Benton Ag Plus - November 10, 2016 by Star Publications

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Serving rural Benton County, Morrison, Mille Lacs & Kanabec counties.

BENTON AG Plus

Sauk Rapids Herald

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Schlichtings named Benton County Outstanding Conservation Cooperators of the Year Farm management practices preserve land by JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER

RICE – When Rick Schlichting’s grandmother emigrated from Poland and cultivated the land near Rice, it was the beginning of a longstanding family farm that puts passion and purpose at the forefront – passion for the food produced and purpose to live sustainably. On Dec. 6, the Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will honor Rick and his wife, Marlene, as the 2016 Outstanding Conservation Cooperators of the Year for their soil and water conservation efforts at Schlichting Farms. “It’s nice to be recognized,” Rick said. “We’ve always done practices on our own [to preserve the land], but have been under the radar.” Rick and Marlene farm 6,300 acres of land, growing, PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE potatoes, corn, kidney beans Rick and Marlene Schlichting are the 2016 Benton County Outstanding Conservation Cooperators of the Year for their efforts and alfalfa, and also raise to conserve water and soil on their farm near Rice. The Schlichtings plant several cover crops including turnips, radishes, nearly 20,000 hogs in a farclover and rye.

row-to-Ànish operation. Additionally, Rick manages Prairie Farm Company with his aunt, Diane Wojtanowicz. The Schlichtings Àrst implemented conservation practices on their farm in the early ‘70s to reduce erosion and retain nutrients commonly found in the sandy soils of central Minnesota. “The soil in our area is very conducive for bean production and potatoes,” Rick said. “But when we Àrst started, we could hardly grow anything and had to Ànd a way to salvage the land.” With Àeld hedges of pine, chokecherry, crab apple, pin cherry trees and also high bush cranberries, the Schlichtings created natural buffer strips and wind breaks. Within the Àelds, themselves, the Schlichtings incorporated cover cropping into their farming practices, which has not only helped with soil erosion but also improved organic matter. “We found we could do just as good or better with cover crops,” Rick said. “We’ve been able to produce more off the soil in 30 years than we could if we didn’t use cover crops.” After each potato and edible bean harvest, Rick plants winter rye as a cover crop. Schlichtings continued on pg. 2B

Farming hunters Steve and Tim Scapanski balance time on farm, in woods by ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Packing the guns, gear and essentials can take time. After all, you wouldn’t want to forget something for a weekend in the woods. Many people travel to their favorite hunting spot on opening weekend, climbing into the deer stand before dawn in hopes of shooting a big buck. Hunting season for Tim and Steve Scapanski is different, because they also need to take care of their dairy farm. “We’ve never hunted up Scapanski continued on pg. 3B

PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA

(Front, from left)Adam Scapanski and Anthony Scapanski; (back, from left) Michael Lentner, Daniel Scapanski, Patrick Scapanski, Eric Scapanski, Steve Scapanski and Tim Scapanski all hunt together in the woods near Steve and Tim’s farm.

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Benton Ag

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Schlichtings continued from front_______________ PHOTOS BY JENNIFER COYNE

Each Schlichting Àeld is bordered with a tree or bush line to prevent wind erosion on the soil.

In some Àelds, he also plants clover, radishes and turnips along with the rye. However, implementing the cover crops has been the greatest learning experience for the Schlichtings – Àguring out how to best preserve the organic matter, protect the topsoil and eliminate wind erosion. Along with cover cropping, Rick and Marlene have implemented a low-pressure drop irrigation system. “This way, we only use water when we need it,” Rick said. The Schlichtings also follow a strict fertilization program as to not lose nutrients through ground water. Marlene explained their nutrient management as similar to that of other agricultural enterprises, Ànding the best

practices that will aid in the Ànal outcome. “It’s like dairying,” she said. “You’re trying to get the cows the healthiest food. We want to do the same thing for our soil.” Rick agreed. “We want to get the most out of it without applying the most,” he said. To conÀrm the best application for each Àeld, the Schlichtings treat each Àeld differently depending on soil type and crop. “We look at references from years past to plan ahead,” Rick said. “Someone is in the Àelds every day. I personally check the Àelds once a week.” Furthermore, the Schlichtings have incorporated reduced tillage practices, manure testing, native prairie lands and wildlife food plots

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Radishes are planted as cover crops in the Àelds after edible bean and potato harvest.

onto their farm to further their conservation efforts. Most recently, the couple has worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and University of Minnesota evaluating manure and fertilizer applications on test plots. “We’ve done other things on the farm, but it all happens with experience and being put in a situation,” Rick said. “We’re always experimenting with ways to better our soil and water use.” This vast variety of conservation practices has led Rick and Marlene to receive one of the greatest honors from the Benton County SWCD; an award, they said, everyone has the ability to achieve.

“Many people are already doing things and they’re doing a good job,” Marlene said. “You don’t realize that until it’s put on paper.” Rick agreed. “Ultimately, better land means better proÀts,” he said. “And it’s gratifying to know you’re growing a good crop.” Adhering to their simple farming values, the Schlichtings have not only provided a good crop, but also been recognized for their dedication to the future of farming – and for that, they are grateful. “Sustainability – it’s just the right thing to do,” Marlene said. “We’re making the soil better than how we received it, and we’re going to continue to strive to do that.”

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Benton Ag

PAGE 3B

Scapanski continued from front_______________________________________ north or anything, always around here,” Steve said. “A big part of that is the farm.” Balancing chores with time in the woods is something the brothers have Àgured out over the years. “We get up at 4 a.m. instead of 6 and we come in from the woods at noon to do chores again,” Steve said. “We milk twice a day, so we just work our hunting around that. During the week, we will hunt in the afternoons if we can.” The two brothers hunt in a group of 11 or 12 people, including nephews and Steve’s son and daughter. “It’s always been this way,” Tim said. “We’ve all hunted since we were 12

years old, so 31 years for me and 39 years for Steve. It’s just something we’ve always enjoyed.” There have been a couple instances where the farm interrupts their hunting. “Two years ago, I was planning to stay out in the stand a little longer, but then I got a phone call that the water wasn’t working so I had to come in,” Tim said. There’s also been times when the farm doesn’t get in the way at all. “We had one year, 1988 I think, where we had all of the crops harvested before hunting season even started,” Steve said. “That was fun because we could just do chores and go hunting every

day. We spent hours in the stands every day.” Tim learns to balance hunting with the farm for longer periods of time, as he bow hunts and muzzle-loads as well. “I do everything and I have for a long time,” Tim said. “It’s nice because I’m like the only one in the woods.” Farming and hunting are both important parts of life for Tim and Steve during the fall, neither of which would give up the chaotic schedule. “It’s our way of life, we either spend time in the barn, the tractor or the deer stand,” Tim said. “It’s just what happens this time of year and it makes things fun.”

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Benton Ag

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Central Minnesota relishes in bumper crop

2016 yields surpass expectations Last year’s harvest was one for the record books – favorable planting conditions and optimal rains throughout the growing season aided in unheard of yields come harvest. It was a year unlike any other, undoubtedly one that would be tough to relive.

However, as harvest wraps up in central Minnesota, it seems luck has struck twice. “I think farmers are blown away by the yield and the quality has been excellent,” said Jason Sadlovsky, general manager at Sunrise Ag Coop. Doug Nemeth can attest with the crops he cultivated

on 150 acres near Rice. This year’s harvest was the secondbest crop Nemeth has received in his 40 years of farming. “You could go out in the Àelds and check 20 ears in a row and they were all nice sized and Àlled to the tips,” Nemeth said. “You only have that on good years.” In the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics

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Soybean: 370 million bushels, 2 percent decrease from 2015 Dry edible bean: 3.18 million hundredweight (cwt.), 18 percent decrease from 2015 Sugarbeet: 12.6 million tons, 3 percent increase from 2015 SunÁower: 117 million pounds, 30 percent decrease from 2015 “We’ve had back-to-back years of good corn crops so farmers are running into storage problems,” said Jeff Burg, who owns and operates Holdingford Mill. While some patrons have a little time left to store their grain at the co-ops, many farmers are looking for alternative options – other grain storage sites, creating their own piles and bags, or storing the grain in on-farm bins until supply diminishes. Only his fourth time doing so, Nemeth rented out his grain bins to area farmers who were looking for additional space. “Farmers are squeezing [grain] in where they can or letting it stand out in the Àeld until they have room,” Burg said. In a report published by the USDA-NASS on Nov. 7, corn for grain harvest is now 86 percent complete across Minnesota with soybeans nearly completed. The remainder of harvest depends greatly on Àeld conditions. As areas surrounding Buckman and Pierz received timely rains and bouts of dry spells throughout the growing season, other areas were hit with mid-July storms that left the Àelds with plentiful moisture levels that, in some instances, still remain. “Rain does make grain, but wet harvest conditions

have been very challenging,” Martens said. “On loam soils compared to sand, there are many corn and soybean Àelds with wet parts that are not yet harvested.” However, poor weather conditions are not deterring farmers from collecting their yields. “They are still getting out there to get the crops in,” Burg said. “Some farmers have gotten stuck, but I’ve seen worse years.” Sadlovsky sees the wet harvest as an opportunity for coops, with grain coming in at different times allowing businesses to catch up on buying and selling the crop. The USDA-NASS indicated that many Àelds across the state are too saturated to combine prompting farmers to wait for a hard freeze before completing harvest. Despite setbacks, 2016 mirrors the success farmers reaped last year – success that continues to provide for a growing, dependent population. “Aside from a challenging Ànancial situation and a muddy harvest season, it is intriguing to see what kind of yields are possible and to watch combines, wagons and trucks Àll,” Martens said. “We can certainly appreciate what farmers working with agricultural businesses do to put food on the table and contribute to the economy.”

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Service (NASS) report on Minnesota agriculture, published Oct. 12, corn production in Minnesota is forecasted at 186 bushels per acre – if realized, trailing the highest record yield set in 2015. In the same token, soybean production is forecasted to reach 49 bushels per acre – the second highest value behind 2015, if realized. Within Benton County, corn and soybean yields averaged 167 and 47 for 2015, respectively. Similar values are expected at the end of this harvest season. “I’ve heard credible reports of 50 to 70 bushels of soybean yields,” said Dan Martens, University of Minnesota extension educator. “I’ve also heard of corn yields for whole Àelds as high as 220 to 240, but more around 180.” Nemeth received 200 bushels per acre of corn on irrigated land and 125 bushels on non-irrigated Àelds. “All farmers love good yields,” said Nemeth, who planted a late-April crop on sandy soil. “Because I have lighter soil, I can pick when I can plant and planting is critical to these good yields.” Local mills and grain cooperatives can testify to the staggering yields, too. In certain cases, Sadlovsky has heard of yields reaching 75 bushels per acre for soybeans and upwards of 305 bushels per acre for corn. “With the technology available to be drought resistant and more, we’re going to see 200 bushels per acre be the new normal,” he said. Those extra bushels are coming at a time when farmers need it most. “Low prices for crops, milk, hogs and declining prices for beef weigh heavy on the farm and family budgets,” Martens said. “Like last year, lots of bushels help with additional income, but that doesn’t make an easy year.” Although greater yields are appreciated for the farm budget, they are also causing strain on farmers, and also co-ops, who are running out of storage space.

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. e g a n i a r d e v i effect

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Benton Ag

Sauk Rapids Police Department activity Monday, October 24 1151 hrs – theft on Benton Dr N 1201 hrs – property on the 1900 block of Benton Dr N 1522 hrs – harassment on the 1200 block of Hillside Dr 1739 hrs – burning complaint on the 1200 block of 1st Ave N 1902 hrs – suspicious activity Industrial Dr S and Benton Dr S 1947 hrs – violation court order on the 100 block of 18th St NW 2214 hrs – welfare check on the 100 block of River Ave S 2304 hrs – disturbance on the 900 block of Benton Dr N 4 trafÀc stops; 2 assists; 1 ordinance violation; 1 human services report; 1 alarm; 1 medical call Tuesday, October 25 0101 hrs – controlled substance on the 300 block of 2nd Ave N 1013 hrs – robbery on Benton Dr N 1226 hrs – animal on Hwy 15 and 18th St N 1335 hrs – criminal damage to property on the 1000 block of Summit Ave N 1344 hrs – property on the 1200 block of Lincoln Ave 1412 hrs – theft on the 1300 block of 13th St Cir 1422 hrs – driving 1440 hrs – theft on the 1800 block of Osauka Rd NE 1627 hrs – suspicious activity on the 100 block of 1st St S 1849 hrs – repo vehicle 1931 hrs – repo vehicle 1950 hrs – missing person on 1800 block of Eastern Star Loop 2031 hrs – vehicle on the 1000 block of 6th Ave N 2148 hrs – trespassing on the 300 block of River Ave S 2323 hrs – domestic on the 100 block of 15th St Ct 15 trafÀc stops; 2 alarms; 2 medical calls; 10 human services reports; 7 permits issued; 3 assists Wednesday, October 26 0311 hrs – unwanted person on the 100 block of 15th St Ct 0644 hrs – trafÀc accident on Benton Dr and 1st St N 0848 hrs – harassment on the 1900 block of Benton Dr N 1000 hrs – criminal damage to property 100 block 18th St NW 1144 hrs – accident on the 800 block of Golden Spike Rd NE

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PAGE 5B

1603 hrs – suspicious activity on the 700 block of 6th Ave N 2321 hrs – suspicious activity on the 2500 block of Ocarnia Dr 8 trafÀc stops; 2 assists; 2 medical calls

2054 hrs – warrant 2145 hrs – animal on the 1000 block of Benedict Dr 2217 hrs – criminal damage to property on the 1800 block of Osauka Rd NE Thursday, October 27 2240 hrs – driving 0010 hrs – suspicious activity on the 1300 block of 10th Ave 2353 hrs – disorderly conduct on the 1300 block of 13th St Cir NE 10 trafÀc stops; 7 assists; 1 ordinance violation; 4 permits is0108 hrs – attempt to locate on 500 block of Hwy 23 in Foley sued; 1 ordinance violation; 1 alarm 0149 hrs – suspicious activity on 7th St S and 2nd Ave S 0242 hrs – disturbance on the 1200 block of 2nd Ave N Saturday, October 29 0310 hrs – suspicious activity on 3rd Ave S 0022 hrs – shooting on the 1400 block of 2nd Ave S 0925 hrs – burglary on the 600 block of Broadway Ave S 0158 hrs – child on Benton Dr S 1206 hrs – child on the 300 block of 3rd Ave S 0419 hrs – police proactive visit on 2nd Ave N and 1st St N 1500 hrs – controlled substance 3300 block of Orchard Ave 0423 hrs – welfare check on Hwy 15 and Benton Dr N NE 0612 hrs – suspicious activity 2000 block of Highview Dr W 1521 hrs – controlled substance on the 800 block of 2nd Ave N 1116 hrs – burglary on the 300 block of 7th Ave N 1546 hrs – welfare check on the 200 block of 3rd Ave S 1238 hrs – driving 5 trafÀc stops; 1 alarm; 1 assist; 3 medical calls 1410 hrs – suicidal person on the 200 block of 9th Ave S 1757 hrs – domestic on the 100 block of 3rd Ave S Friday, October 28 1844 hrs – animal on the 300 block of 7th Ave N 0021 hrs – domestic on the 1900 block of Benton Dr N 1857 hrs – suspicious activity on 2800 block of 10th Ave NE 0215 hrs – welfare check on 2nd Ave N and 5th St N 1932 hrs – animal on the 1700 block of 4 ½ Ave N 0310 hrs – suspicious activity on the 1000 block of N River 2143 hrs – suspicious activity on 300 block of Industrial Blvd Ave 2149 hrs – extra patrol on the 100 block of 11th St N 0456 hrs – suspicious activity on the 300 block of 2nd Ave N 2234 hrs – disturbance on the 300 block of Benton Dr N and 0804 hrs – theft on the 1200 block of 15th St NE the 500 block of Hwy 23 in Foley 0825 hrs – suspicious activity on the 1300 block of 2nd St N 2317 hrs – suspicious activity on Division St and 4th Ave S 0918 hrs – theft on the 1200 block of Stone Ridge Rd 2329 hrs – disturbance on the 100 block of 11th St N 0931 hrs – assault on the 1400 block of Hillside Ct 4 trafÀc stops; 5 assists; 1 medical call; 1 alarm 1138 hrs – suspicious activity on Main St in Rice 1245 hrs – driving Sunday, October 30 1457 hrs – warrant on the 700 block of Broadway Ave S 0114 hrs – unwanted person on the 1100 block of 6th Ave N 1541 hrs – theft on the 1300 block of 2nd St N 0225 hrs – disturbance on the 300 block of Benton Dr N 1609 hrs – assault on the 1200 block of 2nd Ave N 0546 hrs – vehicle 1645 hrs – accident on the 2000 block of 4th Ave N 0645 hrs – disturbance on the 1200 block of 2nd Ave N 1647 hrs – suspicious activity on the 100 block of 1st St S 0848 hrs – animal on the 600 block of Benton Dr N 1723 hrs – terroristic threats on the 400 block of 13th Ave S 1322 hrs – disturbance on the 1600 block of 20th Ave NE 1959 hrs – dvs 1402 hrs – burning complaint 2011 hrs – animal on the 200 block of 9 ½ St N 1414 hrs – trespassing on the 300 block of 8th St N 2053 hrs – suspicious activity on the 1900 block of Benton 1742 hrs – child on the 500 block of 6th Ave N Dr N 1743 hrs – domestic on the 1200 block of 2nd Ave N 1813 hrs – suspicious activity on the 200 block of 1st St S 2112 hrs – suspicious activity on the 200 block of 1st St S 2 trafÀc stops; 2 medical calls; 2 assists

Rice Police Department activity

Rice Police Department Activity

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Tuesday, October 25 Notice is hereby given that the Sauk Rapids City Council will met at 6:00PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, on Monday the 1 trafÀc stop; 2 assists 28th day of November, 2016, in the City Council Chambers, 250 Summit Avenue North, to consider the adoption of the Assessment Rolls made up of individual assessments to abutting or beneÀted property for the following improvements: ROLL NO. IMPROVEMENT AND AREA TO BE ASSESSED 407 Unpaid Water and Sewer Bills, Storm Water Utility Fees, and Street Light Utility Fees throughout the city. The total amount of the proposed assessment roll is $110,797.98. 408 Lawn cutting throughout the city. The total amount of the proposed assessment roll is $120.00. 409 2016 8th Street North and 3rd Avenue North Improvements, 8th Street North from Benton Drive to 6th Avenue North and 3rd Avenue North from 1st Street North to 2nd Street North, for street reconstruction, drainage system, sanitary sewer, water main, sanitary sewer and water services and sidewalk. The area proposed to be assessed for the improvements are those properties abutting the improvements and within the drainage area. The total amount of the proposed assessment roll is $213,999.72. 410 Water Service Repairs throughout the city. The total amount of the proposed assessment roll is $1,700.00. The proposed assessment rolls are on Àle for public inspection at the ofÀce of the City Administrator-Clerk. Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting. The Council may consider an objection to the amount of the proposed individual assessment at this meeting or an adjourned meeting upon further notice of the affected property owners, as it deems advisable. An owner may appeal an assessment levied by the City Council to the District Court pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or City Administrator-Clerk of Sauk Rapids within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment roll and Àling such notice with the District Court within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or City Administrator-Clerk however, no appeal may be taken as to the amount of any individual assessment unless a written objection signed by the effected property owner is Àled with the City Administrator-Clerk prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding ofÀcer at the hearing on Monday, November 28, 2016. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 435.193 to 435.195, and Sauk Rapids Ordinance, a homeowner may make application to defer the payment of a special assessment for any homestead property owned by a person sixty-Àve (65) years of age or older for whom it would be a Ànancial hardship to make the payments. When deferment of the special assessment has been granted and is later terminated in accord with State Law, all amounts accumulated plus applicable interest become due. Application forms may be obtained from the Sauk Rapids City Administrator-Clerk or the Benton County Auditor upon request. All application forms for this deferred assessment must be received by the Sauk Rapids City Administrator-Clerk no later than thirty (30) days from the adoption of the assessment. City of Sauk Rapids Ross Olson City Administrator-Clerk R-45-1B

Wednesday, October 26 0845 hrs – suspicious activity on the 200 block of 3rd St NE 1 trafÀc stop; 1 ordinance violation Thursday, October 27 0108 hrs – attempt to locate 500 block of Hwy 23 in Foley 0859 hrs – predatory offender registry 1552 hrs – civil on Division St S 1622 hrs – theft on the 2300 block of Pine Rd NW 1 assist; 7 records checks Friday, October 28 0804 hrs – suspicious activity on the 200 block of 6th Ave NW 1138 hrs – suspicious activity on Main St 1250 hrs – suspicious activity on the 100 block of 2nd Ave NW 1521 hrs – controlled substance on Hwy 10 and 115th St NW 1700 hrs – school bus stop arm violation 3 trafÀc stops Sunday, October 30 1 trafÀc stop; 1 medical call

Watab Emergency Calls

9/27 – rescue call for one-car rollover on Hwy 10 9/30 – lift assist for 11000 block of Hwy 10 NW 10/16 – rescue call for one-car rollover on Hwy 10 BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 10/18 – Àre call to 1000 block of 107th St REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 18, 2016 number of staff labor hours for to the Benton County Person- and needs an additional $3,000 10/21 – medical call to 1400 block of 115th St NW The Benton County Board of each project (i.e. survey work, nel Policy, exempt employees for the study. He stated his be- 10/23 – lift assist to 1400 block of 115th St NW

Commissioners met in regular session on October 18, 2016 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Jim McMahon, Jake Bauerly, Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle and Warren Peschl present. Call to order by Chair Buerkle was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Áag. Popp/Peschl unanimous to approve the agenda as amended (add item: consider short-term exception to personnel policies regarding compensation time for exempt employees in Auditor-Treasurer’s OfÀce). No one was present to speak under Open Forum. Bauerly/McMahon unanimous to approve the Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2016 as written; 2) accept and Àle Administrator’s Report/ Monthly Financial Report as submitted; 3) adopt Resolution 2016-#35, reappointing Brian Koester as Benton County Assessor for the term January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020, and authorize the Chair to sign; and 4) approve Application for MN Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit—Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation—to hold a rafÁe at Jack & Jim’s, 11025 Duelm Road NE, Foley, on March 18, 2017. Chris Byrd, County Engineer and Joe MacPherson, Assistant County Engineer, provided a Àve-year history of the Engineering Technician position in the Highway Department and the challenges experienced in recruiting qualiÀed engineering technicians over the past year. Using the adopted Àveyear road construction plan as a guide, MacPherson explained that staff arrived at an estimated

plan preparation, bidding documents, contract administration) and compared those “in house” labor costs (including all equipment used by the engineering technicians) to that of utilizing consultants for those same projects using rates for similar work. Byrd stated Àndings that the use of consultants would be at least two times the cost of utilizing internal engineering staff; in addition to being more cost-effective, the county could control the schedule and discipline of “in-house” staff, as well as the purchase of new equipment. Byrd spoke of possible ways to attract employees, which may include some type of incentives. Bauerly suggested that a two-year degree be recommended, as opposed to required, for the Engineering Technician position and then train that employee in the skills that they are lacking. Buerkle stated the need to have further discussion on how the current labor shortage is affecting not only the Highway Department, but other county departments as well. It was noted that the County Engineer already has the approval to move forward with the advertising and hiring of an Engineering Technician. Headley noted the goal today was to share the analysis with Board members; he agreed that the Board should schedule a Committee of the Whole to discuss these issues further. Karri Thorsten, Auditor-Treasurer, explained that, currently, the Auditor-Treasurer’s OfÀce is very short staffed and in the midst of tax collection, elections and preparation for TNT statements. She indicated that staff are willing to put in extra time in order to meet these demands; however, according

may not accumulate more than 40 hours of unused compensatory time. Thorsten stated her request for an exception to the policy to allow the limit on compensation time for the exempt employees in her ofÀce to be waived through the end of November; any hours that have been accumulated over the 40 hours would be added to the employee’s compensatory bank and used at a later time. Buerkle commented “…it seems like the right thing to do…but I’m very skeptical to change policy…” Bauerly commented “…we have to adapt our rules in order to keep operating until the pendulum swings the other way…” Popp noted that the request does contain a “sunset” (end of November). Lee Katzmarek, Human Resources Director, noted that, if this request is allowed, this compensatory time will not be payable on a cash basis. Peschl/Bauerly unanimous that the limit on compensation time for the exempt employees in the AuditorTreasurer’s OfÀce be waived through the end of November; also that any additional hours that have accumulated over the 40 hours be added to the employee’s comp bank. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:52 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 10:18 AM. Monty Headley, County Administrator, shared the request from the City of Sartell that the County consider a monetary contribution toward a study by the Urban Land Institute on potential re-uses of the former VERSO paper mill site; the City has secured a $7,000 grant

lief that a Technical Assistance Panel would be formed to conduct “an extremely intensive one-day brainstorming session”. Buerkle inquired if the Benton Economic Partnership Board should have input regarding this request. Popp stated his belief that the new BEP Executive Director should be a participant on the panel; he also felt that the City of Sartell should contribute toward the study costs. McMahon/Popp unanimous that Benton County contribute $1,500 toward the study; further, that the BEP Executive Director (John Uphoff) and two Benton County Board members be allowed to participate on the panel. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Topics discussed under Commissioner Concerns included 1) skilled labor shortage in a union environment; and 2) City of St. Cloud orderly annexation area (City of St. Cloud’s ordinance appears to have more of a metro vision that is at odds with Benton County’s rural nature). Peschl/McMahon unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: October 24, discuss impending retirement of County Recorder; discuss recruitment strategies. Popp/Bauerly unanimous to adjourn at 10:42 AM. Spencer C. Buerkle, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-45-1B

PUBLIC NOTICES

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333 (1) The exact name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Dvorak Eye Clinic (2) The address of the principal place of business is: 4914 45th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, USA (3) List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, OR if an entity, provide the legal corporate, LLC, or Limited Partnership name and registered ofÀce address: Dvorak Cataract and Eye Laser Clinic, P.A., 4914 45th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, USA (4) By typing my name, I, the undersigned, certify that I am signing this document as the person whose signature is required, or as agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required who has authorized me to sign this document on his/her behalf, or in both capacities. I further certify that I have completed all required Àelds, and that the information in this document is true and correct and in compliance with the applicable chapter of Minnesota Statutes. I understand that by signing this document I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Section 609.48 as if I had signed this document under oath. John D. Dvorak, M.D., Chief Executive OfÀcer of Nameholder 10/07/2016 R-44-2P

CITY OF SAUK RAPIDS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE You are invited to attend a public hearing on Monday, November 28th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, to consider the following matters that require a public hearing. APPLICANT David Werschay. Preliminary Plat PURPOSE To consider a Preliminary Plat that would replat 10 patio home lots into 8 single family lots. Legal description: Lots 13-22 Block 2, Villages of Creekside. Please contact Sauk Rapids Community Development Director Todd Schultz at (320) 258-5315 or tschultz@ci.sauk-rapids. mn.us with questions or stop by City Hall to obtain a copy of the application. Any person desiring to comment on these matters is invited to do so in writing or orally at the time of the public hearing. R-45-1B

PAGE 6B

Benton Ag

FDA's livestock antibiotic rule changes coming Jan. 1

Reiny Hanneken- Manager

Sarah Schieck, I will add Regional Extension that information Educator for Swine about VFD for all Production, shared livestock species information recently is being circulated about the new Veterithrough several nary Feed Directives channels. If you (VFD) that will go have been regularinto effect on Jan. 1, By Dan Martens ly or occasionally University of 2017. using antibiotic MN Extension These new rules, medications that related to livestock are routinely added medications, cover other spe- to livestock feed or water, it cies of livestock along with is probably most important to swine. The antibiotic changes talk to your veterinarian and will affect producers, veteri- feed supplier about steps you narians, feed mills and sup- will need to take to stay in pliers. Producers include all compliance with the new VFD livestock producers including rules. 4-H, FFA and other youth raisWe can easily be irritated ing livestock. with new rules that require Many of the antibiotics more time and work. It is imused in swine feed (and for portant Àrst to remember the other livestock species) and/or goal. In this case, the goal is to delivered via the water will be reduce the risk of greater rechanging in the method they sistance to antibiotics. This is are marketed to producers. important Àrst for our own huMedically important antibiot- man health; and also for care ics used in feed will be chang- of our livestock. Many farming from over-the-counter ers have made great strides in (OTC) to VFD. Water soluble following conscientious manmedications will be chang- agement practices related to ing from OTC to prescription the use of antibiotics. (Rx). Producers need to talk to The second goal is to their veterinarians now about work together toward a priusing any antibiotics that fall mary goal as effectively and under the new antibiotic regu- efÀciently as we can. This will lations. Producers should not also be somewhat of a “work wait until January to work out in progress” as veterinarians, their plans for dealing with feed processors, farmers and these changes. Both VFDs and the Food and Drug Adminwater prescription medica- istration develop procedures tions will require a veterinar- and deal with questions which ian-client-patient relationship. come up along the way. I’d The antibiotic changes do not guess veterinarians and feed apply to injectable antibiotics. processors have already put a For more information lot of work into this with their about VFD rules and other customers. Minnesota Extension resourcReminder: U of M Exes for farmers with swine, tension is conducting 40+ you can do an internet search Land Rent workshops around for “Minnesota Extension Minnesota in November and Swine.” Thanks, Sarah. December including:

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Long Prairie – Monday, Nov. 14, Long Prairie City Hall, 9:30 a.m. Melrose – Monday, Nov. 14, Cornerstone Restaurant, 1:30 p.m. Little Falls – Friday, Dec. 9, Morrison Co. Government Center, 9:30 a.m. Foley – Friday, Dec. 9, Foley City Hall, 1:30 p.m. For information about all sites use an internet search for “Minnesota Extension Agriculture Business Management”; call your county extension ofÀce or the Farm Information Line at 1-800232-9077. In Benton call (320) 968-5077 or (800) 9644929; in Morrison call (320) 632-0161 or (866) 401-1111; and in Stearns (320) 255-6169 or (800) 450-6171. Women in Agriculture: Financial Management Workshop “Taking Charge of Your Finances - How to Survive and Thrive.” This seminar will be Dec. 6 at the Farmington Regional Extension ofÀce, located at the Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the program running from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The fee is $20, and includes the cost of lunch. Payment can be made the day of event. The workshop will focus on a basic understanding of Ànancial statements and how to work with them on the farm. You might rideshare with a couple of neighbors. More information and a registration Áyer are available at http://z.umn.edu/decÁyer; or by calling the County Extension OfÀce. Please register by Nov. 30.

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Weather: With Local weather the rain and modrecords for Octoerate temperatures, ber: October rethis fall has been cords will reÁect one of the most colthe wide range of orful I can rememweather and tember. More later. peratures as our Temperatures Minnesota weather were on the mild transitions from fall side, especially the By Jim Hovda to winter. Rice low temperatures Our record cold that averaged 43.61 was a two degree degrees (F) and only three reading in 1896 while the redays with the mercury at 32 cord warm temperature was a degrees or lower. (Ice on the 90 degree day in 1953, an 88 bird bath on those three days.) degree difference in record The low temp occurred Oct. temperatures. 24, when I recorded a 29 deOctober can be a month gree reading. Most of the lows with lots of precipitation. I were in the 40s or 50s. On the recorded 8.22 inches of rain high side, the average high in 2005. Snow fell to the tune was 60.06 degrees with six of 6.0 inches in 1995. The days recording 70 degrees and famous Halloween storm of a high of 78 degrees occurring 1991 actually started on the on the Oct. 2. As they would Oct. 31, but most of the snow say at WCCO, several “top fell the following two days. ten” weather days. Last OctoPhenology: The highber was a mild month too. light of October, the magniÀPrecipitation-wise, mea- cent fall colors. My wife Jan surable rain happened on took a photo of the beauty on eleven days with the most rain North Freedom Road (picfalling on the Oct. 26 when I tured on the front page of the measured .90 in the rain gage. Sauk Rapids Herald.) The The trees should do well with best colors I’ve seen in sevmoderate rain at the end of the eral years. month. A total of 2.63 inches The most notable Áowof rain fell in October and ers were Monkshood (second for the calendar year 32.19 blooming) and sedum with inches. My records reÁect that great fall colors. about 50 percent of Octobers Fall/winter bird spereceive snow. So far, so good, cies are in full swing. Late now snow yet! to leave, were three northern

orioles on the Oct. 3 along with one hummingbird. Juncos from Canada are here in numbers along with Blue jays and GoldÀnch. Yellowrumped warblers were seen in numbers at the beginning of the month on their way south. Other species happy to see the suet and seed feeders were: Northern cardinal and Downey, Hairy, Red-bellied and Pileated woodpeckers. Also here were Whitebreasted nuthatch, a couple of crows, lots of ducks on the lake and three Mourning doves. Little Rock Lake: Lake level has remained stable. The water temperature at the beginning of the month was 62 degrees and dropped to a chilly 46 degrees on the Oct. 28. With the temperature signiÀcantly cooler, I thought the Secchi disk reading would improve. It didn’t. The reading stayed stable at 1.5 feet. A disappointment! There are only three docks left in the lake on the north end and Àshing has been slow. What’s Ahead: Time to visit the meat locker place and get your beef suet. Inspect your bird bath heater. Hard water is just around the corner. What will November weather bring? It is time to get your snow removal equipment in working order.

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Schultz strives for excellence as an award-winning auctioneer

UPSALA – The goal of an auction is to get the fair and true value for an item, from farm equipment and real estate to antiques and livestock. While fastpaced events are Àlled with excitement, the very livelihood of the seller could be depending on the day’s bottom line and at the center of all the action is the auctioneer. Isaac Schultz grew up surrounded by auctions. His parents, Mike and Jan Schultz, founded Schultz Auctioneers in 1978 and thus introduced their oldest son to the business early on in his life. Now 25, Schultz works between 50 and 80 auctions each year through his family’s business in addition to his own freelance work running 50 auctions in a year. He also balances his auctioneering work with his role as the legislative assistant to Minnesota Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt. While he greatly enjoys his work in the political arena, Schultz is happy to follow his passion as an auctioneer, always striving to improve, even after the awards have been won. “Auctions are a fast, fun and transparent way of moving assets from one person to another,” he said. “This is an industry where there is always room to do better and learn more while also helping people.” To be successful as an auctioneer, you have to have rhythm and speed, but you also need to be clear or you will not last long, Isaac pointed out. “All of that is put to

the test at any auction, but is even more so at competition,” Schultz said. Schultz, who is an active member in the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association, is a regular competitor and placed Àfth in the 2012 Minnesota State Auctioneers Championship. But this past January, he took his talent to the next level, winning Minnesota State Auctioneers Championship – he was just 24 at the time of the win, which makes him only the second person to win at that age (no one younger has ever won). He also went on to compete in his Àfth International Auctioneer’s Championship in Grand Rapids, Mich. Often referred to as the ‘Super Bowl’ of auctioneering, Schultz became a Ànalist out of the 95 competitors from around the country in the event. During competition, auctioneers are center stage, putting forth their speed, skill and style for the judges. The high-intensity gets the adrenaline going, Schultz said, and that is what draws him to it. “At those events, you are competing to be the best you can be,” he said. “The critiques given by judges are very beneÀcial.” Schultz recently looked back on the roots that grew his passion for the trade and he points out that it wasn’t just one moment that made him decide to pursue his work, but rather a series of experiences that slowly peaked his interest. He began really picking up on other auctioneers by the time he was 16; not only from his dad and an uncle who is also in the business, but from any auctioneer he had the chance

PHOTO BY DIANE LEUKAM

Isaac Schultz auctions off collectibles at a sale in Osakis while his dad, Mike Schultz, also an auctioneer, looks on.

to hear. “I started Ànding my own rhythm as I listened to others and eventually I really found my own chant that Àt me,” he said. “Of course, the chant is going to change over time – I am still working on it.” After becoming a bid caller in 2007, Schultz went on to auctioneering school in 2009 at the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. At the time, he was still a high school student (he is a 2010 graduate of Upsala High School). During his eight-day course in Iowa, Schultz learned the business of auctions as well as the markets. But most of the time, he said, he spent with other auctioneers, listening and learning. “Not only did I get to meet the other students, I also was able to learn from

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and perseverance are vital to success; as is the ability to work the crowd. “I grew up involved in athletics and I also always enjoyed the performing

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Benton Ag

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Schultz continued from front_________

PHOTO BY DIANE LEUKAM

Isaac Shultz is the Minnesota State Auctioneers Championship winner for 2016. Above he works at an auction in rural Osakis.

And those passions keep pushing him forward. “Thinking you have reached your full potential is just not a good place to be in business or in life,” Schultz said before referencing a favorite quote by Vince Lombardi that states, ‘Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection

we can catch excellence.’ Schultz knows that Ànding excellence, as an auctioneer, will not only satisfy him, but will also help the seller he is working with reach their goal, whether they are a business person, a family auctioning a property or a group holding an auction to beneÀt someone in need.

Awards aside, it’s the people and the passion that drive him in this exciting trade. “We deeply care for those involved in the auction,” he said. “Helping people is a big part of the Àber of most auctioneers. It is a wonderful industry to be a part of.”

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American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, American Sugarbeet Growers Association and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance sent a letter to the folks at Dannon saying their decision “would force farmers to abandon safe, sustainable farming practices that have enhanced farm productivity over the last 20 years while greatly reducing the carbon footprint of American agriculture.” Dannon said the letter was “divisive and misinformed” and issued a statement saying: “We believe the currently approved GMOs are safe,” “Furthermore, we believe that sustainable agricultural practices can be achieved with or without the use of GMOs. However, we believe there

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101 2nd Street N.W. • P.O. Box 7 Avon, MN 56310 • Toll Free (888) 525-7342

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For over a year the economists and Ànancial institutions have been forecasting a troubled ag economy and unfortunately those predictions are becoming a reality. The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index has now fallen to its lowest level in seven years. The 10 state survey of rural bank presidents and CEOs dropped to 31.8 in October from September’s 37.3. The index was higher in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota, with losses recorded in Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. More than one in Àve farmers are expected to have negative cash Áows in 2016, mainly because of a 19 percent drop in livestock prices and 18 percent drop in grain prices over the past year. Federal data on agricultural lending in the big farm states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa shows that delinquency rates on farmland and production loans are rising sharply. On another subject: Dannon’s decision to convert three of its brands to non-GMO by the end of 2018 has started a war of words with the agriculture community. Six groups including the

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CHEVY

BONUS TAG 503/month

Plus tax, title, license

Sales: (320) 968-3087 Service: (320) 968-3090

is growing consumer preference for non-GMO ingredients and food in the United States and we want to use the strong relationships we have with our farmer partners to provide products that address this consumer demand.” Randy Mooney, chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation called it “marketing puffery, not any true innovation that improves the actual product offered to consumers.” History has shown that when one company makes such a decision, others are quick to follow. The Dannon change falls on the heels of Chipotle, Hershey Co. and General Mills that have declared they are not going to use GMO ingredients in some of their products. Nearly all the corn and soybeans grown in the U.S. are the result of genetic modiÀcation and if food companies start demanding GMO free products on a large scale, farmers may not be able to meet the demand. Asking farmers to quit using genetic engineering would be like asking us to go back to using the computer we had 20 years ago.

565/month

Plus tax, title, license

211 Glen Street • Foley, MN 56329

320-968-6239 or 888-868-6239 Open Monday-Friday 8-6 • Sat 8-2

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