Farming in the Heartland Spring 2024

SPRING 2024

An Agricultural, Farming and Rural Development Supplement to the Freeborn and Mower County Shoppers.

QOK UP, AND LOOK OR POWER LINES

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

• POWER LINES should be at least 18 feet above the highest point of grain bin where portable augers or other portable filling equipment is used.

• STAY BACK from the guy wires on electrical poles. Bumping these will cause sagging in the overhead lines and will make entanglement more likely.

• ST AY ALERT and never take unnecessary risks. Remember during transportation, some equipment is actually taller than when in use.

ENTANGLEMENT

If your equipment becomes entangled in POWER LINES, stay inside unless the equipment starts on fire.

If you are staying in the equipment, contact our office.

FIRE

If your equipment starts on fire, jump as far away from the equipment as possible, landing on both feet. Then, hop with feet together to safety, and call 911 !

--CONSIDER BURYING electric lines to reduce .r the risk of accI en ontaee.--------..1

MORREIM DRAINAGE, INC.

• Water Management Specialists

FARM DRAINAGE SPECIALISTS

• Conservation Construction

• Wildlife Ponds

• Road Boring

•

• Land Drainage

• Backhoeing

• Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

71610 263rd St.

• Albert Lea

• Office (507) 826-3449

Mark’s Cell (507) 383-6550 or Phil’s Cell (507) 330-1889

Why would you want to farm regeneratively?

REGENERATIVE FARMING SYSTEMS

MORREIM DRAINAGE, INC.

• Water Management Specialists

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS DESIGN ~ INSTALLATION ~ SEEDING

• Conservation Construction

• Wildlife Ponds

• Road Boring

•

• Land Drainage

• Backhoeing

• Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM

71610 263rd St.

• Albert Lea

• Office (507) 826-3449

Mark’s Cell (507) 383-6550 or Phil’s Cell (507) 330-1889

can be repeated indefinitely without a negative impact on the environment, food chain, or consumer. At ProfitProAG, we are here to help. Our goal is to help you achieve success in your farming operation. Give us a call today for a free farm evaluation. 507-373-2550

WILL THE LACK OF SNOW IMPACT FARMERS THIS SPRING?

Professor Jeffrey Strock. Credit: Getty Images/University of Minnesota

With warmer weather and less snow than usual, Minnesota farmers are discussing potential impacts to the 2024 planting season.

Jeffrey Strock, a professor at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, Minnesota, provides expert commentary on what Minnesota farmers can expect this spring.

Jeffrey Strock, Ph.D.

“We received just nine inches of snow at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center through January 31, compared to last year’s 37.4 inches for the same time period. Although this discrepancy might sound alarming, it’s more important to focus on the water equivalent of the snow and what the spring warmup will be like. So far this winter we’ve received 9.4 inches of rain

and snow, more than double last year’s 4.6 inches in the same time period.

In areas of the state that received a decent amount of rain in October, coupled with the rain and snow so far this winter, there should be ample moisture in the soil this spring. Some areas of southern and southwestern Minnesota received up to 6 inches of rain last October which helped recharge the soil profile to a large degree. In fact, the last measurement on November 15 showed 6.5 inches of available water in the soil profile — about one inch higher than the historic average.

Despite three years of drought conditions, crop yields have met or exceeded expectations. This suggests the crop used the fertilizer in the soil, so under most circumstances, there should be little residual nitrogen to leach away.

Growers have been discussing the possibility of early planting this season. While we don’t really know what March and April will bring, it may be possible if the current trend holds. Conditions could be wonderful for planting small grains, spring wheat and oats. There are constraints on how early farmers can actually plant based on crop insurance. For growers that plant cover crops like rye, this could be a spring where they grow rapidly so management will be important.

Remember we live in Minnesota where we know the weather is fickle. Wait five minutes, things are likely to change.”

Jeffrey Strock is a professor in the Department of Soil, Water & Climate and works at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center. His areas of interest include soil hydrology, water quality and fertility. His research and outreach activities focus on soil hydrology, agricultural drainage and nutrient management in agricultural systems.

FREEBORN COUNTY FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR 2024

JAMES & JACQUE SORENSEN

The annual Agricultural Luncheon has been a tradition for over 40 years! As part of this annual gathering, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee and the University of Minnesota Extension service recognize a “Farm Family of the Year” each year.

To be nominated, the Farm Family must be Minnesota food producers actively involved in agricultural production with one or more agricultural enterprises or have made significant short-term progress and/ or innovative contributions with their agricultural endeavors. Winners are selected based on their commitment to enhancing and supporting the fields of agriculture and production and their involvement in their communities and/or related organizations.

This year the James (and Jacque) Sorensen family

was selected and celebrated as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year! The Sorensens live in Alden, where they raise corn and soybeans. Over the years, they have also raised livestock for their boys (now adults) to show through 4-H and FFA programs.

They come from a multi-generational farming family that is active and well-known in the community. James and Jacque have both been active members in their church and volunteers for 4-H, FFA, Super Mileage, and sports, post-prom, and other student activities through Alden-Conger Schools. They are known for “not just showing up but going the extra mile” in all the events their children participated in. We’re told, “They’ve always encouraged their kids to give back and be active. And, now that their kids are adults, they are proud to witness them doing just that.”

James & Jacque Sorensen

FIVE STAR COOPERATIVE INTRODUCES CUTTING-EDGE CROP SOLUTIONS UNDER NEXSTAR BRAND

New Hampton, IA – Five Star Cooperative, a leading farmer-owned agricultural cooperative serving 14 counties across North Iowa, has unveiled three innovative solutions as part of its NexStar crop performance product line. The introduction of these new products marks a significant step in the cooperative’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.

The NexStar brand, developed by Five Star Cooperative, reflects a strategic approach aimed at providing localized, cutting-edge crop performance products that offer superior results. Scott Black, Chief Executive Officer of Five Star Cooperative, emphasized the cooperative’s customer-centric approach, stating that the NexStar brand is a direct response to feedback from farmers.

“The NexStar brand is the result of listening to our customers,” said Black. “Offering our own brand of crop

performance products packaged locally brings an extra level of service and cutting-edge technology to our area. We are excited to continue serving our members and customers with these new offerings.”

The NexStar product line encompasses a comprehensive range of solutions, including seed treatments, foliar and nutritionals, biological aids, nitrogen stabilizers, and spray tank adjuvants. Each product has undergone rigorous field testing across the Midwest to ensure efficacy and performance tailored to the local agricultural landscape.

Nick Sawyer, Five Star Agronomy Director, highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to collaboration with farmers in developing impactful solutions. “Working with producers to identify needs and deliver solutions is at the heart of everything we do,” Sawyer stated.

The three new innovations introduced under the NexStar brand for the 2024 growing season include:

• ProfitPoint Gyp-Z: Enhances nutrient solubility and root growth in conjunction with fertilizer application.

• LaunchPoint Complete: Provides superior earlyseason disease protection and coverage as a seed treatment.

• SprayPoint Last Pass: Improves the permeation of aerial passes, ensuring effective spray delivery to targeted areas.

These innovations underscore Five Star Cooperative’s dedication to offering farmers best-in-class solutions that provide a competitive edge in the agricultural sector.

Farmers seeking to optimize crop yields throughout the season can explore the benefits of NexStar products by visiting the newly launched NexStar website at nexstarag.com. The website offers comprehensive product information and allows users to request quotes conveniently.

In addition to its focus on innovative crop solutions, NexStar Ag aims to empower Midwest farmers by enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainability in farming operations.

For over a century, Five Star Cooperative has been empowering farmers in their pursuit of success. To learn more about Five Star Cooperative and its range of agricultural products and services, visit fivestarcoop. com. Stay updated on the latest news by following Five Star Coop on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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507-373-8895

A CROWN RUST FUNGUS COULD HELP MANAGE TWO HIGHLY INVASIVE PLANTS IN MINNESOTA

Though some crown rust fungi are known to cause widespread damage to oat and barley crops, new research from the University of Minnesota suggests a close relative of these major pathogens could actually be a valuable asset in managing two highly invasive wetland plants in Minnesota.

Findings recently published in Plant Disease show that Puccinia coronata var. coronata, or Pcc — a non-native rust fungus recently reported in North America — could be beneficial in managing glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea).

“As this fungal pathogen affects two highly invasive species, understanding its host range helps define strategies and predict its impact if used as an augmentative biocontrol agent,” said Pablo D. Olivera Firpo, a research associate professor in the Department of Plant Pathology.

The research was funded by the University’s Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, supported by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).

To assess the host range — which plants are susceptible to infection — the research team conducted extensive greenhouse trials. Over 1,800 samples of cereal crop species like wheat, oats, barley, and rye; 110 grass species; and 16 species in the ornamental shrub and buckthorn families were evaluated for their response to Pcc.

Reed canarygrass and glossy buckthorn.

Credit: Nick Greatens

The researchers found:

• No cereal crops or turfgrasses were found to be susceptible to Pcc.

• In addition to reed canarygrass, 12 other grass species were found susceptible to Pcc — some native to Minnesota or North America, some highly weedy.

• Three native North American buckthorn species were also susceptible to the pathogen.

“It is highly valuable to predict what plants might be affected by a new pathogen and to understand the host ranges of rust fungi more broadly,” said Nick Greatens, a recent U of M doctoral graduate. “Fortunately, no important crops or turfgrasses are affected by Pcc. Locally, the pathogen has apparently positive effects, knocking back some highly weedy plant species. The benefit to an ecosystem will depend on the local plant community.”

Future work will quantify the effects on invasive reed canarygrass and glossy buckthorn in greenhouse experiments. Efforts are ongoing to document the occurrence of various crown rust fungi on buckthorns and wild grasses across Minnesota.

According to previous research, reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) populations in Minnesota are mostly native, although the plant may form aggressive stands and require control.

FARMERS.GOV PORTAL

Looking for ways to do business with USDA that saves you time? Look no further than farmers.gov.

When you create a farmers.gov account for the farmers.gov authenticated site, you have access to self-service features through a secure login. Managing your business with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is faster than ever. From e-signing documents, viewing, printing, and exporting maps and receiving notifications of payment disbursements, a farmers.gov authenticated account makes doing business with USDA easy and secure.

What can you do with your farmers.gov account?

• Submit a Direct Farm Loan application. This tool and other process improvements allow farmers and ranchers to submit complete loan applications. Helpful features include an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.

• View NRCS Disbursements and Farm Loans financial activity from the past 180 days.

• View, print and export detailed farm records and farm/tract maps.

• Export common land unit (field) boundaries as ESRI and GeoJSON file types.

• Import precision agriculture planting boundaries, create labels containing crop information, and print both on farm tract maps.

• Use the draw tools to determine acres in an area of interest that can be printed on a map and provided to a third party or exported as a feature file for use in other geospatial applications.

• View, upload, download and e-sign NRCS documents.

• Request conservation and financial assistance, including submitting a program application.

• Access information on current and past conservation practices, report practice completion and request practice certification

• View detailed information on previous and ongoing contracts, including the amount of cost- share assistance received and request contract modifications.

• View Farm Loan Program loans: View Farm Loan principal and interest balances, payment history, loan terms, and download interest statements.

How

do you create a farmers.gov account?

To create a farmers.gov account you will need:

• A USDA individual customer record - A customer record contains information you have given to USDA to do business with them, like your name, address, phone number, and any legal representative authority relationships.

• A login.gov account – Login.gov is a sign-in service that gives people secure online access to participating government programs.

• Customers who are new to USDA should visit Get Started at Your USDA Service Center, then go to gov/account to create a farmers.gov account.

• In addition to the self-service features, farmers.gov also has information on USDA programs, farm loans, disaster assistance, conservation programs and crop insurance.

NAVIGATING FARM FINANCES: STRENGTHENING YOUR FARM’S BOTTOM LINE & LENDER RELATIONSHIPS

• Farming is a rewarding but challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to managing incomes and margins. Let First Farmers & Merchants bank assist you as you explore strategies to deal with compressed farm incomes and margins while nurturing a strong relationship with your lender. By implementing these practices, you can navigate financial uncertainties with confidence.

• Maintaining open lines of communication with your lender is key to a successful farming journey. Regularly update them on your farm’s financial status, discuss any challenges you’re facing, and share your plans for the future. This transparency builds trust and allows your lender to provide valuable guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.

• A comprehensive financial plan acts as a roadmap for your farm’s success. Collaborate with your lender to create a plan that includes income projections, expense management strategies, and contingency plans. By setting clear financial goals and outlining actionable steps, you can proactively manage your farm’s finances and adapt to changing market conditions.

• Farming inherently involves risks, but you can mitigate their impact through effective risk management strategies. Explore options like crop insurance, which safeguards your income against weather-related disasters or yield fluctuations. Additionally, consider hedging or diversifying your crops and livestock to minimize the impact of market volatility.

• Relying solely on a single income source leaves your farm vulnerable to income fluctuations. Explore opportunities to diversify to your income streams by exploring alternative crops, livestock, or value-added products.

By expanding your offerings, you can tap into new markets, stabilize your income and create additional revenue streams.

• Efficiency and cost control are essential for optimizing your farm’s profitability. Continuously evaluate your operations to identify areas where you can streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity. Implementing technology, adopting sustainable practices and optimizing resource allocation can help you maximize your farm’s efficiency while reducing costs.

• Building a strong relationship with your lender goes beyond financial transactions. Regularly engage with them, seek their guidance, and share your farm’s progress. In turn, your lender will foster a collaborative partnership by structuring a lending package that meets your business needs and cash flow. Ready to take the next step? Reach out today to one of our knowledgeable lenders at (507) 433-3473 or check us out online at www.ffmbank.com!

FARMAMERICA: FUN, LEARNING, AND FARM FRESH EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AGES

Many of us know Farmamerica as the place with the iconic red barn just west of Waseca off Hwy 14. But did you know it’s Minnesota’s official agricultural interpretive center that draws nearly 8,000 visitors per year from across Minnesota and the US? That’s right, Farmamerica offers a unique look into the fascinating world of agriculture, from its historical roots to the cutting-edge practices shaping our future meals.

More Than Just History

Farmamerica isn’t just about showcasing antique tractors and historic farm sites. Their 360-acre site is a working farm where you can see research trials in action thanks to Crystal Valley Coop and the MN Dept of Ag. This helps both farmers and everyday people understand how things like seed genetics, fertilizers, and crop protection products impact crops yields and soil health. Farmamerica also partners with Discovery Farms Minnesota to study water drainage techniques that can reduce the movement of nitrate-nitrogen, a crucial project for protecting our water quality. The real-time data being collected is available online at mda.onerain.com.

Visitors can dive into the world of modern agriculture at Farmamerica’s new Ag Around You Discovery Center! This interactive

living space bursts with exhibits and videos to help visitors discover how all products stem from agriculture and natural resources. But the fun doesn’t stop there; next up is the AGCO Farm Life game, a state-of-the-art experience with touchscreens and surround sound. Here, visitors experience the thrill and challenges of being a farmer for a day, planting crops, caring for animals, and seeing the magic of modern agriculture firsthand.

Family Fun on the Farm

Farmamerica is a peaceful picturesque space for the whole family. They offer educational field trips for students of all ages. Each year nearly 2,000 elementary students explore an 1850s farmstead, 1930s dairy farm, a one-room schoolhouse, feed mill, and blacksmith shop, while older students can participate in interactive career exploration experiences, learning about the many exciting jobs in the region connected to agriculture. Throughout the summer, families can enjoy guided tours, meet friendly farm animals, and participate in special events like the Fall Festival and Turkey Trot 5k Fun Run.

The Barnyard Babies event on April 20 and 21 is sure to be a family favorite as they welcome dozens of baby farm animals to Farmamerica for the season.

Adult Activities

Looking for a grown-up getaway? Farmamerica offers unique events just for adults. Savor a delicious farm-to-fork dinner under the summer sky or participate in a fun (and slightly goofy) “chip shot” golf fundraiser where you aim for farm equipment instead of holes on June 13! The Taste of Time farm to fork dinner in August is a twist on the traditional progressive dinner experience. For those seeking relaxation, goat yoga sessions provide a unique way to unwind amidst the farm scenery.

Event Space and More

Farmamerica’s beautiful visitor center, complete with a spacious conference room, makes a stunning backdrop for weddings, business meetings, or team-building events. They even offer guided tram tours for an outdoor farm, team-building experience.

So, next time you’re looking for a fun and educational outing, head over to Farmamerica and discover the exciting world of agriculture! Learn more at Farmamerica.org or reach out to Jessica Rollins, Executive Director at Jessica@farmamerica.org.

FREEBORN COUNTY 4-H THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

The power of collaboration, friendship, sponsorship, support, kindness - - the list can go on and on about what happens when local businesses support local organizations and vice versa. Freeborn County 4-H is treated pretty well in this community. We are very appreciative of support and because of our supporters, we are able to do so much with the staff capacity in our office. We ask our participants for ideas, dream, and continue to do more as we are able. This article highlights just a few of the businesses we have encountered as this spring has arrived.

Freeborn County 4-H was selected by Scooter’s Coffee in Albert Lea as their 2024 recipient of the Community Gives Back Days. This friendship has challenged them to think about their roots tied to agriculture as well as how they as an organization gives back locally. We had such a great day in March, where patrons visited the Albert Lea store and a portion of the proceeds will come back to Freeborn County 4-H for us to do gardening programming this summer with the organizations that we work with. This impact and why leads us to another exciting day in April where Scooter’s Coffee will give us another Community Gives Back Day - on Arbor Day (April 26, 2024). Scooter’s

Coffee is headquartered in Nebraska. When Freeborn County 4-H traveled to the Denver Stock Show in Denver, CO in 2022, one of our educational stops along the way was at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska to learn more about the importance of Arbor Day and its meaning. It is pretty cool when an opportunity comes full circle - where in our case, support from the community on a day of giving back and celebrating an important day for our environment that we had taken an educational tour of in recent years. Throughout this process of meeting with Scooter’s Coffee, we have learned about the agricultural process of their coffee beans and the process to get them from the Costa Rican farmers. We encourage you to do something nice for the environment (& 4-H!) on Arbor Day on April 26. Plant a tree, clean up the area around you, just make a difference - as these are some of the qualities of the 4-H program.

Our relationship with Albert Lea Farmers Market is appreciated. At the kick off meeting of Market vendors, it was communicated that the vendors appreciate 4-H being present at the Market. 4-H provides youth that visit the Market on Wednesdays a hands-on learning opportunity

that ties to food, science, agriculture, or self-reflection. Our summer intern coordinates the weekly learning opportunity. We strive to provide recipes found on the University of Minnesota Extension website that highlight nutritional value, provide different ways to prepare/keep the produce, and continue to find ways to expose the youth to the food that is locally sourced and provided. We encourage youth to try gardening on their own and if they choose, they can use the garden as a pathway to showcase their learning, spark a new hobby, and potentially become a lifelong career. Youth will be able to experience handson opportunities at the Albert Lea Farmers Market on Wednesdays, starting May 15. Because our summer intern plays an intricate role with this program, the hands-on activities for 2024 will end July 17. The Albert Lea Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays starting May 15 and ending October 30. Wednesday hours are 3:30-5:30 pm and Saturday hours are 9am-12pm. The Farmers Market is located in the parking lot on the North end of Broadway. 4-H will be located next to the EBT/WIC machine and the POP tokens. The POP (Power of Produce) tokens are for youth ages 5-12 and are able to be picked

up each time the market is held. The POP tokens provide youth with $2 to spend each market on fresh produce. This is made possible by amazing community supporters. Flyers about Farmers Market and the POP tokens will be sent home through the schools as well as posted on Freeborn County 4-H’s Facebook page closer to the end of the school year. There are some amazing new opportunities that the Albert Lea Farmers Market will have this summer and you will see University of Minnesota Extension present.

Remember that the power of collaboration, friendship, sponsorship, support, and kindness goes a long way. We look forward to working with more of our amazing friends as spring continues on, summer approaches, and the members of Freeborn County 4-H continue to do their part to make this world that we live in a little bit better each and every day.

Questions about the University of Minnesota Extension Office in Freeborn County can be directed to 507-3775660. Make sure to check out our website for research based material, events, workshops, and other learning opportunities offered at https://extension.umn.edu/.

1 spot Farm Tab Fall 2017

In the field or in the lab our innovative ag and food science programs provide students of all ages the training and education needed to become part of the third highest crop producing state in the nation. Learn more at riverland.edu/ag.

• Agribusiness • Agricultural Sciences

• Biotechnology • Food Science

• Precision Ag • Internship Options Nick Schiltz 507-402-6175

KNOW YOUR FIELDS’ CARBON INTENSITY SCORE

Farmers will likely need to know the carbon intensity score (CIS) of each field to deliver corn to an ethanol plant in the nearby future starting January 1, 2025. First the ethanol plants are required to get their CIS below 50 due to government mandates. Second, the economic future for ethanol plants is to market ethanol to the producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The ethanol plants need to have a low CIS to sell to SAF producers. Currently Brazilian ethanol is being imported to sell to SAF because of its low CIS. Brazil’s CIS is low because of its ability to double crop.

If your farm fields do not have a verified and certified CIS, those fields will be assigned the county default score which is around 29.1. One of the local ethanol producers is already in the process of converting its software to account for CIS. Each scale ticket will have a CIS. It is imperative that farmers get their data organized to be part of the process.

At this time, it is unclear how the financial benefit will be transferred from the ethanol plant that is receiving a tax credit from the federal government for having a low CIS. The ethanol plant receives the tax credit not the farmer. The corn bushels from low CIS fields will be beneficial to the ethanol plant for receiving a better tax credit. It is envisioned that the payment to the farmer will be in two tranches. The first tranche would be a partial premium paid at the time of initial corn sale. The second tranche would be a settlement at a much later time after the federal tax rebate to the ethanol plant has been determined.

There are resources available to utilize conservation practices to reduce a field’s CIS. It is best to contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District along with your county Natural Resources Conservation Service office since there are different programs available due to a specific location. In addition, there is money available

from the American Coalition for Ethanol for implementing conservation changes. With each of these programs, it would be best to get clarification on the specifics because an assumption may be incorrect. The reimbursement may be capped on a specific quantity or may be a paid on a percentage of acres utilizing the specific program.

It is best to contact your preferred ethanol processor that purchases your corn on how to get a verified and certified CIS so that you can be on the preferred customer list. While going through the process of obtaining a CIS, find out what it would take to lower your fields’ CIS to receive a better price for the corn that you sell. The Rice County Cover Crop Trials from 2018-2023 provide a factual source on the production outcome of utilizing cover crops. The 2023 Farm Business Management study on cover crops on corn or soybeans on cash rented acres details the financials involved with the use of cover crops. Use the FBM Southern Minnesota 2023 Report and go to pages 46-47 of this link: https://www.agcentric.org/farm-business- management/ annual-fbm-reports/ If a field is already enrolled in a carbon offsetting program, that field is ineligible for participation in carbon indexing to an ethanol plant. An example of carbon offsetting is enrolling a specific field for a typical 10-year contract and the company pays the farmer for the amount of carbon that can be stored in the soil due to the farming practices utilized. The carbon offsetting programs have been offered for the past few years whereas the carbon indexing programs are new.

Each year there seems to be something new that is worthy of exploring that may benefit your farm business. Currently there appears to be potential for those that utilize practices for having a lower carbon intensity score. The rules are not fully known at this time with a lot of unknowns.

Some opportunities have a quicker pay back than others. Usually, it is the early adapters that recognize profitable practices that receive the financial reward.

Lynn Hoffmann Farm Business Management Instructor Riverland

Community College

lynn.hoffmann@riverland.edu

A member of Minnesota State

ASPARAGUS PASTA

Ingredients

• 4 Slices bacon, chopped

• 1 Lb. Fettuccine Pasta

• 12 oz. medium-width asparagus spears, trimmed and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

• 1 c. Heavy Cream

• ½ c. Unsalted Butter

• ½ tsp. Kosher Salt, plus more for pasta water

• ½ tsp. Black pepper, plus more for garnish

• 2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for garnish

• ½ tsp. Lemon Zest

• 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp and rendered, 8 to 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. Wipe the pan clean.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, adding the asparagus during the last 2 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, in the same saucepan used to cook the bacon, heat the cream and butter over medium heat until hot. Season with salt and pepper.

To a large serving bowl, add 1 cup of cheese and the lemon zest. Stir in the butter and cream mixture.

Drain the pasta and asparagus and immediately pour them into the bowl with the cream mixture. Toss a few times to coat,

then add the lemon juice and the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Toss to combine, thinning with pasta water as needed to make a silky sauce. Garnish with bacon, pepper, and cheese. Serve immediately.

Dexter

1/16 Summer

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT VIA COVER CROPS

Rice Creek Watershed Dundas, MN

Since July of 2018, a dozen farmers in the Rice Creek watershed west of Dundas, MN have been planting cover crops on about 1000 acres, 30% of the tillable farmland in this 4,100 acre watershed. Clean River Partners, Rice SWCD and St. Olaf

College have been comparing nitrate concentration in tile drainage from fields planted with cover crops and fields without. They also collected cover crop costs and corn and soybean yield data. The charts that follow show the results.

Who is eligible?

Any farmer who would like to implement cover crops into their farming rotation in the Shell Rock or Winnebago watersheds! If you have been already doing cover crops, to be eligible you just need to do something new or different!

Payment Rates: For Questions or to Apply:

Rates range from $45-$60 per acre, depending on the number of species, and can be contract lengths of 1-3 years.

Contact Lindsey.Zeitler@mn.nacdnet.net, call 507-320-3728 or visit the Freeborn SWCD at 1400 West Main Street Albert Lea, MN 56007.

CORN SALAD

Ingredients

For the Chipotle-Lime Dressing:

• ¼ c. Sour cream

• 2 tbsp. Mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp. Lime Juice

• 2 Tsp. Hot Sauce

• ¾ Tsp. Kosher Salt

• ½ Tsp. Chipotle Chile Powder, plus more for garnish

• ¼ Tsp. Ground Cumin

• ¼ Tsp. Black Pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 Large ears yellow corn, shucked

• 2 Plum tomatoes, chopped

• 1 Avocado, peeled and chopped

• 1 C. chopped red onion

• 1 Jalapeño, stemmed and chopped

• ½ c. Chopped Cilantro, plus leaves for garnish

• ½ c. crumbled queso fresco, plus more for garnish

• Lime Wedges, for serving

Directions

For the chipotle-lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce,

kosher salt, chipotle chile powder, cumin, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.

For the Salad: Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat and season generously with salt. Add the ears of corn and boil for 3 minutes. Remove the corn from the pot and let it cool to room temperature. Slice the kernels off the cob. (You should have about 4 cups of corn).

In a large bowl, gently toss together the corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and queso fresco. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with more cilantro, queso fresco, and chipotle chile powder. Serve with lime wedges.