SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | Page 1B
Serving rural Benton County, Morrison, Mille Lacs & Kanabec Counties
BENTON AG Plus
Sauk Rapids Herald
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019
A green thumb from day one
PHOTO BY JAKE DOETKOTT
Nick Kaeter (left) and his mother Barb hold flower baskets in their greenhouse April 18 in Rice. Kaeter owns and operates Nick’s Plants and Produce on the family farm.
Kaeter operates Nick’s Plants and Produce BY JAKE DOETKOTT STAFF WRITER
Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag
RICE – Nick Kaeter, owner of Nick’s Plants and Produce, made his move into the commercial greenhouse business in
2011 when he was 13 years old. But, Kaeter’s fixation with vegetation has been a lifelong interest. “I was always messing around in the dirt as a kid,” Kaeter said. “Since I can remember, I’ve had an interest in the world of plants and how they grow.” Nick’s Plants and Produce is located at the Kaeter family farm northeast of Rice.
At the age of 5, Kaeter’s parents, Rod and Barb Kaeter, purchased a plastic-frame greenhouse from a hardware store for Kaeter’s birthday. “The first greenhouse wasn’t anything special, but I took to it,” Kaeter said. “Not too long after that, my family and I built another greenhouse using some old house windows and a clear roof, among
other materials. We grew veggies exclusively: tomatoes, cabbages, peppers, watermelons and pumpkins. … That greenhouse we built lasted us around four years before we had to build a new one.” Early into Kaeter’s greenhouse days, his grandfather, Vern Kaeter, visited the farm to drop off his own vegetable plants. Kaeter cared for the plants for a month or more before his grandfather would return to take them back. “I suppose it was my grandpa that made me realize early on that there was money in this business,” Kaeter said. “We already had family and friends who would visit our farm, and then, as interest from locals grew, we built up a good network of people by word of mouth and through the network of people my parents knew.” By 2011, Kaeter was selling his vegetables to Buckman Hardware in Buckman. Shortly after, Kaeter threw flowers into the mix, and his business expanded over time. “We started off small …, but now Mothers’ Day is huge for us. Our busiest week most years,” Kaeter said. “I went from about 25 hanging baskets to approximately 400 baskets. I couldn’t have
Kaeter page 3B
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH HOAG
Sally Lentner sits at her kitchen table April 17 at her home north of Foley. Lentner has been raising hens since 1952.
A basket filled with breakfast Lentner raises hens, collects eggs BY ELIZABETH HOAG | STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – The Easter bunny is not the only one hard at work collecting eggs this time of year. Sally Lentner has cared for her laying hens and collected eggs since 1952. While she continues her hobby, Lentner maintains a routine and forms relationships with not only her customers but her chickens as well. When Lentner, 88, and her late husband, George Lentner, purchased their 80-acre farmstead in 1947, they agreed to raise chickens. “George fixed up the chicken coop, and we have had chickens ever since,” she said. The couple raised 10 children on their farm, where they had chickens, pigs and Holstein cattle. Now, the Lentners’ son, Kevin, and his wife, Katie, and their children, Noah and Cole, own and operate the farm. “They … take care of everything I cannot,” Lentner
Lentner page 2B
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Lentner from front said. The farm is home to 60 beef cattle as well as a combination of 50 laying hens, two roosters and a
guinea hen. Every April, Lentner orders about 15 chicks. She pays $2.75 to $3 for a chick through Hoover’s Hatchery in Rudd, Iowa. “When the chicks first arrive, I keep them in a separate barn and use a heat lamp for a week,” Lentner
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said. “When they arrive, they are typically only a day or 2 old. Depending on how fast they grow, the hens start laying five to six months after they hatch.” Once a day, Lentner opens the screen door to the chicken coop and is greeted by cackling. Lentner feeds the poultry around 5 p.m., filling their feeder with grain and topping their water bowls off. She collects the white and brown eggs from the nests and places them in a pail. “It’s easy to take care of them,” Lentner said of the Brown Leghorn and California White Leghorn hens. “They’re my chickens, and I like them just as well as any other
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forms of life. The only thing I have to make sure my hens get is a minimum of 14 hours of light a day. Otherwise they become moody and refuse to lay any eggs.” Lentner collects 25 eggs a day, up to 25 dozen eggs each week and sells them to the local businesses. Even though Lentner has had varieties of hens, she has continued to stick with two breeds for production reasons. “… They seem to lay the best eggs,” she said. “Eggs from California White hens are slightly larger than White Leghorn hens, and they can produce about 300 white eggs a year. I don’t buy the novelty hens because their eggs are thin, and they don’t hold up as well.” After two years in production, the hens transition to companion animals. “They make the best chicken soup, but I still won’t butcher them,” Lentner said. “They become pets.” While Lentner tends to her flock every day, her family helps with chores when she is away. “When I come home after being gone for the weekend, my chickens welcome me home,” Lentner said. “They miss me as much as I miss them.” With Easter approaching, Lentner goes
PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH HOAG
A rooster and hens stand in the chicken coop April 17 at the Lentner farm north of Foley. Sally Lentner has been raising chickens for the past 67 years.
through more eggs because of the high demand. “I don’t dye Easter eggs here anymore,” she said. “We used to, but my family doesn’t necessarily care for hard boiled eggs unless they’re warm.”
Regardless of the time of year, Lentner spends time tending to her hens. Her beloved hobby has become a routine, and her family shares the benefits of content laying hens.
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Lentner collects eggs and places them in a pail April 17 at her home north of Foley. Lentner raises two roosters, a guinea hen and 50 chicken hens.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | Page 3B
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Nick Kaeter displays petunias in his greenhouse April 18 in Rice. Petunias have been a longstanding popular item for Nick’s Plants and Produce.
Foley FFA Chapter to host 78th annual banquet FOLEY – The Foley FFA Chapter, which was started in 1941, will be hosting its annual parent member banquet and awards program Monday, April 22 in the Foley High School cafeteria. The event will start
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done it without my mom, my friends who graduated high school with me – a whole list of people more.” As Kaeter’s business expanded, he added the Gilman Co-op Creamery and Mimbach Fleet Supply to his selling repertoire. Kaeter exclusively grows annual flowers. Petunias, dahlias and geraniums have been popular flowers for Kaeter’s customers. “All in all, the business worked out pretty good,” Kaeter said. “In season, we have plenty of people stop by the farm for business in addition to our commercial sales.” Kaeter operates his business from March to June, and friends and family members lend a hand during the busier parts of the season. Kaeter operates with two large greenhouses and a grow shed, but he has plans to expand. “I’m starting to get tight on space with my current greenhouses,” Kaeter said. “In the future, I may have to add a new greenhouse. Regardless, I’m in there every day making sure everything is coming along perfectly.”
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Page 4B | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | Page 5B
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
PUBLIC NOTICES
BENTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 2, 2019 The Benton County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 2, 2019 in the Benton County Board Room in Foley, MN with Commissioners Ed Popp, Spencer Buerkle, Jake Bauerly, Steve Heinen and Warren Peschl present. Call to order by Chair Bauerly was at 9:00 AM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Peschl/Popp unanimous to approve the amended agenda: add item—construction contract for seasonal bituminous overlay. Tom Haaf, 2730 – 15th Street NE, Sauk Rapids, appeared under Open Forum to continue discussion on his concerns with his property as a result of the CSAH 3 “Up the Hill” project; he asked for resolution to a number of issues, including concerns with drainage. Haaf referenced the County Engineer’s recommendation that Haaf “not mow the grass too short until the turf is well established”; with the drainage issues on the property and the “bad design”, Haaf felt that this will not resolve the problem. He noted that, because of safety concerns, he had to perform several repairs himself after the project was complete. Haaf invited Board members to visit the site to view the issues firsthand. Consent Agenda item #7 was “pulled” for further discussion. Peschl/Buerkle unanimous to approve the remaining Consent Agenda: 1) approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 19, 2019 as written; 2) accept and file Committee of the Whole Minutes of March 18, 2019 as written; 3) accept and file Management Team Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2019 as written; 4) accept and file Administrator’s Report/ Monthly Financial Report as presented; 5) approve 20192020 County Combination On-Sale & Sunday Sale Liquor License renewal for GCR Properties LLC dba Granite City Speedway Restaurant, 2540 Golden Spike Road NE, Sauk Rapids, and authorize the Chair to sign; 6) approve 2019-2020 County Combination On-Sale, Off-Sale & Sunday Sale Liquor License renewal for Curley’s Corner LLC dba Curley’s Corner, 16523 – 165th Street NE, Foley, and authorize the Chair to sign; 8) approve contract with Marco for printers, printer supplies, and support services, and authorize the Chair to sign; 9) approve contract renewal with ReCollect for web and mobile services pertaining to waste collection, and authorize the Chair to sign; and 10) approve construction contract for CP 005-2019BO, seasonal bituminous overlay, with Knife River Corporation-North Central Division, and authorize the Chair to sign. Heinen asked for further clarification regarding Consent Agenda item #7—contract with CentraCare for jail medical services. Sheriff Troy Heck explained that, in May of 2017, Benton County entered into a contract with CentraCare for jail medical services; this partnership was intended to not just treat the symptoms of the individuals in the jail, but to actually seek solutions intended to find better ways to manage their health, i.e. mental health issues. Heck explained that CentraCare has indicated that the compensation level used at the beginning of the contract has proved inadequate to cover their costs; they have requested an increase in their compensation for 2019 from $117,420 annually to $130,000 annually. He stated his belief that the amount budgeted for jail medical services in the 2019 budget will be sufficient to pay for the increase; at $130,000 annually, Benton County is receiving jail medical services at a significant savings compared to the rates of other jail medical providers. In response to Commissioner Heinen’s question, Heck stated that the Sheriff’s Department attempts to recoup jail medical costs as best they are able. Heinen/Buerkle unanimous to approve the contract with CentraCare for jail medical services, and authorize the Chair to sign. Sheriff Heck reported that April 14-20, 2019, has been designated as National Telecommunicator’s Week; this designation honors the men and women of our nation’s dispatch centers who are the first point of contact for people seeking help from fire, EMS, or law enforcement. He pointed out that the public safety dispatchers in Benton County, and all over this country, perform a difficult job that requires them to be ready to handle anyone on their worst day in a calm and professional manner; they are truly a “key link” in the chain of public safety. Buerkle/Heinen unanimous to approve a proclamation designating the week of April 14-20, 2019, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week, recognizing the men and women of the Benton County Dispatch Center, and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. Sheriff Heck explained that, in the fall of 2018, a candidate passed the background investigation for a full-time Detention Officer and was given a conditional job offer contingent upon successful completion of psychological and physical examinations; before this candidate could complete the process, he was deployed to active military duty. Heck stated that because this candidate was extended a conditional job offer, the county is obligated to hold this open position until he returns from
active military duty— likely sometime between November 2019 and February 2020. Heck noted that holding open this position for upwards of ten months will put an undue strain on jail staff; he proposes that the County Board authorize the Sheriff’s Office to employ an additional full time Detention Officer while awaiting the return of this candidate. He clarified that once the deployed candidate returns from military duty, this full-time position would be abolished; the candidate filling this new temporary position would be so advised, but would likely fill a future vacant permanent Detention Officer position. Popp/Heinen unanimous to authorize the Sheriff’s Office to hire one additional full-time Detention Officer while awaiting the return of a candidate from military duty. Roxanne Achman, Department of Development Director, reported that Geronimo Energy is proposing a utility-scale (100MW) solar-energy project on approximately 800 acres of land in Langola Township, west of Highway 10. She indicated that projects of this scale are permitted through the MN Public Utilities Commission rather than through the County Planning Commission; the types of permits that will be pulled from the County include building permits, rightof-way permits, driveway permits and road use agreements, if necessary. Achman stated that Geronimo has sent notices to parties who may have interest in the development, or may be affected by it, i.e. neighboring properties, MNDOT, Langola Township, Mayors of Rice and Royalton, BNSF, Sauk Rapids and Royalton School District Superintendents, Rice Economic Development Commission and Benton Economic Partnership. She pointed out that the project is expected to bring in about $5.5 million over 25 years ($220,000 annually) in production taxes (over and above property tax); of that amount, Benton County would see about $4.4 million over 25 years ($176,000 annually). Achman stated that the townships/ cities would see about $1.1 million over 25 years ($44,000 annually); an education fund would be set up to receive about $20,000 annually ($400,000 over 20 years). She explained that Geronimo anticipates submitting the application to the State in May/June 2019, with an anticipated construction start date in spring 2020 and completion by the end of 2020. Achman clarified that the sale of the property is not expected to affect surrounding land values, according to Land Services Director, Mike Harvey; an open house event to learn about this proposed solar project will take place on April 4th at the Old Creamery Café in Rice. Board members asked several questions—1) Will the Sheriff’s Department or Fire Departments be affected by the services this project may require? 2) How much land has been used by solar farms across the State and how does Benton County compare to the other counties? 3) Is there any data to show how much electric rates have been affected by the arrival of solar facilities? Heinen raised the issue of screening of the property, stating “...that’s going to be a huge area...it’s wide open right now...I’m a believer in screening...even our smaller ones...” Popp commented “...we grow corn and beans at such a rapid rate...we just can’t get a handle on production...I think we need to take more of this high production land and have it for solar because farmers are struggling now for a profitable price...” Buerkle commented “...then it’s in conflict with our ordinance...our ordinance states to preserve and protect ag land...” Achman pointed out that the ordinance also encourages use of renewable energy. Peschl pointed out that many of the solar facilities are located on sub-marginal land. Bauerly spoke in favor of “diversifying income streams” in the county, noting that some land owners are looking at solar farms as their retirement income and renewable energy is a growing industry across the country. Achman will be in contact with Geronimo Energy and pass along Commissioner Heinen’s comments with regard to screening of the solar site. Bob Cornelius, Human Services Director, explained that, in May of 1988, Stearns and Benton Counties entered into a Joint Powers Agreement to form the Stearns-Benton Multidisciplinary Child Protection Team (SBMCPT); the purpose of the team has been to provide public and professional education and develop resources for prevention, intervention and treatment to social workers regionally. Cornelius stated that it recently came to his attention that the legal requirements for Joint Powers Agreements have changed significantly since 1988; as a result, his agency is recommending an amendment to this agreement. He referenced the recommendation of the County Attorney’s Office that the Board of the SBMCPT acquire an insurance policy. Buerkle/Heinen unanimous to approve the amended Joint Powers Agreement for the Stearns-Benton Multidisciplinary Child Protection Team, and authorize the Chair to sign. The Regular County Board meeting was recessed at 9:37 AM to conduct a Human Services Board meeting. The Regular County Board meeting was reconvened at 9:40 AM. Chris Byrd, County Engineer, informed the Board that Knife River was the lowest responsible bidder for the County Road 78 Reconstruction Project; their bid was 12.5% under
the Engineer’s Estimate. Byrd noted that the bid includes Morrison County’s portion of the project; Benton County’s portion of the project is $3,731,089.80 (about $750,000 per mile). He also noted that $450,000 of bridge replacement is included in the project. Heinen inquired about the timeline for receiving reimbursement from Morrison County. Byrd stated “...we do not have a hard agreement with Morrison County...it’s a “handshake agreement” between me and that County Engineer...” Heinen commented “...officially, we should enter into a contract with them for their reimbursement instead of just a handshake...” There was consensus of the Board that Byrd develop a “simple, mutually-agreeable” contract with Morrison County with signatures. Popp/Peschl unanimous to approve the bids and award a construction contract to Knife River, North Central Division, for CP 005-078-005, County Road 78 Reconstruction, on the condition that Morrison County concurs with the bid results, and contingent upon Morrison and Benton Counties entering into a written contract outlining each county’s cost responsibility. Byrd reported that, at their March 15th Board meeting, AMC approved resolution language for all counties to consider; AMC would like to see all 87 counties adopt this resolution to show unanimous support for increased transportation funding. Byrd noted that this resolution is a tool to use to communicate with legislators showing statewide support for a comprehensive transportation package this session; to be sensitive to all points of view, the resolution language does not support a specific proposal, rather it supports increased transportation funding in general. Byrd referenced language in the resolution “...Minnesota Counties maintain...over 30% of the state’s roadways...total annual need is $1.084 billion over the next 25 years just to maintain the current CSAH and county road system, not including expansion...increased funding for Minnesota’s Highway User Tax Distribution Fund would provide additional, stable funds for MnDOT, all 87 counties, all cities with a population of 5,000 or more, and townships across the state...” Following brief discussion, Popp/Heinen unanimous to adopt Resolution 2019-#8, a Resolution of Support for Increased Transportation Funding, and authorize the Chair to sign. Chair Bauerly reported on a recent Highway 23 Coalition meeting that he and County Engineer Byrd attended, including accident data along the Highway 23 corridor—in a year and a half, there were 21 serious accidents with injuries or fatalities in Benton County (132 across the entire corridor). Board members briefly discussed MnDOT’s plans to construct a reduced conflict intersection at the intersection of CSAH 8 and Highway 23. Engineer Byrd provided an update on staffing in the Public Works department. He shared several possible avenues to explore in order to compete with the private sector in hiring engineering technicians and also spoke of his desire to develop a mentoring program for new technician hires. Board members reported on recent meetings they attended on behalf of the county. Under Commissioner Concerns, Peschl referenced Tom Haaf’s appearance under today’s Open Forum. Noting Haaf’s concerns with drainage/erosion on his property as a result of the CSAH 3 “Up the Hill” project, County Engineer, Chris Byrd, commented “...I suggested letting the grass grow taller... to have time to establish a root structure...from a contractual perspective...our contractor has met all their obligations...I don’t think it’s a design problem...we did new ADA ramps and tied in our trail to the existing sidewalk, but we did not go chase that sidewalk down the street until we got to a good condition (not part of the county’s contract)...” Heinen commented “...with the turf being cut up by the blades from the city (Sauk Rapids) employees...you can’t avoid it...that’s a city issue and they do take care of that...” There was Board consensus that the County Engineer work with the City Public Works Director to attempt to resolve Mr. Haaf’s concerns. Under Commissioner Concerns, Popp led discussion on possible financial assistance from the county for a part-time administrative support person for the Benton Economic Partnership (BEP) Executive Director. Buerkle suggested that the BEP Board of Directors come before the County Board of Commissioners with such a request. Board members were generally receptive to the idea of assisting financially; more discussion will occur at the next meeting of the BEP Board. Popp/Peschl unanimous to set Committees of the Whole: April 11, Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation 8-Year Anniversary Gala; April 15, Discussion with New Class and Comp Provider, David Drown & Associates. Heinen/Peschl unanimous to adjourn at 10:38 AM. A. Jake Bauerly, Chair Benton County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Montgomery Headley Benton County Administrator R-16-1B
Benton County Highway Department CLOSING DATE: April 26, 2019 Foley, Minnesota CR 55 HIR & Seal Coat
TYPE OF WORK: Hot In Place Recycling and Seal Coat The major items of work are approximately: 69,850 SQ YD, Hot In Place Recycling of Bituminous Material 69,850 SQ YD, Bituminous Seal Coat 24,450 GAL, Bituminous Material for Seal Coat Proposal, Plans and Specifications may be examined and obtained for $20.00 at the Benton County Highway Engineers Office, PO Box 247, 7752 Highway 25 NE Foley, MN 56329; located along TH 25, 1 mile north of TH 23 in the City of Foley. Proposal, Plans and Specifications may also be downloaded at https://egram.co.benton.mn.us for $0.00.
Bids must be sealed, identified on the envelope and accompanied by a Certified Check or a Bidder’s Bond in the amount of 5% of the bid and made payable to the Treasurer of Benton County. The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities and further reserve the right to award the contract to serve the best interest of Benton County. Dated at Foley, Minnesota on March 29, 2019. Nadean Inman Benton County Auditor/Treasurer
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bid proposals will be received until 10:00 AM CST on April 26, 2019, at the Benton County Public Works Building, PO Box 247, 7752 Hwy 25 NE, Foley, MN 56329 by Nadean Inman, County Auditor/Treasurer of Benton County, for the Hot In Place Recycling Project on CR 55. PROJECT NO.: CP 005-055-009 LOCATION: By Rice, MN
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | Page 7B
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The term fake news has become longer be required to test for E. popular since Trump took office, and one coli.” of his biggest targets (outside of CNN) FSIS discontinued its has been the Washington Post. salmonella verification sampling Well, the Post is under fire again, program for whole hog carcasses but this time it has raised the ire of the in 2011 because they were finding United States Department of Agriculture very low rates of salmonella. with regards to the Food Safety and FSIS does test pork cuts and Inspection Service. This is the division of other pork products (different from USDA that is responsible for the safety whole carcasses) for salmonella of every meat, poultry and egg product BY ROGER STROM and will decide this year whether to in the United States. develop new pathogen performance The Business of Farming standards for those products or take A little background. In February 2018, following a 20other actions to address salmonella. year evaluation in five market hog establishments, Continuing, the Post claims, “The safety of FSIS came up with a proposal to modernize their tens of thousands of workers in pork processing inspection process. The proposed rules include a plants should be USDA’s priority, and right now it voluntary, opt-in inspection program called New clearly isn’t.” Swine Slaughter Inspection System for market hog It is not supposed to be a USDA priority. FSIS facilities along with separate mandatory testing does not have the authority to regulate issues related requirements for all swine establishments. to establishment worker safety. It is the jurisdiction The Washington Post published a story April 3 of the Department of Labor Occupational Safety titled, “Pork industry soon will have more power and Health Administration. over meat inspections” which the USDA said is This is only a sampling of the Post false claims, a reprint of the talking points of special interest and the Washington Post story is another example groups. of people who have no idea of how agriculture The Post article claims the number of federal operates picking specific statements (often out of inspectors was cut by about 40% and replaced with context) and presenting them as factual. plant employees. There are a lot of good journalists out there, According to FSIS, they are not reducing the but when it comes to farming and the agriculture total number of federal inspectors by 40%, and industry, some of these people need to get a little they are not replacing inspection personnel with manure on their shoes. plant employees to conduct inspections. What … just sayin’. is true is that if the proposed rules become final, the responsibility for identifying diseased and contaminated pork would be shared with plant employees. The Post story also claims, “The new pork inspection system would accelerate the federal government’s move toward delegating inspections to the livestock industry.” Only federal inspectors do meat inspections, and under the proposed rules FSIS inspectors would continue to conduct 100% ante-mortem inspection and 100% carcass-by-carcass inspection at post-mortem. Another claim, “The hog plants also will no Northwest Region
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Spring alfalfa termination Alfalfa stand assessments are potentially only a few weeks away. I say potentially because the past weekend let us know winter is not quite ready to be done. However, the optimist in me believes the snow is finished for the remainder of the BY NATHAN DREWITZ growing season. This University of means alfalfa should be MN Extension coming out of dormancy shortly. This also means alfalfa fields will need to be watched for potential winter injury and death. A recent article in the Minnesota Crop News by extension educators Scott Wells and Rodger Becker highlighted the critical aspects of alfalfa injury and assessment of stands. These assessments start with digging a few plants and checking the health of crowns and finish with a stand assessment. For those stands that are less than adequate (less than 40 stems per square foot), it may be time to consider alternative options or termination. With alternative management, consider the cost and benefits of trying to maintain the stand versus termination. For those stands that alternatives will not be cost effective to maintain, termination will be the next step. Spring termination does have its benefits as there is potential for a late May harvest prior to termination and can provide soil cover to help prevent erosion. Termination of alfalfa using herbicides is typically done using 2, 4-D, dicamba and glyphosate. Check the label of the alfalfa variety that was planted for glyphosate resistant traits. If you planted glyphosate resistant alfalfa, glyphosate application will not help with termination. Also, make sure to follow the herbicide label’s plant back restrictions on whatever crop you are planting following termination. One other benefit is the potential nitrogen that comes from a terminated stand of alfalfa. The amount of nitrogen present can be up to 200 pounds stored in the plant, and may be enough to supply corn planted in the first year following termination with its nitrogen requirements. One disadvantage of spring termination is the decomposition of alfalfa and subsequent release of nitrogen may not be fast enough to supply the entire needs of the corn crop grown in the first year following termination. Scout fields looking for nitrogen deficiencies in the corn and supply extra nitrogen where needed. Because corn is typically grown following alfalfa stand termination, be aware that delayed planting may be an issue. Planting dates of corn usually happens prior to alfalfa reaching 4 inches tall which is around the height that herbicides are applied. Plant back restrictions need to be followed in this situation and may require a couple of weeks before corn can be planted. Alfalfa also uses water at a higher level than other crops. Other options such as planting drought tolerant corn hybrids should be considered in fields with limited moisture. For more information on spring alfalfa termination, call the Benton County Extension Office at 320-968-5081.
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