BENTON AG Plus
Sauk Rapids Herald | Saturday, July 2, 2022
Scouting for soybean aphids, armyworms
Serving rural Benton, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties
Blanks named Benton County Farm Family of the Year Foley cattlemen count on each other to keep dream alive BY MAURA WENNER STAFF WRITER
University of MN Extension
by Nathan Drewitz
Despite the late start to the planting season, we are seeing soybean aphids and armyworms starting to pop up in southern Minnesota. While these issues are not widespread across central Minnesota yet, this is the time to start scouting for these pests. Now with alfalfa weevils still oating around, one might think we aren’t quite far enough along to be concerned with other pest issues. However, it is the alfalfa weevil that is currently out of its usual timeframe and not the aphids or armyworms. With second cutting started across the state, remember to use your cutting timing to your advantage if you are seeing alfalfa weevils. Unfortunately, we don’t have such tools for these other two pests.
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Pests page 3B
T
he members of the Blank family were lled with delight when the University of Minnesota Extension named them the 2022 Benton County Farm Family of the Year. “I was surprised,” Kristi Blank said. “I did not expect it.” Kristi and her husband, Jeremy, have lived on their rural Foley farm since 2006 when they purchased the Glendorado Township property at an auction. The Blanks built a house on the land, and two years later they moved in with their ve children, Emily, 21, Megan, 19, Gracie, 17, Austin, 16, and Owen, 13. “We were always looking for a farm,” Kristi said. “I grew up on a farm with dairy cows, steers and pigs. My family still farms full time.” Kristi takes care of 650 head of mostly Holstein steers that the family purchases between 250-300
PHOTOS BY MAURA WENNER
(Above) The Blank family – Owen (front, from left), Kristi, Megan and Gracie; (back, from left) Austin, Jeremy and Emily – are the 2022 Benton County Farm Family of the Year. The family owns a cattle finishing operation in Glendorado Township and rely on each other to ensure the farm’s success. (Right) Owen Blank touches cattle June 27 at the Blank family farm in rural Foley. In addition to their cattle finishing operation, the Blanks have housed a variety of animals over the years including goats and horses. pounds and raises to nish at 1,500 pounds. She also cares for the family’s 20 cow-calf pairs. Additionally, she sells
the beef directly to customers and is in charge of the dayto-day chores. She has cared for a variety of other animals
including chickens, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and pigs.
Blanks page 4B
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BENTON AG
Page 4B | SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Blanks
Defeat The Heat
from page 1B
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Jeremy works full time as an agricultural salesman at Arnold’s in St. Cloud while also helping with decisions regarding buying and marketing cattle. He oversees the eldwork including planting and harvesting 500 acres of corn and soybean with 20 acres of hay ground. “We raised calves and feeders at my parents’ when we were rst married,” Kristi said. “I wanted to expand beyond farming land because I had more interest in the animal side. It was something I could still do and be home with the kids at the same time. So, in 2013, we began raising and nishing cattle on our own farm.” The couple’s ve children have also played an important role throughout their childhood in turning the family farm into what it is today.
PHOTOS BY MAURA WENNER
Megan Blank and Owen Blank feed meat goats June 27 on the farm they have grown up on in Benton County. As two of five children of Jeremy and Kristi Blank, Megan and Owen are involved with day-to-day tasks from helping with the cattle to fieldwork. “We kind of just help out with whatever they need us to do,” Austin said. Emily is employed on the farm, both boys pitch in when extra helped is needed with eldwork, while Megan and Gracie help with the cattle. “You learn a lot of good life lessons on the farm,” Kristi said. “The
value of hard work; you have to nish the job before leaving. It really makes you appreciate your family a lot. You have to count on them to get through certain jobs.” The kids had a say in what animals were on the farm. For a veyear period, the Blank farm welcomed milking goats all because of a
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Jeremy Blank looks over the cattle June 27 on his family farm in rural Foley. The family raises and finishes 650 steers annually.
convincing presentation the children exhibited to their parents as to why the goats would make an excellent addition. “During that time, we made yogurt, soap, ice cream and cheese from the goat milk,” Jeremy said. Now, the family owns meat goats instead. “Raising kids on the farm was important to us because it teaches them to think of other things than just yourself,” Jeremy said. “It puts life in perspective when you are taking care of things. And, of course it’s nice they know where their food comes from. But the best part for me is the time farming allows us to be together even if it is not always fun.” Even with the many highlights of owning a farm, the lifestyle does not come without tough work and challenges such as unpredictability.
Blanks page 5B
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BENTON AG
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022 | Page 7B
WE’RE HIRING!
Applications open to help cover costs of organic, transitioning producers
Citizens Alliance Bank seeks applicants for the following positions:
Agricultural producers and hanper category of certi cation costs in dlers who are certi ed organic, along 2022. with producers and handlers who are This cost share for certi cation is transitioning to organic production, can available for each of these categories: now apply for the U.S. Department of crops, wild crops, livestock, processing Agriculture Organic and Transitional and handling, and state organic proEducation Certi cation Program and gram fees. Organic Certi cation Cost Share ProProducers can receive cost share gram. These programs help producers through both OTECP and OCCSP. Farm Service and handlers cover the cost of organic Both OTECP and OCCSP cover costs Agency News certi cation, along with other related incurred from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. by Ryan Brunn, expenses. Applications for OTECP and 30. Producers have until Oct. 31 to le executive director for Benton and OCCSP are due Oct. 31. applications, and Farm Service Agency Mille Lacs counties OTECP covers: will make payments as applications are – Certi cation costs for organic received. producers and handlers (25% up to $250 per categoTo apply, producers and handlers should conry). tact the FSA at their USDA service center. As part – Eligible expenses for transitional producers, of completing the OCCSP applications, producers including fees for pre-certi cation inspections and and handlers will need to provide documentation development of an organic system plan (75% up to of their organic certi cation and eligible expenses. $750). Organic producers and handlers may also apply for – Registration fees for educational events (75% OCCSP through participating state agencies. up to $200). Additional details can be found at www.farmers. – Soil testing (75% up to $100). gov/pandemic-assistance/otecp or www.fsa.usda. Meanwhile, OCCSP covers 50% or up to $500 gov/programs-and-services/occsp/index.
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AUCTION
Mora, MN Area
AUCTION
8 Bu % Prem yer’s ium
ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE
Located: 1732 220th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
Located: 1732 220th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
SUNDAY, JULY 17th, 2022 – 12:00 Noon
SUNDAY, JULY 17th, 2022 – 12:00 Noon
This is a Hunter’s Paradise!
PERSONAL PROPERTY AT AUCTION (10% Buyer’s Premium)
Enclosed deer stands & food plots in place. Some of the best hunting land in Kanabec County!!! Bid From Home or At The Auction: https://paulsauctions.nextlot.com/public/
OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, July 14th from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (Bring ATV’s to Check Out Property)
TRACTORS & MACHINERY Allis #180 Diesel Tractor. Dual Loader. Oliver 10 ft Tandem Disc. 72” 3-Pt Brush Cutter. IH 3-Bottom Plow. 3-Pt Back Blade. 12 ft Disc. 2-Section Spike Tooth Drag. SKID LOADER 2005 Melrose T190 Trac Skid Loader, 2,950 Hours, Power Quick Tach, Air, Heat, Radio, DualControl. Bobcat #709 Backhoe Attachment. Pallet Forks. Uplander 18 ft Skid Loader Trailer, 14k gvw. 72” Skid Loader Brush Cutter. 60” Skid Loader Bucket. Loegerim Steel Skid Loader Tracks (Off 1845C Skid Loader). Skid Loader Tires & Rims. GUNS Remington Model 514 Single Shot, .22 Bolt. Remington Model 522 Viper, .22 Auto. Remington 870 Express Pump, Short Barrel, 12 ga. Remington 870 Pump, Police Magnum, 12 ga. Remington 870 Pump, Wing Master, 12 ga. Remington 6mm, Model 742, Auto. Armory Gun Corp. 12 ga. Single Shot. Sears Ted Williams Model 34, .22 Auto. TOOLS: Sanborn 60-Gallon air Compressor. Coats #440 Tire Machine. Trium Digital Balancer. Tool Boxes. 2700 psi Power Washer. Power Tools. Miscellaneous Tools & Bolt Bins. ATV’S & SPORTING GOODS Max II, Tracks & Tires. 2005 Polaris 700 Sportsman 4-Wheeler w/ Plow. Kawasaki Bayou 300, 4x4, 4-Wheeler. 2000 Polaris 500cc 6x6, Bad Tranny. Rhino PM48 Pull Behind Brush Cutter. 1974 Micro Craft 17 ft Boat, Motor & Trailer. 7x14 Shop-Built Wheel House. CAMPER 2006 Golf Stream 20 ft Camper, Tandem Axle Trailer (Comes w/ Out of State Bill of Sale). LAWN & GARDEN M&W Z-Turn Lawn Mower. Dixon ZTR 428 Lawn Mower. Swisher DR Trimmer. MTD 28” Snow Blower. MISCELLANEOUS: 60” Saw Blade for Saw Mill. Pickup Fuel Cell & Pump. 120-Gallon Propane Tank w/ Filler Hose. Ramps. 4,000 lb AC Unit & A-Coil & Line Set. MEAT ITEMS: Hobart Meat Saw. Globe Meat Slicer. Propane Smoker. Freezer. 2 Commercial Flat Top Stoves (Propane). Mini Fridge.
Parcel #1 (Parcel ID 10.02050.10) is 16.04 Acres w/ Buildings Parcel #2 (Parcel ID 10.02050.00) is 16.21 Acres Parcel #3 (Parcel ID 10.02045.00) is 40 Acres of Land
Auction Arranged and Conducted by:
Paul’s Auction Service
1541 - 210th Ave., Ogilvie, MN 56358 • 320-679-3377 (Office) • 612-390-0535 (Cell) Auctioneer: Paul Strunge #33-25 Clerk: Paul’s Auction Service
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Visit our website at www.midwestauctions.com & click on Paul’s Auction Service or call for flier. AUCTION TERMS: Usual auction terms. We now accept MasterCard and Visa
Owners: KATHLEEN & GRAYLING WACHSMUTH
8 Bu % Prem yer’s ium
Parcel #1 is 16+ acres with a 4-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-story house, approx. 2,650 sq ft home. A 60x40x16 pole barn with a 18x40 upper loft mancave. Full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom (a must see). Lower level of the shop also has a bathroom. Two large overhead doors and service door. Fully insulated with infloor heat, concreted and wired. Property also has several outbuildings like a 24x36 garage and a 32x24 storage shed with a 24x32 attached barn. There is also a storm shelter on this property. Home and some of the outbuildings could use some updating. Parcel #1 is mostly open land. Parcel #1 is attached to Parcel #2. Parcel #2 is also 16+ acres and is subject to a 66 ft easement access along the west side of the property. This parcel is heavy wooded and has an enclosed deer stand and food plot. Excellent for hunting. Parcel #2 is attached to Parcels #1 and #3. Parcel #3 is 40-acres of heavily wooded timber. This parcel has three enclosed deer stands and a small deer plot. This property has an easement as well on long the west side of property. Parcel #3 is attached to Parcel #2. AUCTIONEER’S NOTE: Don’t miss this Real Estate and Personal Property auction. Three awesome parcels of land, great building site, a hunter’s paradise. Come make this place your own. This is only a partial listing of items, many more by sale day. Any questions please feel free to call. REAL ESTATE TERMS: 10% non-refundable down payment due day of auction. Balance due at closing within 30-45 days after auction. 8% Buyer’s Premium Will Be In Affect. All property is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS”. If there are any questions, buyers’ should contact auctioneer before bidding. No contracts. ALSO PERSONAL PROPERTY AT AUCTION. Visit our website at www.midwestauctions.com & click on Paul’s Auction Service or call for flier. AUCTION TERMS: Usual auction terms. We now accept MasterCard and Visa
Owners: KATHLEEN & GRAYLING WACHSMUTH Auction Arranged and Conducted by:
Paul’s Auction Service
1541 - 210th Ave., Ogilvie, MN 56358 • 320-679-3377 (Office) • 612-390-0535 (Cell) Auctioneer: Paul Strunge #33-25 Clerk: Paul’s Auction Service
BA26-1B-BL
Mora, MN Area
ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE
BENTON AG
Page 8B | SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022| SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
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