SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | Page 1B
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
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Sauk Rapids Herald
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019
A Golden opportunity Third generation tree farm capitalizes on Christmas holiday BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
RICE – The life of a Christmas tree grower is that of dedication and patience – just ask Joel Golden. Golden lives the Christmas season yearround and has since he was a child. “It’s a family tradition; it’s a legacy,” said Golden, the thirdgeneration owner of Goldens Nursery and Tree Farm in Rice. “It started from nothing, just by cutting trees out of a windbreak to make ends meet and grew to a huge business. Now, it’s a family tradition. It’s nice to see everybody come out every year.” The evergreen business planted its roots in Benton County over 60 years ago
when Golden’s grandparents, Clarence and Effie, moved to Minnesota from Nebraska. The couple had plans to ranch their newly purchased property but soon discovered it was less suitable for raising livestock than the Great Plains. Their adult sons Gerald (Golden’s father) and Virgil joined them in Minnesota the following spring, and the four looked for an alternative solution to support their family. “In 1958, they began cutting trees out of windbreaks and sawing them for $2 a piece,” said Golden, who also works as a custodian at Royalton High School. “From there, they expanded. Land was cheap, and they bought a lot of land and planted it with trees.” At the height of the family’s
that is when we really started working. We were working 4046 hours a week, trimming and painting trees.” Growing Christmas trees is a year-round task. When Golden is not harvesting trees for people to adorn their homes, he is grooming the evergreens for future years. In the spring months, Golden searches for the next generation of crop and hand digs tiny trees that have germinated from the seed beds Joel Golden page 2B
PHOTOS BY NATASHA B BARBER
Joel Golden, third generation owner of Goldens Nursery and Tree Farm, stands at his farm Dec. 4 east of Rice. Golden is the sole owner of the operation, but family lends a hand come the holiday season. Background photo: A choose and cut Christmas tree field lines Fifth Avenue Northwest east of Rice at Goldens Nursery and Tree Farm Dec. 4. The business has been providing Christmas trees for over 60 years.
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“Each tree grows at a different rate; they are not always the same. Even though they may be all Balsam, they can still grow differently. It can be 10-15 years before you can get an 8-foot tree on Balsam” - Joel Golden
production in the late 1970s, the Goldens harvested 2 7 , 0 0 0 wholesale Christmas trees n annually in ir addition to their ay retails sales. Today – with help from his oldenn, siblings Jay Golden, nd Jill J Joy Nemeth and Kleeberger as wel welll as in an nd their uncle Bob Dubbin and ies – Golden respective families mium and sells roughly 150 prem premium ecut trees 150 lower grade precut each year in addition to choose and cut sales. The business grows spruce, Balsam fir, and Scotch, Norway and White pine on its 40 acres of planted fields. The seeds of the Christmas season were planted early in Golden’s life. As a young child, he remembers seeing the large piles of baled Christmas trees awaiting transport to wholesale accounts. “We were told to work and we worked,” Golden said. “When we were 12 years old
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Joel Golden explains stump culture Dec. 4 at Goldens Nursery and Tree Farm in Rice. Stump culture, or what Golden calls turnups, is where a second or third tree is produced from an existing stump. If two or three rows of branches are left with the stump after harvesting, the branches will return to center and form a new tree that grows twice as fast because of the existing adult root system.
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in mature fields. Using a garden shovel, he cuts 4 inches deep into the ground to capture a good number of roots. He transfers the plants to pots for two years where they grow in a monitored environment and establish a plentiful root system. The trees are 5 years old before they are transplanted into open fields. “I started doing that instead of buying trees,” Golden said. “It was costing up to 65 cents a tree (to purchase a seedling).” When the calendar flips to June, Golden grabs his blades and pruners and heads to the fields to shape the holiday icons. “People like our natural trees, but there are some we have to trim because they are not filling in properly,” Golden said.
Golden begins by shearing Scotch Pine, then moves to White pine, then Norway, then Balsam. Scotch Pine must be sheared each year once they reach about 3 feet tall. His window of opportunity is short, and he finishes the annual task before mid-July when the green growth hardens and becomes woody. The trees newly cut branches sap over and form buds before the dormant season. These will swell and grow in the coming spring. Between planting, shearing and harvest season, Golden mows his fields for weed control,
traps pocket gophers and monitors for bugs and disease. He also hopes for rain on his unirrigated sandy soil. “We need a lot of moisture, a lot of rain,” Golden said. “The wind dries the ground out fast. We had a drought one year, and it was so windy that the trees on the edges of the field died just from the wind drying the ground out.” Rain is not the only weather element that can affect the growth of an evergreen. A late frost can damage buds so the tree’s growth is stunted, Joel Golden page 3B
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Joel Golden trims boughs from the bottom of a Christmas tree Dec. 4 in Rice. Golden sells about 150 premium and 150 lower grade pre-cut trees each year as well as choose and cut.
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Precut Christmas trees are displayed inside a building at Goldens Nursery and Tree Farm Dec. 4 in Rice. The building provides customers and trees protection from the weather elements.
weather. If we don’t have enough rain, they don’t grow as much.” But, Golden is
patient in his practice. His satisfaction lies in the making of a slim profit and grand memories.
Malarkey
Joe Biden has been it hard for struggling running around the The farmers to hold on in the country in a bus with face of rising bankruptcy No Malarkey written on Business rates,” Duvall said. “The the side in huge letters. of Farming more time that passes, One of the late night the more difficult it shows sent a person to by will be to win back the streets to ask people Roger Strom this important export what malarkey is. Not to Ag market, regardless of __________ anyone’s surprise, young Columnist__________ any trade agreement.” China trade is not tpeople had no idea, which could turn out to be a swing and the only roadblock for agriculture trade. a miss for Biden. We still do not have an agreement with But for those of us who do know Canada and Mexico. the meaning of malarkey, it is a good With the House focus on word to describe what is happening impeachment proceedings, United Agreement tin Washington with regards to farm States-Mexico-Candan legislation, especially regarding the seems to have been put on the back fiasco with the China trade situation. burner. (Another phrase younger people President Trump now says he may may not understand). We were told prefer to work out a trade deal with by the House that the USMCA would China after the 2020 election. He told be ratified in September. That was reporters he likes the idea of waiting. moved to October and then November. Just a few days ago, we were being told The latest word is that in the House, a trade deal was close and according Democrats and U.S. Trade Ambassador to Trump, we were in the final throes Lighthizer are close to finalizing the of negotiations with the Chinese vice USMCA so it can be voted on. Notice Premier. the use of the word close. That is malarkey, big time. Farmers It is possible and quite probable cannot wait for the president to make both the China and USMCA trade pacts that kind of decision when he feels are going to slide into the New Year. In like it. The promise of a China deal has addition to the impeachment process, gone on way too long, and it is time for lawmakers have a long list of things Washington to end the malarkey and on their to-do list before the Christmas live up to those commitments. break including the approval of 2020 Not only is the president hedging spending to avoid another government on getting a deal done, but according to shutdown. commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, For the younger generation “If nothing happens between now and that does not know the meaning of December 15, the president has made it malarkey, I will help you out. Malarkey clear he’ll put the increased tariffs in.” means about the same as poppycock, American Farm Bureau Federation shenanigans, hooey, bunk, baloney, President Zippy Duvall put it this way: rigmarole and tomfoolery. “Trade aid payments are not making … just sayin’. farmers whole, and further delay in reaching an agreement would make
Seeing families return to the farm each year is a gift he both gives and receives.
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and a late snowfall can create winter burn which damages the tree’s needles or kills buds as well. A harvestable Christmas tree is years in the making. Golden predicts only 50% Scotch Pine and 80% Balsam fir trees reach maturity. It can take the grower four years of planting to get a field at capacity due to die-off of infant trees. In his lifetime, Golden has likely seen only four or five generations of trees grown from seed to harvest in his fields. “Each tree grows at a different rate; they are not always the same,” Golden said. “Even though they may be all Balsam, they can still grow differently. It can be 10-15 years before you can get an 8-foot tree on Balsam. It all has to do with the
Page 4B | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
The 21st century
milkman
Hagfors builds dairy delivery business BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
ST. CLOUD – In a world driven by technology, convenience and instant satisfaction, Brad Hagfors is hoping to make dairy’s mark on this new era of consumers. “I’ve been called the Amazon of dairy and that’s really resonated with people,” Hagfors said. “I’m providing an old fashioned service in a modern way.” Hagfors is the owner of Dairy2U, a dairy foods delivery service based in St. Cloud. The business caters to households in the surrounding communities of Sartell, St. Joseph and Sauk Rapids. The entrepreneur works in partnership with local dairy farmer Grant Schoenberg and his Stony Creek Dairy, of Melrose. Customers order online what dairy products they would
like delivered to their homes – fluid milk varieties, heavy cream and butter. Customers may also order kitchen staples, such as locally sourced bread, eggs and pizza. Then, Hagfors receives the order and begins preparing it at his warehouse where it is later picked up for delivery. Hagfors works with Food Dudes Delivery and also oversees central Minnesota’s last milkman route. “I want to provide people with a service to get what they need whenever they need it without going to the store and filling their carts with everything else,” Hagfors said. The Minnetonka native started his food delivery business in September after working with a business coach to develop a plan that would best meet his intentions and the needs of the surrounding c o m m u n i t i e s . “We saw the time was now to do something like this,” Hagfors said. “This is an area where
families are busy but still want to eat healthy.” When Hagfors was put in contact with Schoenberg, he knew the dairy farmer was the ideal partner in the business venture. “This is the heartland of America and the heart of America’s farmers,” said Hagfors of central Minnesota. “I have such a passion for helping small businesses and encouraging people to shop local. With this business model, we could help a small farmer get back into the mainstream of consumers, and it’s a win-win for everyone.” The delivery business is centered on providing a product and service unlike any other retail store. “I’m not here to compete with the Coborn’s or Walmart stores,” Hagfors said. “Stony Creek has created a niche market with their product, and we’re here to work with that niche and expand it to a new area.” With the traditional milkman route, Hagfors is working with the
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Brad Hagfors is the owner of Dairy2U based in St. Cloud. Hagfors’ business delivers milk, butter and other dairy products to area customers.
former deliveryman’s customer base, trying to meet their expectations while also setting himself a part from the previous business owner. The entire venture has been a new experience. Although Hagfors has spent much of his life in business development and marketing, doing so in the food industry is a craft he is learning first hand. “This has been a beautiful way to learn, but it’s kind of a bugaboo,” Hagfors said. “There’s nothing to go by, no model to follow.
I’m blazing a trail.” As a start-up business, there are many unknowns Hagfors is working through. He is fine-tuning product delivery with Schoenberg as the customer base is further established. Aside from working with perishable foods, Hagfors’s biggest challenge is adjusting to the technology, which is the center point of his delivery service. Currently, customers are encouraged to order from the company’s website. Hagfors is
developing a mobile app for ease of use and convenience, and also a subscription platform where customers could customize their orders repeatedly. “My forte is marketing and networking, but with today’s technology, it’s a whole different market of giving people exactly what they need,” Hagfors said. “I do believe it’s the future, and I can do it.” Since September, Hagfors has retained several customers and hopes to grow his following as the concept of home delivery is reintroduced in the communities. “It’s honestly been slower than I was hoping for,” Hagfors said. “It looked good on paper and makes sense, but you can’t make people buy things. I am very optimistic, though.” With the holidays approaching, Hagfors plans to develop a promotion for his business – one that will help establish Dairy2U in the area communities and provide another outlet for Schoenberg’s niche dairy enterprise. “I grew up by dairy Brad Hagfors packages an order at his warehouse in St. farms, and I have a heart for farmers,” Hagfors Cloud. Dairy2U delivers products direct to homes. said. “With Dairy2U, I’m literally helping farmers succeed by Order CRYSTALYX® in December & Happy their product into receive $5 per barrel plus $3 per 200# Holidays! getting the hands of consumers. CrustalBlox™ booking discount! They won’t have to •Call or stop in by December 28, 2019 compete with big stores. •Book Quantity and type of Crystalyx® barrels They can provide local.” or CrystalBlox™ tubs In the long run, as •Take product anytime between now and April 26, 2020 the dairy industry sees its own changes, Hagfors is hopeful he can be a part Co-op Creamery of that change for the 16623 Ironwood RD NE, Oak Park, MN better.
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | Page 5B
Is your farm ready for winter? BY EMILY WILMES University of MN Extension
to the elements. If it is not possible to provide a shelter for these animals, at the least a windbreak should be provided. Young calves, less than 3 weeks of age, can begin feeling cold stress at even 60 degrees, so observe calves daily for cold stress now and be sure to have calf jackets washed and ready for those that need them and offer an adequate amount of clean, dry bedding. Now is also a great time to think about winter feeding strategies. As the temperature drops, cattle’s energy needs increase; they need to work harder to keep themselves warm. Some cattle will eat twice the amount of feed they do in the warmer months. At the very least, ensuring there is a higher density of energy in the feed will help cattle maintain their body temperature. Work with your nutritionist to determine the best course in balancing rations for higher energy content in the winter months. As feed intake increases, so does water intake. If water
availability is restricted, feed intake will be reduced. If you do not have a heated waterer, make a point to manually provide warm water several times a day. You should also consider increasing energy levels for calves and providing them with plenty of fresh, warm water. Warm water does not require the calf to use excess energy to heat it to internal body temperature. Around the farm While preparing for the needs of animals in the winter is the most important, there are other cold weather preparedness measures you should take to ensure the whole farm, people included, is ready for cold weather. Around the farm yard, consider any preparations that need to be made related to blowing and melting snow. This may include putting up snow fence or planning snow breaks to minimize drifting near driveways and walking paths. Now is also the time to consider fill for areas that get muddy or troublesome during snow melt. Lastly, consider what should be done in cases of extreme winter weather. These considerations should include a contingency plan if milk cannot be picked up on time and how to get plowed out quickly. This is also a good time to think about an emergency action plan, which is a critical part of year-round risk management. If you
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Winter weather has arrived; is your farm ready? There are a few key areas to consider to get your farm prepared for cold temperatures, frigid winds, snow and ice. Facilities, equipment Your facilities are your main defense against the elements in all seasons, so making sure they are properly maintained is key to not only winter preparedness but yearround management. Inspect facilities inside and outside. Look for items that need to be put away or disposed of. Make note of any damage to walls, curtains, the roof, rafters and doorways. Make immediate repairs when possible; plan time to make larger repairs in the coming weeks. In addition, make sure your barn’s ventilation system is working properly. This includes checking curtains, ventilation fans, air inlets and any mechanical equipment associated with them. Proper ventilation is crucial to disease prevention in the winter, so keeping your system in working order and performing maintenance and repairs will prevent problems. Equipment in and around your facilities should also be checked over, and needed repairs made. Make sure to inspect manure equipment, barn heating equipment, skid steers, tractors, feed mixing equipment, generators and any other equipment you use regularly. This is also the time to check snow removal equipment and ensure it is in proper working order so it is ready to go for the first big snow fall. When examining equipment, make sure to check batteries and levels of gas and anti-freeze. Speaking of fuel, make sure your farm’s supply is adequate and ready to go for the winter. Cattle When a cow starts to feel cold stress, the cow is influenced by several factors: ambient temperature, body condition, hair coat thickness and whether the hair coat is dry or wet. Typically, with a dry winter coat, cattle will begin to feel cold stress around 32 degrees but could be comfortable to 18 degrees. An important factor in preventing cold stress is providing shelter and keeping animals dry. Most likely, cows will be in the barn, but consider dry cows, heifers or steers that may be more exposed
have not worked on a plan before, creating one for winter is a great place to start. At the very least, have a list of emergency phone numbers compiled that includes your creamery, veterinarian, nutritionist and insurance agent. Also review what to do if there is a loss of power or if animals need to be evacuated for any reason. Now is the time to prepare for cold and snow. Preparing your farm by considering facilities, equipment, animal care, and general farm management can help save time and headaches down the road.
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Page 6B | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
Kaschmitter receives farm bureau scholarship One of four students awarded in state EAGAN – Sarah $1,000 Al Christopherson Kaschmitter, of Sauk Scholarship from the Rapids, received a Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation during the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s 101st annual meeting Nov. 23 in Bloomington. Turning your logs Recognition was given into USEABLE lumber. during the Saturday luncheon awards banquet • Log sawingyour site or ours at the DoubleTree Hotel. Kaschmitter is the • Bobcat work daughter of Brian and • Excavating and site prep services Brenda Kaschmitter. She is a senior at St. 320-266-4909 Cloud State University, Veteran owned company majoring in accounting. BA49-1B-KB
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“Being awarded this scholarship is so rewarding for me,” Kaschmitter said. “It shows others that you don’t need to go to school to be a veterinarian or be a farmer to be acknowledged by the agriculture community. Farm Bureau and the scholarship committee choose based on aspirations, and those who value agriculture no matter how they do it. I can’t wait to help those in agriculture in my future as an agricultural accountant.” Kaschmitter said she is impressed with how Farm Bureau members connect to one another whether they are a hog or chicken farmer, seed salesman or an accountant. “The qualifications and goals of these students are exemplary of the bright future of agriculture,” said Kevin Paap, MFB president. “Investing in the education of Minnesota’s rural youth is an important mission for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation.”
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Laura Church, Savannah Aanerud and Sarah Kaschmitter accept $1,000 Al Christopherson Scholarships presented by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Foundation Nov. 23 in Bloomington. Kaschmitter is the daughter of Brian and Brenda Kaschmitter, of Sauk Rapids. Not pictured is Rebekka Paskewitz who also received a scholarship.
of MFB centennial. The organization awarded four Al Christopherson Foundation Scholarships to students who are college juniors or seniors or in their final year of college.
The other recipients were Savannah Aanerud of Stevens County, Laura Church of WashingtonRamsey County and Rebekka Paskewitz of Todd County.
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BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | Page 7B
Silent auction a success “I am deeply humbled and overwhelmed by the turn out and the support and prayers received over the past few months. I would like to thank family members and my 4-H family for working so hard to put it together”
Beehler family benefits from annual proceeds By Ann Olson, Benton They reside near Popple County 4-H program Creek. Their family coordinator includes son Michael
FOLEY – As a 4-H member and volunteer, we regularly pledge, “our hands to larger service.” Members of the Benton County 4-H program and community carried out this pledge with their actions at the annual 4-H Silent Auction Benefit which took place Nov. 17 at Mr. Jim’s in Foley. The silent auction is an annual event in which Benton County 4-H raises money for a community member or family in need. Recipients are generally in need for medical reasons. Past recipients include people suffering from cancer, accident victims and people with other debilitating diseases. The 2019 recipient of benefit proceeds e was the Kenny Beehler f afamily. Kenny is 56 years -old and has been married dto Donita for 31 years. f
and daughter-in-law Kassie and their children Vincent, 3, and Mason, 1, as well as son Kevin and daughter-in-law Alyssa and their children Harper, 3, and Hudson, 1. Kenny has been employed by Centra Sota Cooperative for 33 years. Kenny and Donita have been a part of the Benton County 4-H program for over 30 years. In June, after experiencing stomach and back aches, Kenny was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer. He underwent the removal of his right kidney, tumor, an adrenal gland and lymph nodes July 12. The surgery was a success but doctors discovered another tumor forming on the left kidney. Kenny returned to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to have
- Kenny Beehler
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Kenny and Donita Beehler, of Popple Creek, stand at the 4-H Silent Auction Benefit Nov. 17 in Foley. Kenny was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney cancer in June and received the benefits of the annual event to help with medical treatment costs.
thermal ablation done to that tumor Sept. 12 and as of now, the treatment has been successful. He will undergo further scans to monitor the remaining kidney. Through the original scans, Kenny was also told he has an aortic aneurysm that doctors will monitor and treat. Kenny continues to be in great spirits and
keeps a positive attitude. Benton County 4-H clubs St. Pat’s, Elk River Critters, Pioneers and 79ers assisted with hosting the silent auction this year. There were several other clubs that also helped with the auction and specifically brought sweets for a
bake sale. “It is always so exciting to see all of the businesses and community members so willing to donate items for the silent auction,” said Karen Sakry, of St. Pat’s 4-H Club. “We had such a huge turn out this evening, and it is encouraging to see the community come out to support this family.” Approximately 500 people filled the event center to bid on over 200 auction items. Guests were served sloppy joes, salad, chips and desserts. The auction items were donated by 4-H clubs, family members,
friends, businesses and community members. “I would like to thank each and every person that came to my benefit hosted by 4-H,” Kenny said. “I am deeply humbled and overwhelmed by the turn out and the support and prayers received over the past few months. I would like to thank family members and my 4-H family for working so hard to put it together, as well as the businesses and individuals for donating items for the auction, and those that gave donations. I truly live in a remarkable and caring community.”
Conservation tillage conference is Dec. 17-18
FOLEY — The University of Minnesota Extension along with Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting the 2019 Conservation Tillage Conference Dec. 17-18 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in St. Cloud. Roll up your sleeves for practical, hands-on information that will save you soil, time, fuel and money. This conference emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils are not necessarily the challenge they are made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage and cover crop
farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons. This conference is geared for both the experienced and novice growers and consultants. Conference highlights include reduced till, no-till and cover crop strategies; economics of soil management systems; weed species shift and control; nutrient management in high residue systems, and more. Informal table talk sessions will follow to allow time to interact with speakers and industry representatives. Two expert panel sessions will discuss using multiple methods
to improve soil health and their bottom line as well as tricks they have learned. Panels include conservation farmers, skilled crop consultants and experienced livestock producers. The two-day conference will open with keynote speaker David Lobb from the University of Manitoba. He has researched the economic impact of wind erosion across Manitoba and western Minnesota. More than 20 vendors representing equipment, products and services will be on-site throughout both days. Attendees who stay for the entire conference will be offered 12 continuing education units. Register online or find more information at http://z.umn.edu/ digthectc or by calling 320-235-0726, Ext. 2001.
Benton County 79ers 4-H Club members – Katelynn Pollard, Laura Pollard, Denise Roberts and Brady Roberts – sit at the registration table at the 4-H Silent Auction Benefit Nov. 17 at Mr. Jim’s in Foley. The event benefitted Kenny and Donita Beehler, who have volunteered with the Benton County 4-H program for more than 30 years.
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Page 8B | SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
BENTON AG
2020 DMC enrollment open
Adjustments to more accurately reflect production history BY JENNIFER COYNE STAFF WRITER
SAUK CENTRE – With only a few months remaining in the first year of the Dairy Margin Coverage program, considering how the program will fit into the farm’s business model for 2020 should be on the minds of many. Enrollment for the program in 2020 opened Oct. 7 and will close Dec. 13. “We had a high rate of participation in 2019 (in Stearns County), and we’ve been promoting the program for next year,” Ryan Brunn said. Brunn is Stearns County’s executive director for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. While the structure of the program will remain the same, there is a slight change to benefit farms that have transitioned ownership. This year, dairy farmers have the option to apply for a one-time retroactive intergenerational transfer provision, which would account for a family member becoming a stakeholder in the dairy business and adjusting production history accordingly.
“With this retroactive option, if a lineal family member joined the dairy farm and they purchased cattle for the dairy, production history would be increased proportionate to the number of cattle added,” Brunn said. The provision will include intergenerational transfers from 2014 to present and cattle purchased within 120 days of the family member joining the farm. “A lineal family member means a son, daughter, adopted child or grandchild or a spouse of any of those,” Brunn said. A similar rule was in place in the former Margin Protection Program. To participate in DMC, dairy farmers must enroll by the December deadline, regardless if they are signing up for the first time or have locked in an elected coverage level for five years. When enrolling, farmers are responsible for paying a yearly $100 administrative fee and signing a contract. “We need farmers to enroll whether this is a one-time participation or the second year of five
years,” Brunn said. “It’s a way for us to catch if there are any changes to the business.” Such changes would be if the business was restructured and to confirm the dairy has continued selling milk commercially. Or, if the farm has discontinued milking cows, then FSA also needs to be informed. “Our goal is to make sure they still meet the criteria of the program,” Brunn said. “It’s a way for us to have continued communication with everyone; to get together once a year and go over the accuracy of the farm’s information for enrollment.” As of Oct. 28, 85% of licensed dairy operations in the United States were enrolled in DMC and received more than $300 million in indemnity payments in 2019, according to the USDA. At the top of the list was Wisconsin’s dairy industry. To date, 5,884 of the state’s 6,518 dairy operations with established production history have received a total of $68,808,842 in indemnity payments. “While we don’t know how enrollment will ultimately go for this coming year, we are doing a small amount of outreach so farmers are aware,” Brunn said. In the first month
of 2020 enrollment, the nation has seen 2.49% of its dairy operations with established production history opt in for DMC. Wisconsin dairy farms make up nearly half
the list with 327 farms enrolled, 5% of the state’s dairy industry. For more information on DMC enrollment, speak with a county FSA agent
or visit the USDA’s website at http:// w w w. f s a . u s d a . g o v / programs-and-services/ dairy-margin-coverageprogram/index.
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