INSIDE THIS ISSUE: To Farm Or Not To Farm Sturgeon's Rainbow But Levi's Saddle Cut Jeans provide a higher rise and the extra room in the seat and thigh a man the stature of "B.D!' needs. Plus thoughtful little touches Levi's* Saddle Cut™ Jeans are cut to give the working like flat rivets and higher hip pockets for a more com- cowboy a bit more room to work. Even if he's the likes of fortable ride. Room in the leg to fit snugly over a rodeo legend Eugene "Bull Dogger" Lacey, pictured above. boot; and room between the belt loops for a champion- " Bull Dogger" Lacey is one mean cowboy, ship buckle. not to mention one of your larger specimens. hIt *-^ The moral of the story being: any man cut "VTJ Neck like an oak stump. Arms like back hoes lVi=J--iH:lft^M:» out to De a rodeo legend is more than likely fit to Thighs the size of Loomix troughs... wear Levi's Saddle Cut Jeans.

QUALITY NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE8

lr>owoviSffauuftCo SonFfoncttco.CACiWlLeviSifOusiaiCo. Mure hrmer August-September, 1983

Publlshrd by (he I in ii n- Farmers of America Volume 31 Number 5 ISSN 0027-9315

A Word With The Editor In This Issue These are uncertain times for American Wild About Wildlife agriculture. The PIK program may offer Hours of work have gone into this FFA member's natural resource project. 10 short-term relief for some farmers but no Sturgeon's Rainbow long-term solution has yet been proven. This FFA member manages a rainbow trout fish hatchery up in the mountains. 12 Increased exports will help if we can develop adequate markets throughout the world for Reduced Tillage: The Wave of the Future our surplus products. Once again the Amer- This modern farm method may be a good way for you to break into farming. 14 ican farmer is the victim of his own efficiency. Go North, Young Man can He simply produces more than we Those custom wheat harvesters are looking for hired hands; you could be one. 19 consume in this country. It may take years to work ourselves out of the present surplus Smart As A Fox FFA'er Dwain picks up vo-ag training from an situation but many experts feel the long Adams uncommon SOE program. 22

for is range outlook agriculture good because To Farm Or Not To Farm: Is There Still A Choice? of the population growth expected through- Times are tough down on the farm; but it may not be as bad as you think. 24 out the world. For many FFA members, this presents a High Hopes Tammie McDaniel proves that big dreams come in small packages. question: "To Farm or Not To Farm: Is 26 there still a choice?" The article on page 24 The Legend of Casey Fortune deals with this question a historical from This cowbov can ranch and ride with the best of 'em. 28 viewpoint with a future outlook. You will also find a western flavor to this He's Off And Running National Horse winner Sturgeon's career is ahead of the pack. issue. "He's Off and Running" refers to Tom Tom 30 Sturgeon, the national horse proficiency Careers In Agriculture: Ag Journalism winner. You can also read about Casey Our continuing series gives a fast-paced look at an exciting field. 32 Fortune, a modern-day cowboy who is as much at home in a rodeo as he is on the range. One of the strengths of vocational agri- culture is its diversity. As a result, FFA members get "hands-on" experience and skills under a wide range of programs. This issue has two features which are perfect examples: James Sturgeon, who lives in the mountains and helps his dad run a fish hatchery; and Dwain Adams, who helps manage what may be the world's largest Chapter Scoop 34 silver fox ranch. In Every Issue "Reduced Tillage: The Wave of the News In Brief 4 FFA In Action 36 Future," deals with a subject you will be hearing more about in years ahead because it Looking Ahead 6 New In Western Wear 38 helps with both soil and energy conser- vation. And for you chapter reporters and Mailbag 8 The Joke Page 42 others who look for an ag career off the farm, Cover: Cover Photo by Michael Wilson our career series takes up the subject of ag journalism. It seems horse lovers can be found anywhere and anytime, but especially during the warm, hazy days of summer. Our cover for this issue features Cecile Simmons, an FFA member from Archer, Florida. Cecile was the FFA's horse proficiency winner from the Southern Region last year.

Magazine Staff National Officers National Staff Advertising Offices mkw Editor-in-Chief. Wilson W. Carries National President. Janice Eberly, 1059 Ranger National Advisor, Chief Executive Officer. The National FUTURE FARMER \^& Managing Editor. Michael Wilson Road. Fallbrook. CA 92028; National Secretary. Byron Rawls; Executive Secretary, Coleman P.O Box 15160 Alexandria, VA 22309 703-360-3600 Senior Editor, John M Pitzer Marty Coates. Route 1, Box 204, Clarkton. NC Harris. National Treasurer. David A Miller, Contributing Editor. Gary Bye 28433. National Vice Presidents, Cara Doyle. Administrative Director. Wilson W Carnes; Robert C Whaley Lennie 4605 Fulton, Suite No 4 Publishing Assistant, Jo Colley 703 South Ouincy, Green Bay. Wl 54301 , Bruce Manager of International Programs. Sherman Oaks. CA 91423 213-789-6681 Editorial Assistant. Jan Swan Kettler. 8550 State Route 274. Anna. OH 45302, Gamage. FFA Program Specialist (Awards).

Director of Advertising. Glenn D Bryan Stamps. Route 1, Box 309, Edwards. MS Robert Seefeldt, FFA Program Specialist Robert Flahive Company 22 Battery Street Luedke 39066; Wendell Jeffreys, Route 1, Bokchito. OK (Contests). Ted Amick, FFA Program Special- San Francisco, CA94111 415-781-4583 Advertising Assistant, Joyce Berryman 74726 ist (Leadership), Tony Hoyt; Director of Circulation Fulfillment Manager, Information, Cameron Dubes. Audio-visual Midwestern States DottieM Hinkle Board of Directors Specialist. William Stagg. Director of FFA Ag/Group 20. Inc 400 N Michigan Avenue Assistants, Chairman, Byron F Rawls, Members of the Supply Service. Harry J Andrews. Assistant Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-5560 Pat Glenn, Board. William Dannenhauer, Thame Director, Paul Kidd. Manager, Computer Dorothy Welzel, McCormick. Duane Nielsen, William Schreck. Services, George Verzagt, Executive Director Ohio, Pennsylvania. Delaware. New Jersey Ag/Group 20, Inc Sandy Hynson C W Reed, Les Thompson, J W Warren. FFA Alumni Association. Robert W Cox; PO Box 251 Manager of Accounting. JoAnn Grimes Donald E Wilson. Old Greenwich, CT 06870 203-637-4397

The National FUTURE FARMER (ISSN 0027-9315) is published bimonthly by the Future Farmers of America, 5632 Mount Vernon Highway. Alexandria. Virginia 22309 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the National FUTURE FARMER. P.O. Sox 15160. Alexandria. Virginia 22309.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Send both old and new address to Circulation Department. The National FUTURE FARMER. P O Box 15160. Alexandria, Virginia 22309 CORRESPONDENCE: Address all correspondence to The National FUTURE FARMER. P O Box 15160, Alexandria, Virginia 22309 Offices located at the National FFA Center, approximately eight miles south of Alexandria. Virginia SUBSCRIPTION: S2 00 per year in U S and possessions (FFA members 51 00 paid with dues) Single copy 50C, five or more 35C each Foreign subscriptions, S2 00 plus 52 00 extra for postage Copyright 1983 by the Future Farmers of America .The FFA Over Xmsin Brief $8,000 in

TELEVISION AND FILM STAR Cashways, Inc., and PPG Industries Awarded Eddie Albert speaks out for vocational Foundation. New Special Project Monthly agriculture in a recently-finished FFA sponsors include: Klein Tools, Inc.; public relations campaign which will Nursery Supplies, Inc.; Esmark, air nationwide during national FFA Incorporated Foundation/ Swift & WEEK next year. The campaign Co.; International Minerals & includes public service announcements, Chemical Corp.; Nursery Supplies, the annual theme show and FFA Inc.; Red Brand fence (made by WEEK materials. The campaign was Keystone Steel & Wire Co.); the previewed recently at the annual State Jerome Foundation and Estech, Inc., Presidents' Conference this July, and is who will support the FFA through the sponsored by the General Fund of the 1984 FFA WEEK program. National FFA Foundation, Inc. Watch for more details in future "CONVENTION TIME: That Special issues. Feeling," is a new 30-minute film sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company DR. OWEN J. NEWLIN, vice through the National FFA president of Pioneer Hi-Bred Foundation, Inc. The film captures the International, Inc., was named the spirit of the National FFA Convention National Agri- Marketer's Association through a documentary style, using 1983 Agri- Marketer of the Year at viewpoints from FFA members, NAMA's annual meeting held this advisors, contest judges and guest spring. Dr. Newlin served on the FFA speakers as they participate in the Foundation Advisory Board, was a National FFA Convention, which is member of the Board of Trustees and held each November in Kansas City, in 1981 served as chairman of the Missouri. The film is narrated by past National FFA Foundation Sponsoring National FFA Officer David Pearce, Draw Me Committee. and was a three-year project of Venard THE FFA BOARD of Directors Films Ltd. For more information write to: Films Ltd., ushered in two new voting members Venard Box 1332, You may win one of five $1,495.00 Peoria, 61601. for their July Board meeting. Don E. IL Art Scholarships or any one of fifty Wilson, state FFA advisor from $10.00 cash prizes. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION Make your drawing size California, succeeds Oklahoma state any except Terrel Bell and Secretary of like a tracing. Use pencil. Every qualified Advisor Ralph Dreesen. C.W. Reed, Agriculture John Block were present entrant receives a free professional state advisor from Alabama, succeeds at the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimate of his or her drawing. Dr. Curtis Corbin, Jr., state FFA during this year's Agriculture Day, to Scholarship winners will receive advisor from Georgia. Fundamentals of Art taught by Art mail an "Agriculture In America's Instruction Schools, one of America's DESPITE THE ROUGH FARM Classrooms" Governor's Proclamation leading home study art schools. Our economy the National FFA to all the nation's governors. The objective is to find prospective Foundation reports more and more ag proclamation was signed by all living students who appear to be properly businesses who now support the FFA former Secretaries of Agriculture and motivated and have an appreciation as new Foundation sponsors. New promotes programs like Food For and liking for art. general fund sponsors include Payless America in elementary schools. Your entry will be judged in the month received. Prizes awarded for best drawings of various subjects received from qualified entrants age 14 and over. One $25 cash award for the best drawing from entrants age 12 and 13. No drawings can be returned. Our students and professional artists not eligible. Contest winners will be notified. Send your entry today.

MAIL THIS COUPON TO ENTER CONTEST ART INSTRUCTION SCHOOLS Studio 3G-3540 500 South Fourth Street Minneapolis. Minnesota 55415

Please enter my drawing in your monthly contest. {PLEASE PRINT)

Occupation

Address Apt

City State Sixty-one FFA members participating in the WEA (Work Experience Abroad) class in for 3-, 6- and 12-month stays in 14 European countries, New County Zin departed June Zealand and Japan. Two more groups are scheduled to depart in late August. Telephone Number c 1983 Art Instruction Schools 4 The National FUTURE FARMER IT DOESN T TEAR UP THE NATION. IT TEARS UP A STATE.

AND WHO'S THERE TO HELP PUT IT ALL TOGETHER? The Army National Guard of Kansas. Or Mississippi. Or wherever that emergency may be. You see, the Guard is the military branch that's first to come to a state's rescue. The Army Guard is trained as a partner of the Army in case

of national defense. Then it puts that training to work to protect your state and community. Won't you join us? Two days a month and two weeks annual training (after your initial training) lets you earn extra income and learn new skills while you protect everything that's close to you. For more information, call your local Army Guard recruiter

or call toll-free 800-638-7600* And see if we can put it all together for yOU. ^^ *In Hawaii: 737-5255; Puerto Rico: 723-4550; Guam: 477-9957; Virgin Islands [St. Croix|: 773-6438; New Jersey: 800-452-5794. In Alaska consul! your local phone directory.

The Guard is America at its best.

GUARDNATIONAL

AINFTU**()83NP 1 —

- -M-w- Trends1 renas T|_in_Qin ^ Agriculture m -m -m Looking Ahead genuine

100 BUSHEL WHEAT? That's the relays the cow's code to a goal of researchers at Arkansas' microcomputer. The device which leather Agricultural Experiment Station in measures a cow's milk output can also Over 20 Colors! Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the relay the figures to a microcomputer scientists may reach their goal sooner causing a computer Four Weights! printout to show than you think. "We know it can be which cow produces exactly how Styles! Many done," says Dr. Fred Collins, much milk during each milking Economical! University of Arkansas agronomist. session. "To maximize yields we are combining THE COMPUTER REVOLUTION Make your own tough working Bushels/Acre is underway in American agriculture, chaps or elegant show chaps and but it's only taken its first wobbly 31 save money with the huge selec- lii*ulL'' tion of high quality chap leathers steps, according to a report from an from Tandy Leather Co. Whether you need Iowa State University research team. hard working range chaps or a stylish pair of Only 3 percent of the Iowa farmers colorful show chaps, Tandy Leather can fill your needs with a complete selection of responding to a 1982 survey say they chap leathers, a wide variety batwing and of are currently using microcomputers to shotgun chap patterns and all of the zippers, snaps and hardware you'll need- help make operating decisions. See your yellow pages and shop a store near However, 17 percent say they are you for a complete selection Or, send 50C planning to buy a microcomputer for postage and handling for our big FREE 104 their farming operation. page catalog packed full of leathercraft sup- Fifty-seven plies Mail to: Tandy Leather Co., Dept. percent say they haven't given a NFF-883, P.O. Box 2934, Fort Worth, TX microcomputer any serious thought, 76113. Tandy Leather is the source lor all of your leather needs. and 23 percent of the farmers thought about it — but rejected the idea.

REFUELING TRACTORS is a daily 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 job on most farms, and one that can Illustration courtesy Mead Paper easily be taken for granted. Here are LEATHER COMPANY U.S. wheat yields have increased over some safety tips passed on by the the last 50 years. National Safety Concil's Agri-Safety n technology from the area of breeding, Newsletter: • soil fertility, plant pathology and Turn off the engine, and if hot, allow it to cool before refueling. entomology." Although 1 982 U.S. wheat production was a record 35. • Put out your smoke; it could ignite any vapors or splashes. bushels per acre —far from 1 00 bushels per acre —average yields in the United • Remove the tank cap slowly, States have been slowly rising over the allowing any pressure to escape before past fifty years. taking it all the way off. Make sure cap venting or pressure release valve is PEOPLE ARE PAYING more for clean and working. domestic farm food, but the farmer's • When the tank is nearing capacity, share is getting smaller and smaller. In back off on the flow and avoid

1 982 U.S. consumer expenses were a overfilling. Let the nozzle drip before record $298 billion, up 5 percent from # (°p?&i removing it. Wipe up spills and let the year before. Of this total, farmers residue dry before restarting the engine. received $84 billion—about 28 cents of • If you are doused with fuel, quickly each food dollar - while $214 billion, get away from any ignition source. or 72 cents, went to cover Remove fuel-soaked clothing and These comfortable I00°/o cotton twill caps transporting, processing and wash affected skin areas. look just like ;i tin of your favorite chew! distributing foods to consumers. ALTHOUGH FARM MACHINERY A must tor anv serious chewer's wardrobe. DOG TAGS FOR MILK COWS? sales plunged 30 percent and fertilizer

FIVE STVLtS AVAILABLE For busy farmers, knowing exactly sales dropped 1 1 percent between 1981 how much milk each cow produces and 1982, pesticide sales dipped only 2 Copenhagen Red Man daily is the key to better herd to 5 percent, according to a USDA Skoal Kodiak management. And the job of report. The small pesticide decrease, identifying each cow in a large herd is compared to other farm input *" caps are one - Hawken virtually impossible. But now Cornell decreases, is attributed to farmers' SIZE - FITS -ALL. University researchers have developed reluctance to risk increased crop losses. Send $5.95 each (any 3 for 16.99) two electronic devices to solve both U.S. pesticide use varies substantially

plus 75C postage and handling to i problems. These gadgets, which look among crops and regions: in 1981, TIN -TOPS like electronic "dog tags" attached to wheat farmers spent an average $2.25 c/o H & S Marketing - Dept F1 the cow's neck chain, weigh only a few per acre for pesticides while peanut ounces and are computer acre. PO. Box 8558 growers spent $79 per Outlook programmed. As each cow moves into for increased pesticide use is optimistic Minneapolis, MN 55408 the milking parlor the gadgets send due to increased use of minimum and Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. signals to a nearby receiver which no-tillage practices.

The National FUTURE FARMER We believe in recognizing jobs well done

Ourcompany appreciates individual 29 Land-Grant universities and con- Kansas State University, Manhattan initiative and effort. tribute the same total at each University of Kentucky, Lexington Within MoorMan's, we do our The university's ag scholarship Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge best to recognize and honor our committee determines the number, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing people for jobs well done. individual dollar amounts and recip- University of Minnesota, St. Paul We also try to encourage young ients of MoorMan Scholarships. Mississippi State University, Starkville people interested in agriculture by University of Missouri, Columbia University of Arkansas, Fayetteville helping honor them in three ways: Montana State University, Bozeman Auburn University, Auburn, AL University of Nebraska. Lincoln FFA: Our financial contributions Clemson University, Clemson, SC New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces Colorado State University, Fort Collins help honor outstanding members North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh University of Florida, Gainesville at the chapter, state, regional and Ohio State University, Columbus University of Georgia, Athens national levels. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater University of Illinois. Urbana Purdue University, West Lafayette. IN Iowa State University, Ames 4-H: Our contributions help honor South Dakota State Univ., Brookings outstanding members at county, Southern Illinois Univ., Carbondale state and national levels. University of Tennessee, Knoxville Texas A&M University, College Station Universities: We sponsor scholar- University of Wisconsin, Madison ships at agricultural colleges of JfoorJfans University of Wyoming, Laramie

Moorman Mlg. Co.. Quincy. Illinois MaiMa

Friendswood, Texas Burger in a two-teacher department ciation could write to Mr. Nolen at the

I was very pleased with the article since July, 1964, for a total of 19 years. Hartshorne High School, Hartshorne, "What Does 'FFJ' Stand For?" on page Mr Burger retired in June. We know we Oklahoma 74547.— Ed.

26 of the June-July issue. Until now 1 have the record in Oklahoma for years had no idea that there was an FFJ. It taught together and maybe the United Minot, North Dakota was very informative and 1 was glad to States. We have never had an argument. In reference to an article I read in the see our national officers working with By the way, do we have the longest April-May issue (page 26) about leader- the FFJ. tenure together in the U.S.? Maybe you ship, I agree very strongly with the Auggie Mathis could find out for us. statement that Shirley Jones made that Hartshorne, Oklahoma Mickey Nolen the goals you set for yourself are impor- tant. I too challenge all FFA members I am a vo-ag teacher at Hartshorne We do not have such information here. and have taught with Mr. Howard Anyone who knows of a longer asso- to set and accomplish their goals. I am looking forward to fulfilling my goal of being a WEA exchange student. Tdunia Martin Riverton, Wyoming

I would like to commend you and the entire staff of The National FUTURE FA RMER on the excellent issues you

put out. I really enjoy reading the magazine.

I still have another year before I can join FFA but because of the magazine and the support of my brother Mike and

his ag instructor Tad McMillan, I plan to join FFA.

I set my goal high and I hope to learn qualities of leadership and responsibil- ities. Kim Fahrizius Rossville, Georgia I'm happy to receive The National FUTURE FARMER magazine. The

best article I enjoyed was of Kenny Davis ("The Many Faces of Kenny Davis," Page 14, April-May, 1983). It lets me know, no matter what age you are, people have to listen to you if you make them understand what you're doing is for a good cause. I'm learning about FFA. Kathy Skicimore Kalamazoo, Michigan Congratulations on the Future Farmer

magazine, it's excellent. As a former farm boy, FFA state degree winner, vo-ag teacher and FFA

advisor and state 4-H president, I can LakeMate™ and StreamMate™ see through your magazine that FFA is

Buck's two fish fillet knives. . new .different in ways you'll alive and well —thank God. appreciate. Pick one up, feel the difference in the handle, I strongly encourage each of you as shaped to fit your hand. Made of textured Kraton* with a tacky friends of agriculture to learn all you can feel, it won't slip. There's even a thong-hole. The slightly through FFA and its super activities. pliant, fully resilient handle washes clean with soap and water. Those successful now and in the future The blades, of course, are made of Buck high-guality, rust- will need the leadership, citizenship and resistant steel that holds an edge! Rich brown leather practical skills you can gain now as sheath has a protective liner vocational agriculture students and FFA for long life. And these fine members. Please do not waste the op- knives are backed Buck's by BUCK portunity of a lifetime. famous guarantee, at a price Dale M. Johnson much lower than you'd expect KNIVES First of America Bank ',;. *Kraton is a registered TM of Shell / .i.-.-A *ci hcidma j;i < Send letters or notes (he sure it 's legihle) Coming soon: 9" Buck's OceanMate™ with blade with name, address and chapter to:

MAI I. BAG. The National FUTURE AMERICA'S FAVORITE KNIVES FA RMER. P.O. Box 15160. Alexandria. All letters are subject Free.' "Knife Know-How" Dept. NF-883. P.O. Box 1267. El Cajon, CA 92022 VA 22309. to editing.

The National FUTURE FARMER .

% <'~i "%& pri*S4R

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SS*'-*. W?«

Ask for Nocona Boots where quality Western boots are sold. Style shown '5026 with Walnut Bullhide vam NOCONA BOOT COMPANY / BOX 599 / NOCONA, TEXAS 76255 / 817-825-3321 • r - 1>H Wild About Wildlife

By Dianne L. Beetler

Matt Howard, an 18-year-old recent Matt's father. Bill, formed the wildlife graduate of Knoxville, Illinois, area several years ago, but when Matt High School, has no idea how many became interested and decided to make hours of work he has devoted to the it his FFA project, work progressed in wildlife area on his family's farm near earnest. The area consists of 40 acres of Maquon, Illinois. It was enough time, fenced land with four ponds, three Matt Howard on land designated as a however, to earn Matt the Illinois Pro- man-made. Three miles of fence protect Giant Canada Goose Area. ficiency Award for Fish and Wildlife the area from livestock but provide no Management last year. barrier to wildlife. Matt spent two years working on the project, which today furnishes a refuge for squirrels, deer, rabbits, oppossum, foxes, raccoons, wood ducks, mallards, geese, turtledoves and other wildlife. One way he established the area was through planting food for the animals. "I planted food plots along strips of land next to the fences," says Matt. "I used a mixture of soybeans, corn, millet, sorghum and sunflowers. A couple years ago we started planting large sunflower plots for turtledoves." One major goal of Matt's was to supply nesting places for various forms of wildlife. He made brush piles for rabbits and quail, and built wooden squirrel houses. But that was only the beginning of Matt's building ambitions: he also installed fiberglass wood duck nests in trees; he built two islands on a large pond to be used as nesting grounds by geese; and he also planted a large variety of fruit, nut and pine trees, as well as crown vetch as food and a good ground cover. Although the Howards don't see their

wildlife area as a paradise, it seems idyllic to some visitors. On a sunny summer day the insects drone, ducks swim quietly in the pond and green grass shines against bright blue skies. It's a peaceful refuge for people who enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife —and Matt Howard is one of those people. •••

Matt checks one of several squirrel houses he built. Photos by Author

The National FUTURE FARMER . Natural fund raiser.

You're looking at it— the Sunkist® orange. The fund raising idea that's healthy, wholesome, and nutritious. It's a natural. You'll find a health-conscious, ready market for Sunkist citrus out there. Sunkist Fund Raising So you'll really make money for your organization. Sunkist Growers, Inc. is big name in citrus— 61% of orange buyers say Sunkist the P.O. Box 7888 they prefer Sunkist to any other brand. You can expect your fund Van Nuys, CA 91409 raiser to be a really juicy profit maker. Your group can sell Sunkist navel oranges, Sunkist valencias or tangy Sunkist grapefruit. To get the whole story on selling Name Sunkist for fun and profit, mail this coupon now. We'll send you the whole story— it's called "Sunkist— the Sweet Seller." Organization

It's a big, full-color booklet that tells you everything you need Phone Number to know to make money the natural Sunkist way. Like how to organize and how much time you'll need. How to pick a date and Address set a price. How to pick the right people and how to get them going. How to get the word out to the community and how to kick City off your sales drive. How to order Sunkist citrus. And how to deliver it. _ Statestate Zipi-ip . | So send for our booklet— you'll get a lot out of it, naturally. You have our word on it.™ Growers, Inc.© 1982 Sunkist, (Sunkist and You have our word on it" are trademarks of Sunkist Sturgeon's Rainbow

This FFA member helps produce rainbow trout for the State Game and Fish Department at an isolated fish hatchery high in the mountains of Arizona.

After wincing over what I hoped was here to feed the animals —it's just that at a cost of $6 to $7 per 1,000 eggs, and the final jolt in our bumpy ride up we do it in the water, not on land." the eggs are kept in incubators until the steep and winding mountain road, His description seems more than James or Mr. Sturgeon can detect the our weather-beaten van pulled itself to a appropriate, just as the rugged mountain "eye" phase —when trout first get eyes halt at an isolated and snowy clearing. base where the Sturgeons' produce their and a body shape. The stock must be It had been a 43-mile ride to our "stock" seems apt as well. At 8,600-feet checked each day for fungus growth, isolated mountain destination, and nes- elevation, the only sound heard is the which can wipe out an entire lot. tled there among the evergreens was a rushing water in the hatchery's breeding Mr. Sturgeon, manager of Canyon home, a few buildings —and what I tank; lift your head upward and the only Creek Hatchery, says the trout are then thought were two simple recreational movement you might see is a passing put into a raceway filled with water two ponds. Later I found that these small cloud, or the peaceful glide of a bald feet deep where they'll stay on the lakes were the "confinement feedlots" of eagle. Far from any smoke or city noise, bottom and feed off a "built-in protein the subject of my story: 16-year-old this sparsely-populated region of the sack" naturally attached to the fish's James Sturgeon, an FFA member with country seems ideally-suited to the na- body. This growing stage takes about a very unique 'Tarming" operation. tural resource work taking place. four weeks, says James. "We have to use

My assignment today was to find out Still, I was skeptical. In my ignorance, a petroleum product to force them up about an agricultural operation I knew I figured there was probably nothing too and give them feed once they're finished little of: rainbow trout production. complicated or difficult about feeding or with the sack," he says. "You've got to James, from the Payson, Arizona, FFA growing a fish. Up until now, my only teach them how to eat by constantly

Chapter, works with his father Clovis concern with rainbow trout was how it keeping food in front of them." During Sturgeon here at Canyon Creek Hatch- tasted on the dinner plate. this stage, the fish must be fed every ery. The hatchery is built on National I found out quickly, though, that hour of the working day if they are to

Forest Service land and financed by the there was more to a fish hatchery than I survive. State Game and Fish Department. had bargained for. At the next stage, the "fingerlings" As we pile out into the thin mountain My education began with James ex- (two to five inches long) can be taken to air, James offers a simple comparison: plaining that production at the hatchery stock a lake. The hatchery annually "Basically, the fish hatchery here is like begins with boxes of eggs —up to 200 produces 1.5 million fingerlings to stock any other farm or ranch," he says with a boxes with 300,000 eggs in each box. Arizona streams and lakes. But trout are smile. "You always have to have someone The boxes are shipped from Colorado not considered "catchables" until they

12 The National FUTURE FARMER By Michael Wilson

Clockwise from far left: feeding time begins with a quick flick of James' wrist; Payson Advisor Wendell Stevens, right, helps James check a female "brood trout; the Hatchery's raceway system used for younger fish; eggs are brought in to the Hatchery from another brood fish station; a close-up view of the feed which James says helps produce one pound of trout per one-and-a-half pounds of feed. are nine inches long. In order for the male sperm and harvested once a year. Advisor Wendell Stevens. "It's all do- hatchery to produce their annual 300,000 The male sperm has only 10 seconds to nated time. But in the long run he's catchables, the fingerlings are sent on to fertilize before it dies, and the female egg getting paid back, because of the exper- be "fattened up" in feeding ponds. is "open" to be fertilized for only three ience he'll have when it comes time to James says the hatchery can produce minutes. apply for a job." James has decided to one pound of fish for every one and a "Right now we're taking a half-million pursue a career in wildlife management half pounds of feed. He demonstrates a eggs off our brood stock," says James. in the future, either in law enforcement typical feeding session by filling a scoop "We're able to produce these eggs at 90 or as a game warden. with feed and giving the contents a cents per thousand, compared to $6 or He plans to enter the U.S. Army after lightning-quick toss into one of the $7 per thousand commercially. I'm high school in order to get outside skills, ponds. After a split second the dark shooting for enough brood stock to though, before any further training. "I'll water begins to flash, as thousands of produce two million eggs." More eggs almost have to have a college degree rainbow trout peck at the fresh feed produced at the hatchery means less before I'll be able to reach my career lying on the water's surface. chance of bacterial disease from outside goal," he says. But with such solid plans "There's a great demand for catch- sources, which can be a severe problem laid out before him combined with the ables," says Mr. Sturgeon. "With the for fish producers. Canyon Creek Hatch- experiences gained working at Canyon trees, mountains and wildlife there are ery lost 90 percent of its stock a few Creek Hatchery, James need not worry more people involved in recreation. years ago due to a disease accidentally about the future. Arizona has the second largest amount brought in from outside sources. Living and working in such a serene, of fishing boats next to California. James' interest in wildlife led him to peaceful setting, it's easy not to worry That's pretty impressive considering there help conduct a resource project for the about anything. Caught up in my new- are no large bodies of water in this Forest Service, determining elk and found knowledge of the fish hatchery state." bald eagle habits. The project has James business, I breathed one last gulp of The hatchery also contains fish for working with wildlife biologists and mountain air before climbing into the breeding, explains James. In a very Forest Service officials, tracking down van that would take me back to the delicate and timely operation, the Stur- and determining mountain areas where Arizona deserts, just two hours away. geons' must take eggs from the female elk and bald eagles are found. I would remember James and my visit trout by rubbing the fish's belly. The "Several students like James have to the other side of the rainbow the next female eggs are placed in a pan with one projects like these," says Payson FFA time I sat down to a fillet dinner. •••

August-September, 1983 13 Reduced Tillage: The Wave

Experts say it's the fastest-growing idea to hit American farmers since hybrid corn 40 years ago. Even more exciting is how you as Future Farmers can try conservation tillage as a way to break into farming full-time.

eginning farmers have looked high under some form of conservation tillage "There are some types of soil that and low for ways to ease into the last year, according to the Conservation aren't right for no-till," says 18-year-old farming business. Now, it looks like one Tillage Information Center. That figure FFA'er Todd Millar, "but if the ground way to increase your chances of becoming represents nearly 24 percent of total is right for it, I'd say use it." A North established is by decreasing your trips U.S. cropland. But even those figures Liberty, Indiana native, Todd currently across the field. don't tell the complete story. serves as Indiana state FFA Secretary, That's right: conservation tillage may According to NO-TILL FARMER, and plans to pursue farming as a career. be the break you need to become esta- 35 percent of total tilled acres are now His family has practiced no-till methods blished in farming. produced through some form of reduced for corn crops for the last five years now,

Let's back up for a minute. Of course tillage. No-till cropping practices have and Todd says he plans to stick with it. farmers feel that soil erosion is a serious grown an estimated 260 percent since "Our farm's soil is what I call 'blow problem in American agriculture. But 1972, while minimum tillage has grown sand,' a sandy loam type soil. In our case most farmers must see short-term eco- an equally impressive 335 percent. we needed to look for a planting method nomic benefits from conservation meth- It's a dramatic example of a new wave that left enough residue on top to hold ods before they'll make more efforts to that moisture in," says Todd. "No-till Over 95 million acres ofcropland conserve. Most farmers believe soil has worked very well." erosion won't result in significant pro- in the United States were under "From my own personal experience duction cuts for 25 to years. That's and from working in the conservation 50 someform ofconservation tillage reason enough to put "more stewardship field for the last few years, in these times of the soil" off for another growing last year. That figure represents of marginal crop returns a young guy season. nearly 24 percent of total has a great shot at starting out in But now all that is changing. And farming with few expenses through no- U.S. cropland. fast. till," says James Lake, coordinator of "I think in the next five years we're of farmers who view conservation tillage the Fort Wayne, Indiana, Conservation going to see an explosive growth in as a more profitable option —both in the Tillage Information Center. conservation tillage methods," says Neil short and long run —than conventional "It's a simplified example. Using only Sampson, executive vice president of till. For FFA members who plan to no-till, but the basic three implements he the National Association of Conserva- make the jump into full-time farming, needs are a tractor, a no-till planter and tion Districts. Over 94 million acres of conservation tillage may be a choice to a reliable sprayer for herbicides. Then cropland in the United States were consider. he's in business, providing he hires

Conservation tillage is practiced on more than 40 percent of A study by the University of Wisconsin concluded that total tilled acreage in some regions. Twenty-four percent of all moldboard plowing can consume 4 'A more gallons of fuel per

U.S. cropland is under reduced till methods. acre than no-till planting, for example.

c-qur« *«'8 eomO'i»a "om '982 att* DuWi^»0 Oy Wo-Till *tmtt

14 The Sational FUTURE FARMER Of The Future

someone to harvest the crop for him. parison (including harvest equipment): soil and crop management skills aren't "It certainly eliminates the need for a for conventional tillage systems, average used, especially when using herbicides lost of those high horsepower imple- yearly ownership costs run $31,170, or for weed control. Reduced tillage systems ments," adds Mr. Lake. "I know from $52 per rotated acre. That compares to a are not as easy to manage as conventional experience, because that's how my bro- strip tillage system (seedbed prepared tillage systems.

ther and I are breaking in right now." and planted in one operation, minimum Mr. Sampson says farmers have two Mr. Lake says he and his brother are tillage and a minimum of 50 percent ways to raise profits: increase output using "ridge till" on a recently-purchased previous crop residue left on the field) (yields) or decrease input (costs). farm. After corn is harvested, soil goes which averages $23,1 10 in annual own- "Farmers make management decisions untouched until spring. on both cost and output sides of the "Then we come back in spring and Conservation tillage implies less business, but often it's those production plant right on the old rows. When the costs where the few options exist," he trips across the field which saves corn is 15 inches tall we take a ridge says. cultivator that throws dirt up on the soil, time, labor and fuel. But "A farmer doesn't have much option bottom of the plants, forming a ridge those savings can be endangered about how much he can grow, and the between rows; again, we harvest in the weather tells him when he can get in the if top-notch soil and crop fall and do nothing else." field while the market tells him what The ridge allows the soil to warm and management skills aren't used. price he gets," says Mr. Sampson. "The dry earlier than most conventional cost side is the only place where the methods. "In spring we have no prior ership costs, or $38.52 per acre. A no-till farmer has any control. There's just no tillage. When it's time to go to the field, system (seedbed prepared and planted doubt that saving labor and time while

we go to the field and plant," says Mr. in one operation, 90 percent previous cutting fuel costs is a pretty good option." Lake. crop residue left on the field) averages According to a NO-TILL FARMER Todd says initial costs for reduced- $23,220 in annual ownership costs, or survey, a no-till crop takes less than one tillage planters will probably run higher $38.70 per acre. gallon of fuel per acre to plant and than conventional-till equipment. "But But it's not only machinery costs that spray, compared to a full tillage program you'll be ahead on all other pieces of can be lower. Conservation tillage implies which requires five to seven gallons per equipment," says the FFA member. less trips across the field, which saves acre for soil preparation and planting. A recent special issue of Successful soil, time, labor and fuel. But those Subtracting the energy needed for extra Farming shows a machinery cost-com- savings can be endangered if top-notch (Continued on next page)

New machinery and other farm inputs are being designed This corn was planted using no-till methods in a double today specifically for reduced tillage methods. This mulch cropping system following a wheat harvest. Growing weeds tiller helps heavy trash save soil and moisture. were killed chemically at the time of planting.

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August-September, 1983 15 § Your silent- H partners n for hunting

Magnum Air Rifles in all respects, the RWS Models 50 T.01 & 45 are capable of producing pellet veloc- ities 25 to 30 percent higher than other sporters, and can function as effectively and accurately as an .22 rimfire rifle at ranges up to 35 yards. What's more they are in- expensive to shoot, when com- bined with our gold medal win- ning RWS "Quality" Pellets | _^i (approximately 1/10 the cost of traditional ammunition). Photo courtesy USDA in areas. . sight Plus they are quieter . . vir- Above, signs promoting no-till are a common some

, tually impossible to hear in brush past 10 yards. They such as Todd's buy equipment to lease put iood on the table and Minimum Till more of it because of short-term to farmers with limits of 30 their lack of report. (Continuedfrom Page 15) acres so several growers can "try out" Ideal when hunting large game, RWS the new methods. At the end of the year herbicides, a grower can still obtain a net 'Magnum" Air Guns equipment is auctioned off. "Usually savings of between four to seven gallons come in handy for one of the farmers who tries no-till smaller game that of fuel per acre with no-till. it," will cross your comes back and buys says Todd. What about yields? According to Mr. path. Addi- It could be worth the effort. If con- Sampson, better technology in conser- tionally RWS servation tillage continues to improve "Magnum" vation tillage equipment and other inputs and keep costs down, it's sure to gain Air Guns & has put yields on a competitive scale Pellets are more and more acceptance as a viable with conventional tillage. He says in the excellent way to produce. And it's one more training past, conservation tillage was used with option you'll have to consider as you arms, conventional production tools. Now that make your decisions regarding your machinery companies, for example, are will future in farming. ••• refine making lighter, wider and faster tillage field implements specifically designed for skills. RWS reduced tillage. Have You Heard Model 50 T.01 "We're getting the right chemicals and m Incorporates pesticides, the right cultivators, the right a fixed barrel The Latest? breed of plants — it's taken years to get with underlever cocking system. these new kinds of inputs, but now •Calibers: research is making it happen," says Mr. Reduced tillage methods are still 177&.22 Sampson. foreign to many farmers as well as •Velocity: "A lot of farmers who are testing with future farmers. But there are several . 177-820 ft/s .22-623 ft/s conservation tillage are now finding that sources of information available. The •Length: 45" yields aren't necessarily lower, but are following list of sources may be of •Weight: 8 lbs the same as conventional methods," he help to you as you search for answers •Stock: Hardwood says. "Of course, some drop, but some regarding conservation tillage: •Trigger: Adjustable Precision Two-Stage are even higher. Some are finding yields National Association of Conservation •Sights: Precision can go up at the same time costs go Districts: Conservation Tillage Infor- click micrometer rearsight, and hooded down. And that's doubly nice." mation Center; P.O. Box 855; League tront that adapts Todd Millar reports his family farm City, Texas 77573 (Ask about their for sight inserts. had the highest proven acreage yield in Conservation Tillage News News- For more information on last year bushels per the Model 50 T.01 and the county — 133 letter.) other RWS Air Guns see Shown n acre on a 283-acre corn test plot. "And your local dealer, or send here No-Till Farmer, Inc. (A newsletter we did that with no-till, a little irrigation $1 to the address below Parkerized specifically about management tech- for our detailed catalog Version of and a lot of luck," smiles Todd. for no-till systems.) P.O. "RWS Precision Air Model 50 T.01 niques Box Gun The major thing that's holding con- Products" 624; Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005 servation tillage back today is that it's (Ask about the booklet "100 Most different than what farmers are used to. Commonly Asked Questions & An- "If you're a conventional farmer with swers About No-Till Farming") several thousand dollars worth of equip- ment, that's a problem. He's naturally STUBBLECROPPER (A newsletter going to be fairly slow about that," adds for reduced tillage systems in general.) Products Company; P.O. Box Mr. Sampson. "But if you're starting Elanco B— Station E; St. Joseph, Missouri out fresh in farming, I would go down to the local conservation district and work 64505 RWS Air Guns are available in through the economics." Soil Conservation Society of America; Canada under the brand name Todd's district conducts yearly test An- CONDOR by: RU-KO of CANADA 7515 Northeast Ankeny Road; LTD., 7, Alpha Mills Road, plots using all kinds of reduced tillage keny, Iowa 50021. ••• Mississauga / Ontario L5N 1H4. methods. Many conservation districts 16 The Sational FUTURE FARMER The potential is boundless.

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Each year custom wheat harvesters search for hired hands. If adventure, hard work, hard cash and a chance to see the country sounds inviting, read on

By Carole Owen

"g~^o North, Young Man" is advice either college or career. Neal, for ex- One hand who welcomes hard work is VT Horace Greeley could give any ample, drew only $100 spending money five-year FFA member Dan Harms, FFA member searching for a lucrative his first summer and took home a who has worked for Mr. Swanson five summer job and a chance to see the balance of $2,800 after his federal taxes years now. "The new country" and "the country. were withheld. new people" are features of the job Every year the custom combiners "Big money is the thing boys like which helped Dan decide to make his who leapfrog with the wheat harvest about harvest," says Claude Rock, for- second harvest. from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, mer FFA advisor at Eula High School "I enjoy it best when we're cutting. Nebraska, the Dakotas and into the near Abilene, Texas. "They like the That's when the time goes by the fastest. Northwest look for hired hands with traveling, too." You get tired of loafing real fast," says farm backgrounds. "I can pay a good man $1,000 a the young Nebraskan during a rainy no- Outfits like Harley and Russell Fry's month if he treats the machines well," work week in June. of Wichita, Kansas, have been in the relates Gordon Miller, a ten-year cutter Daily books kept by Irvin Zecha of profession for decades. The Frys have from Garden City, Kansas. Another Great Bend, Kansas, confirm that idle taken at least 60 different hands on the operator, Tim Givens of Olton, Texas, time from bad weather, green wheat or golden road north over the last 37 years. reports paying his 18-year-old grain buggy traveling to a new job may add up to as Each summer they sink roots at the driver $225-$250 per week. much as half the total days of harvest same eight or nine communities in six Though pay may begin as low as $500 season. This unpredictability makes a states as their two self-propelled com- per month for green help, it can peak at guaranteed salary especially appealing bines harvest 6,000 to 7.0CO acres of more than twice that for experienced to hired hands. grain. hands. The usual, however, falls some- How can an FFA member find a job One of the most recent of the Frys' 60 where with the Frys' $750 monthly on a combine crew? Start looking early, hands is FFA'er Neal Bergkamp of guarantee. Like the Frys, some outfits say all operators. Best hunting ground is Valley Center, Kansas. Neal took home let employees opt between a monthly Kansas and Oklahoma where about 60 for his first year of college the bulk of guarantee and a straight hourly wage. percent of all custom outfits begin. $3,100 he earned on the 1981 harvest. The Frys, for example, would have paid Texas, Nebraska, the Dakotas and

Salaries for the 1982 harvest were just as $4 per hour for machine time if it had Montana are home base for the majority impressive. Together with former FFA added up to more than their $750 of remaining outfits. member Mike McKain of Miltonvale, monthly guarantee. Other outfits offer a "During the winter boys should con- Kansas, who had made an earlier run, bonus to workers who finish an entire tact combine owners well in advance," Bergkamp signed on with the Frys for season or do outstanding work. stresses Mr. Rock. summer, 1982. "First thing I ask is, 'Are you afraid of Grain elevator offices, implement With most outfits providing a guar- lots of work?"' says Robin Swanson of dealers and wheat farmers are good anteed salary plus room and board, a Kimball, Nebraska, about recruits to sources for names and addresses of thrifty hand can save a hefty sum for run his three combines. (Continued on next page)

August-September, 1983 19 2 .

summer" and "rainy day recreation di- NOW! Get in on the PROFITS in North rector" to her job description. < '^ Go SMALL ENGINE REPAIR To any student counting on the guar- Work part time, full time — (Continuedfrom Page 19) antee of a full summer's wages, important right at home — we help you every step of the way. considerations should be: (1) Does this No doubt about it as a small engine- combine owners. Students also can list cutter have regular customers? (2) When pro, you can casb in on the huge de- ^ - applications with state employment and where has his run ended over the mand for qualified men in one of <£§p, America's fastest growing industries. 1^, "i£ services and college placement bureaus. recent years? The sad fact is that less- You'll be able to command top hourly rates'" classified in outfits of from $10 00 to $15.00 per hour — and "Put a ad the High Plains established must abort harvest that's just for labor. Journal" suggests Kansas combiner runs midway into the season due to lack Plenty of business qualified waiting for men. Larry Phroel. This widely read Dodge of work. 65,000,000 Small Engines Are In Use Today!

official City, Kansas, farm publication is perhaps Equally important to student: That's the count from the Engine Service Assn , and a "Can one-million new engines are being built each month. With the closest thing custom cutters have to 1 leave when school starts?" Luckily, by Foley-Belsaw training, you can soon have the skill and knowledge to make top money servicing these engines. a marketplace. the time combines move into the Da- "We try to get fellows with some kotas, harvest is less pressing. Many experience driving trucks," says Harley outfits like the Frys' can make do with a Fry. The Fry brothers prefer students skeleton crew, releasing younger hands who have finished high school, but have for school in late August. hired many juniors and seniors over Another consideration, few occupa- their 37 harvests. Boys from farm families tions place an employee with his boss receive top consideration and those with and co-workers 24 hours a day. The mechanical aptitude are a prized find. harvest crew will be your family for Professional Tools and Equipment PLUS 4 hp Engine ... A respect for his expensive equipment three months or more. Is it a family you All YOURS TO KEEP. ... All al No Eitra Cosl. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! is perhaps the prime concern of a com- can live with? You don't need to be a 'born mechanic or have any prior bine owner. With new machines listing Times have changed since Alan Ladd experience Lessons are fully illustrated ... so clear you can't go wrong, and with our famous 'learn-by-doing' as high as $100,000, hot-rodding, neg- and his "Wild Harvest" bunch played method you get practical hands-on' experience. ligence or innocent ignorance can erase movie houses in the late '40s. Adventure, Role^eFaw"ln7titule~5026oTieid Bldq ~Z^-\ ~~1ZJ^~1FREE a combiner's slim margin of profit. conflict and pretty girls were all rolled Kansas Citv, Mo 64111 Wr"*\ YES please send me the FREE booklet thai gives lull fle- \ iOomiTl C si»« \i "Screen prospective outfits," Harley up in that picturesque harvest myth that tails aboul slatting my own business m Small Engine Reoau \ ii*"**;* Sent) lot will I undetstano Ihete is No Obligation and mat No Salesman \ v^J^ yout copy call on me Fry urges students going after harvest America's movie goers relished. | W*-*~^ lodavl jobs. Fry indicates that the pick of the Tall-talking harvest hands still keep outfits are probably ones whose owners' that myth alive. But more realistically wives also make the run. Such outfits what you'll hear is good-natured grum- avoid the complaint of "too much cafe bles about long hours —up to 16 hours |_STATE_ -^___^___ _7IP cooking" often heard from crews who on a combine, the dirt and itch of the | must bunk in motels and eat in res- wheat field, the rain and mud that can taurants. hold an outfit hostage for days, long Most long-time outfits offer employees elevator lines and 100 degree days. home-cooked meals and sleeping accom- Nevertheless, dust a thick layer of !: 'J, i'l modations in mobile homes. Harley wheat chaff off these same hands and Fry's wife Margaret, for example, has you'll likely hear a fond rejoinder: "It

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20 The Sational FUTURE FARMER "

- -

1932 609S

%, Jl In the Tradition ii~»i of the American Cowboy Smart As A Fox

This FFA member gets the same benefits from "hands-on" experience that others do— but he gets his vo- ag training on a very unusual ranch operation.

Dwain Adams, of Middletown, growing season begins in spring. Fifteen Indiana, is one FFA member with a hundred pups are born between February most "unusual" farm program. Dwain is and April each year, thanks to a four-pup part owner and manager of what some per fox average litter. "That's considered consider the largest silver fox ranch in really great in this business," says Dwain. the world. "It's all because we keep careful track of

Sure it's a far cry from the typical breeding records. If you mess that up crop, livestock or horticulture SOE you can mess up your whole ranch." (Supervised Occupational Experience) Precision timing is important during Program that most Future Farmers of the fall breeding season, says the Indiana America operate. But after four years of FFA'er. "You have to know the signs feeding, vaccinating, keeping records and hit everything on the button," he and making management decisions, adds. Dwain's program has given him the But careful breeding is just one of same benefits any other FFA'er gets several management areas which Dwain from a supervised project —training, and his father must tend to. Dwain must responsibility and skills from "hands- vaccinate for distemper and parasites. on" experience. "Disease control is critical with a com- Dwain and his father Merle also farm munity of foxes this large," he says. 1,500 acres of corn and soybean land. The animals are fed an experimental But Dwain's main interest is in the fox feed specially-mixed and bought by the Top, Dwain gets set for another feeding and mink raising business. ton. Each day Dwain takes about four session as a hungry fox, middle, awaits The fox ranch, started by Dwain's hours to feed foxes by hand. dinner. Below, Dwain and Shenandoah grandfather in 1936, now produces "I consider this a high-labor outfit FFA Advisor Steve Hickey vaccinate the "stock" for distemper. 1,500- 1,800 foxes per year, mostly silver (Continued on Page 33) fox. Even the most knowledgeable fox - breeder would be envious of this set-up: t endless rows of uniformly-designed fox cages, over 800 pens in all, with a "breeding watch tower" jutting up in the center. The ranch produces both fox pelts and breeding stock. "We keep 360 pair as breeding stock for ourselves each year," says Dwain, who hails from the Shenandoah, Indiana FFA Chapter. "Each year we sell breed- ing stock for $800 and up per pair. The rest we sell for pelts. We were getting $400 per pelt a few years ago when the economy was good, but the average is $250 per pelt. We skin between 800 and 1,000 foxes per year." Like most "ranchers," the Adams

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Is There Still A Choice? The stakes are high in modern agriculture, but

the opportunities still exist to make the scales tip in your favor. By Michael Wilson

YOU'RE an FFA member and you've rates that never seem to come down, low does recognize the problem. Congress- decided you want to farm for a commodity prices that never seem to go man Gunderson's duties with the House living. You're a hard worker, you've up, rising production costs. ..and on and of Representatives Agriculture Com- learned a lot about farming from vo-ag on. mittee, Education and Labor Committee classes; you've even got a farm back- And the problems never seem to get make him sensitive to vo-ag students

ground. It'll be a breeze, right? better. preparing for careers in agriculture. It's doubtful. Furthermore the serious state of "We should be answering some very The FFA has always championed the today's farm economy poses an inter- basic questions pertaining to the 'right'

cause for young adults who will someday esting question: Is it really as difficult to to farm, the structure of the American operate this nation's farms and agri- successfully start farming today as these farm and the overall direction of Ameri- businesses. But no one can deny agri- problems suggest? can agriculture in the 1980s and 1990s," culture is in a serious state today. You've Like most agricultural leaders, U.S. says Congressman Gunderson. His initial heard the list of problems so many times Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Wis., sees no solution to solving agriculture's future

you can see it in your sleep: high interest easy answer to that question. But he problems isn't very cheerful news for

24 The National FUTURE FARMER " "

beginning farmers. But it makes good Born To Farm Doctor Drache says the 1980s will be sense. the decade of computers and money And something else; just because you "I believe we should put our number management, and the 1990s will be the grew up on a farm doesn't qualify you to one emphasis on keeping those people decade of no-till. be the operator someday, he says. already in agriculture above board," he "The reason I'm saying this is that in "One myth that is common among says. "Let's not falsely get people into the '80s we've come into enough of a farmers is that if you were born on the agriculture until we have it turned around crunch that we're going to get farmers farm you have an inherent right to into a profitable business." serious about money management," he farm," he points out. "That's about as But will farming ever be consistently says. "The next decade will come after obsolete as can be. Land is a very sacred profitable? the next energy crisis prior to 1990, and resource, next only to the people of this Before we try to answer that question, country. We can entrust it only to the let's look at breaking into farming from people who can do the best job of DRA CHE: " Young people are a different perspective. We know we managing it: the ones who inherit it by have problems today —but what was it going to start farming today just superior management." like for a farmer 100 years ago? "Young people are going to start like they have been in the past, Doctor Hiram Drache, agricultural farming today just like they have in the but they're going to be better historian, 3 1 -year farmer and author of past, but they are going to be better several books on agriculture, points out managers than ever. You can't managers than ever," he stresses. "You that in the beginning, farmers in this can't say you're going to farm because say you're going to farm country were "spoiled" by the Homestead you were born on a farm, though. Now Act. because you were born on a you're going to farm because you can "All you had to do is leave your prove you can manage. farm, though. Now you're going country , come to the United States and "When a young couple comes to me because you can prove be given 160 acres of land —the pot of to farm today and says they're having trouble gold at the end of the rainbow —and you can manage. farming, I say the first thing you do is sit farm," he says. down and work out your own budget; The farm frontier was officially closed then we will force farmers into no-till second thing you do is work out the by 1890, and as a result farmers became because it's going to be the next thing to farm budget and work out the projections depressed. "They said 'There is no future cause them to reduce their expenditures on the farm. Third thing you do is go to for us any more,'" says Doctor Drache, and also stop abusing land. your banker and show him those figures "simply because farmers assumed that it Short-term Options and then prove to him that you are was their right in this country to have "There are a lot of people that have determined, that you want to succeed." free land. gone into agribusiness for a few years, things are relative," he points "All Land Prices learned the ropes, and then on a deli- out. "Fifty percent of all people who Doctor Drache says, "The famous berate plan went farming," he says. homesteaded a century ago, failed. In Congressman Gunderson says, "What ." statement you hear so much in agricul- the state of Iowa, over 40 percent failed a young person should do at this point in ture now is 'land is too high priced. You Contributing to the failures were the time is recognize that with depressed can't make it pay.' I hear that over and "boredom and drudgery of farm life in prices, continuing high interest rates and over again. It's the same old song and those days before modern transportation dance about how you can't afford to buy a shaky economy, a young farmer should and the horrible school system we had see if there is ability to with a land. 1) work then," says Doctor Drache. father or other farmer in to "How many kids have been held back some hopes "The common statement I'd like to take over that farm later on; or by their fathers because they were told 2) make about farming is that I wish I 'Grandpa paid $5 per acre for the land, consider beginning small and renting could put my mind in a 20-year-old of his equipment, facilities, land, we paid S50 an acre for the land, and some body now, because the opportunities are until he gets established. Don't get overly now you want to pay S2.500 an acre for here," he says. "And the opportunities in debt in the beginning." the land and we can't make it pay.' Well are going to be really great down the line Doctor Drache agrees. "My advice to if that's the truth, why don't we zip up as far as I'm concerned. Is it harder to young farmers today, male or female, is the country and throw it to the wolves'?" start farming today than it was a century don't expect to jump into it; don't expect he says. ago? My answer is no." it to be easy. Be prepared, have the "Land is always higher priced than sigh of relief, strength the spiritual strength But before you breathe a the average farmer can afford to pay. mental and Drache says certain requirements to setbacks. Doctor But as soon as the good farmer learns overcome fulfilled for a young person to have got to expect these set- must be how to make land pay, at any given "You backs," he says. "This is what makes level, it will automatically jump to the farming tension-filled, but this is next plateau because the historic demand what keeps the person who wants a soft touch "One myth that's common for land is greater than the available out of farming. among farmers is that if you supply," explains Drache. is of The professor believes FFA members "FFA a pretty good example were born on a farm you have that," he says. "FFA does a whale of a will still be able to farm if they want job of training people to think positive, an inherent right to farm. That's to —in spite of the bleak outlook given by many "experts." expect hardships, be realistic, and to go be. about as obsolete as can in there and be a winner. "Never before in history have we had "As we make it tougher to get into more aids to help young people start farming, we will upgrade the manage- be successful in farming today. Good farming than today," he says firmly. "I ment level of farmers and we will go as extension programs, management pro- believe there is nothing stronger than a far as any other institution or organi- grams and the computer are new tech- good, dedicated, totally mechanized, zation has done to improve the basic nologies young farmers should use to be well-managed young husband and wife economic conditions of agriculture," he better farm managers. team. We have no farm structure that's says. In other words, management and superior." "The winners are still going to be attitude will play a big role in determining What will the next decades bring for there." ••• your future. young people in agriculture?

August-September, 1983 25 High Hopes Headline Tammie McDaniel is YOUR living proof big dreams Name come in small packages $5.95 Let us embroider your name or your farm name on your cap Personalized caps from 1 cap todozens. Mesh, denim or insulated caps. Guaranteed or your money back. $5.95 plus $0.35 shipping/handling. 4 caps/$23 20 ($1 40) Imprint - limit 2 lines

Please ship — -caps. McDaniel, of Tolleson, Ari- combination sale in New Mexico, selling Mesh Denim Insulated Tammie zona, could easily develop a strained to buyers from 1 1 states. Blue unlined D Blue neck she's working with her favorite "It used to be people us Red lined C Red when knew because five feet high of showing," says it's D Check enclosed Master Card show horse. She stands just Tammie. "But now D VISA Diners Club American Express (without boots). One of those tall quarter the breeding —and selling," she says. But Card Number horses found on the McDaniel ranch it's not just the family's name that's SEND FREE CATALOG Exp. Date. might think he's got the upper hand. gaining recognition. Tammie is devel- phone toll-tree 800-443-4934 every she's or trained oping her reputation as a Name But horse shown own top-notch horseperson. Address knows by now that what Tammie lacks in height she easily makes up for in "I've shown and sold some horses that City energy and enthusiasm. Make no mistake have gone on and done really well all State .Zip. about it: this FFA'er knows to across the country." she says. Modern Farm how 604 Big Horn Ave., Cody, Wyoming 82414 handle her horses. Tammie says she plans to concentrate Tammie rides and works halter horses more on breeding aspects of the on the family quarter horse ranch. She's McDaniel ranch, besides the showing

involved in practically all aspects of the end of it. "I think we're going to go more Planer Molder Saw business, from working horses on the toward artificial insemination this year, newly-installed treadmill, vaccination probably 50-50," she says. The Power TOOLS and artificial insemination management. McDaniels keep between 30 and 40 in She's got high hopes, though, for her brood mares and five studs on their 3 / biggest goal right now is to show horses ranch at one time, although that number nationwide someday. used to be higher. "I want to keep active showing for a Although horses are Tammie's first long, long time," says the 17-year-old love, she's keeping her options open for Tolleson High School senior. "That's the future. College and a crack at auc- been a goal of mine for quite some time tioneering school are the next goals she's

now. I like the excitement, travel and the set. "I've always wanted to be an auc-

chance to meet people." tioneer. I went to an auction when I was Tammie says the McDaniel family five years old, and ever since then I've currently attends 15 shows per year in wanted to be one," she says. She also Arizona, plus Alburqurque and the wants to get a business degree and work World Finals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Suc- in some form of agribusiness. In order to cessful blood lines and name recognition get a head start on college, Tammie Now you can use this ONE power-feed shop to turn during these shows have made the plans to graduate from high school next rough lumber into moldings, trim, flooring, furniture

—ALL popular patterns. RIP-PLANE-MOLD . . . sepa- McDaniel name well-known among year at midterm. Whatever she decides, rately or all at once with a single motor. Low Cost horse breeders. Last year the family held her high hopes and high ambitions are . . . You can own this power tool for only $50 down. three statewide production sales plus a sure to carry her to her goal. ••• 30^ay FREE Trial! aS^Sm NO OBLIGATION-NO SALESMAN WILL CALL Left, Tammie is RUSH COUPON F0LEY-BELSAW CO. involved in all 90280 FIELD BLDG. aspects of the TODAY!' KANSAS CITY. MO 64111 family horse

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Name

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r*l-. 26 The National FUTURE FARMER A\

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i TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS

Keep the Army's linesjipf communications open and open up an oppo: tunity for yourself. "36 Charlie" is Army shorthand for an Army-trained telephone installer. Orichodse to train in satellite, rfiicrowaye, radio o* signal I^^WMWlt<*W»WMwM>lWA¥mWllWI»3Bit»i»lM1ggllllllla»?tt'T?t>f UM we'll guarantee r dhoicfc. Which meansyou can slrve your country i 1 the way yf that best suits yd lents. So if it's not 36 Charlie, it might be 31 Mikq* ft

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n *'i'f-ti. ~:z$mL ^Multichannel Communications Equipment Op>erations For more information, call toll free, 800-421-44^22. In California, 800-252-0011. Alaska & Hawaii, 800-423-2144. IT took a special breed of cowboy to tame the wild, western frontier. Le- gends, they called them. Folks like Jesse James and Butch Cassidy and the Sun- dance Kid. And although FFA'er Casey Fortune is not really a legend, yet —he just might be someday if he keeps up his champion rodeo and FFA activities,.

He certainly has the name for it. Twenty-year-old Casey was born and raised on the Fortune family cow/calf ranch near Cottonwood, South Dakota. From the no-nonsense look in his eye to the dust on his boots, one can tell he means business. Forget all those pictures you've seen of the urban cowboy jocks in city-slick magazines. Casey is all cowboy. Real cowboy.

And he knows what it takes to handle the demands of a multi-thousand-acre cattle ranch found in the "Badlands" of South Dakota. The Badlands are wide open, ideal for grazing cattle. This is where a "small place" is "five or six thousand" acres, says Casey, one that can "only handle a couple hundred head of cows." On a clear day the deep blue sky swoops down to meet the graceful curves of rolling hills, one after another, that stretch into eternity. It's bad country to some. For others like Casey, though, it's God's country. Casey says he picked up most of his

Left, Casey Fortune knows what it takes to handle a multi-thousand acre ranch in the Badlands of South Dakota. Below, Casey displays the saddle he won as 1981 SDHSRA champion saddle bronc rider.

The Legend of Casey Fortune

28 The National FUTURE FARMER —

ranching skills from his dad, Eugene Casey's favorite event is "saddle bronc" "Bud" Fortune. "He taught me every riding, but he also enjoys bulldog, bare- trade in ranching, whether it's horse- back, bullride, calf rope and team rope. breaking or taking care of sick animals," He's a talented and skilled rider; Hereford-Angus "Let me adds Casey. Cattle are scores of buckles, plaques on the family cross, crossed again with Limousin. room wall and saddles he's won, for He started with 35 replacement heifers example, prove it. In 1981 Casey was when he was 12 years old, a reward for named South Dakota State High School organize helping manage the family herd through rodeo champion. He won reserve cham- one of the worst snow blizzards to hit pion at the National High School Rodeo South Dakota. He currently runs 134 Finals in Douglas, Wyoming, that year your head of cows, 126 beef calves and 10 also. Both wins came in the saddle bronc head of bulls. Casey, a member of the category. Wall FFA Chapter, earned the South Casey's rodeoing activities have not beef proficiency award always been so rewarding, though. He's fund Dakota FFA last year and was nominated to receive had four broken arms and a broken his American Farmer Degree this year. collarbone, all from rodeo events. So Living in the Badlands, chances are why does he continue? raising." your nearest neighbor is 45 miles away. "I guess 1 just like cowboys competing As a result, most ranch operators lend against each other, proving you can be each other a hand when something big better than somebody else," he says. needs to be accomplished. Each year the Casey's goal is to win the PRCA (Pro- Fortune family holds the annual brand- fessional Rodeo Cowboys Association) ing session where friends and relatives finals. "That's the top," he adds. "Every- about 80 folks altogether —come up body wants that, but you've got to build from all over to pitch in with the cattle. your name up."

"Everyone gets involved," says Casey. Casey's got it mapped out to win his Each person has an assignment, whether goal before he's thirty. "Bullriders are it be vaccination, de-horning, castration burned out by the time they're 25," he or branding. "Everybody's got a job." says. "But I've been competing against says Casey, "even the kids —they give guys five and ten years older than me, the calves scour pills because it's easier." guys with much more experience. And Although Casey enjoys ranching, he I've beat them." admits rodeoing is his favorite sport. "I Casey says he eventually wants to was born with it," Casey says of his settle into ranching on the home ranch. riding ability. He was riding horses as a "There's enough for all four of us kids," three-year-old when his mom Dorothy he says. After all, he says, "I've never Fortune gave him a colt for his birthday. really wanted to do anything else. I His first rodeo experience was shortly know it's a lot of work," Casey adds thereafter. thoughtfully. "But there's a lot of work "I was in the boys barrel racing in anything you do, if you want to be

contest when I was three and four years good at it."

old." recalls Casey. "Then I got involved If Casey's rodeo, ranching and FFA in Little Britches, the Junior and Senior activities are any indicator, you can be division and SDRA, South Dakota sure he takes that attitude with him in all I'm your neighbor. Rodeo Association." he hopes to accomplish. ••• I'm one of 40,000 local Stanley

Dealers . . . and I'm a professional. Robert Fortune's cattle ranch. Below, Casey, right, helps brand calves on cousin I'll help you organize and run your "Everybody's got a job," says Casey. fund-raising drive from beginning to end, with expert program guidance. / offeryouflexible programs. Choose from a variety of plans that can be tailored to fit your special needs. All myproducts are guaranteed. Stanley Home Products offers customers products they need and use daily for home and personal care.

Get in touch with the Stanley fund- raising professional in your neighborhood. Just call the Fund- Raising Manager at 1-800-332-3831 (In Mass.), or 1-800-628-9032 (Outside Mass.).

August-September, 1983 29 a He's Off And Running

Above, Tom rides with Hennessey FFA Advisor Kenny Beams, right.

Like the thoroughbreds he works in vocational agriculture and FFA. Motorcycles weren't the only thing with, Tom Sturgeon's career as a "Probably the reason I wasn't in vo- that motivated Tom to achievement. He ag as a freshman was that I didn't realize spent a week between his junior and trainer of racetrack-bound horses all the opportunities available in FFA senior year learning leadership skills at is moving ahead of the pack and vo-ag," he says. "I thought, 'What the FFA's Washington Conference

do I need to know about that, I've been Program (WCP) held each summer.

Sometimes the road FFA members out on the farm.'" "By the end of the week I was amazed take on the way toward winning a "But I found out what vo-ag was at the things I'd learned about FFA, national proficiency award can take really about," he adds. "Vo-ag really leadership and the number of friends I some mighty strange twists. At least, motivated me to improve my program. I had made," recalls Tom. "WCP taught that's how it began for 1982 National also learned record keeping and such — me that there are those who make things Horse Proficiency winner Tom Sturgeon, but motivation was probably the biggest happen, those who watch things happen, of Hennessey, Oklahoma. thing." and those who wonder what happened." The story goes something like this: as Tom's horse-training skills now make Besides the dollars invested in both a 12-year-old, like most budding teen- him a valuable, sought-after professional horses and equipment, Tom has invested agers, lorn desperately wanted his own for hire. His clients seek him out to train many long hours on his program. As he motorcycle. Not horses, mind you— both quarter horses and thoroughbreds puts it: "By not being in some other motorcycle. "So dad gave me a horse to which are trained "mostly for racing," activities I was able to devote a lot more break and told me if I'd train that horse says Tom. "The quarter horses go on to of my time and ambition to vo-ag and he'd get me that motorcycle," says Tom, become primarily ranch horses for cattle, FFA. I was able to get a lot out of it as a friendly, enthusiastic 19-year-old. roping or barrel horses." far as practical experience, meeting other And on the road toward a national Once he breaks a racehorse to ride, people and seeing a lot of the country."

FFA award, even motorcycles can put the horse must be "conditioned" and "Tom did it himself, nothing was you on the right track in Tom's case, a "gate broken." which means getting a handed to him," says an obviously proud racetrack. horse ready to break out of the starting Kenny Beams, FFA advisor at Hen- rom received his motorcycle for gate used for horse races. Tom's race- nessey. "He's not just satisfied with C hristmas that year, but he also found horse training activities start in fall. If going out and buying or training a himself caught up in a new-found interest the thoroughbreds are broken well horse. He always wants to learn more in horses Almost seven years later, Tom enough by spring he takes them to a about the business." Mr. Beams says he stood on the National FFA Convention racetrack 85 miles north of his central saw Tom's potential for earning national stage to receive the top award in the Oklahoma home to get them used to a achievement early in Tom's FFA career. horse production category, sponsored track. "On the state level you pretty much b\ the American Quarter Horse Asso- Tom needs less time for cattle hor- know where you stand," he says, referring ciation. ses —between 45 and 60 days, he esti- to Tom's Oklahoma Horse Proficiency

By the tune he was 14 Tom was doing mates. He often uses his father Jack award. "But I had no idea on the as much breaking and training work Sturgeon's 200 head of cattle for training national level. I just hoped he'd do with horses as Ik could find time for. purposes. But since thoroughbreds take well. ..and he did."

Bui it wasn't until he was a sophomore more time to train, Tom spends about Not bad for a guy who just wanted a in high school before he became involved 60 percent of his time with the racers. motorcycle for Christmas.

30 The National FUTURE FARMER ft

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Graduation and the work world may seem a long way off. But that's no Careers in reason to postpone thinking about your future and the kind of career to pursue. This is The National FUTURE FARMER'S fourth in a series of Agriculture stories designed to inform you about career opportunities in agriculture.

Ag Journalism By Shirley Jones

Let's face facts: the phrase "Agricul- be interested in a wide variety of topics." to grow up raising cattle and throwing tural Journalism" may sound a little Classes usually include basic writing hay bales to do a good job." confusing. and editing, which means checking a WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED? Cur- It's confusing to people who ask me story carefully to see if grammar and iosity, confidence and good communi-

what I do for a living. ("What's an Egg spelling are correct, if quotes are accurate cations skills are necessary. Journalist?" one well-meaning lady and if unnecessary words and phrases While in high school, students should asked.) It's confusing to my boss. (He may wonder how anyone can be working when they're staring out the window searching for ideas.) And above all, it's

confusing to me, as I wonder if such a simple human being could possibly take an idea and turn it into a story other people would be interested in. But instead of trying to answer these and other questions myself, like any

reporter, I turned to other ag journalists for answers. Here's what they said: WHAT IS AN AG JOURNALIST? Webster's Dictionary defines journalist can be deleted. Layout and graphics get as much English as they can as "a writer who aims at a mass audience." classes teach how to place elements on a grammar and literature, Professor An ag journalist, then, is a journalist page so a reader will find it easy to Rodgers says. Write on the school who specializes in agricultural writing or understand. Broadcasting classes offer newspaper or yearbook, he advises, and broadcasting. In a broader sense, ag experience in writing for TV or radio, get involved in FFA as much as possible. communications includes areas like pu- using a camera, or talking on the air. Any practical experience to sharpen blic relations and a host of other jobs. WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY? language skills and working with words For this article we'll stick to journalism As managing editor, Marilyn is respon- will be a plus to a journalist —which in the print medium, which includes sible for making decisions on what goes includes activities like FFA public newspapers and magazines, and the in each edition, writing stories, coming speaking and serving as chapter reporter. broadcast medium, which includes radio up with design ideas and lots of inter- That experience becomes invaluable and television. action with her staff. "You never sit at a when working with people on a story, IS THERE A NEED FOR AN AG desk doing the same thing, hour after says Ms. Cummins. "There's a certain JOURNALIST? Wouldn't a plain old hour," she laughs. "You're barely doing amount of bravery required to call

journalist do just as well? Perhaps, but it minute after minute." someone up on the phone and convince knowledge of the subject seems to make IS JOURNALISM HARD WORK? them to talk to you, knowing full well for more accurate journalism, since a Just ask former national officer David that what they say will be written down writer has a basic understanding of his Pearce how easy it is to get up every for everyone to read." Such confidence subject and attitudes in advance of morning in time to report to work at 5 is also important in broadcasting, says starting an interview or writing a story. a.m., and be pleasant and enthusiastic, David, who recalls his first night on the WHAT KIND OF JOBS DOES AN besides. While still enrolled in college, air at his local radio station. "I was AG JOURNALISM COLLEGE DE- David works for the Brownfield Net- petrified," he remembers, "but it was GREE PREPARE ME FOR? Once work, which supplies agricultural mar- also fun. The experiences I had in FFA you have the training, there are many kets and farm stories to a nine-state are not totally responsible, but FFA options says Bob Rodgers, journalism area. Journalism may look glamorous, gave me lots of things to do over the professor at Texas A&M University at Marilyn agrees, but involves "lots of years that built up my confidence." College Station, Texas. Positions for long, lonely hours." However, both Writing skills, too, are important. writers and editors of farm magazines Marilyn and David say the strange Every journalist needs them, says Pro- and newspapers, livestock and crop hours are worth the effort. "You never fessor Rodgers, including broadcasters. organizations, reporters for company know what's going to happen next," WHAT'S THE FUTURE HOLD FOR

magazines, the government, television says David. "That makes it exciting." THE PROFESSION? "I'm optimistic," and radio are available to the ag jour- DO I NEED A FARM BACK- says Marilyn. "Although ag journalism nalist. Chances of getting a job after GROUND? It helps, says Marilyn, but is changing, even with computers, some- graduation are excellent, says Rodgers, it's not a requirement. "My farm back- one will still have to gather the news, because so many organizatons need ground got me interested in the field," write it and put it in a system. I think,

journalists. Also, few people graduate in she says, "but it doesn't mean you have too, the larger city newspapers will have ag journalism each year. reporters who cover the ag news. WHAT KIND OF CLASSES DO "You really have to be sharp to be a YOU ENROLL IN? Variety is the secret Shirley Jones is a former FFA Stale Officer, good journalist, because your product is to becoming a competent journalist. WCP counselor and National FFA information so visible. If there's a misspelled word, intern. She currently works as Communications Marilyn Cummins, a former state FFA everybody knows it. If there's a mistake, Manager for Agri Business Associates in officer and now managing editor of Agri everybody sees it. I think good people Indianapolis, Indiana. Marketing magazine says, "You have to will always have a job." •••

M The National FUTURE FARMER Fox Ranch

(Continued from Page 22)

because of the feedings," he says. "But it used to involve even more labor up until two years ago when we installed auto- mated waterers in each pen. That saves us another four-and-a-half hours per day." The foxes are processed in November by killing, skinning, stretching and cur- Above, Dwain is surrounded by a sea of fox cages. ing. Animals are killed instantly with a painless injection of poison. "November is when pelts are top quality," he says. "If you don't get them then they can go downhill fast." The worldwide scope of the Adams' fox ranch becomes apparent through the marketing of these pelts. After they're tagged for identification and graded according to texture, color, length and all-around appearance, pelts are stacked in a box and sold to practically all major fur exchange points in the world : Seattle, Toronto, New York or London, to name a few. Dwain says that worldwide market is good for business. "The market may be bad in New York but good in London," he says. Dwain believes a philosophy common to most farmers and ranchers: "We don't put all our eggs in one basket." To drum up more fur-buying business, Mr. Adams owns a Cessna airplane that he uses to fly to distant points at a moment's notice. "We also have agents buying for us all over the country," offers Dwain. "We give them a price and whatever they get more for it they keep." An advertisement placed by the Adams in The Wall Street Journal is evidence enough of the importance of the fur- trading business. Dwain says he's learned quite a bit since taking on more responsibility for the fox ranch —so much in fact, he's had offers to both operate and manage the building of a new fox ranch in Alaska. But he says he sees too much potential at home to consider leaving now. "We're still growing," he says. "We're even thinking about more than doubling what we've got now." Dwain is a pretty smart fox himself, for like other farmers, he constantly invests profits back into the operation. "We make a lot of money off the foxes, but we put it right back into both the farming and the fox business," he adds. •••

August-September, 1983 !

^->*-w News,iNews, .Notes,. raoies, ^ anaand nonsenseNonsense nfrom Everywhere

Chapter Scoop by Jack Pitzer

Meade County, KY, FFA'ers earned Three girls in the Green Bay South- This year the Lexington, OK, Chapter their tickets to the National Farm west, WI, Chapter ran in the March of started giving a $100 scholarship to the Machinery Show and Championship Dimes super run and finished first, most active and deserving senior. The Tractor Pull in Louisville by selling second and third in their age division. goal of the scholarship is to encourage magazines, working at the fish booth at Advisor Davis won his age group and involvement in the chapter's total pro- the county fair and selling popcorn was second overall. gram. K. C. Ely was the first winner. during ball games. N-N-N N-N-N N-N-N Fairbanks, OH, is out to raise $2,500 Members of Elgin, OH, FFA get one-

Guest speaker for the Upper Bucks to acquire a computer for their use in half school credit by 1 ) attending at least Tech, PA, FFA banquet was Pennsyl- marketing, accounting, figuring depreci- two of the three summer meetings; 2) vania Secretary of Agriculture Penrose ation and many other uses. They already attend at least one of the authorized Hallowell. have matching funds from their state camps; 3) exhibit at the county fair; 4) all N-N-N department of vocational education day demonstration at state fair; 5) attend Bill McGlinch and Brad Henderson which they had to match or lose. four of eight education days during plowed the community garden plots in N-N-N summer; and 6) have an on-going Greenville, OH. Hudson, FL, is growing hydroponic summer experience.

N-N-N cucumbers in the school greenhouse and . N-N-N Even though their greenhouse is not then selling them to support their ex- Instead of their annual banquet, Zillah, completed, Caddo Hills, AR, Chapter is pansion into hydroponic farming. WA, had an awards night, dessert and selling tomato, pepper and marigold N-N-N farmers dance. seedlings grown in their house. Wayne Beltz had to spend the day in N-N-N N-N-N the county jail — painting, that is —for Marlow, OK, Chapter held its third In Sumrall, MS, FFA and FHA have his work after the FFA slave sale at annual approved rodeo in May. A fun an annual cookout at a recreation center. Willow Springs, MO. highlight was a wild steer riding contest. N-N-N The FFA made about $1,500 too. Money earned by Colstrip, MT, in a N-N-N donkey basketball game was used to FFA CONVENTION Prompted by the plug in this column sponsor a $500 scholarship to outstand- last issue, John Tidwell, reporter for ing senior Alice Broadus. Oneonta, AL, sent news about their N-N-N officers attending state convention. Glide, OR, revived the tradition of N-N-N giving the out-going president a gavel. Another report prompted by the plug N-N-N in the last issue, came from Treasurer The Helping Hand award given Gregory Ford of Durham, NC, who annually to a member of Kofa, AZ, wrote to tell of the success the chapter is

Chapter who unselfishly gives time and having and credits it to their two hard talent for the betterment of the chapter Three members of Waterford, OH, working advisors. and its members went to Larry Koretz. FFA were selected for the state FFA N-N-N band and chorus. That's where many members get their first state convention experience. N-N-N More and more chapter newsletters showing up in our mailbag lately. Latest was the Omro, WI, "Plow-Sharer." N-N-N How are those corn, bean, wheat and other crop demonstration plots and chapter farm crops coming along? Write and tell us about your chapter's. De Witt During the Bremen, IN, Chapter ski I their 10 Talawanda, OH, members participa- Central, A, planted corn May trip, Chris Demein was hot dogging it ted in a mammal, entomology and and it was coming up well when they and broke his ankle. waterfowl judging contest organized for wrote. Their beans went in May 25. N-N-N FFA at the Cincinnati Zoo. N-N-N Harvey Prater, Gary Skaggs and Carol N-N-N When Beverly Howard gave her re- Hewlett, of Lawrence County FFA in Congrats to Pojoaque, NM, who held tiring officer address as president of the Louisa, KY, were treated to a free their first FFA parent-member banquet. Granton, WI, Chapter at the banquet dinner and given trophies for their essays N-N-N she also presented her check for $100 in a Soil Conservation Service contest. Half-time feature during the donkey Life membership in the FFA Alumni. N-N-N basketball game sponsored by Lake N-N-N A new addition to the vo-ag classroom Region FFA in Orleans, VT, was a Oberlin, KS, members had a different in Bunker Hill, IN, is a large full-color basketball relay for grade school'ers. idea for FFA WEEK. They made posters FFA emblem painted on the wall by N-N-N for each member's locker at school. members Mark Harmon, Kent Braden, Each year in June the Montevideo, Poster told what the member had done Chris Weaver and Jack Windsor. MN, Chapter has a hog barbeque to during the year in FFA. Another good N-N-N wish the graduating seniors the best of idea they had was a sunrise sevice on Keep us posted about nifty chapter luck in their future. It also brings the Sunday of the WEEK and then a faculty activities, about successes of members active and Alumni members together. and parent recognition breakfast after. and about what makes you enjoy FFA.

.14 The National FUTURE FA RMER National FFA Supply Service P.O. Box 15160 • Alexandria, VA 22309 Announcing another SUPER item!! OFFICIAL FFA WESTERN BOOTS by WRANGLER

MEN'S BOOT (uem MB) $70.00 LADIES' BOOT (Item LB). . ..$62.00

For both male and female members. These are QUALITY boots and are fully guaranteed. Both boots are in CHOCOLATE HONDO leather. Men's boots are fully lined with cushion insoles and leather outsoles. Steel shank and heel slips. 13" high quarters.

SIZES: Widths: B, 8-11,12 D, 6V2 -12, 13 EE, 7-11,12

Ladies' boots have tricot lined quarters, cushion insoles, composition outsoles with steel shank and heel slips. 12" high quarters.

SIZES: Widths: N, 6-9, 10 M, 5-10 Boots shipped direct from Wrangler! Please allow 3-4 weeks. Being made now!

And don't forget our other favorites! Belts and buckles by Tony Lama. 2 V2 Leather belts are beautifully tooled with FFA emblems embossed. " width tapered to 1 " at each end. Sizes 26 to 46, black or brown. Leather buckle (also by Tony Lama) has stitched FFA initials as illustrated.

BLACK BELT (Item B-BL) BROWN BELT (Item B-BR) $10.00 each LEATHER BUCKLE (Item B-LE) $10.00 each

BELT AND BUCKLE SET. . . .$19.50

Our new 1983-84 catalog will be mailed in mid-July to all chapters.

If ordering now, please include FULL PAYMENT plus Handling Charges and applicable state tax. FKVtn VHioii

Schools offering the forest products Brookings vo-ag department, is deter-

courses are: Crescent High School mined to make it as a PRCA (Pro- (Anderson County), H. S. Clinkscales, fessional Rodeo Cowboys Association) agriculture teacher; Walterboro High clown. School (Colleton County), Jerry Gowdy, Bob first got his start in 1973 at the agriculture teacher; Andrews High Sitting Bull Stampede in South Dakota School (Georgetown County), Gilmoe with professional clown Bunky Boger. McManus, agriculture teacher; Marion After that evening. Bob, who was only High School (Marion County), Walter eight years old at the time, has worked Tart, agriculture teacher; and Chester with many professional clowns. Area Vocational Center (Chester Coun- In 1976, Bob was given a six-year-old ty), Douglas Shannon, agriculture teach- trained willy goat from Bunky Boger. er. Bobber, the goat, was trained to jump The forest products field day and through a hoop, camel crawl, walk on Mr. Gary Hermann, at left, representing curriculum are sponsored by certain his hind legs, walk on his front legs, Westvaco, was chairman of the timber pulp and paper industry organizations: operate a teeter-totter and do his Richard harvesting field day committee and is Bowater, Champion International Cor- Nixon interpretation. commending the three top winners in poration, International Paper Company, Harvey, who takes a special pride in this year's forest products field day. Westvaco and Stone Container Corpo- animals, has worked with animals rang- They are shown with Mr. Hermann, left ration. Each organization furnished one ing from mules and goats to puppies and to right: Terry Fore, Marion Chapter; member who serves on an advisory piglets. "Bob has always been involved Michael Potts, Marion; Vonalyn Phillips, committee to the teachers who have with animals and all of his FFA projects Walterboro. forest products courses and to the state have involved animals," replies his FFA vocational agriculture staff who super- advisor J. E. Kleinsasser. in Awards the Woods vise the courses in selected high schools. Forest products participants from The industry representatives arrange to Chicken Cookers Marion and Walterboro High Schools move timber harvesting equipment which One of the activities the Willard, won the top three individual honors in is rotated among the six schools that Ohio, FFA has every summer is a the rugged annual South Carolina forest offer the course. The equipment is sche- chicken barbeque held for parents, products field day held recently at Man- duled for one month each year at each members and invited guests. chester State Forest. Terry Fore from school. Earl Frick, district consultant of The chapter started by buying 200 Marion topped the field of over 100 agricultural education, Florence, con- baby chicks in mid-March and raising vocational agriculture students to claim ducted the field day activities this year. them until they were big enough to be top honors with a score of 470 points of put in the chapter barn. Then the mem- a possible 500. Michael Potts of Marion FFA Flag Flies at bers took turns feeding and taking care placed second with a score of 467 points of the chickens every day. and Vonalyn Phillips of Walterboro was Headquarters When the chickens weighed an average third with 434 points. The official FFA flag was flown of five pounds, the chapter decided it The field day brought together the under the lighted American flag on top was time to butcher. top students enrolled in forest products of the Agway headquarters building in The purpose of the barbeque is to courses in selected high schools across DeWitt, New York, during National promote FFA in the Willard area. Our the state. The rugged hands-on compe- FFA WEEK. barbeque was held in June along with tition saw students utilize the same skills The blue and gold flag measures 5 feet our Softball tournament. (Dave Fea- they are taught in their classrooms, by 8 feet. It was attached to the 50-foot theringill, Reporter) including: ( ) pulpwood and flag staff above the six story headquarters I estimating standing trees, (2) scaling saw logs to building, just below the 6-foot by 10- determine the amount of lumber they foot American flag, which has become a A Circle of Three will yield when sawed into boards, (3) landmark in central New York. The Gervais, Oregon, Chapter has of agriculture, of determining the volume of pulpwood on "The future and developed a new program to help get the trucks, (4) estimating the volume of farm cooperatives like Agway, will be in members more involved with FFA. They the hands of these young people who are standing saw timber and (5) prescribing call the new program the "Winner's to recommended timber thinning practices. currently FFA members," according Circle." William A. Hiller, president of Agway. ; The program is designed so that once "It is appropriate that we honor this a member obtains 22 points they receive organization these outstanding youth and a pin with the chapter's name and the of so of sons and daughters many our year that they received the pin engraved Agway members, by flying the FFA flag on it. After three years, if they make the at headquarters during National Agway circle each year, they will receive two WEEK," he said. FFA "Many Agway more pins which will form a three-ring employees were and stu- FFA members design and after four years in the circle, died vocational agriculture during their they will receive a laurel leaf cluster. The high school careers." members receive points for each FFA activity that they take part in. This Clowning Around includes all meetings, contests and These participants are determining the Becoming a rodeo clown is an unique money-makers. Once a member gets 22 board feet of lumber each log will yield activity for an FFA member in South points, the extra points, if any, are when sawed into boards. Dakota. Bob Harvey, a senior in the carried over from year to year and

36 The National FUTURE FA RMER several of our members are well on their House of Representatives. Forty-one of In addition to the four state officers way to receiving their next 22 points the 58 committee members were present on the program, time was available for which count for next year's pin. for the dinner and all stayed through comments by the four legislative com-

This year we have 15 members in the adjournment. The dinner was sponsored mittee chairmen - Senator Nelson winner's circle; Rich Pranger, Coy Boen, by the state Farm Bureau Federation. Tinnin, agriculture committee; Senator Frank Prantl, Mary Saalfeld. Tony Kurt Voss, Union, state FFA pres- Danny Staples, conservation, parks and Shclechter. Evan Sullivan, Jenny Combs, ident, chaired the meeting and Tom tourism committee; Representative Glen Dark, Dave Dickman, Sue Fersh- Lynch, vice president, Ozark, gave the Norwood Creason, agriculture commit- weiler, Greg Fitzgerald, Jeff Kushnick, invocation. Speakers were David Hill, tee; and Representative Robert Dunning, Chris Leith, Paul Massee and Greg vice president from Smithville on "Edu- agribusiness committee. Other greetings Leith. cation Through Study and Experience"; were extended by C. R. Johnston, pre- We hope that this program will help Joi Morris, state secretary, Hamilton, sident. Farm Bureau Federation; James members get more enthusiastic about all spoke on "Appreciation for Support"; Boillot, director, state department of of the activities that we have. (Jenny and Rhonda Scheulen, past state pre- agriculture; Frank Drake, assistant

Combs, Reporter) sident, Westphalia, spoke on "Why I commissioner, career and adult educa- Farmer." Want To Be A (Continued on Page 40) It Takes Two To Make A Cheeseburger No wonder the Wiggins, Colorado. Greenhands' Food For America pro- gram is such a hit. They let students color, plant seeds, make and eat a The Answer Book cheeseburger with a friend and see live- stock and machinery, right at the grade school. In the planning stages, the chapter as a whole voted to let the Greenhands FREE! cover the Food For America program. The Greenhands used the FFA hand- book to organize the program. The Send for our principal of the elementary school was contacted in order to clear the event. free guide to The children were divided into four groups; two kindergarten groups, one farm equipment first grade and one second grade. One group colored an activity page which maintenance. was later posted. Prizes were awarded to the best colorers. Two groups had the students pair up with another person and had them make cheeseburgers. The Here's a double-duty book you'll want to send for. It other group planted various seeds. will help you in classes related to farm maintenance as During the program the Fort Morgan practical "hands-on" advice for Times had pictures taken and later well as giving you carried an article in the agricultural better maintenance of the equipment you work with paper. (Mike Bass, Greenhand Reporter) daily. 192 pages. Completely updated with handy reference charts for all types of farm equipment filters. Thousands of copies in use.

FiLTERSh — I ® The Heavy-Duty Filter People

J. A. BALDWIN mfg. co.. kearney. Nebraska 68847

subsidiary of J L Clark Manufacturing Co Everybody can learn about food when SEND THIS COUPON TODAY you get "hands on" experience and make a real cheeseburger. Please send free farm equipment Name Legislative Meal maintenance book with farm filter Function catalog. Address Prior to FFA WEEK in February, the state officers of the Missouri Asso- J.A. Baldwin Mfg. Co. City ciation hosted a dinner and program for Ag Education Dept. NA3-8 the members of the agriculture com- Kearney, Nebr. 68847 State .Zip_ mittees in the Missouri Senate and

August-September, 1983 37 New In Western Wear

Below, Miller Western Wear shirts intro- duces a dressier look to their new line with this men's fancy striped 55 percent cotton/45 percent polyester shirt, which features narrow striping, patch pocket and pencil slot.

Above, two new items from the Bailey Hat Company: left, the new "Trailhand" felt hat from their Cowtown Collection features the traditional six-inch crown. Above right, the pick of the pros is Bailey's official PRCA staw hat made of genuine Formosan panama in wheat color, featuring four-inch rodeo brim. w .jfg n Below, walk through all kinds of weather in one versatile and reversible jacket from Pioneer Wear, offered in navy-gray or brown-beige combinations. Jacket reverses to solid nylon shell; collar, waistband are striped knit.

Left, Blackwood Spurs' Show Col- lection's new "Cal- ifornia Curved Cutter," spurs C^t, which come in blued or stainless « steel.

Right, the Wagon Wheel Buckle Ser- ies is a new, limited Above, western styling in durable Tex edition collection Twill: Levi's new Saddleman Side Pocket offered by Tony Jacket, made of 100 percent Fortrel Lama, made of polyester, has a comfortable dress wes- antiqued solid tern look, with the same classic styling white brass. as the Levi Jean Jacket.

Below left, Tony Lama spices up its line for spring with Below, Nocona Boot Company adds additional strength to its coordinating belts and boots in stylish colored exotic leathers. line of boots with the Granite Gray Crushed Goat Style The new "chili cow" boot (shown) is stitched in silver and worn Number 3004, featuring a soft, gray leather. Below right, a with matching belt. Below right, Acme Boot Company's new gray buffalo calf grain cowhide foot highlights this new item style 1659 features a stitched quarter and hand corded medallion from Laredo Western Boots. The boot features a full leather in chili buggywhip leather. lining and leather outsole.

IX The Sational FUTURE FARMER A Career You Can Be Proud Of Is Part Of The NaraAfaenture.

s&rr

There's no prouder moment including precision instrument Navy specialist, you're pro- than when you master a repair, micro-electronics, state- moted as your skills grow. And highly technical skill. But of-the-art computers, even all the time, you're building a that doesn't happen overnight. nuclear power. solid career that can pay off It requires hard work and You train on some of the for the rest of your life. The starting salary is kind of top-notch classroom in the world. Then, you perfect solid, too: over $550 a month training and hands-on experi- your skills working with plus housing, food, medical ence you get in the Navy. professionals who know their and dental care, and extra pay The Navy Adventure trade inside and out. for sea duty. starts with high-powered tech- The adventure continues To find out how you can begin nical training. There are over with the opportunity for rapid a career you'll be proud of, call sixty fields to choose from, advancement. As a trained 800-327-NAVY, toll-free, today. Navy. It's NotJust AJob, It's An Adventure. held a fish and mountain oyster fry. The FFAurAetion~ members sold tickets, prepared the meal, FREE (Pick up A CTIONfrom Page 37) and served over 150 area farmers and interested persons. film rural BOOKLETS tion; and William J. Wasson, deputy A on crime commissioner, state department of ele- and a discussion of the program was on purchasing and caring for mentary and secondary education. presented by the members. The local your horses are available. In ad- The meeting with the legislators was Farm Bureau president and the sheriff helped with the presentations. dition, you'll receive a confor- the last activity of the annual FFA state Examples of local thefts and how they might have mation chart, and information officer goodwill tour. been prevented were stressed. At the on the free use of instructional During the three day tour, the state conclusion of the program, farmers were films covering conformation and officers presented programs for 24 school asked to sign up for the program. The events. assemblies, 23 civic clubs and 28 news performance chapter members are marking their media including radio, TV and news- now CONTACT: equipment. (Becky Tally. Reporter) American Quarter Horse papers. Association The 13 state officers and two past Dept. FFA officers were divided into five groups of One Good Job Earns Amarillo, Texas 79168 three so they could meet the many Another (806) 376-4811 program requests from Jefferson City to The Denton, Texas, FFA, through Kansas City. All programs were well the ornamental horticulture program, received and the officers were encouraged was in charge of landscaping one of our Suffolk to come back. National new elementary schools Sam Houston The assembly programs for both junior — Sheep Elementary. and senior high schools included skits The horticulture class planted a total Association/^* developed by the officers portraying of 49 trees (all 3-inch caliber) and 316 various prototype groups commonly shrubs including abelia, Japanese ligus- found in schools. Although the skits trum, wax leaf ligustrum, junipers, included characters from good to bad pittosporum, boxwood and liriope. All and serious to funny they were inter- trees were balled and burlaped. All woven with a monologue to help each shrubs were 2-5 gallon size. individual in the audience identify them- Later the high school principal pre- selves and secure ideas for improvement. sented each student with a special cer- The programs referred to various school tificate of merit at the annual FFA groups and activities and the only ref- awards banquet for outstanding achieve- erence to the FFA was the official dress ment in landscaping and a job well done. of the state officers and opening and The school district administration and Big Jim Halters closing ceremonies by the chapter offi- I Cuts Hatter Breaking [ school board have given the horticulture cers. Time In Half i program and the Denton FFA the op- Results Guaranteed | The civic club programs included a 4 sizes adiust to any animal portunity to do the landscaping of all speech on agriculture problems and Chrome Plated ^ [ new schools built in the future. (Jay V; For information write: . solutions, a speech on leadership devel- BIG HALTER Advisor) JIM CO. opment and vocational education and a Martin, 3, Box 3138, Boerne, TX 78006 speech on rural-urban relationships. If time permitted a question and answer HAMPSHIRES.. period was included.

Start your project with the Each year since 1 954, the state officers breed that has a bright future. association taken a goodwill Write for information. of the have tour through a selected area of Missouri. Jim Cretcher, Secretary The American Hampshire Sheep Assn. P.O. Box 345-F, Ashland, MO 65010 (314) 657-901 2 Rural Robbers

Rural crime is an ever increasing NEW! problem facing rural areas. Farm ma- chinery, grain and feed are becoming The Young easy targets for thieves. The Oberlin, Kansas, Chapter has become aware of Cattleman this problem and are trying to reduce the number of thefts in the area. Members felt the first step was to inform as many For the begin- people as possible about this problem. ner or experienced The Farm Bureau and the county sheriff showman. Tips on selecting, were contacted to assist in developing a care, feeding, grooming From front to back are Tabetha Bush, and crime prevention program. showing efficient Robert and Steve Robinson, plant- productive and The Kansas Farm Bureau and the Row Charolais and Charolais-cross ing Japanese ligustrums at the school. Kansas Bureau of Investigation have steers and heifers. Write for your developed a marking system for imple- FREE copy today! Off ments. Each farmer is assigned an indi- Park Plan Pays AMERICAN-INTERNATIONAL vidual number which is placed on Here's how our Lake City, Arkansas, CHAROLAIS ASSOCIATION implements. The chapter made plans to recreational park came to be. 1610 Old Spanish Trail — Houston, TX 77054 assist in marking these items. The chapter president and BOAC 713/797-9211 To kick off the campaign the chapter chairman met with the citv council at the

40 The Motional FUTURE FARMER October meeting and explained to the and sisters had done. Jeff was named council the FFA plans for a park. The outstanding Greenhand and Chapter SAWMILL council appropriated $2,200. The chapter Star Farmer and served as the chapter T Inflation -ml HIGH Lumberyard Price*! \o need to »ti>p your important firojecis. then got bids on 29 yards of concrete for president. Take this portable mill right lo the trees -turn out smooth, true lumber every lime -no experience needed Saw your a 60-foot by 35-foot basketball court. Jeff wants to become a veterinarian. own logs or lumber lor oihers and make eicellenl spare*

1 time income-no ciew needed Use any power-lraclor The chapter leveled the lot, built the He is one of six Riley children —two PTO. diese). eleclrtc Time payments may be arranged forms and poured the concrete. We then older brothers who are in the family Stni tor f BEE details -mail coupon below or postcard today' V.. Obligation and No Salesman Wilt Call. painted the free throw lines and boundary partnership and three sisters who help in FQIEY-BELSAW CO • 30202 FIELD BLDG • KANSAS CITY. MO Mill /SUl lines before putting up the goals. This operating the 800-acre spread. His mom, phase of the project cost approximately like most moms, is also involved as she $1,800. serves as chief cook, bookkeeper and

Our next phase was to finish a baseball organizer. About his dad, after whom City-State Zip_ field that was started some years ago but Jeffery Marvin is named. Jeff says, "My never completed. The chapter leveled father at the age of 43. runs the farm, HAVE AN IDEA? the field and constructed much needed auctions two cattle sales and buys cattle We submit ideas, inventions, bleachers. The baseball field and bas- and hogs by order on a daily basis for new products to industry ketball court, as a result of our chapter feedlots and packing houses. My father's Call Toll Free 1 -800-528-6050 Exl 831 work, will soon have lights so games can love for horses was the spark that got me Arizona 1-800-352-0458 invention Or Wnle Kit »NFF be played at night. and brothers started in racing horses." O O my marketing 701 Smithfield St Upon completion of the project the Jeff and his family have recently LUD incorporated Pittsburgh. PA 15222 chapter did some landscaping on the expanded their horse program to include ____^____^^_^ IMI 1982 park. Benjie Barnes, chapter secretary, running quarter horses. Jeffs favorite is LEARN TO FLY did radio shows on various local stations Ascention. a three-year-old filly with a RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES to help publicize the project. The Jones- 98 speed index, which is a top AAA Fun, Challenging

1 boro Sun newspaper carried two stories American Quarter Horse Association Educational . Money saving booklet tells best way about the project during the three- Rating. lo get started in this exciting hobby month construction. When the park was Although Jeffs family has always had SEND $2.00 TO ST. CROIX OF PARK FALLS. LTD. completed, Keith Marshall, BOAC horses on the farm, his dad says, "This P 0. BOX 279L-PAHK FALLSWI 54552 chairman, presented the city council and horse racing is something for my entire the mayor with a certificate of appre- family to enjoy. We now all share a ciation. interest. (Eric Grimes, President) common When we win we If you move, please let us know so you will receive celebrate and when we lose we work your magazine without interruption. Send your new address and the address label from the last issue of FFA Causes Quite A harder, together. It used to be on Sunday your magazine to Circulation Department, Box Bang at afternoons we all went our separate Home Games 15160. Alexandria. Virginia 22309. ways —to the baseball field, watched TV, slept, or just ran around; now, we 10 YEAR all load up and head for the brush track GUARANTEE to watch our horses run. We also get to $195 takeoff for a couple of days and go to an official race in Springfield or DuQuion.

This is a family project and has brought outdoorsman Offers you the quality of us all closer together. (Susan Shaeffer, CUSTOM made models selling up 10 $25' Hand polished imported surgical Reporter) steel blade has SAFETY LOCK to prevent accidental closing Enpensive Rose wood handle SOLID BRASS bolsters and liner IF BROKEN IN IU YEARS ACTION LINES WE WILL REPLACE AT NO CHARGE' Use 30 days, money • back if not pleased. Add 75* Offer to care for the plants in the postage & handling but order an J knives & we ship free. county office building. ORDER TODAY Midwest • Knife Co., Dept X-236 Start a Christmas tree plot now 9043 S Western Ave for future year's fund raising ef- Chicago. III. 60620 Members of Scott City, Kansas, FFA Mail orders onl\ forts. promote school spirit at home high • Operate the pick-your-own apple school football games by firing a cannon after every touchdown.fDam? Hoover, operation for a local grower. • Wash the Alumni donated van. Reporter) VaMuiH' • Take your banker with you to the contest. EB3sHl A Farm Family's Fun • Volunteer to your chapter pre- The common expression "just horsing sident to be a chairman. around" comes very close to explaining • Send a funnvjoke to The National Jeff Riley's life. Horses play an important FUTURE FA RMER. role for this 17-year-old FFA'er from • Challenge the Alumni in a show- Farmington, Kentucky. manship contest. Jeff spends most of his time feeding, • Be sure your chapter says thank doctoring and supervising his cattle; he you to the secretary in the prin- also feeds out hogs, ships boars and cipal's office. aHD sows, works in the fields, and still has • Gift idea for your advisor FFA US Patent ottice time to custom break and train several watch. After costly treatment failed. Ihis skin disease was horses. Jeffs favorite project is his horses. • Invite the football coach to the believed incurable At this point. HAPPY JACK MANGE Jeff entered vocational agriculture four chapter banquet. MEDICINE was used with dramatic success. Also HAPPY JACK TRIVERMICIDE recognized sate and years ago to improve his knowledge of • Prepare fresh flower arrangements effective by US EtVM against hook, round and agriculture and join the Future Farmers for the school library. tapeworms in dogs and cats At larm, feed and drug of America, just as his older brothers stores. To request free catalog, write: Happy Jack. Inc., Dept 15, Snow Hill, NC 28580

August-September, 1983 41 " " "

The Joke Page

One day the Tomato family went for An old man went into a church while The laziest man I ever saw was Will a walk. and Papa Mama Tomato walked the preacher was in the middle of a Knot. Instead of writing his name, he briskly along, but had to keep calling for sermon and asked the man beside him, wrote "Won't." Junior to quit dawdling. Finally, Papa "How long has he been preaching'.'" Gary Mote Tomato became very angry with Junior, The man said, "About 28 years." Wilburton, Oklahoma strode back to him and stomped on him. The old man reckoned, "Well, guess "Now," Papa shouted, "ketchup." Til stay. He should he about through. Lynette Howard Mike Melton Trudy's father walks into the kitchen Snow-flake. Arizona Albany, Kentucky and finds his post card that he got from his brother full of sticky peanut butter A castaway was captured by some and jelly sandwich. He runs into the There was a small church that stood cannibals. Each day they would puncture next room to Trudy and yells, "Have along the banks of a small river. One his arm and drink his blood. Finally, he you been playing with this post card Sunday the preacher was just about to called for the chief. "Look, Buster, kill your uncle sent'.'" start when this drunk came in and sat me and eat me if you want to, but I'm Trudy: " Yes, why?" down in the back of the church. The getting tired of getting stuck for the " Father: Well. I wanted to show it to preacher saw him and started a fiery drinks. Reverend Tltatchlamb. And you ought sermon. He said, "If / had all the Paul Doll of to know we can't show afilthy post card wine, beer and liquor in the world, I Kintyre, North Dakota to the reverend." would pour them into this river." Q: What is red and green and goes 300 Cheri Bernier The drunk stood up and started sing- mph? Weston, Oregon ing, "Shall we gather at the river?" A: A frog in a blender. " Randy Capps Joe: What do you get ifyou cross 25 That last joke was so old, the first time Washburn. Tennessee buck deer with 25 sows?" I heard it, the Dead Sea wasn't even sick. Brian: "I don't know." Todd Brown Joe: "Fifty sows and bucks." Ramseur, North Carolina Sandy Stroud Midland, Ohio Drivers of small cars have to make quick decisions — like which tail pipe to Q: What do you get when you cross a go up when the truck ahead of them giant with a skunk? makes a sudden stop. A: A big stink. Craig Schneider Michael Mattson Columbia City, Indiana Stanberrv, Missouri

Charlie, the Greenhand

" Training them was well worth the time and trouble.

The trouble with being a good sport is FARM LOAN DEPT. that you have to lose to prove it. Rod Vogel Bloomville, Ohio

Claude was the only one in his town to catch any fish. People would sit on the lake for hours but didn't catch a single fish. But every single day Claude would drive up with a whole truckload. So one day the people called the fish and game warden. He was there the next day and he went fishing with Claude. They got out in the middle of the lake and Claude pulled out a stick of dynamite and lit it and threw it out in the middle of the lake. When it exploded the catfish started floating to the top of the lake. The warden started screaming that it was illegal so Claude lit another one and handed it to the warden. The warden persisted that it was illegal. Claude said, "Are vou going to keep talking or fish'.'" Mark Weber "I've got collateral. ..see those gold teeth?" Lake Elsinore, California

I he National n II Rl 1 ARMER will pay tS.OOfor each joke selectedfor publication on This page. Jokes man be addressed lo ihc National FITL RE FARMER. P.O. Box lllbtl. Alexandria. \ A 22309. In case of duplication, payment mil be lor the first one received. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned

42 The National FUTURE FA RMER M$& r- £*

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V\forld famous all-leather handcrafted boots & leather accessories

Made in the U.S.A.

> I Styles shown, left to right: Stock No. 7447, chili cow boots; #67411, chili cow tapered belt, JJ&&P 1 # 29532 & # M7090H, natural boa belt and buckle; and Stock No. 81-14, natural boa boots

Tony Lama Co., Inc. • 1137 Tony Lama St. • El Paso, Texas 79915 What a difference a family can make

Fifty years ago, when rural areas were hard Today the problems of farmers are different pressed for petroleum products, Farmland from the ones that faced your parents and Industries and its family of Double Circle grandparents. But one thing hasn't changed: cooperatives was organized for the purpose of It's still a family business, a way of life as bringing petroleum products to the farm. Their much as it is a way of earning a living. And success is a matter of record. Double Circle Co-op's role, in maintaining that Just after World War II, farm productivity way of life, is more important than ever. was increased dramatically through the explosive growth in the use of commercial Now it's your turn fertilizer. A fertilizer shortage threatened, and As you begin to take over the reins, again Farmland and its family of Double Circle remember that no one, in this world, can go it cooperatives took the lead. They built fertilizer alone. You'll need all the help plants and developed a distribution system you can get, and the best without equal. source of help is your Over the years, your Double Circle Double Circle Co-op Co-op has continued to meet the needs family. of its patrons by entering such diverse fields as ag chemicals, meat processing, insurance, grain marketing, computer services, feed and many others. It was all done cooperatively, as a family, to provide Standing together. farmer and rancher members with Standing strong. ample, quality supplies and services. To improve their economic condition.

Farmland Industries, Inc.