Country Acres South - May 4, 2024

McCarty crafts fishing rod handles for more than 20 years

BY SARAH COLBURN | STAFF WRITER

ELGIN — Archie McCarty spends six hours a day, five to six days a week creating handmade fishing rod handles. At age 81, working over a lathe, McCarty crafts thousands of handles a year.

He does not take orders online. He does not email. McCarty answers phone calls from customers throughout the week. He talks with each person individually, walking through their needed specifications to create the perfect handle just for them.

Occasionally, someone will call for a bulk order of 30-40 handles for a class or a school, but the majority of McCarty’s work is done for individual fishing enthusiasts. Though he has a website, many of his customers come via word of mouth, and his smooth-finished handles can be found in 32 states he knows of.

“It’s just a hobby that got carried away,” McCarty said.

The handles are often gifted for a retirement or a milestone birthday, and occasionally, customers want the recipient’s name laser engraved into the piece, something he outsources.

McCarty’s work is all about precision. He crafts from four woods, including red cedar, and he also offers veneered birch.

“It’s just achieving something of quality,” he said.

More than 85% of his customers opt for red cedar handles.

“It’s soft wood, and it’s light,” McCarty said. “The fishermen like a lightweight wood so they don’t add a lot of weight to the rod. Once you epoxy it, they come out real nice.”

McCarty lets his customers epoxy the handles themselves. He does not have the shop space or time to accomplish that. The way it is, McCarty said he can accommodate his orders as long as all of his equipment is in top working order.

(Above right) Archie McCarty holds a fishing rod with one of his custom-turned handles April 20 in his garage in Elgin. McCarty himself is an avid fisherman. This year he has six campout trips to the Boundary Waters lined up with friends and family.

(Right below) Archie McCarty works on the fore grip of a handle April 29 in his shop in Elgin. McCarty’s smoothfinished handles can be found in 32 states.

PHOTOS BY AMY KYLLO

Archie McCarty works on turning a custom handle April 29 in his shop in Elgin. At age 81, working over a lathe, McCarty crafts thousands of handles a year.

McCarty page 2

SOUTH

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Copyright 2024

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Archie McCarty stands in his shop April 29 in Elgin. McCarty does not take orders online or via email, instead he answers phone calls from customers, talking with each person individually to create the perfect handle for them.

McCarty from front

When he first retired, he said he was working eight-hour days creating handles and churned out 3,000 handles a year, and now, he creates about 2,000.

of sawdust is too much for the garage.

ate. In the initial c iscusses fo t ength diame a dr ress on a fix ork bench drill ch with a c to dimens Fro h scores a X t square b head

date. In the initial call, he discusses the use for the rod and pinpoints the rod length and diameter. Using a drill xed work bench, McCarty drills the wood, checking every step with a caliper to hone the dimensions. From there, he scores an X into the square block and heads to the lathe. He uses a plastic duplicator template he had made to ensure accuracy and save time on his creations as he remains consistent with dimensions.

He sands the pieces on the lathe and trims off

any excess. He can make 18 in a day.

McCarty fell into his craft after visiting a store in Rochester in the 1990s to buy a fishing rod for a friend who was retiring. The rod was $125, and he said at the time he could not justify that kind of money.

But, for $45, the guy at the shop, Mel Dickie, told McCarty he would show him how to make one. He built his first one and liked it. Then, he built another one for $45 with the help of his teacher. He gave away the next eight. Dickie was having trouble getting handles made for his custom rods, so he asked McCarty if he had interest. McCarty got the machinery, started turn-

ST R

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“Committed to being the eyes and ears of our communities.”

Born and raised in Elgin, McCarty receives pallets of wood from southern Indiana and stores them off-site. The wood is sawed to length for squareness and then comes into his Elgin garage. He crafts the handles inside a utility shed because the amount

He begins with wood that is cut 1.5-inch square and 13 inches long. Using a band saw, he cuts the length into a 9-inch piece and a 4-inch piece. He typically uses the 4-inch piece to create the foregrip and the front of the handle, and he drills out the 9-inch piece for the handle.

He can create whatever a customer needs and whatever rod they are looking to accommo-

SEASON.

Custom rod handles made by Archie McCarty lie on a table April 29 in his garage in Elgin. Occasionally, someone will call for a bulk order of 30-40 handles for a class or a school, but the majority of McCarty’s work is done for individual fishing enthusiasts.

PHOTOS BY AMY KYLLO

McCarty page 3

Mother’s Day love to Mom

I don’t have a specific best memory with my mom. Instead, it’s more like hundreds of similar beautiful memories all packed into composite rainbows.

As an adult, I go home many weekends to my parents’ house not because I need to or have to, but because I want to.

I can honestly say that Mom is one of my best friends. The friendship grew out of hours stacked on hours of working together. It grew out of the love and kindness Mom and Dad always showed us. It grew out of the honest fun we have together.

It also grew out of the fact that Mom and I spent extra time together doing homeschooling. At the beginning of the year in September, Mom would sit down on the couch with me and do a grand reveal of what the curriculums were going to be that year.

Always, there were fun surprises and ideas that I didn’t like. (Cue the phonics curriculum — that, granted, was highly beneficial — I had to do multiple years much to my chagrin). More often than not, however, the curriculum was exciting. Mom had carefully selected it to who I was and what she and I wanted to learn.

Mom’s homeschooling style is a good metaphor for the kind of mom she is. What has always stood out to me about Mom is how much she invests in us. From the hours of work, to the multiplicity of her prayers, to the myriads of conversations, the difference she makes is key.

I often think how her legacy in many ways will be what us girls accomplish. She poured into us often self-sacrificially, and the difference we make will be the fruit of her life. It is a sobering responsibility.

To be clear, Mom doesn’t talk about her sacrifices. I see how her life suffused into mine. One of the things I love about Mom is her joy. Her smile lights her face with its radiant crinkles.

Plus, as an excellent side note, Mom is quick to spoil me, which I am a fan of. A few weeks ago, I was

at my parents’ place working on a Monday. Since usually I wouldn’t be at their home on a weekday, I milked my presence to its full advantage and easily convinced Mom to make cheeseburger pie, which is one of my favorite hot dishes. She even sent me home with a container of leftovers. Mom is also so much fun to tease, and I can be a bit of a sassy brat from time to time. The whole family gangs up on her, as we use the same joke we’ve used a thousand times before. If it’s the right one, we can still get a hmmph/sniff, even though she knows we’re giving her a hard time.

When it is just her and me, and I am starting to halfway get into trouble because I’ve danced on the line a little hard, I remind Mom to think about what she would do without me. With that refrain, my manipulative and naughty self is soon floating into good graces again thanks to Mom’s undeserved love toward me.

When I’m having a terrible day, she’s the person I turn to. I’m a little embarrassed by this, because I probably should be self-sufficient in this area. After I cry, vent or both, she calms me down and finishes the phone call with a prayer for whatever I am upset about. Generally, life feels better afterward.

As a kid, I loved to snuggle and talk with Mom before bed. After a few minutes, she would stroke my head while she prayed over me, and then, I would go off to my bed to sleep. Physical touch is one of my love languages, and in that moment, I always felt so incredibly loved.

Growing up, Mom was also the only person in the household who would give me a kiss on the top of my head when I had the stomach flu, true dedication toward loving me well.

Even now that I am an adult, Mom is quick with a hug and kiss. Some of my favorite moments are sitting on the couch as we talk about our lives and process decisions.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. I love you, Mom.

Sunshine & Flowers | by Amy Kyllo

The USS Wasp burning and listing Sept. 15, 1942, after being torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-19 while operating in the South Pacific supporting forces on Guadalcanal. Kinney and others hung onto a cork life raft for three hours. At the same time, a destroyer dropped depth charges for the submarine while they were in the water, but eventually a different destroyer, the USS Laffey, rescued them. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. Navy.

from page 5

On Sept. 15, 1942, around 3 p.m., three torpedoes from an I-19 Japanese submarine hit the USS Wasp, according to “War Stories.”

“We were at battle stations,” said Kinney in “War Stories.” “All of a sudden, it was like an earthquake. The upward concussion was just terrific.”

Kinney said the lights and communication went out and steam escaped, but it was a low-pressure line, or it would have killed them.

The book said the order to abandon the ship was given by word of mouth. On deck, men took off their shoes and left them lined up along the length of the ship.

“When I got a couple of hundred yards away, that was the first time I thought, ... ‘I’m going to make it,’” Kinney said in the book.

According to the article, Kinney and others hung onto a cork life raft for three hours.

The book said a destroyer dropped

depth charges for the submarine while they were in the water, but eventually a different destroyer, the USS Laffey, rescued them.

According to the article, Kinney’s mom did not know his ship had sunk until he returned home on leave.

“All our mail had been censored; you could hardly say that the sun was shining,” Kinney said in the article.

Kinney joined the USS Princeton in February 1943.

According to “War Stories,” the ship followed land forces as they went from island to island in the Pacific. Kinney’s new role was to run the throttle for the forward engines.

On Oct. 24, 1944, two years after his last ship had sunk, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a single Japanese dive bomber dropped a bomb on the flight deck of the ship, according to U.S. Navy records.

Kinney page 7

Cattle

Berg begins raising beef

after accident left him unable to work construction

BY AMY KYLLO | STAFF WRITER

PINE ISLAND — Scott Berg had always aspired to own cattle. In 2021, his dream became reality in a different way than he expected.

Scott and Karrie own four Murray Grey heifers, three steers and two calves — with two more calves on the way — on their acreage near Pine Island. They also are housing six additional Murray Grey animals for a friend.

“He always wanted to have some cattle,” said Karrie Berg, Scott’s wife. “That would have been a retirement dream.”

Scott, who grew up on a farm, owned a construction business for 32 years. In May 2020, the Bergs moved into a home they built on 58 acres they had purchased from Scott’s parents.

Just four months later, Scott was involved in

a serious construction accident. As he recovered, he was no longer able to work construction, but owning and working with beef cattle was possible. Karrie said the beef cattle fulfill a needed part of his life.

“He has a purpose, a job to go to,” Karrie said. “He’s a super hardworking, on the go, constant guy.”

Scott agreed.

“They’re my therapy friends,” Scott said. “I just love going to the barn.”

Scott’s life-changing accident occurred as he and a crew of two others were excavating around a leaking basement. Scott’s crew was on the south side, and he was on the east side to clean the foundation wall after them when an 8-foot tall, 12-15 inch thick cement basement wall tipped out on him.

Berg page 10

ScottKarrieandScottBergsmileApril19ontheirfarmnearPineIsland. constructionalwaysaspiredtoowncattle,andin2021,ayearafteraserious accident,theBergsboughttheirfirst beef cattle.

PHOTO BY AMY KYLLO

Beef cattle stand April 19 on the Berg’s farm near Pine Island. The Bergs butchered their first beef animal last fall and have been enjoying the meat.

Alita Rinehart

19 | Kasson

Parent: Amanda Rinehart

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started leasing from Naatz Dairy Farm in 2017. I grew to love being on the farm and doing 4-H and FFA activities throughout the past couple years. My plans are to attend Rochester Community and Technical College for my generals and then transfer to Winona State University to get my bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in child development. After that, I plan to return to the Mayo Clinic to become a child life specialist.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I’m a social butterfly, which is the best thing when being a dairy princess. I can connect with the public about what I know about the dairy community and also learn and see others’ perspectives about the dairy industry.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? I work at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus, a place where health is the main subject. When I talk to patients, dairy is the No. 1 topic I go to when striking a conversation. I tell about how having dairy in your life is a very key factor in a person’s health.

RobinsonElyssa

17 | Dodge Center

Parents: Shane and Jacinta Robinson

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I’ve been around the dairy industry my whole life by showing dairy cattle, raising dairy cattle, working on many dairy farms or lending a helping hand. After high school, I plan to take a year break. I want to decide whether to attend South Dakota State University for veterinary medicine or the two-year dairy program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls so I can continue to grow my knowledge of the dairy industry.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I know what I’m talking about when it comes to dairy. I’ve been showing livestock for a very long time and am teaching younger members the importance of taking care of livestock. I make sure that the public knows that all of the animals are being taken care of very well. I’m a good leader. I can also put people in their place very respectfully. As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? To inform the public that dairy products are healthy and to answer any of their questions in the best and most efficient way possible.

SauderEllie

19 | Pine Island

Parents: Stan and Amy Sauder

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I grew up on my family’s seventh-generation dairy farm in Dodge County. My experiences growing up on the farm and showing cattle through 4-H and FFA helped me realize my passion for agriculture and agriculture communications, which influenced my college plans. I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in agricultural business with hopes to work in marketing for an agriculture-based company after graduation.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Through my experience as a county dairy princess last year, I came to realize how much I truly enjoy sharing the story of agriculture, specifically dairy, with consumers. It is vital for consumers to understand agriculture. Whether in a classroom setting, at community festivals or online, I strive to clearly share about the safety, nutrition and care in the dairy industry As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, I represent the dairy industry in my community. My role is to communicate with consumers, share the benefits of dairy, and promote a p ositive image of agriculture and the dairy industry. Some ways I do this include visiting classrooms to educate youth about dairy, working in th e malt stand at my county fair and being at promotional events with the other Dodge County dairy princesses.

Cadence Spearman

18 | West Concord

Parents: Nick and Melissa Herrick

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I started showing dairy about six years ago and fell in love with the industry. I plan on attending South Dakota State University and majoring in animal science and minoring in dairy production.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am a leader and a strong-willed woman.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? Sharing the benefits of having dairy in your everyday consumption.

Klaudia

Biel

19 | Harmony

Parents: Kevin and Kelly Biel

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and grew up on my family’s 200-cow dairy farm. I got into showing dairy cattle at the Fillmore County Fair and have been showing for 10 years. I also dairy judge through 4-H and FFA. This fall, I plan on attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in agricultural marketing and communications.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I am knowledgeable and passionate about the dairy industry. I can communicate the topic well to others. I am also approachable and friendly.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? Communicating facts of the dairy industry to consumers because of my first-hand knowledge as a dairy farmer and how dairy products contain healthy nutritional values.

Emma

Mulhern

19 | Fountain

Parents: Cory Mulhern, Kathy Mulhern

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I used to go to the farm with my dad and help during the summers or weekends. We now live on the farm and help with whatever chores need to be done. I have started doing more around the farm, like calf chores, moving cattle or mixing feed. I attend South Dakota State University and am majoring in dairy production with a minor in design studies. After college, I plan to return to the farm and primarily focus on dairy cattle.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I love interacting with people of all ages and hearing what others have to share and teach me. I can hopefully help them learn something new too.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle?

As a dairy princess, I play the role of encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle by spreading the word. While being a dairy princess, I will be able to help people of all ages learn the amazing benefits that dairy products provide that are so easy for us to consume daily.

NatalieClemenson

19 | Zumbrota

Parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I live and work on my family’s dairy farm near Zumbrota. We milk 85 cows, including Holsteins, Red and White Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Jerseys. I show dairy cattle and am active in dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging. This year, my 4-H judging team placed first at World Dairy Expo, and I was the high individual of the contest. I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in dairy science.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Good public speaking and people skills. I have served as an officer in FFA and 4-H which has taught me to be confident when public speaking. I also have the ability to change my style of communication to best fit the environment of the audience. Additionally, I have a strong passion for the dairy community. Growing up on my family’s dairy farm, I have been involved in dairy my whole life.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? To encourage the consumption of dairy products as a part of a healthy lifestyle, I will share the nutritional benefits of dairy products with those I meet and on our social media. Dairy contains 13 essential nutrients and can fulfill many dietary requirements. I will also act as a role model by consuming dairy myself whether during a social media takeover, walking a parade or at a breakfast on a farm.

Evelyn

Scheffler

19 | Zumbrota

Parents: Tony and Maizie Scheffler

Tell us your dairy-related background and your future plans. I work on my family’s 150-cow dairy farm where we milk Holsteins and Jerseys. I raise the calves, help with milking and assist with the herd health program. I also help with record keeping and fieldwork. I am active in 4-H, FFA, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association and the Jackrabbit Dairy Club at South Dakota State University. I am a freshman at SDSU.

April 9 next

(Upper Right) Eric Swanson works on an all-terrain vehicle April 9 at his shop, Swanny’s Cycle, near Altura. Swanson started his business fixing bikes for friends.

(Lower Right) Eric Swanson visits on the phone April 9 at his shop, Swanny’s Cycle, near Altura. Swanson would like to cut back to four days a week at Swanny’s Cycle and spend the other day or two on a side hustle.

Swanson continues childhood roots, operates repair business

BY AMY KYLLO | STAFF WRITER

ALTURA — Eric Swanson has been selling motorcycle parts since he was a child.

“Anything that had a motor in it, I was intrigued by,” Swanson said.

Swanson is the owner of Swanny’s Cycle, a business where he repairs motorcycles as well as all-terrain vehicles and utility task vehicles.

Separately from his repair business, Swanson continues the legacy from his childhood and personally

sells bikes and four-wheelers.

Swanson began business in 2008, but his journey to owning a repair shop began much earlier.

Swanson page 18

Swanson said he started selling parts for motorcycles when he was around 12 years old. Swanson’s dad would buy motorcycles that were in parts at auctions and bring them home for Swanson to sell the parts off of them. He even had his own shed to work in.

PHOTOS BY AMY KYLLO

The Swanny’s Cycle business stands

to former dairy farm buildings near Altura. Eric Swanson’s business is located on his parents’ farm where he grew up.

fixed. So, I had to learn.”

“I was probably a natural-born salesman,” Swanson said.

One memory from his early selling sticks out.

Swanson was watching Saturday morning cartoons in his pajamas when men came by looking to buy motorcycle parts. His mom answered the door and told them she would go get Swanson. Swanson said when the man saw him, he told his mom to go find her husband. However, his mom stood up for him, insisting that the parts were Swanson’s department.

Swanson changed out of his pajamas and went outside to help his customer find what he was looking for.

“(The customer was)

I’m like, ‘Yep. What do you need?’”

When he was 12, Swanson bought his first motorcycle then fixed and sold it.

Swanson grew up on a dairy farm in a valley among hills near Altura. Swanson said learning mechanical skills was a necessity.

“Growing up down here on the farm, if something broke, I had to fix it,” Swanson said. “Otherwise, it wasn’t going to get fixed, because my dad wasn’t going to take it to a shop to get fixed, and I didn’t have the money to go take it to a shop to get

After high school, Swanson went into the U.S. Marine Corps. When he returned, he drove semi for eight years. Swanson said he started fixing informally out of his garage, working on bikes for friends at work, which he said “steamrolled” into a business. When he started the repair business, he worked part time. For a work area, he gutted the stanchion barn on his family’s farm and retrofitted it into a shop. In 2014, he built his current shop facility, which is also located on his parents’ farm.

In 2014, after being laid off, Swanson had the opportunity to take his business to full time.

“(I thought) the best time to go try and make this a full-time gig is now,” Swanson said.

Today, Swanson works on 600 units a year. He said the workload changes week to week.

All of Swanson’s skills are self-taught.

“(I have) just always been mechanically inclined,” Swanson said. “I never went to school for any of this stuff.” Swanson from page 17

PHOTO BY AMY KYLLO

Eric Swanson uses a screwdriver on

all-terrain vehicle April 9 at his shop, Swanny’s Cycle, near Altura. Swanson has been working full time in the business since 2014.

Swanson from page 18

Swanson said the fact that he is not an official dealer is something he has had to overcome, because some people want service handled by a dealer. However, Swanson said he continues to get more work.

“(It is) getting to a point now where I can dictate a little bit,” Swanson said. “But, I don’t turn much stuff down.”

Swanson said he works mostly by himself. His adult children occasionally help. He also is assisted by high school students during the summer.

“I’m a workaholic,” Swanson said. “I’m constantly always thinking of things to do. I can’t sit still. I always have to be doing something. If I’m not tired by the end of the week, I feel bad.”

Swanson’s work is not done when the shop is no longer open for the day.

“I can’t have customers here all the time ... to do the things that I need to get done,” Swanson said.

Swanson learned his work ethic in the military.

“In the military, you’re not done until the job is done,” Swanson said.

In his spare time, Swanson enjoys driving a side-by-side. He also has been doing motocross since he was about 10 years old.

Swanson said he would like to cut back to four days a week at Swanny’s Cycle. He will use the other one to two days for a side hustle. Swanson has started to do welding, something that his son, Micheal, is also interested in joining.

PHOTOS BY AMY KYLLO

Motorcycles wait to be serviced April 9 at Eric Swanson’s shop, Swanny’s Cycle, near Altura. Swanson services about 600 units a year.

MONDAY

8:00 am Overnight market cows/bulls

10:00 am Fed cattle, followed by day-delivered market cows & bulls

1:00 pm Dairy cattle, stock cows & breeding bulls followed by feeder cattle

4:00 pm Baby calves, arena 2

TUESDAY

8:00 amSheep and goats

11:00 am Feeder pigs

WEDNESDAY

10:00 am Hog/Sow/Boar Auction

2:00 pm Fed cattle, followed by market cows and bulls

THURSDAY

10:00 am Special feeder cattle auctions, September - April

FRIDAY

Closed Office open 8:00 am – Noon

YARD HOURS

Sunday Noon – 10pm

Monday 6am – 10pm

Tuesday 6am – 10pm

Wednesday 6am – 4pm

(Open until 10pm, preceding special Thursday sales ONLY)

Thursday 6am – 4pm

Friday 6am – Noon

Saturday By Appointment

The Hovels — Lily, Kelly and Riggin — hold goat kids April 11 at LR Acres near Cannon Falls. Kelly said the goats and soap are something that she and her children can do together.

Influenced

toward caprines

Social media inspires Hovel to buy goats, make soap

Socia

BY AMY KYLLO | STAFF WRITER

BY AMY KYLLO

CANNON FALLS —

“It’s fun,” Hovel said. “It’s a stress reliever for me. I enjoy making it.”

topurchas purchas in 2018. N transform or from into a th busi

Seeing goats on social media spurred Kelly Hovel to purchase three wethers in 2018. Now, Hovel has transformed her endeavor from a couple goats into a thriving hobby and business. Hovel owns seven does, four bucks and 10 kids as part of LR Acres, which also markets goat soap.

Hovel is assisted by her children, Lily and Riggin.

“It’s something the kids and I could do together,” Hovel said.

“We enjoy it. It helps improve our confidence.”

Hovel makes soap weekly, with about four to six batches per month.

A batch produces 10 4.5-ounce bars of soap.

The first goats Hovel purchased were unregistered. Around the time when Lily, who is now in sixth grade, was a Cloverbud in 4-H, they purchased registered Nigerians to show.

In addition to her regular bar soap, Hovel also makes salt soap, sugar scrub and lotion. The lotion is intended for family and friend use, because Hovel said lotion is more challenging to make with preservatives required.

Hovel page 25

Because Hovel was showing her goats as well as having them on milk test and linear appraisal, she needed them to continue to be in milk after the kids were weaned.

“I had a lot of milk piling up that I needed to do something with,” Hovel said. “Again, it must have been a social media thing, seeing different farms making soap. ... I thought I might as well give this a try.”

Hovel said she uses three soap recipes.

Hovel offers many scents and colors in her soaps. Several favorites with customers include hickory and suede, black raspberry vanilla and cucumber melon.

A goat sticks its head through a fence April 11 at LR Acres near Cannon Falls. The Hovels show their goats through 4-H and open shows.

PHOTOS BY AMY KYLLO

AUCTION SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 4th (online only) Early Summer Area Farmers Consignment Auction (advertising deadline May 1st) ; Accepting consignments May 15th - May 24th 8 am to 5 pm; Bidding opens Saturday, May 25th at 8 am; Bidding starts closing Tuesday, June 4th at 10 am (Maring)

Thursday, June 6th (online only) Estate Auction for the James (Jim) Treblehorn Estate;Motorcycles, tractors, tractor parts, tools and much more; Bidding starts Tuesday, May 28th at 8:00 am and starts closing Thursday, June 6th at 10:00 am; Payment and pickup date Friday, June 7th 8:30 am5:00 pm (Maring)

Tuesday, June 11th (online only) Early Summer Area Farmers Consignment Auction; Advertising Deadline Tuesday, May 14th; Bidding opens Friday, May 31st and closes Tuesday, June 11th at 10 am (Hamilton)

Tuesday, June 18th @ 9:30 am (online only) Avoca Spray Complete Inventory Dispersal. Selling selection of Westfield auger parts, Raven monitors and controllers, Banjo poly fittings, trucks, trailers, loaders and semis. Bidding opens Friday, June 7th at 10:00 am. Bidding starts closing Tuesday, June 18th at 9:00 am. Payment and Pickup Date Wednesday, June 19th - Friday, June 21st 9:00-4:00. (Hamilton)

Wednesday, June 19th (online only) Auction for Denny and Donna Beyer; Restored tractors, tractor parts, vehicles, power and hand tools, antique toy tractors and more (Maring)

Sunday, June 30 (online only) M2 Auto Parts Inventory Reduction Auction; Vintage and Antique Vehicles and Parts; Approximately 300-400 cars; Payment and pickup date Monday, July 1st and Tuesday, July 2nd 9:00 am - 4:00 pm or by appointment only after that (Hamilton)

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Wednesday, July 17th (online only) Antique and Collector Tractor Auction for Paul and Bonnie Bauer; Restored tractors all parade ready and moldboard plows to match tractors (Maring)

Monday, July 22nd (online only) Estate Auction for the John Kingsbury Estate seling trailer, skid loader, skid loader attachments, saws, power and hand tools and lawn and garden equipment. (Maring)

Friday, July 26th @ 10:00 am (live & online) Farm Retirement Auction for The Johnson Brothers. Meticulously maintained and like-new farm machinery for sale; tractors, combine, combine heads, grain trailers, grain cart, planter and other implements. Located near Owatonna (Maring) Tuesday, July 30th (online only) Pre-Harvest Area Farmers Consignment Auction; Advertising deadline Friday, July 5th; bidding opens Friday, July 19th at 10:00 am and starts closing Tuesday, July 30th at 10:00 am (Hamilton)

Saturday, August 10th @ 8:30 am (live and online) Pre Harvest Area Farmers Consignment Auction (advertising deadline July 9th); Accepting consignments July 30th - August 7th (Not accepting consignments on Sundays) (Maring)

Saturday, August 17th @ 9:30 am (live & online) Clean Farm Retirement Auction for Gerald and Karen Puppe. Tractors, haying equipment, wagons, trailers, cultivators, livestock equipment and other farm support equipment. Located near Goodhue (Maring)

Contact to schedule your auction or consign today

Home Renovation & Maintenance

from page 25

In addition to shows, Hovel also takes her goats to Farmamerica for goat yoga. Hovel keeps the goats entertained during the session, passing out treats to participants to

give to the goats. At the end of the session, they take photos.

To improve her herd, Hovel researched and looked at ADGA pedigrees, linear appraisal

scores and milk records. She also said going to shows and learning what judges appreciate was helpful.

Each year, Hovel sells two to three adult goats and 5-10 kids. Hovel sells kids from a doe’s first freshening, because she does not know what their udder will look like. Hovel also purchases goats from across the nation to improve her herd.

Besides having goats, Hovel works remotely for Allina Health.

“I wouldn’t be able to do a farm if I didn’t work remote,” Hovel said. “It’s flexible. I can do chores before I start work or use that as my break.”

LR Acres is not the only farm in Hovel’s family. Hovel’s husband, Brad, and his family raise pigs and beef cattle.

In addition to goats, Hovel also raises turkeys, ducks, chickens and rabbits.

Hovel would like to sell soap on her website, which lists scents but does not offer options to purchase.

PHOTO BY AMY KYLLO

Kelly Hovel watches the machine milk a goat April 11 at LR Acres near Cannon Falls. Hovel’s goat milk is used for her products which include bar soap, salt soap, sugar scrub and lotion.

Testimonial

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