tony

Jones, Debbie Fearn, Jacob Bald-ing, Ethan Balding, Jason Balding, Judy Baughman, Keith Roosevelt, Owen Lynch, Kenny Clodfelter, Neil Fearn, Terry Lambert, Tom Marks, Aaron Winter and Charlotte Shelby. Edwards County Farm Bureau mem-bers are given the opportunity to donate to the Ag in the Classroom program when renewing their mem-bership each year. This year over 300 people donated at least $10 or more to the Edwards County AITC program through a cash donation on their dues notices. A special thank you goes out to each supporting member. Thanks again to everyone who gave

monetary donations, donated items, bought items, or made a contribution through your dues. All of this sup-port will help spread the agricultural message to children- young and old-around Edwards County and beyond.

Attendees at the Edwards County Farm Bureau “Gathering of Mem-bers” peruse the silent auction benefiting the Ag in the Classroom pro-gram. Over $16,000 was raised for AITC this year.

Herschel Johnson Implement, Inc. Highway 15 East, Albion1-618-445-4902 www.hjohnsonimp.com

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December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 11

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Ron Gray, Crop Specialist, with COUNTRY Financial and Doug Yoder, from Illinois Farm Bureau/COUNTRY Financial will be hosting a series of crop insurance update meetings in the area. All meetings will take place on Monday, January 25th. Meetings will be held in Albion, Olney, and Mt. Carmel. Watch for more information and exact times and locations.

2016 Crop Insurance Update

The 11th Annual Meeting of the Wayne County Farm Bu-reau Foundation was held November 10, 2015. All current officers and directors were re-elected to serve a one-year term. David White of Cisne was re-elected President. Fred

Blessing of Fairfield was re-elected Vice President. Mark Bunnage of Ellery was re-elected as Secretary, and Randy Ellis of Fairfield was re-elected as Treasurer. Other directors serving on the board include Larry Reed,

Jim Rush, Frank Buchanan, Anthony Vaughn, Tim Cham-bliss, and Robert Pearce; who were all re-elected to serve another one-year term.

Activity and financial reports for fiscal year ending Sep-tember 30, 2015 were also approved.The Wayne County Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)3

non-profit charity based in Fairfield, IL. The charity’s pur-pose is to support agricultural education in Wayne County. The Foundation has awarded $29,000 in scholarships to Wayne County students, since its inception in 2004. Dona-tions in the form of cash, farm ground, annuities, grain, me-morials, and other means are accepted by the Foundation, and are tax-deductible charitable contributions. For more information on the Wayne County Farm Bureau

Foundation go to www.waynecfb.com/foundation.html.

Members of the Wayne County Farm Bureaus will once again be given free gifts upon their dues renewal this winter. If members bring their dues into the office, they will receive a 2016 calendar featur-ing antique tractors and a copy of the 2016 Farmer’s Almanac.“Our calendars and almanacs are

very popular with our member-ship,” commented Doug Anderson,

Manager of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. “Members should pay their dues

renewal soon after they receive their notice, before our gift supplies run short.” Members need to renew their dues

in the office in order to receive their gift. Available while supplies last.Wayne County Farm Bureau dues

renewals for voting members ($65

dues) were mailed to members the week of November 30. Members should deliver or mail their pay-ment to the Farm Bureau office no later than January 31. A late fee of $5.00 will apply start-

ing April 1 and a reinstatement fee of $10 starting May 1.For more information, please call

the Wayne County Farm Bureau at (618) 842-3342.

New officers elected for Wayne County Farm Bureau Foundation at 11th annual meeting

Members of the Wayne Co. FB who renew early will receive a free gift

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Page 12 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

Contact Brandon Reavill O: (618) 854-2603 C: (618) 263-7892

Mt. Erie, IL 62446 O: (618) 854-2603 F: (618) 854-2604

Water well drilling Commercial, Irrigation, and Agricultural

Rat and mouse hole drilling Conductor drilling and pipe setting Borehole drilling

100 ft depth; 18”, 24”, & 36” diameter Test Hole Drilling Pump sales, installation, and services

ICS Drilling Service LLC

254 South Fifth StreetAlbion, Il 62806

Phone: 618-302-2118Brett@bergerappraisals.comwww.bergerappraisals.com

Gallatin County Farm Bureau held their 94th Annual Meeting on No-vember 10, 2015. About 80 people attended the meeting. President Hugh David Scates opened the meeting fol-lowed by Young Leader Blake Luckett who led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance. Members then enjoyed a delicious meal before they voted on directors for the Gallatin County Farm Bureau board. Reports were given by the officers, special guests were recog-nized, and Todd Neibel, Wabash Val-ley FS General Manager presented the Gallatin County Ag In the Classroom program with a check. Kevin Semlow, IAA’s Director of State Legislation was the guest speaker. He spoke on the im-portance of the Farm Bureau members taking part in calling their legislators when bills come up that will adversely affect farmers and gave examples on how calls from Farm Bureau members have helped to squash or pass these bills in Congress. The evening was capped off with the handing out of door prizes. The GCFB would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening a success and a special thanks to Country Financial’s Jim Hughes and the Gallatin County Representatives, Martin Duffy and Rich Zirkelbach, and Wabash Valley FS.

Gallatin County Farm Bureau holds Annual Meeting

Give-Away-To-Get-Away

Four winners will each receive a $500 gift certificate to the historic Magnolia Hotels.

Deadline to enter Dec. 31, 2015.

We’re giving away a chance for members to win a hotel stay!

Good at any location. Expires Dec. 31, 2016. Must be an Illinois Farm Bureau member to win.

Go to ilfb.org/contest to learn more.

ENTER NOW! ilfb.org/contest

Illinois Farm Bureau Member

Dallas Downtown • Dallas Park Cities • Denver • Houston • Omaha • St. Louis

Official Notice Wabash County Farm Bureau’s 96th Annual Meeting

Monday, January 18, 2016 at Mount Carmel Eagles. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be catered by the Ea-gles. Directors will be elected for the following townships: Lancaster, Mt. Carmel Rural, Mt. Carmel City, Coffee, Compton, and Director-at-Large Friendsville, as well as, president of the organization. A Silent Auction will be held to raise funds for the Wabash County Farm Bureau Founda-tion. Please call in your reservations by January 14 to the Farm Bureau office at 618-262-5865.

Photos from the annual meeting at right

Kevin SemlowRun Rushing

Todd Neibel donates to Ag in the Classroom.

December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 13

Coloring ContestDue: JANUARY 8th

Name________________________________age_______phone____________________

Open to all children ages 0-10; Please return to your county Farm Bureau office

Ag News Classifieds FOR December 2015

Automotive

Livestock/Hay

For Sale Feed Grinder-Mix Mill, 5 horse electric, $400. Call 618-838-6301. (4)

For Sale 1951 John Deere A, runs good, tires fair, $1,850. Call 618-838-6301. (4)

Farm Equipment – Case 580 K Backhoe. 4 Wheel Drive. Ext Hoe. $15,600.00 618-839-3121(4)

International Harvester13 ft. wheel disc 19 ½” front and rear blades – no rust – in excellent condition Call 618-442-5217 (4)

International Harvester 13ft. wheel disc 19 ½ inch front and rear blades – no rust – excellent condition Call (618) 442-5217 (3)

Custom built aluminum beagle dog box – 3 compartments with storage 23” by 27” by 48” $350 OBO Call 618-442-5555 (4)

WEDDING ITEMS FOR SALE- Burlap sign that reads “Leave us a Note” about 2 feet x 2-1/2 feet; Two silk arrangements (red ros-es and white hydrangeas) in tin container. Approximately 3 feet tall; 24 Burlap Cones with red berries, white flowers and green-ery used to decorate seat ends at wedding. For more information or to see pictures, call 618-445-7946. (3)

For Sale: Tempco Aluminum Storm Windows- Complete w/ screens. 6- 56” x 26 ¾” and 6- 51 ¾” x 27”- $7 ea. o.b.o. Call 618-948-2408 (3)

For Sale Winco PTO generator 618-752-7441 (3)

For Sale 1101 Illinois Ave, Fairfield – boat motors 6 & 7.5 hp, $500 for both; hide-a-bed couch $300; half bed with bookcase headboard and mattress $150; copy machine $200; baby pin $8, lots of Christmas collectables for great gifts; 1941 Case tractor $1,500. Call 618-842-5881.(3)

FOR SALE Registered Angus Bulls and Heifers. Call 618-599-2640. (4)

Miscellaneous Farm Equipment

FREE Classified Ads for Farm Bureau Members

Simply fill out this form and turn into your local Farm Bureau office!

Name County

Address

Phone #

e-mail

AD:

Indicate your choice of classification (all not indicated will be placed in miscellaneous)

Farm Equipment Automotive Livestock/HayMiscellaneous Household Wanted

Real Estate Free WorkFarm Bureau members may run classified ads free in the Wabash Valley Ag News. Only one ad per membership per issue. No commercial or business ads accepted. 25 word limit. Deadline is the 20th of each month. Farm Bureau reserves the right to accept or reject any ad.

Wabash County Farm Bureau & COUNTRY Financial Holiday Open House, Wednesday, December, 16th from 11 am – 1 pm, A light lunch will be provided. Come and register for lots of fun door prizes!

Holiday Open House planned for December 16

BLOOMINGTON, ILL – November 13, 2015 – The Illi-nois Soybean Association (ISA) welcomes Raymond Poe as the new Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) director.

ISA, with funding from the Illinois soybean checkoff and membership, supports the growth of Illinois agriculture and looks to the IDOA and Poe as the new director to continue supporting Illinois soybean farmers because of their contri-butions to local, national and global food production.

“Agriculture plays a significant role in Illinois, not only to the state’s economy, but also serves as the livelihood for more than 43,000 soybean farmers in our state,” says Daryl Cates, ISA chairman and Columbia, Illinois, farmer.“With the firsthand experience he has as a farmer and agribusiness

leader, we hope Director Poe will advocate for efforts that help move Illinois agriculture and its farmers forward.”

ISA represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Il-linois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education.

Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmers’ interests in local areas, Springfield and Washing-ton, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and com-petitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.

ISA Encourages New Ag Director to Support Illinois Farmers

While it seems logical that Illinois farmers would help promote soybean sales to overseas customers, “walking” those soybeans into export markets as pork and poultry is not always top of mind. But that is exactly what the Il-linois Soybean Association (ISA) does when investing checkoff dollars in pork and poultry promotions in foreign mar-kets. Both the U.S. Meat Export Feder-ation (USMEF) and U.S.A. Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) part-ner with the Illinois soybean checkoff to get more soybean meal fed and more U.S. animal protein exported.

USMEF believes increasing U.S. meat exports is an effective way to increase demand for Illinois soybeans. Hogs consume 85 percent of the soybean meal fed in Illinois.

Using checkoff dollars, ISA has in-vested in USMEF promotion work in Mexico for the past three years. Mex-ico’s per capita pork consumption has increased an average of 3.3 percent in each of those years. In fact, Mexico in 2014 set U.S. pork export volume and value records for the third consecutive year, with a nine percent increase in pork volume and 27 percent increase in

pork value. With continued checkoff support, USMEF will put a new spin on the campaign this year, focusing on pork convenience and practicality.

On the poultry front, the Illinois soy-bean checkoff is working with USAP-EEC to increase U.S. broiler and turkey exports worldwide through technical programs and various promotional ac-tivities. About half of U.S. soybean meal is consumed by U.S. poultry. Il-linois soybean meal often is channeled to the Southeast, where a majority of poultry production takes place. Trade show participation, technical seminars, poultry science courses, recipe contests and retail promotions all help sell U.S. poultry in markets showing the most growth potential with the fewest ex-port restrictions; Mexico, Peru, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Korea and Sin-gapore.

To learn more about results of ISA’s successful work to promote U.S. pork and poultry exports in specific markets, visit www.ilsoy.org/animal-agriculture/exports.

Illinois Farmers Help Walk Soybeans into Foreign Markets

Hello everyone, my name is Yvette Anderson; I am pleased to be your new Wayne County 4-H Program Coordinator. I have been helping with 4-H since 2008 when I enrolled my oldest daughter into the Wayne City 4-H Club. This is when my passion for 4-H

was ignited. I believe my two chil-dren, with the help from their father and myself, have experimented with just about every project, workshop or event that 4-H has to offer and I am always looking for another op-portunity to learn.I have been married for 19 years

to Jeremy Anderson. We have two daughters, Hallie and Meghan. We live south of Wayne City where we farm and raise livestock. When we are not attending to our livestock, you may see me at an athletic event, an FFA event and most of the 4-H

Yvette Anderson hired as new 4-H Program Coordinator for Wayne County

Automotive: Set of chrome Buick wheels & Bridgestone tires P255-55R20. Price to sell. 618-384-8250 (4)

events around our county. The Wayne County Farm Bureau

would like to congratulate Yvette on

her new position. We look forward to work with her in promoting 4-H to Wayne County’s youth.

Yvette Anderson

Illinois Soybean Association News

December 2015 - Wabash Valley Ag News - Page 15

Your membership is valuable: check out these Farm Bureau discounts

AUTOMOTIVEDan’s Modern Auto Repair, 803 W. Delaware, Fairfield, 842-3309, 5% discount on

repairs and towing.Mt. Carmel Rural King Supply, 2419 W. 9th St., Mt. Carmel, 618-262-7134, 10% off

clothing or tires.ATVS & More 1307 W. Main St. Salem, IL 62881 15% off retail on any parts or acces-

sories -free t-shirts with any purchase-free mount of any wheel or tire purchaseTravco Motorsports, 3983 N Il 130 Olney, IL 62450 (618) 395-3235 10% off of pants

and accessories at Travco Motor Sports

CLOTHINGDA DIS-N-DAT, 615 W 3rd Street, Mt. Carmel, 618-240-8528, Jeans for $4Mt. Carmel Rural King Supply, 2419 W. 9th, Mt. Carmel. 618-262-7134. Farm &

home supplies. 10% off clothing.The Male Connection, 119 E. Main St., Fairfield, 618-842-4359. 10% discount on

non-sale items, tuxedos excluded.TJ Marche, 11 North Fifth, Albion, 618-445-2314. 10% off all merchandise in stock

(retail only, not on custom orders).K&K Fashion Express, 308 S. 10th St., Mt. Vernon, IL. 244-6290. 10% discount on

all regular-priced items.Hot Tees Cool Vinyl, 431 N Walnut Street, Mt. Carmel, 618-599-6888, Erin Peach,

Owner, 10% off in-stock Aces apparel.

FLOWERS & GIFTSCountry Corner Treasurers 938 North 1150th Street Flat Rock, IL phone 618-584-

3588 Members 5% discount. Country Barn Shoppe, 2451 E. IL 250, Noble, IL (843-2276) 10% off entire pur-

chase. (Does not apply with other offers.)Watering Can, Albion, free in town delivery for the city of Albion.Usborne Books and More, Cindy Griess, 618-262-3135, 10% off in-stock items.

HARDWARE, PAINTSouthern Illinois Lumber Co., Albion, 10% off all paint, cash only.

JEWELERSSmith Jewelers, Jewelry & Bridal Register, 406 Market St., Mt. Carmel, 618-262-

4339, Gisele Smith, Collette Grisby & Yvette Smith, Owners, 10% off all merchandise excluding all sale items & repairs and/or FREE cleaning and prong check on rings.H.D. Bean Jewelers, 123 E. Main, Carmi, 618-382-8170, 10% discount plus free ring

cleaning and prong check.

LAWN & GARDENMcLean Implement, Albion, Wayne City, Flora, Norris City, Benton. $150 off X530/

X540 mower with deck, see store for details. Also, free bag of Johnny Pop popcorn with $25 or more purchase of officially licensed in-stock John Deere merchandise.

MEDICALStevens Chiropractic, 21 W. Main, Albion, 10% discount on services only, not valid

on vitamins or orthopedic supports, Medicare, Medicaid or Worker’s Compensation.Alka Family Chiropractic Center, 415 Walnut Street, Mt. Carmel, Kaylynn Alka,

Owner, $10 off NEW patient consultation, exam & x-rays Newton Hearing Center, 104 V. Van Buren St., Newton, 618-783-3938. 30% off Ma-

trix, Pluss & Air, 40% off Pixel.

MISCELLANEOUSEasy Living Homes. Farm Bureau members can enjoy a 10% discount on the op-

tions selected in Easy Living Homes new home package. Easy Living Homes is locat-ed at 2410 E Main St in Olney. Call toll free at 800-453-0440 or locally at 618-392-3344 to meet with a consultant today!Hartz Janitorial Services: RR 2 Box 227, Lawrenceville 618-843-2561 10% discountStremme Septic Services, RR2 Box 65, Sumner, 618-936-9130 or 618-838-7340.

$10 off septic tank pumping and $50 off new system installation.Tracey Electric, Inc., 1308 Jefferson, Lawrenceville, 618-943-2243. 5% DiscountBotsch & Associates CPAs, LLC. 113 E. Main, Carmi, 382-4151. One free hour of

financial counseling, one time only.Fix My Cell, 102 E. Main, Olney, (618) 302-1526. 10% off any repairs to cell phones,

iPads, iPods, or tablets. $10 off any new Dish or Direct TV Service, in additon to any national offers.

Fresh Air by Kippi, 10% off any air or water purification systems and energy saving products. 888-889-3671. www.myvollara.com/kippiwrightSt. Francisville Women’s Club, (618) 948-2882, 5% off the cost of cabin meeting

room rental.Big Creek Custom (Personalized Sand-Carved Treasures, Stones-Glass-Ceramics)

3511 N. St. Marie Rd, Olney, IL 62450 Ph#618-838-5397 10% off one item.Turner’s Cards & Signs, (618) 842-4898, 503 S. First, Fairfield, Ill., $10 discount on

$100 or more of truck letteringWeger Heating & Air at a 10% discount

RESTAURANTSEl Rancherito, 211 S. West St., Olney, IL 62450 Ph#1-618-392-3232 15% off total

purchase. Casey’s Pizza, 102 E Walnut, Albion, 445-4947, $2 off any large pizza (excludes any

specials)Casey’s Pizza, 1002 E. Main Street, Olney, 392-2628, $2 off the purchase of a large

pizza (Not valid with any other offer. Limit one discount per customer).Long John Silver’s, 318 W. 9th, Mt. Carmel, 10% off purchase.Classic Pizza & Pasta, 215 E. Main, Fairfield, Large one topping pizza and personal

cinnamon stick for $12.00Chili Willy’s, Olney 10% off total purchase.Crystal’s Country Cream, 21 Long St. Mt. Erie 854-2424.$1 off any size shake.Hogg Heaven Bar-B-Q, 411 W. 9th, Mt. Carmel, 618-262-7779, Rick Marshall, Own-

er, 10% Off your purchase.Lasata Winery & Vineyards 1 mile north of highway 33 618-884-1200 10% discountClaybank Natural Foods,228 E. Main, Olney, IL 62450 Ph#1-618-843-1150 $5.00 off

second visit with in store coupon($25.00 or more in purchase)Mimmo’s Pizza, 114 S. Washington St., McLeansboro, 618-643-4820, $1 off any

pizza purchase.Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant, 115 W. 9th, Mt. Carmel, Mt. Carmel, 10% off pur-

chases greater than $25 McDonald’s, in Albion, Buy a Premium Chicken McWrap and get a free medium fry

and medium drinkKelly O’s Pizza, 702 N. Market, Mt. Carmel, 262-8333, $1 off extra-large pizza.The Holiday, 311 S Kitchell Ave, Olney, IL 62450 (618) 392-3663 Free non-alcoholic

beverage with a dinner purchase.Pizza Hut, 921 E Main St, Olney, IL 62450, (618) 395-8661 $1 off buffet purchase at

Pizza HutThe Pizza House in Bridgeport at 10% discount.

SALON SERVICES Shear Country Salon-Starr Stark(Independent Contractor)-Licensed Skin Care Ther-

apist, 1021 N. West St., Olney, IL 62450 Ph#1-618-392-0909 $3.00 off entire purchase of service, which includes if products are also purchased. Shear Country Salon-Angie Snider(Independent Contractor)-Cosmetologist, 1021

N. West St., Olney, IL 62450 Ph#1-618-392-0909 $2.00 off total purchase(Services & Products) Shear Country Salon-Katie Royse(Manager)-Nail Tech & Hair Stylist, 1021 N. West

St., Olney, IL 62450 Ph#1-618-392-0909 $5.00 off full set of French tip fake nails $5.00 off French tip gel polish

SPORTSShan Total Fitness LLC., 214 South Whittle Avenue, Olney, IL 62450 (618) 392-5275

$10 off a monthly membershipTransformations, $5 off initial group fitness membership.Albion Bowling Center, Rt. 15 West, Albion, one free shoe rental per visit per card-

holder.Main Street Gym, 304 E. Main, Fairfield, 842-7867. $5 discount on monthly member-

ship, $69 three-month membership.Jerry’s Archery, 635 E. State St., Bridgeport, 618-945-9520 or cell 618-83-9520.

Complete service & repair, new bows & tree stands. 10% off all in shop arrows.Purify My Hunt, $50 off any scent eliminator. Call 218-299-4924. www.purifymyhunt.

com. “Like” purifymyhunt on Facebook.

VETERINARY SERVICESWayne County Veterinary, So. US 45, Fairfield, Truck 618-839-6460 Home 618-854-

2561, 10% discount on all small animal service, $10 discount on farm trip service call charges, limit 2 visits per person per month.Fairfield Veterinary, 814 E. Main, Fairfield, 842-4847, 10% discount.

Page 16 - Wabash Valley Ag News - December 2015

Moving up at the Valley

New Wabash Valley Board Members, John Scates and Matt Schrader

Retiring Board members, Jim Stevens and Bill Raben. Raben said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on this board.” Stevens served for 34 years and Raben for 23 years.

Eddie Sturm, of Norris City, is a new Custom Applicator at Carmi. He is a graduate of Franklin-Simp-son High School. (right)

After 43 years with Wabash Val-ley, Lynn Smith will retire at the end of December. His first job was at the Ridgway Feed Ware-house, then he made liquid fer-tilizer at Ridgway and was a Cus-tom Applicator at Ridgway before transferring to McLeansboro as a Custom Applicator. He then went to Dale Plant, doing both liquid and dry application. From there he became the Assistant Manager at the newly acquired Norris City Plant; then he was named Manager, holding that po-sition for eight years. He is now the Operations Coordinator at the Hamilton County Plant.“I’ve always enjoyed my jobs and agriculture in general; helping people and working with them. I’m always open to new challeng-es,” said Lynn.He and his wife, Mary, live at Norris City and he intends to help his daughter on the farm, travel, and fish. Lynn also enjoys restor-ing old farm equipment and has some projects in mind.

Luke Williams is a new Custom Applicator at the Carmi Plant. He is from Mill Shoals and has a 17 month old daughter named Re-ese Morgan Williams. Luke is a graduate of Carmi White County High School.

C. R. Williams will retire at the end of the year after 41 years with Wabash Valley. He spent three years as a Custom Appli-cator, at McLeansboro, before he became a Liquid Fuels Salesman, a job he has held ever since. Wil-liams has been delivering fuel to his customers since 1978.He and his wife, Peggy, live at Mc-Leansboro. “They have been good to me. I’ve enjoyed working for Wabash Valley and I made a lot of good friends,” he said.His plans for the future? He plans to catch up on some things at home which he couldn’t get done while working, and to play more golf and go fishing.

Mark Stevens has been promot-ed to Assistant Plant Manager at Browns Plant. He began as a Cus-tom Applicator at Browns, apply-ing both fertilizer and crop pro-tection chemicals. As time went by, he took on more responsibility and became the backup person for both LP delivery and liquid fuel delivery at Browns. He also did some grain bin service work.Mark and his wife, Pam, live at West Salem with their three children; Caleb, Isaac, and Kait-lyn. He is a graduate of Edwards County High School.

By: Mike WilsonOn November 10, 2015, Wabash Valley College Agriculture Technologies De-

partment sponsored a Nutrient Management, Weed Resistance Management, and Data Management Workshop at the Brubeck Art Center on the Campus. Those in attendance heard Dr. Howard Brown, Head of Nutrient Stewardship and En-vironmental Management for Growmark, on the importance of protecting our surface and ground waters from contamination by soil nutrient loss. He spoke specifically on Nitrogen and Phosphorus application using the 4R’s Management technique, i.e., Right Rate, Right Product, Right Time, Right Place.Also on the agenda was Dr. Bryan Young, Associate Professor of Botany and

Plant Pathology for Purdue University. Dr. Young spoke on the importance of an aggressive and diverse plan to combat weed resistance. Attendees learned the importance of modes of action and sites of action of herbicide activity and how growers need to use overlapping modes to control difficult weeds like water hemp and mares tail.Last on the agenda was Don Bierman, CEO of Crop IMS, speaking about man-

aging the data growers collect on their farms and making it compatible to other collection methods so that it is in its most useful form. Thereby making it avail-able for USDA, Crop insurance, and other reporting needs.Wabash Valley Service Company is glad to be a supporter of this and other pro-

grams at WVC, and instructors Steve Hnetkovsky and Doug Robb are eager to provide their students with a positive ag experience . Their program is an import-ant source for prospective employees for Wabash Valley Service Company and other ag entities in the area. It has also served as a higher education opportunity for many of the TriState’s future generations of Farmers.

L to R: Don Bierman, Mike Wilson, and Dr. Howard Brown.

WVC Agriculture Tech Department sponsors Nutrient Management Workshop

New Employees