Defining ‘family farm’ requires careful thought

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 05 June 2012 08:49

People outside of agriculture routinely try to define the family farm. These same folks have a tendency to question corporate farming whether family owned or not. Farm organizations often fall under the same scrutiny.

Let’s take a look at the family farm. In Kansas, farm and ranch families grow up with the feel of the prairie earth beneath their feet, the wide-open sky overhead and the rhythm of the seasons in their blood.

Throughout their lifetime, these farms and ranches remain their pride and joy. They love, care and respect the land entrusted to them. Ag producers adhere to an ethic that enlarges the boundaries of our community to include soils, waters, plants and animals—collectively—the land.

This entity known as the...

Read more: Defining ‘family farm’ requires careful thought

Not everyone is convinced wheat crop will be a record

Written by John Schlageck Tuesday, 15 May 2012 15:00

Looking at Kansas wheat across the state during the first few days of May, members of the Wheat Quality Council labeled the crop in “pretty good shape.”

While the wheat in the western third to half of the state needs a drink, the 100 participants of the 55th annual tour agreed the crop is two to three weeks ahead of schedule and combines will begin rolling into the fields in May, which is unheard of.

After three days on the road, 63 participants of the WQC tour estimated the 2012 wheat crop to yield 403.8 million bushels. This figures out to be roughly 45 bushels per acre on the 9.5 million acres planted in Kansas.

The tour began April 30 in Manhattan and traveled west to Colby on the first day. Twenty-two vehicles following six...

Read more: Not everyone is convinced wheat crop will be a record

Early spring temps could reap a Memorial Day harvest

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 17 April 2012 14:50

This could be a common sight by Memorial Day weekend if growing conditions continue at the current rate, according to experts. The early spring has had an impact on other grasses and plants, too. Farmers may be harvesting Marion County wheat by Memorial Day this year.

In the past, wheat normally was harvested after the Fourth of July; more recently, new varieties have ripened in mid-to-late-June. But this year’s weather- induced change is a little mind boggling.

Wheat heads in fields are rapidly emerging from the boot.

Farmers a week ago were still worrying about what a late frost could do to wheat at that stage. But with no frost predicted in the 10-day forecast, worry is receding.

The only weather change broadly affecting harvest time now is the current cooling trend with daytime temperatures in the 60s.

Agronomist Jeff Mayfield at Ag Service near Hillsboro said that at the end of March, with many 80 and mid-70s days...

Read more: Early spring temps could reap a Memorial Day harvest

Awarded for service

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 21 February 2012 16:49

Dawn and Joel Suderman hold the plaque Joel received at the annual meeting for his one term on the Marion County Conservation District board and his work as treasurer. Steve Bartel received a service award for his nine years of board membership, including several as chairman.