THE LAND ~ May 19, 2017 ~ Southern Edition

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

May 19, 2017

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SOUTHERN EDITION

Grass fed finest!

Mike Stine coddles his grazers for loyal customers See page 11

ALSO INSIDE:

A field report from Marie Wood Veteran auctioneer holds last sale Kent Thiesse and the farm bill

Smiles and spring planting

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

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P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XLI ❖ No. 11 28 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

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On a beautiful, sunny day, the eighth of been handed down. Regarding planting, May, I called Pat Duncanson of Karson said Grandpa and Dad used to Duncanson Growers in Mapleton. I asked say: “It doesn’t grow in the bag.” Their rule if I could ride along with a planter. I of thumb: “When the ground is fit, you go.” wanted to experience what farmers do for 2017 is Karson and his brother a few brief, but hopeful weeks, every Kameron’s first year on their own. The spring. He gave me directions to their hog time was right to transition a portion of barns near Mapleton and told me his the family farm to them. They raise hogs nephew, Karson Duncanson, would be and grow roughly 1,800 acres of corn and planting fields near there. beans. They still work closely with their LAND MINDS I called Karson before I left. I was worUncle Pat and Duncanson Growers.

By Marie Wood ried about getting lost so Karson gave me Karson, who was the operations guy, also directions again. Both were right on. makes decisions on management and Along the way, I saw several tractors grain marketing now. Kameron manin the fields and on the road. ages the hog operation and was working on the automatic feeder while Karson planted.

When I arrived, Karson was already working in the field. I parked behind his truck and climbed in “Spring and fall, it’s all hands on deck,” said the tractor. He couldn’t have been nicer to the Karson. reporter with the notebook and camera in the jump As a fourth generation farmer, Karson is grateful seat. He drove a John Deere tractor on tracks, using for a strong foundation in innovative farming. His a 36-row, 90 foot planter. The yellow fertilizer tank grandpa was among the first farmers in Blue Earth sports a smiley face made with black tile tape.

County to put up a slatted hog barn.

Karson said a farm employee did it as a joke and Karson loves farming and plans to keep the they just kept it.

Duncanson legacy alive. He is married to Amber As Karson made the trip around the field, I and has two children, Halie, 3, and Keegan Karl, watched his progress on his i-Pad. The screen also born March 30. flashed a calendar reminder of a school board meet“We want to improve the land for them. We want ing at 7 p.m. Thanks to GPS data and precision to give them better ground than we found. We farm planting software, the rows on the screen turned for our kids,” said Karson. green as he planted the field. Karson knows what’s happening at every spot, exactly where he plants n the seed and at what rate.

This growing season, I have the honor to report When I turned to see where we had gone, a smiley “From The Fields,” which began in our May 5 issue. face was looking at me.

As I attended expos and meetings over the winter, I I tried to be quiet when Karson was setting up his recruited producers to let The Land readers follow them from planting to harvest 2017. A shout out to auto-steer lines. With patience, he answered all my Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers. Two of our most basic questions and explained how he uses “From The Fields” producers came from meeting precision agriculture to be efficient, as well as them at the MN Ag EXPO. financially and environmentally responsible.

Thank you to Corey Hanson, Nate Hultgren, Bob He also shared wisdom and memories from the Roelofs, Mark Ditlevson and Larry Konsterlie for Duncanson farm. At 30 years old, Karson grew up sharing their field reports with The Land. farming with his family, including his dad, Karl Duncanson, and his uncles. Sadly, his dad died in Marie Wood is the associate editor of The Land.

2015.

She may be reached at mwood@TheLandOnline.com. v Stories from his grandpa, Dale Duncanson, have

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

7 — Mapleton farmer shows spring planting isn’t what it used to be 13 — Volunteers keep Minnesota Horse Council in action 14 — Long-time auctioneer is ready to retire — almost 16 — Team brings chiropractic services to the barn

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

OPINION

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“Where Farm and Family Meet”

To the Editor: Environmental review standards being lowered is not a good thing for rural Minnesota. There is a proposal at the Legislature that would allow hog confinement operations to go from 1,000 animal units to 2,000 animal units without environmental review. This proposal allows corporate interest over local small farm operations and their neighbors.

While I am all for personal freedom for farmers in rural America, when that freedom negatively affects other people that is wrong. We have a right to swing our fist, but that ends when we come in contact with someone’s nose!

Neighbors want to know that large hog operations are going to be done right. We want to know that there are manure spreading agreements in place to handle all the liquid hog manure, that there is enough groundwater available so that our wells won’t be impacted, and that the township roads can handle the increased truck traffic. Air quality and the spread of disease is also a very real threat. Environmental review is key to this because it forces the details of the proposal to be made public and it gives neighbors time to review the plan and to make comments.

The current law is that environmental review is required when livestock confinements are 1,000 animal units. These are the largest 7 percent of feedlots in our state and because of their size, if something goes wrong it will have a big impact.

Neighbors deserve to know that it will be done right. The current law is working and we should not weaken it. This proposed legislation is about helping the biggest operations double in size without neighbors having any input. I’d like to see the Legislature focus on getting more farmers raising livestock instead of helping the corporate farms get even larger. Our area’s current legislators, Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Redwood Falls) and Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls), are co-sponsors of this legislation. I urge them to withdraw their support for this legislation. It makes a lot more sense to encourage the development of family farm livestock operations on many farms where farmers own the livestock rather than to concentrate large livestock facilities on just a few farms which jeopardizes stewardship of our land, water and air.

Why change something that is already working?

Who stands to gain by this proposal and who’s getting hit in the nose?

Fred Callens Diversified livestock farmer Minneota, Minn.

3 THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

Letter: Weakening review diminishes rights of rural people

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

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Farmers plant acreage in perfect conditions



Corey Hanson, Gary, May 4

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Nate Hultgren, Raymond, May 12

Farm progress has been slow on the Hanson farm near Gary, but after May 2, spring weather returned.

“The snow did melt, the sun is out,” said Corey Hanson.

Farmers were back in the field, but a wide swath of rain and thunder showers popped up bringing a tenth to four tenths of an inch of rain on May 3.

Hail cut a pretty wide path too, he noted.

“So once again we are being slowed,” said Hanson.

On May 4, his dad was in the fields working the ground ahead of him. HanCorey Hanson son does the planting and he hoped to seed wheat in the afternoon.

The goal is to get their 250 acres of wheat planted by May 8 or 9 when the next rain shower is expected.

The ground is real wet, reported Hanson. They are finding they have to work the ground a couple times to bring oxygen and sun to the soil. “It’s been one of those years that we’re going to use a lot of fuel to get the crop in,” he said.

Nate Hultgren was a “good tired” on the morning of May 12.

“We’ve stayed out ’til 11 or midnight the last few nights. Once you get rolling it’s hard to stop.

You run out of seed or you run out of field,” he said.

Nate Hultgren At Hultgren Farms, they finished planting sugarbeets on May 9. Their sugarbeets go to Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, where Hultgren serves on the board.

“Due to the later planting date, our co-op extended our acres that we can plant with shares by 15 percent,” said Hultgren. “We took our co-op up on that.”

So the farm will have closer to 1,400 acres instead of 1,200 acres. The goal is to maximize the plant’s capacity for tons.

Corn, roughly 2,000 acres, should be finished up May 12.

“Then we will move into soybeans for a couple days after that.

Then we will start planting dark red kidneys,” said Hultgren.

Hultgren reported that soil temperatures are approaching 60 F. “We made quite a change in about a week here,” he said.

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“It’s amazing how much stuff got done this week,” said Mark Ditlevson on May 15.

All of the crops are in. He wrapped up his 300 acres each of corn and soybeans. Some of the soybeans were planted into living cover. But all of the cover crops have been terminated now; Mark Ditlevson some just ahead of bean planting and some just after bean planting.

“We actually applied some turkey litter ahead of the soybeans this year,” said Ditlevson.

He was trying turkey litter to see how it works as a fertilizer.

He applied fungicide treatment with a growth regulator and did a second pass with 32 percent nitrogen on the winter wheat and cereal rye. He made a first pass of 32 percent nitrogen on the spring wheat and oats. He also put some 32 percent nitrogen and herbicides down on the corn.

“It was dry enough where everything planted really well,” said Ditlevson.

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“It’s definitely much better. The sun is shining and things are drying out,” said Konsterlie.

Konsterlie is putting in 1,500 acres of corn this year. “As long as the weather holds, I’ll work all week. It will probably take eight to 10 days to get her done,” he said.

In his area, he saw people doing tillage, as well as some planters going on May 5.

“It depends where they are and how much they have to do,” said Konsterlie.

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Bob Roelofs, Garden City, May 15

On the afternoon of May 12, Bob Roelofs was hauling manure from their sow farm to a farm near Lake Crystal.

Over 75 percent of their corn and 90 percent of their soybeans were in the ground.

“Conditions are perfect,” said Roelofs.

They had 200 acres of ground worked and they applied their pre-emergent herbicides for their soybeans. They planted those last 200 acres on May 13.

Bob Roelofs Of 1,000 acres, all but 50 are in the ground. They have 50 acres of beans to go, but they are in a drown-out spot so they will wait to plant those until the last week of May or first week of June.

They don’t want to replant that acreage as a storm system is predicted to bring as much as 2 inches of rain over two days, beginning the night of May 15.

On May 15, Roelofs was taking care of the hogs in the morning, but the rest of the day he would be spraying corn with pre-emergent herbicides before the rain comes.

“We’re moving right along,” he said.



Larry Konsterlie

“Where Farm and Family Meet”



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OPINION

OPINION

they want more money so they can do more damage. It does not look at this time they will get much if any more funding.

I hope it sends a clear message to DNR Commissioner Landwehr and Gov. Dayton that business as usual is unacceptable.

Tommy Stiles Henning, Minn.

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.

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To the Editor: Outstate Minnesota is taking credit for electing Republican majorities in the state Legislature.

One thing I greatly appreciate about the new leadership at the Capitol is the hard look they are taking at the Department of National Resources.

For several years, the arrogant incompetence of the DNR has been affecting our lives in outstate Minnesota. Now

way home from town, encountered our hired men’s wrecked jalopies in roadside ditches. Each time we found only the car, not the hired man. And each time, each man came to work, little worse for the wear, the next day.

Again, the Lord protecting fools and children, I guess.

Today, however, human engineering has replaced divine intervention and those Sunday morning parades of broken, disabled farmers — like the men from the dairy farm of my youth — are gone.

That alone may be the greatest achievement in the last two generations of incredible ag innovation.

Praise the Lord.

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

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Letter: Legislature should give DNR a ‘hard look’

at work early one Monday with a hideous, unstitched slash across his forearm. My father asked how he had so badly wounded himself on the one day of the week he wasn’t operating dangerous farm equipment.

Oh, explained Charlie, he was swapping out the transmission on his old Ford the previous day when he grabbed a hatchet (he didn’t own a cold chisel or hacksaw) to cut a hole in the car’s floorboard. A minute later a glancing hatchet blow landed on … well, not the Ford.

None of this surprised my father.

Most of the men he employed were not hired because of their scholastic achievement. While nearly all could read, none (at least to my knowledge) used that talent to study or even page through one machinery operating manual.

Some, indeed, were more dangerous off the farm. Twice my family, on our

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

In my youth, the month of combine’s separator fan.

May brought two noticeable Somehow, the moving belt changes to the big Lutheran grabbed his right hand. In a church my family faithfully millisecond, the belt spun attended. The first was heat.

Dad’s hand through the No building on earth better roaring fan’s large pulley. held daytime heat from No, my father did not lose Mother’s Day through any fingers; but every finger Reformation Day than that on that hand was peeled of century-old house of worship. FARM & FOOD FILE its skin and his little finger

By Alan Guebert The second was the seawas badly mauled. (He son’s short-sleeved parade poured — poured! — iodine of lost limbs, a brutal on all, Mom bandaged testament to the unfor’em, and off he went to giving and unshielded cut wheat.) farm machinery of 50 years ago. Each Remarkably, Uncle Honey, whose Sunday, several farmers — young and many farm machinery explosions … old — walked, limped, and wobbled to er, exploits I’ve highlighted over the their pews. years, had an unblemished record of One of those farmers was my Uncle farm safety. Not once in nearly 20 Eddie. A square baler claimed most of years of mostly inattentive mowing, his right arm in the mid-1960s. plowing and silage chopping did Another, coincidentally, was his father Honey get so much as a splinter. My who, if memory serves, had his right father had a simple explanation: “The hand crushed in a molasses mill.

Lord protects fools and children.”

What was common in our congregaPerhaps even more remarkable was tion was uncommon on the dairy farm that not one of the many hired men on of my youth. Not one major injury (in that farm was ever hurt. Several tried, fact, not one broken bone) occurred on though. our farm despite my brothers, my One silage season, Jackie (whose father, his Uncle Honey, and a handful given name was Herbert) drove an of hired men operating machines that Oliver 77 over the edge of a bunker featured slashing sickles, whirring silo’s wall while packing green chop.

V-belts, spinning chains, and slipping The tractor landed on its top and clutches. caught fire. Jackie caught air and We did have our near misses, however. landed on his bottom clear of the One June day, my father was apply- wreckage. He was badly shaken; the ing sticky belt dressing to a long (and, tractor totaled. Still, it was a good day of course, spinning) V-belt which pow- because Jackie walked away. ered our tiny, International Harvester Another hired man, Charlie, arrived

5

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

6

Mark the moment: Celebrate little things as much as large She values celebration home. Which was special and what she tags, indeed, but I don’t want to “Marking the moment.” So live on a downward slant. at lunch before our first And although I’m not sugevent as co-workers, I gesting big celebrations wasn’t surprised when she (surprise birthday parties showed up with a gift bag sound painful, and I much in hand. After the waitress prefer a gathering around took our orders, she sprinone table than mingling THE BACK PORCH among the masses), there is kled confetti on the table, distributed festive paper

By Lenae Bulthuis always a reason to celenapkins, and then gifted a brate. pad of sticky notes with a handwritten That was my thought when I gathencouragement on each yellow square.

More than one waitress wanted to join ered six decorative jars that are now part of our dining room centerpiece. our party. And more than once I The first jar is filled with wheat seed thought how this is a moment I want and marked with the date Mike to duplicate for my people. dropped it into the ground this spring: Not that we don’t celebrate. With 4.7.17. The other five stand empty as three daughters, there were birthday he, along with every other farmer in parties, open house graduation celeour area, waits for the ground to dry brations, bridal and baby showers, and so he can plant sugarbeets, corn, soythe last of three weddings took place beans, sweet corn and navy beans. in August. We celebrated those mileI told Mike when the last acre is stones in big and memorable ways. harvested and tilled, we’ll take the And I’m glad we did. seed outside and toss it like confetti.

But with the nest empty, it’s temptWe’ll mark the moment and celebrate ing to think there’s no more reason to God’s faithfulness. That’s when Mike celebrate. There are some from the stopped my party planning. generation before me who say their “You can’t throw seeds outside,” he best days were when all the kids were

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Letter: We need to repeal or delay Minn. buffer law To the Editor: We need to repeal or delay the buffer law. One reason is we need more time to protect Minnesota from weeds such as Palmer Amaranth. This weed was brought into Minnesota last year when out-ofstate seed that had this weed seed in it was planted on conservation acres.

We don’t want this on any acres including buffers.

Recent research shows that “erosion from agricultural fields is a small contributor to sediment loading in streams and also that vegetative residues are a large contributor to phosphorus loading.”

The research by David Lobb, Don Flaten, Jane Elliott and many universities have verified that buffers can be harmful to water quality. Many lakes have shown improvement when leaves and lawn clippings have been stopped from entering the lakes. Buffers are a similar potential source of plant material and phosphorous which could make water quality worse.

Even the governor only expects 6 percent improvement in the next 17 years because it is an ill-conceived law which is not addressing the problems. It would be nice to know what research he was using to get to the 6 percent so we can improve water quality more. While alternative practices, which must meet or exceed buffer standards could be a good idea, there are no standards set for the water quality benefits from buffers so alternative practices cannot really be approved. Apparently it isn’t much with Governor’s 6 percent expectation.

Farmers have already made many improvements to lessen the effects of Mother Nature. This is one of the reasons why less sediment is ending up in the Gulf Of Mexico today then preagricultural times.

Please contact your legislators to repeal this law and or contact the Minnesota Natural Resources Coalition.

Greg Mikkelson Lake Crystal, Minn.

OPINION

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“Where Farm and Family Meet”

chips, guacamole, and tacos, and share a pow-wow (or what some call a Happy/Crappy). Whatever you name There are more than enough bad things to fill it, people stop and share life. They tell the low of the day (pow) and the high a night’s worth of news (wow!). Moments are marked; people and a dinner conversacelebrated. tion, too. And while it There’s plenty to find wrong with takes little effort to this world. There are more than gather and grumble enough bad things to fill a night’s about all that’s gone worth of news and a dinner conversaawry, how much better tion, too. And while it takes little to gab on what is good. effort to gather and grumble about all that’s gone awry, how much better to said. “It’s treated. You’ll kill the birds.” gab on what is good. It edifies and Obviously, my plan needs some tweak- encourages the soul. And studies indicate it’s good for your health, too! ing. But celebrate, we will. And so should you.

Albert Einstein said there are two There’s something about stopping to ways to live: “You can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if intentionally mark the moment that everything is a miracle.” It’s the ones makes all that is good, sweeter still. who live in the miracle that keep conCelebration makes gratitude tangible and gives clarity to how much there is fetti close at hand. to be truly thankful for. It pauses time Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, and is one way to keep days from blur- family, and farming from her back ring into months and years. porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at Amy eats tacos every Tuesday with lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com. v friends. They gather at homes over

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Mapleton farmer carries on his family’s legacy

Photo by Marie Wood

Karson Duncanson farms near Mapleton, Minn. He was planting a field of corn near their hog barns.

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runs two planting programs. One is the John Deere monitor control system.

He also uses Precision Planting 20/20 Seed Sense, developed by an Illinois dairy farmer in 1994. This sensitive tool picks up issues in planting populations early, such as doubles, skips or a chip of seed stuck in the meter, explained Karson. Then Karson can fix the problem. The data also is in a simple file that can be shared easily with his agronomist.

Technology has come a long way in the 10 years that Karson has been farming full-time. For instance, he remembers when the auto-steer function was crude and you could see the steering wheel spin.

Now he relies on auto-steer in the farm’s tractor.

“You might think you can do it better than a computer, but you’re better off letting technology do it for you,” said Karson.

He also relies on the planter’s section controls which automatically shut rows off so you are not over-applying or over-planting. That can add up quick, said Karson.

Karson looks at managing the farm as both a fiscal

and environmental responsibility.

“I don’t put on an ounce of fertilizer that I don’t expect to use,” said Karson. “We’re not polluting the ground. I don’t spend a dime that I don’t expect to get a return on.”

In 2016, the Duncansons planted 80 acres of rye, inter-seeded by airplane in standing corn. Karson will kill off the rye, and will no-till plant soybeans in the field. They are experimenting to see if the cover crops will reduce one tillage pass, reduce fuel use and improve soil health. They also plant other test plots to see how seed performs on their ground.

In the fall, Karson said they spread the minimum amount of hog manure, just enough to raise potassium and phosphorus levels, but not enough to bring up nitrogen levels. “We supplement N throughout the growing season,” he said.

The Duncansons use soil tests and technology to determine if nitrogen is needed so they can be as efficient as possible with every unit of N applied.

“We use just enough nitrogen to get by. We don’t want any extra,” said Karson. v

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor MAPLETON, Minn. — Karson Duncanson of Mapleton likes to run the planter around the clock during planting season. In fact, his favorite time to plant is at night by the bright lights of the tractor.

He once planted 200 acres from midnight to sun-up.

At night, there are no interruptions. “You can just plant. You can relax,” said Karson.

Then he’ll sleep for several hours during the day.

Karson and his uncle, Pat Duncanson, take turns keeping the planter running for maximum efficiency.

“I think we’re the ultimate adrenalin junkies,” said Karson of farmers during planting and harvesting.

When planting corn, the Duncansons run a John Deere DB90 36-row, 90 foot planter with a John Deere 8370RT tractor. The seed goes in two hoppers and the rows are planted at 30-inch width. Karson can go 220 acres before he needs a refill.

He uses a variety of seed: Monsanto Channel and Gold Country, DuPont Pioneer and Syngenta. Karson looks for the best value, using a range of products so as not to put all his eggs in one basket.

After corn, the Duncansons will roll right into beans. For beans, they use an 80 foot planter with 20 inch rows, tires instead of tracks, and individual boxes instead of two hoppers.

Transition Karson and his brother, Kameron, grew up farming with their dad and mom, Karl and Jackie Duncanson of Duncanson Growers. Duncanson Growers includes Karl’s brother, Pat and his wife, Kristin Weeks-Duncanson. Karson’s uncle, Tom Duncanson, also joined the family operation.

After their dad died in 2015, it made sense to transition part of the family farm to Karson and Kameron in 2017. Together, this generation of brothers farm roughly 1,800 acres and raise hogs. Kameron manages the hog operation. Karson has always handled operations, but now he has added farm management and grain marketing. “It’s been a good learning curve,” he said.

Karson is in the Financial Business Management program at South Central College in North Mankato.

He follows the advice of instructor Mark Wehe, who says, “If you don’t know the cost of everything, you won’t be the kind of business owner you need to be.”

When it comes to equipment, he is “color blind” and believes that to be true of his generation. “We’re starting off. We have to do what makes sense financially,” he said.

Day-to-day, not much has changed. They work closely with Pat and are still “Duncanson Growers.”

Technology When it comes to precision agriculture, Karson said he doesn’t want to be the first person to get to the dance, but he wants to get there early.

In the cab of the tractor, he closely watches the planting data coming in on multiple monitors. He

7

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

Milker's Message 28

8

NEWS & INFO FOR MINNESOTA & NORTHERN IOWA DAIRY PRODUCERS

from

THE LAND

Michigan dairy farmers urge lawmakers to revise MPP This column was written for the marketing week ending May 12.

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In politics, Senate Agriculture Committee members got an earful from dairy farmers at a May 6 field hearing held at the Saginaw Valley Research Center in Michigan.

going out of business.”

Siemen said that the MPP is designed to help farmers insure against either low milk prices or high feed costs, but the way the program calculates the relative value A press release from the National Milk of feeds such as corn, soybean meal and Producers Federation reported, “Dairy hay was “significantly changed” as it was farmers in Michigan and across the written into law. This change “fundamennation need federal lawmakers to revise tally altered the safety net designed by MIELKE MARKET the safety net created in the 2014 Farm NMPF and other dairy leaders around WEEKLY Bill to provide them adequate risk manthe country. Unfortunately, as a direct agement protection, according to a dairy result of these changes, the MPP safety

By Lee Mielke farmer from eastern Michigan.” net has failed to deliver the protection farmers need and expect.”

Darrin Siemen of Harbor Beach, Mich., told lawmakers that the Margin Protection Program, created He explained that in the first two years of the proin the 2014 Farm Bill, “has failed to deliver the pro- gram, 2015 and 2016, farmers have paid $90 million tection farmers need and expect.” in fees and premiums to USDA while receiving only $14 million in insurance payouts, even though mar“While the MPP remains the right model for the gins have been tight during much of that period. This future of our industry, changes are needed if Conled to a drastic reduction in the number of farmers gress wants to prevent dairy farmers like me from paying premiums to selecting higher levels of margin protection. Most are now only paying the minimum

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Ice cream makers have not raided cream supply Milk remains available for cheesemakers in the Midwest, according to Dairy Market News, and spot milk prices continue to range well under Class III. Some contacts reported that milk offers were starting to slow down, and expectations of milk intakes at current prices are nearing their end.

Western manufacturers report steady cheese production as milk supplies are also plentiful and facilities are running at or near full capacity.

Contacts say there are large stocks of barrels, but blocks are in better balance. Cheese is generally moving well and some report that orders are up. A few contacts say retail demand is steady and export opportunities are improving. Domestic demand for American cheese has been a little slow

to develop due to unfavorable grilling weather, however contacts suggest this, too, may be picking up. n Spot butter rocketed to $2.2625 per pound the morning of May 12, up 15.5 cents on the week, 22.5 cents above a year ago, and the highest CME price since Jan. 11. On the week, 24 cars were sold.

Cream into Class IV manufacturing, which displayed some indications of tightening the first week of May, was readily available the following week.

Ice cream producers have yet to pull down cream supply, as weather has been cool and wet in the Central United States. Retail butter sales See MIELKE, pg. 10

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The Class IV price is higher as a higher-expected non-fat dry milk price more than offset lower butter prices.

The 2017 Class IV will average $14.35-$14.95/cwt., up a nickel from last month’s estimate, and compares to $13.77 in 2016 and $14.35 in 2015.

The 2018 Class IV average should range $14.40-$15.50/cwt.

Fat basis imports were lowered from the previous month while skim-solids basis imports were increased. Commercial exports were forecast higher for both fat and skim-solids bases.

The report also stated U.S. feedgrain outlook for 2017-18 is for lower production, domestic use, exports and ending stocks. The corn crop is projected at 14.1 billion bushels, down from last year’s record high with a lower forecast area and yield. The yield projection of 170.7 bushels per acre is based on a weather-adjusted trend assuming normal planting progress and summer weather, estimated using the 1988-2016 time period.

The smaller corn crop is partly offset by the largest projected beginning stocks since 1988-89, leaving total corn supplies down from a year ago but still the second highest on record.

Total U.S. corn use in 2017-18 is forecast to decline 2 percent from a year ago as a slight increase in domestic use is offset by lower exports.

The 2017-18 outlook for U.S. soybeans is for higher supplies, crush, exports, and ending stocks. The soybean crop is projected at 4.26 million bushels, down 52 million from last year’s record crop with a forecast lower trend yield more than offsetting higher harvested area. With sharply higher beginning stocks, soybean supplies are projected at 4.7 million bushels, up 4 percent from 2016-17. n Chicago Mercantile Exchange cheese prices shot higher the second week of May, then pulled back. Cheddar blocks climbed to $1.65 per pound on May 11, the highest level since Feb. 6; but closed the next day at $1.6350, up 3.5 cents on the week, after jumping 12 cents the previous week, and are 35.5 cents above a year ago when they bottomed out for the year at $1.28. The barrels closed at $1.53, up 8 cents on the week, 21 cents above a year ago, but 10.5 cents below the blocks. On the week, 13 cars of block were sold at the CME and 25 of barrel.

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

MIELKE, from pg. 8 annual $100 administrative fee, for which they receive only a low level of insurance coverage.”

“I am not asking for a program that guarantees a profit, nor do I want a program that will incentivize excess production,” Siemen said. “However, when Congress made changes to the program, rendering it ineffective, dairy farmers like me lost faith in the idea that MPP could serve as a viable risk management tool under its current formulation. If Congress makes changes to ensure that MPP more accurately reflects the actual costs of production for businesses like mine, participation in the program will increase.” n The U.S. Department of Agriculture has lowered its 2017 milk production forecast in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report due to “slower growth in milk per cow.” And, in its first look to 2018, milk output was forecast higher on “stronger milk prices and moderate feed prices.”

2017 production and marketings were projected at 216.9 and 215.9 billion pounds respectively, down 400 million pounds from last month. If realized, 2017 production would still be up 4.5 billion pounds or 2.1 percent from 2016.

2018 production and marketings were projected at 222 and 221 billion pounds respectively. If realized, 2018 production would be up 5.1 billion pounds or 2.4 percent from 2017.

Commercial exports on fat and skim-solids bases were forecast higher in 2018 on stronger global demand.

Fat basis imports were forecast modestly higher in 2018 while skim-solids basis imports were forecast lower relative to 2017.

Cheese and non-fat dry milk prices were forecast higher than 2017, but butter and whey prices were forecast lower. An increase in the predicted Class III milk price reflects higher forecast cheese prices offsetting lower whey prices.

Look for the 2017 Class III price to range $16.10-$16.60 per hundredweight, unchanged from last month’s projection, and compares to $14.87 in 2016 and $15.80 in 2015. The 2018 Class III will range $16.40-$17.40.

9

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

10

American-type cheese exports showed positive growth MIELKE, from pg. 9 were reportedly slower. Some producers are continuing production at steady rates in order to store bulk supplies for later in the year. The market tone is fair, but stocks continue to build.

Western butter makers report demand is steady. Some predict a slight increase in export opportunities over the next few months and are hopeful the additional business can keep inventories in check as butter stocks are heavy and growing.

FC Stone’s Dave Kurzawski asked in his May 11 Early Morning Update; “We know it’s been colder in certain parts of Europe lately, but how do we reconcile EU butter price strength during peak flush?” The next day he stated; “The panic buying of butter this week has been a global phenomenon that may have very well spread

into cheese markets,” and reported ducers Federation reported, “Fluid n that “Southeast Asia is knocking on Checking dairy demand, USDA’s lat- milk sales showed the lowest volume our door.” decline in almost a year during est commercial disappearance data November 2016OUR to January WE BUILD STALLS2017.”

RIGHT! Writing in the May 5 Milk Producshows March American cheese use ers Council newsletter, the Daily “American-type cheese consumption was down 1 percent from February Take a look at Dairy Report’s Sarina Sharp pointed continued to outpaceour that of other and 1.6 percent below a year ago. tubing with out that “The U.S. remains a net butcheeses during the same period,” the Other cheese was up 4.2 percent from unequaled corrosion ter importer, extending a streak that Dairy Market Report stated. “AmeriFebruary and 0.9 percent above 2016. began in May 2015. March U.S. butter Total cheese demand was up 2.2 percan-type cheese exportsprotection! showed posiexports totaled 2.6 million pounds, up tive growth for theFreudenthal first time more cent from February but fractionally Tubinginhas been noticeably from the previous year’s December to lower than a year ago. Butter demand than a year duringengineered for your2016 specific paltry volumes but well shy of imports was up 35.8 percent from February February 2017. Dry ingredient requirements where prodstrength and corrosion resistance are which totaled 4.1 million pounds. uct exports continued to grow by douhowever FC Stone it was CORROSION Auto points Releaseout Head Locks Panel criticalduring design factors.

Hopefully, strengthening overseas ble-digit percentages the same down 4.03 percent on a daily average PROTECTION butter prices and the weakening U.S. period, as they have since the second basis. dollar will allow for a more meaninghalf of 2016.”

CS-60 Comfort Tie Stall March fluid milk consumption also ful slowdown in butter imports in the n gained some ground. Packaged fluid months to come,” Sharp says.

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

By TIM KING ship relationships with other grass-fed beef The Land Correspondent ranchers who they work with. Since the current level of sales for StoneBridge Beef BROWERVILLE, Minn. — StoneBridge exceeds what the company can produce, Beef sells grass-fed and finished beef to famithey purchase grass-fed South Devonshire lies, buying clubs and restaurants in central and Devonshire-Angus cross feeders and Minnesota and the Twin Cities with occafinish them to StoneBridge standards. They sional forays into northeastern Minnesota. only buy from ranchers that they know well, The 10-year-old business was started by however.

Mike and Sue Stine, following their careers “We develop a long-term relationship with in business and as aquaculture entrepreour ranchers so they can plan their producneurs. Nowadays as Stine, who is in his 70s, tion and marketing,” Stine said. thinks about slowing down a little, the business consists of Stine and his partner Lester Stine and Good look for a certain type of Good. Good focuses on the production end of animal both in their own herd and when the business while Stine puts most of his purchasing as a feeder. That’s because they energy into marketing and distributing the don’t want to carry an animal through two company’s South Devonshire and Devonwinters. shire-Angus crossed beef.

“We buy on the basis of the animals’ hisPhoto by Jan King “We deliver every week of the year and tory from a production standpoint,” Stine gross around $10,000 per week,” Stine, who Mike Stine markets grass-fed South Devonshire and Devonshire-Angus said. “We have to have that small frame typpersonally makes deliveries to his Twin Cit- cross cattle from their ranch near Browerville, Minn. ical to South Devonshire and they have to ies customers, said. “Keeping the restaurants be of the right phenotype. They have to have us. I sell some of his meat as well. People will call me regularly supplied has put us on a weekly delivery and say I want 100 pounds of ribeye. Well, I can’t do that look that tells us that they are going to fatten schedule.” that because I sell whole animals or fractions of rapidly.”

Having the farmer deliver the meat directly to the them and not individual cuts. I don’t want an invenWith their own herd, they allow calves to nurse customer, whether it’s a family customer, chef or res- tory of different cuts so I’m happy to share those cus- through their first winter. taurant owner, is one of the foundation blocks of tomers with Gerard.”

“A lot of people wean their calves quite early. We StoneBridge Beef.

Raising cattle “Our business is based on our relationships with Stine and Good have developed similar partner- See STONEBRIDGE, pg. 12 our customers,” Stine said. “They know who I am and how we raise our beef and I know who they are.”

Stine tends to see his relationships with his customers as partnerships. He takes the same partnership approach with his butcher at St. Joseph Meats, GEA Farm Equipment which is located in the Stearns County town of that Houle name.

“St. Joseph Meats understands direct marketing and works with people like myself,” Stine said. “For example, a chef will call Gerard at St. Joe Meats and ask if there are other cuts that they can try or what’s the best way to do this or that. Gerard can talk about the menu and different kinds of cuts because he’s had 30 years of meat cutting experience and he also has culinary experience.

“He’s an incredible asset to StoneBridge because he can not only cut meat but he actually markets for

11

12

Devonshires grow quickly on high-quality forage

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

STONEBRIDGE, from pg. 11 don’t do that,” Stine said. “We think the mother contributes a lot to the overall health of the animal.”

To do that later weaning, cows that have had either spring or fall calves have to be able to stay in good condition and not lose weight through the winter or they are culled. Once calves are weaned, they are

fattened by keeping them on the sweetest, tastiest grass possible.

“We move them every day,” Stine said. “We don’t want to let them to graze more than the first bite from the grass.”

StoneBridge harvests their feeders between 16 and 20 months of age. Those that are carried past

We move them every day. We don’t want to let them to graze more than the first bite from the grass.

— Mike Stine

<< MILKER’S MESSAGE >>

the grazing season are fed baleage.

“Since we don’t feed grain, we’ve found that there’s really only one way to put fat on cattle during the winter with grass,” Stine said. “That’s by using baleage. We harvest our own grass and bale it wet the next day at about 50 percent moisture. We wrap the bales end-to-end, forming a long sausage-like tube that is air tight. The grass ferments and converts the sugars to organic acids such as malic acid. There are several of those acids that are beneficial to cattle and they love the taste of it.”

Stine likes the South Devonshire breed because it is relatively small and grows quickly on a diet of exclusively high-quality forage.

“We want them to be fat,” he said. “We don’t ever harvest any animals that are lean. Their phenotype has to be such that they have intramuscular fat and quite a bit of fat in general — but not obese. We want them slick and nice before harvest. We do that on grass and forage and never feed any type of grain.”

Beef from grass-fed and finished animals like those raised by Stonebridge Beef cooks more quickly than commodity beef mainly because of the advantage of the Omega-3 fats, according to Stine.

Readers can find recipes and tips on cooking grassfed beef at www.stonebridgebeef.com. v

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Education, philanthropy drive Minnesota Horse Council Sax said at the January annual meeting of the Minnesota Horse Council, $48,324 in grants were awarded to 12 non-profit organizations for 2017.

Three of these were grants involving therapeutic riding.

Blazin’ Saddles in Newfolden received $5,000 for its expanding therapeutic riding program. Funds will be used for additional and replacement tanks, helmets, boots and obstacles for the program.

Hold Your Horses of Greenfield was awarded a $4,000 matching grant.

Having just moved to a larger facility, this grant will enable the purchase of a motorized vehicle to transport people with special needs around the farm.

Mounted Eagle Therapeutic Riding in Nisswa received $7,000. This program has several clients in wheelchairs who have difficulty mounting a horse from a standard mounting block. This grant will assist in the purchase of a powered lift for aiding those clients onto their horses.

Somewhat unique is a Boot Camp provided by the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association. Offered to 4-H youth, this June event at the R & D

Arena in Verndale, will host about 115 youth. And what a three-day adventure! Various clinicians covering all aspects of care and riding of horses keep these 4-H’ers in the saddle from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost is $225 which includes their box stall, three bags of shavings, plus all meals and snacks for the three days and a t-shirt after completion.

A $10,000 grant courtesy of the American Quarter Horse Association is what got this Boot Camp going last year.

Sax is also a project leader in the 4-H horse project which has about 5,000 Minnesota 4-H’ers participating each year. She serves on the board of directors of the American Youth Horse Council.

Sax grew up around quarter horses on her parent’s farm near Donnelly.

She currently lives in Milaca and works in Mora.

For more information on the Minnesota Horse Council, visit www. mnhorsecouncil.org. v

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

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as a vehicle for horse owners and exhibitors to coordinate horse activities with the Minnesota State Fair Board. Since then, the Minnesota Horse Council has evolved into an umbrella organization uniting and supporting equine activities throughout the state.

Sax explained, “The Minnesota Horse Council is run by volunteers. We’re a non-profit organization. Our overall mission is to represent and promote Minnesota’s growing equine community. That includes helping conduct activities and events for the equine industry. The Minnesota Horse Expo being the biggest event each year. We’ll have visitors from several states plus over 100 vendors relating to anything and everything about the equine industry.”

Sax said growth of the equine industry has slowed, perhaps even plateaued for now. To further investigate the economic health of the industry nationwide, the Minnesota Horse Council, in conjunction with the American Horse Council, is participating in a national equine impact study. Horse councils across America will be surveyed. There will be separate breakouts for each participating state on the economic health of the horse industry in that particular state.

“There hasn’t been a survey since 2005,” said Sax. “We know there has been significant expansion of the industry the last several years. Julie Rodway, President of the American Horse Council, indicated survey results will be available by the end of 2017.”

Minnesota riding Working the council’s booth, Sax said traffic and questions about the Minnesota horse industry covered the entire state. “But easily, the most frequent questions were about locations of Minnesota horseback riding trails.

We’ve got trail maps available. I don’t know the exact number, but Minnesota literally has hundreds of miles of trails encompassing beautiful lakes, rivers and wooded areas. Minnesota has become a destination for trail riders from across the Midwest.

“Another growing interest is therapeutic riding which involves working with the handicapped, both emotionally and physically. Our social welfare people are realizing the bonding impact of handicapped individuals with a horse can be a most beneficial experience.”

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer ST. PAUL — The best place to get updates on the equine industry continues to be the Minnesota Horse Expo. This year’s event took Meg Sax place April 28-30 at its usual venue, Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Minnesota Horse Council owns and sponsors the show.

Tracy Turner, DVM, is president of the Minnesota Horse Council. He explained, “The Minnesota Horse Expo is key to our efforts to help and promote the horse industry of Minnesota.

Money generated from the expo is used to fund many grants for large projects, small projects, our various educational and scholarship programs — especially for youth. We also provide funds for improvement of recreational areas for equine camping and trail riding. Plus we put on one of the best horse expositions in the country, the Minnesota Horse Expo.”

Minnesota Horse Council Director Meg Sax provided these statistics on the equine industry: • Minnesota has over 100,000 horses.

• 72 percent of horse owner’s household incomes are less than $100,000.

• There are over 9 million horses in the United States.

• Over 4 million Americans are involved in the horse industry as owners, service providers, employees and volunteers.

• Tens of millions participate as spectators at horse racing events, major rodeo events, and major horse shows across the country such as the Minnesota Horse Expo.

• The horse industry has a direct economic impact of $39 billion annually and provides over 460,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

• The horse industry pays $1.9 billion in taxes at all levels of government.

Interviewed at the expo, Sax indicated the Minnesota Horse Council has 325 memberships including individuals, families, horse group associations and other state councils. Membership to the organization is $15 for an individual; $20 for a family and $25 for organizations and businesses.

Founded in 1935, the council began

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

14

Gary Hotovec bids farewell to auction biz, sort of

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Even auctioneers retire. And when they do it can be amazing how much stuff they have accumulated. Gary Hotovec, after 23 years operating Hotovec Auction Center, had his retirement auction on April 17.

Every Wednesday evening, pickups, trailers, plus a few flatbed trucks would gather at this popular auction facility on State Highway 15 on the north edge of Hutchinson. However, Gary and wife Holly decided it was time to pursue the next chapter in their lives. And the good Lord favored them with ideal weather conditions on the day of the sale. The net result was nearly 400 people from far and wide crowded the Hotovec Auction Center for the fastpaced event conducted by Ziemer Auction Service, New London.

Numerous people attended the sale

to bid farewell to Gary and here into this house by the Holly; but they were also sayauction center.” They had just ing good-bye to the auction remodeled their house in center. Since 1937, the site Hutchinson and Holly didn’t had provided a convenient like the idea of not having and comfortable facility for neighbors. She joked, “I had both buyers and sellers of never lived in the country.” every species of livestock, But love (or perhaps Gary’s along with an assortment of logic) prevailed. “I was buying hay bales and straw bales in and selling used farm equipbig rounds, big squares and ment and doing the auction small squares. But perhaps thing as a sideline,” Gary the real memory maker at recalled. “We’d be doing house this popular auction center sales and household auctions. came from the kitchen.

I started the Hollywood Ranch Reflected Holly, “Yes, we did House hay sales over by New have a wonderful café. It was Germany. We had saved open just on auction day. We Photos by Dick Hagen enough to make a down payhad seven farm wives that Gary Hotovec will conduct his final weekly livestock auction ment on this auction barn. A came in and did all of our on June 14. cozy house came with the homemade cooking, including place. It’s been a good busi12 kinds of pie every week. Even down- chuckled, “Certainly nothing fancy about ness ever since we started.” town people started coming out for the place. But the great cooking by our Holly, a teacher in the Hutchinson lunch. The café was a big deal.” Holly farm women plus those super delicious Public School District, continued teachpies … those pies was the real draw!” ing until retiring after 29 years.

“It’s been a good ride,” added Gary. However, she did cashiering for the auc“We’ve enjoyed every single minute out tion business which was greatly apprehere. Holly and I agree it was just time ciated by her husband. “It seemed we to explore other things.” So what was often were working 24 hours a day,” Hotovec’s vision 23 years ago when Holly commented. She also recalled they bought this livestock auction cen- they had a snow storm the very first day of their hay auction at the Ranch House. ter from Garrett and Inez Smith?

The weekly livestock auctions will conHe related, “Holly and I drove by one night and I said, ‘I think we should buy tinue until June 14. Gary acknowledged the sale barn.’ She said, ‘What? Are the gradual decline in livestock numbers you kidding me?’ I said, ‘If we don’t, has lessened sales. He sees mostly someone else will and then we would Holstein cattle plus some “colored” feedhave another competitor in town.’” er cattle still bring in buyers. This aucGary had sold farm equipment in the tion also has a reputation for quality Hutchinson area for 20 years and hay and straw bales. “Also during the already had 10 years in auction sales. spring and summer season we sold lots of miscellaneous farm items and a few But he didn’t have a building. household items which often showed up This was a compelling reason to for the Wednesday evening auction,” Holly, but she said, “I was scared. I Gary said. “It seems our auction barn didn’t know if we had the money. Plus he told me I would have to move out See HOTOVEC, pg. 15

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auctions could bring in quite a bunch of animals.

And now that the real estate, including the auction center is sold, he’s certain the facility will soon be knocked down to make room for the next enterprise. “I know the new buyers will be looking at some other potential adventures. Stay tuned, is all I can suggest today.”

Speaking like an experienced auction person, Gary said, “No big surprises. Everything pretty much went as I thought. I’ve been around these sales all my life.

I knew we had a collection of stuff that people wanted to buy.”

Future Gary hinted on his immediate future commenting, “I’ll likely stay on in the auction business. Now I can work for two or three other auctioneers. I’ve got my real estate license, so we’ll continue doing that with Roger Heller at his Olivia business. Plus I’m pretty certain my wife has a honey do list waiting for me!”

Holly concluded, “Gary will never retire. He will always be in this selling business. Many of his auctioneer friends have already told him he can come to work for any of them. Gary is a happy man when he is active. I want to see him stay active. He loved it here. I love it here. So many great people … we sort of all become one big community family.” v

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

vided lots of paraphernalia. At 5 HOTOVEC, from pg. 14 p.m., the real estate auction was always that opportunity to sell kicked into gear. At 6 p.m., the a few things not needed at the major equipment auction started. farm.”

Standing on Gary’s first, 4-wheel Hotovec has no idea how many flatbed trailer, Auctioneer Mark livestock moved through his aucZiermer dropped the hammer tion center, but it would be in the shouting “sold” at 8:15 pm. thousands of head. His auction A total of 30 auctioneers, all became a reliable source for buymembers of the Minnesota State ing and selling sheep be that bred Auctioneer Association, attended ewes, feeder lambs, cullers and the Hotovec retirement auction. “I even goats. “We’ve often had peothink auctioneers sort of support ple looking for feeder pigs too,” he one another,” Gary said. “Not recalled, “but that hog industry Gary and Holly Hotovec exactly a fraternity, but we just has changed so dramatically into bigger operations become friends over time.” And sometimes they buy. that they mostly contract everything they buy and Hotovec’s clerking trailer was purchased by a Huron, sell. With feeder pigs, everybody made a little money but nobody made a ton of money. They supported S.D., auctioneer. The auction topper is going to Pennsylvania. their families. That’s the way it was.”

This retirement auction also included 19 acres of Going, going … land behind the sale barn area and 700 feet of frontStarting promptly at 3 p.m., the first two hours of the auction covered vintage farm equipment memorabilia age on busy Highway 15. including operators manuals, sales brochures, impleFour days after his auction, Hotovec said, “I’m very ment calendars, and dozens and dozens of owner’s satisfied. We’ll be closing on the real estate on June manuals, parts books, shop manuals, etc. International 22. Wednesday, June 14 will be our last auction Harvester commanded the majority of the memorabil- event. Besides livestock brought in for this final sale, ia; but Allis Chalmers, Oliver/White, Ford, Massey we’ll also be selling all the cattle gates, the computer Ferguson, Minneapolis-Moline, New Holland and John equipment and the office items. Yep, it will be our Deere were also part of his huge collection. final cleanup.”

Those 10 years of peddling farm equipment proHotovec’s veteran ring man believes the last two

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

16

Trio provides chiropractic care for horses and pets

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer ST. PAUL — As the horse population grows, a growing number of horses are experiencing aches, pains and stiffness. That’s the aging sequence with humans and so it goes in the equine world. Thanks to an increase in chiropractic care for Sarah Thon large and small animals, horses are getting some relief from those aches and pains.

At Minnesota Horse Expo, held April 28-30, The Land visited with animal chiropractor Sarah Thon.

She teams with Maya Meinhold and Kyla Awes in Animal Connections Integrative Care. They provide chiropractic care for large and small animals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. All three women are licensed human chiropractors and certified animal chiropractors by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Q: Is chiropractic treatment for horses a growing profession?

Thon: Yes, it’s a constantly growing business. It just makes sense. With more and more horseback riding, it’s inevitable that horses will have some problems in legs, backs and other areas. They are athletes. So just like people, they need care too.

Q: The horse population is very diverse. Are riding ponies your most common patients?

Thon: It fits across all horses. We see everything from dressage horses to quarter horses to trail horses. It’s all breeds and disciplines. Chiropractic care is

a type of manual therapy used in the treatment of both health and performance issues. It focuses on the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system as well as the role of the spine in biomechanics and movement.

Q: What are some signs my horse may need to be adjusted?

Thon: Much like humans, abnormal posture when standing plus indications of neck or back pain are most common. But other signs with horses are gait irregularities; discomfort when tacking; muscle asymmetry or atrophy; difficulty picking up or maintaining the correct lead. Sensitivity when grooming also tells you there is some pain. Even pinning ears, bucking, rearing, or swishing tail tells you something isn’t quite normal.

Q: Are most riders, especially if they own their horse, capable of some diagnosis?

Thon: Yes, I think most can understand if their horse is in pain; if it’s not responding well; if it seems to be reacting in frustration.

Q: Can an experienced rider sense if the horse is in pain even before mounting?

Thon: Not necessarily. Our profession trains us how to physically palpate and talk to the animal. We also watch them move. There are a lot of different factors that can be part of the misery and discomfort of a horse. But we caution that a discussion with the local vet — maybe even a vet checking your horse — is a good starting point.

Q: Does being a horse rider yourself give you a heads-up on what’s ailing a horse?

Thon: Sure, it gives you ideas on what’s going on.

And if that rider can give you some history on that horse, it might make my treatment more effective.

Q: I see this term “myofascial release.” What is myofascial release?

Thon: It is a soft tissue technique using gentle, sustained holds and stretching to release tension in the muscles and fascia. Fascia is a sheath-like covering encompassing every cell in the body. When restricted, the fascial system can exert up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. What causes these restrictions? Trauma and stress, even repetitive motions.

Q: Have you been hurt while administering your chiropractic massaging?

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Thon: We’re pretty careful. There’ve been a few horses that have offered kicks, but no connections.

Q: Are you a rare bird in this profession of chiropractic care of animals?

Thon: There are about 50 of us registered in the state of Minnesota. The three of us do treatment work in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our animal chiropractic care is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care. We consider our service to be a complementary therapy to be used concurrently and in conjunction with veterinary care. Veterinary referral-clearance is required in order for your animal to receive chiropractic care. n Thon owns three horses which she boards at her parents’ farm near Faribault. She has Paints — explaining she likes the flashy colors of that particular breed. She has a 4-H background and has competed in 4-H horse shows and open competitions.

Animal Connections Integrative Care charges a fee of $85 for a full session which is 45 minutes to one hour. A focused area session of 30 minutes is $50.

For more information, visit Animal Connections’ website at www.AnimalCIC.com. v

MN CREP sign-up kicks off May 15

Landowners have a new option to protect their environmentally sensitive cropland with the introduction of the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. MN CREP continuous signup began May 15.

MN CREP is a voluntary state-federal program designed to improve water quality and habitat conservation. It will protect and restore up to 60,000 acres of marginal cropland across 54 southern and western Minnesota counties, using buffer strips, wetland restoration and drinking water wellhead protection.

Native plantings on those acres will filter water, prevent erosion and provide critical habitat for countless grassland species including badgers, meadowlarks and monarch butterflies.

Landowners who are accepted in MN CREP will enroll in the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 14-15 years. At the same time, the land will be put into a permanent conservation easement through the state’s Reinvest in Minnesota easement program. Private ownership continues and the land is permanently restored and enhanced for water quality and habitat benefits.

Landowners wanting to learn more about MN CREP can contact their local FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or SWCD office; or visit www. bwsr.state.mn.us/crep.

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

Butterfly Weed is bright, easy-to-grow pollinator magnet

DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey recently reminded landowners the 2017 sign-up period is open for statewide cost share funds to help farmers install nutrient reduction practices. Practices eligible for this funding are cover crops, no-till or strip till, or using a nitrification inhibitor when applying fertilizer.

The cost share rate for farmers planting cover crops is $25 per acre ($15 per acre for past cover crop users) and for farmers trying no-till or strip till is $10 per acre. Farmers using a nitrapyrin nitrification inhibitor when applying fall fertilizer can receive $3 per acre.

Any farmer not already utilizing these practices will receive priority consideration for this assistance. Farmers interested in cover crops, but have already used this practice on their farm are also eligible for this funding, but at a reduced rate of $15 per acre. Farmers are only eligible for cost share on up to 160 acres. The funds will be made available in July, but farmers can immediately start submitting applications through their local Soil and Water Conservation District office.

This article was submitted by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. v

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years is worthwhile.

Because the plants are slow to come up in the spring, I let the foliage stay on through the winter. That makes it easier to look for the new growth in the spring. When they begin to grow, trim the old stems down to a few inches from the ground.

Asclepias tuberose is a native prairie plant and it is at home in meadow gardens Photo by Sharon Quale and wildlife sanctuaries as well as perennial border gardens. The Perennial Plant Association named it the 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year. That association has been selecting plants that are standouts since 1990. Perennials chosen are ones that have interest all season, pest and disease resistant as well as low maintenance.

In addition to butterflies, many other tiny creatures enjoy visiting these bright blossoms. Bees, wasps and hummingbirds will visit all summer long.

Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com. v

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Choose your spot carefully when planting Asclepias because it has a tap root and doesn’t like to be transplanted. Plants with tap roots (like dandelions) tolerate drought because the long roots seek moisture deeper in the soil. Larger nurseries usually have these plants for sale and hybridizers have developed some that are colored in shades of pink and red.

Butterfly weed is easily grown from seed and we have planted them every few years. Although the information on the seed packets says they are longlived perennials, we have never had any live longer than three years. They do fine and then an unusual winter or unseasonable spring happens and they disappear. They are so gorgeous when gangs of Monarchs light on them that replanting every few

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

Butterfly gardens are popular now. Many species of butterflies are declining in numbers and some are on the endangered list. These winged beauties, like other animals and plants, are an important link in the chain of survival.

Butterfly gardening can be as IN THE GARDEN simple as adding a few nectar-producing flowers to an

By Sharon Quale existing garden or creating a new plot using plants specifically designated as butterfly attractants.

One excellent herbaceous pollinator plant that acts as an absolute butterfly magnet is Asclepias tuberosa. This member of the milk weed family is commonly called Butterfly Weed. This perennial is tolerant of dry soil and is resistant to deer. It has long-lasting orange flowers which show off in clusters throughout the summer. Height of the plant is about 2 feet and spreads up to 2-feet wide once established. The foliage is light green with stiff narrow leaves.

17

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

18

Look at new farm bill from historical perspective Even though there is still grams and payments that about a year and a half affect crop producers. Crop remaining on the current insurance and conservation farm bill, discussions have programs and food stamps already been ongoing for are included under the farm nearly a year on developing bill legislation. However, the next one. The current very few people outside of farm bill, known as the government officials and polAgricultural Act of 2014, icy experts are aware that expires on Sept. 30, 2018, FARM PROGRAMS the farm bill also covers and will include coverage of funding for rural fire trucks

By Kent Thiesse the 2018 crop year. and ambulances, Some members of export promotion, Congress are hoping to international food aid, move toward finalizing forestry programs, ag a new farm bill by the end of 2017 to research at land-grant universities, avoid mixing the passing of the farm and school lunch programs. The curbill with the election-year political rent farm bill passed is 949 pages in landscape in 2018. However, the length and contains 12 separate titles, momentum to complete the new farm which covers a multitude of programs bill in 2017 seems to have slowed a bit that are administered by the U.S. in the past couple of months.

Department of Agriculture.

When most people hear of a farm Farm bills date back to The Great bill, they think of the commodity proDepression, with the first farm bill

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having just two titles, and being only 54 pages in length. The Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933 established the crop loan program, which is still in existence today. Under the crop loan program, producers can take out a low interest loan with USDA, using the crop as collateral before it is sold. The producer can either repay the loan principal plus interest when the crop is sold, or can forfeit the crop to USDA. Over the past several decades, the crop loan program has been used extensively by farm operators to get needed working capital for purchasing crop inputs for the following crop year.

The crop loan program is especially useful to crop producers during periods of low grain prices and tight profit margins in crop production. These conditions have existed during most of the time since 2014, the frame of the current farm bill.

Land set-aside and conservation programs were added to farm bills in the 1950s, with the establishment of the Soil Bank Program. While the Soil Bank Program no longer exists, there have been many other set-aside and conservation programs developed, including the popular Conservation

Reserve Program which was added in the 1985 farm bill. The current farm bill reduced the maximum CRP acreage from 32 million acres to 24 million acres, which is at the lowest maximum level since the initiation of the CRP program. The CRP acreage is currently very near the maximum of 24 million acres, so only selected environmentally-sensitive crop acreage is being allowed into the program through the Continuous CRP Program. There will likely be strong efforts by some members of Congress, as well as agricultural and environmental organizations, to increase the maximum CRP acreage in the next farm bill. There are also several other conservation programs for farm operators and land owners that are part of the current farm bill that will also need to be reauthorized in the next farm bill.

Food stamps were added to the farm bill in 1973, mainly because the food stamp program is administered through USDA. About 80 percent of the funding in the current farm bill goes to the Supplemental Nutrition See THIESSE, pg. 19

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Farm Bill can be extended by Congress before it expires target prices.

The farm bill also includes provisions and funding for the Federal Crop Insurance program, which remains highly popular with most Midwestern farm operators. Many crop producers rely on revenue-protection crop insurance as the primary risk management tool for the large investment they have in crop production each year. The federal government subsidizes about 60 percent of the annual cost of crop insurance premiums to producers, with the farm operator paying the balance. Some members of Congress would like to see the crop insurance subsidy reduced or eliminated, along with adding other limitations to the program. This could potentially restrict crop insurance availability to some farmers.

New farm bills are usually written about every five years, with the longest period between new farm bills being nine years from 1956 to 1965; and the shortest period being one year from 1948 to 1949. The Agricultural Act of 1949, which is also known as the Permanent Farm Legislation, was

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never repealed or allowed to expire, and becomes the farm bill legislation for many commodity programs in the event that a new farm bill is not enacted when the current farm bill expires.

Many provisions in the 1949 legislation are very outdated, and the legislation did not include SNAP or many popular agriculture and conservation programs.

Congress has been known to extend farm bills beyond the expiration date.

The 2008 farm bill, which expired in 2012, was extended an extra year to allow funding for many programs to continue through 2013. Thus far, the discussion has been to have a new farm bill completed by the time the current farm bill expires, with very little talk of an extension. This could change if a new farm bill is not completed by mid-year 2018, as we get closer to the mid-term Congressional elections.

Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 7262137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank. com. 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.

May 26 — Mower Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day — Austin, Minn. — Free bus tour of three cover crop farms in Mower County with lunch — Contact Tim Ruzek at (507) 434-2603 or tim.ruzek@mowerswcd.org or visit www.mowerswcd.org

June 8 — Cattle Stewardship — Spirit Lake, Iowa — Get BQA certified if you attend all day, featuring animal well-being breakout sessions hosted by Iowa State University Extension — Contact Janet Neppl at (712) 336-3488 or jneppl@iastate.edu 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 and want to improve their dairy cattle skills — Visit www.gopherdairyclub.umn.edu/

or contact Gabriella Sorg at sorgx013@ umn.edu or (651) 387-5598 June 12-13 — 4R Nutrient Stewardship Summit — Minneapolis — 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, information on energy technologies, networking —

Visit www.wcroc.cfans.umn.edu or (320) 589-1711 June 19 — CommonGround Minnesota Workshop — Minneapolis — If you are a woman in agriculture and want to become involved in consumer outreach activities, learn more about the CommonGround program and hear from speakers — Visit www. mncorn.org/event/ or call Meghan Doyle at mdoyle@mncorn.org or (952) 460-3611

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

acres in the Upper Midwest are enrolled in the ARC-CO program for the 2014-18 crop years. The dairy and sugar support programs are also included under the commodity title of the farm bill. Several farm organizations and some members of Congress are calling for some changes and modifications to the current commodity title in the farm bill.

Over the years, there have been many different commodity programs for eligible program crops. This has included deficiency payments, loan deficiency payments and direct payments to eligible crop producers.

Direct payments were enacted as part of the 1996 farm bill, which also eliminated required set-aside acres for USDA program participation; and added soybeans and oilseed crops as eligible farm program crops. The direct payments were in place through the 2013 crop year and cost the federal government about $5 billion per year. The direct payments were replaced in the current farm bill by the risk management based ARC-CO and the PLC programs with updated

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

THIESSE, from pg. 18 Assistance Program, which includes the food stamp, Women, Infants and Children and school lunch programs.

The federal budget outlay for SNAP more than doubled from 2008 to 2013, due to the economic downturn in the United States, higher food costs and an easing in eligibility requirements for food stamps. However, federal spending on SNAP has decreased in recent years.

About 14 percent of the funding in the current farm bill is targeted for farm commodity programs and crop insurance programs. The current farm bill gave eligible crop producers the choice between the county-based Ag Risk Coverage program, or the Price Loss Coverage program for corn, soybeans, wheat and other eligible commodity crops. ARC-CO is based on actual county crop yields and national average crop prices for a given crop year, compared to five-year average benchmark yields and prices; while PLC payments are based on national average crop prices for a given year compared to preset target prices. Over 95 percent of the corn and soybean

19

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Local Corn and Soybean Price Index

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

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Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change*

Dover Edgerton Jackson Janesville Cannon Falls Sleepy Eye

$3.07 -.13 $3.07 -.08 $3.07 -.05 $3.32 +.11 $3.16 -.02 $3.14 -.01

$9.18 +.13 $9.06 +.20 $9.03 +.17 $9.06 +.14 $9.17 +.17 $9.01 +.12

Average: $3.14 $9.09 Year Ago Average: $3.44 $9.87

MAY ‘16

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Grain prices are effective cash close on May 16. 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.

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Grain Outlook Planting just behind last year The following marketing analysis is for the week ending May 12.

CORN — The sour tone set in corn early in the week was erased by a friendly reaction to the May 10 World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report, but that rally was short-lived. An open planting weekend pressured prices when we returned from the weekend. This was confirmed when the crop progress report showed corn planting as of May 7 had progressed further than expected at 47 percent planted vs. expectations for 44 percent complete and the average of 52 percent planted. Corn emergence was 15 percent compared to the average of 19 percent emerged. Last year, 25 percent of the corn was up and 61 percent was planted. The average planted for May 14 is 70 percent complete. To sum up the week’s action: lower early, spike mid-week, eased lower into the weekend. For the week, both the July and December contracts were a quartercent higher at $3.71 and $3.88.75 per bushel respectively.

The May 10 WASDE report updated the 2016-17 balance sheets and gave us our first official balance sheets for the 2017-18 marketing year. First addressing the 2016-17 crop year, the only change was to the food, seed and industrial usage category which was raised 25 million bushels to 6.92 billion bushels. This fed to a decline in the ending stocks line to 2.295 billion bushels. The average trade estimate for ending stocks was 2.331 billion bushels. This is still the highest ending stocks number

since 1987-88 and the highest stocks to use ratio (15.7 percent) since 2005-06.

The first official U.S. 2017-18 balance sheet indicated ending stocks at 2.110 billion bushels compared to trade expectations for 2.135 billion bushels.

Year-on-year changes on the 2017-18 balance sheet, ethanol usage was raised 50 million bushels year-onyear to 5.5 billion bushels; feed usage was lowered 75 million to 5.425 billion bushels; and exports were down 350 million bushels PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. year-on-year to St. Paul 1.875 billion bushels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture used the same acreage and yield figures from the February Ag Outlook Forum of 90 million acres and 170.7 bushels per acre for a crop of 14.065 billion bushels.

On the world stage, 2016-17 ending stocks were 223.9 million metric tons vs. 223.7 expected, again a neutral number. World ending stocks for 201718 were 195.3 mmt, well below the 209.4 mmt estimate. If this proves accurate, it would be the lowest world carryout since 2013-14. This was one spot you could call friendly, but it is so far off, its impact was very limited since most of the decline is attributed to China, whose stocks don’t usually See NYSTROM, pg. 21

Livestock Angles Erratic markets Livestock markets and volatility seem to be synonymous terms for the past several weeks. Both the hog and especially the cattle market have been very erratic and volatile. This type of action is not likely to disappear anytime soon.

Normally you see this type of action just prior to a significant move in either direction. Now the question is, in which direction will these markets move?

The cash cattle market has been on fire for the past month as packers battle to accumulate live inventory. The futures market has been trying to play catch up since it was quite the discount to the cash trade during that time frame. At the same time, the beef cutouts moved sharply higher accentuating the bullish tone to the market.

Cattle were being pulled ahead of their typical marketing time which further accelerated the upward move in price.

Contrary to all of this friendly news was the fact that beef production was greater than the previous year despite the lower weights. Also, as the beef cuts advanced to near the $250 hundredweight level, the volume in the domestic usage continued to fall with each advancement in price. Throw in the fact that China will resume buying American beef and once again the response by the futures was sharply higher and the volatility continues. The bottom line is the domestic consumer is moving to the competitive meats for their animal protein.

With the latest estimates, predictions of more placements are expected in the upcoming U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cattle on Feed report. It

would appear that on balance there will likely be enough available supply to meet the demand needs in the weeks ahead.

Therefore, producers should be aware of the market conditions in all aspects and protect inventories when available.

The hog market has been on a rally thanks to decent demand for pork products. This has resulted in packers aggressively seeking inventory of live animals and thus the rapid price increases for cash hogs. This has JOE TEALE moved the pork cutBroker outs back over the $80 cwt. level once Great Plains Commodity Afton, Minn. again and allowing packers to remain aggressive in their bidding for live inventory. A word of caution though, the last time the hog market ran into trouble was when the pork cutouts moved over that same level of $80 cwt. This does not mean that the hog market will immediately find a top. However, all things considered, how high can prices go with the anticipation that hog numbers are on the increase; and given the competition in the entire meat complex? The futures market anticipated the current rally and one would anticipate the futures market with forecast the top of the hog market also. Producers should stay in touch with markets conditions and protect inventories as needed considering the premiums currently in place. v

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.

World numbers cast negative shadow on soybean market MARKETING

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35.8 million hectares, for a crop of 213.2 mmt (down 2.9 percent from last year). Their soybean acreage is expected to grow by 10 percent to 73.9 million hectares, with production to fall between 12.5 to 14.1 mmt.

The International Trade Commission decided to continue the investigation into anti-dumping allegations of biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. A decision on whether to impose duties on biodiesel imports may be expected around June 16 for countervailing duties and Aug. 30 for antidumping duties. The petition seeks import tariffs of 23.3 percent for Argentina and 34 percent for Indonesia.

In 2016, U.S. biodiesel imports were a record 916 million gallons. Argentina accounted for 67 percent of those imports, followed by Indonesia and Canada. U.S. biodiesel demand in 2016 was approximately 2 billion gallons.

Outlook: Better weather forecasts, increasing South American crop estimates and disappointing export sales are weighing on prices. Basis is improving on minimal grower sales. As in corn, weather will be the dominant force for price direction, but prices will also be facing pressure from declining demand and South American competition. If South American currencies fall vs. the U.S. dollar, farmers there are usually more willing sellers. Managed funds are still holding significant short positions and bulls are waiting for a sign they will cover. Continue to be glued to your favorite weather channel for direction. For the week, July soybeans were down a dime at $9.63 and November soybeans fell 6.75 cents to $9.59.75 per bushel. July soymeal dropped $3.60 to $313.30 this week and July soyoil posted a marginal sixtick loss to $.3284 per pound.

Nystrom’s Notes: Contract changes for the week ending May 12: July Minneapolis wheat declined 7.75 cents to $5.46.5, Chicago off 9.5 cents to $4.32.75 and Kansas City was 10.75 cents lower at $4.39.25 per bushel. June crude oil rallied $1.62 to $47.84, ULSD jumped 5.75 cents higher, RBOB gained 7.25 cents and natural gas was 15.75 cents higher. v

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

rows to $9.47.5 to $9.89 57.5 mmt and the NYSTROM, from pg. 20 Rosario Grain have a great influence over world pric- per bushel. Prices sagged to begin the Exchange increased its es. Brazil’s corn crop was pegged at 96 week on good weekend weather.

U.S. number to 57 mmt.

The USDA is at 57 mmt, well above the 94.3 mmt estisoybean planting as of May 7 was 14 mmt also.

Conab is projecting Brazil’s mate. Argentina’s corn crop came in at 40 mmt, again well above the pre- percent complete vs. 17 percent on soybean crop at 113 mmt vs. USDA’s average and 21 percent last year. The 111.6 mmt. According to AgRural, report outlook for 38.3 mmt. average soybean planted progress by Brazil’s farmers have only sold 55 perWeekly export sales were at a mar- May 14 is 32 percent complete with the cent of this year’s soybean crop comketing year low and the lowest since trade expecting around 25 percent pared to 71 percent sold on average.

June 2014 at 10.9 million bushels. Our planting completed this year.

According to reports, storage space pace ahead of last year continues to From the May 10 WASDE report: the could become an issue in Brazil with a erode. We are running 34 percent record corn crop anticipated. If this is ahead of last year when two weeks ago 2016-17 balance sheet saw a cut in the case, what will get moved to make crush of 15 million bushels and an we were 38 percent ahead. Total export space, corn or soybeans? Or will they commitments are 2.050 billion bushels increase in exports of 25 million to 2.05 just pile it up? Regardless, the old versus the USDA’s marketing year billion bushels. Ending stocks were adage of “big crop, long tail” could be target of 2.225 billion bushels. down 10 million from the April to 435 seen this year. This could result in Surprisingly, new crop sales saw a net million bushels. The average trade esti- lengthy competition for export busicancellation of 2.2 million bushels! mate for ending stocks was 441 million ness between the United States and South American corn is the cheapest bushels. The 2017-18 balance sheets Brazil, which wouldn’t be friendly for source from June forward. Weekly eth- looked a little bullish on the surface prices. Argentina’s soybean crop was 65 anol production was 20,000 barrels per when compared to the average trade percent harvested as of May 11, slightday higher at 1.006 million bpd. Stocks estimate, but it’s still a huge number. ly behind the three-year 67 percent fell 100,000 barrels to 23.1 million bar- Ending stocks for 2017-18 were fore- average and the five-year 71 percent rels. Ethanol crush margins were down casted at 480 million bushels, well average. Their corn harvest was 35 per8 cents per gallon at a negative 4 cents below the average trade estimate for cent complete compared to the three555 million bushels. Changes year-onper gallon. year: crush up 25 to 1.95 billion and year average of 31 percent complete Outlook: The trading range for July exports up 100 million to a record 2.15 and the five-year average of 41 percent corn since March 10 has been from billion bushels. The USDA used the complete. $3.60.75 to $3.79.50 per bushel. The February Forum’s yield forecast of 48 Weekly export sales were lackluster trading range for the December con- bushels per acre, but used the at 14 million bushels. Total export tract since March 9 has been from Prospective Plantings acreage number commitments are 2.096 billion bush$3.78.25 to $3.95.75 per bushel. of 89.5 million acres. This would put els, remaining ahead of the USDA’s Weather will continue to be the head- the 2017-18 crop at 4.255 billion bush- forecast for 2.05 billion bushels. line for price direction. Trade chatter els. Interesting note that since 2000, Usually we see between 55 and 61 milabout how many acres may not get 76.5 percent of the time U.S. soybean lion bushels of exports rolled over into planted, or will have to be replanted, stocks-to-use ratio got smaller from the the new marketing year. New crop will also gain traction, especially if rain May to August crop reports vs. only 59 sales were 2.6 million bushels, bringforecasted for later in the month comes percent of time in corn. ing total new crop commitments to to fruition. The trade has been a little The world numbers cast a negative 104.3 million bushels. Last year we disappointed in the limited upside shadow on the markets. World ending had 119.9 million bushels of new crop price reaction to the less than ideal sales on the books. There were no corn planting conditions. Managed stocks for 2016-17 were 90.1 mmt com- daily export sales announcements this fund money as of May 9 was holding a pared to trader’s expectations for 87.6 week. We have only seen two soybean record short for this time of year. There mmt. Ending stocks for 2017-18 of 88.8 sales announcements on the USDA’s hasn’t been a strong enough impetus to mmt were also above the estimate for daily report since April 1. China compel them to cover their position, 87.2 mmt. Brazil’s soybean production imported a record for April at 8 mmt of but the bulls are pinning their hopes was 111.6 mmt vs. 111.3 mmt estimat- soybeans, up 13.4 percent from last on it for a rally. There is still a substan- ed. Argentina’s soybean crop was 57 year. Their soybean imports from tial amount of corn to be priced from mmt compared to the 56.2 mmt out- October through April were 49.6 mmt, the grower in the United States and look. China’s soybean imports were up 9.3 percent from the previous year.

South America, which will overhang raised 1 mmt to 89 mmt.

The USDA is currently forecasting the market on rallies. Direction will folCrop estimates from South America China’s soybean imports to grow 5.7 low the weather forecasts. continue to increase. The Buenos Aires percent year-on-year to 88 mmt.

SOYBEANS — Soybeans continued Grain Exchange raised its Argentine China’s Ag Ministry expects their corn to move in a sideways fashion this soybean production from 56.5 mmt to acreage to fall 2.5 percent this year to week, despite the two-minute, 15-cent spike higher that occurred when the report was released on May 10. July soybeans have traded from $9.41.25 (a one-day spike lower on the April report See GOATS, pg. 16 day) to $9.89 since March 27. Take out the April 11 low and that range nar-

21

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THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

22

Sheriff’s mounted posse patrols still ride across Minnesota

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer ST. PAUL — At the Minnesota Horse Expo, held April 28-30 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, many stopped by the Hennepin County Mounted Patrol booth. Karen Leistico heads up this group of 12 riders.

Karen Leistico “We’re all special deputies of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. We’re sworn into this position. We’re not licensed deputies. We’re all volunteers,” she said.

There are now a total of 15 mounted patrols within the Minnesota Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Association.

Carver and Winona county posse members assisted the Hennepin County volunteers at the expo. All members own their horses.

According to Leistico, deputies receive training in personal injury accidents, medical emergencies, water rescues, community events and natural disasters. Leistico is a registered nurse, so her professional work complements the duties of a mounted posse. During their service, posse members may be called on to assist in search, rescue and recovery efforts; proactive patrol of lakes and rivers; provide dignitary escort; assist in times of natural disasters; provide crime scene support; assist with community events and parades; and provide support with medical emergencies.

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“We get called out for a variety of different details,” said Leistico. “We don’t get paid. You do this sort of work because you love working with your horse and other horse people. It’s a good feeling to be helping your community. We’re all trained in CPR and first aid.”

And they never know when they’re going to be called to duty. “Just this past week, we were called to assist in searches for two young men who went off the Saint Anthony main bridge. Some of our work is both on and off horseback. As the season warms up, we likely will have more calls to assist the sheriff’s office.”

There are some special requirements to becoming a member of a sheriff’s mounted posse: being at least 18 years of age; owning your own horse; and having the equipment to get yourself and your horse to where you are needed.

Leistico has a 15-year old quarter horse named Bullet. She says Bullet is a good age for this work and a quarter horse is a good breed for this work which sometimes can involve long hours over a variety of terrain. Despite the name, Leistico said Bullet is really quite slow, “But he came with that name and it seems to fit. With proper care, you can work a quarter horse up to 25 years of age. So there is still lots of time for Bullet and me.”

The Posse Association is a close knit group. They train and recruit new members together. The Hennepin County Mounted Patrol has 12 active members but is licensed to accommodate up to 20 riders.

If there’s a common ailment among posse horses, it would be hock problems. “They get arthritis in their hocks and their legs. So it’s important to keep your horse properly conditioned. That pertains to us riders also. We must pass a physical and be able to mount and dismount regardless the terrain we might be working in,” she said.

When asked what happens to Bullet when Leistico has to retire her special friend, she responded, “He’s going to just loaf around and eat grass. He’ll stay with me until he can’t do it anymore. When it’s time I’ll just love him up until I have to do the deed.”

Putting down a horse is never an easy task.

Established in 1967, the Minnesota Sheriff ’s Mounted Posse Association is a non-profit comprised of county sheriff’s mounted units throughout the state. Field training includes extensive sensory training and obstacle courses, crowd control training, formation riding and equitation.

Visit www.mnmountedposseassn.com to learn more. v

Beware of contamination in feed AMES, Iowa — High levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin commonly known as vomitoxin, are being found in grain across the Corn Belt, including eastern Iowa. Contaminated corn is an issue especially in dried distillers grains and solubles, according to Erin Bowers, mycotoxin sampling and analysis specialist with Iowa State University.

DDGS, commonly used in animals feed, is a byproduct of ethanol production. Mycotoxins tend to concentrate in this byproduct at three times the levels found in the original grain.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, advisory levels for livestock consumption of DON are as follows: • 5 ppm DON on grains and grain byproducts destined for swine with recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 20 percent of their diet.

• For chickens, 10 ppm DON on grains and grain byproducts with recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 50 percent of the diet.

• 10 ppm DON on grains and grain byproducts (on an 88 percent dry matter basis) destined for ruminating beef and feedlot cattle older than 4 months and 5 ppm DON for ruminating dairy cattle older than 4 months.

• 5 ppm DON on grains and grain byproducts destined for all other animals with the added recommendation that these ingredients not exceed 40 percent of their diet.

There are solutions to utilizing DON-contaminated grain. Beef cattle are much more tolerant of this mycotoxin, and can be fed higher levels of contamination without seeing negative health or productivity effects. DON also can be blended, but steps should be taken to carefully and representatively test blended grain.

This article was submitted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. v

23 THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

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Early Deadlines for the June 2nd issue: Classlifed line ads are due by noon, on Friday, May 26th Display ad copy is due on Wednesday, May 24th

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FOR SALE: New HD Vicon FOR SALE:Used grain bins, floors unload systems, stidisc mower, 3 blades per rators, fans & heaters, aerdisc, working width, 5'6”, ation fans, buying or sell3pt hitch CAT, 1 or 2 never ing, try me first and also used, payed $7,600, asking call for very competitive $6,500/OBO. 952-466-5538 contract rates!

Office FOR SALE: NH 489 hours 8am-5pm Monday – haybine; JD 337 baler, 40 Friday Saturday 9am - 12 thrower; 2 Meyer bale noon or call 507-697-6133 thrower racks, good condiAsk for Gary tion, shedded. 952-466-2593 035 FOR SALE: OMC 260 Farm Implements swather parts or re-build, complete machine w/ 16' '07 JD 9330, 1,800 hrs. no head, but burned on right PTO. $130,000 641-640-0453 side, has good crimper, 6 cyl Ford motor, $800/OBO. FOR SALE: '89 Pete 379 507-640-0149 semi, new rubber, good sound truck, $8,000; JD 893 H&S AR61 10 WHEEL 8R30 cornhead, new sprockHi-Speed Rake (2015). ets, chains, $12,000; JD 925 RHINO 20 Ft #SR240 Flexbean head, $4,000; '12 Wing Cutter, (2007) Foam Woods S20CD stalk chopFilled Whls (4 Gear Boxes) per, like new, less than 1000 acres, $12,000. 651-792-6518 A-One Cond. 319-347-2349

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New starter, seat & batcult; IH 260 backhoe; HEAVIEST BUILT! STOEN'S Hydrostatic Sertery, $7,500. (641) 590header trailer. 507-380-5324 3” SHAFTS (Not 2 7/16ths) 1102 vice 16084 State Hwy 29 N LARGER, Heavier Bearings Glenwood, MN 56334 320FOR SALE: New 9500/9510 Dealer 319-347-6282 Can Del 634-4360 combine rear hood; New JD 7R tractor, 3 pt quick hitch; JD 54C mower for • 5/8” drum roller X475-X485, L & G. 320-3601240 wall thickness

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Sell your land or real estate Hesston 5585 round baler, FOR SALE: 20' IHC rotary hoe, 3pt w/ transport, like in 30 days for 0% commismakes up to a 5x5 bale, new, 24' pull type anhysion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 twine wrap, stored under drous applicator, hydraulic, roof, runs fine, $5,000. 715Well established liquor store Lange CC-240 knives, 11' 963-4922 for sale on Hwy. 8 in BarMinneapolis Moline drills, ron, WI. $229,000 plus in- NH round baler 648, silage grass seed attachment. 218ventory. Contact Sue at 715867-2134 special only, 2200 bales, 417-0668 $12,500. 920-495-0018 FOR SALE: 2000 gal fuel When you want your land tank w/ high vol. pump, Bins & Buildings 033 sold, 3 words are worth $1,900; JD 568 baler, net & 1,000 agents. Buyer pays twine wrap, standard pick Barn roofing Hip or round our fee. Call for free up, exc. belts, $10,900; NH roof barns and other buildguide and consultation.

258 rake w/ dolly wheel, ings. Also barn and quonset Haas Land Brokers, $1,950; Demco Conquest straightening.

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If you have Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. width plow. 320-583-6967 even thought about selling 100% financing w/no liens contact: Paul Krueger, or red tape, call Steve at FOR SALE: 2010 NH L190 Farm & Land Specialist, Fairfax Ag for an appointskid loader, 425 hrs, high Edina Realty, SW Suburban ment. 888-830-7757 flow hyd., 2 spd, hyd. deOffice, 14198 Commerce tach, rear weights, Ave NE, Prior Lake, MN Grain Handling Equip AC/Heat, 14x17.5 tires, 034 55372. $32,000. 507-317-1757

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE ‘13 Case 621F XR, wheel loader, JRB coupler, 3.0 cubic yard bucket, 3rd valve, 4730 hours. ............................................... $74,000 ‘15 New Holland 340, big square baler, single axle, standard baler, 4500 bales ............... $55,000 ‘13 CIH Magnum 235, 320/90R54 duals, 540/1000 PTO, 2235 hours, powertrain warranty till 9-2017 ................................................... $89,500

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26

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HID lights, Hitorque VSD, chopper, contourmaster, 520x42” duals ..............................................$167,000

18.4x46” duals .............................................$120,000 ‘13 JD 660, 1180 eng/892 sep hrs., cm, HID ‘09 NH 6070, Bi-directional, 3543 hrs., cab air, w/NH lights, high torque USD chopper, 84lb loader, 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO...................$62,500 ‘12 Kubota M110, Cab, MFWD, 240 hrs., w/Kubota LA1953 loader, 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO .............$55,000 ‘11 Challenger, MT 575 B, MFWD, 2242 hrs., ML98 loader ...................................................$75,000

520x38” duals ..............................................$157,500 ‘00 JD 9650TS, 3611 eng./2645 sep. hrs., chopper, 20.8x38” duals ...............................................$55,000 ‘11 CIH 7120, 871 eng./732 sep. hrs., rock trap, chopper, 520x42” duals ...............................$149,000

‘94 FH 6640 SLE, MFWD, cab, loader ..............$25,000 ‘09 NH CR9060, 2400 eng./1800 sep. hrs., tracker,

TRACK TRACTORS

‘14 CIH 380 MAG row trac cut, 290 hrs., 4 hyd., big pump, 3 pt., 1000 PTO, 24” tracks, completely auto guidence equipped, suspended front, 24” belts .......................................................$195,000 ‘13 CIH, 380 MAG Row Trac 1178 hrs., luxury cab, full guidance, suspended front, 24” tracks, 120 inch spacing 3 pt., 4 hyd. Hiflow, PTO ................$180,000 ‘14 CIH, 340 MAG Row Trac 287 hrs., luxury cab, suspended frt axle, 18” tracks, 76” spacing, 6 hyd

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remotes, 3 pt., 1000 PTO, full guidance......$195,000

4WD TRACTORS ‘12 JD 9410R, 1411 hrs., 1000 PTO, 4 hyd., HID lights, 520x46” tires & duals ...................................$169,000 ‘10 JD 9330 1239 hrs., 1000 PTO, 4hyd powershift w/ diff lock, 480x50” tires & duals, 85% .............$155,00 ‘11 NH T9.390, 905 hrs., powershift, diff lock, HID lights 480x50” tires & duals .........................$128,000 ‘14 CIH 470 HD, 837 hrs., 1000 PTO, 6 hydraulic valves, hi-flow hyd, 480x50” tires & duals ...$185,000 ‘09 CIH 385, 3071 hrs., 520x46” .....................$105,000

ROW CROP TRACTORS ‘14 CIH 260, 605 hrs., MFWD luxury cab, 4 hyd, 3 pt hitch, 1000 PTO, 480x50” duals ..................$118,000 ‘12 CIH 260, 1784 hrs., Deluxe cab, 19-spd., PS, susp. front axle, 3 pt., 4 hyd., Hi-Flow, 1000 PTO, 480x50” duals, MFWD .................................$110,000 ‘13 CIH 260, 577 hrs., PS, 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO, 4 hyd., big pump, 420x46” tires & duals.....$115,000 ‘03 CIH MX210, 5550 hrs., 3 pt., 1000 PTO, 4 hyd., 380x46” tires & duals .....................................$59,000 ‘13 CIH 290, 1250 hrs., 3 pt., PTO, big pump, 480

chopper, 520x42” duals .................................$72,500 ‘04 NH CR970, 3138 eng./2186 sep. hrs., tracker, chopper, chaff spreader, 520x42” duals........$52,000 ‘11 Claas Lexior, 740, 1466 eng/899 sep hrs., 4x4 520x42” duals ..............................................$109,000

TRUCKS ‘02 Int 4900 DT466, auto 3060p, tandem, 666k, can have PTO, 15 1/2’ cab to axle .......................$14,500 ‘04 Int 4300, bucket truck, 40’ reach, Auto, 219k ................................................................$26,000 ‘12 Freightliner Sprinter 3500, 15’ body, DLS, Auto ................................................................$15,900 ‘09 Freightliner Columbia II, auto shift, 410 hp., 3 axle ..............................................................$28,000 ‘04 Freightliner MII, bucket truck, 40’ reach, Auto, 188k ........................................................................ $0 ‘12 Pete 587 Cummins, 13 spd, 72” sleeper, 406k ................................................................$40,000 ‘09 Columbia, 120 Day Cab Detroit, 105 gal, 423k ................................................................$29,000 ‘96 FL80 Cummins, Allison Auto w/ PTO 4x4, 88k ..................................................................$26,000

CRAWLER DOZERS ‘04 Cat D610XL, 6659 hrs., w/ cab air, 6 way blade, & winch ..............................................................$85,000 ‘08 CatD4K LGP, 2180 hrs., 6 way blade ............$77,000 ‘10 JD 850J LGP, 2926 hrs., cab air, 6 way blade ..............................................................$99,500 ‘08 Case 1150k, 1265 hrs., cab air, 6 way blade ..............................................................$77,000

EXCAVATORS

front duals, 480x50” .....................................$119,000 ‘13 JD 290 GLC, 2271 hrs., w/ aux hyd., hyd. Thumb, 50” bkt ..........................................................$145,000 ‘13 NH 8360, 940 hrs., MFWD, leather seats, 4 hyd., 1000 PTO, auto steer complete, 480x50” rear

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

tires & duals .................................................$119,000 ‘13 NH T8.300, 801 hrs., MFWD, 4 hyd., 3 pt., 540/1000 PTO, 480x50” tires & duals .........$105,000

Tractors

036 Harvesting Equip

FOR SALE: 1975 IH Cub w/ hydraulics & 2 attachments; 1947 Farmall Cub w/ hydraulics & 5 attachments; 1958 Farmall 340, $1,800, call evenings. 218371-8784

037 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

38” bkt ..........................................................$115,000

new machine ..................................................$99,000

LARSON IMPLEMENTS 5 miles east of Cambridge, MN on Hwy. 95 763-689-1179

Look at our Web site for pictures & more listings www.larsonimplements.com

Livestock

054

055 WANTED: IH 1420 or 1440 Dairy combine, in good working condition, call evenings. Fresh Holstein heifers and cows, Some Jersey cross 218-371-8784 also, reasonably priced, free delivery. 608-214-0600 Spraying Equip 041 WANTED TO BUY: Dairy heifers and cows. 320-235'11 Agchem Rogator, Eng 2664 hrs 861, '11 RG1396 CAT C9, 311 EHP Rexroth Hydro 056 trans Mich 380/90R46 F85%, Cattle Viper Pro Controller SS FOR SALE OR LEASE Tank, 1300 gal 120' Boom, REGISTERED BLACK 7 section shutoffs Chemical ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & Educator 20" spacing on yearlings; bred heifers, Center, Foam markers calving ease, club calves & Raven Smartrax Raven balance performance. Al ACC Boom Norac Auto Hgt, sired. In herd improvement 3" High Cap Pump, 2" & 3" program. J.W. Riverview Flow Meters, Multiflier dry Angus Farm Glencoe, MN box, Set up for liquid or dry 55336 Conklin Dealer 320fert. $249,900. Call or text 864-4625 605-595-2408

FOR SALE: IH 826 hydro w/ WL42 Westendorf loader; 038 IHB Farmall tractor;DMI Planting Equip 300 BU gravity wagon; M&W 200 BU gravity wag- JD 1780 16-31R planter, MaxEmerge Plus, Flexfold, on. 507-350-9580 vacuum hopper, 3 bu box, fold-over markers, mechanFOR SALE: JD 8400 MFWD ical drive, ½ width discontractor, under 5000 original nect, heavy down pressure, hrs, nice condition, asking no-till coulters, 31x13.5-15 $86,000. 507-227-2602 tires, drawbar hitch, Truvee openers, walking gauge FOR SALE: Nice Case IH whls, rubber tire closing 4894, 4x4, 300 HP, newer set whls, Seed Star monitor w/ of Firestone 23 degree radibrown box & tractor harals, many new parts on moness, will operate on comtor, turbo, fuel pump, expetitive tractors, $24,000. haust manifolds, etc.

507-430-5144 $20,500, cheap HP. 507-6400149 Tillage Equip 039 JD 435, $7,800; '28 JD D on steel, $3,500; '45 BO LindFOR SALE: 25 Limousin se050 man, $8,700. All restored. '02 Great Plains Turbo Till Feed Seed Hay men tested bulls, 2 yr olds Vertical Tillage unit 715-821-0365 or 715-425-5568 & yearlings, Black or Red, Model TT 3000, center low birth weight, super wgt pkg, hyd wing down 1st Crop Clean Grass Hay, JD 4430, 6645 hrs, 4x5 Round Bales, Net growth.

John Goelz, pressure, rolling spike cab/air/heat, $16,500. 715Wrap, $25/ea; 2nd Crop Franklin, MN 507-557-8394 tooth & basket harrow, 456-1782 Grass Hay, Rained On, 30' working width, $15/ea; Delivery Available FOR SALE: Performance NEW AND USED TRACTOR $22,500. (641) 590-1102 Within 135 Miles of Rice PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, tested Charolais & Red Lake. 715-296-2162 55, 50 Series & newer tracAngus bulls, complete tors, AC-all models, Large '97 DMI Field Cultivator perf. info, scan data, fer1st Crop Perfect Clean 40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, Inventory, We ship! Mark tility tested & guaranGreen Grass Hay, SMALL tandem wheels, 3 bar Heitman Tractor Salvage teed, volume discounts SQUARE BALES, harrow double fold, nar715-673-4829 avail, delivery avail, $3.50/Bale; Perfect 2nd row center frame, gauge backed by 54 yrs of seedCrop, $5.00/Bale; 4x5 wheels, nice unit, $12,500. stock production. WakeHarvesting Equip 037 Round, Net & Plastic (641) 590-1102 field Farms, New RichWrapped, $50/ea. Delivery land, MN, call Kyle 507Available Within 135 Miles '94 Case IH 1688 Combine Disc chisel 710 JD 7 shank, 402-4640 of Rice Lake. 715-296-2162 5337 hrs, 2WD, AFX roexcellent condition, $5100. tor, field tracker, rock 715-317-0645 Buyers & sellers of hay, FOR SALE: Simmental trap, feeder reverser, straw, corn, wheat, oats & 2spd hydro, hyd chaff Machinery Wanted Sim/Angus yrl bulls, 040 other grains. Western Hay spreader, 216' unload Polled, Black & Red, seavailable. Fox Valley Alfalauger, 20.8-42 duals 70%, All kinds of New & Used men checked, ready to fa Mill. 920-853-3554 rears 14.9-24 new, Maurwork.

Grass-Lunning farm equipment – disc chiser grain tank extension, Simm. LeRoy, MN 55951, els, field cults, planters, Open pollinated seed corn grain loss monitor, yield Bob:507-438-9007, soil finishers, cornheads, outproduces hybrids for monitor ready, $22,000.

Luke:507-440-6386 feed mills, discs, balers, silage, $67/Bu + shipping. glsimmentals@gmail.com (641) 590-1102 haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 217-857-3377

MASSOP ELECTRIC INC.

507-524-3726 • Mapleton, MN

USED GRAIN DRYERS • DELUX 20' Model 6030, LP/NG, 3PH, 600 BPH • DELUX 30' Model 7545, LP/NG, 3 PH, 900 BPH • KANSUN 1025 215, 1 PH

‘07 JD 350 DLC, 5946 hrs., w/ hyd. Thumb, ‘15 Komotsu PC, 138 US LC-10, 1038 hrs., 30” bkt, like

040

WANTED TO BUY: JD Mod- FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & el 30 or AC Model 72 or 90 Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts.

Pull-type combines in any 320-598-3790 condition. 507-838-7580

• BEHLEN 380, 1 PH, LP, Heat Reclaim • BEHLEN 700, 3 PH, LP, Heat Reclaim • BEHLEN 700, 3 PH, LP, W/Pre-heat • (2) BEHLEN Hopper Tank, 2800 BU, W/16’ Structural

We design, service, install and repair custom grain feed and drying systems

Cattle

056 Goats

062

Pets & Supplies

070

Miscellaneous

090

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.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.

27 THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

FOR SALE: Registerd An- 45 milking dairy goats, incl: Puppies For Sale: Born PARMA DRAINAGE 2 billys, bulk tank, cooling gus bulls, 2 yo & yearlings, 3/14/17. Mother Full AusPUMPS New pumps & unit, 13 head stand, & 8 ton bread for well balanced tralian Shepherd, Father parts on hand. Call Minfeed bin, $26,000/OBO. EPD & growth, fertility Full English Shepherd, nesota's largest distributor Please write with contact tested, Miller Angus, Kas$100/ea. 320-980-5095 HJ Olson & Company 320number to: LeRoy Bornson MN. 507-634-4535 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 treger, W16401 County Hwy Cars & Pickups 080 Registered Texas Longhorn C, Ettrick, WI 54627 REINKE IRRIGATION breeding stock, cows, Sales & Service heifers or roping stock, top FOR SALE: '05 Ford F150 New & Used Swine 065 blood lines. 507-235-3467 XLT Extended Cab, Red. For your irrigation needs 135K mi, 8-cyl, automatic 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 Semen tested Black Angus Compart's total program trans, 4WD, Good cond, bulls, sired by Our Sons Of, features superior boars & trailer hitch, solid work 10X10, Mainstream and open gilts documented by WANT MORE READERS truck, $6,500. Call (641) Providence.

BLUP technology. Duroc, TO SEE YOUR AD??

590-1102.

Email: www.teamjsi.com York, Landrace & F1 lines.

Expand your coverage area! mthrone@wctatel.net 715-483-3866 Terminal boars offer leanThe Land has teamed up ness, muscle, growth. Mawith Farm News, and The Top quality Holstein steers Miscellaneous 090 ternal gilts & boars are Country Today so you can in semi load lots. Immediproductive, lean, durable. do just that! Place a classiate & contract delivery.

All are stress free & PRRS One call does it all! fied ad in The Land and Satisfaction guaranteed. free. Semen also available With one phone call, you can have the option of placing it 319-332-1385 through Elite Genes A.I. place your classified ad in in these papers as well.

Make 'em Grow! Comparts WANT TO BUY: Butcher The Land, Farm News, More readers = better reBoar Store, INC. Toll Free: cows, bulls, fats & walkable sults! Call The Land for AND The Country Today.

877-441-2627 cripples; also horses, more information. 507-345Call The Land for more sheep & goats. 320-235-2664 4523 • 800-657-4665 info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-657FOR SALE: Yorkshire, 4665. & Hampshire, Duroc Winpower Sales & Service Sheep 060 Hamp/Duroc boars, also Reliable Power Solutions THANK YOU gilts. Excellent selection.

Since 1925 PTO & automatFOR SALE: 300 Ewe lambs Raised outside. Exc herd ic Emergency Electric from OPP tested negative FOR READING health. No PRSS. Delivery Generators. New & Used flock. 605-997-2060 or 605THE LAND! avail. 320-760-0365 Rich Opsata-Distributor 864-8811 800-343-9376

ADVERTISER LISTING Anderson Seeds ..................................5

Larson Implement ......................24, 26

Big Gain ............................................22

Letcher Farm Supply ........................17

C & C Roofing ....................................7 Compeer Financial ..............................3

Mages Auction Service ..............23, 24 Massop Electric ................................26

Courtland Waste ................................11 Mustang ..............................................9

USED TRACTORS

COMBINES

HAY TOOLS

MISCELLANEOUS

TILLAGE

SKIDSTEERS PLANTERS

All Equipment available with Low Rate Financing

Property Brokers ..............................23 Dahl Farm Supply ............................12 Diers Ag & Tailer Sales ......................8 Doda USA ........................................17

Property Brokers ..............................23 Pruess Elevator..................................25

Double B Manufacturing ..................22

Rabe International ............................25

Duncan Trailer ..................................25

Rush River Trim & Steel ..................15

Excelsior Homes ..............................15

Schweiss Inc......................................26

Freudenthal Dairy ............................10 GEHL ................................................12

SI Feeders............................................8 Smith’s Mill ......................................27

Greenwald Farm Center ....................25 Southwest MN K-Fence....................16 Hanson Silo Company ......................14 Steffes Group ....................................23 Holtmeier Construction ......................8 K & S Millwrights ......................14, 18 Kannegieser Truck Sales ....................4

Triad Construction ............................13 Vetter Sales & Service ........................7

Keith Bode ........................................25

Wagner Truck ....................................19

Kerkhoff Auction & Real Estate 23, 24

Wahl Spray Foam................................6

SMITHS MILL IMPLEMENT Hwy. 14, 3 miles West of Janesville, MN

Phone (507) 234-5191 or (507) 625-8649 Mon. - Fri. 7:30-5:00 • Sat. 7:30-Noon www.smithsmillimp.com

• PO Box 3169 • 418 S 2nd Street • Mankato, MN 56001 • theland@thelandonline.com

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

NEW White Planters .............................................. Call ‘04 Kinze 3600 16-30 ..................................... $42,000 ‘12 White 8186, 16-30 w/liq. fert. ................... $59,000

Custom Made Products ....................16

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

White 8222, 12-30 w/liq. fert. ......................... $42,000 ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded ......................... $85,000 NEW Massey 1726, w/loader ................................ Call White 6122, 12-30 .......................................... $12,000 New NH T4.75 w/loader......................................... Call NEW NH T9.645, w/Smart Trac ............................. Call NEW Versatile 310, FWA.............................. $157,900 NEW Fantini chopping cornhead .......................... Call NH T8.275, 495 hrs ...................................... $155,000 Fantini Pre-Owned 8-30 chopping NH 8870, FWA................................................ $49,000 cornhead ............................................................. Call ‘12 NH T9.390, approx. 850 hrs. .................. $180,000 ‘10 Gleaner R76, Loaded ............................. $195,000 ‘09 NH TD 5050 w/loader, 1300 hrs............... $36,000 ‘01 Gleaner R72 ............................................. $72,500 ‘08 NH 8010 ................................................. $114,500 ‘03 Gleaner R65 ........................................... $105,000 ‘05 CIH MX210 1700 hrs ................................ $98,500 Gleaner 3308 chopping corn heads ..................... Call ‘06 Buhler 2210 w/ auto steer........................ $92,500 Allis 180 D .........................................................$7,250 ‘12 Challenger MT 665D .............................. $155,000 New Hesston & NH Hay Tools - ON HAND ‘10 Versatile 435, 1050 hrs .......................... $150,000 Allis 185 w/loader .............................................$9,500 ‘85 White 4-270, nice ..................................... $29,500 NEW Salford RTS Units ......................................... Call NEW Salford Plows................................................ Call NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders ............................. Call ‘03 Sunflower, 32’, 5-bar spike ...................... $18,000 NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call Sunflower 4630, 11-shank, Demo ......................... Call NEW REM 2700 Vac. ............................................. Call DMI 530B ............................................................... Call NEW Hardi Sprayers.............................................. Call DMI/NH 775, 7-shank .................................... $23,500 NEW Riteway Rollers ............................................. Call ‘12 JD 3710, 10-bottom ................................. $35,000 NEW Lorenz Snowblowers .................................... Call ‘08 JD 3710, 10-bottom ................................. $20,000 NEW Batco Conveyors .......................................... Call ‘08 JD 2210, 44.5’ w/3-bar harrow ................ $33,000 NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ........................ Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................. Call ‘07 NH 170 w/ cab ......................................... $18,900 NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ........................ Call NEW NH Skidsteers - On Hand ............................. Call REM 2700, Rental .................................................. Call NH 230 w/ cab & air ....................................... $37,900 Pre-Owned Snowblowers, 7’-9’ ............................. Call Pre-Owned Sprayers ............................................. Call

This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Richard Siemers.

28

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, MAY 19, 2017

Goodness in the World

A

bout 20 yards inside the gate of the Alta Vista Township cemetery, along Lincoln County Highway 18, sits a 10-inch by 20-inch headstone. Inside a polished frame are engraved the words, “Abdo Shaban, 1871 – 1948.” They don’t begin to tell the story of a colorful peddler who serviced an area of Lincoln, Lyon, and Yellow Medicine counties.

Most of the folks who could remember Abdo Shaban have themselves passed on, but they had shared their stories with me a few years back.

People like Tom Alleckson, who pointed out the farm where he grew up and the route Shaban took over the hills with his colorful wagon pulled by a fine team of horses.

Taunton, Minn.

When he died, there was a Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Taunton that had a cemetery south of town (which was given to the township when the congregation closed). How this Muslim from Syria happened to be buried in that Lutheran cemetery is unknown. It is suspected that it was simply an act of kindness for a respected man who probably had little to his name when he died.

And Laura Hansen who said her dad bought lineament and her mother vanilla. She described Shaban as a short, stocky fellow. Everybody fed him, she said. “He was full of the dickens. My dad and he had a lot of fun.”

And Leonard van Steenkiste, who recalled the visit at his house when Shaban’s horses, so familiar with their route, started off without him, and the excited peddler had to chase after them. Van Steenkiste, still a kid at the time, drove Shaban after the team in the family car.

And Allen Johnson, who as a kid in the 1930s remembered Shaban speaking very broken English, but not hard to understand. Shaban was a Muslim immigrant from Syria. Johnson said when Shaban came calling it was a big deal. “If he spent the night, he would always sleep in his wagon or in the barn. He would never accept a bed in the house.”

When Shaban retired from peddling, he settled in Taunton. “We used to stop there once in a while,” Johnson said. “You always had to stop for coffee. And he made strong coffee! I imagine he was living his Syrian background; he made powerful strong coffee!”

“Everybody knew Abdo,” Johnson said. “I’m sure the people saw to it that he was given a proper burial because he was a nice man.”

When Johnson was living, he had relatives in the area that he visited. He would always drop a flower at Abdo’s grave. Then one time he discovered someone else was doing the same.

There is still goodness in the world. v