Spring Agriculture 2023

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 Saluting Master

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Gardeners for their years of service / 17

 Wright family honored by McLeod County Corn and Soybean Growers / 23

2 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 3

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 5

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

NEW TECHNOLOGY AIDS IN PRECISION AGRICULTURE Local businesses are helping farmers improve their agricultural production outcomes

BY MARY-ANNE OLMSTED-KOHLS For Spring Agriculture

P

recision ag ricu lture — a farming management strategy based on observing, measuring and responding to temporal and spatial variability to improve agricultural production sustainability — is making headway with local farmers. It allows the farmer to be more efficient, effective and environmentally more careful. It is the direction in which agriculture will continue to evolve.

Chad Schmalz of Local Roots Ag LLC in Buffalo Lake has been an early advocate of precision agriculture. He has led the way and encouraged area farmers to utilize the technology.

“I started as an agronomist in 1999,” Schmalz recal led.

“Back then, we were just getting into variable rate for fertilizer.

Chad We’d ana lyze 1-acre Schmaltz grids with consultants to analyze herbicide carry over in sugar beets. We also had 4-acre grids for variable fertilizer spreading for corn acres. We were analyzing much larger sections than we would today.”

Schmalz went on to work for Pioneer (Seed Corn dealership) and Precision Planting in 2009, where he continues to work today. Schmalz said about the technology back then, “It worked, but equipment was primitive and pieced together to make things work. Today, everything is integrated from the manufacturing process.”

Submitted photo

Brian Schlueter uses a DJI T30 drone, the largest available in February, 2022. Pictured is his gooseneck trailer, which serves as a landing zone for the drone.

Implement and tractor companies have installed the precision equipment directly to their machines, strongly marketing precision agriculture. This is causing the package — new equipment with technology — to get costly.

Schmalz is seeing farmers trying to avoid this in creative ways.

“We still do a lot of adding on to used planters — taking it and building the precision components from the ground up,” he said. “This costs less and allows

the farmer to customize the equipment to their specific needs.”

Ryan Bushman of Prairie Road Crop Consulting in Hutchinson, has also been involved with precision agriculture for many years. He’s an agronomist and it’s his job to analyze the data collected from the computer components in the equipment. He sees a lot of benefits to precision agriculture.

“It is being used by more and more guys,” he said. “The expression out there is ‘Right time. Right amount.’”

“Instead of doing 2- to 30-acre fields, we’re taking 2 1/2- to 3-acre sections to look at,” Bushman continued. “This way we can understand all the different aspects of one field and advise growers more effectively. Precision ag is more land stewardship, better management of fertility and not wasting product.”

According to Bushman, it’s a static process, where they are able to zero in on rates.

“We can say of a drier area, it has a population of corn 5,000 acres less than somewhere else,” he goes on to explain.

“We can determine the down-pressure needed from the planter to properly plant the seed in the farrow. For a drier area, the planter is alerted through the technology to plant deeper to find moisture for the seed. When it gets back to more wet soil, the planter is then told to lighten the pressure as the seed won’t need to be so deep.”

The planter comes with automatic shutoffs, which allows the grower to shut off a row when they are at an odd row area. It saves seed.

“Technology and precision agriculture allows us to pinpoint and analyze things quicker than what we had in the past,” Bushman, said appreciating how this technology can help farmers.

“It also provides proof of what is going on. The amount of information is a lot more than what we used to get — all we need is more time to analyze it.”

Technology to 6

6 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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TECHNOLOGY continued from 5

Schmalz says news things will be available this year. In the sprayer market, there are individual nozzle shutoffs to reduce overlap and the amount of herbicide in the field. With planters, there is an electric drive, which will allow tractors to drive from 4 to 5 mph to 10 mph while still having positivity of equal spring and depth control. On the fertilizer end of things, there will be more options for liquid fertilizer control by having the ability to disperse row by row.

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New to precision technology is the use of drones. Brian Schlueter of S & S Precision Drone & Ag, farms near Stewart, and was looking to have an off-the-farm income. He found out about drone use in agriculture and talked to Bushman to see what he thought of bringing a business like that to the area. Bushman encouraged him to go for it.

Schlueter invested in the drone equipment in February 2022. He purchased a DJI T30 drone, the largest one on the market at the time. He also had a gooseneck trailer for the chemical tanks and as a landing zone for the drone. From there, he received his FAA license and certification. In June 2002, he began using the equipment on an alfalfa field to spray for an invasive bug.

He has since used his drone to spray 5,000 acres of alfalfa, oats, wheat, corn and soybeans.

Schlueter sees benefits of using a drone for spraying. “The drone can spray in the evening. Bees are sleeping in their hives at this time, so they aren’t affected by the insecticide used,” he explains. “It is also autonomous, so it has GPS coordinates to avoid power lines and trees. There is no human damage if it were to crash like airplanes.

It also doesn’t touch the leaves of the plant being sprayed nor compact the soil of the field since it flies over rather than drives on it.” Drones also reduce carbon emissions as they are battery powered.

“It can also spread dry product,” Schlueter said in explaining the advantages of using a drone. “In Iowa, a

For more information Want to know more about precision agriculture technology? The following can help:  Chad Schmalz, Local Roots Ag LLC, 54362 895th Ave., Buffalo Lake; 320296-5422  Ryan Bushman, Prairie Road Crop Consulting, 14324 200th St., Hutchinson; 320-234-6576  Brian Schlueter, S & S Precision Drone & Ag, 12012 Yacht Ave., Stewart; 320-583-9389

lot of guys are using it to plant cover crops there. It’s really slick. The drone can spread the cover crop seed over the soybean (field) before it’s harvested — usually around the yellow stage of the leaf. When it’s time to combine the soybeans, there is already an established germination growth with the cover crop, which will continue after the soybeans have been harvested. Cover crops can be planted the same way in standing corn.”

Schlueter’s drone measures 9 feet in diameter and 2-½ feet tall. There are 16 spray nozzles that cover a 28 foot wide path compared to the 90-foot sprayer boom. It holds 8 gallons of water. When applying the spray it uses a 2-gallon rate and covers 3 to 4 acres a tank load.

Its spray speed is 15 mph. It is GPS controlled and the elevation can be set for how high the crop is. It flies quietly.

The average it sprays in a 10-hour day is 200 to 350 acres.

The process works as follows: Fill up the drone with product. Send it out. It comes back to the trailer where Schlueter can change the battery, fill it up again and then send it back out. The process continues until the job is done.

Schlueter believes he’s on the cutting edge of using drone precision technology in agriculture.

“I believe in five years from now, large farm operations will have a drone of their own to spray,” he said. “The drones are getting bigger, too. I’m considering investing in the next size that just came out.”

That’s how interested and confident he is in continuing using the technology. Precision agriculture is improving practices faster than ever. Staying on top of it is the key.

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 7

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8 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 9

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

FOCUS ON AG

NEW FARM BILL ON THE

CONGRESSIONAL AGENDA The Commodity Title in the farm bill includes all commodity farm program payments, marketing assistance loans (MAL), and other crop subsidy payments.

University of Minnesota Extension

T Kent

THIESSE

he 2023 crop year will be the final year for the current farm bill, which is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2023, unless there is an extension. A farm bill is one of the most comprehensive pieces of legislation that is passed

by Congress. Passage of a new farm bill is very complex, with programs ranging from farm commodity programs to food and nutrition programs, from conservation programs to rural development programs, and several more. In many cases, finalizing

a farm bill in Congress can be quite controversial, and not necessarily just by political party lines. The farm bill programs become quite geographical, with members of Congress wanting to protect the farm, food, conservation, and economic interests of their state or congressional district.

Following are a few insights about the 12 titles included in the current farm bill: Agenda to 10

10 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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Use a spotter and deployed flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other equipment when doing field work.

If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact us immediately by phone and remain inside the vehicle unit the power line is de-energized.

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AGENDA continued from 9

TITLE 1: COMMODITIES The Commodity Title includes all commodity farm program payments, marketing assistance loans (MAL), and other crop subsidy payments. In the past two farm bills, crop producers have had the option to choose between the price-only “Price Loss Coverage” (PLC) and county yield revenue-based “Ag Risk Coverage” (ARC-CO) program, which has been an annual choice since the 2020 crop year. Some farm organizations would like to see increased crop reference prices and MAL loan rates, as well as to make some adjustments to the ARC-CO program payment formula. The “Dairy Margin Coverage” (DMC) program, which has proved to be quite beneficial for small- to mediumsized dairy herds (less than 300 cows), was enhanced in the 2018 Fam Bill.

TITLE II: CONSERVATION The current farm bill set the maximum Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres at 27 million acres, with additional focus on the Grassland Reserve Program. The farm bill also set the maximum CRP rental rates at 90% of the average FSA “prevailing” rental rates for Continuous CRP contracts and at 85% for General CRP. There will likely be considerable support for expansion of the maximum CRP acres, as well as for increasing the maximum annual CRP rental rates to incentivize enrollment into the CRP program.

The large 2022 “Inflation Reduction Act” contained several provisions that provided added funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which are part of the Conservation Title.

TITLE IV: NUTRITION The Nutrition Title, which includes the SNAP program (food stamps), the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program, and school lunch program, will probably be debated more than any other Title during farm bill hearings in 2023. The Nutrition Title will likely account for nearly 85% of annual federal spending allocated under the next farm bill, as opposed to 75% in the 2018 farm bill. Several billion dollars were added to the Nutrition Title budget base as part of COVID relief legislation and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Some members of Congress would like to separate the Nutrition Title from the farm bill; however, ag policy experts warn that funding for ag commodity programs could become much more difficult if SNAP and the other nutrition programs are removed.

TITLE V: CREDIT This Title sets parameters and provides funding for the FSA direct and guaranteed loan programs, which have become quite important to farm operators and ag lenders. The direct FSA farm ownership loans are especially important to provide beginning farmers low interest loans to purchase farmland. Recently, there have been greater efforts to reach underserved farmers and ranchers with the FSA loan programs.

TITLE VI: RURAL DEVELOPMENT This Title reauthorizes funding for rural development loans to communities and businesses, as well as programs and funding to assist state and local governments with everything from emergency service providers, fire protection, wastewater treatment programs and more.

Special emphasis in the 2018 farm bill was provided for expanding broadband service in rural areas of the U.S.

TITLE III: TRADE This Title includes funding for important agricultural trade promotion programs, such as the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP), and the Emerging Markets Program (EMP).

These trade related programs are very important for opening new markets and maintaining existing markets for U.S. ag exports.

TITLE VII: RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND RELATED MATTERS USDA funding for ag research, extension programs, and other food research and education programs through the nation’s Land Grant University system are provided under this Title. Funding for research and education efforts related to organic production and urban agriculture also fall under this Title.

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 11

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review TITLE VIII: FORESTRY

TITLE XI: CROP INSURANCE

This Title reauthorizes and expands USDA collaborative efforts with states for battling forest fires, forestry research and development, insect and disease control, timber management and so on.

Most crop producers and ag lenders will highlight a sound working crop insurance program through the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) as the “centerpiece” for a solid risk management plan in a farm operation. More than 95% of the corn and soybean acres in the Upper Midwest are typically insured by some type of crop insurance coverage, which are subsidized at a rate of 60% to 65% by the federal government. The RMA also offers some insurance products for dairy and livestock producers.

Some members of Congress are calling for some changes and modifications to the current programs under this Title, while most farm organizations are lobbying to keep the current program intact. Some livestock organizations would like to see enhancements to RMA programs for livestock production.

TITLE IX: ENERGY This Title provides funding for USDA programs that support the development of biofuels and renewable energy. There may be efforts to expand this Title to include other types of “green energy” programs.

TITLE X: HORTICULTURE USDA funding for farmers markets and other local food programs, as well as for the national organic certification program, are provided under this Title. The last farm bill legitimized industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, thus making hemp eligible for crop insurance and other USDA programs; however, this did not affect federal regulations for hemp raised for marijuana production.

TITLE XII: MISCELLANEOUS This Title covers provisions and funding for any other USDA pro-

grams, such as the provision in the last farm bill to provide funding for a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank.

Both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House Ag Committees conducted hearings on a new farm bill during 2022 and more hearings are already planned in the new Congressional session in 2023. The Congressional leadership has been very committed with plans to have a new farm bill completed by Sept. 30, 2023, with very little talk of an extension to the current farm bill. Ultimately, there will likely be a compromise reached, and a new 5-year farm bill will be passed; however, given the political division that currently exists in Congress, a one-year extension of the current farm bill for 2024 is certainly a possibility by the end of 2023.

— Kent Thiesse is the farm management analyst and senior vice president at MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal. He can be reached at 507-381-7960 or email kent.thiesse@ minnstarbank.com.

About the Spring Agriculture cover This drone coming in for a landing at dusk was taken by Brian Schlueter of S & S Precision Drone & Ag. He farms near Stewart and was looking for a way to have an off-thefarm income. He found out about drone use in agriculture and talked to Ryan Bushman of Prairie Road Crop Consulting in Hutchinson to see what he thought of bringing a business like that to the area. Bushman encouraged him to go for it. To learn more, see Mary-Anne OlmstedKohls’ cover story: “New Technology Aids in Precision Agriculture” on page 5.

— Kay Johnson

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12 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Getting prepared for spring Key tasks smooth the way for the farm’s busiest season

going to be your favorite part of the season, but you’ll get peace of mind knowing all of this is squared away.

INSPECT THE PROPERTY

P

roperty inspections, after-winter equipment maintenance, spring cleaning and a careful look at the books are all part of the pre-spring ritual. Here’s a deeper look at everything thing you’ll need to tackle ahead of the warmer months.

REVIEW FINANCIALS

Soon, your entire focus will be on growing and livestock. Best to take a moment now to examine your financials, before the everyday tasks associated with farming and ranching become such an all-consuming priority. Complete your tax returns, make sure there are no outstanding invoices tucked away in your paperwork, and review all of your contracts to see if they are set to expire or need to otherwise be updated. It’s never

Winter’s bluster can create all kinds of havoc on a farm, including damage to structures, fencing, animal housing and equipment damage from ice and snow. Take a spin around the property’s perimeter to make sure crucial repairs aren’t needed before your operation is up and running for the spring. You’ll be busy, and so will helpers like agricultural mechanics. Their prices will go up, too. So start your inspections as early as possible.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE Successful seasons are powered by well-performing equipment, so don’t risk losing momentum by suffering untimely breakdowns. Do a thorough check as winter fades so your equipment is ready when it’s time to get back to work — in particular if you don’t have

Green Shoot Media

Preparing for spring on the farm covers everything from property inspections to a careful look at the books. room to keep everything indoors. Rust and other critical deterioration can be sped up in harsh conditions, even under heavy tarps. Change the oil, change filters, remove any leftover crop residue, inspect wires and hoses, check air pressure and add lubricant where needed.

for spring inspections. Look for downed trees, potentially dangerous mud puddles and other hazards caused by winter precipitation before the new season gets underway. This will make way for the year’s fresh crops, and for livestock who’ve been cooped up all winter to roam again. Return to animal housing once they’ve departed to thoroughly clean and make any needed repairs.

Source: Green Shoot Media

SPRING CLEANING Fencing isn’t the only critical area to inspect as you travel around the farm

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 13

FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR The Robergs were honored as Meeker County Farm Family of the Year

T

he Roberg family was recognized as the 2022 Meeker County Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.

The Roberg family is a six-generation farm. The farm was started in 1876 by Andrew and Mary Roberg.

Throughout the years of operation, their farm has seen many different changes. Starting with chicks, pigs, and dairy cattle is now a crop and turkey raising operation.

Their commitment to agriculture was highlighted — along with one farm family from each county around the state — during FarmFest in August at the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.

Mary and Andrew Roberg passed their Meeker County farm down to their son, John and his wife, Olive.

They had two sons, Dwaine and Howard, who are the second generation on their farm. After farming for several years together, Dwaine and his wife, Elaine, took ownership of the farm.

Dwaine raised all the crops, while Elaine milked the cows. They had four kids, Debi, Loren, and twin boys Larry and Garry.

Garry and Larry both lived on the farm with their wives and kids.

Garry married his wife, Fern, and they had five children, Jackie, Angela, Tim, Stacy and Amy. Larry and his wife, Joyce, have two kids, Jason and Joyce. The fifth-generation to remain actively working on the farm are Tim and his wife, Michele, and Jason and his wife, Cindy.

Jason and Cindy have four children: Weston, Andrea, Leanna and Nolan.

Tim and Michele have four children asa well: Mikayla, Grace, Roman and Luke. Weston is the first person of the sixth generation to be actively farming.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

Six generations of the Roberg family have been actively involved in their farm’s operation since it was started in 1876.

From 1876 to 1991 their farm had chickens, pigs, crops and dairy cattle.

In 1991, Garry and Larry started raising breeder turkeys. After milking dairy cattle for 48 years in 1997, Larry and his wife sold the dairy cows to upscale their turkey and crops operation.

Loren and his wife, Janet, manage the crops, and the family members help with fieldwork. Tim, Jason, Larry, and Weston all manage their own turkey operations. Elaine shows her support by making meals for the family.

The family is heavily involved in their community. Elaine has been involved in Nordland Lutheran Church for many years. Larry has driven a bus for several mission trips and occasionally drives for the ROSE Center in Paynesville, and served on the Paynesville E-Free Church board. Joyce served as church secretary at PEFC. Cindy serves as part of a home-

school co-op group. Weston was active in sports and is a volunteer coach for Paynesville wrestling. Gary served on the PEFC elder board. Fern served on the Meeker Co-op Round-up board and on the Paynesville School Board.

Joyce and Fern were instrumental in starting the Koronis Eager Beavers 4-H Club. Tim and Michele are active in Paynesville school activities, church youth group and mission trips. Tim has coached wrestling at ACGC and Paynesville schools. Loren is on the Paynesville CENEX board. Janet was treasurer of the parish guild of the Assumption Parish in Eden Valley.

She is also a Rosary leader and does Eucharistic adoration.

Profiles of all the 2022 farm family of the year honorees and information on the recognition event can be found on the University’s farm family website, extension.umn.edu/farm-families.

Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

“These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities,” said Bev Durgan, dean of the University of Minnesota Extension.

“The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.”

Along with Farmfest, University units sponsoring the recognition event include the University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

14 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Roxanne Stensvad can thank a fellow teacher for sparking her interest in gardening. When she arrived at Glencoe High School, a colleague asked if he could bring his plants to her classroom greenhouse. “He brought them in and it just changed the whole environment of my classroom and the kids loved it,” she said.

Submitted photo

Master Gardeners Roxanne Stensvad, Marian Filk and Janet Dolezal have given a combined 90 years of volunteer service and 5,100 volunteer hours

BY EMILY HANSEN University of Minnesota Extension for Wright, McLeod and Meeker counties

T

he McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners are a group filled with loyalty and tradition.

Since the group’s inception in 1991, they have contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service to McLeod County and its residents. Many community members have attended the annual plant sale, Horticulture Education Day, and McLeod County Fair booth, but the role of an Extension Master Gardener is more than those annual events. The Master Gardeners have volunteered to teach youth at the local Hutchinson Farmers Market, provided free horticulture education in person and on YouTube, conducted Junior Master Gardener day camps and more.

In 2022, the McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating six volunteer anniversaries:  Diane Enstad, 10 years,  Sandra Kaufman, 10 years,

 Deb Karstens, 20 years,  Roxanne Stensvad, 25 years,  Marian Filk, 30 years and  Janet Dolezal, 35 years.

With a combined 90 years of volunteer service and 5,100 volunteer hours Roxanne Stensvad, Marian Filk and Janet Dolezal have made a significant impact on McLeod County.

MEET ROXANNE STENSVAD Roxanne Stensvad is a retired teacher of 40 years. After growing up on a small dairy farm in Todd County and receiving her Bachelor degree from the University of Concordia Moorhead, she was hired as a biology teacher at Glencoe High School. When she arrived at GHS, a fellow teacher sparked her interest in gardening.

“He asked my permission to bring in his plants to our greenhouse,” she recalled. “He brought them in and it just changed the whole environment of my classroom and the kids loved it.”

Stensvad also credits her love of gardening to a horticulture class that fell onto her shoulders.

“I was put in charge of a horticulture class,” she said. “My colleague had taught it for years, but it didn’t work into the schedule. I was down a biology section for that year and was assigned the task of taking it over.”

After taking over that horticulture class and learning to dig into her love of gardening, Stensvad joined the McLeod County Extension Master Gardeners to 19

18 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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GARDENERS continued from 17

Gardener program. This year, Stensvad is celebrating 25 years in the program.

Her longtime involvement brings along some of her most memorable moments which were participating in Junior Master Gardener day camps, Horticulture Education Day, and answering questions at the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Some of the projects that Stensvad has contributed to over the years include removing buckthorn at a local hospice center, creating a garden bed for the Silver Lake Lions, and tending to the garden beds at the McLeod County Fairgrounds.

“The best part of being a Master Gardener is that you are constantly learning and you get to meet new people and make new friends,” Stensvad said.

MEET MARIAN FILK Stensvad and Marian Filk have been close friends since they both

joined the program. Filk is celebrating 30 years as a McLeod County Extension Master Gardener.

Filk’s love of gardening began when she was a little girl and has continued throughout her family today.

“When I was a little girl, my mother was a gardener and she would give each of us a little space to grow things in,” she remembered. “My space was round and I grew Balsam.”

Thir ty years ago, Filk learned about the McLeod County Extension Master Gardener Program through a close friend. She soon thereafter joined the group with an open mind to learn about many different horticultural topics.

T h roughout her ti me wit h t he McLeod County Extension Master Gardener program, Filk has been involved in 17 Junior Master Gardener day camps, Horticulture Education Day, and reading stories to toddlers and first graders during the library’s storytime.

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GARDENERS continued from 19

“My most memorable event would have to be the Junior Master Gardener day camp,” Filk said. “Seeing the spark created when kids connect with nature and learning years later the flame has grown is rewarding.”

As a McLeod County Fair board director since 1981, and other various roles at the fair since, Filk has been a prominent member and volunteer of McLeod County.

“Other memorable moments would include the people I have met along the way,” Filk said. “Interacting with numerous people at the many programs we have presented is memorable.”

After 30 years of service to the McLeod County Master Gardeners, Filk is still creating memories and making an impact on McLeod County.

MEET JANET DOLEZAL Thirty years of volunteer service dates back to a year after the McLeod County Master Gardener program began. There is one volunteer that extends past that official inception, Janet Dolezal. Dolezal has served the Extension Master Gardener program for 35 years.

Born and raised in McLeod County, Dolezal grew up on a dairy farm northwest of Hutchinson.

“My dad was a gardener. We always had a huge vegetable garden,” Dolezal said. “I remember a lot of times, before he would come in for breakfast after milking, he would be in the garden and I would go out in the garden with him and learn.”

After getting married, having children, and attending vocational school, Dolezal became a member of the Horticultural Society in McLeod County.

Dolezal’s involvement in this group resulted in the formation of the Extension Master Gardener program.

“I think I was the third one in the county that took the Master Gardener course,” Dolezal said. “That would have been 35 years ago.”

Throughout her time with the program. Dolezal became a certified horticulture judge for the county fair and spent her time teaching 4-H youth how to get plants ready to exhibit at the fair. Her

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Information Interested in learning more about the Master Gardener program? Visit www.extension. umn.edu/garden/master-gardener/.

Information is also available by contacting your local University of Minnesota Extension office:  U of M Extension McLeod County, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson; 320-484-4334; email: ande9495@umn.edu; website: extension.umn.edu  U of M Extension Meeker County, 1230 N. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield; 320-693-5275; email: ande9495@umn. edu; website; extension.umn.edu Save the date for the following:  Meeker County Extension Master Gardeners are hosting the 2023 Gardener’s Gala 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, at the Church of St. Philip, 821 E. Fifth St., Litchfield. Registration and visiting vendors is from 5-6 p.m. followed by presenter Robin Trott who will speak on “Grow a Rainbow: Annual flowers for color and purpose.” There is a break and door prize drawings from 7 to 7:20 p.m. followed by presenter Larry Cipoila who will talk about “Hydroponics for Year-Round Gardening, the very easy way.” Tickets are $10 if you register before March 10. Online registration can be found at z.umn. edu/MeekerGardenGala23.

flower judging has spanned 20 counties in Minnesota, as well as an appearance at the Minnesota State Fair. She has also been superintendent of the McLeod County flower exhibits for 46 years.

As an Extension Master Gardener, Dolezal has provided education to McLeod County through various educational programs such as Gardening Knowledge for Free. She has also taught fair exhibitors the “tips and tricks” of exhibiting through videos that air on the Hutchinson Community Video Network.

“I have learned so much and I feel as though I need to pass it on so others can enjoy gardening,” Dolezal said.

After 35 years as a McLeod County Extension Master Gardener, she encourages others to join the program and volunteer in the community.

“You really do not have to be an expert to be an Extension Master Gardener,” Dolezal said. “There are so many different topics and you really learn so much.”

Marian Filk credited her mother for introducing her to a lifelong love of gardening. “When I was a little girl, my mother was a gardener and she would give each of us a little space to grow things in,” Filk remembered.

“My space was round and I grew Balsam.”

Janet Dolezal was introduced to gardening by her dad. “My dad was a gardener,” she recalled.” I remember a lot of times, before he would come in for breakfast after milking, he would be in the garden and I would go out in the garden with him and learn.”

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 21

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dan and Trish Wanous, right, pose with their children, Kyle, Zach, Zoe and Jase, and Emily Ward, who joined the family eight years ago when she started leasing heifers and pigs to show. The Wanouses were chosen McLeod County Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.

Wanous family selected as McLeod Farm Family of the Year Dan and Trish Wanous grew up on farms, started their own 13 years ago

BY UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

T

he Wanous family was recognized as the 2022 McLeod County Farm Family of the Year

by University of Minnesota Extension.

Dan Wanous grew up on a farrow-tofeeder pig operation, north of Hutchinson, while his wife, Trish, grew up north of Gaylord on a small farm of 10 beef cows. Her parents had owned the feed store in New Auburn, as well.

Dan and Trish started their own farm 13 years ago with just a couple of commercial beef cows and their fiveacre homestead. Two years later they

were gifted three commercial gilts and a boar.

The Wanouses have four children — Kyle, Zach, Zoe and Jase. They also welcomed Emily Ward into their family eight years ago when Emily started leasing beef heifers and pigs to show with the family. Dan and Trish consider Emily their fifth child.

Kyle is finishing his degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Zach is currently attending Alexandria Technical College. Zoe will be a freshman at Southwest Minnesota State University this fall, and Jase enters the fifth grade at Glencoe-Silver Lake. Emily found her passion for livestock while working with the Wanouses, which led to her decision to pursue a degree in animal science at the UW- River Falls.

Each year the Wanous family looks forward to traveling more than 10,000

miles to livestock shows across the country, all while bonding over their passion for showing both beef and swine.

The family now has 10 purebred beef shorthorn cows, and more than 20 show pig sows. They farrow out each January, February and March. They market their calf crop as breeding stock for show heifers and steers to youth throughout the Midwest. They market their swine at 4-H, FFA and other livestock organizations as pig prospects to show at jackpots, county fairs and state fairs, as well as national shows.

Dan and Trish are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Auburn. Both are members of the Glencoe-Silver Lake Ag Promoters, the Minnesota Shorthorn Association, and the National Shorthorn Association.

They are 4-H swine superintendents

at the McLeod County Fair and help as screened 4-H volunteers. They are members of the National Swine Registry and Certified Pedigree Swine. All five kids are current or past members of 4-H and FFA and are involved in junior cattle and swine associations.

Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

“These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities,” said Bev Durgan, dean of the University of Minnesota Extension.

“The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.”

22 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review In a constantly changing world, fresh ideas are always just over the next horizon — and they may open the door for new areas of productivity or profitability.

Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com

Improving farm management Typically razor-thin profit margins mean that every decision counts Some external factors are beyond your control as a farmer, including weather, unexpected machinery malfunctions or health issues. But there are other areas where in-depth planning and thoughtful management techniques can make a world of difference. Here’s a look.

NEW STRATEGIES

CENTRAL COUNTIES CO-OP

Sometimes, the more experience we have, the more set in our ways we become. Developing new strategies becomes harder because we’ve become comfortable with what worked in the past. But deeply ingrained lessons don’t have to be the only ones you learn. In a constantly changing world, fresh ideas are always just over the next horizon — and they may open the door for new areas of productivity or profitability.

Challenge yourself to shake up your business plan, including updated goals, different livestock or purchasing relationships. If you’re forward thinking enough, this plan might smooth the way for bank funding that will form the foundation of exciting new initiatives.

HIRING EVALUATION

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Need help with farm management?

A good place to start is the local University of Minnesota Extension office:  U of M Extension McLeod County, 840 Century Ave. S.W., Hutchinson; 320484-4334; extension.umn.edu  U of M Extension Meeker County, 1230 N. Armstrong Ave., Litchfield; 320693-5275; extension.umn.edu

people aren’t in place, you could become bogged down in everyday tasks rather than performing as you’re meant to in a leadership role. The best workers are typically promoted from within, since they are deeply aware of how the operation works. Start-ups often begin with trusted friends and family members in key roles. Just remember that working with people you already have a close relationship with can be complicated, so you may want to eventually transition into a different hiring model.

GOOD RECORD KEEPING Once you’ve developed a business plan and settled on a staff, it’s important to take careful note of everything that happens — with a focus on cash flow, including expenses and income. Great record-keeping systems help you more easily monitor production and other critical information in real time. Financial statements will give you a snapshot idea of how things are going with the books, while monthly and annual operational reports detail how you’re doing with cattle, stocking rate and pasture management, among other things.

Source: Green Shoot Media

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 23

PAUL WRIGHT FAMILY EARNS AWARD AT CORN AND SOYBEAN GROWERS ANNUAL BANQUET At their annual banquet Jan. 28, McLeod County Corn and Soybean Growers recognized the Paul and Heather Wright family as its Family of the Year. During the presentation, President Matt Miller mentioned the family’s support of the 4-H and FFA programs, hosting community groups such as Meghan’s Place, welcoming Hutchinson fourth graders each fall for “Farm Product and Safety Day,” hosting with Hutchinson FFA, Dancing Like the Stars 2B Continued fundraiser and their ongoing support of agriculture. “These events all take place as our whole family works to make these things happen,” Paul said. Pictured is the Wright family, from left, Mckenna, Breanna, Paul, Heather, Allison and Cody. Paul Wright family earns award at Corn and Soybean Growers annual banquet Photo by Chad Hoese

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

The FSA is there to help farmers whether you’re new to the field or starting over.

Yuri Arcurs peopleimages.com

Whether starting out or starting over, we all need a little help sometimes

T

he U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees a federal agency specifically designed to ensure that family farmers can obtain loans at reasonable terms.

Here’s how to get the assistance you need to start, maintain or refurbish this kind of operation.

WHEN TO ASK

They can’t protect you from unforeseen difficulties such as dangerous weather patterns, but Farm Service Agency loans can help bridge the gap when disaster strikes a family farm.

Considering the strict timelines that farmers must typically deal with, these loans can mean the difference

between success and a lost season. You may also need help to overcome equipment mishaps or a cash crunch due to poor yields. There are options for new family farmers who are just getting started, too.

TYPES OF LOANS FSA aid can come in the form of an operational loan, meant to help in the case of one-time issues such as a major equipment failure in the middle of harvest when an entire year is on the line.

These loans would cover daily expenses like fertilizer, livestock supplies or seed in order to free up capital to repair the needed equipment. Ownership loans, on the other hand, are designed to provide needed capital so first-time family farmers get their operation off the ground.

Finally, micro-loans are a borrowing program that conforms to the size of

HOW TO QUALIFY

Local FSA office information  McLeod County farm Service Agency, 1103 Gruenhagen Drive, Glencoe; 320-864-5178 ext. 2; Jennifer King, county executive director, 320864-5178; Rebecca Lynn Knudsen, farm loan manager, 320-523-1550.  Meeker County Farm Service Agency, 522 S. Johnson Drive, Litchfield; 320-693-2854 ext. 2; Janet Hughes, county executive director, 230-693-2854 ext. 2; Rebecca Lynn Knudsen, farm loan manager, 320-523-1550.

your operation. The idea is secure the perfect cashflow amount for a family driven operation without becoming buried in a huge debt. These loans are specifically targeted for smaller operations, beginners in this field, non-traditional or niche operations, and farmers markets or co-ops.

The first hurdle to securing a Farm Service Agency loan is that you must be operating as a family farm. This is based on the makeup of your labor and management teams, which must primarily include relatives. Outside help is allowed in the form of top advisors and consultants, but the primary decision-making must be done by a family member, too. Successful applicants have to be a U.S. citizen with good credit, and they must be up to date with their payments on any other federal loan. If you think you may qualify, contact your local agricultural department to find out more about the FSA loan program and getting a referral.

For more information, visit www. fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Minnesota/ index Source: Green Shoot Media

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 25

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

THE BATTLE AGAINST PREDATORS

The coyote is Minnesota’s most abundant large predator.

RAUL BAENA

They remain a huge problem, despite advancements in agriculture and tech

W

Whether they are animal invaders such as coyotes or human predators in the form of rustlers, predators can wreak havoc on your operation. Here’s how to fight back.

FENCING

One of the oldest safeguards against predators is still the most effective.

Many different variants have sprung up over the years, though experts typically recommend basic woven-

wire fencing. It should be tall enough to keep predators from jumping over, and partially buried in the ground to prevent them from burrowing underneath. Add an electric strand at the top if climbing creatures such as possums and raccoons are a local issue. Portable fences are less effective, since they can be pushed or leaped over, in particular by wild dogs or coyotes.

Other options include electric fencing, with strands placed six inches apart toward the bottom so that predators are unable to squeeze through.

Whichever version you choose, it’s important to remain vigilant by making regular inspections for breaks in the line. Shooting or trapping a predator is easy enough when they’re discovered during daylight hours, but most of

these incursions to farms and ranches happen at night.

GUARDIAN ANIMALS Guardian animals are often great deterrents simply by their presence. Dogs will also bark loudly to scare other creatures away. Canines are the most common guardian animals, of course, but they aren’t your only option. Donkeys can be responsible helpers. Llamas have also been used, since they are vigilant in keeping herds and flocks together.

They don’t require additional feed, since llamas eat natural vegetation.

OTHER TOOLS Even farms with sturdy unbroken fences and attentive guardian animals can fall victim to a wily predator. Ter-

rain can limit the effectiveness of your defenses, and some predators simply won’t stop until they’ve dug under, smashed through or climbed over.

That’s why the National Wildlife Center also recommends using fences and guardian animals in combination with other tools, including deterrents, trapping and shooting. Setting noise devices and flashing lights to go off at intervals throughout the night has proven effective. Hang random shiny things, such as compact discs or Mylar strips, to scare away birds. Painting the eyes of another predators on signs or balloons may also convince them to go elsewhere.

For more information, visit the National Wildlife Federation at www. nwf.org.

Source: Green Shoot Media

26 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Is the ag industry destined to repeat the 1980s?

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ecord grain prices, high farm profit levels, rapid increases in land values, large capital purchases on the farm, and strong optimism about the future of the farm economy. Sound familiar ... that was the situation in the late 1970s; however, it also is very similar to the current farm economic situation in many areas of the United States.

Of course, what followed in the 1980s was the worst agriculture economy in the U.S since the Great Depression of the 1930s, which resulted in extreme financial and mental stress for a large number of farm families, as well as leading to many forced farm sales and foreclosures.

The farm stress of the 1980s was caused by rapidly rising inflation and farm input costs, reduced commodity prices and poor farm profit levels, greatly reduced land values, and high interest rates, as well as by not adjusting to a changing farm economy.

Following are some factors to consider with today’s farm economy: Nearby soybean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) have traded above $12 per bushel since early in 2021 and above $14 per bushel for most of 2022 and early 2023, reaching a high of $16 to $17 per bushel in the spring of 2022. Soybean futures prices were below $9 per bushel as recently as the first half of 2020. The last time we had an extended period of high CBOT soybean futures prices of $13 to $16 per bushel was from 2011 through the first half of 2014, reaching a high of $17.68 per bushel in September 2012. By the end of 2015, soybean futures prices had dropped below $9 per bushel.

Similarly, nearby CBOT corn futures have traded above $6 per bushel for most of 2022 and early 2023, which compares to $3.25 to $3.50 per bushel in the first half of 2020. Similar to soybeans, the last extended period of strong corn prices was from 2011 through the first half of 2013, when CBOT nearby corn futures price also traded above $6 per

Kent

THIESSE bushel, reaching a high of more than $8 per bushel in the fall of the drought year of 2012. By mid-year of 2014, corn futures prices had dropped below $4 per bushel.

According to the recent USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Farm Income Forecast in September 2022, net farm income in the U.S. for 2022 is projected at $147.7 billion, which would be an increase of 5.2% or $7.3 billion from the $140.4 billion level in 2021. In the six previous years (2015-2020), the U.S. net farm income was below $100 billion.

The last period of very strong net farm income levels in the U.S, occurred from 2011 to 2013. The average annual U.S. net farm income over the past two decades (2002-2021) was $104 billion per year. The very strong U.S. farm income levels in the past two years has been driven by strong commodity prices, improved livestock profitability, and excellent export levels of farm products to China and other countries.

According to the latest ERS estimates, total farm fertilizer expenditures in the U.S. are expected to increase by 52% and livestock feed expenses are expected to increase by nearly 15%, as compared to a year earlier. The ERS also projects increased farm input costs for crop chemicals, diesel fuel, repairs, and labor expense.

Farm input costs will likely be even higher in 2023.

The U.S. Federal Reserve increased the prime interest rate to 7.5% late in 2022, with the potential for additional increases in 2023, which compares to a

FEBRUARY 2023 / SPRING AGRICULTURE | 27

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review rate of 3.25% in the first few months of 2022. Farm operators that were paying 4% interest for a one-year operating loan in 2022 will likely be paying an interest rate of 8% to 9% for 2023. For farmers that rely on short-term credit during the year, this could easily add $20,000 to $40,000 to their farm operating costs in 2023.

According to the USDA Land Value Summary Report released in August 2022, farmland values in the U.S. in 2022 averaged a record $3,800 per acre, which was an annual increase of 12% from mid-year of 2021. The $420 per acre increase nationally from 2021 to 2022 was the largest year-over-year increase ever recorded. The highest annual percentage increases in farmland values from 2021 to 2022 were 25% in Kansas, 21% in both Iowa and Nebraska, 19% in South Dakota, and 17% in Minnesota.

Land values in many of those areas have continued to increase in recent months.

Many farmers and others in the agriculture industry remain very “bullish” on the future profitability in produc-

Melinda Gimpel/unsplash.com

The farm stress of the 1980s was caused by rapidly rising inflation and farm input costs, reduced commodity prices and poor farm profit levels, greatly reduced land values, and high interest rates, as well as by not adjusting to a changing farm economy. tion agriculture and the overall U.S. agriculture economy. Until recently, it has been hard to find many people

talking about a potential downturn in the agriculture economy anytime soon.

Usually, when everyone is thinking one

direction is when things change, and sometimes those changes can occur quite rapidly. In 1980, following some very robust farm income years, the U.S. Government implemented a grain embargo that caused a rapid decline in grain exports and resulted in much lower grain prices. This rapid drop in grain prices, along with lower farm profits, and much higher interest rates, led to the farm crisis of the 1980s.

While economic conditions in the U.S. today are much different than in the late 1970s and early 1980s, there are some “yellow caution f lags” to think about with today’s agriculture economy: The cost of production for corn and soybeans, including feed, fertilizer, chemicals, seed, fuel, and other expenses is expected to increase again for 2023 and will be nearly double the cost of production from a few years ago. The increased cost of production, combined with the increased land rental rates and higher interest rates means that

Agents: David Larson Matt Larson Matt Melberg Jeff Nies Craig Schmeling Lisa Weir

dough.northstar@gmail.com

Andrea Klatke

David Swope

Thiesse to 28

28 | SPRING AGRICULTURE / FEBRUARY 2023

THIESSE continued from 27

the break-even price in 2023 for corn production in the Midwest will likely be near $ 6 per bushel for corn, and more than $12 per bushel for soybeans, after being below $4 per bushel for corn and near $9 per bushel for soybeans as recently as 2020.

If the high inflation rates continue into 2023 and beyond, it could impact consumer buying habits for some food items, such as high-end meat and dairy products, which could greatly affect livestock profit margins.

There is growing concern regarding the future level on ag exports, given the continuing Russian war in Ukraine, g rowing U.S. trade tensions with China, and other worldwide political issues.

The renewable fuel industry is kind of at a crossroads, too. There is optimism surrounding the potential for higher blends of ethanol, increased production of renewable biodiesel, and development of sustainable aviation

fuel. On the other hand, the “green energy” movement toward a rapid increase in electric vehicles and less use of traditional fuels could lower future demand for ethanol and traditional soybean diesel.

Land values dropped by 40% to 60% in many areas during the 1980s following their peak values in the late 1970s.

More recently, Iowa average farmland values dropped by 16% from 2014 to 2018 after the last peak in land values in 2013. Many analysts expect land values to decline again in the coming years following the current rapid rise in land values in the past two years, but how large will the drop be?

In 2020, we experienced the serious economic impact that a major human disease pandemic such as COVID can cause on the U.S. and worldwide economy, including the ag economy, How well are we prepared to withstand future human and livestock pandemics, terrorist attacks, and other factors beyond a farmer’s control that could impact the financial well-being of farm businesses and the overall U.S. ag economy?

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review During recent events, such as COVID, the trade war with China and natural disasters, the federal government has provided significant financial aid to farm operators to help offset the reduced income levels. Many analysts wonder if the next farm bill and other government programs will offer that continued strong financial “safety net” for farm operators in the future.

The overall farm economy is quite strong right now and will likely remain at very positive levels into 2023; however, as was pointed out there are some reasons to be concerned about farm profit levels in the future. One of the best hedges for farm operators against reduced farm profits in the coming years is to keep the “current position” (cash available) segment of the farm business strong. It may be better to use current excess cash revenues from the farm operation to pay down short-term farm operating debt, rather than using the cash to purchase expensive land and other capital assets, or for excessive spending for

non-farm expenditures. Farmers need to continue to look for ways to optimize production costs and to “fine-tune” grain and livestock marketing plans based on the “cost of production” in their farm operation.

Successful farm operators utilize available experts on their farm management team including ag lenders, marketing specialists, crop consultants, farm management advisors, and others to help make the best production and financial decisions for the farm business. Communicating with farm partners and other family members is also an important part of the farm business decision-making process. Even though we could face “strong headwinds” in the coming years, we do not necessarily need to repeat the ag financial crisis of the 1980s.

— Kent Thiesse is the farm management analyst and senior vice president at MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal. He can be reached at 507-381-7960 or email kent.thiesse@ minnstarbank.com.

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