Farming in the Heartland Spring 2016

Page 1

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 20

16 Ford F-150

16 Ford F-350

Farming

in the

D N A L T R HEA

SPRING 2016

PLANTING THE SEED FOR 2016

An Agricultural, Farming & Rural Development Supplement Covering Freeborn County, Mower County & Surrounding Areas

16 Ram 2500 16 Nissan Titan

OUR LITTLE EXPERTS TURN

BIG DATA Real Estate Sales and Farm Management

INTO SMART DECISIONS.

Introducing Climate FieldView™, the first integrated support tool providing customized insights, along with seamless data flow and visualization—helping you make confident decisions.

Farmers National Company is the Nation’s Leading Agricultural Services Company! • Auction and Ag Land Real Estate Services • Proactive Farm Management System

Doug Bergemann, AFM

Jeanne Williams, Agent

Austin, Minnesota

Business: (507) 340-6613

DBergemann@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/JeanneWilliams

Farm Manager/Agent

Business: (507) 420-8328

www.FarmersNational.com/DouglasBergemann

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

JWilliams@FarmersNational.com

Lowell Gabriel, Agent

For all of your agricultural landowner needs, contact your local land professionals.

Alden, Minnesota

Business: (507) 383-0295 LGabriel@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/LowellGabriel

www.FarmersNational.com

Lee Williams, AFM, CCA Farm Manager/Agent

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

Business: (507) 341-0097

See how data driven insights can help you. Visit Climate.com or contact your local Asgrow/Dekalb dealer for more details.

LWilliams@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/LeeWilliams

Real Estate Sales • Auctions • Farm and Ranch Management • Appraisal • Insurance • Consultations Oil and Gas Management • Forest Resource Management • National Hunting Leases • Lake Management • FNC Ag Stock

Our services provide estimates or recommendations based on models. These do not guarantee results. Consult your agronomist, commodities broker and other service professionals before making financial, risk management and farming decisions. Information and recommendations we provide do not modify your rights under insurance policies purchased through our affiliates. More information at http://www.climate.com/disclaimers. ©2016 The Climate Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 19

PEGGY BENNETT

Spring Open House

% 25 Off Trees, Perennials and Shrubs

has been working hard for our farmers! ✓ Co-authored property tax reform bill to help reduce the huge property

Wide Variety of Annuals and Hanging Baskets!

tax burden on farmland

This little piggy went to market and never lost money.

1

Banking on the market to fund your retirement can be risky. I can help you lock in solid gains and protect yourself from downside risk. Call me today.

✓ Fought to protect farmers from the governor’s “one size fits all” water buffer mandate and to keep this control LOCAL

63118 200th St, Rose Creek 507.437.4751 or 507.460.0277 cell

50 foot

weislandscapingllc@gmail.com

✓ Helped dismantle the unelected environmental activist board

Real Value for You Speed Queen Laundry's BEST CLEAN! BEST RINSE!

(MPCA Citizens Board)

✓ Prioritized ag education in local colleges to help prepare our future generations of farmers

PEGGY

FOR

BENNETT HOUSE 27A

RE-ELECT

PEGGY BENNETT

People before politics.

Visit www.Bennett4House.com to learn more about Peggy and her positions!

She will continue to be a strong voice for Minnesota farmers!

1SFQBSFE BOE QBJE GPS CZ UIF #FOOFUU GPS ./ )PVTF " DPNNJUUFF r 8 8JMMJBN 4U 1.# r "MCFSU -FB ./

2016 Mower County Farm Family of the Year Joel and Carrie Nelson Jed, Lucy and Mac

Darrell Ingvaldson, LUTCF

Agent Photo

100 S Mill Street PO Box 298 Agent Info Brownsdale (507) 567-2296

See us for all your LP Gas needs We do installation, leak detection, and testing.

We can help with your fertilizer and chemical needs. We also offer variable rate fertilizer.

- Kevin Reed Logo

LEWIS CHARLES CYCLES motorcycle sales, service & accessories

1

Disclosure

Surrender of the contract may be subject to surrender charges. Withdrawals before age 591/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Additionally, there is a charge for the Simple7 Income Rider once it is activated. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services A141 (3-16)

Hi Yield Products Inc. 23282 620th Ave • Alden, Minnesota 56009 Bus: (507) 874-3750 Cell: (507) 383-0874 Email: kevin@hiyieldmn.com

Saturday, May 14th • 8 am-5 pm Sunday, May 15th • 10 am-4 pm

V-Twin & Metric

Mike Owens cell 507.720.4114 shop 507.369.5292 919 west main albert lea, mn

NOW 5 yr parts & labor on select Speed Queen models

ONLY AT

DONKERS

1107 1st Ave SW • Austin

Hometown Appliances

433-8608 Local Sales with Service

Open a Donkers Credit Card today and get 1 Year Interest FREE financing & FREE local delivery. *Check for details.


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 18

Leroy inc. Lumber

Jim Bottema, Manager Roger Stratton, Outside Sales 201 Main Street | LeRoy, MN

507-324-5101

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 3

Congratulations!

The 2016 Farm Family of the Year!

www.leroylumber.doitbest.com

FREE ESTIMATES FREE DESIGN with materials purchased from LeRoy Lumber

Overhead Power Lines Entanglement with overhead power lines and farm equipment is one of the most common electrical hazards on the farm. Many types of farm equipment can come in contact with overhead power lines. Tractors with front-end loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up planters, dump truck beds and sprayer booms are all examples of equipment that can easily get caught in overhead power lines.

Recommendations: • LOOK UP! before moving or transporting equipment especially around buildings, grain bins or entrance/exiting fields and farms.

FREE DELIVERY - Every day in Austin and surrounding areas

• Power lines should be at least 18 feet above the highest point of grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used.

BUYERS OF ALL TYPES OF METALS

• Considering burying electric lines to reduce the risk of accidental contact. • Remember some equipment during transportation is actually taller than when in use. • Another thing you need to be careful of is bumping into the guide wires on electrical poles. This will cause sagging in the overhead lines and will make entanglement more likely.

HIGHEST PRICE FOR ALUMINUM CANS

FARMERS! Are You Tired Of Farming Around These? Would you like to install a Rock Inlet System? Advantages:

The Shell Rock River Watershed District is offering a $300 cost share, per rock inlet, that is installed in the watershed

o Excess surface water is removed as effectively as open inlets. o Less sediment is delivered into the subsurface tile system. o Producers can plant through the rock inlet area without harm to equipment or the inlet. o Subsurface drainage is increased in the area around the inlet. o Freeze up time during cold winter months is shorter allowing drainage to occur in late fall, early winter and early spring. o Suction voids do not form around rock inlets. o Allows venting for the subsurface drainage system.

Shell Rock River Watershed District 507-377-5785 | 214 West Main St. | Albert Lea, MN 56007

2016 Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year Doug & Stacy Steele & Family NOW OPEN

Hensche Motorized Enterprises • Vehicle Repair • D.O.T Inspections • Light, Medium and Heavy Duty Truck and Trailer Maintenance • Repair Basic Car Maintenance • Repair Welding Services

Call for all your Auction needs!

507-584-0133 • 130 State Hwy 16 Dexter, MN

www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com

COMPLETE SEPTIC SERVICE

• Always stay alert and never take unnecessary risks.

If your equipment becomes entangled in power lines, stay in the tractor or truck unless the tractor or truck starts on fire. Jump as far from the tractor as possible but land on both feet. Then hop with feet together to get to safety! If on fire, contact 911…if you are staying in the vehicle, contact FMCS Operations at 800-734-6421.

P&L Excavating Call: Kyle

Septic Compliance Design • Installation Pumping • Maintenance

507-383-3385

Brought to you by:

www.fmcs.coop

Monday-Friday • 8AM–8PM | Saturday & Sunday • On Call 606 West 9th Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 369-5084

Hamilton Auction Co.

2501 Main Street East, Albert Lea, MN This institution is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

P&L Excavating 507-383-3385 | pandlexcavating.com | 507-319-6664


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 4

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 17

USDA Expands Microloans to Help Farmers Purchase Farmland and Improve Property Producers, Including Beginning and Underserved Farmers, Have a New Option to Gain Access to Land The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now offers farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. Microloans have helped farmers and ranchers with operating costs, such as feed,

fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses since 2013. Seventy percent of loans have gone to new farmers. Now, microloans are available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers

See Us for Your Next

strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers, and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). To qualify for assistance, the applicant must not be larger than a family-sized farm, have a satisfactory history of meeting credit obligations, be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms, and meet all other loan eligibility requirements. Since 2010, more than 50 percent of USDA’s farm loans now go to beginning

www.bdmetalworks.com • bdmetalworks@bevcomm.net

farmers and FSA has increased its lending to targeted underserved producers by nearly 50 percent.

Nobody knows the lay of the land like we do. AgStar is proud to support our agricultural community. • Loans • Leases

On the Farm I On the Road

Ag Lender

NMLS #921688

Service Tire

Ag and truck tires for all your farm equipment:

Member FDIC

www.securitybankmn.com

437 Bridge Ave • Albert Lea 507- 373-1481

195 N. Broadway • Alden 507-874-3363

24 / 7 / 365 Days a Year

201 Main St. • Emmons 507-297-5461

We want your Iron & Non-Ferrous Metals Stop In & Check Out Our Full Service Retail Meat & Deli Counter

State & National Grand Champion

SMOKED MEATS Best in Show

SUMMER SAUSAGE

CUSTOM PROCESSING At It's Best!

Beef • Pork • Lamb

202 Ash Ave. S. New Richland, MN 507-465-3888

Albert Lea

1353 S.E. Broadway 507-373-6469

LeRoy

510 W Main St 507-324-5638

bauerbuilt.com

HIGHEST PRICES PAID! "PUT YOUR JUNK IN OUR YARD!" We want your Iron & Non-Ferrous Metals! "PUT YOUR JUNK IN OUR YARD!"

Buck’s Recycling Buck’s Recycling

1541A Hwy 9 • Manly - 5•Miles South of Kensett2792 •2792 641-512-JUNK 641-454-3049 1541A Hwy 9 Manly 1541A Hwy 9 • Manly 130th St. •or Belmond 130th St. • Belmo 2792 130th St. • Belmond • 641-444-4633 or 641-430-6900 641-512-JUNK or 641-454-3049 641-444-4633 or 641-430-6900

• Crop Insurance • Home Mortgages AgStar Financial Services is an equal opportunity employer, lender and provider. © 2016 All rights reserved.

Pat Gavle

• Operating Lines • Farm Land Loans • Farm Equipment • Local Approval • Flexible Terms • Competitive Rates

HIGHEST PRICES PAI

To learn more about the FSA microloan program visit www. fsa.usda.gov/microloans, or contact your local FSA office. To find your nearest office location, please visit http:// offices.usda.gov.

Septic Systems Water Lines Grading | Trenching Down Spout Tiling

Custom Metal Work Especially for you.

(507) 553-6388 Fax (507) 553-6387

“This is a great update for Minnesota producers.”

383-4893 | 383-1245

Brett and Dynette Niebuhr

15897 St. Hwy. 22 PO Box 206 Wells, MN 56097

USDA Farm Service Agency Fillmore County Farm Loan Manager

GUARANTEED Systems GUARANTEED Quality Work

B&D Metal Works, Inc.

General Machining Large and Small Machining Steel and Rebar Sales Hydraulic Hoses • Bolts MIG Welding • TIG Welding Portable On-Site Welding

Adam J. Gritz

AGRICULTURE LOAN

AgStar.com 866-577-1831

www.bucksrecycling.com 641-512-JUNK or 641-454-3049 641-444-4633 or 641-430www.bucksrecycling.com


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 16

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 5

USDA Expands Safety-Net for Dairy Operations Adding Next-Generation Family Members Dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) can now update their production history when an eligible family member joins the operation. The voluntary program, established by Kirk W. Phelps the 2014 Farm Bill, protects USDA Farm Service participating dairy Agency producers when Mower County the margin – the Executive Director difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a final rule which makes these changes effective on April 13, 2016. Any dairy operation already enrolled

in the Margin Protection Program that had an intergenerational transfer occur will have an opportunity to increase the dairy operations production history during the 2017 registration and annual coverage election period. The next election period begins on July 1, 2016, and ends on Sept. 30, 2016. For intergenerational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification must be made to the FSA within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows. Each participating dairy operation is authorized one intergenerational transfer at any time of its choosing until 2018. For $100 a year, dairy producers can receive basic catastrophic protection that covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin coverage level. For additional premiums, operations can protect 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments. Annual enrollment in the program is required in order to receive margin protection. The final rule also provides improved risk protection for dairy farmers that pay premiums to buy-up higher levels of coverage by clarifying that 90 percent

R & S Grain Systems, Inc. Manufacturing & Fabrication

25863 650th Ave., Dexter, MN 55926 Phone: 507-584-6794 • Fax: 507-584-6634 • rsgrain.com

We Have on Hand:

Belts • Bearings • Electric Motors • Nuts & Bolts Hubs • Pulleys • Dodge Gear Drives • Roller Chain

of production is covered below the $4 level even if a lower percentage was selected above the $4 margin. Earlier this year, FSA gave producers the opportunity to pay their premium through additional options including via their milk cooperative or handler. This rule facilitates those options and also clarifies that the catastrophic level protection at $4 will always cover 90 percent of the production history, even if a producer selected a less than a 90 percent percentage for the buy-up coverage. Assuming current participation, had the Margin Protection Program existed from 2009 to 2014, premiums and fees would have totaled $500 million while providing producers with $2.5 billion in financial assistance, nearly $1 billion more than provided by the old Milk Income Loss Contract program during the same period. For more information, visit FSA online at www. fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office and ask about the Margin Protection Program. To find a local FSA office in your area, visit http:// offices.usda.gov.

DOUG’S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING • Farm & Industrial Equipment • In-Shop Painting • Interior & Exterior Refinishing/Painting • New & Existing Commercial Buildings

FREE ESTIMATES | DOUG, JASON & DAN EVANS 2190 S. Lincoln Ave. | Albert Lea, MN 56007 | 507.377.1508

STROUP & LEWISON DISTRIBUTING, LLC. High Pressure Cleaning Equipment Dealer Sales and Service *Hot & Cold Washers

*KO Cleaning Products

102 3rd St S, Rose Creek, MN 55970

507-433-2227

BRICELYN INSURANCE AGENCY

Farmers Sought for Water-Quality Certification Program Local producers are encouraged during April to contact Mower SWCD office April 11, 2016, AUSTIN, Minn. – Mower County farmers and agricultural landowners whose conservation practices are protecting water quality have a new opportunity from the state offering formal recognition and regulatory certainty. Those interested farmers and landowners are encouraged during April to contact the Mower Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more or start the process for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), which aims to show that the state’s farms and waters can prosper together. Under the voluntary program, those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices that benefit water quality will be certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. They also then obtain regulatory certainty for a 10-year period in which they are deemed in compliance with any new water-quality rules or laws. Certified farmers and landowners also

can use their status to promote their ag business as protective of water quality. They will get field signs to show friends and neighbors how they care for Minnesota’s waters. MN Ag Water Quality Certification Benefits of certification * Regulatory certainty for a 10year period of certification. * Formal recognition for implementing practices that protect water quality. * Increased priority for technical and financial assistance to implement best management practices. Minnesotans receive: Assurance that certified producers are managing operations in a way that does not harm water quality.

“Water quality is a major focus right now in Minnesota, and this new program is a great way to recognize farmers who are meeting the state’s expectations for water quality,” said Steve Lawler, Mower SWCD

ALL THE LATEST 2016 MODELS! arcticcat.com

ROYAL SPORTS

105 Main St. W. Clarks Grove

Farmer’s Trust & Savings Bank Building Bricelyn, MN 507-653-4440 or Toll Free 800-779-0490

offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Local conservation professionals are working with several hundred farms seeking certification across Minnesota. To date, the program has certified 110 farms, covering more than 64,000 acres and generating 229 new conservation practices. Farmers interested in seeking certification should contact Mower SWCD at 507-434-2603 or go to www. mowerswcd.org or www.mylandmylegacy. com to learn more. Since 1953, Mower SWCD has provided land and conservation services to Mower County landowners to help manage lands in a way that promotes a sound economy as well as sustains and enhances natural resources that are key to the state’s environmental health. Mower SWCD is one of Minnesota’s 91 SWCDs each are governed by an elected board.

Get Ready for Spring SAVE on Spring Construction! an RAM C r You! o F ll A Do It g - Concrete tin Excava - Plumbing HVAC l Services a Electric scaping Land

royalsports.us • 507-256-7596 Frontier Communications supports Farm Safety and wishes all farmers a safe and successful planting season. Keep in touch with family members.

Covering All Your Farm Insurance Needs Crop Farm Policies & More Ron Erickson, Agent Ann Jensen, Agent

BRICELYN INSURANCE AGENCY

resource specialist and the lead contact for the program in Mower County. MAWQCP is tailored to each farmer’s individual operation and can help everyone from a small organic farmer to a large conventional crop farmer make improvements benefitting water quality. Producers seeking certification also can obtain specially designated technical and financial assistance to implement practices that promote water quality. MAWQCP certifies farmers and landowners through a comprehensive whole-farm assessment that puts producers together with SWCD staff to determine where risks to water quality exist on their farm, and empowers them to fix those risks when found. Through the program, Minnesota citizens get assurance that certified producers are using conservation practices to protect the state’s lakes, rivers and streams. MAWQCP began in four pilot subwatersheds and recently became available to farmers statewide. It is

320-485-2844 800-710-4726

www.rambuildings.com High-Speed Internet. Telephone. TV. Data Security

888.FRONTIER | www.Frontier.com

Specializing in Post Frame and Steel Frame Buildings

Agricultural • Equestrian • Storage • Commercial • Hangars • Residential


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 15

Growing Your Community’s Future with Your Austin Area Foundation Your crops are your livelihood. You prepare, you plant, you nurture and they grow. That’s what we do with the charitable gifts entrusted to your Austin Area Foundation, and we invite you to grow the future of your community with us. Why Donate Grain? Donating a gift of grain to your Austin Area Foundation is a simple way to make a lasting difference. The value of the grain can be used to start

an endowed fund in the name of your family, for a specific nonprofit organization important to you or to support charitable causes in your community. No matter what type of endowment you choose to establish or support, you can be sure that your gift of grain is growing the future of your community. How You Benefit By giving grain to your Austin Area Foundation, you avoid including the

Note: Crops produced for sale in a farming operation are considered “ordinary income property.” the deduction for a gift of ordinary income property to a charitable organization is limited to the lesser of fair market value or cost basis. Typically the cost basis has already been deducted from income as the costs of producing the crops; thereby commonly the cost basis is zero (0), making the gift, in effect, non-tax deductible.

How it Works

As each farmer’s situation is different, you should consult your professional advisor for legal and tax advice on how a gift of grain to your Community Foundation may apply to your circumstance. Nothing in this article should be construed as providing you with legal or tax advice.

Your Austin Area Foundation invites you to donate a gift of grain that will benefit your community forever. Here is an example:

Bosch. Genuine Parts. Keep your Bosch-equipped diesel engine running smooth. We stock both new & rebuilt Bosch injection equipment.

QUALITY SERVICE See us for fast, dependable service. We test, calibrate & repair injection pumps, nozzle assemblies & glow plugs. Warranty & normal repair.

sale of the grain in your farm income. Although a charitable income tax deduction is generally not available to you, the avoidance of declaring it as income is a significant benefit. You deduct the cost of growing the crops which typically results in saving self-employment tax, federal income tax and state income tax. You can benefit even if you don’t itemize your deductions and take the standard deduction.

Income

INJECTion TECHnology DIESEL SERVICE 641-324-2010

Hwy. 65 Northwood, IA

Albert Lea STEEL, INC

SERVICE CENTER

• Retail Steel Sales • Huber Welding Supplies • Welding Repair

Without the With the Charitable Gift Charitable Gift

Other Income

$35,000

$35,000

Income from

$15,000

$0

Total Income*

$50,000

$35,000

*You pay employment, federal income & state income tax based on adjusted gross income (less typical exemptions, deductions, etc.).

For more information on how to complete your gift, contact us. Jeff Baldus, Executive Director jeff@austinareafoundation.org 507-434-7494

Heating • Ventilating • Air Conditioning Electrical • Plumbing

507-373-5315

1126 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

308 West Main Street, Adams, MN

507-582-3528

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too! This is not usually what we are able to do - ­have our cake and eat it too. But I’m here to tell you in certain situations this is exactly what we can Mike Merten, CCA do -­have Pioneer Sales Professional our cake (be environmentally responsible) and eat it too (maximize your corn crop’s yield potential). Sound too good to be true? Think again! Every day we hear about the possibility of restrictions on applications of nitrogen and phosphorous to our crops because of potential movement of these nutrients from the farming landscape into our lakes, streams, and rivers. It’s hard to convince our non-­farming friends and neighbors that we try to apply only enough fertilizer to our crops that will give us the desired yields. I do remember years ago when fertilizer was relatively inexpensive that it wasn’t common practice to soil test to see what was needed. We just over-­applied to make sure the crop had plenty available for use. I can’t imagine doing this today with the costs involved. We simply can’t afford to. The problem arises when, in the case of nitrogen, we apply what we estimate the crop will need to finish the season but don’t have a good handle on just how much loss might occur during the growing season. And we don’t know how much our soil will supply through mineralization of organic matter. We can make some educated guesses but it is still an imperfect assumption. And what about yield? Has mother nature given the crop everything else it needs to reach the yield

levels that match our fertility program? We can only hope. So where does the cake come in? How can we achieve maximum yields while being more efficient with our fertilizer and only applying what the crop needs when conditions change day-­to-­day, week-­to-­week, throughout the growing season? There’s a new computer modeling system that can accurately predict how much nitrogen is available to your corn crop at any given time in the growing season. You would use this prediction then, to make the decision of how much additional nitrogen to apply (or when to apply it) to help your crop achieve its full potential. It will give you a recommendation for a blanket application to a field or a prescription for your monitor to apply a variable rate. Actually this is only one of the services that this program can do for your farming operation. Within its suite of offerings, it can give you a VRS prescription that you can plug into your planter monitor and vary the seeding rate as you plant across different customizable decision zones in your field. It will also give you P & K and liming recommendations when coupled with soil sample analysis from a soils lab. In the near future it will have the capability to make irrigation recommendations on your irrigated acres. The product I’m talking about is the Encirca Services offered through your Pioneer sales rep. In most cases it will be handled through a CSA (certified services agent) who would be recommended by your local Pioneer Sales Professional. Some areas have had a working CSA for a while now and some are just bringing one on board or will in the near future. The results we’re hearing about from those who’ve

Consider Thompson Auction Service to Offer Your Items Locally and Worldwide

PO BOX 87 • Lansing, MN 55950 Cell: 507-438-9646 Home: 507-433-6784

Broker/Auctioneer ThompsonAuctionService.com

I know there are other programs and systems out there that attempt to give you these results and I’m sure some of you have tried them with varying results, but as I get

to know the Encirca program more and more and actually see it put to use in the farms and fields in the area, I am convinced that there is nothing else that compares with the success rate of Encirca. One of the many advantages to it is its ability to be customized to your unique situation. Being able to input your own information and make changes on the go sets Encirca apart from the other services. Not to mention that the Encirca agent you would be working with is committed solely to its implementation and operation throughout the growing season. Looking outside today and seeing the latest forecast, we will be in the field real soon. It’s time to put into action all the planning and preparations we have worked on for the last weeks and months, since the process began. In the lean times we are in, it makes perfect sense to scrutinize everything we do to produce this years crops. I highly recommend you visit with your local Pioneer sales professional and start a discussion about the Encirca Services that are available. You will be glad you did. Because everyone likes to eat a little cake now and then.

Julie Spinler Agent 236 S Main St PO Box 69, Dexter, MN 55926-0069 507.584.1215 507.584.1195 fax 507.456.1307 cell • Julie.Spinler@fbfs.com

Registered Representative/Securities & services offered through FBL Marketing Services, LLC, 5400 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Western Agricultural Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Affiliates, Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services

MORREIM DRAINAGE, INC.

Thinking of Selling Your Equipment or Land?

Dave Thompson

tried the service have been very impressive. Comments like “I can’t imagine making a sidedress nitrogen application without my Encirca recommendation”. And “the Encirca service saved me thousands of dollars last season”. In fact, research has shown that when farmers use the variable rate nitrogen application recommendation from the Encirca program, there is a 90% success rate of getting a return over and above the cost of the service. And when just a flat rate is applied using an Encirca recommendation, a positive return is achieved 75% of the time. These are very good odds considering the variability of our soils, temperature, rainfall, and the susceptibility of our applied nitrogen forms to loss. It is estimated that we typically lose $50 to $60 per acre every year by either applying more nitrogen than is needed to reach maximum yield potential, or not having enough nitrogen available and limiting the yield. If you do the math, you can see the dollars can add up in a hurry.

• Water Management Specialists •

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS DESIGN ~ INSTALLATION ~ SEEDING

Mr. Charlie Gilles 507-582-3253 15740 665th Avenue • Adams, MN

• Conservation Construction • Land Drainage • Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing • Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

71610 263rd St • Albert Lea • Office 507-826-3449 Mark’s cell 507-383-6550 or Phil’s cell 507-330-1889


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 14

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 7

MORRISON WELL DRILLING Serving Freeborn & Mower Counties

“Professional Auctioneering - It’s What We Do”

Call me for all your auction needs. Col. Frank Fox, Cell: 641-420-3243

It’s All In The Family...

ALBERT LEA/AUSTIN

Insuring Farmers Since 1885 Huseby Insurance, Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sterling State Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . First American Insurance, Brownsdale . . . . . First American Insurance, Stewartville . . . . . Heartman Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R & R Insurance, Blooming Prairie . . . . . . . . . First LeRoy Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . . Harmony Insurance Group, Austin . . . . . . . . Essig Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Thompson Agency, Albert Lea . . . . . . .

582-3253 437-3282 567-2279 553-4486 437-4503 583-7971 346-9836 396-8050 346-7244 377-2852

• Well Drilling • Well Pump Repair • Backhoe Trenching

874-2600 863- 2455 ALDEN

FREEBORN

www.useminc.com

Save up to $8,500 On Select Silverados

Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

Top $ Paid For Your Truck Trade Offer ends April 30, 2016

1904 8th St NW • Austin, MN • 507-433-6646

Services Include: We have 3

office

Customized Embroidery

Diagnostics Algona, IA

Hats • Jackets • Polos • Sweatshirts Denim • T-Shirts • Blankets

Herd Health locations -

Morris, MN & Production Hartington, NE Management with Product additional Procurement locations in Project Albert Lea, MN Development and Production Sac City, IA.

A swineexclusive veterinary clinic offering customized solutions for your business.

Records

Algona: Certification 515-295-8777 (TQA/PQA)

Hartington: 402-254-2444

Multiple Midwest Locations

515.295.8777

website: Website: Suidaehp.com

suidaehp.com

1128151

The Freeborn Area Soil Health Team has been striving to achieve better water quality in Freeborn & surrounding counties since 2014. A team, made up of local farmers, conservationists and ag business professionals, knows that achieving healthy soils is pivotal in improving water quality in our communities. Soil is earth’s natural filter and water regulator. Improved water quality will be hard to achieve without soil that has the capability to hold and allow water to infiltrate through the ground before reaching ground or surface water.

So how do we achieve better water quality and soil quality in Southern Minnesota? Where can community members and farmers learn more? The Freeborn Area Soil Health Team invites you to come to our events throughout this next year to learn how farmers right here in Freeborn County are improving their soil health and ultimately helping to improve our community’s water quality. Our third annual Spring Field day will be held Saturday, June 4th from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at 29825 County Rd 45, Clarks Grove, MN. This will be an opportunity to learn from experts that deal with water quality, get a handle on how to plan for cover crops, and review the basics of soil health. After lunch there will be a discussion on equipment that is used in these reduced tillage systems and if weather cooperates a demonstration of interseeding into corn.

When soil is disturbed the structure that has been built up by organic matter and microbes is destroyed. Without soil structure water infiltration is decreased and water will most likely find its way to surface waters through surface runoff which can carry nutrients and sediment with it. Disturbing the soil less often or keeping living roots in the soil for as long as possible helps prevent soil movement and increases A new event that our team has started this year are called “Shop Talks”. They are infiltration. Southern Minnesota’s native prairie plant communities and high water 1 hour long events held at different tables are what created the high amounts of organic matter and thick topsoil which locations throughout the Freeborn area makes them so highly productive. Tiling allows farmers to grow crops on these highly to show how farmers are adopting soil productive soils that otherwise would have water too close to the surface to grow health on their farm. Our next5” x 2.5” Sept Mower-Freeborn Copractices FARMING edition a crop. Southern Minnesota and most of Iowa would not be the “Heartland” of Shop Talk event will be Thursday, June America without the use of tile. However, tiling creates a “shortcut” for water where 16th from 6 to 7 pm at 50203 205 Street, water does not have to travel through the soil as long before it reaches our lakes and Austin, MN. At this Shop Talk, attendees streams and therefore does not get the full filtering effect from the soil. With this will see how crops are doing in fields built in “shortcut” to our streams, water quality can be altered very quickly if great that had cover crops vs fields that did care and consideration is not given. Living roots like cover crops can help scavenge not. Attendees will also learn how this excess nutrients and hold them in the soil for future crops instead of losing them farmer chooses which cover crops to through tile water. plant in order to graze cattle.

Locally Owned & Owner Operated Means Personal & Timely Service

Find out why a Northland building is your best value in post-frame construction! We’ve been building agricultural buildings for 20 years! Trust in our experience and quality!

~ No BS with TS! (No Bad Service) ~

Thinking About Spring Projects?

SPECIALTY AND TRACTOR ITEMS “It’s a Beautiful Stitchuation”

Reinertson’s Embroidery Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 to 5:00 • www.reinertsonsembroidery.com 230 So. Washington • Downtown Albert Lea • 373-0751

We have your back. You need a farm insurance company that knows the area and your individual needs. We have protected area farmers for decades with quality insurance coverages and friendly, local service.

Agents: Chuck Schulenberg and Donna Yokiel

Wells Insurance Agency

A Policy of Working Together

Local Sales Consultant

Dave Baldner, Austin Dave Baldner,Fairmont Austin Steve Schwebke,

THOMPSON SANITATION OFFICE

256-4370

Built on your level site.

See Us For All Your Farm Tire Needs We Offer On-Site Repair

You need a farm insurance company that knows the area and your individual needs.

53 SW | Wells, 56097 | 507-553-6644 We1st have protected area MN farmers for decades

Local Sales Consultants

We Have Over 100 Roll Off Dumpsters In 12 yd, 20 yd, 30 yd and 40 yd Sizes to Fit Your Needs!

108 W. MAIN PO BOX 154 • CLARKS GROVE, MN

Industry Morris: Audit 320-589-0111 Support (ACTS)

Innovative Swine Veterinary Services

60 YEARS EXPERIENCE

www.morrisonwelldrilling.com 373-5411

www.foxauctioncompany.com

Your farm and family are the most important things in your life. With FarMutual Insurance, we not only protect your property, we help you “safe-guard” your farm to make it safer for your family.

• Residential • Municipal Wells • Geothermal Wells • Sealing Old Wells

Achieving better water & soil quality in Southern MN

505 E. MAIN ST. • ALBERT LEA, MN • 507-373-0636

NOW OFFERING Digital X-Rays Veterinary Services Daniel A. Liebsch, DVM Albert Lea, MN 319-721-0700 www.facebook.com/twinlakesequine


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 8

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 13

WE SPECIALIZE IN

LET ELLINGSON ELLINGSON DRAINAGE HELP LET ELLINGSON DRAINAGE HELP LET DRAINAGE HELP

YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE. YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE. YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION! • CHAIN LINK Rolling Gre • VINYL • WOOD en Fenc ing, Inc. • ALUMINUM

Our solutions deliver: Our solutions deliver: • Maximum yield • Maximum yield • Deeper root growth • Deeper root growth • Reduction in compaction • Reduction in compaction • Decrease• in soil erosion Decrease in soil erosion

Contact today Contact Ray Ray today forfor your FREE drainage estimate. your FREE drainage estimate.

(507)259-6672 (507)259-6672

ORNAMENTAL • HI-TENSILE • ELK & DEER FENCING

2408 4th St NW • Austin, MN

507-433-4845

WE CAN FENCE ANYTHING IN OR ANYTHING OUT

OVER 90 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE For installation of asphalt commercial parking lots, residential driveways, walking & cart paths, tennis & basketball courts. We also have a wide variety of aggregate & decorative landscaping stone for pickup or delivery.

ULLAND

BROTHERS

2400 Myers Rd Albert Lea, MN 373-1960

Building a

STRONGER Cooperative

TOGETHER

Agronomy ● Energy ● Grain ● Feed ● Financing

Share-the-Fun is an annual event that many look forward to each year. Over 35 Freeborn County 4-Hers performed Sunday, February 28th in the Southwest Little Theater. There were also numerous parents, family, friends, visitors, and judges that were also in attendance for this talent filled afternoon. The guests of 4-H were entertained by different readings, singing, dancing, instrumentals, group skits, and some miscellaneous acts. The Freeborn County Ambassadors were the helpers and assistants of the afternoon as well as four of the County Ambassadors served as the emcees. The winner in the vocal category was “Mary Did You Know” sung by Noah Iverson from the Hayward 4-H Club and alternate was Samantha Skarstad from the Shellrock 4-H Club singing “Burning House”. In the instrumental category Seth Wagner of the Hayward

4-H Club won with his banjo solo “Banjo Medley”. The alternate instrumental winner was “Love Me Tender” which was a concertina solo by Louis Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club. In the short play or skit category “Hee-Haw” by the Hayward 4-H Club was the winner and “One and Two” by the Conger 4-H Club was the alternate. In the reading category the winner was “Granny’s Goodnight Story” by Jed Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club. “I Will Always Return” danced by Carma Pederson of the Hayward Club won the miscellaneous category with “Can’t Touch This” danced by Josiah Schei of the Hayward 4-H Club came in as alternate. The judges selected “Banjo Medley” by Seth Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club and “One and Two” performed by the Conger 4-H Club as the State Fair Trip Winners. The State Fair alternates include: “Hee-Haw” performed by the Hayward 4-H Club, “Mary Did You Know” sung by Noah Iverson of the Hayward Club,

and “Love Me Tender” performed by Louis Wagner of the Hayward Club. The Best Props Award went to the Mansfield 4-H Club for their short play or short skit called “The Future of 4-H”. The Most Creative Award was “One and Two” by the Conger 4-H Club. The Funny Bone Award went to “Granny’s Goodnight Story” recited by Jed Wagner of the Hayward Club. The 4-H Spirit Award went to Rebecca Schei of the Hayward 4-H Club for her 1st solo performance in Share-theFun singing the song “All the People said Amen”. The Most Talented Award went to Seth Wagner

Offices at:

EMPLOYEE OWNED Chemical • Fertilizer • Feed • Grain • Seed • Soil Sampling • LP • Refined Fuels

PROVIDING MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY!

www.producestatebank.com

FDIC

If anyone would like more information about Share-the-Fun or 4-H they can contact the Freeborn County Extension Office at 507-377-5660.

100%

109 W. Park 220 E. William Ave. St. 109 W Ave. Park Ave. 2401 Bridge Ave.2401 Bridge Hollandale, MN 56045 Albert Lea, MN 56007 AlbertMN Lea,56007 MN 56007 Albert Lea, Hollandale, MN 56045 (507)(507) 889-4311 (507) 373-5500 889-4311 (507) 373-8600 (507) 373-8600

MEMBER

of the Hayward 4-H Club with his banjo solo “Banjo Medley”. The Best Costume Award went to the Hayward 4-H Club for their short play or skit titled “Hee-Haw”.

PROUDLY

Checking • Savings • Loans • CDs • IRAs HSAs • Safe Deposit Boxes • Debit/Credit Cards ATMs • Internet/Telephone Banking

Serving the community since 1926! cfscoop.com

Share-the-Fun entertains for the afternoon once again

FOLLOW US!

Grand Meadow 507.754.5125 • Rochester 507.289.4086 Ostrander 507.657.2236 • Leroy 507.324.5347 • Elkton 507.754.5041 Wykoff 507.352.5281 • Chester, IA 563.565.2415

lou-rich.com

Contract Engineering and Manufacturing

almco.com

®


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 12

Supporting local business owners for generations. From small businesses and family farms, to non-profit organizations and large corporations, Home Federal has been helping businesses succeed since 1934. To discuss your financial goals, call us today.

507.379.2551

143 W Clark St. • Albert Lea, MN

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 9

ELECTRIC WORK • Agricultural buildings, new construction or re-wiring old • Grain legs dryer systems • Dryer systems • Single and 3 phase electric service Call Fox Electric for all your farm & residential wiring needs!

507-433-7184 500 10th St NE, Austin, MN www.foxelectricinc.com

Professional mowing comes home!™ Legendary Power & Durability

Ulven’s

Hardware

Dexter

Elevator & LP, Inc • LP Gas Check With Us Before You Buy! • Hubbard Feed • On Sight Grain Pick-up

Dexter, MN • 507-584-6422

Support Our Farmers!

Commercial-quality mowing at a residential price.

104 Main Street, Rose Creek

507-433-8245

R E U S E R E M A K E

RESTORE

REPLACE

REFINISH

REPURPOSE

Olde Tyme Antiques

Please call ahead to be sure we are open

REFRESH

50422 262nd St, Austin, MN • 507.437.3343 or 507.438.7070 Judy & David Laskewitz, owners 4 miles N of Austin on Hwy 218, then 2.5 miles W on 262nd St Our 2nd bldg is open with many projects needing new life.

REIMAGINE

REINVENT

REPAINT

R E V I V E R E P A I R

Kibble Equipment is proud to serve farmers and families like yours. We work to keep operations productive and thriving season after season.

Putting the Paid by Citizens for Sparks. 2009 7th Ave. SE, Austin, MN 55912

Center For Hearing Excellence

608 1st Dr. NW, Austin 507-433-6214 1707 W Main St, Ste 7 Albert Lea 507-373-1318 Toll free 877-333-6125

Farmer

First!

Change Your World For The Better!

Bring your banking home. Member FDIC

JustCallHome.com

Farmers Feed the World 1-507-438-7857

rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn Paid for by the POPPE for the People committee.

We Provide Hearing Solutions to Meet Every Budget!

Watch for our upcoming Hearing Healthcare Events in Austin and Albert Lea. Sales | Service | Parts

Sales | Sales Service | Parts | Service | Parts

www.KibbleEq.com

www.KibbleEq.com www.KibbleEq.com


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 10

Ready for Spring?

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 11

Minnesota Farmers have reported substantial savings by using treated water in their sprayers.

Save BIG With Our “Bundle” Program!

Celebrating 70 Years of Family and Farmland Stewardship

Express Pressure Washers, Inc. 15880 SE 74th Avenue, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

Parts Accessories Soap Repair On-Site Service

100% SATISFACTION GAURANTEED

Open Monday to Friday 8:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 8:30 to 12:00 noon Phone: 507-583-2703 Fax: 507-583-2060 Email: service@expresspressurewashers.com Join us on Facebook!

Check out our new website! www.expresspressurewashers.com M-ZT61 l 23 HP Kawasaki l 61” Deck

MSRP: $6,400

Special Price $5,900 Includes FREE Husqvarna T435-14 Chainsaw, 525L Trimmer & 350BT Blower! Combined Package Value: $7,360

Hwy 218 South Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

MZ52 l 25 HP Kohler l 52” Deck

BUILD & PROTECT . . .

• Farmland Sales & Acquisitions • Professional Farm Management • Farm Auctions • &HUWL¿HG $SSUDLVDOV

MSRP: $4,800

Special Price $4,400 Includes FREE Husqvarna 440-16 Chainsaw & 223L Trimmer! Combined Package Value: $5,350

507-583-2712

It’s What We Do!

2800 4th St. SW, Suite 7, Mason City, IA 50401

641.423.9531

minersoutdoor.com

WITH ALLOC LAMINATE FLOORING

We have roots in this land too

Bremer Bank Member FDIC. Products and services offered through Bremer Trust and Bremer Insurance are not insured by FDIC, are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the depository institution, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. © 2016 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

36’ x 64’ x 14’ Kasson, MN

Alloc laminate flooring creates a warm environment inside your home without compromising the environment outside.

For decades, Bremer has been committed to agricultural banking. From loans, cash management and insurance, to retirement, estate and succession planning, we’re here to help farmers and farm businesses grow with imaginative and resourceful solutions. To find out how we can help you, call or stop in today.

Austin Downtown • 433-8822 Austin North • 434-4613 800-908-BANK (2265) Bremer.com

www.Hertz.ag

We use sawdust and wood scrapings that would otherwise be discarded to craft our superior performance flooring.

• Suburban • Farm • Equine • Commercial • Residential 40’ x 64’ x 14’ (w/12’x32’x10’ lean) • Plainfield, IA

Our authentic wood looks are achieved through eco-friendly printing processes, and 100% of our aluminum and packaging comes from recycled materials.

MANKATO, MN 507-625-5170 33’ x 32’ x 11’ • Sargeant, MN

HUMBOLDT, IA 515-332-9825 WAVERLY, IA 319-352-9497

Doors & Floors, Inc.

800-373-5550

101 11th St. SE, Austin • 433-3420

Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm • Thurs 8 am-6 pm • Closed Saturdays

Contact us today for a FREE consultation!

KASSON, MN 507-634-6640

We manufacture responsibly by diverting 100% of our waste from landfills and utilizing it as energy.

A BEAUTIFUL HOME ENVIRONMENT SHOULD NEVER COME AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT.

Cleary Building Corp. builds high-quality, custom pre-engineered structures:

42’ x 48’ x 19’ • Lewisville, MN

ClearyBuilding.com


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 10

Ready for Spring?

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 11

Minnesota Farmers have reported substantial savings by using treated water in their sprayers.

Save BIG With Our “Bundle” Program!

Celebrating 70 Years of Family and Farmland Stewardship

Express Pressure Washers, Inc. 15880 SE 74th Avenue, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

Parts Accessories Soap Repair On-Site Service

100% SATISFACTION GAURANTEED

Open Monday to Friday 8:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 8:30 to 12:00 noon Phone: 507-583-2703 Fax: 507-583-2060 Email: service@expresspressurewashers.com Join us on Facebook!

Check out our new website! www.expresspressurewashers.com M-ZT61 l 23 HP Kawasaki l 61” Deck

MSRP: $6,400

Special Price $5,900 Includes FREE Husqvarna T435-14 Chainsaw, 525L Trimmer & 350BT Blower! Combined Package Value: $7,360

Hwy 218 South Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

MZ52 l 25 HP Kohler l 52” Deck

BUILD & PROTECT . . .

• Farmland Sales & Acquisitions • Professional Farm Management • Farm Auctions • &HUWL¿HG $SSUDLVDOV

MSRP: $4,800

Special Price $4,400 Includes FREE Husqvarna 440-16 Chainsaw & 223L Trimmer! Combined Package Value: $5,350

507-583-2712

It’s What We Do!

2800 4th St. SW, Suite 7, Mason City, IA 50401

641.423.9531

minersoutdoor.com

WITH ALLOC LAMINATE FLOORING

We have roots in this land too

Bremer Bank Member FDIC. Products and services offered through Bremer Trust and Bremer Insurance are not insured by FDIC, are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the depository institution, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. © 2016 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

36’ x 64’ x 14’ Kasson, MN

Alloc laminate flooring creates a warm environment inside your home without compromising the environment outside.

For decades, Bremer has been committed to agricultural banking. From loans, cash management and insurance, to retirement, estate and succession planning, we’re here to help farmers and farm businesses grow with imaginative and resourceful solutions. To find out how we can help you, call or stop in today.

Austin Downtown • 433-8822 Austin North • 434-4613 800-908-BANK (2265) Bremer.com

www.Hertz.ag

We use sawdust and wood scrapings that would otherwise be discarded to craft our superior performance flooring.

• Suburban • Farm • Equine • Commercial • Residential 40’ x 64’ x 14’ (w/12’x32’x10’ lean) • Plainfield, IA

Our authentic wood looks are achieved through eco-friendly printing processes, and 100% of our aluminum and packaging comes from recycled materials.

MANKATO, MN 507-625-5170 33’ x 32’ x 11’ • Sargeant, MN

HUMBOLDT, IA 515-332-9825 WAVERLY, IA 319-352-9497

Doors & Floors, Inc.

800-373-5550

101 11th St. SE, Austin • 433-3420

Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm • Thurs 8 am-6 pm • Closed Saturdays

Contact us today for a FREE consultation!

KASSON, MN 507-634-6640

We manufacture responsibly by diverting 100% of our waste from landfills and utilizing it as energy.

A BEAUTIFUL HOME ENVIRONMENT SHOULD NEVER COME AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT.

Cleary Building Corp. builds high-quality, custom pre-engineered structures:

42’ x 48’ x 19’ • Lewisville, MN

ClearyBuilding.com


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 12

Supporting local business owners for generations. From small businesses and family farms, to non-profit organizations and large corporations, Home Federal has been helping businesses succeed since 1934. To discuss your financial goals, call us today.

507.379.2551

143 W Clark St. • Albert Lea, MN

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 9

ELECTRIC WORK • Agricultural buildings, new construction or re-wiring old • Grain legs dryer systems • Dryer systems • Single and 3 phase electric service Call Fox Electric for all your farm & residential wiring needs!

507-433-7184 500 10th St NE, Austin, MN www.foxelectricinc.com

Professional mowing comes home!™ Legendary Power & Durability

Ulven’s

Hardware

Dexter

Elevator & LP, Inc • LP Gas Check With Us Before You Buy! • Hubbard Feed • On Sight Grain Pick-up

Dexter, MN • 507-584-6422

Support Our Farmers!

Commercial-quality mowing at a residential price.

104 Main Street, Rose Creek

507-433-8245

R E U S E R E M A K E

RESTORE

REPLACE

REFINISH

REPURPOSE

Olde Tyme Antiques

Please call ahead to be sure we are open

REFRESH

50422 262nd St, Austin, MN • 507.437.3343 or 507.438.7070 Judy & David Laskewitz, owners 4 miles N of Austin on Hwy 218, then 2.5 miles W on 262nd St Our 2nd bldg is open with many projects needing new life.

REIMAGINE

REINVENT

REPAINT

R E V I V E R E P A I R

Kibble Equipment is proud to serve farmers and families like yours. We work to keep operations productive and thriving season after season.

Putting the Paid by Citizens for Sparks. 2009 7th Ave. SE, Austin, MN 55912

Center For Hearing Excellence

608 1st Dr. NW, Austin 507-433-6214 1707 W Main St, Ste 7 Albert Lea 507-373-1318 Toll free 877-333-6125

Farmer

First!

Change Your World For The Better!

Bring your banking home. Member FDIC

JustCallHome.com

Farmers Feed the World 1-507-438-7857

rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn Paid for by the POPPE for the People committee.

We Provide Hearing Solutions to Meet Every Budget!

Watch for our upcoming Hearing Healthcare Events in Austin and Albert Lea. Sales | Service | Parts

Sales | Sales Service | Parts | Service | Parts

www.KibbleEq.com

www.KibbleEq.com www.KibbleEq.com


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 8

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 13

WE SPECIALIZE IN

LET ELLINGSON ELLINGSON DRAINAGE HELP LET ELLINGSON DRAINAGE HELP LET DRAINAGE HELP

YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE. YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE. YOU MANAGE YOUR WATER TABLE.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION! • CHAIN LINK Rolling Gre • VINYL • WOOD en Fenc ing, Inc. • ALUMINUM

Our solutions deliver: Our solutions deliver: • Maximum yield • Maximum yield • Deeper root growth • Deeper root growth • Reduction in compaction • Reduction in compaction • Decrease• in soil erosion Decrease in soil erosion

Contact today Contact Ray Ray today forfor your FREE drainage estimate. your FREE drainage estimate.

(507)259-6672 (507)259-6672

ORNAMENTAL • HI-TENSILE • ELK & DEER FENCING

2408 4th St NW • Austin, MN

507-433-4845

WE CAN FENCE ANYTHING IN OR ANYTHING OUT

OVER 90 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE For installation of asphalt commercial parking lots, residential driveways, walking & cart paths, tennis & basketball courts. We also have a wide variety of aggregate & decorative landscaping stone for pickup or delivery.

ULLAND

BROTHERS

2400 Myers Rd Albert Lea, MN 373-1960

Building a

STRONGER Cooperative

TOGETHER

Agronomy ● Energy ● Grain ● Feed ● Financing

Share-the-Fun is an annual event that many look forward to each year. Over 35 Freeborn County 4-Hers performed Sunday, February 28th in the Southwest Little Theater. There were also numerous parents, family, friends, visitors, and judges that were also in attendance for this talent filled afternoon. The guests of 4-H were entertained by different readings, singing, dancing, instrumentals, group skits, and some miscellaneous acts. The Freeborn County Ambassadors were the helpers and assistants of the afternoon as well as four of the County Ambassadors served as the emcees. The winner in the vocal category was “Mary Did You Know” sung by Noah Iverson from the Hayward 4-H Club and alternate was Samantha Skarstad from the Shellrock 4-H Club singing “Burning House”. In the instrumental category Seth Wagner of the Hayward

4-H Club won with his banjo solo “Banjo Medley”. The alternate instrumental winner was “Love Me Tender” which was a concertina solo by Louis Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club. In the short play or skit category “Hee-Haw” by the Hayward 4-H Club was the winner and “One and Two” by the Conger 4-H Club was the alternate. In the reading category the winner was “Granny’s Goodnight Story” by Jed Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club. “I Will Always Return” danced by Carma Pederson of the Hayward Club won the miscellaneous category with “Can’t Touch This” danced by Josiah Schei of the Hayward 4-H Club came in as alternate. The judges selected “Banjo Medley” by Seth Wagner of the Hayward 4-H Club and “One and Two” performed by the Conger 4-H Club as the State Fair Trip Winners. The State Fair alternates include: “Hee-Haw” performed by the Hayward 4-H Club, “Mary Did You Know” sung by Noah Iverson of the Hayward Club,

and “Love Me Tender” performed by Louis Wagner of the Hayward Club. The Best Props Award went to the Mansfield 4-H Club for their short play or short skit called “The Future of 4-H”. The Most Creative Award was “One and Two” by the Conger 4-H Club. The Funny Bone Award went to “Granny’s Goodnight Story” recited by Jed Wagner of the Hayward Club. The 4-H Spirit Award went to Rebecca Schei of the Hayward 4-H Club for her 1st solo performance in Share-theFun singing the song “All the People said Amen”. The Most Talented Award went to Seth Wagner

Offices at:

EMPLOYEE OWNED Chemical • Fertilizer • Feed • Grain • Seed • Soil Sampling • LP • Refined Fuels

PROVIDING MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS AND SUPPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY!

www.producestatebank.com

FDIC

If anyone would like more information about Share-the-Fun or 4-H they can contact the Freeborn County Extension Office at 507-377-5660.

100%

109 W. Park 220 E. William Ave. St. 109 W Ave. Park Ave. 2401 Bridge Ave.2401 Bridge Hollandale, MN 56045 Albert Lea, MN 56007 AlbertMN Lea,56007 MN 56007 Albert Lea, Hollandale, MN 56045 (507)(507) 889-4311 (507) 373-5500 889-4311 (507) 373-8600 (507) 373-8600

MEMBER

of the Hayward 4-H Club with his banjo solo “Banjo Medley”. The Best Costume Award went to the Hayward 4-H Club for their short play or skit titled “Hee-Haw”.

PROUDLY

Checking • Savings • Loans • CDs • IRAs HSAs • Safe Deposit Boxes • Debit/Credit Cards ATMs • Internet/Telephone Banking

Serving the community since 1926! cfscoop.com

Share-the-Fun entertains for the afternoon once again

FOLLOW US!

Grand Meadow 507.754.5125 • Rochester 507.289.4086 Ostrander 507.657.2236 • Leroy 507.324.5347 • Elkton 507.754.5041 Wykoff 507.352.5281 • Chester, IA 563.565.2415

lou-rich.com

Contract Engineering and Manufacturing

almco.com

®


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 14

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 7

MORRISON WELL DRILLING Serving Freeborn & Mower Counties

“Professional Auctioneering - It’s What We Do”

Call me for all your auction needs. Col. Frank Fox, Cell: 641-420-3243

It’s All In The Family...

ALBERT LEA/AUSTIN

Insuring Farmers Since 1885 Huseby Insurance, Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sterling State Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . First American Insurance, Brownsdale . . . . . First American Insurance, Stewartville . . . . . Heartman Insurance, Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R & R Insurance, Blooming Prairie . . . . . . . . . First LeRoy Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . . Harmony Insurance Group, Austin . . . . . . . . Essig Agency, Spring Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Thompson Agency, Albert Lea . . . . . . .

582-3253 437-3282 567-2279 553-4486 437-4503 583-7971 346-9836 396-8050 346-7244 377-2852

• Well Drilling • Well Pump Repair • Backhoe Trenching

874-2600 863- 2455 ALDEN

FREEBORN

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The Freeborn Area Soil Health Team has been striving to achieve better water quality in Freeborn & surrounding counties since 2014. A team, made up of local farmers, conservationists and ag business professionals, knows that achieving healthy soils is pivotal in improving water quality in our communities. Soil is earth’s natural filter and water regulator. Improved water quality will be hard to achieve without soil that has the capability to hold and allow water to infiltrate through the ground before reaching ground or surface water.

So how do we achieve better water quality and soil quality in Southern Minnesota? Where can community members and farmers learn more? The Freeborn Area Soil Health Team invites you to come to our events throughout this next year to learn how farmers right here in Freeborn County are improving their soil health and ultimately helping to improve our community’s water quality. Our third annual Spring Field day will be held Saturday, June 4th from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at 29825 County Rd 45, Clarks Grove, MN. This will be an opportunity to learn from experts that deal with water quality, get a handle on how to plan for cover crops, and review the basics of soil health. After lunch there will be a discussion on equipment that is used in these reduced tillage systems and if weather cooperates a demonstration of interseeding into corn.

When soil is disturbed the structure that has been built up by organic matter and microbes is destroyed. Without soil structure water infiltration is decreased and water will most likely find its way to surface waters through surface runoff which can carry nutrients and sediment with it. Disturbing the soil less often or keeping living roots in the soil for as long as possible helps prevent soil movement and increases A new event that our team has started this year are called “Shop Talks”. They are infiltration. Southern Minnesota’s native prairie plant communities and high water 1 hour long events held at different tables are what created the high amounts of organic matter and thick topsoil which locations throughout the Freeborn area makes them so highly productive. Tiling allows farmers to grow crops on these highly to show how farmers are adopting soil productive soils that otherwise would have water too close to the surface to grow health on their farm. Our next5” x 2.5” Sept Mower-Freeborn Copractices FARMING edition a crop. Southern Minnesota and most of Iowa would not be the “Heartland” of Shop Talk event will be Thursday, June America without the use of tile. However, tiling creates a “shortcut” for water where 16th from 6 to 7 pm at 50203 205 Street, water does not have to travel through the soil as long before it reaches our lakes and Austin, MN. At this Shop Talk, attendees streams and therefore does not get the full filtering effect from the soil. With this will see how crops are doing in fields built in “shortcut” to our streams, water quality can be altered very quickly if great that had cover crops vs fields that did care and consideration is not given. Living roots like cover crops can help scavenge not. Attendees will also learn how this excess nutrients and hold them in the soil for future crops instead of losing them farmer chooses which cover crops to through tile water. plant in order to graze cattle.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 6

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 15

Growing Your Community’s Future with Your Austin Area Foundation Your crops are your livelihood. You prepare, you plant, you nurture and they grow. That’s what we do with the charitable gifts entrusted to your Austin Area Foundation, and we invite you to grow the future of your community with us. Why Donate Grain? Donating a gift of grain to your Austin Area Foundation is a simple way to make a lasting difference. The value of the grain can be used to start

an endowed fund in the name of your family, for a specific nonprofit organization important to you or to support charitable causes in your community. No matter what type of endowment you choose to establish or support, you can be sure that your gift of grain is growing the future of your community. How You Benefit By giving grain to your Austin Area Foundation, you avoid including the

Note: Crops produced for sale in a farming operation are considered “ordinary income property.” the deduction for a gift of ordinary income property to a charitable organization is limited to the lesser of fair market value or cost basis. Typically the cost basis has already been deducted from income as the costs of producing the crops; thereby commonly the cost basis is zero (0), making the gift, in effect, non-tax deductible.

How it Works

As each farmer’s situation is different, you should consult your professional advisor for legal and tax advice on how a gift of grain to your Community Foundation may apply to your circumstance. Nothing in this article should be construed as providing you with legal or tax advice.

Your Austin Area Foundation invites you to donate a gift of grain that will benefit your community forever. Here is an example:

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sale of the grain in your farm income. Although a charitable income tax deduction is generally not available to you, the avoidance of declaring it as income is a significant benefit. You deduct the cost of growing the crops which typically results in saving self-employment tax, federal income tax and state income tax. You can benefit even if you don’t itemize your deductions and take the standard deduction.

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Without the With the Charitable Gift Charitable Gift

Other Income

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$35,000

Income from

$15,000

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Total Income*

$50,000

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*You pay employment, federal income & state income tax based on adjusted gross income (less typical exemptions, deductions, etc.).

For more information on how to complete your gift, contact us. Jeff Baldus, Executive Director jeff@austinareafoundation.org 507-434-7494

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Have Your Cake and Eat It Too! This is not usually what we are able to do - ­have our cake and eat it too. But I’m here to tell you in certain situations this is exactly what we can Mike Merten, CCA do -­have Pioneer Sales Professional our cake (be environmentally responsible) and eat it too (maximize your corn crop’s yield potential). Sound too good to be true? Think again! Every day we hear about the possibility of restrictions on applications of nitrogen and phosphorous to our crops because of potential movement of these nutrients from the farming landscape into our lakes, streams, and rivers. It’s hard to convince our non-­farming friends and neighbors that we try to apply only enough fertilizer to our crops that will give us the desired yields. I do remember years ago when fertilizer was relatively inexpensive that it wasn’t common practice to soil test to see what was needed. We just over-­applied to make sure the crop had plenty available for use. I can’t imagine doing this today with the costs involved. We simply can’t afford to. The problem arises when, in the case of nitrogen, we apply what we estimate the crop will need to finish the season but don’t have a good handle on just how much loss might occur during the growing season. And we don’t know how much our soil will supply through mineralization of organic matter. We can make some educated guesses but it is still an imperfect assumption. And what about yield? Has mother nature given the crop everything else it needs to reach the yield

levels that match our fertility program? We can only hope. So where does the cake come in? How can we achieve maximum yields while being more efficient with our fertilizer and only applying what the crop needs when conditions change day-­to-­day, week-­to-­week, throughout the growing season? There’s a new computer modeling system that can accurately predict how much nitrogen is available to your corn crop at any given time in the growing season. You would use this prediction then, to make the decision of how much additional nitrogen to apply (or when to apply it) to help your crop achieve its full potential. It will give you a recommendation for a blanket application to a field or a prescription for your monitor to apply a variable rate. Actually this is only one of the services that this program can do for your farming operation. Within its suite of offerings, it can give you a VRS prescription that you can plug into your planter monitor and vary the seeding rate as you plant across different customizable decision zones in your field. It will also give you P & K and liming recommendations when coupled with soil sample analysis from a soils lab. In the near future it will have the capability to make irrigation recommendations on your irrigated acres. The product I’m talking about is the Encirca Services offered through your Pioneer sales rep. In most cases it will be handled through a CSA (certified services agent) who would be recommended by your local Pioneer Sales Professional. Some areas have had a working CSA for a while now and some are just bringing one on board or will in the near future. The results we’re hearing about from those who’ve

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I know there are other programs and systems out there that attempt to give you these results and I’m sure some of you have tried them with varying results, but as I get

to know the Encirca program more and more and actually see it put to use in the farms and fields in the area, I am convinced that there is nothing else that compares with the success rate of Encirca. One of the many advantages to it is its ability to be customized to your unique situation. Being able to input your own information and make changes on the go sets Encirca apart from the other services. Not to mention that the Encirca agent you would be working with is committed solely to its implementation and operation throughout the growing season. Looking outside today and seeing the latest forecast, we will be in the field real soon. It’s time to put into action all the planning and preparations we have worked on for the last weeks and months, since the process began. In the lean times we are in, it makes perfect sense to scrutinize everything we do to produce this years crops. I highly recommend you visit with your local Pioneer sales professional and start a discussion about the Encirca Services that are available. You will be glad you did. Because everyone likes to eat a little cake now and then.

Julie Spinler Agent 236 S Main St PO Box 69, Dexter, MN 55926-0069 507.584.1215 507.584.1195 fax 507.456.1307 cell • Julie.Spinler@fbfs.com

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tried the service have been very impressive. Comments like “I can’t imagine making a sidedress nitrogen application without my Encirca recommendation”. And “the Encirca service saved me thousands of dollars last season”. In fact, research has shown that when farmers use the variable rate nitrogen application recommendation from the Encirca program, there is a 90% success rate of getting a return over and above the cost of the service. And when just a flat rate is applied using an Encirca recommendation, a positive return is achieved 75% of the time. These are very good odds considering the variability of our soils, temperature, rainfall, and the susceptibility of our applied nitrogen forms to loss. It is estimated that we typically lose $50 to $60 per acre every year by either applying more nitrogen than is needed to reach maximum yield potential, or not having enough nitrogen available and limiting the yield. If you do the math, you can see the dollars can add up in a hurry.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 16

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 5

USDA Expands Safety-Net for Dairy Operations Adding Next-Generation Family Members Dairy farms participating in the Margin Protection Program (MPP) can now update their production history when an eligible family member joins the operation. The voluntary program, established by Kirk W. Phelps the 2014 Farm Bill, protects USDA Farm Service participating dairy Agency producers when Mower County the margin – the Executive Director difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a final rule which makes these changes effective on April 13, 2016. Any dairy operation already enrolled

in the Margin Protection Program that had an intergenerational transfer occur will have an opportunity to increase the dairy operations production history during the 2017 registration and annual coverage election period. The next election period begins on July 1, 2016, and ends on Sept. 30, 2016. For intergenerational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification must be made to the FSA within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows. Each participating dairy operation is authorized one intergenerational transfer at any time of its choosing until 2018. For $100 a year, dairy producers can receive basic catastrophic protection that covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin coverage level. For additional premiums, operations can protect 25 to 90 percent of production history with margin coverage levels from $4.50 to $8, in 50 cent increments. Annual enrollment in the program is required in order to receive margin protection. The final rule also provides improved risk protection for dairy farmers that pay premiums to buy-up higher levels of coverage by clarifying that 90 percent

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of production is covered below the $4 level even if a lower percentage was selected above the $4 margin. Earlier this year, FSA gave producers the opportunity to pay their premium through additional options including via their milk cooperative or handler. This rule facilitates those options and also clarifies that the catastrophic level protection at $4 will always cover 90 percent of the production history, even if a producer selected a less than a 90 percent percentage for the buy-up coverage. Assuming current participation, had the Margin Protection Program existed from 2009 to 2014, premiums and fees would have totaled $500 million while providing producers with $2.5 billion in financial assistance, nearly $1 billion more than provided by the old Milk Income Loss Contract program during the same period. For more information, visit FSA online at www. fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office and ask about the Margin Protection Program. To find a local FSA office in your area, visit http:// offices.usda.gov.

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Farmers Sought for Water-Quality Certification Program Local producers are encouraged during April to contact Mower SWCD office April 11, 2016, AUSTIN, Minn. – Mower County farmers and agricultural landowners whose conservation practices are protecting water quality have a new opportunity from the state offering formal recognition and regulatory certainty. Those interested farmers and landowners are encouraged during April to contact the Mower Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more or start the process for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), which aims to show that the state’s farms and waters can prosper together. Under the voluntary program, those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices that benefit water quality will be certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. They also then obtain regulatory certainty for a 10-year period in which they are deemed in compliance with any new water-quality rules or laws. Certified farmers and landowners also

can use their status to promote their ag business as protective of water quality. They will get field signs to show friends and neighbors how they care for Minnesota’s waters. MN Ag Water Quality Certification Benefits of certification * Regulatory certainty for a 10year period of certification. * Formal recognition for implementing practices that protect water quality. * Increased priority for technical and financial assistance to implement best management practices. Minnesotans receive: Assurance that certified producers are managing operations in a way that does not harm water quality.

“Water quality is a major focus right now in Minnesota, and this new program is a great way to recognize farmers who are meeting the state’s expectations for water quality,” said Steve Lawler, Mower SWCD

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offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Local conservation professionals are working with several hundred farms seeking certification across Minnesota. To date, the program has certified 110 farms, covering more than 64,000 acres and generating 229 new conservation practices. Farmers interested in seeking certification should contact Mower SWCD at 507-434-2603 or go to www. mowerswcd.org or www.mylandmylegacy. com to learn more. Since 1953, Mower SWCD has provided land and conservation services to Mower County landowners to help manage lands in a way that promotes a sound economy as well as sustains and enhances natural resources that are key to the state’s environmental health. Mower SWCD is one of Minnesota’s 91 SWCDs each are governed by an elected board.

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resource specialist and the lead contact for the program in Mower County. MAWQCP is tailored to each farmer’s individual operation and can help everyone from a small organic farmer to a large conventional crop farmer make improvements benefitting water quality. Producers seeking certification also can obtain specially designated technical and financial assistance to implement practices that promote water quality. MAWQCP certifies farmers and landowners through a comprehensive whole-farm assessment that puts producers together with SWCD staff to determine where risks to water quality exist on their farm, and empowers them to fix those risks when found. Through the program, Minnesota citizens get assurance that certified producers are using conservation practices to protect the state’s lakes, rivers and streams. MAWQCP began in four pilot subwatersheds and recently became available to farmers statewide. It is

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 4

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 17

USDA Expands Microloans to Help Farmers Purchase Farmland and Improve Property Producers, Including Beginning and Underserved Farmers, Have a New Option to Gain Access to Land The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now offers farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations. Microloans have helped farmers and ranchers with operating costs, such as feed,

fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses since 2013. Seventy percent of loans have gone to new farmers. Now, microloans are available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers

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strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers, and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). To qualify for assistance, the applicant must not be larger than a family-sized farm, have a satisfactory history of meeting credit obligations, be unable to obtain credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms, and meet all other loan eligibility requirements. Since 2010, more than 50 percent of USDA’s farm loans now go to beginning

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 18

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 3

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Overhead Power Lines Entanglement with overhead power lines and farm equipment is one of the most common electrical hazards on the farm. Many types of farm equipment can come in contact with overhead power lines. Tractors with front-end loaders, portable grain augers, fold-up planters, dump truck beds and sprayer booms are all examples of equipment that can easily get caught in overhead power lines.

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• Power lines should be at least 18 feet above the highest point of grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used.

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• Considering burying electric lines to reduce the risk of accidental contact. • Remember some equipment during transportation is actually taller than when in use. • Another thing you need to be careful of is bumping into the guide wires on electrical poles. This will cause sagging in the overhead lines and will make entanglement more likely.

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o Excess surface water is removed as effectively as open inlets. o Less sediment is delivered into the subsurface tile system. o Producers can plant through the rock inlet area without harm to equipment or the inlet. o Subsurface drainage is increased in the area around the inlet. o Freeze up time during cold winter months is shorter allowing drainage to occur in late fall, early winter and early spring. o Suction voids do not form around rock inlets. o Allows venting for the subsurface drainage system.

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• Always stay alert and never take unnecessary risks.

If your equipment becomes entangled in power lines, stay in the tractor or truck unless the tractor or truck starts on fire. Jump as far from the tractor as possible but land on both feet. Then hop with feet together to get to safety! If on fire, contact 911…if you are staying in the vehicle, contact FMCS Operations at 800-734-6421.

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Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 2

Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 19

PEGGY BENNETT

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has been working hard for our farmers! ✓ Co-authored property tax reform bill to help reduce the huge property

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✓ Prioritized ag education in local colleges to help prepare our future generations of farmers

PEGGY

FOR

BENNETT HOUSE 27A

RE-ELECT

PEGGY BENNETT

People before politics.

Visit www.Bennett4House.com to learn more about Peggy and her positions!

She will continue to be a strong voice for Minnesota farmers!

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2016 Mower County Farm Family of the Year Joel and Carrie Nelson Jed, Lucy and Mac

Darrell Ingvaldson, LUTCF

Agent Photo

100 S Mill Street PO Box 298 Agent Info Brownsdale (507) 567-2296

See us for all your LP Gas needs We do installation, leak detection, and testing.

We can help with your fertilizer and chemical needs. We also offer variable rate fertilizer.

- Kevin Reed Logo

LEWIS CHARLES CYCLES motorcycle sales, service & accessories

1

Disclosure

Surrender of the contract may be subject to surrender charges. Withdrawals before age 591/2 may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Additionally, there is a charge for the Simple7 Income Rider once it is activated. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services A141 (3-16)

Hi Yield Products Inc. 23282 620th Ave • Alden, Minnesota 56009 Bus: (507) 874-3750 Cell: (507) 383-0874 Email: kevin@hiyieldmn.com

Saturday, May 14th • 8 am-5 pm Sunday, May 15th • 10 am-4 pm

V-Twin & Metric

Mike Owens cell 507.720.4114 shop 507.369.5292 919 west main albert lea, mn

NOW 5 yr parts & labor on select Speed Queen models

ONLY AT

DONKERS

1107 1st Ave SW • Austin

Hometown Appliances

433-8608 Local Sales with Service

Open a Donkers Credit Card today and get 1 Year Interest FREE financing & FREE local delivery. *Check for details.


Supplement to The Freeborn & Mower County Shoppers/Tuesday, April 19, 2016/Page 20

16 Ford F-150

16 Ford F-350

Farming

in the

D N A L T R HEA

SPRING 2016

PLANTING THE SEED FOR 2016

An Agricultural, Farming & Rural Development Supplement Covering Freeborn County, Mower County & Surrounding Areas

16 Ram 2500 16 Nissan Titan

OUR LITTLE EXPERTS TURN

BIG DATA Real Estate Sales and Farm Management

INTO SMART DECISIONS.

Introducing Climate FieldView™, the first integrated support tool providing customized insights, along with seamless data flow and visualization—helping you make confident decisions.

Farmers National Company is the Nation’s Leading Agricultural Services Company! • Auction and Ag Land Real Estate Services • Proactive Farm Management System

Doug Bergemann, AFM

Jeanne Williams, Agent

Austin, Minnesota

Business: (507) 340-6613

DBergemann@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/JeanneWilliams

Farm Manager/Agent

Business: (507) 420-8328

www.FarmersNational.com/DouglasBergemann

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

JWilliams@FarmersNational.com

Lowell Gabriel, Agent

For all of your agricultural landowner needs, contact your local land professionals.

Alden, Minnesota

Business: (507) 383-0295 LGabriel@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/LowellGabriel

www.FarmersNational.com

Lee Williams, AFM, CCA Farm Manager/Agent

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

Business: (507) 341-0097

See how data driven insights can help you. Visit Climate.com or contact your local Asgrow/Dekalb dealer for more details.

LWilliams@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com/LeeWilliams

Real Estate Sales • Auctions • Farm and Ranch Management • Appraisal • Insurance • Consultations Oil and Gas Management • Forest Resource Management • National Hunting Leases • Lake Management • FNC Ag Stock

Our services provide estimates or recommendations based on models. These do not guarantee results. Consult your agronomist, commodities broker and other service professionals before making financial, risk management and farming decisions. Information and recommendations we provide do not modify your rights under insurance policies purchased through our affiliates. More information at http://www.climate.com/disclaimers. ©2016 The Climate Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


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