Live.Work.Grow - Summer 2014

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m www.centralilag.com · Summer 2014 · 1 Live.Work.Grow. CENTRAL ILLINOIS AG Summer 2014 ATLANTA · CLINTON · FARMER CITY · MASON CITY

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What's new with Central Illinois Ag? Look inside for articles, photos and more!

Transcript of Live.Work.Grow - Summer 2014

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www.centralilag.com · Summer 2014 · 1

Live.Work.Grow.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS AG

Summer 2014

ATLANTA · CLINTON · FARMER CITY · MASON CITY

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m1 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Hello from Central Illinois Ag!

m1 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

We hope you enjoy our first dealer book! Inside these pages you’ll find useful articles from farmers, the agriculture industry, and employee highlights.

On June 30th, 2013 our headquarter location in Atlanta was burned to ashes. We’ve faced many challenges and couldn’t be prouder of our employees and Central Illinois Ag family for pushing through and growing into an even stronger dealership.

While reading through the articles you may notice that we don’t just serve Central Illinois, but throughout the entire state of Illinois and surrounding areas. We value each and every one of our customers and look forward to working with you in the future! Thank you for allowing us to be your Case IH dealer!

Steve Schmidt Michael Schmidt

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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Hello from Central Illinois Ag! 3 Building the Future 6 Illinois Farmer Today 9 Keeping History on the Farm11 Tech Saavy Farmer Prefers MacDon13 Time is Money16 Rush Olson, Precision Planting17 Planting with New Technology19 Ryan Curry, Industrial Sales20 What’s in Your Shop?

21 Chicago Mom’s Visit the Farm23 IL Corn Saves You Money25 Grow Informed with the Illinois Soybean Association27 Plow Day, Play Day28 Cleaner Beans 29 Living the Dream 31 Custom Farming 35 Who’s in the Shop?37 Tak on the Farm38 Construction Tak

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Steve SchmidtAtlanta, IL(217) 737-7445

Michael SchmidtLincoln, IL(217) 737-8669

Scott TibbsMiddletown, IL(217) 737-1445

Dallas KaufmanDanvers, IL(309) 613-0556

Clay WithamStanford, IL(217) 519-4346

Brandon HendelGlasford, IL(309) 212-1656

John CoersNew Holland, IL(217) 737-5674

Gordon WatkinsPetersburg, IL(217) 652-2650

David RobbinsAstoria, IL(217) 417-4184

Brian ReeserClinton, IL(217) 519-4341

Mike O’NeilArrowsmith, IL(309) 275-8158

Mike BarringerDecatur, IL(217) 519-2918

Andrew ElderTaylorville, IL(217) 306-4621

Andy ClerPenfield, IL(309) 830-1392

Doug FranzenFarmer City, IL(309) 275-8556

Scott PearlMonticello, IL(217) 871-0562

Shane SteinbergMidland City, IL(217) 671-1303

Jim SpicerFarmer City, IL(309) 275-8545

Sales

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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m3 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Building the Future

We broke ground on June 2, 2014.

Pouring Concrete on June 7, 2014.

Watch the building progress on our YouTube

channel!YouTube.com/

LiveWorkGrowCIA

If you’ve been to our Atlanta location recently, it’s hard to miss the construction that is taking place. Our new shop and building are making progress daily.

The top priority is to build the shop so the technicians have a warm and spacious place to work this winter. The office building will then be completed tentatively summer 2015.

The devastating fire that occurred on June 30, 2013 brought obstacles that we were able to work through and in return has developed into a stronger dealership.

If you are in the area stop by and check out the foundation of our new building. We also post videos of the progress on our YouTube channel (www.YouTube.com/LiveWorkGrowCIA).

Thank you for continuing to work with Central Illinois Ag despite our past years’ challenges. We are excited to see what the future holds for Central Illinois Ag!

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Pouring Concrete on June 7, 2014.

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Illinois Farmer Today is a free, weekly farm newspaper that recently began publishing January, 2014. We are confident you will enjoy its weekly coverage of Illinois agricultural news and information important to you. The paper is dated Saturday and is already delivered to over 30,000 farms. It is mailed via the US Postal Service and comes right to your mailbox. Its tabloid format makes it easy to hold and easy to read.

Its publishers have been publishing Iowa Farmer Today in Iowa for nearly 30 years and Missouri Farmer Today for over seven years. In that time they have built a reputation of trust among Iowa and Missouri farmers and have become their first source of ag information and advertising.

Because farmers in the Midwest have a common bond and use common farming practices, the editorial focus on row crops and livestock will certainly be of value to you.

Illinois Farmer Today is free to qualified farmers in Illinois. To receive your free subscription, you can call 800-475-6655 or subscribe via their website at www.IllinoisFarmerToday.com.

You will find its pages contain compelling articles including weekly features on markets, weather and crops. It has a robust classified ad section with ads for farm equipment, real estate, trucks, auction, livestock, buildings and much more. It also contains ads from leading national brands of farm equipment, seed, crop protection products and other widely-used inputs.

Phyllis Coulter and Amber Selman are field editors for the new Illinois publication. Phyllis is a veteran journalist in Illinois, having worked the past 10 years with The Pantagraph in Bloomington, where she lives. Amber is a 2012 graduate of Iowa State University. She grew up on a dairy farm in Eastern Iowa and has recently moved to Carlyle, Illinois.

This publication will always be free to qualified farmers, and they value your input. You can contact them with story ideas, letters to the editor, photo submissions and much more. Also, if you know of another farmer who would benefit from receiving this free farm paper have them contact Illinois Farmer Today at 800-475-6655 or www.IllinoisFarmerToday.com.

We hope you enjoy this paper’s focus on news that is practical, useful and timely to your farming operation. We hope it will soon become your first source of ag news and advertising.

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Maurer Head TransportsFits all Types of Combine Heads!

Demco Sprayers From 25 to 1,250 Gallons

Demco has a sprayer for every need!

www.demco-products.com www.maurermfg.com

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www.kinze.comContact your authorized KINZE dealer today to learn more!

MY PLANTING

SOLUTION

Owns two KINZE 3600 12 row, pivot-fold planters with bulk fi ll air seed delivery system, hydraulic weight transfer and split row interplants.

“Around here, about 80% of the planters are KINZE. They’re easier to pull through gates and across bridges. Bulk fi ll saves a lot of time on refi lls. And, hydraulic weight transfer system re-distributes the weight from the center hopper section to the wings, so we don’t have any trouble with pinch rows or keeping row units in the ground.”

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Keeping Historyon theFarm

Pictured is Jerry, third generation farmer, wife Stacey, and daughter Emilie Schmidt.

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Jerry Schmidt is a third generation farmer in Chestnut, IL where he is farming the land that his father and grandfather farmed since 1942. The location of his farm holds a lot of history in his family and with Central Illinois Ag.

The Schmidt Family has believed in farming with red ever since his grandfather began farming 72 years ago, so it only made sense for Jerry and his father to purchase a International Harvester sign at the Carl Eberstein auction in 2006. After receiving the sign and placing it in their yard, this purchase became even more valuable.

The International Harvester sign which stands 12 feet high, was the original dealership sign of Marcotte International in Lincoln, IL before merging with Schmidt Implement in 1987 and later becoming Central Illinois Ag in 2001.

As a valued Central Illinois Ag customer, we are proud to have the original Marcotte International sign displayed at the Schmidt Family Farms homestead west of Chestnut on Route 54. Photos on the right (top): Jerry’s grandfather, Paul Schmidt picking ear corn in the 1950’s on an M tractor with a 2 Row Picker(bottom): Jerry, 5 yrs old, watching his father, Gerald Schmidt, back in their new 966 tractor in 1972.m

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m11 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Tech Saavy Farmer Prefers MacDonStew & Stew Farms, Inc. understand the importance of the rapidly changing technology and it’s important they are using brands that are also willing to stay up-to-date with this technology, from the tractor to the attachments.

When you see Todd Stewart from Stew & Stew Farms, Inc. in the fields during harvest, his MacDon draper head is more than an attachment for the combine. It is a brand that truly cares for the farmer.

Todd has made suggestions to the company at farm shows and to salesman, Andrew Elder, who will pass the message on to the MacDon representative.

“MacDon is always willing to take our input from the fields and put it to work,” Todd said.

His 40ft FD75 FlexDraper® has saved the family farm time by allowing them to cut earlier and later in the day than other platforms. Stew & Stew Farms, Inc. values every acre and bushel and MacDon’s top notch equipment and use of technology has helped them get the most out of their crops.

Todd Stewart with Stew & Stew Farms, Inc. is located in Nokomis, IL. This small family farm chose Central Illinois Ag as their Case IH dealer because of the extraordinary service they have received.

The closest Central Illinois Ag dealership is located 85 miles away in Clinton, but Todd says that doesn’t matter. Kip Hoke (Service Manager) and Kyle Wright (Asst. Service Manager) are only a phone call away. When issues occur that cannot be fixed over the phone, a technician has been on the farm within two hours.

“The technicians at Central Illinois Ag are very knowledgeable and will work until the job is complete.”

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Time is Money. Make the Most of It. When margins are tight, every investment needs to deliver to your bottom line.

Photos Courtesy of Brian L., Illinois

One of Central Illinois Ag’s customers, Brian L., fills his equipment with both fuel and DEF.

He says his trailer, “Saves us two hours a day. With a 20 day window last spring, that is 40 hours I saved. Time turns into bushels.”

It’s been several years since Thun-

der Creek Equipment launched

their first trailer. Since then the

company has consistently rolled

out new, innovative products that

make servicing equipment in the

field much more efficient.

Owners across the country are

discovering that these trailers

deliver more than just fuel - they

deliver real value to an operation’s

bottom line.

“This is the best small equipment

investment I’ve made for our op-

eration,” says Randy B. from Min-

nesota. “The biggest thing is time

savings. We can take it out, fill all

our equipment, and we’re good

for the day.”

Closer to home, Frank and Connie

Ruppert from Southern Illinois are

also enjoying the time saved with

their Thunder Creek trailer.

Before they got their trailer, Con-

nie would haul fuel in a 100 gallon

tank in the truck bed, making sev-

eral trips a day. Now she is able

to plan a route and make just one

trip. This has eliminated 35 miles

of driving each day.

Randy C. from Pennsylvania

agrees. He says, “Saves you a ton

of time, and time is money.”

For others, the value comes from

the ability to service equipment

right in the field, significantly re-

ducing equipment downtime.

Ryan A. from Illinois says “In this

day and age it’s about efficiency

and time. With this trailer, every-

thing we need is right there.”

Join the thousands of farmers

who rely on Thunder Creek to

make the most of their field time.

For more information from Cen-

tral Illinois Ag on solutions for

fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, tools and

parts visit any of their four loca-

tions throughout Illinois.

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Just because a fuel trailer looks like Thunder Creek, doesn’t mean it is. Thousands of farmers have come to rely on the superior quality that only comes from Thunder Creek.

to None

www.centralilag.com

Atlanta, IL | 800.762.2325Clinton, IL | 800.362.3866

Farmer City, IL | 800.334.8942Mason City, IL | 217.482.9760

®

3 yearBEST INCLASS

warrantyget more done Fuel and Service Trailerswith DEF Delivery Solutions

DEF made Easy

Second

“Thad, Illinois

It’s convenient and durable which helps my operation run more efficient. Wouldn’t go to the field without this trailer.

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Precision Planting Specialist

`

Toro Z Master’s Starting At: $6999*

Toro Z Master’s are built tough for your needs feature*: Powerful Commercial Engines up to 34 hp 52” 60” and 72” deck options Deck’s built with 7 gauge steel Cast Iron spindles Commercial drive systems Ground speeds up to 11.5 mph Warranty of up to 5 Years!

*Model 74141 sales price subject to availability. Visit www.toro.com or call us at the Farmer City or Clinton store for details!

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Rush OlsonPrecision Planting Specialist

“It’s all about helping the grower, finding out what will work best in their operation, and giving them a return on their investment.” -Rush Olson

Born and raised on the family farm in McLean, IL

Strong passion for Ag Technology and being a steward of the land

Premier Dealer for five years before joining the Central Illinois Ag team

His #1 Priority is to service the customer

Enjoys working with the customer to find what best suits their needs

Studied at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he played baseball

Knows the importance of farming technologybecause he also farms

When not working you can usually find himhunting or spending time with his family

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Jacob Wade and family, farms in McLean, IL. They started using Precision Planting® Products four years ago on their John Deere 1770 Planter because he was unhappy with the singulation from the planter. He wanted to do something different and saw the best way possible to get the picket fence stand was with Precision Planting ® Products. He got the eSet®, AirForce®, WaveVision® Sensors and the 20/20® monitor, and then FieldView® when it was released.

His favorite product from Precision Planting® is the FieldView® because it allows him to keep track of everything that is being done on the iPad. Some farmers keep written books, but the screen shows the exact pass where something was changed. Jacob says that he can even mark a rock in the field that needs to be picked up before harvesting beans. He can also see exactly where the corn hybrids change.

FieldView® also has the ability to show the farmer if there is a broken seed kernel in a disc so they know that the right population is being planted. Without taking out the disc plates to fix it.

The farm has benefited dramatically from Precision Planting®. Singulation has been consistantly at 99% every year and 97% for spacing. The planting speed has also increased in order to get planting done quicker. There have been a few years where farmers were still in the fields where rain delayed planting and Jacob was finished thanks to the Precision Planting tools that helped speed up the planting time.

Jacob, a 3rd generation farmer, knows first-hand the importance of saving time on his farm. He has continued to believe in this technology to increase bushels per acre and productivity on his farm. A 24 Row Case IH 1255 Planter has since replaced the John Deere and is getting set up with everything

Precision offers (CleanSweep®, DeltaForceTM, vDriveTM, vSet®, 20/20®, Field View®).

Looking toward the future, Jacob is expecting to get 100% even emergence and picket fence stands. What he is doing with the vDriveTM, DeltaForceTM, and CleanSweep® will help him with this goal. He also envisions the upcoming years to plant fixed EAR hybrids so the spacing and singulation from Precision Planting products will play a large factor in getting to 300 bushel corn.

Rush Olson, Central Illinois Ag Precision Planting® Specialist, has worked with Wade Family Farms for several years. Jacob says that Rush has always been knowledgeable in the product and is willing to help at any time of the day.

Follow Central Illinois Ag’s progress of installing Precision Planting ® in Wade’s Case IH 1255 24 Row Planter on our website at:www.centralilag.com/Precision-Planting

m17 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Planting with New Technology

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BE READY.

Using legendary Quadtrac® technology, the Case IH Steiger® Rowtrac™ series tractors are agronomically

designed to deliver maximum yield. Featuring four, independent oscillating tracks on an articulated frame,

these tractors increase flotation while reducing compaction and ground pressure. The result is an optimized

seedbed for ideal growing conditions and the ability to cover more ground in row crop applications. Learn

more about the power and productivity of Steiger Rowtrac

tractors by visiting your dealer, or go to caseih.com/rowtrac.

©2014 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.comm

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RYAN CURRY, INDUSTRIAL SALESStarted at CIA in April 2013Supplies customers with industrial products and parts needs to make their shops more efficient

Enjoys getting to know the customer and their needsThe family atmosphere at Central Illinois Ag makes Ryan feel ‘at-home’ while at work

Industrial Sales allow Ryan to be in constant communication with the sales, service, and parts teams.Acts as a liaison between the customer and the dealership to always improve our businessFour kids keep him busy when he’s not workingYou can usually find him at most sporting events cheering on his kids

Contact Ryan at: (217) 671-5296

[email protected]

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John Lozier’s equipment shop got an upgrade this fall with HiBrite lights. The shed has a skylight and used to have regular 200 watt light bulbs until they were introduced to the T8 lighting by Ryan Curry, Industrial Sales at Central Illinois Ag.

On a gloomy or winter day, the shed would be dark but with the new lighting they can see no matter what the weather is like outside. Comparing the HiBrite lights to the light bulbs, there is no doubt that they are more productive under the brighter bulbs. The brighter lights make the work environment much more enjoyable and they are able to see the equipment clearer. There isn’t the need to have drop cords to bring light to the equipment with HiBrite because the light surrounds everything in the shed.

Along with the brightness of the light, a benefit the Lozier’s pointed out was that the lights do not take a while to turn on.

“Some of the new efficient lights don’t turn on right away when it’s cold, these HiBrite lights turn on immediately,” John said.

Jay Westervelt, John’s step-son, said that if they built another shed they would definitely install HiBrite lights. The price is affordable and the quality is great with these high efficient HiBrite shop lights.

John Lozier, Jay Westervelt, and Bryce Leininger are grain farmers at their family farm, Lozier Farms, in Mason City.

For more information on HiBrite lighting, contact: Ryan Curry

Industrial Sales, Central Illinois Ag [email protected] or 217-671-5296

What’s in Your Shop?

Jay Westervelt, John Lozier, and Bryce LeiningerLozier Farm, Mason City, IL

Before: Lozier Farm used regular 200 watt light bulbs prior to switching to T8 HiBrite Lights.

After: The shop is much brighter with the T8 HiBrite Lights. m

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A small investment in new technology can be a very bright idea!

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Illinois Farm Families® hosts moms from the Chicago area (called Field Moms) on Illinois farms so they can take a look at who Illinois farmers are, what they do and how they grow food. These farmers commit to having conversations, answering questions about food, farmers and farming and sharing what really happens on today’s Illinois farms.After each tour, the Field Moms are asked to write a blog post about what they learned so others can see what they’re up to and learn the same lessons on www.watchusgrow.org.

In May, Field Moms went to Paul and Donna Jeschke’s corn and soybean farm. Here’s an exert from Samantha Godden-Chmielowicz’s blog.

GMOs - what’s it mean: guidance meets obfuscation? give me options? gains money openly?

When the Field Moms visited the Jeschke Family Farm to learn about corn and soy, I was surprised by all of the information we learned. There was quite a lot to take in. We Moms visited 8 different stations set up around the farm to learn about farming operations, and corn/soy products. One of my questions / concerns for this visit was GMOs: genetically modified organisms. I had heard mainly negative things about these products, so I was interested in seeing the farmers’ point of view.

I really enjoyed learning about the technology that is involved in modern farming. Who knew that a tractor and planter cost more than my house? (way more…) Or that they can run on autopilot to follow a pre-set course that makes the most use of soil and land available? Or that fertilizers and pesticides are used sparingly and variably on fields according to soil samples? Not I!

There is much more to 21st century farming than half-hazardly planting seeds, and following that with chemical usage. Farmers use soil samples, GPS, and photos / video of their crops taken by small flying cameras to make informed decisions about their planting seeds and tending crops. Farmers study the soil to determine which fertilizers to apply, and how much. You can have a sub-plot on the field that needs nothing, next to one that lacks nitrogen or potash. With these samples, farms apply fewer fertilizers to the ground.

Pesticides (both herbicides and insecticides) are also applied in smaller quantities than in the past. Farmers use technology to see where the needs are – back to those flying cameras, coupled with walks through the fields to inspect. Once that is determined, they can use modern equipment to apply only in areas in needs, and close to the soil to avoid airborne spreading. (See the complete blog at www.watchusgrow.org)

Chicago Mom’sVisit the Farm

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Illinois Farm Families are Illinois farmers who support Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board, Illinois Beef Association, and Midwest Dairy Association through farmer-funded checkoff or membership programs. We are committed to having conversations with consumers, answering their questions about food, farmers and farming, and sharing what really happens on today’s Illinois family farms. More than 94 percent of Illinois farms are family owned and operated. We are passionate about showing consumers how we grow safe, healthy food for their families, and ours.

Illinois Farm Families

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Theodore Roosevelt said, “Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.”

Illinois Corn Growers Association strives to earn your partnership on agricultural issues every day.

We have worked to reform crop insurance, providing new options like the Yield Trend Endorsement that save you money on every acre.

We engage on your behalf in the legislative and regulatory sphere to keep regulations at a minimum. We are currently working diligently to prevent Chesapeake Bay style water quality regulations, rules that would prevent you applying fertilizer

when you want and force a nutrient management plan for every farm.

We are out front on the Farm Bill 2014 implementation, bringing you the information you need to make important program decisions for your farm in the next five years. Make sure to visit our website this summer for updated information and webinar opportunities to learn more about your options.

Each of these has already saved you money or will save you money in the future – money that more than pays for an Illinois Corn Growers Association yearly membership.

Won’t you please consider joining your colleagues as a member of the Illinois Corn Growers Association?

IL CORN SAVES YOU MONEY

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The Plunk Brothers operation consists of three brothers, Joe, David, and Greg Plunk, and one business partner, Dale Zelhart. The four individuals farm together and make the majority of the decisions, to best represent Pioneer.

Their relationship with Pioneer started when the family began selling seed in 1979. Since then, Plunk Brothers in Mansfield, Illinois have been growing seed beans for 29 years and seed corn for 10 years with Pioneer.

The seed corn planted by the Plunk Brothers is planted with a 36 Row Kinze planter without bulk fill. It is necessary to overlap the rows with a 1:4 male to female ratio, sometimes planting multiple times in the same field.

Plunk Brothers also grow commercial corn on their farm, allowing for the need of time management and planning. The seed corn needs to be planted at a later date than the commercial corn and isolated from other plots of corn so the pollination does not get to the stalks of seed corn.

With the four business partners and well-organized operation, they were able to plant over 4,000 acres of commercial corn and soybeans in a couple days this year. Dale said this doesn’t always happen, but this year they were fortunate.

Being a contract grower, the crop is conditioned by Pioneer. This allows more time for the partners to harvest their commercial crops in the fall.

Plunk Brothers are proud of the time and hard work they dedicate into growing seed corn for Pioneer.

Greg Plunk, one of the three brothers and business partner with Plunk Brothers said they grow a premium crop, which has been earned with the extra work.

Growing Seed Corn

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The traits and technologies in T Series Soybeans can help break your yield records with top performers that fit your ground to a ‘T.’ For more info talk to your Pioneer sales professional. Pioneer.com/Tseries

Pioneer® brand T Series Soybeans are built to produce and protect yield.

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. PiOneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer. © 2014 PHii. 14-2049

IL CORN SAVES YOU MONEY

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Grow Informed with the Illinois Soybean Association

Learn more about ISA’s programs and resources for Illinois soybean producers at ilsoy.org.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) knows better management leads to higher yields, improved quality and better profitability for the entire Illinois soybean industry. That’s why ISA invests significant checkoff dollars in research and programs that bring this information to the state’s 45,000 soybean farmers and their fields each year, and 2014 is no exception.

Read, Learn, Share, Discuss at ILSoyAdvisor.com ILSoyAdvisor.com is ISA’s latest resource developed to help Illinois soybean farmers increase yields. Launched earlier this year, the website includes a discussion forum, blog articles and other tools.

"The site gets practical information on increasing yields into the hands of growers," says Don Guinnip, a soybean farmer from Marshall, Ill., and ISA Production Committee chairman.  "It connects farmers like me with industry experts, certified crop advisers, university researchers and other farmers so we can exchange production tips and advice."

ILSoyAdvisor.com includes recent production research, articles and recommendations about managing soybeans.  With its discussion forum, the website serves as a gathering place for the Illinois soybean industry to share stories, ask questions and connect with others.  The website also includes real-time agricultural information, technical resources, case studies, videos, blogging, tools and more.

When Yield Matters, “Management Matters”Featured content on ILSoyAdvisor.com this growing season includes ISA’s checkoff-funded “Management Matters” radio series. It’s back for a second growing season and connects Illinois farmers with industry experts and management tips that may help increase soybean yields, quality and profit.

“The program relays information that is unique to Illinois soybean production and current growing conditions,” says Guinnip.   “Growers don’t always have time to sift through the latest research this time of year, so ISA has selected the highlights.”

Topics covered this season include soybean pests and scouting tips, weed and nutrient management, high-yield research, water quality and cover crops. Grow informed with all the tips from the “Management Matters” series by visiting ilsoy.org/profitability/management-matters.

Take Action on WeedsOne of the most pressing concerns on farmers’ minds this growing season is the threat of herbicide-resistant weeds. Illinois farmers can track the spread of these weeds and learn which are already present in their county with ISA’s checkoff-funded WeedMap Tool Kit at ilsoy.org/profitability/weed-management.

The WeedMap Tool Kit includes detailed occurrences of Palmer amaranth, horseweed and common waterhemp, as well as a photo gallery of weeds at various growth stages. More information on weed management can be found at takeactiononweeds.com, a checkoff-funded site with downloadable Mode of Action and Site of Action charts, and information on how to develop a comprehensive weed management plan.

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At ILSoyAdvisor.com, you’ll find management and production tips, the latest research, market information, weather forecasts and more. It’s always relevant and from local experts—and it’s all within a click of a button. Visit ILSoyAdvisor.com today for the tools to help increase your yields.

ReadLeaRnShaRediScuSS

GRow BetteR BeanS.

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The first weekend in November is known as “Plow Day” to many antique tractor enthusiasts.

m27 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Plow Day Play Day

Roger Wantland’s son-in-law had never seen a moldboard plow, so Roger decided to get this antique out of the shed, gather some family and neighbors, and plow the 9 acres of alfalfa at his home.

Roger and the five other individuals who plowed the alfalfa decided to make this an annual event. The following year, 10-15 local farmers joined Roger to plow with moldboard plows.

15 years later and the event has grown from five tractors to 62 tractors a few years ago, and individuals coming from 200+ miles away. The event is held east of Clinton, IL near Lane, IL every year on the first weekend in November. Plow Day has grown from the 9 acre alfalfa field to 85 acres around his homestead.

Roger has always dreamed of having a “Plow Day” at his home, where he encourages a good time and conversation between the antique tractor collectors.

“It’s the experience that makes the event, people smiling, and a grandpa teaching his grandson how to plow like he did,” Roger said.

Food donations, a raffle, and a silent auction are also part of this event. The Wantland’s choose a local individual or charity to sponsor and donate all of the money received. Roger said it truly is a blessing to help others through these donations.

Roger purchased his first antique tractor, a 1937 WC Allis, in 1972. His tractor collection has grown to include many models (Massey Harris, Farmall, Oliver, John Deere, Ford, Ferguson, etc..). Roger’s hobby includes making cosmetic changes to the tractors.

Roger has farmed for 44 years at Wantland Way east of Clinton, IL.

DAVE PRESTON, Central Illinois Ag Technician in Clinton, enjoys restoring antique tractors and participating in Plow Day at Wantland Way. Dave’s antique tractor collection includes mostly International, Farmall and a Min-neapolis Moline. He likes to call Plow Day his “Play Day” because it’s a time to play in the dirt.

Along with antique tractor shows, this is an opportunity to meet other col-lectors and get ideas for the next tractor restoration project.

Dave is a member of the Land of Lincoln Tractor Antique Engine and Tractor Club.

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“Case IH Combines allow for cleaner and less splits in the beans,” said Pioneer bean grower and farmer Bob Delost.

Bob Delost began farming in 1976 and has been growing seed beans for Pioneer for more than 15 years. Pioneer rewards the farmer with a cleanup premium if the beans don’t have splits and Bob has received this premium ever since he has harvested with a Case IH combine.

Along with minimal to no damage to the beans, Bob also notes that the beans are overall cleaner.

His first Case IH combine was purchased in 1998 was a C-IH 1660, and then to a 6088 and his current combine is a 7230.

He jokes that he’s glad there are still green combines out there or everyone would be getting the premium, making the bonus different.

Bob owns and operates Delost Family Farm in Norris, IL with his son, Jeff.

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m29 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Garret Maxheimer, Part-Time Technician at Central Illinois Ag and current student in the Case New Holland Service Technician Program at Parkland College in Champaign, is living his dream of working hands-on in the agriculture industry.

Garret’s two main hobbies include farming and working on equipment. Along with his skill sets, this program was a perfect match.

Learning through hands-on experiences are what makes the program fun. This program has allowed me to learn a lot of information that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity of coming in contact with at other schools.

The student is responsible for having a sponsorship with a Case IH dealer upon entering the Case New Holland Service Technician Program. The sponsoring dealership provides a two-year internship to the student during the program.

Garret chose Central Illinois Ag as his sponsoring dealership and plans to continue his career with the company at the Atlanta location. He says that working for Central Illinois Ag is ideal because of the every day tasks that he is able to complete in the shop. He also mentioned the work environment is a plus to working for Central Illinois Ag.

Garret will be a Full Time Technician upon completing this program in May 2015.

“The teachers are very personable and do a great job of relating what we learn in class to what we practice in the lab or shop.” - Garret Maxheimer

To learn more about the Case IH pro-grams at Parkland College, contact:

Mark ZieglerDiesel Power Program Director

(217) 373-3768

Gordon HedrickCNH Program Director

(217) 353-2094

Living Dream“Our teachers do a great job of making sure we experience as much as possible while in the shop during class,” Garret said.

The Case New Holland Service Technician Program is designed to train students specifically on Case IH, New Holland and Case Construction equipment only. The program consists of classroom subjects of engine fuel systems, electrical hydraulics, power train, machine setup, adjustments and emphasizing good diagnostic skills.

the

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m31 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Cory Hilton, Bushnell, IL, farms more than his share of the family farm. Hilton also provides custom harvesting to farmers within the Bushnell area.

His father began the business of custom harvesting before Cory took it over several years ago. The days are long but the work is prosperous, Hilton said.

Farmers will call days or hours in advance of needing their field harvested. This could be due to a lack of time or equipment that has broken down for the farmer. In a typical season, Cory picks up between 500-1000 additional acres of harvesting.

Cory has farmed his entire life and recently took over his family farming operation four years ago. Being fairly young to the business ownership, he needed a dealership that would support and provide knowledge when it comes to purchasing equipment that would best suit his needs.

Hilton chose Central Illinois Ag as his Case IH dealer because David Robbins, CIA Salesman, has provided the utmost support for his operation and always provides information on the best machinery for the amount of custom harvesting he completes in a season.Cu

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m33 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

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FROM THE

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m35 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

who s in the shop?,

Cory bale, atlanta

technicians

Sean Conheady, Clinton

craig whitehouse, farmer city

Graduated from Punta Gorda High School in Florida before moving to Illinois in 2008

Attends Case IH Combine and Planter Clinics, and Kinze Planter Clinics yearly

Enjoys being constantly busy during planting and harvest seasons

Can be found in the field more than in the shop

Moved from Rochester, New York to Illinois

Graduated top of the class from the Case New Holland Service Technician Program at Parkland College in May 2014

Stays up to date with technology at Case IH school in Racine, WI

Enjoys the hands-on work in the shop

Graduated from the Parkland Diesel Power Program in May 2006You can always find Case IH school books in his service truck

Enjoys working on tractor engines

Farms 220 acres on the family farm

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m37 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

R & J Huston Cattle have used a small tractor and loader for several years before being introduced to a Takeuchi TL230 Skid Loader in February 2014.

Rod and Jason Huston operate and manage over 110 head of cattle in Roseville, IL. They use their Takeuchi on a daily basis from mixing the feed for the cattle to hauling manure.

A major benefit of using the TL230 within the livestock industry is its size and simplicity. The enclosed cab protects dust from their faces while doing chores and with the door opening from the front rather than the side, less accidents are likely to happen when entering and leaving the cab.

The moment the Huston’s tested the skid loader, they were owners of a new Takeuchi TL230. The benefits and features of using this on the farm were instantly noticed when compared to their prior tractor and loader doing the same chores.

R & J Huston Cattle made a decision to try something new and there is no turning back for this family livestock business.

“The TL230 was very easy to use and we were able to turn the machine any direction we need.” - Jason Huston

Tak on the Farm

m37 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

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Craig’s Construction, Inc. in Gilman, IL, has acquired all Takuechi branded skid steers for their operation that specializes in elevator construction.

Brian Bruns, Crew Manager, said that Takeuchi is the best skid steer on the market. Their concrete business is constantly moving gravel, rebar, and other tasks that are hard on the equipment.

“Takuchi equipment last a long time and have two times the power of our previous John Deere

skid steer,” Brian said.

One of the 18 skid steers that Craig’s Construction owns has been with their business for over eight years.

The employees of Craig’s Concrete, Inc. feel one of the most beneficial aspects of the skid steers is how easy they are to get in and out of all day long.

Brian’s favorite Takeuchi skid steer is the TL12.

Construction Tak

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200 Sharon StreetAtlanta, IL 61723

m

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