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VERMILION COUNTY FARM BUREAU

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS

IN THIS ISSUE ...Rural America Paradox ..................... page 3Cuba Market Tour .............................. page 4Flood of Regulations ......................... page 5

AITC Rendezvous .............................. page 6Farm Safety ..................................... page 11Local Foods ..................................... page 12

Teacher Open House & Candidate Forums .......................................................Back Cover

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2012

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It was a peachy day on August 1st when more than 330 boxes of fresh, juicy southern Illinois peaches were picked up by members who placed orders. In this pic, Dennis Smith carries out a box for a customer while Bryan Darr (hidden), Mark Willard and David Sadler prepare another order.

FROM THE BACK PORCHby David Sadler, PresidentVermilion County Farm Bureau

As I’m writing this, the temperature hit 51 degrees. I’ve worn a jacket these past few mornings it’s been so cool. Not very long ago it was twice that and had been for days and days. Heat that stifles everything – especially when you throw in the infamous Midwest humid-ity. No dry heat here, brother. No sir, moisture levels so high it literally knocks your socks off when you step out the back door. And believe me, there are other things you’d rather have ‘knock your socks off’. Humid-ity so high you can actually see it in the air.

Record heat, coupled with record lack of rain, has done a number on livestock and crops all across the country. Herds are thinned from lack of water, scarcity of hay and high-priced grain. As a result, crops are dam-

aged for the fortunate, albeit in varying degrees, while com-pletely lost for the unlucky. This extreme weather will cause a ripple effect that will be felt for years; question is, how many? Here’s an amazing fact: wide-spread crop damage plus con-tinued loss of available acres for crop production still equals a top-ten corn crop in bushels. Amazing, indeed.

This summer’s heat has been equally hard on people. Cooling shelters have been packed. Electric bills have sky-rocketed while many of our el-derly have suffered at home. I’ll let you insert your heat-related memories here while I relate mine.

Growing up without air conditioning, or even electricity for that matter, wasn’t memo-

Flying Old Glory

rable for me. Hot, sultry nights weren’t pleasant but we sur-vived. Windows were always open to catch any available breeze; doors, too. Remember that screen door Mom was al-ways hollering about not letting slam on the way out? Riding in the back of a pickup truck or sticking your hands and/or feet out the car window both worked nicely to cool off. Sitting on the veranda, fanning yourself and sipping mint juleps, was not only a treat but a necessity. Ok, I’m romanticizing things a bit. Substitute “porch” and “iced tea”. Better?

Linda and I were still living in that era when we got married, so much so that we didn’t bud-get for central air when we built our house. We realized our mis-take when our son came along in May of ’76. He suffered from the heat rash all that summer. We couldn’t keep him comfort-able, no matter the effort, even though he and his mother lived in the basement most of the time. We thought all the windows we had carefully researched the de-sign and placement of would be enough. But when, one windy day, a blind blew over a lamp,

the last straw was reached and a contractor was hired. Ironically, for one reason or another, the windows have been closed ever since. Good? Bad? Don’t know, just is.

Now to move from the past into the present to talk about the future. Linda and I are blessed with three wonderful grand-children, all girls, with one on the way (probably another girl). That’s okay, the all girls part. I’ve resigned myself to that fact because I don’t understand women quite yet and need the practice.

Grandkids are wondrous creatures, more so than regu-lar kids. Because you don’t see them every minute of every day, you notice the fascinat-ing body part du jour or how much their faces have changed or how much more animated or expressive they’ve become in between visits. Baby sitting is both rewarding and exhaust-ing and sometimes – no many times – it’s hard to determine which. The alternative, though, like everything else in life, is un-imaginable. And that’s putting it mildly.

State Rep. Chad Hays met recently with the Legislative and Local Affairs Committee to recap the 2012 State Legislative session. At the meeting, he presented Vermilion County Farm Bureau with a U.S. flag that had flown over the State Capitol. Accepting the flag from Rep. Hays (c) is committee chairman Mike Marron as President David Sadler looks on.

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BOOSTERPublished Bi-monthly by the

VERMILION COUNTY FARM BUREAUKerry Wienke, Editor

1905-C U.S. Route 150Danville, Illinois 61832Phone (217) 442-8713

OFFICE HOURSMonday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

OFFICERSPresident ...............................David SadlerVice-President ....................... Mark WillardSecretary ..................................Bruce DarrTreasurer ..............................Dennis Smith

STAFFExecutive Director .................Kerry WienkeDirector of Information ..............Tom FrickeOffice Secretary ..................Nancy DuncanAg Literacy Coordinator ......... Staci Walker

DIRECTORSDistrict 1

Garrett Douglass Rick JamesDavid Heckerson Mark WillardMatt Willard

District 2Mark Crawford Kevin KemnaDoug Cunningham Steve LaneGreg Cunningham

District 3Alan Chesnut Bruce DarrBryan Darr Stewart SheetsDennis SmithPeriodical postage paid at Danville, IL Publication No. 061080

Postmaster - Send address changes to:Vermilion County Farm Bureau

1905-C U.S. Route 150Danville, IL 61832

Subscription Price, $2.00 per yearDisplay advertising - Apply for rates

Calendar of EventsAugust 22 ..........................IFB Young Leaders Discussion MeetAugust 23 ..........................................................Farm-City EventAugust 28-30 .............................................. Farm Progress ShowSept 3 ....................................... OFFICE CLOSED – Labor DaySept 4 .....................................Ag in the Classroom Open HouseSept 4-6 .................................................IFB Bike Ride for AITCSept 20 ...........................................................Board of DirectorsOct 8 .................................. OFFICE CLOSED – Columbus DayOct 11 ............................................................. Candidates ForumOct 18 .............................................................Board of DirectorsOct 25 ............................................................. Candidates ForumNov 27 ................................................... County Annual MeetingDec 1-4 ........................................................IFB Annual Meeting

For further information on any of these activities, contact the Vermilion County Farm Bureau office at (217) 442-8713 or

visit us on the web at www.vcfb.info.

The GreatRural America Paradox

On the cover…Farm work has always been hard, sometimes back-breaking work.The cover photo provided by Jerry Hobick shows his father Elmer Hobick (left) and uncle Laurel Hobick (right) scooping grain in a wagon in 1939 or the early 1940’s (the Farmall H was first built in 1939).While the hot, dry weather may limit the amount of grain harvested this year, there will still be a harvest this fall. And equipment will be on the roads. See Page 11 for information on National Farm Safety & Health Week.

Rural America has be-come viewed by a growing number of Americans as hav-ing a higher quality of life – not because of what it has, but rather because of what it does not have, like traffic, crime and crowds. This sentiment can be seen in the growing number of urban transplants that have made their way toward greener and more spacious pastures.

But, while many Ameri-cans equate living in the coun-try with a simpler way of life, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that poverty in rural America is increasing, while opportunity continues to decline because of limited education, health care and broadband services. So, rural America being defined by what it does not have can also be a negative.

It’s the great rural America paradox.

The lack of technology, infrastructure and even basic services presents major chal-lenges for rural citizens. This is evident in rural classrooms, where nearly one in four U.S. kids attends school. Struggling rural school districts are grap-pling with teacher retention and lack of education technol-ogy that their urban counter-parts take for granted, while seeing enrollment that is grow-ing at a faster rate than any-where else in America.

Top this off with increas-ing rural poverty that 41 per-cent of rural students live in daily, as well as an increasing number of students with spe-cial needs. There’s a miscon-ception that rural America and

schools are stable and finan-cially secure. But, they face every challenge that urban schools do, and more.

That’s why Farm Bureau is supporting the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act which is up for reauthorization. This year alone, rural communities stand to lose more than $346 mil-

lion for improvements to pub-lic schools and other valuable infrastructure and stewardship projects. Failing to reauthorize this bill jeopardizes the econo-mies and education systems of more than 780 already-strug-gling rural counties and school districts in 41 states.

Teachers aren’t going to remain in rural areas without Continued on Page 13

On The Road Seminar – Kevin Rund, Illinois Farm Bureau’s transportation specialist, (second from left) presented his “On the Road” Truck Seminar the end of July. He reviewed the latest rules regarding CDL licenses and UCR & USDOT number requirements. He’s shown answering questions from some of the crowd following his presentation.

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Connecting with Customers

The Illinois Farm Bureau’s Market Study Tours are con-ducted to promote the strength-ening agricultural trade relations and explore sales opportunities with the nations visited.

This year’s trip went to Cuba June 28 – July 2.

“Restoring normal trade re-lations with Cuba is an impor-tant step in furthering Illinois farmers’ abilities to market their produce, including grains, meat and dairy products,” is how Ta-mara Nelsen, senior director of commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau, describes the trip. “Agriculture has been a bright spot in our nation’s – and our state’s – economy during the recent downturn. Improving our trade relations with Cuba will only help to ensure agriculture can continue to strengthen our state and national economies.”

Kevin Green was the fifth Vermilion County Farm Bureau member to participate in the IFB’s Market Study Tour pro-gram. He said that “the expor-tation of agricultural products

Illinois Farm Bureau hosts annual Market Study Tour to Cuba with 18 farmers participating, including Oakwood area farmer Kevin Green.

from Illinois is a fact of life, and is an important component in our country’s balance of trade.” He participated in the program to learn more about how we could expand those exports. Green noted that “products from Illinois that could be exported to Cuba, include corn (meal, oil, & ethanol by-products), soybeans (oil & meal), eggs, dairy prod-ucts, beef, pork, chicken, and other foods. With Cuba being only 90 miles from our shore, transportation cost would be minimal, giving us a price ad-vantage over our competitors.”

Stops on the trip included visits with the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, the Foreign Trade Ministry, ALIMPORT (the state run food importing company), Industrial Molinera de la Ha-vana (a state-of-the-art flour mill), a farmers’ market, the Ministry of Agriculture, Alamar Urban Gardens (locally grown food), a cooperative education facility, and a food preservation school for locally grown foods.

Several items surprised

Green during his time on the island nation.“There exists two completely separate money sys-tems, one for tourists, and one for the Cuban citizens. The reg-ular peso is valued at 1/24th of the tourist peso. Virtually every-one connected with the tourist trade speaks English.”

Green observed that Cuba is no longer a strict Communist state.“It is a socialist govern-ment, and free trade/ supply and demand economics are becom-ing more common. The people are very friendly, and welcome American tourists.”

The Oakwood area farmer did have some brief time to take in the sights. “One afternoon we walked through an urban park in Havana, that not only provided recreation, but is part of a wa-

ter control/urban environmental project.”

Kevin, is also a scuba in-structor, but didn’t have time to check out the local dive oppor-tunities. “One morning I had a chance to go snorkeling, experi-encing clear, warm waters, and white sand beaches.” Their last evening was at the ‘Tropicana’, where they were treated to the club’s famous dance and song revue.

So would Kevin Green re-turn to Cuba?

“When people ask me ‘How was your trip?’, I always ask myself ‘Would I go back?’.This time, I would definitely an-swer yes.”

Have you heard the stories about old cars in Cuba? Well, Kevin Green shows us it’s true, as he’s seen in this 1957 Chevy used as a taxi in Havana. He’s shown with his driver, Raoul, on Green’s birthday while on the Market Study Tour.

Some Facts about Cuba•In2008, itwaspubliclystatedthat80%ofCuba’stotalfoodsupplywasimported.

•BeforethecollapseoftheSovietUnion,Cubawasproducing8milliontonsofrawsugarayear.By2010,thiswasdowntoonly1.2milliontons.

•Beginning in 2000,U.S. firmscould sell foodandmedicinetoCubaasahumanitariangesture.ButallU.S.exportstoCubamustbeshippedundercash-in-advanceterms–paymentmustbereceivedbytheU.S.exporterbeforetitletothegoodsistransferredtoCuba.

•Anestimated$1.25billionislostannuallyinagriculturalexportsduetotravelandtraderestrictionswithCuba.

•RemovalofU.S.travelandfinancialrestrictionswouldincreaseIllinoisagriculturalexportstoCubaby$6.6millionannually;a15%increasefromIllinoisexportstoCubain2009.

•Cuba’spopulationisapproximately11,075,244;withagrowthrateof-0.115%.TheCubangovernmentpredicts populationwill remain in steady declinethrough2020.

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This year’s Summer Ag Institute focused on local farms growing and providing local food items. The teachers toured a honey bee farm, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, Leiding Meats, Pearson’s Melon Farm, Lingley Brothers, and many other local operations.Here are comments from some of the 17 teachers who enjoyed the program: — “My knowledge, as well as my admiration, of agriculture-related careers was enhanced this week. I look forward to being more knowledgeable on these topics when working with my students.” — “A great experience! A great week!” — “I have driven by soybean fields all my life but I never really thought about how important they are.”

Top Right: The 2012 Summer Ag Inst i tute Class poses with Tom and Jane Sweeney (kneeling) at their hazelnut farm south of Hoopeston.Bottom Right: The class checks out the cheese aging room at Ludwig Farmstead Creamery.Left: A steer on Garrett Douglass’ farm and a teacher check out each other during the 2012 Summer Ag Institute.

Local Farms = Local Foods

One little word can mean so much. In relation to the Clean Water Act, that word is “navi-gable,” and EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are trying to get rid of it. If they succeed, EPA will have the authority to regulate nearly every drop of water, and some dry land, too.

With this additional author-ity for EPA comes a likely del-uge of regulations and permit-ting requirements for farmers, ranchers and other landowners. This is why the American Farm Bureau Federation has launched the “Stop the Flood of Regula-tion” campaign.

EPA and the Corps are poised to finalize what’s known as a “guidance” document that would greatly expand EPA’s limited authority to write rules governing the protection of nav-igable waters.

“Right now, EPA’s regula-tory authority under the Clean Water Act is basically restricted to larger bodies of water and waterways that feed into those larger bodies,” explained Don Parrish, AFBF water qual-ity specialist. “If the guidance document goes into effect, EPA officials would have the power to regulate even a roadside ditch that fills with water only after a good soaking, like Tropical De-pression Debby.”

Farmers, ranchers and land-

owners are up in arms about the guidance document for numer-ous reasons other than the chal-lenging and costly farm-level restrictions and permitting re-quirements they’ll face.

First, the guidance docu-ment improperly changes the law and ignores lawmakers’ in-tentions when they passed the Clean Water Act decades ago. They never intended for the federal government to have the kind of control it is seeking over local bodies of water.

Second, the guidance docu-ment flies in the face of Supreme Court rulings that affirmed im-portant limitations on the fed-eral government’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.

Third, by forcing this change through a guidance doc-ument, rather than through the appropriate rule-making regula-tory process, farmers and ranch-ers have no formal way to tell EPA how its actions will affect how they farm and ranch, or if they will be able to do it at all,

once the guidance document is in place.

As part of Farm Bureau’s “Stop the Flood of Regulation” campaign, farmers are urging their senators and representa-tives to pass the Preserve the Waters of the U.S. Act (S. 2245 and H.R. 4965), which would prevent EPA from using the guidance document.

They are also communicat-ing with officials at EPA, the White House Council on Envi-ronmental Quality, USDA and anyone else in the administra-tion who needs to hear about how devastating this guidance document could be to agricul-ture.

To share your story and concerns, use the #stoptheflood hashtag on Twitter and the cam-paign’s Stop the Flood of Regu-lation Facebook page.

If you have any questions about the campaign, please con-tact Cody Lyon with at 202-406-3736 or codyl@fb.org.

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By Kammie Richter

Kammie Richter, a teacher at Oakwood Jr. High School, was named the 2010 Illinois Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. She has attended the National Ag in the Classroom Conferences the last four years with Vermilion County Ag Literacy Coordinator Staci Walker.

Teachers across America attend the National Ag In The Classsroom Conference each year to further their knowledge about agriculture in education. The past four years this conference has been held in Missouri, Maryland, and Florida. This year’s conference was held June 19-22 in Loveland, Colorado.

Teachers and Ag Literacy Coordinators from Farm Bureau offices attend the annual AITC conference to learn more about how food gets from the farm to the table, as well as current issues facing each state. Conference speakers shed light on the history of the area, and pre and post conference tours highlighting the culture and landscape are available for an additional fee. Dinners are crafted so they reflect the cuisine and culture of the host state. Hallways of the hotel are lined with

National Ag in the Classroom ConferenceIncreases Awareness About Many Topics

numerous agricultural businesses, some with giveaway items for the classroom, or agriculturally themed silent auction items to bid on such as books, clothing, and a variety of goody-filled baskets. Each host state arranges things to their liking, so although each year is guaranteed to be different, some favorite things remain the same.

The first day was devoted to workshops. Some of the general topics attendees were able to choose from included: history, livestock farming, gardening, conservation, classroom activities and games, soil, western farming, manure management, onions, music and movement, chemistry, literacy, wheat, pesticides, ranches, soybeans, technology ideas for students, as well as world culture and food.

Day two this year was devoted to a traveling tour. Each participant chose a tour from the following: Horticulture/Greenhouses, Water in the West, Animal Agriculture, Horsing Around, Agritourism, Organic Farming and Research, Greenhouse to Hen House, Veggies, Udderly Amazing Milk and Egg tour, Plains’ Facts tour, and the Bolder Boulder County tour. These tours are always a hit with participants. The tour about vegetables included a fresh lunch prepared by a chef right in front of them!

On the third morning the state breakfast was scheduled. This is a popular event for attendees each year, as they walk through the grand ballroom and choose a state table. There they will learn from the table host about the agricultural products that are grown in that particular state. State AITC Directors decorate and

arrange their tables to embody the theme of their state so it will look appealing to the attendees. Each table has agricultural products representative of their state such as jam, soybean candles, mint candy, pens and pencils with brand names, and often ag themed hats and t-shirts which will all be given to table participants.

The conference culminated with a water festival. It was an interesting way to teach everyone about the importance of conserving water and how to host a water festival in local schools. Besides having numerous workshops outdoor hands-on activities were set up to demonstrate water consumption.

Teachers who wish to learn more about agriculture in the classroom may contact Vermilion County Ag Literacy Coordinator, Staci Disney-Walker, at the Vermilion Farm Bureau at 442-8713, or by sending an email to aitc.vcfb@comcast.net. There will be a Teacher Open House soon after school begins in August so teachers may sign up for presentations for classroom presentations on particular chosen topics each month.

All educators are invited to attend the Summer Ag Institute to learn more about area agricultural products in an effort to educate future generations about many topics such as the importance of agri-tourism, and local sustainable agriculture.

The Michigan table is ready for the State Breakfast. Each table features information and materials about the farming and food products from their state.

This is a Water Wagon, which is an educational trailer that travels throughout Colorado with hands-on exhibits concerning water conservation.

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Farm BureauDiscount Program

PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN DISCOUNT:Simply show your paid up Vermilion County Farm Bureau Membership card at each visit at the time payment is required. Vermilion County Farm Bureau does not intend this as an endorsement of any of the professionals, busi-nesses or products on which discounts have been obtained for our members and the Vermilion County Farm Bureau does not assume any liability for services rendered under this service.VERMILION COUNTY FARM BUREAU WILL CONSIDER REQUESTS FROM OTHER PROFESSIONALS

AND BUSINESSES WHO MIGHT WISH TO PROVIDE DISCOUNTS TO OUR MEMBERS.FOR DETAILS PLEASE CALL 442-8713.

ELECTRICMOTORSERVICE

REWINDING • REPAIRING & SALESINDUSTRIAL • FARM • HOME

1204 N. Collett, Danville 217 / 442-1977

Danville Omni KolorAutomotive Paint & Supplies

210 W. Williams St.Danville, IL 61832

(217) 446-1230Roger Seibert - Owner

5% DISCOUNTCASH SALES

ONLY

10% DISCOUNTAeration Fan

Motor RepairsNot Valid

(Sept.-Oct.-Nov.)

222 E. Main St. Hoopeston Phone 1-217-283-7125

10% DISCOUNTexcluding sale items, any other discounts or coupons. Does not

apply to special order items.

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COUNTRY STOREHealth Foods

Vitamins, Minerals & BooksOrganically Grown Foods & Herbal Teas

10% DISCOUNTNON-SALE ITEMS

Pampered Paws Pet StylingDenmark Road, Danville

431-836810% off Grooming

CHUCK CANNADY PHOTOGRAPHY

“Your Vision Brought to Life”Weddings ♦ Portraiture

10% off Finished Print OrdersCall H 217.443.0297 W 217.442.1872

17938 N 680 East Rd. Fithian, IL • (217) 354-4030

For Farm Bureau members only

Kevin Green PADI Instructor #218830WLessons to fit your schedule are our specialty

MadeFreshDaily

93%FatFree

511 N. Gilbert St. - Danville • 446-160120% off all in-shop auto glass replacements + free

wiper blades and Aquapel windshield treatment

3618 N. Vermilion Danville, IL

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-6Sat. 10-4446-7279

Checking & SavingsLoans & Mortgages

Health Savings Accountswww.iaacu.org 800-676-2541

Available to Vermilion County Farm Bureau members

10% off Everything (food & beverages)Full-Service Restaurant

& Banquet Facility

3540 N. Vermilion St., Danville11a-9p Mo-Th; 11a-10p Fr; 7a-10p Sa; 7a-9p Sun

WHITES WELDING26244 N 1450 East Rd. • Danville, IL 61834

(217) 759-7808 (217) 497-71945% Discount on SHUR-LOK TARP SYSTEMS

10% Discount on Installation

10% Off Everything(except special orders)

813 Oak St. Danville, IL 217.213.5400

10% off total order (not good with other offers)Good only at Danville Location

2507 N. Vermilion Danville, IL 61832Open Monday-Saturday Noon to 10pm

Sunday 1pm to 10pm

Farm Bureau Memberscan get

$500 Bonus Cashon a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle purchase!Excludes some models. See your Ford Dealer for details.

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DPL Tree Service & Stump Removal

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VOYLES CONSTRUCTION & EXCAVATIINGRidge Farm, IL (217) 247-2538All types excavation (basements, footings, demolition, farm ponds), septic systems & residential carpentry.Financing Available Licensed/Insured - State of IL

5% DISCOUNT ON ROOFING, SIDING & WASTE WATER TREATMENT

HEIDRICK EARTHMOVING23182 N. 1450 East Rd.Danville, IL 61832(217) 443-6901

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PRATT & LAMBERTPITTSBURG

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Frank Gruszka

15% DISCOUNTPaint, Stains

Brushes, RollersExcept Sale Items.

10% On All Parts

Lithgow Automotive1121 S. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston

(217) 283-3171 (800) 474-4955

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NAPA AUTO PARTS122 N. Gilbert • Danville, IL • Phone 446-90671622 N. State • Westville, IL • Phone 267-3030

5% On Stock ItemsDoes not apply to Penske Rental. On Cash Sales Only

SANDY & BILL SCHULER

GREENHOUSEHome Grown FlowerssoUTH seConD AVenUeHooPesTon, IllInoIs 60942

10% DiscountCash and Carry

Excluding Sale Items.

TAX SERVICE PLUS, INC.Gail Lane 310 E. Main Street • Hoopeston, IL 60942

(217) 283-6990We have a solid tax background. 10% OFF TAX PREPARATION

505 N. Gilbert • Danville, ILPhone 217-443-2320

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL PARTS, TIRES AND OTHERMERCHANDISE OR “SALE” PRICE - WHICHEVER IS LOWEST.

10 - 20% Hotel DiscountsDays Inn ♦ Ramada ♦ Howard Johnson ♦ Travelodge ♦ Knights Inn

Wingate ♦ Clarion ♦ Comfort ♦ Sleep ♦ Econo LodgeStop by the Farm Bureau for your discount cards

and for more details.

Shear Beauty Salon3206 Park Haven Blvd. Danville

10% Discount on any serviceAlice Downing, Owner Call (217) 442-8507

✄

Lighting • Motors • Electrical • VentilationOrderbycalling(217)875-7511

orgoonlineatwww.grainger.comProgramAccountNumberforVermilionCounty#851600189

JODI’S SEALCOATING & STRIPING

5% Discount

AMERICANEAGLE AUTOGLASS

39 N. Franklin • Danville, IL

443-4527Windshield repair $35 in shop

15% off any glass work in shop

8254 E 1425 North Rd. • Fairmount, IL

10% discount on total purchase

excluding other discounts and consignment items.

13500 Hungry Hollow Road • Danville, IL 61834Phone (217) 446-3000

Save 10% on catalog prices!

Must show Farm Bureau Membership Card to receive discounts

DISCOUNTS FOR VERMILION COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

10% Off Quilting1106 N. Logan

Danville, IL 61832(217) 446-7756

Call for appointment.

Pruning • Topping • Stumps70’ Bucket Truck

5% Discount 217-497-4337

High-speed Satellite Internet ServiceNew subscribers save 10% Call 866-566-9661

Call 866-977-3012 to locate a provider near you.

Preferred LASIK surgery pricing with savings of 40-50% off overall national average price!

You can also find a listing of our Farm Bureau Discounts

on our website atwww.vcfb.info

PIERCE PIANO SERVICE3033 E. 2000 North Rd., Fithian

Tuning, Rebuilding & Repair

5% MEMBER DISCOUNT

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$300 Discount DX / DXE /Scout$500 Discount on JX & Maxxum

New Discounts on DX/ DXE/JX Series Farmall tractors.Visit Birkey’s in Hoopeston - Urbana - Rantoul - Oakland

DAVID HUGHESTrucking & Excavating

10% Discount on 14 tons or more hauling10% Discount on excavating

Danville, IL 61832 • 431-7249 or 446-7506

CHITTICK FAMILY EYE CAREDanville: 1104 N. Vermilion - 217-442-2631 Hoopeston: 851 E. Orange - 217-283-7611

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5% DISCOUNT OFF LIST PRICE EXCEPT SALE ITEMS.

WATSONGENERAL TIRE

AUTO•TRUCK•TIRESPECIALIST705E.MAINST.-DANVILLE,IL•PHONE443-4900

Jerry Watson, President

(217) 443-3091

HANKS TRANSMISSION SERVICE TRANSMISSIONS OUR ONLY BUSINESS

HENRY F. JUDD, Owner 50 S. COLLEGEHANK JUDD, JR. Manager DANVILLE, IL 61832 ShOpFOreman5% DISCOUNT

Phone(217) 443-1444

5% Discount/10% on Cash Sales

Master Hydraulics, Inc.Hydraulic Hose & Supplies

2427 Batestown Rd.Danville, IL 61832

710 N. Vermilion Street • Danville, IL 61832Phone 1-217-443-0682

20% discount on hearing aids --- FREE HEARING TESTS

10% DISCOUNT

Wheel AlignmentBalancing

General Auto RepairsLabor

Must show Farm Bureau Membership Card to receive discounts $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Goodwin Welding & Fabrication401 S. State St., Ridge Farm

(217) 247-2880 mobile (217) 260-2880

10% Discount to Farm Bureau Members

ORDER AN EXTRA VALUE MEALAND RECEIVE A FREE

BAKED PIE!Danville–bOthlOcatiOnS

OakwOOD◆hOOpeStOn◆geOrgetOwn

KEITh CONSTRUCTION“Grading&Excavating”

Drainage Repair • Tree Removal • Ditch Cleaning Scraper Work • Demolition • Soil/Water Conservation

CallJoshat217-304-5703orseeusatwww.JoshKeithExcavating.com5% Discount

Sully Schultz Nursery, Inc.Since 1950

317 East 14th Street, Tilton

15% off Plants (not sale items)Cash-n-Carry Only Since 1950

DISCOUNTS FOR VERMILION COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

628 E. WilliamsDanville, IL 61832Phone 446-8814

D&R LAWN CARE & MORELet us take care of your lawn & landscaping needs!

10% OFF TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS217-497-9060 • Potomac • 217-497-6645

www.darinwhitetails@yahoo.com

ILICA Certified Contractor #570

PRAIRIELAND FARM DRAINAGEDrainageSystems•Repairs

SurfaceDrains•Water/SoilConservationCallJoshat217-304-5703orseeusat

www.JoshKeithExcavating.com

ILICA Certified Contractor #570

5% Discount

Save 15% - 20% in five great locations!

Wisconsin Dells Æ Kansas CityCincinnati Æ Traverse City, MI

Sandusky, OH

Use Corporate Code ILLI617A

Save up to 30% on Eye Glasses at Sears Optical!Use Group Code #CBDFB – Plan #5204193

Savings you can see.

KESLER,GARMAN,BROUGHER&TOWNSLEy,P.C.LAW OFFICES

220 N. Vermilion, Danville, IL – 446-0880James L. Brougher Scott E. Perkins

5% Discount on Hourly Rates

Furniture Refinishing & UpholsteryCommercial & Residential

Appointment OnlyBrent 217-504-3689

10% off Refinishing & Upholstery Services P.O. Box 685 • Catlin, IL 61817

10%OFFSERVICE10%OFF

NewConstruction/ReplacementofHeating-CoolingEquipment

Jeff Clawson - Owner/Operator(217) 427-5825

CHUCK MOCKBEE • LAWYERVC FARM BUREAU MEMBER

711 N. Gilbert, Danville, IL • Ph. 446-9208Estate Planning & Administration • Real Estate • LLCs, Corps.

Partnerships & Trusts • Drainage Dists. • Twps. & Rd. Dists.10% Vermilion Co. Farm Bureau Member Discount

10 BOOSTER

Save up to 65% on Prescriptions Local Pharmacies include:

Sander’s • CVS • Polyclinic • Walgreens • Wal-MartK-Mart • Pamida • Bratland’s

Contact Farm Bureau for a free discount card

BILL SMITHAUTO PARTS

Quality Parts-Quality Service – Where Used Parts Save You Money Danville Urbana Bloomington 442-0156 800-252-7698 800-531-4684

Farm Bureau Members 10% Discount on all Cash Sales.

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MUFFLER& BRAKE

ShOPMUFFLERS • PIPES • CUSTOM BENDING

SHOCKS • STRUTS • COIL SPRINGS • BRAKES

614 S. Gilbert, Danville, IL, Ph. 443-0673

dillmaneyecare

®

“24 HOURS A DAY SERVICE”701 Griggs Street

DANVILLE, ILLINOIS 61832(217) 443-0269

Danville Rubber Industrial Pipe Supply

Digital City Dee-J’s10% Discount off of D.J. Services

Weddings, Graduations, Anniversaries, Birthday PartiesPlease call or email for more information

217-304-1852 or 217-446-3675 E-mail Cper518@aol.com

SHERWIN WILLIAMS428 N. Vermillion Street • Danville, IL

Illini Skateland and Miniature Golf

Bowles Construction Co.Boyer Backhoe & Dozer Service

Shop – 314 Gilbert St, RossvilleOwners – Dale Tweedy and John A. Boyer

Phone – (217) 304-6383 or (217) 304-6930Land Improvement Soil & Water Conservation

5% Discount

Chuck Perkinsowner

Doug’s Aerial Service5% discount for bucket truck useGutter Cleaning • Painting • Joist Setting

Sign Placement

Call 217-497-4337

WELDING & FABRICATIONJob ShopRossville

(217) 497-4820 or 497-3748“We Weld Everything Except The Crack Of Dawn”

10% DISCOUNT TO MEMBERS

LP$1500 Off

ANY PURCHASE $125 TO $200

$1000 OffANY PURCHASE $80

TO $125

$500 OffANY PURCHASE UP

TO $80

$2000 OffANY PURCHASE OVER

$200

HENDRICKS CONTRACTING, INC.Proudly Serving Central Illinois since 1929Earthmoving and Drainage217-304-1545 (c) 217-379-9645 (h)5% Discount on Tile Hook-ups

Mini Golf — Buy 1 Get 1 FREE8 North Brewer Rd. - Danville • 442-3340Must show membership card for discount

Save up to 20% on car rentals.Contact the Farm Bureau office for access code numbers and more information.

EwE Poo ComPost10%offentirepurchase!Availablein20#bagstobulktruckloadsContactCharlieorBeckyatshpsht@gmail.comorvisitwww.ewepoo.com

Save on summer vacations!Get discounted theme park

tickets at the Farm Bureau office

Six Flags — Kings Island — Cedar PointHoliday World — Indiana Beach

Available May-August

Quality PaintingInterior - Exterior • Spray, Brush or Roller

Whole House or Partial Trims • Decks/GaragesPower Washing Services

15 Years Experience

Contact Bill(217) 446-8770

15%Discount

Reach over 5,700 Farm Bureau MembersList your Discount Here

TODD’S AUTO BODYTodd Cox, Owner Jim Whittington, Estimator

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8-5 (Open Lunch Hours)4 Southgate Dr., Tilton • 431-7209 • Fax 431-7229

10% DiscountTodd’s

10% Discount on Lands’ EndClothing & Logo Embroidery Fees

Member Discount Pocket Cardsfor state & national discounts are

available at the Farm Bureau office.Pick Yours Up Today!

DILLMAN EYE CARE, S.C.600 N. LOGAN AVE., DANVILLE, IL 61832

PHONE 443-224415%DISCOUNT(contacts not included)

ON ALL EYEWARE IN OUR OPTICAL DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING FRAMES, PRESCRIPTION AND REGULAR LENSES, LAB FEE AND ALL ACCESSORIES.

(Must present Farm Bureau Membership Card)

10% DISCOUNT TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS

25% Discount on regularly-priced Paint, Wallpaper and Supplies

BOOSTER 11

Safety ChecklistReduces FarmFamily Dangers

Combine, Field Fires a Potential Problem

Safety matters on the farm. Ask any farm family.

Equipment with moving parts, unpredictable livestock and large machinery with lim-ited visibility posed just a few farm dangers.

What can farm families do to stay safe? Identify and elimi-nate hazards, says Eric Vanas-dale, COUNTRY Financial se-nior loss control representative.

“Once you recognize the dangers, you can prevent many accidents. You can also set rules and train farm employees and family members to think about safety on a daily basis.”

COUNTRY distributes “Safety Matters in the COUN-

TRY,” a checklist that identi-fies farm dangers. Because the checklist addresses potential hazards affecting all ages of farm employees and family members, Vanasdale suggests completing it during National Farm Safety & Health Week Sept. 16-22.

After families answer the checklist questions, they receive a safety score. A “no” response indicates a danger that should be eliminated. Checklist ques-tions cover vehicles & slow moving emblems, electrical safety, supervision of children working on the farm, and com-munication.

Vanasdale urges farm fami-lies to be particularly aware of harvest dangers enhanced by drought conditions.

“The drought has added stress to farm life. Many fami-lies are worried about yields and income,” says Vanasdale. “They may not always be thinking about being safe.

“One accident is one too many. Farm families can enjoy an injury-free harvest if they keep safety at the forefront ev-ery day.”

To obtain copies of agri-cultural safety checklists, visit www.countryfinancial.com.

With temperatures tipping over 100 degrees, the heat has dried out this year’s crops push-ing harvest up to possibly late August.

With harvest come con-cerns about farm safety. This year farmers need to think about the risk of a fire.

“As with most other farm incidents, combine fires are relatively rare single events,” says Chip Petrea, with Univer-sity of Illinois’s Department of Agricultural and Biological En-gineering

Given the drought across the majority of the row-crop growing region, and the forecast for similar conditions through the harvesting season, the envi-ronmental and crop conditions themselves increase the chances of combine fires.

Add in the fact newer en-gines operate at higher tempera-tures, and “both then lead to, pardon the expression, a very combustible situation,” Petrea notes. “Two particulars that can reduce the chances of condi-

Making sure a bright, reflective SMV emblem is mounted on all farm equipment is one thing you can do to increase safety while traveling on roadways.

tions accumulating and causing a fire are following suggested cleaning guidelines and clean-ing procedures.”

Another thing to watch is fires starting from truck muf-flers catching field debris on fire. Field conditions are ex-tra dry, and caution needs to be used when driving trucks through a field.

“Make sure every tractor, combine and truck contains at least one ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher,” adds Coun-try Financial’s Eric Vanasdale. “Teach farm employees and family members how to use it. Extremely dry conditions pose an increased possibility of field fires.”

Those living near farm fields also need to take precau-tions. Burning trash should be avoided if possible, or at least done in self-contained and cov-ered burn barrels.

You’ll also need to use caution when burning leaves or brush this fall. Any burn-ing should not take place un-til we’ve had some significant rainfall. And be sure that the crops around you have been harvested first.

12 BOOSTER

Buying Local is Getting EasierGarrett Douglass has been raising beef

cattle on his farm east of Rossville for the past 25 years. He’s also been selling beef off the farm that’s been processed into cuts of meat as Double D Beef for that same time.

Paige and Toby Brown have operated Lingley Bros. Sweet Corn in the Hoopeston/Rossville area since 2000. They have sold sweet corn, tomatoes and green beans at road stands and farmers markets for a number of years. They also raise some hogs and sheep.

But what happens when two fam-ily farms want to expand their outreach to meet a growing demand to ‘buy local.’ They open the Rossville Farmers Market and Cut-Up Shop in downtown Rossville.

“The Cut-Up Shop had been closed for well over a year, and had been for sale for a while,” Douglass said. “Since my grand-mother owned the antique shop next door (The Rainbow Shop Antiques), we decided it was an opportunity to buy the building and open the store.” When they did make the purchase, they made an opening in the wall to connect the two spaces. “It gives us seating space for customers having lunch, plus we can watch the antique store when my grandmother’s away for the winter.”

What you’ll find when you walk into the Rossville Farmers Market and Cut-Up Shop is a complete meat case, filled with cuts of beef and pork, along with free range chickens. While much of the meat comes from the Douglass and Brown farms, “at this point, it’s impossible logistically to provide all the meat that we sell from our own stock,” Douglass says. “But we still provide access to high quality, local meat.”

Bill Mullen is cutting meat for the shop now. “He started Rawhide Meats in Dan-ville and retired,” Douglass said. “But he got bored, so he’s now cutting meat for us.”

In addition to the meat case, you can

also order meat bundles for filling your freezer. They also make their own beef sticks and jerky, along with sausage links and brats.

But more than meat, the store features fresh produce when available. “If we have corn, there will always be corn for sale here,” Paige Brown said. “We also have or have had tomatoes, b l a c k b e r r i e s and green beans from our farm. And we can sell surplus produce from others – we’ve had ladies bring in zucchini

from their gardens, for example.”In addition, the shop features pies,

cakes, breads and cheesecakes made by local ladies. “They come into our kitchen, and bake for us,” Brown added. They’re also selling local jams from Half-Acre Farm in Westville and 82’s BBQ Sauce from Danville.

Their lunch counter features daily specials along with deli sandwiches, ham-burgers, and other lunch items. Paige and

Garrett’s wife Heather help with the cook-ing, along with Sheri Beck. They can also do catering jobs.

So what’s it like to open a food shop is a small town?

“We expected local support, which we’ve gotten,” both Brown and Doug-lass noted. “People that come in, they’re shocked by the variety of selections avail-able.” They have customers from more than the Rossville area, with people com-ing in and returning from Danville, Cov-ington, and even Crescent City.

“There have been some growing pains – it takes a while for people to change their buying habits,” Douglass noted. “But if you’re looking for a friendly, small town, old fashioned meat market, that’s what we’ve got.”

If you know of an interesting business or activity in Vermilion County, we’d like to feature it as well. Contact the Farm Bu-reau office with details.

A variety of cuts of meat are available at the Rossville Farmers Market and Cut-Up Shop. “We’ll cut the steaks to any thickness you like,” notes Paige Brown.

Garrett Douglass and Paige Brown stand on the steps of their Rossville Farmers Market and Cut-Up Shop, located on IL Rt. 1 across from Casey’s in downtown Rossville. Business hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 am - 6 pm, and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm.

Fresh produce in season is just some of the items available at the Rossville Farmers Market and Cut-Up Shop.

BOOSTER 13

The Great Rural America ParadoxContinued from Page 3

access to basic technology and services and neither will health care professionals and small business owners. Access to broadband plays a huge role in whether rural communities survive and flourish or wither and die.

As the number of rural doctors continues to decline, so do rural businesses. According to Inc. Magazine, 70 percent of business owners in rural America will need to transition their businesses to new owners by 2020. That is a staggering figure. And, by all counts, it appears that broadband access is a major component of the economic engine.

Many states across the nation are addressing rural technology challenges. One program in particular that is being utilized by many states is Connected Nation, a broadband adoption project to create connected communities. This program trains regional leaders on how to work with their communities to secure more Internet access and connect more people. They make up community planning teams that help groups engage in teaching computer classes, mentor older adults and help with online job searches.

So, while rural America remains for many an idyllic land of open spaces and simpler ways of life, those who live there know the real deal. Access to basic services continues to be essential for rural communities and the competitiveness of our nation. Rural residents and their children shouldn’t be kept at a disadvantage by inadequate education, health care and business opportunities.

It’s time to get past the paradox.

14 BOOSTER

ADM INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.SCOTT HARMS

CASH GRAIN & COMMODITY BROKER

P.O. Box 350 • Oakland, Illinois 61943 • 800-637-3123

Storage ContainersFor Rent or Sale

Delivered to your Site10’ - 20’ - 40’ - 45’ - 48’ long

Perfect for seed or chemical storage

MEL PRICE & CO.1938 N Bowman Ave ◆ Danville IL 61832

217-442-9092

COUNTRYCOMMODITIES

Registered Introducing BrokerClearing Through

R.J. O’Brien & Associates Inc.

COMMODITYFUTURES &

OPTIONSCommodity Broker

Ron Leisch

19295 N. 1970 East Rd.Danville, IL 61834

217-431-1400800-431-8030

®

BOOSTER 15

GEORGETOWN

First National Bank in

Did the wet Spring get youthinking about a fieldtiling project?

Contact us to discuss yourfinancing options.

Call Jerry, Jeff or Aaronfor all your financial needsincluding operating loans,

real estate loans and buildingequipment, or tiling

leases!!

www.fnbgtown.com

Georgetown, IL 61846217-662-2166

21 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832

217-442-9900 www.bbhland.com

“The entire team is working for you.”

Specializing in the sale of Illinois & Indiana farmland and recreational property by private listing or public auction.

Frank Butler Tim Busby Randy Hicks Scott Eggert

– 217-260-4742 – 217-474-5626 – 765-230-8105 – 219-678-1173

Farm Management & Real Estate Sales

Brian Neville AFM

Russ Hiatt AFM/ARA

217-474-9354

PO Box 766, Danville IL 217-442-8003

Plan to Attend

Candidate Forums

Much of Vermilion County is in new legislative districts.

These forums will be a chance for you to meet the candidates vying to represent you in Springfield for the next two years.

Sponsored by

Thursday October 25 Farm Bureau Auditorium

Thursday October 11 Village Mall Center Court

Back to School Teachers’ Workshop Tuesday, September 4th 3-7 pm

Come learn about the Ag in the Classroom program

Free Materials Sign up for Presentations

Reserve Learning Kits Make & Takes

Refreshments

Teachers can earn CPDU’s for every hour you attend!

Farm Bureau Members Save

Money!

– $500 off new Ford vehicles

– Paint from Frank’s or Sherwin Williams

– Save at O’Leary’s, Custard Cup, McDonald’s

– Eyeglass discounts at Dillman’s or Chittick’s

– 15% off plants at Schultz Nursery

– Prescription Savings

– Vacation Savings on theme parks, hotels and rental cars.

Check out all the member discounts on Pages 7-10 of each Booster magazine.

For more information,

contact Vermilion County Farm Bureau at 217-442-8713.