Benton Ag Plus - April 3, 2021

BENTON AG Plus

Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, April 3, 2021

Volunteers wanted for flow meter study

Egg picking at

The Plaid Chicken Hillman woman raises chickens, quail HILLMAN – The Plaid Chicken has hatched in Hillman. On a farm northeast of Gotvald Implement, egg layers are keeping Ashley Peterson’s basket full.

The Hillman native and 2009 Milaca High School graduate raises chickens on the family farm of her boyfriend, Aaron Zajac. Peterson also raises quail, small game birds that lay speckled eggs.

Peterson, who grew up five minutes down the road, was introduced to raising chickens last summer while she was temporarily laid off

from her full-time job as a hair stylist due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She and Zajac started with nine chickens and soon realized the hens were laying more eggs than they could use.

“They just piled up in the fridge so fast; we didn’t know what to do with them,” Peterson said. “You can only eat bacon and eggs for breakfast so many times a week.”

Not wanting the eggs to go to waste, Peterson decided to sell them.

Calling herself the Egg Lady, Peterson began selling eggs at the Milaca Farmers Market and Boutique.

Inspired by buffalo-plaid décor inside the couple’s fish house, she renamed her agribusiness The Plaid Chicken.

The Plaid Chicken page 2B

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

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Peterson holds a Rhode Island Red chicken March 31 in rural Hillman. Peterson keeps 26 chickens on the Zajac farm. A quail moseys around a coop at The Plaid Chicken farm in rural Hillman March 31.

Quail eggs, though smaller, are similar to chicken eggs in shape and taste.

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ST. PAUL – Over the last two years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has worked with irrigators in Little Rock Creek watershed and found more often than not pumps are not producing as much water as they were initially. The result was that on average irrigators were reporting more water than was actually used. The DNR aims to help irrigators better understand their water use and improve water volume estimates to support their business and agronomic decisions.

The DNR is offering a limited number of agricultural irrigators with center pivot irrigation systems an opportunity to place temporary water flow meters onto their irrigation systems’ pipe.

If selected, the DNR will attach a water flow meter for up to five months during the 2021 irrigation season. This is a service and has no cost to volunteer irrigators. The DNR will measure systems’ water use, pumping rate and pumping time using hydro-acoustic technology. All equipment will be installed and removed by the DNR. Little Rock Creek page 3B

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Page 2B | SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Little Rock Creek

Tri-county corn, soybean yields

from page 1B

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Little Rock Creek watershed is found in southern Morrison and Benton counties, surrounding Little Rock Creek. Center-pivot irrigators in the watershed are sought for a flow meter study administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The National Ag Statistics Service released 50.9 bushels per acre for soybean, both which the crop yield estimates for various crops from are up from 2019. The statewide estimate corn 2020. I like to look at these statistics every year yield was 192 bushels per acre and 49 bushels to give myself an idea of what the potential per acre for soybean in 2020. trends look like for yields in the area. NASS When looking at the yield data from the past also has last year’s estimated yields for a vari10 years, it is clear there is variation in yields ety of other crops including barley and wheat if from year to year for both crops. While weather there is interest in those crops. is usually the most significant yield factor, the Last year looked good throughout the trieffect of best management practices cannot be county area. Early planting helped push yields excluded from this calculation. These practices University of higher throughout the region. Temperatures include nutrient management, weed control, and rainfall seemed to be timely and appropri- MN Extension irrigation, improved drainage, tillage manageate throughout the season. We did see some by Nathan Drewitz ment and proper hybrid selection, among other issues with sudden death syndrome and soypractices, that help get the most out of improved bean cyst nematodes in soybean, and spider mites were crop genetics. It is also important to remember that while reported throughout the southern sections of Stearns and higher yields usually mean greater returns, keep yield exBenton counties. However, despite these issues, yields for pectations realistic. As always, consider what inputs your both corn and soybean were up across the board. money is going toward and the probability of seeing a 2020 estimated corn yield for Benton County was 187.1 good return on investment. bushels per acre which is up from 2019. Soybean yield in All the yield data can be found by doing an internet Benton County was 51.7 bushels per acre, up from the search for “Minnesota Ag Statistics County Estimates” last estimated value in 2018. For Stearns County, corn and looking for the link to the NASS website. If you have yield was estimated at 187.3 bushels per acre, and soy- questions on the above information, contact me at ndrebean yield was estimated at 50.3 bushels per acre in 2020. witz@umn.edu or 608-515-4414.

Both values are up from 2019 with estimated corn yield To receive future events, educational programming being the highest and estimated soybean yield being the and agronomic updates by email, register at z.umn.edu/ second highest over the last 10 years. Morrison County tricountysignup.

Drewitz page 5B yields in 2020 were 178.1 bushels per acre for corn and

Participants will be asked to describe how they normally record and calculate water use volumes. The results of the measured water use volume will be compared to the irrigators’ estimated water use volume over the same period of time in a double-blind study.

Those interested in participating in the study can contact Steve Labuz at 651-539-2114 or stephen.labuz@state.mn.us. Contact the DNR by April 16 to determine spring placement eligibility. If there is high demand, the meters may be moved to other irrigation systems in mid-summer. For summer placement, contact the DNR by June 15.

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The Plaid Chicken from page 1B

Peterson’s operation has grown to 26 chickens, including a rooster named Blue who lives with nine hens in a coop inside Zajac’s cattle barn.

She has nine quail in another coop behind their house. Housed with the rest of the chickens, they can see one another but are separated by wire.

Peterson is back working full-time in a salon in Coon Rapids, but chicken chores continue to be part of her daily routine.

“It’s an interesting lifestyle, and I’ve learned a lot in the past y e a r

and a half,” said Peterson, who grew up in the country but not with farm animals.

From the nine hens that are currently laying eggs, she has been picking two to three dozen eggs each week. By summer, she hopes to collect several more. Last summer, she collected 15 dozen eggs every one to two weeks.

Reminiscent of candy-coated malted milk balls at Easter, Peterson’s quail eggs are cream-colored with darkbrown spots and speckles splashed all over the shells.

“They’re very pretty,” Peterson said of quail eggs, which are about three times smaller than a chicken egg.

Though small, the quail eggs are shaped the same and taste the same as their counterpart.

When cooking with quail eggs, Peterson said you need three quail eggs for every one chicken egg you would typically use.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2021 | Page 3B

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

(Above) Ashley Peterson picks an egg from the coop at The Plaid Chicken in rural Hillman March 31. Peterson raises chickens and quail on the family farm of her boyfriend, Aaron Zajac. (Inset) Quail eggs, collected by Ashley Peterson of Hillman, fill an ice cream pail. Creamcolored with dark-brown spots and speckles splashed all over the shells, they look vastly different from Peterson’s brown chicken eggs.

Peterson’s quail lay just as many or more eggs as her chickens.

She originally had more than 100 quail but has since downsized.

“They laid a lot of eggs,” Peterson said.

Considering they are a game bird, quail are fairly tame, Peterson said. Quail are considered full-grown at 6 weeks and can begin laying eggs at 8 weeks,

(Left) Ashley Peterson holds a chick March 31 that recently hatched at The Plaid Chicken in rural Hillman. More chicks are expected to hatch soon.

compared to about 24 weeks for chickens.

Peterson raises Coturnix quail, which are more calm than other breeds, she said. Between the size of a songbird and a crow, they have mottled brown, white and gray feathers and are the preferred breed for farmers and homesteaders looking to raise quail for eggs or meat.

Quail’s alternative to poultry enticed Peterson to raise them and sell their

eggs as a niche offering at the farmers market. She was also used to eating quail eggs. Asian cuisine, one of her favorites, is frequently made with quail eggs, she said.

The busy laying season for both chickens and quail is between May and August when there is more sunshine.

“They like their light,” Peters o n said.

The b i r d s lay the least eggs between October and early March. When the chickens and quail are on what Peterson calls winter lay-egging strike, she gets to work on other products. The Plaid Chicken also produces maple syrup, apple butter, quilts and throw blankets.

Peterson enjoys being outside and interacting with the livestock. A few of the chick- ens have

names.

Blue the Rooster has slate blue feathers. Turkey is a chicken with sharplydefined barred black and white feathers. Brownie is another chicken named for its color. Cream-colored and Rhode Island Red chickens also make their home on the farm.

“We have a good barnyard mix,” Peterson said.

Two of Peterson’s chickens were raised by a family with children and vie for her attention.

“When you walk into the coop, they’ll come up to you and wait for you to pet them,” she said.

She has two new chicks and soon to be more. With the hens and roosters having such vast color differences, she is looking forward to seeing what the chicks’ colors will be.

Peterson will return to the Milaca Farmers Market and Boutique with her eggs May 27.

(Right) Blue rules the roost with his slate blue plumage at The Plaid Chicken March 31 in rural Hillman. He lives with nine hens in Peterson’s chicken coop.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2021 | Page 5B

Friendship founded on dairy

Produce farmers asked to complete annual questionnaire

Farmer, milk hauler continue lasting careers in parallel paths

Survey helps gather information on expanding sector

BY ANDREA BORGERDING STAFF WRITER

PRINCETON – They say if you love what you do, you do not work a day in your life.

That can be said for two men who have worked within the dairy industry for most of their lifetimes.

Not the same career but aligned career paths brought dairyman Richard Reiman and milk truck driver Jim Skogquist together in a working relationship – and eventual friendship – that has held steadfast through the years.

“Richard was on my first milk route of 18 dairy farms when I started hauling milk in March 1980,” Skogquist said.

“He is the only one left on my original route.”

Reiman took over the family farm near Princeton in 1978. The dairy includes a 50-cow tiestall barn and cropland. Reiman previously milked in a step-up parlor for a few years when his cow numbers grew to 75. Today, Reiman’s daughter, Kristen, and her husband, Thomas Duden, own the farm as the fourth generation.

Reiman continues to work on the farm, milking 40 cows and completing daily chores.

In 1980, Skogquist was just steps away from beginning his own career as a dairy farmer.

Skogquist later withdrew his farm loan application. Weeks later he found himself with his own milk route, hauling milk for Cloverleaf in Minneapolis.

“One thing led to another,” Skogquist said.

“I like dairy farming. I grew up with it, and by hauling, I was able to be around it.”

That was also the year Skogquist began his every other day milk pick up at the Reiman dairy farm.

With common interests in dairying and farming, Skogquist and Reiman quickly developed a lasting relationship.

“It’s like when you meet someone and you find out what type of person he is, I knew Jim

PHOTOS BY ANDREA BORGERDING

Richard Reiman (left) and Jim Skogquist visit in the milkhouse March 4 at the Reiman family’s dairy near Princeton. Reiman milks 40 cows now owned by his daughter, Kristen, and her husband, Thomas Duden.

morning.”

At 8:30 a.m., Skogquist backs his semitrailer into the quartermile long driveway.

While the milk is loaded onto the truck, the two men catch up for a few minutes in the milkhouse.

“I’ve enjoyed a lot of different conversations with farmers over the yea s, Skogquist said. years,” dif “All different subjects. I have an interest in farmi easy for me to ing so it’s Jim Skogquist (left) and wit them.” talk with Richard Reiman stand tand A 63, Skogquist At together at the Reiman man con continues filling in family’s dairy March 4 near ar fo for drivers three Princeton. Reiman wass “The relationship d days a week. The on Skogquist’s original s schedule works worked. We found milk route when he well for him to began hauling milk 41 something in enjoy time off years ago. but also continue common, and d doing something we often worked h enjoys. he together.” was the type of person “I’m going to you want to be around,”” kee keep doing it for a - Richard Reiman Reiman said. while yet,” Skogquist Skogquist was surrsaid. “I don’t know how prised one day shortly ly long bu but as long as my after starting hauling hhealth l h iis good. I would Reiman’s milk that they sold his milk truck and miss it if I didn’t.” shared a connection. began a construction At 67, Reiman, Skogquist attended the company. At the same too, intends to continue same 4-H group as Rei- time, Reiman transi- farming for as long as he man’s wife, Margaret. tioned to producing or- is able.

He had not seen her ganic milk requiring a “They say don’t do since they were 14 years different milk hauler. anything different when But in 2012, Sk- you retire,” Reiman said. old.

“I saw her at the ogquist found himself “It’s easy for me to say farm one day and I was filling in for the local as I have something I kind of shocked to see milk hauler and once can keep doing as long her,” Skogquist said. “I again began visiting the as my daughter needs stopped and reminisced Reiman farm every other me to milk cows and my day. with her.” knees keep working.”

“I went back to sellIn 1995, Skogquist Long, enjoyable camoved to the Princeton ing conventional milk reers have carried both area where he purchased and Jim happened to be Reiman and Skogquist cropland and raises corn hauling milk in the area through many ups and and soybeans. Farming for First District,” Rei- downs in life – all while in the same area brought man said. building a lasting friendSkogquist was ship with each other. him and Reiman even closer through sharing pleased to once again be Although neither equipment and helping stopping at the Reimans’ Reiman nor Skogquist each other with farming farm. plan to retire soon, they “It just happened both know they will tasks.

“The relationship that I was hauling for keep in touch even withworked,” Reiman said. First District and Rich- out the visit in the milk“We found something in ard’s neighbor was sell- house. common, and we often ing to First District too,” Skogquist said. “Richard worked together.”

In 2001, Skogquist is my first stop in the

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is urging all Minnesota produce farmers to fill out the 2021 Grower Questionnaire. Produce farmers are asked to complete the questionnaire annually to determine how the federal Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule applies to their operation and what steps they must take to comply with safety regulations which are based on several factors including sales outlets and volume.

By completing the questionnaire, farmers receive official notice from the MDA Produce Safety Program regarding their farm’s requirements, as well as get information about trainings and general on-farm produce safety. While participation in this questionnaire is voluntary, farmers who opt out will be contacted by the MDA to determine the farm’s regulatory status under the Produce Safety Rule.

Data collected from the annual questionnaire provides the MDA with a more accurate assessment of Minnesota’s expanding produce farming sector including the number of farms and annual sales. This information also assists the MDA in developing resources to meet the needs of produce farmers.

Data collected from approximately one third of the state’s estimated total number of produce farms has verified that Minnesota has at least 80,000 acres dedicated to produce production, at least $39,000,000 in annual produce sales and more than 1,600 produce growers.

The privacy of questionnaire respondents is safeguarded; farm contact and location information are classified as private or nonpublic data.

The 2021 MDA Grower Questionnaire is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/producesafety.

Farmers can contact the MDA Produce Safety Program at 651-539-3648 or email producesafety. mda@state.mn.us for more information.

Drewitz from page 2B