State Line Shopper - September 7, 2020 by Authentic Ag

September 7, 2020

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State Line Shopper

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PAGE 2

State Line Shopper

Farmer sentiment rebounds as commodity prices rally and agriculture trade prospects improve There was a big improvement in farmer sentiment in August, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The index rose to a reading of 144, up 26 points from

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July. The Ag Economy Barometer is based on survey responses from 400 U.S. agricultural producers and was conducted between August 17-21, 2020. Both of the barometers sub-indices also recorded substantial increases. The Index of Current Conditions improved to a reading of 124, up 13 points from July, while the Index of Future Expectations improved to a reading of 154, up 33 points. Increases in the barometer and its two sub-indices marked the most positive readings since February 2020 when record highs were established and before the pandemic began. The improvement in sentiment was also underpinned by expectations for excellent crop yields, as reported in the USDA’s August Crop Production

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report, and rallies in key agriculture commodity prices that took place this month. “This month marked a considerable increase in farmer sentiment,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “With a positive crop production outlook, rebounding commodity prices, and news of additional export sales to China, producers were much more optimistic about the future for the U.S. agricultural economy.” Farmers were more optimistic about U.S. agriculture’s trade prospects compared to the past several months. In August, 67 percent of producers said they ex-

pect exports to rise over the next five years, compared to just 57 percent who felt the same way during the spring and summer months of 2020. Mintert attributed this change in perspective in part to rising export sales to China that began over the summer and now appear likely to continue into fall. Farmers’ perspectives toward land values also improved in August. Those expecting land values to increase over the next 12 months rose to 20% in August, up from 16% in July and 7% back in April. The percentage of producers expecting values to increase in the next five years rose to 59%, up from 48% in July and just 40% who expected higher values back in May.

FARM HELP NEEDED Experienced farm help needed for wheat planting and fall harvest. May work into a full time position for the right person. Work can include planting wheat, grain cart operation, combine operation, truck driving, etc., depending on experience. References needed. Wages determined by level of experience. Starting wage from $14-$20 per hour. Call: 785-476-5345

Each summer, survey respondents are asked their opinion regarding changes in farmers’ equity position over the upcoming year. The percentage of respondents in the August 2020 survey who expect equity to decline in the upcoming 12 months was 38%. This marked the second lowest percentage since the survey question was first asked in 2016 and was well below a year earlier when 48% of respondents said they expected farmers’ equity to decline. Read the full Ag Economy Barometer report at https://purdue.ag/agbarometer. This month’s report includes insight into farmers’ intentions towards investing in farm machinery in the coming year and their thoughts on attending virtual events like field days and conferences this fall

September 7, 2020 and winter. The site also offers additional resources – such as past reports, charts and survey methodology – and a form to sign up for monthly barometer email updates and webinars. Each month, the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture provides a short video analysis of the barometer results, available at https:// purdue.ag/barometervideo, and for even more information, check out the Purdue Commercial AgCast podcast. It includes a detailed breakdown of each month’s barometer, in addition to a discussion of recent agricultural news that impacts farmers. Available now at https://purdue.ag/agcast.

Help Wanted

Sales Person wanted for area print / online publication. Position can be either part or full-time. Generous performance-based compensation. Experience preferred but will train the right person. Required: Valid Driver’s License and Reliable Transportation. Territory will be primarily South Central Nebraska Send resume with references to: PO Box 118, Phillipsburg, KS 67661

September 7, 2020

State Line Shopper

PAGE 3

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day set for Sept. 12 Game and Parks encourages hunters to register on antlerless hunter database Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. September is a great month to get outdoors in Nebraska! Free Fishing and Park Entry Day allows anyone to explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park without the need to purchase a park entry permit for the day. It also allows anyone to fish for the day without a fishing permit. Anglers must observe all fishing regu-

lations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Regular entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect. This family-friendly day typically is held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, however, this year’s event was delayed because of the COVID-19 health crisis. To find more information about Nebraska’s state park areas and fishing, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

Aid Increases 2020 Farm Income Projections The Department of Agriculture says farmers will earn more net farm income in 2020 due to federal relief programs. Net cash farm income is forecast to increase $4.9 billion to $115.2 billion. In inflation-adjusted 2020 dollars, net farm income is forecast to increase $18.3 billion, and net cash farm income is forecast to increase $4 billion. If realized, both income measures would be above their historical average across 2000-2019 when adjusted for inflation. However, the increase is not because of better pric-

es or markets. USDA says overall, farm cash receipts are forecast to decrease $12.3 billion to $358.3 billion in 2020. Total animal receipts are expected to decline $14.3 billion, and total crop receipts are forecast to increase $2.0 billion from 2019 levels. USDA says direct government farm payments, including federal aid but not loans and insurance, are forecast at $37.2 billion, a $14.7 billion, or 65.7 percent increase. USDA says the expected increase is due to supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance for COVID-19 relief.

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Game and Parks Commission launched a new tool to help landowners address deer populations on their property. Because changes have been made to the program to make this tool more effective for landowners, all hunters will need to reregister in the program. These changes include a limit to the number of counties a hunter can register for at five. Hunt-

ers also must list their for wildlife conservation city and state of resi- in Nebraska. Landowndence. ers provide habitat and access for hunting game Game and Parks’ Ant- species. Readily available lerless Hunter Database permits and long seasons connects hunters who provide tremendous opwish to harvest antler- portunities to harvest less deer with landown- deer in Nebraska, espeers experiencing damage cially antlerless deer. from deer on their property. Game and Parks is charged with managing Landowners and hunters all wildlife in the state. It are important to man- strives to find a balance aging wildlife; together between healthy wildlife with Game and Parks, populations, opportuthey are the driving force nities for hunting, and

keeping deer and all game populations at socially acceptable levels. Hunters who wish to be considered for this program and landowners who wish to contact a hunter willing to harvest antlerless deer in their area may access the database at OutdoorNebraska.gov/ AntlerlessHunterDatabase.

Farmland Ownership Interest Growing AFBF Market Intel: Cash Rents Stable in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn more interest in farmland ownership. Farmers National Company says there is a growing interest by individuals and investment funds in owning land. Part of this interest is because of COVID-19’s impact on their investment psychology and the desire to invest in a stable, long-term real asset. The company says people are thinking about the food supply chain and sustainability of the food supply and deciding that they want to own an im-

portant part of how food is produced. Over the past several years, there has been somewhat less good quality cropland for sale than average with 2020 seeing even less for a number of months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, there is additional farmland coming up for sale once again, with part of that being the normal seasonal upswing and part being people who have been thinking of selling deciding to go ahead and sell, providing some opportunity for farmers and investors alike.

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The Deadline for our Next Issue is noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. You may submit your ad by email to statelineshopper@gmail.com or by text/phone: 785-533-0104.

Farmland cash rent rates remain stable in 2020, according to a Market Intel analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The analysis found that during 2020, the average cash rental rates for cropland, irrigated cropland and pastureland were $139 per acre, $216 per acre and $13 per acre, respectively. These rates were mostly in line with prior-year levels. AFBF Chief Economist John Newton says the stability in cash rental rates is likely due to various factors, including Market Facilitation Program payments, ad hoc disaster aid, and increased off-farm in-

come. All of these factors allow farmers to remain competitive when bidding for cash lease agreements. However, Newton writes, “Moving into 2021, the farm economic outlook is uncertain.” Offfarm income is certain to be lower given the high levels of unemployment following COVID-19. However, support through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program could help farmers remain competitive when bidding for cash rental agreements this fall and into the spring.

PAGE 4

State Line Shopper

Fall Gardening from the fertilizer.

water to prevent burn

Watering must occur Rachael Boyle more frequently bePhillips-Rooks District Extension Agent cause seed should not Agriculture and Natural Resources

Probably the last thing most gardeners are thinking of now is planting vegetables. However, fall gardens will often produce higher quality, tastier cool-season crops as the vegetables mature during cooler, less stressful temperatures. Plant slightly deeper than you would in the spring so the seed stays cooler and the soil around the seed stays moist longer. Plant more thickly and thin later. The plants may need to be protected from rabbits through the use of fencing. Following is a “calendar” of what to do when. Mid-July: Plant potatoes if you can find or have saved back seed potatoes. Do not use freshly dug potatoes as they have a builtin dormancy that will prevent growth.

Also, grocery store potatoes are often treated so they don’t sprout. Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower can be started from seed at this time. Choose a protected place where the soil can be kept moist and rabbits will not bother them. Late July: Seed beets, carrots and beans. Late July to Early August: Seed spinach and long-season maturing lettuce. Leaf lettuce will be seeded later. Mid to Late August: Seed radishes and leaf lettuce. No need to fertilize before planting. Sidedress two weeks after transplanting or four weeks after sowing seed by applying 2 tablespoons of a 16-0-0 or 1 tablespoon of a 273-3, 30-3-4 fertilizer, or something similar per plant. You may also use a liquid fertilizer such as Schultz, Peters, Miracle-Gro or Rapid Gro according to label directions. It would be a good idea to wash off the leaves with clean

be allowed to dry out. Overhead watering often causes soil to crust, making it more difficult for young, tender plants to emerge. Prevent this by applying a light sprinkling of peat moss, vermiculite or compost directly over the row after seeding. Even better, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation right next to the row to allow water to slowly seep into the ground. For more information, please contact the local K-State Research and Extension Office. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Classified Ads are $5.00 for the first ten words, then $0.25 per word thereafter. Please pre-pay classified ad when you mail it to: State Line Shopper PO Box 118 Phillipsburg, KS 67661 PLEASE NOTE: Our Deadline is each Wednesday by noon.

September 7, 2020

Albin Watercolor Painting Workshop The Dane G. Hansen Museum is pleased to offer a two-day watercolor painting workshop with instructor Laurie Albin. The workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 25 th and 26 th . Due to Museum renovations, this class will be held at the Logan Youth Center, 402 Church Street in Logan, KS. Laurie will introduce basic watercolor techniques and present stepby-step demonstrations providing guidance and inspiration. This workshop is available to all

skill levels. About the instructor: Laurie Albin has been painting watercolors for nearly 45 years and has more than a decade of experience teaching and sharing the art with others. Laurie is a signature member of the Kansas Watercolor Society. To view Laurie’s art, please visit her website: www. albinstudio.com. This learning opportunity is brought to you through the Hansen Museum Continuing Education Program with funds from the Dane G. Hansen Foun-

dation. Cost of the workshop is $120.00 with discounts available for Patron and Sustaining Members of the Hansen Museum. Download registration forms at www. hansenmuseum.org. For more information, please call 785689-4846.

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September 7, 2020

State Line Shopper

“Long-term Relationship Opportunities in 4-H” Jenilee Godsey Twin Creeks Extension District Youth Agriculture Agent

A credit card company ran a series of commercials for a few years that listed the cost of several activities and eded with the related experience as ‘priceless.’ 4-H Youth Development could not function without volunteers. We often think of the county fair as the culmination of 4-H projects, and volunteers are certainly visible serving as superintendents, setting up and cleaning up, distributing flyers and much more. Volunteers also serve extremely important roles as club and project leaders. A club or project leader has a day-today impact on youth by teaching life skills, setting examples and helping them practice responsibility and communication. Volunteers are also needed for short-term commitments such as helping with the style revue or club days. Another option is assisting with a Special Interest (SPIN) Club, which are

six hours of instruction over several days or weeks. Program Development Committees are made up of six volunteers from each county who provide ideas and an understanding of the needs of each county for youth development. As with most youth organizations, 4-H has specific requirements to be a registered volunteer. The goal of 4-H Youth Development is to provide positive learning experiences with positive relationships in a positive environment. Across the Midway District (Ellsworth and Russell counties), more than 120 individuals are registered 4-H volunteers, which means that they have completed an application, an online orientation, successfully passed two background checks and received approval by the Midway District Extension board. As a volunteer, you can reinforce the Kansas 4-H mission which states: “With unique strategies and opportunities, Kansas 4-H Youth Development engages youth in reaching their full potential through partnerships with caring adults.” One of the ‘Es-

sential Elements of 4-H’ is belonging and research shows that it is important for youth to have opportunities for long-term relationships with adults other than their parents. Would you like to give back to your community and have a positive impact on youth development? 4-H Youth Development volunteers, no matter the size of your contribution of time and talents, are priceless! It’s not for the money, It’s not for the fame, It’s not for only personal gain, It’s not for the love of fellow man, It’s just to lend a helping hand, It’s just to give a little of self That’s something you can’t buy with wealth, It’s not for medals worn with pride, But it’s the feeling deep inside, It’s that reward deep in your heart, It’s that feeling you’ve been a part, Of helping others far and near, That makes you a volunteer! -Author Unknown

Farmer Trust Remains High During COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn more interest in farmland ownership. Farmers National Company says there is a growing interest by individuals and investment funds in owning land. Part of this interest is because of COVID19’s impact on their investment psychology and the desire

to invest in a stable, long-term real asset. The company says people are thinking about the food supply chain and sustainability of the food supply and deciding that they want to own an important part of how food is produced. Over the past several years, there has been somewhat less good quality cropland for sale than average with 2020

seeing even less for a number of months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, there is additional farmland coming up for sale once again, with part of that being the normal seasonal upswing and part being people who have been thinking of selling deciding to go ahead and sell, providing some opportunity for farmers and investors alike.

You can also find us online at: www.statelineshopper.com

PAGE 5

www.waltermotorco.com 124 South Second Ave. Norton, KS

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PAGE 6

State Line Shopper

September 7, 2020

NCTA Grads Top Charts for Career Earnings

For Seeding Success, Pay Attention to “Other Crop” on the Seed Label

A two-year ag college in Nebraska has been ranked top in the nation for its graduates’ career success and earnings, according to a personal finance website. The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture has been ranked No. 1 for career earnings for Aggie alumni 10 years post-graduation, reported WalletHub. com. “This ranking validates the commitment made by our NCTA faculty in assisting all Aggie students in their workforce development and career preparedness,” said Larry Gossen, NCTA dean. “We have a strong focus on our students’ ability to have successful outcomes in their education, regardless of their chosen career field.” Public two-year institutions such as NCTA and community colleges which provide associate degree programs can offer students an education and degree for less cost, said the Aug. 17 report “2020s Best & Worst Community Colleges.” NCTA, the only two-year campus within the Universi-

Rachael Boyle Phillips-Rooks District Extension Agent Agriculture and Natural Resources Fall planting time is close, so it's time to talk about grass seed. Many people have the idea that all grass seed is basically the same. Big mistake! Choosing quality seed is one of the most important steps in successfully planting or overseeding your lawn. If you don't know what to look for, you may be introducing unwanted intruders into that new stand. In particular, we are concerned with seed contaminated with orchardgrass and/or rough bluegrass. These are both perennial grassy weeds that cannot be selectively controlled once they are in a lawn. Orchardgrass is a problem because it is faster growing and lighter green than our turfgrasses. It is a bunch grass and so doesn’t spread, but infested areas are still unsightly due to small tufts of this species marking the lawn. Rough bluegrass is fine-textured and forms circular patches in the lawn. It blends in fairly well until summertime heat causes it to turn brown rapidly. If the rough bluegrass would just die in the heat, it would only be a temporary problem. Unfortunately, it usually just goes dormant, turning green again with cooler temperatures and rain. Buying quality seed starts with knowing how to decipher the seed label. One of

By Mary Crawford, NCTA News

ty of Nebraska system has a charge for statewide programming compared to six regional community colleges. NCTA earned the career-comparison ranking for the second year. “Aggie graduates are going into many high-demand career fields in agriculture such as welding, crops consulting, animal sciences, agribusiness and much more,” Gossen said. “Each of us at NCTA, whether faculty, staff or administrators, knows the value of affordable, quality education for our Aggie students.” WalletHub and financial writer Adam McCann compared 18 metrics of nearly 700 educational institutions across the United States. Initial selections were 698 schools which are members of the American Association of Community Colleges, which includes NCTA and six other Nebraska colleges. The review featured three main categories: career outcomes, education outcomes, and cost and financing. In the three categories, NCTA scored 64.07 points overall and topped six community colleges in Nebraska. Those six scored between 57.56 and 50.65 points out of 100.

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“The double placings nationally for career outcomes plus in Nebraska for two-year colleges is great news to share as prospective students and their families are evaluating colleges,” said Jennifer McConville, NCTA associate dean. “Cost of education and availability of financial aid is critical to every parent of a college student,” she said. “At NCTA, we can prove the success of a hands-on learning, affordable tuition and also getting a head start on college with dual credit classes for high school juniors and seniors.” A bonus for 2020-21 is the “Nebraska Promise” announced by University President Ted Carter for all NU institutions. “Now with the Nebraska Promise program, which will allow many of our students to attend NCTA tuition free, we will become an even better value in the future,” Gossen noted. Three criteria for NCTA’s No. 1 rating in career outcomes are: 1) student loan default rate, 2) median salary after college attendance, and 3) share of former students earning above the average earnings of a high school graduate. Data from 2018-2019 was drawn from the following resources: National Center for Education Statistics, Campaign for Free College Tuition, U.S. Department of Education, and Council for Community & Economic Research.

the most important things to look for is listed as percent "Other Crop Seed” or “Other Crop.” "Other Crop" refers to any species that is intentionally grown for some purpose. That would include turf grasses (those species other than the one you are buying) and pasture grasses. Orchardgrass and rough bluegrass both are listed as “Other Crop” seed. Seed labels are required by law to show the percentage (by weight) of "Other Crop Seed" in the bag, but unless a species constitutes 5% or more, the label doesn't have to list each species by name. How much "Other Crop" is too much? That’s a difficult question to answer, but the tolerance is very low. It depends on what the "Other Crop" actually is, and the quality expectations of the buyer. In practice, "Other Crop" may refer to something relatively harmless, like a small amount of perennial

ryegrass in a bag of tall fescue, or it may refer to something bad, like rough bluegrass or orchardgrass. The homeowner really has no easy way of knowing what the "Other Crop" is, although there are some hints. If it is something bad, less than ½ of 1% can ruin a bag of seed. Obviously, if your expectations are high for the area you are planting, you would want the "Other Crop" to be as close to zero as possible. Good quality seed will often have 0.01% “Other Crop Seed” or less. Another line on the seed label is “Weed Seed.” It should also be 0.01% or less. For more information, please contact the local K-State Research and Extension Office. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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September 7, 2020

State Line Shopper

August Mid-America Index Highest in Two Years: Manufacturing Employment Gains for the Month The August Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota to Arkansas, advanced above growth neutral, and to its highest level in two years. Overall index: After falling below growth neutral for three straight months, the overall index bounced into positive territory for June, July, and August. The Business Conditions Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, increased to 60.0 from July’s 57.4. “While the August reading was certainly encouraging, manufacturing activity in the region remains below pre-COVID-19 levels. Creighton’s regional index has been mirroring the national ISM index with reading above growth neutral for June and July. I expect the national number to be above growth neutral for August when it is released later this morning,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group and the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics in the Heider College of Business. Employment: For the first time since January of this year, the regional employment index moved above growth neutral. The August index climbed to 54.8, its highest level since July 2019, and up from last month’s July 48.5. Even though the insured unemployment rate for the region is approximately 4.5% higher than that immediately prior to COVID-19, four of five supply managers reported that their firms were experiencing difficulty finding and hiring qualified workers. Wholesale Prices: The

wholesale inflation gauge for the month indicated a fall in wholesale prices from July with a wholesale price index of 52.3, down from 65.2 in July. “Recessionary economic conditions from COVID-19 are putting downward pressure on wholesale inflation. Importantly, low inflation has pushed the Federal Reserve to be more comfortable with current ultra-low short-term interest rates. In its latest meeting, the Fed rate setting committee, the FOMC, indicated it will likely keep short-term interest rates at near record lows well into the future even if inflation ticks up above their target,” said Goss. Confidence: Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, as captured by the August Business Confidence Index, climbed to a strong 73.3, its highest level since February 2018, and up from 68.3 in July. The federal stimulus plan, the Federal Reserve monetary incentive programs, and U.S. stock markets boosted confidence from July’s already solid reading. “Since our survey was conducted after August’s derecho, I expected to record weaker business confidence. However, our survey indicates that the region’s manufacturing sector was spared much of the negative impacts,” reported Goss. Inventories: The regional inventory index for August, reflecting levels of raw materials and supplies, sank to 41.7 from last month’s 45.3. Trade: The regional trade numbers were mixed with new export orders rising to 58.3 from July’s 47.9. An expanding manufacturing sector pushed the import index to 56.8 from July’s 53.9. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that June exports were 24% below year-ago levels. “Our August readings point to improvements in the regional trade picture in the months ahead,” said Goss. Other survey components: Other survey components of the August Business Condi-

tions Index were new orders at 72.6, up from 67.2 in July; the production or sales index expanded to 67.7 from July’s 65.2; and speed of deliveries of raw materials and supplies index at 63.3, up from last month’s 61.2 (indicating slower deliveries for August). The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group has conducted the monthly survey of supply managers in nine states since 1994 to produce leading economic indicators of the Mid-America economy. States included in the survey are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota. The forecasting group’s overall index, referred to as the Business Conditions Index, ranges between 0 and 100. An index greater than 50 indicates an expansionary economy over the course of the next three to six months. The Business Conditions

Index is a mathematical average of indices for new orders, production or sales, employment, inventories and delivery lead time. This is the same methodology, used since 1931 by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), formerly the National Association of Purchasing Management. The Mid-America report is produced independently of the national ISM. Kansas: The Kansas Business Conditions Index for August increased to 63.0 from July’s 59.2. Components of the leading economic indicator from the monthly survey of supply managers for August were: new orders at 73.6, production or sales at 71.1, delivery lead time at 58.2, employment at 67.8, and inventories at 44.2. “According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, since the onset of COVID-19, the state’s manufacturing sector has lost approximately 13,000 jobs, a decline of 7.7% with trans-

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portation equipment manufacturing accounting for a large share of the losses,” said Goss. Nebraska: The state’s overall index for August sank to 64.2 from 68.6 in July. Components of the index from the monthly survey of supply managers for August were: new orders at 73.6, production or sales at 71.2, delivery lead time at 63.4, inventories at 44.3, and employment at 68.4. “According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, since the onset of COVID-19, the state’s manufacturing sector has lost approximately 2,000 jobs, a decline of 2.0% with metal products producers accounting for a share of the losses,” said Goss. Survey results for September will be released on Oct. 1, the first business day of the month.

For more information about any of these jobs, to apply, or to post a job listing for your business, please visit: www.phillipscountyks.org/jobs call (785) 543-5809 or email: bschneider@pcedks.org .

This service is free of charge to the residents and businesses of Phillips County. Job Title: Company: Location: Type: Other:

Maintenance Mechanic Phillips County Health Systems Phillipsburg, KS Pay: Full-Time