Rain, snow, sleet — and nice weather, too — Bob Fatchett is out with his cattle, making sure they have the nutrition, water and shelter they need to survive in Iowa’s climate.
Then he often goes in to his desk and studies the genetics of his herd and how he could improve it.
“I’ve been raising blacks (angus) ever since I was a kid,” he said. “I’ve got records going back 30 years. The buyers seem to like them better because they grade out choice better.”
In fact, when his cattle are ready to be made into steaks, he often ships them to Dodge City, Kans., where the plant will pay for the transportation. Sometimes he rides along in the truck, buys replacement calves from a near-by ranch, and brings them home in the same truck.
Bob is the fourth generation of his family to raise cattle in Clinton County, and this year, for the first time, he used A.I. (artificial insemination) to breed 96 cows (including some for other producers).
“In about six to eight days,” he said, “our first heifer will have our first A.I. calf, to start the calving season. All February and March calves will be born in a barn.”
Bob has several people who help him care for his cattle and farm 860 acres.
Features
February 11, 2013
Local farmer aims to always improve
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Striding for awareness
CAMANCHE -- Organizers for the third annual Strides for Clinton County Autism Family Walk and 5K run agreed that Saturday's turnout was better than last year. "It's getting bigger every year," Lori Bigwood, one of the organizers for the event, said.
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Nancy Holt
CAMANCHE -- Nancy Holt, 65, of Camanche, had a port placed in her chest this week to facilitate weekly plasma infusions. She said this is the best way to treat Alpha-1. For the past few years, Nancy's health has been declining. At the same time, her
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Students honored at ceremony
CLINTON -- Seventy-four students from Clinton High School's class of 2013 were honored Thursday during the 27th annual senior honors convocation. The class of 2013 has taken more Advanced Placement tests and has earned some of the highest scores on
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Group eyes bandshell improvement
CLINTON -- A group of Clinton volunteers wants to transform the Riverview bandshell from an unkempt structure to an attractive venue for community events. Members of Vision 8, a Clinton-based nonprofit organization working together to improve the ima
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Cool Streak Snapped
CLINTON -- It didn't take long for the Gateway-area to bust out of a recent cool streak that extended through the weekend. In fact, the swing temperature was record-breaking. Tuesday's high of 93 degrees broke a record high from 1932. The temperature
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Bidding farewell
CLINTON -- For the first time in 55 years, Mark Kapusinski will not have a first day of school to anticipate. The Clinton vocal music teacher is retiring after 29 years with the Clinton School District. His wife Nancy also is retiring. With 22 years
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Growing Together
CLINTON -- Apartment dwellers and those with small yards can still rent plots in Clinton's community garden. The community garden, located at the corner of 13th Avenue North and North 14th Street, was tilled Wednesday for the planting season. Kelli
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A road block to businesses?
Camanche Avenue is expected to open Clinton to a bevy of new business and economic activity, but some business owners along the torn-up highway say the construction that started last April has nearly led them to close.
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In the water's wake: Library works to be fully operational after recent flood damage
CLINTON — In the three weeks since the Clinton Public Library basement was flooded, city and library staff have been working to repair the damage, but the fixes are far from being complete and the Root Cellar remains closed.
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Two men plan to start Clinton taxi services
CLINTON — Ride-seekers in the Gateway area soon will have two taxicab operations to get them to their destination.
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