In April, an enthusiasticgroup of volunteers from theKane County Farm Bureaubrought insights into agricultureto over 1,400 third graders inarea classrooms throughSPROUTS, or Spring Programof Reading and Outreach toUrban Teachers and Students.

SPROUTS is in its second

year as a KCFB Ag Literacyprogram and already interestfrom schools and volunteers hasallowed participation to double.This year, 15 volunteers readHeartland by Diane Siebert, to57 classes, in schools fromAurora to Carpentersville. Thevolunteers posed questions tothe students about the agricul-tural themes that the bookexplores in a poem-like story offarm life in America’sHeartland.

Suzi Myers, Ag LiteracyCoordinator at the Farm Bureauin St. Charles, is very pleasedwith the way the program hastaken hold. “We have many new volunteers, and severalteachers who want to make it anannual program for their class-rooms”, says Myers. “It’s agreat way to get volunteersinvolved in teaching kids aboutagriculture.”

“I held up the book whileMargaret read,” said first-timevolunteer John Fredericks ofAurora. John and his wifeMargaret saw SPROUTS as away to get involved with FarmBureau and reach out to areakids in a meaningful way. “Wepointed out the windmills in thebook,” said the couple afterreading to two classrooms atLincoln Elementary in St.Charles. “The vivid illustrations

helped make it real to them,because they see windmills in

Batavia all the time, but didn’treally know what they were

originally used for.”Each classroom library also

receives a copy of this year’sIllinois Farm Bureau Ag-in-the-

Classroom Book of the Year, AHog Ate My Homework, byGary Metivier. The FarmBureau also leaves behind a fol-low up activity and someIllinois ag facts for the teachers.

As part of the SPROUTSprogram and in conjunctionwith National Library Week,April 13-17, Myers and CurtisMiller, her Counterpart at the

DuPage County FarmBureau, have arrangedfor ten libraries in eachcounty to receive a copyof the book and resourcebooklet containing activ-ities that teachers canuse to compliment thebook.

“We appreciate theFarm Bureau donatingthis book to the library,”said Heidi Hohman,Children’s Department

Head at Dundee TownshipPublic Library. “Much of ourfarmland is quickly disappear-ing, and this will help teachchildren about the heritage andimportance of farming here inour area.”

Mike Probst of Elburn wasnamed the grand prize winner inthe Kane County Farm BureauFoundation’s Truck Raffle.Mike’s name was drawn from1,719 entries at the conclusionof Farm Bureau’s Touch-A-Tractor event on March 29.Given a choice of a brand newChevrolet Silverado WT or$20,000 in cash, Mike has cho-sen the cash prize.

Mike has been a long-timeagent for COUNTRYFinancial, currently servingclients from his office inElburn. Prior to beginninghis career with the company,Mike served as a Director onthe Board of the KaneCounty Farm Bureau. Mike,who was one of the first peo-ple to buy tickets for the raf-fle, has given his support toFarm Bureau programs andservices for most of his adult life.

The Foundation appreci-

ates his support along with thesupport of all who purchasedtickets in the raffle, which gen-erated over $10,000 for collegescholarship and agricultural lit-eracy programs.

Chris Gaitsch of Dundee waschosen as the second place win-ner, and is now the proud ownerof a shiny new John Deere PedalTractor. Twenty-two month oldNicholas Sims of Batavia wasdeclared the proud winner in the

FREE Farmall pedal tractordrawing.

Congratulations to everyonewho donated to the Foundationby selling and purchasing raffletickets. A full report of KCFBFoundation scholarship awardfor 2009-10 appears on page 3and a photo of the proud pedaltractor winner is on page 8.

Township Library in con-junction with theSPROUTS program andNational Library Week.

Right: Sandy Gouldreads to students in Mrs. Waguespack’s thirdgrade class at CorronElementary School inSouth Elgin. Gould talkedto students about the agthemes in Heartland, including how farmers raise pigs. Gould and herhusband Eldon operate a livestock and grain farm near Kaneville. Thestudents asked many questions, including why some of the cows haveearrings (tags) and what you call a female pig (sow).

Ground BeefThe special for the month of May is Ground Chuck.

This box contains five individuallywrapped 1-lb. packages of ground beef. Weare pricing these at $14 for Plus (+)Package members, and $15 for A or Mmembers. Easy to take out what you needfor burgers or meat loaf and leave the restfrozen for use later!

VOL. 74 NO. 5 MAY 2009

Kane County FarmerKane County Farmer

MAYSPECIAL

Spring reading program teaches 3rd graders about agriculture

Thanksto the following

volunteers who madethis year’s SPROUTSprogram a success:

John and Margaret HendricksLinda Hill

Fran ShefferJennifer Thompson

Beulah SwansonBarb Pachla

Mary DonahueMarti Berg

Yvonne HollingsworthCeleste HolmesAnne JohnsonSandy GouldBeth Gehrke

The reading coaches fromKaneland Schools

Left: KCFB Ag LiteracyCoordinator Suzi Myers(right) and volunteerBeulah Swanson (left)present the AITC Bookof the Year, A Hog AteMy Homework, to HeidiHohman of Dundee

Left: Sue Erickson of theNorthern Illinois Food Bank in St.Charles draws the winningnames in the 2009 KCFBFoundation Raffle at the conclu-sion of Touch-A-Tractor onMarch 29. Above: Mike Probst of Elburnwon $20,000 as the Grand Prizewinner. Chris Gaitsch of Dundeewas chosen as the second placewinner of a new John DeerePedal Tractor. Proceeds from thisyear’s raffle helped the KCFBFoundation award 16 scholar-ships totaling over $17,000 tolocal students pursuing agricul-tural degrees.

Probst wins Foundation truck raffle

By Bob Gehrke,KCFB President

Beijing is the capital ofChina, and Shanghai is the mostimportant financial area, but thethird city we visited,Guangzhou, is the heart of man-ufacturing and agriculture. This2,000 year old city, also knownas the Flower City, is the enginedriving Chinese economicexpansion. This city of 10 mil-lion people is rapidly changing.Traditional wet markets arestarting to give way to super-market-style shopping and oldstucco houses in the poorerareas are being replaced bywestern style skyscrapers. Thewide-spread existence ofMcDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks,and other businesses shows thewestern influence on this city.

The city and region, whileimportant agricultural produc-tion areas, are also example ofshort and long term consump-tion trends that will be benefi-cial for American agri-foodinterests. According to our U.S. Trade Office inGuangzhou, this warm humidclimate is very conducive tolivestock, aquatics, fruit andvegetable production. The areacapitalizes on the large regionalworkforce of 270 million peo-ple, which provides China with30% of its retail sector manu-facturing. Water is also an abun-dant resource in this area.Guangdong province’s water-way system includes two riversystems, the Pearl and HanJiang, which accounts for halfof all Chinese exports. This areais key in fish production andexport with 20% of China’stotal coastline and 759 islands.One of the largest fisheries inChina is located here and iscalled Keda Hsheng fisheries,encompassing 1,000 hectares offreshwater ponds at 18 locationswith 600-700 finishing growers.The farm focuses on live carpvarieties for local markets andtilapia and catfish for export. Itproduces 15,000MMT of fish

annually with 10,000MMT oftilapia for shipment to the U.S.Currently, only tilapia and cat-fish are allowed into the U.S.

Cargill has three soybeancrushing facilities in China, withone in the Guangdong provi-dence. Cargill plants crush13,000 metric tons daily,accounting for only 11% ofChina’s total crushing capacity.Cargill started in China in 1972with a mission statement to pro-mote sustainable and securefood supply for China. Cargill’sconsumers are varied, withdirect sales to integrated live-stock operations and dealerservice to small-mid size feedmills as well as small backyardgrowers, which account for 40%of their sales. They expect a 6-7% annual increase in productdemand as Western influencecontinues to shape a younger,more affluent Chinese popula-tion. Chinese meat consumptionis just 40-50 kilograms per yearversus American consumptionof 111 kilograms yearly. Currenttrends and available capacityinland for hog and poultry pro-duction suggest great potentialfor increased soybean demand.

Two hours south ofGuangzhou by high-speed rail,we arrived at Hong Kong. Theenvironment was much cleanerand the city had a very westernfeel to it. Hong Kong is the thirdlargest container port in theworld, transferring 24 millioncontainers yearly. We visited thelargest operation, called ModernTerminals, which operates twofacilities handling 5.7 millioncontainers annually. This facilityhandles an average of 9.5 con-tainer ships daily with enougharea to have eight ships load andunload at once. A containerloader can handle 30 units anhour with 1-5 loaders working oneach ship. The containers comeinto port on large panamax ves-sels that can hold 4,000 to 14,000containers. Modern Terminalsloads and unloads 6,000 contain-ers from ships during a 24-hour

period and loads 1,800 trucks forChina destinations. Containersart stacked six high throughoutthe lot and are kept track of bycomputers. Lashing containersdown before a typhoon strikes iscommon to prevent stacks ofcontainers from tipping over,Moderns manager stated.

Wan Chai Market is one ofHong Kong’s modern air condi-tioned wet markets we visited.The produce section of the mar-ket looked similar to producemarkets in Illinois except for theexotic fruits and vegetables. Inthe fresh meat and fish section,we saw all the parts of the fresh-ly killed animals and fish forsale. Vendors seemed happiest iftheir fish were still moving. Thewet markets are cleaned by thegovernment twice daily (beforeopening and after closing byspraying water), hence the name“wet market.” Many of themorning shoppers are eitherretired or servants working forupper class businessmen orwomen who work 9-hour days.We noticed pork labeled in largeprint as being from the USA butthe U.S. ag trade office said thelabeling is correct only 80% ofthe time. Great Food Hall is ahigh-end supermarket located inthe financial district that hasfood products available from allover the world. In the cheesecase alone, I counted ten coun-tries’ products represented.People from all around the worldwork here in the financial districtso they are more willing to paymore for food that reminds themof their former home.

Hong Kong residences arevery expensive and only 1,000-2,000 square feet in size. Mostresidents of Hong Kong speakEnglish due to the British influ-ence before 1991 when theyformed their own government(still under the watchful eye ofChina). According to the AgTrade Office, the value of U.S.food (not commodities) shippedto Hong Kong is the same aswhat we send to mainland Chinawhere legitimate trade and the(grey channel) goods are not offi-cially tracked. Hong Kong is theseventh largest U.S. trading part-ner and China is the third largest.

Some personal observationsare that China will be in demandfor more agriculture productsdue to the increasing populationand better diet of the people.Government interference fromboth sides would be the onlyreason they would not buy ourproducts. Business owners thereare a lot like us in wanting asafe and affordable product at afair price. Personal contact forthe Chinese business owners isnecessary in establishing newmarket partners with them.China was a great experience tovisit but I would much ratherlive and farm here.

Kane County Farm Bureau President Bob Gehrke of Elgin visited Chinawith the March Market Study sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.In the fresh meat and fish section of the wet market, they saw all theparts of the freshly killed animals and fish for sale. Vendors seemedhappiest if their fish were still moving. The wet markets are cleaned bythe government twice daily (before opening and after closing byspraying water) hence the name wet market.

Hong Kong is the third largest container port in the world. The MarketStudy tour group visited the largest operation, Modern Terminals,which loads and unloads6,000 containers during a 24-hour period from ships andloads 1,800 trucks for Chinadestinations. ResemblingLegos in this photo, thesemi-trailer sized containersare stacked six high through-out the lot and lashed downbefore a typhoon strikes toprevent them from beingtipped over.

You receive the KaneCounty Farmer because youare a Farm Bureau member. Ifyou are a farm operator orowner, you benefit from alocal, state and national organ-ization committed to agricul-ture and your way of life.

If you do not have directties to farming, your member-ship helps promote local farmsand farming, encourage wiseuse of our limited naturalresources and preserve farm-land and our agricultural her-itage while allowing you toenjoy COUNTRY insuranceand the many other benefits ofone of Illinois’ premier mem-bership organizations.

We appreciate your mem-bership and continued supportand we welcome your com-ments on the content of theFarmer. We encourage you tomake recommendations aboutfarm, home, food, naturalresource, renewable energy oragricultural heritage and histo-ry related topics for inclusionin future issues of the Farmer.

PAGE 2 KANE COUNTY FARMER MAY 2009

Kane County FarmerKANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

PUBLISHED MONTHLYSteven J. Arnold, Editor

Merry Pitstick, Executive AssistantSuzi Myers, Ag Literacy Coordinator

Elizabeth Dawson, Membership SecretaryAudre Pack, Training Specialist

Ryan Klassy, Information DirectorOFFICE: Randall Rd. between Routes 64 & 38

Address: 2N710 Randall Rd., St. CharlesPHONE: 630-584-8660

info@kanecfb.com www.kanecfb.comOFFICE HOURS: 8:30-5:00 Monday though Friday

(USPS No. 289700)POSTMASTER: Mail form 3579 to

2N710 Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174Second Class Postage • Paid to St. Charles, IL 60174

Year Subscription: $2.00

n DISTRICT 1Aurora, Sugar Grove,Big Rock Twnshp.Gene FeldottRt. 3, Box 425Aurora, IL 60506630-892-2197David Marshall43W888 Jericho RoadSugar Grove, IL 60554630-335-6888Donna Lehrer7S027 Jericho RoadBig Rock, IL 60511630-556-3476n DISTRICT 2Kaneville, Blackberry,Gen./Bat. Twnshp.Bill Collins1125 Lewis RoadGeneva, IL 60134630-232-2043Wade Kuipers1N318 Watson RoadMaple Park, IL 60151815-827-5200

Joe White47W727 Main St. Rd.Elburn, IL 60119630-557-2517n DISTRICT 3Virgil, Campton,St. Charles Twnshp.Frank Carlson104 Sumac CourtSt. Charles, IL 60174630-513-9980Chris CollinsP.O. Box 62Wasco, IL 60183630-513-5833Al Lenkaitis, Jr.Secretary-Treasurer6N352 Fair Oaks Dr.St. Charles, IL 60174630-561-9514n DISTRICT 4Burlington, PlatoElgin Twnshp.Alan Volpp9N728 Peplow Rd.Hampshire, IL 60140847-683-3681

Mike KenyonVice President1250 E. Main St.South Elgin, IL 60177847-741-1818Robert GehrkePresident12N860 Route 20Elgin, IL 60123847-697-2538n DISTRICT 5Hampshire, Rutland,Dundee Twnshp.Beth Engel15N638 Walker RoadHampshire, IL 60140847-683-3482Gerald Gaitsch10613 Brittany Ave.Huntley, IL 60142847-669-2003Wayne Schneider402 S. 5th StreetWest Dundee, IL 60118847-428-3350

Additions and CorrectionsIn the April Farmer we listed dates for upcoming KCFB tours,

but failed to give you the trip prices. Those dates and costs are list-ed here, along with the preview dates to be held at the Kane CountyFarm Bureau, Randall Road at Oak Street in St. Charles. ContactMerry Pitstick at 630-584-8660 for more information.

Branson Ozark Christmas – 4 days, 6 mealsDeparture date: November 13, 2009Preview Date: noneRates (motorcoach tour)$210 w/ cancellation fee waiver (CFW)$150 non-refundable deposit w/out CFW

Rose Parade – 5 days, 6 mealsDeparture date: December 29, 2009Preview Date: Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 p.m Rates (including air)Twin .........................................................$1,784Single ..................................................Add $439Triple ..................................................Deduct $8

Best of Paris – 8 days, 8 mealsDeparture date: March 25, 2010Preview Date: Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 p.m.Rates (including air)Twin .........................................................$1,922Single ..................................................Add $695

China Market Study tour report – part 2 of a 2-part series

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 7Board of Directors, 7:30 pmMay 13Women’s Committee, 9:15 amMay 13-14Defensive Driving – Noon to 4 pmMay 25Memorial Day – KCFB Closed

Touch-A-TractorOn Sunday, a 7” blanket offresh snow covered theexhibits and tractors atTouch-A-Tractor.See page 4 for story andmore photos.

White Out

The Kane County FarmBureau Foundation was

established in 1986 by the KaneCounty Farm Bureau to carryout charitable work in theadvancement of agricultural lit-eracy and preparing studentsand leaders for careers in theagriculture industry.

As a not-for-profit entity, theKane County Farm BureauFoundation solicits and distributesprivate funding for agriculturallyrelated scholarship, education andleadership training, Ag-in-the-Classroom programs, Ag LiteracyLibrary development, charitableactivities and research.

The Kane County FarmBureau Foundation Board hasannounced 13 students whohave been selected to receive$1,000 KCFB FoundationGeneral Scholarships for the

2009-2010 school year. OneHigh School senior student waschosen to receive the $2,000President’s Scholarship. TheFoundation also administers the$1,000 John Buck MemorialScholarship award and the$1,500 Chuck SwansonMemorial Scholarship.

The Foundation Board com-mends these students for thequality applications that weresubmitted and extends whole-hearted congratulations to theseyoung leaders of tomorrow. Bestwishes to these students as theypursue their academic studies incollege and prepare to becomefuture leaders in America’s mostessential industry, Agriculture.

After careful considerationof each applicant, the boardselected the following studentsfor scholarships:

University of Illinois majoringin civil engineering. Upon grad-uation, Kristin hopes to find acareer designing infrastructureused in agriculture, and to helpdevelop new designs that willmake agricultural operationsmore efficient. Kristin helps herfamily with the family farm andhog operation. In high schoolKristin was actively involvedwith 4-H, Student Council andNational Honor Society.

KatherineFabrizius

K a t h e r i n eFabrizius ofMaple Parkattends Aurora

University and is in the ruralnursing/dietitian program.Katherine is a member of SigmaDelta Gamma Sorority and vol-unteers with Circle K andUNICEF. She has served as aCounty 4-H Ambassador for thepast four years. For the past twoyears, Katherine has served as aState Ambassador and was aNational 4-H Club CongressDelegate in 2008, attending thenational convention in Atlanta.Katherine is the daughter ofPeter and Jean Fabrizius.

DorisKarales

Doris Karalesis the daughter ofVirgil and RuthKarales of

Minooka. She is currentlyattending Joliet Junior Collegeand plans to transfer to theUniversity of Wisconsin atRiver Falls or Iowa StateUniversity to continue her stud-ies in agriculture education, andpossibly declare a double majorin either equine or crop sci-ences. She would like to teachagriculture in a rural school andbe an FFA advisor. Doris wouldalso like to start her own horsefarm one day. She has alwayshelped her family out whereneeded on their farm, includingbuying seed, harvesting crops,and caring for the cattle.

AnitaPlachczynska

A n i t aP l a c h c z y n s k aa t t e n d sWaubonsee Com-

munity College and is pursuing

a degree in elementary educa-tion. After graduation, she hopesto secure a teaching position,where she can pass on theimportance of agriculture to thenext generation. Growing up ona farm in her native Poland,Anita developed an awareness ofagriculture and the role it plays,from her grandparents andmother. Anita received thePresident’s List honor forachieving a 4.0 grade point aver-age for the fall 2008 semester.

Traci Pitstick

Traci Pitstickof Maple Park iscurrently a sopho-more at Illinois

State University. She hopes tocombine her Family ConsumerScience Education degree withher personal experiences andagricultural history to teach spe-cial needs students basic lifeskills, which she had manychances to practice growing upon a diversified livestock farm.After graduation, Traci plans toearn a master’s degree in specialeducation. Her extra curricularactivities have included 4H andfundraising for Make a WishFoundation, Breast CancerAwareness and St. Jude’s. Traciis the daughter of Steve Pitstickand Mona Carlson.

Sarah Weirich

Sara is thedaughter of MikeWeirich andJoanne Weirich of

Hinckley. Currently a high-school senior, Sara was intro-duced to agriculture at ageseven, when her parents movedto a farm. Now she says, it ispart of who she is. She will beattending Iowa State Universitythis fall, majoring in Animal orDairy Science, and may pursuea career as a large-animal veteri-narian. Sarah has been an activemember of FFA and theHinckley Junior Women’s Club,and was on the honor roll allfour years in high school.

Sally Gorenz

Sally Gorenzis a senior atKaneland HighSchool and plans

to attend Iowa State Universityto major in Veterinary Science.Agriculture has been in Sally’sfamily for four generations. Sheis in the National HonorSociety, has been an active 4-Hmember since she was nineyears old, is the reporter for herFFA Chapter, and has beeninvolved in the breeding, rais-ing, showing and selling of live-stock. She is currently interningat Wingate Vet Clinic in MaplePark. Sally is the daughter ofEdward and Anne Gorenz.

Elizabeth Runge

After gradua-tion from highschool this May,Elizabeth Runge

will pursue a degree in biologyor neuroscience. She has beenaccepted to Loyola University,and plans to eventually attendmedical school and work as aneurologist. Elizabeth is inter-ested in the study of BovineSpongiform Encephalopathy, orMad Cow Disease, and wouldlike to participate in research toeradicate the disease. Elizabethhas received numerous academ-ic honors including AcademicAchievement Letters andNational Honors Society.Elizabeth is the daughter of Fredand Karen Runge of Big Rock.

Tom Campbell

Tom Campbell,son of Dave andMary Campbell ofMaple Park,

attends the University ofWisconsin at River Falls, major-ing in Dairy ScienceManagement. He is a member ofthe Dairy Club at River Falls andhas competed in dairy judgingcompetitions. Tom developedhis interest in agriculture work-ing on his parent’s hay and cropfarm and on his grandfather’sdairy farm. He hopes to one daymanage his own dairy herd andpossibly market products direct-ly to consumers. Tom wasnamed to the Dean’s list duringtwo semesters at college.

Molly Bauer

Molly Bauer iscurrently a seniorat Geneva HighSchool and is com-

pleting an internship with the St.Charles Veterinary Clinic. Sheplans to obtain a Zoology degreefrom Western Illinois Universityand go on to work with animals.Molly is a member of the StudentCouncil, has been on the honorroll each of her four years, andhas volunteered with HesedHouse and Cinderella’s Closet.Molly is the daughter of Andreaand James Bauer of Geneva.

Please turn to page 4 foradditional scholarship winners.

MAY 2009 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 3

2009 Foundation scholarship recipients announced

Nathan Fabrizius

N a t h a nFabrizius, cur-rently a junior atWestern Illinois

University, hopes to enhance hisleadership skills, prepare for aleadership career in agriculture,and become a part of the agricul-ture mechanization or engineer-ing industry. At Western, Nathanis a member of the AgMechanization Club, AgronomyClub, and Alpha Gamma RhoProfessional Fraternity where heis the house commissary. He hasalso participated in HallGovernment and HomecomingCommittee. 4-H and FFA playedan implemental role in Nathan’slife as a youth, and he held lead-ership position in both clubs.Nathan is the son of Peter andJean Fabrizius of Maple Park.

Heather Pierson

Growing up onthe family farm,Heather Piersonhas been involved

in numerous aspects of produc-tion agriculture including oper-ating equipment, hauling grainand showing pigs. Heathertransferred from Joliet JuniorCollege to Illinois StateUniversity and is currentlymajoring in Agribusiness andAg Industry Management with a

concentration in Agronomy. Sheis an active member ofCollegiate FFA, where sheserves as treasurer, Post-Secondary Agriculture Studentsand Kane County YoungFarmers. Heather recently rep-resented ISU as an AgricultureFuture of America delegate.Heather is the daughter of Daleand Tina Pierson of Elburn.

Amanda Liesse

After comple-tion of herBachelor ofScience degree in

Animal Sciences, AmandaLiesse will attend Iowa StateCollege of Veterinary Medicinewith plans to work for a small orlarge animal clinic. While shehas the goal of owning her ownveterinary hospital, she may alsocontribute to the animal sciencefield by conducting animalresearch. A former Illinois StateScholar, she now is involved inNational Honor Society, RotaryInternational and is a member ofthe Pre-Vet Club. Amanda is thedaughter of Leigh and ErinRobertson of Algonquin.

Kristin Pitstick

Kristin is thedaughter of Davidand Lisa Pitstickof Maple Park.

She currently attends the

HCE MeetingThe May meeting of the Plato

Center Unit of Community andHome Education (HCE) will meeton Friday May 15, 2009 at 1:00p.m. at the Plato Center VillageHall, 10N934 Rippburger Rd. The hostesses are MargaretSchmouldt, Donna Peddy, andMary Oine. The lesson will be onViolence Across the Lifespan. Wewill be going to the Elgin CrisisCenter. For more informationabout HCE call the ExtensionOffice at 630-584-6166.

The Kane County FarmBureau Foundation has namedChris Paulsen of Clare recipientof the $1,000 John BuckMemorial Scholarship. Chris isthe son of Jeff and Lauri Paulsenand is a senior at Hiawatha HighSchool. Chris was selected from apool of 16 applicants in a sevencounty area. 2009 marks theeighth year this scholarship hasbeen awarded.

Chris is currently enrolled indual-credit courses atKishwaukee CommunityCollege and plans to attendIllinois State University tomajor in agriculture with afocus on ag business or agrono-my. His goal is to obtain a vari-ety of internships to help himdetermine which area of agri-culture he will focus on. To thatend, he has already worked forAg Reliant Genetics on their

research farm and will workwith Agrigold next summer,where he will work with farm-ers in a six county area to placefield signs and maintain testplots. He also works on his fam-ily’s farm in Clare.

Chris has received severalacademic honors while in highschool, including Honor Roll,National Junior Honor Roll andNational Technical HonorSociety. He has been active inhis FFA Chapter, and served asthe chapter Secretary, Treasurerand President. Chris receivedthe FFA Discovery, Greenhand,Outstanding Member, SchoolAgriculture and Hustle awards.He is also active in 4-H andserved as a Junior Leader,

Secretary and Vice-President.The John Buck Memorial

Scholarship provides $1,000 fortuition and fees for a studentpursuing higher education in anagriculture related career field.It was made possible by a gen-erous gift from the family andfriends of John Buck, whoestablished the Buck Brothers,Inc. John Deere dealership inHampshire in 1977.

The scholarship is availableto any student in Kane, DeKalb,Boone, McHenry, Lake, DuPageor Will County. For more information on Kane CountyFarm Bureau’s FoundationScholarship programs, contactSteve Arnold, ExecutiveDirector at (630) 584-8660.

PAGE 4 KANE COUNTY FARMER MAY 2009

Beef store is now open! Sat. 9-4 or by appointment

100% hormone free beef.Selling individual cuts. Buy as little or as much as you want.

Mark & Linda Schramer, Owners8N840 Lakin Road, Maple Park

815.895.4691 • 1-877-FOR-FDBASample Packs make great gifts!

KANE COUNTY FARM BUREAU BOARD ATTENDANCEOCTOBER 2008 THRU SEPTEMBER 2009

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JLY AUG SEPT

F. CARLSON X X X X X X XB. COLLINS X X X X X X XC. COLLINS X X X X X X XB. ENGEL X X X X X X XG. FELDOTT X X X X X XG. GAITSCH X X X X X XR. GEHRKE X X X X XM. KENYON X X X X X X XW. KUIPERS X X X XD. LEHRER X X X X X X XA. LENKAITIS JR X X X X X X XD. MARSHALL X X X XW. SCHNEIDER X X X X X X XA. VOLPP X X X X XJ. WHITE X X X X X X X

Meyer named recipient of KCFB FoundationPresident’s Scholarship

Kayla Meyer of Hinckleywas recently chosen as the recip-ient of the Kane County FarmBureau Foundation’s President’sScholarship. This $2,000 schol-arship is reserved for the highschool senior amongFoundation scholarshipapplicants possessingthe most outstandingcombination of scholas-tics, activities, goalsand ACT score.

Kayla is the daughterof Bryan and SaraMeyer. Kayla became interested inagriculture when her parents tookher to the county fair when shewas young. Her inspiration forbecoming involved in teaching isher aunt, who received her degreein Agriculture Education. Kayla iscurrently enrolled in dual creditcourses at Waubonsee CommunityCollege and plans to attend theUniversity of Illinois to obtain adegree in ag education. She hopesto become an ag instructor, serveas a role model for students whochoose agriculture as a career, andhelp get them involved in organi-zations such as FFA to build theirprofessional skills.

Kayla has been an activemember of FFA and has held

offices including DistrictSecretary and Section President.She was a Section 6 Star Framerand Section Proficiency AwardWinner. Her FFA activities alsoincluded volunteering at numer-

ous Farm Bureau eventsand participating inskills judging contests.

Kayla has also beenactive in 4-H andFuture Educators ofAmerica, was the 2007Illinois State FairYorkshire Queen,

received the 2005 State FairSuperior Young ProducerScholarship, and volunteeredwith the Naperville Jaycees andDelnor Hospital.

The President’s AwardScholarship will provide $2,000to be applied towards tuition forthe 2009-10 school year. It wasone of 16 scholarships awardedby the Kane County FarmBureau Foundation for the 2009-10 academic year. For moreinformation on Foundationscholarship programs, call KaneCounty Farm Bureau at (630)584-8660. Kayla was alsoawarded the “At The Heart Of AGrowing America” scholarshipfrom 1st Farm Credit Services.

Kayla Meyer

Paulsen receives eighth annualJohn Buck Memorial Scholarship

Chris Paulsen

Gehrke recipient of Chuck Swanson Memorial Scholarship

Wayne Gehrke of Elgin wasrecently chosen as the recipientof the Kane County FarmBureau Foundation’s ChuckSwanson MemorialScholarship. Waynewill receive the $1,500scholarship for the2009-10 school year.

Wayne is the son ofRobert and BethGehrke of Elgin. He iscurrently pursuing adegree in CropSciences at the University ofIllinois. Wayne was raised on afarm, and agriculture has alwaysbeen an important part of his

life. He has also been involvedin many organizations and com-munity services. He enjoysworking with plants and ani-mals and plans to pursue a

career in farming. At the U of I Wayne

serves as the College ofAces CouncilRepresentative and isinvolved in the Fieldand Furrow Club,Collegiate 4-H, and theIllini Dairy Club. He

continues to operate a smallroadside pumpkin stand in thefall, where he gains experiencein money and produce manage-

ment.The Chuck Swanson

Memorial Scholarship wasestablished by the family andfriends of the former FarmBureau Director and long-timevolunteer to provide awards forstudents residing in KaneCounty pursuing a degree in anagriculture related career field.It is one of 16 scholarshipsawarded by the Kane CountyFarm Bureau Foundation for the2009-10 academic year. Formore information onFoundation scholarship pro-grams, call Kane County FarmBureau at (630) 584-8660.

Wayne Gehrke

Rain, snow dampen Touch-A-TractorThe Kane County Farm

Bureau hosted the FourthAnnual Touch-A-Tractor eventon March 27-29 and welcomedhundreds of interested locals tothe front lawn of the FarmBureau. This unique eventbrings the farm to the city and isa way to answer questions fromgrown-ups and kids alike aboutwhat farmers and theirmachines actually do, and how.

As is common at the end ofMarch, the weather made it inter-esting. The event started withsunshine, but showers late Fridayafternoon chased the crowdaway. Unrelenting north windson Saturday foretold of badweather to come. Despite thechill in the air, children and theirparents had a great time sittingbehind the wheels of the antiquetractors and checking out somemodern farm implements.

Children in attendance hadthe chance to dig through akiddy-pool full of corn to findprizes, ride on pedal tractors inan obstacle course, play withminiature farm tractors, and visitthe petting zoo – complete withtwo Holstein calves, two goats, aewe and lamb, and a miniaturehorse. The newly hatched babychicks were a favorite, too. Thechildren were impressed as Jimand Cecilia Nass showed themhow corn is shelled and groundthe old-fashioned way.

Seven inches of heavy wetsnow on Sunday made for abeautiful scene with all of theimplements draped in a curtain

of white. It brought the weekendevent to an early end, however afew brave kids did drag theirparents out to climb up on atractor or two, pose for photos,and make a few snowballs.

Several public and electedofficials braved the Sundaysnowstorm to join the group ofanxious ticket holders who werein attendance for the raffle draw-ing. Special thanks to StateRepresentative Linda Chapa LaVia, Barb Wojnicki, KaneCounty Board, Jan Seyers,Rutledge Township Assessor,Paul Kuehnert, Kane CountyHealth Department and Jan Carr,Big Rock Township Supervisor.

Robert Swanson of Hampshireunloads the antique tractors hedisplayed at the 2009 Touch-A-Tractor event on the front lawn atthe Farm Bureau in St. Charles.The annual event brings the farmto the city during the last week-end in March.

Sixteen volunteershelped set up forthis year’s 3-dayevent, including,L-R, KCFB Direc-tors Frank Carlson,Joe White, MikeKenyon and ChrisCollins, shownhere raising a tentalong with YoungFarmer committeemember SteveSchramm. See additional Touch-A-Tractor photos

and info throughout this paper.

Egg word search

MAY 2009 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 5

Name ______________________________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip __________________________________ Telephone (_____) ______________________

Return to Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174 by Friday, May 15 for your chance to win a “Farm Fresh Eggs” Sign and Decorative Rooster to welcome your guests.

Compiled by Beth Dawson and Suzi Myers

E P D B F A D R B S D X N G Y

A G U W O E L R P L E H I X J

Z F G P H I E N D A I E M A Y

V R S C E A L E I R R N A Q I

L D A T K H L E F E F B T C W

L O A F N L O R D N T N I C H

P I A L I E E M A I G O V S I

E S M V A S I G E M B D R L T

T F E T H S R R J L O J C P E

Y D S P R I N G T O E H A J Q

S A N D W I C H F U I T R N Q

D E L B M A R C S C N Z T X S

R E H T A E F H K N E T O E D

R E T A W O R E Y O L K N P Q

Y A I H P L N A L S M A S Q D

Congratulations,Gayle Rosborough of Elgin! Gayle’s name was chosen from the

entries received for correctly completing last month’s Word SearchPuzzle. For Gayle’s participation, she receives a handy Garden Hopper,complete with a seat and storage area for tools while gardening.

Thank you Gayle, for reading the Kane County Farmer, andcontinue to watch each month for more great opportunities fromthe Kane County Farm Bureau.

BOILEDBREAKFASTCARTONSCHICKENDEVILLEDEGGFEATHERFOODFRESHFRIEDHENMINERALSNUTRIENTSOMELETTEPOACHEDPROTEINSALADSANDWICHSCRAMBLEDSPRINGVITAMINWATERWHITEYOLK

• Each family eats approximately 240 eggs per year.• Every state in the contiguous United States produces eggs except

for Wyoming and Nevada.• Most eggs that are produced today will be at the grocery store

within 72 hours.• Human hands do not touch commercial eggs until they reach your

home.• One laying hen will produce an average of 240 eggs per year.• A hen requires 24-26 hours to produce an egg.• Each egg contains 11 vitamins and 14 minerals.• Eggs are very high in protein.• The protein found in eggs is the second best source available. The

only other greater source of protein is mother’s milk.• Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain Vitamin D.• Seventy-five billion eggs are produced in the United States.• Illinois is ranked 28th in egg production.• Around March 21, an egg will stand on its small end.• Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in the

refrigerator for one week.• Most eggs are laid between 7-11 am.• Eggshells account for 9-12% of an egg’s total weight.

Mayis ...

National Egg MonthNational Barbeque MonthNational Salad MonthNational Strawberry MonthNational Orange Juice Day – May 4Eat What Your Want Day – May 11National Brisket Day – May 28

Fresh news about

EggsFacts about eggs

Egg-spressionsThere are many sayings

that incorporate the word egg.A few of them are:

• He’s a good egg.• Don’t put all your eggs

in one basket.• Last one in is a rotten

egg!• You’re a real egghead!• He has egg on his face.• She’s really walking on

eggshells.

Egg magic tricksMake an Egg SuddenlyFloat

Materials: 2 glass jars orlarge transparent plastic cups,salt, lukewarm water, and egg.1. Make a salt-water solution by

dissolving about a 1/4 cup ofsalt in a 3/4 cup of lukewarmwater. Stir until all the salt hasdissolved.

2. Fill the other jar or cup withplain water so that it is at thesame level as the salty water.

3. Now pretend you are a magi-cian. Show the audience thetwo cups of water. (They willnot know that one is plain

water and the other is salty.)4. Drop the egg into the plain

water and watch it sink.5. Now take the egg out and ask

the audience to concentratehard on the egg to make itfloat.

6. Drop the egg into the saltywater and watch it float!

Why? Salt water is denserthan the egg, so the egg willfloat. The egg is denser than theregular water, so the egg sinks.

Spinning EggsYou be the magician and

amaze your friends by being able

to tell the raw egg from hard-boiled without breaking theshell.

Materials: 3 or 4 hard-boiled eggs unpeeled1 raw egg1. Put each egg onto a table and

spin it.2. Lightly touch the egg to stop

it You can tell the hard-boiled

egg, as it should stop spinningquickly. The raw egg will keep ongoing.

The bouncing eggMaterials: One hard cooked eggWhite vinegarPlastic container with lidProcedure:1. Without breaking the shell,

examine the hard-cooked eggcarefully, you should seemany little tiny holes.

2. Place egg in plastic container.Cover completely with whitevinegar and seal with a lid.

3. Let it sit for a week. Theeggshell should have dis-solved and the egg white andyolk should have becomerubbery. After rinsing anddrying the egg, observe whathappens when it is dropped.(It should bounce!)

Besides eating eggs, eggs are used in ...• Cosmetics – egg whites are used in facials and in shampoo and conditioners.• Animal Feed – shells and interiors are used.• Experimental Uses – egg whites are used as a protein reference to feed animals.

Egg yolks are also used for the growth of microorganisms.• Medical and Pharmaceutical – used to manufacture many vaccines.

World Egg DayWorld Egg Day will be celebrated on October 9,2009. World Egg Day is an international eventthat celebrates the egg all around the world.The purpose is to raise awareness of the bene-fits that eggs have.

Different colored eggs• White eggs come from chick-

ens such as Leghorn, whoare white and lay white eggs.

• Rhode Island, NewHampshire, and PlymouthRock are reddish brownchickens who lay brown orspeckled brown eggs.

• You might find a green orblue egg, which comes fromthe Araucana chicken.

Sometimes the Araucanacalled the Easter EggChicken.

• It is true that the pigment ofthe outer layer of the eggshellwill be the same color as theearlobe of the chicken wholaid the egg.

• The color of the egg hasnothing to do with the quality,nutrition, or flavor of the egg.

Touch-A-TractorThe Jurassic Pork gamegave kids a chance todig for a Touch-A-Tractor souvenir, a pigor cow shaped eraser,in a pool full of realIllinois field corn.

See more photosthroughout this paper.Jurassic Pork

Abusy spring continues. Wehad two programs running

simultaneously the third weekin April. SPROUTS was a greatsuccess, thanks to the volunteerswho made it possible. Wereached many third gradersthroughout Kane County,spreading the word about agri-culture and how it pertains totheir lives.

We also joined with DuPageCounty Farm Bureau in a

Library Week book give away. Iwent to 10 different librarieswithin Kane County to give TheHog Ate My Homework bookand accompanying materials tothe children’s librarian. Eachlibrarian was excited to get thebook to share with children, par-ents, and teachers.

Our next big project is theSummer Agricultural Tour forTeachers. This year, the dateswill be June 15th to 19th. We

are lining up three days full oflearning as we travel throughoutKane County, visiting manyfacets of agriculture. If youknow a teacher that would liketo earn graduate credits whilehaving an interesting tour ofKane County, have them callme. The class is filling upquickly.

The longer days and sprout-ing flowers, trees, and bushesare welcomed by us all.

It is the time to be outside,exploring the world around us.The farmers are beginning towork their fields again, so willbe having to be on the highwayat times. Please slow down anddrive safely so these farmers cando their job feeding us all.

Happy spring to you all.

PAGE 6 KANE COUNTY FARMER MAY 2009

AG LITERACY CORNERBy Suzi Myers

Women’s CornerBy Barbara Pachla

Women’s Committee Chair

Anyone can benefit fromsome information on safe-

ty. Spring seems to bring moreactivity into our lives.

There are many accidentsthat occur on the farm. Followsafety rules ...

Do not allow extra riders onequipment. Wear safety equip-ment when operating machin-ery. When driving an ATV weara helmet. Be aware of the possi-bility of a rollover. Cold med-ications can impair a person’sability to react to possible dan-gers. Focus on being in control,if at any time you feel like youare not in control, stop what youare doing and ask for help.Don’t wear baggy or looseclothing around machinerywhere it can get caught. Wearsturdy boots when appropriate.

Long hair should be tied back.Certain tasks may require gog-gles and ear plugs.

Loud noises can cause per-manent hearing loss.

Be prepared for emergencies.All teen and adult family membersshould know basic first aid andCPR. All the farm workers shouldbe aware of each others’ where-abouts in case of an emergency.Quick ’n Easy Chicken Salad1 or 2 cans chicken in water1 TBL chopped onion2 TBL chopped celery1 or 2 TBL mayonnaise1 TBL pickle relishSalt and pepper to taste

Drain and discard water fromchicken can. Mix remainingingredients.

Serve over bed of lettuce orcut tomato or on bread.

FOR SALEJD 1770NT – 16R30, vac,hyd/VRT drive, Dawn cleaners,Prec meters, Keatons, Smartbox,always inside, extra clean. Call:630-557-2205

Antiques – old time desk withcurio cabinet and curved glass$1000, hand carved chair withhand made needlepoint on seat$500, chair with hand madeneedlepoint on seat back andarms $400, hand carved 30” highliving room table $500, and twosmall benches with needlepointseats $200 each. Call: 847-428-3149

Craftsman Radial Arm Saw, sel-dom used; Antique PinballMachine. Call: 847-464-4008

John Deere 3-16 #E145A plow,good condition Call: 630-973-7010

SERVICESNelson Landscape and Hauling –skidsteer work, dirt, sand, gravel,stump grinding, odd jobs andmore Call: 630-365-2392

WANTEDPlacement of Barn Cats: stables,horse barns, sheltered living. Alsousable traps, cages, donations.Call Jan Call: 630-377-5473

Help Wanted: High School orCollege age boy to help with yardwork. Call: 630-584-3274.

For community garden project:bulk tanks for H2O storage, usedpallets, steel fence posts. ContactSteve, 630-584-8660.

CLASSIFIED ADS • KANE COUNTYFARM BUREAU MEMBERS

Classified advertising rates: 20 cents per word/$10 minimum. DISCOUNTSfor members: Associate members, 20%; Voting members, 30%; PLUS mem-bers, 40%. Payment in advance is requested. Voting members receive lim-ited free classified advertising of farm commodities and farm equipment.Ads are due by the 15th of every month for the next issue. No advertising(classified or display) for financial or insurance services will be accepted.

Name ______________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

City______________________________State_____ Zip _____________

Category: Circle One: For Sale, Wanted, For Rent, Services,

Other:______________________________________________________

Ad copy: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Member No. ____________________ Phone No.(_____) _____________Complete the above form and mail to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 RandallRoad, St. Charles, IL 60174 or fax to (630) 584-0023. Non-member ad rate:payable with ad, $10.00 – 20 word maximum per ad.

CCLLAASSSSIIFFIIEEDD AADDSS

Defensive Drivingprogram offered in May

The Kane County FarmBureau Women’s Committee hasscheduled a 55 Alive MatureDriving Program through theAARP. Sandra Bauer, from SugarGrove, a volunteerinstructor with AARP,will give the eight-hourclass. The dates areWednesday &Thursday, May 13 &14 from noon to 4:00 p.m. eachday at the Kane County FarmBureau building, 2N710 RandallRoad, St. Charles. To completethe course, both sessions must becompleted.

This two-day, eight hourcourse covers driving in variousroad and weather conditions,passing techniques, the effects

of alcohol and drugs on drivingand other defensive drivingmethods. Many insurance com-panies offer a discount on autoinsurance to insured’s age 55

and older who qualifyand attend all eighthours of the course.Contact your insuranceagent for more details.

A fee of $12 forAARP members and $14 fornon-members (payable the firstday) will be charged to cover thecost of materials. For moreinformation, or to register, con-tact the Kane County FarmBureau at (630) 584-8660.Persons attending must belicensed drivers. Pre-registrationis required.

Book of the MonthAn Egg is Quiet is a book full

of different types of eggs andinformation about them. Itshows eggs from various birds,insects, and ocean animals.

Eggs are kept warm andcozy; by feathers, sand or eventhe father’s feet as with theEmperor Penguin.

Eggs are shapely; oval,round, pointy and even tubular.

An egg is clever; many ofthem blend in with their sur-roundings, looking like rocks,mud, or other camouflage

techniques. Eggs come in different sizes;

from the 8 pound Ostrich egg tothe teeny tiny MonarchButterfly eggs.

An egg is artistic; coming inmany different colors, speckled,or even lacy looking.

An egg is textured; hard,soft, rough, smooth and evengooey as with the amphibianeggs.

An egg can even be fos-silized; as with the dinosaureggs that scientists have found.

An egg is giving; it contains

everything needed for the crea-ture growing inside it.

Lastly, the egg is no longerquiet, but noisy when the youngcreature emerges from the eggto begin life on its own.

An Egg is Quiet containswonderful artwork on eachpage. Also included are pagesshowing various types of eggsand birds along with drawingsof different organism’s growthwithin the egg. Come borrow itfrom our library to share thewonder of eggs with the chil-dren in your life.

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston,

illustrated by Sylvia Long

Agriculturein Illinoisbookmarkcontest

“Agriculture in Illinois” wasthe theme for the Kane CountyFarm Bureau’s 2009 bookmarkcontest. All fourth grade class-rooms in Kane County were eli-gible to submit entries, whichwere judged by the Kane CountyFarm Bureau Women’sCommittee at their April meeting.

Melvyn Salvatierra of Mrs.Beckman’s fourth grade class atSt. Thomas More in Elgin is thisyear’s first place winner. Melvynwill receive a personal prize andhis classroom will participate inan “Illinois” party, including apresentation by KCFB AgLiteracy coordinator Suzi Myers.Congratulations Melvyn!

MAY 2009 KANE COUNTY FARMER PAGE 7

St. Charles Agency, RichardBristow, Agency Manager

Ted Schuster has been namedAgent of the Month for March2009 in the St. Charles Agency, asannounced by Agency Manager,Richard Bristow. Ted has been anagent with COUNTRY Insurance& Financial Services since March2005. He serves his clients fromhis office at 32 Cross Street, P.O.Box 1166, Sugar Grove, 60554.You may reach Ted at (630) 466-9600.Aurora Agency, Jackie Meier,Agency Manager

Stan Butler, FinancialRepresentative with the AuroraAgency, is Career Agent of theMonth for March 2009. Hebegan his career with COUN-TRY Financial January 1993and serves clients out of hisoffice located at 1921 WilsonStreet, Batavia, 60510. You mayreach Stan at (630) 406-6900.

Jeff Larson, FinancialRepresentative with the Aurora

Agency, is our Employee Agentof the Month for March 2009. Hebegan his career with COUNTRYFinancial in December 2003 andserves clients out of his officelocated at 2430 W Indian Trail,Suite 202, Aurora, 60506. Youmay reach Jeff at (630) 907-8888.Elgin/Schaumburg Agency,Jack Smith, Agency Manager

Gary Bolger has been named“Career Agent of the Month” forMarch 2009. Gary has been anagent with COUNTRYInsurance & Financial Servicessince July 2003. His office islocated at 1814 GrandstandPlace, Elgin, 60123. His phonenumber is (847) 742-0001.

Kathy Fester has been named“Employee Agent of the Month”for March 2009. Kathy has beenan agent with COUNTRYInsurance & Financial Servicessince November 2006. Her officeis located at 1814 GrandstandPlace, Elgin, 60123. Her phonenumber is (847) 742-0001.

What’s new in theCOUNTRY agencies?

Top Recruiter for MarchEach month, the Kane County

Farm Bureau honors the personor persons who sign the mostmembers into our organ-ization. We would liketo congratulate TedSchuster. Ted signedthirteen new members tobe named top recruiterfor March 2009.

Ted Schuster hasbeen an agent withCOUNTRY’s St.Charles Agency since March

2005. Ted services clients out ofthe Sugar Grove office at 32Cross St. You may reach Ted at

(630) 466-9600.As a token of our

appreciation, Ted willreceive two movie tick-ets to the CharlestowneMovie Theater. Thankyou, Ted for your con-tinued support of KaneCounty Farm Bureauand congratulations on

your success.

Ted Schuster

“Harvest for ALL” Information/Participation FormPurpose: To promote farms, farmers and farming; educate consumers about where food

originates; encourage consumer participation in Harvest for ALL efforts and restock the shelves of local food pantries.

____ Yes, I would like to participate in the Kane County Farm Bureau’s, Harvest for ALL,“local farmers…fighting local hunger” campaign to restock the shelves of a local food pantry.

I would like to donate the _____ gross receipts from one acre of, or _____ bushels of

nn corn nn soybeans nn wheat nn (other)_______________________________________________

Name_____________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip______________________________________________________________________

Phone (____________) ______________________________________________________________

Farm or Field location ________________________________________________________________

N S E or W or the intersection of _____________________ (road) & _____________________ (road)

Name(s) as you would like them to appear on sign : _______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Food Pantry designated to receive proceeds:_____________________________ (contact KCFB for a list)

Preferred payee: Settlement method: Settlement date:nn KCFB Foundation nn by personal /corporate check nn over scales at harvestnn Food Pantry nn by check from delivery point nn commodity price on ________ date

Return form to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N710 Randall Road, St Charles, Il 60174Fax 630 584-0023. For more info, contact Steve Arnold, (630) 584-8660 or steve@kanecfb.com

formerly Named America’s Second Harvest

Insights to help you makedecisions regarding thefood you consume andperspectives on how farmers in Kane County,and around the country,continue to provide a safeand affordable food supply for us all.

atconom csRetail food prices at the

supermarket dropped slightly forthe second consecutive quarter,according to the latest AmericanFarm Bureau FederationMarketbasket Survey. The infor-mal survey shows the total costof 16 food items that can be usedto prepare a meal was $47.41,down about 5.5 percent or $2.80from the fourth quarter of 2008.

Of the 16 items surveyed, 11decreased and five increased inaverage price compared to theprior quarter. The overall cost ofthe marketbasket of foods in thefirst quarter dropped just under 1percent compared to a year ago.

Shredded cheddar cheese,

milk and vegetable oil showed thelargest retail price declines andtogether account for most of thedecrease in average price of theoverall marketbasket.

Continued weak demandoverseas for U.S. dairy productscombined with increased on-farm production are behind thesoftening retail prices for shred-ded cheese and whole milk.

According to the federal gov-ernment, the Consumer PriceIndex (CPI) for all food is pro-jected to increase 3 percent to 4percent in 2009. According toUSDA, Americans spend justunder 10 percent of their dispos-able annual income on food.

AFBF Marketbasket Survey

The Hinckley-Big Rock(HBR) High School AgDepartment has ambitions ofexpanding its horticulture cur-riculum, which includes buildinga new greenhouse. According toag teacher Gary Blankenship, thedepartment has raised about halfof the money needed to constructthe greenhouse.

Blankenship projects the totalproject will cost about $60,000.The FFA has already contributedmoney to the greenhouse projectfrom their grain sales and a granthas been received from FCAE(Facilitating Coordination in AgEducation). The Ag Departmenthas also applied for other grantsfrom organizations and commu-nity groups to help fund the newgreenhouse.

Currently, an organized groupof parents and local residents issoliciting individuals for dona-

tions. In their “Seeds for Seeds”drive they are asking farmers toconsider donating bushels ofgrain to help build the new green-house. Farmers can make a graindonation at their local elevatorwith proceeds earmarked for theHBR greenhouse.

“We are working to generatefunds beyond the school dis-trict’s budget,” statedBlankenship. “To make thishappen we are looking for busi-ness and individual donations.”

HBR has a target date of June1st to receive contributions. Oncethey have the commitments theywill order the 31’ x 40’ aluminumstructure and components.

For more information aboutthe “Seeds for Seeds” drive andthe greenhouse project, contactGary Blankenship at 815-286-7532, gblankenship@hbr429.org.

Greenhouse donations sought

Photos, left to right: The toy tractor corral was a big hit with kids of all ages, who got to try out their load-ing techniques on miniature tractor models.One of the main attractions of Touch-A-Tractor, kids had the chance to sit on a number of antique tractorsof different makes and models brought in by local farmers and tractor enthusiasts. They ran from one trac-tor to the next to sit behind the wheel and imagine they were steering across a wide-open field. KCFB Director Gerry Gaitsch of Huntley gave kids a turn behind thewheel of the biggest machine atTouch-A-Tractor, farmer BruceNagel’s quad track.

Thank you ...

PAGE 8 KANE COUNTY FARMER MAY 2009

Progressive Agriculture Safety DaysTM

Progressive Agriculture Foundation

Progressive Farmer Safety DayFriday, June 26, 2009

9:00 am-3:00 pm • Lion’s Park, ElburnA fun-filled day of safety learning topics and demonstrations for 7-12 year olds.

Sponsored locally by:

KCFB Young Farmers Kane County Corn GrowersElburn Co-op Monsanto

Elburn Lions Ream’s Elburn Market Prairie Farms DairyBuck Bros. Westfalia Surge Stover Brothers Trucking

and these National Sponsors:

The Progressive Farmer Safety Day is for children 7-12 as of theevent date. It will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009 from 9 am – 3 pm.This fun-filled day will include demonstrations and discussions of10-12 safety topics. If you are over 13 and would like to be a volunteer or adult leader, please call one of the contacts listedbelow. All volunteers must be registered!

Instructions: Please fill in all blanks on the Release and ConsentForm and return it to the University of Illinois Extension or KaneCounty Farm Bureau. A parent or guardian must sign the Release andConsent Form in order for their child to participate in the ProgressiveFarmer Safety Day.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a first come, first servedbasis until filled and must be submitted by May 21, 2009.

Fee: A non-refundable fee of $5 per child ($10 for 2 or more perfamily) includes lunch, snacks, speakers, t-shirt, and freebies. Thefee must accompany the application; checks should be made payableto Kane County Farm Bureau. Lunch will be provided.

Participants: After registration, participants will be divided intogroups and rotate through sessions like those listed below, plus othersafety topics. There will be breaks, lunch and prizes.

Animal Safety Fire Safety Tractor SafetyFirst Aid Sun Safety Grain Safety

ATV Safety Firearm Safety Lawnmower Safety

At morning registration/drop off, a parent and/or guardianmust list name of person picking child up at 3:00 pm on June 26!

Please call for more information:

Steve Arnold, Safety Day Coordinator – (708) 650-8661Dale Pitstick, Safety Day Coordinator – (630) 816-0223Ryan Klassy, Kane County Farm Bureau – (630) 584-8660Deanna Roby, University of Illinois Extension – (630) 584-6166

Limit: first 80 applicants

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™ Code 09-506

2009 Release and Consent Form II1) I give my permission for the child listed below to attend the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™. I understand

that one of the purposes of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™ is to teach participants to stay safe aroundfarm sites, farm equipment, and farm animals. During safety day, safety barriers will be in place, safety rules willbe enforced, and participants will be closely supervised by safety day instructors and group leaders. However, Iacknowledge that there is the possibility of accidents. I release the coordinators, instructors, volunteers, spon-sors, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, and the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™ program from allclaims, in the event of injury to my child, unless the injury is the result of gross negligence or willful misconducton the part of these parties.

2) First aid will be available at the safety day and medical and/or hospital care will be provided in case of serious ill-ness or injury. I understand that if serious illness or injury occurs the emergency contact(s) listed below will benotified. If it is impossible to reach the emergency contact(s), I give permission for emergency treatment as rec-ommended by the attending physician.

3) I give my permission for photographs, audio, and video to be taken of my child while engaged in safety day activ-ities and for these images to be used by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation and the Canadian AgriculturalSafety Association to promote safety in the media, on our websites, and in promotional materials. I understandthat in the past representatives of the local media have been present during safety day activities and have takenphotographs, audio and video of participants.

4) I understand that my child might be asked to complete a written knowledge test before and after the safety dayto help evaluate the effectiveness of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™ program. Participation is voluntary,and my child may choose not to participate. I give permission for my child to participate in these evaluations.

8/1/08

Please print the following:

Name of Parent/Guardian ______________________________________________________________________

Name of Participant(s)____________________, ___________________________, ________________________

Participant’s age(s) ____, _____, _____ Grade(s) in school ____, ____, ____ Participant(s) are: nn Boy nn Girl

Does this participant: nn Live on a farm or ranch nn Work on a farm or ranch nn Visit a farm or ranch nn N/A

Address ____________________________________________________________________________________

City ______________________________________ State/Province ________ Postal Code __________________

Area Code ___________________ Phone Number _________________________________________________

Emergency Contact 1 __________________________ Emergency Phone Number(s)_________________________

Emergency Contact 2 __________________________ Emergency Phone Number ___________________________

If you are a parent/guardian and want to volunteer, call the Kane County Farm Bureau at 630-584-8660. If you planto attend and eat lunch, please send an additional $3 with your child’s application and place a check mark below toindicate that you will be eating lunch. nn YES, I plan to attend with my child and eat lunch. An additional $3 isattached.

Your Name __________________________________________________________________________________

Please check your child’s t-shirt size: nn youth small (6-8) nn youth medium (10-12) nn youth large (14-16)nn adult small nn adult medium nn adult large nn adult x-large nn adult xx-large nn adult xxx-large

Return by May 21, 2009 to: Kane County Farm Bureau, 2N 710 Randall Road, St. Charles, IL 60174

Progressive AgricultureSafety DayTM

I have read and agree to the above information. (Note: If you do not give permission for all or part of items 2, 3, or 4 simply mark through and initial the statement(s) that you do not agree to. However, if you do not agreeto item 1, your child cannot attend the safety day.)

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________ Date __________________

Touch-A-Tractor thank yousMany volunteers contribute to

the success of Touch-A-Tractor.The bringing together of fami-lies, the smiles on the faces of thekids ... and the farmers, who arerightly proud of their profession,

made it all worthwhile!Kane County Farm Bureau

and our Foundation offer a spe-cial thanks to the following, formaking equipment available, fordemonstrations, for help with

set-up and staffing during theevent and otherwise assisting inthe success of this farm-cityrelations program. Without yourhelp, Touch-A-Tractor wouldnot have been possible.

Steve SchrammDale PitstickJohnny BiddleBrian RiekeJason WhiteJoe WhiteMike KenyonWayne SchneiderChris CollinsBill CollinsBob GehrkeWayne GehrkeFrank CarlsonBeulah SwansonPat Roche

Gerry ReganAl LenkaitisJerry GaitschTrent PiersonJim O’ConnellChase Bornemann –

Kaneland FFAHampshire FFASteve AustinMatt DrendelBrandon OrangerOlivia JohnsonHelena VanEckBarb PachlaBeth Engel

Rachel SorensonMeghan OharaAlicia SchmuckChris CollinsBob GehrkeBeth GehrkeChristie DawsonAndy Dawson

Tractors & DemosBruce NagelJim and Cecilia NassKuipers Family FarmMike KenyonKen and Nancy MeyerWayne Gehrke

Eldon GouldTrent & Heather

PiersonErwin PanzerLeonard PanzerKirk Bunke – Primrose

FarmRobert SwansonBernice ManessDan HeinrichVickie PelockBob Jass ChevroletAlbert LenkaitisBrad Kriegel –

Mooseheart Farms

T w e n t y - t w omonth oldNicholas Sims ofBatavia (stand-ing), the proudwinner in theFREE Farmallpedal tractordrawing atTouch-A-Tractor,poses with hisprize with brotherAlex and parentsSteve and Julie.

See the Touch-A-Tractor story on page 4 and additionalTouch-A-Tractor photos throughout this paper.