Regular Meeting, February 10, 2010

(Left: Jim and guest Judy Szyszkoski of the Farm Bureau Board. Below: former member Ed Yarbrough was a welcome guest.)

This week’s meeting was attended by 17 CLK Rotarians, 1 CLK Rotary Alumni, and 3 guests. Our Guests were Jim and Agnes Countryman from Ontonagon and Judy Syzykoski from Chassell. Jim is a director of the Copper Country Farm Bureau and Judy is also a board member. Jim presented the program. Our Alumni vistor was Ed Yarbrough.

First, President Jim announced the Hancock Rotary Club was hosting Mr Jim Herlache on April 26 at the Finnish American Center in Hancock. Jim, a Rotarian from Wisconsin, will be giving a presentation on Power Flour. President Jim asked if the Club was in favor of canceling our Wednesday meeting on April 28 in lieu of attending the April 26 regular luncheon. The CLK Club voted to stay on our Wednesday schedule. CLK Rotarians, however, are encouraged to attend the Monday April 26 lunch meeting. Moreover, it could also be a makeup meeting for those who need one.

Next, Jim countryman was introduced to give the presentation. He is the current Ontonagon Rotary president and a director of the CC Farm Bureau. Jim and his wife, Agnes, are a beef cattle farmers owning Toll-Free farms. Jim talked about the Miracle of Modern Farming. The following points were made:

1. Farming was all organic until the early 1940’s. Farmers were dependant upon Nature to give the proper soil, water and weather. Bad crops meant the farmer and his customers were going to bed hungry.

2. Today, 2% of our labor force supplies the food to our country.

3. Farming also produces the crops that are used for producing medicine, clothing, and many of our consumable products.

4. The Miracle of Hybrid seeds (genetic alterations) has given farmers the ability to increase the yield per acre and find seed that will prosper in traditionally difficult growing climates. In 1940 the average acre of yielded 20 bushels whereas in 2009, that yield was 166 bushels per acre with a record high quantity of 300 bushels per acre. This is all thea result of hybrid seeds and modern famring techniques.

John and Agnes also Registered Irish Dexter cattle. The cattle are bred for tender beef and are raised without use of chemicals. John does sell the meat either by the pound or by the quarter. Rotarians interested in purchasing beef raised in Ontonagon can call John at 906-884-2351.

(Below: President Jim thanks John after his lively presentation.)