Benton Ag Plus - April 6, 2019

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 | Page 1B

Serving rural Benton County, Morrison, Mille Lacs & Kanabec Counties

BENTON AG Plus

Sauk Rapids Herald

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019

Readying the fields

50 years of swine veterinarians

Area farmers prepare for planting

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – A snowy February and early March followed by rain and a swift melt has left the Mississippi River rising and puddles forming in fields across Benton County.

Those puddles have left farmers wondering when fields will be ready for spring planting.

“The ground dried out faster than people expected,” said Warren Peschl, who farms 400 acres near Duelm. “It makes for a pretty average year if we stay on this track. Many of us farmers are anxious to get out there and get to work after the long winter.”

Peschl has been farming over 50 years. He raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

Peschl plans to grow more grain this year than in past seasons, some of which will go to feeding his hogs and 100 steers and the rest will be sold.

“I’m hoping for a midApril start,” he said. “Hay first, have the corn in by May 10 and beans after that. ... I am

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PHOTO BY JAKE DOETKOTT

Dr. Nathan Winkelman holds the veterinarian’s oath April 3 in Rice. Winkelman, a veterinarian for almost 40 years, is the newly-elected president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

Winkelman explains an industry changed

BY JAKE DOETKOTT STAFF WRITER

RICE – Dr. Nathan Winkelman was raised on a diversified crop and livestock farm. He received a bachelor’s degree in

animal science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. After receiving his doctorate, Winkelman joined one of the first swine-exclusive veterinary practices.

Winkelman and partner Dr. Adam Mueller operate Swine Services Unlimited, Inc., a swine research and consulting practice in Rice.

Winkelman became the American Associations of Swine Veterinarians President March 12 at the association’s 50th annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

“We celebrate 50 years of AASV progress and may well see similar progress in the next 50,” Winkelman said to his colleagues. “I’m proud to represent a group of swine veterinarians dedicated to swine welfare. Strong AASV leadership will work diligently with our allied industry partners and affiliated organizations globally and domestically.

Heightened awareness regarding transboundary disease prevention, preparedness in the case of a foreign animal disease outbreak, and

improving market access for agriculture exports are issues front and center. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your AASV president.”

As president of AASV, Winkelman participates in the National Pork Board and Operation Main Street – a pork industry production awareness project.

Winkelman and his associates across the globe swear by the veterinarian’s oath: to use their scientific knowledge for the benefit of society through the protection of animal welfare, the relief of animal suffering, conservation, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge.

Winkelman, together with the pork industry, worked to calm the, improperly labeled, 2009-era swine flu epidemic – whose unfortunate name devastated the pork market for several weeks. The swine industry continually seeks to inform the public of swine disease risk and improve biosecurity.

“While we have eradicated some animal diseases, many remain,” Winkelman said.

“The biggest worry now is African swine fever overseas.

It’s not highly contagious, but it has a 90% pig mortality rate

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the world’s pigs are in China and the disease is becoming endemic (a constant recurrent disease). The U.S. farm bill designates 120 million dollars over the next four years solely to animal disease outbreak preparedness.

“Lab networks around the nation will

Winkelman from front and small amounts of the virus prove fatal for pigs.”

The African swine fever spread through China rapidly in 2018.

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build an arsenal of vaccines to help prevent, identify, respond, control and recover in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak,” Winkelman said.

Whether it is disease or farming practices, civilians remain concerned about what is on their plate.

Winkelman asserts that meat packaging labels mislead consumers into a variety of misconceptions about antibiotics in the agriculture industry.

“No poultry, beef or pork at the grocery store contains antibiotics or hormones – whether they label it or not,” Winkelman said. “The industry has slaughter, or antibiotic, withdrawal times to prevent antibiotic residues, and no pigs or poultry are ever given hormones. The meat is safe. The label confusion is false advertisement.”

Regardless, the American pork industry continues its 50-year flourishing. The United States is the most cost-

PHOTO BY JAKE DOETKOTT

Dr. Nathan Winkelman, president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, works in the lab April 3 in Rice. Winkelman works globally and domestically to maintain swine health and efficient pork production.

efficient producer of pork 124 million pigs each exported. in the world, marketing year – 27% of which are Countries like Mexico, Japan, China Ironwood RD NE, Oak Park, MN and South Korea rely on 320.968.7864 16623 Store hours: M-F 8 to 5 & Sat 8 to 12 America for their safe and consistent pork imports.

Minnesota, second only to Iowa, produces over approximately 16 million pigs annually – Benton County farmers sold approximately 50,600 market hogs in 2010 alone.

The American swine industry has changed significantly since the founding of the AASV 50 years ago.

Disease prevention, foreign animal disease outbreaks preparation and improving market access for agriculture exports remain the £ ¡£¤ဘ industry’s perennial priorities. Thanks to these breakthroughs, Winkelman said pig PHOTO BY JAKE DOETKOTT farming is more efficient Dr. Nathan Winkelman showcases swine samples and specimens April 3 in Rice. and sustainable than Winkelman and Swine Service Unlimited, Inc., associates gather samples from clientele ever.

IQEPLODFD FRP l Member FDIC “Pigs require 25% farms and test them in their lab. less water and 75% less land with new modern technologies since 1960 – raising hogs in environmentally controlled buildings !!

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Groups collaborate at Dairy Together Roadshow management through an updated version of the Dairy Market Stabilization Program that was considered for the 2014 farm bill.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation dairy farmers are facing, they also will unveil plans for short-term emergency relief.

“Our current milk marketplace is not getting family dairy farmers a fair income,” said Gary Wertish, MFU president.

“We have a major surplus of milk, and too many dairies have had to close.

We need long-term solutions that will make dairying a sustainable income for any size farm, and we look forward to sharing the research done about it.”

Last winter, Wisconsin Farmers Union enlisted dairy economists Mark Stephenson from the University of Wisconsin

and Chuck Nicholson from Cornell University to conduct an Analysis of Selected Dairy Programs to Reduce Volatility in Milk Prices and Farm Income. The roadshow will share the researchers’ data on potential programs’ impacts on net farm operating income, farm numbers, domestic demand and cost to the government versus the Margin Protection Program.

“The bottom line on what we found was generally pretty positive in terms of thinking of what these programs could do,” Nicholson said. “We saw reduced variation in prices and also some price enhancement, increased net farm operating incomes, reduction in the rate of farm exits across farms of all sizes and a reduction in government expenditures on dairy

Spring

Russ said. “We seem to be right on time, but that can still change.”

The two grow corn and alfalfa for cattle feed.

“I am so glad spring is here, and we can almost get out into the fields,” Russ said. “I hate winter

because it is so cold.

Spring is great because it warms up, you can smell the dirt again, and I love working in the fields and watching things grow. It’s one of my favorite parts of farming.”

excited to get in the fields, make the rounds and get the crops in. It’s a great feeling. Even though I often feel the setback of if, it’s worth it to keep going and planting each year.”

Peschl has been working on preparing his machinery for the season, hauling manure to the fields and ordering seed.

Brothers Russ and Terry Popp, of Rice, have similar field conditions as Peschl.

“We have 440 acres of our own – 300 tillable – and we rent another 160,” Russ said. “The frost is coming out now and our fields are firm.

There are still places that are soft and we would get stuck with the tractor, but it’s getting better each day.”

The brothers operate Popp Dairy east of Rice, milking around 200 cows.

They also raise heifer calves. The two grew up on the farm and helped their dad until they took over farm operations in 1995. All of the fields, ranging from 20 to 80 acres in size, are sandy ground.

They hope to start planting corn April 25, but they have to prepare the fields first.

“Once the frost gets out and fields are dry enough, we will run over them with the fuel cultivator and the packer followed by the planter,”

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of stakeholders and better understand the unique needs of dairy farmers in different regions.”

Sign up for updates, register for the event and learn more at http:// www.dairytogether.com.

You may also RSVP by contacting MFU membership and outreach director Bruce Miller at bruce@mfu.org or 651288-4064.

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will help solve problems.

“Given the dire state of the U.S. dairy economy, it is crucial that dairy farmers bring along processors and consumers to find workable solutions to this crisis,” Edelburg said. “Structural change can only be accomplished with a strong set of supporters. We’re excited to expand this campaign to reach a broader group

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programs.”

United States Department of Agriculture data shows production costs are higher for smaller dairies than for very large ones. NFO proposes modifying the Federal Milk Marketing Order by recognizing the differences in costs to produce milk on differing farm sizes. The policy would change the way money pooled on the FMMO would be distributed, allocating funds to dairy farmers at two tiers based on milk marketing volume.

“The marketing orders were originally created in the 1930s to level the dairy farmer playing field and improve prices paid to producers,” said Dick Bylsma, National Farmers Organization dairy sales director. “But now, the order system no longer achieves its original goals. If milk marketing orders can recognize differing product values, it can also recognize different production costs on various farm sizes.”

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ST. PAUL – Minnesota Farmers Union is joining farm organizations across the country in presenting proposals that could slow the loss of family dairy farms. The Dairy Together Roadshow will educate dairy farmers and industry stakeholders about potential pathways toward market stabilization.

Several states are hosting sessions of the roadshow. Minnesota’s will take place from 10 a.m. to noon April 16 at the Greenwald Pub, 310 First Ave. N., Greenwald.

Dairy Together is a collaboration between Farmers Union and the National Farmers Organization. The groups will present research on plans that consider federal milk order system reform via a structured dairy pricing program, as well as avenues of oversupply

Page 4B | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Benton County dairy royalty selected Four crowned, Smelter recognized for years of service

BY ELIZABETH HOAG STAFF WRITER

GILMAN – At the annual 2019 Dairy Princess and Ambassador Banquet and Coronation March 24, former dairy princess Alison Smelter and ambassador Izzy Bukovich handed over their titles to new royalty.

Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and others gathered at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Gilman to support four Sauk RapidsRice students as they accepted their positions.

Nicole Ackerman, 2018 dairy ambassador, was crowned the 2019 dairy princess, while Nicole’s sister, Allie, Emily Schreindl and Chloe Janski were crowned as ambassadors.

After the young women were crowned, dairy princess coordinator Pat Smelter was recognized for her years of service.

Nicole is the daughter

of Mitch and Tasha Ackerman.

“As an ambassador last year, I was able to get involved with the dairy community,” she said.

“I decided to run again because I wanted to learn more and help the new royalty.”

The high school senior has been involved in 4-H for nine years, has helped at the Benton County Fair and milks cows at Ackerman Farms, owned by Pete and Kevin Ackerman, and trims hooves with her father through Ackerman Hoof Care.

“The best thing about being a part of the dairy royalty is having little kids look up to you,” Nicole said. “This year, I hope to gain more knowledge of what the industry means to people and how it effects everyday life.”

Nicole will compete against other princesses in May to become a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The top Minnesota dairy title is awarded to one female at the state fair in August.

Allie, a 16-yearold sophomore, works alongside her sister,

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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH HOAG

Dairy royalty Chloe Janski (front, from left), Allie Ackerman, Emily Schreindl and Nicole Ackerman are pictured with Benton County American Dairy Association board members Erica Moulzolf (middle, from left), Pat Boyle, Sandy Pietrzak and Kristen Winkelman; (back, from left) Butch Thell, Tony Boyle and Dave Pietrzak at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church March 24 in Gilman. The Benton County ADA hosted the 2019 Dairy Princess and Ambassador Banquet and Coronation. Not pictured is Joan Fleck.

Nicole, milking cows and trimming hooves.

“I decided to run for ambassador because I want to get to know more farmers,” she said. “I also want to help others understand the dairy industry.”

Schreindl, daughter of Troy and Missy Schreindl, was inspired by a past Princess Kay

finalist to run for dairy ambassador.

“I hope to gain leadership skills and become more comfortable talking to people,” she said.

By becoming royalty, the Sauk Rapids-Rice sophomore is following in her mother’s footsteps.

“My mom was a Benton County Dairy Princess in 1988,” she said.

Schreindl lives and helps at O & S Dairy, milking cows and feeding calves. She is also involved in FFA and 4-H. The third ambassador, Janski, is the daughter of Scott and Jacki Janski.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice sophomore works with

her uncle, Terry Molitor, on his farm.

“I am also involved in 4-H where I show rabbits and llamas,” she said. “I am involved in FFA, as well, where I teach kids about agriculture.”

Janski decided to run for dairy ambassador because she wanted the opportunity to teach kids and others about the dairy industry.

“My goal as an ambassador is to teach people something they didn’t know before,” she said. “I want to encourage other girls to follow in our footsteps and inspire others to pay attention to what they are buying and where their food comes from.

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Pat Smelter (left) receives a plaque from Corrine Lieser March 24 at the 2019 Dairy Princess and Ambassador Banquet and Coronation in Gilman. Smelter was the dairy princess coordinator for 27 years before retiring from the Benton County American Dairy Association Board.

tirelessly to provide us with our food, and we should be thankful.”

After the girls received their sash and crown, Pat was welcomed on stage to be recognized for her 27 years of service.

It was at this time Corrine Lieser, guest of master of ceremonies, presented Pat with a plaque. Pat also received a sash and crown.

“Other than feeling warm, I was surprised,” Pat said about the recognition. “It’s hard to step away, but I figured after 27 years, a younger person needs to step up and take over.”

Pat took on the responsibilities of dairy princess coordinator in 1992.

“There was no guide book,” she said. “I just had to learn how to visit with people and learned as I went. I’ve learned a lot over the years.”

Dairy princess and ambassador advisors and coordinators Sandy Pietrzak, Joan Fleck, Erica Moulzolf and Kristen Winkelman will take over Pat’s duties.

“I will miss days like this,” Pat said about the banquet. “I will still be around to help with questions and will be able to see the girls. I just won’t have the opportunity to get to know them like I have previous royalty.”

As Pat looks back on her years of experience, she considers herself lucky to have been able to get to know everyone.

“I would just like to thank everyone on the board, the past princesses and the parents for the opportunity to be involved as I was,” she said.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 | Page 5B

Emerald ash borer discovered in Stearns County MDA places the county under quarantine ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has placed Stearns County under an emergency quarantine after emerald ash borer was found in the city of Sauk Centre.

City workers noticed several trees that showed signs of EAB damage and alerted the MDA. Department of Agriculture staff then examined the trees and collected samples of emerald ash borer larvae for confirmation.

Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Stearns County, the MDA is

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enacting an emergency quarantine to limit the movement of firewood and ash material out of the county. This will reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.

A total of 18 Minnesota counties, including Stearns County, are now under a full or partial quarantine to prevent the spread of this highly destructive tree pest.

“Given the location of this find, we can be certain that emerald ash borer was brought into Stearns County by someone moving EAB-infested ash,” said Mark Abrahamson, director of MDA’s Plant Protection Division. “This highlights the importance of quarantines and the need to limit the movement of firewood and other ash products around the state to protect our ash trees.”

There are three easy steps Minnesotans can

take to keep EAB from spreading: - Do not transport firewood. Buy firewood locally, purchase heattreated certified firewood and burn it where you buy it.

- Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips and firewood.

- Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think

your ash tree is infested, go to http://www.mda. state.mn.us/eab and use the “Does my tree have emerald ash borer?” guide. Suspect infestations can be reported to MDA at 1-888-545-6684 or by email at arrest.the. pest@state.mn.us.

Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. The invasive insect was first

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“Given the location of this find, we can be certain that emerald ash borer was brought into Stearns County by someone moving EAB-infested ash.”

- Mark Abrahamson, director of MDA’s Plant Protection Division. discovered in Minnesota in 2009 and is now found in 35 states.

Minnesota is highly susceptible to the

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unreasonably interfering with the use and enjoyment of their property.

If it goes to court, the judge uses a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the interference with property rights is unreasonable. If the judge decides in favor of the plaintiffs, the farmer may be forced to pay damages or even cease operations.

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who want to shut down the neighboring farm.

Under the typical right-to-farm statute, if a farming operation has been in existence for more than one year prior to the nuisance claim, the farmer is protected from a lawsuit.

Protections can quickly disappear if the opposing lawyers finds the farmer has not been in compliance with all regulations, permitting and licensing requirements for their operation Dealing with urban sprawl is not about protecting a farmer’s livelihood. It is also about preserving land for food production.

According to some estimates, the United States loses 1 acre of farmland every minute, losing more than 6 million acres of farmland since 1997 – about the size of Maryland.

Right-to-farm may keep a farmer’s land in production, but there is little protection for non-

farmed ground that may be needed for future farm expansion.

There are over 7 billion people in the world today with projections of 9 billion by 2050. Those people are going to need a place to live, gobbling up even more of the same crop-bearing land needed to feed that many people.

This presents real questions. How are we going to keep farmers on the land as land prices are driven up by developer competition? How can they produce enough food for that many people with less land base to be farmed? Can we count on technology and modern farming methods to increase the amount of food per acre fast enough to meet demand? And lastly, can we afford to gamble with the potential out-come if we do not come up with a plan? … just sayin’.

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Developers are buying out farmers, offering much more money than the farmer can get by selling the land to another farmer and driving up land prices to the point farmers cannot compete.

Although a retiring farmer might want his land to remain in farming, when push comes to shove, he has got to do what is best for his family’s future.

New development brings city dwellers to the middle of farm country – folks who probably know little about farming or the noise and odors that come with it. Even though the farmer was there long before anyone thought of building houses, the new neighbors do not want the smell of livestock mixing with their Saturday grilling.

There are plenty of cases in which a neighboring landowner charges the farmer with substantially and

WASHINGTON – Dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy for 2018 coverage. Sign-up takes place through May 10.

Producers enrolled in 2018 LGM-Dairy, administered by United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, previously were determined by the 2014 farm bill to be ineligible for coverage under MPP-Dairy, a safety net program available through USDA Farm Service Agency.

“The 2018 farm bill included substantial changes to USDA dairy programs,” said Richard Fordyce, FSA Administrator. “This includes the ability for producers with LGM coverage to retroactively enroll in MPP-Dairy for 2018. It also integrated recent improvements to the MPP-Dairy in the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, beginning with the 2019 calendar year.”

The MPP-Dairy program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the na-

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tional all-milk price and the national average feed cost – the margin – falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producers in a dairy operation. LGMDairy is an insurance product that provides protection when feed costs rise or milk prices drop. The gross margin is the market value of milk minus feed costs.

This retroactive sign-up is only for dairy producers with 2018 LGM coverage who produced and commercially marketed milk in 2018 but did not obtain full year MPP-Dairy coverage. FSA will notify eligible producers by postcard and provide a one-time payment for all of the months in 2018 that had margins triggering MPP-Dairy assistance.

“I’m pleased that dairy producers will now be able to take advantage of enrolling in both Livestock Gross Margin and the Margin Protection Program for 2018 coverage,” said Martin Barbre, RMA Administrator. “The 2018 farm bill gave dairy producers more options like these and when combined with the new Dairy Protection Program offered by RMA, that means more overall coverage for dairy producers.”

Eligible producers can enroll during the signup period at their USDA service center. The Benton County office is located at 14 Second Ave. N.W., Foley.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 | Page 7B

Emily Popp

Parents: Doug and Jane Popp Siblings: Nicholas, 14.

Town: Royalton

Alexis Krebs

Parents: Donald and Marshaa Krebs Siblings: Shelby, 16, Dillon,, 13, and Landon, 9 Town: Sobieski

W Why do you want to r represent Morrison County d dairy farmers? I love s sharing my dairy story with o others because I did not grow u on a dairy farm and am up n related to a dairy farmer not l like most dairy princesses.

B Because of my unique story, I can relate to consumers in a w a princess who grew up way o a dairy farm cannot. Being on a able to represent Morrison C County dairy farmers is an experience I am thankful for because I get to help connect consumers to where their milk comes from and teach them more about an industry I am passionate about.

Describe your farm and d your role on the farm. I work at Roerview Dairy inn Upsala which has a roboticc milking operation with threee Lely Astronaut robots. Theree are 190 cows milking with ann additional 30 dry cows. My role on the farm includes feeding heifers, servicing the robots and helping bed the freestall barn along with any other odd jobs that need to be done. I also lease my 4-H animal from Gunderson Bros.

Dairy in Upsala, and I show my animal What do you look forward to most in at the Morrison County Fair and at the your upcoming year as a dairy princess?

Helping children get excited about dairy Minnesota State Fair. and helping out with dairy night at the What is your favorite memory on the Morrison County Fair which gives kids farm? The first day I trained my show calf the opportunity to get up close to a cow.

Pearl. I knew from the beginning Pearl was an outgoing calf who loved to lick What are two of the most pressing people, so I used that to my advantage. issues facing dairy farmers right now?

She followed me around the calf pen by In your role as dairy princess, how to do licking my hand which was surprising to hope to educate consumers about these me because my previous show calf I could challenges? The two most pressing issues barely get to follow me when she was facing dairy farmers today are milk prices haltered. It was cool to have that close of being at a 30-year low and the farmer suicide rate due to low milk prices. I hope a bond on day one. throughout my year as dairy princess I Why is the dairy industry important can inform consumers about how they can to Morrison County? Without the dairy support the dairy industry in this tough industry in Morrison County, we all would time by consuming dairy products on a lack the necessary nutrients we get from daily basis. milk. Calcium helps build strong bones and vitamin B12 which helps our bodies What is your favorite way to consume dairy? By taking shredded cheese and make new cells. melting it on top of a plate of tortilla chips. I also like to drink milk, specifically chocolate milk, with every meal.

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C County dairy farmers? I h have a passion for the dairy i industry, and I am excited to s share it with everyone.

W What do you look forward Describe your farm and yourr t most in your upcoming to role on the farm. I milk cowss y year as a dairy princess? I on our small dairy farm. Ourr a excited to do class room am farm has a variety of animalss v visits.

I love educating kids including a pot belly pig, a a about dairy and where their mini pony, chickens, peacocks,, f food comes from. sheep, goats, cats, rabbits andd a dog. We also have a windd W What are two of the most turbine and solar panels to keepp pressing issues facing dairy our farm energy efficient. In addition to milking cows, I cut hay and farmers right now? In your role as dairy princess, how do you hope to educate help with spring field work. consumers about these challenges? One What is your favorite memory from the issue is cow care. I want to educate children farm? When I fell into the gutter after I and adults alike that farmers treat cows was so sure I could ride a bike without with the utmost respect and care because training wheels. I was wrong. I still needed they are our livelihood. Another issue is substitutes for milk. I want people to know those training wheels. how wholesome and nutritious milk is Why is the dairy industry important versus the various non-dairy products. to Morrison County? Because so many What is your favorite way to consume businesses depend on the farmers. dairy? I love cheese on everything.

Why do you want to represent Morrison

Annika Gunderson

Parents: Charlie and Bethh Gunderson Siblings: None Town: Upsala Describe your farm and d your role on the farm. I lease show cattle from myy family farm which is runn by my uncles. I have too train and take care of myy cattle for show day and thee Morrison County Fair.

What is your favorite memory from the farm? When I was 5 or 6, my friend and I decided to climb the silo so we could sit on the roof of the milk house. We didn’t make it very far before someone came and yelled at us to get down.

County dairy farmers? I want to C bbe able to give them the spotlight tthey deserve. The dairy industry pplays such a big role in the county, aand I want the farmers to be given tthe attention they deserve.

W What do you look forward to most in your upcoming year m aas a dairy princess? Of course, aall the parades. But also meeting with younger kids and scooping w iice cream.

W What are two of the most pressing issues facing dairy farmers right now? In your role as dairy princess, how do you hope to educate consumers about these challenges? Two of the most pressing issues for dairy farmers today are milk prices and competition. I hope to educate consumers to know if they want to be able to enjoy the dairy products they love, they have to support farmers and the dairy industry.

Why is the dairy industry important to Morrison County? It brings everyone together. It is the common denominator What is your favorite way to consume among many families in the county. dairy? It is a tie between milk in cereal and mint chip ice cream.

Why do you want to represent Morrison

Megan Borash

Parents: Wayne and Joycee Borash Siblings: Jacob, 22, Aaron,, 20 and Abby, 16 Town: Sobieski

C County dairy farmers?

R Representing Morrison County ddairy farmers is something I ttake much pride in. I love having tthe opportunity to advocate ffor them and answer people’s qquestions because I love to talk w with people, and I know about tthe lifestyle from growing up on a dairy farm.

Describe your farm and d your role on the farm..

My farm is located 7 miless southwest of Little Falls. Wee W What do you look forward have 260 acres with 75 milkk t to most in your upcoming cows. My role is to help withh yyear as a dairy princess? The the milking, feed the calvess and drive skid loader or help out where opportunity to meet and talk with people about dairy and leave a nice and lasting ever it is needed. impression on them.

What is your favorite memory on the farm? When my sister and I used to milk What are two of the most pressing our glove cows. Mom would pop a hole in issues facing dairy farmers right now? one of the fingers of a milking glove and In your role as dairy princess, how to do hope to educate consumers about fill it with water for us to milk. these challenges? Low milk prices and Why is the dairy industry important the misconception of farmer animal care. to Morrison County? Many farmers in Try to get people to consume more dairy Morrison County make their livelihood products and reassure the public we take in the dairy industry. Morrison County is great care of our cows. home to various sizes of dairy farms and our central location makes it easy to access What is your favorite way to consume dairy? It is hard to pick a favorite. But, the milk plants throughout the state.

I enjoy eating deep-fried cheese curds.

Why do you want to represent Morrison Because there is a balance, you get both the good and the bad.

Page 8B | SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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Rainfall late in the season delayed harvest across parts of Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties. In many of these areas, first frost was needed last fall to help solidify the ground so harvest equipment could get across fields. However, upon review of the available yield data, this did not seem to hamper yields across Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties.

2018 estimated corn yields for Benton County went up from 2017 to a 10-year high at 183.1 bushels per acre. This was on par for Minnesota, as the statewide estimate was 182 bushels per acre for 2018 which was down from the statewide average in 2017 at 194 bushels per acre. Estimated corn yield for central Minnesota for 2018 came in at 181.4 bushels per acre. The soybean yield estimates for the state in 2018 was 50.5 bushels per acre, with Benton County estimated at 47 bushels per acre and central Minnesota’s average yield at 53 bushels per acre.

When looking at the yield data from the past 10 years, it is clear there is a lot of variation in yields from year to year for both crops. While weather is usually the most significant yield GRAPHIC SUBMITTED factor, the effect of best management Benton County corn and soybean statistics practices cannot be excluded from this are shown from 2009-18. Both crops yields calculation. These practices include increased in 2018.

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