Benton Ag Plus - August 7, 2021

BENTON AG Plus

SERVING RURAL BENTON, MORRISON, MILLE LACS AND KANABEC COUNTIES

Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, August 7, 2021

Hacketts take home top

Drought assistance: Apply for livestock 4-H’ers raise forage losses Simmental cattle

showmanship honors

between Sauk Rapids, Foley

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

by Ryan Brunn, executive director for Benton and Mille Lacs counties

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Producers in Benton and Mille Lacs counties are eligible to apply for 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program bene ts on native pasture and improved pasture.

LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately-owned or cash-leased land or re on federally managed land.

County committees can only accept LFP applications after noti cation is received by the national of ce of qualifying drought or if a federal agency prohibits producers from grazing normal permitted livestock on federally managed lands due to qualifying re.

Drought page 2B

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Leighton (left) and Nolan Hackett hold purple ribbons they won at the 4-H Beef Show Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. The siblings, who live between Sauk Rapids and Foley, were each selected champion of their respective beef showmanship classes.

of Cathedral High School in St. Cloud.

Nolan, who will be an eighth-grader at Foley Intermediate School this fall, said the hard work paid off.

The Hackett siblings are members of the Elk River Critters 4-H Club. Their family raises 60 purebred Simmental cattle on their farm between Sauk Rapids and Foley.

Both Leighton and Nolan

have been active in 4-H since age 9. Participation is a family tradition – one they feel is important to carry on. Their parents, Kevin and Shannon, were both in 4-H and met while showing animals at the Minnesota State Fair.

Leighton has been showing Simmental cattle at the Benton County Fair and other beef shows across the state for 11 years. She has also exhibited

Hacketts page 2B

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sheep and pigs.

Nolan has been showing Simmental cattle at Benton County and across the state for six years. Like his sister, he has also exhibited sheep and pigs.

The Hacketts primarily show heifers. Sometimes, they show steers or cow/calf pairs as Leighton did this year.

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Farm Service Agency News

SAUK RAPIDS – Two champions from the 4-H Beef Show know each other quite well.

They are siblings.

Leighton and Nolan Hackett were each selected champion of their respective beef showmanship classes Aug. 3 at the Benton County Fair.

Leighton is champion of the senior beef showmanship division, open to all exhibitors in grades 9 and above. Her younger brother, Nolan, is champion of the intermediate beef showmanship division, open to all exhibitors in grades 6-8.

Leighton showed her 7-year-old beef cow. Nolan showed his spring calf, born in January.

The seasoned exhibitors were excited to celebrate their wins with family.

“I appreciate it because it makes me appreciate the work I put in and all the late nights I spent at the barn preparing,” said Leighton, a 2021 graduate

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Page 2B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BENTON AG

Hacketts

Drought from page 1B

from page 1B

You must complete a CCC-853 and the required supporting documentation to receive bene ts for 2021 losses. Supporting documentation include a crop acreage report for all grazing land and written leases that show grazing rights from any rented pasture.

For additional information about LFP, including eligible livestock and re criteria, contact your Benton-Mille Lacs County United States Department of Agriculture Service Center at 320-968-5300, Ext. 2 or visit fsa.usda.gov.

USDA announces changes to emergency haying, grazing provisions The USDA Farm Service Agency announced changes for emergency haying and grazing use of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program Aug. 5. This includes changes outlined in the 2018 farm bill that streamlines the authorization process for farmers and ranchers.

Drought conditions are tough for our livestock producers, but emergency haying and grazing use of CRP acres provides temporary relief to these producers. Thanks to a streamlined authorization process, Minnesota producers will be able to more quickly obtain emergency use approval to begin emergency haying or grazing of CRP acres.

Previously, emergency haying and grazing requests originated with FSA at the county level and required state and national level approval. Now approval will be based on drought severity as determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

To date, Benton and Mille Lacs counties have triggered eligibility for emergency haying and grazing on CRP acres. Producers are eligible for emergency haying and grazing on all eligible acres with no payment reduction.

Benton and Mille Lacs counties have triggered for LFP payments based on the U.S. Drought Monitor and may hay only certain practices on less than 50% of eligible contract acres. Producers should contact the FSA county of ce for eligible CRP practices.

If interested in emergency haying or grazing, contact 320-968-5300, Ext. 2 as paperwork needs to be completed to ensure the correct acreage and practices are hayed to avoid compliance issues.

“It’s fun,” Nolan said of competing in the show arena. “It keeps you on edge.”

Leighton and Nolan acknowledged that they faced some tough competition this year, but they were ready for it.

Their beef show preparations begin several months before the fair. After selecting showworthy calves from their herd, Leighton and Nolan work them daily, teaching them to lead, and acclimating the livestock with their command and guidance.

To ensure cattle look their best, the Hacketts follow a regimented washing and grooming routine. Their coats are rinsed twice a day.

Although their cattle are the primary stars of beef shows, Leighton and Nolan make sure they are well-prepared as exhibitors.

“Showmanship, we really work hard on that,” Leighton said.

While the class competition focuses on the physiological makeup of beef cattle, showmanship displays 4-H members’ knowledge and ability to exhibit their animal.

In addition to dressing in nice western apparel, the Hacketts strive to make steady eye contact with the judge and to exert con dence when showing cattle. They have become experts at using their show sticks to swiftly and accurately place cattle’s feet for proper display of their pro le and to gently scratch the belly, keeping the animal calm.

PHOTOS BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

Leighton Hackett smiles while telling the 4-H Beef Show judge about her animal, Mav, during the showmanship competition Aug. 4 in Sauk Rapids. She was named senior beef showmanship champion.

“I appreciate it because it makes me appreciate the work I put in and all the late nights I spent at the barn preparing” - Leighton Hackett

Patience, responsi responsiPatience bility and good sportsmanship are just a few things the Hacketts have learned from showing animals. They attend shows throughout the year and have competed at other fairs, as well as the American Simmental Association’s national competition.

“I like the experi-

ence,” Nolan said.

2021 was not the rst year Leighton and Nolan earned purple and blue ribbons at the Benton County Fair, nor the rst time they have earned top showmanship honors, but the siblings are humble about the accolades.

Leighton said she does not keep a tally.

Winning is not what bri brings Leighton to the fair year yea after year. She comes to see and cheer on her fellow 4-H’ers. fel “That’s the main reason r I love it and always come back,” she said.

4-H means a lot to Leighton and Nolan, wh who are grateful for the experiences it has proexp vid vided and the places it has tak taken them.

“That’s where I’ve me met some of my closest friends,” Leighton said. frie A third Hackett, who is a member of the Mayhew Lakers 4-H Club, also took home the top showmanship honor. Koriana Hackett is champion of the junior showmanship division, open to exhibitors in grades 3-5.

Koriana shows calves.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 | Page 3B

BENTON AG

Make it a malt

Benton County ADA serves up frosty fundraiser

SAUK RAPIDS – Chocolate or vanilla?

Fairgoers at the Benton County American Dairy Association malt wagon chose between the two staple avors this week as they supported the organization’s sole fundraiser and found themselves a frosty treat.

Soft serve ice cream, with 5% milk fat, was served from the malt wagon near the 4-H Lunch Stand on the Benton County Fairgrounds Aug. 3-8 in Sauk Rapids. Customers decided on 12- or 16-ounce shakes, malts or sundaes, chose their base, and then potentially added a secondary avor of butterscotch, caramel, strawberry, blueberry or cherry.

Other dairy options available for purchase were milk and string cheese.

“Caramel goes well with either and so does strawberry,” Pat Boyle

BY NATASHA BARBER STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Nicole Ackerman, a 2019 Benton County dairy princess and 2018 dairy ambassador, fills a cup with chocolate soft serve Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Proceeds from the Benton County American Dairy Association malt wagon are the organization’s sole fundraiser for the year.

Pat Boyle, Benton County American Dairy Association board member and malt wagon manager, takes an order from a customer Aug. 4 in Sauk Rapids. The malt wagon offers chocolate and vanilla soft serve and a variety of toppings, which create various shakes, malts and sundaes.

up the malt wagon, which is leased from Midwest Dairy, a day prior to opening day and taking orders from inside the stand at some point each day.

Accompanying her in the endeavor each year are those passionate about the dairy industry. The reigning Benton County dairy royalty – whether princesses or ambassadors – work the malt wagon for at least six hours and are joined by former royalty, parents, ADA members and others. The stand is open 14 hours each day.

“We encourage family members (of the reigning royalty), especially mothers, to work,” Boyle said. “It’s a chance for them to do something with their daughter, which is special. We also hire some young people who have been recommended.”

said. member of the Benton ing the malt wagon since even longer.

Boyle is the malt County ADA Board. 2004 and working this During fair week, wagon manager and a Boyle has been manag- particular fair booth for Boyle was found setting

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Page 4B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BENTON AG

Heatwave makes

vegetables misbehave Potential issues in the garden

BY MARISSA SCHUH University of Minnesota Extension

Minnesota is moving through another heat wave, and Extension educators across Minnesota are elding questions about poorly yielding vegetable gardens. Bushy cucumber plants with no fruit, tomatoes not ripening and beans with no owers are being reported.

The causes behind many of these phenomena are related to persistent high temperatures. The high temperatures are affecting Minnesota’s vegetables in many ways.

Plants look healthy, yet no vegetables Potential issue 1: Too much fertilization The brutal heat has made it tempting to baby our plants but giving some vegetables too much nitrogen results in lush green plants but no harvestable vegetables. Vining vegetables are especially prone to this.

Make sure you are fertilizing appropriately for the weather and the plant you are trying to grow.

Potential issue 2: Hot temperatures cause owers to drop If you are seeing owers but are not getting the tomatoes, peppers, beans or zucchini you are expecting, there can be a few heat-related factors in play.

The rst is ower abortion: owers form, but then die and fall off the plant before becoming fruit. This can happen in vegetables as well as other

owering garden plants.

Flower abortion can happen at temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees.

Dropped owers have been noticeable in tomatoes this year. Tomatoes produce new owers often, and the owers have a 50-hour window in which to be pollinated.

When tomatoes are exposed to sustained hot temperatures (more than 85 degrees in the day and 70 degrees at night), the tomato plant becomes stressed and burns through its energy stores.

This changes the owers, making it harder for them to be pollinated, and the blossom often drops out without pollination occurring. So, during 50-hour periods that have hot days and especially hot nights, a round of tomato owers are likely to drop off without pollinating.

You may start to notice something similar happening with green beans, which can also abort owers in hot temperatures (over 95 degrees), especially if the soil is dry.

Potential issue 3: Hot temperatures change ower production Vining vegetables in the cucurbit family, such as pumpkins, squash, melons, cucumbers and the like, produce male and female owers. Look at the base of the ower to tell the sex. Female cucurbit owers will be swollen underneath in the area that will eventually become the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION

Hot weather can cause tomato flowers to wither and become brittle, falling off the plant easily. Flower abortion can happen at temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees.

vegetable. Male owers will have a straight stem.

Depending on the variety of the vine crops, hot temperatures can change how many male and female owers are present.

Typically, high temperatures (over 90 degrees during the day and 70 degrees at night) develop more male owers than female owers. This means we may be seeing zucchini plants with proli c owers and few fruit because the owers we are seeing are all male, thus do not produce the part of zucchini we like to eat.

Potential issue 4: Bees do not like heat In crops that depend on pollinators, such as members of the vine crop family, hot weather can impact bee activity, causing reduced fruit set. Just as we like to take it easy and rest in the shade on a

hot day, so do many bees.

The ideal range for pollination for many species of bees is somewhere between 60 and 90 degrees, with hotter temperatures in this range promoting more pollination. Once it gets over 90 degrees, many bees slow down and pollinate less. This can be especially pronounced in crops like cucumbers, whose small owers are not particularly attractive to many bees.

Pollination may occur but not at a high enough level. This can lead to deformed cucumbers, summer squash and melons.

Vegetables present, yet not ripening Potential issue 1: Poor pollination Some growers of vine crops have noticed small squashes, pumpkins and melons forming but then

rotting. You may think this is caused by disease as the small fruit are often breaking down, soft and covered in mold.

A more common cause is poor pollination.

Just as poor pollination can result in misshapen fruits, it can also result in fruit that form and then quickly die.

Green beans can have similar issues. During periods of hot weather, bean owers produce less pollen, which cascades into fewer, smaller pods containing fewer, smaller beans.

Potential issue 2: Hot nights mean fruit does not ripen Tomato plants in many gardens are loaded with green fruit. Maybe grape tomato varieties are being harvested, but many slicing and beefsteak tomatoes seem to be holding

onto green fruit that just will not turn red.

Tomato ripening happens in two stages. In the rst stage of ripening, the tomato becomes mature and is green, seeds form and the area around them becomes soft and gelatinous. (If you have had fried green tomatoes, you are eating a mature green tomato). In the second stage the tomato fruit turns red.

The optimum temperature range for tomato maturation is between 68 and 77 degrees, while the pigments that turn ripe tomatoes red are not produced above 85 degrees.

Once we start to get some cooler nights, tomatoes will again have some hours in their ideal ripening temperature range, allowing for tomatoes to fully ripen and redden.

Potential issue 3: We need to be patient Vegetables take time to get ripe. There may be nothing out of the ordinary going on in the garden. Tomatoes can take six to eight weeks to fully ripen and change color, and some vine crops, like pumpkins, can take just as long.

So, now what?

Unfortunately, there is not much to be done but wait out the hot temperatures. Cool nights will solve many of these issues.

As water restrictions are rolled out in some locations, make sure to use water and fertilizer wisely.

Make notes on how your vegetable varieties are performing, and consider trying a new heat-tolerant variety in the future.

PHOTOS BY GERALD HOLMES/ STRAWBERRY CENTER

(Above) This pumpkin was poorly pollinated, causing the plant to die and rot.

PHOTO BY HOWARD F. SCHWARTZ/ COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

The top arrow points to a female zucchini flower, while the lower arrow points to a male flower. Depending on the variety of the vine crops, hot temperatures can change how many male and female flowers are present, affecting vegetable yield.

(Left)Cucumbers develop odd and uneven shapes when not fully pollinated. Bees may be less active in hot weather resulting in poor pollination.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 | Page 5B

BENTON AG

Drought-stressed corn silage We are experiencing widespread Another concern for harvesting drought in most of Minnesota. Steadrought-stressed corn is the level of nirns, Benton and Morrison counties trates. In drought conditions, nitrates accurange from being labeled in a moderate mulate in the lower one-third of the stalk. drought warning all the way to severe While you can raise the cutting deck to a drought. Looking at the dryland acres height of 10-12 inches to avoid that accuof corn, soybean and alfalfa in the area, mulation, yields will drop. The entire plant you can see the effects of the drought. nitrate concentration should factor into the From eld visits and phone calls, the decision of cutting height. Harvest should primary concern at this moment is on also be delayed following a rainfall event University of corn silage. as a ush of nitrates will enter the plant Minnesota Extension Here are some tips on harvesting temporarily increasing nitrate concerns.

by Emily Popp drought-stressed corn silage.

The end goal should be to ensile the plant.

First, you want to test the moisture If ensiled properly, you should lose anylevel of the corn eld in question. Silage moisture where from one-third to one-half of the nitrates as a is an important factor in the ensiling process, and gas. However, testing the feed after being ensiled is using a rule of thumb method when dealing with a good idea so you know what you are dealing with. drought damaged corn is not a great idea. Even if Green chopping drought-stressed corn is not recomthe corn looks red up and dry, it may contain over mended as nitrates will be higher in that material.

70% moisture. By properly testing corn for moisChopping length also plays a role in the ensiling ture, you can allow the plant to continue growing and process. The theoretical length of cut for processed maximize yields while harvesting at the proper time. corn silage is 3/4 inch, and if not processed, the When testing for moisture, it is important to get a length should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If harvesting corn representative sample from the eld. You can use a silage that is drier than recommended, decreasing the Koster moisture tester or microwave to get the exact cutting size may help with packing. Using a proven moisture level of the corn. You will want to do this inoculant may also increase the chances of successoften because once it becomes too dry, silage will not ful ensiling. With reduced yields, the margin for error pack well which increases the potential for air pock- is smaller this year than most, meaning people need ets and mold. While you can add moisture to dry corn to squeeze as much out of each acre as they can. silage, it may take a large amount to bring back to a Finally, on the safety front, remember to be caulevel that allows for ensiling. Keep in mind it takes 7 tious around silage gasses. Gases are very toxic to gallons of water per 1 ton of silage to raise the mois- people and animals. Follow the pre-harvest interval ture level one point. The recommended moisture lev- for grazing restrictions listed for any pesticides used els for the different storage options of corn silage are on the eld. stated below.

If you have questions on the above information, – 55%-60% for upright oxygen-limiting silos: email ndrewitz@umn.edu or call 608-515-4414.

– 60%-65% for upright stave silos.

To receive future events, educational program– 60%-70% for bags. ming and agronomic updates by email, sign up at – 65%-70% for bunkers. z.umn.edu/tricountysignup.

Malt wagon from page 3B The soft serve mix is delivered in 5-gallon cases daily to the fair.

Boyle said the stand went through 53 cases of vanilla and 38 cases of chocolate in 2019.

Boyle adjusts her order each day aside from Sunday to accommodate the needs of the malt wagon.

After a good year in 2019 and a canceled 2020 fair, Boyle expected a rebound this

season.

“I’m hoping for one,” Boyle said. “If the weather is good, and it looks like it’s going to be, and with people not having a chance to go last year, hopefully they will come out this year.”

On the evening of Aug. 4, when main events such as the demolition derby and 4-H auction drew people to the fair, the malt wagon had a constant line – a good sign for Boyle and the organization.

The Benton County ADA relies on the funds raised at the fair

Jason Smelter and Pam Kuhn hold their soft serve near the malt wagon Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. The two said the malt wagon is the first stop they make at the fair each year.

Alternative forage crops field day updates The Alternative Annual Forage/Cover Crop Plot Field Day is changing. Due to the recent drought issues throughout the area, the eld day will be adapted to cover those topics. As part of this effort, the time, day and locations have University of changed from what was MN Extension listed on the postcard and

by Nathan Drewitz brochure. The new details are as follows: – Aug. 17: Melrose City Hall, 10 a.m. to noon, 225 First St. N.E., Melrose.

– Aug. 17: Emslander Farm, 1-3:30 p.m., 8133 170th Ave. N.E., Oak Park.

Topics covered will include agronomic and feeding considerations for drought=stressed forages, and opportunities for cover crops and manure applications. We will also have members of both Benton and Stearns soil and water conservation districts in attendance as well as insurance representatives to help answer any of those relevant questions. The topics covered will be similar for both locations with some slight differences. Those attending the eld day at Emslander’s will have an opportunity to tour the facilities and the alternative forage crops/cover crop plots.

Pre-registration is not required but will help with counts. Contact Nathan Drewitz at 608-515-4414 or ndrewitz@umn.edu for more information.

These programs are sponsored by Albert Lea Seed, Benton County SWCD, Byron Seed, Centrasota, Central Minnesota Forage Council, Compeer Financial, Minnesota Dairy Initiative, Midwest Forage Association and the Paynesville Cooperative. To receive future events, educational programming and agronomic updates by email, sign up at z.umn.edu/tricountysignup.

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to support its county programs. This year, the organization is working with Foley Public Schools to supply a cooler for students to purchase dairy products during lunch and before after school activities.

“We pay all of our expenses and whatever we have left over is the money we use for our special projects,” Boyle said of the money raised at the fair. “It used to be we received an automatic amount from the state but they have changed that; we have to apply for funds and tell them exactly how we’re going to use it now. So, our princess program and other special activities like butter giveaway are done all with the money from the malt stand.”

PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Heather Post and Max Post, 11, make a stop at the Benton County Dairy Association malt wagon Aug. 4 in Sauk Rapids. The Posts ordered a caramel shake and a chocolate malt, respectively.

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THROWBACK PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Eleven-year-old Jack Dahler, of Foley, crawls around near his dairy steer, Antonio, before the animal was to be sold at auction Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. Dahler won second in his weight class with the animal which weighed 1,524 pounds.

SAUK RAPIDS – Youth from the Benton County 4-H program brought their animals and static projects to the Benton County Fair Aug. 3-8 in Sauk Rapids. Results from the fair competition will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Sauk Rapids Herald.

As a 7-year-old, Jack Dahler joins his prospect calf on the grounds of the Benton County Fair Aug. 2, 2017. Dahler is a Cornerstone Clovers 4-H member.

4-H page 7B

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Farms present many re risks, and especially during drought, it is critical to pay attention to these risks and take steps to mitigate them. An awareness of potential re hazards on the farm as well as a plan to address UNIVERSITY OF them are key components MINNESOTA in protecting a farm and EXTENSION EMILY KREKELBERG your people. While these tips are particularly useful in times of drought (and increased re risk), it is also helpful to keep them in mind all year and in all weather patterns.

The people in and around your farm – and their actions – may put the farm at risk for a re.

Make sure any tasks being performed that involve open ame, high heat or ying sparks are completed by people who have experience with the task. In addition, ensure they are doing their work away from ammable materials, in a safe, well-ventilated area, and with a re extinguisher nearby. Lastly, smoking around the farm should be discouraged, especially in areas with ammable materials or a lot of dust.

Farm equipment presents various re risks.

Improperly maintained equipment may create sparks, overheat or have an electrical malfunction. Properly maintaining equipment and having a re extinguisher in every tractor and combine will help reduce re risk. Additionally, be mindful of the conditions someone is working in; dry eld material can easily ignite from heavy friction or high heat. Also be aware of situations with heavy dust, which is also at risk of igniting.

The various buildings, barns and bins around the farm can also pose re risks. Like with equipment, proper and regular maintenance are crucial in reducing re risk. In older buildings especially, electrical wiring and hookups should be checked, and necessary xes and replacements should be made. Storage areas for ammable materials should be kept cool and well-ventilated. Facilities should also be cleaned regularly to decrease dust and other dry residue that may catch re easily.

Fire extinguishers should be kept nearby at several locations around the farm.

As stated above, re extinguishers are critical on the farm to reduce re risk. Being able to respond to a re situation quickly is key to preventing the spread of ames, especially in very dry conditions. Speaking of response, having an action plan in place should a re occur is also crucial. Action plans should include emergency shut-off procedures, evacuation plans and strategies for protecting livestock. Having a clear plan will allow for a quick response should a re occur on the farm. Lastly, being a responsible manager of people, equipment and facilities will keep the re risk low.

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– Use of full color is permitted and encouraged.

– Entries must be the contestant’s own creation and may not be traced or copied from photographs or other artists’ work.

– Photographs taken by the student may be used as references in the development of the design.

– No logos, emblems lettering, words, signatures or initials may appear on the front of the artwork.

Use and authorizations By participating in

the agricultural license plate contest, each member and supervising adult or legal guardian acknowledges the following rights and authorities and willingly agrees to each of these conditions: – The Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles reserves the exclusive right to authorize the reproduction of the winning design.

– The winning design is meant to inspire the nal plate design and may not be used in its entirety.

– No royalties will be provided for the use of the design.

MILLE LACS SOIL SERVICE

Help Wanted ASAP Truck Driving, Applicator, Plant Work SEASONAL, COMPETITIVE PAY Job Description: Hours may vary due to weather, Expect long hours 5-6 days each week. Need to be on time each day and willing to work hard.

Contact Duane at Mille Lacs Soil Service 320-294-5511 STOP IN AND PICK UP APPLICATION

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021 | Page 7B

BENTON AG

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4-H from page 6B

Pierz Coop Burn Down Day PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER

Khloe Klosowski, daughter of Jake and Amy Klosowski of Royalton, cleans her market barrow, or castrated male, pig prior to the 4-H auction at the Benton County Fair Aug. 4 in Sauk Rapids. Klosowski participates in the 4-H program as an independent.

Wednesday, August 18th

9AM - 2PM Bring in three corn stalks to Pierz Coop for free sampling!

Agron. Petro. Feed Feed: 320-468-6655 Toll Free: 877-468-6655 Agron/Petro: 320-468-2509 www.pierzcoop.com BA31-1B-BL

Burn Down Day

4-H page 8B

DIRTWORKS 2000 INC

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 10 am - 2 pm in Buckman Bring 3-4 stalks

FLIES

where your ad could have been.

Let’s Talk!

7 units Available RESERVE EARLY!

THIS SEASON

Ag Bags, Twine, Net Wrap & Bunker Covers In stock

We have fly control additives for mixes, minerals and milk replacers.

PURINA Wind Rain a n d

With Altosid for Fly Control

TMR STABILIZER

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION

Marks the spot

8’•9’•10’ AG-BAG RENTALS

GET AHEAD OF

TMR Stabilizer will reduce heating and nutrient degradation in TMRs by retarding mold and yeast growth.

Use TMR Stabilizer to minimize reduced feed intake during summer weather by maintaining cooler, fresher feed.

• Site grading • Ditch excavating • Road/driveway construction • Clearing/grubbing land • Demolition • Construct building pads

Hot weather is here!

Using Hydro-Lac can improve cow performance by helping reduce milk loss due to heat stress, promote more rapid production response post-calving, and encourage feed and water intake to overcome health challenges.

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

320-259-4900 320-352-6577

SAUK RAPIDS, MN Dirtworks2000.com

BUCKMAN, MN 320-468-6433

Dirtworks2000 Inc. BA27-eoBA-TV

LASTRUP, MN 320-468-2543

LITTLE ROCK, MN 320-584-5147

W W W . S U N R I S E A G C O O P. C O M

PIERZ, MN 320-468-2168

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Gracie Blank, 16, stands with her 1-year-old dairy steer, Buddy, at the Benton County Fair Aug. 4 in Sauk Rapids. Blank, the daughter of Jeremy and Kristi, earned her state fair trip by taking the championship in her class.

Keaton Nelson answers poultry questions asked by judge Sue Oelke, Sherburne County poultry superintendent, at the intermediate premier showmanship competition Aug. 4 at the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids. In the competition, 4-H’ers rotated between animals, such as goat, beef, lama and swine, to display knowledge of multiple species.