Stephenson County Soil and Water Conservation District VOLUME 31, Issue 2

www.stephensonswcd.org

Published Quarterly Spring 2011

S TEPHENSON S OIL AND W ATER C ONSERVATION D ISTRICT Award Ceremony The Stephenson Soil & Water Conservation District Board wishes to recognize several people who have done outstanding conservation work in the county. The awards were presented at the first ever Stephenson SWCD Award Ceremony held at 6:30 PM on Thursday March 17, 2011 at the Stephenson Farm Bureau. The meeting began with Jim Ritterbusch giving a greeting and introduction of Stephenson SWCD board members and office staff.

Della Moen, Associate Director presented the “Legacy Award” to the Leland Otte Family. Randy Grunder, Chairman presented the “2010 Farm Family Award” to the Plager Family. The Board would like to thank Bruce Johnson and the Stephenson County Farm Bureau for the use of their room and providing coffee and lemonade for the Ceremony.

Martha Ebbesmeyer, Conservation Ag Partnership (CAP) presented ribbons to poster winners that were present. Craig Hessenius, Director presented the “Friend of the District Award” to Steve Fricke. Bruce Baumgartner, Vice Chairman presented the “Conservation Horizon Award” to the Keltner Family.

Inside This Issue: Award Ceremony Recap ................................................................. 1 Meet the Directors/ “Friend of the District Award”........................ 2 2010 “Legacy Award”..................................................................... 3 Conservation Poster Contest ........................................................... 4 2010 “Conservation Horizon Award” ............................................. 5 2010 “Conservation Farm Family of the Year” ............................. 6 SWCD Equipment 4 Sale ................................................................ 7 SWCD Rental Equipment/Scholarship Available........................... 8 Vegetative Filter Strip Assessment Law ........................................ 8 April Gardening Checklist .............................................................. 9 Well Decommissioning / CPP......................................................... 9 Why Shouldn’t I Work My Soybean Ground This Spring?.......... 10 How does Social Security affect your retirement/seminar............ 11 _____________________________________________________________________________________

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NEW DIRECTORS The following individuals have been voted in to serve two terms for the Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District: Barb Klinger was elected for another two-year term. She has served on the Board for two terms as Director. She and her husband, Mark, farm 500 acres and milk 150 cows in the Pecatonica area. They raise all their heifers and grow corn, soybeans and hay to feed the animals. Barb and Mark have two daughters, Rachel, 20 and Stephanie 17. Rachel is a transfer student to University of Wisconsin Platteville after completing two years at Highland Community College studying agriculture. Stephanie is a senior at Pecatonica High School after graduation she plans on attending Highland Community College in the fall. Bruce Baumgartner was re-elected for his second two-year term on the board, for the Stephenson County Soil & Water Conservation District. Bruce and his wife Kathy farm 900 acres southwest of Lena, Illinois. They grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Bruce had practiced ridge tillage for many years and converted to strip tillage starting in the spring of 2009. They have steers on their pastureland and finish them in their feedlot. Bruce and Kathy have three children: Brian, who is involved in the family farming operations, Kera presently working at the Rachuy House in Stockton, Illinois, and Jodi, employed with the Ogle County Extension Service.

Steve currently teaches Applied Technology and Agriculture Business.

2010 SPECIAL AWARD: “Friend of the District” – Steve Fricke

Steve and Kim Fricke farm 650 acres in southeastern Stephenson County. Part of the operation is a farm that has been in the family since 1930. Their daughters Kali and Cassie and son-in-law Greg are also involved in the operation. Steve and his wife are both teachers at Freeport High school. Kim currently teaches Business, Product Marketing and Economics.

In 2007, with the help of Freeport High School Assistant Principle, Mr. Stan Messmore, Steve was able to revive the Agriculture program after a 21 year absence. Currently there are 52 students in the agriculture program with 17 active FFA members. 95 % of the students are from non-farm backgrounds so the curriculum is mainly consumer based, with some mechanics and business added. The FFA chapter is growing and participating in chapter and section events. Steve served on the Stephenson Soil & Water Conservation District’s board from 1995 to 2001 as a director and also as secretary-treasurer. Following his terms he remained as associate director. Steve & Kim also hosted District tours on their property. Steve said after becoming a new Soil & Water Conservation board member, “Conservation is the issue that is paramount to the future of farming. Our soil and water are the most important resources we have available and sharing our conservation knowledge with others involved in agriculture is a major part of our job as directors of the Stephenson Soil & Water Conservation District.”

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2010 “LEGACY AWARD” – Leland, Nancy, Kevin and Vici Otte The Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District annually presents the Legacy Farm Award to landowners who dedicate their lives to conserving natural resources for future generations. Leland’s parents Orville & Catherine Otte were married in 1929 and moved onto the 148 acre farm located on Flansburg Road. This farm was owned by Leland’s grandfather, Fred Otte. Orville & Catherine starts as most farms in the area, with dairy cows, hogs, chickens and sheep. The farm was located on steep rolling terrain and was subject to erosion. By 1937, the land had lost enough productivity that it was unable to produce enough crops to feed the livestock. Leland’s father Orville and grandfather, Fred contacted Stephenson County’s newly formed Soil Conservation Service. With the S.C.S. help terraces were built and planting was done across slope following the contour of the fields. Due to these changes the field fences were relocated with the assistance of the W.P.A. program. With the implementation of these conservation practices and the addition of rock phosphate and limestone the farm became more productive. The Ottes’ purchased and additional 80 acres, on Cook Road, and established terraces and strips. In 1964 Leland entered the military for two years and upon returning onehalf interest from his father. The entire farm was purchased from Orville in 1970, with an additional 35 acres added in 1981. The farm acres were terraced and tiled. In 1967 the use of chisel plowing resulted in more residue being found on the corn fields planted. Family history shows three sons being born into the family, Kevin, Marshall and David. All three assisted with the farming until finishing school. Son, Kevin married Vici Osterday in 1983 and became part of the farming operation. With Kevin aboard more acres were rented until the operation grew to 700 acres. Dairying continued until 1979, when the cows were sold, the expanded hog operation found a selling point in 2000. The operation swung entirely into crop farming. This new era found increasing equipment size, less tillage passes, and grains being planted by the no-till method resulted in the demise of the old terraces. The Ottes enroll much of their steep farm ground into the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program. This program known as C.R.P. idles highly erodible acres for a period of 10 to 15 years from crop production and establishes suitable vegetative cover. This benefits both the reduction of soil erosion and providing wildlife habitat. Building and maintaining waterways and buffer strips have controlled the soil erosion from rainfall runoff. Retiring in 2003 allowed Leland and wife Nancy to have the freedom to entertain international visitors on their farm. Being involved with the Freeport Area International Visitors Council for over 40 years has allowed them to establish world-wide friendships. Nancy has also served on the National Council for International Visitors. Leland participated in 4-H, sat on the Stephenson County Farm Bureau board as well as the Farm Service Agency committee and found time for involvement with the Pork Producers and Lena Lions Club. Son, Kevin is associated with Pioneer Seed and maintains the farming operations with renter, Keith Hinrichs. Kevin’s wife Vici is the Stephenson County Clerk. Other son, Marshall resides in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while David and wife Catherine like the warmer climes of Phoenix, Arizona. Much love is given by grandpa and grandma to four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

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CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST The Conservation and Agricultural Partners Foundation coordinates the poster contest for the SWCD. The students were encouraged to design a poster with the theme, “Forests For People - More Than You Can Imagine”. The annual National Conservation Poster Contest provides students in grades kindergarten through 12 and opportunity to convey their thoughts about soil, water and related natural resource issues through art. 573 posters were submitted from ten different Stephenson County schools - Lena, Dakota, Orangeville, Pearl City, Freeport Middle School, Center, Blackhawk, Aquin Elementary, Open Bible, Tri County. 200 more posters were submitted than the previous year. Each student who participated in the contest will receive a complementary gift in April. The first place contest winners will have their posters submitted to the State Association for Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District’s Summer Conference Poster Contest this coming July. Division Place A (Kindergarten & Grade 1) 1st 2nd 3rd

Student Domminick Alber Jack Lambert Kylee Penticoff

School Tri County Orangeville Open Bible

Teacher Mrs. Gagliardi Mrs. Hanson Mrs. Corp

B (Grades 2 & 3)

1st 2nd 3rd

Alayna Palmer Cailey Cahoon Kierra Schulz

Pearl City Orangeville Lena-Winslow

Mrs. Kempel Mrs. Peiper Mrs. Eilders

C (Grades 4, 5, & 6)

1st 2nd 3rd

Midea Melchor Shelby Huisel Cassidy Elmer

Freeport Middle School Freeport Middle School Dakota

Ms. Larson Ms. Larson Mr. Goeke

Total posters in each division: A (K&1st) 27 posters B (Grades 2 & 3) 341 posters C (Grades 4, 5, & 6) 205 posters

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2010 “Conservation Horizon Award” – The Conservation Horizon Award features those who have the courage to make changes to their farming operations, furthering the cause of good conservation Presented to the Keltners: Carl & Ruth, Kevin & Sandy, Ryan & Nikki Keltner Farms began when Jacob Delp the great grandfather of Carl Keltner purchased acreage on Blackhawk Road in 1873. The farm has evolved over the years but has remained in the family ever since. Carl and Ruth Keltner milked Brown Swiss cows on the farm for 50+ years. They sold the herd and moved off the farm in 1990 but have remained active in the farming operation. Kevin Keltner began a grain and livestock operation after high school. At that time he finished steers and hogs. In January 1993, Ryan joined his brother in the operation. At the current time they farm close to 3000 acres of corn and soybeans. They feed out 800 steers annually. The Keltners recently expanded their livestock feeding facility to accommodate more head and to improve efficiency. The expansion included a fully contained waste management system along with 6 months of storage. Keltner Farms has also implemented and maintained a comprehensive nutrient management plan on their farm. Other conservation methods that have been implemented on the farm include conservation tillage, no-till contour farming and terraces. Carl Keltner served for 25 years on the Stephenson Service Company Board of Directors and served as president for 15 of those years. Kevin Keltner is currently a member of the board of directors for the Stephenson Service Company. Ryan Keltner is currently the President of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau. Carl and Ruth built a house near the operation upon moving off the farm. Along with staying active in the operation Carl enjoys singing with the Green County Harmony Choir and the church choir. Ruth enjoys working in her yard in her many flower gardens. Ryan and Nikki and their three sons live on the family centennial farm on Blackhawk Road, Pearl City. Nikki is a program coordinator at the U of I Extension in Stephenson County. Hayden (12) and Addison (9) are both students at Pearl City School and little Brogan is (1). Kevin and Sandy live on Mound Road in Pearl City and have two boys at home. Sandy is a Teacher’s aide at Le-Win School. Their son Chad lives and works near DeKalb. Bryce (18) and Brock (16) are both students at Le-Win High School. The family looks forward to the continued growth of the operation and look forward to the possible return of the boys to the operation. Conservation of the land has always been and continues to be important to the Keltner family because of the history of the farm being in the family and the desire for the next generation to carry on.

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2010 CONSERVATION FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR Richard, Nancy, Mike, Kim, Ryne & Kristin Plager

The Conservation Farm Family Award is given to a family that has held together the past traditions of family farming and maintained good conservation practices. The Plager family farm is located southeast of Pearl City. It is a centennial farm purchased by relatives in 1895. It is presently being operated by 4th generation Richard and Nancy, along with 5th generation, Mike and Kim and their children Ryne and Kristin. Through the years different conservation practices have been implemented on their dairy and grain farm. Current practices include: grass terraces, contour strips, wetland restoration, no-till soybeans, filter strips, wildlife habitat areas, building and shaping of waterways. Some of the highly erodible farm ground is enrolled into the Conservation Reserve Program. Also, the Plagers have implemented a plan for managing manure. They believe none of this would be possible without the cooperation of landlords that are conserving minded like the Plager family. The Plagers feel it has been a privilege to have and continue to work with the Stephenson County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The District is proud to name the Plager Family as this year’s winner of the 2010 Conservation Farm Family of the Year.

So….. Planting any new trees this year?

Protect your investments from hungry and destructive animals using Plantskydd. Plantskydd Deer Repellent is considered the most costeffective and environmentally friendly animal repellent available. Plantskydd is accepted and used by leading nurseries, private woodlot owners, landscapers, home gardeners and many State and National Conservation agencies. Plantskydd is made in the USA and is a 100% natural product. It works by emitting an odor that animals associate with activity, repelling the animal before it nibbles on plants. We offer Plantskydd in several sizes; call our office 815235-2161 ext 3 for additional information.

Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District Newsletter

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SWCD Equipment Sale The Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District has the following pieces of equipment for sale. Equipment can be viewed at the district office/parking lot.

• 2002 John Deere 5220 MFWD tractor (approx. 740 engine hours) with MX6 rotary mower $20,000; excellent condition!

• 1999 John Deere 1560 No-Till Drill – 10” row spacing; good condition! $21,000

Call the SWCD office with questions or to make an offer 815-235-2161 ext. 3

Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District Newsletter

$500 Scholarship Available The Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a scholarship to help outstanding students of soil, water, and related natural resources to complete their education at any accredited college or university. To be eligible for this scholarship you must: be a resident of Stephenson County and at least a junior in college, attend an accredited college or university, major in soil and/or water conservation or a related natural resource field, and be a full-time student who is carrying at least 12 credit hours.

SWCD RENTAL EQUIPMENT FOR SPRING PLANTING All SWCD rental equipment requires a completed contract prior to renting the equipment. The contracts are available on the SWCD website, or come into our office at 1620 S. Galena Ave, Freeport to fill one out. There is a $50 additional fee to equipment that is delivered to your farm – not all equipment can be delivered. Call our office for more information – (815) 235-2161 ext. 3. Nut Planter $2/acre plus $25 set up charge

Application forms can be picked up at our office, 1620 S. Galena Ave. Freeport, IL. They are also available on our website www.stephensonswcd.org.

Nut Picker $10/day - $100 refundable deposit

Return the completed application form along with a copy of your most recent transcript to our office by 3:00 p.m., June 10, 2010.

Nut Huller $20/day - $100 refundable deposit Tree Spades $25 refundable deposit Tree Planters $2/acre plus $25 set up charge

The Vegetative Filter Strip Assessment Law The SWCD reminds landowners who have filter strips on their land that they may file for a property tax reduction for these areas. Legislation passed in 1997 allows for vegetative filter strips, seeded areas adjacent to creeks, streams, rivers or other wetland areas to be assessed at the reduced rate of approximately 1/6 the cropland rate. Qualifying vegetative filter strips must follow NRCS specifications for width (based on soil type) and must contain vegetation that has a dense top growth, forms a uniform ground cover, has a heavy fibrous root system, and tolerates field pesticides. Landowners who have established filter strips on their land as of January 1, 2008 may stop by the SWCD office for filter strip certification. Landowners should bring the property tax ID numbers for each filter strip area, and the SWCD will complete the necessary forms to certify the filter strip. Landowners will then take the completed certification forms to the county courthouse.

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JD 5220 Tractor/mower with 6’ rotary mower 6’ rotary mower $25/engine hr. – $50 minimum charge

1560 No-Till Drill $8/acre - $100 minimum charge Soybeans only 10 inch row spacing

JD 6 X 4 Trail Gator & Sprayer $25/acres – $50 minimum charge Burn Equipment $25/day Burn Equipment with Gator/Sprayer $50/day 6’ LandPride Disc Good for waterway clean up $50/day

Stephenson Soil and Water Conservation District Newsletter April Gardening Checklist: After itching to get out in the yard and garden during the cold season, it’s now time to get out and get going. As a cautionary note: Make sure your garden beds are not too wet. If it’s been raining and the soil is saturated you’ll have to postpone your gardening a bit longer.  Dig up your garden beds early this month. Turn under any cover crops you might have planted last fall. Let the beds settle for a week or so. Break up large clumps.  Compost which has been breaking down may be ready to yield its wealth of organic goodness. Get to the bottom of the compost pile and pull out the most rotted parts to mix up for composted soil. Nutrient rich compost improves the texture, water retention, and drainage of your soil.  Prepare for pests. Slugs need to be killed as they are found. The smaller slugs are greedier than big slugs and can eliminate small transplants over night. Many pests are attracted to weak and sickly plants; conditioning soil not only promotes growth, it can actually deter infestations of aphids, powdery mildew and blackspot. Use biological controls whenever possible instead of relying on chemical sprays or dusts. Use organic pest control methods if possible.  Top dress your lawn with an inch or so of compost. Mixing it with a bit of wood ash ensures strong healthy growth.  Harden off seedlings to prepare for transplant.  Transplant seedlings and young plants once the danger of frost is past. Use plant markers to mark plants so you remember what you put where. Protect tender plants from wind and pests.  Direct sow early spring vegetables like lettuces, spinach and other spring greens as well as flowers such as nasturtiums, snapdragons, asters, alyssum, calendula, pansies, violas, poppy, cosmos, annual phlox. Marigolds can be planted during the last half of the month.  Divide perennials this month – chrysanthemums, delphinium, anemone, fall asters, daylilies and Shasta daisy.  If the ground isn’t frozen, plant bulbs; prepare hole with a bit of bone meal first, then plant.  Sow herbs such as chives, parsley, sage, dill, thyme, marjoram in open spots on a border.  Plant trees and shrubs to give them plenty of time to get established before summer.  Start summer vegetables in individual pots indoors now. They will be ready to transplant in May and early June. Information found on www.demesne.info/garden-help

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WELL DECOMMISSIONING PRACTICE (Abandoned Well Sealing) The District is participating with the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture to seal abandoned wells. This cost-share amount is not to exceed $300 or 60% of the actual cost, whichever is less. Applicants must file a Request for Cost-Share Funds to Abandon a Water Well with the Soil & Water District to be eligible for cost-share assistance. The well must not be sealed prior to approval by the SWCD Board of Directors to receive these funds. Highest priority will always be assigned to private water wells posing the greatest risks. The wells are sealed with the cooperation of the Stephenson County Environmental Health Department. Interested individuals may contact the SWCD office for an application and details.

Stephenson SWCD Offers Conservation Practice Cost-Share Program Local landowners who are interested in improving the soil and water conservation practices on their farms may be eligible for cost-share assistance through Illinois’ Conservation Practices Program (C.P.P). Practice eligible for cost-share include: contour farming, contour strip-cropping, no-till farming, cover crops, critical area planting, well decommissioning, erosion control structures, diversions, grassed waterways, pastureland and hayland plantings, filter strips, terraces, water and sediment control basins. Cost share rates may be as high as 60% depending on the practice. All projects must be constructed/installed according to Natural Resources Conservation Service specifications and maintained for ten years. Interested individuals should contact the Stephenson Soil & Water Conservation District office at 235-2161 ext. 3 to determine eligibility for the program.

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Why shouldn’t I work my soybean ground this spring? By: Jim Ritterbusch District Conservationist For years now the USDA and the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been saying that farmers should not work their soybean fields. We have been recommending that you no till your next crop into your past years soybean stubble. Have you ever wondered why we make those statements? These requirements are based on valid science. Here are 5 very good reasons to resist the temptation to work your soybean ground this fall. 1. Over the years, all of the people that we found out of compliance had worked their soybean ground. If you work that soybean ground you simply will not meet the requirements of your conservation compliance plan. Starting last year, those farmers that were found not following their conservation plans, the Farm Service Agency had the option to make producers pay money back to the USDA. 2. Most farmers like to work soybean ground because it works up so nicely. Have you ever thought about why it works up so well? If we look at how soybeans grow we learn that they spend their entire life trying to loosen up the soil. In fact the soybean plant is so effective at this process that soybeans are without a doubt the most erosive crop in Northwest Illinois. So the reason that the ground works up so easily is because it is already lose. When the soybean field is worked it creates a perfect opportunity for soil erosion to occur. There in lies the most important reason we don’t want to see the ground tilled. 3. If we compare the amount of residue that corn and soybeans generate it is very obvious which crop produces the most amount of residue. If we are looking to leave 40% of the ground covered after planting it is possible to work corn ground and still leave that amount of residue. You can not possible work soybean ground and leave even 20% ground cover. If you work your soybean stubble you will not make the minimum 40% ground cover. It is not physically possible. Don’t even try it. 4. We often hear that if soybean ground is worked that there is a 10 to20 bushel advantage. I am not sure how to say this politely but that is simply not true. There is no credible research that proves that there is a significant statistical advantage to an increase in yield due to simply working soybean residue. Yes, working soybean stubble allows the ground to warm sooner in the spring. However, an even more important factor is starter fertilizer. All no-till corn into soybean stubble should use starter fertilizer. You will see a bigger impact from that simple practice then from working the ground. Always use starter fertilizer, never work your soybean ground, it doesn’t pay. 5. The cost of working soybean ground is about 8 to 12 dollars per acre. At the current price of corn at about $3.00 plus per bushel that is 8 to 12 dollars that would be better off in your pocket, instead of ending up as smoke out of the exhaust of your tractor. It simply doesn’t pay to work that ground. So there you have it. It is not the David Letterman top ten list, but it is 5 very valid reasons why you shouldn’t work your soybean ground. I know there will be a lot of temptation to work that ground this spring. I believe that you could find a lot better things to do with your time and money rather than spending them working ground needlessly. So what happens to the farmers that have worked their soybean ground this spring? If we find them and they are not following their conservation plan, we will find them not actively applying their conservation plan and they could be repaying their USDA dollars they have earned this past year. My main purpose in writing this article is to help each of you stay in compliance with your farm plan. If you have questions on how conservation compliance fits in your farm operation, please stop in the office and we will work through the specific details on your farm.

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How does Social Security affect YOUR plans for retirement? This is a common question in my office each day. I have set up a free seminar with a representative from the Social Security Administration regarding your plans for retirement. Tues., May 3 at 4:00pm Freeport Library Wed., May 4 at 4:00pm 815 N. Church Rockford

Freeport – Rockford 232-8000 – 962-2450

Reservations are required! 815-232-8000

2011 FARM SERVICES DIRECTORY These sponsors contribute to the cost of printing this newsletter. Please keep this directory with your telephone book.

AGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

CROP INSURANCE SERVICES

FARM SERVICES AGENCY, FARM LOANS NOW UNDER FSA Freeport ......................................................................... (815) 235-2141

FERGUSON FINANCIAL GROUP ............ (800) 828-3975 Matching crop insurance with your individual business plan. Loren Shoemaker & Rob Lyvers ................................... (815) 233-2120 Julie Heeren................................................................... (815) 938-9944 Lyle Bruning & Rob Endres.......................................... (815) 239-1651

IL DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES Hunting/Fishing Regulations, Sterling .......................... (815) 625-2968 Wildlife Biologist/District Forester, Savanna................ (815) 273-2737 Game Warden-Steve Beltran ......................................... (815) 625-0086 STEPHENSON SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 1620 S. Galena Avenue, Freeport ........................(815) 235-2161 Ext. 3

APPRAISALS REAL ESTATE APPRAISALS, INC. Agricultural, commercial and residential appraisals Appraisers licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin P.O. Box 306, 222 W. Main, Lena ................................ (815) 369-2699 1ST FARM CREDIT SERVICES Appraisals, Loans, Leases and Crop Insurance Dave Dinderman, Les Molander 705 E. South St., Freeport, IL 61032 ............................ (815) 235-3171

ATTORNEYS

1ST FARM CREDIT SERVICES Crop Insurance, Loans, Leases and Appraisals Lynette Kearns, Casey Demrow 705 E. South St., Freeport, IL 61032 ............................ (815) 235-3171

INSURANCE SERVICES WEST POINT M UTUAL INSURANCE COM PANY James Raders, Secretary-Agent; Colleen Raders, Nick Raab-Agent Tyler Lobdell, Gerald Koertner, & Connie Robieson, Agents Auto, Crop, Hail, MPCI & Commercial, Residential Farm 240 W. Main St, Ste A., PO Box 228, Lena, IL ............ (815) 369-4225 STATELINE INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. See Us for All Your Insurance Needs Farm - Home - Auto - Crop - Business - Life 100 E. High St., Orangeville, IL.................................... (815) 789-3366 202 W. Main, Warren, IL. ............................................ (815) 745-2148

LAW OFFICES OF RALPH E. ELLIOTT A Professional Corporation Agriculture, Agribusiness and Estate Planning 1005 W. Loras Drive, Freeport, IL ................................ (815) 233-1022

FERGUSON FINANCIAL GROUP ............ (800) 828-3975 Four local offices for your convenience Personal and business insurance ….is just the beginning. Helping you build equity by managing risk.

D A V I D D . S H O C K E Y , Attorney at Law Estate & Business Planning Shockey & Cox, LLC Law Offices 208 W. Stephenson, Suite 101, Freeport, IL ................. (815) 235-2507

CONCRETE, SAND & GRAVEL, LIME

REAL ESTATE PAT BROWN, REALTORS Located in Restored Elevator at 217 W. Main St., Lena, IL ............................ Toll-Free 1-866-369-5599

BANKS & LOAN SERVICES 1ST FARM CREDIT SERVICES Loans, Leases, Crop Insurance, and Appraisals www.1stfarmcredit.com 705 E. South St., Freeport, IL 61032 ............................ (815) 235-3171 KENT BANK Proudly serving agriculture since 1923, Member FDIC 717 N. Kent Road, Kent ................................................ (815) 443-2711 996 W. Fairview Road, Freeport ................................... (815) 235-2711 CITIZENS STATE BANK ...................... MEMBER FDIC 102 W. Main St. ....................... Lena ............................. 815-369-4524 133 W. Front Ave. .................. Stockton .......................... 815-947-3366 1525 S. Forest Rd. .................. Freeport........................... 815-801-4524 LENA STATE BANK 915 S. Logan, Lena, IL 61048 ....................................... (815) 369-4901 www.lenastatebank.com .................................................. Member FDIC STATE BANK OF DAVIS Member FDIC ........................................... www.statebankofdavis.com 100 Rt. 75, Davis, IL 61019 ......................................... (815) 865-5125

S T A M M F A R M S Y S T E M S , I N C . , Lena, IL

(815) 369-2658

FEED-SEED-FERTILIZER-LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT P E A R L C I T Y E L E V A T O R , Pearl City, IL (815) 443-2512 Alliance Nutrition.......................................................... (815) 369-9014 Baileyville Co-op .......................................................... (815) 362-2667 Dakota & Harrison Co-op ............................................. (815) 449-2254 McConnell Co-op .......................................................... (815) 868-2258 Warren Co-op ................................................................ (815) 745-2056 Alliance Commodities ................................................... (815) 809-2667 STEPHENSON SERVICE COMPANY Petroleum products, LP gas, feeds, seeds, grain, fertilizers and chemicals, grain-bins, buildings Telephone ..................................................................... 1-800-782-4740

FINANCIAL SERVICES Rocky Zuberbuhler, Integrity Investments Financial Advisor specializing in 1031 exchanges 773 W. Lincoln Blvd, Freeport IL 61032 .................... (815) 232-8000 COUNTRY® Financial Deb Brown-Financial Representative Farm-Crop-Auto-Home-Life-Health-Annuities-Commercial Lena -815-369-2881 ......................................... Warren (815) 745-3016

FARM BUREAU STEPHENSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU 210 West Spring Street, Freeport .................................. (815) 232-3186 [email protected]......................................... www.stephensoncfb.org

FARM MACHINERY-SALES-REPAIRS-RENTALS

CONSERVATION CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS

BIRKEY’S FARM STORE, INC. Case IH, Kinze, Woods, Cub Cadet We have Parts Drop boxes in your area www.birkeys.com ................ Polo, IL ........................... 877-569-0510

D O C ’ S E X C A V A T I N G , I N C . Joe Daughenbaugh Waterways, septic systems, backhoe work, black dirt sales, trucking, ponds, Bulldozing, quarry product. Quarries located in Orangeville and Lena .............. (815) 369-4652 or Cell (815) 275-3256

CARTER & GRUENEWALD CO., INC. Case IH, Bobcat, Brillion, Woods, H & S Juda, WI ......................................... 1-866 442-2338 or (608) 934-5201

GERKE EXCAVATING Waterways, ponds, demolition, foundations, septic systems Kent, IL ........................................... (815) 443-2377 or (815) 275-6778

EXCEL DAIRY SYSTEMS, INC. Westfalia-Surge milking equipment, Mueller bulk tanks Livestock facility & waste management design 145 S. Stephenson, Cedarville ....................................... (815) 563-4703

GEO-BOY SERVICE Forestry mulching, invasive species removal, Eureka tree movers geoboyservice.com............ Eureka, IL ....................... (309) 467-4703

STAMM FARM SYSTEMS, INC. Patz, Silo-Matic, Vandale, Jamesway, Knight, Schuler, EPS Bldgs., Dump truck, lime spreading, Delaval milk equipment & supplies 610 W. Lena St., Lena, IL ............................................. (815) 369-2658 NITE EQUIPMENT Full Service Shop, Parts, Hitches Installed 300 New Trailers & New Branson Tractors Full Line of Used Tractors, Trucks and Farm Equipment www.niteequip.com ....................................................... (815) 239-9096

BOB HASSELMAN Excavating, waterways, building sites, dump truck, crawler and loader work. Pearl City, IL ......................... (815) 443-2674 or Cell: (815) 541-6481 IES SUPPLY Bentonite for pond and foundation sealing 104 E. DeVore St., Pearl City IL................................... (815) 443-9100 KLEVER EXCAVATING LLC Waterways, block structures, fence rows, excavating, lime spreading, Quarry products, backhoe work, black dirt Davis, IL.................................................... (815) 865-5801 or 865-5670

RITCHIE IMPLEMENT, INC.

Case IH, Kubota, Claas, JCB & Polaris Cobb, Darlington & Barneveld, WI.................................................... 1-800-944-7903 SKID STEER SPECIALTIES Mustang, sales & rental - KUBOTA engine dealer Repair all brands- Hydr Hose & small engine repair 405 S. Schuyler St., Lena, IL......................................... (815) 369-4314 HOLLAND & SONS, INC. John Deere, Brent, Hardi, Stihl Agricultural, Lawn & Garden Equipment Sales & Service 724 Youngs Lane, Freeport IL ..................................... (815) 233-1216

LEVERTON & WIRE EXCAVATING INC. Tiling Repair, dirt moving, dozer, fence row, trees, black dirt, rock fill, trucking, backhoe work, demolition and waterways. Fully insured; free estimates Adam Leverton, Winslow ............................................. (815) 238-7695 LOBERG EXCAVATING Conservation & Farm Projects, VP Steel Building Dealer Pearl City, IL ................................................................. (815) 443-2874 LUDEWIG DRAINAGE Laser controlled tiling & block chute structure, GPS Mapping 12604 W. Haldane Rd., Polo......................................... (815) 938-3304

FARM SERVICES AGENCY, FARM LOANS NOW UNDER FSA Freeport ......................................................................... (815) 235-2141

METAL CULVERTS, INC. Monmouth, Illinois Division All types culvert & toe-wall structures 706 W. 3rd Ave., Monmouth, IL................................... (309) 734-4113

STEPHENSON SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE 1620 S. Galena Avenue, Freeport ........................(815) 235-2161 Ext. 3

MORING CONSTRUCTION & EXCAVATION Assistance in well capping & excavating Waterways, demolition .................................................. (815) 868-2406

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

OLSON WELL & PUM P COM M ERCIAL DIVISION State licensed water well repair and sealing(815) 239-1303 or 239-1323

AGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

W ILLETT , H OFMANN & A SSOCIATES , I NC . Surveying & Engineering - CNMP’s, IDOA Permitting, EQIP Work, TSP Certification, Site Work 10 North Galena Avenue, Suite 150 Freeport, IL .......... (815) 232-3506

CONSERVATION CONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS B &H T R E N C H I N G & T I L I N G Laser controlled trenching & tiling Pearl City, IL ................................................................. (815) 291-3636 B INKLEY E XCAVATING Excavating of all types; *conservation, land clearing, demolition, ponds/lakes, roads, basements, etc. 13582 W. Springdale Road, Forreston, IL..................... (815) 938-2269

GARY SAAM CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

Randy Goodwin Owner/Operator Earth moving and tiling, laser controlled and GPS mapping Scales Mound, IL 61075 ............................................... (815) 845-2234 STUMP BUSTER Removal of stumps, bushes and small trees Most stumps $10-30, Lena, IL ...................................... (815) 369-2169 TAUTZ TRENCHING/EXCAVATING Laser controlled tiling, waterways, government conservation project’s, general dozing, ponds, basements, grading, scraper, backhoe, demolition, trucking, welding, lathe work, press work. John Tautz – 815-244-9435 or Karl Tautz – 815-244-8004/238-3510 VINCENT EARTHM OVING F/K/A/ REDFEARN EARTHM OVING Earth moving, grading, waterways dry dams, terraces, ponds, tiling 1480 Rte.20 West, Elizabeth, IL ................................... (815) 858-2024