Rural Life 2013 by Kate Noet

Rural Life

2013

Wednesday, June 12 â&#x2013; Thursday, June 13

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

Minnesota Valley Rural Life A special publication of Huckle Media

Publisher Stephanie Hill Managing Editor Suzanne Rook Media Consultants Stephanie Hill, Sherry Wilmes, Kathleen Davies Advertising Designers Mary Jo Blanchard, Nikkie Gilmore Cover Design Kelly Kubista Page Design Tony Borreson

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Nicollet County Bank’s

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Rural Life 2013 is distributed to subsribers and readers of Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All Rights Reserved. ©2013 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

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They are, from left, Stacey Schugel, daughter of Dan and Shelley Schugel of New Ulm (they farm near Courtland); and Megan Struss, daughter of Paul and Mary Struss of rural Courtland.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

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Obedience training brings Le Sueur County 4-Hers, dogs closer together

Best A Friends

By JAMES STITT • jstitt@lecenter.com

slight drizzle fell on the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds as a group of kids piled out of the 4-H Building, and ran over to a van, not to get in, but to let something out — five dogs. The dogs jumped out onto the ground, going in five different directions as the kids grabbed the leashes trailing lazily behind them on the ground. Pulling the dogs, the kids jogged across the field for obedience training. The kids, all Le Sueur County 4-Hers, bring their dogs to obedience training every Monday during the summer, some in preparation for dog shows or some just for the training itself. One of the dog shows they are preparing for will take place July 26 and 27 the Le Sueur County Fairgrounds in Le Center. The show will feature four events, one in obedience, one in showmanship and two in the rally format. Dianne LeBrun, 19, from Mont-

Sarah Freitag, 11, and her dog bond over obedience training. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

gomery, has competed in close to 30 dog shows and she has enjoyed the time bonding with her dogs, a black lab, Jozzy, and mini Australian shepherd, Mack. She said that seeing them grow has been a great experience. “It’s a fun way to get involved with your animals,” said LeBrun. “Watching them grow and watching them get better.”

See COMPANY Page 4

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Company: Trainer has begun teaching others how to work with their dogs From Page 3 LeBrun has been training her dogs for a couple hours a week, and going to the classes for nine years. When training the dogs on her own, she takes them out and first tries to get them to listen. Then she spends time playing with them and practices “heel” and “sit.” She then practices “long sits,” where she has her dogs sit, and she goes out of sight and has them stay. She said that training with other kids and dogs helps Jozzy and Mack deal with distractions.

It helps her work on her communication with her dogs. LeBrun won at state with her dog Jozzy when she was in 10th grade, and said that it was an unexpected moment for her. Her mother, Eve LeBrun, echoed that sentiment. “She was standing there going ‘did they forget me?’” said Eve LeBrun. “Nope, last one — champion.” Now in college, Dianne LeBrun has begun to teach other kids how to train their dogs and how to prepare for dog shows. She said that training for the shows isn’t

easy, but kids have fun and bond with their dogs. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” said Dianne LeBrun. “Don’t be afraid to try it.” Dianne LeBrun said being a trainer for other kids has been a great experience. She enjoys passing on her knowledge to others, and has really enjoyed watching other kids grow with their dogs. “Just watching kids grow and learn and understand has been great.” Dianne LeBrun said.

See COMPANY Page 5

DOG TRAINING TIPS Speak: Show the puppy a treat and say “Speak!” (You may have to actually bark yourself so that he gets the idea. Do this inside so your neighbors don’t think you’ve gone to the dogs.) Once he barks, praise him. Quiet: After the dog masters barking, really get him going. Then, suddenly bring your finger to your lips and say “Quiet!” He will likely be startled and immediately stop barking. Reward him effusively. Give: To help avoid unwanted aggression and guarding behaviour, teach your puppy to hand over his toys and food. Begin by offering him a toy-for-food trade. Say “Give!” as you make the exchange. Get it/leave it: Leash your dog and go for a walk. Toss a treat in front of him and say “Get it!” Once he masters this concept, try asking him to “Leave it!” Drop the treat. When he goes for it, gently bop him on the nose while saying “Leave it!” Make a game out of “getting” and “leaving”.

Sit: Place a treat in front of Zeus then gently move it upwards over his head. He’ll Dianne LeBrun teaches other kids to train their dogs in obedience. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader) raise his head to follow your hand and, in the process, lower his rump. Push his hindquarters down to the ground with your free hand while saying “Sit!” Lay: Present your pet with a treat then lower it to the ground while saying “Lay!” Try gently guiding his shoulders to the floor. Give the reward when he lies down, even if it is only momentarily Stay: Have your pup sit down. Back away from him a few steps while saying “Stay!” then praise him for doing just that. After a split second, reward him. Always praise him while he is still waiting, not after he gets up so that he will associate the word with the correct action. Come: Carry treats with you throughout the day and randomly call to your pup using his name, “Mr. Bean, come!” When he races to you, reward him. Source: Eukanuba

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

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Company: Practice, dilligence important parts of process From Page 4

The Le Sueur farm of Wes and Pat Schlegel has been named a 2013 Century Farm. (Stephanie Hill/St. Peter Herald)

More than 180 Century Farms honored Qualifying farms Century Farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign, as well as a certificate signed by the State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Gov. Mark Dayton. Since the program began in 1976, more than 9,700 Minnesota farms have been recognized as Century Farms. 2013 Century Farm families are listed by county, then by the farm’s city, family names and year of original purchase: Blue Earth County Good Thunder Charles H. & Marilyn E. Barnard 1912 Mankato Ronald & Elaine

Marzinske 1913 Vernon Center Will & Paula Purvis 1913 Brown County Morgan Marjorie & Elmer Zempel 1913 New Ulm Richard Baumann 1872 New Ulm Howard & Adele Stueber 1913 Sleepy Eye Gary & Rosie Hillesheim 1905 Sleepy Eye Wiltscheck – Sellner Family Farm 1912 Le Sueur County Le Sueur Arneson Family Farm 1882 Le Sueur Randy & Ronda Schleeve 1913 Le Sueur Wesley & Patricia Schlegel 1912 Montgomery John A. & Mary

Jo Schleis 1865 Waterville Schwartz-SchultzNelson Farm 1911 Scott County Belle Plaine Gloria Volek 1910 Shakopee Theis Twin Farms (Marvin and Martin Theis) 1912 Sibley County Arlington Kenneth Mueller 1873 Arlington Reuben & Dorene and Michael & Kris Willmsen 1913 Belle Plaine William & Pauline Fahey 1892 Gibbon Burton & Nancy Spaude 1913 Waseca County Pemberton David J. Clausen and Roger Clausen 1910 Waseca Wayne & Joanne Kruger 1913

During obedience training, Dianne LeBrun works with the older and more experienced kids, while trainer Ruth Schwartz works with the younger kids. Schwartz has been the dog trainer for Le Sueur County 4-H for nine years. She started out as a 4-H mom training dogs with her daughter. She said the exercises benefit the dogs as well as the kids and provides a lasting lesson. “It is a responsibility and it takes practice to get something out of it,” said Schwartz. “And people who have pets growing up are more likely to have them when they are adults.” They spend a couple hours a week running the dogs through different drills. They practice getting the dogs to heel and walk with their owners and do doggie push-ups (where the dogs lay down then get back up). They also do “sit” and “stay” exercises. Schwartz said dogs that go through training see benefits beyond the obedience they learn. She said that dogs who are trained in obedience are less likely to end up in shelters. Then the kids get a chance

Olivia Balfanz, age 10, is in her first year of obedience training with her dog Ruckus and is enjoying the bonding experience. (James Stitt/Le Center Leader)

to try the agility and obedience drills that are used in the shows. They walk with their dogs and direct them through tunnels, over hurdles and have them sit at certain areas. Olivia Balfanz, 10, is in her first year training her golden retriever, Ruckus. She said that

she has had a lot of fun with her dog. “I really like dogs,” said Balfanz. “I like getting to know what his weaknesses are and make him better.” Reporter James Stitt can be reached at 931-8572 or follow him on Twitter @LCL_j_stitt.

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Farm bill heads to full Senate, House prospects dim By BRETT NEELY

Minnesota Public Radio News

WASHINGTON — The farm bill passed a major procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate Thursday when a vote to end debate won approval by a wide margin. On Monday, the bill could receive a vote in the full Senate, where it is expected to pass. But the farm bill appears to be in potentially serious trouble in the House because of a partisan battle over spending on the federal food stamp program. The farm bill is a much broader piece of legislation than its name suggests. In addition to crop subsidies and various agricultural programs, it also sets the rules for the federal food stamp program, which spends $80 billion a year. When Congress last passed a farm bill in June 2008, President George W. Bush vetoed it on the grounds that it gave too much money to wealthy farmers. But the bill was so popular that both chambers of Congress that same day overrode Bush’s veto, which takes a two-thirds vote. Almost exactly five years later, there is zero chance that the lat-

est farm bill will draw that kind of support in the U.S. House. Privately, Democratic sources say the newest bill may only receive the votes of 30 out of 201 House Democrats because the legislation cuts too much spending on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- nearly $21 billion over the next decade. U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, the ranking Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, admits he’s having trouble convincing many Democrats to back the bill. But Peterson, who co-authored the farm bill with the committee’s Republican chairman, U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, said the GOP is also having trouble drawing support because conservatives want even deeper food stamp cuts. “I’ve had some Republicans tell me they only have 150 votes,” said Peterson, who represents Minnesota’s 7th District. If the Republican and Democratic vote tallies are accurate, the farm bill is far short of the 218 votes needed to pass the House. Worse still for Peterson and Lucas, almost anything they do to attract Democratic votes will likely

lose Republicans. If they make the bill friendlier to the GOP, it will surely lose some of the few Democrats who support it and make negotiations with the Senate more difficult. That’s not how farm bills used to work. Traditionally, they were a bipartisan marriage of political convenience between urban and rural interests. Not anymore, said veteran Congressional scholar Norm Ornstein at the American Enterprise Institute. “If there’s ever a case study that’s emblematic of how polarization and tribalization have just taken over rational policymaking or the art of the deal, it’s this one,” Ornstein said. But things have changed since 2008. The recession led to a massive expansion of the program’s rolls and costs. President Obama’s Republican critics, among them U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa, have sought to link the program’s growth to their ideological critique of the president. “I’m concerned about the effort on the part of the administration

Nicollet County group of University of Minnesota Master Gardeners up and running, planning tours

The Nicollet County group of University of Minnesota Master Gardeners is off to a great start even if the gardens they tend are growing a bit slowly this spring. The perennial organization is ready and willing to take on your toughest garden questions free of charge. Be it end rot on your tomatoes, white flies on your leaves, or simply choosing flowers with good curb appeal-give the certified master gardeners a chance to help you out. This time of the year a lot of soils are getting nutrient tested! Pick up a soil sample packet and plant with confidence knowing you’ve fertilized your garden appropriately. Don’t have any gardening

questions? Join the group on their educational outings. This year, the group will visit a number of area gardens and landscaped areas including the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska June 15, a local tree tour, Como Park Zoo and Conserva-

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to actively promote the expansion of dependency in this country,” King said. Meanwhile, influential conservative political groups that have formed since 2008 have put a bullseye on the farm bill, running radio ads in some congressional districts urging voters to pressure their lawmakers to oppose the bill. Dan Holler, communications director for Heritage Action of America, an arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation, said members of Congress should vote separately on issues such as crop programs and food stamps instead of casting votes on one big bill. “We certainly think things should pass or fail on their own merits,” he said. “If somebody can go out and make a great case on why we should spent $80 billion a year on the food stamp program and they can win that public argument then more power to them.” To Ornstein, that proposition goes against the grain of how a democratic legislature works. “You have to give members

the cover to be able to vote for a package so that they can justify the things that are unpalatable to their constituents by pointing to the things that are very popular with their constituents,” he said. Peterson said many Democrats also have become more unwilling to cut deals. “We’ve got inflexible folks, too -- the people saying there can’t be one penny taken out of food stamps,” he said. Among the Democrats fighting the food stamp cuts is Minneapolis U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the largest and most liberal faction of House Democrats. “At a time when unemployment is still very high, poverty is very high, wages have been stagnant, we cannot pull the rug out from under families,” said Ellison, who represents Minnesota’s 5th District. But Ellison sidestepped the issue of whether liberals would try to defeat the farm bill on the House floor.

Doing so would have the effect of keeping food stamps at their current, higher, funding level. “All we can do is put every bit of our energy into making this the best bill that we can before we do have to vote and make a final decision on passage,” Ellison said. For Peterson, who entered a very different Congress in 1991, the struggle to pass a farm bill reflects the growing polarization of Congress and the public. Peterson said with just 50 or so congressional districts considered competitive between the two parties, most members are now much more worried about ideological purity and avoiding a primary election than they are about accomplishing anything. “They’re worried about being challenged by the right or left of their party,” Peterson said. “That’s part of the problem.” The House is expected to consider the farm bill the week of June 17 -- if Peterson and his allies have rounded up enough votes by then.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

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Compared to what? By AL BATT

Guest columnist

A giant meteor hadn’t destroyed the earth during the night. That made it a good day. I stepped in a hole dug by a badger as I chased some sparrows across a grassy prairie while doing a bird count for a state park. I fell, but I emerged from the adventure uninjured. I credit my ability to remain unscathed in such mishaps to a lifetime of using my shinbone as a device for finding furniture in the dark. It was no tornado in Oklahoma. That made it a good day. A Florida lottery player is richer by $590.5 million as the winner of the highest Powerball jackpot in history. I didn’t win because I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket. The buck stopped before it got there. I’m ahead by a dollar. That made for a good day. I walked through an area with a heavy concentration of wood ticks. That put a hop in my step. The day was cool. Others complained about the temperature. I was happy that it wasn’t too hot. That made for a good day. Once upon a time, I was interested in amateur radio. I built shortwave radios and antennas. Despite being a profound doo-

fus, I learned Morse Code. I transmitted text information as a series of electrical impulses by use of a telegraph key that resulted in standardized sequences of short and long signals called dots and dashes or dits and dahs. I sent them in an order like this, “.... . .-.. .-.. ---,” which I think means “hello,” but I’m not sure. You see, I’ve forgotten what Morse Code I knew. I h a d n’t thought about my failed recollection of Batt Morse Code for many years until I was waiting to go on stage in Nebraska. Performing ahead of me was a woman who tap danced. She was good and a tough act to follow. Then it occurred to me that if I understood Morse Code, a tap dancer would drive me crazy. That made for a good day. One pleasant morning, my wife and I went to the zoo to see the critters and the people looking at the critters. I had a slight sore throat. I didn’t like to whine about it, but I’m a husband. I have to whine about things. It’s not only my duty, it was a part of my wedding vows. We stopped to look at the giraffes. I hadn’t spent much time looking up when I decided that I was pleased I wasn’t a giraffe with a sore throat.

That made for a good day. A friend tried to talk me into bowling. I don’t want to bowl. Bowling is a fine sport/activity, but I bird. I’m a birder, not a bowler. I consider birding a riproaring good time. I’ll admit that I was weakening. I thought about becoming a bowler. I could bird while bowling. Then I read in the newspaper about a Florida man who accidentally shot himself in the leg while bowling. That’s why I’m not a bowler. That made for a good day. Generally, I don’t compare myself to others. I don’t believe in comparing what I do with what others do. There are instances when that is useful or necessary. Mostly, it serves no purpose other than to aggravate or dishearten. We are all different. We are who we are. We do what we do. We shouldn’t encourage comparisons. Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were two contemptible brothers who lived in Hartland. They were rich, having

obtained their money in any way possible. The brothers attended church regularly in an effort to present themselves as upright citizens. A new pastor, one who believed in putting the hay down where the cows could get at it, initiated a fundraising campaign to build a new church. Not long after the drive had begun, one of the brothers died. The other brother sought out the pastor the day before the funeral and gave him a check for the amount needed to finish paying for the new building. “I have only one condition,” he said. “At my brother’s funeral, you must say that he was a saint.” The pastor gave his word and deposited the check in the bank. At the funeral, the blunt pastor didn’t hold back. “He was an evil man,” he said about the deceased. “He cheated not only in his business dealings, but in every other aspect of his life.” The clergyman concluded by saying, “But compared to his brother, he was a saint.”

MDA releases new edition of Minnesota Grown directory The new Minnesota Grown Directory boasts a record number of farms and other local listings where consumers can buy direct from the producer. The 2013-14 edition features 970 listings including wineries, farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, Christmas tree farms and lots, garden centers, meat and dairy producers, and orchards. Minnesota Grown spokeswoman Jessica Miles says this is the first time the directory has been printed in full color – making it much easier for consumers to use. “Each section of the directory is color-coded enabling consumers to more quickly search listings by region,” said Miles. Miles says Minnesota Grown partnered with the Institute for Agriculture Trade Policy (IATP) to also include farm facts and promote kid-friendly fun in the directory. Many ac-

tivities, such as planning a farm tour, are outlined throughout the directory. Parents, teachers and others can use these activities as a tool to introduce children to what makes agriculture fun. “Partnering with Minnesota Grown on the directory was a great opportunity to connect with families as we develop IATP’s new Farm to Childcare initiative,” said Erin McKee, program associate with IATP. “We think it’s very important for children get out and learn about where their food comes from.” Printed copies of the free Minnesota Grown Directory can be ordered through Explore Minnesota Tourism by calling 1-888-TOURISM or by ordering online at www.minnesotagrown.com. An online version of the directory is also available at www.minnesotagrown.com where users can enter their city or zip code to see a map of Minnesota Grown farms near them.

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VALLEY RURAL LIFE

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Carpenter ants come out in spring By JEFFREY HAHN

which is a sign of a nest. If you it yourself. It is critical to deliver

University of Minnesota Extension find a swarm of winged carpenter insecticide to the nest; just killing

Although carpenter ants can be found in homes anytime during the year, they seem particularly noticeable in the spring as the weather becomes warm. Many people think of carpenter ants as big, black ants. And it is true the most common species here is black and approaches ½ inch in length. However, you can’t always go by size and color; there is another carpenter ant species that is red and black and about 3/16th inch long. A more sure method is to look for a one-segmented petiole between the thorax and the abdomen (ants either have a one or two segmented petiole. Also examine the shape of the thorax (the middle section of the body). In carpenter ants, the thorax is evenly round in profile while other Minnesota ants have unevenly shaped thoraxes. Finding carpenter ants inside in the spring can mean that a nest is present there; the sooner they are present indoors with the onset of warm weather, they more likely a nest exists in your home. Also look for signs of coarse sawdust

ants indoors, that is a sure sign of the foraging workers has no iman indoor nest. Remember that pact on the nest. Typically baits are not all winged ants you see are used for ant problems. However carpenter ants the ant baits so be sure they MORE ON ANTS available to the are correctly general public For more information, identified. If are not suffiyou find just including preventative ciently attracone or several steps, visit www1.extension. tive or effective carpenter ant umn.edu/garden/insects/ to successfully queens (winged find/carpenter-ants/ eliminate a carpenter ant or wingless) in you r h om e, nest. they probably just wandered into The best control for carpenter your home accidentally and no ants is to contact a licensed pest nest is present. management service to treat the There are two types of car- nest. An inspection is very imporpenter ant nests. Parent colonies tant to find the foraging trails and nest in moisture damaged wood ideally the nest(s). There are several while satellites nests, offshoots of options for treating the nest. Many the main colony, can nest in sound technicians use a non-repellant rewood as well as insulation and hol- sidual insecticide (e.g. Termidor), low doors. Carpenter ants have the sprayed around the building’s expotential to damage the wood in terior. The carpenter ants pick up buildings as they excavate galleries residue; take it back it to the nest and tunnels. Fortunately, this dam- where it gets spread through coloage occurs relatively slowly and it ny, ultimately eliminating it. Techusually takes years for it to become nicians may also set out baits to severe enough to be an issue. control carpenter ants. They have If you believe that you have a a variety of baits and the experience carpenter ant nest in your home, to choose the proper bait that will it is very challenging to control be most effective (it is not unusual for technicians to use more than one bait to be successful). Keep in mind that baits take time so it is important to be patient and allow carpenter ants to take back sufficient bait to control the nest. If the exact location of the nest is discovered, it can be treated directly, especially with a dust.

Four area dairy farms have been recognized for superior her management. (File photo)

Area dairy farms among 100 honored In honor of June Dairy Month, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson released the annual Top 100 list of Minnesota dairy farms demonstrating superior dairy herd management skills as measured by their cows’ low somatic cell count (SCC) average. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota have been working with the state’s dairy farmers for the past decade to reduce somatic cell counts and as a result, the average SCC level has dropped significantly. Somatic cell count is a key

Carpenter ant queen. A swarm of queens inside indicates a nest in the home. (University of Minnesota Extension photo)

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indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life. Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food-safety concern, dairy farmers monitor them because processors will pay a premium for milk with low counts. A farmer whose herd has a very low count can receive significantly more per hundredweight compared to a farmer whose herd average is high. When the initiative began in 2003, the SCC levels on the Top 100 list were as high as 144,000 compared to an SCC of 100,000 or below in 2012. Nineteen Min-

nesota dairies have been on the Top 100 list in at least eight out of the past 10 years. The farmers making the Top 100 list receive a certificate of congratulations signed by Frederickson. Area farms recognized: Randy and Kathy Bauer, Le Sueur Cheese Company, Rice County James and Donna Hoefs, LeSueur Cheese Company, Le Sueur County Allen and Nancy Dauer, First District Association, Nicollet County John Wenninger, First District Association, Sibley County

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

PAGE 9

With spring planting delayed, grain markets keep an eye on crops By MARK STEIL

Minnesota Public Radio News

Minnesota farmers are near finishing spring planting, but it’s been a struggle. Rain has delayed work in many parts of the state. Farmers in other states face the same problem and grain traders are starting to worry that the harvest may be affected. By the beginning of June about 87 percent of Minnesota’s corn crop had been planted, behind the average rate of 98 percent planted, reports the U.S. Agriculture Department. Soybeans are even further behind with just over half of the crop seeded, compared to nearly 90 percent in most years. Heavy rain in parts of the state have slowed field work and left standing water in fields. Jim Schlegel, who farms in southeast Minnesota, which has seen some of the heaviest rain, said it has been the wettest spring he’s ever seen. That’s saying a lot, because Schlegel is 83 years old. “I’m one of them stubborn farmers that won’t quit,” he said. That stubborn streak has come in handy this spring, because even with the terrible weather Schlegel keeps going. He’s been able to resume planting this week, but has to closely monitor his tractor so that it doesn’t get stuck in the fields. “I’m running into pockets it seems like that all at once you’re starting to sink,” Schlegel said. “And it’s just too much water all over the place.” So much water that the hot joke is that farmers are seeing standing water on hillsides, Schlegel said. But while it’s been rainy, not every part of the state has weather problems. “Actually, if we can keep getting what we’ve been getting it would be just perfect for us,” said Francis Buschette, a retired farmer in Renville County in central Minnesota. Buschette still keeps a close eye on crop progress in his area, but he said planting is basically finished there. The region, at least for now, has avoided the

heavy rains plaguing other parts of Minnesota, he said. “If we can keep getting the rains and warmer temperatures there’s a very good potential of having a pretty decent crop coming up this fall,” Buschette said. This variable weather pattern is being seen all across the nation’s midsection. The wettest fields are in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and parts of Illinois. Further east, Indiana and Ohio farmers are seeing near perfect spring planting conditions. On the other hand, portions of Nebraska and Kansas still have extreme or exceptional drought. The uneven start is making grain traders nervous about the size of the fall harvest. The possibility of reduced supplies is affecting grain prices, said Christian Mayer, a market advisor for grain and livestock for Northstar Commodity in Minneapolis. “Just a few weeks ago the corn price was quite a bit lower,” Mayer said. “Now it’s starting to work a little bit higher.” Corn prices rose about 10 percent in the last week and a half, Mayer said, mainly because of weather concerns. In some places planted fields are underwater, and may have to be replanted once the water drains. But in areas where the weather has been good, like Minnesota’s Renville County, farmers have the prospect of good crops and higher prices to bring them better profits. Buschette

Heavy rains over the past few days have flooded some fields in southeast Minnesota. Farmers there may need a week of dry weather before they can resume spring planting. (Mark Steil/MPR News photo)

said the corn he’s seen in recent days is growing nicely. “Well, I guess it would be 4 or 5 inches tall,” Buschette said. “It looked beautiful.” That’s a good start, but most of the state is not that far along. Sixty percent of the Minnesota corn crop is rated in good or excellent condition. Last year at this time 84 percent of the crop was judged to be in that category.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Cover crops for prevented plant acres Use lawn pesticides, fertilizers with care By UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

The snowy, rainy spring of 2013 has left many farmers making the decision to put some, or all, of their acres into the prevented plant insurance option. Although cover crops are not a requirement of the prevented plant option, they are still a good idea to help with erosion control and weed management. It’s important for farmers to talk with their insurance agents and local Farm Service Agency. Understand and follow the prevented plant rules to ensure payment. Remember, there may be differences depending on your state or even your county. Planting date of the cover crop will be important for selection. A June or early-July planting date works best with warm-season grasses like sorghum, sorghum-sudan grass and the millets. If left to grow through the fall, these species can reach heights of six to eight feet and produce quite a bit of above ground biomass. Oats, wheat, annual ryegrass, the clovers, tillage radish and the like often have an August planting date. What about a July planting date? These spe-

cies should deal well with hot summer weather. The question is the timing of physiological maturity. Some plants may mature and go to seed before a killing fall frost. If this happens, tillage and/or herbicide will terminate any volunteers. Regardless of what cover crop is chosen, there are a few things to remember. Prevented plant at 60 percent of the guarantee does not allow for grazing or haying of a cover crop before November 1. The cover crop can be terminated via tillage or herbicide before then, however. If haying or grazing is needed, there is a “second crop” option that will allow it. The prevented plant payment is decreased to 35% of the guarantee. Check with the Farm Service Agency to find what cover crop species are acceptable for prevented plant acres. Crops that can be insured (such as soybeans or alfalfa) are usually not considered acceptable for the 60 percent payment. Order, and get delivered, the cover crop seed as soon as possible. Spring 2013 already has seen supplies decreasing and prices increasing. Again, remember to talk with your insurance agent and Farm Service Agency before making any decision.

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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds homeowners to properly follow label directions when applying lawn and garden pesticides and fertilizers this spring. Whether homeowners are applying these products themselves or hiring a professional to do the job, lawn and garden products must be handled with care. When applying pesticides and fertilizers, homeowners should first read the product labels that specify how to use the product safely, effectively, and legally. Applying pesticides, fertilizers, or weed and feed products that contain both a pesticide and a fertilizer in a manner inconsistent with label directions is a violation of the law. When hiring a professional lawn care provider to apply lawn care products, MDA advises homeowners to make sure these professionals are licensed. State law requires commercial applicators to be licensed by MDA. To obtain a license, applicators must demonstrate the necessary qualifications, knowledge and training to apply pesticides and fertilizers safely, effectively, and according to the law. Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a professional, follow

these tips to help ensure lawn, garden and tree-care services are performed correctly: Buy only what you need and store unused product safely. Do not apply chemicals if the weather conditions are not right. For example, high wind can cause products to drift off-site and potentially harm people or plants. Sweep up any dry product from sidewalks or other hard surfaces and reapply it to the intended site. Ask to see the professional applicator’s license before they start working. They must carry a valid license ID card. Be wary of people who make promises that sound too good to be true, claim their products are completely safe or pressure you to commit to or sign a

service contract. Note warning signs/flags that are posted on a lawn near the sidewalk or street and at entry points on recreational property to alert people that a treatment was made to the area. Review written application records and/or invoices provided by applicators to document their work, including products used and sites applied. Consumers can call the Better Business Bureau 800-646-6222 and ask for a customer satisfaction history about lawn care companies. For information about applicator licenses, call MDA at 651-2016615. To report an unlicensed person making a pesticide or fertilizer application, please file a complaint on the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

VALLEY RURAL LIFE

Slow food, slow travel could build rural tourism By JENNIFER VOGEL

Minnesota Public Radio News

MORRIS, Minn – Lucky for small towns, many of the things they do best, like growing local food and wine and making things by hand, are now in vogue. That was the message at a filled-to-thebrim seminar on tourism and rural economies during the final day of the two-day Rural Arts and Culture Summit at the University of Minnesota Morris. “Slow travel,” was the concept emphasized by Deborah McLaren, a consultant with St. Paul-based firm, Local Flavor. “It’s based on the slow food movement,” she said. “It means slowing down to enjoy your food, knowing where it comes from and meeting the people who raised it or cooked it or brewed it. It means slowing to the pace of a community. People want to come to your community and do these things.” She said slow travel, where tourists lollygag around sampling the local specialties, is huge in Europe, Asia and Af-

rica. McLaren suggested that small towns emphasize their food, natural landscapes, bike trails, cultural heritage and artisans in order to draw tourists from the cities and energize locals to support the small businesses in their midst. “There are growing numbers of local food festivals in Minnesota,” she said, mentioning a restaurant walking tour in Stillwater, the Meander art crawl (which also features food) along the Minnesota River in the western part of the state and others. The tourism industry in the state last year brought in almost $12 billion in gross sales, she said. “I want more of that to go into your own pockets.” Emphasizing what’s local and unique – such as barns in Caledonia, in the southeastern corner of the state, painted with traditional quilt patterns – represents the “epitome of sustainable tourism,” she said. Work ing w it h existing wineries is another way to go, according to Local Flavor

consultant Kent Gustafson. He said there are currently five wine trails in Minnesota and more than 40 wineries. People who drink wine tend to like art and local food as well. “There are a number of events that take place during wine trail weekends,” he said. “This can be a vehicle for you as artists in a variety of ways. They host different genres of music. They pair local food with their wines. There are art fairs and exhibitions.” The key, McLaren said, is collaboration. Maybe one town in an area has a good restaurant and another has a bed and breakfast. They should work together. “Relationships are going from competitive to more cooperative,” she said. “Marketing and business, everything is becoming more cooperative.” If the old model was top down, “the new model is the bazaar, an integrated place where people work together,” McLaren said. “Maybe two people have the same products, but they are in the same bazaar, so they all do better.”

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U of M Extension launches websites for alfafa weather damage By DAVID NICOLAI and DOUG HOLEN,

Extension Educators — Crops

The University of Minnesota Extension Forage Team has developed a list of resources available to livestock and alfalfa producers affected by the recent alfalfa winter injury and winterkill in 2013. These resources are available at the U of MN Extension crops website http://www1. extension.umn.edu/agriculture/ crops/spring-issues/ Reports of winter injury and winterkill of alfalfa continue to intensify across parts of southern Minnesota. Producers are examining options in light of their field assessment and inventory; many are faced with purchasing hay or growing some type of emergency forage crop. Livestock producers will need to carefully consider short and long-term inventory needs and then manage the damaged alfalfa

to get as much tonnage and quality as possible. The University of Minnesota Winter Injury article for livestock producers which is located on-line at the U of MN extension crops web site includes information on Forage Inventory Management, Feeding , Animal and Forage Cropping Options. The University of Minnesota and Wisconsin Forage Teams are collaboratively working to better understand the scope, severity and causes of this year’s alfalfa winter injury that has been reported throughout the two states We are asking all Minnesota and Wisconsin alfalfa and hay producers to complete a brief 12 question survey before Friday, June 13. Please answer all questions, and then select “Done” and your answers will be recorded. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/alfalfainjury2013. One survey per farm is sufficient. (individual survey results are confi-

dential and only bulk represented by county and state.) We will share the summarized survey results at future Minnesota and Wisconsin forage programs. In addition to the forage producer survey we have developed a specific alfalfa winter injury survey for crop consultants and ag professionals to better understand the scope, severity and causes of this year’s alfalfa winter injury that has been reported throughout Minnesota from their unique perspective as consultants to forage producers available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/ s/2013alfalfainjuryconsultant Again this consultant survey will help researchers and extension personnel to better understand this year’s alfalfa winter injury that has been reported throughout Minnesota thus helping with future recommendations for similar winter injury events.

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