Country Acres 2019 - September 20 edition by Star Publications

Country

Friday, September 20, 2019

cres A

Focusing on Today’s Rural Environment

Volume 7, Edition 13

Elton Hittle stands in front of his semi-truck Sept. 5 at his home near Sauk Centre. Hittle has been trucking since 1950.

l u a H o t n r o B Hittle nears seven decades of trucking By MARK KLAPHAKE and JENNIFER COYNE Staff Writers

SAUK CENTRE – Today, the average American has 11 jobs in their lifetime, according to the United States Department of Labor. Elton Hittle got behind the wheel of a semi-truck in 1950. Today, at the age of 88, he is still trucking. “I’ve put on over 7.5 million miles in my career,” Hittle said. “I still enjoy it.” Hittle drives truck several times a week for Lyle Gamradt Inc., of Sauk Centre. He typically hauls feed, with most of his routes now in Minnesota. “I’ve slowed it down to maybe 1,000 miles a week now,” Hittle said. The trucker’s work schedule now is

a far cry from his beginning years in the trucking business where it was common for Hittle to put on 2,000 miles a week, traveling throughout the United States and into Mexico. Sixty-nine years ago, Hittle started driving truck for Virgil Merten, where he would haul livestock. Shortly thereafter, Hittle worked with his wife, Beverly’s, father, when his longest weeks as a trucker happened. Often times, he would leave Monday morning with livestock heading south to Mexico and returned late Friday night. The trips to Mexico were unique. Hittle would travel to Kansas to unload and feed the animals. Later, he would reload for the rest of the trip. Once in Texas, Hittle had to present health documents of the animals on his trailer. “Then, we’d get into Laredo, (Tex-

This month in the

COUNTRY

ALL PHOTOS BY MARK KLAPHAKE

Elton Hittle backs his semi-truck up his driveway Sept. 5 at his home in Sauk Centre. Hittle has put on more than 7.5 million miles in his trucking career.

as), and unload from there. We didn’t go any further,” Hittle said. “The Mexican government was buying cattle and Mexican people would haul the cattle to the government farms.” Also during that time, he was running cattle to stockyards in the Upper

Johnny wants to farm Diane Leukam Column

The Gun Gal Osakis

Midwest. Once the cattle were unloaded at their destination, Hittle would sleep for a short time in his sleeper cab, then awake the next day ready to return HITTLE continued on page 2

The Fladeboes go to Washington Kandiyohi

12 From the barn to the ball field: Farming

17 Raising cattle, kids naturally Long Prairie

Weather forecast in a black box Roger Strom Column

14 First-place finish Villard

21 Country Cooking 22 Plane conversation Sauk Centre

Page 2 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

Diane Leukam, Editor diane@saukherald.com Ben Sonnek, Writer ben.s@saukherald.com Herman Lensing, Writer herman@melrosebeacon.com Jennifer Coyne, Writer jenn@dairystar.com Danna Sabolik, Writer danna.s@dairystar.com Carol Moorman, Writer carol@melrosebeacon.com

Story ideas send to: diane@saukherald.com SALES STAFF Jeff Weyer, 320-260-8505 jeff.w@dairystar.com Kayla Hunstiger, 320-247-2728 kayla@saukherald.com Missy Traeger, 320-291-9899 missy@saukherald.com Tim Vos, 320-845-2700 tim@albanyenterprise.com Mike Schafer, 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Warren Stone, 320-249-9182 warren@star-pub.com Jaime Ostendorf, 320-309-1988 Jaime@star-pub.com

PRODUCTION STAFF Pat Turner Amanda Thooft Nancy Powell Brian Dingmann Maddy Peterson

Janelle Westerman Deadlines: Country Acres will be published the first Fridays of April, May, June, September, October and November, and the third Friday of every month. Deadline for news and advertising is the Thursday before publication.

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home. When he woke, he would check over his truck and find a place for breakfast, and then head out. “My average night sleep is five hours, then I’m awake,” Hittle said. “That’s just been my lifestyle.” In the earlier days of his career, truck stops were not as common so Hittle would grab a quick lunch from a grocery store and be on his way. During his many trips, Hittle has relished looking over the countless fields of grain and visiting with fellow truckers on his CB. “Back then, you’d ask about what they’re hauling, how long they’ve been doing it, anything,” said Hittle, who would be called bull hauler because of his livestock trailer. “You could talk with someone 20-25 miles away. They don’t use them very much now.” CB radio talk has become a thing of the past and Hittle has never developed a fondness to listening to the radio, so he spends more time taking in the scenery.

Beverly and Elton Hittle live near Sauk Centre. Shortly after the couple married, Elton began trucking for Beverly’s father, where he would put on several thousand miles each week.

“Very seldom do I turn the radio on,” Hittle said. “That’s one thing, looking at my surroundings. Mostly, I think about what I’m going to do tomorrow. That keeps me going.” While much of what Hittle saw on the road was enjoyable, like the abundant wildlife in the

fields, others frustrated the truck driver. “I’ve seen a lot of things,” Hittle said. “Today, I could probably say eight out of 10 people who are driving vehicles need some lessons. You can’t believe what people will do. They’re not paying much attention to where they’re going.

You see everything when you’re up higher.” Hittle said making his run typically goes without flaw, barring a major blizzard. “There was a threeday snowstorm in Nebraska, and I had a load of cattle,” he said. “People had to snowmobile in hay and I carried water in for the cattle.” Throughout his near seven decades of hauling, Hittle has seen a vast amount of changes in the trucking industry – from the price of fuel to the current use of technology. When Hittle started, diesel was $0.19 per gallon; today, the price is $2.90 per gallon. He used to charge $1.25 per mile, and the average price is now $3 per mile. He has adapted to most changes, but has never been fond of GPS. He still uses maps and his knowledge of roads to get him to and from. “Sometimes, you Elton Hittle sits in the cab of his truck while at his home in Sauk Centre. When Hittle has long hauls, he stop and ask somebody sleeps in his truck, behind the driver’s seat. for directions,” Hittle

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said. For most of his career, Hittle has owned his own trucks. He is currently on his 19th, which is a 9200 J International with a 470 horsepower motor. “I’m just short of a million miles on this one,” Hittle said. “It was originally a Wal-Mart truck.” Currently, Hittle travels mostly through Minnesota, spending much of his time in the central region of the state. He dropped his state authority, and can only go across state lines 20 miles into Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, and 35 miles into Wisconsin. With the same career under his belt for most of his life, Hittle still relishes his time on the road. “I do this because it’s in my blood,” Hittle said. “I’ve met a lot of nice people out there. I was going to quit in July, but things are still working out alright.”

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Page 4 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

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he rain kept coming all afternoon long. convince people it was in their best interest That seems to be a recurring theme, to buy milk, even if they didn’t want any. doesn’t it? It reminds me of a song we “You need milk with that hamburger,” he sang in grade school: would say and they would buy milk. PeoRain, rain, go away; Come again anple with buckets of Martha’s Cookies came other day, little Johnny wants to play. up with chocolate all over their faces. Milk As I write this Sept. 12, it has been was the perfect match – another sales opraining for a couple days and the inches are portunity. adding up. I hope by the time you read this Speaking of matches, we watched peoSept. 20, it has been warm and dry for a ple the whole afternoon and never saw two while. alike. That never fails to amaze me. The by Diane Leukam If you are a farmer, the incessant rain Population Reference Bureau estimates is not about playing, it is about farming. 108 billion people have been born in the “Little Johnny” needs to get in the fields. For that reason last 50,000 years. (How do you feel that there has never alone, I am hoping the weather turns around, favorable been, nor will there ever be, another you?) for a good harvest season and ripe crops. That is going to One cute little girl, about 2 years old, played in the take some time and I fervently hope you get it. water by the curb for the longest time, her parents standThe rain is also reminding me of the day I spent with ing there calmly watching. She navigated the puddles on my husband, Don, at the state fair this year. the side of the road. Up the curb, down the curb, around A group of us took a bus sponsored by Star Publi- and through. At one point, she thought it would be a good cations, parent company of Country Acres, down to the idea to sit in it, then lay down on her tummy. Such a fair. The Dairy Star, also part of Star Publications and simple pleasure in life, and her parents just allowed her which operates out of our office as well, was in charge to enjoy it. of manning the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand that day. Not long after that, we noticed a young dad trying Having both grown up on dairy farms, Don and I to get his daughter, barely old enough to walk, to dance were pleased to do our part putting a face to dairy and in the rain. He tried over and over again, videotaping her serving up our share of the 27,000 gallons the stand but oblivious to everyone around him. Plans for a Facewould go through this year. Book post, maybe? A couple young boys walked into the Our shift went from 1-5 p.m. About the time we were puddles – no worries about wet feet. It continued all afbeing briefed on our job duties, a light rain began to fall. ternoon. It got much heavier and kept coming the entire afternoon, People seemed to fit into one of two categories: those without even a hint of a break in the skies. Because of who tried to avoid the rain and those who accepted it. It that we were only moderately busy, not even close to nor- was easy for us. We were inside and dry, and the sun was mal. But still, we served lots of milk. For $2 customers about to shine. could get their bottomless cup. They could choose either At 4:45 it came out, glorious and warm. Our shift chocolate or 2% and come back for free refills as often was finished a few minutes later. People were happy, as they wished. There were the usual requests for dark, smiling as though someone turned a switch. light, vanilla, regular, normal and half-and-half. We spent the rest of the evening enjoying the fair Interacting with the customers, Don had as much fun ourselves. We checked out the Miracle of Birth Center, as anyone. My favorite was when a little boy of about 10 which was miraculously not crowded. We ate fried food, came up, requested milk and said, “I’ve been waiting for visited with friends and listened to a little Tommy James this all day!” Without skipping a beat, Don said, “Yeah, I and the Shondells from outside the grandstands. was wondering where you were!” About 9:30 p.m., the bus headed for home. He actually had quite a few more customers than I There is a burning question you must have by now. did. He is gregarious, I know, but I credit it partially to Did we walk around or through the puddles? the fact that there was a puddle in front of my spot. AnyI’ll let you guess. way, his clicker counted more than mine, but who was I hope you enjoy this issue of Country Acres, and competing? He was! He even used some salesmanship to Johnny, may your fields begin to dry!

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The Gun Gal Suhr specializes in firearms By DANNA SABOLIK Staff Writer OSAKIS – According to the National Shooting Sports Association, women make up more than 50% of firearm sales, valued at $2 trillion per year in the United States. This comes as no surprise to Alex Suhr, who has loved guns since she

was a young girl. “My dad put a BB gun in my hands about as soon as I could hold it and I’ve been in love ever since,” Suhr said. This fed a passion of firearms for Suhr, and was a way for her to bond with her father and grandfathers. “They would take me hunting and always encouraged me to try new

and bigger guns,” Suhr said. “They helped me try new things and pushed me to become who I am today.” Alex Suhr can be found working behind the gun counter at the Osakis General Store, where she sells guns and ammo and offers shooting tips to SUHR continued on page 6

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Alex Suhr poses for a senior portrait in 2015. Suhr is known today as the “Gun Girl” at the Osakis General Store.

PHOTOS BY DANNA SABOLIK

Alex Suhr displays two of her favorite handguns the Osakis General Store sells Sept. 6. Suhr owns multiple handguns and enjoys helping customers figure out which ones work for them.

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Page 6 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019 SUHR continued from page 5

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Alex Suhr squares up a shot Aug. 28 with one of her guns. Suhr is a gun enthusiast and sells firearms at the Osakis General Store part-time.

customers. She also will occasionally teach a class on shooting technique or permit to carry. New to the central Minnesota area, Suhr grew up in North Dakota. “I think the first time I went hunting was when I was 10, and I was so excited,” Suhr said. When she began to think about her future, she decided to pursue a military life. She joined the military at 17 years old, with special parent’s permission. “[At Basic Training,] Alex Suhr sells guns at the Osakis General Store in Osakis Sept. 6. Suhr has a passion for firearms and works part-time at the store while attending school for law enforcement. I learned how to operate

more tactical guns and not just hunting rifles or shotguns,” Suhr said. “It was a thrill.” When she returned from Basic Training, she went to school at North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D. where she found a job at Bill’s Gun Shop as range manager and instructor. Soon, her interests turned to law enforcement, and she found a program at the technical college in Alexandria where she could fulfill that. “When I came here, I

was looking for a job and I heard Judi [Anderson] at the General Store was looking for someone to help with gun sales, so I talked to her,” Suhr said. At the store, Suhr mans the gun counter and interacts with customers who are looking for sporting goods. “I do all the compliance checks and also gun auditing,” she said. “In the summer, a lot of people will come in and look around, so it’s fun to visit SUHR continued on page 7

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with them, too.” Suhr specializes in handguns behind the counter, but warns customers against purchasing the most popular models. “A lot of times, customers want to know the most popular gun, but that might not be what will work best for them or their needs,” Suhr said. “I try to work with them to give them a gun they can use and they like.” She will encourage customers to hold the gun to see how it fits in their hand, but also teaches classes on basic handling and shooting. “We have a permit to carry class, and an instructor basic handgun class, which is very educational,” Suhr said. “I told Judi I was interested in teaching classes, because that’s something I did at Bill’s in Fargo.” She is not responsible for the permit to carry classes, but enjoyed teaching a Ladies Night class where women were introduced to guns, safety and shooting. “They enjoyed having a female instructor,” Suhr said. “I think I had as much fun as they did in those classes.” Whether she is teaching a class or shooting

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Page 8 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

The Fladeboes go to Washington By DIANE LEUKAM Staff Writer

KANDIYOHI – Dale and Grace Fladeboe have spent a lifetime advocating for farmers, and in their mid-70s, they continue this mission. On Sept. 11 they returned from a fourth trip to Washington, D.C., and each trip was marked with a rural twist. In 1982 they went with a 4-H group, later when Dale was representing the Green Lake Town Board and with the National Farmers Union in 2010. This trip was as representatives in a group with the Minnesota Farmers Union, to speak with Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), a leader in the House of Representative on agricultural and rural issues, along with other legislators. Their goal was to testify before the ag committee on behalf of farmers, and to speak to whomever will listen to their feelings on the current farm situation, and for fair prices in agriculture. Dale said his personal opinion is that the tariffs are not work-

ing for farmers and he planned to try to make his voice heard and advocate for finding new markets and strengthening our existing partnerships to sell our products. “Many representatives in Congress have little understanding of how critical agriculture is to our nation’s economy and the well-being of rural communities,” Grace said. “We have been blessed to have had a great life on our farm and we believe traveling to Washington is a small thing we can do to share some of the challenges farmers, especially young farmers, are facing with these current prices.” Dale agreed. “We’re bringing news to Washington,” Dale said Sept. 5 in their home near Kandiyohi. “Not that they haven’t heard it already, but they need to hear it from many people for this reason: One voice is nothing like many, many thousands of voices, and if thousands of voices told our leaders in Washington that you know what, [this isn’t] working, maybe they would start to listen a little bit.”

ALL PHOTOS BY DIANE LEUKAM

Grace and Dale Fladeboe of Kandiyohi have been lifetime advocates for farmers and just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators as voices for fair farm prices. In 2018, the Fladeboes received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Farmers Union.

The Fladeboes have a multi-faceted interest in farming and rural life. Both grew up on farms in Kandiyohi County, Dale just a mile or so down the road.

“I was born in Rice Hospital. They [my parents] took me home to the farm which was one mile north of this farm, and now we’ve been here for 50 years,” Dale said. “I

grew up in the barn milk- farmed together, raising ing cows with my dad.” corn, soybeans, alfalfa The Fladeboes were and beef. married in 1967 and 50 And, they have been years ago purchased 147 acres of land, and later FLADEBOE continued on page 10 another 350. They have

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The Business of Farming by Roger Strom Ag Columnist__________ __________ cent accuracy rate; however several scientific studies have shown their predictions are about 52 percent correct in their day-to-day predictions with a little better results with their seasonal forecasts. About the same as some meteorologists. The Old Almanac bases its forecasts on a theory that weather is the result of magnetic storms on the sun’s surface. The actual formula they use is a closely guarded secret that is literally locked in a black box at headquarters. Now, for those who don’t want to rely entirely on the Almanac, there are other questionable indicators of a long, cold winter. The list includes thicker-than-normal cornhusks, woodpeckers sharing a tree, the early arrival of the snow owl, raccoons with thick tails, a lot of

acorns and squirrels gathering nuts early, and in this part of the country, the size of the orange band on the woolly bear caterpillar. Supposedly, if the caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy while a wide orange band means a mild winter. And fuzzier-than-normal woolly bears are a sure sign that winter will be very cold. Apparently livestock can also tell you what to expect. Thick hair on the nape of a cow’s neck and pigs gathering sticks (huh??) are indicators of a rough winter ahead. Over the years, I’ve found a clear indication of winter weather is the size of Cecil Johnson’s woodpile. I drive by his place on a regular basis and I’ve noticed a strong correlation between his supply of firewood and how long and cold the winter is going to be. Based on what I’ve seen so far, Cecil is getting ready for a very long and very cold winter. He has over 200 feet of stacked wood with a pile that’s over 10 feet tall. But what really concerns me is that new wood splitter sitting in the driveway. …jus-sayn

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f you thought last winter was rough, get ready for another one. Both the Farmers Almanac and the Old Farmers Almanac are predicting freefalling frigid temperatures from the Northern Plains into the Great Lakes with above-normal winter precipitation and a late spring in the Midwest. This winter will be so full of ups and downs they’re calling it a “Polar Coaster.” The Old Farmers Almanac, which has been forecasting weather since 1792, is also predicting a “parade of snowstorms” for our part of the country that will include seven “big snowstorms.” Editor Janice Stillman says “This could feel like the never-ending winter, particularly in the Midwest and east to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians where wintery weather will last well into March and even through the first days of spring.” While faithful readers of either Farmers Almanac or the Old Farmers Almanac swear by their forecasts, many question the accuracy of those longterm predictions. The Old Almanac claims an 80 per-

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Page 10 â&#x20AC;˘ Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019 FLADEBOE continued from page 8 very busy off the farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never owned a dairy herd of my own because I went to the auction school, which she told me I needed to do,â&#x20AC;? Dale said, smiling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told her three or four years before that I was going to go. I [would tell] her, this year when I get the corn picked, the beans harvested and the ground plowed Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to go to auction school. It never happened. Finally she said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;maybe you should make good on your promise.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? In 1978, Dale went to the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, and never looked back. He was busy early on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He did 100 auctions a year,â&#x20AC;? Grace said. After 23 years working in Benson with Abner

Jacobson Auctioneer service, the couple founded Fladeboe Auction and Land Sales. They still do many auctions each year, a mix of farms and/or farmland. Dale spoke of a farm they sold in 2012 in Renville County. It was land with a very high Crop Production Index. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That day the price of corn was $6.66 and the farm brought $11,040 an acre,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have quite a few farms listed right now and farmland prices are down, certainly in comparison to what they were in 2012. But what amazes me is that farmland has held up well and much higher than I anticipated in the wake of the storm.â&#x20AC;?The Fladeboes said part of the reason farmland holds its price is because much of it pass-

es down through families and the average property only comes up for public auction once every 60 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody is making more land, and there is not a lot of farmland for sale,â&#x20AC;? Grace said. This can be a double-edged sword for farmers. While they want a higher price if they are selling, it is very difficult to buy land at todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prices, especially when competing with non-farm investors. As farmers themselves, Grace has stood by Daleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side for 52 years, 41 of them in the auctioning business. And, sometimes she stood alone as part of their FLADEBOE continued on page 11

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Friday, September 20, 2019 - Country Acres • Page 11 FLADEBOE continued from page 10 business partnership. She often did farm work while Dale was gone, while also working as a home economics teacher (now called FACS), for 30 years. She taught in Cosmos, Willmar and for a much longer tenure in a shared position between Belgrade and New London. They raised two daughters and a son, all of whom continue to be involved in their family’s auction business while maintaining their interest in farming and rural life. “That’s why we slept five hours a night and we’re catching up now,” Grace said. “The best thing about retirement is you don’t have to set an alarm. I am convinced sometime in our life we are going to rest and that has to be till 7 or 7:30 in the morning.” The Fladeboes still farm, sell land and conduct auctions. They just don’t set the alarm. They love living in

the country, the privacy it affords. “I can get up in the morning and go outside and do whatever I want,” Dale said. Part of the freedom to do that has involved their additional business. “That’s what is sad,” Grace said. “If we hadn’t had our off-the-farm jobs we couldn’t have built our house, we couldn’t remodel the buildings. That’s just been the way of life on the farm.” That is another reason they have been advocates for farmers. “Ninety-five percent of the farmers have to have off-the-farm jobs,” Grace said, using statistics they have compiled as members of both the Minnesota and the National Auctioneers Associations. They are concerned about the current situation and want to see farmers receive a fair price for their products. They know it is important to reach out to those not familiar with

farmers and agriculture in general. “We want to talk about the interests of farmers,” Grace said. “Everybody eats.” Dale said that in itself should give everyone an interest in agriculture. “If you eat you are involved in agriculture,” he said. “If you don’t eat you’re not involved.” As member of Vinji Lutheran Church in Willmar, they have been vocal cheerleaders to gain respect for the occupation of farming.” “There are not many farmers there,” Grace said. “During the coffee Restored farm buildings grace the rolling hills, where beef cattle can often be seen grazing in the hour we always speak pastures. positively of the farm.” They have promoted agriculture their whole lives in many ways, and for their efforts, they have received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Farmers Union in 2018. Not bad for “retired” people.

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Page 12 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

From the barn to the ball field

Schroeder manages dairy farm, state tournament team By JILL TRAUT Contributing Writer

FARMING – As the saying goes, baseball is America’s pastime. It brings people together from all walks of life. For Dale Schroeder, baseball brings him from the barn. Schroeder milks 61 cows and farms 250 acres with his wife, Linda, near Farming, Minn. He is also the manager for the Farming Flames amateur baseball team, which made a final eight appearance in this year’s Minnesota Amateur Baseball Class C State Tournament. The Buckman Billygoats eliminated Farming from the 48-team tournament, defeating the Flames 5-1 in Farming’s final game. But Schroeder was happy with his team’s performance. “Every game was a nail biter,” Schroeder said. “We had great pitching in regions, and we happened to win a few close games to get into state.”

Even though they had a successful state run, Schroeder did not have his expectations set high at the beginning of the season. “Our league is very competitive, and we have a really young team with a lot of high school and college kids,” Schroeder said. “We didn’t actually have all of our players together until half way through the season because kids were still in school. I was doing a head count some games just to make sure we had enough players on the field those first few weeks.” Schroeder has been managing the Flames for eight seasons, and he now has his summer balancing act of baseball and farming down to a science. League games are played every Sunday from early May to late August. On game days, Schroeder and his wife start milking at 5 a.m., finish by 7 a.m., and have all of the cows and youngstock fed by 10 a.m. before heading to the game. He tries to be

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Dale Schroeder (back, left) manages the Farming Flames amateur baseball team. The team made a final eight appearance in this year’s Minnesota Amateur Baseball Class C State Tournament.

home by 4 p.m. for evening chores. That schedule is only slightly different from non-game days, where Schroeder feeds his youngstock in the afternoon. This year’s state tournament was played over two weekends at a site only a little over an hour away. It also fell perfectly between hay cuttings so Schroeder did not have to miss a thing at the ballpark, or back on the farm. “On days when we are chopping hay I usu-

“Our fans really help cheer us on and set a good tone.” DALE SCHROEDER, FARMING FLAMES MANAGER

ally make it to the game just in time,” Schroeder said. “Linda will sometimes leave the game ear-

ly to get home in time to start evening chores, and we get a lot of help in the field from my dad.” Sunday games are only part of the baseball equation. Schroeder’s manager role keeps him busy throughout the rest of the week creating lineups, assisting with their home field maintenance, and keeping his players in check. One of those players happens to be his 19-year-old son, Tylor. “It definitely makes you more nervous as a

manager with your son on the team,” Schroeder said. “But it’s enjoyable getting to watch him play.” Tylor often helps with morning chores on game days, and Schroeder gets occasional help from a few of his other players throughout the year – just another perk of small town ball. Farming, a community without it’s own zip code, is located in cenFARMING FLAMES continued on page 13

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Dale Schroeder high fives members of the Farming Flames amateur baseball team in a game this summer. Schroeder manages the team and also dairy farms in Stearns County near Farming, Minn.

Farming was one of several teams with evident community support. “You can really tell how important baseball is to a lot of small towns in central Minnesota,” Schroeder said. “There were lots of towns with huge crowds at the games, and that was really neat to see.”

As the baseball season comes to an end, Schroeder looks forward to settling back into the same seven-day-a-week routine. “I miss [baseball], but it is relaxing being done.” Schroeder said. “I told my wife it’s more stressful managing than it is playing.”

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Page 14 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

First-place finish By DANNA SABOLIK Staff Writer

VILLARD – The smell of fuel, the rumble of the ground and the adrenaline rush that hits Brady Gerdes before a race are all parts of why he loves it so much. “I really enjoy it,” Gerdes said. “But you have to be a little crazy and willing to take risks.” Gerdes won the points total for the 2019 racing season in the WISSOTA Modified Class, securing his title on the last night with 1,314 points in his modified racecar. This is the eighth time the 25-year-old has secured a championship, winning three titles in Alexandria and five in Fergus Falls. “I raced go karts for a few years, but when I was 14, I got a stock car and started to race that,” Gerdes said. It all started when his uncle, Ryan Gerdes, found a go-kart and asked if Gerdes would race it in nearby Westport. The excited 8-yearold jumped on the opportunity and has been racing since. “Go karts teach you the basics and how to be a smooth driver,” Gerdes said. “When I moved on to a stock car, I focused more on the throttle and control and learned how to set up the car to get it to do what I wanted.” The WISSOTA Modified Class is a considerably faster class. “I mostly race in Fer-

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gus Falls and Alexandria, but I’ll also go to Willmar occasionally and usually down to Rochester once in September,” Gerdes said. For the Gerdes family, racing involves everyone. Brady’s father, Chad, and Ryan, along with friends and his fiancé, Peyton Horn, complete the pit crew. “It’s a fun hobby the whole family can do together,” Gerdes said. He also has a sizable fan club, with grandparents, parents, aunts and his sister showing up most weekends to cheer him on. “I think we all enjoy it,” he said. “I know I appreciate having them there.” Gerdes is thankful to have a strong support system, and realizes his passion is not achievable on his own. “I wouldn’t be able to do this hobby without the support of my family and great sponsors,” he said. It is also beneficial that Gerdes is involved in the family business, Villard Implement, where he works as a mechanic. “That’s definitely a perk because I have space to work on my car and the tools I need,” he said. Racing takes a lot of time and commitment, and a lot of behind-thescenes work. “It takes a lot more than showing up at the track every week,” Gerdes said. “Racing is probably 70% preparation. You have to be confident that

Gerdes relishes racing championship

PHOTO BY DANNA SABOLIK

Brady Gerdes won the 2019 summer season WISSOTA Modified points total with 1,314 points. Gerdes races in Fergus Falls and Alexandria on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer.

your car will perform so you can do your best out there. Then, it’s up to you to finish it off.” The maintenance to keep up a racecar also takes dedication, and Gerdes dedicates two hours every day, sometimes more, to keep his car in shape. “Mid-year we had a wreck and I had to take a day off work and go to Wisconsin to get it fixed,” Gerdes said. “In some cases, it’s quite a few hours of work.” PHOTO SUBMITTED

GERDES continued on page 15

Brady Gerdes spends weekend evenings in the summer racing a Modified WISSOTA car on tracks in Fergus Falls and Alexandria. Gerdes, 25, is a veteran racer and has been racing for over 13 years.

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Friday, September 20, 2019 - Country Acres • Page 15 GERDES continued from page 14

When it comes to modifying his car, less is more. “It’s about little tweaks and adjustments just the right way to make the car do what you want,” Gerdes said. “It takes just a little at a time so you know what to blame if things go wrong.” Gerdes’ goals for next

year are pretty simple: keep winning. “I’d like to be able to compete in the national circuit for points total,” he said. “One year I placed eighth and this year I’ll be close to that if I finish strong.” Generally, racing season runs from the first weekend in May through

the first weekend in October. In the off season, Gerdes travels to Kansas in March for a race, and fills his time working on his car and ice fishing when he can. But, nothing compares to the feeling he gets right before a race on a warm summer night.

PHOTO BY DANNA SABOLIK

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Brady Gerdes wins the 2019 WISSOTA Modified racing points total Aug. 24 at the Viking Speedway in Alexandria.

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Friday, September 20, 2019 - Country Acres • Page 17

Raising cattle, kids naturally Beckers find niche with small, grass-fed cattle By DANNA SABOLIK Staff Writer

LONG PRAIRIE – Gerard and Kim Becker wanted a farm to call home. In 1999, they had the opportunity to buy a site near Long Prairie, Minn. Over the years they have raised nine children on the farm, and are focused on a natural lifestyle – something they are also implementing in their farming practices. The Beckers raise Irish Dexter cattle, a small bovine about one-third the size of a Holstein milking cow. The breed is known to be a dual-purpose animal, and can be raised for beef or milk production. The herd of 80 head – from calves to 14-yearolds – occupy the pasture behind the Beckers’ farmhouse. A Dexter cow is about half the size of a typical Hereford beef cow. The breed appealed to Gerard when he was looking into

farming with his family. “I wanted to provide the best for my children,” Kim said. “To me, that meant providing them with space to run, good food and fresh air.” Gerard grew up on a dairy farm near Rogers, Minn. while his wife, Kim, is from New Hope, Minn. The couple knew they wanted to raise their family in the country, and ideally, on a farm. “I let Gerard take lead on that,” Kim said. “I wanted to live on a farm because I loved visiting my aunt and uncle who had a farm while I was growing up. Gerard grew up on a dairy so I let him choose the cattle.” After considerable research, Gerard was drawn to the breed for the health benefits unique to their milk. While they have a lower milk yield than a traditional dairy cow, the animals will typically give over 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per day. Dexters produce a

ALL PHOTOS BY DANNA SABOLIK

Kim and Gerard Becker raise 80 head of Irish Dexter cattle on their farm near Long Prairie, Minn. The Beckers have been raising the cattle on a grass-based diet for more than 15 years.

rich milk, relatively high in butterfat at 4%. Dexter cattle are extremely hardy, efficient grazers on any land. Gerard feeds his Dexters hay and allows them to graze when the weather permits. “I think it’s the most

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Page 18 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019 BECKER continued from page 17

chased two yearlings and a heifer calf. From there, he borrowed a bull and has grown the herd size to 80 head. The Irish Dexter cow is still considered a rare breed, but is growing in population in numerous countries, including the United States. “They were ideal for the Irish small land holder with five acres or so,” Gerard said. “They lived simply and had enough land for a garden, small orchard and pasture for hay or a small cow. The Dexters worked well as a household cow.” Due to their small frame, the animals are easy to manage and maintain. “They do great on a 100% forage diet,” Gerard said. “They are also good mothers, calve easily and produce nutrient-dense milk.” The Beckers milked the cows, but ultimately switched to beef production when a daughter developed considerable health challenges. “It was a lot of work and commitment,” Gerard said. “Now, we can manage a bit more handsoff and still have the cows here.” Today, they sell breeding stock as well as

grass fed beef. “Most of our customers are from larger population areas, like the Twin Cities,” Gerard said. “Around here, a lot of people raise their own beef or know someone who does, so we find there’s more of a demand in highly populated places.” There is a benefit to the niche of a grass-fed product. “Our customers like that,” Gerard said. “I think for us to stay relevant; we need to specialize in something.” There is more natural marbling in a Dexter cow, and the meat is packed with high Omega 3’s, re-

sulting in a leaner cut than the typical beef selection found in most supermarkets. Everything the Beckers feed the cattle is nonGMO and all forage is grown without herbicides or pesticides. They also do not treat with antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. “I don’t have to treat them very often,” Gerard said. “I think that’s due to the way we manage our farm.” Gerard is responsible for most of the dayto-day chores, as most of his children are out of the house. The Becker children range from 14 to 31

BECKER continued on page 19

Above: Gerard Becker overlooks his herd of Irish Dexters Sept. 4 on his farm near Long Prairie, Minn. Dexter cattle are about one-third the size of an angus beef cow. The smaller breed produces a richly marbled cut. Left: The Beckers’ Dexter cattle are raised on a grass-based diet, which they convert efficiently and produce a well-marbled cut of beef. Dexters are also desired for their docile demeanor.

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years old. “When I need someone to help with gates or hay, they will help,” Gerard said. “For the most part it’s pretty manageable.” Gerard works off the farm full-time as a seed representative for Byron Seed for the income and benefits. He treats his cattle business as side income, and hopes to continue into retirement. Kim stayed home to raise the kids and homeschool but in the past few years has worked as a home health aide in Sauk

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Friday, September 20, 2019 - Country Acres • Page 19 BECKER continued from page 18 we are helping provide to people who want a naturally raised product but are unable to do it on their own,” he said. As for marketing his beef, he continues to sell to a customer base in the Twin Cities, but is looking to supplement with local sales. “My base is slowly growing,” Gerard said. “I have a Facebook page and also a sign in Everybody’s Market in Long Prairie.” The smaller size of the cattle make it less daunting for customers to purchase half a cow,

which is a benefit to the Beckers. As their children grow up and leave home, Gerard and Kim are proud to have provided their desired lifestyle to their farming family, with a small side of beef.

Right: Gerard Becker grows hay on the remaining acreage of his farm near Long Prairie, Minn. to maintain the cattle’s grass-based diet throughout winter. The cattle also graze the field twice a year.

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Page 20 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

WHAT'S THIS? This is a memorial wreath made out of human hair in the mid 1800s, on display last spring at Long Lake Antiques near Willmar. According to the Everhart Museum of Natural History, “During the Victorian era, the custom of making art from hair became popular as a form of artistic memorial…To make a hair wreath, hair was collected from the deceased, formed into a shape (usually a flower), and added to a horseshoe-shaped wreath. The top was not connected and remained open to symbolize the ascent heavenward. Usually, the hair in the center of the wreath belonged to the most recently deceased family member; it would remain until another family member died, then be pushed aside to make room for the hair of the newly deceased.”

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Friday, September 20, 2019 - Country Acres • Page 21

COUNTRY COOKING

Apple Goodie • 3 heaping cups apples, sliced • 3/4 cup white sugar

• 1 heaping Tbsp. flour • Cinnamon to taste

Mix apples with sugar; add flour and cinnamon and mix together. Place in greased 8x10 inch pan. Topping: • 3/4 cup quick-cooking oatmeal • 3/4 cup flour • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Recipes submitted by

SHIRLEY BOYSEN

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder • Dash of salt • 1/3 cup butter, softened OR 1/2 cup shortening

Mix up with a pastry blender until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until golden brown. Add pecan or walnut pieces on top (optional). Serve with ice cream.

Farwell Pope County Fresh Apple Salad

Apple Pie Filling

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, juice drained and reserved • 1/4 cup butter • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch • 2 Tbsp. water

• 1 cup mayonnaise • 8 cups tart red apples, chopped, unpeeled • 2 cups seedless green grapes • 1 to 2 tsp. poppy seeds • 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans

• 5 1/2 to 6 pounds tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced • 4 1/2 cups sugar • 1 cup cornstarch • 8 cups water

• • • •

2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Blend first five ingredients. Stir in water. Cook, stirring constantly until thick and bubbly. Add lemon juice. Pour hot syrup over apples. Pack into hot, clean jars using a knife to remove air bubbles. Fill to 1/2 inch from top of jar. Seal. Process quarts 20 minutes in a hot water bath. Makes 5-6 quarts.

In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, butter, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water to make a smooth paste; add to the hot mixture, cook until thick and smooth. Chill completely. Stir in mayonnaise. Combine pineapple, apples, grapes and poppy seeds in a large glass bowl. Stir in dressing. Refrigerate until time to serve. Stir in pecans just before serving. Makes 16 servings.

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Apple Cream Coffee Cake 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour

• • • • •

Put in a greased 8x10 inch pan. Top with same topping as Apple Goodie recipe – see recipe above. Pecans or walnuts are optional. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream 1 medium apple, peeled and thinly sliced

Combine nuts, cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter; gradually add remaining sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Spread half of the batter in a well-greased 10-inch tube pan with a removable bottom. Top with apple slices; sprinkle with half of the nut mixture. Top with remaining batter, then remaining nut mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Remove from oven; let stand 30 minutes. Loosen sides of cake; lift cake with removable bottom from pan. Cool. Before serving, carefully lift cake from pan. Makes 12-16 servings.

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Page 22 • Country Acres - Friday, September 20, 2019

Plane conversation Three generations of Jencs fly as a family

By HERMAN LENSING much a part of the family since 1976 when Ken, the Staff Writer father of Steve and grandfather of Austin, started SAUK CENTRE – flying. His interest in getThere is no doubt that ting into the air started well both Ken and Steve Jenc before that, at a country are proud of having a school north of Sauk Centhird-generation pilot in tre. “There was a library their family. While a high point, it was not the only there. It was small, about high point of that week for four feet high and four feet wide. In that library was Austin Jenc. “On his 16th birthday, a book about airplanes,” he soloed, and the next day said Ken. “I memorized he got his driver’s license,” that book and said one day, ‘I’m going to learn how to said Steve. On Nov. 14, 2018 fly,’ and it happened.” Ken purchased the first 16-year-old Austin Jenc of Alexandria soloed in an of his two planes in 1978. He had rented planes, but airplane. “Per the FAA (Federal finally decided to get his Aviation Administration) own. “I was kind of in and requirements, you can solo on your 16th birthday,” out before that,” Ken said. said Steven, his father. “I was renting airplanes “FAA regulations state that from a flying club, but that to be a pilot, you have to be did not work. It is expen17 years of age to take your sive.” He purchased a Cessna checkride (known as your flight test) for your pri- 152 single engine plane. vate pilot’s license, which The two-seat is a general at that time you can carry aviation airplane designed for flight training, tourpassengers.” Despite some nervous- ing and personal use. It is ness and anxieties, Austin among the most popular successfully completed the planes with private owners requirements and safely for a reason. “A lot [of people] call landed the plane – always a component of a successful them trainers, but I still flight. When he received like the 152 after flying it his solo license, he was for over 40 years,” he said. continuing a family tradi- “I’ve flown it in Minnesota, on fishing trips to Canada, tion. “I was always flying to Nebraska. The farthest with dad and grandpa,” I’ve flown is to Ohio.” The flights have been said Austin. Flying has been pretty primarily for recreation

PHOTOS BY HERMAN LENSING

The three generations of Jenc pilots are Ken (from left), his son, Steve, and Steve’s son, Austin. All three were at Sauk Centre Municipal Airport Aug. 28. Steve and Austin flew in on the plane behind them.

and to visit family and friends. That airplane, however, is part the family culture. Steve would like to explore the possibility of flying commercially. “I was a five-yearold when dad bought that plane,” said Steve. “I like the freedom. You can go pretty much anywhere. There are some restrictions and regulations in certain air spaces.” Flying has not led to a disconnection with the family’s rural roots. Ken and his wife, Delores, still farm near Elrosa. Steve is involved in agriculture as a Corporate Service Support Manager through his job with Midwest Machinery Co., a John Deere deal-

ership group throughout Central Minnesota. Austin is a member of the FFA at Alexandria High School. The flights have also kept them connected as a family. On Aug. 28 the three generations gathered at Sauk Centre Municipal Airport. Steve and Austin flew in from Alexandria – a flight of eight minutes with a westerly tail wind. “It will take longer getting back,” said Steve. Still, to earn that sense of freedom requires work, and not just time in the airplane. Flying is governed by the FAA, and knowledge of their requirements and regulations is needed to earn a pilot license. “That (the written FAA

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test) was the hardest thing I ever studied for,” said Ken. “I think I memorized that book. I passed the first time, but not with 100 percent.” Safety is stressed by the FAA regulations. Before each flight the pilot is required to do a preflight inspection of the airplane, which generally takes about 10 minutes. There is also one hard and fast rule about flying that should not be ignored. “Know your limits and don’t exceed them,” said Ken. “If you get into bad weather and you are at your limits, you make a 180 and get right back out.” Another lesson Ken and Steve have passed on to Austin is that nobody ever finishes learning about flying. Ken had that pointed out to him the day he earned his license. “Harold ‘Hap’ Chandler gave me my license,”

said Ken. “Alexandria’s Chandler field is named after him. He told me the license was a license to learn about flying. No truer words were ever spoken.” The lessons come almost every flight, and the Jencs have made many flights. Steve owns a Mooney 201, a four-seat, low-wing, single-engine piston airplane with retractable landing gear. He purchased the plane, his second, about a year-anda-half ago. An attraction for him was that he could fly it by IFR (instrument flight rules) – meaning he does not have to see the land he is flying over, it’s flying solely off instruments with no visual references outside the airplane. “You can fly in weather or clouds solely off of instruments,” said Steve. “I

JENCS continued on page 23

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made a trip to Duluth mainly by flying IFR. When we came out of clouds at about 800 feet above the ground, the runway was right straight ahead of me.â&#x20AC;? Steve made a flight to Duluth Aug. 24 to pick-up his wife, Lynn. Lynn had driven to Duluth to bring their daughter, who is attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth, back to college after being home for the summer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I flew there to pick her (Lynn) up. It took about 55 minutes to get to Duluth,â&#x20AC;? Steve said. The Mooney owned by Steve is known for its speed. It was the first single-engine plane to be clocked at 200 mph. Steve may not have reached that speed, but he does know the plane is fast. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are known as a hard plane to slow down because they are so aerodynamic,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I came [to Sauk Centre, Aug. 24], I had to power back six miles from the airport to get the airplane slowed down and configured for landing.â&#x20AC;? Among the most difficult planes for them to fly are tail-wheeled airplanes. Those are planes with a wheel in the back under the tail of the airplane vs. the wheel under the nose of the airplane. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your center of grav-

ity changes,â&#x20AC;? said Steve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost like pushing a wheelbarrow backwards. It takes a lot of rudder and stick inputs to keep the airplane centered on the runway and coordinated in the air.â&#x20AC;? Ken laughed at the description. He also felt it was a pretty true assessment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that very well. I also own a tailwheeled,â&#x20AC;? said Ken. That is a Piper Super Cub. It has earned a reputation as workhorse plane. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a fun plane to fly, it is all stick and rudder control,â&#x20AC;? said Steve. Austin opted to use the Cessna 152 when he was learning to fly and took his solo flight. Ken had no doubt Austin would do well in the flight. Even before he soloed, Ken and Austin flew the plane. When the Jencs and others had flown to Superior, Wis., for breakfast, Ken told Austin to fly them back to Alexandria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had no problem. He was with me because he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it alone at that time, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch the yoke (control wheel) until we reached Alexandria,â&#x20AC;? Ken said. Because of wind direction, they had to fly over the town to land, creating a steep approach. Ken felt it was better if he landed the

plane. Wind direction, weather fronts, climate, all vary on every flight. It is part of the learning curve of flying. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thrill of flying is always the same, but no two flights are ever the same,â&#x20AC;? said Steve. Because there are hazards in flying, pilots are required to be recertified every two years, and planes must pass an annual inspection. Like any hobby or interest, there is a financial output. A starter plane can cost between $30,000 and $75,000. There are also lessons, maintenance costs and fuel outlays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people have their motorcycles, some have cabins, some have snowmobiles,â&#x20AC;? said Ken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ours is airplanes.â&#x20AC;? One thing all three would like to see, is more young people getting involved in flying. The num-

ber of young people is dwindling. Steve pointed out that a major obstacle is one that Austin did not face. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had access to airplanes,â&#x20AC;? said Steve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting your license costs a lot and takes a lot time. The AOPA (Aircraft Pilots and Owners Association) and the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) have grants and programs available to help young people get into flying. If an applicant is chosen to receive the grant, the money can be used to help cover the costs of airplane rent, insurance, lessons, fuel and other costs.â&#x20AC;?

Austin Jenc soloed in his grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cessna 152, earning his solo pilot license. He received his solo pilot license before his driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. FAA regulations state that to be a pilot one must be 17 years of age to take a check ride (the flight test) for a private pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license.

For Steve Jenc, one of the attractions of his Mooney 201 is the panel with the instruments that can be used for flight by instruments in cloudy or bad weather. His flight from Alexandria to Sauk Centre Aug. 28 was about eight minutes.

The three airplanes of the Jenc family (from left) Piper Super Cub, Mooney 201 and the Cessna 152, each have their own attractions. The Piper and Cessna are owned by Ken Jenc, the Mooney is owned by Steve Jenc.

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