THE LAND ~ January 19, 2018 ~ Northern Edition

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

Januar y 12, 2018 Januar y 19, 2018

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

LOOK INSIDE for your

subscription card!

YOU MUST MAIL IT IN TO KEEP RECEIVING THE LAND!

11

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

Januar y 6, 2017

NORTHERN EDITION

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

Old crop, new crop

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

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

Hemp is making a comeback in Minnesota and Mike Erickson has added it to his crop rotation See page 11

PAGE 2

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

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

Cover photo submitted by Mike Erickson

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

2-4 4 7 8 8 9 14-15 20 24 26-31 31 32

STAFF

Publisher: Steve Jameson: sjameson@mankatofreepress.com General Manager: Deb Petterson: dpetterson@TheLandOnline.com Managing Editor: Paul Malchow: editor@TheLandOnline.com Associate Editor: Marie Wood: mwood@TheLandOnline.com Staff Writer: Dick Hagen: rdhagen35@gmail.com Advertising Representatives:

Danny Storlie: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Jerry Hintz: jhintz@TheLandOnline.com

Beth Plumley: bplumley@TheLandOnline.com Office/Advertising Assistants:

Joan Compart: theland@TheLandOnline.com

Deb Lawrence: auctions@TheLandOnline.com For Customer Service Concerns:

(507) 345-4523, (800) 657-4665, theland@TheLandOnline.com

Fax: (507) 345-1027 For Editorial Concerns or Story Ideas:

(507) 344-6342, (800) 657-4665, editor@TheLandOnline.com National Sales Representative: Bock & Associates Inc., 7650 Executive Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55344-3677. (952) 905-3251.

Because of the nature of articles appearing in The Land, product or business names may be included to provide clarity. This does not constitute an endorsement of any product or business. Opinions and viewpoints expressed in editorials or by news sources are not necessarily those of the management.

The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The Publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

Classified Advertising: $18.79 for seven (7) lines for a private classified, each additional line is $1.40; $24.90 for business classifieds, each additional line is $1.40. Classified ads accepted by mail or by phone with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Classified ads can also be sent by e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.

Mail classified ads to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002. Please include credit card number, expiration date and your postal address with ads sent on either mail version. Classified ads may also be called into (800) 657-4665. Deadline for classified ads is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication date, with holiday exceptions. Distributed to farmers in all Minnesota counties and northern Iowa, as well as on The Land’s website. Each classified ad is separately copyrighted by The Land. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Subscription and Distribution: Free to farmers and agribusinesses in Minnesota and northern Iowa. $25 per year for non-farmers and people outside the service area. The Land (USPS 392470) Copyright © 2018 by The Free Press Media is published biweekly by The Free Press, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727. Business and Editorial Offices: 418 S. 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727, Accounting and Circulation Offices: Steve Jameson, 418 S 2nd Street, Mankato, MN 56001-3727.

Call (507) 345-4523 to subscribe. Periodicals postage paid at Mankato, MN. Postmaster and Change of Address: Send address changes to The Land, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato MN 56002-3169 or e-mail to theland@TheLandOnline.com.

Prairie Publishing newspapers reported Now I get that Mankato isn’t that firefighters worked for three days, Minneapolis, but getting out of town may Dec. 29-31, to put out a grain bin fire at be just what you need.

LB Pork in Northrup, Minn. Prairie Facebook — My advice is to stay off it Publishing reported that on Dec. 28, an (except for TheLandOnline page). Your explosion occurred and three employees friends are posting photos of their chilsuffered minor injuries. In the early dren playing in the Hawaiian surf, marmorning hours of Dec. 29, the elevator garitas sweating atop a beach bar, and caught fire. Emergency responders were toes in the sand. No need to rub it in. You on the scene. A shout out to all the voluncan almost smell the Coppertone in these LAND MINDS teer firefighters who pumped water in the posts. bitter cold. We are thankful for everyone’s

By Marie Wood Hibernate — Do what we do best in safety. To read more, visit Minnesota. Retreat into your cozy www.prairiepublishingmn.com. home. Binge-watch a TV series or n catch up on movies. Head to the When the cold blue sky and winter sunshine meet library and pick up some summer reads. You know, the white landscape, everything looks clean and the books whose covers have chairs on a beach, starbright. We can only imagine that we are looking at fish in the surf, a lake cabin. Throw on your sweats a sandy beach and ocean blue. and hunker down. Or duck out to the shop, crank the heat and turn on the game or RFD-TV. There’s If you’re like me, you do not have any “someplace lots to tinker with and the pizza oven’s always warm” vacation plans this winter. No money for ready to go. sunshine. And you’re too young to be a snow bird.

Alaska — Yes, Alaska. My husband loves the realAlthough last year, I did head to Arizona in late ity shows set in Alaska. “Life Below Zero” is a favorMarch expecting a long warm weekend. We landed ite.

I enjoy watching them too. They work hard in a in Phoenix in temperatures of 90-some. Then we rented a car and headed for the Grand Canyon. Our harsh climate (sound familiar?), but they truly are living in America’s Last Frontier. Last night, I second day in the canyon, we awoke to snow. Not exactly, the late winter warm-up I had in mind. Still watched a family hunt and clean muskrats for meat it was a fun adventure. In three days in Arizona, we and pelts. Then I watched them eat muskrat and rice. They’re not ordering pizza and drinking Cokes experienced all four seasons. in the wilderness. Let’s be thankful for our food Part of my job is monitoring social media so I see down here in the Lower 48. plenty of vacation posts from friends, families and No Stress — Traveling is stressful. There’s flights colleagues. I decided to post one from the Grand to book, planes to catch, hotel rooms to reserve, Canyon. It was a selfie of me with the caption: “My husband and I finally made it to the Grand Canyon packing, arrangements for your mail, work missed, school missed. Stay home, relax and enjoy. and he didn’t push me off.” To which a dear cousin replied, “It’s still early.”

Winter Wonderland — Sledding, snow angels, walking in the quiet after a fresh snow … These are But this year I am in Minnesota all year long. So a few of my favorite things! join me as I look on the bright side.

Sip your hot cocoa and take this time to fill out MN AG EXPO — Head to Mankato for the MN your subscription form for The Land. You’ll find it in AG EXPO, Jan. 24-25, at the Verizon Center. If you choose to stay the night, there are hotels connected this issue. Shameless plug, I know, but I don’t want to the Verizon Center. You don’t even have to go out- you to miss a single issue in 2018. side to take in the trade show, seminars and speakMarie Wood is associate editor of The Land. She ers. You will see old friends and meet new ones. may be reached at mwood@TheLandOnline.com. v

OPINION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 — Remembering a Minnesota agriculture icon 16 — U of M Extension offers farm finance course 17 — Preview of the MN AG EXPO coming to Mankato Jan. 24-25

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

B:10.417” T:10.417”

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

S:9.767” www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”

PAGE 3

S:9.516”

TOUGH WEEDS REQUIRE A TOUGHER BATTLE PLAN Protect your soybean fields with Sonic® herbicide – your trusted ally in the fight against weeds. When applied preemergence, Sonic is proven to defeat yield-robbers such as waterhemp, marestail and giant ragweed. And with long-lasting residual control, it keeps fighting to defend against invaders. Get clean fields and strong yield. Visit BattleWeeds.com to learn more. ® Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow. Sonic is not registered for sale or use in all states.

Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions. ©2018 Dow AgroSciences LLC M38-342-005 (01/18) BR DAAGSONI7060

DAAGSONI7060_F_TP2_R2.indd 1

12/18/17 10:44 AM

PAGE 4

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

AM1 – Optimum® AcreMax® 1 Insect Protection System with an integrated corn rootworm refuge solution includes HXX, LL, RR2. Optimum AcreMax 1 products contain the LibertyLink® gene and can be sprayed with Liberty® herbicide. The required corn borer refuge can be planted up to half a mile away.

AMRW – Optimum® AcreMax® RW Rootworm Protection system with a single-bag integrated corn rootworm refuge solution includes HXRW, LL, RR2. AMRW-R – Optimum® AcreMax® RW Rootworm Protection system with a single-bag integrated corn rootworm refuge solution includes HXRW, RR2. Do not spray with Liberty®. Not all seeds in the bag are tolerant to Liberty herbicide.

AM – Optimum® AcreMax® Insect Protection system with YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax products.

AMT – Optimum® AcreMax® TRIsect® Insect Protection System with RW, YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2 Contains a single-bag refuge solution for above and below ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® I genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax TRIsect products.

AMX – Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra Insect Protection system with YGCB, HXX, LL, RR2. Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax Xtra products.

AMXT (Optimum® AcreMax® XTreme) – Contains a single-bag integrated refuge solution for above- and below-ground insects. The major component contains the Agrisure® RW trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, and the Herculex® XTRA genes. In EPA-designated cotton growing counties, a 20% separate corn borer refuge must be planted with Optimum AcreMax XTreme products.

®

YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect®) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and Herculex® I gene for resistance to corn borer.

YGCB,HXX,LL,RR2 (Optimum® Intrasect® Xtra) – Contains the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene and the Herculex® XTRA genes for resistance to corn borer and corn rootworm.

AVBL, YGCB, HX1, LL, RR2 (Optimum® Leptra® ) – Contains the Agrisure Viptera® trait, the YieldGard® Corn Borer gene, the Herculex® I gene, the LibertyLink® gene, and the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait.

RW, HX1, LL, RR2 (Optimum® TRIsect®) – Contains the Herculex® I gene for above-ground pests and the Agrisure® RW trait for resistance to corn rootworm.

AQ – Optimum® AQUAmax® product.

Product performance in water-limited environments is variable and depends on many factors such as the severity and timing of moisture deficiency, heat stress, soil type, management practices and environmental stress as well as disease and pest pressures. All products may exhibit reduced yield under water and heat stress. Individual results may vary.

HX1 – Contains the Herculex® I Insect Protection gene which provides protection against European corn borer, southwestern corn borer, black cutworm, fall armyworm, western bean cutworm, lesser corn stalk borer, southern corn stalk borer, and sugarcane borer; and suppresses corn earworm. HXRW – The Herculex® RW insect protection trait contains proteins that provide enhanced resistance against western corn rootworm, northern corn rootworm and Mexican corn rootworm. HXX – Herculex® XTRA contains the Herculex I and Herculex RW genes. YGCB – The YieldGard® Corn Borer gene offers a high level of resistance to European corn borer, southwestern corn borer and southern cornstalk borer; moderate resistance to corn earworm and common stalk borer; and above average resistance to fall armyworm. LL – Contains the LibertyLink® gene for resistance to Liberty® herbicide. RR2 – Contains the Roundup Ready® Corn 2 trait that provides crop safety for over-the-top applications of labeled glyphosate herbicides when applied according to label directions.

Herculex® Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. Herculex® and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. YieldGard®, the YieldGard Corn Borer Design and Roundup Ready® are registered trademarks used under license from Monsanto Company. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer. Agrisure® and Agrisure Viptera® are registered trademarks of, and used under license from, a Syngenta Group Company. Agrisure® technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under a license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG.

PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2017 PHII. DUPPCO17032_VB_TL

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

U.S. quickly leaving global wheat game The knuckle-cracking cold which Unfair? Sure, replies the Journal story accompanied most of the country out of in a quote attributed to an accountant, 2017 also followed most of us into 2018. “(B)ut fair and the tax code don’t necesWorse, it didn’t come alone. Much of last sarily go together.” year’s bad mojo — the crazy weather, its Especially when Congress writes and bitter politics, policy gridlock — also passes a massive tax overhaul in less crossed December’s ice bridge into the time than most farmers spend harvesting new year. their now tax-free crops.

For example, President Donald Trump’s FARM & FOOD FILE More troubling than even today’s trouclosed-fist trade negotiating style reapbling ag politics, however, is 2018’s even

By Alan Guebert peared Jan. 8 in a much-anticipated wider bulldozed path in making America speech to the American Farm Bureau an even greater farm and food monoFederation. Despite AFBF’s year-long culture. The latest evidence is wheat. call for a pro-trade/pro-North America As a nation, we are quickly leaving the Free Trade Agreement statement from the White global wheat game.

House, neither the president nor his ag chief, Sonny For example, U.S. Department of Agriculture data Perdue, offered their strident rural supporters anycurrently estimates that American farmers will thing more than their usual “Don’t-call-us, we’llgrow 22.3 million acres of winter wheat this year, a call-you” rhetoric. drop of 1 million acres from a year ago.

Trump did reassure the MAGA-gaga (Make Worse, the anticipated decline means winter America Great Again) crowd that he was “working wheat acres will be down a massive 8 million acres very hard to get a better deal” than today’s NAFTA in just over four years and a staggering 15 million — an agreement, incidentally, that currently acres — or 32 percent — in the last decade alone. includes U.S. farmers and ranchers selling Mexico and Canada at least $40 billion of ag goods every Overall, “U.S. wheat planted area for 2017-18” year since 2011. (which includes all winter and spring plantings) “is But, the President warned, “When Mexico is mak- projected at 46 million acres — a record low,” USDA ing all that money, when Canada is making all that noted last August. (New estimates were released Jan. 12.) money, it’s not the easiest negotiation.”

The reasons behind the decline, USDA explains, All what money? are “lower relative returns, changes in government The president didn’t explain, but he likely was programs … and increased competition in global referring to the overall 2016 U.S. trade deficit with wheat markets.” our NAFTA partners (Canada: $11 billion, Mexico: Changes in government programs? This year $63 billion) despite our hefty ag trade surplus.

While the NAFTA trade deficit ($74 billion in total) would be a good time to examine those changes — as well as those in trade and tax policy — to ensure isn’t tiny, it’s a pittance compared to the 2016 U.S. all are working for every American and not just a trade deficit to China, a fat $347 billion. few farmers and even fewer politicians.

It’s also something that’s not going away unless The Farm and Food File is published weekly Trump orders the United States out of NAFTA. In through the United States and Canada. Past colfact, that might be the reason he made his dark, vague “all that money” remark at the biggest Big Ag umns, events and contact information are posted at www.farmandfoodfile.com. v gathering of the year. With just a nod of his furrowed furry brow, he (and you) could kiss your NAFTA goodbye.

OPINION

That might also put a very different meaning on another of the president’s AFBF’s remarks Jan. 8: “Oh, are you happy you voted for me. You are so lucky that I gave you that privilege.”

Another piece of bad mojo, the hastily-passed 2017 tax overhaul, also followed farmers into January. A highly-detailed, well-sourced story in the Jan. 9 Wall Street Journal explains how the less than one-month-old law contains a loophole that allows farmers to dodge virtually all federal income taxes if they sell their crops through — wait for it — their farmer-owned cooperatives.

While the loophole was unintended, reports the Journal, it also is perfectly legal under the tax bill through — wait for it — 2025.

Letters to the editor are always welcome.

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 5

2017 NCGA YIELD CONTEST WINNERS STATE RANK | ENTRANT NAME

CITY, STATE

PIONEER® HYBRID/BRAND*

YIELD (BU/A)

Alden, MN

P1197AM™

298.79

Blue Earth, MN

P1366AM™

293.80

Charles Louis

Farmington, MN

P1151AM™

276.59

1st

Paul Beskau

Hastings, MN

P1151AM™

281.95

3rd

Curt Haler

Hastings, MN

P1197AMXT™

279.98

AA Non-Irrigated

2nd

Douglas Steele

3rd

Clinton Benz

No-Till/Strip-Till — Irrigated

2nd Irrigated

Congratulations to all the NCGA Yield Contest winners who put up sky-high yield numbers with Pioneer® brand products.

Pioneer.com/NCGA

*All Pioneer products are hybrids unless designated with AM1, AM, AMRW, AMT, AMX and AMXT, in which case they are brands. Product responses are variable and subject to any number of environmental, disease and pest pressures. Individual results may vary.

PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPCO17043_VB_011218_TL

DUPPCO17043_VB_011218_TL_M2.indd 1

1/3/18 5:01 PM

PAGE 6

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Scientist Wally Nelson left his world a better place WILLMAR, Minn. — “Giants in the Earth” by Norwegian author Ole Rolvaag described the challenges facing Norwegian pioneers on the Great Plains of America in the 1870s. On Dec. 19, 2017, at Vinje Lutheran Church, Willmar, we Minnesotans embraced our own “Giant of the Earth” at a memorial

By Dick Hagen service for Dr. Wallace Warren Nelson. For 70 of his 89 years, Nelson was steadfastly connected with his true love of agriculture, the Maroon and Gold and his dear wife Arlene.

Born Feb. 17, 1928, Wally, as we all best knew him, passed away Dec. 14, 2017. During his 89-year tenure here on planet Earth, Wally quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) but emphatically created a legacy of agricultural knowledge, conservation etiquette and profound goodness that has enriched the lives of thousands of farmers, fellow scientists, aspiring students and Extension communicators in modern agriculture.

Wally started as a farm kid from Walnut Grove.

He enlisted in the Navy the day after he graduated from high school in 1944. Wally’s son, Tom, shared a few special memories of his dad at the memorial service. “At the Great Lakes Training Center north of Chicago, and later in San Francisco, he trained

for the invasion of Japan. When the Gyles Randall, long-time associate war ended, he was reassigned as a of Wally at Minnesota’s South Navy clerk and on New Year’s Day in Central Research and Outreach 1946 was deployed to Shanghai, Center, Waseca, agreed that Wally China. We heard many stories about had his own special knack with getDad spending his 18th birthday in ting people’s attention. Randall said Shanghai and surviving a typhoon Wally had a caring love for helping on a ‘slow boat back from China.’ people. He nudged many people in a kind way from all walks of life — “In an amazing coincidence, while including scientists — to help them in Singapore, his commanding officer become better people. was Amos Hayes who was from Lafayette, Minn., and prior to the Randall said Wally always made war was an ag teacher at Winthrop himself available to listen to other High School. He befriended Dad and people’s needs and questions. He talked to him about what his plans inspired people with his enthusiasm, were when his tour was up. Dad his genuine character and his fortold him he likely would return ward-looking vision. Wally was a home to the family farm. The officer Dr. Wallace Warren Nelson two-way information conduit suggested that he was smart and between southwestern Minnesota asked if Dad had thought about college. With the and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities camnew GI Bill, he could go to college and have a differ- pus, which helped both parties enormously. ent career. Little did he know how this conversaRandall noted Wally was humble, fun to be around tion would change his life.” and was respected by all. He kept his ear to the Wally returned to Minneapolis, joined the Navy ground and could be trusted, so ag journalists Reserve and enrolled at the University of sought him out continuously.

Minnesota. Six years later, he completed his Ph.D. He teamed with other scientists to conduct leadin soil science. While in college, his social life also ing studies on deep compaction, root research and flourished. Tom said his dad met Arlene on a blind hail damage. His scientific vision was deep and fordate. He knew immediately she was the one for him ward-looking, leading to the first tile drainage and they married in 1949. In 1953, they started a research site with replicated and isolated test plots family and Wally began his career as assistant in the United States. He sensed a need to undersuperintendent at the Duluth Experiment Station. stand the relationship between nitrogen fertilization In 1959, when he was 32 years old, he was chosen for corn and the loss of nitrates via tile lines. to be the superintendent of the new Southwest “But most important is the large turnout at Experiment Station in Lamberton. That’s when I Wally’s funeral,” said Randall. “They didn’t come met him for the first time. I was a regional editor because of the tremendous amount of research he with Farm Journal at the time — covering conducted, but because of their love and respect for Minnesota, both the Dakotas and Wisconsin. I was him and the helping, caring and nudging they told to go to Lamberton and find this guy named received sometime in their life. That beautiful atmoWally Nelson. I didn’t even know where Lamberton sphere was so evident at Wally’s funeral.” was. But on a bright sunshiny day I found the town, Wally’s son Tom commented, “Wally Nelson to me got directions out to this new experiment station was one of the youngest of what Tom Brokaw about four miles west and one mile north. I pulled into the yard, had barely stepped out of my car and referred to as the ‘Greatest Generation.’ Young this tall, gangly guy shows up. “I’m looking for a Dr. Americans who grew up in the Great Depression and then went on to fight and win World War II. Wallace Nelson.” He grinned, stuck out his big This generation of young American men and women hand for a handshake and said, “I’m the guy.” shouldered responsibilities few could have imagJust like that, we were friends. I quickly learned ined. Forced to take risks and make decisions that to appreciate and listen to what this Dr. Nelson guy helped define them for the rest of their lives and was doing out here in the prairies. And after attend- our country for generations that followed. ing just a couple of his field day events, I soon wit“Looking at my dad’s life, this formative experinessed that farmers came and they listened when ence gave him a foundation of confidence and fortiWally Nelson was talking. I’ll never forget. He had this 8-foot long stick … for pointing out things on a tude of character to make a lasting difference. Those two years in the Navy helped define the rest of display, and sometimes to rap. He said to these Dad’s life and I think the world is a better place farmers riding the hay rack, “You guys pay attentoday because of it. tion. My job is to make you guys the best farmers in the state. And the only way that happens is when “Our house phone was the same as the station you listen to this information.” They listened. Wally phone. Dad always had time it seemed to answer a later told me, “They come to learn. But you might question about fertilizer, moisture or tillage options. as well have some fun too.”

See NELSON, pg. 7

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 7

Harvesting the humor is necessary for grain cart drivers And now, a few thoughts a farm wife has been about the funny things the “dumped on” in the “yellharvest teaches us. Stay ing” sense. A farm wife I tuned for a more reflective, know didn’t take it from life-application one in the her husband — she walked weeks ahead. away from her field duties, not to return for the rest of When you don’t know the day. what you’re doing, everyone else does. It’s the ageShe was like the Statue old standard about small of Liberty for farm wives TABLE TALK town life, but it also applies everywhere that day.

By Karen Schwaller to life in the field. There is Maturity isn’t for no hiding a grain cart boomweenies. I can tell from bie — everyone can see that pile of my mission in the corn fields that corn on the ground next to the truck. these stalks that once were green and Usually that ill-placed pile is along a lush are now brown and stripped of main highway, of course. height and leaves from old age and Enough with the scales. The farm the wind. It’s a ghastly reminder of what isn’t that far away for me. Seeing wife does enough to battle the baththe shriveled remains of the stalks room scale, let alone now having to also reminded me that we were out of manage the scale in the grain cart tractor and at the elevator. More than prunes. once this harvest season as we were The tassel still reigns. The tassel’s hauling to the bins and keeping track main job of pollinating is relatively of volume, my husband asked, “Did short-lived, but nonetheless, imporyou write your weight down?” tant. But what’s it supposed to do after it has fulfilled its duties? It He’s lucky we were harvesting. switches roles, that’s what. It becomes If you are driving wagons, a a pointy crown on top of the stalk. So grain cart or a truck, there is when the pollen has all been distributalways someone waiting to dump ed, she straightens her crown and on you. Although this kind of dumphangs on for the season-long wild ride. ing is in the literal sense, and is necesFinding each other in life can be sary for the job to be completed, I a challenge. But out in the field it think I’m pretty safe to say that many is necessary. We were harvesting in

sleek my thighs would be by now.

I’ve had incidents in the fields over A farm wife I know didn’t the years that have made my hams take it from her husband pucker and tighten up on demand, too.

— she walked away from They don’t give these farm fitness jobs to chimps. her field duties, not to return for the rest of the Some chocolate in the tractor is a little slice of heaven. day. She was like the Statue of Liberty for farm Some chocolate in the tractor is wives everywhere that Satan. day.

Sometimes cussing is just plain necessary. a field that was quite hilly this year, and after I finished loading the truck, And from the files of, “How Can I I started my trek back to the combine, Occupy My Mind While Waiting For only to find that it appeared I was in the Combine?”: the field alone. A simple, “Marco!” into What kind of dishes you give to a the radio resulted in a reply of “Polo!” farmer? (Corningware) as my husband came over the crest of How far in rank a farmer can go in the hill. Who says hide-and-seek the military? (Kernel) games are just for the kiddies?

And you didn’t think you’d learn Tractor clutches could be the anything by reading this piece, did next big thing in fitness. During you? harvest I have to stretch out when loading the trucks to keep the clutch Karen Schwaller brings “Table Talk” and brakes where they need to be. If I to The Land from her home near had started that job in the fourth Milford, Iowa. She can be reached at grade like our sons did, imagine how kschwaller@evertek.net. v

From Ag Loans to Lines of Credit, We Have You Covered.

www.TheLandOnline.com

Nelson kindly nudged people to make them better NELSON, from pg. 6

opportunity knocks, look for a reason to say yes; leave the world a better One of his favorites each morning was place. listening to Maynard Speece on Tom summed up, “As hard as it is WCCO radio. Maynard would often today for us to say goodbye, we are call at 6 a.m. to talk about recent ag also remembering Dad for all the topics or to see if it rained at the stagreat things he was and how he tion the night before. I’m glad cell touched our lives. We can honestly phones weren’t around in the 1960s say that he left the world a better and ’70s. place. And I do truly believe he was “As most know, Dad had a genuine one of the ‘Greatest Generation.’” sense of humility. Whether I knew it Dick Hagen is staff writer for The or not, he taught me important life Land.

He attended the memorial serlessons: Everyone deserves your attenvice for Wallace “Wally” Nelson on Dec. tion and respect; work hard and then 19, 2017, in Willmar. v trust that it will be rewarded; when

The business of agriculture is changing, but Minnwest Bank remains a steadfast resource to farmers and ranchers who want to get things done. Discover how an ag loan can help keep you and your operation going strong, now and into the future.

Doers Welcome .

TM

minnwestbank.com

M

PAGE 8

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Book explores highs, lows of marijuana in America Is the grass greener on the other “Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise side of the fence? of Marijuana in America” It doesn’t seem to be. Your side looks just fine, healthy, and filled

by Emily Dufton with weed. There’ll be no poison on c.2017, Basic Books that, though; weed is exactly what $28.00 / $36.50 Canada you want there and in the new book 312 pages “Grass Roots” by Emily Dufton, you see how, historically, that’s been a THE BOOKWORM good thing and it’s been bad.

SEZ swept into suburbia.

Had you lived in Jamestown 400 Still, despite that weed

By Terri Schlichenmeyer years ago, you would’ve been under was widespread, it had its an interesting edict: all colonists detractors: Richard Nixon “despised” marijuana were required by law to cultivate hemp plants. Hemp, and did everything he could to link it to society’s a super-strong natural fiber, was important for the ills. Even so, as he “helped pass one of the most making of cloth and rope and, by the late 1800s, its sweeping drug laws in American history,” many by-product, cannabis, was used as medicine. questioned whether those laws were fair, especially Just a few decades later, however, Prohibition was considering the number of arrests for possession of on its way in and marijuana was on its way out. The pot. Meanwhile, in Oregon, a member of the House 1937 Marijuana Tax Act made possession and trans- and a pig farmer helped decriminalize weed in 1973, becoming the first state to do so; no other fer of cannabis illegal and that was the final word. state was willing to follow suit, until Richard Nixon For awhile. resigned and the decriminalization movement On August 16, 1964, Lowell Eggemeier stepped began anew. into San Francisco’s Hall of Justice “and politely By 1978, it was reported that children had “easy asked to be arrested for smoking pot,” which was a access to head shops,” and parents went on the felony then. He got what he wanted: to “launch a offensive. Nancy Reagan just said “no,” and everyrevolution….” By 1968, “pot had become fiercely one worried that joints led to crack cocaine. political” from coast to coast; by 1970, its usage had

Antidrug sentiment was everywhere, until we came full-circle: in the 1980s, AIDS brought back the idea of marijuana as medicine…

“Grass Roots” proves that marijuana has had its highs through the years — and its lows. But learning about it could have been so much more fun.

True, there’s a lot of historical information inside this book, so it can absolutely be said that author Emily Dufton offers what her subtitle promises.

There are dates and stats and presidents and activists here, plenty of laws and names, but all that info is pretty dry in its delivery. It’s not bad — it’s just not very lively. It should also be mentioned that it’s mostly about smoke-able marijuana, not hemp-as-crop.

And yet — anyone wanting to know about where weed’s been and where it’s going would be happy with this book. It’s comprehensive and fact-filled, which makes it a treasure-trove for the right reader.

And if that’s you, then “Grass Roots” is a great place to spend your green.

Look for the reviewed book at a bookstore or a library near you. You may also find the book at online book retailers.

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and never goes anywhere without a book. She lives in Wisconsin with three dogs and 10,000 books. v

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

255 16th Street South St. James, MN 56081

Jan. 23 — Cow Calf Days — Two locations: Staples and Bagley, Minn. — Seminar and trade show features calf value marketing, bull selection, backgrounding your calf crop — Contact UMN Extension Beef Team (218) 398-1916, emmousel@umn.edu or visit www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/beef/ Jan. 23 — Dairy Management Workshops — Perham, Minn. — Agenda includes Keith Olander, Midwest Dairy Update: Are you at the Table? Minnesota Milk Legislative Update, M. Scott Wells — Contact mmpa@mnmilk.org or (877) 577-0741 or visit www. mnmilk.org/ Jan. 23 — Taking charge of your finances — St. Cloud, Minn. — UMN Extension Agricultural Business Management 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. 24 — Taking charge of your finances — Willmar, Minn.

Jan. 24 — Dairy Management Workshops — Sauk Centre, Minn. — Agenda includes M. Scott Wells, Lois Levitan, Minnesota Milk Legislative Update, Price Murphy and Brita Sailer: Minnesota Ag Plastic Recycling Program Update — Contact mmpa@mnmilk.org or (877) 577-0741 or visit www. mnmilk.org/ Jan. 30 — Strategic Farming: Growing Soybeans that Out-Compete Weeds — Willmar, Minn. — Learn impacts of row spacing, plant population, pest pressure, weed biology, resistance and management – Visit www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/events/strategic-farming/ or contact stah0012@umn.edu or (507) 372-3900 Jan. 31 — Tour de Forage — Albany, Minn. — Central Minnesota Forage Council and Minnesota Forage Association Winter Meeting includes education sessions — Visit www.midwestforage.org or call (651) 484-3888 Feb. 1 — Tour de Forage — Floodwood, Minn.

— Northeast Minnesota Forage Council and Minnesota Forage Association Winter Meeting includes education sessions — Visit www.midwestforage.org or call (651) 484-3888

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Life on the Farm: Readers’ Photos

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

PAGE 9

Your hopes. Your dreams.

WE’RE READY.

Introducing Compeer Financial.™ Agriculture isn’t just a market we serve. It’s what we’re founded on. It’s who we are. And it’s why we’ve combined our resources, knowledge and expertise to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America like never before. Whether you have one acre or one thousand, we share an unwavering commitment to making your hopes and dreams very, very real.

This photo comes from Cindy and John Haffner of Rose City, Minn.

Cindy Haffner was taking pictures of her flower beds when she noticed their “lawn mowers” were hard at work in the background.

Lindsey Flicker of Camphill Village Minnesota sent in this photo from the 525-acre biodynamic farm and community where people with and without developmental disabilities work, live and grow together.

Cattle graze in pastures at Camphill Village Minnesota, Sauk Centre. The farm produces beef, dairy, eggs, broilers, turkeys, pigs, small grains and grass.

Three Farm Credit cooperatives united to serve rural America like never before.

Keep the photos coming E-mail your Life on the Farm photos to mwood@thelandonline.com.

Your photo may be published in our next issue!

1st Farm Credit Services, AgStar Financial Services, Badgerland Financial and Compeer Financial are trademarks of Compeer Financial, ACA. Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider. ©2017 All rights reserved.

PAGE 10

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

South Central College announces annual Ag Symposium NORTH MANKATO, Minn. — South Central College in North Mankato will host the 10th annual Ag Symposium, “New Tools for New Rules,” on Jan. 30.

The event takes place at the John Votca Conference Center on the South Central College campus, located at 1920 Lee Boulevard in North Mankato.

Check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m., and the program will follow starting at 8:30 a.m.

The Ag Symposium focuses on financial operations, succession planning, tax planning and business management. Keynote speakers include David Kohl (Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech); Chris Koch (An inspirational Canadian farmer who was born without arms and legs); and Mykel Taylor (Kansas State University economist).

A panel discussion, “Fostering Your

Relationship with your Ag Lender,” will for information about this session. feature Ahnna Compart of Compeer For more information on the Ag Financial and Karen Wambeke of Symposium, contact SCC at (507) 389Bremer Bank.

7203. For tickets, click on the registraNew to the event this year is a half- tion link at www.southcentral.edu/ day session geared toward high school agsymposium. students which takes place in SCC’s Heritage Hall in conjunction with the main symposium. The student half-day session will feature presentations by David Kohl and Chris Koch, along with a panel discussion featuring SCC alumni and current ag students, folIf you or a farmer you know is experilowed by a tour. encing financial stress, contact the Cost for the one-day symposium is Farm Information Line at (800) 232$99 (early-bird rate) and $119 for those 9077 to set up a financial counseling who register after Jan. 19. Special session. funding is available for veterans.

Financial counseling is free and comLunch is included in the ticket price. pletely confidential. A team of There is no fee for the half-day high University of Minnesota Extension school student session. Pre-registration farm financial analysts has been is required. Please call (507) 389-7497 assembled of retired experts from areas like banking and farm business management education to provide free, one-

Performance - Consistency - Trust

NEED SEED? Your Family-Owned Seed Source • We offer top of the line Hi-tech seeds for your operation • We also feature conventional hybrids with efficiency and reliability We offer high quality, locally grown seed at fair and competitive prices to EVERYONE, regardless of how much you purchase and the time of year.

Give us a call, we’re happy to help!

507-246-5032 Of St. Peter, MN www.andersonseedsmn.com

The symposium is presented by the SCC North Mankato Campus Foundation and Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

This article was submitted by South Central College. v

Minnesota farmers eligible for financial counseling on-one financial counseling to farmers who are experiencing financial stress.

These analysts will help participating farmers understand their financial situation, explore options, and seek to identify alternatives to help alleviate the financial stress caused by the current agricultural climate.

This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota Extension. v

Women in Ag Network hosts third conference in St. Cloud The third annual Women in Ag Network Conference, “Overcoming Adversity,” will be Feb. 15 in St. Cloud, Minn., at the Holiday Inn and Suites. This event will be a day of learning and networking for women involved in agriculture. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. with conference program from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Katie Pinke, publisher of AgWeek and blogger of the The Pinke Post, will be the keynote speaker. The title of her presentation is, “Accepting Interruptions to Define Your Path Forward,” where Pinke will explain that even the most well-orchestrated plans aren’t exempt from interruptions on the farm or off the farm. Drawing upon trials and triumphs in her personal life and ag business career, Pinke will help attendees define their best path forward through life’s pivotal moments.

Breakout sessions will feature five

diverse tracks for attendees to choose from: farm business planning, stress management on farms, consumer advocacy, risk management, and farm safety and health. The day will end with a panel discussion with panelists sharing how they have overcome adversity, whether it be a health challenge, weather event, farm transition, or other farm challenge.

Pre-registration is required for the conference at z.umn.edu/WAGN2018Conference. The early bird rate is $50 until Feb. 1. After that date, regular registrations are $65 and accepted until Feb. 8. Students receive a special rate of $20.

The Women in Ag Network is a collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota’s Farm Service Agency.

This article was submitted by the University of Minnesota Extension. v

Join The Land Online!

Facebook.com/TheLandOnline Twitter.com/TheLandOnline

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

Minnesota farmers look to grow industrial hemp as alternative crop

By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor In 2017, Mike Erickson grew 140 acres of industrial hemp, adding it to his rotation of wheat, soybeans and sugarbeets on his farm near East Grand Forks. He harvested 4,000 bushels of hemp seed and plans to grow hemp again in 2018.

“The potential of this crop is enormous. It has great potential and whether it’s going to be realized in the United States or Minnesota, it has yet to be seen,” said Erickson. “Within production agriculture, we are seeing a lot of reach for something different, a lot of reach to diversify.”

To grow industrial hemp in Minnesota, farmers must register in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Photo submitted by Mike Erickson Hemp Pilot Program. A criminal Mike Erickson’s hemp field got off to a good start in late June. background check, fingerprint card and detailed map of your stores and major retailers. They can be sprinkled on field location is required. Participants are also salads, smoothies and yogurt. Hemp protein powder required to report their findings on growing, process- is being touted as one of the best vegan protein powing or selling the crop. ders. Protein bars and shakes present a large marThe program began in 2016 with ket.

38 acres and jumped to 1,212 acres Hemp seed oil can be used as a cooking oil or in in 2017, reported Margaret Wiat- skin care products, among other things. Cannabidiol rowski, MDA Industrial Hemp Pro- (CBD) oil is made from the flowers, stalks and leaves gram coordinator. of hemp. CBD is gaining traction in health, nutriThe 2014 farm bill allowed state tional and medical marijuana industries. Research ag departments to develop pilot pro- shows that CBD oil may be helpful in treating grams to grow and study hemp. In inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis.

The stalks can be used for fiber. Minnesota once John Strohfus 2015, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law which provided the had a strong hemp textile industry. In fact, hemp framework for industrial hemp production. ditch weed is common in southern Minnesota. Hemp was last grown here in the While industrial hemp is in 1950s. the cannabis family, it has a Minnesota Industrial Hemp low concentration of THC, the The MDA is not responsible Pilot Program active ingredient in marifor helping growers market juana. Hemp grown in Minne- To learn more and apply, visit: their hemp, but a few compasota is tested to ensure that www.mda.state.mn.us/industrialhemp nies are tapping the market. the plant’s THC concentration After being the first Program fees offset the cost of regulating is less than 0.3 percent on a approved industrial hemp the program and testing fields. Certification dry weight basis. grower in the state in 2016, Industrial hemp has a vari- is $150. Then each grower must pay a field John Strohfus founded Minneety of markets. The seeds are registration fee of $400 for up to 100 acres sota Hemp Farms near Hasthighly nutritious and rich in and $50 for each additional 100 acres ings. His company offers certiprotein, healthy fats and (within 10 miles from the initial acreage, fied seed, marketing contracts essential fatty acids. Hulled otherwise $100). First-time applicants must and consulting on agronomy hemp seeds, called hemp pay $37 for a federal background check.

See HEMP, pg. 12 hearts, are sold in health food

PAGE 11

OUT GROW. OUT LAST. OUT YIELD. OUTGROW THE CONVENTIONAL. Including a seed-safe PureGrade® liquid fertilizer such as GoldStart® 6-24-6 or another high-orthophosphate fertilizer from The Andersons will ensure your crop has the nutrients needed to reach its full potential.

OUTLAST THE CONDITIONS. A low-salt starter with micronutrients such as Season Pass® with AVAIL® helps plants outlast unplanned stressors such as weather extremes and insect pressures.

OUT YIELD THE COMPETITION. PureGrade liquid fertilizers provide crops with the nutrition needed to produce more grain and mature faster.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 800-831-4815 | AndersonsPlantNutrient.com ©2018 The Andersons, Inc. All rights reserved. The Andersons logo, GoldStart, PureGrade, and Season Pass are registered trademarks of The Andersons, Inc. AVAIL is a registered trademark of Verdesian Life Sciences. A18

PAGE 12

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Minnesota Hemp Farms will buy back every acre of seed HEMP, from pg. 11

drill, the same one he uses for soybeans and wheat. He seeded as we would any other crop, altering the settings and rate. Optimal planting depth is a halfinch.

and harvesting.

“Our model is we buy back every acre of planting seed that we sell,” said Strohfus.

Rain came shortly after seeding the crop, which was very beneficial in getting the seeds to start the germination process. He fertilized the crop similar to wheat.

The focus of Minnesota Hemp Farms is hemp seed products. Its flagship product is Field Theory Hemp Hearts, which are available at major grocers across Minnesota. Strohfus also provides bulk protein powder and hemp hearts to food manufacturers.

“Once the crop started growing, it was a very vigorous crop. It was good fast growth. It did a good job of growing and shading out weeds in the field,” said Erickson.

Strohfus presents information to farmers about growing and marketing industrial hemp. He has talked to farmers in Minnesota and now Wisconsin, which will grow hemp this year. He estimates farmers can make roughly $300 an acre on hemp.

Erickson did not need to apply any pesticides.

Harvesting also went well for Erickson. “We used a combine that would be used in soybeans, wheat, sunflowers. We just made some minor modifications to be compatible to harvest hemp,” he said.

“That gets them in the ballpark. That’s a good honest answer. They know it’s Photo by John Strohfus yield dependent,” said Strohfus. “In CanErickson found information online, ada, 800 pounds an acre for a first year John Strohfus harvested hemp grain in his fields near Hastings. Hemp grain must be cleaned in the field, before being dried and stored. including how-to videos. He also talked grower is pretty typical.” to farmers who have grown hemp to get Then the grower picks up the seed and signs a form Growing hemp words of wisdom.

His crop consultant found some to verify the amount of seed received.

Producers must grow certified hemp seed from key information for him.

Canada or the EU. Mike Erickson acquired his seed Erickson, a conventional grower, learned about the from Minnesota Hemp Farms via Canada. MDA program in January of 2017, which is late for makarranges the shipments, but pilot growers place the ing crop decisions. “I just jumped into it,” he said. orders and pay for the seed independently. All seed Once the crop started growing, it He planted a 92-100 day crop. In general, hemp is shipments are delivered to the MDA building where was a very vigorous crop. It was planted in June and harvested in September. Growthey are verified before being shipped to a licensed good fast growth. It did a good job ers can get their hemp in after corn and soybeans seed distributor, such as Minnesota Hemp Farms. of growing and shading out weeds and harvest before corn and soybeans. Erickson harin the field. vested in early September.

Planting went very well. Erickson used a press

— Mike Erickson Harvesting hemp can be challenging.

The optimal moisture for harvesting hemp is 20 percent, but a few days later the plant can dry down to 15 percent, explained Strohfus. The fiber and stalks can wrap around the combine causing producers to stop often to unwrap, cut and remove material.

“When you get 16 percent (moisture) or less, it becomes problematic,” said Strohfus Hemp grain must be cleaned in the field and then put directly into aerated storage to dry down.

“The number one mistake that growers are going to make is to let their grain spoil in the bin,” said Strohfus.

Photo submitted by Mike Erickson

On Aug. 30, Mike Erickson’s hemp was almost ready for harvesting.

When grain is not cleaned in the field, dry down takes longer, said Strohfus.

See HEMP, pg. 13

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 13

Hemp harvest poses dry down, spoilage issues HEMP, from pg. 12 “Within four hours of combining, you should have your grain on aeration and moved daily — a full bin emptied and refilled until it’s at 9 percent (moisture) or less,” Strohfus said.

Erickson cleaned the seed in the field before storing his 4,000 bushels into a 15,000 bushel bin. His on-farm bin has an aerated floor. Not filling the bin to capacity left plenty of room for the grain to dry down.

“We didn’t have a dryer. We just used air,” said Erickson. “That same bin is where it sits today in storage.”

He will market the food-grade seed this winter. He has some buyers who have expressed interest.

“My advice to farmers is to make sure to do some research, make an educated decision based on what is best for each individual operation,” said Erickson.

After harvest, Strohfus recommends getting the stalks off the field even if you don’t sell them. He marketed some of his stalks to a textile processor.

“The post-harvest trash management is really difficult,” said Strohfus.

Strohfus offered this advice to farmers: “Don’t plant unless you have a contract for your production. Don’t plant unless you can get support for harvest and in particular don’t plant unless you are very serious about post-harvest grain management.”

The Land will be running a series of articles on hemp exploring this emerging industry. Expect articles on entrepreneurs, infrastructure challenges and opportunities, certified seed production and laws. v

Photo submitted by Mike Erickson

Harvest went well for Mike Erickson, who grew 140 acres in Polk County.

Swine • Organics • 4-H

ur o y n i l Mai ion card Energycr pt • iCover s bs •iDairy s u s m t ’ Crops d on • Beef • an •dSeed e of • u s FFA • n Farm Safety s i a

• Poultry • Gardening •

Sheep • Equipment • Farmfest • Markets

Photo by Mike Erickson

Mike Erickson harvested his hemp field in early September. The header he used is a John Deere 640D Draper Platform. Erickson said having a rigid or lockable flex head is essential due to the cutting height during the grain harvest; also the Draper, versus an auger, allows for a more consistent feed into the combine.

PAGE 14

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

MARKETING

Grain Outlook No comeback forecast for corn

Cash Grain Markets

corn/change* soybeans/change* St. Cloud $2.98 -.03 $8.84 +.04 Madison $2.98 -.01 $8.88 +.03 Redwood Falls $2.94 -.05 $8.88 +.08 Fergus Falls $2.86 -.02 $8.61 +.03 Morris $2.97 -.03 $8.75 +.01 Tracy $2.93 -.08 $8.81 +.01

Grain Angles

Start 2018 with transition mindset

The following marketing analysis is for the week ending Jan. 12.

CORN — Corn came within a quarter-cent of setting a new contract low when traders returned from the weekend. Action in the week leading up to the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports was dull. Improving weather in South America and more fund selling set the tone, but there really wasn’t much fresh news to drive prices. Corn then spent the middle of the week trying to regain the Jan. 8 losses. It was unable to close above the psychological $3.50 mark. Once the reports were released, corn PHYLLIS NYSTROM CHS Hedging Inc. followed wheat lower and set a St. Paul new contract low in the process at $3.45.5 per bushel.

On the U.S. balance sheet, planted acres were cut 200,000 to 90.2 million acres, with harvested acres down 400,000 at 82.7 million acres. The corn yield was raised 1.2 bushels per acre to a record 176.6 bu./ acre! The trade was predicting the yield to stay at 175.4 bu./acre. This put production up 26 million bushels at 14.6 billion bushels compared to 14.579 billion projected. This broke a string of four years in a row where production was reduced.

On the demand side of the ledger, feed usage was lowered 25 million bushels, food, seed and industrial use increased 10 million, and exports were left alone at 1.925 billion bushels. Ending stocks at 2.477 billion bushels were up 40 million bushels. Ending stocks to use went from 16.8 to 17.1 percent.

Dec. 1 corn stocks were a record at 12.516 billion bushels and larger than the trade guess. World ending stocks were 206.6 million metric tons, much higher than the 202.9 mmt forecast. Brazil’s corn crop was pegged at 95.0 mmt, unchanged from last month, but larger than the 94.13 mmt estimate.

Argentina’s corn crop came in unchanged from last month at 42.0 mmt. The trade was expecting a small cut to 41.5 mmt.

The most surprising aspect of the Jan. 12 reports was the winter wheat seedings number at 32.6 million bushels. This is down from last year’s 32.696 million acres, but the trade was looking for a cut to 31.3 million acres. This is still the smallest wheat number since 1909! We have plenty of wheat with world ending stocks at 268 mmt, coming in right on

The new year has started the way we left the old year. Lots of volatility and lots of uncertainty. Both the cattle and hog markets ended the year higher than they started albeit just slightly higher in both instances. It would appear that the markets will continue to be erratic and contain quick moves in either direction at times.

The cattle market after finishing the year on a good rally saw a big change in direction in the first week of the new year with a sharply lower finish to the week.

While beef cutouts have improved, the movement of beef product has JOE TEALE slowed, causing some caution Broker towards a push to higher prices.

Great Plains Commodity The supply of cattle continues to Afton, Minn. hang over the market after the release of several cattle on feed reports that continue to show greater than expected cattle on feed. For the market to overcome this potential large supply, demand for beef products will have to remain strong if not increase to maintain current price levels. Weather could pose some support from time to time causing price fluctuations.

However, it still boils down to the supply/demand picture in the long run.

All things considered, producers should take a skeptical approach to the market and protect inventories as needed.

The hog market finished the first week of the new year on a positive note with cash advancing all week along with a higher weekly close for the futures con-

This article was written as a collaboration between team members of the tax and accounting department at Compeer Financial.

Traditionally, a New Year’s resolution brings an opportunity for one to reflect on what went well in the last year and what lessons could be learned from past mistakes. For the individual who is contemplating transitioning to the next generation, this time of year provides a chance to start the transition plan with a clean slate.

Areas to focus on when you begin that plan are to educate yourself, work on communication, pencil out the cash flow, calculate the tax implications, and document the final plan.

The first step to get your transition plan off to the right start is to educate yourself as much as possible.

There are a plethora of seminars that financial planners and tax firms offer on the topic of succession planning. Farm publications are continually addressing this important topic as well.

Experienced experts who specialize in agricultural taxes should be resources you can rely on. We aren’t saying that your neighbor who transitioned the farm last year doesn’t have great ideas; but each and every plan is so individualized, that what worked for them may not be in your best interest.

The second step to starting the transition process is communication. That includes talking with your family and understanding what their wishes are. You need to take into consideration both the on-farm heir and the off-farm heirs. Being fair to each does not always, and often never means being equal to each.

The family needs to sit down and discuss goals in a formal setting. That means putting aside the roles of mom, dad and children and taking up the roles of business partners. This structured meeting will give a chance for the son or daughter to not feel like “junior,” but rather as a partner in making decisions that will help the farm succeed in the future.

The third step to starting a transition plan off on the right foot is to know the financial numbers.

Previous years’ tax returns would be a starting point to see what net cash the farm has been able to produce. One must be careful of the depreciation expense on the tax return. The tax return often accelerates depreciation for tax purposes. A number to replace the tax return deprecation number is known as capital asset replacement allowance. When analyzing your tax return numbers, you could replace what is on the business schedule for depreciation

See NYSTROM, pg. 15

See TEALE, pg. 16

See GRAIN ANGLES, pg. 15

Average:

$2.94

$8.80

Year Ago Average: $3.10 $9.65 Grain prices are effective cash close on Jan. 16. *Cash grain price change represents a two-week period.

Livestock Angles Markets remain volatile, uncertain

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 — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 15

South American weather impacts soybean market NYSTROM, from pg. 14 the estimate. U.S. ending stocks were 989 million bushels vs. 956 million estimated. Quarterly stocks in the United States were slightly above the forecast at 1.874 billion bushels.

Weekly export sales were within expectations, but were a disappointment nonetheless. At just 17.2 million bushels we’re still 25 percent behind last year when the USDA is still anticipating a 16 percent decline in exports year on year. Sales were also the third lowest of this marketing year. Total export commitments are 1.067 billion bushels.

Weekly ethanol production dropped 36,000 barrels per day to 1.032 million bpd. This completed the largest two week decline on record. Severe cold and low margins were likely culprits in the production decrease. Ethanol stocks rose 4 million gallons to 954 million gallons, a record for this time of year. Margins were a negative 1-cent per gallon, down 3 cents from the previous week. Seasonally, stocks rise in January and February.

Outlook: In general, the corn reports were neutral to bearish and the sharp sell-off in wheat spilled over into corn. It’s hard to get fired up about corn staging a quick comeback. Attention will focus once again on rain events, or the forecast for them, in Argentina and Brazil, and demand. Technically, corn put in a poor show for the week. March corn set a new contract low at $3.45.5 per bushel in post-report trading.

The gap on the continuous chart when the December 2017 contract expired at $3.38 is the next support level. The first resistance level is seen at $3.50 per bushel. For the week, March corn fell a nickel at $3.46.25, July was off 4.75 cents at $3.62.75, and

MARKETING December 2018 dropped 4 cents to $3.80.5/bu. Except for the large fund short, and possible weather changes in South America, it’s difficult to see why any significant rally will occur in the short term.

SOYBEANS — Beneficial rain to crops in South America began a four-day slide lower in soybeans to levels not traded since late August. Additional fund selling, a declining meal market, and a sharply lower Argentine peso added to the negativity. The Jan. 12 USDA reports resulted in a questionable rally, and beans still closed lower on the week. The trade was leaning lower into the report, the numbers were neutral to bearish, and it felt like short covering/ profit-taking drove the rally into the weekend.

Soybeans posted a key reversal higher to end the week, which could be extended if weekend rains in South America are a disappointment.

On the U.S. balance sheet, planted acres were reduced 100,000 to 90.1 million acres. The yield was surprisingly cut 0.4 bu./acre to 49.1 bu./acre. The trade was expecting the yield to remain unchanged.

Production was 33 million bushels lower than last month at 4.392 billion bushels vs. estimates for 4.425 billion bushels. The crush was raised 10 million bushels, residual fell 2 million, and exports were slashed 65 million bushels to 2.16 billion bushels.

The year-on-year decline in exports is now just 0.64 percent. Ending stocks at 470 million bushels didn’t quite hit the 479-million-bushel trade guess.

Dec.1 soybean stocks were a record 3.157 billion bushels compared to estimates for 3.186 billion bushels. World ending stocks at 98.6 mmt were slightly

below the 99.1 mmt estimate. Brazil’s soybean production was raised as expected from 108 mmt to 110 mmt. Argentina’s soybean crop was lowered 1 mmt to 56 mmt. Combining both countries figures, soybean production showed a net increase of 1 mmt.

Weekly export sales were poor at 22.3 million bushels and the second lowest total of the marketing year.

The number would have been lower at 14.2 million bushels except last week’s export figure was revised, pushing 8 million bushels into this week’s total. Last week’s export sales should have been 12.4 million bushels, not the 20.4 million bushels reported. Total commitments at 1.523 billion bushels are down 14 percent from last year compared to the new export forecast for a modest 0.64 percent year-on-year decline.

Outlook: Thanks to the post-report rally, March soybeans only closed 10.25 cents lower for the week at $9.60.5, July down 9.75 cents at $9.81.25, and November lost just 1.75 cents at $9.83.5 per bushel.

Funds were big buyers into the weekend, but I wouldn’t term the USDA numbers really any better than neutral to slightly friendly. Attention will again focus on weather events in South America. Without sustained threats to their crop, it may be difficult to extend the rally beyond the previous week’s high of $9.77 per bushel.

Nystrom’s Notes: Estimated contract changes for the week ending Jan. 12: Minneapolis March wheat plunged 14 cents lower to $6.12.75, Chicago fell 10.25 cents to $4.20.5, and Kansas City dropped 11.25 cents to $4.26.25 per bushel. Crude oil ran $2.86 higher to $64.30 (three year high and natural gas galloped 40.5 cents higher on the cold weather. The U.S. dollar index was over a full point lower. v

Transition timing and triggering events need documentation

GRAIN ANGLES, from pg. 14 and use typically 15 percent of the market value of your current machinery.

Creating an up-to-date balance sheet is vital in order to know what assets are available for retirement and what remains for passing onto the next generation. Being forthright with everyone creates a sense of trust and honesty. A common misnomer is that there is enough assets to give away and still be able to live comfortably in retirement. The first generation needs to help the second generation while also protect their funds for retirement.

If you look at the cash income that the farm has been able to produce, one could try and forecast five years ahead to see if any efficiencies can produce extra cash income that will be needed to support multiple families. To provide a living for the retiring generation, a rental agreement or a sale would have to occur on some assets. That means a rental expense or debt repayment would have to be added to the cost of production. Penciling this out is critical to determine what is feasible for meeting the cash flow requirements.

Speaking of a possible sale, that leads us to another

key point — tax implications of a transfer. The two most common ways around the tax implications are either by gifting a portion of the assets away or by your children inheriting the assets. With lifetime estate gifting amounts increased to $11.2 million for 2018, indexed for inflation, per individual for federal rules, one can easily transfer a great deal of wealth and not have any federal tax implications. This plan could possibly involve a rental/lease agreement and would need to look at long-term care implications.

With careful planning, inheritance could be beneficial in the transfer of assets. Current tax reform retained the step-up basis in place, allowing highly appreciated property to be stepped up to fair market value. This of course depends on how the asset is titled but can be extremely beneficial to many. Since most parents will not be able to gift or give the farm to the next generation, a couple of options could be a possible sale or rental agreement to provide funds for retirement. Selling the farm in one transaction or splitting it up on an installment sale can lead to different tax consequences.

Furthermore, if the first generation wanted to give

the second generation a chance to start gaining equity; another option could be to rent out the land and buildings for a period of time while they sell the operational assets. This would provide retirement income for the first generation and a chance to cash flow the debt for the second generation. Each family will see different benefits by selling the farm or by renting it out. A key point to any plan is to communicate and have a written plan.

Last but not least, the family needs to put this into a formal written plan. This will ensure two things, the first so that there is no misunderstanding of when all this will take place. And second, it will provide details of what should be done in the event of a death.

The timing of a transition and the triggering events will need to be formally documented, usually by an attorney, to ensure everyone understands the plan and makes it a legally binding agreement.

When starting your transition process this year, remember it is just that, a process. No one should jump into a plan too quickly.

For more insights from the Compeer team or to learn more, check out www.Compeer.com/education.v

PAGE 16

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Farmers brush up on farm finances in one-day course

By MARIE WOOD The Land Associate Editor MANKATO, Minn. — A short course on farm finances from the University of Minnesota Extension is helping farmers feel more confident about their operation at a difficult time in American agriculture.

On Jan. 3 in Mankato, 21 people attended the course called “Taking Charge of Your Finances: How to Survive and Thrive.” The course was a mix of older farmers and ag students from South Central College in North Mankato.

“We get a mix of younger farmers and older farmers. It’s good to refresh,” said Nathan Hulinsky, Agricultural Business Management Extension educator.

The course covers the balance sheet to determine your farm’s financial condition; income stateNathan Hulinsky ment to determine if your farm is profitable; cash flow statement to determine where the money goes; and record keeping as a tool for farm management.

The format splits students into lender teams to review a case farm’s balance sheets, income and cash flow statements. The teams came back together to discuss and share their observations.

Tim Daly, a corn and soybean farmer near Minnesota Lake, attended the session. He also farms with his dad and brother in Warroad. Up there, he grows wheat, malting barley, food-grade soybeans and rye-grass seed.

ABU 14000# GVW TRAILER

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

Goosenecks

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

Pricing Examples: 25’ (20’ + 5’) 14,000# GVWR

$6,420

20K# GVWR Duallys 32’ (27’ + 5’)

$9,375

Dovetail LED lighting Modular Wiring Harness

From

$3,799

Drop ’N Locks Gooseneck Hitch $

389

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

UMN Extension course: Taking Charge of Your Finances: How to Survive & Thrive Jan. 23, St. Cloud Jan. 24, Willmar Jan. 30, Rochester Classes are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.extension.umn.edu/ agriculture/business/ to learn more.

Online Resources: UMN Extension Agricultural Business Management: www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/business/ UMN Center for Farm Financial Management: www.cffm. umn.edu for FINPACK, FINBIN and more Center for Farm Financial Management offers a free, selfguided online course: https://www.cffm.umn.edu/products/ IFSAM.aspx Phone: Contact the UMN Extension Farm Information Line at (800) 232-9077 to set up a free counseling session.

His wife enters the data, which gives Daly more time to analyze the financials. They also employ a part-time chief financial officer to review their finances quarterly. Even for someone who has been implementing record keeping and analysis for a long time, the course was useful.

“It’s always good to hear that you are doing some of the right things already,” said Daly. “You really have to watch your margins. Know your cost of production.

Have a marketing plan.”

Bremer Bank was a partner in the course. Wally Thomas, senior vice president at Bremer Bank, said his farm customers tell him that there are three things a farm needs: a good set of financial records, a good person in marketing and a good banker.

Thomas said farmers must reduce expenses and generate more revenue with specialty crops, diversification and/or off-farm employment.

“We will make it. We will adjust,” Thomas said. “The good people pay attention to details and will make the right adjustments. We have to sweat the small stuff.”

Thomas encourages farmers to take a day and attend financial refreshers like this one. He added that the format of farmers looking at the financial documents as bankers was helpful. Megan Roberts, Agricultural Business Management Extension educator, agreed.

“Hopefully it enables people to be more objective when they look at their own farm,” said Roberts.

Roberts plugged FINPACK, the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management software program. FINPACK offers analysis tools to know your financial condition, run projections, find cost savings and see where you are losing or making money. In addition, farmers can evaluate how changes will impact their operation and examine options before making a decision.

Allen Marble farms 400 acres of corn and soybeans in Good Thunder. He is also a custom hog finisher. He has participated in Farm Business Management and used FINPACK since 1986. Although they were not always called by those names.

“It’s just a great financial tool for farmers to do their own homework,” said Marble.

This tough farm economy is bringing back memories of the 1980s for Marble, but he has been watching Allen Marble the farm finances closely and planning strategically since then.

“I was already in a pullback mode two years ago,” Marble said.

At day’s end, Megan Roberts broke down the three steps of financial management: record keeping, financial statements and benchmarking.

Benchmarking your operation can be done using FINBIN, another tool from the Center for Farm Financial Management. With FINBIN, producers can compare their numbers to other farms of similar size and structure to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Megan Roberts “Benchmarking can be a really beneficial tool,” said Roberts. “If you live in a bubble, you’re not going to probably progress.”

The take-aways are that producers must make sure that the records and statements provide the necessary detail for themselves and their lenders to make decisions. They must know key ratios, benchmark, and determine if they are comfortable with their numbers.

“Is your farm positioned to survive and thrive?” asked Roberts. v

Hog market futures are looking ‘tired’

Rol-Oyl Cattle Oilers TEALE, from pg. 14 showing signs of also being tired. This may be signs of As the holiday letdown by the consumers. This action pictured $1550 tracts. The gap between cash and futures has continued to narrow, reducing the spread between the does raise its concerns since the hog market has made Without Brush

futures price and the lean index. From a technical a nice recovery from the last sell-off last August.

The next few weeks will likely determine the fate of tired at these higher levels. hog prices for the next several months. It all falls On the other hand, the cash market is showing good back on that market mover supply versus demand advances every day since the first of the year. Pork and which one comes to the forefront. Producers cutouts have continued to advance at a very slow pace should pay attention to market action over the next which also brings the attention that it too may be several weeks and protect inventories if desired. v

$1275 standpoint, the futures are beginning to act a bit

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

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

MN AG EXPO Schedule

MN AG EXPO brings together Minnesota’s corn and soybean farmers, agribusiness and University of Minnesota researchers at the Verizon Center in Mankato.

The trade show is full of companies with emerging technologies, equipment specials and new information.

Companies showcase their latest products and equipment.

Networking opportunities are endless. From dinners featuring top notch speakers to receptions with plenty of time to gather the best information from fellow farmers, you can make the most out of your time at MN AG EXPO, and find valuable new connections.

Educational Sessions on hot button issues affecting your farm operation are abundant this year. From renewable energy to the farm bill to learning how to position your farm operation for the markets in the coming year, MN AG EXPO has it covered. Change the way you think about your farm and the impact to your bottom line.

Wednesday, January 24 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Registration 9 a.m.-noon, MSGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting, Banquet Hall West 10-10:45 a.m., Al-Corn Ethanol Session with Ron Lamberty, American Coalition for Ethanol, Meeting Room 247 11-11:45 a.m., Pollinators and Minnesota Agriculture with Dan Whitney, Minnesota Honey Producers Association; Marla Spivak, University of Minnesota, Meeting Room 245 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Trade Show Noon-1 p.m., Boxed lunch sponsored

by Minnesota Pork, Trade Show Floor 12:15-1 p.m., REG Biodiesel Session on Minnesota and the Move to B20 with Hoon Ge, Meeting Room 245 1-1:45 p.m., Researcher Introductions, Trade Show Stage 1:45-2:45 p.m., Blue Horizon Renewable Energy Session on The Future of Renewables with Ellen Anderson, Uni-

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

versity of Minnesota Energy Transition Lab; Mike Bull, Center for Energy and Environment; Blue Horizon Energy representative, Trade Show Stage 3-4 p.m., Dow Mankato Region Enlist Growers Meeting, Meeting Room 247 5-6:30 p.m., Farmers Business Network Trade Show Reception and Dinner with Charles Baron of Farmers Business Network, Banquet Hall 7-11 p.m., Beano & Vino Casino Night, Mankato City Center Hotel connected to Verizon Center Thursday, January 25 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Registration 7:30-8:30 a.m., Minnesota Corn PAC Breakfast, Reception Hall 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Trade Show 8:15-9 a.m., Morning Markets Early Riser Session with Al Kluis, Trade Show Stage 9 a.m.-noon, MCGA Delegate Session and Annual Meeting, Banquet Hall West 9:30-10 a.m., Researcher Introductions, Trade Show Stage 10-10:45 a.m., Farm Bill Panel sponsored by Profinium and Minnesota Farmers Union. Panel members are Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farm Bureau; Gary Wertish, Minnesota Farmers Union; Colleen Moriarty, Hunger Solutions. Meeting Room 245.

11-11:45 a.m., Governor Candidates Panel, Trade Show Stage 12:30-2 p.m., MCGA and MSGA Lunch sponsored by Asgrow and Gislason & Hunter. Speaker is Blois Olson of Fluence Media on “2018 Elections and the Impact on your Farm,” Banquet Hall.

2:15-3:30 p.m., Closing keynotes featuring Chris Novak, National Corn Growers Association and Polly Ruhland, United Soybean Board, Trade Show Stage This schedule of events is subject to change. Information was submitted by MN AG EXPO 2018. v

MN AG EXPO hotels: A block of rooms has been reserved at the following

hotels. Ask for the MN AG EXPO rate when making your reservation. Both hotels are connected to the Verizon Center via skyway.

Mankato City Center Hotel: (877) 345-5577 or visit www.mankatomnhotel.com.

Hilton Garden Inn: (507) 344-1111.

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

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

360 Yield Center...........................94-95 Ag Spray Equipment ........................... 7 Agassiz ............................................... 8 AgFocus ........................................... 29 Agnition ............................................ 61 AgSolutions ...................................... 57 Agweek ............................................ 73 AgXplore............................................ 21 American Lung Association ............... 43 AURI ................................................. 33 Bayer................................................. 66 Beck’s .............................................. 54 Blethen, Gage & Krause..................... 90 Blue Earth Soil & Water Conservation District ............................................ 93 Blue Horizon Energy............................. 3 BNSF Railway.................................... 16 CFS..................................................... 4 CHS................................................... 65 Country Enterprises .......................... 69 Dekalb/Asgrow ................................ 81 DuPont Pioneer ................................ 10

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

MN AG EXPO 2018 Exhibitors Ellingson Companies ......................... 71 Environmental Tillage Systems......... 58 Farmers Business Network ............... 34 Gislason & Hunter ............................. 83 Gold Country Seed ............................ 17 Green Energy Solutions...................... 62 GROUND WORKS Backhoe Service.... 87 Heads Up Plant Protectants Inc. ........ 44 Hefty Seed ........................................ 30 Hewitt Drainage Equipment/Hewitt Precision Insights ................................. 53 Houston Engineering ......................... 70 Innovative Basement Systems .......... 77 Irrigators Association of Minnesota... 24 ISG ..................................................... 9 Janesville Elevator Construction........ 68 K&S Millwrights ............................... 25 Kluis Publishing/Kluis Commodities.. 26 Knutson+Casey ................................ 14 Legend Seeds ................................... 50 Linder Farm Network......................... 84 Litzau Farm Drainage Inc. ................ 23

MARL ............................................... 88 Mathiowetz Construction................... 76 MEG Corp. ........................................ 41 Midwest Shippers Association............ 32 Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program ...................... 74 Minnesota Agriculture Water Resource Center ............................................ 31 Minnesota Corn Growers Assoc......... 47 Minnesota Farm Bureau..................... 45 Minnesota Farmers Union ................. 55 Minnesota FFA Foundation................. 49 Minnesota Honey Producers Associ... 15 Minnesota Soybean Growers Assoc.... 11 Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council................................. 35 Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council .................................... 12 MN Ag in the Classroom .................... 89 Monsanto BioAg ................................ 82 Mycogen/Dow .................................. 85

Mycogen/Dow................................... 86 NuTech Seeds, LLC............................ 72 Profinium........................................... 52 Proseed............................................. 91 Renk Seed Company.......................... 20 Rinke Noonan.................................... 92 Sanco Equipment-Bobcat of Mankato .1 Snell Motors ....................................... 2 Southern MN Center of Agriculture and AgCentric......................................... 79 Steffes Group Inc .............................. 27 Stewart-Peterson .............................. 19 SunOpta ........................................... 13 U.S. Meat Export Federation................ 6 University of Minnesota..................... 59 University of Minnesota, Department of Agronomy........................................ 60 Ziegler Ag Equipment......................... 51 Exhibitor list submitted by MN AG EXPO. Register today at www.mnagexpo.com

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 19

Special events scheduled for MN AG EXPO Tuesday, January 23 Ag PhD Agronomy Workshop will be held 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Verizon Center in Mankato. Learn how you can cut expenses in 2018 and still yield well. Which input expenses are just that — expenses? Which inputs are still great investments at lower commodity prices? These questions will be answered at the free Ag PhD workshop. Lunch is included. Please register for the workshop at www.agphd. com/ag-phd-events/ag-phd-winterworkshops/.

Kick-off reception will be held 7-10 p.m. at the Loose Moose Saloon and Conference Center, Mankato.

Wednesday, Jan. 24 Beano & Vino Casino Night is an annual fundraising evening for Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s legislative efforts. The event is 7-11 p.m. at the Mankato City Center Hotel, poolside. The hotel is connected to the Verizon Center. Cost is $25 per ticket.

Tickets can be purchased online during registration or at the door. Contact

Bus rides available from northern Minnesota

24,626 Bu.

42' Diameter 46,918 Bu.

60' Diameter 99,350 Bu.

requirements for dicamba applicator training. The session has a separate, independent registration apart from MN AG EXPO. For more details and to register, please visit mcpr-cca.org/ dicamba-information-trainings/.

This information was submitted by MN AG EXPO. v

See you at MN AG EXPO!

Visit Greater Mankato The Mankato visitor center is connected to the Verizon Center where the MN AG EXPO takes place. If you are looking to explore the area or extend your trip to Mankato, visit www.visitgreatermankato.com

MN AG EXPO is offering the option to ride the bus from northern Minnesota to Mankato for MN AG EXPO. To reserve a seat on the bus, please contact Lorri Ann Hartel at lhartel@prairieagcomm.com or call (218) 686-6144. v

36' Diameter

Sara Hewitt at sara@mnsoybean.com.

Complete with casino games, hospitality suites, a silent auction, and a casino store full of items featuring area businesses, this is a great way to support MSGA, and the efforts of Minnesota’s farmers.

Thursday Jan. 25 Dicamba training will be held 3-5 p.m. at the Verizon Center in Mankato.

This Monsanto XtendiMax training is for commercial and private pesticide applicators to satisfy the annual label

List price: $36,000

13,135

$

Aggregates • Rock Products • Hauling • Terraces • Tiling Private Grading • Rentals • Repairs • Tree Clearing • Demolition

MATHIOWETZ CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

List price: 64,000 $

23,415

$

List price: 115,100 $

47,224

$

Call Now! Winter Discounts End Soon!

30676 County Road 24 Sleepy Eye, MN 56085 An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer

(507) 794-9653

www.mathiowetzconst.com

In All We Do, We Build It Right!!

Equipment Repair - Diesel & Ag. Rates $80.00 per hr. in shop $95.00 per hr. on-site

Equipment Rental

Contact us for all your grain-handling needs! www.AgBuilders.com • 1-800-826-2233 • Windom, MN

Rates Daily Weekly Monthly

PAGE 20

www.thelandonline.com — MILKER’S MESSAGE

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Global influences produce record-low prices at CME This column was written for the marketing week ending Jan. 12.

Searching for a silver lining in dairy’s dark clouds is difficult. Some of those clouds include rising global milk production and an abundance of milk powders in storage — both at home and abroad, along with recent record-low prices at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. There’s also uncertainty over what changes the EU will make in its intervention program; but it appears New Zealand is facing drought, China’s

News and information for Minnesota and Northern Iowa dairy producers dairy imports are looking encouraging, and the first Global Dairy Trade of 2018 was up 2.2 percent. So that perhaps is the silver

By Lee Mielke lining.

Jerry Dryer, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, said in the Jan. 8 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast that the EU is indicating that it will stop buying skim milk powder — in effect, ending the world support program for SMP and possibly sending prices “very very low,” he warned.

He also reminded us that it was the SMP/nonfat dry milk powder price that “led us into the stratosphere a few years ago, when we eventually reached $25 per hundredweight Class III milk.

“We have some rough sledding ahead of us on the powder side of the business,” Dryer said, “despite the increasing interest from China and the slowing of production in New Zealand because of drought.”

All of these international developments are putting a lot of downward pressure on U.S. milk prices, according to Dryer — particularly the European situation. But dairy farmers are also under a lot of price pressure and he predicts a dramatic slowing in milk production in the United States, which should help firm up the market mid-year.

I asked if the United States should continue to pressure Canada to end its supply management program as well as its new Class 7 milk pricing program which is dumping powder on the world market. Dryer replied, “We don’t have any business demanding that they change their supply management program. But we do certainly have a right to say, wait a minute, the Class 7 kind of pricing is illegal under the World Trade Organization regulations, let alone under the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).” n Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its 2017 and 2018 milk production forecasts in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. The 2017 estimate was reduced, based on the most recent data; and the 2018 projection was reduced due to slower anticipated growth in the dairy cow herd combined with continued slow growth in milk per cow.

The 2018 dairy product price projections were reduced due to slowing domestic demand and global competition. The 2018 Class III and Class IV milk price forecasts were reduced, based on the lower product prices. n

MIELKE MARKET WEEKLY

California dairy producers have given a thumbsup to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Quota Implementation Plan, should they approve a Federal Milk Market order in a future referendum.

CDFA conducted the referendum of milk producers in the state and reported that 703 valid ballots, out of a possible 1059, were received. The final tally showed that 66 percent of the state’s eligible producers participated, with 613 (87 percent) voting in favor and 90 opposed.

The USDA has issued a recommended decision on a California federal milk market order but has yet to issue its final decision. Once that happens, informational meetings will likely be held in the state to draft a final producer referendum approving joining the federal order program. n The cheddar blocks saw daily slippage until Jan. 12 when they reversed and gained 1.75 cents to close at $1.4550 per pound. This is still down 4 cents on the week and 27 cents below a year ago.

The large crash on Jan. 12 was the barrels — plunging to $1.2175. This is down 17.25 cents on the week, the lowest barrel price since July 30, 2009, and 42.25 cents below a year ago. They’re also a whopping 23.75 cents below the blocks. Six cars of block traded hands on the week and 37 of barrel.

Dairy Market News reports that Midwestern cheesemakers continue to receive offers of discounted spot milk, although above the discounted prices of previous weeks. Spot milk prices ranged $1.50 to $3 under Class. Some cheese producers are cutting back on production and taking time off before gearing up for the Super Bowl. Others have begun to ramp up and are operating seven days a week.

Cheese sales are generally meeting or ahead of seasonal expectations; but the market prices are creating some anxiety among Central cheese contacts.

Western cheese sales are reportedly “within seasonal norms,” according to Dairy Market News. Orders for Super Bowl have started to pick up but some contacts are “not optimistic about the future development of the cheese market due to supplies outweighing current demand. Buyers are mainly purchasing what they need as they wait to see the direction of the market. The reopening of schools after the holidays is drawing some milk away from the vats. However, cheese production remains active and current cheese inventories are plentiful in the West.”

See MIELKE, pg. 21

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — MILKER’S MESSAGE

PAGE 21

Butter exports to Middle East up 39 percent over last year

MIELKE, from pg. 20

as expected, between the winter and spring holiday tinues to lap the previous year’s volumes,” but “The question moving forward is how strong demand is. baking seasons. While some retailers are using the Exports to the Middle up,RIGHT! increaslull to restock shelves, others are urging butter WE East BUILDhave OURpicked STALLS makers to hold back on shipments until next month. ing 39 percent versus last year.”

Take a look at Inventories are growing. n our tubing with Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Jan. 12 at In other global news, the Dailyunequaled Dairy Report’s corrosion 66.75 cents per pound, down 1.25 cents on the week Sarina Sharp wrote in the Jan. 6 Milk Producers protection! and 36.5 cents below a year ago. On the week, 14 Council newsletter, “The European butter market carloads found new homes at the CME. continues to drop, albeit at a much slower Freudenthal Tubingpace. has been engineered your specific hasforfallen On a brighter note, November export data showed Over the past two weeks the dollar requirements where strength more quickly than the foreign butter market, strong volumes for cheese and whey, according to and corrosion resistance are resulting in higher European butter prices in U.S. FC Stone’s Jan. 9 Early Morning Update. Auto Release Head Locks Panel CORROSION critical design factors. dollar terms.”

PROTECTION “It looks like the relatively cheap U.S. whey prices U.S. butter still stands at a slight premium to have taken some market share from Europe,” the CS-60 Comfort Tieand Stall“U.S. to Sharp, Update stated. “Cheese exports were a little weaker European product, according butter exports exceeded imports in November for than expected, and with spot Gouda at $1.17 and ThetoToughest only the second time this year — thanks skymozzarella at $1.29 in Europe, U.S. cheese exports Stalls are probably going to stay on the weak side. Overall, high European butter prices this fall. Nonetheless, the difference was modest and U.S. butteron imports the data is mildly supportive relative to expectathe were still 21.1 percent greater than year-ago voltions; but that’s mostly because have • Provides superiorexpectations lunge area market, umes. been beat down over •the months.”

Muchpast stronger6than our guaranteed competitors’ beam systems The Outlook reported that butter production “con- See MIELKE, pg. 23 not to bend • No Stall mounts in the • Entire panel made of H.D. 10 gauge tubing concrete or sand are hot dippedWI galvanized after W. 6322 Cty. O,• Panels Medford, 54451 • Fully adjustable welding inside and out (715) 748-4132 • 1-800-688-0104 • Stall system stays high and Heaviest, • 6’, 8’, 10’, 12’ lengths dry, resulting in longer life www.freudenthalmfg.com Strongest, REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT • 12’ panel weight 275 lbs.

• Installation labor savings Custom Buy Direct From Manufacturer and SAVE! We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs • Head-to-head and single row Cattle Diagonal Feed Thru Panel options available Auto Release Head Locks Panel Gates • Compare the weight of this on the system, heaviest available Elevated Dual Market on the market today

Freudenthal MANUFACTURING

n The spot butter fell to $2.1550 per pound on Jan. 11 — the lowest price since May 10, 2017. But it closed the next day at $2.16, which is down 7.75 cents on the week and 65 cents below a year ago.

Seven cars traded hands on the week.

Cream offers are aplenty for butter producers, according to Dairy Market News, and cream continues to flow into the upper Midwest from the West and Southwest. Butter producers have cut back on cream intakes in order to keep inventory in check.

Production has steadied after the holiday rush, and plant managers are focusing on the spring retail push. “Some contacts are posting some bearish sentiment of late and suggest some global bears are beginning to take their toll, and domestic butter may be more available in the near term.”

Plentiful cream and low multiples are prompting some Western butter makers to actively operate churns near full capacity, according to Dairy Market News. Domestic consumer demand has slackened,

REMODELING, EXPANSION OR REPLACEMENT

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

We Can Handle All Your Barn Steel Needs

GREAT

STALLS BUILT TOUGH & DESIGNED RIGHT!

Freudenthal

Elevated Dual Rail Suspended Freestalls

MANUFACTURING

STALLS BUILT TOUGH & DESIGNED RIGHT! Cow Straps

Drinking Cups

Tie Chain Assy.

Cow Straps

Drinking Cups

6300 Tee Clamps

Tie Chain Assy.

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

4-Way, 5-Way & Corner Clamps

LIVESTOCK WATERERS

POLY DOME CALF WARMER • 24” wide, 50” long x 45” tall, lower section 16” deep

Tee Clamps

4-Way, 5-Way & Corner Clamps

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

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

Rail Suspended

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

COOLAIR FAN

Flange Clamps

Made To Order

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

COMPLETE LINE OF RITCHIE Diagonal Feed Thru Panel WATERING FOUNTAINS

on the market, guaranteed not to bend

COMPLETE LINEMaterials OF RITCHIE • Top Quality WATERING FOUNTAINS

• Smart Design • Built To Last Relax...

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

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

Choice in Safety, Economy and Durability Supreme COMFORT PAD

Made To Order

Relax...

Discounts on Larger Orders

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

Top Rail Clamps

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

EFFICIENCY ARE THE KEY NOTES TO THE COOLAIR NCF FANS

SPECIAL COW MATS

COMPLETE WATERER PARTS ON HAND

LEGEND GROOVED RUBBER ROLL

We will Ship Anywhere!

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

PAGE 22

www.thelandonline.com — MILKER’S MESSAGE

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Finding reliable dairy farm labor is challenging

By DICK HAGEN The Land Staff Writer WELCH, Minn. – Baldwin, Wis., dairy farmer Todd Doornink is a fourth generation cow man. Milk production is big business with Doornink. He currently milks 1,500 cows on a threetimes-a-day (3x) schedule. Doornink attended the Nov 28-29 Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch.

Is labor a big issue? “Yes,” responded Doornink acknowledging labor is always an issue. But perhaps less an issue for him because he hires most of his labor force from Ecuador. He has mostly a Spanish-speaking crew. He said he’s been at this so long both he and his migrants have learned to understand each other. “We’ve had migrant labor for about 25 years now.”

get rotated so nobody is on the same shift continuously. He runs three We get daily milk weights shifts: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1-9 p.m., and 9 on our cows. I use what’s p.m.-5 a.m. There are always some issues when working with this many called the Fitbit system. laborers.

It’s like a pedometer on their ankles so we get “That’s just a fact of the dairy industry,” said Doornink. “But because daily production on each cow plus daily activity of unemployment is so low in Wisconsin finding labor is a challenge … we’re at each cow.

— Todd Doornink 3.2 percent unemployment rate right now; Minnesota is much the same. So He provides housing. Most of his finding local people is a constant strugworkers are single guys. For married gle and that’s why we went with people with kids of school age, the kids migrant labor years ago.” attend the local school.

There was lots of discussion at the He purchases lots of feed to run a conference of stepping up vocational 1,500-cow operation. “We grow our own training in high schools. But Doorrink questions if vo-techs could be a dependcorn but buy alfalfa from a neighbor.” able source of skilled labor for his A 3x schedule means more milk, operation. about 15 percent more. Milking shifts He knows more technology in dairy farming is inevitable. “But hands-on skills are limited. In 10 years robotic milking even for us with 1,500 cows will likely be common. By then we’ll probably be riding in driverless cars also so I don’t question the growing use of robotic systems.”

He sees the 100-cow carousel systems the likely route for his operation.

Daily milk production per cow is a challenge when milking 1,500 cows each day. But technology to the rescue.

“We get daily milk weights on our cows. I use what’s called the Fitbit system. It’s like a pedometer on their ankles so we get daily production on each cow plus daily activity of each cow. So as soon as an individual cow slows down you can get on her and quickly diagnose the problem.”

No, Fitbit doesn’t measure feed intake per cow. But grouping of cows by production levels lets him adjust feeding programs accordingly.

Doornink said his herd is averaging three to four lactations per cow.

However, he also has some 12 year olds. He explained his high culling rate this way: “When you have a 50 percent

heifer crop each year, 50 percent of your herd has to go.”

His operation uses the Livestock Gross Margin program for some of its marketing. He also does some milk marketing on the board working with a consultant.

So what’s the status on break-evens when you’re dealing in a $16 market?

Doornink commented, “Break-evens have been hard to reach the last couple of years. Feed prices two years ago took a big hit on dairy farmers. This year that’s not the issue but we need better margins so we can reinvest in our businesses.

“Yes, $17 would be a nice floor for Class III. That would make most of us milk producers happy, especially with $4 corn, $250 soybean meal. Life would be good for everybody.”

So why come across the river to this Minnesota dairy conference? “It’s always good to exchange thoughts with other dairy producers. As you might expect, lots of common ground between us Wisconsin guys and my counterparts over here in Minnesota. There are several things we can work on together especially at the federal level.

This fair trade issue is getting to be a big one.”

Regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement and President Trump, Doornink commented, “We hope he doesn’t get too involved with changes of NAFTA. It’s been great for us dairy people. Mexico is our biggest market for dairy product exports. We can’t let that customer go.”

Doornink has three children, all daughters with one married to a dairy farmer near Eau Claire, Wis. His youngest daughter attends the University of Minnesota. Todd is 54 years old. And how does he stay so energetic? “Good dairy products every meal and some ice cream treats in between,” he chuckled.

He attended University of Wisconsin, River Falls. v

For more news briefs, visit the “Nuts and Bolts” section at www.TheLandOnline.com

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

www.thelandonline.com — MILKER’S MESSAGE

PAGE 23

Milk production, feed costs higher than one year ago MIELKE, from pg. 21 “With one month of data yet to be reported for 2017, U.S. butter imports have eclipsed the recordbreaking volumes of 2016. The Emerald Isle accounts for almost two-thirds of the total.

Americans simply cannot get enough Irish butter,” according to Sharp. n Back on the farm, the USDA’s latest National Milk Cost of Production report shows November’s total milk production costs were down from October but up from a year ago.

Total feed costs averaged $10.70/cwt., up 4 cents from September, 14 cents below the October figure, and 36 cents above November 2016. Purchased feed costs, at $5.83/cwt., were dead even with September, down 4 cents from October, but a penny above November 2016.

Total costs, including feed, bedding, marketing, fuel, repairs, hired labor, taxes, etc., at $22.89/cwt., were up 7 cents from September, down 17 cents from October, but 72 cents above a year ago.

Feed costs made up 46.7 percent of total costs in November, down from 46.98 percent the month before and 46.6 percent a year ago.

Milk output is generally steady throughout most of the country, according to the USDA’s weekly production update. “Midwestern and Eastern freezing temperatures have, up to this point, had little effect on production. That said, contacts point out that single digit and subzero temperatures are creating some havoc with hauling milk and cream in those regions. Adding to that, general logistical problems are continuing into 2018, including dwindling trucker availability and electronic logging issues.” n One more item from American Farm Bureau’s annual meeting: the Trump Administration drew praise from the IDFA regarding the administration’s announcement of the recommendations made by the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity.

Veterinarian Michael Dykes, IDFA president and CEO, commended the “prioritizing of the rural workforce development in a new commitment to bring prosperity back to rural communities.”

Announced at the annual meeting, “The administration’s task force recommendations highlight the critical connection between investing in the rural workforce and strengthening American manufacturing,” Dykes said.

“Our dairy foods companies, which are predominately located in rural communities, employ nearly 1 million skilled individuals, generate more than $39 billion in direct wages and have an overall economic impact of more than $200 billion, according to Dairy Delivers, IDFA’s economic impact tool.”

“With the training and educational investments,

expanded apprenticeship programs, and access to career development programs the President outlined today, dairy companies will be able to continue providing job opportunities in thousands of rural communities across the United States,” IDFA stated.

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

PAGE 24

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Guide to estimating 2017 ARC-CO farm payments Cash flow margins for most crop farm operators in the upper Midwest will remain quite tight for the 2018 growing season. Producers are now in the process of doing their crop income and expense estimates for their 2018 crop budgets. One of the big questions for farm managers is whether to expect any 2017 ARC-

CO payments in October. In the previous two years, the ARC-CO payments, especially for corn, have been quite variable from county-to-county. The lower 2017 benchmark prices for corn and soybeans will likely make 2017 ARC-CO payments for corn and soybeans less likely in most areas.

MARKETING

YOU SAID IT THIS FALL....

“IF ONLY WE HAD MORE BINS SO WE DIDN’T HAVE TO HAUL NOW AND SELL AT THESE PRICES!”

“WE NEED A BIGGER DRYER”

“COULD OUR RECEIVING SYSTEM BE ANY SLOWER?”

“ANOTHER BREAKDOWN....

THAT’S THE LAST TIME I’M WORKING WITH THE CHEAPEST MILLWRIGHT!”

“MORE RAIN COMING, MAN, I WISH OUR WET BIN WAS BIGGER!”

NOW IS THE TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR BIN SITE WITH WINTER DISCOUNTS & INCENTIVES ON: • BROCK GRAIN BINS • SUPERB SQ DRYERS • MEYER TOWER DRYERS

• BUCKET ELEVATORS & CONVEYORS • DUMP PITS, AIR SYSTEMS, GRAIN PUMPS & MORE

TRUST IN 50 YEARS OF DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

CONTACT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS TODAY! (800) 246-6094 LITCHFIELD, MN

(507) 530-2365 COTTONWOOD, MN

mdoering@agri-systems.com

bjeseritz@agri-systems.com

www.agri-systems.com

Most crop producers in the upper Midwest are enrolled in the Ag Risk Coverage (ARCCO) farm program choice on their corn and soybean base acres for the 2014 to 2018 crop years. A large percentage of crop producers in the region earned a significant 2014 corn FARM PROGRAMS ARC-CO payment, while farm operators in some counties also earned a partial ARC-CO

By Kent Thiesse payment on their corn base acres for 2015 and 2016. The ARC-CO payments for soybeans have been much lower and less likely in most areas. This is due to above-average soybean yields in the region, which may be a bit more variable for the 2017 crop year The ARC-CO program utilizes national average grain prices and average county yields to determine ARC-CO payments. ARC-CO payments for corn, soybeans or any other crop are paid when the actual county revenue for a crop in a crop year falls below the calculated county “revenue guarantee” for that crop. The actual county revenue is the final U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency county yield for a crop for that year multiplied by the final national market year average price for the year for that crop. If that final county revenue amount is lower than the county “revenue guarantee” for that crop, producers in that county which are enrolled in the ARC-CO farm program would earn an ARC-CO payment for that year. Each county also has a maximum ARC-CO payment for each crop.

The “revenue guarantee” for a given crop is the benchmark revenue multiplied by 0.86. The benchmark revenue for 2017 is the 5-year (2012-2016) county average yield, dropping the high and low yield, times the benchmark price, which is the 5-year (2012-2016) average market year average price, again dropping the high and low price.

The national benchmark prices for 2017 are $3.95 per bushel for corn and $10.86 per bushel for soybeans. This is a decline from the 2014 and 2015 benchmark prices of $5.29 per bushel for corn and $12.27 per bushel for soybeans, as well as the 2016 benchmark prices of $4.79 per bushel for corn and $11.87 per bushel for soybeans.

The significantly lower benchmark prices for 2017 will lower the potential maximum ARC-CO payments, and will reduce the likelihood of receiving 2017 payments in many counties. The lower 2017 benchmark prices mean that only counties with 2017 corn and soybean yields that were near or below the 2017 county benchmark yields will likely be able to earn any 2017 ARC-CO payments.

Many counties in Minnesota and Iowa will have increased county corn and soybean benchmark yields for 2017, compared to 2015 and 2016, due to a lower yield year in 2011 being dropped from the 5-year benchmark yield calculation and being replaced by a much higher high yield year in 2016.

The result will be higher final 2017 county yield See THIESSE, pg. 25

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

PAGE 25

High corn yields make ARC-CO payments unlikely for 2017 THIESSE, from pg. 23 levels to initiate potential 2017 corn and soybean ARC-CO payments. However, the improvements in the county benchmark yields for 2017 will be more than offset by the decline in 2017 benchmark prices.

The 2017 corn benchmark price is 18 percent below the 2016 benchmark price, and 25 percent below the 2015 benchmark price. The 2017 soybean benchmark price is 9 percent below 2016, and 11 percent lower than 2015.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service will likely release the 2017 estimated average county yields for corn, soybeans, and other crops in late February. The NASS county yields will offer a good estimate of where final 2017 ARC-CO farm program payments are likely to end up, depending on the final 2017 market year average price level, which will be finalized on Sept. 30. The NASS yield estimates may be adjusted slightly by the USDA, based on 2016 planted acres, to arrive at the final 2017 county FSA yields, which are used to calculate the 2017 ARC-CO payments.

The 2017 market year average price for corn and soybeans is the national average price from Sept. 1, 2017 to Aug. 31, 2018, with prices being finalized on Sept. 30. As of Dec. 1, 2017, USDA is projecting a 2017 market year average prices at $3.20 per bushel for corn and $9.30 per bushel for soybeans.

The relationship between the final 2017 county yield and the 2017 county benchmark yields is extremely important in calculating potential 2016 ARC-CO payments for corn and soybeans.

Expressing the 2017 county yield as a percentage of benchmark yield is more important than the final county yield in determining estimated ARC-CO payments. Once the final 2017 NASS county yield estimates are released, we can make some 2017 ARCCO payment estimates at various final 2017 market year average price levels.

Following is the likelihood of corn and soybean ARC-CO payments for the 2017 crop year at various percentage of benchmark yield levels. Any 2017 ARC-CO payments would occur in October, 2018.

Corn — Any county that has a percentage of benchmark yield of 94 percent or less will likely realize the maximum (100 percent) estimated 2017 ARC-CO payment for that county. Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 95 to 100 percent will likely receive 50 to 99 percent of the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment. Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 101 to 106 percent will likely receive 1 to 49 percent of the maximum 2017 ARCCO payment. Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 107 percent or higher will likely not receive a 2017 ARC-CO payment.

Soybeans — Any county that has a percentage of benchmark yield of 88 percent or less will likely realize the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment for that county. Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 89 to 94 percent will likely receive 50 to 99 percent of the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment. Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 95 to 100 percent will likely receive 1 to 49 percent of the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment.

Counties with a percentage of benchmark yield of 101 percent or higher will likely not receive a 2017 ARC-CO payment.

Note: These ARC-CO payment estimates are based on current market year average price estimates which are $3.20 per bushel for corn and $9.30 per bushel for soybeans (as of Dec. 1, 2017).

Assuming a market year average price level of $3.20 per bushel for corn, 2017 corn ARC-CO payments would begin at approximately 106 percent of the county benchmark yield. Counties that were at 94 percent of the county benchmark yield or lower would receive the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment.

This means, for counties with a benchmark yield of 170 bu./acre, 2017 corn ARC-CO payments would be initiated at a final 2017 county yield of approximately 180 bu./acre or lower, and the maximum payment would occur at a final county yield below 160 bu./acre.

Given the fact that the 2017 statewide corn yield for Minnesota is projected to average 190 bu./acre, there are not likely to be many counties that qualify for a 2017 corn ARC-CO payment in the state.

Similarly with soybeans, if we assume a $9.30 per bushel market year average price level, 2017 soybean ARC-CO payments would begin at approximately 100 percent of the county benchmark yield.

Counties that were at 88 percent of the county benchmark yield or lower would receive the maximum 2017 ARC-CO payment.

This means, for counties with a benchmark yield of 46 bu./acre, 2017 soybean ARC-CO payments would be initiated at a final 2017 county yield of approximately 46 bu./acre or lower. The maximum payment would occur at a final county yield below 40 bu./acre.

The 2017 statewide soybean yield for Minnesota is projected at 46 bu./acre, so there may be potential to qualify for a 2017 soybean payment.

There will likely be a significant difference in the estimated 2017 ARC-CO payments by county.

Counties in the upper Midwest are likely to have a wide-range in 2017 ARC-CO payments for both corn and soybeans, which is similar to 2015 and 2016 ARC-CO payment levels. In areas with lower county yields in 2017, and a lower percentage of benchmark yield, there is a likelihood that producers may receive a partial 2017 corn or soybean ARC-CO payment. Any further decline in the 2017 national market year average price levels below the current estimates would also enhance the likelihood of potential 2017 ARC-CO corn and soybean payments.

The USDA FSA ARC/PLC website contains 2014, 2015, and 2016 ARC-CO payment maps, as well as a spreadsheet with actual yields, benchmark yields, and payment rates for all crops for every county in the United States, along with other farm program information. It should be noted that the payment rates listed on this web site have not been factored by 85 percent to arrive at an ARC-CO payment per base acre, and the 6.8 percent federal sequestration reduction has not been applied to the listed payment rates.

The website can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Kent Thiesse is a government farm programs analyst and a vice president at MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal, Minn. He may be reached at (507) 726-2137 or kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com. v

PAGE 26

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

Classified Line Ads Work!

Call us today at 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665

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

Upcoming Issues of THE LAND Southern MNNorthern MN Northern IA Feb. 2, 2018 Jan. 26, 2018 Feb. 16, 2018 Feb. 9, 2018 Mar. 2, 2018 Feb. 23, 2018 Mar. 16, 2018 Mar. 9, 2018 Mar. 30, 2018 Deadlines are 1 week prior to publication with Holiday deadlines 1 day earlier ** Indicates Early Deadline

PO Box 3169 • Mankato, MN 56002 Phone: 507-345-4523 or 800-657-4665 Fax: 507-345-1027 Website: www.TheLandOnline.com e-mail: theland@TheLandOnline.com Ask Your Auctioneer to Place Your Auction in The Land!

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018 020 Grain Handling Equip

034

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

021

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

If you have Schulte 1100 9' HD 2 auger even thought about selling snowblower, $3,500; '14 NH contact: Paul Krueger, 230 skidloader, AC, 2spd, Farm & Land Specialist, heated seat, 1022 hrs, Edina Realty, SW Suburban $29,500; 8' skidloader Office, 14198 Commerce mount snow pusher, $875; Ave NE, Prior Lake, MN Wil-Rich 2500 25' field cult, 55372. all walking tandems, 4bar paulkrueger@edinarealty.com mulcher, $2,450; Top Air (952)447-4700 1100 sprayer, 80' booms, 12.4x38 tires, rinse tank & Raven controls, $5,450; JD Bins & Buildings 033 740 12T running gear, $1,350. 320-769-2756 Stormor Bins & EZ-Drys.

100% financing w/no liens or red tape, call Steve at Tile Injector 6" tile plow Fairfax Ag for an appointpull type tile plow, used ment. 888-830-7757 very little, w/ new Intellislope GPS controls incl. base station, also new Grain Handling Equip 034 tile stringer, possibly would sell as separate FOR SALE:Used grain bins, items, $43,000. (641) 590floors unload systems, sti1102 rators, fans & heaters, aeration fans, buying or selling, try me first and also call for very competitive contract rates!

Office hours 8am-5pm Monday – Friday Saturday 9am - 12 noon or call 507-697-6133 Ask for Gary

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

HHHHHHHHHHHH H WEEKLY H H H H AUCTION H H Every Wednesday H H 4:30 PM - Firewood H H H Hay & Straw H H H H Homestead H H Sales, Inc. H H HWY 15 N, H HUTCHINSON, MN H H H H 320-433-4250 H homesteadsalesinc.com H H HHHHHHHHHHHH

PAGE 27

PLANNING AN

AUCTION?

Get the best results when you advertise in

THE LAND

Tell your auctioneer or call our friendly staff at 507-345-4523 or800-657-4665

Court Ordered

1,370± Acres

Bankruptcy Auction

352 acres

Thursday, January 25

96 acres

offered in 5 tracts

Fillmore County, MN Bloomfield Township

922 acres offered in 7 tracts

Mower County, MN Grand Meadow, Pleasant Valley, & Racine Townships

2018

Real Estate

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

offered in 2 tracts

Howard County, IA Chester Township

Bin Site

Lane, SD

Jerauld County, SD

offered in 3 tracts

Steffes Group, Inc. 24400 MN Hwy 22 S | Litchfield, MN 55355 605 E Winfield Ave | Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641

For a detailed Buyer’s Prospectus with complete terms and conditions, contact our office at 320.693.9371; Randy Kath, 701.429.8894; or Shelly Weinzetl, 763.300.5055 or SteffesGroup.com.

Scott Steffes SD Broker #4762, Randy Kath MN47-007, Shelly Weinzetl SD-16049, MN86-79 TERMS: 10% down upon signing purchase agreement with balance due at closing in 45 days.

This is a 5% buyer’s premium auction. Details at SteffesGroup.com.

PAGE 28

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018 Farm Implements

035 Tillage Equip

039

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

Feed Seed Hay

050 Feed Seed Hay

FOR SALE: 48 JD loader '97 DMI Field Cultivator ALFALFA, mixed hay, grass w/no welds, bucket, $2,500.

40.5' Tigermate I, Blue, hay & feed grade wheat (507)391-5127 tandem wheels, 3 bar harstraw, med. square or row, double fold, narrow round bales, delivery availFOR SALE: 725 JD loader, center frame, gauge able. Thief River Falls, MN quick tach bucket, sharp, wheels, Nice unit, $11,500.

Call or text LeRoy Ose: will fit 20 to 55 Series JD (641) 590-1102 (218)689-6675 2WD tractor. 507-220-0999 Case IH 36R20 cultivator 36R20” cultivator set up for side dressing, 60' width, 2pt lift w/ rear assist wheels, double fold, double bar, gauge wheels, plumbed w/ variable rate orifices, Tractors 036 $15,000. (641) 590-1102 7810 JD PS 26mph, cab, 20.842 tires, 11,500 hrs, runs FOR SALE: JD 2700 disk ripper, 9x24” w/ Ryan Mfg good, $24,900 with 740 self rolling basket. 507-220-5153 leveling loader, $28,900. 715223-3664 Machinery Wanted 040 Case 2390, 1982, New engine 200 hrs, near new 12.5-54 All kinds of New & Used duals & 11-16 fronts, 3spd farm equipment – disc chispower shift, AC, air seat, 3 els, field cults, planters, remotes, 3pt hitch, 600 gal soil finishers, cornheads, saddle tanks, set up for 20” feed mills, discs, balers, rows, $20,500. (641) 590-1102 haybines, etc. 507-438-9782 FOR SALE: '69 JD 3020, gas, WANTED TO BUY: IH 3488 3pt, WF, 6900 hrs, $6,995; or H186 tractor. 320-352-3878 '87 JD 2950, MFWD, 5200 hrs, $13,500; '64 JD 4020, dsl, 3pt, WF, Sharp, $7,995; WANTED: 1 or 2 Brent wagons, around 644 bushel.

'83 IH 684, dsl, 3pt, QT ldr, (507)276-2839 $6,995. Can del. 320-543-3523 We buy Salvage Equipment Parts Available Hammell Equip., Inc. (507)867-4910

FOR SALE: MF 1105, good Spraying Equip 041 condition, 18.4x34 tires, factory cab, 3 hyd outlets, FOR SALE: '86 Freightliner Liquid Tender Truck Day $6,000/OBO. 952-955-3085 cab, air ride, Tandem axle, NEW AND USED TRACTOR 855 Cummins eng, 10spd PARTS JD 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, trans, 1650 gal HD elliptical 55, 50 Series & newer tractank, 30 gal & 60 gal chem tors, AC-all models, Large mix tanks, 120 gal rinse Inventory, We ship! Mark water tank, 2" bottom fill, Heitman Tractor Salvage 5hp x 2" transfer pump, 715-673-4829 $9,700. (641) 590-1102 Harvesting Equip

037

JD 18R20 cornhead 90 series row units, auger slow down kit, JD poly snouts, Headsight height control, Truesight row guidance, knife rolls, some extra parts, $32,000. (641) 590-1102 Killbros 1800 grain cart 1000 bu, terra tires, scale w/ printer, roll tarp, red $18,000. (641) 590-1102 Planting Equip

038

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, $55,000/OBO. 507-456-3007 FOR SALE: JD 7100 planter, 12R30”, JD monitor, lift assist wheels, corn meters, soybean cups, $3,900. Delivery if possible.

320-220-3114 HYDRAULIC FLAT FOLD MARKERS. Will fit anything, $3,500. Ray's Machine Shop, call or text 712297-7951 120 DAY SPECIAL Tillage Equip

039

'02 Great Plains Turbo-Till Vertical Tillage unit Model TT 3000 Series I, center weight package, hydraulic wing down pressure, rolling spike tooth & basket harrow, 30' working width, $15,000. (641) 590-1102

050

LIBERTY SOYBEANS $53.00 List L2.0 SWM 7 L1.2 SWM 7 515-321-5394 515-465-2122 1-800-383-6275

PAGE 29

PAGE 30

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

irst Your F or f Choice ds! ie Classif

Place d Your A Today!

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

To submit your classified ad use one of the following options: Phone: 1-800-657-4665 or 507-345-4523 Mail to: The Land Classifieds, P.O. Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56002 Fax to: 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.

• Reach over 259,000 readers • Start your ad in The Land

THE FREE PRESS South Central Minnesota’s Daily News Source

• Add more insertions • Get more coverage

CHECK ONE: 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

32

33

34

35

36

25

*

31

*

The ad prices listed are based on a basic classified line ad of 25 words or less. Ads running longer than 25 words will incur an added charge.

                   

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

                    

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

NOTE: Ad will be placed in the appropriate category if not marked.

Now... add a photo to your classified line ad for only $10.00!!

THE LAND

1 run @ $18.79 = _____________________________

(Includes 1 Southern & 1 Northern issue)

2 runs @ $32.84 = _____________________________ 3 runs @ $49.76 = _____________________________

Each additional line (over 7) + $1.40 per issue = _____________________________ EXTENDED COVERAGE - must run the same number of times as The Land FARM NEWS (FN) - Serving farmers in Northwest Iowa, 14,219 circ.

THE COUNTRY TODAY (CT) - Serving farmers in Wisconsin, 25,000 circ.

THE FREE PRESS (FP) - Serving south central Minnesota, 22,500 circ.

PAPER(S) ADDED (circle all options you want): FN CT FP ($7.70 for each paper, and each time) issues x $7.70 STANDOUT OPTIONS (THE LAND only) $2.00 per run:  Bold  Italic  Underline  Web/E-mail links  Photo (THE LAND only) $10.00 per run:

= _____________________________ = _____________________________ = _____________________________

TOTAL = _____________________________ This is NOT for businesses. Please call The Land to place line ads.

Name ____________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________State_________ Zip__________ Phone __________________________________________ # of times _______ Card # ____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date__________________

CHECK

Signature _________________________________________________________

SORRY! We do not issue refunds.

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 — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018 Feed Seed Hay

050 Dairy

055

Swine

www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet” 065 Miscellaneous

090

Compart's total program Blizzard 8611 Snowplow, Extends from 8 1/2' to 11', features superior boars & Like New, Off of 2013 F350, open gilts documented by $5,000. 715-234-1993 BLUP technology. Duroc, York, Landrace & F1 lines.

Terminal boars offer leanREINKE IRRIGATION ness, muscle, growth. MaSales & Service ternal gilts & boars are New & Used productive, lean, durable.

For your irrigation needs All are stress free & PRRS 888-830-7757 or 507-276-2073 free. Semen also available through Elite Genes A.I. WANT MORE READERS Make 'em Grow! Comparts TO SEE YOUR AD??

Boar Store, INC. Toll Free: Expand your coverage area!

877-441-2627 The Land has teamed up with Farm News, and The Miscellaneous 090 Country Today so you can do just that! Place a classiOne call does it all! fied ad in The Land and With one phone call, you can have the option of placing it place your classified ad in in these papers as well.

The Land, Farm News, More readers = better reAND The Country Today. sults! Call The Land for Call The Land for more more information. 507-345info @ 507-345-4523 • 800-6574523 • 800-657-4665 4665.

Winpower Sales & Service PARMA DRAINAGE Reliable Power Solutions PUMPS New pumps & Since 1925 PTO & automatparts on hand.

Call MinWANT TO BUY: Butcher FOR SALE: Black Angus ic Emergency Electric nesota's largest distributor cows, bulls, fats & walkable bulls also Hamp, York, & Generators. New & Used HJ Olson & Company 320cripples; also horses, Hamp/Duroc boars & gilts.

Rich Opsata-Distributor sheep & goats. 320-235-2664 974-8990 Cell – 320-212-5336 320-598-3790 800-343-9376 SEED AND HERBICIDE FOR SALE or LEASE: Reg. Brown Swiss bulls, out of SAVINGS! Add up to high production, high scor$50,000 to your bottom line ing dams. Dutchboyz Swiss. on 500 acres of crop produc715-613-0265 tion. Top national corn hybrids for $112! Proven KLEENACRES herbicide WANTED TO BUY: Dairy heifers and cows. 320-235programs save up to 50%.

2664 Top yields, Kleen fields, better bottom line!

Cattle 056 Call 320-237-7667 or WWW.KLEENACRES.COM FOR SALE OR LEASE REGISTERED BLACK Fertilizer & Chem 051 ANGUS Bulls, 2 year old & yearlings; bred heifers, calving ease, club calves & Why Buy Lime? When Bio balance performance. Al Liquid Calcium is cheaper sired. In herd improvement and more effective tan program. J.W. Riverview lime! Let us help fix PH Angus Farm Glencoe, MN and Hardpan problems!

55336 Conklin Dealer 320Also Avail. Organic certi864-4625 fied Products Call Gary at (715)533-0174 Registered Texas Longhorn breeding stock, cows, heifers or roping stock, top Livestock 054 blood lines. 507-235-3467

PAGE 31

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

Ag Builders ........................................................... 19 Anderson Seeds ...................................................... 10 Compeer Financial ................................................... 9 Courtland Waste ..................................................... 13 Dahl Farm Supply .................................................. 12 Diers Ag & Trailer Sales ........................................ 16 Doda USA ............................................................... 8 Freudenthal Dairy & Mfg ....................................... 21 Gehl Company ....................................................... 23 Greenwald Farm Center .......................................... 27 Henslin Auctions .................................................... 27 Homestead Sales .................................................... 27 Keith Bode ............................................................. 26 Larson Implements ...........................................26, 29 Litzau Farm Drainage ............................................. 18 Mathiowetz Construction ........................................ 19 Minnesota Soybean ................................................ 17 Minnwest Bank ........................................................ 7 MS Diversif ied ...................................................... 29 Mustang Mfg ......................................................... 22 Pioneer Corn ......................................................... 4,5 Polk Equipment ...................................................... 28 Pruess Elevator ...................................................... 26 Schwartz Farms ...................................................... 26 Schweiss ................................................................ 26 SI Feeder/Schoessow .............................................. 20 Smiths Mill Implement ........................................... 31 Sonic Herbicide ....................................................... 3 Sorensen's Sales & Rentals ..................................... 29 Spanier Welding ..................................................... 25 St. Peter Toy Show ................................................... 6 Steffes Group ......................................................... 27 The Andersons, Inc. ............................................... 11

507-345-4523 • 800-657-4665 PO Box 3169, Mankato, MN 56001 www.thelandonline.com

PAGE 32

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

THE LAND — JANUARY 12/JANUARY 19, 2018

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

A grand old dam

T

he Pillager hydroelectric dam on the Crow Wing River in Morrison County still generates 1.5 megawatts of electricity today after 101 years of operation. It’s not easy to find so we asked at the Pillager City Hall which is actually in Cass County. They were happy to provide directions and we proceeded down a mile of winding and snowy narrow streets and country roads through a jack pine plantation.

At road’s end is a public access to the 500 acre Lake Placid reservoir, a small parking lot for Minnesota Power vehicles, and a road down to the rushing river below the dam. On an average day over a thousand cubic feet of water pours over the dam, through the power plants’ two generators, and back into the river. Listening to the water is soothing and hypnotic. Watching it swirl and race out of the power house is a little terrifying.

In the calm but not yet frozen water a hundred yards below the dam, a 50-bird gaggle of Canada geese bicker.

Overhead, a couple dozen Trumpeter Swans, long white necks stretched out, are heading upriver.

Minnesota Power owns the Pillager dam and three other century-old dams on the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers in central Minnesota. One dam is in the Camp Ripley military reservation, another in the town of Little Falls, and the third and largest is on the Mississippi near Bowlus. They also own a number of dams in northeastern Minnesota. They were all built to provide electricity to the then growing iron mining industry and to provide economic development to the nearby communities.

Minnesota Power has cooperated with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to provide a boat access for Lake Placid above the dam. The lot below the dam is large but unadorned. It provides for good dam, bird, and river watching but not much more. Access to fishing in the river is possible but treacherous. There is a rugged trail going down river through the woods.

If you want a higher quality recreational experience visit Little Falls’ attractive parks near the dam there. But if you want to see a piece of Minnesota’s early industrial history in the raw, visit the Pillager dam. v

Pillager, Minn.

Since Minnesota Power owns the dams but the river belongs to all of us, they are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. FERC requires that Minnesota Power provide access to the river and some level of recreation. Some dams have high quality recreational opportunities, but things are pretty basic at Pillager.

Page 4 - January 19, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2018

January 19, 2018 NORTHERN EDITION

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

Page 2 - January 19, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 19, 2018 - Page 3

Page 2 - January 19, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

January 19, 2018 - Page 3

Page 4 - January 19, 2018

THE LAND, Advertising Supplement

© 2018

January 19, 2018 NORTHERN EDITION

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