Jon Silsby of Union City, Mich., drove his "Crop Doctor Strong Medicine Edition" International 1066 tractor into the sand pile near the finish line in the finals of the Championship Tractor Pull session of the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. 

Silsby pulled a distance of 243.54 feet in the championship round to earn a fourth-place finish, beating 19 other tractors entered in the 9,300-pound Super Farm Division of the four-day event, held in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds.   

Showing up just behind Silsby was Lee Butts of Fairgrove, Mich., as he reached the end of his fifth-place finish in the championship round, pulling a distance of 242.52 feet with his 1066 IH tractor named "Press On."

Jason Bentzer of Edwardsburg, Mich., reached the end of his pull as he drove his John Deere 4555 "Plastic Money" a distance of 238.67 feet in the final round to earn a seventh-place finish.

The pull is sponsored by Syngenta, and the invitational-style format provides the opportunity to compete for more than $300,000 in total prize money awarded to the entrants from throughout the U.S. and Canada. The 2023 NFMS is planned again for Louisville and has been scheduled for mid-February.

Farmer captures 1st place in dryland wheat yield contest

Even with a less-than-desirable growing year for the 2021 wheat crop, Jeff Krohn of Owendale, Mich., took home the award from the National Wheat Foundation’s Wheat Yield Contest Reception, held March 9 in New Orleans before the opening of the 2022 Commodity Classic. 

The award was presented by Chanler Goupe of the National Association of Wheat Growers and David Cloeavinger, chairman of the National Wheat Council.   

Krohn Acres used the Dyna-Grow 9242 variety to produce a yield of 140.54 bushels per acre in the contest field. The crop was a part of the 2021 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network that promotes using a high management wheat program to increase yields. 

Jeff Krohn (center) of Owendale, Mich., took home the award from the National Wheat Foundation’s Wheat Yield Contest Reception. Also pictured are Chanler Goupe (left) of the National Association of Wheat Growers and David Cloeavinger, chairman of the National Wheat Council.

Krohn aims for a lower seeding rate of less than a million seeds per acre and makes use of narrow-row planting using a drill with 5-inch row spacing, narrower than the standard 7.5 inch rows on conventional planters.  

Besides the usual N, P and K fertilizer application, Krohn also aims to include about 20 pounds of sulfur per acre. In addressing the growing season, Krohn says, “It was very hot and dry during pollination, and a massive thunderstorm left its mark, making harvesting very challenging.”

Take trip back in time at Tillers International event

Watch teams of horses and oxen, blacksmiths, woodworkers, and other artisans give demonstrations of traditional skills that date back thousands of years from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 30 at Tillers International in Scotts, Mich. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

There will be two teams of oxen, including Hamilton and Burr — the youngest team — who will be happy to have people give them scratches under their chins. Horses at the event will include Percheron, a team of Suffolks and Belgians.

Event parking is just west of the main entrance. Handicapped or senior parking is available through the main entrance. For more information, email [email protected].

Tillers International is located at 10515 E. OP Ave., Scotts, Mich. The phone number is 269-626-0223.

2022 DFA Cares Foundation scholarships

Ann Goodroe of Sterling, Mich., is one of 53 recipients to receive a Dairy Farmers of America Cares Foundation Scholarship. She plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University and major in pre-vet.

Since its inception 15 years ago, the DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship Program has grown to honor an increasing number of outstanding students who are pursuing careers in the dairy industry.

Selection criteria include a commitment and passion for a career in the dairy industry; extracurricular activities, awards and work experience; and academic achievement. This year, DFA’s scholarship committee awarded a combined total of $74,800.