Spring Ag 2022 by Kate Noet

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SPRING AG APRIL 2022

CSAs build community, grower support

Ray of sunshine brightens ag frontier & more local coverage!

www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | PAGE B2

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CSAs build community, grower support By MICHELLE VLASAK michelle.vlasak@apgsomn. com

The Andrew and Sarah Schwab family couldn’t have a large garden back when they lived in the city of Northfield. So they purchased a share in a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSAs are designed to build a community of people who pledge to support a farm operation. They allow consumers to pick up a regular flow of fresh fruits, vegetables and other local products after they provide payment upfront. The Schwab family of 13 now live on a farm in Kenyon and are on the giving end of a CSA. Their farm, Desired Haven Farm, is now part of the CSA program. By purchasing a membership to the Desired Haven Farm’s CSA, consumers will receive weekly homegrown produce from mid June through late September. Participants must go to the farm each week to pick up their produce. A full share, recommended for families of four and larger, costs $600. Members who sign

Desired Haven Farm: For sweet peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, beets, pie pumpkins and more call or text Sarah Schwab at 507-301-4869 Shepherd’s Way Farms: For monthly cheese pickup call 507-663-9040 Learn more about signing up to become a part of a CSA at minnesotagrown.com. up to help weed the garden get a $75 discount. A family of two to four is recommended to a half share at $300, and is $250 for those willing to work. By providing payment upfront, the Minnesota Grown’s CSA website states consumers take on the shared farm risk and form a relationship with the farmer. Those interested are encouraged to consider drop-off locations, cost, timing and product availability when selecting their CSA. Ever since they moved to the farm, Sarah said they’ve felt they could always utilize the pasture better. Their two goats were not enough to eat all of

the grasses down. They decided last summer to start a CSA this year. “We garden anyways. And it’s a good, economical way to get good food,” Sarah said. The pasture was tilled once already. Friends across the road will till and smooth the pasture to get it ready for planting this spring. The pasture currently measures in at 0.6 acres. Though there is room to grow the garden to 1 acre, Sarah said they are more than happy to start off with under 1 acre. Previously Sarah said she had 10 raised garden beds where she grew produce, but

The Andrew and Sarah Schwab family stand in front of the 0.6 acres of garden that will be used for the CSA at Desired Haven Farm in rural Kenyon. Pictured from left, front, Jacob, David, Heidi and Suzi the dog. Back, Elliot, Olivia, Evelyn, Madelyn and Sarah holding Lukas. Not pictured, Andrew, Samuel, Isaiah and Dottie. (Michelle Vlasak/southernminn. com)

nothing near as big as their new venture. Sarah said her and her family have been hard at work researching CSAs. They took an advanced gardening class through the University of Minnesota, watched a lot of YouTube videos and chatted with

the operators of other CSAs in the area. One of Sarah’s biggest goals with this new adventure is being able to do it as a family. She has 11 children, two of whom are getting ready to move out. Sarah said it’s important for the children to learn about garden-

ing and gain a good work ethic. For now they plan to stick with the basic vegetables like sweet peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash,

CSA’s

Continued on page 7

Did you know? Projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate the need for agricultural and food scientists will grow by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030. Agricultural and food scientists can work in laboratories, offices and even in the field as they research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products. Projected job openings in the field could be as high as 4,400 opportunities per year, making a career as an agricultural and food scientist one of the more enticing professions in the agriculture industry.

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Midwestern farmers face mix of dry, wet conditions As farmers head to the fields to plant their crops this spring, they face the same troubling weather conditions that were present in 2021. If only Mother Nature will turn stress into success again this year. “It’s very similar to last year,” said Jody Lawrence of Strategic Trading Advisors, a grain marketing and weather consulting firm. Farmers in the western Corn Belt could use some precipitation, while those to the east could use some drier soils. “It’s overly dry in the western Corn Belt,” Lawrence said. “The guys I’ve talked to in eastern Nebraska, it’s even drier there coming out of last winter, so they’ve got some real concerns. The eastern Corn Belt is in good shape, though like last year, it’s overly wet.” He defines the dividing line between the western and eastern belt around Des Moines. Unfortunately, forecasts don’t hold much hope that conditions will improve for soils before planting. A March 17 report by the Climate Prediction Center indicated above-normal chances of increased precipitation in eastern regions of the

In a pattern similar to last spring, farmers in the western Corn Belt could use some precipitation, while those to the east could use some drier soils. The map shows precipitation totals for Feb. 15 through March 16.

Midwest, many of which have been inundated with spring rainfall. The same report offered only an even chance of higher or lower than normal precipitation in regions that have been unusually dry. “We see a bull’s-eye over an area that’s already wet to stay wet,” said Melissa Widhalm, a meteorologist with the Midwest Regional Climate Center. “We’re going to have to wait and see if the soils can dry out a little.” Equally concerning is the

dryness of soils in western Iowa, especially southwestern counties. “Soil moisture and rainfall are both on the dry side and have been staying that way all winter,” Widhalm said. “Now as we’re getting into the growing season, there is a concern because we’ll be starting off our growing season dry, and that’s not how you want to start it in the Midwest.” A La Niña is in effect, which has implications for growing conditions in the Midwest. “Typically, that means a cooler, wetter spring for the eastern Corn Belt and a drier spring for the western Corn

Belt,” Lawrence said. “Missouri, eastern Iowa and Illinois are in pretty good shape. Since we’re in a classic La Niña, I would expect the eastern Corn Belt to remain wet through the spring. Whether it’s cool and wet, I have not seen a forecast where I would trust any of that.” Widhalm agrees conditions in late winter are similar to those present in 2021. But they vary in intensity. “There’s a big difference compared to last year just how wet we are,” she said. “If you compare this year to last year, particularly for Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, we are much wetter. That doesn’t necessarily

mean it will be bad things, but it’s one thing that’s different.” The same can be said for the flip side. “The guys I’ve talked to in eastern Nebraska say it’s even drier there coming out of last winter, so they’ve got some real concerns,” Lawrence said. “Right now, the eastern Corn Belt is in good shape. It’s the same as last year — overly wet. ... It’s certainly not ideal.” The Climate Center does predict a better-than-average chance that temperatures will be above normal for most of the Midwest. That could help dry out saturated soils in the eastern part of the region,

though that area is in a greater chance of receiving more precipitation. “There’s not much frozen soil anymore,” Widhalm said. “Stream flows are running high, and there’s an above-normal risk of flooding across the Ohio Valley area.” Farmers can only hope that the ideal conditions that set in in 2021 will be repeated this year. “It dried off when it needed to and it rained timely, especially in the western Corn Belt,” Lawrence said. “We almost have to repeat last year just to keep up with demand, so that will be interesting.”

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‘Be patient’ with droughtor pestdamaged pastures Pasture conditions heading into spring vary across the Midwest. Those conditions range from severe drought in parts of Nebraska to abnormally dry conditions in western Iowa, while other sections of the Midwest saw enough moisture last fall through winter to warrant a more optimistic outlook. “October was really a blessing for our area,” says Aaron Saeugling, Extension forage agronomist with Iowa State University based in western Iowa. “We didn’t get much snow, but we have more soil moisture now than we did a year ago.” With that in mind, he recommends producers go out and assess pastures now. If grass was grazed short last fall, it likely will need more time to be ready this spring. Evaluating pastures early will also help determine future feed needs, says Wayne Flanary, Extension agronomist with the University of Missouri in northwest Missouri. “If it remains dry, you may

need to stretch out available feed, or you may need to find it elsewhere,” he says. Flanary says some pastures in Missouri saw damage from fall armyworms, adding an assessment now will give farmers time to patch that damage. “You will want to hold off on grazing until those pastures are back in shape,” he says. In areas with extreme drought, the pasture outlook depends on moisture, says Daren Redfearn, Extension forage specialist with the University of Nebraska. “It’s going to take quite a bit of rain to get those pastures going,” he says. “A month of good growing conditions should take care of that, but be patient with it.” With the lack of snow cover in many areas, Saeugling says winter kill could be an issue. “We had very little snow and some pretty cold weather, so there are some concerns with alfalfa stands,” he says. Saeugling added fall armyworm damage makes alfalfa even more susceptible to win-

ter kill. Frost seeding could be an option to help shore up dry pastures, he says, but added it should be done fairly soon. “You can extend that grazing season with some warmseason annuals,” he says. “That will give you some growth in late summer.” Flanary says farmers will also need to put a pencil to high fertilizer costs. He says highly productive pastures may not need P and K, especially if regular soil testing has been done. Saeugling says much of the Midwest remains in decent shape for hay supplies. “A lot of people were able to keep cows out on corn stalks longer than usual, so that has helped hay supplies stay pretty decent,” he says. “In areas where the drought has been more extreme, supplies are shorter. The mild winter has really helped us out.”

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Ray of sunshine brightens ag frontier LeeAnne Bulman For Agri-View P L A I N V I E W, Minn. – Soil conservationist Ray Archuleta believes that how we farm LeeAnne Bulman makes an impact on the whole globe. He says by using biomimicry strategies farmers can benefit the environment while increasing profits. He teaches his ideas on a national scale, recently presenting his findings at several workshops in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Archuleta shares his knowledge as an agricultural biologist; he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for more than 30 years. He now has a 150-acre farm of his own. Since retirement from the service he’s been teaching and consulting

Ray Archuleta, who worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Catherine Thom, soil conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Resources Conservation Service for more than 30 years, uses his Soil Health and Kelsey Petit, feed-lot officer for Goodhue County Soil and Water Conservation District, hold tubes of soil from differAcademy to teach farmers about biomimicry principles. ent states. It’s the biology of the soil that holds it together and makes it different from place to place.

on a national scale regarding tice of farming the way nature creation, emulate nature, the well, your farm looks so much designer, the pattern, the prin- like the natural system you will biomimicry strategies. works. Biomimicry is the prac“Your goal is to emulate ciple,” he said. “If you learn this make money and you bring Continued on page 8

RAY

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A grow light provides light to seeds 16 hours a day and ensures the plants have enough energy to grow. The plants are watered daily, and humidity lids keep some plants, like the peppers, just the way they like it: warm and humid. (Michelle Vlasak/southernminn.com)

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CSA’s

Continued from page 3 beets, potatoes, pie pumpkins and more. Sarah said they will also plant wildflowers in the garden for the pollinators. Newspapers and cardboard will line the garden, with compost where the plant is and mulch in the walkways — all efforts to hopefully reduce weeding. Sarah is looking forward to getting consumers good, healthy food without the use of chemicals. She is also excited to help teach people where their food comes from and build one-on-one relationships with those who visit the farm. She is most excited to work as a family and build the relationships within her own family. Elliot Schwab, 15, also is eager to work together as a family. In the past, Elliot has done a lot of the weeding and watering in the gardens, picking the produce and driving the Ranger to speed up the workload. His favorite vegetable is cucumbers. He particularly enjoys going out to the garden to eat whatever he is craving at the time. He likes planting and the satisfying feeling of pulling the plants out of the ground come fall, especially vegetables that are a pain to pick like the sweet tomatoes that grow to just the size of a penny.

Another view

The Desired Haven Farm joins 80 CSA farms statewide, with 160 pick-up sites around the state, according to the Minnesota Grown Directory. Four CSAs within a 25 miles radius of Faribault are registered on the Minnesota Grown site, including Shepherd’s Way Farms, a small, family sheep

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A King of the North Pepper plant begins to sprout at Desired Haven Farm. Along with peppers, the Schwab’s have broccoli, cucumbers, jalapeño peppers, onion, and tomatoes planted inside. The plants sit under a special light, called a grow light, and the environment is kept warm with a heater. (Michelle Vlasak/southernminn.com)

dairy in Nerstrand with monthly cheese CSA pickup locations at Imminent Brewing in Northfield, and Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester; and Thorn Crest Farm in Dundas with fresh produce at pickup sites including the farm, Northfield and Burnsville. Jodi Ohlsen Read, cheesemaker and co-founder of Shepherd’s Way Farms said they started their cheese CSA in 2009 as a way to connect with their community, build awareness of their cheeses and generate income. Ohlsen Read says a CSA benefits both the producers and the consumers in many ways. For the producer, Ohlsen Read said it is a way to bring in income at the front end of production when costs are often high. It also allows for production planning, with a known quantity of product scheduled to go to CSA members over a period of time. “Through our relationships with our CSA members, we are able to introduce new products, get feedback on existing and new products, and share ways to use and serve our cheeses,” Ohlsen Read said.

The CSAs also give them an opportunity to share what they do, provide insights into the rhythms of farming and cheesemaking, and the importance of regenerational and pasture-based farming. “We enjoy our cheese CSA family,” Ohlsen Read said. “Many of them have been repeat customer for many years.” For CSA members, Ohlsen Read views CSA as a way to receive the “freshest” cheesemaker-selected local cheeses, to explore a variety of sheep cheeses (some not available in stores), and to have an insider’s peek at what they do. “CSA is an opportunity to support local farming, to shorten that supply chain — from the farm direct to you, and to be connected to your food source,” Ohlsen Read said. Reach reporter Michelle Vlasak at 507-333-3128. ©Copyright 2022 APG Media of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.

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Soil that holds together when soaked in water is a good indication of soil health. If the soil can’t hold water, the water will run off and not be beneficial to crops.

RAY

Continued from page 6 the next generation into your place. I call it forgiveness agriculture. It will change your life.” Putting it simply, agricultural biomimicry copies life. It matters how a farmer grazes, harvests or uses cover crops – and the practices impact the whole globe. Archuleta said “the norm” is reductionist science. That type of method is powerful. It allows trips to the moon and other extremely technological processes be-

cause it isolates different components, allowing each piece to be analyzed and built. But in agriculture all the pieces are interconnected and the structure is alive. The term “butterfly effect” is a theory formed by Edward Lorenz. It describes the ramifications of interconnectedness, where one small change can result in big changes. As an example, weather forecasters can change minute data in their simulations – and have different results because weather isn’t 100 percent predictable

and is complex. In the agricultural world, one farmer sharing with another about changes he or she has made can lead to a national movement of change. Archuleta said in the environment everything is connected and makes a difference. “What you do in your life makes a huge impact on the rest of us and it’s exciting,” he said. He suggested farmers look at nature to see patterns for a framework. Conventional agriculture emphasizes yield, but Archuleta thinks empha-

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Ray Archuleta uses different soils from different states to demonstrate that it doesn’t matter where it came from, but what microbes and biology are in the soil.

sis should be on the long-term goal of biomimicry. The objective works for anyone with any soil because all soils have common patterns and principles. What’s different between one area and another are the microbes and the biology. If the microbes are happy,

the plants are happy. If the plants are happy, the animals are happy. If the animals are happy, the farmer is happy. Archuleta did a demonstration of the idea using a rainfall simulator with soils from Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The differences in how

the soil absorbed water were dependent on soil structure, not source. In a conventional system most of the water runs off. But in a natural system where nothing is tilled, most of the water filters into the soil – thus staying on the farm. He suggested farmers do their own slake tests to test their soil. Developed in the 1930s, the slake test is done by rapidly pouring water over a dry soil sample. He recommended taking soil samples from the field, from a fence line and from the woods. Put a chunk of each in separate containers of water to observe how the soil reacts to the water. If it falls apart it’s because there’s no structure to it. The collapse of the soil introduces disease. Too much of anything such as manure, chemicals, tillage and grazing can be the cause. Soil stress can be acute or chronic, which can cause a farm to degenerate quickly. As the system collapses there’s a need for more inputs – thus more checks being written. Soil that holds together under the slake test is an indicator of soil biological activity, good energy flow and nutrient cycling. The binding of soil particles must constantly be renewed by biological processes. Another experiment Ar-

www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | Page B9

More Minnesota poultry flocks infected with bird flu

Ray Archuleta talks to students at his farm in Missouri. He encourages farmers to be regenerative and copy nature’s intelligent design.

chuleta suggested is to dig up a 12-inch by 12-inch by 12inch block of soil and count the earthworms. There should be at least 20 in the block as an indicator of soil life. He said to try it in several spots throughout the farm. Where there are earthworms, there are protozoa – which are the keystones of life. There are three basic principles to farming.

• Introduce life to the soil through cover crops and animals. • Understand the relationships and connectedness between what happens on the farm. • Remember the goal by understanding patterns, the principles of nature and management. Remember, he said – the hardest surface on the farm is

between the ears. To be continued … LeeAnne Bulman writes about agriculture from her farm overlooking the beautiful Danuser Valley on Wisconsin’s west coast. When not writing she helps her husband on their small grain and beef farm. Email genwim2@gmail.com to reach her.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The bird flu is spreading to additional poultry flocks in Minnesota, according to the state Board of Animal Health. The latest outbreak of avian influenza has now affected 15 flocks in the state, up from seven last Friday. The newly reported cases all are in commercial turkey flocks — two in Kandiyohi County and one each in Becker, Dodge, Le Sueur and Stearns counties, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. Previously, the bird flu was found in commercial flocks in Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Morrison and Stearns counties, as well as backyard flocks in Mower and Stearns counties. The affected flocks so far include more than 636,000 birds. Birds in affected flocks are euthanized as part of efforts to keep the virus from spreading. The outbreak is s a serious

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threat to Minnesota’s turkey industry, with nearly 700 farms that raise about 40 million birds a year. In 2015, 9 million birds in Minnesota were killed by the virus or euthanized to slow its spread. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the avian influenza strain

is a low risk to the public. No human cases of avian influenza have been detected in the U.S. A U.S. Department of Agriculture team is helping Minnesota agencies respond to the current outbreak, including quarantining infected flocks, disease surveillance and coordinating logistics and finances.

www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | PAGE B10

The basics of vertical farming (MS) Farms often inspire awe thanks to their beauty and the serenity of the areas that surround them. Though no farms may inspire such feelings as strongly as those in the heart of the countryside, another type of farm can induce a sense of awe as well. Vertical farms vary in size, but the largest ones mimic the appearance of skyscrapers if the skyscrapers were made from plants. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, increasing production of fresh greens and vegetables near urban populations will be a necessity in the decades to come. That’s because estimates from the United Nations indicate the global population will exceed nine billion persons by 2050, by which time two-thirds of the world’s people will live in urban settings. Vertical farming could be vital to meeting the demands for healthy foods by 2050, making it worth anyone’s while to gain a basic understanding of this unique way to grow fresh fruits and vegetables.

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What is vertical farming?

Vertical farming is a type of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, CEA combines engineering, plant science and computer-managed greenhouse control technologies to optimize plant growing

systems. CEA systems enable stable control of the plant environment, making it possible for growers to control temperature, light and CO2 during the growing process. Vertical farms grow foods in stacked layers, which gives large vertical farms their skyscraper-like appearance. Some vertical farms employ techniques similar to greenhouses,

utilizing natural light when it’s available and augmenting that with artificial lighting to ensure the plants grow regardless of the conditions outside.

reduce water runoff by a considerable margin, helping to conserve water. The Vertical Harvest farm in Jackson, Wyoming, produces 100,000 pounds of vegetables per year and uses a fraction of the water of traditional farms with similar outputs. Utilizing hydroponics and moving carousels, Vertical Harvest consumes 90 percent less water than traditional farms. Access to nutrient-rich foods is another benefit to vertical farms. As urban populations grow and climate change affects crop yields, city dwellers may struggle to procure healthy, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Vertical farming operations that are not vulnerable to climate change can eliminate that concern, ensuring urban populations access to healthy, nutritious foods.

meet future food demands in a way that the USDA deems environmentally responsible and sustainable. Vertical farming operations in urban areas can offer lower emissions because Vertical farms can be aweWhat are some fresh fruits and vegetables will inspiring and figure to play a advantages to vertical not need to be transported vital role in the future of agrifarming? from rural areas to urban loculture. Perhaps the biggest advan- cales. tage to vertical farming is the The USDA also notes that potential for the practice to vertical farming operations

We look at banking from a different perspective: yours. A growing operation keeps you going from sunup to sundown, and beyond. Bremer Bank knows it’s good to have a banker who helps you weather the ups and downs of the market, add to your operation and get the resources, inputs and equipment you need to make it pay off. Because right now, relationships matter more than ever. Talk to a Bremer banker today. Understanding is everything. © 2022 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved. Bremer and Bremer Bank are registered service marks of Bremer Financial Corporation.

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Advancements in livestock technology www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | Page B11

(MS) Consumer demand drives changes in industry, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Consumer demands for improved animal welfare have led to changes in the livestock sector, and various technologies have been developed and are in development to help this particular segment of the agricultural industry thrive. According to the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, various startups have developed technologies that can make the livestock industry more sustainable and efficient.

TREATMENT

The Israeli firm Armenta has developed a non-antibiotic treatment for bovine mastitis that utilizes acoustic pulse technology. The treatment has a 70 percent cure rate. Another firm working to treat livestock is the United States-based General Probiot-

ics. Animal AgTech reports that General Probiotics develops cellbots and antimicrobial probiotics that eliminate harmful pathogens in livestock. That can reduce dependency on antibiotics and make food production safer.

WELFARE

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B ased in Uganda, Jaguza Tech has developed a livestock management system that utilizes sensors, data science and machine learning to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of modern farm operations. Farmers can utilize Jaguza to perform a host of functions, including monitoring their animals’ health and identifying their livestock. The Netherlands-based H2Oalert is a water control management system that checks the quality and quantity of cattle drinking water in real time. The management system also checks for pollution and malfunctions in the water supply.

Faromatics, a firm based in Spain, has combined robotics, artificial intelligence and big data to improve animal welfare and farm productivity. One Faromatics product utilizes a robot suspended from a ceiling to monitor certain variables, including equipment function and health and welfare, that affect broiler chickens. The American firm Swinetech utilizes voice recognition and computer vision technology in its SmartGuard product Metro Creative image to prevent piglet deaths from Livestock technology con- across the globe are developing help livestock farmers make sustainable and productive. crushing and starvation. The product also makes it possible tinues to advance, and firms new products and platforms to their operations more efficient,

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Getting Loans and Aid

The need for financial assistance is a reality for farmers, whether you are just starting out or trying to weather the difficulties of a bad season or an economic downturn. (GS) The Farm Service Agency, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensures access to loans on reasonable terms so that farms and ranches can be maintained. There are also specially formulated pandemic-related relief plans. Here’s how to get help:

REQUESTING A LOAN

Farming is expensive, with tight margins and plenty of variables. When timelines or prices are disrupted by weather or other unforeseen issues, a timely loan can help build a bridge to better days. These temporary packages help keep operations underway until things get back to normal. Your local ag department can provide a referral.

to help when every-day issues arise, like a piece of large equipment failing during the busy season. They’re directed at every-day expenses meant to keep the operation going. Other eligible items can include things like seeds and fertilizer. Microloans are tailored to the specific size of each farm or ranch. Ownership loans, on the other hand, are larger programs meant to help open doors for those entering into farming.

FSA QUALIFYING TERMS

The Farm Service Agency requires that your business operates as a family farm, as determined by how many family members are part of the management and labor teams. TYPES OF FSA LOANS Outside workers are allowed, There are several different including paid consultants, but options, depending on need. the primary decision maker for Operational loans are designed the operation must be a part of

your family. Applicants have to be American citizens with a good credit history, and must not be delinquent on any form of federal debt.

OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on multiple elements of the food supply chain, even shutting down USDA programs meant to support American farmers and ranchers. But assistance is coming back online. Some of these programs are general in nature, like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, but most are directed at specific areas of the industry — including the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program. Ongoing aid is being provided by programs like © Adobe Stock image the USDA’s Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program, to pandemic-related market ideas: The Specialty Crop Block open up new market opportuwhich will assist dairy farmers fluctuations. Other forms of as- Grant Program, for instance, nities for American food and who experienced losses due sistance are meant to spur new funds innovative projects that ag products.

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*Offer available March 1, 2022 – May 31, 2022. Rebates and/or financing based on the purchase of eligible equipment defined in promotional program. Pricing and rebates in US dollars. Additional fees including, but not limited to, taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges may apply. Financing must be through DLL using one of the available financing options. Financing is subject to credit approval. Customers must take delivery prior to the end of the program period. Some customers will not qualify. Some restrictions apply. Offer available on new equipment only. Prior purchases are not eligible. Offer valid only at participating Dealers. Offer subject to change without notice. See your dealer for details. 6 Year Warranty for Non-Commercial, residential use only.6 Year Warranty applies to CS, CX, CK10, DK10, NS and NX model KIOTI tractors and must be purchased and registered between September 1, 2016 – May 1, 2022. Offer valid only at participating Dealers. Offer subject to change without notice. See your dealer for details. © 2022 Kioti Tractor Company a Division of Daedong-USA, Inc.

www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | Page B13

Former Hormel Foods CEO joins Minnesota congressional race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The race to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn grew Thursday as a former CEO of Hormel Foods announced he’s running as a Democrat and an Albert Lea attorney joined the GOP field. Jeff Ettinger served as CEO of Hormel from 2005 until 2016, a time of major growth for the Austin-based food company best known for its meat brands like Spam, Cure 81 ham, Black Label bacon, Jennie-O Turkey and Dinty Moore beef stew. “I’m not a politician,” Ettinger said in a statement. “I’m a business leader and ran one of the largest companies in southern Minnesota. I’m proud of the work our team did at Hormel to grow the company and provide more opportunities for our employees but I’m equally proud of our work in © Adobe Stock image making the Austin community a better place to live. I’d like to continue that work for all of southern Minnesota.

2022 Crop Projections While the American recovery as a whole is on a red-hot upward trend, with economic growth not seen since 1984, farming is a different story. (GS) Corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton — the country’s most-planted crops — are all projected to decline as pandemic-suppressed production finally begins catching up with demand. These lowered expectations don’t take into account fixed costs, a huge part of every farm’s bottom line, since they vary so much from operation to operation. U.S. farmers are expected to reduce the amount of planted corn, while expanding acreage for wheat and soybeans, according to a November 2021 report from the USDA. They forecast some 92 million acres of planted corn, down from 93.3 in 2021. Meanwhile, soybean acreage is expected to rise from 87.2 to 87.5 million. Wheat planting are forecast to increase from 46.7 to 49 million acres in 2022.

Here’s why: Global food prices are at a 10-year high, led by increases in cereals, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization — so wheat is more profitable. Meanwhile, corn requires more fertilizer than soybeans, and there has been a recent surge in fertilizer costs. This news impacts both the local and U.S. economy, but also the rest of the world: America is the No. 1 global corn supplier, the second largest soybean exporter behind Brazil and among the leading exporters of wheat. Prices are on a general downward trend, as supply begins to meets post-quarantine demand: Corn is expected to fall by 64 cents from 2021, wheat by 20 cents a bushel, cotton by 10 cents a pound and soybeans by $1.85 a bushel, according to the USDA.

Prices for beef cattle were expected to rise initially, then to decline below levels seen in 2020. Turkey and hog prices should begin lower, and then eventually begin to slowly climb. Despite a smaller amount of acreage, corn production was still projected at an historic 15.24 billion bushels; the record of 15.148 was set in 2017. Soybeans were also expected to reach a record 4.465 billion bushels in 2022, the USDA said. The fertilizer issue relates to soaring prices for natural gas, and could lower crop yields in 2022. Farmers might reduce their application rates, or switch to crops like soybeans that have lower production costs than corn.

Also filing Thursday was Matt Benda, an agricultural law attorney from Albert Lea. “The First Congressional District is Minnesota’s agricultural breadbasket filled with hard-working people farming our land, running main street businesses and saving lives with world class healthcare,” Benda said in a statement. “Congressman Jim Hagedorn was a tireless advocate for these foundational pillars, and I would be honored to carry on his work in these critical areas.” Hagedorn died of kidney cancer two weeks ago. Gov, Tim Walz has called a special primary for May 24, followed by a special election on Aug. 9 to fill out the rest of Hagedorn’s term. The filing period closes Tuesday. Other candidates in the southern Minnesota district include Republican state Rep. Jeremy Munson and former Rep. Brad Finstad, and Democrats Richard Painter and Sarah Brakebill-Hacke.

www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | PAGE B14

Latest Equipment and Tech Spring is a great time to think about replacing or upgrading your farm equipment and technology.

(GS) The industry as a whole has been a beneficiary of a boom in modern new ideas, from sensors and cropstrengthening concepts to cameras that help you inspect property and plantings without ever leaving your living room. Here’s a look.

EYES IN THE SKY

Drones are an easy and affordable way to keep a close eye on your operation, while utilizing all of the new advancements in data-focused farming. You can monitor the furthest reaches of your property for issues ranging from structure and fence integrity to trespassing. But they’re also incredibly useful for monitoring your growing performance, so that key adjustments can be made when planting. Consult with an area electronics pro, who can tell you more about what’s right for your farm. Be sure to ask about infrared cameras, which can more easily highlight dis-

tressed plants than more conventional photography.

SENSORS ON THE GROUND

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a series of innovative irrigation sensors which can detect changes and stress in plants. Working with their internal Agricultural Research Service, the department aimed to supercharge efficiency for farmers who can spend up to $2,500 an acre on watering alone, once permanent piping, pumps and water costs are added up. The sensors are placed on pipelines for individual above-ground irrigation systems, and will automatically water crops only when it’s needed.

REPLACING EQUIPMENT

Maybe you don’t need the latest high-tech gadget to run your family farm, or don’t feel comfortable working side-by-side with self-driving tractors or ro-

bot row pickers. The arrival of spring still requires a focused inventory on existing conventional equipment. Next, you’ll have to decide whether to replace machines that play such key roles in your farm’s every-

day operation. New items normally arrive with a warranty and support program from its individual manufacturer. But if you’re considering buying a used replacement, find a local professional to inspect the

potential purchase and provide a valued second opinion. For some, leasing might make more sense. This payment option usually involves lower payments, which can free up ready cash for other spring-

time needs. Those who lease can also return equipment at the end of the season, avoiding payments when the machines aren’t going to be in use.

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www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | Page B15

Protecting What Matters

Expanding Your Farm

Expanding your farm might mean adding acreage or trying a new crop. (GS) Either way, spring can provide a platform for big dreams. Investing in more land is a huge decision, but even relatively easier ones involving different plantings has to be part of a well thought-out process. Here are some tips on growing your operation.

HOW TO BUY

Your entire farm could be put at risk by purchasing at the wrong time, or choosing a bad plot. Unfortunately, that risk is an every-day element of this business. Other parts of the land-buying process, however, are more cut and dried. Governmental programs like the FSA Direct Farm Ownership Loan offer special benefits for farmers, including up to 100% financing for expanding family farms and increasing agricultural productivity. Keep in mind that buying isn’t the only choice if you want to expand — and it might not even be the

right choice. Talk to a real-es- might harbor toxic chemicals. tate professional about the cost and benefits of leasing. REPURPOSING YOUR

THE RIGHT SPOT

Once you’ve secured funding, farmers must analyze potential farmland on a variety of different levels including the local climate, availability of water and soil conditions. Different crops require different amounts of land in order to be profitable. In some cases, the type of land may require additional equipment, so taking a pre-purchase inventory is essential. Consider hiring a qualified agent who specializes in agricultural deals since that could give you a business advantage. They can also navigate through potential problems with land boundaries. Pay closest attention to its earlier use, since neglected land may not have the needed nutrients for crops and an area formerly used for industrial products

LAND

Your unused property, or land that could be cleared for planting, might provide an expansion opportunity without having to go through the hassle and expense of a purchase. Your next cash crop might be waiting to be planted on land you already own. Even smaller projects like a honey operation can turn a neglected corner of your property into a new revenue stream. Raising bees requires in-depth research, but a well-run process can lead to a significant influx of cash. Other smaller start-up ideas include native vegetable or fruit gardens, or a pumpkin patch. They’d all serve as prime candidates for local tours and school field trips, which can help raise your farm’s profile.

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www.SouthernMinn.com | April 2022 | PAGE B16

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