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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Kansas farmers aim to please the customer

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:05

While almost every industry today does a less than perfect job of living by the motto, “the customer is the most important part of business,” Kansas farmers and ranchers are one segment that adheres to this philosophy.

It’s been a gradual process but one that has consistently picked up steam. Still, Kansas farmers and ranchers cannot rest on their laurels but must continue to look to the future with an open mind and the flexibility to develop new ways of marketing their products.

Our customers are driven by changes in personal preferences and increasing income levels. They tend to be a bit more generous with their hard-earned money in good times and more tight fisted when our economy is down.

Today’s customer will continue to...

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CG&S donates $3,622 to Marion County 4-H endowment

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 25 September 2012 14:24

Lauren Geis (holding check) and Lisa Geis of Hillsboro, representing the Marion County 4-H Development Fund, accept a donation of $3,622 from Lyman Adams, general manager of Cooperative Grain & Supply. Also participating was the Land O’Lakes Foundation, which matched CG&S dollar for dollar. The development fund is an endowment for county 4-H clubs; it is used for scholarships for 4-H campers and a college scholarship for a senior high school 4-H member each year. The most recent scholarship recipient was Zachary Goodwin of the Peabody Achievers, who received $500 to apply toward his education at Kansas State University. This is the ninth year CG&S has participated in the Land O’Lakes matching-fund program and the sixth...

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