East Central Illinois is Amish territory. And unlike the stereotype, the horse-and-buggy Amish community there, as well as the other hundreds of bucolic Amish communities throughout the country, reaches out to its non-Amish neighbors which they affectionately call the ‘English.’
In fact, one particular ‘English’ family, Judy and Ivan Dardar, have earned the trust of and developed strong friendships with their Amish neighbors both professionally and personally.
For the past eight years, the Dardars have built a local passenger transit empire serving the Amish’s travel needs through extensive word-of-mouth. Operating a transportation business coupled with building their Conklin business dovetails nicely for the Dardars. For the past year as Independent Business Owners (IBOs), they are attending more and more Conklin trainings themselves while escorting their prospects and IBOs from their front doors right into Conklin’s meeting rooms.
It wasn’t until Judy and Ivan transported a vanloadof Amish IBOs to last year’s National Convention in Louisville and attended themselves that they were convinced to start their own Conklin business. “We were so energized at National Convention. We knew we were in the right place, connected to a great company in which to build a great future,” says Ivan.
Judy and Ivan have become one of Conklin’s most dynamic new IBO teams, quickly achieving Sales Manager status. Judy won’t leave a Conklin training without depositing at least a dozen testimonials on the meeting registration desk. She’s also one of the most prolific storytellers wherever she goes.
The Dardars are constantly talking about Conklin products and trainings to friends and acquaintances, encouraging them to “hop on board” one of their passenger vans or motor homes free of charge any time they want to attend Conklin trainings with them.
Judy describes how Conklin has changed Ivan’s life: “I’m so proud of Ivan. He’s ordinarily such a quiet guy who keeps to himself. But now, when he’s driving the vans or ate talking about Conklin. It delights him. He lights up like a Christmas tree and comes right out of his shell.”
The Dardars feel like they earned multiple college degrees each time they “graduate” from a Conklin training. In addition to the Conklin Business Seminar (general foundational training) and National Convention, they’ve attended trainings for Fastrack® and Vehicle Products.
“The knowledge of the products we’ve acquired at Conklin is invaluable,” says Judy. “When we leave the trainings, we feel like we’ve sat through a lesson from an accredited institution of higher learning. Imparting this knowledge to our customers lends so much to our credibility as business owners.”
Conklin trainings have also enriched the Dardar’s lives by providing fellowship. Judy and Ivan explain: “There’s never a time when we don’t walk away with at least half-a-dozen ‘friends for life’ who we not only admire, but are delighted to spend time with socially.”
The Dardar’s current goal is to build a large Conklin organization. They are already well on their way, holding joint monthly meetings with Annie Otto and her son Rudy, both Directors. The Otto’s nearby canvas shop or their ice cream and coffee house provide ideal meeting spaces to hold Conklin meetings.
“The Dardars lend so much to our monthly meetings,” says Annie. “Their enthusiasm and knowledge about the products, especially Vehicle Products, Fastrack and Cleaners, are invaluable. They always have prospects attending. They are a great example of a Conklin business builder team making all the right moves.”
Judy and Ivan make an ideal team for their passenger transit and Conklin businesses. Judy mans the phones, sets the appointments and cleans out the vans while Ivan does the driving and maintains the entire fleet. For their Conklin business, Judy brings in the prospects while Ivan lends his technical expertise to product awareness and training.
As more Amish actively operate Conklin businesses, their need for rides to Conklin corporate-sponsored trainings is greater than ever before. And because their families are so large, it doesn’t take long to fill up a van.
“For most Amish, driving your own motorized vehicle is not permitted,” explains Ivan. “But they need to travel long distances for business and personal reasons. That’s where our transportation business fills the gap.”
Because Ivan has a ‘captive audience’ whenever he drives the motor home cross-country, he exposes his passengers to Conklin through product displays in an exhibit area and unleashes his newfound passion by telling the wonders of Conklin products to any passengers that want to listen.
Ivan and Judy weren’t always the crackerjack marketers and savvy chauffeurs they are today. Ivan, a former shrimper and native of southern Louisiana, and Judy, a former native of midcentral Illinois, met in New Orleans. After their marriage, they returned to the Midwest to raise Paint horses and Labrador Retrievers.
They revved up their transportation business to a sizeable fleet of vans, a motor home and four drivers while raising three sons, one daughter and many litters of Labrador pups. They are now enjoying a passel of grandkids.
The Dardar’s Conklin business is an ideal fit for them. In one short year, they are demonstrating just how easy and lucrative it is to weave Conklin into their working and private lives. They are driving straight for success.
Our products: The AgroVantage® System
Making your land work for you can be a balancing act. If you are a modern farmer, you want to get the most from your crops. But at the same time, you want to keep the cost of your inputs low. If you are involved in the care of turfgrass and other plants in the landscape, you want them to be healthy throughout the season. Conklin`s nationally-recognized products and technologies are designed to help balance the equation so you know you are using the very best products for successful results.
Proven Technologies
All products have either been developed within the company's own Research and Development Department or have been developed at other institutions. Conklin's exclusive AgroVantage System has been constantly proven through years of field trials and through independent research agencies nationwide.
Conklin's Online Soil System
Meeting soil needs translates to healthier plants. Conklin's AgroVantage Online Soil System is an economic and environmental product recommendation program offering you an opportunity to reduce applied chemicals and fertilizers, lower input costs and obtain optimum results.
Conklin's AgroVantage System is rapidly becoming recognized as the premier recommendation program in the United States available to today' s professional grower, ag chemical and fertilizer dealer, independent consultant, or commercial lawn applicator. Besides featuring state-of-the-art products for plant growth and management, the AgroVantage System utilizes the latest in technology and soil test recommendations through the nation's leading independent laboratory. Once the soil analysis is complete, all data is available at your fingertips via the World Wide Web.
Conklin Success Stories
Moving to the Extraordinary
Jay and Cara Myers
On the surface, Jay Myers appears to be just another average hard-working, Upper Midwest farmer. Farming 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans in the rich black soil near Fargo, he is an active member of both the North Dakota Soybean Growers and Richland County Crop Improvement associations. He sells seed corn for Mycogen® and grows soybean seed for Syngenta® and Pioneer.® He’s planting his 20th crop this spring. Plus, he’s a great husband to wife Cara, who works as a CPA at Microsoft in Fargo, and a proud dad of son Travis, 12, and daughter Abby, 8.
But there’s more than what meets the eye. Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, Jay is somewhat of a superhero when you look at his Conklin identity. Together with his wife Cara, they became Conklin Directors after four years as Independent Business Operators (IBOs), capturing the coveted 2008 Bob Conklin Award of Excellence at National Convention. This award recognizes the Director or Director couple who demonstrate outstanding leadership and selfless contribution to the entire Conklin organization. By nearly tripling their sales last year from $600,000 to $1.6 million, they also carried away the largest National Convention bonus check of any Directors totaling $46,730.
“Since joining Conklin four years ago, my life has become a whole lot better,” says Jay. “When I’m not out in the fields (roughly from Thanksgiving to April Fools Day), I’m able to expand my Conklin organization. I can continue farming and also build another business for additional income.”
When Jay was first introduced to the Conklin business opportunity, he was impressed that Francis Childs’ continuous world championship yields were achieved with the Conklin AgroVantage® system. Francis Childs was an active AgroVantage promoter and an eight time National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) National Champion who still holds onto the world-record corn yield title. In addition, Jay also found for the first time an agricultural products company that offered superior education and training with a practical approach.
When his schedule allowed him to attend his first Conklin Business Seminar, Conklin’s foundational training for new members where he got to meet the company owners Charles W. and Judy Herbster, he got so excited that he couldn’t sleep that night. He knew then that had to hop on board.
Since Jay started using the full gamut of the AgroVantage System’s products, he has become a regular NCGA state champion for North Dakota, placing first or second in record corn yields.
After five years in the business, Jay is fully capable of leaping over tall buildings in a single bound for many reasons. “There are so many incredible things about Conklin,” says Jay. “Our family is able to experience luxury travel to such exotic places as Cancun and the Caribbean through the Destinations program. We are receiving ever-increasing generous bonus checks. My circle of influence is ever expanding. I’m much more excited about our life now because our days take us beyond farming fields.”
Use of Microbials in the Horse Industry
A healthy and beautiful horse is the pride of every horse owner. Feeding selected cultures of lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast boosts horse health and performance, according to many owners. Understanding the benefits of direct-fed microbial cultures can help you decide when to use these products during your horse’s life cycle.
In 1908, the Russian biologist Eli Metchnikoff credited the long lives of certain Bulgarian and Russian citizens to the consumption of large amounts of fermented milk products (4). The key organism in these foods was later identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus, a lactic acid-producing bacteria (10). The lactic acid-producing bacteria are so named for their ability to produce lactate. However, lactate production is only one of many benefits derived from this collection of bacteria. The lactic acid-producing bacteria most frequently featured in direct-fed microbial products include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus (or Streptococcus) faecium and Lactobacillus lactis.
For many centuries, people have observed that their animals were healthier when fed feedstuffs resulting from yeast fermentation. Yeast are fungi, or one-cell organisms that reproduce by budding, or producing daughter cells. The yeast species most utilized by the direct-fed microbial industry are Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus oryzae.
Based on the work of Metchnikoff and others, the idea was developed to directly feed live, lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast to animals for improving their health and performance. The observed benefits may result from: 1) competition for attachment sites in the digestive tract, 2) competition for essential nutrients, 3) production of antimicrobial substances, 4) increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria and 5) stimulating the immune system (8).
Competition For Attachment Sites In The Digestive Tract
Some disease-causing bacteria reduce an animal’s ability to absorb nutrients by disrupting the small intestine (8). Lactic acid-producing bacteria attach to the lining of the small intestine and produce a substance to prevent disease-causing organisms from binding to the intestinal wall (7). The attachment of the beneficial bacteria may increase the absorptive surface area of the small intestine and enhance enzyme activity for greater nutrient absorption by the animal (8, 11).
Competition for Essential Nutrients
Lactic acid-producing and disease-causing bacteria require certain nutrients for growth. The beneficial bacteria could utilize vitamins, amino acids or other nutrients that might otherwise support the growth of harmful bacteria (5).
Production Of Antimicrobial Substances
The ability of direct-fed microbial cultures to inhibit disease-causing organisms is of considerable interest. Lactic acid lowers the intestinal pH to create an environment unsuitable for harmful organisms (8). Lactic acid-producing bacteria secrete hydrogen peroxide, resulting in conditions unfavorable for oxygen-requiring microorganisms (2). Bacteria produce bacteriocins that restrict the growth of other microorganisms, often genetically related species (8). The lactic acid-producing bacteria have demonstrated the ability to inhibit E. coli, Salmonella typhirium, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens (5). The reduction of scour-causing organisms is especially important in new-born and young animals.
Increasing The Growth Of Beneficial Bacteria
Enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria boosts the performance of healthy animals. The B-vitamins, enzymes and other factors secreted by lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast stimulate starch- and fiber-digesting bacteria (3, 5). The ability of yeast to enhance fiber digestion could allow dietary changes (12). The ability of yeast to increase feed intake has been recognized for centuries.
Stimulating The Immune System
Recent advances in animal health indicate the importance of proper immune function. Research indicates that lactic acid-producing bacteria heighten immune function at the digestive tract and whole-system levels (6). Experiments with bacteria-free extracts from lactic acid-producing cultures demonstrate improved macrophage activity against E. coli (9) and Salmonella typhirium (1). The role of direct-fed microbial cultures in stimulating the immune system warrants further research.
The Use Of Direct-fed Microbial Products With Foals
Although foals are born with bacteria-free digestive tracts, the tract is quickly populated by disease-causing and health-promoting bacteria. The question becomes, “Which type of bacteria will dominate?” Providing direct-fed microbial cultures shortly after birth can favor the beneficial bacteria. Studies suggest that lactic acid-producing bacteria inhibit scour-causing microorganisms, and can aid in the absorption of nutrients. Microbial gels and pastes are available for oral delivery to foals, or dry cultures can be mixed with milk replacers.
The Use Of Direct-fed Microbial Products With Growing And Mature Horses
Diet changes and other challenges at weaning can alter a foal’s nutrient intake and health status. Controlling harmful bacteria in the digestive tract during variable feed intake is very important. The microbial gel and paste products can be placed directly in the foal’s mouth, and the owner can confidently know that an animal with low or no feed consumption received the intended microbial dose. Dry products can be mixed with the feed for daily maintenance. Yeast cultures aid in stabilizing the microbial balance in the digestive tract, which may reduce the problems resulting from grain over-consumption and colic. In addition, yeast stimulates fiber-digesting bacteria to increase the energy a horse derives from forages. Consequently, the ration composition could shift in favor of forages over grains, increasing the safety of the horse’s diet. Always consult your veterinarian or nutritionist before making dietary changes.
Breeding, foaling, showing and heavy training can alter feed intake and increase a horse’s susceptibility to disease-causing organisms. Restoring nutrient intake, stabilizing the balance of digestive tract bacteria and proper immune function become critical during these challenging periods. Many horse owners suggest that direct-fed microbial cultures can play a major role during these critical periods. In addition, improving the nutritional status of the horse enhances the hair coat and durability of the hooves. The oral and feed products used for younger horses work equally well with mature horses, although the amount of lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast should be increased.
Direct-fed Microbial Products And Storage
Direct-fed microbial products are available that feature only lactic acid-bacteria or yeast, and others include bacteria and yeast combinations. Microbial gels and pastes are placed between the lower teeth and cheek of the horse. Certain dry powders are dispersible in milk replacers and liquid feeds. Other dry products are readily mixed in the feed. However, always be sure to purchase reputable products handled properly by the manufacturer and seller. The direct-fed microbial products should be stored in cool, dry locations to maintain their microbial viability.
Feedstuffs resulting from microbial fermentation have benefited animals and their owners for many centuries. Continuing research projects document the need to include direct-fed microbial products in horse management programs. Many horse owners have experienced the benefits of directly feeding live bacteria and yeast to their animals.
References Cited
(1) Hatcher, G.E. and R.S. Lambrecht. 1993. Augmentation of macrophage phagocytic activity by cell-free extracts of selected lactic acid-producing bacteria. J. Dairy Sci. 76:2485.
(2) Klaenhammer, T.R. 1982. Microbiological considerations in selection and preparation of Lactobacillus strains for use as dietary adjuncts. J. Dairy Sci. 65:1339.
(3) Martin, S.A. and D.J. Nisbet. 1992. Effect of direct-fed microbials on rumen microbial fermentation. J. Dairy Sci. 75:1736.
(4) Metchnikoff, E. 1908. Prolongation of Life. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. New York.
(5) Montes, A.J. and D.G. Pugh. 1993. The use of probiotics in food-animal practice. Vet. Med. March 1993:282.
(6) Perdigon, G. et al. 1988. Systemic augmentation of the immune response in mice by feeding fermented milks with Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Immunology 63:17.
(7) Savage, D.C. 1985. Effects on Host Animals of Bacteria Adhering to Epithelial Surfaces. In: Bacterial Adhesion, D.C. Savage and M. Fletcher (eds.); Plenum, NY; pp. 437-463.
(8) Savage, D.C. 1991. Gastrointestinal Microbial Ecology; Possible Modes of Action of Direct-fed Microbials in Animal Production. In: Direct-fed Microbials in Animal Production; National Feed Ingredients Assoc.; Des Moines, IA; pp. 11-81.
(9) Schiffrin, E.J. et al. 1995. Immunomodulation of human blood cells following the ingestion of lactic acid bacteria. J. Dairy Sci. 78:491.
(10) Shahani, K.M. and A.D. Ayebo. 1980. Role of dietary lactobacilli in gastrointestinal microecology. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 33: 2448.
(11) Whitt, D.D. and D.C. Savage. 1981. Influence of indigenous microbiota on amount of protein and activities of alkaline phosphatase and disaccharidases in extracts of intestinal mucosa in mice. Appl. Environ. Micro. 42:513.
(12) Williams, P.E.V. et al. 1991. Effects of the inclusion of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae plus growth medium) in the diets of dairy cows on milk yield and forage degradation and fermentation patterns in the rumen of sheep and steers. J. Anim. Sci. 69:3016.
“My 1999 Ford diesel has over 687,000 original miles (1/08). Thanks to Conklin’s Vehicle Products, everything front to back is original except for a new water pump at 450,000 miles. I’ve used Convoy® since the truck was new with oil changes every 17,000 – 20,000 miles. Diesel Plus® is used with every tank of fuel and 4-Power® every 7,000 miles, Safe® is used every six months and the truck is greased with Rhino® every 17,000 – 20,000 miles. I use ATF-XTRA in the transmission and Gold Guard Plus® in the differential.”
East Central Illinois is Amish territory. And unlike the stereotype, the horse-and-buggy Amish community there, as well as the other hundreds of bucolic Amish communities throughout the country, reaches out to its non-Amish neighbors which they affectionately call the ‘English.’
All products have either been developed within the company's own Research and Development Department or have been developed at other institutions. Conklin's exclusive AgroVantage System has been constantly proven through years of field trials and through independent research agencies nationwide.
Conklin's AgroVantage System is rapidly becoming recognized as the premier recommendation program in the United States available to today' s professional grower, ag chemical and fertilizer dealer, independent consultant, or commercial lawn applicator. Besides featuring state-of-the-art products for plant growth and management, the AgroVantage System utilizes the latest in technology and soil test recommendations through the nation's leading independent laboratory. Once the soil analysis is complete, all data is available at your fingertips via the World Wide Web.
On the surface, Jay Myers appears to be just another average hard-working, Upper Midwest farmer. Farming 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans in the rich black soil near Fargo, he is an active member of both the North Dakota Soybean Growers and Richland County Crop Improvement associations. He sells seed corn for Mycogen® and grows soybean seed for Syngenta® and Pioneer.® He’s planting his 20th crop this spring. Plus, he’s a great husband to wife Cara, who works as a CPA at Microsoft in Fargo, and a proud dad of son Travis, 12, and daughter Abby, 8.
When Jay was first introduced to the Conklin business opportunity, he was impressed that Francis Childs’ continuous world championship yields were achieved with the Conklin AgroVantage® system. Francis Childs was an active AgroVantage promoter and an eight time National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) National Champion who still holds onto the world-record corn yield title. In addition, Jay also found for the first time an agricultural products company that offered superior education and training with a practical approach.