PRESORTED STANDARD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 55 MITCHELL, SD
Local Postal Customer
MARCH 2020
9
CATTLE PRODUCERS OPTIMISTIC DESPITE MARKET CONCERNS
INPUT PRICES STEADY TO LOWER THAN 2019 PARTS DAYS ALL MARCH LONG! SCOTT SUPPLY’S 105 ANNUAL
7
TH
OPEN HOUSE MARCH 23-27, 2020
www.scottsupplyco.com
2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD
605-996-7704 1-800-952-2308
“Where SERVICE Means More Than The Sale Itself”
Why Celebrate Ag Day?
About Ag Day
Americans need to understand the value of agriculture in their daily lives. Here are just some of the key reasons why it’s important to recognize—and celebrate— Ag Day each year:
March 24, 2020
is National Ag Day, a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture. As the world population soars, there is even greater demand for the food, fiber and renewable resources produced in the United States.
1 understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced.
2 value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.
• Increased knowledge of agriculture and nutrition allows individuals to make informed personal choices about diet and health. • Informed citizens will be able to participate in establishing the policies that will support a competitive agricultural industry in this country and abroad. • Employment opportunities exist across the board in agriculture. Some career choices include: • farm production • food science • agribusiness management and marketing • processing and retailing • agricultural research and engineering • landscape architecture • Agriculture is too important a topic to be taught only to the small of students considering careers in agriculture and pursuing OF percentage vocational agricultural studies.
INSTALLATION DRAIN TILE • Agricultural literacy includes an understanding of agriculture’s history and AND WATERLINE current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans.
3 appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing
INSTALLATION OF DRAIN TILE AND WATERLINE
4 acknowledge and consider career opportunities
Dozer Work - Ditch Cleaning Tree Removal - Demolition Excavation of Any Type
safe, abundant and affordable products.
in the agriculture, food, fiber and renewable resource industries.
These businesses proudly support the area’s farmers and ranchers for the abundance of food and products they provide with their participation in this special National Ag Day tribute.
Email us at coryf@santel.net
Email us at coryf@santel.net
CONTACT CORY 605-350-6800
ROLLING HILLS
Chris Nelson General Manager
605-337-3374
36590 SD Hwy 44 • Platte, SD www.pharmco.com
1140 Spruce Street · PO Box 128 Alexandria, SD 57311 605.239.4513
LOCATIONS IN Platte•Chamberlain•Kimball•Winner
Emery, SD | Carl Nordwald 720 N. Main, Mitchell 996-7709 • 1-800-529-0061 www.grahamtire.com
Excavation & Utility Construction of All Types
ALPENA
Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that.
605-849-3341
We offer propane, gas & diesel products
“For All Your Insurance Needs” Marty & Julie Hoffmann
Jason Weber Manager 102 South Depot • Parkston, SD
Appliance Sales & Service Heating & Cooling Services Electrical Wiring Generators
431 Main Street • PO Box 7 • Alexandria, SD
Phone: 605-239-4335 Fax: 605-239-9335
Hoffmanninsurance@Triotel.net
www.centralec.coop • 800-477-2892 • 605-996-7516
WE OFFER GREAT PRICES! Business: 605-770-2957 Home: 605-449-4939
831 Main Ave • Alpena, SD
www.meyerinkfs.com
1-800-658-2293 • 605-337-2621
• Customized Grower & Finisher Rations • Sell Complete Feed & Concentrates in Bags & Bulk • Bag Mineral for All Classes of Livestock • Werk Weld Dealer • Bextra Round Bale Feeders • What Else Welding Free Standing Panels & Wind Breaks • Forever Plastic Post Dealer 605-928-7954
Thank you to our area Farmers and Ranchers!
Farm Tire Service
Coop Service
Meyerink Farm Service
INSURANCE AGENCY
102 1st Street NE Wessington Springs, SD
Scott & Mary Tilberg, Agents
J & R Feeds Supplier
serving the area with all your livestock needs
HOFFMANN
VETERINARY CLINIC 605-539-1040
Precision Nutrition
• EXPERIENCED • RELIABLE • SERVICE OF CROP INSURANCE Since 1985
Mitchell, SD Chamberlain, SD 990-2376 234-6086
Winner, SD 842-3050
www.statewideag.com
Statewide Ag Insurance is an equal opportunity provider/employer
Tony & Jodi Wolf, Owners 1004 South Ben Street PO Box 89 Parkston, SD 57366
605-928-7335 1-888-595-6717 2 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
Rocky Niewenhuis
• FOOD • FUEL • CLEAN STORE • FRIENDLY SERVICE
I-90 & US Hwy 281 Plankinton, SD 605-942-7138
A Good Bank in a Good Community! Checking Services • Savings CD’S • IRA’S Mortgages • Vehicle & Personal Loans
COMMUNITY BANK OF AVON
ORDER CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS:
Mike Fastnacht 605-350-0867
285 Main Street Corsica, SD 57328
Mike Polancheck 605-770-6537 or 605-539-0236
605-946-5606 118 N Main St. • Avon, SD
605-286-3213
Al Meier 605-770-9679
www.mpmseeds.net
INSIDE THIS ISSUE On the cover
Input Prices:
Looking steady to lower than 2019
7
Cattle producers optimistic despite market concerns
9
Cattle Prices:
High-Demand Ag Programs at Mitchell Technical Institute Agricultural Business • Agronomy Animal Science • Precision Ag Technology Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology Diesel Power - Light Truck Technology Power Sports & Marine Technology
Features
Educating youth on the dangers of grain bins Farm insurance deadline Avon school receives award Vietnam buying more U.S. Farm goods Alan Guebert - The end is nowhere in sight SD farmers meet with U.S. Secretary of Ag. Sunflowers drawing greater interest Dollar’s strength yet another snag for U.S.-China farm deal
4 6 12
Mitchell Tech’s highly qualified instructional staff and reputable programs will prepare graduates for a variety of ag and transportation careers. Work in a great facility with some of today’s hottest equipment!
15 16 19 21 22
Publisher JO N I H A R M S Editor L U K E H AG EN
Don’t miss these great tours in 2020
Advertising Director LO R I E H A N S EN Layout Design C H R I S JO H N S O N South Dakota Farm & Ranch is a monthly agricultural publication dedicated to informing South Dakota area farmers and ranchers about current topics, news and the future of agriculture. This publication fits the niche of our unique farmers and ranchers of South Dakota, and the diverseness we have in our state. Although the Missouri River divides our state, we are all South Dakotans and thank the land for supporting us each and every day. You, our readers, may be livestock ranchers, or row crop farmers, and everywhere in between, however, we all have a common goal in mind. We feed and support the growing population and want the next generation to find that same love, dedication and support that agriculture can offer. We’re all South Dakota farmers and ranchers, and with this publication, we want to showcase your successes, new technology, upcoming events, FFA and 4-H club news and much more. To subscribe to this FREE publication, contact South Dakota Farm & Ranch.
Contact Us P O B O X 1 2 8 8 • M I T CH E L L , S D 605-996-5514
sdfarmandranch
Mackinac Island May 31-June 6
Minnesota Twins vs Los Angeles Angels June 6-7
Lake of the Woods Fishing Trip June 21-25
Medora Musical July 17-19
Smokey Mountain Christmas and Nashville November 16-23
foremanbus@goldenwest.net for
information and to reserve your spot today! Miller, SD
605-366-8777 • 800-310-2708
www.foremanbus.com
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 3
EDUCATING YOUTH ON THE DANGERS OF GRAIN BINS
T
By Caleigh Sanchez The Daily Republic
wenty-seven-year-old Christopher Bauman was found dead in a corn bin last month in rural Elkton. Bauman was emptying corn from the bin, according to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office. “We need to start educating on the dangers of grain bins,” said Jerry Mork, Clark and Day County Farm Bureau president. “Unfortunately, grain entrapment accidents are becoming much too common.” Mork, Brian Moes from Codington and Hamlin County Farm Bureau, and Webster FFA adviser Fred Zenk
helped coordinate the event featuring several awareness activities, including a showing of the movie “SILO,” on Mar. 10. Webster, Florence, Clarke and Groton FFA groups saw the movie, which is based on a true story that follows a tense day in an American farm town. Disaster strikes when a teenager is entrapped in a 50-foot tall grain bin. When the corn turns to quicksand, family, neighbors and first responders must put aside their differences to rescue him from drowning in the crop that has sustained their community for generations. Webster Area first responders also attended the event.
The movie was followed by a grain entrapment harness use demonstration by Agtegra at the Webster school. Agtegra Cooperative, a company that focuses on providing a safe work environment for grain production and is certified in grain bin recovery company attended the event and taught students safety training and tips on what to do and what not to do in a safe environment. “Farm Bureau now offers memberships to FFA students, and more than anything, we want these kids to learn safety,” Mork said, “Raising awareness will have a lot of farmers thinking twice before they climb into a bin — or they’ll know how to do it
correctly. Hopefully teaching about it will prevent incidents like what happened to the Elkton individual.” Scott VanderWal, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, said the Bureau is making an emphasis on safety. “Everybody knows it’s dangerous,” VanderWal said. “But when it gets into the heat of the battle, when you’re trying to get something loaded, people tend to climb in... we have to resist that.” Gov. Kristi Noem, who lost her father in a grain bin accident, is encouraging producers to “evaluate safety procedures on their farms and ranches.”
Raising awareness will have a lot of farmers thinking twice before they climb into a bin — or they’ll know how to do it correctly. JERRY MORK, Clark and Day County Farm Bureau president
4 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
Member FDIC
There's no detail too small. When a bank is with you and understands the peaks and the valleys of Agribusiness, those small details mean everything.
fnbo.com/agribusiness
Will You Protect Your Calves? Scours Protection Makes CENTS!
• Full Service/Supplies - On Farm or Haul-In • Pelvic Measure and Bangs Vaccinate Heifers
Lakeview Veterinary Clinic 2020 W. Havens - Mitchell, SD - 996-3242
Service On-Farm or Haul-in March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 5
FINAL DATE TO PURCHASE CROP INSURANCE LOOMS By The Daily Republic BILLINGS, MT. — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming that the final date to purchase or make changes to crop insurance on spring-planted crops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming is March 15. Farmers also
need to notify their agent if they have planted winter wheat in a county with only spring wheat coverage by this date. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Producers may select from several coverage options, including yield
coverage, revenue protection, and area risk policies. Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2020 crop year. Agents can help producers determine what policy works best for their operation and review existing coverage to ensure the policy meets their needs.
Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.
LIVESTOCK
001629520r2
Auctioneer Directory
Spring hauling time is almost here!
301 North Truck Street PO Box 20 Kimball, SD 57355
Check out these great savings at Iverson Featherlite
605-778-6211
BEST SELLER
"Cattlemen working for Cattlemen" WADE CHRISTENSEN (605) 730-1801
2020 7.5 X 26 FEATHERLITE STOCK Stock #: 21068 .....................................................$22,595
2020 6’7” X 20’ FEATHERLITE STOCK Stock #: 21043 .........................................Only $14,995
STEVE CHAVEZ (605) 860-0016 LEE NESS (605) 680-2778
CLOSEOUT PRICE
CLOSEOUT PRICE
DAVID VIERECK (605) 680-0386
EMAIL: COWTRACKS@MIDSTATESD.NET WEBSITE: KIMBALLLIVESTOCKEXCHANGE.COM FAX: (605) 778-6209
KIMBALL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE, LLC
DICK DEFFENBAUGH (605) 680-1324
CHRISTI CHRISTENSEN - OFFICE MANAGER
PAUL MUNSEN (605) 680-1450
(605) 680-1536
Tuesday Sales - Sales Broadcast On Cattleusa.com NEW 2018 7’ X 24’ FEATHERLITE STOCK Stock #: 19502 ..........................................Only $17,250
NEW 2018 7’ X 30’ FEATHERLITE STOCK Stock #: 19364 ...................................... Only: $22,495
CLOSEOUT PRICE
NEW 2019 6’8” X 24’ CIRCLE D STOCK Stock #: 20578 ...................................... Only: $10,995
605-996-6543 • 1-800-477-5326 • mitchelllivestockauction.com
NEW 2018 FEATHERLITE 8127 7’6 X 34’ Stock #: 19363 ........................................Only: $28,495
We’ve got your hauling needs covered!
Check out these specials and our other inventory at www.iversonfeatherlite.com
6 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
Whether buying or selling, We will be more than happy to visit with you about your cattle marketing needs.
year end
2 0 1 Burr 600 South Mitchell, SD 800-753-5508 600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonfeatherlite.com 605- 6-5683 • 1-800-753-5508
Weigh up Cows, Bulls & Fat Cattle - EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Feeder Cattle Sales - Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT MITCHELLLIVESTOCK.COM FOR CONSIGNMENT UPDATES.
MITCHELL LIVESTOCK MARKETING FIELD REPS
Don Stange 402-316-6125 • Marion Rus 712-540-2134 • Greg Rus 712-540-6134 • Lanning Edwards 605-999-1250 Preston Burma 605-680-0448 • Doug VanGorp 605-770-2155 • Keith Wells 605-940-1009 • Val Luckett 605-770-2991 Dean Price 605-661-2735 • Luke Engbrecht 605-471-9954 • Mark Huls 612-747-3343
sales event
001825949r1
CHAD HEEZEN (605) 870-0697
F
INPUT PRICES STEADY TO LOWER THAN 2019
As farmers plan for 2020, they’re finding input costs steady to lower.
By Michelle Rook AgweekTV Anchor
armers in the Corn Belt are looking forward to the 2020 planting season with optimism. Coming off one of the most disastrous years most of them can ever remember, farmers are anxious to wipe the slate clean and start over. However, they have also been putting together crop plans this winter and have found input costs that are steady to lower. Even amid the trade war and China tariffs on herbicide and fertilizer ingredients, many retailers are able to offer prices comparable to 2019. With fewer acres planted nationally last year, many retailers have inventory they are carrying over at attractive prices, but the world economic situation is also putting pressure on fuel and petroleum products. The one caveat is with more corn acres projected for this spring and fewer prevented planting acres that could offset some of those benefits. Lee Lubbers farms several thousand acres with his brother near Gregory, S.D., and says they have been working with their agronomy providers over the winter and have been surprised with the price points they’ve been able to offer. He says that will greatly improve their bottom line in this low commodity price environment.
“On seed and chemical, all companies are getting into the bundling programs. Because the companies want market share, they want our business and we’re using that to our advantage and bundling a lot of inputs and consolidating it down and actually getting a lot better prices,” he says. He says through that program that were able to get the high performing genetics and herbicides they wanted to get the best performance. Fertilizer product prices have also come down relative to a year ago. “We have good multiyear relationships with our key suppliers,” Lubbers says. “We sourced our fertilizer, we contracted In July. We got a real good price on urea. We actually caught a dip in our phosphorus, best price in six years. It pulled back 25% so we pulled the trigger on it.” Fuel prices are also lower than a year ago with spot crude oil dropping 16% from the end of 2019 and its also down 7% from a year ago. Ultra-light sulfur diesel is also trading 19% lower than this same time period in 2019. Jonathan Aal, account manager with Pioneer, says most companies were also able to hold the line on seed prices despite some challenges growing seed supplies in 2019. “What I’ve seen from an industry perspective on seed, I would say it’s relatively similar to last
year on corn as well as the soybean pricing,” he says. However, many farmers took advantage of early pricing programs and received favorable discounts. “I mean some of our growers that have some cash to work with I think, they took advantage of our prepay. You know we have some very aggressive prepay in the fall and those kind of growers are able to take care of it,” says Tony Lenz, with Stine Seeds. The increase in overall planted acres in 2020 and in particular corn acreage, however, may offset those lower input prices. USDA forecasted in the recent Ag Outlook forum that farmers will plant 94 million acres of corn, which is up 5% from 2019, while they will seed 85 million acres of beans, which is also up nearly 9 million acres from the previous season. Corn is a higher priced crop to grow, with higher seed, herbicide and fertilizer requirements. So, Lenz says farmers with tight cash flow may still consider planting soybeans. “If they want to cut back on some costs, soybeans we put less inputs into that crop and so it is something farmers can look at,” he says. While herbicide costs look steady to lower than 2019, farmers will face higher costs for weed control in acres that sat idle last year. South Dakota Soybean Association President Jeff
Thompson farms near Colton and says he anticipates spending more money on herbicides this year because of the record 4 million plus acres that were idle in South Dakota in 2019. “The chemical program is going to be a big one because we had so many prevent plant acres, you know, with a lot of nasty weed escapes where we could not get into control them. We’ve got a weed bank that we’re going to have to put some extra money and effort towards controlling that area,” he says. Sara Bauder, South Dakota State University Extension field crops specialist, says they may have to use both pre- and post-emergent products to get a handle on weeds. “So, when they are able to get in the field, and we hope they are able to get in at a reasonable time, pre-emergent herbicides are going to be very important when that time comes,” she says. The other added cost will be associated with taking care of field ruts. Even with lower fuel prices, farmers will be making more trips across the field. “You know you’re going to have to consider some light tillage passes. Typically, what’s recommended is multiple light tillage passes to try to get that soil back to a point where it’s farmable,” Bauder says.
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 7
MILLER ANGUS FARMS Annual Bull Sale Monday March 30th, 2020 at 1PM CST Huron Continental Marketing, Huron, SD.
Selling THE TOP TIER of our Yearling Angus Bulls
LOT 16- Millers Hidewood M409, sire: VAR Legend 5019, reg#: 19615785, epds: CED:+ 7, BW:+1.6, WW:+ 75, YW:+ 140, MILK:+ 27. act. BW: 81, WW: 830, YW: 1469
Specializing in...
Comprehensive Animal Care for both large & small animals
LOT 8- Millers Muley M148, sire: HA Prime Cut 4493, reg# 19615741, epds: CED:+ 11, BW: +1.2, WW: +73, YW:+ 123, MILK:+ 29, act. BW:80, WW: 806, YW: 1400
PERFORMANCE...POUNDS..PROFIT... THE -M- BRAND GUARANTEE MILLER ANGUS FARMS
KODY MILLER-605.690.1997 • BRADY MILLER-605.690.5733 BRETT MILLER-605.690.7261 GREG MILLER-605.690.4399 • ZACH MILLER-605.237.1048 18742 468TH. AVENUE ESTELLINE, SD 57234 for catalog referral, please contact one of us or email at gmiller@itctel.com. FOR PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF ENTIRE OFFERING, VISIT millerangusfarms.com sale broadcasted live on Dvauction.com
Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic Dr. Kelli Tobin
rollinghills@venturecomm.net 102 1st St. NE • Wessington Springs, SD • 605-539-1040 Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am-5:00 pm • Sat. 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Trusted for generations...
H & R Salvage Roll-off containers available for farm cleanups No job too big or too small Let us do the hauling for you
Since 1916, Auto-Owners and your local independent agent have been there when it matters most.
Mitchell | 605.996.6565
Give us a call to schedule a container today!
8 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
001810597r1
001827868r1
H & R Salvage LLC Mitchell, SD 605-996-8271
CATTLE PRODUCERS OPTIMISTIC DESPITE MARKET CONCERNS
Matt Gade / Republic
A young calf stays close to its mother in one of the Weber Charolais & Red Angus cattle lots Northwest of Wagner in March 2017.
A
By Erik Kaufman The Daily Republic
rea cattle producers remain optimistic on prices despite recent uncertainties in the beef cattle markets, including concerns about how the spread of the Coronavirus virus will affect value going into the future. A number of factors are playing into current cattle prices, including the emergence of the new disease, recent weather conditions and a major packing facility fire in August. But for the most part, producers are keeping their chin up when it comes to what they are getting in return for their investment. “The cattle market gets hit hardest when you have uncertainties like the Coronavirus,” said Cory Eich, who farms near Epiphany and raises about 450 head of cattle. That uncertainty was on display last week in the stock market. With the spread of the COVID-19 virus around the world, concern was high almost immediately. The Dow Jones saw a high of above 29,500 just a few weeks ago but closed around 25,000 recently, with quadruple digit losses result-
ing from concerns over the disease. Cattle markets in the United States were affected by this, according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture, as the demand for beef was expected to drop in the short term. When the stock market is doing well, consumers feel confident and are willing to spend more disposable income on luxuries like eating out, and beef is often part of that experience. “Ag commodities do not like uncertainty. You know the demand is out there but you don’t know when it’s going to surface,” Eich said. “But the default setting is to not buy.” Jodi Anderson, executive director of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, said that COVID-19 itself is not necessarily the concern for the cattle producer. While issues like COVID-19 can impact demand, the supply side of the equation can have just as much of an effect. “More than anything, I think it’s a function of supply and demand. We Erik Kaufman / Republic had good prices in 2014 and 2015, but Area 4-H members show cattle at the Davison County Winter Beef Show in low cattle numbers, the lowest in the January. Cattle producers are watching a number of factors affecting cattle country in years,” Anderson said. “As market prices to start 2020, including the emergence of the COVID-19 virus,
Continued on page 10 weather patterns and a recent packing facility fire.
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 9
Continued from page 9 we are prone to do in the cattle industry, we corrected, and we have a lot more than we did then, which is reflected in the prices.” Despite the increase in cattle numbers, demand has remained, she said. And recent trade deals in Washington, D.C. have the potential to improve the market as well. “Demand has remained strong, and we have a few of these new trade deals now underway. They’re not impacting the market yet, but hopefully they will,” Anderson said. Eich said the market environment is likely a little worse than it was at this time last year, but he also noted that other factors were playing a role in that, including the weather. “If you take the market today or this week, it might be a little tougher than a year ago. Producers that traditionally sold calves and do the same thing are getting similar money to maybe $100 less, but I would blame that on the weather more than anything,” Eich said. “The feedlot guys have not had an easy go the last few years, with margins and the weather conditions combined.” Weather can devastate crop production, leading to an increase in feed costs. Even if demand and prices remain steady, producers see their profit reduced due to those increases. “That’s definitely something we have heard producers talk about,” Anderson said. “And speculation
tly easing the extra moisture into already-saturated soil. And precipitation has been below average for this time of year. After last year’s bitterly cold temperatures and blizzards, this spring has been a welcome change, he said. “We are seeing some improvements, and the last two weeks have gone as well as they could possibly have gone,” Eich said. “For the last 30 or 60 days we’ve been below on precipitation, and remarkably got rid of a lot of snow. I’m starting to think the light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train.” The spread of COVID-19 and weather conditions aren’t the only factors that have impacted markets and prices over the last year. A major fire in August at Tyson beef processing plant in Holcomb, Kansas destroyed a facility that processed 6,000 head per day before the fire. That processing capacity accounts for 6 percent of the total United State fed cattle capacity and the impact of the fire is still being felt. Erik Kaufman / Republic There will always be ups and downs Area 4-H members show cattle at the Davison County Winter Beef Show in in the profitability of the cattle indusJanuary. Cattle producers are watching a number of factors affecting cattle try, Eich said, but producers approach market prices to start 2020, including the emergence of the COVID-19 virus, that uncertainty looking for whatever weather patterns and a recent packing facility fire. bright spots they can. And while current prices in the market may not be is it is going to be another year longer-range forecasts for some good ideal, it could be far worse. “It’s not what we would news. Warmer-than-average temas wet as last year.” Eich agreed that he is already perature and a slow, steady melting like, but it’s a long way from watching the current weather and of the snow on the ground are gen- disaster,” Eich said.
Matt Gade / Republic
Cattle feed and rest on a farm in Davison County west of Mitchell.
10 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
FORAGE & COVER CROPS BE PREPARED FOR 2020! Forage & Cover Crop seed supplies have a high likelihood of running out this spring. High demand in 2019 for seed caused low inventory supplies nationwide.
Pre-Order and Pre-Pay now to lock in the best prices and
SECURE THE SEED YOU NEED! SORGHUM
COW CHEW Hybrid Sorghum Sudangrass
• Good for hay and summer pasture • Economical option • Fast regrowth • Very palatable • Good quality feed • Plant 20-25# per acre for summer pasture or hay • Treatment available: Safened, Standard Treatment, Untreated
• Rubber Water Tanks, 5 ft. to 13 ft. • Tanks with Steel Bottoms • Tanks with Concrete Bottoms • Tire Scrapers for Feedlots or Snow Removal • Insulated Covers • Roberts Tank Valves • Hudson Float Valves • Apex Float Valves • Guard Rails • Railroad Ties • Wildlife Escape Ramps
SORGO SUGAR BMR Sorghum Sudangrass • BMR 6 Gene - Excellent feed quality • Very good for hay, summer pasture, silage • High tonnage hybrid • Excellent recovery • Fine stemmed • Proven variety • Plant 20-25# per acre • Treatment available: Safened only RANCH KING BMR Hybrid Forage Sorghum • Dwarf Brachytic • 6’-7’ Tall • Very high grain content • Excellent standability • Fantastic BMR forage • Excellent yield potential • High quality feed • Plant 8-10# per acre for silage • Treatment available: Safened only
BUNDLE & CHOP Hybrid Forage Sorghum • Very good yield • Sweet stalks • Good for silage, very good winter pasture • 8’-9’ tall • Plant 8-10# per acre for silage and winter pasture. • Treatment available: Safened, Standard Treatment, Untreated
HYBRID PEARL MILLET
• Excellent for summer pasture • No prussic acid concerns • Very good for hay production • High leaf to stem ratio • Very drought tolerant • Plant 20-30# per acre for summer pasture or hay • Treatment: Untreated only
COVER CROP BLENDS HYGAIN GRAZER Best Seller • Great pasture all summer long • Minimal input costs • Responds to adequate fertility • Plant when soil reaches 55 degrees+ • Fast stand establishment • Begin grazing at 12-18” tall • Excellent animal performance • Minimal input costs • Contains: Purple Top Turnips, Radish, Millet, Sorghum Sudangrass , Rape Seed, Annual Ryegrass, Crimson Clover, Common Vetch CRIMSON TIDE PLUS NEW! Nitrogen Builder • A blend formulated for hay and pasture • Soil building attributes • Nitrogen builder • Economical • Plant when soil reaches 55 degrees+ • Fast stand establishment • Excellent animal performance will be realized • Responds to adequate fertility • Contains: Annual Ryegrass, Forage Oats, Crimson Clover
ECO-GRAZE PLUS New & Improved! Economical. • Economical, new and improved 4-way mix • Provides fast growth and ground cover • Good for grazing and holding soil through the winter • Good weed suppression • Should winter will with normal winter conditions • Plant 7-10 lbs. per acre • Contains: Radish, Turnips, Rape and Crimson Clover
RANDY & JULIE HOLMQUIST
40425 252nd Street I Mitchell, SD 57301
605.730.0550
www.HeartlandTanks.com heartlandtanks@yahoo.com
BIG-BRASS
100% Broadleaf • 100% Broadleaf Blend • Excellent fall, winter, and spring pasture • Terrific following small grains or silage • Good winter survival rates • Plant 6-8 lbs. per acre • Can plant in the spring, summer, or fall • Contains: Breaker Tiller Radish, Purple Top Turnips, Lentils, Rape, Common Vetch, Crimson Clover, Impact Forage Collards, Hybrid Kale, Winfred Hybrid Turnips
DAKOTA’S BEST SEED 36656 SD Hwy 44 • Platte, SD 57369 • www.DakotasBestSeed.com
605-337-3318
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 11
AVON FARMERS DESIGNATE AWARD TO AVON SCHOOL SCIENCE PROGRAMS By The Daily Republic armers Darla Hento and Scott Meiers both of Avon, each recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the Avon School District Science Program. The Avon School District Science Program will use the funds to upgrade technology for the science program. “The Avon Science Program extends thanks to Scott Meiers and Darla Hento for nominating the Science Program to receive the donations. The Science Program continues to have great success as a result of the continued community support of the program, teachers, and students. These donations will allow upgrades in technology such as new laptops which will have a direct impact on the students and the resources they have access to through the Science Program,” said, Paul Kuhlman, Avon School District, science teacher. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits to help their communities. Through the program, farmers enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local
F
Continued on page 13 001830562r1
EXPERIENCE TITAN LSW TECHNOLOGY LOW SIDEWALL TECHNOLOGY WITH ®
®
THE LARGER RIM AND SMALLER SIDEWALL PROVIDES MUCH GREATER STABILITY FOR EQUIPMENT, REDUCES POWER HOP, REDUCES ROAD
LOPE & MINIMIZES SOIL COMPACTION.
1.800.USA.BEAR | www.titan-intl.com American Engineered. American Manufactured. American Owned. © 2015 Titan International, Inc. TWI, Quincy, IL. All Rights Reserved. Goodyear is a registered trademark of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
12 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
720 N MAIN - MITCHELL - 1-605-996-7709
Continued from page 12 eligible nonprofit organization of their choice. The America’s Farmers programs have given more than $57 million to rural America since 2010. The Grow Communities program partners with farmers across the country to provide nonprofit organizations with resources to strengthen their local communities. Each August, farmers can enter for the chance to direct a $2,500 Grow Communities donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice. Farmers have directed donations to food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others that reflect the spirit and support the vibrancy of rural America. “Farmers truly understand the needs of their communities and where the opportunities to strengthen them exist. We partner with them to identify the nonprofit organizations that benefit from Grow Communities donations,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Each donation shines a light on the organizations that are making a positive difference in rural communities across the country. Bayer Fund is proud to partner with farmers to give back in rural America.” To learn how you can be an America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipient, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities 2021 program will kick off on August 1, 2020, and farmers will once again have the opportunity to enroll for a chance to direct a donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice.
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 13
Talk to our building experts today!
In-House Specials All Items Cash & Carry
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION
Thursday, March 19th 11am-2pm Serving Pork Wings, Pork Chislic, Baked Beans, Chips and Drink. Drawings range from $25.00-$100.00 from 11:30-2:00
Stop in and check with our experts on your next building project. Let us help design, draw and quote your next building adventure!
AGRICULTURE IS A TOUGH BUSINESS. YOUR LENDER SHOULD BE, TOO. We deliver financial strength to help you grow, attractive rates to give you an edge, insurance to protect your risk and cash-back dividends that deliver something more. Learn more by calling the Mitchell office at 605-996-2774. 401 Cabela Drive Mitchell, SD fcsamerica.com
ETHAN CO-OP LUMBER BIG OR SMALL -- WE DO IT ALL!
Pole Buildings • Light Commercial • New Homes • Insulated Shops • Confinement • Concrete Work • Garages • Additions
605-227-4224 • Ethan, SD • www.ethancooplumber.com
NEW BOBCATS
USED BOBCATS
Bobcat S650: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, 2-Speed, Keyless Entry, Air Ride Seats, Radio Bobcat S750: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Suspension Seats, Keyless, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat S850: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Airride, Keyless, Selective Joy Stick Controls, Radio, 2-Speed, High Flow, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat 5600 Toolcat’s: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, High Flow, Suspension Seats, Hydrolic Dump Box, All Wheel Steer, Pwr Bob-Tach, Road Pkg, Work Lights, Inside & Outside Mirrors
ATTACHMENTS ON HAND TO BUY OR RENT:
•Hydraulic Earth Auger With Bit Sizes 6” Through 30” •Plain Buckets •Buckets and Utility Fork With Grapple
•Hydraulic Breaker •Stump Grinder •Angle Broom •76” Roto-Tiller •Pallet Forks •Post-Hole Tamper
•72” Brushcat® Rotary Cutter •Soil Conditioner •Tree Chipper •25” Trencher/ Transplanter
14 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
•Bob-Tach™ Backhoe •6”, 8”, 12” Hydraulic Trencher with 4’ Digging Depth •90” Mower Deck
Bobcat T300: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, Radio Bobcat S650: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, 2-Speed, Keyless Entry, Air Ride Seats, Radio Bobcat S750: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Suspension Seats, Keyless, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat S850: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Airride, Keyless, Selective Joy Stick Controls, Radio, 2-Speed, High Flow
CALL US TODAY.....SERVICE ABOVE AND BEYOND!
605-234-5254
34681 248th St. Chamberlain, SD • tomcook@ cookimplement.com
We are located 3 miles East of Chamberlain, SD on 249th ST, 1 mile North on 347th Ave.
VIETNAM BUYING $3 BILLION IN U.S. FARM GOODS TO EASE TRUMP TARIFF THREATS V
By Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen Bloomberg
ietnam, looking to allay the Trump administration’s wrath over its soaring trade surplus with the U.S., is committing to buy $3 billion in farm products from Nebraska. The agricultural shopping spree is part of a campaign to address complaints about the trade surplus and difficulties U.S. companies face in accessing Vietnamese markets. “We see a lot of room to increase purchases from America, and that will significantly help narrow our trade gap with the U.S.,” said Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, the agriculture ministry’s spokesman, who was part of a recent Vietnamese delegation to meet farm-product producers in the U.S. “Our demand for American farming products is very high.” Vietnamese companies signed 18 agreements with American producers to buy about $3 billion of farm products in the next two to three years, Tuan, director general of the agriculture ministry’s international cooperation department, said in an inter-
view. The deals include purchases of 100,000 cows, 3 million tons of wheat and barley worth as much as $800 million, and fruit, corn and soy animal feed, according to Tuan. “We will have regular meetings with these Vietnamese companies to give them timely support in implementing the signed MOUs,” Tuan said. “We also want to buy more high-tech equipment from the U.S. to make more value-added farm products in the future.” Vietnam’s leaders are doing all they can to avoid China’s fate after U.S. President Donald Trump, asked in June 2019 if he wanted to impose tariffs on Vietnam, described the Southeast Asian nation as “almost the single worst abuser of everybody.” Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. reached $61.3 billion in 2019, widening the trade gap to $47 billion from $34.8 billion in 2018, according to Vietnamese customs data. The U.S. Census Bureau reports a $55.8 billion trade deficit with Vietnam for 2019 and $39.5 billion for 2018.
In an interview last year, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc promised that Vietnam would buy more U.S. products, such as Boeing Co. aircraft. In August, state-run Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries announced it was negotiating to buy U.S. coal for the first time, from Xcoal Energy Resources LLC. Vietnam is cracking down on fake labeling of Chinese goods being routed through its territory to bypass U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, the central bank and government ministries have vowed to address U.S. concerns about Vietnam’s monetary policy and trade surplus with the U.S., after the Treasury added Vietnam to a watchlist of countries being monitored for possible currency manipulation. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said last year that Vietnam needs to resolve “market access restrictions related to goods, services, agricultural products, and intellectual property.” Vietnam is working to address Lighthizer’s concerns, Tuan said. “We will work on changes in some relevant regulations to make it easier
for American companies to sell more in Vietnam,” he said. “We are trying to create opportunities for businesses of the two countries to boost trade exchange in a fair manner. This will surely help the bilateral relations between Vietnam and the U.S.”
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 15
I
THE END IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT
n just one, unwelcome week in America, the coronavirus drained $3.6 trillion from the stock market, clipped Apple shareholders for $220 billion, and sent millions of Americans to stores to buy every facemask, surgical glove, and gallon of bleach they could get their now-sanitized hands on. It’s what we do; we panic first and ask questions later. Well, it’s now later and questions are rolling in. The biggest, “What’s next?” has no clear answer but most national governments — including ours — have finally seen enough to act.
In their first coordinated move, the world’s central bankALAN GUEBERT ers informally agreed to lower target interest rates to stave off what many forecast will be a one-half to one percent, virus-affected slowdown in the global economy. The high side of that number, one percent, sounds tiny but it’s actually a $900 billion hit on the estimated $90 trillion world economy. What’s $900 billion in terms of jobs? It’s hard to calculate on a global scale but in 2017, Georgetown University estimated that a $1 trillion infrastructure-spending plan for the U.S.
16 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
would create 11 million jobs. As such, it’s a safe bet that a $900 billion hit to worldwide growth would eliminate at least as many jobs. More importantly, some market seers now claim the U.S. Federal Reserve will make another, and possibly even a third, interest rate cut in the coming (election) year to ensure U.S. companies remain well positioned for recovery. If so, the Fed-weakened dollar is welcome news for U.S. ag exports. Cheaper dollars lead to more exports, right? Usually, but this is not any usual time. In fact, forecasts Refinitiv, a financial data firm owned jointly by Blackstone and Thomson Reuters, deep U.S. interest rate cuts are just
as likely to fuel “an all-out [international] currency battle” that will worsen today’s tariff-based trade wars as much as help them. As Refinitiv sees it, few coronavirus-weakened nations can afford to concede crucial global markets to any competitor — including the American elephant — without weakening their already sickened domestic economies. That means they will fight U.S. rate cuts with cuts of their own and, just like that, the world’s economy staggers toward more problems. It makes frightening sense. Let’s hope it makes frightening sense to the White House, too. A more focused look at some key commodities proves the virus has
Continued on page 18
Hoffmann Insurance Agency g Pre emiums s Paid for Non n-G GMO Soyb bea ans s
IN NEED OF INSURANCE? WE CAN HELP!
Join our Non-GMO Certified Grower Network for Additional Premiums!
Farm · Home · Auto · Recreation Vehicle · Life · Health
MAKE MORE PROFIT!
SD-792407-1
Up to $1.30 - $1.70 over cash market Deliveries to our St. Lawrence, SD plant or Arlington, SD
FOR IN FO INFO FORM RMAT ATIO AT ION, IO N, call Kari or Logan at 1-888-737-7888 or visit sdsbp.com
L-R: Cole Wenande Julie & Marty Hoffmann
Alexandria, SD
605-239-4335
WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today for a free quote on your project.We do total Geothermal HVAC system installs. YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALER
Affordable Geothermal 24486 422nd Ave Alexandria, SD 57311 605-239-4242
visit us at waterfurnace.com
©2013 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.
Farmers Elevator of Mt. Vernon Farmer Owned Since 1902
Mt. Vernon, SD • 605-236-5233
www.bankwest-sd.bank | (605) 995-5059
Craig Dodds
1920 N. Sanborn Blvd. & 1200 E. Spruce St. in Mitchell
Ag Loans • Ag Real Estate Loans • Lines of Credit • Equipment Financing
Full-Service Ag Banking
All loans subject to credit approval.
Farm and Crop Insurance Insurance products are not deposits, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal agency, not guaranteed by any bank, and may go down in value. BankWest is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Kari Fagerhaug
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 17
Continued from page 16 already sickened global markets like crude oil. Since Jan. 1, crude futures prices have tumbled from near $65 a barrel to under $50 a barrel. Hard hit Chinese oil imports, estimated one-third lower since the coronavirus struck, are the key cause. On March 3, traders lifted crude prices off lows when rumors circulated that OPEC oil barons would cut production to thin the oversupplied market. OPEC’s muscle, however, is overmatched as China’s newest export, coronavirus, has now hit oil importers like Japan, South Korea, and Italy. The waves caused by China’s slow action on its epidemic are now also hitting U.S. farms and ranches.
DTN contributing analyst Elaine Kub noted in late February that the “shocking collapse of freight demand out of China, which accounts for 40 percent of global dry bulk seaborne shipments,” has dropped shipping costs so low that “you can hire a big
AUCTIONEER D I R E C TO RY
Land & Auction Co. and Wieman Machinery Auction Marion SD • 800-251-3111 or 888-296-3536 Kevin Wieman - Derek Wieman - Mike Wieman Rich Wieman - Ryan Wieman - Nathan Timmermans wiemanauction.com Email: info@wiemanauction.com
See these Auctioneers for all of your Real Estate, Farm, Household, Consignments, Business Liquidation or other needs.
K KER CHERU- LC O AND BR E N AUCTIO SUTTON
Livestock www.livestockauctionpages.com
1116 N. West Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.sdauctions.com Let us share your next auction with the world! Lori Dean 605.999.4217 Kelbi Dean 605.999.8812
TOTAuLtion Sol
336-6315
001539219r2
ANDY HARR
AUCTIONEER/BROKER 608 North West Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104
C: 605-201-1559 | O: 605-274-6500 Toll Free: 1-800-817-8999 F: 1-844-605-SOLD (7653) E: andy@totalaar.com www.totalaar.com
18 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
OR CALL Kuhle-Sutton Agency 127 2nd Ave. W • PO Box 325 Flandreau 997-3777 • www.suttonauction.com SELLING REAL ESTATE AT AUCTION & PRIVATE TREATY
001538609r3
Email: sdauctions@santel.net Owned/Operated by: Dakota Web Design, Inc. 40942 234th Street • Artesian, SD 57314
your
Specializing in Land • Real Estate Auctions of All Types
AUCTIONS & REAL ESTATE
001568219r1
Justin Dean 605.999.4239 Shanda Feistner 605.999.1674
ary was only 80 percent of normal. Also, slow grain sales to the “top five U.S. corn customers have stunted rail movement not only to the ports, but also south across the border.” U.S. meat exports are backing up too, reports the March 2 Wall Street Journal. Incredibly, nearly one billion pounds of frozen chicken, a 12 percent increase over normal, currently crowd U.S. warehouses. Frozen beef and pork are now stacking up, too. All portend a long, slow recovery once the world and the U.S. truly stop the coronavirus’s still mysterious, steady march. That end, however, is nowhere in sight.
Since 1949
Be sure to watch Tuesday’s & Thursday’s Daily Republic Classifieds & Wednesday’s ADvisor Classifieds for upcoming listings of auctions!
www.theauctionpages.com
ocean vessel” — with a two-million-bushel cargo capacity — for “around $500 per day,” or one-third its usual cost. Kub additionally notes troubling signs of virus-slowed ag exports. U.S. Gulf ship loading in mid-Febru-
SOUTH DAKOTANS MEET WITH U.S. SEC. OF AGRICULTURE DURING NATIONAL FARMERS UNION CONVENTION By The Daily Republic HURON — Acknowledging the challenges facing American agriculture, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says he remains bullish for the future of agriculture when he addressed Farmers Union members during the organization’s National Convention held in Savannah on March 1-3. “People need you. People need us. People need American agriculture,” Perdue said. Among the many family farmers and ranchers in the audience were several from South Dakota who took time away from their operations to help establish policy that will address some of the many challenges facing their industry today. “Farmers Union is the only grassroots agriculture organization where I feel anyone involved can make a difference. Even an Average Joe farmer like me,” explains Rachel Kippley, who farms near Aberdeen, with her husband, Jeff. The Kippleys are among seven South Dakota Farmers Union members who were elected to serve as delegates during Convention: Terry Sestak, Tabor; Gerri Eide, Gettysburg; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Brian Cain, Miller and Amber Kolousek, Wessington Springs. “Through policy and education, we are able to keep our organization focused,” Jeff Kippley added. “The great thing about Farmers Union is we have representation from all kinds of farming. But at the heart and soul of Farmers Union are the commodity farmers and ranchers – like those of us from South Dakota.” Serving on the S.D. Farmers Union Policy Committee for two years, Wessington Springs cattle producer,
also recognized for leadership and membership work in S.D. Farmers Union with the Bruce Miller Award. “Because of leaders like Jeff and Rachel Kippley, membership has grown this last year in our state,” said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “I am very impressed with the group of delegates we have this year. They are a good representation of our state’s family farmers and ranchers. And their leadership is going to be needed in developing our organization’s national policy, making sure the family farmer and rancher is not forgotten.” SDFU President and Conde farmer, Doug Sombke added, “The reason Farmers Union can make a difference for family farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. is this organization is truly grassroots. Our policy is developed by farmers and ranchers Mark Reinstein, shutterstock.com who have skin in the game and know U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue what changes need to be made so their operations can be viable into the “The last four years have progres- future.” Scott Kolousek agreed. “I am eager to see how the policy developed at the sively gotten tougher, economicalSouth Dakota Farmers Union memstate level becomes part of national ly, for us. Corporate consolidation in bers who attended National Convenlivestock and agronomy businesses tion include: Doug Sombke, Conde; policy.” Concerned over fair prices for cattle needs to be stopped and reversed,” Jim and Kathy Wahle, Salem; Jeff producers and an advocate for country Kolousek’s letter reads. “Remember and Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen; Gerri of origin labeling (COOL), Kolousek the people in middle of America who Eide, Gettysburg; Wayne and Vicki took the opportunity to present a let- helped put you in office. We need your Soren, Lake Preston; Larry Birgen, ter to Secretary Perdue to hand over help.” Sioux Falls; Kirk Schaunaman, AberSouth Dakotans recognized for deen; Dallis and Tammy Basel, Union to President Trump asking for three changes he believes would be positive Membership and Leadership Center; Rachel Haigh-Blume, RedDuring National Farmers Union field; Landon Copley, Aberdeen; Brian steps forward for cattle producers, including mandatory Country-of-Or- Convention, several South Dakota and Lindsey Cain, Miller; Rocky Forigin-Labeling (mCOOL); break up counties were recognized for their man, Huron; Karla Hofhenke, Huron; the meat packer consolidation and continued leadership and growth in Scott and Amber Kolousek, Wessrequire any trader on the Chicago Farmers Union membership includ- ington Springs; Kathryn Nightingale, Board of Trade or Chicago Mercantile ing Aurora, Bon Homme, Brule, Cor- White Lake; Luke Reindl, Wessington Exchange to physically own for 30 son/Perkins, Hand, Jerauld/Buffalo, Springs; David and Brenda Reis, Oacodays the commodity in which they Lyman, Minnehaha, Sanborn, Spink, ma; Terry Sestak, Tabor; Gail Temple, Tripp and Yankton. Jeff Kippley was Clark and Jason Wells, Huron. trade.
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 19
ALL DIESELS • ALL DIAGNOSTICS • ALL SEMIS • ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES
ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES CARS, PICK-UPS & DIESEL: LIGHT, MEDIUM, & HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS
For more news and information every day, visit www.mitchellrepublic.com
20 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
Brakes and Strut Work Transmission and Engine Overhaul RV/Motor Home Repair Full Line of Diagnostic Repair
TONY WOLF
JACOB MOEGE
NICK COLLINS
TYLER REICHERT
40 years experience Certified ASE Master
7 years experience Certified ASE Master • Diesel certified technician
7 years experience
8 years experience Diesel Mechanic
Owner/Mechanic
Mechanic
US MARINE Mechanic
Mechanic
1004 South Ben Street • PO Box 89 • Parkston, SD 57366 605-928-7335 • 1-888-595-6717
WE NOW OFFER AND SERVICE ALL TIRES - AUTO-PICKUP-SEMI-MOUNT & BALANCE God Bless All Our Military Men and Women
ASE Master certified / ASE Master Diesel certified, DOT Inspection certified, Air Conditioner certified.
Tony & Jodi Wolf, Owners
Pleasant Lake
VETERINARY CLINIC Get your animals treated by the team at Pleasant Lake Veterinary Clinic. We treat livestock as well as domesticated pets in our clinic.
C Comprehensive veterinary services for cattle and horses C Spay and neutering C Dental C Vaccinations C Minor injuries C Surgeries Dr. Mary and Dr. Jeff Grosdidier 302 E. Davenport St. • Plankinton, SD
605-942-7701 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Services
001830911r1
SUNFLOWERS DRAWING GREATER INTEREST
File photo
Sunflowers could rejoin the crop rotation on farms that haven't grown flowers in years.
About 1.38 million acres of sunflowers were planted nationwide in 2019
By Jonathan Knutson Forum News Service John Sandbakken has been hearing from young Upper Midwest farmers interested in raising sunflowers in 2020. “They tell me, ‘We haven’t had sunflowers on this farm since my grandpa had them (decades ago),’” said Sandbakken, executive director of the Mandan, N.D.-based National Sunflower Association. Though planting intentions are still in flux, sunflowers could be unusually popular in the upcoming planting season. Among the reasons for the upswing in farmers’ interest: ► Soybeans can be safer to plant late than most other crops, which could encourage area farmers to plant them in what could become an unusually wet and delayed spring. ► Domestic demand for sunflower oil has risen by an average of 4.8% annually over the past 10 years, as
many consumers increasingly regard it as healthy. That helps to bolster the prices that farmers receive, Sandbakken said. ► The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement helps to ensure continued sunflower sales to Mexico and Canada, while the trade agreement with Japan will allow U.S. sunflowers to compete for sales on a fairer basis in that country. ► Per-acre yields of more than 2,000 pounds of sunflowers are now the norm; once, a yield of a ton per acre was considered extraordinary. That reflects, in part, farmers’ greater commitment to raising the crop successfully, rather than planting it only as a last resort when weather conditions prevent them from planting other crops. ► Widespread blizzards in the fall of 2019 led to accumulated snow in many area fields that severely hampered
harvest. Sunflowers weren’t immune to those problems, but they’re a tall crop, which in some cases made harvesting them easier. Roughly 1.38 million acres of sunflowers were planted nationwide in 2019. South Dakota led the way with 540,000 acres, followed by North Dakota with 500,000 acres. Minnesota farmers planted 52,500 acres, most of them in northwest Minnesota. Cooler temperatures and harsh winters in the area make sunflowers less susceptible to insects and disease. Sandbakken said there’s increased interest in the crop in all three states, including areas such as eastern North Dakota where sunflowers are relatively rare. There’s also growing interest in warmer-weather states, such as Texas, where sunflowers can be one part of a double-cropping crop season, Sandbakken said. Sunflowers were a star in area agriculture in the 1970s, with production rising tenfold in the decade. In 1979, a record 5.5 million acres were planted nationwide; North Dakota accounted
for a majority of that. But various production problems, including damage from flocks of birds that fed on the growing crop, led many farmers to quit raising it. In some cases, they switched to soybeans, which, like sunflowers, are an oilseed. Birds remain a concern. But planting sunflowers early and applying desiccants at harvest (the latter helps the plants to dry up at a uniform rate) can moderate damage from birds, Sandbakken said. “Plant early and desiccate,” he said. On the marketing side, growing domestic demand for U.S. sunflowers helps to bolster prices, Sandbakken said. Once, about 70% of U.S. sunflowers was exported, with the remaining 30 consumed domestically. Now, with domestic demand much higher, about 70% of the crop is used at home, with the other 30% exported. Because of the strong interest among farmers, anyone planning to plant sunflowers this spring should try to line up seed as soon as possible, Sandbakken said.
March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 21
DOLLAR’S STRENGTH YET ANOTHER SNAG FOR U.S.-CHINA FARM DEAL
By Bloomberg News Crop traders obsessing over the deadly coronavirus in China may be overlooking another key challenge to the Trump administration’s phase one trade deal: the U.S. dollar. The virus’s spread is upending supply chains and cutting food demand in China, delaying billions of dollars in American sales of everything from pork to soybeans. Making up for the losses later in the year may be difficult if the dollar continues to strengthen against currencies in Brazil and Argentina, two of the U.S.’s top agricultural rivals. China has pledged to buy $36.5 billion in U.S. farm goods this year under the trade deal, $12.5 billion more than in 2017. But some tariffs remain in place, and China has said its purchases need to make economic sense with both Washington and Beijing acknowledging that the timing of the sales depends on market conditions. “We are already dealing with retaliatory tariffs and now coronavirus presents challenges for China to fill its obligations,” said Dan Kowalski, vice president of research at CoBank, a $145 billion lender to the agriculture industry. “If the dollar remains strong, that has tangible impacts on market conditions. And that could or could not play a part in China filling its purchases.” Traders were already skeptical China would reach the phase one targets before the virus hit. Even the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s own export projections cast doubt on the
deal. Now, with the Brazilian real and the Argentine peso hitting record lows against the dollar, the trade-deal targets are even more in doubt. “We always have to be mindful that the Chinese are price buyers,” said Stephen Nicholson, a senior analyst for grains and oilseeds at Rabobank. “I don’t think that’s going to change under phase one. They are going to do what they do. I think they will continue to buy what they need and they will buy at the best price. It’s an ingrained behavior.” For now, U.S. authorities are dismissing the currency threat. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said at a USDA forum last month that he expects China to live up to its pledges, and Ted McKinney, the undersecretary of agriculture for trade, added that their $36.5 billion commitment stands despite the dollar strength. Gregg Doud, U.S. chief agricultural negotiator at U.S. Trade Representative, also dismissed the idea. But he delivered a scary prospect for American farmers already dealing with high debt, several years of low prices and piles of corn and soybeans from last year’s harvest still stashed in their bins. “At least in my mind, as an old commodity analyst, I don’t think that’s an issue here,” Doud said at the USDA event. “It just means that as that gap gets further, the U.S. price has to come down to be competitive with what’s going on in South America.”
22 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020
Continued on page 23
Continued from page 22 Brazil is already harvesting a record soybean crop and with a weaker real boosting farmer profits, the incentive will be there to expand plantings in the years to come. On Wednesday, Brazil’s economy posted a third consecutive year of sub-par growth. “Maybe China doesn’t reach $36.5 billion,” said Dan Basse, president of consulting firm AgResource. “But I think if you were to ask the market today, and say it’s going to do the same as in 2017 — $24 billion, $28 billion — we’d probably be OK there.” There’s no reason to sound the alarm bells at this point, said CoBank’s Kowalski. The lender believes China will make a “good faith” effort to meet the targets and said the nation will have a bigger opportunity to buy American farm goods in the second half of the year. Concerns about the slowdown of the Chinese economy may also end up helping the nation meet its pledges. That’s because the agreement allows for nations to impose tariffs equivalent to the size of the damage without retaliation in the case of non-compliance. “They signed an agreement, they know it’s enforceable,” Steve Censky, the USDA’s deputy secretary, said in an interview last month in Arlington, Virginia. “Given their economy and everything else, they don’t want to be back in the soup, battling the U.S. on tariffs.”
Leading the way keeping readers informed about today’s agricultural industry. Call today to be a part of our SD Farm & Ranch publication!
PO BOX 1288 • MITCHELL, SD • 605-996-5514 March 2020 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 23
PARTS DAYS ALL MAR C LONG! O G! MARCH 20% OFF
15% OFF*
FLEETGUARD FILTERS
10% OFF*
SELECT TILLAGE
Plus an additional $2 Instant Rebate Off Sweeps
7.3 in. KNOCK-ON SWEEP PART #87460413
Regular List 15% Discount Instant Rebate
Extended Discounts Earn extended discounts by reaching a cumulative total of $2,500 or $5,000 in parts purchased by March 31, 2020.
Extended Discount
12.75 - 1.91 - 2.00
*unless otherwise priced
SALE 8.84
Up To 120 Day No-Interest Financing
5% 10%
ALL UNADVERTISIED PARTS
with qualifying purchase of new genuine Case IH or remanufactured parts and related service purchases of $750 or more.
$2,500 in Parts Purchases Earn A 5% Extended Discount April 1 - May 31, 2020
$5,000 in Parts Purchases Earn A 10% Extended Discount April 1 - May 31, 2020
SCOTT SUPPLY’S 105 ANNUAL Extended Discount
TH
OPEN HOUSE MARCH 23-27, 2020
• FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FOR ALL PARTS ORDERS OVER $250
• FREE HOT DOGS SERVED 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM DONUTS, COFFEE, & POP SERVED ALL DAY MONDAY - FRIDAY
• WE’LL MEET OR BEAT ANY OTHER ADVERTISED OPEN HOUSE PRICES*
SEE THE ALL-NEW CASE IH 475 SPEED-TILLER HIGH-SPEED DISK AND 2020 AFS CONNECT MAGNUM TRACTOR!
2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD
www.scottsupplyco.com tt l
605-996-7704 1-800-952-2308
“Where SERVICE Means More Than The Sale Itself”
All parts specials during Parts Days are cash or CNHi Capital Productivity Plus only. No other credit cards. Discounts in this flyer are valid only from March 1-31, 2020. All prices are valid only on items listed and in stock. All parts and equipment listed are subject to prior sale. All sales programs and finance terms are subject to change. *We will meet or beat any other advertised open house prices on identical products (same part number).
24 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH March 2020