Ag needs its voice in the media

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 23 October 2012 14:42

Life experiences teach plenty to those willing to learn. From the time I was a small boy, I remember my dad, uncles and grandfather talking and debating the issues of the day whenever we visited one another.

As I grew older, I began to hear some of what they said. I began to understand what they were talking about. But it has taken me nearly 30 years to understand what my grandfather used to say about understanding issues.

About the time I was halfway through high school, something he said finally sunk in. Grandpa Bert always said when you know a little about an issue, it’s easy to form an opinion. When you learn a little more, it becomes a little more difficult to make a decision. And when you learn even more about an issue, your...

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Safeguarding the interests of agriculture is critically important

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:26

With each new generation, more of this country’s population becomes further and further removed from the farm.

It’s easy to understand why many people in this country have no concept where their food comes from. Many have forgotten, or may have never known, that individual producers supply staples for the U.S. diet.

Some people believe there will never be a food shortage in our country—as long as the doors remain open on their neighborhood supermarket.

Today’s farmer is a planning specialist. Producers understand marketing and using the incentives of free enterprise. This group of food producing folks also know the importance of incorporating government-sponsored programs in their individual operations.

Every year, this...

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Drought-stricken farms may be eligible for aid

Written by Bill Harmon Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:07

A serious lack of moisture that extended over the 2012 summer season has caused producers in Marion County as well as throughout Kansas to suffer from the effects of exceptional drought conditions.

Farms and ranches experiencing these conditions may be eligible for cost-share financial assistance under USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program–Drought Measures provision.

This program is administered by the Farm Service Agency and will provide benefit payments if damages are so severe that water available for livestock or orchards and vineyards has been reduced below normal to the extent that neither can survive without additional water.

Producers may request assistance by filing an application from Oct. 15 through Nov. 15 at their...

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Durham manufacturer celebrates 50 years in business

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:06

Donahue Manu­facturer founders Jim and Joan Donahue, shown in a 2002 photo when the company was marking its 40th anniversary. Joan Donahue died in June 2011 at the age of 78. The company has produced and sold more than 50,000 implements over the years. An idea to ease farm and ranch work in 1962 evolved into a major Marion County company.

James C. “Jim” Donahue began the Donahue Corp. 50 years ago in a single downtown building in Durham. His newly patented idea was a farm implement carrier that would lay flat on the ground to be loaded, and then be pushed back upon the axles for transporting.

Mike Stika, sales manager for Donahue, said the original hydraulic design, which expands and contracts from 81?2 feet for equipment loading, is somewhat dated by newer hydraulic systems used in Donahue trailers. But it is still sold and in use, especially in the western half of the country.

More than 50,000 of the implement carriers have been built and distributed in the United States and...

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