Christmas Traditions

Every family have special traditions during the holidays. I know one of my favorite traditions is the cheese soup my grandma makes every Christmas; she only makes it at Christmas time and won't tell anyone of her secret recipe. That soup represents many happy memories with loved ones as we all look foward to her delicious creation every year. At this holiday season what are your family traditions? Is there something you look foward to every year? Whether it is cutting down a Christmas tree, or gathering together with family/friends, or Christmas shopping, I am wishing you all a safe and very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

12 Days of Christmas

Do the holiday's have you stressed out? Do you feel like you are constantly looking for gifts for other people? Well take a deep breath, sit down at your computer with a cup of coffee, and follow the Department of Agriculture on Facebook or Twitter to win Illinois products for yourself, or someone on your list.

Beginning today, December 14 through December 25, the Illinois Department of Agriculture has created a '12 Days of Christmas Contest' to promote Illinois food products to create awareness of local food.  A winner will be selected randomly each day from the Department of Agriculture's Facebook and Twitter fans. Each winner will receive an Illinois product and a variety of cooking supplies donated by the American Egg Board. If you are not already following the department 'like' them on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/IllinoisDepartmentofAgriculture or follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/ILAgMarkets so that you could be the next winner.

Prizes include items from Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers, Zillion's Chili, E. Formella & Sons Inc., Ropp Jersey Cheese, Jones Boys Market, Oakland Noodle Company, Lavendar Crest Winery, Pheasant Hollow Winery, C & C Fudge, Pasta Alley Company, and Riley's Seasoning. I hope you will find this beneficial as the holidays are quickly approaching.

Child Labor Laws

Farming is more than a job; it's a lifestyle. At least that's how many people involved with agriculture see it. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration does not view farming like that as they propose new revisions to the child labor law which will affect the future of agriculture. Under these new revisions, the Department of Labor would end most child labor on farms unless the farm is owned by their family and a parent directly oversees everything that is done. Affecting any child under the age of 16, these revisions will negatively impact the industry.

The chores I had to do on the farm growing up made me who I am today. I learned a great deal of strong work ethic and responsibility through 4-H and FFA. These two organizations promote leadership and hard work in today's youth. To achieve great things, one must work at it from a very young age. I don't feel I was overworked during my childhood, but rather learned a great deal in order to succeed in whatever I do. What are your thoughts on these new ideas?

God Made a Farmer

A farmer's work is never done. Every day there is something to do. I ran across this video on youtube entitled 'God Made a Farmer' and thought I'd share it with all of you as it captures the lives of those who keep the agriculture industry alive. Despite, the hard work farming involves, it can be very rewarding as well.

Christmas Tree Controversy

               According to foxnews.com the Obama administration has decided not to place a 15-cent tax on Christmas trees so critics can not accuse them of ‘taxing Christmas’ or being the Grinch.

                Instead, this 15-cent tax was going to be used to fund a new marketing campaign similar to the ‘Got Milk?’ or ‘Beef, It’s What’s for Dinner’ campaigns. With that said, Christmas tree farmers have been working on a potential check-off program for the last four years in order to create a promotional board so this debate has nothing to do with the Obama administration according to realtreetalk.blogspot.com.

                Consumers will not be paying an extra 15-cents for their trees this Christmas as the National Christmas Tree Association has created a new Christmas Tree Check-off Program according to christmastree.org. Growers have created this program to benefit the industry much like any other commodity group. Funded by the growers at a rate of 15-cents per tree sold, this will not affect the final cost consumers will pay according to christmastree.org. The promotional board will consist of twelve Christmas tree farm owners as they will be in charge of developing and approving promotional and research efforts to benefit the industry.

                Even though the Christmas tree industry is drastically smaller than some of the larger commodity groups, their messages will soon be recognizable. Currently, there are 18 other similar marketing campaigns already in effect for various agricultural commodities according to christmastree.org.

                According to realtreetalk.blogspot.com, the Christmas tree industry will pay for all costs and administration so tax dollars are not funding this program.

                Brian Frank, owner of Talbott’s Christmas Tree Farm, explained what this new promotional board means to area Christmas tree growers. He owns 50 acres of Christmas trees which include Scotch, White, and Red Pines as well as Spruces and Canaan, Concolor, and Douglas Firs in Green Valley, Illinois. He also sells fresh cut Fraser Firs.

                “This marketing campaign will improve the Christmas tree industry similar to that of the beef and pork industries due to different marketing tactics. It will promote the whole industry itself,” Frank said.

                As far as marketing strategies he uses for his own business, Frank said he primarily uses radio advertisements, but has used billboard advertisements in the past. He also said that, from his personal experiences, voluntary campaigns have not been as successful as marketing campaigns so this is a good idea for growers to embrace.

                As any other commodity group, Christmas tree growers can be found in several varying places in North America. The National Christmas Tree Association represents nearly 5,000 growers who sell their trees to nearly thirty million consumers each year according to christmastree.org.

                Don Schmidt, professor of horticulture, explained where the most popular varieties of Christmas trees is grown.

                “The Fraser Fir is a very common Christmas tree sold around here. It is grown down in North Carolina there in the mountains. Another species that is common is the Balsam fir which is grown further up in New England and into Canada,” Schmidt said.

                He added that this new marketing campaign will encourage more people to purchase real Christmas trees versus artificial trees as well as encouraging more people to grow them.

Note: This is an article I wrote for the Daily Vidette, but thought it was interesting to share with you:)

Christmas list

As Black Friday has come and gone, how are you doing on your Christmas shopping? Growing up in a farm family myself, I know how difficult it can be to find that perfect gift for your beloved farmer/rancher. Well fear no more because I have just the list of items that may help you complete your Christmas shopping. According to agriculture.com a DeWalt 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is at the top of the list followed by a compact drill and driver set. Also, on the list is a Craftsman's Folding Clench Wrench Set among several other tools, books, games, clothing, and other miscellaneous items. To view the complete list of items click here  http://www.agriculture.com/family/great-christmas-gifts-f-farmers_327-sl20518.

For those country girls out there, show bling is extremely popular. Whether it is a bling belt, necklace, bracelets, or boots you can't go wrong with bling.

What is on your Christmas list? What has been your favorite gift in the past?

Give Thanks



Where would a girl be without her brother and sister?


Thanksgiving has snuck right up this year. I can not believe it is that time already! The years seem to go faster and faster with each flip of the calendar. As you sit down to a feast tomorrow with your loved ones, take notice of all who have prepared the food on the table. Not only preparation, but who harvested the produce for you? Who butchered the turkey? As the pilgrims were the first ones to partake in the Thanksgiving holiday on that long ago day, farmers are the ones who keep growing the food we all enjoy eating.

My challenge to you, is to count your blessings. What are you thankful for? I know this is an over used question especially on Thanksgiving but look at everything you do have; don't compare yourself to others, rather focus on everything you have that makes you you. I can  tell you right now, I would not be where I am today without the love and support from my family and friends. They truly are great, even though we may have our days as everyone has. Also, as much as I may complain about school and wanting it to be over, I am so thankful I have the opportunity to go to college; it really isn't that bad when looking at the big picture.  Finally, I am so thankful I was raised in the country because growing up on the farm, I know the value of hard work, honesty, and faith. So, what makes you who you are? Who has influenced your life? What are you thankful for?

Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

As Thanksgiving is only two days away, I wanted to share a recipe that is one of my favorites called cream cheese roll-ups. If you like cinnamon and cream cheese, then you will enjoy this recipe. It's quite easy to make as well. The recipe is as follows.

1 loaf white sandwich bread
8oz. cream cheese, softened
1/8c. sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2c. melted margarine
Cinnamon
Sugar

Trim crusts off bread; flatten each slice with a rolling pin. Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Spread mixture on each slice of bread. Roll up. Dip in melted margarine and then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place, seam-side down, into an ungreases 9x13-inch pan. May refrigerate at this point until ready to bake. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Enjoy!

What's Your Brand?

For as far back as I can remember, branding yourself as well as your business has been a key in how much success you will experience with whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. As I look foward to graduation, I realize I must brand myself in how I want to be portrayed to future employers. Just as farmers and ranchers brand their livestock so they know where they belong, we must brand ourselves so people know where we come from as well.

Now, when I say brand I don't necessarily mean brand as in hot irons, but more so, how you present yourself along with your business. Logos, taglines, colors, fonts, pictures, and symbols among several other factors all come into play when deciding on a brand for your company. You want to create something catchy that will stand out in the business world and then represent yourself in a professional manner. The next time you want to promote a company (this could be a farming operation, show livestock, or your place of work) remember to create something people will be attracted to. By doing this not only will you brand yourself, but you will also attract potential clients.

Flint wins media award

Flint serving 'beef sundays' at the Illinois Beef Expo

The world of agricultural communications is filled with opportunity, but more than that it is a community of people who all share the same passion. In my experience, writing for a newspaper, discussing general issues versus writing for an agricultural audience is completely different. While I enjoy writing for the newspaper covering different news stories, I really enjoy writing about agricultural issues targeted towards the agricultural community. I feel they are so much more appreciative of your work. I’m sure anyone working in agricultural communications can relate to this as they find themselves dealing with similar issues. One such journalist, Josh Flint, who is the editor of Prairie Farmer will be honored at the Illinois Commodity Conference on November 22 as he will receive the ‘Excellence in Media Award’ distributed by the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

Flint grew up in Rolla, Missouri which is about 100 miles southwest of St. Louis. Growing up in an agricultural environment, he wasn’t expecting to end up with a career in agricultural communications. He graduated from Truman State University with a degree in journalism. Flint had dreams of writing for a large daily newspaper, but as time went on he realized he wanted to write for a more tailored audience. Farm publications seemed to be a natural place for Flint to be as he grew up around agriculture and the values/morals of that particular community have been instilled within him.

Flint really enjoys the writing and photography aspect of his job. To take a story, to interview multiple sources, to discover the different entry points for the reader, and to take the photographs to go along with it is what Flint truly enjoys about his job. He explained how he fits right into the agriculture community.

“When I got into this industry I knew it was a great opportunity, but I have really been overwhelmed with just how tremendous, not just the farmers, but everyone in this industry is. It is one big group and whether it is a seed company, commodity group, a farmer, an equipment manufacturer, everyone is so nice. There is just a sense of community. Once you get into ag communications, I can see why people have stayed in the industry for 30 years because it is hard to leave. You feel like these are your friends, they’re not just your co-worker. In news writing, you worry about burning bridges with sources, but I have never once thought about that because everyone is so nice and friendly that you’d hate to do that because you’re friends with them. It really is a great community,” Flint said.

Flint also said, for all you future journalists out there, that publications are expecting you to be able to do everything. What you’re told in class is true, editors want you to know how to write, edit, take pictures, shoot video, and utilize social media. This isn’t so much true for the larger publications as it is for smaller staffed publications, but it is still important to have experience with every aspect of communication.

Josh and his wife, Tiffany, currently live in St. Clair County. He covers the entire state of Illinois talking with farmers and attending agricultural conferences.

To hear an interview with Josh Flint, click here http://www.box.net/s/sgx3kklde9921ly4cf0h.

Note: I have submitted this post to Corn Corps http://corncorps.wordpress.com/ but I wanted you all to enjoy it as well!

Medicinal healing from swine

Swine have been able to improve human lives since the beginning of time. Whether it's a pork chop, a baseball, shoes, paint, chewing gum, or make-up products among several other items the swine industry definately has an impact on the human population. Not only is all the above true, but now swine has been found to actually save lives through medical practices. According to an article in the DRIVE magazine, swine can be used as a skin substitute by providing an environment which helps the pateint's body to rebuild and repair damaged tissue. Whether patients are suffering severe burns, potential amputation, or any other ailment dealing with skin, a layer of the swine's small intestine can actually heal under these circumstances. It can even help heal the lining around the brain and spinal cord, hernias, abdominal wall, and replacement tooth procedures among other things. In what other ways can you utilize the entire hog?

Women of Achievement: Diane Murray

I have been told college is a time in your life where you get to explore the world. There are so many opportunities at your fingertips that seem to fade completely after graduation. In my experience, college is a time of finding yourself while you become the person you are going to be for the rest of your life. By taking advantage of opportunities as they land in your lap, you will get to do things you may have never dreamed about doing.

Cattle in French countryside

This is so true. Everyone have their own goals to obtain as they make the best of their college experience. One such student, Diane Murray, of Jerseyville, Illinois has become quite the accomplished student as she takes opportunities as they come. A junior, double majoring in accounting and agricultural business, Murray has been able to travel the world experiencing agriculture practices in both France and China. She is actively involved in several clubs in the agriculture department at Illinois State University as well as completing a credit analyst internship at ProPartners Financial.

Murray was able to experience what life is like outside of the United States as she studied abroad in France this past summer as well as touring China. She was able to learn how the famous French wine is made and bottled as well as submersing herself in the French culture. She said a typical Sunday afternoon activity is a 50 mile bike ride down a road that is shut off from traffic so bikers can enjoy their ride. In each town the road goes through, concession stands will be set up for the bicyclers. Murray noticed the agriculture practices vary greatly in France from the practices of the United States.

“American agriculture definitely strives on being economical where French agriculture is more eco-nomical. They want to focus more on the betterment of the environment and not necessarily how they produce it, or who they produce it for. In America we’re all about the economy in that we want to produce the most for our dollar,” Murray said.

In China, Murray was able to take in the sites on a two week educational tour of the country. She said China is a lot more crowded than the United States.

As she looks into the future, Murray plans on seeing where the road takes her. She would like to ultimately end up working for an agriculture firm in the accounting aspect, or to continue on to law school to become an agriculture lawyer.

To hear an interview with Diane Murray, click here http://www.box.net/shared/xq967y2b4k05vvdyxujh

Vilsack celebrates USDA anniversary

Yesterday marked an exciting day for the United States Department of Agriculture as Tom Vilsack, agriculture secretary, kicked off the yearlong 150th anniversary celebration of the USDA in 2012 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield.

Springfield is the home to of the USDA founder, Abraham Lincoln as he created the USDA in 1862. Lincoln realized the importance of agriculture as he noticed new ways to work land by means of new technology. Today, the USDA works to provide food for everyone by utilizing several food assistance programs including school lunches, food stamps, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). They also support many programs including agricultural education, 4-H, conservation community development, homeland security, and global trade. The USDA supplies food in times of disaster and leads the world in food safety.

 As the state of Illinois derives most of its income from farming practices, it is no surprise the USDA was founded here. During this next year take a moment to appreciate everything the USDA has accomplished, is accomplishing, and hoping to accomplish by visiting a historical website that has been created to highlight their accomplishments over the past 150 years.

Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture

Tree Campus USA

Last week, I had the opportunity to help plant 50 trees across the Illinois State University campus. The university has every single tree native to Illinois planted on campus. ISU was chosen by the Arbor Day Foundation to host this large tree planting event because of how the groundskeepers effectively manage their trees, foster urban forests, and promote service learning through forestry management.

Along with several volunteers from various agriculture clubs to sustainability clubs, I was able to have an active role in this event. Beginning at 9 a.m. volunteers gathered and planted tree after tree. There was a press conference where the president of the university spoke along the horticulture club and student government presidents, and an Arbor Day representative.

To be part of something so huge was very rewarding. It was nice to step back and do something for others as this fast-paced society makes it so hard to do. I encourage you to find different ways you can give back to the community, or do something to benefit somebody else just because you feel like it. For years to come, people will be able to enjoy the trees that I have helped plant, and for that I am so glad I was able to get involved.

Peanut prices on the rise

According to the USDA, after unfortunate growing conditions of Runner peanuts, raw peanut prices went from $450 a ton in 2010 to costing almost $1200 a ton this year.

            Runner peanuts are used to make peanut butter so both consumers and producers will be affected by this change in price. Rick Whitacre, professor of agricultural economics, explained the reason behind the poor peanut harvest.

           “There are two things working here. First of all, in the southeastern portion of the United States, Georgia specificially, which is the largest peanut producing state, had a very difficult summer weather wise. Not enough rain fall and some very hot temperatures had a very dramatic impact on yields of peanuts. It resulted in a 2% increase in yields, but on top of that they had a reduction in acreage harvested of 11%,” Whitacre said.

            He concluded it was a combination of poor weather conditions and the 11% decrease in acres harvested than a year ago contributing to the low peanut yields.

Runner peanuts

            Tracy Widergren, marketing coordinator for Campus Dining Services, explained how this shortage will affect individuals from a consumer stand point.

            “In general, consumers will see changes in retail (grocery) stores in terms of packaging sizes, prices, or availability. For example, peanut butter companies may raise prices, or they may shrink packaging sizes but keep prices the same. You might also see higher prices in products that use peanuts as an ingredient, such as peanut M & Ms or Snicker bars. These products may become limited in availability, or the manufacturers may reduce the number of pieces/size of the products sold.  It will be interesting to see how manufacturers who produce peanut-related products will adjust to this shortage,” Widergren said.

            As far as a precautionary measure campus dining has taken, she said the executive chef keeps a close watch on the food industry in terms of crop and food production as well as manufacturing.

            “As soon as he [executive chef] became aware of the shortage, he immediately began making plans with our director to purchase a large enough peanut butter supply to keep our dining centers stocked with peanut butter through the end of the academic year (end of spring semester). The order was based on our average consumption in the dining centers, so we expect the supply to last through the spring semester. Any increase in student consumption could change these predictions and/or our supply, but we believe we have prepared sufficiently for the shortage,” Widergren said.

            Whitacre added this change in peanut yields/prices has left producers with mixed emotions.

            “They [producers] did have a decrease in production of 13%, but at the same time had an increase in prices of 100%. From a producer’s point of view, they may find themselves actually making more money this year than they did last year simply because of the higher prices they are receiving for their output,” Whitacre said.

            Both Whitacre and Widergren said there aren’t a lot of good substitutes for peanut butter.

            “There really aren't alternative options available to foodservice operations.  Many students may suggest a substitution such as Nutella. What students need to understand is that products like Nutella are available to retail customers (i.e. in grocery stores), not to foodservice operations like Campus Dining.  We buy peanut butter in such large quantities, so there is really no comparable product in terms of our usage/quantity needs,” Widergren added

Whitacre added that parents will continue to purchase peanut butter no matter the price since children consume such large amounts. 

Note: This is an article I wrote for ISU's newspaper, the Daily Vidette, but thought it was interesting to share.

Where has the time gone?

Where has the time gone? I can not believe Thanksgiving is less than a month away! I came upon this realization in class as final projects were being assigned, and realized just how fast time does go by. I concluded that I have not yet carved a pumpkin this fall (which will happen this week), or navigated my way through a corn maze. Growing up on the farm, there was always so much to be done during these fall months. From making apple sauce, to carving pumpkins, to harvesting, to hanging out with friends at a bon fire, to hay rack rides, to spending the day at an apple orchard/pumpkin patch, to riding horses, there was never a dull moment.

Being away at college, I have missed out on some of the simple pleasures of being on the farm. I realized today just how true this is. I want to tell you to take the time to enjoy the autumn season. It is not too late to head to your favorite orchard/pumpkin patch, or put your artistic talents to use by carving pumpkins. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is not too early to practice some of those favorite recipes. With that said, seize the day, enjoy the rest of the fall season!

Buffalo

As a little girl, I remember Saturday mornings when my cousins and I would go feed the buffalo and deer at the wildlife park near my house in Wisconsin. I always thought it was so cool because who else got to feed buffalo at that young age, especially when there weren’t many buffalo left? After talking with Don Grubb from Buda, Illinois all these memories came tumbling back.

Don always knew he wanted to be a farmer. He and his wife, Arkie, raise Belted Galloway cattle, goats, four horses, and rent their farm land and hog farm out to surrounding farmers. The most unique thing about their farm is their small buffalo herd. One thing Don said you absolutely have to have when raising buffalo is a tall fence. He also explains the health benefits of eating buffalo versus other types of meat.

“Buffalo meat tastes like beef. If I didn’t tell you it was buffalo you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, but your doctor could tell the difference because it has about fourth as many fat grams as choice beef and it’s lower in cholesterol than chicken. Not only that, it tastes good. If you like beef, you’ll love buffalo,” Grubb said.

Grubb will be spending the winter in Arizona riding his horses in the mountains and then plans on heading to Texas to follow the rodeo circuit. If he could do his life all over again, he would not change one single thing.

To hear an interview with Don Grubb, click here http://www.box.net/shared/1xdkh2h0jcouknd8euct

Equine Therapy

The horse is a truly magnificent animal. Think of all the books and movies that have been created over the years starring a horse and owner. At the top of the list there is Black Beauty, Flicka, and Seabiscuit among numerous others. What is the common theme? Could it be the connection between horse and rider? John Yoder, out of Gridely Illinois, has been around horses his whole life. In his experiences he has noticed how horses can become far more than a friend to someone; they can help their riders overcome certain health/emotional obstacles known as equine therapy.

Equine therapy is becoming more and more popular as occupational, physical, and speech therapists turn to horses in order to get through to their patients. Horses help their riders learn coordination, communication, and responsibility among several other factors that people often overlook. Yoder sees, first hand, the positive effects of horses as his daughter, struggling with abnormal muscle tone, interacts with them. He enjoys seeing his hard work pay off as so many people can benefit from the responsibility that comes with riding horses.

“I want to help as many people as I can. We’re only here for a short time, and I want to make a difference. I really understand horses. I really love and appreciate horses. Horses can help people in so many ways that we don’t understand,” Yoder said.

The healing power of equine therapy

In his spare time, Yoder enjoys going on camping trips with his daughter, training horses for other people, and giving wagon rides at charitable functions.
To hear an interview with John Yoder, click here http://www.box.net/shared/m7t6v2pca25u7pe1geiq

Free Trade Agreements

Everyone is looking for ways to make more money, especially in today's economy. This is no different for corn farmers or anyone else linked to the agricultural community. The House and Senate should be applauded as they just passed the pending Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia last night. According to ilfb.org the passage of these agreements will boost U.S. agirculture exports by $2.5 billion and will create over 22,500 American jobs when it is all said and done.

As the United States is the world's largest corn producer and exporter, the passing of these FTA's will also create opportunities for customers in the livestock and poultry industries as well as the export of distillers grains. South Korea is the United States third largest corn market, and now corn and distillers grains will be guaranteed to enter duty-free as soon as possible. Colombia has been one of the top ten export markets for U.S. corn, but has decreased dramatically last year. Now, with the new FTA, U.S. corn producers will gain immediate access to the Colombian market 2.1 million metric tons of corn at zero percent duty. Finally, Panama is one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America, but has one of the highest tax on grains being imported into the country. The new FTA will work on lowering that so Panama and the United States will be on an equal playing field.



Members of the Free Trade Agreement


As I have been researching these new Free Trade Agreements and talking with farmers, I am finding that these new passages will boost economic growth as well as international competitiveness. What is your opinion of the Free Trade Agreements?

Rader Family Farm

Agri-tourism is becoming a popular activity as the gap between the agriculture community and the urban community continues to grow. Lynn and Linda Rader of Normal, Illinois have realized the need to keep the public informed about agriculture. They are grain farmers but started a pumpkin farm about 20 years ago. Starting out as a small business, that small pumpkin farm has turned into Rader Family Farms which now attracts thousands of people throughout the fall season. The Rader family is known for their tasty sweet corn as they have been selling this crop for years. There is something for everybody whether your interest lies within fresh baked goods, exploring a straw castle, corn maze, or going into a corn silo where children can actually play with the corn, feeding the miniature donkeys, lama, calf, goats, and/or chickens, or finally just enjoying being out in the country among several other activities. The Rader family strives to include the community with their bountiful harvest each year.



The Rader Family

“We have lots of field trips come out. The students have a four section field trip. They get to watch a farm video and eat some popcorn in our little school house which we are calling our ag education building. Every year we’ll add some more educational things. We really want to get some things about the wind turbines in there. We have something about the pumpkins life cycle right now, and we have some agricultural pictures in there. Then they go on a hayride, which is a very new experience for many of them, and they get to see the fields, the corn, the beans, and the pumpkins. They get to pick a pumpkin. Then they get to see several farm animals that we have and then their favorite part they get to play,” Rader said.

The weekend of October 15-16 is Reggie Day at Rader Family Farms. As their two sons graduated from the agriculture department at Illinois State University they were informed of the 100^th year anniversary so they’re partnering up to create a special event for faculty, students, and alumni. Lynn will be making his famous kettle corn to give to all alumni as well. To find out more about this local agri-tourism farm check out raderfamilyfarms.com. Whether you are an ISU student, faculty, alumni, or an ordinary family looking for something fun to do with the kids, Rader Family Farms has something for everyone.



Corn maze in the shape of Reggie in celebration of ISU agriculture

To hear an interview with Linda Rader click here http://www.box.net/shared/h9l6ybdbtp6gq1fap7al

How to grow GIANT pumpkins

Fall is a unique season, and personally my favorite, especially for farm families as they’re harvesting their crops. While many families enjoy carving pumpkins together, sipping hot apple cider, and then splurging on a giant piece of pumpkin pie, fall creates the perfect atmosphere for such activities. Especially for those competitive pumpkin growers as they work towards breaking the next record for the world’s largest pumpkin. Growing the next award winning, giant pumpkin can happen in your very own backyard, so take note because the next giant pumpkin could be grown by you!

Like anything else, beginner pumpkin growers receive an overwhelming amount of ideas and opinions of how they should conduct their pumpkin growing. Even though there seems to be one specific way to grow a pumpkin, many growers have varying tactics at how to grow their individual giant pumpkins. Among the varying opinions three staple hold true; one must have good seed, good soil, and above all good luck. Some pumpkin growers even attempt to set sail in their giant pumpkins.

pumpkin grower sailing in his giant pumpkin

To grow a giant pumpkin in your backyard, growers should invest in Howard Dill’s patented Atlantic Giant variety. No other variety has been the world champion since 1979 so the odds of having the next giant pumpkin would be in your favor. These seeds do extremely well in soil filled with organic matter. In the early spring add two to five yards per plant of cow or horse manure as these fertilizers work best. In the fall use chicken manure sparingly. The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 6.8. If you have found success managing a small vegetable garden, you will be able to handle growing giant pumpkins.

Start with a pH test in the fall by adding sulfur to lower the levels and lime to raise it. Plant one to two pounds of winter rye per 1000 square foot area to be plowed in the early spring. When starting the seed, they should be planted inside in six inch pea pots about four weeks before your last spring frost date with the pointed end of the seed facing down. Soil temperature should be between 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds should emerge within five days. When the first true leaves begin to show, you can now transplant the seedlings but keep them sheltered from wind and frost.

Next, the first female flowers will appear so if you want to get a jump start on growing bigger pumpkins you will have to hand pollinate these flowers in the early morning with a freshly opened male flower. Remove the outer flower petals, exposing the stamen and fresh pollen. Then gently swab the internal parts of the female flower with the pollen laden stamen. It is crucial to set the pumpkin before July 10 as they can gain 25 pounds a day. This is a crucial growing season.

After setting the pumpkin, the vine placement becomes very valuable. The stem should be perpendicular to the vine for optimal growth. If your pumpkin is not at the right angels naturally, coax it for about a week until it’s in that position. Be sure not to injure the fragile stem as some pumpkins may die at this early phase. After this you will begin to see the actual pumpkins growing. Now it’s time to choose the pumpkin you want to continue growing. Young, round, tall pumpkins usually grow the fastest into giant pumpkins so those are the ones to keep around. You should remove the rest of the pumpkins so you can focus on growing the giant.

Prune each main vine when it has reached 10 to 12 feet beyond the pumpkin. The side shoots should be no longer than 8 feet before pruning them back as well. Train side shoots so they are perpendicular to the main vine to accommodate access to the vines and pumpkins. Bury the ends of the cuts veins to reduce water loss. Seedlings thrive under a high phosphorus fertilizer. Use a formula that stresses potassium towards the end of July. Do not overfertilize. This could harm the plant more than help it. Finally, keep track of the growth of your pumpkins. Circumference gains can average 4 to 6 inches in a 24 hour period. Measure the circumference of your pumpkins first parallel to the ground around the entire pumpkin, from blossom end to stem. Next, measure over the top in both directions: from ground to ground along the axis from stem to blossom end, then perpendicular to the stem-blossom-end axis. Add these three measurements together, then multiply by 1.9 to give an estimate of the pumpkin's weight.

giant pumpkins

I hope this is helpful as you begin growing your very own giant pumpkin!

Careers within Agriculture

As a graduating college senior, it can be overwhelming at how fast life seems to be changing. I'm sure you can relate. I mean back in high school, it was so easy planning for the future. Graduate high school, go to college, get a job, get married and then settle into a routine. Easy, right? Easier said than done. Don't get me wrong the journey has been amazing so far, and I'm excited to see where the road leads me after graduation.

I have been looking for jobs within the agricultural industry and the opportunities are endless. There is so much to do with agriculture. Whether you are a good communicator, a mathematical genious, possess a strong love for animals, a scientist, or have a keen eye/imagination for landscape design there is something for everyone within the field of agriculture. The opportunities do not end there as there are too many to fit on this page. So, if you are anything like me, and are beginning to make life changing decisions, consider a career in agriculture. Take opportunities as they come, put your best foot foward, pray for the best, and enjoy the ride!

Venom Therapy

Ok, so when you have aches and pains, who do you go to? The doctor? Your chiropractor? Bet you never would have thought of going to a bee farmer, have you? Maggie Wachter, a bee keeper in Urbana, Illinois knows bee keepers who raise bees, not for money making opportunities, but for arthritis conditions. There is something in the bee sting that relieves joint pain. This is called venom therapy.

“Venom therapy is when you take a bee and actually make it sting you. There’s something in the venom of the bee that soothes joint pain and I know at least one bee keeper who does it, not for the honey, but uses it for his arthritis,” Wachter said.

To hear an interview with Wachter click here http://www.box.net/shared/k2zgldi2zx2nyqx2fcba.