BENTON AG Plus
SERVING RURAL BENTON, MORRISON, MILLE LACS AND KANABEC COUNTIES
Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, December 4, 2021
USDA builds pandemic support for certified organic, transitioning operations The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide pandemic assistance to cover certi cation and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certi ed organic or transitioning to organic. USDA will make $20 Farm Service million available through Agency News the new Organic and by Ryan Brunn, Transitional Education executive director and Certi cation Program for Benton and as part of USDA’s Mille Lacs counties broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which provides new, broader and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, certi ed organic and transitional operations faced challenges due to loss of markets, increased costs and labor shortages in addition to costs related to obtaining or renewing their organic certi cation, which producers and handlers of conventionally grown commodities do not incur. Transitional operations also faced the nancial challenge of implementing practices required to obtain organic certi cation without being able to obtain the premium prices normally received for certi ed organic commodities. Eligible expenses OTECP funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Certi ed operations and transitional operations may apply for OTECP for eligible expenses paid during the 2020, 2021 and 2022 scal years. For each year, OTECP covers 25% of a certi ed operation’s eligible certi cation expenses, up to $250 per certi cation category (crop, livestock, wild crop, handling and State Organic Program fee).
Rubes Sponsored by Fluegge’s Ag
USDA page 3B
Winning
Dolly PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER
Abigail Nelson stands with her Charolais heifer, Dolly, Nov. 21 at her home in rural Rice. Nelson won the animal through the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program.
Nelson awarded heifer as part of Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER RICE – Christmas came early for one 15-year-old Rice girl this October. Abigail Nelson was awarded a Charolais heifer as part of the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program. Abigail traveled alongside her parents, Kelly and Shannon, and her younger brother, Keaton, to St. Paul where she received the animal Oct. 23 at the 2021 Minne-
Kuhn GA300T
sota Beef Expo. When Abigail answered a phone call in the beginning of October that informed her she was one of 11 chosen winners, she went into shock from excitement and disbelief. “It was just a shock, I was excited and did not think I would be one of the winners,” said Abigail, a sophomore at Royalton High School. “It has been a great experience so far.” Receiving the Charolais heifer
named Dolly was not exactly by fate. To be eligible to win a heifer, Abigail completed an application that involved letters of recommendation and information as to why the candidate deserved the animal, how the animal would be cared for and future plans. “I wrote about my love for the Charolais breed, how I want to grow in the industry, show for as long as I can and start my own herd one day,” Abigail said.
Nelson page 2B
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ROD FLUEGGE “the boss” 2040 Mahogany St., Mora, MN 320-679-2981 BA-48-1B-BL
1960-2021 Celebrating 61 years!
Farm Material Handling Specialist WWW.FLUEGGESAG.COM
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021 | Page 7B
BENTON AG
DIRTWORKS 2000 INC COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Benton County adult volunteers plaque recipients – Sean Arnold (front, from left), Mitch Mehrwerth, Steve Scapanski, Susan Wiley and Joyce Belanger; (back, from left) Bonnita Bernhardt, Amy Kleine, Marcy Reding, Vicky Molitor and Bob Moon – are recognized during the 62nd annual Benton County 4-H Adult and Leaders Banquet Nov. 21 at Jack & Jim’s Event Center in Duelm. The event takes place each year to honor the adults who support 4-H.
Banquet from page 6B
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Two Friend of 4-H Awards were given. One presented by Brenda Kaschmitter to Arnold’s Equipment and the other Ella Reding presented to the Rice Sportsmen’s Club. Two 4-H Leader Achievement Awards were handed out. The rst was presented by Stacie Morris to Amy Kleine, of North Benton 4-H Club, and the second was presented by Tasha Ackerman to Marcy Reding, of Pioneers 4-H Club. Two 4-H Pioneer Award recipients were awarded. One was presented by Corrine Lyon to Bonnita Bernhardt, of the St. Pat’s 4-H Club, and the second was presented by Juanita Beauchamp to Susan Wiley, of the 79’ers 4-H Club. The nal two awards were Honorary 4-H Member Awards. Corey Molitor presented to Mitch Mehrwerth, of Sauk Rapids, and the second was awarded to Rod Bemboom, of Sauk Rapids.
First-year recipients Rebecca Bastien, of St. Cloud, Central Minnesota Llama Club. Jessica Brenny, of Rice, Central Minnesota Llama Club. Michael Schlough, of St. Cloud, Central Minnesota Llama Club. Nick Dahler, of Foley, Cornerstone Clovers. Jen Bomsted, of Sauk Rapids, Graham. Maryrose Dolezal, of Minneapolis, Granite Clouds. Bethany Maus, of Pierz, Green Acres. Julie Otis, formerly of Foley, independent. Corinne Lyon, of Clear Lake, Mayhew Lakers. Heidi Bemboom, of Foley, Mayhew Lakers. Ryan Gruba, of Foley, Mayhew Lakers. Rachel Felchle, of Sauk Rapids, Minden. Sara Arickx, of Rice, Running Rapids. Melissa Schlueter, of St. Joseph, Shooting Stars. Marie Malikowski, of Foley, St. Pat’s. Sam Morris, of Foley, St. Pat’s. Brian Pozorski, of Foley, St. Pat’s.
Jessica Nelson-Rademacher, of Sauk Rapids, St. Pat’s.
Five-year recipients Vicky Molitor, of Sauk Rapids, Mayhew Lakers. Amy Kleine, of Sauk Rapids, North Benton Jeff and Natasha Pleskac, of Foley, North Benton. Bryan Frana, of St. Cloud, independent. Mitch and Tasha Ackerman, of Sauk Rapids, Pioneers. Tristan and Marcy Reding, of Foley, Pioneers. Michelle Rosenberger, of Sauk Rapids, Running Rapids. Katie Zintek, of Foley, Shamrock Shakers. Kelly Pennie, of Foley, Shooting Stars. Shelly Stangler, of Sauk Rapids, St. Pat’s. Shianne Morris, of Foley, St. Pat’s. Kathy Malikowski, of Sauk Rapids, St. Pat’s.
25-year pin awardees Roy Schneider, of Foley, Duelm. Barb Bemboom, of Sauk Rapids, Mayhew Lakers.
10-year recipients DeWaine and Judy Fenna, of Foley, Busy Bees. Tracey Wieber, of Foley, Cornerstone Clovers. Cynthia Schneider, of Foley, Duelm. Mark Thon, of Bowlus, Duelm. Richard Hokanson, of Foley, independent. Josh Kirchenbauer, of Clear Lake, independent. Kimberly Kampa, of St. Cloud, Shooting Stars. Stacie Morris, of Foley, St. Pat’s. Konnie Sakry, of Sartell, St. Pat’s. 15-year recipients Brian and Brenda Kaschmitter, of Sauk Rapids, Pioneers. 20-year pin awardees Denise Rothfork, of Foley, Busy Bees. Tracy Hunt, of Foley, independent. Dena Walz, of Sauk Rapids, St. Pat’s.
PREPARE FOR BREEDING SEASON
Omega Breeder Lic Introduce to breeding females 45-60 days prior to the breeding season to aid in reproduction success.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – provide an anti-inflammatory response which can improve the fertility of bulls, heifers and cows. • Amaferm® - a precision prebiotic containing Aspergillus oryzae to maximize fiber digestion and improve gut health.
WEATHER RESISTANT Quality low-moisture tub that will maintain integrity in all weather conditions providing consistent nutrition from top to the bottom.
35-year pin awardees Donita Beehler, of Sauk Rapids, 79’ers. David Templin, of Foley, 79’ers. Larry Sakry, of Sauk Rapids, St. Pat’s.
Agron. Petro. Feed
40-year pin awardee Janet Stark, independent.
Feed: 320-468-6655 Toll Free: 877-468-6655
50-year pin awardee Donald Beehler, 79’ers.
Agron./Petro: 320-468-2509 Toll Free: 877-438-3378
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