Klick farm

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Agriculture is always on the cutting edge of technology because farmers and ranchers need to produce more with less. Ben Klick, a Stark County Farm Bureau member and 5th generation farmer, shares what new technology he has implemented to increase production and efficiency. 

Ben Klick family
Ben and Kourtney with their daughter, Annabelle

I am Ben Klick and I am the 5th generation on our family’s grain and cattle farm in Navarre, Ohio where I farm with my dad. We raise corn, soybeans and wheat across 1800 acres as well as finish out close to 600 head of cattle a year. Our cattle operation is unique because they are born, fed, finished and processed in Ohio. We sell the majority of our finished cattle to a local processor that sells and distributes to local meat shops, groceries and restaurants. 

I finished both my terms on the Stark County Farm Bureau board and Stark County Cattlemen’s Association board where I served the past six years. I am involved with the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association where I served as president in 2022. I also serve on the National Corn Growers Member and Consumer Engagement Action Team where we focus on corn reputation in the public sector and how to bridge the gap between consumers and producers. I am passionate about learning how to become a better advocate for agriculture whether it’s in DC or at the Statehouse in Columbus. Getting to meet with legislators to share our story and the importance of what we do to feed our families, communities and the world is very rewarding. 

Engaging in new technology
variable rate
This is a picture of a farm we set up in VRT (variable rate). This map shows the different areas of the field where the spreader will apply different amounts of potassium based upon how much is needed in those smaller zones.

Following my graduation from Ohio State ATI in 2015, we began engaging in new technology. One thing we have done is transition some farms from conventional soil sampling to grid sampling to allow us to use variable rate fertilizer applications. This not only saves us money but helps us utilize our fertilizer better. Another example is we have updated our planter technology to allow for better seed placement and seed savings, both crucial for helping us be more cost effective and better farmers. 

We keep up to date with the latest technology the majority of the time by word of mouth; farmer trial and error per se. The best way to sell a farmer on something is his neighbor that he trusts. Likewise, things we read online or see in magazines can really spark our interest but knowing someone who has already transitioned to a different product or piece of equipment, that is the selling point.

Adapting to technology
fungicide chart
Fungicide trial with BASF using two different fungicides using drone technology

I am primarily the one implementing the new technology. My dad is slowly adapting to it but his famous saying is “I don’t like change,” which I believe applies to a lot of folks in agriculture no matter what their age. Honestly, if I want to try something I will try it on my own acres and if it works he will usually get on board. Applying and using fungicides is a prime example. We used to have a plane do it but now we hire a guy with a drone to do most of our corn. It is a little more expensive but we have seen it do a better job in our smaller, more cut-up farms. We also utilize some of the different “apps”  to collect and analyze data in regard to making decisions on seed selection for the next season or keep track of bushels of grain we have on hand to help with marketing. Year after year, it is becoming more of a joint effort. 

Technology wish list

One piece of technology that I would really like to try and think would greatly benefit our farm would be exact-apply on our liquid fertilizer system. We utilize row shutoffs for corn and soybeans that have saved us money but I think the electronic shutoffs on the planter and side dress bar for our liquid nitrogen applications would help us to not over apply nitrogen saving money in the long-run.

Young Ag Professionals Engagement Opportunities

Technology at Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21

Another way farmers keep up with the latest technology is at Farm Science Review where there are numerous displays and demonstrations on new ag technology. It will be held Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London. If you find yourself there on the corner of Beef Street and Friday Avenue, stop in at the Ohio Farm Bureau booth to visit with staff experts or renew your membership! 

Deadlines/Events/Reminders

Save the Date: 2024 Winter Leadership Experience, Columbus, Ohio: Jan. 26-27

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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