BENTON AG Plus
SERVING RURAL BENTON, MORRISON, MILLE LACS AND KANABEC COUNTIES
Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, July 3, 2021
Nominations open for 2021 county committee elections
Sweet
summer time
Farm Service Agency News
The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency encourages all farmers, ranchers and FSA program participants to take part in the Benton and Mille Lacs counties committee election nomination process. County committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs. Committees are comprised of locally-elected agricultural producers responsible for the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs.
Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag
Elections page 3B
John Svihel holds two Personal variety watermelons, which will grow to 3-5 pounds, June 26 at his farm in rural Duelm. Svihel and his wife, Julie, own and operate Svihel Vegetable Farm with help from their 100-plus employees.
Watermelons are one product of Svihel Vegetable Farm BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER
DUELM – Red, white and blue may be the colors of the Fourth of July, but when it comes to the potluck spread of summer, some may be looking for the perfect pink. Watermelon is a summertime favorite of those living in the United States. During the months of June, July and August, it appears printed on clothing, patio tablecloths and disposable napkins – not to mention in the fridge. In 2019, Americans consumed an average of 15.4 pounds per capita, according to
of consumption in the United States. Four states – Florida, Georgia, Texas and California – produce 80%, or 2.96 billion pounds, of U.S. watermelons. Yet, not all watermelons come from outstate. Enter John and Julie Svihel. The owners of Svihel VegA pipe from a center pivot carries water to connecting driplines June etable Farm, just east of Duelm, 26 at the 100-acre watermelon field on Svihel Vegetable Farm in rural grow seeded and seedless waDuelm. Melons are watered with dripline on raised beds to prevent termelon plants with help from standing water from inciting disease in the vine crops. their 100-plus employees. the United States Department for the vine plant, imports have of Agriculture. increased, but domestic waterSvihel page 2B With year-round demand melons remain the main source
Used Hay Equipment BA-26-1-B-BL
by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties
PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER
Kuhn GF 222T Tedder Demo Unit -
$3,200
JD 446 round baler
$7,900
WE SELL ASSORTED MODELS OF SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS!
FLUEGGE’S AG
ROD FLUEGGE “the boss” 2040 Mahogany St., Mora, MN 320-679-2981
1960-2021 Celebrating 61 years!
Farm Material Handling Specialist WWW.FLUEGGESAG.COM