THE LAND ~ January 5, 2018 ~ Northern Edition

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” © 2018

December 29, 2017 Januar y 5, 2018

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Another Year in the Books The Land Looks at 2017

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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

June 16, 2017

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© 2017

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SOUTHERN EDITION

In this issue, The Land salutes

FFA and Ag Education

Mike Stine coddles his grazers for loyal customers See page 11

of Th

11

SOUTHERN EDITION

June 2, 2017

I Do!

Darla Eeten plants beans for farmers market customers

© 2017

Januar y 6, 2017

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ALSO INSIDE:

See page 10

ALSO INSIDE:

Holy George Jetson! Robots in the dairy barn A visit to Farmamerica

PLUS: MFU president retires • Heirloom cider • Dairy nutrition • Seed research

FR

1991-92 State FFA Officers 25 years later • The iconic blue corduroy FFA jacket The FarmHouse Fraternity • FFA in Westbrook-Walnut Grove is thriving

PLUS: • Minnesota Legislative Update • Promoting the Agricultural Giant

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A field report from Marie Wood Hochholds Orchards last are patrolled Veteran auctioneer saleby pigs to promote healthy apples and animals — See page 11 Kent Thiesse and the farm bill

HE

Plus another season of From The Fields!

App(le)ealing Pork

ALSO INSIDE:

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

© 2017

August 11, 2017

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SOUTHERN EDITION

© 2017

© 2017

© 2017

March 24, 2017

• Artist is Old Hand with Old Shoes • Steel Bin Market is Still Strong in Echo

1

11

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

Farm Rescue

See page 32

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

Farmers are turning to solar power to lighten energy costs

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Dairy Princess said yes at Kasper Dairy

See page 13

Power to the People!

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Season’s Seedings

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” NORTHERN EDITION

© 2017

May 5, 2017

April 7, 2017

Grass fed finest!

The Land’s annual County Fair-Goers Guide

17 your 20 received CARD?away!

Have we CRIPTIONto page 3 right SUBSsent it back, turn e Land!

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May 19, 2017

SOUTHERN EDITION

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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S

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SOUTHERN EDITION

Januar y 27, 2017

September 22, 2017

© 2017

Januar y 6, 2017

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NORTHERN EDITION

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SOUTHERN EDITION

Sonny Afternoon

The Graze Craze

On Board

About 100 people gathered at a Garden City farm for an audience with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue

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SOUTHERN EDITION

See page 22

Volunteers take to the field to help those in need See page 8

ALSO INSIDE:

Service dogs aid in diabetic detection Sending hay to fire-stricken Kansas The challenge of farm life for married couples Leatherwork helps Iowa man help others

4-H’ers and livestock head for the State Fair

Getting to know the Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule

Lake Benton family finds life comfortable on a 200-acre farm

Photos and reports from Farmfest And more!

App(le)ealing Pork Hoch Orchards are patrolled by pigs to promote healthy apples and animals — See page 11

Plowville!

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SOUTHERN EDITION

A Class Act

Homework is round and orange when kindergartners visit Virgil and Betty Block’s farm

A Growing Passion Seed Savers Exchange preserves plants for future generations.

See page 10

Dodge Center event puts the “ag” in tillage See page 11

Swine antibiotic alternatives Corn trailer is teaching tool Iowa cows drink to their health Irrigator clashes with DNR Duncanson Growers paves way for fifth generation

The Land presents the 2018 Corn Hybrid Seed Selection Guide PLUS: A Hurricane Maria report from Puerto Rico Kent Thiesse talks crop insurance • Swine & U • and more!

PLUS: Hebicide Resistance • Senator Klobuchar’s Farm Bill Tour • Market Update

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

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

PLUS: Where there’s smoke, there’s healthy soil Dick Hagen patrols Farmfest Pigs at the fair? What to watch for

© 2017

© 2017

August 25, 2017

October 20, 2017

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SOUTHERN EDITION

PLUS: The pie lady of Evansville • Dick Hagen’s State Fair report Health insurance hope for Minnesota farmers • and more!

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

© 2017

October 6, 2017

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Border Leicester Sheep Four-Legged Weed Control Wool is in Demand (Again) South African Sheep in Iowa

See page 18

PLUS: MFU president retires • Heirloom cider • Dairy nutrition • Seed research

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet”

“Since 1976, Where Farm and Family Meet” SOUTHERN EDITION

Farm owner, wife, mother and grandmother, Rochelle Krusemark also directs policy on a number of ag boards

December 1, 2017 December 8, 2017

November 17, 2017

SOUTHERN EDITION

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Home on the Range

The Peterson family’s turkeys thrive in the great outdoors Blog chronicles farm life in all 50 states Anderson Seeds proves bigger isn’t always better Flu season is here — protect your pigs Plus our final From The Fields report for 2017

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The sun sets on another harvest FarmHer provides network for women in agriculture USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky Carolyn Van Loh looks at MARL Plus: The Land’s 2018 Soybean Hybrid Seed Guide

PLUS: Minnesota’s dicamba regulations, Dick Hagen digs into earthworms, Farm Bureau weighs in on health care, Swine & U and more!

PAGE 2

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Hope P.O. Box 3169 418 South Second St. Mankato, MN 56002 (800) 657-4665 Vol. XXXVI ❖ No. 27 24 pages, 1 section plus supplements

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COLUMNS Opinion Farm and Food File The Back Porch Calendar of Events Cooking With Kristin In The Garden Swine & U Marketing Auctions/Classifieds Advertiser Listing Back Roads

2-5 3 5 6 8 9 16 18-19 20-23 23 24

STAFF

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The end of a year brings with it refleclower feed costs, but demand for pork tions of successes and missed opportunities and beef is on a trampoline. When prices while the dawn of a new year is full of at the grocery store are low, people buy promise and hope. Promises seem easy to more meat. This creates a higher come by and with 2018 being an election demand and better prices for producers. year, we should all have our fill by But higher market prices bring higher November. Hope should be plentiful as well prices at the meat counter and consum— either out of optimism or desperation. ers have shown they are quite willing to find more affordable food sources.

One hope for 2018 is a quick resolution LAND MINDS to a workable farm bill. After months of Fickle U.S. consumers put beef and slogging through a tax reform bill, it borpork producers at the mercy of exports

By Paul Malchow ders on lunacy to expect a new farm bill to sustain demand for their product. any time before 2019. It is unrealistic to Both beef and pork have seen an satisfy all parties when drafting the increase in exports in 2017, but pronew farm bill. The scope of the legisladucers have to be holding their breath tion is too broad, too immense for everyone to get that trade agreements continue to be healthy. what they want. The House and Senate will need to Hope. learn the “give” portion of the concept of give and With the South American growing season seemtake. Judging by recent history, I’m not holding my ingly off to a healthy start, can U.S. corn and soybreath. bean exports recover from a substantial drop in Farm organizations and public health officials 2017? Can we repair relations with Mexico to sushave repeatedly weighed in on what they want to tain our pork export market? U.S. pork exports to see in the new bill. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny China dropped by nearly one-third in 2017. Is this a Perdue is saying many of the right things, but his blip or a trend? Can the U.S. maintain healthy beef boss (to be polite) is a wild card. Trade deals with exports to the far east? other countries hang in the balance of one mad I haven’t even touched on the problems faced by tweet and almost everyone agrees we need to export the U.S. dairy industry: import/export issues with more commodities.

Canada; hobbling price support programs; the conWhile the large corporations are toasting the new tinual flux in policies in Europe; and a steady tax bill and looking forward to keeping a bigger decline in U.S. milk consumption. piece of the pie, farmers are mired in mediocre marNobody likes a Gloomy Gus — particularly around ket prices. Walmart, Apple and Exxon Mobile executives are probably not losing sleep over “break even” the holidays. I don’t want to be the wet blanket on your yule log. U.S. agriculture is not collapsing scenarios. Yet corn and soybean cash prices are slightly lower than a year ago at this time and pro- around our ears. Our farmers have shown repeatedly they are able and willing to work hard to feed our duction costs are not. nation and much of the world. But we can’t be cavaBack-to-back favorable growing seasons, low inter- lier about a powerful and fundamental cog in our est rates and reasonable fuel costs help float the lives and economy. By drafting a caring and compreboat, but growers walk a tightrope into the next hensive farm bill, government leaders can show growing season. Financial experts reassure us we they have farmers’ backs and want them to share won’t revisit the 1980s farm crisis, but any major the success of their corporate counterparts. Let’s get changes in these three factors will have an impact it right — sooner than later. Strong U.S. agriculture — particularly with less-established farming opera- shouldn’t hinge on mere hope. tions and young farmers who lack credit clout.

Paul Malchow is the managing editor of The Land.

Hog and cattle producers are not much better off He may be reached at editor@TheLandOnline.com. v than the crop farmers. Low grain prices equate to

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

13 — Minnesota dicamba regulations continue to be a hot topic 14 — Earthworms find cover crops “home sweet home” 15 — Matchmaking between growers and livestock producers

THERE’S EVEN MORE ONLINE... @ TheLandOnline.com • “Nuts and 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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 3

Readers’ response includes insults, catcalls, house calls It’s entirely likely that I will anger supposed to think like a 12 year old.” people from Delaware to Montana any Journalism school? Oh, doc, it’s worse given week with nothing more than an than that. My bachelor’s degree, as I’ve idea, supporting facts and a couple of noted several times, is in agriculture. We barrels of ink. Spurring anger takes no plowboys did learn, however, to use prepspecial talent. It’s me, remember? Still, ositions — like “to” as in “to think” — every week, dissimilar people 2,000 when beginning prepositional phrases. miles apart send me amazingly similar Other readers called me anything but a e-mails.

FARM & FOOD FILE journalist. “Many times I have read your For example, one e-mailer, Kevin, let columns in (an Illinois newspaper),”

By Alan Guebert me have it in October over what he saw wrote Dave in mid-November, “thinkwas my “one-sided view” of “the disasing you were a non-biased … farm ter that is Obamacare.” But that was issue reporter. It has become increasjust a warm-up. The next few lines ingly clear you are just another Lib came in higher and harder. trying to protect a special interest.”

“I have no idea why I frustrate myself and read Curiously, Dave addressed the e-mail “Dearest your garbage … You and your articles never have Alan,” and signed it, “Oh, I can’t wait to hear your the farmers’ interest in mind … Why don’t you … response.” put them in papers only available to the crowd that Well Dave, here’s what you’ve been waiting almost may like your rants … (such as the) entitlement two months for: You’re right. I am protecting a specrowd or the illegal immigrant crowd.” cial interest: dearest you, me, and everyone else who Another energized reader, Steven, sent similar wants today’s race-to-the-bottom, commodity-based high voltage thoughts on the topic of, well, me. “Are ag policy to move to a more generationally-sustainyou kidding me?” began his short missive. “You have able, community-based farming and ranching sysbecome part of the fake news … Report the truth … tem where people, not robots, drones or politicians, Didn’t realize you were this much part of the liberal drive choice. media…”

Dave wasn’t — isn’t — alone. Karren wrote that One August e-mailer not only took exception to the “examples you site for various articles are makhow I covered that week’s topic (the low and going ing you look more than a little ignorant yourself … lower commodity markets), he also offered several This is where you and others on the left lose it. The writing tips because, as he noted, “your writing style majority of Conservatives are able to think and reastinks.” son…”

A few sentences later, the sender (a doctor), had a Not everyone who e-mailed or wrote a letter wantdiagnosis for the stench: “You were taught in joured a piece of my hide. David from Indiana noted nalism school to write so a 12 year-old can underthat he would award me a Pulitzer Prize for stand it. You seem (sic) think they meant you’re Agriculture — “if there is one.” (Nope, but thanks.)

Similarly, Mary sent an August e-mail that claims,

OPINION

Letter: For those wants to hear from you! looking for someLetters to the editor thing better 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.

To the Editor: Christmas is here again! The year has had many problems. Many people are looking for something better. Here it is — a prayer.

Have faith in Jesus for a good life forever. Where problems won’t come upon us. Look no further. There’s nothing better.

Accept Jesus’ gift. Follow His church and goodness and you will have found your way into heaven.

Amen.

Myron Solberg Buffalo, Minn.

“Your column is always a great read, but this week’s … was exceptional.” (As, I assume, you are too, Mary.)

Some write out of astonishment: “I’ve been reading your column … for years and I must say that I’m surprised every time. So much reason from a column named ‘Farm and Food,’” offered Steve from Iowa.

And finally, “I’m a big fan of your column.

However, the thing I’d really like to know right now is how you pronounce your last name — please.”

The e-mail was signed “Burma.”

Think sauerkraut, Burma: hard “g,” long “e,” with the accent on the last syllable: gee-BERT. As always, please keep those e-mails, letters and diagnoses coming. Because free advice, medical or otherwise, is always welcome for those of us not yet covered by Medicare.

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

Letter: Arizona poet reflects on winter in northland To the Editor: Enclosed is a poem I wrote, probably 25 years ago.

It expressed my feelings as a dairy farmer in southern Minnesota. You have my permission to use it if you choose. Lutefisk is a very polarizing topic — either you love it or you hate it.

Merry Christmas.

Winter is a time of pain.

One nearly goes insane.

The wind, snow, sleet and ice, we dream of someplace warm and nice.

To live here now is terrible, but some things make it bearable.

Yes! There are things that keep us going, when just outside, I see it’s snowing.

The thing that we now really need, would be agreed by any Swede, a big hot plate of lutefisk.

To have right now my life I’d risk.

The ecstasy, the sheer delight, soaked up with butter, wow — that’s just right.

Some folks would tend to disagree.

But if so foolish they would be.

They’ll have to go through life being glum, to me, it seems, is just plain dumb.

To not enjoy the pure delight of lutefisk on a cold winter night.

Lloyd Robertson Apache Junction, Ariz.

PAGE 4

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

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Doug Brown 320.980.5459

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STEARNS CO. David Eibensteiner 320.429.0844 Lyle Schefers 320.293.0056 Luxemburg Feed Service 320.290.8260 STEELE CO. Karl Steckelberg, DSM 507.475.0365 Dylan Tuerk 507.475.2350 SWIFT CO. Steve Gades 320.760.0396 TRAVERSE CO. Justin Tritz 320.760.8690 WABASHA CO. Josh Ulland 507.481.5047

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

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PAGE 5

Children are like seeds – ‘packed with possibility, promise’ In the 30 years married to my farmer the next generation was clear and cerhusband, we’ve seen significant change in tain. “We may never see what happens to the ag industry. So have you. And though the seeds that are being planted and tiny seeds sprouting into new life is an watered,” she said. “We just don’t know, unchanging, humbling miracle, the timbut we won’t stop.” Because those kids ing of when seed sales representatives are starving for more than food. They are show up is in flux. hungering for a safe place to belong and experience love.

They used to go door to door in February to highlight the company’s topWhether in soil or souls, planting matTHE BACK PORCH ters. There is no harvest without the hard producing varieties from the previous harvest. Then seed sales came at the

By Lenae Bulthuis work of tilling and putting seed to soil. heels of harvest, after the equipment was In his book, “The Book of Mysteries,” by parked for the season. Today sales reps drop into Jonathan Cahn, he writes that every seed is a combines through cell phones or in person to ask potential miracle. “Each one is filled with the potenfarmers to plan for a year they’re too preoccupied to tial for life, growth, blossoming, and fruitfulness. It’s think about because they’re in the harvest hub. all there in the seed — the plan, everything it will And though farmers have a variety of needs and become, the plant, the flower, the tree. It’s all there preferences, they don’t need a seed representative to inside its shell.” remind them what they already know. How, what, Leave corn and soybean seeds in bags or bulk, and and when you plant is critical to the harvest. it produces nothing. Neglect opportunities to plant Although the harvest has a unique adrenaline all love and hope into the next generation, and it reaps its own, it’s the careful, intentional planting of the the same. seed that matters most.

Farmers get that. As do people outside of the farming industry. Within a phone conversation with Cecelia, who lives within an inner city on the East coast, she shared the story of her church. There are ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The Minnesota Organic only 35 members, most of them senior saints. Yet Conference will be held at the River’s Edge Convention every Wednesday night they host a supper for the Center in St. Cloud on Jan. 11 and 12. This year’s community followed by an opportunity for Bible conference will feature a number of breakout sesstudy for the very young through adults. Most of the sions, networking opportunities, and a tradeshow adults clear their plates and leave. Most of the kids with more than 80 vendors. stay. And at the end of the night, they cross the Keynote speakers for the conference are author and street to the low-income housing complex they call photographer Michael Ableman and agronomist home.

Heather Darby. Ableman is considered one of the Then on Sunday mornings those kids return. They fathers of the urban agriculture movement. Darby is often arrive late and are usually alone. So volunan extension agronomist for the University of teers from the small church stand at the crosswalk Vermont. Her program is focused on crop and forage to ensure their safety. production with an emphasis on soil management And though I couldn’t see Cecelia, her passion for and environmental health.

We talk about what’s gone awry with the next generation. We wonder what the future holds, and may even determine to get involved. But good intentions don’t change lives, nor does thinking that children or youth are someone else’s problem or responsibility. Whether actively engaged in ag or not, we must be part of planting hope and truth into kids.

Each child is a seed packed with possibility and promise. And though so many elements seem to be working against them, we can be for them. Instead of focusing on the brokenness we see, we can show them who we see them becoming.

Though you may not appreciate the timing of your seed sales rep, we need them. The harvest depends on it. Greater still, our kids need us. Let’s be as relentless in opening doors and encouraging the next generation to plant what is good.

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

Organic conference coming soon Other presenters scheduled to appear at the conference include Heath Dewey, organic market reporter for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; plant pathologist Erin Silva from the University of Wisconsin; veterinarian Sarah Slaby; and Collin Thompson who manages an education, research and production farm in Michigan.

Register online or mail registration forms to: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Cashier, 625 Robert St. North, St. Paul, MN 55155. For more information and to register online, visit www.mda.state. mn.us/organic or call (651) 201-6012.

This article was submitted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. v

Letter: Bankruptcy, bond laws need to be examined To the Editor: Two years ago, on Dec. 10, 2015, the grain elevator in Porter, Minn., closed its doors due to bankruptcy. I would like to know why this was not covered by your magazine. A number of farmers lost money in this bankruptcy. I was one. I lost well over $100,000 and not one dollar was deferred payment.

It was a grain check for corn that was sold on Dec. 9, 2015. I took my check to my bank three hours after selling my grain and deposited it. I got nothing as the check bounced.

I would like to know also where were the farm organizations that claim to work so hard for farmers. Where were they when a bill in the Minnesota Legislature to require grain elevators to carry big-

OPINION

ger bonds was trying to get passed? I haven’t heard a peep out of them. Some actually spoke against it. I have since cancelled my membership in Minnesota Farmers Union.

Also, where is law enforcement? It is now two years after the fact and the people who wrote out over $1,000,000 in bad checks — not to mention all the deferred money that is missing — haven’t had to answer for it. They haven’t even had a $10 fine.

They are laughing. Law enforcement in this case is a joke.

On top of this, you get sued by the elevator’s bank to pay feed bills.

There are other farmers who lost money on bad checks and also deferred money. If farmers knew

how vulnerable they are to having their grain taken by the banks and grain elevators, they would not believe it. I would not have believed this was even possible if it hadn’t happened to me. I still can’t believe it. The bankruptcy laws are a joke.

Coverage of this kind of story could and should be better. Maybe then, bankruptcy laws and grain elevator bonding laws will be changed to help those who pay their bills and not those who cheat people out of their money. They sure need to be changed because somewhere somebody pays the grain elevator and the bank’s bill. With the current law, that somebody will be you. It will never be the banks.

Leon VanDerostyne Porter, Minn.

PAGE 6

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Year in review: Top Agriculture Issues of 2017

By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor These are the top agriculture issues in 2017. The following report is compiled from 2017 issues of The Land magazine.

NAFTA The North American Free Trade Agreement talks have grabbed Donald Trump headlines all year. President Donald Trump has called NAFTA “the worst trade deal” in U.S. history and has threatened to withdraw from the agreement.

The crux of the problem is that while U.S. consumers and farmers have benefited from free trade between Canada and Mexico, manufacturing jobs have been lost to Mexico.

Throughout 2017, Dick Hagen, staff writer talked to numerous sources and experts on trade, policy and politics about NAFTA. U.S. Deputy Secretary Steve Censky said that trade with Mexico and Canada accounts for 25 percent of ag exports, but NAFTA needs to be modernized and the president wants a more level playing field for U.S. manufacturing.

At Farmfest, Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau, noted that ag exports went from $8 billion to $38 billion under NAFTA. “Let’s don’t do it any harm,” he said. Maria Zieba, deputy director of international affairs for the National Pork Producers Council, pointed out that Mexico is the largest importer of U.S. hams. She also said do no harm.

Alan Guebert repeatedly sounded off on NAFTA talks and the possibility of the trade agreement

blowing up. For once, he was on the same page as farmers and ag groups.

To voice your support on NAFTA, send a post on Twitter at #Farmers4NAFTA. You may also visit the Minnesota Farm Bureau website at http://fbmn.org/ take-action to tell the president that you are a farmer for NAFTA. MFB offers these statistics — 48 percent of Minnesota’s agricultural exports were sent to Canada and Mexico and $43 billion of food and ag goods were exported to Canada and Mexico in 2016.

A sixth round of talks will begin Jan. 23 in Montreal. Stay tuned.

Dicamba In 2017, farmers were able to use dicamba on dicamba-tolerant soybeans. However, the new lowvolatility dicamba products were not without risk.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture received 253 complaints on dicamba drift. Off-target drifting causes damage to conventional soybeans. In September, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association convened a task force to investigate dicamba drift.

“We don’t want farmers against farmers,” said Bob Worth, Drift Task Force chairman and MSGA secretary.

In November, the task force published its recommendations to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The recommendations are: adapt a new EPA Label for Minnesota; determine a cutoff date for application; adapt a temperature cutoff statement; and educate on proper use and stewardship of dicamba products.

The task force’s findings came after EPA tightened

the dicamba label to address particle/physical drift, but the task force called for more protection from vapor (volatility) drift.

In December, MDA announced new restrictions on the use of dicamba for the 2018 growing season. The cutoff date is June 20 to help reduce volatility or movement. Minnesota soybeans are still in the vegetative growth stage and research has shown that plants in the vegetative stage are less affected than those in the reproductive stage. The cutoff temperature is 85 F. Research shows that volatization increases with temperatures.

The new restrictions apply to XtendiMax by Monsanto, Engenia by BASF and FeXapan by DuPont.

These formulations are for sale and use only by certified applicators.

“We need dicamba. We also need these new restrictions. Producers need to have the ability to adapt this product to their operations, and these additional guidelines will allow users to do just that in a safe and environmentally sound manner,” said MSGA President Michael Petefish in a press release.

Watch for dicamba education from University of Minnesota Extension this winter.

Buffers Minnesota farmers reached the first buffer deadline: a 50-foot buffer, with a minimum average of 30 feet, on public waters by Nov. 1, 2017. As of December, compliance was at 97 percent, reported John Jaschke, Board of Water and Soil Resources executive director.

See TOP AG ISSUES, pg. 7

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

Jan. 8 – 2018 Ag Outlook Meeting – Alexandria, Minn. – Linder Farm Network hosts meeting on management and marketing featuring Warren Formo, John Baize and Jim Emter – Contact (507) 444-9224 or visit www.linderfarmnetwork.com Jan. 9 – Taking charge of your finances – Fergus Falls, Minn. – UMN Extension Agricultural Business Management presents short course on organizing and using financial records – Contact Nathan Hulinsky at huli0013@umn.edu or (218) 236-2009 or visit www. extension.umn.edu/agriculture/business Jan. 9 – 2018 Ag Outlook Meeting – Willmar, Minn.

Jan. 9 – 2018 Research Updates for Ag Professionals – Morris, Minn. – Strategies to deal with changing pests, diseases and environmental recommendations – Visit www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/ag-professionals/ or jenri001@umn.edu or (651) 480-7732

Jan. 10 – 2018 Research Updates for Ag Professionals – Willmar, Minn.

Jan. 11 – 2018 Research Updates for Ag Professionals – Crookston, Minn.

Jan. 11-12 – Frozen Farm Forum Conference – Madison, Minn. – Conference on hemp and clean energy – Visit www.lqpeda.com/frozenforum/ or contact PJ Ellison at (320) 598-7976 Jan. 11-12 – Minnesota Organic Conference – St. Cloud, Minn. – Trade show, learning and networking for organic farmers – Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/ organic or call (651) 201-6012 Jan. 15 – Small Grains Update – Morris, Minn. – Small Grains Update from Minnesota Wheat – Visit smallgrains.org or call (218) 253-4311 Jan. 16 – Small Grains Update – Two locations, Moorhead and Fergus Falls, Minn.

Jan. 17 – Small Grains Update – Two locations, Crookston and Ada, Minn.

Jan. 16-17 – Minnesota Pork Congress – Minneapo-

lis – Trade show and education event that features exhibitors, seminars and social activities – Visit www. mnporkcongress.com or (507) 345-8814 Jan. 17 – Taking charge of your finances – Crookston, Minn.

Jan. 17 – Farming in Tough Times – Albany, Minn.

– Workshop for dairy producers confronting economic challenges – Contact Emily Wilmes, UMN Extension, at (320) 255-6169 ext. 3 Jan. 17 – Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds – Alexandria, Minn. – Learn pest pressure, weed biology, resistance and management – Contact stah0012@umn.edu or (507) 372-3900 Jan. 23 – Taking charge of your finances – St. Cloud, Minn.

Jan. 24-25 – MN AG EXPO – Mankato, Minn. – Trade show, networking, educational sessions and annual meetings of Minnesota Soybean Growers and Corn Growers associations – Visit www.mnagexpo.com

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

40 Square looks to offer health insurance option TOP AG ISSUES, from pg. 6 Compliance includes documented waivers. The Minnesota Legislature granted farmers and landowners an extension on installing buffers or alternative practices on public waters. New buffer language states that landowners could file a compliance plan with their soil and water conservation districts. The waiver extends the deadline to July 1, 2018.

Looking forward, farmers and landowners must install a 16.5 foot buffer on public ditches by Nov. 1, 2018. To give the law more flexibility, six alternative practices were approved by BWSR in April. The practices are general such as negative slopes on ditches.

Farmers were unsure which practices would be compliant with the law.

Enter two new computer-based tools in September — Decision Support Tool and Ag Buffer Builder. The programs analyze your farm data, soil type, geography, conservation practices and more. Than farmers receive an output of alternative practices that can be used on their farm, practices that can work as well or better than a buffer to protect water quality.

These tools offer a custom fit approach to buffers.

The Decision Support Tool was funded by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and developed by the University of Minnesota. Visit bwsr.state.mn.us/ buffers/ and search decision support tool. The Ag Buffer Builder tool is available through authorized Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN ag retailers.

To learn more, contact your local soil, water and conservation district.

Health care For Minnesota farmers, health care was a top issue in 2017. Costs for health coverage skyrocketed while access to care dropped. The issue was the subject of a Farmfest session and Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farm Bureau president, said health care affordability and availability grabbed the most attention at the annual meeting.

In September, 40 Square Cooperative Solutions offered farmers a health plan they could own. Meetings were held statewide so farmers could learn about the health plans for themselves, their families and employees. Members use the Cigna network of providers, which offers good access to providers within a 30-mile radius.

Farm families came on board and 40 Square health plans are a go for 2018.

“Our goal is our enrollees, come January 1, to provide excellent customer service,” said Char Vrieze, project manager for 40 Square. “Over the course of time, we really hope to meet the needs of the ag community in particular. It’s their plan, their co-op.” v

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 7

presents Linder Farm Network 2018 AG Outlook Meetings The Linder Farm Network will be hold their 15th annual Agricultural Outlook Meetings across Minnesota this January. The meetings will focus on management and marketing strategies for the coming year, and will feature some of the top exports in the country.

Registration will be at 8:00 a.m. and the forums start promptly at 9:00. The programs wrap up by 2:30 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Coffee and rolls and a noon lunch are provided.

Sponsoring

Sponsoring

Date Monday, January 8th, 2018 Broadway Ballroom

Address 115 30th Ave. East Alexandria, MN

Date Thursday, January 11th, 2018 Courtyard by Marriott

Address 901 Raintree Rd. Mankato, MN

Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 Best Western Plus

2100 Hwy 12 East Willmar, MN

Friday, January 12th, 2018 Holiday Inn Conference Center

2365 NW 43rd St. Owatonna, MN

Wednesday, January 10th, 2018 320 N O’Connell St. Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN Conference Center

Morning Sessions 9:00 AM Welcome

Agenda

Water quality issues and their impact on agricultural for years ahead will be discussed.

Warren Formo, Executive Director of Minnesota Ag Water Resources

Afternoon Sessions NOON Lunch What’s ahead for commodity prices, and how do farmers adapt to the changing market.

Jim Emter

Outlook for U.S. Agriculture in 2018 and how world events are shaping what we grow, how we grow and our bottom lines.

John Baize, International Ag Consultant

The cost is $35 per person, and includes coffee and noon lunch. For information contact the Linder Farm Network at 507-444-9224 or www.linderfarmnetwork.com

PAGE 8

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

These soups will chase away those cold weather blues Christmas is over. The merriment, the cheer, the excitement of the holiday season is done. What is left to look forward to this winter? COLD, brutal, frigid, unrelenting cold temperatures. On these chilly days, there’s nothing better than to warm your belly with a COOKING hearty, warm, delicious soup.

WITH KRISTIN An added bonus is these tasty recipes are all made in the

By Kristin Kveno slow cooker. The soup will be simmering away during the day, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma.

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1 bay leaf 6 cups chicken broth 1 cup water Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley In a 6-quart crockpot, place whole chicken breasts on the bottom and top with carrots, onion, celery, garlic, olive oil, thyme and bay leaf. Next add in chicken broth, water, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I used 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper.

Cover and cook on “low” heat 6 to 7 hours. Remove cooked chicken breasts and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Place chicken back in to the crockpot. Now add in egg noodles and parsley. Cover and cook until noodles are tender, 5-10 minutes.

This recipe is called the “Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.” With a name like that, you can’t go wrong. Chicken noodle soup is the truest form of comfort food and this one is simple with tasty ingredients.

The Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/10/best-crockpot-chickennoodle-soup.html 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 stalks celery, chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

One of my favorite things to order at a restaurant is French onion soup, I love the combination of the rich onion soup, the bread and ooey-gooey cheese.

This recipe is rich, delicious and best of all, cooks in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/slow-cooker-french-onionsoup-268870 6 pounds onions, sliced 1/4 cup butter 14 cups beef stock 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 bay leaf 1/4 tsp. thyme salt and pepper For 4 servings: 4 slices toasted crusty bread 4 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese Dovetail From Over medium heat, sauté the onion in butter until LED lighting soft and translucent and caramel color. Make this in Modular Wiring Harness three batches. Place onions in slow cooker. Deglaze Drop cooking skillet with some of the beef stock (this is ’N Locks the secret to that taste). Add to slow cooker along with the remaining beef broth (your own homemade Gooseneck or powdered mixed with boiling water). Add WorcesHitch tershire sauce, thyme and bay leaf. Cover; cook on Rol-Oyl “high” setting for 4 hours or on “low” for 6-8 hours.

Cattle Oilers Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf. Add $ parmesan cheese to your onion soup bowl. Place one 389 As pictured $1550 slice of toasted bread over the cheese. Fill bowl with Easy to Install soup. Top with shredded Gruyere cheese. Place Easy to Haul Without under broiler to melt your cheese. $1275 Brush It’s That Simple!

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This taco soup recipe is a winner at my house. It’s a lot like chili, but not quite as thick. With the addi-

tion of ranch seasonings it’s a great meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Taco Soup www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/simple-taco-soup 2 pounds ground beef 1 envelope taco seasoning mix 1-1/2 cups water 1 can (15-3/4 ounces) mild chili beans 1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomato with green chilies 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, optional 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix In a Dutch oven or large kettle, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning and mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Yield: 6-8 servings (about 2 quarts).

Cream soups are decadent, flavorful and downright tasty. This recipe is no exception. Throw a little crumbled bacon on top right before serving and this soup is the perfect end to a frosty winter’s day.

Creamy Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup www.pillsbury.com/recipes/creamy-slow-cooker-cauliflowersoup/ 5 cups small cauliflower florets (about 1 head) 1 / 2 cup chopped onion 2 tsp. finely chopped garlic 2 q u a r t s chicken broth 1 / 4 tsp. dried thyme leaves 1 / 4 tsp. pepper 2 cups shredded American cheese (8 oz.)

1 / 2 cup heavy whipping cream Chopped cooked bacon and sliced green onions for garnish, if desired In 3 to 4-quart slow cooker, mix cauliflower, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme and pepper. Cover and cook 5 to 5-1/2 hours on low heat setting or 3 to 3-1/2 hours on high heat setting (or until cauliflower is tender). Carefully transfer to blender. Blend until pureed and smooth. Return to slow cooker. Stir in cheese. Cover and continue cooking 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Stir in whipping cream.

Garnish with bacon and onion.

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

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Decorate a ‘bird feeder’ tree for your feathered friends Birds brighten the days of Freeze on a cookie sheet January and a sure fire way before putting them outside. to keep them happy and It is important to use a hanging around every day is heavy gauge wire when to give them food they love. hanging these small feeder Suet is a nearly perfect food treats because of the weight for them in the winter of some of the larger birds. months. I just decorated a Chickadees, woodpeckers, conifer in the front yard with finches, blue jays, juncos, IN THE GARDEN an assortment of delicacies cardinals and nuthatches that is pleasant to look at are all frequent visitors at

By Sharon Quale as well as a bird banquet. our bird feeder tree.

A basic recipe for suet cakes: 2 parts melted fat (beef fat or lard) 2 parts yellow cornmeal 1 part peanut butter (crunchy is best) Melt the fat and peanut butter and stir in the cornmeal. Sunflower seeds, bird seed mixes, nuts, oatmeal and dried fruits are great additions to this basic suet mix. The mixture should be thick like cookie dough. Put into molds or shape into balls and freeze before putting outside. Cover suet balls with netting from citrus bags or cheesecloth and tie securely at the top.

(Homemade suet should only be used when it is cold outside as it can become rancid in warm weather.)

Pine cones slathered with peanut butter and dipped in bird seed and Photos by Sharon Quale secured with a wire hanger are attractive bird tree decorations.

Any tree works as a feeder tree including deciduous specimens. I sugA colorful, edible gest using whatever tree or shrub is in garland can be a good viewing spot from your favorite made using fresh window. cranberries and unsalted peanuts.

Winter can be a difficult time for Use a large needle birds. They are warm blooded and threaded with a they have to maintain a certain temheavy cord like a perature to survive. Most birds fluff crochet yarn and up their feathers on very cold days to space the berries create air pockets to help keep them and peanuts at warm. The more air spaces the better regular intervals. they are insulated. To keep them well nourished a feeder that includes suet, Bird bagels can a high energy source, is beneficial be made by frostthrough the cold months of winter. ing the bagel with Have some creative fun making bird peanut butter and food treats and decorating a special dipping it in bird “bird feeder tree” in your yard. seed. A ribbon bow adds some color.

Sharon Quale is a master gardener Place a wire from central Minnesota. She may be through the hole to reached at (218) 738-6060 or use as a hanger. squale101@yahoo.com. v

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

The Land looks back at our top stories of 2017

Our top story picks are not scientific.

Library.

They are a sampling of what readers April have come to love about The Land — good Every April, The Land devotes an issue stories on farmers, businesses and issues. to FFA and ag education. Anna VangMany of the stories were chosen by the sness, a correspondent new to The Land, buzz they received from our readers on wrote the cover story on the Blue Jacket www.TheLandOnline.com and Facebook/ Bright Future program that purchases thelandonline. the iconic blue jackets for Minnesota FFA members who cannot afford one.

A big thank you to our team of correShe featured the Sleepy Eye FFA chapspondents who cover all of rural Minneter. The jackets are a badge of honor that sota and northern Iowa. unites FFA members across the country.

January Carolyn Van Loh turned in a story on “South African sheep thrive on Iowa the Westbrook-Walnut Grove High grass, legumes” by correspondent Tim School FFA chapter. As farm numbers King told of Stephanie Mitcham who is are dwindling, this FFA chapter draws raising a flock of Dorper, White Dorper over 50 percent of the student body in and Ile de France sheep in corn and soygrades eight to 12. The Charger Greenbean country near Sumner, Iowa. house is a permanent greenhouse where February students order, grow and care for plants.

“Agricultural trade with Cuba may In early May, the FFA students open the open up small market” was written by greenhouse to sell the plants to the comDick Hagen, who interviewed Minnesota Photo by Stephanie Kasper of Stephanie Lynn Photography munity.

Agriculture Commissioner Dave Freder- For June Dairy Month, The Land featured the marriage proposal of Garrett LarMay ickson at the Minnesota Organic Confer- son and Gabriell Edel at Kasper Dairy near Owatonna. Gabriell and Garrett will Our annual gardening issue featured ence. The state Department of Agricul- wed on Aug. 4, 2018. We wish this young couple the best!

Michael and Darla Eeten, an Iowa couple ture helped bring keynote speaker who were brought together by a strawFernando Funes-Monzote to talk about March berry patch.

Today, they grow fruits and vegetables organic farming in Cuba.

Our rural health issue featured together under the name GoodEetens Produce Farm.

Farm Rescue, which provides Thanks to correspondent Renae B. Vander Schaaf. planting, harvesting and haying June assistance to farm families that Dairy Month! “I Do! Dairy Princess said yes at have experienced a major illness, Kasper Dairy” was a reader favorite and appeared as injury or natural disaster. Marie a cover photo and “Back Roads.” Stephanie Kasper of Wood talked to volunteers, the Stephanie Lynn Photography submitted the photo of founder and a family aided by Gabriell Edel and Garrett Larson kissing in the Farm Rescue.

Kasper dairy barn after the proposal.

Correspondent Richard Siemers booked a “Back Roads” on the O.G. Anderson Big Store, a department store serving Minneota from 1901 to 1972. Locals gave the building new life as the Minneota Public

July In his “Land Minds” column, Dick Hagen honored Ray Thorn, who died on July 6, 2017. Ray Thorn was key to launching the Minnesota Corn Growers Association in 1978. Hagen called him a “classic AmeriSee TOP STORIES, pg. 11

Best of The Land columnists

255 16th Street South St. James, MN 56081

Many readers go right to their favorite columnists when they get The Land. Here’s the top columns of 2017.

The Back Porch: Lenae Bulthuis muses about faith, family and farming from her Minnesota grain and livestock farm. In March, she tackled the subject of “fake news.” She reminded readers that fake news goes on wherever tongues wag and invoked her dad’s adage: “Consider the source.”

Table Talk: Karen Schwaller brings humor, laughter and tears from her farm in Milford, Iowa. She became a grandma this year and her October column, a letter to her expectant daughter made our top story list. You can expect a good laugh whenever she writes about raising and loading hogs!

Cooking With Kristin: Kristin Kveno began writing a monthly cooking column in June. In September, she shared “Healthy, harvest recipes provide food on the go,” which offered “some tasty recipes for those dining in the combine.”

In The Garden: Sharon Quale is a master gardener from central Minnesota. In July, she shared her experience in bucket gardening. In September, she updated readers on her results — a bumper crop of Brussels sprouts.

The Bookworm Sez: Terri Schlichenmeyer writes book reviews from her Wisconsin home. Her year-end “Season’s Readings” column is sure to contain the perfect book for someone on your shopping list.

Visit www.thelandonline.com and search the columnist’s name to read the full columns. You can also choose our “Family” tab and column title.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 11

The Land looks back at our top stories of 2017

Photo submitted

Karen Schwaller’s daughter Emily Kummerfeld with Karen’s first grandchild, Mason.

October Readers grabbed their tissues for this one. Karen Schwaller, “Table Talk” columnist, wrote a column titled: “Mother’s letter to an expecting daughter.” Now it’s official. Karen is a grandma!

Daughter Emily and Walter Kummerfeld welcomed their son Mason Que Kummerfeld into the world on Sept. 11, 2017, in Spencer, Iowa.

Search Karen Schwaller letter at www.TheLandOnline. com to read or share.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue (left) paid a visit to Kevin Paap’s (right) farm near Garden City, Minn., on Aug. 4.

Photo by Jackson Forderer, The Free Press

November November held many stories that were popular Stephanie Mitcham raisies a flock of Dorper, White with readers. Marie Wood featured precision Dorper and Ile de France sheep near Sumner, Iowa. farmer Kevin Poppel. Correspondent Kristin Kveno profiled Anderson Seeds in Norseland, TOP STORIES, from pg. 14 Minn. Dick Hagen traveled from Willmar, Minn., via corporate jet to Beck’s Hybrids in Indiana. He can farmer.” The credos he lived by benefited all of joined a group for a facility tour and Purdue-Minus, wrote Hagen. “Never quit. Work hard. Be proud to nesota football game. Beck’s rolled out the welbe an American. And remember, life is good. Thanks come mat because the company is expanding its Ray, you’ve influenced ALL of us!” market to Minnesota, followed by the Dakotas.

August December August brought several highlights. The month Paul Malchow and Marie Wood wrote about kicked off with Minnesota Farmfest! Then on Aug. 4, FarmHer. Paul interviewed founder Iowan Marji Photo by Paul Malchow U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue visited Kevin Paap’s farm near Garden City. Farm leaders Paul Malchow visited the Seed Savers Exchange campus, Guyler-Alaniz. In 2013, Guyler-Alaniz started a blog of her photos of women in agriculture. Today, and local politicians asked Perdue to preserve crop north of Decorah, Iowa.The story of dedicated horticulthe business includes events, merchandise and turists and volunteers preserving seed stock for us and insurance and keep trade markets open. Perdue the FarmHer television show, broadcast at 9 p.m. generations beyond graced our cover in August. vowed to be an advocate for agriculture. That said, he Fridays on RFD-TV. expects the farm bill to undergo budget cuts in Marie attended the 2018.

Grow by FarmHer event at the University of September

By MARIE WOOD Some warm, dry weather in Minnesota, St. Paul.

Correspondent Anna The Land Associate Editor September and October was Grow By FarmHer Vangsness wrote the welcomed to finish off the events connect, empower The growing season in Mincover story on Rochelle crops.

Then the final days of and inspire young nesota and northern Iowa Krusemark, an agriculOctober brought snow. A long women. handed out a variety of chaltural advocate near Triand late harvest ensued. lenges. Planting was off to a mont. The Krusemarks Visit www.TheLand slow start due to a cold, wet grow corn, soybeans, As Harvest 2017 wrapped Online.com to read any spring in southern Minnehogs and cows. She is on up, soybean and corn yields of our articles. Go to our sota. When May brought on the board of the Minnewere better than expected. e-editions to flip through the sunshine, farmers hit the sota Soybean Research “From The Fields” growers the back issues. Or fields hard to get their crops and Promotion Council Bob Roelofs and Nate Hultsearch the name of the in. They worked late into the and brings ag in the gren credit the strength of business or person the night. classroom to Martin the genetics and hybrids for article features.

County students. Krusethe 2017 yields.

Up north, The summer brought cool Thank you for reading mark, a director on the Photo by Paul Golden Corey Hanson noted that his temperatures, hail storms, in 2017. We hope you United Soybean Board, drought-tolerant corn paid winds and an extremely wet Paul Golden of Montevideo, Minn., submitcontinue to read and was elected to the execuv August with big rain events ted photos from harvest season. He snapped off for him. subscribe to The Land in tive committee at the across most of Minnesota. this photo of soybean harvest in west central 2018.

USB’s winter meetings.

Meanwhile, Northwest Min- Minnesota this fall. This photo was chosen Story ideas? Send your Thanks for serving! nesota and North Dakota for our December 1/8 cover photo. tips to us at editor@the suffered from a drought. landonline.com. v Photo submitted

Growing season and harvest 2017

PAGE 12

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Health care remains top priority among farmers

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WELCH, Minn. — The voices of agriculture are on display when attending winter meetings of Minnesota’s agricultural industry. Be it the annual meeting of Minnesota Farm Bureau or Farmers Union, the resolution discussions create the most coffee chatter.

When asked what particular resolution grabbed everyone’s attention at the recent MFB annual meeting, Kevin Paap responded, “Health care … whether its health-care affordability or health-care availability, health care is a crisis in this state. For those on the individual health care market, it’s a big bill every month with high deductibles.

We will continue to work on what other choices might be available.”

But that was only a warm-up for Paap, now into his 12th year as Minnesota Farm Bureau president.

“We’re going to continue working on taxes; transportation and infrastructure of roads and bridges. These are so important in rural areas of our state.

So too are the railroads; the locks and dams of the Mississippi River.

“Infrastructure is also the internet broadband. As technology keeps ramping up, it is even more vital that our rural areas have access to the same internet capabilities as do the cities and metro areas. As agriculture becomes more electronically driven, broadband becomes even more a necessity especially to that farmer driving a $200,000 combine which is recording data virtually every foot of every row,” said Paap, who is “still learning” at 57 years old.

His take on the growing industrialization of agriculture? A 36-year farming veteran with three generations of family farming in his legacy, Paap knows full well that this is an inevitable trend barring government actions.

“It’s the process, some would say the price we pay, for living in America where free enterprise has always been the champion of our economy. No one can predict the end results but fewer and bigger is always the challenging environment of American agriculture and has been for many decades.”

His concern is the growing segment of the U.S. population that simply has little or no concept of agriculture. “They

don’t care; they don’t know who we are.

They have no understanding that farmers are dedicated to producing food, fiber and renewable fuel. We need to communicate this commitment to consumers so they realize our shared values and the fact that food safety, food nutrition and food security is priority number-one of the American farmer.”

He thinks regardless of farm size, transparency in agriculture is vital.

People want to know and need to know who are these families, these farmers that are producing meats, grains and nutritional benefits for all. “Like many things in life, economies of scale provide benefits too. We see that whether it is in farms or animal agriculture. We want to show that continued improvement in what we do and how we do it is noted by non-agricultural groups. Regardless of how we do it today, part of our ambition is to do it better tomorrow. That is part of the magic of American agriculture.

We are dynamic and we do care about the environment we live in. Our future is tied to the landscape we farm. Society needs to better understand that basic core value of agriculture.”

He’s very aware of the corporate farming dialogue being tossed at agriculture. But Paap reminds that Minnesota has a corporate farm law which governs against corporate farming by anyone not directly involved in farming. Yes, individual farmers can establish corporate farming operations as part of their own farming business.

“Again it’s that transparency which needs to be told. Farmers do incorporate to include other family members and protect the legacy of that farm for succeeding generations.”

Is open enrollment threatening or enhancing most rural schools? This is very much an issue these days with declining enrollments in many areas, acknowledged Paap. He’s very aware of the property tax issue when it comes to rural schools wanting to build new facilities; or get bigger to attract more students.

“My home school district of Lake Crystal/Wellcome Memorial is fortunate to have invested in beautiful new facilities, but it took seven bond referendums to get that job done. We need to See PAAP, pg. 13

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 13

Test plots have 38 percent more worms with cover crops

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WILLMAR, Minn.

— The gist of this story is the importance of earthworms in your soils. And the usage of particular cover crops is a sure- Ann Staudt fire way of boosting midden (earthworms) populations.

Ann Staudt, assistant manager of Iowa Learning Farms, had a high-interest display at the Dec. 5-6 Conservation Tillage Conference in Willmar.

Earthworms were the feature attraction at her display. “We’re looking at earthworms as an early biological indicator of soil health,” said Staudt.

Staudt explained measuring soil health can be notoriously difficult to quantify when changing to reduced tillage. But, she said introduce cover crops into this reduced tillage system and earthworms will quickly be telling you a lot about the “new” health of these soils.

“The earthworm we’re looking at here today is the common night crawler (lubricous terrestes), friend of the farmer, friend of the fisherman,” Staudt said. “We’ve been looking at earthworm counts at seven different sites across Iowa that have replicated strips with a cereal rye crop and without a cereal rye crop. These are all corn and soybean plots — all no-till.

“Rye was chosen because of its robust establishment. It establishes readily and produces significant biomass. It’s just a tried, tested and true cover crop.

And biomass is important to the earth-

worms. It’s fresh food for the earthworms. Another reason is this is part of a long-term study at these seven farm sites. These seven locations give us a variety of soil associations. Each farmer could pick his choice of establishing the cereal rye … drilling, broadcast or aerial application.

“We were looking at earthworm counts in June after the rye cover crop was terminated. So these side-by-side trials, with a cover crop and next to it, without a cover crop. At this stage, the corn or soybeans would be 6 to 8 inches high.”

Staudt and her associates counted 38 percent more earthworms in the soils with cover crop. The actual counts: 96,000 worms per acre without cover crop; 133,000 worms per acre with cover crop!

“And that clearly tells us the worms like that cover crop,” Staudt said. “It is a fresh food for them, plus the worms produce other benefits. Those earthworms tunnel 5 to 6 feet deep in the soil which means better moisture flow, more movement of air, more vigorous and deeper root growth. Just more total soil aggregation is the end result. And that very definitely means healthier soils.”

Staudt did not have data as to the maximum number of worms a healthy soil could accommodate. She said these particular studies only measured night crawlers. But there other earthworms.

There are the shallow-dwelling earth worms and the surface dwellers as well. “So this is not our total earthworm population, but it is one important piece of the puzzle.”

Staudt noted that as earthworms

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and chemical extraction as other means of measuring middens. “But just a farmer with shovel or spade can easily go into his own fields.”

A Cottonwood County farmer talking with Staudt said that after a moderate rainfall, he can walk into his fields and hear the suction noise of earthworms withdrawing into their burrows! “You can often get the same sound by waving your arm slowly over the soil,” he said. “Because these worms are sensitive to light, you can hear the noise as they are withdrawing into their burrows. You hear it because of the rainfall that just happened brought the earth worms to the soil surface.”

This particular farmer is 25 years into no-till and strip till which has created huge amounts of cover and organic matter. “I think all of this works together and that certainly includes the activity of the earthworms in our soils,” he said. v

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make those tunnels, the area around the tunnels is like a “hot bed” for nutrients which feed your cash crop. These tunnels are also a hot bed for other soil organisms — the micro-organisms of bacteria, fungi and nematode.

It’s a win-win situation, Staudt said.

“You can’t go wrong with earthworms.

And I’m excited to see that correlation.

With a cover crop, we can promote healthy earthworm populations beyond what we see in a no-till situation.”

Staudt explained middens stay in their tunnel during the daytime hours because they are sensitive to light. “But at night they come up to feed. They come to eat. They’re going to eat that fresh cover crop residue, corn stalks, bean stubble and then leave their little mound of castings behind. That’s the clumpy mound you see on top of their tunnels. In essence, each earthworm is a miniature manure spreader.”

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numbers automatically is also a drop in state financial aid.”

He commented that every community, every family should be proud of their school system no matter what the buildings look like. “It’s the growth of our students that is most important.

Just like on the farm you need to reinvest if you want to improve so to is that often the situation with our schools.”

Kevin Paap was interviewed at the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference, Nov. 28, in Welch. v

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Reaction is mixed on MDA dicamba regulations

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer MINNEAPOLIS — The hottest “coffee chatter” at the Minnesota Crop Pest Management Short Course held Dec. 12-14 was new date and temperature regulations for dicamba. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture had just declared a June 20 cutoff date and an 85 F cutoff temperature for the use of the herbicide dicamba.

MDA received 253 complaints of dicamba drift during the 2017 crop season.

Explained Bill Bond, executive director of Minnesota Crop Production Retailers, “We have been interacting with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture expressing concerns. We knew most surrounding states had already indicated they were using the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) label without stating specific restrictions. But we knew MDA was looking for more restrictions based on advice from growers, scientists and University Extension personnel. Then last week I got a call from Commissioner Dave Frederickson that they were going to add an 85 degree (Fahrenheit) and a June 20 deadline date on dicamba usage.”

Bond, with considerable experience within the commercial applicators world, said the industry has to adapt.

“We have a significant honor system in our industry … but there are penalties too. So the challenge going forward is that anyone applying dicamba must recognize it is now a restricted-use pesticide. And that means both federal and state ramifications — including liabilities.

“If there is crop injury and someone sues, the first question is, ‘Did you apply according to the label?’ So basically, this should be a self-regulatory situation.

MDA does have field inspectors, but we’re a big state with 70,000-plus farmers so it’s a challenge.”

A number of lawsuits are pending on 2017 crop damage. “These will work their way through the courts,” said Bond. “We (MCPR) decided a dicamba update was needed. We invited both Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the three major companies handling the product, Monsanto, BASF and Dow-DuPont, to talk with us about training. EPA doesn’t have training requirements, so retailers will be training and maintaining a list of all individuals who have received this training. Bottom line is, each

applicator assumes his own risk.” drift and it’s right next to me. What if it was the neighbor a mile down the road who did Bond said reaction among applicators at the spraying? Am I possibly still going to get this short course are mixed. “There’s disapin trouble and end up paying to save his pointment. Several indicated they wanted field? My insurance company is likely to say MDA to go with the EPA label which makes that’s volitization. We can’t cover that.” no reference to calendar or temperature cutoffs. June 20 date is unique with Minnesota.

The Lambs grow 800-900 acres of beans. His University researchers working with Extenson, Karl, does the spraying, plus some custom sion determined R1 growth stage is opti- Brian Lamb work. He works with a John Deere unit with a mum. But that June 20 date boils down to 132-foot boom. Lamb maintains a good sense ‘how do you know?’ because obviously, date of plant- of humor despite the break-even squeeze. ing directly impacts date of R1 stage. The commisWhen asked about the likelihood of making money sioner did promise they would listen to our concerns growing corn in 2018 he chuckled, “Break-evens as this moves forward. If they have to make adjust- aren’t even an issue. Third year in a row we’ll probments, they will at least consider it.” ably be losing money. The economics aren’t there.

Based on conversations with applicators and farm- You take 190-bushel corn at $3 plus seed, fertilizer, ers about 2017 damages, Bond indicated yield losses chemical and rent. Those four take all your money.” have been minor — ranging in that 2 to 4 percent area.

So would a $3.50 corn market be profitable? Yes, Others have said soybean leaves crinkled and colored, Lamb admits that could be a game changer. He also but no yield damage showing on the combine monitor. admits 210-bushel corn might yield into a positive “It’s a new issue for us,” Bond said. “I have confi- cash flow. Like many, he still has some 2016 corn dence in our retailers and our applicators. They will crop in the bin. On the day of our visit, cash corn was learn how to apply this product better. Because if we $2.87. don’t, it may not be available in 2019!”

Perhaps the obvious logic came from University of Renville County farmer Brian Lamb attended this Minnesota Extension educator Lisa Behnken: “Get short course and had this to say about the new MDA the weeds before they get you!” Behnken discussed a regulations on dicamba: “It’s probably OK. Last year variety of weed management systems, even nonwe used it on all our acres. We had great control. It chemical strategies to manage weeds. With hundreds worked wonderful for our resistant weeds. But we of commercial applicators, plus hundreds of individdid ding some weeds on a neighbor’s. I don’t think it ual farmers certified to spray, the war on weeds will was drift, because we try to spray only when the be a top priority again in 2018. wind is right. So I suspect it was volatilization. We Lake Benton farmer Bob Worth, who chaired Mintalked with them and they didn’t seem very con- nesota Soybean Growers Association’s dicamba task cerned. I suggested we do some weigh wagon tests at force, is generally pleased with the state’s dicamba harvest. They didn’t think that was necessary. I recommendations. “In Minnesota, we thought maybe haven’t heard anything, so assuming yield damage, there should be two dates, a southern date and a if any, must have been minor.” northern date. They set just one date — June 20.

But Lamb makes a point validated by many others. There’s going to be some heartburn in northern Min“We still have resistance issues we have to deal nesota on that. The temperature recommendations with,” he said. “After hearing the presentation of are what it needs to be. There’s a lot of education Kevin Bradley from the University of Missouri, I ahead as we prepare to use this product.” have been thinking. Maybe we’ll plant all dicamba, Worth feels it important farmers can continue to but spray all Roundup. That way, I won’t get hurt by use the dicamba technology. anybody’s dicamba spray; but I also won’t hurt any“We need this tool. We need it to get glyphosatebody’s Liberty beans by spraying dicamba. I may not take care of my resistant weeds that way and my resistant weeds under control. We need to make sure chemical program could probably cost more. But I we don’t have the issues we had in 2017. If we do, can’t handle the risk of somebody getting dicamba there’s a good chance we won’t have the product for 2019!” v

Cropland grazing exchange finds livestock for idle fields

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Cropland Grazing Exchange was developed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to connect livestock producers with crop producers who are willing to incorporate livestock on their land to increase biodiversity.

According to the brochure, benefits include: improv-

ing soil health; reducing tillage; reducing soil erosion; increasing cropland fertility; reducing pressure on pastures; lengthening the grazing season; and increasing diversity on the landscape At the recent Minnesota Cattle Industry Convention in Bloomington, Kelly Anderson worked at the MDA booth. “I’ve worked with two men involved with NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) and

the Sustainable Farming Association. They do a lot of work with cover crops and they are seeing people who want to raise cover crops also would like to incorporate livestock on to these fields for the soil health benefit. So that’s how the Cropland Grazing Exchange came into being.”

She explained one of the principles of soil health is See GRAZING EXCHANGE, pg. 15

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 15

Grazing fees could help farmers recoup cover crop costs GRAZING EXCHANGE, from pg. 14 to keep the soil covered. “You try to keep a living root in the soil; keep it green and incorporate livestock where you can. As people have become more focused on one aspect of their cropland operation they have lost the ability to connect with livestock people.

What’s happening is monoculture cropping has caused soil health to suffer in many areas.”

So how do the cropland people and livestock people connect? It sounds somewhat contrary to commonly accepted “good neighbor” logic, but the reality of many new proposals hinges on the basic economic barometer: Follow the Money!

The application process through MDA starts with a map. Called the Cropland Grazing Exchange Map, this map has blue points (L) which represent livestock that are available to be transported; green points represent cover crops (C), crop residue (R), and pasture (P) that needs to be grazed. If interested, the potential user clicks a point for more information about each operation.

Anderson indicated the green points mostly represent fields that might be grazed. “These could be cover crops, an ungrazed pasture, hay ground, some other crop stubble, even just corn stalk stubble.

Depending upon amount of snow cover, cattle are sometimes seen grazing corn field stubble throughout the winter.”

This cropland exchange process doesn’t automatically designate grazing fees would be a mandatory part of the program. That particular portion of an exchange between the two parties would strictly be up to the individuals involved.

However Anderson suggested, “It costs money to plant those cover crops. If some of those costs could be covered by getting some money from the livestock party in exchange for that grazing opportunity so be it. If that might be a ‘make or break’ for the cover crop landowner, that would be good. But if some are content with the benefit of simply having the livestock out there, that is their choice too. We know there is some value in bringing those cattle on to these fields. But we’re not involved in setting up the actual legal agreement between the producers.”

She mentioned the intent of MDA is to keep the application information private. “So the trade-off is that we don’t get to hear of the success stories. At this stage I only know of one for sure.”

She will be sending out a survey this winter to registered users of the application. It will simply be asking if they have made a connect. They don’t need to say with whom or when. “We want to get an idea if it is working, and where it is working.”

At this point, she has a couple dozen points registered representing fields available right now and about 100 registered users. Still very new, this MDA grazing program was started last March and she indicated a few little tweaks are being done to it. “It was useable but had a couple glitches that needed to

be worked out. As far as we know, we are the first state to develop this program but we have had a lot of interest from other states.”

Kelly Anderson is a livestock and grazing specialist with MDA. Visit www.mda.state.mn.us/cge. She can be contacted at (320) 808-4424. Other Conservation

Service grazing specialists are: Jeff Duchene, central, (218)346-4260; Tom Gervais, northeast, (218) 7205308; Lance Smith, southwest, (507) 591-4261; or Kent Solberg, Sustainable Farming Association, (844) 922-5573, Ext. 701. v

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Engaged employees boost hog operation dividends Although there is no such thing as a “safe bet,” we can generally all agree expansion in the hog industry is real and will continue in the upcoming years.

Increases in production efficiency and global market expansion will ensure pork’s price competitiveness and frequency on dinner SWINE & U plates across the world. This industry growth, (in the past

By Jason Ertl year from around 1.5 percent to a forecast of 11 percent from 2017-2025 according to Rabobank) means not only more pigs, but also the need for an effective workforce to care for these pigs.

Streamlined, labor-saving technologies have been successfully integrated onto the modern hog farm; but the demand for quality workers for barn and field operations will always remain. Hiring new or replacing employees can be a costly and laborious task so it is essential that supervisors and managers are fostering a company culture where employees can fully realize their potential.

What is employee engagement?

Employee happiness or satisfaction is different from engagement. Some people may be happy or satisfied with their job responsibilities or performance, but that doesn’t mean they are being successful or fully engaged in their work. Employee engagement can be thought of as an emotional commitment to making a positive impact while helping to achieve employers’ goals and visions.

Examples of an engaged employee include those who are more likely to volunteer for overtime or provide thoughtful feedback to superiors with new or cost-saving ideas. They take pride and have a firm belief the work they are doing has purpose.

Engaged employees are advocates not only for their employer, but also for the industry as whole. The bottom line is organizations with an engaged workforce are inherently motivated to do what’s best for the company — which in turn drives productivity,

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creativity and better business results.

Who are the disengaged employees?

Gallup, the research-based global performance consulting company, has conducted numerous studies on the labor force. The firm found in a recent poll that almost 70 percent of American employees experienced some sort of disengagement with their work. This ends up costing an estimated $500 billion annually in lost productivity. How and why are employees becoming disengaged? Evidence and survey data points to a number of different causes for this reduced productivity: communication, recognition or appreciation, and misuse of talent.

The absence of those key workplace features manifests into multiple observable traits, such as an unwillingness to go above and beyond their responsibilities, failure to be a team player or help others, and dishonest behavior at the business’ expense.

Although these employees are technically at work, they don’t understand or support how much company culture plays into the success of the business.

How to measure engagement and what does it mean?

Because no two hog operations are the same, measuring employee engagement is not an easy task.

But it is one that producers, just like other businesses, should be doing on a regular basis. Even in the absence of clear definitions or numerical benchmarks for employee engagement, organizations can still practice different methods to learn and evaluate culture from the employee’s perspective.

Surveys or questionnaires are easy to use and can provide anonymous feedback that might be helpful in gaining a quick snapshot of current workforce

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morale or concerns. But the best way to measure engagement is speaking directly with your workforce. Examples of questions to ask might include what they like about working there, what they dislike, what they would change or what is working well. Scheduling one-on-one conversations where managers can openly and candidly discuss different aspects about the farm business, in a safe and judgement-free environment, will reassure employees and encourage them to open up and share their views.

Another, more formal alternative to these one-onone meetings, would be exit interviews and stay interviews. We have all heard of exit interviews as they are common in most organizations and are a great way to find out what could have been done to keep an employee from leaving. Stay interviews, on the other hand, are where current, engaged employees are asked about what is being done right and what about the culture, leadership or vision makes them want to find success with your company.

What employers can do to boost engagement Given the large percentage of workers who have felt disengaged in their careers, and the associated financial implications from poor productivity to increased turnover rate, it is a priority that supervisors and managers take action and address engagement issues. Above all others, effective communication is key to improving employee engagement — starting even before a person joins your organization and throughout their entire career under your leadership.

Thoroughly communicating the business vision, values and goals will give prospective candidates a better idea of the company culture and the expectations for being a successful member of the team.

New employees will often require more feedback on See SWINE & U, pg. 17

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

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PAGE 17

Managers should provide recognition and appreciation appreciation go a long way.

Over 60 percent state that having performance as they learn the ways of friends at work is the most crucial elethe company, and this early feedback ment to having an enjoyable and shows employees they are valued. engaged work life. Creating opportuniHowever, as employees gain more ties for employees to build connections experience, there is a tendency of and rapport with one another is vital receiving less and less support in daily to maintaining high employee engagework. Research shows that after the first six months of employment, an indi- ment. Focusing on ways to bring coworkers together and getting to vidual’s engagement drops by over 15 know them on a more personal level percent. In order to maintain engagewill make the workplace a more comment during this time and beyond, managers should make an effort to pro- fortable and gratifying atmosphere.

Career development and personal vide consistent recognition and apprecigrowth is important for every employee ation of their employees’ performance.

No matter how big or small, praise and and is a key driver in overall engageSWINE & U, from pg. 16

ment. People have a desire to improve upon their skills for future promotion or advancement. If an employer doesn’t provide those opportunities, the workforce will start looking elsewhere.

Gaining additional education allows them to stay up-to-date in their field and are better able to perform their job responsibilities. Taking advantage of trainings, mentors, certifications or continuing education is a win-win for the organization and the employee.

Employers spend a lot of time and money on their employees, and it is essential that those investments are cared for in order to yield maximum

return. Studies show that these engaged employees are 31 percent more productive, are three times as creative, and 87 percent less likely to leave the organization as their disengaged counterparts.

As 2017 concludes and we reflect on the past year, consider your business culture and working environment. Are there ways you could be improving engagement among your workforce?

Jason Ertl is an agriculture educator in Sibley and Nicollet counties for the University of Minnesota Extension. He can be reached via e-mail at ertlx019@ umn.edu. v

Minnesota Pork Congress in Minneapolis Jan. 16-17 Minnesota Pork Minneapolis Convention Center Congress is the Trade Show hours: Midwest’s swine specific trade Tuesday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. show and educaWednesday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. tion event that Admission: $15 at the door features a wide variety of tradewww.mnporkcongress.com show exhibitors, 1-2 p.m., Seminar: “The Big Fat timely seminars and social activities designed exclusively for pig farmers Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet.” Speaker and pork industry stakeholders Nina Teicholz is an investigative jourTuesday, Jan. 16 nalist and author of the New York 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pork Congress regis- Times bestseller, “The Big Fat Surprise: tration, Minneapolis Convention Why Butter, Meat & Cheese Belong in Center, Mezzanine Level a Healthy Diet.” The book has upended 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Pork Congress trade the conventional wisdom on dietary fat show, Minneapolis Convention Center, and challenged the very core of nutrition policy.

Hall A 2:30-3:30 p.m., Seminar: “Sow 9-10 a.m., Seminar: “Survival of Foreign Animal Disease Viruses in Feed Mortalities Discussion” with speakers: Ingredients: What are the Threats and Henry Johnson and Brad Leuwerke of Mitigation Options?” Speaker is Scott Swine Vet Center. An overview of sow Dee, director of research, Pipestone mortality, cost of prolapses, and possiVeterinary Services. This session will ble intervention strategies. attempt to answer the question wheth5:15 p.m., Hormel/Zoetis social hour er viruses can survive in feed ingredi- with special guest Leslie McCuiston, ents as they are moved between coun- America’s pig farmer of the year. tries and across oceans. New informaWednesday, Jan. 17 tion on African Swine Fever Virus.

9 a.m.-noon, Registration 10:30-11:30 a.m., Seminar: “Pork 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Trade Show Export Outlook” with speaker Dermot J. Hayes, professor of economics, Iowa 9-10 a.m., Seminar: “Uncommon State University. Exports are critical to Allies – Farmers and Environmental the long-term success of the United Groups” with Joe Smentek, Minnesota States pork industry; yet, in today’s Soybean Research and Promotion current political climate export dynam- Council. Farmers and environmental ics may be best described by one word groups can team up to fight invasive — volatile. Hayes will provide insight species, reduce the country’s carbon into what the future holds for pork footprint, clean the waters of the state exports. and more by working together.

10-11 a.m., Seminar: “Preparing for a Foreign Animal Disease: An overview of the Secure Pork Supply Plan” with Dave Wright of Wright Veterinary Services. Wright will present an overview of the Secure Pork Supply plan, which is being developed to prepare producers for responding to a FAD disaster.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Seminar: Market Outlook with Steve Meyer, vice president of pork analysis, EMI Analytics. Meyer will address key factors directly impacting your bottom line including, grain supplies and prices, protein demand, hog price and supply projections, consumer trends and pork exports. v

PAGE 18

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

MARKETING

Grain Outlook Thin volumes hold down corn

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $3.01 +.13 $8.80 +.02 Madison $2.99 +.09 $8.85 +.02 Redwood Falls $2.99 +.11 $8.80 -.01 Fergus Falls $2.88 +.13 $8.58 +.03 $3.00 +.12 $8.74 .00 The following marketing analysis is for the week Morris Tracy $3.01 +.10 $8.80 +.04 ending Dec. 29.

CORN — I’d like to wish everyone a happy, healthy, Average: $2.98 $8.76 and prosperous New Year! The holiday-shortened trading week ended on a flat note in corn. Early week Year Ago Average: $3.00 $8.99 strength stemming from fund Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 2. short covering, as we headed into *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period. month, quarter, and year end, gave way to thin volumes. It was able to hold above the $3.50 area of support. News was very thin in corn and price ranges reflected it.

March corn traded a measly 3.5 cent range for the week, from $3.50.75 to $3.54.25 per bushel. PHYLLIS NYSTROM Weekly export sales surpassed CHS Hedging Inc. estimates and were the second St. Paul As we close out the year of 2017, the livestock marhighest in the last seven weeks kets appear to be closing near steady or higher for at 49 million bushels. We remain 25 percent behind last year, but the U.S. Department the year. Both the cattle market and the hog markets of Agriculture is projecting a 16 percent decline in have seen very large swings in price during the year year-on-year exports. Its export target this year is with at times extreme volatility. The anticipation for 1.925 billion bushels and we have 1.046 billion bush- the year ahead will likely hold els on the books. Many will be looking for exports to pretty much a similar pattern as supply and demand continue to be reduced on the January report. influence the individual markets.

Weekly ethanol production fell 13,000 barrels per The cattle market is ending the day this week to 1.090 million bpd, but it was still the year virtually at the same levels second highest level ever for this week. This occurred despite a grind margin of negative 3 cents per gallon. as we started the year. There are Ethanol stocks were down 289,000 barrels to 22.03 some influences that will affect million barrels, but were a record high on a same the cattle market in the beginning of the year which should JOE TEALE week basis. carry through the first half of the Broker Outlook: Corn is stuck. Since Thanksgiving, March year. That being the U.S. Great Plains Commodity corn has traded from $3.46.5 to $3.60.5 per bushel. Department of Agriculture’s Afton, Minn.

I’m not sure what it will take to push us out of the Monthly Cattle on Feed report range. Direction will be influenced by South American released on Dec. 22. This report was interpreted as weather, large quantities of unpriced corn in the bearish as all major categories were above or below country, currency gyrations, an already relatively the estimates prior to the release of the information. large fund short position in corn, and ethanol demand.

The biggest surprise was the placement number For the week, March corn was down 1.25 cents at $3.50.75, July lost 1.5 cents at $3.67.25, and December which was put at 114 percent greater than a year earcorn edged a half-cent lower to $3.84 per bushel. On lier. This is well above the pre-report estimates which the monthly chart, corn has closed lower for five con- averaged 105.8. The on-feed number was 108 percent — above the analysts’ estimate of 106.7 percent. The secutive months. marketed number was 103 percent which is very near SOYBEANS — March soybeans returned from the estimates by analysts prior to the report.

Christmas with buyers at the ready. It gapped higher On the cash side of the cattle market, prices have from the pre-Christmas close and extended the gains remained fairly steady in recent weeks as the holiday on Dec. 27. Fund short covering supported prices, but a weak Argentine peso and improving South buying has been relatively good supporting recent American weather balanced the gains. March soy- trade.

Livestock Angles Supplies high going into new year

See NYSTROM, pg. 19

See TEALE, pg. 19

Grain Angles

Financial resolutions for 2018 Many operators have made tremendous progress in using technology and precision to boost their yield or cut input costs. Many operations have grown in size over the past 10 years. However, I wonder if those same operations have made a similar level of growth and improvement in their financial management and records.

Just working harder or operating more acres doesn’t guarantee more profit. Commodity prices have dropped in recent years, resulting in reduced profit margins — even negative earnings for some. Does your operation have the financial information neces- BOB AUGUSTIN sary to be successful in these Compeer challenging times?

Senior Credit Officer How would you answer these Northfield, Minn. questions: • How do you know if you were profitable in 2017?

Your checking account balance is down, but you have an income tax liability.

• Do you need to make changes to your business to reduce losses which eat up equity? Can you turn a negative enterprise into a profit center?

• Can you move forward with a planned expansion or major capital purchase? What will it do to your financial position?

• Does your farm unit support bringing a daughter or son into the business?

• Can you show your lender that approving your operating loan for next year is an easy, positive decision?

• What is your earnings break-even, or what price do you need for your grain sales to cash flow expenses and debt service? What is available for your family to live on?

• How do you compare to your peers? Can you compete with them in the future?

Strong financial management is based on accurate, easily-analyzed financial information. What do strong financial records and information look like?

Top level management reporting includes: • A fiscal year-end balance sheet with supporting schedules is the foundation of your annual analysis.

• Accrual income statement ties the cash income and expense information to the balance sheet changes to calculate a true earnings number for the operation.

See AUGUSTIN, pg. 19

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.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 19

China limits foreign materials in U.S. bean shipments NYSTROM, from pg. 18 beans set a new low for the move (and for the marketing year which began Sept. 1) at $9.54.75 per bushel. If the weather forecasts for South America prove accurate, we could see additional risk premium removed from the market. If not accurate, we’ll likely see risk premium return to the market.

Brazil’s window for a weather problem is narrowing. Trade estimates for their soybean crop range from 108 million metric tons to nearly 115 mmt. Last year, they produced a record 114.1 mmt. The “average” trade estimate seems to fall near 112 mmt.

For Argentina, weather threats are more of a concern. However, if their soybean crop is closer to 54 mmt versus the USDA’s 57 mmt forecast, Brazil is making up a significant portion of that loss.

Argentina’s soybean planting was reported at 82 percent complete compared to 86 percent complete on the three-year average.

Currency levels are also playing a role in the direction of soybean prices. The Argentine peso fell 4 percent on Dec. 28, pressuring Chicago Board of Trade soybean prices over a dime lower. As of Dec. 28, the peso was down 21 percent for the year.

March soybeans broke their three-week string of lower weekly closes, managing a small 1.5 cent weekly gain. Weekly export sales were ho-hum at

MARKETING 35.8 million bushels, and the lowest in four weeks.

We have a lot of ground to make up since total commitments are running 15 percent behind last year and the USDA is expecting a 2.3 percent increase in this year’s exports. Most traders will be looking for a cut in the export category on the Jan. 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report.

One news report this week indicated that U.S. protein is running at 34 percent compared to 37 percent in Brazil. The USDA is currently forecasting exports at 2.225 billion bushels.

Beginning Jan. 1, U.S. soybean shipments to China exceeding 1 percent foreign material will be subject to additional testing and conditioning. Only U.S. shipments are affected. This may increase the cost of doing soybean business with China and slow down unloading. Shipments with less than 1 percent foreign material will reportedly receive expedited unloading.

According to the USDA, half of the U.S. soybean vessels shipped to China in 2017 wouldn’t have met the new 1 percent foreign material standard.

Outlook: The next WASDE report will be released on Jan. 12. Thanks to the last trading day of the year rally, March soybeans closed 1.5 cents higher for the week at $9.61.75, July was up 1.5 cents at $9.83.25,

Balance sheet foundation for planning

AUGUSTIN, from pg. 18 • Reconciliation of owner equity change to the accrual income statement accounts for depreciation of assets and weeds out revaluation to give true earnings.

When reconciled it gives confidence in the results.

• Statement of cash flow accounts for all dollars moving in and out of the unit, including asset purchases and sales, in addition to family living draw.

•Projected cash flow for the next year is necessary to determine operating loans, marketing decisions and asset purchases.

• Enterprise analysis is based on yields, cost per bushel and cost per acre. Knowing your break-even is necessary to decide on land rent or purchases, grain marketing, and input decisions.

• Marketing plan — the best practice is to have it in writing to aid you in marketing and risk management decisions.

You might look at this list and feel overwhelmed.

Moving to a top level of financial information will take several years, so take the first step in the journey. Year-end is a great time to make that move as the balance sheet is the base for all other reporting.

You can build on that foundation going forward.

Complete your balance sheet as of your business at year-end date. Many operations defer income or prepay expenses at year end. To have a correct statement, the year-end transactions need to be placed in

the correct year to match the income statement.

Accurate inventories need to be valued at their current price. Complete a payables list.

Details to include on the debt schedule include interest rates, accrued interest due and payment terms.

Obtain correct balances of your checking account.

Outstanding checks can skew the results greatly. Be sure to account for them.

Be sure your asset list reflects the capital purchases and sales made during the year.

Maintain proper handling of CCC grain loans.

Remain consistent on treating them as income or loans. Again, beware of transactions occurring near year-end.

In future years, this report can be laid out side-byside with historical statements for easy analysis of year-over-year change.

When you start with a well-completed balance sheet, the next steps to accrual earnings and reconciling the two statements should flow well. I urge you to take the time to complete the entire balance sheet in a timely manner. Then I encourage you to make this an annual year-end event. By making these steps a priority you will be well on your way to better financial management.

For additional insights from Compeer industry experts or to learn more about Compeer’s programs, check out Compeer.com/education. v

and November gained 2.75 cents at $9.75.75 per bushel. In December, March soybeans ranged from a high of $10.27 to a low of $9.54.75 per bushel. On the monthly chart, beans fell for the first time in four months. It will all depend on the actual and forecasted weather for South America for where we go from here. Funds have a limited position and could add to either a long or short position. Export demand needs to pick up, even though we are competitive on corn, beans and wheat in a world with ample supplies of all. Currency markets are also gaining in influence. It wouldn’t be surprising if we see some New Year money hit the market and give us a bounce to start 2018, but weather will need to be behind it to sustain any gains. v

Current hog market in defensive mode

TEALE, from pg. 18 Looking ahead, obviously the supply of cattle in feedlots is ample and will likely bring on a more defensive attitude by the packers in the weeks ahead which could result in lower cattle prices. On the other side of the coin so to speak, if demand picks up through domestic consumption and export business, this could keep the cattle market in a more steady price structure.

As in the past, the outlook will be determined by the supply vs. demand as the primary indicator of price direction. Producer should approach the cattle market with a cautious attitude and protect inventories if needed.

Hog prices over the past several months has been like a yo-yo — up and down in protracted moves as inventories of hogs expand and contract just like the demand for pork products have done in the same time frame. The current market appears to be still in a defensive mode as prices have continued to slip both in the live prices as well as in the pork cutouts.

On the supply side, the USDA released the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on Dec. 22 which was interpreted as neutral by the trade as the three major categories were essentially right on the pre-report estimates. The report does suggest however, that the hog expansion is continuing to grow. To offset the increasing numbers and keep prices near steady or even improve, demand for pork will have to expand either through domestic or the export markets. In the short run, it is likely that hog prices may suffer into the first weeks of the new year before finding a low.

The price pattern which has dominated the hog market over the past several months is likely to continue in to the new year. Therefore, look for a continued yo-yo pattern which will take prices back and forth in protracted moves in the weeks ahead.

Producers are urged to continue to monitor the market and protect inventories when appropriate.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year. v

PAGE 20

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

Be on the look out for the 2018 subscription card in your next issue of THE LAND.

Copy is 3.5 x 4.38

Hay Auction Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 - 3 pm 55780 St Hwy 19, Winthrop, MN 1/4 mile west of Hwys 19 & 15 Intersection Mages Land & Auction Service will be hosting a hay consignment auction the second Tuesday of every month at 3 pm.

Small or big squares and big rounds, all types and kinds of straw, hay & grass. Sellers are responsible for testing if they wish to.

Bring your trailers! No Buyer’s Premium!

Auctioneers: Matt Mages 507-276-7002, Lic. 08-17-003 & Ryan Froehlich 507-380-9256 magesland.com

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

Real Estate

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020 Grain Handling Equip

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Sell your land or real estate Wilson grain trailer 40', aluin 30 days for 0% commisminum, new ag hoppers, sion. Call Ray 507-339-1272 elec roll tarp, elec traps, spring ride, $20,000. (641) 590-1102 Real Estate Wanted

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Farm Implements 035 WANTED: Land & farms. I have clients looking for FOR SALE: (2) Demco 650 gravity boxes, always sheddairy, & cash grain operaded, no long hauls, $12,000 tions, as well as bare land each. (507)459-1571 parcels from 40-1000 acres.

Both for relocation & investments.

If you have FOR SALE: 2-Brent 644 gravity boxes, exc shape, even thought about selling choice, $12,500; JD 726 38' contact: Paul Krueger, soil finisher, SN Farm & Land Specialist, N00726X008238, very nice, Edina Realty, SW Suburban $15,500; 2-Minnesota 550 bu Office, 14198 Commerce gravity boxes, always shedAve NE, Prior Lake, MN ded, choice, $7,250; New 55372.

Tonutti 12 whl high capacipaulkrueger@edinarealty.com ty V rake, $8,750; JD 960 (952)447-4700 field cultivator w/ mulcher, $4,750. 763-360-2933 or 320Bins & Buildings 033 221-0319 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Fairfax Ag for an appointment. 888-830-7757 Grain Handling Equip

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Farm Implements We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910 Tractors

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Killbros 1800 grain cart 1000 #726 JOHN DEERE 38 Ft bu, terra tires, scale w/ One Pass Finisher w/ 5 Bar printer, roll tarp, red Harrow (H.D. Shanks) $18,000. (641) 590-1102 Very Good. Parker #6250 Gravity (4 Whl Brakes) 625 Planting Equip 038 Bu Very Nice. 319-347-2349

FOR SALE: 2005 1790 16-32 planter w/ liq. Fert., w/red ball system, 500 gal tank, E-set planting unit, Yetter trash whippers, fluted coulters, smartbox insecticide, pneumatic down pressure, inspected annually, & serviced at Kibble Equipment, JD 7810 MFWD Tractor w/ $55,000/OBO. 507-456-3007 only 3600 hrs, 19spd Power Shift, 18.4R42 rears w/ duals, 3 hyd remotes, 540/1000 JD 1890/1910 air drill, 36' PTO, very nice all around 10" spacing, 195 bus., tractor, $64,500. Call 507new openers, boots, press 789-6049 & closing wheels w/ 900 ac., monitor w/ pop. & NEW AND USED TRACTOR blockage, $58,500/OBO PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, (or best offer). (507) 31755, 50 Series & newer trac0178 FOR SALE: 48 JD loader tors, AC-all models, Large w/no welds, bucket, $2,500.

Inventory, We ship! Mark (507)391-5127 Heitman Tractor Salvage 715-673-4829 FOR SALE: 725 JD loader, quick tach bucket, sharp, 037 will fit 20 to 55 Series JD Harvesting Equip 2WD tractor. 507-220-0999

$3,000 REBATE

OPENS: Wed. Jan. 3 / CLOSES: Wed. Jan. 10

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To Include: Tractors, Planter, Air Seeder & Cart, Grain Cart, Semi Tractors, Trailers, Snowblowers and More!

For consignor information & location, complete terms, full lot listing & photos visit SteffesGroup.com Auctioneers & Clerk: Steffes Group, Inc. West Fargo, ND Grand Forks, ND 701.237.9173 701.203.8400 Ames, IA Sioux Falls, SD 515.432.6000 712.477.2144

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Case 2390, 1982, New engine 200 hrs, near new 12.5-54 duals & 11-16 fronts, 3spd power shift, AC, air seat, 3 remotes, 3pt hitch, 600 gal saddle tanks, set up for 20” rows, $20,500. (641) 590-1102

FOR SALE: Loftness 8' ON NEW #1317 (1325 Bushel) snowblower, 1,000 RPM. X-TREME Unverferth FOR SALE:Used grain bins, (507)399-3006 Grain Cart (2016) w/ Tarp & floors unload systems, stiScale. Can Trade/Deliver. rators, fans & heaters, aerDealer 319-347-6282 ation fans, buying or sell- Tile Injector 6" tile plow pull type tile plow, used ing, try me first and also very little, w/ new IntelJD 18R20 cornhead 90 series call for very competitive lislope GPS controls incl. row units, auger slow down contract rates!

Office base station, also new kit, JD poly snouts, Headhours 8am-5pm Monday – tile stringer, possibly sight height control, TrueFriday Saturday 9am - 12 would sell as separate sight row guidance, knife noon or call 507-697-6133 items, $43,000.

(641) 590rolls, some extra parts, Ask for Gary 1102 $32,000. (641) 590-1102

Over

037 Tillage Equip

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Scott Steffes ND81, MN14-51, WI2793-52

You can call us at 507-345-4523 to place your ad in The Land.

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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” Tillage Equip

039

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018 Tillage Equip

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Field Cultivator '02 Great Plains Turbo-Till '97 DMI 40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, Vertical Tillage unit Model tandem wheels, 3 bar harTT 3000 Series I, center row, double fold, narrow weight package, hydraulic center frame, gauge wing down pressure, rolling wheels, Nice unit, $11,500. spike tooth & basket har(641) 590-1102 row, 30' working width, $15,000. (641) 590-1102

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Tillage Equip

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Tillage Equip

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Case IH 14 V-ripper, black FOR SALE: JD 2700 disk springs, nice, always shedripper, 9x24” w/ Ryan Mfg ded, one owner, asking rolling basket. 507-220-5153 $3,500. (507)847-2638 040 Case IH 36R20 cultivator Machinery Wanted 36R20” cultivator set up for side dressing, 60' width, 2pt All kinds of New & Used farm equipment – disc chislift w/ rear assist wheels, els, field cults, planters, double fold, double bar, soil finishers, cornheads, gauge wheels, plumbed w/ feed mills, discs, balers, variable rate orifices, $15,000. (641) 590-1102 haybines, etc. 507-438-9782

If you’re having a Farm Auction, let other Farmers know it!

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern MN Northern IA **Jan. 19, 2018 Jan. 12, 2018 Feb. 2, 2018 Jan. 26, 2018 Feb. 16, 2018 Feb. 9, 2018 Mar. 2, 2018 Feb. 23, 2018 Mar. 16, 2018 Deadlines are 1 week prior to publication with Holiday deadlines 1 day earlier ** Indicates Early Deadline

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To submit your classified ad, use one of the following options: Phone: 1-800-657-4665 or 507-345-4523 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 Fax to: 507-345-1027 • Email: theland@TheLandOnline.com Online at: www.thelandonline.com DEADLINE: Friday at 5:00 p.m. for the following Friday edition. Plus! Look for your classified ad in the e-edition.

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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.

THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018 Machinery Wanted

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WANTED: 1 or 2 Brent wag- FOR SALE OR LEASE Compart's total program FOR SALE: 4x14 arch s.s. pans, bad tin 400 g.p.h RO. ons, around 644 bushel.

REGISTERED BLACK features superior boars & Steam away tanks pails (507)276-2839 ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & open gilts documented by spiles. Fredric, WI 54837 yearlings; bred heifers, BLUP technology. Duroc, 715-491-1861 calving ease, club calves & York, Landrace & F1 lines.

Spraying Equip 041 balance performance. Al Terminal boars offer leanREINKE IRRIGATION sired. In herd improvement ness, muscle, growth. MaFOR SALE: '86 Freightliner Sales & Service program. J.W. Riverview ternal gilts & boars are Liquid Tender Truck Day New & Used Angus Farm Glencoe, MN productive, lean, durable. cab, air ride, Tandem axle, For your irrigation needs 55336 Conklin Dealer 320All are stress free & PRRS 855 Cummins eng, 10spd 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 864-4625 free. Semen also available trans, 1650 gal HD elliptical through Elite Genes A.I. tank, 30 gal & 60 gal chem Make 'em Grow! Comparts WANT MORE READERS mix tanks, 120 gal rinse FOR SALE: 9 shorthorn Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: TO SEE YOUR AD?? steers, 500-700 lbs., vacciwater tank, 2" bottom fill, 877-441-2627 Expand your coverage area! nated & poured. Renville, 5hp x 2" transfer pump, The Land has teamed up MN (320) 894-6271 $9,700. (641) 590-1102 Miscellaneous 090 with Farm News, and The Country Today so you can Registered Texas Longhorn Feed Seed Hay 050 do just that! Place a classiOne call does it all! breeding stock, cows, fied ad in The Land and With one phone call, you can heifers or roping stock, top ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass have the option of placing it place your classified ad in blood lines. 507-235-3467 hay & feed grade wheat in these papers as well.

The Land, Farm News, straw, med. square or More readers = better reAND The Country Today. round bales, delivery avail- Spring calving, Purebred sults! Call The Land for Call The Land for more Black Angus cows, bred to able. Thief River Falls, MN more information. 507-345info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-657our Black Granite son.

Call or text LeRoy Ose: 4523 • 800-657-4665 4665.

Also bulls www.teamjsi.com.

(218)689-6675 Winpower Sales & Service Call 715-483-3866 PARMA DRAINAGE Reliable Power Solutions PUMPS New pumps & Dairy 055 Since 1925 PTO & automatparts on hand.

Call MinWANT TO BUY: Butcher ic Emergency Electric nesota's largest distributor cows, bulls, fats & walkable Generators. New & Used WANTED TO BUY: Dairy HJ Olson & Company 320cripples; also horses, Rich Opsata-Distributor heifers and cows. 320-235sheep & goats. 320-235-2664 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 800-343-9376 2664

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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.

ADVERTISER LISTING Agri-Systems ................................. 15 Courtland Waste ............................. 12 Dairyland Seed ................................ 4 Diers Ag & Trailer Sales .................. 8 Doda USA ..................................... 10 Hanson Silo ................................... 16 Hughes Auction Service ................. 20 Kannegiesser Truck Sales ............... 13 Keith Bode ..................................... 21 Larson Implement .....................20, 22 Linder Farm Network ....................... 7 Mages Auction Service ................... 20 Minnesota Soybean .......................... 9 Pruess Elevator .............................. 20 Schwartz Farms .............................. 17 Schweiss ........................................ 22 Smiths Mill Implement ................... 23 Steffes Group ................................. 21 507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

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THE LAND — DECEMBER 29, 2017/JANUARY 5, 2018

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

Crucifix on a curve

T

ravelers can’t miss it as they go around the curve on State Highway 19, about four miles southwest of Vesta in Lyon County, Minnesota. The 30-foot-tall crucifix is going to catch their eye and interrupt their thoughts, perhaps even cause them to pull off for a closer look. That would please Michael Dolan.

“Hopefully people will reflect on some things that are important in their life other than their day-to-day activities, and maybe be inspired to a different course, or an additional course, than they’re going,” Dolan said Dolan now lives in Edina, but he grew up on a Granite Rock township farm not far from the site, and he owns the land where the crucifix was erected.

“For the last three to four years I’ve been driving by that corner and I thought it would be a nice place to put something,” he said. He just didn’t know what. Then on a trip back from Arizona he saw a similar crucifix as part of a bigger shrine near Omaha, Neb., and he thought, “Aha! That’s what I want right there.”

Vesta, Minn.

He contacted the sculptor, Michael Montag of Omaha, in April 2016 and they worked out the details. At the end of August that year, the crucifix was erected.

While he didn’t get the specific idea from his grandparents, John and Mary Dolan, he said he was influenced by their faith and commitment when he was growing up.

In 1966 they had erected a shrine on the site of the first Roman Catholic church in the area, to remember where it had sat. The crucifix which Dolan placed on his land is not intended to be denominational, he said. He wants people of all denominations to enjoy it.

“It’s intended to be enjoyed by people who might find any reason to reflect,” he said.

His brother, Kenny, farms the land and mentioned that people were stopping and sitting in their cars to contemplate the sculpture. Kenny thought it might be nice to have a bench so they could sit outside. In the spring of 2017 Dolan added a bench.

“Occasionally people eat their lunch there,” he said.

Mike Dolan regularly returns to the area to lend a hand to his brother on the farm. He wanted to give something to the community where he grew up. The crucifix is it — a gift that will cause folks to reflect on their faith and life long after he stops making those trips. v

Page 4 - January 5, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

We make old metal buildings look new again A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

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greener world solutions

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

We make old metal buildings look new again A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

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Custom colors available

January 5, 2018 - Page 3

Renew in 1 Easy Step Before

greener world solutions

MN LIC BC639351

After

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

Give your dooryard a fresh new look while sealing, insulating and protecting your metal building. This spray foam insulation and coating system eliminates leaks, prevents rust and adds insulation. Call for more information. 507-833-1320

Insulate, Coat & Seal

Brighten your dooryard with a fresh coat of paint specially designed for exterior metal buildings.

Custom colors available.

Call today for more information. 507-833-1320

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR: CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

greener world solutions

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com MN LIC BC639351

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THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

Restore & Repair Your Metal Roof

Before

After

Before

After

© 2018

January 5, 2018

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

NORTHERN EDITION

Air-seal your barns to prevent condensation and corrosion.

Eliminate Leaks • Tighten Fasteners • Prevent Rust Emergency & Scheduled Roof Repair REPAIR SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR:

Before

After

Spray Foam Roofs TPO Roofs EPDM Roofs

Built Up Roofs Metal Roofs

YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR:

CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351

Options available for: Hog • Dairy • Beef • Poultry Call 507-833-1320 for more information Before YOUR LOCAL MINNESOTA CONTRACTOR:

CALL REE TOLL F E HEDUL TO SC E A FRE ATE. ESTIM

greener world solutions

855-612-8038 www.greenerworldsolutions.com

MN LIC BC639351