From the Michigan Corn Growers Assoc.
As this edition of Farm World goes to press, you are likely beginning a busy harvest season, and we would like to remind you to remain safe this fall.
For the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) and Michigan Corn Growers Assoc. (MCGA), fall means the conclusion of our busy summer event season.
We would like to update you on the various events our staff, board members and growers have attended over the summer months, and what we are focusing on this fall.
Safety leads to successful fall harvesting As corn farmers across the nation are pulling into their fields to harvest a predicted 12.5 billion-bushel crop, they are reminded to focus not only on filling their bins, but also to follow important safety precautions that could save their lives.
Preventing accidents is the first step towards a safe harvest. The National Safety Council makes these safety recommendations: •Inspect all harvest equipment, make sure shields and guards are in place and that the seatbelt works properly, if applicable •Never lean or step over a power takeoff (PTO) shaft while it is operating
•Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around PTO shafts or other moving parts
•Keep long hair tied back or under a cap
•Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly
•Remind all farm employees about farm safety and ensure they have had all appropriate training
•Keep all bystanders and others away from all equipment during operation
•Follow all safety guidelines set by the equipment manufacturers We realize what a hectic time of year this is for all farmers; however, we need to make sure we take time to slow down, to ensure it is a safe harvest.
Ethanol Night at the Races sets record for attendance
A crowd of more than 1,000 corn growers gathered at the 2011 MCGA Ethanol Night at the Races on Sept. 9, at Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run. Ethanol Night at the Races, a yearly highlight for MCGA members, is a way for the MCGA to promote the use of ethanol while combining great food, fellowship and a full night of racing.
“With ethanol blends becoming more and more available in our state and across the country, Ethanol Night at the Races has become the perfect outlet for highlighting the advantages of using ethanol-blended fuels, while also thanking our members for their support during the past year,” explained Jeff Sandborn, MCGA president and a corn farmer from Portland.
“This event is an exciting way to showcase how agriculture can help consumers lessen our dependence on foreign oil and improve our environment through increased ethanol usage.”
In addition to learning about ethanol’s performance capabilities in racecars and watching MCGA board member Don Morse’s ethanol-powered car race during the night’s feature event, MCGA members also had the opportunity to examine many other ethanol-powered projects.
On display for the night’s festivities were Kettering University’s ethanol-powered snowmobile and formula car. Students from Kettering were on-site to talk with attendees about their projects and the benefits of ethanol.
Ethanol Night at the Races is truly a member’s event and two MCGA members who always go the extra mile in assisting with it are Mark Bauer, a Pioneer seed dealer from Reese, and Don Morse, who in addition to being an MCGA board member and a corn grower from Birch Run, is also a Pioneer seed dealer.
Mark and Don are instrumental in the event, as they and the corn growers of Saginaw County work diligently every year to help host the dinner. The Saginaw County corn growers assisting with this year’s event were Bob Belill, Jordan Belill, Tom Dorr, Bill Frederick, Terry Keyes, Austin Letterman and Dave Trinklein.
“We are so lucky to have Don, Mark and the other corn growers in Saginaw County, and we can’t express enough how grateful we are for all that they do,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, MCGA executive director. “Without them, Ethanol Night at the Races would not be possible.”
The MCGA would also like to thank the sponsors of the event who are also key in helping make this event so successful. The 2011 sponsors included ADM Grain Co.; The Andersons Albion Ethanol, LLC; Carbon Green BioEnergy; Crop Production Services; Don Morse, a corn grower and Pioneer representative; The Fraleigh Law Firm; Great Lakes Hybrids; Greenstone Farm Credit Services; Growers National Cooperative; Mark Bauer, a corn grower and Pioneer representative; Michigan Agri-Systems; Pioneer Hi-Bred International; Poet Biorefining; Tri County Equipment; and Weiss Equipment. |
