THE LAND ~ July 21, 2017 ~ Northern Edition by The Land

July 21, 2017

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

NORTHERN EDITION

Holy Buckets! Does gardening get any easier than this? See page 6

ALSO INSIDE:

Cooking burgers with Kristin Kveno Wyffels Hybrids is a family affair Dick Hagen at the World Pork Expo Kent Thiesse talks crop insurance

Honoring a corn-growing pioneer

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVI ❖ No. 15 64 pages, 2 sections plus supplements

www.TheLandOnline.com facebook.com/TheLandOnline twitter.com/TheLandOnline

Cover photo by Sharon Quale

COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File Calendar of Events In The Garden The Back Porch Cooking With Kristin Marketing From The Fields Farm Programs Mielke Market Weekly Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 4 4 6 7 8 14-15 17 18 19 24-31 31 32

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Associate Editor: Marie Wood: mwood@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives: Kim Allore: kallore@thelandonline.com Danny Storlie: theland@TheLandOnline.com Jerry Hintz: jhintz@thelandonline.com Office/Advertising Assistants: Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com Jessica Klingbeil: auctions@TheLandOnline.com For Customer Service Concerns: (507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas: (507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com National Sales Representative: Bock & Associates Inc., 7650 Executive Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55344-3677. (952) 905-3251. Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. Classified Advertising: $18.79 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com. Mail classified ads to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $25 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (ISSN 0279-1633) is published Fridays and is a division of The Free Press Media (part of Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.), 418 S. Second St., Mankato MN 56001. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, Minn. Postmaster and Change of Address: Address all letters and change of address notices to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002; call (507) 345-4523 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.

Minnesota farmers said goodbye to members of Minnesota Corn Growers another legend within their own ranks on Association enjoyed his candor. We elected July 6. At Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Ray as our first state president. We rePeter, we bade farewell to Ray Thorn, vetelected Ray again the next year. eran Mankato area farmer. Ray, 75, was a But look what we now have! With nearstrong, energetic, enthusiastic and loving ly 7,000 members (exceeded only by Iowa guy with a special passion for farming, and Illinois) MCGA is one of the largest taking care of the land, sharing his farmgrassroots farm organizations in the ing skills with anyone wanting to listen, United States. Today, Minnesota Corn and because of his Swedish roots, occaGrowers working with its Corn Research LAND MINDS sionally tossing in a few “Ole and Lena” and Promotion Council identifies and proBy Dick Hagen stories too. Yet Ray got cut down while motes opportunities for Minnesota’s spraying a field of corn. Some of us at his 24,000 corn farmers. funeral agreed this was almost fitting. At this time of year, county breakRay’s life ended while tending to his fasts throughout Minnesota hosted by farm which included wiping out pesky Corn Growers, Soybean Growers, Pork weeds showing up where they weren’t Producers, Beef Associations, Farm Bureaus and supposed to be. local dairy groups together extend open invitations An early indication of Ray’s commitment to agrito non-farm audiences. Sharing information about culture was his volunteer effort in getting the this whacky business of farming is the reason; yet Minnesota Corn Growers Association launched in the agricultural ignorance of this audience contin1978. As I recall, a state needed at least seven coun- ues to amaze. Ray would probably have said, “Give ties with 20 paid producers per county to qualify for them a free meal and ask them where their meal this distinction by the National Corn Growers comes from. Then they might better understand Association. I believe four other states where that America’s food stores are filled with tasty foods already chartered: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and that started on our farms.” Nebraska. And as I recall Boone, Iowa, was home Another attribute of Ray: His unabashed pride in base. America. It was evident in the red, white and blue I was a member of that organizational effort. funeral attire of his six grandchildren. It was eviWhat a treat to work with this guy who knew lots dent in the patriotic processional music, “America, about farming but very likely had zero training in The Beautiful.” It was evident in the family’s selecorganizing a state corn growers association. Getting tion of Lee Greenwood’s great song, “God Bless the a state organization organized was strictly volunU.S.A.” Ray’s dear wife Bev shared to me, “There teer labor in those days. No per diem, no mileage would always be a few tears in Ray’s eyes when he payments, no expense accounts for food. We did it listened to this particular song.” because we believed strongly in the mission of more Like any good farmer, Ray also strongly believed and better opportunities for Minnesota corn farmin the entrepreneurial spirit. Just ask his three ers. daughters who earned much of their college educaWe also learned Ray Thorn was a stickler for hard tion selling “Thorn Corn” — home-grown sweet corn work. A couple of his life mottos showed up early in sold at various locations around Mankato. his leadership style. “Never quit until you’re done.” A very fitting tribute to a great guy was this mesAnd “life is good,” despite frustrating obstacles that sage, known by many of you and first aired by radio sometimes just plain ticked him off. Ray wasn’t See LAND MINDS, pg. 5 bashful about sharing his opinions! And we early

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

10 — Pork Council president introduced at World Pork Expo 12 — Wyffels Hybrids hosts Corn Strategies conference 16 — Exports continue to fuel U.S. hog market 18 — Kent Thiesse looks at the future of federal crop insurance program

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 • “E-Edition” — Archives of past issues of The Land

If you haven’t sent in your 2017 subscription card for The Land, please do it today. Use the form on this page and be sure to keep receiving your favorite agricultural publication, THE LAND!

WIN A

Grill Zone 3-Burner Gas Grill

with extra side burner

To ensure that you continue to receive The • Complete the form below, sign and date. Land Magazine, please follow these steps: • Include your check and put it in the mail.

2017 Subscription Form 

I own or operate 80+ acres of Minnesota and/or Northern Iowa ag cropland, raise 25+ head of livestock or am actively involved in agribusiness. Full Year Voluntary Subscription:  $20  $25  Other



I do not qualify but would like a one-year subscription. Full Year Voluntary Subscription:  $25

• 48,000 total BTUs • 623 sq. in. total cooking area

To qualify for the Prize Drawing, return your form by August 25, 2017. No purchase necessary. If you have already sent in your card, we thank you and you’re automatically entered in the drawing! If you’re not sure if you sent it in this year, call or email the office and ask us.

DON’T MISS AN ISSUE! To ensure that you continue to receive your Land Magazine, remember these steps: 1. Complete the form on this page. Sign and date the lower portion. 2. Include your check. That’s less than a dollar per issue!

Important – Please check all boxes that best match your farming operation. Acres Corn Soybeans Alfalfa Wheat Sugar Beets Total Acres

1-99

100-249

250-499

500-999

1000+

     

Hogs marketed  1-199  200-499 Sheep raised  1-49  50-199 Beef Cattle marketed  1-49  50-199 Dairy Cattle milked  1-50  51-99

Livestock Head  500-999

 1000-4999

 5000+

 200-499

 500-999

 1000+

 200-499

 500-999

 1000+

 100-199

 200+

Data will NOT be sold.

Mail to: THE LAND P. O. Box 3169 • Mankato, MN 56002

Name ______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________________________

email: theland@thelandonline.com

County of Address __________________________Phone # ________________________________ E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________ Date __________________

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

PLEASE PRINT

507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Model #BG2723B

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION!

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

The non-broadband blues: costly, rural internet service Twelve years ago this month, the love(which Verizon ridiculously classifies as ly Catherine and I moved from a threea “gigabyte”) we get nicked $10 more. story, oak-lined Victorian house in town Of course it’s outrageous. After all, to a modern, all-brick home in an uninwe don’t live a four-day yak ride from corporated, rural community six miles the nearest internet café in western north. Tibet. We live, literally, 2,745 rows of The mid-life migration delivered a quicorn from a fiber optic pipe that flaweter, safer life of no ladders, no roofing, lessly delivers the 21st century to our and no painting. friends in town at 186,000 miles per FARM & FOOD FILE second. The move also traded our faultless, $50 By Alan Guebert per month DSL, or Digital Subscriber On our steep downside of the digital Line, voice and internet connection in divide, however, it’s 1994. After spendtown for a $100 per month satellite ing nearly $30,000 on internet and internet connection that, compared to telephone service since moving to the the DSL, worked less well on sunny days, poorly on “modern” house 12 years ago, the download speed rainy days, and hardly at all on snowy days. on my computer is now 0.90 Mbps (megabytes per second) and, wow, 3.61 Mbps for uploads. Moreover, telephone service cost another $70 per month. That’s 18 times slower than the average download speed in Latvia and 25 times slower than what the That trade-off — $170 per month rural internet Federal Communications Commission defines at and telephone service compared to $50 per month “fast,” or standard, for U.S. users. for both in town — was, back then, just the cost of living 1.3 miles off a county highway where fiber Worse, it will be 1993 next year and 1992 the year optic cable laid buried in its right-of-way. thereafter because, while the rest of the world is moving on to even faster internet connectivity, 39 Today, the office landline is gone as is the weathpercent of rural America, according to the FCC, er-affected satellite internet dish. Mobile phones and a cellular internet plan (more reliable and more remains stuck in the internet slow lane of corporate indifference and political patty cake. functional) replaced both. On the corporate side, today’s telecomm giants are The upgrades aren’t cheap. Today, our basic plotting how to use their new, lightning fast 5G monthly phone and internet service is, in fact, stumobile broadband to challenge internet and televipidly expensive. It nudges $300 per month. sion-delivering cable companies. For their part, Even more surprising, the hefty tab buys just a cable companies, richer and thus more readily able 50-gigabyte barrel of shared voice and internet data to invest, are quickly positioning themselves to — each month — an amount that barely accommoyou guessed it — buy these telecomm challengers to dates my business (column research, a website, sev- share, rather than compete for, the coming unregueral online publications, Twitter, e-mail, farm news lated riches. services, etc.) and our iPhones and permits no Meanwhile, politicians and government officials online “streaming” of any television, radio, or music. continue to promise high-speed rural connectivity. And if the 50-gig barrel overflows by one byte As a detailed June 16 Wall Street Journal story

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

OPINION

discovered, however, there’s been little progress after decades of talk and billions in spending. Some private efforts have found success. Not long ago, explained the Journal, a rural Missouri electric cooperative, Co-Mo, borrowed $80 million from two private lenders and asked co-op members to contribute $100 each to build a local fiber optic network. The result: “An estimated 70 percent of Co-Mo internet subscribers have 100 Mbps service that costs $49.95 per month…” That’s just one way to bridge the rural internet gap. Farm and ranch leaders must find other ways and put their weight into implementing them. Cost is less important than function, because most rural folks are already paying through the nose for inadequate — and, in fact, awful — service. The bigger reason, however, is that the hope-filled future lies on the other side of the gap and 23 million of us can’t get there. The Farm and Food File is published weekly through the United States and Canada. Past columns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

Send your letters to: Editor, The Land P.O. Box 3169 Mankato, MN 56002 e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com All letters must be signed and accompanied by a phone number (not for publication) to verify authenticity.

Calendar of Events “Where Farm and Family Meet”

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. July 27 — Horticulture Night — Morris, Minn. — U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center hosts demonstrations on cold hardy grapes, designing containers, growing strawberries and raspberries, pest management, knockout annuals, pollinator-friendly gardening, quality tomatoes, trees and shrubs — Contact WCROC at (320) 589-1711 or visit www.wcroc.cfans.umn. edu

July 27-29 — North American Elk Breeders Association Convention — Mankato, Minn. — NAEBA presents a family-friendly conference with seminars, trade show, antler competition and more — Contact info@naelk.org or visit www.naelk.org Aug. 1-3 — Minnesota Farmfest — Morgan, Minn. — Show brings together area farmers and top agribusinesses for networking, policy discussion, and special events — Contact IDEAg@IDEAgGroup.com or visit www.farmfest.com Aug. 12 — Minnesota Garlic Festival — Hutchinson, Minn. — Event for lovers of garlic, local foods and sustainable farming – Contact Sustainable Farming Association at (844) 922-5573 or visit

www.sfa-mn.org/garlicfest/ Aug. 15 — Farm Camp Minnesota — St. Cloud, Minn. — Schmitt Dairy Farm Event hosts a camp for youth who want to learn about modern agriculture and how their food is produced — Contact Farmcampmn@outlook.com or visit www.farmcampminnesota.org Aug. 26 — Donnelly Threshing Bee — Donnelly, Minn. —Allis Chalmers will be featured at the Threshing Bee Grounds — Contact Harry Kruize at chkruize@runestone.net or (320) 246-3337 or (320) 187-1298

Your hopes. Your dreams. WE’RE READY.

We’re Compeer Financial.™ Agriculture isn’t just a market we serve. It’s what we’re founded on. It’s who we are. Whether you have one acre or one thousand, our team members share an unwavering commitment to you and making that hope and dream of yours very, very real.

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Come visit us at Farmfest in tent 220, Aug. 1-3, 2017.

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

LAND MINDS, from pg. 2 broadcaster Paul Harvey in 1978 when he addressed the Future Farmers of America national convention: And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer. God said, “I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again and then eat supper.” So God made a farmer. “I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, Ray Thorn tame cantankerous machinery and come home hungry. So God made a farmer. God said, “I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt. And watch it die. Then dry his eyes and say, ‘Maybe next year.’ And who, planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty-hour week by Tuesday, then despite the pain from ‘tractor back,’ put in another seventy-two hours.” So God made a farmer. God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place. So God made a farmer. God said, “I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heavy bales, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets. It has to be somebody who’d plow deep and straight and not cut corners. Somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish a hard week’s work with a five-mile drive to church. “Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life ‘doing what dad does.’” So God made a farmer. Ray Thorn was a classic American farmer but was also one of a kind. His life-long message to his grandkids — the credos he lived by — benefit us all, especially in these times of a troubled America. Never quit. Work hard. Be proud to be an American. And remember, life is good. Thanks Ray, you’ve influenced ALL of us! Dick Hagen is staff writer of The Land. He may be reached at rdhagen35@gmail.com. v

5 THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Thorn founded Minnesota Corn Growers Association

Bucket gardens help keep maintenance to minimum Imagine a vegetable gartroughs. The troughs can be den that requires no weedon the ground or elevated ing or watering. A bucket with cement blocks. We elegarden fills the bill on both vated ours so the plants are of those counts. This is my at eye level. No bending first year of trying this down needed in this type of form of gardening and so gardening! far I am pleased with the It is good to use a purresults. chased potting mix or make IN THE GARDEN Bucket garden basic conyour own. Do not use garden struction begins with a soil as it is too heavy, comBy Sharon Quale PVC rain gutter with the pacts too much and doesn’t end caps glued in place. This gutter is wick up the moisture as easily as potattached to two two-by-fours. A float ting soil. Fill the buckets with potting valve is installed at one end and is mix to about 4 inches from the top. hooked to a garden hose water supply. Make an exception for potatoes which (An elevated holding tank also could like to be planted in a bucket that is be used as the water source.) The five- about one-third full. Then, as they gallon buckets have 3-inch holes grow, keep adding potting mix until it drilled in the bottom and a plastic is near the top. 3-inch net cup (available at aquatic Planting is the next step. Started supply places) is inserted in the hole. plants or seeds seem to do equally Then the buckets are filled with potwell. Almost any plant can be grown ting soil and placed on the rain gutter

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Brad Krumrey owner 320-979-9221 office: 320-833-2228 fax: 320-833-2204

• Repairs • Installation • Portable Welding • Crane & Boom Truck Service

217 E. Hall Ave. / P.O. Box 126 / Buffalo Lake, MN 55314 • www.ksmillwrights.com

Photos by Sharon Quale

in the buckets, but bush varieties of every year squash and cucumbers do better than long trailing vines. Radishes, lettuce, onions, spinach, beets, beans, peas, carrots, tomatoes, eggplant as well as all of the herbs are suited to bucket gardens. Thinning the seedlings is important as overcrowding results in a diminished crop. Place a layer of some type of mulch on top of your plantings to retain moisture. A plastic 3-inch net cup is inserted into My first experimental holes drilled into the garden has tomatoes, bottom of the bucket. cucumbers, green beans, This will wick moisture potatoes and Brussels to water the plants. sprouts in seven black buckets. Sources of buckets can be freebies, but be careful not to use containers that had any toxic chemicals in them. I purchased new black buckets because I like a neat uniform appearance; but I have seen photos of buckets artistically painted with whimsical designs as well as some free ones with their advertising logos still intact. A fellow Todd County Master Gardener, Ken Hovett, has been bucket gardening for five years A standard garden now and he has 48 growhose runs to the rain ing buckets in a unique gutter trough placed labyrinth of troughs and underneath the bucket. hoses. He reuses his soil

by dumping the buckets at the end of the season into a pile at one end of a black tarp. He removes any big roots and pulls the other end of the tarp over the pile and weighs it down for the winter. Then it is ready to use again in the spring. Larry made a carpet floor under my bucket garden so weeds can’t grow and the lawn can be mowed with ease. Old carpet scraps are usually available for free. I also added a tomato cage in each bucket to provide some added support to the plants on windy days. So far, no weeding and no watering — just enjoying watching these vegetables thrive and anticipating a harvest worthy of reporting in a column later this fall. If anyone would like detailed information about bucket garden construction, e-mail me and I will send you a source. Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. She may be reached at (218) 738-6060 or squale101@yahoo.com.v

Running the hurdles sometimes takes a little help

employed on these non-certified farms. Cornucopia’s new guide helps patrons ask market farmers the kinds of insightful questions that an organic certifying agent would ask when inspecting an organic farm. Questions detailed in the guide fall under three main categories: Is it local? How was it grown (produce)? and How was it raised (livestock)? Under each of these categories, the guide discusses issues like the difference between free-range and pastured eggs, the importance of soil health for combating plant diseases, why hydroponics is not organic, and the differing approaches to animal welfare practices. To obtain the free guide, visit Cornucopia’s web site at www.cornucopia.org. This article was submitted by the Cornucopia Institute. v

The Land, a weekly farm and rural life magazine with a circulation of 28,000, has an IMMEDIATE OPENING for an

Outside Sales Representative For the Southern Minnesota Territory

Candidates should have professional sales skills to service existing clients and develop new businesses in a designated territory. Also essential are strong organizational and communication skills, along with attention to detail.

Interested candidates should email their resume, salary requirements and a cover letter to

Deb Petterson, General Manager at: dpetterson@thelandonline.com Deadline is August 28, 2017

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

CORNUCOPIA, Wis. — As market season kicks into high gear, farm stands beckon shoppers with signs such as “Local, Organic, Natural, No Spray, and Sustainable.” Organic is defined by strict federal standards. But what do these other claims really mean, and which are worthy of support? The Cornucopia Institute, a farm and food policy research group, has prepared a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) organic certification guide to help shoppers navigate their local markets and reward the most ethical farmers, while bringing home the healthiest food for their families, when a certified organic farm vendor is not available. Cornucopia published this guide because many smaller, local farms have chosen not to go through the certification process and, without third-party inspections, consumers need to be a bit more engaged in judging the practices

Every person needs a neighbor, confidant, or friend like that. “It takes one to know one,” a coach may tell you. But it’s more than that. Even the best of friends will let you down. Which brings me to my all-time favorite name of Jesus. He is Immanuel — God with us. No matter what, in life and in death, in the present and the future, in good times and in the biggest hurdle of your life, He will never give up or walk out on you. This is good news — the best news — whatever the leg or length of your race. Don’t give up. Whether your race has mountains or molehills, none of them are impassible or impossible. Run to Jesus and you’ll never run alone. Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family, and farming from her back porch on her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. She can be reached at lenaesbulthuis@gmail.com or @ LenaeBulthuis. v

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Ask the right questions when shopping at farmers markets

And faster than a starter’s gun, Ruthie’s hurdles turned relay race. I puddled. Not in sweat and tears, but in the love. When Ruthie had no power, strength, or energy for the next thing, her teammate picked up the slack. “Don’t even think about this again today,” she said. “Do what you need to do and tomorrow we’ll talk.” They would take the next steps together and it would be OK. There isn’t a one of us who doesn’t have a hurdle or more that threatens to trip, tangle, or derail us. Which leaves us with a choice. We can quit, face plant, or persevere. And more often than not, my lifeline to perseverance has been linked to asking for help. It’s the white flag of surrender that leads to the checkered flag at the finish line. When I’m ready to throw in the towel, it’s those nearest and dearest to me that won’t let me quit. They pick me up, brush me off, and tell me things I never believed about myself.

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

“Do you want to run the made me red in the face. I Bed Races on the Fourth of wanted to win for real. So I July?” Mike asked. Our chose to do what most kids small town is big in celedidn’t want to do. I ran brating the Fourth in honor long. of this great country and in Who wants to run a mile support of our local or more? At the time, in my Christian school that has place and space, no one did. educated and equipped stuWhich upped my ante on THE BACK PORCH placing a real ribbon. And I dents from generation to generation. By Lenae Bulthuis did. I even had the school Here’s the thing. If you record for the 1,600-meter know us — even from a distance — race until my younger sister Lori you know that the only thing his ques- broke it. But that’s another story. tion was doing was filling the drive Though she’s nearing 40 years old, time. Mike doesn’t run. It’s on his list one of my best friends (I’ll call her of things that could possibly kill you Ruthie) is currently running hurdles. (aka: I’m NOT doing that!) Along with She’s not a runner and she never running, things that could possibly signed up for this gig; but here she is. take Mike’s life include public speakFor the past year, it’s been one hard ing, shopping, and hanging Christmas thing after another. And just when she lights (“Who sees them in the country takes a deep breath and thinks she’s anyway?”) cleared her biggest obstacle, another As a kid, I hated running. Whether hurdle pops up. I wonder if you can it was the annual Sunday school picidentify? nic races or track and field days in After the most recent hurdle, Ruthie elementary school, the 100-yard dash sighed, “I don’t have any fight left in was my end. While the rest of my race me.” mates were crossing the finish line I “No worries,” said her neighbor, conwas just exiting the starting blocks. And though the participation award is fidant and dear friend. “I have enough fight for both of us.” status quo today, my green ribbon

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<<www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Looking for a good burger? The Weber meets the web (do not press down on the patties) until dark grill This is prime burger season. The time marks appear on the bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes. is now to get the old grill going and Using a spatula, flip the patties, close the grill again throw on a burger or two. But the quesand cook until grill marks appear on the second tion is, what burger is worthy of your side and the patties are cooked through, about 3 to grill time? What kind of burgers will 4 minutes more. Remove to a clean plate and let solicit cheers and not jeers when served rest in a warm place or tent loosely with foil for five up to the family? minutes. Place a patty on each bun bottom, top First and foremost, the quality of meat with pickles, and cover with a bun top. Serve has to be superior. My burgers are made COOKING immediately. from Kveno beef, raised with love and WITH KRISTIN n lots of corn and grass. Experts say that By Kristin Kveno the 85/l5 lean to fat ratio is ideal for What if simple cheesy goodness-centered burgers. Too lean and the burger will be hamburgers aren’t your thing? What if you’re hungry dry. You want a burger with some good taste and fat for a stuffed hamburger? I mean really hungry, like is key to that. Paul Bunyan hungry? Well then I have just the burger for you. n Paul Bunyan Burger Now while most Minnesotans have heard of the Jucy Lucy or the Juicy Lucy, its origins remain con- www.tasteofhome.com/recipes 6 bacon strips, diced troversial even to this day. The Lucy, as I’ll refer to 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms it, is a hamburger patty with cheese in the center of it. The 5-8 Club and Matt’s Bar, both located within 3 thin onion slices 1 egg, lightly beaten three miles of each other on Cedar Avenue in 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Minneapolis, claim to be the creators of this cheesy 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt beef masterpiece. Even former President Barack Obama indulged in this Minnesota creation when he 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper stopped in to Matt’s Bar for one in 2014. Where it 1/2 tsp. prepared horseradish originated may never be verified, but I can tell you, 1 pound ground beef this burger is a definite show-stopper at the Kveno 3 slices processed American cheese house. Even the “vegetarian” couldn’t help but have 3 hamburger buns split a huge smile on her face after eating her burger in In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted record time. spoon to paper towels. In the drippings, sauté mushrooms and The Jucy/Juicy Lucy onion until tender. Transfer to a large bowl with a slotted spoon; www.chowhound.com/recipes add bacon. In another bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire 4 slices American cheese (about 3 ounces) sauce, seasoned salt, salt, pepper and horseradish; sprinkle beef 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck (15 to 20 percent fat content), over mixture and mix well. Shape into six 1/4-in.-thick patties. chilled Divide bacon mixture among three patties. Top with a cheese 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt slice; fold in corners of cheese. Top with remaining patties; seal edges. Grill, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 5 to 6 minutes 1/2 tsp. garlic powder a side or until a thermometer reads 160 F and meat juices run 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce clear. Serve on buns. Yield: 3 servings. 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Vegetable oil, for oiling the grill n 4 (4-inch) hamburger buns, split and toasted Imagine that could you combine the warmth and Sliced pickles, for serving comfort of down home meatloaf and the tasty deliCut each slice of cheese in half, then in half again to form 4 ciousness of a classic hamburger, well my friends squares. Stack the pieces on top of each other to form 4 stacks; imagine no more, here’s the ultimate comfort food in set aside. a bun: Darcy’s Meatloaf Burger. Place the meat in a large bowl and add the salt, garlic powder, Darcy’s Meatloaf Burgers Worcestershire and pepper. Mix with your hands until just evenly www.darcymaulsby.com/blog combined. Divide the meat into 8 equal portions and place on a 2 pounds ground beef work surface. Using your fingertips, press 2 portions of the meat 1 1/2 to 2 cups herb-seasoned stuffing mix (experiment to find into two rough 1/4-inch-thick patties that are each about 1 inch what amount helps the burger patties stick together the best) wider in diameter than the hamburger buns. Place 1 stack of 1 onion, chopped 1 tsp. seasoning salt cheese in the center of 1 of the patties. Top with the second 1/4 tsp. freshly-ground pepper patty and pinch the edges to form a tight seal. Cup each patty with your hands to round out the edges, and press on the top to 1 tsp. garlic powder flatten slightly into a single thick patty. Transfer to a plate. Repeat 2 large eggs, lightly beaten with the remaining portions of meat and cheese to form 4 patties 1/4 cup milk 2 tbsp. barbecue sauce in total. Refrigerate while you prepare the grill. 1/4 cup ketchup Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium high (about 375 F to 2 tbsp. brown sugar 425 F). When the grill is ready, use tongs to rub the grate with 1 tsp. dry mustard several layers of paper towels dipped in vegetable oil. Place the Combine ground beef, stuffing mix, onion, salt, pepper and reserved patties on the grill, close the grill, and cook undisturbed

garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, and barbecue sauce. Combine barbecue sauce mixture with meat mixture. In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar and dry mustard. This mixture can either be spread as a glaze while the burgers are cooking on the grill, or the glaze can be mixed into the burger patty mixture before the burgers are grilled. Shape beef mixture into patties. Grill over medium heat to desired doneness. If using the ketchup mixture as a glaze, spread over the top of each burger during the final minutes of cooking. n This burger pays tribute to some tasty Iowa treasures: bacon and sweet corn. Get prepared for a taste bud explosion along with some Iowa pride wrapped up in one delicious burger. The Iowa Burger http://iowagirleats.com Serves 4 1 lb. 85/15 ground beef 6 strips bacon, finely chopped 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. salt 4 slices American cheese 4 sesame seed buns For the Sweet Corn Relish: 2 strips bacon, chopped 1 tbsp. butter 3 ears of corn, kernels cut off the cob 2 tbsp. minced jalapeño 1 green onion, chopped 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. maple syrup For the Avocado Spread: 1 avocado salt & pepper, to taste Combine beef, finely chopped bacon, salt and pepper, and then form into four patties. Cook on a hot grill to preferred doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes a side for medium-rare. Turn the heat off, place cheese slices on top of burgers and close the grill lid to allow cheese to melt. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Melt in butter then add corn, jalapeno, green onion, salt and pepper to the skillet. Cook until corn is just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in maple syrup and remove the skillet from the heat. Mash avocado flesh with salt and pepper, and then spread equally on the bottom of each bun. Top with cheeseburger patty and sweet corn relish. n From the Paul Bunyan burger to the Iowa burger there’s nothing better than to spend a nice evening sipping a Schell’s beer (I’ve got to support my local brewery) and grilling some beefy masterpieces on the grill. Happy grilling to all! If your community group or church organization has printed a cookbook and would like to have it reviewed in the “Cooking With Kristin,” send us a copy to “Cooking With Kristin,” The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please specify if you wish to have the cookbook returned, and include information on how readers may obtain a copy of the cookbook. Submission does not guarantee a review. v

Formic acid improves feed hygiene, efficiency for pigs also where protein digestion begins. Amasil supports both of these functions. Studies indicate that feed acidification with formic acid can improve feed efficiency by 4 percentage points per 1 percent inclusion in the feed. So indeed, a little bit will do you. Jendza noted consumer demand for high quality, wholesome food continues to increase; as does the desire for more transparency in knowing how food is

0 90 3,

‘03 Peterbilt 379 EXT, Pete low air leaf, 60” sleeper, jakes, runs great,CAT C15 eng, FULLER RTLO-16913A trans, 12,000 front, 40,000 rear, 1,157k mi. - Unit 7806

‘02 Mack CH613, wet, kit, dual exhaust, set fwd, E7 ETECH eng., 427 hp, Fuller 8LL trans, 12,000 front, 40,000 rear tandem, LP 22.5 tires, 815k mi., - Unit 7805

‘09 International 9200 I, full blower unit, super singles, jake, p/d lock, Cummins ism eng., Spicer 10 spd. Trans., 410 hp., 12,000 front, 40,000 rear tandem axle, 3.55 rear end ratio, 11R22.5 tires, 543k mi. - Unit 7620

5 9,

5 4,

‘13 Mack CXU613 Daycab, Mack auto Mp7 eng., 395 hp., 12,000 front, 40,000 tandem rear axle, 488k mi. - Unit 7262

5 3,

‘06 Volvo VLN, Volvo Ved 12 eng., Fuller 10 spd trans, 12,000 front, 40,000 rear tandem axle, drives well, clean body and interior, tool box, dual allum tanks - Unit 7833 Email Us At info@mandersdeisel.net Visit Our Website www.mandersdiesel.com

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

‘06 Mack CXN613, Mack AC Fuller 460 hp, 13 spd. Dsl. Eng., 12,000 front, 40,000 rear tandem axle, 11R22.5 tires - Unit 7544

, 21

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

, 29

produced. “This product offers a new and effective way to satisfy your toughest customer and it can be an important part of your biosecurity plan,” he said. For more information, visit www.animal-nutrition.basf. com. Joshua Jendza was interviewed at the World Pork Expo, held June 7-9, in Des Moines. v

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — Faster-growing animals tend to be riding the metabolic edge in the fast lane with more fragile immune systems. So when there is a health problem, it tends to be a much larger problem. Joshua Jendza, technical services manager Joshua Jendza of animal nutrition at BASF Corporation explains it like this: It’s like if you have a car accident going 40 mph vs. 80 mph; there’s a lot more damage at 80. Jendza explained the potential benefits of using Amasil formic acid in the ration of nursery and growing-finishing pigs. The swine industry places emphasis on performance criteria of feed efficiency and the rate of gain. “When a fast-growing pig falls off the cliff, it tends to be a more disastrous plunge,” he said. Jendza said Amasil helps prevent pigs from falling off that cliff because this new feed acidifier improves feed hygiene and modifies gut microflora for improved feed efficiency and animal performance. “Backed by 25 years of university and on-farm research in Europe, Amasil is now available in the United States. Because of its high molecular density, it has a more complete and sustained antimicrobial effect in the feed and in the gut,” said Jendza. When it comes to incorporating Amasil into feed, just a little bit will do you. Jendza said only 12 to 24 pounds of the acidifier per ton of complete feed is the inclusion rate of Amasil. This variable rate depends on the growth stage of the pigs. “Current rate of return on investment is 3-to-1, based on current feed costs and Amasil cost. If you can get an extra pound of gain during the nursery period, that is significant,” stated Jendza. Genetics of the pigs don’t affect the impact of Amasil. “It’s more about the feed ingredients that you are using and the biosecurity environment of the pig facility,” he said. With significantly lighter processing weights of European pigs versus the 280-300 pound weights of American butcher hogs, does that make a difference on Amasil impact? “We push to heavier pigs because of economics,” said Jendza. “Feeds are cheaper in the U.S. But processing weight matters not in regards to the impact of Amasil.” Jendza stressed that contaminated feed facilitates the transmission of various pathogens onto the farm. Amasil formic acid is one of the most potent organic acids for killing feed microbial contaminants such as salmonella, E. coli, and clostridia. Also, feed acidified with formic acid maintains a lower pH longer, decontaminating feed and protecting against pathogen recontamination. The acidic environment of the stomach is the pigs’ first line of defense against feed pathogens, and this is

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

National Pork Producers help increase demand By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — At the World Pork Expo, which took place in Des Moines, June 7-9, over 20,000 hog producers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan and other countries gathered. Hosted by the National Pork Producers Council, Ken Maschhoff this trade show offers the latest in pork marketing and management, legislative updates, animal health, environmental topics and swine equipment. “This Pork Expo is incredible,” said LeRoy, Minn., pork producer David Johnson. “I’ve attended for several years. It keeps getting bigger and better is my assessment.” Three days of sunshine and 72 hospitality tents set the scene for educational, nutritional, technical and political sessions. And 450 exhibitors provided updates on the swine industry. Representing the Packer Processor Industry Council, Cory Bolium of Hormel Foods, said, “Having a voice in NPPC helps the producer sector understand the challenges and opportunities from the customer

four children and reside on the family farm in southern Illinois. Asked about key accomplishments of NPPC during 2016-17, Maschhoff indicated there have been several legislative and regulatory victories. He credits NPPC and others in agriculture with putting a hold on three significant regulations: the Farmer Fair Practices rules under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA); the Waters of the United States rule; and the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule. He explained, “The GIPSA rule would restrict the buying and selling of livestock by making it easier to file and win Packers and Stockyards Act lawsuits. This would increase vertical integration, putting some producers out of business and raising meat prices for consumers.” He continued, “The WOTUS Rule would expand EPA’s jurisdiction over waters and land and thus the agency’s ability to control how farmers and others use their own property. “Organic regulations would add animal welfare standards to the national organic program. This is a costly and mostly unworkable proposition.” v

For PitCharger customers, it’s all about the bacteria By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — Completing its second decade as a standard in the hog industry, PitCharger still sells for $50 a gallon — the same price as when it was first introduced in 1998. The product’s unique name suggests its usage. The purpose of Tim Kremer PitCharger is to reduce the solids or crust in a livestock manure pit while also reducing the offensive odors. And that means a healthier environment for both animals and workers.

We manufacture quality metal roofing and siding for ALL your building needs:

House Roof • Pole Barn • Free Stall Chicken Barn • Riding Arena

… and the list goes on.

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

base, which is another step closer to our consumer, and helps us reach the goal of increasing the demand for pork.” Newly-elected president of the National Pork Producers Council is Ken Maschhoff, a pork producer from Carlyle, Ill. Maschhoff is chairman of the Maschhoff Family Foods, one of the largest pork production companies in the world, producing 5 million pigs annually through a network of more than 500 production partners in nine states. The Maschhoff corporation supplies enough pork to feed nearly 15 million consumers. A fifth-generation farmer, Maschhoff earned a bachelor’s degree in animal industries from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He has served on numerous state and national committees on behalf of the pork industry. He and wife Julie have

Greenview Metal, LLC

FASTnd!

Turnarou

• 20 Colors to choose from • 8 Colors to choose in texture • 40-Year Paint Warranty • Cut lengths up to 42 feet

Skylights (8-ft. through 16-ft. available) Soffit • Cannonball Door track

ALL your door needs! All the trim to go with your steel!

N35198 Co. Rd. S, Blair • 715-538-1325

835768_7-12-17

“We send live bacteria to our customers,” said Tim Kremer, odor and manure management consultant for PitCharger. “Our product is liquid. We ship via UPS in 3-gallon or 5-gallon plastic buckets. We sell based on volume. One thousand head would require a gallon per month. For a 4,000-head finishing barn, usage would be 4 gallons per month. Cost would be $200 per month.” Interviewed at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Kremer said there were several firms selling bacterial products. Competition fluctuates in this business, but selling at the same price for 19 years suggests PitCharger is a proven product with continual customer satisfaction. “We’ve been in business a long time,” Kremer stated. “We have our own proprietary recipe. Live bacteria usage is common with European livestock producers. We’re not the most expensive, but more likely in the middle of the pack.” Kremer explained that PitCharger enzyme products digest cellulose fiber to break up crusting. Crusting is caused by non-digestible fiber (distiller’s dried grains with solubles feeds), a low rate of dissolved oxygen in effluent, pith and hulls floating to the top, plus animal hair and feed dust. PitCharger uses anaerobic, aerobic and multi-facultative bacteria. Kremer said the anaerobic bacteria works best on bottom sludge. The aerobic and multi-facultative bacteria work best in the upper layers of the lagoon. PitCharger contains 51 strains of living microbes. Kremer explained the natural decomposing pro-

cess can be stalled out due to a lower dissolved oxygen level, pH, detergents and/or feed types. When a system gets out of balance, solid or crusting takes over. A good pit additive’s bacteria will accelerate the natural process. “Keeping pits and lagoons liquefied improves pumping ease, reduces odor during pump-out, and changes organic nitrogen to plant available ammonium nitrogen.” Karl Johnson of Mankato, Minn. operates one 1,350-head sow unit and one 4,000-head nursery. Build-up and crusting in the pits was a definite problem resulting in fly populations. After using PitCharger, Johnson was able to pump an additional 200,000 gallons from the first-stage lagoon. He also noticed the odor during application was much better. “Since using PitCharger, we haven’t had the crusting issue we previously experienced and flies are close to non-existent,” Johnson said. “PitCharger has done everything that I was told it would do.” At West Central Co-op in Ralston, Iowa, swine specialist Nick Lentz used PitCharger over a threemonth period at three different locations. One location featured four, 960-head pull plug finishing buildings and 24-inch pits. Lentz was facing over 6 inches of manure that would not flow to the drain. One gallon of PitCharger was applied to treated buildings each month for the three-month test. Commented Lentz, “Tests were very positive on the reduction of solids. Pits with additive showed significant reduction of solids compared to non-treated pits. In addition, treated pits drained better.” PitCharger is based in Elkhorn, Neb. For more information, visit www.pitcharger.com. v

Plasma in swine feed can promote immune functions

Summertime Saving’S—SEE US TODAY! In the market for an affordable home? Look no further, we have an excellent selection of quality built, energy efficient homes to choose from. We offer something for everyone, no matter what your budget is we can help…

Start to Finish Modular Solutions…Entire Project or Main Floor 13 Decorated Models to View

A Family Tradition Built on Knowledge, Experience & Quality New Modular Homes - New Manufactured Homes - Pre-Owned Homes - We Take Trades!!!

One Call. One Contractor. - Poured Wall Basements - Custom Garages & Design - Decks / Sheds / Porches - Septics & Site Planning

- Amana HVAC Products - Radiant In-Floor Heating - Plumbing / Electrical / Etc.. - 10 Year Warranty

www.excelsiorhomesinc.com Design Build. Bring us your plans today Bring this ad for $$$ Discounts Contractor #BC005417 Dealer #MD001218 Installer #MI009368

of Hutchinson - “Factory Direct” 1355 Highway 7 West - Hutchinson, MN 55350 (Ph) 320-587-4990 / 800-547-4990

Since 1973 - Family Owned & Operated “Experienced & Professional” Beau Munsell / Jason & Jessica Verhasselt

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — Northland Community and Technical College has added four new programs within the agriculture department. Of the four new courses of study, two are certificate programs (general agriculture and advanced agriculture) and two are associate degree programs (animal science AAS and agricultural education AS). NCTC has an articulation agreement with the University of Minnesota, Crookston, that will allow for the transfer of credits to pursue a four-year degree. Classes begin this fall at the school’s Thief River Falls campus. For information visit www.northlandcollege.edu. This article was submitted by Northland Community and Technical College. v

the product is widespread with APC having 20 manufacturing facilities worldwide. “But you probably don’t know APC,” said Saxton. “Our ingredients are used in someone else’s feed products. But in recent years, we’re making a bigger effort to support the swine industry by making our products available to integrators and individual producers.” APC employs roughly 500 people in nine countries. It has a variety of product applications besides swine nutrition where its targeted use is in nursery pigs, market hogs, and sows and boars to help support normal immune function. APC provides spray-dried powdered plasma proteins; granulated spray-dried plasma; water-soluble formulations and red cell products known as hemoglobin, granulated hemoglobin and biostimulants. “A healthy pig from start to finish,” said Saxton. Other applications are within the poultry industry, aquaculture and pet food. It is also a steady source of functional proteins for calves on milk and milk replacer diets and as a biostimulant within the plant world. It can be used as a 100 percent soluble and organic source of free amino acids to support plant growth As a member of the North American Spray Dried Blood and Plasma Producers, APC strives to utilize the best in manufacturing processes. For more information on APC, visit www.functionalproteins.com. v

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

NCC unveils four new ag programs

to your feeds, Saxton said APC recommends using a 5 percent inclusion rate of spray-dried plasma in that first phase diet of your nursery. That’s a seven to 14-day period which is often stressful for piglets. “This starter period in a pig’s life is a primary function of our products within the swine industry,” noted Saxton “But additional inclusion rates at lower levels are recommended for additional growth stages of your swine herd. This product is also widely used in gestation and lactation rations at the 0.5 percent rate. Producers note significant impact in productivity because of this procedure,” she said. Regarding costs, Saxton said that when you add plasma to young piglet feed, by the time you follow that piglet to market you have increased the value of that pig because of added weight and reduced mortality. “It’s an expensive product, but it more than pays for itself in the lifetime of that pig,” she said. APC Plasma can be obtained by working through your local feed mill and it may be available in some of your commercial feeds. “But the best route is to contact your APC sales representative,” Saxton said. “They can help you to source the product directly from us or from the nearest supplier.” Blood plasma as a feed ingredient has been around for about 35 years. Saxton said they started working with animal scientists at Iowa State University to discover the effects of plasma in piglet feeds. Today,

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — APC Marketing Manager Beth Saxton talks blood — specifically spray dried plasma — at the World Pork Expo held June 7-9 in Des Moines. Added to pig starter diets, plasma can provide nutrition needed for growth and immune Beth Saxton functions. “We manufacture spray-dried plasma and red blood cells from bovine and porcine sources. This is used as an ingredient item for piglet diets as well as sows and boars,” said Saxton. “We are the world’s largest producer of functional proteins. Our focus is to help animals thrive.” Steve Leeson, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, describes plasma protein as being the equivalent of colostrum for baby calves. “Most of the baby pigs in the world are fed plasma when they are first weaned. This is similar to the chicken when it hatches. It goes from the yolk to corn/soya rations overnight. If you have a lot of growth promoters in the feed, this transition is fairly simple. When you don’t, then plasma can help support the immune system of this newly hatched bird, or just-weaned piglet.” Saxton explained that blood is collected from federally-inspected slaughter houses using specialized equipment for this process. This blood is immediately chilled, stored in insulated tanks, then removed quickly to APC’s own isolated spray dry facilities. Once there, it goes into APC holding tanks for concentration and passage through UV (Ultra Violet) photopurification; then spray-dried using heat to itemize into a fine powder. That’s likely more than you care to know about blood plasma. However, if you are a 10,000 pigs per year operation and curious about adding dried blood

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Corn-only seed company hosts growers’ conference By PAUL MALCHOW The Land Managing Editor RUTHVEN, Iowa — An overnight downpour may have made the parking area a little muddy, but vehicles bearing license plates from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota proved the Wyffels Hybrids Corn Strategies show was not to be missed. Wyffels Hybrids is a family-owned seed company based out of Geneseo, Ill. Since 1946 the Wyffel family has won over growers, expanding operations into 10 states. The company has doubled in the last three years,” said Wyffels Director of Marketing Jeff Hartz. “A lot of seed companies are combining efforts and consolidating. We’re family-owned with the third generation now running the company. We produce all of our own corn. We encourage our dealers to think for themselves and providing service is huge. We feel we’re fundamentally different and found our customers want to do business with a company like us.” Wyffels has been staging events like the Corn Strategies show every year — mostly in Illinois and eastern Iowa. Hartz said with more customers coming from Minnesota and Nebraska, the company decided a more western location would be convenient. Wyffels worked with the Williamson brothers to pitch the gigantic tent just outside of Ruthven and on June 28 the show was on. About 350 people attended to take in the exhibits and hear four speakers. First on the podium was Curt Covington, senior vice president of agricultural finance for Farmer Mac Bank. Covington spoke on the importance of the farmer/banker relationship and offered advice on making that

Photo by Paul Malchow

Farmers from a four-state area gathered at the Williamson Brothers farm on June 28 to swap crop stories and hear speakers discuss banking, family estate planning, politics and grain futures speculation. relationship work for both parties. “Debt kills,” Covington said bluntly, indicating a farm operation’s debt to asset ratio should be no more than 60 percent. “Exceptional farmers don’t necessarily make exceptional borrowers. $8 corn can make the worst farmers look pretty good. The measure of a good borrower is how they behave during the good times. What were your habits? What did you do with the profits?” Covington stressed the importance of good record keeping and a farmer’s ability to show bankers a complete picture of the farm’s operation. “The days of walking in to a bank and getting money because your neighbor is on the board are over,” he said. “The most important form of communication between farmer and banker are your financial records. Period.” “A simple accounting system will instill confidence in lenders,” Covington went on to say. “You have to have short and long-term planning. It’s all about risk and risk management — no matter what you grow. And borrowing money is a risk transfer. The bank is

THINKING ABOUT A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT? “Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Let Us Give You A Bid” ~ Give Us A Call

YOUR DEALER FOR... • Sioux Grain Bins • Lambton Conveyors • Hutchinson • Sudenga • NECO GRAIN DRYERS

(1) 90-TON; (2) 40-TON (1) 26-TON CRANES AT YOUR SERVICE

Grain Handling & Drying Equipment / Grain Storage Site Design / Repair & New Construction / 24 Hr Service 320-833-2228 / 217 E Hall Ave / Buffalo Lake, MN 55314 • www.ksmillwrights.com

risking you will follow through. It’s your business, but it’s our money.” Consultant and author Jolene Brown was the next speaker, sharing her thoughts on family farms and bringing family members into the operation. Brown reminded the audience that bringing family members into the business will require compromise. “To honor the family,” she said, “you must do the business right. If not, at the end of the day you may have neither family, nor business. Being part of a business is conditional. It is not a birthright.” Generational differences require new understanding, Brown said. Communication is vital. “Build good communication skills and meeting tools when times are good,” she said, “so they will already be in place to use when times get tough.” Brown also stressed the importance of having a legal estate plan, as well as a management and owner transfer plan in place before retiring. Be sure the senior generation is financially secure and able to take on the expense of health issues and assisted living arrangements. Bringing family members on board simply because they are family can cause problems if those family members don’t share the same vision for the operation. “Hire family members well,” Brown advised, “because it’s hard to fire them.” Former agricultural economics professor and current political consultant Matt Roberts was the next speaker, giving his view on the national political scene as it pertains to agriculture. Roberts admitted while it is difficult to get a handle on the new administration, farmers should be patient and not worry about wholesale changes for the Department of Agriculture.

“There’s always a lot of talk about gridlock in Washington,” Roberts said, “but gridlock isn’t always bad for business. Gridlock means little gets accomplished, but gridlock also means stability. Not much gets done, but business knows what to expect and can plan for the future accordingly.” Roberts feels when all is said and done, the new farm bill will be a minor update of the 2012 version. His main concern for farmers in the Midwest is a lack of representation in national agriculture committees. “The Midwest has less power in ag committees than it has had in decades,” he said. “Only 11 of the 45 ag committee members in Congress come from the Midwest. In the Senate, only 6 of the 21 committee members represent the Midwest.” In recent history, farm bills have not passed “on time.” The last three farm bills have seen temporary extensions before passing. Roberts feels that trend will continue as more Democratic senators are up for re-election in 2018 than Republicans, and Republicans may feel that passing the farm bill on time would be seen as a “win” for the seven Democratic senators on the Agriculture Committee. Roberts’ main concern for the upcoming farm bill and potential budget cuts is the dairy industry. Midwest crop farmers are able to take advantage of ARC-CO coverage and crop insurance premium subsidies, but there are no such programs for dairy farmers. Roberts said dairy producers have been very unhappy with the federal margin protection program and enrollment in the program has collapsed. “Dairy needs a lot of (federal) money,” he said. “Where are the dollars going to come from?” See WYFFELS, pg. 13

Wyffels annual event brings in national-level presentations

Some are already growers, some are just curious, but nearly 400 people attended the Wyffels Hybrids Corn Strategies program on June 28. The company has doubled in the last three years. Trump used a figure of 160 horsepower for technology. He said by 1998, that figure had jumped to 665,360. In 2007, technology was operating at 41,943,040 horsepower, and today that number has climbed to 4,026,531,840. “It’s just crazy how technology changes,” he said. “Millennials will dictate what we grow. We might not like it, but it’s coming.”

COVERED

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

and advised growers to sell if they can get a price they are comfortable with. “Markets are trading quick,” he said. “If you see a good price in the morning, that price could be gone by the time you finish lunch. Shoot the ducks when they’re in the air.” Van Trump also urged the audience to not underestimate the speed of technological advancement. “The big question is, will producers and ag industry professionals be able to keep up with the increasing speed of change?” he said. He equated the power of technology in terms of horsepower. In 1980, at the dawn of the personal computer, Van

Van Trump also sees a rapid advancement in electric transportation. “Ethanol could be on the way out,” he said. Large field equipment could also soon be a thing of the past. Large operators are finding soil compaction can have a 12-15 percent impact on yields. To counter the situation, Van Trump said growers will be turning to smaller tractors equipped with GPS satellite systems which will operate 24/7 in the fields. Jeff Hartz said Wyffels Hybrids will continue to be in the picture, no matter what the future brings. “We are corn only and are aggressive about bringing new genetics into the market,” he said. “Third-party field trials give us an opportunity to show what we can do. We like to put out side-by-side trials with other companies’ products. Typically we surprise people.” Wyffels Hybrids carries 70 different products ranging between 95 and 116day corn. They employ approximately 135 people along with about 450 seed representatives. For more information, visit www.wyffels.com. v

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

WYFFELS, from pg. 12 Roberts is also very leery of President Trump’s attack on federal trade agreements such as North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. “If you go down this road,” he warned, “bad, bad things will happen.” The final speaker of the day was Kevin Van Trump, president and founder of Farm Direction and the Van Trump Report. Van Trump spoke on risk forecasting, particularly in the grain market. “I don’t know where markets are going,” Van Trump said candidly. “Weather is the big factor for corn. With a yield of 165 bushels per acre, growers are going to need a price of $4.50 a bushel to see a profit. If yields drop below 160, that figure is closer to $5.” “Growth in ethanol has leveled off,” Van Trump went on to say. “We’re not exporting as much as was expected.” “Beans are insane to pick. It’s too early to estimate yields,” Van Trump said. He added that high yields in Argentina and Brazil are projected to continue, but moving the grain is a challenge. “Farmers here truck in a load of beans and get annoyed if they have to wait a few hours to unload,” he said. “There is a 35-day wait to unload beans in South America.” Van Trump said he didn’t see much upswing in grain prices in the future

Facebook page focuses on nutrient management

tell the farmer what they need if their fields seem to be lacking in Nitrogen or other vital resources. There are also numerous videos farmers can watch to get a first-hand look at what different problems could look like in different types of crops. Other helpful information can be found at www.extension.umn.edu. Search nutrient management. This article was submitted by University of Minnesota Extension. v

Join The Land Online! Facebook.com/TheLandOnline Twitter.com/TheLandOnline

EXTRA SKID AND TRACK LOADER COVERAGE COMES STANDARD

Since 1973, Gehl has pushed skid loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders designed with productivity and efficiency in mind. Purchase a new Gehl Skid or Track Loader and receive an included 2 year / 2,000 hr XPRT total (full machine) extended coverage plan. Offer subject to change, inquire for details.

EXTRA SKID AND TRACK LOADER COVERAGE COMES STANDARD

Since 1973, Gehl hasYOUR pushed skidLOCAL loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl TODAY! CALL GEHL DEALER continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders designed with productivity and efficiency in mind. Purchase a new Gehl Skid or Track Loader and receive an included•2651-674-4434 year / 2,000 hr XPRT total (full machine) North Branch,Mn. extended coverage plan. Offer subject to change, inquire for details. www.olsonpower.com

Olson Power & Equipment,Inc.

CALL YOUR LOCAL GEHL DEALER TODAY!

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

The University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient Management Team has recently started a Facebook page for farmers and those who are interested in managing nutrients on farms. Visit Facebook/@UMNNutrientMgmt. The Nutrient Management Team focuses on improving overall crop production and nutrient management within your crops. The Facebook page provides a variety of resources to help identify problems with your crops. Articles, questionnaires and quizzes

Local Corn and Soybean Price Index

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.16 -.05 $9.26 +.33 Madison $3.02 -.11 $9.09 +.09 Redwood Falls $3.03 -.14 $9.14 +.19 Fergus Falls $2.90 -.13 $8.78 +.08 Morris $3.05 -.04 $9.08 +.19 Tracy $3.07 -.13 $9.12 +.19 Average: $3.04 $9.08 Year Ago Average: $2.96 $9.59

JULY ‘16

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUNE

JULY

Grain prices are effective cash close on July 18. 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.

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Grain Outlook Livestock Angles Midwest drought Cattle price impacting markets slump continues

Grain Angles Four factors of financial success

Editor’s Note: Joe Lardy, CHS Hedging research analyst, is sitting in this week for Phyllis Nystrom, the regular “Grain Outlook” columnist. The following marketing analysis is for the week ending July 14. CORN — Between the weather and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the market had plenty of inputs to drive prices. The month-end stocks and acreage reports started pushing the corn market in an upward direction. Then, the weather kicked in. The northwestern portion of the Midwest has JOE LARDY had terrible growing conditions CHS Hedging Inc. with too much heat and basically St. Paul no rain. The drought monitor has expanded to cover all of North and South Dakota, and good chunks in Montana and Nebraska, with some big areas in the extreme drought category. Outside of Nebraska, these are not critical states for corn production; but what it does is trims down production potential and forces other areas to overachieve to maintain trendline yields. That does not look likely to happen right now. Crop conditions for corn declined from 68 to 65 percent good/excellent which was a larger drop than expected. The five-year average is 64 percent; but if you exclude 2012, the five-year average is 71 percent. Again, this points to a decent harvest — just not a bin buster. Export inspections were the lowest in nine weeks, dropping under a million tons at 880,507 tons. July

The volatility has not completely exited the livestock markets as of the first week of July. While the cattle prices continue to weaken, the hog market strives to higher price levels. Both seem to be driven by the continuing struggle between supply and demand. Cattle prices have been slipping over the past few weeks after making one final rally in the last few weeks of June. The weakness has been associated with a rapidly falling beef cutout forcing the packer to ease their aggressiveness in the pricing of new live inventory. It appears JOE TEALE that we are finally getting into Broker the suggested increase in cattle Great Plains Commodity supplies that has been forecast Afton, Minn. for months. Another factor that appears to have influenced the slide in cattle prices was the higher prices consumers were facing for beef in comparison to other protein sources. Weights have started to increase, which now adds to the increase in beef production, which also becomes a factor because of the increase in tonnage produced. As supply goes up and demand decreases, it is not a particularly good sign for price appreciation in the future. Most of this negative attitude toward the cattle market is already built-in as evidenced by the discounts the cattle futures are seeing. This may not preclude that cash prices for cattle may not slump further in the weeks ahead. Producers are urged to closely monitor market conditions and protect inventories as needed.

To those outside of agriculture, making a profit with our farming operations might seem simple: buy inputs low and sell grain when prices are high. Through my work with clients at Compeer Financial — and from being a farmer myself — I know firsthand how complex operational finances can be. Profitability stems from more than buying low and selling high. Success as a grain producer means understanding your numbers and leveraging best practices and experiences to squeeze the most out of every purchase, process and sale. BRENT KELSEY A common obstacle I’ve seen Compeer Senior time again in my work — with Credit Officer young and beginning farmers in Mankato, Minn. particular — is the lack of understanding and failing to make adjustments to the individual elements that comprise a healthy financial picture. Do you know your break-evens? Do you know your working capital position? And, do you know what your family spends on living costs? Understanding these components of your financial condition may help you rest a little easier at night. Working capital A reasonable working capital value is between $220 and $250 per acre. An operation with a working capital ratio of 1:1 ($100,000 current assets and $100,000 current liabilities) is likely stressed, as it indicates $0 of working capital per acre farmed. A working capital of at least $220 is desirable in order to be set up for the next couple of years. In order to

See LARDY, pg. 15

See TEALE, pg. 15

See KELSEY, pg. 15

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.

November soybean futures continue upward trend MARKETING were down 12 cents on the week, but are up 42 cents since the beginning of the month. The weather problems in North Dakota are mainly a spring wheat issue, but will have an impact on a small amount of soybean production. Even though North Dakota plants the fourth-largest amount of beans in the United States, they are mainly grown on the far eastern side by the Red River Valley and those conditions have been OK so far. Crop conditions for soybean declined from 64 to 62 percent good/excellent this week. The 2 percent drop was slightly higher than the trade was expecting. The five-year average is 61 percent and the current pace is tracking along with the average almost spoton. Export sales for soybeans were OK this week. New crop sales were the highest of the marketing

year so far, which is expected. However, the pace of new crop sales is way behind. Cumulative new crop sales are 3.97 million tons compared to 8.15 million tons last year at this same time. The five-year average is at 10.97 million tons, so the current level is quite dreadful. The WASDE report wasn’t as bearish for soybeans as it was for corn. The USDA lowered the old crop carryout from 450 to 410 million bushels. It also lowered the new crop carryout from 495 to 460 million bushels. The USDA chose not to make an adjustment to the soybean yield. This was not as surprising as corn, given the beans aren’t really made until August. Outlook: Like corn, the bean market will be driven by weather for the next month. The areas to watch are the dry spots in the upper Midwest and a little too much moisture in parts of the eastern belt. v

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

New plants raise prices for live hogs TEALE, from pg. 14 The hog market has been on an eight-month rally which has taken prices back to levels not seen for several years. Good demand for pork has been the biggest contributing factor to the rise in live prices, despite the fact that supplies of live inventory have risen. Several new hog processing plants are opening soon, which has increased the competition for animals, thus one of the reasons for increase in live prices. The rise in the pork cutout is beginning to show the effect of the higher price levels as volume in pork sales are beginning to reflect a slowing in

demand by the consumer. Given the fact that the pork is in competition with beef, chicken and turkey at the consumer level, one would suspect that hog prices are getting to a point where demand for pork will dictate whether further price appreciation is in the immediate future. Based upon the action in the futures market, the market appears to be a bit tired since futures have gone from a premium to a discount in the lead contract. Producers should be very cognizant of the current market conditions at the present time and protect inventories as warranted. v

For marketing news between issues ... visit www.TheLandOnline.com

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

LARDY, from pg. 14 13 export sales data indicated we are starting to see the shift from old to new crop as we approach the end of the marketing year. Old crop sales of 161,000 tons were the second-lowest of the marketing year; but new crop sales of 280,000 tons were the second-best of the marketing year. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report poured all kinds of cold water on the weather-fueled rally. The old crop carryout of 2.37 billion bushels was right on the high end of expectations. The new crop carryout of 2.325 billion bushels was also on the high end of the range, but was a jump up of 215 million bushels from last month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture chose not to adjust yields this month; but most people in the trade were expecting them to do so. This pushed up the carryout and created the bearish outlook. Global carryouts were also at or above expectations for both old crop and new. The latest Commodity Futures Trading Commission commitment of traders report with data through July 11 showed massive fund buying. Corn speculators bought 132,700 contracts and flipped their position from a net short to a net long. Over the past two weeks, speculators have bought about 200,000 contracts of corn. Outlook: Next week should bring us into pollination across the heart of the Corn Belt. Weather will be front and center for the next month until the USDA gives us the August WASDE report. The weather models have been somewhat consistent with above-average temperatures, so that should continue to keep the market moving. SOYBEANS — The soybean market has been pretty resilient this week. It has been able to sustain a good chunk of the gain which started with the month-end stocks and acreage reports. Soybeans

Knowing break-evens is most important factor to success Easier said, than done, I know. When things were good, some operators and landlords became accustomed to a little better standard of living. We’ve heard it before. However, there are times in all our lives when we need to each ask ourselves and our family, what are our “wants” and what are our “needs?” With the uncertain and volatile agricultural environment, if you are pulling family living expenses from your farm operation, now is the time to evaluate your priorities. Break-evens Really understand your overall financial condition and know your operation’s break-evens. This point is probably the single most important factor to success. If you know your financial health and understand your break-evens, then you will have a better gauge on how your projected year will go and what you might have to adjust. If your break-even is higher than the projected market prices, do you have enough working capital? With your burn rate, is your current working capital enough to sustain you?

If, after reducing living and operational expenses, you are still projecting a loss, look to the large farm expenses, such as land rent. You want to be fair, but you also want to remain profitable and competitive. We’ve had a lot of clients successfully negotiate their rents with help from our Margin Manager and benchmarking reports comparing their operations against their peers. Plug your numbers into Compeer’s Margin Manager to see what your break-evens are and utilize the information to help in your negotiations. President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.” Here at Compeer we are local. In fact, many of us have a direct relation to the farm, or actually farm ourselves. Ask the sales or credit specialists at Compeer what you can do to keep your operation profitable. For more insights from Compeer ag experts, visit www.compeer.com. v

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

KELSEY, from pg. 14 grow your operation, you will need two to three times this. Burn rate After determining your working capital, calculate your working capital burn rate. That’s the length of time it will take to run out of working capital. If the next year or two projected market prices are such that an operating loss is evident, will you still be able to meet all obligations? Let’s say you currently have $100,000 of working capital and you farm 800 acres. You have $125 of working capital per acre. What if your projected loss is $60,000? Essentially, your working capital burn rate is $75 per acre and you will be out of working capital before the end of year two. Family draws What is your family living/owner draw from the farm? Can you eliminate unnecessary expenses?

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

National Pork Producers court export market By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — With trade agreements capturing national headlines, Maria Zieba, deputy director of international affairs for the National Pork Producers Council, pointed out that 25 percent of all U.S. pork production is exported; Maria Zieba and China is not the number-one buyer. “Our number-one export market is Japan,” she said. “We sold over a billion dollars of pork to Japan in 2016.” Zieba added that she feels Japan’s robust market will continue for some time. Next on the export list is Mexico, then China/Hong Kong, followed by Canada. Zieba said even with a reported 30 million sows in China, the country will still be in the market for imported pork. “They are buying a lot of pork,” Zieba stated. “As their middle class population becomes more affluent, pork purchases are going to increase because they can’t produce enough within their own swine industry.” She pointed out the United States has the largest market share of exports. “We’re proud of that. We’ve beaten the Danish which used to occupy that position in many foreign markets. And we’ve now beaten other pork suppliers into the China market. We know China will be a growing market because their people simply want to keep increasing the amount of protein from meats into their daily diets.” Zieba noted China is a good market for U.S. pork offal products which are meats less desired by Americans. “That provides a great benefit to our producers because much of these carcass products would otherwise go into rendering or pet food which has much lower value. We’re able to squeeze a little extra money out of those guts and bladders because China

buys these products,” she said. Mexico is also a big buyer of U.S. pork products. “They buy U.S. hams. In fact, Mexico is the biggest export market for U.S. hams. We’ve been able to grow that market in large part thanks to the North America Free Trade Agreement,” she said. For pork producers, NAFTA has been advantageous.

“We were able to negotiate a really good deal with NAFTA in the early ’90s which gives U.S. pork producers unlimited access into both Mexico and Canada. We pay zero duties into both countries and that is basically why Canada and Mexico are number two and number four markets for U.S. pork. If you look at volume, Mexico is number one for U.S. pork because of the tremendous number of hams shipped to Mexico,” she said. In the next few months, NAFTA is expected to be modernized. “We can’t get a better deal than our current deal. Our motto is ‘Do No Harm.’ We agree there are areas that need updating in the current NAFTA agreement. But when it comes to pork, we are very satisfied,” she said. Zieba noted that meat suppliers are looking to expand due to the growing world population. Protein is generally mentioned as a top need in most countries. “U.S. production will keep expanding,” she said. “We’re looking at about 3 percent more pork this calendar year. We beat our beef brethren in meat production last year, the first time since 1960 that the increase in pork production exceeded the increase in

beef production.” National Pork Producers Council works with National Beef Growers Association and National Meat Export Federation. For instance, National Meat Export Federation handles market promotion in Mexico, working with an agency in Mexico and then NPPC collaborates to further these deals. “They put us in touch with the buyers in Mexico, for example. Also, some of our meat packers are multi-national and already have offices in Mexico and Canada and Japan and China,” she said. “A lot of this has to do with branding and introducing new recipes. So expanding the power through more marketers is the key to keeping our meat export markets growing.” Zieba recognized that the market for organic foods, including meats, is growing. “However, it is still a very small domestic market for pork,” she explained. “Keep in mind that markets adjust and will always keep changing depending upon the latest demands of our consumers. If the consumer wants organic, they will get it. But obviously, some adjustments in the supply chain needs to be forthcoming. And of course, it depends upon if they are willing to pay the additional price.” Zieba was interviewed at the World Pork Expo, held June 7-9, in Des Moines. She said the National Pork Producers Council will continue to be a presence at future World Pork Expos. “We had over 20,000 people show up last year from countries around the world,” she said. “Even more this year is the prediction. I just met with the head of pork producers in Columbia. We had a good discussion about working together. I’ll be talking with other country producers and marketers during Expo. It truly is our showcase to the world. It shows the rest of the world how good we are at producing pork, and how innovative we have become. That is somewhat what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Our pork producers to some extent are the envy of the world. We simply have some of the best.” Zieba’s office is located in Washington, D.C. Her e-mail address is ziebam@nppc.org. v

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Applications accepted for beginning farmers program LEWISTON, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project is now accepting applications for its Farm Beginnings Program and the Journeyperson Course. Farm Beginnings is a 12-month course that helps beginning farmers clarify their goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan and start the process of building their operation. Classes will be held in Pine City, beginning in October. Nine farmer-led classroom sessions will be held on Saturdays until March 2018, followed by on-farm tours and field days, as well as opportunities to connect with an extensive farmer network. Farm Beginnings applications are due by Sept. 1. Applications received by Aug. 1 will receive a $100

discount off the regular $1,500 tuition fee. Needbased scholarships are available. LSP’s two-year Journeyperson Course is designed to support people who have a few years of farm startup and management experience under their belt, and are working to take their operation to the next level. Through the course, participants gain assistance moving their farming plans forward through advanced financial planning and one-on-one financial advisement; production assistance through mentorship with an experienced farmer; and guidance on balancing farm, family and personal needs. The course consists of four retreats held in the region over the course of two years, as well as in-

depth, individualized work with a financial adviser and a farmer-mentor. Participants who develop and execute a comprehensive financial plan are eligible to have their savings of up to $2,400 matched to invest in a wealth-generating asset for their farm. The cost of the Journeyperson Course is $1,200. Applications and a $200 deposit are due Oct. 1. For information and application materials, see www. farmbeginnings.org or contact Dori Eder at (612) 578-4497; e-mail dori@landstewardshipproject.org. This article was submitted by the Land Stewardship Project. v

Beans slow to flower, second hay crop baled



Larry Konsterlie, Pennock, July 14

On July 14, Corey Hanson was cleaning out grain bins and hauling last year’s crop to town from his corn, soybean, wheat and alfalfa farm. He also raises cattle. “I’ve taken advantage of some of the increase in prices the last two weeks,” he said. Dramatic storms came through the area the week of July 10. On nearby farms, some corn looked like it had been flattened by a rolling pin. “Our farm just got a little shower or rain,” he said. “The fields are doing OK. Corey Hanson We don’t have an overabundance of moisture right now.” Otherwise, corn looks good in his country, he reported. “Soybeans look the poorest of all crops,” said Hanson. “I don’t think we have an average crop.” Hanson noted iron chlorosis and poor emergence. Walking his fields, he estimated that only 50 percent of his beans were flowering. He noted that beans should flower July 1, but the crop’s made in August so he will keep watching. He reported that aphid spraying has started in his area on soybeans that were not treated this spring. Hanson did not need to spray his beans. “I did have to spray my alfalfa for aphids and grasshoppers,” said Hanson.



Mark Ditlevson, Blooming Prairie, July 10

Mark Ditlevson finished spraying soybeans for the first time. He applied a 32 percent nitrogen sidedress on some of his corn acres. He has finally gotten caught up on the farm work. “We’re getting the combine ready to take wheat,” reported Ditlevson. Mark Ditlevson The winter wheat should be ready within two weeks. Ditlevson said he is extremely happy about the surge in the wheat market. “Dumb luck. I didn’t know it was going to do this,” he said. His farm hooked an inch of rain on July 9. He said Blooming Prairie has been in a “sweet spot” so far. “Everything is really looking well,” he said. As a member of the Steele County Free Fair board, he is also working on the fair to be held Aug. 15-20.

2009 VOLVO VNL64T300

2005 MACK VISION CX613 For Sale Price: $28,500

For Sale Price: $21,000

23774 380th Ave. Hancock, MN 56244 P: (320) 795-2827 F: (320) 795-2892 www.kannegiessertrucksales.com

2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120

14L Detroit, 515 HP, 864,530 miles, Freedom line auto, 3:55 ratio, 176” WB, new clutch, wet kit.

For Sale Price: $28,500

2008 TIMPTE

40’ X 96” X 66” load gauge & dump valve, SS front corners, new brakes, drums are 85%, 50% caps on front axle, 85% virgins on rear axle.

For Sale Price: $21,000

2015 MAURER

40’, spring ride, drivers side sliding winch track, wood floor. For Sale Price: $26,750

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

42’, 68” sides, Ag Hopper, 20” clearance, 11R24.5 tires, new brakes, 4 sight windows.

For Sale Price: $27,500



Bob Roelofs, Garden City, July 11

On July 9, powerful storms and two tornadoes touched down north of Lake Crystal. Roelofs farms south of Lake Crystal between Garden City and Vernon Center. The area north of him got hit pretty hard, he reported. “We got a little bit of down corn, but nothing Bob Roelofs too terrible,” said Roelofs. Spraying was completed on their corn and soybeans. He expects that he may have to spray for soybean aphids in two to three weeks. Soybeans flowered around the Fourth of July on some farms, he noted. “Overall things look real good besides the wind we got on Sunday (July 9),” said Roelofs. Roelofs missed the storm as he was attending the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin. The conference is an “eye opener” as he is learning about the industry, from packers to producers, across the country. His own pigs are doing well, but the heat may set back some weights a bit, he said. “They’re surviving the summer,” he said.

2009 JET HOPPER

ISX Cummins, 450 HP, 10 spd, 590,000 miles, 3:73 ratio, LP 22.5 tires, 176” WB, Very clean,

460HP, 18 spd, 1,180,838 miles, 224” WB, new steers and drives, new brakes and drums,

Hultgren Farms received 90 F heat, an inch of rain and no major weather events in the last week. “Things have perked up,” said Hultgren. The Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative completed a random root sampling across many fields to get a baseline to project tonnage. “We’re coming in about average,” said Hultgren. At Hultgren Farms, cover crops have been planted where corn acreage Nate Hultgren suffered a 90 percent loss due to a June storm. The co-op did not release the 200 acres of sugarbeets damaged by the storm. “The root sample didn’t come back very good, but they’re green and growing so we’ll see where it comes out,” he said. “At least it looks like a beet field again.” The Hultgrens also chopped some of the hay that was beat up in the storm to get back on a schedule. They also chopped a new alfalfa stand. They wrapped up spraying crops, except for sugarbeets. Sugarbeets are sprayed every 10 to 14 days for Cercospora leaf blight. The Hultgrens are gearing up for harvest. Sugarbeet fields are projected to open the end of August. “We’re lining up drivers for fall harvest. Silage will start on Labor Day. We’re trying to get all our machinery and people in place,” said Hultgren.

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

“We wrapped up spraying soybeans for weed control last week,” reported Larry Konsterlie from his corn and soybean farm. Now he’s watching the crops grow. “Everything looks really good and Larry Konsterlie green. The corn is 10 to 14 days away from tasseling. Might be sooner with the heat that’s possibly coming,” he said. He reported a few shots of rain, but nothing measurable. The soybeans are not flowering, but he expects to see some decent plants even though they’re behind. “You make your corn in July. You make your soybeans in August. We’ll see how well that turns out,” said Konsterlie. His second crop of hay is cut and baled. He plans to haul some to hay auction the week of July 17. “The second crop turned out pretty nice too,” said Konsterlie.



Nate Hultgren, Raymond, July 10

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017



Corey Hanson, Gary, July 14

Compiled by The Land Associate Editor Marie Wood

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Will federal crop insurance program be overhauled? tection) or other special crop insurance A few weeks ago, the Trump adminisoptions that may be subsidized could also tration released its 10-year proposed fedreach the subsidy limit with fewer acres. eral budget, which is targeted to reduce federal expenditures on crop insurance In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the by $58.7 billion over the next 10 years, federal government offered increased preor a reduction of approximately $6 bilmium subsidies and developed new prodlion per year for the next decade. Many ucts in order to encourage greater particisimilar cuts have also been proposed as pation in the federal crop insurance promeasures to reduce the federal budget gram. The concept was to have a selfdeficit by some members of Congress in FARM PROGRAMS selected risk management program that recent years. In the past, there has been allowed farm operators to make individuBy Kent Thiesse enough bipartisan support from memal decisions on crop insurance coverage bers of Congress representing areas for their various farm units. The fedwith significant agriculture produceral government also wanted to elimtion to prevent the passage of legisinate the need for ad-hoc disaster lation with drastic cutbacks to the programs that were enacted on an annual basis sevfederal crop insurance program. eral times prior to that time period, as a result of The current administration budget would achieve natural disasters in varying crop producing areas of the crop insurance reductions by limiting the maxi- the United States. There have been very limited admum federal premium subsidy to $40,000 per farm hoc federal disaster programs related to crop production in recent years, even though we have experioperation. Currently, there is no limit on the maximum premium subsidy. The administration propos- enced some major natural disasters, such as the 2012 drought in widespread crop producing areas of al would also eliminate the popular Harvest Price the United States. Option for crop insurance that is utilized as a risk management tool by most Midwest corn and soybean producers. In addition, the administration revisions would eliminate federal crop insurance The premium subsidy limit and coverage to any farm operation that exceeds elimination of Harvest Price Option $500,000 in adjusted gross income. If all of these could make it more difficult for changes were implemented, it could drastically some highly leveraged farm operachange the federal crop insurance program for tors to get financed for their crop many crop producers, as we know it today. input costs, especially younger The average federal subsidy for most common levfarmers with limited assets and els of crop insurance coverage for corn, soybeans mostly rented crop acres. and wheat is about 60 percent. In other words, if the gross cost of the crop insurance premium is $40 Most corn and soybean producers in Minnesota per acre, the farmer would pay $16 per acre (40 perand other Midwestern states buy revenue protection cent) and the federal subsidy would be $24 per acre crop insurance policies, which protect against the (60 percent). Under the administration proposal, combination of yield losses and price reductions duronce a farm operator hits the $40,000 limit, the ing the growing season. A base revenue level is farmer would be required to pay 100 percent of the established on a farm unit using the historic avercrop insurance premium, which would be a signifiage crop yield multiplied by the national average cant increase in the cost of insurance coverage. crop price on March 1, at the beginning of the insurThe Crop Insurance Title of the farm bill provides ance coverage period. With RP policies, the insurcrop insurance availability for over 100 different ance coverage level purchased by farm operators is a crops, including many high-value fruit and vegetapercentage of that base revenue, ranging from 50 up ble crops. There is a wide variation in the level of to 85 percent. Insurance coverage levels of 75 to 85 crop acres required to hit the proposed $40,000 pre- percent are the most common for Midwest corn and mium subsidy limit. Producers with very high-value soybean producers in recent years. The final crop crops could hit the subsidy limit with just a few revenue on the insured farm unit is the actual crop hundred acres, while producers in some other areas yield times the crop price at harvest time. If the may require 6,000 or more acres to reach the limit. actual crop revenue is lower than the guaranteed insurance coverage, a crop insurance indemnity payCorn and soybean producers in many upper ment is made for that crop on that farm unit. Midwestern states that typically utilize 80 percent revenue protection crop insurance coverage with Most of the corn and soybean producers in the HPO would likely hit the $40,000 limit at approxiMidwest utilize the harvest price option which is mately 1,500 to 2,000 acres, which is not a large available with RP insurance policies. The HPO perfarm operation by today’s standards. Farm operators mits producers that incur yield reductions greater that raise some acres of canning crops or specialty than their coverage level (for example, 80 percent of crops with higher crop insurance premiums may hit average yield) to have added crop insurance protecthe insurance subsidy limit with even fewer acres. tion if crop prices are higher at harvest time than Producers that utilize higher coverage levels of crop the base price on March 1. This option allows farm insurance coverage (such as 85 percent revenue pro- operators to forward price a higher percentage of

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

MARKETING

their crop production at profitable prices, while still having insurance protection against the possibility of very low crop yields at harvest time. Without the HPO, using hedging or other forward pricing tools for grain prior to harvest becomes much more risky. This could lead to some agricultural lenders being unwilling to extend credit to finance grain hedging positions for some farm operators. What is often overlooked with HPO is that it only comes into play when the crop insurance harvest price is higher than the March 1 base price for a given crop. At that point, a RP insurance policy functions the same as a yield protection insurance policy, which pays insurance indemnity payments on yield losses only. As a result, the only producers who are able to collect crop insurance indemnity payments for a given crop in those years are those with a yield reduction due to a natural disaster. For example, a corn producer with an actual production history yield of 180 bu./acre, with an 80 percent RP policy in place, would need an actual corn yield below 144 bu./ acre to collect an indemnity payment for the year. So, HPO is not a windfall profit for producers with higher yield levels, as some critics have portrayed. The federal crop insurance program is the main risk management program utilized by crop farmers across the United States. If Congress were to enact legislation that included the administration crop insurance proposals, it would certainly impact most crop producers in the Midwest and other areas. The premium subsidy limit and elimination of HPO could make it more difficult for some highly leveraged farm operators to get financed for their crop input costs, especially younger farmers with limited assets and mostly rented crop acres. The changes could also result in private companies developing alternative crop insurance coverage for larger producers that are impacted by the $40,000 subsidy limit. This could change the overall participation levels and loss ratio dynamics for the federal crop insurance program in the future. In recent years, there have been other proposals to reduce or restrict crop insurance benefits. However, these proposals have never gotten too far in Congress. There now seems to a bit more momentum behind the current proposals to change crop insurance, with support from the Trump administration, as well as from some budget conservatives in Congress. Many members of Congress have pledged to make reductions in the federal budget deficit, and the crop insurance program seems like the “low hanging fruit” when looking at reductions in ag-related programs. At the same time, other members of Congress and agricultural leaders are stressing the need to maintain a strong crop insurance program as the centerpiece of a risk protection program for U.S. crop producers. Many farm operators also question the timing of making major changes, given the current projected low commodity prices and reduced farm profitability. 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) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v

Milker's Message 28

from

THE LAND

WASDE forecasts lower dairy output for 2017, 2018 raised 50 million bushels on a larger crop and lower expected prices. With other use categories unchanged, corn ending stocks were raised 215 million bushels from last month. Soybean production was projected at 4.26 million bushels, up 5 million on increased harvested area. Harvested area, estimated at 88.7 million acres in the June 30 Acreage report. The soybean yield forecast was unchanged at 48.0 bu./acre. Despite slightly higher production, 2017-18 soybean supplies

were reduced 35 million bushels on lower beginning stocks. With projections for exports and crush unchanged, 2017-18 soybean ending stocks were reduced 35 million bushels to 465 million. Soybean exports for 2016-17 were projected at 2.1 million bushels, up 50 million, reflecting shipments and outstanding sales through early July. Soybean crush was reduced 10 million bushels to 1.9 million on lower projectSee MIELKE, pg. 20

<< MILKER’S MESSAGE >>

ADDED PROTECTION FOR THE MUSTANGS IN YOUR STABLE Mustang Compact Skid Steers and Track Loaders come standard with the right power needed to tackle the biggest tasks. Purchase a new Mustang Skid Steer or Track Loader by June 30, 2017 and receive a 2 year / 2,000 hour XPRT total (full machine) extended coverage plan at no additional cost.

CALL CALL YOURYOUR AREAAREA MUSTANG DEALER TODAY! MUSTANG DEALER TODAY! Lake Henry Implement

Lake Henry, MN • 320-243-7411

MN Truck & Tractor

Mankato, MN • 507-388-4599

Northland Farm Systems

Owatonna, MN • 507-451-3131

SE Skid Loader

St. Charles, MN • 507-932-3808

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

This column was written NDM and whey price forefor the marketing week endcasts for 2018 were ing July 14. unchanged. The 2017 U.S. milk proThe 2017 and 2018 Class duction forecast was lowIII milk price forecasts ered for the fourth month were lowered from last in a row by the U.S. month “in line with lower Department of Agriculture’s component product prices.” latest World Agricultural Look for the 2017 Class III MIELKE MARKET Supply and Demand price to average around WEEKLY Estimates report issued on $16.00 per hundredweight, July 12. The 2018 output down 55 cents from last By Lee Mielke forecast was also reduced month’s projection and comas “growth in milk per cow has been pares to $14.87 in 2016 and $15.80 in slower than expected, and the forecast 2015. The 2018 average was put at growth rate was reduced.” $16.95, down 30 cents from last month’s estimate. 2017 production and marketings were projected at 216.3 and 215.3 bilClass IV milk price forecasts were lion pounds respectively, down 400 increased for 2017 and 2018 reflecting million pounds from last month. If higher butter prices. It is expected to realized, 2017 production would still average about $15.85 this year, up 35 be up 3.9 billion pounds or 1.8 percent cents from what was expected last from 2016. month, and compares to $13.77 in 2018 production and marketings were 2016 and $14.35 in 2015. The 2018 Class IV average was projected at projected at 221.2 and 220.2 billion around $16.25, up 45 cents from what pounds respectively, down 500 million was expected a month ago. pounds from last month. If realized, 2018 production would be up 4.9 billion This month’s 2017-18 U.S. corn outpounds or 2.3 percent from 2017. look is for larger supplies, greater feed and residual use, and higher ending Fat basis import forecasts for 2017 stocks, according to the WASDE. Corn and 2018 were unchanged from last beginning stocks were raised 75 milmonth. Fat-basis export forecasts for lion bushels reflecting lower feed and 2017 and 2018 were raised on continresidual use in 2016-17 based on indiued robust exports of cheese. On a cated disappearance during the first skim-solids basis, imports for 2017 were reduced from the previous month three quarters of the marketing year in the June 30 Grain Stocks report. on lower expected purchases of milk protein concentrates, but the 2018 Corn production for 2017-18 is proimport forecast remained unchanged. jected 190 million bushels higher The 2018 skim solids import forecast based on increased planted and harwas unchanged. Skim-solid exports for vested areas from the June 30 Acreage Report. The national average 2017 and 2018 were raised as nonfat corn yield was unchanged at 170.7 dry milk and cheese shipments are bushels per acre. expected to remain strong. For 2017, cheese and whey price forecasts were During June, harvested-area weightreduced from the previous month, ed precipitation for the major corn-prowhile butter prices were forecast high- ducing states was below normal, but er. The NDM price forecast was did not represent an extreme deviation unchanged but the range was narfrom average. For much of the crop, the rowed. Cheese prices for 2018 were critical pollination period will be durreduced while butter prices were ing middle and late July. Projected feed raised on continued strong demand. and residual use for 2017-18 was

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

NEWS & INFO FOR MINNESOTA & NORTHERN IOWA DAIRY PRODUCERS

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Plenty of fresh cheese, but limited cold storage MIELKE, from pg. 19 ed soybean meal exports and domestic use. Soybean ending stocks for 2016-17 were projected at 410 million bushels, down 40 million from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price was forecast at $8.40 to $10.40 per bushel, up 10 cents at the midpoint. Soybean meal prices were forecast at $300 to $340 per short ton, up $5.00 at the midpoint. USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows 65 percent of the U.S. corn crop was rated good to excellent the week of July 9, down from 68 percent the previous week and down from 76 percent the previous year. Sixty-two percent of the soybeans are good to excellent, up from 64 percent the previous week, but down from 71 percent a year ago. n Cash cheese prices strengthened the second week of July. The 40-pound cheddar blocks finished at $1.6750 per pound, up 12.25 cents and the highest price since June 2 and a penny and a half above a year ago. The 500-pound cheddar barrels closed July 14 at $1.4750, up a dime on the week, 27 cents below a year ago, but at an unsustainable 20 cents

below the blocks. On the week, 17 cars of block trad- space, these are all the hot-button issues of ed hands at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and today. On balance, discussions tend to lean more 50 of barrel. bearish this week.” The Daily Dairy Report’s Sarina Sharp wrote in Milk intakes are WE mixed amongst BUILD OUR cheesemakers STALLS RIGHT!in the July 7 Milk Producers Council newsletter, the Midwest, according to Dairy Market News. Take a look at “Domestic cheese demand seems to be improving Some reports indicate milk is still available, our with modestly, but America’s appetite for cheese is although storage capacity concerns aretubing hindering unequaled unequal to its output.” some producers from taking on extra milk.corrosion Others protection! report taking on spot milk from flat market to $3 Speaking to the price spread, the July 11 Daily under Class III. Cheese sales generally range Dairy Report stated, “For the first time in June Freudenthal Tubing has been price gap is engineered for your specific 2017, the June block-barrel price spread topped 20.5 steady to slow but the block to barrel “distressing for the overall market.” requirements where strength cents. Interestingly, it also pointed out that “There and corrosion resistance is clearly more barrel cheese sold at the CME Cheese are experiencing a “sea-are CORROSION Auto cash Release Head Lockscurd Panelproducers criticalfairs designand factors.commarket. Approximately 228 loads, about 9.7 million sonal robustness in PROTECTION orders. As local pounds of barrel cheese, exchanged hands in June munity events are in their prime season, some proComfort Tieother Stall vari2017, compared to 63 loads in June 2016. Since ducers report a shift inCS-60 production from January 2017, slightly more than 300 loads of block eties to curds, for the near term.” The Toughest cheese have traded at the CME compared to nearly Western cheese makers report active manufacturmore than 850 loads of barrel cheese.” ing, although milk production is slowing to Stalls some FC Stone’s July 14 Early Morning Update extent. The lighter intakes have had a negligible on the • Provides superior“Uncertainty lunge area summed up the cheese market: around effect on cheese prices and inventories. Contacts market, • Much stronger than our of plenty of the spot spread, continued discussions say stocks are still long, but demand is starting to guaranteed beam systems available fresh cheese,competitors’ not enough cold storage See MIELKE, pg. 21 not to bend • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs. • Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today

Freudenthal MANUFACTURING

REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT

W. 6322 Cty. O, Medford, WI 54451 (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 www.freudenthalmfg.com Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE!

We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs

GREAT

<< MILKER’S MESSAGE >>

STALLS BUILT TOUGH & DESIGNED RIGHT!

Freudenthal

MANUFACTURING

STALLS BUILT TOUGH & DESIGNED RIGHT! Cow Straps

Drinking Cups

Tie Chain Assy.

• 24” wide, 50” long x 45” tall, lower section 16” deep

Cow Straps

Drinking Cups

6300 Tee Clamps

Tie Chain Assy.

• Durable medium density poly • Easy cleaning • Deluxe, high performance POLYSQUARE DOME CALF POLY CALF WARMER NURSERY 110 volt, • 24” wide, 50” long x 45” tall, lower section 16” deep 2 heat settings •• Durable Raised slotted medium floor poly density • Easy cleaning • Deluxe, high performance 110 volt, 2 heat settings • Raised slotted floor

Tee Clamps

4-Way, 5-Way & Corner Clamps

LIVESTOCK WATERERS

POLY DOME CALF WARMER

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Elevated Dual Rail Suspended Freestalls

4-Way, 5-Way & Corner Clamps

LIVESTOCK WATERERS 6300 line of waterers Complete on our website: www.freudenthalmfg.com

Complete line of waterers on our website: www.freudenthalmfg.com

Rail Suspended Top Rail Clamps Flange Clamps Freestalls

SPECIAL COW MATS

• Provides superior area & U-Boltlunge Clamps & Gate Hinges • Much stronger than our competitors’ beam systems • No Stall mounts in the concrete or sand • Fully adjustable • Stall system stays high and dry, resulting in longer life • Installation labor savings • Head-to-head and single row options available • Compare the weight of this system, heaviest available on the market today

COOLAIR FAN

Flange Clamps

COMPLETE LINE OF RITCHIE Diagonal Feed Thru Panel WATERING FOUNTAINS

on the market, guaranteed not to bend

COMPLETE LINEMaterials OF RITCHIE • Top Quality WATERING FOUNTAINS

• Smart Design • Built To Last Relax...

COMPLETE WATERER PARTS ON HAND waters ‘em right • Top Quality Materials • Smart Design • Built To Last waters ‘em right

• 100% Pure rubber • 12-Year guarantee • Textured non-slip surface • 3/4” x 4’ x 6’ LEGEND SOFT MAT YourBED Ultimate

Choice in Safety, Economy and Durability Supreme COMFORT PAD

Made To Order

Relax...

Discounts on Larger Orders

• Simple low maintenance • No thin top cover to break down and tear • Specialized urethane foam underlay which does not pack over time like crumb filled beds • Fully molded and reinforced top mat for stability and added hygiene • Simple and fast installation • 5 year warranty

Top Rail Clamps

& Gate Hinges & U-Bolt Clamps PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY ARE THE KEY COOLAIR CS-60 Comfort Tie Stall NOTES TO FAN THE COOLAIR The Toughest PERFORMANCE NCFAND FANS Stalls

EFFICIENCY ARE THE KEY NOTES TO THE COOLAIR NCF FANS

Made To Order

• Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing • Panels are hot dipped galvanized after welding inside and out • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs.

COMPLETE WATERER PARTS ON HAND

LEGEND GROOVED RUBBER ROLL

We will Ship Anywhere!

• Proven for Extreme Durability • 5mm Stainless Cable Inlay • Guaranteed NEVER to Stretch • Grooved Top For Traction • Can Be Used With Automatic & Skid Steer Scrapers • 10 year warranty

Butter exports could grow, squeezing domestic supplies catch up to production and, perhaps, starting to draw on stocks. Domestic demand is stable and a number of manufacturers say cheese is moving well but marketers remain hopeful that the lower U.S. cheese prices, compared to world markets, may boost export opportunities in the near future. Lots of butter made its way to Chicago this week and the price dipped to $2.5850 per pound on July 12. But, it closed on July 14 at $2.60, up a penny and a half on the week and 28 cents above a year ago, with 67 cars sold on the week. FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski wrote in his July 13 Early Morning Update, “U.S. butter weakness seems counter-intuitive in the face of the recent strengthening of EU prices, and discount to those of Oceania, as the growing spread in values will attract export interests which would constrain future domestic supplies.” Speaking of Oceania, Russia warned New Zealand this week that it may face restrictions of dairy imports after local tests revealed the presence of tetracycline in New Zealand butter. Meanwhile, adding to Canada’s butter shortage woes, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced an additional recall of various brands of butter due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. In other butter news, HighGround Dairy reported, “France now takes the lead on record high butter prices as the strong Euro pushed values to $3.38 per pound, a full 77 cents above the U.S. May ‘17 milk production in France was down 2.9 percent year-onyear with weekly volumes reported throughout June worsening against prior year. The production of butterfat during May was down a whopping 10.2 percent year-on-year for the second consecutive month. During April and May, France reported a total loss of 19.3 million pounds from last year.” Back home, Dairy Market News says butter sales are “steady to strong.” Some producers relay that retail butter sales are on par with this time last year. Butter production is ongoing, although some producers are opting to sell cream on the spot market. “There is some indication of firming cream markets, as seasonal temperatures are taking their toll on overall milk production,” says Dairy Market News, “However, some butter manufacturers suggest the current cream availability will continue for the near term, as Class II manufacturers entered cream buying relatively early to avoid an expected tightening of supplies in the summer months.” Western butter makers report steady to lower production. A number of operators who reduced their churning activity during the Fourth of July holiday were back to normal volumes. Some are decreasing output to take advantage of higher cream prices. Those who can afford to, are selling cream to ice cream processors, according to Dairy Market News. Butter inventories are stable and in line with processing needs while demand is steady at seasonal

levels. Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed July 14 at 86.25 cents per pound, down a half-cent on the week and 1.25 cents below a year ago. On the week, 61 carloads were sold, including a single day record of 31 loads on July 11. The Daily Dairy Report’s Sharp writes, “The

American discount will likely continue to fuel U.S. milk powder exports, and the weak currency will add to our competitive advantage.” “We’ll need all the currency leverage we can get,” Sharp said, “as we are losing our edge on other fronts. This week Japan and the European Union See MIELKE, pg. 22

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

MIELKE, from pg. 20

OVERED

<< MILKER’S MESSAGE >>

EXTRA SKID AND TRACK LOADER COVERAGE COMES STANDARD Since 1973, Gehl has pushed skid loader innovation forward. Today, Gehl continues the tradition with a complete line of skid loaders and track loaders designed with productivity and efficiency in mind. Purchase a new Gehl Skid or Track Loader before June 30th and receive an included 2 year / 2,000 hr XPRT total (full machine) extended coverage plan. Hurry offer ends soon.

Marzolf Implement Spring, Valley, MN

Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN

Olson Power & Equipment North Branch, MN

Arnold’s

Kimball, MN • St. Martin, MN Willmar, MN

A&C United Farm Service Farmers Co-op Paynesville, MN

Lafayette, MN

www.gehl.com

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

CALL YOUR LOCAL GEHL DEALER TODAY!

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

DNA Genetics goal: Make a better pig every day By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — Swine genetics exhibits proliferated the World Pork Expo, held in Des Moines from June 7-9. One of the exhibitors was Nebraska-located, DNA Genetics. DNA’s Chief Executive Officer Brett Bonwell sat down to answer a few Brett Bonwell questions. He began by explaining how DNA became widely known in the swine genetics arena. “It’s pretty simple,” Bonwell stated. “We’ve got a great team. We think we have the best people in this business. We’ve got the best pigs. And with

THE LEADER IN FEEDERS!

<< MILKER’S MESSAGE >>

GREAT DEALS GREAT PRICES NOW!

HIGH STEEL INSERT IN 20’ ARROW FRONT FEEDER ®

LARGE BALES IN A 30’ TANDEM AXLE ARROW FRONT® FEEDER

FULL SIZE BUNKS

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

SPECIALTY FEEDERS

See Your Local Dealer for information on the complete line. Ask for a full color brochure. Sorensen’s Sales &Coop Rentals Northland Farm Sorensen’s Sales & Systems Rentals United Farmers Lafayette, Hutchins,MN MN

507-228-8224 320-587-2162

Hutchinson, Owatonna,MN MN

320-587-2162 800-385-3911

United Farmers Coop Northland Farm Systems

Marzolf Marzolf Implement Implement

800-385-3911 507-228-8224

507-346-7227 507-346-7227

Lafayette, Owatonna,MN MN

Spring SpringValley, Valley,MN MN

The Leader In Feeders! Famous for minimum feed waste!

that, it simply means we have the best genetic options for our customers!” Q: So who says you have the best pig besides you guys? Bonwell: Our customers. And that’s why we are growing so rapidly. Producers having good results are what drives this business much like any other business in the pork industry. Q: Is there a Duroc pedigree in your DNA genetic lineup? Bonwell: Yes, our Duroc line originated in the United States and Canada with Denmark being the original lineage. Q: Do you provide semen of boars for any hog producer? Bonwell: Yes, we provide semen to any and all customers. They can purchase either through our gene transfer centers, or they can buy the boars and do their own collections. Q: Plus you provide a data base for your genetic selections? Bonwell: Yes, our Helix data base helps producers manage their boar inventory which helps them determine if they are aggressively rotating them to keep up with the latest in genetics. We say we are making a better pig every day through genetic improvement, so producers don’t want to get behind.

Q: What key features make your DNA genetics superior? Bonwell: Our female side is proven in the industry. Data shows our female weans two more pigs per sow per year than the next closest competitor. She is an F1 York/Landrace progeny. She’s highly prolific producing offspring that grow very well and have good conversion too. The Duroc in our seedstock is a fast-growing, efficient line that thrives in commercial settings. With that combo, producers are able to have a robust pig that will withstand some of the disease challenges that producers face. It’s not perfect, but it is more robust than many others. With this combination, producers have a highly prolific sow producing litters that grow well and convert well. And packers love the Duroc. Today, 65 percent of the pigs harvested each day (we’re talking 420,000 or so per day) have a Duroc bloodline. Q: How about yield comparisons of DNA versus your competition? Bonwell: We typically see about 1.5 percent improvement in yield with our product compared with others. Q: With two more pigs per sow per year, do your sows last as long? See GENETICS, pg. 23

American cheese use is up 1.6 percent MIELKE, from pg. 21 reached a preliminary trade pact, featuring dramatic cuts in Japanese cheese and SMP tariffs. The lower tariffs will be phased in over the next 15 years, gradually opening the door wider for European dairy products. Shawna Morris, vice president of trade policy at the U.S. Dairy Export Council warns, ‘Limits in exports ultimately flow back to farmers through lower returns. (The trade pact) gives certain European products a leg up at our expense.” n Checking overall dairy demand, USDA’s latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook reported that May American cheese demand was up 1.5 percent from April and up 8.5 percent from a year ago. Other cheese was up 0.1 percent from April and 6.1 percent above a year ago. Total cheese disappearance was up 0.6 percent from April and almost 7 percent above May 2016. Year-to-date, American cheese use is up 1.6 percent on a daily average basis, other than American cheese use is up 2.01 percent, and total cheese use is up 1.9 percent. NFDM disappearance was down 17.8 percent in May, but butter demand was up 4.9 percent from 2016, according to the USDA. California’s August Class I milk price is $18.32 per

cwt. for the north and $18.59 for the south. Both are down 13 cents from July but are $1.95 above August 2016 and the highest August Class I since 2014. That put the eight-month average at $17.84 for the north, up from $15.49 a year ago and $17.60 in 2015. The southern average, at $18.11, is up from $15.76 a year ago and $17.87 in 2015. The August Federal order Class I base price is announced by the USDA on July 19. n Cooperatives Working Together accepted 10 requests for export assistance this week from member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 1.49 million pounds of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, Central America, and the Middle East. n In politics, Congress will cut its summer vacation short by two weeks. It has much to deal with, starting with repealing and/or replacing Obamacare, immigration, tax reform, and the 2018 budget to name a few. Work on the 2018 Farm Bill is also underway and face steep cuts which is not good news for dairy and those who want to correct shortcomings in the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program. Lee Mielke is a syndicated columnist who resides in Everson, Wash. His weekly column is featured in newspapers across the country and he may be reached at lkmielke@juno.com. v

Veterinary Feed Directive not an issue for Form-A-Feed owns an enzyme company. But I think most will research into other avenues to maintain their presence in the swine industry. Their accountants realize the huge impact just a single new product can have if it catches on in the swine industry, or the poultry industry, or the cattle industry.” Because Form-A-Feed is not in the complete feed business, pharmacy reps are not frequent visitors. “We just don’t deal in enough antibiotics to be vital to their salespeople. Yes, they like to be current on what we are doing because they recognize us as being on the cutting edge of new products,” said Asche. Form-A-Feed got its start with innovative feeds for the early growth of young animals. Today, the 280 to 300-pound market hog is common. Is that changing the product mix of feed formulators such as Form-AFeed? “We have products that help nourish good intakes for weight gains for that last 50 pounds of live animal too,” he said. A sister company, Tech Mix, now markets into about 30 countries. “We’re into a few international markets with some other of our products,” said Asche. “Coming on strongly we think will be some new products for the rapidly emerging poultry industry.” Besides an opportunity to talk with hog producers from around the globe, Pork Expo is also a convenient location to talk with suppliers for the Form-AFeed total product lineup. That even includes equipment suppliers. “Sometimes just knowing what is the latest in specialty feeding equipment is important to give us a better handle on usage of some of our products,” summed up Asche. v

ABU 14000# GVW TRAILER

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

VFD impacted Form-A-Feed too. “We’re selling more Mecadox basically because it doesn’t require a VFD. Smaller producers have gravitated towards Mecadox or non-medicated products.” When antibiotic usage in livestock feeds faced scrutiny a few years back, Asche and his colleagues at Form-A-Feed realized antibiotics were becoming a targeted issue. “We knew that likely meant new rules so we started looking at alternatives to antibiotics. We’ve been using a fair amount of essential oils such as oregano or other herbs and spices. By themselves these are listed as flavoring agents but they have anti-microbial properties which improves the pathogen control in addition to stimulating feed intake. “Phytase is the most widely used feed enzyme in the world, included in 90 percent of poultry and 70 percent of pig diets. Phytase was first introduced in the last 1980s to improve the release of phosphorus from corn and soybean meal so less added phosphorous was needed resulting in 30-50 percent less phosphorous excreted in the manure. The latest phytases are even more efficient at releasing more phosphorous from plant based feed ingredients.” Asche said this has led to feeding higher levels of phytase enzyme resulting in even better performance. This suggests that the form of phosphorus in plants (phytate) was much more of an antinutrient chelator inhibiting absorption of trace minerals and amino acids. Maximizing phytate destruction by using higher levels of phytase enzyme improves feed conversion and producer profitability he indicated. Has the Food and Drug ruling on antibiotics lessened the scope of pharmaceutical companies in animal nutrition products? Asche commented, “Difficult for me to judge. A lot of these companies have gone into other avenues such as vaccines in addition to antibiotics. Elanco

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer DES MOINES — From its inception in 1973, Buzz Nelson and sons, Marty and Steve, have directed Form-A-Feed into a third generation company in Stewart, Minn. The firm is now an employee-owned company with over 150 employees. Gary Asche Form-A-Feed offers branded-name, specialty, private-label and custom-formulated products directly and through a network of joint ventures in the United States and international markets. Interviewed at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Gary Asche, 20-year swine nutritionist with Form-AFeed said, “Our product formulations are designed to enhance livestock performance and health, and improve food safety. We deal in specialty enzymes that enhance health and growth. Our product options include base mixes, concentrates, micros, minerals, liquids, boluses, low-moisture tubs, water soluble products and ingredients.” With over 40 years serving the livestock industry, Form-A-Feed staff are well-versed in feed industry regulations. The hassle over antibiotics in livestock feeds is now quiet. Ash stated that most people, both feed manufacturers and special feed providers such as Form-A-Feed, as well as hog producers, have gotten used to the new Veterinary Feed Directive. The VFD authorizes the owner or caretaker of animals to obtain and use animal feed containing VFD drugs to treat their animals in accordance with the FDA-approved directions for use. VFD drugs may be obtained only with the written approval of a licensed veterinarian that has a vet-client relationship with the producer. “For larger producers it has meant a little more paperwork,” said Asche.

North American customers first

Q: How big are you? Bonwell: We are an international company today. The U.S. and Canada are the biggest. Plus we’re in Mexico, Paraguay, Italy and Spain. Q: Is the China market ready to explode for you guys? Bonwell: We have had several opportunities to go to China. And we will someday, but our goal is to take care of our North America customers first and then consider China as a new business prospect. China is huge in pork production. They lead the world with 36 million sows vs. 6 million here in the U.S. DNA Genetics is owned and operated by Nebraska agri-business families who are also pork producers. For more information, visit www.DNASwineGenetics. com. Contact Brett Bonwell via e-mail at bbonwell@ DNASwineGenetics.com. v

18’ + 2’, 2-7000# Axles Adjustable coupler Fold up ramps

Goosenecks

Dual Jacks, Lockable Chain Box, Dovetail, LED Lights, Modular Wiring Harness, & more.

In Stock Pricing Examples: 25’ (20’ + 5’) 14,000# GVWR $6,420 20K# GVWR Duallys 24’ (19’ + 5’) $8,660 32’ (27’ + 5’) $9,375

Dovetail LED lighting Modular Wiring Harness

From

$3,799

Drop ’N Locks Gooseneck Hitch $

389

Easy to Install Easy to Haul It’s That Simple!

Rol-Oyl Cattle Oilers As pictured

$1550

Without Brush

$1275

Diers Ag & Trailer Sales, Inc. (320) 543-2861 • www.diersag.com

9283 County Road 6 SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349 3 miles south of U.S. Hwy. 12 on Wright Cty. Road 6, or 4 miles North of Winsted

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

GENETICS, from pg. 22 Bonwell: Sow productivity in terms of number of litters has been decreasing for about 10 years. Today, we average about five parities per sow. But because of selection, we’re making her offspring grow faster and convert better. So that’s a positive tradeoff for sow herd managers. But as an industry, we need to watch this because we can’t push it too far! Q: Do these older, leaner sows yield better? Bonwell: That’s a wide question. But, no doubt, sows today are yielding better than they did 10 years ago. And that’s basically because of genetic improvement. Q: Do you sell more boars or more semen? Bonwell: We’re pretty well balanced. But we do have a growing number of producers who buy our boars, do their own collections for distribution into their own gene transfer centers.

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

July 21, 2017 Please support our advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in THE LAND.

PLANNING AN AUCTION?

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

Get the best results when you advertise in THE LAND!

WE NEED YOUR SUBSCRIBER CARD!

You might WIN A FREE Grill Zone 3-burner Gas Grill! On August 25th we will draw a winner from all the 2017 subscriber cards that we have received so far this year. No purchase necessary. If you already returned your card you’re automatically entered in the drawing. Please do not send a second card.

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

If you haven’t already sent in your 2017 subscriber card for THE LAND, please take a minute and do it today. For your convenience we put a copy on page 3 of this issue. Fill it out, add your payment and mail it back. Don’t forget to sign and date it. It’s that simple.

We sincerely thank all The Land subscribers for their support! THANK YOU FOR READING THE LAND!

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >> “Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

VISIT THE LAND AT FARMFEST August 1-3, 2017 The Land Ag Tent, Booth 2401. We would love to meet you! Look for the Farmfest special section in today’s Land Magazine!

Announcements

010 Real Estate

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 week's 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.

020 Hay & Forage Equip

031

Sell your land or real estate Case DC162 Discbine, in 30 days for 0% commis$17,500. (608)687-8261 sion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 FOR SALE: MF N. 12 baler w/ thrower; (2) 16' bale Real Estate Wanted 021 wagons; 40' bale conveyor package, $3,500; New Idea WANTED: Land & farms. I 3715 manure spreader, have clients looking for $5,000. 507-276-5551 dairy, & cash grain operations, as well as bare land parcels from 40-1000 acres. FOR SALE: NH 499 haybine, Both for relocation & in$3,000; JD 337 baler w/ vestments. If you have thrower, always shedded, even thought about selling well maintained, $4,500. contact: Paul Krueger, 612-247-0297 Farm & Land Specialist, Edina Realty, SW Suburban Hesston 5585 round baler, Office, 14198 Commerce makes up to a 5x5 bale, Ave NE, Prior Lake, MN twine wrap, stored under 55372. roof, good cond. Fine, paulkrueger@edinarealty.com $4,500. 715-963-4922 (952)447-4700 Antiques & Collectibles

026

Bins & Buildings

033

Buying & Selling Gold & Sil- Barn roofing Hip or round ver: Collector coins, diaroof barns and other buildmonds, gold jewelry, silver ings. Also barn and quonset dollars, pocket watches, anstraightening. Kelling Silo tiques, rare currency, any 1-800-355-2598 gold or silver items. 200+ gold coins for sale. Will SILO DOORS travel to buy! 34 years Wood or steel doors shipped same retail location. promptly to your farm Fairmont, MN, stainless fasteners Kuehl's Coins, 507-235-3886 hardware available. (800)222-5726 Landwood Sales LLC Auctions 030 Absolute Auction Soon 6 Lake Front Cabin Homes North Long Lake Brainerd, MN www.HaasLandBrokers.com

Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys. 100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment. 888-830-7757

27 THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >> “Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

DISCOUNT FARMFEST TICKETS! SAVE $4 when you purchase your tickets online at www.farmfest.com. BONUS: The Land readers receive an additional $2 discount online. Use the code THELAND at check out.

Grain Handling Equip

034

Farm Implements

035

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK for your chance to win 4 reserved seat tickets to the MoonDogs baseball game on Sunday, August 6, 2017. Look for details on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/thelandonline

SAMPLE TEXT SAMPLE TEXT THIS IS A SAMPLE TEXT TRACTORS WHITE PLANTERS (J) Oliver 1365 .................................... $6,599 (J) 8186 16R30 Front Fold………………………..$32,900 (J) 8186 $37,900 (J) CIH 16R30 8950HL-101 ....................................... $56,900 (J) 8824 24R30 Central Fill $83,900 (J) 6100 12R Vert Fold Liq Fert

• • • • • •

Skid Feeders • Bunk Feeders Bale Wagons • Bale Thrower Racks Flat Racks for big sq. bales Self-locking Feeder Wagons Fenceline Feeders Several Types of Bale Feeders

Smidley Equipment: • Steer Stuffers • Hog Feeders • Hog Huts • Calf Creep Feeders • Lamb & Sheep Feeders • Cattle & Hog Waterers • Hog & Sheep Scales – We Rebuild Smidley Cattle & Hog Feeders –

• • • •

Gates • Calving Pens • Haymax Bale Feeders Cattle & Feeder Panels • Head Gates Loading Chute • Hog Feeders Squeeze Chutes & Tubs • Calf Warmer

FOR SALE: DMI 470 wagon, very nice cond, straight hitch, rear brakes, lights, nice paint, $4,950/OBO. 507327-2678

• • • • •

Rock Buckets • Grapple Forks • Manure Forks Bale Spears • Hi-Volume Buckets & Pallet Forks Bale Transports & Feeder Wagons, 16’-34’ Adult & Young Stock Feeders & Bale Feeders Land Levelers

• • • • •

Squeeze Chutes - Head Gates Large & Small Animal Tip Chutes Open Bar Corral Tub Round & Square Calving Pens Tub & Alley Chutes • Crowding Tubs

FOR SALE: Fantini chopping 8R & 12R CH; 70' Elmer drag, Merritt alum hopper grain trailers; '89 IH 1680 combine; 24R30” JD pl on Kinze bar; Big A floater; 175 Michigan ldr; IH 964 CH; White 706 & 708 CH & parts; White plows & parts; 54' 4300 IH field cultivator; JD 44' field cult; 3300 Hiniker field cult; header trailer. 507-380-5324

Sioux Equipment:

Notch Equipment:

For-Most Livestock Equipment:

•

DR POWER EQUIPMENT

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

GT (Tox-O-Wik) Grain Dryers, 350-800 bu. 150 Bu. Steel Calf Creep w/wheels Bohlman Concrete Waterers Livestock Equipment by Vern’s Mfg. Jari Sickle mowers EZ Trail Wagons Boxes & Bale Baskets Taylor-way 3-way Dump Trailer Sitrex Wheel Rakes Skidsteer Brush Cutters (Hayhopper) Bale Feeders Caltel Hutches & Animal Barns R&C Poly Bale Feeders Goat, Sheep & Calf Feeders Ameriag Poly Mineral Feeders ~ Lorenz & Renegade Snowblowers ~ Special Prices

We can also sell your equipment for you on consignment

• • • • • • • • • •

(G) 2010 Bobcat S630, Heat $34,800

~ USED EQUIPMENT ~

#580 GT PTO Dryer #570 GT Dryer for parts Used and New Parts for GT (Tox-O-Wik) Grain Dryers #580 GT Grain Dryer w/3 phase electric JD #27 15’ Stalk Chopper 6’ 3pt Bush Hog, Rotary Cutter 72” hyd skidsteer, Rotary Cutter Kubota GF1800 DSL 4wd, front deck, 52” mower Roto King Round Bale Processor SS Bale basket & bale racks

~ WANTED TO BUY ~

• GT (Tox-O-Wik) PTO Grain Dryers • Used Smidley cattle feeders & hog feeders • Misc cattle equip, offset disc

Lot - Hwy 7 E

Office Location - 305 Adams Street Hutchinson, MN 55350

320-587-2162, Ask for Larry

TILLAGE HAY EQUIPMENT (L) H&S 12 Wheel Rake60’ w/basket $8,275 (G) Wil-Rich QX2, ......... $49,900 (L) Vicon Disc Mower 5’ $3,250 (L) Wil-Rich S13, SoilPro 9-24 ............ $39,600 (L) H&S 9 Wheel Rake $3,499 (L) DMI 2400 527BDisc...................................... $14,900 (L) Vicon Mower $4,900 (J) MF Disc9-24 Mower Cond Please Call (G) JD1383 2700 ................................. $23,900 (J) JD CARTS 2210, 50.5 ft., 4 bar .................. $35,900 GRAIN (G) CIH Unverferth 900 Bu. Grainplow, Cart 38’ ......... $19,950 (L) 600 PTX chisk $29,800 (G) J&M 1151 22” Grain Cart $45,900 (L) CIH 370 Disc, 28 ft. ........................ $31,900 “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Brent 876 grain cart, 850 bu, 30.5x32 diamond tires, $16,750; Top Air 1100 gal sprayer, 80' booms, 450 Raven monitor, 13.6x38 tires, $4,900; NH 654 baler, 4'x70” bales, twine auto wrap, exc cond, $5,450; '69 JD 3020D tractor, recent engine OH, like new 18.4x34 tires, 2 hyds, 3pt, $8,900. 320-769-2756

S-I Feeders: • Mid Size and Full Size Bunks • One-Sided Juniors and Adult Bunks [Arrow Front 4-Wheel Feeders, 12’-36‘] $500 rebate

$14,500

SKID LOADERS COMBINES (L) Bobcat T590 ................... (2) From $34,900 (J) Gleaner A 75, 4WD, with Heads $110,000 (L) ‘16 Bobcat S740, A71, 2Spd ....... $39,500 (G) Gleaner R62, with Heads Please Call (L) Gehl R220, 2Spd, (J) Gleaner R62, with HeadsJoystick $39,500 ........... $30,500 (L) Gehl V400, Heat/AC, 2Spd ........... $39,500 SKID LOADERS (L) A71, 2Spd ............... $35,900 (G) Bobcat 2012 GehlS750, V330, Heat $33,900 (L) 2010 CaseS630, 430 2-Speed (J) Bobcat Heat, $24,900 2Spd, 400hrs . $34,900

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

~ NEW EQUIPMENT/BIG INVENTORY ~

20 Ft RHINO Bat Wing Cutter (Has Stump Jumper for Rocks) Well Maintained Real Good. Westfield 10” x 71ft Auger w/ Power Hopper Good Cond. 319-347-6138

29 THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

FOR SALE: 24x8 ring Stor- FOR SALE: Erickson forkmor Ease dry, used steel lift, beat end gate, autoand stainless legs 8” & 11” matic, only 1.5 yrs old, belts, 10 hole 10” distribucomplete; Versatile 400, 18' tor, 16x80' chain conveyor; swatter, always shedded. 16x100' belted conveyor w/ 320-583-2587 side chuter; 16'x20' overhead 10 cluster bin. 320-841- FOR SALE: Lilliston Bean 0509 Combines;'04 Pickett Onestep, 6-30, $16,500; 8R FOR SALE: Can-Sun 8-17-15 Speedy cutter, $1,500; Case continuous flow crop dryer. IH 8350 haybine $3,500; 2 years on new floor, $6,700. Super B Dryer, 120 bu, 507-451-4036 $5,500;'03 915 JD Flex hd w/ FOR SALE: Farm Fans 270 AWS Air Bar, has new grain dryer, 3ph LP, very Crary gold cut, $15,000; good condition, $9,500. 507'65 C80 Chev grain truck w/ 478-4221 18' box, $3,500;'73 F900 Ford grain truck, w/ 20' FOR SALE: Wheatheart (SA box, $7,500. 763-218-2797 1381), 82'x13” swing hopper w/ hyd lift, used only on Used Parts. 160,000 bushels, like new, FOR SALE: Plow, chisel plow, digger, $9,800; Harvest Int (Tdisc, grain drill, planter, 1032), 10”x32', 10 horse JD CH row units, older JD electric motor, like new, combine parts. JD 71 & IH $3,900; Westfield 71'x12” 295 row units & more. Call PTO grain auger, $3,900 w/ your needs 8am to 5 pm. 507-327-6430 507-845-2850 FOR SALE:Used grain bins, floors unload systems, sti- Hydrostatic & Hydraulic Rerators, fans & heaters, aerpair Repair-Troubleshootation fans, buying or selling Sales-Design Custom ing, try me first and also hydraulic hose-making up call for very competitive to 2” Service calls made. contract rates! Office STOEN'S Hydrostatic Serhours 8am-5pm Monday – vice 16084 State Hwy 29 N Friday Saturday 9am - 12 Glenwood, MN 56334 320noon or call 507-697-6133 634-4360 Ask for Gary MUCH FOR SALE: DegelFarm Implements 035 man rock picker, $6,000; NH 489 haybine, $2,500; 3 '11 Kuhn VB2190 14 knives, Steel Kicker hay racks, up to a 4x6 bale, 12,400 $2,000; IHC 10' grain drill bales, works good, $19,000. 5100, $4,000; H&S 235 maHixton, WI. 715-963-4922 nure spreader, $3,000; IHC 56 blower, $150. Call (715) '13 JD 569 premium baler, 645-0015 or (715)468-4593 net & twine wrap, moisture leave a message monitor, auto chain oiler, $17,900; JD 9510 combine, 30.5x32 tires, GreenStar yield & moisture monitor, 2700 sep hrs, $32,500; WilPort-A-Hut Shelters: Rich 20' stalk chopper, exc • All Steel Shelters for Livestock & Other Uses cond, $6,750; Parker 605 JBM Equipment: gravity box w/ tarp, • Feeder Wagons - Several Models $10,900; Demco 550 gravity • Self-locking Head Gates • HD Feeder Panels box, $7,450; JD 1075 run• Self-locking Bunk Feeders ning gear, $1,350. 320-769• Tombstone Horse & Horned Cattle Feeders 2756

Farm Implements

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

035 Farm Implements

035 Harvesting Equip

FOR SALE: JD 4 belt pick- RHINO FLEX WING up for grain, good condi- Cutters New & Used 15' & 20' tion, $2,000. 952-758-2621 See the New Sleek DesignCleaner Underneath. Retirement Sale: Com- 6 Year Gear Box Warranty Dealer319-347-6282We Trade bines: '97 JD 9600, 2407 sep hrs, RWA; '98 JD We buy 9610, 2397 sep hrs; 912 JD Salvage Equipment pickup header; (2) JD Parts Available 930 air reels. Tractors: Hammell Equip., Inc. 180 Allis w/ ldr, Case (507)867-4910 2290, '82 JD 4440, '01 JD 8310 w/ triples & guid- Tractors 036 ance system, '94 Case 9270, Case 440 w/ triples. FOR SALE: '37 JD A, round spokes in front rims, one Trucks: '72 Ford 700, '78 round spoke in rear rims, GMC Sierra 6500, '90 Volengine is loose, one valve vo tri-axle, 575 United stuck, restoration project. Farm Tool grain cart. 507-747-2518 Leave message Other Equip: 72' Summers super harrow, 37' Case IH chisel plow, 33' FOR SALE: 1981 Case IH, 7,000, 1,086 hrs, 7,000 plus JD chisel plow, 28' Sumnew tires. 218-566-2133 mers diamond disc, '83 Big Red grain dryer model 4FS12 240 BPH, 8600 30' Int'l air seeder, JD model 7300 12R planter, 90' Ultimate sprayer. 218-437-8120 Well kept up maintenance & shedded. For more info please call.

037 Tillage Equip

039

FOR SALE: Case IH 19' FOR SALE: Blu-Jet AT6020 24x30” NH3 & strip till; swather, excellent condiloaded and many extras. tion, $4,900. 320-293-1432 or 320-841-0509 320-260-2213 040 FOR SALE: CAT 485 & 9700 Machinery Wanted White combines w/ JD All kinds of New & Used heads & extra parts. 320farm equipment – disc chis841-0509 els, field cults, planters, soil finishers, cornheads, FOR SALE: JD 220 flex feed mills, discs, balers, heads one field ready and haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 one for parts, $1,000/OBO. 320-212-5322 WANTED TO BUY: Demco 250 saddle tanks or narrow FOR SALE: MF 860 combine style saddle tanks. 320-290w/ bean platform, 4 & 6 row 0311 36” corn headers, 1000 gal propane tank, 4000 bushel WANTED TO BUY: IH 4000 or 5000 swather or similar holding bin. 507-375-4719 model. 320-352-3878

JD 693 cornhead hyd deck WANTED: Peddle tractors, buy, sell, trade and restore, plates, works exc, $11,750; any condition. Cash paid. JD 925 flex head poly, hyd 4 320-212-5322 aft, new cycle 2016, works FOR SALE: Quad 30”, Cat exc, $7,750. 715-556-0045 WANTED: Used tandem MT 14”, JD RT 16” Tracks. grain truck to use from 320-841-0509 field to farm, can be older Tillage Equip 039 NEW AND USED TRACTOR but must be field ready & PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, reliable; also 500 bu grain 55, 50 Series & newer trac- FOR SALE: 9400 Sukup cart. 612-655-1053 6R30" high residue cultivators, AC-all models, Large tor, asking $1,500. 715-821- Wanted Inventory, We ship! Mark 042 8252 Ask for Mike. Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829 WANTED TO BUY: Some CVEG ethanol shares from Benson, MN. 320-491-8532

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

WANTED: Fanning mill in working condition. 651-3806928 Feed Seed Hay

050

FOR SALE: 2017 round straw bales, 5x5 bales, wheat straw will be from conventional combine, no rotor straw, net wrapped, tight firm bales, baling about 1,000 acres, Felton, MN. 701-371-3972 WANTED TO BUY: Damaged corn, soybeans, other grains. Call Schweiger Cattle LLC. 507-236-5181 Livestock

054

FOR SALE: Black Angus bulls also Hamp, York, & Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts. 320-598-3790 Dairy

055

20 Spring Holstein heifers, due Aug-Sept. Also open Holstein Heifers. 608-7929423 or 608-788-6258 WANTED TO BUY: Dairy heifers and cows. 320-2352664

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

Cattle

056

Bred beef cows & heifers & cow/calf pairs. Several breeds to choose from. (218)391-3031 FOR SALE OR LEASE REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & yearlings; bred heifers, calving ease, club calves & balance performance. Al sired. In herd improvement program. J.W. Riverview Angus Farm Glencoe, MN 55336 Conklin Dealer 320864-4625 FOR SALE: Angus bulls yearlings & 2 yr olds. Stout, heavy muscled bulls w/ exc performance genetics. Fertility & performance tested. Kellogg MN Sullivan Angus. 507-527-1034

Cattle

056 Sheep

060 Industrial & Const.

WANTED: Beef & Dairy feeder cattle. Also, have beef bulls for sale or rent. (218) 391-3031

083

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE: '14 32' RL Cedar Creek, 3 slides, bought new in 2014, always shedded, less than 1500 miles, all equipped, no pets or smoking, health reasons for selling. 320-277-3339 Anytime

David Gass ....................................... 26 Arnolds....................................16F, 17F AXA Equitable Agri Finance ......28F Diers Ag & Trailer Sales ................ 23 Christianson Systems, Inc. ..........30F Dordal Farm Equipment ................ 28 Cobett Company ...........................14F

Miscellaneous

090

'05 John Deere Trail Buck ATV 650 CC, 349 miles, new battery, excellent condition, $4,250. (320) 295-9589 FOR SALE: Westfield 10x71 auger w/ low profile hopper, near new. 507-383-3618

REINKE IRRIGATION Sales & Service New & Used For your irrigation needs 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 WANT MORE READERS TO SEE YOUR AD?? Expand your coverage area! The Land has teamed up with Farm News, and The Country Today so you can do just that! Place a classified ad in The Land and have the option of placing it in these papers as well. More readers = better results! Call The Land for more information. 507-3454523 • 800-657-4665

One call does it all! With one phone call, you can Winpower Sales & Service place your classified ad in Reliable Power Solutions The Land, Farm News, Since 1925 PTO & automatAND The Country Today. ic Emergency Electric Call The Land for more Generators. New & Used info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-657Rich Opsata-Distributor 4665. 800-343-9376

COMBINES

HAY TOOLS

MISCELLANEOUS

SKIDSTEERS PLANTERS

Duncan Trailers ............................... 28 Courtland Waste ............................13F Crystal Valley .................................26F Excelsior Homes West, Inc. ........... 11 Crysteel Truck Equipment ............9F Fahey Sales Agency ........................ 24 Dairyland Supply .........................12F Freudenthal Dairy ........................... 20 Doda USA .........................................4F GEHL ................................................. 21 Double B Manufacturing ............31F Eide Bailly Accounting ................20F Greenview Metal............................. 10 Factory Home Center ......................8F Haas Land Brokers .......................... 25 Farm Rite Equipment ...................26F Henslin Auction ........................ 24, 25 Greenwald Farm Center ..............31F Hughes Auction............................... 26 Grizzly Buildings ..........................24F Hanson Silo Company .................21F K & S Millwrights ...................... 6, 12 JR Dale Sales & Leasing ..............27F Kannegiesser Truck Sales .............. 17 K & S Millwrights ..........................5F Keith Bode ........................................ 26 Litzau Farm Drainage...................23F Larson Implement ..................... 26, 28

Mathiowetz Construction, Co ......4F Messer Repair & Fabricating ......28F

Mages Auction Service .................. 26

Midwest Machinery Co. ..............22F

Manders Diesel Repair .................... 9 Miller Sellner .................................25F Minnesota Equipment ................... 30 Minnestoa Soybean ......................32F Mustang Seed ..................................3F MS Diversified ................................ 28 NDY MFG.........................................19 Mustang ............................................ 19 Northland Farm Systems .............27F NK Clerking ..................................... 25 Olivia Christler Center ................29F Olson Power & Equipment ........... 13 Pride Solutions ..............................23F Red Horizon Equipment .............11F Pruess Elevator ................................ 28 Right Now Enterprises.................18F Schweiss Inc ..................................... 29 Rileys Travel Easy Tours ..............11F SI Feeders ......................................... 22 Rinke Noonan ................................30F Smith's Mill ..................................... 31 Sorensen's Sales & Rentals ........... 29

Rush River ........................................6F Ryan MFG ......................................24F

Star Trailer Sales, Inc....................15F Steffes Group .................24, 25, 26, 27 Triad Construction ........................10F United Farmers Coop. .................... 29 Weiser Concrete Products ............20F

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

P.O. Box 3169 - 418 S 2nd Street Mankato, MN 56001 theland@thelandonline.com

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

All Equipment available with Low Rate Financing

FARMFEST

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

White 8222, 12-30 w/liq. fert. ......................... $42,000 ‘11 White 8516 CFS, Loaded ......................... $85,000 NEW Massey GC1705 w/loader ............................ Call White 6122, 12-30 .......................................... $12,000 NEW Massey 7722 FWA CVT ................................ Call NEW NH T4.75 w/loader ........................................ Call NEW NH T9.645, w/Smart Trac ............................. Call NEW Fantini chopping cornhead .......................... Call NEW Versatile 310, FWA.............................. $157,900 Fantini Pre-Owned 8-30 chopping NH T8.275, 495 hrs ...................................... $155,000 cornhead ............................................................. Call NH 8870, FWA................................................ $49,000 ‘02 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $85,500 ‘12 NH T9.390, approx. 850 hrs. .................. $180,000 ‘94 Gleaner R62 .............................................. $38,000 ‘09 NH TD 5050 w/loader, 1300 hrs............... $36,000 ‘10 Gleaner R76, Loaded ............................. $195,000 ‘08 NH 8010 ................................................. $114,500 ‘01 Gleaner R72 ............................................. $72,500 ‘05 CIH MX210 1700 hrs ................................ $98,500 ‘03 Gleaner R65 ........................................... $105,000 ‘06 Buhler 2210 w/ auto steer........................ $92,500 Gleaner 3308 chopping corn heads ..................... Call Allis 180 D .........................................................$7,250 ‘12 Challenger MT 665D .............................. $155,000 ‘10 Versatile 435, 1050 hrs .......................... $150,000 New Hesston & NH Hay Tools - ON HAND Allis 185 w/loader .............................................$9,500 ‘85 White 4-270, nice ..................................... $29,500 NEW Salford RTS Units ......................................... Call NEW Salford Plows................................................ Call ‘03 Sunflower, 32’, 5-bar spike ...................... $18,000 NEW Unverferth Seed Tenders ............................. Call Sunflower 4630, 11-shank, Demo ......................... Call NEW Westfield Augers .......................................... Call DMI Tiger Mate II 40.5 w/ 4 bar ..................... $29,500 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 ................ $29,500 NEW Brent Wagons & Grain Carts ........................ Call NEW E-Z Trail Seed Wagons ................................. Call NEW Rock Buckets & Pallet Forks ........................ Call ‘07 NH 170 w/ cab ......................................... $18,900 REM 2700, Rental .................................................. Call NEW NH Skidsteers - On Hand ............................. Call Pre-Owned Snowblowers, 7’-9’ ............................. Call NH 230 w/ cab & air ....................................... $37,900 Pre-Owned Sprayers ............................................. Call NEW White Planters .............................................. Call ‘04 Kinze 3600 16-30 ..................................... $42,000 ‘12 White 8186, 16-30 w/liq. fert. ................... $59,000

ADVERTISER LISTING

Compeer Financial ............................ 5

USED TRACTORS

TILLAGE

090

DRAINAGE FOR SALE: Cat 225 excava- PARMA PUMPS New pumps & tor & extra bucket, $15,000/OBO. 320-841-0509 parts on hand. Call Minnesota's largest distributor HJ Olson & Company 320Recreational Vehicles 085 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

FOR SALE: Polled short FOR SALE: Registered Suffolk ram, RR-NN. Born horn bull, dark red, coming February 13, 2017. 507-5492yo, Nelson Family Short3122 horns, Renville, MN. 320894-6271 Swine 065 FOR SALE: Purebred Angus bulls, 15 months old, good Compart's total program quality and size, AI sired, features superior boars & Miller Angus, Kasson, MN. open gilts documented by 507-634-4535 BLUP technology. Duroc, York, Landrace & F1 lines. FOR SALE: Simmental & Terminal boars offer leanAngus sired bulls, black, ness, muscle, growth. Mapolled, good disposition, external gilts & boars are cellent quality, long yearproductive, lean, durable. lings & coming 2 yr old, All are stress free & PRRS backed by over 45 yrs of AI free. Semen also available breeding. Riverside Simthrough Elite Genes A.I. mentals, Gerald Polzin, CoMake 'em Grow! Comparts cato, MN. 320-286-5805 Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: 877-441-2627 Registered Texas Longhorn breeding stock, cows, FOR SALE: Yorkshire, heifers or roping stock, top & Hampshire, Duroc blood lines. 507-235-3467 Hamp/Duroc boars, also gilts. Excellent selection. WANT TO BUY: Butcher Raised outside. Exc herd cows, bulls, fats & walkable health. No PRSS. Delivery cripples; also horses, avail. 320-760-0365 sheep & goats. 320-235-2664

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

THE LAND, JULY 21, 2017

Madelia’s magnificent seven

“Where Farm and Family Meet”

<< www.TheLandOnline.com >>

very year there is a shootout just south of the small town of La Salle, Minn. Actually, it is a re-enactment of the shootout that happened in September 1876 before La Salle even existed. It was in 1876 when Jesse and Frank James; Bob, Cole, and Jim Younger; Charlie Pitts; Clell Miller and Bill Stiles (aka Bill Chadwell) attempted to rob the bank in Northfield. Two of the Younger brothers were wounded in the failed robbery, and a bank employ was killed along with Miller and Stiles. The other six outlaws got out of town. What ensued was the largest manhunt in the history of the United States up to that time. With multiple posses combing the countryside and hot on their trail, and with the wounded men slowing the escape, the outlaws decided to split up. The James brothers would take the horses and ride on, drawing the posse after them, while the Younger brothers and Pitts would hide and elude the posse on foot. Eventually, the four men sought help from teenager Oscar Sorbel, whom they came upon while he was milking cows. Convinced the four men were part of the gang, Sorbel later rode into Madelia to alert the sheriff. A posse of Madelia and St. James men set out looking for them and found them in what was known as the Hanska slough, along the Watonwan River. It was decided to flush them out by sending in a skirmish line, military style. Only seven men volunteered to participate. Later dubbed “Madelia’s magnificent seven,” the volunteers fanned out, advanced, and engaged the four robbers in a gun battle. With Pitts shot dead and the others wounded and out of ammunition, the Younger brothers

La Salle, Minn.

surrendered, certain they would be hanged. Instead, they were taken into Madelia, and given medical attention and food. They were later tried and sentenced to Stillwater prison. Every year on the weekend after Labor Day, Northfield reenacts the bank robbery. The following Saturday, Madelia holds its Younger Brothers Capture Celebration. Robert Yurcek, who chairs the celebration committee, said Madelia holds a two-part re-enactment. The first part is the shootout and surrender, at the site south of La Salle where a monument marks the capture and honors “Madelia’s magnificent seven.” Then it moves into Madelia where the town’s compassion for the wounded men is remembered. With post-Civil War gangs terrorizing the countryside in the Midwest, citizens from a number of Minnesota towns decided “enough is enough,” and they set out to stop the James-Younger gang. The James brothers got away, the rest did not. The monument at La Salle and the re-enactments are more than history, Yurcek said. They memorialize the heroic actions of common citizens. To find the Younger Brothers Capture monument, go a quarter mile south of La Salle on a gravel road. It is in a small park next to a bridge. A mural in Madelia also commemorates the event. For information on the Younger Brothers Capture Celebration, check the website of the Madelia Chamber of Commerce (www.visitmadelia.com). Information on Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days is at www.djjd.org. v

July 2017

FARMFEST 2017

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

800.942.6748 ▪ w w w.yieldleader.com

July 2017

FARMFEST 2017

July 2017

FARMFEST 2017

July 2017

FARMFEST 2017

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

800.942.6748 ▪ w w w.yieldleader.com