AMISH FARMERS PERSEVERING THROUGH TOUGH ECONOMYIN SEASONRain brings green beans, peaches in abundance10-YEAR 4-H MEMBERS Knox, Daviess, Sullivan members featuredRESPONSIBILITIES OF A WATERMELON QUEEN Work, adventures await Lindsey HamptonAUGUST 2015ALVA YODERS CREW Family 4-H tradition spans 40 yearsp1CoverAug15.indd 1 7/28/15 4:08 PMp2DrBowlingAug15.indd 1 7/24/15 4:05 PMTO PLAN YOUR VISIT to Alabamas Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, visit rtjresorts.com or call 1.800.949.4444 today. facebook.com/rtjgolftwitter.com/rtjgolfHI, IM JOE TAYLOR. Overton, Texas. What keeps me coming back to the Trail? Its just absolutely sensational.I have people tell me what theyve spent playing one round at Pebble Beach and a night at the hotel, or going toPinehurst for a couple rounds. We do the entire week, travel, hotel, green fees, good meals and everything forthe price of one day at these places. And its absolutely a sensational place to come.RTJ747JoeTaylorAD_CNHImags.indd 1 3/28/14 12:17 PMp3RTJAug15.indd 1 7/24/15 4:11 PM4 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDMMOTHER NATURE HAS been unkind to many Hoosier farmers over the last several weeks. The rain, while a blessing during a drought, can be just too much for the crops to take. I was listening to the Midwest Ag Digest the other morning on my way to work. My heart sank when I heard the reporter read the statistics for corn and soybean crop ratings for the week. More than a quarter of the Indiana corn crop was listed in poor to very poor condition. That 26 percent, a number that seems to be increasing as the rains continue, can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. The same goes for the soybean crop that was recently rated at 28 percent poor to very poor by the United States Department of Agriculture. We know that for farmers, its going to mean yields are down and expenses, from trying to salvage what remains of the crop, will be up. And its not just the rain that has caused problems. Disease in poultry has been pushing egg prices higher and higher. The same bird u also caused hundreds of 4-Hers to complete poster projects instead of showing the birds at county fairs. Prices for other items such as shampoo, cleaning products and animal food will also likely see increases. While part of the state is hoping the rain stops long enough to give the ground a break, Im hoping for a little rain at a time. Unfortunately, the sandy soil my spe-cialty crops reside in is becoming dry after multiple days of 90-degree plus weather and high humidity. Melon vines, which in my case, are dependent on what Mother Nature provides, curl in the hot summer sun.Peppers droop to shade their fruits from the sun and even the green beans go into power save mode. Weather is tricky. Too much of anything is never good and not enough can be equally devastating. Mother Nature plays a tough game. Im just glad that so far, Ive stayed on her good side. Lindsay Owens, editorSend Lindsay your story ideas at lowens@washtimesherald.com. EDITORS PAGESTAFFRon SmithPublisher(812) 698-8788Melody Brunson General Manager(812) 254-0480, Ext. 127Lindsay Owens Editor(812) 254-0480, Ext. 123Natalie ReidfordDesign Editor(812) 568-8991Kim SchoelkopfAdvertising Sales(812) 254-0480, Ext. 116 Wanita TetreaultAdvertising Sales(812) 254-0480, Ext. 121Alice SchwartzGraphic ArtistPHOTOGRAPHYTerri Talarek King,Angie J. Mayeld,Kelly Overtonand Lindsay OwensWRITERSRyan Harner, Terri Talarek King,Damian Mason, Angie J. Mayeld,Lindsay Owens, Dan Ravelletteand John StollSUBSCRIPTIONSGrowing in the Heartland is published ve times a year, serving primarily the Daviess andKnoxcountyareas.Thesubscription price of $20 per year can be mailed to P.O. Box 471, Washington, IN 47501.p4EditorAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 6:20 PMp5GSHAug15.indd 1 7/27/15 9:17 PM6 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLAND4EDITORS PAGEMother Nature plays a tough gameBy Lindsay Owens8CONSERVATIONCLIENT GATEWAYSecure website allows farmers to communicate with NRCS in a new wayBy Lindsay Owens11MY RURAL ROOTSAmish farmers face the same problemsBy Angie J. Mayeld14CALENDARDillon Amish Quilt Auction, Sullivan Rotary Corn Festival15IN SEASONGreen beans and peachesBy Lindsay Owens16ALVA YODERSCREWFamily tradition of showing swine spans 40 yearsBy Lindsay Owens20FARM KIDSCORNERMatch the crops21ILLIANAWATERMELON QUEEN 2015Lindsey Hampton crowned during French Lick competitionBy Dan Ravellette25THE NATURAL SIDEOF THINGSWhat happens when you save a seed?By Terri Talarek King262015 10-YEAR 4-H MEMBERSKnox, Daviess and Sullivan counties29COVER CROPS ANDTHEIR BENEFITSModern farming practices include using benecial plantsBy Ryan Harner31THE FUNNIER SIDE OF FARMINGWhy Im pro-GMOBy Damian Mason32GOOD TO THE EARTHSullivan FFA at state convention, Sammy the CowSubmitted by Kevin Cross and Martha Jackman34DOWN ON THEFARMHaymakingBy John H. StollON THE COVER: Amish children take a break on the swings during Horse Progress Days near Odon. The farm progress show, which is hosted by a different Amish community annually, draws 1000s each year across the country.| PHOTO BY KELLY OVERTONCONTENTSAUGUST 2015 | VOL. 2, ISSUE 4Photo by Kelly Overton3416Photo by Kelly OvertonPhoto provided32p6ContentsAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 6:21 PMp7GermanAmericanAug15.indd 1 7/25/15 10:00 AM8 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDFBy Lindsay Owens FARMERS CAN NOW spend more time in the eld and less time at local Natural Resources Conservation Services ofces thanks to a new web app called Conservation Client Gate-way the United States Department of Agriculture ofcially launched in late May during a special roll-out event at McCormick Farms just south of Vincennes that included many NRCS ofcials including Jason Weller, chief of the USDA-NRCS. Conservation Client Gateway, a secure website, allows farmers to do many things that used to require a trip to the local NRCS ofce including sign-ing documents, viewing conservation plans and other documents, requesting technical assistance and more. Farmers used to have to go from the farm and into the ofce to do their conservation planning or sign docu-ments, said Jane Hardisty, NRCS state conservationist, who was on hand for the special event. Now you can go online and take a look at all your records and check on applications. Its a farmers website, but that doesnt mean others from NRCS ofces wont be making trips to the farm anymore. Hardisty said the new website will actually give local conservationists a more efcient way of helping farmers. Farming is high tech, said Hardisty, adding that many farmers now keep laptops and other technology in their vehicles for easy access.The Client Gateway will actually makes things more efcient and ac-cessible for everyone because farm-ers can log on at any time and make appointments or ask questions. We are challenged to do more with less and were pleased to be able to debut this great program here. Maps, reports on conservation practices, payments and other informa-tion can also be accessed on the site.Client Gateway has been in the works for about 18 months, but to ensure all the kinks were worked out, the program was tested by Ray McCormick and seven other Hoosier farmers beginning in January. A total of 120 farmers from across the country demoed the website and McCormicks farm was selected to host the launch event. Chief Weller wanted to go to the farm and nd out rsthand what those who tested Client Gateway thought of the program, said Hardisty. Ray is one of Indianas best conservation farmers so what better place to do that than here. McCormick, who grew up on his familys farm in southern Knox County, said he learned a lot of what he knows about conservation farming from his grandfather. Hes also a member of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Board, Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, National Association of Conservation Districts, Indiana Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conser-vancy. He was also one of the rst to join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland restoration program and has been honored with numerous awards for his conservation efforts. Five generations of McCormicks have farmed here, said McCormick, who farms nearly 2,400 acres in a corn/soybean rotation and also raises peaches.The Gateway computer my wife, Cheryl, let me put in the kitchen was the rst step with technology on the farm. Now the entire farm is technol-ogy driven, said McCormick, adding that with Client Gateway he has been amazed at the information hes found CONSERVATION CLIENT GATEWAYSecure website allows farmers to communicate with NRCS in a new wayRay McCormick talks about the history of his family farm during the launch of the new USDA web app, Client Conservation Gateway. | PHOTO BY LINDSAY OWENSp8-10USDA.indd 1 7/25/15 10:32 AMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 9At Midwest Ag, we areservingag people ag people.We understand the importance of family andfarming traditions, and well bring safety, security,and a personal approach to your table. At Midwest Ag,we keep our promises. Its about being dependable anddoing what we said we were going to doprotectingand taking care of you.Put your trust in usyour futureand those that will fill your shoesdepend on it.Loan officers Mike Cecil andBrandon Decker, and crop insurancespecialist Kallie Burke-Schuckman(812) 257-8801|www.midwestag.com so far. Its amazing what you can nd out about your farm. The NRCS need-ed to be one-stop shopping and I think this is just the beginning of that. Weller, who is based in Washing-ton, D.C., described Indiana as being one of the strongest states for conser-vation, making it a good choice for the website launch.This is ground zero for soil health, said Weller, adding he hoped to learn the Hoosier States secret to getting farmers so excited about con-servation practices. I want to know that secret sauce that is getting so many farmers excited. In addition to allowing easy 24/7 access to most all information, Weller said Client Gateway will help conser-vationists and others at the local NRCS ofces become better prepared to serve farmers. All requests go straight to the local ofce, said Weller, who de-scribes Client Gateway as being the Amazon website for farmers. Then we have time to get prepared to best help our clients. We can look at their needs ahead of time and come up with options. While the website will mean less time spent waiting in the NRCS ofces, Weller is quick to point out it doesnt mean ofces will not still welcome farmers. This isnt a replacement for the good face-to-face service From left, Jon Vrana, USDA-NRCS natural resources manager and Conservation Client Gateway leader; Jane Hardisty, NRCS state conservationist; Jason Weller, chief, USDA-NRCS. The speakers talked about the benets of Conservation Client Gateway. The national launch of the new program took place at the farm of Ray and Cheryl McCormick. | PHOTOS BY LINDSAY OWENS444p8-10USDA.indd 2 7/30/15 3:12 PM10 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDat our ofces. Client Gateway just means our clients can have anytime access to most all of their informa-tion. Currently, Client Gateway, while a secure website, is not fully supported on mobile devices, tablets or cellphones. The sys-tem works with most standard web browsers and theres very little information that cannot be accessed on the site. Easement program agreements, nancial assistance conserva-tion programs that have been canceled or terminated, and conservation reserve programs cannot be viewed on the site as of now. Participation in Client Gateway is com-pletely voluntary. Take a few minutes to try it out decide for your-self if its something you want to use in the future, said Hardisty, of the program that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual farmers. Tom Held, Knox County US-DA-NRCS District Conservationist, said it was name of the new program that made him most excited about the future. The name Client Gateway, ties it all together, Held said. We can nd where we need to be and what we need to do to best serve our clients. For more information on the Client Gateway program contact your local NRCS ofce or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/clientgateway.THISISNTAREPLACEMENT FORTHEGOODFACE-TO-FACE SERVICEATOUROFFICES. CLIENTGATEWAYJUSTMEANS OURCLIENTSCANHAVE ANYTIMEACCESSTOMOSTALL OF THEIR INFORMATION.JASON WELLER, USDA-NRCS CHIEF6659 E. Gasthof Village Rd., Montgomery, IN1/2 Mile N. US Hwy. 50 www.gasthofamishvillage.com 812-486-4900OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMon.-Thurs. 11 AM-8 PMFri. & Sat. 11 AM-9 PM; Sun.11 AM-3 PMENJOY OUR HOMEMADE AMISH BUFFETWe still peel our potatoes.RESTAURANTAND BAKERYGROUPS WELCOMECall ahead for parties of 10 or more.Meeting & Banquet Facilities CateringEvery Wednesday 4-8 PMAdult Dinner Buffet$899(drink not included)SENIOR NIGHTAges 55+On-Site HotelGroup Rates, Discounted Meals, Free Wi-Fi & Audio Visual EquipmentLet us host your... Anniversary Party, ClassReunion,FamilyReunion, BirthdayParty,BusinessMeeting, Wedding Reception, Religious RetreatBANQUET ROOMS4 Private Meeting RoomsAccommodate up to 300 people2 Banquet BuildingsAllow 24 hour accessGASTHOF FLEA MARKETOpen every Tues., Wed, & Sat. 9 AM-3 PM Now thru Nov. 1st$200OFFLimit 4 adults per coupon. Not validwith other coupons, discounts or promotions. NOT VALID ON HOLIDAYS. Expires 9/30/15. Growing mag.ADULT DINNER BUFFETMonday-Saturday 4-8 PM OnlyLABOR DAY- SEPT. 7THGasthof RestaurantOpen 11 am-8 pmSATURDAY - SEPT 19THGasthof Quilt Auction& Fall Festivalp8-10USDA.indd 3 7/30/15 3:01 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 11TBy Angie J. Mayeld THE AMISH HAVE many of the same problems as everyone else, points out Marlin Knepp of Daviess County, who has been farming his whole life and has owned his own farm since 1987. Though Amish farmers face tough times and pressure to conform to modern farming methods, they contin-ue to persevere and adapt while holding on to their values and simpler life. Instead of money, we have land, he said. And it is not protable nor is there enough land and space to farm the way we once did. We are forced to do more and make changes in order to make a liv-ing, while keeping the same lifestyle. Knepp and his wife, Karen, began with 30 acres but bought an 80-acre farm in 1996. We paid $325,000, which was really high then, but last year, I bought 30 more acres and had to pay $12,500 per acre, he said. Increasing costs and regulations and decreasing prots in farming have forced many Amish farmers to diversify and become entre-preneurs. For example, in addition to farming 200 acres in corn and soy-beans that he sells to local feed mills, Knepp also raises 20,000 turkeys for Perdue and hogs and steers for local buyers. When the bottom fell out of the hog market in 1996, Knepp made a risky but positive venture when he bought Hillcrest Farms sows. Knepp uses only eight Belgian horses to do most work on the farm. He owns a 10-foot disc that he pulls with the horses hooked up side by side. Using no-till methods and having several sons to help him has allowed Knepp to continue to farm full-time. Knepp said that as a boy they hand-shucked corn, then advanced to ground-driven corn pickers. Now, they use power units and 2-row corn pickers pulled behind the Belgian teams to allow faster planting and harvesting. Abe Raber also farms full-time in Daviess County but must also diversify to make a living. Raber has a Holstein dairy farm and milks 26 cows twice a day, selling the milk to Prairie Farms. To freshen their milk supply, he breeds the cows and then keeps the heifer calves and sells the bull calves, replen-ishing his herd. He also contracts hogs and harvests corn and hay. However, Raber keeps most of his crops Amish farmers struggle with the same problemsMY RURAL ROOTSJohn Yoder of Daviess County explains the functions of an old-style hay loader. Like most Amish farmers, Yoder has had to supplement his income with other work to support his family. | PHOTOS BY ANGIE J. MAYFIELD444p11-13MyRuralRootsAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 6:22 PM12 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDto feed his cows. He stores the corn ears and grinds them whole, which adds ber and prevents sour stomach-ache. He also supplements plus feeds high-moisture, fermented alfalfa hay and corn silage. Nothing is wasted on an Amish farm. The manure from the cows, hogs, and turkeys is used to fertilize the elds.Changes in dairy regulations have forced Raber to upgrade with the times. He started out hand milking, then switched to bucket milkers, and now uses weigh jars and pipeline milkers. He also switched to articial insemination this year, rather than keeping a Holstein bull for breeding purposes.In addition to advancements in technology and diversifying of crops and products, Raber and Knepp agreed that the Amish dont work together as much as they once did. However, there is still a connectedness that we dont often see outside of the Amish community. For example, on the Raber farm, Abes daughter-in-law, Esther, who was the one in charge of milking, is also Marlin Knepps oldest daughter. Families develop partner-ships in farms and businesses that keep them close but also create a legacy, ensuring the farm will survive and be passed on.The Rabers are also very close with the Graber family next door, who were baling hay that day. Raber pointed out that the families often help each other during harvest time or with larger projects. Vernon Raber admitted, however, that like the rest of society, the Amish are more busy and independent than they once were.Abe Raber is also a seed dealer to help supplement the family income. Vernon works on the farm but is also a welder at Graber Metal Fabrication. Most of the Amish now work outside the farm to make a living, from con-struction and carpentry to cabinet Amish farmers gather around a sickle bar hay mower at a farm implement sale at Graber Community Building.MEDICARE SERVICESLONG-TERM CAREPHYSICAL OCCUPATIONAL SPEECH THERAPIES1202 SOUTH 16TH STREET VINCENNES, IN 47591(812) 882-8292WeAreGentleCare.comLocallyownedformorethan25years,GentleCares team of skilled therapists are committed to providing our patients excellence in rehabilitation and wellness.RehabilitationRedefnedRanked in the TOP 10% of All IndianaSkilled (Rehabilitation) Nursing Facilities!p11-13MyRuralRootsAug15.indd 2 7/29/15 6:22 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 11making, to welding, to butchering and processing. Ike Wagler, who lives near the Rabers, shoes and trains horses for a living and also helps the equine den-tist that visits the area once a month.The Kemps, our neighbors, once owned a dairy business, but the cost of required advancements forced them to sell out. The Kemps still cut and bale hay for the horses and raise and can their own vegetables and fruits, but Delmar started his own construction company to compensate, and his father and brother now work for him. Delmars wife Darlene (Stoll), whose family runs a lumber yard, sells eyeglasses from a small ofce building Delmar built her beside their home. Darlene also babysits and watched our son Tucker four days a week from the time he was 6 weeks old until he started kinder-garten. He still visits often and goes to church with them periodically. Doug and I have listed the Kemps in our will as Tuckers guardian if anything should happen to us. We know that in the Amish community, Tucker would be raised right and given an extended amount of love and support.Most Amish only attend school until 8th grade, though a few in the younger generations have switched to Mennonite and now drive and even attend college. The Kemps are Amish but send their children to North Daviess schools, while the Rabers and Knepps send theirs to parochial Amish schools. Jeremy Parks, who owns and runs Parks Greenhouse on Highway 231 N. is an anomaly in the Amish culture. He was introduced to the Amish lifestyle at age 14 and decided he wanted to join. He earned an agriculture degree from Purdue, joined the church, mar-ried an Amish girl, and is now a vital part of the community. Their children attend Loogootee schools, and though he farms a few acres and helps his wife in the greenhouse, Parks also works as a cabinet designer. While attending a farm implement sale recently at Graber Community Building, I met several Amish farmers from Indiana, Illinois, and even Penn-sylvania. John Yoder of Daviess County explained the functions of some of the older implements, including a hay loader not used anymore, and laughed as he claimed you needed a slow, steady team of horses and a good mechanics eye to run many of them. Yoder said he missed the old ways, but he admits that he tried to make a living by farming alone for two years and realized they may starve to death. He worked as a carpenter for 32 years to support his family. He bragged on his daughter-in-law who is a nurse, but he also pointed out that hes seen some go to college and just end up in the factories anyway so sometimes educa-tion is a waste of money and time for Amish and Mennonites going into the labor force.A Shipshewana native at the sale told me that many of the Amish from LaGrange County now work in the RV business. A large settlement of Amish farmers from Rockville, Indiana, were in attendance, as were some from the Salem/Orleans/Livonia settlements east of here, who still farm full-time, though most of them also train horses, do farrier work, and sell produce and baked goods. One of my farriers lives in Orleans, Indiana. His community is more Old Order Amish with stricter rules and less technology and chang-es compared to the Daviess County Amish. Unfortunately, the Amish com-munities that have not conformed to some of todays modern technologies struggle even more to make a living and are more impoverished. Amish farmers are an essential component of southern Indianas econ-omy and tourism attraction. However, even with their strong work ethic, re-sourcefulness, and innovative methods, many of the smaller farmers are being pushed out of business. It is difcult to make a prot by farming alone without vast acreage and modern machinery. Though most Amish families plant a large garden, fruit orchards, and raise a few livestock to feed the family, Vernon Raber claimed that only 15 or so Amish farms still exist in Daviess County where farming is their sole livelihood. The Amish face the same problems as all farmers in this unpredictable economy; however, they continue to persevere, adapt, and hold on to their beliefs, community, and lifestyle that we respect and admire.Angie J. Mayeld is an Associate Professor at Vincennes University, author, equestrian, and organic farmer who lives near Loogootee, Indiana. She can be con-tacted at profmayeld@yahoo.comKevin Stoll checks his mower.GROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 13p11-13MyRuralRootsAug15.indd 3 7/29/15 6:22 PM14 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDTHROUGH OCTOBERFarmers Market of Historic VincennesRiverfront Pavilion. Wednesday evenings 4 7:30 p.m. Saturday mornings 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Local produce, plants, crafts, and more. Farmers Market WIC and Generations Farmers Market vouchers accepted. AUG. 6-8130th annual Odon Old Settlers FestivalOdon City Park. Music, Carnival, exhibits and more. For more information email Odonoldsettlers@yahoo.com or visit http://odonoldsettlers.comAUG. 8Retro BandBoot City Opry at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Buy tickets online at www.bootcityopry.com or at 812-299-8379. AUG. 15 Brian Shartzer as Garth BrooksBoot City Opry at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Buy tickers online at www.bootcityopry.com or at 812-299-8379.AUG. 29George and TammyBoot City Opry at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. Buy tickets online at www.bootcityopry.com or at 812-299-8379.AUG. 29Hymera Seafood FestivalDowntown Hymera, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. SEPT. 4Wine, Cheese and Art FestivalMain Street, Washington. Vendors, local wineries, food booths and more. Contact the Daviess County Chamber of Commerce for more information at 812-254-5262. SEPT. 5Dillon Amish Quilt AuctionSimon J. Graber Complex, Odon. SEPT. 7Amish Horse and Tack AuctionDinkys, Montgomery. SEPT. 1013Montgomery Ruritan Turkey Trot Featuring musical appearances by Craig Campbell and John Pardi. Carnival, vendors, turkey races, tractor pull and more. Visit www.montgomeryruritanclub.com for tickets. SEPT. 10 -13White River Valley Antique Association Antique ShowElnora. Antiques, tractors, ea market and more. Visit www.wrvaa.org for more information. SEPT. 13Washington Conservation Club 3-D Archery ShootWashington Conservation Club. Call 812-610-2488 for more information. SEPT. 16Jake Gill, country musicianRed Skelton Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Call 812-888-4184 for ticket information. SEPT. 16-19Sullivan Rotary Corn Festival Carnival, vendors, food booths and more. Call 812-268-5540 for information. SEPT. 16-19Gasthof Amish Village Quilt Show and Fall FestivalGasthof Amish Village, Montgomery. SEPT. 19Annual Knox County Chili Cook-off Downtown Vincennes. SEPT. 19-20 20th Century Chevy Car ShowEastside Park, Washington. Large display of classic cars, vendors and more. SEPT. 24 26Duggar Coal FestivalVendors, live entertainment, carnival and more. SEPT. 25-26Black Creek Festival Sandborn. Dinners, entertainment and more. CALENDARp14CalendarAug15.indd 1 7/30/15 2:53 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 15WBy Lindsay Owens WHILE NORMALLY IT doesnt seem like the supply meets the de-mand, the rainfall in July led to year re-cord yields for many green bean crops. Dozens of bushels later, (with more still to pick as well as new plantings com-ing clear up until frost), I decided to try a few new recipes, including the lemon pepper green beans, a quick and easy side dish. Peach season has also started in the Hoosier state. Get yours before theyre gone.Lemon Pepper Green Beans 1 pound of green beans trimmed 2 tablespoons butter cup sliced almonds 2 teaspoons lemon pepper Stem green beans over about 1 inch of boiling water. Cover and cook until tender but still rm (about 10 minutes), then drain. Melt butter in a skillet over medi-um heat, saute almonds until lightly browned and add lemon pepper season-ing. Stir in green beans and toss to coat. Peachy Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce 2 cups fresh peaches peeled, pittedand halved1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk3 eggs, lightly beaten1 1/4 cups hot water1/4 cup butter, melted1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla extract4 cups French bread, torn into small piecesCaramel Sauce1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup butter2 tablespoons light corn syrup1 tablespoon rumPreheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Chop the peaches and lightly mash them in a mixing bowl. Combine the sweetened condensed milk and the eggs; add them to the peaches and mix well. Stir in the hot water, melt-ed butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir the French bread into to the custard mixture until the bread is completely moistened. Turn the pudding into the prepared baking dish.Bake until a knife inserted in the center of the pudding comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.While the pudding is baking, com-bine the brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, corn syrup, and rum in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes or until just slightly thickened. Let cool slightly.Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes be-fore serving. Serve warm with the cara-mel sauce. Cool and cover any leftover pudding and store it in the refrigerator.IN SEASONGreen beans and peachesRainy July makes for August bountyPHOTO BY LINDSAY OWENSp15InSeasonAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 6:23 PM16 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDBy Lindsay OwensWHAT HAS NOW become a fam-ily tradition and now a bit of a friendly rivalry between cousins and siblings in the swine barn at the Daviess County 4-H Show all started nearly 40 years ago when Gwen (Yoder) Graber started showing pigs. Gwen had the champion gilt that year and since then, the family, known as Alva Yoders Crew, has taken up residency in the barn nearly every year since. This year, we brought 35 pigs in to show, said Brooke Swartzentruber, a 10-year 4-Her who was also dabbling in showing cattle for the rst time in addition to the traditional Yoder pigs. Swartzentruber, whos Grabers niece, said since she was little, shed always wanted to take pigs. My cousin, Courtney (Graber), always took pigs so I wanted to take them too. The nearly three dozen pigs, raised by Swartzentrubers uncle Travis Yod-ers and grandfather Alva, are the most the family has ever taken. This year also marks the most 4-Hers the family will ever have showing at one time. After my rst year of 4-H, taking pigs started to really be a big thing for us. Now its just a tradition. We all take pigs, she said, looking over the seven pens lled with pigs from the family farm. Getting this many ready to show is a little chaotic, but its a lot of fun. Each 4-Her is responsible for selecting and working with his or her pigs, but when it comes time for the 4-H Show, the Yoder cousins are all on one team. Getting the pigs ready for the show requires quite a bit of prepa-ration for the seven traditional 4-Hers and their two cousins who participate The Alva Yoder Crew had nearly three dozen pigs at the Daviess County 4-H show. Pictured are, from left, Chloe Graber holding Logan Yoder, Courtney Graber, Emma Yoder, Dryce Graber, Shaylee Graber, Brooke Swartzentruber, Sarah Yoder, Hannah Yoder, Eric Graber and Tyson Graber. Not pictured is Taylor Swartzentruber. | PHOTOS BY KELLY OVERTONALVA YODERS CREWFamily tradition of showing pigs spans 40 yearsTaylor Swartzentruber grooms pigs in preparation for the 4-H Show.p16-19YoderPigs.indd 1 7/29/15 6:27 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 17in Mini 4-H. We spent three days washing and shaving the pigs, said Sarah Yoder, who was situated in the middle of a pig pen reading ear notches to deter-mine whose pigs were whose while holding a bottle of water for one of the pigs to get a drink. Some nights we worked a little faster than others depending on the pigs. It was really a team effort to get them all ready. While preparing for the 4-H Show is a family affair and the cousins all help one another during the week, all alliances are off when it comes to divvying up the pigs for each 4-Her. Thankfully for the parents, the pig selection process has been simplied over the years as the Yoder crew has grown. Each September Travis said the family breeds about 20 of the gilts, or female pigs that havent yet had a litter of piglets. Those pigs typically have between six and eight piglets in the rst litter, meaning there are plenty of options for the cousins to choose from. In January, the Yoder cousins start seeking out the ve pigs they hope to show and by the time school is out, nal selections are made. The kids pick their pigs based on age now, said Gwen, who has two current 4-Hers, Chloe and Eric, as well Courtney, who ended her 4-H career a few years ago and now serves as the judge and scorekeeper for the Yoder Family Swine Trophy. The oldest kids get to pick rst and we work our way down to the youngest. Since Dryce (Graber), (Gwens sister Shannons son) and Chloe are the same age, they switch off each year on who gets to pick rst. Dad and I used to help the kids pick their pigs, said Travis with a laugh. But after we picked a few we thought looked good that didnt show well, we decided to let the kids pick their own. Its just easier that way and we dont get blamed. The crossbred pigs, some of the gilts or females, are taken back to the farm to start the next generation of Yoder pigs, are selected based on sev-eral factors, but it seems that 444Alva Yoder, the patriarch of the Yoder crew, looks over the multiple pigs brought by his grandchildren to the Daviess County 4-H Fair.p16-19YoderPigs.indd 2 7/29/15 6:27 PM18 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDnearly each of the Yoder grandchildren look for something a little different. Eric and Brooke look for slightly stockier animals with good muscle tone, while some of the younger cousins have a different theory on a good pig. I always pick the runts, said Chloe, as she looked over the more than half a dozen pens lled with her familys pigs. The runts sometimes turn out to be the winners, but it doesnt matter to me. I just love pigs. When it comes to time to show, each pig must weigh in which means that with ve pigs per 4-Her, theres a good possibility that one Yoder cousin could have more than one pig in each class. When we have more than one pig in a class, we all try to jump in and help each other show, said Eric, who will be a 10-year 4-Her next summer. Having all these pigs that means even with as big of a family as we have, sometimes theres only a couple of us in the stands actually watching the show. We all work together. Just like with the selection of the animals, each cousin has a different reason for showing the pigs. Dryce, like many of the cousins, said he shows pigs because its a fami-ly tradition. Everyone has always shown pigs, he said. So I thought I should too. For Chloe and Tyson, Dryces little brother, its the cold hard cash that makes the pigs so appealing. After the swine show is complete, 4-Hers have the option of selling the animals during an auction. The money, from the sale of the barrows at the auction, is pooled together then equally divided among all the cousins meaning that during the auction the whole clan is hoping for high prices. Papaw averages out all the mon-ey we make from the sale of the pigs, said Swartzentruber. We all get the same amount. Tyson, a rst-year 4-H member, said he hopes to make some purchases with his part of the earnings. Im excited for the money so I can buy a Wii game, he said as a wide smile crept across his little face. The Yoder crew also gets excited Top left, Travis and Marsha Yoder share a laugh during the 4-H Show. Above, the Yoder Family Swine Champion trophy was claimed by Brooke Swartzentruber 2 years in a row, the most the family allows consecutively. Bottom left, Courtney Graber tallies the scores for the Yoder Family Swine Champion trophy.p16-19YoderPigs.indd 3 7/29/15 6:27 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 19about the Yoder Family Swine Trophy, a tradition started a few years ago to honor the best Yoder in the show ring. Courtney is in charge of tallying the scores of each cousin and declar-ing the annual winner. I have a spreadsheet and the win-ner is based on several factors, she said, adding the cousins attitudes in the arena are considered among other factors. They have to smile and look happy in the ring. Its not just about how well the pig does.Swartzentruber had claimed the family trophy two years in a row, but this year it was Eric who came out on top after the senior showmanship competition thanks to a Yoder rule; no cousin can win the trophy more than two years in a row. Going into the senior showmanship competition where 4-Hers must iden-tify the cuts of meat, read ear notches and know other information on the ani-mals, it was actually a three-way tie be-tween Sarah, Taylor and Eric, although it was Swartzentruber who had tallied the most Yoder family points. With the 4-H Show in the books for this year, the Yoder crew has returned the remaining pigs to the farm. But for the cousins, well, theyre already dreaming about becoming the next Yoder Family champion. Sarah Yoder gives one of the family pigs a sip of water.p16-19YoderPigs.indd 4 7/29/15 6:27 PM20 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDmatch the crops!Do you know what fruits and vegetables look like when they are just starting to grow? How about when they are ready to harvest? Match the new crops on the left with the ripe crops on the right.1234ABCDA n s w e r K e y : 1 . C ( W a t e r m e l o n ) , 2 . D ( F i e l d ) , 3 . B ( C a n t e l o u p e ) , 4 . A ( B r o c c o l i )FARM KIDS CORNERCOMPILATION BY LINDSAY OWENSp20KidsCornerAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 11:28 AMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 21KBy Dan Ravellette KNOX COUNTY IS sometimes referred to as the watermelon capital of Indiana, maybe even of the world, but the cities of Avon, Indianapolis, New-burgh, Plainville and Vincennes were all beautifully represented respectively by Lindsey Hampton, Ashley Layman, Mar-risa Rees, Mykaela Pickett and Taylor Goodman during the 2015 Illiana Water-melon Association Annual Convention held at French Lick in March. These ve young ladies competed for the title of the 2015 Illiana Watermelon Queen. When the judging was done and the votes were cast, a broad smile immediately ashed across Hamptons face as she was chosen to represent the watermelon industry until early next year. Hamptons rst reaction was one of surprise. I think my mind went blank for about 30 seconds because I was in shock, Hampton said. But its safe to say it was one of the best moments of my life. As the 2015 Illiana Watermel-on Queen, Hampton is making appear-ances throughout the Midwest and across the entire United States. The Avon native and daughter of Michael and Mary Hampton, enjoys country music and plans to become a lobbyist so she can help push forward laws that benet agriculture and farm relations. The Illiana Watermelon Queen is a paid representative for the association and the watermelon industry. She is touting the value of the juicy, delicious watermelon in supermarkets, food shows, county and state fairs, schools, parades, festivals, NASCAR races, the United Fresh Produce Show and is also lobbying for the industry in Washing-ton, D.C. As additional benets, Hamp-ton receives a $1,000 scholarship; a $1,500 wardrobe allowance and paid promotional appearances. She will represent her association and compete for the title of National Watermelon Queen at the 2016 National Conven-tion to be held in New Orleans, Illiana Watermelon Queen Lindsey Hampton and National Watermelon Queen Emily Brown pose for a photo during the Red Skelton Festival in Vincennes. | PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY LORRINDA ELLERMANILLIANA WATERMELON QUEEN 2015Lindsey Hampton crowned during French Lick convention444p21-23IllianaWatermelon.indd 1 7/29/15 7:32 PM22 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDName: Address: Phone: Paying by: Checkor Money OrderCredit Card: Exp. Sign me up to receive GROWING Magazine5 Issues per yearComplete the form below, include your check, money order or credit card information and mail to: P.O. Box 471, Washington, IN47501Louisiana.The path to earning the title of the Illiana Watermelon Queen is laden with several challenges leading up to the coronation. The rst test the candidates must complete is the promotional wear competition. These prospective queens parade over the stage in front of ve judges and the IWA Convention attend-ees in examples of attire they may wear to various promotions, activities and events as the representative. One of the most important steps comes early the next morning when each candidate participates in the in-terview process. Face-to-face meetings with all ve judges at the same time; video taped segments and hand-writ-ing examples account for a large part of each candidates score. Speeches that include the nutritional values of watermelon, sprinkled with the rea-sons they should be chosen as the IWA Queen, are delivered by each prospect to the convention-goers as well as the judges later that Saturday morn-ing. Representing the nal hurdle on the road to royalty, the queen will be selected and announced after gracing the stage in their evening wear attire.The 2014 Illiana Watermelon Queen, Emily Brown, has set the bar high for those young ladies who will wear the crown in future years. After her reign as the Illiana Watermelon Queen, Emily now sports the crown and sash as the 2015 National Wa-termelon Queen. I was so surprised when they announced me as the 2015 National Watermelon Queen, she said. I was ecstatic the rest of the night and the honor really did not sink in for almost a month after I was crowned. The major difference between the Illiana and the National Watermelon is that the Illiana Queen attends promo-tions mainly in the Indiana and Illinois area. As national watermelon royalty, Brown has the opportunity to travel across the country. I travel all over the United States promoting watermelon nutrition, versatility, and affordabili-ty, she said. I have also been sent to Canada and will be returning over the course of my year-long reign.Reminiscing back to her days as the 2014 Illiana Watermelon Queen, Brown relayed that one of her favorite promotions was the Race Week for Riley where she had the opportunity to participate in several fun-lled promo-tions leading up to the Brickyard 400. At one point, I was racing a go-kart with Michael Andretti, she said. Each young lady who carries the banner of Illiana Watermelon Queen is supported and accompanied at every event by the IWA Promotions Coor-dinator. For 18 months, Lori Edwards lled this position and explained some of the many duties and activities asso-ciated with the Queens reign. The ma-jor duties include the scheduling and overseeing the promotions in which the young ladies participate. The co-ordinator seeks out sponsorships and donations to help cover the costs of each promotion and travels around the United States with the Queen doing each of these promotions alongside National Watermelon Queen Emily Brown waves to the crowd during a recent parade.p21-23IllianaWatermelon.indd 2 7/29/15 7:32 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 23her, said Edwards. Another one of the coordinators duties includes being a mentor and molding her to hopefully become the next National Watermelon Queen at the end of her term as the State Chapter Queen. Lori began her stint as an Illiana Watermelon Queen Coordinator toward the end of her daughter Briston Andersons term as Queen in 2013. For a coordinator, it is also a rewarding experience just to know you had something to do with the personal growth of the Queen during her term. And the bond that is formed is unbelievable, Edwards said. A life-long friendship has been formed. The coordinator and queen spend many hours together during her term and before it is all done, you are a second mom and she is calling you her Wa-termelon Mom.Since Edwards resignation, Lorrin-da Ellerman has accepted the position of queen coordinator and is in the process of carrying on those duties and responsi-bilities. One month after being crowned, Hampton, Ellerman and rst runner up, Goodman participated in Queen Training, along with other queens and coordinators in North Carolina.The Illiana Watermelon Queens and coordinators schedule has been and will continue to be chocked full. Hampton has already made appear-ances at Knox County Ag Day held at Vincennes University. I had a blast teaching Knox Coun-ty third graders about watermelon and sending them home with watermelon plants, said Hampton. Other duties have included participating in the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Banquet and riding in the Red Skelton Parade with Brown. There are a tremendous number of dedicated professionals in the eld of agriculture who voluntarily devote their time and talents to the IWA. At the 2015 Convention in March, IWA President Mike Horrall expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Brown and Edwards. Many people told me how tirelessly Emily and Lori worked for us and we are truly grateful to both of them for their efforts, said Horrall in a letter. He added his congratulations in the fact that local farmer Dennis Mouzin is now the National Watermelon Association President. How complimentary is it to the Illiana Watermelon Association that we are providing both the Nation-al Queen and the National President in the same year?Illiana Watermelon Queen Lindsey Hampton has been busy promoting the industry.p21-23IllianaWatermelon.indd 3 7/29/15 7:32 PMp24HoosierLonghornAug15.indd 1 7/30/15 3:09 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 25EBy Terri Talarek KingEVERY TIME I plant a seed, I am amazed.From this small thing comes something mighty. This sentence ends in a period a little smaller than a mustard seed. From that seed comes a tall plant able to provide nutrients from its leaves and owers, spice from its newly-created seeds, and nectar for pollinators. Its roots reach into the earth, changing the structure of soil and bringing minerals into the plant from natural chemical exchanges.What does it mean to save a seed?In my hand, I hold a powerhouse of nutrition, history, heritage and the future. Within this seed is a complex web of information passed from one generation to the next and affected by changes made in previous generations: weather, soil condition, water quality, the actions of insects and other ani-mals, and conscious selections made by people. As long as the information is not articially combined with that of another unrelated species of plant or animal (genetic modication), this seed will continue to pass along its heritage and the results of anything that has strengthened it along the way.What does it mean to save a seed?When a variety of natural traits are maintained and passed along, genetic diversity is preserved. Diversity means stability. Diversity is the earths and our edge against a variety of disturbances and calamities. Diversity ensures that there are a variety of plants specically adapted to a variety of climates, mi-cro-climates and specic conditions.What does it mean to save a seed?It means history, heritage and sto-ries are saved through the memory of the seed and those who plant it. There is a reason someones grandmother in North Carolina saved a certain kind of bean seed every year and brought it to southern Indiana, or why some-ones ancestor brought certain cab-bage seed from Germany, or squash seed from Mexico, or why a Native American tribe saved corn seed and kept selecting the best seed from the best plants to preserve the best traits throughout centuries.What does it mean to save a seed?Its one of the best things we can do.Terri Talarek King lives in Knox County and is a naturalist and organic garden-er, educator and writer. She is certied as an advanced master naturalist and grow organic educator.What does it mean to save a seed?Learnhowtosaveseedfromyour heirloom varieties this year*:SeedtoSeed:SeedSavingand GrowingTechniquesforVegetable Gardeners; Suzanne AshworthBeginnersGuidetoSeedSaving (RodalesOrganicLife):http://www. rodal esorgani cl i fe. com/garden/begi nners- gui de- seed-savingVegetableSeedSavingHandbook: http://www.howtosaveseeds.com/SavingFlowerSeed(University ofIllinoisExtension)good informationforallseedsaving: ht t ps : //www. yout ube . c om/watch?v=zheu_apioiw*Note: Hybrid seed varieties can also besaved,butinthenextplantyou might not get the same traits, as the seedcomesfromacrossbetween two varieties.THE NATURAL SIDE OF THINGSp25NaturalSideAug15.indd 1 7/22/15 8:26 PM26 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLAND2015 10-YEAR 4-H MEMBERSKnox CountyAutumn Asdell, Rabbit ClubRaydon DeSchamp, Freelandville Flying Dutch ClubKristen Downen, Monroe City ClubHaylee Green, Dog ClubAshley Heinz, Horse and Pony ClubWyant Held, Livestock Club Colton Houchin, Rabbit Club Derek Keasling, Livestock ClubKiesha Kiser, Livestock Club Brandon Marchino, Livestock Club Paige Marvel, Monroe City ClubNoah Miller, Freelandville Flying Dutch ClubEmily Mundy, Livestock ClubAaron Provines, Little Rascals Clubp26-284HMembers.indd 1 7/29/15 6:30 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 27Knox County (continued)Jayce Rodrick, North Knox 4-H ClubAudra Sloan, Horse and Pony ClubMadison Wampler, North Knox 4-H ClubMason Wampler, North Knox 4-H ClubNathan White, Freelandville Flying Dutch ClubRobert Willis, Little Rascals ClubDaviess CountyJordan Alexis Carr, Veale Lucky H Sara Graber, Country Cougars Jacob Gross, Sugarland Bailey Kendall, GlendaleZack Kramer, Jefferson Taylor Mallett, Kidding Around Jessica Miller, Country Cougarsp26-284HMembers.indd 2 7/29/15 6:30 PM28 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDPatti Newton, Veale Lucky H Carley Jo Petty, GlendaleNicholas Raney, Vikings Wes Richardson, UnderdogsBrooke Swartzentruber,Country CougarsAmber Taylor, Veale Lucky HJonathan Wagler,Hearts at HomeNicole Woodruff,Country CougarsDaviess County (continued)Sullivan County**Submission of member photos was a voluntary decision of the county extension ofce.Haley SmithCass Champs 4-H ClubChristopher BartleyCurry Nomads 4-H ClubParker DrakeCurry Nomads 4-H ClubCameron MarxGill Go Getters 4-H ClubAlex PerkinsonGill Go Getters 4-H ClubRiley CesingerGrand Champion Sycamores 4-H ClubRebecca ClarkGrand Champion Sycamores 4-H ClubRyan HaagGrand Champion Sycamores 4-H ClubDaniel ZaayerGrand Champion Sycamores 4-H ClubHallie DurallHaddon Blue Ribbon Hustlers 4-H ClubCarrie TaylorHaddon Blue Ribbon Hustlers 4-H ClubKelsey MillerOld Oak-Old Hickory 4-H ClubMitchell PetersonOld Oak-Old Hickory 4-H ClubWhitney ZellersOld Oak-Old Hickory 4-H ClubDonivan FicklinTurman Lads & Lassies 4-H ClubKendra ScarbroughTurman Lads & Lassies 4-H Clubp26-284HMembers.indd 3 7/29/15 6:30 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 29WBy Ryan Harner WHAT ARE COVER crops and how can they be benecial to my farm-ing operation? These are questions that many farmers are asking today as recent environmental and ecological awareness has started a resurgence in cover crop use. Although cover crops have been used for centuries, the mod-ern farmer of today has grown up in a generation which has replaced the use of cover crops with widespread use of fertilizers and herbicides. Today, farm-ers are searching for benecial plants that can best be used in modern farm-ing practices to supplement or replace purchased farming inputs. One answer may be the use of cover crops.Cover crops are grasses, legumes or small grains grown between regular grain crop production periods for the purpose of protecting and improving the soil. The most common cover crops in Indiana are fall-seeded cereals, such as rye or wheat, and fall-seeded annual ryegrass. Late summer-seeded spring oats are sometimes used, even though they winterkill. Late summer or early fall-seeded legumes, such as hairy vetch, Austrian winter peas, and crimson clover may also be used as alternative winter cover crops. The main purpose of a cover crop is to benet the soil and/or other crops planted. The cover crop is not intended to be harvested for feed or sale but to provide benets that can be utilized during the entire year rather than just the planting season. Benets from cover crops include soil quality im-provements, erosion control, fertility im-provements, weed suppression, insect control and providing a stable supply of affordable feed for livestock grazing.Cover crop plants improve soil tilth when the plant establishes roots into compacted areas. Water inltration is improved as well as the cover crops help to protect the soil surface and reduce sealing that can cause wa-ter runoff in barren elds. Benecial organisms in the soil, such as earth-worms, tend to thrive as fresh plant material is decomposing and organic matter levels tend to improve with the addition of cover crops.Cover crops help to reduce wind and water erosion on all type of soils as they help to hold the soil in place during the fall, winter, and early spring months. Soil losses and wind erosion have been found to be greatly reduced by no-till planting cash crops into previ-ously established cover crops rather than using conventional tillage. Recent studies conducted by Purdue Univer-sity have shown soil losses from corn or soybeans no-tilled into a vigorous growth of rye or wheat to be 90 to 95 percent less than soil losses from corn and soybeans conventionally tilled.Cover crops help cut fertilizer costs by contributing Nitrogen to and their benefitsThanks to cover crops, farmers are seeing higher yields and richer soil and more. | PHOTO BY KELLY OVERTON444COVER CROPSModern farming practices include using benecial plantsp29-30CoverCropsBenefitsAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 6:17 PM30 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDcash crops and scavenging soil nu-trients. Legumes such as clovers and cowpeas can help improve soil fertil-ity by adding substantial amounts of nitrogen to the soil. Non-legumes such as rye, tillage radish, and turnips can also help improve soil fertility by taking up excess nitrogen from previous crops planted and then recycling the nitrogen as well as any available phosphorous and potassium back to the next crop planted. This process is very important after manure applications, as the cover crops can help to reduce the leaching of valuable nutrients in the soil.Cover crops help to suppress weeds and control insects. The cover crop helps to suppress potential weeds by providing a smother crop that outcom-petes weeds for water, nutrients, and sunlight and by producing a source of root exudates or compounds that pro-vide natural herbicidal effects. With the reduction in weed growth, farmers are able to no-till plant corn and soybeans through stands of dense cover crops without the costly expense of applying herbicides prior to spring planting. Insects are controlled by cover crops as the plants help to encourage benecial insect predators and parasitoids that can reduce insect damage by produc-ing compounds that reduce nematode pest populations while still attracting benecial nematode species.Cover crops also present an excellent opportunity for livestock producers. Producers are able to utilize the increased pasture sources from cover crops for livestock grazing. Cover crops can be crucial during drought years where having a stable supply of affordable feed is the difference between getting by and getting out of the livestock business. Increasing both pasture productivity and reducing the reliance on harvested forages are two ways livestock producers ensure both the producer and the herds survive drought conditions.Overall, as the cost of fertilizer and herbicides continue to rise, the bene-ts of using cover crops in a sustain-able farming system will become both more attractive and necessary for most farmers.If you are interested in learning more about what cover crops can do for your farming operation or in planting a cover crop this fall, contact the Daviess County SWCD, 2526 E. National Hwy., Washington, IN at (812)-254-4780 extension 113, or your local Soil and Water Conservation District.p29-30CoverCropsBenefitsAug15.indd 2 7/29/15 6:18 PMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 31IBy Damian MasonIF YOURE LOOKING for anti-GMO spin, you wont nd it here. No worries. You can nd enough emotionally charged, fact-vacant,anti-GMO vitriol online (or among Whole Foods shoppers) to more than counter balance what youre about to read.Im a fan of GMOs. Why? Because Genet-ically Modied Organisms those demonized, misun-derstood, boogie men disguised as farm crops youve heard so much misinformation about are wonderful technological advance-ments. Put simply, GMOs hold the promise of saving Earth, along with lots of human lives. Because I understand farmingI grew up on an Indiana dairy farm. Ive walked soybean elds with a machete on hot summer days to get rid of stubborn weeds. Have you? Prob-ably not, because only 1 percent of Americans are involved in farming. Yet, activists most of whom have never produced a single food calorie in their life want to dictate food production.I know the daily challenge of keep-ing animals alive and crops productive while battling weather, insects, weeds, sickness and the clock, which allows you so many hours each day and grow-ing season. As such, I welcome tech-nological advancements in agriculture. Because.GMOs make life and work easier Technological advancement makes us more productive. Think Google, Apple, and the smart phone in your hand. You use technology for business dont you? Imagine a bunch of people signing petitions, inspired by Dr. Oz, clamoring for laws that would require you to stop using your technol-ogy. No more Google, no more smart phone from now on its the Yellow Pages and a calling card at the pay phone (if you can nd a pay phone). Thats the degree of set back youre asking agriculture to endure. GMOs are green and sustainable Life on Earth depends on topsoil. GMOs help us conserve that precious soil. Lets use soybeans as our example. In the old days we drove over the soil a lot. Mostly cultivating and tilling.Trips across the eld in tractors require a lot of human time, burn a lot of fossil fuels, and compact the soil. Compacted soil cant absorb water, which leads to run off, sedimentation of waterways, and erosion. Cultivation also exposes soil to wind ero-sion remember the Dust Bowl? Enter GMO soybeans. We plant, spray, then harvest. Oooh, you shriek, you spray those soybeans with her-bicide and insecticide because GMOs are an evil plot by Monsanto! Dont kid yourself dear consumer.We were spray-ing soybeans (and just about every other crop) long before genetically engineered seed. GMOs will actually allow us to use less chemicals, with traits such as insect resistance bred into the plant. Less soil erosion, less fossil fuel burned, and less chemicals sprayed. Sounds like a win for the environment doesnt it? So why do alleged environ-mentalists oppose this technology? I believe in science There are 200 million fewer hungry people on Earth than there were just two decades ago. And during that time, world population grew by 2 bil-lion! Credit science and technology. In spite of our achievement, approximately 800 million people are still undernourished, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N. Science holds the promise of feeding those people and GMOs are just the latest iteration of scientic advancement in food. Imagine seed that can tolerate drought, x its own nutrients without need of synthetic fertilizer, or produce triple the yield. No more deforestation, no more marginal lands being tilled, less need to transport food long dis-tances, and no more hungry people. Most people would call this ad-vancement. Like hybridization, pas-teurization, or selective breeding, GMO technology is the next accomplish-ment in food.Yet, theyre a lightning rod despite the science proving their safety and track record. To the scientif-ic minded observer, this debate looks a lot like the debate over vaccines. Food production is businessSomehow this fact is lost on the anti-GMO crowd. The nostalgic vision of farmers markets and men in bib over-alls is, frankly, insulting. Farmers grow genetically engineered crops because it makes sense for their business. GMOs save time, offer the latest traits in seed development, and can provide a positive input cost-to-yield ra-tio. With millions of dollars of capital at risk, farmers, like all businesses, must look at the bottom line. Why Im pro GMO Its trendy to be against GMOs. Sadly, science cant compete with fear-based propaganda. Face it, words like Frankenfood appeal to emotion, not logic. But this isnt about an idealized vision of agriculture. Its about human advancement, Its about conserving Earths resources. Its about feeding those in countries too poor and hungry to have the luxury of being anti-GMO. Humans advanced from hunt-er-gatherers to subsistence farming to modern agriculture by applying ingenuity to food production. Because of those advancements, we are free to build skyscrapers, design electric cars, and, most importantly, eat well. You can protest GMOs. But I wont join you because I understand the busi-ness of farming and I believe in human progress. This is just the next step. Damian Mason is a farm boy, farm owner, agricultural speaker, and supporter of GMOs. Find him at www.damianmason.com Why Im pro GMO: A farm boys perspectiveTHE FUNNIER SIDE OF FARMINGp31FunnierFarmingAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 7:23 PM32 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDFGOOD TO THE EARTHSubmitted by Kevin CrossFOURTEEN SULLIVAN FFA members recently attended the 86th Indiana FFA Convention at Purdue University on June 15 to 18. Indiana FFA has held its annual convention at Purdue University since the organiza-tions establishment in 1929. Over 2,500 members and guests were present at this years convention.While at convention, FFA members had the opportunity to exemplify the last line of the FFA motto, Living to Serve, by volunteering at Food Finders Food Bank in Lafayette. Food Finders pro-vides food items to food pantries in 16 counties surrounding Lafayette. Sullivan FFA members sorted and packaged 900 pounds of popcorn into one-pound bags. The students then had the opportunity to tour the food bank facility.Ryan Kaiser, Malcolm Scarbrough, Melinda Boone, Braeden Thompson, Zack Ravellette, Kendra Scarbrough, Ryan Haag, Shania Medley, Adam Deckard, and Karson Harris had the op-portunity to serve their fellow Indiana FFA members by serving in the Indaina FFA Courtesy Corps. These students greeted members and guests during convention sessions, assisted with the set-up and tear-down of events/ban-quets, and helped fellow students write thank you notes to award sponsors.Ellie Eslinger and Eric Holscher represented the Sullivan FFA Chapter as ofcial delegates to the convention. Eslinger and Holscher had the oppor-tunity to vote on constitutional amend-ments. They also approved Hoosier Degree recipients and elected the 2015-2016 Indiana FFA Ofcer Team.Three students were honored for their outstanding supervised agricultur-al experience programs. Chad Speece earned 2nd place in the state for the Fruit Production prociency area. Harris earned 3rd place in the state for the Agri-science-Plant Systems prociency area. Madison Boston earned 2nd place in the state for the Agricultural Services pro-ciency area. Her application will advance to the National FFA competition. Boston is one of only 45 Indiana FFA members to have this opportunity.The week came to a close as Haag and Boston were among the only 384 Indiana FFA members that received the Hoosier FFA Degree. There are currently more than 11,000 Indiana FFA members, and only those that excel in leadership and supervised agricultural experience programs earn the Hoosier FFA Degree.Sullivan FFA members attend In-diana FFA Convention each year to be recognized for their hard work and ac-complishments throughout the previous year. The Sullivan FFA Chapter extends its appreciation to the community and school corporation for their continued support of the program.Sullivan FFA members attend state conventionFront, from left, Eric Holscher, Malcolm Scarbrough, Karson Harris and Ryan Kaiser.Middle, from left: Shania Medley, Adam Deckard, Melinda Boone, Zach Ravellette and Brady Salesman.Back, from left: Madison Boston, Ryan Haag, Kendra Scarbrough, Braeden Thompson and Ellie Eslinger. | PHOTO PROVIDEDAbove, Ryan Haag and Madison Boston received the Hoosier FFA Degree. Only 384 Indiana FFA members received the degree. Below, Braeden Thompson, Karson Harris and Eric Holscher participate in Food Finders. | PHOTOS PROVIDEDp32-33GoodToEarthAug15.indd 1 7/28/15 8:17 AMGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDxAUGUST 2015 | 33This article was written by Martha Jack-man, a Native American farmer from Greene County, Indiana and a member of the Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation.I HAVE WONDERED what the life span of a cow could be. If given the chance to live past the productive years, how long would a cow live? As we do these days, I checked the internet for the answer. I found several references to cows living into the teen years if allowed.I would like for you to meet Sammy. She is a Herford cow born April 1988 on the Robert Gastineau farm. She and her half sister were purchased by me on Oct. 25, 1988 to start again a herd on the Howell farm. The previous herd was sold after the death of the farm owner at that time.Her rst calf was born March 8, 1990 and the last of 17 calves was born Aug. 30, 2008. Sammy serves as the lead cow for the herd making it easy to move cattle from one eld to another. If Sammy comes, the herd will follow.The winter of 2013-2014 was so harsh for the livestock and me. I sepa-rated Sammy from the herd to feed her as she seemed less able to ght at the feed bunk for her share. Also I fenced off an area for Sammy to walk to the horse barn to eat alfalfa hay that was feed to the horses. She had eaten grass during the warm months but seemed to have difculty eating the coarser round baled hay. The only other thing I have done to take special care of Sammy was to trim her front hooves as they were beginning to grow long. Sammy turned 27 years old in April. The question remains. How long could a cow live? How long will Sammy live? Only a higher power that has al-lowed me to know Sammy and to care for her knows the answer. Sadly, some day, I will know the answer too.How long is a life?Top, Susie and Sammy, Oct. 27, 1988, at the Howell Farm. Above, Susie and Sammy with Sammys rst born calf, March 10, 1990.Sammy on Christmas Day 2014. | PHOTOS PROVIDEDp32-33GoodToEarthAug15.indd 2 7/28/15 8:17 AM34 | AUGUST 2015xGROWING IN THE HEARTLANDTBy John H. StollTHERE WAS PLOWING in the often cold and blustery days of spring. There was planting in the blowing dust of late May. There was the har-vest in the golden glow of autumn. There was cleaning to be done in the barns to keep the manure hauled away in the dead of winter. And then there was haymaking. No other farm job even came close to being as despised as haymaking.My dad owned haymaking equip-ment in shares with his brother-in-law when I was a kid. So therefore we helped them with the sum-mer haying and they helped us. The ratio of days of us helping them to days of them helping us stood at about 4:1. My uncle had a much bigger farm than we had more acreage, more animals, more barns to ll, and so on and so forth. So, of course, it was only natural that the scale was so unbalanced. To my knowledge, my dad never com-plained about it or even mentioned that fact. I suppose I complained enough that he felt he didnt need to.And so it was that in the early afternoon of every sunny summer day except Sunday, Dad and I would hitch a team of horses to the wagon and head down the road to the eld of hay for that day. I had an older brother and several cousins who went to their day jobs, then helped with the hay after they got off work. Most all of them worked construction.One of the cousins would have to stay home from his day job to help my uncle with the hay. They must have had some sort of system worked out where they took turns as to who took off work. My uncle raked and my cousin, whose turn it was to be at home, would do the baling. Dad would drive the team and stack the bales on the wagon and I would load the bales. Sometimes my married cousins wife would help me load bales or my best friend, my uncles grandson, would have a free day from haying on their farm and would help me load bales. On those days when my best friend, who was exactly my age, and I got to work together haying be-came a degree or two less despised.Around and around we went. Un-cle on the rake with two horses; cousin on the baler with six horses; and Dad on the wagon with two horses. There were three wagons between the two farms, so as soon as we got those load-ed there was often time for a brief rest until the rest of the gang got off work and there was enough help to put the hay in the barn. By this time those wide-open hayelds had turned into an inferno in the scorching sun and every ounce of energy had been drained from both Dad and me. Dad was doing all this hard manual labor while in often excruciating pain from a hip joint that had given out and wouldnt be surgically repaired until years later. And his helper was a spoiled son who was as strong-willed and bullheaded as any son could be. The son despised haymaking and was never ashamed to let it be known. And still isnt. My aunt made the best sweet tea of any I have ever tasted and it was available in bountiful supply at every request. At about the halfway point of the days haymaking she would announce it was time for break.Break consisted of about 30 min-utes where we could throw off our hats, plunge our bare arms shoulder deep into the coolness of the horses watering trough, and grab a quick sandwich and cold drink before head-ing out into the elds again.If that particular day were a Thurs-day and any of the young men had a steady girlfriend, they were often excused to leave the elds early to go see their girlfriends. In that time and in that culture, there were two nights of the week when it was acceptable to go on a date: Sunday and Thursday. But a Thursday date only applied if you were going steady. And so again, sometimes, the crew would dwindle down to just a few to nish the nal load. Twilight would be stealing over the countryside as we trudged home on our old red wagon. The horses heads hung low and they hobbled slowly along. Neither Dad nor his two sons had the energy or the hardness of heart to coax them into a faster gait. Home at last they took a long drink at the trough, enjoyed a scoop of corn for their supper, and were turned out to pasture for the night. Unless it was Saturday, we would stumble to the house to drop exhaust-ed into our beds only to wake up a few hours later to get up and do it all over again. No farm job has ever come close to being as despised as making hay. And yet, because of experiences such as these, I am who I am today. I no lon-ger work full-time on a farm, but I am grateful for the experiences and for the knowledge I gained from watching, listening, and learning. In the event it is ever needed, I know how to grow enough food to survive. And that I owe to my dad. Thank you. While not employed on the family farm, John does enjoy helping out his brothers there during planting and harvest sea-sons. He is very appreciative of his her-itage and is thankful he was given the opportunity to be raised a farm boy.DOWN ON THE FARMHaymakingPHOTO BY KELLY OVERTONp34JohnStollAug15.indd 1 7/29/15 7:26 PMp35MacAllisterAug15.indd 1 7/25/15 10:07 AMp36ColonialAug15.indd 1 7/25/15 10:05 AM