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$200 Double Your Money Winner!
Jon Jahnke Bancroft, Neb.
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Jon Jahnke is a college freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and plans to major in mechanized systems management. He farms with his dad, Terry, and his grandfather, Dennis. Jahnke Cattle Company consists of fat cattle, corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
Sprayer Boom Shields
When the end of the sprayer boom is 45' or more away from the operator, mistakes will happen. After replacing the spray nozzles several times, I decided to build something to protect them. I found two pieces of 4" light-gauge angle iron, just wide enough to protect the top and front of the nozzles. Then I welded three pieces of strap metal to the angle iron in order to bolt the shield to the boom. Although you can build the shield any length, I made ours 30" to 36" long, to the point of the breakaway hinges. Paint the shield to match the sprayer and you’re ready to hit the fields.
Pallet Calf Carrier
Most of our calves are born in the fall in pastures as far as one-eighth of a mile from our barn. We needed a safe and easy way to transport them to the barn if necessary, so we built a pallet calf carrier. Using a normal pallet, nail a piece of plywood on top for a base, and then nail down 2x4s perpendicular in the corners. Finish the box by laying 2x4s on the top of the corners and attach tin on three sides with screws. Use two 2x6 boards angled from the back to the sides for additional support. We created a door on the remaining side by attaching a piece of chip wood plywood with three hinges and made a latch with an eye-hook.
Scott Ramer
Goshen, Ind.
Seed Coating Mixer
On our farm we mix talc, inoculant and other treatments with our seed in planter boxes. We found that using a large (5 gal.) paint mixer and drill is the best tool for the job. It is faster, more energy efficient and can be used with any cordless drill. The rounded edges of the paint mixer don’t break the seed coat or damage the seed.
Seth Zentner
Omaha, Neb.
