THE LAND ~ May 5, 2017 ~ Southern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” © 2017

May 5, 2017

(800) 657-4665 www.TheLandOnline.com theland@TheLandOnline.com P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002

SOUTHERN EDITION

Season’s Seedings Darla Eeten plants beans for farmers market customers See page 13

ALSO INSIDE:

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HE

OM T

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IEL D

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Plus another season of From The Fields!

FR

Community Gardens are a hit Dick Hagen looks at elk in Minnesota

Zucchini the size of your leg

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

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P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLI ❖ No. 10 32 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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Cover photo by Renae B. Vander Schaaf

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Table Talk The Bookworm Sez Calendar of Events From The Fields Mielke Market Weekly Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-3 3 4 5 6 7-10 20-21 22-23 25-31 31 32

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

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STAFF

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you can’t hurry a garden. Picking peas, Patience is a virtue; and when it comes beans and cucumbers takes time. Those to gardening, patience is a downright vegetables have a knack for hiding in necessity. Cold, damp weather (and even plain sight. Even the bright red strawa touch of snow in May for folks farther berries are surprisingly adept at hidenorth) has timid gardeners biding their and-seek. More than once I was distime. But for the die-hard green thumpatched to harvest green beans. After bers, the wait is beginning to reach levels proudly producing my bounty, my mother of critical anxiety. peered at me over the top of her glasses I know of people who have purchased and asked me to accompany her to the their annuals, only to have them stashed LAND MINDS bean patch. In a few minutes, and after in the garage while they wait for the sun By Paul Malchow checking a handful of bean plants, mothto make more regular appearances. er had accumulated almost as many Potatoes, radishes, lettuce and peas beans as I had for the whole lot. may be in the ground, but soil temper“Better check again,” she advised as atures haven’t budged much in a she headed back to the house. month. Flower lovers can placate themselves with I can’t say I hated gardening when I was young, pansies, but petunias are still a gamble for the but it was close. The best days for working in the majority of The Land area.

Speaking of gambling, tomato growers are becom- garden were also the best days for playing, fishing and riding bicycle. And there were no shortcuts. ing popular as the ultimate risk-takers of the garMom knew how many beans she was supposed to dening world in their quest to be the first on their get. It was easy to tell what areas had and had not block with fresh tomatoes. Getting that two-week been weeded. You can’t just pick the zucchini “next head start on the neighbors can backfire miserably week” (unless you want zucchini the size of your with a mid-May frost. Some of the more prudent leg). gardeners plant tomatoes in pots and carry them It was years later when I realized how many life indoors for protection. Others plant close to a buildskills I had learned from the family garden: responing where soil temps are higher. Hoop houses and sibility, planning, nurturing, patience (that came hot boxes are cheating. You may be the first with much much later) and the satisfaction of a job well tomatoes, but there is an asterisk applied for using done. How I wish today I could spend more time in climate-controlled help. the garden!

Regardless of technique, gardening in the northIn 2017, developing and maintaining a garden is ern zones needs to be done in a relatively small winsimply not possible for many youth. Both parents dow of time. Plants need to be strong and estabmight have jobs outside the home and not be availlished before the heat of summer arrives. But a able to provide the guidance I was so lucky to have. hard frost is not out of the question in the early days of May. Plant too soon or wait too long and the Home might be an apartment complex without space for a garden. So it is encouraging to see the crop suffers. The clock is ticking. interest and growth of community gardens and Our family had two large gardens — one with miscellaneous vegetables and another with potatoes classroom gardens. Whether flowers, vegetables, trees or shrubs, gardening is more than just growand onions. Mother canned and froze vegetables to last us throughout the year, so gardening was more ing a plant. It is growing ourselves. It is getting to know the earth we live on and what can happen than just a hobby at our house. I remember one of my first garden chores was weeding onions and car- when we care for it — and also neglect it. It is crerots as it was easy to tell the “good” plants from the ating a bond between yourself and other gardeners.

Even the cheaters with early tomatoes. weeds.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

By the time I was old enough to join 4-H, I had learned quite a bit about raising vegetables. Mainly, He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 — FFA officer from Minnesota meets President Donald Trump 11 — Community gardens are gaining in popularity 16 — Elk has more customer appeal than just meat

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “SHOP” — Search for trucks, farm equipment and more • “Nuts & Bolts” — News and new products from the ag industry • “Calendar of Events” — Check out The Land’s complete events listing

Foreign agriculture trade: Sonny’s big adventure

OPINION

go around the world with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, with our U.S. trade representative and our undersecretary for trade to make sure American products are on tables all over this world.”

The secretary should pack a very big suitcase because he will be on the road a long time given See GUEBERT, pg. 4

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“Where Farm and Family Meet”

That trend will likely continue. On April 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 201617 total U.S. wheat acres would fall to 46.1 million, the lowest since 1919, only because that’s “when U.S. wheat production records began.”

Into this ongoing global ag realignment comes the almost perfectly paradoxical farm team of President Donald J. Trump and Sonny Perdue, his long-inwaiting secretary of agriculture. A more polar opposite pair would be hard to find.

Like a rooster, Trump sends Twitter threats to America’s biggest trading partners (Canada is our largest ag customer) with each sunrise.

Worse, he’s not kidding. In stone-faced silence American farmers watched as Trump withdrew the United States from the nearly completed Trans-

Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade deal, shortly after taking office. He now plans to redo the long-standing, “very unfair” North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. The other half of the team, Secretary Perdue, is a full-throated ag trade evangelist who, after his first White House meeting April 25, happily announced that American ag trade is “going to be my task, to

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

Those Wisconsin dairy cows at the center of another trade kettle now boiling between the United States and Canada, a friend suggests, aren’t really black-and-white Holsteins.

They’re tiny, yellow FARM & FOOD FILE canaries, he opines, and

By Alan Guebert their tweets (not President Donald J. Trump’s) are a warning that America’s reign as the world’s ag export superpower is fading and U.S. farmers and ranchers are ill-prepared for what comes next.

“This (was) the first time milk was left and not picked up at any price,” explains the friend, after more than 60 Wisconsin dairy farms were notified by their Canada-based milk buyer that they would be dropped.

That shocking news meant “We better make some decisions on the future of dairying real quick (because) every farm is expanding … to leverage survival.” Grain farmers, too, plow “every acre to plant more corn and beans to be sold below the cost of production.”

And, he adds, “This is insane.”

He’s right. More importantly, he isn’t the only one to hear canaries when he looks at the longer-term American ag picture. On April 21, a front-page story in the Wall Street Journal gave facts, figures, and dates on how and why America’s dominance in global ag export markets is not just slipping, but flagging.

“With 43 percent of the [soy] export market,” explained the Journal, “up from just 12 percent 30 years ago, Brazil can sway global prices …”

Additionally, “It’s projected to be the second-largest corn exporter, on the heels of the U.S. this season.”

But it’s just not big, growing Brazil, continued the Journal. “As of the last crop year, Russia now beats America in shipments of wheat.”

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

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Memoirs of a young farm mother: diapers, forts, toys It doesn’t take very long with twins that when my for a first-time mother — husband announced he was urban or rural — to lose going to have urea put on track of all the lofty goals (his fields), it sounded more she once had about being like a medical condition. the perfect mother and After all of that diaperhomemaker. rinsing in the toilet, I was My husband and I went surprised by one of our sons from one to three children who, (when older and helpTABLE TALK in two pregnancies. We’d ing clean up the shop one seen multiple births out in

By Karen Schwaller day), came to me with a the barns all the time, but handkerchief held by a pair now it had come to the of pliers. Suspecting a house. And our house resembled a sprinkling of raccoon doo-doo or some barn for many months afterward as I other atrocity associated with it, I navigated my way through cloth diaasked him what was on it. His only pers for two; projectile spit-up; chocoreply was, “I don’t know … boogers or late chip cookie slobber on high chairs something.” and in hair; small plastic building Even I — a girl — could pick up pieces hidden in the carpet; chair and something as mysterious as a pair of blanket forts; “sale barn” set-up days; compression shorts off of his bedroom implements strewn about the kitchen floor (without pliers), sniff them to and living room; and being yelled at determine the caliber of cleanliness as I carried the overflowing laundry and decide what to do with them. basket through the living room with a After all, I’ve smelled way worse than toddler shouting, “Mom! You’re walkthat on the farm. ing on our corn field!”

Farm wives and moms get used to And I had never repeated myself so terrible smells everywhere. In fact, many times in a day. It was only an terrible smells seem to follow her faminkling of what was to come as I ily members wherever they are — due entered my 50s. But I wouldn’t be able to the nature of their work. to blame that on the kids.

I remember coming home from our I handled so many dirty diapers county fairgrounds late one night

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after preparing for the kids’ first 4-H sheep show the next morning.

Everyone was exhausted and the kids were all piled on top of one another, sleeping in the back seat of the pickup on the way home.

I noticed an obnoxious smell about halfway home and asked, “What reeks in here?”

My husband tiredly replied, “I think it’s us.”

I had become a stay-home mother when our twins were born. Three children in daycare would have made a living for the daycare woman and not for me, so we went without some things in order to be able to afford it.

My husband worked a full-time job in town to keep his farming dream alive, so I was doing a solo job of mothering and parenting most of the time during those baby and toddler years as well.

Much like farming, it was a relentless job that never ended — especially on days when everyone was ill and the “sick laundry” piled up while kids needed to be held, comforted and cared for; when the diaper pail was calling; when they could tip a cart over in the grocery store; when Mother Nature

called in stores; when everyone needed to eat; and especially after all of the children could outrun me.

I swear that toddlers could sweep the gold medal stands at Olympic track events.

Probably my most annoying memory of having young children is when we stopped to visit a friend of mine who had just retired from his job in town.

Our boys were 18 months old and our daughter was 3-and-a-half years old at the time. They were all behaving fairly well, so we summoned the guts to bring them all to his acreage to be set free for a few minutes before we went home.

My friend said to me as we were visiting, “... so, how do you like loafing?”

I’m pretty sure the look on my face must have been the reason for his back-peddling.

I’m also pretty sure it was the last time he uttered those words to a young mother.

Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” to The Land from her home near Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at kschwaller@evertek.net. v

Perdue: Less government GUEBERT, from pg. 3 America’s slipping hold on the global farm trade and his boss’s very clear, very tough anti-trade stances on Canadian lumber, imported steel, exported milk, the TPP, NAFTA, the European Union, China, and Mexico.

Of course, there is one sure way to better compete in the race-to-the-bottom global commodity biz — cheaper prices — and Perdue appeared to commit to that path in a press release USDA sent right after his first White House meeting.

“It used to be that people in agriculture feared disease and drought as the greatest threat to their livelihoods …”

said the new secretary. “While those hazards remain, too often now it is the government — through interference and regulation — that poses the most existential threat to American farming. We aim to put a stop to that.”

Which is exactly what canaries did when the hazard they were guarding against became existential. They stopped.

Breathing, that is.

The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com

All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

Author explores world barefoot to connect with earth

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INSULATE

takes us from London to laboratory to lawn in a barefoot trip that can feel overpacked and over too quickly in any given locale. Even so, the sometimessprightly, sometimes-dismayed tone of his words will spur readers to find out more about histowhat the Nazis tried to hide ry, agriculture and turf, and it at Treblinka. will change the way you look at what you’ve tracked inside.

“It turns out,” he says, “that the soil — the living entity For the science-minded, this beneath our feet — is the most amaz- book is a dream and conservationists ing world that we know almost nothwill want to share, share, share. If ing about.” you’re curious about what’s underfoot or under-pavement, “The Ground Though there are a few times when you may cringe (author Bogard is less- Beneath Us” will keep you rooted in your chair. than-complimentary while in the Appalachians), most of “The Ground The Bookworm is Terri Beneath Us” is pretty mind-blowing.

Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading Fact after convincing fact layers each since she was 3 years old and never page of this book — so many that there goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and are times when you almost can’t com10,000 books. v prehend what you’re reading; Bogard

“The Ground Beneath Us”

by Paul Bogard cc.2017, Little, Brown $27.00 / $35.00 Canada 309 pages

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

There’s a spot on this and you’ll no longer see eviearth where your family dence of past human life. laid down roots.

Now imagine you’re lookIt’s almost magnetic. Just ing out of an airplane winbeing there makes you feel dow. It may come as a connected, solid, as if your shock to see so much pavesoul goes backward in time ment. There’s “some sixtyand forward to the future. one thousand square miles And if we’re not careful, says of paved ground in the THE BOOKWORM Paul Bogard in his new book, United States” alone, and SEZ “The Ground Beneath Us,” that amount grows every

By Terri Schlichenmeyer year. Says Bogard, it’s hard that future may be bleak. to find a place in the conThink about the last time tiguous United States that’s more you spontaneously kicked off your than 100 miles from pavement. shoes.

Everywhere he traveled for this Chances are, that was somewhere book, Bogard took off his shoes to feel indoors and, says Bogard, that’s a the earth, and says our very existence shame. The earth beneath our feet is depends on soil (“some 97 percent of too interesting to avoid. It’s more than the food we eat comes from the just a plowed furrow, a place to grow tomatoes, or mud to keep the dog out of. ground”). Research shows that humans also need an overall connecDig in the dirt a few inches and tion with nature for our well-being. you’ll find “far more microorganisms In Mexico City, Bogard learned that than there are people on Earth.” Lift one could go an entire childhood with“just a teaspoon,” and you’re holding out touching grass. In Virginia, he saw “millions of species.” Dig a few centimeters away and you’ll find totally dif- historic sites being overtaken by buildings. He learned about farming ferent life. Scoop a little deeper, and in Iowa, grass in Minneapolis, frackthe dirt itself changes. If you’re diging in Ohio, permafrost in Alaska, and ging in London, go just 30 feet down

5

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

6

Valerie Earley, of Minnesota FFA, meets President Trump

By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor Valerie Earley of Wykoff, Minn., and National FFA Central Region vice president, was the first person to shake hands with President Donald Trump at the White House farmers roundtable on April 25.

“It was a real honor to meet him and to be wearing the blue jacket and to represent the organization,” said Earley.

The 21-year-old Earley grew up on a beef, dairy steer and crop farm and belonged to the Spring Valley-Wykoff FFA chapter.

Earley was chosen to participate in the roundtable with about a dozen other farmers, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Vice President Mike Pence. In her first visit to the White House, Earley attended the meeting in the Roosevelt Room and sat next to the president of the United States.

“It was awesome,” said Earley.

To begin the meeting, Trump signed an executive order to establish a task force on agriculture and rural prosperity. After the press was excused, the group discussed agricultural issues including labor and immigration, trade, rural infrastructure and regulation reform. Trump listened closely to the issues brought forward, said Earley.

“You could tell he really cared about agriculture and rural issues,” said Earley. “It gave me a lot of

Photo provided

Valerie Earley (right) and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue (left) join President Donald Trump as he issues an executive order on agriculture at the White House on April 25.

hope for agriculture and our generation.”

For Earley, it was reassuring to see that the leaders of our country care so much about agriculture and feeding our country and the world.

Majoring in agricultural communications and marketing at the University of Minnesota, Earley’s career goal is to tell the story of agriculture to con-

sumers. Her White House visit — Valerie Earley inspired her to let legislators and elected officials know about the positive things happening on farms as well.

“This experience made me aware of how much we need to tell the story of agriculture,” said Earley. “It’s such an important industry that touches people across our country and so many people across the world.”

While meeting the president was cool, Earley treasures meeting so many FFA members in her role in the National FFA. “I love spending time with members,” said Earley. v

Calendar of Events Visit www.TheLandOnline.com to view our complete calendar & enter your own events, or send an e-mail with your event’s details to editor@thelandonline.com.

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“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Valerie Earley

You could tell he (Trump) really cared about agriculture and rural issues. It gave me a lot of hope for agriculture and our generation.

May 13-14 – Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival – Lake Elmo, Minn. – More than 100 fiber vendors, sheep shearing demos, sheep and llama display, classes, family friendly activities, spinning, knitting – Visit www.shepherdsharvestfestival.org June 11-13 – Gopher Dairy Camp – St. Paul – Hosted by the Gopher Dairy Club at the University of Minnesota, Gopher Dairy Camp is for youth who have completed grades six to nine – Visit www.gopherdairy club.umn.edu/ or contact Gabriella Sorg at sorgx013@ umn.edu or (651) 387-5598 June 12-13 – 4R Nutrient Stewardship Summit – Minneapolis, Minn. – Learn how to follow the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program from The Fertilizer Institute – Visit https://www.tfi.org/conferences June 13-14 – Midwest Energy Conference – Morris, Minn. – University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center offers tours of swine and dairy facilities, practical information on energy technologies, networking – Visit www.wcroc.cfans.

umn.edu or (320) 589-1711

Introducing our From The Fields reporters

7

Corey Hanson, Gary, Minn.

On Corey Hanson’s family farm in Norman County, they have about 900 acres of tillable land and rent another 300 in pasture for their cow-calf operation of roughly 90 beef cows. His dad still lives and works on the farm he purchased in 1966 in the Red River Valley.

The Hansons grow about 250 acres of corn, 250 acres of wheat, 100 acres of alfalfa and 300 acres of beans.

“Virtually all the grain we produce goes to a local shuttle loading facility and goes to the Pacific Northwest, bound for Asian countries,” he said.

In summer, their cattle is in a pasture that has been fenced since the late 1930s. Old ox-cart trails can be found there.

The Hansons sell the calves when they are about 10 months of age at the local sales barn. Most of their calves go to feed lots in Kansas and Nebraska, but for several years some of his best calves went to

Russian republics in Central Asia.

The war-torn republics had killed all their animals for food so they needed calves.

“My cattle had seen more of the world than I did,” said Hanson.

Since then, Hanson traveled to Vietnam with the Minnesota AgriCorey Hanson culture and Rural Leadership program in 2016. Hanson experienced communism, strong in the North and tempered with expressions of freedom in the South. The class visited container shipping ports, oyster, pineapple and hog farms, and a rubber plantation.

“Very nice people. So much is still the same in agriculture. They worry about weather and farm prices,” said Hanson.

As for farm prices, Hanson said this is the third year of projected loss with corn and wheat forecast

at $120-140 loss per acre. “Things are not good in this part of the world,” he said.

Still Hanson remains optimistic. He recalls an article on the eternal optimist and the farmer was the first one on the list.

“You see good in almost everything,” he said. “You enjoy watching seeds grow from nothing.”

A community leader, Hanson is chairman of the Green Meadow Township board, which he has served on for 18 years. President of the Norman County Soybean-Corn Growers, he also serves on the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association board of directors. Hanson graduated from North Dakota State University in 1988 with a degree in agronomy and animal science and a minor in soil science.

While Hanson and his wife Julie live in town, Hanson easily spends more hours at the farm than home.

Julie can attest to that! v

Just north of Pennock, Larry Konsterlie was waiting for the soil to get warm so he could begin planting 1,500 acres of corn and 1,050 acres of soybeans. He also grows about 35 acres of alfalfa as a cash crop.

Konsterlie has been farming since 1996 when he graduated Larry Konsterlie from college and began working with his dad. As a fourth generation farmer, he and his wife Amanda are running the farm where he grew up. Their children are age 11 to 2 — three girls and a boy.

The two older girls help out with the chickens the family raises for eggs. Hopefully, his children will be fifth generation farmers.

“My youngest is a boy. He definitely likes to follow around and be outside,” said Konsterlie.

Konsterlie gets seasonal help from his father-inlaw and brother-in-law, along with a few seasonal

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“Overall, I like spring because it’s a new start to a new crop year,” said Konsterlie. “We look forward to getting things growing, get out of the house, work out in the shop, work in the fields.” v

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By April 11, the planting and tillage equipment was ready to go and the tractors were serviced. “If we can get in by the last week of April, you’re doing pretty good,” said Konsterlie.

This spring, Konsterlie has added more acres to grow their farm. Any changes in soybeans versus corn are based on what crops were grown the previ-

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Larry Konsterlie, Pennock, Minn.

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

By MARIE WOOD, The Land Associate Editor

Wet conditions putting a damper on field work On April 21, the Hansons were finishing up getting their John Deere equipment ready to go. They were waiting for the soil to dry out and warm up. “We could still get some adverse weather,” Hanson noted.

In his area near Gary, some farmers had planted small grains.

The week of April 24 brought rain and snow. They had a few snow events with 2 to 3 inches each. As of April 28, the fields were somewhat melting off, but the road ditches still had quite a bit of snow. The ground in his field has a Corey Hanson shallow frozen crust, but it could get a bit deeper as the weather was forecast to be in the low 20s.

He anticipates very little field work until May 4 or 5.

“I feel sorry for the poor seed in the ground because they need long johns on to keep them warm and cuddly,” Hanson said. “I’m kind of glad I got mine in the bag yet.”

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Nate Hultgren

Nate Hultgren, Raymond, Minn., April 28, 2017

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IEL D

At Hultgren Farms, a diversified crop and livestock farm near Raymond, the Hultgrens got about 150 acres of alfalfa seed in the ground, beginning on April 8. Nate Hultgren began planting sugarbeets on April 11 in fields they have near Belgrade. The soil is sandy there and they can get into those fields when it’s too wet down in Willmar.

All told, Hultgren planted about 600 acres of sugarbeets in fields near Willmar and Belgrade, which is half of his beet acreage. That matches the

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By April 26, Mark Ditlevson’s small grains of cereal rye, oats, winter wheat and spring wheat were planted and everything was up. He had already made his Mark Ditlevson first pass with nitrogen on the winter wheat and rye.

A cold and wet April had this no-till farmer waiting on corn.

His corn will go in a field where he grew a six-way mix of small grain: buckwheat, turnips, radishes, rapeseed, oats and sudan grass.

“I will just wait for the ground to dry out and I no-till right into it,” said Ditlevson. “We’re about ready just as soon as the weather straightens out. We’ll plant corn and apply fungicide treatments on the wheat and cereal rye.”

Next will be soybeans, which will be planted into a living cover crop that will be terminated after planting.

“I’m sure once it warms up, everything will happen all at once this year,” said Ditlevson.

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative figures of 55 percent planted.

“If we had two more days of planting, we’d be done with sugarbeets,” said Hultgren.

“Fortunately none have come up yet. So I think we will be OK.” The Hultgrens also planted about 300 acres of corn before the rain came in.

The week of April 24 brought about three-quarter inch of rain to the Willmar area.

Hultgren said that once we get through May 3, the conditions look pretty good.

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At the Konsterlie farm just north of Pennock, Larry Konsterlie has not gotten into the field to plant corn. He’s been picking rocks and doing a little bit of tillage.

“Our conditions have not been ideal for anything yet,” said Konsterlie.

Larry Konsterlie Depending on the locations of fields, they received a half inch to nine-tenths of an inch of rain the week of April 24 along with light snow, which didn’t stick, on April 26. Looking at the weather forecast, he expects to be in the fields May 4 or 5. He isn’t worried about the yield being affected yet.

“You learn to be patient. When it comes to weather you have no control,” he said.

Bob Roelofs decided to hold off on planting his 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans between Garden City and Vernon Center.

“Half the guys around here started planting their corn,” said Roelofs.

Roelofs and several other farmers in the area are waiting for better conditions. “We are hoping we can get going May 5,” he said.

With no field work that can be done, Roelofs is working with the livestock as they raise 1,500 sows farrow-to-finish.

M T O

F

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Larry Konsterlie, Pennock, Minn., April 28

Bob Roelofs

Bob Roelofs, Garden City, Minn., April 28

S

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Corey Hanson, Gary, Minn., April 28

FR

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

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Bob Roelofs, Garden City, Minn.

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This family man and community leader is ready to get out of the hog barns and get his hands dirty in the fields as spring and fall are his favorite seasons. He’s not the only one.

“The kids love it and enjoy riding around the tractor with Dad,” said Roelofs. “My son was in the shop all weekend with me working on equipment.”

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Between Garden City and Vernon Center, Bob Roelofs farms 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans and raises 1,500 sows farrow-tofinish. Roelofs works with his brother Justin, and his dad Hank to form Triple R Pork.

The family also raises about 6 acres of alfalfa for a neighboring sheep farm.

A third generation farmer, Roelofs left the farm, earned a degree in law enforcement and worked in that field for about five years. While in school and working, he still farmed on the side. His mom told him, “Your roots are in farming.”

“I got to see what life was like outside the farm. I got to appreciate the farm,” said Roelofs. “I think it’s the best environment for the kids as well.”

Roelofs and his wife Jill, who grew up on a Lake Crystal area farm, live in the house where he grew up. The farm was originally Photo by Jackson Forderer, The Free Press Photographer his great uncle’s farm. The Roelofs have Bob Roelofs readies his equipment for planting on his farm near Garden three sons: Wyatt, 9; Tristan, 6 and Logan, City, Minn.

2.

A District II director for the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Roelofs has served on the state board representing south central Minnesota for more than four years. He served as Blue Earth County Farm Bureau president for seven years.

“I care about agriculture. I feel OR like we need to represent agriculBob Roelofs ture and show how important agriculture is to the American people,” said Roelofs.

He serves on the Blue Earth County Extension FINANCING* Committee and for almost 15 years has volunteered

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

By MARIE WOOD, The Land Associate Editor

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

10

Introducing our From The Fields reporters

By MARIE WOOD, The Land Associate Editor

Nate Hultgren, Raymond, Minn.

At Hultgren Farms near beets. For Lakeside Foods in Raymond, Minn., Nate HultBrooten, they grow 120 acres gren farms with his brother, of sweet corn.

Noah, and his father, Duane.

They also have a 90-head Together they work 5,000 cow-calf beef herd and are acres. partners in the Meadow Star “Our equipment was ready Dairy nearby. to go April 1,” said Hultgren.

They have three full-time A fourth generation farmer, Nate Hultgren guys that keep the equipment the 40-year-old Hultgren has maintained. five children ages 11 to 5, who he hopes Hultgren plants the sugarbeets and to be fifth generation farmers. His boys kidney beans while his brother plants already cut out pictures of tractors the corn and soybeans and manages from farm magazines. Hultgren earned the farm’s agronomy. Nate and Noah a finance degree from the University Hultgren run two 24-row planters to of Minnesota, Duluth, and returned to get their crops in. They don’t work the farm in 1999, the same year he Sundays. married his wife Jamie.

The Hultgrens get along very well.

This year, they are planting about “There’s always healthy debate,” said 2,000 acres of field corn, 400 acres of soybeans, 1,000 acres of dark red kid- Hultgren. “I’m very lucky to have my ney beans and 1,200 acres of sugar- dad here as a resource. He’s seen it all.

I’m very lucky to have my dad here as a resource. He’s seen it all.

He’s lived through the ‘80s, which is a Purple Heart for farmers.

— Nate Hultgren He’s lived through the ’80s, which is a Purple Heart for farmers.”

Like most Minnesota farmers, they were waiting for dry weather to plant corn and sugarbeets. “There is a direct correlation between planting date and tonnage per acre,” said Hultgren, regarding sugarbeets.

Kidney beans like higher soil temperatures so they are not planted until

after May 20 and into June.

“You plant 100 acres a day because you can’t harvest them very fast,” he said. “You gotta get them at the perfect moisture.”

Hultgren serves on the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative’s Board of Directors. He said he has learned a lot from the “forward-thinking farmers” on the board.

This year, Hultgren is looking for a higher quality crop than last year’s.

Southern Minnesota’s 2016 sugar beet crop came in at a high tonnage, but not a good sugar percentage.

“That’s the beauty of farming. Every year we get a reset,” said Hultgren.

Nate Hultgren’s brother, Noah Hultgren, is former president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. v

Mark Ditlevson, Blooming Prairie, Minn.

A third generation farmer, Mark Ditlevson has run the family farm since 1971 when he was just out of high school and his dad passed away.

Ditlevson has 950 tillable acres and divides his farm into thirds: corn, soybeans and small grains.

“I’m a no-tiller. I use cover crops,” said ing cover crops. The goal is to get more cover Ditlevson. crop growth, biomass and benefits. He will terminate the cover crops after planting.

This is the first year he has gone this Cover crops in those fields are annual rye heavy with small grains, which is contracted grass, purple top turnips, rapeseed and radfor cover crop seed. Ditlevson began using ishes. cover crops in 2010 and now 100 percent of his acreage is covered every year.

“Those overwinter and normally they die off.

They survived the winter and they are “It changes your soil structure. It improves Mark Ditlevson growing well already,” said Ditlevson. your organic matter. It helps depress weeds.

It actually retains or sucks up nutrients and Ditlevson was recognized as the Steele runs it through the plant and then breaks down County Outstanding Conservation Farmer in 2013. later in the season to benefit the growing crop,” he He was chosen as a Soil Health Champion by the said. “I don’t have any problem with erosion at all.”

National Association of Conservation Districts and Cover crops also help the soil retain water to he belongs to a soil team in Freeborn County. His reduce runoff. All told, there are more pluses than farm is a Minnesota Water Quality Certified Farm. minuses, said Ditlevson.

While Ditlevson plants and cares for the crop on his own, he hires out the harvesting. He also operThis season Ditlevson’s soybeans will be “planted green,” which means he will plant his crop into liv- ates Mark Ditlevson Auction Co, specializing in farm real estate, in Owatonna. And he serves on the Steele County Fair Board, the largest county fair in MinFENC M E BUI nesota.

O LDER T S S His wife is Renee Worke, a Minnesota Court High Tensil CU e F Appeals Judge. He has two sons Mark Roosevelt, e n Speed cing rite E nergiz nicknamed “Ro,” a Navy officer and explosives speers Water ing Sy cialist, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, stems F ENCE Grazin g Sup IN YO and Mick, who is attending Pepperdine University US p li es UR FU T T in California.

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BUTTERFIELD, MN 56120

Non-landowners are digging community gardens

Photos by Richard Siemers

The city of Pipestone’s community garden is so popular, all of the plots are rented for the season.

That includes Norma and Lee Raske, who have gardened there since the beginning. In some years, Norma has organized garden parties — what she described in an e-mail as “a harvest picnic where each gardener provides a dish made from produce from their garden. We have been able to meet many new gardeners and have made new friends.”

Retired Southwest Minnesota State University professor Ted Rowe commented that the garden is “a great opportunity now that I am retired and in a condo with no gardening space. For the last several years I was able to plant ‘Tiny-Tim’ pumpkins and small gourds that allowed me to donate a hundred or so to the YMCA for kids programs there.”

Whether used for community projects, farmers markets, or personal use,

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

See CITY GARDENS, pg. 12

spring to measure and stake off the plots. He also acts as the weed inspector to make sure people are keeping their plots clean, though that hasn’t been a problem.

In fact, there have been very few problems. There’s not even a fence, since deer and other wildlife have not bothered the plots.

“We are fortunate that the land is good and about the only thing I ever hear is potato bugs,” Goodmund said.

“People respect the plot lines and the other gardeners. For the most part, everybody’s been very happy for all these years.”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

By RICHARD SIEMERS The Land Correspondent MARSHALL, Minn. — There are numerous people who want to garden, but just don’t have the space. The evidence for that statement is the growing popularity of community gardens.

This will be the 15th season that the city of Marshall has sponsored a community garden. They have expanded their garden to 60 plots, according to Doug Goodmund, assistant to the director of community services, who administers the community garden.

“I had heard that Brookings, S.D., had community gardens connected with their utilities,” Goodmund said.

“We had this property (on Marshall utilities land) and we worked with them to provide plots.”

The plots are a generous-sized 25 feet by 57 feet and rent for $35. Goodmund said some families will share a plot, while others take two. Groups have also rented plots, like a church group that raised vegetables for the food shelf. While most people are stocking their freezers or giving to family members, as Goodmund and his wife do, he has seen some growers bring produce to the Farmers Market.

The rental cost is to provide funds for tillDoug ing the ground in the Goodmund spring, and again at the end of the season, and for water that was added about 10 years ago.

Goodmund and his wife help keep costs down by volunteering their labor every

11

Brad Krumrey

The city of Marshall uses city utility land to stake off 60 plots measuring 25 feet by 57 feet.

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

12

Gardeners share each other’s company, garden tips CITY GARDENS, from pg. 11 Marshall’s community garden has been very successful with many return gardeners every year. n

Most community gardens have regulations such as no plants that would shade a neighbor’s plot or vines that invade them; planting only annuals and having the spaces cleaned out by October.

Forty-three miles southwest in the town of Pipestone, community gardens are equally successful.

This will be City Clerk Deb Nelson’s first year to administer their garden and she gives a predecessor, Michael Vander Haar, credit for getting it off Deb Nelson to a good start.

“Every year every plot has been rented and we have had a waiting list,” Nelson said. “If we have other spots in the city that should open up, we would do another garden to service the people. We have that need.”

Some of the need has been alleviated by two church congregations: Peace United Methodist Church and Pipestone Christian Reformed Church.

“I expect to have at least Both added gardens on their 11 plots rented this season, properties totaling 23 plots, based on requests,” and another garden at an Vlaminck wrote. “It works elementary school. out quite nicely for all About 10 years ago, Nelson involved.” said, the City of Pipestone Ghent is one of the garalong with some collaboratdens that sprouted from the ing entities received a Blue idea that Doug Goodmund Cross Blue Shield grant got from Brookings. He said which came from the tobaca number of neighboring co settlement reached by towns had called for inforthe State of Minnesota. The mation. money was to create tobacco-free spaces that had Most of the community health benefits. Their gargardens have similar reguden is one of those spaces. lations that require respect Pipestone’s garden was for neighboring plots (such developed five years ago. as no plants that would shade a neighbor’s plot or For their garden, the city Pipestone gardeners have access to water, hoses and some vines that would invade built 20 raised beds which tools which are stored on site. them), planting only annumeasure 8-feet by 16-feet. als, having the spaces cleaned out by They put in water, and a shed that has Pipestone or Marshall for a community mid-October and the like. watering hoses and some gardening garden. Nelson lives in Lake Wilson tools the gardeners can borrow. It is Both Goodmund and Nelson are (population 250). She said the town surrounded by a metal fence, with a had a condemned property that they enthusiastic about community gardens, white picket fence along the street side. tore down, and they use the space for a a service that basically pays for itself.

The plots rent for $15, and the city also community garden.

“They’re absolutely wonderful,” hauls away weeds and spent crops.

“There are raised bed and ground Nelson said. “We who have a garden “We want to make it affordable for spots,” she said. “It has really caught on.” don’t think about others that want one, people,” Nelson said. “A lot of people and to provide that need, it’s pretty n don’t have space in their backyard, or great.” they live in an apartment building. I Dawn Vlaminck is the administrator/ For more information on how their understand it is a social event as well, clerk of Ghent (population 370), about work, contact Doug the way they share gardening tips, day- seven miles northwest of Marshall. In gardens to-day being outside, working with an e-mail interview, she said they start- Goodmund at (507) 537-6767 or doug.

God’s green earth, and enjoying the ed a community garden in 2011 in an goodmund@ci.marshall.mn.us, and company of others. People take pride in empty lot in their housing development. Deb Nelson at (507) 825-3324 or dnelson@cityofpipestone.com. v it.”

They have 16 plots about 25 feet by 35 A town doesn’t have to be as big as feet which rent for $30.

While crops might differ and landscapes may vary, every farm requires hard work and dedication. Contact me to learn about how I can help protect your hard work.

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Extension offers beef home study courses The University of Minnesota Beef Team is offering three online home study courses this summer, titled “Introduction to Cow/Calf Nutrition,” “Health Management for the Cow/Calf Herd” and “Introduction to Cattle Feeding.”

Courses focus on practical applications of topics. Each lesson will include online activities designed to encourage participants to become familiar with electronic resources and an online forum gives participants the opportunity to connect with other producers.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion and the opportunity to highlight their continuing education

through a LinkedIn certificate badge.

The first lessons will be available June 7, and the following lessons will be posted every two weeks. The fee for course registration is $75.

Registration is open through June 14.

Internet access and Microsoft Office software are required.

Contact Nicole Kenney Rambo at nmkenney@umn.edu or (320) 2350726, ext 2009 with questions or visit www.extension.umn.edu/beef for further details and a list of lessons offered within each course.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

By RENAE B. VANDER SCHAAF mothers used to grow parsnips and that they The Land Correspondent haven’t had them for years.”

EVERLY, Iowa — Darla Eeten laughs about This spring, parsnips will be just a bit scarcer. it now, but it was with great reluctance that she The Eetens leave them in the ground to overwinwent to her first farmers market. She rememter — making for a better, sweeter parsnip. This bers telling her husband Michael Eeten, “I just year, when Michael turned out his two American want to stay home and work in my garden.”

Guinea hogs, they went right to the parsnips.

Michael smiles with that ready grin of his, “The pigs are a grazing breed,” said Michael. shakes his head in agreement.

“But other than the early dandelions, there wasn’t a lot for them to eat. Once they got a taste “She certainly was a nervous wreck that day,” for parsnips, they actually plowed that area up.” he said. “But she came home all excited, telling me she likes to sell.”

Fortunately, Darla had another patch elsewhere.

It’s not surprising that the Eetens’ lives revolve around growing fruits and vegetables. After all, That has been a bonus in having gardens 40 it was a strawberry patch that brought the two miles apart. They have noticed that some plants together. do better in one location than the other, and sometimes it is just the year that makes the difMichael had planted strawberries for retail on ference. his farm east of Everly in 2009. The strawberries were producing well, and he just couldn’t keep Other vegetables are grown because of cusahead of the berries that need picking daily. So tomer requests. “Michael and I are not big fans Photos by Renae B. Vander Schaaf he enlisted the help of Darla’s daughters, who Michael and Darla Eeten work side by side, growing fruits and of beets or radishes,” said Darla. “But because were working for a neighbor. our customers have asked for them, we grow lots vegetables for their many customers. of them.”

They came knowing how to pick strawberries because their mother had raised her five children on help pick strawberries. A week later, Michael came to The Eetens do all the work themselves: planning, a huge garden at their home near Boyden, Iowa.

Boyden to look at her flower and vegetable gardens. planting, weeding, harvesting, preparing the produce As the girls got to know Michael, they conjured up Amidst all the growing plants, love blossomed and See GOODEETENS, pg. 14 a meeting between their mother and him. The next they were married a year later. year, they convinced their mother one evening to Today, the Eetens grow approximately 90 different vegetables and some fruit on 12 acres. The chemicalfree produce is sold at three different markets: Everly and Sheldon Farmers Markets, Spencer Riverfront District Farmer’s Market and through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Sometimes unusual produce is in their CSA buys: fennel, Napa cabbage, edamame, sweet yellow peppers and parsnips. Darla includes a description of the vegetable, along with its history, nutritive value, and helpful ideas on how to use it. Parsnips are a good example.

Beets and peas are well underway inside the Eeten’s “Although parsnips are not new to the older genhigh tunnel. Michael and Darla admit they are not big eration,” said Darla. “They will tell me that their beet fans, but their customers love them.

13

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

14

From planting to harvest, the Eetens do all the work GOODEETENS, from pg. 13 for sale and manning their tables at the markets.

“I do like to hoe,” admits Darla.

“Jokingly I say, Michael is the brains

GoodEetens uses two high tunnels to keep out the blustery weather and allow for an early jump on starting plants.

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fresh air and sunshine, talking with customers, being their own boss and having so many healthy veggies and fruit to eat. They enjoy a close connection to the land and are committed to healthy eating.

This year, two high tunnels will help provide vegetables for a longer season and vine-ripe tomatoes earlier. A walk-in cooler, designed and built by Michael, also aids in keeping the produce in first-rate condition.

The Eetens have tapped their maple trees at the Boyden location and now have maple syrup for sale.

“We love to talk garden with anyone,” said Darla.

This year, at the end of the summer, they are hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa event at their farm.

To learn more about GoodEetens, Weed control keeps Michael Eeten on his visit goodeetens.weebly.com. v toes (or on his knees) as GoodEetens’ vegetables get off to a strong start.

Groups invest in soil health to sustain food production MINNEAPOLIS — A national effort to enhance farm sustainability through soil health has additional backing from a major consumer foods manufacturer.

Leaders from General Mills, The Nature Conservancy, the Soil Health Institute and the Soil Health Partnership announce a collaborative effort to advance soil health on America’s farms and ranches.

Global populations are expected to grow to more than 9 billion by 2050, doubling the demand for food, fuel and fiber production and placing unprecedented stress on the health and viability of soils. To help ensure soil health, General Mills has made a three-year, $2 million commitment to The Nature Conservancy, Soil Health Institute and Soil Health Partnership to support the development of tools and resources for farmers, landowners, and supply chain leaders to achieve widespread adoption of soil health practices.

Specifically, these organizations will partner to improve soil health mea-

surements and standards; increase support for soil health practice adoption by absentee landowners; target, plan and expand the field network of on-farm demonstration sites; coordinate soil health activities and communications for maximum impact; and mobilize and support diverse constituents in advancing public policy solutions.

“Healthy soil is the foundation for all life, yet we estimate that less than 10 percent of U.S. soils are managed optimally today,” said Michael Doane, Global Director of Working Lands for The Nature Conservancy. “With a goal to transform the soil health management systems on at least 50 percent of U.S. croplands by 2025, healthier soils can create substantial economic benefits for farmers and provide consumers and future generations with resilient food systems, clean water and a stable climate.”

This article was submitted by the PR Newswire. v

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Washington to Willmar with Congressman Peterson happening?

Peterson: It should happen. The debate is about this vapor issue. Now we have a new EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) chief. He seems more sympathetic to what I call mainstream views, but he’s an oil man. How that’s going to impact our RFS (renewable fuels standards) I don’t know. But he called me last week asking to meet with him which is going to happen Wednesday (April 26). Part of the reason is because I am the only Democrat that has favored getting rid of every Obama rule there is. So I think he sees me as a potential ally. So one of the things I’ll bring up to him is getting E15 into the market because the public wants to go this route. We broke the blend wall last month. We went to 10.04 percent.

Q: About one-third of our Millennials are still living with their parents. What’s going on?

Peterson: It’s tougher these days to make enough money to be able to pay your own rent, buy your own food and transportation. The kids today aren’t making what they were in 1975 on a cost-equivalency basis. Plus, college has become way too expensive. Kids are racking up all this debt. It’s just not an easy situation to get a college degree, but with it comes a $150,000 student loan debt. So little wonder Mom and Dad are helping with free room, perhaps board too in many instances.

Q: Everyone talks about money for upgrading roads and bridges.

What’s your take on increasing the gasoline tax?

Peterson: I favor an increase in the federal gas tax. The tax hasn’t been increased in 25 years. I think your state gasoline tax could be increased too.

Rep. Collin Peterson is 72 years old. v

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Democratic incumbent, the only challenge is from the Left. So you see, there is no incentive to work across the aisle.

In fact, you’re likely to get in trouble if you do. There are very few districts, except perhaps mine, where the elected congressman isn’t of the same political affiliation as the district. I’m from a Republican district; but I’ve had the good fortune of being acceptable to both ranks.

Q: With 28 years in office, are term limits even on your agenda?

Peterson: They are less an issue now than they were 10 years ago.

Looking back at the Contract with America proposal, one of its main components was term limits. But that fizzled out and there hasn’t been a growing voice since. The Republicans did install six-year term limits for committee chairmanships within their ranks.

We don’t have that, so I’m now on my third Republican chair on the House Ag Committee. I told the leadership (at that time Congressman John Boehner), ‘I’m getting tired of training in your chairman each time.’ If (Democrats) take back the House, as the senior member, I’ll be chairman of the committee. There’s something to be said for experience heading up certain committees especially the House Agricultural Committee because it is so complicated. There’s only a handful of us that have been around for the whole duration.

Q: Speaking of your colleagues, what is their understanding of today’s agriculture?

Peterson: The urban folks are easily manipulated by all the various lobby groups that are the mouthpiece for various segments of agriculture; like the GMOs (genetically modified organism), etc. It’s a continuing problem. But I think we’ve done a fair job of educating our colleagues. We were able to get this GMO bill passed and that is a big deal, especially for sugar. We simply told our colleagues, ‘If you’re not going to have GMOs, not going to have technology, not going to have the advancement of science, then you’re not going to feed the world.’ I’m all for local foods, organics and much of these consumerdriven changes in the food world; but that’s not going to feed the world.

What’s going to feed the world is technology.

Q: On that issue, E15 ethanol fuels seems positive for both consumers and producers. Why isn’t it

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn.

— It is a rare opportunity to have a private conversation with a U.S. congressman.

Such was Dick Hagen’s experience on April 22 when he sat down with U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) at Collin Peterson the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, north of Willmar, Minn. Peterson was joining Minnesota State Rep. Dave Baker and State Sen. Andrew Lang for a 90-minute Town Talk session.

Peterson’s 7th Congressional District covers 38 counties in western Minnesota from the Canadian border almost to Iowa. Now serving his 14th term (28 years), Peterson shared a few thoughts before taking the dais with Baker and Lang.

Q: So why are you here today?

Peterson: Dave (Baker) called me asking about this meeting. I took him up on it right away. This is what we need to do. So I’m here with these two young Republicans. We need to do more stuff like this to build relationships with our people. It’s not happening in D.C. Q: Why isn’t it happening in D.C.?

Is our new president the issue?

Peterson: It’s because most of our districts have become very partisan districts, either Democratic districts or Republican districts. Today, 350 out of our nation’s 435 districts are predictable; either Republican or Democratic.

The only question is, who is this Republican or Democrat going to be?

Politicians are going to respond to their constituents and try to stay elected. So when you’re in that kind of a district, the only challenge you worry about is within your own party!

Q: So then what happens?

Peterson: The Republicans don’t care about the Democrats because it doesn’t make any difference. They’re more worried about getting challenged from the Right, from their own rank and file so to speak. The same happens in the Democratic ranks within these districts that are predictably Democratic. This happened thanks to gerrymandering by the Republicans who rearranged Congressional District boundaries putting Democrats into these compact minority districts. For a

15

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16

Nutritional health makes elk a growing choice for consumers

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer OWATONNA, Minn. — Minnesota has about 120 elk farms, according to Greg Lubinski, board member of the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association.

About 3,900 elk are raised each year on these farms. Statewide, Minnesota boasts about 460 Cervidae producers (elk and deer).

Lubinski indicated elk numbers average 40 to 50 head per farm, but some are considerably larger. At Lubinski Elk Acres near Plainview, Lubinski raises about 200 head.

“We produce mainly meat, but also do velvet antlers for the velvet pills,” he said. “People with arthritic problems are a big market for the velvet pills, a joint supplement long touted by variPhoto by Dick Hagen ous cultures around the world, especially in China, Korea, Japan and Greg Lubinski (left) and Ray Smothers of the Minnesota Elk Breeder’s Association worked their booth at the North American Farm and Power Show in Owatonna in Russia.”

March.

Lubinski said growing elk is much ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ like raising beef with a few specific ★ regulations. You need an 8-foot fence ★ ★ enclosure for your elk herd. You need ★ to be registered with the Minnesota ★ Board of Animal Health and each ani★ ★ mal needs to be identified with an ear ★ ★ tag. If a wild deer gets into your elk ★ ~ 2011 Agco 1194 ~ ★ enclosure, it needs to be destroyed. ★ ★ Your herd needs to be inventoried by ★ 90’, 2850 hrs., Viper an accredited veterinarian and filed ★ with the board every 12 months. ★ $ ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ The Lubinskis pasture their elk herd, then switch to haylage, hay and limit2007 CIH 2008 Agco ed grain in the winter months. “We 3210, 8204, start our weaned calves on a ration 4542 Hrs., 3587 Hrs., that gradually moves up to two pounds NL 64, Air Max 1000, of grain per animal per day. It’s a 380 Tires, 70’, Falcon II mixed ration running about 16 to 17 $ $ 46,500 65,000 percent protein with about a 60 energy rating. We also test our hay each season for protein levels and relative food 2008 Agco 2012 Miller levels.”

8244, Condor, Lubinski’s local grain elevator at 2854 Hrs., 1606 Hrs., Plainview handles the testing of both Air Spread, NLL3030Gdry forages and pasture grass. Samples 70’, Raven 4Box viper, are sent to a Wisconsin testing lab. $ Viper 90,000 Lubinski is particular about nutrition$ 75,000 al content of his elk rations. “Elk are the predominant source of income in our total farming operation,” he said.

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said. “Some buy the entire carcass; some buy just a half carcass. We also have producers within our Minnesota Elk Breeders Association that have their own meat distributorship. We’ll sell whole animals to them, sometimes moving 40 to 50 head in one shot.”

What is dress-out on a market weight elk?

“The last four years for us it’s been 64 percent live weight to hanging weight,” he said. “A mature cow will average between 500 to 600 pounds live weight.

A two-year-old male will be around 700 pounds. Older bulls, four years and older, can be up to about 1,100 pounds live weight.”

Characteristics The gestation period for elk is about 245 days. Calving season starts in May. “Cows calve early spring on grass. We check them twice daily to make certain there aren’t any problems,” he said.

“But cow elk do remarkably well during the calving process. We just don’t have any calving issues.”

I’ve got cows 14 years old still producing good calves. And a bonus of elk cows, when you cull, you’ve good good carcass meat to sell. You don’t sell for hamburger meat except perhaps cows 10 years and older. Your prime meats would be from males and females 3 years of age and younger.

— Greg Lubinski Cows occasionally produce twins, but singles are preferred.

“Twins can be stressful for some cows,” Lubinski said. “Deer will twin quite regularly, but not so elk. I’ve been in the business since 1989 and have only pulled three calves. Elk cows are remarkably trouble-free at calving.

Plus, they usually calve during daylight hours. When you see a foot sticking out, you’ve got a calf on the ground within a half hour, often just in 15 minutes.”

Elk cows are durable. “I’ve got cows 14 years old still producing good calves,” he said. “And a bonus of elk See ELK, pg. 17

True browser grazers, elk prefer grass-legume mix health.”

Despite his enthusiasm, Lubinski cautions that raising elk is not a getrich-quick strategy. And it’s not for

Fat Cholesterol Protein everyone. You need some basic under Meat Calories (grams) (milligrams) (grams) standing of livestock and a genuine Elk 146 1.9 73 30.2 respect for the future of the industry.

This year’s North American Elk Chicken 190 7.4 89 28.9 Breeders Association annual confer Beef 211 9.3 86 29.9 ence takes place July 27-29 in Mankato.

For more information, visit www.

Pork 212 9.7 86 29.3 mneba.org.

Greg Lubinski was interviewed on said, ‘Whatever you can run a beef cow farmers and ranchers should consider March 16 at the North American Farm v on, you can run three elk cows.’ They raising elk as a diversification that and Power Show in Owatonna. are a true browser grazer. They are a would enhance both our soils and our ruminant just like a beef or dairy cow.

He bought his first elk later that summer on a trip to Missouri where he was checking on some Charolaise cattle.

They happened to drive by Lolli Livestock Market in Macon, Mo., which courtlandwaste.com was having a big sale on elk. A couple years later I had convinced my bride that we should get into the elk business too, so I started with three cows and a bull.”

Market Lubinski describes the four legs of the elk business: breeding stock, meat, antler production for velvet, and tro505,000 & 517,000 MILES phy bulls sold to big ranchers who specialize in $10,000 hunts for a trophy bull elk.

“Actually, you could count the hard 2012 antlers as a fifth leg because there is FREIGHTLINER always a good market for antlers.

These are sold for display racks to CASCADIA 125 impress visitors; or to make unique DETROIT 455 HP furniture; or as a special holder for family photos. And a new use that has 405,000 MILES really taken off is dog chews. Dogs love them because they don’t splinter like a bone. And they want that marrow inside the bone which carries some glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate,” he said.

According to Minnesota Grown, elk meat is known for its high protein and low fat content which makes elk a 469,000 MILES heart-healthy alternative to other red meats.

Lubinski sees no practical limit to MANY OTHER TRUCKS AVAILABLE the numbers of elk that could be raised in Minnesota.

For Current Pricing Call: “I would like to see us become like New Zealand, where they process upwards of 300,000 a year. They used GEA Farm Technologies to slaughter close to 800,000 a year,” GEA Farm Equipment Lubinski said. “The great conservationHoule ist Teddy Roosevelt said, America’s

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ELK, from pg. 16 cows, when you cull, you’ve got good carcass meat to sell. You don’t sell for hamburger meat except perhaps cows 10 years and older. Your prime meats would be from males and females 3 years of age and younger.”

As for bulls — “A good elk bull can service about 30 cows,” Lubinski estimated.

Like most livestock species, elk have a pecking order. But shortly after your herd is grazing, pecking disappears.

Lubinski uses alfalfa with a timothyorchard grass mixture for his hay and haylage forage. The grass dries the freshly-cut forage a little faster.

“They actually prefer more of a grass mixture with their legumes. Our pasture mix is usually 50 to 60 percent legume, red clover, white clover, or birdsfoot trefoil plus a brome grasstimothy mixture. The hay usually lasts three to four years. Then we have a well-established grass-legume pasture,” he said.

Certain birds relish this habitat also.

Lubinski remembers when he was 4 and 5 years old, Bobolinks and Meadowlark prevailed on their farm.

But when field spraying with pesticides became widespread, those birds declined. When he made his first pasture cut a few years back, two Bobolink showed up.

“Now we have eight sets that come year after year,” he said, “and we’re now at 400 to 500 Meadowlark out there. Birds and elk get along well. The birds sit on the backs of the elk and keep the flies away. Even the calves let the birds ride on their backs, so no more fly spray concerns.”

Every elk farmer has a story as to how they entered the field. Here’s Lubinski’s: “I was in Chamberlain, S.D., before I got married. I was out there with my future father-in-law, Loran Heins, who wanted to raise elk.

So we threw some cattle racks in the back of his diesel pickup just in case he found an elk for sale. I thought he was nuttier than a loon. But when we got to this livestock auction in Chamberlain, they were selling everything, A to Z. This elk cow came running through the auction ring and it brought $800! This was in the early 1980s. You couldn’t get $400 for a bred beef cow!

“So I asked him how many elk can you raise on an acre of pasture? He

17

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

18

Groen Elk Farm trophy bulls originated with ‘King’

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BLOMKEST, Minn. — Scott Groen’s farm in Kandiyohi County could grow great corn and soybeans. But his primary crop is signature elk, namely “super bulls” which he delivers to hunting ranches in the Southwest which sponsor big game hunts.

Currently in his 22nd year as an elk farmer, Groen’s involvement with elk started as a hobby.

“But once I got into marketing bulls for super hunts it didn’t take long for this to become our primary income,” he said. “I’ve got about 100 head. My heifer calves are mostly replacements for my older cows. I raise the bull calves for the trophy bull business.

Plus, some get sold as breeders to other elk farms. I also sell bred cows and heifers.”

Groen also harvests the velvet from elks’ antlers.

He estimates the first four to six years of a bull’s life covers the cost of production. He doesn’t sell the meat. “There’s just no money in elk meat,” he said.

Once your elk have built a reputation, trophy bulls for hunts are a good business. Last year Groen marketed about 25 bulls to various trophy hunting ranches. This coming year he estimates he’ll sell about 14. He sells to the same hunting ranchers each year, hauling his bulls in a five-stall bedded trailer to Missouri, Texas and Colorado.

“This has become a competitive market,” Groen stated. “You’ve got to have a reputation. Many hunting ranches don’t trust some elk producers. Today, the bigger demand is for smaller to medium-sized bulls. Not everybody has the bucks to shoot the big trophy critters. There’s three to four times the money difference in shooting a 300-inch bull versus a 500inch super bull.

“For my bulls with a 320-inch rack I’m averaging $4,000 to $5,000 delivered,” Groen added. “I don’t know what the rancher charges for a super hunt on his ranch. I’d wager it could be in the $20,000 bracket and higher for a big bull with a super rack.”

He estimates that for every 500-inch trophy bull harvested, there will be 50 guys shooting a 320-inch bull.

His herd’s reputation originates from the genetics of King, a super bull which was crowned National Champion 15 years ago. King scored an incredible 506 inches and produced over 50 pounds of velvet.

Frozen semen from King continues to be the breed-

ing power of Groen Elk Farm.

His elk cows start calving around May 25. His herd has a reputation for strong, fast-growing calves.

“Because we do the velvet, we’re harvesting antlers on bulls up to 7 years old,” Groen said. “Some of my cows I’ve had up to 17 years.”

On April 1, a dozen University of Minnesota prevet med students visited his ranch.

“First time visit to an elk farm,” Groen said. “They asked lots of questions. They seemed to appreciate this new chapter in their education.”

As you might expect, Groen Elk Farm also attracts students from area schools. Visitors even see buffalo since he finishes out some buffalo for the buffalo meat market.

To learn more, visit www.GroenElkFarm.com. Those interested in visiting the farm are encouraged to call ahead at (320) 979-0911. v Photo submitted

Scott Groen has been raising elk for over two decades on his farm in Kandiyohi County.

Minnesota Farm Bureau farm events Several county Farm Bureaus throughout Minnesota are sponsoring or co-sponsoring breakfast and other events on the farm June through October.

Each event includes a meal and numerous activities for all ages to enjoy.

Clay County Breakfast on the Farm — June 3, 7 a.m.-noon Kasin Farmers — Hawley Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm — June 3, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kuechle Dairy — Eden Valley/Watkins area Wabasha Family Night on the Farm — June 8, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Plainview Waseca County Dinner on the Farm — June 14, 6–8 p.m.

Farmamerica — Two miles west of Waseca Dodge County Dinner with a Farmer — June 15, 5-7 p.m.

Veterans Memorial (North) Park - Kasson Olmsted County Breakfast on the Farm — June 17, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

Charles and Carrie Sachs – 9019 Silver Creek Road NE, Eyota Beltrami County Breakfast on the Farm — June 25, 8:30 a.m.-noon Beltrami County Fairgrounds Wright County Breakfast on the Farm — June 17, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Goldview Farms – Waverly Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm — June 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Johnson Rolling Acres – 24486 Bear Paw Road, Peterson

Lyon County Breakfast on the Farm — June 22, 6-9 a.m.

Lanoue Farm – 2229 County Road 67, Marshall Todd County Lunch on the Farm — June 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hengemuhle Dairy Winona Chamber Family Night on the Farm — June 27, 4-8 p.m.

Speltz Dairy LLC - 14516 County Road 31, Altura Mower County 100th Anniversary Celebration — July 29, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mower County Fairgrounds Arrowhead Regional Supper on the Farm — July 12, 5-8 p.m.

Mr. Ed’s Farm, LLC – 10796 Foss Road, Hibbing Cottonwood County Agriculture Appreciation Night — July 18, 5:30-8 p.m.

Cottonwood County Fairgrounds Watonwan County Breakfast on the Farm — July 22, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Watonwan County Fairgrounds Blue Earth and Le Sueur County Breakfast on the Farm — Aug. 12, 7-11:30 a.m.

Dauk Family Farm – 62536 Lakeview Road, Madison Lake Dakota County Day at Square Deal Dairy — Oct. 1, 1-5 p.m.

Square Deal Dairy, Randolph

For more information, contact the county/regional Farm Bureau. v

Minnesota farm incomes marginally improved in 2016 Extension-run Farmer Lender Mediation program, where debtors and creditors negotiate with a mediator, have increased. Many farms have already restructured debt to lengthen terms and free up cash flow.

Looking forward, there are some areas of optimism. Costs have decreased as land rental rates and other inputs adjusted to lower price conditions.

Lower fertilizer and fuel prices, in particular, will help.

Given recent increases in milk and pork prices, there is also optimism that dairy and hog farm profits will improve in 2017. Beef prices are expected to remain depressed, however, limiting prospects for recovery for the beef industry.

The statewide results are compiled by the Center for Farm Financial Management using the FINBIN database, which can be queried at www. finbin.umn.edu.

This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

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The median dairy farm earned $31,563, down from just over $45,000 in 2015.

The average price received for milk decreased by 8 percent, from $17.95 per hundred pounds in 2015 to $16.57.

With the average costs of production around $16.00, dairy producers netted less than 60 cents per hundred pounds of production, or $135 per cow.

Pork producers also lost money in 2016. The median hog farm has invested over $4 million in its business but lost just over $4,000 in 2016. The price of live hog sales decreased to 50 cents per pound in 2016, down from 55 cents the previous year. Pork producers lost about 3 cents on every pound of pork sold.

Some farms will have to make major adjustments in the coming year in order to continue farming. Like any business, every farm has a different cost structure and some farms are doing better than others. The average farm’s balance sheet is still strong, but there are obvious signs of financial stress. Requests for participation in the

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The average price received for corn sold by participating producers declined to $3.42 per bushel in 2016, down from $3.74 the year before.

Soybean yields averaged 56 bushels per acre compared to a 10-year average of 44 bushels. The average producer sold soybeans for $9.07 per bushel compared to $9.45 the previous year.

Wheat yielded 67 bushels per acre, up 8 bushels from the 10-year average.

Wheat sold for $4.78 per bushel, compared to $5.26 in 2015, the first time prices have gone below $5 per bushel since 2006, according to the university’s database.

The 2016 sugarbeet crop was so plentiful that some was left behind in fields. The average yield harvested was 32.6 tons per acre, the highest in years.

The average price received was $39.10, a slight increase over 2015’s $37.87, but far from higher prices four and five years ago.

Lower crop prices translated into lower feed costs for livestock producers but that did not help Minnesota producers enough to improve profits in 2016. For the second consecutive year, prices for every major livestock commodity decreased.

The median beef producer lost over $11,000 after losing almost $10,000 in 2015.

Calf producers lost about $70 per cow on an average of 71 cows. Many Minnesota cow-calf producers also have off-farm jobs and may not rely on beef calf sales for their primary income.

Cattle finishers have suffered major losses in the last two years. In 2016, they lost $77 per head. That is an improvement over 2015, when they lost almost $300 per head.

The market price of beef decreased from $1.48 per pound in 2015 to $1.19 in 2016.

Dairy profits declined again in 2016.

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. — More than 30 percent of Minnesota farmers were in the red in 2016, the third consecutive year of declining commodity prices.

Record crop yields enabled crop producers to tread water financially, but incomes improved only slightly and the median crop producer didn’t earn enough to meet family living needs.

Many livestock farmers generally fared worse as milk, pork and beef prices hit new lows.

Those are among key findings in the annual farm income analysis conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota State. The analysis used data from 2,103 participants in the Minnesota State farm business management education programs and 103 members of the Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association. Participating producers represent approximately 10 percent of commercial farmers in Minnesota.

Across all of these Minnesota farms, the median net farm income was $35,636, up from $27,478 in 2015. Net farm income represents the amount of income contributed by the farm to cover family living expenses, taxes, reinvestments, and retirement. The average of these farms now have only half the working capital they did at the end of 2012.

The median crop farm earned $46,348, compared to $27,462 last year.

Including off-farm earnings, the average crop farm family made a modest improvement in their net worth.

Bumper crops across the Corn Belt affected prices. For the first time for this group of farms, the average corn yield topped 200 bushels per acre, up 19 percent from the 10-year average for these farms. But the average price received for corn declined by 9 percent.

The story was similar for soybeans, wheat and most other crop commodities.

19

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

20

Cold Storage report bullish on butter, bearish on cheese This column was written that the message he got for the marketing week endat the ADPI conference ing April 28. was that there’s plenty of cheese production going on, There’s still plenty of particularly in the upperdairy products on hand. The Midwest, but “we expect March Cold Storage report demand has improved from put the March 31 butter a month ago.” inventory at 272.5 million pounds, up 2.6 million Kurzawski said, “There MIELKE MARKET pounds or 1 percent from seemed to be two camps WEEKLY February and 29.4 milof thought at the ADPI

By Lee Mielke lion or 12.1 percent above conference: either people March 2016. A revision were bearish or they lowered the original were neutral. We didn’t February stocks total hear much in the way by 12.7 million pounds. of bullish, at least anytime soon. For better or worse, trade uncertainties in American-type cheese amounted to general and milk glut issues in Wiscon802.7 million pounds. This is up 29.9 million pounds or 3.9 percent from Feb- sin in particular are leading indicators ruary and 76.9 million or 10.6 percent of U.S. dairy market sentiment at large right now. So the views of dairy market above a year ago. The total cheese inventory reached a record 1.292 billion prices are, we could say, largely bearish.” pounds, up 37.2 million pounds or 3.0 percent from February and 101.1 milHe added that “The president’s lion or 8.5 percent above March 2016. willingness to work with Canada and The report is seen bearish on cheese Mexico was like a breath of fresh air and slightly bullish on butter. to dairy market participants who have long dealt with anti-trade rhetoric and Chicago Mercantile Exchange dairy uncertainty this year.” prices didn’t show a lot of initial reaction to the Cold Storage data but Fresh cheese is in fact in tight supmany of the regular traders were at ply, according to the April 21 Dairy this week’s American Dairy Products and Food Market Analyst, and “blocks Institute conference in Chicago instead less than 30 days old are the ones that of their offices. trade at the CME. Cheese inventories are huge, but much of this product Block cheddar closed the last day of can’t come to the Exchange.” trading in April at $1.48 per pound, down 6.5 cents on the week but 11 Dairy Market News says the cheese cents above a year ago. The barrels market tone is “uncertain” and cheese closed at $1.4175, down a penny on the production for the most part continweek, a half-cent above a year ago, and ues to match abundant milk supplies. narrowed the spread to 6.25 cents. One In fact, production schedules in some car of block and 16 of barrel traded plants were at 100 percent. Milk hands on the week at the CME. continues to flow into cheese vats with prices $1.50 to $5.50 under Class. n Some producers report that orders FC Stone’s Dave Kurzawski reported

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have noticeably improved the past two to three weeks and some pizza cheese makers report gains in demand but slightly quieter than they were last year. Cheese inventories are also long. n Milk is plentiful in the West and so is cheese output. Domestic demand is stable in most of the region, according to Dairy Market News. Barrel sales are slowly increasing as grilling season is getting close. Commodity type cheese continues to be readily accessible to end-users while high quality cheese is harder to get. Buyers have abundant supplies, and are hesitant to take additional spot loads, with many limiting their activities hoping that prices will soon be more favorable.

Spot butter finished April 28 at $2.1050 per pound, up 1.5 cents on the week but 1.5 cents below a year ago.

On the week, 20 carloads traded hands.

Cream remains available for churns in the Central region but Class II producers continue to show increased interest in cream. Butter demand ranges from steady to slightly strong but inventory is steady to building.

Looking westward, Dairy Market News reports that milk output has been off a little in some of the butter production states, but cream destined for the churn has been in good supply and churns remain active to deal with the abundant cream. Some butter makers are trying to hold back on processing to keep butter inventories in check.

Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk finished April 28 at 86.75 cents per pound, up 1.25 cents on the week and 9.25 cents above a year ago, on 28 cars sold.

The Dairy and Food Market Analyst reports that orders for powder from Mexico picked up the week of April 17, according to several exporters. “Following an uptick in prices at the Global Dairy Trade auction, there was a surge in buying interest. The rising value of the Mexican peso is contributing. A firmer peso gives Mexican buyers more purchasing power; the peso reached a five month high against the U.S. dollar this week and is up 14 percent since January when it bottomed in value.”

Unfortunately, even though U.S. milk output slowed some in March, the Analyst reports that milk output is outstripping manufacturing capacity. “Milk is now hitting the ground in the Northeast, Mideast, Michigan, and

New Mexico, according to contacts with views of the milk supply.”

It added a somber warning: “In four out of the top six producing countries in Europe, milk production is now above prior year levels, including in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy. Be forewarned: Within a month, Europe will again be producing milk in excess of a year ago.”

Looking “down under,” Dairy Australia reports February milk production was 10 percent below February 2016 and July 2016 through February 2017 cumulative production is down 8.4 percent, according to Dairy Market News.

New Zealand is still recovering from two cyclones in the last several weeks, according to Dairy Market News, and the important dairy area of Waikato was hit hard. n Back home, higher corn and alfalfa hay prices and a sharply lower all-milk price pulled the milk feed price ratio lower for the third consecutive month.

The March ratio is 2.39, down from 2.61 in February, but is up from 2.12 in March 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Ag Prices report.

The index is based on the current milk price in relationship to feed prices for a dairy ration consisting of 51 percent corn, 8 percent soybeans and 41 percent alfalfa hay. Oone pound of milk today purchases 2.39 pounds of dairy feed containing that blend.

The March U.S. average all-milk price was $17.30 per hundredweight, down $1.20 from February but $2.00 above March 2016.

New Mexico again scored the lowest, at $15.70, down $1.40 from February but $1.10 above a year ago. California was right behind at $15.73, down $1.71 from February but $1.80 above a year ago and $2.27 below Wisconsin’s $18.00. That’s down a dollar from February but $2.20 above a year ago.

March corn averaged $3.49 per bushel, up 5 cents from February but 7 cents per bushel below March 2016.

Soybeans averaged $9.69 per bushel, down 17 cents from February but $1.13 per bushel above March 2016. Alfalfa hay averaged $135 per ton, up $6 from February but $4 per ton below a year ago.

See MIELKE, pg. 21

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“We also need Secretary Perdue’s support to help develop new dairy export markets in Japan and elsewhere,” NMPF stated, and “Secretary Perdue has expressed support for improving the dairy Margin Protection Program so that it can serve as the effec-

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dairy companies and the workers they employ across rural America compete in global markets on a daily basis. They should reasonably be able to expect that others are also going to play by the rules. When our trading partners hold up their end of the bargain, as we have seen Mexico do for dairy, trade benefits our farmers, workers and companies. But to preserve that positive impact, it’s essential that we hold countries accountable when they walk the other direction as Canada has chosen to do.”

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, added, “We appreciate the efforts of each member of Congress who signed the letter, recognizing the importance of our exports to Mexico while noting that Canadian dairy policies are directly hurting American exports. As we conveyed to our Mexican partners in our visit there earlier this year, NAFTA is very important to both our countries and has yielded strong benefits for agriculture. To build upon that track record, we need to address unfinished business such as the remaining tariff and nontariff trade barriers that Canada has pursued.”

The letter cited the importance of exports to the U.S. dairy industry, noting that approximately 15 percent of U.S. milk production amounting to roughly $5 billion a year leaves the country.

Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

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tive safety net it was intended to be.”

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of 68 House members wrote to President Donald Trump urging him to insist that Canada comply with its dairy trade commitments, including those under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has given some mixed signals regarding his commitment to NAFTA. A NMPF press release stated; “At a time when questions are arising about the future of the U.S. role in NAFTA, the NMPF, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the International Dairy Foods Association said the 25-year-old pact is a critically important agreement that needs to be modernized, not withdrawn from.”

They also praised the congressional letter’s focus on ways to improve upon the existing NAFTA trade relationship.” The letter to Trump followed a call between him and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during which dairy exports were among the key topics discussed.

“We very much appreciate the bipartisan support from members of Congress on this important issue. As the U.S. reviews the value of NAFTA, it’s essential that our trade negotiators focus on preserving dairy trade with Mexico and other key markets, while challenging barriers such as Canada’s systematic abuse of trade rules and tools,” said NMPF’s Jim Mulhern. He said that Canada’s new pricing policy “uses a government-administered system to hurt the U.S. dairy industry, undercutting our farmers’ exports and threatening to cause great damage to world dairy prices by dumping Canada’s surplus on the world market.”

USDEC CEO Tom Vilsack warned that “U.S.

MARKETING

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

MIELKE, from pg. 20 Looking at the cow side, the report shows the March cull price for beef and dairy combined averaged $69.50/cwt., up $4.60 from February, $10.50/cwt. below February 2016, and $2.10 below the 2011 base average of $71.60.

Prices received for milk cows in April averaged $1,640 per head, up $20 from January but $190 below April 2016. Wisconsin averaged $1,710 per head, down $20 from January and $200 below April 2016. The California average, at $1,600 per head, was unchanged from January. n Looking backwards, USDA reported U.S. cheese production totaled 12.2 billion pounds in 2016, up 2.8 percent from 2015. Wisconsin remained the leader at 3.24 billion pounds or 26.6 percent of that total. California followed at 2.51 billion pounds.

Italian varieties totaled 5.29 billion pounds, up 4.1 percent from 2015 and accounted for 43.5 percent of total U.S. cheese output. Mozzarella accounted for 77.7 percent of the Italian category, with Wisconsin, again, the leading producer.

American-type cheese output hit 4.76 billion pounds, up 1.3 percent from 2015 and 39.1 percent of total cheese. Wisconsin was the leading American producer.

Butter churns spit out 1.84 billion pounds, down 0.6 percent from 2015. California accounted for 30.6 percent of the U.S. total.

Nonfat dry milk output totaled 1.75 billion pounds, down 3.8 percent, and skim milk powder hit 559 million, up 25.3 percent. Dry whey totaled 955 million pounds, down 2.3 percent from 2015. n Cooperatives Working Together accepted six requests for export assistance the week of April 24 from member cooperatives to sell 740,753 pounds of cheddar cheese to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product has been contracted for delivery through July and raised CWT’s 2017 export sales to 29.16 million pounds of American-type cheeses, and 1.43 million pounds of butter (82 percent milkfat) to 14 countries on four continents. n In politics, Sonny Perdue was confirmed as U.S. Agriculture Secretary. The National Milk Producers Federation stated in a press release that “Secretary Perdue knows that dairy farmers depend on export markets around the world and closer to home, which is why it is important for USDA to insist on preserving market access to key customers in Mexico, and demand that Canada plays by the international trade rules to which it has already agreed.”

21

Local Corn and Soybean Price Index

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

22

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change*

Dover Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye

$3.20 +.00 $3.15 +.02 $3.12 +.05 $3.21 +.03 $3.18 -.17 $3.15 +.07

$9.05 +.10 $8.86 +.19 $8.86 +.20 $8.92 +.17 $9.00 -.05 $8.89 -.23

Average: $3.17 $8.93 Year Ago Average: $3.29 $9.46

APR ‘16

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

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Grain prices are effective cash close on May 2. The price index chart compares an average of most recently reported local cash prices with the same average for a year ago. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Grain Outlook Weather drives corn price

Livestock Angles Cattle market remains volatile

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending April 28.

CORN — Corn moved higher this week supported by varying weather forecasts, planting progress concerns, and political fallout. But the market lost those gains once weather forecasts turned warmer and drier. Focusing on the July contract, since March 10 it has traded within a $3.60.75 (April 21) to $3.79.5 (April 13) range. Current wet, cool weather helped confirmed the doji cross chart formation from April 21 that indicated a PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. change in price direction to the St. Paul upside. Corn planting as of April 23 at 17 percent complete was not as far behind the 18 percent average as the trade had anticipated.

Traders had been expecting progress at 14 percent complete. Progress this week may surprise traders with country reports indicating fieldwork was moving along, despite the wet conditions. It will be interesting to see what the U. S. Department of Agriculture actually reports on May 1. Average planting is 34 percent complete by May 1 and planting on average is 50 percent complete by May 8 or 9. The longer term outlook calls for drier conditions, but the cool weather may be around for a while. At least for now, it is too early to start cutting yield potential.

The market reacted negatively midweek to initial reports that President Trump was going to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement by

What a finish to the month of April with the cattle and hog markets closing strong to close out the month. The question now is will this current strength continue into the month of May. With the extreme volatility present in the livestock markets, one might expect a roller coaster ride in the weeks ahead.

See NYSTROM, pg. 23

Grain Angles Equipment costs in farm strategy

Machinery and equipment are some of the largest investments you, as a grain producer, will ever make.

What’s more, it’s not a one-and-done proposition.

Keeping equipment in good working order is an ongoing expense. According to ag economist William Edwards, costs related to machinery align with a farm’s profits. How and when equipThe cattle market was the most ment is replaced can mean a botexplosive of the livestock martom line difference of thousands kets during the month of April of dollars. moving sharply higher during It’s always important to scrutithe last couple of weeks of the nize repairs and replacements. month. Tight supplies of cattle Just because a piece of equipand good export demand proERIC MADSEN JOE TEALE ment needs to be repaired, doesn’t pelled the cash and futures to AgStar Assistant Broker mean we automatically send it in levels not seen since the beginVice President Great Plains Commodity to be fixed. It’s important to look ning of the year.

Mankato, Minn.

Afton, Minn. back at each individual equipThe beef cutout also has ment item on our balance sheet advanced back over the 220.00 level for the first time and really ask whether the repair costs have gotten in quite a while. The advance in the beef cutout has to the point where replacement is justified. not moved as rapidly as the price paid by the packer Here are some general considerations: Could we for live inventory. This has tightened the profit margin of the packer which could force the packers to not adjust our equipment management strategy to become more productive or more efficient at a lower be as aggressive in their bidding in the days ahead. cost? Could more work be done on-farm to become There are several interesting conundrums that more profitable than outsourcing labor or specialized face the cattle market in the weeks ahead. One being services? If we have a large equipment line that has the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture Cattle on a great deal of debt to run our cropping enterprise, Feed report suggesting cattle placed were greater perhaps we need to evaluate outsourcing and/or than the trade had anticipated. Also, the future mar- reducing our equipment line to make the operation ket now has the June contract as the lead option more cash efficient. which is very discount to the current cash market.

A few years back, trading for new equipment was The other factor is that cattle have been pulled ahead very popular. The practice helped producers avoid of their normal finishing time which is reflected in costly breakdowns in the field, take advantage of tax the current weights of slaughter animals. The last item would be the fact that the cattle market in all benefits and stay current with technology. Times See TEALE, pg. 24 See MADSEN, pg. 23

Information in the above columns is the writer’s opinion. It is no way guaranteed and should not be interpreted as buy/sell advice. Futures trading always involves a certain degree of risk.

Soybean basis levels strong, prices edge lower in better U.S. soybean export numbers. Watch the export line for an increase on the May 10 USDA crop report.

Outlook: July soybeans have held the spike lower at $9.41.25 from April 11, but that may act as a target if the weather turns favorable for planting.

Taking out the spike lower on April 11, July soybeans have traded a $9.47.5 to $9.72.5 range since April 3. For the week, July soybeans were down 4.5 cents at $9.56.25 and the November contract fell 6.25 cents to $9.53.25 per bushel. July soymeal gained $2.20 to $315.80 and soyoil dropped 0.45 to 31.71. In the short term, weather will

be the focus for price direction. If South American growers continue to be slow soybean sellers, demand may limit the downside in U.S. soybean prices.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week ending April 28. July Minneapolis wheat rallied 19.25 cents higher to $5.54.25, Chicago July was 11.25 cents higher at $4.32.25 and Kansas City was up 20 cents at $4.37.25 per bushel. The Kansas wheat tour is the week of May 1. The CME announced they will be adding a Variable Storage Rate calculation to the Kansas City HRW wheat contract in March 2018. Crude oil fell 29 cents to $49.33 per barrel. The U.S. dollar was slightly higher at 98.898. v

MADSEN, from pg. 22 (and margins) have changed, however, and that means a lot of operations are finding themselves cash-strapped.

Making new purchases is out of the question. For those lucky enough to have working capital, and in a financial situation to make either choice, there are trade-offs to consider.

Advantages to repairing existing equipment include: No new loan payments for cash flow; you may only need to spend $5,000 on a repair compared to a $60,000 trade price; the repair is tax deductible; and if you can do the work yourself, the repair will likely be very advantageous Problems with repairing older equipment include: the equipment may need constant fixing; it may be less reliable — creating a loss of time with in-season repairs; the equipment’s overall value will decrease the more hours the equipment is used; at some point, equipment doesn’t depreciate any longer; and the cost of the repair could be as much as the value of the piece of machinery.

Advantages of replacing older equipment may include: the availability of warranties on new equipment. It is also possible to get a one or two-year parts warranty with a used equipment purchase; an upgrade in technology; tax depreciation; and if the equipment market is depressed, you could get a deal on a newer, used piece of equipment However, when replacing a piece of equipment, it may be likely to still have some maintenance or repair

costs; you may need to update other equipment to match up to the new equipment (for example, combine heads, planting technology, etc.); and it could cause your operation to burn working capital faster.

A strategy some of our clients are considering is trying to match payments with depreciation. Some producers have gotten themselves into a sticky financial situation due to using the 179 deduction on the entire purchase and then setting up a payment. Future payments then have to be made with net income, and the only deduction to the payment is the interest. In tight financial times with little net income, that means burning working capital to make the machinery payment.

Repairing versus replacing can be a very difficult decision and there is no one right or wrong answer. Operational situations and goals differ a great deal. We recommend producers work together with their financer and tax advisor to put together an informed decision. Even when your advisors do not completely agree, they typically work to find common ground that benefits each unique producer.

For additional insights from AgStar industry experts, visit www.AgStar. com.

AgStar Financial Services is a cooperative owned by client stockholders. As part of the Farm Credit System, AgStar has served 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin with a wide range of financial products and services for more than 95 years. v

MARKETING

Repairing versus replacing?

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December contract was 3 cents higher at $3.85 per bushel. Without a major weather event to support a rally, the possibility of December corn trading below $3.00 this year is being discussed. The May 10 USDA crop report will include the first balance sheets for the 2017-18 crop.

SOYBEANS — After a spike higher to begin the week, we spent the balance of the week edging lower. Buying corn and selling soybeans was a popular trade early in the week on weather/ acreage switching ideas. U.S. soybean planting progress as of April 23 was 6 percent complete, getting a jump on the 3 percent average. Soybean planting usually hits 50 percent complete by the third week of May. Without any new daily export sales announcements, the weekly sales number was impressive. Basis levels were strong to keep supplies in the pipeline.

Brazilian farmers picked up their selling paces as their currency weakened, making it more attractive for them to sell. As of April 26, Brazil’s bean harvest was estimated at 93 percent complete vs. 90 percent complete on average. Argentina’s soybean harvest was 34 percent complete compared to the five-year average of 47 percent complete and the three-year average of 41 percent complete.

Weekly export sales were above estimates and the best in 10 weeks at 29.7 million bushels, keeping total commitments at 24 percent ahead of last year.

Total commitments of 2.073 billion bushels are now higher than the USDA projection for 2.025 billion bushels of exports. We usually end up rolling 61 million bushels of old crop sales into new crop. With so much of the crop year ahead of us, it’s expected that the USDA will increase the export category on the May supply-demand balance sheets. New crop sales were 2.6 million bushels. This brings total commitments of 101.2 million bushels nearly on par with last year’s 103.9 million bushels on the books.

The March National Agricultural Statistics Service crush report is estimated at 162.2 million bushels with oil stocks at 2.246 billion pounds. The report will be published May 1. Brazilian farmers have been slow sellers of soybeans. When their safrinha corn crop harvest begins, it may keep soybeans in the bin and in the many white bags used for storage. This could result

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

NYSTROM, from pg. 22 executive order. This information proved to be untrue, but it did serve a purpose to speed up bringing parties back to the negotiation table. Quoting President Trump, “It is my privilege to bring NAFTA up to date through renegotiation.”

We haven’t seen a daily corn export sale announcement in a month, but this week’s sales report was decent.

Weekly export sales were 38.9 million bushels. Total export commitments now stand at 2.009 billion bushels compared to the USDA projection of 2.225 billion bushels. U.S. corn is competitive through June when South American values are better. It would not be out of the question for the USDA to raise exports at least 25 million bushels on the May report. New crop corn sales were just 0.5 million bushels this week, bringing total commitments to 92 million bushels vs. 99.6 million bushels last year.

Weekly ethanol production fell 7,000 barrels per day to 987,000 bpd. This was the third week in a row of sub-1 million bpd production. Ethanol stocks were up 300,000 barrels at 23.3 million barrels. The ethanol crush margin declined 4 cents per gallon to 15 cents per gallon.

The USDA attaché in Argentina matched the USDA with their corn crop estimate at 38.5 million metric tons. The export estimate at 26.5 mmt is 0.50 mmt larger than the USDA’s.

Argentina’s corn harvest as of April 27 was estimated at 25 percent complete vs. the five-year average of 34 percent complete and the three-year average of 25 percent complete. The attaché is also forecasting an acreage increase next year of 4 percent for a crop size of 39 mmt and exports of 28 mmt. Just a few years ago, Argentina’s corn exports were only 16-19 mmt.

South American weather has been favorable for Brazil’s second corn crop.

Outlook: It’s all about each weather forecast. Until we get further into May, it’s likely too early to draw any conclusions about acreage switches or yield potential. If planting falls too far behind the average, we could see some corn acres get switched to soybeans. If planting progresses smoothly, the corn acreage should remain in line with the USDA 90 million acre outlook. In general, this was a boring week from the news side. For the week, July corn was up 2.75 cents at $3.66.5 and the

23

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

24

Minnesota DNR revises public waters inventory The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced revisions to public waters inventory areas that were erroneously claimed as part of the public drainage systems.

Because they aren’t considered public waters nor public ditches, about 540 watercourses have since been removed from the county PWI and buffer protection maps. The DNR Commissioner has authority to rectify errors in the PWI maps.

“There are a lot of changes going on with the buffer map,” says Luke Skinner, DNR’s director of the division of ecological and water resources. “We’re trying to get it as correct as possible, and overall, I think it’s pretty accurate.”

The watercourse segments equal about 640 miles spanning 71 counties in Minnesota, affecting about 1.2 percent of all public watercourses and public ditch miles.

Theresia Gillie, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, says DNR’s notification underscored the need to postpone the buffer bill’s implementation.

“Changes this late in the game show that there is still work to be done with the buffer implementation,” she says.

“The lack of funds to counties, the lack of communication regarding alternatives and the concerns with invasive species all show a need to delay this fall’s implementation so that we can make sure this is getting done correctly, not just quickly.”

The decision came after Skinner reports DNR received more than 4,000 comments after initial maps for the buffer law were released in summer 2016. The feedback resulted in about 2,500 changes to the buffer map.

“We heard from a lot of farmers saying their ditches were private and not public,” Skinner says. “We started digging in to that more, and over this winter, we pulled out the map and did an analysis and found these sites. We decided, instead of doing them one by one, we would just remove all these ones we thought were public ditches at the time.”

When the original PWI maps were drawn in the 1980s, pubic ditches were not on the preliminary list, but the watercourses were incorrectly put on

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the PWI map. None of these watercourses were regulated by DNR. “The understanding at the time was that drainage authorities, rather than DNR, would have regulatory authority over public ditches,” Skinner says. “As a result of not being on the PWI list and appearing on the PWI maps as public ditches, landowners didn’t necessarily know that these waters were, in fact, being designated as public waters subject to DNR jurisdiction.”

“This is still a pretty small amount,” Skinner says. “It’s not a lot per county, just a few miles here and there.” DNR has since notified all affected Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and

remains open to tweaks to the watercourse map.

Skinner cautions the watercourses could still be subject to buffer requirements in the future through the “other waters” provisions of the buffer law, or from additions to public ditch systems via DNR redeterminations.

Skinner and MSGA recommend farmers direct further questions or concerns to their local SWCD representative or DNR hydrologist. A full outline of the affected 71 counties will soon be available on DNR’s website.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. v

Pork cutouts remain stable TEALE, from pg. 22 item would be the fact that the cattle market in all aspects is extremely overbought and subject to some corrective action. This would all suggest that the volatility will remain in the cattle complex for some time. Producers should be aware of the extreme volatility and protect inventories as needed.

The hog market has struggled for the most part to edge higher in the futures market, while the cash trade is still trying to turn the corner and follow the futures higher. From a seasonal standpoint, this is the time of year the hog market gains upward momentum.

But as yet, the cash has not turned the corner of the current slide in prices.

Pork cutouts have been fairly stable

over the past several weeks and have not provided the packer the opportunity to become more aggressive in the acquisition of live inventory. This factor is an important role in the continuation of a seasonal rally if it is to develop in the weeks ahead. Many fear that the projected increase in hog numbers will retard the normal seasonal rally, and the weeks ahead will determine if the rally will continue or fail.

There would seem to be a lot of uncertainty facing the hog market in the next several weeks which will determine the overall direction in prices into the summer months. Therefore, producers should approach the hog market with some skepticism and protect inventories when necessary. v

Planting prevented in Iowa Rain, snow, and below normal temperatures prevented planting across most of Iowa late in the week ending April 30, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were only three days suitable for fieldwork. Temperatures dropped into the 20s in parts of Iowa. Many producers are waiting for warmer weather before planting corn and soybeans. For corn already planted, some concerns about crop emergence were reported.

Statewide, 28 percent of expected corn acreage has been planted. This is over a week behind last year, but only two days behind the five-year average.

Southeastern Iowa farmers have planted over half their corn acreage while farmers in the northern third of Iowa have planted less than one-fifth of their corn acreage. Regarding soybean acreage, 2 percent has been planted, two days behind average. Of the state’s oat crop, 82 percent has been planted, moving one day ahead of the average for the first time this year.

Oats emerged reached 45 percent, one day behind average.

Pastures are green, but growth slowed with recent cool temperatures.

This article was submitted by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. v

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Hay & Forage Equip 031 Sell your land or real estate in 30 days for 0% commis- FOR SALE: NH 276 chute sion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 baler, ready to bale; NH 271 chute baler, will bale, low price machine. 320-779Well established liquor store 4583 or 320-864-4583 for sale on Hwy. 8 in Barron, WI. $229,000 plus in- FOR SALE: NH 489 ventory. Contact Sue at 715haybine; JD 337 baler, 40 417-0668 thrower; 2 Meyer bale thrower racks, good condition, shedded. 952-466-2593 When you want your land FOR SALE: OMC 260 sold, 3 words are worth swather parts or re-build, 1,000 agents. Buyer pays complete machine w/ 16' our fee. Call for free head, but burned on right guide and consultation. side, has good crimper, 6 Haas Land Brokers, cyl Ford motor, $800/OBO. 507-995-7803 507-640-0149

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

Employment

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where Farm and Family Meetâ&#x20AC;?

Hay & Forage Equip

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

26

031

Bins & Buildings

033

Grain Handling Equip

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Farm Implements

035 Farm Implements

035 Farm Implements

Hesston 5585 round baler, FOR SALE: 7,000 bushel FOR SALE:Used grain bins, 2 exhaust shields, 48x11, full FOR SALE: '89 Pete 379 semi, new rubber, good floors unload systems, stimakes up to a 5x5 bale, Stormore drying bin, $500. rnd w/ handles, $200; Cansound truck, $8,000; JD 893 rators, fans & heaters, aertwine wrap, stored under 507-273-4206 tilever racking, 7' wide, 12' 8R30 cornhead, new sprockation fans, buying or sellroof, runs fine, $5,000. 715tall, 3' deep, has 6 adjust SILO DOORS ets, chains, $12,000; JD 925 ing, try me first and also 963-4922 shells, $500; 6 corn meters Wood or steel doors shipped bean head, $4,000; '12 call for very competitive for JD 7000 planter, finger promptly to your farm JD 435 round baler w/ HeartWoods S20CD stalk chopcontract rates!

Office pick-up, good for parts or stainless fasteners land stalk chopper, good per, like new, less than 1000 hours 8am-5pm Monday – rebuilding, $450/OBO; 6 hardware available. belts, bale kicker, garage acres, $12,000. 651-792-6518 Friday Saturday 9am - 12 herbicide/insecticide at(800)222-5726 wheels, ready to bale, well noon or call 507-697-6133 tachments w/ the windLandwood Sales LLC maintained, good cond., alAsk for Gary shield for JD 7000 planter, FOR SALE: 1964 706 Dsl, ways shedded. $6,500/OBO. $100/OBO; 1 used black nagood rubber, chains, rock Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

507-831-3356 tional air ride seat cloth, box, 3pt, 3 outlet, great 100% financing w/no liens adjustable armrests, lumbend loader, 82” bucket, 1 035 or red tape, call Steve at Farm Implements JD 568 round baler, exc bar support, air up/air new battery meade cab, Fairfax Ag for an appointcond, asking 20,000. 608-792down, $100.

952-292-2019 wide front, 8200 hrs, $7,500. ment. 888-830-7757 8051 '12 NH 195 spreader, double 507-931-1769 apron, hyd drive, N gate, NH round baler 648, silage Used 9,000 bu bin w/ floor, like new, $15,500; Westfield Batco 13-35 belt conveyor, SALE: 2 GEHL electric & hyd drive, $5,450; FOR special only, 2200 bales, taken down, $2,000; Newer 8x41 auger, electric motor Grinder/Mixers, like new Demco conquest 1100 gal $12,500. 920-495-0018 11,000 bu bin w/ floor, drive, exc cond, $1,950; CIH condition, scale, 540 PTO, sprayer, 90' booms, T-Jet $3,500. Dump pits. 507-256900 8x30 planter, dry fert, call for more info; also a monitor, 320x46 tires, 7501 Yetter trash whippers, Bins & Buildings 033 Schute's Rock Rack, 14' 540 $7,450; JD 12x30 hyd wing shedded, $2,750/Offer; CIH PTO. 320-360-4927 fold planter, w/ Yetter 034 183 8x30, Libertine cult, Barn roofing Hip or round Grain Handling Equip trash whippers & JD moni$875; Hardi navigator 1100 roof barns and other buildtor, $4,900; 7' pull type box sprayer, 1100 gal tank, 90' FOR SALE: 2000 CIH CX100 ings. Also barn and quonset Behlen Grain Dryer, Very blade, $950; Demco 250 gal Clean, No rust, No Rot, booms, Hardi controlls, MFD, cab, hour meter straightening. Kelling Silo saddle tanks, like new $4,000.

715-296-2162 Pete $7,500 320-769-2756 shows 2635 hrs., 18.4x34 1-800-355-2598 $650/pair; 18.4x38, 18.4x42, tires, new, 14.9x24, 50%, & 18.4x46 10 bolt duals, $750 3pt, 540/1000 PTO, 2 re& up. 320-769-2756 motes, $24,900. 507-525-0642

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FOR SALE: '12 JD Disc 2623, 29' 26” blades, done FOR SALE: 2008 Jet 38' grain trailer; 1997 CLH 2188 less than 100 acres, $42,500; combine; 1020 25' bean'93 JD 8870 tires 95%, 9000 head; 1063 6R30” corn hrs, shedded, $40,000. 763head, JD 2800, 6BT vari 670-7262 width plow. 320-583-6967 FOR SALE: 1000 gal diesel barrel, $300; 500 gal gas FOR SALE: 12 Yetter trash whippers; 21' Yetter rotary barrel, $150. St James MN hoe. 763-682-4462 507-621-2585

Buy one or both! Keep the farm or split it.

XXX County Rd 23, Lanesboro, MN

New

ing

XXXX Easy St, Lanesboro, MN

$1,332,500

Real Estate & Equipment Auction Thursday, May 25th, 2017 - 4:30pm 25862 205th Ave, New Ulm, MN Directions: From New Ulm, head West on US Hwy 14 approx. 4 miles, turn North onto 205th Ave, travel 1 mile, farm site will be on the East side. wn your dream horse farm and homestead! This brick home is a 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath with many great features. The 5,600 sqft horse barn currently has 4 box-stalls, paddock area and an insulated tack room. There is also a grainery for storage, antique brick corn crib and round hog barn.

Main Level: 1 bedr oom,1/2 bath, living r oom, open stair case, lar ge open -concept updated kitchen and dining room with hardwood floors and oak cabinets.

Upper Level: 3 lar ge bedr ooms, full bath Utilities: Under gr ound electr ic thr oughout far m site, sump pump, for ced air heat.

Outside: Patio with pillar s, car por t and 2 stall detached gar age.

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

2

Trailer, Tractor & Equipment: Far mall H & tir e chains; J D Model L manur e spreader; chisel type plow; horse-drawn disk; JD F525 zero-turn mower; Snapper riding mower; Coleman Maxa 5000 ER Plus generator; air compressor; Auctioneer¶s Note: This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a unique horse farm close to New Ulm, MN. Be on time. Small personal property auction, farm site sells at approx. 5pm.

TRACTORS ’13 Melroe Bobcat S570, cab/heat, 380 hrs .......... $27,900 ’15 Case IH MX250, 300 hrs ........................ $179,500 ’07 Case IH MX305, 3000 hrs ...................... $114,900 ’12 Case IH MX315, 1021 hrs ...................... $174,900 ’03 Case IH STX375 Quad, 500 Auto Steer, 3100 hrs.... $153,900 ’04 Case IH STX425, 7010-38 duals 70%, 3750 hrs ... $114,900 ’11 Case IH STX485 Quadtrac, 2300 hrs ...................... $204,900 ’91 Case 7120 MFD, 5026 hrs ........................ $48,500 ’91 Case IH 7140, 18.4-46 duals, nice ..................... $58,500

PLANTERS Case IH 1200, 16-30 Pivot Bulk Fill .................................. $46,900 Case IH 1250, 16-30 Bulk Fill scale .............................. $59,900 Kinze 3200, 12-30 liquid fertilizer .......................... $32,500 Case IH Tigermate II, 32’ 4 bar .............................. $19,900 Case IH RMX370, 28’ cusion 3 bar .............................. $26,900 COMBINES Case IH 2188, duals, nice ................................ $36,900 Case IH 2366, 2300 hrs., duals .............................. $83,500 Case IH 7010, 1075 hrs ...................... $139,900

RABE INTERNATIONAL, INC 1205 Bixby Road (across from fairgrounds), Fairmont, MN 507-235-3358 or 800-813-8300 • Get the Rabe Advantage

Auctioneer, Matt Mages - 507-276-7002, Lic 08-17-003 Auctioneers: Lar ry Mages, Lafayette; J oe Wer sal, Winthrop; J oe Maidl, Lafayette; John Goelz, Franklin; Ryan Froehlich, Winthrop; Colleen Braun, Sleepy Eye Broker & Clerk: Mages Land Co. & Auction Ser vice, LLC.

Magesland.com

Case IH and CNH Capital are registered trademarks of CNH America LLC

035

FOR SALE: Fantini chop- FOR SALE: JD 594 fide delivery rake, good cond, ping 8R & 12R CH; 70' $300; Ford Baler series 504I Elmer drag, Merritt alum small squares, good workhopper grain trailers; '89 ing order, always shedded, IH 1680 combine; 24R30” $2,500; NH hay bine, 472, 7', JD pl on Kinze bar; Big A new sickle & sickle guards, floater; 175 Michigan ldr; rollers in good cond, always IH 964 CH; White 706 & 708 shedded, $2,800. 651-210-9371 CH & parts; White plows & parts; (3) 4WD drive pickups ('78-'80); JD 44' field FOR SALE: New 9500/9510 combine rear hood; New cult; 3300 Hiniker field JD 7R tractor, 3 pt quick cult; IH 260 backhoe; hitch; JD 54C mower for header trailer. 507-380-5324 X475-X485, L & G. 320-3601240

REDUCED PRICES!

List

•120 Acres • Gibbon Creek runs through • Hunt, camp, enjoy nature MLS# 4078921 $420,000 •205 Acres • 196.25 tillable acres • Start new operation or add to existing MLS# 4078914

035 Farm Implements

FOR SALE: 2010 NH L190 FOR SALE: 970 Gehl silage skid loader, 425 hrs, high box, chopped less than 10 flow hyd., 2 spd, hyd. deacreage corn silage per tach, rear weights, year; 13.938 tractor tires; AC/Heat, 14x17.5 tires, 240 International utility $32,000. 507-317-1757 tractor; Polled Hereford beef cattle. 320-282-4846 FOR SALE: 2013 Bobcat 72” finish mower, for Tool Cat FOR SALE: JD 2 bottom plow, 3pt, $800; IH 12' grain or 4-wheel steer Bobcat, drill w/ grass seed, $1,200; like new condition, IH model 100 manure $3,500/OBO. 320-238-2269 spreader, $800; AC model C narrow or wide front, new FOR SALE: CIH 1830 60x30 motor, restored, $2,000; flat fold cultivator, $7,900; 218-739-5339 Westfield 10x71 auger, w/ L.P. Swing hopper, $4,750; FOR SALE: JD 328 baler w/ '13 model JD 569 baler, net 40 thrower, exc cond, & twine wrap, moisture $8,500; (2) steel bale racks, monitor, 11,000 bales, $500/ea; NH 782 chopper, $22,750; '08 JD 7830 MFW 1000 RPM, elec control, 2R tractor, 4600 hrs, 20 sd PQ, adjustment w/ cornhead & 18.46 w/ duals, $74,500; JD windrow pickup, very good, 9510 combine, 30.5x32, $2,500. 218-462-2196 brown box monitor, 2700 sep hrs. $32,500; Demco 550 FOR SALE: JD 566 round grav box, 425x22.5 tires, baler w/ net wrap, 9,602 $7,450. 320-769-2756 bales. 507-461-2943

Visit our Web Site at http://www.caseih.com

FOR SALE: NH 654 4'x6' round baler, excellent condition, $5,500; JD 845 12x30 flat fold cultivator w/ shields, $2,250; AC 185 D tractor, 2 hyd, 3pt, $4,750; IH 1300 3pt sickle mower, 9' bar, $1,250; JD MX10 3pt, brush mower, $4,450; 42' FW Manufacturing, dolly wheel head trailer, lights brakes & fender, $4,500; CIH magnum suitcase wts, $80/each. 320-769-2756 Hydrostatic & Hydraulic Repair Repair-Troubleshooting Sales-Design Custom hydraulic hose-making up to 2” Service calls made.

STOEN'S Hydrostatic Service 16084 State Hwy 29 N Glenwood, MN 56334 320634-4360

ADVERTISING NOTICE: Please check your ad the first week it runs. We make every effort to avoid errors by checking all copy, but sometimes errors are missed.

Therefore, we ask that you review your ad for correctness. If you find a mistake, please call (507) 345-4523 immediately so that the error can be corrected. We regret that we cannot be responsible for more than one weekís insertion if the error is not called to our attention. We cannot be liable for an amount greater than the cost of the ad. THE LAND has the right to edit, reject or properly classify any ad. Each classified line ad is separately copyrighted to THE LAND. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Farm Implements

035 Tractors

036 Tractors

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NEW MANDAKO 20 Ft Pull Type Land Roller, Hydraulic Turn...........$19,700 FOR SALE OR RENT Several New & Used Mandako Land Rollers 34-4042-46 Ft On Hand Can Del Dealer 319-347-6282 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 Tractors

036

'76 IH 706 tractor w/loader 310 German diesel engine, JD model 158 hyd loader, K&M steps, 3pt, good tires, rear fenders, New starter, seat & battery, $7,500. (641) 5901102

'97 JD 8100 MFWD, 5761 hrs, 8.1L, PS, Dlx cab, 1000RPM, 30gpm pump, 3 SCVs, Duals 380/90R46 90%, fronts Michelin 320/85R34 99%, GreenStar, Clean, great, one owner. Setup for planter, $60,900. (320) 905-6788

Look for the

COUNTY FAIR GUIDE on June 16 and June 23 in The Land

27 THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

'07 JD 9330, 1,800 hrs. no '93 JD 7700 tractor, cab FOR SALE: '06 Buhler Ver- FOR SALE: '67 JD 3020 gas, satile 2210, 2115 actual hrs, air/heat, 2WD, 42" rubber PTO. $130,000 641-640-0453 JDWF, 3pt, 6200 hrs, MFWD, super steer, new w/factory duals, PS, 1-ownVaughn ldr w/ fender conHarms Mfg. Land Rollers, eng w/ full factory warraner. Would consider smaller trols, $6,995; JD 6300, 6200 Brand New, 12'-$6,500; 14'ty at 1975 hrs, front & rear tractor in trade, asking hrs, Quad Trans, ROPS & $7,000; 16'-$7,500; 24'duals, full set of wgts, abso$25,000. (608)792-8051 canopy, $14,400. 320-543-3523 $14,000; 32'-$16,200; 42'lute exc cond. 507-251-6163 $19,500. Others from 8' – 62'. 715-234-1993

FOR SALE: '05 JD 8520T, 3600 hrs, 30” tracks, 3PT, PTO, excellent condition, $99,900; 1830 CIH 12-30” row cultivator, $5,000; CIH 5300 grain drill, 24' tandem units, $8,000; Seed vac w/ 2 sec. gravity box, $3,000; 3pt forklift, 3 stage 20' reach w/ 4x8 platform, $2,000. 507240-0294

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Tractors

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

28

036 Tractors

036 Tractors

036 Tractors

036

FOR SALE: 1987 IH 2294, FOR SALE: IH 826 hydro w/ FOR SALE: Case IH 7120 FOR SALE: JD 8400 MFWD tractor, duals, front WL42 Westendorf loader; tractor, under 5000 original FWA, air, heat, new tires, weights, good shape, 4 IHB Farmall tractor;DMI hrs, nice condition, asking 7,000 hrs, wts, dauls, 2nd speed reverse.

507-427-3561 300 BU gravity wagon; $86,000. 507-227-2602 owner, nice. $19,000. 320M&W 200 BU gravity wag250-5649 FOR SALE: JD 4450, 1986 on. 507-350-9580 2WD, PS, 18.4-42 Firestone FOR SALE: Restored '78 MF 1135, 121HP, 6401 hrs, deep tread tires & duals, new paint, seat, muffler, 3hyd, 3pt, front weights, exc tires, field or parade 6011 hrs., exc cond. 218-205ready, $8,900. 507-250-0452 6357, Rothsay, MN

www.thelandonline.com

FOR SALE: Nice Case IH NEW AND USED TRACTOR 4894, 4x4, 300 HP, newer set PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, of Firestone 23 degree radi55, 50 Series & newer tracals, many new parts on motors, AC-all models, Large tor, turbo, fuel pump, exInventory, We ship! Mark haust manifolds, etc.

Heitman Tractor Salvage $20,500, cheap HP. 507-640715-673-4829 0149

Tractors

036 Tractors

FOR SALE: Kelber 9.5x42” JD 4430, 9-bolt duals w/JD hubs, 90% cab/air/heat, + rubber. (507) 381-6719 456-1782

036 6645 $16,500.

United Farmers Cooperative

hrs, 715-

www.ufcmn.com (L) Lafayette 507-228-8224 or 800-642-4104 (G) Gaylord 507-237-4203 • (W) Waconia 952-442-7326

Main Office: Ag Service Center, 840 Pioneer Avenue • PO Box 4 • Lafayette, MN 56054-0004

USED DRYERS & AUGERS ............

STOP IN TO SEE THE KUHN/ KUHN KNIGHT/ KUHN KRAUSE EQUIPMENT!

Good Selection of Used Dryers-CALL! (N) Northwood, IA

(OS) Osage, IA

641-324-1154

641-732-3719

(B) Belle Plaine, MN

(H) Hollandale, MN

952-873-2224

507-889-4221

(OW) Owatonna, MN

507-451-4054 See Our Complete Inventory @ www.agpowerjd.com

MUST GO SPECIALS

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE ‘13 JD Gator 825I S4, power steering, bed lift, canopy, alum. wheels, 109 hours ............. $10,500 (N) ‘08 JD 2210, 45.5’, Touch Set ‘14 NH T8 .360, 128 hrs. MFWD Depth control ..................$31,500 w/ suspension ..............$179,900

‘14 CIH Tiger Mate 200, 50.5’ field cultivator, 4 bar coil tine harrow, nice condition........... $36,000 ‘10 CIH Magnum 305, susp. front axle, 480/80R50 duals, luxury cab, front duals, 3400 hours ................................................ $85,500 ‘13 CIH Magnum 235, 320/90R54 duals, 540/1000 PTO, 2235 hours, powertrain warranty till 9-2017 ................................................... $89,500

(N) ‘13 JD 4830, 384 Hrs, 90’ Boom, (OS) ‘13 JD DB60, 24 Row 30” 1000 Gal SS Tank .............. $234,900 Liq Fert .........................$174,900

(OS) ‘14 CIH 1255, 24 Row 30” (OW) ‘11 JD 8360R, 2445 Hrs, Liq Fert .........................$159,900 IVT, ILS .........................$184,900

‘14 Bobcat T590 ......................(2 from) $34,900 ‘12 Gehl 5240E, 2-spd., heat, 900 hrs ... $23,900 ‘16 Bobcat S740, A71, 2-spd ................ $34,500 Gehl R220, 2spd., joystick .......(2 from) $30,900 ‘14 Gehl V400, heat/AC, 2-spd. ............. $34,900 ‘12 Gehl 5240E, heat, 2-spd, radio ........ $23,900 ‘05 Bobcat 5185, heat ........................... $10,500 ‘14 Bobcat T590, w/bucket, A71 radio ... $35,900 ‘14 Bobcat T590, heat, radio, Hy Flow ... $34,900 Bobcat S750, A71PKG, 2-spd. ............... $35,950 Bobcat S205, A71PKG, 2-spd. ............... $25,900 ‘13 Bobcat S300 heat, ACS control, 2-spd. .. $26,900 Bobcat S590, heat/AC, 2-spd...(2 from) $31,900 (L) Bobcat S850, heat, A/C................... $45,900 (L) Bobcat S630, heat, 2 spd., 400 hrs. ....................................................... $34,900 (L) ’13 Bobcat S590, heat, 2-spd. ........ $31,600 (L) ’14 Bobcat S550, heat, 2-spd. ........ $29,900 Bobcat 610 w/bucket ........................ $3,250 Bobcat S550 Heat, 2-spd, 300 hrs .. $31,500 Bobcat S130 Heat, 800 hrs ............. $24,500 (L) ’13 Gehl R220, heat, 2-spd. ............ $34,800 (L) Gehl V330, heat, 2-spd. .................. $33,900 (W) Gehl 4240, 1100 hrs. ...................... $23,200 (W) NH LS150, 3200 hrs. ...................... $14,900 (L) ’14 Mustang RT175, 500 hrs. ......... $36,500 (L) Case 430, 2-spd. ............................ $24,900 (L) Gehl 4640, Heat ‘07. ....................... $15,500

– AgDirect Financing Available –

Keith Bode (OW) ‘16 JD R4045, 690 hrs, dry box, (OW) ‘15 JD 9470RT, 225 Hrs, PT PT, Warranty until 10-20 ..... $329,000 Warranty until 7-2018 ...$334,900

(L) JD 980, 44.5’, 3-bar ....................... $17,500 JD Crumbler 200, 45’ ..................... $10,500 (L) CIH 600 PTX Chisel Plow, 38’ ......... $29,800 (L) CIH 370 Disc, 28’ ........................... $31,900 (L) CIH 730B ........................................ $15,900 (L) CIH Tigermate II, 54.5’, 4-bar .......... $29,800 JD 510, Disc Ripper, 7-Shank ......... $10,500 JD 512, 7-Shank, 2013 ................... $29,900 CIH Chisel Plow, PTX300, 34’ ......... $22,800

TRACTORS ..................................

Oliver Tractor 1365 .................................. $6,599 CIH Tractor 8950 ................................... $56,900

TMR’S.........................................

(W) (W) (W) (W) (W)

Knight 5073, tow ............................ $17,199 Kuhn Knight 3300 ............................. $5,200 Kuhn Knight 5055 ........................... $14,900 Kuhn Knight 5135 ................................CALL ’14 Kuhn Knight RA142........................CALL

SPRAYERS ..................................

(L) Top Air Sprayer 90’ boom 1200 gal .. $19 400 (L) Hardi Navigator, 1100 gal ................. $15,500 (L) Hardi 1000 gal., 60’ boom ............... $14,400 (L) Demco 700 gal., 66’ boom, ff .......... $14,900 (L) (2) Redball 1200 gal., 90’ boom....... $19,900 (L) Redball 670, 1200 gal., 66’ boom .... $13,800

PLANTERS ..................................

White 8186, 16R30 ............................... $37,900 White 8202, 12R30, liquid fertilizer ........ $32,500 White 8202, 12R30, liquid fertilizer ........ $32,500 White Planter 8186 16R30 ..................... $32,900 White Planter 8824 24R30 ..................... $83,900

COMBINES ..................................

Gleaner A75, 4WD, w/heads ................ $110,000 Gleaner R62, w/heads.................................CALL Gleaner R62, w/heads............................ $39,500

(J) H&S 430......................................... $19,800 MISCELLANEOUS ........................

(W) Kuhn Knight 1230 ............................. $9,900 (L) Vicon Disc Mower ........... Starting at $5,950 (W) Kuhn Knight 8124 ........................... $18,500 CIH 12-wheel, Hi-Cap rake ....................... $7,600 (W) Meyers 350 w/end gate..................... $9,900 TWB180 Batwing mower ......................... $9,950 TILLAGE ...................................... Unverferth 400, 4 box seed tender ..............CALL (G) Used Grain Legs ..................................CALL Wilrich Cultivator 13Qx2, 60’ w/basket .......................................... (2 from) $49,900 (L) Woods 20’ Chopper, 3-pt. ................. $5,950 (G) Wilrich 957, 9-shank ....................... $29,900 (L) EZ-Flow 300 bu. Box ......................... $1,950 (L) Wilrich 957, 5-shank ....................... $16,500 (L) Used Snowblowers ..............................CALL (L/G) (3) Wilrich 957, 7-shank ......From $20,600 (L) Tonutti 5’ Disc Mower ....................... $4,500 (L) Wilrich 513, Soil Pro, 9-24 .............. $39,600 (W) H&S Rake ......................................... $4,700 (L) H&S Gear.......................................... $4,399 (W) Great Plains Turbo Chisel, 7- & 11-shank H&S 9-Wheel Rake ........................... $3,499 ............................................................CALL Val-Metal Model 5600 Bail Chopper ...... $13,800 (L) Great Plains Turbo Chisel, 11-shank ....................................................... $22,800 (L) J&M 1151, scale/tarp ..................... $48,900 (L) Glencoe DR 8699, 7-shank ............... $6,500 (W) 72” Box Blade, skid steer, universal attachment ........................................ $2,899 (L) Krause Dominator, 18’..................... $29,900 (L) Krause Dominator, 18’..................... $33,900 (W) 72” Dump Bucket, skid steer, universal attachment ........................................ $3,299 (L) ’11 Krause Dominator, 12’ .............. $29,900 (L) (2) DMI Tigermate II, 38.5’, 4-bar ... $28,900 (W) Westin 84” Snow Bucket, skid steer, universal attachment ............................ $975 (L) DMI Tigermate II, 42.5’, 3-bar ......... $20,600 (G) (2) DMI 730 Rippers ....................... $10,900 (W) ‘80 Allied 8’ 3-pt. Single Auger Snowblower, (L) (2) DMI 527 .................... Starting At $9,300 w/hyd. chute ..................................... $1,999 (L) JD 2700, 9-24 Ripper ..................... $23,900 (L) Steel Tracks, Fit S850 Skid................ $3,799 (G) JD 2700, 7-shank ........................... $23,900 Hiniker 20ft 1700 4-wheel........................ $9,950 JD 2210, 45.5’, 4-bar ..................... $35,500 Brent Box 540, 425 tires .......................... $9,900 (L) JD 985, 49.5’, 3-bar ....................... $18,900 Parker 838, Grain Cart ........................... $19,900

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

‘12 JD 2410, 33’ chisel plow, tru-depth standards on 12” spacing, nice condition ................. $28,000

Fairfax, MN 55332 507-381-1291 www.keithbodeeq.com

SKID LOADERS ............................

SPREADERS ................................

‘11 CIH Magnum 190, powershift, 380/90R54 duals, New 380/80R38 fronts, just through service program, 3448 hours, powertrain warranty till 02/28/2018 ................................................ $69,000 ‘13 Yetter 3546, 46’ folding rotary hoe ... $14,800

Feterl 12”x72’ swing hopper.............. $8,995 Westfield WR, 80x51, elec. ............... $2,995 Westfield WR, 80x26, elec. ............... $1,695 Westfield, 10”x31’, J elec.................. $1,850 Hutch 8”x62”, swing hopper ............. $6,495 Hutch 10”x72’, swing hopper ............ $5,900 Sheyenne 13”x70’, swing drive, w/hanger bearing ............................ $13,900 (L) Sudenga 10”x31’, electric ................. $3,495 (L) Sudenga 10”x41’, PTO...................... $4,600 (L) Sudenga 10”x56’, electric ................. $4,995

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‘13 JD 4630, 1082 Hrs, 90’ Boom, TC (H) ‘12 JD 4730, 1330 Hrs, 100’ HTA ................................... $142,900 Boom, 800 Gal SS Tank ..... $139,900

(L) (L) (L) (L) (L) (L) (L)

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

United Farmers Cooperative

‘15 JD Gator TX 4X2, 691 hours .............. $4,950

29

Tractors

THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

30

036 Machinery Wanted

'03 Case IH 1020 Platform 30', Crary air reel, SCH sickle, 3" sections, Poly auger fingers, extra sickle & some parts, includes 4 wheel trailer, $16,000.

(641) 590-1102 '94 Case IH 1688 Combine 5337 hrs, 2WD, AFX rotor, field tracker, rock trap, feeder reverser, 2spd hydro, hyd chaff spreader, 216' unload auger, 20.8-42 duals 70%, rears 14.9-24 new, Maurer grain tank extension, grain loss monitor, yield monitor ready, $22,000.

(641) 590-1102 JD693 corn head hyd deck plates, works exc, $11,750; JD925 flex head poly, Hyd 4 aft, new cycle 2016, works exc, $7,750. 715-556-0045

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Planting Equip

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WANTED: JD 780 or 450 manure spreader, any condition. Also NH 718 or Super 717 chopper. (320)630-8131

Dairy

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Cattle

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Spraying Equip

#1006NT No-Till Drill w/ 1st Crop Clean Grass Hay, 4x5 Round Bales, Net Grass. GREAT PLAINS 26 Wrap, $25/ea; 2nd Crop Ft #8326 Discovator/FinishGrass Hay, Rained On, er Almost New. 319-347-2349 $15/ea; Delivery Available Within 135 Miles of Rice Tillage Equip 039 Lake. 715-296-2162 1st Crop Perfect Clean Green Grass Hay, SMALL SQUARE BALES, $3.50/Bale; Perfect 2nd Crop, $5.00/Bale; 4x5 Round, Net & Plastic Wrapped, $50/ea. Delivery Available Within 135 Miles of Rice Lake. 715-296-2162

ALFALFA, MIXED hay, grass hay, & feed grade wheat straw.

Medium squares or round bales. Delivery available. LeRoy Ose, call or text: 218-6896675 Buyers & sellers of hay, straw, corn, wheat, oats & FOR SALE: 30' spike tooth other grains. Western Hay harrow, Pepin 30' hyd lift, available. Fox Valley Alfal5 section heavy duty drag, fa Mill. 920-853-3554 $900. (507) 380-3138 '97 DMI Field Cultivator 40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, tandem wheels, 3 bar harrow double fold, narrow center frame, gauge wheels, nice unit, $12,500.

(641) 590-1102

Used parts for IH 720 plows, toggle/auto reset. ½ price of new or less.

We ship anywhere.

Call Maple Valley Farms Randy Krueger (715)250-1617

Place d Your A y Toda !

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'11 Agchem Rogator, Eng hrs 861, '11 RG1396 CAT C9, 311 EHP Rexroth Hydro trans Mich 380/90R46 F85%, Viper Pro Controller SS Tank, 1300 gal 120' Boom, 7 section shutoffs Chemical Educator 20" spacing on Center, Foam markers Raven Smartrax Raven ACC Boom Norac Auto Hgt, 3" High Cap Pump, 2" & 3" Flow Meters, Multiflier dry box, Set up for liquid or dry fert. $249,900. Call or text 605-595-2408 TopAir 1100 sprayer, new Raven SCS 440 monitoring system & liq control valves, 60' boom; hyd driven pump, 1100 gal tank w/ 200 gal rinse tank. Good to exc. cond, $8,500. 507-380-6001

FOR SALE: 1600-gal 4-wheel nurse tank, stainless steel w/ brakes. $1,750; Ag Enterprises 700-gal., 40-ft. Applicator, 15 discs, John Blue 4455 pump. $4,995; John 042 Blue 4955 takeoff pump. Wanted Like new with Fast drive WANTED: 8' windmill head, wheel, $900. (507) 381-6719. any brand, in good condition. 507-273-4206 FOR SALE: JD 7100 corn soybean planter, 6R30” w/ insecticide box hyd mark- WANTED: Rear wheel assist for NH TR85 combine. 612ers, Dicky John Monitor, in 490-5301 very good condition, $3,600/OBO. 701-403-3360 Feed Seed Hay 050

'02 Great Plains Turbo Till Vertical Tillage unit Model TT 3000, center wgt pkg, hyd wing down pressure, rolling spike tooth & basket harrow, 30' working width, $22,500. (641) 590-1102

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FOR SALE: Performance tested Charolais & Red Angus bulls, complete perf. info, scan data, fertility tested & guaranteed, volume discounts avail, delivery avail, backed by 54 yrs of seedstock production. Wakefield Farms, New Richland, MN, call Kyle 507402-4640

irst Your F r fo Choice s! ied Classif

WANTED: Quick-attach head mover. Small machinery line for sale. 320-2267159

GREAT PLAINS 10 Ft

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Livestock

All kinds of New & Used FOR SALE: Black Angus FOR SALE: Fresh young FOR SALE OR LEASE FOR SALE: 20 Young Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & cows & heifers. From a farm equipment – disc chisREGISTERED BLACK cows. Due in May. 608-792Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. closed herd over 30k milk, ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & els, field cults, planters, 9423 or 608-788-6258 320-598-3790 & 135k SEC. Eau Galle, WI. yearlings; bred heifers, soil finishers, cornheads, Steve Weinzirl (715)495-1984 calving ease, club calves & FOR SALE: 25 Limousin sefeed mills, discs, balers, NH 8670 FWA, Supersteer, balance performance. Al haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 men tested bulls, 2 yr olds Dairy 055 Fresh Holstein heifers and Mega Flow hyds, 4 resired. In herd improvement & yearlings, Black or Red, cows, Some Jersey cross motes, 540/1000 PTO, 5447 WANTED TO BUY: JD Modprogram. J.W. Riverview low birth weight, super also, reasonably priced, hrs, 14.9x46 rears w/duals, Angus Farm Glencoe, MN el 30 or AC Model 72 or 90 10 Springing Holstein heifers, growth.

John Goelz, free delivery. 608-214-0600 14.9x28 fronts, $51,000/OBO 15 Short bred Holstein 55336 Conklin Dealer 320Pull-type combines in any Franklin, MN 507-557-8394 (or best offer). (320)220heifers. Also, open Holstein 864-4625 condition. 507-838-7580 1481 heifers. 608-792-9423 or 608- WANTED TO BUY: Dairy heifers and cows. 320-235WANTED: 24', 7 knife anhy788-6258 You can read us online at thelandonline.com 2664 Harvesting Equip 037 drous bar. Call 507-831-3356

FOR SALE: MN 13-ton 6wheel gear w/16' new bale rack on 12-inch I-beams, $3,500. (507) 381-6719 Open pollinated seed corn outproduces hybrids for silage, $67/Bu + shipping.

217-857-3377

Livestock, Machinery, Farmland... you name it! People will buy it when they see it in The Land!

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 1-800-657-4665 or 507-345-4523 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 Fax to s Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition.

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THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

CHECK ONE: F Announcements F Employment F Real Estate F Real Estate Wanted F Housing Rentals F Farm Rentals F Merchandise F Antiques & Collectibles F Auctions F Hay & Forage Equipment F Material Handling F Bins & Buildings F Grain Handling Equipment F Farm Implements F Tractors F Harvesting Equipment F Planting Equipment F Tillage Equipment F Machinery Wanted F Spraying Equipment

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Wanted Farm Services Fencing Material Feed, Seed, Hay Fertilizer & Chemicals Poultry Livestock Dairy Cattle Horses Exotic Animals Sheep Goats Swine Pets & Supplies Livestock Equipment Cars & Pickups Industrial & Construction Trucks & Trailers Recreational Vehicles Miscellaneous

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31 THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

One call does it all!

WANT MORE READERS FOR SALE: British White REINKE IRRIGATION TO SEE YOUR AD?? bulls, dosile & easy keep- With one phone call, you can Sales & Service place your classified ad in Expand your coverage area! ers, for more info, call 507New & Used The Land, Farm News, 530-3653 The Land has teamed up For your irrigation needs AND The Country Today. with Farm News, and The 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 FOR SALE: Registerd AnCall The Land for more Country Today so you can gus bulls, 2 yo & yearlings, info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-657do just that!

Place a classibread for well balanced 4665. fied ad in The Land and Winpower Sales & Service EPD & growth, fertility Reliable Power Solutions have the option of placing it tested, Miller Angus, Kas- PARMA DRAINAGE Since 1925 PTO & automatin these papers as well. son MN. 507-634-4535 PUMPS New pumps & ic Emergency Electric More readers = better reparts on hand. Call MinGenerators. New & Used FOR SALE: Registered sults! Call The Land for Rich Opsata-Distributor nesota's largest distributor Black polled Salers bulls, more information. 507-345800-343-9376 HJ Olson & Company 320easy calving, good disposi4523 • 800-657-4665 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 tion, Oak Hill Farms, 507642-8028 Purebred Shorthorn bulls for breeding or feeder. (608) 526-4195 Registered Beef Polled Shorthorn Bulls For Sale.

13 yearling bulls & (4) 1 1/22 yr old bulls. Great opportunity to obtain very high quality genetics & calving ease. Bulls working for you this season. 13 are AI sired, 4 are ET calves. Delivery may be available. Call 715202-0594 or email to: ksshorthorns@gmail.com Registered Texas Longhorn breeding stock, cows, heifers or roping stock, top blood lines. 507-235-3467

Horse

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FOR SALE: Haflinger gelding, 10 years Quarter horse mare, Buckskin 3 years.

952-652-2678 Sheep

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FOR SALE: 300 Ewe lambs from OPP tested negative flock. 605-997-2060 or 605864-8811 Swine

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Top quality Holstein steers in semi load lots. Immediate & contract delivery.

Satisfaction guaranteed.

319-332-1385 WANT TO BUY: Butcher cows, bulls, fats & walkable cripples; also horses, sheep & goats. 320-235-2664

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Compart's total program features superior boars & open gilts documented by BLUP technology. Duroc, York, Landrace & F1 lines.

Terminal boars offer leanness, muscle, growth. Maternal gilts & boars are productive, lean, durable.

All are stress free & PRRS free. Semen also available through Elite Genes A.I. Make 'em Grow! Comparts Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: 877-441-2627 FOR SALE: Yorkshire, & Hampshire, Duroc Hamp/Duroc boars, also gilts. Excellent selection.

Raised outside. Exc herd health. No PRSS. Delivery avail. 320-760-0365 085

'02 Winnebago Adventurer 35U, workhorse chassis, 51K+ miles, basement air, stove, oven, microwave, (4) 120W solar panels w/ controller & batteries, new tires, shedded. 507-508-0488 FOR SALE: '89 Honey Class C 26' motorhome, Ford Econoline 350 chassis, 39,000 miles, $4,200/OBO. 507-525-2473

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Recreational Vehicles

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Tim King. Photos by Jan King.

Tiny Town Spirit

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

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THE LAND, MAY 5, 2017

32

“The Booster Club built the dock,” Frame said. “We have a really good club.”

The Boosters are largely responsible for the Labor Day Jubilee Days. Jubilee Days is one of those improbable tiny town celebrations that draw in a thousand or so visitors.

K

eith Frame has been mayor of Nimrod for 3.5 two-year terms. Voter turnout in 2014 was 100 percent. In 2016 turnout slipped to 98 percent. Frame got all but four of the votes in the two elections “In 2016 there were 51 registered voters and 50 votes were cast,” a representative of the Wadena County Auditor’s office said regarding Nimrod’s high voter participation.

Mayor Frame may or may not be the most popular guy in this tiny town in north central Minnesota. But what’s likely is that the 69 people who live in Nimrod respect his attitude.

“Somebody was leaving town and they gave me the job,” Frame said. “It’s something that has to be done. I’ll keep doing it until we find somebody else who is responsible and wants the job.”

That Tiny Town Spirit is likely what keeps hundreds of places like Nimrod, across Minnesota and northern Iowa, vital to the lives of their residents.

The Lutheran church on the south side and Stigman City Park on the north end of Nimrod are attractive anchors. Stigman Park has a dock on the Crow Wing River as well as a playground and picnic shelter.

In between the two places, the town is rough around the edges. You can’t necessarily see the spirit. It’s just there.

Nimrod, Minn.

Stigman Stadium is central to Jubilee Days activities. The Gnats are the Nimrod team and the stadium’s impressive bleachers, dugouts and concession stand are signs that Tiny Town Spirit is thriving.

Up north, we don’t name our ball teams the Tigers or the Warriors, a J & J Bar and Grill patron, next to Stigman Stadium, told us.

We’ve got teams like the Gnats, Huntersville Horseflies and the Sebeka Stingers.

Anybody who’s spent time in the woods knows that gnats are a greater force than some wimpy warrior.

The Gnats may have given rise to hometown hero Dick Stigman.

Stigman was born in Nimrod in 1936 and pitched for the Cleveland Indians in 1960. He played on the All-Star team that year and he threw a four-hit, 10-inning shutout against the Yankees on July 3, 1964, while pitching for the Minnesota Twins.

The spirit of that tough and spunky local kid who made the big leagues lives on in Nimrod today. v