3-Pronged Approach Best For Rodent Control ST. LOUIS, Mo. - For many farmers in Paradise, Lancaster County, rodents often cause considerable damage to crops, livestock, harvesting equipment and buildings. According to John Hess of John J. Hess II Inc. in Paradise, the standard weapon to combat these pests is a baiting program. Many rodenticides now available, however, may be ineffective because a growing number of rodents have become anti coagulant-resistant. “Evidence now suggests that between 5 and 30 percent of all the rodents in the U.S. have become resistant to popular anticoagulent baits. This means a lot of wasted time, money and grain for the farmers,” Hess says. “The problem could have serious im plications, especially in the Choosing A Computer That’s Right For Your Farm The first comprehensive guide for choosing agricultural software is now available from Farm Management Systems of New Lenox, Illinois. “Choosing the Software That’s Right for Your Farm” is a free publication that takes the reader step-by-step through all of the “how to’s” in volved in purchasing farm com puter software as well as hard ware. The booklet simplifies the complicated, time-consuming process of evaluating software by helping the farmer assess his exact needs. A comprehensive checklist outlines almost every software function and feature available on the market today and gives the reader a method of deciding which ones are needed in his farm operation. There are also ex tensive checklists for selecting and pricing computer hardware. A major section of the booklet provides tips on selecting a vendor and analyzing software demon strations. FMS recommends that the potential buyer insist on running his own data during the software demo and the booklet suggests the best types of records ATTENTION FARMERS > -~fci —| ii-> m mxii MIT H-> lf~»» —>I—i1 —i ' ~ '■ Call deck's for quick removal of dead & disabled animals. Free of charge. —r*>iiT-fcii-> ii> ■ ■ » n » >■> n~f Located in Mifflintown, PA i 717-436-8272 Also Serving Lancaster, Carlisle, York & Millersburg areas. MARTIN BARN~DRI Use in any stable or animal pen that has a tendency to become slippery when wet • Cow Stables and Runways • Hog Pens • Sheep Stables • Dog rnd Cat Kennels • Chit ken Houses • Other damp arc is See your local dealer Paradise area.” An individual rodent can burrow into walls and ruin insulation, chew electrical wiring, nest in harvesting equipment and eat about $24 worth of grain each year, Hess points out. In addition, farm animals that eat grain contaminated by rodent urine, droppings and hair may acquire and transmit a number of diseases within the herd, including leptospirosis, salmonella and trichinosis. To combat infestations, the dealer recommends a three pronged approach of “rodent proofing” buildings, sanitizing facilities and baiting infested areas. “With cement or sheet metal, seal all openings around pipes entering buildings, or areas through . which rodents have already gnawed,” he advises. “Also, housings on aeration and for this purpose. A detailed discussion of every step of the demonstration is included, with recommendations for the specific tasks the farmer should require the computer to perform. For every step, there’s a description of how a good system should perform these tasks and how the farmer should evaluate what he sees in the demo. The booklet is written so that even those who have never used a computer can easily understand the process of selecting farm software. The booklet begins with information on how and when to make the decision to computerize the farm operation. There’s also a section with definitions of all the terminology involved in shopping for hardware and software. The publisher, FMS, is a full service supplier of software and hardware to the agricultural in dustry. The company’s staff in cludes farmers, programmers and computer analysts who have combined their expertise to develop the first practical guide for selecting farm software. “Choosing the Software That’s Right for Your Farm” is available drying equipment should be covered when not in use to keep rodents out of bins." It’s also important to clean out debris and garbage and remove spilled grain from around feeders or storage bins. Rubbish and weeds should also be cleared away from outside buildings to expose rat burrow system and rodent entry ways, the dealer adds. “The third and most crucial stage to an effective year-round rodent control is an effective, baiting program,” he says. A well-managed control program along with an effective rodenticide will help farmers protect their harvests and prevent costly damages to their farms, the dealer concludes. “A year-round rodent prevention program will go a long way towards reducing losses and maximizing profits.” System at no charge from Farm Management System, 1208 South Cedar Road, New Lenox, IL 60451. The publication can also be or dered by calling FMS toll-free at 800-992-2814 (in Illinois: 800-223- 4776). Clarion Legislator Addresses PFU Convention WILLIAMSPORT - House Majority Policy Leader David R. Wright (D-63) addressed the delegate body of the 15th Annual Pennsylvania Farmers Union Convention here Nov. 10. Wright outlined a package of bills which he recently introduced into the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to improve the economy of rural Pennsylvania. Wright commended the delegates for their optimistic theme, “The Courage to Make a Change,” and expressed his own optimism toward progress in several areas of rural concern. The legislator reminded delegates and guests that Penn sylvania has the highest rural population of any state in the n>.s. meamssitg §sl®!? I 3 2388 Old Leacock Rd., Gordonville, PA 17529 - WELDING - STEEL, STAINLESS STEEL, and ALUMINUM - PRECISION MACHINE WORK - CUSTOM FABRICATION - CUSTOM BUILT WOOD and COAL STOVES - CUSTOM BUILT HIGH PRESSURE WASHERS - WELDING SUPPLIES, HIGH-TENSILE FENCING and HARDWARE j @ky| UPS Service mcastar Mid-Size Round Baler From Vermeer An economical round baler designed to make a mid-sized hay package, perfect for dairies and smaller haying operations, has been introduced by Vermeer Manufacturing Co. The Pella, lowa firm designed the Vermeer 5041 in response to requests from dairy farmers for big bale systems with easier handling hay packages. The 5041 requires a smaller (40 hp) tractor than other models, yet harvests bales weighing up to 1000 pounds and measuring 5 feet in diameter by 4 feet wide. nation, with 47 of 67 counties classified as rural. “It’s time to focus attention on rural Penn sylvania, ” he said. Wright’s bills include the creation of a centralized data bank on rural problems, continuing education for healthcare professionals, an adult literacy program, and rural education partnerships. Wright explained that Penn sylvania currently ranks last in the nation in terms of the number of high school graduates who con tinue their education, and that his proposals will help to build and maintain a labor force attractive to industry. “We can’t prosper while frying each other’s ham burgers,” he said. inf, ■armi The rural leader said his package had passed the House of Representatives unanimously, but was still awaiting action in the Senate. He encouraged the delegates to contact their Senators and urge prompt consideration of the proposals. I AIL ASTI! | A Truly Dependable \ WORK WATCH! ißugged metal case, jtough lucite crystal, lull ■numeral dial with sweep ■second hand and| calendar WATER RESISTANTI SHOCK RESISTANT! .And, best of all ITS LORUS QUARTZ! 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