2019 Spring Farm Outlook

Page 40 2019 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine Lincoln Daily News March 21, 2019 Sharon has taught since 1987, and worth noting, “I also graduated from Illinois State University with an Ag Education degree.” Sharon and Vernon say farming techniques have changed a lot in the past years. When they raised hogs for 4-H projects they had about four to five gilts, (momma pig before its first litter). Then they bred them and they became sows with up to 14 piglets in the litter. “New genetics have changed in muscling up pigs causing some breeds to experience some problems in the birthing process,” Jones said. “Overtime,” Vernon said, “white breeds such as Chester Whites seem to be used for the mothering traits.” “We no longer have a local market to sell hogs because packers want volume like a semi-load of pigs at a time.” This leaves smaller groups of pigs that can be sold at smaller places like Goodfield, indicated Jones. Hog days gone by, the focus today is on crop production and Vernon has seen a lot has changed in crop management in the last half century. In the field Corn production certainly has changed. Recalling from his beginning days, Klockenga said, “One hundred bushels used to be good 58 years ago and now 200 bushels is expected.” He adds, “Now we have the option of using fungicides and pesticides that get the higher yield.” Klockenga is highly adept and appreciative using the data supplied by the latest technology found in his tractor cab. The GPS guided system tracks and records data that suggests where the field may have low fertility or a wet spot. Mid-October, and the 2018 harvest is coming to an end. Here Vernon Klockenga combines a small field north of Lincoln. Photo by Jan Youngquist Continue 8