HOGS

Today I will change a direction of the blog to talk about a different venture I had with my friend Tom. Last winter, Tom and I were off to the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society's winter conference and had a conversation about raising hogs, and how much better tasting home grown food is compared to what we get in the grocery store. He decided that we should raise a couple of hogs for meat. I thought that sounded like a great idea and proceeded to source some excellent weaned pigs. As a couple of weeks passed, it was decided that we should raise 6, and sell 4 of them when they are grown. By the way, Tom's wife blamed all of this on me, and Tom let her... 

 

My son Jake and I drove up to Larry and Lanette Stec's farm near Monroe, NE picked up the young porkers on July 22nd. The six weaned pigs averaged 62 pounds I think. I have to check my records on this little tidbit.
These little pigs quickly grew and proved to be excellent "doers."  We marketed the pigs to some of our friends. I had responsibility to sell 2 and Tom needed to sell 2. I was fortunate to find 3 people I work with to take a leap of faith. One of the guys bought a whole and the other two split one.
As the months passed, they grew quickly and it was time to schedule a date with the locker. As it turned out we couldn't get the hogs into the locker until the 1st of December due to deer season. The locker doesn't take livestock during the month of November due to the large number of deer that they process.
So on November 30th, I drove out to Tom and Brenda's with the trailer in tow. Loading 6 large hogs on the trailer turned out to be quite an adventure. The porkers that seemed to look for an exit point for months, decided that leaving the pen wasn't such a good idea anymore and created a bit of a challenge for us. Long story short, we got them loaded and let them rest in the trailer for the night. We were hoping to reduce as much stress as possible, and wanted them loaded so that we could drop them off first thing in the morning.
So the next morning I headed back out so that Tom and I could haul them off to Wahoo for processing. One would think that as much trouble as we had loading them on the trailer, off loading might be easier. Not so much!  It took us a little while to get them off, but once the first one got out, the rest soon followed. There were 3 others already there when we arrived, and ours were about 1/3 bigger, and I started wondering if we had let ours get too big. Too late now.

 

 

 

The average on the final weight was about 340. The pigs have all been processed and picked up by all the buyers from the locker. The Wahoo Locker did an excellent job cutting, curing and smoking. So far, only compliments from the buyers. The locker told us these were some really nice hogs, and they weren't too big. In fact, I asked to have the fat saved so I can make some lard and have some to grind with deer meat. I only got about 12 pounds of fat from my hog, and Tom only got 25 pounds from two hogs.
Tom has already found a feeder for next year, so I guess we are going to do this again. It was a good experience, and the small amount that I have eaten so far has tasted excellent. Maybe we will do 10 next year? Who knows, I guess we will have to wait and see.
So now our families get to enjoy some excellent pork that we know all about. I think they had a good life with plenty of sunshine and plenty of food.

AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Cold Flow Improver

Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver (DFC)

AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is formulated with excellent detergency properties to help keep injectors, rings, piston crowns and the fuel pump lubricated.

AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver (DFC) combines the superior detergency of AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate (ADF) and the excellent anti-gelling properties of AMSOIL Cold Flow Improver (ACF) in one convenient package, without sacrificing performance.
IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
 AMSOIL DieselConcentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is formulated with excellent detergency properties to help keep injectors, rings and piston crowns lubricated and free of soot. Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver cleans dirty injectors, improving fuel economy by up to five percent and restoring horsepower to like new. Acceleration is improved and with regular use, Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver continues to enhance performance by keeping injectors clean. The net savings on fuel expense can result in no additional cost to vehicle operation.
ULTRA-LOW-SULFUR DIESEL FUEL CHALLENGES
The reduced sulfur levels in modern ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) result in reduced lubricity, the property that controls wear in the fuel injectors and fuel pump. Improving lubricity in ULSD is difficult because it must be done without adding sulfur back into the fuel. Additionally, ULSD is subjected to extensive refining, making it even more difficult to treat. For these reasons, many competitive claims are not based on ULSD fuels, rendering them inaccurate and irrelevant. AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is formulated specifically for modern ULSD fuel. It improves lubricity, helps maintain engine oil TBN and prevents soot loading.
REDUCES CYLINDER WEAR, RETAINS ENGINE OIL TBN LONGER
With high rates of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in modern diesel engines, acids from combustion are of particular concern. AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver neutralizes acids during combustion. It helps reduce acid-caused cylinder wear and helps extend engine oil TBN, maintaining engine oil quality longer for better protection.
MINIMIZES SOOT LOADING
AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is a powerful cleaner that cleans fuel injectors and piston rings for improved combustion and better sealing. It minimizes soot generated from incomplete combustion and helps keep soot out of the crankcase. Reduced sootloading controls soot-related wear and engine oil viscosity increase.
SUPERIOR COLD-WEATHER PERFORMANCE

 As the temperature drops, the wax naturally found in diesel fuel begins to form crystals. The point at which wax crystals form is known as the cloud point. These wax crystals eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel, preventing it from starting. While low quality fuels may form wax crystals in temperatures as warm as 40°F (4°C), most fuels have a cloud point near 32°F (0°C). The point at which the wax crystals clog the fuel filter is known as the cold filter-plugging point (CFPP). AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver lowers the CFPP by as much as 34°F (19°C) in ULSD.

It also reduces the pour-point temperature of treated diesel fuel, providing better fuel delivery to the injectors during cold weather. It is formulated with a jet-fuel-type deicer that disperses water to control ice formation in all sections of the fuel system. Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold FlowImprover minimizes the need for the use of #1 diesel fuel, enabling better fuel economy, performance and lubricity.
POUR POINT VS. CFPP
It is important to distinguish between CFPP and pour point. Many competitors make great claims regarding pour point, leading consumers to believe their products are superior when they actually have an inferior CFPP. Once fuel surpasses its cloud point, the wax crystals begin to clog the fuel filter. The CFPP temperature is a more important characteristic than pour point because the engine will not run if fuel cannot pass through the fuel filter.
REDUCED NEED FOR #1 DIESEL FUEL
One traditional solution to cold weather problems in diesel engines is the use of #1 diesel fuel, which is diesel fuel diluted with kerosene. While #1 diesel fuel has an advantage in low-temperature operability, there are also several disadvantages. The energy content of #1 diesel fuel is about 95 percent of that of #2 diesel fuel, resulting in reduced fuel economy and less horsepower. In addition, the kerosene used in #1 diesel fuel provides less lubrication for the fuel pump and fuel distributor, increasing the likelihood for wear on these critical components. AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver minimizes the need for blending standard #2 diesel fuel with lower-quality #1 diesel fuel, helping to maintain fuel economy and keep engines functioning normally.
RECOMMENDATIONS
One 16-oz. bottle of AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver treats 40 gallons of fuel. Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver will show no signs of solidifying in its concentrated state in the bottle until the temperature reaches -22°F (-30°C). It will only freeze in its concentrated state, and AMSOIL recommends storing it at temperatures above 0°F (-18°C). If Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is allowed to freeze in the bottle it can be thawed and used. When mixed with diesel fuel, Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver effectively improves diesel fuel cold-temperature properties. It is important to treat fuel before it has reached its cloud point as Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver will not dissolve wax crystals which have already formed in the fuel.
AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver meets federal regulations for ULSD fuel. It complies with federal low-sulfur content requirements for use in diesel motor vehicles and non-road engines. While Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is formulated specifically for ULSD fuel, it also performs well with non-ULSD fuels, including biodiesel.
AMSOIL Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is specifically formulated to improve the lubrication of fuel system components, improve fuel flow, help maintain fuel integrity and prevent the fuel filter and injectors from clogging. Diesel Concentrate Plus Cold Flow Improver is recommended for diesel-powered vehicles, home heating oil and kerosene heating systems.

Study Reveals AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Increase Fuel Economy 6.54 Percent in Diesel Trucking Applications

To determine the fuel economy benefits of its synthetic lubricants, AMSOIL INC. simultaneously compared fuel consumption in two nearly identical 2001 Kenworth T800B short- to medium-haul diesel trucks in accordance with the SAE J1321 In-Service Fuel Consumption Test Procedure. The procedure’s primary goal is to eliminate all operating and environmental variables that may influence fuel economy - except lubricant selection.
Testing demonstrates use of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants in short- to medium-haul diesel applications can increase fuel economy, and in this case did by 6.54 percent.

Customers and visitors to  AMSOIL.com can now quickly and easily register as AMSOIL Dealers. Information on Dealership opportunities and registration details can be found by clicking the Opportunites Link on the top of the homepage or the Dealership Information link in the left column. While logged into the Preferred Customer Zone, Preferred Customers may also use the Opportunities link to upgrade to Dealer status. Visitors are presented with a choice to contact their local AMSOIL Dealer, request more information from AMSOIL or immediately register as an AMSOIL Dealer.
http://www.amsoil.com/catalog.aspx?code=dfc&zo=1338845

An interesting article on home based businesses and direct selling.

This article was pointed out to me by a friend who also is in a direct selling business.

With tough times around for everyone, we think that having a direct selling business that allows us to earn extra income while still working our full time jobs is important. I also believe it is important to show others the benefits of having your own business. Whether you choose AMSOIL or one of the many others, choose a product line you believe in enough that you can speak to others about it.

Anyway, follow this link to the USAToday article.

If you are interested in discussing the AMSOIL business and what it can do for you, please feel free to call or email me. 402-499-4301    amsoildealermike@gmail.com

People are recognizing the superior performance of synthetic oils.

In the 40 years since AMSOIL pioneered the synthetic motor oil industry, countless motorists have recognized the superior performance of synthetic oils, motivating many to make the leap from conventional to synthetic in their vehicles. In fact, synthetics currently comprise 7-9 percent of the lubricant market, a sharp increase from the 5 percent share held in 2005. However, many customers are also motivated by price – especially in today’s economy. They won’t pay a significantly higher price than a conventional motor oil and they seek the best deal they can for their synthetic motor oil.

The industry has seen the costs of base stocks, additives and other raw materials continue to rise over the course of the year, forcing lubricant manufacturers to implement multiple price adjustments to their products to compensate. According to JobbersWorld, the average July price for a quart of conventional motor oil was $3.75 at a leading big-box retailer and $4.56 at a leading auto parts retailer, while the average July price for a quart of synthetic motor oil was $6.32 at the big-box store and $8.20 at the auto parts store.
AMSOIL has implemented fewer price increases than competing manufacturers over the past year, while also limiting the percentage of increase to approximately half of the percentage of increase mplemented by competing manufacturers, setting AMSOIL up to provide even greater value for customers.
Dealers and Preferred Customers save even more.

Price Savvy customers who enjoy the benefits of OE are prime candidates for moving up to AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil, which allows them to save even more by taking advantage of maximum extended drain intervals of 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.
AMSOIL has implemented fewer price increases than competing manufacturers over the past year, while also limiting the percentage of increase to approximately half of the percentage of increase implemented by competing manufacturers.

AMSOIL Secure Online Store and Information

AMSOIL has implemented fewer price increases than competing manufacturers over the past year, while also limiting the percentage of increase to approximately half of the percentage of increase implemented by competing manufacturers.

Contact us for more information amsoildealermike@gmail.com  402-499-4301http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/default.aspx?zo=1338845

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