Marion County Quail Forever sponsors hunter safety class

Written by Michelle Hulett Tuesday, 30 October 2012 15:06

About 43 people, ranging in age from 11 years to 43 years, participated in a hunter safety course sponsored by Marion County Quail Forever Oct. 20. The event was at the rural home of Gary and Marcia Vogel, south of Marion Reservoir. In the top photo, instructor J.C. Saunders offers shooting advice to participant Kyle Riffel. In the bottom photo, instructor Ty Waner explains to the group the proper way to climb through a barbed-wire fend with a gun.

Estate taxes threaten future of family farms in the U.S.

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 30 October 2012 15:05

Smart hard work combined with good planning increases the likelihood of a bright and prosperous future. This is considered the American way—the American dream.

Part of this same American dream is the expectation that future generations will experience a better life than that of their parents. It’s always been that way – parents want their children to have more opportunities than they did.

The fondest wish of Kansas farmers, ranchers and small business owners is to pass these family ventures on to their children and grandchildren. They work years to leave a legacy of land or a business.

Unfortunately, that shared dream is threatened by the return of the estate tax. The estate tax is slated to return with a vengeance on Jan. 1...

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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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