Fillmore County Journal - National Ag Week - 3.19.18

National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

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Applying manure this spring?

Start planning now Are you prepared for the grazing season?

Drones; the flying future of agriculture Root causes, Root solutions As MN CREP unrolls, reasons for enrolling cropland multiply Fillmore Central FFA is getting ready for its second crop on the learning plot Stay ahead with Tail’s End Services

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, March 19, 2018

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National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

Fillmore Central FFA is getting ready for its second crop on the learning plot

By Julie Little Corn and soybeans are big here - ubiquitous in this part of the country - but success with these crops, as in any crop, is not guaranteed. There are many decisions to be made every step of the way and then weather and other factors are also constantly changing.

How do farmers decide when to plant, what to plant, how to fertilize and treat their fields? How do they recognize problems and respond to them in a timely way?

How do they decide when to let it go or replant? Which weeds do they need to kill and which should they leave? These decisions and others can make the difference in seeing a profit, breaking even, or suffering a loss that year.

The best way to gain a feel for it is by being in the field with experts.

This is FFA teacher and learning experience coordinator Ethan Lapham’s third year at Fillmore Central. Mr. Lapham grew up on a farm in Caledonia, graduated high school in 2011, went to the U of M in the Twin Cities for Agriculture and Teaching, then came back to Southeast Minnesota to teach in 2015. He lives close to home and still helps his father on the family farm so he knows how much goes into successful farming. After his first year of teaching, it became clear to the FFA teacher that his students needed a chance to implement in the field what they were learning in the classroom. They needed to talk to experts in agriculture and have the opportunity to learn from them. So Mr. Lapham set to work to find partners for a summer learning experience. Through his search he found Jim Love, farmer and landowner from Harmony, Randy Mayer, Agronomist

with CPS, Emily Pilikowsky with Preston Dairy and Farm, Josh Schoffner (a Fillmore Central grad), Agronomist with Pioneer Seed; Jason Schwarz, Pioneer Rep and Agronomist; Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District, and assistance from Harmony Ag Services. Together, they established a learning plot near Harmony. All these team members are critical in making the learning plot a highly engaging and intensive experience for students.

First things first: In order to immerse themselves in farming and gain experience in the field, students needed a field.

Jim Love, a fifth generation local farmer with one son graduating from Iowa State (Agronomy with a minor in Ag Business) and another another son, vice president of Fillmore Central FFA planning to go to college next year at the University of Minnesota, was willing to help with that. Jim says, “I’m most excited for kids to have the opportunity to experience another side of agriculture. They have many opportunities in FFA but this is breaking reality. It’s the way farming is going. Farming (of all kinds) is like raising kids. For crops, you may have 40 sets of crops — it’s like you have 40 sets of kids and 40 chances to get it right. You watch every one grow and you learn something every time. You are involved, hands-on, and you grow with your crops.” Jim sees that farming is heading more and more into high tech and kids are so knowledgeable about tech and gadgets. It’s part of who they are. Rural America has a place for them and a need for them. There are jobs here, good jobs, that pay

Thank you to our area farmers!

Pioneer Agronomists Josh Schoffner and Jason Schwarz, and CPS Agronomist, Randy Mayer, discussing field conditions and scouting techniques.

Photo submitted well. “Students have a skill set I don’t have,” says Love, “and I have skills they don’t have. We have a Lynda L. Koliha, Agent strong FFA instructor and lots of involvement and support from 25 Main Ave. S. PO BOX 215 within the businesses and organiHarmony, MN 55939-0215 zations in our community. I just 507-886-2484 • Fax 507-886-2755 want kids to be in the middle of it all.”

Farmers, Last growing season, anywhere for working day and night to from 8-15 students, community increase our food supply! members, and industry experts Auto • Home • Farm • Business • RV • Health participated in the FFA learning plot experience. Field plot days ranged from 1-2 hours in length and were held every other Monday night through the summer.

Students grew about six varieties of soybeans on the Learning Plot last year. All the planting was done by the farmer over Mother’s Day weekend, the same time many Farmers are our population providingfood, food, Farmers are 1% % ofofour population providing other fields were being planted. fiber, fuel and pharmaceuticals for the rest of But 2017 brought an unpredictfiber, fuel and pharmaceuticals for the rest of us. us.

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FFA PLOT

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able spring with wet conditions and colder temperatures. Students went out to do population counts and witness emergence problems in their field. They were concerned that the soybeans had emergence issues due to crusting of the soil. Randy Mayer, CPS, stood in the field with them guiding their questions, “These are the things we need to look for,” he’d say. “These are the concerns.

Look around, see what’s going on. Let’s see what we come up with.” It was the same situation that farmers in fields all around them were experiencing and the same questions they were asking themselves.

Although FFA was created in 1928 as Future Farmers of America, the name was changed in 1988 to the National FFA Organization to represent the growing diversity of agriculture.

We have student interests ranging from active farmers to chemists,

Krista Jorgensen, Kelsey Biel, and Kayla Biel scouting for soybean aphids, summer 2017.

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The National FFA Organization’s official mission is to make “…a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.” Students who worked on the learning plot with their teacher were able to see how certain farming methods came into play – till or no-till, for example. They got to consider how farmers planting before or after this particular day did comparatively in plant population, stand quality, and yield. They got to look at how different methods or treatments made it better or worse. Farmers don’t just plant and let things grow until harvest.

It’s not an easy job, but one of knowledge, skill, creativity, vigilance, and solid decision-making methods. Experience along with instruction helps to develop future leaders.

Students growing soybeans in 2017 not only tackled emergence problems, but also learned more about a farmer’s awareness of the field. They scouted for insects and plant diseases. It was a serious game, for instance, to try to be the first to find white mold. They knew it would appear given the wet weather, the question was, “Who can find it first?”

“It was neat for us to see how certain farming methods came into play,” said Mr. Lapham, “and I could see lightbulbs going off for some of the students.” It would happen that something would suddenly make sense and a student might say, “I have to go home and tell my dad!”

Experts working with students get a chance to teach what they know. They are rewarded by experiencing students’ interest and enthusiasm for agriculture. These professionals also get to know the students who participate in the learning plot. The students who work closely with local experts are then familiar with the professionals and companies who could possibly be in charge of hiring them or recommending them for a future internship or career.

This spring, Mr. Lapham will talk to his classes about the experiences last years’ students had with soybeans, sharing what was learned about yield, fertilizer applications, spraying, etc. They will see what can be transferred to the corn that will be grown this year. New opportunities are also in the making. “We’re working on getting GIS technology,” Mr. Lapham reveals. “We’ll use GPS, overlaying maps to evaluate how soil quality and yields are affected.” Mr. Love has complex technology on his combine — it

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

can record yield data and students should be able to take out their iPads right in the field to evaluate the data. Results from soil tests and spray/fertilizer applications can also be incorporated into the data being evaluated.

“We’d like to involve more students and invite local farmers as well as community members to attend our field days,” says

Page 3

Mr. Lapham. “Field days will be scheduled twice a month and we hope to have a more steady group this year. Last year we learned a lot and it was a good experience.” One improvement likely to be made this year according to Mr. Lapham: “We had a cookout with brats and burgers on the last day. I think we should definitely do more things like that.”

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Monday, March 19, 2018

Are you prepared for the grazing season?

By Michael Cruse Extension Educator Fillmore and Houston Counties The weather is not quite in the spring spirit yet, but it’s time to start thinking spring!

Spring is a critical time to prepare pastures for the summer grazing season.

Michael Cruse Did you miss your chance to seed pastures in the fall? Don’t worry, you can still do it in spring.

A recommendation from the University of Minnesota is to spring seed between April 1 and May 15. Since the ground is

still frozen, farmers also have the option to frost seed this spring.

Frost seeding is the practice of broadcasting forage seed in the early spring when the ground freezes at night and thaws during the day. The best practice is to seed early in the spring after snow melt but while the ground is still frozen. The repeated freezing and thawing of the ground will cause soil cracks, and the idea is seed will fall into those soil cracks and germinate. The main advantage to frost seeding is the ability to establish desirable species at a low per acre cost. Multiple resources from Cooperative Extension and the USDA recommend using species that ger-

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minate in cold weather. These species include red and white clover, birdsfoot trefoil, perennial ryegrass, orchardgrass, and smooth bromegrass. It is not recommended to use timothy or reed canarygrass.

Besides seeding pastures, there are several other steps to take to prepare pastures in the spring. Something that should be done yearly is soil testing.

Testing soil is an easy and inexpensive way to ensure best management of your pasture. Soil samples can be taken when soils are thawed and dry. When you have your soil test results, you can make informed decisions about fertilizer options.

Fertilizer recommendations are available from the University of Minnesota. You can search online for “University of Minnesota pasture fertilizer” or call your local Extension office for recommendations and best management practices.

Another aspect of managing pastures and preparing for the grazing season is weed control.

Spring is a good time to spray herbicide for annual weeds, as it can limit weed establishment.

When spraying herbicides in the spring or any time during the grazing season, be sure to keep grazing restrictions in mind. In addition to spraying for weeds, mowing is also a great way to control weeds, especially in low density areas. Pastures require regular mowing anyways, so keeping up with that schedule should provide sufficient weed control. When weeds are dense and you notice early establishment, chemical control may be more effective.

In preparation for the grazing season, it is also a good idea to check your pasture for maintenance needs. Walk fence lines and check for areas that need repair or reinforcement. Clean up trash and clear away downed trees or other brush impeding access. Check for hazards like debris from broken fences, or anything that could have blown in during the winter. Walking pastures also helps you determine areas that need seeding or may need more time to green up before being grazed.

Lastly, prepare for the grazing season by planning for it.

Determine your grazing system and special strategies you’d like to use. If you are trying rotational grazing for the first time, figure out where paddocks will be, get your moveable fencing in place, and create a schedule.

Think about the last grazing season and the observations you made then. Poorly growing areas, overgrazed areas, and sacrifice areas should all be noted.

Plan how those areas can be managed differently — or the same — to avoid any issues.

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Page 5

National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

Drones; the flying future of agriculture

By Kirsten Zoellner Fillmore County farmers are a lot of things; hard-working, dedicated, intelligent. They’re also at the forefront of innovative tech-

nologies that are changing the industry.

One technology, the use of aerial drones in crop production, is increasing at an impres-

sive pace. A May 2016 press release by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) predicted the value of drone powered solutions in global agriculture at $3.2 bil-

lion. A later PwC article in the MIT Technology Review spelled out six key methods in which drones are taking farming to the next level: soil and field analysis, planting, spraying, monitoring, irrigation, overall health assessment. While available prior to the turn of the millennium, drones were largely inaccessible in the marketplace. By 2013, drones were lighter, more capable, and cheaper, making them obtainable to more businesses and individuals.

In Fillmore County and nearby Iowa, at least two agricul-

ture professionals are on the bandwagon are incorporating the use of drones into their own farms and those of their clients.

Tom Thompson, of Thompson Land & Livestock in Harmony, first caught a glimpse of the possible opportunities last year. Thompson, who is a also Wyffels Hybrids representative, was introduced to it by district sales manager Royce Rottinghaus, of La Porte City, Iowa.

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, March 19, 2018

The Official Legal Newspaper for Fillmore County

National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

drones

Continued from Page 5

Minneapolis drone marketer Sentera. While he had no experience using drones, Thompson’s previous background as an Agriculture Management Solutions consultant had provided ample training in GPS. Still, when it was suggested he take charge of the flight, he balked. “I’d never flown one and was nervous a bit,” recalls Thompson. “They assured me I couldn’t damage it.

It turned out to be really easy.”

Rottinghaus has been using a drone for his own farm since April 2015, but began offering it to his Wyffels clients by July of that year. Farmers were initially skeptical, but once they saw the aerial footage and data it provided, they were excited about the time and cost savings.

“After using on my own farm, I started expanding it out,” he says. “We in the industry walk a lot of fields, but we don’t get the perspective of what you can see above. I estimate this cuts down on scouting time by half.”

“After drones first came out, my first thought was use in agriculture,” adds Thompson.

“If you go out to walk, you’re going to see 2% of that field.

The imagery in these sensors can pick out certain areas and you can follow up on spots identified through real-time mapping. The tech is really coming along.”

After flying Rottinghaus’ drone, Thompson ordered his

DJI Phantom 4 unit in January and outfitted it with cutting edge camera sensors including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which measures the amount and health of vegetation in an area, and Normalized Difference Red Edge, which centers on the concept of the red band of light indicating high levels of chlorophyll in vegetation, helpful in mapping fertilizer requirements. “I had iffy stands last year,” adds Thompson. “It helps make better critical decisions on my corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.”

The units typically being used in this type of agricultural application can range from $4,5007,000 in cost, depending on features and sensors added.

Thompson’s unit is entry-level, but flexible for his needs. “It was the best bang for my buck to get my feet wet. It’s rugged and long lasting.”

Likewise, Rottinghaus is utilizing the model he began with.

“I did a lot of research,” he notes.

Both units are programmed by the user with parameters of the area, launching up to a designated height to take a series of pictures, which are stitched together with various software for real-time video availability.

“Once you get it in the air, it’s self-piloting. It flies a pattern of the field outline, whether square or not, using GPS.” Rottinghaus chose his model, a quadcopter style, based on stability and the quality of the camera. The unit weighs

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approximately five pounds and continue being quick on their follow through with the decision is 14 inches square, requiring feet. “It’s great information as making process, it’s worthless. If just four square foot of room long as recorded properly,” cau- we don’t change something to for takeoff. The memory avail- tions Thompson. “If you can’t improve, it’s worthless.” able in the cameras varies on the user’s needs and the battery will fly 30-40 minutes, under perfect conditions. What’s more, the unit has a lengthy lifespan. In the three years since he’s gotten it, Rottinghaus has only replaced two sets of propellers, a total of $40 in maintenance. “They’re pretty much bulletproof,” he jokes. “I’ll do upgrades as the Special thankS to our tech upgrades, but that’s about ag industry it.”

The perfect flying conditions, it turns out, are impactful to the units and affect battery flight time. With hands-on experience, determining range becomes easier. “You have to be smart as to how you operate and take some precautions,” cautions Rottinghaus. A clear line of sight is required. Once lost, the unit will return to its start point.

Trees, wind, and humidity will all affect how much power the drone takes to operate.

Earlier crop scouting will also eliminate the guesswork and timing issues in needed replanting, according to Rottinghaus.

“In the early season, we naturally gravitate to the best or worst area of the field. With the to our technology that’s coming, we can fly the entire field and will be able to tell you how many plants per acre. With replanting, 507-886-6328 this will save time, save yield, Harmony, MN and cut down on seasonal problems. That technology isn’t too far away and can make a huge difference.”

“The sky is the limit,” adds Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas season. May Thompson. “I can’t speculate you be filled with much love and many sweets. We join Grinnell exactly what’s coming, but I Mutual in wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas. Trust in know they’re working on a lot Tomorrow.™ more algorithms for various testing and disease identification.

The technology changes fast.”

Thompson also stressed the clear advantage of section control, reducing the overplanting of waterways and eliminating“Trust in Tomorrow.” and the “A Grinnell Mutual Member” mark are property of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2017. overspraying of crops.

Rottinghaus also suggested (800) 846-6914 other possible opportunities for the farmers including livestock 115 East Cedar Street • Houston, MN and stored crop monitoring, www.moundprairiemutual.com N17-M-12 particularly the latter with his clients. “With infrared cameras, 2 columns x 5 inches we can see heat sources. With the storage of silage in bags, state representative we could identify hot spots in stored grain from the air.”

Thompson is also planning on using the imaging provided by woulD like to the drone for media content on a website that is under developthank all of our ment. “This has all been happening in the last 10-15 years.

It’s really taken off,” he says.

“To think about where we came from 20-25 years ago and now there’s autonomous tractors. It’s interesting to see where it’s going to go. Technology is a huge part of the farm.”

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Page 7

National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

As MN CREP unrolls, reasons for enrolling cropland multiply

Map of the 54 Minnesota counties eligible for the MN CREP program.

Image submitted Meet buffer requirements.

Stop battling wet ground. Build a legacy.

Nine months in to the new Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program enrollment period, those motivations

have sparked the most sign-ups throughout 54 eligible counties in the southern and western parts of the state.

“It’s going to accomplish a lot as part of the conservation goals for Minnesota,” said

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Dave Rickert, assistant easement section manager for the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. “These are areas that are playing an important part for water quality and wildlife habitat.”

MN CREP can buffer streams, restore wetlands or protect drinking water supplies. It puts marginal cropland into perpetual conservation easements.

The federal-state partnership works like this: Landowners enroll property for 15 years in the federally funded Conservation Reserve Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. That same land is enrolled in a statefunded, perpetual conservation easement through Reinvest in Minnesota, administered by BWSR. MN CREP is funded with $350 million from the federal government and $150 million from the state.

By mid-February, 35 soil and water conservation districts had submitted 130 applications. The 102 funded involve 3,582 acres and nearly $31.8 million.

“I would attribute the success of that to local SWCD efforts as well as wanting to leave a legacy for future generations.

These may be areas that are getting drowned out every so often. It’s putting less stress on the landowner having to worry about constantly flooded areas,” Rickert said.

Reasons for enrollment varied among landowners from three counties. But all of them mentioned creating wildlife habitat as a benefit. Their stories follow.

Buffer compliance The Van Wyhes knew they needed to buffer the drainage ditch feeding Mud Creek. They could have seeded it to grass and fed the hay to Howard’s cattle. But they’d enjoyed the wildlife habitat that grew out of an existing 80-acre Reinvest in Minnesota easement along the Rock River.

“As long as we needed to put it in the buffer on each side, we decided we might as well get paid for it. So we put it into the CREP program,” Leroy Van Wyhe said. “We do pheasant hunting and deer hunting; that’s another one of the reasons we decided to put it in the CREP program – so it gives us access to more hunting ground.”

Leroy, Howard and Greg Van Wyhe are Van Whye Farms, a 1,500-acre corn and soybean operation based in Rock County.

“The ground is good, real good for farming and raising corn and beans. It’s pretty valuable land down here,” Leroy said.

He advised farmers considering MN CREP to determine their soil type and payment rate.

What Arlyn Gehrke called

“fairly attractive rates for marginal crop ground” may be driving some Rock County signups.

“We’ve had a surprisingly high interest in CREP. We’re not known to have a lot of conservation easements in the county because we have a lot of fertile ground and expensive ground as well,” said Gehrke, Rock County Land Management/SWCD engineering technician. “It takes a bit of risk out of the operation.”

This spring, the Van Wyhes will seed their 12.75-acre MN

CREP easement with the SWCD-recommended, six-grass mix.

“It’ll be real good for habitat, and then at the same time it’ll be helping the water quality, too, since it’ll be acting as a buffer to keep the contaminants out of the ditch water,” Leroy Van Wyhe said. “I would hope that nitrate level would go down (and) if it is high in Mud Creek that we do see a change. That’s what these buffer strips are for, to cleanse the water before it See MN CREP Page 10 

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Monday, March 19, 2018

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By Barb Jeffers When you live your life caring for livestock, there are certain dirty jobs that come with the territory. Tail’s End Services, LLC can lighten your load when it comes to hauling manure.

Jeff Passow, owner of Tail’s End Services, grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School, and planned on becoming a farmer following graduation.

After having back surgery in 1978 he was told that farming would not be advised.

“I like driving tractors and being outside,” states Passow, so when he saw an opportunity to still do that, by performing custom ag services, he began Passow Custom Ag with his brother Tom in 1980, working in the state of Wisconsin, and eventually became the sole owner of the business which at that time consisted of one tractor and one tank.

While attending a trail ride dance in Mabel, Minn., Passow met his wife, Sylvia, and moved to rural Peterson, Minn., where

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he not only continued his business but began expanding. Passow purchased additional equipment and hired several employees as his customer list kept growing.

More than 20 years ago Passow expanded to packing bunker silos due to high demand. “That was more because of the farmers asking me because they knew I had these big tractors and I’m not busy in the summer, so they said, ‘you should put a blade on there,’” notes Passow.

In 2009 Passow expanded again as he began hauling solid manure using slingers. Before this, the business had only hauled liquids.

“That again was farmers requesting” that he get a slinger, says Passow.

In March 2014 Passow changed the name of the business to Tail’s End Services, LLC when he transitioned into a limited liability company. When asked why the name Tail’s End Services, Passow says with a chuckle, “Everything we do comes out that back end, except the bunker packing, that goes in the front end, but it creates work for us in the back end,” eventually!

Passow now owns eight tractors, five blades (2-12’ and 3-14’), seven tanks, two slingers and one pay loader. “That’s how much the demand for it built up,” notes Passow.

There have been changes in the business over the years as Passow explains, “When I first started I used to do 60 customers a year, but they were small, now I think we do about 30” depending on the year, he says.

“On the whole, most farmers have increased in size,” Passow states, saying, “the farms have increased in animal units” compared to farms years ago.

Technology has certainly changed how the work is performed as well. Passow was able to make repairs on his own tractors years ago, but that is no

longer possible due to the latest technology tractors now have installed.

“Our last tank purchases we made are using flow meters now,” says Passow explaining, “I don’t need to do it where I used to run with a certain pin in a valve; now we just punch in and there is an automatic flow meter on the tank that opens and shuts to keep the flow rate the same” for application.

Technology has changed the game but, “It’s also more expensive; way more expensive,” states Passow.

“The regulatory part of it has changed dramatically,” comments Passow. “At first I just had to license my business,” he says, “then they went to where I had to actually take a test and now my driver’s and employees need to be tested,” to meet regulations.

Tail’s End Services is fortunate to have long-time customers, as Passow states, “I have a great customer base,” and part of the reason for that is because he tells his employees to “treat the place

as your own” when arriving at a farm.

Repeat customers are always so great to have, notes Passow, as they are familiar with the farm and the fields.

Tail’s End Services has four full-time employees and several part-time employees. Passow says, “Your company is only as good as the people you have working for you,” and he appreciates his employees hard work.

After working with some farmers for many years, Passow says many of them have become friends, and some more like family, even going on vacations together.

Passow is happy to be the owner of an agricultural business where he can be in a tractor, be outdoors, and meet so many great people in the farming community.

Tail’s End Services, LLC offers their services within a 100 mile radius of home covering Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The business is located at 28359 393rd Ave., Peterson. For more information phone (507) 429-9339.

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Monday, March 19, 2018

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Applying manure this spring? Start planning now

By Melissa Wilson Extension Manure Management Specialist It may be hard to imagine spring coming anytime soon with the recent arctic temperatures, but in a few short months it’ll be time to apply nutrients for the upcoming crops. If you plan to apply manure, now is the time to start mapping out your plans for the year to save headaches down the road. Here are some tips to get you started on your plans and for applying manure this spring.

Tips to prepare for • Inspect Equipment. Make sure everything is functioning properly. To avoid leaks or spills, replace or repair anything that

needs to be fixed.

• Get your manure sampled and analyzed, or find your most recent manure analysis. This will give you an accurate idea of how many nutrients are available to you.

• Plan applications for each field. Calculate your application rates using the nutrient needs of your upcoming crop (based on the University of Minnesota recommendations) and your manure nutrient analysis.

Subtract out any nutrient credits from manure applied in the past three years or from legumes grown in the past year.

• Determine any setbacks needed in fields. This includes streams, ditches, lakes, tile inlets

and sinkholes. Also mark locations of sensitive features to avoid.

• Put together an Emergency Action Plan. Make a list of emergency contacts in case of a leak or spill and think of ways that you could possibly contain a spill so that you can have the appropriate tools on hand.

Tips for manure application • Monitor the weather. Avoid applying immediately before a predicted rainfall.

• Avoid wet or frozen fields.

Manure can very easily run off of a frozen field, especially in spring rains. On fields that are

wet, adding manure (which has liquid in it) will only increase the likelihood of runoff or the start of tile flow. You are also more likely to cause soil compaction in wet conditions.

• Apply manure according to calculated rates. Do not overapply! Nutrients are less likely to be lost to our waterways when applied at appropriate rates.

• Monitor equipment for leaks. Have equipment handy for stopping leaks and for cleanup. Know the numbers you need to call if there is a spill.

• Keep records. Always note the field location, manure

Page 9

source and amount applied.

Keep records on file for at least three years.

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, March 19, 2018

Right now I’m watching a bunch of deer,” Muilenburg said.

Continued from Page 7 Wildlife habitat Twin Cities elementary gets to the stream.” school principal Steven Geis Legacy creation raises 1,400 acres of corn and Bob Muilenburg has raised soybeans, allows hunting in potatoes for Hormel’s Dinty exchange for help managing Moore stew, onions for the open 500 acres enrolled in conservamarket, and sweetcorn for the tion easements, and this winter local cannery. As he plans for enrolled 105 acres of marginal retirement, Muilenburg has Redwood County cropland in pared down his 1,100-acre FreeMN CREP. born County operation. This Geis grew up in the city. His year, he’ll farm about 260 acres. parents bought a farm in 1976.

In recent years, the property his Being new to farming, Geis father purchased in the late 1960s said he was just off Interreceptive to state HighMN CREP: Six things to consider conservation way 35 near Fair Compensation: Combining USDA Conservation Reserve practices from Geneva Lake Program contract payments and Reinvest in Minnesota easement the start. He produced payments equals at least 90% of the land’s value. credits a wellcarrots and Marginal-Cropland Focus: CRP and RIM payments often informed and sweetcorn. are attractive on land that produces lower yields because of wet cooperative Muilenburg ground, soil type or other challenges.

Redwood described the Ccrp Comparison: USDA does not plan to offer Continuous Soil & Water land as peat CRP to producers; MN CREP is the only option available. If Conservation or “muck” CCRP becomes available at a later time due to additional inDistrict staff – a silty soil centives paid through MN CREP, payments will be 52-120% with identifythat falls away greater with MN CREP compared with CCRP. ing options from the root Farm Bill Uncertainty: MN CREP or other cropland retiresuited to his crops at harment options might not be available in future legislation. The property. vest. next Federal Farm bill will expire September 30, the end of the

“With Chad Billat federal fiscal year. us having less of Freeborn Conservation Elements: Enrolling land in MN CREP directly than 1% of Soil & Water benefits water quality and habitat. wetlands in Conservation Legacy Opportunity: A MN CREP enrollment can benefit fuour county District said ture generations and the environment. (remaining), a lot of MN every wetCREP enrollees had been waiting for the MN CREP property a quarter- land restoration we can do is extremely important for water next conservation easement pro- mile away.

“It’s a nice wildlife area. We quality and for putting congram.

“They were waiting for some- see lots of deer, we see lots of servation on the ground,” said thing that makes financial sense geese — you name it. Turkey. Marilyn Bernhardson, Redwood SWCD administrator.

Geis’ Redwood County MN CREP enrollment includes 55 acres near the Cottonwood River in Lamberton Township that’s often too wet to farm, and 50 acres of less productive, lighter soils in adjoining North Hero Township.

“In looking at the maps, you can see what the yield is. When we get an adequate rain it’s good. But it’s also nestled between two pieces that are currently also enrolled (in conservation easements) so it’s going to make a larger tract,” Geis said. “It’s the best use for the land, in the sense that you’re taking a piece of ground that may 507-268-4321 • Fountain, MN • www.fsbfountain.com be marginal and utilizing its full potential by restoring it.”

Both of his Redwood County MN CREP additions will make good pheasant habitat. Geis also expects to see wild turkeys and deer on the piece near the Cottonwood River.

“You have to look (at) what’s the best use of the land for the long-term — especially if it’s something that’s going to help with waterways, that’s going to help with water quality and wildlife management,” Geis said.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with

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to them,” Billat said, adding that payments over 15 years create less of a tax burden. “Landowners are getting close to retirement or their renters are getting close to retirement and looking for different options.”

The 145 acres Muilenburg is enrolling in MN CREP will expand wildlife habitat abutting Geneva Lake. With two different conservation easements, he previously enrolled parcels totaling 50 acres. From the window of the home he built for retirement, Muilenburg can see the

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Page 11

National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

Root causes, Root solutions

there’s potential for family to worth of manure storage.

“Probably the worst has been continue in that operation. It’s when, during the winter, we a great investment to keep that The Root River Field to Stream were designed to reduce runoff would try to apply to our flat- there, knowing that they’re part Partnership seeks to answer how and soil erosion. test ground up on top. If the of the community. They’re a farm practices affect water quality. Monitoring started in 2010 on roads were bad or the fields were young family that can stay on Findings apply to fields and rivers four farms within Houston, Fillespecially muddy, we would just the landscape and be farming,” more and Mower counties. The across southeastern Minnesota. keep on applying to the same Rasmussen said.

RUSHFORD – Today, they Minnesota Department of Agrifields because we wouldn’t want By late November, the heifer culture-led ride trike to go on barn was nearly complete. New venture in the calf the steeper water and sediment control basins “People live in an ag community because they want to be here. They targets barn, climb stuff. Then were in place in the fields. About want to be where they can see farm fields and animals on the land. By three small hay bales in you would one month’s worth of manure supporting that and making it possible for farmers to make a living waterpink cowp r o b a b l y was stored in the new faciliand do it well and still be environmentally friendly is probably how sheds that boy boots, get some ty, which can store 12 months’ we’re going to sustain our local communities.” drain into snuggle in a r u n o f f , ” worth. Waterway construction Root River toddler-size Donna Rasmussen, Dahl said. was planned for spring. tributaries.

John Deere D a h l “We are very thankful for Donna Fillmore SWCD District Administrator What is sweatshir t. Rasmussen estimated everything that has happened learned will One day, his cost- but it has been quite a process to Josh and Steph Dahl’s three chil- apply to watersheds throughout coordinating the partnership. share for all projects will total get everything lined up. When dren could become fifth-genera- southeastern Minnesota. you combine a federal project Within two years, more than $200,000.

The effort involves federal, 60% of the farmers who par- The benefits of improvements with a state project, you don’t tion family farmers.

The Dahls are positioning their state and local agencies working ticipated in field walk-overs had made on Dahl’s farm extend well necessarily always know who you 160-cow Houston County dairy with farmers. agreed to conservation fixes. beyond the Bridge Creek Water- should be talking with and how operation for the future with Forty-seven farmers agreed to “We still have more work to shed. they are going to mesh together,” improvements made possible field walk-overs meant to iden- be done, but that speaks volumes “There’s a huge investment of Dahl said. “It has been challengthrough the Root River Field to tify spots where conservation about the farmers’ commitment public dollars, but there’s a huge ing at times.” practices could benefit high- to be proactive and help improve return to the public, too, as far Improvements on the Dahl Stream Partnership.

The partnership is using inten- risk erosion areas. Ron Meiners, water quality,” Meiners said. as the water quality benefits,” farm were among 160 individual sive edge-of-field and in-stream retired Root River Soil & Water Implementation started in July Rasmussen said. “It’s not just projects proposed across the three data collection to determine Conservation District manager, 2016. the feedlot. It’s the other envi- watersheds. what effect specific conservation started each field visit by not- Conservation fixes draw from ronmental benefits to keeping “The effort was to accelerate practices have on water quality. ing the conservation practices two Minnesota Board of Water a small dairy on the land. They the adoption of conservation On the Dahl farm, a 1.9 million already in place. and Soil Resources grants total- have hay in the rotation, so you practices in the target area,” said gallon manure storage facility, a The walk-overs followed seven ing nearly $1.3 million. Envi- have that filtering effect of hay Gary Larson, Caledonia-based calf barn, heifer barn, sediment years’ monitoring that estab- ronmental Quality Incentives strips on the land.”

NRCS district conservationist. control basins and waterways lished baseline data. That $1.1 Program and landowner matches In early September, alternat- “The combination of the fedbring the initial budget to nearly ing swaths of alfalfa and corn eral and state or local cost-share $1.9 million. undulated over the rolling hills, package – it really was a sale on “It answers ‘What if we can stretching from the farmyard conservation as far as financial really target practices in strategic toward Bridge Creek. A contrac- assistance.” locations within these watersheds tor within a week of finishing The proposed improvements that have a high risk for runoff? the 1.9 million gallon manure include 105 waterways totalWhat if we can get additional storage facility operated a skid- ing 111,200 feet, three manure practices in those locations, and steer loader. Calves kicked up storage facilities, 25 water and 409 Spring Ave. Box 316 • Preston, MN 55965 what effect might that have in their heels in the calf barn built sediment control basins and Ronald Schreier Timothy McLaughlin the watershed?’” Kuehner said. last year. A video crew filmed the grade stabilization structures, a ron@majortax.com tim@majortax.com “What’s the best we can do with family for a promotional piece sinkhole diversion, a milkhouse waste system – plus a $226,000 a saturated, focused approach?” about the partnership.

Phone: 507-765-4444 Phone: 507-765-4432 Kuehner said.

The Dahl farm represents what flood-control structure restora Projects on the Dahls’ farm are Rasmussen would like to see rep- tion. Nutrient management counted among more than 50 licated across the southeastern plans, contour buffer strips, and throughout the three watersheds Minnesota landscape 10 years 40 acres of cover crops a year within each watershed round out that were finished or under con- from now. struction this fall.

The Dahls and their children the list.

Within the Bridge Creek — 4-year-old twins Cashton and “Hopefully we’re going to watershed, conservation practices Jaxie and 1-year-old Bricker — demonstrate that that needle is implemented on the Dahls’ 450- live in the house where Josh’s moving in regards to reduced acre farm south of Rushford had grandmother grew up. His great- soil erosion and sediment-loadthe greatest potential to improve grandfather, his grandmother’s ing. Hopefully we’re going to water quality – partly because brother and his father ran this show kind of a before-and-after of the farm’s proximity to the farm before him; his father, Jerry, picture, and really showcase how creek. still owns the adjoining farm.

“It was important! to get that “They’re a young family, and See ROOTS Page 12  one addressed. Because you can do everything else in the watershed and if that’s ! still a source, it’s going to affect your outcomes of! Thank you to our ag producers who implement practices water quality,” said Donna Rason switch outs and new tank installs that save our soil and protect our water. mussen, Fillmore SWCD district • Heating Oil and Propane • Free keep fill service administrator. Fillmore SWCD Thank you to our ag producers who implement practices assist Contact us for about technical and/or financial is the fiscal agent for the Clean Thank you toinformation our ag producers whoour implement practic that save our soil and protect water.

• Contracting • Safety inspections • Tank leasing (cost share, low interest loans) forwater. soil conservat Water Fund grant. thatincentives, save our or soil and protect our practices, soil health practices, nutrient/manure management, Josh Dahl said few surprises Contact us for information about technical and/or financial assistance fe (cost share, incentives, or low interest loans) for soil conservation emerged during his field walk- management, windbreaks, or other conservation needs. practices, soil health practices, nutrient/manure management, feedlot Contact us for information about technical and/or financial assi over. management, windbreaks, or other conservation needs.

“We knew that our waterways (costFillmore share, incentives, or low interest loans) for soil conserva Soil and Water Conservation Distric were filling up and wepractices, knew that soilFillmore health practices, nutrient/manure Soil and Water Conservation District 900 Washington St. NW, Prestonmanagement, our manure storage was probably 900 Washington St. NW, Preston 507-765-3878 ext.

3 management, windbreaks, or other conservation needs.

507-765-3878 ext. 3 Rushford: 43295 Highway 16, Rushford, MN 55971 • 507-864-9229 not the best, but we didn’t have www.fillmoreswcd.org www.fillmoreswcd.org the funds to do anything differEst. Winona: 508 Louisa St., Winona, MN 55987 • 507-452-4743 Est. 1942 1942 Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation Distr ent,” Dahl said.

Our soil andwater. water. Your future. www.seversonoil.com Our soil and Your future.

900 Washington St. NW, Preston The farm had about five days’ million phase of the project ended in June 2016.

“This first phase is asking the question: What is the water quality like today under current farming practices and conditions?” said Preston-based Kevin Kuehner, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture soil scientist

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FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

Monday, March 19, 2018

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National Ag Week A special section to salute the root of our economy...Agriculture.

ROOTS

Continued from Page 11

local units of government can work with federal government to deliver that conservation product to move that needle,” Larson said.

Dave Walter, Root River SWCD manager, said he hoped the Field to Stream project would have a broader effect in Houston County.

“I hope as the big picture grows here and, like Gary says, that needle does move and we prove that this is effective, we can go to other watersheds and say this has worked in the past, we can write some grants up,” Walter said.

Adam Beilke, Rochester-based BWSR board conservationist, said work in the small watersheds demonstrates what the targeted approach can achieve on a larger scale.

Root River Field to Stream data will apply to southeastern Minnesota’s Cannon and Zumbro rivers, too.

“The outcome of this project is going to be very useful. Because you look at the Cannon, you look at the Zumbro, those watersheds in particular, they have the same landscape changes – you go from glaciation through karst to the blufflands. And those landscapes have similar farming practices and similar water quality issues,” Rasmussen said.

I think the transferability of this information is really critical and really going to be helpful down the road,” Rasmussen said.

Improvements made on ag land within the three targeted watersheds will benefit the Root River, which feeds the Mississippi River. The Root River is impaired for turbidity, bacteria

Houston County farmers Josh and Steph Dahl implemented water quality improvements made possible through the Root River Field to Stream Partnership.

Photo submitted and macroinvertebrates. Willow Creek, which is fed by Crystal Creek, is impaired for nitrates, bacteria and macroinvertebrates.

“The biggest thing we’re working on is reducing the sediment load that gets to the water. That has obvious benefits to your average recreator – just for water clarity, for fishing opportunities in the trout streams in this area,” Beilke said.

“They’re also studying some of the movement of nitrates through groundwater. That has ramifications for drinking water concerns in this area. It’s not just focused on these small watersheds but overall the whole Root and even beyond that as far as how this

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approach can move forward and reduce some of these sediment and phosphorus, nitrate concerns,” Beilke said.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ mission is to improve and protect Minnesota’s water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners. Website: www.bwsr. state.mn.us.

Who’s involved Ongoing work in the Minnesota Department of Agricultureled Root River Field to Stream Partnership involves three county soil and water conservation districts – Root River SWCD in Houston County, Fillmore SWCD and Mower SWCD, the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and The Nature Conservancy.

Field to Stream target watersheds The Root River Field to Stream Partnership focused on three small watersheds that represent the range of topography and agricultural practices spanning several southeastern Minnesota counties. What’s gleaned here can apply to rivers across the region. Edge-of-field monitoring is taking place on four farms.

• Houston County: Bridge Creek, a spring-fed trout stream with a 4,700-acre watershed, lies within the steep, forested Mississippi River bluffs. Edge-of-field monitoring is taking place on a continuous-corn dairy.

• Fillmore County: Crystal Creek, a spring-fed trout stream with a 3,800-acre watershed,

encompasses rolling hills and karst topography. Edge-of-field monitoring is taking place on one hog operation and one continuous corn silage dairy.

•Mower County: South Branch Root River, the Root River’s headwaters lie within a tile-drained, 2,800-acre watershed dominated by corn and soybean fields. Edge-of-field monitoring is taking place on a tiled field in a corn-soybean rotation.

Monitoring In-stream and edge-of-field testing continues at nine stations. One more was added as monitoring moves from collecting baseline data collection to measuring the effects of conservation practices.

Site selection: Five edge-of-

field, three in-stream, one spring, one intermittent stream (including tile drainage) between upland cultivation and steep forested bluffs.

Data collection: Volume readings track runoff. Sediment and nutrient readings focus on nitrogen (nitrate vs. ammonia form) and phosphorus (dissolved vs. attached to sediment). Streams are tested for about 45 types of pesticides. Climate readings include rainfall, soil moisture, air and soil temperature, humidity and wind speed.

Start-up costs: The Nature Conservancy and Monsanto paid for about $145,000 in initial monitoring equipment.

First-phase funds: The $100,000 in annual monitoring and testing costs were paid through 2012 with the Legislature’s 2008 appropriation of $395,000 in Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources funds, and then by Minnesota Department of Agriculture Clean Water Fund awards.

A $33,000 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fishers and Farmers Partnership for the Upper Mississippi grant helped with outreach and monitoring.

Trout Streams The South Branch Root River is considered one of Minnesota’s premiere trout streams, with brown and brook trout. It’s a heavily fished tributary that flows through Forestville State Park.

The South Branch’s headwaters are a warm-water fishery. Crystal Creek supports brown trout.

Bridge Creek has naturally reproducing brown and native brook trout.

“If you have brook trout, that’s an indication of water quality, because they’re sensitive to temperature and food sources,” Kuehner said. Consistent groundwater flow has supported both species.

FFA Day at the State Capitol

State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) is pictured with state officers from the FFA and Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC), including former Harmony resident and current MAELC Executive Director Sarah Dornink. The group recently participated in FFA Day at the State Capitol.

Photo submitted