CASE IH and Value Implement, partner with UWRF

Case IH Agriculture, Value Implement of Osseo and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls announced a long-term partnership in December to provide the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences with access to the latest agricultural equipment and precision farming technologies available, as well as the expertise of Case IH and the Value Implement staff.

“We are excited to partner with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls,” says Jeff Schmaling, senior director of accounts management for Case IH. “UWRF has two laboratory and teaching farms close to campus, offers the only ag engineering technology major in the state and is a leading academic option for studying sustainable agriculture. We see many opportunities to join forces on research and community outreach initiatives.”

Dr. Dean Olson, chair of the UWRF agricultural engineering technology department, notes that the campus has several sustainability initiatives underway where the new Case IH equipment will play a key role. In fact, students in Olson’s programs are producing biodiesel from soybeans and the waste vegetable oil generated by campus foodservice, and using it to power campus vehicles and farm equipment.

According to Olson, a longer term goal is to complete the cycle, take the waste vegetable oil, turn it into biodiesel, power the tractors that plant the crops, harvest the seed, press out the oil, use it for cooking and then start the cycle over again. “We would like to investigate the positive effects of using biodiesel to operate Case IH machinery, monitor the wear on the engine and the quality of the emissions,” he says.

The laboratory portion of students’ coursework is completed at the university’s two farm operations. The 477-acre Mann Valley Farm includes an environmentally friendly composted bedding housing system for the herd. During milking, the bedding is tilled and a layer of composting material is removed. Once the composting process is complete, it is applied to crops and sold to local homeowners, landscapers and nurseries for $30/yard. Last year alone, the sales totaled upwards of $10,000.

A combination of new Case IH tractors, skid steers, tillage implements, a planter and a combine, delivered in early 2010 and each year thereafter, will be used for the day-to-day operations of the farms where approximately 50 students work and learn to manage an enterprise.

As part of the agreement, Case IH and Value Implement will be available to support classroom instruction and community activities such as University Field Days with hands-on field demonstrations.

Students also will be invited to participate in the annual Case IH Student Plant Tour offered at one of its U.S. manufacturing locations: Racine; Benson, Minn.; Fargo, N.D.; Goodfield, Ill.; or Grand Island, Neb.

In turn, Case IH and Value Implement will have the opportunity to bring potential customers and employees to the UWRF laboratory farms to see Case IH equipment in action.

The partnership is fitting. The Value Implement locations in Arcadia, Menomonie and Osseo serve west central Wisconsin; Case IH is headquartered in Racine, Wis.; and graduates of the UWRF frequently accept positions with both Case IH and Value Implement.

MOVERS

>> Applied Data Consultants Inc. has promoted Ron Bruder to vice-president, director of technology.

>> Dr. Ellen Kirking has been named vice president of education at Chippewa ValleyTechnical College.

>> Richard Schoenthaler, CPA, has been promoted to Ayres Associates’ vice president of finance. 

>> The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association recently elected the following members to serve as its officers for 2010: President Rick Parmeter of Clear Creek Log Homes & Trading Co.; Vice President Cody Filipczak of C&M Properties and Construction Inc.; Secretary Jon Schweiters of ShredAway; and Treasurer Pat Sturz of LarsonAllen. All of the companies are based in Eau Claire.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

CHIPPEWA VALLEY: The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association (CVHBA) announced its 2009 Builder and Associate of the Year awards. The awards are given annually to a member that best exemplifies CVHBA’s code of ethics and has made significant contributions to the association and the community. This year’s honorees included: Jeff Schreiner, Creative Construction of Eau Claire LLC — Builder of the Year; Dan Knapp, Lyman Lumber — Associate of the Year; Randy Tews, R. Tews Construction — Presidential Award.