SAUK R RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | Page 1B
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
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Sauk Rapids Herald
| SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019
New Heights Dairy hosts Benton County field day BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag
RICE – When Brent Czech considers the progress he has made as a dairy farmer, it is not solely he or one part of management that has propelled his business. Rather, Czech’s 1,800-cow dairy is built on the foundation of teamwork and opportunity with the industry’s tools. “I want to give people access to the farm and a chance to learn and see what we are doing,” Czech said. “To best do that, I want you to hear from the best people we work with.” Czech hosted the Benton County Dairy and Forage Field Day on his New Heights Dairy Aug. 12 in Rice. Crossbreeding heightens purebred traits Since Czech began dairy farming, he has focused his breeding strategies to bring out the best traits in his cows, regardless of breed. The herd’s foundation is built on Holsteins, but then incorporates Jerseys and Montbeliarde in a three-way cross to maximize health, reproduction and production traits. Previously, it was a herd of mixed crossbreeds. “When we put a dollar amount to production, reproduction and health data,
Forward thinking PHOTO BY JENNIFER COYNE
Myron (left) and Brent Czech stand outside one of the freestall barns at Brent’s New Heights Dairy Aug. 12 in Rice. Brent hosted the Benton County Dairy and Forage Field Day where attendees learned about his dairy and forage management.
there was a clear winner – the Monte sire with a Ho-Jo dam,” said Shane Boettcher, key client and reproductive specialist with Select Sires. New Heights Dairy has followed this breeding strategy for the past four years, paying particular attention to not selecting positive stature Holsteins. In every selection, Czech chooses the top 1-2% of bulls in each breed based on net merit. “Brent is breeding with a commercial mindset, knowing reproduction and health traits
are important for cows to stay in the herd,” Boettcher said. “Data suggests crossbreds outperform purebred cattle. They have a higher dollar value for every trait, and that’s important in today’s economy.” Czech’s herd boasts an 80-pound tank average per cow with 4.2% butterfat and 3.3% protein. Recently, the Rice dairy farmer has decided to improve his crossbreeding strategy by breeding Holstein to Jersey, and then a Holstein-Jersey crossbred to a Holstein sire before
introducing the Montbeliarde in the third mating. “Breeds are improving all the time, and Brent wants to take advantage of those genetic advancements,” said Chris Sigurdson, general manager at Select Sires. “Because he’s using the best genetics by breed, it’s going to be tough to go wrong.” Hay in a day Czech runs 500 acres of alfalfa that he cuts for haylage. In understanding the haymaking process and using a low lignin alfalfa, Czech optimizes
his fields for a higher quality forage and more tonnage – all of which is done in the essence of time. A couple years ago, Czech planted HarvXtra low lignin alfalfa to extend stand longevity and reduce cuttings while at the same time increasing tonnage without losing quality. “This farm needs every ounce of forage on the acres they have,” said Isaac Popp, Centra Sota Cooperative crop advisor.
Czech page 2B
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Page 2B | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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Shane Boettcher, of Select Sires, explains the breeding traits Brent Czech selects for during the Benton County Dairy and Forage Field Day Aug. 12 at New Heights Dairy in Rice.
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The crop has extended cutting to about every 30 days. In cutting alfalfa, Czech is looking for a haylage crop that has 6065% moisture. When the crop is cut, the plant is at 80-85%. “A study shows we can take moisture out of a plant at 11-13% every two hours,� said Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension Educator. “Knowing that, Czech can have his crop in five hours.� Czech uses a merger, front mower and rear mower to collect the haylage. The width of the swath is 80% that of the mower, Drewitz said. Then, the dairy farmer packs the haylage in bunkers, putting it up quickly and feeding it out just as fast. Manure, sand coexist with separation system In 2007, Czech converted the existing barns from bedded packs to sand-bedded freestalls. At the same time, he also installed a gravity-flow sand lane. Last December, the dairy farmer built a manure separation system to further eliminate sand in the lagoon and equipment. “It’s a really good system,� said Ryan Stuckmayer, the dairy’s operations manager. “Before, sand was building up in the pipes in the barns and now it’s clear.� Two pumps feed manure and sand waste from the barn, pumping roughly 2,000 gallons per minute. “That’s fast enough to keep the sand suspended,� Stuckmayer said. “We lose very little. The best sand settles within the first 50 feet.� Large particles of sand are collected and dried for a couple months
A manure separating system separates liquids from the manure solids before the waste enters the lagoon at Brent Czech’s dairy farm in Rice.
before being reused. The remaining manure travels through the separation system. There, slope screens separate the solids. Then, the solids and excess manure are placed in a discharge tank, agitated and pumped to the first lagoon. As the solids settle, the remaining liquid gravity flows into the second lagoon. The flume uses the wastewater collected during the separation process. “This whole process probably goes through about 20 loads a week, and we’re recollecting 90% of the sand,� Stuckmayer said. Risk management protects dairy The purpose of having a risk management strategy for prices is to protect feed input and milk output, said Mark Rothschild. Rothschild, manager of dairy risk at Commodity and Ingredient Hedging, LLC, works closely with Czech in making the best decisions for his dairy given the market conditions. “Brent has high components and high milk flow, so we want to expand on those strengths,� Rothschild said. “But we
also have to be careful those strengths don’t become weaknesses.� As takers of the market, dairy farmers can use forward contracting, locking in prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, or using government programs such as Dairy Margin Coverage or Dairy Revenue Protection. “You have to become a setter and control your bottom line,� Rothschild said. “We need to eliminate hope from our businesses.� Dairies should know what their margin of milk price over feed cost is and then develop a plan that best protects that in order to capture profitability on a grander scale. Czech purchased the farm in 2006 following college graduation. With the assistance of family, employees and industry professionals, he has since doubled the lactating herd at this site, improved cow comfort and made the dairy more efficient. He has also built another dairy farm in Foley. And with that same core group of people, Czech has his sights set on the future of the industry.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | Page 3B
First time in the ring Foley cousins participate in their inaugural dairy season BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
E
r SAUK RAPIDS – A n county fair is the year’s
crowning moment for many 4-H members across the nation. Hard work and skill are displayed across multiple project areas and livestock competitions. Two Foley cousins put their knowledge to the test July 31 as they led their dairy cattle into the showring for the first time at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Haley Studenski, 14, and Ashley Gruba, 10, each showed calves at this year’s fair. “I wanted to try something new,” said Studenski, daughter of Caleb and Courtney Studenski. “We farm beef e cows, but I didn’t want to t show them because they are kind of crazy. Dairy cattle are used to being handled more.” Gruba, the daughter of Ryan Gruba and Heidi Bemboom, said she followed in her mother’s footsteps. “My mom lived on a farm, so I wanted to try it,” she said. The cousins are members of the Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club. Studenski joined 4-H in 2018 and participated in the swine project at last year’s fair. In addition to her pigs this year, she led a registered Holstein winter calf and a crossbred Red and White Holstein-Brown Swiss fall calf from godfather Mitch Mehrwerth’s farm. This was Gruba’s first year showing livestock at the Benton County Fair. She participated in the swine and dairy projects as well. In dairy, Gruba showed a Milking Shorthorn junior calf and a crossbred Red and White Holstein-Brown Swiss winter calf. Gruba spent two months grooming her calves which she obtained from her grandfather Dan Bemboom’s farm. She traveled to Dan’s farm to lead, water and feed the animals – hoping the calves would become comfortable with her. She
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Cousins Haley Studenski (left) and Atley Gruba sit alongside each other in the 4-H cattle barn July 31 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. This was the first time the cousins showed cattle in the dairy competitions.
said training the calves is the most difficult part of preparation for the ring. “Sometimes they get a little scared,” Gruba said. “The first day they
didn’t know my smell, so they got a little jumpy.” But after a few days, Gruba said her animals mellowed, and by fair week, she was happy with
Haley Studenski, 14, stands with a registered Holstein calf July 31 in Sauk Rapids. Studenski is the daughter of Caleb and Courtney Studenski.
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Atley Gruba, 10, leads her crossbred Red and White Holstein-Brown Swiss calf in the showring July 31 in Sauk Rapids. Gruba is the daughter of Ryan Gruba and Heidi Bemboom.
their outcomes. “They let everyone else lead them and let me lead them,” Gruba said. Studenski had help from Mehrwerth breaking in her animals and similarly worked with
the calves leading up to the fair. She said leading does not simply entail having a calf on a halter and leash – there is much more a showperson needs to know. “Whenever you lead them you have to walk a certain way,” Studenski said. “You hold their halter tight on their face with one hand and the other hand holds the fat on their neck. When you walk, you walk backward and to the side. And whenever you stop, they need to stand a certain way – their front feet should be in line, their back feet a bit offset, their back straight and their head up.” In addition to proper handling, Studenski said each person needs to know their animal’s birthdate and breed, if the animal has injuries and, if so, the reason why. With their white show attire and matching boots and braided hair, the cousins cared for their livestock at the fair’s cattle barns prior to competition. After washing and clipping the animals, the calves were fed as much beet pulp as they wished to eat. Beet
pulp is a dry, fibrous material. Before entering the ring, the calves were given water which expands the beet pulp in their stomachs and helps the animal appear full. Studenski received a blue ribbon and last place with her Holstein. “A blue is if you did an excellent job at leading even if your cow wasn’t participating – you stayed calm,” Studenski said after exiting the ring. “I knew I wasn’t going to do as good just because of the calf, but I feel fine.” Despite her placement, Studenski held her head high and turned the tide, placing first with her crossbred calf. Gruba had all eyes on her when entering the ring with her Milking Shorthorn as there was no other competition. Gruba received first place in both her divisions. The cousins will continue participating in 4-H and plan on leading dairy in the future. When asked how she felt about this year’s competition, Gruba had only a few short words. “I like it,” she said.
Page 4B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019 | Page 5B
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
4-H projects top 1,000 at Benton County Fair Nelson, Bukovich named premier showmen fairgrounds was a flurry BY ANN OLSON of activity as livestock BENTON COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM COORDINATOR arrived at the fair.
PHOTO SUBMITTED ED
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Over 400 animals, brought by over 200 4-H members were available for fair goers to see and learn about. Wednesday night of the Benton County Fair was the 4-H livestock auction. Over 100 4-Hers participated by displaying their livestock. The auctioneer for the evening was Steffes Group Inc. They announced each 4-H member along with their respective animals as buyers filled the arena ready to place bids. Falcon National Bank clerked the auction along with 4-H adult volunteers. Prior to the auction, the premier showmanship contest took place in the show arena. Each of the top showman in sheep, swine, dairy, beef, goat, rabbit and poultry were asked questions about each species by judges to determine who was most knowledgeable in all species combined. The 2019 Intermediate Premiere Showman was Abigail Nelson who is a member of the Graham 4-H Club and will be an eighth grade student this fall in Royalton.
to compete in Fashion Revue with a jungle theme. Brooke Swanson earned champion in both constructed and purchased clothing in Fashion Revue. She is a member of the Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club and will be a sophomore at St. Johns Prep. “I decided on my outfit for the show, because I wanted to make something comfy and had more of a business-feel.” Swanson said. “I like fashion revue because it gives you a chance to show off your own style and lets you be your own unique self.” Swanson shows projects in exploring the environment, photography, art and home environment. Next year she is thinking of also showing a rabbit or a calf. “My favorite part of fair week is always the fashion revue show Friday night and seeing all my hard work pay off,” she said. Members of Benton County 4-H will be participating at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 22 to Sept. 2 as well as the state dog, shooting and horse show.
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Foley Intermediate e School student Lydia Hunt, of Duelm 4-H Club, shows her champion cat, Ninja, at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Hunt showed in the he sheep and cat project.
FOLEY – Benton County 4-H members competed in the Benton County Fair July 30Aug.4, entering over 1,200 projects from livestock such as swine, dairy, rabbit and exotic animals to general exhibits such as paintings, fresh fruits and vegetables, rockets and environmental displays. Cloverbud projects submitted by those in grades kindergarten through second were popular general exhibits as were we photography, creative arts, gardening, creativ foods, clothing, fashion revue revu and aerospace. 4-H members spend s hours working w on projects p that interest i them, prepping p projects fo for display and acquiring acqu the knowledge necessary to knowle share w what they learned with their judge on entry day. 4-H families brought in their general exhibits July 29 to be judged in the 4-H exhibit building. Thirty judges evaluated items; 1,200 projects and grand champion and reserve ribbons were revealed as the fair opened July 30. At the same time, the north end of the
“The most challenging part of the premier competition was working with the goat, even though you walk it like a sheep,” Nelson said, “I was excited to also get awarded a champion ribbon in sheep for my weather dam and reserve champion ribbon in beef with my yearling heifer.” The 2019 Senior Premier Showman was Izzy Bukovich, of Sauk Rapids. She is member of Central Minnesota Lama 4-H Club. “It has been my dream since starting 4-H 10 years ago, to win premier showmanship,” said Bukovich who will attend University of WisconsinRiver Falls. “I prepared myself to compete in premiere showmanship by working and showing a variety of animals, studying different species and watching other people show.” Bukovich said swine was the most challenging. “The questions the judge asked were pretty hard,” she said. “And, it was also hard to get the pig to move in any direction at all.” Achievements were made in areas other than livestock during the fair. Over 30 youth showcased their outfits during Fashion Revue Aug. 2. The clothing was constructed or purchased
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Abigail Nelson (left), of Royalton, accepts the 2019 Intermediate Premier Showmanship award from Ashley Betker at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Betker won the award in 2018.
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | Page 7B
BENTON AG
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Elk River Critters 4-H Club member Kaylee Jurek, of Foley, stands with her dairy cow, Gabriella, at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Jurek shows swine, dairy, needle art and photography, and will be showing dairy at the Minnesota State Fair.
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Elk River Critters 4-H Club member Abbey Jurek, of Foley, earns a ribbon with her hog, Millie, at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Jurek shows in swine, dairy and crafts, and will be showing at the Minnesota State Fair with her dairy cow.
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Brooke Swanson earns champion in both constructed and purchased clothing in fashion revue at the Benton County Fair. She is a member of the Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club and shows projects in exploring the environment, photography, art and home environment.
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“My favorite thing during the fair was walking my chicken, Philip, around on his leash. People came up constantly asking questions and I could tell them about 4-H.”
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Sauk Rapids sophomore Noah Rosenberger, of 79’ers Running Rapids 4-H Club, receives a champion ribbon for his lemon tart in the food and nutrition project area at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Rosenberger participates in food and nutrition, photography and selfdetermined projects.
Foley freshman Bryant ant Pierce, of Minden 4-H Club, earns a champion pion ribbon for outdoor oor gardening at the e Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Pierce shows in lama, poultry, livestock demonstrations, crafts, electric, indoor and outdoor gardening, food and nutrition and vet sciences, and e will be headed to the Minnesota State Fair in poultry.
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Currency war
The trade war with China has now become a currency war and China may have fired the opening shot. For the first time since 1994, China let its Yuan currency break through a key support level to its weakest point since 2008. Chinese government officials say the move was not in retaliation for President BY ROGER STROM Trump’s decision to tax just The Business of Farming about every Chinese export starting in September. They claim the move to devalue the Yuan was because their economy needs help and the adjustment was needed as the economic growth is now near quarter century lows. The United States Department of Treasury and our president were quick to label Beijing a currency manipulator – the first time that label has been used since the Clinton administration in 1994. Accusing a country of being a currency manipulator is considered a symbolic designation that may or may not result in an investigation by the International Monetary Fund. In China’s case, it is doubtful the accusations would hold up. Twice a year, the treasury department looks at our trading partners for signs of currency manipulation. In May, the department said China met only one of several criteria for determining whether a country was a manipulator. That is not to say China does not play around with its currency. Between 2003 and 2014, there was quite a bit of manipulation to keep the Yuan artificially cheap. Now China’s currency may have needed an adjustment to spur economic growth but the timing of that adjustment along with comments by Chinese officials paints a picture of retaliation – retaliation for Trump’s threat of adding a 10% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese imports. China calls Trump’s tariffs a declaration of war on Christmas, referring to the impact on American consumers in the coming holiday season. The folks at Goldman Sachs say it will be impossible for the world’s two largest economies to reach a trade agreement before the 2020 election, leading to speculation that China intentionally targeted those farm states that played a big role in getting Trump into the White House. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers warns the trade war between the United States and China is potentially creating the most dangerous financial moment since the global crash in 2008. The fact China has taken the drastic step of devaluing their currency is seen by many as a sign they have all but abandoned hopes for a trade deal. As for China’s decision to stop all purchases of U.S. farm products, China’s official Xinhua News Agency said the United States only had itself to blame for the sanctions and the Chinese Commerce Ministry said it has not ruled out taxing tariffs on American farm imports. So far, our farmers have pretty much maintained their support of Trump despite the on-going trade war, but this latest move by China may be the final straw for some as they harvest a crop without knowing if it will be sold.
Brad Herickhoff, Owner Office: 320-351-4872 Cell: 320-293-0882 brad@agtechdrainage.com Bill Pasche, Sales & Design Cell: 320-293-6951 bill@agtechdrainage.com
Gene Mensen, Sales Cell: 320-429-1036 gene@agtechdrainage.com
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Page 8B | SATURDAY, AUG. 17, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD