55 years ago

Beef now labeled “commercial” will be divided into two new grades, designated as “standard” and “commercial” after June 1, the USDA announced.
The proposed farm bill has passed the Senate and goes to a House-Senate conference committee for the final draft. It is unlikely the farm bill can be passed before mid-April, and a presidential veto is expected. Prospects have faded for much aid to farmers for this year.

It is estimated the average farm operation investment in this section of Indiana is $30,000-$40,000.

Mid-State Indiana Guernsey Sale, consignees: Oscar Weaver, Goshen; Everett Beatty, Huntington; Emerson Mithoefer, Indianapolis; White Lick Farms, Mooresville; Ken Ver Farm, Indianapolis; and additional consignors from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

40 years ago
The old flour mill at Modoc was destroyed by fire. The mill, reported to be one of the oldest in the state, had been built by the community at the turn of the century and earned a reputation for the quality of its flour and cornmeal. It was sold in 1940 to a group of businessmen and operated as a farmers’ cooperative elevator.

Clyde Harlow was recently named to the Tipton Co Livestock Breeders Assoc. Hall of Fame. He has been active in the Indiana Shorthorn Assoc. for many years. Also honored was the late Lewis Teter, known throughout the area as one of the top hog producers, who was often called upon to judge swine shows.

The United States is the world’s leading exporter of agricultural products, providing nearly one-fifth of the world’s agricultural exports. Agriculture, as our nation’s largest industry, has contributed greatly to the economy. Farmers annually spend $48 billion for the purchase of goods and services necessary to production and family living.

Approximately 2,400 youths, 14 years of age or older, will be needed in Decatur County this summer by seed corn growers to detassel this year’s crop. Detasseling operation will start around July 1 and continue for about a month. Workers will be paid a minimum of $1.30 per hour and may qualify for a bonus.

25 years ago

President Reagan is expected to sign Congress’ Food Security Improvements Act of 1986, which offers to dairy producers a more humane alternative in meeting Gramm-Rudman (G-R) cutbacks.

Kristi Nash of Sharpsville, Ind. was named National Pork Industry Queen at St. Louis last week, during the American Pork Congress. Nash is a junior at Purdue University, where she is studying to be a registered nurse.

Krause 4515 Slicer Chisel, 15 Shank fold flat, hyd. wings/spring shank, $9,900; Krause 3127, 27-foot Landsman w/basket and tine harrow, $15,400; Brillion 25-foot packer, $6,275; Farmhand grinder-mixer 540 PTO, two screens, $4,618 –Reynolds Equipment of Fishers, Sheridan and Anderson, Ind.

Internationally-known Bottema Holstein Dairy Farms has liquidated its cattle herd and ceased farming operations all together. Based in the Plainfield area and in operation for 75 years, this family-run dairy enterprise has a long history in the dairy business and will be sadly missed.

10 years ago

Used Farm Grain Trucks: 1994 Freightliner Classic, 430 hp Detroit, (10) alum, wheels, “new” 20-foot Eby alum, bed/tarp, new bright red paint, loaded up w/all the chrome, $44,900; 1985 Ford F800, 3209 CAT, 10 sp, Hend, susp, 54,000 miles, new 18-foot Obeco bed, Agri-cover tarp, $26,900; 1993 International 9370, 425 hp, CAT, 10 spd, (10) virgin tires, new engine overhaul (0 miles) new 20-foot Obeco bed, Agri-cover tarp, $39,900 – H.G. Violet Equipment of Delphos, Ohio.

Pork industry leaders Ray and Ellen Hankes were inducted into the Pork Industry Hall of Fame at the National Pork Industry Forum in Florida this past week. The Hankes are formerly from Illinois, but now live near Nashville, Tenn., where Ray manages a new IBP meat plant in Goodlettsville.

More than 350 beekeeper veterans and first-timers attended the one-day Southwestern Ohio Beekeeper School in Sharonville earlier this month.
Runaway ostrich returns home … The bird wandered into a subdivision near Bedford, Ind., last week and was found standing on a patio. Laura and Bob Hudelson, who own Lost River Game Farm in Orleans, came to claim the ostrich.