Muellers rate well at state dairy show

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 08 September 2009 14:40

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Darren Mueller and Chad Mueller represented Marion County at the Kansas Junior Dairy Show July 4 at Salina and won the county herd contest, which featured the best five cows from a county. Darren showed the grand champion Holstein (pictured bottom) plus two other cows that won their classes and a third-place overall. Chad showed the fifth cow, which won first place and honorable mention overall. The top photo shows (from left) Darren Mueller, Audery Schmidt, Tracey Schmidt, Chad Mueller and Casey George. Audery, Tracey and Casey helped the Muellers show their cows for this contest. In front are judges Steve Searless of Pine Island, Minn., and Trisha Cobb of Perkins, Okla.

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Two from county graduate from leadership progam

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 08 September 2009 14:38

A representative from each of the two hospitals in Marion County graduated Aug. 25 from Critical Issues Summit sponsored by the Kansas Hospital Association Leadership Institute.

Pam Abbott, from Hillsboro Community Hospital, and Stacey Pedersen, from St. Luke Hospital and Living Center in Marion, were members of the eighth class of 32 students to graduate from the program.

Both participants were nominated by the chief executive officer of their respective hospitals.

The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that could facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.

Each student committed to attend all six courses of the Leadership Institute.

The...

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Time-tested sayings can predict weather

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 08 September 2009 14:35

Storm6.15Clouds006bw.jpg There is plenty to be said for the folk wisdom of our ancestors. They watched and charted weather patterns for generations rather than just a few hours or days.

For the first time this week, a touch of fall filled the early morning air. All the signs are here: overnight lows dipping into the 40s; cool, brisk winds blowing from the north; long-sleeved shirts or light jackets for the early morning hours; and a longing for something warm to drink to ward off a chill.

With the coming of fall and approach of winter, it’s fun to recall some of the time-tested weather sayings. Most folks have heard some of these once or twice in their lifetime.

And, if we’re from a rural or agricultural background, chances...

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Looking for ways to reduce your profit margin? Try these suggestions

Written by John Schalgeck Tuesday, 01 September 2009 13:28

The vocation of agriculture began thousands of years ago when the first farmer dug a hole in the soil and planted the first seed. Way back then, others began working with and domesticating animals that have evolved into present-day hogs, cattle, sheep, chickens and other livestock.

The farm and ranch creed has always been to nurture the land and livestock while making improvements and coaxing a bountiful harvest. Farmers and ranchers hold enduring respect for the land that sustains them. Their reward has resulted in abundance.

With this evolution in agriculture, today’s producer faces many new and sometimes unexpected challenges. Profit margins and production costs are in a constant state of flux. Weather patterns change while...

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