Ben Klick, a Stark County Farm Bureau member and 5th generation farmer, shares what new technology he has implemented to increase production and efficiency.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Allowing people a sneak-peek into our farm is a way to break negative stigmas. ~ Mackenzie Deetz
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Each session will feature new and innovative solutions, research, and information on the latest technology and strategies to protect farms and rural communities.
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Learn more about how Jakob Wilson, a fourth-generation farmer, embraces the importance of generational differences in their farming operation while implementing new technologies to increase efficiency.
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Eight local Young Agricultural Professionals groups have been awarded $500 grants for educational programming or events they are planning or that have taken place already in 2024.
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Crawford, Marion, Morrow and Richland County Farm Bureau summer intern for 2024 is Sarah Hoak.
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The program is the brainchild of Mike and Patti Boyert, who are ready to help the next generation of young people get started in agriculture.
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Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
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The free Entrepreneurship Bootcamp would benefit newer farmers and be helpful to anyone who caters to end consumers and has been in business for five years or less. Sessions start June 8.
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Mary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
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If you are age 18 to 24 and a farmer, a student or your job is directly impacted by the health of Ohio agriculture, we invite you to become a young member.
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