May-June 2019 by Connect Business Magazine

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CONTENTS

May | June 2019

COVER INTERVIEW

COMPANY PROFILE

Sheryl Meshke & Donn DeVelder

Growing Ag Awareness

Focus on Agribusiness

Disaster Planning Who Do We Need to Teach?

6 25 26

Shane Nelson, Lake Crystal

HOT STARTZ! MANKATO

FEATURES

Data Noir, LLC

Blue Skye Mercantile

New Crop Emerging in Southern Minnesota

Aqua Man DEPARTMENTS

Dairy Industry Reps Visit State Legislators

Collaboration Connection

Aqualogical Resources

ENTREPRENEURIAL INSIGHT

VÄXA Marketing

MANKATO

NORTH MANKATO

1 ON 1

Maggie Knier and Lisa Hughes

Connecting Southern Minnesota Business People Since 1994

Editor’s Introduction Connecting Back Day In The Life

Thomas Nelson, City of Jackson, Minnesota

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Bulletin Board Connect Network Ask A Professional

Don’t Let Mosquitoes Spoil Your Spring

Connect Business Magazine www.ConnectBiz.com

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

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Publisher: Concept & Design Incorporated

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Editor: Lisa Cownie

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May | June 2019

INTRODUCTION

Telling the Story of Agriculture “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” –Thomas Jefferson Indeed, agriculture is well-celebrated in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. We who are fortunate enough to live in this region embrace all that agriculture has to offer from food and fuel, to employment and economic contributions, it touches all of our lives in one way or another. In this May issue of Connect Business Magazine, we take our turn at highlighting just a handful of those that help tell the evolving story of agriculture in our region. From a dynamic duo in the dairy industry, to a man making super heroic efforts to clean our waters, to a woman dedicated to telling not only the history of farming but also helping to craft its future. One new crop striving to take its place in the future of farming in our region is hemp. In fact, one area city is embracing that particular crop.

Lisa Cownie

Happy reading, and hopefully, learning,

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INGRAINED IN AGRICULTURE A R C H I T E C T U R E + E N G I N E E R I N G + E N V I R O N M E N TA L + P L A N N I N G 6

May | June 2019

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By Lisa Cownie Photos by Kris Kathmann

New Ulm's AMPI takes the cooperative mindset all the way to the top with Co-CEOs Sheryl Meshke and Donn DeVelder.

Co-CEOs Donn DeVelder and Sheryl Meshke in their New Ulm headquarters with an AMPI logo sculpture created and donated by a farmer-owner.

ou may know the average dairy cow produces 7 gallons of milk each day, or that 90% of milk produced in Wisconsin is made into cheese, or when your favorite butter is on sale for $1.89. But Americans may not fully realize the numbers behind those numbers that help illustrate the story of the dairy industry. The story of the men, women and children responsible for our milk, cheese, butter and a myriad of other products. Here are a number of points to ponder: Being a dairy farmer is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year job. It’s hard work that pays off big time for our country, our communities and consumers. In fact, the value of all milk products sold from U.S. dairy farms each year is more than $35.91 billion. Furthermore, dairy farms help sustain rural America, especially here in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. From farm to processor to distribution and retail, dairy creates jobs that support the economic well-being of the communities where they live, work, and play. Dairy farmers, companies and cooperatives offer a lifeline to more than 900,000 jobs in the United States. Based on those numbers it is clear the business side of the dairy business is, indeed, big business. That’s why the industry feels it is better united, than divided. Individually, dairy farmers have much to think about: the care of their cows, the land they farm, and the maintenance of their equipment. But collectively for a majority of the 42,000 dairy farmers in the United States, there is one thing they don’t have to worry about when they are in a co-op: how to manufacture and market their product. “The cooperative form of business has been around a very long time and it’s very predominant in dairy,” explains Sheryl Meshke, Co-President and CEO of Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), headquartered in New Ulm. “The dairy industry is about 85% cooperatives. That’s very different than other areas of agriculture. It may be embedded in the fact that 365 days a year we’re harvesting a perishable product and making it into something consumers crave. So, they have to get their milk out in the market as soon as possible. There’s no day off for the dairy farmer, the milk hauler or the employee who’s turning that milk into a dairy product. It’s amazing, but again, it’s every day, all day.” And here are some more numbers that may surprise you. New Ulm-based AMPI is the seventh largest dairy co-op in the nation. With 1,800 farm families and 1,200 employees, AMPI is a dairy cooperative owned and governed by its continues >

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“This is a business, a corporation, owned by dairy farmers. Our dairy farmers have a choice who they market through. They have a choice which company they own.” dairy-farmer members. In 2018, AMPI’s dairy farmer-owners marketed 5.7 billion pounds of milk, resulting in almost $2 billion in sales. “This is a business, a corporation, owned by dairy farmers,” Meshke says. “Our dairy farmers have a choice who they market through. They have a choice which company they own.” As is traditional, a board oversees the co-op. Daily operations, however, are run by an uncommon leadership hierarchy, Co-Presidents and CEOs: Meshke and Donn DeVelder. A structure that’s been in place since January 2015 when the board decided to try the Co-CEO style. It has worked, based on the premise of two CEOs with one vision. “Our vision is very clear,” says DeVelder. “We understand what we’re made of is as important as the dairy products we make. Our core values – commitment to quality, responsibility to others and determination to succeed – guide us in all we do. Staying true to that allows us to answer to our stockholders, which are the dairy farmer-owners of the cooperative.” AMPI’s dairy farmer-owners produce milk on family farms in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Through the cooperative, they also own 10 Midwest-based manufacturing plants where employees use members’ milk to produce 10 percent of the nation’s American-type cheese and butter. You won’t often see an AMPI brand, but it is the product under many well-known brands. “We make the dairy products that make the brand,” says DeVelder. Meshke adds, “Dairy farmers own the manufacturing infrastructure of AMPI that has operated for five decades. We’re 50 years old this year and have come a long way since the time when every small town had a creamery. Our dairy farmers now market through various manufacturing centers. It works.” In this interview, Meshke and DeVelder discuss how they’ve adapted to the changing dairy industry and how, together, they’ll tackle the challenges of the future. AMPI has much to celebrate this year, hitting the 50year mark. Let’s talk a bit about its long history. DeVelder: When AMPI was formed in 1969, it was out of need. Small, local dairy cooperatives were struggling. Many of those coops had started in the 1890s and found themselves in the middle of a rapidly changing industry. Advances in technology and transportation made it possible to transport milk greater distances to reach

Sheryl Meshke & Donn DeVelder | AMPI

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY Dairy farming is a way of life for the men and women who live and work on the 42,000 dairy farms in the U.S. These families contribute mightily to the communities where they live by contributing to the economic vitality by providing jobs and income. Here are some stats to back it up: • Dairy farmers support rural communities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. • There are about 7,400 dairy farms in the 10-state Midwest Dairy region. • 95 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated. • There are approximately 9.31 million dairy cows in the U.S. The average herd size is 187 cows. • The value of all milk products sold from U.S. dairy farms is more than $35.91 billion. MINNESOTA • In the state of Minnesota, there are 3,470 licensed dairy herds. • Minnesota is the 7th largest milk-producing state in the U.S. • Minnesota dairy farms produced approximately 1,100 million gallons of milk in 2015. • Minnesota farms generate approximately $1.66 billion in milk sales annually. • Dairy products are the 4th largest agricultural commodity in Minnesota. • In Minnesota, the average dairy cow produces about 6.6 gallons of milk per day. That’s more than 2,392 gallons of milk over the course of a typical year. IOWA • There are about 1,360 licensed dairy herds in Iowa. • Iowa is the 12th largest milk-producing state in the U.S. • Approximately 562 million gallons of milk were produced by Iowa dairy farms in 2015. • Iowa farms generate approximately $837 million in milk sales annually. • In Iowa, the average dairy cow produces about 7 gallons of milk per day. That’s more than 2,667 gallons of milk over the course of a typical year.

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processing plants, improving efficiencies and reaching new markets. Founding AMPI members recognized the advantages of strength in numbers when seeking economic and political change. AMPI became the collective voice for individual dairy farmers. What set AMPI apart? DeVelder: AMPI members had the vision to invest in cheese manufacturing, recognizing Americans growing love for cheese. At the same time, they knew the importance of being involved in policy development. How has that vision changed, or stayed the same, through the years? Meshke: Early AMPI leaders were right – cheese was the business in which to invest. Unfortunately, the dairy industry, along with most of agriculture, has been especially challenging since 2015. Our dairy farmer-owners are in the midst of an economic drought. At the same time, we need to continue to make investments in AMPI’s manufacturing infrastructure to stay relevant with the consumer and their changing tastes. AMPI remains active and is a leader in the dairy policy arena. This last farm bill, for instance, we worked to secure provisions that would help dairy farm families. What affects the ups and downs of your markets in what you do? DeVelder: Normally, it’s supply and demand — how much milk is produced domestically and globally versus how much is consumed. In the last 20 years, and especially the last 10 years, the dairy industry has steadily become more and more of a global marketplace. For example, the U.S. now exports the equivalent of one day’s milk production each week. That said, how much milk is being produced around the world affects our markets. While U.S. cheese consumption continues to steadily grow each year, the ongoing trade war has hit our farmers hard. Following U.S.-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, U.S. dairy’s top export customers retaliated. Mexico and China announced tariffs on American-made

AMPI

PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY Donn DeVelder DeVelder began his AMPI career 34 years ago as a field representative providing on-farm consultation and assistance to the co-op’s dairy farmer-owners. He then joined the corporate staff at the cooperative’s New Ulm, Minn., office. Prior to being named copresident and CEO, DeVelder was the executive senior vice president responsible for fluid marketing, human resources and member services.

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Sheryl Meshke Meshke has been with AMPI for 28 years. During that time, she has led communications, public affairs, human resources and strategic planning. Before becoming chief executive, she was the executive senior vice president leading strategic initiatives to strengthen the cooperative’s performance and value. Meshke currently serves on the board of directors for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, the National Milk Producers Federation and the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council. She was appointed by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton to serve on the Minnesota Dairy Research, Teaching and Consumer Education Authority and elected chairman of the Authority. She is past president of The Cooperative Foundation, Cooperative Communicators Association and the Minnesota FFA Foundation.

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BETTER TOGETHER cheese in June. The market crashed and has yet to recover. Cheese prices directly affect the milk price paid to farmers. That’s frustrating for dairy farmers – that what impacts their business, their livelihood, is not always about supply and demand. Sometimes it’s about politics. You said AMPI is a leader in dairy policy development. Meshke: Yes. AMPI is focused on improving dairy industry policies and practices. Currently I’m working on a project involving the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and cheese trading rules. More often, policy development demands a trip to Capitol Hill. Though we’re a dairy manufacturing cooperative, our legacy includes being dairy advocates at all levels. Collectively, dairy farmers can amplify their individual voice. DeVelder: It’s all part of being cooperative-minded. Meshke: We understand the importance of corporate and social

How do you divide your duties as co-CEOs? Do you have different areas of focus or how do you guys manage that? Meshke: That is the most often asked question. “How do you do that?” DeVelder: First of all, we really don’t divide them. I think our chairman of the board says it best: “We don’t have two CEOs. We have co-CEOs.” This means that we’re both responsible for everything, every day. Our prior positions as assistants to the CEO meant that we both worked closely with the board for many years. Between the two of us, there wasn’t a part of the business we hadn’t already been engaged in. Meshke: The co-CEO structure works if you have a common

FROM THE FARM

Meshke says. “Blake and I invest our time, talent and treasure in those organizations.”

Both Meshke and DeVelder come from farming backgrounds so agriculture is a big part of their DNA. They are both thankful for the opportunities the ag industry has sent their way. Although each has their own unique path to AMPI.

He grew up in Corsica, S.D., about 50 miles southwest of Mitchell. It’s interesting to note his life has seemingly come full circle.

Meshke grew up near Good Thunder. After graduating from Amboy-Good Thunder High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from South Dakota State in Brookings, S.D., and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. She started at AMPI in 1991, only her second job out of college, and has worked her way to the top. Farming is still deeply rooted in her family, as they still farm near Lake Crystal and remain active in 4-H and the FFA. Meshke and her husband, Blake, have two grown sons. Derek and his wife, Tori, live in Brookings, S.D., and son Brent and his wife, Leslie, live near Lake Crystal and are involved in the family farm. She and Blake’s family motto is, “Keep them in the ring and on the diamond.” The “ring” is in reference to show rings and the family’s commitment to youth development through 4-H and FFA livestock projects. The “diamond” illustrates their longtime support of fastpitch softball. Recognizing the importance of 4-H, FFA and organized sports, the Meshkes have been leaders and coaches for more than 30 years. They believe 4-H and FFA programs, in particular, provide opportunities for rural youth — including AMPI member families. “Those two organizations provide amazing leadership development opportunities,”

responsibility. The cooperative form of business illustrates just that. Most AMPI employees live and work among the dairy farmers who own this business.

May | June 2019

DeVelder also spends time with family, watching football games and spending time on the water.

“I grew up on a dairy farm in the ‘60s. One day my dad came home with a milk truck. In South Dakota, we were moving away from hauling milk in cans to hauling milk in bulk tanks on trucks. Long story short, my dad eventually became a manager of the local creamery, which became part of the beginnings of AMPI,” says DeVelder. “My roots go pretty deep. There aren’t many things in this co-op I haven’t done at one time or another.” Following high school, he went on to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Iowa University. He officially started as an AMPI field representative in Paynesville, Minn., in 1984. During that time, he served in the National Guard for 12 years. “That’s something I’ve always been proud of about this co-op; AMPI has long been supportive of its servicemen and women.” Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family. He and his wife, Barb, have four children and four grandchildren. Although they are a bit spread out in terms of distance, they look forward to their favorite family fall outings each year: attending University of Minnesota Gopher football games. He also likes being outdoors, whether it’s doing yardwork, hunting or on the water fishing.

Sheryl Meshke & Donn DeVelder | AMPI

“Sheryl and I were named interim leaders in December of 2014. About six weeks later the board of directors wanted to learn more about our ideas. We told them exactly what we were thinking and they said, “Okay, we like your shared vision.”

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vision and understand the end game. For us, that’s easy. We work for dairy farmers. We know what that end game is. What made the board decide to change the leadership structure and make you both CEOs? Could they just not decide? Meshke: Since AMPI was formed, we are only the fourth CEO if you count us as one. DeVelder: Yes, it’s very unusual to have that longevity in CEOs. That’s a testimony to our board of directors and AMPI’s dairy farmer-owners. Stability is important, in leadership and the business. Sheryl and I were named interim leaders in December of 2014. About six weeks later the board of directors wanted to learn more about our ideas. We told them exactly what we were thinking and they said, “Okay, we like your shared vision.” Our vision coincided with theirs. Our AMPI Chairman of the Board Steve Schlangen said, “We like what you guys have been doing so far. Why don’t you just keep doing that?” Meshke: We haven’t stopped running since. It’s a very flatline, egoless leadership structure.

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You mentioned vision and that you two are on the same page, what is that vision? DeVelder: We work to make the dairy farmer successful. Our job is to drive the process of adding value to the milk our members produce every day. How do you do that? DeVelder: Our farmers produce top-quality milk. And we make it into some of the best cheese and butter in the world. Meshke: The nation’s leading brands are wrapped around our cheese and butter. AMPI is a quiet giant. We make about 10 percent of the country’s American-style cheese and butter. Okay. How do you do that? Is there a secret recipe or ? DeVelder: Actually, yes there is. (Smiles)

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COMMITMENT TO ANIMAL CARE AMPI dairy farmer memberowners are “all in” when it comes to providing quality care for their animals every day. This commitment is demonstrated by the cooperative’s 100 percent member enrollment in the National Dairy FARM Program – Farmers Assuring Responsible Management.

CO-OP GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AMPI uses a three-level structure of governance that encourages member input. First Tier The first tier is a members’ local district. Annual district meetings are an opportunity for members to elect representatives and review cooperative performance. District meetings also mark the beginning of the AMPI resolutions process. Second Tier 29

The second tier is division areas. Elected representatives at the district annual meeting convene during the year at division board meetings. Third Tier

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Which leads to the third tier: corporate. The corporate board of directors is responsible for the business affairs of the cooperative.

AMPI

Meshke: We have talented cheesemakers. For example, Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers work for AMPI. That’s a designation that cheesemakers can earn with extensive training and experience. AMPI products are on-trend with the rise in cheese snacking. And dairy products deliver high-quality protein. Our job is to give consumers what they want, what they crave. When coupled with business acumen, that should result in a viable market for our dairy farmers’ milk. That was my next question. How often do you hear from them? Your bosses, the dairy farmers, how do they get to you what they want? Meshke: Daily. Donn and I work to foster open communication. It’s not uncommon for any of our owners to pick up the phone and call us. DeVelder: We have an exceptional governance system in this cooperative. Our members are very involved. Sheryl and I regularly conduct meetings with what we internally call elected officials — dairy farmers who represent fellow members. Why is the co-op structure so attractive to the dairy industry? DeVelder: Through cooperatives, dairy farmers secure a market for their milk. That’s critical with milk produced every day of the year. Meshke: Cooperatives offer stability. DeVelder: Dairy farmers know they have a home for their product when they’re a member of a cooperative. Long before the term “vertical integration” existed, dairy farmers recognized the importance of controlling the milk from the cow all the way to the consumer through their co-op. What’s the dairy forecast? Meshke: AMPI’s product portfolio is based on cheese and butter, with annual consumption growth of 2 to 3 percent. Less predictable is the impact of trade agreements and retaliatory tariffs. As mentioned earlier, both have negatively impacted the dairy industry. What are some things that you will be legislatively advocating for? Meshke: We’re encouraging our dairy

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BETTER TOGETHER farmer-owners to consider risk management options offered through the most recent farm bill. AMPI worked side-by-side with policy makers to develop the new programs. Preserving our brand — milk — is another priority. In the past year I joined fellow dairy industry professionals in a meeting with Food and Drug Administration leaders. We presented data detailing that consumers know the word ‘milk’ represents a wholesome and nutritious product. If milk is used for products other than dairy, it’s misleading. After all, milk has 8 grams of protein per serving and almond juice has just one. DeVelder: And it is the law. We’re asking FDA to enforce existing labeling guidelines. Let’s talk more about concern in agriculture as a whole, that fewer and fewer of the next generation want to go into it. Is that happening in dairy as well? DeVelder: The key word is “want.” I went through a time period when our parents tried to talk us out of dairying. Dairying still demands hard work, but it’s much different than 30 years ago. Do the 20-year olds want to dairy? Yes, I think they want to. Dairying is in your blood and is such an exciting industry. Those who grow up in the industry want to carry on the tradition. Meshke: Farming is very capital intensive. If economics don’t enable a young person to farm, there are countless opportunities

Sheryl Meshke & Donn DeVelder | AMPI

in the dairy industry. You also have a consumer right now who really wants to understand the farm-to-table story. Meshke: Today’s consumer wants to understand how food is produced. We need to tell our story. One of our newest initiatives is introducing the trademarked term “co-op crafted.” That is going to be the mark, the brand, the way to better communicate how we source local products and market on a large scale. At AMPI we know the dairy farmer who produces the milk, the cheesemaker who makes the cheese, and the rural communities they call home. It’s the cooperative advantage.

THE ESSENTIALS Associated Milk Producers Inc. 315 North Broadway P.O. Box 455 New Ulm, MN 56074 Phone: 800-533-3580 Web: ampi.com

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Disaster Planning

Matthew Berger GISLASON & HUNTER LLP

Protecting your farm from unforeseen events. Benjamin Franklin once stated that “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Farmers regularly engage in advance planning to determine the crops they will plant or livestock they will raise, ensure access to the necessary inputs, and determine the timing and manner in which they will market their harvested crop or finished livestock. But while most farmers are experienced at planning for their operational needs during good times, fewer farmers invest the time to prepare to respond to disasters (such as floods, extreme weather, disease outbreaks, fires, or mechanical failures) that are common in farming operations. While these dangers can never be completely eliminated, planning in advance to respond to foreseeable threats to your farm operation may limit the long-term harm that these disasters pose to your business and reduce (at least a little) the stress that these disasters can cause. Identify Potential Risks The first step in preparing a comprehensive disaster response plan is to evaluate your operation to determine the specific types of disasters that may arise and the impact that each type of disaster may have on your operation. To do so, you will need to identify specific facilities or equipment that may pose a risk of catastrophic failure, external events that would cause a significant disruption to your farming operation, and the portions of your operation that may be susceptible to these threats. The number, type, and scope of potential risks that are identified will vary significantly among operations. Review Contracts The second step in preparing a comprehensive disaster response plan is to review on-going contractual obligations to assess the impact that each of the potential disasters may have on your operation. Farmers should also carefully review the terms of any loan documents to assess the impact that disasters may have on the operation. A farmer should be aware of any applicable requirements

imposed by such loan documents and consider whether each particular potential disaster may implicate such requirements. Review Insurance Coverage In addition to reviewing potential liabilities that may arise from a disaster, farmers should also review their insurance policies to confirm that their property is adequately protected and they have sufficient liability protection for risks that may arise from foreseeable disasters. In reviewing insurance policies, farmers should pay particular attention to the specific persons and property that are covered and any conditions, exceptions, and exclusions that may limit insurance coverage for certain events. Farmers should also review insurance policies to determine any applicable reporting and claim submission requirements in the event of a disaster or other insured loss. Regulatory Reporting Requirements Farming operations are increasingly subject to permitting and regulatory requirements imposed by federal, state, and local governmental agencies. And these regulatory requirements may include reporting obligations that can be triggered by certain events (such as a release of hazardous substances or animal disease outbreaks) that may occur. Farmers should review all applicable permit conditions and regulatory reporting obligations in advance of a disaster and prepare a list of those requirements (and the necessary contact information) to ensure that these obligations are satisfied. Prepare A Written Disaster Plan After identifying potential risks that may impact your farming operation and reviewing the potential harms and reporting obligations associated with each such risk, you should prepare a written disaster plan that provides a step-by-step response plan for each potential disaster or emergency that might arise in your operation. The plan should identify (i) all reporting obligations and provide the

specific contact information to be used in making the reports; (ii) potential outside vendors or service providers who may be necessary to implement the plan; and (iii) particular persons who will be responsible for implementing each step of the plan and the timing in which the step should be completed. Copies of the disaster plan should be kept at all facilities so that the plan is readily available in the event of an emergency. The plan should also be clearly communicated to employees who will be responsible for implementing the plan. Prepare for the Financial Impact of a Disaster Even after the immediate emergency conditions of a disaster have been addressed, farmers must also be prepared to address the long-term operational impacts of the disaster. In order to prepare for the financial impact of a disaster, you should evaluate your liquidity or working capital position to determine how much available working capital you have, and what sources you have to obtain cash. You should also calculate your working capital “burn rate” (i.e., the total of all of unavoidable expenses, required debt payments, and any additional expenses to respond to the disaster) to determine how much cash will be going out each month. Compare this to any remaining income you have and your available working capital, and this will determine how long you can continue to operate. Through all of this you should also carefully review your loan agreements or other contracts. Many loan agreements have terms and conditions that may cause an event of default in the case of a disaster. Conclusion Many disasters that may impact a farming operation are simply unavoidable. And some level of stress and difficulty is unavoidable when disasters strike. Matt Berger is the Chair of the Gislason & Hunter LLP Agricultural Law Group. He recognizes the importance that farmers, agricultural businesses, community banks, and other small businesses play in supporting and sustaining rural communities. Matt has focused his practice on serving and protecting the interests of these businesses.

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AG FOCUS

Who Do We Need To Teach?

Kerry Hoffman AG CONTRIBUTOR

Being an agvocate is worth the effort. For many years, I have considered myself to be an agvocate. I don’t really like that word. I don’t know why. It just seems more intelligent to say, “I am an advocate for agriculture.” But that is another story. For more than 18 years, I have contributed my time and energy to teaching the general public about the importance of agriculture to local economies. I also tried to explain, through words and speaking, just how important kind treatment of our animals is to our sustainability. I have explained why we till the ground in the spring and just how enjoyable it is to fix said tiller with a grumpy husband when it breaks down in the field. I tried to keep it light and entertaining.

But, like all good things, it had to come to an end. I am now at an age where I have to sit back and wonder, “Why am I doing this?” It seems like a never-ending battle. The forces I tested 20 years ago are the very same forces we are fighting today. It starts to feel like a losing battle. When I wrote for a daily newspaper, I felt like I was making a difference to those people who had no idea what dairy farming was about. I also enjoyed hearing from more-seasoned readers about how it reminded them of a time when they too spent their young lives on a dairy farm. There is always going to be that next generation that is going to be educated

on the magnificent agricultural industry. I would get frustrated when my college-aged kids would come home from their land-grant university and tell me about how the professors were teaching things in their college classes that were so blatantly wrong. I wish I could think of an example at this very time, but they are all escaping my mind. I would explain to our sons, that they need to stick up for their beliefs. They both had to write a paper to prove their points or go directly to the professor and state their opinions. I know my oldest son did this a few times. He is quite outspoken and may be a little

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Got an agriculture-related story idea? Email our correspondent Kerry Hoffman at kahoffman@newulmtel.net

They are the decision makers. If I can make a compelling argument as to why I believe certain actions need to be taken, then I have done what I need to do. in St. Paul. We have attended this event previously and the only thing I remember is tripping over a chair during a hearing on legislation concerning agriculture. As we strolled through our visits and conversations, of which Rep. Gary Dahms (R-District 16), was very accommodating and well-educated. (When I left, I felt like moving to one of his represented areas.) Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-District 22B) was also a pleasure to discuss hot topics with. Turns out that he previously worked with my brother-in-law at Christensen Farms! It is amazing how small the world can be. Then it hit me, the reason I was so frustrated with trying to educate every Tom,

Dick and Harry. I should have been trying to influence every Tim, Thom and Paul. (As in Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Secretary of Ag Thom Petersen and Representative Paul Torkelson (R-District 16B).) These are the people that are shaping our state. They are the decision makers. If I can make a compelling argument as to why I believe certain actions need to be taken, then I have done what I need to do. Until next time, may all your sunsets be red. Kerry and her husband Steve own and operate a dairy production business in rural New Ulm. Currently, they are milking 140 cows with the help of one full-time employee and several part-time helpers.

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rough around the edges when it came to proving a point, but he was doing his share. I don’t care so much for advocating on social media as I tend to think that people that do blog about their farm pigs, dairy cows and crop operations are followed by other pig, dairy and crop farmers. I can’t prove this point, as I have never had the time to dig into my theory, but some day... I also know that those stinky, smelly trolls that live under the internet bridge are just waiting to take a bite out of my leg as soon as I write a positive blog. I don’t have time for that. You see, I was tired of feeling like I was not making any progress with the general public. That was until one Wednesday in the month of March. (What an awful month that was. In like a stampeding herd of elephants and out like a Monarch butterfly.) Hubs and I had the opportunity to spend our entire day at Dairy Day at the Capitol

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AG FOCUS

Dairy Industry Reps Visit State Legislators Special interest groups are everywhere. But don’t let the moniker give you a spoiled-milk taste in your mouth. Some interest groups have a purpose. The Highway 14 Partnership is a special interest group. They go to the state Capitol in St. Paul and share their knowledge and expertise to educate our elected officials on the importance of a safe and efficient State Highway 14. Agriculture also has their own special interest groups. There are soybean and corn grower organizations and of course, dairy organizations that regularly are called upon by our governmental representatives to share opinions and thoughts. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, it was the dairy industry’s turn to represent themselves and the importance of the industry to the state of Minnesota. With economic contributions unmatched by many other industry, dairy production is vital to the economic health of both local and state coffers. Specifically, dairy production stimulates economic activities in many other economic sectors. Agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, trade, services, finance, insurance, real estate, construction and many other industries benefit from the hard work dairy farmers put into the success of their farms. In an effort to stress that significance, Minnesota Milk Producers Association gathered more than 65 dairy producers representing almost all of the congressional districts throughout the state to visit with legislators to share concerns about the dairy industry. Not an easy task, considering dairy farmers need to be at home at least twice a day to milk the cows. Among the concerns raised by dairy producers in attendance were three main topics to be presented: tax conformity, dairy margin insurance rebates and conservation assistance. One other hot topic of the time, but not on the official agenda, was the havoc 2019’s winter weather raised with agricultural producers of all kinds. 24

May | June 2019

Kerry Hoffman AG CONTRIBUTOR

Representative Gary Dahms (R-District 16) visits with representatives from his district during Dairy Days at the Capitol in St. Paul. Pictured are: (l to r) Steve Hoffman, New Ulm, Minn.; Steve Groetsch, Albany, Minn; Rep. Dahms, Lisa Groetsch, Albany, Minn.; Amanda Hartung, Freeport, Minn.; and Bob Dombeck, Perham, Minn.

Concerning the tax conformity, producers explained the importance of complying with already existing federal tax deductions. Federally, a farmer-owned cooperative can pass along a portion of its deductions to its owners. The co-ops are allowed to use as much of the deduction as they need and then pass the remaining amounts on to member-owners. Most states have an already existing mandate allowing the pass-through. Minnesota does not. This is an effort to keep Minnesota up to snuff with most of the nation. The second topic concerned the Dairy Margin Insurance Program, created for eligible dairy farmers enrolled in the dairy margin protection program, which is a type of insurance designed to help dairy farmers lessen the gap between the cost of feed and the price they receive for milk produced by their cows. The program is a geared toward the total amount of milk produced on an individual farm per year, with larger operations receiving less than smaller operations. Lastly, the conservation assistance program will reward dairy producers who practice good stewardship of the land. It is the goal of the program to help dairy farms

become more sustainable. To be eligible, farmers will have to show that they are using practices to keep the surrounding environments safe and protected. Both the conservation assistance program and the dairy margin insurance program are one-time actions, but important in helping the dairy industry survive the tough economic situation. Low milk price, high feed costs and existing tariffs have placed heavy burdens on the industry. “We are at a spot where we want to get cash into the hands of [Minnesota] dairy producers,” said Minnesota Milk Producers executive director Lucas Sjostrom. “It’s a really good investment for the state to do, because it’s a $1 billion tax-paying industry.” In total, the dairy industry contributes $9 billion to the state and local economies every year. According to statistics provided by Sjostrom, Minnesota is losing dairy farms at a tremendous rate. Our state is losing slightly more than 10 percent of total dairy operations. In January of 2018, dairy farms numbered 3,076. January of 2019 recorded a total count drop to 2,763 – a loss of 10.2 percent. “If we can keep a dairy farmer here for the next 12 months, then we’ll keep them here for the next generation.”

CONNECTING BACK 2014 Five years ago, Bill Otis of publicly traded New Ulm Telecom graced our cover. At the time, its estimated gross revenue was $40 million and had an ownership footprint in 23 Minnesota and Iowa communities. Also featured in the issue were S eaver C ompany (I-gogs) of Le Sueur and Knit and Sew World out of St. Peter.

2009 A decade ago, Lori Wightman, President of the 500-employee New Ulm Medical Center, graced our cover. Also profiled were 17-employee Great Plains Transportation Services out of Fairmont and Inspired Technologies in Le Sueur.

2004 The cover profile was Mary Ellen Domeier, who came out of retirement to take the financial reins of New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, a role she embraced with passion that hopefully came through in our story. Also featured were Jesus Tinajero, owner of El Sarape, a small Mexican grocery store in downtown St. James far from his home in Mexico which he left as a teenager in 1981. Also featured was KMA Design & Construction in Gaylord.

1999 It was two decades ago, a duo from Immanuel St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-Mayo Health System were featured on our cover: Jerry Crest and Doug Wood. Also featured was a local, iconic destination in this neck of the woods, The Dam Store in Rapidan. And we traveled to Wells to feature David Buesing, president and general manager of Wells Concrete Products. CONNECT Business Magazine

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Thomas Nelson

Lisa Cownie EDITOR

Economic Development Coordinator, City of Jackson ership Studies. He is a native of Southwest Minnesota, growing up in Tracy, Minnesota. He currently resides in Jackson where he draws on his diverse leadership and government experiences to best serve his community. Nelson is passionate about rural development and enjoys living in the community that he serves.

There are self-help books, motivational blogs and leadership symposiums to help the business and entrepreneurial-minded make the most of each day to maximize productivity. Connect Business Magazine, though, recognizes we have great resources right in our own communities. So we are going right to local business leaders to give all of you a glimpse into how they manage their days. The goal is that readers may be able to take away little tidbits to incorporate into their own lives to be at their best in and out of the office! This issue we feature Thomas Nelson, Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Jackson, Minnesota. What is perhaps unique about Wilson’s position, as opposed to other Economic Development Coordinators, is that his is a contracted position. His official employer is a firm known as Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA provides economic development services to rural communities in several states. Wilson joined the CEDA team in November 2017 when he took over the Jackson account. Nelson is a graduate of Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications and minors in Political Science and Lead26

May | June 2019

What is your favorite thing about the Jackson area? The sense of community and drive of the community members. I work with multiple organizations in Jackson, both in my official capacity and as a volunteer, and am continually amazed at how much members give back. Not only do community members give back time and money, they are aggressive in their support of community development. Jackson is where it is today because of its long history of being a proactive community. What habits do you have that help keep you organized in your job? One habit that helps me keep organized

is keeping active projects visible. Keeping a project visible may mean marking an email “unopened” or keeping a file visible on my desk. I have numerous projects, some immediate (the owner of the laundromat announced he will be closing it in order to make space for another one of his businesses) and long term (recruiting businesses to locate in the JEDC commercial and industrial parks). In order to not forget something, I prioritize projects and keep them visible so that I see them every day. This has an added benefit of creating a reward when a task is completed. I can visually see projects disappear, and more often than not reappeared just as fast! What is the one thing you can’t live without (as far as business tool goes)? Google Mail/Drive/Calendar. Our firm uses Google services which is a great tool. I am able to access my saved information wherever I am and on virtually any device. It allows for easy sharing of files between people and unchains me from my office where I am least effective for my job.

Nelson: Soldier-Leader Nelson not only serves his community well, but also his country. While studying his undergraduate Nelson participated in the University of Minnesota ROTC program. He has been a soldier in the Minnesota Army National Guard since 2013. Joining originally as an enlisted personnel and has since been commissioned as an Officer. He currently serves as a Second Lieutenant in the role of a Platoon Leader. Nelson is a member of the American Legion and is the Director for the Department of Minnesota’s Boys State Program.

About CEDA CEDA is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created in 1986. It was originally called the Southeastern Minnesota Development Corporation, but in 2010 the agency became Community & Economic Development Associates as a result of increased interest and inquiries received from communities outside of the agency’s original service area of Southeast Minnesota. CEDA now provides services to fit the needs of communities throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

“The Des Moines river runs through Jackson giving the community some awesome topography in the middle of the great plains.” What surprises people most when they first move to or visit Jackson? The two things that surprise people most about Jackson are the population of the community and the topography. Many people drive by Jackson on I-90 and see our fantastic industrial park and think that Jackson must be a fairly large community; in actuality, Jackson has a population of 3,300. While the population

of Jackson is only a little over 3,000, around 2,000 people commute from outside Jackson to work every day. Once people get away from the interstate they will also be pleasantly surprised by the change in elevation from the river valley. The Des Moines river runs through Jackson giving the community some awesome topography in the middle of the great plains.

How do you describe Jackson to potential prospects looking to move to the area? I would describe Jackson as a close-knit community with a lot of opportunities. The community offers a great school system, safe living, low cost of living, top-notch internet connectivity, easy access to the interstate system, and numerous employment options.

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FEATURE Collaboration Connection

New Crop Emerging in Southern Minnesota

Mike Lagerquist CONTRIBUTOR

Local hemp farmers take the lead in this emerging market.

May | June 2019

The CBD Centers’ demonstration growing room inside their Mankato store.

“Our biggest way is we tell people [about its healing effects] through other people’s stories,” Little says from The CBD Centers store at 285 St Andrews Drive, Mankato. Located right next to Drummer’s Garden Center, it opened in late February and was followed by stores in New Ulm and Hudson, Wisconsin. Retail was not in their early plans, but they found face-to-face interaction the best way to make people aware of CBD’s healing effects. As if on cue, a friend steps over with his vaping cartridge purchase. This man, 49, had sciatic nerve pain that has been helped by using CBD that is inhaled. In addition, insomnia that neither a sleep study nor various prescriptions could help has disappeared. It’s been years, he tells Little, since he’s been able to sleep 7-8 hours a night like he does now. Waseca is hoping the hemp industry can help build back a local economy that has suffered from closings of long-time businesses such as Brown Printing. In fact, the old Brown Printing building is being

used by MWH for processing. Leading this effort is Gary Sandholm, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Waseca. “A convergence of MWH Farms buying a greenhouse in Waseca [from Drummer], an introduction to Dave Rye with C4Life, and learning that the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) has a major hemp initiative generated the spark for Waseca to use hemp as an economic driver,” Sandholm says. C4Life, out of Minnetonka, is another company on the cutting edge of Minnesota hemp production. Hemp had been grouped with marijuana in the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, thus making it too heavily taxed to be economically viable, according to the website ministryofhemp.com. Under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, hemp was again grouped with marijuana and declared a Schedule 1 drug, one considered unsafe and potentially addicting. The 2014 Farm Bill legitimized hemp research. It authorized institutions of higher

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Matt Little has some definite plans for an uncertain industry. Along with partners Garth Carson, an entrepreneur and business owner, and Mike Drummer of Mankato, Little is creating a vertically integrated hemp business that strives to, as he puts it, “take our crop from seed to soil to products.” But with an industry that is fighting 80 years of a marijuana hangover, of sorts, they’re literally starting from the ground up. “Right now, if anybody tells you they have it figured out, they’re lying,” Little says. Nobody has to tell him about the healing effects of cannabidiol (CBD), one of dozens of non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. That’s because the workhorse of the cannabis plant literally is responsible for getting him out of bed in the morning. Following back surgery, he hurt himself again in a snowmobile accident. Taking CBD from a vaporizing cartridge allows him to stop walking “like an old man” almost instantly, and to go out promoting their Midwest Hemp Farms (MWH), headquartered out of Waseca, and The CBD Centers, the retail face of his business. The cannabis connection to marijuana makes potential customers falsely fear having to get high in order to get better. Although the road to acceptance is still a rocky one, testimonials about CBD’s ability to help sufferers of everything from Parkinson’s Disease and multiple sclerosis to fibromyalgia and glaucoma without the buzz has people seeking it out. And it’s those stories upon which Little and his partners have built their business. The term ‘industrial hemp’ refers to the cannabis sativa plant and any part of such a plant, whether growing or not, which has less than 0.3% of THC concentration on a dry weight basis. Their products are guaranteed to have just 0.001% THC.

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education or departments of agriculture in states that legalized hemp cultivation to conduct research and pilot programs. Minnesota began planting research crops in 2015, according to the website. “MWH Farms and C4Life are focusing on CBD oils and products, which was the initial emphasis of our project,” Sandholm continues. “As we became better aware of other opportunities with hemp, the project broadened to include these.” As Little and his partners discovered, making people aware of the CBD products and how they may be beneficial is a necessary first step. While doing this through The CBD Centers’ retail sales, work continues on creating a hemp infrastructure similar to other agricultural products in order to support the demand when it increases. One strong proponent of plans for vertical integration is Josh Pinkernell, formerly of Colorado, who wanted the opportunity to scale up the operation and joined as their grower last June. He was hired after meetings were held at Mall of America to bring together the right team: people who are passionate and serious about hemp, but who like having fun.

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When asked the secrets to growing, Pinkernell says, “Time and care. It’s a new crop for this region, so really paying attention to what works well and what doesn’t is very important.”

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Specialized equipment is used to produce and test CBD extracted from hemp.

The secret to a successful industry, however, could depend as much on the nuts and bolts of agriculture. Currently, CBD prices are high, in part, because the production process is very labor intensive and uses equipment generally borrowed from other industries.

“It’s not a push-button row crop at this stage,” Little says. “Will it get there? I believe so. I think that’s what’s next, helping other people develop equipment for us.” One of those people could be John Dinse, who earned his engineering degree from South Central College and is working on

a cultivator for the hemp crop. On this Saturday morning, he was working with Pinkernell in the lab, watching the rotating vaporizer remove ethanol that had been added in an earlier step. Little says that much of the equipment has been modified from the distillery industry. “Nothing is new in this industry. When you go and talk to engineers, they all try to say we have this new different thing, but at the end of the day, we’ve been extracting oils from plants for hundreds of years.” When prospective customers enter the CBD store, they are greeted and given a tour of the on-site growing room, a converted cooler from the previous liquor store occupant of the space. This is a second stop, following the time spent in the greenhouse in Waseca. In each phase, workers carefully regulate the amount of light the plants get to take full advantage of the 90-day growth cycle. Next, they get a look at the process that transforms the green and leafy biomass product into the oil and other products they can purchase. A one fluid ounce bottle of tincture, which is placed under the tongue, retails for $120. A 24-ounce muscle relief lotion sells for $45.

Statement from FDA regarding hemp and CBD: DECEMBER 20, 2018 WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 was signed into law. Among other things, this new law changes certain federal authorities relating to the production and marketing of hemp, defined as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low (less than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis) concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These changes include removing hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it will no longer be an illegal substance under federal law. Just as important for the FDA and our commitment to protect and promote the public health is what the law didn’t change: Congress explicitly preserved the agency’s current authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and section 351 of the Public Health Service Act. In doing so, Congress recognized the agency’s important public health role with respect to all the products it regulates. This allows the FDA to continue enforcing the law to protect patients and the public while also providing potential regulatory pathways for products containing cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds. We’re aware of the growing public interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). This increasing public interest in these products makes it even more important with the passage of this law for the FDA to clarify its regulatory authority over these products. In short, we treat products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds as we do any other FDA-regulated products — meaning they’re subject to the same authorities and requirements as FDA-regulated products containing any other substance. This is true regardless of the source of the substance, including whether the substance is derived from a plant that is classified as hemp under the Agriculture Improvement Act. To help members of the public understand how the FDA’s requirements apply to these products, please visit: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus.

May | June 2019

The makeup of the average customer is another thing that has taken them by surprise. “We thought it was going to be 55 and older women. That is completely wrong,” Little says. “It is 18 to 80 years old. I’m actually amazed at the young people that are taking CBD. They’re using it for tests and focus.” A generation that has been prescribed Ritalin and Adderall from an early age is tiring of their side effects, he says. Instead, they’re seeking all-natural options like CBD that provide them clarity of thought that don’t carry unwanted side effects. One reason for the clarity is that hemp is grown without chemicals that can alter its natural makeup. Another reason is that CBD works with the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS) that allows for strengthened cellular communication and regulation. In other words, it works by enhancing what is already there, not forcing the body to do something unnatural.” Another piece of equipment can analyze product to determine the true purity. Little said they put a strong emphasis on providing the product quality – measured in milligrams (MG) – that is on the label. In a rare move, they are pushing for regulations that will guarantee purity of product and integrity of manufacturers, he said. “The one thing I say is, just because you can sell it, doesn’t mean you should. Don’t use CBD as the buzzword if the product is crap,” Little says. Products that don’t deliver as promised, he said, are hurting the burgeoning industry that is so far unspoiled by the presence of “big pharma.” After the tour, prospective customers are given the chance to taste and try the various products. Oils are placed on their tongues so they can sample the various flavors and, in some cases, feel the immediate effects. Added flavors, turpenes, help suppress the plant’s natural flavors. The true determinant for most people is if it works for them. And people are finding those answers through personal research and testing it. “By that time it’s not even a sell,” Little says of the experience. “It’s more like listening to them and finding out if what they’re experiencing, finding out if this is going to help it. “And it’s literally changing people’s lives.”

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The University is also launching the Institute for Regenerative Resources and Agriscience (IRRA), which will coordinate research efforts across soil, water, crops, renewable energy, land stewardship, rural transportation and related areas and increase the University’s applied research capabilities in service to the region. “To support these programs we have, or are currently, hiring clusters of faculty across the University for collaboration,” Martensen says. “Those areas include civil engineering positions with specialties in water resource and ag-infrastructure and positions in Geology, Geography and Biological Sciences with specialties in soil chemistry, soil geomorphology and soil ecology, respectively. We have also added a faculty member with an agronomy background in weed science and are currently adding communications faculty with agricultural emphases.” The University is also launching the Institute for Regenerative Resources and Agriscience (IRRA), which will coordinate research efforts across soil, water, crops, renewable energy, land stewardship, rural transportation and related areas and

The initiative also includes a new Ag Solutions Center hosted within the IRRA. The hope is that the Ag Solutions Center will be a mechanism to solve real-world problems for growers and the ag industry while developing future leaders with authentic projects for students. increase the University’s applied research capabilities in service to the region. The initiative also includes a new Ag Solutions Center hosted within the IRRA. The hope is that the Ag Solutions Center will be a mechanism to solve real-world problems for growers and the ag industry while developing

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future leaders with authentic projects for students. It will also engage in community outreach and education. “The designation does not expire, and our plans are to leverage this distinction to increase our service to the region in preparing students for careers in agriculture and helping our communities maintain their vibrant connections to the

“Specifically, our goals are to develop new degrees that broadly train versatile leaders – we do so with the inclusion of experiential learning for our students ...” land,” says Martensen. “Specifically, our goals are to develop new degrees that broadly train versatile leaders – we do so with the inclusion of experiential learning for our students that connects them directly with real-world projects from our industry and community partners. “We also want to increase and diversify the pipeline into agricultural-related careers, establish ourselves as a regional hub of services from the University with our community college partners for applications, research, continuing education, training, and community education, as well as connect the academic classroom experience with leadership roles and organizational activities through industry and community sponsored projects and placements.” Putting scientific knowledge into practice helps cultivate the future of our ag industry.

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PHOTO: KRIS KATHMANN

Jessica Rollins is executive director of Farmamerica near Waseca.

Farmamerica is telling the rich history of farming in Minnesota, educating us about farming today and helping chart its future.

INSET PHOTOS: FARMAMERICA AND AERIAL IMAGERY MEDIA

By Lisa Cownie

Stories are told in a variety of ways: through words, sound and pictures, for example. Still others are told in a more hands-on approach. Such is the case at Farmamerica just outside of Waseca. It has a story to tell, a story with a long history and yet a story that still has much to be written. A story consistently full of new beginnings and changing storylines with each new advance in technology and fertilizer, with each up and down of the economy. A story, rooted in a region that is on a continuum of innovation in agriculture. “Farmamerica exists to connect people with the evolving story of agriculture. And we strive to accomplish that through our educational programs, events, and tours. We also have 240 acres that are used for agronomic and genetic research by ag industry leaders like Crystal Valley, Birds Eye Foods, and DowDuPont (soon to be Corteva AgriSciences),” says Jessica Rollins, executive director of Farmamerica. Farmamerica is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978 to preserve and promote the story of Minnesota agriculture. It is governed by a board of 15 volunteer directors. Its mission is one fitting for this region, it strives to connect people with agriculture by being Minnesota’s center for agricultural interpretation. “Only 2% of Americans grow the food, fiber, and renewable fuel for the other 98%. Consumers are concerned about food safety, its nutritional value, and its sustainability. God bless the internet, but it’s not always filled with facts. One of Farmamerica’s goals is to be an unbiased source of agricultural facts to help visitors experience, explore, discover and connect with our past and with today’s agriculture. Farmamerica does a great job telling the story of our past, and I am helping develop a plan so visitors can begin to understand the economic importance and daily relevance of today’s agriculture,” explains Rollins. Farmamerica uses 120 acres to tell the historic story of Minnesota agriculture through interpretive historic sites, including farmsteads from two eras, a one-room school house, blacksmith shop, and country church. continues > CONNECT Business Magazine

Most people in the area know Farmamerica as the field trip destination for third through sixth grade students to experience the history of rural living and farming. Roughly 2,000 students from a 70-mile radius visit Farmamerica each school year to discover connections with the past as volunteer interpreters bring the sites to life. “This program is a staple of who we are and what we do, but we are more than that too,” Rollins says. As executive director, she is helping expand people’s perception of Farmamerica as she plans events and new ways to promote Farmamerica. She looks not only to highlight the history of agriculture, but embrace and celebrate the future of an industry that accounts for nearly 28% of our region’s workforce. “Farmamerica has an exciting future where we will tell a more complete story by including the story of today’s agriculture to help visitors understand and appreciate how connected their daily lives are to agriculture,” she says. “Agriculture will never be obsolete. We recently expanded our school tour program to include a more holistic story of agriculture so students can make comparisons and personal connections with the ‘Then and Now’ of agriculture.”

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Visitors to Farmamerica start the journey from the Visitor Center, and from there embark on a mile-long trail that winds through numerous interactive sites including a Prairie Interpretive Center, an 1850s settlement, a country church, a one-room schoolhouse, a 1930s farmstead, a country grain elevator and feed mill and a blacksmith shop. Rollins says the location is ideal. Sitting four miles west of Waseca, just off of Highway 14, it is an easy drive from many area towns and just 25 miles from Mankato and Owatonna. Plus Rollins adds, “We’re on all paved roads which is pretty exciting anytime you’re driving the countryside.”

PHOTO: AERIAL IMAGERY MEDIA

What to Expect

Farmamerica • Waseca

“Agriculture will never be obsolete. We recently expanded our school tour program to include a more holistic story of agriculture so students can make comparisons and personal connections with the ‘Then and Now’ of agriculture.”

Relationships That Go Beyond the Numbers.

Tim Robinson APMA

Financial Advisor

Rollins’ connection with Farmamerica started as a very personal one, she was married there in 2013. It was near her husband’s family farm, but she admitted she didn’t know much about it at the time. “One night in 2016, I told my husband when I retired I wanted to volunteer at Farmamerica. A few weeks later he heard the executive director position was open and said I should just go work there now and get paid,” she says. “And so that’s what I’m doing and it is wonderful. I am incredibly passionate about farming and determined to help tell the story of agriculture so that people who don’t farm can understand it better and so that farm families like mine can continue to have the freedom and opportunity to grow food, fiber, and fuel for our communities.” Farmamerica is located four miles west of Waseca, just off Highway 14. With limited staff, Farmamerica almost had its story end too soon. “The Minnesota Legislature created Farmamerica as one of three interpretive centers that they supported in the late 1970s. The

Brief History of Farmamerica The Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center, called Farmamerica, was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978 to preserve, celebrate, and promote the state’s rich connection to agriculture. It started with a few acres, donated by Roy & Marcie Lukken and with the help of the local community, legislators and contributors, the center has built a 360-acre site which includes a visitor center, a pond and prairie, many external historical buildings, plus a collection of antique farm equipment.

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BROKERAGE mining industry and the timber industry are the other two. They used to provide us with significant financial support to help our cause. Over the years that funding has decreased which hinders Farmamerica’s ability to inform consumers and students not only about the history of agriculture, but also about the opportunities in the industry today.” Admissions are treated as contributions and donations. All funds received are used to underwrite the costs of educational programming. When funding was cut, Rollins says it was the creativity of remaining staff and passion of the volunteers that

May | June 2019

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Brief History of Rollins “I grew up on a farm in southeast Minnesota. We raised corn, soybeans, alfalfa, hogs, and beef cattle. Although I was active in FFA and enjoyed working with my parents in the hog barns, I didn’t realize I wanted a career in agriculture until the final semester of college when I was doing a farm stay during my study abroad program in Australia. The farm family hosting our group was telling me about their struggles with drought and prices and regulations and misunderstandings about the agriculture industry, and that was kind of when it hit me that I wanted to be telling the story of agriculture, because I could relate to their story. “Don’t laugh, but I met my husband on farmersonly.com in 2011! He farms with his brother and parents near Pemberton. He also works at Minnesota Elevator as an engineer. Together we’re raising our two daughters one-mile from the home farmstead that has been in the family for over 150 years. “We got married at Farmamerica in 2013. At that time, I had no idea I would one day work there. I have so much pride for my maiden name (Dornink), and it was difficult to let it go nearly six years ago. But I have grown just as proud of the Rollins family name because they have a great reputation in the community; they strive to do things the right way, caring for the land and preserving it for our kids and the generations to come.”

Farmamerica • Waseca

Collins says it was the creativity of remaining staff and passion of the volunteers that kept Farmamerica open and helping student tour groups connect with the state’s heritage. “Volunteers, who are passionate about sharing the story of agriculture, have been the key to Farmamerica’s success.” kept Farmamerica open and helping student tour groups connect with the state’s heritage. “Volunteers, who are passionate about sharing the story of agriculture, have been the key to Farmamerica’s success,” she reflects. She says another key to Farmamerica’s survival has been its approach to telling the story. “Tactile learning; people can find everything online now, but at Farmamerica they get to explore, discover and truly connect with the history of agriculture as they walk along our ¾-mile timeline

of history,” she explains. “They can see and feel the pioneer life of the 1850s, they can sit in the desks of a country school, they can explore the kitchen of a 1930s farm house. These are things that few other places offer, especially all within one area.” As with any nonprofit, funding is a constant challenge. “Some people view Farmamerica as a place they went to once as a kid and don’t need to experience again because history doesn’t change,” Rollins says. “But our seasons change, and exploring our farms at different times of the year always offers new surprises.

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PHOTO: FARMAMERICA

It’s never too early nor too late to prepare for your retirement. Finding the right time to retire comes down to proper planning. Are you maximizing contributions to all available retirement accounts? Do you have a budget that accounts for your expenses today as well as in the future? Are you accounting for the effects of inflation? Are your assets diversified and in alignment with your ability to take on risk? At Eide Bailly, we help clients effectively manage their family’s unique financial situation. With our comprehensive financial planning approach, we can customize solutions and strategies to help you plan for the future. Our financial services combine the knowledge of a Certified Financial Planner with an experienced team of CPAs and business advisors to help you prepare for retirement, manage your taxes and plan your estate. Let us help you find the right time to retire.

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CONNECT Business Magazine

“Phase II of this long-term plan would be to expand the facility footprint to include more interactive experiences that showcase the opportunities in agriculture and help people relate to the evolving story of ag by adding building space with classrooms and exhibits. Right now, we have limited classroom space to do some of the programming we would like.”

That’s one thing that’s great about having a Farmamerica membership, it makes repeat visits easy and admission to our summer and fall events very affordable. Sometimes, it’s just nice to sit among the wildflowers in our prairie and listen to the birds. Sometimes it’s nice to visit when we have a bounce house, ice cream, and tram rides. But anytime you can be outside on a farm, it is an adventure. “I am surprised by how much untapped potential Farmamerica has. We are still very much in our infancy as a 41-year-old organization. It has been very rewarding to work with this board of Directors who are supportive of exploring all of the possibilities to help Farmamerica grow and share the story of agriculture.” Possibilities that include making Farmamerica a year-round destination. “We’re tossing around ideas of how to offer events and programs during our long Minnesota winters,” she says. “Another way we are hoping to make Farmamerica a year-round destination is by maximizing our current square footage through the addition of hands-on exhibits exploring topics in today’s agriculture, like sustainability, water quality, and seed genetics. We would like to revamp the Visitor Center and Feed Mill, add a playground, and partner with other organizations for additional ag-focused experiences. “Phase II of this long-term plan would be to expand the facility footprint to include more interactive experiences that showcase the opportunities in agriculture and help people relate to the evolving

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May | June 2019

Farmamerica • Waseca

Meat-a-palooza Farmamerica’s big yearly fundraiser has been in the works for months. The third annual Meat-a-palooza will be held on August 8. “Each year we have expanded the sampling menu of meats, beers and wines and we will do the same again this year offering more Minnesota brews and wines and showcasing elk in addition to pork, beef, turkey, and lamb,” says Rollins.

“which is fine,” Rollins says, “except that it really limits the timeframe in which we can connect students with career opportunities in agriculture and it limits the experiences we expose them to when we don’t have the resources available in the make-shift classroom.” Before moving forward with any plans, they will wait for the results of a feasibility study which is expected to be complete by June. In the meantime, Rollins will keep pushing forward. “We just hired a program and communications director who is building new day camp opportunities for youth this summer,” she says. “Two separate week-long day camps will be available in June and July, as well as a single-day day camp, Farm Camp Minnesota, in August.” Farmamerica’s new tour app makes the self-guided tour experience even more engaging and educational. For more information on Farmamerica and its offerings, visit www.farmamerica.org.

THE ESSENTIALS

story of ag by adding building space with classrooms and exhibits. Right now, we have limited classroom space to do some of the programming we would like.” For example, Farmamerica offers an Ag Career Exploration program for junior high students in partnership with Junior Achievement, but with limited classroom space some of the breakout sessions are in unheated machine sheds,

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ENTREPRENEURIAL INSIGHT

Shane Nelson In the 1700s the word entrepreneur entered our vocabulary, meaning adventurer. While the meaning has been honed over the centuries and is now widely regarded as one who launches and runs a new business. However, entrepreneurs remain adventurers at heart. Taking on great risks based on an idea or expertise one has developed in hopes of making a profit. In this issue, we feature a Lake Crystal entrepreneur whose “adventure” started very early in life. The secret to 21-year-old Shane Nelson’s success is actually quite simple: he sees a need and he fills it. His entrepreneurial spirit was first born out of his own needs. “When graduating high school I thought about the cost of college and everything,” 44

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he says. “I thought I had it all planned out, but in thinking of how to finance it I came up with a solution and got my real estate license right when I turned 18. That led to me buying my first rental property, and then wanting to buy more. So I knew I had to figure out a way to finance purchasing more.” To meet that need, he just looked around him to see what needs were being unmet in his community and then pursued opportunities to fill that gap. “I liked owning the rental property and I wanted to buy more so I thought, ‘how do I pay for them?’” he explains. “Then one day I saw some asphalt sealcoating for sale and I just bought it! I could see places around town and in Mankato that needed sealcoating and I just thought that might be a way to make money. So I bought the equipment, learned the trade and started an asphalt company.” It was a leap that worked out for Nelson. Quality Asphalt is on year four now and going strong. In fact, Nelson hires up to two employees each year during the busy season.

Lisa Cownie EDITOR

So, working as an active, licensed Realtor for Homerun Realty in Mankato, Nelson also started juggling his new asphalt business and rental property businesses, when he stumbled upon another new interest he wanted to pursue: flipping houses. Now, how to finance that? Start a construction company, of course. Nelson founded Genesis Construction Company earlier this year with a partner, Mike Miller. “Mike has a long history in the construction industry and he is more the hands-on guy,” says Nelson. “I handle the business end of it.” The business end of things, Nelson admits he has learned just by doing. He believes his integrity and strong work ethic have helped make him successful. “It’s a struggle, no I don’t have a knack for it,” he admits. “I just take it day by day

PHOTO: KRIS KATHMANN

Lessons Learned Propel Local Entrepreneur

and give it my best. I can’t say I’m a great business owner, I’ve messed up certainly. I mean, literally it’s a day-by-day thing. Organized chaos I call it.” Nelson’s deeply-rooted entrepreneurial spirit did get a boost early on. “I read the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” in high school. It’s a book that really got me going and thinking about an entrepreneurial mindset,” he explains. “I read that before I started anything and it was great. It laid the framework.” Also important, says Nelson, is knowing when and who to ask for help. “It’s important for entrepreneurs to find mentors. I found mine randomly. They just seemed to be placed throughout my life. Now, I don’t mean a mentor that you go to for every little thing. But it’s important to have someone you trust that you can bounce ideas off of. Anyone you know that knows more about a certain subject than you do, they are a mentor. So don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Aside from mentors, he says he has found southern Minnesota to be fertile ground for entrepreneurs. “There are so many resources here, it’s empowering to someone wanting to start something,” he says. But he cautions not to get too caught up in it and just go for it. “Don’t think, just do,” he says. “I mean, think, but don’t worry. If you have an idea, a passion that you want to pursue, you just gotta dive into it. It works itself out.” Four “careers”: Realtor, asphalt, property investment and now construction, all at the ripe old age of 21. Nelson says his age is both a blessing and a curse. “I have a lot of debt,” he says. “So if I were at a different stage in life, for instance if I had three kids and a wife, I would look at it differently. But I’m at the time in my life where I can take risks. Being my age has that advantage, but there are some people out there that might not think I know what I am talking about because they think I am

young and inexperienced. Overall though, people see my youth along with my work ethic and they want to support me and give me a shot.” Nelson admits he has had his ups and downs, but he says he always keeps his eye on the long-term dream. And encourages other entrepreneurs to do the same. “Stick with it,” he says. “If you truly commit to doing something, just sticking with it for the long-term is important. It really just comes down to execution, doing what you say you will do. Have a strategy or plan and follow through.” THE ESSENTIALS

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Meet your expert in Agricultural Law. Matthew C. Berger

Recognizing the importance that farmers, agricultural businesses, community banks and other small businesses play in supporting and sustaining rural communities, Matt has focused his practice on serving and protecting the interests of these businesses. Call 507-354-3111 to schedule a meeting with Matt.

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CONNECT Business Magazine

1 on 1 Each issue we dive into how the One Million Cups initiative thrives on the 1-on-1 relationships.

Owner, 2True Headbands Marketing and Graphic Design student at Minnesota State University, Mankato etsy.com/shop/2true Phone: 612-670-8440 margaret.knier@mnsu.edu

1 on 1 tells the stories of entrepreneurs and mentors working together to achieve success in our community. By Lisa Cownie, Editor

ven though she has not yet graduated college, Minnesota State University, Mankato student Maggie Knier is a veteran business owner. She started 2True Headbands when she was just 14 years old. Now a junior in college she has had some success in online sales of her headbands. But, with college graduation looming, she feels ready to take the next step. “I’ve had a desire to make it big and be successful since I was young, but always felt like it was unachievable from my current position. I would dream these big dreams, but then just wait for them to happen on their own instead of making them happen. I recently discovered a podcast called “The Goal Digger” podcast which is all about female entrepreneurs. When I first started listening to this podcast I was initially jealous, but after a few episodes it hit me; why am I wasting time waiting for a sudden and undeserved success? I have my own business, why don’t I start giving it 100% and see where it takes me?” says Knier. That’s when she discovered Minnesota State’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and One Million Cups. She saw it as a great opportunity to seek advice from seasoned entrepreneurs and get word out about her business. And she did have a couple of specific challenges she wanted those in attendance to help her address. “My biggest challenge at the moment is how to take 2True to the next level,” explains Knier. “I haven’t taken any leaps for several years and progress has been stagnant. I know I need to build brand recognition and start marketing my products. I’ve gotten excellent feedback on my headbands, and have had a lot of success with selling them at craft shows where the customers walk by and can handle/try on the headbands. I have been stuck when it comes to driving traffic to my website and with where I should take my business. I have been in the same rut for several years and I know that I can go bigger, I just didn’t know where to start.” 46

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Lisa Hughes Regional Business Development Manager Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development 12 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 1600A, Mankato, MN 56001 Phone: 507-344-2601

She is thankful she presented at One Million Cups. “I loved it! Nothing gets me fired up more than networking and talking about my passions! Even if I hadn’t received any helpful advice, I think simply the opportunity to organize a pitch and present to an audience was extremely valuable. Fortunately, however, the community members in attendance at the presentation were full of wisdom and willing to help! I received so much feedback and so many new ideas, and I left the presentation feeling inspired. I didn’t know where to start!” she says. Knier says she’ll likely pick the brains of her community of mentors again in the near future, as she is finding challenges present themselves every step of the way when growing a small business. “I am currently looking to get my headbands into boutiques and gyms in the area. I would love ideas on how to approach these types of businesses, as well as advice on how to go about wholesaling. I also would appreciate any tips on branding and marketing both in the community and online. My goal I am currently working towards is to build a following on Instagram and create a community, which will hopefully translate into sales in the long run!”

nier identified two major hurdles she is currently trying to get over to move her business forward. To get some answers, we went to a One Million Cups regular...in fact she is the emcee...Lisa Hughes. “My advice to Maggie on how to drive more traffic to her website and increase sales is to number one build lists across multiple media and platforms to communicate with customers, leads, and prospects in whichever way they prefer. Also creating a referral program might be beneficial. And, finally work with influencers both virtually, like social media and bloggers, as well as non-virtually.

PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

Maggie Knier

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

For example, I bought a headband from Maggie because the display was up at the CIE and I was absolutely taken by the fabric, colors, and designs. For me, that would not have come across on a website. Headbands can easily be an impulse buy so work with a salon owner(s) in the area and make the headbands available for sale at the shop! I can attest – one is not nearly enough!” says Hughes. Hughes says as Knier gets closer and closer to graduation, she needs to stay connected to the relationships she is already building. “Maggie’s business has a lot of potential. My advice to her is to be laser focused on increasing sales. She needs to continue working on her business plan and updating it as appropriate. Maggie should always remember that she is part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is supportive, passionate and wants to see her succeed. There are so many resources in the Greater Mankato community that can help her grow her business. If she needs help finding new customers; assistance connecting with strategic partners; more space; additional equipment and supplies; financial assistance; new product ideas; business advice; legal advice; marketing assistance; employees; an exit plan; and/or anything else, there is a community with the experience and expertise to help her. If Maggie stays connected to the 1MC Mankato community, she will find there is no barrier, hurdle or opportunity that she cannot overcome or explore,” says Hughes. The One Million Cups presentations are held the first Wednesday of every month. More information at: 1millioncups.com/mankato.

CONNECT Business Magazine

By Lisa Cownie Photo by Kris Kathmann

Seth Yokum takes care of business, by taking care of the environment. Seth Yocum remembers when his affection for water and the environment began. “One of my earliest memories is being four years old and the neighbors were washing the car and there was just this stream going down our gravel back alley. I was in there making little dams and digging little ponds and just making these water environments. It just basically grew from there and when I was 12, I got my first aquarium. By the time I was 15 I had, I think, 16 or 17 aquariums in my room,” explains Yocum. A childhood interest that has turned into an impassioned mission. “We’re getting into trouble here,” he says. “I’m 41 years old now. When I was 12, when I was 15, we were swimming and snorkeling in Lake Washington, Madison Lake and they were clear, I could see 20 feet in front of me in August. Now in June and July, I can see a half inch below the surface and my hand disappears. The cause is algae from excessive nutrients. Plants clean water, so if we have some form of plants growing that were just hooked into an open loop, bringing the dirty water up through the plants and then coming out as clean water while helping the plants to grow. That would be a game changer.” That’s a large-scale, long-term game plan, but over the years Yocum has started to see how he can tackle the problem in smaller steps. He is also aware that he can’t do it alone. He founded Aqualogical Resources as a way to educate people and empower businesses to take matters into their own hands using the simple superpowers of water and plant ecosystems in tandem. “When you look at the information coming out about our planet collectively, it’s kind of horrifying. I have four kids and I want better for them. But then I think, ‘I’m just one of the seven billion people on this planet. What in the heck can I do?’ That’s where I came up with Aqualogical Resources. I’m going to throw everything I continues > 48

May | June 2019

Seth Yokum created two green walls inside Mankato's Hubbard Building that assist in air quality improvement.

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“We, as in the collective world, have modernized life to the point where we look out the window and go, ‘That’s nature out there’ rather than integrating ourselves into the nature.” have into just getting us to turn just a little bit. If we can cover every inch of Mankato in greenery and maybe possibly put cleaner water back into our reservoirs and lakes and streams than we take out, that’s an accomplishment.” And that’s really at the heart of what Aqualogical Resources does, gives businesses sustainable ways to enhance not only their office environment, but the environment they enjoy when they are not at work. “We, as in the collective world, have modernized life to the point where we look out the window and go, ‘That’s nature out there’ rather than integrating ourselves into the nature,” he says. “I’m just taking these tiny steps into educating and creating awareness for people to take ownership over the natural environment because we’ve so long treated it as kind of a commodity that we just buy and sell. The truth is we – all of us – are an integral part of nature. We profit when it’s healthy. When nature thrives, we thrive.” Really, he says, it just comes down to using water wisely. It’s been Yocum’s life purpose since his infatuation with it began as a child. He’s been custom designing ponds, aquariums, aquaponic and other aquatic systems for friends and referrals since the late 1990s. He didn’t officially make it a business until 2014. It’s a business

Pontoon Garden “I really want to see the dream of cleaning our lakes and our natural environment come to fruition. I’m envisioning something along the lines of an old pontoon,” he explains. “We can just convert an old pontoon or anything as long as it floats. I’ll put some solar panels on it and a pump. Find me even the dirtiest lake, I’ll bring water out of the lake, I’ll run it through my rafts. I’ll grow whatever – we’ll make it a community funded or a crowdsourced project. Whatever those people where we park that raft want to grow, let’s try it. Let’s see what we can do. I guarantee we can grow something. I guarantee we can put cleaner water back into wherever we’re at.”

Aqualogical Resources | St. Peter

with a focus on sustainable products, techniques, and designs that utilize natural processes and the latest technologies. It keeps him busy, as each system has to be tailored to each unique location and situation. His offerings include aquarium set up and maintenance, pond set up and maintenance and aquaponics systems. “There’s a million options with it. What does this look like? This looks like anything, like I said, an aquarium in your home or business. This looks like a waterfall in your yard. This looks rustic and natural or organized and orderly, maybe you’re more of a contemporary person and you want it trimmed out with teal aluminum. This can be completely customized to whatever you want it to be.” Businesses in the region are taking note. For example, the Hubbard Building in Old Town that houses the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Center and others, has put in a green wall (or live wall) that uses the power of plants to keep the air clean. “This is right in front of the air handling system for the entire building here. What happens, since carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, the collective breaths of every inhabitant and every visitor of the building is actually being passed through the screen wall. Down here there’s about 35 linear feet of green wall. There’s a lot of cleaning power for the air and just the environment in general.

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6. Some experts estimate that more than 50 percent of landscape water use goes to waste due to evaporation or runoff caused by over-watering. 7. Many people in the world exist on 3 gallons of water per day or less. We can use that amount in one flush of the toilet. 8. China, India, the United States and Brazil used the most, and they’re the first, second, third and fifth most populous countries. CONNECT Business Magazine

The lighting system is fully controllable LED, there are four large lights specifically suited for growing plants and we can change the spectrum and the intensity. This creates a sunrise in the morning, sunset at night and kind of a peak sunlight during the noontime period. We’re recreating nature down here, the whole spectrum.” There are numerous studies that show this type of office ecosystem is beneficial on many fronts. “There are thousands of benefits to putting green space or an aquatic/aquaponic system in your office,” explains Yocum. “To start with: healthier air. The green wall has plants that filter pollutants out of the air. They’re also cleaning out carbon dioxide and contributing oxygen, which in turn inspires creativity, reduces depression and the winter doldrums. “So today, many of these businesses are finding out, hey, I want to bring this into my business because my workers are more productive, they’re less stressed and they’re more creative. They just feel better about being in the office.” Yocum says the investment in this type of thing varies greatly, depending on a business’ goals, space, and budget. “Give or take, you’re looking at $90 to $120 a square foot for a live wall. But for aquariums the price point is honestly all over the place based on inhabitants and design.” It’s an investment more and more companies are making, as they strive not only to invest in the environment but their employees, too. “Imagine if you worked in an office every day with just four

Yocum’s Big Idea

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May | June 2019

“Recently, they legalized hemp in the farm bill. Industrial hemp, not to be confused with the psychoactive marijuana, is like tomatoes and peppers. Hemp is a heavy feeder on nitrogen or nitrate, and it also flowers, so it’s going to also uptake phosphorus and potassium too. We build one of these systems relatively inexpensive right next to a good source of nutrients, like a ditch, and now I’m growing hemp in there. I’m cleaning the water with my hemp and I’m growing the hemp for production purposes. “Let’s take that further...we can now get CBD oil out of hemp. I believe that’s going for $30 an ounce. We can get CBD oil out of our hemp. Now, hemp is also great for textiles or paper or other products like that, so we’ve got at least two different products out of our hemp, AND we have clean water coming out of the other end. Someone’s got to bite on that idea because you’re taking free nutrients from the environment, you’re turning it into a salable product in the form of a medicine like CBD oil and pulp for textiles, paper or whatever other products, and then a by-product from that is clean water, awesome! ”

“Imagine if you worked in an office every day with just four walls. If we were just simply to add a little ficus or other plants here and there or perhaps a small aquarium along the wall, the place would be exponentially more inviting.” walls, or maybe a window, and it might not be a terrible office. But those walls are a blank canvas. If we were just simply to add a little ficus or other plants here and there or perhaps a small aquarium along the wall, the place would be exponentially more inviting. It would have life. Investing in their employees’ well-being, which in turn makes the employees invest much more in the business.” But getting into businesses is just the beginning, Yocum says the science behind this has agricultural applications as well. “I worked with Blue Earth County Soil and Water a few years ago. They gave me their information on specifically Crystal Lake. They monitor the ditches that come in and out of Crystal Lake. Aquaponics is simply growing plants in water. You need about 20 parts per million of Nitrate to start growing leafy greens and such. You need about 80 to 90 parts per million for peppers and tomatoes,

What is Aquaponics? In very simple terms, Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (the soil-less growing of plants). It grows plants and fish together in one integrated system. The fish waste provides an organic food source for the plants, and the plants naturally filter the water for the fish.

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May | June 2019

really heavy feeders. The ditches that come in to feed Lake Crystal are running at 80 to 90 to near 100 parts per million at two different times of the year, Spring and Fall, when there’s no foliage around to uptake the nutrients or help that from running off the land. “Secondarily, farmers with tiled fields use approximately 20% more nitrate on their fields, according to the University of Wisconsin, and that extra just goes flowing right off into the water. That’s a water-soluble fertilizer that ends up in these ditches. If we could find a way to set up a system next to the ditch, we’re off and running. We could grow tomatoes and peppers and all of that just from ditch water and put clean water back in.” As Mankato and other regional hubs continue to grow, Yocum says Urban Agriculture is becoming more and more important. In fact, Urban Agriculture is at the center of most products available through Aqualogical Resources. It’s often hard to find space to grow a significant amount of produce. Wall gardens, roof gardens, aquaponics and small optimized plots bring productivity to limited spaces. “Egyptians used it 2,000 years ago,” says Yocum. “It’s the same simple technology. Look at Mexico City, they had concentric rings of like an aquaponic water treatment facility around it. They grew all of their gardens in these rings around the city and cleaned the water from the city. It’s old technology and it’s so simple. That’s why we need to embrace it again. It’s practical and inexpensive.” For Yocum though, it’s really not about the bottom line. “I’m trying, that’s all we can do. It’s like the old saying, ripples on a pond. You throw a stone out there and that stone might just make one tiny splash but those ripples continue to move out. If I can teach people and educate people on how to take care of nature. That’s going to go a long way. They’re going to teach their children, we’re going to embrace our natural resources a little more.”

THE ESSENTIALS Aqualogical Resources Phone: 507-382-4582 Web: aqualogicalresources.com

HOT STARTZ! MANKATO

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VÄXA Marketing Angie Schimek launched VÄXA Marketing in March 2018 to combine her passion for marketing with her desire to help small businesses and the hardworking people behind them. VÄXA is Swedish for grow, and the business name combines Schimek’s Scandinavian heritage with the ultimate goal of VÄXA Marketing; to help your business grow. “VÄXA’s target clients are smaller local businesses that are looking to grow or new businesses and entrepreneurs who are just starting out. We spend time getting to know our clients and the unique needs of their business to help them craft and execute dynamic and successful marketing plans. This might mean creating a new website, helping them increase their Google search rankings, crafting and implementing social media marketing plans, creating email marketing strategies, developing dynamic content, designing and printing business cards, direct mail pieces and more. Some clients just want fresh ideas and others hire us to help them create a marketing plan and make it all happen,” explains Schimek.

Schimek says the biggest challenge to launching her own marketing business has been finding the time to market her marketing business. “I haven’t had much time to work on my own marketing! It’s a great thing that I haven’t really needed to do much advertising since I get a lot of work through referrals and networking, but my goal for 2019 is to carve out some time to work on my own marketing plan so that I can lead by example!” she says. VÄXA has two employees and the business is growing, which Schimek credits to the

other small businesses around her. “The business community in the Mankato area is thriving and is so supportive of one another. If people have good experiences with a business they aren’t afraid to share referrals. We have also benefited from great organic networking opportunities by being located in the Regus office space with other small-business people and entrepreneurs.” VÄXA Marketing 100 Warren Street, #345 Phone: 507-380-8206 Website: vaxamarketing.com

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HOT STARTZ! MANKATO

Market research may be a business tool many companies don’t have the time or expertise to undertake. Mat Willner hopes to fill that niche with his new business Data Noir, LLC. “Through market research I deliver new clients, investment opportunities, or employees. I qualify them, speak with them, and then facilitate meetings. While I focus on the things that grow your business in those three main respects, I can also research the credibility of a vendor you may be unsure about, introduction to the best in town organizations, and assistance with government grants, free of charge, with the contract. You will also receive a research packet that has everything learned from the market research that I have done for you to keep and look through so you know everything about the market you are operating in,” explains Willner. He started Data Noir in North Mankato in October of 2018. “In 2018 I spent the entire summer, an average of 12 hours out of every day, putting together a business plan to turn the old Rasmussen building into a stages of life center. As we all know now, that didn’t happen, and I didn’t get paid a dime. My

wife wasn’t very happy and neither was I. But I also learned that summer that it was something I loved to do. Go into the market and ask questions, meet with the movers and shakers and find their pain points and make those connections. So I started Data Noir, LLC and next thing I knew, I was helping a farmer get grants for land improvements and I never looked back.” His target client is any business owner focused on growth, such as real estate, investment groups and service-based businesses. “Also due to the clients that I represent, I can provide great value to manufacturers,

and agricultural groups. An admitted soft spot for me since I grew up rural,” says Willner, who grew up in Blue Earth. “It is going better than I ever could have hoped and I believe I have something in my service that brings true tangible value. I love the look on my clients’ faces when I sit down with them and we start discussing how I plan to connect them to their future clients, employees, or next business opportunities.” Data Noir, LLC 112 South Riverfront Drive, #122 Phone: 507-525-7758

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May | June 2019

Building long-term relationships with our customers and our community is the way we do business. Call or stop by and let’s talk about how we can help you reach your financial goals.

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To be considered for HotStartz, tell us about a new business or new professional in the area by emailing editor@connectbiz.com.

NORTH MANKATO

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Blue Skye Mercantile One of the latest additions to the landscape along Belgrade Avenue in lower North Mankato is Blue Skye Mercantile, formerly known as Arizona Olive Oil Co. “We changed the name in January. It is just an extension of our brand Blue Skye Farms and Blue Skye Shared Commercial Kitchen. We sell the produce we grow right in the store, as well as baked goods from our kitchen. You can still get the great oils and vinegars that AZOO sold,” explains Lisa Phillips, who owns the store with her husband Marty. Family owned and operated, Blue Skye Mercantile thrives on creating welcoming, inspirational experiences through unique, high-quality ingredients. “We are absolutely passionate about food and our community. Our gourmet food boutique is dedicated to inspiring connections through the love and appreciation of food,” she says. “I purchased the store in June 2018, and had 2 weeks left on the lease at that time. We found our spot in North Mankato and we knew it was where we needed to be,” she explains. “It is a very welcoming place to be. We have a lot of events here on Belgrade

and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of.” She says Blue Skye will always be the home of Arizona Olive Oil Company but wanted to expand the offerings. “It’s a store full of flavors. We have locally produced goods right alongside our products from around the world,” says Phillips. “Our goals change every day. I know that we want to make this to be like a destination. Come in with friends and try something new.” Aside from Arizona Olive Oil Company products, Blue Skye Mercantile makes its own line of bakery items made from scratch

in its own commercial kitchen with locally-sourced, wholesome ingredients. From cookies and scones to specialty cupcakes and treats, Phillips says all of the baked goods are made with in-season ingredients. Blue Skye is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. As traffic increases, they are looking into being open later on Thursday nights. Blue Skye Merchantile 237 Belgrade Avenue Phone: 507-995-9793

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BULLETIN BOARD Local Chamber and Economic Development News

Check Out What’s Happening In Your ! Community

Blue Earth Chamber Cindy Lyon: The Chamber hosted the grand opening of the Welcome Center on April 5. The Jolly Fellow is 40 this year! Join us Friday evening, July 12, for free cake and ice cream and see the green fireworks right behind the Giant at 9:30. Events Friday and Saturday include a giant parade down Main at 5:00 and wrapping up the celebration with a street dance Saturday night at the fairgrounds.

Visit Fairmont Stephanie Busiahn: Make a run on competitive fishing in the Fairmont area this spring! Start strong with the Fairmont Lakes Foundation’s Annual Fishing Tournament on May 18 at Gomsrud Park. Bass Seekers of Fairmont lure in the next generation of great anglers on Saturday, June 1, at the Kids’ All-American Fishing Derby & Casting Contest. Still haven’t reached your limit? Cast off for the 2019 FoxMaster Fishing Tournament with the Fox Lake Conservation League on Saturday, June 8!

Greater Mankato Growth Rosi Back: Greater Mankato Leadership Institute has provided the area’s only comprehensive leadership training program since 1983. This program has helped more than 1,000 individuals grow personally and professionally, offering an interactive glimpse of 58

May | June 2019

Fairmont Area Chamber Ned Koppen: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with CareerForce, South Creek HR and the Fairmont EDA to offer a human resource seminar with instructor Crystal Hanson on Managing Performance & Documenting and Resolving Issues. The morning workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Southern Minnesota Educational Campus (SMEC) in Fairmont. Register for the seminar or find out more at fairmontchamber.org!

the Greater Mankato region. Learn the leadership skills necessary to take your career and organization to the next level! Greater Mankato Leadership Institute is now accepting applications through June 1, 2019, for the 2019-2020 session. To apply, go to greatermankato.com/leadership.

Lake Crystal Area Chamber Julie Reed: The Lake Crystal Lake Days Celebration welcomes you June 13 to June 15. Enjoy the kick off night with the Cruz ‘IN Classic Car roll in beginning at 5:00 p.m. and Kids Night with turtle races, kid’s inflatables, state sanctioned pedal pull, face painting, balloon sculpting and lots of food! Friday brings the 16th Annual “Battle of the Bands” parade competition featuring 13 Minnesota Marching Bands beginning at 6:00 p.m. Stay for the fireworks at dusk and entertainment in the beer garden. Saturday offers the 7th Annual “Duathlon”, sponsored by the Lake Crystal Area Rec Center. Followed by Pony rides and kids crafts, Bean bag Tournament, music and entertainment in Beer Garden. It’s a small town celebration with BIG town heart!

Le Sueur Chamber Julie Boyland: May 13 is the Le Sueur Chamber Annual Golf Tournament at the Le Sueur Country Club. 12:00 p.m. is Shotgun start. The event is held rain or shine. The format is four-person

Submit your chamber news to editor@connectbiz.com

Henderson Chamber Jeff Steinborn: The Henderson Area Chamber is producing the Henderson Guide Book and it’s scheduled to be released in June. Celebration of Prince is set for June 5, 6 and 8 at the Henderson Event Center. The Henderson Classic Car RollIn begins May 21. Sauerkraut Days will take place June 28 to June 30. More information can be found at hendersonmn.com as event dates draw closer.

scramble. Cost is $115 which includes, golf, prizes, and dinner. To register call the Le Sueur Chamber of Commerce at 507-665-2501. Open to anyone. New this year “Music in Park” starting June 19 in American Legion Park in Le Sueur, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Our first concert will be with Colby Strake Acoustic. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, a picnic supper and enjoy listening to some fun music.

Madelia Area Chamber & VB Karla Angus: Join us for Madelia Park Days Celebration at Watona Park. Free admission all days. On Friday, July 12, the Grand Parade is at 7 p.m., the Chad Edwards Band preforms at 8 p.m. and Fireworks at 10 p.m. On Saturday, July 13, the Rivers Edge Art & More Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Watona Park Blues Festival starts at 11:40 a.m. featuring: Billy and the Bangers, Lisa Wenger and Her Mean Mean Men, Virgil Caine Band, Armadillo Jump and Headliner: Chris Duarte. See the full schedule of events at visitmadelia.com.

New Ulm Area Chamber Sarah Warmka: The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes NU Surface and Beruck Studios as new members. New Ulm attractions will begin their summer hours on Memorial Day weekend. Quiltistry and Auto Fest are June 29 and 30. Save the date for New Ulm’s largest party of the summer: Bavarian Blast, July 18 to 21.

Jackson Economic Development Corp. Tom Nelson: The Jackson Business Development Committee had three applicants move on the second round of the Jackson Business Challenge and announced the Business Facade Improvement Program offering up to $5,000 grants to businesses. The Jackson EDA has been working on updating the community housing study as well as completing a hotel feasibility study. Lastly, the City of Jackson is opening its new 4,500 sq/ft liquor store located in the Jackson Crossroads commercial development park.

Region Nine Development Comm. The second Friday of every month, Social Media Breakfast-Mankato gathers to share experiences and learn about a variety of different topics surrounding social media and the digital sphere. These events are open to the public and always free to attend. To learn more about upcoming events, follow Social Media Breakfast-Mankato on Facebook. Social Media Breakfast-Mankato is sponsored by Region Nine Development Commission, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Otto Media Group.

Small Business Development Center Julie Nelson: Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year? Join us at the South Central Minnesota Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 7 to celebrate National Small Business Week and honor five outstanding small business owners. Every day, they’re working to create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and enhance their communities. Register at smallbizawards2019.eventbrite.com.

Sleepy Eye EDA Kurk Kramer: The EDA board has two new members appointed by the mayor. The City of Sleepy Eye has a new city manager, Kelli Truver. The mayor has appointed a new committee called the CONNECT Business Magazine

BULLETIN BOARD

St. James Chamber

Marshall EDA

Joe McCabe: We are excited at the Chamber that Lewis Family Drug of Sioux Falls has established a pharmacy in St. James, which will fill the gaps with Shopko closing. Gus Zender of Town & Country Agency was recognized as the Chamber Member of the Year at the annual Chamber Banquet. The Chamber is busy preparing for fun summer events, including helping out with Railroad Days this year! Come to St. James May 17 and 18 for city-wide garage sales. On May 18 enjoy Hot Dog Days and Crazy Days merchant sales downtown as well!

Marcia Loeslie: The Marshall Economic Development Authority has finalized their 2018 EDA Annual Report. It features a number of recent projects and trends of Marshall and the entire Lyon County area. As a thriving regional hub with a reputation for regional economic vitality, Marshall is a forward thinking, business-friendly community with shovel ready sites at Commerce Industrial Park and a regional vision with retail development opportunities available! 2018 To view the Marshall EDA Annual Report: ci.marshall.mn.us/main/images/eda/2018_EDA_Annual_Report.pdf.

Downtown Revitalization Committee to assist the Blight Committee and EDA Board with issues related to the Downtown District. The Downtown Revitalization Committee’s responsibilities will include developing an informational brochure that includes all pertinent information for businesses and property owners with suggestions from the local building inspector to use as a resource guide for business start-up, building purchase, applicable city codes and/or requirements. The committee will also consider the results from a recent Downtown Visioning Meeting and glean the applicable community input and information from results and responses to determine if the Revitalization Committee could address any of the information as it relates to this committee.

Springfield Chamber

Denise Gicker: The Springfield Chamber will be setting up a Lunch Wagon on May 3 at the Springfield Market. Come join us for lunch! Check out our Facebook page for upcoming events during Riverside Days June 26 to June 30. Find more information by visiting, https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldAreaChamberOfCommerceCvb/.

St. James EDA Jamie Scheffer: The EDA celebrated with Great River Energy at a ribbon cutting grand opening ceremony. The EDA built and sold a 20,000 square foot building to Great River Energy. The project brought four jobs from Mankato and retained four jobs from their previous location on the edge of town. 60

May | June 2019

Waseca Economic Development Gary Sandholm: To sustain the uptick in residential building, Waseca is extending its Tax Abatement program. The Hemp Summit on February 13 brought in growers, processors, wholesalers, MDA, U of M, and others to build the industrial hemp sector in Southern Minnesota. An oil extractor is being set up in Waseca to process hemp oils. Progress on the Connecting Entrepreneurial Conference on September 5 and 6 is going well. Several business expansions appear to be in the works.

Discover Waseca Tourism Gary Sandholm: Spring opens a new round of activities for warm weather. Kiesler’s Campground opens, The Library has its concert series in June, the Water Park welcomes swimmers, Farmamerica has a slate of activities, Community Ed rents canoes, kayaks, and other gear, fishing season opens, bicyclists are on the trails, golfers are on the course, and summer food and libations are enjoyed – all in Waseca. Come, stay awhile, and enjoy the fun. Life is better here.

City of Winnebago Jessi Sturtz: The City of Winnebago will once again be hosting their annual Bago Fun Fest held June 14, 15, and 16. The Winnebago Community Club is actively seeking new members for the newly restructured organization. Please contact City Hall if interested at 507-893-3217. A recent DNR grant was awarded to purchase a new playground which will be installed this spring at the City Park.

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Don’t Let Mosquitoes Spoil Your Spring After a long winter, Minnesotans are pining at the bit to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Some of our best memories are those spent outdoors in the summer. Whether it’s bonfires, barbecues, birthday parties, or playing with the kids in the yard we find ourselves outside at every opportunity. The last thing we want is to have our fun ruined by mosquitoes. So, are homeowners helpless against the onslaught of the deadliest creature on Earth? Thankfully no, but the myriad of options out there for mosquito control can leave people confused as to what works and what is a complete waste of money. Never fear, we have some tips on how to keep you off the mosquito’s menu. The process of finding a meal is complex and involves combinations of sight, smell and thermal sensory cues. With over 50 species of mosquitoes in Minnesota, many with different sensitivities and sensory combinations, it is very difficult to find a product that provides a satisfactory level of efficacy. This explains the overwhelming number of mosquito “solutions”. There are really only a few ways of reducing your chances of getting bit, confusing the mosquito, repelling her or eliminating her. Most products available to consumers focus on trying to jam her blood meal radar. Citronella, lemon grass, garlic spray, clip-on repellent, bracelets with herbal extracts, Thermacell or even a skunky beer concoction are some examples we’ve heard of. The effectiveness of these depends on who you talk to, but research has shown these to be less than 50%, and none of them do anything to eliminate the numbers of mosquitoes on your property. What about bats, barn swallows and chickens? We’ve heard all of these too, but do they help? It’s a common misconception that bats reduce a great number of mosquitoes, but the fact is the mosquito makes up less than 1% of a bat’s diet. Barn swallows aren’t typically active when mosquitoes are and chickens can’t fly so I’m not sure how they can be effective. 62

May | June 2019

Jason Quint OWNER, MOSQUITO SQUAD OF MANKATO

So, are homeowners helpless against the onslaught of the deadliest creature on Earth? Thankfully no, but the myriad of options out there for mosquito control can leave people confused as to what works and what is a complete waste of money. And finally, mosquito traps. Some of these use electricity or propane to draw mosquitoes into the trap where they ultimately die. The operating cost of these depends on how long you run them, and the effectiveness depends on where they are located relative to where you want to spend your time on your property. While they might help in a localized area, it’s not practical to consider these an effective solution for an entire property.

So, if these don’t help, what does? The most effective way of controlling mosquitoes is to eliminate egg laying locations such as standing water as well as the egg layers themselves. A female mosquito needs the equivalent of a water bottle cap worth of water to lay 300 eggs! To help homeowners, Mosquito Squad has developed the 7 Ts to help them take back their yards. We suggest that homeowners walk their yard weekly and do the following: