Country Acres Saturday, January 20, 2024
Volume 11, Edition 01
PRSRT STD ECR U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #861 Sauk Rapids, MN 2 Second Ave S Suite 135 Sauk Rapids MN 56379
Focusing on Today’s Rural Environment
Tending to vulnerable
creatures PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Robbi Hoy lends her arm as a roost for a juvenile bald eagle in March 2022 at her home in St. Cloud. Hoy is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who takes in animals that have been injured or abandoned and cares for them herself or transports them to other rehabilitators.
Nonprofit provides help to the furry, feathered BY JAN LEFEBVRE STAFF WRITER
ST. CLOUD — When Robbi Hoy was running her gardening business in 2012, she was not one to think much about wild animals, she said, other than when they annoyed her by digging up her plants. Then she came across two infant squirrels that seemed to be abandoned. Hoy contacted a wildlife rehabilitator. “She said to leave them for two hours because the mom might come back, which she did, but she only took one baby with her,” Hoy said. “I found out from the rehabilitator that it was because the other baby wasn’t very healthy. It was dehydrated and in bad shape.” With help from the rehabilitator, Hoy learned how to take care of the squirrel until it could be released into the wild. “I loved it so much that the next year I earned my rehab license,” Hoy said. “The rest is history.”
ST R
Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
Today, Hoy is cofounder of Central Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation, a nonprofit she runs with Barb Schaaf. The center takes in abandoned and injured wild animals for rehabilitation and releases them into the wild. Each holiday season, Hoy and Schaaf can be found most days wrapping Christmas gifts at the Crossroads Shopping Center in St. Cloud, raising money to help cover costs of rehabilitating animals. The organization also holds an annual garage sale. Many animals need medical attention, medicine or x-rays because of injuries or sickness. The state of Minnesota requires wildlife rehabilitators to become licensed but does not fund organizations that rehabilitate animals. “We don’t get paid for rehabbing,” Hoy said. “We do this all out of our own pocket.” Hoy and Schaaf became acquainted through Linda Peck, a rehabilitator both women had turned to for
guidance. “Linda was training Barb more on rabbits and me on squirrels because that is what we had,” Hoy said. “Then Barb and I met and became friends and started sharing our animals once we were licensed.” At the time, the only rehabilitation centers available were in Roseville and Garrison. “Barb and I were getting phone calls from all over — and both of us are bleeding hearts, so it was difficult for us to say no — but vet bills and food were very difficult for us to cover,” Hoy said. “We decided to start a nonprofit to make it easier for anybody who was interested in helping with rehabbing in this area, so they wouldn’t have to pay so much out of pocket.” Hoy and Schaaf have general licenses, which means they can rehabilitate anything except large game animals and endangered species, which they can take in briefly but must transport to facilities with special licensure. Hoy also has a special permit to rehabilitate
migratory birds. Although volunteers cannot rehabilitate animals without licensure, they can help transport animals, clean cages or feed animals, work at CMWR fundraisers and help gather or donate supplies. “I can put out on our Facebook site that we are low
Hoy/Schaaf page 2
A young raccoon stretches its legs in 2022 at Robbi Hoy’s home in St. Cloud. Raccoons are one of the animals most often brought in by the public through Hoy’s nonprofit organization, Central Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation.
This month in the
5
Preparing the way Garfield
15 Connecting to grow Hawick
22 Country cooking Freeport
COUNTRY:
7
Mindful Tiffany Klaphake column
19 Threading a token of appreciation Swift County
25 Processing prowess Kerhoven
Watch for the next edition of Country Acres February 17, 2024
11 Adding a little zing Long Prairie
21 Apple penance Nancy Packard Leasman column
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 3
Hoy/Schaaf from page 2 indicates success. That does not mean animals do not work their way into Hoy’s heart. In 2022, a newborn animal was brought to Hoy that she had never seen before and could not identify. It weighed 7 grams. Hoy did her best to care for it and researched what it could be, discovering that it was a baby stoat, also called an ermine. “Because it was so tiny, I thought it wouldn’t survive, but that little guy grew and grew,” Hoy said. Since Hoy could not find other rehabilitators who were caring for a stoat, she gave him a teddy bear that had a heated water container in it for warmth. She named the stoat Wally. When it came time to release the now-healthy and still-wild stoat, Hoy began leaving it outside in an opened cage during the day, but she made sure the teddy bear was there. By the third day, Wally left for good, but he took his teddy bear with him. “I learned more from that animal than he got help from me,” Hoy said. “It probably
broke my heart the most when I had to say goodbye to him.” Hoy said her dream is to have a brick-and-mortar facility someday that has room for rehabilitation, a nature center and an education area for the public. CMWR does not have sponsors, but maybe someday it will, she said. For now, Hoy focuses on the animals, especially crows, which have become her favorite to rehab. A year ago, she rehabilitated a group of young crow siblings. “Crows try to imitate voices, so they tried to imitate my laugh,” Hoy said. “After I released them, I would be outside, and I would hear them in the trees, imitating my laughter.” Although crows are loyal to their families and often return to them for visits, they tend to bully newcomers that are alone. However, Hoy began to notice that her solo crows were not attacked by others when they were released in the yard. One day she found out why. “There was this one crow that was older and bigger, and it was sitting out near my flight-cage area, just screaming at
me,” Hoy said. Then she saw that it had one white talon and knew that it was Munin, the only crow she had ever rehabilitated that had a talon like that. “He used to do this thing where he would drop his head and shake it while imitating my laugh, and this bird did that,” Hoy said. “I started crying. He didn’t come to me — he was keeping his distance — but he was letting me know who he was.” Hoy said she suspects Munin has been accepting the solo crows she releases as part of his family, seeing to it that other crows do not bully them. Shortly after the incident, Hoy got her first and only tattoo. It is the image of a crow.
A crow being rehabilitated by Robbi Hoy looks nearly ready to be released in May at Hoy’s home in St. Cloud. Crows have become Hoy’s favorite animal to rehabilitate, she said, because they are familyoriented and smart.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
A fox kit peeks from its temporary den in May at Robbi Hoy’s home in St. Cloud. A majority of animals brought to Hoy through Central Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation are animals like this fox that are abandoned in infancy.
We Care!
Agricultural Lending Designed for You!
Stop in and check them out!
Loan Options Term Loans · Equipment · Cattle · Dairy Cattle Lines of Credit · Cattle · Crop Input · Dairy
We have a large variety of
Real Estate Loans · Pasture · Crop · Facilities · Grain Storage · Commodity Feed Sheds Letters of Credit
BIRD SEED, SUET AND FEEDERS
Main Line: (320) 634-5111 Flint
Mitch
www.glenwoodstate.bank
CAJan20-1B-JO
5 E Minnesota Avenue, Glenwood, MN
COLD SPRING CO-OP &
COUNTRY STORE
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM to 6:30PM • Saturday: 8:00AM to 3:00PM • Sunday: Closed
300 Main St., Cold Spring, MN • (320) 685-8651
CAJan20_1B_WS
Our dedicated lenders...
Page 4 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
The ultimate farm tool is ready to be yours.
M Series - 4 Color Print Ad, Large (7.5” wide x 10” high) - No additional headline or image options are available. - Space is limited, confirm all your updates appear by clicking the Refresh Preview button.
57.9-141.4 Gross HP
Wide range of attachments
Once complete, click Finish button. ***Download format must be DOWNLOAD PDF for the correct file type to submit to your print vendor or publication.***
From the M60 to the M6, the Kubota M Series is part of our tractor lineup rated #1 for durability and owner experience in the U.S. as awarded by Progressive Farmer.* Available right now for a great deal.
$0
DOWN
3.99%
APR
UP TO
84
MONTHS
VISIT US TODAY FOR THIS LIMITED-TIME OFFER
320-252-6650 | advantageoneins.com
320.763.4994
218.297.0991
KubotaUSA.com *Award based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor Study. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2024. $0 Down, 3.99% A.P.R. financing for up to 84 months on purchases of the new M60 and M4 equipment and $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of M5, M6 and M6s Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 84 monthly payments of $13.66 per $1,000 financed. Offers expire 03/31/24. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com.
MELROSE 6 3rd Ave NE Melrose, MN 56352 ALBANY 140 5th Street, Albany, MN 56307
ST. CLOUD 3801 North 3rd Street St. Cloud, MN 56303
HOLDINGFORD 580 Main St., Holdingford, MN 56340
LONG PRAIRIE 9 Central Ave Long Prairie, MN 56347
PIERZ 205 Main St N Pierz, MN 56364
SAUK CENTRE 864 Main Street Sauk Centre, MN 56378
320-252-6650 • www.advantageoneins.com
YO U R FA M I LY D E A L E R S I N C E 1 9 9 5 WE ARE OPEN Mon - Thu: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Fri: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm | Sat: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
DAVISMOTORSGM.COM
LITCHFIELD: 320-693-3224 OR 877-693-3224
2020 FORD F-150 XLT
LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
$
30,998
2023 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HIGH COUNTRY
LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
$
78,477
2017 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED
18,478
$
Stk. #8375A - Heated Front Seats, Remote Start, Bluetooth, Pro Trailer Backup Assist and More!
Stk. #P4034- Only 8k Miles!! Panoramic Sunroof, 2nd Row Bucket Seats and More!
Stk. #7891C - Panoramic Sunroof, Heated/Vented Leather, Power Front Seats, Navigation and More!
2023 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER ACTIV
2020 CADILLAC XT5 PREMIUM LUXURY AWD
2018 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLT
LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
$
28,998
LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
32,799
$
29,799
$
Stk. #P3992 - All Wheel Drive, Ultraview Sunroof, Heated Leather Interior, Heated Steering, Navigation and More!
Stk. #8325A- 6.2V8, Sunroof, SLT Premium Plus Package, Z71 Off Road Package, Bose Audio, Heated/Vented Front Buckets and More!
2021 RAM 2500 LONE STAR
2021 GMC SIERRA 1500 DENALI
2020 GMC SIERRA 3500HD DENALI CAJan20-1B-NM
Stk. #8419A- 1 Owner New Car Trade! All Wheel Drive, Heated Seats/Steering Wheel and More!
LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY
$
44,875
Stk. #P4000- Cummins Turbodiesel! Trailer Tow Package, Bluetooth, Keyless Entry, Low Miles and More!
$
42,799
Stk. #P3954 - 6.2V8, Heated/Vented Leather Bucket Seats, Tonneau Cover, Navigation and More!
$
59,488
Stk. #8361A- 1 Owner New Truck Trade, Sunroof, Heated/Vented Leather, Duramax Diesel, Remote Start, Bluetooth and More!
CAJan20_1B_NM
5410 Landmark Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.qualityequipmentmn.com
CAJan20-1B-JO
116 50th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308 www.alexpowerequipment.com
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 5
Preparing
the way
DATA maintains snowmobile trails year-round BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
Scott Caye (left) and Jeff Linn stand next to a truck Dec. 13 near Garfield. Linn is the trail administrator for Douglas Area Trails Association.
GARFIELD — Thousands of Minnesotans go snowmobiling every winter. It is because of the hard work of Jeff Linn and his team at Douglas Area Trails Association that the snowmobiling trails in Douglas County are ready to go when the snow flies. Linn has been the trail administrator with DATA since 2008 and works with over 700 landowners year-round to maintain the 368 miles of trails in the county. “Bill Anderson, the guy I took over from, told me that I don’t have to know everything, but I need to know a little about a lot,” Linn said. “He was right; there is a lot to consider.” Grooming the trails alone takes time and effort since the machines Linn uses travel 5-9 mph while grooming.
CAJan20-1B-MS
DATA page 6
WWW.BONGARDS.COM
Page 6 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
PAYNESVILLE FARMERS UNION Helping American Farmers Feed the World
Take the guesswork out of the 2024 crop plan
PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
Scott Caye drives four-wheeler to push down cattails Dec. 13, 2023, near Garfield. Caye works with the Douglas Area Trails Association to maintain the snowmobiling trails throughout Douglas County.
John & the guys are willing & ready to help! PHOTO SUBMITTED
Little Big Ole is dressed in a snowsuit Dec. 13, 2023, near Garfield. Little Big Ole will be placed along the trails in Douglas County as a scavenger hunt for snowmobilers.
JJohn ohn VVanderbeek an
Agronomy Manager Certified Crop Advisor
Phone: 320-243-3494 WATS: 1-800-232-4265
CA_Jan20-1B-NM
Established in 1975
Drainage LLC. Howard Marthaler 320-250-2984
Jason Marthaler 320-249-6062
Ditching • Tiling Excavating Ag Waste Systems e a combined v a h n o d J as n OVER 80 YEARS! f a o e c d n r wa experie o H w o rk
“FARM DRAINAG E SPECIALISTS” “We are in the land improvement business. We do farm drainage, ag waste systems, site work for farm buildings and silage pads, plus miscellaneous work. We also do county, township, and watershed work, as well as soil conservation work.” - MBC Drainage, Sauk Centre
DATA from page 5 “I always say grooming is like spreading butter on toast,” Linn said. “To properly fill in all the little holes on your toast, you need to slowly go over it multiple times, going back and forth. It’s the same idea for grooming the trails.” During the winter months, Linn and his team at DATA, consisting of four other full-time and two part-time employees, groom and maintain the trails. Depending on the snowfall, Linn sends out a few drivers in the groomers and a couple on snowmobiles to help pack down the snow. They also keep the trails clear of any downed trees and make sure trail signs are visible. Linn and his staff stay busy throughout the year maintaining trails. Once the snow melts in the spring, the DATA team goes on the trails with four-wheelers and takes down signs, takes notes on what needs to be repaired or replaced, and closes any gates. “We have 26 bridges that we have built over the years,” Linn said. “Every year one of them needs to be repaired or replaced.” Throughout the PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
1800 2nd St. S. • Sauk Centre, MN CAJan20-1B-NM
Various trail signs wait to be used Dec. 13, 2023, near Garfield. The Douglas Area Trails Association works to put up and take down trail signs at the beginning and end of every winter.
spring, summer and fall, Linn works to take care of insurance, has each landowner sign a document allowing DATA to use their land and takes care of necessary permits. Linn works closely with the local Department of Natural Resources and Douglas County for annual grant renewals. “We had to move the trail in 18 different spots this year,” Linn said. “Most of the time, it’s by landowner request, but sometimes it’s from us to improve the trail route. It’s challenging, but I enjoy it.” Starting in August, Linn and his team begin making the rounds by going over the trails to check for downed trees, mow, place signs and push down cattails in swamps. Snowmobile trails are 12 feet wide, which is the width of the groomer and mower, but clearing down trees and pushing down cattails must be done manually. The team at DATA own an array of chainsaws, four four-wheelers and a 6410 John Deere tractor with a front loader that are used to clear the paths. Once posts are put in the ground with trail signs, Linn and his team use a weedwhacker around the post to make it more noticeable. Linn said his job is more than driving four-wheelers and snowmobiles.
DATA page 9
Page 8 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
Feed Co. Salutes Lauren Hunt
Let us help you customize your farm
Free Estimates • Free Delivery Locally Owned and Operated
Call Ryan, Randy, Derek or Paul Today!
Residential • Agricultural • Light Commercial • Drafting
St. Martin, MN • www.lifestylelumber.com • 320-548-3459 • 800-699-9774
CAJan20-1B-TV
we care about your community. because it’s our community too.
simple human sense
Sauk Centre 320.527.0050
Long Prairie 320.732.6612
131 12th Street South, Sauk Centre
Let us help you with your insurance needs!
Mark T. Maloney Agency Manager
Carol Rieland CISR/Office Manager
Heidi Beissel CISR Elite/Account Manager
Shannon Stans CSR
Kevin Berrios CSR
CAJan20-1B-MT
www.mnnationalagency.com | info@mnnationalagency.com
Town: Willmar | Grade: 12 Parents: Steven and Christine Hunt Willmar FFA Chapter Tell us about your involvement in FFA. I am the chapter secretary. I keep track of minutes and plan events in the community and for the chapter. I’m a member of the varsity floral team. We took first at regions and third at state as a team. I individually placed fourth at regions. We’ve done community service projects as a group including picking up trash, helping to make floral arrangements with the Advocacy & Inclusion Matter community, painting pumpkins and taking tickets at Kandi Land Farm. What has FFA taught you so far? It has taught me a different view on life and that there’s more to learn and see than what you are born into. Exploring cultures and scenes is a huge aspect to knowing who you are. I figured out what I want to do in the future. It has taught me to never judge anybody by their cover. How do you intend to stay involved in agriculture after your FFA career? I actually want to go into agricultural education. I hope to teach somewhere in the state of Minnesota and help change other kids lives. I want to help them realize there’s a place for everybody in agriculture. What are you involved in outside of FFA? I am a three-sport athlete, being in dance, volleyball and track. I’ve done Lakes Central Volleyball Club. I’m in the National Honor Society through school. I am also in band and choir, and I’ve been in Girl Scouts since I was a little girl. What is something you believe people need to know about agriculture? Everybody sees agriculture as just farming and cattle. When you think of farms, you think of animals, hay and feed. But, it’s flowers, it’s mechanics, and it’s wood. There’s definitely a place for anybody. Whether you like math, drawing, art or science, there’s a place for everybody in it.
Paynesville 320-243-3938 www.feedcomn.com
SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES on our website at www.countryacresmn.com CAJan20_1B_MT
FTO
Save Instantly
SAUK CENTRE
More load capacity. Less soil compaction. That’s the IF/VF difference.
When you buy two or more Firestone Ag Tires
FRIEDRICHS TIRE & OIL
$200
352-5418 or 352-3612 AFTER HOURS 267-3782 or 333-1906 BULK FUEL DELIVERY
Scan QR Code. Enter Promo Code FSAGSAVE24. Receive discount.
off all eligible non-AD2 radial tires
all eligible AD2 radial tires $300 off
Having the right tires will improve fuel efficiency, allow your equipment to run better and keep your fields in better shape. Save now on Firestone Ag tires - Available only at our certified Firestone Ag Tire Dealers. See dealer for details. Offer good February 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024 CAJan20-1B-WS
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 9
DATA from page 6 “The biggest challenge is keeping the trails intact, limiting trespassing, and if it is a winter with little to no snow, then it’s keeping good help,” Linn said. Linn said he keeps a list of all landowners and works with them to make sure their land is ready. “We go until we hit crops and have to stop and go around,” Linn said. “We mark what spots are left and then come back when the crops are out. It takes a while to get everything all done.” Some landowners are avid snowmobilers and maintain their own land, but some are not. “I have a big list of farmers I need to call and make sure their gates are open or if it is OK for us to come in and open them,” Linn said. “We will have some farmers who keep cattle out on pasture until the snow flies.” DATA hosts an annual landowner appreciation dinner each July as a way of thanking landowners. DATA and other county trail associations are given a stipend from the state DNR’s Trails and Waterways fund based on how many miles of trails are in the county. The Douglas County team also offers a
way for area businesses and families to sponsor a trail. “It’s like the Adopt-A-Highway program, and a business or a family can sponsor a 1-mile section of a trail,” Linn said. “We will take the signs down after each season so that they don’t get damaged but will put them up again the following season.” The DATA crew is also rolling out a new way for snowmobilers to have fun while on the trails. “We have a Little Big Ole that we are doing a scavenger hunt with,” Linn said. “We will hide him somewhere along the trail each week, and people can stop and take a selfie with him and upload the picture to us, and that will register them for weekly and year-end prizes.” With everything that Linn has to coordinate for his job, he said it is the people who make him look forward to coming to work each day. “I like working with the landowners the best,” Linn said. “I have met so many cool people. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the landowners.”
PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
The drag that is pulled behind the groomer rests Dec. 13, 2023, near Garfield. The groomer and drag grooms a width of 12 feet of trail at a time.
PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
A snow groomer sits ready to go Dec. 13, 2023, near Garfield. The groomer goes 5-9 mph while grooming.
BELGRADE CO-OP ASSOCIATION
redhorizonequipment.com 21915 160th Street Glenwood, MN 56334
AGRONOMY
CAJan20-1B-JO
Check out our E-editions!
Phone: 320-634-4445
Equipment & Truck
PROPANE REFINED FUELS
1996 Kenworth W900L $78,500 1996 Kenworth W900L 86” Aerodyne studio sleeper, 834,490 miles, CAT 3406E, 550 HP, 18 speed Eaton Fuller, air ride, 285-75R24.5 tires, 284” wheel base, 3.55 ratio, dual fuel tanks, stocks and air cleaners, air slide 5th wheel, all aluminum wheels, stainless steel full fenders, power windows, double bunk sleeper with refrigerator, very clean 2 owner truck.
320-254-8231 www.belgradecoop.com
AS K A B O U T
Ritchie Cattle Fountains
2024 Timpte Super $ Hopper 4066 59,900
Personalize your ride!
New 2024 Timpte 4066 super hopper, air ride, 11R22.5 tires with 4 aluminum and 4 steel wheels, 40’x66”x96” ag hoppers with single speed openers, stainless steel front corners and rear panel, 2 rows of 3 bullet LED lights, Thunder 7000 Electric tarp, Easy flow electric traps, Thunder cord hold downs, FET paid.
CALL OR STOP IN TODAY!
2020 Versatile 295 MFD
Mondloch,, Inc..
$
CAJan20-1B-TV
320-548-3255
219,500
2020 Versatile 295 MFD, 910 hours, Cummins QSL 9 liter, 295 HP, 16 speed power shift, front weights, rear wheel weights, 6 remotes with high flow 72 gpm, 540-1000 PTO, 380-80R38 front tires, 480-80R50 rear tires, hub duals, Deluxe cab with leather seats, LED lighting chassis and cab, front fenders, HD draw bar, front and rear duals, auto steer ready.
2023 Degelman RP6000
125 Main St., St. Martin, MN 56376 | Fax: 320-548-3705
$
36,500
Custom Vehicle Graphics
SIGN Design
Have all your Ag & Truck equipment repaired locally:
Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
LLocated in the Sauk Centre Herald Office 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Logan Thomas, Designer & Sign Creator
• Combines & Heads • Tillage Equipment • Mowers
• Tractors • Trailers • Trucks
Large in-stock parts and bulk oils for Trucks & Farm Equipment: Oil, Washer Fluid, Lights and more
CAJan20-1B-JO
New 2023 Degelman RP6000 rock picker, 16.5L+16.1SL tires, 5’ working width, hydraulic drive, hydraulic hitch swing, very heavy duty.
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 11 PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
zing
Lee Zahler shows off some of the cowboy hats she created Nov. 28, 2023, near Long Prairie. Zahler shapes, colors, burns and adds charms to the various hats for a unique look.
Adding a little
Zahler designs custom cowboy hats BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
Cowboy hats are on display Nov. 28, 2023, inside Lee Zahler’s trailer near Long Prairie. Zahler has made about 70 custom cowboy hats since starting her business in early 2023.
LONG PRAIRIE — Cowboy hats of every shape, size and color fill Lee Zahler’s mobile trailer. These unique hats cannot be found in any other store in the world because Zahler makes them all herself. “I meet all kinds of people and hear their stories,” Zahler said. “They have ideas for hats I had never thought of. (My hats) are all
one of a kind; I have yet to make the same hat twice.” Zahler works full time in the restaurant industry but has been around horses most of her life as a hobby. In 2023, she began designing cowboy hats as part of that hobby, but it has turned into a side business. “For Christmas last year, I got myself a wood burner, Zahler said. “I started doing this last February for fun, and I really just fell in love with it.” Being a horsewoman herself, Zahler al-
ready owned a couple of cowboy hats. She began drawing on them with the wood burner, painting them and adding charms. Soon after, she started making hats for her family and friends. “Making memorial hats is how I got started, but then I started just doing some for fun,” Zahler said. “Memorial things don’t have to be sad; they can make you smile too.”
Zahler page 12
CAJan20-1B-RB
PETROLEUM, IN C.
SAUK RAPIDS - SAUK CENTRE - HOFFMAN - LITCHFILED - CLARA CITY - MURDOCK - WILLMAR
Page 12 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
Zahler
Lee Zahler uses a handheld burner on a cowboy hat Nov. 28, 2023, near Long Prairie. Zahler uses the burner on certain hats to create a rustic look.
from page 11 Zahler’s memorial hats include a personal message or a horse’s name, and some customers bring in hair from their horse to be included as well. Zahler experiments with other elements too. “I have literally set hats on fire to get the burnt look and can add color, glitter or charms,” she said. Realizing her hobby was growing, Zahler purchased an enclosed trailer to bring her
creations to fairs and festivals. She created a business and named it Little Zing LLC. “I wanted to do the trailer to be portable and to hit up events, Zahler said. “It’s been a learning game, starting this business and attending the various events.” While at events, Zahler opens up the back end of the trailer and the side door so that customers can walk in and try on hats. According to Zahler, the first step a customer needs to take is to determine their hat size. “From there, I can do anything with it,” she said. “I can stretch the hat
Zahler page 13
PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
(Top) A skull hat is on display Nov. 28, 2023, inside Lee Zahler’s trailer near Long Prairie. Zahler created the look by burning the hat, which naturally darkened it to give the hat eyes and a nose. (Middle) A red-themed hat is on display Nov. 28, 2023, inside Lee Zahler’s trailer near Long Prairie. Zahler calls this hat “Cardinal Queen of Hearts.” (Bottom) A cowboy hat featuring a cow’s skull is on display Nov. 28, 2023, inside Lee Zahler’s trailer near Long Prairie. The skull was created by using a wood burner.
WE STAND BEHIND OUR SALES & SERVICES
All Aluminum/Stainless Steel Welding and Metal Sales. We also provided Portable Welding
WE ARE THERE WHEN YOU NEED US!
105 County Road 10 | Albany, MN | 320-845-4690 W W W. A M P S R S . CO M
AMPS, Inc. is a locally owned and operated business since 1981.
CAJan20-1B-TV
Sales & Fast Dependable Service!
Brandon Petermeier
CAJan20-1B-NM
WINCO PTO Generators • Electric Motor Repair • Honda Portable Generators
10098 County 11• Sauk Centre | 320.223.2852
” ! p l e h o t e r e h e r ’ e W “ Buying • Expanding day to day Managing operations
www.firststatebanksc.com
We can help you with all your farm financing needs for the season ahead.
Matt Dirkes Ag Lending Specialist 423 Main Street South Sauk Centre, MN • 320-352-5771
CAJan20-1B-NM
STATE BANK SAUK CENTRE, MN
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 13 PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
HAPPY
Various cowboy hats are on display Nov. 28, 2023, inside Lee Zahler’s trailer near Long Prairie. Zahler uses the trailer as a mobile boutique.
New Year!
10
Snowblowers
Chainsaws
Zahler from page 12 and change the shape and go to town with any special design or any special messaging they want engraved on it.” When making the various hats, Zahler said, she seldom has a design in mind starting out. She just starts burning or adding color to a hat, then starts adding charms, ribbon, cards or other materials to see what looks good with the color scheme or burned look. “I have a skull hat that, after I burnt it, the front indents darkened and already looked like a skull,” Zahler said. “I just drew the rest of the face. I didn’t know I could draw a skull.” When working on a custom hat, it can take Zahler one day or a couple of weeks to complete the work of art. It all depends on how much custom-
ization the customer wants. For custom designs, she keeps the customer involved throughout the process. “I often am messaging back and forth with the customer about ideas to get it exactly how they want,” Zahler said. “Hearing their ideas and their stories and getting them on their hat — knowing this will be really special for them — that is the best part.” Since starting in February, Zahler has made 70 hats for family, friends and customers. She does hats for both youth and adults. She also makes her own wooden jewelry. When Zahler is not working, she can be found with her Norwegian Fjord horses at her home. “I am a certified braider for people and decided to braid my horse’s mane with synthetic-colored variations to add a little zing and color,” she said. “I like to do fun stuff like that with the horses, and it’s a way to spend extra time with them. It’s just fun.” Zahler uses her horses as inspiration for her own personal hat collection. “Getting the creativity out feels great,” she said.
Save $ UP TO
PER BAG ON
Amp Max Milk Replacer
5
Try these winter pet care tips!
F
ALL IN STOCK
Reed Boots
LITTLE ROCK, MN 320-584-5147
PIERZ, MN 320-468-2168
LASTRUP, MN 320-468-2543
BUCKMAN, MN 320-468-6433
www.sunriseagcoop.com
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
Power and performance to do the hard work. Comfort to make it look easy.
- 4 Color Print Ad, Large (7.5” wide x 10” high) - No additional headline or image options are available. - Space is limited, confirm all your updates appear by clicking the Refresh Preview button.
Marks the spot CA-Jan20-1B-TV
1. If you have outdoor pets consider bringing them in during extremely cold temperatures. 2. If your pet needs to stay outside, make sure it has a warm, dry, and draft free shelter outside. 3. Outdoor animals eat more during winter. Make sure you pet has enough food and water. 4. Indoor pets, meanwhile, conserve energy in the winter. Adjust their food accordingly. 5. Watch out for frostbite on your pets during the winter months. 6. Salt and ice can be rough on your pets paws, consider having them wear booties for walks.
F
ATTACHMENTS
Grand L60 Series
Winter is right around the corner.
O
CAJan20-1B-BL
PHOTO SUBMITTED
A hat is set on fire in early 2023 near Long Prairie. Once the hat is burned, Lee Zahler can use her wood burner to carve a special message and/or add charms for a custom look.
%
37-62 Gross HP
Wide operator station
Once complete, click Finish button. ***Download format must be DOWNLOAD PDF for the correct file type to submit to your print vendor or publication.***
Stop by to demo the high-performance Grand L60 Series today. Part of our tractor lineup rated #1 for durability and owner experience in the U.S.* • Premium comfort
• Advanced HST Plus™ transmission
• Performance-matched implements
• Powerful loader lift capacity
where your ad could have been. Let’ s Talk!
View more useful tips at www.petmd.com
551 Railroad Ave., Albany KubotaUSA.com
Located across from the Kraft plant
320-845-6930
320-352-6577
*Award based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor Study. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2023. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.
CAJan20-1B-MS
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 15 PHOTO SUBMITTED
Tiffany Farrier works on her commercial goat farm at Kandi Acres near Hawick. Farrier participated in an Annie’s Project class in her area to gain experience from other farmers and focus on the business side of farming.
Connecting
to grow Annie’s Project seeks to empower women in agriculture HAWICK — Tiffany Farrier raises commercial meat goats and dabbles in other forms of agriculture from growing asparagus to preparing cottage foods including barbecue sauces, rubs and breads and crafting goat milk soaps, lotions, candles and body soaks. When Farrier, of Kandi Acres, heard there was an opportunity to join in on an Annie’s Project program in her area in 2023, she signed on. The project is a national non-profit that has been educating and empowering women in agriculture across the country for the last 20 years. “It was an opportunity to meet with a group of women that were like-minded,” Farrier said.
She began the program wanting to learn from others about farm administration, financing and insurance. “It’s all of those dynamics we don’t see on the day-to-day farming side of it,” Farrier said. Through the course, she heard from experts on those topics as well as discussion of farm succession planning and resources available to farmers. Colleen Carlson is in her fourth year of teaching Annie’s Project classes. Carlson and her colleague, Susanne Hinrichs, an extension educator with the agricultural business management team, coordinate the program at the state level. Carlson said the program serves as an awakening, helping women realize and uncover what they already know but also connecting them with others to help them grow as individ-
Simplify your banking relationship by getting your low-rate financing, cost-saving account structure, and on-farm common-sense from our Agricultural Bankers at First National Bank of Osakis.
SNOWBLOWER 72”
Derek
Member FDIC
(320) 859-2101 PO Box 580 Osakis, MN 56360
Investing in YOU www.fnbosakis.com
Annie’s Project page 16
SNOW BUCKETS 6’-10’
CAJan-1B-JO
Cory
to the course, Carlson said there is individuality too. One class went on a tour to Redhead Creamery as part of the course and, in the online session, Carlson took students on a virtual tour of a local livestock auction barn where sheep, goats, cattle and pigs were being sold.
Come see what we have on hand today!
Real Estate Loans · Pasture · Crop · Facilities · Grain Storage · Commodity Feed Sheds Letters of Credit Meet our Agricultural Banking Pros!
uals. “We provide that reassurance and edge of confidence to what they’re already doing,” Carlson said. The classes focus on farm management, the importance of communications and farm/production meetings, farm finances, agricultural resources and marketing, among other things. The topics are tailored to the attendees each session to provide relevant information. Though there is initial structure
All attachments in stock to keep your operation up and running.
Ag Banking Options: Checking Savings Term Loans · Equipment · Cattle · Dairy Cattle Lines of Credit · Cattle · Crop Input · Dairy
PHOTO SUBMITTED Tiffany Farrier, of Kandi Acres, bottle Farrier has goats, creates personal feeds a goat on her farm near Hawick. asparagus and prepares cottage care products from her goat milk, grows foods including BBQ sauces, rub breads. s and
SN SNOW PUSHERS 6’-10’
CAJan20-1B-JO
BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER
320.352.3477
Located in Sauk Centre, MN
WWW.MESSERATTACH.COM
SEE MORE PRODUCTS ON OUR WEBSITE HERE
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 17
Annie’s Project from page 16
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Goat milk soaps are on display at Kandi Acres near Hawick. Tiffany Farrier creates a variety of soap and other personal care products using milk from her goats.
Hearing Aid Center Local & Global Efforts Going above and beyond to give back to those in need of hearing.
CAJan15-tfnB-BL
Our commitment is to provide a superior experience in achieving better hearing!
ArcA1 Better hearing has never been more effortless with rechargeable options for every lifestyle
www.jeffersonhearingaid.com
Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids & Wadena: (218) 631-4966
223 Jefferson Street North, Wadena, MN 56482 17274 State Hwy. 371, Brainerd, MN 56401 • 218-825-7349
crop insurance to human resources, legal issues and production risks. Typically, the course lasts six weeks, and the next class in Little Falls launches in February. An online class, open to participants across the state, begins in April. Usually, Hinrichs said there are no more than 20 participants in a class. Classes are held throughout the state at different times and many include from a three-county region. “It’s (about) connectedness too,” Hinrichs said. “Farming can be kind of isolating. … This provides that opening for women who are in the same situation. They might not be in the same kind of farming, but they’re producing food, fiber or fuel, and have a connection with others who are doing similar things.”
Small Town, Big Value... Since 1928
A.M. MAUS & SON 21 MAUS DRIVE | PO BOX 130 | KIMBALL, MN 55353 Sales Hours: M-Th. 8 am–7pm | Fri. 8 am–6 pm | Sat. 8 am–4 pm
CAJan20-1B-NM
JEFFERSON
system,” she said. Carlson said the course gives women insight into the various ways they and their colleagues contribute to the farm. From traveling to retrieve parts and taking care of the family to loading cattle, driving tractor and evaluating genetics, Carlson said each job is important. “They’re equally as valuable, and we need to recognize their contributions individually,” Carlson said. “Without them, they couldn’t function (as a farm).” The class attracts not only women new to farming, those with a decade or more experience but also some who have put as many as three decades of work into their farms. Hinrichs said topics can include everything from risk management and
320-398-3210 | 800-510-2732 | 320-398-3212 fax | www.AMMaus.net
CAJan20-1B-NM
thing drastically different,” she said. “But, we’re all supportive of each other and where we’re at.” Farrier describes herself as a relationship-based person and said relationships with farmers, suppliers, distributors and customers are all important. “Everything comes down to relationships, and PHOTO SUBMIT TED at if you don’t have go ial erc mm co r he ats on Tiffany Farrier feeds gor learned tips for how to better those relationships, farm near Hawick. Farrie inputs and outputs when she that business will track her financials and ject course in her area. fail because you Pro attended an Annie’s don’t have a support
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 21
I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down an apple tree, knew it was likely to survive this assault on its a living apple tree. It was a mistake. I eastern half. I cut up the branches and thought it was buckthorn. the downed tree, stacked the wood and The tree was in the woods. It would vowed to be more careful in identifying have been very large for a buckthorn, trees. with a double trunk, each one about 6 That was last year. inches across. The bark was shaggy as it One day last week, I headed to that is in older buckthorn. part of the woods. It took me a while to Personalize your ride! It was tall, with its upper branches in the canopy. I should get to the apple tree because there was have known it wasn’t buckthorn. But some large prickly ash that distracted right about then, I wasn’t taking chances. me for a half hour or so. And among In my zeal for buckthorn eradication, I the prickly ash I found buckthorn that Working out – may have been a little aggressive. was tall enough that I couldn’t pull it outdoors, that is The tree’s double trunk was joined by hand. Since I was on the edge of by Nancy Packard about 2 feet off the ground. It had few the woods and not far from the shop, I Leasman lower branches. I suppose that was went back and got the herbicide bottle. I etiolation at work. Lack of sunlight in proceeded in cutting prickly ash, cutting competing with the other trees had made this one buckthorn and treating the cut stumps as I moved long and leggy. further into the woods. It was a challenge for my little chainsaw, but I remembered the apple assault and guiltily we were both committed to the project. We, the hunted for the tree. When I found it, I looked up. chainsaw and I, cut the eastern-most trunk first. As The remaining trunk looked just as it had last year, it came down and those upper branches came into nearly naked with a lollipop top of leaves. I couldn’t view, I noticed some kind of balls bouncing around. see any apples on it. And when I looked back at the We don’t have hickory trees or horse chestnuts in ground, I discovered my penance. A healthy expanse these woods. I would recognize black walnuts. So of young buckthorn covered the ground as if that what was it? Apples. Darn! Even though it was a had been a mother buckthorn after all. It wasn’t, but wild apple tree and not likely to produce much of there obviously had been one. human value, it was of value to the diversity of the I spent the next hour pulling little buckthorns in woods and the flying squirrels or whatever ate fruit an area where I thought there had been none. Ah, the up that high. life of a sinner. I studied the remaining part of the trunk and
Custom Vehicle Graphics
SIGN Design Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
LLocated in the Sauk Centre Herald Office 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Logan Thomas, Designer & Sign Creator
CAJan20-1B-RB
Apple penance Buying all
metals! WE HANDLE Garbage and Electronics FOR ALL THINGS CLEAN UP
320-845-2747 Conveniently located next to I-94 94
CAJan20-1B-TV
Quality Construction...
Custom Built to Any Size
Fast & Economical!
CAJan20-1B-NM
CAJan20-1B-MT
Built to Handle Our Midwest Weather!
24x24x10 ........$7,500 Subject to local building codes, snow-load 30x40x10 ......$11,000 requirements, delivery & 36x48x10 ......$14,000 crew travel in some areas. Prices subject to change 40x64x12 ......$18,000 without notice.
Ask Abou Concretet Prices!
Fully Insured #BC574944
320.492.6364
j.austinconstruction@yahoo.com
Want to see MOOORE?
Check out our website for more recipes, stories, past Country Acres e-editions and more!
www.countryacresmn.com
Country Acres
Page 24 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
HARMS LAND ROLLER INTRODUCING THE NEW 30” DRUM DIAMETER • 1/2” drum wall thickness • 12’, 14’, 15’, 16’, 24’, 30’, 32’, 36’, 40’, 42’, 45’, 50’, 60’, 62’ sizes • Wing steering for easy folding • Rollers flex in the field on uneven surfaces
Easy to use • Easy to Fold • Transports Easily OVER 2,000 LAND ROLLERS OPERATING IN THE MIDWEST!
Tandem Bale Racks
Big Bale Dump Racks
Heavy Duty!
Heavy Duty!
• Heavy Duty • All Steel Construction • Guaranteed To Trail • 10’x30’ bed
CA-Dec16-1B-JW
NEW Harms Hay Hauler • 8’x24’ Available, 8 or 10 ton • Built Harms strong • More cost effective
HARMS MFG., INC. 14451 430TH ST. • BERTHA, MN 56437
218-924-4522
www.harmsmfg.com
CAJan20-1B-MT
• Big Square And Big Round Bales • Heavy Duty • Double acting hydraulic lift • 10’x24’ Bed • 8 Bolt Hubs
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN.REASONABLE RATES. We Offer Site Prep, Drainage Tile, Land Clearing, Excavation, Pump Stations And So Much More! Brad Herickhoff, Owner • 320-351-4872
MAKE TRACKS TO YOUR DEALER. SECURE LOW FINANCING OR CHOOSE REBATES IN LIEU OF FINANCING WHEN PURCHASING A NEW COMPACT TRACK LOADER. Get as low as 0% for 48 months* plus rebates up to $4,000 USD* on select new compact track loaders. $0 down payment on select compact loader leases.
Dassel 888-679-4857 Long Prairie 866-514-0982
St. Cloud 844-262-2281 Willmar 877-484-3211
CAJan20-1B-NM
**Offer ends 3/31/2024. Available at participating and eligible dealers only. Offer may vary by product type, series, model and select units in dealer’s current inventory. Must take delivery from dealer stock by 3/31/2024. Offers available on new equipment in US and Canada only. Some restrictions apply. Length of contract and rate may vary. Monthly payment subject to change. Prior purchases not eligible. See dealer for details. Financing provided on approval of credit by authorized Bobcat finance providers to well-qualified buyers. All finance programs and rates are subject to final approval by the applicable Bobcat finance provider and are subject to change at any time without notice. Administrative fees may apply. Offer not available to government accounts, national accounts and municipal/utility bid customers. Bobcat Company reserves the right to extend or discontinue any of these programs at any time without prior notice.
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 25
Processing prowess
PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
(Above) Klinton VanHeuveln stands with his wife, Samantha VanHeuveln Dec. 19 at K&S Poultry and Meats near Kerkhoven. The couple opened a seasonal processing business in December of 2020 and the operation has grown from there and now offers full-time, year-round service. (Left) Various cuts of meat are displayed Dec. 19 at K&S Poultry and Meats near Kerkhoven. All cuts of meat are vacuum sealed for freshness.
K&S Poultry and Meats offers varied cuts, processing
KERKHOVEN — Prior to opening K&S Poultry and Meats, Klinton VanHeuveln was following the family business doing dirt work and
Midwest etal
drainage. He felt a calling to something different. “We jumped in and pretty much sold everything we had and left everything we knew to start this business,” Klinton said.
cessing plants closed and the coronavirus pandemic caused processing shortages, customers began looking for other options. Klinton said those customers were soon calling regularly, and by December 2020, the couple decided to begin a seasonal processing business. By spring, Klinton was licensed and processed a couple hundred birds a week. The next year, he became certified with the Minnesota Equal To program for poultry, which allows for products to be sold, distributed and wholesaled within the state. “It was kind of the next step,” Klinton said. “(There
aren’t) many processors in the state with the opportunity to be able to offer that service. God was calling us.” The VanHeuvelns said they felt a sense of peace when deciding to process meats, even though in the beginning, they did not know the first thing about the industry. As their business blossomed, Samantha said their customers started asking about their ability to process larger animals. “We kept hearing from our farmer friends that they couldn’t get processing done,” she said.
VanHeuveln page 26
PROUD TO BE YOUR HOMETOWN LUMBER COMPANY SINCE 1971! Bork Lumber & Steel is a lumber company and building center located in Central Minnesota. Our Mission is to provide our customers with the best service, lumber and building materials available to meet their residential, commercial and agricultural needs.
18508 County Rd 130, Paynesville, MN 56362
320-243-7815 • www.borklumber.com
FIND US ON
SOCIAL MEDIA!
Scan the QR codes to find our pages or follow us @countryacres_
Country Acres @COUNTRYACRES_
X (FORMERLY TWITTER)
CAJan20-1B-NM
BY SARAH COLBURN STAFF WRITER
Now, four years later, K&S Poultry and Meats processes 1,000-1,500 chickens a week from more than 150 farmers May to mid-August near Kerkhoven. The rest of the year they work with producers who need processing of beef, hogs, goats and lamb. They also process deer. For Klinton and his wife, Samantha, the business is about the people and farmers who work with the animals. “It’s just fun to build those relationships,” he said. The couple first began their business, mostly as a hobby, with chickens. They raised broilers then processed and sold them in 2019. When neighboring pro-
Page 26 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024 PHOTO BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
Dustin Stepaniak cuts up a bovine for processing Dec. 19 at K&S Poultry and Meats near Kerkhoven. The butcher shop expanded in size, growing from the original 1,600 square feet to 5,000 square feet and includes a processing area, four coolers, a freezer and a smoke house.
Therm-Tech windows are built to last!
Lumber Company, Inc.
Freeport • MN
320-836-2135 or Toll Free 888-294-8686
CAJan20-1B-MT
Keep the weather outside & the comfort inside.
VanHeuveln
FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS: • Farm/Home • Business • Auto • Life • Health • Rec Vehicle ... and more!
from page 25
320.351.2436
For all your insurance needs
512 Main Street S, Ste 2 Sauk Centre, MN 56378 www.saukcentreinsurance-billmarks.com Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM • Appointments available at anytime
CA-Jan20-1B-MT
Claire Rieland
Stop in to see Claire or Darcy! Darcy Jennissen Pfeffer
We have the equipment to help with your snow removal needs! We have 50-inch through 108-inch snowblowers. 10-foot and 12-foot Notch Snow Pushers with Áares, in stock!! Stop in, call or text 320-243-7411 23661 Hwy. 4, Paynesville, MN
www.lakehenryimplement.com
CAJan20_1B_TV
The couple began investigating large animal processing and decided it was time to expand. They applied for a grant through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and received it at the beginning of 2022. Samantha, a certified public accountant, wrote the grant because they needed more equipment and more space. “It’s been a really fun ride to have all the things line up when we needed them,” she said. By May 2022, they were processing chickens and finishing the construction on their property to be able to process hogs, beef, goats and lambs. Klinton did most of the work on the building himself with help from family and friends, growing the shop from roughly 1,600 square feet to 4,000-5,000 square feet. The building is now complete with a 30- by 40-foot processing area,
four coolers, a freezer, a smoke house, processing areas and an office space as well as employee restrooms and a breakroom. Then, in August 2022, K&S Poultry and Meats processed its first large animal, a steer. “I knew nothing about big animals,” Klinton said. “I’d never killed or processed a cow.” He and his brother-inlaw researched videos on YouTube and began. After just the first few animals, they were hooked, and the customers kept coming. In October 2023, the business also became E2 certified for the processing of pork, beef, lamb and goat. Klinton said each and every cut of meat is vacuum sealed, frozen and, in many cases, ready for pick up the next day. The vacuum sealing, he said, is key to avoid freezer burn. Last winter, they processed two beef cattle and 10 hogs a week. By the end of November, they had to add a third person to the team. Now, K&S Poultry and Meats offers steaks and roasts. They offer 20 cuts of pork and 30-40 cuts of beef. They slaughter animals one day a week, but demand is proving they may need to increase to two days. “It’s exciting because the productivity has gone up,” Klinton said. For the VanHeuvelns, the expansion of the butcher shop also means a better work-life balance. They have four young children. Samantha stays home with the kids, does the bookwork for the butcher shop, works seasonally for a tax firm and serves as a cross-country coach in the fall and a track coach in the spring.
VanHeuveln page 27
MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY Your dream home is just a call away
CENTRAL MN FARM SHOW EDITION
When it comes to ag, Nobody helps you reach your customer better than Star Publications
3 Newspapers - 1 Price
Local lenders who know you.
Stevens Grant
Todd Morrison
Douglas
Benton
Pope
Full page ads include a 1/2 page story on your company in the tab!
Stearns Sherburne
Swift Kandiyohi
Meeker
Wright
Chippewa
Ad prices include full color
Vice President
Gary Schmitz Vice President
Published ed by:
Renville
CAJan20
McLeod
Publications
320-291-9899
Derrick Meyer Vice President
Brittney Zimmer Loan Officer
“Customer Service Is Our Priority”
Over 22,000 copies printed!
! Deadline: Call Today Missy Traeger Feb. 5, 2024 missy@saukherald.com
ST T R
Jennifer Klaphake
320-836-2126
P Proud to be recognized by Bauer F Financial as one of the strongest fin financial institutions in the country.
CAJan20-1B-MT
Cass Crow Wing
Aitkin
Wadena
Ottertail
One ad in the tab gets you exposure in 3 newspapers. We reach more of your rural customers than ever before. • Special Insert in Country Acres, Benton Ag & Benton County News • Online on star-pub.com, saukrapidsherald.com & bentonconews.com
Mille Lacs
Coming February 17, 2024
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Country Acres • Page 27 PHOTOS BY TIFFANY KLAPHAKE
(Left) Klinton VanHeuveln trims meat Dec. 19 in his butcher shop near Kerkhoven. There, he processes beef, goats, lamb, pork and chickens. The business is MN E2 certified for the processing of pork, beef, lamb and goats in addition to E2 poultry. (Below) Dustin Stepaniak creates fresh cuts of meat Dec. 19 at K&S Poultry and Meats near Kerkhoven. The shop offers steaks and roasts and 20 different cuts of meat on hogs and 30 to 40 different cuts of meat for beef.
VanHeuveln from page 25 “It’s given us the bandwidth to be able to work together as a team and be able to raise our kids the way we want to raise them,” Samantha said. They are working to increase capacity as their team learns more. They are starting to offer inspected and frozen pork and beef on-site for
National FFA Week Feb. 17-24, 2024
Ad Deadline February 9, 2024
BY SARAH COLBURN | STAFF WRITER
C Celebrating our area FFA organizations. Information, photos and stories that will give more insight into the young men and women who will be shaping our country’s agricultural future.
To be included contact
Robin Brunette robin@saukherald.com 320-293-5911
Learning leads to giving Greenhouse, meat processing descending on West Central Area High School
TO COMMUNIT Y PHOTOS SUBMITTED
BARRETT – High school students in the Barrett area will be growing vine-ripened produce and processing fresh cuts of pork and beef to beneÀt people in need at the Grant County Food Shelf. With the help of nearly $700,000 in grants and community donations, West Central Area High School has added a fully automated, modern greenhouse to its campus and will launch a mobile meat processing trailer this fall. The effort helps provide a hands-on learning opportunity for students and will relieve hunger in the community. “We’ve got fresh, local produce and meat, and why not have it put directly on the shelves?” said Eric Sawatzke, the school’s FFA advisor. As a teacher and advisor, Sawatzke said it is his job to get students excited about agriculture. “It’s the only way to make education come alive, to really live it and do it,” it, Sawatzke said. “If If they don’t don t experience (agriculture) before they’re 18, they will not look at it as a career Àeld.”
Alexa Blume, (from left) Kaylee Gehrke, Brooklyn Strobel and Sidney Huntley propagate new plants from larger parent plants which will be sold to fund future greenhouse project supplies.
Barrett FFA page 2B
Abigail McGee, Aidan Porter, Brielle Floden and Mia Nelson
NOW HIRING
inspect plants for pests or disease.
Country Acres
CAJan20
Coming b Fe . 17, 2024
Bayer Built Woodworks is looking to hire a full time Purchasing Agent. This position is responsible for ensuring adequate inventory levels to successfully complete customer orders, build and maintain vendor relationships, and assist in pricing, quality assurance, and lead times. Will also work closely with Team Leaders on inventory management.
Purchasing Agent
Successful candidate will have 2 years of purchasing or Building Materials trade experience, good communications skills, DQG 0LFURVRIW 2IÀFH NQRZOHGJH Bayer Built offers a competitive FRPSHQVDWLRQ DQG EHQHÀWV SDFNDJH including health, dental, STD, LTD, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, and more.
CAJan20-1B-RB
Klinton is no longer gone from early morning until after supper like he was before the butcher shop started. The VanHeuvelns built their shop on the same land as their home. Samantha and the kids have more time with Klinton since they can drop in when needed and see him every day at lunch.
customers. They are also planning to expand their relationship with Ridgewater College’s meat processing program. “We want to continue to serve our community and still be there for the small family farmers who are still wanting that custom processing so they can get half a beef sold,” Klinton said.
Apply at: 24614 US Hwy 71, Belgrade, MN 56312 | Email resume to hiring@bayerbuilt.com
For every SnowDogg® plow sold we will donate $250 to Band of Brothers Outdoors
T
H
ER
AN
SET TLE FOR
LE
E T H E V E RY B
SS
Find us on Facebook @Band Of Brothers Outdoors www.bandofbrothersoutdoors.org
ST
415 JAY AVE. SE E | RICHMOND, RICHMO OND MN | 320-597-5600 | www.RenegadeTruckEquipment.com | info@renegadetruckequipment.com
CAJan20-1B-NM
N
EV
Page 28 • Country Acres | Saturday, January 20, 2024
Buying or Selling Rural Property? cres A 0 0 48,0 in the Sold Years 3 Last
In the past 3 years, Weiss Realty closed over 700 transactions which is equivalent to over $300,000,000 in sales volume totaling just over 48,000 acres sold. No other brokers in the Bluff Country can match our results! Properties sold included farms, hobby farms, rural homes with acreage, cabins, country estates, tillable ground, campsites and hunting land. It is a great time to consider selling.
Recent Weiss Realty Listings Anoka County - 1.3 Acres w/Home - $429,000 - Sold Cass County - 158.87 Acres - $397,175 - Reduced Chisago County - Home - $495,000 - Sold Chisago County - 40 Acres - $89,900 - Pending Crow Wing County - 2.58 Acres - $149,900 - Sold Crow Wing County - 30 Acres - $265,000 - Sold Crow Wing County - 32.17 Acres w/Home - $399,900 - Sold Chisago County - 60 Acres - $540,000 - Pending Freeborn County - 164 Acres - $299,000 - Sold Kanabec County - 20 Acres w/Home - $275,000 - Sold Lyon County - .215 Acres w/Home - $197,369 - Sold Meeker County - 1.86 Acres - $22,500 - Active Meeker County - 87.1 Acres w/Home - $835,000 - Reduced Mille Lacs County - 40 Acres - $149,900 - Pending
Mille Lacs County - 259.7 Acres - $529,000 - Sold Morrison County - 120 Acres - $432,000 - Sold Morrison County - 133 Acres - $518,700 - Sold Otter Tail County - 80 Acres w/Home - $299,900 - Sold Pine County - 71 Acres w/Cabin - $189,000 - Reduced Pine County - 220 Acres - $425,000 - Sold Rice County - 42 Acres w/Home - $469,000 - Sold Rice County - 59 Acres - $600,000 - Pending Rice County - 201 Acres - $1,725,000 - Active Scott County - 20 Acres w/Home - $1,200,000 - Sold Sibley County - 13 Acres - $165,500 - Active Todd County - 68.28 Acres w/Home - $749,900 - Sold Wadena County - 40 Acres - $99,900 - Sold Waseca County - 5 Acres w/Home - $485,000 - Sold
WE CAN SELL YOURS TOO! Specializing in:
Hunting Land, Farm Land, Hobby Farms & Country Estates
Experienced in:
Surveying, Parcel Splits, Zoning & Planning & 1031 Tax Exchanges
Local Expertise:
Our agents have a lifetime of experience in this area
Andrew Larson 507-382-1416
Ben Pigorsch 763-229-3802
MN Licensed Real Estate Agent AndrewLarson@WeissChoice.com
MN Licensed Real Estate Agent Ben@WeissChoice.com
If you are thinking about selling, call today for a FREE Market Analysis
www.WeissChoice.com CAJan20-1B-JM